04-Insight 2016 Prelims Test Series

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200

TEST - 4 Mark Scored : 0
1 Which of the following about Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of a state is CORRECT?
A. It is a sea zone prescribed by the United Nations Economic and Social
Council (UNECOSOC).
B. It does not come within the territorial waters of the state.
C. A state cannot use EEZs to install any energy installations.
D. Use of marine resources from EEZ is not permitted unless agreed to by
neighbouring states.
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User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
Answer Justification :
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Explanation: It is prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law on the
Seas. So, (a) is incorrect.
The difference between the territorial sea and the EEZ is that the former confers full
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sovereignty over the waters, whereas the second is merely a "sovereign right" which
refers to the coastal state's rights below the surface of the sea, for e.g. to exploit
marine resources or energy resources or any other resource. So (c) and (d) are
wrong, but (b) is correct.
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Q Source: Chapter 1: Page 2: Xth Geography NCERT
(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 1

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Total Marks 200
TEST - 4 Mark Scored 0
2 Suppose 'Nation A' has a higher Gini coefficient than 'Nation B'. What can you definitely
conclude from this?
1. Nation A is economically wealthier than Nation B.
2. Nation B has better social indicators than Nation A.
3. Nation A has higher level of environmental degradation than Nation B.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
A. 1 and 2 only
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B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. None of the above
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User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification & Learning:Gini coefficient is intended to represent the income

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distribution of a nation's residents, and is the most commonly used measure of
inequality.
A nation with a Gini score of 0 has perfect income equality, and score of 100 has
perfect inequality (i.e. all the wealth is owned by a single person).
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If Gini coefficient of Nation A is higher than nation B, there is no guarantee that
Nation A will be wealthier or poorer than Nation B. For e.g. Brazil has a higher Gini
than Canada, the latter is wealthier. So, statement 1 is wrong.
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Similarly it is possible that a more unequal nation has better social indicators than a
more equal nation. For e.g. USA has higher Gini coefficient than India; yet the
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former has better social indicators.
Similarly, no conclusive inference can be drawn about statement 3, which will also
be wrong.
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Q Source:Improvisation: Chapter 1: 10th Economics NCERT
3 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is based on the fact that

1. Magnetic field inside our bodies is similar and equal in magnitude to that of earth.
2. Heat generated by our body parts can be traced by electromagnetic field.
Which of the above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2

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Total Marks : 200
D. None
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification: The magnetic field inside the body forms the basis of obtaining the
images of different body parts. This is done using a technique called Magnetic
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Resonance Imaging (MRI). But, these fields are very weak and are about one-
billionth of the earth's magnetic field. So, statement 1 is wrong.
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MRI is not based on tracing heat patterns. Statement 2 is wrong.
Learning: An electric current always produces a magnetic field. Even weak ion
currents that travel along the nerve cells in our body produce magnetic fields. When
we touch something, our nerves carry an electric impulse to the muscles we need to
use. This impulse produces a temporary magnetic field. Analysis of these images
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helps in medical diagnosis. Magnetism has, thus, got important uses in medicine.
You might have observed that 'danger' signal lights are red in colour. The red is least
scattered by fog or smoke. Therefore, it can be seen in the same colour at a distance.
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Q Source:Page 232: Chapter 13: Xth Science NCERT
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4 Culturable waste land is a category of land use in India. It means the land which
A. is used only once in an agricultural season and rest of the time as pasture
lands
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B. has not been sown more than once during periods of drought
C. has the potential to be used for agriculture but is not being used for cultural
reasons
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User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Explanation & Learning:Culturable waste land is left uncultivated for more than 5
agricultural years. It is a category of uncultivable land. So, all options except (d) are
incorrect.
Area sown more than once in an agricultural year plus net sown area is known as
gross cropped area.

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Total Marks 200
Uncultivated land (excluding fallow land) includes (a) Permanent pastures and
grazing land, (b) Land under miscellaneous tree crops groves (not included in net
sown area), (c) Culturable waste land (left uncultivated for more than 5 agricultural
years).
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5 A mixture of oxygen and ethyne is burnt for welding. Why a mixture of ethyne and air is
not used?
1. Ethyne may not burn completely with air as with pure oxygen.
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2. Without mixing oxygen, it is difficult to reach high temperatures needed for
welding.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
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D. None
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
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Justification:When ethyne is burnt with air, it gives a yellow sooty flame which has
much lower temperatures. This is because ethyne is not burnt completely. So,
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statement 1 is correct.
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When pure oxygen is used, the flame is cleaner, combustion of ethyne is complete
and much higher temperatures can be used with lesser quantities of ethyne. So,
statement 2 is correct.
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Moreover, air contains many gases other than oxygen which may be undesirable in
the process of welding. This is why oxygen is used instead of air.
Q Source: Improvisation: Page 71: Chapter 4: Xth Science NCERT
6 In music, the term note is generally used to represent

A. the relative duration and pitch of a sound
B. the loudness and softness of a sound
C. the interval frequency between two sounds
D. a style or school of music

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Total Marks : 200
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
Justification:The term "note" in music describes the pitch and the duration of a
musical sound. The pitch describes how low or high a note sounds. So, (a) is correct.
The same note can sound soft or loud depending on how its played. So, (b) is
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correct.
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Learning:Sound is made up of vibrations or waves. These waves have a speed or
frequency that they vibrate at. The pitch of the note changes depending on the
frequency of these vibrations. The higher the frequency of the wave, the higher the
pitch of the note will sound.
In music there are specific pitches that make up standard notes. In the Indian system
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of music, there are seven musical notes in a scale - sa, re, ga, ma, pa, da, ni. In the
west, they use the notations - do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti.

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7 Between the years of formation of Indian National Congress (1885) and Non-cooperation
Movement (1920), forest cover in the Indian subcontinent declined substantially due to
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1. Expansion of Railways
2. Commercial farming
3. British economic needs in First World War
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A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
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D. All of the above

User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification & Learning: Statement 1: Growth of industries and urban centres,

ships and railways, created a new demand on the forests for timber and other forest
products.
Statement 2: Colonial control was established over the forests, forest areas were
mapped, trees were classified, and plantations were developed after clearing forests.

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Statement 3: The First World War and the Second World War had a major impact
on forests. In India, working plans were abandoned at this time, and the forest
department cut trees freely to meet British war needs.
In Java, just before the Japanese occupied the region, the Dutch followed 'a scorched
earth' policy, destroying sawmills, and burning huge piles of giant teak logs so that
they would not fall into Japanese hands.
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Q Source: Improvisation: Page 75: Chapter 4: India and Contemporary World -I:
9th Std. NCERT
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8 Bagasse can be used to manufacture
1. Biofuel
2. Paper
3. Fertilizers
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A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
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User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
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Justification & Learning:Sugarcane yields molasses and bagasse among other

products. Bagasse is the fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane or sorghum
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stalks are crushed to extract their juice.
Molasses is used as an ingredient for manufacturing fertilizers, not bagasse. So, 3 is

wrong.
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Bagasse is often used as a primary fuel source for sugar mills; when burned in
quantity, it produces sufficient heat energy to supply all the needs of a typical sugar
mill. So, 1 is correct.
Bagasse is commonly used as a substitute for wood in many tropical and subtropical
countries for the production of pulp, paper (even for
newspapers) and board, such as India, China, Colombia, Iran, Thailand and
Argentina. So, 2 is correct.

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Total Marks : 200
Q Source:Improvisation: Page 73: Chapter 4: Xth Science NCERT
9 Dialysis using an artificial kidney is based on the principle of

A. Gravity flow
B. Diffusion
C. Pascal's law
D. Archimedes' principle
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User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
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Justification & Learning: Dialysis works on the principles of the diffusion of
solutes and ultra-filtration of fluid across a semi-permeable membrane. Diffusion is
a property of substances in water; substances in water tend to move from an area of
high concentration to an area of low concentration. Blood flows by one side of a
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semi-permeable membrane, and a dialysate, or special dialysis fluid, flows by the
opposite side. So, (b) is correct.
Pascal's law states that when there is an increase in pressure at any point in a
confined fluid, there is an equal increase at every other point in the container. This is
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not used in dialysis. So, (c) is wrong.
Archimedes' principle is related to buoyancy and floating of objects in a fluid. So,

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(d) is wrong.
Gravity flow is not enough to perform dialysis. So, (a) is wrong.

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10 'X' develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall in the eastern and
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southern parts of the Deccan plateau. It can be found in thepiedmont zone of the Western
Ghats and can be diffused with iron. 'X' here refers to
A. Peaty and marshy soils
B. Red and Yellow Soil
C. Laterite Soil
D. Forest Soil
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B

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Total Marks 200
Justification: Peaty and marshy soils are found in Kerala, coastal track of Orissa,
Sunderban area of W.B. So, (a) is wrong.
A soil that is diffused with Iron generally develops red colour, and in hydrated form
occurs in yellow colour. This criteria is fulfilled by red and yellow soil. So, (b) is
correct.
Laterite soil occurs in region of high rainfall. So, (c) can be ruled out.
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Forest soils occur at high elevations as well as at low elevations, where the rainfall
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is sufficient to support trees. So, (d) is ruled out as the statements mentions
piedmont (foothills) region of western ghats.
Learning: Generally red soils are light textured with porous and friable structure
and there is absence of lime Kankar and free carbonates. They have neutral to acidic
reaction and are deficient in nitrogen humus, phosphoric acid and lime.
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Forest soils are very shallow, steep, stony, and infertile for the production of field
crops.
Peaty and Marshy soils: when the vegetation growing in such wet places dies, it
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decomposes very slowly dues to excessive wetness of soils and after several
hundreds of year a layer of partly decayed organic matter accumulates on the
surface, giving rise to such peaty and marshy soils. These are black coloured, heavy
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and highly acidic soils. When properly drained and fertilized, these soils produce
good crops of rice.
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11 Strip cropping method involves

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A. Cutting strips up and down the slope to form channels for the quick flow of
irrigation water
B. Establishing sand dunes in and around the crop in dry regions
C. Cropping different crops in alternate rows to reduce soil erosion
D. Leaving strips of grass to grow between the crops
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification & Learning: Large fields can be divided into strips. Strips of grass are
left to grow between the crops. This breaks up the force of the wind. This method is

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Total Marks : 200
known as strip cropping.
Planting lines of trees to create shelter also works in a similar way. Rows of such
trees are called shelter belts. These shelter belts have contributed significantly to the
stabilisation of sand dunes and in stabilising the desert in western India.
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12 Consider the following about the Lepchas.
1. They are the aboriginal inhabitants of Uttarakhand.
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2. They have developed their own language.
3. The famous 'Khaddar' shawl in woven by the community.
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
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User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
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Justification & Learning: The Lepchas are the aboriginal inhabitants of Sikkim
and they are mostly settled in North Sikkim. Some population can also be found in
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WB, Nepal, Bhutan etc. So, statement 1 is wrong.
The Lepcha have their own language, also called Lepcha. It belongs to the Bodish-
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Himalayish group of Tibeto-Burman languages. The Lepcha write their language in

their own script, called Rng or Lepcha script, which is derived from the Tibetan
script. It was developed between the 17th and 18th century. So, statement 2 is
correct.
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Khaddar is a shawl woven in Punjab. So, statement 3 is wrong.
Q Source: Chapter 2: Page 14: Xth Geography NCERT (Top left box)
13 Auxin performs which of the following functions in plants?

