Insights Prelims Test Series – 2016: Discussions Test – 28

Insights Prelims Test Series – 2016: Discussions Test – 28

Hope you enjoyed solving the Twenty Eighth Test of our 2016 Test Series. On this page, please share your doubts to seek clarifications, or to point out any mistakes in the comment box regarding the First Test. We will do our best to address  all your doubts.

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261 Replies to “Insights Prelims Test Series – 2016: Discussions Test – 28”

  2. Hey insights..
    My score in this test is 81.
    And my average in full length test is around 85.
    Is it a good score and can I be confident about PRE

    1. Please work hard in revising all Tests. Be thorough with concepts. Practice as many questions as you can. You can score well in UPSC Prelims.

      All the best!

      2. Hi Insights,

        I have not solved UPSC past year papers and 2015 test series yet. If i have to choose one, which one should i prefer??
        Please help.

        1. Please do UPSC papers of 2011-15 only, and then 2015 Test Series. You will be able to manage both. Both are important in their own way. 🙂

          1. Dear Team

            Question 57: Statement 1: It mentions “Making appointments mainly on the basis of merit thereby laying the foundation of the Indian Civil Service”

            Cornwallis’ tenure lasted till 1793 and during that time Indians were barred from being employed in jobs above a particular salary. (500 pounds)

            It was in 1833 that the discrimination ended with limited competition with open competition starting with 1853.

            In that case is the first statement correct?

            1. The statements implies the principle of meritocracy vis-a-vis a “spoils system” that was prevalent earlier.

              A strong ICS was to be strictly based on the principles of merit and competence tested via an examination. Later, Indians were associated too, but the services were called ICS even when Indians were not allowed to take part in it.

              1. Alright. I take your point 🙂
                Thats probably the reason why he is also called the “Father of Indian Civil Service”

    1. 110+ is a good score considering its difficulty level. 🙂

      1. Sir,
        test 28, Q-6 option-4(dealing with customer service). Could you please explain the idea behind the option!
        Thank you

        1. The essential idea is that the banks should not exploit the consumers that are often laymen when it comes to a technical field like banking.

          For e.g. some time back many banks came with teaser home loans, which promised ultra low fixed interest rates in the initial years, only to be hiked later. This practice was severely discouraged by RBI. You can read about it here http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/all-you-wanted-to-know-about-teaser-home-loans/article7575686.ece

          1. Insights, you could have made our life easier by calling it “services provided to the customer”

            I really thought it was customer service as in “Hello, you reached HDFC customer service, please press 1 to continue” 🙂

  4. Dear Insights,The difficulty level of each test has been different so cud u pls tell as to what percentile can be considered as a good one

    1. 110+ is a good score here. More than the score, it is what you learn from these questions.

      Please revise all the tests before you go for the exam. It will be immensely helpful. All the best!

      1. Thanks for d reply Insights,It wud be great if u cud also say what percentile can be considered as good as then we wudn’t have to ask the same question after every test

      2. Exam in less than 30 days and still no corrigendum ??? Please look into it asap.. the tests wil prove to be counterproductive in d final exam without correction of mistakes.

        1. Are you able to access it in the downloads section of your dashboard?

          2. Tests 1-10 2016 Corrigendums
            Tests 11-20 2016 Corrigendums
            Appendix: Test 7 Incomplete questions in the Online Version 2016 Corrigendums

            These are available in the dashboard under the name of ‘downloads’
            thank you 🙂

          3. no..i am not able to access it in the download section..could u please resolve..i am able to see the drop down menu for test series corrigendums…though i select 2016, its doing nothing..i couldnt get acess to any links or pdfs…please resolve the problem

            1. Others are able to view and download it. Please try changing the browser/device, clearing the cache etc.

              Also, see whether any test is left unfinished. Try to finish it. It should work.

            1. Others are able to view and download it. Please try changing the browser/device, clearing the cache etc.

              Also, see whether any test is left unfinished. Try to finish it. It should work.

          5. sir i am checking the download section from past 2 days…..still no sign of corrigendum ….
            pls do something…..

            1. Others are able to view and download it. Please try changing the browser/device, clearing the cache etc.

              Also, see whether any test is left unfinished. Try to finish it. It should work.

      3. Hi Insights
        Test 6 Q62 UN creative cities Network considers all categories mentioned. Question not addressed in corrigendum too.
        I checked on UN CCN site. Please confirm.

