MPSC Prelims 2016 General Studies Paper I with Answers & Explanations

Explanation

In Southern India, the Neolithic (Stone Age) transitioned directly into the Megalithic Iron Age without an intermediate Chalcolithic (Copper) or Bronze Age phase. In contrast, Northern India experienced a prolonged Chalcolithic and Bronze Age (as seen in the Harappan civilization) before the introduction of iron. Consequently, archaeological excavations in Southern India show an immediate succession of the Stone Age by the Iron Age, with no trace of a transitional Copper Age.

Explanation

During the Indian freedom struggle, the nationalist Urdu weekly newspaper Swarajya, published from Allahabad (established in November 1907 by Shanti Narain Bhatnagar), famously issued a unique and courageous advertisement for the post of editor. The advertisement stated that the payment for the post would be "two dry rotis, a glass of water, and ten years of imprisonment for each editorial".

This bold advertisement highlighted the severe British crackdown on the nationalist press under sedition laws. In its short lifespan, almost all of Swarajya's editors—including Shanti Narain, Ram Hari, Hoti Lal Verma, Babu Nand Gopal, and Ladha Ram—were successively prosecuted, arrested, and sentenced to long terms of hard labor and transportation to the Cellular Jail in the Andamans. Despite these extreme risks, numerous young patriots continued to volunteer for the post to serve the nation's struggle for independence.

Explanation

Annabhau Sathe, a legendary social reformer, folk poet, and writer from Maharashtra, used this powerful analogy during the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. While advocating for a unified Marathi-speaking state with Mumbai as its capital, he highlighted the indispensable and vital connection between Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra. By comparing their relationship to wings of an eagle and claws of a tiger, he emphasized that Mumbai is as essential for the strength, survival, and identity of Maharashtra as wings are to an eagle or claws are to a tiger.

Explanation

Jagannath Shankar Sheth, popularly known as Nana Shankar Sheth, was a visionary social reformer, educationist, and philanthropist. The prominent economist and writer Gangadhar Gadgil described him as the Architect of Modern India for his pioneering contributions to public life, urban development, and modern education in Western India.

Nana Shankar Sheth was among the earliest public figures to critically understand the socio-economic realities of British colonial rule. His early ideas on Indian development, trade, and industrial self-reliance provided the foundational inspiration for the subsequent economic nationalism developed by Dadabhai Naoroji and Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade. He also recognized that agriculture formed the backbone of the Indian economy and advocated for its development and modernization to improve the lives of the peasantry.

Explanation

Loknayak Madhav Shrihari Aney, widely known as Bapuji Aney, was a prominent leader from Vidarbha who championed the creation of a separate Mahavidharbha state. He was a staunch advocate for full statehood for the region. During the discussions surrounding the reorganization of Marathi-speaking areas, Dhananjayarao Gadgil proposed a compromise plan that would grant Mahavidharbha the status of a sub-province under a larger state. Bapuji Aney disagreed with this proposal, rejecting any sub-provincial compromise. He maintained that the region possessed enough distinct economic, political, and social characteristics to exist as a fully independent and separate state.

Explanation

On June 22, 1897, Mr. Walter Charles Rand, the Special Plague Commissioner of Poona, and Lieutenant Charles Egerton Ayerst were assassinated by the Chapekar brothers (Damodar Hari Chapekar and Balkrishna Hari Chapekar). This revolutionary act took place within ten days of the Shivaji festival celebrated in Poona in June 1897. During this festival, powerful nationalist lectures and patriotic songs were presented to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which strongly inspired the Chapekar brothers to retaliate against the oppressive and high-handed plague control measures implemented by the British administration.

Explanation

Surendranath Banerjee, one of the earliest and most influential nationalist leaders of modern India, was deeply inspired by the Italian unification movement. During his stay in England, he studied the writings of the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Mazzini, who had founded the Young Italy movement in 1831 to promote Italian unity and republicanism.

Upon returning to India, Banerjee sought to inspire the Indian youth with similar ideals of nationalism and self-sacrifice. Between 1875 and 1878, he delivered a series of powerful public lectures to the student community and young Bengalis in Calcutta on the lives of Giuseppe Mazzini, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and the activities of the Young Italy movement. These speeches played a crucial role in introducing the ideas of European revolutionary nationalism to Bengal, igniting a spirit of patriotism and organizing the youth for the national cause.

Explanation

The Dr. Radhakrishna Commission, officially known as the University Education Commission (1948–49), was established under the chairmanship of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to study and report on the status of Indian university education. Among its major recommendations regarding the relationship between higher education and employment, the commission stated that a university degree should not be required for entering government administrative services.

To prevent the overcrowding of universities by individuals pursuing degrees solely to secure government employment, the commission advocated for delinking degrees from administrative jobs. It recommended that recruitment should instead be conducted through separate, specialized tests and competitive examinations designed specifically for evaluating candidates for these services.

Explanation

In ancient India, the transition to imitating Greek coinage was driven by several key factors that highlights the superiority of Greek numismatic techniques at the time.

Before the influence of Greek coinage, indigenous Indian coins were primarily punch-marked. These coins were produced by hammering symbols onto irregular pieces of metal cut from sheets, which often made their weight and size uncertain and inconsistent.

In contrast, Greek coins were exceptionally attractive because they were manufactured using advanced die-striking techniques. This method allowed for high-relief, realistic portraits of kings, deities, and clear inscriptions. Furthermore, the weight of Greek coins was highly certain and standardized according to precise metrological systems like the Attic standard, which greatly facilitated international trade. Recognizing these aesthetic and economic advantages, ancient Indian rulers began imitating Greek coins to bring uniformity, aesthetic appeal, and weight certainty to their own monetary systems.

