RAS Prelims MCQ Practice

Explanation

The current structure of the Eklingji Temple is largely the result of significant rebuilding efforts undertaken by Maharana Raimal in the late fifteenth century. The temple’s sanctum houses a magnificent four-faced idol of Lord Shiva carved from black marble. Despite its complexity, the architecture is a prime example of the Nagara style rather than the Dravidian style typical of Southern India.

Explanation

The institution was established on January 1, 2015, following a resolution by the Union Cabinet. This marked a major shift in India’s economic governance, moving away from the decades-old centralized planning model. The new body was designed to be a think-tank that provides strategic and technical advice to both the central and state governments. This date represents the transition from a top-down planning system to a more inclusive, cooperative approach. By replacing the Planning Commission, the government aimed to create a more dynamic institution capable of responding to the challenges of a 21st-century economy while empowering states to play a more active role in national development.

Explanation

Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where particles become deeply linked, such that the quantum state of one particle cannot be described independently of the others. Even if separated by vast distances, a measurement on one particle immediately influences the state of the entangled partner. This principle is fundamental for developing secure quantum communication networks and high-speed quantum computing architectures.

Explanation

The Navlakha Darwaza is the first and most prominent entry gate to the formidable Ranthambore Fort. This massive stone gateway serves as a strong defensive point and marks the beginning of the ascent into the citadel. Its name, which implies great value or a ‘nine-lakh’ gate, reflects the importance and prestige associated with the fort’s entrance throughout its long history.

Explanation

The institution is built on the principle of cooperative federalism, recognizing that strong states make a strong nation. By providing a platform for states to participate in the policy formulation process, it ensures that national development priorities are shaped with the active involvement and decisive say of all state governments, fostering a collaborative approach. This approach is a departure from the previous centralized model. It empowers states to contribute their unique perspectives and regional needs to the national discourse, ensuring that development strategies are not only more effective but also more sustainable and representative of the country’s diverse socio-economic landscape.

Explanation

Quantum Key Distribution is unique because its security is guaranteed by the fundamental laws of physics rather than mathematical complexity. Unlike RSA encryption, which can be broken by powerful computers solving difficult math problems, QKD uses quantum states of light to detect any attempted eavesdropping. If an interceptor tries to measure the key, the quantum state changes, immediately alerting the users.

Explanation

The color and material of Rajasthan’s monuments are deeply linked to the local geology and the artistic preferences of their builders. Jaisalmer Fort’s yellow sandstone gives it a golden glow, while the Hawa Mahal uses pink and red sandstone. The Dilwara Temples are famous for their pure white marble, and the Vijay Stambh features a blend of red sandstone and marble.

Explanation

The Governing Council is the premier body of the institution, chaired by the Prime Minister. It includes the Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories with legislatures, as well as the Lieutenant Governors of other Union Territories. This inclusive structure ensures that the top leadership of all sub-national units is directly involved in national planning. This council provides a high-level forum for discussing national priorities and addressing cross-cutting issues. By bringing together the leaders of all states and union territories, the institution ensures that development goals are pursued through consensus and a shared vision, strengthening the bond between the central and state governments in the planning process.

Explanation

Quantum technology involves several key concepts: superposition allows multiple simultaneous states, while decoherence represents the loss of these states due to environmental interaction. A qubit is the fundamental unit of quantum information. Quantum supremacy is achieved when a quantum processor performs a specific task that would be practically impossible for the most powerful classical supercomputers to complete.

Explanation

The Jal Mahal, or Water Palace, is a stunning architectural landmark situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. Originally built as a pleasure palace and hunting lodge, it appears to float on the water. While four of its five stories remain submerged when the lake is full, the top floor showcases elegant Rajput design with decorative chhatris.