UGC NET Paper 1: Held on 24th Nov 2021 Shift 2 (Previous Year Paper)

Calculation:      

Female members in  IT:

\(⇒ 250 \times \frac{1}{2} = 125\)

Female members in Accounts: 

\(⇒ 123 \times \frac{1}{3} = 41\)

Female members in HR:

\(⇒ 90 \times \frac{2}{5} = 36\)

Female members in Marketing:

\(⇒ 350 \times \frac{2}{7} = 100\)

Female members in Production:

\(⇒ 304 \times \frac{3}{8} = 114\)

Total female members = 125 + 41 + 36 + 100 + 114 = 416

Total department = 5

⇒ Average = 416/5 = 83.2

∴ The average number of regular female employees in the organization is 83.2 

The correct option is 1 i.e. 83.2

Calculation:  

Regular male employees    

Male members in  IT:

\(⇒ 250 \times \frac{1}{2} = 125\)

Male members in Accounts: 

\(⇒ 123 \times \frac{2}{3} = 82\)

Male members in HR:

\(⇒ 90 \times \frac{3}{5} = 54\)

Male members in Marketing:

\(⇒ 350 \times \frac{5}{7} = 250\)

Male members in Production:

\(⇒ 304 \times \frac{5}{8} = 190\)

Total male members = 125 + 82 + 54 +250 + 190 = 701

Contractual male employees    

Male members in  IT:

\(⇒ 340 \times \frac{2}{3} = 227 \)

Male members in Accounts: 

\(⇒ 130\times \frac{3}{5} = 78\)

Male members in HR:

\(⇒ 30 \times \frac{2}{3} = 20 \)

Male members in Marketing:

\(⇒ 343 \times \frac{5}{7} = 245 \)

Male members in Production:

\(⇒ 351 \times \frac{5}{9} = 195 \)

Total male members = 227 + 78 + 20 + 245 + 195 = 765

∴ Difference = 765 - 701 = 64

The correct option is  i.e. 64

Calculation:    

Regular employee: 

Female members in Marketing:

\(⇒ 350 × \frac{2}{7} = 100\)

Female members in Production:

⇒ 304 × \(3 \over 8\) = 114

Contractual employee:

Female members in Marketing:

\(⇒ 343 × \frac{2}{7} = 98\)

Female members in Production:

\(⇒ 351 × \frac{4}{9} = 156\)

⇒ Total female members in marketing = 100 + 98 = 198

⇒ Total female members in Production = 114 + 156 = 270

Total female members in marketing ∶ Total female members in Production

⇒ 198 ∶ 270

⇒ 11∶ 15

∴ 11 ∶ 15 is the total number of female employees in the marketing department to the total number of female employees in the production department. 

The correct option is 4 i.e. 11∶ 15

Calculation:      

Contractual male employees    

Male members in  IT:

\(⇒ 340 × \frac{2}{3} = 226.67 \approx 227\)

Male members in Accounts: 

⇒ 130 × \(\frac{3}{5} = \)78

Male members in HR: 

\(⇒ 30 × \frac{2}{3} = 20\)

Male members in Marketing:

\(⇒ 343 × \frac{5}{7} = 245\)

Male members in Production:

\(⇒ 351 × \frac{5}{9} = 195\)

Total male member =  227 + 78 + 20 + 245 + 195 = 765

Female members in  IT:

\(⇒ 340 × \frac{1}{3} = 113\)

Female members in Accounts: 

⇒ 130 × \(\frac{2}{5} = \) 52

Female members in HR: 

\(⇒ 30 × \frac{1}{3} = 10\)

Female members in Marketing:

\(⇒ 343 × \frac{2}{7} = 98\)

Female members in Production:

\(⇒ 351 × \frac{4}{9} = 156\)

Total female member =  113 + 52 + 10 + 98 + 156 = 429 

∴ Difference = 765 - 429 = 336 

The correct option is 3 i.e. 336

Calculation:  

In regular employee    

Female members in  IT:

⇒ 250 × \(1\over 2\) = 125

Female members in Accounts: 

\(⇒ 123 × \frac{1}{3} = 41\)

Female members in HR:

\(⇒ 90 × \frac{2}{5} = 36\)

Female members in Marketing:

\(⇒ 350 × \frac{2}{7} = 100\)

Female members in Production:

\(⇒ 304 × \frac{3}{8} = 114\)

In contractual employee      

Female members in  IT:

\(⇒ 340 × \frac{1}{3} = 113\)

Female members in Accounts: 

\(⇒ 130 × \frac{2}{5} = 52\)

Female members in HR:

\(⇒ 30 × \frac{1}{3} = 10\)

Female members in Marketing:

