A biosignature, or biomarker, is any phenomenon produced by life, either modern or ancient.

[1] Due
to its unique biogenic characteristics, a definitive biosignature can be interpreted without question as
having been produced by life. The term biomarker is sometimes used as a synonym. 'Potential
biosignature' is a phenomenon that may have been produced by life, but for which alternate abiotic
origins may also be possible.

Contents
[hide]

• 1 In biology

• 2 In geochemistry

• 3 In astrobiology

• 4 The Viking missions to

Mars

• 5 References

• 6 External links

[edit]In biology
In biology, biochemistry, and biomedical research, biosignatures are biological indicators obtainable
through assays (such as a blood sample) which can be used to ascertain facts about an individual's
health or disease state. Peptides and antibodies are examples of biochemical constructs that can be
used to measure biosignatures and thus determine if, for example, a person has been infected with a
particular disease, prior to their actually exhibiting symptoms.

[edit]In geochemistry
In geochemistry, geobiochemistry, and geomicrobiology, biosignatures are often used in a more
precise fashion to determine which living organisms are or were present in a sample. For example,
the particular fatty acids measured in a sample can indicate which types of bacteria and archaea live
in that environment. When used in this sense, geochemists often prefer the term biomarker.

For example, long-chain fatty alcohols with more than 23 atoms are produced
by planktonic bacteria and are their molecular marker in sediments.[2]

The presence of straight-chain lipids in the form of alkanes, alcohols an fatty acids with 20-
36 carbon atoms and a predominance of odd-over-even chain lengths for the alkanes or even-over-
odd chain lengths for the alcohols and fatty acids in soils, sediments or peat deposits are an indication
of input originating from the epicuticular wax of higher terrestrial plants.

[edit]In astrobiology
In 1996 some researchers suggested that these microscopic structures on the Martian ALH84001 meteorite could be
fossilized bacteria.

In astrobiology, a biosignature is a sign of the presence of extraterrestrial life. The usefulness of a

biosignature is determined, not only by the probability of life creating it, but also by the improbability of
nonbiological processes producing it.[3] An example of such a biosignature might be complex organic
molecules and/or structures whose formation is virtually unachievable in the absence of life. For
example, some categories of biosignatures can include the following: cellular and extracellular
morphologies, biogenic fabrics in rocks, bio-organic molecular structures, chirality, biogenic minerals,
biogenic stable isotope patterns in minerals and organic compounds, atmospheric gases, and
remotely detectable features on planetary surfaces (photosynthetic pigments, etc.).[3]

Biosignatures need not be chemical, however, and observation of possible biosignatures can also be
made made by relatively simple observations (e.g. geological, textural, geochemical). The shape and
size of certain objects may potentially indicate the presence of life. For example,
tiny magnetite crystals in the Martian meteorite ALH84001 were the longest-debated of several
potential biosignatures in that specimen because it was believed until recently that only bacteria could
create crystals of their specific shape. However, anomalous features discovered that are "possible
biosignatures" for life forms would be investigated as well. Such features constitute a
working hypothesis, not confirmation that life exists and has been detected. Concluding that evidence
of an extraterrestrial life form (past or present) has been discovered requires proving that a possible
biosignature was produced by the activities or remains of life.[1] For example, the
possiblebiomineral studied in the Martiam ALH84001 meteorite includes putative microbial fossils, tiny
rock-like structures whose shape was a potential biosignature because it resembled known bacteria.
Most scientists ultimately concluded that these were far too small to be fossilized cells. A consensus
that has emerged from these discussions, and is now seen as a critical requirement, is the demand
for further lines of evidence in addition to any morphological data that supports such extraordinary
claims.[1]

From this point of view, even the hypothetical radio signatures that SETI scans for would be
an electromagnetic biosignature, since a message from intelligent aliens would certainly demonstrate
the existence of extraterrestrial life.
Main article: Viking biological experiments

The Viking missions to Mars in the 1970s conducted the only thorough experiments to date which
were explicitly designed to look for biosignatures on another planet. Each of the twoViking
landers carried three life-detection experiments which looked for signs of biochemical metabolism.
The results were declared as 'inconclusive'.

