A note on UPSC civil services Prelims - 2018 and How Insights was Useful for CS Prelims - 2018

A note on UPSC civil services Prelims – 2018 and How Insights was Useful

Comments on the Paper and questions covered in the Test Series

UPSC is a constitutional body that has to adhere to its standards of testing candidates. This year’s paper, like every year’s, would have come as an unpleasant surprise to many of you. For others, who are more used to this predictable unpredictability, it would have been just another year!

UPSC can be unpredictable, but that is a part of its role as a recruitment agency. Understand that it cannot go wild out of bounds in its hunt; it must function within the confines of the mandated syllabus and do justice to the widely accepted standards of testing. It has to take into account the needs of various sections of candidates, including rural candidates who probably do not have access to so many resources that others do. It further needs to ensure that the questions asked are relevant to the emerging scenario of Indian Civil Services where the demand for specialists in administration is growing requiring greater in-depth knowledge of the ever plaguing issues.

All of us expect at least 20 to 25 new questions in each year’s UPSC CSE prelims. But, this year the paper seemed off the mark not only because UPSC increased this quota of new questions, but also decided to ask the conventional topics in a little more depth. Schemes like Aadhaar or RTE or questions on modern history are a few examples. This gives a feel that the paper was completely unpredictable and random. But, this is a sampling bias and not an objectively established conclusion.

If you look at the emerging trend of the gamut of UPSC papers such as CAPF, CDS and CSP, they are becoming more detail oriented requiring wider and deeper knowledge of the same facts with more intricate cross-linking of concepts and information. The old generalist is now supposed to be specialist-generalist. So, this paper should not have come as a surprise. We were aware of this development and each test in the Prelims Test Series consisted of 20-30 Qs that were largely unknown and could not be found in standard sources easily. Our approach was, therefore, a lot more unconventional this year. It has paid off this year as well; of course not so well as previous year’s test series, nonetheless it did. The difficulty level of the tests was also raised this year anticipating a similar hike in the difficulty level of the final exam. This decision also proved worthwhile.

Coming to the UPSC exam, as counter-intuitive and surprising it may sound, it is actually becoming less information based and more application oriented. One cannot be expected to know everything asked by UPSC and must resort to smart application of raw information based on conceptual understanding that you accumulate in the process. You should not try to accumulate this information/concepts in the end in one go. It should be systematic and gradual where you should learn to apply information wisely by exposing yourself to tough tests.

Also, in solving questions, for e.g. FRBM Committee Report or Barren Volcano, one could easily eliminate options with the knowledge of only one or two statements. So, the whole paper is not difficult and unpredictable. It is still doable and a lot of people would have realized after their nerves would have calmed down outside the exam hall. You would see that in this post, where we have collated Test Series questions that are similar to UPSC questions, other than a few questions, we haven’t asked anything extraordinary or out of the league; similar topics, albeit different dimensions.

It is naïve to expect that every single question asked by UPSC must be covered by a test series, otherwise it’s unworthy. The idea behind a test series is to give you wider exposure. You have extended hands and extended eyes to look for resources that you would not have otherwise, significantly cutting down the time it takes to get acquainted to new sources. Consider if you have had to read through the whole Constitution of India and various laws to understand Indian Polity, but thanks to Laxmikanth and other authors you don’t have to! They have consolidated material from a variety of important sources and put together in a meaningful book that would have otherwise taken you months to read through independently. That’s what goes behind a test series. It is not a mere repetition of what you’ve already read.

The 100 Qs that you get here in every test come after a significant amount of painstaking research. We spend over 30 hours every week on each test only researching the material from different books, websites and resources, leave alone the time that it takes to put together the entire thing to draft a quality test. A number of Qs that you see in the test series are not to be found in any standard resource. A test, therefore, is a RESOURCE. You have to spend time to get acquainted to the material and once you do you can devote the saved time and effort to further reading and answer writing. You can be good on your own but, with considerable experience to back you up, you can get even better.

So those who deny the idea of a test series are essentially denying the idea of a collectively created resource! They are saying no to ‘supervised guidance’ that comes from several years of experience. This is extremely naïve! You are against the fundamental ideas of teaching and learning; they would always remain relevant; come what may!

