Insights Prelims Test Series – 2016: Discussions Test – 20

Insights Prelims Test Series – 2016: Discussions Test – 20

Hope you enjoyed solving the Twentieth Test of our 2016 Test Series. On this page, please share your doubts to seek clarifications, or to point out any mistakes in the comment box regarding the First Test. We will do our best to address  all your doubts.

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207 Replies to “Insights Prelims Test Series – 2016: Discussions Test – 20”

  2. From where i can get ICSE Environment book for next test? And chapters to cover for each test?

  3. Repository for ICSE Environment books and areas to need to cover?

  4. Plz anybody share Indian Polity D D Basu syllabus as I have not found it in site

    1. Chapter list was also mentioned inTest 19 Discussion page.

      1. Historical Background
      2. Making of our constitution
      4. Outstanding features of constitution
      11. Union Executive
      13. State Executive
      26. Administrative relations between the Centre and States
      30. The Services and Public Service Commission
      34. How the constitution has worked. 🙂

  5. @Insights Prelims Test Series:regarding ques 65 of test 15:statement 3:demand of the states for more financial grants from the centre. it is not in line of federal spirit as states are dependent on centre for its financial resource. clearly mentioned in laxmikanth(4th edition) page 13.5. please clarify

    1. Please read the last paragraph of the explanation. Federal spirit doesn’t mean states will become standalone entities with no connection whatsoever with the Centre.

      Their dependence for funding on Centre reflects the Union bias in the federal structure, but the fact that states can demand “more financial grants from the Centre to meet their developmental needs” shows that the needs of the states are appreciated and largely fulfilled by the Centre. It shows the negotiating power of the states that reflects the federal spirit clearly. The answer given is correct. Thank you.

  6. @Insights Prelims Test Series: regarding question 18 of test 15: statement 1: Tattwabodini Sabha was a splinter group of Bramho samaj……………but tattwobodhini sabha never merged with bramho samaj rather worked through informal association with it.so,how can u say it was a splinter group of brahmo?splinter means breaking away or disintegrating?please clarify

  7. DEAR INSIGHTS
    I am from offline batch,in today’s test question no. 46 and 47 were missing…

  8. @Insights
    For d past 6-7 tests I have been getting marks around d 100 mark.I feel 20-30 more marks wud be required to clear d actual exam,so cud u suggest a method to increase my marks?

    1. Hi.. me too getting the same.But i’ve a doubt aren’t they enough to clear prelims?

      1. Don’t know bro,I have heard many ppl saying insights test series are easier as compared to others so around 120-130 wud be a good score i guess

  9. q.56 In laxmikanth its written that CHIEF INFO. COMMISSIONER is not eligible for reappointment( means appointment to the same post again).

    I tried finding a lot but didn’t get any source saying that he is not eligible for further employment under central or state govt.

    Can you please cite the source for it ?

    1. http://cic.gov.in/information_….

      The point made is correct. They are not eligible for reappointment only for the same office. They can be further employed by the government in other capacities. We will correct this in the corrigendum. Thank you for pointing this out.

  10. In 2014 Test Series, Test-2 Ques 93. Visa Restriction for foreign nationals is part of economic Protectionism.. How?

    1. USA, UK and other European countries practice this a lot and protects jobs for their citizens being taken away by immigrants. If their citizens earn, the money stays largely inside the economy, if immigrants earn the same money, they can’t be taxed as heavily as citizens, and the money goes out of their economy by way of remittances etc.

  11. dear insights plz reply….how can i get access to ICSE books..?..or atleast please mention the topics so that i can read from another source….plz mention the topics!!

  12. Regarding question no.56::Satyananda Mishra (born 1949), is the former Chief Information Commissioner of India. He is the IAS officer of 1973 batch. Satyananda Mishra has been appointed Chairman of the Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd(MCX).
    if we go by this CIC is eligible for further employment.

      1. In questions like ” Is MP or MLA eligible to become the CIC ? ” do we need to think a sitting MP/MLA or even a past MP/MLA because in the latter case, I feel he can be eligible if we see his persons of eminence in public life. Please clarify. Another example would be ” Qualifications required for President ” In this case, constitution says ” He should not hold any office of profit under centre or state govt. So, if he resigns from the post , HE is eligible to contest the election of president, right ?

