Author: Prelims

Dear student,

Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

---

Q.1) Which of the following are the official Aichi Biodiversity Targets?
1. Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society
2. Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services.
3. To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1 and 3 only
Inspired by: Government weighs doubling of protected areas over next few years

Q.2) With reference to the Fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs, consider the following statements:
1. FDC drugs are banned in India.
2. Antiretroviral therapy against AIDS uses FDCs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 2 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) 1 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired: Expert committee set up to review 344 banned FDC drugs

Q.3) The ‘Pay as you use’ facility was recently launched by the
a) National Commission on Agriculture
b) National Dairy Development Board
c) Indian Fertilizers Limited
d) National Authority of India
Inspired by: [pib]Click2read

Q.4) In national accounts GVA is:
a) exports minus imports
b) revenue expenditure minus revenue earnings
c) output minus intermediate consumption
d) None of the above

Q.5) In the receny financial budget, a merger of some general insurers was proposed. Which of the following are those general insurers?
1. National Insurance Co. Ltd.
2. United India Insurance
3. Oriental Insurance Company Ltd
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Inspired by: ‘PSU insurers’ merger may be completed by March 2019’

Q.6) Consider the following rivers:
1. Barak
2. Lohit
3. Subansiri
Which of the above flows / flow through Arunachal Pradesh?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.7) Consider the following pairs :
Wetlands Confluence of rivers
1. Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej
2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park :Confluence of Banas and Chambal
3. Kolleru Lake :Confluence of Musi and Krishna
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.8) Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
c) Lokayata and Kapalika
d) Sankhya and Yoga

---

IMPORTANT STUFF: 

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.

Dear student,

Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

---

Q.1) Which of the following statements regarding the different generations of biofuels is incorrect?
a) First-generation biofuels are made from food crops grown on arable land.
b) Fourth-generation biofuels are carbon neutral.
c) Biomass for Second-generation biofules can also include animal materials.
d) None of the above.
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Adapting better to climate change

Q.2) With reference to the ‘ Port of Duqm’, recently seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a port situated in Oman.
2. China has recently secured access to the port for military use.
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
Inspired by: Click2read

Q.3) With reference to the India State of Forest Report which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is published in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme.
2. It is published on an annual basis.
Select the correct option using the codes given bllow.
a) 2 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) 1 only
Inspired by: India posts marginal increase in forest cover, says report

Q.4) Which of the following mainly prohibits the formation of tropical cyclone near the Equator?
1. Lack of Coriolis force
2. High variation of rainfall
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) Both 1 and 2

Q.5) The Corporate social responsibility (CSR) was brought into effect by the
a) The Finance Act. 2014
b) Securities Laws (Amendment) Act. 1996
c) Corporate Governance Act
d) Companies Act, 2013
Inspired by: CBI can probe FCRA violations over Rs. 5 cr.

Q.6) In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
1.Terrace cultivation
2. Deforestation
3. Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) I and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.7) The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of
a) Equatorial climate
b) Mediterranean climate
c) Monsoon climate
d) All of the above climates

Q.8) With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to
a) an assembly of village elders
b) a religious sect
c) a style of temple construction
d) an administrative functionary

---

IMPORTANT STUFF: 

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.

Dear student,

Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

---

Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Vishakha Guidelines’:
1. The guidelines were introduced by the Supreme Court of India.
2. The guidelines were introduced for providing equal opportunity to women at workplace.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 2 only
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) 1 only
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: Click2read

Q.2) Which of the following are the objectives of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act?
1. Long-run macroeconomic stability
2. Better coordination between fiscal and monetary policy
3. Transparency in fiscal operation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 2 and 3 only
b) 1, 2 and 3
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1 and 3 only
Inspired by: Why the fuss about fiscal deficit?

Q.3) Consider the following pre-independence journals:
1. Atmasakti
2. Sarathi
3. Bijou
Which of the journals given above were published by revolutionaries?
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1 and 2 only

Q.4) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is related to which of the following Internaional Organisation?
a) United Nations
b) BRICS
c) OECD
d) European Union

Q.5) Recently, NITI Aayog has launched the Healthy States Progressive India Report. While making the report, which of the following indicators were taken into account?
1. Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR)
2. Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR)
3. Full immunization coverage
4. Institutional deliveries
5. People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
b) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
c) 2, 3 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Inspired by: NITI Aayog launches ‘Healthy States Progressive India Report’; Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu best performers

Q.6) Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as ‘World Economic Outlook’?
a) The International Monetary Fund
b) The United Nations Development Programme
c) The World Economic Forum
d) The World Bank

Q.7) With reference to Union Budget, which of the following, is/are covered under Non­Plan Expenditure?
1. Defence ­expenditure
2. Interest payments
3. Salaries and pensions
4. Subsidiess 
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 nd 3 only
c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
d) None

Q.8) Which of the following have coral reefs?
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

---

IMPORTANT STUFF: 

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.

