Gk Scientist

UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper-I Solved 2016

2020-01-30T14:38:00.001+05:30

1:- Which of the following statements is/are correct?

A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation.
A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: B

2:- Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report?

Undernourishment
Child stunting
Child mortality

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Ans: C

3:- There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which action/actions of the following can be taken by the Government to reduce the deficit?

Reducing revenue expenditure
Introducing new welfare schemes
Rationalizing subsidies
Reducing import duty

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: C

4:- The establishment of ‘Payment Banks’ is being allowed in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context?

Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of Payment Banks.
Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit cards.
Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: B

5:- With reference to ‘Li-Fi’, recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission.
It is a wireless technology and is several times faster than ‘WiFi’.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: C

6:- The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

(a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East

(b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change

(d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals

Ans: B

7:- Which one of the following is a purpose of `UDAY’, a scheme of the Government?

(a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy

(b) Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018

(c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time

(d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies

Ans: D

8:- With reference to `IFC Masala Bonds’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/are correct?

The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.
They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: C

9:- Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements:

The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: C

10:- Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?

(a) Swapnavasavadatta

(b) Malavikagnimitra

(d) Ratnavali

Ans:- B

11:- In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms `amber box, blue box and green box’ in the news?

(a) WTO affairs

(b) SAARC affairs

(d) India-EU negotiations on FTA

Ans: A

12:- Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India?

Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc.
Loans received from foreign governments
Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: D

13:- What is/are the importance/importances of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’?

It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive inter-national partnerships.
It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions.
It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

14:- Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF’s SDR?

(a) Rouble

(b) Rand

(d) Renminbi

Ans: D

15:- With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements :

IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy, and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work.
The World Bank participates as observer in IMFC’s meetings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: C

16:- ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to

(a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood

(b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood

(d) release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them

Ans: C

17:- With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements :

Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: C

18:- Which of the following best describes the term ‘import cover’, sometimes seen in the news?

(a) It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country

(b) It is the total value of imports of a country in a year

(d) It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country’s international reserves

Ans: D

19:- Consider the following pairs :

Community sometimes In the affairs of mentioned in the news

Kurd : Bangladesh
Madhesi : Nepal
Rohingya : Myanmar

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

Ans: C

20:- With reference to ‘Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’, consider the following statements :

It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO.
It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging.
It provides assistance and protection to States (Parties) against chemical weapons threats.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: B

21:- With reference to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements:

Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: B

22:- In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the `Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

(a) Sand deserts of northwest India

(b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

(d) Western Ghats

Ans: D

23:- Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)?

River basin is the unit of planning and management.
It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis.

Select the correct answer using the code given Below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: A

24:- Why does the Government of India promote the use of Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?

(a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms

(b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil

(d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops

Ans: B

25:- Consider the following statements :

The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: D

26:- With reference to ‘stand up India scheme’, which of the following statement is/are correct?

Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.
It provides for refinance through SIDBI.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: C

27:- The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity
To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapers, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities
To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: B

28:- Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra?

Dibang
Kameng
Lohit

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: D

29:- The term ‘Core Banking Solutions’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/describe this term?

It is a networking of a bank’s branches which enables customers to operate their accounts from any branch of the bank on its network regardless of where they open their accounts.
It is an effort to increase RBI’s control over commercial banks through computerization.
It is a detailed procedure by which a bank with huge non- performing assets is taken over by another bank.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: A

30:- Consider the following pairs:

Terms sometimes Their origin seen in the news

Annex—I Countries : Cartagena Protocol
Certified Emissions Reductions : Nagoya Protocol
Clean Development Mechanism : Kyoto Protocol

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

31:- In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to

(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing

(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism

(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

Ans: B

32:- ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to

(a) immunization of children and pregnant women

(b) construction of smart cities across the country

(d) New Educational Policy

Ans: A

33:- Which of the following best describes/ describe the aim of ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India?

Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the `green accounting’
Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future
Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

34:- With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011?

List of ingredients including additives
Nutrition information
Recommendations, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reactions
Vegetarian/non-vegetarian

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 4 only

Ans: C

35:- ‘Project Loon’, sometimes seen in the news, is related to

(a) waste management technology

(b) wireless communication technology

(d) water conservation technology

Ans: B

36:- ‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the

(a) production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers

(b) use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households

(d) installation of water meters in urban households

Ans: A

37:- India’s ranking in the ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?

(a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

(b) World Economic Forum

(d) World Trade Organization (WTO)

Ans: C

38:- Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally

(a) agriculturists

(b) warriors

(d) traders

Ans: D

39:- Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

(a) Georg Bilhler

(b) James Prinsep

(d) William Jones

Ans: B

40:- With reference to the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases.
The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: B

41:- With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements :

It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.
It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: D

42:- Consider the following statements :

The India-Africa Summit

held in 2015 was the third such Summit
was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: A

43:- What is/are the purpose/purposes of the `Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR)’ announced by RBI?

These guidelines help improve the transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining the interest rates on advances.
These guidelines help ensure availability of bank credit at interest rates which are fair to the borrowers as well as the banks.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: C

44:- What is/are unique about ‘Kharai Camel’, a breed found in India?

It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
It survives by grazing on mangroves.
It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: A

45:- Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?

(a) Andaman Islands

(b) Anaimalai Forests

(d) Tropical rain forests of northeast

Ans: A

46:- Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

(a) Amphibious warfare ship

(b) Nuclear-powered submarine

(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Ans: C

47:- What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

Ans: A

48:- With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies, and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with cluster approach.
Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have larger stake in this scheme.
An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and micro-irrigation equipment.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

49:- The `Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the

(a) agitation against the Partition of Bengal

(b) Home Rule Movement

(d) visit of the Simon Commission to India

Ans: A

50:- With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements :

The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: B

51:- ‘Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, often in the news, is

(a) a division of World Health Organization

(b) a non-governmental international organization

(d) a specialized agency of the United Nations

Ans: B

52:- With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.
It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.
It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

53:- With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: A

54:- Which of the following statements is/are correct?

Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to

protection of biodiversity
resilience of forest ecosystems
poverty reduction

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: D

55:- What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?

(a) It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions

(b) It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies

(c) It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022

(d) It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank

Ans: A

56:- With reference to ‘Financial Stability and Development Council’, consider the following statements :

It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
It is headed by the Union Finance Minister.
It monitors macro-prudential supervision of the economy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

57:- With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements :

It is a global action plan for sustainable development
It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: A

58:- Satya Shodhak Samaj organized

(a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar

(b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat

(d) a peasant movement in Punjab

Ans: C

59:- Which of the following statements is/are correct?

Viruses can infect

bacteria
fungi
plants

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: D

60:- The term ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

(a) mining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward areas

(b) curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies

(d) lack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects

Ans: B

61:- Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ was proposed to be set up in

(a) Andhra Pradesh

(b) Gujarat

(d) Uttar Pradesh

Ans: A

62:- What is/are the purpose/purposes of `District Mineral Foundations’ in India?

Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts
Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
Authorizing State Governments to issue licences for mineral exploration

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: B

63:- `SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at

(a) promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas

(b) providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs

(d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free

Ans: D

64:- The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to

(a) social reforms

(b) educational reforms

(d) constitutional reforms

Ans: D

65:- What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?

Both were built in the same period.
Both belong to the same religious denomination.
Both have rock-cut monuments.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

Ans: B

66:- With reference to ‘Bitcoins’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries.
Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address.
Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: B

67:- Consider the following statements :

New Development Bank has been set up by APEC.
The headquarters of New Development Bank is in Shanghai.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: B

68:- ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to

(a) constitutional reforms

(b) Ganga Action Plan

(d) protection of Western Ghats

Ans: D

69:- Consider the following :

Calcutta Unitarian Committee
Tabernacle of New Dispensation
Indian Reform Association

Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: B

70:- Which of the following is not a member of `Gulf Cooperation Council’?

(a) Iran

(b) Saudi Arabia

(d) Kuwait

Ans: A

71:- What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?

To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy
To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector
To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

72:- ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of

(a) African Union

(b) Brazil

(d) China

Ans: D

73:- Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at

(a) bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system

(b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops

(d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation

Ans: A

74:- In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found?

Cambay Basin
Cauvery Basin
Krishna-Godavari Basin

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: D

75:- ‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is prepared by the

(a) European Central Bank

(b) International Monetary Fund

(d) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

Ans: B

76:- Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers.
Only one member of a family can join the scheme.
Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber’s death.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

77:- The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as

(a) G20

(b) ASEAN

(d) SAARC

Ans: B

78:- On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

Ceiling fans
Electric geysers
Tubular fluorescent lamps

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: D

79:- India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

(a) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation

(b) It can attain a global role in satellite navigation

(d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation

Ans: D

80:- In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:

Term Description

(1) Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank

(2) Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins

(3) Ghatikas : Colleges generally attached to the temples

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3

Ans: D

81:- Consider the following statements:

The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: A

82:- ‘European Stability Mechanism’, sometimes seen in the news, is an

(a) agency created by EU to deal with the impact of millions of refugees arriving from Middle East

(b) agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries

(d) agency of EU to deal with the conflicts arising among the member countries

Ans: B

83:- Which of the following is/are the advantage /advantages of practising drip irrigation?

Reduction in weed
Reduction in soil salinity
Reduction in soil erosion

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation

Ans: C

84:- Regarding DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: C

85:- Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?

(a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra

(b) Godavari and Krishna

(d) Narmada and Tapti

Ans: B

86:- In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

Carbon dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Sulfur dioxide
Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: B

87:- With reference to `Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: D

88:- With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term Araghatta’ refers to

(a) bonded labour

(b) land grants made to military officers

(d) wasteland and converted to cultivated land

Ans: C

89:- With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and Epictales was the profession of who of the following?

(a) Shramana

(b) Parivraajaka

(d) Maagadha

Ans: D

90:- Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’?

(a) Arunachal Pradesh

(b) Himachal Pradesh

(d) Maharashtra

Ans: D

91:- Consider the following statements:

The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

92:- What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?

(a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto

(b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government

(d) Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress

Ans: B

93:- The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War

(a) India should be granted complete independence

(b) India should be partitioned into two before granting independence

(d) India should be given Dominion status

Ans: D

94:- Consider the following pairs:

Famous place Region

Bodhgaya Baghelkhand
Khajuraho Bundelkhand
Shirdi Vidarbha
Nasik (Nashik) Malwa
Tirupati Rayalaseema

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1, 2 and 4

(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5

(d) 1, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: C

95:- The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the

(a) Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership

(b) Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership

(d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

Ans: D

96:- Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel?

(a) Andhra Pradesh

(b) Chhattisgarh

(d) Rajasthan

Ans: D

97:- With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2 °C or even 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.
Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: B

98:- Consider the following statements:

The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: B

99:- A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of

(a) S. Ramanujan

(b) S. Chandrasekhar

(d) C. V. Raman

Ans: A

100:- Consider the following statements:

The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years.
A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: B

UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper-I Solved 2016 (Hindi)

2020-01-30T14:38:00.000+05:30

1:- निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

लोक सभा में लम्बित कोई विधेयक उसके सत्रावसान पर व्यपतग (लैप्स) हो जाता है।
राज्य सभा में लम्बित कोई विधेयक, जिसे लोक सभा ने पारित नहीं कियाहै, लोक सभा के विघटन पर व्यपगत नही होगा।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: B

2:- निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/से वह/वे सूचक है/हैं, जिसका/जिनका IFPRI द्वारा वैश्विक भुखमरी सूचकांक (ग्लोबल हंगर इंडेक्स) रिपोर्ट बनाने में उपयोग किया गया है।

अल्प-पोषण
शिशु-वृद्धिरोधन
शिशु मृत्यु-दर

निची दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
1, 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 3

Ans: C

3:- साल दर-साल लगातार घाटे का बजट रहा है। घाटे को कम करने के लिए सरकार द्वारा निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी कार्रवाई/कार्रवाईयां की जा सकती है/है?

राजस्व व्यय को घटाना
नीवन कल्याणकारी योजनाओं को प्रारम्भ करना
सहाकियी (सब्सिडी) को युक्तिसंगत बनाना
आयात-शुल्क को कम करना

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 3
1, 2, 3 और 4

Ans: C

4:- भारत में वित्ती समावेशन को प्रोत्साहित करने की दृष्टि से ‘भुगतान बैंकों (पेमेंट बैंक्स)’ की स्थापना की जा रही है। इस दृष्टि से निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

जिन मोबाइल टेलीफोन कंपनियों और सुपर-बाजार श्रृंखलाओं का स्वामित्व एवं नियंत्राण भारतीय व्यक्तियों के पास है, वे भुगतान बैंकों के प्रवर्तक होने के योग्य हैं।
भुगतान बैंक क्रेडिट कार्ड एवं डेबिट कार्ड दोनों जारी कर सकते हैं।
भुगतान बैंक ऋण देने के कार्यकलाप नहीं कर सकते हैं।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही कार्यकलाप नहीं कर सकते हैं।

केवल 1 और 2
केवल 1 और 3
केवल 2
1, 2 और 3

Ans: B

5:- हाल ही में समाचारों में आने वाले 'LiFi' के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

यह उच्च गति डेटा संचरण के लिए प्रकाश को माध्यम के रूप में प्रयुक्त करता है।
यह एक बेतार प्रौद्योगिकी है और 'WiFi' से कई गुना तीव्रतर है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: C

6:- ‘अभीष्ट राष्ट्रीय निर्धारित अंशदान (IntendedNationally Determined Contributions) पद को कभी-कभी समाचारों में किस संदर्भ में रेखा जाता है?

युद्ध-प्रभावित मध्य-पूर्व के शरणार्थियों के पुनर्वास के लिए यूरोपीय देशों द्वारा दिए गए वचन
जलवायु परिवर्तन का सामन करने के लिए विश्व के देशों द्वारा बनाई गई कार्य-योजना
एशियाई अवसंरचना निवेश बैंक (एशियन इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर इन्वेस्टमेंट बैंक) की स्थापना करने के सदस्य राष्ट्रों द्वारा किया गया पूंजी योगदान
धारणीय विकास लक्ष्यों के बारे में विश्व के देशों द्वारा बनाई गई कार्य-योजना

Ans: B

7:- निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा, सरकार की योजना UDAY' का एक प्रयोजन है?

उर्जा के नवीकरणीय स्रोतों के क्षेत्रा में नव-प्रयासी (स्टार्ट-अप) उद्यमियों को तकनीकी एवं वित्तीय सहायता प्रदान करना
2018 तक देश में हर घर में बिजली उपलब्ध कराना
एक समयावधि के अंदर कोयला-आधारित शक्ति संयंत्रों के स्थान पर प्राकृतिक गैस, नाभिकीय, सौर, वायु एवं ज्वारीय शक्ति संयंत्रा स्थापित करना
विद्युत वितरण कंपनियों के वित्तीय कायापलट और पुनरूत्थान का प्रबंध करना

Ans:- D

8:- कभी-कभी समाचारों में दिखने वाले ‘आइ. एफ. सी. मसाला बाॅन्ड (IFC Masals Bonds)' के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

अंतर्राष्ट्रीय वित्त निगम (इंरनैशनल फाइनेंस काॅपरेशन), जो इन बाॅन्डों को प्रस्तावित करता है, विश्व बैंक की एक शाखा है।
ये रूपया अंकित मूल्य वाले बाॅन्ड (rupee-denominated bonds) हैं और सार्वजनिक एवं निजी क्षेत्राक के ऋण वित्तीयन के स्रोत हैं।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: D

9:- विजयनगर के शासक कृष्णदेव की कराधान व्यवस्था से संबंधित निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिएः

1. भूमि की गुणवता के आधार पर भू-राजस्व की दर नियत होती थी।
2. कारखानों के निजी स्वामी एक औद्योगिक कर देते थे।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: C

10:- प्राचीन भारत की निम्नलिखित पुस्तकों में से किस एक में शुंग राजवंश के संस्थापक के पुत्रा की प्रेम कहानी है?

स्वप्नवासवदत्ता
मालविकाग्रिमित्रा
मेघदूत
रत्नावली

Ans:- B

11:- निम्नलिखित में से किसके संदर्भ में कभी-कभी समाचारों में ‘ऐम्बर बाॅक्स, ब्लू बाॅक्स और ग्रीन बाॅक्स’ शब्द देखने को मिलती हैं?

WTO मामला
SAARC मामला
UNFCCC मामला
FTA पर भारत EU वार्ता

Ans: A

12:- निम्नलिखित में से किसको/किनको भारत सरकार के पूंजी बजट में शामिल किया जाता है?

1. सड़कों, इमारतों, मशीनरी आद जैसी परिसंपतियों के अधिग्रहण पर व्यय
2. विदेशी सरकारों के प्राप्त ऋण
3. राज्यों और संघ राज्यक्षेत्रों को अनुदत ऋण और अग्रिम

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: D

13:- ‘मरूस्थलीकरण को रोकने के लिए संयुक्त राष्ट्र अभिसमय (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification)' का/के महत्व है/हैं?

इसका उद्देश्य नवप्रवर्तनकारी राष्ट्रीय कार्यक्रमों एवं समर्थक अंतर्राष्ट्रीय भागीदारियों को माध्यम से प्रभावकारी कार्रवाई को प्रोत्साहित करना है।
2. यह विशेष/विशिष्ट रूप से दक्षिणी एशिया एवं उतरी अफ्रीका के क्षेत्रों पर केंद्रित होता है तथा इसका सचिवालय इन क्षेत्रों को वित्तीय संसाधनों के बड़े हिस्से का नियतन सुलभ कराता है।
3. यह मरूस्थलीकरण को रोकने में स्थानीय लोगों की भागीदारी को प्रोत्साहित करने हेतु उध्र्वगामी उपागम (बाॅटम-अप अप्रोच) के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: C

14:- हाल ही में IMF के SDR बास्कोट में निम्नलिखित में से किस मुद्रा को जोड़ने का प्रस्ताव दिया गया है?

