Ias 1 PDF

l y
th
o n ClearIAS
M
Current Affairs
Capsule
Oct 2019
[PDF]
Prelims Cum Mains
Integrated Approach by
ClearIAS.com
Before Interview
(October-May)
Clear IAS
Before UPSC interview, take -

ClearIAS UPSC Mock Interviews
+ DAF Analysis by ClearIAS Team
(June-September)
Before Mains
Take ClearIAS Mains Mock Exams

+ Mains Current Affairs
+ Revision
ClearIAS.com ClearIAS.com
Join Also, finish

Before Prelims
ClearIAS Optional Subject

(July-May)
+ Ethics Paper
Prelims + Essay Paper
Online + Additional GS
Mock Test Topics for Mains
Series
How to Clear IAS by Self-Study and Online Preparation?

Details - https://www.clearias.com/prelims-cum-mains/
Q1) Consider the following statements about “ Corporate Social
Responsibility” (CSR) :
1. Companies with a minimum net worth of Rs 500 crore, turnover of Rs

1000 crore or net profit of Rs 5 crore are required to spend at least 2% of
their average profit for the previous three years on CSR activities.
2. Violation of CSR norms attracts a penalty.
3. CSR is an embodiment of the principle of “Trusteeship” enunciated by
Mahatma Gandhi.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (D)
Learning Zone:
Companies with a minimum net worth of Rs 500 crore, turnover of Rs 1000
crore or net profit of Rs 5 crore are required to spend at least 2% of their
average profit for the previous three years on CSR activities.
Illustrious business families like Tata, Birla and Bajaj and many others
associated with our freedom struggle were sensitive to their social
responsibilities. Mahatma Gandhi developed the principle of trusteeship, not
only from his deep understanding of our various religious traditions but also
based on the generosity of industrialists associated with him.
Why is this question important?

Recently, the National CSR Awards were presented by the President of India.
1
CSR has also been in the news due to recent amendments to the Companies
Page
Act, 2013 which provides for penalties for violation of CSR norms.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1589427
Q2) With reference to the National Cooperative Development Corporation

(NCDC), consider the following statements:
1. NCDC is not a statutory body.

2. NCDC functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3. NCDC has launched the Yuva Sahakar Scheme to promote cooperative to
venture into new and innovative areas and to cater to the needs of the
aspirational youth.
Which of the statements given above are incorrect?

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None of the Above
Ans:(A)
Learning Zone:
In line with Government’s focus on programmes like Start-up India and Stand-
up India aimed at young entrepreneurs with new and innovative ideas,
National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has formulated Yuva
Sahakar -Cooperative Enterprise Support and Innovation Scheme 2019. The
Scheme has an annual outlay of 100 crores. The Scheme is liberal to
cooperatives in the North Eastern Region, cooperatives registered and operating
in Aspirational Districts as identified by NITI Aayog, cooperatives with 100 %
women/SC/ST/ PwD members.
NCDC was established by an Act of Parliament in 1963 as a statutory

corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

2
Page
Aimed at achieving the goal of doubling farmers' income, recently, the first-ever
'India International Cooperatives Trade Fair' was held from 11-13 October 2019
at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1587512
Q3) The School Education Quality Index 2019 was published by the
a) Ministry Of Human Resource Development

b) Niti Aayog
c) World Bank
d) Program for International Student Assessment (PISA)- OECD
Ans:(B)
Learning Zone:
3
Page
Niti Aayog recently published SEQI 2019.

The School Education Quality Index (SEQI) has been developed to provide
insights and data-based feedback on the success of school education across
the States and Union Territories of India. The index attempts to provide a
platform for promoting evidence-based policymaking and highlights possible
course-corrections in the education sector.
The development of SEQI was a collaborative and participatory exercise
spanning over eighteen months and included consultations with experts in
school education, statistics and the development sector. These include key
stakeholders such as the Ministry of Human Resource and Development
(MHRD), the World Bank and sector experts.
The index consists of 30 critical indicators that assess the delivery of quality
education. These indicators are categorized as follows:
Category 1: Outcomes
• Domain 1: Learning outcomes

• Domain 2: Access outcomes
• Domain 3: Infrastructure and facilities for outcomes
• Domain 4: Equity outcomes
Category 2: Governance processes aiding outcomes

Several reports and studies such as ASER by the NGO Pratham and National
Achievement Survey 2017 have pointed towards poor learning outcomes,
particularly at the primary school level. In addition, Economic Survey 2018-19
recommends a gradual shift in policy priority from access outcomes to learning
outcomes to capitalise on different stages of demographic dividend occurring in
different states.
Source:http://epaper.indianexpress.com/2354223/Delhi/October-02-
2019#page/16/2
https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2019-09/seqi_document_0.pdf
4
Q4) Consider the following statements about the Drone Innovators

Page
Network Summit 2019:

1. The summit organised by the World Economic Forum under the aegis of
the Ministry of Defence
2. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued Civil Aviation
Requirements (CAR ) for the regulation of drones.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans:(B)
Learning Zone:
The Drone Innovators Network Summit 2019 organised by the World Economic
Forum under the aegis of the Ministry of Civil Aviation saw participation from
National & International Aviation Regulatory bodies, Drone Industry and senior
Civil Aviation Ministry officials.
India is one of the few countries to come out with drone regulations. India's
Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR),
effective 1 December 2018 for drones. As per the regulations, manufacturers of
the drone are required to comply with the requirements of No Permission, No
Take-off (NPNT) on the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). These
regulations (CAR Version 1.0) only permit operations of drones during daytime
Visual Line of Sight.
NPNT is a software programme that enables every Remotely Piloted Aircraft
System (RPAS) (except Nano) to obtain valid permission through the DigiSky
platform before operating in India. OEMs/Manufacturers are to comply with
this requirement. The DigiSky is a portal for registration and flying of civil
drones in India. The purpose of DigiSky is to create a digital, paperless
process, thus providing on-demand seamless permissions for UAS/RPAS,
5
operators, and pilots. The RPAS are embedded with encrypted firmware by the
Page
manufacturer to receive permissions through 'DigiSky' each time before take-

off. This platform will also eventually enable Unmanned Aircraft Traffic
Management (UTM) functions. "No drone zones" are to be geo-fenced into the
DigiSky platform and the NPNT code will activate the "Return to Home"
function in the drone and the same shall be recorded in the Digital Recorded
Path. In case the drone deviates from its path or enters a no drone area, it will
automatically return to home.

Recently, the second Drone Innovators Network Summit 2019 was held in New
Delhi in October, after the inaugural summit was held in Zurich in 2018.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1586866
Q5) “The Gandhian Challenge” was launched on the 150th birth

anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, in coordination with UNICEF India by:
a) Ministry of Culture
b) Ministry of Human Resource Development
c) Niti Aayog
d) Ministry of Rural Development
Ans:(C)
Learning Zone:
The winners of The Gandhian Challenge will be awarded in New Delhi by NITI
Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission and UNICEF on the occasion of Children’s Day
in November. The contest – open for every child in India from 2 October to 20
October – also celebrates 70 years of partnership between Government of India
and UNICEF India to enable Every Right for Every Child.
The problem statement for the Gandhian Challenge is: “Share your innovative
solutions/ideas to create a futuristic and sustainable world of your dreams,
following Gandhi's principles.”
6
Page

On the 150th birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, AIM, NITI Aayog’s Atal
Tinkering Labs (ATL) and UNICEF India, including Generation Unlimited,
have launched ‘The Gandhian Challenge’. This innovation challenge provides a
platform for every child across India to ideate innovative solutions for a
sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi’s principles.
Source:https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=193560
https://innovate.mygov.in/the-gandhian-challenge/
Q6) Consider the following observations regarding Exchange Traded Funds

(ETF):
1) It is a mode used for the government’s divestment program.
2) Bharat 22 is an ETF of public sector companies.
3) ETFs are types of mutual funds.
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 1 only
Ans: (D)
Learning Zone:
Bharat 22, which is an open-ended ETF, allows investors to invest in a basket
of government-owned and private sector entities like NTPC, Power Grid
Corporation, ONGC, Indian Oil Company, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda,
L&T, ITC, Axis Bank and BPCL, among others.
Although mutual funds and ETFs are quite similar in structure, they are
dissimilar in terms of many factors such as operational expenses, tax
7
treatment, modalities of trading on the exchanges.

