IAS Prelims 2017 Analysis by Civilsdaily

IAS Prelims 2017 Analysis
Civilsdaily.com

Overview
Civilsdaily has been trying to gauge trends followed by USPC in recent years by
applying various Data interpretation tools.
This is one such attempt to delve more into UPSC analysis and get some insights
about various factors involved in Prelims papers.

Subject 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
History 11 19 16 20 17 15 13
Geography 11 17 18 14 16 7 10
Polity 12 20 16 14 13 7 26
Economy 19 17 19 10 13 18 8
E & B 15 17 17 18 11 18 10
Science 19 9 14 16 8 8 10
CA + GK 13 1 0 8 22 27 23

How have
divisions been
done?
The divisions are
All subjects bifurcated according to
their static and dynamic
Subject wise analysis- Division into
sub-subjects, difficulty levels,
static and dynamic divisions and
others.

Trend analysis
Findings
Current Affairs have been increasing year on
year and even static questions have effect of
CA on them.
Implications:
More focus on CA has to made
Comprehensive plan is needed where CA
go along with static portion and not
separately.
Static
Dynamic (CA based)
2014
92
8
2015
78
22
2016
73
27
2017
78
22

High and Medium level
Questions

Economics Sub Topics Count of Question Static/Dynamic Difficulty Level
Banking, Finance 1 Static Medium
Budget, Fiscal Policy 1 Static Medium
Important Intl. Organizations 2 Static Medium
Infrastructure 1 Static Medium
Organizations involved 2 Static Medium
Sectors of Economy 1 Static High
Grand Total 8

Level : High
Q.1 Consider the following statements:
1. Tax revenue as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased
in the last decade.
2. Fiscal deficit as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in
the last decade.
Which of the statements given- above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- a
Standard Explanation
Fiscal Deficit has
decreased in the last
decade.
www.civilsdaily.com/blog/
discussing-budget-2016-17-
fiscal-discipline/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Read Economic survey
and make short notes to
tackle such questions.
K Siddhartha Sir's Inputs
Difficult if you haven’t
followed the Eco Survey
over time.
Needs your ability to
remember growth trends
for atleast 2+ years

Level : Medium
1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for
automotive tyres and tubes.
2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- a
Under Product Certification ,
Mandatory certification is there
for Automobile Accessories
such as Automotive vehicles –
Tubes and pneumatic tyres
AGMARK (Agricultural Mark)
is a certification issued by
Directorate of Marketing and
Inspection for agricultural
produce.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
There are some popular
certifications such as
AGMARK, GRIHA rating,
gold's Hallmark etc. One
should know basics about
them. Also, BIS is important
Indian agency. One should
have idea about its
functioning, its ministry etc.
AGMARK is by India which
eliminates option (b) and (c).

Level : Medium
Q.3 With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy’, consider the
following statements:
1. It reiterates India’s commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the
TRIPS Agreement.
2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating
intellectual property rights in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- c
"The National IPR Policy recognizes
that India has a well-established TRIPS-
compliant legislative, administrative
and judicial framework to safeguard
IPRs. It reiterates India’s commitment
to the Doha Development Agenda and
the TRIPS agreement.
It is monitored by DIPP (the nodal
department to coordinate, guide and
oversee implementation and future
development of IPRs in India)
www.civilsdaily.com/story/intellectual-
property-rights-regime/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
For prelims, one must know
following points about
important government
policies - nodal agencies,
targets, related global
agreements/conventions
.
DIPP monitors IPR issues
(Remember in context of GI
items etc.)

Level : Medium
Q.4 What is the purpose of setting up of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India?
1. To supply credit to small business units
2. To supply credit to small and marginal farmers
3. To encourage young entrepreneurs to set up business particularly in rural areas.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- a
"Local focus and ability to serve
smaller customers will be a key
criterion in licensing such banks.
The bank shall primarily
undertake basic banking
activities of accepting deposits
and lending to small farmers,
small businesses, micro and
small industries, and
unorganized sector entities.
www.civilsdaily.com/small-
finance-banks-background/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
recent schemes in
details - their purpose,
beneficiary, nodal
agency, funds (centre :
state)
In such options format, prove
any one of the statements
wrong. Here, statement 3 is
wrong which leaves only
option (a).

