UGC NET Paper 1: Held on 13th Nov 2020 Shift 1 (Previous Year Paper)

Research is defined as careful consideration of a study regarding a particular concern or problem using scientific methods.

Types of research and their description:

Thus, (a) - (v), (b) - (iii), (c) - (ii), (d) - (i) is the correct answer.

1. control 2. manipulation 3. observation and 4. replication |

Quantitative paradigm:

• Quantitative research paradigms are based on the philosophy that every phenomenon in the world can only be explained by positivist paradigm.
• They believe that there is only one truth and explanation of a phenomenon that can be reached using empirical methods and quantitative methodologies.
• They argue that every research should be generalizable to some extent to similar situations.
• Quantitative research quantifies variables and solves problems using numeric assessment.
• The ontology in a quantitative research is a true reality that exists in only one form.
• The process the investigator uses to know that truth is quantitative in nature, this is epistemology.
• The methodology adopted by quantitative research is mostly experimental with focus on hypothesis testing.
• Hypothesis  testing means finding the cause and effect relationship between variables.

The following sequences correctly represent the steps of research using a quantitative paradigm

1. Establishing a research problem
2. Hypothesis framing
3. Hypothesis testing
4. Generalization
5. Conclusions
6. Implications of the result.

• The concept of vulnerability has held a central place in research ethics guidance.
• Vulnerability centrally depends on the idea of protection.
• Some subjects need more vulnerability, like the protection of human subjects.
• If the research includes people, the researcher should make sure that he/she can reduce any possible harm to the minimum and maximize the benefits both to participants and other people.
• It needs to maintain the privacy and autonomy of the people.
• The first and broadest objective of research ethics is to protect human participants.
• It also aims to ensure that research is conducted in a way that serves the interests of individuals, groups, and/or society as a whole.
• Research ethics examine specific research activities and projects for their ethical soundness, looking at issues such as the management of risk, protection of confidentiality, and the process of informed consent.

Therefore, Data analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results may be considered as the most vulnerable stage in terms of research ethics.

ICT in Research:

• Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is a broader term for Information Technology (IT), which refers to all communication technologies, including the internet, wireless networks, cell phones, computers, software, middleware, video-conferencing, social networking, and other media applications and services.
• Applications of ICT are mainly used by researchers for its ability to ease the knowledge-gathering process and to enhance resource development.
• ICT helps in identifying information sources, critically analyze information, manage information, use the information to communicate knowledge across subject fields, receive results in a common format, etc.
• Adding technology to the mix reduced the potential for human error and increased the speed of the research process.

Key Points

Application of ICT helps the researcher in the following way:

• Identifying information source.
• Critically analyzing information.
• Research effectively.
• Manage information.
• Use the information to communicate and extend knowledge across subject fields.
• Link to an individual database for more specialized searching.
• Receiving knowledge in a common format.
• In the pre-data analysis, it helps in literature search, content search, literature tracking, data collection, etc.
• Helps in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Helps in plagiarism detection and manuscript submission.

Important Points

ICT is an important tool in research, that speeds up research work, and hence more thesis, journals, manuscripts, and dissertations can be worked upon and submitted. It helps to increase knowledge contribution within the research community. Above all, it enhances the quality of research work. At the same time, the use of ICT can prove to be costly.

So, from the above discussion, it can be concluded that ICT application in research is most useful for enhancing the scope of accessibility of research data.

Listening in the classroom:

• There are two types of listening: active and passive.
• Active listening, loosely defined, is paying attention to a speaker and listening to understand, not to respond. It also includes a complete focus on the speaker with minimal distractions out of respect and an intent to learn.
• In school, one example of active listening would be a student waiting their turn and considering what their peers have to say before stating their opinion in a classroom discussion.
• Passive listening, however, is like listening while multitasking.
• A passive listener might pay attention to a speaker with the sole intent to respond or place some of their attention on another task.
• Students who text during class, interrupt other classmates to voice their opinion, or do homework during lecture or story time may be passive listeners.

Key Points

Importance of active learning:

• The importance of active listening also branches into social-emotional development.
• Active listening promotes mindful thinking, which can reduce anxiety and depression in students.
• It can also help students build relationships because as they engage themselves in conversation, their peers are more likely to view them as open and interested.
• And finally, practicing active listening can promote empathy—a skill that can enrich a student’s life both in and outside of the classroom.

Important Points

On average, people listen at about 25% of their potential. And in the classroom, teachers often understand that listening is an important skill to have but rarely teach it. Active listening is easiest when there are fewer distractions. Active listening is a particular communication technique that requires the listener to provide feedback on what he or she hears to the speaker, by way of restating or paraphrasing what they have heard in their own words. Active learning promotesempathy in the students which help them to enrich their life in and outside the classroom.

Hence, option (3) is correct

Communication as a process:

• The root of the word “communication” in Latin is communicare*,* which means to share or to make common.
• Communication is defined as the process of understanding and sharing meaning.
• Communication is the relationship that involves interaction between participants.
• The first keyword in this definition is the process. A process is a dynamic activity that is hard to describe because it changes.
• The second keyword is understanding: “To understand is to perceive, to interpret, and to relate our perception and interpretation to what we already know.
• Next comes the word sharing. Sharing means doing something together with one or more people.
• Finally, the meaning is what we share through communication.

Important Points

Conclusion:

Communication is the process of sharing of information between the people. Though it could be with the help of different technologies that technology act as a channel to transfer message. Hence, it could be considered as a process of social sharing. So it can be considered as a social product. Hence, the correct is option (1).

Key Points

Semantic Noise:

• Semantic noise refers to communication barriers caused by misunderstandings or confusion due to language, symbols, or expressions that have multiple interpretations or are unfamiliar to the listener. To limit semantic noise in classroom communication, it is important to avoid the use of cliched jargon.

Cliched jargon:

• Cliched jargon refers to overused or stereotypical phrases, expressions, or technical language that everyone in the classroom may not easily understand. These terms can create confusion and hinder effective communication, especially if students are not familiar with the specific jargon or its intended meaning.

Additional Information 

A barrier in classroom communication is considered any hindrance that prevents communication between the sender and the receiver.

Some certain barriers or noises interrupt communication, which are:

• Semantic noise is when both the speaker and the listener have different interpretations of the meanings of the same words, which can lead to misunderstanding between the two.
• Environmental noise physically disrupts communication, such as very loudspeakers at a party or the sound from the construction site next to a classroom.
• Physiological-impairment noise: Physical conditions such as deafness or blindness can impede effective communication and interfere with messages being clearly and accurately received.
• Syntactical noise: Communication can be disrupted by mistakes in grammar, such as an abrupt change in verb tense during a sentence.
• Organizational noise: Poorly structured messages can also be a barrier. For example, a receiver given unclear, badly worded directions may be unable to figure out how to reach their destination.
• "Cliche" is an expression that is so common and overused and fails to impart any real impact on your sentence, whereas "jargon" is the specialized, often technical language used by people in a particular field, profession or social group.
• Semantic noise can be limited by avoiding cliche jargon which creates further miscommunication in a conversation.
• Semantic noise can be limited if we properly use our dialogues, non-verbal cues ( communication that does not have a direct verbal translation, that is, body movements) and multimedia (communication that combines different content forms such as text, audio, images, animations, etc.)

Therefore it is clear that Semantic noise in classroom communication can be limited by avoiding Cliched jargon.

Communication is simply the act of transferring from one place, person or group to another. It is the act of exchange of ideas, thoughts, feelings, sentiments, between people.