Page
The Further Fund Offer 2 (FFO 2) of Bharat 22 Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF),
which is part of the government's divestment programme was recently opened
for subscription.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/bharat-22-etf-further-fund-
offer-opens-today/article29577613.ece
Q7) The Deep Carbon Observatory is :
a) An observatory located deep inside the earth that monitors the carbon
cycle deep in the earth’s crust.
b) An observatory that monitors the possibility of the presence of carbon-
based life forms in distant planets.
c) An international team of scientists which is trying to develop the new,
integrative field of deep carbon science.
d) An affiliate of IPCC which monitors carbon dioxide emissions into the
atmosphere.
Ans: (C)
Learning Zone:
The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) is a global community of more than 1000
scientists on a ten-year quest to understand the quantities, movements, forms,
and origins of carbon in Earth.
DCO brings together a multidisciplinary group of scientists, including
geologists, chemists, physicists, and biologists.

Human activity churns out up to 100 times more planet-warming carbon each
year as all the volcanoes on Earth, says a decade-long study released Tuesday.
The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO), a 500-strong international team of
scientists, released a series of papers outlining how carbon is stored, emitted
8
and reabsorbed by natural and manmade processes.

Page
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/humans-pollute-more-than-volcanoes-
study/article29568245.ece
https://deepcarbon.net/about/about-dco
Q8) Consider the following statements about Trans-Fats :
1) Trans-Fats are produced only artificially.

2) Saturated fats pose a higher risk of heart disease than Trans-Fats.
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
Ans: (D)
Learning Zone:
These fats are mostly produced artificially but can also occur naturally. Thus in
our diet, these may be present as Artificial Trans-Fats or Natural Trans-Fats.
Trans-Fats pose a higher risk of heart disease than saturated fats, as saturated
fats raise total cholesterol levels, Trans-Fats not only raise total cholesterol
levels but also reduce the good cholesterol (HDL), which helps to protect us
against heart disease.

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched the
“Trans Fat-Free” logo of Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), at
the 8th International Chefs’ Conference (ICC VII).
Source:https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=193624
9
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_fat#Health_risks
Page
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-trans-fats-are-bad#heart-
health
Q9) India’s first e-waste clinic that would enable segregation, processing
and disposal of waste from both household and commercial units is
planned to be set up in :
a) Lucknow
b) Kozhikode
c) Bengaluru
d) Bhopal
Ans: (D)
Learning Zone:
An MoU was signed between CPCB and Bhopal Municipal Corporation to set
up the e-waste clinic as a three-month pilot project. Electronic waste will be
collected door-to-door or could be deposited directly at the clinic in exchange
for a fee. The CPCB will provide technical support at the unit. Hazardous waste
will be sent to Bengaluru for recycling. The clinic is being conceived in
compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) have joined hands to set up the country’s first e-waste clinic,
that would enable segregation, processing and disposal of waste from both
household and commercial units.
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/indias-
first-e-waste-clinic-to-be-set-up-in-bhopal/article29598165.ece 10
Page
Q10) Consider the following pairs :
Type of pardoning power of Impact on Sentence

President
1) Reprieve temporary suspension of death

sentence
2) Respite awarding a lesser punishment on

some special grounds.
3) Remission reduction of the amount of sentence

without changing its character
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 2
b) 1 and 3
c) 2 and 3
d) 1,2 and 3
Ans: (D)
Learning Zone:
Type of pardoning power of Impact on Sentence

President
1) Reprieve Temporary suspension of death

sentence
2) Respite Awarding a lesser punishment on

some special grounds.
3) Remission Reduction of the amount of sentence

11
without changing its character

Page
4) Commutation Reduction in the nature of
punishment
5) Pardon Completely absolves the offender from

all sentences and punishment and
disqualifications and places him in
the same position as if he had never
committed the offence

Pardoning power of the President and the Governor has been in the news for
quite some time. Most recently, there was some controversy regarding
commutation of death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana, who was convicted
for the assassination of former Punjab CM Beant Singh.
2019#page/16
Q11) Consider the following facts about the Financial Action Task Force
(FATF) :
1) FATF was founded at the G-7 summit in Paris in 1989.

2) Its mandate includes combating money laundering and terrorism
financing.
3) India and Pakistan are members of FATF
a) 1 and 2
b) 1 and 3
c) 2 and 3
12
d) 1, 2 and 3
Page
Ans: (A)
Learning Zone:
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body
established in 1989 by the Ministers of its Member jurisdictions. The
objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective
implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating
money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity
of the international financial system. The FATF is, therefore, a "policy-making
body" which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about
national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas. The FATF's decision-
making body, the FATF Plenary, meets three times per year.
Presently, FATF has 39 members. India is a member of FATF, but Pakistan is
not a member.

Recently, FATF decided that Pakistan will remain in the "grey list" of the global
terror funding watchdog after it was given a fresh deadline of February 2020 to
act against terror funding.
Source:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-
news/pakistan-to-remain-on-fatf-grey-list-till-
february/articleshow/71610706.cms?from=mdr
Q12) Recently, stubble burning in areas around Delhi has been blamed for
the smog and air pollution crisis in the capital. In this context, consider
the following statements :
1) Lack of suitable alternatives for utilizing stubble.

2) Expensive technology to remove stubble quickly and efficiently.
3) Ability to kill weeds, including some that are resistant to the herbicide.
13
Which of the above are the reasons for farmers opting for stubble burning
Page
despite the threat of strict action?

a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans:(D)
Learning Zone:
Farmers prefer to burn stubble and pay penalty rather than weed out the
stubbles. And the reason for this is that the cost of stubble burning is cheaper
as penalty works out to be around Rs 2,500 per acre. But if they don't burn it
then the stubble processing cost comes around Rs 6,000-7,000 per acre. The
cost of stubble processing includes rent of machinery, diesel charge, labourer
charge.
Farmers contend that access to straw management equipment comes at a
higher cost than environmental compensation. Straw management equipment
is beyond the means of small and marginal farmers.
Farmers also prefer stubble burning because the duration between Kharif and
rabi crops is small, and stubble burning also helps to clear weeds, including
some that are resistant to herbicides and weedicides.

In a bid to save Delhi from the choking air pollution, the Supreme Court asked
the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to immediately stop
their farmers from stubble burning and warned that their entire administrative
and police hierarchy, from the Chief Secretary to the sarpanch to the local
policeman, will be held responsible even if one instance of stubble burning
occurs in the future.
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rise-in-
stubble-burning-cases-in-punjab/article29772360.ece
14
Q13) Consider the following statements about the India Innovation Index-
Page
2019 recently released by Niti Ayog :

1. Maharashtra is the most innovative major state in India.
2. The India Innovation Index 2019 is calculated on the basis of factors
such as knowledge diffusion, investment, business environment, human
capital, etc.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
Recognizing the role of innovation as a key driver of growth and prosperity for
India, NITI Aayog with Institute for Competitiveness as the knowledge partner
has released the India Innovation Index 2019. The study is an outcome of
extensive research and analysis, which looks holistically at the innovation
landscape of India by examining the innovation capabilities and performance of
Indian states and union territories. The aim is to create a holistic tool which
can be used by policymakers across the country to identify the challenges to be
addressed and strengths to build on when designing the economic growth
policies for their regions.
The index attempts to create an extensive framework for the continual
evaluation of the innovation environment of 29 states and seven union
territories in India and intends to perform the following three functions- 1)
ranking of states and UTs based on their index scores, 2) recognizing
opportunities and challenges, and 3) assisting in tailoring governmental
policies to foster innovation.
The India Innovation Index 2019 is calculated as the average of the scores of its
two dimensions - Enablers and Performance. The Enablers are the factors that
15
underpin innovative capacities, grouped in five pillars: (1) Human Capital, (2)
Page
Investment, (3) Knowledge Workers, (4) Business Environment, and (5) Safety
and Legal Environment. The Performance dimension captures benefits that a
nation derives from the inputs, divided into two pillars: (6) Knowledge Output
and (7) Knowledge Diffusion.