Level : Medium
Q.5 Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy
Committee (MPC)?
1. It decides the RBI’s benchmark interest rates.
2. It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every
year.
3. It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer- a
The Monetary Policy Committee
would be entrusted with the task
of fixing the benchmark policy
rate (repo rate) required to
contain inflation within the
specified target level.
It consists of 6 members.
The Governor of the Bank—
Chairperson, ex officio
www.civilsdaily.com/centre-
notifies-amended-rbi-act-mpc/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Whenever new institution is
created by government,
one must know the
purpose of creation, its
structure, and ministry
under which it
functions, mode of
creation (statutory,
executive,
constitutional) etc.
(EIBQ).

Level : Medium
1. India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO.
2. TFA is a part of WTO’s Bali Ministerial Package of 2013.
3. TFA came into force in January 2016.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- a
WTO members concluded
negotiations at the 2013 Bali
Ministerial Conference on the
landmark Trade Facilitation
Agreement (TFA), which entered
into force on 22 February 2017
following its ratification by two-
thirds of the WTO membership.
www.civilsdaily.com/story/wto-
and-india/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
TFA is important global
agreement. For prelims, one
must know the timeline and
India's efforts to implement
the agreement.
WTO works on the principle
of consensus. India has ratified
the TFA in mid 2016. So, it
cannot come into force in Jan
2016. By that logic, Statement
3 is wrong and that leaves only
option a as correct answer.

Level : Medium
Q.7 With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the
following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
2. It has a corpus of Rs. 4,00,000 crore at present.
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

Answer- d
NIIF has been structured as a
fund of funds and set up as
Category II Alternate Investment
Fund (AIF) under the Securities
and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI) Regulations.
Total corpus of the fund is Rs.
40000 Crore.
www.civilsdaily.com/learn-about-
niif/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Make notes of important
initiatives, their purpose,
implementing agency, fund
allocation etc.
(EIBQ)
Further, 4 lakh crore seems
very high figure. So, option d
can be guessed by that logic.

Level : Medium
Q.8 "The Global Infrastructure Facility is a/an
(a) ASEAN initiative to upgrade infrastructure in Asia and financed by credit from
the Asian Development Bank.
(b) World Bank collaboration that facilitates the preparation and structuring of
complex infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enable mobilization of
private sector and institutional investor capital.
(c) Collaboration among the major banks of the world working with the OECD and
focused on expanding the set of infrastructure projects that have the potential to
mobilize private investment.
(d) UNCTAD funded initiative that seeks to finance and facilitate infrastructure
development in the world."

Answer- b
The World Bank (WB) has
launched the GIF to specifically
cater to the infrastructure
needs of the emerging
economies and developing
countries.
The GIF will channel money
towards bankable
infrastructure project in such
countries.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Make notes of important
initiatives, their purpose,
implementing agency, fund
allocation etc.
Very close and overlapping
choices makes it tough
reading and choosing with an
equal pinch for knowledge
and information. Difficult to
answer.

Polity Sub Topics No. of questions
Amendments to constitution 1
Elections- LS, RS, States 3
Functions of Judiciary 1
Functions of Legislature 5
Fundamental Rights/DPSP 7
Govt. Schemes 7
Important articles/schedules 2
Important treaties/ protocols 1
Misc. 1
Organizations involved 1
Panchayati Raj- Local governance 1
Powers of different authorities 2
Grand Total 32

Level : High
Q.1 Who among the following can join the National Pension System
(NPS)?
(a) Resident Indian citizens only
(b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only
(c) All State Government employees joining the services after the
date of notification by the respective State Governments
(d) All Central Governments Employees including those of Armed
Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004"

Answer- c
"The Central Government had
introduced the National Pension
System (NPS) with effect from
January 1, 2004 (except for armed
forces).
Subsequently, various State
Governments adopted this
architecture and implemented NPS
with effect from different dates.
www.civilsdaily.com/learn-about-
national-pension-system/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Create a list of important
schemes where basic details
like beneficiary, nodal
ministry, targets etc.
Use CD’s Prelims Listicles for
quick revision:
http://www.civilsdaily.com/top
ic/pre-compilations-govt-
schemes-2016-17-in-quick-
reference-excel-sheet/
Pension has been a problem.
Candidate has been asked the
question to know of he/she
showed enough concerns. His
concerns and sensitivity about
the problems of the society. His
empathy would determine his
observation and answer to this
topics.

