Q2191. According to the Greek ambassador Megasthenes, Indian society was divided into how many distinct classes based on occupation?
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Q2192. In the D.C. Wadhwa case (1987), the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment concerning:
Explanation
In the D.C. Wadhwa case of 1987, the Supreme Court addressed the frequent repromulgation of ordinances by the executive without placing them before the legislature. The Court ruled that such practice constitutes a fraud on the Constitution and is subversive of the democratic process. It emphasized that ordinance power is meant for emergencies and cannot be used as a legislative substitute.
Q2193. Which of the following best describes the core objective of the ‘Ladang’ agricultural system practiced in Southeast Asia?
Explanation
Ladang is the regional term for shifting cultivation practiced in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. The system involves clearing small patches of forest, burning the vegetation to enrich the soil with ash, and growing crops for a few years. Once the soil fertility declines, the plot is abandoned for a new site, allowing for forest regeneration.
Q2194. Match the horizontal devolution criteria in List I with the weights assigned by the 15th Finance Commission in List II:
Choose the correct answer:
| 15th Finance Commission Horizontal Devolution Criteria | Weight assigned |
|---|---|
| A. Population (2011) | i. 10.0% |
| B. Area | ii. 15.0% |
| C. Forest and Ecology | iii. 15.0% |
| D. Income Distance | iv. 45.0% |
Explanation
The 15th Finance Commission assigned specific weights to various criteria for horizontal tax devolution. Income distance remained the most significant factor at forty-five percent. Population and area were each assigned fifteen percent. Forest and ecology received a ten percent weight, while demographic performance and tax effort were also included to reward states for policy success and efficiency in revenue collection.
Q2195. Chromosomes that are not involved in sex determination are called:
Explanation
Autosomes are the chromosomes in an organism that are not involved in determining the sex of an individual. In humans, there are twenty-two pairs of autosomes. These chromosomes carry the majority of the genetic information responsible for general bodily functions and physical characteristics. This distinguishes them from the sex chromosomes, or allosomes, which specifically determine the biological sex of the offspring.
Q2196. Who was the last prominent ruler of the Gurjara- Pratihara dynasty whose capital Kannauj was attacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1018 CE?
Explanation
Rajyapala was a ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty when the capital, Kannauj, was attacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1018 CE. Rather than defending the city, Rajyapala fled, leading to its sack and the eventual collapse of Pratihara power. His cowardice angered other Rajput rulers, resulting in his assassination by the Chandela king Vidyadhara and his allies shortly thereafter.
Q2197. Identify the incorrect statement about Megasthenes and his work Indica.
Explanation
Megasthenes served as a Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya and documented his experiences in the book Indica. Although the original manuscript is lost, substantial portions of the work have survived through fragments quoted by later classical writers like Arrian, Strabo, and Diodorus. His writings provide valuable, though sometimes misinterpreted, insights into the social, political, and economic conditions of India during the early Mauryan period.
Q2198. Article 66 of the Constitution of India deals with the election of the Vice President. The Electoral College for this election consists of:
Explanation
The electoral college for the Vice-President is different from that of the President. It consists of all members of both Houses of Parliament, encompassing both elected and nominated members. Unlike the presidential election, members of the state legislative assemblies do not participate. The election is conducted through a secret ballot using the system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote.
Q2199. All of the following are examples of intensive subsistence agriculture EXCEPT:
Explanation
Intensive subsistence agriculture is defined by high labor input on small plots in densely populated regions, such as wet paddy cultivation in Asia. In contrast, wheat farming in the Canadian Prairies is a form of extensive commercial grain farming. This system uses vast landholdings and heavy mechanization with minimal labor per acre, focusing on large-scale production for export.
Q2200. Select the correct historical sequence of the establishment of these institutions/bodies in India from earliest to latest:
Explanation
India’s institutional framework has evolved significantly over time. The Planning Commission was established in 1950, followed by its replacement, NITI Aayog, in 2015. The GST Council was created in 2016 through the 101st Amendment to manage the new tax regime. Finally, the 15th Finance Commission was constituted in 2017 to recommend the devolution of taxes for the subsequent period.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 2191 | (a) Seven |
| 2192 | (a) The frequent repromulgation of ordinances by the executive |
| 2193 | (a) It is a shifting cultivation system based on clearing forest patches for short-term agricultural use. |
| 2194 | (a) A-iii, B-ii, C-i, D-iv |
| 2195 | (a) Autosomes |
| 2196 | (b) Rajyapala |
| 2197 | (b) The original manuscript of Indica has survived intact to the present day. |
| 2198 | (b) Elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament |
| 2199 | (b) Large-scale mechanized cultivation of wheat in the Canadian Prairies. |
| 2200 | (a) Planning Commission -- NITI Aayog -- GST Council -- 15th Finance Commission |
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on RAS Prelims?
This page has 9654 practice MCQs on the RAS Prelims syllabus. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
How should I practise MCQs for RAS Prelims?
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.
Are these actual RAS Prelims past-paper questions?
No. These are practice questions written for the RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the pattern the exam uses: factual questions, statement-based questions, match-the-list and assertion-reason.