        1. Please read the question and explanation carefully. It does not ask about the categories of UN CCN. It instead asks UN CCN has identified few Indian cities recently based on which criteria.

      4. Regarding the Question on Lucknow Pact, I am highly doubtful about that it also includes coming together of Extremists and Moderates. It was separate. We cant club together.

        Every books specifically mentions that it was the pact between INC and ML. Please confirm the source where it says the other way around.

        2. D extremists under tilak were admitted back into congress fold during d lucknow session only.I think Bipin chandra clearly mentions dat

  5. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus Sir in que 31 did mahalwari eliminate middle man?? wasn’t the revenue collection was assigned to one person for a mahal/village to collect the revenue??
    thank u sir

    1. i think middle man here means a person who is not a representative from the village, definitely the mahals paid through one person called the ‘lambardar’, Let us wait for insights’ reply 🙂

  6. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus Sir in que 34 if large number of candidates contest then not “all ” will lose deposit , as few can get more than 1/6th of polled votes and not win but they can get there deposit back. please correct me sir.
    thank u sir

    1. Q34 I think you have to choose the most appropriate option.

      A is wrong – because only votes polled are taken into consideration not voter turnout;
      B and C is ridiculous is ways more than one! 🙂

      D looks appropriate but not necessary – Assume a case where the individual who won, won with 85%+ of votes (So that other’s get less than 16%, Mathematically its a variant of Pigeonhole principle)

      What you have presented is an apt and correct case – but D is the most suitable answer.

  7. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus Sir in 63, LMV3 /care module allows astronauts to go to space and return as it can re-enter earth atmosphere, sir so this can help in setting a space station. can’t the answer be option A sir?
    sir please corret me if I’m wrong.
    Thank u Sir.

      3. Check the downloads tab of your dashboard (insightsias wala).They have updated the second coorigendum as well !
        All the best !

  9. Q1) C. To promote Biodiesel, their prices will be administered by the government

    pib link: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=124076
    In order to improve the availability of ethanol, on 10th December, 2014, the Government has fixed the price of ethanol in the Range of Rs. 48.50 to Rs. 49.50 per litre, depending upon the distance of distillery from the depot/installation of the OMCs.
    Besides, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had announced a Bio-diesel Purchase Policy in October 2005, which became effective from 1.1.2006. Under this policy, OMCs would purchase bio-diesel, meeting the prescribed BIS standard, at a uniform price, as may be decided by the OMCs from time to time, for blending with High Speed Diesel (HSD) to the extent of 5%, at identified 20 purchase centres across the country. Further, the Government is considering to allow the direct sale of Bio-diesel (B100) by private Bio-diesel manufacturers, their authorised dealers and Joint Ventures (JVs) of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) authorised by MoP&NG for the limited purpose of blending to bulk consumers.

    isn’t Biodiesel price is also regulated.

  10. Insights,

    Anticyclone gives clear skies not clouds and precipitation…Pls correct me if wrong

        1. Following is the question.

          94 Consider the following about Anticyclones.
          1. These are low pressure regions.
          2. Their extent is always small.
          3. Cloudy and precipitation conditions exist alongwith the cyclone.
          Select the correct answer using the codes below.
          A. 1 and 2 only
          B. 2 only
          C. 3 only
          D. 1, 2 and 3

          Anticyclones are associated with High pressure systems; Meaning – there is subsidence of air and so – clear skies and zero precipitation; (Its also one of the reasons why Mediterranean regions don’t get rains in Summer)

          But the 3rd option is for cyclone not anti-cyclone.

          1. The explanation for statement 3 is for Anticyclones.
            As per the explanation cloudy and precipitation condition exists at the outer edges.

              1. mere hisab se toh yaar tino statement galat hain. They are HP. Associated with subsidence so no clouds and preci. And spread in large areas no noticeable change is observed in HP region wrt to weather. LP cyclones are concentrated in small areas as compared to Anti cyc with strong weather phenomenon

                1. Cloudy and precipitation conditions exist along with the cyclone

                  The last word makes the third statement correct.

  11. can anybody please provide the link for corrigendums?…and where is appendix to corrigendum1?

    1. Same here.. Cant see the link anywhere..

      @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus : Can you please help if it is ready?

