REVISION MATERIALS FOR CLASS X PHYSICS FOR CBSE

THE HUMAN EYE AND THE COLOURFUL WORLD

FOREVIEW:

This chapter deals with the functioning of human eye, its possible defects and also its remedy. Secondly we shall also discuss several optical phenomena in nature (i.e) about rainbow formation, splitting of white light and also the blue colour of sky.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:

§ Human eye can be treated as an optical instrument. Light rays coming from the object to be seen enter the eye through Cornea and fall on the eye lens through the pupil of the eye.

§ Eye lens being double convex lens forms a real inverted and smaller image of the object on the retina.

§ The retina contains numerous light sensitive cells which are activated by the light falling on the retina and generate electrical signals which are sent to brain via optic nerve and the brain processes this information and we perceive objects as they are.

§ Persistence of vision: The image of an object seen persists on the retina for 1/16 second even after the removal of the object. This continuance of sensation of eye for some timed is called persistence of vision.

§ Colour blindness: It is said to occur when a person cannot distinguish between colours though his vision may otherwise be normal.

§ Power of accommodation: It is the ability of the eye to observe distinctly the object situated at widely different distances from the eye on account of change in focal length of eye.

§ Far Point of the Eye: It is the farthest point at which the object can be seen clearly. For a normal eye, the far point lies at infinity.

§ Near point of the Eye: It is the closest point at which an object can be seen clearly. For normal eye, the near point lies at 25 cm from the eye(least distance of distinct vision)

§ Defects of vision: Following are the common defects of vision (or) refractive defects of eye:

o Myopia(or) Short sightedness:

It is that defect of human eye by virtue of which it can see clearly the objects lying at short distances from it. But the far off objects cannot be seen by the Myopic Eye.

Possible causes of Myopia:
1. Increase in the length of the eye ball as if distance of the retina from the eye has increased.
2. Decrease in focal length of eye lens when the eye is fully relaxed.

Remedy: To correct a myopic eye, the person has to wear spectacle with a concave lens of suitable focal length. (i.e.) the focal length of concave lens is equal to the distance of the far point of the myopic eye.

Qn: The far point of a myopic eye is at 50 cm. Calculate the power of the lens to correct the vision.
Ans: The focal length of the concave lens to be used f=-50cm. Therefore P=1/f (metre) = 1/-0.5
= -2D

o Hypermetropia (or) Long sightedness: It is that defect of a human eye by virtue of which it can see clearly the objects lying at large distances from it but the nearby objects cannot be seen clearly.
Possible causes of Hypermetropia: (1) Decrease in length of eye ball as if distance of retina from the eye lens has decreased (2) Increase in the focal length of the eye lens when the eye is fully relaxed.
Remedy: To correct a hypermetropic eye, the person has to wear spectacle with a convex lens of suitable focal length. The focal length of the convex lens is given by f=(x d) / (x-d); where x is the distance of near point of defective eye; d is the distance of near point of normal eye
(25 cm)

Qn: The near point of Hypermetropic eye is 75 cm from the eye. What is the power of the lens required to enable him to read clearly a book held at 25 cms from the eye?
Ans: Focal length of convex lens to be used is given by f=xd/x-d.
Here x= 75 cm and d=25 cm. Therefore, f=75 x 25 / 75-25 = 37.5 cm.
Hence power p=1/f (meter) = 1/.375 = 2.66D

o Presbyopia: It is that defect of human eye due to which an old person cannot read and write comfortably.
Remedy: To correct this, an old person has to use spectacles with a convex lens of suitable focal length
o When a person suffers from both myopia and hypermetropia his spectacles have bi-focal lenses (i.e) both concave and convex lenses.