        1. It will always be a sitting MP/MLA. The qualifications have been clearly mentioned in the explanation.

          If President resigns he will be eligible. 🙂

          1. Yes, qualifications I have read ! Just wanted to confirm on this part. Thanks !!

      2. Thank you team Insight for the test. had the following doubts

        Question 17: India has PTA’s with Chile and Afghanistan (Source: http://commerce.nic.in/trade/i…

        Does having a PTA qualify as FTA? FTA’s would include PTA – But not vice versa?

        Question 64: The second statement – Wildlife sanctuaries “can be classified as forest by the government” which can eventually increase the “Area classified as forest”. Isn’t the second statement correct and thus Answer: B (2 only)

        Question 82: Second statement: Is it a necessary condition for mangroves to be submerged in water? Is it necessary for supporting the growth of Mangroves? Please clarify team 🙂

        Thank you in advance.

        1. A FTA certainly qualifies as a PTA, not the other way round. This is because PTA only reduces the tarrif to give preferential access to certain commodities, FTA eliminates the tariff provisions in most cases.

          64. A wilidlife sanctuary is already classified as a forest area. It can not be counted any further.

          82. It is not an absolutely necessary condition, but it is seen that Mangroves grow in inter-tidal regions and are generally submerged for some time in a day.

          When they are submerged, their roots take oxygen from air, otherwise even in non-submerged conditions their bark can take in oxygen. This ensures their survival in both conditions.

          1. Thank you team for the clarification.

            With the above explanation:

            Answer for Question 17 should be A – Since India has a PTA with Chile and Afghanistan (which does not qualify to be FTA)
            Please clarify on this 🙂

    2. Nice analysis Sahan ! Btw I too made mistake on this, Can you please tell are there any other main positions where persons are eligible for appointment only for the same office., and not for others !!

    3. Nice analysis Sahan ! Btw I too made mistake on this, Can you please tell are there any other main positions where persons are eligible for appointment only for the same office., and not for others !!

  13. sir u promised at the time of subscription that u will increase the atte,[ts of each test by two in coming period but till now u have nt done this.. please do increase the attemts so that we can practice it again please do think on this and increase the attempts in this month itself

  14. sir u promised at the time of subscription that u will increase the atte,[ts of each test by two in coming period but till now u have nt done this.. please do increase the attemts so that we can practice it again please do think on this and increase the attempts in this month itself.. as we need revision so it is the best way.. plz increase attempts

  15. @InsightsOnIndia:disqus

    What does per capita GDP controlling for democracy mean ?

    Source : Ch 7 Page 7 Economic Survey 2015-16

    1. The phrase “controlling for economic development or democracy ” means ” Given the level of economic development or Political development i.e degree of maturity in terms of democracy we have attained “…. Democracy is taken as proxy for higher political development. This is personal opinion. Let insights comment.

      1. Ya , but i was just wondering its relation with GDP as mentioned in the graph. Does it mean that a country with a stable democracy has a higher GDP ? If thats’ the case then China would be an exception,

        1. No, you have to compare with like political systems, I think it is somewhere mentioned while drawing the comparison. So, to consider level of political development, u ought to compare two similar ones . After all you cannot sum or subtract orange and apples, I think you got my point 🙂

        2. No, you have to compare with like political systems, I think it is somewhere mentioned while drawing the comparison. So, to consider level of political development, u ought to compare two similar ones . After all you cannot sum or subtract orange and apples, I think you got my point 🙂

          1. Awesome ! But I am still looking forward for insights explanation .. Hope you don’t mind brother 🙂

            1. Sure bro ! Why shall I mind ? I would be looking forward to it for confirmation too. 🙂 Just felt like answering , so made it !

        3. I think it means that a country with a stable democracy should have “BETTER INDICATORS OF FISCAL CAPACITY”.

          In the graphs of Economic Survey, we are plotting “indicators of fiscal capacity” against “both the level of economic as well as political development”.

          Hence, in the graphs , if China has “better indicators of fiscal capacity”, then that doesn’t make it an exception because in the X-axis, “economic development” is also coming into play.