You should use a test series or a website to complement your preparation and not make it the main anchor. A lot of you do, and end up commenting that they are lost! ‘Everything’ cannot come from a test series, but something can, definitely. It is that ‘something’ you need to exploit to face anything thrown at you.

We are putting together Qs from our test series, current affairs and daily CA quiz that would have helped you significantly to answer similar questions in the exam hall. Few past year Insights test series Qs are also included because we do not repeat several static topics asked in the previous test series which actually ended up in the UPSC paper. This year’s UPSC paper had a few Qs from current affairs of last 3-4 years, hence the need to do it. We have also put up some Qs that were really close or on similar lines to the question asked by UPSC. All these have been demarcated.

Examine this article objectively and do not feel disheartened if you’ve had a bad exam. We can understand. We’ve been through it. It can be a long journey, nonetheless very rewarding, and we all emerge out as a better person. That’s all that matters in the end! Be a good human being, the rest will follow. Wish you all the best for your results!

Questions from the Test Series, Current Affairs and Quiz

CSP 2018 SET D question numbers have been given and below that Insights Prelims Test Series questions, current affairs and quiz, have been listed. Screenshots are included for transparency.

Sthanakvasis

With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi “ sect belongs to

(a) Buddhism

(b) Jainism

(d) Shaivism

Q26, Test 11, 2018 Test Series

Treasury Bills

Consider the following statement:

The Reserve bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities
Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments
Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value

Which of the statement given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Q58, Test 32, 2018 Test Series

The explanation for the same question deals with the other statement in the UPSC Q.

Committee on Subordinate Legislation

Which reference to Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub rules , by laws 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

Q25, Test 11, 2018 Test Series

Please ignore the typo in the options. Option B should be 2 only.

Longitude Delhi Bengaluru

Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi?

a) Bengaluru

b) Hyderabad

c) Nagpur

d) Pune

Q78, Test 36, 2018 Test Series

Aadhaar

Consider the following statement:

Aadhar card can be used as a proof of Citizenship or domicile
Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.

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

Q79, Test 29, 2018 Test Series

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)

Consider the following statements:

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is the amount that banks have to maintain the form of their own funds to offset any loss that banks incur if the account holder fail to repay dues
CAR is decided by each individual bank

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

Q18, Test 23, 2018 Test Series

Ninth Schedule

Consider the following statements:

The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India
The Validity of law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it

Which of the following statements given above is/are correct

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q8, Test 13, 2018 Test Series

NPOP and first organic state

With reference to Organic farming in India, Consider the following statements

The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) functions as the secretariat for the implementation of NPOP
Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic state

Which of the following statement is correct

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Q25, Test 1, 2018 Test Series

Sikkim as First Organic State in explanation of Q22, Test 2, 2018 Test Series

Internet of things (IoT)

When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning , you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day’s weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making the breakfast , it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door ,all lights , fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office , your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if your late for a meeting , it sends a message to your office accordingly.

In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario?

a) Border Gateway Protocol

b) Internet of things

c) Internet Protocol

d) Virtual Private Network.

Q84, Test 11, 2018 Test Series

CRISPR Blockchain

Consider the following pairs:

Term sometimes seen in news Context/Topic

1) Belle II – Artificial Intelligence experiment

2) Blockchain – Digital/ Technology Cryptocurrency

3) CRISPR – Cas9 – Particle Physics

CRISPR here, Q86, Test 2, 2018 Test Series

Blockchain here, Q6, Test 5, 2018 Test Series

Belle covered here in Quiz and CA

29th September 2017; Q3, 5th August 2017; 12th April 2017; Blockchain: 2nd January 2018;

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/04/12/insights-daily-current-affairs-12-april-2017/.

Desert Plants

Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?

Hard and waxy leaves
Tiny leaves
Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the code given below

a) 2 and 3 only

b) 2 only

c) 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Q12, Test 28, 2018 Test Series

Q17, Test 2, 2017 Test Series

Subsidiary Alliance

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’s expense

(b) To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger

(d) To establish British paramountcy over the Indian States

Q19, Test 12, 2018 Test Series

Q52, Test 33, 2018 Test Series

Wannacry and Petya

The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya, and Eternal Blue’ some times mentioned in the news recently are related to

a) Exoplanets

b) Cryptocurrency

c) Cyber Attacks

d) Mini Satellites

Q73, Test 1, 2018 Test Series

Champaran Satyagraha

Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha?

