Friday, July 29, 2011

Indian Engineering Services - Plan of Examination

Plan of Examination

 

1. The EXAMINATION shall be conducted according to the following plan:-

Part I-The written examination will comprise two sections-Section I consisting only of objective types of questions and Section II of conventional papers. Both Sections will cover the entire syllabus of the relevant engineering disciplines viz. Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. The standard and syllabi prescribed for these papers are given in Schedule to the Appendix. The details of the written examination i.e. subject, duration and maximum marks allotted to each subject are given in para 2 below. 

Part II-Personality test carrying a maximum of 200 marks of such of the candidates who qualify on the basis of the written examination.
2. The following will be the subjects for the written examination:-
Note: Candidates are advised to read carefully special instruction to candidates for conventional type tests and objective type tests given in Appendix-IV (Part A & Part B) including the procedure regarding filling in the Answer Sheet of objective type tests in the Examination Hall.
3. In the Personality Test special attention will be paid to assessing the candidate's capacity for leadership, initiative and intellectual curiosity, tact and other social qualities, mental and physical energy, powers of practical application and integrity of character.
4. Conventional papers must be answered in English. Question papers will be set in English only.
5. Candidates must write the papers in their own hand. In no circumstances will they be allowed the help of a scribe to write the answers for them.
6. The Commission have discretion to fix minimum qualifying marks in any or all the papers of the examination. The Objective Type papers as contained in Section-I of the Plan of the Examination will be evaluated first and evaluation of the Conventional Type papers contained in Section-II of the Plan of Examination will be done only of those candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in Objective types papers, as fixed by the Commission.
7. Marks will not be allotted for mere superficial knowledge.
8. Deduction up to 5 per cent of the maximum marks for the written papers will be made for illegible handwriting.
9. Credit will be given for orderly, effective and exact expression combined with due economy of words in the conventional papers of the examination.
10. In the question papers, wherever required, SI units will be used.

 

Indian Engineering Services - General Instructions


Engineering Services - General Instructions



1. Candidates must use only the form supplied with the information Brochure purchased from any of the designated Head Post Offices/Post Offices.
Form should be purchased from designated post offices only and not from any other agency. Candidates must use the form supplied with the Information Brochure only and they should in no case use photocopy/reproduction/unauthorisedly printed copy of the Form. The form will NOT be supplied by the Commission's office.

2. The application form must be filled in by the candidates in their own handwriting. Since this form will be processed on computerised machines, candidates should exercise due care in handling and filling up the application form. They should use HB pencil only to darken the circles. For writing in the boxes, they should use blue or black pen. Scince the entries made by the candidates by darkening the circles will be taken into account while processing the applications on computerised machines, they should make these entries very carefully and accurately. Entries in the boxes are meant for confirmatory purposes and these should also, therefore, be made correctly. There should be no variation between the entries made by the candidates by darkening the circles and those written in the accompanying boxes.
3. Candidates should ensure that the signatures appended by them in all the places viz. in their application form, Attendance List etc. and in all the correspondence with the Commission, should be identical and there should be no variation of any kind. If any variation is found in the signatures appended by him at different places, his candidature will be liable to be cancelled by the Commission.
4. No change in the entries made in original application form will be allowed under any circumstances.
5. The candidates are advised in their own interest to ensure that the applications reach the Commission's Office on or before the closing date. Applications received in the Commission's Office after the closing date will not be considered.
6. While filling in his application form, the candidate should carefully decide about his choice for the centre and engineering disciplines for the examination. More than one application from a candidate giving different centres and/or engineering disciplines will not be accepted in any case. Even if a candidate sends more than one completed application, the Commission will accept only one application at their discretion and the Commission's decision in the matter shall be final.
7. On the Acknowledgement Card, the candidates should write their application form No. (as printed below the bar code on the form) and the name of examination viz. "Engineering Service Examination, 2011". They should also write clearly and legibly their mailing address on the Acknowledgement Card. A postage stamp of Rs. 6/- should be affixed on the card. The Acknowledgement Card should not be stapled or pinned or tagged or pasted with the Application Form.
Eligibility Conditions (in brief)
(i) Age limits :
21-30 years as on 1.8.2011. (Upper age limit relaxable for SCs/Sts, OBCs and certain other categories as specified in Para 3(ii) of Notice).
(ii) Educational Qualifications : Degree in Engineering or equivalent. M.Sc Degree or its equivalent with Wireless Communication, Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engineering as a special subject also acceptable for certain posts. (See Para 3(iii) of Notice).
(iii) Fee : Rs. 100/- (Rupees one hundred only)
(No fee for SCs/STs/Physically Handicapped only).
(Ref. Para 4 of Notice).

Indian Engineering Services -MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PAPER-I

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PAPER-I


(For both objective and conventional type papers)

1. Thermodynamics, Cycles and IC Engines, Basic concepts, Open and Closed systems. Heat and work. Zeroth, First and Second Law, Application to non-Flow and Flow processes.

Entropy, Availability, Irreversibility and Tds relations. Claperyron and real gas equations, Properties of ideal gases and vapours. Standard vapour, Gas power and Refrigeration cycles. Two stage compressor. C-I and S.I. Engines. Pre-ignition, Detonation and Diesel-knock, Fuel injection and Carburation, Supercharging. Turbo-prop and Rocket engines, Engine Cooling, Emission & Control, Flue gas analysis, Measurement of Calorific values. Conventional and Nuclear fuels, Elements of Nuclear power production.

2. Heat Transfer and Refrigeration and Airconditioning. Modes of heat transfer. One dimensional steady and unsteady conduction. Composite slab and Equivalent Resistance. Heat dissipation from extended surfaces, Heat exchangers, Overall heat transfer coefficient, Empirical correlations for heat transfer in laminar and turbulent flows and for free and forced Convection, Thermal boundary layer over a flat plate. Fundamentals of diffusive and connective mass transfer, Black body and basic concepts in Radiation, Enclosure theory, Shape factor, Net work analysis. Heat pump and Refrigeration cycles and systems, Refrigerants. Condensers, Evaporates and Expansion devices, Psychrometry, Charts and application to air conditioning, Sensible heating and cooling, Effective temperature, comfort indices, Load calculations, Solar refrigeration, controls, Duct design.

3. Fluid Mechanics.
Properties and classification of fluids, Manometry, forces on immersed surfaces, Center of pressure, Buoyancy, Elements of stability of floating bodies. Kinematics and Dynamics.
Irrotational and incompressible. Inviscid flow. Velocity potential, Pressure field and Forces on immersed bodies. Bernoulli’s equation, Fully developed flow through pipes, Pressure drop calculations, Measurement of flow rate and Pressure drop. Elements of boundary layer theory, Integral approach, Laminar and tubulent flows, Separations. Flow over weirs and notches. Open channel flow, Hydraulic jump. Dimensionless numbers, Dimensional analysis, Similitude and modelling. One-dimensional isentropic flow, Normal shock wave, Flow through convergent - divergent ducts, Oblique shock-wave, Rayleigh and Fanno lines.

4. Fluid Machinery and Steam Generators.
Performance, Operation and control of hydraulic Pump and impulse and reaction Turbines, Specific speed, Classification. Energy transfer, Coupling, Power transmission, Steam generators Fire-tube and water-tube boilers. Flow of steam through Nozzles and Diffusers, Wetness and condensation. Various types of steam and gas Turbines, Velocity diagrams. Partial admission. Reciprocating, Centrifugal and axial flow Compressors, Multistage compression, role of Mach Number, Reheat, Regeneration, Efficiency, Governance. 

Indian Engineering Services - Electrical EngineeringELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PAPER – I

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PAPER – I

(For both objective and conventional types papers)

1. EM Theory


Electric and magnetic fields. Gauss’s Law and Amperes Law. Fields in dielectrics, conductors and magnetic materials. Maxwell’s equations. Time varying fields. Plane-Wave propagating in dielectric and conducting media. Transmission lines.

2. Electrical Materials


Band Theory, Conductors, Semi-conductors and Insulators. Super-conductivity. Insulators for electrical and electronic applications. Magnetic materials. Ferro and ferri magnetism. Ceramics, Properties and applications. Hall effect and its applications. Special semi conductors.