NITI Aayog with Institute for Competitiveness as the knowledge partner
released the India Innovation Index (III) 2019. Karnataka is the most innovative
major state in India.
Source:https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1588392
Q14) Automatic Exchange of Information (AEoI) Framework was recently

used to transfer certain financial information between India and which
another country?
a) Bermuda
b) Switzerland
c) Mauritius
d) Singapore
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
This is the first time that India has received details from Switzerland under the
AEOI framework, which provides for exchange of information on financial
accounts that currently active as well as those accounts that were closed
during 2018.

16
India has received the first tranche of details about financial accounts of its
Page
residents in Swiss banks under a new automatic exchange of information

framework between the two countries, marking a significant milestone in the
fight against black money suspected to be stashed abroad.
India figures among 75 countries with which Switzerland’s Federal Tax
Administration (FTA) has exchanged information on financial accounts within
the framework of global standards on AEOI.
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-gets-first-
tranche-of-swiss-account-details-under-automatic-exchange-
framework/article29615093.ece
Q15) The planet with the highest number of discovered moons so far is :
a) Jupiter
b) Saturn
c) Neptune
d) Uranus
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
Until the latest discovery, Jupiter (79 discovered moons) had the highest
number of planets.
A count of the moons listed on the NASA website shows that our Solar
System’s planets together have 205 confirmed moons now. Saturn and Jupiter,
with 161 between them, account for nearly 80% of these. Another 20% are
orbiting Uranus (27) and Neptune (14). Of the remaining three moons, one is
Earth’s own while the other two are with Mars.

Recently, the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center
confirmed 20 new moons orbiting Saturn, making it the planet with the most
moons in our Solar System, at 82.
17
Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-which-
Page
planet-has-how-many-moons-saturn-6061404/
Q16) Which of the following was the subject of the C40 Cities World
Mayors Summit, recently held in Copenhagen?
a) Urban Mobility
b) Climate Change
c) Urban Governance
d) Urban Transformation
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
C40 is a network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing climate
change. C40 supports cities to collaborate effectively, share knowledge and
drive meaningful, measurable and sustainable action on climate change.
Around the world, C40 Cities connects 94 of the world's greatest cities to take
bold climate action, leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable
future. Representing 700+ million citizens and one-quarter of the global
economy, mayors of the C40 cities are committed to delivering on the most
ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement at the local level, as well as to cleaning
the air we breathe.

The 2019 C40 World Mayors Summit was recently held in Copenhagen. Delhi
CM Arvind Kejriwal participated in the summit.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/cm-to-endorse-
clean-air-declaration-at-c40-summit/article29578894.ece
Q17) Which of the following is the objective of the SUMAN scheme?

18
a) Promoting floriculture for exports.

Page
b) Provide quality healthcare at zero cost to pregnant women, new mothers
and newborns.
c) Provide financial assistance to adolescent girls for education.
d) Promote linkages of SHGs with banks.
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
Aiming zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths in India, the central
government launched the Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) scheme,
under which pregnant women, mothers up to 6 months after delivery, and all
sick newborns will be able to avail free healthcare benefits.
The scheme will largely help in bringing down maternal and infant mortality
rates in the country. Under the scheme, the beneficiaries visiting public health
facilities are entitled to several free services. These include at least four
antenatal check-ups that also includes one checkup during the 1st trimester,
at least one checkup under Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Iron
Folic Acid supplementation, Tetanus diphtheria injection and other
components of comprehensive ANC package and six home-based newborn care
visits.

The government recently launched the SUMAN scheme in order to bring down
infant and maternal mortality rates in the country.
Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/government-launches-
suman-scheme-assures-free-medicines-for-pregnant-women-
11570704991082.html
Q18) Consider the following statements about the “Green Wall of India” :
1. As envisaged, it is a 1400 km and 5 km wide green belt from Gujarat to

19
Delhi-Haryana border.
Page
2. It is expected to combat land degradation in India.

3. It was part of the agenda of the Conference of Parties (CoP)-14 of UNCCD
held recently in India.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3
c) 2 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (D)
Learning Zone:
The centre is planning to create a 1400 km and 5 km wide green belt from
Gujarat to Delhi-Haryana border, Porbandar to Panipat to be precise. The
project seems inspired by the 'Great Green Wall' in Africa built to combat
climate change and desertification. India seeks to replicate the idea as a
national priority under its goal to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land
by 2030.
Although the project is still in its nascent stage, it's gathering a lot of media
attention for if approved this might turn out as a legacy program of India
against land degradation. The afforestation will benefit multiple states and also
act as a barrier against incoming dust from the Thar desert.
The idea was part of the agenda of the recently held conference (COP14) of the
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in India. A final
clearance is still awaited for the idea to get a green flag.
The Green Belt would be able to cover the entire degraded Aravali range
through a massive afforestation exercise. The Aravali has been identified as one
of the key degraded zones in India. Moreover, a report by ISRO in 2016,
revealed that Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi were among states/UT where more
than 50% of the total area was degraded land and those under the threat of
desertification.
20

Page
The “Green Wall of India”, as envisaged, is expected to help combat climate
change and land degradation in India.
Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/government-plans-
1400km-long-great-green-wall-of-india/articleshow/71496260.cms
https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/opinion-a-green-wall-of-
india-is-a-truly-well-inspired-idea-11570638911747.html
Q19) What is the object of study of NASA ICON Mission?
a) Ionosphere of the Earth.

b) Comets as they travel by the Earth.
c) Presence of Carbon and Oxygen in the atmosphere of nearby planets.
d) Researching ways to deflect asteroids
Ans: (A)
Learning Zone:
The ionosphere is charged a part of the upper atmosphere extending several
hundred miles (kilometres) up. It's in constant flux as space weather bombards
it from above and Earth weather from below, sometimes disrupting radio
communications.

NASA recently launched a satellite on Thursday night to explore the
mysterious, dynamic region where air meets space.
The satellite — called ICON, short for Ionospheric Connection Explorer —
rocketed into orbit following a two-year delay.
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/nasa-launches-
satellite-to-explore-where-air-meets-space/article29654298.ece
Q20) Consider the following pairs :

21
Page
Military Exercises of India Partner Country
1) Dharma Guardian Japan
2) Nomadic Elephant Mongolia
3) Surya Kiran Nepal
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 1 and 2
c) 2 and 3
d) 2 only
Ans: (A)
Learning Zone:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_exercises_of_the_Indian_Army

The second edition of bilateral annual military exercise Dharma Guardian -
2019 between Indian and Japanese Army was held recently at Counter
Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) Vairengte, Mizoram.
Source:https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indo-japan-joint-military-
exercise-dharma-guardian-in-mizoram-1611100-2019-10-19
Q21) Consider the following statements about plogging :
1. It is a combination of jogging and picking up trash on the way.

2. This trend was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at
Mamallapuram beach.
22

Page
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (A)
Learning Zone:
‘Plogging’ is a combination word formed from ‘jogging’ and ‘plocka upp’, which
is Swedish for ‘pick up’. It refers to an emerging international trend, in which
someone picks up trash while jogging or brisk walking as a way of cleaning up
litter while also taking care of fitness.
The trend was started in Sweden by Erik Ahlström in 2016. During his
commute to work, Ahlström would frequently come across a litter that would
remain on the streets for weeks without anyone picking it up. This prompted
him to pick up the trash during his commute and dispose of it. Eventually, he
included the clean-up in his daily running and exercise routine.

During his morning walk on a beach in Mamallapuram on Saturday, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi was seen picking up plastic litter, bottles and other
items. In a tweet shortly after, Modi announced: “Plogging at a beach in
Mamallapuram. It lasted for over 30 minutes.”
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/this-word-means-
plogging-6067539/
Q22) Consider the following statements about the 2019 Nobel Prize in
Economics :
1. It was awarded to Abhijeet Banerjee, Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer

for their experimental approach to alleviating income inequality.
23
2. The new approach calls for the use of “Randomised Control Trials” before
Page
scaling up government schemes and policies for alleviating poverty.