  16. @InsightsOnIndia
    Sir as you mentioned in the previous test thread to start the strategy as well as open the number of attempts of previous tests. Apart from this major change, it is very kind of you Insights can make their test platform more aspirants friendly. By saying aspirant friendly I mean some features through which we can directly go through these-
    Incorrect attempts
    Correct attempts
    Unattempted
    (these are very important for further revisions and will help us in finding our right mistake and grey areas)
    It is more better if you provide with subject wise sections. We don’t want graphs/analysis sir. But atleast we can know that in which area we are lacking continuously and need to improve.Many of my friends here are also saying to enable more attempts but in addition to that please do consider some changes mentioned above.
    Thanks 🙂

  17. Q.77 sir plz clarify how reducing repo rate is not fiscal stimulas …..

    is the answer given is wrong

    1. It is not a fiscal stimulus as repo rate is an instrument of monetary policy. Fiscal stimulus is given by the government, not RBI.

      2. sir,fiscal stimulus also includes monetary policy,mentioned in various sources ( investopedia,wikipedia).

  18. Sir plz provide ICSE reference link and when r u starting Csat section as promised during subscription.

    1. I had requested the same previously. If there isn’t any link then atleast guide us to take a hard copy.

          1. Hey, any progress on the link/material/ anything?

            Also, there’s nothing about CCRT or Public Institutions of India, both mentioned in the timetable (unless I have missed out on some update)

            Any idea on what can be done here?
            Would really appreciate some help here
            Thank you 🙂

            1. Don’t know if they cannot provide ICSE link then atleast convey this message, so that we can arrange or read something else(ShankarIAS) for the same.
              About CCRT they are already given the link (www.ccrtindia.gov.in/literaryarts.php ) on the syllabus page itself. We have to read all the links given on this page starting from ancient Indian literature till contemporary one.

  19. In Q.89 how does increased govt. spendings lead to increase in interest rate? Please explain

  20. Sir, in Ques 96, the second option which mentions “An elected body charged with the task of making the constitution would be setup
    immediately after the WW-II is stopped” should be wrong since the body was supposed to be partly elected (british india provinces) and partly nominated (princely states). Please suggest.

  21. ICSE Environmental Studies Syllabus

    Test 21: IXth standard complete Textbook

    Test 22: Xth standard Textbook: Chapters 1-10

    Test 23: Xth standard Textbook: Chapters 11-25

    —————————–
    Contents Xth Textbook
    —————————–
    1. Restoring balance in ecosystem
    2. Conservation and management of water
    3. Conservation and management of forests
    4. Conservation and management of Ocean resources
    5. Conservation and management of soil
    6. Wildlife Conservation
    7. Application of Biotechnology
    8. Relevance of Indigenous practices
    9. Environmental Pollution
    10. Sources of pollution
    11. Effects of pollution
    12. Abatement of pollution
    13. Decline in productivity
    14. Resettlement and Rehabilitation
    15. Energy Crisis – Rural and Urban India
    16. Greenhouse effect and global warming
    17. Acid rain
    18. Climatic changes
    19. Ozone layer depletion
    20. Disasters
    21. Eco-friendly Technology
    22. Consumer Education
    23. Community participation for ecological restoration and conservation
    24. Protection of wildlife – Cruelty to animals
    25. Enforcement of acts, laws and policies

    Thank you.

    1. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus I do not have access to ICSE environment books. Can you also post the chapters of class 9 so that the same chapters can be studied by referring to other sources.

    2. Links to ICSE environment sciences books pdf please. Or should we buy it from amazon / flipkart? Please guide.

      1. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus i have same query, are soft copies available. There was one 9th std book of ICSE on flipkart, but it’s sold out.

        Moreover i’ll suggest Insights to integrate test discussions with the test portal. It’s very inconvenient to search here and there for test schedule, scheduled and recommended reading and most importantly after-test discussion. Please integrate the two soon. And do suggest on the ICSE book about where to get it from.

        Thanks

      1. You can read either this book or Old NCERT Biology. Please do not skip it. IGNOU may not cover those small factual questions asked by UPSC. Past tests syllabus is not enough. There will be additional questions. Thank you.

    4. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus Dear Insights team, Can we prefer Shankar IAS Environment Book over ICSE book for above mentioned topics ?

              1. You’re welcome! Just know that it is the 3rd edition and not the 4th (in case that matters)
                Best of Luck!

      1. Insights has already said about the syllabus…u have to read the whole book of class 9

    7. Yes please provide index content of class IX book also as some of us are reading from other sources like shankar ias.

    8. @@insightsprelimstestseries:disqus Can you please suggest Insights whether NIOS environment material will suffice instead of ICSE textbooks?

