Q3951. In the context of Rajasthan’s Thar desert, which of the following is the most widespread physical process of land degradation leading to desertification?
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Q3952. The publication documenting the rare and endangered species of animals and plants, maintained internationally, is known as:
Explanation
The Red Data Book is the state document established for documenting rare and endangered species of animals, plants, and fungi. Maintained by the IUCN, it provides comprehensive data on the conservation status of various taxa across the globe. This publication is essential for tracking biodiversity loss and guiding international efforts to protect species that are at risk of extinction.
Q3953. Match the states in List I with their respective ruling clans or communities in List II:
| Fragmented/New State | Ruling Clan/Community |
|---|---|
| A. Bharatpur | i. Naruka Rajput |
| B. Alwar | ii. Jat |
| C. Tonk | iii. Sisodia Rajput |
| D. Shahpura | iv. Pathan Muslim |
Explanation
Different clans and communities ruled the fragmented states of Rajputana. The Jats established the state of Bharatpur, while the Naruka Rajputs founded Alwar. Tonk was governed by a Pathan Muslim dynasty, and Shahpura was ruled by a branch of the Sisodia Rajputs. These diverse ruling backgrounds reflect the complex political landscape that emerged during the decline of the larger Mughal Empire.
Q3954. Read the following statements regarding scientific development in ancient India:
I. The decimal system of numeration was developed in India.
II. Ancient Indian chemists successfully practiced the process of zinc smelting long before it was known in Europe.
III. Alchemy in ancient India was strongly associated with Ayurveda and the quest for elixirs of life.
IV. The Iron Pillar of Delhi was constructed during the Mauryan period.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The decimal system of numeration was developed in India.
II. Ancient Indian chemists successfully practiced the process of zinc smelting long before it was known in Europe.
III. Alchemy in ancient India was strongly associated with Ayurveda and the quest for elixirs of life.
IV. The Iron Pillar of Delhi was constructed during the Mauryan period.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Ancient India made profound scientific contributions, including the development of the decimal system and advanced techniques for smelting metals like zinc. Alchemy was also closely linked with Ayurvedic practices. However, the Iron Pillar of Delhi was not constructed during the Mauryan period; it is a product of the Gupta period, as evidenced by its historical inscription and metallurgical style.
Q3955. The following question consists of two statements -- Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option:
Assertion (A): Any law passed by Parliament under Article 249 ceases to have effect on the expiration of six months after the resolution has ceased to be in force.
Reason (R): Laws made under Article 249 are temporary in nature and their validity depends strictly on the continuation of the Rajya Sabha resolution.
Assertion (A): Any law passed by Parliament under Article 249 ceases to have effect on the expiration of six months after the resolution has ceased to be in force.
Reason (R): Laws made under Article 249 are temporary in nature and their validity depends strictly on the continuation of the Rajya Sabha resolution.
Explanation
A law made under Article 249 ceases to operate six months after the resolution lapses. This is so because such laws are temporary and depend on the continuation of the Rajya Sabha resolution, so R explains A.
Q3956. Match List-I with List-II regarding the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) structure:
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
| IPCC Body | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| A. Working Group I | i. Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability |
| B. Working Group II | ii. Mitigation of Climate Change |
| C. Working Group III | iii. The Physical Science Basis |
| D. Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories | iv. Methodologies for calculating GHG emissions and removals |
Explanation
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is organized into specific groups to manage complex scientific information. Working Group I focuses on the physical science basis, while Group II examines impacts and adaptation strategies. Mitigation efforts are the domain of Working Group III. Finally, a specialized task force develops methodologies for calculating and reporting national greenhouse gas emissions and removals globally.
Q3957. Which of the following is NOT a recognized category in the IUCN Red List?
Explanation
The official IUCN Red List categories include Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, Least Concern, Data Deficient, and Not Evaluated. These categories provide a standardized framework for assessing the risk of extinction. Ecological Exception is not a recognized term or category within this global system used to evaluate the status of biological species.
Q3958. Which of the following factors did NOT contribute to the political fragmentation of Rajputana in the 18th century?
Explanation
Political fragmentation in eighteenth-century Rajputana was driven by the jagirdari crisis, Maratha interventions in succession disputes, and traditional land systems like Bhai-bant. However, the establishment of a unified administrative code by the Mughal Emperor was not a factor. In fact, it was the breakdown of Mughal administrative cohesion that allowed local rivalries and external pressures to fragment the region’s principalities.
Q3959. A student observing a piece of ancient Indian art notes dynamic movement, crowded compositions, and a strong emphasis on narrative reliefs depicting the Jatakas, carved primarily in white limestone. Based on these characteristics, which school of art is the student most likely observing?
Explanation
The Amaravati school is distinguished by its unique use of white limestone and its dynamic, crowded sculptural compositions. It focused heavily on narrative reliefs that depicted Jataka tales with a sense of intense movement and emotional expression. These characteristics, along with the patronage of the Satavahanas in the Krishna valley, define the school’s specific stylistic identity in ancient India.
Q3960. Under Article 252, if two or more States pass resolutions requesting Parliament to enact laws on a State subject, the resulting law enacted by Parliament:
Explanation
A law passed under Article 252 applies only to the States that passed the resolutions and to any State that adopts it later. Only Parliament can amend or repeal it.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 3951 | (c) Wind erosion and the shifting of sand dunes |
| 3952 | (c) The Red Data Book |
| 3953 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 3954 | (a) I, II and III only |
| 3955 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 3956 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 3957 | (d) Ecological Exception |
| 3958 | (a) Unified administrative code established by the Mughal Emperor |
| 3959 | (a) Amaravati School |
| 3960 | (a) Affects only participating States and those adopting it subsequently. |
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.