रूबल
रैंड
भारतीय रूपया
रेनमिनबी

Ans: D

16:- एक राष्ट्री मुहिम ‘राष्ट्रीय गरिमा अभियान’ चलाई गई है

आवासहीन और निराश्रित लोगों के पुनर्वासन और उन्हें उपयुक्त जीविकोपार्जन के स्रोत प्रदान करने के लिए
यौन-कर्मियों (सेक्स वर्कर्स) को उनके पेशे से मुक्त कराने और उन्हें जीविकोपार्जन के वैकल्पिक स्रोत प्रदान करने के लिए
मैला ढोने की प्रथा को समाप्त करने और मैला ढोने वाले कर्मियों के पुनर्वासन के लिए
बंधुआ मजदूरों का उनके बंधन से मुक्त कराने और उनके पुनर्वासन के लिए

Ans: C

17:- मध्यकालिन भारत के सांस्कृतिक इतिहास के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिएः

1. तमिल क्षेत्रा के सिद्ध (सित्तर) एकेश्वरवादी थे तथा मूर्तिपूजा की निंदा करते थे।
2. कन्नड़ क्षेत्रा के लिंगायत पुनर्जन्म के सिद्धांत पर प्रश्न चिन्ह लगाते थे तथा जाति अधिक्रम को अस्वीकार करते थे।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: C

18:- निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा, कभी-कभी समाचारों में दिखने वाले पद ‘आयात आवरण (इम्पोर्ट कवर)’ का सर्वोतम वर्णन् करता है?

यह किसी देश के आयात मूल्य एवं सकल घरेलू उत्पाद के अनुपात को बताता है
यह किसी देश के एक वर्ष में आयात के कुल मूल्य को बताता है
यह दो देशों के बीच निर्यात एंव आयात के मूल्यों के अनुपात को बताता है।
यह उन महीनों की संख्या को बताता है जितने महीनों के आयात का भुगतान देश के अंतर्राष्ट्रीय रिजर्व द्वारा किया जा सकता है।

Ans: D

19:- निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार कीजिए:

सामाचारों में कभी- किसके मामले में कभी उल्लिखित समुदाय

1. कुर्द : बांग्लादेश
2. मधेसी : नेपाल
3. रोहिंग्या : म्यांमार

उपर्युक्त में से कौन-सा/से युग्म सही सुमेलित है/हैं?

1 और 2
केवल 2
2 और 3
केवल 3

Ans: C

20:- ‘रासायनिक आयुध निषेध संगठन [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)] के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

1. यह यूरोपीय संघ का एक संगठन है जिसका NATO तथा WHO से कार्यकारी संबंध है।
2. यह नए शस्त्रों से प्रादुर्भाव को रोकने के लिए रासायनिक उद्योग का अनुवीक्षण करता है।
3. यह राज्यों (पार्टियों) को रसायनिक आयुध के खतरे के विरूद्ध सहायता एवं संरक्षण प्रदान करता है।

उपर्युक्त कथनों मंे से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: B

22:- भारत के निम्नलिखित क्षेत्रों में से ‘ग्रेट इंडियन हाॅर्नबिल’ के अपने प्राकृतित आवास में पाए जाने की सबसे अधिक सम्भावना कहाॅ है?

उत्तर-पश्चिमी भारत के रेतीले मरूस्थल
जम्मूू-कश्मीर के उच्चतर हिमालय क्षेत्रा
पश्चिमी गुजरात के लवण कच्छ क्षेत्रा
पश्चिमी घाट

Ans: D

23:- निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी, ‘राष्ट्रीय गंगा नदी बेसिन प्राधिकरण [National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)]' की प्रमुा विशेषताएं हैं?

1. नदी बेसिन, योजना एवं प्रबंधन की इकाई है।
2. यह राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर नदी संरक्षण प्रयासों की अगुवाई करता है।
3. NGRBA का अध्यक्ष चक्रानुक्रमिक आधार पर उन राज्यों के मुख्यमंत्रियों में से एक होता है, जिनसे होकर गंगा बहती है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1 और 2
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: A

24:- भारत सरकार कृषि मं ‘नीम-आलेपित यूरिया (Neem-coated Urea) के उपयोग को क्यो प्रोत्साहित करती है?

मृदा के नीम तेल के निर्मुक्रत होने से मृदा सूक्ष्मजीवों द्वारा नाइट्रोजन यौगिकीकरण बढ़ता है
नीम लेप, मृदा में यूरिया के घुलने की दर को धीमा कर देता है
नाइट्रस आॅक्साइड, जो कि एक ग्रीनहाउस गैस है, फसल वाले खेतों से वायुमंडल में बिलकुल भी विमुक्त नहीं होती है
विशेष फसलों के लिए एक अपतृणनाशी (वीडिसाइड) और एक उर्वरक का संयोजन है।

Ans: B

25:- 50. निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

1. किसी राज्य में मुख्य सचिव को उस राज्य के राज्यपाल द्वार नियुक्त किया जाता है
2. राज्य में मुख्य सचिव का नियत कार्यकाल होता है।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: D

26:- ‘स्टैंड अप इंडिया स्कीम (Stand Up India Scheme)' के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

1. इसका प्रयोजन SC/ST एवं महिला उद्यमियों में उद्यमिता को प्रोत्साहित करना है।
2. यह SIDBI के माध्यम से पुनविर्तत का प्रावधान करता है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1 और न ही 2

Ans: C

27:- FAO पारम्परिक कृषि प्रणालियों को ‘सार्वभौमिक रूप से महत्वपूर्ण कृषि विरासत प्रणाली [Globally Important System (GIAHS)]' की हैसियत प्रदान करता है। इस पहल का संपूर्ण लक्ष्य क्या है?

1. अभिनिर्धारित GIAHS के स्थानीय समुदायों को आधुनिक प्रौद्योगिकी, आधुनिक कृषि प्रणाली का प्रशिक्षण एवं वित्तीय सहायता प्रदान करना जिससे उनकी कृषि उत्पादकता अत्यधिक बढ़ जाए।
2. पारितंत्रा-अनुकूली परम्परागत कृषि पद्धतियां और उनसे संबंधित परिदृश्य (लैंडस्केप), कृषि जैव विविधता और स्थानीय समुदायों के ज्ञानतंत्रा का अभिनिर्धारण एवं संरक्षण करना
3. इस प्रकार अभिनिर्धारित ळप्।भ्ै के सभी भिन्न-भिन्न कृषि उत्पादों को भौगोलिक सूचक (जिओग्राफिकल इंडिकेशन) की हैसियत प्रदान करना

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1 और 3
केवल 2
केवल 2 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: B

28:- निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी, ब्रह्मपुत्रा की सहायक नदी है/नदियां हैं?

1. दिबांग
2. कमेंग
3. लोहित

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयाग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: D

29:- ‘कोर बैंकिंग समाधान (Core Banking Solutions)' पद कभी-कभी समाचारों में देखा जाता है। निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से इस पद का सही वर्णन करता है/करते हैं?

1. यह बैंक की शाखाओं का वह तंत्रा है जो उपभोक्ताओं को अपने खातों का संचालन बैंक की किसी भी शाखा से कर सकने की सुविधा देता है चाहे उन्होंने अपना खाता कही भी खोल रख हो।
2. यह व्यावसायिक बैंकों पर कम्म्पयूटरीकरण के माध्यम से RBI का बढ़ाने का एक प्रयास है
3. यह एक विस्तृत प्रक्रिया है जिसके द्वारा विशाल अनर्जक (नाॅन-परफाॅर्मिग) परिसम्पति वाले बैंक का अधिग्रहण दूसरे बैंक द्वारा कर लिया जाता है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उतर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: A

30:- निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार कीजिए:

कभी-कभी समाचारों उनका मूल स्रोत में देखे जाने वाले शब्द

1. एनेक्स-I देश : कार्टाजेना प्रोटोकाॅल
2. प्रमाणित उत्सर्जन कटौतियां (सर्टिफाइड एमिशंस रिडक्शंस) : नागोया प्रोटोकाॅल
3. स्वच्छ विकास क्रियाविधि (क्लीन डेवलपमेंट मेकेनिज्म): क्योटो प्रोटोकाॅल

उपयुक्त में से काॅन-सा/से युग्म सही सुमेलित है/हैं?

केवल 1 और 2
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: C

31:- जैव सूचना-विज्ञान (बायोइंफाॅर्मेटिक्स) में घटनाक्रमों/ गतिविध के संदर्भ में समाचारों में कभी-कभी दिखने वाला पद ‘ट्राॅसक्रिप्टोप’ किसे निदिष्ट करता है?

जीनोम संपादन में प्रयुक्त एंजाइमों की एक श्रेणी
किसी जैव द्वारा अभिव्यक्त mRNA अणुओं की पूर्ण श्रृंखला
जीन अभिव्यक्ति की क्रियाविधि का वर्णन
कोशिकाओं में होने वाले आनुवंशिक उत्परिवर्तनों की एक क्रियाविधि

Ans: B

32:- भारत सरकार द्वारा चलाया गया ‘मिशन इंद्रधनुष’ किससे संबंधित है?

बच्चों और गर्भवतति महिलाओं का पतिरक्षण
पूरे देश में स्मार्ट सिटि का निर्माण
बाहरी अंतरिक्ष में पृथ्वी-सदृश के लिए भारत की स्वयं की खोज
नई शिक्षा-नीति

Ans: A

33:- निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/से भारत सरकार के ‘हरित भारत मिशन (Green India Mission)’ के उद्देश्य को सर्वोतम रूप से वर्णित करता है/हैं?

1. पर्यावरणीय लाभों एवं लागतों को केंद्र एवं राज्य के बजट में सम्मिलित करते हुए तदद्वारा ‘हरित लेखाकरण (ग्रीन अकाउंटिंग)’ को अमल में लाना
2. कृषि उत्पाद के संवर्धन हेतु द्वितीय हरित क्रांति आरम्भ करना जिससे भविष्य में सभी के लिए खाद्य सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित हो
3. वन आच्छादन की पुनप्राप्ति और संवर्धन करना तथा अनुकूलन एवं न्यनीकरण के संयुक्त उपायों से जलवायु परिवर्तन का प्रत्युतर देना

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उतर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: C

34:- भारत में, पूर्व-संवष्टित वस्तुओं के संदर्भ में खाद्य सुरक्षा और मानक विनियम, 2011 के अनुसार किसी निर्माता को मुख्य लेबल पर निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी सूचना अंकित करना अनिवार्य है?

1. संघटकों की सूची, जिसमें संयोजी शामिल हैं
2. पोषण-विषयक सूचना।
3. चिकित्सा व्यवसाय द्वारा दी गई किसी एलर्जी प्रतिक्रिया की संभावना के संदर्भ में संस्तुतियाँ यदि कोई हैं
4. शाकाहारी/मांसाहारी

नीचे दिए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

1, 2 और 3
2, 3 और 4
1, 2 और 4
केवल 1 और 4

Ans: C

35:- कभी-कभी समाचारों में दिखने वाला ‘प्रोजेक्ट लून (Project Loon)’ संबंधित है।

अपशिष्ट-प्रबंधन प्रौद्योगिकी से
बेतार-संचार प्रौद्योगिकी से
सौर उर्जा उत्पादन प्रौद्योगिकी से
जल-संरक्षण प्रौद्योगिकी से

Ans: B

36:- कभी-कभी समाचारों में ‘नेट मीटरिंग (Net metering)’ निम्नलिखित में से किसकों प्रोत्साहित करने के संदर्भ में देखा जाता है?

परिवारों/उपभोक्ताओं द्वारा सौर उर्जा का उत्पादन और उपयोग
घरों के रसोइघरों में पाइप्ड नैचरल गैसा का उपयोग
मोटरगाड़िया में CNG किट लगवाना
शहरी घरों में पानी के मीटर लगवाना

Ans: A

37:- ‘व्यापार करने की सुविधा का सूचकांक (Ease of Doing Business Index)’ में भारत की रैंकिंग समाचार-पत्रों में कभी-कभी दिखती है। निम्नलिखित में से किसने इस रैकिंग की घोषण की है?

आर्थिक सहयोग और विकास संगठन (OECD)
विश्व आर्थिक मंच
विश्व बैंक
विश्व व्यापार संगठन (WTO)

Ans: C

38:- भारतीय इतिहास के मध्यकाल में बंजारे सामान्यतः कौन थे?

कृषक
योद्धा
बुनकर
व्यापारी

Ans: D

39:- सम्राट अशोक के राजादेशों का सबसे पहले विकूटन किसने किया था?

जार्ज बुहृर
जेम्स प्रिंसेप
मैक्स मुलर
विलियम जोन्स

Ans: B

40:- ‘ग्राम न्यायालय अधिनियम’ के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

1. इस अधिनियम के अनुसार ग्राम न्यायालय केवल सिविल मामलों की सुनवाई कर सकता है आपराधिक मामलों की नहीं।
2. यह अधिनियम स्थानीय सामाजिक सक्रियतावादियों को मध्यस्थ/सुलहकर्ता के रूप में स्वीकार करता है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1 और न ही 2

Ans: B

41:- ‘ट्रांस-पैसिफिक पार्टनरशिप (Trans-Pacific Partnership)’ के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

1. यह चीन और रूस को छोड़कर प्रशांत महासागर तटीय सभी देशों के मध्य एक समझौता है।
2. यह केवल तटवर्ती सुरक्षा के प्रयोजन से किया गया सामरिक गठबंधन है।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: D

42:- निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिएः

भारत-अफ्रीका शिखर सम्मेलन (इंडिया-अफ्रीका सम्मिट)

1. जो 2015 में हुआ, तीसरा सम्मेलन था
2. की शुरूआत वास्तव में 1951 में जवाहरलाल नेहरू द्वारा की गई थी।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा /से सही है/हैं?

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: A

43:- RBI द्वारा घोषित ‘कोषों की सीमांत लागत पर आधारित उधारी दर [Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (CMLR)]] का/के उद्देश्य क्या है/हैं?

1. ये दिशानिर्देश उधारों की ब्याज दरें निर्धारित करने हेतु बैंकों द्वारा अपनाई गई विधि मंे पारदर्शिता बढ़ाने में मदद करते हैं।
2. ये दिशानिर्देश बैंक शाखा की उपलब्धता ऐसी ब्याज दरों पर सुनिश्चि करने में मदद करते हैं जो ऋण लेने वाले एवं बैंक के लिए न्यायसंगत हैं।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनो
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: C

44:- भारत में पाई जाने वाली नस्ल, ‘खाराई उॅट’ के बारे में अनूठा क्या है/हैं?

1. यह समुद्र तल में तीन किलोमीटर तक तैरने में सक्षम है
2. यह मैन्ग्रोव की चराई पर जीता है।
3. यह जंगली होता है और पालतू नहीं बनाया जा सकता है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1 और 2
केवल 3
केवल 1 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: A

45:- हाल ही में हमारे वैज्ञानिकों ने केले के पौधे की एक नई और भिन्न जाति की खोज की है जिसकी उचाई लगभग 11 मीटर तक जाती है और उसके फल का गूदा नारंगी रंग का है। यह भारत के किस भाग में खोजी गई है?

अंदमान द्वीप
अन्नमलई वन
मैकल पहाड़ियां
पूर्वोतर उष्णकटिबंधीय वर्षावन

Ans: A

46:- 'INS अस्त्राधारिणी’ का, जिसका हाल ही में समाचारों में उल्लेख हुआ था, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा सर्वोतम वर्णन है?

उभयचर युद्धपोत
नाभिकीय शक्ति-चालित पनडुब्बी
टाॅरपीडो प्रमोचन और पुनप्राप्ति जलयान
नाभिकीय शक्ति-चालित विमान वाहक

Ans: C

47:- ‘ग्रीज्ड लाइट्रनिंग-10 (GL-10)' जिसका हाल ही में समाचारों में उल्लेख हुआ, क्या है?

NSG द्वारा परीक्षित विद्युत विमान
जापान द्वारा डिजाइन किया गया और शक्ति से चलने वाला दो सीटों वाला विमान
चीन द्वारा लाॅच की गई अंतरिक्ष वेधशाला
ISRO द्वारा डिजाइन किया गया पुनरोपयोगी राॅकेट

Ans: A

48:- ‘गहन कदन्न संवर्धन के माध्यम से पोषण सुरक्षा हेतु पहल (Initative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion)’ के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

1. इस पहल का उद्देश्य उन्नत उत्पादन और कटाई-उपरांत प्रौद्योगिकियों को निदर्शित करना है, एवं समूह उपागम (क्लस्टर अप्रोच) के साथ एकीकृत रीति से मूल्य वर्धन तकनीकों को निदर्शित करना है
2. इस योजना में निर्धन, लघु, सीमांत एवं जनजातीय किसानों की बड़ी हितधारिता है
3. इस योजना का एक महत्वपूर्ण उद्देश्य वाण्ज्यििक फसलों के किसानों को, पोषकों के अत्यावश्यक निवेशों के और लघु सिचाई उपकरणों के निःशुल्क किट प्रदान कर, कदन्न की खेती की और प्रोत्साहित करना है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उतर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 2
1, 2 और 3

Ans: C

49:- ‘स्वदेशी’ और ‘बहिष्कार’ पहली बार किस घटना के दौनान संघर्ष की विधि के रूप में अपनाए गए थे?

