Monday, May 5, 2014

India ranks third in LEED outside America

According to the latest US Green Building Council report India has been ranked third in leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) outside America. Canada tops the list, with 17.74 million followed by China with having 14.30 million GSM (gross square meters) of LEED space.

Other Asian nations in the top 10 included South Korea at number four with 3.84 million GSM of LEED-certified space and Singapore at number with 2.16 million GSM.

In Europe, Germany and Finland secured the sixth and tenth spot respectively -- Germany with 2.90 million GSM of LEED-certified space and Finland with 1.45 million.

In South America, Brazil stood at number 7 on the list, with 2.85 million GSM while the United Arab Emirates represented green building success in the Middle East at Number 9 with 1.82 million GSM of LEED-certified space.

Other Asian nations in the top 10 included South Korea at number four with 3.84 million GSM of LEED-certified space and Singapore at number with 2.16 million GSM.

In Europe, Germany and Finland secured the sixth and tenth spot respectively. In South America, Brazil stood at number 7 on the list while the United Arab Emirates represented green building success in the Middle East at Number 9 with 1.82 million GSM of LEED-certified space.

Other Asian nations in the top 10 included South Korea at number four and Singapore at number fifth with 2.16 million GSM.

The report said the list demonstrates the global adaptability of the world's most widely used and recognised system guiding the design, construction, operations and maintenance of green buildings that benefit the planet and its people.

According to Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC "LEED's success across a wide variety of cultures, climates and communities represents not only a growing recognition of its demonstrated benefits for human health and operational cost savings, but also its unparalleled potential to be part of the solution to a warming planet and rising sea levels".

India ranks 83rd in Networked Readiness Index

A World Economic Forum recently released its 13th edition of Global Information Technology Report. In the report’s networked readiness index Scandinavian countries dominated the top 10, with Finland grabbing the top spot, followed by Singapore, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United States, Hong Kong, Great Britain  and the Republic of Korea.

The U.S. moved up two spots this year, while Hong Kong leaped six spots, and Korea inched up one spot. The U.K. fell 2 spots, while the other top six countries held their rankings. In the developing world, China fell four spots to No. 62, Brazil fell nine spots to No. 69 and India dropped 15 spots to No. 83 in terms of leveraging information and communications technologies for growth and well being.

According to the report little progress has been made in bridging the gap between the world's most networked economies and the rest of the world. It also said that large organizations, in particular governments and corporations, may be tempted to abuse the power of the data that they hold. To address this concern, World Economic Forum advocates establishing best practices that are in the interest of both large organizations and individuals. Besides it also recommends to categorise the large data systems by type (e.g., financial vs. health) and real-world categories (e.g., individual vs. corporate). And a department should be created as custodian of these data.

UN, IOC sign pact on sport for peace

A historic deal was signed between the United Nations (U.N.) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to channelize the power of sports to promote peace and economic development.

The agreement calls for joint sporting initiatives between the IOC, national Olympic committees, international sports federations, organizing committees and international athletes and the 193 U.N. member states, U.N. agencies, envoys and goodwill ambassadors.

Under the agreement two organizations will endeavour to promote education for youth through sport without discrimination of any kind, access to sport for all communities especially the most disadvantaged and marginalized, healthy lifestyles and peace-building and community dialogue.

Sports teach values such as teamwork, fairness and respect for opponents and the rules of the game which are useful to lead successful personal and professional lives. Hence, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the importance of sport in reducing stigma and increasing the social and economic integration of marginalized people and in bridging cultural, religious, ethnic and social divides.

India bags 8 medals in USA Open Karate Championships

India's 8 member team consisting of six players and two coaches returned with eight medals comprising two gold and six bronze in the USA Open Karate Championship held at Las Vegas from April 18 to 21. Karl Vatcha of Mumbai won one gold and one bronze medal while Toyesha Khatau of Mumbai bagged one gold and three bronze medals in the women's category. Pranay Sharma of Delhi and Mumbai's Akash Samir Shah pocketed the other two bronze medals.

More than 3,000 players from 15 countries participated in the event.

Philippines & US sign security Pact

The U.S. and Philippines signed a defence pact to promote peace and security in the region. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement will give American millitary temporary access to selected military camps and allow them to preposition fighter jets and ships. It will also allow the military of both the nation to respond faster to disasters and other contingencies.

Under the 10-year agreement the U.S. military will not pay rent for local camp areas; and the Philippines will own buildings and infrastructure to be built or improved by the Americans and reap economic gains from the U.S. presence. Further, the agreement says the U.S. will not establish a permanent military presence or base in the Philippines in compliance with Manila's constitution. And Filipino base commander will have access to areas to be shared with American forces.

But the agreement is not clear about the number of additional US troops would be deployed on temporary and rotational basis. It said the number would depend on the scale of joint military activities to be held in the camps.

The Philippines signed the pact with the intention to strengthen its pitiful military, while US has signed the deal as it is looking for a re-entry to Asia, where its superpower status has been put in doubt. Hence, the convergence could work to prevent China’s growing maritime presence in disputed South China Sea. But, the deal could further provoke Beijing as it is averse to Philippine government’s initiative to involve the US in its security agenda. This, in turn, may encourage china to intensify its massive military buildup.

American military have been deployed in the southern Philippines since 2002 to provide counterterrorism training and serve as advisers to Filipino soldiers, who have battled Muslim militants for decades. But this time the Philippines government sought US help to tackle external threats as its territorial spat with China in the potentially oil-and gas-rich South China Sea heated up in recent times.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

List of IIFA Awards 2014 Winners

The IIFA Awards have been announced. The winners are:

● Best Film : Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
● Best Director : Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
● Best Actor : Farhan Akhtar for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
● Best Actress : Deepika Padukone for Chennai Express
● Best Entertainer of the Year : Deepika Padukone
● Best Debutant : Dhanush for Raanjhanaa
● Best Supporting Actress : Divya Dutta for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
● Best Supporting Actor : Aditya Roy Kapur for Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani 
● Best Male Playback Singer : Arijit Singh for Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2
● Best Female Playback Singer : Shreya Ghoshal for Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2
● Best Lyrics Writer : Mithoon for Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2
● Best Story : Prashoon Joshi for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
● Best Performance in a Comic Role : Arshad Warsi for Jolly LLB
● Best Performance in Negative Role : Rishi Kapoor for D Day 
● Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema : Shatrughan Sinha
● Best Cinematography : Binod Pradhan for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 
● Best Screenplay : Prasoon Joshi for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 
● Best Dialogue : Prasoon Joshi for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 
● Best Editing : P S Bharti for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 
● Best Production Design : Wasiq Khan for Goliyon Ki Rasleela- Ramleela 
● Best Choreography : Remo D'souza for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 
● Best Action : Sham Kaushal and Tony Ching Siu Tung for Krrish 3
● Best Sound Design : Nakul Kamte for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 
● Best Song Recording : Vinod Verma for Lungi Dance
● Best Sound Mixing : Anup Dev for Chennai Express, Debajit Changmai for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 
● Best Background Score : Shankar-Ehsaan- Loy for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 
● Best Special Effects : Keitan Yadav & Haresh Hingorani - Red Chillies VFX
● Best Costume Designing : Dolly Ahluwalia for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 
● Best Make-up : Vikram Gaikwad for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Sunday, April 20, 2014

SEBI issues detailed corporate governance norms

With the aim to encourage companies to adopt best practices on corporate governance the Security and Exchange Borad of India (SEBI) came out with detailed corporate governance norms for listed companies. The guidelines provide for stricter disclosures and protection of investor rights, including equitable treatment for minority and foreign shareholders.