Graphene

is a one-atom-thick planar sheet of sp2-bonded carbon atoms that are densely packed in a
honeycomb crystal lattice. It can be visualized as an atomic-scale chicken wiremade of carbon atoms
and their bonds. The name comes from graphite + -ene; graphite itself consists of many graphene
sheets stacked together.

The carbon-carbon bond length in graphene is about 0.142 nm. Graphene is the basic structural
element of some carbon allotropes including graphite, carbon nanotubes and fullerenes. It can also be
considered as an infinitely large aromatic molecule, the limiting case of the family of flat polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons called graphenes.

Science & Technology

1 Discuss in detail 'Alternative Energy Sources'. 2004 1*30 250
2 Global Warming' - Discuss 2004 1*30 250
3 What is 'Superconductivity'? Give its uses & applications. 2004 2*15 150
What it biotechnology? Discuss the important applications of
4 2004 2*15 150
Biotechnology.
5 Describe the importance of Laser in war & peace. 2004 2*15 150
6 What do you understand by e-governance? 2004 5*2 20
7 What is URL? 2004 5*2 20
What do the following stand for - (i) CD-ROM, (ii) USB,
8 2004 5*2 20
(iii)ITES, (iv) FORTRAN
9 What do you understand by MP3? 2004 5*2 20
1
What are cyber crimes? How are these protected? 2004 5*2 20
0
What do you understand by depletion of ozone layer and why is
1 it considered harmful? Name ozone depleting substances &
2003 1*30 250
1 processes. What international ramifications took place to protect
the ozone layer and what was the target agreed upon?
What is interactive television? What special advantages are
1 derived by using VOD services? What are the components of a
2003 1*30 250
2 typical VOD system? Which feature film was generated first
entirely on computers and in which year?
What does the solar system consist of? Discuss the motion of
1
the entire solar system as a whole and also the motion of most 2003 2*15 150
3
of the bodies forming the solar system.
In which year & by which countries was International Space
1 Station (ISS) launched? How many countries are participating
2003 2*15 150
4 in this programme? What are the unique studies being made in
the station which could not be made so accurately on earth?
Discuss the elements of 'Frozen semen technology'. What are
1
'embryo transfer', 'transgenic animals', 'DNA recombinant 2003 2*15 150
5
technique?
1
What is 'Sympathetic Haptics'? 2003 5*2 20
6
1
What are special features of 'Linux'? 2003 5*2 20
7
1 What is an operating system? List the basic services provided
2003 5*2 20
8 by an operating system,
1
What is an 'internet worm'? Explain DDoS. 2003 5*2 20
9
2 What do the following stand for - (i) POSIX (ii) EPROM (iii)
2003 5*2 20
0 MODEM (iv) COBOL
2
Plastic Hazards - Discuss. 2002 1*30 250
1
2
Discuss in detail 'The Internet Telephony as an alternative'. 2002 1*30 250
2
2 What are the fundamental constants and their use in the
2002 2*15 150
3 measurement system?
2
Discuss about 'Environment', its components and its awareness. 2002 2*15 150
4
 • The format of question (Total weightage – 70 marks)–
o One question out of two for 30 marks
o Two out of three questions for 15 marks each.
o Five out of five questions for 2 marks each.
• The two mark questions are exclusively asked on field of Information Technology
(mainly computer terms etc.). IT related questions are also asked, at times, in
broad questions category (though that’s not the case in recent times).
• As to S & T questions, one needs to keep himself/herself abreast of the latest
developments & advances in this field, across the globe & also in India. Topics
like space science, technology & environment are important. Books like Spectrum
Publication on subject of S & T are useful.