\(⇒ 343 × \frac{2}{7} = 98\)

Female members in Production:

\(⇒ 351 × \frac{4}{9} = 156\)

Total female member in IT = 125 +113 = 238

Total female member in Accounts =  41 + 52 = 93

Total female member in HR =  36 + 10 = 46 

Total female member in Marketing = 100 + 98 = 198

Total female member in Production = 114 + 156 = 270

∴ Total female member in Production is 270

The correct option is 1 i.e. Production

The correct answer is: "Reflective"

Key Points

• Reflective Level of Teaching:
• The reflective level of teaching is considered the highest level in the hierarchy of teaching because it focuses on developing critical and independent thinking skills in learners.
• At this level, students analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information to solve complex problems, often requiring them to apply their knowledge in real-world or abstract situations.
• Teaching at this level involves fostering creativity, decision-making, and the ability to question and critically assess ideas.
• The role of the teacher at this level is to guide and facilitate the learning process rather than directly delivering information, encouraging learners to reflect on their own understanding and perspectives.
• Examples of teaching strategies at this level include problem-based learning, case studies, debates, project work, and research-based assignments.
• Outcome of Reflective Teaching:
• The main goal is to develop self-directed learners who can think critically and independently.
• It emphasizes lifelong learning and prepares students to address complex and ambiguous challenges in their personal and professional lives.

Additional Information

• Memory Level:
• The memory level of teaching is the most basic level and focuses on rote memorization and recall of facts, concepts, and information.
• This level is teacher-centered, with minimal involvement of the learner in critical thinking or understanding.
• Examples include learning historical dates, formulas, or vocabulary through repetition and drills.
• While important for foundational knowledge, it does not foster deep understanding or critical thinking.
• Understanding Level:
• The understanding level of teaching goes beyond rote memorization and focuses on comprehension of ideas, relationships, and principles.
• Students are encouraged to understand the "why" and "how" of concepts and apply them to familiar situations.
• Examples include explaining the cause-and-effect relationship, interpreting data, and summarizing information.
• Although it promotes a deeper engagement with the content, it does not reach the level of critical evaluation or independent thinking required in the reflective level.
• Thinking:
• Thinking is a cognitive process involved in all levels of teaching but is not categorized as a distinct level of teaching itself.
• At the reflective level, thinking is more advanced and involves critical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of knowledge.

SWAYAM stands for Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds.

Key Points

Thus, A-IV, B - I, C - II, and D - III are correct matching.

The teaching method refers to the fundamental ideas, pedagogy, and classroom management strategies that are used in the classroom.

Key Points

Teaching theories can be organized into two categories:

Teacher-centered approach

Learner-centered approach

• ​Teacher-centred approach: The teacher takes on the role of a traditional classroom speaker, providing material to students who are expected to passively absorb the information.
• Learner-centered approach: It addresses the balance of power in teaching and learning, moves toward learners actively developing their own knowledge, and places responsibility for learning on the learners.
• Features of the learner-centered approach are the following:
• ​The emphasis is on both the pupils and the educator.
• Teachers facilitate student learning
• Students interact with the lecturer and with one another.
• Depending on the goal of the exercise, students work in pairs, groups, or individually.
• Students use the instructor as a source of information to answer each other's inquiries.
• Students can choose from a variety of topics.
• Students assess themselves.

Thus, In a learner-centric approach, a teacher should facilitate student learning.

Quantitative research methods are those that employ numbers as a foundation for generating broad conclusions about a subject.

Key Points

• It stresses the use of computational approaches to analyze numerical data.
• The numbers used in the statistical analysis come from objective measuring scales for the units of analysis.
• Characteristics of quantitative research methods are mentioned below which are the following :
• Identified variables are measured
• Use standardized research Instruments
• Assume a normal population distribution
• Replication of research can be done
• Prediction can be done
• Use of Measuring Devices

Thus, the Characteristics of quantitative research are identified variables are measured, questions are standardized and if the sample size is large, the findings can be easily generalized.

Additional Information

• There are four different types of measurement scales: nominal, ordinal, ratio, and interval.
• Instruments that need numerical inputs or direct measurements of characteristics that characterize the subject of research are used in these surveys.

Replication is the process of repeating a research study.

Key PointsReplication:

• Replication in research refers to the process of independently conducting a study or experiment again to validate and verify the findings of a previous research effort. It involves reproducing the original study's methodology, procedures, and data analysis to determine if similar results can be obtained.
• Replication plays a crucial role in the scientific method because it helps ensure the reliability and credibility of research findings.
• By replicating a study, researchers can assess the robustness and generalizability of the original findings. If the results of the replication study align with the original findings, it adds confidence to the validity of the research and strengthens the evidence base supporting the conclusions.
• The researcher Independently verifies the previous research to demonstrate generalizability across conditions that will invariably differ from those in the original study.
• This concept emphasises the interpretation of probable outcomes rather than the study's operational characteristics.
• Replication aims to advance theory by confronting existing knowledge with new data.