बंगाल विभाजन के विरूद्ध आंदोलन
होम रूल आंदोलन
अहसयोग आंदोलन
साइमन कमीशन की भारत यात्रा

Ans: A

50:- भारत के धार्मिक इतिहास के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिएः

1. बोधिसत्व, बौद्धमत के हीनयान सम्प्रदाय की केंद्रीय संकल्पना है।
2. बोधिसत्व अपने प्रबोध के मार्ग पर बढ़ता हुआ करूणामय है।
3. बोधिसत्व समस्त सचेतन प्राणियों को उनके प्रबोध के मार्ग पर चलने में सहायता करने के लिए स्वचं की निर्वाण प्राप्ति विलम्बित करता है।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं।

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 2
1, 2 और 3

Ans: B

51:- Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)' जो प्रायः समाचारों में आया है,

a. विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन का एक प्रभाग
b. एक गैर-सरकारी अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संगठन
c. यूरोपीय संघ द्वारा प्रायोजित एक अंतःसरकारी एजेंसी
d. संयुक्त राष्ट्र की एक विशिष्ट एजेंसी

Ans: B

52:- ‘पारितंत्रा एवं जैव विविधता का अर्थतंत्रा [The Economcis of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)]' नामक पहल के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

1. यह एक पहल है, जिसकी मेजबानी न्छम्च्ए प्डथ् एवं विश्व आर्थिक मंच ;ॅवतसक म्बवदवउपब थ्वतनउद्ध करते हैं।
2. यह एक विश्वव्यापी पहल है, जो जैव विविधता के आर्थिक लाभों के प्रति ध्यान आकर्षित करने पर केंद्रित है।
3. एक ऐसा उपागम प्रस्तुत करता है, जो पारितंत्रों और जैव विविधता के मूल्य की पहचान, निदर्शन और अभिग्रहण में निर्णयकर्ताओं की सहायता कर सकता है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

a. केवल 1 और 2
b. केवल 3
c. केवल 2 और 3
d. 1, 2 और 3

Ans: C

53:- समाचारों में कभी-कभी दिखाई देने वालो ‘रेड सैंडर्से’ के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए।

1. यह दक्षिण भारत के एक भाग में पाई जाने वाली एक वृक्ष जाती है।
2. यह दक्षिण भारत में उष्णकटिबंधीय वर्षावन क्षेत्रों के अति महत्वपूर्ण में से एक है।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

a. केवल 1
b. केवल 2
c.1 और 2 दोनों
d. न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: A

54:- निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

UN-REDD+ प्रोग्राम की समुचित अभिकल्पना और प्रभावी कार्यान्वयन महत्वपूर्ण रूप से योगदान दे सकते हैं

1. जैव विविधता का संरक्षण करने मं
2. वन्य पारिस्थितिकी की समुत्थानशीलता में
3. गरीबी कम करने मं

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

a. केवल 1 और 2
b. केवल 3
c. केवल 2 और 3
d. 1, 2 और 3

Ans: D

55:- ‘ग्रीन हाउस गैस प्रोटोकाॅल (Greenshouse Gas Protocol)' क्या है

a. यह सरकार एवं व्यवसाय के नेतृत्व देने वाले व्यक्तियों के लिए ग्रीनहाउस गैस उत्सर्जन को समझने, परिमाण निर्धारित करने एवं प्रबंधन हेतु एक अंतर्राष्ट्रीय लेखाकरण साधन है।
b. यह ग्रीनहाउस गैस उत्सर्जन को कम करने और पारितंत्रा अनुकूली प्रौद्योगिकियो कों अपनाने हेतु विकासशील देशों को वित्तीय प्रोत्साहन प्रदान करने की संयुक्त राष्ट्र की एक पहल है।
c. यह वर्ष 2022 तक ग्रीनहाउस गैस उत्सर्जन को एक विनिर्दिष्ट स्तर तक कम करने हेतु संयुक्त राष्ट्र के सभी सदस्य देशों द्वारा अनुसमर्थित एक अंतःसरकारी समझौता है।
d. यह विश्व बैंक द्वारा पोषित बहुपक्षीय REDD+ पहलों में से एक है।

Ans: A

56:- ‘वित्तीय स्थिरता और विकास परिषद् (Financial Stability and Development Council) के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

1. यह नीति (NITI) आयोग का एक अंग है
2. संघ का वित्त मंत्राी इसका प्रमुख होता है।
3. यह अर्थव्यवस्था के समष्टि सविवेक (मेक्रो-प्रूडेंशियल) पर्यवेक्षण का अनुवीक्षण (माॅनिटरिंग) करता है।

उपयुक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

a. केवल 1 और 2
b. केवल 3
c. केवल 2 और 3
d. 1, 2 और 3

Ans: C

57:- समाचारों में कभी-कभी दिखने वाले ‘एजेंडा 21’ के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

1. यह धारणीय विकास के लिए एक वैश्विक कार्य-योजना है
2. 2002 में जोहानसवर्ग में हुए धारणीय विकास पर विश्व शिखर सम्मेलन में इसकी उत्पति हुइ।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

a. केवल 1
b. केवल 2
c. 1 और 2 दोनों
d. न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: A

58:- सत्य शोधक समाज में संगठित किया।

a. बिहार में आदिवासियों के उन्नयन का एक आंदोलन
b. गुजरात में मंदिर-प्रवेश का एक आंदोलन
c. महाराष्ट्र में एक जाति-विरोधी आंदोलन
d. पंजाब में एक विकास आंदोलन

Ans: C

59:- निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

विषाणु संक्रमित कर सकते हैं

1. जीवाणुओं को
2. कवकों को
3. पादपों को

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उतर चुनिए।

a. केवल 1 और 2
b. केवल 3
c. केवल 1 और 3
d. 1, 2 और 3

Ans: D

60:- सामाचारों में कभी-कभी देखे जाने वाले ‘आधार क्षय एवं लाभ स्थानान्तरण (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting)’ पद का क्या संदर्भ है?

a. संसाधन-संपन्न किन्तु पिछड़े क्षेत्रों में बहुराष्ट्रीय कम्पनियों द्वारा खनन कार्य
b. बहुराष्ट्रीय कम्पनियों द्वारा किय जाने वाले कर-अपवचन पर प्रतिबंध लगाना।
c. बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपनियों द्वारा किसी राष्ट्र के आनुवंशिक संसाधनों का दोहन
d. विकास परियोजनओं की योजना एवं कार्यन्वयन में पयावरणनीय लागतों के विचारों का अभाव

Ans: B

61:- हाल ही में भारत में प्रथम ‘राष्ट्रीय निवेश और विनिर्माण क्षेत्रा (National Investment and Manufacturing Zone)' का गठन कहां किए जाने के लिए प्रस्ताव दिया गया था?

a. आंध्र प्रदेश
b. गुजरात
c. महाराष्ट्र
d. उत्तर प्रदेश

Ans: A

62:- भारत में ‘जिला खनिज प्रतिष्ठाान' का/के उद्देश्य क्या है/हैं?

1. खनिज-सम्पन्न जिलों में खनिज-खोज संबंधी क्रियाकलापों को प्रोत्साहित करना
2. खनिज-कार्य से प्रभावित लोगों के हितों की रक्षा करना
3. राज्य सरकारों को खनिज-खोज के लिए लाइसेंस निर्गत करने के लिए अधिकृत करना

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

a. केवल 1 और 2
b. केवल 2
c. केवल 1 और 3
d. 1, 2 और 3

Ans: B

63:- भारत सरकार की एक पहल SWAYAM का लक्ष्य क्या है?

a. ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में स्वयं-सहायता समूहों को प्रोत्साहित करना
b. युवा नव-प्रवासी उद्यमियों को वित्तीय तकनीकी सहयोग उपलब्ध कराना
c. किशोरियों की शिक्षा एवं उनके स्वास्थ्य का संवर्धन करना
d. नागरिकों को वहन करने योग्य एवं गुणवता वाली शिक्षा निःशुलक उपलब्ध कराना

Ans: D

64:- माॅन्टेग्यू-चेम्सफोर्ड प्रस्ताव किससे संबंधित थे?

a. सामाजिक सुधार
b. शैक्षिक सुधार
c. पुलिस प्रशासन में सुधार

d. सांविधानिक सुधार

Ans: D

65:- अजंता और महाबलीपुरम के रूप में ज्ञात दो ऐतिहासिक स्थानों में कौन-सी बात/बातें समान है/हैं?

1. दोनों एक ही समयकाल में निर्मित हुए थे।
2. दोनेां का एक ही धार्मिक सम्प्रदाय से संबंध है।
3. दोनों में शिलाकृत स्मारक है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

a. केवल 1 और 2
b. केवल 3
c. केवल 1 और 3
d. उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कोई नहीं

Ans: B

66:- कभी-कभी सामाचारों में आने वाली ‘बिटकाॅइन्स (Bitcoins)’ के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

1. बिटकाॅइन्स की खोज-खबर देशों के केंद्रीय बैंको द्वारा रखी जाती है।
2. बिटकाईन्स के पते वाला कोई भी व्यक्ति बिटकाईन्स के पते वाले किसी अन्य व्यक्ति को बिटकाईन्स भेज सकता है या उससे प्राप्त कर सकता है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

a. केवल 1 और 2
b. केवल 2 और 3
c. केवल 3
d. 1, 2 और 3

Ans: B

67:- निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

1. न्यू डेवलपमेंट बैंक की स्थापना एन. पी. ई. सी (APEC) द्वारा की गई है।
2. न्यू डेवलपमेंट बैंक का मुख्यालय शंघाई में हैं।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं ?

a. केवल 1
b. केवल 2
c. 1 और 2 दोनों
d. न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: B

68:- कभी-कभी सामाचारों में आने वाली ‘गाडमिल समिति रिपोर्ट’ और ‘कस्तरीरंगन समिति रिपोर्ट’ संबंधित हैं

a. सांविधानिक सुधारों से
b. गंगा कार्य-योजना
c. नदियों को जोड़ने से
d. पश्चिमी घाटों के संरक्षण से

Ans: D

69:- निम्नलिखित पर विचार कीजिए:

1. कलकता यूनिटेरियन कमिटि (Calcutta Unitarian Committee)
2. टेबरनेकल आॅफ न्यू डिस्पेंसेशन (Tabernacle of New Dispensation)
3. इंडियन रिफार्म असोसिएशन (Indian Reform Association)

केशव चन्द्र सेन का संबंध उपर्युक्त में से किसकी किनकी स्थापना से है?

a. केवल 1 और 2
b. केवल 2 और 3
c. केवल 3
d. 1, 2 और 3

Ans: B

70:- निम्नलिखित में से कौन खाड़ी सहयोग परिषद् (गल्फ कोआॅपरेशन काउन्सिल), का सदस्य नहीं है?

a. ईरान
b. सउदी अरब
c. ओमान
d. कुवैत

Ans: A

71:- सरकार की ‘सम्प्रभु स्वर्ण बॉन्ड योजना (Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme)’ एवं ‘स्वर्ण मुद्रीकरण योजना’ का/के उद्देश्य क्या है/हैं?

1. भारतीय गृहस्थों के पास निष्क्रिय पड़े स्वर्ण को अर्थव्यवस्था में लाना
2. स्वर्ण एवं आभूषण के क्षेत्रा में एफ. डी. आई. (FDI) को प्रोत्साहित करना
3. स्वर्ण-आयात पर भारत की निर्भरता में कमी लाना

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

a. केवल 1
b. केवल 2 और 3
c. केवल 1 और 3
d. 1, 2 और 3

Ans: C

72:- कभी-कभी समाचारों में आने वाले ‘वेल्ट ऐन्ड रोड इनिशिएटिव (Belt and Road Initative)’ किसके मामलों के संदर्भ में आता है?

a. अफ्रीकी संघ
b. ब्राजील
c. यूरोपीय संघ
d. चीन

Ans: D

73:- प्रधानमंत्राी MUDRA योजना का लक्ष्य क्या है?

a. लघु उद्यमियों की औपचारिक वित्ती प्रणाली मंे लाना
b. निर्धन कृषकों को विशेष फसलों की कृषि के लिए ऋण उपलब्ध कराना
c. वृद्ध एवं निस्सहाय लोगों को पेंशन देना
d. कौशल विकास एवं रोजगार सृजन में लगे स्वयंसेवी संगठनों का निधीयन करना

Ans: A

74:- भारत के निम्नलिखित क्षेत्रों में से किसमें/किनमें शेल गैस के संसाधन पाए जाते है?

1. कैम्बे बेसिन
2. कावेरी बेसिन
3. कृष्णा-गोदावरी बेसिन

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

a. केवल 1 और 2
b. केवल 3
c. केवल 2 और 3
d. 1, 2 और 3

Ans: D

75:- ‘वैश्विक वित्तीय स्थिरता रिपोर्ट (Global Financial Stability Report)’ किसके द्वारा तैयार की जाती है?

a. यूरोपीय केंद्रीत बैंक
b. अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मुद्रा कोष
c. अंतर्राष्ट्रीय पुनर्निर्माण एवं विकास बैंक
d. आर्थिक सहयोग तथा विकास संगठन (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development)

Ans: B

76:- ‘अटल पेंशन योजना’ के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

यह एक न्यूनतम गारंटित पेंशन योजना है, जो मुख्य रूप से असंगठित क्षेत्रा के मजदूरों को लक्ष्य बनाती है।
परिवार का केवल एक ही व्यक्ति इस योजना में शामिल हो सकता है
अभिदाता (सब्स्क्राइबर) की मृत्यु के पश्चात् जीवनसाथी को आजीवन पेंशन की समान राशि गारंटित रहती है।

नीच दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
कवेल 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: C

77:- ‘रीजनल काम्प्रिहेन्सिव इकानाॅमिक पार्टनरशिप (Regional Comprehensive Economic, Partnership)' पद प्रायः समाचारों में देशों के एक समूह के मामलों के संदर्भ में आता है। देशों के उस समूह को क्या कहा जाता है?

(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO
(d) SAARC

Ans: B

78:- निम्नलिखत में से किसमें आप उर्जा दक्षता ब्यूरों (Bereau of Energy Efficiency) का स्टार लेबल पाते हैं?

छत के (सीलिंग) पंखे
विद्युत गीज़र
नलिकारूप प्रतिदीप्ति (टयूबुलर फ्लूओरेसेंट) लैंप

नीचे रिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उतर चुनिए।

केवल 1 और 2
केवल 3
केवल 2 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: D

79:- भारत ‘अंतर्राष्ट्रीय ताप-नाभिकीय प्रायोगिक रिएक्टर (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor)' का एक महत्वपूर्ण सदस्य है। यदि यह प्रयोग सफल हो जाता है, तो भारत का तात्कालिक लाभ क्या है?

यह विद्युत उत्पादन के लिए यूरेनियम की जगह थोरियम प्रयुक्त कर सकता है
यह उपग्रह मार्गनिर्देशन (सैटेलाइट नैविगेशन) में एक वैश्विक भूमिका प्राप्त कर सकता है
यह विद्युत उत्पादन में अपने विखंदन (फिशन) रिएक्टरों की दक्षता में तेजी से सुधार ला सकता है
यह विद्युत उत्पादन के लिए संलयन (फ्यूज़न) रिएक्टरों का निर्माण कर सकता है

Ans: D

80:- भारत के इतिहास के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार कीजिए:

शब्द विवरण

एरिपत्ति: भूमि, जिसमें मिलने वाला राजस्व अलग से ग्राम जलाशय के रख रखाव के लिए निर्धारित कर दिया जाता था
तनियूर : एक अकेले ब्राह्मण अथवा एक ब्राह्मण-समूह को दान में दिए गए ग्राम
घटिका : प्रायः मंदिरों के साथ संबंद्ध विद्यालय

उपर्युक्त में से कौन-सा/से युग्म सही सुमेलित है/हैं?

1 और 2
केवल 3
2 और 3
1 और 3

Ans: D

81:- निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सौर गठबंधन को 2015 के संयुक्त राष्ट्र जलवायु परिवर्तन सम्मेन में प्रारंभ किया गया था।
इस गठबंधन में संयुक्त राष्ट्र के सभी सदस्य देश सम्मिलित हैं।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: A

82:- समाचारों में कभी-कभी देखे जाने वाला ‘यूरोपीय स्थिरता तंत्रा (European Stability Mechanism)' क्या है?

मध्य-पूर्व से लाखों शरणार्थियों के आने के प्रभाव से निपटने के लिए EU द्वारा बनाई गई एक एजेंसी
EU की एक एजेंसी, जो यूरोक्षेत्रा (यूरोजोन) के देशों को वित्तिय सहायता उपलब्ध कराती है
सभी द्विपक्षीय एवं बहुपक्षीय व्यापार समझौते को सुलझाने के लिए EU की एक एजेंसी
सदस्य राष्ट्रों के बीच मतभेद सुलझाने के लिए की EU एक एजेंसी

Ans: B

83:- निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/से ट्रप्स (ड्रिप) सिंचाई पद्धति के प्रयोग का/के लाभ है/हैं?

खर-पतवार में कमी
मृदा लवणता में कमी
मृदा अपरदन में कमी

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1 और 2
केवल 3
केवल 1 और 3
उपर्युक्त में से कोई भी ड्रिप सिंचाई पद्धति का लाभ नहीं है।

Ans: C

84:- कभी-कभी समाचारों में दिखने वाले ‘डिजिलाॅकर (Digilocker)' के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

यह डिजिटल इंडिया प्रोग्राम के अंतर्गत सरकार द्वारा दिया जाने वाला एक डिजिटल लाॅकर सिस्टम है।
यह आपके ई-दस्तावेजों तक आपकी पहुंच को संभव बनाता है, चाहे भौतिक रूप से आपकी उपस्थिति कहीं भी हो।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयो कर सही उतर चुनिए

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: C

85:- हाल ही में निम्नलिखित नदियों में से किनको जोड़ने का कार्य किया गया था?