Explanation

Choudhry Rahmat Ali (represented in the option as Rehmat Khan) coined and used the word Pakistan for the first time in 1933. He published this name in his famous pamphlet titled Now or Never; Are We to Live or Perish Forever?, in which he advocated for a separate sovereign nation. The name was created as an acronym representing the northern territories of British India: Punjab, Afghan Province, Kashmir, Sind, and Baluchistan.

Explanation

Following the death of Alexander the Great in Babylon in 323 BC, his vast empire fell into political instability. Chandragupta Maurya and his strategic advisor Chanakya capitalized on this vulnerability by organizing local armies in northwestern India to rebel against the Macedonian garrisons and governors left behind by Alexander. Their coordinated campaign successfully drove out the foreign Greek forces, secured control over key territories like Taxila, and paved the way for the establishment of the Maurya Empire.

Explanation

Qutub-ud-din Aibak was born in Turkestan to a Turkic family. When he was a child, he was separated from his family and brought to the slave market of Nishapur by a merchant. Qazi Fakhruddin Abdul Aziz Kufi, a local judge, purchased Aibak and brought him up alongside his own sons, providing him with a comprehensive education that included archery, horse-riding, and learning to recite the Quran. Following the death of the Qazi, his sons sold Aibak to a merchant, who eventually sold him in Ghazni to the Ghurid Sultan, Muhammad of Ghur. Under Ghori's patronage, Aibak's intelligence and military capabilities allowed him to rise through the ranks to eventually become one of his most trusted generals and the founder of the Delhi Sultanate.

Explanation

The first generation of English-educated Bengalis during the nineteenth century was deeply influenced by Western liberal ideas, scientific thought, and philosophy. Eminent historian R.C. Majumdar highlighted that while rationalism was the watchword of the first generation of English-educated Bengalis, nationalism became the guiding force for the second generation. This rationalist approach, promoted by key intellectuals like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the Young Bengal movement, encouraged the questioning of age-old dogmas, superstitious beliefs, and obsolete social traditions through the lens of human reason, logic, and scientific temperament.

Explanation

Alawal was a medieval poet who composed several poems on Vaishnava subjects, showcasing the syncretic cultural traditions of Bengal.

Abdullah Khan, the Nawab of Shahjahanpur, historically observed the Holi festival with his subjects, initiating a tradition of communal celebration in 1728.

Mir Jafar, the Nawab of Bengal, on his deathbed while suffering from leprosy, requested and drank water poured in libation over the deity of the ancient Kiriteswari temple near Murshidabad.

Daulat Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior, regularly observed Shia traditions and joined the Moharram mourning processions wearing a green dress.

Explanation

Chanakya, Vishnugupta, Kautilya, and Pakshin Swami are synonymous names traditionally used to refer to the same historical statesman, adviser, and author of the Arthashastra. On the other hand, Ramgupta was a ruler of the Gupta dynasty, and Vishnu Sharma was the legendary Sanskrit scholar and author of the Panchatantra fables.

Explanation

The collision and subsequent convergence of the Indian plate and the Eurasian (Asian) plate over millions of years has resulted in the crust being compressed and folded, leading to significant crustal shortening in the Himalayan region. Geological studies estimate this crustal shortening to be approximately 500 km.

At the same time, this tectonic movement is accommodated and compensated by seafloor spreading along the mid-oceanic ridge system (such as the Central Indian Ridge and Southeast Indian Ridge) in the Indian Ocean, where new oceanic crust is continuously formed as the plates diverge.

Explanation

Sudarshan Lake, located in Saurashtra, Gujarat, was constructed during the Mauryan empire by Pushyagupta (also referred to as Punyagupta), who was the provincial governor of Chandragupta Maurya.

The Western Yamuna Canal was originally constructed in the 14th century by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate to irrigate the arid regions and supply water to his newly established city of Hisar.

Explanation

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate highly detailed, thin-section tomographic images of any part of the human body. It allows physicians to view slice-by-slice cross-sectional reconstructions of internal structures, especially soft tissues, organs, ligaments, and the nervous system, with exceptional contrast and resolution.

Explanation

El Nino is a warm ocean current that develops in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and acts as an extension of the warm equatorial current, displacing the cold Peru (Humboldt) Current. The term El Nino is Spanish for Child Christ or the Little Boy, a name given by Spanish-speaking fishermen of Peru and Ecuador because the warm current typically makes its appearance around Christmas in December. In India, El Nino is highly integrated into the meteorological framework, where the India Meteorological Department utilizes it as one of the primary indicators for forecasting the long-range behavior of the Indian southwest monsoon rainfall, since El Nino events are historically correlated with weaker monsoon seasons and droughts in the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

The heights of the given mountain peaks from sea level are:

Kanchenjunga (b) has an elevation of 8,586 meters, making it the highest peak in India. Nanga Parbat (e) stands at an elevation of 8,126 meters in the western Himalayas. Nanda Devi (a) has an elevation of 7,816 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Badrinath (d) stands at an elevation of 7,138 meters in Uttarakhand. Gangotri (c) has an elevation of 6,672 meters in the Gangotri range.

Arranging these elevations in descending order gives Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat, Nanda Devi, Badrinath, and Gangotri.

Explanation

The Achua, also referred to as Wochua, is a subgroup of the Pygmy people. They are an indigenous, short-statured hunter-gatherer population residing in the tropical rainforests of Central Africa, particularly in the Congo Basin south of the Uele River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The group is traditionally distinguished by their deep ancestral connection to the forest ecosystem, where they practice a highly specialized nomadic foraging lifestyle.