Level : High
Q.2 With reference to `Quality Council of India (QCI)’, consider the
following
Statements:
1. QCI was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian
Industry.
2. Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the
recommendations of the industry to the Government.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2

Answer- c
Formed in 1997, the Quality
Council of India was set-up by the
CII, the FICCI, and the Associated
Chambers of Commerce and
Industry.
The Chairman of QCI is
appointed by the Prime Minister
on recommendation of the
industry to the government.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Read 'About Us' webpage
from official website and
make their short notes for
prelims. Also, carefully
observe in newspaper when a
new appointment is made to
any government agency. The
QCI was in news related to
Swachh Bharat Mission.
Pure, blue bloodied fact based
question to know whether the
student keeps abreast of certain
things……or not.

Level : High
Q.3 ‘Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into
activity
(a) the intelligence and character ordinary men and women.
(b) the methods for strengthening executive leadership
(c) a superior individual with dynamism and vision.
(d) a band of dedicated party workers.

Answer- a
A democracy is superior,
because it allows a right to every
adult citizen, without any
educational and wealth criterion.
This allows him to use his own
intelligence in choosing
representatives.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
The question required clarity
in fundamentals of polity and
careful and patient reading of
options.
To make clarity in polity, read
some good polity books like
NCERT, Subhash Kashyap.
This is almost funny.
It is an essay type topic.
Requires a deep thinking to
answer. Fortunately the choices
are not close. So, you could have
used Tikdams to answer
Such topics have made their
entry into PT questions this
time.

Level : High
Q.4 In the context of India, which one of the following is the correct
relationship
between Rights and Duties?
(a) Rights are correlative with Duties.
(b) Rights are personal and hence independent of society and
Duties.
(c) Rights, not Duties, are important for the advancement of the
personality of the citizen.
(d) Duties, not Rights, are important for the stability of the State.

Answer- a
Rights and duties are two phases
of the same thing. Rights are
considered to be essential for the
expansion of human personality.
Rights can be enjoyed only in the
world of duties. For every right
there is corresponding duty.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Fundamentals of Polity must
be understood.
This requires in-depth
understanding
Understand this language.
Unless the candidates decipher
the language, it will be even
more difficult now onwards to
answer such questions.

Level : High
Q.5 With reference to the ‘Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act,
1988 (PBPT Act)’, consider the following statements:
1. A property transaction is not treated as a benami transaction if the owner of
the property
is not aware of the transaction.
2. Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by the Government.
3. The Act provides for three authorities for investigations but does not provide
for any
appellate mechanism.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only

Answer- b
"Benami Transactions (Prohibition)
Act, 1988 prohibits certain types of
financial transactions. The act defines a
‘benami’ transaction as any transaction
in which property is transferred to one
person for a consideration paid by
another person. The act bans all
benami transactions and gives the
government the right to recover
property held benami without paying
any compensation.
www.civilsdaily.com/new-benami-law-
to-come-into-effect-from-november-1/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
The Act was recently
amended and was major
instrument in government's
battle against black money.
Use CD’s Prelims Listicles for
quick revision:
http://www.civilsdaily.com/top
ic/pre-compilations-govt-
schemes-2016-17-in-quick-
reference-excel-sheet/
Good analytical frame of mind
and learning required for
processing this information.
NO easy choices. No easy
options.