The norms issued by SEBI are aligned with the new the Companies Act.

Finer points of the guidelines are:

• The new rules would be effective from October 1.
• Companies are required to get shareholders' approval for related party transactions, establish whistle blower mechanism, elaborate disclosures on pay packages and have at least a woman director on their boards.
• The maximum number of boards an independent director can serve on listed companies be restricted to 7, while the directorship would be capped at three if the person is serving as a whole time director in any listed company.
• SEBI has amended clauses -- 35B and 49 -- of the listing agreement. Now, under changed 35B norms, listed companies are required to provide the option of facility of e-voting to shareholders on all resolutions proposed to be passed at general meetings.
• Under clause 49, pertaining to corporate governance, listed entities have to get shareholders' nod for related party transactions. 
• Apart from providing adequate and timely information to all shareholders, listed companies should also facilitate the exercise of voting rights by foreign shareholders.
• It provides for expanded role of audit committee and enhanced disclosure of remuneration policies.

List of 61st National Film Awards 2014 Winners

The 61st National Awards is going to be announced on 16th April 2014, by the Directorate of Film Festivals. This prestigious honour is awarded to celebrate the best of Indian cinema, and many regional and mainstream movies are nominated.

The list of winners:
● Best Feature Film : Ship Of Theseus (English-Hindi)
● Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment : Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Hindi)
● Best Children's Film : Kaphal (Hindi)
● Best Direction : Hansal Mehta, Shahid (Hindi)
● Best Film on Environment/Conservation : Perariyathavar (Malayalam)
● Best Debut Film of a Director : Nagraaj Manjule for Fandry (Marathi)
● Best Film on National Integration : Thalaimuraigal (Tamil)
● Best Actor : Rajkummar Rao (Shahid) and Suraj Venjaramoodu (Perariyathavar)
● Best Actress : Geetanjali Thapa (Liar's Dice)
● Best Supporting Actor : Saurabh Shukla (Jolly LLB)
● Best Supporting Actress : Aida Elkashif (Ship Of Theseus) and Amruta Subhash (Astu)
● Best Child Artist : Somnath Avghade (Fandry) and Sadhana (Thanga Meengal)
● Best Film on Social Issues : Tuhya Dharma Koncha (Marathi)
● Best Hindi Film : Jolly LLB (Hindi)
● Best Assamese Film : Ajeyo
● Best Telugu Film : Naa Bangaru Talli
● Best Tamil Film : Thanga Meengal
● Best Malayalam Film : North 24 Kaadham
● Best Kannada Film : December 1
● Best Marathi Film : Aajcha Diwas Majha
● Best Konkani Film : Baga Beach
● Best English Film : The Coffin Maker
● Best Khasi Film : RI
● Best Sherdukpen Film : Crossing Borders
● Special Mention : Yellow (Marathi) and Na Bangaaru Talli (Telugu)
● Best Choreography : Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Hindi)
● Best Location Sound and Sound Design : Madras CafĂ© (Hindi)
● Best Sound Re-recording : Swapaanam (Malayalam)
● Best Special Effects : Jal (Hindi)
● Best Music Direction (Songs) : Jaatishwar (Bengali)
● Best Background Score : Naa Bangaru Talli
● Best Dialogue : Astu
 Best Male Playback Singer : Rupankar for Jaatishwar
● Best Female Playback Singer : Bela Shende for Tuhya Dharma Kocha
● Best Cinematography : Liar's Dice
● Best Original Screenplay : December 1 (Kannada)
● Best Adapted Screenplay : Prakruti (Kannada)
● Best Editing : Vallinam (Tamil)
● Best Production Design : Miss Lovely (Hindi)
● Best Costume Design : Jaatishwar
● Best Make Up : Jaatishwar
● Best Lyrics : Thanga Meengal (Tamil)
● Special Jury Award : Yellow and Miss Lovely

Sunday, April 6, 2014

ISRO successfully launched IRNSS 1B from Sriharikota

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched India’s 2nd regional navigational satellite, IRNSS 1B from Sriharikota Space Station of Andhra Pradesh on 4th April. The launch of IRNSS series would enable India to have its own reliable and independent navigational resources for itself. The satellite was lifted off by the Polar Satellite Vehicle (PSLV) C 24 at 5.14 pm. IRNSS (Indian Regional navigational satellite) was injected by the launch vehicle after four stages of 19 minutes of its take off from Sriharikota. 

This launch of IRNSS 1B is the 25th successful launch of the PSLV series by ISRO. This launch of the satellite had brought India close to join the group of selected nations namely US, Russia, China, Japan and European countries. IRNSS series launch will benefit India from its applications including terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking and fleet management. It will also provide visual and voice navigation for hikers and travelers. 

Sikkim adjudged Best in Policy Effectiveness Index

India Public Policy Report, 2014, released by the Oxford University Press, measured for the first time state-level performance of policy effectiveness and its impact on growth. The report revealed that in the policy effectiveness index Gujarat showing a marked decline dropping from 11th position in 2001 to 16th in 2011. Except infrastructure development, Gujarat has been found lagging behind on most other parameters.

On Gujarat's deterioration in rank, Abhijit Sen, member of 14th Finance Commission who released the report, said: "This was due to the infrastructure index. This happened not because Gujarat did poorly on infrastructure but because other states, which had poor infrastructure to begin with, showed marked improvement."

Along with Gujarat, Kerala was another surprise -- having slipped from 24 to 29 during the 1981-2011 period.

While states like Jammu and Kashmir and some other small states have improved their rank considerably, the top five and the bottom three states in the ranking have, by and large, remained the same over the three decades of the analysis presented in the report.

The top five states on the policy effectiveness index (PEI) in 2011 are Sikkim, Mizoram, Goa, Punjab and Delhi. At the bottom of the table are Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and West Bengal.

