RAS Prelims MCQ Practice

Explanation

The induction of a minister begins with their appointment by the Governor on the Chief Minister’s advice. Following this, the minister takes the oath of office and secrecy. Portfolios are then allocated by the Chief Minister. Finally, the minister assumes charge of their respective department. This sequence ensures that all legal and procedural requirements for ministerial functioning are met. Each step is necessary for the formal establishment of a minister’s authority. The appointment provides the legal basis, the oath provides the constitutional commitment, and the portfolio allocation defines the specific area of responsibility. Together, these steps allow a minister to begin their administrative work as part of the state’s executive branch.

Explanation

Rajasthan dominates India’s gypsum production, and Bikaner district has the largest deposits, with Jaisalmer and Nagaur also important.

Explanation

Terah Taali involves the Kamad community using manjiras (cymbals) as the primary instrument. The name ‘Terah Taali’ refers to the thirteen manjiras tied to the dancer’s body, which are struck in rhythmic patterns. Ramdevra is the principal pilgrimage site associated with this tradition, where these devotional performances are most prominently staged during religious festivals honoring Baba Ramdevji.

Explanation

Ustad Mansur was given the title Nadir-ul-Asr by Jahangir for his paintings of birds, animals and flowers.

Explanation

If a Chief Minister dies suddenly while in office, the Council of Ministers is automatically dissolved. This occurs because the Council exists only as long as its head is in office. While the ruling party typically elects a new leader to be appointed as the next Chief Minister, the previous ministry ceases to exist legally at the moment of the CM’s death. This principle highlights the central role of the Chief Minister in the parliamentary system. The Council is a team led by the Chief Minister, and its existence is tied to that leadership. A new Council must be formed and sworn in under the leadership of the successor to restore the executive machinery.

Explanation

Rock phosphate is the raw material for phosphatic fertilisers, and Jhamarkotra in Udaipur district is the largest deposit in India. It is not mined mainly in the coastal alluvial tracts of Kerala, so III is wrong.

Explanation

The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 established that the total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in a state cannot exceed 15 percent of the total membership of the Legislative Assembly. This limit prevents the creation of oversized cabinets for political reasons. For smaller states, the minimum number of ministers is fixed at twelve for administrative efficiency. This rule ensures that the size of the government remains proportional to the size of the legislature. It discourages the use of ministerial positions as a means to satisfy political factions. By capping the cabinet size, the amendment promotes lean and efficient governance while maintaining the necessary administrative capacity for the state.

Explanation

Gypsum is used in Rajasthan and Punjab as a soil amendment to reclaim alkaline and saline soils, since the calcium helps replace the sodium.

Explanation

In a traditional Terah Taali performance, a total of thirteen manjiras are used. A specific arrangement is followed where nine manjiras are tied to the right leg, typically from the ankle to above the knee. The remaining four are tied to the arms and held in the hands. This asymmetry allows for the complex cross-rhythmic striking that characterizes the performance.

Explanation

Jahangir’s painting moved to portraits and static court scenes, achieved scientific accuracy in flora and fauna and borrowed the halo from European art. He favoured realistic over abstract landscapes, so IV is incorrect.