  12. Hi Insights,

    I have not solved UPSC past year papers and 2015 test series yet. If i have to choose one, which one should i prefer??
    Please help.

  13. can someone please provide me june month daily quiz compilation?
    its really urgent. thanks in advance

  15. –What did the early vedic aryans worship apart from doing yajanas .Image worship or nature worship ? Acccording to me it should be nature worship ,kindly confirm it
    –Didnt NCM lead to the Bristish Goverments’ willingness to grant polictical concessions to India ? #Communal Award of 1932 ?
    –Didnt NCM make congress become a mass movemnt for the first time ? Are they considering Swadeshi Movt’ before NCM ?
    –Wiki Says that Ultrasound can be used to” Deliver Drugs” (Q 75 Test 5 )
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultrasonic_drug_delivery
    –Can we say that the constitution of the political parties is implemented by the party whip ?
    –Again in test 5 , what are the wierd symbols in the soluion of the question related to the Vietnam War (Q 36) ? 😛

        2. Answer is samudragupta 100% for tat question. Allahabad inscription for samudragupta. 2006 question

          1. That pillar has inscriptions of both Ashoka and Samudragupta . Anyway , after considering a number of other sources i found that it is the inscriptions of the latter for which the pillar is widely known

            Thanks man !

            1. hey search wiki, it says there are inscriptions of all the three – asoka, jahangir and samudra

    2. Allahabad pillar is actually associated with both ashoka and Samudragupta and also with many other rulers such as Jehangir.

        1. i was just answering basic general query 😀
          whts your score for test 28 ?

  16. can someone pls provide corrigendums for test 11- 20 and for 2015 test series. Thanks 🙂

  18. I am not able to access Corrigendums in the download section..could u please resolve..i am able to see the drop down menu for test series corringendums…though i select 2016, its doing nothing..i couldnt get acess to any links or pdfs…please resolve the problem

  19. Q11: since question ask about natural (not anthropogenic) cycle, then how can mining is included? Please clarify
    Q82: How can RBI increase credit flow as it is pregorative of commerical banks and it doesnt do it. I am always confused in such questions
    where there is scope of interpretation. Please guide as to whether broad view should be taken or very specific view is preferable ?
    Q93: How can NPPA ensure availability of the medicine in the country ? as far as i understand its objective is to declare prices of specified medicines.

  20. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus Regarding the Question on Lucknow Pact, I am highly doubtful about that it also includes coming together of Extremists and Moderates. It was separate. We cant club together.

    Every books specifically mentions that it was the pact between INC and ML. Please confirm the source where it says the other way around.

    1. It is actually the Lucknow session (where the pact was signed) which resulted in re-unity of moderates and extremists. There should have been greater clarity in the question statement.

      Please see 12th Tamil Nadu History Textbook under the chapter Nationalist Movement.

      1. Q11: since question ask about natural (not anthropogenic) cycle, then how can mining is included? Please clarify
        Q82: How can RBI increase credit flow as it is pregorative of commerical banks and it doesnt do it. I am always confused in such questions
        where there is scope of interpretation. Please guide as to whether broad view should be taken or very specific view is preferable ?
        Q93: How can NPPA ensure availability of the medicine in the country ? as far as i understand its objective is to declare prices of specified medicines.

  21. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus regarding Q 17 Was there a split in the congress after Chauri Chaura.?
    There were difference of opinions but they were cautious to avoid a split is what I’ve read in Bipin Chandra.
    Can you please confirm.? I think there is a clear difference between the two which Bipin Chandra has specifically mentioned.? Please correct if I’ve misunderstood

    1. I wouls like to second @disqus_nY0JXPpP4J:disqus here. Even the insights explanations say it was a new ‘group’.There never was a split.I think it was one achievement of Gandhi.He could mediate successfully between conflicting groups,both after NCM & CDM, to save the party from a split along the lines of surat summit.(while the Britishers were keenly looking forward to it)

    2. The explanation has been taken from 12th History Tamil Nadu Textbook.

      Statement 1 explanation clearly mentions that Swaraj Party was a separate group formed from cadres within Congress.

      There was no splitting of the Congress party, it was an ideological split.

      1. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus It was formed after the split within Congress in the Gaya session due to the calling
        off of the Non-cooperation movement.
        I don’t see any clarity regarding “split” in this statement.It should be separately mentioned whether its formal or ideological?

