01. INSIGHT Test 1 Solution A423s

7/25/2019 01. INSIGHT Test 1 Solution A423s

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TEST-1

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1 Consider the following.

1. Foggy weather

2. High biological productivity

3. Plentiful fish catch

The above are associated with which of the following

!. "nter#tidal $ones

%. &eeting of 'arm and Cold currents

C. &arine upwelling $ones

(. )hallow seas

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + %

!nswer ,ustification +

Explanation: "nter#tidal $ones are regions between the high tide and low tide area.

They are biologically productive- but foggy weather is not eperienced there. )o-

option /a0 is wrong.

&arine upwelling $ones are rich in nutrients- as nutrient rich water is upwelled to

come to the top. %ut- again foggy weather is not eperienced. )o- option /c0 is

wrong.

Learning:

!reas where warm and cold currents meet tend to have regular foggy

conditions- as the overlying warm and cold air come in contact with each

other.

They also tend to have high biological productivity- because planton growth

is encourage by the miing of warm and cold currents.

)ome of the worlds most productive fishing grounds are located where warm

and cold currents converge.

For eample- where abrador current /cold0 and 4ulf stream /warm0 meet- a

dense fog is there and it is one of the richest fishing grounds of the world.

Q Source: Page 35+ Chapter 6+ 7ur 8nvironment

2 'hen the grains of sand are very fine and light- the wind can carry it over very long

distances. 'hen such sand is deposited in large areas in a desert- it is called

!. (une barriers

%. Hemiboreal

C. (unestac

(. 9one of the above
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TEST-1xaam.in

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation & Learning: :ou may call sand dunes as (une barriers. %ut-

technically dune barrier is not a term. )o- option /a0 is wrong.

Hemiboreal means halfway between the temperate and subarctic /or boreal0 $ones.

)o- option /b0 is also wrong.

There is no such term as (unestac. )o- option /c0 is also wrong.

The correct answer is oess. arge deposits of ;oess< is found in China.

Q Source: Page =>+ Chapter >+ 7ur Pasts#"

3 'hich of the following factors may affect air circulation

1. (ensity of air

2. !ir Temperature

3. !ir Pressure

?. Height of air column

)elect the correct answer using the codes below.

!. 1- 2 and 3 only

%. 1 and ? only

C. 2 and 3 only

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation: 'hen air is heated- it epands- becomes lighter and goes up. Cold air

is denser and heavy.ighter air tends to rise- and denser air tends to sin. )ince it

affects air circulation- statement 1 is correct.

!ir temperature is one of most important factors affecting its density. 7ther factor is

moisture. )o- statement 2 is also correct.

!ir pressure is an outcome of the total atmospheric conditions in an area. From

higher pressure areas- air flows to lower pressure areas. )o- statement 3 is also

correct.


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TEST-1xaam.in

High air columns /in which ,et streams etc. flow0 blow at the height of 2#= ms in

troposphere. Their characteristics lie temperature- pressure or density is not

affected by the near earth air. However- they have a peculiar air circulation pattern.

)o- statement ? is also correct.

Learning: 'hen hot air rises- cold air from surrounding area rushes there to fill in

the gap. That is how air circulation taes place. This can be affected by the factors

as mentioned above.

Q Source: Page 21+ Chapter ?+ 7ur 8nvironment

? 'hy a higher growth can be reaped- despite a reduction in fied capital /FC0 formation inthe "ndian economy

!. FC is not directly correlated with economic growth rate.

%. FC includes construction of dwellings as a sub#component which may not

add to the productive capacity of the economy.

C. ong#term growth can still be achieved if resources from FC are

diverted towards consumption.

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + %


Explanation: Fied capital formation /growth of productive infrastructure etc0 is

directly related with economic growth rate. )o- option /a0 is incorrect.

7ption /c0 is incorrect- as only short#term growth may be achieved if such diversion

occurs. "n the long#term @uality and @uantity of infrastructure is a maAor determinant

of economic growth.

(wellings form more than 6B of the fied capital formation in "ndia.

)ince dwellings do not add to the productive capacity of the economy- even if its

growth rate reduces- the economy can still grow. )o- option /b0 is correct.

Learning:Fied capital is assets used in the productive process.

!s per the new formula- there are changes both in the variables includedDecluded as

well as the weights assigned to them.

8amples of Fied Capital Formation


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T8)T#1 xaam.in

%uilding or epanding eisting factory

Eoad and bridge construction

Purchase of transport e@uipment

7ffice e@uipment- such as computers- printers

&achinery used in the productive process

8nergy infrastructure etc

4enerally- the higher the capital formation of an economy- the faster an economy

can grow its aggregate income. "ncreasing an economys capital stoc also increases

its capacity for production- which means an economy can produce more. Producing

more goods and services can lead to an increase in national income levels.

Q Source:8conomic )urvey 2B1?#16+ olume 2+ Chapter 1+ Page 11

6 The earliest Tamil compositions are nown as )angam. 'hy these tets are

called )angam

!. These tets were the meeting of the best of the ancient wisdom and

contemporary values.

%. The poets composing the tets named it so.

C. They were composed in the city of )angam.

(. They were composed and compiled in assemblies of poets which were

nown as )angams.

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation: 7ption /c0 is incorrect as these poet )angams were held in the city of

&adurai.

Learning: )angam literature- were composed around 23BB years ago. )angam

literature deals with emotional and material topics such as love- war- governance-

trade and bereavement. These poems were later collected into various anthologies-

edited- and with colophons added by anthologists and annotators around 1BBB !(.

)angam literature fell out of popular memory soon thereafter- until they were

rediscovered in the 1>th century by scholars such as !rumuga 9avalar- C. '.

Thamotharampillai and *. . )waminatha "yer.

Q Source: Page =>+ Chapter >+ 7ur Pasts#"

G Consider the following statements.


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xaam,in

1. 'orld 'ater day is celebrated on 22nd &arch.

2. *9 recommends at least 6B litres of water per person per day.

3. The decade 2BB6#16 was declared as the "nternational (ecade for

!ction )elect the correct answer using the codes below.

!. 1 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 2 only

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer + !

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation & Learning : !ccording to the *9 'orld Health 7rgani$ation

/'H70- between 6B and 1BB litres of water per person per day are needed to ensure

that most basic needs are met and few health concerns arise.

Eefer to the following lin for more information+

[email protected]

Q Source: "mprovisation+ Page 1>3+ Chapter 1G+ ""th )cience

5 The Fourteenth Finance Commission /FFC0 has proposed a new hori$ontal formula for

the distribution of the divisible pool among the )tates. The new criterion includes

1. Population as per 2B11 Census

2. Forest Cover

3. Fiscal discipline of the states


!. 1 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

(. 1 and 2 only

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + (!nswer ,ustification +

Explanation: Fiscal discipline was a criterion used by earlier Finance Commissions.

"t has been discontinued by the 1?th FC. )o- statement 3 is wrong.

Learning:The finance Commission is responsible for distribution of resources

/taes0 between the Centre and the states /vertical distribution0- and between the

states /hori$ontal distribution0. "t does so using an obAective formula which contains
http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/quality.shtmlhttp://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/quality.shtml


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T8)T#1

several factors such as bacwardness of a stateI )C- )T population etc.

!s per the new formula- there are changes both in the variables includedDecluded as

well as the weights assigned to them.

Eelative to the Thirteenth Finance Commission- the FFC has incorporated two new

variables+ 2B11 population and forest coverI and ecluded the variable relating to

fiscal discipline.

Q Source:http+DDindianepress.comDarticleDopinionDcolumnsDune@ual#statesD

= Consider the following statements about )angam literature.1. "t is primarily secular in nature.

2. 'omen poets did not participate in composing the literature.

3. "t does not deal with matters of governance.


!. 1 and 2 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 only

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer + !

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation:)tatement 2 is incorrect- as poems belonging to )angam literature

were composed by both men and women- from various professions and classes of

society.

)tatement 3 is incorrect as it deals with matters of war- governance and trade. "t also

deals with ethics- and on the various issues of life lie wealth- virtue and love.

Q Source:'iipedia+ "mprovisation from Chapter >+ 7ur Pasts#"

> 8arliest iharas were built for %uddhist mons and nuns because

!. "t was to be the Central place for all mons and nuns for meditation and

contemplation.

%. "t served as a permanent shelter for the wandering mons and nuns during

rainy season.

C. "t served as a centre for propagation of %uddhist ideas.

(. "t was used to organi$e the )angha.
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*ser !nswer + %Correct !nswer + %


Explanation:!ll other options /a0- /c0 and /d0 refer to the purposes served by

present#day monasteries- and not earliest iharas.