Level : Medium
Q.6 With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following
statements:
1. A private member’s bill is a bill presented by a Member of
Parliament who is not elected but only nominated by the President
of India.
2. Recently, a private member’s bill has been passed in the
Parliament of India for the first time in its history.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2

Answer- d
Members of parliament other than ministers
are called private members and bills presented
by them are known as private member’s bills.
Any MP can introduce a bill in parliament.
Only 14 private members’ bills passed since
Independence. The Rights of Transgender
Persons Bill, 2014, is the first private member’s
bill to get the upper house’s approval in the
past 45 years.
www.civilsdaily.com/topic/transgender-bill-
key-issues-and-analysis/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
The private member's
bill was in news recently
when Rajya Sabha
passed a bill for
Transgender
Community.
That made the basics of
Private bills important
for prelims.
Simple, straight and Basics.
Need to study.

Q.7 ‘Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme’ is sometimes
mentioned in the news
with reference to
(a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through
traditional channels.
(b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning
programmes.
(c) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor in some
public sector undertakings.
(d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill
Development

Answer- a
"Recognition of Prior Learning
Scheme- Individuals with prior
learning experience or skills shall be
assessed and certified under the
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
component of the Pradhan Mantri
Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
RPL aims to align the competencies
of the unregulated workforce of the
country to the NSQF (National Skills
Qualification Framework)
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Here option A is correct. It is
not about certifying trainees
but those who already possess
skills (ie prior learning).
In addition, the scheme is
launched for construction
sector.
Previously, these questions
would have been asked in match
the following type. This has
changed.
Meaning pure factual content
has given way to some degree of
inspection, introspection and
retrospection.

Level : Medium
Q.8 Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in
a) Federalism
b) Democratic decentralization
c) Administrative delegation
d) Direct democracy

Answer- b
Democratic decentralization
means decentralization of
power.
The main purpose of democratic
decentralization is to bring
fundamental changes in the
traditional outlook about the
power structure of the
government.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Read and understand basics of
Panchayati Raj System.
For prelims, the evolution of PRI,
the provisions of 73rd and 74th
amendments, PESA 1996 must be
known to aspirant.
In addition to that, administrative
machinery in 5th schedule and 6th
schedule area must also be known.
The question is the Basis of
Polity but with close
observation. (EIBQ)

Level : Medium
With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy
constitute limitations upon
1. legislative function
2. executive function
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- d
DPSP does not place any
limitation on legislative and
executive function, it is simply
a guideline.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
One cannot go judiciary for
violation of DPSP by
legislature or executive if they
are not provided by any law.
The question is limitations of
Directive Policy-- that means
studying the topic closely,
minutely. No hard work but
very minute work.
No memorization but a study in
a calm atmosphere to avoid
cluttering of mind.

Q.10 Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition
Mission’?
1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women
and lactating mothers.
2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent
girls and women.
3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished
rice.
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only

Answer- a
The key objectives of this programme
are :
To create awareness relating to
malnutrition amongst pregnant
women, lactating mothers, promote
healthy lactating practices and
importance of balanced nutrition;
To reduce incidence of anaemia among
young children, adolescent girls and
women.
www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-need-
nutrition-mission/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Make ministry wise short
notes on schemes and
missions. Read their
objectives, beneficiaries,
targets and implementing
agencies.
Make use of the last minute
Prelims listicles
Straight simple, typical,
representative question from
Govt. Schemes.

Level : Medium
1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate
must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected.
2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in
Lok Sabha, the Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the
Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- d
India follows First Past the Post
system, there is no provision
for 50% votes. There is no
provision related to it in the
Constitution.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
For prelims, one must be
aware of the some
Parliamentary practices
whether they are based on
convention, law or
constitutional provision.
Other examples include Zero
hour, Deputy Chairman of
Rajya Sabha etc.
In the first option, Provision of
50% post is essentially a ploy to
confuse the candidates.
The purpose of the question is
to make sure whether the
students are 100% sure about
the answers or not.

Level : Medium
Q.12 What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana’?
1. To enable the famous foreign campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help
from the private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and
organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary
schools.
a) 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 2 and 3 only

Answer- a
Vidyanjali is an initiative to
enhance community and
private sector involvement in
Government run elementary
schools across the country
under the overall aegis of the
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
www.civilsdaily.com/app-aid-
volunteer-workers-govt-
schools/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
recent schemes in details -
their purpose, beneficiary,
nodal agency, funds (centre :
state)
The question is Ok but the
options are very close, very
interrelated, very meaningful.
Such genre of questions were
very few last year but are more
in number this year.
You have to be thorough with
your reading an revision.