Thus, Independent verification of a research effort is known as Replication.

Additional Information

• Probe: Probing is a specific research technique used by interviewers in individual and group interviews and focus groups to generate further explanations from research participants.
• “Inquiry” is searching for knowledge and information about a problem by asking questions and probing. At the same time, “investigation” is the organized process of inquiring about a problem through inspection and assessment.

Adolescence is the time when a person transitions from childhood to adulthood. 

Key Points

• Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, mental, social, emotional, and sexual growth and development.
• The characteristics of an adolescent are the following: 
• ​An individual's physical, psychological, and sociological characteristics, as well as values, attitudes, interests, and behavior, change.
• The life cycle has both regularity and inconsistency.
• Adolescence is a complex and often difficult period in development for both adolescents and their families, due to rapid physical, psychological, and cognitive changes.
• The adolescent has a problem with the quick and rapid change of physical and psychological elements throughout this stage.
• Adolescents are engaged in solving problems on their own and attempting to acquire independence from their parents.
• Developing cooperative and workable relationships with peers and preparing for a meaningful job.

​​Thus, the characteristics of adolescents are increasing independence from adult control, rapid physiological changes, and increased focus on activities with peer groups.

Learning is gaining new skills and knowledge that influence their attitudes, decisions, and behaviors.

Key Points

 The two factors that influence learning are

• Factors Associated with Leaner.
• ​Some of the learner-related factors are mentioned below: 
• ​Motivation
• Readiness and Will power
• learner's Ability
• Learner's maturation
• Attention
• Health condition
• Aspirational and accomplishment levels

Thus, Motivation, aptitude, and interest are the most influential factors of learning.

Additional Information

• Factors Related to Learning Process:
• ​Methods of learning
• Good physical atmosphere
• Knowledge of results as feedback

Key Points 

Statement I: Researchers in history are myth makers. 

• Myths are found in every culture around the world and are used to explain natural events.
• Myth and history are two different perspectives on the past.
• In historical research, myth plays an important role to explain past phenomena.

Thus, Statement I is correct.

Statement II: Various movements in social history-new history - have provided new narratives for history researchers.

• A majority of the populace may nevertheless create their views of the past based on inherited mythlike traditions.
• For example, The polarized populations (Protestant and Roman Catholic) of Northern Ireland, as well as pro-and anti-communist supporters in Greece.
• In the earlier example, the two communities had diametrically opposed views of the events surrounding Ireland's partition.
• These opposing traditions are mythlike because they are narratives with a powerful validating function—justifying present enmities and loyalties. ​

So, Statement II is correct.

Therefore, Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Content analysis is a research method for determining the existence of specific words, topics, or concepts in qualitative data. 

Key Points

• Content Analysis helps researchers to quantify and analyze the presence, meanings, and correlations of specific words, themes, or concepts.
• Quantitative content analysis and qualitative content analysis are both possible.
• According to Wimmer and Dominick in their work Mass media research: An introduction, put forwards the sequential steps in the content analysis are: 
• Formulation of the research question or hypothesis by the researcher​
• Defining the population
• Selection of appropriate sample
• Identifying the unit of analysis and construction of categories
• Code, analyze, and draw inferences from the collected data

​Thus, Formulation of the research question or hypothesis by the researcher ​⇒ defining the population⇒ Selection of appropriate sample ⇒ Identifying the unit of analysis and construction of categories ⇒ Code, analyzing and drawing inferences from the collected data.

Hence E, A, B, C, and D are correct options.

Additional Information

Advantages of content analysis:

• ​Unobtrusive data collection
• Replicable and Transparent
• Highly flexible

Ethics in research ensures the goal is to deliver original knowledge, truth and avoid any inaccuracies.

Key Points

Therefore, A-III, B - IV, C - I, and D - II are correct matching,

The transactional model of communication refers to a continuous exchange of information in which both the sender and the receiver are involved and take turns communicating messages.

Key Points

• The transaction model of communication is a two-way process rather than a one-way linear model.
• In the transaction model of communication, senders and receivers of messages are interchangeable.
• The transaction model's communicators are interdependent on each other.
• The channel employed in transaction models of communication determines the message's reliability and efficiency.
• For example, a person's perception of a message through face-to-face communication differs from that of a message received over the phone.

​Thus, In the transactional type of communication, the elements are Interdependent.