कावेरी और तुंगभद्रा
गोदावरी और कृष्णा
महानदी और सोन
नर्मदा और ताप्ती

Ans: B

86:- हमारे देश के शहरों में वायु गुणता सूचकांक (Air Quality Index) का परिकलन करने में साधारणतया निम्नलिखित वायुमंडलीय गैसों में से किनको विचार में लिया जाता है?

कार्बन डाइआॅक्साइड
कार्बन मोनोक्साइड
नाइट्रोजन डाइआॅक्साइड
सल्फर डाइआॅक्साइड
मेथैन

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1, 2 और 3
केवल 2, 3 और 4
केवल 1, 4 और 5
1, 2, 3, 4 और 5

Ans: B

87:- भारत द्वारा प्रमोचित खगोलीय वेधशाला, ‘ऐस्ट्रोसैट (Astrosat)' के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

USA और रूस के अलावा केवल भारत एकमात्रा ऐसा देश है जिसने अंतरक्षि में उसी प्रकार की वेधशाला प्रमोचित की है
ऐस्ट्रोसैट 2000 किलोग्राम का एक उपग्रह है, जो पृथ्वी की सतह से उपर 1650 किलोमीटर पर एक कक्षा में स्थापित है।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: D

88:- मध्यकालीन भारत के आर्थिक इतिहास के संदर्भ में शब्द ‘अरघट्टा (Araghatta)’ किसे निरूपित करता है?

बंधुआ मजदूर
सैन्य अधिकारियों को दिए गए भूमि अनुदान
भूमि की सिंचाई के लिए प्रयुक्त जलचक्र (वाटर-व्हील)
कृषि भूमि में बदली गई बंजर भूमि

Ans: C

89:- भारत के सांस्कृतिक इतिहास के संदर्भ में इतिवृत्तें, राजवंशीय इतिहासों तथा वीरगाथाओं को कंठस्थ करना निम्नलिखित में से किसा व्यवसाय था?

श्रमण
परिव्राजक
अग्रहारिक
मागध

Ans: D

90:- हाल ही में, हमारे देश में पहली बार, निम्नलिखित राज्यों में से किसने एक विशेष तितली को ‘राज्य तितली’ के रूप में घोषित किया है?

अरूणाचल प्रदेश
हिमाचल प्रदेश
कर्नाटक
महाराष्ट्र

Ans: D

91:- निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

ISRO द्वारा प्रमोचित मंगलयान

को मार्स आॅर्बिटर मिशन भी का जाता है
ने भारत को, USA के बाद, मंगल के चारों ओर अंतरिक्ष यान को चक्रमण कराने वाला दूसरा देश बना यिा है
ने भारत को एकमात्रा ऐसा देश बना दिया है, जिसने अपने अंतरिक्ष यान को मंगल के चारों ओर चक्रमण कराने में पहली बार में ही सफलता प्राप्त कर ली।

उपुर्यक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

केवल 1
केवल 2 और 3
केवल 1 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: C

92:- वर्ष 1907 मे सूरत में भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांगे्रस के विभाजन का मूख्य कारण क्या था?

लाॅर्ड मिन्टों द्वारा भारतीय राजनीति में साम्प्रदायिकता का प्रवेश कराना।
अंग्रेजी सरकार के साथ नरमपंथियों की वार्ता करने की क्षमता के बारे में चरमपंथियों में विश्वास का अभाव
मुस्लिम लीग की स्थापना
भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस का अध्यक्ष निर्वाचित हो सकने में अरविंद घोष की असमर्थता

Ans: B

93:- सर स्टैफर्ड क्रिप्स की योजना में यह परिकल्पना थी कि द्वितीय युद्ध के बाद

भारत को पूर्ण स्वतंत्राता प्रदान की जानी चाहिए
स्वतंत्राता प्रदान करने से पहले भारत को दो भागों में विभाजित कर देना चाहिए
भारत को इस शर्त के साथ गणतंत्रा बना देना चाहिए कि वह राष्ट्रमंडल में शामिल होगा
भारत को डोमिनियम स्टेटस दे देना चाहिए

Ans: D

94:- निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार कीजिए:

प्रसिद्व स्थान क्षेत्रा

बोधगया : बघेलखण्ड
खजुराहो : बुन्देलखण्ड
शिरदी : विदर्भ
नासिक : मालवा
तिरूपति : रायलसीमा

उपर्युक्त युग्मों में से कौन-से सही सुमेलित हैं?

1, 2 और 4
2, 3, 4 और 5
केवल 2 और 5
1, 3, 4 और 5

Ans: C

95:- राष्ट्र हित में भारत की संसद राज्य सूची के किसी भी विषय पर विधिक शक्ति प्राप्त कर लेती है यदि इसके लिए एक संकल्प

लोक सभ द्वारा अपनी सम्पूर्ण सदस्यता के साधारण बहुमत से पारित कर लिया जाए
लोक सभा द्वारा अपनी सम्पूर्ण सदस्य संख्या के कम-से-कम दो-तिहाई बहुमत से पारित कर लिया जाए
राज्य सभा द्वारा अपनी सम्पूर्ण सदस्यता के साधारण बहुमत से पारित कर लिया जाए
राज्य सभा द्वारा अपने उपस्थित एवं मत देने वाले सदस्यों के कम-से-कम दो-तिहाई बहुमत से पारित कर लिया जाए

Ans: D

96:- हाल ही में निम्नलिखित राज्यों में से किसने एक लम्बे नौसंचालन चैनल द्वारा समुद्र से जोड़े जाने के लिए एक कृत्रिम अंतर्देशीय बंदरगाह के निर्माण की संभावना का पता लगाया है?

आंध्र प्रदेश
छत्तीसगढ़
कर्नाटक
राजस्थ्ज्ञान

Ans: D

97:- वर्ष 2015 में पेरिस में UNFCCC बैठक में हुए समझौते के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

इस समझौते पर UN के सभी दसस्य देशोंन ने हस्ताक्षर किए और यह वर्ष 2017 से लागू होगा।
यह समझौता ग्रीनहाउस गैस के उत्सर्जन को सीमित करने का लक्ष्य रखता है जिससे इस नदी के अंत तक औसत वैश्विक तापमान की वृद्धि उद्योग-पूर्व स्तर (re-industrial) से 2° C या कोशिश् करें कि 15° C से भी अधिक न होने पाए।
विकसित देशों ने वैश्विक तापन में अपनी ऐतिहासिक जिम्मेदारी को स्वीकारा और जलवायु परिवर्तन का सामना करने के लिए विकासशील देशों की सहायता के लिए 2020 से प्रतिवर्ष 1000 अरब डाॅलर देने की प्रतिबद्धता जताई।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उतर चुनिए।

केवल 1 और 3
केवल 2
केवल 2 और 3
1, 2 और 3

Ans: B

98:- निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

धारणीय विकास लक्ष्य (Sustainable Development Goals) पहली बार 1972 में एक वैश्विक विचार मंडल (थिंक टैंक) ने, जिसे ‘क्लब आॅफ़ रोम’ कहा जाता था, प्रस्तावित किया था।
धारणीय विकास लक्ष्य 2030 तक प्राप्त किए जाने हैं?

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: B

99:- हाल ही में बना द मैन हू न्यू इनफिनिट (The Man Who Knew Infinity) शीर्षक वाला चलचित्रा किसके जीवनचरित पर आधारित है?

एस. रामानजुम
एस. चंद्रशेखर
एस. एन. बोस
सी. वी. रमन

Ans: A

100:- निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

किसी भी व्यक्ति के लिए पंचायत का सदस्य बनने के लिए न्यूनतम निर्धारित आयु 25 वर्ष है।
पंचायत के समयपूर्व भंग होने के पश्चात् पुनर्गठित पंचायत केवल अवशिष्ट समय के लिए ही जारी रहती है।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं?

केवल 1
केवल 2
1 और 2 दोनों
न तो 1, न ही 2

Ans: B

UPSC Mains Syllabus Hindi

2020-01-29T17:08:00.001+05:30

UPSC Mains Syllabus

2020-01-29T15:20:00.002+05:30

PAPER-I
Essay:
Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

PAPER-II
General Studies-I : Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events, personalities, issue.
The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Effects of globalization on Indian Society.
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

PAPER-III
General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations

Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the polity.
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Role of civil services in a democracy.
India and its neighborhood-relations.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, India diaspora.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

PAPER-IV

General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues from it.
Government Budgeting.
Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Land reforms in India.
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Investment models.
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Disaster and disaster management.
Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

PAPER-V

General Studies- IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
Case Studies on above issues.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

2020-01-28T22:19:00.002+05:30

Part A—Preliminary Examination

Paper I - (200 marks) Duration: Two hours

1:- Current events of national and international importance.

2:- History of India and Indian National Movement.

3:- Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.

4:- Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

5:- Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.

6:- General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization.

7:- General Science.

Paper II - (200 marks) Duration: Two hours

1:- Comprehension.

2:- Interpersonal skills including communication skills;

3:- Logical reasoning and analytical ability

4:- Decision-making and problem-solving

5:- General mental ability

6:- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. - Class X level)

Note 1 :Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.

Note 2 :The questions will be of multiple choice, objective type.

Note 3 :It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the Papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination for the purpose of evaluation. Therefore a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus in Hindi

Economy compilation from different exams

2020-01-08T16:15:00.003+05:30

Economy compilation from different exams

1:- The Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Clause under WTO regime is based on the principle of -
A. non-discrimination between nations
B. discrimination between nations
C. differential treatment between locals and foreigners
D. uniform tariff across commodities

Ans:- non-discrimination between nations. (A)

2:- Which one of the following indices is now used by the Reserve Bank of India to measure the rate of inflation in India?
A. NASDAQ Index
B. BSE Index
C. Consumer Price Index
D. Wholesale Price Index

Ans:- Consumer Price Index . (C)

3:- Amartya Sen was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contribution to -
A. Monetary Economics
B. Welfare Economics
C. Environmental Economics
D. Development Economics

Ans:- Welfare Economics. (B)

4:- Arrange the following events in sequential order as they happened in India:
1. Mahalanobis Model
2. Plan Holiday
3. Rolling Plan
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1, 2, 3 B. 3, 2, 1
C. 2, 3, 1 D. 1, 3, 2

Ans:- 1, 2, 3. (A)

5:- The monetary policy in India uses which of the following tools?
1. Bank rate
2. Open market operations
3. Public debt
4. Public revenue
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans:- 1 and 2 only. (A)

6:- Devaluation of currency will be more beneficial if prices of
A. domestic goods remain constant
B. exports become cheaper to importers
C. imports remain constant
D. exports rise proportionately

Ans:- exports become cheaper to importers. (B)

7:- The phenomenon of ‘demographic dividend’ of a country relates to
A. a sharp decline in total population
B. an increase in working age population
C. a decline in infant mortality rate
D. an increase in sex ration

Ans:- an increase in working age population . (B)

8:- In India, the base year of the new GDP series has been shifted from 2004-05 to
A. 2007-08
B. 2008-09
C. 2010-11
D. 2011-12

Ans:- 2011-12. (D)

9:- Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List – I	List – II
(Type of Deficit)	(Explanation)
A. Fiscal Deficit	1. Total Expenditure-Revenue Receipts & Non-debt Capital Receipts
B. Revenue Deficit	2. Revenue Expenditure-Revenue Receipts
C. Effective Revenue Deficit	3. Revenue Deficit-Grants for Creation of Capital Assets
D. Primary Deficit	4. Fiscal Deficit-Interest Payments

Ans:- The above match is correct.

10:- Who among the following scholars argued that “capital created underdevelopment not because it exploited the underdeveloped world, but because it did not exploit it enough”?
A. Bill Warren
B. Paul Baran
C. Geoffrey Kay
D. Lenin

Ans:- Geoffrey Kay. (C)

11:- UBI, as an alternative for subsidies in poverty alleviation, stands for
A. Union Basic Income
B. Undefined Basic Income
C. Unconditional Basic Income
D. Universal Basic Income

Ans:- Universal Basic Income. (D)

One line Pointers (Civil Services Prelims Exam 2018)- History

2020-01-08T11:35:00.003+05:30

One line Pointers (Civil Services Prelims Exam 2018)- History

1:- Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India? 1. Charter Act of 1813 2. General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823 3. Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans:- 1, 2 and 3. (d)

2:- In 1920, which of the following changed its name to “SwarajyaSabha”? (a) All India Home Rule League (b) Hindu Mahasabha (c) South Indian Liberal Federation (d) The Servants of India Society

Ans:- All India Home Rule League. (a)

3:- Which among the following events happened earliest? (a) Swami Dayanand established Arya Samaj. (b) DinabandhuMitra wrote Neeldarpan. (c) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Anandmath. (d) Satyendranath Tagore became the first India to succeed in the Indian Civil Services Examination.

Ans:- DinabandhuMitra wrote Neeldarpan. (b)

4:- With reference to educational institutions during colonial rule in India, consider the following pairs:

Institution	Founder
1. Sanskrit college at Banaras	William Jones
2. Calcutta Madarsa	Warren Hastings
3. Fort William college	Arthur Wellesley

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

Ans:- 2 only. (b)

Exp: Sanskrit college: Jonathan Duncan

Calcutta madarsa: Warren Hastings

Fort William College: Richard wellesly

5:- The wellknown painting “BaniThani” belongs to the (a) Bundi schools (b) Jaipur school (c) Kangra school (d) Kishangarh school

Ans:- Kishangarh school. (d)

6:- With references to cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Most of the Tyagarajakritis are devotional songs in praise of lord Krishna. 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraj are contemporaries 4. Annamacharyakirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara .Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2, 3 and 4

Ans:- 2 and 4 only. (b)

7:- Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha? (a) Active allIndia participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement (b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement (c) Joining of peasant unrest to India’s National Movement (d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops

Ans:- Joining of peasant unrest to India’s National Movement. (c)

8:- Who among the following were the founders of the “Hind MazdoorSabha” established in 1948? (a) B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George (b) Jayaprakash Narayan, DeenDayalUpadhyay and M.N. Roy (c) C.P. RamaswamyIyer, K. Kamaraj and VeeresalingamPantulu (d) Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta

Ans:- Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta. (d)

9:- With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Vaishnavism (d) Shaivism

Ans:- Jainism. (b)

10:- With reference to the cultural History of India, consider the following statements: 1. White marble was used in making BulandDarwaza and Khankah at FatehpurSikr. 2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow. 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:- 1 only. (a)

11:- Which one of the following foreign travelers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines on India (a) Francois Bernier (b) Jean Baptiste Tavernier (c) Jean de Thevenot (d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre

Ans:- Jean Baptiste Tavernier. (b)

12:- With reference to India history, who among the following is future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (a) Avalokiteshvara (b) Lokesvara (c) Maitreya (d) Padmapani

Ans:- Maitreya. (c)

13:- Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley? (a) To maintain a large standing army at other’ expense (b) To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger (c) To secure a fixed income for the Company (d) To establish British paramountcy over the Indian States

Ans:- To secure a fixed income for the Company. (c)

14:- Regarding Wood’s Dispatch, which of the following statements are true? 1. GrantsinAid system was introduced 2. Establishment of universities was recommended. 3. English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans:- 1 and 2 only. (a)

One line Pointers (Civil Services Prelims Exam 2018).

2020-01-07T22:13:00.002+05:30

One line Pointers (Civil Services Prelims Exam 2018)

1:- If the president of India exercise his power as provided under article 356 of the constitutional in respect of a particular state, then (a) The assemble of the state is automatically dissolved. (b) The powers of the legislature of that state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the parliament. (c) Article 19 is suspended in that state. (d) The president can make laws relating to that state.

Ans:- The president can make laws relating to that state. (d)

2:- Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statements? (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.

Ans:- Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III . (c)

3:- Consider the following statements: 1. In the first LokSabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party. 2. In the LokSabha, a “Leader of the Opposition” was recognised for the first time in 1969. 3. In the LokSabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans:- 2 only. (b)

4:- Consider the following statements: 1. The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitutions of India. 2. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it.

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:- 1 only. (a)

5:- Regarding Money Bill, which of the following statements in not correct? (a) A bill shall be deemed to be a Money Bill if it contains only provisions relating to imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax. (b) A Money Bill has provisions for the custody of the consolidated fund of India or the contingency fund of India. (c) A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of moneys out of the contingency fund of India. (d) A Money Bill deals with the regulation of borrowing of money or giving any guarantee by the government of India.