PEI is a multi-dimensional and a multi-indicator measure and comprises four component indices that reflect human well-being from being able to enjoy: livelihood opportunities; a socially meaningful life; security of life and rule of law; and amenities for a sustained improvement in living standards

The report, compiled by Rajeev Malhotra, executive director, Centre for Development and Finance, Jindal School of Government and Policy (JSGP), observed that geographically smaller states performed better than larger ones, although they offered lesser employment opportunities compared to the larger ones. 

It further said that states which have been bifurcated from a bigger state were found to be doing consistently better than their parent states. Significantly, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand were found to be performing better than Madhya Pradesh and Bihar respectively.

The analysis undertaken for the period 1981 to 2011 provides evidence for some commonly made observations on India's development process and some other less recognised outcomes. The IPPR finds that at the all-India level there is a gradual, but only a marginal, improvement in the policy effectiveness index over the three decades. It is being compromised by a near stagnancy in expansion of livelihood opportunities and deterioration in law and order and justice dispensation environment in the country.

The IPPR was a first of its kind report that sought to create an independent platform for bringing together state-of-the-art policy, research and analysis on issues of policy relevance of India.

New Scheme of IAS Exam

The Civil Services Examination comprises of the following stages:

Stage I:

Civil Services (Preliminary) Examinations (Objective Type) for the selection of candidates for Main Examination
The Examination shall comprise two compulsory papers of 200 marks each.

Paper I - (200 marks) Duration: Two hours
  • Current events of national and international importance.
  • History of India and Indian National Movement.
  • Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
  • Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
  • Economic and Social Development Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
  • General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization.
  • General Science.
Paper II- (200 marks) Duration: Two hours
  • Comprehension
  • Interpersonal skills including communication skills
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
  • Decision-making and problem-solving
  • General mental ability
  • Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data
  • interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. - Class X level)
  • English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level).
The Preliminary Examination will consist of two papers of Objective type (multiple choice questions) and carry a maximum of 400 marks in the subjects set out in subsection (A) of Section-II. This examination is meant to serve as a screening test only; the marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination by the candidates who are declared qualified for admission to the Main Examination will not be counted for determining their final order of merit. The number of candidates to be admitted to the Main Examination will be about twelve to thirteen times the total approximate number of vacancies to be filled in the year in the various Services and Posts. Only those candidates who are declared by the Commission to have qualified in the Preliminary Examination in the year will be eligible for admission to the Main Examination of that year provided they are otherwise eligible for admission to the Main Examination.
Note 1 : Questions relating to English Language Comprehension skills of Class X level (last item in the Syllabus of Paper II) will be tested through passages from English language only without providing Hindi translation thereof in the question paper.

Stage II:

Civil Services (Main) Examination (Written and Interview) for the selection of candidates for the various services and posts
The written examination will consist of the following papers:

Paper-I and II:
There will be two qualifying papers in any Indian language and English each of 300 marks.
Paper-III : Essay 250 Marks
Candidates will be required to write an essay on a specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Paper-IV
General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) of 250 marks which may include following topics:
  • Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
  • Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
  • The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
  • Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
  • Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
  • Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
  • Effects of globalization on Indian society
  • Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
  • Salient features of world's physical geography.
  • Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)
  • Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Paper-V
General Studies -II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) of 250 marks which may include following topics:
  • Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
  • Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
  • Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
  • Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
  • Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
  • Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
  • Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.
  • Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
  • Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
  • Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
  • Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
  • Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
  • Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
  • Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
  • Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
  • Role of civil services in a democracy.
  • India and its neighborhood- relations.
  • Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests
  • Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Paper-VI
General Studies -III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) of 250 marks which may include following topics:
  • Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
  • Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
  • Government Budgeting.
  • Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
  • Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
  • Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
  • Land reforms in India.
  • Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
  • Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
  • Investment models.
  • Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
  • Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
  • Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
  • Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
  • Disaster and disaster management.
  • Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
  • Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
  • Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention
  • Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism
  • Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate
Paper-VII
General Studies -IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) of 250 marks which may include following topics:
This paper will include questions to test the candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.
  • Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
  • Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weakersections.
  • Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
  • Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
  • Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
  • Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen's Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
  • Case Studies on above issues
PAPER-VIII & PAPER IX

Optional Subject Papers I & II
List of optional subjects for Main Examination:
Agriculture ; Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science ; Anthropology ; Botany ; Chemistry ; Civil Engineering ; Commerce and Accountancy ; Economics ; Electrical Engineering ; Geography ; Geology ;History ; Law ; Management; Mathematics ; Mechanical Engineering ; Medical Science ; Philosophy ; Physics ; Political Science and International Relations ; Psychology ;Public Administration ;Sociology ;Statistics and Zoology .
Literature of any one of the following languages:
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, English.
Candidates may choose any optional subject from the list of subjects
Note: The candidates would be allowed to use any one language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or English as the medium of writing the examination.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Fact Sheet on Andhra Pradesh

The 16th Lok Sabha elections would be held in the 42 Parliamentary Constituencies of Andhra Pradesh on 2 poll days, namely April 30 and May 7, 2014. Polling will be held at 69,014 polling stations spread across  43,139polling station locations. Out of the state’s total of 6,23,85,901 electors as on 8th February 2014, 16.59% are in the age group 18–25 while women constitute 49.73%. The poll expenditure limit per candidate for all constituencies in the state is Rs.70 lakhs.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