3. Electrical Circuits


Circuits elements. Kirchoff’s Laws. Mesh and nodal analysis. Network Theorems and applications. Natural response and forced response. Transient response and steady state response for arbitrary inputs. Properties of networks in terms of poles and zeros. Transfer function. Resonant circuits. Threephase circuits. Two-port networks. Elements of two-element network synthesis.

4. Measurements and Instrumentation


Units and Standards. Error analysis, measurement of current, Voltage, power, Power-factor and energy. Indicating instruments. Measurement of resistance, inductance, Capacitance and frequency. Bridge measurements. Electronic measuring instruments. Digital Voltmeter and frequency counter. Transducers and their applications to the measurement of non-electrical quantities like temperature, pressure, flow-rate displacement, acceleration, noise level etc. Data acquisition systems. A/D and D/A converters.

5. CONTROL SYSTEMS.


Mathematical modelling of physical systems. Block diagrams and signal flow graphs and their reduction. Time domain and frequency domain analysis of linear dynamical system. Errors for different type of inputs and stability criteria for feedback systems. Stability analysis using Routh-Hurwitz array, Nyquist plot and Bode plot. Root locus and Nicols chart and the estimation of gain and phase margin. Basic concepts of compensator design. State variable matrix and its use in system modelling and design. Sampled data system and performance of such a system with the samples in the error channel. Stability of sampled data system. Elements of non-linear control analysis. Control system components, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic components.

Indian Engineering Services - ELECTRONICS & TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING PAPER - I

ELECTRONICS & TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING PAPER - I

(For both objective and conventional type papers)

1. Materials and Components :
Structure and properties of Electrical Engineering materials; Conductors, Semiconductors and Insulators, magnetic, Ferroelectric, Piezoelectric, Ceramic, Optical and Super-conducting materials.

Passive components and characteristics Resistors, Capacitors and Inductors; Ferrites, Quartz crystal Ceramic resonators, Electromagnetic and Electromechanical components.
2. Physical Electronics, Electron Devices and ICs:
Electrons and holes in semiconductors, Carrier Statistics, Mechanism of current flow in a semiconductor, Hall effect; Junction theory; Different types of diodes and their characteristics; Bipolar Junction transistor; Field effect transistors; Power switching devices like SCRs, GTOs, power MOSFETS; Basics of ICs - bipolar, MOS and CMOS types; basic of Opto Electronics.

3. Signals and Systems
Classification of signals and systems: System modelling in terms of differential and difference equations; State variable representation; Fourier series; Fourier transforms and their application to system analysis; Laplace transforms and their application to system analysis; Convolution and superposition integrals and their applications; Z-transforms and their applications to the analysis and characterisation of discrete time systems; Random signals and probability, Correlation functions; Spectral density; Response of linear system to random inputs.

4. Network theory
Network analysis techniques; Network theorems, transient response, steady state sinusoidal response; Network graphs and their applications in network analysis; Tellegen’s theorem. Two port networks; Z, Y, h and transmission parameters. Combination of two ports, analysis of common two ports. Network functions : parts of network functions, obtaining a network function from a given part. Transmission criteria : delay and rise time, Elmore’s and other definitions effect of cascading. Elements of network synthesis.

5. Electromagnetic Theory
Analysis of electrostatic and magnetostatic fields; Laplace’s and Poisson’s equations; Boundary value problems and their solutions; Maxwell’s equations; application to wave propagation in bounded and unbounded media; Transmission lines : basic theory, standing waves, matching applications, microstrip lines; Basics of wave guides and resonators; Elements of antenna theory.

6. Electronic Measurements and instrumentation
Basic concepts, standards and error analysis; Measurements of basic electrical quantities and parameters; Electronic measuring instruments and their principles of working : analog and digital, comparison, characteristics, application. Transducers; Electronic measurements of non electrical quantities like temperature, pressure, humidity etc; basics of telemetry for industrial use.
 

Indian Engineering Services - CIVIL ENGINEERING PAPER - I

CIVIL ENGINEERING PAPER - I


(For both objective and conventional type papers)

1. BUILDING MATERIALS

Timber : Different types and species of structural timber, density-moisture relationship, strength in different directions, defects, influence of defects on permissible stress, preservation, dry and wet rots, codal provisions for design, Plywood.

Bricks : Types, Indian Standard classification, absorption, saturation factor, strength in masonry, influence of morter strength on masonry strength.

Cement : Compounds of, different types, setting times, strength.

Cement Mortar : Ingredients, proportions, water demand, mortars for plastering and masonry.

Concrete : Importance of W/C Ratio, Strength, ingredients including admixtures, workability, testing for strength, elasticity, non-destructive testing, mix design methods.

2. SOLID MECHANICS

Elastic constants, stress, plane stress, Mohr’s circle of stress, strains, plane strain, Mohr’s circle of strain, combined stress; Elastic theories of failure; Simple bending, shear; Torsion of circular and rectangular sections and simple members.

3. STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Analysis of determinate structures - different methods including graphical methods.

Analysis of indeterminate skeletal frames - moment distribution, slope-deflection, stiffness and force methods, energy methods, Muller-Breslau principle and application.

Plastic analysis of indeterminate beams and simple frames - shape factors.

4. DESIGN OF STEEL STRUCTURES

Principles of working stress method. Design of connections, simple members, Built-up sections and frames, Design of Industrial roofs. Principles of ultimate load design. Design of simple members and frames.

5. DESIGN OF CONCRETE AND MASONRY STRUCTURES
Limit state design for bending, shear, axial compression and combined forces. Codal provisions for slabs, beams, walls and footings. Working stress method of design of R.C. members.

Principles of prestressed concrete design, materials, methods of prestressing, losses. Design of simple members and determinate structures. Introductions to prestressing of indeterminate structures.

Design of brick masonry as per I.S. Codes.

6. CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE, PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

Concreting Equipment:
Weight Batcher, Mixer, vibrator, batching plant, concrete pump.
Cranes, hoists, lifting equipment.

Earthwork Equipment :
Power shovel, hoe, dozer, dumper, trailers and tractor, rollers, sheep foot rollers, pumps.

Construction, Planning and Management :
Bar chart, linked bar chart, work-break down structures, Activity - on - arrow diagrams. Critical path, probabilistic activity durations; Event-based networks.

PERT network: Time-cost study, crashing; Resource allocation.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Introduction To Indian Engineering Services

Indian Engineering Services (ES) are the Technical Services that meet the technical and managerial functions of the Government of India. Government spending comprises more than 15 percent of India's GDP. Given the extent of tasks and functions managed by the public sector this extends to a fairly broad segment of the economy covering the Railroads, Military, Public works, Power, Telecommunications, etc.
Like in most countries, the Government of India recruits its civil servants and officials on the basis of merit. The middle management positions in the bureaucracy are filled through competitive exams. Large number of people take these exams competing for limited seats. Some seats are Reserved in India for the underprivileged sections of society.
A combined competitive examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC); for recruitment to the Indian Engineering Services (IES).
The test is conducted in May or June every year at centres across India, namely: Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizwal, Allahabad, Bengaluru, Bareilly, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Delhi, Dharwad, Dispur (Guwahati), Gangtok, Hyderabad, Imphal, Itanagar, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jammu, Jorhat, Kochi, Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji (Goa), Patna, Port Blair, Raipur, Sambalpur, Shillong, Simla, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati, Udaipur, Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Vishakapatnam.


 The approximate number of vacancies, for the year 2011: 745

 

Recruitment

Recruitment to Group - A Services / Posts and Group - B Services / Posts are made under the following categories of Engineering:
The number of vacancies to be filled on the results of the examination is expected to be approximately 745 including 50 PH vacancies. The number of vacancies is liable to alteration.


