MPPSC Prelims 2020 Question Paper with Answers & Explanations

Explanation

Panna district in Madhya Pradesh is famously known for its diamond mines. It is home to the only industrial-scale diamond mine in India, the Majhgawan mine, operated by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC). This region has been a source of diamonds for centuries, with both organized mining and artisanal shallow pit mining taking place. The presence of diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes in the area makes Panna the most significant diamond-producing region in India.

Explanation

The Chambal Canal Irrigation Project is directly related to the Yamuna Basin because the Chambal River is a significant tributary of the Yamuna River. The Chambal River originates in the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh and flows north-northeast, eventually joining the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh. Since the Chambal River feeds into the Yamuna, any irrigation projects on the Chambal are considered part of the larger Yamuna River Basin. The Yamuna River itself is a major tributary of the Ganga River, making the Chambal part of the greater Gangetic drainage system.

Explanation

The Jawahar Sagar Hydroelectricity Project is indeed located on the Chambal River. This project is part of the larger Chambal Valley Project, which includes a series of dams built on the Chambal River for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The Jawahar Sagar Dam is the third dam in this series, situated downstream of the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and upstream of the Kota Barrage. It is located near Kota in Rajasthan and commenced commercial operation in 1973.

Explanation

Wheat is considered the main crop of Madhya Pradesh. It is the principal food crop of the state and occupies the highest area under Rabi crops. Madhya Pradesh is well-known for its high protein varieties of wheat, such as Sharbati and Durum. The state ranks among the top wheat producers in India.

Explanation

Bajra is primarily a food grain crop, cultivated mainly for local consumption as a staple food. Sugarcane, cotton, and banana, on the other hand, are all considered commercial crops (or cash crops) because they are grown primarily for sale in the market rather than for direct consumption by the farmer. These crops are cultivated on a large scale to generate profit and are often processed or exported.

Explanation

P.V. Narasimha Rao served as the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh before becoming Prime Minister of India. Morarji Desai was the Chief Minister of Bombay State, which later split into Maharashtra and Gujarat. H.D. Devegowda held the position of Chief Minister of Karnataka prior to his tenure as Prime Minister. Charan Singh was the Chief Minister of undivided Uttar Pradesh before becoming Prime Minister. Narendra Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for multiple terms before becoming Prime Minister. Therefore, option D correctly matches each leader with their respective state/region.

Explanation

Only ad hoc judges can be appointed to the Supreme Court of India. Article 127 of the Indian Constitution allows for the appointment of an ad hoc judge when there is a lack of a quorum of permanent judges to hold or continue a Supreme Court session. The Chief Justice of India can nominate a High Court judge, who is qualified to be a Supreme Court judge, for a specified period, with the President's prior consent and after consulting the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned. In contrast, "Additional Judges" are appointed to High Courts, typically to address an increase in case pendency or temporary workload, and not to the Supreme Court.

Explanation

Oil India Limited (OIL) was not a 'Maharatna' Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) as of January 2020. While Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Coal India Limited (CIL), and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) were all designated as Maharatna CPSEs by January 2020, Oil India Limited received this status much later. BHEL was granted Maharatna status in 2013, CIL in 2011, and IOCL in 2010. Oil India Limited was elevated to Maharatna status in 2023, becoming the 13th CPSE to receive this distinction.

Explanation

The Committee on Financial Sector Assessment (CFSA) is co-chaired by the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and the Finance Secretary, Government of India. This committee was constituted in 2006 by the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Indian financial sector. Its purpose is to identify existing and potential vulnerabilities within the financial system. The CFSA's evaluation covers aspects such as financial stability, regulation, supervision, and developmental aspects of the financial sector.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) effectively introduced the Ombudsman Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), 2018, on February 23, 2018. This scheme was established under Section 45L of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, to provide a cost-free and expeditious mechanism for resolving customer complaints against NBFCs regarding deficiencies in services like deposits, loans, and advances. Initially, the scheme was operationalized for all deposit-accepting NBFCs and was introduced in four metro centers: Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The objective was to promote a conducive credit culture among NBFCs and regulate the country's credit system.

Explanation

Myanmar experienced a military coup on February 1, 2021, when the Tatmadaw (Myanmar's armed forces) deposed the democratically elected members of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party. The military declared the results of the November 2020 general election invalid, alleging widespread electoral fraud, despite independent observers finding the election to be secure. Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader, and other NLD members were detained, and a year-long state of emergency was proclaimed. This action sparked widespread protests and civil disobedience, leading to a brutal crackdown by the military.

Explanation

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. Pierre de Coubertin, who founded the modern Olympic Games, chose Lausanne as the ideal location for the administrative headquarters in 1915. He believed the city offered the stability essential for Olympism, especially amidst the First World War. The IOC's "Olympic House" in Lausanne was inaugurated in 2019, coinciding with its 125th anniversary.

Explanation

Karnam Malleshwari is the first Indian woman to win an individual Olympic medal. She achieved this historic feat at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in weightlifting in the 69 kg category. Malleshwari lifted a total of 240 kg, with 110 kg in the "snatch" and 130 kg in the "clean and jerk." This groundbreaking achievement made her an instant national hero and paved the way for future Indian women in sports.

