IAS/IPS Exam...க்கு English ஒரு தடையா?
Worried that English might stand in the way of your IAS/IPS dreams?
Join Mr. R.A. Israel Jebasingh, Ex-IAS (AIR 59) and Director of Officers IAS Academy, for an eye-opening workshop on how language is not a barrier to success in the UPSC exam. Learn how to approach UPSC CSE in Tamil and achieve your dreams!
Date: Saturday, 22nd March 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Venue: Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
Mode: Offline
Get practical tips, insights, and the confidence to break free from language limitations!
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For more details, contact us: +91 93637 30226
Worried that English might stand in the way of your IAS/IPS dreams?
Join Mr. R.A. Israel Jebasingh, Ex-IAS (AIR 59) and Director of Officers IAS Academy, for an eye-opening workshop on how language is not a barrier to success in the UPSC exam. Learn how to approach UPSC CSE in Tamil and achieve your dreams!
Date: Saturday, 22nd March 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Venue: Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
Mode: Offline
Get practical tips, insights, and the confidence to break free from language limitations!
Registration Link - https://forms.gle/LDap7jC9iqtV9kUu5
For more details, contact us: +91 93637 30226
1. Consider the following statements.
1. A country has a trade deficit when the value of its imports exceeds the value of its exports.
2. In the year 2023-24, India recorded a trade deficit with its largest trading partner.
3. The US is India’s largest trading partner in 2023-24.
1. A country has a trade deficit when the value of its imports exceeds the value of its exports.
2. In the year 2023-24, India recorded a trade deficit with its largest trading partner.
3. The US is India’s largest trading partner in 2023-24.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
11%
A. Only one
66%
B. Only two
22%
C. All the three
2%
D. None of the above
Answer: B
Soln:
● India has recorded a trade deficit with nine of its top 10 trading partners, including China,
Russia, Singapore, and Korea, in 2023-24.
● A country has a trade deficit when the value of its imports exceeds the value of its exports.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● China has emerged as India's largest trading partner with $118.4 billion of two-way
commerce in 2023-24, edging past the US.
● The data also showed that the deficit with China ($85 billion), Russia ($57.2 billion),
Korea ($14.71 billion), and Hong Kong ($12.2 billion) increased in the last fiscal compared
to 2022-23, while the trade gap with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Indonesia, and Iraq
narrowed. Hence, statement 2 is correct and statement 3 is incorrect.
● India has a trade surplus of $36.74 billion with the US in 2023-24.
● America is one of the few countries with which India has a trade surplus. The surplus is also
there with the UK, Belgium, Italy, France and Bangladesh.
● India's total trade deficit in the last fiscal narrowed to $238.3 billion as against $264.9
billion in the previous fiscal.
Soln:
● India has recorded a trade deficit with nine of its top 10 trading partners, including China,
Russia, Singapore, and Korea, in 2023-24.
● A country has a trade deficit when the value of its imports exceeds the value of its exports.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● China has emerged as India's largest trading partner with $118.4 billion of two-way
commerce in 2023-24, edging past the US.
● The data also showed that the deficit with China ($85 billion), Russia ($57.2 billion),
Korea ($14.71 billion), and Hong Kong ($12.2 billion) increased in the last fiscal compared
to 2022-23, while the trade gap with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Indonesia, and Iraq
narrowed. Hence, statement 2 is correct and statement 3 is incorrect.
● India has a trade surplus of $36.74 billion with the US in 2023-24.
● America is one of the few countries with which India has a trade surplus. The surplus is also
there with the UK, Belgium, Italy, France and Bangladesh.
● India's total trade deficit in the last fiscal narrowed to $238.3 billion as against $264.9
billion in the previous fiscal.
2. Consider the following statements about KAVACH.
1. It is an indigenously developed system to provide protection by preventing trains to pass
the signal at Red and avoid collision.
2. It was developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in
coordination with private parties.
3. It is based on radio frequency technology.
1. It is an indigenously developed system to provide protection by preventing trains to pass
the signal at Red and avoid collision.