GENERAL STUDIES TEST SERIES (MAIN) 2010

MOCK TEST – 5
(ESSAY)

• Time Allowed: Three Hours

• Max. Marks: 200

Instruction: The Essay must be written in the medium specified in the admission certificate issue
to you. The name of medium must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space
provided for the purpose. No credit will be given to the essay written in a medium other than that
specified in the admission certificate.(Examiner will pay special attention to the candidate’s grasp
of his material, it’s relevant to the subject chosen and to his ability to think constructed and
present his ideas concisely, logically and effectively).
1. Write an Essay on any one of the following topics:
I. Let Society and Culture go their own way.
II. Reform is not difficult, initiating Reform is difficult.
III. All Systems revolve around Economy.

S MAIN 2010 : PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION TEST SERIES

DESIGNED BY R.C. SINHA, CHIEF CONSULTANT
NEW DELHI IAS

TEST SERIES SCHEDULE FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION:

• Every Test-paper carries 300 marks with three-hour duration.

• Two Comprehensive tests (Paper – I and Paper – II) will be held on12th
September.

Test – 1 (18th July)

• Topics related to introduction part of Paper – I.

• Main approaches to Public Administration.
• Kautilya, Woodrow Wilson, Taylor, Fayol, Gulic, Urwick and Max Weber.

Test – 2 (25th July)

 • Mary Parker Follet, Elton Mayo, Maslow, Herzberg, Barnard, Simon, Mcgregor, Likert, Chris
Argyris, Dror-Policy Science.

Test – 3 (1st August)

• Comparative Public Administration, Development Dynamics and Public Policy.

Test – 4 (8th August)

• Personnel Administration, Administrative Law, Accountability and control, Organisations,

Techniques of Administrative Improvement and Financial Administration.

Paper – II Indian Administration

Test – 5 (14th August)

• Evolution of Indian Administration, Philosophical and Constitutional Framework of

Government, Union Government and Administration and State Government and
Administration.

Test – 6 (22nd August)

• District Administration since Independence, Rural Development, Urban Local Government

and Plans and Priorities.

Test – 7 (29th August)

• Civil Services, Administrative Reforms Since Independence, Public Sector Undertakings and
Financial Management.

Test – 8 (5th September)

• Law and Order Administration and Significant Issues in Indian Administration.

NOTE : CANDIDATES SHALL HAVE STRUCTURED MODEL ANSWERS OF THE QUESTION

PAPER.

MOCK TEST 1
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION FOR IAS MAIN 2010

• Time allowed: 3 hours

• Maximum marks: 300

Answer any five questions in which question 1 is compulsory.

1. Answer any three questions. : 60X3= 180 Marks
(a) Had there been no evolution of Policy Science, Public administration may have lost identity.
Discuss.
(b) Theories of Administrative thinkers are like an elephant and six blind men. Explain.
(c) Neo-approach in classical and behavioral theories have brought classist and behaviorist very
close to each other. Do you agree? Put your views.
(d) Politics-Administration dichotomy may be acceptable in theory but may not be acceptable in
practice. Comment with reference to Wilson’s view.
(e) Scientific Management theory has no space for human aspects. How far do you agree? Put your
arguments.
2. POSDCORB is an extension of elements of management put forward by Henry Fayol. Discuss.
(300 words) : 30 Marks
3. Elton Mayo may or may not be accepted as behaviorist. (300 words) : 30 Marks
4. Compromise is the best way of conflict management in society, politics and Diplomacy. Analyse
(200 words) : 30 Marks
5. Max Weber tried his level best to ensure social acceptance of bureaucracy. Do you agree?
Discuss. (200 words) : 30 Marks
6. Human Manager will be able to hold authority with job. Comment. (200 words) : 30 Marks
7. Human aspects have been integrated in management principles gradually. Analyse. (200
words) : 30 Marks

MOCK TEST II
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION FOR IAS MAIN 2010

• Time Allowed: 3 Hours

• Maximum Marks: 300

Answer any five questions selecting at least two questions from each section in which
Question no. 3 and 4 are compulsory.