Explanation

The Vishwamitra Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Madhya Pradesh Government specifically upon sports coaches. This award recognizes coaches for their dedicated work and significant contributions to sports development in the state, particularly for training athletes who achieve success at national and international levels. In contrast, the Vikram Award and Ekalavya Award are given by the Madhya Pradesh Government to senior and junior sportspersons (athletes) respectively, not coaches. The Dronacharya Award, while recognizing outstanding coaches, is a national-level award presented by the Government of India, not the Madhya Pradesh Government. Therefore, among the given options, the Vishwamitra Award is uniquely dedicated to acknowledging the excellence of sports coaches in Madhya Pradesh.

Explanation

The Madhya Pradesh Archery Academy, established by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, is located in Jabalpur. The academy was established in January 2013 and provides world-class facilities and training for athletes. It aims to enhance the performance of players and has produced national and international medalists.

Explanation

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is empowered to audit all receipts payable into the Consolidated Fund of India, as per Section 16 of the CAG's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971. This duty extends to ensuring that rules and procedures for assessment, collection, and allocation of revenue are effective and observed. Additionally, the CAG has the authority to audit and report on the accounts of stores and stock maintained in any office or department of both the Union and State governments. These functions are crucial for ensuring financial accountability and transparency in government operations.

Explanation

Arvind Panagariya was indeed the first Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog. He is an Indian-American economist who served in this role from January 2015 to August 2017. NITI Aayog, the National Institution for Transforming India, was formed on January 1, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission. Panagariya, a professor of economics at Columbia University, was appointed by the Modi government to head the new policy think tank. He resigned from the position to return to academia.

Explanation

The Governor appoints the Chairperson and members of the State Human Rights Commission, but this appointment is made based on the recommendations of a selection committee. The committee typically includes the Chief Minister as its head, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the state Home Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly. If the state has a Legislative Council, its Chairman and the Leader of the Opposition in the Council are also part of the committee. The Governor is the appointing authority but is not a member of the recommending committee.

Explanation

An appeal against a decision of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) can be made to the Supreme Court within ninety days from the date of the NGT order. This period is specified under Section 22 of the NGT Act, 2010. While the initial period for certain appeals to the NGT itself might be 30 days, extendable by 60 days, the appeal to the Supreme Court has a distinct 90-day limit. The Supreme Court may, in some cases, allow a further delay if sufficient cause is shown by the aggrieved person.

Explanation

The State Food Commission is established under the National Food Security Act, 2013. This Act, also known as the NFSA 2013, mandates the constitution of a State Food Commission in each state to monitor and review its implementation. Specifically, Section 16 of the National Food Security Act, 2013, outlines the provisions for the establishment and functions of these commissions. The primary role of the State Food Commission is to ensure the effective implementation of the food security entitlements provided by the Act and to address grievances related to its provisions.

Explanation

Dost Mohammad Khan, an Afghan soldier in the Mughal army, is recognized as the original founder of Bhopal State. After the death of Emperor Aurangzeb, he became a mercenary, taking advantage of the weakening Mughal Empire to establish his own principality. He initially leased the Berasia estate and gradually annexed several territories in the Malwa region. By the early 18th century, he had consolidated his power and founded the city of Bhopal, making it the capital of his new state.

Explanation

Gahora was the capital of Raja Veersingh Dev. He was a prominent Bundela Rajput ruler who governed the kingdom of Orchha from 1605 to 1627 A.D.. His reign is often considered a golden period in the history of the Bundela dynasty, marked by significant architectural developments.

Explanation

Amir Khusro, a renowned Indo-Persian Sufi singer, poet, and scholar during the Delhi Sultanate, is credited with the statement, "Victory of Mandu was the key of Victory of South". Mandu, a strategically vital fortress in the Malwa region of present-day Madhya Pradesh, was considered crucial for any northern power aiming to expand its influence into the Deccan (South India). Its capture provided a strong base, secured supply lines, and eliminated a potential threat during southern expeditions. Khusro, who documented many military campaigns of his time in works like "Khaza'in ul-Futuh," understood and articulated this military logic.

Explanation

Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, also known as Dr. V. S. Wakankar, is credited with the discovery of the Bhimbetka rock shelters. He first visited a few caves at the site and recognized their prehistoric significance in 1957. Wakankar, an eminent archaeologist, was traveling by train in 1956 or 1957 when he noticed rock formations similar to those he had seen in prehistoric sites in France and Spain. This led him to explore the area and discover the numerous rock shelters with ancient paintings, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explanation

The Bheel tribe is the most common and populous tribe in Madhya Pradesh. According to the 2011 Census of India, the Bhil population in the state was 4,618,068, constituting 37.7% of the total Scheduled Tribe population. They are primarily concentrated in the western parts of Madhya Pradesh, including districts like Jhabua, Dhar, Barwani, and Khargone. While the Gond tribe is the second largest, the Bheel tribe holds the highest population among all tribal communities in the state.

Explanation

Steppes are temperate grasslands primarily found in Eurasia, including Russia. Prairies are extensive grasslands characteristic of North America, particularly the United States and Canada. The Veld (often spelled "Velds" or "Veldt") refers to the open country, particularly grassland, in Southern Africa, especially South Africa. Downs are areas of open chalk grassland, most notably found in Australia and also in parts of the United Kingdom. Therefore, the correct matching is Steppes-Russia, Prairies-United States of America, Welds-South Africa, and Downs-Australia, which corresponds to option C.