A. Regulates growth and development
B. Performs reproductive functions
C. Protects against pests and insects
D. Helps synthesize products of photosynthesis

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Total Marks 200
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
Justification & Learning:When growing plants detect light, a hormone called

auxin, synthesised at the shoot tip, helps the cells to grow longer. When light is
coming from one side of the plant, auxin diffuses towards the shady side of the
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shoot.
This concentration of auxin stimulates the cells to grow longer on the side of the
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shoot which is away from light. Thus, the plant appears to bend towards light.
Other such plant hormones (that help in promoting growth) are cytokinin (promote
cell division), gibberellins (help stems grow).
But plants also need signals to stop growing. Abscisic acid is one example of a
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hormone which inhibits growth. Its effects include wilting of leaves.
These are important hormones. You should ideally at least remember their names as
questions may be asked based on these in UPSC.
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Q Source: Page 122: Chapter 7: Xth Science NCERT
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14 Himlayan Yew is an important plant for medicinal plant found in various parts of
Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. It has been characterized as endangered by
IUCN due to
1. Depletion of inter-species gene bank of Yew
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2. Threat of bio-piracy
3. Soaking of groundwater in areas where it is present
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A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 only
C. 2 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification & Learning: Yew has undergone a recent, range-wide population

decline of at least 50 % as per IUCN.

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Throughout its range in the western Himalayas, it is declining in response to a range

of threats. In Afghanistan, up to 50% of the forests where it occurs have been
destroyed or heavily logged (UNEP 2003) over the last 30 years.
In northwest India and western Nepal, exploitation associated with Taxol production
has led to a national decline of up to 90% in Taxus populations throughout the
country.
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Also, in other countries such as Pakistan, overexploitation for fuel, fodder and
medicinal use has led to a significant decline.
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The decline is continuing and while the causes are largely understood, in many areas
they will not be reversible. On this basis an assessment of Endangered is warranted.

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15 Power of a lens is roughly dependent upon
A. Curvature of the lens
B. Height of the lens
C. Size of the lens
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D. Width of the lens
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
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Justification: Focal length of a lens depends on its curvature and the medium
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outside the lens.
The general formula (not important for the exam, just for illustration here) is
(image):
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Here R1 and R2 are internal/external radii of the lens, and 'n' represents the medium.
Learning:Ability of a lens to converge or diverge light rays depends on its focal

length. For example, a convex lens of short focal length bends the light rays through
large angles, by focussing them closer to the optical centre. Similarly, concave lens
of very short focal length causes higher divergence than the one with longer focal

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length. The degree of convergence or divergence of light rays achieved by a lens is

expressed in terms of its power. The power of a lens is defined as the reciprocal of
its focal length.
16 The bulbs are usually filled with chemically inactive nitrogen and argon gases to
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1. Increase the illumination of the bulb
2. Prolong the life of filament
3. Change the heat profile of the filament
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4. Reduce the power consumption of the bulb
A. 1 and 4 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 2 only
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User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
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Justification:In a bulb, when current passes through the filament it produces light
and heat both. Metals like tungsten (which are used as filament) glowing brightly
may oxidise at high temperatures if normal gases are filled inside the bulb.
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Filling of inert gases like nitrogen and argon prevents oxidation of the filament and
increase its life. So, 2 is correct.
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Inert gases do not play any other role like increasing power efficiency, illumination,
changing heat profile of the filament etc. So, 1, 3 and 4 are incorrect.
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They may reduce the heat emitted by the bulb to some extent as the bulb's inside is
properly insulated. To avoid confusion, we had not given any option as "2 and 3
only".
17 Apart from Chipko movement, which of the following are environmental movements?
1. Save Silent Valley
2. Beej Bachao Andolan
3. Navdanya Movement

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Total Marks : 200
4. Namantar Andolan
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2 and 3 only
User Answer :
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Correct Answer : D
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Justification & Learning: Silent Valley Movement has been covered in an earlier
test.
Namantar Andolan is a dalit movement.

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Beej Bachao Andolan drew links between the erosion of agricultural biodiversity
and rural livelihoods, and sought to preserve the people's cultural and scientific
patrimony, as well as fight back against agrarian policies that favour corporate
agribusiness at the expense of small farmers.
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Navdanya is a women centred movement for Earth Democracy based on the
philosophy of 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam' (The Earth as one Family) for conserving
biodiversity, conserving knowledge of the seed and its utilization, conserving
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culture, conserving sustainability.
It has created awareness on the hazards of genetic engineering, defended people's

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knowledge from biopiracy and food rights in the face of globalisation and climate
change.
Q Source:Chapter 3: Xth Geography NCERT

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http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/10+most+powerful+movements/1/22812.html
18 Multi-purpose river projects can pose which of the following environmental and
geological problems?
1. Triggering earthquakes
2. Excessive sedimentation of river bed
3. Making migration difficult for fishes
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only

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Total Marks 200
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification & Learning: Statement 1: The most widely accepted explanation of
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how dams cause earthquakes is related to the extra water pressure created in the
micro-cracks and fissures in the ground under and near a reservoir. When the
pressure of the water in the rocks increases, it acts to lubricate faults which are
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already under tectonic strain, but are prevented from slipping by the friction of the
rock surfaces. Sichuan earthquake can be one such example.
Statement 2: All rivers contain sediments. When a river is stilled behind a dam, the
sediments it contains sink to the bottom of the reservoir. As the sediments
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accumulate in the reservoir, so the dam gradually loses its ability to store water for
the purposes for which it was built. It results in rockier stream beds and poorer
habitats for the rivers' aquatic life. If sedimentation continues, it increases water
level and can even cause floods.
Statement 3: The construction of a dam on a river can block or delay upstream fish
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migration and thus contribute to the decline and even the extinction of species that
depend on longitudinal movements along the stream continuum during certain
phases of their life cycle. Mortality resulting from fish passage through hydraulic
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turbines or over spillways during their downstream migration can be significant.
Additional: The reservoirs that are created on the floodplains also submerge the
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existing vegetation and soil leading to its decomposition over a period of time.
Sedimentation also means that the flood plains (ahead of dam) are deprived of silt, a
natural fertiliser, further adding on to the problem of land degradation.
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It was also observed that multi-purpose projects caused waterborne diseases and
pests and pollution resulting from excessive use of water.
Q Source:Chapter 3: Xth Geography NCERT
19 In Meghalaya, a 200-year-old system of tapping stream and spring water by using

bamboo pipes, is prevalent among tribal farmers of Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Why bamboo
drip irrigation is used instead of groundwater irrigation techniques?
A. Water cannot be directed using pipes in the hills

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B. Soil has low water retention capacity due to rocky terrain

C. Due to presence of traditional terrace agriculture
D. There is large scale problem of water stagnation and water logging
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
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Justification:The Jaintia, Khasi, and Garo hills of Meghalaya are largely made up
of steep slopes and generally rocky terrain where the soil has low water retention
capacity and where the use of groundwater channels is impossible. So, (b) is correct.
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Water can be directed using pipes, but it can be expensive in a hilly terrain for
tribals. So, (a) can not be the answer.
Since the soil has low water retention capacity, water stagnation and logging cannot
take place at large scale levels. So, (d) is wrong.
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Learning: This timeless and traditional technology uses locally available material
while harnessing the forces of gravity. An assortment of holed bamboo shoots zig-
zag downhill, diverting the natural flow of streams and springs across terraced
cropland. The advantages of using bamboo are two-fold: it prevents leakage,
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increasing crop yield with less water, and makes use of natural, local, and
inexpensive material.
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Q Source: Page 32: Chapter 3: Xth Geography NCERT

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20 Blue colour of the sky and the reddish appearance of the Sun at the sunrise or sunset is
due to
A. Tyndall effect
B. Autokinetic effect
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C. Bezold Effect
D. Vertical-horizontal illusion
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
Justification: The Vertical-horizontal illusion is the tendency for observers to

overestimate the length of a vertical line relative to a horizontal line of the same
length.
Bezold effect is an apparent change of tone of a colour due to the alteration of the

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colour of the background.
The autokinetic effect, or autokinesis, occurs when a stationary image appears to

move.
Since, the scattering of light (also known as Tyndall effect) that causes these
illusions (blue sky, red sunset/sunrise) none of the above 3 are correct. So, options
(b), (c) and (d) are incorrect.
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Learning:The molecules of air and other fine particles in the atmosphere have size
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smaller than the wavelength of visible light. These are more effective in scattering
light of shorter wavelengths at the blue end than light of longer wavelengths at the
red end. The red light has a wavelength about 1.8 times greater than blue light.
Thus, when sunlight passes through the atmosphere, the fine particles in air scatter
the blue colour (shorter wavelengths) more strongly than red. The scattered blue
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light enters our eyes. If the earth had no atmosphere, there would not have been any
scattering. Then, the sky would have looked dark. The sky appears dark to
passengers flying at very high altitudes, as scattering is not prominent at such
heights.
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21 Which of the following are Rabi crops?

1. Mustard
2. Groundnut
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3. Gram
4. Maize
A. 1 and 2 only
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B. 2 and 4 only
C. 3 and 4 only
D. 1 and 3 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification:Groundnut and maize are Kharif crops. So, statements 2 and 4 are
wrong.

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Total Marks : 200
Learning: India has three cropping seasons - rabi, kharif and zaid.
Rabi crops are sown in winter from October to December and harvested in summer
from April to June. Some of the important rabi crops are wheat, barley, peas, gram
and mustard.
Kharif crops are grown with the onset of monsoon in different parts of the country
and these are harvested in September-October. Important crops grown during this
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season are paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, tur (arhar), moong, urad, cotton, jute,
groundnut and soyabean.
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22 Which of the following states is/are the major producer(s) of pulses in India?
1. Uttarakhand
2. Mizoram
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3. Madhya Pradesh
4. Kerala
A. 1 and 3 only
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B. 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only
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User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
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Justification: Pulses were in news recently due to price hike, hence the question.
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Hardly any pulses are grown in Uttarakhand, Mizoram and other NE states (except
Assam), Kerala, HP and J&K. MP is leading producer of pulses alongwith
Maharashtra, UP and Rajasthan. So, statements 1, 2 and 4 are incorrect and only 3 is
correct.
Other important pulse growing states are Karnataka and AP. In all other states pulse
production is comparatively lower.
Learning: Some pulses are grown in Kharif and some in rabi season. Being
leguminous crops, all these crops except arhar help in restoring soil fertility by
fixing nitrogen from the air. Therefore, these are mostly grown in rotation with other

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crops.
Major pulses that are grown in India are tur (arhar), urad, moong, masur, peas and
gram.
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23 The following species (in increasing order of the food web) consume the produce of an
agricultural field where pesticides are used heavily.
1. Rats
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2. Mongoose
3. Humans
The concentration of pesticides in them will be highest to lowest in the order?
A. 3>2>1
B. 1>2>3
C. 2>3>1
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D. 1>3>2
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
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Justification & learning: The food web goes in this order,
rats>Mongoose>Humans.
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Pesticides are either washed down into the soil or into the water bodies. From the
soil, these are absorbed by the plants along with water and minerals, and from the
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water bodies these are taken up by aquatic plants and animals. This is one of the
ways in which they enter the food chain.
As these chemicals are not degradable, these get accumulated progressively at each
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trophic level. As human beings occupy the top level
in any food chain, the maximum concentration of these chemicals get accumulated
in our bodies. This phenomenon is known as biological magnification.
24 The initial objective of the 'Gramdan movement' was to

A. Consolidate and secure landholdings of small and marginal farmers village-
wise

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B. Improve collectivisation in rural agriculture

C. Promote patronization of one village by one royal family
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
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Justification & Learning: The initial objective of the movement started by Vinoba
Bhave was to secure voluntary donations of land and distribute it to the landless, but
the movement soon came out with a demand of 1/6 share of land from all land
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owners. In 1952, the movement had widened the concept of gramdan (village in gift)
and had started advocating commercial ownership of land. The first village to come
under gramdan was Mangroth in Hamirpur Dist of U.P.
However, many land-owners chose to provide some part of their land to the poor
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farmers due to the fear of land ceiling act. This Bhoodan-Gramdan movement
initiated by Vinobha Bhave is also known as the Blood-less Revolution.
Q Source: Improvisation: Page 43: Chapter 4: Xth Geography NCERT