Explanation

The Common Man is a highly recognized cartoon character created by the legendary cartoonist R.K. Laxman for his daily comic strip You Said It in The Times of India. The character is represented as a silent, bewildered, and sharp-eyed observer of Indian politics and daily struggles. Visually, he is always depicted wearing round spectacles (bespectacled), a traditional Indian dhoti, a long shirt, and a signature checkered jacket.

Explanation

During the third Test of India's tour of England at Old Trafford, Manchester, in July 1952, the Indian team was dismissed twice in a single day. In response to England's first-innings total of 326 runs, India was bowled out for 58 runs in their first innings on the third day of the match. Forced to follow on, India was bowled out again on the same day for just 82 runs in their second innings. Led by superb bowling performances from Fred Trueman and Alec Bedser, England won by an innings and 207 runs, making India the first team in Test cricket history to be dismissed twice in a single day.

Explanation

The Ghaghra river originates in the glaciers of Mapchachungo near the Gurla Mandhata peak, south of Mansarovar on the Tibetan Plateau. In its upper course in Western Nepal, it is known as the Karnali river. It is joined by major tributaries including the Sarda, Sarju, and Rapti. After flowing through Uttar Pradesh, the river enters Bihar and merges with the Ganga river downstream of Chapra.

Explanation

The first hydroelectric power plant in India was established at Sidrapong near Darjeeling, West Bengal. This pioneer facility had an initial installed capacity of 130 kW and was commissioned in November 1897 to supply electricity to the Darjeeling municipality, effectively ushering in the development of hydroelectric power across the country.

Explanation

According to the 2011 Census of India, the states of Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh all have a Hindu population that exceeds 90% of their total population. Himachal Pradesh has the highest proportion of Hindus among all Indian states at 95.17%. Chhattisgarh follows with a Hindu population of 93.25%, while Madhya Pradesh has a Hindu population of 90.89%.

Explanation

Lake Titicaca is situated in the Andes mountain range on the border between Peru and Bolivia. Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,812 meters above sea level, it is widely recognized as the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest lake by volume in South America. The western part of the lake lies within the Puno Region of Peru, while the eastern side is located in the La Paz Department of Bolivia.

Explanation

Sangamner, a town in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, is not situated on any National Highway; it is connected mainly through state highways. In contrast, Dhule lies on National Highways connecting it to Mumbai-Agra and other routes, Aurangabad is linked via National Highway routes connecting Solapur and Dhule, and Chalisgaon also has National Highway connectivity through northern Maharashtra's road network.

Explanation

India shares its land borders with seven sovereign nations. These countries are Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Afghanistan. The total length of India's land border is approximately 15,106.7 kilometers, with Bangladesh sharing the longest land border and Afghanistan sharing the shortest land border with India.

Explanation

The Earth rotates on its axis from West to East. This prograde rotation causes the Sun and other celestial bodies to appear to rise in the East and set in the West. When viewed from above the North Pole, this rotation is counterclockwise.

Explanation

In terms of average canopy and tree heights, coniferous forests are generally the shortest of the three, typically averaging between 15 and 30 meters. Deciduous forests occupy the middle range, with temperate and moist deciduous trees typically reaching heights between 25 and 35 meters. Tropical rainforests are the tallest of the three, characterized by a multi-layered canopy structure where trees regularly grow to heights of 45 to 60 meters, with emergent trees growing even taller. Thus, the correct ascending order of their heights is coniferous forests (b), followed by deciduous forests (c), and lastly tropical rainforests (a).

Explanation

Human blood has a normal pH range of 7.35 to 7.45, making it slightly basic or alkaline. On the pH scale, a neutral solution has a pH of 7.0, values below 7.0 are acidic, and values above 7.0 are alkaline. Because blood lies above this neutral threshold, it is classified as alkaline rather than acidic. This narrow pH level is critical for normal cell function and is strictly maintained by the body through various homeostatic mechanisms.

Explanation

According to the Climate Analysis Indicators Tool data compiled by the World Resources Institute for the year 2011, China was the world's highest greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emitter. During this period, China contributed approximately 28% of the global carbon dioxide emissions, largely driven by its rapid economic growth, intensive manufacturing sectors, and substantial dependence on coal combustion for power generation and industrial activity.

Explanation

The Gir Lion Project (Lion Project) was launched in 1972 in Gujarat to protect the Asiatic lion and its habitat in the Gir forest ecosystem.

Project Tiger was initiated in April 1973 from Jim Corbett National Park to ensure a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats.

The Crocodile Breeding Project was started in 1975 with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to address the rapid decline of crocodile species in Indian waters.

The Rhino Conservation Project was launched in 1987 to protect the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and preserve its natural habitat in regions like Assam.

Explanation

Carnivores possess pointed teeth, particularly canine teeth, which are highly developed for piercing, holding, and tearing the flesh of their prey. In contrast, their digestive systems are adapted to a diet of meat, which is highly digestible and nutrient-dense. Meat requires less time and surface area to break down and absorb compared to plant matter. Plants contain cellulose, which is tough and difficult to digest, requiring herbivores to have highly elongated digestive tracts containing specialized microbes. Consequently, carnivores have significantly shorter and simpler intestines compared to herbivores.

Explanation

The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) is a comprehensive program implemented by the Government of India for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.

The statement regarding the 80:20 expense sharing is incorrect because NACP is fully funded by the Central Government. It has been implemented historically as a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme, and in its subsequent phases, it operates as a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India. There is no cost-sharing ratio of 80:20 between the Centre and the States.

The statement that the program aims at preventing new infections is correct. The primary and core objective of NACP across all of its developmental phases is to prevent the transmission of HIV, reduce annual new infections, and decrease the overall morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic impact of AIDS in the country.