(a) Active all- India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement

(b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement

(d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops

Q93, Test 15, 2018 Test Series

THAAD

What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)” , sometimes seen in the news?

a) An Israeli radar system

b) India’s indigenous anti missile program

c) An American anti missile system

d) A Defence colloboration between Japan and South Korea

Q21, Test 36, 2018 Test Series

14th March 2017

Minor Minerals Auction

Consider the following statements:

In India, State Governments do not have the power to auction non coal mines
Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do not have gold mines
Rajasthan has iron ore mines

Which of the statements given above is/are correct

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 3 only

Q98, Test 24, 2018 Test Series

Non-coal minerals are usually minor minerals. The question deals with the same.

On Gold Mines

Q72, Test 6, 2018 Test Series

On iron mines

Q10, Test 7, 2018 Test Series

3D Printing

“3D printing” has applications in which of the following?

Preparation of confectionery items
Manufacture of bionic ears
Automotive industry
Reconstructive surgeries
Data processing technologies

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 3 and 4 only

(b) 2, 3 and 5 only

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

Q96, Test 1, 2017 Test Series

Article 356

If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular state, then

a) The Assembly 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

Q71, Test 25, 2018 Test Series

On English Education

Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India?

Charter Act of 1813
General Committee of Public Instruction 1823
Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

On orientalist anglicist controversy covered in Q49, Test 12, 2018 Test Series

Also covered in Q100, Test 18, 2018 Test Series

The role of Charter Act in spreading English education was covered in the explanation. Q100, Test 27, 2018 Test Series

Public Goods opportunity cost

If a commodity is provided free to the public by the Government, then

a) The opportunity cost is zero

b) The opportunity cost is ignored

c) The opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the tax paying public

d) The opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the Government

Q5, Test 37, 2018 Test Series

Legal Tender Money

Which one of the following statements correctly describes the meaning of legal tender money?

(a) The money which is tendered in courts of law to defray the fee of legal cases

(b) The money which a creditor is under compulsion to accept in settlement of his claims

(d) The metallic money in circulation in a country

Q28, Test 11, 2018 Test Series

Covered in Quiz as well 2nd February 2018;

Right to Privacy

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 statement?

(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

(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution

Q10, Test 6, 2018 Test Series

Commercialization of Agriculture

Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the

a) Increase in the export of Indian handicrafts

b) Growth in the number of Indian owned factories

c) Commercialisation of Indian agriculture

d) Rapid increase in the urban population

Q46, Test 24, 2018 Test Series

NGT and CPCB

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution COntrol Board (CPCB)?

The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the government
The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

On NGT Q20, Test 14, 2018 Test Series

On CPCB Q37, Test 29, 2018 Test Series

In Current Affairs

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

With the reference to the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:

1) It is flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

2) It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and Digital Literacy.

3) It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Covered in CA

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/10/24/insights-daily-current-affairs-24-october-2017/.

Human Capital

Consider the following statements:

Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process which enables

Individuals of a country to accumulate more capital
Increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country
Accumulation of tangible wealth
Accumulation of intangible wealth

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2

b) 2 only

c) 2 and 4

d) 1, 3 and 4

Q24, Test 20, 2018 Test Series

Q77, Test 2, 2018 Test Series

Economic Development and unemployment

Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if

a) Industrial output fails to keep pace with agricultural output

b) Agricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output

c) Poverty and unemployment increase

d) Imports grow faster than exports

Q16, Test 30, 2016 Test Series

Plant Diseases

Consider the following

Birds
Dust Blowing
Rain
Wind Blowing

Which of the above spread plant diseases ?

a) 1 and 3 only

b) 3 and 4 only

c) 1, 2 and 4 only

d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

We were very close on this. We covered few mechanisms in the explanation and the microbes that are responsible for plant diseases.