Category I

Civil Engineering :
Group A Services/Posts
(i) Indian Railway Service of Engineers.
(ii) Indian Railway Stores Service (Civil Engineering Posts).
(iii) Central Engineering Service.
(iv) Indian Defense Service of Engineers (Civil Engineering Posts).
(v) Indian Ordinance Factories Services (Engineering Branch) (Civil Engineering Posts)
(vi) Central Water Engineering (Gr. 'A') Service (Civil Engineering Posts).
(vii) Central Engineering Service (Roads) Group-A (Civil Engineering Posts).
(viii) Assistant Executive Engineer (Civil Engineering Post) (in Border Roads Engineering Service Gr. 'A').
(ix) Assistant Executive Engineer (Civil) in P&T Building Works (Gr'A') Service

Category II

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING :
Group A Services/Posts
(i) Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers.
(ii) Indian Railway Stores Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts).
(iii) Central Water Engineering Gr. 'A' ServiceService Mechanical Engineering Posts).
(iv) Central Power Engineering Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts).
(v) Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Engineering Branch) (Mechanical Engineering Posts).
(vi) Indian Naval Armament Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts).
(vii) Assistant Executive Engineer Group 'A' (Mech. Engg. Posts) in the corps of EME, Ministry of Defence.
(viii) Assistant Naval Stores Officer, Grade-I (Mechanical Engineering Posts) in Indian Navy.
(ix) Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts).
(x) Assistant Executive Engineer Group ‘A’ in the Geological Survey of India.
(xi) Indian Supply Service, Group 'A' (Mechanical Engineering Posts).
(xii) Indian Defence Service of Engineers (Mechanical Engineering Posts).

Category III

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING :
Group A Services/Posts
(i) Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers.
(ii) Indian Railway Stores Service (Electrical Engineering Posts).
(iii) Central Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Service (Electrical Engg. Posts).
(iv) Indian Naval Armament Service (Electrical Engineering Posts).
(v) Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Engineering Branch) (Electrical Engineering Posts).
(vi) Central Power Engineering Service (Electrical Engineering Posts).
(vii) Indian Defence Service of Engineers (Electrical Engineering Posts).
(viii) Assistant Naval Stores Officer, Grade-I (Electrical Engineering Posts) in Indian Navy.
(ix) Indian Supply Service Group 'A' (Electrical Engineering Posts).

Category IV

ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATION :
Group A & B Services/Posts
(i) Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers.
(ii) Indian Railway Stores Service (Telecommunication/ Electronics Engineering Posts).
(iii) Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Engineering Branch) (Electronics Engineering Posts).
(iv) Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engineering Posts).
(v) Assistant Executive Engineer Group 'A' (Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering Posts) in the Corps of E.M.E., Ministry of Defence.
(vi) Engineer (GCS-Gr-'A') in Wireless Planning and Co-ordination Wing/Monitoring Organisation. (M/o Communications & I.T., D/o Telecommunications).
(vii) Assistant Naval Stores Officer Grade- I (Electronics & Telecom Engineering Posts) in Indian Navy.
(viii) Indian Supply Service, Group 'A' (Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering Posts).
(ix) Indian Telecommunication Service. Gr. 'A'.

Examination

The Exam is conducted by Union Public Service Commission(UPSC) in the month of May/June India wide. There are objective as well as subjective papers. One paper for GS (General Studies) is part of the assessment system apart from the engineering subject of the candidate. The entire technical subject is divided into two papers (PAPER 1 and PAPER 2. There is a three day schedule of the written examination, comprising in all five written examination.
The first day is allocated for the General Studies (GS) paper. This exam is of 2 hrs duration. On the first day there is just one exam. This exam consists of General studies and General English.
The second day is allocated for the Objective Papers. There are two objective exams for each paper separately and each being of 2 hrs in duration.
The third day is allocated for the Conventional (Subjective) Papers. There are two subjective exams for each paper separately and each being of 3 hrs in duration.
The subjective answer sheets of a candidate are evaluated only once he qualifies the objective examinations.

Interview

The candidates who qualify the written exam are called for Interview.
The notification of the examination is updated in the UPSC calender and is available on their web site.

General Studies - Current Affairs

RECENT NOTEWORTHY DEVELOPMENTS

  1. Critically Endangered Sumatran Rhino expecting calf
    1. This development is considered as a breakthrough in conservation efforts to save the Sumatran rhino from extinction
    2. The Sumatran Rhino is listed as Critically Endangered, and is mostly found in the island of Sumatra (Indonesia)
    3. The number of Sumatran rhinos have halved in the past fifteen years, with only about 200 surviving in the world today
    4. The eight year old rhino in a wildlife reserve in Sumatra is expected to give birth in May 2010. It will be the fourth Sumatran rhino calf to be born in captivity
    5. The two-horned Sumatran rhino is the smallest of the world’s five rhino species
    6. Rhino have been heavily poached for their horns that are believed to have medicinal properties, especially in East Asian medicine
  2. Marine Census discovers 5000 new species
    1. A preview of the Census of Marine Life has revealed that the project has discovered more than 5000 new species
    2. Scientists presented these early findings in San Diego. The final report from the decade-long census will be released in Oct 2010
    3. The project has involved more than 2000 scientists from 80 countries
    4. The new species found include bizarre and colourful creatures as well as organisms that produce therapeutic chemicals
    5. Findings include the Kiwa hirsuta family of crabs, so named because of their extremely furry appearance, discovered near Easter Island
    6. A new species of sponge that produce an anti-cancer chemical have been found in the Florida Keys
    7. The census is expected to help develop policies that will better protect marine species and habitats
  3. Microsoft-Yahoo search deal approved
    1. Microsoft’s plans to buy Yahoo’s internet search and search advertising businesses have been cleared by both European and American regulators
    2. Both the European Commission (EC) and the US Dept. of Justice have ruled that the deal will enhance competition and be beneficial to consumers
    3. Major business deals such as this require approval from the Dept. of Justice and the EC in order to be valid in the US and Europe respectively
    4. Under the deal, Yahoo will use Microsoft’s Bing search engine, while Yahoo will provide the main advertising sales team for Bing
    5. Yahoo is the internet’s second largest search engine in terms of usage, while Bing is the third. Google, with about 65% market share, is the first. This deal will establish Bing as the second in the market
  4. New tiger reserve declared
    1. The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala has been declared as India’s 38th Tiger Reserve
    2. The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in the Sungam Hills between the Anaimalai Hills and Nelliampathy Hills in the Western Ghats in Kerala
    3. It is estimated that there are 15 tigers in the Parambikulam reserve. Parambikulam is also home to numerous reptiles, birds and other species
    4. It is estimated that there are about 1100-1200 tigers in India
    5. The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is the second Tiger Reserve in Kerala, the other one being the Periyar Tiger Reserve
  5. New farming system heralded
    1. A new system of farming based on using fertiliser trees to increase crop yield is being heralded by scientists from around the world
    2. The system uses the Acacia tree to increase nitrogen content in soils which leads to increase in crop yields of as much as 150%
    3. The Acacia tree stores the same amount of nitrogen in its leaves as about three bags of commercial fertiliser. When the leaves die and fall to the ground, the nitrogen is released into the soil
    4. The system, used traditionally in Africa, is expected to greatly benefit paddy yields in India, decrease fertiliser use and help address climate change
    5. Other benefits of using the Acadia trees for fertilisers include timber and fuel for farmers, longer growing seasons and higher resistance to drought
  6. Chennai Declaration on Biodiversity adopted
    1. The Chennai Declaration on Biodiversity has been adopted, calling on nations to prioritise conservation of the earth’s multitude of plant, agricultural, forest and marine species
    2. The Declaration was adopted by representatives of organisations like the UN Environment Programme, UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (UNFAO), the International Rice Research Institute, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the World Food Prize Fund, and India’s National biodiversity Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Forests
    3. The Declaration was adopted on 17 Feb 2010 after days of negotiation at the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai
    4. Among the strategies set out by the Declaration are
      1. According economic value to services rendered by nature and agriculture
      2. Finding markets for neglected but nutritious crops
      3. Including rural communities in biodiversity strategies
      4. Promoting biodiversity literacy through public education
      5. Refocusing research and development priorities
    5. 2010 is the International Year of Biodiveristy

upsc results 2011 | civil services results 2011

Result Date: 5/12/2011


UPSC has announced Final Results 2011 for Civil Services (Main) Exam 2010. UPSC Final Result 2011 are available on the basis of the written test Civil Services (Main) Exam that was held by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in Oct-Nov 2010 and interviews were held in March-April, 2011.

Final list of 920 candidates recommended for appointment is available here. Appointment to the various Services will be made according to the number of vacancies available. Candidates will be appointed in Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service and Central Services, Group 'A' and Group 'B'.

CLICK HERE To see the UPSC CS 2010 Final Results.

