For Previous (ARCHIVES) – CLICK HERE

Hello Friends, 

ARCHIVES OF 60 DAYS

NOTE: 

Let us pledge to make it a big game-changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days! 

Note- Download the OMR Sheet and attempt the questions exactly like UPSC Prelims. After you are done, please post your OMR in the comment section. Once the solution key is released (around 5 PM), cross-check the answers and, comment the marks (you scored) in the same comment thread. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. 

You can also take part in the discussion with peers.  

S&T [DAY 47] 

Q.1) Yellow Cake, an item of smuggling across border is 

1.  Uranium oxide 
2. A crude form of heroin 
3. A crude form of cocaine 
4. Unrefined gold 

Q.2) Barium in a suitable form is administered to patients before an X-ray examination of the stomach, because 

1. barium allows X-rays to pass through the stomach on account of its transparency to X-rays 
2. barium compound, like magnesium sulphate helps in cleaning the stomach before X-ray examination 
3. barium is a good absorber of X-rays and this helps the stomach to appear clearly in contrast with the other regions in the picture 
4. barium salts are white in colour and this helps the stomach to appear clearly in contrast with other regions in the pictures 

Q.3) Which of the following are the correct differences between fertilizers and Manures? 

1. A fertilizer is an inorganic substance which is rich in one element while manure is a natural substance obtained by decomposition of organic material. 
2. Fertilizers are prepared in factories while manures can be prepared in the fields. 
3. Manure provides humus to the soil while fertilizer does not. 

Select the code from below: 

1. 1 and 2 
2. 2 and 3 
3. 1 and 3 
4. All of the above 

Q.4) Which of the following statements correctly explains the process of Pasteurisation? 

1. Covering a substance with dry salt to prevent the formation of bacteria. 
2. Use of Sodium Benzoate and Sodium bisulphate to preserve eatables. 
3. Boiling a substance and suddenly cooling it down to kill the bacteria. 
4. None of the above 

Q.5) Plastics are very versatile material and can be used for various purposes. Consider the following statements regarding plastics: 

1. Plastics that can be easily deformed by heating are called Thermoplastics. 
2. Bakelite and melamine are the examples of thermoplastics.           
3. Bakelite is a poor conductor of electricity and is used for making electric switches. 

Which of the above statements are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 
2. 2 and 3 
3. 1 and 3 
4. All of the above 

Q.6) Which of the following type of energy is stored as Latent Heat? 

1. Chemical energy 
2. Electrical energy 
3. Mechanical energy 
4. Thermal energy 

Q.7) The one thing that is common to all fossil fuels is that they: 

1. Were originally formed in marine environment 
2. Contain carbon 
3. Have undergone the same set of geological processes during their formation 
4. Represent the remains of one living organisms 

Q.8) Which of the following elements have a sedimentary cycle for nutrient recycling? 

1. Phosphorous 
2. Sulphur 
3. Nitrogen 

Choose the correct answer using the codes given below 

1. 1 and 2 only 
2. 2 and 3 only 
3. 1 and 3 only 
4. All of the above 

Q.9) Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has approved the use of antiviral nano-coatings on anti-Covid-19 masks. Which ‘elements’ are expected to boost the protection provided by these masks? 

1. Silver and Zinc 
2. Silver and Gold 
3. Calcium and Zinc 
4. Magnesium and Lead

Q.10) Which of the following statements about Graphite are correct?  

1. It is an organic compound.   
2. It is a good conductor of electricity unlike other allotropes of carbon.  
3. It is used as a lubricating agent because of its layered structure.   

Select the code from below:  

1. 1 and 2  
2. 2 and 3  
3. 1 and 3  
4. 1, 2 and 3   

Q.11) Which of the following statements about ‘Carbon nanotubes’ (CNT) is incorrect? 

1. They are isotopes of Carbon. 
2. They can be synthesised in labs. 
3. They exhibit extraordinary strength and unique electrical properties.  
4. They are efficient conductors of heat. 

Q.12) Which of the following is not an advantage of nano-pharmaceuticals over the conventional pharma products? 

1. Immediate recovery from ailment 
2. Reduction in cost of drug delivery 
3. Accurate detection of diseases 
4. Reduced collateral damage to the body 

Q.13) Which of the following statements about the Deoxyribonucleic acid is correct? 

