Category: Prelims Daily

Hello everyone,

We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam.Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam.  In the 2nd installment, questions were easy to moderate and many more of you got answers right. In the 3rd installment, questions were a bit tricky and many of you failed to read the entire question with all the options carefully to arrive ta the write answer.

Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

How to practice – join the test series for more practice (600 tikdams) and one on one interaction with mentors (most important to take your thought process in right direction). It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday   9 a.m  (Testing Tuesday) and Thursday 9 p.m.(Testing Thursday)  to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

Here are high five questions from prelims 2011 (Easy ones) which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

1. In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the
   bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material?
   1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.
   2. Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources.
   3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.
   4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?
   a) 1, 2 and 3 only
   b) 1, 3 and 4 only
   c) 2 and 4 only
   d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

2. Consider the following:
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Oxides of Nitrogen
3. Oxides of Sulphur
Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power
plants?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

3. India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the
reasons?
1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the
cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last five years by about 30%.
2. As a consequence of increasing incomes, the consumption patterns of the people have
undergone a significant change.
3. The food supply chain has structural constraints. Which of the statements given above are
correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

4. Consider the following:
1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration
3. Decay of organic matter
4. Volcanic action
Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

5. With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.
2. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.
3. In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.
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

 

Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

 

MPORTANT 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

Dear student,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. 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 statement/s about the Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India) programme for certification of organic produce is/are correct?
1. It involves a peer-review approach of certification.
2. Farmers play a role in certifying whether the farms in their vicinity adhered to organic-cultivation practices.
3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Centre of Organic Farming.
Select the answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 only
c) 2 only
d) All of the above
Inspired by: Come July, label mandatory for food certified as ‘organic’

Q.2) In which of the following cases of the Supreme Court of India the ‘Third Gender’ was recognized?
a) NALSA v. The Union of India (2014)
b) Joseph Shine v. The Union of India
c) Vishakha and Others vs. State
d) None of the above
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] This too is a right: the right to sexual privacy

Q.3) Which of the following are the objectives of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)?
1. To encourage the development of organic farming and organic processing.
2. To provide the means of evaluation of certification programme for organic agriculture and products.
3. To accredit certification programmes of Certification Bodies seeking accreditation.
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Inspired by: Come July, label mandatory for food certified as ‘organic’

Q.4) With reference to the Purchasing Managers’ Index(PMI) which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It shows the economic health of Service Sector.
2. Employment environment is one of its major indicators on which it is based.
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 2 only
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) 1 only
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: GDP growth seen slowing to 4-year low of 6.5% in 2017-18

Q.5) Which of the following country is not a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council?
a) Bahrain
b) Kuwait
c) Iraq
d) Qatar

Q.6) Due to improper / indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e­waste?
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
b) 1, 2, 3,5 and 6 only
c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Q.7) Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by
a) carbon dioxide and nitrogen
b) carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
c) ozone and carbon dioxide
d) nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide

Q.8) With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements :
1. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other.
2. Food chains are found within the populations of a species.
3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None

---

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,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. 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 about the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Status under the World Trade Organisation (WTO):
1. Under MFN, a WTO member country is obliged to treat other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies.
2. India has accorded MFN status to all the WTO members, including Pakistan.
3. This status is given in accordance with the provisions of the General Agreement on Trade and Services under WTO.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) All of the above
Inspired by: Govt says no proposal to review Most Favored Nation status to Pakistan

Tikdam:

Statement 1: The words “Most Favoured” can be elusive in making you think that it is some special and discriminatory treatment but it is not.
Statement 2: The agreement requires every WTO member to extend this status to every other nation and hence India has extended it to all the members. But Pakistan is a defaulter/ violator in this case who has not accorded the MFN status to India. Just because it is a blanket statement having “all” in it, doesn’t mean it is wrong.
Statement 3: This requires specific knowledge and also reading carefully even when you know it well, you might mark it wrong in haste. Read carefully!
In conclusion, even in such a specific question, tikdam can at least help reach near action. But such questions inevitably require some amount of specific information/ knowledge.