Communication barrier - Communication barrier is anything that hinders or prevents us from receiving and understanding the messages that others use to convey their information, ideas and thoughts.

Key Points

Classroom communication- It is important in order for the students to learn effectively and learn and should be put in place in their early stage of learning. Classroom communication. For effective classroom communication, they must be focused on external factors:

• Listening: To improve your abilities as a classroom communicator, you must first understand your students. In other words, seek not only to understand but to understand. This can be actively done by what students have to say.
• Simplicity: Simplicity is the best policy during classroom communication. One should follow :
• Prefer words whose meanings are familiar to the students.
• If you use a word likely to be unfamiliar to students, define that word.
• Make special meanings of familiar words clear the first time you use them.
• The proper amount of redundancy: Redundancy in communication roughly means the amount of repetition a message contains. Teachers should ensure that they include an appropriate amount of redundancy in their instructions to students.
• Empathy: Teachers who enjoy a good relationship with their students in the classroom can not be overemphasized.Two-way communication has the advantage of bringing from the listener an immediate response which we call "feedback".

Additional Information

In the above question which states the points that are useful in overcoming the communication barriers in a classroom are

• Identifying the level of redundancy- which in communication means repetition. Teachers should identify the appropriate amount of redundancy to make sure the communication is not distorted in any sense.
• Voice inflexion: which means a change in tone or pitch of the voice. Inflexion is one of the most effective tools one can use as a teacher. Variation of tone and pitch is a vital part of the communication process and without it, what we say can be misunderstood. Inflexion of the voice adds interest to what you say and can actually change the meaning of what you say.
• Contextualizing the speech: actually means putting language items into a meaningful and real context rather than being treated as isolated items of language.

Options other than A), E) and F) are not going to overcome the communication barrier in a classroom. Rather they may create misunderstanding and hinder in the communication process.

Reflective level of teaching.

• Definition: Morris L. Bigge defines reflection as, “careful, critical examination of an idea or supposed article of knowledge in the light of testing evidence which supports it and the further conclusions towards which it points.
• Reflective level teaching does not depend upon the memorization, understanding of concepts, and their application only; it demands the use of higher mental processes such as reasoning, thinking, analyzing concepts, imagination, ideas and thoughts; and other bodies of knowledge critically, finding out the facts.
• Reflective level teaching-learning comprises the highest level of learning by the learner to develop new insight to solve problems, to explore the field of knowledge, to discover, to test, and retest the achieved facts, to understand and present generalizations in the light of the new evidence.
• It also means thinking deeply about something. The reflective level of teaching is considered to be the highest level at which teaching is carried out. It is highly thoughtful and useful. A student can attain this level only after going through memory level and understanding level
• This level is also known as the introspective level. Reflecting on something means giving careful thought to something over a period of time
• Teaching at the reflective level enables the students to solve the real problems of life.
• At this level, the student is made to face a real problematic situation. The student by understanding the situation and using his critical abilities succeeds in solving the problem.
• At this level, the emphasis is laid on identifying the problem, defining it, and finding a solution to it. The student’s original thinking and creative-abilities develop at this level.

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1. The teaching at this level is not teacher-centered or subject-centered, it is leaner-centered.
2. There is an interaction between the teacher and the taught at the reflective level teaching.
3. At this level, teaching is highly thoughtful and useful than teaching at the memory or understanding level.
4. The process of teaching and learning at this level is dynamic and unique.
5. The students are provided with problematic situations and they need to follow certain procedures to solve the problems independently.
6. Since the reflective level of teaching is not teacher-centered learning, so, most of the activities are in the form of interaction between the teacher and the learner.

Important Points The characteristics and basic requirements of reflective level teaching can be identified as follows:

(a) Teacher presents the information and ideas systematically to help recall them when needed: This statement aligns with the characteristic of organizing information and ideas in a structured manner, which is important for reflective level teaching.

(b) Teacher conducts drills and exercises to fix up the ideas in the minds of students: This statement does not align with the characteristic of reflective level teaching. Fixing ideas in the minds of students through drills and exercises is more associated with rote learning or memorization rather than reflective thinking.

(c) Issues are raised and discussed with a view to sift the potential rational solution of problems: This statement aligns with the characteristic of encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving. Reflective level teaching involves discussing issues and exploring rational solutions.

(d) Teacher asks students to give examples and parallel ideas: This statement aligns with the characteristic of promoting active engagement and critical thinking. Asking students to provide examples and parallel ideas encourages them to think deeply and make connections.

**(e) Academic sessions are conducted in a dialogic mode to explore and explain the basis of

Arguments:

** This statement aligns with the characteristic of fostering dialogue and discussion. Reflective-level teaching involves creating opportunities for students to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore different perspectives, and explain the basis of their arguments.

Based on these considerations, the correct answer would be:

(c) and (e)

​​​​Hence, option (3) is correct.

Teaching support materials aim to support the teaching-learning process.

• It also helps to engage the learner
• Help for a clear understanding of the topic
• Presently teaching support materials has developed as education technology based on ICT.
• In the overcrowded classroom, the teacher uses microphones for making his voice fully audible to the learners.
• Radio, T.V., tape recorder, epidiascope, projector, closed-circuit television (C.C.T.V.), teaching machines, and computers are used for teaching the students.

Key Points

The correct sequences that correctly reflects the development of teaching support systems in Indian higher education are as follows:

1. Aural-oral:

• Aural means "through the ear" or "hearing;" oral means "by the mouth" or "speaking."
• Thus the "aural-oral" approach would be the approach to language learning through hearing and speaking.
• But, if we want to go deeper into the meaning of "hearing" and "speaking" in language learning, then we find it necessary to examine these terms more carefully.
• "Hearing" will also mean listening with understanding or comprehensiorr1; that is, being able to grasp the meaning of the stream of speech or the sounds which are uttered by a native speaker.

2. Visual:

• Visual aids are those sensory objects or images which initiate or stimulate and support learning.
• Visual aids are any devices that can be used to make the learning experience more real, more accurate, and more active.

3. Audio- Visual:

• Audio-visual aids are defined as "training or educational materials directed at both the senses of hearing and the sense of sight, films, recordings, photographs, etc. used in classroom instructions, library collections or the likes.

4. ICT based:

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an electronic means of capturing, processing, storing, communicating information.
• This technology has the ability to not only engaging the students in subjective activities but also enhance their cognitive skills.

Therefore the correct sequence of development of teaching support system is Aural-oral, Visual, Audio-visual, and ICT based.

Methods of teaching:

• It is the pedagogy and general principles use for instruction
• The strategy has to be set up based on the educational philosophy, students learning capacity, subject matter, and classroom demography.
• Sometimes infrastructure plays an important role in the teaching method.

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The below are the learner-centered strategies:

1. Cybernetic:

• Cybernetics means 'to steer', 'to navigate', or 'to govern' for taking the system to the desired goal.
• Here in the classroom teaching-learning process is a system and the goal is the success of the learner and learning process.
• Classroom cybernetics is constituted by Constructivism, Conversation theory, and a feedback system.

2. Practical tasks based project:

• Project-based learning is a pedagogical strategy in which students produce a product related to a topic.
• The teacher sets the goals for the learner, and then allows the learner to explore the topic and create their project.
• The teacher is a facilitator in this student-centered approach and provides scaffolding and guidance when necessary.
• Proponents of project-based learning cite numerous benefits of these strategies including a greater depth of understanding of concepts, broader knowledge base, improved communication and interpersonal/social skills, enhanced leadership skills, increased creativity, and improved writing skills.

Therefore, option 1 is the correct answer.