DISPERSION:§ It is the phenomena of splitting of white light into its constituent seven colours on passing through a Glass prism.§ Cause of Dispersion: Different wavelengths of light having different colours moves with different speed in a medium, though they travel with a same velocity in air or vacuum. And hence the different colours deviate through different angles on passing through the glass prism. That is why they split on coming out of the prism along different directions.§ Visible spectrum: The band of seven colours obtained due to the dispersion of white light is called a visible spectrum (VIBGYOR).§ Application of dispersion:
o RAINBOW: It is a concentric coloured circular arc in the sky when the sun shines on rain drops during or after a shower.
o Essential conditions for observing a rainbow is that the observer must stand with his back towards the sun.
o The formation of rainbow is due to the dispersion of white light from the sun and the phenomenon of total internal reflection of light from the water droplets suspended in the air after a shower

• Total internal reflection: When light travels from denser to rarer medium incident on the interface separating two media at an angle larger than a particular angle called critical angle (which is a constant for a given pair of media) will be totally reflected back into the denser medium

ATMOSPHERIC REFRACTION:
• Different layers of atmosphere are at different temperature. Due to this the optical density of different layers are different. As you go upwards, the atmosphere becomes rarified. So the Refractive Index decreases as we go upwards. So, the light from the sun or any other star undergoes refraction.
Example: Twinkling of stars, early sun rise and delayed sun set.
(Explanations of these phenomena are given in NCERT text book)

SCATTERING OF LIGHT:
• As the sun light travels through the earth atmosphere, it gets scattered by a large number of molecules.
• Scattering of light takes place when the size of the scattering molecule is very very small when compared to the wavelength of light.
• Intensity of scattered light (Is) varies inversely to the 4th power of the wave length (λ) of incident light.
Is  1/λ4
• Blue colour of sky is due to the scattering of sun light. Since the intensity of scattered light varies inversely as a 4th power of wave length, the blue colour (shorter wave length) is scattered much more strongly. Hence the sky appears blue.
• White colour of Clouds: The clouds are at lower height. They are seen due to the scattering of light from the lower part of atmosphere which contains large number of dust particles and water drop lets whose size is very large when compared to wave length of different colours in sun light. So all the wave lengths are scattered equally and hence it appears white.
• The sun looks reddish at the time of sun rise and sun set: At the time sun rise and sun set the sun is near the horizon. So the rays from the sun have to travel large part of atmosphere. Since λ blue < λ red and the intensity of scattered light is proportional to 1/λ4 most of the blue light is scattered away. Only red colours which is least scattered enter our eye and hence the sun looks red.
• Danger signals are Red: It is because wave length of red colour is large and intensity of scattered light  1/λ4 the red light gets least scattered and can be seen from maximum distance.
• Sky appears dark to an Astronaut: It is because at such huge heights there is nothing to scatter sun light. Therefore, the sky appears dark.

Qn1: What is the principal formation of rainbow?
Qn2: Define total internal reflection.
Qn3: Why danger light is Red in colour?
Qn4: Clouds are white in colour. Give reason.

REVIEW
Defects of Vision:
• Myopia (or) Short sightedness – remedy – concave lens of suitable focal length
• Hypermetropia (or) Long sightedness – remedy – Convex lens of suitable focal length.
• Presbyopia – Due to old age – remedy – convex lens of suitable focal length.

Cause of defects
1. Myopia – increase in length of eye ball and decrease in focal length of eye lens.
2. Hypermetropia – decrease in length of eye ball and increase in focal length of eye lens.
• Dispersion – Spliting of White light into its constituent colours on passing through the glass prism.
• Rainbow – based on principle of dispersion and total internal reflection.
• Atmospheric refraction – twinkling of stars, early sun rise and delayed sun set.
• Scattering of light – blue colour of sky – reddish look of sun during sun rise and sun set

QUESTION BANK
Very short answer Questions (1 mark)
1. Is the eye lens convex or concave?
2. What is the far point of a normal eye?
3. What is the near point of a normal eye?
4. How is the amount of light entering the eye controlled?
5. Which defect of vision can be rectified by convex lens?
6. Which defect of vision can be rectified by concave lens?
7. Define power of accommodation of eye.
8. Which colour suffers maximum deviation on passing through a prism?
9. Give two examples for atmospheric refraction.
10. Give the essential condition for observing a rainbow.

Short answer questions (2 marks)
1. What do you understand by the term “Persistence of vision”
2. What is Myopia?
3. State two causes of Myopia.
4. What is Hypermetropia?
5. State two possible causes of Hypermetropia.
6. A person is suffering from both Myopia & Hypermetropia. Suggest the type of spectacle to be used by him.
7. A person cannot see the object distinctly when placed at a distance less than 100 cm. What is the power of spectacle that should be used to see clearly the objects placed at 25 cm?
8. State the cause of dispersion of light.
9. What is a Rainbow? Give the principle involved in its formation.
10. Why does the sky appear dark instead of blue to an astronaut?