Ans:- A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of moneys out of the contingency fund of India. (c)

6:- With reference to the election of the president of India, consider the following statements. 1. The value of the vote of each MLA varies from state to state. 2. The value of the vote of MPs of the LokSabha is more than the value of the vote of KPs of the RajyaSabha. 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:- Both 1 and 2. (c)

7:- In the Federation established by The Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the (a) Federal Legislative (b) Governor General (c) Provincial Legislature (d) Provincial Governors

Ans:- Governor General. (b)

8:- Consider the following statements: 1. The Speakers of the Legislative Assembly shall vacate his/her office if he/she ceases to be a member of the Assembly 2. Whenever the legislative assembly is dissolved, the speaker shall vacate his/her office immediately. 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:- 1 only. (a)

9:- Which one of the following reflects the most appropriate relationship between law and liberty? (a) It there are more laws, there is less liberty. (b) If there are no laws, there is no liberty. (c) If there is liberty, laws have to be made by the people. (d) If laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger

Ans:- If there are no laws, there is no liberty. (b)

10:- Consider the following statements: 1. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any court during his term of office. 2. The emoluments and allowance of the Governor of a State shall not be diminished during his term of office. 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:- Both 1 and 2. (c)

11:- Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the “Rule of Law”? 1. Limitation of powers 2. Equality before law 3. People’s responsibility to the government 4. Liberty and civil rights Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1,2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans:- 1,2 and 4 only. (c)

12:- With reference to the Parliament of India which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, subrules, bylaws, etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation? (a) Committee on Government Assurances (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation (c) Rules Committee (d) Business Advisory Committee

Ans:- Committee on Subordinate Legislation. (b)

13:- Consider the following statements: 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to posses the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State council of Teacher Education. 2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education Guidelines. 3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

Ans:- 2 only. (b)

14:- International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to (a) Child labour (b) Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change (c) Regulation of food prices and food security (d) Gender parity at the workplace

Ans:- Child labour. (a)

One-line Pointer From CDS(II) 2018 Exam

2019-12-30T19:19:00.000+05:30

Solved CDS(II) 2018 Exam

1:- The Harappan Site at Kot Diji is close to which one of the following major sites of that civilization? (a) Harappa (b) Mohenjo-daro (c) Lothal (d) Kalibangan

Ans:- Mohenjo-daro.

2:- The story Gandatindu Jataka was written in which language? (a) Sanskrit (b) Telugu (c) Tamil (d) Pali

Ans:- Pali.

3:- According to the Tamil Sangam texts, who among the following were the large land owners? (a) Gahapatis (b) Uzhavars (c) Adimais (d) Vellalars

Ans:- Vellalars.

4:- According to the Manusmriti, women can acquire wealth through which of the following means? (a) Purchase (b) Investment (c) Token of affection (d) Inheritance

Ans:- Token of affection.

5:- The dialogue on Varna between king Avantiputta and Kachchana, a disciple of Buddha, appears in which one of the following Buddhist texts? (a) Majjhima Nikaya (b) Samyutta Nikaya (c) Anguttara Nikaya (d)Ambattha Sutta

Ans:- Majjhima Nikaya.

6:- In the first century AD, which among the following was not a major item of Indian exports to Rome? (a) Pepper (b) Spikenard (c) Tortoiseshell (d) Nutmeg

Ans:- Nutmeg.

7:- Who among the following European Travellers never returned to Europe and settled down in India? (a) Duarte Barbosa (b) Manucci (c) Tavernier (d) Bernier

Ans:- Manucci.

8:- The class of Amar Nayakas in Vijayanagara is a reference to which of the following? (a) Village Chieftains (b) Senior Civil Servants (c) Tributary Chiefs (d) Military Commanders

Ans:- Military Commanders.

9:- The important source for Akbar's reign, Tarikh-i-Akbari was written by which one of the following Persian language scholars? (a) Arif Qandahari (b) Bayazid Bayat (c) Abdul Qadir Badauni
(d) Nizamuddin Ahmad

Ans:- Arif Qandahari.

10:- The aristocrat Muqarrab Khan was a great favourite of which Mughal Emperor? (a) Akbar (b) Jahangir (c) Farrukhsiyar (d) Shah Alam

Ans:- Jahangir.

11:- Who was the first Nawab Wazir of Awadh in the 18th century? (a) Nawab Safdarjung (b) Nawab Saadat Ali Khan (c) Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula (d) Nawab Saadat Khan

Ans:- Nawab Saadat Khan.

12:- According to the French traveller Tavernier, the majority of houses in Varanasi during the 17th century were made of? (a) brick and mud (b) stone and thatch (c) wood and stone (d) brick and stone

Ans:- brick and stone

Tissues [Plant and Animal Tissues]

2019-12-29T23:50:00.001+05:30

Tissues [Plant and Animal Tissues]

Tissues - A group of cells having similar structure and performing similar functions is called a tissue.

Plant Tissues -

1:- Meristematic Tissues - It consists of rapidly dividing cells. These cells lead to rapid growth in the plant and are thus located in actively growing regions namely, the root tip and the shoot tip. This tissue keeps on dividing throughout the life of the plant. The cells of this tissue are thin-walled and closely packed without any spaces in between. The cells are almost alike irrespective of their location and may be round, oval, or polygonal in shape.

Meristematic tissue divides rapidly and forms a large number of cells. These cells undergo gradual changes and acquire specific functions and form the permanent tissue. As the meristematic tissue keeps on adding new cells to the plant body, it results in the growth of the plant.

In an older seedling, the meristematic tissue is present at the tip of the root (radicle) and the tip of the newly emerged shoot.

2:- Permanent Tissue - It consists of non-dividing cells. These cells have lost the power of dividing and have become specialised to perform specific function. They have diverse shapes and sizes that suit the function they perform. Cells of permanent tissues are derived from the meristematic tissue and may be thin-walled or thick-walled, living or dead. Since this tissue has acquired a permanent structure, it is called a permanent tissue.

Permanent tissues are of three types -

1:- Dermal Tissue -

The term 'dermal' is derived from the Greek word 'derma' meaning skin.
It forms the outermost layer covering the entire surface of the plant body.
It usually consists of a one-cell thick layer of closely packed cells having no space in between.
The dermal tissue possesses several special structure to suit the part of the plant body it covers.
In the leaves the dermal tissue possesses several minute pores called stomata which help in exchange of gases.
The dermal tissue may also possess soft or stiff hairs.
Functions - (a) It protects the inner parts of the plant. (b) It reduces the evaporation of water from the plant surface. (c) It helps in exchange of gases (oxygen, carbon-dioxide and water vapour) between the plant body and atmosphere through stomata. (d) In the roots, dermal tissue bears certain hairs that help in the absorption of water and mineral salts.

2:- Ground Tissue - It forms the main bulk of the plant body. It provides mechanical support to the plant. It extends from beneath the dermal tissue to the centre of the plant.

Ground tissue can be of three types :-

Parenchyma - It consists of thin-walled rounded or polygonal living cells. It is generally found in all soft parts of plants. Its main function is storage of food. Parenchyma also serves as packing tissue. It contains chloroplasts in leaves and helps in photosynthesis.
Collenchyma - Cells of collenchyma are somewhat elongated and have thickened corners. These are living cells which give strength and flexibility to the plant body. Collenchyma allows the bending of plant parts without breaking. It is generally not found in monocots.
Sclerenchyma - It is composed of dead, thick-walled cells. These cells are long and narrow, fibre-like (thread-like) in appearance. They give strength and rigidity to the plant body. Sclerenchyma is found in all the hard parts of the plant body such as hard seed-coats, nuts and stony fruits. Fibre-yielding plants such as hemp and jute contain long fibres of sclerenchyma.

3:- Vascular Tissue - The term vascular is derived from a Latin word meaning tubes and vessels. It is a conducting tissue which transports water, minerals and food to different parts of the plant. This tissue consists of long cells placed end to end to form long pipes or tubes.

Vascular tissue is of two types:-

Xylem - The word xylem is derived from a Greek word meaning "wood".
It is mainly made of long, thick-walled dead cells placed end to end forming long pipes and running from roots to the leaf tips.
The partitions between the cells dissolve to allow formation of continuous pipes.
These cells carry water and mineral salts from roots to other parts of the plant and provide mechanical strength to the plant body.
Phloem - The word phloem is derived from a Greek word meaning "bark".
It consists of tubular cells with sieve-like partitions in between.
Phloem cells are living and serve to transport the food produced by green leaves to other parts of the plant body.
Xylem and Phloem are often closely associated with each other forming structures called Vascular Bundles.

Animal Tissues - In multicellular animals four main types of tissues are found - Epithelial tissue, Muscular tissue, Nervous tissue and Connective tissue.

1:- Epithelial Tissue -

The term was coined by Ruysch.
It is a fundamental animal tissue which is made of one or a few layers of compactly arranged cells overlying a basement membrane that covers the external and internal surfaces of various body parts.
Based on their shapes they are categorised into- (a) Squamous epithelium - having flattened cells. (b) Cubodial epithelium - having cubodial cells. (c) Columnar epithelium - having tall column-like cells.
Functions - (a) It protects the body and its internal organs. (b) The epithelial cells lining the stomach wall secrete digestive juice. (c) Epithelial cells in intestine help in the absorption of digested food. (d) Epithelial cells present in the skin help in the removal of wastes as sweat. (e) Epithelial cells lining the nose and trachea produce a sticky secretion called mucus which traps dust particles and harmful bacteria. (f) In trachea and oesophagus the epithelial cells bear tiny projections called cilia which prevent entry of dust particles. (g) It determines polarity, metabolism, cell division, repair and movement of other tissues.

2:- Muscular Tissue - It causes movements of limbs and internal organs and also locomotion of the organism. It is found in every part of the body which shows movement. Muscle tissue is a bundle of muscle cells which contract forcefully and again return to the relaxed state. This ability of the muscle cells to contract and relax is called contractility. Muscle cells are thin and elongated and are often called muscle fibres. In higher animals some muscles are attached to the skeleton while some others form walls of internal organs like heart, stomach, intestine, urinary bladder and blood vessels.

The heart is largely made of muscle tissue which gives it ability to contract and relax repeatedly. Food moves forward in our stomach and intestine because of the repeated contractions of their muscular walls. Based on their structure and function muscle tissues can be classified to three types-

(a) Skeletal muscles or striated muscles - These muscles are attached to the skeleton and hence the name skeletal muscle. The skeletal muscle is made of bundles of long, unbranched, cylindrical cells that show transverse striations (stripes or bands) which give them their other name, strirated muscles.

The striated muscles can be moved at our will. Therefore, they are also called voluntary muscles. This is the only type of muscle which is in our control.

For example, the muscles involved in locomotion are voluntary muscles.

(b) Smooth Muscles - Smooth muscle fibres are long and spindle shaped. They do not show any stripes or striations and are therefore called smooth muscles. They are involuntary muscles, i.e., the movement of these muscles is not under our control. They are found in the walls of most internal organs like stomach, intestine, urinary bladder and blood vessels. These muscles bring about movement of food in the alimentary canal, movement of urine in the urinary ducts and in the urinary bladder and movement of blood in the blood vessels.

(c) Cardiac muscles - are found only in heart. They are involuntary muscles. They go on contracting rapidly but rhythmically throughout one's life without tiring. Cardiac muscles fibres have striations like the striated muscle fibres but are branched forming junctions with neighbouring cells.

3:- Nervous Tissue - It is found in the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Nervous tissue is made of specialized cells called neurons. A typical nerve cell has three parts.

A cell body which contains nucleus.
Short processes called dendrites emerging from the cell body.
A long cylindrical process called axon emerging from the cell body.

Several nerve cells are collected into bundles and covered by a connective tissue covering to form nerves. These nerves carry messages from one part of the body to the other. Nervous tissue is not present in all animals. Lower animals like hydra have very few nerve cells.

4:- Connective Tissue - The prime function of connective tissue is to bind together other tissues and support various organs of the body.It fills up the space between the organs, thereby forming a packing around organs.

Connective Tissue is different from other tissues because while all other tissues have tightly packed cells, in connective tissue, cells are separated from one another by a non-living substance called matrix. Matrix forms the main bulk of the connective tissue and the cells are few and wide apart. Composition of the matrix varies in different types of connective tissues. Blood, bones, cartilage, tendon and ligament are different types of connective tissues.

Blood - Read Here

Bone - is a hard connective tissue. The hardness is due to the presence of calcium and other minerals in the matrix. Bones support the body and provide framework for body movement. Bones protect internal organs like brain and heart.

Cartilage - is a flexible tissue found in ear lobes, nose tip, trachea and between vertebrae. Cartilage provides support and flexibility to a region where it is present.

Tendon - Muscles are connected to bones by means of bands of strong and flexible connective tissue called tendons.

Ligament - Bones are connected to each other at the joints by tough, yet flexible connective tissue bands called ligaments.

Chemical Coordination in Plants & Animals

2019-04-10T16:58:00.002+05:30

Chemical Coordination in Plants:-

Plants do not have a nervous system but they coordinate their activities by means of some chemicals called the plant hormones or phytohormones. Depending upon the effect on plants growth, phytohormones have been grouped into following categories-

Growth Promoters - These are the phytohormones which stimulate the growth of the plants. These include auxin, gibberellins, cytokinins, florigen etc.
Growth Inhibitors - these are the phytohormones which retard the growth & other physiological activities of the plants. These include Abscisic acid, ethylene, dormin etc.

Auxin -

was the first hormone to be discovered.
Auxins were discovered by Dutch botanist F.W.Went, by experimenting on oat (Avena sativa).
They are produced by the region of rapid growth & differentiation such as apical meristems (tips of roots & stems), young flower buds, young leaves & developing seeds.
Auxins stimulate the tissues near the root tip & shoot tip to show rapid cell division.
Auxin can be used for production of seedless fruits or parthenocarpy.
Phototropic & geotropic movements of plants are mediated through differential distribution of IAA (natural auxin).

Gibberellins -

Extract from fungus.
weakly acidic plant growth hormones which possess gibbane ring structure & are able to bring about cell elongation of both leaves & stems in general & internodal length of genetically dwarf plants in particular like corn, pea etc.

Cytokinins - are growth hormones of basic nature which are usually amino-purine (occasionally adenine) derivatives & promote cell division in plants.

Abscisic acid -

It induces dormancy & helps overcome stress conditions.
It is also called as stress hormone or dormin.
It induces parthenocarpy in case of Rose.
It causes abscission of fruits & flowers.

Ethylene -

is synthesized in the plants from amino acid methionine.
it produces the affect on the growth of vegetative & reproductive parts of the plants.
it causes stunted growth in peas.
it is associated with fruit ripening, leaf drop & senescence.

Chemical Coordination in Animals:-

Several activities of the human body like growth, reproduction & development are controlled by secretions from certain glands called endocrine glands or ductless glands. The secretion of the endocrine glands are called hormones.
The term hormone was devised in 1902 by Bayliss & Starling in England when they discovered the secretin hormone.

Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis) -

Also called the master gland.
situated in the ventral side of the brain.
Anterior lobe secretes six hormones -

Thyroid stimulating hormone which stimulates the thyroid gland to grow & to produce thyroxine.

Growth hormone which stimulates the growth of tissues particularly the bones. Its deficiency causes dwarfism & if produced excessively, it causes gigantism.

Adreno-cortico-trophic hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce its own hormone Cortisone.

Prolactin or Luteotrophic hormone stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk after pregnancy.

Follicle stimulating hormone - influences the growth & maturation of Graafian follicles in the ovary which then produce their own female sex hormone, oestrogen & the maturation of spermatozoa in the testes.

Luteinizing hormone stimulates the interstitial cells of the testis to produce the male sex hormone, testosterone. In the female, it causes the ripe ovum to be released from the follicle, release of oestrogen hormone & formation of corpus luteum.

Middle lobe secretes only one hormone, melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). It is associated with growth & development of melanocytes which gives the skin its colour. It also regulates the contents of lipids in hair.

Posterior lobe secretes two hormones-

Oxytocin - It causes the contraction of the uterus in female during the child birth & also stimulates the mammary glands to release their stored milk after pregnancy.

Vasopressin - It controls water re-absorption in the distal tubule & collecting tubule of the nephrons of a kidney during the urine formation. It also maintains the blood pressure.

Adrenal glands (Suprarenal Gland) -

are paired glands located on the upper ends of the kidneys.
Produce three hormones - Cortisone, Cortisol & Aldosterone.
Cortisone & cortisol influence the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats & proteins.
Aldosterone maintains the electrolyte balance & blood volume.
Deficiency of Aldosterone causes Addison's disease.
Medulla of adrenal gland produce two hormones - adrenaline (epinephrin) & noradrenaline (norepinephrin).
Adrenaline is an emergency hormone because of which adrenal gland is also called emergency gland or 3F gland i.e. fright, fight & flight.
Adrenaline is directly secreted into the blood & carried to different parts of the body. The target organs or the specific tissues on which it acts include the heart. As a result, the heart beats faster, resulting in supply of more oxygen to our muscles.

Thyroid Gland -

present in front part of larynx & upper part of trachea in the neck region.
Largest endocrine gland.
This gland releases a hormone called Thyroxine.
Hypothyroidism (deficiency of thyroxine) - causes Cretinism, Myxoedema (Gull's disease), Goitre (due to deficiency of iodine in the diet. Iodine act as the raw material for the synthesis of thyroxine).
Hyperthyroidism (excess of thyroxine) causes Grave's disease.

Nervous System

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Nervous System - The nervous system receives information about external & internal changes, communicates the information to different parts of the body & coordinates the activities of the different organs & organ systems. The nervous system includes the following parts- brain, spinal cord, nerves & the five sense organs namely eyes, ears, nose, tongue & skin.

Brain (Encephalon) -

It is present in the head region, inside the skull bone i.e. Cranium.
It is about 1200-1400 gms & constitutes 98 % weight of the central nervous system.
The brain is divided into three parts - forebrain, midbrain & hindbrain.

The forebrain contains cerebrum which is the largest part of the brain. Cerebrum is divided into right & left cerebral hemispheres. Cerebrum controls all mental activities or Voluntary activities like memory, intelligence, reasoning, emotions & sensations.

The hindbrain contains the cerebellum (second largest part of brain) & the medulla oblongata. Medulla oblongata controls complex activities like breathing, swallowing, coughing, sneezing, blood pressure etc.

The midbrain connects the cerebral hemispheres with the hindbrain.

Spinal cord - It is a tube-like structure connected to the medulla oblongata that comes out through a hole in the skull. Spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column (backbone).

Nerves - Nerves arise both from the brain & the spinal cord. They connect brain & spinal cord to different parts of the body. Nerves arising from the brain are called cranial nerves, while those arising from the spinal cord are called spinal nerves. Nerves carry messages from the sense organ to the brain. Brain interprets the message & decide how to react to the message received. Again, it sends messages through nerves to the respective organ where response has to be shown.