Additional Information

The disadvantage of the transactional type of communication:

• ​ Misunderstandings
• A lot of unnecessary noise​

Nonverbal communication is a technique of transmitting and receiving messages without using spoken or written words. 

Key Points​​Non-verbal communication:

• ​Psychiatrist Jurgen Ruesch and novelist Weldon Kees coined the term nonverbal communication.
• Non-verbal communication is the process of communicating without using words. It includes facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Several factors influence non-verbal communication, including culture, geographical location, and context.
• Culture: Different cultures have different norms for non-verbal communication. For example, in some cultures, direct eye contact is considered a sign of respect, while in other cultures, it is considered a sign of aggression.
• Geographical location: Non-verbal communication can also vary depending on the geographical location. For example, in some parts of the world, it is common to greet someone by shaking hands, while in other parts of the world, it is common to greet someone by bowing.
• Context: The context of a situation can also influence non-verbal communication. For example, if you are at a funeral, you would be expected to be more subdued in your non-verbal communication than if you were at a party.

​Thus, Culture, geographical location, and contextualize are the following influence on non-verbal communication. 

Additional Information

Avoidance of signals and invisible incongruence are not factors that influence non-verbal communication.

• Avoidance of signals is a term used in communication theory to describe a situation in which a sender intentionally avoids sending a message to a receiver.
• Invisible incongruence is a term used in psychology to describe a situation in which a person's verbal and non-verbal communication are not congruent.

Communication is defined as the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium and successful conveying or sharing ideas and feelings.

Key PointsAssertion A: Communication must include the transfer and understanding of messages and their meanings.

• The communication process involves sender, receiver, massage, and channel.
• The sender encodes the message in a communication channel and the receiver must then decode the message to grasp its meaning and value.
• Miscommunication can happen at any point during the communication process.

​Thus,  Assertion A is true. 

Reason R: Achieving perfect communication is a technical possibility.

• At each level of the communication process, effective communication entails minimizing potential misunderstandings and overcoming any communication hurdles.
• In the communication process, the sender can only minimize the barrier but cannot achieve perfection.
• An effective communicator knows their audience, selects the best communication channel for them, fine-tunes their message for that channel, and encodes the message to avoid misunderstanding by the receiver.

So, Reason R is false. 

Therefore, A is true but R is false

Communication is defined as the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium and successful conveying or sharing ideas and feelings.

Key Points

• Communication plays a critical role in any organization.
• Organizational communication can be defined as the process through which organizations are formed and, as a result, events are formed and shaped.
• To achieve a shared understanding of the information, it is necessary to communicate inside the organization.
• Langton, N., Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. in their work, Fundamentals of organizational behaviour, articulated the functions of communication as: ​
• Control: Communication can be used to control member behaviour in various ways. For example, a manager can communicate to give instructions, set deadlines, and provide feedback. Communication can also be used to resolve conflicts and to build consensus.
• Motivation: Communication can provide motivation for getting things done. For example, a manager can use communication to praise employees for their work, to set challenging goals, and to provide opportunities for learning and development. Communication can also be used to create a sense of urgency and to build excitement about a project.
• Emotional Expression: Communication allows an employee to express their emotions. This can be important for building trust and rapport with colleagues. It can also help resolve conflicts and for dealing with stress.
• Information: Communication transmits data to find and analyze different options, giving individuals and groups the information they need to make decisions. This information can come from various sources, including internal reports, external research, and personal observations. Communication can also be used to share information with others, to build understanding, and to create a shared vision.

 

​​Thus, According to Robbins et al, the sequence of communication functions is control, motivation, emotional expression, and information.

According to Cooley & Roach communication competence refers to the knowledge of effective and appropriate communication patterns and the ability to use and adapt that knowledge in various contexts. 

Key Points

• In simple terms, communication competency is defined as the capacity to recognize and apply effective and suitable communication patterns in a variety of situations.
• The characteristics of a competent communicator are the following: 
• ​Competent communicators can predict what will be suitable and effective in a particular situation and adjust their conduct accordingly.
• ​Competent communicators can able to explore a number of interpretations and comprehend new information.
• ​Competent communicators are conscious of their own actions and thinking before acting.
• ​Competent communicators are mindful which can help them to understand other people's thoughts and feelings.

​​Thus, mindfulness, being receptive to new information and thinking before acting is the traits of a competent communicator.

LOGIC:

Here the logic follows is that the next number is the multiplication of the previous number.

Hence**,** the correct answer is "256".

Calculation:      

Option A:

Cost Price = Rs. 56

Selling price = Rs. 76.2

⇒ Gain = 76.2  - 56 = 20.2

Gain% = \(\frac{Gain}{CP} \times 100\)   

⇒ Gain% = \(\frac{20.2}{56}\times 100 = 36.07%\)%

∴ This statement is incorrect.

