Q711. Article 15 prohibits discrimination by the State against any citizen on grounds only of:
RAS Prelims MCQ Practice
9,654 RAS Prelims practice MCQs with the correct answer and a clear explanation for each. Filter by subject and chapter.
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Q712. What is the primary cause of the drastic shrinking of the Aral Sea over the past few decades?
Explanation
The drastic shrinking of the Aral Sea is primarily attributed to large-scale human intervention. Starting in the mid-twentieth century, the two main feeder rivers, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, were diverted for massive agricultural irrigation projects, particularly cotton farming. This reduction in freshwater inflow, combined with high evaporation in the arid climate, caused the lake to dry up rapidly.
Q713. Which distinguished economist is primarily credited with the creation of the Human Development Index?
Explanation
The Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq is credited with pioneering this metric to shift policy focus from purely economic growth to human well-being. He aimed to create a simple composite measure that could challenge the dominance of income-based assessments. His work emphasized that the ultimate objective of development is to enlarge people’s choices, capabilities, and life opportunities globally.
Q714. Identify the correct statement regarding India’s indigenous supercomputer development.
Explanation
India achieved a significant milestone in high-performance computing with the development of PARAM 8000. This indigenous supercomputer was designed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, known as C-DAC, and officially launched in 1991. Its creation marked India’s entry into the global supercomputing arena, demonstrating the nation’s capability to build advanced technological infrastructure independently of foreign suppliers.
Q715. The archaeological site of Bairath (ancient Viratanagara) is historically significant for yielding the remains of a circular Buddhist temple. Which Mauryan ruler’s rock edict was discovered at this site?
Explanation
Bairath, known anciently as Viratanagara, is a crucial historical site that yielded a circular Buddhist temple and Mauryan remains. The most significant epigraphic find here is the Bhabru rock edict issued by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. This edict is vital as it explicitly mentions Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and his deep faith in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
Q716. The following question consists of two statements, an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R). Read them carefully and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Assertion (A): In the Rigvedic period, the power of the king (Rajan) was not absolute.
Reason (R): The king’s authority was kept in check by powerful tribal assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti.
Assertion (A): In the Rigvedic period, the power of the king (Rajan) was not absolute.
Reason (R): The king’s authority was kept in check by powerful tribal assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti.
Explanation
In the Rigvedic era, the Rajan or tribal chief did not possess absolute or autocratic authority. Political power was exercised through tribal assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti, which played a crucial role in decision-making and checked the ruler’s actions. These institutions ensured that governance remained consultative and rooted in the collective will of the tribal community and kinship.
Q717. Match the articles in List I with the provisions in List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| A. Article 14 | i. Equality of opportunity in public employment |
| B. Article 15 | ii. Abolition of untouchability |
| C. Article 16 | iii. Equality before law |
| D. Article 17 | iv. Prohibition of discrimination |
Explanation
This matching exercise aligns constitutional provisions with their respective articles. Article 14 ensures equality before the law, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination. Article 16 provides equality of opportunity in public employment for all citizens. Finally, Article 17 abolishes the practice of untouchability and forbids its implementation in any form within the Indian society.
Q718. Oxbow lakes are a characteristic feature of which specific stage or region of a river’s course?
Explanation
Oxbow lakes are distinctive U-shaped bodies of water formed when a wide meander from the main course of a river is cut off. This process typically occurs in the lower course or old stage of a river, where the gradient is low and lateral erosion is dominant. Over time, the river breaches the narrow neck of a meander loop.
Q719. Which of the following statements incorrectly describes the conceptual origin of the Human Development Index?
Explanation
This index was originally established to move beyond national income figures by focusing on people and their capabilities. It was first introduced in 1990 within a report published by the United Nations Development Programme, influenced by Amartya Sen’s capability approach. It is not a product of the World Bank, as it serves as an alternative to their frameworks.
Q720. Which classification of computers operates on continuous variable data rather than discrete binary data?
Explanation
Analog computers process information by measuring physical quantities that vary continuously, such as electrical voltage, hydraulic pressure, or mechanical movement. Unlike digital computers that use discrete binary digits, analog systems are particularly effective for solving complex differential equations and simulating real-world physical systems in real-time. These characteristics make them suitable for specialized engineering applications and scientific research.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 711 | (b) Religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth |
| 712 | (b) River diversion for large-scale agricultural irrigation |
| 713 | (b) Mahbub ul Haq |
| 714 | (b) PARAM 8000 was developed by C-DAC in 1991. |
| 715 | (d) Ashoka |
| 716 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 717 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 718 | (d) The lower course where lateral erosion and meandering dominate |
| 719 | (d) It was developed under the auspices of the World Bank |
| 720 | (d) Analog computers |
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.