Level : Medium
Q.13 Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle
underlying the Cabinet form of Government :
(a) An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose
responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.
(b) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose
responsibilities are increasing day by day.
(c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of
the Government to the people.
(d) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold
over the people is in a state of decline.

Answer- c
Council of Ministers is
collectively responsible to
Parliament (Lok Sabha) and
Lok Sabha is elected by people
themselves.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Fundamental question from
Polity.
Although this question was
simple, Simple to ask, simple to
answer and simple to think
there were overtones to make it
complicated.

Level : Medium
Q.14 With reference to ‘National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, which of the
statements given below is/are correct?
1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through
formal learning.
2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between
vocational and general education.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- b
"The National Skills Qualifications
Framework (NSQF) is a
competency-based framework that
organizes all qualifications according
to a series of levels of knowledge,
skills and aptitude. These levels, are
defined in terms of learning
outcomes which the learner must
possess regardless of whether they
are obtained through formal, non-
formal or informal learning.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Prepare notes on skill
development in India.
For prelims, it should include
the current status of skills in
India, current programmes
run by government to
improve skills like Skill India,
the agencies involved in skill
development in India.
Contemporary,
Current
Compact with deep information
levels and differentiation skill,
i.e. ability to differentiate
between different type of
choices.

Level : Medium
Q.15 Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’ :
1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel
and Training, Government of India.
2. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve
the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- b
The Government is implementing
the National Career Service
Project for linking employment
exchanges and other institutions
using technology to provide a
variety of employment related
services like job postings, career
counselling, vocational guidance,
skill courses, apprenticeship, etc.
www.civilsdaily.com/pib-
implementation-of-national-
career-service/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Important scheme related to
employment.
The candidate need Concerns of
unemployment, which is
frequently covered in
Newspaper as it also concerns
the youth.

Geography Sub Topics No. of Questions
Agriculture- Irrigation, fertilizers etc. 1
Indian Geography-Forests 1
Indian Geography-Places 3
Indian Geography-Rivers 1
World Geography 4
Grand Total 10

Level : High
Q.1 From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes
importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western
Ghats?
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

Answer- b
Sathyamangalam forest range is a
significant wildlife corridor in
the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
between the Western Ghats and
the rest of the Eastern Ghats.
It is located in Tamil Nadu.
http://www.civilsdaily.com/topic/
15-nov-2016-prelims-daily-with-
previous-year-questions-tikdams/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Mark important protected
areas on blank maps. Along
with that, know about
important species in those
areas. Revise them regularly.
Answers to these type of questions
now requires identifying the most
significant part, most unique part, i.e.,
with respect to its location, river,
animals, flora, or any new
development.
For example asking something like
northern most confluence town in
India?

Level : High
Q.2 At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch
the sea, you will find that the sea water recedes from the shore line a few
kilometers and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually
walk on the seafloor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is
seen at:
a) Bhavnagar
b) Bheemunipatnam
c) Chandipur
d) Nagapattinam

Answer- c
The beach is unique in that the
water recedes up to 5
kilometers during the ebb tide.
When the tide is in, locals trawl
for small fish along the coast.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Very factual question.
No theory, no memorisation, no
fact, but one unique information
separated this beach out of context.
This beach like Dhanu road is
remarkable for a lot of things.
Identification of uniqueness is one
key factor that is emerging now.

Level : High
1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only.
2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only.
3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer- b
Western Ghats – The Ghats
traverse the States of Kerala,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa,
Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Pulicat Lake is the second
largest brackish water lake or
lagoon in India, after Chilka
Lake. It straddles the border of
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu states.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Factual question/map needs to
be fully memorized in order to
answer.
Observation based question,
location based question, one
that cannot be memorised.

