Daily MCQs – 15th Nov 23
General Studies UPSC Prelims Daily MCQ:
Top Multiple-Choice Questions for UPSC/ IAS Paper, PCS and other Competitive Exams: Daily MCQs on Indian Polity, Indian Geography, History, Environment, Science and Technology, Current Affairs, Economics, Art and Culture, etc.
Q1. With reference to “Pliosaur” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:
- They were one of the largest aquatic carnivorous reptiles that have ever lived.
- They lived during early Middle Jurassic period.
- They were characterized by long necks, small pointed teeth, and slender skulls.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Pliosaur were one of the largest aquatic carnivorous reptiles that have ever lived. They were at the top of the food chain. Lorrainosaurus is the oldest large-bodied pliosaur.
Statement 2 is correct: They lived during early Middle Jurassic period (200 million years ago).
Statement 3 is incorrect: They were characterized by short necks, large conical teeth and massive skulls. They were similar to today’s Killer whales.
Q2. Consider the following statements about P-waves:
- The P-waves are similar to sound waves.
- The P-waves can travel only through solid materials.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Earthquake waves are basically of two types — body waves and surface waves. Body waves are generated due to the release of energy at the focus and move in all directions travelling through the body of the earth. The body waves interact with the surface rocks and generate new set of waves called surface waves. There are two types of body waves. They are called P and S-waves. P-waves move faster and are the first to arrive at the surface. These are also called ‘primary waves’. The P-waves are similar to sound waves. They travel through gaseous, liquid and solid materials.
Statement 2 is incorrect: S-waves arrive at the surface with some time lag. These are called secondary waves. An important fact about S-waves is that they can travel only through solid materials. The velocity of waves changes as they travel through materials with different densities. The denser the material, the higher is the velocity. Their direction also changes as they reflect or refract when coming across materials with different densities.
Q3. With reference to Constitutional provision of citizenship, which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
- People voluntarily acquiring citizenship of a foreign country will not be citizens of India.
- If a foreigner is staying in India for more than 20 years, then he/she becomes a citizen of India due to the continuous stay for such a long time.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: As per the Article 9, People voluntarily acquiring citizenship of a foreign country will not be citizens of India.
Statement 2 is incorrect: If a foreigner is staying in India for more than 20 years then, by mere long stay in India, one does not become citizen of India. The Citizenship of India can be acquired under any one of the following provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955:
- Citizenship by Birth – Section 3
- Citizenship by Descent – Section 4
- Citizenship by Registration – Section 5
- Citizenship by Naturalization – Section 6
- Citizenship by incorporation of territory -Section 7
Q4. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelising water into connected reservoirs?
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Dholavira, the southern center of the Harappan Civilization, is located on the arid island of Khadir in Gujarat, India. Water, a scarce resource in the region, was supplied by two seasonal streams to the walled city. A sophisticated water management system demonstrates the Dholavira people’s ingenuity in their struggle to survive and thrive in harsh conditions.
Q5. Consider the following statements:
- Early palaeolithic tools were fairly large core tools made of quartzite or other hard rocks.
- Palaeolithic people lived in shelters made of rock, branches, grass, leaves, or reeds.
Choose the correct statement(s) using the code given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Early palaeolithic tools were fairly large core tools made of quartzite or other hard rocks. They include chopping tools, handaxes, and cleavers.
Statement 2 is correct: Palaeolithic people lived in shelters made of rock, branches, grass, leaves, or reeds. More and less permanent settlements can be identified and some sites represent specific kinds of activities. Habitation sites such as Bhimbetka and Hunsgi give evidence of continuous occupation over centuries. Other sites indicate temporary camp sites, where people came, lived for some part of the year, and then moved on. Still others were connected with specific activities—e.g., kill or butchery sites and factory sites.