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
The “new, powerful tool” employed by the Laureates is the use of Randomised
Control Trials (or RCTs). So if one wanted to understand whether providing a
mobile vaccination van and/or a sack of grains would incentivise villagers to
vaccinate their kids, then under an RCT, village households would be divided
into four groups.
Group A would be provided with a mobile vaccination van facility, Group B
would be given a sack of foodgrains, Group C would get both, and Group D
would get neither. Households would be chosen at random to ensure there was
no bias, and that any difference in vaccination levels was essential because of
the "intervention".
Group D is called the "control" group while others are called "treatment"
groups. Such an experiment would not only show whether a policy initiative
works but would also provide a measure of the difference it brings about.
It would also show what happens when more than one initiatives are
combined. This would help policymakers to have the evidence before they
choose a policy.

The 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Abhijeet Banerjee, Esther
Duflo and Michael Kremer for their experimental approach to alleviating global
poverty. The new approach calls for the use of "Randomised Control Trials"
before scaling up government schemes and policies for alleviating poverty.
24
Page
Source: http://epaper.indianexpress.com/2372899/Delhi/October-15-
2019#page/16/2
Q23) Consider the following statements about microbial fuel cells :
1. Microbial fuel cells are devices that use bacteria as the catalysts to
oxidise organic and inorganic matter and generate current.
2. They have been successfully tested for the first time in a CSIR lab.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (A)
Learning Zone:
Microbial fuel cells are devices that use bacteria as the catalysts to oxidise
organic and inorganic matter and generate current. A research paper from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology earlier this year explained that electrons
produced by the bacteria are transferred to the negative terminal and flow to
the positive terminal.
Among conventional power sources, batteries must be replaced while solar
panels rely on a source of sunlight. On the other hand, plants can survive in
the shade, naturally moving into position to maximise the potential of
absorbing sunlight.

At the London Zoo, a fern has started taking its own selfies, the Zoological
Society of London (ZSL) announced recently. ZSL scientists had laid the
groundwork for the feat earlier this year, with the ultimate aim of using plants
to power camera traps and sensors in the wild. This they achieved by installing
25
microbial fuel cells in Pete, a maidenhair fern.

Page
2019#page/16/2
Q24) Libra is a new cryptocurrency created by :
a) Amazon
b) Facebook
c) Alphabet
d) Apple
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
Libra will use the same security and record-keeping principles as Bitcoin, the
most popular digital currency system today. But unlike Bitcoin, Libra is backed
by several traditional financial companies, including PayPal, Visa and
Mastercard, and will base its value on multiple real-world currencies such as
the US dollar and the euro. Libra also faces additional scrutiny over privacy,
given Facebook’s poor record on the matter.

Facebook recently unveiled a digital currency called Libra as the company
sought to make its ads more valuable by enabling smoother transactions and
payments online, particularly among those without credit cards or bank
accounts.
Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-behind-
libra-facebooks-new-digital-currency-5788341/
Q25) Consider the following statements about India’s position in the

recently released Global Hunger Index 2019 :
1. India ranks lower than all its neighbours except Pakistan and
26
Afghanistan.
Page
2. India’s ranking has improved from 2018 even as its GHI score worsened.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
India is ranked 102 of 117 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2019, behind
its neighbours Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Seventeen countries, including Belarus, Ukraine, Turkey, Cuba and Kuwait,
shared the top rank with GHI scores of less than five, the website of the Global
Hunger Index that tracks hunger and malnutrition said. The report prepared
jointly by Irish aid agency Concern Worldwide and German organisation Welt
Hunger Hilfe termed the level of hunger in India "serious".
In 2018, it was ranked 103 out of 119 countries. In 2000, the country was
ranked 83 out of 113 countries. Now, with 117 countries in the fray, it has
dropped to 102.
Its GHI score has also decelerated — from 38.9 in 2005 to 32 in 2010 and then
from 32 to 30.3 between 2010 and 2019. The GHI score is calculated on four
indicators — undernourishment; child wasting, the share of children under the
age of five who are wasted (that is, who have low weight for their height,
reflecting acute undernutrition); child stunting, children under the age of five
who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition; and child
mortality, the mortality rate of children under the age of five.

In the recently released GHI, India is ranked lower than Sri Lanka, Nepal,
Pakistan, Bangladesh.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/global-hunger-index-
27
2019-india-ranked-lower-than-nepal-pakistan-
Page
bangladesh/article29714429.ece
Q26) Which of the following statements are correct about the “Eat Right
Movement” in India?
1) It was initiated by the Indian Council of Medical Research to reduce the

incidence of non-communicable diseases in India.
2) The movement aims to cut down salt/sugar and oil consumption by 30
% in 3 years
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
To improve public health in India and combat negative nutritional trends to
fight lifestyle diseases, FSSAI launched 'The Eat Right Movement' on 10th July
2018. The food industry, public health professionals, civil society and
consumer organizations, influencers and celebrities came together on a
common platform and pledged to take concrete steps to amplify 'The Eat Right
Movement' in the country.
The strength of the ‘The Eat Right Movement’ lies in its holistic and
collaborative approach, with stakeholders on both the demand and supply-side
joining to make a difference through some clearly identified steps.
On the demand side, the Eat Right Movement focuses on empowering citizens
to make the right food choices.
On the supply side, it nudges food businesses to reformulate their products,
provide better nutritional information to consumers and make investments in
healthy food as responsible food businesses.
The movement aims to cut down salt/sugar and oil consumption by 30% in
28
three years.
Page
Recently, the Food Safety Mitra (FSM) scheme was launched for strengthening
and scaling up ‘Eat Right India’ movement.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/eat-right-india-
campaign-to-pitch-for-healthy-food-5970588/
Q27) What is the object of "Project Soli"?
a) Study of the atmosphere of the sun

b) Detailed classification and study of the micro-climate of world soils
c) Search for solar systems with inhabitable planets
d) To develop a radar chip that can be used to detect hand movements and
gestures and to interpret what they could mean
Ans: (D)
Learning Zone:
Project Soli, driven by Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) team,
was first showcased back in 2015. The idea is that a radar chip can be used to
detect hand movements and gestures to interpret what they could mean. It’s
only recently that Google figured out how to reduce the size of this radar chip
and fit it on the front of the smartphone, still ensuring accuracy.

Recently launched Google Pixel 4 uses a radar-based Soli chip to introduce
Motion Sense, a feature that provides similar touchless gesture-based controls.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/project-soli-
keeping-google-pixel-4-out-of-india-6072023/
Q28) Consider the following statements about the 20 the Livestock

Census :
29
1. It has been carried on every 5 years since 1950-51.

Page
2. Total indigenous/non-descript cattle population has declined from the
previous census.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
Under the livestock census, various species of animals possessed by
households, household enterprises or non-household enterprises and
institutions are counted at the site — both in rural and urban areas. In other
words, it covers all domesticated animals in a given period of time. India has
been conducting livestock censuses periodically since 1919-20. This is the 20th
one, started in October 2018. The last livestock census was conducted in 2012.
The census tracks the population of various species of domesticated animals
such as cattle, buffalo, Mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, horse, pony, mule,
donkey camel, dog, rabbit and elephant and poultry birds (fowl, duck, emu,
turkeys, quail and other poultry birds). The breed-wise headcount of animals
and poultry birds has been carried out in about 6.6 lakh villages and 89,000
urban wards across the country covering more than 27 crore households and
non-households.
There is a decline of 6 % in the total Indigenous/ Non-descript cattle
population over the previous census.

Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying recently released the 20th
Livestock Census.
30
Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/reading-the-
livestock-census-2019-india-6075270/
Page
Q29) Consider the following statements about the contributions of Dr
Vikram Sarabhai :
1. He was the 1st chairman of the Indian National Committee for Space
Research ( INCOSPAR), which was the precursor of ISRO.
2. Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-2 was named after him.
3. He was one of the founding members of IIM Ahmedabad.
4. He received the Bharat Ratna award for contributions to India’s progress.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 1, 2 and 4
c) 2, 3 and 4
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans:(A)
Learning Zone:
Some of the most well-known institutions established by Dr Sarabhai are:
1. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad
2. Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
3. Community Science Centre, Ahmedabad
4. Darpan Academy for Performing Arts, Ahmedabad (along with his wife)
5. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
6. Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad (This institution came into existence
after merging six institutions/centres established by Sarabhai)
7. Faster Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR), Kalpakkam
8. Variable Energy Cyclotron Project, Calcutta
9. Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), Hyderabad
10. Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), Jaduguda, Bihar
31
Page
The establishment of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was one
of his greatest achievements. He successfully convinced the government of the
importance of a space programme for a developing country like India after the
Russian Sputnik launch.
He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1966 and Padma Vibhushan
(posthumously) in 1972.

100 year birth anniversary of Vikram Sarabhai is in 2019.
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikram_Sarabhai
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1585211
https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/dr-vikram-ambalal-sarabhai-1963-
1971
Q30) In which country is Mount Paektu located?
a) Cambodia
b) Tanzania
c) North Korea
d) Syria
Ans: (C)
Learning Zone:
Mount Paektu or Changbai (in Chinese) is a volcanic mountain that last
erupted over 1,000 years ago. It is situated at the border between DPRK and
China and for centuries has been considered sacred by the Koreans since they
treat it to be the spiritual origin of the Korean kingdom, where the founder was
born. At a height of about 9,000 feet, it is also the highest peak in the Korean
peninsula. According to a report in the Straits Times, Kim Il Sung fought
against the Japanese occupation forces here and North Koreans are led to
32
believe that Kim Jong Il was born here (Jong-Un’s father). The Kim family
Page
legitimises their rule over DPRK by referring to the “Mount Baekdu Bloodline”
(the mountain is also referred to as Baekdusan). A reference to the mountain is
made in the South Korean national anthem as well.

Recently, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) state news
agency KCNA released a series of photographs showing Kim Jong Un riding a
white horse to the sacred mountain called Paektu.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-the-
significance-of-mt-paektu-for-kim-jong-un-6074334/
Q31) Consider the following statements about the “Shirui Lily Festival” :
1. Shirui Lily is the state flower of Nagaland.

2. It is an annual festival.
3. Shirui Lily is an Endangered species.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
Although the lily has been around since time immemorial, it was English
botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward who discovered the three-feet tall, bluish-pink
bell-shaped lily when he and his wife were visiting Manipur for research in
1946. He named the lily Lilium Mackliniae (botanical name) after his wife Jean
Macklin. The Lily won the merit prize from the 1948 Royal Horticultural Society
(RHS) at a flower show in London because of how unique it was.
It is special because it is a species of ground lily found exclusively in the Shirui
33
Hills, located about 18 km from the district headquarters of Ukhrul, which is

Page
home to the Tangkhul Naga tribe. In other words, it cannot be transplanted
anywhere else in the world.
Even as the Department of Tourism, the Manipur government declared Shirui
Lily as the state flower in 1989, today it is considered endangered owing to
intense tourist activities and invasion of an invasive bamboo species.

The Department of Tourism in Manipur recently hosted the 3rd state-level
Shirui Lily Festival.
Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/shirui-
lily-festival-of-manipur-kicks-off-on-october-16-rock-bands-nazareth-and-
extreme-to-perform/as71479629.cms
http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=373064
Q32) What was Danx-19 that was recently in news :
a) A cancer drug for which a compulsory license was granted.

b) A meteoroid which narrowly passed the Earth.
c) A large scale joint services exercise conducted in Andaman and Nicobar
Command.
d) A computer malware that infiltrated the Kudankulam Nuclear Power
Plant.
Ans: (C)
Learning Zone:
Spanning over a period of five days, components of the Indian Army, Navy, Air
Force and Coast Guard carried out mobilisation and field manoeuvres to
validate defensive plans of Headquarters ANC towards pursuance of the
Command's responsibility, namely ensuring the territorial integrity of the A&N
Islands.
In addition to internal forces from ANC, accretional forces from Mainland
34
comprising ships and aircraft, Special Forces from the newly formed Armed
Page
Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), also participated in this edition
(2019).

Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has recently conducted the second
edition of Defence of Andaman & Nicobar Islands 2019 (DANX-19), a large scale
joint services exercise.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=193871
Q33- Consider the following observations regarding the ozone layer:
1. The size of the ozone hole is the smallest it has been since 1962.
2. Ozone layer depletion over Antarctica occurs majorly in the Antarctic
autumn.
3. Ozone layer thickness is measured in Dobson units.
a) 1 and 2
b) 1 and 3
c) 2 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (A)
Learning Zone:
Recently (in October 2019) NASA declared that the size of the ozone hole has
been observed to be the smallest since 1982. The ozone hole has been observed
since the late 1970s, due to the effect of the proliferation of ozone-depleting
substances.
Ozone depletion occurs during the springtime (after winter in either
hemisphere).
35
This is because ozone depletion is exacerbated and accelerated due to the

Page
formation of polar stratospheric clouds (PSC), which require very low

temperatures for their formation. These low temperatures and isolated
conditions are majorly available during winters at the poles. Ozone-depleting
substances react on surfaces of PSC to form most reactive chlorine gas and
ClO which aggravate ozone depletion.

NASA recently reported that this ozone hole, which usually grows to about 20
million sq km in September, was less than half that size this year, the smallest
it has ever been during this time after being discovered.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-to-
read-in-ozone-hole-size-6110708/
Q34) Bhashan Char Island has been in the news in the context of :
a) Sea level rise.

b) Rohingya refugees.
c) Illegal occupation by China.
d) Discovery of natural gas in its vicinity.
Ans: (B)
Learning Zone:
Thousands of Rohingya living in Bangladesh refugee camps have agreed to
move to an island in the Bay of Bengal, despite fears the site is prone to
flooding.
Dhaka has long wanted to move 100,000 refugees to the muddy silt islet,
saying it would take the pressure off the overcrowded border camps where
almost a million Rohingya live.
Some 740,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar in August 2017 in the face of a military
crackdown, joining 200,000 refugees already in makeshift tent settlements at
Cox’s Bazar.
36

Page
Rohingya refugees are being moved to the Bhashan Char island. Rights groups
have warned the island, which emerged from the sea only about two decades
ago, might not be able to withstand violent storms during the annual monsoon
season.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/rohingya-
refugees-agree-to-move-to-island/article29752080.ece
Q35) Consider the following statements about the Siachen glacier :
1. It is part of the Karakoram Range System.

2. It is the world’s longest glacier in the non-polar areas.
3. It is the source of the Nubra and Shyok rivers.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?
a) 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 2 and 3
d) None of the above
Ans: (A)
Learning Zone:
Siachen glacier is part of the Karakoram range system. It is the longest glacier
in the Karakoram range and the second-longest in the world's non-polar areas.
It is the source of many rivers such as Nubra, which is a tributary of Shyok
river ( it rises from the Rimo glacier, which itself is a tongue of the Siachen
glacier ), which in turn is part of the Indus River System.
It is the highest battlefield in the world and lies on LoC between India and
Pakistan. It has been continuously contested, which has led to the
37
militarization of the glacier.

Page
Siachen glacier has been in the news as it has recently been opened for tourists
and tourism.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-siachen-
glacier-now-open-to-tourists-how-far-what-facilities-6088435/
Q36) The Global Wealth Report 2019 has been published by :
a) World bank
b) WEF
c) Credit Suisse Group
d) Goldman Sachs
Ans: (C)
Learning Zone:
Global Wealth Report 2019-Wealth is defined in terms of “net worth” of an
individual. This, in turn, is calculated by adding up the value of financial
assets (such as money) and real assets (such as houses) and then subtracting
any debts an individual may have.
The Credit Suisse Group, a Switzerland-based multinational investment bank,
has released the 10th edition of its annual Global Wealth Report. The report
typically tracks both the growth and distribution of wealth – in terms of the
numbers of millionaires and billionaires and the proportion of wealth that they
hold – as well as the status of inequality around the world.