Level : Medium
Q.4 Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries ?
1. Jordan
2. Iraq
3. Lebanon
4. Syria
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer- c
The countries with coastlines on
the Mediterranean Sea are
Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus,
Egypt, France, Greece, Israel,
Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Malta,
Morocco, Monaco, Montenegro,
Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia
and Turkey.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
For prelims, carefully study
the middle east, south east
areas.
(EIBQ)

Level : Medium
Q.5 With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the
news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
1. IOD phenomenon is characterized by a difference in sea surface temperature
between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’s impact on the monsoon.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- b
The phenomenon is concerned
to temperature differentials in
Western Indian Ocean and
Eastern Indian Ocean.
www.civilsdaily.com/story/geog
raphic-phenomenon-key-
concepts-and-issues/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
The term was in news last year
for its impact on monsoon.
Make notes of such important
terms appearing in news.
Imagine the question, It’s not on
El Nino, Not On ENSO, Not on
Madden Julien oscillation, not on
Aido Arabian Sea temperature
inversion.
Of all the factors that may have
affected the monsoons the pic
was dipole. Of course all them
are linked by ENSO event.

Level : Medium
Q.6 Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture ?
1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- d
All these methods help in
reducing water usage..
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Agriculture consumes a major
portion of water and due to
scarcity of fresh water, its
conservation techniques in
agriculture become very
important. For prelims, one
must know about Climate
smart agriculture, organic
farming, sustainable
agriculture etc.
A lot of discussion is carried
on about saving water and the
correct method of agriculture.
So the students must
understand the importance of
water conservation
particularly in agriculture
where a lot of water is wasted.

Part 4 - Environment
& Biodiversity

E&B Sub Topics No. of questions
Agriculture- Irrigation, fertilizers etc. 1
Basic terms related to E&B 1
Important articles/schedules 2
Important Intl. Organizations 1
Important treaties/ protocols 2
Indian Geography-Places 2
New Tech/ Innovation in news 1
Organizations involved 1
Static theory on E&B 1
Grand Total 12

Level : High
Q.1 Consider the following statements :
1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate
Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries;
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- b
The Climate and Clean Air
Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived
Climate Pollutants (CCAC) was
launched by the United Nations
Environment Programme
(UNEP) and six countries—
Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana,
Mexico, Sweden, and the United
States—on 16 February 2012. It
focuses on O3, CH4, Black
Carbon, and HFCs.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Since it is 4 - 5 years old news
and India is not party to this
coalition, It becomes very
difficult to know about such
question.
In prelims, one must also
know which questions to leave
because there are negative
marks too. One should not
make total blind guesses.
The explanation says all.
Of course, All ecological conventions
taking place must be considered
important.
The back ground history for
conventions need to be added. No
more cosmetic preparation required.

Level : High
Q.1 With, reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’ which of the following
statements is/are correct?
1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to
integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council
for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- a
"The Global Climate Change
Alliance (GCCA) is an initiative
of the European Union. Its
overall objective is to build a new
alliance on climate change
between the European Union
and the poor developing
countries that are most affected
and that have the least capacity
to deal with climate change.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Try getting answer from
analysing options.
This question will make the student
think for sometime before they can
gather their nerve to answer it
correctly, what a way to tease the
students by putting option 3 and its
associated institutions.
Expect more from UPSC next year

Level : High
Q.3 Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their
natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?
(a) Corbett National Park
(b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Sariska National Park

Answer- b
An environment ministry’s
expert committee has approved
Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh
as the second home for Asiatic
lions found only in Gir national
park.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Read newspaper regularly and
make short notes of such
news. Further, mark such
places on map which will help
recalling it during the exam.
Let Civilsdaily help you with
this
The question framers set out to
complicate the question but ended up
simplifying.

Level : High
Q.4 The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
d) Security of National Highways

Answer- b
The full form of M-STrIPES is
Monitoring System for Tigers’-
Intensive Protection and
Ecological Status. It’s a software
monitoring system launched by
the Indian Government in 2010
in some tiger reserves.
The aim is to reduce
vulnerability of Tigers.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Here, Option c can be
eliminated by the fact that
NAVIC is the India's
navigation system.
Again this question signifies the
novelty of approach in asking
questions on Ecology, S&T and
Geography, and imagine the options
that are given to confuse the students
to the maximum possible extent.