IAS Prelims 2013 Paper 2(CSAT) Solved Question Paper

Directions for the following 2 (two) items:
Read the following passage and answer the two items that follow. Your answers to these items should be based on the passage only.
Passage
Ecological -research over the last quarter of the century has established the deleterious effects of habitat fragmentation due to mining, highways and such other intrusions on forests. When a large block of forests gets fragmented into smaller bits, the edges of all these bits come into contact with human activities resulting in the degradation of the entire forests. Continuity of forested landscapes and corridors gets disrupted 'affecting several extinction-prone species of wildlife. Habitat fragmentation, is therefore considered as the most serious threat to biodiversity conservation. Ad hoc grants of forest lands to mining companies coupled with rampant, illegal mining is aggravating this threat.
1. What is the central focus of this passage?
(a) Illegal mining in forests
(b) Extinction of wildlife
(c) Conservation of nature
(d) Disruption of habitat
2. What is the purpose of maintaining the continuity of forested landscapes and corridors?
1. Preservation of biodiversity.
2. Management of mineral resources.
3. Grant of forest lands for human activities.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. In a rare coin collection, there is one gold coin for every three non-gold coins. 10 more gold coins are added to the collection and the ratio of gold coins to non-gold coins would be 1: 2. Based on the information; the total number of corns in the collection now becomes 
(a) 90
(b) 80
(c) 60
(d) 50
4. A gardener has 1000 plants: He wants to plant them in such a way that the number of rows and the number of columns remains the same. What is the minimum number of plants that he needs more for this purpose?(a) 14
(b) 24
(c) 32
(d) 34
5. A sum of RS. 700 has to b used to give seven cash prizes to the students of a school for their overall academic performance. If each prize is RS. 20 less than its preceding prize, what is the least value of the prize? 
(a) RS. 30
(b) RS. 40
(c) RS. 60
(d) RS. 80
6. Out of 120 applications for a post, 70 are male and 80 have a driver's license. What is the ratio between the minimum to maximum number of males having driver's license?(a) 1 to 2
(b) 2 to 3
(c) 3 to 7
(d) 5 to 7
7. In a garrison, there was food for 1000 soldiers for one month. After 10 days, 1000 more soldiers joined the garrison. How long would the soldiers be able to carry on with the remaining food?
(a) 25 days
(b) 20 days
(c) 15 days
(d) 10 days
8. The tank-full petrol in Arun's motor-cycle lasts for 10 days. If he starts using 25% more everyday, how many days will the tank-full petrol last? (a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 7
(d) 8
9. A person can walk a certain distance and drive back in six hours. He can also walk both ways in 10 hours. How much time will he take to drive both ways? (a) Two hours
(b) Two and a half hours
(c) Five and a half hours
(d) Four hours
Directions for the following 7 (seven) items:
Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow each passage. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.
Passage -1
The law in many parts of the world increasingly restricts the discharge of agricultural slurry into watercourses. The simplest and often the most economically sound practice returns the material to the land as semisolid manure or as sprayed slurry. This dilutes its concentration in the environment to what might have occurred III a more primitive and sustainable type of agriculture and converts pollutant into fertilizer. Soil microorganisms decompose the organic components of sewage and slurry and most of the mineral nutrients become available to be absorbed again by the vegetation.
The excess input of nutrients, both nitrogen and phosphorus - based, from agricultural runoff (and human sewage) has caused many 'healthy' oligotrophic lakes (low nutrient concentrations, low plant productivity with abundant water weeds, and clear water) to change to eutrophic condition where high nutrient inputs lead to high phytoplankton productivity (sometimes dominated by bloom-forming toxic species). This makes the water turbid, eliminates large plants and, in the worst situations, leads to anoxia and fish kills; so called cultural eutrophication. Thus, important ecosystem services arc lost, including the provisioning service of wild-caught fish and the cultural services associated with recreation.
The process of cultural eutrophication of lakes has been understood for some time. But only recently did scientists notice huge 'dead zones' in the oceans near river outlets, particularly those draining large catchment areas such as the Mississippi in North America and the Yangtze in China. The nutrient-enriched water flows through streams, rivers and lakes, and eventually to the estuary and ocean where the ecological impact may be huge, killing virtually all invertebrates and fish in areas up to 70,000 km2 in extent. More than 150 sea areas worldwide are now regularly starved of oxygen as a result of decomposition of algal blooms, fuelled particularly by nitrogen from agricultural runoff of fertilizers and sewage from large cities. Oceanic dead zones are typically associated with industrialized nations and usually lie off'- 'countries that subsidize their agriculture, encouraging farmers to increase productivity and use more fertilizer.
10. According to the passage, why should the discharge of agricultural slurry into watercourses be restricted?
1. Losing nutrients in this way is not a good practice economically.
2. Watercourses do not contain the microorganisms that can decompose organic components of agricultural slurry.
3. The discharge may lead to the eutrophication of water bodies.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
11. The passage refers to the conversion of "pollutant to fertilizer". What is pollutant and what is fertilizer in this context? 
(a) Decomposed organic component of slurry is pollutant and microorganisms in soil constitute fertilizer.
(b) Discharged agricultural slurry is pollutant and decomposed slurry in soil is fertilizer.
(c) Sprayed slurry is pollutant and watercourse is fertilizer.
(d) None of the above expressions is correct in this context.
12. According to the passage, what are the effects of indiscriminate use of fertilizers?
1. Addition of pollutants to the soil and water.
2. Destruction decomposer of microorganisms in soil.
3. Nutrient enrichment of water bodies.
4. Creation of algal blooms.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 arid 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
13. What is/are the characteristics of a water body with cultural eutrophication? 
1. Loss of ecosystem services
2. Loss of flora and fauna
3. Loss of mineral nutrients
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
14. What is the central theme of this passage? 
(a) Appropriate legislation is essential to protect the environment.
(b) Modern agriculture is responsible for the destruction of environment.
(c) Improper waste disposal from agriculture can destroy the aquatic ecosystems.
(d) Use of chemical fertilizers is undesirable in agriculture.
Passage - 2
The miseries of the world cannot be cured by physical help only. Until man's nature changes, his physical needs will always arise, and miseries will always be felt, and no amount of physical help will remove them completely. The only solution of the problem is to make mankind pure. Ignorance is the mother of evil and of all the misery we sec. Let men have light, let them be pure and spiritually strong and educated; then alone will misery cease in the world. We may convert every house in the country into a charitable asylum, we may fill the land with hospitals, but human misery will continue until man's character changes.
15. According to the passage, which of the following statements is most likely to be true as the reason for man's miseries?
(a) The poor economic and social conditions prevailing in society.
(b) The refusal on the part of man to change his character.
(c) The absence of physical and material help from his society.
(d) Ever increasing physical' needs due to changing social structure.
16. With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. The author gives primary importance to physical and material help in eradicating human misery.
2. Charitable homes, hospitals, etc. can remove human misery to a great extent.
Which of the assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
17. Consider the following figures 1, 2, 3 and 4:
