Q201. Consider the following statements regarding the Indo-Gangetic Plain: I. It is formed by the aggradational work of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems. II. It is one of the most densely populated regions in the world. III. It features highly fertile alluvial soil ideal for intensive agriculture. IV. The older alluvium in this plain is known as Khadar. V. The plain has a very gentle slope toward the sea. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Indo-Gangetic Plain is formed by the depositional work of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers. It features highly fertile alluvial soil and supports one of the world’s densest populations. The plain has a very gentle slope toward the sea. However, the older alluvium is known as Bhangar, while the newer, more fertile deposits found in floodplains are called Khadar.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Economic Growth, Development and Sustainable Development
Q202. Consider the following elements concerning the Capability Approach to development: I. It views income as merely a means to an end, not an end in itself. II. It argues that development should be assessed by the expansion of human freedoms. III. It completely ignores the role of physical health and education in development. IV. It provided the theoretical foundation for the Human Development Index (HDI). V. It emphasizes agency, allowing individuals to act and bring about change. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The capability approach views income as a tool for development rather than the goal itself. It asserts that development should be measured by human freedoms and individual agency. This framework was instrumental in creating the Human Development Index. However, it does not ignore health and education; rather, it views them as essential capabilities for achieving various valued states of being.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Basics of Everyday Science
Q203. Consider the following statements regarding energy transformations: I. In an electric generator, mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. II. In an electric motor, electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy. III. In a solar cell, solar energy is converted into electrical energy. IV. In a microphone, electrical energy is converted into sound energy. V. In a battery, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Most energy transformations are correctly described: generators convert mechanical to electrical energy, motors do the reverse, solar cells use light, and batteries use chemical energy. However, a microphone actually converts sound energy into electrical signals, not the other way around. A loudspeaker is the device that converts electrical energy back into sound, making the statement about microphones technically inaccurate here.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Prehistoric Rajasthan
Q204. What was the primary economic basis of the inhabitants during Phase I (earliest phase) of Bagor?
Explanation
The earliest phase of occupation at Bagor was primarily based on a hunting and gathering economy. However, it is highly significant for providing early evidence of animal husbandry, particularly the domestication of sheep and goats. Inhabitants utilized a sophisticated microlithic industry to hunt local game, while also beginning to manage livestock, marking a crucial step toward a more sedentary lifestyle.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indus Valley Civilisation
Q205. Consider the following statements regarding the site of Harappa and select the correct option: Statement I: The granary at Harappa consists of two rows of six granaries built on a raised brick platform. Statement II: Harappa was located on the banks of the river Indus in the Sindh province.
Explanation
The granary at Harappa is a significant structure consisting of twelve units arranged in two rows on a raised platform. However, the geographic description in the second statement is inaccurate. Harappa was actually located on the banks of the Ravi River in the Montgomery district of West Punjab, Pakistan, rather than on the main Indus River in the Sindh province.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Framing of the Constitution, Preamble and Citizenship
Q206. Given below are two statements: Statement I: The Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution are modeled upon the Irish Constitution. Statement II: The Irish Constitution itself copied the concept of Directive Principles from the Spanish Constitution. Identify the correct option:
Explanation
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution, which outline the socio-economic goals of the state, were directly modeled upon the Irish Constitution. Interestingly, the Irish framers themselves had borrowed this concept from the Spanish Constitution. This demonstrates the global exchange of constitutional ideas that influenced the drafting of India’s fundamental law during the mid-twentieth century.
Q207. Alluvial plains are generally characterized by:
Explanation
Alluvial plains are formed by the gradual accumulation of sediments deposited by rivers over long periods. These sediments, including silt, sand, and clay, are typically spread across wide areas during seasonal flooding. This process creates flat, fertile land that is highly suitable for agriculture. These plains are usually located in the lower reaches of rivers where water flow velocity decreases.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Economic Growth, Development and Sustainable Development
Q208. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Concepts
Descriptions
A. Functionings
i. Lack of access to basic necessities like healthcare or political liberty.
B. Capability Set
ii. The alternative combinations of beings and doings a person can achieve.
C. Agency
iii. A person’s ability to pursue and realize goals they value.
D. Unfreedom
iv. The achieved states of being and doing, such as being adequately nourished.
Explanation
Functionings are the achieved states of being, such as staying healthy. The capability set represents the range of choices available to an individual. Agency refers to the ability to pursue goals one values. Finally, unfreedoms are obstacles like poverty or lack of healthcare that prevent people from reaching their potential. These terms form the core of a holistic human development framework.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Basics of Everyday Science
Q209. When a simple pendulum swings from its mean position to its extreme position, what happens to its energy?
Explanation
At the mean position, a swinging pendulum possesses maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy. As it moves toward the extreme position, its height increases and its speed decreases. This process converts kinetic energy into gravitational potential energy. At the highest point of the swing, the pendulum momentarily stops, and its energy is entirely potential before it begins the return journey downward.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Prehistoric Rajasthan
Q210. Consider the following statements regarding the site of Bagor: I. Phase I is characterized purely by a microlithic industry without pottery. II. Phase II shows the introduction of copper tools and handmade pottery. III. Phase III contains iron implements and wheel-made pottery. IV. The site yields no evidence of animal husbandry in any phase. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Bagor exhibits a clear cultural evolution across three main phases. Phase I is characterized by microliths and animal remains without pottery. Phase II marks the introduction of handmade pottery and copper tools, indicating outside influences. Phase III shows the arrival of iron implements and wheel-made ceramics. Contrary to some claims, the site provides extensive faunal evidence confirming the practice of husbandry.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
201
(a) I, II, III, and V only
202
(b) I, II, IV and V only
203
(c) IV only
204
(c) Hunting and gathering with early signs of animal domestication
205
(a) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect.
206
(c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
207
(c) Deep deposits of silt and clay left by flooding
208
(a) A-iv, B-ii, C-iii, D-i
209
(c) Kinetic energy is converted into potential energy
210
(c) I, II and III only
Frequently asked questions
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Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation. Practise one chapter at a time, note the facts you got wrong and revise them. Repeat the chapter after a few days.
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