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25 Which of the following measures, generally invoked by the government, help contain
price rise in certain food commodities?
1. Invoking Essential Commodities Act
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2. Zero export duty on those food crops

3. Promoting futures and forward trading in those food commodities to
4. stabilize food prices
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A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
IN
D. 1 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification: Invoking essential commodities act against hoarding traders and

stockists reduces hoarding, and increases supply in the market thus reducing prices.
Statement 1 is correct.
Prices rise when production falls short of demand. Zero duty on exports would
further reduce domestic supply. So, statement 2 is incorrect.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
Futures and forward trading in times of price rise further destabilizes food prices by
speculation. Government recently suspended such trading in view of rising pulse
prices. So, statement 3 is incorrect.
Learning: Commodities markets have flourished wherever producers and

consumers have to exchange goods. This has happened for centuries; however
somewhere in this process the agreements were signed by the parties where the
S
delivery of a good was to be done in the future at a price which was decided in the
present.
IA
Hence payment was done after receiving the commodity in the given quantity and at
the specified quality at the price negotiated earlier. This allowed the producers like a
farmer to plant the crops with a guarantee that he would get a given price for the
crop and it gave the customer a security that he will get the requisite crop at the
specified quantity and quality. This removed the losses incurred by either party
because of variations in the market.
TS
So, a forward contract is a non-standardized agreement between two parties to buy
or sell a commodity or an asset at a future date at the
price decided now. A futures contract is similar with the difference being that the
H
assets bought or sold are standardized and the contracts are negotiated at a futures
exchange which acts as an intermediary.
G
Q Source:Improvisation: Page 47: Chapter 4: Xth Geography NCERT

SI
26 Genetic engineering can NOT be performed with respect to

1. Virus
2. Clonal bacteria
3. Fungi
IN

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. None of the options (a), (b) or (c) is correct.
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification: Genetically engineered viruses are being developed that can still
confer immunity. So, statement 1 can't be the answer.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
A clonal colony or genet is a group of genetically identical individuals, such as

plants, fungi, or bacteria. Since genetic engineering can be done with bacteria, it can
also be done with clonal bacteria. Statement 2 can't be the answer.
Filamentous fungi are widely used in biotechnology as cell factories for the
production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and enzymes. Statement 3 also can't be
the answer.
S
So, none of the options is correct.
IA
Learning: Genetic engineering is any process by which genetic material (the
building blocks of heredity) is changed in such a way as to make possible the
production of new substances or new functions. As an example, biologists have now
learned how to transplant the gene that
produces light in a firefly into tobacco plants. The function of that gene-the
TS
production of light-has been added to the normal list of functions of the tobacco
plants.
In 1972 Paul Berg created the first recombinant DNA molecules by combining DNA
from the monkey virus SV40 with that of the lambda virus.
H
The first GMOs were bacteria generated in 1973 and GM mice in 1974. Insulin-
producing bacteria were commercialized in 1982 and genetically modified food has
G
been sold since 1994.

SI
27 In India, movement from traditional crops to crop diversification especially cash crops
can offer which of the following advantages?
1. Earning foreign exchange
IN
2. Boost food processing industry

3. Tackle problem of land degradation
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
Justification:Crop diversification and also the growing of large number of crops are
practiced in rainfed lands to reduce the risk factor of crop failures due to drought or
less rains. Fruits, medicinal herbs, flowers, vegetables, bio-diesel crops like jatropha
and jojoba need much less irrigation than rice or sugarcane. So, statement 3 is
correct.
There is huge demand for cash crops abroad. For e.g. India exports 80% of the
S
coffee it produces earning precious foreign exchange. Statement 1 is correct.
Processing of cops like tobacco, cotton, jute, cashew etc are generating large
IA
forward and backward linkages in the food processing industry. Statement 2 is
correct.

TS
28 The toothpaste, that you use daily, contains which of the following minerals to fight
cavities?
A. Petroleum Jelly
B. Anatase
C. Titanium Oxide
H
D. Fluoride
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
G
Justification & Learning: Abrasive minerals like silica, limestone, aluminium

SI
oxide and various phosphate minerals do the cleaning in the toothpaste that you use.
Fluoride is used to reduce cavities. It comes from a mineral fluorite. Most

toothpastes are made white with titanium oxide, which comes from minerals called
IN
rutile, ilmenite and anatase.
The sparkle in some toothpastes comes from mica. The toothbrush and tube
containing the paste are made of plastics from petroleum.
29 Consider the following with reference to 'Indentured labours'?

1. It was in practice before the institution of 'slavery' started in Africa.
2. It was abolished following the French Revolution.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
S
Justification: It started after the abolition of slavery. So, 1 is wrong.
IA
It was widely employed in the 18th century in the British colonies in North America
and elsewhere, and was not abolished after the French revolution. So, 2 is also
incorrect.
Learning:Indentured labour was a system of bonded labour that was instituted

TS
following the abolition of slavery. Indentured labour were recruited to work on
sugar, cotton and tea plantations, and rail construction projects in British colonies in
West Indies, Africa and South East Asia. From 1834 to the end of the WWI, Britain
had transported about 2 million Indian indentured workers to 19 colonies including
Fiji, Mauritius, Ceylon, Trinidad, Guyana, Malaysia, Uganda, Kenya and South
H
Africa.
The indentured workers (known derogatively as 'coolies') were recruited from India,
G
China and from the Pacific and signed a contract in their own countries to work
abroad for a period of 5 years or more. They were meant to receive wages, a small
amount of land and in some cases, promise of a return passage once their contract
SI
was over. In reality, this seldom happened, and the conditions were harsh and their
wages low.
Q Source:Improvisation: Page 21: Chapter 1: India and Contemporary World -I: 9th
IN
Std. NCERT
30 Mica is one of the most important minerals used in electric and electronic industries due
to its
1. Low power loss factor
2. Breakdown at high voltage to protect circuits
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
D. None
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
Justification: Mica dissipating minimal energy in the form of heat, and hence has a
low power loss factor. So, statement 1 is correct.
S
In fact, Mica is unique in being a good thermal conductor as well as an insulator.
IA
Mica also has excellent di-electric strength. It means that it can withstand high
voltages, which is why it is used in electric circuits. So, statement 2 is wrong.
Learning: Mica sheets are chemically inert, dielectric, elastic, flexible, hydrophilic,
insulating, lightweight, platy, reflective, refractive, resilient, and range in opacity
from transparent to opaque. Mica is stable when exposed to electricity, light,
moisture, and extreme temperatures.
TS
It is thus used in a situation where combination of high-heat stability and electrical
properties is required.
H
Q Source:Page 56: Chapter 5: Xth Geography NCERT
G
31 Mining in a large area can have which of the following environmental impacts?
1. Soil erosion
2. Contamination of groundwater
3. Poisoning and loss of nearby aquatic biodiversity
SI

A. 2 only
B. 3 only
IN
C. 1 and 2 only
D. All of the above
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification & Learning: Mining industry can impact aquatic biodiversity through
different ways. Direct poisoning is the first one, and risks are higher when
contaminants are mobile in the sediment or bioavailable in the water. Mine drainage
can modify water pH. Metal oxide deposition can limit biomass by coating algae or
their substrate, thereby preventing colonization. So, statement 3 is correct.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
The water sources in the region get contaminated due to mining. Dumping of waste
and slurry leads to degradation of land, soil, and increase in stream and river
pollution and leaches to groundwater too. So, statement 2 is correct.
32 In the technique of Vegetative Propagation
S
A. Multiple plants are involved to produce a progeny
B. Only one plant is involved in creating an offspring
C. Artificial breeding is done through pollination
IA
D. Genes of particular plant species are preserved for progenies
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
TS
Justification & Learning: Vegetative propagation is a form of asexual
reproduction of a plant. Only one plant is involved and the offspring is the result of
one parent. The new plant is genetically identical to the parent.
Some of the methods used are:

H
Cuttings: Cuttings are part of the plant that is cut off of the parent plant. Shoots with
leaves attached are usually used. New roots and leaves will grow from the cutting.
G
The shoot is cut at an angle. A growth promoter may be used to help with the
growth of the roots.
SI
Grafting: In grafting 2 plants are used to develop a new plant with combined traits
from the 2 parent plants. In grafting the scion is the above ground part of one plant.
The scion is attached to the stock which is the rooted part of the second plant.
IN
Layering:In layering a shoot of a parent plant is bent until it can be covered by soil.
The tip of the shoot remains above ground. New roots and eventually a new plant
will grow. These plants can then be separated.
33 Apart from body mass, "Body mass Index (BMI)" for an adult is calculated using
her/his
1. Age
2. Daily calorie intake

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Total Marks 200
3. Height
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1 only
User Answer :
S
Correct Answer : C
IA
Justification & Learning: One way to find out if adults are undernourished is to
calculate Body Mass Index (BMI).
Take the weight of the person in kg. Then take the height in metres. Divide the
weight by the square of the height. If this figure is less than 18.5 then the person
TS
would be considered undernourished. However, if this BMI is more than 25, then a
person is overweight. Do remember that this criterion is not applicable to growing
children.
Q Source: Page 9: Chapter 1: 10th Economics NCERT

H
34 Consider the following with reference to natural gas and crude oil in India.
1. India is a net importer of crude oil.
G
2. India is a net exporter of petroleum products.

3. Natural gas pricing in India has been deregulated.
4. No upstream activities are done in these sectors in India presently.
SI

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
IN
D. 1 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
Justification & Learning: Despite being a net importer of crude oil, India has
become a net exporter of petroleum products by investing in refineries designed for
export, particularly in Gujarat. So, statement 1 and 2 are correct.
Natural gas is priced based on a formula approved by the government which links
prices to select global market prices. So, statement 3 is incorrect.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
The oil and gas industry is usually divided into three major sectors: upstream,
midstream and downstream. The upstream oil sector is also commonly known as the
exploration and production (E&P) sector, which
is being done in India by companies such as Reliance and Cairn India. Statement 4
is incorrect.
S
http://www.makeinindia.com/sector/oil-and-gas/
IA
35 The National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) is responsible for conducting nation-
wide surveys on various socio-economic aspects. It comes under
A. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
B. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
C. Ministry of Home Affairs
TS
D. Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
H
Learning:It is the largest organization conducting socio-economic surveys in India.
Its nation-wide surveys on various socio-economic aspects include follow-up

G
enterprise surveys of Economic Census, field work relating to Annual Survey of

Industries (ASI), supervision of area enumeration and crop estimation surveys
conducted by state agencies under the Improvement of Crop Statistics scheme,
SI
Urban Frame Survey with a view to prepare a frame of compact units of urban areas
as the first stage sampling units (FSUs), organizing methodological studies and pilot
surveys on important subjects and collection of price data from rural and urban
sectors.
IN
The organisation functions under the overall direction of a Governing Council with
requisite independence and autonomy in the matter of collection, processing and
publication of National Sample Survey (NSS) data.
Q Source:Page 18: Chapter 2: 10th Economics NCERT
36 Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) or Geo-exchange Pumps work on the principle of
A. Dalton's law of partial pressure
B. Refrigeration cycle

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Total Marks 200
C. Heat Doppler Effect

D. Electromagnetic induction
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
Justification & Learning:The description of geo-exchange pumps will clarify the
S
concept and why (b) should be the answer.
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP's) use the earth's relatively constant temperature
IA
(instead of the outside air) between 16 - 240C at a depth of 20 feet to provide
heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and commercial buildings. GSHP harvests
heat absorbed at the Earth's surface from solar energy.
TS
H
G
SI
The basic principle on which the GSHP works is "refrigeration cycle". The
refrigerant carries the heat from one "space" to another. The heat pump's process can
be reversed. The earth is the main source and sink of heat. In winters, it provides
IN
heat and summers it takes the heat.
http://mnre.gov.in/related-links/new-technologies/geothermal/
37 Aerobic rice cultivation