Time Management

Time management

 

Developing time management skills is a journey
that may begin with this Guide, but needs practice and other guidance along the way.
One goal is to help yourself become aware of how you use your time
as one resource in organizing, prioritizing, and succeeding in your studies
in the context of competing activities of friends, work, family, etc.
First: try our exercise in time management:
How do you spend your time each day?
Strategies on using time:
These applications of time management have proven to be effective as good study habits.
As we go through each strategy, jot down an idea of what each will look like for you:
  • Blocks of study time and breaks
    As your school term begins and your course schedule is set, develop and plan for, blocks of study time in a typical week. Blocks ideally are around 50 minutes, but perhaps you become restless after only 30 minutes? Some difficult material may require more frequent breaks. Shorten your study blocks if necessary-but don't forget to return to the task at hand! What you do during your break should give you an opportunity to have a snack, relax, or otherwise refresh or re-energize yourself. For example, place blocks of time when you are most productive: are you a morning person or a night owl?
    • Jot down one best time block you can study. How long is it? What makes for a good break for you? Can you control the activity and return to your studies?
  • Dedicated study spaces
    Determine a place free from distraction (no cell phone or text messaging!) where you can maximize your concentration and be free of the distractions that friends or hobbies can bring! You should also have a back-up space that you can escape to, like the library, departmental study center, even a coffee shop where you can be anonymous. A change of venue may also bring extra resources.
    • What is the best study space you can think of? What is another?
  • Weekly reviews
    Weekly reviews and updates are also an important strategy. Each week, like a Sunday night, review your assignments, your notes, your calendar. Be mindful that as deadlines and exams approach, your weekly routine must adapt to them!
    • What is the best time in a week you can review?
  • Prioritize your assignments
    When studying, get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task. You'll be fresh, and have more energy to take them on when you are at your best. For more difficult courses of study, try to be flexible: for example, build in reaction time when you can get feedback on assignments before they are due.
    • What subject has always caused you problems?
  • Achieve "stage one"--get something done!
    The Chinese adage of the longest journey starting with a single step has a couple of meanings: First, you launch the project! Second, by starting, you may realize that there are some things you have not planned for in your process. Details of an assignment are not always evident until you begin the assignment. Another adage is that "perfection is the enemy of good", especially when it prevents you from starting! Given that you build in review, roughly draft your idea and get going! You will have time to edit and develop later.
    • What is a first step you can identify for an assignment to get yourself started?

  • Postpone unnecessary activities until the work is done!
    Postpone tasks or routines that can be put off until your school work is finished!
    This can be the most difficult challenge of time management. As learners we always meet unexpected opportunities that look appealing, then result in poor performance on a test, on a paper, or in preparation for a task. Distracting activities will be more enjoyable later without the pressure of the test, assignment, etc. hanging over your head. Think in terms of pride of accomplishment. Instead of saying "no" learn to say "later".
    • What is one distraction that causes you to stop studying?
  • Identify resources to help you
    Are there tutors? An expert friend? Have you tried a keyword search on the Internet to get better explanations? Are there specialists in the library that can point you to resources? What about professionals and professional organizations. Using outside resources can save you time and energy, and solve problems.
    • Write down three examples for that difficult subject above?
      Be as specific as possible.
  • Use your free time wisely
    Think of times when you can study "bits" as when walking, riding the bus, etc. Perhaps you've got music to listen to for your course in music appreciation, or drills in language learning? If you are walking or biking to school, when best to listen? Perhaps you are in a line waiting? Perfect for routine tasks like flash cards, or if you can concentrate, to read or review a chapter. The bottom line is to put your time to good use.
    • What is one example of applying free time to your studies?
  • Review notes and readings just before class
    This may prompt a question or two about something you don't quite understand, to ask about in class, or after. It also demonstrates to your teacher that you are interested and have prepared.
    • How would you make time to review?
      Is there free time you can use?
    • Review lecture notes just after class
      Then review lecture material immediately after class.
      The first 24 hours are critical. Forgetting is greatest within 24 hours without review!
      • How would you do this?
        Is there free time you can use?
    Select one of the ten applications above. and develop a new study habit! Try something you have a good chance of following through and accomplishing. Nothing succeeds like a first successful try! Try the University of Minnesota's Assignment Calculator Develop criteria for adjusting your schedule to meet both your academic and non-academic needs Effective aids:
    • Create a simple "To Do" listThis simple program will help you identify a few items, the reason for doing them, a timeline for getting them done, and then printing this simple list and posting it for reminders.
    • Daily/weekly planner
      Write down appointments, classes, and meetings on a chronological log book or chart.
      If you are more visual, sketch out your schedule
      First thing in the morning, check what's ahead for the day
      always go to sleep knowing you're prepared for tomorrow
    • Long term planner
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Civil Services Examination 2010 Prelims - Answer Key

(Questions from 1- 150)


1. For the Karachi session of Indian National Congress in 1931, presided over by Sardar Patel, who drafted the Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (d) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
 
2. Who among the following were official Congress negotiators with Cripps Mission?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel
(b) Acharya J. B. Kripalani and C. Rajagopalachari
(c) Pandit Nehru and Maulana Azad
(d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai
 
3. Which one of the following processes in the bodies of living organisms is a digestive process?
(a) Breakdown of proteins into amino acids
(b) Breakdown of glucose into CO2 and H2O.
(c) Conversion of glucose into glycogen.
(d) Conversion of amino acids into proteins.
 
4. From the point of view of evolution of living organisms, which one of the following is the correct sequence of evolution?
(a) Otter - Tortoise - Shark
(b) Shark - Tortoise - Otter
(c) Tortoise - Shark - Otter
(d) Shark - Otter - Tortoise
 
5. Consider the following statements:
1. Hepatitis B is several times more infectious than HIV / AIDS.
2. Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer.
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
6. Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide (CO), into the air may produce a condition in which oxygen supply in the human body decreases. What causes this condition?
(a) When inhaled into the human body, CO is converted into CO2.
(b) The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen.
(c) The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structure of haemoglobin.
(d) The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratory centre in the brain.
 
7. Consider the following statements:
1. Every individual in the population is equally susceptible host for Swine Flu.
2. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu.
3. To prevent the future spread of Swine Flu in the epidemic area, the swine (pigs) must all be culled.
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3.
 
8. With regard to the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The chances of transmission from female to male are twice as likely as from male to female.
(b) The chances of transmission are more if a person suffers from other sexually transmitted infections.
(c) An infected mother can transmit the pregnancy, at childbirth and by breast feeding.
(d) The risk of contracting infection from transfusion of infected blood is much higher than an exposure to contaminated needle.
 
9. What are the possible limitations of India in mitigating the global warming at present and in the immediate future?
1. Appropriate alternate technologies are not sufficiently available.
2. India can not invest huge funds in research and development.
3. Many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
10. Consider the following statements:
1. The Commonwealth has no charter, treaty or constitution.
2. All the territories / countries once under the British empire (jurisdiction / rule / mandate) automatically joined the commonwealth as its members.
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) neither 1 nor 2
 
11. Examine the following statements:
1. All colours are pleasant.
2. Some colours are pleasant.
3. No colour is pleasant.
4. Some colours are not pleasant.
Given that the statement 4 is true, what can be definitely concluded?
(a) 1 and 2 are true (b) 1 is false
(c) 2 is false (d) 3 is true
 
12. In the context of bilateral trade negotiations between India and European Union, what is the difference between European Commission and European Council?
1. European Commission represents the EU in trade negotiations whereas European Council participates in the legislation of matters pertaining to economic policies of the European Union.
2. European Commission comprises the Heads of State or government of member countries whereas the European Council comprises of the persons nominated by European Parliament.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
13. The approximate representations of land use classification in India is
(a) Net area sown 25%; forests 33%; other areas 42%.
(b) Net area sown 58%; forests 17%; other areas 25%.
(c) Net area sown 43%; forests 29%; other areas 28%.
(d) Net area sown 47%; forests 23%; other areas 30%.
 
14. With reference to the National Investment Fund to which the disinvestment proceeds are routed, consider the following statements:
1. The assets in the National Investment Fund are managed by the Union Ministry of Finance.
2. The National Investment Fund is to be maintained within the Consolidated Fund of India.
3. Certain Asset Management Companies are appointed as the fund managers.
4. A certain proportion of annual income is used for financing select social sectors.
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 3 only
 
15. In India, which of the following is regulated by the Forward Markets Commission?
(a) Currency Futures Trading
(b) Commodities Futures Trading.
(c) Equity Futures Trading.
(d) Both Commodities Futures and Financial Futures Trading.
 