Explanation

The Brundtland Report, formally titled Our Common Future, was released in October 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Development. Chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, the former Prime Minister of Norway, this landmark publication officially defined and popularized the concept of sustainable development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Explanation

The chronological order of establishment of the given development finance institutions in India is as follows:

Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) was established on July 1, 1948, under the IFCI Act to provide medium and long-term finance to industry.

Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) was established in January 1955 as a development finance institution to promote industrial growth.

Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) was set up on July 1, 1964, under an Act of Parliament to provide credit and other financial facilities for the development of the Indian industry.

Industrial Investment Bank of India (IIBI) traces its origins to the Industrial Reconstruction Corporation of India (IRCI), which was established in April 1971. It was later reconstituted as the Industrial Reconstruction Bank of India in 1985 and ultimately renamed the Industrial Investment Bank of India in March 1997.

Explanation

Ginning is the process of separating raw cotton fibers from their seeds and agricultural debris. This initial cleaning and separation process is performed in specialized, separate facilities known as ginneries. Because harvested seed cotton is highly bulky, ginneries are typically situated in close proximity to cotton-growing agricultural fields to reduce transportation costs. Once ginning is completed, the separated cotton fibers are pressed into bales and then transported to cotton textile mills for subsequent processing.

Explanation

The economic crisis of 1991 in India was a severe balance of payments crisis triggered by long-term fiscal profligacy and external shocks.

First, the country faced a drastic depletion of its foreign exchange reserves, which plummeted to approximately 1.2 billion USD, providing just about two weeks of import cover.

Second, the crisis was preceded by rising fiscal imbalances throughout the 1980s, culminating in a high fiscal deficit of about 8.4% of GDP in 1990-91.

Third, due to the acute shortage of foreign currency and the imminent risk of sovereign default, India had to ship and pledge gold from its reserves to the Bank of England and the Union Bank of Switzerland to secure emergency loans.

International creditors refused to roll over India's short-term debt, which precipitated the liquidity run. Therefore, statements a, c, and d correctly describe the characteristics of the crisis.

Explanation

Statement a is correct because income tax is a progressive tax rooted in the "ability to pay" principle. This concept dictates that tax liability should be aligned with an individual's financial capacity, meaning those with higher incomes bear a larger relative tax burden compared to lower-income earners.

Statement b is correct because historically, excessively high marginal tax rates in India, which peaked at over 97% in the early 1970s, made tax compliance extremely costly. This high tax burden was identified by various expert panels, such as the Wanchoo Committee, as a primary driver of tax evasion, which directly catalyzed the generation and accumulation of unaccounted wealth and the rise of a parallel black economy.

Explanation

According to the 2011 Census of India:

In Maharashtra, the rural decadal population growth rate from 2001 to 2011 was 10.36%, while the urban decadal population growth rate was 23.64%. Since 23.64% is greater than 20.72% (which is double of 10.36%), the urban percentage decadal change was more than double the rural growth rate.

For the country as a whole, the rural decadal population growth rate during this period was 12.3%, whereas the urban decadal population growth rate stood at 31.8%. The urban decadal change of 31.8% is significantly higher than the corresponding rural change of 12.3%.

Explanation

Statement a is correct because, according to Census data, the urban sex ratio of Maharashtra improved from 873 females per 1000 males in 2001 to 903 in 2011. Conversely, the rural sex ratio in the state deteriorated from 960 in 2001 to 952 in 2011.

Statement b is correct because, at the national level, the rural sex ratio of India improved from 946 in 2001 to 947 in 2011, while the urban sex ratio showed a significant improvement from 900 in 2001 to 926 in 2011.

Since both statements are factually correct, neither of them is incorrect.

Explanation

The adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, are endocrine glands located on top of (over) each of the two kidneys. They are responsible for secreting aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone that plays a key role in regulating salt and water balance in the body by signaling the kidneys to absorb sodium and excrete potassium.

Explanation

The total mechanical energy of a body is the sum of its kinetic energy and potential energy. When a body falls freely in a vacuum, the only force acting on it is the conservative force of gravity. Because there is no air resistance or other dissipative forces to do non-conservative work, the total mechanical energy of the body is conserved. As the body falls, its potential energy is continuously converted into kinetic energy, but their sum remains constant at every point during the fall.

Explanation

PROPOSED:3) Correct Answer: 3)

Ultraviolet rays help in the diagnosis of small tumors through techniques like UV-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging. This method allows clinicians to distinguish early-stage, superficial tumors and lesions from healthy tissue by observing differences in fluorescence under UV excitation.

Infrared rays help in the analysis of chemical compounds through infrared (IR) spectroscopy. This analytical technique identifies substances and maps molecular structures by measuring how different chemical bonds absorb infrared radiation at characteristic vibrational frequencies.

Explanation

Apta leaves (Bauhinia racemosa) and Kanchan leaves (Bauhinia variegata) have distinct physical differences that make both statements incorrect:

Regarding size, Apta leaves are relatively small. In contrast, Kanchan leaves are significantly larger and broader, usually measuring between 10 and 20 centimeters.

Regarding texture, Apta leaves are rough and papery to the touch. In contrast, Kanchan leaves have a smooth, soft, and tender texture.

Therefore, compared to Apta leaves, Kanchan leaves are larger in size and smoother to the touch. This makes both statement a and statement b incorrect.

Explanation

The domestication of the horse during the Indus Valley Civilisation is a subject of intense debate and remains highly doubtful. Although some controversial osteological remains have been excavated at sites like Surkotada, there is no unambiguous evidence, such as clear representations of horses on Harappan seals or terracotta art, to prove that horses were domesticated or played a significant role in their daily life.