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Based on the role of the instructor and the learner it can be three types 

• Teacher centered method
• Student method
• Mixed method

1. It is difficult to prepare good questions and arrange them logically.
2. The whole content matter cannot be taught by this strategy
3. The teacher wants structured answers from the learners. There is no freedom for imaginative answers. Therefore Question-answer session is not learner-centered.

In Formative evaluation, evaluation occurs informally during instructions.

Formative evaluation:

• It is also known as internal evaluation
• It takes place during the program
• The main aim is to identify the main learning error
• Also, provide feedback after every successive evaluation
• It is more applicable in the early stage of development
• It helps to improve the program
• This kind of evaluation provides the evaluation for making the instructions and remedies more effective
• The evaluation is always done on the same criterion for all

Balanced Assessment

The correct answer is: "Making ideas clear to learners who may be at different levels of understanding."

Key Points

• Effective Teaching:
• Effective teaching involves ensuring that the content being delivered is clear and accessible to all learners, irrespective of their varying levels of understanding.
• Teachers must use strategies such as simplifying complex concepts, providing examples, and using visual aids to make ideas understandable.
• Tailoring communication to accommodate different learning speeds and styles is a critical part of ensuring that all students can grasp the subject matter.
• It enhances student engagement, reduces confusion, and promotes better retention of knowledge.
• Addressing Diverse Learners:
• Students come from diverse backgrounds and have varying learning needs. Making ideas clear ensures inclusivity in the learning process.
• This behavior fosters a supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and capable of succeeding.
• Building Understanding:
• By clarifying ideas, teachers help students build a solid foundation of knowledge, which is essential for advanced learning and critical thinking.
• Clear communication also reduces the chances of misconceptions or misunderstandings about the subject matter.

Additional Information

• Encouraging students to elaborate their own answer or that of other students:
• While encouraging students to elaborate promotes critical thinking and active participation, it is more of a supportive behavior than a key behavior for effective teaching.
• This strategy complements teaching but does not directly address the need to make ideas clear to all learners.
• Summarizing what was told by a student:
• Summarizing helps reinforce key points, but it is not a central behavior for ensuring effective teaching.
• It serves more as a reflective tool for students rather than directly enhancing understanding for all learners.
• Teacher gives comments for the purpose of organizing what is to come:
• Providing comments to organize future lessons is a planning behavior rather than a core teaching behavior that directly impacts student understanding.
• While it is important, it does not address the immediate need to clarify ideas for learners during the teaching process.

Given:

Average of three numbers = 22

Sum two numbers = 24 

Sum of those two numbers = 7 ∶ 5

Calculations:

Let the numbers be 'a', 'b' and 'c'

If sum of two numbers  = a + b

⇒ a + b = 24

The ratio of these two numbers = a ∶ b

a ∶ b = 7 ∶ 5

Sum of the ratio (a + b) = (7x + 5x)

⇒ 12x = 24 

⇒ x = 2

Hence, the value of a = 7 × 2

= 14

Hence, the ratio of b = 5 × 2 

= 10

Sum of (a + b) = 10 + 14 

⇒ (a + b) = 24 

Average of three numbers = (a + b + c)/3

⇒ (a + b + c)/3 = 22

⇒ (a + b + c) = 22 × 3 

⇒ (a + b + c) = 66

⇒ (24 + c) = 66

⇒ c = 66 - 24

⇒ c = 42

∴ Three numbers a, b, and c are 10, 14 and 42 respectively

Oration and humor in classroom communication:

• The core purpose of communication is to elicit a change in perceptions, understanding, or behavior in the receiver; this is particularly true of communication with the students in the classroom.
• The Ancient Greeks developed the art of oratory over 2000 years ago. In classical Greece and Rome, the main component was rhetoric (that is, composition and delivery of speeches), and was an important skill in public and private life. Good orators are able to change the emotions of their listeners, not just inform them.
• Humor, as we notice, has immense importance in communication. It brings teacher-student together, breaks the ice and barriers between people, and enlivens the atmosphere. It encourages us to think more and get creative.
• A good, clean joke can even enhance creativity and produce fresh, vibrant ideas.
• Anything presented in a humorous manner seems more interesting and inviting.

Rhetorical intervention:

• Rhetoric refers to the study and use of written, spoken, and visual language.

• Rhetoric began 2500 years ago as the study of the forms of communication and argument essential to public, political, and legal life in Ancient Greece.

• Rhetorical Communication : Rhetorica: the communicator gives thought to the intended message and stimulates the receiver in a manner designed to achieve a specific result.

• Rhetorical communication is simply a way to win over an audience.

• It investigates how language is used to organize and maintain social groups, construct meanings and identities, coordinate behavior, mediate power, produce change, and create knowledge.

• The oration is an oral speech given by someone in front of an audience.

• No wonder, then, that Communication Skills (oration) are often expected to include a good sense of humor within them. Kids, too, are encouraged to read a lot of varied writings of famous authors to get inspired by their writing styles, including their expert use of humor.

• Humor can actually work like therapy, in more ways than we can even imagine – and since it is our duty and responsibility, as adults, to help kids learn their best, introducing them to the wonders of a healthy Sense of Humor in Communication can be a very wise step towards helping kids lead a happy, laughter-filled life.

• Rhetoric intervention in communication does not involve feedback. So it is not good for interpersonal communication, instead, it could be better for public speaking. At the same time, it could be used in the classroom with a purpose to generate knowledge.

Hence, statement I is correct but statement II is false. So, option (3) is correct.

The logic is:

Hence, ‘7, 64’ is the correct answer.

1. Gynecologist → A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs and providing well-woman health care that focuses primarily on the reproductive organs.

2. Cardiologist → A doctor who specializes in the study or treatment of heart diseases and heart abnormalities.

3. Alchemist → A person who transforms or creates something through a seemingly magical process.

4. Neurologist → A doctor who specializes in the anatomy, functions, and organic disorders of nerves and the nervous system.

All options except ‘Alchemist’ represents Doctors.

Hence, ‘Alchemist’ is the odd one out.

Key Points

• Informative language is used to share factual information. It is objective and unbiased, and it does not express the speaker's opinion or feelings. For example, the statement "The Earth is round" is informative. It is a fact that can be verified by evidence.
• Expressive language expresses the speaker's feelings, thoughts, and opinions. It is subjective and biased, often used to evoke an emotional response from the listener. For example, the statement "I love you" is expressive. It expresses the speaker's love for the person they are speaking to.
• Directive language is used to give orders, make requests, or give advice. It is often used to influence the listener's behaviour. For example, the statement "Please close the door" is a directive statement. It is a request for the listener to close the door.

 

In this question, only statement 4 is informative. It is a factual statement that describes the person's character. The other statements are not informative. They are either commands, questions, or requests.

1. Get out of my class. → expresses giving order.

2. Why are you so late? → expresses asking question.

3. I request my students to be punctual → expresses a request is made.

4. She is very caring and cooperative → expresses information use of language.

Hence, She is very caring and cooperative is the correct answer.

The correct pair is Ubuntu - Operating System.

• An operating system – OS – is software that connects the hardware with the software side of the computer.
• It is designed for computers, smartphones, and network servers.
• Ubuntu is a free operating system that uses the Linux kernel.
• The word "ubuntu" is an African word meaning "humanity to others".
• It also provides various software solutions to corporates as well as other institutes all over the world to help them increase their efficiency and reduce costs.

 

Conclusion:

• AVI is a video and audio file format and not a file transfer protocol.
• Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet used for doing calculations and it's not a word processing software.
• HDD or hard disk drive is a storage device and does not provide a cloud storage facility.
• Ubuntu is a free operating system. Hence, option (4) is correct.