Transmission of information - The basic functional & structural unit of the nervous system is the nerve cell called the neuron. The neurons are arranged end to end. They transmit messages along their length from one neuron to the next. This is how messages are carried from sense organ to the spinal cord & brain & back.

-----> The brain & spinal cord constitute the central nervous system.
-----> The cranial nerves & spinal nerves constitute the peripheral nervous system.

Components of Blood

2019-04-07T18:41:00.001+05:30

Blood - is an important fluid connective tissue & consists of two components - fluid part called plasma & cells called formed elements. Formed elements are of three types - Red blood corpuscles , white blood corpuscles & blood platelets.

Plasma -

Plasma is a faint yellow coloured, homogenous, non-living, slightly alkaline viscous fluid part of blood into which float different types of blood cells i.e. RBC, WBC & platelets.
contain several salts, glucose, proteins, amino acids, hormones etc.
Serum is blood plasma from which the blood clotting protein called fibrinogen is removed.

Red blood corpuscles or Erythrocytes -

disc-shaped cells that contain a red-coloured pigment called haemoglobin, which is a protein with iron in its molecules.
Haemoglobin transports oxygen & carbon-dioxide.
These cells have no nuclei.
In human beings, erythrocytes have an average lifespan of 120 days.
Number - The total number of RBC's per micro litre is called RBC count. Normal RBC counts is slightly low in a woman than a man. RBC count in adult male is 5-5.5 milion/cubic ml. of blood, while it is 4.5-5.0 million/cubic ml. in females. In infants and foetus it is 6-7 and 7-8 million respectively. The total number of RBC's in adult man is 30 trillions.
The instrument used to determine RBC count is haemocytometer.
Two important factors which increase RBC count is physiological condition and high altitudes.
RBC count decrease due to heamorrhage, haemolysis etc. and is called erythro-cytopenia while increase in RBC count is known as Polycythemia.

White blood corpuscles or Leucocytes -

Large & irregularly shaped cells.
Much bigger than red blood cells & are fewer in number.
Their cytoplasm is colourless, without haemoglobin.
The life span of WBC's is 3-4 days.
They are of five types - lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil & basophil.
Monocytes are the largest white blood cell.
Lymphocytes are the smallest white blood cell.
Consume harmful bacteria & viruses that enter our body & produce special proteins called antibodies that protect us from infection.
Most white blood cells are amoeboid & can throw out pseudopodia by which they can squeeze out through thin walls of the capillaries into the tissues. This process is called diapedesis.
The rise in WBC count is called leucocytosis. It is a physiological response to infection (pneumonia, appendicitis etc.).
Cancer (Leukemia) - occur when there is unwanted & uncontrolled increase in number of white blood corpuscles.
The fall in WBC count is called leucopenia. It occurs in conditions like folic deficiency or AIDS infection.

Blood platelets or Thrombocytes -

are smaller than the red blood cells.
They are often without nucleus.
There are about 2,50,000 platelets in per cubic millimeter of blood.
They are produced in the red bone marrow and their life span is 3-7days only.
A marked decrease in the number of blood platelets is called thrombocytopenia while increase in number is called thrombocytosis.
Their cytoplasm is colourless, with distinct granules.
At injury, the platelets release a number of platelet factors and an enzyme-thromboplastin which helps in coagulation and clot formation of blood to prevent excessive bleeding.

Coagulation or Clotting of Blood:-

The property of blood to change from fluid to gel state with in a few minutes of its coming in contact with air is called clotting. It is a nature's device to check the excessive loss of blood from an injury. The process of clotting is initiated by blood platelets in mammals and thrombocytes in case of other vertebrates. The injury of a tissue disintegrates the blood platelets while coming in contact with the collagen fibre release two substances- Serotonin and thromboplastin which minimise the loss of blood by two ways- Serotonin causes constriction of bood vessels thus reduces blood loss while thromboplastin helps in clot formation.

Clot Formation - Formation of clot can be described in three steps-

When the blood capillaries are ruptured at the site of an injury, the blood platelets disintegrated and release a phospholipid, called platelet factor-3 (platelet thromboplastin). Injured tissue also release a liprprotein factor called thromboplastin. These two factors combine with calcium ions(Ca++) and certain proteins of blood plasma to form an enzyme called prothrombinase.
Prothrombinase inactivates heparin (antiprothrombinor anticogulant) in presence of Ca++. Prothrombinase catalysis breakdown of prothrombin (an inactive plasma protein) into an active protein called thrombin and some small peptide fragment.
Thrombin acts as a proteolytic enzyme to separate two peptide from soluble plasma protein-fibrinogen molecules to form insoluble fibrin monomers. The thin long and solid fibres of fibrin monomer form a fine network over the wound and trap the blood cells (RBC's, WBC's and platelets) to form a crust called clot. The clot seals the wound and stop bleeding. It takes 2-8 minutes to form a clot after injury. The platelets trapped in the clot release more thromboplastin which keeps the cycle going on. Soon after the clot starts contracting (by actin and myosin contraction apparatus), a pale yellow fluid is squeezed out. It is called serum. The serum is blood minus fibrinogen and corpuscles. It is therefore unable to clot.

Vitamin-K is also essential for the clotting of blood. It helps in the synthesis of prothrombin and fibrinogen in liver. Deficiency of Vitamin-K in our diet delays in clotting of blood and produces symptoms similar to those of haemophilla or bleeder's disease.

Rivers of India

2019-04-07T00:11:00.001+05:30

(a) The Indus System-

Indus -

also known as sindhu.
Westernmost Himalayan river.
Originate from a glacier near Bokhar chu in Tibet region.
it enters India in the ladakh district of J&K.
Mountain range - Kailash.
in Tibet, Indus is known as Singi Khamban or Lion's mouth.
Several tributaries like the Zaskar, the Nubra, the Shyok & the Hunza join it in the Kashmir region.
Tributaries of Indus-

Jhelum - rises from a spring at Verinag in Kashmir valley. Then it flows into Wular Lake where Kishenganga project is located.

Chenab - largest tributary of the Indus. Formed by two streams, the Chandra & the Bagha, which join at Tandi near keylong in Himachal Pradesh.

Ravi - originate at Rohtang pass near Himachal Pradesh.

Beas - originate at Beas kund near Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh.

Satluj - originate at Rakas lake in Tibet. It enters H.P. at Shipki La. It is an antecedent river.

-----> Ghagghar-Hakra - It originates at Ambala & loses in the desert in Hanumangarh.

(b) The Ganga System-

Ganga -

Largest, longest , national , holliest river of India.
Originate as Bhagirathi from gangotri glacier near Gaumukh & is called as Ganga only when Alaknanda joins it at Devprayag.
Tributaries of Ganga-

Yamuna - Largest & most important tributary of Ganga. Rises from Yamunotri glacier in Uttarakhand. Joins Ganga at Prayag (Allahabad). Tributaries - Chambal - originate at Mhow Cantt, Indore. Joins Yamuna at Itawah. Cuts a gorge ; Ken - Originates in Malwa plateau, makes a gorge, joins Yamuna at Banda, UP. ; Sind ; Betwa.
Son - Only tributary of Ganga from south. It joins Ganga directly. Originates at Amarkantak in Chattisgarh. It is an example of radial drainage & centrifugal drainage in India.
Ghaghra - It originates in Nepal, cuts a gorge and joins Ganga near Chapra. Antecedent. Kali - Also called Sharda, originates in Nepal and meets Ghaghra at Barabanki.
Gandak - Enters India at Champaran and meets Ganga at Sonpur near Patna.
Kosi: It joins Ganga at Manihari. Originates at Mt. Everest.

(c) The Brahmaputra River System – The Brahmaputra rises in Tibet east of Mansarowar lake very close to the sources of the Indus and the Satluj. It is slightly longer than the Indus, and most of its course lies outside India. It flows eastwards parallel to the Himalayas.

U-Turn or the Great Bend of Brahamputra – On reaching the Namcha Barwa (7757 m), it takes a ‘U’ turn and enters (it is due to syntaxial bending of the Himalaya) India in Arunachal Pradesh through a gorge. Here, it is called the Dihang and it is joined by the Dibang, the Lohit, and many other tributaries to form the Brahmaputra in Assam. In Tibet the river carries a smaller volume of water and less silt as it is a cold and a dry area. In India it passes through a region of high rainfall. Here the river carries a large volume of water and considerable amount of silt.

Brahamputra as a Braided Channel – The Brahmaputra has a braided channel in its entire length in Assam and forms many riverine islands. (Majuli is the largest river island in the world) Every year during the rainy season, the river overflows its banks, causing widespread devastation due to floods in Assam and Bangladesh. Braided Streams occur in rivers with high slope and/or large sediment load. Braided channels are also typical of environments that dramatically decrease channel depth, and consequently channel velocity, such as river deltas, alluvial fans and peneplains.

Why Brahmaputra shifts its path frequently? – Unlike other north Indian rivers the Brahmaputra is marked by huge deposits of silt on its bed causing the river bed to rise.

The river also shifts its channel frequently.

(d) River System of the Peninsular Drainage –

1. Luni: Originates at Ajmer, drains west of Aravalis and merges into Rann of Kuchch.

2. Sabarmati: Drains south Aravalis into Gulf of Khambat.

3. Mahi: Originates in Vindhyan hills. Drains into Gulf of Khambat.

4. Narmada: Originates at Amarkantak in Maikal hills in Chattisgarh. Flows into Gulf of Khambat. Makes an estuary near Bharuch. 1300 km. Flow through rift valley between the satpura in the south & the Vindhyan range in the north. Sardar sarovar project constructed on this river.

5. Tapi: It rises in Satpura hills. Makes an estuary near Surat. 725 km. Flow through rift valley.

6. Subernrekha: Rises near Ranchi and flows east into Bay of Bengal (BOB).

7. Brahmani: It merges into Mahanadi and flows into BoB at Paradip port. Its tributaries Koel and Sankh join at Rourkela.

8. Mahanadi: It rises in Chattisgarh, Hirakud dam is built at the gorge where it turns right. Meets BoB at Cuttack. 850 km.

9. Godavari: Rises in Nasik at Western Ghats. 1465 km.

10. Krishna: Originates in Mahabaleshwar. 1400 km.

11. Pennar: Rises in Kolar.

12. Cauveri: It rises in South Mysore plateau and near Mysore Krishna Sagar dam has been built. 800 km.

Process of digestion in human beings

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The process of digestion involves intake of the food (Ingestion), breakdown of the food into micromolecules (Digestion), absorption of these molecules into the blood stream (Absorption), the absorbed substances becoming components of cells (Assimilation) and elimination of the undigested substances (Egestion). Digestive system includes the alimentary canal and associated digestive glands.

1:- Alimentary Canal or Digestive Tract --- It includes-

Oral Cavity (Mouth, lips, tongue, teeth, etc.).
Pharynx.
Oesophagus.
Stomach.
Small Intenstine – Duodenum, Jejunum, ileum
Large Intenstine – Caecum (with vermiform appendix, the inflammation of which causes appendicitis), Colon, Rectum.

2:- Digestive Glands --- It includes-

Salivary glands – Parotid, Submaxillary, Sublingual.
Liver (largest organ of the body).
Pancreas.

Process of digestion in Human Beings-

1:- Digestion in Mouth- Food is taken through the mouth. Mouth prepares the food for digestion. In the mouth, teeth chew and masticate the food. Teeth break the food into the smaller particles of food. Salivary glands in mouth produce a juice called saliva, saliva lubricates the food and help in swallowing the food. Saliva also secretes an enzyme called salivary amylase, which converts starch into sugar. From the mouth the food is passed into the stomach through a duct known as Oesophagus (by peristalsis).

2:- Digestion in Stomach- Gastric glands are present in stomach. These glands produce gastric juice, which contains following three enzymes-

A:- Pepsin- It converts proteins of food into peptones.

B:- Renin- It converts milk into curd in young ones.

C:- Gastric Lipase- It converts fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Stomach also contains small amount of HCL acid. This acid kills the harmful germs present in the food, it stops the action of salivary amylase.

In the stomach, the partially digested food is called chime, which is passed into the duodenum of the small intestine.

3:- Digestion in Small Intestine-

A:- Digestion in Duodenum- Bile juice produced by the liver and pancreatic juice produced by the pancreas act on the food in the duodenum.

Bile Juice- It is an alkaline (basic) juice produced by the liver. It kills germs present in the food. It stops the action of Gastric glands. It emulsifies fats i.e. it converts large pieces of fats into small pieces. It makes the medium of food basic, which is important for the functioning of pancreatic juice.

Pancreatic Juice- It is produced by the pancreas and it contains following three enzymes in it-

Trypsin- It converts peptones into peptides.
Amylase- It converts starch into Sucrose, Maltose and Lactose.
Lipase- It converts fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

B:- Digestion in ileum- It is also a part of the small intestine. It produces intestinal juice, which contains following enzymes-

Peptidase-It converts peptides into amino acids.
Sucrase- It converts sucrose into glucose.
Maltase- It converts maltose into glucose.
Lactase- It converts lactose into glucose.
Lipase- It converts fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Now the food is fully digested and is called as chyle.

4:- Absorption of Food- ileum (small intestine) is the site for the absorption of the food. It is a process in which the digested (soluble) food material is absorbed by the cells of villi by simple diffusion or by active transportation.

Villi are the small folds present in the ileum. Villi increase the surface area for absorption. These are richly supplied with blood vessels and lymph vessels known as lacteals. They absorbed glucose and adds into the blood through the blood vessels whereas fatty acids enter into the blood through the lacteals.

5:- Assimilation- It is the process in which digested food performs different functions in the body and becomes part of the protoplasm.

The food absorbed in the blood is carried to the heart by the blood. The heart pumps this food absorbed blood to various parts of the body to perform different functions and becomes the parts of the protoplasm.

5:- Egestion- During the process of digestion, some of the food materials remains undigested in the ileum. The undigested food material passes into the large intestine. This undigested food is removed out of the body through the muscular action of the rectum through Anus as a faecal material. This process of removing the undigested food material in the form of faecal material is called egestion.

Modes of Nutrition

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Nutrition :-

Food is required by all the living beings to survive. Food contains various nutrients. The process by which the food is obtained and considered by living organism to get energy and various other materials for the growth, repair, development and maintenance of the various body parts is called nutrition.

Modes or Types of Nutrition- There are two modes of nutrition which are as under-

Autotrophic Nutrition- The mode of nutrition in which green plants prepare their own food with the help of sunlight trapped by chlorophyllis called autotrophic nutrition. They use CO2 and H2O and manufacture carbohydrates in the presence of sunlight. The process involves is called as photosynthesis. Such organisms are called autotrophs and their mode of nutrition is called autotrophic.
Heterotrophic Nutrition- In this type of nutrition, the organism obtain organic food materials by consuming bodies or products of other living or dead plants or animals. Heterotrophs can be classified into the following types depending on their feeding habits -

Herbivores - Animals that feed on plants are called herbivores. Example - deer, cow, rabbit, sheep, elephant, giraffe etc.
Carnivores - Animals that feed on the flesh of other animals are called carnivore. Example - lion, tiger, hyena, lizard etc. Some plants are also carnivores. Insects & small animals are digested with the help of digestive juices secreted by the cells of these plants. Sundew, venus flytrap & pitcher plant are some carnivorous (insectivorous) plants.
Omnivores - Animals that feed on both plants & flesh are called omnivores. Example - Human beings, dog, cockroach etc.
Parasites - Organisms that depend on other organisms for food & shelter are called parasites. The other organism is called the host. The parasite derives benefit from the host & harms it in the process. For example - roundworm & tapeworm are parasites living in the human intestine. Similarly, dodder is a parasitic plant that absorbs food material from host plants.
Saprophytes - Organisms that feed on dead & decaying organic matter are called saprophytes. Example - mushroom, earthworm & some bacteria.
Scavengers - Animals that feed on dead animals are called scavengers. Example - vulture, jackal, crow etc.

All heterotrophs depend on autotrophs directly or indirectly for food. Autotrophs in turn depend on sun for preparing food. Thus, all living organisms ultimately depend on sun for obtaining nourishment. Thus, sun is the ultimate source of energy on the earth.

Nutrition in Animals - The various steps involved in the process of nutrition are as follows -

Ingestion - Ingestion is the process of taking in of food. Several animals have special organs for the process of ingestion.
Digestion - Digestion is the process of breaking down complex food molecules like carbohydrates & fats into simpler forms. Digestion is carried out with the help of certain chemical substances called enzymes. Enzymes are molecule made of protein that speed up chemical reactions in the body.
Absorption - It is the process by which digested food molecules are taken up (or absorbed) by the wall of the intestine & sent to the circulatory system (mainly blood). The circulatory system then transports the nutrients to different parts of the body. Thus the cells of the body absorb the digested food molecules.
Assimilation - It is the process of using the absorbed food molecules for deriving energy & for growth.
Egestion - It is the process by which undigested food is thrown out of the body.

Gupta Empire

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The founder of the Gupta dynasty was Sri Gupta. He was succeeded by Ghatokacha.
These two were called Maharajas.

Chandragupta I (320-330 A.D.):-

Was the first independent ruler & called himself 'Maharajadhiraja' (the great king of kings).
Married the Lichchavi Princess, Kumaradevi, which was politically very strategic for Gupta empire.
He is considered to be the founder of the Gupta era which starts with his accession in A.D. 320.