Q.2) With reference to the ‘Environment Pollution and Prevention Control Authority (EPCA)’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an SC-mandated body.
2. It has enforced the graded response action plan (GRAP).
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] Hope for good air

Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding Aerosols
1.Aerosols are tiny particles made from super-fine solid particles only
2.Aerosols can modify the size of existing cloud particles,
and changes the rate of cloud’s reflection and absorption of sunlight .
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q.4) With reference to the ‘Government securities’, consider the following statements:
1. It is a tradable instrument.
2. These securities cannot be issued by the State Governments.
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: Govt seeks Parliament nod for Rs80,000 crore recap bonds

Q.5) With reference to the ‘internal complaints committee (ICC)’ mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013, recently seen in news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It can include member from any NGO working for women’s causes.
2. The constitution of an ICC is compulsory in any branch or office that employs more than 10 people.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) 1 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) 2 only
Inspired by: Notice to govt. on law for working women

Q.6) Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?
a) State Forest Department
b) District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
c) Tahsildar /Block Development Officer / Mandai Revenue Officer
d) Gram Sabha

Q.7) Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by
a) bacteria
b) protozoa
c) moulds
d) viruses

Q.8) ‘Economic Justice’ the objectives of Constitution has been as one of the Indian provided in
a) the Preamble and Fundamental Rights
b) the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
c) the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy
d) None of the above

---

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,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. 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 about the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) is incorrect?
a) It is a fund created under an Act of the Government of India
b) Currently, funds collected under CAMPA directly go into the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI)
c) These funds are meant to be used by states to implement agro-forestry in non-forest land to compensate for felled forest
d) None of the above
Inspired by: Key ministries disagree over CAMPA fund

Tikdam:

The name of the fund itself makes clear its intent and hence option (c) is eliminated.
Now, if one has followed current affairs in recent past, then at least the fact that it is part of an Act should be clear so even option (a) is eliminated.
Then there is choice between (b) and (d). If one has covered Laxmikanth then s/he should know that there are definite heads of funds which go to the Consolidated Fund of India and this fund doesn’t appear in that list. So answer comes to be option (b). Another way to think is that, if this is a separate fund itself, created by a statute, then there’s no chance it can go to the Consolidated Fund of India.

Q.2) Recently, the Union cabinet has approved a new model concession agreement (MCA), consider the following statements regarding it:
1. It will be applicable for new projects conceived under the Sagarmala programme.
2. The new agreement is based on private public partnership (PPP).
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: Modi govt signs off on radical makeover for ports sector

Q.3) With reference to the ‘Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN)’, consider the following statements:
1. ASEAN is an official United Nations Observer.
2. There is no official language of the ASEAN.
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: [op-ed snap] A new plateau

Q.4) Which of the following is/are not (an)official language of the United Nations?
1. Arabic
2. Chinese
3. German
4. Spanish
5. Greek
Select the correct opiton using the codes given below.
a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 3 and 5 only
c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Inspired by: Spat over Hindi as official language at UN

Q.5) With reference to the ‘Consolidated Fund of India (CFI)’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Indian state governments do not maintain their own consolidated funds.
2. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India audits these funds.
Select the correct answer using the codes givne below.
a) 2 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) 1 only
Inspired by: Key ministries disagree over CAMPA fund

Q.6) Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?
a) Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
b) Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
c) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
d) Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands

Q.7) Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in
a) desert margins, liable to strong wind action
b) low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
c) scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
d) None of the above

Q.8) The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?
a) To provide self­governance
b) To recognize traditional rights
c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
d) To free tribal people from exploitation

---

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.

Hello everyone,

We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam.Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam.  In the 2nd installment, questions were easy to moderate and many more of you got answers right. In the 3rd installment, questions were a bit tricky and many of you failed to read the entire question with all the options carefully to arrive ta the write answer.

Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

How to practice – join the test series for more practice (600 tikdams) and one on one interaction with mentors (most important to take your thought process in right direction). It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday   9 a.m  (Testing Tuesday) and Thursday 9 p.m.(Testing Thursday)  to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

Here are high five questions from prelims 2012 (Moderate ones) which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

Please write your thought process/ method you applied to solve the question with the answers. We will get back to you as to how you can further refine your answer deriving capabilities. Note that this initiative will help you only if you apply your mind and write your thought process. Merely reading and learning the answers will not help.

1. If National Water Mission is properly and completely implement, how will it impact the country?
1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water.
2. The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be
met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.
3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
4. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore-wells and for installing motors and pumpsets
to draw ground-water will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

2. Which of the following are included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
1. A dispute between the Government of India and one or more States.
2. A dispute regarding elections to either House of the Parliament or that of Legislature of a State.
3. A dispute between the Government of India and a Union Territory.
4. A dispute between two or more States.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 4
d) 3 and 4

3. Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in
India. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification.
2. The combustible gases generated consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only.
3. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat
generation but not in internal combustion engines. 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

4. Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health hazard. After the addition of lead to petrol has been banned, what still are the sources of lead poisoning?
1. Smelting units
2. Pens and pencils
3. Paints
4. Hair oils and cosmetics
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

5. With reference to stem cells, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only.
2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs.
3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

 

MPORTANT 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

Dear student,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. 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 about the official language of the United Nations:

1. English is the official language of the UN

2. A delegate at the UN may or may not choose to speak in the official language

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Inspired by: Spat over Hindi as official language at UN 

Tikdam:

English is spoken by most people so it is obvious that it would be one of the official languages. So statement 1 is right. Also, there are more than 190 member nations at the UN. Obviosly, not everyone would know English or the other of official languages. So he must be permitted to speak in any other language aling with translation for others to understand. Compare Indian Parliament- members can address in any of the laguages and the translation is provided. So even statement 2 goes logically correct. And there we are, at the answer!