Key Points

• 1 Kilobyte (KB) = about 1 thousand bytes (or 1024 bytes to be precise)
• 1 Megabyte (MB) is about 1 million bytes (or about 1024 Kilobytes (KB))
• 1 Gigabyte (GB) is about 1 billion bytes, or (1024 Megabytes MB)
• 1 Terabyte (TB) is about roughly 1 trillion bytes or 1024 gigabytes (GB)

Hence 1 Gigabyte represents one billion characters

Gigabyte:

• Gigabyte is a common unit for modern hardware for example, 4000 MB = 4 GB
• An ordinary computer has 4 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage
• A DVD has a size of 4.7GB
• A flash drive has about 32 GB, and a hard drive has 750 GB
• 1 kilobyte (KB) is nearly about 1000 bytes. An ordinary Roman text requires about 2 kilobytes to store
• A Terabyte (TB) of computer storage capacity is nearly about 2 to the 40^th power or 10 to the 12^th power. A Terabyte is approximately 1,024 gigabytes (GB)
• The megabyte (MB) is a multiple-unit byte. The word mega represents 1000000 (10⁶) in the International System of Units (SI). A megabyte is also represented by 1000×1024 (1024000) bytes.

Sub alteration: Sub alternation is an immediate inference that is only made between A (All S are P) and I (Some S are P) categorical propositions and between E (Some S are P) and O (Some S are not P or originally, Not every S is P) categorical propositions of the traditional square of opposition and the original square of opposition. If the A proposition is true we may immediately infer that I is true.

• An example of a subalternation is "If all leopards are mammals, then some leopards are mammals."

Therefore, the proportions "All Indians eat rice" and "Some Indians eat rice" are an example of Subalternation.

Contraries: Contrary is the relationship between two propositions when they cannot both be true (although both may be false). Thus, we can make an immediate inference that if one is true, the other must be false.

• The law holds for the A and E propositions of the Aristotelian square of opposition.
• For example, the A proposition 'every man is honest' and the E proposition 'no man is honest' cannot both be true at the same time, since no one can be honest and not honest at the same time. But both can be false if some men are honest, and some men are not. For if some men are honest, the proposition 'no man is honest' is false.
• And if some men are not honest, the proposition 'every man is honest' is false also.

Contradiction: In traditional logic, a contradiction consists of a logical incompatibility or incongruity between two or more propositions. It occurs when the propositions, taken together**, yield two conclusions** that form the logical, usually opposite inversions of each other.

• Aristotle's law of non-contradiction states that "It is impossible that the same thing can at the same time both belong and not belong to the same object and in the same respect."
• Examples of a contradiction in terms include, "the gentle torturer," "the towering midget," or "a snowy summer's day." A person can also express a contradiction, like a person who professes atheism, yet goes to church every Sunday.

Sub Contraries: a proposition so related to another that though both may be true they cannot both be false.

• For example, if the proposition “all industrialists are capitalists” (A) is true, then the proposition “some industrialists are not capitalists” (O) must be false.

"Mr. X is penniless. Therefore, he should be preferred for admission to college". This reasoning represents Ad misericordiam.

Ad misericordiam (appeal to pity): An appeal to pity is a fallacy in which someone tries to win support for an argument or idea by exploiting his or her opponent's feelings of pity or guilt. It is a specific kind of appeal to emotion.

• The name "Galileo argument" refers to the scientist's suffering as a result of his house arrest by the Inquisition.
• Examples: "You should not find the defendant guilty of murder, since it would break his poor mother's heart to see him sent to jail." The argument attempts to persuade by provoking irrelevant feelings of sympathy.
• Another example: Mr. X is penniless. Therefore, he should be preferred for admission to the college.

1. Ad hominem: Ad hominem, short for argumentum ad hominem, refers to several types of arguments, some but not all of which are fallacious.

• Typically, this term refers to a rhetorical strategy where the speaker attacks the character, motive, or some other attribute of the person making an argument rather than attacking the substance of the argument itself.
• This avoids genuine debate by creating a diversion to some irrelevant but often highly charged issues.
• Ad hominem means “against the man,” and this type of fallacy is sometimes called name-calling or the personal attack fallacy. This type of fallacy occurs when someone attacks the person instead of attacking his or her argument.
• An example is a dialogue at the court, where the attorney cross-examines an eyewitness, bringing to light the fact that the witness was convicted in the past for lying. This might suggest the conclusion that the witness should not be trusted, which would not be a fallacy.
• Another example, Person A: I am for raising the minimum wage in our state, Person B: She is for raising the minimum wage, but she is not smart enough to even run a business.

2. Ad baculum: Argumentum ad baculum is the fallacy committed when one makes an appeal to force or threat of force to bring about the acceptance of a conclusion. One participates in argumentum ad baculum when one points out the negative consequences of holding the contrary position.

• Example -believe what I say, or I will hit you. It is a specific case of the negative form of an argument to the consequences.
• Another example:
• General: "If we capitulate, the enemy will take the chance to slaughter us all".
• Colonel: "So far they have treated captives adequately."
• General: "This time they won't. And you better believe me if you don't want to find yourself rotting in a mass grave."

  

3. Ignoratio elenchi: An irrelevant conclusion, also known as ignoratio elenchi or missing the point, is the informal fallacy of presenting an argument that may or may not be logically valid and sound, but fails to address the issue in question. It falls into the broad class of relevance fallacies.

• Example: Hippos can't be dangerous to humans, because they are so calm and look so cute. Proving an irrelevant conclusion.
• The President's policies on healthcare may be popular, but he is secretly a Nazi and should probably be investigated.

In the sentence "Mr. X is penniless. Therefore, he should be preferred for admission to college", someone is trying to win the argument by exploiting the feeling or financial condition of the opponent. It is a special kind of appeal to emotion. Hence, option (2) is correct.

BCD stands for Binary Coded Decimal.

• Binary coded decimal (BCD) is a system of writing numerals that assigns a four-digit binary code to each digit 0 through 9 in a decimal (base-10) numeral.
• The four-bit BCD code for any particular single base-10 digit is its representation in binary notation, as follows:
• 0 = 0000
• 1 = 0001
• 2 = 0010
• 3 = 0011
• 4 = 0100
• 5 = 0101
• 6 = 0110
• 7 = 0111
• 8 = 1000
• 9 = 1001
• Numbers larger than 9, having two or more digits in the decimal system, are expressed digit by digit. For example, the BCD rendition of the base-10 number 1895 is 0001 1000 1001 0101
• The BCD system offers relative ease of conversion between machine-readable and human-readable numerals.
• As compared to the simple binary system, however, BCD increases the circuit complexity.
• The BCD system is not as widely used today as it was a few decades ago, although some systems still employ BCD in financial applications.

1. Video Conferencing:

• Video conferencing is a technology that allows users in different locations to hold face-to-face meetings without having to move to a single location together.
• Video conferencing's main advantage over teleconferencing is that users can see each other, which allows them to develop stronger relationships.
• Video conferencing is a live video-based meeting between two or more people in different locations using video-enabled devices. Video conferencing allows multiple people to meet and collaborate face to face long-distance by transmitting audio, video, text, and presentations in real-time through the internet.

2. Teleconferencing:

• A teleconference or teleseminar is the live exchange and mass articulation of information among several persons and machines remote from one another but linked by a telecommunications system.
• Terms such as audio conferencing, telephone conferencing, and phone conferencing are also sometimes used to refer to teleconferencing.
• Internet teleconferencing includes internet telephone conferencing, video telephony, web conferencing, and augmented reality conference.
• Internet telephony involves conducting a teleconference over the Internet or a Wide Area Network. One key technology in this area is Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP).