      1. No. NIOS is very basic. Either Old NCERT Biology or Shankar IAS notes or ICSE environment books.

        2. I think, Cost/Benefit of ICSE is not worthy. Environment Question are spread across

          a)Wildlife Species and Conservation (BR,NP,WLS,TS)
          b) Ecology Basic (With Five Kingdoms)
          c) Climate Change with Dynamic Part
          d) Conventions and Legislations with Dynamic Part
          e) Organizations/Bodies/Finance

          Integration of
          Selected Chapters of XI and XII Bio
          India 2016 and 2015 (As lots of facts have been deleted from 2016)
          Selected items Shankar IAS
          MOEF Website

          Request to Insight, Please dont focus on ICSE wholly for questions.

    9. Sir after so many efforts, i m not able to achieve more than 100 marks…only stick between 80 to100. What strategy should i adopt please guide me…

    10. Dear insights please let us know the name if the book n writer becoz the book I have of ICSE does not contain these chapters please help us out. Please reply soon 🙁

    11. @Insights Prelims Test Series With due respect sir..u have said multiple times in other comments that Class 9 chapters are also uploaded but I am not able to see it for test 21.
      It only shows “Test 21: IXth standard complete Textbook” but it shows the complete content of Class Xth Textbook.
      Can u plz have a look into this ??

    12. where can we get these 2 books, ICSE class 9th and 10th env.? my tests are pending regarding these 2 books

    13. wrt q6 (test 20)…tax avoidance is not black money…am i right?? just for reassurance. thanks.

      1. Tax avoidance and tax evasion are different. In tax avoidance one exploits the loopholes of the tax laws to reduce tax burden. It is not black money.

        In tax evasion, one wilfully illegally hides his income and does not pay taxes.

  22. Sir,
    What is the average score in this test to be considered good in this test? Just like last time, Is maintaining a score of 100+ will suffice in these tests?

  23. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus pdf link for ICSE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES?? or tell which book we have to buy!! please guide.

  24. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus-To insights and all
    My avg. incorrect attempts from the previous 20 tests is ~25 (correct attempts~61). Don’t what to do now, how to attempt only those which I’m pretty sure about. I talked to some ppl all are saying 15max should be your target but I’m helpless in reducing. Please suggest some measure.
    One more doubt. Is insight’s tests these days are getting tougher or is this only me feeling this way?
    Thanks

    1. There is no such rule saying 15 should be the max wrong answers;

      I myself get 20-30 wrong all the time; but because I answer 95-100 questions, I end up getting 110+ in general;

      Just Answer all the questions you know; Then answer those questions where you have eliminated at least two options based on some reliable criteria; Take that risk, Its alright! Probability is on your side; The problem is what that “reliable criteria” is?

      People like Roman Saini say that one is a fool if one doesn’t answer a question after eliminating just one. That’s too radical – I wouldn’t follow/recommend it myself;

      Don’t play safe; I played safe last time – paid dearly. Earlier I used to attempt only 70-80;

      You have 10 more tests to try out this new strategy; All the best.

      1. Thanks bhai for the guidance…Will definitely try this strategy in coming test and will tell you the results 🙂

  25. Dear Insights Team

    It has been seen in the test series that some of the times the answers of the questions, explanation or learning are wrong. Though you correct it in the discussion page of the respective test series but some time it is very difficult to track the discussion for the correction made by you. Moreover, it is not easy for us to know that sometimes we are actually learning the wrong answer.

    So I request you to kindly provide us a separate notification for corrections made by you either by way of mail or any other suitable mean.

    I hope you”ll resolve the matter at the earliest as it will really going to help us a lot.

    1. Dude, do you know what’s to be done from CCRT?

      and what’s the name of the ICSE book?

    3. Please improve the explanations.. Please stick to the explanation for the question rather then simply copy pasting the text from the source. Many vague question 🙁

  26. Q96,
    Acc to Cripps mission, constituent assembly would be partly elected and partly nominated. So, statement 2 should be wrong, as it states that “an ELECTED body….”
    Pls clarify.