      2. Q 17.
        2. It demanded the setting up of responsible government in India with the necessary
        changes in the Government of India Act of 1919

        Swarajists wanted a responsible Govt, true – but through necessary changes in 1919 act? From Bipin they wanted expose 1919 act.

        Insights, Can you please provide source?

        1. It has been taken from 12th TamilNadu textbook, which is an authoritative source. Page 163 – Chapter 16.

          2. Sir,

            please resolve my doubts.
            TEST 28:
            q1: “Sugarcane or sugarcane juice may not be used for production of ethanol and it be produced only from Molasses”
            Can ethanol be produced directly from sugar cane without converting it to molasses? If so, is that prohibitted as per policy?

            q2: “A Money Bill or a Financial Bill containing any of the provisions calculated to make a Bill a Money Bill, however, cannot be referred to a Joint Committee of the Houses. This is because RS has no powers of amending a money bill”
            Does this mean that, a bill inder Article 117(1) (Financial Bill containing any of the provisions calculated to make a Bill a Money Bill) cannot be referred to joint committee?
            But RS has power to amend a bill as per 117(1)!

            TEST 27:
            Q29:
            ‘Only States are eligible to appear before the Court, no private entity can move the ICJ’
            But this new article doesn’t support that.
            http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/vodafone-moves-icj-over-tax-arbitration-with-india/article8410125.ece
            Please clarify.

            Thanks in Advance!

            @ins@insightsprelimstestseries:disqus

            1. ICJ and Permanent COurt of Arbitration are in the same building. Article is amibguos

              As for Joint Committe Q Im with You because rajya sabha can suggest amendments to the bill but they may not be accepted so I believe answer is Incorrect

      4. Sir i was giving my 28th test .. due to network prob i lost my test 28 on 84 th question and not submitted…but when i refreshed my net and exam portal account it is showing you have already taken test, but review or ranking not seen… please resolve this problem Sir
        user name varshneyiitr@gmail.com

      5. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus : Der is no mention about swaraj party being formed because of calling off non cooperation movement. Difference which led to it formation was on council election. they do named it as khilafat-swaraj party just for mobilization sake. Please correct me.

        1. The calling off of the NCM certainly frustrated the party members as they became impatient with modes of mass struggle. They wanted to enter the Council by way of 1923 elections. What you are referring is just the “other side” of what was mentioned in the explanation. Thank you.

          1. Regarding Q41: How can hills containing ajanta caves be called sahyadri.As sahyadri are western ghats which are near to western coast while ajanta caves are in Aurangabad(middle of maharashtra).

            1. Please go through these four links. Search for “Sahyadri” in all of them.

              1. http://www.indiaculture.nic.in/ajanta-caves
              2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourist_attractions_in_Aurangabad,_Maharashtra#Tourist_attractions_in_Aurangabad_District
              3. http://www.buddhist-pilgrimage.com/kapilvastu-ajanta-ellora.html
              4. http://www.aurangabadmagic.com/excursion-ajanta-caves.html

              Between, we will address your other doubts related to previous tests in some time.

              Thank you.

          2. Just wanted to know if History TN textbook you recommended for MODERN as well, as far as I know, it had been advised for ancient and medieval part.. I am asking because quite often in numerous justification, U have mentioned this source !!

            1. We have not recommended this in the 2016 schedule explicitly, but we have been framing questions from it. We will clearly be including it in the next year schedule. 🙂

        1. Before we publish a corrigendum for Tests 21-30, we are posting a compendium of all ‘Clarifications’ for each Test at its Discussion page. This is to expedite the process.

          For Test 21, it is already posted. Thank you.

            1. Please check the respective test pages. They have already been posted for 6 tests.

    3. Also in the question they have said that d split was as a result of the chauri chaura incident,whereas swaraj party was formed as a result of d differences in using legislatures as a tool to further the cause of d congress party.D reason for d formation of swaraj party shud be that and not d chauri chaura incident

    4. Post Lucknow Pact(1916) after Moderates and Extremists factions decided to join hands INC stood its grounds to never split again… all parties that propped up like Swaraj, Congress Socialist and even Forward Bloc by Bose remained WITHIN the broad contours of the INC. Their differences lay in methodical and ideological ways to take forward the freedom struggle.