In the figure from 1 to 4 above, two symbols are shown to change their position in a regular direction. Following the same sequence, which one of the following will appear at the fifth stage?
Directions for the following 2 (two) items:
In each item, there are two sets of figures; first four figures named Problem figures and next four figures named Answer figures indicated as (a), (b), (c) and (d). The problem figures follow a particular sequence. In accordance with the same, which one of the four answer figures should appear as the fifth figure?
18. Problem figures:
Answer figures:
19. Problem figures:
Answer figures:
20. Consider the following diagrams:
x men, working at constant speed, do a certain job in y days. Which one of these diagrams shows the relation between x and y?
(a) diagram I   
(b) diagram II   
(c) diagram III
(d) diagram IV
21. Consider the following matrix:
3
370
7
2
224
6
1
730
X
What is the number at 'X' in the above matrix?
(a) 5
(b) 8
(c) 9
(d) 11
22. Four cars are hired at the rate of Rs. 6 per km plus the cost of diesel at Rs. 40 a litre. In this context, consider the details given in the following table:
CarMileage (km/l)HoursTotal Payment (Rs.)
A8202120
B10251950
C9242064
D11221812
Which car maintained the maximum average speed?
(a) Car A
(b) Car B
(c) Car C
(d) Car D
23. Examine the following three figures in which the numbers follow a specific pattern:
The missing number (?) in the third figure above is
(a) 7
(b) 16
(c) 21
(d) 28
24. A cube has six numbers marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 on its faces. Three views of the cube are shown below:
(a) 2 and 3
(b) 6 and 1
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 3 and 1
Direction for the following 5 (five) items:
Study the two figures given below and answer the five items that follow:
25. How many Physics professors belong to the age group 35 - 44?
(a) 18
(b) 16
(c) 14
(d) 12
26. Which one of the following diciplines has the highest ratio of males to females?
(a) Physics
(b) Mathematics
(c) Chemistry
(d) Economics
27. What percentage of all Psychology professors are females?
(a) 40%
(b) 50%
(c) 60%
(d) 70%
28. If the number of female Physics professors in the age group 25 - 34 equals 25% of all the Physics professors in that age group, then what is the number of male Physics professors in the age group 25 - 34?(a) 9
(b) 6
(c) 3
(d) 2
29. If the Psychology professors in the University constitute 2% of all the professors in the University, then what is the number of professors in the University?(a) 400
(b) 500
(c) 600
(d) 700
30. Consider the following figures:
Which one of the following figures would logically come in the 7th position indicated above by a question mark?
Directions for the following 8 (eight) items:
Read the following four passages and answer the items that follow each passage. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.
Passage -1
The subject of democracy has become severely muddled because of the way the rhetoric surrounding it has been used in recent years, There IS, increasingly, an oddly confused dichotomy between those who want to 'impose' democracy on countries In the non-Western world (in these countries' 'own interest', of course) and those who are opposed to such 'imposition' (because of the respect for the countries' 'own ways'). But the entire language of 'imposition', used by both sides, is extraordinarily inappropriate since it makes the implicit assumption that democracy belongs exclusively to the West, taking it to be a quintessentially 'Western' idea which has originated and flourished only in the West.
But the thesis and the pessimism it generates about the possibility of democratic practice in the world would be extremely hard to justify. There were several experiments in local democracy in ancient India. Indeed, in understanding the roots of democracy in the world, we have to take an interest in the history of people participation and public reasoning in different parts of the world. We have to look beyond thinking of democracy only in terms of European and American evolution. We would fail to understand the pervasive demands for participatory living, on which Aristotle spoke with far-reaching insight, if we take democracy to be a kind of a specialized cultural product of the West.
It cannot, of course, be doubted that the institutional structure of the contemporary practice of democracy is largely the product of European and American experience over the last few centuries. This is extremely important to recognize since these developments in institutional formats were immensely innovative and ultimately effective. There can be little doubt that there is a major 'Western' achievement here.
31. Which of the following is closest to the view of democracy as mentioned in the above passage?
a) The subject of democracy is a muddle due to a desire to portray it as a Western concept, 'alien' to non-Western countries.
b) The language or imposition of democracy is inappropriate. There is, however, a need to consider this concept in the backdrop of culture of 'own ways' of non-Western society.
c) While democracy is not essentially a Western idea belonging exclusively to the West, the institutional structure of current democratic practices has been their contribution.
d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct.
32. With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Many of the non-Western countries are unable to have democracy because they take democracy to be a specialized cultural product of the West.
2. Western countries are always trying to impose democracy on non-Western countries.
Which of the above is/are valid assumption/assumptions?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Passage - 2
Corporate governance is based on principles such as conducting the business with all integrity and fairness, being transparent with regard to all transactions, making all the necessary disclosures and decisions, complying with all the laws of the land, accountability and responsibility towards the stakeholders and commitment to conducting business in an ethical manner. Another point which is highlighted on corporate governance is the need for those in control to be able to distinguish between what are personal and corporate funds while managing a company.
Fundamentally, there is a level of confidence that is associated with a company that is known to have good corporate governance. The presence of an active group of independent directors on the board contributes a great deal towards ensuring confidence m the market. Corporate governance is known to be one of the criteria that foreign institutional investors are increasingly depending on when deciding on which companies to invest in. It is also known to have a positive influence on the share price of the company. Having a clean image on the corporate governance front could also make it easier for companies to source capital at more reasonable costs. Unfortunately, corporate governance often becomes the centre of discussion only after the exposure of a large scam.
33. According to the passage, which of the following should be the practice/practices in good corporate governance?
1. Companies should always comply with labour and tax laws of the land.
2. Every company in the country should have a government 'representative as one of the independent directors on the board to ensure transparency.
3. The manager of a company should never invest his personal, funds in the company.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
34. According to the passage, which of the following is/are the major benefit/benefits of good corporate governance? 
1. Good corporate governance leads to increase in share price of the company.
2. A company with good corporate governance always increases its business turnover rapidly.
3. Good corporate governance is the main criterion for foreign institutional investors when they decide to buy a company.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Passage - 3
Malnutrition most commonly occurs between the ages of six months and two years. This happens despite the child's food requirements being less than that of an older child. Malnutrition is often attributed to poverty, but it has been found that even in households where adults eat adequate quantities of food, more than 50 per cent of children-under-five do not consume enough food. The child's dependence on someone else to feed him/her is primarily responsible for the malnutrition. Very often the mother is working and the responsibility of feeding the young child is left to an older sibling. It is therefore crucial to increase awareness regarding the child's food needs and how to satisfy them.