1. Increases water use in rice production
2. Is grown in water-saturated soils
3. Can be done using any variety of rice grown in India

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
S
Justification: Unlike flooded rice, irrigation-when applied-is not'used to flood the
soil but to just bring the soil water'content in the root zone up to field capacity. So, it
IA
actually reduces water consumption and field is not flooded or saturated. Statement
1 and 2 are wrong.
Aerobic rice is a production system in which especially developed "aerobic rice"

varieties are grown. So, statement 3 is also wrong.
TS
Learning: Soil is left properly aerated (oxygen) in this type of cultivation. This is
the main difference with flooded rice cultivation. Aerobic rice can be found, or can
be a suitable technology, in the following areas:
a. "Favorable uplands": these are areas where the land is flat, and where rainfall
H
with or without supplemental irrigation is sufficient to frequently bring the
soil water content close to field capacity, and where farmers have access to
external inputs such as fertilizers.
G
b. Fields on upper slopes or terraces in undulating, rainfed lowlands: quite often,

soils in these areas are relatively coarse-textured and well-drained, so that
ponding of water occurs only briefly or not at all during the growing season.
SI
c. Water-short irrigated lowlands: these are areas where farmers do not have
access to sufficient water anymore to keep rice fields flooded for a substantial
period of time.
IN
Q Source: Improvisation: Chapter 4: Xth Geography NCERT
http://www.thehindu.com/business/agri-business/aerobic-rice-cultivation-reduces-w
ater-usage/article7648721.ece
38 Hypertension is a growing Non-communicable (NCD) disease in India. Which of the

following can lead to hypertension?
1. Obesity
2. High protein diet
3. Old age

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
S
Learning: Hypertension is a case of high blood pressure.
IA
Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against blood vessel
walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood
throughout the body.
Hypertension is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood
out to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, to
TS
stroke, kidney disease, and to the development of heart failure.
The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, but several factors and
conditions may play a role in its development, including:
H
Smoking; Being overweight or obese; Lack of physical activity; Too much salt in
the diet; Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day); Stress;
Older age; Genetics; Family history of high blood pressure; Chronic kidney disease;
G
Adrenal and thyroid disorders; Sleep apnea.

SI
39 In recent years, there is a tendency for the mills to shift from northern states and
concentrate in the southern and western states, especially in Maharashtra. This is because
IN
1. Cane produced there has higher sucrose content

2. Cooler climate ensures a longer crushing season
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
Justification & Learning: Statement 2: In southern India, hot winds do not blow in
summer, and there is no frost in winter. Moreover, they are closer to sea which
exerts its moderating influence. This makes for an ideal location for growing
sugarcane.
Statement 1: For best productivity, sugarcane needs tropical conditions such as long
hours of sunshine, cool nights with clear skies. This is reason, that highest
S
productivity in terms of sugar content is found in Maharashtra sugarcane.
Moreover, cooperative movements are more successful in these regions, which is
IA
one more reason for the shift.
40 Silicon Locket developed using nano-technology is related with

A. Detecting food contamination
TS
B. Detecting cardiac health
C. Detecting vapours of explosives
D. Sensing variation of electromagnetic activity around the body
User Answer :
H
Correct Answer : B
G
Justification & Learning:It is a toffee-sized, low-cost silicon locket (chip) that

could be used to monitor ECG.
SI
Features:
Low-power microcomputer with an indigenously developed operating system

It is a web enabled efficient and intelligent remote health care system.
IN
ECG data can be stored in a micro-sized secure digital memory card or

transmitted through a phone modem or via a GPRS network
Automatically informs a medical practitioner through an SMS in the event of
an arrhythmia
Allows the practitioner to remotely login to the locket to view a patient's
ECG in real-time or download the data.
Q Source: http://deity.gov.in/content/research-output
41 Which of the following can be produced with sugarcane plants?

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
1. Molasses
2. Alcohol
3. Bagasse
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 2 only
S
D. All of the above
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
IA
Justification: Sugarcane plants are one of the most efficient convertors of sunlight
into chemical energy. Sugarcane juice can be used to prepare molasses which is
fermented to give alcohol (ethanol). So, 1 and 2 are correct.
TS
Other products derived from sugarcane include sugar, falernum, rum, cacha'a (a
traditional spirit from Brazil) and bagasse. So, 3 is correct.
Learning:In some regions, people use sugarcane reeds to make pens, mats, screens,
and thatch.
H
Some countries now use alcohol as an additive in petrol since it is a cleaner fuel
which gives rise to only carbon dioxide and water on burning in sufficient air
G
(oxygen).

SI
42 Which of the following describes Cryonics most appropriately?

A. Study of the production and behaviour of materials at very low temperatures
IN
B. Applications of solid frozen fuels in space flights

C. Cryopreservation of humans and animals with the intention of future revival
D. Genetic engineering done at very low temperatures
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
Justification: Cryogenic and Cryonics are two different things. Option (a) and (b)
are related to cryogenics.
(c) describes cryonics.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
Learning:Future revival in Cryonics is done because it is believed humans and

animals can be kept alive until in the future a medicine discovery cures them.
A central premise of cryonics is that long-term memory, personality, and identity are
stored in durable cell structures and patterns within the brain that do not require
continuous brain activity to survive
The central premises of Cryonics are:
S
Life can be stopped and restarted if its basic structure is preserved. For e.g.
IA
Human embryos are routinely preserved for years at temperatures that
completely stop the chemistry of life.
Vitrification (not freezing) can preserve biological structure very well. For
e.g. Adding high concentrations of chemicals called cryoprotectants to cells
permits tissue to be cooled to very low temperatures with little or no ice
formation
TS
Methods for repairing structure at the molecular level can now be foreseen.
For e.g. the emerging science of nanotechnology will eventually lead to
devices capable of extensive tissue repair and regeneration (to correct the
damages caused due to vitrification).
H
Q Source:Based on a question asked on cryonics and cryogenics in IFS (mains)
2013./p>
G
43 National Highway 7 (old numbering) is the longest running highway in India. It passes
through which of the following states?
SI
1. Uttar Pradesh
2. Punjab
3. Gujarat
4. Rajasthan
IN

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification & Learning: NH 7 is a major North-South National Highway in India

that runs through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
NH-7 was laid and is maintained by Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
This highway starts from the area Hyderabad Gate in Varanasi.
The highway connects several important Indian cities such as Varanasi, Rewa,
Jabalpur, Nagpur, Adilabad, Nirmal, Armoor in (Nizamabad ), Kamareddy,
Hyderabad, Kurnool, Anantapur, Chikkaballapur, Bangalore, Krishnagiri, Salem,
S
Madurai, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari.
IA
A major part of NH 7 covers the North-South Corridor of NHDP and it is officially
listed as running over 2,369 km (1,472 mi) from Varanasi to Kanyakumari.

TS
44 Consumers international is
A. a not-for-profit company fighting for consumer rights
B. an inter-governmental organization laying down framework of global
consumer rights
C. an agency of United Nations entrusted with implementing 1958 UN
H
Guidelines for Consumer Protection
D. a NGO affiliated to United Nations for creating and maintaining a database of
consumer rights violations across the world
G
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
SI
Learning: Consumers International (CI) is the world federation of consumer groups

that, working together with its Members, serves as the only independent and
authoritative global voice for consumers.
IN
Founded in 1960, it is fighting for a fair, safe and sustainable future for all
consumers in a global marketplace increasingly dominated by international
corporations.
CI is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and registered in the UK.
Today, Consumers International has become an umbrella body to over 220 member
organisations from over 115 countries.
Q Source:Page 78: Chapter 4: 10th Economics NCERT

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
45 What is the significance of recent formation of ASEAN Economic Community?

1. ASEAN will become a single market.
2. It will adopt a single currency.
3. While fiscal policies will be different for member nations, monetary policy will be
the same for each nation.
A. 1 only
S
B. 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
IA
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
Justification & Learning: AEC would make ASEAN a single market with a free
TS
flow of goods, capital and skilled labour in the region.
It would thus integrate Southeast Asia's diverse 10 economies which has combine
population of 620 million people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of
2.4 trillion US dollars.
H
To achieve this, it would abolish tariffs on imports within the bloc member countries
and promote the liberalization of service industries such as retailing and tourism.
G
Hence, it calls for more free movement of and skilled labour within the region
including of doctors, architects and others with special skills.
SI
Statement 2 and 3 are not valid for ASEAN, but valid for EU.
Q Source: http://www.asean.org/communities/asean-economic-community
IN
46 Litmus can be extracted from

A. Rhizobium
B. Mycorrhizae
C. Lichens
D. Corals
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
Justification & Learning: Litmus solution is a purple dye, which is extracted from

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
lichen, a plant belonging to the division Thallophyta, and is commonly used as an

indicator. When the litmus solution is neither acidic nor basic, its colour is purple.
There are many other natural materials like red cabbage leaves, turmeric, coloured
petals of some flowers such as Hydrangea, Petunia and Geranium, which indicate
the presence of acid or base in a solution. These are called acid-base indicators or
sometimes simply indicators.
S
IA
47 Which of the following committees/panels has been set-up by the government for
generating greater interest in classical language Sanskrit?
1. Satish Chandra Committee
2. N GopalaSwami Expert Committee
3. Satya Vrat Shashtri Committee
TS
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2 only
H
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
G
Justification:Satish Chandra committee is related to Civil Services Reforms.

Another panel, called Indian Council for Historical research was once headed by
SI
Satish Chandra. But, both are not related to the topic in question. So, 1 is wrong.
The committee in statement 3 was established by UPA-II government.

IN
Committee in statement 2 was established very recently by MHRD.
Learning: Terms of Reference of Committee
Recommend measures to integrate the study of the ancient classical language

with other disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, medical
science and law.
Suggest changes in Sanskrit education in schools and universities and ways to
impart Sanskrit education through modern tools.
The N Gopalaswami expert Committee also has been tasked to chart out an action

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
plan to develop the language in the next 10 years.
Q
Source:http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/hrd-ministry-sets-up-
exclusive-panel-on-sanskrit-promotion/
48 Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA) is
S
A. a partnership between leading research institutions in the World
B. a joint venture between selected corporate houses to invest in future
technologies of well-being
IA
C. a joint venture company of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and
Department of Science & Technology
D. a partnership between all governments party to United Nations Convention
on Innovation and Technology, 2005
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
TS
Learning:Technology Acquisition and Development Fund (TADF) will be

implemented by GITA.
H
The Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA) which is a joint venture
company of CII and Department of Science & Technology. GITA was launched in
G
2007-08 to stimulate private sector's investment in Research and Development.
Q Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=131673
SI
49 You observe a fire nearby your house with lots of black smoke and a dazzling yellow
flame. The fire has been caused most likely due to the burning of?
A. Vegetable oil that is used for cooking
IN
B. A large propane cylinder

C. A natural gas pipeline
D. Any of the above
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
Justification & Learning:Saturated hydrocarbons will generally give a clean flame

while unsaturated carbon compounds will give a yellow flame with lots of black
smoke.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
Vegetable oil is normally unsaturated oil, i.e. if it burns it gives black smoke and
yellow flame.
Propane and natural gas (mostly methane) are saturated hydrocarbons (single bond
carbon chains). So they give a clear flame.
S
50 Recently, Uttar Pradesh government's "Clean UP, Green UP" initiative earned a place in
the Guinness Book of World Records. This is because
IA
A. It is first major environmental initiative with partnership of state government
and PRIs
B. Largest number of international volunteers participated in the initiative
C. No official machinery used for the implementation of such a large
environmental initiative
TS
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
H
Justification & Learning: Under state government's green drive initiative 10 lakh
saplings were planted in one day within a span of eight hours on November 7, 2015
at 10 locations in the state.
G
This new record has surpassed the earlier record for plantation of maximum number
of tree that was 8 lakh 50 thousand trees in a single day.
SI
The initiative was executed through coordinated efforts of state forest, irrigation
departments along with Noida and Greater Noida Authority.
IN
Q
Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/ups-guinness-record-10-lakh-pl
ants-in-8-hours/article7906816.ece
51 Which of the following is/are NOT the objective(s) of National Forest Policy, 1988?
1. Checking soil erosion and denudation in the catchment areas of rivers.
2. Checking the extension of sand-dunes in the desert areas and along the coastal tracts
3. Meeting the requirements of forest produce of the rural and tribal populations.
4. . Creating a massive people's movement with the involvement of women to achieve
the objectives of the policy