2. It was developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in
coordination with private parties.
3. It is based on radio frequency technology.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
8%
A. Only one
40%
B. Only two
51%
C. All the three
1%
D. None of the above
3. With reference to India’s biodiversity, Gold-billed Magpie, Red-billed Magpie and Blue Magpie are
Choose the correct answer
Anonymous Quiz
60%
A. Birds
11%
B. Primates
22%
C. Reptiles
8%
D. Amphibians
Answer: C
Soln:
Kavach:
● The KAVACH is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system by
the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with the
Indian industry. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
○ RDSO is a research and development organisation under the Ministry of Railways
of India.
● It is a state-of-the-art electronic system with Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4) standards. It
is meant to provide protection by preventing trains to pass the signal at Red (which marks
danger) and avoid collision. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● It activates the train’s braking system automatically if the driver fails to control the train as
per speed restrictions.
● In addition, it prevents the collision between two locomotives equipped with functional
Kavach systems.
● ‘Kavach’ is one of the cheapest, SIL-4 certified technologies where the probability of error
is 1 in 10,000 years.
How does Kavach work?
● The Traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), with the help of equipment on board the
locomotive and transmission towers at stations connected with Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) tags, helps in two-way communication between the station
master and loco-pilot to convey any emergency message. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● The instrument panel inside the cabin helps the loco-pilot know about the signal in advance
without visual sighting, and the permissible speeds to be maintained.
● If a red signal is jumped and two trains come face to face on the same line, the technology
automatically takes over and applies sudden brakes.
Soln:
Kavach:
● The KAVACH is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system by
the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with the
Indian industry. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
○ RDSO is a research and development organisation under the Ministry of Railways
of India.
● It is a state-of-the-art electronic system with Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4) standards. It
is meant to provide protection by preventing trains to pass the signal at Red (which marks
danger) and avoid collision. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● It activates the train’s braking system automatically if the driver fails to control the train as
per speed restrictions.
● In addition, it prevents the collision between two locomotives equipped with functional
Kavach systems.
● ‘Kavach’ is one of the cheapest, SIL-4 certified technologies where the probability of error
is 1 in 10,000 years.
How does Kavach work?
● The Traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), with the help of equipment on board the
locomotive and transmission towers at stations connected with Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) tags, helps in two-way communication between the station
master and loco-pilot to convey any emergency message. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● The instrument panel inside the cabin helps the loco-pilot know about the signal in advance
without visual sighting, and the permissible speeds to be maintained.
● If a red signal is jumped and two trains come face to face on the same line, the technology
automatically takes over and applies sudden brakes.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
36%
A. Only one
40%
B. Only two
21%
C. All the three
3%
D. None of the above
4. Consider the following statements about Eco-sensitive zones.
1. In general, land falling within 10kms of the boundaries of National Parks or Wildlife
sanctuaries are categorised as eco-sensitive zones.
2. These zones are declared under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
3. Any kind of infrastructure augmentation is prohibited in this zone.
1. In general, land falling within 10kms of the boundaries of National Parks or Wildlife
sanctuaries are categorised as eco-sensitive zones.
2. These zones are declared under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
3. Any kind of infrastructure augmentation is prohibited in this zone.
Answer: A
Soln:
Magpies:
● Magpies are birds of the family Corvidae, which also includes other birds such as jays,
ravens, crows, etc. Hence, option A is correct.
● Magpies live in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
● These birds build nests in tall trees and need open grasslands nearby for feeding.
● They are widely considered to be intelligent creatures. The Eurasian magpie, for instance, is
thought to rank among the world's most intelligent creatures.
● Magpies have shown the ability to make and use tools, imitate human speech, grieve, play
games, and work in teams.
● Magpies such as Gold-billed Magpie, Red-billed Magpie, Blue Magpie are found in
India.
Soln:
Magpies:
● Magpies are birds of the family Corvidae, which also includes other birds such as jays,
ravens, crows, etc. Hence, option A is correct.
● Magpies live in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
● These birds build nests in tall trees and need open grasslands nearby for feeding.
