Q261. Consider the following statements about the geomorphology of the Indo-Gangetic plain: I. The Bhabar belt is highly porous due to the deposition of coarse pebbles. II. Streams disappear in the Bhabar and re-emerge in the Terai region. III. The Bhangar represents the newer alluvium deposited by floodwaters annually. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Bhabar belt is a porous region at the foot of the Himalayas, composed of coarse pebbles where many streams disappear underground. These streams re-emerge further south in the swampy Terai region. While the Khadar represents the newer, fertile alluvium deposited by annual floods, the Bhangar consists of older alluvium and lies above the level of the regular flood plains.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Economic Growth, Development and Sustainable Development
Q262. Consider the following statements regarding the economic linkages of environmental degradation: I. Environmental degradation can reduce labor productivity through adverse health effects. II. Depletion of natural capital poses a constraint on future economic growth. III. Environmental regulations always result in a net loss of total jobs in an economy. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Environmental degradation harms labor productivity by causing health issues like respiratory diseases, which lead to increased absenteeism. Furthermore, the depletion of natural capital creates long-term constraints because future production depends on these resources. While some argue that regulations kill jobs, modern evidence suggests that the transition to a green economy can actually create new opportunities in technology and renewable energy sectors.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Basics of Everyday Science
Q263. The anomalous expansion of water occurs between which temperature range?
Explanation
Most substances contract when cooled, but water exhibits a unique behavior called anomalous expansion between zero and four degrees Celsius. As water is heated from zero degrees, its density increases and its volume decreases until it reaches four degrees. This property is vital for aquatic life, as it ensures that the densest water sinks to the bottom, preventing lakes from freezing solid.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Prehistoric Rajasthan
Q264. Identify the incorrectly matched pair regarding the Bagor excavations.
Explanation
While Bagor provides a rich sequence of prehistoric and protohistoric occupation, the claim that it featured multi-story baked brick houses is incorrect. The architecture at Bagor was primarily composed of stone-paved floors, mud walls, and wattle-and-daub structures. Sophisticated baked brick architecture is a hallmark of urban civilizations like the Harappans, which followed a different developmental trajectory than the rural settlement.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indus Valley Civilisation
Q265. Given below are two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Select the correct option from the choices given below: Assertion (A): The streets of the lower town in Harappan cities were carefully aligned on a grid pattern. Reason (R): Harappan civilization lacked any form of centralized municipal administration or planning authority.
Explanation
The meticulously planned grid pattern of Harappan cities strongly suggests the presence of a centralized municipal administration. The uniformity in street layout, brick sizes, and drainage systems could only have been achieved through organized urban planning. Therefore, the claim that the civilization lacked a centralized authority is contradicted by the overwhelming archaeological evidence of systematic and standardized urban development.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Framing of the Constitution, Preamble and Citizenship
Q266. Who was the chief calligrapher of the original Constitution of India?
Explanation
Prem Behari Narain Raizada was the chief calligrapher of the original Constitution of India. He handwritten the entire document in a flowing italic style. The task of beautifying and decorating the pages was carried out by artists from Shantiniketan, including Nandalal Bose and Beohar Rammanohar Sinha. The Hindi version was calligraphed by Vasant Krishnan Vaidya and decorated by Nandalal Bose.
Q267. In the context of the Indo-Gangetic plains, the marshy and swampy tract covered with thick forests located immediately south of the Bhabar belt is known as:
Explanation
The Terai is a marshy and swampy lowland region located immediately south of the Bhabar belt in the Indo-Gangetic plains. It is formed by the re-emergence of underground streams that disappear in the porous Bhabar. Historically, the Terai was covered with thick forests and was rich in wildlife. Today, much of it has been cleared for intensive agriculture due to its fertile soil.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Economic Growth, Development and Sustainable Development
Q268. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Environmental Economic Concepts
Descriptions
A. Negative Externality
i. The stock of natural ecosystems that yields a flow of valuable ecosystem goods or services.
B. Positive Externality
ii. Individuals benefiting from a public good without paying for it.
C. Free Rider Problem
iii. A cost suffered by a third party as a result of an economic transaction.
D. Natural Capital
iv. A benefit enjoyed by a third party as a result of an economic transaction.
Explanation
A negative externality is a cost imposed on others, like pollution. A positive externality provides unintended benefits, such as a neighbor’s beautiful garden. The free-rider problem occurs when people use public goods without contributing to their cost. Natural capital represents the stock of ecosystems that provide valuable services. Understanding these concepts is essential for designing policies that correct market failures and promote sustainability.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Basics of Everyday Science
Q269. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Water is often used as a coolant in automobile radiators. Reason (R): Water has a very high specific heat capacity compared to most other liquids.
Explanation
Water possesses an exceptionally high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb a large amount of heat energy with only a small increase in its own temperature. This property makes it an ideal coolant for automobile engines. By circulating through the radiator, water effectively removes excess thermal energy generated during combustion, preventing the engine from overheating while maintaining stable operating temperatures.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Prehistoric Rajasthan
Q270. What type of flooring was unearthed in the habitation structures of Bagor?
Explanation
Excavations at the Mesolithic site of Bagor revealed interesting details about ancient habitation structures. The inhabitants constructed durable flooring using locally available schist slabs and river pebbles. These stone-paved floors were designed to provide a stable and dry surface for their huts. This architectural feature suggests a degree of sedentism and organized living spaces even during the early hunting-gathering and pastoral phases.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
261
(a) I and II only
262
(b) I and II only
263
(a) 0 to 4 degrees Celsius
264
(c) Architecture - Baked brick multi-story houses
265
(c) A is true but R is false.
266
(c) Prem Behari Narain Raizada
267
(c) Terai
268
(a) A-iii, B-iv, C-ii, D-i
269
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
270
(d) Stone paved floors made of schist slabs and pebbles
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.
