Q381. Consider the following statements regarding cold deserts: I. They are typically found in temperate regions at higher latitudes. II. Precipitation often falls as snow rather than rain. III. The Gobi and Patagonian deserts are prominent examples. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Cold deserts are typically situated in temperate regions at high latitudes or within high-altitude interior continental areas. Due to the low temperatures, precipitation in these regions often occurs as snowfall. Prominent global examples include the Gobi Desert in Asia and the Patagonian Desert in South America. These environments have unique ecosystems adapted to both extreme cold and severe moisture deficits.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Economic Growth, Development and Sustainable Development
Q382. Consider the following variables related to environmental accounting: I. Conventional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) II. Monetary value of natural resource depletion III. Monetary cost of environmental pollution Which of the following represents the correct mathematical relationship for Green GDP?
Explanation
The mathematical formula for Green GDP starts with the conventional Gross Domestic Product. From this total, the monetary value of natural resource depletion and the costs associated with environmental pollution are subtracted. This subtraction accounts for the "wear and tear" on nature, similar to how depreciation accounts for capital wear. The resulting figure represents the net economic gain after considering environmental costs.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Basics of Everyday Science
Q383. To hear a distinct echo, the minimum distance between the listener and the reflecting surface should be approximately:
Explanation
To hear a distinct echo, the human ear requires a time interval of at least zero point one seconds between the original sound and the reflected one. Given the speed of sound in air is approximately three hundred and forty-four meters per second, the sound must travel a total distance of thirty-four point four meters. Thus, the reflecting surface must be half that distance.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Prehistoric Rajasthan
Q384. The initial excavations at Ahar, leading to the discovery of the Banas culture, were conducted in 1953 by:
Explanation
Akshay Kirti Vyas conducted the first formal excavations at the site of Ahar in 1953. His initial work brought to light the existence of a major Chalcolithic culture in the Mewar region, which was later extensively studied by other scholars. These discoveries were crucial for understanding the rural counterparts to the urban Harappan civilization and the regional diversity of protohistoric Indian societies.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Indus Valley Civilisation
Q385. Consider the following statements and select the correct option: Statement I: The Indus Valley Civilisation covered parts of present-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. Statement II: The core geographical area of the civilization was limited entirely to the modern borders of the Republic of India.
Explanation
The Indus Valley Civilisation was a vast entity that spanned across modern national boundaries. Its territory covered significant portions of present-day Pakistan and northwestern India, with outlying trading posts like Shortughai located as far north as Afghanistan. Therefore, the suggestion that its core area was limited only to the borders of modern India is factually incorrect and ignores geographic spread.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Framing of the Constitution, Preamble and Citizenship
Q386. The ideal of ‘Liberty’ mentioned in the Preamble broadly implies:
Explanation
In the context of the Preamble, ‘Liberty’ does not mean a "license" to do anything one wants. Instead, it signifies the absence of arbitrary restraints on the activities of individuals. More importantly, it involves providing the necessary conditions and opportunities for the full development of an individual’s personality. This liberty is not absolute but is subject to reasonable restrictions defined within the Constitution.
Q387. The Thar Desert is predominantly located in which two countries?
Explanation
The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a large arid region in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is predominantly located within the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana in India, and the provinces of Sindh and Punjab in Pakistan. It forms a natural boundary between the two nations and is the world’s ninth-largest subtropical desert.
RAS PrelimsIndian Economy · Economic Growth, Development and Sustainable Development
Q388. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Macroeconomic Indicators
Key Features
A. Nominal GDP
i. Accounts for the depreciation of man-made capital.
B. Real GDP
ii. Valued at current market prices without adjusting for inflation.
C. Green GDP
iii. Adjusted for changes in price levels (inflation).
D. Net Domestic Product
iv. Adjusted for the loss of biodiversity and costs of pollution.
Explanation
Nominal GDP uses current prices, while Real GDP adjusts for inflation using a base year. Green GDP is a specialized metric that accounts for environmental damage and resource loss. Net Domestic Product specifically considers the depreciation of man-made capital like machinery. Each of these indicators provides a different lens through which to view the health and sustainability of a national economy.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Basics of Everyday Science
Q389. The technique of using high-frequency sound waves to detect objects underwater is called:
Explanation
SONAR, which stands for Sound Navigation and Ranging, is a technique that uses ultrasonic sound waves to detect and locate objects underwater. A transmitter sends out a sound pulse, which reflects off objects and returns to a receiver. By measuring the time delay between the emission and the echo, the distance and position of underwater obstacles can be accurately determined.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Prehistoric Rajasthan
Q390. Match List-I with List-II regarding Ahar culture sites and their modern districts in Rajasthan:
Ahar Culture Site
Modern District
A. Ahar
i. Rajsamand
B. Gilund
ii. Udaipur
C. Balathal
iii. Bhilwara
D. Ojhiyana
iv. Udaipur (Vallabhnagar)
Explanation
The Ahar culture is spread across several modern districts in Rajasthan. The type site, Ahar, is located in Udaipur, while Gilund is situated in the Rajsamand district. Balathal, another major settlement, is found within the Vallabhnagar tehsil of Udaipur. Ojhiyana is located in the Bhilwara district. Each of these sites has provided unique insights into the regional variations of the culture.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
381
(d) I, II, and III
382
(b) Green GDP = I - (II + III)
383
(b) 17.2 meters
384
(b) Akshay Kirti Vyas
385
(a) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect.
386
(b) Absence of restraints and provision of opportunities for personality development.
387
(b) India and Pakistan
388
(a) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i
389
(b) SONAR
390
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
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.