● They are widely considered to be intelligent creatures. The Eurasian magpie, for instance, is
thought to rank among the world's most intelligent creatures.
● Magpies have shown the ability to make and use tools, imitate human speech, grieve, play
games, and work in teams.
● Magpies such as Gold-billed Magpie, Red-billed Magpie, Blue Magpie are found in
India.
5. Consider the following statements.
1. Exoplanets are planets which orbit stars other than the Sun.
2. NASA’s PREFIRE mission aims to study exoplanets for extra terrestrial intelligence.
1. Exoplanets are planets which orbit stars other than the Sun.
2. NASA’s PREFIRE mission aims to study exoplanets for extra terrestrial intelligence.
Answer: A
Soln:
Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZ):
● As a general principle, land falling within 10 kms (in some exceptional cases it can even
go beyond that) of the boundaries of the National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are
categorised as Eco-Fragile Zones or Eco Sensitive Zones. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● They are declared under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and are notified by the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoFCCC). Hence, statement 2 is
incorrect.
● The purpose of declaring Eco-sensitive Zones around National parks and Sanctuaries is to
create some kind of ''Shock Absorber" for the Protected Areas.
● They would also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving
lesser protection.
● The activities in the eco-sensitive zones would be of a regulatory nature rather than
prohibitive nature, unless and otherwise so required.
Activities in ESZ
● Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units; major
hydroelectric project; handling of hazardous substances; discharge of untreated effluents;
setting up of brick kilns; setting up of polluting industries, which have high potential for
environmental damage.
● Regulated Activities: Activities like infrastructure augmentation including civic
amenities, widening of roads, non polluting industries etc., Hence, statement 3 is
incorrect.
● Permitted Activities: Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities,
dairy farming, aquaculture, fisheries, poultry farm, goat farm, food related units etc.,4
Soln:
Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZ):
● As a general principle, land falling within 10 kms (in some exceptional cases it can even
go beyond that) of the boundaries of the National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are
categorised as Eco-Fragile Zones or Eco Sensitive Zones. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● They are declared under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and are notified by the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoFCCC). Hence, statement 2 is
incorrect.
● The purpose of declaring Eco-sensitive Zones around National parks and Sanctuaries is to
create some kind of ''Shock Absorber" for the Protected Areas.
● They would also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving
lesser protection.
● The activities in the eco-sensitive zones would be of a regulatory nature rather than
prohibitive nature, unless and otherwise so required.
Activities in ESZ
● Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units; major
hydroelectric project; handling of hazardous substances; discharge of untreated effluents;
setting up of brick kilns; setting up of polluting industries, which have high potential for
environmental damage.
● Regulated Activities: Activities like infrastructure augmentation including civic
amenities, widening of roads, non polluting industries etc., Hence, statement 3 is
incorrect.
● Permitted Activities: Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities,
dairy farming, aquaculture, fisheries, poultry farm, goat farm, food related units etc.,4
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
43%
A. 1 only
15%
B. 2 only
41%
C. Both 1 and 2
1%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
Soln:
Exoplanet
● All of the planets in our solar system orbit around the Sun. Planets that orbit around
other stars are called exoplanets. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● Exoplanets are very hard to see directly with telescopes. They are hidden by the bright glare
of the stars they orbit.
● So, astronomers use other ways to detect and study these distant planets. They search for
exoplanets by looking at the effects these planets have on the stars they orbit.
PREFIRE MISSION:
● The mission, dubbed PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment), is
aimed at measuring how much heat the Arctic and Antarctica radiate into space and
how this influences the planet’s climate. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
● The PREFIRE mission consists of two shoebox-sized CubeSats, each equipped with a
sophisticated thermal infrared spectrometer capable of measuring the far-infrared
radiation emitted by the Earth’s coldest and most remote regions.
● By collecting this crucial data, scientists hope to better predict the impact of climate change
on sea ice loss, ice sheet melt, and sea-level rise.