Explanation

Jawaharlal Nehru's autobiography, titled An Autobiography (also published in the USA as Toward Freedom), begins with this famous opening line in its first chapter, titled Descent from Kashmir. Written entirely in prison between June 1934 and February 1935, the book describes his early childhood as a lonely child born to wealthy parents, as well as his personal journey alongside the Indian national movement.

Explanation

Dinosaurs became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago, during the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. Modern humans (Homo sapiens) originated during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 300,000 years ago, rather than the Eocene epoch which occurred much earlier between 56 and 34 million years ago.

Explanation

Noise pollution has wide-ranging adverse effects on human health and well-being. Exposure to loud noise damages the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to a temporary or permanent partial loss of hearing or complete deafness. As a systemic stressor, chronic noise exposure triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt hormonal balance and adversely affect the reproductive system. This stress and sound transmission through the uterine wall can also negatively affect a developing foetus, potentially causing developmental defects, preterm birth, or low birth weight. Furthermore, ambient noise disrupts cognitive functions, thereby reducing human performance in tasks that require communication, concentration, and thinking. Finally, the physiological stress response to noise stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing vasoconstriction and elevated heart rate, which directly leads to high blood pressure.

Explanation

The velocity of sound in a gas is given by Laplace's formula:

v = √(γP / ρ)

where γ is the adiabatic index, P is the pressure, and ρ is the density of the air.

Under humid or misty conditions, lighter water vapor molecules with a molecular weight of approximately 18 g/mol displace heavier nitrogen (28 g/mol) and oxygen (32 g/mol) molecules. This replacement reduces the effective density (ρ) of the air. Because the velocity of sound is inversely proportional to the square root of density (v ∝ 1/√ρ), this reduction in density increases the velocity of sound. Thus, the velocity of sound in air increases as humidity increases, which means velocity is proportional to humidity. This makes statement b correct.

On a quiet misty night, the humidity is high, which increases the velocity of sound. In addition, these atmospheric conditions typically lead to temperature inversions, where a layer of cooler, denser air rests near the ground beneath a layer of warmer air. As sound waves travel through these layers, they undergo refraction and bend downwards back toward the ground rather than dissipating upwards into the atmosphere. This bending allows the sound energy to travel much further along the surface, making the whistle of a passing train clearly audible over long distances. This makes statement a correct.

Explanation

Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that travel through vacuum or a medium at the speed of light. The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from low-frequency radio waves to high-frequency gamma rays. Television waves are high-frequency radio waves or microwaves used to transmit broadcast signals. Ultraviolet rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. X-rays are highly energetic electromagnetic waves with extremely short wavelengths. Sunlight rays are a mixture of electromagnetic waves, primarily consisting of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet radiation. Since all four emissions belong to different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, they are all examples of electromagnetic waves.

Explanation

Mica is uniquely characterized by its excellent thermal conductivity and high electrical resistance. In household appliances like electric irons, the heating element generates high-temperature thermal energy. Mica is placed between the heating element and the outer metal base because its high thermal conductivity allows rapid heat transfer to the base of the iron. At the same time, its high dielectric strength makes it an excellent electrical insulator, ensuring that electrical current does not leak to the outer body of the iron, thereby preventing electric shocks.

Explanation

When light rays coming from the pebble underwater exit into the air, they travel from an optically denser medium (water) to an optically rarer medium (air). As a result, the light rays bend away from the normal at the water-air interface. When these refracted rays are projected backward, they intersect at a point higher than the actual position of the pebble.

Mathematically, this relationship is governed by the formula:

d' = d/μ

where d' is the apparent depth, d is the real depth, and μ is the refractive index of water (which is approximately 1.33). Because the refractive index of water is greater than 1, the apparent depth d' is always less than the real depth d, making the pebble appear closer to the surface than it actually is.

Explanation

The atomic number of an atom, denoted by Z, is defined as the number of protons present in its nucleus, which determines the identity of the chemical element. The mass number of an atom, denoted by A, represents the total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. Both statements a and b are scientifically correct, which means neither statement is incorrect.

Explanation

Isabgol, also known as psyllium husk, is obtained from the seeds of Plantago ovata, a plant in the family Plantaginaceae. The seed husk contains high amounts of soluble dietary fiber and mucilage, which swells upon absorbing water in the gastrointestinal tract. This bulk-forming property helps regulate bowel movements, making it a highly effective treatment for digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Explanation

The kidneys receive approximately 20% to 25% of the total cardiac output of the body under resting conditions. Given that the average cardiac output in an adult is about 5 litres per minute, the renal blood flow is approximately 1100 to 1200 mL per minute (or 1 to 1.2 litres per minute). This high rate of blood flow is essential for the kidneys to perform their continuous filtration of metabolic waste products, regulation of electrolyte balance, and maintenance of blood pressure.

Explanation

Subsidies in an economy act much like steroids prescribed in medicine. They are effective for providing immediate, short-term relief, support, or a quick boost to targeted sectors. However, like steroids, prolonged dependency on subsidies can distort market mechanisms, weaken fiscal health, and cause severe long-term negative side effects.

On the other hand, steroids do not promise or provide an enduring cure. They primarily serve as anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agents that manage and suppress acute symptoms rather than permanently curing the underlying chronic disease. Consequently, statement a is correct while statement b is incorrect.

Explanation

In the Aranya Kanda of the epic Ramayana, the demon Maricha disguises himself as an incredibly beautiful golden deer with silver spots, which is traditionally represented as a spotted deer. This alluring creature captivates Sita, who requests Rama to capture it for her, setting off the sequence of events that leads to her abduction by Ravana.