16. Which one of the following is not a feature of Limited Liability Partnership firm?
(a) Partners should be less than 20.
(b) Partnership and management need not be separate.
(c) Internal governance may be decided by mutual agreement among partners.
(d) It is corporate body with perpetual succession.
 
17. With reference to the institution of Banking Ombudsman in India, which one of the statements is not correct?
(a) The Banking Ombudsman is appointed by the Reserve Bank of India.
(b) The Banking Ombudsman can consider complaints from Non – Resident Indians having accounts in India.
(c) The orders passed by the Banking Ombudsman are final and binding on the parties concerned.
(d) The service provided by the Banking Ombudsman is free of any fee.
 
18. With reference to the India, consider the following:
1. Nationalization of Banks.
2. Formation of Regional Rural Banks.
3. Adoption of villages by Bank Branches.
Which of the above can be considered as steps taken to achieve the “financial inclusion” in India?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
19. What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat?
(a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his victory Timur Shah from Lahore.
(b) The frustrated governor of Jullundhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab.
(c) He wanted to punish Mughal administration for non – payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot and Pasrur).
(d) He wanted to annex all the fertile plains of Punjab up to the borders of Delhi to his kingdom.
 
20. With reference to the Pondicherry (now Puducherry), consider the following statements:
1. The first European power to occupy Pondicherry were the Portuguese.
2. The second European power to occupy Pondicherry were the French.
3. The English never occupied Pondicherry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3.
 
21. Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times?
1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism.
2. The invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists.
3. The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
22. Consider the following statements:
The functions of commercial banks in India include
1. Purchase and sale of shares and securities on behalf of customers.
2. Acting as executors and trustees of wills.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
23. In India, the tax proceeds of which one of the following as a percentage of gross tax revenue has significantly declined in the last five years?
(a) Service tax (b) Personal income tax
(c) Excise duty (d) Corporation tax
 
24. Which one of the following authorities makes recommendations to the Governor of a State as to the principles for determining the taxes and duties which may be appropriated by the Panchayats in that particular State?
(a) District Planning Committees. (b) State Finance Commission.
(c) Finance Ministry of that State. (d) Panchayati Raj Ministry of that States.
 
25. Consider the following statements:
In India, taxes on transactions in Stock Exchanges and Futures Markets are
1. levied by the Union.
2. collected by the States.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
26. In India, during the last decade the total cultivated land for which one of the following crops has remained more or less stagnant?
(a) Rice (b) Oil Seeds
(c) Pulses (d) Sugarcane
 
27. Consider the following statements:
1. The Union Government fixes the Statutory Minimum Price of sugarcane for each sugar season.
2. Sugar and sugarcane are essential commodities under the Essential Commodities Act.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
28. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:
1. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased by four times in the last 10 years.
2. The percentage share of Public Sector in GDP has declined in the last 10 years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
29. Consider the following which can be found in the ambient atmosphere:
1. Soot
2. Sulphur hexafluoride
3. Water vapour
Which of the above contribute to the warming up of the atmosphere?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
30. The International Development Association, a lending agency, is administered by the
(a) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
(b) International Fund for Agricultural Development.
(c) United Nations Development Programme.
(d) United Nations Industrialized Development Organization.
 
31. When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour?
(a) Abundance of magnesium (b) Accumulated humus
(c) Presence of ferric oxides (d) Abundance of phosphates
 
32. Which one of the following is the appropriate reason for considering the Gondwana rocks as most important of rock systems of India?
(a) More than 90% of limestone reserves of India are found in them.
(b) More than 90% of India’s coal reserves are found in them.
(c) More than 90% of fertile black cotton soils are spread over them.
(d) None of the reasons given above is appropriate in this context.
 
33. Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of
Malacca:
(a) Bali (b) Brunei
(c) Java (d) Singapore
 
34. With reference to the river Luni, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) It flows into Gulf of Khambhat.
(b) It flows into Gulf of Kuchchh.
(c) It flows into Pakistan and merges with a tributary of Indus.
(d) It is lost in the marshy land of the Rann of Kuchchh.
 
35. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Dam / Lake River
(a) Govind Sagar - Satluj
(b) Kolleru Lake - Krishna
(c) Ukai Reservoir - Tapi
(d) Wular Lake - Jhelum
 
36. A geographic region has the following distinct characteristics:
1. Warm and dry climate.
2. Mild and wet winter.
3. Evergreen oak trees.
The above features are the distinct characteristics of which one of the following regions?
(a) Mediterranean (b) Eastern China
(c) Central Asia (d) Atlantic coast of North America.
 
37. With reference to the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007, consider the following statements:
1. This policy is applicable only to the persons affected by the acquisition of land for projects and not to the involuntary displacement due to any other reason.
2. This policy has been formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
38. In the context of India’s Five Year Plan, a shift in the pattern of industrialization, with lower emphasis on heavy industries and more on infrastructure begins in :
(a) Fourth Plan (b) Sixth Plan
(c) Eighth Plan (d) Tenth Plan
 
39. Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:
1. Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc. whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
2. Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
40. With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, consider the following:
1. The Right to Development.
2. The Right to Expression.
3. The Right to Recreation.
Which of the above is/are the Rights of the child?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
41. Three men start together to travel the same way around a circular track of 11 km. Their speeds are 4, 5.5 and 8 kmph respectively. When will they meet at the starting point for the first time?
(a) After 11 hours (b) After 21 hours
(c) After 22 hours (d) After 33 hours
 
42. With reference to the Consumer Disputes Redressal at district level in India, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) A State Government can establish more than one District Forum in a district if it deems fit.
(b) One of the members of the District Forum shall be a woman.
(c) The District Forum entertains the complaints where the value of goods or services does not exceed rupees fifty lakhs.
(d) A complaint in relation to any goods sold or any service provided may be field with a District Forum by the State Government as a representative of the interests of the consumers in general.
 
43. King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?
(a) It is a snake – eater and the nest helps attract other snakes.
(b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth to its offspring.
(c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched.
(d) It is a large, cold blooded animal and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season.
 
44. As a result of their annual survey, the National Geographic Society and an international polling firm Globe Scan gave India top rank in Greendex 2009 score. What is this score?
(a) It is a measure of efforts made by different countries in adopting technologies for reducing carbon footprint.
(b) It is a measure of environmentally sustainable consumer behaviour in different countries.
(c) It is an assessment of programmes / schemes undertaken by different countries for improving the conservation of natural resources.
(d) It is an index showing the volume of carbon credits sold by different countries.
 
45. Consider the following statements:
1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas.
2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
3. A drug called ‘taxol’ is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson’s disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
46. P, Q, R and S are four men. P is the oldest but not the poorest. R is the richest but not the oldest. Q is older than S but not than P or R. P is richer than Q but not than S. The four men can be ordered (descending) in respect of age and richness, respectively, as:
(a) PQRS, RPSQ (b) PRQS, RSPQ
(c) PRQS, RSQP (d) PRSQ, RSPQ
 
47. What causes wind to defect toward left in the Southern hemisphere?
(a) Temperature (b) Magnetic field
(c) Rotation of the earth (d) Pressure
 
48. Indiscriminate disposal of used fluorescent electric lamps causes mercury pollution in the environment. Why is mercury used in the manufacture of these lamps?
(a) A mercury coating on the inside of the lamp makes the light bright white.
(b) When the lamp is switched on, the mercury in the lamp causes the emission of ultra – violet radiations.
(c) When the lamp is switched on, it is the mercury which converts the ultra – violet energy into visible light.
(d) None of the statement given above is correct about the use of mercury in the manufacture of fluorescent lamps.
 
49. If there were no Himalayan ranges, what would have been the most likely geographical impact on India?
1. Much of the country would experience the cold waves from Siberia.
2. Indo – gangetic plain would be devoid of such extensive alluvial soils.
3. The pattern of monsoon would be different from what it is at present.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
 
50. In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?
(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India.
(b) The name given to the next moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan – II.
(c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India.
(d) A space telescope developed by India.
 