A key finding of 2019’s report is that China has overtaken the United States
this year to become “the country with most people in the top 10% of global
wealth distribution”.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-
38
determines-the-wealth-of-a-nation-global-wealth-report-china-overtakes-
Page
us-6082173/
Q37) World Bank recently released “Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Report
2019”. Consider the following criteria for calculating EoDB:
1. Registering property
2. Enforcing contracts
3. Employing workers
4. Getting credit
Among which of these has India's score lagged behind?
a) 1 and 2
b) 3 and 4
c) 2 and 3
d) 1 and 4
Ans: (A)
Learning Zone:
The country still lags in areas like enforcing contracts and registering property.
It takes 58 days and costs on average 7.8 per cent of a property's value to
register it, longer and at a greater cost than among OECD high-income
economies. And it takes 1,445 days for a company to resolve a commercial
dispute through a local first-instance court, almost three times the average
time in OECD high-income economies.
India has improved its score in the World Bank’s global Ease of Doing Business
rankings, rising 14 notches to be placed 63rd out of 190 countries on the back
of “sustained business reforms”.
India, along with other top improvers, implemented a total of 59 regulatory
reforms in 2018-19, accounting for a fifth of all reforms recorded worldwide.

The government’s goal was to be among the top 50 economies by 2020.
39
Page
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-
helped-india-go-to-63rd-spot-in-ease-of-doing-business-6085344/
Q38) Consider the following facts about Universal Postal Union (UPU):
1. It is a specialized agency of the UN.

2. Established in 1874, it is the oldest international organization worldwide.
3. India and Pakistan are members of UPU.
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (C)
Learning Zone:
Established in 1874, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), with its headquarters
in the Swiss capital Berne, is the second oldest international organization
worldwide.
With its 192 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation
between postal sector players. It helps to ensure a truly universal network of
up-to-date products and services.
In this way, the organization fulfils an advisory, mediating and liaison role, and
provides technical assistance where needed. It sets the rules for international
mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail,
parcel and financial services volumes and improve the quality of service for
customers.
UPU is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that coordinates postal
policies among member nations, in addition to the worldwide postal system.
India joined the UPU on July 1, 1876, and Pakistan on November 10, 1947.
40
Page

In a unilateral decision, Pakistan has stopped the exchange of postal mails
with India since August 27, 2019.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-rules-
for-global-post-and-how-pak-stopped-mail-to-and-from-india-6090658/
Q39) “The idea is to analyse data locally, closer to where it is stored, in

real-time without latency, rather than send it far away to a centralised
data centre.”
The statement given above is describing which technology?
a) 5G
b) Cloud computing
c) Edge computing
d) Blockchain
Ans: (C)
Learning Zone:
Edge computing enables data to be analysed, processed and transferred at the
edge of a network. The idea is to analyse data locally, closer to where it is
stored, in real-time without latency, rather than send it far away to a
centralised data centre. So whether you are streaming a video on Netflix or
accessing a library of video games in the cloud, edge computing allows for
quicker data processing and content delivery.
The basic difference between edge computing and cloud computing lies in
where the data processing takes place.
At the moment, the existing Internet of Things (IoT) systems perform all of their
computations in the cloud using data centres. Edge computing, on the other
hand, essentially manages the massive amounts of data generated by IoT
devices by storing and processing data locally. That data doesn't need to be
sent over a network as soon as it processed; only important data is sent —
therefore, an edge computing network reduces the amount of data that travels
41
over the network.

Page
Cloud computing — by which remote servers hosted on the Internet store and
process data, rather than local servers or personal computers — is ready to
move to the next level. Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet, the parent company
of Google — the technology giants that provide cloud computing infrastructure
to major corporates and governments — want to leverage 5G wireless
technology and artificial intelligence to enable faster response times, lower
latency (ability to process very high volumes of data with minimal delay), and
simplified maintenance in computing. This is where Edge Computing comes in.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/from-the-cloud-
computing-moves-to-the-edge-6093733/
https://www.hpe.com/in/en/what-is/edge-computing.html
Q40) Consider the following statements about the Global Monitoring for
Environment and Security (GMES) programme:
1. It is also known as the Copernicus program. It is an earth observation

program.
2. It is headed by the European Commission in partnership with the
European Space Agency (ESA)
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (D)
Learning Zone:
The ESA’s Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission recorded 79,000 fires in August this
year, compared to just over 16,000 fires detected during the same period last
42
year. These figures were achieved by using data from the Sentinel-3 World Fire
Page
Atlas Prototype, which also provided a breakdown of these fires per continent.
The data revealed that 49% of the fires were detected in Asia, around 28% were
detected in South America, 16% in Africa, and the remaining were recorded in
North America, Europe and Oceania.
Copernicus is the European Union's Earth observation programme coordinated
and managed by the European Commission in partnership with the European
Space Agency (ESA), the EU Member States and EU Agencies.

Compared to August 2018, there were almost five times as many wildfires
across the world in August 2019, the European Space Agency (ESA) has
announced citing data from its Sentinel-3 World Fire Atlas.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-fires-
peaked-in-august-half-were-in-asia-6090657/
43
Page
ClearIAS UPSC Prelims
Online Mock Test Series
2020
Timetable
How to clear the
UPSC CSE Prelims
2020,
no matter how
difficult UPSC set
the question paper?
ClearIAS Mock Exams
8 Subject-wise NCERT Exams;

NCERT Texts Learn the most probable
questions from NCERTs
Core Areas
7 Subject-specific Exams based
Standard Books
on Standard Text Books
7 Dedicated Mock Exams

Current Affairs
for Current Affairs
18 All-Topic Exams covering

All-Topics the whole UPSC CSE syllabus
ClearIAS Test Series 2020 Timetable
To Clear UPSC Prelims 2020
Our first 8 Mock Exams are based on NCERTs from Class 6-12 (subject-wise).
This would help you get your basic concepts right and build strong fundamentals.
Then, we will move on to the advanced-level mock exams.
Exam Exam Exam Details Exam
Reference (Books/Websites)
No Date (Subject/Topic) Code
Class 6 – Class 10 NCERT
History
(History – Our Past,
Our Past – II,
23-June-
Our Pasts III Part – I,
1 2019 NCERT History 301PT-20
Our Pasts III Part – II,
(Sunday)
India and the Contemporary
World-I,
India and the Contemporary
World-II)
30-June- History
2 2019 NCERT History 302PT-20 (Themes in Indian History – I,
(Sunday) Themes in Indian History – II,
Themes in Indian History – III)
Geography
07-July-
NCERT (The Earth Our Habitat,
3 2019 303PT-20
Geography Our Environment,
(Sunday)
Resource and Development,
Contemporary India)
Geography
(Contemporary India,
14-July- Fundamental of Physical
NCERT
4 2019 304PT-20 Geography,
Geography
(Sunday) India Physical Environment,
Fundamentals Of Human
Geography,
India-People and Economy)
1
Page
For more details, refer www.clearias.com

Class 6 – Class 12 NCERT Polity
(Social and Political Life – 1,
Social and Political Life – 2,
21-July- Social and Political Life – 3,
5 2019 NCERT Polity 305PT-20 Democratic Politics – 1,
(Sunday) Democratic Politics – 2,
Political Theory Part-I,
India Constitution at Work,
Political Science Part-II)
Economics,
(Economics,
Understanding Economic
Development,
28-July-
NCERT India Economic Development,
6 2019 306PT-20
Economics Introductory Microeconomics,
(Sunday)
Introductory Macroeconomics)
Class 11-12 Business Studies
(Business Studies,
Business Studies –I,
Business Studies – II)
4-Aug-
Science
7 2019 NCERT Science 307PT-20
(Physics, Chemistry, and
(Sunday)
Biology)
11-Aug-
Science
8 2019 NCERT Science 308PT-20
(Physics, Chemistry, and
(Sunday)
Biology)
Having covered NCERTs well, we will shift gears! Yes, it's time for advanced learning.
This module includes 7 Subject-Specific exams based on
Standard Reference Text Books (clearias.com/ias-books).
Also, Separate Mocks for Current Affairs start now.
“Government Schemes - For
Quick Revision" PDF by
ClearIAS, PIB, Yojana,
18-Aug- Kurukshetra, The Hindu,
9 2019 Current Affairs 801PT-20 ClearIAS Current Affairs Notes
(Sunday) and MCQ Capsules etc.
(Overview of the important
topics in the last 5-years,
including recent news)
2 Page