Explanation

The anterior pituitary gland secretes growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, which is the primary hormone responsible for stimulating cellular growth, division, and regeneration. In children, growth hormone plays a vital role in skeletal development and bone elongation. If the anterior pituitary of a four-year-old child is severely damaged, the secretion of growth hormone ceases or reduces drastically, resulting in stunted somatic growth and dwarfism. Consequently, the child will fail to achieve normal physical growth and will not grow much in height.

Explanation

The Bundle of His, also known as the atrioventricular bundle, is a collection of specialized cardiac muscle fibers that are highly modified for the conduction of electrical impulses. It originates from the atrioventricular node, passes through the fibrous skeleton of the heart, and enters the interventricular septum. Within the ventricular walls, it divides into the right and left bundle branches, which branch further into Purkinje fibers. Because the interventricular septum forms the wall between the two ventricles, this electrical conduction network of modified muscle fibers is located entirely within the ventricular region of the heart to coordinate ventricular contraction.

Explanation

According to the law of mass action, the rate of a chemical reaction is directly proportional to the product of the active masses (or concentrations) of the reacting species. As a chemical reaction proceeds, the reactants are continuously consumed to form products, which leads to a steady decrease in the concentration of the reactants over time. Because the concentration of the starting materials decreases, the frequency of effective collisions between reactant molecules also declines, causing the rate of the chemical reaction to decrease with time.

Explanation

Natural rubber is a naturally occurring addition polymer of isoprene, which is chemically known as 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (C₅H₈). In natural rubber, the isoprene monomers are linked together in a linear chain through a cis-configuration, forming cis-1,4-polyisoprene. This specific stereochemical arrangement is responsible for the highly elastic and flexible properties of natural rubber.

Explanation

The Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act of 2005 offers extensive direct tax benefits to units operating within an SEZ. Under Section 10AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, entrepreneurs are granted a 100% income tax exemption on export income for the first five years, followed by 50% for the subsequent five years. Thus, direct taxes are highly integrated into the concession framework.

Regarding labour regulations, the regulatory framework ensures that all central and state labour laws continue to apply within SEZs. The government has not diluted or relaxed any substantive provisions of labour legislation, ensuring worker protections under laws like the Industrial Disputes Act and the Factories Act remain intact.

Explanation

Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of two monosaccharide units, glucose and fructose, linked together by an α-1,2-glycosidic bond. During its formation, a molecule of water is eliminated, giving it the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁. Since it yields exactly two simple sugar molecules upon hydrolysis, it is classified chemically as a disaccharide.

Explanation

A neutron bomb, also known as an enhanced radiation weapon, is a tactical thermonuclear weapon specifically designed to release a significantly larger proportion of its energy as lethal ionizing neutron radiation rather than explosive blast or thermal heat. Because the physical blast and heat effects are minimized, surrounding buildings, factories, physical infrastructure, and military equipment remain largely intact, which minimizes material and financial damage. However, the highly penetrative neutron radiation remains extremely lethal to personnel, resulting in a high rate of human casualties.

Statement a is incorrect because comparing a hydrogen bomb and an atomic bomb of the same capacity or explosive yield means they release the same amount of energy, resulting in comparable destructive power. While hydrogen bombs are physically capable of reaching much larger total yields than atomic bombs, they are not twice as dangerous when limited to the exact same capacity.

Explanation

Fasting blood glucose levels for a healthy adult normally range from 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL. Values below 70 mg/dL represent hypoglycemia, which is abnormal. Therefore, describing the normal fasting range as up to 70 mg % is incorrect.

On the other hand, the normal blood glucose level two hours after a meal (postprandial or post-lunch) is less than 140 mg/dL. Thus, stating that the normal post-lunch glucose range is up to 140 mg % is correct.

Explanation

Carbon dioxide and Bromochlorodifluoromethane (BCF, also known as Halon 1211) are well-known fire extinguishing agents. Carbon dioxide works by displacing the oxygen required for combustion and cooling the fuel, making it highly effective for electrical and flammable liquid fires. BCF is a halogenated hydrocarbon that suppresses fires by chemically interrupting the combustion chain reaction.

Chlorobromomethane (CB) and Carbon tetrachloride (CTC) have also been used historically as chemical fire extinguishing agents. CB acts similarly to other halon agents by interfering with chemical combustion, while CTC was one of the earliest widely utilized agents for extinguishing electrical fires before being phased out due to toxicity concerns. All of these substances possess fire extinguishing properties and can be used for fire suppression.

Explanation

Saint Eknath, a prominent sixteenth-century Marathi saint-poet, is renowned for composing several Bharuds, a traditional form of dramatic, allegorical folk poetry in Maharashtra. His highly popular Bharud, Vinchu Chawla (The Scorpion Has Bitten), uses the metaphor of a scorpion bite to describe how human vices like anger and lust afflict the soul, recommending the application of virtuousness as the spiritual remedy.

Explanation

Rajasthan does not have any recognized state (regional) party according to the criteria prescribed by the Election Commission of India under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. Political competition in the state is dominated by national parties, and no regional political group has fulfilled the necessary conditions—such as securing a minimum percentage of valid votes or winning a specific number of seats in the state assembly or parliamentary elections—to be officially recognized as a state party.

Explanation

Under the Government of India Act of 1935, a three-fold distribution of legislative powers was established, comprising the Federal List, the Provincial List, and the Concurrent List. The residuary powers of legislation were uniquely vested in the Governor-General of India, who had the discretion to assign legislative authority on any unenumerated matter to either the federal or provincial legislatures.

In the federal system of the United States, the federal government possesses only those powers that are explicitly delegated to it by the U.S. Constitution. Under the Tenth Amendment, all other powers that are not delegated to the national government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved or left to the States respectively, or to the people.

Explanation

Under Article 118 of the Constitution of India, the President has formulated the Houses of Parliament Joint Sittings and Communications Rules. According to these rules, the Speaker of Lok Sabha presides over a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. In the Speaker's absence, the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha presides. If both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are unavailable, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides over the joint sitting.