Short answer questions (3 marks)
1. What is Myopia? How is it corrected? Give any one cause of myopia.
2. What is Hypermetropia? How is it corrected? Give any one cause of Hypermetropia.
3. What is meant by dispersion of light? What is the colour sequence of a visible spectrum?
4. Give reason for the following: (a) Blue colour of the sky (b) Red colour of danger signals.
5. Give reason for the following (a) White colour of clouds (b) Sun appears red at the time of sun set and sun rise.
6. Explain Tyndal Effect.
7. Explain with a neat ray diagram the reason for early sun rise and delayed sunset.
8. What is rainbow? Give the conditions for observing it. State the principle involved in the formation of rainbow.
9. Why do stars twinkle and hence why do planets do not twinkle?

Long Answer questions (5 marks)
1. Describe with a neat ray diagram how near sightedness can be corrected by using appropriate lens.
2. What is Hypermetropia? Write two causes for the development of this defect. Describe with a ray diagram how this defect of vision can be corrected by using spectacle.
3. (i) A ray of light breaks up into its components while passing through a glass prism. Draw ray diagram to show the path of rays.
(ii) Mark the least deviated colour in your figure .
(III) Explain the method to get white light from its components.

Tips to improve your performance at the UPSC Interview

There are generally 5 members at the board with the Chairperson seated at the center. Enter confidently and greet the Chairperson, who will probably welcome you, and pleasantly nod at other members. Wait till you are asked to sit.
Intelligent listing is the mantra, and for t...his maintaining eye contact is very important. You should not glare but all the same appear attentive and do not glance at other members, it can be very distracting for the interviewer. However if some other member asks you anything, look at that member and answer and turn back to the first - this is what we do in normal attentive listening.
Do not fidget or throw your hands around, or shake your head. Less amount of movement does not mean you should sit unnaturally stiff. Your posture should be attentive and relaxed at the same time. Do not crouch/bend forward or place your hands on the table.
Cut your answer short to the required patience shown by the member talking to you. They usually like to talk more, so listen carefully and think for a few seconds before you start answering the question. This will show that you are organising your thoughts in mind before starting to speak.
Leave some room for difference in opinion. Do take a stand, but do not look adamant or unwilling to appreciate the board's opinion.
Use couple of words from the question while answering any question. It shows you have listened to the question carefully. But at the same time limit the use the technical jargon.
Listen very carefully. Come to the central issue of the enquiry immediately. Wild guessing or speculation are a complete no no.
Do not start evaluating your performance while still inthe interview. Even if you have committed mistakes in the beginning, do not think that you have already lost the game. They are looking for warm, sensitive respectful and attentive youngsters. They know you are good or you would not have come so far.
Talk humbly about your achievements and hobbies. You may have mentioned some hobbies in the form without serious background in them, but before the interview it would be useful to pick up some basic info on the hobby.
Say less to convey more. Less is more these days as per the minimalist creed. Argue logically and generalise correctly. Do not try to read too much between the lines.
Remember, while answering any question, what is easy to see is easy to miss. We often tend to miss the obvious and go for some non-crucial aspect of the subject.
Get up to leave only when the chairperson asks you to, not because you think everyone has asked a question. Similarly, even if someone has not asked a question and the chairperson asks you to leave then please leave. Some members do not ask questions at all, due to various reasons like limited time.
Before leaving politely thank the chairperson and nod at the others politely. Avoid saying "Have a good day sir". A "Thank you Sir/Madam" is enough.

IAS INTERVIEW 2011 OF MR. CHAKRESH MISHRA (March 24, 2011)