  23. @ektabeniwal:disqus also, where the Corrigendum on insight site? its not in download section

    1. Its on landing page itself i.e My Tests See on the top In News head ..
      Nevertheless i have sent you

    1. Earlier NRI investment was considered as FDI, and subjected to FDI caps.

      But, now the NRI non-repatriable investment will now be considered as ‘domestic’. No FDI caps will apply to the NRI investments. This will give a fillip to NRI investments in India.

      We can understand the confusion created by the topic and the question. We will settle this in the corrigendum. Thank you for pointing out.

  25. Q 54. Wet grasslands’ definition is this as per Google. MOST RECENT UPDATE: March 2011. HABITAT DEFINITION. Lowland wet grassland can be defined as periodically flooded pasture or meadow, and includes floodplain grassland, washlands and water meadows. Almost all areas are grazed and some are cut for hay or silage.

    Inundated, floodplain aren’t wetlands.?
    Aren’t they characteristics of most wetlands given.?
    Please clarify

  26. 1 What is doctrine of eclipse?? When it was evolved.
    2 What is correct sequence of champaran,kheda and ahmedabad events.
    Someone please help.

  27. Can someone please explain how is latitudinal variation in solar insolation and heating connected with planetary wind system?

    1. When a place is being intensely heated,dat place develops into a low pressure region and this wud force the wind to blow towards dat area.I guess dat’s how solar insolation wud affect planetary wind system

  28. Just a humble request sir, whenever there is question about any international agency please also mention whether India is part of it or not and whether it is part of UN System in answer. TA

  29. how does prepare for “Questions like Saharia tribes”.?

    bcoz was it in news or prepare as random knowledge .?

  30. Sir Can you please provide details about IIP, not clear how manufacturing is the biggest contributor.TA

    1. The question was a classic booby-trap from Insights! 🙂

      IIP has three components, Manufacturing, Mining, Electricity in that order of contribution;

      but in the core industries(contributing some 38%), electricity weightage is ~10% approx.
      Read the wiki; I felt that was the best source.

  32. how does prepare for “Questions like Saharia tribes”.

    bcoz was it in news or prepare as random knowledge .?

  33. Sir,

    Q82. How does RBI step up credit flow of MSME. Does this done through PSL guidelines?

    Q94. How could Anticyclones have clouds and percipation? Since there is subsidence of air due to high pressure and also there won’t be any condensation
    Following link also says the same. http://www.weatheronline.in/reports/wxfacts/Anticyclone.htm
    Pls clarify.

    Sir in last test (Test 27) also there were some doubts… pls help.

    Q19. G20 came into existence in 1999, though its meeting started from 2008.
    Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G20
    https://www.insightsonindia.com/2015/09/04/insights-daily-current-events-04-september-2015/

    Q49. It is being said that NABARD regulates the cooperative banks and the RRB’s — https://www.insightsonindia.com/2015/04/03/insights-daily-current-events-03-april-2015/
    but the link provided by you of RBI says that it is just to conduct inspection of State and Central Cooperative Banks.
    And if Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are outside the purview of RBI. Then who regulates them?

    Q95. When did artillery technology developed in India and Europe? I just know that Babur brought gunpower in India.
    But explanation does not tell anything about who developed the technology earlier. pls explain…

    Q96. Doesn’t option C could also be answer as Iron & steel are importable and exportable “with some restrictions”, but option says that they can do without restriction. Recently Steel import has been restricted from China, even there are many anti-dumping duties imposed.
    Pls clarify.

    @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus
    Thank You sir

    1. 82. Yes, it is done through PSL.

      94. Please see this http://tinyurl.com/j5edaou Such conditions are present at the periphery of anticyclones. Otherwise, such a high pressure region generally shows fine and clear weather.

      19. Please see this http://www.g20india.gov.in/aboutg20-overview.asp?lk=aboutg201

      49. RBI is the super-regulator. NABARD is the micro-regulator.

      95. These two links will help http://tinyurl.com/j92bhdc
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_gunpowder#India

      96. These restrictions are not general restrictions, they are imposed on case-to-case ad hoc basis. The Ministry of Steel clearly points out that they are freely importable and exportable.

      Thank you

  34. CAPF AC 2016 Question :

    Consider the following statements relating to Sea Salinity:
    1. The ocean salinity depends on evaporation and precipitation
    2. Any change in the temperature or density influences the salinity
    3. Major source of sea salinity is terrestrial discharge by rivers

    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

      2. hey for me the answer is d.
        because the option 3 says about ‘major source’ which i do think so.