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200

A. 2 and 3 only
B. 3 and 4 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. All are objectives of National Forest Policy.
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
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Explanation: : First look tells you that a policy cannot talk about a massive people's
IA
movement. But, this policy does. Also, the policy is all inclusive as it does not talk
only about arresting deforestation and countering its adverse effects, it goes beyond
to maintain the livelihoods of the communities that inhabit the forests. So, all
statements are correct. TS
Learning:: Other basic objectives are:
Maintenance of environmental stability through preservation and, where

necessary, restoration of the ecological balance that has been adversely
disturbed by serious depletion of the forests of the country.
Conserving the natural heritage of the country by preserving the remaining
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natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna, which represent the
remarkable biological diversity and genetic resources of the country.
Increasing substantially the forest/tree cover in the country through massive
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afforestation and social forestry programmes, especially on all denuded,

degraded and unproductive lands.
Increasing the productivity of forests to meet essential national needs.
SI
Encouraging efficient utilisation of forest produce and maximising

substitution of wood.
Q Source: : Improvisation: Chapter 1: Page 6: Xth Geography NCERT

IN
52 Recently in Mumbai (2015) a lot of people fell ill after drinking contaminated alcohol
and some died of it as a result. The 'contamination' was most probably due to?
A. Hydrogen Cyanide
B. Agent Orange
C. Methanol
D. Ethanol
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
Justification:Ethanol is basically alcohol. It is not very harmful in the short-term if

not taken in very large quantities. So, (d) is wrong.
Hydrogen Cyanide is a powerful toxicant. It is not mixed with alcohol at any stage
its preparation. (a) is wrong.
S
Agent Orange was used during the Vietnam War, both to kill the trees which
provided cover for enemy soldiers, and to destroy crops in rural areas. (b) is wrong.
IA
Learning:: Unlike ethanol, intake of methanol in very small quantities can cause
death. Methanol is oxidised to methanal in the liver. Methanal reacts rapidly with
the components of cells. It causes the protoplasm to get coagulated, in much the
same way an egg is coagulated by cooking. Methanol also affects the optic nerve,
causing blindness.
TS
Ethanol is an important industrial solvent. To prevent the misuse of ethanol
produced for industrial use, it is made unfit for drinking by adding poisonous
substances like methanol to it. Dyes are also added to colour the alcohol blue so that
it can be identified easily. This is called denatured alcohol.
H
Q Source: : Improvisation: Page 72: Chapter 4: Xth Science NCERT

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53 Under the SHG-Bank Linkage Programme, NABARD gives grant support to which of
the following agencies?
1. Individual Rural Volunteers (IRV)
SI
2. NGOs
3. Private Commercial banks
4. Farmers Clubs
IN
Select the correct answer using the codes below

A. 3 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2 and 4 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Learning:Ever since the SHG-Bank Linkage Programme was launched by

NABARD, the Self Help Promoting Agencies such as NGOs, Banks (RRBs,

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
DCCBs), Farmers Clubs and Individual Rural Volunteers (IRV) are being extended
grant support to organise and nurture SHGs of the poor.
In fact, the phenomenal growth of SHG-Bank Linkage Programme in the country, is

the result of the painstaking efforts put in by these agencies in forming and nurturing
SHGs especially in areas where the concept never existed.
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Check the lumpsum grant support given by NABARD to these agencies.
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TS
H
G
"

SI
54 Wind, running water, biological activities contribute to the formation of soil. Which of
the following do NOT contribute to the 'formation' of soil?
IN
1. Glaciers
2. Magma
3. Groundwater
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 3 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
Explanation:Glacial movements erode a very large portion of earth and deposit

them slowly over a place where other forces of nature act on it to form soil. So, 1
contributes.
Magma is responsible for formation of lava and its cooling forms igneous soil. So, 2
contributes.
Groundwater does not form soil as such but it can cause salination of soil if is
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withdrawn excessively. In areas of limestone, it forms landforms, but not soil. So, 3
does not contribute.
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Learning: : All soils initially come from rocks, this is termed the 'parent material'.
The Parent Material may be directly below the soil, or great distances away if wind,
water or glaciers have transported the soil.
In addition to the soil parent material, soil formation is also dependent upon climatic
TS
conditions like temperature, humidity etc. These affect both the form and rate of
physical and chemical weathering of the parent material.
The formation of soils can be seen as a combination of the products of weathering,

of structural development of the soil, of differentiation of that structure into horizons
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or layers, and lastly of its movement or translocation.

G
55 Maximum land area has been degraded and converted to wasteland in India under the
influence of
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A. Overblowing of wind
B. Mining and Industrial waste
C. Waterlogging and surface ponding
IN
D. Water erosion
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Explanation & Learning: The image below is based on a preliminary study of

ICAR, but results will nearly be the same. Data in NCERT is old (2000) and thus
may not be reliable. The report can be found here
http://icar.org.in/files/Degraded-and-Wastelands.pdf(Page 6)

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
S
IA
TS
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Major factors are loss of top-soil due to water erosion; land degradation due to
acidity; vegetal degradation with water erosion; and gully formation.
G
Q Source: Improvisation: Chapter 1: Page 7: Xth Geography NCERT
56 Autotrophic Nutrition is mainly associated with

SI
A. Fungi
B. Protozoa
C. Algae
D. Viruses
IN
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
Justification & Learning:Simple, straightforward question.
Autotrophs manufacture their own food. Most known example is plants which fulfil
their carbon and energy requirements by photosynthesis.
Algae have photosynthetic machinery ultimately derived from cyanobacteria that

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produce oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis.
Fungi, Protozoa and Virus do not manufacture food. So, (a), (b) and (d) are wrong.
57 The National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) is a subordinate office
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under
A. Ministry of Heavy Industry and Enterprises
B. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
IA
C. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)
D. Ministry of Law and Justice
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
TS
Learning:: The National Common Minimum Programme had identified the need to
have a continuing forum consisting of representatives from Government, the
Industry and the Academia for policy dialogue to energize and sustain the growth of
the manufacturing industry
H
The National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) has been set up by
the Government under DIPP, Ministry of Commerce to provide a continuing forum
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for policy dialogue to energise and sustain the growth of manufacturing industries in
India. The NMCC is expected to suggest various ways and means for enhancing the
competitiveness of manufacturing sector including identification of manufacturing
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sectors which have potential for global competitiveness.
The Government also nominated Members of the Council who are from various
fields of industry.
IN
58 Which of the following statements is correct about black soil?

A. It is generally rich in phosphoric contents.
B. It is made up of very coarse material.
C. It can hold moisture.
D. It is formed after the weathering of metamorphic rocks over a long period of
time.
User Answer :

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
Correct Answer : C
Justification:: These soils are generally poor in phosphoric contents. So, (a) is
wrong. It is however rich in soil nutrients, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium,
potash and lime.
The black soils are made up of extremely fine i.e. clayey material. They are well-
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known for their capacity to hold moisture. So, (b) is wrong, and (c) is correct.
IA
It is typical of the Deccan trap (Basalt) region spread over northwest Deccan plateau
and is made up of lava flows. So, (d) is wrong.
Learning:It is also known as regur soils. Black soil is ideal for growing cotton and
is also known as black cotton soil.
TS
It covers the plateaus of Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh and
Chhattisgarh and extend in the south east direction along the Godavari and the
Krishna valleys.
Q Source: : Chapter 1: Page 8: Xth Geography NCERT

H
59 As per State of Forest Report published in India, which of the following is correct in
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order of lowest to highest area?

A. Open forests, Mangroves, Dense Forests, Plantations
B. Mangroves, Open forests, Dense Forests
C. Dense forests, Plantations, Mangroves, Open forests
SI
D. Mangroves, Dense Forests, Open forests, Plantations

User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
IN
Justification & Learning: : The table (image) below gives the details as per State
of Forest Report 2013.

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Total Marks 200
S
IA
The forest cover includes all lands which have a tree canopy density of 10 percent
and above and have a minimum area of one hectare.
The forest cover reported in the ISFR does not make any distinction between the
origins of forest stand (whether natural or man-made) or tree species and
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encompasses all types of lands irrespective of their ownership, land use and legal
status.
Thus, all tree species along with bamboos, fruit bearing trees, coconut, palm, etc.
and all areas including forest, private, community or institutional lands meeting the
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above defined criteria have been termed as forest cover.

G
60 Plant tissue culture or Micropropagation is

1. Used to produce clones of a plant
SI
2. Performed in the wild

3. Used to conserve rare or endangered plant species
Select the correct answr using the codes below.
A. 1 only
IN
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
Justification & Learning: : It is performed under sterile conditions in a nutrient

culture medium (laboratory conditions). So, 2 is incorrect.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
Plant tissue culture relies on the fact that many plant cells have the ability to
regenerate a whole plant.
Plant tissue culture is used widely in the plant sciences, forestry, and in horticulture.
Applications include:
To quickly produce mature plants.

The production of multiples of plants in the absence of seeds or necessary
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pollinators to produce seeds.
The regeneration of whole plants from plant cells that have been genetically
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modified
The production of plants from seeds that otherwise have very low chances of
germinating and growing, i.e.: orchids and Nepenthes.
To clean particular plants of viral and other infections and to quickly multiply
these plants as 'cleaned stock' for horticulture and agriculture.
TS
The commercial production of plants used as potting, landscape, and florist
subjects, which uses meristem and shoot culture to produce large numbers of
identical individuals
To conserve rare or endangered plant species
To cross-pollinate distantly related species
H
G
61 Which of the following are the qualities of high grade coal?

1. Softness
2. High moisture content
SI
3. High carbon content

A. 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
IN
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1 and 3 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
Justification & Learning: : Lignite is a low grade brown coal, which is soft with
high moisture content.
Coal that has been buried deep and subjected to increased temperatures is
bituminous coal.