Explanation

Madhya Pradesh holds the distinction of having the maximum area under teak forest in India. The state's central location and favorable climatic conditions, including suitable rainfall and soil, contribute significantly to the extensive growth and prevalence of teak. Teak forests cover a substantial portion of Madhya Pradesh's total forest area, making it a major producer of high-quality teak timber in the country.

Explanation

The Chhotanagpur plateau is renowned as the storehouse of Indian minerals due to its exceptional abundance of diverse mineral resources. This region is primarily composed of ancient Precambrian rocks, which are inherently rich in various mineral deposits. Over millions of years, geological processes led to the formation of significant reserves of coal, iron ore, mica, bauxite, copper, and limestone. The Damodar Valley, a part of this plateau, is particularly known for its vast coalfields, including prime coking coal. These extensive mineral reserves make the Chhotanagpur plateau a crucial contributor to India's industrial economy.

Explanation

Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are indeed major wheat-producing states in India, making Assertion (A) true. Wheat cultivation thrives in regions with well-drained fertile soil, a winter temperature range of 10°-15°C, and approximately 75 cm of annual rainfall, which aligns with Reason (R). These specific agro-climatic conditions, as described in Reason (R), are predominantly found in the aforementioned states, facilitating their significant wheat production. Therefore, Reason (R) accurately explains why Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are major wheat-producing states.

Explanation

Padmashree Bhuri Bai is a highly acclaimed Indian artist, renowned for her significant contributions to the field of painting. She belongs to the Bhil community, one of India's largest tribal groups, and is celebrated for her vibrant and detailed depictions of tribal life, nature, and mythology. Bhuri Bai was a pioneer in her community, being among the first Bhil artists to transition from traditional wall paintings to using modern acrylic paints on paper and canvas. Her unique style, which often incorporates multi-colored dots, has earned her national and international recognition, including the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021 for her distinguished service in art.

Explanation

Kailash Satyarthi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his work against child labor, was born in Vidisha, a district in Madhya Pradesh, India. He was born as Kailash Sharma on January 11, 1954, in Vidisha. He also completed his education, including an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, in Vidisha. His roots and early life are firmly established in this district.

Explanation

The 750 Megawatt (MW) Solar Power Plant, known as the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Project, is located in the Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. This project is situated in the Gurh tehsil of Rewa and is considered one of the largest single-site solar power plants in India and the world. It began producing power in 2018 and reached its full capacity of 750 MW in January 2020. The plant was developed by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL), a joint venture between the Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikash Nigam Limited and the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Explanation

Phawngpui National Park in Mizoram is also known as Blue Mountain Park. This alternative name comes from Phawngpui Peak, the highest mountain in Mizoram, which is located within the park. The peak often appears blue from a distance due to a thin layer of clouds that typically cover the mountain. This natural phenomenon gives the park its distinctive and picturesque name.

Explanation

In February 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chauri Chaura Centenary Celebrations. The inauguration took place on February 4, 2021, via video conferencing from Chauri Chaura, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. This event marked 100 years since the Chauri Chaura incident, a significant moment in India's freedom struggle. The Prime Minister also released a postal stamp dedicated to the centenary event. The celebrations were planned to continue for a year across 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Explanation

Statements (i) and (ii) are correct. The Chief Election Commissioner of India receives a salary equivalent to that of a Judge of the Supreme Court. The Chief Election Commissioner holds office for a term of six years from the date of assuming office or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever occurs earlier. However, statement (iii) is incorrect because an Election Commissioner addresses their resignation to the President, not to the Chief Election Commissioner.

Explanation

List II, Entry 37 of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution specifically deals with "Elections to the Legislature of the State subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament." This entry directly grants the state legislatures the power to make laws regarding their own elections, though it is subordinate to any law made by Parliament. In contrast, List I, Entry 72 broadly covers elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and other high offices, along with the Election Commission. List II, Entry 27 pertains to pilgrimages, and List III, Entry 32 relates to corporations and societies, neither of which are connected to state legislature elections.

Explanation

The Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission was constituted on February 1, 1994. This establishment was a direct result of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts of 1992, which mandated the creation of State Election Commissions to oversee elections for Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. Madhya Pradesh was among the first states to form its State Election Commission following these constitutional amendments. The commission is responsible for ensuring free, fair, and unbiased elections for local bodies in the state.

Explanation

A Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) can be established for two or more states. This requires both the agreement of the respective state legislatures and an act of Parliament. Specifically, Article 315(2) of the Indian Constitution states that if two or more states agree and pass a resolution to that effect, Parliament may then provide for the appointment of a JSPSC by law. Therefore, the establishment of a JSPSC is a statutory body created by an act of Parliament following a request from the concerned state legislatures.

Explanation

The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) was constituted under Section 118(3) of the States Reorganization Act, 1956. This Act, which came into effect on November 1, 1956, led to the formation of the new state of Madhya Pradesh. Section 118(3) specifically provides for the constitution of a Public Service Commission for a new state formed by the Act or for an existing state whose area is altered. Therefore, the MPPSC was established on November 1, 1956, by an order of the President, in accordance with this provision.

