Question : Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the options given. Select the most appropriate option for each number.
A new swarm of locusts entered Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer on Sunday. This is the fifth swarm to (1)______ the state in four days from (2)______ western border with Pakistan. Since the first locust swarm (3)______ the state’s Sri Ganganagar district on April 11, as many as 25 swarms (4)______ entered Rajasthan. Some swarms moved to Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, (5)______ which agricultural departments issued advisories to farmers asking them to be on high alert.
Question:
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank no. 4.
Option 1: having
Option 2: have
Option 3: to have
Option 4: has
Correct Answer: have
Solution : The correct choice is the second option.
The phrase, as many as 25 swarms have entered Rajasthan, is describing an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. In English grammar, this is expressed using the present perfect tense, which is formed with have or has followed by the past participle of the verb. In this case, have entered is the correct form because "swarms" is plural.
Therefore, the complete sentence would be: "Since the first locust swarm invaded the state’s Sri Ganganagar district on April 11, as many as 25 swarms have entered Rajasthan."
Question : What is a common challenge faced by urban areas in India due to rapid urbanization?
Option 1: Overpopulation in rural areas
Option 2: Decline in agricultural productivity
Option 3: Inadequate urban infrastructure and services
Option 4: Decreased cultural diversity
Correct Answer: Inadequate urban infrastructure and services
Solution : Correct Option: Option 3
Explanation: A common challenge faced by urban areas in India due to rapid urbanization is inadequate urban infrastructure and services, leading to issues such as congestion, pollution, and inadequate housing.
Question : Assertion: The agricultural reforms during 1951-1991 aimed to promote cooperative farming.
Reason: Cooperative farming encouraged collective ownership and pooling of resources among farmers.
Option 1: Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Option 2: Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
Option 3: The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
Option 4: The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Correct Answer: Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
The assertion is true. The agricultural reforms during 1951-1991 in India did aim to promote cooperative farming as one of the strategies to improve agricultural productivity and rural development. The reforms encouraged collective ownership and pooling of resources among farmers through the formation of cooperatives and cooperative farming societies.
The reason is also true and provides the correct explanation for the assertion. Cooperative farming facilitates resource sharing, joint decision-making, and collective action, which can lead to better utilization of land, water, machinery, and other agricultural inputs. It promotes efficiency, economies of scale, and improved bargaining power for farmers.
Therefore, the correct answer is both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Question : Which of the following is a key policy area of the European Union?
Option 1: Space exploration
Option 2: Common agricultural policy
Option 3: Nuclear disarmament
Option 4: Global warming prevention
Correct Answer: Common agricultural policy
Solution : The Common Agricultural Policy is a key policy area of the European Union, aimed at supporting farmers, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Question : What is a common theme depicted in the sculptures at Sanchi Stupa?
Option 1: Royal conquests
Option 2: Agricultural scenes
Option 3: Cosmic order
Option 4: Compassion and non-violence
Correct Answer: Compassion and non-violence
Solution : A common theme depicted in the sculptures at Sanchi Stupa is compassion and non-violence, reflecting Buddhist values.
Question : The National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) aims to:
Option 1: Promote modern agricultural machinery and equipment
Option 2: Improve agricultural productivity through technology transfer
Option 3: Provide financial assistance for agricultural research projects
Option 4: Establish cold storage facilities in rural areas
Correct Answer: Improve agricultural productivity through technology transfer
Solution : The correct answer is (b) Improve agricultural productivity through technology transfer.
The NMAET is a government initiative in India that focuses on strengthening agricultural extension services and technology transfer to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and income of farmers. The mission recognizes the importance of efficient agricultural extension services in disseminating knowledge, information, and technical assistance to farmers.
Under the NMAET, various activities are carried out to improve agricultural extension services, including training and capacity building of extension personnel, promoting participatory approaches, establishing information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, organizing demonstrations and field days, and facilitating farmers' access to new technologies and best practices.
The mission also emphasizes the adoption of modern agricultural practices, farm mechanization, efficient water management techniques, crop diversification, and post-harvest management to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Question : The irrigation facilities in Vijayanagar were developed to support:
Option 1: Drinking water supply
Option 2: Recreational activities
Option 3: Agricultural activities
Option 4: Industrial activities
Correct Answer: Agricultural activities
Solution : Correct Option: 3
Explanation: The irrigation facilities in Vijayanagar were primarily developed to support agricultural activities, ensuring a consistent water supply for farming in the region.
Question : The Prime Minister ‘Gati Shakti’ scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2021 for which type of infrastructure development from the following?
Option 1: Schools and education
Option 2: Hospitals
Option 3: Agricultural production
Option 4: Transport
Correct Answer: Transport
Solution : The correct option is Transport.
The Prime Minister Gati Shakti scheme, launched by the Government of India, focuses on holistic infrastructure development, integrating various sectors such as transportation, energy, water, and digital connectivity. It aims to enhance efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and promote sustainable development by fostering seamless connectivity and synergy among different infrastructure components, thereby boosting economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Question : What can the analysis of a major Harappan site reveal about the civilization's trade practices?
Option 1: The use of barter system
Option 2: The presence of a centralized banking system
Option 3: The extent of trade networks with other regions
Option 4: The reliance on agricultural exports
Correct Answer: The extent of trade networks with other regions
Solution : The analysis of a major Harappan site can reveal the extent of trade networks with other regions, as evidenced by the presence of foreign goods, materials, and possibly inscriptions or seals indicating trade relationships.
Question : What was the primary function of cantonments in colonial India?
Option 1: They served as trading hubs
Option 2: They were centers for agricultural research
Option 3: They functioned as military garrisons
Option 4: They were used as educational campuses
Correct Answer: They functioned as military garrisons
Solution : The primary function of cantonments in colonial India was to serve as military garrisons, providing housing and facilities for British and Indian troops.