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?
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.
# 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.
# 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.
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!
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?
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
Central Water Commission is a premier Technical Organization of India in the field of Water Resources
It is presently functioning as an attached office of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India
Mission Statement:
To promote integrated and sustainable development and management of India’s Water Resources by using state-of-art technology and competency and coordinating all stake holders.
Organisation:
CWC is headed by a Chairman, with the status of Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India
The work of the Commission is divided among 3 wings:
Designs and Research (D&R) Wing
River Management (RM) Wing
Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing
A separate Human Resources Management Unit headed by a Chief Engineer, deals with Human Resources Management or Development, Financial Management, Training and Administrative matters of the CWC
National Water Academy, Pune is responsible for training of Central and State in-service engineers and it functions directly under the guidance of Chairman
Responsibilities:
The Commission is entrusted with the general responsibilities of initiating, coordinating and furthering schemes for control, conservation and utilization of water resources throughout the country
It is done in consultation of the State Governments concerned & for purpose of Flood Control, Irrigation, Navigation, Drinking Water Supply and Water Power Development
It also undertakes the investigations, construction and execution of any such schemes as required
The Commission, if so required, can undertake the construction and execution of any such scheme
Functions:
To carry out Techno-economic appraisal of Irrigation, flood control & multipurpose projects proposed by the State Governments
To collect, compile, publish and analyze the hydrological and hydrological data relating to major rivers in the country, consisting of rainfall, runoff and temperature, etc. and to act as the central bureau of information in respect of these matters
To collect, maintain and publish statistical data relating to water resources and its utilization including quality of water throughout India and to act as the central bureau of information relating to water resources
To provide flood forecasting services to all major flood prone inter-state river basins of India through a network of 175 flood forecasting stations
Monitoring of selected major and medium irrigation projects, to ensure the achievement of physical and financial targets. Monitoring of projects under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), and Command Development (CAD) programme has also been included in its field of activities
To advise the Government of India and the concerned State Governments basin-wise development of water resources
To undertake necessary surveys and investigations as and when so required prepare designs and schemes for the development of river valleys in respect of power generation, irrigation by gravity flow or lift, flood management and erosion control, anti-water logging measures, drainage and drinking water supply
To undertake construction work of any river valley development scheme on behalf of the Government of India or State Government concerned
To advise and assist, when so required, the State Governments (Commissions, Corporations or Boards that are set up) in the investigation, surve1 preparation of river valley and power development schemes for particular and regions
To advise the Government of India in respect of Water Resources Development regarding rights and disputes between different States which affect any i for the conservation and utilization and any matter that may be referred Commission in connection with river valley development
To impart training to in-service engineers from Central and State Organizations in various aspects of water resource development
To initiate studies on socio-agro-economic and ecological aspects of irrigation projects for the sustained development of irrigation
To conduct and coordinate research on the various aspects of river development schemes such as flood management, irrigation, navigation, power development, etc., and the connected structural and design features
To promote modern data collection techniques such as remote sensing technology for water resources development, flood forecasting and development of related computer software
To conduct studies on dam safety aspects for the existing dams and stand related instrumentation for dam safety measures
To carry out morphological studies to assess river behavior, bank erosion/coastal erosion problems and advise the Central and State Governments on all such matters
To promote and create mass awareness regarding the progress and achievements made by the country in the water resources development, use and conservation
Forest Survey of India (FSI), is a premier national organization under the union Ministry of Environment and Forests
It is responsible for assessment and monitoring of the forest resources of the country regularly
In addition, it is also engaged in providing the services of training, research and extension
Background:
Established on June 1,1981, the Forest Survey of India succeeded the ‘Pre-investment Survey of Forest Resources‘ (PISFR)
PISFR is a project initiated in 1965 by Government of India with the sponsorship of FAO and UNDP