Explanation

National poet Balkavi Bairagi's real name was Nandram Das Bairagi. He was born as Nand Ramdas Bairagi on February 10, 1931. He later became popularly known as "Balkavi" because he wrote many classic poems during his childhood. He was a renowned Hindi poet, film lyricist, and politician from India.

Explanation

Ujjain is the city in Madhya Pradesh where the Parikrama of 7 Sea, 9 Narayanas, and 84 Mahadevas is completed. This extensive pilgrimage is deeply rooted in Ujjain's religious traditions. The city is particularly known for its 84 Mahadevas, which are 84 shrines dedicated to different forms of Lord Shiva, and performing a pilgrimage to these shrines is a significant religious act. The "7 Seas" are often interpreted as various sacred kunds or water bodies within Ujjain, such as Rudrasagar, Vishnusagar, and Ksheersagar. While the exact circuit for the "9 Narayanas" might vary, Ujjain, being a significant pilgrimage center for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites, has numerous temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Explanation

Dhanpal was a distinguished Sanskrit poet and scholar in the court of King Bhoj, a renowned ruler of the Paramara dynasty known for his patronage of arts and literature. Although initially a Brahmin, Dhanpal later converted to Jainism, reportedly influenced by his younger brother, Shobhanacharya. He is credited with convincing King Bhoj to abandon Vedic animal sacrifices and is known for his notable works like "Tilakamanjari" and "Paialachchhi Namamala." This makes Dhanpal the correct answer as the poet of King Bhoj who accepted Jainism.

Explanation

Kaknam, also known by variations such as Kakanaya, Kakanava, and Kakanadabota, was an ancient name for the renowned Buddhist site of Sanchi. This historical fact is supported by early votive inscriptions and ancient records. Sanchi is a world-famous tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh, celebrated for its remarkable Buddhist art and architecture, including stupas and monolithic Ashokan pillars, dating back to the Mauryan period. The site's rich history and religious significance are well-documented under these ancient appellations.

Explanation

Tantya Bhil, a revered tribal freedom fighter, was indeed known by the actual name of Tantia. He was also affectionately called Tantya Mama by people of all age groups. While some accounts mention "Tandra" as a possible alternative, "Tantia" is widely recognized as his real name. He was a member of the Bhil tribe from the Nimar region of Madhya Pradesh.

Explanation

The genetic code is indeed universal, meaning that with very few exceptions, the same codons specify the same amino acids in all organisms. It is a triplet code, where sequences of three nucleotide bases (codons) specify one of the 20 amino acids. Furthermore, the genetic code is non-overlapping, non-ambiguous (each codon specifies only one amino acid), and commaless, meaning there are no intervening bases between codons. Finally, the genetic code includes specific start codons to initiate protein synthesis and stop codons to terminate it.

Explanation

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) is located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Established in 1952 as the Virus Research Centre (VRC) with the collaboration of the Rockefeller Foundation, it was later renamed NIV in 1978 due to its expanded scope and activities. This premier research institute functions under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and is dedicated to the study of viruses. It plays a crucial role in virological research, diagnostics, and public health responses in India.

Explanation

The task force on blue economy for sustainable development is a collaboration between India and Norway. This initiative was launched jointly by the Prime Ministers of India and Norway in January 2019. The collaboration focuses on sustainable ocean management, including areas like marine pollution, integrated ocean management, and sustainable use of marine resources. Both countries aim to create economic growth and jobs while protecting the marine environment.

Explanation

Ratna is a hybrid mango variety that was developed from a cross between Neelum and Alphonso mangoes. This cross was carried out by the Konkan Krishi Vidyapith in Maharashtra. The resulting Ratna mango is known for its medium-sized fruits, attractive color, and freedom from spongy tissue, a common issue in some mango varieties. In contrast, Amrapali is a hybrid of Dashehari and Neelum, while Dasheri and Badami are independent, traditional mango cultivars.

Explanation

The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), launched in 2005 under the National Health Mission, is a safe motherhood intervention. Its main aim is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries among pregnant women, especially those from socio-economically weaker sections. The scheme provides cash assistance to eligible pregnant women for giving birth in a government or accredited private health facility, thereby encouraging skilled attendance at birth and access to necessary medical care. This focus on institutional deliveries and comprehensive care during pregnancy, delivery, and post-delivery periods directly contributes to improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Explanation

Dr. R. C. Majumdar and Dr. S. N. Sen are indeed the historians who held the view that Indian nationalism in the middle of the 19th century was in an "embryonic stage". They argued that while there was resistance to British rule, it was often localized and lacked a unified national consciousness. Dr. Majumdar, in his work "The Sepoy Mutiny and the Revolt of 1857," contended that the 1857 revolt was not a national war of independence due to the absence of widespread national sentiment. Similarly, Dr. Sen's "Eighteen Fifty-Seven" highlighted the regional nature and diverse motivations behind the uprising, suggesting that national consciousness was still nascent. Their scholarly works emphasize that a pan-Indian national identity was still in its formative years during this period.