It was board of Shashi Uban Tripathi. I was second last candidate to be called on date. It went on for around 35 minutes.
me: may i come in ma’am
cp: please come in
(I walk in)
me: good afternoon ma’am, good afternoon sirs
cp: good afternoon, have a seat
me: thank you ma’am
cp: so you are a m.tech. from IIT Delhi
me: yes ma’am
cp: what was your branch?
me: instrument tech.
cp: when did you completed?
me: 2010
cp: oh, so no work experience?
me: no ma’am
cp: you are also a debater and blogger?
me: yes ma’am.
cp: how much traffic your blog get?
me: it varies, as I am a politico-socio blogger, so at the time of last general election it was at 5000 per day. Now after my prelimsI am not writing regularly, so it has declined to 200-300 per day.
cp: thats very impressive
m1 (laughs): so your chamchas left you
me (smile): one has to be regular in blogging to get a good number of visitors.
cp: you blog everyday?
me: once a week generally ma’am.
cp: what is the last topic you wrote?
me: I wrote about this years budget.
cp: what about budget?
me: it was a link post and I collected views of many important thinkers on budget and analyses that. As there are many good expert opinions available on net, I wanted to have a discussion with my readers on budget.
cp: what do you follow regularly in economics?
me: I read newspapers and editorials. Then there is lot of material available on net.
cp: yes thats true, why you didn’t join the DU? they have a very good debating team?
me: ma’am I met with them in many competitions and yes, they are very impressive. But I chose IIT Kanpur for career prospects.
cp: IIT Kanpur? you are from IITDelhi.
me: I did my B.tech. from IITK and M.tech. from IITD. I was a part of IITK debating team.
cp: your hobbies are very helpful in your future work, you know that?
me: yes ma’am, it is a major positive out of it.
cp: good. (points to m1) now answer something on economics.
m1: what are the main problems with indian economy these days?
me: sir, inflation is the most worrying problem. Then there is need of fiscal consolidation, increasing tax to GDP ratio, problem of proper implementation of social sector schemes, trade imbalance etc.
m1: what do you know about medium, small, micro enterprises?
me: MSM enterprises are defined as enterprises with small core capital. Official definition defines it at 10 crores, 5 crores and I dont remember the limit for micro enterprise. Basically these enterprises are labour intensive and run by small group of people.
m1: government defines two types of MSM, what are those?
me: I dont recall sir.
m1: they are manufacturing and service sector MSM, what is the difference in their limits.
me: I do not know exactly sir, but service sector limit is more than manufacturing.
m1: it is () for medium.
me: yes sir.
m1: it is () for small
me: yes sir.
m1: what yes sir? i am telling them, not you.
me: that’s right sir.
m1: (smiles) do you think india has capability of being best global economy some day?
me: yes sir, if we keep on improving our infrastructure and human resources, we will definitely become best some day.
m1. thats all right. (transfer to next)
m2: it says here that you stayed 2 month in Italy for your internship. what is the italians are best known for in engineering field?
me: their beautiful cars, sir.
(everybody laughs)
m2: yes, thats true, but more general?
me: sir, they are hard working and have closed type of organization in companies.
m2: no no, its design of products.
cp: thats what he meant by beautiful cars.
m2 (laughs): ok ok, in 1987 nintendo became the most sold item in world, leaving behind GM’s cars, what does that represented?
me: it represented that japan is becoming new power in world economy.
m2: what else, dont worry, i will get it out of you only, do you understand what is dematerialization?
me: sir, it is the move of engineering from hardware to software and after 1980s software have emerged as new arena of engineering by IT revolution.
m2: why it is called dematerialization?
me: as softwares are not made of any physical material, we can not touch and feel it, still they are there in our lives. that is why dematerialization term.
m2: very good, do you think India has advantage in this area?
me: yes sir, Indians are supposed to be better at soft skills, that is why software and service industry is booming in india.
m2: very good (points to next person)
m3: you pub ad as optional, what are the component of a state?
me: defined territory, a constitution, people of country and a government.
m3: what is constitution?
me: sir, it is the supreme law of any land that defines the structure and powers of government and provide basic laws for society.
m3: but UK doesn’t have a constitution, is it not a state?
me: sir, they do not have a written constitution, but there are laws by parliament and conventions that are followed, so it is an unwritten constitution.
m3: do you think population of India, largest young population is an asset or liability?
me: sir, in short term it is an asset, but in long run we have to control the population as natural resources are not going to increase with increase in population.
m3: but as you said we have advantage in service sector, so why not have ever increasing skilled man power?
me: sir, as I said resources, food etc are not going to increase exponentially, so we have to keep a limit to population. there is also issue of sustainability of environment and I am talking about hundred years frame of reference.
m3: ok, you have written socio blogging, what is that?
me: I have written politico-socio blogging sir, I blog on issues related to politics and social problems.
m3: what social issues you discussed recently on your blog other than budget?
me: women empowerment ..
m3: what is the best way of achieving women empowerment.
me: sir, most basic thing is the attitude of society towards women, it starts from family, neighborhood, government. The attitude can be generated by proper education. So we should focus on imparting values of women equality by our education. Then there is other methods such as women reservation, health care for women, employment, nrega etc.
m3: do you think nrega has empowered women?
me: yes sir, to an extent, it has put money in hands of rural women specially poorer section of society.
m3: in one word, nrega is successful or not?
me: successful, sir.
m3: ok, (pass to m4)
m4: how can your technical education will be of any use in civil services?
me: sir, as one of my proff used to say that at IITs the most important thing is not content of engineering but the attitude, scientific temperament, rational mind and I think that I will go with those qualities in civil services. Nitty gritty is always learnt in training.
m4: ok, coming back to MSM enterprises, why government in andhra trying to restrict them?
me: there is a problem of loan given to MSMs and people are not able to pay it back on time. so gov wants to reduce the bad money of banks and wants to impose a limit on security below which loans will not be given.
m4: loans are given to individuals or some other entity?
me: sir, SHGs are involved in most cases.
m4: right, but why specifically in AP.
me: sir, this problem is in other states also, AP is first to bring a bill.
m4: why problem overall?
me: sir, i am not aware of actual ground situation.
m4: make a guess?
me: may be due to alcohol problem of men of family.
cp, m4: (laughs loudly) no, i have worked 20 years in AP for SHGs, it is not that
cp: (smiles) no, no, men are drunkard everywhere.
me: (smile) yes ma’am.
cp: ok, chakresh, why Afghanistan important in India’s foreign policy?
me: ma’am, it is a neighboring country and Pakistan uses it as training ground for terrorists. There is also issue of economic cooperation in gas pipeline.
cp: Pakistan trains terrorist in Pakistan itself.
me: also in Afghanistan ma’am.
cp: yeah, thats sadly true, but you know Afghanistan is extended neighborhood of India, have been a part of India.
me: yes ma’am, it comes in cultural sphere of India and we have very good people to people relations.
cp: we say that Afghanistan is on our side. Do you think afghan think of us as friend?
me: afghans throughout the history take anyone attacking second as friends ma’am, so yes right now there is a goodwill for India.
cp: (laughs) oh thats true, wait wait, not always true. So, sum up what should be India’s afghan policy
me: yes ma’am, it is a very important state in Indian foreign policy and a gateway to central asia. we should promote democratic government there.
cp: ok, chakresh, good, you can go now.
me: thank you ma’am