Learning:%uddhist mons went from place to place throughout the year- teaching

people. The only time they stayed in one place was during the rainy season- when it

was very difficult to travel. Then- their supporters built temporary shelters for them

in gardens- or they lived in natural caves in hilly areas.

!s time went on- many supporters of the mons and nuns- and they themselves- felt

the need for more permanent shelters and so monasteries were built. These were

nown as viharas.

Q Source:Chapter 5+ 7ur Pasts#"

1B "f you do not gave a 4P)- you can still now the latitude of your place by

!. &easuring angle of Pole star from your place

%. &easuring the angle between Pole star and %ig dipper constellation from

your placeC. ooing at the direction of your Compass


*ser !nswer + !

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation & Learning %efore we eplain it in words here- do watch this video

http+DDstudy.comDacademyDlessonDusing#the#sun#stars#to#determine#latitude#longitude

.html

atitude is basically the angle of your place from the centre of the 8arth /e@uatorialposition0. 9ow- you can either find out this angle 7E find out the angle of your

place with respect to the 9orth Pole. Finding the latter is easier as Pole )tar is

always found vertically above the 9orth Pole.

"f you can find your placeB degrees to arrive at your place


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the direction vertically above towards Pole star. )o- option /c0 is incorrect.

7ther options can be eliminated in the same way.

Q Source: Page 11+ Chapter 2+ The 8arth 7ur Habitat

11 )outh#!sia is considered a sub#continent for which of the following reasons

1. "t occupies a very large geographical area.

2. "t is self#sufficient in resources.

3. "t is well separated geographically from rest of !sia.

?. 4eographical features and climate vary substantially.

6. "t is on a different tectonic plate from the rest of the !sian continent.)elect the correct answer using the codes below.

!. 2 and 6 only

%. 1- 3 and ? only

C. 1- 3- ? and 6 only

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation:)tatement 2 is wrong- as being self#sufficient in resources is not an

accepted criterion. !rabian Peninsula is also recogni$ed as a sub#continent- but is

not self#sufficient in resources. &oreover- )outh !sia is not self#sufficient in all

resources for e.g. minerals.

Learning:Certain parts of continents are recogni$ed as subcontinents- particularly

those on different tectonic plates from the rest of the continent. The most notable

eamples are the "ndian subcontinent and the !rabian Peninsula. 4reenland-

generally reconed as the worlds largest island on the northeastern periphery of the

9orth !merican Plate- is sometimes referred to as a subcontinent.

)outh !sia is often called a subcontinent because although it is smaller than a

continent- it is very large- and is separated from the rest of !sia by seas- hills and

mountains.

Q Source:Page 3+ 7ur Pasts#"- "th 9C8ET.

12 "n 1=th century "ndia- what was the practice of iAaradari

!. *sing revenue#farmers for the collection of state revenue.


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%. !ssociation of merchants and baners in the management of the Central

&ughal treasury

C. !uctioning of the right to collect taes by the %ritish to the highest bidders.

(. &ilitary positions in &ughal state being given on the basis of patronage-

and not merit.

*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation:"f you see a @uestion on &ughal military- loo for the eyword ;fauA


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Explanation: &t. JilimanAaro is a volcanic mountain. )o- statement 3 is wrong.

osges- 8urope is a bloc mountain. )o- statement ? is also wrong. 7ther two are

old and new fold mountains.

Learning: There are three types of mountains# Fold &ountains- %loc &ountains

and the olcanic &ountains. The Himalayan &ountains and the !lps are young fold

mountains with rugged relief and high conical peas.

%loc &ountains are created when large areas are broen and displaced vertically.

The uplifted blocs are termed as horsts and the lowered blocs are called graben.

The Ehine valley and the osges mountain in 8urope are eamples of such

mountain systems.

olcanic mountains are formed due to volcanic activity. &t.JilimanAaro in !frica

and &t.FuAiyama in ,apan are eamples of such mountains.

Q Source: Chapter G+ The 8arth 7ur Habitat

1? 'hich of the following you can use to form a real image of the )un on a paper

!. Conve mirror and Concave lens

%. Conve lens and Concave mirrorC. Conve and Concave lens

(. Conve and Concave mirror

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + %


Explanation & Learning : ! conve lens converges /bends inward0 the light

generally falling on it. Therefore- it is called a converging lens. 7n the other hand- a

concave lens diverges /bends outward0 the light and is called a diverging lens.

The opposite is true in case of mirrors- i.e. concave mirror will converge light falling

on it- and conve mirror will diverge the same.

Q Source: Chapter 16+ ""th )cience

16 How does 7$one protect us from the harmful ultraviolet radiation

!. %y reflecting the * radiation bac to space
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%. %y absorbing the * radiation and breaing down into oygen

C. %y converting the harmful * radiation into useful * radiation

(. %y changing the fre@uency of * radiation coming to earth

*ser !nswer + !

Correct !nswer + %


Explanation & Learning: The o$one layer acts as a filter for the shorter

wavelength and highly ha$ardous ultraviolet radiation /*E0 from the sun-

protecting life on 8arth from its potentially harmful effects. 7$one absorbs this *

radiation and breas down to oygen. 7ygen is different from o$one.

There is an inverse relationship between stratospheric o$one and solar *E

measured at the 8arths surface- i.e. the lower the o$one levels- the higher the solar

*E. The formation of o$one holes severely affects o$ones ability to filter *

rays.

Q Source: Page G3+Chapter G+ ""th )cience

1G 'hich funds are managed by the 4lobal 8nvironment Facility /48F0

1. east (eveloped Countries Fund

2. )pecial Climate Change Fund

3. Carbon Credit Fund


!. 1 and 2 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

(. 2 only

*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation:&ultilateral Carbon Credit Fund /&CCF0 is maintained by the8uropean "nvestment %an /8"%0 with the 8uropean %an for Eeconstruction and

(evelopment /8%E(0. )o- statement 3 is incorrect.

Learning:!n independently operating financial organi$ation /with 1=3 countries0-

the 48F provides grants for proAects related to biodiversity- climate change-

international waters- land degradation- the o$one layer- and persistent organic

pollutants. "t was established in 1>>2 on the eve of Eio )ummit.


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The 48F also serves as financial mechanism for the following conventions+

Convention on %iological (iversity /C%(0

*nited 9ations Framewor Convention on Climate Change /*9FCCC0

*9 Convention to Combat (esertification /*9CC(0

)tocholm Convention on Persistent 7rganic Pollutants /P7Ps0

&inamata Convention on &ercury

The 48F- although not lined formally to the &ontreal Protocol on )ubstances that

(eplete the 7$one ayer /&P0- supports implementation of the Protocol in countries

with economies in transition.

The 48F also manages two separate adaptation#focused funds under the *9FCCC

K the east (eveloped Countries Fund and the )pecial Climate Change FundK

which mobili$e funding specifically earmared for activities related to adaptation.

Q

Source:"mprovisation+http+DDindianepress.comDarticleDtechnologyDscienceDindias#gr

eat#barrier#reefD

15 !s per the 9athpanthis and )iddhacharas- the way to salvation lies in

!. Eenouncing the world and meditating on formless reality

%. !bsolute devotion to a personal god- which is the path of %hatiC. )evere penance- self#inflicted pain and leaving all desires

(. following moderation in everything

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation:Path of %hati was suggested by !lvars- 9ayanars- aishnavites-

irashaivas- EamanuAa- Jabir- &ira and others. Therefore- option /b0 can be

eliminated.

7ption /c0 can also be eliminated as no path prescribes self#inflicted pain to attain

salvation.

7ption /d0 was the path of the %uddha. )o- this can be eliminated too.

The word ;)iddha< in )iddhacharas should then straight lead you to option /a0.
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Learning:! number of religious groups emerged during 13th#15th century that

criticised the ritual and other aspects of conventional religion and the social order-

using simple- logical arguments. !mong them were the 9athpanthis- )iddhacharas

and :ogis.

They advocated renunciation of the world. To them the path to salvation lay in

meditation on the formless *ltimate Eeality and the realisation of oneness with it.

To achieve this they advocated intense training of the mind and body through

practices lie yogasanas- breathing eercises and meditation.

These groups became particularly popular among LlowM castes. Their criticism of

conventional religion created the ground for devotional religion to become a popular

force in northern "ndia.

Q Source:Page 11B+ Chapter =+ 7ur Pasts#""

1= Consider the following about theEe#"nvest )ummit 2B16 convened recently

by government.

1. "t was convened to bring bac "ndian manufacturing investment from abroad.

2. 4overnment announced a new "PE policy in the summit to protect

investment. )elect the correct answer using the codes below.

!. 1 only

%. 2 only

C. %oth 1 and 2

(. 9one

*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation & Learning:E8#"nvest 2B16 was the first Eenewable 8nergy 4lobal

"nvestors &eet 8po. The meet was organised by the *nion &inistry of 9ew and

Eenewable 8nergy as a follow#up to the &ae in "ndia initiative of the Prime

&inister.