Level :
Medium
Q.5 In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic
emission of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for
carbon sequestration?
1. Abandoned and Uneconomic coal seams
2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
3. Subterranean deep saline formations
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- d
Capturing CO2 from the major
stationary sources and its storage
into deep geological formations is
considered as a potential
mitigation option. Geological
storage of CO2 can be undertaken
in variety of geological settings in
sedimentary basins.
www.civilsdaily.com/lets-know-
about-co-sequestration/
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Carbon sequestration is one of
the important techniques
being proposed to correct
global warming. For prelims,
all those techniques must be
read. Other techniques include
Geoengineering, artificial tree,
Blue carbon project etc.
The question is not asking for
general suggestions, rather a specific
way to mitigate global warming.
More and more questions on
ecosystem management are going to
be in vogue. A solution oriented
thinking must for answering
questions. It is at next level beyond
intelligence.

Level :
Medium
Q.6 It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely
limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of
expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities
which may raise ecological and social concerns.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- b
Algae can be grown using land and
water not suitable for plant and
food production. The algal biofuel
technology includes selection of
specific species for production and
extraction of valuable co-products.
To make the industry
commercially viable, researchers
have pursued biotech varieties,
which could be particularly
dangerous if released into nature.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
For prelims, one must prepare
all 4 generations bio fuels. The
difference between Biofuel,
Biodiesel, Green Diesel must
be known
Complete solution oriented and
management oriented thinking.
Very deep, insightful and very
applied.
These questions are the future of
questions. Representative of what
will be the type of questions that
can be asked.

Level :
Medium
Q.7 Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of
Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC):
1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
2. The Mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not
a threat to the conservation of nature.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- b
TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade
monitoring network, works to
ensure that trade in wild plants
and animals is not a threat to the
conservation of nature.
TRAFFIC also works in close co-
operation with the Secretariat of
the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Make a gist of all important
organisation working for
environment protection,
sustainable development,
wildlife protection. For
prelims, know about their
headquarters, structure, their
area of work.
Every year, UPSC asks at least
one organisation from this
area.
Fantastic question, fact based,
observation based, interest based
and contemporary based.
Such questions are always going to
be difficult to answer.
Just see the explanation, which is
indicative of so many
amalgamations.

History Sub Topics No. of questions
Ancient India 1
Art and Culture 5
Indian National Movement- 1915-1947 2
Modern India- 1857-1915 3
Pre Independence - Charters etc. 1
Sectors of Economy 1
Grand Total 13

Level : High
Q.1 Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
1. Arasavalli
2. Amarakantak
3. Omkareshwar
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- a
Amarkantak and Omkareshwar
do not have Sun Temples.
Also, they are situated on
Narmada coast and can be
related to Narmada Seva Yatra
held in M.P. , conclusion of
which was done by PM Modi.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Note important temples
across India.
(EIBQU)

Level : High
Q.2 Consider the following pairs :
Traditions Communities
1. Chaliha Sahib Festival — Sindhis
2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra — Gonds
3. Wari-Warkari — Santhals
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above

Answer- a
Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is a
festival of Gharwali and kumaoni
people in Uttarakhand.
Wari Warkari or Varkari
(Pandharpur Wari) is a
Maharashtrian festival celebrated
by Marathas.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Note important cultural
traditions of various
communities/states.
Deep diversified Knowledge
Strong base

Level : High
Q.3 With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following
statements :
1. Sautrantika and Samitiya were the sects of Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly
momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- b
The two major sects include –
Digambar and Shwetambar.
95% of the practices followed are
same in both the sects.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Buddhism and Jainism are
most important in UPSC.
Involvement with the
understanding
Interest & curiosity & Ability
to sustain

Level : High
Q.4 Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya
kingdom ?
(a) Kakinada
(b) Motupalli
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(d) Nelluru

