Q150. Western Europe:
1. It receives precipitation in all months.
2. It lies in the westerly wind belt.
Which assertion is correct?
[UPPSC PCS Prelims – GS Paper I (2024)]
(A) Both 1 and 2
(B) Neither
(C) 1 only
(D) 2 only
Answer: (A) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: The westerlies transport moist Atlantic air over much of Western Europe, producing relatively evenly distributed rainfall. Temperate maritime conditions explain why many western coastal areas lack a pronounced dry season.
Q149. Mediterranean climate:
1. It receives winter rainfall.
2. Pressure belts shift southward during northern winter.
Which are correct?
[UPPSC PCS Prelims – GS Paper I (2024)]
(A) 2 only
(B) Neither
(C) 1 only
(D) Both 1 and 2
Answer: (D) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Mediterranean regions experience winter rainfall as mid-latitude westerlies and associated cyclones shift equatorward. In summer subtropical high pressure dominates, producing hot, dry conditions; both statements are true.
Q148. Which is a major cause of atmospheric air pollution?
[70th BPSC CCE Prelims (2024)]
(A) Plastic waste disposal alone
(B) Combustion of fossil fuels
(C) Deforestation alone
(D) Excess use of pesticides alone
Answer: (B) Combustion of fossil fuels
Explanation: Burning coal, petrol, diesel and gas releases nitrogen oxides, sulphur compounds and particulates. These emissions create major air-quality problems including smog, respiratory exposure and acid deposition.
Q147. In which Bihar city is the National Dolphin Research Centre located?
[70th BPSC CCE Prelims (2024)]
(A) Darbhanga
(B) Patna
(C) Munger
(D) Gaya
Answer: (B) Patna
Explanation: The National Dolphin Research Centre was inaugurated in Patna in 2024. Its work supports the conservation and study of the endangered Ganges river dolphin and its freshwater habitat.
Q146. According to the CPCB, the Indian Air Quality Index range 101–200 is classified as:
[RPSC RAS Prelims 2024 (held 2 Feb 2025) (2024)]
(A) Good
(B) Satisfactory
(C) Moderate
(D) Poor
Answer: (C) Moderate
Explanation: Under India’s AQI bands, a reading between 101 and 200 falls in the moderate category. People with lung or heart disease may experience discomfort at these levels, whereas good air quality is 0–50.
Q145. The IUCN Red List is popularly known as the:
[RPSC RAS Prelims 2024 (held 2 Feb 2025) (2024)]
(A) Mirror of Life
(B) Life Thermometer
(C) Hydrometer of Earth
(D) Barometer of Life
Answer: (D) Barometer of Life
Explanation: The IUCN Red List is often called the Barometer of Life because it evaluates the extinction risk of assessed species using recognised categories and criteria, thereby tracking biodiversity threats globally.
Q144. Which statement about the Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Project Phase II is incorrect?
[RPSC RAS Prelims 2024 (held 2 Feb 2025) (2024)]
(A) It received JICA assistance
(B) It covered 18 districts and eight wildlife sanctuaries
(C) Abheda and Machia biological parks were developed
(D) Water conservation formed a component
Answer: (B) It covered 18 districts and eight wildlife sanctuaries
Explanation: The RPSC final key identifies the project-coverage statement as incorrect. The project received Japanese assistance and supported wildlife, habitat enhancement and conservation interventions including water-related works.
2023
Q143. Which creatures use the waggle dance to communicate food direction and distance to nest-mates?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2023)]
(A) Butterflies
(B) Dragonflies
(C) Honeybees
(D) Wasps
Answer: (C) Honeybees
Explanation: Foraging honeybees perform a waggle dance whose direction and duration signal the position of a food source relative to the sun and the hive. It is a remarkable social communication system rather than simply an alarm movement.
Q142. Which animal is known to shape or use a stick to remove insects from tree cavities?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2023)]
(A) Fishing cat
(B) Orangutan
(C) Otter
(D) Sloth bear
Answer: (B) Orangutan
Explanation: Orangutans are capable of tool use and can manipulate sticks to obtain otherwise inaccessible food. The behaviour illustrates flexible primate cognition and contrasts with the more stereotyped foraging techniques of the other animals listed.
Q141. How many of these mushroom properties are found among some species: medicinal, psychoactive, insecticidal and bioluminescent?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2023)]
(A) Only one
(B) Only two
(C) Only three
(D) All four
Answer: (D) All four
Explanation: Fungi are chemically and ecologically diverse. Some mushroom species yield medicinal compounds, others contain psychoactive substances, some produce insect-toxic metabolites, and bioluminescent fungi can emit visible light. All four properties occur somewhere within the group.