Explanation

W. H. Russell was the correspondent for The Times newspaper in London during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He was an eyewitness to many events of the uprising and his dispatches provided valuable insights into the sentiments of the time. Russell's writings often reflected the tense atmosphere and the growing animosity between Indians and the British, leading him to make observations like "Nobody in the North India Looks at white man's car with friendly view". This quote accurately captures the prevailing anti-British sentiment during the rebellion.

Explanation

Charles Metcalfe, a British administrator who served as Acting Governor-General of India, famously described India's self-reliant social system as "The rural system in India is a tiny Republic" in a minute written in 1830. He was deeply impressed by the self-sufficiency, autonomy, and resilience of Indian village communities. Metcalfe observed that these villages managed their own affairs, produced most of what they needed, and endured through centuries despite the rise and fall of various empires and dynasties. His description highlighted their ability to function almost like independent miniature republics, maintaining their internal structure and administration regardless of external political changes.

Explanation

The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was a significant legislative measure that restructured the boundaries of India's states and territories, primarily along linguistic lines. This act, which came into effect on November 1, 1956, abolished the previous classifications of states (Part A, B, C, and D). As a result of this reorganization, India was divided into 14 states and 6 Union Territories. This reconfigured the administrative units of the country, aiming to address linguistic disparities and strengthen cultural identities.

Explanation

The special rights and privy purse enjoyed by the Indian Princely States were abolished in 1971. This was achieved through the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of India. The amendment repealed Articles 291 and 362, which had guaranteed these payments and privileges to the former rulers as part of their agreement to integrate with the Indian Union after independence. The abolition aimed to promote equality and strengthen democratic principles by removing inherited privileges that were deemed inconsistent with a modern republic.

Explanation

Vyommitra, an Indian robot designed for space travel, was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This humanoid robot is intended to function aboard the Gaganyaan spacecraft, which is India's crewed orbital spacecraft. Vyommitra's purpose is to accompany Indian astronauts on space missions and participate in uncrewed experimental Gaganyaan missions to better understand the effects of space travel on the human body. It can mimic human activity, recognize humans, and respond to queries in both Hindi and English.

Explanation

Gartner's 4-phase maturity model, often applied to e-government, outlines a progression from basic digital presence to fully integrated services. The first phase is "Information," where static content is provided online. This is followed by "Interaction," enabling two-way communication like emails or form downloads. The third phase is "Transaction," allowing users to complete online processes such as payments or applications. Finally, the "Transformation" phase represents the highest level of maturity, involving the fundamental re-engineering and integration of services for a seamless, user-centric experience.

Explanation

A social network is fundamentally a collection of individuals and the connections between them. In discrete mathematics, a graph is a data structure composed of nodes (or vertices) and edges that connect these nodes. In the context of a social network, individuals are represented as nodes, and their relationships (friendships, followers, etc.) are represented as edges. This allows for the modeling of complex, non-hierarchical, and multi-directional relationships that are characteristic of social interactions. While trees, stars, and rings are specific types of graphs, a general graph provides the most comprehensive and flexible model for representing the diverse structures found in real-world social networks.

Explanation

IPv6, or Internet Protocol version 6, defines an IP address as a 128-bit value. This significantly larger address space, compared to IPv4's 32-bit addresses, was designed to accommodate the vast and growing number of devices connecting to the internet. The 128 bits are typically represented as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits, separated by colons. This extensive address length provides a nearly inexhaustible supply of unique IP addresses for future internet expansion.

Explanation

Collaborative Filtering is a technique used to make automatic predictions about a user's interests by collecting preferences or taste information from many users. It works by finding patterns in user behavior and preferences to recommend items or content that similar users have enjoyed. This method leverages the collective intelligence of a community to personalize recommendations. Social Networking, Social Targeting, and Collaborative Publishing are different concepts that do not primarily describe this specific prediction method.

Explanation

According to the 2011 Census, Nagaland recorded the lowest decadal growth rate of population among all Indian states. The state experienced a negative decadal growth rate of -0.58% between 2001 and 2011. This was a unique demographic event, as Nagaland was the only state in India to show a decline in population during this period. In contrast, Arunachal Pradesh had a growth rate of 25.92%, Madhya Pradesh 20.35%, and Punjab 13.89% during the same decade.

Explanation

Naphtha, gypsum, and sulfur are all essential raw materials in the fertilizer industry. Naphtha is a primary feedstock for producing ammonia, a key ingredient in nitrogenous fertilizers. Gypsum is used in the production of ammonium sulfate and for soil amendment. Sulfur is crucial for manufacturing sulfuric acid, which is then used to produce phosphatic fertilizers. Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide, is primarily used in industries such as pulp and paper, textiles, and soap manufacturing, and is not a direct raw material for fertilizer production.

Explanation

Mount Kilimanjaro is indeed located in Africa, specifically in Tanzania, and is the highest mountain on the continent. Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, is the highest peak in North America and is found in the Alaska Range in the U.S. state of Alaska. Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America, situated in the Andes mountain range in Argentina. Mount Elbrus, however, is the highest peak in Europe, located in the Caucasus Mountains in Russia, not Asia.