Q35, Test 30, 2018 Test Series

Money Bill

Regarding Money Bill, which of the following statements is 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 Contingency Fund of India

c) A Money Bill is concerned with appropriation of moneys out of the Contingency fund of India

d) A Money bill deals with the regulation of borrowing of money or giving of any guarantee by the Government of India

Q94, Test 22, 2018 Test Series

Leader of Opposition

Consider the following statements

In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party.
In the Lok Sabha a “Leader of the Opposition” was recognised for the first time in 1969
In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of 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

Q7, Test 30, 2018 Test Series

Agriculture Soils

With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements:

A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Q72, Test 17, 2018 Test Series

For statement 3 of the UPSC question, we had covered the generic effects of irrigation on soil salinity in several questions. We cannot seem to find them for now. Will update if we do.

Coral Reefs

Consider the following statements :

Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

We covered few parts of the question in Q59, Test 22, 2018 Test Series

Sand Mining

Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds?

Decreased salinity in the river
Pollution of ground water
Lowering of the water-table

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Q30, Test 28, 2016 Test Series

Non- proliferation of Nuclear weapons (NPT)

What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the “Nuclear Suppliers Group”?

It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies
It automatically becomes a member of “The Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)”.

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

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/12/07/insights-daily-current-affairs-07-december-2017/.

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2016/05/21/insights-daily-current-events-21-may-2016/.

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2016/05/27/insights-editorial-india-nsg/.

Equalization tax

With reference to India’s decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It is introduced as part of the Income Tax Act
Non resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claims a tax credit in their home country under the “Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements”.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/03/09/insights-daily-current-affairs-09-march-2017/.

FRBM Committee Report

Consider the following Statements:

1) The Fiscal responsibility and the budget Management Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) Government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central government and 20% for the State Government.

2) The Central government has domestic liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to 49% of GDP of the State Governments.

3) As per the Constitution of India, it is mandatory for the state to take Central government’s consent for raising any loans if the former owes any liabilities to the latter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

In current Affairs

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/04/29/insights-editorial-sort-new-frbm-need/.

29. Rule of the law Index

“Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following ?

(a) Amnesty International

(b) International Court of Justice

(d) World Justice Project

Covered in Quiz

3rd March 2018

Also covered in Current Affairs

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2015/06/03/insights-daily-current-events-03-june-2015/.

International Labour Organisation’s Conventions 138 and 182

International Labour Organisation’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to

(a) Child labour

(b) Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change

(d) Gender parity at the workplace

Covered in both quiz and current affairs:

16th June 2017;

20th January 2017;

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/06/14/insights-daily-current-affairs-14-june-2017/.

Sixth mass extinction

The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of

(a) Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.

(b) Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs

(c) Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.

(d)Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.

Covered in http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/07/12/insights-daily-current-affairs-12-july-2017/.

IRNSS

With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) , consider the following statements :

1) IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.

2) Geosynchronous covers entire India and about 5500 sq. Km beyond its border.

3) India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.

Covered in both quiz and CA

23rd December 2015;

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2018/04/12/insights-daily-current-affairs-12-april-2018/.

Prosopis juliflora

Why is a plan called Prospis juliflora often mentioned in news?

(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.

(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

(d) None of the above.

Covered in CA

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/03/01/insights-daily-current-affairs-01-march-2017/.

Country mentioned in news

Consider the following pairs:

Regions sometimes Country mentioned in news

Catalonia Spain
Crimea Hungary
Mindanao Philippines
Oromia Nigeria

Covered in CA and Quiz both

11th September 2017;

1st August 2017;

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/10/02/insights-daily-current-affairs-02-october-2017/.

Artificial lakes

Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

(a) Kodaikanal(Tamil Nadu)

(b) Kolleru(Andhra Pradesh)

(d) Renuka ( Himachal Pradesh)

Q86, Test 13, 2018 Test Series

We did not cover the exact same lakes asked by UPSC but then out of several hundreds of such lakes we can cover only few. The approach matters nonetheless.

South Sudan and Yemen

Very recently, in which of the following countries have lakhs of people either suffered from severe famine/acute malnutrition or died due to starvation caused by war/ethnic conflicts ?