3. Optical fiber:

• Optical fiber is the technology associated with data transmission using light pulses traveling along with a long fiber which is usually made of plastic or glass.
• Metal wires are preferred for transmission in optical fiber communication as signals travel with less damages
• Fiber optics, or optical fibers, are long, thin strands of carefully drawn glass about the diameter of a human hair. These strands are arranged in bundles called optical cables.
• So, the optical fiber transmits “data” by light to a receiving end, where the light signal is decoded as data

4. VOIP:

• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows us to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line.
• VoIP is the technology that converts our voice into a digital signal, allowing us to make a call directly from a computer, a VoIP phone, or other data-driven devices.
• We may also hear it referred to as IP telephony, internet telephony, broadband telephony, or broadband phone service.
• We'll need a reliable internet connection such as DSL, cable, or fiber from an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The standard bandwidth required for VoIP is 100 Kbps per device.

Video-conferencing is a face-to-face interaction between two or more two people while teleconferencing is a live exchange of information among several people connected with a telephonic system. On the other hand, optical fiber is the technology associated with data transmission using light pulses, while VOIP is the technology that converts our voice into digital form, and then call is directly done by a computer system or other data-driven devices. VOIP allows a phone call to be routed over network wires.

Hence, option (4) is correct.

The pattern followed here is:

According to the alphabetical positions of the letters,

Hence, ‘DET’ is the correct answer.

The number of books published house A = 28200

The ratio of academic and non-academic books = 7∶ 3

The sum of books published = (7x + 3x) 

⇒ 10x = 28200

⇒ x = 2820

The number of academics books published by the house A = 7x

⇒ 7 × 2820 = 19740

The number of books published house D = 31200

The ratio of academic and non-academic books = 8∶ 5

The sum of books published = (8x + 5x) 

⇒ 13x = 31200

⇒ x = 31200/13

⇒ x = 2400

The number of academics books published by the house A = 8x

⇒ 8 × 2400 = 19200

The difference between the number of academic books published by house A and house D = 19740 - 19200

⇒ 540

∴ The difference between the number of academic books published by publishing houses A and D is 540

The number of books published by E = 33800

The number of books distributed by E = 78% of 33800

⇒ (78/100) × 33800 = 26364

The total number of distributors in publishing house = 26

All distributors distribute the same number of books

The number of books distributed by each distributor = 26364/26

⇒ 1014

∴ The number of books distributed by each distributor = 1014

The number of books published by House F = 35700

The ratio of Academic and non-academic books published by house F = 11 ∶ 6

The number of Non-academic books = (6/17) × 35700

⇒ 6 × 2100 = 12600 

The number of books published by House G = 37800

The ratio of Academic and non-academic books published by house F = 5 ∶ 13

The number of Non-academic books = (13/18) × 37800

Average = sum of terms/ Number of terms = 27300

The average number of non-academic books published by publisher F and G = (12600 + 27300)/2

⇒ 39900/2 = 19950

∴ The average number of non-academic books published by publisher F and G is 19950

The number of books published by A = 28200

The number of books published is decreased by 20% = 80% of 28200

⇒ (80/100) × 28200 = 22560

The number of books published by B = 32200

The number of books published is decreased by 20% = 80% of 32200

⇒ (80/100) × 32200 = 25760

The number of books published by C = 29700

The number of books published is decreased by 20% = 80% of 29700

⇒ (80/100) × 29700 = 23760

The number of books published by D = 31200

The number of books published is increased by 20% = 120% of 31200

⇒ (120/100) × 31200 = 37440

The number of books published by E = 33800

The number of books published is Increased by 20% = 120% of 33800

⇒ (120/100) ×  33800 = 40560

The number of books published by F = 35700

The number of books published is increased by 20% = 120% of 35700

⇒ (120/100) × 35700 = 42840

The number of books published by G = 38700

The number of books published is decreased by 20% = 80% of 37800

⇒ (80/100) × 38700 = 30240

Average = sum of published books/number of publishing houses

The total number of books published books by all publishing houses = 22560 + 25760 + 23760 + 37440 + 40560 + 42840 + 30240

⇒ 223160

Average of published books = 223160/7

⇒ 31880

∴ The required value is 31880

The number of books published by House C = 29700

The number of books distributed by House C = 92% 0f 29700

⇒ (92/100) × 29700 = 27324

The number of books published by House E = 33800

The number of books distributed by House E =78% 0f 33800

⇒ (78/100) × 33800 = 26364

The total number of books distributed by publisher C and E = 27324 + 26364

⇒ 53688

The total number of books distributed by publisher C and E = 53688

Given: 

20% of (a + b) = 50% of ab       ----(i)

40% of (a - b) = 70% of ab      ----(ii)

Calculations:

What fraction of a is b means b/a

20% = 20/100 ⇒ 1/5

40% = 40/100 ⇒ 2/5

50% = 50/100 ⇒ 1/2

70% = 70/100 ⇒ 7/10

Substitute the values in equation (i) and (ii)

20% of (a + b) = 50% of ab

⇒ (1/5) × (a + b) = (1/2) × ab

⇒ 2 × (a + b) = 5 × ab

⇒ 2a + 2b = 5ab       ----(iii)

40% of (a - b) = 70% of ab 

(2/5) × (a - b) = (7/10) × ab

4 × (a - b) =  7ab

⇒ 4a - 4b = 7ab       ----(iv)

Multiply equation iii with 2

⇒ 2 × ( 2a + 2b) = 5ab × 2

⇒ 4a + 4b = 10ab       ----(v)

Add equation iv and v, we get

8a = 17ab

⇒ b = 8/17

Substitute  value of b in equation iv

4a - 4 × 8/17 = 7 × a × 8/17

⇒ (68a - 32)/17 = 56a/17

⇒ 68a - 32 = 56a

⇒ 68a - 56a = 32

⇒ 12a = 32

⇒ a = 8/3

Fraction of a is b = (8/17)/(8/3)

⇒ 3/17

∴ Fraction of a is b = 3/17

 

 20% of (a + b) = 50% of ab

⇒ (20/100) × (a + b) = (50/100) × ab

⇒ (1/5) × (a + b) = (1/2) × ab

⇒ 2 × (a + b) = 5 × ab

⇒ 2a + 2b = 5ab

⇒ (2/5)a + (2/5)b = ab      ----(1)

And, 40% of (a - b) = 70% of ab

⇒ (40/100) × (a - b) = (70/100) × ab

(2/5) × (a - b) = (7/10) × ab

4 × (a - b) =  7ab

⇒ 4a - 4b = 7ab

⇒ (4/7)a - (4/7)b = ab      ----(2)

Equating (1) and (2) get,

(2/5)a + (2/5)b = (4/7)a - (4/7)b

⇒ (2/5)b + (4/7)b = (4/7)a - (2/5)a

⇒ (34/35)b = (6/35)a

⇒ b = (6/34)a

⇒ b = (3/17)a

∴ b is (3/17) of a.

Theory of knowledge in Nyaya philosophy

• Knowledge, according to Nyaya, reveals both the subject and the object which are quite distinct from itself.
• Pramana is valid means of knowledge. ' Nyaya accepts four valid means of knowledge viz. perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana), testimony (shabda), and comparison (upmana).