UPSC interview of Mr. Vivek Kumar

Lets put the promised review on the backburner for a while.

The latest UPSC Mains results are out and the interview process starts in a few days. My days of UPSC glory are finally over. New winners will emerge in a few days and the flood of marriage proposals (which my family had to tide over) will dry up. So, time to go back to my own interview one last time (first time on the blog though).

My interview was taken by the panel of Ms. Arundhati Ghose. Yes, the same Arundhati Ghose of the "Not Now, Not Ever" fame. On August 8, 1996, she made this statement and became a hero of the nation. I remember reading about her then and wondering about diplomats for the first time. Needless to say, ever since I found out that she is a member of the UPSC, I was praying to clear the mains and be interviewed by her panel. The intensity of my prayers increased once I actually cleared the mains. All this despite the fact that she had the most fearsome reputation for stress interviews and at times, of virtually throwing out the candidates if they did not meet her standards. She doesn’t waste time, I was told. Here is one such horror story that was narrated to me:

The candidate had put "gardening" as one of his hobbies. The first question was to name the botanical names of 5 plans in his garden. He couldn’t. Ms. Ghose took him out of the room to the potted plants outside and told him their botanical names. Then, she told him that the interview was over.

I don’t know if this was true or not. But I know of other people (first hand accounts) who actually trembled in front of her. One candidate was so nervous that he picked up papers from the table (which did not belong to him, but to Ms. Ghose) while leaving when the interview got over. There are lots and lots of such stories.

While my sympathies were with these victims, in my heart I knew that these people really did not deserve good marks. If you can’t stand pressure in an interview, how will you take it when you are posted as a senior police officer or a district magistrate or an ambassador later in your life? Anyway, I wanted her panel. No matter what the marks. If the circumstances were any different, I could even have asked for her autograph!!!