Option B:

Cost Price = Rs. 80

Selling price = Rs. 68

⇒ Loss = 80 - 68 = 12

Loss% = \(\frac{Loss}{CP} \times 100\)   

⇒ Loss% = \(\frac{12}{80}\times 100 = 15%\)%

∴  statement is correct.

Option C:

Cost Price = Rs. 5

Selling price = Rs. 6

⇒ Gain = 6 - 5 = 1

Gain% = \(\frac{Gain}{CP} \times 100\)   

⇒ Gain% = \(\frac{1}{5}\times 100 = 20%\)%

∴  This statement is incorrect.

The correct option is 2 i.e. B only

Pramana is an epistemological term used in Indian philosophies to describe the methods by which a person receives correct and legitimate knowledge of the world.

Key Points

Thus, A-IV, B - III, C - I, D - II is correct matching.

Given:

Rate of interest = 20%

Time = 3 years

Difference in the amount = Rs. 64

Formula Used:

The difference in the amount = Principal × (Cummulative compound interest - Cummulative simple interest)%

Calculation: 

Cummulative compound interest for 2^nd year = 

20 + 20 + (\(\frac{20 * 20}{100}\))

44%

Cummulative compound interest for 3 year

44 + 20 + (\(\frac{44 * 20}{100}\))

72.8%

⇒ Cummulative compound interest for 3 year = 72.8%

⇒ Cummulative simple interest = 20% × 3 = 60%

The difference in the amount = Principal × (Cummulative compound interest - Cummulative simple interest)% 

Let assume that principal is x

⇒ 64 = x × (72.8% - 60%)

⇒ 64 = x × 12.8%

⇒ x = 64 × \(\frac {100}{12.8}\)

⇒ x = Rs. 500

∴ The principal is Rs. 500

The correct option is 4 i.e. Rs. 500

Calculations :

At 12:00 clock both hour and minute hands have an angle of 0 °  

Then, minute angle for t minutes past 12

\(\theta = {t \times {360 \over 60}} = 6 \times t\)

Hour angle for t minutes past 12

 \(\theta = { t \times {360 \over {12 \times 60}}} = {t \over 2}\)

For Statement 1 :

3 hours 20 minutes = 200 minutes. So for t = 200

Minute angle

 \(6 \times t = 6 \times 200 = 1200 \)

\(1200 ^\circ = 1200^\circ \mod 360^\circ = 120^\circ\)

Hour Angle

\({t \over 2} = {200 \over 2} = 100 ^\circ\)

So difference = 120 ° - 100 ° = 20 ° 

For statement 2 : 

After t minutes hour hand and minute hand are coincidental.

Hour angle for t minutes past 4

\( {{4 \over 12} \times 360 + {t \over 2}}\)

minute hand is coincidental to hour hand means

\(6t = {{4 \over 12} \times 360 + {t \over 2}}\)

\({11 \over 2} t = 120\)

\(t = {240 \over 11} = 21{9 \over 11}\)

Hence, statement 1 is false and the statement 2 is true.

so, option "4" is correct.

Given: 

Seven persons can build a house = 30 days

Formula Used:

Total work = Number of people × Number of days

Calculation: 

Total Work = 30 × 7 = 210 units

⇒ Number of days = 210/3 = 70 days

∴ 70 days they all work at the same rate.

The correct option is 2 i.e. 70 days

Verbal testimony is a statement with certain criteria that is a means of genuine information. 

Key Points

Thus, A - III, B - IV, C - I, and D - II are correct matching.

Fallacies are common logical flaws that will weaken your argument's logic.

Key Points

• Fallacies might be invalid arguments or irrelevant points and they're easy to spot because they don't have any proof to back up their claims.
• The existential fallacy is a type of formal fallacy.
• It occurs when a categorical syllogism employs two universal premises to arrive at a particular conclusion.
• For example, 
• ​All household pets are domestic animals.
• No unicorns are domestic animals.
• Therefore, some unicorns are not household pets.
• In the above example, the fallacy is committed because we have two universal premises and a particular conclusion.

Thus, the existential fallacy is committed in the above argument.

Additional Information

• Undistributed Middle: The undistributed middle fallacy is a formal error that occurs when a categorical syllogism's middle term is not distributed in either the minor or major premise.
• Affirmative conclusion from Negative Premises:  When a categorical syllogism includes a positive conclusion and one or two negative premises, it commits the formal fallacy of affirmative conclusion from a negative premise.
• Exclusive fallacy: The exclusive premises fallacy is a syllogistic fallacy that occurs in a categorical syllogism that is erroneous since both premises are negative.

