Quiz 658: General Studies for SSC/PCS and UPSC Examinations 2017-18
March 9, 2017 October 27, 2017
1. Which of the following Greek Explorers is considered to have left the earliest account of India?
[A] Herodotus
[B] Ctesias
[C] Scylax
[D] Hippalus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Scylax ]
Notes:
The earliest Greek Account of India was left by Scylax of Caryanda who was sent by Kind Darius-I of Persia to follow the course of river Indus and find out where it led. His original works are now lost.
2. Which of the following is not a correct observation as mentioned by Megasthenes about India?
[A] There is abundant gold, silver, copper and iron in India
[B] There is a well established caste system in India
[C] There are frequent famines in India
[D] Dionysus has invaded India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ There are frequent famines in India ]
Notes:
The option C is not correct. Indians did not face famines because of abundant rains and assured at least one of two seasons of crops; and abundance of fruits and edible roots.
3. Hathigumpha inscription gives account of which of the following rulers?
[A] Asoka
[B] Chandragupta Maurya
[C] Kharvela
[D] Samudragupya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kharvela ]
Notes:
The Hathigumpha Inscription at Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar in Odisha was got inscribed by King Kharvela of Kalinga in 2nd century BC.
4. Who among the following is the author of oldest surviving Prakrit grammar Prākrita Prakāśa?
[A] Pingala
[B] Yaska
[C] Vararuchi
[D] Shaunaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Vararuchi ]
Notes:
The oldest surviving Prakrit grammar is Vararuchi’s Prākrita Prakāśa, whose date is debated.
5. Which of the following term is used for a “school” of learning and teaching the branches of Vedas?
[A] Shakha
[B] Charna
[C] Ratha
[D] Yajna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Charna ]
Notes:
Charana refers to the Guru-pupil lineage or school for teaching and learning of Vedas in ancient India.
6. Which of the following is / are correct statement(s) with respect to plains of India:
- World’s most extensive expanse of uninterrupted alluvium is found in India
- Bangar belt consists of newer alluvium in comparison to Khadar Belt
- The Khadar belt lies in lowland areas after the Bangar belt
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Only 1 & 3 ]
Notes:
The Indo-Gangetic belt is the world’s most extensive expanse of uninterrupted alluvium formed by the deposition of silt by the numerous rivers. The Bangar belt consists of older alluvium and forms the alluvial terrace of the flood plains. In the Gangetic plains, it has a low upland covered by laterite deposits. The Khadar belt lies in lowland areas after the Bangar belt. It is made up of fresh newer alluvium which is deposited by the rivers flowing down the plain.
7. What fraction of Rajasthan’s total area is covered by Thar Desert?
[A] Around 30%
[B] Around 40%
[C] Around 60%
[D] Around 70%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Around 60% ]
Notes:
The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, covers an area of approximately 200,000 square miles. It is located in the northwestern region of India and the southeastern region of Pakistan. The desert is one of the largest in the world and is known for its arid climate and sparse vegetation. Thar Desert is World’s 10th largest desert and covers 61% of Geographical area of Rajasthan.
8. Which of the following is the correct word describing loss of snow from a glacier by means of sublimation, melting, evaporation or avalanches?
[A] Ablation
[B] Galling
[C] Creep
[D] Plucking
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ablation ]
Notes:
Ablation refers to loss of snow from glaciers by means of vaporization, melting, wind or other processes.
9. Which of the following is not a term used for different kinds of Glacial deposits?
[A] Moraines
[B] Drumlins
[C] Kettle
[D] Skerry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Skerry ]
Notes:
A skerry is a small rocky island, usually defined to be too small for human habitation; it may simply be a rocky reef. A skerry can also be called a low sea stack.
10. A 10 Kg block of Iron has which of the following twice in value in comparison to a 5 Kg block of Iron?
- Inertia
- Mass
- Volume
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:All three options are correct:
- Inertia: The 10 kg block of iron will have twice the inertia of the 5 kg block of iron because inertia is directly proportional to mass.
- Mass: The 10 kg block of iron has twice the mass of the 5 kg block of iron.
- Volume: Assuming the density of the iron remains the same, the 10 kg block of iron will have twice the volume of the 5 kg block of iron. This is because density is defined as mass per unit volume, and if mass doubles while density remains constant, volume will also double.
So, all three properties, inertia, mass, and volume, will be twice in value for the 10 kg block compared to the 5 kg block of iron.