Anyway, the day of my interview arrived. I was at the UPSC waiting hall and was informed that the table at which I was designated to wait belonged to some other panel in the morning session. My heart sank. There were 3 other people with me for the same panel. I was going to be the third candidate to be interviewed. Later, only 2 of us cleared. One lady was already in some other service and she continued with it. One person probably went back to prepare for next attempt (he was the first to be interviewed).

The interviews were to start at 2:00 PM. At 1:55 PM, a peon came to our table and said, "madam ka panel hai" (You are with The Madam’s panel). There was no mistaking who The Madam was. You can’t imagine the number of heartbeats my heart skipped. Wow! All the other people waiting at other tables heaved a collective sigh of relief. Apparantly, nobody wanted this panel. Except me.

First man went in at 2:00 sharp and came out sweating at 2:30. He made a mess of it. Ms. Ghose was very unhappy with him. The reputation was coming true. The lady candidate was next in. She went in at 2:35 and came out at 3:05. She spent half her interview trying to justify some triviality in her form. I was next at 3:10 PM.

There were 5 people on the panel. Lets call the members M1, M2, M3 and M4. Sitting right in the middle was Ms. Arundhati Ghose (AG), smoking a cigarette (Marlborough Lights, my guess). I wished her first (being the chairperson, as well as the only lady member there) according to protocol and then the other members collectively. I waited to be asked to be seated and took my seat when she asked me to.

She put out the cigarette and scanned my resume form (standardised UPSC format).

AG: Mr. Kumar, you passed out of IIT recently.. oh no, in 2002. This is April 2004. What have you been doing all this time?

VK: Ma’am, till November 2003, I had been preparing and appearing for the successive stages of the civil services examination. After that, I joined a telecom software startup started by some of my friends from IIT Bombay here in Delhi. I am there in an..

AG: Wait. Why are you speaking so quickly? Are you nervous? Just relax and take it easy. Speak slowly.

VK: Yes ma’am, I am nervous. This is my first, and hopefully the last, interview (smiles, trembles inwardly but doesn’t show it).

AG: Good, so proceed. What did you do at this startup?

VK: Ma’am, I am there in an informal capacity and do not draw any salary except the expenses and I help them out in any way possible. But by and large I deal with initiating contact with foreign telecom companies who might be interested in buying our software. I find out the companies, look for a key person, initiate contact, see if they would be willing to buy something. Once I get something positive, I hand it over to my Boss.

AG: So, you actually talk to these companies.. the foreigners?

VK: Yes.

AG: Have you succeeded somewhere? Which country?

VK: Ma’am I initiated the first deal that we made, in Brunei.

AG: Okay. You have given IFS as your first preference, despite your father being in the Police. Why?

VK: There are 2 reasons ma’am. Firstly, I have always wanted to represent India. To have that India tag on me. There is this feeling of pride I can’t explain. And secondly, I see more and more challenges ahead for the IFS in an increasingly globalised world. It seems exciting and I want to be where the action is.

AG: What is the biggest issue in the US presidential elections?

VK: Lots of them actually. Afghanistan, Outsourcing…

AG: No, the biggest issue.

VK: The Iraq War?

AG: Yes. Now, can you update me on the Indo-US relations?

(VK launches into an answer explaining things and bringing the Indo-Pak-US triangle into focus).

AG: You were talking about pride. But this is the government, you would have to do as your boss tell you to. Right?

VK: Yes, ma’am.

AG: Now, suppose you are in an Indian Embassy in some capacity below the rank of Ambassador. You get a direct order from Delhi, which you think is contary to our National Interests. Would you still carry it out?

VK: As you said ma’am, I probably would have to.

AG: (adopts a very nice tone) No! You must never do that. You should try and talk to the Ambassador and get him on your side. Once that is done, you can negotiate with New Delhi.

VK: But ma’am I was assuming that all this had been tried before. The order can not come out of the blue. The matter must have been under consideration for some time and I would have discussed it with the Ambassador already.

AG: Even then, you must not give up. The only guiding principle for you would be India’s National Interest. Nothing else. If you think something is wrong, refuse to carry out the order. The national interest must never be compromised.

VK: Yes ma’am. I’ll try my best to do that.

AG: Okay, you mentiom science fiction as your hobby. Name a few writers.