The central theme of E8#"nvest is to attract large scale investments for the

renewable energy sector in "ndia.

The aim of the meet is to evolve innovative financial models for funding and to

ensure the partnership of states and the Centre in harnessing renewable energy.

4ermany is the partner country for Ee#"nvest 2B16.


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Q

Source:http+DDwww.narendramodi.inDpms#address#at#the#inauguration#of#re#invest#2

B16#the#first#renewable#energy#global#investors#meet#and#epo#52GB

1> %uddhacharita- written by !shvaghosha- is

!. a treatise of all %uddhist teachings

%. a critical commentary %uddhist ideas on &ahayana

C. a biography of the 4autama %uddha

(. a treatise drawing parallels between %uddhist teachings and edic ideas

*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation:*P)C may tric you by giving close options. %iography of %uddha is

not the same thing as a treatise of his teachings. Please bear this is mind while

attempting *P)C @uestions.

&oreover- you can clearly discard option /b0 as &ahayana %uddhism started

spreading a little later- and it would be impossible for !shvaghosha to comment on

them in his boo published before.

Learning:%uddhacharita is an epic poem in the )ansrit mahaavya style on the life

of 4autama %uddha by !vaghoa- composed in the early second century C8

Q Source:Page 1B3+ Chapter >+ 7ur Pasts#"

2B 7rgani$ation of Petroleum 8porting Countries /7P8C0 is

!. a Aoint !rab private firm that manages oil eports from &iddle#east

%. an oil cartel that Aointly changes prices and supply of oil

C. a conglomeration of !rab#!merican companies with the eclusive right to

etract and eport petroleum from !rab nations

(. a political entity setup by all !rab oil companies to supervise etraction and

production of oil and natural gas from middle#east*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + %


Explanation: + 7P8C is a cartel of countries. )o- it is incorrect to refer to it as a

Aoint private firm. Hence- option /a0 is incorrect.
http://www.narendramodi.in/pms-address-at-the-inauguration-of-re-invest-2http://www.narendramodi.in/pms-address-at-the-inauguration-of-re-invest-2


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7ther options can be eliminated as it does not confirm to the definition of a cartel.

Learning: ! cartel is a collection of businesses or countries that act together as a

single producer and agree to influence prices for certain goods and services by

controlling production and mareting. ! cartel has less power than a monopoly.

This is because cartels do not control the entire maret- as monopolists usually do.

7P8C was formed when the international oil maret was largely dominated by a

group of multinational companies nown as the seven sisters. The formation of

7P8C represented a collective act of sovereignty by oil eporting nations- and

mared a turning point in state control over natural resources.

7P8Cs mandate is to Ncoordinate and unify the petroleum policiesN of its members

and to Nensure the stabili$ation of oil marets in order to secure an efficient-

economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers- a steady income to

producers- and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry.

"n 2B1? 7P8C comprised twelve members+ !lgeria- !ngola- 8cuador- "ran- "ra@-

Juwait- ibya- 9igeria- Oatar- )audi !rabia- the *nited !rab 8mirates- and

ene$uela.

Q Source:"mprovisation+

http+DDwww.thehindubusinessline.comDmaretsDcommoditiesDarab#opec#producers#br

ace#for#oilprice#weaness#for#rest#of#2B16Darticle5GBB332.ece

21 'hich of the following factors were responsible for the crisis in &ughal empire towards

the end of 15th century

1. (epletion of military and financial resources in wars with (eccan

during !urang$ebs tenure

2. 4rowing power of &ansabdars

3. Peasant and $amindari rebellions


!. 1 and 2 only

%. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 only

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation:"n statement 3- peasant revolts were sometimes caused by the
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pressures of mounting taes.

Learning:7ther reasons were+

The &ughals did not follow any definite law of succession. !fter the death of

every emperor- there ensued a bloody war of succession amongst his sons.

The successors of !urang$eb were both wea and incompetent. This reduced

the effectiveness of imperial administration.

9ew powers such as the )ihs- ,ats and &arathas came onto the scene.

4radually they broe off from the &ughal domination and established their

own independent states.

4overnors /subadars0 often controlled the offices of revenue and military

administration /diwani and fauAdari0 as well. This gave them etraordinary

political- economic and military powers over vast regions of the &ughal

8mpire. !s the governors consolidated their control over the provinces- the

periodic remission of revenue to the capital declined.

The 8uropeans- especially the %ritish- by way of diwani rightsI fortification

etc played an important role in putting an end to the &ughal 8mpire.

The invasions of 9adir )hah and !hmad )hah !bdali proved fatal for the

&ughal 8mpire

22 "ndradhanush strategy recently launched by the government relates to

!. improving the vaccination rates in rural "ndia

%. maing solar power more accessible to canal irrigated areas

C. revamping of Public sector %ans in "ndia

(. increasing rain in water deficient areas through cloud seeding

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation:7ption/a0 related to &ission "ndradhanush which was launched in

(ecember 2B1?. Hence- it is incorrect. 7ptions /b0 relates to solar par proAects- thus

incorrect.7ption /d0 is also incorrect as 4o" does not have any missionDscheme that

targets increasing rain in water deficient areas through cloud seeding.

Learning: &aAor points under the "ndradhanush strategy are+

%an "nvestment Company will be setup. "t will have holding interest in

P)%s.

%an %oards bureau to be setup to search for head of bansI advise bans on

ways to raise capitalI and monitor ey performance indicators.


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Eepeal of the %aning Companies /!c@uisition and Transfer of

*ndertaings0- 1>G>

)tate#owned bans will be incorporated under the Companies !ct

Capitali$ation of state#owned bans

)peedy proAect approvals to reduce the 9P!s of bans

&ore fleibility to bans for hiring staff

Q

Source:http+DDarticles.economictimes.indiatimes.comD2B16#B=#1GDnewsDG6626?5>1

public#sector#bans#rating#agency#crisil#raman#uberoi

23 Consider the following statements.1. 8cessive use of Chemical fertili$ers maes the soil basic.

2. "f the soil is basic- organic matter is added to reAuvenate it.

'hich of the above isDare correct

!. 1 only

%. 2 only

C. %oth 1 and 2

(. 9one

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + %


Explanation & Learning : 8cessive use of chemical fertilisers maes the soil

acidic. Plants do not grow well when the soil is either too acidic or too basic.

'hen the soil is too acidic- it is treated with bases lie @uic lime /calcium oide0 or

slaed lime /calcium hydroide0. "f the soil is basic- organic matter is added to it.

7rganic matter releases acids which neutralises the basic nature of the soil.


2? Ouart$ clocs display time more precisely than ordinary mechanical clocs. 'hich ofthe following mechanisms eplainsthe woring of the @uart$ cloc

!. 7scillation of the @uart$ crystal recorded electronically

%. Eeplacement of ordinary metal gears by more efficient @uart$ gears

C. *se of an electronic transition fre@uency in the electromagnetic region

(. Counting radio pulses emitted by @uart$ crystals

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + !
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-08-16/news/65525479_1http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-08-16/news/65525479_1


18/73


Explanation: 7ption /b0 is not used in @uart$ clocs- hence wrong. 7ption /c0 is

used in atomic clocs- hence wrong. 7ption /d0 is used in pulsar clocs- hence also

wrong.

Learning : ! @uart$ cloc is a cloc that uses an electronic oscillator that is

regulated by a @uart$ crystal to eep time. This crystal oscillator creates a signal

with very precise fre@uency- so that @uart$ clocs are at least an order of magnitude

more accurate than mechanical clocs.

Chemically- @uart$ is a compound called silicon dioide. &any materials can be

formed into plates that will resonate. However- @uart$ is also a pie$oelectric

material+ that is- when a @uart$ crystal is subAect to mechanical stress- such as

bending- it accumulates electrical charge across some planes. "n a reverse effect- if

charges are placed across the crystal plane- @uart$ crystals will bend. )ince @uart$

can be directly driven /to fle0 by an electric signal- no additional speaer or

microphone is re@uired to use it in a resonator.

The electronic circuit is an oscillator- an amplifier whose output passes through the

@uart$ resonator- and that is how the cloc counts time.

Q Source: 'iipedia+ "mprovisation+Page 1?5+Chapter 13+ ""th )cience

26 'hich of the following statement is "9C7EE8CT

!. "ndia is not a signatory to the 1>61 Eefugee Convention.

%. "ndia has a 9ational refugee policy and 9ational Eefugee protection law

C. "ndia is a member of the *nited 9ations High Commissioner for

Eefugees /*9HCE0 eecutive committee.