  27. In Q.29 shouldn’t we go with the SC ruling that High Court also has power of review?

  28. I fell get boring always please any one give me better tip to overcome from distraction and boring and i used to follow some technique but it couldn’t help me …….. what i have to do i am so much frustrate about upsc IAs exam i lose 4 attempts, couldn’t clear prelims 2015 i got (85+148 around) marks and 2014 (80+97 )and 2013 (56+137) and 2012 (10+100) Gs 1 and csat respectively, even though i didn’t focus on studies very boring for me and disappointed … and insightsonindia website provided a lot of information that too very frustrated me i am just in middle of the ocean any one can give me sail boat to come out successful in exam !!

        1. Just counting your attempts wont help,there are many who clear even Mains in 1st attempt if not Interview. Better concentrate and give proper time to studies to make it interesting. Competitive exams are for person full of enthusiasm and determined to face any obstacle.

          2. u r absolutely true motivator really appreciate you thank you we all need tones of enthusiasm about feature ……………..

        2. i can underatand ur problem bro…it happens with everyone. In order to boost ur confidence up, watch some aspirational videos of Ias toppers,follow insights regulary…having been appeared for 4 times,u must have enough knowledge and experience than us..u can utilize this in ur preparation and can guide us.

    2. I am not an expert to advise, but I feel that you stop reading right away for next 5 days and just solve the mock tests (daily 2 tests) and check your answers. Check the explanation and solutions provided by Insights and update your notes.
      Aim for scoring 100+ in every test.

  29. Saudi Arabia is the major defence goods importer rather than India.
    Kindly correct the answer.

  30. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus
    Q2-When powers divided in 3 lists: federal, provincial and concurrent then how a unit(provinces or princely states) can be autonomous(independent) from the centre. act 1935 itself provided for the federation. Don’t this means a partial autonomy for the units as they heed to powers enumerated in Federal list? In such type of statements we can think both ways and must be mentioned clearly, that whether it says complete autonomy or some autonomy.
    Q77-Doesn’t printing currency would create inflation in the economy?(if it was for short run then must be mentioned)

  31. Q57 : As per the detailed explanation the process of Economic development (ED) is most concerned with changes in structure of economy. My understanding is that ED’s prime objective is improving quality of life of the people. please clarify the same.

    General observation : In 1-20 test, ancient and medieval history coverage seems to be limited, is there any specific reason for the same? request to cover the same more extensively.

  32. Hi,

    I was searching for the corrigendum. Can you please provide the link incase you have already updated it? Or will it be uploaded later?

    thanks for all the effort

  33. WHY ARE U IGNORING MY MESSAGE??
    U promised at the time of subscription that u will increase the atte,[ts of each test by two in coming period but till now u have nt done this.. please do increase the attemts so that we can practice it again please do think on this and increase the attempts in this month itself.. as we need revision so it is the best way.. plz increase attempts

  36. Hi Insights

    Q 4 : limestone has neutralizing effect only in the presence of strong acids

    But what if there are no strong acids in the soil….what if limestone reacts with water to calcium bi carbonate which is a weak acid…. Here it is increasing the acidity right?

    Please explain

  37. Hi Insights

    Q 59 :

    R is the consequence of A and not explanation of A

    Apt explanation would be “exemptions to the tax rate”

    Q 96 : Statement 2 ..it was partly elected and partly nominated…question says an elected body

    Please clarify

  38. Hi Guys, Any Idea about ICSE Books-9 th and 10th Enviornment Studies? ebook copy or physcial?

  39. Hi Please share ICSE 9th Standard Environmental Studies Book Index Pages or Content Page. We can arrange other resources from the content.

      1. Sir, in Question no. 96, the 2nd statement seems to be wrong. Please guide.:)

  40. Sir, pls provide contents of 9th class of ICSE env. studies or topics for test-21 (environment). So that we could read it from other sources.

    1. 9th Standard ICSE Environment Textbook Contents

      Unit 1 – Understanding Ecosystem

      1. Types of Ecosystem
      2. Interaction between Biotic and Abiotic Factors
      3. Energy Flow and Its Importance
      4. Destruction of Ecosystem
      5. Impact of Ecosystem Destruction
      6. Conservation of Ecosystem
      7. Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

      Unit 2 – Depletion of Resources

      8. Natural Resources
      9. Causes of Depletion of Resource
      10. Impact of Depletion of Resources
      11. Conservation of Resources

      Unit 3 – Waste Generation and Management

      12. Sources of Waste
      13. Classification ad Waste
      14. Impact of Waste Accumulation
      15. Need for Management of Waste
      16. Safe Disposal of Waste
      17. Reduce -Reuse-Recycle
      18. Legal Provisions for Handling and Management of Waste