35. According to the passage, malnutrition in children can be reduced 
a) if the children have regular intake of food.
b) after they cross the age of five.
c) if the food needs of younger children are known.
d) if the responsibility of feeding younger children is given to adults.
36. According to the author, poverty is not the main cause of malnutrition, but the fact that 
1. taking care of younger ones is not a priority for working mothers.
2. awareness of nutritional needs is not propagated by the Public Health authorities.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Passage - 4
A number of empirical studies find that farmers are risk-averse, though only moderately in many cases. There is also evidence to show that farmers' risk aversion results in cropping patterns and input use designed to reduce risk rather than to maximize income. Farmers adopt a number of strategies to manage and cope with agricultural risks. These include practices like crop and field diversification, non-farm employment, storage of stocks and strategic migration of family members. There are also institutions ranging from share tenancy to kinship, extended family and informal credit agencies. One major obstacle to risk sharing by farmers is that the same type of risks can affect a large number of farmers in the region. Empirical studies show that the traditional methods are not adequate. Hence there is a need for policy interventions, especially measures that cut across geographical regions.
Policies may aim at tackling agricultural risks directly or indirectly. Examples of risk-specific policies arc crop insurance, price stabilization and the development of varieties resistant to pests and diseases. Policies which affect risk indirectly are irrigation, subsidized credit and access to information. No single risk-specific policy is sufficient to reduce risk and is without side-effects, whereas policies not specific to risk influence the general situation and affect risks only indirectly. Crop insurance, as a policy measure to tackle agricultural risk directly, deserves careful consideration in the Indian context and in many other developing countries because the majority of farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture and in many areas yield variability is the predominant cause of their income instability.
37. The need for policy intervention to mitigate risks in agriculture is because 
a) farmers are extremely risk-averse.
b) farmers do not know how to mitigate risks.
c) the methods adopted by farmers and existing risk sharing institutions are not adequate.
d) majority of farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture.
38. Which of the following observations emerges from the above passage? 
a) One can identify a single policy that can reduce risk without any side-effect.
b) No single risk-specific policy is sufficient to reduce agricultural risk.
c) Policies which affect risk indirectly can eliminate it.
d) Government's policy intervention can mitigate agricultural risk completely.
39. Consider the following statements: 
I. A primary group is relatively smaller in size.
II. Intimacy is an essential characteristic of a primary group.
III. A family may be an example of a primary group.
In the light of the above statements, which one of the following is true?
a) All families are primary groups.
b) All primary groups are families.
c) A group of smaller size is always a primary group.
d) Members of a primary group know each other intimately.
40. Four friends, A, B, C and D distribute some money among themselves in such a manner that A gets one less than B, C gets 5 more than D, D gets 3 more than B. Who gets the smallest amount?
a) A
b) B
c) C
d) D
Directions for the following 4 (four) items:
Read the following statements and answer the four items that follow:
Five cities P, Q, R, S and T are connected by different modes of transport as follows:
P and Q are connected by boat as well as rail.
Sand R are connected by bus and boat.
Q and T are connected by air only.
P and R are connected by boat only.
T and R are connected by rail and bus.
41. Which mode of transport would help one to reach R starting from Q, but without changing the mode of transport? 
a) Boat
b) Rail
c) Bus
d) Air
42. If a person visits each of the places starting from P and gets back to P, which of the following places must he visit twice? 
a) Q
b) R
c) S
d) T
43. Which one of the following pairs of cities is connected by any of the routes directly without going to any other city? 
a) P and T
b) T and S
c) Q and R
d) None of these
44. Between which two cities among the pairs of cities given below are there maximum travel options available? 
a) Q and S
b) P and R
c) P and T
d) Q and R
Directions for the following 3 (three) items:
Read the following passage and answer the three items that follow:
A tennis coach is trying to put together a team of four players for the forthcoming tournament. For this 7 players are available: males A, Band C; and females W, X, Y and Z. All players have equal capability and at least 2 males will be there in the team. For a team of four, all players must be able to play with each other. But, B cannot play with W, C cannot play with Z and W cannot play with Y.
45. If Y is selected and B is rejected, the team will consist of which one of the following groups? 
a) A, C, Wand Y
b) A, C, X and Y
c) A, C, Y and Z
d) A, W, Y and Z
46. If B is selected and Y is rejected, the team will consist of which one of the following groups? 
a) A, B, C and W
b) A, B, C and Z
c) A, B, C and X
d) A, W, Y and Z
47. If all the three males' are selected, then how many combinations of four member teams are possible? 
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
48. The music director of a film wants to select four persons to work on "different aspects of the composition of a piece of music. Seven persons are available for this work; they are Rohit, Tanya, Shobha, Kaushal, Kunal, Mukesh and J aswant. Rohit and Tanya will not work together. Kunal and Shobha will not work together. Mukesh and Kunal want to work together.
Which of the following is the most acceptable group .of people that can be selected by the music director?
a) Rohit, Shobha, Kunal and Kaushal
b) Tanya, Kaushal, Shobha and Rohit
c) Tanya, Mukesh, Kunal and Jaswant
d) Shobha, Tanya, Rohit and Mukesh
49. Five people A, B, C, D and E are, seated about a round table, Every chair is spaced equidistant from adjacent chairs, 
I. C is seated next to A.
II. A is seated two seats from D.
III. B is not seated next to A.
Which of the following must be true?
I. D is seated next to B.
II. E is seated next to A.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
a) I only
b) II only
c) Both I and II
d) Neither I nor II
Directions for the following 3 (three) items:
Examine carefully the following statements and answer the three items that follow:
Out of four friends A, B, C and D,
A and B play football and cricket,
Band C play cricket and hockey,
A and D play basketball and football,
C and D play hockey and basketball.
50. Who does not play hockey? 
a) D
b) C
c) B
d) A
51. Who plays football, basketball and hockey? 
a) D
b) C
c) B
d) A
52. Which game do B, C and D play? 
a) Basketball
b) Hockey
c) Cricket
d) Football
53. Geeta is older than her cousin Meena, Meena's brother Bipin is older than Geeta. When Meena and Bipin visit Geeta, they like to play chess. Meena wins the game more often than Geeta. Based on the above information, four conclusions, as given below, have been made. Which one of these logically follows from the information given above?
a) While playing chess with Geeta and Meena, Bipin often loses.
b) Geeta is the oldest among the three.
c) Geeta hates to 10 the game.
d) Meena is the youngest of the three.
Directions for the following 4 (four) items:
Read the following passage and answer the four items that follow. YOUI' answers to these items should be based on the passage only.
Passage
Financial markets J n India have acquired greater depth and liquidity over the years. Steady reforms since 1991 have led to growing linkages and integration of the Indian economy and its financial system with the global economy. Weak global economic prospects and continuing uncertainties the in international financial markets therefore, have had their impact on the emerging market economies. Sovereign risk concerns, particularly in the Euro area, affected financial markets for the greater part of the year, with the contagion of Greece's sovereign debt problem spreading to India and other economies by way of higher-than-normal levels of volatility.