Samudragupta (330-380 A.D.):-

Title - Vikramanka. Also called Dharma Prachar Bandhu ; Licchavi-dauhitra.
An inscription engraved on the Ashokan Pillar at Allahabad dating to 4th century A.D., known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription or Prayaga Prashasti (composed by his court poet, Harisena) , gives us information about Samudragupta's accession & conquests.
Performed Asvamedha sacrifice after his military victories.
Because of his military achievements, Samudragupta was hailed as "Indian Napoleon" by V.A.Smith.
Virasena- was his commander in Southern Campaign.
Samudragupta's issued eight types of Gold coins. They were of Yupa type.
Shown playing the lute or Veena on some of his coins.
Also called Kaviraja because of his ability in composing verses.
Samudragupta wrote Krishna Charitam.
He was an ardent follower of Vaishnavism but was tolerant of other creeds.
He evinced keen interest in Buddhism & was the patron of the great Buddhist scholar Vasubandu (author of Abhidharamakosa).
He granted permission to the Buddhist king of Ceylon, Meghavarman to build a monastry at Bodh Gaya & was hence given the title of "Anukamparan" (Full of Compassion).

Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya, 380-415 A.D.):-

Disputed succession followed him between his sons, Ramagupta & Chandragupta II according to a drama, Devichandraguptam by Visakhadatta.
Mehrauli Iron Pillar inscription (belongs to Chandragupta II; Brahmi script ; in honour of vishnu) claims his authority over North-western India & a good portion of Bengal.
Fa-Hien (Chinese Pilgrim) travelled during his period.
First Gupta ruler to issue Silver coins.
He defeated the last saka ruler Rudra Simha III & annexed territories of Western Malwa & Gujarat.
He also took the title of Simhavikrama.
Made ujjain the second capital of empire.
His court was adorned by the Navratnas-

Kalidasa - Shakuntala (Sanskrit drama) ; Malavikagnimitra ; Vikramorvasiya ; Raghuvamsa ; Kumarasambhava ; Ritusamhara ; Meghaduta.
Harisena - Allahabad Pillar Inscription or Prayaga Prashasti .
Kahapanaka - was an astrologer.
Shanku - in the field of Architecture.
Dhanvantri - was a great Physician. Nighantu was his work.
Vetalbhatta - was a magician.
Amarsimha - compiled a lexicon called Amarkosa.
Vararuchi - Prakrit Prakasha (first grammar of Prakrit Language).
Varahamihira - Pancha Siddhantika (five astronomical systems) ; Brihadsamhita ; Brihadjataka.

Kumaragupta I (415-455 A.D.):-

Title - Mahendraditya.
Important Inscription - Mandsor & Copper plate inscription.
He also performed an Asvamedha Sacrifice.
He founded the Nalanda University.
First Hun invasion took place during his reign.

Skandagupta (455-467 A.D.):-

5th century A.D.- Huns, called Ephthalties were defeated by him & sent back for a century to come.
Junagarh inscription mentions that his Governor, Parhadatta got the Sudarshana lake repaired.
Adopted the title - Vikramaditya.
Succeeded by Buddhagupta & Vishnugupta was the last ruler of the imperial Guptas.

Administration:-

The Gupta Empire was divided into Various administrative units-

Empire - Central of the King ; assisted by Mantri or Sachiva - Chief Minister ; Senapatis - Military Officers.

Provinces were known as Bhuktis & provincial governors as Uparikas.

Bhuktis were subdivided into Vishyas or districts & governed by Vishyapatis.

Sub-district - Peth.

Villages - Grama ; under Gramika & Mahattar.

Nagara Sreshits were the officers looking after the city administration.

Religious grants , called Agraharas were made to Brahmins, which were hereditary & tax free perpetually. Example - Nalanda & Gaya grants of Samudragupta.

Guptas also made Devagrahara & secular grants which led to the beginning of the process of Sub infeudation.

Land revenue was the main source of state income. Both kalidasa & the author of Narada smriti state that one-sixth of the produce should be claimed as the royal revenue.

Sandhivigrahika - War & peace ; Pilupati - head of elephants ; Asvapati - head of horses ; Narapati - head of foot soldiers ; Ranabhandagarika - officer-in-charge of stores ; Akshapataladhikrita - Accounts ; Pustapala - Records ; Vishti - Forced Labor.

Literature:-

Writer	Works

1:- Visakhadatta	Author of two Sanskrit dramas – Mudrarakshasa & Devichandraguptam.
2:- Sudraka	Mrichchakatika.
3:- Bharavi	Kritarjuniya.
4:- Vishnusarma	Panchatantra Stories.
5:- Amarasimha	Amarakosa.
6:- Dandin	Kavyadarsa & Dasakumaracharita.
7:- Subhandhu	Vasavadatta.
8:- Kalidasa	Abhigyanashakuntalam.
9:- Aryabhatta	Aryabhattiyam (deals with mathematics & astronomy)
10:- Varamihira	Pancha Siddhantika ; Brihadsamhita (delas with astronomy, astrology, geography etc) ; Brihadjataka (standard work on astrology).
11:-Vagbhata	Ashtangasamgraha (summary of the eight branches of medicine).
12:- Vasubandhu	Abhidharmkosa.
13:- Harisena	Prayaga Prasasti ; Brihatkatha kosha.
14:- Kamandaka	Nitisara (Arthasastra of Gupta Period).
15:- Brahmagupta	Brahmagupta siddhanta ; Khanda Khadyaka.

Sangam Age

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The land South of Krishna River was divided into three kingdoms - Cheras, Cholas & Pandyas.
There was continuous warfare between the three.

Cheras -

Emblem - Bow & Arrow.
Capital - Vanji or Karur (modern Kerala).
Port - Muzris (most famous), Tondi, Bandar.
The cheras dynasty was known as "Keralaputras" in the Ashoka's inscription.
Senguttavan, the 'Red Chera' or 'Good Chera' was the greatest chera king according to the Chera poets.
He started the 'Pattini Cult', which is the worship of Kannagi & built a temple for her, the Goddess of Chastity.
Silapadikaram, authored by his brother Ilango Adigal, describe his heroics.
Under Kudakko Inlanjeral Iranporai (210 A.D.), Chera kingdom was captured by Pandyas.

Pandyas -

Emblem - Fish or Carp.
Capital - Madurai.
Port - Korkai, Saliyur.
They were first mentioned by Megasthenes who referred to it as being ruled by a warman.
Nedunjhelian was the most popular king. He defeated the cheras & cholas in the battle of Talaiyalagnam (210 A.D.).
According to Silapadikaram, in a fit of passion he ordered the execution of Kovalan, the husband of kannagi & later died broken hearted.

Cholas -

Emblem - Tiger or Bagh.
Capital - Uraiyur, later Puhar.
Port - Puhar or Kaveripattanam.
Chola dominion was known as Tondai Mandalam or Cholamandalam.
Uraiyur - famous for Cotton trade.
A firmer history of Cholas begin in the 2nd century A.D. with their famous king Karikala, founding the port city of Puhar.
He also got 160 km of embankment constructed along the Cauvery River.
Senganan popular for his devotion to Shiva, got built 70 fine temple for Shiva.

Sangam Literature:-

The word Sangam is associated with South Indian history where a College or Assembly of Tamil Scholars & poets flourished under the patronage of the Pandyan kings at Madurai, between 300 B.C. & 300 A.D.
First Sangam - in Madurai; presided by Agastya; none work is survived.
Second Sangam - in Kaptapuram; presided by Tolkapiyar; work - Tolkappiyam (Tamil Grammar).
Third Sangam - in Madurai; presided by Nakkirar; work - Entire Corpus of Sangam Literature.
The whole literature is divided into- Melkannakku or 18 Major Works- Narrative ; kilkannakku or 18 Minor Works- Didactic.
Thirukural or Kural by Tiruvalluvar is called the "Fifth Veda" or "Bible" of the Tamil Land. It contain discussions of Dharma, Artha, Kama & Moksha.
Silapaddikaram or the Jewelled Anklet is an epic dealing with the love stories of Kovalan & Madhavi & Kannagi.
Manimekhalai is a sequel to it, written by Sattalai Sattanar dealing with the daughter of Kovalan & Madhavi & is considered the "Odyssus of Tamil Poetry".
Roman king built a temple of Augustus at Muziris.
Murugan, also called Subraimanyam or Karthikeya was the most important God of Tamils.
Tolkappiyam refers to the five-fold divisions of land-

Kurinji - Hilly tracts - deity Murugan.

Mullai - Pastoral - deity Mayon (Vishnu).

Marudam - Agricultural - deity Indra (Vendan).

Neydal - Coastal - deity Varunan.

Palai - Desert - deity Korravai.

Amaichchar - Minister ; Orrars - Spies ; Variyam - Unit of revenue yielding territory ; Ayakkanakkar - Toll tax collection ; Anthanar - Priests ; Thuthar - Envoys ; Vanigars - Trade & Commerce ; Vellalas - Agriculturists.

---> Which river is praised in the fifth century Tamil epic silappadikaram - Cauvery.

Pre-Gupta Period

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Indo-Greeks:-

Demetrius was the first foreign king after Alexander who carried Greek army into India about 190 B.C. & conquered North Western part of the Mauryan Empire.
Most famous among Indo-Greek rulers was Menander who reached Pataliputra. His capital was Sakala or Sialkot.
He was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena or Nagarjuna & their conversation was recorded in a book, Milindapanho i.e Questions of Milinda.
Indo-Greeks were credited with the introduction of Gold coins in India.
Practice of military governorship (Strategos).
The Greek Ambassador Heliodorus set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu at Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh.
Heliocles was the last Greek King to rule over Bactria & India.

Sakas:-

The first Saka King in India was Maures or Moga with Gandhara as his capital.
Sakas introduce Satrap system (appointing provincial governor).
Most famous Saka king in Western India was Rudra Daman I whose Junagarh inscription (150 A.D.) records his achievements. He repaired the Sudarshan Lake of Mauryan times in the Kathiawar area.

The Parthians - The most famous Parthian king was Gondophernes, in whose reign St. Thomas is said to have come to India for the propagation of Christianity.

Kushanas :-

The name originally meant a tribe or people or family of the Yuch-Chis or Tocharians.
Kujula Kadphises was the founder & he minted copper coins with Roman influence.
Vima Kadphises started the practice of issuing coins by Indian rulers & his coins contained Siva with his long trident & the monarch himself on the other side.
Succeeded by Kanishka, from when the Saka era begins (A.D. 78), Peshawar was his first capital & Mathura, the second.
Kanishka was a great patron of Buddhism (Mahayana) & the Fourth Buddhist Council was held under his patronage at Kashmir under the Presidentship of Vasumitra.
Succeeded by Vashishka, then Huvishka & so on & the last ruler of the Kushan dynasty was Vasudeva (220 A.D.).

Schools of Art -

Gandhara School of Art -

This school emerged from 1st century B.C. onwards. It was not patronized by Indo-Greeks but by Sakas & Kushanas.
Hadda & Bamiyan were main centers.
This was a fusion of Greek & Indian styles from the very beginning. The subjects were Indian & the style was Greco-Roman. Thus the mother of Buddha resembled a Greek Goddess while Buddha himself too had an Apollo like face. Greek gods were depicted as paying obeisance to Buddha.
The Buddha of this school is depicted with focus on bodily features such as muscular body, curly hair & semi-transparent clothes.
Initially they used soft material such as wood & stucco. Later they began to use blue-grey stone.

Mathura School of Art -

It was the oldest & flourished from 2nd century B.C. onwards. It was indigenous in origin & was patronized by local rulers. But later with the advent of Kushanas, foreign influence was visible clearly.

Initial subjects were Buddha, Mahavira & Kanishka. Krishna was ignored before the Gupta period. Beautiful images of Siva as ardh-nariishwar were built. Krishna, balram & surya too were its subjects.

The images have a deep spiritual outlook. Buddha is shown in meditation mode. Focus is not on highlighting the bodily features of Buddha but on his spiritualistic aura & content on face. Popular depictions of Buddha are in the Padmasana-mudra (sitting cossed legged & meditating) & Dharma-chakra-parivartana-mudra (giving sermons).

They used White spotted red sandstone.

The Amrawati / Vengi School -

It flourished from 1st century B.C. onwards in vengi, Nagarjunkonda, kurnool & krishna-godavari region.

It was indigenous throughout & was patronised by Satavahanas, Ikshavakus & later Vakatakas.

It made images of Buddha & brahmanical deities.

These images are famous for their feminine beauty & sensuous appeal.

They used white marble in their images.

Satavahanas :-

Ruled for 460 years continuously.
Satavahanas were successor of Mauryas in Deccan & Central India.
The kings are mentioned in the Puranas as belonging to the Andhra territory & tribe.
Simukha was the first ruler of the dynasty with his capital at Pratishthana or Paithan on the Godavari in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.
Nanaghat inscription mentions Satakarni I as "Dakshinapatha-pathi", thus implying their control over the Deccan also.
The early Satavahana period after Satakarni I did not witness any remarkable activities except for the composition of "Gathasaptasathi" by the ruler Hala.
Later Satavahana period beginning with Gautamiputra Satakarni was the period of their revival who defeated the family greatest rivals, sakas.
He was called as "Ekabrahmana" in the Nasik inscription/prasasti by his mother Gautami Balasri.
Satavahanas were the first rulers to make land grants to the Brahmanas.

Other Dynasty :-

Kharavela of Kalinga belonged to the Mahameghavahana line of the Chetis / Chedis.
He is famous for the Hathigumpha inscription which was engraved on the Udaigiri hills near Bhuvaneshwar.
He was a Jaina & got cave shelters excavated for the Jania monks in the Udaigiri hills.

Mauryan Empire

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Chandragupta Maurya (321-297 B.C.):-

Called as Sandrocottus by the Greeks.
Finding signs of royalty in him, Chanakya or Vishnu Gupta or Kautilya, brought him up got him educated at Taxila.
At the young age of 25, dethroned the last Nanda ruler (Dhanananda) & occupied Pataliputra in 321 B.C. with the help of Kautilya.
Fought Seleukos Nicator in 305 B.C., who was Alexander's General in central Asiatic provinces & thus gained Paropanisadai (kabul), Aria (Herat), Arachosia (Gandhara) & Gedrosia (Baluchistan) & received Megasthenes as Seleukos ambassador to the Mauryan Court.
He embraced Jainism toward the end of his life.
Accompanied by Bhadrabahu & several other Jaina monks, he is said to have gone to Shravana Belagola near Mysore, where he deliberately starved himself to death in the approved Jaina fashion (sallekhana).

Bindusara (297 - 272 B.C):-

Called as Amitrochates (derived from the Sanskrit word Amitraghata 'slayer of foes' & Amitrakhada 'Devourer of foes') by the Greeks.
He is said to have conquered the land between two seas, presumably the Arabian Sea & the Bay of Bengal.
Bindusara appointed his eldest son Sumana (also named Susima) as his Viceroy at Taxila & Asoka at Ujjain. The Divyavadana tells the story of a revolt in Taxila. When it went out of control for Sumana, Bindusara deputed Asoka to restore order.
Bindusara had contacts with Antiochus I, the Seleucid king of Syria whose Ambassador, Deimachus, was said to have been at the Mauryan court, Bindusrara wrote to Antiochus I asking for some sweet wine, dried figs & a sophist to be sent to the Mauryan Court. The latter sent all but the sophist, explaining that Greek law would not permit a sophist to be sent.
He embraced the Ajivika (fortuneteller or pre-determinism) sect.

Asoka:-

It was only in 1837 when James C.Princep deciphered a 'Brahmi' inscription that Asoka came to light & became most popular ruler of Ancient Indian history.
The name Asoka (Sorrow free) occurs only once in the Maski edict. [Maski edict - Buddhashakya & Ashok; Sarnath Inscription - Dharmasoka].
Puranas referred to as Asokavardhana.
Girnar inscription of Rudradaman (A.D. 150) mentioned him as Asoka the maurya.
Calcutta-Bhabru inscription - Asoka refers to himself as Piyadasi Raja magadhe i.e Piyadasi, theking of magadhe.
In his edicts, Asoka assumed two titles - Devanampiya (beloved of the Gods) & Piyadassi (of pleasing appearance).
Accoding to Buddhist sources, Asoka was the son of Subhadrangi & his most well-known queens are Karuvaki & Asandhimitra. His only son mentioned in the inscription was Tivara.
261-260 B.C.- fought the Kalinga war (mentioned in 13th Rock edict) after which he renounced warfare.
Asoka converted to Buddhism by Nigrodha/Upagupta, a boy monk of 7 year.
21st year of his reign, he visited Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha & fixed the land revenue at a concessional 1/8th of the produce.
He organised the third Buddhist Council (250 B.C.) at Pataliputra presided by Moggaliputta Tissa.
Sent his son Mahindra & daughter Sanghamitra to Srilanka for the propagation of Buddhism.
The last Mauryan ruler was Brihadratha who, according to the testimony of Banabhatta (Harsha-charita), was murdered by his general Pushyamitra Sunga.

Asoka's Dhamma -

Some of the principles put forth for the state were-

to promote peace & harmony in the state.
to ensure fast & effective justice to people.
to build road, rest houses & wells for travellers.
to set up nurseries to grow medicinal herbs for the use of the common man.
to establish wildlife sanctuaries for the preservation of animals & plants.
to promote education among the population at large.

2. Some of the principles advocated for individuals were-

to live together in peace & harmony.
to speak the truth.
to respect all religions.
to follow the path of ahimsa or non-violence towards humans & animals.
to be kind to the poor, including servants & slaves.
to respect & obey elders.

3. Measures for propagation-

Appointment of Dhamma-mahamatras.
Dhamma-yatras, royal tours for the propagation of Dhamma.
Dhamma-mangala, public welfare activities in accordance with the spirit of Dhamma.
Issue of Dhamma Lipis & Dhamma stambhas respectively in the form of Rock & pillar edicts.
Administrative measures suited to the principles of Dhamma.