(VK names a few)

AG: All this fiction is fine, but has any of it ever come to reality?

(VK says yes and names a few things)

AG: Do you stay updated with science facts as well?

VK: Yes.

AG: Tell me about the Mars Mission.

(VK proceeds to talk about it. Can not name the vehicle. Discussion ensues around the table on the name and ends when Ms. Ghose brings it to an end)

AG: Okay, enough. Now the others can ask questions.

M1: You say listening to music in one of your hobbies. What kind of music?

VK: All kinds, Sir. Depends on my mood. I listen to pretty much everything.

M1: Even classical?

VK: Yes.

M1: Name some kinds of music.

(VK names 12-13 genres or so and is interrupted mid-sentence)

M1: The criminalization of politics is such a big problem. Why do criminals win elections?

VK: Because the elections are never fought on those lines. No matter what the national media says, down in the constituency, the issues are extremely local and mostly based on caste equations and local politics. So, unless there is a big wave, everything national is actually very local. Criminal backgrounds do not decide voters’ choices. Except perhaps the urban few, who do not vote anyway.

M1: So, what is the solution?

VK: Perhaps to stop them from contesting. Stricter legislation to prevent them from contesting and a more transparent information system. At the same time, efforts need to be continued to educate the people about the importance of these reforms.

M2: Mr. Kumar, what is this BPO thing? How does it work?

VK: Business Process Outsourcing Sir. (explains the BPO phenomena)

M2: Do you thing it will last?

VK: For the short-term, yes. But other developing countries will start catching up. Besides, there is the issue of growth of the BPO company and the professional growth of people working there.

M2: Meaning?

VK: An individual whose only skill is to answer calls would probably find it hard to find another job 5-6 years down the line. Not all of them can become managers. Besides, there are pressures of the lifestyle.

M2: You mean the health hazards of people in call centres. Elaborate.

VK: Only yesterday, there was a report in newspapers about a study that found the incidence of stress related disorders, drinking and (pauses, looks at Ms. Ghose, who had lit a cigarette a few minutes ago, and smiles)… smoking.

AG: (burtsts out laughing).. what did you say?

VK: Smoking ma’am. People working in call centres have been found to be more prone to smoking and they obviously expose themselves to the related health hazards.

(AG laughs some more and puts the cigarette out in an ash-tray which resembles an agricultural field growing cigarettes)

M3: You are a chemical engineer from IIT Bombay. Why did you opt for Philosophy and Public Administration?

VK: Philosophy because I have always been interested in the subject matter. My father named me after Swami Vivekanand and I have been reading material on Indian Philosophy ever since I started reading. Public Administration because I thought that if I have to do administration in life, I might as well learn something about it. Plus, the guidance was easily available.

M3: If a foreigner, during your posting abroad, asks you about the sociological impact of schools of Indian philosphy on life in India, what would you say?

VK: I’m sorry Sir, but my study has been restricted to the content of these philosphies. I have’t studied their impact.

M3: But you are interested in the subject. Would you continue reading more on the subject?

VK: Of course Sir. I find the subject fascinating.

M4: Mr. Kumar, a little while ago, while discussing Indo-Pak relations, you mentioned that India need not comment on every little thing that happens in the world. I say, we have no need to even talk to Pakistan. Do we have something in common with them. I say nothing. Nothing at all. Do you think there is anything we have in common with them?

VK: At least 2 things Sir. Firstly, the common history we share. We were practically one country barely 50 years ago. And… (interrupted by M4)

M4: No. We have no need to talk to them.. (repeats the same question again after a long monologue)

(VK starts answering again, and is interrupted again, M4 starts the same monologue)

AG: (sounds very angry and upset with M4) Enough M4! This is his interview. Why don’t you shut up and let him speak? Vivek, you answer the same question to me and ignore him completely.

VK: As I was saying ma’am, firstly there is the shared history and heritage. And secondly, both countries have claims on Kashmir. And no matter what we say, it keeps coming up again and again everywhere. It is an issue that we do share, though uncomfortably.

AG: You have held several positions at IITB.. Election Officer, Placement Representative etc. You have also won a few awards from your hostel for "organisation". What is all this?

(VK explains the positions held at IITB and the awards from Hostel-3).

AG: Any last questions (looks around at all members)?

M4: May I ask one last question?

