Q291. In geographic classification, a region is generally classified as a desert primarily based on which of the following criteria?
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Q292. Consider the following statements regarding public goods and market failure:
I. Public goods are characterized by non-excludability and non-rivalry in consumption.
II. The free-rider problem makes it difficult for private markets to supply public goods efficiently.
III. National defense and street lighting are classic examples of public goods.
IV. Market mechanisms always provide the optimal amount of public goods without government intervention.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Public goods are characterized by non-excludability and non-rivalry in consumption.
II. The free-rider problem makes it difficult for private markets to supply public goods efficiently.
III. National defense and street lighting are classic examples of public goods.
IV. Market mechanisms always provide the optimal amount of public goods without government intervention.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Public goods are non-excludable, meaning people cannot be prevented from using them, and non-rival, meaning one person’s use doesn’t reduce availability for others. These traits lead to the free-rider problem, where individuals consume the good without paying. Examples include national defense and lighthouses. Because private firms cannot easily profit from them, the market fails to provide an optimal amount without government intervention.
Q293. Which of the following surfaces is the best emitter of thermal radiation?
Explanation
The ability of a surface to emit thermal radiation is closely related to its ability to absorb it. According to Kirchhoff’s law, good absorbers are also good emitters. Dark, rough, or matte surfaces absorb almost all incident radiation and emit thermal energy much more efficiently than light-colored, smooth, or polished surfaces, which tend to reflect radiation instead of absorbing it.
Q294. Evidence of early agriculture in the margins of Rajasthan, often associated with the Neolithic transition in neighboring regions, is best inferred from which type of discoveries?
Explanation
In the transition toward food production in Rajasthan, certain archaeological finds suggest early agricultural activities. The discovery of heavy ground and polished stone axes is particularly significant. These tools were likely used for clearing forests and preparing land for cultivation. While not as widespread as in other regions, these artifacts represent the initial steps toward a sedentary lifestyle and the systematic management of plants.
Q295. According to the most widely accepted contemporary archaeological consensus, which factor contributed most significantly to the decline of the mature Harappan phase?
Explanation
While many theories exist, the contemporary archaeological consensus leans toward gradual environmental changes as the primary cause of the Harappan decline. The drying up of the Ghaggar-Hakra river system and shifting monsoon patterns likely disrupted the agricultural foundation of the cities. This led to a gradual process of de-urbanization and the migration of populations toward other eastern regions.
Q296. Consider the following words mentioned in the Preamble:
I. Socialist
II. Secular
III. Integrity
IV. Fraternity
Which of the above combination of words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976?
I. Socialist
II. Secular
III. Integrity
IV. Fraternity
Which of the above combination of words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976?
Explanation
The Preamble has been amended only once, by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976. This amendment added three new words to the Preamble: ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, and ‘Integrity’. While the word ‘Fraternity’ was already part of the original Preamble adopted in 1949, these additions were made to explicitly state the social and political character of the Indian state and its unity.
Q297. Which of the following represents the correct sequence of the given deserts in decreasing order of their approximate total geographic area?
Explanation
Deserts vary greatly in their geographic extent. The Sahara in North Africa is the largest hot desert globally. It is followed by the Arabian Desert on the Arabian Peninsula. The Gobi Desert in Central Asia is the third largest in this group and is classified as a cold desert. The Atacama Desert in South America is significantly smaller but extremely arid.
Q298. Arrange the following steps sequentially in the context of government intervention to correct a negative environmental externality (market failure):
I. Estimation of the marginal external cost caused by the pollution.
II. Identification of the negative externality (e.g., air pollution from a factory).
III. Implementation of a Pigouvian tax or emission cap.
IV. Reduction in the quantity produced to the socially optimal level.
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
I. Estimation of the marginal external cost caused by the pollution.
II. Identification of the negative externality (e.g., air pollution from a factory).
III. Implementation of a Pigouvian tax or emission cap.
IV. Reduction in the quantity produced to the socially optimal level.
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
Explanation
Government intervention to correct an environmental externality begins with identifying the specific source of pollution. Next, economists must estimate the marginal external cost to determine the appropriate policy scale. A Pigouvian tax or emission cap is then implemented based on these calculations. Finally, as producers respond to the new costs, the total quantity produced falls to a socially optimal and sustainable level.
Q299. When salt is added to pure water, its boiling point:
Explanation
Adding a non-volatile solute like salt to pure water causes a phenomenon known as boiling point elevation. The salt particles interfere with the water molecules’ ability to escape into the vapor phase, requiring more thermal energy to reach a vapor pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure. Consequently, the temperature at which the solution boils is higher than that of pure water alone.
Q300. The hallmark technique for manufacturing stone tools during the true Neolithic phase involves:
Explanation
The hallmark of tool manufacturing during the Neolithic period is the shift toward polishing and grinding techniques. Unlike earlier phases that relied on flaking, Neolithic humans spent considerable effort smoothing the surfaces of stone tools to create highly efficient and durable edges. These polished celts and axes were essential for specialized tasks such as woodworking and forest clearance, which supported early agriculture.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 291 | (b) Severe moisture deficit with low annual precipitation |
| 292 | (a) I, II and III only |
| 293 | (b) A rough black surface |
| 294 | (a) Heavy ground and polished stone axes used for forest clearance |
| 295 | (a) Climatic change leading to the drying of the Ghaggar-Hakra system |
| 296 | (a) I, II and III only |
| 297 | (a) Sahara, Arabian, Gobi, Atacama |
| 298 | (a) II, I, III, IV |
| 299 | (b) Increases |
| 300 | (c) Polishing and grinding to create smooth surfaces and sharp edges |
Frequently asked questions
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This page has 9654 practice MCQs on the RAS Prelims syllabus. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
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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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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.