The concept of non-violence & other similar ideas of Asoka's Dhamma are identical with the teachings of Buddha. But he did not equate Dhamma with Buddhist teachings. Buddhism remained his personal belief. His Dhamma signifies a general code of conduct. Asoka wished that his Dhamma should spread through all social levels.

Mauryan Administration :-

It was centralised in character.
Kings were described as Devanampriya, Beloved of the Gods. The king was the source & center of all authority, head of administration, law & justice & also the supreme judge.
Kautilya has said "administration cannot be the work of one man, just as one wheel cannot drive a vechile".
Therefore, a council of ministers called Mantriparishad assisted the king in administrative matters. It consists of Purohita (high priest); Mahamantri; Senapati (commander-in-chief) & Yuvaraja (heir-apparent).
There were civil servants called Amatyas to look after the day-to-day administration.
Asoka appointed Dhamma Mahamatras to supervise the spread of Dhamma.
The chief source of income was land revenue, which varied from 1/6th to 1/4th of the produce.Those using irrigation had to pay additional for it. Bhaga was the land revenue. Bhoga was the ceremonial gifts received from peasants. Bali was levied on land measured in assessment. There was additional tax Pindkara collected lum sum at the village level. Taxes were paid both in cash & kind. The Samharta was the chief of the revenue department & the Sannidhata was chief tax custodian.
The Mauryan army was under the control of Senapati. The salaries were paid in cash.
According to Greek author Pliny, the Mauryan army consisted of six lakh infantry, thirty thousand cavalry, nine thousand elephants & eight thousand chariots.
Sansthan (stationary) & Sanchari (wandering) looked after intelligence & espionage. Prativedakas were special reporters of the king.
The judiciary had two sets of courts - Dharmasthiya dealt with civil matters & Kantakashodhara dealt with criminal offences & treachery.
The Mauryan Empire was divided in to four provinces. The northern province, called Uttarapatha, had Taxila as its capital ; western province, known as Avantipatha, had its capital in Ujjain ; Prachyapatha with its capital Toshali (Kalinga) formed the eastern province while Dakshinapatha with its capital Suvarnagiri was the southernmost province.
Provinces were divided into districts & had three main officers- Pradeshika (overall administration), Rajukas (Judical officers) & Yuktas (Accountant/Clerk).
The head of a village was called gramika. Above the gramika was a gopa who was the head of ten villages & the sthanika who controlled a janapada or a district comprising one hundred villages.
Municipal Administration - Arthashastra contain a full chapter on the role of Nagarika or city superintendent. His chief duty was to maintain law & order. Megasthenes refers to the six committees of five members each to look after the administration of Pataliputra. These committees looked after - Industries ; Foreigners ; Registration of birth & deaths ; Trade ; Manufacture & sale of goods ; Collection of sales tax.

Art & Architecture:-

The pillars are made of two types of stone - the spotted red & white sandstone from the region of Mathura ; the buff coloured fine-grained hard sandstone usually with small black spots quarried in chunar near Banaras.
The Sarnath pillar with four lions standing back to back is the most magnificent. The Indian government adopted this capital with some modifications as its state emblem.
Asoka is credited with building 84,000 stupas all over India & Afghanistan.
The best example is the famous Sanchi stupa (near Bhopal) with massive dimensions.
Lauriyanandangarh - Single Lion.
Rampurwa - Bull Capital.
Sankisa - Elephant.
Statue of Yakshini - Didarganj.
Most important heritage of the Mauryas were the caves- Barabar hills near Gaya & Nagarjuni hills in Bihar. Earliest known examples of the rock-cut architecture.
Asoka & his grandson dedicated these caves to Ajivika sect.
Pottery was abundant- most popular was the Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW).
Terracotta consist of Primitive idols, toys, beads & ornaments.

Remaining Points :-

Asokan inscription are written in two scripts- Kharosthi & Brahmi. Inscription found at Shahbazgarhi & Mansehra are written in Kharosthi script (written from right to left) & the remaining found in Brahmi Script (written from left to right).
Arthasastra written by Kautilya (also called Indian Machiavelli). It was discovered by R.Shamasastry in 1904. It reflect to a great extent the state of society & economy in the age of Mauryas.
Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadatta, sanskrit drama of 4th century A.D., describe overthrow of Nandas by Kautilya.
Chaitya - Place of Worship ; Vihara - dwelling place of the monks.
Coins in circulation during Mauryan period were Punch-marked Coins.
Silver - pana ; Copper - mashaka. Copper mashaka 1/16th in value of the silver pana.
Megasthenes recorded his impression of Mauryan India in the work Indika. He states that Indian society was divided into seven classes - philosophers, farmers, soldiers, herdsmen, artisans, magistrates & councillors.
Women were employed as personal body-guards of the king

Jainism

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The name of two Jain Tirthankaras (prophets or gurus), Rishabha & Arishtanemi, are found in the Rigveda.
The Vishnu Purana & the Bhagavat Purana describe Rishabha as incarnation of Narayana.
There were 24 tirthankaras, all kshatriyas & belonging to the Royal family.
The first was Rishabha, the founder of Jainism & the last twenty fourth was Mahavira.
Swami Parshavanath the twenty-third Tirthankara was son of Ashvasena, the king of Kashi. He was born about 250 years before Mahavira.
Mahavira adopted prakrit language which was the language of common people. Religious literature was written in Ardh magadhi.

Vardhamana Mahavira -

Mahavira was born in village Kundagrama, a suburb of Vaishali in district Muzzaffarpur (Bihar) in a kshatriya family in 540 B.C (according to some historian he was born in 599 B.C. & according to some others in 568 B.C.).
His father Siddhartha was the head of the Jnatrika clan & mother Trishala was sister of the renowned Lichchavi king Chetak.
Married to Yashoda & had a daughter Anojja (also called as Priyadarshana) whose husband, Jamali, became the first disciple of Mahavira.
Became an ascetic at 30 after the death of his parents & attained perfect knowledge at 42 under a sal tree at Jrimbhikagrama on the banks of River Rejupalika.
From now on-wards he was called Jaina or Jitendriya (one who has conquered his senses), Nirgrantha (free from all bonds) & Mahavira (the brave) & his followers were named Jain.
For the remaining thirty years Mahavira moved from place to place & preached his doctrine in Kosala, Magadh, Mithila & Champa etc.
At the age of 72, he attained Kaivalya (death) at Pava, near Patna in 468 B.C.(according to some historians in 527 B.C.).

Teachings of Jainism -

He rejected the authority of the Vedas & its associated rituals & advocated an austere & simple life.
Believed in dualistic philosophy & held that matter & soul are the only two ever existing elements.
Did not believe in the existence of God & for him Universe was a product of nature- the outcome of cause & effect.
Did not oppose Caste System & believed in karma & transmigration of soul.
Syavada - truth can be approached from different view points & thus can be affirmed only with a degree of probability & is never final.
Five cardinal principles of Jainism (Panch Mahavratas) -

Ahimsa - Non-Violence.

Asateya - No Stealing.

Aparigraha - Non-possession.

Satya - Truth.

Brahmacharya - Celibacy.

Ratnatraya (Three Jewels)- Right knowledge, Right Faith & Right Action.

In Jainism the devotees (siddhas) have been classified in five categories, in the descending order- Tirthankara- who has attained salvation; Arhat- Who is about to attain nirvana; Acharya- the head of the ascetic group; Upadhyaya- teacher or saint; Sadhu, class which include the rest.

Ecosystem

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Ecosystem -

The term Ecology was coined by Earnst Haeckel in 1866.
Ecology deals with the study of organisms in their natural home interacting with their surroundings. The surroundings or environment consists of other living organisms (biotic) & physical (abiotic) components.
Ecosystem is a self-sustained & self-regulated segment of nature that consists of a biotic community & its physical environment, both interacting & exchanging materials. Now ecology is often defined as 'the study of ecosystem'.
The term ecosystem was coined by Tansley (1935).
The desert, grassland, forest, crop-field & mountains represent terrestrial ecosystems (land-based ecosystems).
Whereas ponds, lakes, river,sea & aquarium represent aquatic ecosystems (water-based ecosystems).
Most of the ecosystems in the world are natural ecosystems but some of them are also man-made ecosystems or artificial ecosystems. The examples of artificial ecosystems are crop-fields (agricultural lands), gardens, parks, aquarium etc.
Agro-ecosystem is the largest man-made ecosystem.

Structure of an Ecosystem -

Biotic Component - The plants, animals & microorganism present in an ecosystem form the biotic component.

Producers -

which synthesize their own food.
The various producers are green plants, algal protists, cyanobacteria, green & purple bacteria, some colourless chemosynthetic bacteria.
Except chemosynthetic bacteria, all others obtain energy from solar radiations & are called photoautotrophs.
Photoautotrophs convert solar energy in to chemical energy. Therefore, they are also called transducers.

2. Consumers -

All organisms which get their organic food by feeding upon other organisms are called consumers.
Herbivores - plant eaters - primary consumers.
Carnivores - meat eaters.
Omnivores - They feed on both plants & animals.
Detritivores (Detritus feeders) - They feed on the parts of dead organisms, wastes of living organisms, their cast-offs & partially decomposed matter. Example beetles, termites, ants, crabs, earthworms etc.

3. Decomposers -

They are saprotrophic micro-organisms which obtain nourishment from organic remains.
In this process,organic remains are completely degraded.
It liberates inorganic nutrients.
Because of this phenomenon the decomposers are also called mineralisers.
The phenomenon is essential for biogeochemical cycling.
Example- bacteria & fungi.

Abiotic Component - The abiotic components of an ecosystem (or the non-living components of an ecosystem) include the physical environment like soil, water & air alongwith the inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, water, phosphorous, sulphur, sodium, potassium, calcium & other elements present in them. The physical factors or climatic factors like light, temperature, pressure & humidity are also considered abiotic components.

Biome & Biosphere -

The natural ecological groupings of plants & animals on the basis of climates are called biomes.
In other words, all the ecosystems taken together in a given geographical area having the same type of climate is called a biome.
All the biomes of the world taken together form an extremely large & self-sustaining biological system called biosphere.
The world of living organisms together with the layers of soil (land), water & air on the surface of earth is called biosphere.
Biosphere consists of four parts - Lithosphere (land surface or soil), Hydrosphere (water bodies), Atmosphere (air), Living organisms (like plants & animals).

Planktons-

Are very minute or microscopic organisms freely floating on the surface of water in a pond, lake, river or ocean.
Planktons are of two types- Phytoplanktons & Zooplanktons.
The microscopic aquatic plants freely floating on the surface of water are called phytoplanktons. The free-floating algae is an example of phytoplankton.
The microscopic aquatic animals freely floating on water are called zooplanktons. The freely-floating protozoa are an example of zooplankton. A very, very small fish is also a zooplankton.

Food Chain & Food Web -

The sequence of eating & being eaten in an ecosystem is known as food chain.
or The sequence of living organisms in a community in which one organism consumes another organism to transfer food energy is called a food chain.
Some common examples of simple food chains are -

Grass -----> grasshopper -----> Frog -----> Snake -----> Hawk (Grassland ecosystem).

Phytoplanktons -----> Zooplanktons -----> Small fish -----> Carnivorous fish (pond ecosystem).

Lichens -----> reindeer -----> Man (Arctic tundra).

Leaf litter -----> algae -----> crabs -----> small carnivorous fish -----> large carnivorous fish (Mangrove ecosystem).

Dead organic matter -----> fungi -----> bacteria (Forest ecosystem).

Food web or food net is interlocking of two or more types of food chains at different trophic levels in such a way that a particular food becomes available to two or more types of populations while a consumer has choice of two or more types of food.
In simpler words, the network of a large number of food chains existing in an ecosystem is called a food web.
Significance of food chain & food web :-

Food chains & food webs play a very significant role in the ecosystem because the two most important functions of energy flow & nutrient cycling take place through them.

The food chains also help in maintaining & regulating the population size of different animals & thus, help maintain the ecological balance.

Food chains show a unique property of biological magnification of some chemicals. There are several pesticides, heavy metals & other chemicals which are non-biodegradable in nature. Such chemicals are not decomposed by microorganisms & they keep on passing from one trophic level to another. And, at each successive trophic level, they keep on increasing in concentration. This phenomenon is known as biomagnification or biological magnification.

Other Movements

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Prarthna Samaj -

As a result of Keshav Chandra Sen's visit to Maharashtra, the Prarthna Samaj (Prayer Society) was founded in 1867 (Bombay) by Atma Ram Pandurang.
Its chief architect was Mahadev Govind Ranade, described as "the prophet of cultural renaissance in western India".
The Prarthna Samajists focused on inter dining & inter caste marriage, widow remarriage, night schools for the poor, setting up widow's refuge homes & missions for depressed classes of society.
Because of their good work & a neutral stand, the Prarthna Samaj movement spread in the South too. This was mainly due to the efforts of Viresalingam Pantulu.

Young Bengal Movement -

It was initated by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio.
This movement was inspired by Mazzini's Young Italy Movement.
He was an Anglo-Indian teacher of the Hindu College from 1826 to 1831 & he was removed in 1831 because of his radicalism.
Derozio drew round him students of the Hindu College & exercised unprecedented influence over his pupils both in & outside the class. He urged them to live & die for truth- to cultivate & practise all the virtues, shunning vice in every shape.
He is called the First Nationalist Poet of Modern India.
He edited journals like Hesperus & Calcutta Literary Gazette.
He formed many associations like Academic Association, Society for the Acquisition of General Knowledge, Banghit Sabha, Anglo-Indian Hindu Association & Debating Club.

Satya Shodhak Samaj -

Jyotiba Phule was born in 1828 in a Mali family.
His education, his personal experiences & association with Christian missionaries, made him critical of the prevailing Hindu religion & custom.
To liberate the depressed classes & make them conscious of their rights by educating them, he founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj in 1873.
To carry forward his anti-Brahmin Activities in an organised manner, he wrote two critical works- Sarvajanik Satyadharma Pustak & Ghulamgiri.
Also founded Deenbandhu Sarvajanik Sabha (1884) for the same purpose.

Social Service Organizations -

Seva Sadan -

founded in 1885 by Parsi social reformer Behramji M.Malabri.
Against Child marriage & enforced widowhood.
Journal - Indian Spectator.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in Bombay in 1905.
Poona Seva Sadan was founded by Pandita Rambai, G.K.Devadutt & Maharshi Karve in 1909 to provide education & shelter for widows.
Social Service League, founded in 1911 by N.M.Joshi in Bombay for promoting better living conditions of the working classes in the Bombay slums.
Seva Samiti - founded by H.N.Kunzru in Allahabad in 1914 as a social service organization.

The Aligarh Movement

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Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan & Aligarh Movement:-

Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan was instrumental in fostering differences between the Hindus & the Muslims. In the initial years he was a staunch nationalist who regarded the two communities as "the two eyes of the beautiful bride that is India".
The suppression of the Muslims following the Revolt of 1857 convinced Sir Sayyid Khan that the only way to improve the lots of the Muslims was to profess their loyalty to the British Empire.
Accordingly, he wrote a book called, The Loyal Muhammadans of India wherein he defended the Muslims.
In 1864 (Ghazipur, Eastern U.P.), he founded a modern school & scientific society to popularize western sciences among Muslims in India. The society translated works on physical sciences into Urdu, the language of masses in northern India.
He established a school at Aligarh in 1875, on the birth anniversary of Queen Victoria which developed into the Mohammedan Anglo Oriental College in 1877, modelled on Cambridge University & was meant primarily for Muslims.
It aimed at spreading-

Modern education among Indian Muslims without weakening their allegiance to Islam.

Social reforms among Muslims relating to purdah, polygamy, widow remarriage.

Women's education, slavery, divorce etc.

Sir Sayyid wanted to prove that Muslims are loyal not hostile to the British rule. He founded Mohammaden Patriotic Association in 1888.

His loyalty earned him a knighthood in 1888.

The people who supported him were Altaf Hussain Hali, Nazir Ahmad etc.

He started publishing an Urdu Journal - Tahzeeb-ul-Akhlaque.

He wrote two famous books in Urdu- Asbab-i-Baghawat-i-Hind (causes of the revolt of India) & Asar-us-Sanadid (on Delhi's architecture).

Sayyids & Lodhis

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Sayyids (1414-1451):-

After the death of Nasir-ud-din Mahmud, Daulat Khan Lodi became the Sultan, but was defeated by Khizr Khan(1414-1421) who was Timur's Viceroy of Multan & Dipalpur & thus was founded the Sayyid dynasty.
Khizr Khan claimed his descent from the blood line of prophet Mohammad.
Mubarak Shah (1421-1434) was the protagonist of Yahya-bin-Ahmad Sirhindi's, Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi. He was killed by his own nobles.
Alam Shah (1443-1451) throne was seized by Bahlul Lodi & permitted alam to retain only his estate of Badaun.

Lodhi Dynasty (1451-1526):-

Bahlul Lodhi (1451-1489) -

The first Afghan to rule India.

He defeated the Sharqi Sultan's attempt to seize Delhi & annexed the Sharqi Kingdom.

Sikander Lodhi (1489-1517)-

Introduced a new measurement yard called Ghaz-i-Sikandari.

Founded the city of Agra in 1504.

Wrote Persian verses under the name 'Gulrukhi'.

Ibrahim Lodhi (1517-1526)-

Babur entered Punjab, received by Daulat Khan Lodhi & Alam Khan Lodhi (brother of Sikander Lodhi) in his camp, occupied lahore & proceed to Delhi through Sunam & Samana.

He was defeated by Babur (First Battle of Panipat, 1526).

First Sultan who killed on Battle field.