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + %


Explanation: The "ndian government has signed neither the Eefugee Convention

nor its Protocol- and "ndian law does not offer any special language or provisions for

refugees. )o- option /a0 is a correct statement- and can


19/73

Learning:! possible reason for "ndia not signing the Eefugee convention may be

that a protection framewor will encourage refugee inflow in "ndia putting pressure

on resources. )outh#!sian borders are also very porous and any conflict can result in

a mass movement of people.

However- "ndia does protect refugees. The "ndian refugee protection framewor is

based on eecutive decisionsI Audicial pronouncementsI and international

conventions /1>=? Convention against torture which prevents forcible repatriation of

refugees0. For e.g. under the ET!- even refugees can claim right to education. They

are also entitled to public health facilitiesI Austice systems etc.

Q

Source:http+DDwww.livemint.comD7pinionDbePQO)cF"@1w8'v>T@t?O7D'hy#"ndi

a#wont#sign#Eefugee#Treaty.html

2G Tibetan antelope or Chiru is endangered because

!. Tibetan antelope or Chiru is endangered because

%. of illegal poaching for its fur )hahtoosh

C. of disruption in its local food chain due to heavy construction

and anthropgenic activities

(. many Chirus have failed to survive fre@uent avalanches in the Tibetan region

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + %


Explanation & Learning: The eceptionally fine underfur of the Tibetan antelope

or chiru insulates it against the harsh climate of the Tibetan plateau. *nfortunately-

this fur- nown as shahtoosh- also maes the chiru a target for illegal hunters.

(emand for shahtoosh- which is used to mae luury shawls- has pushed the Tibetan

antelope to the brin of etinction. The wool is so fine- the shawls can be pulled

through a wedding ring.

However- the antelope must be illed for the fur to be collected- and it taes around

? chiru to mae a single shawl.

)hahtoosh shawls were traditionally given as wedding gifts in "ndia. (espite strict

controls on trade of shahtoosh products and C"T8) listing- there is still demand for

these luury items. 'ithin "ndia- shawls are worth R1-BBB#R6-BBB- internationally

the price can reach as high as R2B-BBB.
http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/bePZQScFIq1wEWv9Tqt4QO/Why-Indihttp://www.livemint.com/Opinion/bePZQScFIq1wEWv9Tqt4QO/Why-Indi


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Q Source: Page 56+ Chapter 1B+ 7ur 8nvironment

25 'hich of the following can be classified as Chemical changes

1. %urning of 'ood

2. Free$ing a miture of water and common salt

3. !bsorption of "n by a blotting paper


!. 1 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

(. 1 and 2 only

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation: %urning of 'ood is a chemical changes as after burning the

properties and composition of wood change irreversibly. )o- statement 1 is correct.

Free$ing a miture is reversible- as well as- its properties does not change. )o-

statement 2 is incorrect.

The same applies to a blotting paper. %y absorbing the in- its physical properties or

composition has not changed. )o- statement 3 is incorrect.

Learning : Properties such as shape- si$e- colour and state of a substance are called

its physical properties. ! change in which a substance undergoes a change in its

physical properties is called a physical change. ! physical change is generally

reversible. "n such a change no new substance is formed.

7n the other hand- a change in which one or more new substances are formed is

called a chemical change. ! medicine is the end product of a chain of chemical

reactions. *seful new materials- such as plastics and detergents- are produced by

chemical reactions.

Q Source: Chapter G+ ""th )cience

2= 'hich of the following is implied by the Eight to 8@uality given under the

"ndian Constitution

1. !ll citi$ens will be treated alie by the state irrespective of their social

circumstances.


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2. There will be no unreasonable discrimination for citi$ens in participation for

public offices.

3. )ame legal provisions apply on all citi$ens irrespective of their social or

political stature.


!. 1 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 2 only

(. 2 only

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation : !ll citi$ens are not treated alie by the state. For e.g. disabled and

transgender are provided reservation in public Aobs and social security. This is much

greater than that provided to normal public. There are numerous eamples of

positive discrimination /)Cs- )Ts- women etc0. Therefore- statement 1 is incorrect.

The state can discriminate reasonably when it comes to public employment. For e.g.

a state government can prescribe domicile re@uirement for local Aobs. %ut-

unreasonable discrimination /e.g. on the basis of religion0 is not allowed. )o-

statement 2 is correct.

)ame legal provisions do not apply to all citi$ens. For e.g. women cannot be called

to police station for in@uiry in nightI men can be. Punishment for seual abuse is

more severe for a civil servant than for a normal citi$en. Tae another eample- civil

servants cannot be dismissed without giving them a chance to be heard. The same is

not true for all government employees. )o- statement 3 is incorrect.

Therefore- Eight to e@uality does not mean complete e@uality. "t simply means

absence of unreasonable discrimination.

Learning & Q Source: 8ntire Chapter 1B+ )ocial and Political ife #""

2> 'hich of these modern cities are also important !rchaeological Palaeolithic sites

1. Jolata

2. &umbai

3. &umbai

?. %engaluru


!. 1 and 2 only


22/73

%. 3 only

C. 1 only


*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation:)tatement 1 is incorrect as not even a single Palaeolithic site is found

even 1BB Jms around Jolata.

)tatement 2 is also incorrect as there is no such site in &umbai- but "namgaon /an

archaeological site0 is close to &umbai. Hunsgi is a Palaeolithic site near %engaluru-

but more than 3BB Jms apart.

Learning:!rchaeologists name the periods that they are studying. They call the

earliest period the Palaeolithic. The Palaeolithic period etends from 2 million years

ago to about 12-BBB years ago. This long stretch of time is divided into the ower-

&iddle and *pper Palaeolithic. This long span of time covers >> of human

history.

Q Source:Page 1?+ 7ur Pasts#"- "th 9C8ET

3B Consider the following famous Chinese %uddhist pilgrims.1. Fa Sian

2. "#Oing

3. Suan Qang

Chronologically in what order they visited the "ndian sub#continent

!. 123

%. 321

C. 231

(. 132

*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + (!nswer ,ustification +

Explanation:Fa Sian- came to the "ndian subcontinent about 1GBB years ago. Suan

Qang /who came around 1?BB years ago0 and "#Oing- came about 6B years after

Suan Qang. They came to visit places associated with the life of the %uddha as well

as famous monasteries.

Learning:Suan Qang carried bac with him statues of the %uddha made of gold-


23/73

silver and sandalwood- and over GBB manuscripts. He spent the rest of his life

translating the remaining manuscripts from )ansrit into Chinese.

Suan Qang- and other pilgrims spent time studying in 9alanda- /%ihar0 the most

famous %uddhist monastery of the period. This helped %uddhism spread to China-

and )outh#8ast !sia.

Q Source:Chapter >+ 7ur Pasts#"

31 'hich statesD*Ts in "ndia have both tropical deciduous and tropical evergreen forests

1. Jarnataa

2. Chhattisgarh3. !ndaman and 9icobar islands

?. 7disha


!. 1 only

%. 1 and 3 only

C. 1- 3 and ? only

(. 2- 3 and ? only

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation: )mall patches of evergreen forests are found in 7disha. )o- statement

? is correct.

"n !& "slands- &angroves- (ecidous- 8vergreen- all inds of vegetation are

found. )o- statement 3 is also correct.

Jarnataa falls under both leeward /less rainy0 and windward /more rainy0 sides of

'estern 4hats. )o- both types of forests are found here. )tatement 1 is correct.

Learning: 8vergreen forests are mainly found in the areas recording over 16B cm of

average annual rainfall where the temperature varies between 26C to 25C. 9orth#

8ast "ndia- parts of 'estern 4hats- the !ndaman and 9icobar- upper !ssam- lower

slopes of 8astern Himalayas- 7rissa- along the foot#hills of Himalayas- %habhar and

Tarai regions.

(ecidous can be further found in %ihar- ,harhand- 7disha- Chattisgarh- !P- Jerala-

Jarnataa- &P- T9 etc.


24/73

Q Source: "mprovisation+ 7ur 8nvironment+ page ?1+ Chapter G

32 "n a metropolitan city- who is the authority to usually decide where a public par should

be established

!. C87- Qila Parishad

%. (istrict Collector

C. ocal &!s Committee

(. 'ard Councillors

*ser !nswer + !

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation : C87- Qila Parishad is usually an "!) officer who is incharge of

eecuting decision taen by the 'ard Councillors. He does not tae such public

decisions himself. He can advise the councillors though. )o- option /a0 is incorrect.

(istrict Collector in a metropolitan area does not enAoy as many powers as he does

in a small town or a village. &unicipal Corporation enAoys greater authority in

allocating public resources in a metropolitan city. Therefore- option /b0 is incorrect.