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Total Marks 200
Metallurgical coal is high grade bituminous coal which has a special value for
smelting iron in blast furnaces.
Anthracite is the highest quality hard coal.
So, a high grade coal should be hard with less moisture and greater carbon content,
and not the opposite. So, statement 1 and 2 are wrong.
S
IA
62 You are leading a team which is heading to forests in the night to look for survivors
using a search-light. You have the following options for choosing the mirror to be used in
the search light:
1. Convex mirror
2. Plane mirror
3. Cylindrical mirror
TS
4. Parabolic concave mirrors
Which of the above will you choose and why?
A. Convex mirror as it could generate parallel beams of light
B. Plane mirror as it can act as a good reflector
H
C. Parabolic concave mirrors as it could generate powerful parallel beams of
light
D. Cylindrical mirrors as light could be focussed on one point
G
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
SI
Justification & Learning: : Concave mirrors, are used in vehicle headlights,

searchlights etc to send parallel rays because it allows the light rays to be focused as
a single beam and give more power to the light, that makes it more efficient for
IN
seeing and to be seen by others.
If the mirror was not concave the light would be scattered which wastes energy and
reduces efficiency. So, (c) is correct.
For this, the source of light is placed at the focus of the concave reflector.
They are often used as shaving mirrors to see a larger image of the face. The dentists
use concave mirrors to see large images of the teeth of patients. Large concave
mirrors are used to concentrate sunlight to produce heat in solar furnaces.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
63 The Schedule I and II of Indian Widlife Protection Act 1972 is concerned with
A. List of wild animals whose hunting is to be permitted in certain cases
B. Constitution of the National Wildlife Board
C. List of activities hazardous to wildlife inside a protected area
D. Providing protection to a list of species
S
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
IA
Learning:Schedule I and II of the act are frequently in news coverage and also
covered in past year UPSC questions.
The Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for
TS
matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto.
It extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir which has
its own wildlife act.
H
It has six schedules which give varying degrees of protection.
Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection - offences under

G
these are prescribed the highest penalties
Species listed in Schedule III and Schedule IV are also protected, but the penalties
are much lower.
SI
Schedule V includes the animals which may be hunted. The plants in Schedule VI
are prohibited from cultivation and planting
IN
You can check one such list here http://envfor.nic.in/legis/wildlife/wildlife2s1.html
64 Apparent random wavering of air above a barbeque fire is due to

A. Atmospheric refraction
B. Dispersion of light above the fire
C. Air parcels become lighter and start moving upwards
D. Scattering of air particles
User Answer :

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
Correct Answer : A
Justification: Dispersion divides light into 7 colours which is not the case here. (b)
is thus wrong.
Air parcels don't actually move much, even if they do, the 'apparant' flickering is not
due to this. It is because of the way light is refracted across warm and cold air
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packets. (b) is wrong.
IA
Learning:This is from your NCERT, 'You might have observed the apparent
random wavering or flickering of objects seen through a turbulent stream of hot air
rising above a fire or a radiator. The air just above the fire becomes hotter than the
air further up. The hotter air is lighter (less dense) than the cooler air above it, and
has a refractive index slightly less than that of the cooler air.
TS
Since the physical conditions of the refracting medium (air) are not stationary, the
apparent position of the object, as seen through the hot air, fluctuates. This wavering
is thus an effect of atmospheric refraction (refraction of light by the earth's
atmosphere) on a small scale in our local environment. The twinkling of stars is a
similar phenomenon on a much larger scale.
H
The apparent flattening of the Sun's disc at sunrise and sunset is also due to the same
phenomenon.'
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SI
65 Commercial farming always differs from subsistence farming in

1. Selection of crops
2. Use of modern agricultural inputs
IN
3. Farm size
4. Sale of farm produce in market
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
Justification:: Rice is a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab, but in Orissa, it is

a subsistence crop. Selection of crops can be the same in both types of farming,
technique is what essentially differs. Statement 1 is thus wrong
Farm size must be small in subsistence farming as the farmer has to feed a single
family only. In commercial farming, produce is to sold in the market, so farms must
be large and economically viable. So, statements 3 and 4 are correct.
S
Learning:The main characteristic of commercial farming is the use of higher doses
of modern inputs, e.g. high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers,
IA
insecticides and pesticides in order to obtain higher productivity. The degree of
commercialisation of agriculture varies from one region to another.

TS
66 The drastic decline in the Gharial population over the last 60 years can be attributed to
1. Over-hunting for skin
2. Heat pollution of water
3. Discharge of industrial effluents
4. Egg collection for consumption
H
5. Killing for indigenous medicine
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
G
B. 3, 4 and 5 only
C. 1, 4 and 5 only
D. 2, 3 and 4 only
SI
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
IN
Justification:No study cites heat pollution of water and industrial effluents as a

problem for Gharial population. So, statement 2 and 3 are also not appropriate.
Below all the major causes are listed. It has been picked from IUCN's website.
Learning:Their population decline can be attributed to a variety of causes including

over-hunting for skins and trophies, egg collection for consumption, killing for
indigenous medicine, and killing by fishermen (for example: Biswas 1970 and
Whitaker 1975).
While hunting is no longer considered to be a significant threat, the construction of

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Total Marks 200
dams, barrages, irrigation canals, siltation, changes in river course, artificial

embankments, sand-mining, riparian agriculture, and domestic and feral livestock
have combined to cause an extreme limitation to gharial range due to this excessive,
irreversible loss of riverine habitat.
Q Source: Improvisation: Chapter 2: Page 20: Xth Geography NCERT
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/8966/0
S
67 Which of the following do NOT form part of a strategy of sustainable development?
A. Relying more on organic farming
IA
B. Reducing the use of personal vehicles and promoting public transport
C. Safeguarding the habitats of indigenous communities, flora and fauna
D. Not compromising on the needs of the present generation with respect to
future generations
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
TS
Explanation:Organic farming is more eco-friendly as it does not involve use of

chemical fertilizers, weedicides, herbicides etc. So (a) is correct.
H
Reducing the use of private vehicles will reduce pollution. For e.g. No car day in
Delhi and Paris were organized recently. So, (b) is correct.
G
(c) means taking into account human as well as animal and plant biodiversity, which
forms part of sustainable development. So, (c) is correct.
SI
(d) goes against the idea of inter-generational equity. We should not compromise on
the needs of the future generations against the present generation. So, it is the only
incorrect option.
IN
Learning:Sustainable development (SD) is a process for meeting human

development goals while maintaining the ability of natural systems to continue to
provide the natural resources and ecosystem services upon which the economy and
society depend. Essentially we should not use more than nature can replenish.
68 Consider the following statements with respect to energy (power generation) in India.
1. . Total installed capacity by the State sector exceeds that of Central sector.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
2. Total installed capacity by the private sector exceeds that of public sector.
Which of the above is correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None
User Answer :
S
Correct Answer : A
IA
Justification & Learning: Refer to this link. The image is given below
http://powermin.nic.in/power-sector-glance-all-india
TS
H
G
SI
IN
69 The Source of Ocean Thermal Energy is

A. Molten Magma at the base of Ocean
B. Frictional force among the tides

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
C. Plate movement near mid-oceanic ridges

User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification & Learning: The water at the surface of the sea or ocean is heated by
S
the Sun while the water in deeper sections is relatively cold. This difference in
temperature is exploited to obtain energy in ocean-thermal-energy conversion
plants.
IA
These plants can operate if the temperature difference between the water at the
surface and water at depths up to 2 km is 293 K (20C) or more. The warm surface-
water is used to boil a volatile liquid like ammonia. The vapours of the liquid are
then used to run the turbine of generator. The cold water from the depth of the ocean
TS
is pumped up and condense vapour again to liquid.
The energy potential from the sea (tidal energy, wave energy and ocean thermal
energy) is quite large, but efficient commercial exploitation is difficult.

H
70 Which of the following statements about cultivation of Coffee in India is NOT correct?
G
1. Kerala leads in production.

2. Majority of production is exported.
3. . India grows only inferior varieties of coffee.
SI

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
IN
D. 1 and 3 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification & Learning: Coffee production in India is dominated in the hill tracts
of South Indian states, with the state of Karnataka accounting 53% followed by
Kerala 28% and Tamil Nadu 11% of production of 8,200 tonnes. So, statement 1 is
wrong.
Indian coffee is said to be the finest coffee grown in the shade rather than direct

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Total Marks : 200
sunlight anywhere in the world. The two well known species of coffee grown are the
Arabica and Robusta. So, statement 3 is also incorrect.
Almost 80% of the country's coffee production is exported. Of that which is

exported, 70% is bound for Germany, Russian federation, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia,
United States, Japan etc. So, statement 2 is correct.
S
71 Apart from individuals, 'Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award for Wildlife
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Conservation' can be given to
1. Gram Sabha
2. Private firms
3. Union or State Ministries
A. 2 and 3 only
TS
B. 1 only
C. 2 only
User Answer :
H
Correct Answer : B
G
Justification:The eligibility criteria for the award are: 'Individual(s) and community
based organisation(s), from rural areas, including Gram Sabha, showing exemplary
courage or valour for protection of wildlife will be eligible. There is no age limit for
SI
individuals. None of the Government official/individual is eligible for the award.'
Private companies are not eligible neither are ministries or departments. So, 2 and 3
are incorrect.
IN
72 Manganese can be used in manufacturing

1. Insecticides
2. Paints
3. Bleaching powder
4. Atomic force microscopy
A. 1 and 2 only

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Total Marks 200
B. 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 4 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
S
Justification & Learning: Not, manganese, but sheet Mica is used for atomic force
microscopy (a very high resolution of microscoping. So, statement 4 is wrong.
IA
Manganese dioxide has been used since antiquity to oxidatively neutralize the
greenish tinge in glass caused by trace amounts of iron contamination. MnO2 is also
used in the manufacture of oxygen and chlorine, and in drying black paints.
Manganese is mainly used in the manufacturing of steel and ferro-manganese alloy.

Nearly 10 kg of manganese is required to manufacture one tonne of steel.
TS
73 Which of the following statements about alluvial soils (mainly found in Northern India)
H
is/are correct?
1. . It has been deposited mainly by the peninsular river system.
2. It cannot be found in drier states such as Rajasthan and Gujarat.
G
3. Alluvial soil with fine particles is generally more fertile than with coarser particles.
4. . It is always alkaline in nature.
SI
A. 2 and 4 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 2 and 3 only
IN
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
Explanation:It is deposited mainly by the three important Himalayan river systems.

So, statement 1 is incorrect.
It can be found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and eastern coastal plains as well. So,
statement 2 is also incorrect.
Soils in the drier areas are more alkaline and can be productive after proper

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
treatment and irrigation. So, statement 4 is incorrect as alkalinity is not always the
case. For e.g. brahmpaputra alluviam is acidic in nature.
Learning: Apart from the size of their grains or components, soils are also
described on the basis of their age. According to their age alluvial soils can be
classified as old alluvial (Bangar) and new alluvial (Khadar).
The bangar soil has higher concentration of kanker nodules than the Khadar. It has
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more fine particles and is more fertile than the bangar. Alluvial soils as a whole are
very fertile.
IA
74 Mining of manganese nodules can impact the environment by

1. . Affecting deep sea ecosystems
TS
2. Resulting in release of carbon monoxide from sea beds
3. . Causing deforestation
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
H
C. 3 only
D. 1 only
User Answer :
G
Correct Answer : D
SI
Explanation:It is mined in deep sea surface. So, the question of deforestation does
not arise. Statement 3 is incorrect.
It does not result in release in CO from sea beds. Some studies indicate that stored
IN
methane may be released on mining. So, statement 2 is also incorrect.
Learning:Polymetallic nodules (manganese nodules) are rock concretions on the

sea bottom formed of concentric layers of iron and manganese hydroxides around a
core. It mainly contains manganese, cobalt, nickel and copper.
Nodule mining could affect tens of thousands of square kilometers of deep sea
ecosystems. Nodule regrowth takes decades to millions of years and that would
make such mining an unsustainable and nonrenewable practice. Any prediction
about the effects of mining is extremely uncertain. Thus, nodule mining could cause
habitat alteration, direct mortality of benthic creatures (living near sea bed), or

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Total Marks 200
suspension of sediment, which can smother filter feeders (suspension feeding

animals). Future environmental impact studies should address the impact on
disruption and release of methane clathrate deposits in the deep oceans.
75 World Development Indicators' report is published by
S
A. World Bank
B. United Nations Development Programme
C. United Nations Economic and Social Council
IA
D. World Health Organization
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
TS
Learning:These reports (dealing with development) are being published every year;
published by the Government of India (Economic Survey), United Nations
Development Programme (Human Development Report) and World Bank (World
Development Indicators).
H
World Development Indicators is the primary World Bank collection of
development indicators, compiled from officially-recognized international sources.
It presents the most current and accurate global development data available, and
G
includes national, regional and global estimates.

SI
76 Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) indicates

A. the number of children that die before the age of one year as a proportion of
1000 live children born in that particular year
IN
B. the total number of children under the age of five as a proportion of 1000 that
take birth and die in a particular year
C. Total number of children that die within 28 days of their birth as a proportion
of 1000 in that particular year
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
Justification:Option (b) is known as Under 5 Mortality Rate (U5MR).