Section A
1. What are the main reasons behind the low motivation level of civil servants in India? Analyze
the reasons with reference to researches of Maslow and Herzberg. : 60 Marks
2. “Making of personality influences line of thinking of individual, which in turn influences
communication skill”. Explain with reference psychological analysis by Chris Argyris. : 60 Marks
Question 3.
(a) Chester Bernard is regarded as the spiritual Father of human organization. Comment. (200
words) : 30 Marks
(b) Rabble hypothesis cannot be totally rejected in present metro society of India. Analyze. (200
words) 30 Marks

Section B
Question 4.
(a) A manager must compare traditional and modern theories of management before deriving his
own way. Comment in the light of McGregor’s view. (200 words) 30
(b) Work and worker oriented supervision has its own importance. Explain. (200 words) 30
5. Had Likert analyzed Indian economy, he would have made result oriented economy of India. Do
you agree? Put your views. : 60 Marks
6. Crisis management put forward by F.W. Taylor in term of Scientific Management is not much
different from Disaster Management. Explain. : 60 Marks
7. Public Administration is now New Public Administration and Management, now, new Public
Management. Discuss. : 60 Marks
 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION TEST SERIES
IAS (MAIN) 2010
(MOCK TEST – 4)

• Time allowed: 3 Hours

• Maximum marks: 300

Section A
Question 1:
(a) Strong bureaucracy is not suitable for Democracy. Comment (250 words)30 Marks
(b) What is World Bank’s concept of good governance? Explain. 60 Marks

Question 2: How far do you agree that findings of Elton Mayo are very much useful in
understanding and solving of industrial problems in India also. Put your views. 60 Marks

Question 3: Chanakya’s Arthashastra can be compared with “GITA”, Chanayka himself with
Dronacharya and Chandragupta with Arjuna. Explain. 60 Marks

Section B
Question 4.
(a) Analyse methods and techniques of Rigg’s research. (250 words) 30 Marks
(b) Rule of exception was rejected by Renesis Likert. Comment. (250 words) 30 Marks
Question 5: Riggs tried to compare inside Asia with outside Asia in terms of Prismatic Society.
Examine. 60 Marks
Question 6: Bazar Canteen Model developed by Riggs, truly explains emerging nexus among
politicians, traders, criminals and bureaucrats in India. Examine critically. 60 Marks
Question 7: Accepting administrative organization as closed system is like closing behaviourist
line of thinking before starting the behavioural line. Discuss. 60 Marks

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
IAS MAIN 2010
(MOCK TEST- V)

• Time allowed: 3 hours

• Maximum marks: 300

Answer any five questions selecting at least two questions from each section in which
Question no. 1 and 4 are compulsory.

Section A:
1. (a) France is having mixed form of Presidential and Parliamentary Democracy. Comment. 30
Marks
(b) Principle of dissolution of Power is main feature of Parliamentary Democracy. Discuss. 30
Marks
2. Riggs has left no stone unturned in exposing ground realities of third world countries.
Comment. 60 Marks
3. If Public Administration does not include comparative approach, it will hardly be able to get
scientific status. Examine. 60 Marks

Section B
4. (a) Working of administration very much depends on working of Political System. Comment.
(200 words) 30 Marks
(b) Legislative control over Government in India has to be more effective and value based.
Examine. (200 words) 30 Marks
5. Administration in India is not only controlled by constitutional masters but also by some extra-
constitutional masters. Discuss. 60 Marks
6. Examine the parameters of Differentiation and Integration in understanding society and social
development with reference to Rigg’s view. 60 Marks
7. Redefine Administration and Management in the light of ongoing economic reforms world over.
60 Marks

MOCK TEST I
GENERAL STUDIES FOR IAS MAIN 2010
(INDIAN POLITY)