Key Points

Upamāna: 

• Upamāna means comparison and analogy.
• The knowledge is drawn from the similarity between two objects
• Upamana, states Lochtefeld, may be explained with the example of a traveller who has never visited lands or islands with an endemic population of wildlife.
• He or she is told, by someone who has been there, that in those lands you see an animal that sort of looks like a cow, grazes like a cow but is different from a cow in such and such way.
• Such use of analogy and comparison is, state the Indian epistemologists, a valid means of conditional knowledge, as it helps the traveler identify the new animal later.
• So, Upamana is the knowledge of the relation of the name and the object or the thing denoted by that name. In other words, it is produced by the knowledge of similarity.

So, in Indian logic, Comparison is drawn from the similarity between two objects.

Pratyakṣa (perception):

• It occupies the foremost position in the Nyaya epistemology.
• Perception can be of two types*,* laukika (ordinary) and alaukika (extraordinary).

Anumāna (inference):

• It is one of the most important contributions of the Nyaya.
• It can be of two types: inference for oneself, and inference for others.
• Inference can also be classified into 3 types: 
• Purvavat (inferring an unperceived effect from a perceived cause),
• Sheshavat (inferring an unperceived cause from a perceived effect), and
• Samanyatodrishta (when inference is not based on causation but on the uniformity of co-existence).

Sabda: 

• Śabda **(**शब्द) means relying on word, a testimony of past or present reliable experts.
• Hiriyanna explains Sabda-pramana as a concept that means the testimony of a reliable and trustworthy person (āptavākya). It could be human or divine but always personal in nature.

The pattern followed here is:

According to the alphabetical positions of the letters,

Similarly,

Hence, ‘HDPLFSSX’ is the correct answer.

Data scrambling:

• Data scrambling is the process of deleting or obfuscating confidential data, a method that is normally carried out by database administrators who want to preserve the confidentiality of the data.

• This process is irreversible so that the original data cannot be obtained from the scrambled data.

• In telecommunications and recording, a scrambler (also referred to as a randomizer) is a device that manipulates a data stream before transmitting.

• Scrambling is widely used in satellite, radio relay communications, and PSTN modems.

• Whereas encryption usually refers to operations carried out in the digital domain, scrambling usually refers to operations carried out in the analog domain.

• Encryption is the process of taking plain text, like a text message or email, and scrambling it into an unreadable format — called “ciphertext.” This helps protect the confidentiality of digital data either stored on computer systems or transmitted through a network like an internet.

• Encryption is the process that scrambles readable text so it can only be read by the person who has the secret code, or decryption key. It helps provide data security for sensitive

• In cryptography, a permutation box (or P-box) is a method of bit-shuffling used to permute or transpose bits across S-boxes inputs, retaining diffusion while transposing.

• Cryptography is a method of protecting information and communications through the use of codes so that only those for whom the information is intended can read and process it.

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) analyze network traffic for signatures that match known cyberattacks. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) also analyzes packets, but can also stop the packet from being delivered based on what kind of attacks it detects.

From the above discussion, we can conclude that protection, detection, and permutation are the terms used in cybersecurity and helps in protecting information. Encryption, on the other hand, scrambles readable text so it can only be read by the person who has the secret code. Hence, scrambling of data before transmission across a network to avoid manipulation by a third party is known as encryption.

So, option (4) is correct.

Plinth wall:

• plinth course the lowest part of the wall of a building that appears above ground level, especially one that is formed of a course of stone or brick.
• The level at which the Substructure ends and the superstructure starts is called the Plinth level. It is the part of the superstructure between natural ground level and Finished floor level. the plinth is provided to restrict the seepage of stormwater and rainwater.

Preparedness

• Preparedness can be defined as a state of readiness to respond to a disaster, crisis, or any other type of emergency situation.
• In general, preparedness activities can be characterized as the human component of predisaster hazard management.
• Training and public education are the most common preparedness activities, and, when properly applied, they have great potential to help people survive disasters.
• Although preparedness activities do little to prevent a disaster from occurring, they are very effective at ensuring that people know what to do once the disaster has happened.

Prevention 

• Prevention actions are undertaken in advance. Sometimes this is referred to as mitigation.
• Examples include back-burning or constructing sea walls to protect from tidal waves, having alternative sources of electricity or alternative communication systems in place.
• Hence, Making a plinth wall to reduce the severity of a flood is a preventive measure, that is done in advance, before the onset of the flood. Hence, option (2) is correct.

Mitigation

• It is the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
• In environmental engineering, flood mitigation involves the management and control of floodwater movement, such as redirecting flood run-off through the use of floodwalls and flood gates, rather than trying to prevent floods altogether.
• Flood control methods are used to reduce or prevent the detrimental effects of floodwaters. Flood relief methods are used to reduce the effects of floodwaters or high water levels.
• Not all disasters can be prevented. Effective adaptation to rising flood risk requires a diversified approach of interventions, which may include structural flood protection measures, early warning systems, risk-informed land planning, nature-based solutions, social protection, and risk financing instruments.

Renewable energy sources:

• India is one of the countries with a large production of energy from renewable sources. As of 27 November 2020, 38% of India's installed electricity generation capacity is from renewable sources (136 GW out of 373 GW).

• In the Paris Agreement India has committed to an Intended Nationally Determined Contributions target of achieving 40% of its total electricity generation from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

• The country is aiming for an even more ambitious target of 57% of the total electricity capacity from renewable sources by 2027 in Central Electricity Authority's strategy blueprint.

• According to the 2027 blueprint, India aims to have 275 GW from renewable energy, 72 GW of hydroelectricity, 15 GW of nuclear energy, and nearly 100 GW from “other zero emission” sources.

• The government of India has also set a target for the installation of Rooftop Solar Projects (RTP) of 40 GW by 2022 including installation on the rooftop of houses.

• As of September 2020, 89.22 GW is already operational, projects of 48.21 GW are at various stages of implementation, and projects of 25.64 GW capacity are under various stages of bidding.

• Excluding large hydro projects, the contribution of renewables accounted for 23.9% of the country's total power capacity mix. This includes installed power capacity from solar power (9.8%), wind power (10.1%), bio-power (2.7%), small hydro projects (1.3%), and waste-to-energy projects (0.04%).

• Installed Grid interactive renewable power capacity in India as of September 2020 is shown in below chart:

                                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage.

• Wind power or wind energy describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power.

• Wind turbines use blades to collect the wind's kinetic energy. Wind flows over the blades creating lift (similar to the effect on airplane wings), which causes the blades to turn. The blades are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator, which produces (generates) electricity.

• Hydropower is using water to power machinery or makes electricity. Turbines and generators convert the energy into electricity, which is then fed into the electrical grid to be used in homes, businesses, and by industry.

• Hydropower is one of the oldest power sources on the planet, generating power when flowing water spins a wheel or turbine. It was used by farmers as far back as ancient Greece for mechanical tasks like grinding grain. Hydropower is also a renewable energy source and produces no air pollution or toxic byproducts

• Biomass power is carbon neutral electricity generated from renewable organic waste that would otherwise be dumped in landfills, openly burned, or left as fodder for forest fires. When burned, the energy in biomass is released as heat.

• Geothermal power is power generated by geothermal energy. Technologies in use include dry steam power stations, flash steam power stations, and binary cycle power stations. Geothermal electricity generation is currently used in 26 countries, while geothermal heating is in use in 70 countries.

Therefore, (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) all are correct.

Particulate Matter

• PM stands for particulate matter (also called particle pollution).
• It is the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.
• Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye.
• Particulate matter can be released from different types of human activities such as vehicle emissions, smoke particles, dust particles, and ash from industries.

