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Author: Unbounded Wisdom

  • Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing

    source

    The CSE 2015 results are out! While the successful ones are busy taking selfies with friends, exchanging sweets, answering congratulatory calls from never-heard-before relatives, there is another lot who is busy hugging their successful friends with a broad smile while fighting back the sea of tears welling in their eyes.

    These are the ones whose stories shall become anecdotes of how they persevered in the face of failure to be a ranker.

    But at this point, it is easier said than done. For the next few days, you shall have to face scholarly oration in derision from many on not being serious enough, on how you should have prepared, on how they knew you don’t have it in you and how those who made it to the list are a different breed altogether.

    For now, just hear it and bear it!

    Let me share a small story!

    A man, who happened to be a professional, from a premier national institute, had to face failure in his earlier attempts at CSE. His batch-mate made it to the list. He could not. He tried again but again could not make it. Meanwhile his batch-mate even resigned from civil services but this guy still could not make it to the list. But this unflinching desire to make it happen would not let this gentleman quit so easy. During this time he not only prepared himself but also stared mentoring others and garnered a huge fan following. This man persevered, he fought against all odds and  did not let his failures cloud his desire to watch his name in the final list.

    And then…. he rises – like a phoenix, from the ashes.

    You know him as Dr.V over here and many of you have interacted  very closely with him along this journey. And here’s the new reality of the day.

    Vipin Garg | UPSC CSE 2015 | AIR 20

    It is a proud moment for all of us over here and while we can go on and on, we would request him to come back among us and share his learnings from over the past 3 years and help us get a better perspective at things.

  • Solutions to Maze 17

    find the pdf below:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxdqUlW1zhMsWUhNWHUzUkNWNTQ/view

  • MCQ Maze 17

    Q1. In many regions, tracts of forest are set aside, and all the trees and wildlife within are venerated and given total protection. Such sacred groves are found in

    1. Meghalaya
    2. Rajasthan
    3. Karnataka
    4. Maharashtra
    5. Kerala

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below.

    (a) 1, 4 and 5
    (b) 2 and 3
    (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

    Q2. Consider the following statements about the AWARE project:

    1. It is an intergovernmental project to study the effect of climate change on the polar region.
    2. The project is located in Arctic polar region.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q3. India attracts several migratory bird species. Which of the following is/are among such species?

    1. Falcated Duck
    2. Amur Falcon
    3. Flamingos

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below.

    (a) 2 and 3 only
    (b) 1 and 2 only
    (c) 1 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q4. Carbon Monoxide has emerged as major pollutant. Which of the following is/are among the sources of carbon monoxide?

    1. Forest Fires
    2. Burning of Agricultural waste
    3. Vehicular emissions

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below.

    (a) 2 and 3 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q5. The Net Demand and Time Liabilities of a Bank consists of

    1. Demand Drafts
    2. Current Deposits
    3. Fixed Deposits
    4. Unclaimed Deposits

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 3 only
    (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
    (c) 2 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    ___

  • Solutions to Maze 16

    Here is the pdf:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxdqUlW1zhMsbURrRmJPUEtuUFk/view

  • IAS Prelims 2016 – The bare essentials to be followed

    With less than 100 days remaining for the D-Day let us just browse through the list of bare minimum books that one should study and still find himself/herself in a sound position to attempt Prelims 2016 confidently.

    # Current events of national and international importance.

    Though it might not be surprising to find questions in this section picked up even from early 2015 but covering current affairs from August 2015. You may cover them from the e-copies of CD magazine and/or the notes that you might have made and/or use the news tab to go back to the months.

    # History of India and Indian National Movement.

    First thing first here. Study Spectrum. From thereupon you can move to Ancient and Medieval NCERTs of class 11th and 12th or you may cover the now famed History books of Tamil Nadu Board. But all that after Spectrum.

    Click here to download FREE e-copies of these books.

    # Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.

    Class XI and XII NCERTs (New and old as well if you can get them). Though discounted by some Goh Cheng Leong is still a book that can clarify many a concepts. Make Map reading a daily ritual from now on.

     

    #Indian Polity and Governance -Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

    One word – Lakshmikanth. Right Issues are generally from famous Acts like Forest Rights Act or those related to Human Rights.

     

    # Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.

    Cover NCERT of Class 11th and 12th and keep looking for the exact meaning of the economic terms used in the newspapers. Cover Economic Survey from the blog which are already there on the CD Website. Question topics like Social Sector Initiatives are generally from current affairs like some new scheme or policy.

    Click here to download FREE e-copies of these books.

    # General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation.

    Shankar’s Book is a little too heavy. Just browse through it and read the first few pages of every chapters where it talks of concepts. If you can download them go through NIOS notes on Environment and read selected chapters like the one on Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Legislations, Environmental pollution et al. While you study current affairs and come across environment related terms like Earth Hour, Earth Day, learn about them!

    # General Science.

    Class 6th to 10th NCERT and Biodiversity related chapters from Class 11th and 12th. Current Technology shall be taken care of while studying current affairs.

    Apart from this go through last year question papers as well.

    To read 2015’s IAS Pre analysis – click here.

    If you cover the text listed above, you can use other tools like elimination to zero in the correct alternative in many a MCQs in the Prelims. So now hit the ground running and just do it!