      Unit 4 – Environmental Values and Ethics

      19. Human Rights, Fundamental Duties and Value Education
      20. Women and Child Welfare

  42. WHY ARE U IGNORING MY MESSAGE?

    U promised at the time of subscription that u will increase the atte,[ts of each test by two in coming period but till now u have nt done this.. please do increase the attemts so that we can practice it again please do think on this and increase the attempts in this month itself.. as we need revision so it is the best way.. plz increase attempts

  43. HI @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus:. it may seem like a weird request but can you add more testimonials about the test series? It just helps to read those in moments of self doubt. 🙂 and please update the corrigendum.

  44. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus

    do we have to do all the remaining 11 chapters of rajiv sikri for test 21 ?

      1. Challenge And Strategy : Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy – Rajiv Sikri

        this had to be done for mains self study along with prelims test series syllabus

  45. As per discussion provided in the answer to Q57 should be : Improvement in the quality of life

      1. Economic development is mainly concerned with the rise in % GDP and social & Human development is concerned with the improvement in the quality of life.

        1. Dear, It is economic growth that is concerned with achieving higher and higher growth rates. There is no guarantee that higher economic growth rates will translate into higher economic development, which is a holistic improvement in the quality of life of a citizen.

          1. Q81. Diversity depends on both species richness and evenness, the more the species is rich and even the more is the diversity. But the explanation says the reverse. Please solve the it.
            And also evenness means similar abundance of different species –> and not dominated by one or two species

  46. i just did my first test..test 20..i want to know how many people took the test and what was the highest score..to get better idea of my performance..

  47. Hello everyone,

    Is there anyone here who has gone through both the books (Shankar IAS env. notes and ICSE books)? Or anyone who at least has some idea about them. Please tell me which one of them is rather wholesome. Also tell me if any one of them can suffice.

    Thanks in advance. 🙂

  48. Dear Insights,
    reiterating all the requests from below.

    i) Please provide NAME/LINK of the book so it can be bought online

    ii) Please provide names of CHAPTERS of Class IXth ALSO, so that those who don’t have access can tally and use other sources

    iii) Please clarify what the situation is on CSAT 2, an issue which till now has been conveniently evaded

    NEW: (though I asked the same in a comment below): What all is to be done from CCRT?
    It finds mention in the timetable so ideally should be clarified.

    Hoping that you would resolve the issue at the soonest. Thank you!

    1. 1. You can buy Evergreen or S Chand enviromental studies book of 9th and 10th standard.

      2. Chapters from 9th are mentioned below 10th content.

      3. One just needs to qualify in CSAT. You shook finish any one CSAT related book book practice past year Papers. It will be enough. If there is anything from our end, we will let aspirants know.

      Simply follow the CCRT link given in the schedule. Read the complete section in the page that opens.

      Thank you.

  49. Sir,

    Q57. Economic development can also imply “Improvement in the quality of life” (option D). Explanation also conveys the same i suppose. pls clarify.

    Q75. In which category does Malabar Turtle comes, i am unable to find it on any verified source.

    1. 57. It’s a typo. Answer will be D.

      75. Malabar Turtle was a cooked up option. You need not be concerned with it. Thank you.

      1. Ohh thank you sir for prompt reply.
        But sir how to approach these questions when there are so many species, it always makes me confused and i end up leaving the question 🙁

  50. after so many efforts , i m not able to achieve more than 100 marks…only stick between 80 to100. What strategy should i adop please guide me…

    1. see diff section for ur performance , in which all sections ur performance less thn 60% study thm more and improve

  51. Hi Insights

    Q 59 :

    R is the consequence of A and not explanation of A

    Apt explanation would be “exemptions to the tax rate”

    Q 96 : Statement 2 ..it was partly elected and partly nominated…question says an elected body

    Please clarify

    Q 4 : limestone has neutralizing effect only in the presence of strong acids

    But what if there are no strong acids in the soil….what if limestone reacts with water to calcium bi carbonate which is a weak acid…. Here it is increasing the acidity right?

    Please explain

  52. In question number 51 shouldn’t the grants be considered as discretionary and not statutory. Kindly clarify.

    1. Grants under recommendations of FC have always been called statutory grants. They also have statutory backing.

      Further, historically the Planning commission granted the discretionary grants, which task has now, probably, fallen in the hands of Finance Ministry.