Q.2) With reference to Horticulture which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. In contrast to agriculture, horticulture does not include large-scale crop production.

2. It also includes science of growing flowers.

Select the correct answer using the codes gives below.

a) Both 1 and 2

b) Neither 1 nor 2

c) 1 only

d) 2 only

Inspired by: Horticulture crop output seen at record 305.4 mt in 2017-18

Q.3) With reference to the ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2017’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The Bill would allow the government to take up infrastructure projects within prohibited areas around protected monuments.

2. The Bill seeks to have a new definition of “public works” under the Act.

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: Click2read

Q.4) With reference to the ‘Electoral Bonds’, provisions of which are recently launched by the Indian Government, consider the following statements:

1. Bonds would be a bearer instrument in the nature of a promissory note

2. They can be used to make donations to registered political parties that have secured not less than 1% of the votes polled in the last election to the Lok Sabha or Assembly.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) Neither 1 nor 2

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) 1 only

Inspired by: Arun Jaitley notifies electoral bonds for political donations

Q.5) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) is related to

a) BRICS Countries

b) World Trade Organisation

c) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

d) None of the above

Q.6) The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for

a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one­half of the crop to one­third

b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land

c) the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom

d) writing off all peasant debts

Q.7) The Parliament can make any law for whole or any part of India for implementing international treaties

a) with the consent of all the States

b) with the consent of the majority of States

c) with the consent of the States concerned

d) without the consent of any State

Q.8) In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of

a) insects and fungi

b) limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients

c) water limits and fire

d) None of the above

---

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,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. 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 areas are parts of the Indian ocean?

1.    Gulf of aden

2.    Red sea

3.    Lombok strait

4.    Senkaku Island

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

a)    All of the above

b)    1,2 and 3

c)    2,3 and 4

d)    1,2 and 4

Tikdam:

-The questions looks tough since it is tough to remember the exact area of Indian ocean. Some of the places mentioned here are not very common places. However, using a bit of common sense, you can easily solve the question. If you would have following newspaper or our APP , You must be aware with Senkaku Island as both China and Japan are claiming this Island. Now neither Japan nor China are part of Indian ocean,Therefore no way Senkaku Island can be part of Indian ocean, Once we eliminate statement 4 we will automaticaly get the answer.

Q.2) Which of the following organisms come in the category of Microbes?

1. Bacteria

2. Archaea

3. Fungi

4. Protists

5. Viruses

Select the correct option using the codes given below.

a) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

b) 1, 3 and 4 only

c) 1 and 5 only

d) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

Inspired by: Astronauts identify unknown microbes in space for first time

Q.3) Symbiodinium provides coral host with photosynthetic products in return for nutrients and shelter. The Symbiodinium is basically a/an

a) Virus

b) Amoeba

c) Algae

d) Macroscopic Animal

Inspired by: Ancient jumping genes may control coral bleaching in warming oceans

Q.4) With reference to the Tetramorium krishnani, an insect recently seen in news, consider the following statements:

1. Scientists have recently discovered it in the Andaman Islands.

2. It is basically an Ant.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) Neither 1 nor 2

b) 1 only

c) 2 only

d) Both 1 and 2

Inspired by: Click2read

Q.5) With reference to the ‘International Union for Conservation of Nature’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. IUCN has observer status at the United Nations.

2. Its headquarters are in Gland, Switzerland.

Select the correct option using the codes given below.

a) Neither 1 nor 2

b) Both 1 and 2

c) 1 only

d) 2 only

Inspired by: Species we lost in 2017 and the ones that managed to hold on

Q.6) Consider the following pairs:

1. Nokrek Bio­ sphere Reserve : Garo Hills

2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range

3. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1, 2 and 3

d) None

Q.7) Consider the following:

1. Electromagnetic radiation

2. Geothermal energy

3. Gravitational force

4. Plate movements

5. Rotation of the earth

6. Revolution of the earth

Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only

c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only

d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Q.8) Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution?