1. It is stable under alkaline conditions. 
2. It contains the ribose sugar. 
3. It contains adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine bases. 
4. It is found mainly in nucleus and cytoplasm. 

Q.14) Which of the following can be considered as a chemical change? 

1. Melting of ice 
2. Soaring of milk 
3. Crystallization of sodium chloride 

Choose the correct option 

1. 1 only 
2. 1 and 3 only 
3. 2 only 
4. All of the above 

Q.15) Which of the following methods is suitable for preventing an iron frying pan from rusting? 

1. Applying grease 
2. Applying paint 
3. Applying a coating of zinc 
4. None of these 

Q.16) Consider the following statements with reference to Surfactants 

1. A surfactant is a substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved. 
2. Surfactants are used in soaps and detergents. 
3. They are known to cause soil pollution. 

Which of the above statements is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 
2. 1 and 3 only 
3. 2 and 3 only 
4. All of the above 

Q.17) Consider the following statements with respect to Chlorination of water. 

1. Chlorine can be used as chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, and calcium hypochlorite. 
2. It kills cells by first damaging the cell membrane, entering the cell, and disrupting cell respiration and DNA activity 

Which of the above statements is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only 
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2  

Q.18) The Function of a Catalyst in Chemical reaction is to 

1. Stop the reaction. 
2. Initiate the reaction. 
3. Decrease the speed of reaction. 
4. Increase the speed of reaction.  

Q.19) Consider the following statements about the Hydrogen atom (Protium). 

1. It has 1 proton and 1 one electron. 
2. It has 1 neutron and 1 electron. 
3. It has 1 proton, 1 neutron and 1 electron. 
4. It has 1 proton, 2 neutrons and 1 electron.  

Q.20) Consider the following statements regarding the Litmus Used in Litmus Test. 

1. Litmus is extracted from group of fungus. 
2. Chlorine gas turns blue litmus paper white. 

Which of the above statements is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only 
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2   

Q.21) Buldhana Pattern has won national recognition recently. What is this term related to?

1. It is a Japanese method of afforestation to reduce global warming.
2. It is a method of water conservation.
3. It is a method of in situ conservation of wild Animals.
4. It was a pattern of Ancient petroglyph painting.

Q.22) Recently “Whitsun Reef” was in news. Consider the following statements with respect to Whitsun Reef:

1. It is a part of South China Sea.
2. It is disputed between China and Vietnam.

Which of the following statement given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.23) consider the following statement about the functions of national pharmaceutical pricing authority:

1. To implement and enforce the provisions of the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), 1995/2013.
2. To monitor the availability of drugs, identify shortages, if any, and to take remedial steps.
3. To deal with all legal matters arising out of the decisions of the Authority.

Which of the following statement given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Q.24) Word happiness report, which has been published amid Covid-19 assessing the happiness among the nations, is published by – 

1. United Nations Development Program.
2. United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network
3. World economic forum
4. World Bank.

Q.25) Recently the terms “Heptachlor, Tetradifon, Aldicarb, Metoxuron,” has been in news with respect to – 

1. Migratory birds along the Asian flyway.
2. Pesticides Banned for manufacture, import and use.
3. Invasive species of Western Ghats.
4. Extinct birds native to north eastern states.

Q.26) Recently the Helium has been a matter of debate in India; consider the following statement with respect to Helium in India:

1. India has been self-sufficient in its need and does not import helium at all.
2. One of the most important applications of helium is in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Which of the following statement given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.27) Recently Suez Canal has been in news. Which of the following ocean/sea has not been connected to the Suez Canal?

1. Red sea
2. Mediterranean sea
3. Indian Ocean
4. Baltic sea

Q.28) Recently the campaign Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain has been launched : Consider the following statement with respect to it.

1. The Campaign will be undertaken across the rural areas in the limited identified districts of the country.
2. Gram Sabhas will take ‘Jal Shapath’ for water conservation.
3. It is launched as a Jan Andolan to take water conservation at the grass-roots level through people’s participation.

Which of the following statement given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Q.29) The terms “Jaapi, Xorai and Gamosa” has been in news recently with respect to:

1. These are local handicraft products of Assam region.
2. Tribal groups inhabiting north eastern region.
3. Butterflies recently identified in the central Indian region.
4. Products identified under programme “one district one products” in Uttar Pradesh.

