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Subject: Science and Technology

  • 17 Feb 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & [Tikdams]

    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 committees are related to Education Reforms?
    1. Kothari commission
    2. JS Verma commission
    3. Athreya Committee
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 1 and 3 only
    c) 1, 2 and 3
    d) 2 and 3 only
    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] A deepening crisis

    Q.2) Which of the following statements regarding the Prasar Bharti is incorrect?
    a) Its chairman is appointed by the President.
    b) The Prasar Bharti Act grants autonomy to All India Radio and Doordarshan.
    c) It is a statutory autonomous body.
    d) None of the above
    Inspired by: ‘We are autonomous,’ Prasar Bharati rejects Ministry’s directives’

    Q.3) ) A low Debt-to-GDP ratio primarily indicates
    a) an economy which is sufficient to pay back debts without incurring further debt
    b) an economy which is not sufficient to pay back debts without incurring further debt
    c) an economy with low per capita income
    d) an economy with high per capita income

    Q.4) Which of the following Schedule of the Indian Constitution is related to the North-Eastern States of India?
    a) Sixth
    b) Seventh
    c) Eighth
    d) Ninth

    Q.5) With reference to the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric scheme, consider the following statements:
    1. It is aimed at incentivising all 4 wheelers vehicles only.
    2. It is being administered by the Heavy Industries Ministry.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) 1 only
    b) Both 1 and 2
    c) 2 only
    d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Inspired by: Govt drops the idea of an India EV policy

    Q.6) Consider the following pairs :
    Hills : Region
    1. Cardamom Hills : Coromandel Coast
    2. Kaimur Hills : Konkan Coast
    3. Mahadeo Hills : Central India
    4. Mikir Hills : North-East India
    Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
    a) 1 and 2
    b) 2 and 3
    c) 3 and 4
    d) 2 and 4

    Q.7) Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti­ defection?
    a) Second Schedule
    b) Fifth Schedule
    c) Eighth Schedule
    d) Tenth Schedule

    Q.8) The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of
    a) biosphere reserves
    b) botanical gardens
    c) national parks
    d) wildlife sanctuaries

    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.

  • Testing Thursday : High Five With Tikdam – 7

    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 2010 (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. In order to comply with TRIPS Agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications off Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The difference/differences between a ‘Trade Mark’ and a Geographical Indication is/are:
      1. A Trade Mark is an individual or a company’s right whereas a Geographical Indication is a community’s right.
      2. A Trade Mark can be licensed whereas a Geographical Indication cannot be licensed.
      3. A Trade Mark is assigned to the manufactured goods whereas the Geographical Indication is assigned to the agricultural goods/products and handicrafts only.
      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

    2. The SEZ Act, 2005 which came into effect in February 2006 has certain objectives. In this context, consider the following:
    1. Development of infrastructure facilities.
    2. Promotion of investment from foreign sources.
    3. Promotion of exports of services only.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 3 only
    c) 2 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

    3. Consider the following statements:
    1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions.
    2. India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 only
    c) Both 1 and 2
    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    4. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust”
    a) NH3
    b) CH4
    c) H2O
    d) H2O2

    5. Consider the following:
    1. Oxides of Hydrogen
    2. Oxides of Nitrogen
    3. Oxides of Sulphur
    Which of the above causes/cause acid rain?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 3 only
    c) 2 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

  • Blockchain Technology: Prospects and Challenges

  • 14 Dec 2017 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & [Tikdams]

    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 statement about the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill (FRDI),

    1. It provides for establishment of a resolution corporation with powers relating to transfer of assets to a healthy financial firm, merger or amalgamation, liquidation.

    2. The Bill says that in case of a bank failure, the proposed corporation will not provide any kind of deposit insurance to the depositors.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a) 2 only

    b) Neither 1 nor 2

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) 1 only

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Perils of going cashless

    Q.2) Moreh which is recently in news since it is a place from where India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) highway will begin is in which Indian state?

    a) Manipur

    b) Mizoram

    c) Nagaland

    d)Assam

    Inspired by: Govt, ASEAN in talks to take IMT highway up to Vietnam

    Q.3) With reference to the ‘Promissory note’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a legal instrument.

    2. In special circumstances, it is called Negotiable Instrument.

    Select the correct opion using the codes given below.

    a) Neither 1 nor 2

    b) 1 only

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) 2 only

    Inspired by: Electoral bonds likely to carry validity of 15 days

    Q.4) With reference to the ‘Electoral Bonds’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. They cannot be issued against cheque.

    2.  Required amendments to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (Section 31(3)) and the Representation of People Act, 1951 were already made, for the issuing of these bonds.