Explanation

Commercial dairy farming is strongly associated with Denmark, a country renowned for its advanced and highly productive dairy industry, with significant exports of dairy products. Argentina is a major global player in commercial grain farming, particularly for crops like soybeans, corn, and wheat, with vast agricultural lands in the Pampas region dedicated to these activities. Malaysia is well-known for its extensive commercial plantations, especially for oil palm and rubber, which are significant contributors to its economy. Finally, France has a substantial commercial fruit sector, with various regions specializing in fruit production, and is also a hub for fruit import and distribution. Therefore, matching these economic activities and agricultural regions as 3, 1, 4, and 2 respectively is accurate.

Explanation

Tamil Nadu and Gujarat possess significant opportunities for wind power development due to their favorable geographical locations and consistent wind patterns. Both states have extensive coastlines, which are ideal for harnessing strong and steady winds throughout the year. Tamil Nadu, a pioneer in wind energy, has the second-highest installed wind capacity in India and is home to the large Muppandal Wind Farm. Gujarat leads the nation in wind power generation, benefiting from its long coastline and suitable land for large-scale wind farms, including Asia's largest wind farm in Kutch. These natural advantages, coupled with supportive government policies, contribute to their high potential for wind energy.

Explanation

The Samantapasadika, a commentary on the Vinaya Pitaka by Buddhaghosa, is the text that refers to Ashoka's conquest of the Avanti Mahajanapada and its merger into the Mauryan empire during his father Bindusara's reign. This Buddhist commentary provides historical information about Ashoka's early life and his role as governor in Avanti (Ujjain) under Bindusara. The Arthashastra of Kautilya is a treatise on statecraft, not a historical chronicle of specific events like Ashoka's conquest of Avanti. Similarly, the Ashtadhyayi of Panini and the Mahabhashya of Patanjali are texts on Sanskrit grammar and do not contain historical narratives of political events.

Explanation

Chachnama, a historical account of the Arab conquest of Sindh, states that Arod (also known as Alor or Aror) was the capital of the Indus Country in the 6th and 7th centuries. This city served as the administrative center during the reigns of the Rai kings and subsequently under Chach and his successors. The text provides valuable information about the political and social conditions of the Sindh region before the Arab invasion. Therefore, based on the historical narrative of Chachnama, Arod is identified as the capital during that period.

Explanation

Saqi Mustaid Khan is the widely recognized author of the Mughal text 'Masir-A-Alamgiri'. This Persian-language chronicle details the entire reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir (1658-1707). Mustaid Khan completed the work in 1710, three years after Aurangzeb's death, utilizing official records and accounts from courtiers. While Muhammad Kazim Shiraji initially began compiling a history of Aurangzeb's first ten years, the emperor later prohibited further official historical writing, and Saqi Mustaid Khan later used Kazim's work and other sources to create the comprehensive 'Masir-A-Alamgiri'.

Explanation

In medieval Indian history, 'Panahi' and 'Upanah' are terms specifically used to refer to types of footwear or shoes. 'Panahi' generally denotes shoes or slippers, while 'Upanah' often refers to sandals or simpler forms of shoes. These terms appear in historical texts and accounts, providing insights into the materials, crafting techniques, and social status associated with footwear during that period. 'Upanah' is an ancient form of footwear mentioned in Vedic texts, and the word itself comes from Sanskrit roots meaning "to tie" or "foot".

Explanation

The Brahmo Samaj, originally founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828, underwent a significant split in 1866 due to ideological differences. Devendranath Tagore, who had joined the Brahmo Samaj in 1842 and led the Tattvabodhini Sabha, represented the more conservative faction. He emphasized the original principles of the Brahmo Samaj and sought to maintain its connection to Hinduism. This led to the formation of the Adi Brahmo Samaj under his leadership, distinguishing it from the more radical Brahmo Samaj of India led by Keshav Chandra Sen.

Explanation

The last election of the Indian Legislature under the Government of India Act, 1919, was held in 1945. Although the Government of India Act of 1935 was in place, the proposed all-India federation did not materialize due to the unwillingness of princely states to join. Consequently, the elections to the central legislature in 1945 were conducted under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1919. These elections were crucial as they preceded the formation of the Constituent Assembly of India and ultimately led to India's independence.

Explanation

H.C. Mukherjee was a prominent figure in the Constituent Assembly and was unanimously nominated to the position of Vice-President. This role is often referred to as Deputy Chairman of the Assembly. While Frank Anthony served as a temporary Vice-President, H.C. Mukherjee was the first to be nominated and subsequently hold the permanent position of Vice-Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, alongside V.T. Krishnamachari. He played a significant role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution, particularly as the chairman of the Minorities Sub-Committee. Therefore, H.C. Mukherjee is considered the first nominated Deputy Chairman in a permanent capacity.

Explanation

Article 108 of the Indian Constitution explicitly states that the President may "notify to the Houses by message... his intention to summon them to meet in a joint sitting" for the purpose of deliberating and voting on a Bill when a deadlock occurs between the two Houses. This phrasing directly uses the term "intention," indicating that the President's decision to call a joint sitting is based on their intention to resolve the legislative impasse. The other options, such as "direction," "wisdom," or "consent," do not accurately reflect the specific language used in the Constitution regarding this presidential power. Therefore, "Intention of President" is the most appropriate expression.