    2. I think it should be a because Discharge by river bring fresh water when compared to saline sea water.

  35. –Considering the image given for Q 16 , isnt the growth for Fertilizers the max (11.6 % as comapared to 9.4 % of electricity ? Wouldnt the best perfoming sector be fertilizers ?

    Even this link says fertilizers : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/core-sectors-6-4-growth-hints-at-industrial-recovery/articleshow/52076844.cms (Check the “bright spot” box)

    –Does a NBFC , not registered with RBI , bound to maintain the CRR and SLR limits ?
    –Under which parliamentary session is the issue of money bill taken ? Aadhaar is a “money bill ” of “public interest” which was introduced in the “Budget Session”.Could that be introduced in the Monsoon Session ?
    –Who approves the welfare schemes of the Ministry of Social Justice and empowermnt ?

    PS : A couple of other doubts are still pending.. I have posted them in the test 27 page

  36. DOubt – Q.No.-02.
    Answer says – Joint committee cannot move the amendment for the bill refered to it.
    Explanation – If a Bill is referred to a Select or a Joint Committee, it considers the Bill clause-by-clause just as the House does. Amendments can be moved to the various clauses by the members of the Committee. (http://164.100.47.192/Loksabha/Legislation/Legislation.aspx)

    Pl anybody, put some light on this.

    1. Horribly tough with horrible marks but still people are getting high ranks.
      Dip in confidence with this test.
      Waiting for Test 29 tab to be activated and Insights Good score.

      1. Hey its not overly tough….i found it to be of medium level difficulty

        1. Cool …thats what u are from “still people getting high ranks” category ;P…Keep it up bro 😛

          P.S : I totally understand that tough or easy also depends upon the level of preparation 🙂

          1. I personally feel one test per se does not matter…but rather whole 30 odd tests should be looked comprehensively and prep should be reviewed accordingly. dont worry about the absolute score….learn from your mistakes and move ahead….keep it simple. all the best.

      2. oh laxmi ,i feel you are so worried and scared but this is the construction of your mind laxmi.Upsc paper would be completely different from the 29th paper which consists of factual questions fully.I guess insights set up this paper for us to learn all the factual questions.So you need not worry.There is only few days away.So,dont panic .Be confident.I am pretty sure you would pass this time.My mark is 104 by the way.Yours?

        1. 104 = U dont panic boss
          83.33 = U go banging ur head on the wall saying “ab mera kya hoga” 😀

          1. ha ha.You do know my problems laxmi as i have explained it to you.If i could be confident,why not you.you are gonna pass this exam for sure.Just revise all the tests in the mean time and you would do well.

  38. Can someone clarify my doubt with respect to Global Environmental Facility and Green climate fund .
    GEF is an independent organization funding for UNFCCC ,CBD , UNCCD , MINAMATA etc as given in Wiki while GCF comes under UNFCCC !!

    But sometimes I come across statements which says GEF is under UNFCCC ?? Which is correct ?

    2. GEF doesn’t come under UNFCCC – while GCF is created under UNFCCC;

      From the Economic survey Vol-2 2016-17

      1) Green Climate Fund (GCF) :- Currently, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the largest, with pledges amounting to US$10.2 billion.
      • The GCF was established as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC in 2011 and is expected to be a major channel for climate finance from developed to developing countries.
      • The GCF has so far been pledged US$10.2 billion by 38 governments.
      2) Clean Technology Fund (CTF) :- The 2nd largest is the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) with pledges amounting to US$5.3 billion.

      GEF doesn’t come under UNFCCC – But it does serve as a funding mechanism for UNFCCC;

      (GEF is known for its Small grants programme with meagre funding :), while GEF is the big gun)

      P.S
      If you say @Peter Parker, I won’t get a message; Disqus will send a mail to me only if you reply any of my posts.

      1. Hey i think GEF comes well within the framework of UNFCCC. Article 21 of UNFCCC names GEF to serve as financial mechansim on an interim basis. Cross check it once.

        1. When you say it comes under, It means “under the control of”;

          Like I mentioned earlier, GEF shall serve as the funding mechanism for UNFCCC and bunch of other protocols.
          From wiki “The Global Environment Facility (GEF) unites 183 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector to address global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives.”