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
Option (c) describes neo-natal mortality rate.
Option (a) describes IMR.
Learning:Presently the IMR of India is around 42 per 1000 births which also nearly
fulfils the MDG criteria for IMR
IMR is dependent on several factors such as institutional delivery, sanitation, water,
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health facilities, early disease prevention, malnutrition of mother and child,
educational levels of the mother and family etc.
IA
Q Source: Improvisation: Page 9: Chapter 1: 10th Economics NCERT
77 Reserves of natural gas can NOT be found in

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Lakshadweep
TS
3. Gulf of Cambay
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
H
C. 2 only
D. All of the above
User Answer :
G
Correct Answer : C
SI
Justification & Learning: Large reserves of natural gas have been discovered in
the Krishna- Godavari basin.
Along the west coast the reserves of the Mumbai High and allied fields are
IN
supplemented by finds in the Gulf of Cambay. Andaman and Nicobar islands are
also important areas having large reserves of natural gas.
Oil and Natural Gas Corp. Ltd. (ONGC) is focusing on the unexplored deep waters
of Andaman Nicobar basin, which lies between hydrocarbon producing fields in
south Myanmar and northwest Indonesia.
It plans to launch a new exploration campaign to drill as many as 18 wells in six

deepwater blocks in the Andaman basin with an estimated investment of about US
$1 billion.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
78 Depletion of groundwater due to excessive withdrawal can have which of the following
consequences?
1. Increased costs of groundwater irrigation
2. Land subsidence
3. Saltwater intrusion in coastal areas
S
4. Environmental degradation of nearby Ecotones
A. 2 and 4 only
IA
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
TS
Justification & Learning: As the water table lowers, the water must be pumped
farther to reach the surface, using more energy. In extreme cases, using such a well
can be cost prohibitive. So, 1 is correct.
H
Land subsidence occurs when there is a loss of support below ground. This is most
often caused by human activities, mainly from the overuse of groundwater, when the
G
soil collapses, compacts, and drops. So, 2 is correct.
Saltwater intrusion is the movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers. The
SI
movement happens because saltwater has a higher mineral content than freshwater,
it is denser and has a higher water pressure. As a result, saltwater can push inland
beneath the freshwater, which can lead to contamination of drinking water sources
and other consequences. So, 3 is correct.
IN
An ecotone is a transition area between two biomes. It is where two communities

meet and integrate. Groundwater feeds soil moisture through percolation, and many
terrestrial vegetation communities depend directly on either groundwater or the
percolated soil moisture above the aquifer for at least part of each year. Hyporheic
zones (the mixing zone of streamwater and groundwater) and riparian zones are
examples of ecotones largely or totally dependent on groundwater. So, 4 is correct.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
79 Which of the following may generally indicate the development levels of a country?
1. . Per capita income
2. Average literacy level
3. Status of Health indicators
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 3 only
S
C. 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
User Answer :
IA
Correct Answer : D
Justification: A straightforward question.

TS
Per capita income shows living standard and economic status. So, 1 is correct.
Literacy rate shows educational achievement and is used in some form in the Human
Development Index (HDI). So, 2 is correct.
Health indicators like IMR, MMR, malnutrition rate etc. show the general health and
H
well-being of the population and its life expectancy. So, 3 is correct.
Q Source: Chapter 1: 10th Economics NCERT

G
80 Which of the statements regarding Monazite sands is correct?

SI
1. Monazite is radioactive due to the presence of thorium.

2. It is a principle source of some rare earth metals.
A. 1 only
IN
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
Justification & Learning: Monazite is a reddish-brown phosphate mineral

containing rare earth metals. It occurs usually in small isolated crystals. Lanthanum
is the most common rare earth element in monazite. So, statement 1 is correct.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
Monazite is radioactive due to the presence of thorium and, less commonly,

uranium. Because of its radioactive nature, monazite is a useful for radiometric
dating of geological events, such as crystallization, heating, or deformation of the
rocks containing monazite. So, statement 2 is also correct.
Thorium extracted from Monazite sands can be used for generation of nuclear
power.
S
IA
81 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country is
A. Total value of tradable goods produced in a year
B. Total value of monetary and non-monetary goods and services within a year
C. Total value of economic transactions done within a country within a year
User Answer :
TS
Correct Answer : D
Justification: Option (a) is wrong as GDP includes services too.

H
Option (b) is wrong as non-monetary goods and services (e.g. cooking by
housewife) is not included in GDP calculation.
G
Option (c) is wrong as economic transactions virtually include everything economic

in the country. For e.g. if a stock broker sells and purchases the same stock worth
SI
Rs. 1000 five times in a day, it does not increase the GDP of the country by Rs.
5000. Economic transactions may also include buying and selling of bonds, FII
inflows and outflows etc.
IN
GDP includes the value of all goods and services produced within a country within a
year.
82 Consider the following statements about Grameen Bank.

1. It was found jointly by Nobel laureates Muhammad Yunus and Amartya Sen.
2. It is a community development bank which provides loans to the poor
3. without demanding collateral.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
S
Learning: Grameen Bank (GB) has reversed conventional banking practice by
removing the need for collateral (security against which a loan is made, e.g. house)
IA
and created a banking system based on mutual trust, accountability, participation
and creativity.
Professor Muhammad Yunus, the founder of "Grameen Bank" and its Managing
Director, reasoned that if financial resources can be made available to the poor
TS
people on terms and conditions that are appropriate and reasonable, "these millions
of small people with their millions of small pursuits can add up to create the biggest
development wonder.'
As of 2011, it has 8.349 million borrowers, 97 percent of whom are women. With
2,565 branches, GB provides services in 81,379 villages, covering more than 97
H
percent of the total villages in Bangladesh.

G
83 Money as a medium of exchange in India has been authorized by the

SI
A. Constitution of India
B. Government of India
C. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
IN
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
Justification & Learning: Money does not have any intrinsic value. However, it is
still accepted as a medium of exchange because the currency is authorised by the
government of the country. In India, the Reserve Bank of India issues currency notes
on behalf of the central government.
As per Indian law, no other individual or organisation is allowed to issue currency.

Moreover, the law legalises the use of rupee as a medium of payment that cannot be

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
refused in settling transactions in India. No individual in India can legally refuse a

payment made in rupees. Hence, the rupee is widely accepted as a medium of
exchange.
84 Arrange these sources of credit for rural households in increasing order of uptake?
S
1. Moneylenders
2. Government
3. Cooperative banks/societies
IA
Select the correct order using the codes below.
A. 123
B. 213
C. 231
D. 321
User Answer :
TS
Correct Answer : C
Learning:The various types of loans can be conveniently grouped as formal sector

H
loans and informal sector loans.
Among the former are loans from banks and cooperatives. The informal lenders
G
include moneylenders, traders, employers, relatives and friends, etc.
Formal loans are regulated by RBI.

SI
See this break-up (pie chart from NCERT)

IN

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
S
IA
TS
H
85 Which of the following can be the applications of nano-technology in agriculture?

G
1. Delivering fertilizers, pesticides and plant growth hormones directly to plants.

2. Monitoring of soil conditions, pathogens and crop growth
SI
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None
IN
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
Justification & Explanation: See the image below

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
S
IA
TS
To know all the applications of nanotechnology related to food industry, visit these
H
links.
Q Source: Based on a question asked on nano-technology in IFS (mains) 2013.

G
http://www.understandingnano.com/column-food.html
http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-in-food.php
SI
86 Which of the following is NOT a trade barrier?

A. Import tariff
B. Import Quota
C. Subsidies
IN
D. WTO agreements
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification:A barrier to trade is a government-imposed restraint on the flow of

international goods or services.
The most common barrier to trade is a tariff'a tax on imports. Tariffs raise the price
of imported goods relative to domestic goods (goods produced at home). Quota

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
reduces imports. So, (a) and (b) are trade barriers.
Another common barrier to trade is a government subsidy to a particular domestic

industry. Subsidies make those goods cheaper to produce than in foreign markets.
This results in a lower domestic price. Both tariffs and subsidies raise the price of
foreign goods relative to domestic goods, which reduces imports. For e.g. subsidies
on agriculture is a major point of contention in WTO. So, (c) is also a trade barrier.
S
WTO agreements bring uniformity in trade policies of countries and reduce trade
barriers. So, (d) is the answer.
IA
87 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are meant to

A. Act as Export Processing Zones to promote exports
TS
B. Promote development of industrial townships in India
C. Provide state of the art technological and research facilities to the domestic
companies to remain competitive
D. Create an industrial workforce by establishing agglomeration training centres
User Answer :
H
Correct Answer : A
G
Learning:The term special economic zone (SEZ) is commonly used as a generic

term to refer to any modern economic zone.
SI
In these zones business and trades laws differ from the rest of the country. Broadly,
SEZs are located within a country's national borders.
The aims of the zones include: increased trade, increased investment, job creation
IN
and effective administration. To encourage businesses to set up in the zone,

financially libertarian policies are introduced. These policies typically regard
investing, taxation, trading, quotas, customs and labour regulations. Additionally,
companies may be offered tax holidays.
You may read about Indian SEZs here

http://www.sezindia.nic.in/about-introduction.asp

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
88 Under the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

A. every village in the country is to be linked to a major town
B. all villages should be linked with each other
C. all hilly and tribal areas are to be connected with the state headquarters
D. all public places in a villages should be linked with each other
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
S
Justification:Under this scheme special provisions are made so that every village in
IA
the country is linked to a major town in the country by an all season motorable road.
It is under the authority of the Ministry of Rural Development and began in 2000. It
is fully funded by the central government.

TS
89 The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 establishes Consumer Disputes Redressal
commissions. Consider the following about it.
1. It has been established at Union, State and District level.
H
2. The commission is an executive body.
3. The National commission is headed by a sitting or retired judge of the
4. Supreme Court of India.
G

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 3 only
SI
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All of the above
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
IN
Justification & Learning:It is a quasi-judicial body. So, 2 is wrong.
The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is lays down the rights of the consumers and
provides for promotion and protection of the rights of the consumers.
The Act mandates establishment of Consumer Protection Councils at the Centre as

well as in each State and District, with a view to promoting consumer awareness.
The Central Council is headed by Minster, In-charge of the Department of

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
Consumer Affairs in the Central Government and the State Councils by the Minister
In-charge of the Consumer Affairs in the State Governments. It also provides for a
3-tier structure of the National and State Commissions and District Forums for
speedy resolution of consumer disputes.
Each District Forum is headed by a person who is or has been or is eligible to be

appointed as a District Judge and each State Commission is headed by a person who
is or has been a Judge of High Court.
S
IA
90 Chips manufacturers usually flush bags of chips with gas such as nitrogen. Why?
A. To protect the chips from carbon dioxide
B. To increase the shelf life of chips
C. To increase the nutritional value of chips.
D. To make the chip bags lighter
TS
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
H
Justification:Nitrogen being inert prevents rancidity ' the oxidation of fats and oils.
When chip bags are flushed with nitrogen, it cuts off the supply of air and prevents
oils and fats in the chips from getting oxidised.
G
Learning:Rancidity refers to the spoilage of a food in such a way that it becomes

undesirable (and usually unsafe) for consumption. Most of the time rancidity can
SI
change the odors or flavors of a food in such a way that it becomes very unpleasant
to smell or taste.
Oils can be especially susceptible to rancidity because their chemistry can make
IN
them exceptionally susceptible to oxygen damage. When food scientists talk about
rancidity, they are often talking about a specific type of rancidity involving oxygen
damage to foods, and this type of rancidity is called "oxidative rancidity." During
the process of oxidative rancidity, oxygen molecules interact with the structure of
the oil and damage its natural structure in a way that can change its odor, its taste,
and its safety for consumption.
91 When wood or charcoal is ignited, it initially gives a flame, but later just glows red and

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
gives out heat without a flame. What can be the possible reason?
A. The carbon content of the fuel becomes very small after burning them for
some time
B. After some time, the latent heat of vaporisation is crossed which douses the
flame
C. Flame is produced by solid sulphur which burns off after some time
D. The gaseous volatile substances in them vaporise after some time
S
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
IA
Justification & Learning: The carbon content still remains after burning. So, (a) is
wrong.
Latent heat of vaporisation has nothing to do here. (b) is wrong.