Explanation

Under Article 368 of the Constitution of India, an amendment bill can be initiated only by the introduction of a bill for the purpose in either House of Parliament. The bill can be introduced either by a minister or by a private member and does not require prior permission of the President. Additionally, the Constitution does not prescribe any time limit within which the State legislatures must ratify or give their consent to an amendment bill sent to them for ratification. Since both statements are completely correct, there are no incorrect statements among the choices.

Explanation

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs) are independent, autonomous constitutional bodies created directly under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. There is no hierarchical relationship between them, and the UPSC does not possess any supervisory jurisdiction or authority over the functioning of the SPSCs. Each SPSC functions independently and is responsible directly to the Governor and the state legislature of its respective state.

Explanation

Under Article 123 of the Constitution, the President has the power to promulgate ordinances when either of the two Houses of Parliament is not in session.

Statement a is correct because the Supreme Court in the Cooper case (1970) held that the President's satisfaction in issuing an ordinance is not immune from judicial review and can be challenged in court on the ground of malafide. The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 subsequently removed the provision introduced by the 38th Amendment which had made the President's satisfaction final and non-justiciable.

Statement b is correct because an ordinance has the same force, effect, and limitations as an Act of Parliament. This means it can be applied retrospectively, can repeal or amend any existing Act of Parliament, and can even alter tax laws retrospectively.

Statement c is correct because an ordinance cannot be issued to amend the Constitution. The power to amend the Constitution is governed strictly by Article 368, which requires a Bill to be introduced and passed in both Houses of Parliament with a special majority.

Explanation

The Uniform Civil Code, which is enshrined under Article 44 of the Constitution of India, is classified as a Liberal-Intellectual principle rather than a Socialistic principle. Liberal-Intellectual principles reflect the ideology of liberalism, aiming to establish a uniform set of civil laws for all citizens regarding personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, regardless of their religion. This promotes national integration and secularism, distinguishing it from Socialistic principles that primarily target economic equality, social justice, and the redistribution of resources.

Explanation

In Britain, by established constitutional convention, the Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Commons, which is the lower, elected chamber of Parliament. This convention ensures that the head of government is directly accountable to the democratically elected representatives of the people.

In India, according to Article 75(5) of the Constitution, a Minister who is not a member of either House of Parliament for any period of six consecutive months ceases to be a Minister at the expiration of that period. The Supreme Court of India, in the case of S.P. Anand v. H.D. Deve Gowda (1996), ruled that a person who is not a member of either House of Parliament can be appointed as Prime Minister, provided they get elected to either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha within six months of their appointment.

Explanation

Absolute veto refers to the power of the executive to withhold assent to a bill passed by the legislature, causing the bill to die. Qualified veto is a veto that can be overridden by the legislature with a higher or qualified majority. Suspensive veto is a veto that can be overridden by the legislature with a simple or ordinary majority, temporarily suspending the bill. Pocket veto occurs when the executive takes no action on the bill, neither ratifying, rejecting, nor returning it to the legislature, thereby keeping it pending indefinitely.

Explanation

The Draft Constitution of 1948 originally proposed that the Governor of a state be directly elected by the people on the basis of universal adult suffrage. However, the Constituent Assembly ultimately chose an appointment system to avoid potential conflict and friction between an elected Governor and an elected Chief Minister.

In choosing the appointment system, India rejected the American model, where state governors are directly elected by the people. Instead, the framers accepted the Canadian model, under which the Governor of a province is appointed by the Governor-General of Canada, aligning with India's need for a strong federal center.

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 amended Article 74(1) to make the advice of the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister binding on the President of India. No such amendment was made to Article 163, which governs the relationship between the state Council of Ministers and the Governor, thereby leaving the Governor's discretionary powers intact.

Explanation

Under the Table of Precedence of India, the Governor of a State occupies the fourth rank within their respective state. The protocol hierarchy places the President first, the Vice-President second, the Prime Minister third, and the Governors of States within their respective states fourth. This makes the Governor the highest-ranking authority in a state under this official protocol.

Explanation

All ten listed individuals are famously known to be left-handed or ambidextrous. Former US Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, tech pioneer Bill Gates, and Hollywood stars Tom Cruise, Marilyn Monroe, and Angelina Jolie are well-documented left-handers. Mahatma Gandhi was ambidextrous and frequently wrote with his left hand, particularly when his right hand was tired. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was born left-handed and is known to use his left hand for various tasks such as eating and waving. Actor Amitabh Bachchan is a natural left-hander who writes with his left hand. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is off-field left-handed, using his left hand for writing and eating despite batting right-handed.

Explanation

Indian Opinion was a newspaper established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1903 during his stay in South Africa. The publication served as an essential tool for the Natal Indian Congress to voice the grievances of the Indian immigrant community and advocate for civil rights against racial discrimination. It was published in multiple languages, including English, Gujarati, Hindi, and Tamil.

Explanation

Italy possessed 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2016, which was the highest number for any country in the world. This vast collection of heritage sites is a result of Italy's deep history, particularly its pivotal role as the core of the Roman Empire and the cradle of the Renaissance. The country features an abundance of ancient ruins, historical city centers, and architectural landmarks alongside unique natural landscapes.

Explanation

A Battalion, which comprises several companies and roughly 900 combat soldiers, is commanded by a Colonel who acts as the Commanding Officer.

A Division, a major tactical field force consisting of multiple brigades and totaling around 15,000 to 20,000 soldiers, is headed by a Major General who acts as the General Officer Commanding.

A Platoon, which is a smaller tactical unit containing around 30 to 40 soldiers, is typically commanded by a Lieutenant or a Captain.