​

• Many of them can harm our health, especially very small particles that can enter deep into the lungs
• Particulates are the most harmful form of air pollution due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, bloodstreams, and brain, causing health problems including heart attacks, respiratory disease, and premature death.
• Health studies have shown a significant association between exposure to particle pollution and health risks, including premature death.
• Health effects may include cardiovascular effects such as cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks and respiratory effects such as asthma attacks and bronchitis.
• Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including premature death in people with heart or lung disease decreased lung function, increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

Therefore, the most relevant effect of particulate matter in the air, on human health is the aggravation of the respiratory disease.

​​

Impaired blood formation:

• It is a blood cell disorder, a condition in which there’s a problem with your red blood cells, white blood cells, or the smaller circulating cells called platelets, which are critical for clot formation.
• All three cell types form in the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue inside your bones

Chest tightness:

• It can stem from a muscle strain, asthma, ulcers, rib fracture, pulmonary hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Aside from a medical reason, chest tightness can be caused by an active stress response, also known as the “flight or fight” response.

Assertion (A): It is crucial to sustain Himalayan ecosystem.

Explanation:

• The Himalayan ecosystem is considered very fragile and diverse but vital to the ecological security of the Indian landmass, through providing forest cover, feeding perennial rivers that are the source of drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower, conserving biodiversity, providing a rich base for high value.
• Tropical moist forests of India border the Himalayas to the south, which give way to low elevation subtropical grasslands of India, Bhutan, and Nepal.
• To the west of the Himalayan region, dry thorn scrub forests and arid shrublands spread extensively throughout eastern Pakistan and western India.
• The most characteristic features of the Himalayas are their great height, complex geologic structure, snowcapped peaks, large valley glaciers, deep river gorges, and rich vegetation.
• The Himalayas play a very significant role in influencing the climate of India.
• By virtue of their high altitude, length, and direction, they effectively intercept the summer monsoons coming from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea and cause precipitation in the form of rain or snow.

Therefore, Assertion (A) is the correct answer.

Reason (R): Himalayan ecosystem is home to a number of indigenous tribes.

Explanation:

• A national mission to sustain the Himalayan ecosystem, continuously assess its health status, and formulate policies for sustainable development in the mountainous states, was approved by the government in 2014.
• The mission document on the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE), launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with an outlay of Rs.550 crore during the 12^th Plan, was approved by the Union Cabinet.
• Its primary objective is to develop a sustainable national capacity in a time-bound manner to continuously assess the health status of the Himalayan ecosystem and enable policy formulation to assist Himalayan states to implement sustainable development programs, an official release said.
• The NMSHE would focus on biodiversity conservation and protection of wildlife, traditional knowledge of societies and their livelihoods, the release said, adding marginalized communities of the Himalayan region would be the major beneficiaries of the mission.
• The Champa, Ladakhi, Balti, and Dard peoples live to the north of the Great Himalaya Range in the Kashmir Himalayas. The Dard speak Indo-European languages, while the others are Tibeto-Burman speakers. The Champa traditionally lead a nomadic pastoral life in the upper Indus valley.

Therefore, Reason (R) is the correct statement.

It is crucial to conserve the Himalayan ecosystem not only because of indigenous tribes but due to Natural geological wealth, forestry, wildlife, flora, fauna and biodiversity, snow, ice and water bodies, traditional knowledge, and mountain agriculture which characterize the region.

Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).​

The answer is 4. Greater than 40%.

• In developing countries, food waste is a major problem. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted annually. This amounts to about 1.3 billion tonnes of food, enough to feed 2 billion people.
• The majority of food waste occurs in developing countries. Food waste is often due to a lack of infrastructure, refrigeration, and storage facilities in these countries. Food is also wasted due to overproduction, poor harvesting practices, and spoilage.
• Food waste is a serious problem because it contributes to climate change, water pollution, and deforestation. It also wastes resources, such as land, water, and energy.
• Several things can be done to reduce food waste in developing countries. These include improving infrastructure, providing refrigeration and storage facilities, and educating people about food waste.

​​

• India's huge population is responsible for the mammoth generation of MSW, with a daily generation rate of 400g per capita.
• The constituents of MSW mainly comprise compostable items (51-53%), followed by recyclable (17-18%) and having a moisture content of 46.76 %
• MSW composition in India is approximately 40%–60% compostable, 30%–50% inert, and 10%–30% recyclable.
• According to the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Indian waste consists of 0.64%±0.8% nitrogen, 0.67%±0.15% phosphorus, and 0.68%±0.15% potassium and has a 26±5C: N ratio.
• Organic materials such as paper and paperboard, yard trimmings, and food waste continue to be the largest component of MSW. Paper and paperboard account for over 27 per cent, yard trimmings and food waste account for another 28 per cent.

Therefore, in developing countries, the fraction of food waste in the composition of municipal solid waste is typically in the range greater than 40%.

Deemed university:

1. Deemed university, or deemed-to-be-university, is an accreditation awarded to higher educational institutions in India, conferring the status of a university.
2. It is granted by the Department of Higher Education.
3. To quote the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), "An Institution of Higher Education, other than universities, working at a very high standard in the specific area of study, can be declared by the Central Government on the advice of the University Grants Commission (UGC), as an Institution 'Deemed-to-be-university'.
4. Institutions that are 'deemed to be universities' enjoy the academic status and privileges of a university.
5. “Deemed” is a status given to the universities by the Department of higher education under MHRD.
6. Deemed to be University has full independence or autonomy in deciding the admission, fees, syllabus or courses.

Some deemed to be universities also give degrees on their own. According to UGC, there are 126 Deemed to be universities.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR AN INSTITUTION TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AS A DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY

• The university should have accreditation by NAAC with 3.01 and above OR

2/3^rd of the technical programmes at Postgraduate and Undergraduate levels accredited by the NBA in two successive cycles at the time of their application.

• The university should have some undergraduate courses and a minimum of 5 post-graduate departments for 3 years with research programmes carried in the departments.
• The university should be engaged in publications, research activity, scholarly works and should have doctoral or post-doctoral research programmes. The yearly target per faculty publications in SCOPUS {peer-reviewed journals} should not be less than 1.5 on a normal basis for the last 3 years.

Additional Information

A deemed-to-be university can award a degree to the approved courses such as B.COM, BBA, M.A, M.Sc, B.Sc The institute under deemed-to be university are under Category-I and Category-II or the universities are ranked fro 1-50 in the universities of present NIRF ranking.

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved a new initiative - Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India’s Developing Economy (STRIDE).
• It is to boost research culture in the country.
• It will provide support to research projects that are socially relevant, locally need-based, nationally important and globally significant. STRIDE shall support research capacity building as well as basic, applied and transformational action research that can contribute to national priorities with a focus on inclusive human development. STRIDE shall support creation, development integration of new ideas, concepts and practices for the public good and strengthening civil society.
• STRIDE scheme will strengthen research culture and innovation in colleges and universities and help students and faculty to contribute towards India’s developing economy with help of collaborative research.

Additional Information

SPARC

• The Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) is a Ministry of Human Resource Development initiative that aims at improving the research ecosystem of India’s Higher Educational Institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best institutions in the world.

IMPRESS

• The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) launched a new scheme called IMPRESS (Impactful Policy Research in Social Science) to promote policy research in social science.
• The Indian Council of Social Science Research has been entrusted with the task of implementing and monitoring the scheme IMPRESS.
• Impactful Policy Research in Social Science (IMPRESS) aims to encourage social science research in policy-relevant areas so as to provide vital inputs in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
• The basic idea is to have a visible impact on polity, economy, society, culture, media, governance, health, environment, technology, law etc.