The funding constraints in international financial markets could impact both the availability and cost of foreign funding for banks and corporates. Since the Indian financial system is bank dominated, banks' ability to withstand stress is critical to overall financial stability. Indian banks, however, remain robust, notwithstanding a decline in capital to risk-weighted assets ratio and a rise in non-performing asset levels in the recent past. Capital adequacy levels remain above the regulatory requirements. The financial market infrastructure continues to function without any major disruption. With further globalization, consolidation, deregulation, and diversification of the financial system, the banking business may become more complex and riskier. Issues like risk and liquidity management and enhancing skill therefore assume greater significance.
54. According to the passage, the financial markets in the emerging market economies including India had the adverse impact in recent years due to 
1. weak global economic prospects.
2. uncertainties in the international financial markets.
3. sovereign risk concerns in the Euro area.
4. bad monsoons and the resultant crop loss.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 3
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 2, 3 and 4
55. The Indian financial markets are affected by global changes mainly due to the 
a) increased inflow of remittances from abroad.
b) enormous increase in the foreign exchange reserves.
c) growing global linkages and integration of the Indian financial markets.
d) contagion of Greece's sovereign debt problem.
56. According to the passage, in the Indian financial system, banks' ability to with stand stress is critical to ensure overall financial stability because Indian financial system is 
a) controlled by the Government of India.
b) less integrated with banks.
c) controlled by Reserve Bank of India.
d) dominated by banks.
57. Risk and liquidity management assumes more importance in the Indian banking system in future due to 
1. further globalization.
2. more consolidation and deregulation of the financial system.
3. further diversification of the financial system.
4. more financial inclusion in the economy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2, 3 and 4
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 3 and 4 only
58. There are five hobby clubs in a college viz, photography, yachting, chess, electronics and gardening. The gardening group meets every second day, the electronics group meets every third day, the chess group meets every fourth day, the yachting group meets every fifth day and the photography group meets every sixth day. How many times do all the five groups meet on the same day within 180 days?
a) 3
b) 5
c) 10
d) 18
59. A, B, C, D and E belong to five different cities P, Q, R, Sand T (not necessarily in that order). Each one of them comes from a different city. Further it is given that: 1. Band C do not belong to Q.
2. Band E do not belong to P and R.
3. A and C do not belong to R, Sand T.
4. D and E do not belong to Q and T.
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
a) C belongs to P
b) D belongs to R
c) A belongs to Q
d) B belongs to S
60. Seven men, A, B, C, D, E, F and G are standing in a queue in that order. Each one is wearing a cap of a different colour like violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. D is able to see in front of him green and blue, but not violet. E can see violet and yellow, but not red. G can see caps of all colours other than orange. If E is wearing an indigo coloured cap, then the colour of the cap worn by F is
a) Blue
b) Violet
c) Red
d) Orange
61. There are some balls of red, green and yellow colour lying on a table. There are as many red balls as there are yellow balls. There are twice as many yellow balls as there are green ones. The number of red balls a) is equal to the sum of yellow and green balls.
b) is double the number of green balls.
c) is equal to yellow balls minus green balls.
d) cannot be ascertained.
61. There are some balls of red, green and yellow colour lying on a table. There are as many red balls as there are yellow balls. There are twice as many yellow balls as there are green ones. The number of red balls a) is equal to the sum of yellow and green balls.
b) is double the number of green balls.
c) is equal to yellow balls minus green balls.
d) cannot be ascertained.
Directions for the following 2 (two) items:
Read the following passage and answer the two items that follow. Your answers to these items should be based on the passage only.
Passage
Crude mineral oil comes out of the earth as a thick brown or black liquid with a strong smell. It is a complex mixture of many different substances, each with its own individual qualities. Most of them are combinations of hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions. Such hydrocarbons are also found in other forms such as bitumen, asphalt and natural gas. Mineral oil originates from the carcasses of tiny animals and from plants that live in the sea. Over millions of years, these dead creatures form large deposits under the sea-bed; and ocean currents cover them with a blanket of sand and silt. As this mineral hardens, it becomes sedimentary rock and effectively shuts out the oxygen, so preventing the complete decomposition of the marine deposits underneath. The layers of sedimentary rock become thicker and heavier. Their pressure produces heat, which transforms the tiny carcasses into crude oil in a process that is still going on today.
62. Mineral oil deposits under the sea do not get completely decomposed because they 
a) are constantly washed by the ocean currents.
b) become rock and prevent oxygen from entering them.
c) contain a mixture 'of hydrogen and carbon.
d) are carcasses of organisms lying in saline conditions.
63. Sedimentary rock leads to the formation of oil deposits because 
a) there are no saline conditions below it.
b) it allows some dissolved oxygen to enter the dead organic matter below it.
c) weight of overlying sediment layers causes the production of heat.
d) it contains the substances that catalyze the chemical reactions required to change dead organisms into oil.
64. In a class of 45 students, a boy is ranked 20th. When two boys joined, his rank was dropped by one. What is his new rank from the end? 
a) 25th
b) 26th
c) 27th
d) 28th
65. A thief running at 8 km/hr is chased by a policeman whose speed is 10 km/hr. If the thief is 100 m ahead of the policeman, then the time required for the policeman to catch the thief will be
a) 2 min
b) 3 min
c) 4 min
d) 6 min
66. A train travels at a certain average speed for a distance of 63 km and then travels a distance of 72 km at an average speed of 6 km/hr more than its original speed. If it takes 3 hours to complete the total journey, what is the original speed of the train in km/hr? a) 24
b) 33
c) 42
d) 66
Directions for the following 8 (eight), items:
The following eight items (items 67 to 74) are based on three passages in English to test the comprehension of English language and therefore these items do not have Hindi version. Read each passage and answer the items that follow.
English Passage - 1
Seven-year-old Jim came home from the park without his new bicycle. "An old man and a little boy borrowed it," he explained. "They are going to bring it back at four o'clock." His parents were upset that he had given his expensive new bicycle, but were secretly proud of his kindness and faith. Came four o'clock, no bicycle. The parents were anxious. But at 4:30, the door bell rang, and there stood a happy man and a boy, with the bicycle and a box of chocolates. Jim suddenly disappeared into his bedroom, and then came running out. "All right," he said, after examining the bicycle. ''You can have your watch back!"
67. When Jim came home without his bicycle, his parents 
a) were angry with him.
b) were worried.
c) did not feel concerned.
d) were eager to meet the old man and the little boy.
68. Jim returned the watch to the old man and the little boy because   
a) they gave him chocolates.
b) his father was proud of him.
c) he was satisfied with the condition of his bicycle.
d) they were late only by 30 minutes.
English Passage - 2