51. The latitudes that pass through Sikkim also pass through
(a) Rajasthan (b) Punjab
(c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Jammu & Kashmir
 
52. A man fills a basket with eggs in such a way that the number of eggs added on each successive day is the same as the number already present in the basket. This way the basket gets completely filled in 24 days. After how many days the basket was 1 / 4th full?
(a) 6 (b) 12
(c) 17 (d) 22
 
53. The diameters of two circular coins are in the ratio of 1 : 3. The smaller coin is made to roll around the bigger coin till it returns to the position from where the process of rolling started. How many times the smaller coin rolled around the bigger coin?
(a) 9 (b) 6
(c) 3 (d) 1.5
 
54. The difference between the simple interest received from two banks on Rs. 500 for two years is Rs. 2.50. What is the difference between their rates?
(a) 0.25% (b) 0.5%
(c) 1% (d) 2.5%
 
55. When ten persons shake hands with one another, in how many ways is it possible?
(a) 20 (b) 25
(c) 40 (d) 45
 
56. A candidate attempted 12 questions and secured full marks in all of them. If he obtained 60% in the test and all questions carried equal marks, then what is the number of questions in the test?
(a) 36 (b) 30
(c) 25 (d) 20
 
57. In how many ways can four children be made to stand in a line such that two of them, A and B are always together?
(a) 6 (b) 12
(c) 18 (d) 24
 
58. In a meeting, the map of a village was placed in such a manner that south – east becomes north, north – east becomes west and so on. What will south become?
(a) North (b) North – east
(c) North – west (d) West
 
59. Consider the following statements:
1. The “Bombay Manifesto” signed in 1936 openly opposed the preaching of socialist ideals.
2. It evoked support from a large section of business community from all across India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
60. Among the following, who was not a proponent of bhakti cult?
(a) Nagarjuna (b) Tukaram
(c) Tyagraja (d) Vallabhacharya
 
61. Due to their extensive rice cultivation, some regions may be contributing to global warming. To what possible reason / reasons is this attributable?
1. The anaerobic conditions associated with rice cultivation cause the emission of methane.
2. When nitrogen based fertilizers are used, nitrous oxide is emitted from the cultivated soil.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
62. Sustainable development is described as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this perspective, inherently the concept of sustainable development is intertwined with which of the following concepts?
(a) Social justice and empowerments (b) Inclusive Growth
(c) Globalization (d) Carrying capacity
 
63. Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for ethanol?
(a) Jatropha (b) Maize
(c) Pongania (d) Sunflower
 
64. Consider the following pairs:
Protected Area Well Known for
1. Bhiterkanika, Orissa — Salt Water Crocodile
2. Desert National Park, Rajasthan — Great Indian Bustard
3. Eravikulam, Kerala — Hootak Gibbon
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
65. Some species of plants are insectivorous. Why?
(a) Their growth in shady and dark places does not allow them to undertake sufficient photosynthesis and thus they depend on insects for nutrition.
(b) They are adapted to grow in nitrogen deficient soils and thus depend on insects for sufficient nitrogenous nutrition.
(c) They can not synthesize certain vitamins themselves and depend on the insects digested by them.
(d) They have remained in that particular stage of evolution as living fossils, a link between autotrophs and heterotrophs.
 
66. A person traveled a distance of 50 km in 8 hours. He covered a part of the distance on foot at the rate of 4 km per hour and a part on a bicycle at the rate of 10 km per hour. How much distance did he travel on foot?
(a) 10 km (b) 20 km
(c) 30 km (d) 40 km
 
67. In the context of governance, consider the following:
1. Encouraging Foreign Direct Investment inflows.
2. Privatization of higher educational Institutions.
3. Down – sizing of bureaucracy.
4. Selling / offloading the shares of Public Sector Undertakings.
Which of the above can be used as measures to control the fiscal deficit in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 only
 
68. As per the UN – Habitat’s Global Report on Human Settlement 2009, which one among the following regions has shown the fastest growth rate of urbanization in the last three decades?
(a) Asia (b) Europe
(c) Latin America and Caribbean (d) North America
 
69. In India, which type of forest among the following occupies the largest area?
(a) Montane Wet Temporate Forest (b) Sub – tropical Dry Evergreen Forest
(c) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest (d) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest
 
70. Inclusive growth as enunciated in the Eleventh Five Year Plan does not include one of the following:
(a) Reduction of poverty (b) Extension of employment opportunities
(c) Strengthening of capital market (d) Reduction of gender inequality
 
71. How many numbers from 0 to 999 are not divisible by either 5 or 7?
(a) 313 (b) 341
(c) 686 (d) 786
 
72. Tamil Nadu is a leading producers of mill – made cotton yarn in the country. What could be the reason?
1. Black cotton soil is the predominant type of soil in the State.
2. Rich pool of skilled labour is available.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
73. Consider the following statements:
1. On the planet Earth, the fresh water available for use amounts to about less than 1% of the total water found.
2. Of the total fresh water found on the planet Earth 95% is bound up in polar ice caps and glaciers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
74. Which one of following reflects back more sunlight as compared to other three?
(a) Sand desert (b) Paddy crop land
(c) Land covered with fresh snow (d) Prairie land
 
75. Rivers that pass through Himachal Pradesh are :
(a) Beas and Chenab only (b) Beas and Ravi only
(c) Chenab, Ravi and Satluj only (d) Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj and Yamuna
 
76. Who of the following shall cause every recommendations made by the Finance Commission to be laid before each House of Parliament?
(a) The President of India (b) The Speaker of Lok Sabha
(c) The Prime Minister of India (d) The Union Finance Minister
 
77. Which one of the following is responsible for the preparation and presentation of Union Budget to the Parliament?
(a) Department of Revenue (b) Department of Economic Affairs
(c) Department of Financial Services (d) Department of Expenditure
 
78. In a group of five persons A, B, C, D and E, there is a professor, a doctor and layer. A and D are unmarried ladies, and do not work. Of the married couple in the Group, E is the Husband. B is the brother of A and is neither a doctor nor a lawyer. Who is the professor?
(a) B
(b) C
(c) A
(d) Cannot be determined with the available data
 
79. Consider the following actions by the Government:
1. Cutting the tax rates
2. Increasing the government spending
3. Abolishing the subsidies
In the context of economic recession, which of the above actions can be considered a part of the “fiscal stimulus” package?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
80. Half of the villagers of a certain village have their own houses. One – fifth of the villagers cultivate paddy. One – third of the villagers are literate. Four – fifth of the villagers are below twenty five. Then, which one of the following is certainly true?
(a) All the villagers who have their own houses are literate.
(b) Some villagers under twenty five are literate.
(c) A quarter of the villagers who have their own houses cultivate paddy.
(d) Half of the villagers who cultivate paddy are literate.
 
81. When the Reserve Bank of India announces an increase of the Cash Reserve Ratio, what does it mean?
(a) The commercial banks will have less money to lend.
(b) The Reserve Bank of India will have less money to lend.
(c) The Union Government will have less money to lend.
(d) The commercial banks will have more money to lend.
 
82. Who among the following Governor General created the Covenanted Civil Service of India which later came to be known as the Indian Civil Service?
(a) Warren Hastings (b) Wellesley
(c) Cornwallis (d) William Bentinck
 
83. What was the immediate cause for the launch of the Swadeshi movement?
(a) The partition of Bengal done by Lord Curzon.
(b) A sentence of 18 months rigorous imprisonment imposed on Lokmanya Tilak.
(c) The arrest and deportation of Lala Lajput Rai and Ajit Singh, and passing of the Punjab Colonization Bill.
(d) Death sentence pronounced on the Chapekar brothers.
 
84. Consider the following statements:
1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad persuaded Mahatma Gandhi to come in Champaran to investigate the problem of peasants.
2. Acharya J. B. Kriplani was one of the Mahatma Gandhi’s colleagues in his Champaran investigation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
85. By a regulation in 1793, the District Collector was deprived of his judicial powers and made the collecting agent only. What was the reason for such regulation?
(a) Lord Cornwallis felt that the District Collector’s efficiency of revenue collection would enormously increase without the burden of other work.
(b) Lord Cornwallis felt that Judicial power should compulsorily be in the hands of Europeans while Indians can be given the job of revenue collection in the districts.
(c) Lord Cornwallis was alarmed at the extent of power concentrated in the District Collector and felt that such absolute power was undesirable in one person.
(d) The judicial work demanded a deep knowledge of India and a good training in law and Lord Cornwallis felt that District Collector should be only a revenue collector.
 