The square of opposition is a diagram used in categorical logic to depict the logical relationship that exists between particular propositions based on their form.

Key Points

 

 

Rule of Square of Opposition

Additional Information Categorical proposition, in syllogistic or traditional logic, a proposition or statement, in which the predicate is, without qualification, affirmed or denied of all or part of the subject. Thus, categorical propositions are of four basic forms: “Every S is P,” “No S is P,” “Some S is P,” and “Some S is not P.” 

Thus, If 'A' proposition is 'True' and 'False' respectively, in a square of the opposition of propositions, then 'I' is True and 'E' is False.

According to Nyaya School, Pratyaksha (Perception) direct and immediate cognition is formed by the contact of the object with the sense organs.

Key Points

• Perception is the root of all other pramanas since it provides direct or instantaneous knowledge of an object's actuality.
• Nirvikalpa (Indeterminate Perception) is the first step in the perceiving process.
• It lacks a subject-predicate relationship.
• A thing's nirvikalpa perception is its perception at the earliest instant of the senses association with their objects.
• It is the observation of a thing at its most basic level.
• When someone sees anything they first recognize it as having some form, or rupa, and certain attributes, or guna.

​Thus, In Nirvikalpaka Pratyaksha forms of knowledge, there cannot be any predication of the object in terms of the subject-predicate relation.

Additional Information

• Savikalpaka Pratyaksha: It means determinate perception, the object is cognized along with its specific form and qualities.
• Sāmānylakșaṇa: Samanya denotes universality, laksana denotes mediation, and pratyaksa denotes perception. Experience a specific item indirectly and perceive the universality of that object.
• Yogaja: This is a perception of all items in the past, present, and future that is intuitive and immediate.

A spreadsheet is a piece of software that allows you to capture, display, and manipulate data in rows and columns.

Key Points

• A spreadsheet is computer software that displays data in a two-dimensional grid.
• A spreadsheet is typically used to store numerical data and short strings of text.
• Spreadsheet cells are spaces in a spreadsheet program that house data elements.
• Each cell in a column or row refers to a value and is labelled according to its location.
• Columns are vertical vectors while rows are horizontal vectors.
• It's a tool for storing, calculating, and comparing numerical and financial data.

Thus, A spreadsheet is a two-dimensional table or grid.

Additional Information

• VisiCalc was the first spreadsheet program created by Apple in 1979.
• Spreadsheets, Workbooks, and Worksheets are three different concepts.

ATM is an electronic banking terminal that enables consumers to conduct simple transactions without the assistance of a teller or branch personnel.

Key Points

• ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine.
• ATMs are convenient because they allow customers to do self-service operations.
• The first ATM was installed in a Barclay's Bank branch in London in 1970.
• It connects through Interbank communications networks which were developed in the 1970s.
• Atm performs several functions such as cash dispense, paying routine bills, fees, and taxes, updating passbooks, printing or ordering bank statements, etc.

​Thus, In electronic banking, ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine.

Additional Information

Component of ATMS: 

• Card reader
• Keypad
• Printer
• Cash dispenser
• Screen

The Ministry of Human Resource Development formed a Committee chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan for preparing the National Education Policy.

Key Points

• The Committee was constituted in June 2017 and submitted its report on May 31, 2019.
• Some of the major recommendations of the NEP-2020 related to higher education are mentioned below: 
• By 2035, the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education will have increased to 50%.
• Three or four years of holistic undergraduate education with a flexible curriculum can be completed in three or four years, with several exit alternatives and proper certification available throughout that time.
• M.Phil. courses will be phased out, and all undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses will be multidisciplinary.
• In Light But Tight Oversight, the policy states that despite frequent inspections, openness, maintaining quality standards, and positive public perception.
• An Academic Bank of Credits will be established to facilitate the transfer of credits.

Thus,  the major recommendations of the NEP-2020 related to higher education are to increase GER from 26.3% to 50% by 2035 and light but tight' regulation by a single regulator for higher education.

The correct answer is 'be polite to co-workers

Key Points

Let's look at the excerpt from the passage: ​ 

"The concept of emotional labor emerged from studies of service jobs. But emotional labor is relevant to almost every job. At the least, your managers expect you to be courteous, not hostile in your interactions with co-workers. The true challenge arises when employees have to project one emotion while feeling another."​

• In the given statement, the author is speaking about the concept of emotional labor management.
• Emotional labor management is relevant to almost every job.
• Managers are expected to be courteous, and not hostile in their interactions with co-workers.

Hence, the basic principle of emotional labor management is to be polite to co-workers.

Thus, option 3 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'effective job performance.'