The main objective of PISFR was to ascertain the availability of raw material for establishment of wood based industries in selected areas of the country
In its report in 1976, the National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) recommended for the creation of a National Forest Survey Organization for a regular, periodic and comprehensive forest resources survey of the country leading to creation of FSI
After a critical review of activities undertaken by FSI, Government of India redefined the mandate of FSI in 1986 in order to make it more relevant to the rapidly changing needs and aspirations of the country
Objectives:
To prepare State of Forest Report biennially, providing assessment of latest forest cover in the country and monitoring changes in these
To conduct inventory in forest and non-forest areas and develop database on forest tree resources
To prepare thematic maps on 1:50,000 scale, using aerial photographs
To function as a nodal agency for collection, compilation, storage and dissemination of spatial database on forest resources
To conduct training of forestry personnel in application of technologies related to resources survey, remote sensing, GIS, etc
To strengthen research & development infrastructure in FSI and to conduct research on applied forest survey techniques
To support State/UT Forest Departments (SFD) in forest resources survey, mapping and inventory
To undertake forestry related special studies/consultancies and custom made training courses for SFD’s and other organisations on project basis
Organisation:
FSI is headed by a Director General supported by two Joint Directors and eight Deputy Directors at headquarters
Each Zonal office is headed by a Regional Director and supported by one or two Deputy Directors
The Joint Directors at the headquarters head two units namely National Forest Data Management Centre (NFDMC) and Training & Forest Inventory (TFI)
NFDMC conducts assessment of forest cover, thematic mapping, production of maps, etc
TFI unit is concerned with inventory of tree resources inside and outside the forests, conducting of training courses, extension works, publication of reports, maintenance of library, etc
The total sanctioned strength ofthe organisation is 436, which includes members of the Indian Forest Service and Indian Statistical Service on deputation
Major Activities:
Forest Cover Assessment
Inventory of Forest areas
Thematic Maps
Inventory of Trees Outside Forests (Rural & Urban)
Here are few tips that you can follow through the coming days to make the best out of them!
The 5 DOs:
#1. Read the NCERTs and the basic books again. Believe it or not many trap questions are framed from such books
For example, remember this seemingly innocuous question?
Q4. Steppes are dry lands principally because of
(a) presence of mountain barriers across the paths of the prevailing winds
(b) subsiding air masses of the sub-tropical anticyclones
(c) their location in the deep interior of the large land masses
(d) desiccating effect of cold oceanic currents
While providing the solution I mentioned a paragraph from where the question was picked. The paragraph in fact mentions option (a), (b) and (c) in different contexts while adding that option (c) is the primary reason. The ones who have just read the NCERT in a cursory fashion would have tripped at this or gotten confused. So read these books again. They are VERY IMPORTANT.
#2. Practice Last year question papers. UPSC sometimes picks up information from last year MCQs to frame new MCQs. Solving these MCQs also acts like a confidence booster
While attempting MCQs identify the areas from where more questions are asked or where you make more mistakes. Revise those portions again.
#3. Keep reading the newspaper.Revise the current affairs at least from August 2015 onwards.
Do not fret over if you should read newspaper till June or July. Anyway you cannot miss it as the Mains shall be soon approaching. If you want a compilation of Civilsdaily’s news in a rich and easy to read .pdf – buy your e-copy from this link.
Use your travelling time productively! Read and revise news from Civilsdaily
#4. Make a study group of serious aspirants. Discuss topics, clarify doubts, ask questions especially from current affairs.
You would see that the forum has quite a healthy participation of aspirants who are helping each other out to the best of their abilities. The more you help, the more you revise and retain!
#5. Keep practicing the MCQs posted on the forum or from the quality test series you might have joined. Click here to access them
The 2 Don’ts
#1. Stay clear of the BSc (Bakar-Sutta-Chai) friends. Join them on 7th evening. You may feel otherwise but they won’t abandon you if you avoid them till the exam. Another type to avoid is the PDs (Perpetual Daydreamers). Those types who suddenly exclaim , “Bhai ek baar IAS ban gaya, teri kasam bhai, dot dot dot…………..”
They imagine their name in the final list, 48 times in a day!
#2. Refrain from studying new books whose study is inescapable to clear Prelims suggested by just any senior /junior /chaiwala /rikshawala /paanwala…………..
We hope these nifty tips will keep you on good stead for your run up to the PRELIMS Prep! Whether you have been writing test series elsewhere or not, tell us your expectations on a good test schedule.
Should we go for book wise tests OR subject wise?
Should we push more questions which are current affairs focussed?
Should we grill and make you revisit the factoids which have been important this year?
Please pour in your suggestions as they will help us fine tune the strategy for IAS Prelims 2016.
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?
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