A Company, comprising three to four platoons and about 120 soldiers, is headed by a Major or a Captain acting as the Company Commander.

Explanation

Sir Winston Churchill famously used the term Iron Curtain during his Sinews of Peace address delivered on March 5, 1946, at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. In this speech, he referred to the growing division in Europe by stating that from Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain had descended across the continent. This address marked a pivotal moment that popularized the term globally to describe the ideological, political, and physical division between the Soviet-dominated communist states of Eastern Europe and the free, democratic nations of the West.

Explanation

Europe is the only continent that does not have any major, true deserts. Most of the continent has a temperate climate characterized by moderate temperatures and consistent rainfall, largely influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the warming effects of the Gulf Stream. Although some localized regions in southeastern Europe and Spain exhibit semi-arid characteristics, they do not constitute large-scale arid desert biomes like those found on all other six continents.

Explanation

Statement b is factually incorrect because the financial resources of the Centre, such as income tax, corporation tax, and customs duties, are highly elastic. This means central tax revenues grow dynamically with the expansion of the economy. In contrast, the revenue resources allocated to the states, such as land revenue, are relatively inelastic.

Statement a represents a well-established reality and a primary grievance of the states in the context of Centre-State fiscal conflicts. Over the decades, the central government has gradually expanded its role and functions into areas of state jurisdiction, making states increasingly dependent on central transfers (tax devolutions and grants-in-aid) and thereby restricting their fiscal autonomy.

Explanation

The Special Protection Group (SPG) is an elite security force of India whose sole mandate is to provide proximate security to the Prime Minister of India. It was established in 1985 following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and formally constituted under the Special Protection Group Act, 1988. The SPG is not responsible for protecting static physical sites, vital installations, or public monuments. The task of securing such specific industrial, government, or heritage sites falls under the mandate of other security agencies, primarily the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Explanation

Ningol Chakouba is one of the most prominent festivals celebrated in Manipur. Observed on the second day of the new moon in the Meitei lunar month of Hiyangei, which typically falls in November, the festival is dedicated to married daughters. On this day, married women are invited to their parental homes for a grand feast prepared by their parents and brothers. It is a traditional social festival of the Meitei community that serves to revive and strengthen the familial bonds between married women and their maternal households, where daughters are pampered and given gifts of blessings.

Explanation

Thillana is a lively and rhythmic musical composition that serves as the grand finale or concluding piece of a traditional Bharatanatyam dance recital. It is characterized by its fast tempo, intricate footwork, graceful body movements, and striking sculptural poses. Developed and popularized by the Tanjore Quartet during the nineteenth century, the performance primarily showcases pure dance (nritta) set to rhythmic syllables, followed by a brief, expressive lyrical passage (sahitya) towards the end, which is usually dedicated to a deity or a royal patron.

Explanation

Tamil Nadu has designated the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) as its State Animal. It is an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the high-altitude landscapes of the Western Ghats. Conversely, the Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) is the officially designated State Animal for Kerala, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.

Explanation

The Making of the Mahatma is a 1996 biographical drama film directed by Shyam Benegal. The film is based on Fatima Meer's book, The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma, and portrays the 21 years Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi spent in South Africa developing his philosophy of Satyagraha and fighting against racial discrimination. For his portrayal of Gandhi, Rajit Kapur won the National Film Award for Best Actor.

Explanation

The standard circumferences of the given sports balls in descending order of their size are Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, and Baseball. A standard size 7 basketball has the largest circumference of 75 to 78 cm. It is followed by a volleyball, which has a circumference of 65 to 67 cm. A size 3 men handball has a circumference of 58 to 60 cm, and a baseball is the smallest with a circumference of 22.9 to 23.5 cm. This yields the descending sequence of c, a, d, b.

Explanation

Statement a is correct as Saina Nehwal achieved the World No. 1 ranking in women's singles on April 2, 2015, becoming the first Indian woman to reach this milestone.

Statement b is correct as she won a bronze medal in the women's singles category at the London 2012 Olympics, making her the first Indian player to win an Olympic medal in badminton.

Explanation

Under the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar, the military reserves 25% of the seats in both the upper and lower houses of the national parliament (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw) for active-duty military personnel. These members are appointed directly by the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services. This constitutional quota ensures that the military retains a veto over any potential constitutional amendments, which require more than a 75% majority to pass. This arrangement remained in effect during and after the 2015 national elections.

Explanation

The World Is Full of Married Men, published in 1968, was the debut novel of Jackie Collins. The book became an instant bestseller but sparked significant public outcry due to its candid and sexually explicit portrayal of marital infidelity, double standards, and female sexuality. Because of this provocative content, the novel was banned in several countries, most notably Australia and South Africa.

Explanation

Gregory Peck portrayed the titular character, Marshal Sam MacKenna, in the 1969 Western film Mackenna's Gold, while Omar Sharif played the antagonist, a bandit leader named John Colorado.

Explanation

The government of Uttarakhand introduced a specialized social security scheme called the Dwarf Pension Scheme to support individuals with dwarfism. Under this initiative, the state's Social Welfare Department identifies permanent residents who are 21 years of age or older with a height of less than 4 feet. Eligible individuals receive monthly financial assistance, which was set at ₹800 at the scheme's inception to help them meet basic daily needs and mitigate the livelihood challenges and social prejudices associated with dwarfism.

Explanation

The Sunset Club, published in 2010 when Khushwant Singh was 95 years old, is his last novel. The narrative follows three octogenarian friends—Pandit Preetam Sharma, Nawab Barkatullah Baig, and Sardar Boota Singh—who meet every evening at Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi to share their perspectives on life, aging, politics, and companionship.