There is no official local &!s committee as such. 8ven if the &!s were to form

such committee- they can only recommend establishing a public par. The final

decision would rst with the 'ard Councillors. )o- option /c0 is also incorrect.

Learning: The city is divided into different wards and ward councillors get elected.

The complicated decisions that affect the entire city are taen by groups of

councillors who form committees to decide and debate issues. For eample- if bus

stands need to be improved- or a crowded maret#place needs to have its garbage

cleared more regularly- or there is a drain that cuts through the city that needs

cleaning etc. "t is these committees for water- garbage collection- street lighting etc.

that decide on the wor to be done.

'hen the problems are within a ward then the people who live in the ward can

contact their councillors. For eample- if there are dangerous electrical wires

hanging down then the local Councillor can help them get in touch with the

electricity authority.

'hile the Councillors Committees and the councillors decide on issues- the

Commissioner and the administrative staff implement these. The Commissioner and

the administrative staff are appointed. Councillors are elected.


25/73

Q Source: *nit 3+ )ocial and Political life U"

33 Ta havens are usually characteri$ed by which of the following

1. ow or nil taation for foreigners

2. )ecrecy regarding wealth and accounts

3. 9ot involved in any (ouble Taation !voidance !greement /(T!!0


!. 1 and 2 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation:&auritius is considered a ta haven- but it has signed (T!!s with

several nations. Hence- statement 3 is incorrect.

(T!! aims at avoiding taing a company doubly by both the host nation and the

home nation. For e.g. &icrosoft is a *) based company also operating in "ndia. "f

both countries charge it at the normal corporate ta rates- the company will end up

paying at least GB of its profits as taes. To avoid this situation- countries enter

into (T!! and agree for a reasonable mutual division of taes.

Learning:The term ;ta haven< has been widely used since the 1>6Bs. However-

there is no precise definition of the term. &auritius- cayman "slands etc are counted

as Ta havens. )ome common characteristics are+

typically small countriesD Aurisdictions- with low or nil taation for foreigners

who decide to come and settle there

7ffer strong confidentiality or secrecy regarding wealth and accounts-

maing them very attractive locations for safe eeping of unaccounted wealth

offer a very liberal regulatory environment and allow opa@ue eistence-where an entity can easily be set up without indulging in any meaningful

commercial activity and yet claim to be a genuine business unit- merely by

getting itself incorporated or registered in that Aurisdiction.

lac of ade@uate capital controls

Offshore Financial Centres: )ome of the old ta havens have adopted the more

benign designation of ;offshore financial centre< /7FC0 and tend to describe

themselves as financial centres speciali$ing in non#residential financial transactions.


26/73

Q

Source:http+DDwww.newindianepress.comDnationD)eychelles#9o#onger#a#Ta#Ha

ven#for#"ndiansD2B16DB=D25Darticle2>>62G1.ece

3? (isinfection of (rining 'ater in Eural !reas can be done with the help of which

of the following natural herbs

1. 9eem

2. Tulsi

3. 4arlic


!. 1 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 2 only

(. 2 only

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation & Learning : Conventional disinfectants may not be used cost#

effectively in rural areas- especially where awareness and income levels are low.

These traditional disinfectants can be substituted with natural low cost herbs. There

is now substantial evidence of their effectiveness in treating contaminated water.

However- this does not displace the use of other disinfectants.

)ee the linhttp+DDwww.iAerd.comDpaperDvol6#issue1BD%B61BB51B.pdf

Q Source: "mprovisation+ Chapter 1G+ ""th )cience

36 4ram )abha is organi$ed so that

!. !ll eligible voters can register themselves periodically

%. Panchayat is elected

C. people directly participate and see answers from their elected representatives(. ocal bureaucracy can dictate development targets for the Panchayat

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation : 8lections tae place when )tate 8lection Commission organi$es it.

)o both options /a0 and /b0 are wrong.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Seychelles-No-Longer-a-Tax-Hahttp://www.ijerd.com/paper/vol5-issue10/B05100710.pdfhttp://www.ijerd.com/paper/vol5-issue10/B05100710.pdfhttp://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Seychelles-No-Longer-a-Tax-Hahttp://www.ijerd.com/paper/vol5-issue10/B05100710.pdf


27/73

ocal bureaucracy cannot dictate terms to a body of voters who elect the Panchayat.

The duty of the bureaucracy is to help the 4ram )abha in the discharge of its duties.

)o- option /d0 is also wrong.

Learning: The 4ram )abha is a meeting of all adults who live in the area covered

by a Panchayat. This could be only one village or a few villages. "n some states- as

in the eample above- a village meeting is held for each village.

!nyone who is 1= years old or more and who has the right to vote is a member of

the 4ram )abha.

Q Source: Chapter 6+ )ocial and Political life U"

3G Consider the following statements.

1. "t was one of the main dynasties of "ron !ge "ndia.

2. "t was situated near Javeri Eiver.

3. "t undertoo epedition to the 4anges in northern "ndia.

?. "t occupied cities of the maritime empire of )riviAaya in )outheast !sia.

'hich Jingdom does the above refer to

!. Pallavas

%. Pandyas

C. Cholas

(. Cheras

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation:Pallava ingdom was located on the bans of egavathy Eiver. )o-

option /a0 can be eliminated.

7ption /b0 can also be eliminated as Pandyas were based on the ban of the river

Thamirabarani in Tirunelveli.

Chera dynasty occupied land between the river Perar and river Periyar. )o- you can

eliminate option /d0 as it does not related to Javeri as mentioned in statement 2.

Therefore- you need not now all the statements in order to answer a @uestion.

Learning:*nder 8mperor EaAaraAa Chola " and his successors EaAendra Chola "-

EaAadhiraAa Chola- iraraAendra Chola and Julothunga Chola " the dynasty became

a military- economic and cultural power in )outh and )outheast !sia.


28/73

The power of the new empire was proclaimed to the eastern world by the epedition

to the 4anges in northern "ndia which EaAendra Chola " undertoo and by the

occupation of cities of the maritime empire of )riviAaya in )outheast !sia- as well as

by the repeated embassies to China. The Chola fleet represented the $enith of

ancient "ndian sea power.

Q Source:"mprovisation+ Chapter G+ 7ur pasts#""

35 'esterlies and 8asterlies are

!. )easonal winds

%. ocal winds confined to the e@uator

C. Permanent winds(. Trade winds

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation: )ince 'esterlies and 8asterlies blow throughout the year- they cannot

be called seasonal winds. )o- option /a0 is wrong.

Trade winds are confined the area near e@uator- whereas 'esterlies and 8asterlies

blow even beyond the sub#tropics. )o- both options /b0 and /d0 are wrong.

Learning: T'inds can be broadly divided into three types.

1. Permanent winds U The trade winds- westerlies and easterlies are the

permanent winds. These blow constantly throughout the year in a particular

direction.

2. )easonal winds U These winds change their direction in different seasons. For

e.g. monsoons in "ndia.

3. ocal winds U These blow only during a particular period of the day or year

in a small area. For eample- land and sea bree$eI oo in "ndia.


3= "n the season of retreating monsoon- wind blows from

!. !rabian )ea and %ay of %engal towards the "ndian land

%. The "ndian mainland towards %ay of %engal and )outh#east "ndia

C. The "ndian mainland towards )outh#west "ndia

(. )outh#8ast "ndia to 'estern "ndian mainland


29/73

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + %


Explanation: 7ption /a0 points to &onsoon- and not retreating &onsoon. )o- it is

wrong.

The wind flow mentioned in options /c0 and /d0 do not correspond to any

&onsoonal activity in "ndia. )o- both are wrong.

Learning: (uring the onset and advance of monsoon winds blow from !rabian )ea

and %ay of %engal towards the land. They carry moisture with them. 'hen these

winds strie the mountain barriers- rainfall occurs.

(uring the season of retreating &onsoon- winds move bac from the mainland to

the %ay of %engal. The southern parts of "ndia- particularly Tamil 9adu and !ndhra

Pradesh receive rainfall in this season.

Q Source: Page 65+ Chapter =+ The 8arth 7ur Habitat

3> The 4olden Triangle of )outh#8ast !sia refers to

!. The shallow seas near )traits of &alacca where high#density fishing is done

%. !n etensive opium producing areaC. !n area infested with insurgency- terrorism and trafficing

(. !n area prone to maimum cyclone and Tsunami hits

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + %


Explanation & Learning:4olden triangle is one of !sias two main opium#

producing areas."t overlaps the mountains of three countries of )outheast !sia+

&yanmar- aos and Thailand.

!long with !fghanistan in the 4olden Crescent- it has been one of the most

etensive opium#producing areas of !sia and of the world since the 1>6Bs.