  53. Q 95. Laxmikant Polity, Page 55.2

    The Director of the CBI is appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Central Vigilance Commissioner as Chairperson, the Vigilance Commissioners, the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Secretary (Coordination and Public Grievances) in the Cabinet Secretariat.

    1. The law has changed.
      Laxmikanth is old.
      Just see it doesn’t have the changes in laws pursuant to the enactmebt of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act.

  54. Q82
    a) It is rich in nutrients
    b) It allows mangroves to be submerged in water for at least a part in the day

    Insight Answer: Both 1 and 2.

    My Query: Submergence in water atleast in a day or so is not prerequisite for survival. Its their adaption to the intertidal zones with special pneumatophores. its not cause but adaption to the causal situation.

  55. Dear Insight,

    Appreciate entire of your initiatives….Would like to suggest few changes, if you find it worth to incorporate..
    Solved and compared 10+ tests of Insight and Vision too.
    1) Vision has kept well mix of Information based/Analytical and current event based questions.
    2) Your analytical questions go well into unnecessary reading between the line. (UPSC will hardly ask 2 or 3 such questions and hardly any candidate will make it 100% in exam room). Its like playing with Grey area.
    3) Modern History is overfocused (With three books BC,PP, MI), while culture/location based geography questions are undermined.
    In Environment, Ecology is overburdened, leaving little room for Wildlife/Conservation/Yearbook/Legislations/Bodies/Finance etc.

    Kind request for use of Golden rule 80:20 (80% questions will be asked from 20% sources) making us to read standard material everymonth again and again

  56. It is more better if you provide with subject wise sections. We don’t want graphs/analysis sir. But atleast we can know that in which area we are lacking continuously and need to improve.

    Also I want to revise the test series.. please enable the platform to us..

  57. sir from where do i get icse environment book.( is it written by D P MISHRA s chand publication )

  60. Cripps proposal did NOT propose an elected body to make the constitution . THE BODY WAS TO BE PARTLY ELECTED PLEASE CORRECT THIS

  61. please specify or give link for chapter distribution for icse environment

  62. Dear Insights,

    In test NO 20 &21 i took the test but question was loading then again came to my test page i didn’t attend the test. Both the test are like that only. i want to write the test what will i do please help me sir…..

  63. Doubt regarding Q88:why is small sea surface near large land area statement incorrect?
    How would you classify gulf of Mexico,Arabian sea,Bay of Bengal,South china sea as compared to various oceans such as Atlantic,Pacific?

      1. But when we compare Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal from Atlantic or pacific ocean,they are small sea surface.So my point is can’t we say arabian sea and bay of bengal or any other sea for that matter be considered a small sea surface as compared to these oceans.If my point is valid then “small sea surface also produces tropical cylcone” is correct?
        Am I justifiable?

        1. Every large thing is smaller in comparison to a larger thing. This is what your argument is. Let’s not get confused by comparing seas with oceans to find the seas smaller. Seas can be much smaller. In terms of size of seas, the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal are large seas. There are much smaller seas around the world. Don’t you agree?

  65. Hi Insights,

    Can you pls provide link to “corrigendum uploads” of tests ?

    1. Dear, we will be uploading them part-wise in just a few days (e.g. Test 1-10 at once) and then gradually cover all the tests. Thank you.

      1. Thanks for reply sir.
        1 more query
        From which month i shall start current affairs revision, actually i am following insights from December may i need to revise earlier months too ?

        1. It is always better if you can cover current affairs of last two years. However, for Prelims we will covering important past year current affairs in the Test series. For Mains, you may need to read them. 🙂

  66. QN 29:SIR,aggrieved person can appeal directly in high court in the first instance,later on it depends.but there mayn’t be any chance to move SUPREME COURT first.

    1. True. That the appeal has to be first filed in the High court, shows that the option D is incorrect as well. Option D says that the appeals against the CAT order can be filed in both HC and the SC– which is not correct, as the appeal against a CAT order can be made only in the High Court. The HC decision later may be appealed before the SC, but a direct appeal before the SC cannot be made.

    2. another thing, In laxmikanth it is written that “members of the CAT enjoy the status of judges of High Courts as per statutory provisions” does it include chairman as well?