Explanation

Article 24 of the Indian Constitution explicitly states that "No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment." This provision is a fundamental right, making it directly enforceable and not subject to exceptions or conditions in the specified hazardous contexts. The language "No child... shall be employed" signifies a complete and unequivocal ban on child labor in these particular types of work. Therefore, this prohibition is absolute for children under 14 in factories, mines, and hazardous occupations.

Explanation

Article 368 of the Constitution of India, which outlines the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and the procedure for doing so, has been amended multiple times. The 24th Constitution Amendment Act, 1971, explicitly amended Article 368 to affirm Parliament's power to amend any provision of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights, and made it mandatory for the President to give assent to a Constitution Amendment Bill. Additionally, the 101st Constitution Amendment Act, 2016, which introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST), also amended Article 368 by modifying clause (2) of its proviso to include Article 279A, related to the GST Council. Thus, both statements are factually correct.

Explanation

Dr. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma was the first Chief Minister of Haryana, serving from November 1, 1966, to March 23, 1967. He later became the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, holding the office from April 30, 1980, to May 14, 1984.

In contrast, Ram Prakash Gupta served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh. Ram Naresh Yadav was also a Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a Governor of Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Balram Jakhar served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and later as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, but not as Chief Minister of Haryana. Therefore, Dr. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma is the correct answer.

Explanation

Digvijay Singh served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for two terms from 1993 to 2003 but never held the office of the Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly. Motilal Vora also served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in 1985-1988 and again in 1989, and the records do not indicate that he held the position of Leader of the Opposition. In contrast, Virendra Kumar Sakhlecha was the Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1962 before becoming Chief Minister. Similarly, Shyamcharan Shukla, who was Chief Minister multiple times, also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly during 1967 and 1969. Therefore, only Digvijay Singh and Motilal Vora did not hold the office of the Leader of the Opposition.

Explanation

The correct order of proceedings in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly typically begins with the oath or affirmation by newly elected members. Following this, the Governor addresses the assembly, outlining the government's policies and legislative agenda. Subsequently, new ministers are introduced to the House. Finally, a mention of death, often referring to condolences for a deceased member or notable personality, would be taken up as part of the assembly's business. Therefore, the sequence 3, 2, 4, 1 is the correct order.

Explanation

Justice S.K. Jha served as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court from October 27, 1989, to December 15, 1993. Unlike the other judges listed, Justice S.K. Jha was not subsequently elevated to the Supreme Court of India. Justices A.K. Patnaik, R.V. Raveendran, and A.K. Mathur all served as Chief Justices of the Madhya Pradesh High Court before being appointed as Judges to the Supreme Court of India.

Explanation

Article 243T(1) of the Constitution of India explicitly provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in every Municipality. This article mandates that the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes shall be in proportion to their population within the Municipal area. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 introduced this provision to ensure the political participation and representation of marginalized communities in urban local bodies. Therefore, the provision for reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in Municipalities in Madhya Pradesh is made under Article 243T(1).

Explanation

Madhya Pradesh is well-known for its extensive forest cover, and teak (Tectona grandis) is a significant tree species found within the state. Teak forests constitute approximately 20% of the total forest area in Madhya Pradesh. These forests are primarily located in the western and central parts of the state, particularly thriving in regions with 75 to 125 cm of rainfall, such as Hoshangabad, Betul, Chhindwara, Seoni, and Mandla. While some sources indicate figures around 17.8%, "About 20%" is the closest and most commonly cited approximation for the percentage of teak trees in Madhya Pradesh's total forest area.

Explanation

The Betwa River originates in the Vindhya Range, specifically near Barkhera village in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It rises at an elevation of approximately 470 to 576 meters above sea level. The river flows generally northeastward through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh before joining the Yamuna River.

Explanation

The northern part of Madhya Pradesh experiences the maximum annual variation in temperature due to its continental climate. This region is characterized by very hot summers and very cold winters. Its distance from the moderating influence of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal contributes to these extreme temperature fluctuations. Additionally, being farther from the equator compared to the southern parts of the state means it experiences greater seasonal temperature differences.

Explanation

During summer, the average temperature in Madhya Pradesh increases from south to north. This is primarily due to the apparent northward movement of the sun towards the Tropic of Cancer, which passes through the middle of the state, leading to more direct solar radiation in the northern regions. Additionally, the northern parts of Madhya Pradesh are adjacent to the intensely hot North Indian Plains, which significantly contributes to higher temperatures there. Conversely, the southern parts of the state often have slightly higher elevations, such as the Satpura and Vindhya ranges, which can exert a moderating influence on the temperature. These combined geographical factors result in the observed temperature gradient.

Explanation

Non-metallic minerals are those that do not contain metal elements, lack metallic luster, are not good conductors of heat and electricity, and are typically brittle. Marble is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of calcite or dolomite, which are carbonate minerals, and it exhibits these non-metallic characteristics. In contrast, manganese, silver, and lead are all metallic elements or are found in metallic forms, possessing properties like conductivity, malleability, and metallic luster. Therefore, marble is correctly identified as a non-metallic mineral.

Explanation

Humans have 12 pairs of cranial nerves. These nerves emerge directly from the brain, including the brainstem, unlike spinal nerves which originate from the spinal cord. Each pair is present on both sides of the body and plays a crucial role in relaying information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. They are responsible for a wide range of functions, including sensory perception (like vision, smell, taste, and hearing) and motor control (such as facial expressions and eye movements). The 12 pairs are conventionally numbered with Roman numerals I through XII.