  • MCQ Maze 16

    Q1. Consider the following statements:

    1. Azolla is a water fern that fixes atmospheric nitrogen in association with Blue Green Algae.
    2. It is used as a bio-fertiliser as well as a cattle feed.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q2. Which of the following is/are among the factors affecting the direction of the wind?

    1. Earth’s Rotation
    2. Earth’s Revolution
    3. Pressure gradient

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below.

    (a) 3 only
    (b) 1 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 2 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q3. Which of the following statement is correct about Hand-in-Hand exercise?

    (a) It is a joint military exercise between Indian and France
    (b) It is a joint naval exercise between Indian and Japan
    (c) It is a joint counter terrorism exercise between Indian and China
    (d) It is a joint military exercise between Indian and USA

    Q4. The Global Competitiveness Index is brought out by

    (a) UNCTAD
    (b) World Trade Organisation
    (c) International Monetary Fund
    (d) World Economic Forum

    Q5. Consider the following statements about the Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) established by RBI:

    1. FIF will support the developmental activities covered under the financial inclusion initiatives.
    2. Contribution to FIF shall be from the cess collected by the Union government.
    3. It shall be maintained by RBI.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only
    (b) 1 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    _____

  • Solutions for Maze 15

    Find the pdf below:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxdqUlW1zhMsOXZnMzl4dzBDUDQ/view

  • MCQ Maze 15

    Q1. Consider the following statements about the River Information System (RIS) launched by the Union government:

    1. RIS shall be implemented by Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change.
    2. Its first phase shall cover a stretch along the Brahmaputra River.
    3. The main aim of the system is to provide the flood forecast.

    Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 1 and 3 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) None

    Q2. Which of the following is/are not among the member countries of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement?

    1. Mexico
    2. Chile
    3. Argentina
    4. China
    5. Japan
    6. Singapore

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 5 and 6
    (b) 3 and 4
    (c) 3, 4, 5 and 6
    (d) 1, 3 and 4

    Q3. Scientists from National University of Singapore have succeeded in converting paper waste into green cellulose aerogels. What are the possible applications of these ‘green aerogels’?

    1. They can be used in cleaning oil spills.
    2. They can serve as heat insulation materials for buildings.
    3. They can be used for making biodegradable packaging material.

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below.

    (a) 2 and 3 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q4. Which of the following are among the pollutants whose concentration is monitored under National Air Quality Index?

    1. Carbon Dioxide
    2. Nitrogen Dioxide
    3. Surface Ozone
    4. Carbon Monoxide
    5. Sulphur Dioxide

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 3
    (b) 1, 2, 4 and 5
    (c) 2, 4 and 5
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

    Q5. Consider the following statements:
    1. ARIES is the Asia’s largest optical telescope developed through a collaboration of India and Russia.
    2. It is located in Ladakh.

    Which of the above statement(s) is/are not correct?
    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    _____

  • Solutions to Maze 11 to 14

    Find the solution pdf below:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxdqUlW1zhMsMzBkbE4xQzVHNUE/view

    Maze 15 tomorrow.

  • MCQ Maze 14

    Q1. Consider the following statements about ‘Bank Mitras’:

    1. They are Self Help groups which act as agents of banks in ‘un-banked’ areas.
    2. They identify the potential customers and help them open their bank accounts.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q2. Nitrogen fixation is an important method by which atmospheric nitrogen enters into the terrestrial environment. Which of the following is/are among the processes that lead to fixation of atmospheric nitrogen?

    1. Volcanic explosions
    2. Lightning
    3. Microbial action

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 3 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q3. Who of the following is credited with popularising the slogan of “Satyameva Jayate’ which was later adopted as the national motto?

    (a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

    (b) Lal Bahadur Shashtri

    (c) Sardar Ballabhbhai Patel

    (d) Madan Mohan Malaviya

    Q4. With reference to the global climate change, what is ‘carbon budget’?

    (a) It is sum of all exchanges (inflow and outflows) of carbon compounds by a country

    (b) It is the estimated amount of carbon dioxide the world can emit still having a likely chance of limiting global temperature rise to 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

    (c) It is the amount of carbon dioxide that an individual country can still emit as per the quota agreed at CoP-21

    (d) It is the amount of carbon dioxide that the world has emitted into the atmosphere since the beginning of industrial revolution.

    Q5. Consider the following statements about the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile:

    1. AAD is an indigenously developed interceptor missile.
    2. It has been developed by DRDO in collaboration with ISRO.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q6. Consider the following statements:

    1. Biodiversity decreases from Eastern Himalayas towards the Western Himalayas.
    2. Biodiversity increases from poles towards the equator.

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2 only
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q7. Which of the following activities is/are completely prohibited in the Eco Sensitive Zones?

    1. Felling of trees
    2. Establishment of Hotels and Resorts
    3. Rain water harvesting

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q8. Consider the following statements:

    1. No bill restricting inter-state trade can be introduced in a state legislature without previous sanction of the Governor.
    2. The Governor may reserve any bill, except a money bill, for the consideration of the President.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q9. The Plate Tectonic Theory is based on the concept of

    1. Sea Floor Spreading

    2. Continental Drift

    Choose the correct alternative using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2 only

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q10. ‘Aditya-1’ is the proposed

    (a) supercomputer built completely using the indigenous technology

    (b) mission to the sun to study the solar storms

    (c) weather forecasting satellite in collaboration with France

    (d) fleet of indigenously built war ships

    ____