Q3871. The metallurgical prowess of ancient India is best exemplified by the Iron Pillar of Delhi. Which of the following is the most appropriate reason for its remarkable rust resistance?
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Q3872. Given below are two statements, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The ozone hole is most prominently observed over Antarctica during its spring season.
Reason (R): Polar stratospheric clouds form during the extremely cold winter, providing surfaces for chemical reactions that release ozone-depleting reactive chlorine.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The ozone hole is most prominently observed over Antarctica during its spring season.
Reason (R): Polar stratospheric clouds form during the extremely cold winter, providing surfaces for chemical reactions that release ozone-depleting reactive chlorine.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Explanation
Extremely low temperatures during the Antarctic winter lead to the formation of polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds facilitate unique chemical reactions that release reactive chlorine from reservoir species. When sunlight returns in the spring, this chlorine rapidly destroys ozone molecules, creating the seasonal ozone hole. This localized phenomenon demonstrates the interaction between atmospheric physics and man-made chemicals.
Q3873. Which of the following is NOT one of the four recognized biodiversity hotspots present in India?
Explanation
India is home to four globally recognized biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland. These regions are identified by their exceptional levels of endemism and severe habitat loss. While the Vindhyan Range is ecologically important, it does not meet the specific international criteria required to be classified as a global biodiversity hotspot under standard scientific assessments.
Q3874. Match the items in List I with the items in List II to identify the correct educational associations.
| Ancient Educational Institutions | Patron Dynasties or Key Figures |
|---|---|
| A. Nalanda | i. Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty |
| B. Vikramshila | ii. Maitraka Dynasty |
| C. Takshashila | iii. Kumaragupta I of the Gupta Dynasty |
| D. Vallabhi | iv. Chanakya (associated as a renowned teacher) |
Explanation
Ancient Indian educational centers were supported by various royal patrons and legendary figures. Nalanda was founded under the Gupta ruler Kumaragupta I, while Vikramshila was established by Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty. Takshashila is famously associated with the teacher Chanakya, and Vallabhi became a major center for Hinayana studies under the patronage of the Maitraka dynasty.
Q3875. Read the following statements regarding Article 253 of the Constitution and select the correct option:
Statement I: Parliament has the power to make any law for the whole or any part of the territory of India for implementing any international treaty.
Statement II: For enacting laws to implement international agreements that affect subjects in the State List, Parliament requires the consent of the majority of the states.
Statement I: Parliament has the power to make any law for the whole or any part of the territory of India for implementing any international treaty.
Statement II: For enacting laws to implement international agreements that affect subjects in the State List, Parliament requires the consent of the majority of the states.
Explanation
Article 253 grants Parliament exclusive power to legislate for the implementation of any international treaty or agreement. This authority extends to subjects otherwise reserved for the State List. Crucially, Parliament does not require the consent of the states to enact such laws. This ensures that the Union government can effectively fulfill its international obligations without being hindered by regional legislative constraints.
Q3876. Which of the following best describes the core objective of the Great Green Wall initiative?
Explanation
The Great Green Wall is an ambitious African-led initiative aiming to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land. It focuses on the Sahel region to combat desertification, improve food security, and create jobs. Rather than just planting a line of trees, it promotes a mosaic of sustainable land management practices and agroforestry tailored to local ecological needs.
Q3877. Read the following statements regarding the criteria for a region to qualify as a biodiversity hotspot:
I. It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.
II. It must have lost at least 70 percent of its primary native vegetation.
III. It must be located strictly within the tropical latitudes.
IV. It must contain significant megafauna species.
Which of the above statements are correct?
I. It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.
II. It must have lost at least 70 percent of its primary native vegetation.
III. It must be located strictly within the tropical latitudes.
IV. It must contain significant megafauna species.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must harbor at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species and have lost seventy percent of its original native vegetation. Hotspots are defined by high endemism and high threat levels rather than specific latitudes or the presence of megafauna. Consequently, only the botanical and habitat loss criteria are valid in this specific context.
Q3878. The Battle of Tunga (1787) was fought between the Maratha forces led by Mahadji Scindia and the combined Rajput forces led by:
Explanation
The Battle of Tunga in 1787 involved a confrontation between the Maratha forces under Mahadji Scindia and a coalition of Rajput states. The Rajput army was led by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of Jaipur and Maharaja Bijay Singh of Jodhpur. This battle was significant as it temporarily checked Maratha dominance in the region and led to a strategic Maratha retreat from the area.
Q3879. An archaeologist discovers retorts and distillation furnaces in Zawar, Rajasthan, dating back to ancient and medieval times. This archaeological evidence primarily highlights ancient India’s advanced capabilities in which of the following metallurgical processes?
Explanation
Archaeological findings in Zawar, Rajasthan, provide concrete evidence of ancient India’s sophisticated metallurgical skills. The presence of specialized retorts and furnaces indicates that practitioners had mastered the complex process of zinc smelting through distillation. This technique required high temperatures and controlled environments, marking a significant technological advancement that predated similar industrial-scale processes in many other parts of the world.
Q3880. Match the Articles in List-I with their respective subjects in List-II:
| Articles of the Constitution | Subjects |
|---|---|
| A. Article 249 | i. Power of Parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List if a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation. |
| B. Article 250 | ii. Legislation for giving effect to international agreements. |
| C. Article 252 | iii. Power of Parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List in the national interest. |
| D. Article 253 | iv. Power of Parliament to legislate for two or more States by consent. |
Explanation
The Constitution provides specific articles for Parliament to legislate on state subjects. Article 249 covers national interest, while Article 250 applies during emergencies. Article 252 allows legislation when two or more states provide consent. Article 253 empowers Parliament to implement international agreements. These provisions ensure that the federal structure remains flexible enough to address national priorities and global commitments when necessary.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 3871 | (b) The formation of a protective passive film of misawite. |
| 3872 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 3873 | (b) The Vindhyan Range |
| 3874 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 3875 | (a) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect |
| 3876 | (c) To restore degraded landscapes and combat desertification across the Sahel via sustainable management. |
| 3877 | (a) I and II only |
| 3878 | (d) Sawai Pratap Singh and Maharaja Bijay Singh |
| 3879 | (d) Zinc smelting |
| 3880 | (d) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
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.