TS
Flame is produced by gaseous volatile substances, not solid ones. So, (c) is wrong.
A candle or the LPG in the gas stove burns with a flame. However, you will observe
the coal or charcoal in an 'angithi' sometimes just glows red and gives out heat
without a flame. This is because a flame is only produced when gaseous substances
H
burn. When wood or charcoal is ignited, the volatile substances present vapourise
and burn with a flame in the beginning.
G

SI
92 Tianhe-2 was in news recently. It is

A. World's fastest supercomputer from China
B. A nuclear submarine being built by Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK)
C. A system of Regional Navigational Satellites being built by China to counter
IN
India's IRNSS
D. An amphibian aircraft which was recently given to India by Japan
User Answer :
Correct Answer : A
Learning: China's Tianhe-2 supercomputer has emerged as the world's most

powerful supercomputer system for the sixth consecutive time. It was unveiled in
46th edition of Top500 list of supercomputers.
Presently, it is deployed at the National Supercomputer Center in Guangzhou and is

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
playing important role in boosting China's capabilities in both scientific and defence
fields.
Supercomputer Titan of the US Department of Energy has been placed at second

position, with nearly half the speed of Tianhe-2.
Q
Source:http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/Chinas-Tianhe-2-Remains-Worlds
S
-Most-Powerful-Supercomputer/2015/11/17/article3133037.ece
IA
93 The South Asia Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program aims to
promote
1. Cross-border power sharing
2. Cross-border rail and road links
3. Develop joint military outfits to secure common market check-posts
TS
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 3 only
H
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
G
Learning: Recently ADB had pledged a loan to SASEC.

SI
The South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program brings

together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in a project-
based partnership that aims to promote regional prosperity, improve economic
opportunities, and build a better quality of life for the people of the sub-region.
IN
SASEC seeks to strengthen multimodal cross-border transport networks that boost

intraregional trade and open up trade opportunities with East and Southeast Asia.
The program helps build modern and effective customs administrations that speed
up the time and reduce the costs of moving goods, vehicles, and people across
borders. The six SASEC
countries presently remain some of the least economically integrated in the world.
SASEC also assists member countries in improving energy security by developing

infrastructure and promoting intraregional power trade to reduce costs and import

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
dependence.
Q
Source:http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Two-Trade-Corridors-Under-SAS
EC-to-Sub-regional-Co-operation-Connectivity/2015/06/05/article2850881.ece
94 2015 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development has been awarded
S
to
A. Amnesty International
B. Red Cross
IA
C. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
D. Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC)
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
TS
Learning: The prestigious award has been bestowed on office of UNHCR in
recognition of its
immense contributions in assisting millions of refugees in their rehabilitation

H
and resettlement.
For working under difficult circumstances to bring about changes in order to
reduce the flow of refugees.
G
UNHCR is a United Nations agency mandated to protect and support refugees. It is

a member of the United Nations Development Group.
SI
Initially it was established to help people displaced by World War II. But later it
became the principal agency that has helped displaced persons all over world.
IN
It has won two Nobel Peace Prizes, first in 1954 and second in 1981.
Q
Source:http://www.livemint.com/Politics/HsRsK3jIXCDcqJX4cIfr7K/UNHCR-to-
get-2015-Indira-Gandhi-Prize-for-Peace.html
95 Consider the following about the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund
(TADF) recently launched by the government.
1. It has been established under the National Science, Technology and Innovation
(STI) Policy 2013.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
2. It will be restricted to technologies related to social inclusion and health.

3. It will be used to fund Indian research Universities partnering with global
organizations.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
S
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
IA
Justification: It has been launched under the National Manufacturing Policy

(NMP), 2011. So, 1 is wrong. TS
It will fund MSME's to help them acquire patents of clean, green and energy
efficient technologies from across the globe. So, both 2 and 3 are wrong.
Learning:It will thus catalyse the manufacturing growth in MSME sector with an
aim to contribute to 'Make in India' initiative.
H
Proposals will be invited for reimbursement of 50 per cent or up to 20 lakh rupees of
technology transfer fee from Indian industry.
G
Patent/Technology would be licensed to selected MSME's.
TDAF seeks to facilitate resource conservation activities in industries located in

SI
National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ).
Q Source:http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=131673
IN
96 A very small amount of baking soda is added to fresh milk. Why?

A. To disinfect the curd from viruses
B. To avoid the oxidation of milk for longer periods of time
C. To prevent the milk from turning to curd for longer periods
D. To separate the water content of milk
User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
Justification: Curd is formed under acidic conditions. When baking soda is added

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks 200
to milk, it turns more alkaline and less acidic. In a more alkaline medium, curd does
not set easily.
Learning: Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate can be administered to pools, spas,

and garden ponds to raise pH levels.
It has weak disinfectant properties, and it may be an effective fungicide against

some organisms
S
Sodium bicarbonate can be used to extinguish small grease or electrical fires by
IA
being thrown over the fire, as heating of sodium bicarbonate releases carbon
dioxide.

TS
97 Consider the following statements about "Sendai Framework for disaster risk
reduction"?
1. It was adopted by UN Member States in 2015.
2. It is the successor instrument to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015
H
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
G

User Answer :
Correct Answer : C
SI
Learning: The framework was one of the important points to be discussed at the
second World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) being held recently in
IN
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The Sendai Framework is a 15-year, voluntary, non-binding agreement which

recognizes that the State has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that
responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including local government,
the private sector and other stakeholders.
The Sendai Framework was adopted by UN Member States on 18 March 2015 at the
Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai City, Miyagi
Prefecture, Japan.

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
Q
Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/steps-being-taken-to-re
ach-global-standards-in-disaster-management/article7820402.ece
98 Which of the following is the competent authority in India to declare a specific district
as drought-hit?
A. Union Cabinet
S
B. State Government
C. District Magistrate
IA
D. Divisional Commissioner
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
Learning: The criteria to declare drought also depends on the state government.
TS
For e.g. Maharashtra government came up with a proposal to declare drought if an
area receives less than 50% of average rainfall. Earlier criteria was around 75%.
An All-India drought is declared by the Union Cabinet.

H
When the rainfall for the monsoon season of June to September for the country as a
whole is within 10% of its long period average, it is categorised as a normal
G
monsoon. When the monsoon rainfall deficiency exceeds 10%, it is categorised as

an all-India drought year.
SI
Q
Source:http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-11-19/news/68412491_1
_drought-hit-cent-rainfall-revenue-realisation
IN
99 If you are suffering from acidity, consumption of which of the following will only
increase the acidic content of your stomach?
1. Black Coffee
2. Tomato juice
3. Eggs
4. Bananas
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only

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Total Marks 200
D. 1, 2 and 4 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : D
Justification: Acidity will increase if you consume acidic food material whose pH
is less than 7.
S
pH of Black coffee and Banana is nearly 5. That of tomato juice is 4, which is also
equal to acid rain.
IA
Eggs are basic, as they have a pH of nearly 8. So, only they will not increase the
acidity of the stomach.
Learning:You can visit this link for knowing more about the pH of commonly used
substances.
TS
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Chem_AcidsBase
spHScale.shtml

H
100 The mandate of Competition Commission of India (CCI) is to oversee which type of
G
practices?
1. Whether mergers and acquisitions are leading to monopoly in the markets
2. Whether firms are dealing with consumer grievances on a regular basis
3. Whether commercial banks have adhered to the lending limits prescribed by RBI
SI

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 only
IN
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 and 3 only
User Answer :
Correct Answer : B
Justification: The CCI was established to eliminate practices that adversely affect
competition in different industries and protect interests of consumers and ensure
freedom of trade.
So, if a merger is leading to unfair monopolistic tendencies, CCI may fine such

User Name : Apoorva
Total Marks : 200
establishment and prevent the merger. So, 1 is correct.
Unfair practices can happen even when firms collude and set prices and output to
maintain their monopoly in the market, which may hurt the consumer.
But, it is not concerned with the regular administrative processes of the company,
neither does it regulate the firms for ensuring all laws, rules and regulations are
adhered. So, 2 and 3 are incorrect.
S
It is statutory body established under The Competition Act of 2002. It was
IA
established in 2003 and became fully functional in 2009.
Recently, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed penalties

totalling ?258 crore on three airlines for cartelisation in fixing and revising fuel
surcharge for transporting cargo.
Q
TS
Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/cci-slaps-258cr-pe
nalty-on-jet-indigo-and-spicejet/article7888804.ece
H
G
SI
IN

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Q Source: Chapter 1: Page 2: Xth Geography NCERT

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 1

Justification & Learning:Gini coefficient is intended to represent the income

former has better social indicators.

Q Source:Improvisation: Chapter 1: 10th Economics NCERT

3 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is based on the fact that

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 2

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 3

Q Source: Chapter 1: Page 5: Xth Geography NCERT

Q Source: Improvisation: Page 71: Chapter 4: Xth Science NCERT

6 In music, the term note is generally used to represent

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 4

Q Source: Improvisation: Page 81: Chapter 5: Xth Science NCERT

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

D. All of the above

Justification & Learning: Statement 1: Growth of industries and urban centres,

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 5

Justification & Learning:Sugarcane yields molasses and bagasse among other

stalks are crushed to extract their juice.

Molasses is used as an ingredient for manufacturing fertilizers, not bagasse. So, 3 is

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 6

Q Source:Improvisation: Page 73: Chapter 4: Xth Science NCERT

9 Dialysis using an artificial kidney is based on the principle of

Archimedes' principle is related to buoyancy and floating of objects in a fluid. So,

Gravity flow is not enough to perform dialysis. So, (a) is wrong.

Q Source:Page 111: Chapter 6: Xth Science NCERT

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 7

Q Source: Chapter 1: Page 10: Xth Geography NCERT

11 Strip cropping method involves

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 8

known as strip cropping.

Q Source: Chapter 1: Page 11: Xth Geography NCERT

WB, Nepal, Bhutan etc. So, statement 1 is wrong.

Himalayish group of Tibeto-Burman languages. The Lepcha write their language in

Khaddar is a shawl woven in Punjab. So, statement 3 is wrong.

13 Auxin performs which of the following functions in plants?

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 9

Justification & Learning:When growing plants detect light, a hormone called

Justification & Learning: Yew has undergone a recent, range-wide population

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Throughout its range in the western Himalayas, it is declining in response to a range

Q Source: Chapter 2: Page 17: Xth Geography NCERT

outside the lens.

Learning:Ability of a lens to converge or diverge light rays depends on its focal

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 11

length. The degree of convergence or divergence of light rays achieved by a lens is

Q Source:Page 183: Chapter 10: Xth Science NCERT

Q Source:Page 218: Chapter 12: Xth Science NCERT

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 12

Namantar Andolan is a dalit movement.

culture, conserving sustainability.

It has created awareness on the hazards of genetic engineering, defended people's

Q Source:Chapter 3: Xth Geography NCERT

(C) Insights Active Learning. | All rights reserved. www.insightsias.com 13

Justification & Learning: Statement 1: The most widely accepted explanation of

turbines or over spillways during their downstream migration can be significant.

Q Source:Chapter 3: Xth Geography NCERT

19 In Meghalaya, a 200-year-old system of tapping stream and spring water by using

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B. Soil has low water retention capacity due to rocky terrain

Q Source: Page 32: Chapter 3: Xth Geography NCERT