Q.30) Consider the following statement about the MSP for MFP scheme:

1. The responsibility of purchasing MFP on MSP will be with State designated agencies.
2. The Minimum Support Price would be determined by the Ministry with technical help of TRIFED.
3. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs will be the nodal Ministry for implementationand monitoring of the scheme.

Which of the following statement given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow each passage. Your answer to these questions should be based on passage only. 

Passage 1 

Nature writing is nonfiction or fiction prose or poetry about the natural environment. Nature writing encompasses a wide variety of works, ranging from those that place primary emphasis on natural history facts (such as field guides) to those in which philosophical interpretation predominate. It includes natural history essays, poetry, essays of solitude or escape, as well as travel and adventure writing. 

Nature writing often draws heavily on scientific information and facts about the natural world; at the same time, it is frequently written in the first person and incorporates personal observations of and philosophical reflections upon nature. 

Modern nature writing traces its roots to the works of natural history that were popular in the second half of the 18th century and throughout the 19th. An important early figure was the “parson-naturalist” Gilbert White (1720 – 1793), a pioneering English naturalist and ornithologist. He is best known for his Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne (1789). 

Q.31) Which of the following statement best summarizes the above passage? 

1. The passage talks about the life and lessons of Gilbert White, a profound naturalist and ornithologist. 
2. The passage talks about how the nature writing is missing in the modern era and needs to be revived. 
3. The passage talks about from where the writers draw inspiration for nature writing, and how its importance is diminishing in the modern era. 
4. The passage talks about what nature writing is, the different type of nature writing, its style, and about the roots and pioneer of modern nature writing. 

Passage 2 

Many sociologists have argued that there is functional relationship between education and economic system. They point to the fact that mass formal education began in industrial society. They note that the expansion of the economies of industrial societies is accompanied by a corresponding expansion of their educational systems. They explain this correspondence in terms of the needs of industry for skilled and trained manpower, needs which are met by the educational system. Thus, the provision of mass elementary education in Britain in 1870 can be seen as a response to the needs of industry for a literate and numerate workforce at a time when industrial processes were becoming more complex and the demand for technical skills was steadily growing. 

Q.32) The industry needs a literate work-force because 

1. its expansion needs sound learning 
2. it relies heavily on expertise 
3. it promotes a competitive spirit 
4. its operations need intricate technical knowledge 

Directions for the following two questions:  

Each of the questions below starts with a few statements, followed by four conclusions numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4. You have to consider every given statement as true, even if it does not conform to the accepted facts. Read the conclusions carefully and then decide which of the conclusion(s) logically follow(s) from the given statements, disregarding commonly known facts. 

Q.33) In each question two/three statements followed by four conclusions numbered I to IV have been given. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follow from the given statements disregarding commonly known facts. 

Statements:  

1. Some boys are scholars.  
2. Some teachers are boys.   
3. All scholars are observers 

Conclusions: 

1. Some scholars are boys 
2. Some scholars are not boys 
3. Some observers are boys 
4. Some teachers are scholars 

Choose the correct code 

1. Only conclusion 1 and conclusion 3 follow 
2. Either conclusion 1 or 2 and conclusion 3 follow 
3. Conclusions 1, 3, and 4 follow 
4. None of the above 

Q.34) In each question two/three statements followed by four conclusions numbered I to IV have been given. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follow from the given statements disregarding commonly known facts. 

Statements:  

1. Some questions are answers.  
2. Some answers are writers.  
3. All the writers are poets. 

Conclusions: 

1. Some writers are answers. 
2. Some poets are questions. 
3. All the questions are poets. 
4. Some poets are answers. 

Choose the correct code 

1. Only 1 and 2 
2. Only 1 and 4 
3. Only 1 and 3 
4. Only 2 and 4 

Q.35) This question is based on the following letter/ number/symbol arrangement. Study it carefully and answer the question: 

7 D 5 # A B 1 % K $ 4 E J F 3 * 2 H I @ L 6 Q U © 9 M T 8 W 

How many such symbols are there in the above arrangement each of which is immediately preceded by a vowel and also immediately followed by a number? 

1. None 
2. One 
3. Two 
4. Three 

NOTE- Follow this for Comments

1. Mention- Time Taken after solving the Test

2. After the release of Solution, Edit your Comment to Mention-  Correct/Incorrect and Score

3. 2 Marks for Correct/0.66 minus for Incorrect.