The 4olden Triangle designates the confluence of the Eua Eiver and the &eong

Eiver- since the term has been appropriated by the Thai tourist industry to describe

the nearby border tripoint of Thailand- aos and &yanmar.

Q


30/73

Source:http+DDindianepress.comDarticleDeplainedDin#fact#in#tale#of#drugs#guns#reas

on#why#end#of#war#might#not#mean#peace#for#myanmarD

?B "n the %uddhist period- )hrenis served which of the following purposes

1. %aning institution

2. )upporting religious institutions

3. Funding political institutions


!. 1 and 2 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

(. 2 only

*ser !nswer + !

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation & Learning:)hrenis or !ncient "ndian guilds are a uni@ue and multi#

faceted form of organisation- which combined the functions of a democratic

government- a trade union- a court of Austice and a technological institution.

&any crafts persons and merchants formed these associations. These shrenis of

crafts persons provided training- procured raw material- and distributed the finished

product. Then shrenis of merchants organised the trade.

)hrenis also served as bans- where rich men and women deposited money. This

was invested- and part of the interest was returned or used to support religious

institutions such as monasteries.

?1 ithosphere includes

1. 7ceans

2. &ountains

3. Plateaus


!. 1 and 2 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + %

http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/in-fact-in-tale-of-drugs-guns-reashttp://indianexpress.com/article/explained/in-fact-in-tale-of-drugs-guns-reas


31/73

Explanation:7ceans are part of hydrosphere- and thus statement 1 is wrong. 7ther

two are landforms- and thus form part of lithosphere.

Learning:ithosphere is the solid crust or the hard top layer of the earth. "t is made

up of rocs and minerals and covered by a thin layer of soil. "t is an irregular surface

with various landforms such as mountains- plateaus- plains- valleys- etc.

7ther spheres include hydrosphere- atmosphere- and the combination of all i.e.

biosphere.

Q Source:Page 3+ Chapter 1+ 7ur 8nvironment

?2 !part from )tatecraft- !rthashastra- written by Chanaya- deals with which of

the following matters

1. (ivision of natural resources between states

2. &ilitary strategy

3. 8conomic policy

?. "ssues of 'elfare

6. 8thics


!. 1- 2 and 3 only

%. 1- ? and 6 only

C. 2- 3- ? and 6 only

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation:)tatement 1 is wrong because !rthashastra did not deal with division

of natural resourcesI it occasionally dealt with how to best use these resources /e.g.

minerals- wildlife0.

)tatement ? and 6 are correct as !rthashastra also eplores issues of welfare /for

instance- redistribution of wealth during a famine0 and the collective ethics that hold

a society together. "t also deals with ethics of economics /e.g. e@uity in wealth

distribution0 and the duties and obligations of a ing.

Learning:N!rthashastraN is translated to Nthe science of wealth-N but the boo

!rthashastra has a broader scope. Part of the boo eplains how to manage the

economy in the &aurya 8mpire. %eyond these sections on statecraft- the boo

outlines an entire legal and bureaucratic administration of a ingdom. These sections


32/73

include descriptive cultural details on topics such as mineralogy- mining and metals-

agriculture- animal husbandry- medicine and the use of wildlife.

Q Source:'iipedia+ "mprovisation+ Page >6+ Chapter >+ 7ur Pasts#"

?3 The inscriptions of the Pallavas mention a number of local assemblies. 7ne of them

was *r. "t was found in areas where

!. military and police controlled village assemblies

%. land owners were not %rahmins

C. nagaram /city0 was an organi$ation of merchants

(. %oth /b0 and

*ser !nswer +Correct !nswer + (


Learning:The ;ur< was a village assembly found in areas where the land owners

were not %rahmins- and the nagaram was an organisation of merchants. "t is liely

that these assemblies were controlled by rich and powerful landowners and

merchants. &any of these local assemblies continued to function for centuries.

7ther assemblies mentioned in the inscriptions usually include the ;sabha


33/73

to conserve water. The hardwood trees found in these forests are sal- tea- neem and

shisham. Hardwood trees are etremely useful for maing furniture- transport and

constructional materials. Tigers- lions- elephants- langoors and moneys are the

common animals of these regions.O )ource+ 7ur 8nvironment+ page ?B+ Chapter G

?6 The term )il Eoute comes from

!. a route which Turs and &ongols used to con@uer )outh !sia

%. the ancient route taen by 8uropean messengers to come to 8astern dynasties

C. an ancient travel route to 8ast !sia taen by the %uddhist travellers

(. the ancient trade route which was spread across China to &editerranean )ea

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation & Learning : + "t is clear and straightforward @uestion. )il industry

began in China and was ept a closely guarded secret for hundreds of years. ater

on- traders and travellers introduced sil to other countries. The route they travelled

is still called the sil route.

"t is also an ancient networ of trade and cultural transmission routes that were

central to cultural interaction through regions of the !sian continent connecting the

'est and 8ast by merchants- pilgrims- mons- soldiers- nomads- and urban dwellers

from China and "ndia to the &editerranean )ea during various periods of time.

"n ,une 2B1? *98)C7 designated the Changan#Tianshan corridor of the )il Eoad

as a 'orld Heritage )ite.

Q Source: Page 3B+ Chapter 3+ ""th )cience

?G 'hich of the following is "9C7EE8CT about 'orld 8nvironment (ay /'8(0

!. "t was established by *nited 9ations 4eneral !ssembly /*94!0.

%. "t is run by *nited 9ations 8nvironment Programme /*98P0.

C. "t is celebrated on 6th ,une annually.

(. The theme for '8( 2B16 was &any )pecies. 7ne Planet. 7ne Future.*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation:7ption /d0 is the answer as the theme mentioned was of '8( 2B1B-

not 2B16.


34/73

Theme for 2B16 was ;)even %illion (reamsI 7ne PlanetI Consume with Care52 on the day that

*nited 9ations Conference on the Human 8nvironment began.

The theme for 2B1? was+#)mall "slands and Climate Change-

Q Source:'iipedia+ "mprovisation+ Page 6+ Chapter 1+ 7ur 8nvironment

?5 Consider the following characteristics.

1. This layer is free from clouds and other weather conditions.

2. "t is ideal for flying aeroplanes.

3. "t protects us from the harmful effect of the sun

rays. 'hich atmospheric layer the above

corresponds to

!. &esosphere

%. Troposphere

C. Thermosphere

(. )tratosphere

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation: &esosphere- i.e. option /a0 can


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m altitude above the surface- while at the poles it starts at about = m altitude- and

near the e@uator it may start at altitudes as high as 1= m.


?= Consider the following.

1. )oap bubbles

2. Compact (is

3. Thin film of oil floating on water

The rainbow pattern that you see in the above cases is due to which phenomenon

!. Constructive and destructive interference of the light

%. (iffraction and dispersion of light onlyC. Eefraction and reflection of light only

(. Total internal reflection of light only

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation: (iffraction is the slight bending of light as it passes around the edge

of an obAect. (ispersion is splitting of light into its 5 colour components. These do

not eplain the phenomenon of rainbow formation. )o- option /b0 is wrong.

Eefraction- reflection- and total internal reflection of light do tae place in the

process- but they do not eplain the entire phenomenon of rainbow phenomenon. )o-

option /a0 is the most appropriate.

Learning : )ince the phenomenon needs to be described at length /and it is

important for *P)C0- refer to any of the lins below.

[email protected]

http+DDwww.thenaedscientists.comDHT&DeperimentsDepDcolours#in#cdsD

Q Source: "mprovisation+ Page 1=G+ Chapter 16+ ""th )cience

?> "ndias foreign echange reserves comprises mainly /more than >B0 of

!. Foreign currency reserves

%. 4old

C. )pecial (rawing Eights /)(Es0

(. )overeign bonds

*ser !nswer +
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question52.htmhttp://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/experiments/exp/colours-in-cds/http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question52.htmhttp://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/experiments/exp/colours-in-cds/


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Correct !nswer + !


Explanation:"ndia2.6 per

cent of the total. )o- option /a0 is correct.

Learning:Fore Eeserves are maintained by countries for meeting their

international payment obligations K both short and long terms- including sovereign

and commercial debts- financing of imports- for intervention in the foreign currency

marets during periods of volatility- besides helping to boost the confidence of the

maret in the ability of a country to meet its eternal obligations and to absorb any

unforseen eternal shocs- contingencies or unepected capital movements.

"ndias foreign echange reserves comprise foreign currency assets- gold and special

drawing rights allocated to it by the "nternational &onetary Fund /"&F0in addition

to the reserves it has pared with the fund.

Foreign echange reserves are held and managed by the E%".