          UNFCCC is one of the international institutions 🙂

          1. Can you please throw some light on CDM(Clean development mechanism) too ? Like is it still operational or not.

  40. Q.17 As per Bipin Chandra there was no split in congress like 1907.
    Insight please clarify

    1. There was no split. It was an ideological split instead. The Swaraj party was formed within Congress itself from its cadres.

  42. Q 28
    explanation says The principle of election to the councils was legally recognized. Did not 1892 act provided for election??

    1. Yes it was 1892 in which election was recognised; Indeed it was asked in the past UPSC prelims too.

      Communal electorate was introduced in 1909.

  43. Dear insights ,

    1. What is the difference between a tributary and a principal tributary ?
    2. Are Narmada and Tapi , the only west flowing rivers of India ? What about Sabarmati , Luni etc ?

    2. 1. Principal tributary is the main tributary(Probably by the volume of water it contributes) – Yamuna is the principal tributary of Ganga;

      2. NO, of course not! 🙂 Indeed Insights asked this question earlier; Some others include – Mahi, Ghaggar-Hakra (Apparently the Vedic Saraswati) apart from what you have mentioned.

      1. Principal tributaries are main tributaries and excludes canals , drains etc. So a river can have many principal tributaries and not necessarily one. Yamuna , son , kosi all are principal tributaries of Ganga.

      1. 114……..absolute score does not matter much….learnt few good things from the test…

  44. Sir i was giving my 28th test .. due to network prob i lost my test 28 on 84 th question and not submitted…but when i refreshed my net and exam portal account it is showing you have already taken test, but review or ranking not seen… please resolve this problem Sir
    user name varshneyiitr@gmail.com

    1. I too encountered this same problem but one person here resolved it by giving me the correct idea.You could open only one test at a time ,so look for any test which is in resume category other than the 28th test.Give it submit and then open the 28th test.Now you could give your test.

      1. Thank you .. your formula work buddy…. you all are God … sab ka solution hai

  45. test 28
    Q1 Option B: Ethanol should only be produced using non-food feedstocks.

    Isn’t this correct ??

  46. can somebody share a really good, informative link/ video on cyclones, anti-cyclones?
    So that ‘saare funde clear ho jaye’
    Please help
    cyclone is a very dear topic to UPSC. Ek question to zaroor aayega

  47. how should we cover topics like ‘Sahariya Tribes”. This was too much randomness
    Is there any recent news linked to it? Please help @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus

  48. First time I crossed last year prelims exam cut off ,got 111.33 in test 28. What is the difficulty level of this test can any one share their views on D level of test 28

    1. you yourself could assess it with rank list.It looks a pretty easy test compared to 27th.Beware ha ha 29th test is going to be pretty tough.

  49. Test 28

    Q1, Option B Ethanol should only be produced using non-food feestocks. (Isn’t this correct ?)
    Q11 3rd point. (Presence of As in groundwater-http://www.greenfacts.org/en/arsenic/l-2/arsenic-2.htm)

    1. 1. Please see the explanation carefully. They can be produced from food stocks as well, but certain conditions are applicable.

      11. Please bring your argument more clearly.

  50. Q-17 – “split within Congress due to the calling off of the Non-cooperation movement.” But I understand that the split at Gaya was due to the council entry proposal. Pls advise.

    1. To the Swarajists, the calling off of NCM showed the futility of mass struggle as opposed to council entry. Hence, the split.

  52. –Considering the image given for Q 16 , isnt the growth for Fertilizers the max (11.6 % as comapared to 9.4 % of electricity ? Wouldnt the best perfoming sector be fertilizers ?
    Even this link says fertilizers : http://economictimes.indiatime… (Check the “bright spot” box)
    –Does a NBFC , not registered with RBI , bound to maintain the CRR and SLR limits ?
    –Under which parliamentary session is the issue of money bill taken ? Aadhaar is a “money bill ” of “public interest” which was introduced in the “Budget Session”.Could that be introduced in the Monsoon Session ?
    –Who approves the welfare schemes of the Ministry of Social Justice and empowermnt ?
    PS : A couple of other doubts are still pending.. I have posted them in the test 27 page

    1. 16. Fertilizer performance was highly volatile as you can see, from -0.1% to +11% to 0.7%, whereas that of electricity was more consistent and always growing on a YoY basis.