25-Aug-
2019
(Sunday)
India’s Ancient Past – R.S.
Sharma
1-Sep- History Of Medieval India –
10 2019 Indian History 501PT-20 Satish Chandra
(Sunday) History Of Modern India – Bipan
Chandra
ClearIAS Notes on Indian History
8-Sep-
2019
(Sunday)
Indian Art and Culture – Nitin
Singhania
CCRT Website,
15-Sep-
NCERT Fine Arts (Class 11)
11 2019 Culture 502PT-20
Textbook - An Introduction to
(Sunday)
Indian Art Part – I,
ClearIAS Notes on Art and
Culture
22-Sep-
2019
(Sunday)
Geography of India – Majid
Husain,
29-Sep-
Oxford School Atlas – Oxford,
12 2019 Geography 503PT-20
Certificate Physical and Human
(Sunday)
Geography – Goh Cheng Leong,
ClearIAS Notes on Geography
6-Oct-
2019
(Sunday)
Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth,
13-Oct-
Introduction to the Constitution
13 2019 Polity 504PT-20
of India – Durga Das Basu,
(Sunday)
ClearIAS Notes on Indian Polity
3Page

20-Oct-
2019
(Sunday)
Indian Economy by Ramesh
Singh,
27-Oct- Indian Economy Key Concepts
14 2019 Economics 505PT-20 by Sankarganesh K,
(Sunday) Concepts based on Union Budget
and Economic Survey,
ClearIAS Notes on Economics
3-Nov-
2019
(Sunday)
Environment and Ecology by R.
Rajagopalan,
Environment by Shankar IAS
10-Nov-
Academy,
15 2019 Environment 506PT-20
Various environmental websites
(Sunday)
(Eg: Ministry of Environment
and Forests),
ClearIAS Notes on Environment
17-Nov-
2019
(Sunday)
Science and Technology by Ravi
Agrahari,
24-Nov- Latest Technologies discussed in
Science &
16 2019 507PT-20 media,
Technology
(Sunday) ISRO website,
ClearIAS Notes on Science and
Technology
1-Dec-
2019
(Sunday)
"Government Schemes - For
8-Dec-
Kurukshetra, The Hindu,
17 2019 Current Affairs 802PT-20
ClearIAS Current Affairs Notes
(Sunday)
and MCQs Capsules etc.
topics in the last 3-years)
4
NCERTs over! Standard Text Books Covered!

Page
You are now ready to take the GS All-Topics Comprehensive All India Mock Exams.
Also, Current Affairs Mock Exams continue…
All subjects mentioned in the

UPSC Syllabus -
15-Dec-
ie. History, Culture, Geography,
18 2019 GS All Topics 701PT-20
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
Environment, Science & Tech
and Current Affairs.
UPSC Syllabus -
22-Dec-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
UPSC Syllabus -
29-Dec-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
"Government Schemes - For
5-Jan- Kurukshetra, The Hindu,
(Sunday) and MCQs Capsules etc.
UPSC Syllabus -
12-Jan-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
UPSC Syllabus -
19-Jan-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
5 Page


UPSC Syllabus -
26-Jan-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
“Government Schemes - For
2-Feb- Kurukshetra, The Hindu,
(Sunday) and MCQs Capsules etc.
UPSC Syllabus -
9-Feb-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
UPSC Syllabus -
16-Feb-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
UPSC Syllabus -
23-Feb-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
6 Page

PIB, Yojana, Kurukshetra, The

Hindu, ClearIAS Current Affairs
1-March-
Notes and MCQs Capsules etc.
29 2020 Current Affairs 805PT-20
(Sunday)
topics in the last 1-year,
UPSC Syllabus -
8-March-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
15- UPSC Syllabus -
March- ie. History, Culture, Geography,
31 GS All Topics 711PT-20
2020 Polity, Economics,
(Sunday) Environment, Science & Tech
22- UPSC Syllabus -
March- ie. History, Culture, Geography,
32 GS All Topics 712PT-20
2020 Polity, Economics,
(Sunday) Environment, Science & Tech
PIB, Yojana, Kurukshetra, The
29- Hindu, ClearIAS Current Affairs
March- Notes and MCQs Capsules etc.
33 Current Affairs 806PT-20
2020 (Overview of the important
(Sunday) topics in the last 1-year,
UPSC Syllabus -
5-April-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
UPSC Syllabus -
12-April-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
7 Page


UPSC Syllabus -
19-April-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
Economic Survey,
Union Budget,
Current Affairs
26-April- India Year Book,
(Economic
37 2020 807PT-20 "Government Schemes - For
Survey and
(Sunday) Quick Revision" PDF by
Budget Special)
ClearIAS,
Recent News etc.
UPSC Syllabus -
3-May-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
UPSC Syllabus -
10-May-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
UPSC Syllabus -
17-May-
Polity, Economics,
(Sunday)
May 31, 2020 (Sunday)

- UPSC Civil Services
Preliminary Exam 2020
8 Page

Things to note:
• As mentioned in the timetable, the focus of ClearIAS is to
cover (1) NCERT Text Books (2) Standard Reference Text
Books (3) Current Affairs and (4) All-Topic-Exams in the
most efficient way.
• Our intention is to help our enrolled students clear UPSC
CSE Prelims -irrespective of the UPSC question difficulty.
• As part of ClearIAS fail-proof strategy, conventional and
unconventional areas are given equal importance in our
test series.
• Aspirants should realise that just covering textbooks
(traditional areas) is not enough to clear UPSC
anymore.Candidates are expected to have taken an
intelligent interest in the events which are happening
around them.
• ClearIAS has always emphasised that success in UPSC =
50% Knowledge and 50% Exam-Skills.
• As part of ClearIASstrategy, special care is given regarding
the continuous development ofanalytical skills in
9
Page
aspirants. Questions, answer choices, and explanations are

framed in such a way to cultivate the thinking process of
Intelligent Elimination of wrong answers.
• We keep uploading the above mentioned mock exams one-
by-one on every Sunday at 10.00 AM. A gap of 2 weeks is
provided for Subject-Specific Mock Exams based on
standard reference textbooks, which needs more time to
cover.
• Aspirants who are enrolled in ClearIAS Prelims Test Series
can take the exams at any time convenient before Prelims
2020.
• Once enrolled, you would get instant access to all the
uploaded paid-mock tests on the website – even at midnight!
• You would also get automatic access to all upcoming paid-
mock tests in Prelims Test Series 2020, without any
additional individual payments!
• The validity of the subscription to ClearIAS Prelims Test
Series 2020 and other add-on services is until Prelims 2020
(ie May 31, 2020), irrespective of the date of joining.
• For subject-specific exams and current affairs exams, you
should expect about 25% questions to be outside the
reference sources mentioned above. This is purposefully
done, as you cannot expect UPSC to stick to any particular
book as above.
• You can revise completed mock exams (solutions and
answer keys) online from "My Account" link. Also, detailed
performance analysis reports are available online. We don't
provide PDF solutions. This ensures that (a) aspirants get
the most accurate relative performance reports and all-India
ranking (by avoiding multiple submissions) (b) questions
remain in a closed loop (c) candidates practice in a timed-
environment with negative marking, and avoids mistakes in
the exam hall (pirated photostats and PDFs affect both
candidates and us in a negative way).
• ClearIAS reserves the right to change the above time table if
needed. However, we will intimate all changes via the
website, and email notifications.
10
Page

ClearIAS Test Series – Unique
Benefits
With more than 2,00,000 registered users, ClearIAS is the
ultimate mock exam platform in India. Our focus is to boost your
Prelims marks within a short time!
Once you enroll in ClearIAS Prelims