Soln:
Exoplanet
● All of the planets in our solar system orbit around the Sun. Planets that orbit around
other stars are called exoplanets. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● Exoplanets are very hard to see directly with telescopes. They are hidden by the bright glare
of the stars they orbit.
● So, astronomers use other ways to detect and study these distant planets. They search for
exoplanets by looking at the effects these planets have on the stars they orbit.
PREFIRE MISSION:
● The mission, dubbed PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment), is
aimed at measuring how much heat the Arctic and Antarctica radiate into space and
how this influences the planet’s climate. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
● The PREFIRE mission consists of two shoebox-sized CubeSats, each equipped with a
sophisticated thermal infrared spectrometer capable of measuring the far-infrared
radiation emitted by the Earth’s coldest and most remote regions.
● By collecting this crucial data, scientists hope to better predict the impact of climate change
on sea ice loss, ice sheet melt, and sea-level rise.
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1. Consider the following statements about ASHA workers.
1. These workers create awareness about basic nutrition, hygiene practices, and the health
services available among the community.
2. These positions were created under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).
3. They are recognised as government servants and are given a fixed monthly pay.
1. These workers create awareness about basic nutrition, hygiene practices, and the health
services available among the community.
2. These positions were created under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).
3. They are recognised as government servants and are given a fixed monthly pay.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
9%
A. 1 only
8%
B. 2 and 3 only
70%
C. 1 and 2 only
13%
D. 1 and 3 only
Answer: C
Soln:
ASHA Workers:
● ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are volunteers from within the
community who are trained to provide information and aid people in accessing
benefits of various healthcare schemes of the government.
● They act as a bridge connecting marginalised communities with facilities such as
primary health centres, sub-centres and district hospitals.
● The role of these community health volunteers was first established in 2005 under the
National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● ASHAs are primarily married, widowed, or divorced women between the ages of 25
and 45 years from within the community.
○ She should be a literate woman with due preference in selection to those who are
qualified up to 10 standard.
What do ASHA workers do?
● ASHAs are the first port of call for any health related demands of deprived sections of
the population, especially women and children, who find it difficult to access health
services.
● They go door-to-door in their designated areas creating awareness about basic nutrition,
hygiene practices, and the health services available. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● They also provide basic medicines and therapies to people under their jurisdiction such
as oral rehydration solution, chloroquine for malaria, iron folic acid tablets to prevent
anaemia, and contraceptive pills.
● They are also tasked with screening for infections like malaria during the season.
How much are ASHA workers paid?
● Since they are considered “volunteers”, governments are not obligated to pay them a
salary. And, most states don’t. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
● ASHAs receive performance-based incentives for promoting universal immunization,
referral and escort services for Reproductive & Child Health (RCH) and other healthcare
programmes, and construction of household toilets.
Soln:
ASHA Workers:
● ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are volunteers from within the
community who are trained to provide information and aid people in accessing
benefits of various healthcare schemes of the government.
● They act as a bridge connecting marginalised communities with facilities such as
primary health centres, sub-centres and district hospitals.
● The role of these community health volunteers was first established in 2005 under the
National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● ASHAs are primarily married, widowed, or divorced women between the ages of 25
and 45 years from within the community.
○ She should be a literate woman with due preference in selection to those who are
qualified up to 10 standard.
What do ASHA workers do?
● ASHAs are the first port of call for any health related demands of deprived sections of
the population, especially women and children, who find it difficult to access health
services.
● They go door-to-door in their designated areas creating awareness about basic nutrition,
hygiene practices, and the health services available. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● They also provide basic medicines and therapies to people under their jurisdiction such
as oral rehydration solution, chloroquine for malaria, iron folic acid tablets to prevent
anaemia, and contraceptive pills.
● They are also tasked with screening for infections like malaria during the season.
How much are ASHA workers paid?
● Since they are considered “volunteers”, governments are not obligated to pay them a
salary. And, most states don’t. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
● ASHAs receive performance-based incentives for promoting universal immunization,
referral and escort services for Reproductive & Child Health (RCH) and other healthcare
programmes, and construction of household toilets.