It was already late when we set out for the next town, which according to the map was about fifteen kilometres away on the other side of the hills. There we felt that we would find a bed for the night. Darkness fell soon after we left the village, but luckily we met no one as we drove swiftly along the narrow winding road that led to the hills. As we climbed higher, it became colder and rain began to fall, making it difficult at times to see the road. I asked John, my companion, to drive more slowly. After we had travelled for about twenty kilometres, there was still no sign of the town which was marked on the map. We were beginning to get worried. Then without warning, the car stopped and we found we had run out of petrol.
69. The author asked John to drive more slowly because 
a) the road led to the hills.
b) John was an inexperienced driver.
c) the road was not clearly visible.
d) they were in wilderness.
70. The travellers set out for the town although it was getting dark because 
a) they were in a hurry.
b) the next town was a short distance away and was a hill-resort.
c) they were in wilderness.
d) the next town was a short distance away and promised a good rest for the night.
71. The travellers were worried after twenty kilo metres because 
a) it was a lonely countryside.
b) they probably feared of having lost their way.
c) the rain began to fall
d) it was getting colder as they drove.
English Passage - 3
A stout old lady was walking with her basket down the middle of a street in Petrograd to the great confusion of the traffic and no small peril to herself. It was pointed out to her that the pavement was the place for foot-passengers, but she replied, "I m going to walk where I like. We've got liberty now." It did not occur to the dear lady that if liberty entitled the foot-passenger to walk down the middle of the road it also entitled the taxi-driver to drive on the pavement, and that the end of such liberty would be universal chaos. Everything would be getting in everybody else's way and nobody would get anywhere. Individual liberty would have become social anarchy.
72. It was pointed out to the lady that she should walk on the pavement because she was 
a) a pedestrian.
b) carrying a basket.
c) stout.
d) an old lady.
73. The lady refused to move from the middle of the street because 
a) she was not afraid of being killed.
b) she felt that she is entitled to do whatever she liked.
c) she did not like walking on the pavement.
d) she was confused.
74. The old lady failed to realise that 
a) she was not really free.
b) her liberty was not unlimited.
c) she was an old person.
d) roads are made for motor vehicles only.
Directions for the following 6 (six) items:
Given below are six items. Each item describes a situation and is followed by four possible responses. Indicate the response you find most appropriate. Choose only one response for each item. The responses will be evaluated based on the level of appropriateness for the given situation.
Please attempt all the items. There is no penalty for, wrong answers for these six items.
75. You are the head of your office. There are certain houses reserved for the allotment to the office staff and you have been given the discretion to do so. A set of rules for the allotment of the houses has been laid down by you and has been made public. Your personal secretary, who is very close to you, comes to you and pleads that as his father is seriously ill, he should be given priority in allotment of a house. The office secretariat that examined the request as per the rules turns down the request and recommends the procedure to be followed according to the rules. You do not want to annoy your personal secretary. In such circumstances, what would you do ? a) Call him over to your room and personally explain why the allotment cannot be done.
b) Allot the house to him to win his loyalty.
c) Agree with the office note to show that you are not biased and that you do not indulge in favouritism.
d) Keep the file with you and not pass any orders.
76. While travelling in a Delhi-registered commercial taxi from Delhi to an adjacent city (another State), your taxi driver informs you that as he has no permit for running the taxi in that city, he will stop at its Transport Office and pay the prescribed fee of Rs. forty for a day. While paying the fee at the counter you find that the transport clerk is taking an extra fifty rupees for which no receipt is being given. You are in a hurry for your meeting. In such circumstances, what would you do? 
a) Go up to the counter and ask the clerk to give back the money which he has illegally taken.
b) Do not interfere at all as this is a matter between the taxi driver and the tax authorities.
c) Take note of the incident and subsequently report the matter to the concerned authorities.
d) Treat it as a normal affair and simply forget about it.
77. A person lives in a far off village which is almost two hours by bus. The villager's neighbour is a very powerful landlord who is trying to occupy the poor villager's land by force. You are the District Magistrate and busy in a meeting called by a local Minister. The villager has come all the way, by bus and on foot, to see you and give an application seeking protection from the powerful landlord. The villager keeps on waiting outside the meeting hall for an hour. You come out of the meeting and are rushing to another meeting. The villager follows you to submit his application. What would you do? 
a) Tell him to wait for another two hours till you come back from your next meeting.
b) Tell him that the matter is actually to be dealt by a junior officer and that he should give the application to him.
c) Call one of your senior subordinate officers and ask him to solve the villager's problem.
d) Quickly take the application from him, ask him a few relevant questions regarding his problem and then proceed to the meeting.
78. There IS a shortage of sugar in your District where you are the District Magistrate. The Government has ordered that only a maximum amount of 30 kg sugar is to be released for wedding celebrations. A son of your close friend is getting married and your friend requests you to release at least 50 kg sugar for his son's wedding. He expresses annoyance when you tell him about the Government's restrictions on this matter. He feels that since you are the District Magistrate you can release any amount. You do not want to spoil your friendship with him. In such circumstances, how would you deal with the situation? a) Release the extra amount of sugar which your friend has requested for
b) Refuse your friend the extra amount and strictly follow the rules.
c) Show your friend the copy of the Government instructions and then persuade him to accept the lower amount as prescribed in the rules.
d) Advise him to directly apply to the allotting authority and inform him that you do not interfere in this matter.
79. You are in-charge of implementing the Family Planning programme in an area where there is a strong opposition to the present policy. You want to convince the residents of the need for keeping small families. What would be the best way of communicating this message? a) By logically explaining to the residents the need for family planning to improve the health and living standards.
b) By encouraging late marriages and proper spacing of children.
c) By offering incentives for adopting family planning devices.
d) By asking people who have been sterilized or are using contraceptives to directly talk to the residents.
80. You are a teacher in a University and are setting a question paper on a particular subject. One of your colleagues, whose son is preparing for the examination on that subject, comes to you and informs you that it is his son's last chance to pass that examination and whether you could help him by indicating what questions are going to be in the examination. In the past, your colleague had helped you in another matter. Your colleague informs you that his son will suffer from depression if he fails in this examination. In such circumstances, what would you do?
a) In view of the help he had given you, extend your help to him.
b) Regret that you cannot be of any help to him.
c) Explain to your colleague that this would be violating the trust of the University authorities and you are not in a position to help him.
d) Report the conduct of your colleague to the higher authorities.
Answers
1
26
   a
51
  a
76
c
2
a
27
   c
52
b
77
c
3
28
a
53
d
78
c
4
b
29
b
54
b
79
a
5
   b
30
d
55
c
80
b
6
   c
31
   c
56
d

7
   d
32
a
57
a

8
   d
33
   c
58
a

9
   a
34
  a 
59
d

10
  c
35
  c
60
c

11
36
  a
61
b

12
   b
37
c
62
b

13
   b
38
b
63
c

14
 c
39
  d
64
c

15
  b
40
  a
65
b

16
d
41
a
66
c

17
  b
42
   b
67
 b

18
  c
43
  d
68
  c

19
b
44
a
69
  c

20
  d
45
b
70
  d

21
c
46
c
71
  b

22
a
47
b
72
  a

23
b
48
c
73
  b

24
  a
49
  c
74
  b

25
  b
50
 d
75
a