Online Mock Test Series 2020, you
would get:
• Instant access to all the uploaded paid-mock tests in Prelims
Test Series 2020 – even at midnight!
• Automatic access to all upcoming paid-mock tests in Prelims
Test Series 2020, without any additional individual payments!
• Flexibility to attempt exams in ClearIAS Prelims Test Series
2020 at any time convenient for you, until the date of Prelims
2020, when the validity expires.
• FREE pass to ClearIAS webinars/seminars on Intelligent
Elimination Techniques (IET)™ for Prelims 2020.
• As an additional offer, FLAT 50% discount on all ebooks
(PDFs) on ClearIAS store.
Limited Period Offer: Join now and

get 40% discount!
Subscribe ClearIAS test series 2020 (40 online mock tests)
at Rs.9000Rs.4999 and get the early-bird advantage!
11
Page

ClearIAS Team: Knack of selecting
the most-probable questions
We believe the ultimate goal of any UPSC Prelims Mock Test

Series should be to make aspirants ready to clear UPSC CSE
Prelims.
Yes, the total focus of ClearIAS is on that.
However, what if you get questions similar to those asked in

ClearIAS mock exams in actual UPSC CSE Prelims? Your job will
be a lot more easy, right?
ClearIAS team works hard to select the most probable questions

and includes those MCQs in the ClearIAS Prelims Test Series.
Go through the below links. See how we were right on target

consecutively for the last 4 years?
• 100+ Marks worth UPSC CSE Prelims 2019 Questions from

ClearIAS Prelims Test Series 2019 and Study-Materials.
12

Page
ClearIAS Test Series 2018 and Notes.

ClearIAS Test Series 2017 and Notes.
ClearIAS Prelims Test Series 2016.
ClearIAS – The Brand Trusted by

Toppers
13
Page

Toppers
14
Page

Toppers
15
Page

Toppers
16
Page

Toppers
17
Page

Toppers
18
Page

Toppers
19
Page

Toppers
20
Page

Toppers
21
Page

Addon Packages (Additional to
ClearIAS Prelims Test Series for
General Studies Paper 1)
Add-ons are mock exams offered extra to what is

includedin ClearIAS Prelims Test Series 2020. This includes re-
take options of previous year UPSC Question Papers and CSAT
Packages.
Practise these additional mock exams to fetch extra marks.
1. ClearIAS General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT) Test Series 2020.

2. UPSC CSE Re-Take Exams for General Studies Paper 1
(2011-2019) based on Official Key
3. UPSC CSE Re-Take Exams for General Studies Paper 2
(2011-2019) based on Official Key
22
Page

How should you prepare for UPSC
Prelims 2020 in the most efficient
way?
• Stick to the above timetable, whenever possible.
• If you are not able to finish a subject within the
mentioned time, don’t worry. Take the mock exam on
the mentioned date with whatever preparation you did.
You would get time to revise the leftover topics, later.
• Once each exam is over, spend time to analyse your
performance. Detailed performance reports, solutions,
and answer key will be available in “My Account” link.
• Don’t bother much about the marks you get in the
initial exams. Rather focus on equipping yourself to
UPSC standards.
• We strongly recommend practising previous year UPSC
Prelims Questions in a timed environment, in addition
to the mock exams above. We have provided the UPSC-
retake exams as an addon service. Solutions are based
on the official key of UPSC for Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Devote your Saturdays for UPSC previous year re-
takes.
• Read extensively. Develop intelligent interest not only
in the traditional books but also in the events which
are happening around you.
• Develop your analytical skills by practising ClearIAS
Intelligent Elimination Techniques (IETs).
• Use the 3-2-1-0 E method for solving MCQs. Start
using this method early, so that you will get used to it.
• Don’t neglect the CSAT (GS Paper 2) altogether.
• Make sure you revise all exams 2-3 times before UPSC
Prelims 2020, from “My Account” link.
• Remember the 80-20 principle. Just focus on the
23
most-important-20-percent, and you would score high!

Page

Useful Links (Study Materials and
Books):
1. To download free study materials of ClearIAS.com, refer the
menu link ClearIAS Notes (clearias.com/ias-study-
materials) OR Downloads (clearias.com/downloads)
2. You can now buy NCERT Books online as a set of 28 books.
Link – NCERT Books
3. To buy recommended Text Books for IAS preparation at
discounted rates, refer the link – IAS Books
(clearias.com/ias-books)
4. Just referring NCERT Text Books or Standard Reference
Text Books is not enough to clear UPSC. To equip aspirants
to gain extensive knowledge on topics where textbooks are
unavailable, ClearIAS releases eBooks in PDF format. To
download ClearIAS Current Affairs Capsules (Monthly
MCQs), Government Schemes PDFs or other useful eBooks
for IAS exam preparation, refer the link – ClearIAS Store
(instamojo.com/clearias)
24
Page

The ClearIAS Approach
Learn NCERTS and

Core Areas
Standard Text Books
Learn the 'new' and

'unconventional areas'
Core Areas New Areas
from which UPSC asks
questions
Core Areas New Areas Exam Skills
We help you develop the ability to analyse the

question and find the correct answer using IETs
(Analytical Skills)
Road Map to
CLEAR IAS
START
2 1
Read NCERT Text Join ClearIAS

Books from Class Prelims Online Mock
6-12. Test Series
3 4
Learn ClearIAS Notes Read the standard

(Easy-to-Learn reference text books
Online Study Materials) (clearias.com/ias-books)
6 5
Take ClearIAS Mains Finish your optional subject

Mock Exams and and GS Topics as per
polish your answer ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains
writing skills Integrated approach.
Get your bio-data Success!

reviewed by ClearIAS
Experts.Take ClearIAS
Mock Interviews.
Clear IAS by Self-Study and Online Preparation

www.clearias.com

Ias 1 PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ias 1 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

l y

Before UPSC interview, take -

Take ClearIAS Mains Mock Exams

Join Also, finish

ClearIAS Optional Subject

How to Clear IAS by Self-Study and Online Preparation?

1. Companies with a minimum net worth of Rs 500 crore, turnover of Rs

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Why is this question important?

Q2) With reference to the National Cooperative Development Corporation

1. NCDC is not a statutory body.

Which of the statements given above are incorrect?

NCDC was established by an Act of Parliament in 1963 as a statutory

Why is this question important?

a) Ministry Of Human Resource Development

Niti Aayog recently published SEQI 2019.

• Domain 1: Learning outcomes

Category 2: Governance processes aiding outcomes

Why is this question important?

Q4) Consider the following statements about the Drone Innovators

Network Summit 2019:

Which of the statements given above are correct?

manufacturer to receive permissions through 'DigiSky' each time before take-

Why is this question important?

Q5) “The Gandhian Challenge” was launched on the 150th birth

Why is this question important?

Q6) Consider the following observations regarding Exchange Traded Funds

1) It is a mode used for the government’s divestment program.

2) Bharat 22 is an ETF of public sector companies.

3) ETFs are types of mutual funds.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

treatment, modalities of trading on the exchanges.

Q7) The Deep Carbon Observatory is :

Why is this question important?

and reabsorbed by natural and manmade processes.

Q8) Consider the following statements about Trans-Fats :

1) Trans-Fats are produced only artificially.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Why is this question important?

Why is this question important?

Type of pardoning power of Impact on Sentence

1) Reprieve temporary suspension of death

2) Respite awarding a lesser punishment on

3) Remission reduction of the amount of sentence

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Type of pardoning power of Impact on Sentence

1) Reprieve Temporary suspension of death

2) Respite Awarding a lesser punishment on

3) Remission Reduction of the amount of sentence

without changing its character

5) Pardon Completely absolves the offender from

Why is this question important?

1) FATF was founded at the G-7 summit in Paris in 1989.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Why is this question important?

1) Lack of suitable alternatives for utilizing stubble.

despite the threat of strict action?

Why is this question important?

2019 recently released by Niti Ayog :

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Why is this question important?

Q14) Automatic Exchange of Information (AEoI) Framework was recently

Why is this question important?