  67. QN 43:CERT-INDIA deals with cyber crimes,which is nodal agency for cyber crimes,as in the previous test also asked.

    1. Yet, the cyber crimes can be referred to the CBI. So, no issue with the question here, friend. The question just asked which cases cannot be referred to CBI, and the cyber crimes can be referred to it.

  68. Q-31 Sir who owns the mineral and other valuable resources present in states .Is it owned by states or centre .The coal block leasing in done by centre so is it centre?
    Q-81 sir ecotones comes with ‘edge effect’ which makes the species vulnerable to predator species.So it means more no of ecotones is not a good condition.Plz explain.

    1. 31. Major minerals like Iron ore, Coal are owned by the Central government, minor minerals by state government.

      81. It is a subjective assessment, and we do not know if the threat by predators is more than the benefit they receive out of more ecotones.

  69. Thank you team Insight for the test. had the following doubts

    Question 17: India has PTA’s with Chile and Afghanistan (Source: http://commerce.nic.in/trade/international_ta.asp?id=2&trade=i)
    Does having a PTA qualify as FTA? FTA’s would include PTA – But not vice versa?

    Question 64: The second statement – Wildlife sanctuaries “can be classified as forest by the government” which can eventually increase the “Area classified as forest”. Isn’t the second statement correct and thus Answer: B (2 only)

    Question 82: Second statement: Is it a necessary condition for mangroves to be submerged in water? Is it necessary for supporting the growth of Mangroves? Please clarify team 🙂

    Thank you in advance

  70. Ques. 15 : As per justification, CVC is only an advisory body, where as, laxmikant pg no. 54.3 working of CVC para tells that CVC has all power of civil court and it’s proceedings have a judicial character.
    Please clarify.

    1. In its proceedings, CVC has all powers of civil court and upon its investigation, when it submits its findings to the government, it has a mere advisory character, i.e. it is not binding for the government to follow it.

      The powers of civil court are required in the investigation of cases. These powers are to summon witnesses, call for documents and evidences, etc.

  71. can you please check Q17) India has signed PTA with Chile and Afghanistan and not FTA (IYB-2016; chap- Commerce)
    can you please clarify?

    1. A PTA is different from a FTA. The latter is more open in terms of trade and investment. Thank you.

      1. therefor answer to this question in the test is provided wrong because it says India has signed FTA with Chile and Afghanistan but as per IYB they have signed PTA not FTA. Please correct me If I am wrong

          1. okay.,… so out of IYB and Eco Survey… We need to follow eco survey… thank you for clarification… this is an important question for this year so needed your advice… thank you.. 🙂

          2. I don’t think it would be right to refer to the Budget in this specific case of differentiating between PTAs and FTAs.

            Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) are understood to be agreements between two or more countries to reduce tariff on agreed number of items. Free Trade Agreements are also similar agreements, except that they include a substantial portion of the items traded among the countries. So the differentiating criterion between PTAs and FTAs is the number of items to be traded with reduced tariff.

            The Budget Document uses the term Preferential Trade Agreement in a very general sense to mean wider concept in which would fall 5 sub-categories (which it lists as PSA, FTA, CU, CM and EU). Then, it also uses Free Trade Agreements as a loose term to include agreements with those countries also which is still at PTA level and has not progressed to the FTA level. Hence, the inclusion of Chile and Mercosur.

            I don’t think the budget document has followed the accepted differences between FTAs and PTAs. There are many sources which provide for stages of economic integration. Wikipedia gives this one: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_integration.

            The years mentioned along with Chile and Mercosur in the budget document are the years when India signed PTA with them (2004 and 2006).

            At present, talks for raising India’s trade with Chile to the level of FTA are still going on. Please see: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/India-likely-to-sign-free-trade-agreement-with-Australia-Chile-soon/articleshow/48959625.cms.

            Also see: http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/need-to-re-examine-india-mercosur-pta-official-115100800955_1.html

      2. Q 38. Is it correct that press council of india has ugc chairman and sahithya akademi chairman as its members?

        1. The Press Council is headed by a Chairman, who has by convention, been a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. The Council consists of 28 other members of whom 20 represent the press and are nominated by the press organisations/news agencies recognised and notified by the Council as all India bodies of categories such as editors, working journalists and owners and managers of newspaper , 5 members are nominated from the two houses of Parliament and 3 represent cultural, literary and legal fields as nominees of the Sahitya Academy, University Grants Commission and the Bar Council of India. The members serve on the Council for a term of three years

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