AG: Sure. Go ahead.

M4: You played hockey for your hostel for a while. What is the future of India hockey.

VK: Looks reasonably bright to me, Sir. At least the prospects are good. Youngsters are coming up, sponsors are also pitching in. Coaching seems to have improved.

M4: Do you think Dhanraj Pillay is good enough for the Indian team. Should he play?

VK: Well Sir, he is the most experienced and he is absolutely fit. He is the best player we have…

M4: No no.. just say Yes or No. Should he be in the team?

VK: Yes.

AG: Okay. The interview is over. You may leave Mr. Kumar. Thank you.

(VK thanks her and all the members and walks out without turning back)

I went straight to the waiting room and sipped some cold water. Phew! Time? 4:05 PM. I had lasted over 50 minutes!!! Incredible!

The conversation is more or less exact. But of course, some approximations have been made. I have also forgotten a few points. The highlight of the interview for me was the fact that she actually asked a member to shut up and let me speak. And the fact that she could understand the joke I tried about smoking being bad for health.

It was such a relief to know that it was over. I was swamped in the waiting hall by other people and the next candidate.

I came out of the UPSC campus and walked to Rajasthan House where my uncle was staying.

I analysed my performance to be worth atleast 200 marks (out of 300). This was one hell of a satisfying interview. I didn’t sweat. My voice didn’t shake. I made Ms. Ghose laugh several times. She asked a member to shut up for me. And… she was explaining things to me as if I was already in the IFS. Surely, that couldn’t be a bad sign.

As it happened, I got 225 in the interview :)

She has retired now. I am in the service. A lot of my prayers were answered around that time. Thank God. Thanks Ms. Ghose

GENRAL STUDIES PRELIM 2010 (Solved Questions)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (b)

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.

Ans: (a)

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.

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (a)

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%.

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (b)

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.

Ans: (a)

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.

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (d)

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.

Ans: (a)

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.

Ans: (a)

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 becamea 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

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (d)

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.

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (d)

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.

Ans : (d)

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

Ans: (b)

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.

Ans: (a)

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

Ans : (a)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: ( c)

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.

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: ( b)

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

Ans: (b)

47. What causes wind to defect toward left in the Southern hemisphere?

(a) Temperature (b) Magnetic field

(c) Rotation of the earth (d) Pressure

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: ( b)

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

Ans: ( d)

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.

Ans: (c)

51. The latitudes that pass through Sikkim also pass through

(a) Rajasthan (b) Punjab

(c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Jammu & Kashmir

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (c)

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%

Ans: ( a)

55. When ten persons shake hands with one another, in how many ways is it possible?

(a) 20 (b) 25

(c) 40 (d) 45

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: ( b)

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

Ans: ( a)

60. Among the following, who was not a proponent of bhakti cult?

(a) Nagarjuna (b) Tukaram

(c) Tyagraja (d) Vallabhacharya

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: ( b)

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.

Ans: (b)

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

Ans : (b)

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

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (c)

71. How many numbers from 0 to 999 are not divisible by either 5 or 7?

(a) 313 (b) 341

(c) 686 (d) 786

Ans: (c)

72. Tamil Nadu is a leading producers of mill – made cotton yarn in the country. What could be 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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (b)

78. In a group of five persons A, B, C, D and E, there is a professor, a doctor and lawyer. 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

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (a)

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.

Ans: (b)

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.

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (b)

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?

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: ( b)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (d)

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.

Ans: (b)

96. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust”.

(a) NH3 (b) CH4

(c) H2O (d) H2O2

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (d)

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.

Ans: d

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

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (c)

105. Which of the following is / are treated as artificial currency?

(a) ADR (b) GDR

(c) SDR (d) Both ADR and SDR

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (b)

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.

Ans: (a)

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.

Ans: (b)

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.

Ans: (d)

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.

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (a)

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%

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (a)

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.

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (d)

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.

Ans: (c)

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 exploitted.

(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.

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (b)

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.

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (b)

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.

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (d)

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.

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: ( b)

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

Ans: ( b)

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.

Ans: (c)

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.

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (b)

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

Ans: (a)

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.

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (d)

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.

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (d)

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

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (b)

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.

Ans: (c)

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

Ans: (a)

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

Ans: (d)

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.

Ans: (a)

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.

Ans: (b)