What IMPACT can the ‘60 Day’ have on the final results? We will explain by taking a small example. Imagine you are sitting in the examination hall, appearing in Prelims Paper I. You have attempted 70 questions already but still unsure about a few. Then you stumble upon a question that was asked in 60 Day (and believe us, it has happened to hundreds of students countless times). You choose the right answer and submit your paper hoping for the best! Eventually, you go on to clear Mains as well as Personality Test and secure a good rank as well. When the cut off gets announced by UPSC, you realize that you have scored just one mark more than the cut off! Yes, that one mark can change your life (and it has done so to many of our students in the past). Now, imagine the kind of impact 60 to 80 marks can have! Isn’t that so fascinating to imagine?  

One’s level of preparedness is always different for different subjects. Even within a subject, one’s comfort level may vary with topics. For example, one might be more comfortable in solving questions of Polity than Economics and within Polity also, one might be at ease with questions on fundamental rights than Parliament. The level of comfort and ease that one has with a subject/ topic gets manifested in the examination. However, there is no conscious effort by aspirants to micro analyze these aspects. Now, coming to the second aspect i.e. the mistakes that one commits in answering MCQs, it can be said that there are mainly four reasons behind incorrect responses in the OMR sheet. They are:

1. Lack of information
2. Lack of analytical ability
3. Silly mistakes
4. Excessive risk-taking

Let’s analyze them one by one:

1. Lack of information: You simply don’t know the information. You are clueless and that’s why you don’t attempt the question. For example, you may have never come across a regime called the ‘Wassenaar Agreement’ during your preparation and you can’t do much about it. The lack of information is pardonable and rectifiable. You can read more and gather more information. That is within your reach.
2. Lack of analytical ability: You know the concept but the question is a twisted one and you are not able to apply the concept. For example, in a question asking you to identify the climate type of a region based on certain given parameters like precipitation, temperature, and air density, you might find it difficult to mark the correct option even if you are aware of all the options given in the question! That is clearly a lack of application and you can overcome it by developing a habit of framing questions in your mind while you study any topic.
3. Silly mistakes: This habit is unpardonable. You know the concept, you become happy, you misread the question, you mark the incorrect answer and you are out of the race! Such mistakes reveal your hurriedness while answering the question. A simple mistake of reading ‘chose the incorrect option’ as ‘chose the correct option’ can destroy your chances. It means that you need to have patience and focus while attempting the paper.
4. Excessive risk-taking: You are confused between the options and just in order to increase your attempts, you make wild guesses and try your luck only to repent eventually. Risk-taking is an art and one must be very careful while doing the guesswork in confusing questions. If you are not lucky enough, it can spoil your chances.

You will realize that these problems will have different meanings for different people. For example, one might find a lack of information as the main culprit in answering wrong the questions on Culture while in Polity, lack of analytical ability is usually the culprit. The point here is that you must analyse your preparation on these yardsticks by applying them on different subjects/ topics. If one is having a headache, he/ she can’t have the same medicine for fever. Isn’t it.

This is where our revamped ’60 Day’ comes into the picture. It will give you an opportunity to micro analyze your preparation and perform better in the examination.

Finally, it is up to you to take advantage of this framework. We are sure of only one thing- if you follow this program, assess yourself on the basis of the given framework and keep improving your weaker areas, success will be yours.

We are providing you with the right platform, the right guidance, and the right competition. Do you have the right motivation to make full use of this initiative? We think you have. Come, be a part of this initiative and take the first step towards SUCCESS!

Importance of self – tracking:

We could have provided all of you with login id and passwords to monitor your daily performance in the 60-day program.

Instead, a simple and most beautiful way which Disqus provides is profile based commenting!

Yes, we have seen the most successful candidates who have taken the maximum benefit from this program monitoring themselves by commenting on their answers in the box given (Disqus comment). And reviewing their performance themselves once in 10 days on the progress meter. 

DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2021

SOLUTION- Download Here

ENTER YOUR PERFORMANCE AND GET YOUR RANK- Click Here

Important:

• Ranks and Cut off will be calculated for the entries in the given form only. Cut Off will be released around 10PM and Rank List will be announced soon.
• Top 10 performers will be selected by finding the average ranks of entire 60 Days Programme and they would get FREE GUIDANCE and MENTORSHIP from IASbaba’s Core Team.

All the Best! 

IASbaba