    Select the correct option using the codes given below.

    a) Both 1 and 2

    b) 2 only

    c) Neither 1 nor 2

    d) 1 only

    Inspired by: Electoral bonds likely to carry validity of 15 days

    Q.5) Which of the following organisation publishes ‘Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)’, sometimes seen in news?

    a) Central Council of Indian Medicine

    b) World Health Organisation

    c) Students Working Against Tobacco

    d) None of the above

    Inspired by: Maharashtra FDA approaches law and judiciary dept over ban on e-cigarettes

    Q.6) Consider the following agricultural practices:

    1. Contour bunding

    2. Relay cropping

    3. Zero tillage

    In the context of global climate change, which of the above helps/help in carbon sequestration/ storage in the soil?

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 3 only

    c) 1, 2 and 3

    d) None of them

    Q.7) What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?

    1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected)

    2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected)

    3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 only

    c) 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q.8) Vultures used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to

    a) the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species

    b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle

    c) Scarcity of food available to them

    d) a widespread, persistant and fatal disease among them

     

    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

  • Indian Navy Updates

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  • GS PAPER 3 MAINS 2017

    All questions are compulsory

    First ten questions are of 10 marks (150 words) each while last 10 questions are of 15 marks (250 words)  each.

     

    1. Among several factors for India’s potential growth, savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential?
    2. Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports.
    3. Examine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-Private Partnership(PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard.
    4. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?
    5. What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost effective small processing unit? How the food processing unit will be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers?
    6. Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?
    7. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically
    8. Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment.
    9. Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it.
    10. The north-eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.
    11. One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective.
    12. “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product(GDP) in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes is Industrial Policy are capable of increasing the industrial growth rate?
    13. What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyze and suggest measures for inclusive growth.
    14. What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system?
    15. How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers?
    16. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India?
    17. ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change?
    18. On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of Tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.
    19. Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.
    20. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?

     

    For 2018 and beyond aspirants-

    What do you think of this paper? Easy! Very general! On expected lines!

    Which questions do you find difficult or unattemptable?

    What do you think of strategy you were following so far in the light of this question paper? Need to change the strategy? Some fine tuning required?

    Attempt some of the questions which are from the syllabus you have covered this far or at least write down the structure of answer with key points.

  • 26 Oct 2017 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & Tikdams

    Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Bharatmala project:’
    1. It is an infrastructure project.
    2. Major part of this project is PPP basied.
    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

    Q.2) Australian Continent touches which of the following seas in the North?
    1. Timor Sea
    2. Arafura Sea
    3. Coral Sea
    Select the correct option using the codes given below.
    a) 1, 2 and 3
    b) 1 and 2 only
    c) 2 and 3 only
    d) 1 and 3 only

    Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding the ‘ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’:
    1. It is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
    2. Its headquarters is located in New York, USA.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) 2 only
    b) 1 only
    c) Neither 1 nor 2
    d) Both are correct

    Q.4) Which of the following drugs are used against Tuberculosis Treatment?
    1. Isoniazid
    2. Rifampin
    3. Abacavir
    Select the correct option using the codes given below.
    a) 2 and 3 only
    b) 1 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 2 only
    d) All of the above

    Q.5) Consider the following statements regarding ‘Kehav Chandra Sen:’
    1. He founded the Brahmo Samaj.
    2. He started Bamabodhini Patrika.
    Select the correct statement/statements using the code given below.
    a) 2 and 3 only
    b) 2 only
    c) All are correct
    d) 1 and 3 only

    Q.6) Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consist of amino acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it is used as a low­calorie sweetening agent in food items. What is the basis of this use ?
    a) Aspartame is as sweet as table sugar, but unlike table sugar, it is not readily oxidized in human body due to lack of requisite enzymes.
    b) When aspartame is used in food processing , the sweet taste remains, but it becomes resistant to oxidation.
    c) Aspartame is as sweet as sugar, but after ingestion into the body, it is converted into metabolites that yield no calories.
    d) Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar, hence food items made with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation.

    Q.7) What was the purpose with which sir William wedderburn and W.S.Caine had set up the Indian parliamentary committee in 1893 ?
    a) To agitate for Indian political reforms in the house of commons.
    b) To campaign for the entry of Indians into the imperial judiciary.
    c) To facilitate a discussion on India’s independence in the British parliament.
    d) To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British parliament.

    Q.8) What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp ?
    1. To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while an LED lamp uses semi­conductor material.
    2. The average life span of a CFL is much longer than that of an LED lamp.
    3. A CFL is less energy­efficient as compared to an LED lamp.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
    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. Join Full Year Prelims TS – prelims.civilsdaily.com

    3. Solutions will be uploaded at 11.30 p.m. Click here for Solutions

    4. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here