(a) Angola and Zambia

(b) Morocco and Tunisia

(d) Yemen and South Sudan

Q63, Test 9, 2017 Test Series

In Daily Quiz 12th & 13th March 2017;

Two-state solution

The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of

(a) China

(b) Israel

(d) Yemen

Covered in Quiz of 1st & 2nd January 2017; and 12th January 2018

Geographical Indications

India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to

(a) ILO

(b) IMF

(d) WTO

Covered in Quiz

17th November 2018;

National Food Security Act NFSA

Which reference to the Provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:

The families coming under the category of Below Poverty Line (BPL) only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains
The eldest woman in a household of age 18 years or above shall be the head of the household of the purpose of issuance of ration card
Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a take home ration of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2

b) 2 only

c) 1 and 3

d) 3 only

Q73, Test 15, 2017 Test Series

With reference to the provisions made under the national Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:

1)The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.

2)The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.

3)Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘ take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.

Covered in Current Affairs:

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2016/10/31/insights-editorial-extending-food-security/.

Value of Vote of MPs and MLAs

With reference to election of the President of India, consider the following statements:

The value of the vote of each MLA varies from State to State
The value of the vote of MPs of the Lok Sabha is more than the value of the vote of MPs of the Rajya Sabha

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

Covered in current affairs

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/07/21/insights-daily-current-affairs-21-july-2017/.

MSP of Crops

Consider the following:

Areca nut
Barley
Coffee
Finger millet
Groundnut
Sesamum
Turmeric

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above?

(a) 1, 2 , 3 and 7 only

(b) 2. 4, 5 and 6 only

(d) 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7

Q61, Test 19, 2017 Test Series

Barren Island Volcano

Consider the following statements:

1) The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.

2) Barren Island lies about 14o kms cast of Great Nicobar.

3) The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

Q51, Test 20, 2017 Test Series

You could have answered the question based only on this information by eliminating statement 3.

Also covered in CA

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/02/20/insights-daily-current-affairs-20-february-2017/.

Places in news

Consider the Following Pairs:

Towns sometimes Country mentioned in news

1) Aleppo — Syria

2) Kirkuk — Yemen

3) Mosul –Palestine

4) Mazar-i-Sharif — Afghanistan

Covered in both quiz and CA

3rd July 2016;

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/03/02/insights-daily-current-affairs-02-march-2017/.

Sanskrit College and Calcutta Madarsa

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

Institutions Founder

Sanskrit College at Benaras – William Jones
Calcutta Madrasa – Warren Hastings
Fort William College – Arthur Wellesley

Which of the pairs given above is /are correct?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

Q84, Test 28, 2016 Test Series

Early Atmosphere

Consider the following statements:

The Earth’s magnetic fields has reserved every few hundred thousand years.
When the Earth was created more than 4000 millions years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.
When living organism originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.

Atmosphere covered in Q56, Test 13, 2016 Test Series

Magnetic field covered in

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2016/12/21/insights-editorial-iron-jet-stream-detected-earths-outer-core/.

BHIM App

With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements:

BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI enabled bank account
While a chip pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication

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

Covered in Quiz

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/01/03/quiz-2017-insights-current-affairs-quiz-03-january-2017/

Questions in the Test Series covered partially or covered on Similar Lines

Gravitational Lensing Light bends gravity

Consider the following phenomena:

Light is affected by gravity
The Universe is constantly expanding
Matter wraps its surrounding space –time.

Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Q2, Test 30, 2018 Test Series

Capital Infusion in PSBs

With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, consider the following statements:

Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade
To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected

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

We had covered both mergers and capital infusion in different contexts.

Q59, Test 3, 2018 Test Series

Q51, Test 5, 2018 Test Series

Regional culture

Consider the following pairs:

Tradition State

Chapchar Kut Festival – Mizoram.
Khongjom Parba ballad – Manipur.
Thang-Ta Dance – Sikim.

Partly covered in Current Affairs

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/11/22/insights-daily-current-affairs-22-november-2017/.

High COR

Despite being a high saving economy, capital formation may not result in significant increase in output due to

(a) weak administrative machinery

(b) illiteracy

(d) high capital-output ratio

18th May 2016;

Shrunk Seas

Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?

Aral Sea
Black Sea
Lake Baikal

Select the, correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Partly Covered in Quiz

16th & 17th October 2016;24th June 2017;

FSSAI

Consider the following statements:

1) The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.

2)The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

In Current Affairs

http://www.insightsonindia.com/2018/04/11/insights-daily-current-affairs-11-april-2018/.

A note on UPSC civil services Prelims – 2018 and How Insights was Useful for CS Prelims – 2018

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