• Time allowed: 3 hours

• Maximum marks: 300

1. Answer any one of the following (250 words) : 30 Marks

(a) Some recent judgments and opinion of the Supreme Court of India may be milestones in social
reform. Discuss.
(b) Parliamentary system in India may take lead towards party-less democracy than party-based
democracy. Analyse.
(c) India is federation in term of distribution of responsibilities and unitary in term of distribution of
resources. How far do you agree? Put your views.
2. Answer any two questions in 150 words each. : 2X20=40 Marks
(a) Now Governors in India need to be governed by reviewing and amending their constitutional
position. Comment.
(b) Planning is basically an economic activity but in India, it has been mostly political activity. Put
your views.
(c) President’s powers of pardon against death sentence itself seems to be dead in present
references of mercy petition. Examine the statement.
3. Answer any two of the following questions in 100 words each. : 2X15=30 Marks
(a) What may be the parameters of deciding failures of constitutional machinery in the state?
Examine from constitutional and extra-constitutional view points.
(b) Right to life and personal liberty has been defined by the Supreme Court as the back-bone of
Indian Constitution. Comment.
(c) Union of States in India need fresh look on state reorganization. Answer with your arguments.
4. Write an essay on any one of the following in about 800 words. : 200 Marks
(a) There is neither any beginning nor end of reforms.
(b) 60th Year of Indian Republic – A Review.
(c) Nationalism is Above All “ism” of India.
 MOCK TEST II
GENERAL STUDIES
(SOCIAL NATIONAL ISSUES

• Time allowed: 3 Hours

• Maximum marks: 300

1. Answer any one of the following in about 250 words. : (30 Marks)
a) Naxalism and Maoism are social economic problem, so mere military and administrative actions
won’t sort out the problems. Analyse the problem and suggest measures.
b) Issue of women empowerment will have far reaching impact on Indian society and culture.
Discuss.
c) Internal security of India is no more mere national issue. Examine the statement and work out
design to tackle the problem.
2. Answer any two of the following in about 150 words each. (20X2=40 Marks)
a) Should capital punishment be abolished? Put your views.
b) Compare Gandhian and Nehruvian model of education. How do you see present reform in
education system of India. Answer with arguments.
c) National Rural Health Mission is not able to maintain its own health. Do you agree? Suggest
effective measures.
3. Answer any two of the following in about 100 words each. (15X2=30 Marks)
a) Recognizing live-in relationship, homosexuality and premarital sex may be serious threat to
moral values and marriage institution of Indian society. Examine.
b) Caste and community based census will serve purpose of vote bank politics only. Comment.
c) Impact areas of development must be taken into account while executing development
schemes. Explain.
4. Write an essay on any one of the following in about 800 words. (200 Marks)
a) Nehru’s model of Politics and Policy- Have we lost?
b) Let Society and Culture go in their own way!
c) Failure of Law Enforcement is root cause of Problems.

GENERAL STUDIES TEST SERIES (MAIN) 2010

MOCK TEST – 4
(GEOGRAPHY)

• Time allowed: 3 Hours

• Maximum marks: 300

1. Answer any two of the following in about 150 words 2X10=20

a) Discuss the social forestry programme in India.
b) Highlight the features of the National Water Grid.
c) ‘India has more enemies within than outside’. Comment.
2. Answer any one of the following in about 200 words each. 1X15=15
a) Multi-purpose hydel projects are no longer ‘Temples of Modern India’. Comment.
b) Is the demand for new states in India justified. Give your opinion.
3. Answer the following in about 100 words each. 5X5=25
a) Genetically Modified Crops
b) CADP
c) JNNURM
d) Disaster Management
e) Dry farming
4. Answer the following in about 80 words each. 3X10=30
a) Laterites
b) ENSO
c) National Waterway 3
d) Cartosat
e) Himadri
f) Kaladan Project
g) SEZs
h) Rohtang Tunnel Project
i) Carbon Credits
j) Global Seed Vault
5. Answer the following in about 80 words each. 2X5=10
a) Sholas
b) Jarawas
c) Bhabbar
d) ITCZ
e) H-B-J Pipeline
6) Write an essay on any one of the following in about 800 words. 200
a) India’s human resource can be a boon if developed.
b) Planning from the Bottom will lead to the Top.
c) The solution for Global Warning is far from achieved.