Key Points

Let's look at the excerpt from the passage: ​ 

Emotional dissonance is like cognitive dissonance, except that emotional dissonance concerns feelings rather than thinking. It is from the increasing importance of emotional labor as a key component of effective job performance that we have come to understand the relevance of emotion in every field.

• In the given statement, the author is speaking about the concept of emotional labor management.
• Emotional dissonance is like cognitive dissonance that concerns feelings and not particularly thinking.
• Emotional dissonance arises from the increasing importance of emotional labor as a key component of effective job performance.

Hence, within an organization, emotional dissonance affects effective job performance.

Thus, option 2 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'displayed emotions'

Key Points

Let's look at the excerpt from the passage: ​ 

"Felt emotions are an individual's actual emotions. In contrast, displayed emotions are those that the organization requires workers to show and considers appropriate in a given job."

• In the given statement, the author is speaking about the concept of felt and displayed emotions in emotional labor management.
• Felt emotions are an individual's actual emotions.
• In contrast, displayed emotions are those that the organization requires workers to show and considers appropriate in a given job.

Hence, ​In a workplace environment, labor managers should give preference to displayed emotions.

Thus, option 1 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'B and D'

Key Points

Let's look at the excerpt from the passage: ​ 

" Research suggests that at workplaces, it is expected that we should typically express positive emotions like happiness and excitement and suppress negative emotions like fear; anger; disgust and contempt."

• In the given statement, the author is speaking about the concept of felt and displayed emotions in emotional labor management.
• He suggests that the job requires interacting with people on a regular basis. So one is forced to feign friendliness.
• At workplaces, it is expected that one should typically express positive emotions like happiness and excitement that sometimes he has to pretend.

Hence, ​feelings one should feign at the workplace are excitement and happiness.

Thus, option 4 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'display of friendly emotions'

Key Points

• In the given passage the author is speaking about the concept of emotional labor management.
• He has explained the relevance of felt and displayed emotions.
• He has suggested that the job requires interacting with people on a regular basis. So one is forced to feign friendliness.
• At workplaces, it is expected that one should typically express real emotions than display pretend positive emotions like happiness and excitement and suppress negative emotions like fear; anger; disgust, and contempt.

Hence, according to the passage effective emotional labor-management involves the display of friendly emotions.

Thus, option 3 is the correct answer.

A printer is an electronic device that accepts text files or images from a computer and prints them on paper or film.

Key Points

• A printer is essentially an output device that prints a tangible copy of electronic data stored in a computer or other device.
• There are many various types of printers such as Inkjet Printers, Laser Printers, 3D Printers, LED Printers, Solid Ink Printers, Dot Matrix Printers, etc.
• Inkjet and Laser printers are the most used printer.
• Laser printing is a type of digital printing that uses electrostatics.
• A laser printer does not require ink but it uses toner, which is made up of plastic and iron particles that are heated and melted to the paper by a fuser unit.
• The high voltages inside the printer can cause ozone gas and tiny toner particulates in the air.

​Thus, laser printers use toner which will not dry out the same way an ink cartridge does., laser printers use the property of static electricity and laser printers produce ozone gas and tiny toner particulates in the air.

Hence A, C, and D only are correct in the context of Laser printers.

DRAM is a form of RAM that stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. 

Key PointsStatement I: DRAM consists of a number of transistors and capacitors.

• DRAM is one type of RAM found in current desktops and laptops.
• It stores each bit of data in a memory cell.
• The memory cell of DRAM is made up of a small capacitor and a transistor.

Thus,  Statement I is true.

Statement II: DRAM needs to be constantly refreshed.

• Robert Dennard invented DRAM in 1968
• In a DRAM each bit of memory data is stored as the presence or absence of an electric charge on a small capacitor on the chip.
• Memory cell caries data which required constant refresh otherwise it would be deleted.

So, Statement II is true. 

Therefore, Both Statement I and Statement II are true.

IUCN is a membership organization which accounts for the natural diversity of countries. 

Key Points

• It was established in1948 with headquarters in Switzerland.
• It assesses the extinction risk of species using a set of quantitative criteria.
• The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the world's most comprehensive database of plant and animal species' global conservation status.
• The extinction risk of species considered is defined by the IUCN Red List Categories.
• It is often regarded as the most reliable source of information on the state of biological diversity.
• According to IUCN, India has approximately 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species, accounting for 7-8 % of all documented species.
• India is one of the world's 12 mega-diversity countries with around 8% of the world's biodiversity on only 2% of the planet's area.

Thus, Among all recorded species in the world, India accounts for about 7-8%.

Renewable energy source refers to energy that is both sustainable and infinite.