STARS

• Scheme for Transformational and Advanced Research in Sciences (STARS) for promoting translational, India-centric research in Sciences, to be implemented and managed by Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
• With the key objective of supporting socially relevant research, the following 6 basic thrust areas have been identified: Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Nanosciences, Data Sciences & Mathematics and Earth Sciences.

Key Points

 ​The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS):

• The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) is a multilateral agreement that was negotiated during the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations (1986-1994) and entered into force in 1995. GATS covers all services sectors, including education.
• Under GATS, each country is free to decide how much access it wants to give to foreign suppliers of services. Countries can make commitments to allow foreign suppliers to provide services in their markets, or they can make commitments to limit access.
• In India, the Department of Commerce and Trade is responsible for negotiating and implementing GATS commitments. The Department also works with other government departments, such as the Ministry of Education, to ensure that GATS commitments are consistent with India's national interests.

The other options are incorrect, because

• The Department of Education is responsible for developing and implementing policies for elementary, secondary, and higher education in India.
• The Department of External Affairs is responsible for India's foreign policy.
• The Department of Urban Planning is responsible for developing and implementing policies for urban development in India.

Therefore, Under GATS, higher education policies are to be framed by Commerce and Trade.

Knowledge commission was also known as the “National knowledge commission”, was a think-tank of policies that aimed to improve the knowledge-intensive service sectors. This commission was created on 13^th June 2005 by the former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.

The main recommendations of this commission were:

• Creation of Universities:
• The commission aimed to expand the Indian education system, it suggested the creation of approximately 1500 universities by the year 2015 by partly restructuring the existing universities.
• The committee recommended the establishment of 50 new national universities a nationalization of higher education.
• These national universities will give admission to eligible students of India.
• Achieve excellence:
• There should be efforts to retain talented faculty members with better working conditions and incentives according to the performance.
• It is important to keep a standard preference to promote and achieve excellence.
• Creation of Regulatory institutions:
• The commission recommended the creation of IRAHE (an Independent regulatory authority for higher education).
• National Knowledge Commission has recommended setting up IRAHE which would help to reduce current barriers to entry.

Knowledge Commission also aimed at:

1. Increase in GER: National knowledge commission also recommended increasing the GER (Gross enrolment ratio) in higher education to 15 & above by the year 2015.
2. Modification of Sources of Financing: National Knowledge commission also aimed to increase public spending and diversify the various sources of financing to boost private participation.
3. Enhance Quality: The commission also aimed to improve quality by using different measures such as the introduction of salary differentials and upgrading infrastructure.

Therefore, from the above explanation, option 3 is the correct answer.

Assertion (A): Central Universities are considered elite higher education institutions in India.

Explanation:

• Central universities or union universities in India are established by an Act of Parliament and are under the purview of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education.
• In general, universities in India are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which draws its power from the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.
• In addition, 15 Professional Councils are established, controlling different aspects of accreditation and coordination.
• Central universities, in addition, are covered by the Central Universities Act, 2009, which regulates their purpose, powers, governance, etc., and established 12 new universities.
• As of 1 June 2020, The list of central universities published by the UGC includes 54 central universities.
• The main features of Central Universities are
• The President of India acts as the 'Visitor' for all the Central Universities.
• The Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRD) assists the President of India in the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Court Nominees and Selection Committee Nominees.
• The President has the power to nominate a few members to the Executive Committee/Board of Management/Court/Selection Committees of the University in terms of the various statutes and provisions laid down in the University Act.

Therefore, Central Universities are considered elite higher education institutions in India. Hence Assertion (A) is correct.

Reason (R): Despite their elitist image, these institutions do not find a place in the top order of international ranking.

Explanation:

• India has a relatively small number of elite institutions — such as the IITs, the IIMs and central universities.
• Large numbers of Indian students also continue to head abroad for higher education. The migration of an increasing number of students to private universities and to the West is in part driven by growing prosperity but also by the inability of the State to build new institutions at a rapid pace and to maintain quality at public institutions.
• With respect to ranking, only the Indian Institute of Science finished in the top 500 at 327.
• India’s policymakers appear to be either lacking in clarity or seem far too ambitious. The Universities for Research and Innovation Bill 2012, which intended to establish universities focused on innovation and research, has been buried.
• Due to the above reason, Indian institutions do not find place in the top order of international ranking.

Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A) as an elitist image is not sufficient for Indian universities to find their place in the top order of international ranking.

The correct answer is 'Complete currency depreciation'.

Key Points

• Monetary deficit is the plan laid out by the central bank to manage the money and supply rates.
• The 2^nd line of the passage states that 'the nation's monetary authorities usually do not allow the full depreciation required to eliminate the deficit completely'.
• This line suggests that in order to completely eliminate the monetary deficit*,* complete currency depreciation is required even though monetary authorities do not allow this.

Thus, from all the points given above we can infer that complete currency depreciation is needed to completely eliminate the monetary deficit.

Important Points

• The given passage is difficult to comprehend since it involves jargons.
• However, such situation should not discourage any candidate.
• In such a scenario it's always a good idea to read the passage 3-4 times to get a grasp over it.
• Then try to locate the keywords from the question in the passage and re read that sentence.

The correct answer is 'BoP adjustment should come from elsewhere'.

Key Points

• The BoP means the balance of payments.
• Balance of payments is statement of transactions, over a period of time, made between a country and rest of the world.
• It's given in the passage that, 'the exchange rate can depreciate only within the narrow limits allowed so that most of the balance of payments adjustment must come from elsewhere.'
• If BoP will come from other countries then it will help the nation to finance it's deficit.

Thus, from all the given points we can infer that full depreciation is not allowed because 'BoP adjustment should come from elsewhere'.

The correct answer is 'Increase domestic production'

Key Points

• Depreciation of currency means a fall in the value of currency with respect to a foreign currency which is used as a reference.
• When a limited depreciation is allowed then that attracts foreign investors because they can get capital and other resources cheaply.
• When foreign investments increases that will lead to increase in domestic production, which will in turn leads to reduction of deficit.
• It's a complex process and it's been described in the last part of the passage.
• Thus, from all the points mentioned above we can infer that the most appropriate answer is 'Increase domestic production'

Important Points

• The passage is difficult because first it employ jargons and second it uses long, complex sentences.
• Long sentences makes it difficult to retain information especially when you are short of time.
• Best approach is to create flow diagrams or even mind maps.
• This will help you to look at the information at one place and answer the questions more easily.

The correct answer is 'Reduction in money supply'

Key Points

• A free exchange system is a type of economic situation were a country allows its currency to fluctuate according to the foreign exchange market.
• Let's look at the statement given in the passage:
• 'Except under a freely flexible exchange rate system, a balance-of-payment tends to reduce the nation's money supply, thus increasing its interest rates.'
• It's easy to get confused between options (1) Reduction in money supply and (3) Increase in interest rates, since we can find both in the given statement.
• However, we will select the first effect that is reduction in money supply because increase in interest rates is second in the chain of events under the free exchange rate system.

Hence, from all the given points, we can infer that 'Reduction in money supply' happens under a free exchange system**.**

The correct answer is 'Improvement in the trade balance of the deficit nation.'

Key Points

• Trade balance means the difference between monetary value of a nation's exports and imports.
• When there is deficit in balance of payments, it reduces the money supply and increases the interest rates.
• When the value of the currency of a country is lower than the surplus nation gets profit in investments.
• Foreign investments will finance the deficit, since it will start improving the exports and thus the trade balance will improve.

Therefore, from all the points above we can infer that the correct answer is 'Improvement in the trade balance of the deficit nation.'