Answer- d
The Kakatiya dynasty was a
South Indian dynasty whose
capital was Orugallu, now known
as Warangal.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Not solvable by any means.
Very factual.
Strong Information base

Level : High
1. The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial
workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions.
2. N.M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- b
Narayan Meghaji Lokhande
(1848-1897) was a pioneer of the
labour movement in India.
During Lord Ripon’s time, the
first Factories Act was adopted in
1881. The result of these
enactments was the limitation on
the factory working hours.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Important acts of British and
important leaders of freedom
struggles need to be noted.
http://www.civilsdaily.com/blog
/list-of-important-indian-
freedom-fighters-and-their-
activities/
/list-of-acts-and-charters-of-the-
british-government-in-india/
A complete change in the type of
questions asked. Having known
the story of National Movement,
minute understanding and acts
must catch the attention because
these are the questions that the
answers of which reflect the ability
of picking a pattern among a
complex maze. This specific
quality is intrinsic to girls.

Level : High
Q.6 The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for
a) the participation of workers in the management of industries.
b) arbitrary powers to the management to quell industrial disputes.
c) an intervention by the British Court in the event of a trade dispute.
d) a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes.

Answer- a
It provided for the participation
of workers in the management of
industries
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Important acts of British period
need to be noted.
/list-of-acts-and-charters-of-the-
british-government-in-india/
The way history is studied needs to
be changed.
The attitude required is now is
that how British rule affected us,
all our or made new laws, where
are its roots? Need to go the roots.
The question could not have been
answered only by a cosmetic study.

Level : Medium
Q.7 Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of
Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule?
1. Lord Cornwallis
2. Alexander Read
3. Thomas Munro
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- c
Lord Cornwallis is associated
with zamindari system.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Read properly about
agricultural systems introduced
by British - Zamindari,
Ryotwari, Mahalwari.
One must know their region,
year of introduction and
implication.
Strong Information base
Recording Minute aspects

Level : Medium
Q.8 With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley
people, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus
Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only
copper and iron.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley
people having been aware of this animal.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- c
Indus people were basically peace
loving. The Aryans, on the contrary,
were warlike people and were
conversant with all kinds of
traditional arms and armour and
had devised a full-fledged ‘science of
war’.
The horse, which played a decisive
role in the Aryan system of warfare,
was not known to the Indus people.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
If one read options carefully,
few options can be eliminated.
For example, here statement 1
was difficult, but by eliminating
options (b) and (d), checking
correctness of Statement 1
becomes irrelevant.
The answer to this topic required
an intensive knowledge, and a very
close passionate observation about
both civilizations. This requires
taking pride in our country that is
India. It's now an essential
prerequisite.
There are going to be good
number of questions that can be
deciphered only when one is in
love with their country.

Level : Medium
Q.9 Consider the following pairs:
1. Radhakanta Deb – First President of the British Indian Association
2. Gazulu Lakshmi Narasu Chetty – Founder of the Madras Mahajana Sabha
3. Surendranath Banerjee – Founder of the Indian Association
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- b
Madras Mahajana Sabha was
established by M.
Veeraraghavachary, G.
Subramania Iyer and P. Ananda
Charlu in May 1884.
IAS Ranker's Inputs
Make list of important
organisations during British
rule.
About these organisations,
know about their founders,
their area of work, their active
period, their substantial
contribution.
Fact and information based.

The Team
K Siddhartha, Mentor
He has over 20 years
experience in teaching Earth
Sciences, Life Sciences and
Behavioural traits in India’s
topmost institutes, and 15
years experience in training
students for Civil Services.
Praveen Verma, IAS
Achieved AIR 264 in CSE-
2016, AIR 22 in IFS-2016
B.Tech, IIT D | ex-
Powergrid
Sajal Singh
Economics (Hons.) from
DU | PG from Gokhale
institute of Economics and
Politics | Founding member
@http://www.electionpromis
estracker.in/
Tanay Rathi
Seasoned Civil Service
Aspirant
Chief Curator @Civilsdaily

Proposed deliverables
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Deliverable 2
Deliverable 3
Deliverable 4

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