86. With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India is available on a monthly basis only.
2. As compared to Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI(IW)), the WPI gives less weight to food articles.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
87. Each person’s performance compared with all other persons is to be done to rank them subjectively. How many comparisons are needed to total, if there are 11 persons?
(a) 66 (b) 55
(c) 54 (d) 45
 
88. What is te principle by which a cooling system (Radiator) in a motor car works?
(a) Conduction only (b) Convection
(c) Radiation only (d) Both conduction and radiation
 
89. Which among the following do / does not belong / belongs to the GSM family of wireless technologies?
(a) EDGE (b) LTE
(c) DSL (d) Both EDGE and LTE
 
90. With reference to the treatment of cancerous tumors, a tool called cyber knife has been making the news. In this context, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) It is a robotic image guided system.
(b) It delivers an extremely precise dose of radiation.
(c) It has the capability of achieving sub – millimeter accuracy.
(d) It can map the spread of tumour in the body.
 
91. Six books, A, B, C, D, E and F are placed side by side. B, C and E have blue cover and the other books have red cover. Only D and F are new books and the rest are old. A, C and D are law reports and other are Gazetteers. What book is a new law report with a red colour?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) A (b) B
(c) C (d) D
 
92. Following are the characteristics of an area in India:
1. Hot and humid climate.
2. Annual rainfall 200 cm.
3. Hill slopes up to an altitude of 1100 metres.
4. Annual range of temperature 15° C to 30° C.
Which one among the following crops are you most likely to find in the area described above?
(a) Mustard (b) Cotton
(c) Pepper (d) Virginia tobacco
 
93. Running at a speed of 60 km per hour, a train passed through a 1.5 km long tunnel in two minutes. What is the length of the train?
(a) 250 m (b) 500 m
(c) 1000 m (d) 1500 m
 
94. India – based Neutrino Observatory is included by the Planning Commission as a mega science project under the 11th Five Year Plan. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
2. Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
3. Neutrinos have a negligible, but non zero mass.
4. Trillions of Neutrinos pass through human body every second.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
 
95. The “Instrument of Instructions” contained in the Government of India Act 1935 have been incorporated in the Constitution of India in the year 1950 as :
(a) Fundamental Rights
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
(c) Extent of executive power of State
(d) Conduct of business of the Government of India.
 
96. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust”.
(a) NH3 (b) CH4
(c) H2O (d) H2O2
 
97. Recently, LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) procedure is being made popular for vision correction. Which one of the following statements in this context is not correct?
(a) LASIK procedure is used to correct refractive errors of the eye.
(b) It is a procedure that permanently changes the shapes of the cornea.
(c) It reduces a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
(d) It is a procedure that can be done on the person of any age.
 
98. Consider the following:
1. Oxides of Hydrogen. 2. Oxides of Nitrogen.
3. Oxides of Sulphus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
99. Six persons M, N, O, P, Q and R are sitting in two rows, three in each. Q is not at the end of any row. P is second to the left of R. O is the neighbour of Q and is sitting diagonally opposite to P. N is the neighbour of R. On the basis of above information, who is facing N?
(a) R (b) Q
(c) P (d) M
 
100. A person X has four notes of Rupee 1, 2 , 5 and 10 denomination. The number of different sums of money she can form from them is
(a) 16 (b) 15
(c) 12 (d) 8
 
101. Consider the following statements:
1. Brazil. 2. Mexico.
3. South Africa.
According to UNCTAD, which of the above is / are categorized as “Emerging Economies”?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
102. Which one of the following is not related to United Nations?
(a) Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.
(b) International Finance Corporation.
(c) International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
(d) Bank for International Settlements.
 
103. In the context of Indian economy, consider the following pairs:
Term Most appropriate description
1. Melt down — Fall in stock prices
2. Recession — Fall in growth rate
3. Slow down — Fall in GDP
Which of the pairs given above is / are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
104. With reference to BRIC countries, consider the following statements:
1. At present, China’s GDP is more than the combined GDP of all the three other countries.
2. China’s population is more than the combined population of any two other countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
105. Which of the following is / are treated as artificial currency?
(a) ADR (b) GDR
(c) SDR (d) Both ADR and SDR
 
106. Stiglitz Commission established by the President of the United Nations General Assembly
was in the international news. The commission was supposed to deal with
(a) The challenges posed by the impending global climate change and prepare a road map.
(b) The workings of the global financial systems and to explore ways and means to secure a
more sustainable global order.
(c) Global terrorism and prepare a global action plan for the mitigation of terrorism.
(d) Expansion of the United Nations Security Council in the present global scenario.
 
107. With reference to the mineral sources of India, consider the following pairs:
Mineral 90% National Sources in
1. Copper — Jharkhand
2. Nickel — Orissa
3. Tungsten — Kerala
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
108. As regards the use of international food safety standards as reference point for the dispute settlements, which one of the following does WTO collaborate with?
(a) Codex Alimentarius Commission.
(b) International Federation of Standards Users.
(c) International Organization for Standardization.
(d) World Standards Cooperation.
 
109. An objective of the National Food Security Mission is to increase the production of certain crops through area expansion and productivity enhancement in a sustainable manner in the identified districts of the country. What are those crops?
(a) Rice and Wheat only.
(b) Rice, wheat and pulses only.
(c) Rice, wheat, pulses and oil seeds only.
(d) Rice, wheat, pulses, oil seeds and vegetables.
 
110. In India, the interest rate on savings account in all the nationalized commercial banks is fixed by:
(a) Union Ministry of Finance (b) Union Finance Commission
(c) Indian Banks’ Association (d) None of the above.
 
111. With reference to the Simon Commission’s recommendations, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) It recommended the replacement of diarchy with responsible government in the province.
(b) It proposed the setting up of inter – provincial council under the Home Department.
(c) It suggested the abolition of bicameral legislature at the Centre.
(d) It recommended the creation of Indian Police Service with a provision for increased pay and allowances for British recruits and compared to Indian recruits.
 
112. Four resolutions were passed at the famous Calcutta session of Indian National Congress in 1906. The question of either retention OR of rejection of these four resolutions became the cause of a split in Congress at the next Congress session held in Surat in 1907. Which one of the following was not one of those resolutions?
(a) Annulment of partition of Bengal (b) Boycott
(c) National education (d) Swadeshi
 
113. Two numbers X and Y are respectively 20% and 28% less than a third number Z. By what percentage is the number Y less than the number X?
(a) 8% (b) 9%
(c) 10% (d) 12%
 
114. After Quit India Movement, C. Rajagopalachari issued a pamphlet entitled “The Way Out”.
Which one of the following was a proposal in this pamphlet?
(a) The establishment of a “War Advisory Council” composed of representatives of British India and the Indian States.
(b) Reconstitution of the Central Executive Council in such a way that all its members, except the Governor General and the Commander – in – Chief should be Indian leaders.
(c) Fresh elections to the Central and Provincial Legislatures to be held at the end of 1945 and the Constitution making body to be convened as soon as possible.
(d) A solution for the constitutional deadlock.
 
115. There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta Caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings?
(a) Bagh Caves (b) Ellora Caves
(c) Lomas Rishi cave (d) Nasik caves
 
116. The United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty drawn at :
(a) United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, 1972.
(b) UN conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992.
(c) World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, 2002.
(d) UN Climate Change Conference Copenhagen, 2009.
 
117. Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolates by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?
(a) Agrobacterium (b) Clostridium
(c) Nitrosomonas (d) Pseudomonas
 
118. Which features of some species of blue – green algae helps promote them as bio – fertilizers?
(a) They convert atmospheric methane into ammonia which the crop plants can absorb readily.
(b) They induce the crop plants to produce the enzymes which help convert atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates.
(c) They have the mechanism to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the crop plants can absorb readily.
(d) They induce the roots of the crop plants to absorb the soil nitrates in larger quantities.
 
119. India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites.
Which of the following statements best describes as to how we should maintain these sites in the context of this Convention?
(a) Keep all the sites completely inaccessible to man so that they will not be exploited.
(b) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and permit tourism and recreation only.
(c) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach for a period without any exploitation, with specific criteria and specific period for each site, and then allow sustainable use of them by future generations.
(d) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous. Sustainable use.
 