Explanation

The pyramid of energy in any ecosystem is always upright because energy is lost at each successive trophic level. This is due to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that energy transformations are not 100% efficient, and some energy is always converted into an unusable form, typically heat. Producers, at the base of the pyramid, capture the most energy, usually from the sun. As energy moves up the food chain to primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers, only about 10% of the energy from the previous level is transferred, with the rest being used for metabolic processes or lost as heat. This continuous decrease in available energy at higher trophic levels ensures that the pyramid of energy always has a broad base and narrows towards the top.

Explanation

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is primarily used as a flavor enhancer in food. It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally in many foods like tomatoes and cheese. MSG works by intensifying the savory taste, known as umami, which is one of the five basic tastes. It interacts with specific taste receptors on the tongue, sending signals to the brain that register this savory sensation and making food more palatable. This enhancement can also help reduce the need for excess salt while maintaining a delicious flavor profile.

Explanation

The Disaster Management Act was enacted in India in December 2005. This act provides the legal and institutional framework for disaster management in the country. It led to the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister, to lay down policies and plans for disaster management. The Act also outlines the roles and responsibilities of State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs). It emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness, mitigation, and coordinated response to disasters.

Explanation

MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and Covid-19 are all diseases caused by coronaviruses. MERS is caused by MERS-CoV, first identified in 2012. SARS is caused by SARS-CoV-1, which emerged in 2002. Covid-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which began spreading in late 2019. These viruses belong to a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory diseases. Therefore, all the listed diseases are related to coronaviruses.

Explanation

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of primary memory, also known as main memory, which the CPU directly accesses for active data and instructions. Unlike secondary memory, RAM is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when the power is turned off. Solid State Drives, Hard Disks, and USB Pen Drives are all examples of secondary memory, which are non-volatile storage devices used for long-term data retention. Secondary memory stores data permanently and is not directly accessed by the CPU for immediate processing.

Explanation

XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. It is a markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. XML is designed to store and transport data, and it is "extensible" because it allows users to define their own tags. This flexibility makes it suitable for various applications, from web services to document formats.

Explanation

Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic wave with frequencies generally ranging from 300 MHz to 300 GHz. More specifically, in radio-frequency engineering, the range is often considered to be between 1 GHz and 100 GHz, or even up to 3000 GHz. Therefore, the option of 1 GHz - 300 GHz accurately represents the frequency range for microwaves. This range places microwaves between radio waves and infrared radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Explanation

Blowfish is a symmetric encryption algorithm, meaning it uses the same secret key for both encrypting and decrypting data. Designed by Bruce Schneier in 1993, it functions as a block cipher, processing data in fixed-size blocks. This single-key characteristic is the defining feature of symmetric encryption, distinguishing it from asymmetric algorithms that use a pair of keys. Therefore, option A is the correct classification for Blowfish.

Explanation

In robotics, PUMA stands for "Programmable Universal Machine for Assembly". This acronym refers to an industrial robotic arm developed by Victor Scheinman at Unimation in the 1970s, which was influential in manufacturing automation. The robot was designed to be programmable for various tasks and universal in its application within assembly environments. Therefore, option C accurately represents the full form of PUMA in this context.

Explanation

According to the 2011 Census, Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh has the highest sex ratio. It recorded 1021 females per 1000 males, which is higher than the state average of 931. This figure indicates a relatively gender-balanced population in Balaghat compared to other districts in the state. Other districts like Mandla, Alirajpur, and Dindori also had high sex ratios, but Balaghat surpassed them.

Explanation

The growth rate in the crop sector of Madhya Pradesh for the year 2016-17 was 34.14%. This figure is supported by economic data for that period and was also cited in the state's economic survey report for 2017-18. This significant growth reflects positive factors such as favorable weather conditions, increased cultivation area, improved irrigation, and government support policies.

Explanation

Diamond is the correct answer because Madhya Pradesh holds the unique distinction of being the only diamond-producing state in India. The Panna district in Madhya Pradesh is home to the country's only active industrial-scale diamond mine, the Majhgawan mine. While other minerals like iron, mica, and copper are found in Madhya Pradesh, they are also present and mined in various other states across India. Therefore, diamond is the only mineral among the options exclusively found and produced in Madhya Pradesh.

Explanation

The Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum is located in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. It is situated on Shyamla Hills, near the State Museum. The museum was established in 2013 and is dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage, art, and traditions of various tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh, such as the Gond, Bhil, Korku, Baiga, Sahariya, Kol, and Bhariya tribes. It offers an immersive experience into tribal life through its diverse galleries and exhibits.

Explanation

The Akanksha Scheme, launched by the Madhya Pradesh government's Tribal Affairs Department, aims to provide free coaching to Scheduled Tribe students. The primary objective of this scheme is to prepare these students for various national-level competitive examinations. Specifically, it offers coaching for entrance exams such as JEE (Engineering), NEET/AIIMS (Medical), and CLAT (Law) to students studying in classes 11th and 12th. The scheme provides resources and support to help tribal students excel in these competitive exams and pursue higher education.