Q

Source:"mprovisation+http+DDeconomictimes.indiatimes.comDmaretsDforeDindias#fo

re#reserves#falls#2#billion#to#below#36B#billion#againDarticleshowD?>1>6>35.cms

6B The tectonic plates move due to

!. a gravitational anomaly in the core of the earth

%. the movement of large volumes of ocean water above continents

C. movement of molten magma inside the earth

(. periodic epansion and contraction of lithosphere

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation:There is no gravitation anomaly in the core of the earth. Thus- option

/a0 is incorrect.

&ovements of ocean water do not transport continent floors. "t is not capable of

doing so. Thus- option /b0 is also wrong.

Periodic epansion and contraction of earth


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tectonic plates. )o- option /d0 is also wrong.

Learning:The lithosphere is broen into a number of plates nown as the

ithospheric plates. These plates move around very slowly U Aust a few millimetres

each year. This is because of the movement of the molten magma inside the earth.

The molten magma inside the earth moves in a circular manner.


61 ! meander loop cuts off from the river and forms an o#bow lae. How is the lae

formed

!. ateral erosion of all bans%. Eiver bed erosion

C. Continuous erosion and deposition on the sides of the meander

(. (eposition on all bans

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation:9ot all bans in a river course are eroded. There is deposition on

some bans and erosion on some. )o- options /a0 and /d0 are wrong.

For e.g. when a river rushes into a bend- there is liely to be erosion of one ban-

and deposition on the opposite one. This is because velocity of water on the two

sides of ban is different. 'here velocity is more- erosion taes place- and where it

is less deposition taes place.

7ption /b0 is also wrong- as river bed erosion does not solely lead to the formation

of o#bow laes. However- it is true that the silt carried by the river is due to this

bed erosion only.

Learning: !s the river enters the plain it twists and turns forming large bends

nown as meanders. (ue to continuous erosion and deposition along the sides of the

meander- the ends of the meander loop come closer and closer. "n due course of time

the meander loop cuts off from the river and forms a cut#off lae- also called an o#

bow lae.

62 Carbon dioide released in the atmosphere creates a green house effect by

!. Trapping the heat radiated from the earth.

%. Trapping direct solar insolation


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C. !iding conduction of heat in atmosphere

(. Capturing the ultraviolet /*0 portion of light

*ser !nswer + !

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation: C72 does not trap direct solar radiation /as eplained below0. )o-

option /b0 is wrong.

Heat conduction is done by contact of air with surface of earth- not by carbon

dioide. )o- option /c0 is also wrong.

"t does not also capture * rays /that is done by 7$one layer0. )o- option /d0 is

wrong.

Learning: Fossil fuels such as gasoline- methane and propane contain mostly

carbon. 'hen these fuels are burned- they react with oygen and produce carbon

dioide.

&ost of the light energy from the sun is emitted in wavelengths shorter than ?-BBB

nanometers. The heat energy released from the earth- however- is released in

wavelengths longer than ?-BBB nanometers. Carbon dioide doesnt absorb the

energy from the sun- but it does absorb some of the heat energy released from the

earth.

'hen a molecule of carbon dioide absorbs heat energy- it goes into an ecited

unstable state. "t can become stable again by releasing the energy it absorbed. )ome

of the released energy will go bac to the earth and some will go out into space.

)o in effect- carbon dioide lets the light energy in- but doesnt let all of the heat

energy out- similar to a greenhouse.

Q Source: Page 2B+ Chapter ?+ 7ur 8nvironment

63 !ll changes in the weather are ultimately caused by the

!. Hydrological cycle on earth

%. Primordial heat inside the earth

C. Eotation of 8arth

(. 8nergy of the )un

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + (


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Explanation: 8arths hydrological cycle is only partly responsible for the weather.

For e.g. rainfall pattern- movements of ocean water etc. )o- option /a0 is incorrect.

Primordial heat inside the earth manifests itself in form of moving molten magma

inside the earth. This however is responsible for tectonic and geo#morphological

processes- not weather phenomenon. )o- option /b0 is also wrong.

Eotation of earth does cause wind movementsI change of day and nightI distribution

of heat on earth etc. However- it does not eplain several other phenomena such as

seasons on earthI etreme heat and cold in Poles etc. )o- option /c0 is also incorrect.

)un


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day EaAasthan and even from 7manI 4old from Jarnataa.

Q Source:page 3G+ 7ur Pasts#"

66 !part from Thermometer- which products contain &ercury

1. aptop %atteries

2. Fluorescent light bulbs

3. )ome oil#based paints

?. Pocet Calculator

6. C(s/display0

G. %arometer

)elect the correct answer using the codes below.!. 1- 2- 3 and G only

%. 1- ? and 6 only

C. 2- 3- ?- 6 and G only

(. !ll of the above

*ser !nswer + !

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation: %utton cell batteries use &ercury- not aptop batteries. )o- statement

1 is wrong.

Learning : &ercury is a highly toic element that can harm the brain- idney- and

lungs. !s the only element or metal that is li@uid at room temperature- it is used in

many common household products and fitures. &ercury can enter our bodies

through our lungs and sin- or more commonly- by eating mercury#contaminated

fish.

"t is contained in the following products+ thermometers /loos lie a silvery li@uid0I

thermostatsI blood#pressure cuffsI barometersI fluorescent and high#intensity

discharge /H"(0 lampsI mercurochromeI auto switchesI float switchesI button#cell

batteriesI old late paintI some oil#based paintsI old alaline batteriesI chemistrysetsI old fungicides for seeds and turfI dental amalgamI some imported Aewelry

/glass ampoules with silver li@uid0I weightDcounterweight in grandfather clocs.

Q Source: "mprovisation+Page ?B+ Chapter ?+ ""th )cience

6G %urning coal generates fly ash which contains several toic pollutants. These include

1. ead


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TEST-1

Total Marks :

Mark Scored :

200

89.67

www.insightsias.com 4

*ser 9ame + $a et al

2. Qinc3. !rsenic

?. Plutonium

6. Cadmium


!. 1- 2 and 3 only

%. 2- 3 and 6 only

C. 1- ? and 6 only

(. 1- 2- 3 and 6 only

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation & Learning: %urning coal- whether local or imported- generates large

@uantities of fly ash containing toic pollutants lie lead- $inc- arsenic- cadmium-

sulphur- mercury and radioactive uraniumD thorium isotopes- which adversely affect

the health of the people near the power stations- often the rural poor- whose

disadvantage is worsened by these health impacts.

)tudies on people residing near coal#based power plants along the border of *ttar

Pradesh and &adhya Pradesh have revealed unsafe levels of mercury in their blood

samples- at times as high as 11B parts per billion. )imilarly- studies around a coal

power plant in the PunAab have indicated widespread radioactive contamination ofthe environment- impacting the health of pregnant women and children.

Q

Source:http+DDwww.theguardian.comDcommentisfreeD2B16DaugDB5Dcoal#is#not#the#an

swer#to#indias#energy#poverty#whatever#tony#abbott#says

65 "f you stand at a distance of 1m

!. !t a distance of 1m

%. !t a distance of more than 1m behind the mirror.

C. !t a distance of less than 1m behind the mirror.(. "t will form at the focal point of the mirror irrespective of my distance

with the mirror.

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation & Learning : "n a plane mirror- image is always at the same distance
http://www.insightsias.com/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/aug/07/coal-is-not-the-anhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/aug/07/coal-is-not-the-anhttp://www.insightsias.com/


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T8)T#1

behind the mirror as the obAect is in front of it. )o- if your distance from the mirror is

1m- image will be formed 1m behind the mirror.

This is because the plane mirror does not bend light as other spherical mirrors do. "t

simply reflects and proAects it.


6= 'hich of the following laws deal with (isaster &anagement in "ndia

1. 'ild life /protection0 act- 1>52

2. Public liability insurance act- 1>>1

3. Food safety and standards act 2BBG?. Forest /conservation0 act- 1>=B

6. "ndian )ale of 4oods !ct 1>3B


!. 1- 3 and ? only

%. 1- 2 and ? only

C. 2- 3 and 6 only

(. 1- 2- 3 and ? only

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + (


Explanation: %oth 'ild life /protection0 act- 1>52 and Forest /conservation0 act-

1>=B have provisions for fire management in forests to protect wildlife. Thus-

statement 1 and ? are correct. Public liability insurance act- 1>>1 provides for

insurance to give immediate relief to the persons affected by accident occurring

while handling any ha$ardous substance and for matters connected therewith or

incidental thereto. Thus- it covers disaster management and statement 2 is correct.

Food safety and standards act 2BBG prohibits manufacture- storage and use of

products unsafe of human consumption. "t also provides for @uality standards and

testing so that food consumption does not result in mass poisoning- disease and

death. Thus- it covers disaster management and statement 3 is correct."ndian )ale of4oods !ct 1>3B defines buyers- sellers etc. )o- statement 3 is incorrect.