120. Other than Jatropha curcas, why is Pongamia pinnata also considered a good option for the production of bio – diesel in India?
1. Pongamia Pinnata grows naturally in most of the arid regions of India.
2. The seeds of Pongamia pinnata are rich in lipid content of which nearly half is oleic acid.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
121. A geographical area with an altitude of 400 metres has following characteristics:
Month
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Average maximum
temp. C
 
31
31
31
31
30
30
29
28
29
29
30
31
Average minimum
temp. C
 
21
21
21
21
21
21
20
20
20
20
20
20
Rainfall
(mm.)
 
51
85
188
158
139
121
134
168
185
221
198
86
 
If this geographic area were to have a natural forest, which one of the following would it most likely be?
(a) Moist temperate coniferous forest (b) Montane subtropical forest
(c) Temperate forest (d) Tropical rain forest
 
122. If a potato is placed on a pure paper plate which is white and unprinted and put in a microwave oven, the potato heats up but the paper plate does not. This is because :
(a) Potato is mainly made up of starch whereas paper is mainly made up of cellulose.
(b) Potato transmits microwaves whereas paper reflects microwaves.
(c) Potato contains water whereas paper does not contain water.
(d) Potato is a fresh organic material whereas paper is a dead organic material.
 
123. With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following:
1. Fundamental Rights.
2. Fundamental Duties.
3. Directive Principles of State Policy.
Which of the above provision of the Constitution of India is / are fulfilled by the National Social Assistance Programme launched by the Government of India?
(a) 1 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
124. A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in the news, In this context,
Consider the following statements:
1. Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific ocean whereas El Nino Modoki forms in Eastern Pacific ocean.
2. Normal El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
125. Mon 863 is a variety of maize. It was in the news for the following reason:
(a) It is a genetically modified dwarf variety which is resistant to drought.
(b) It is a genetically modified variety which is past resistant.
(c) It is a genetically modified variety with ten times higher protein content than regular maize crop.
(d) It is a genetically modified variety used exclusively for bio – fuel production.
 
126. A cuboid has six sides of different colours. The red side is opposite to black. The blue side is adjacent to white. The brown side is adjacent to blue. The red side is face down. Which one of the following would be the opposite to brown?
(a) Red (b) Black
(c) White (d) Blue
 
127. Consider the following statements:
The satellite Oceansat – 2 launched by India helps in
1. estimating the water vapour content in the atmosphere.
2. predicting the onset of monsoons.
3. monitoring the pollution of coastal waters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
128. Genetically modified “golden rice” has been engineered to meet human nutritional requirements. Which one of the following statements best qualifies golden rice?
(a) The grains have been fortified with genes to provide three times higher grain yield per acre than other high yielding varieties.
(b) Its grains contain pro – vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body.
(c) Its modified genes cause the synthesis of all the nine essential amino acids.
(d) Its modified genes cause the fortifications of its grains with vitamin D.
 
129. In a tournament 14 teams play league matches. If each team plays against every other team once only then how many matches are played?
(a) 105 (b) 91
(c) 85 (d) 78
 
130. Consider the following statements:
The Supreme Court of India tenders advice to the President of India on matters of law or fact.
1. on its own initiative (on any matter of larger public interest).
2. if he seeks such an advice.
3. only if the matters relate to the Fundamental Rights of the citizens.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 3 (d) 1 and 2
 
131. Chlorination is a process used for water purification. The disinfecting action of chlorine is mainly due to
(a) The formation of hydrochloric acid when chlorine is added to water.
(b) The formation of hypochlorous acid when chlorine is added to water.
(c) The formation of nascent oxygen when chlorine is added to water.
(d) The formation of hydrogen when chlorine is added to water.
 
132. With reference to the Lok Adalats, which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Lok Adalats have the jurisdiction to settle the matters at pre – litigation stage and not those matters pending before any court.
(b) Lok Adalats can deal with matters which are civil and not criminal in nature.
(c) Every Lok Adalats consists of either serving or retired judicial officers only and not any other person.
(d) None of the statements given above is correct.
 
133. Consider the following:
1. Bluetooth device 2. Cordless phone
3. Microwave oven 4. Wi – Fi device
Which of the above can operate between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz range of radio frequency band?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
 
134. Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
2. Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
135. In the context of the affairs of which of the following is the phrase “Special Safeguard Mechanisms” mentioned in the news frequently?
(a) United Nations Environment Programme (b) World Trade Organization
(c) ASEAN – India Free Trade Agreement (d) G – 20 Summits
 
136. Which of the following terms indicates a mechanism used by commercial banks for providing credit to the government?
(a) Cash Credit Ratio (b) Debt Service Obligation
(c) Liquidity Adjustment Facility (d) Statutory Liquidity Ratio
 
137. In order to comply with TRIPS Agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. The difference / differences between a “Trade Mark” and a Geographical Indication is / are :
1. A Trade Mark is an individual or a company’s right whereas a Geographical Indications is a community’s right.
2. A Trade Mark can be licensed whereas a Geographical Indication can not be licensed.
3. A Trade Mark is assigned to the manufactured goods whereas the Geographical Indications is assigned to the agricultural goods / products and handicrafts only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
138. The SEZ Act, 2005, which came into effect in February 2006 has certain objectives. In this Context, consider the following:
1. Development of infrastructure facilities.
2. Promotion of investment from foreign sources.
3. Promotion of exports of services only.
Which of the above are the objectives of this Act?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
139. Which one of the following statements is an appropriate description of deflation?
(a) It is a sudden fall in the value of a currency against other currencies.
(b) It is a persistent recession in both the financial and real sectors of economy.
(c) It is a persistent fall in the general price level of goods and services.
(d) It is a fall in the rate of inflation over a period of time.
 
140. Consider the following statements:
1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions.
2. India has four bio-diversity hotspots i.e. Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
141. Widespread resistance of malarial parasite to drugs like chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial vaccine to combat malaria. Why is it difficult an effective malaria vaccine?
(a) Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium.
(b) Man does not develop immunity to malaria during natural infection.
(c) Vaccines can be developed only against bacteria.
(d) Man is only an intermediate host and not the definitive host.
 
142. Consider the following statements:
1. The boundaries of a National Park are defined by legislation.
2. A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few specific species of flora and fauna.
3. In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference is permitted.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
 
143. A pesticide which is a chlorinated hydrocarbon is sprayed on a food crop. The food chain is: Food crop – Rat – Snake – Hawk. In this food chain, the highest concentration of the pesticide would accumulate in which one of the following?
(a) Food crop (b) Rat
(c) Snake (d) Hawk
 
144. With reference to the soil conservation, consider the following practices:
1. Crop relation 2. Sand fences.
3. Terracing 4. Wind breaks
Which of the above are considered appropriate methods for soil conservation in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
 
145. With the reference of the Non Banking Financial Companies ( NBFCs ) in India ,Consider the following statements:
1. They cannot engage in the acquisition of Securities issued by the government.
2. They can not accept demand deposit like Saving Account.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
 
146. Which one of the following was not stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act , 2003 ?
(a). Elimination of revenue deficit by the end of the Fiscal year 2007-2008.
(b). Non borrowing by the central government from Reserve Bank of India except under certain Circumstance.
(c). Elimination of Primary deficit by the end of the fiscal year 2008-2009.
(d). Fixing government Guarantees in any financial year as a percentage of GDP.
 
147. Two trains leave new Delhi at the same time. One travels north at 60 Kmph and the other travels south at 40 kmph . After how many hours will the trains be 150 km apart?
(a). 3/2 (b). 4/3
(c). 3/4 (d). 15/2
 
148. A question paper had ten questions. Each question could only be answered as True (T) or False (F). Each candidate answered all the questions. Yet, no two candidates wrote the answers in an identical sequence. How many different sequences of answers are possible?
(a). 20 (b). 40
(c). 512 (d). 1024
 
149. In the parlance of financial investments, the term ‘bear’ denotes:
(a). An investor who feels that the price of a particular security is going to fall.
(b). An investor who expects the price of particular share to rise.
(c). A shareholders or a bondholder who has an interest in a company.
(d). Any lender whether by making a loan or buying a bond.
 
150. A great deal of Foreign Direct Investment ( FDI ) to India comes from Mauritius than from
many major and mature economics like UK and France. Why?
(a). India has preference for certain countries as regards receiving FDI.
(b). India has doubled taxation avoidance agreement with Mauritius.
(c). Most citizens of Mauritius have ethnic identity with India and so they feel secure to invest India.
(d). Impending dangers of global climate change prompt Mauritius to make huge investment in India.