Dear student,

Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

---

Q.1) With reference to the Indian Accounting Standard (Ind-AS), recently seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. The Ind AS are named and numbered in the same way as the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
2. IndAS are issued under the supervision and control of Accounting Standards Board (ASB), a committee under the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 2 only
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) 1 only
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: No RBI decision on implementing IndAS yet: deputy governor N.S. Vishwanathan

Q.2) With reference to the ‘SHe-Box’, recently seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. It was developed for registering complaints of sexual harassment at workplace(only).
2. It is an online complaint system.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) NEither 1 nor 2
b) 1 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) 2 only
Inspired by: In SC, Centre lists steps to end sexual harassment at workplace

Q.3) The Bharat Rang Mahotsav, recently seen in news, was established by
a) Indian Council for Cultural Relations
b) National School of Drama
c) Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
d) Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

Q.4) Which of the following elements/compounds given below are used as Nuclear Coolant in the Nuclear Fission Reactor?
1. Heavy Water
2. Sodium
3. Lead
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1, 2 and 3
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 2 and 3 only

Q.5) The Healthy States Progressive Report was recently launched by
a) NITI Aayog
b) World Health Organisation
c) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
d) Public Health Foundation of India
Inspired: Click2read

Q.6) Consider the following statements:
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.7) Consider the following pairs :
Vitamin : Deficiency disease
1. Vitamin C : Scurvy
2. Vitamin D : Rickets
3. Vitamin E : Night blindness
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None

Q.8) There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?
1. They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

---

IMPORTANT STUFF: 

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.

Dear student,

Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

---

Q.1) With reference to ‘Biologics’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. They are produced from living organisms.
2. Biologics also include vaccines.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) 2 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Biologics, patents and drug prices

Q.2) With reference to the Base Rate, often seen in news related to the RBI, consider the following statements:
1. Base rate is the minimum rate set by the Reserve Bank of India below which banks are not allowed to lend to its customers.
2. Base rate is decided in order to enhance transparency in the credit market and ensure that banks pass on the lower cost of fund to their customers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Both 1 and 2
b) 1 only
c) 2 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired by: RBI to link base rate with MCLR from 1 April

Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Special Purpose Vehicle’:
1. It used to isolate financial risk.
2. It is a special type of Parent Company that makes its obligations secure even if the subsidiary company goes bankrupt.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) 2 only
c) 1 only
d) Both are correct

Q.4) Consider the following:
1. Iran
2. Iraq
3. Kuwait
Which of the above is/are founding members of OPEC?
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1 and 2 only

Q.5) With reference to the Prithvi-II missile which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It has a strike range of 350 km.
2. It was developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
3. It is a surface-to-air missile
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 2 and 3 only
Inspired by: Click2read

Q.6) Consider the followingstatements:
1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal.
2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya.
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

Q.7) A community of people called Manganiyars is well­known for their
a) martial arts in North­East India
b) musical tradition in North­West India
c) classical vocal music in South India
d) pietra dura tradition in Central India

Q.8) What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?
1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown
3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

---

IMPORTANT STUFF: 

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.

Dear student,

Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

---

Q.1) With reference to the Economic survey of India which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Department of Revenue(Finance Ministry) presents the survey.
2. It is prepared under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser, Finance Ministry.
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 2 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) 1 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] The manufacturing muddle

Q.2) Which of the following statements regarding the ‘inverted duty structure (IDS)’ is correct?
a) Inverted duty structure is a situation where import duty on finished goods is low compared to the import duty on raw materials that are used in the production of such finished goods.
b) Inverted duty structure is a situation where Export duty on finished goods is low compared to the Export duty on raw materials that are used in the production of such finished goods
c) Inverted duty structure is a situation where Export duty on finished goods is high compared to the import duty on raw materials that are used in the production of such finished goods
d) None of the above
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] The manufacturing muddle

Q.3) With reference to the National Council of Educational Research and Training, consider the following statements:
1. The NCERT and Microsoft have recently signed a pact to integrate a course on ‘digital citizenship and safety’.
2. The National Council for Teacher Education comes under the NCERT.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: Google, NCERT partner for internet safety training in schools

Q.4) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) handles its cases using which of the following Tribunals
1. NCLT(National company law tribunal)
2. Debt recovery tribunal.
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) 2 only
d) Both 1 and 2

Q.5) With reference to the World Government Summit which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is headquartered in the UAE.
2. It is a Triannual summit.
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) 2 only
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: India, UAE to ink 12 pacts during Modi’s visit

Q.6) With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?
a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area
c) It is an ancient form of dance­drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

Q.7) Consider the following pairs :
1. Garba : Gujarat
2. Mohiniattam : Odisha
3. Yakshagana : Karnataka
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.8) With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India,
consider the following pairs :
Famous shrine Location
1. Tabo monastery and temple complex : Spiti Valley
2. Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako : Zanskar Valley
3. Alchi temple complex : Ladakh
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

---

IMPORTANT STUFF: 

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.