Learning:9(&!+ Compendium of laws on (isaster &anagement

Q Source:

https+DDndma.gov.inDimagesDpdfDC7&P89("*F#!')#79#(")!)T8E#&!9

!48&89T.pdf


43/73

6> The name Harappan in Harappan Civili$ation comes from

!. the name of the &egaliths used in the cities

%. the name of the archaeologist who first discovered the site

C. the inscription on the coins used in trade

(. the first city that was discovered in Harappan civili$ation

*ser !nswer + (

Correct !nswer + (


Learning:"n 1=GBs- when railway lines were being laid down for the first time in the

PunAab- engineers stumbled upon the site of Harappa in present#day Paistan.

Then- in 1>3Bs archaeologists found the site- and realised that this was one of the

oldest cities in the subcontinent. !s this was the first city to be discovered- all other

sites from where similar buildings /and other things0 were found were described as

Harappan. These cities developed about ?5BB years ago.

Q Source:Page 32+ Chapter ?+ 7ur Pasts# "

GB Jaalapottu- Jannupottu and &aramadi are related to

!. festivals celebrated in &eghalaya that stress conservation of natural resources

%. festivals celebrated in )outh "ndia that involve the use of 7 or bulls

C. Hereditary processions of Eoyal family in &ysore

(. regional forms of the martial arts Jalaripettu

*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + %

!nswer ,ustification + 1>. ;Jaalapottu.cms
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/action-against-crhttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Not-just-Jallikattu-Kalapoottu-is-also-http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/action-against-crhttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Not-just-Jallikattu-Kalapoottu-is-also-


44/73

G1 (eccan plateau is made of %asalt rocs which are made by

!. decomposition and weathering of primary igneous rocs

%. cooling down of magma in form of igneous rocs

C. metamorphosis of rocs under great temperature and pressure since ages

(. consolidated sediments and metamorphosed rocs

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + %


Explanation:7ption /a0 refers to sedimentary rocs. %ut- %asalt is an igneous roc.

)o- option is incorrect.

7ption /c0 tals about metamorphic rocs- hence incorrect.

7ption /d0 tals about a combination of both- which is also incorrect.

Learning:ava is fiery red molten magma coming out from the interior of the earth

on its surface. 'hen this molten lava comes on the earth


45/73

Explanation: 8ven if the 8arth did not rotate- )outh and 9orth Pole would be sunlit

for si months each. )ame is true of e@uator. )o- both statements 1 and 2 are wrong.

Learning: )easons on earth are caused due to a0 tilt of the earthI and b0 revolution

of earth around the )un. 9otice this in the diagram above.

"f the earth stopped rotating- it would affect day and night cycleI coriolis force /thus

affecting wind circulation0. 'ind is responsible for circulating heat across the earth.

)o- heat distribution will also be affected. Thus- statement 3 is correct.

Q Source: Chapter 3+ The 8arth 7ur Habitat

G3 Consider the following matches of geographical features with the region they are

found in.

1. !ngel Falls + ene$uela

2. ictoria Falls + Canada

3. 9iagra Falls + Qambia


!. 1 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

(. 2 only

*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation & Learning:The highest waterfall is !ngel Falls of ene$uela in

)outh !merica. )o- statement 1 is correct.

The other waterfalls are 9iagara falls located on the border between Canada and

*)! in 9orth !mericaI and ictoria Falls on the borders of Qambia and Qimbabwe

in !frica. Thus- statements /b0 and /c0 are incorrect.


G? Consider the following decisions of a government.

1. 'hether to have %oard eam in Class =thfor all )tate run government schools in

a )tate of "ndia.

2. "ntroduction of new train connections between ,ammu and %hopal.

3. Providing free electricity for all farmers in a particular state.


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'hich of the above functions can be constitutionally performed by a state

government

!. 1 and 2 only

%. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

(. 1 only

*ser !nswer + C

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation & Learning : Eailways is national property and a strategic sector. "t is

thus operated by the Central government as under the 5th schedule of theConstitution. )o- statement 2 is wrong.

8ducation comes under concurrent list in 5th schedule. )o- a state government may

revise a decision on which the Central government does not have an overarching

decision. )o- statement 1 is correct.

"rrigationI agricultureI Taes on the consumption or sale of electricity etc come

under the )tate listI and electricity comes under the Concurrent ist in 5th schedule.

)o- state government is authori$ed under the Constitution to provide free electricity

to farmers.

Q Source: "mprovisation+ Page 3B+ )ocial and Political life U"

G6 The decline in inflation during the present financial year has turned out to be much

faster than was anticipated. 'hat factors have led to the decline in inflation

1. (ecline in crude oil prices

2. )oft global prices of tradables lie coal and edible oil

3. Tight monetary policy

?. )teep appreciation of rupee


!. 1 and 3 only

%. 1 and ? only

C. 1- 2 and 3 only

(. 2 and ? only

*ser !nswer + %

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation: !s crude oil prices declined- "ndia


47/73

reduced fiscal deficit /subsidies0 and domestic prices in "ndia. This reduced inflation

to a great etent. )o- statement 1 is correct.

(ue to competitive global marets- soft global prices led to reduction in "ndian

domestic prices. )o- statement 2 is also correct.

Tight monetary policy contained the growth of money supply in "ndia- which helped

the moderation of inflation and inflationary epectations. Thus- statement 3 is also

correct.

However- rupee did not appreciate. "t only became more stable since the beginning

of the year. Therefore- statement ? is wrong.

&oderation in wagerate growth reduced demand pressures on proteinbaseditems.

%ase effect also contributed to thedecline in headline inflation.

Learning:"nflation is caused by increases in the supply of money available for use

in a nations economy. "t means that too much money is chasing too few goods.

"nflation can also occur when the economy overheats because of ecess aggregate

demand /this is called demand#pull inflation0. The causes of disinflation are the

opposite- either a decrease in the growth rate of the money supply- or a business

cycle contraction /recession0.

"f the central ban of a country enacts tighter monetary policy- that is to say- the

government start selling its securities- this reduces the supply of money in an

economy. This contraction of the monetary policy is nown as @uantitative

tightening techni@ue.

:ou can read more in the article below.

Q

Source:http+DDindianepress.comDarticleDopinionDcolumnsDno#proof#re@uired#why#inf

lation#fellD

GG "f you travel from &anali to Eohtang- which of the following vegetations are you

liely to come across

1. Ehododendron

2. Figs

3. )ilver oas

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/no-proof-required-why-infhttp://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/no-proof-required-why-inf


48/73

!. 3 only

%. 1 and 2 only

C. 1 and 3 only

(. 1 only

*ser !nswer +

Correct !nswer + C


Explanation: Figs are found in &editerranean vegetation. &anali to Eohtang pass

Aourney is temperate vegetation. )o- statement 2 is wrong.

Learning: !t lower altitudes- Chir pines is found. !s you tre higher- deodars and

silver oas can be found.

Ehododendron is present in abundance near the Eohtang pass. :ou can also find at

least 2? species of &edicinal value there.

Q Source: "mprovisation+ 7ur 8nvironment+ page 3>+ Chapter G

http+DDwww.researchgate.netDpublicationD2263=6533)peciesdiversityandpopulat

ionstatusofthreatenedplantsindifferentlandscapeelementsoftheEohtang

PasswesternHimalaya

G5 adah- a cold desert in the 4reater Himalayas- is enclosed by

!. Jaraoram range in 9orth and Qansar range in )outh

%. Qansar range in 9orth and Jaraoram range in )outh

C. Pir PanAal range in 9orth and Qansar range in )outh

(. Jaraoram range in 9orth and Pir PanAal range in )outh

*ser !nswer + !

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation: "f you now that Pir PanAal is the further )outh than both Qansar and

Jaraoram- you can easily choose option /a0.

'e have mared the ranges in :87' and %*8 in the map below.

Q Source: Page 5?+ Chapter 1B+ 7ur 8nvironment

G= 'hy was ,ainism not supported by farmers as it was by other communities

!. Farmers could not follow ,ainism strictly as they had to ill insects to protect
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/225385733_Species_diversity_and_populathttp://www.researchgate.net/publication/225385733_Species_diversity_and_populat


49/73

their crops

%. Farmers could not find time from agriculture to devote to a new religion.

C. Farmers were relatively poor and thus could not follow many ,ain practices.

(. &ost of the farmers belonged to the higher caste which resisted egalitarian

ideas suggested by ,ainism.

*ser !nswer + !

Correct !nswer + !


Explanation:7ption /b0 is vague and unreasonable.

7ption /c0 is not true as ,aina practices involved asceticism- and not epensive

ritualsDsacrifices which farmers could not perform. &oreover- the asser

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01. INSIGHT Test 1 Solution A423s