      CRR/SLR requirements are only applicable to deposit taking NBFCs. Non-deposit taking NBFCs are exempt, whether registered or not. Please see https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_NBFCNotificationView.aspx?Id=3207

      A money bill (other than the budget) can be introduced in any session.

      All schemes are ultimately introduced only after the consent from the Cabinet.

  53. We will be addressing all the doubts by 16th July afternoon.

    Thank you.

  54. First time scored more than 105 marks..scored 120…feeling somewhat boosted…but its not that score matters..learning from these tests matters immensely..

  55. Insights,
    Lucknow pact and Lucknow session are completely independent events.
    Lucknow session was linked with merger of moderates and extremists and pact with INC and ML.
    PLEASE CLARIFY.

  57. Q17…option a>The split was not happened due to CALLING OFF OF NON COOPERATION MOVEMENT…… The main reason for the split was d diff within the congress on the issue of fighting election…But you mentioned in the option that the split has happened due to CALLING OFF OF NON COOPERATION MOVEMENT..Plz clarify????

    1. It is the split (ideological) at the Gaya session that was caused by the calling off of the Non-Cooperation movement, not the formation of Swaraj party. The Swarajists believed in the council entry programme, and thus formed a separate group within Congress.

  58. Dear Team,

    Test 28, Q2:

    Does the explanation matches with the given answer. As the first statement is wrong as per the explanation. JPC can recommend amendments.
    Please let us know.

    1. Yes, the JPC can recommend amendments. This is what is also clear from the explanation. 🙂

  59. Q 10, @In@insightsprelimstestseries:disqus

    I also thought that himlayan states should have high potential for hydro projects, but when i looked at coastal belt, i thought tidal energy projects can be better due to longer coasts.
    Would tidal energy projects not qualify as hydro projects ?

    1. No, tidal energy project harness the energy of the Ocean. Small hydro projects harness the flow of streams. 🙂

  60. @insightsprelimstestseries:disqus Q54 : Since Ramsar convention recognizes Wet grassland. India might also recognize it. And can wet grassland be a sub type for Waterlogged category? I think question is wrong. Please clarify my doubt.

  61. Clarifications for Test 28

    5. The Lucknow pact was signed at the Lucknow Session of the Indian National Congress. The session resulted in moderate-extremist unity, and the Lucknow pact resulted in an agreement for coordinated action against British Rule by INC and Muslim league.

    6. Statement 4: The essential idea is that the banks should not exploit the consumers that are often laymen when it comes to a technical field like banking.

    For e.g. some time back many banks came with teaser home loans, which promised ultra low fixed interest rates in the initial years, only to be hiked later. This practice was severely discouraged by RBI. You can read about it here http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/all-you-wanted-to-know-about-teaser-home-loans/article7575686.ece

    17. It is the split (ideological) at the Gaya session that was caused by the calling off of the Non-Cooperation movement, not the formation of Swaraj party. The Swarajists believed in the council entry programme, and thus formed a separate group within Congress.

    57. Statement 1: The statements implies the principle of meritocracy vis-a-vis a “spoils system” that was prevalent earlier.

    A strong ICS was to be strictly based on the principles of merit and competence tested via an examination. Later, Indians were associated too, but the services were called ICS even when Indians were not allowed to take part in it.

    The greatest work of Cornwallis was the purification of the civil service by the employment of capable and honest public servants.

    94. Please see this http://tinyurl.com/j5edaou
    Cloudy conditions and precipitation exists at the periphery of anticyclones. Otherwise, such a high pressure region in normal situations shows fine and clear weather.

    Thank you.

  62. Insights Prelims Test Series

    How is Arsenic release into environment via MINING a natural process?

    11. Question

    Arsenic is released in the environment as a part of its natural cycle as a result of

    Volcanic eruptions

    Mining

    Acidification of water bodies

    2. In biogeochemical cycles (as these cycles are called), even human contributions form a part of natural cycles. You know, human breathing is a part of carbon and oxygen cycles. The term ‘natural’ in these cycles are not to be associated with something other than artificial. It is associated with the whole process of circulation of chemicals, which happens automatically or naturally. The contributors to these cycles may be human beings, their activities (industries, vehicles, etc.) or animals or plants, etc. but the cycle is wholly nature controlled.

      So, even mining would be a part of arsenic cycle.

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