Dear student,

Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

---

Q.1) With reference to to the Corporate tax which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a direct tax.
2. In India, it is imposed at the National Level.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 2 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) 1 only
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Corporate income tax: a slippery slope, Budget 2018

Q.2) Which of the following are the functions of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)?
1. To implement and enforce the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order in accordance with the powers delegated to it.
2. To monitor the availability of drugs and identify shortages.
Select the correct answer using the codes gien below.
a) Both 1 and 2
b) 1 only
c) 2 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired by: Demand for sub-category of stent

Q.3) Which of the following factors are responsible for coral bleaching?
1. Increased or reduced water temperature
2. Over fishing
3. Changes in salinity
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.4) Consider the following statements about land revenue settlements during British India:
1. In permanent settlement, land revenue was fixed.
2. In Mahalwari settlement, land revenue was revised periodically.
3. In ryotwari settlement, land revenue was neither fixed nor revised periodically.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.5) With reference to the National Health Protection Scheme, recently announced, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The scheme will provide health coverage cost of up to Rs. 1 lakh annually(to a poor family).
2. Under the scheme, hospitalisation is allowed in any private hospital.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) 1 only
c) 2 only
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Making health insurance work

Q.6) Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?
a) 22 March (or 21st March)
b) 15th May (or 16th May)
c) 31st March (or 30th March)
d) 21st April (or 20th April

Q.7) With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs:
Famous work of sculpture Site
1. A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below : Ajanta
2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock : Mount Abu
3. “Arjuna’s Penance” /”Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders : Mamallapuram
Which of the pairs given above is/ are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only,
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.8) The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a
a) revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco.
b) nationalist organization operating from Singapore
c) militant organization with headquarters at Berlin
d) communist movement for India’s freedom with head­quarters at Tashkent

---

IMPORTANT STUFF: 

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.

Dear student,

Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

---

Q.1) With reference to the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an institute under the Ministry of Finance.
2. Chairman of the NITI Aayaog is an ex-officio chairman of the institute.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) Both 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) 1 only
Inspired by: ‘Mega health plan may cost Rs. 1 lakh cr. a year’

Q.2) The aim of the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) is to provide social security to
a) Women
b) Senior Citizens
c) SCs and STs
d) BPL card holders
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Limited succour: Budget 2018, Senior Citizens

Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding different deficit numbers:
1. The revenue deficit broadly measures the extent of borrowings used for revenue expenditure
2. Fiscal deficit measures the overall borrowing to finance both revenue account deficit as well as capital account deficit
3. Effective revenue deficit measures the revenue deficit minus grants to states for the creation of capital assets
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1 and 2 only
Inspired by: Plan on revenue deficit seen as shift towards consumption spending

Q.4) The term ‘Anti-profiteering’ sometimes seen in news, is related to:
a) WTO subsidies
b) Defence procurements
c) Goods and service tax
d) New hydrocarbon policy

Q.5) The REITs/InvITs, related to the Real Estate Sector(often seen in news), are regulated by the
a) RBI
b) India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd.
c) None is correct
d) SEBI
Inspired by: SEBI gets teeth to act against exchanges, new market outfits

Q.6) The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until
a) the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended.
b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Darbar in Delhi in 1911
c) Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement
d) the Partition of India, in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan

Q.7) The 1929 Session of Indian, National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the
a) attainmentof Self­Government was declared as the objective of the Congress
b) attainment of Poorna Swaraj Was adopted as the goal of the Congress
c) Non­Cooperation Movement was launched
d) decision to participate in the Round Table Conference in London was taken

Q.8) With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements :
1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries­old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

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IMPORTANT STUFF: 

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.

Dear student,

Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

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Q.1) With reference to the KUSUM scheme, consider the following statements:
1. It is a scheme for promoting solar power production.
2. The time period of the scheme is 10 years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) 2 only
Inspired by: Click2read

Q.2) With reference to the Ayushman Bharat Programme which of the statements given below is/are correct?
1. One of the component of the programme is to distribute essential drugs to the remote health centres in the country.
2. The National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) is a part of the programme.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) 1 only
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Get cracking: Ayushman Bharat programme

Q.3) Keshav Chandra Sen
1. founded the Brahmo Samaj.
2. started Bamabodhini Patrika.
Select the correct statement/statements using the code given below.
a) Both 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 1 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q.4) Fixed-dose combination (FDC) Drugs can’t be used against Virus/Bacteria of
1. AIDS
2. Tuberculosis
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) 1 only
c) 2 only
d) Both 1 and 2

Q.5) With reference to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), consider the following statements:
1. The standards are set by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
2. The measurement of air quality, under the NAAQs, is based on eight pollutants.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 2 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) 1 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired by: Dust mitigation plan must for firms

Q.6) Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to
1. resist drought and increase absorptive area
2. tolerate extremes of PH
3. Resist disease infestation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.7) Who among the following constitute the National Development Council?
1. The Prime Minister
2. The Chairman, Finance Commission
3. Ministers of the Union Cabinet
4. Chief Ministers of the States
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 1, 3 and 4 only
c) 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q.8) The national income of a country for a given period is equal to the
a) total value of goods and services produced by the nationals
b) sum of total consumption and investement expenditure
c) sum of personal income of all individuals
d) money value of final goods and services produced

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IMPORTANT STUFF: 

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.