1. National Development Council

2. Planning Commission

3. Zonal Councils

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 only

c) 1 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,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. 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 ‘Bitcoin’, frequently seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. It is based on the Blockchain Technology.
2. Bitcoins can be purchased from other users.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) 1 only
c) 2 only
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: Govt warns against bitcoin trading, equates virtual currencies with ponzi schemes

Q.2) With reference to the ‘Capital adequacy ratio(CAR)’ which of the following statements are correct?
1. It is a measure of a bank’s capital.
2. It is expressed as a percentage of a bank’s risk weighted credit exposures.
3. It is used to protect depositors in Banks.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1 and 2 only
Inspired by: Govt. injects funds into 6 public banks

Q.3) Which of the following statements regarding the ‘Bio-CNG’ is incorrect?
a) Bio-CNG is a purified form of biogas with over 95% pure methane gas.
b) It is similar to natural gas in its composition and energy potential.
c) It is a fossil fuel.
d) None of the abvoe
Inspired by: Govt plans to set up bio-CNG plants and allied infrastructure

Q.4) The ‘Justice Srikrishna committee’, recently seen in news, is related to
a) Transparency and accountability of Municipal Corporations
b) Medical innovation in the Pharmaceutical Sector
c) Data Protection Law
d) Prompt corrective action (PCA)
Inspired by: Click2read

Q.5) “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 codes below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q.6) Variations in the length of daytime and night time from season to season are due to
a) the earth’s rotation on its axis
b) the earth’s revolution round the sun in an elliptical manner
c) latitudinal position of the place
d) revolution of the earth on a tilted axis

Q.7) The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?
1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) None

Q.8) On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion
a) is found in atmosphere as moisture and clouds
b) is found in freshwater lakes and rivers
c) exists as groundwater
d) exists as soil moisture

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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.

Hello everyone,

We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam.Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam.  In the 2nd installment, questions were easy to moderate and many more of you got answers right. In the 3rd installment, questions were a bit tricky and many of you failed to read the entire question with all the options carefully to arrive ta the write answer.

Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

How to practice – join the test series for more practice (600 tikdams) and one on one interaction with mentors (most important to take your thought process in right direction). It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday   9 a.m  (Testing Tuesday) and Thursday 9 p.m.(Testing Thursday)  to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

Here are high five questions from prelims 2013 (Easy ones) which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

Please write your thought process/ method you applied to solve the question with the answers. We will get back to you as to how you can further refine your answer deriving capabilities. Note that this initiative will help you only if you apply your mind and write your thought process. Merely reading and learning the answers will not help.

1. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements
   is/are correct?
   (1). The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
   (2). As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments
   for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
   (3). The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. 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

2. The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for
a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third
b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land
c) the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom
d) writing off all peasant debts

3. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
(1). Beryllium
(2). Cadmium
(3). Chromium
(4). Heptachlor
(5). Mercury
(6). Lead
(7). Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

4. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by
a) carbon dioxide and nitrogen
b) carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
c) ozone and carbon dioxide
d) nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide

5. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through
tattooing?
(1). Chikungunya
(2). Hepatitis B
(3). HIV-AIDS
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

6. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among
a) NO 2 , O 3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the prescence of sunlight
b) CO 2 , O 2 , and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the prescence of sunlight
c) CO, CO 2 , and NO 2 at low temperature
d) high concentration of NO 2 , O 3 and CO in the evening

Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

 

MPORTANT 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

1. 

Dear student,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. 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 ‘International Trade Centre’, consider the following statements:
1. It enjoys a joint mandate with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN) .
2. It has country-based project offices.
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: India’s steel exports rise in 2017 as China’s plunge

Q.2) The National Action Plan Vision 2022, recently seen in news, is a plan undertaken by the
a) Department of Science and Technology
b) Department of Personnel and Training
c) Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries
d) None of the above
Inspired by: Click2read

Q.3) With reference to the ‘Clean Seas Campaign’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a Campaign lauched under the aegis of the UNEP.
2. The campaign contributes to the goals of the ‘Global Partnership on Marine Litter’.
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) 2 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired by: Bali declares ‘garbage emergency’ amid sea of waste

Q.4) With reference to the ‘Advanced Air Defence (AAD)’ interceptor missile, sometimes seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. It is for exo-atmosphere or lower altitudes.
2. It is being developed as part the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.
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.5) Consider the following animals:
1. Sea cow
2. Sea horse
3. Sea lion
Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.6) Consider the following statements
1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only.
2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the States of India.
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) Consider the following statements:
Attorney General of India can
1. take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha
2. be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha
3. speak in the Lok Sabha
4. vote in the Lok Sabha
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 4
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) 1 and 3 only

Q.8) With reference to the usefulness of the by­products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is / are correct?
1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.
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

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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.