Key Points

• Renewable energy refers to energy sources that are not as non-sustainable as the most regularly utilized non-sustainable sources.
• The major disadvantage of renewable energy is that it is too dispersed.
• For Example, Solar and wind farms require a lot of land to harvest the low-density energy from the sun and wind.
• They argue that power plants, such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear, have small footprints, requiring hundreds of times less land than renewables to produce the same amount of energy.
• A geothermal power plant utilizes 1-8 acres per megawatt (MW), compared to 5-10 acres for nuclear power facilities and 19 acres for coal power plants.

Thus, Geothermal power plants use the least land per unit of GWh energy production.

Additional Information

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of seventeen indicators that all UN members have agreed to work toward in order to better the country's future.

Key Points

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an intergovernmental agreement.
• The SDGs were created during the Rio+20 summit in 2012 in Rio de Janeiro and are a non-binding declaration.
• The United Nations General Assembly's Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Objectives set 17 goals with 169 targets and 304 indicators to be met by 2030.
• The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a major multilateral agreement that regulates ozone-depleting substance production, consumption, and emissions.
• The following are some of the most evident connections between UNDP's work in support of the Montreal Protocol and the SDGs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thus, Protection from Ultraviolet Radiations as envisaged under the Montreal Protocol also contributes to the following SDGs 3, 11, 14, and 15.

The University Grants Commission has developed the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) program. 

Key PointsAssertion A: Choice-based Credit System (CBCS) is adopted out of the need for flexibility in the education system so that students, depending on their interests and aims, can choose interdisciplinary, intra-disciplinary, and skill-based courses.

• Higher education institutes (HEIs) must have the flexibility and independence to establish examination and assessment procedures that are most suited to the curriculum, syllabi, and teaching-learning methods.
• To overcome these issues UGC developed the CBSC.
• CBSC provides an opportunity to student can select from a variety of inter/multidisciplinary courses depending upon their interests and aims.
• The student has the opportunity to achieve certification through certification courses and students have more options when it comes to course selection.

Thus,  Assertion A  is correct. 

Reason R: The majority of Indian higher education institutions have been following a marks or percentage-based evaluation system, which obstructs the flexibility for the students to study the subjects/courses of their choice and their mobility to different institutions.

• The higher education system is so diverse, that colleges take a variety of approaches to testing, evaluation, and grading systems.
• The student performance is reported using the traditional system of marks earned in examinations, grades, or both.
• This makes it difficult for universities and businesses to comprehend and infer the performance of students graduating from various universities and colleges based on grades.

So, R is correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

Therefore, Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

In ancient Magadha, Nalanda was a prominent Buddhist monastic academy.

Key Points

• It was located near the city of Rajagriha.
• Historians consider it to be the world's first residential university and one of the finest centers of learning in the ancient world.
• In the fifth century A.D Emperor Kumar Gupta founded Nalanda University.
• Yogacara and Sarvastivada, as well as grammar, medicine, logic, and mathematics, were taught at Nalanda University.
• Chinse pilgrim Hiuen Tsang visited Nalanda university in the period of 633AD.
• Mahavairocana Tantra and Shantideva's Bodhisattvacaryvatra work of  Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism was written at Nalanda University.

Thus, Nalanda was established in 5^th century.

Additional Information

• It was sacked and destroyed by Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji's soldiers.
• It is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A laptop is a portable computer used for various reasons. 

Key Points;

The disadvantage of laptop computers in comparison to desktop computers are the following: 

• ​The first disadvantage of utilizing a laptop is that it does not have any tolerance.
• The disadvantage of utilizing a laptop computer is that it is a highly fragile technology.
• The cost of a laptop computer is one of the disadvantages of utilizing one.
• Another downside of utilizing a laptop computer is that the data stored on it is not secure and easier to break or steal.
• A laptop computer always required updates on a regular basis.
• A disadvantage of utilizing a laptop computer is that the battery backup only lasts for a short period of time.

​Thus, It is easier to break or steal is a disadvantage of laptop computers in comparison to desktop computers.

Additional Information

• Advantages of Laptop are: 
• ​Portability
• Instant Result
• Lightweight
• Internet Access
• Small In Size

The NITI Aayog developed its  SDG index in 2018 to track the country's progress toward its goals.

Key Points

• NITI Aayog uses data-driven analysis to encourage states and union territories to compete in achieving them.
• The index tracks how far India's states and union territories have progressed toward meeting the 2030 SDG targets.
• The Index covers 16 17 SDGs, an increase from the 2018 Index, which only included 13 targets.
• The SDG India Index measures the progress of all Indian states and union territories against 100 indicators selected from the MoSPI's National Indicator Framework (NIF).
• Kerala is first with a score of 70, followed by Himachal Pradesh with a score of 69.
• Himachal Pradesh was the best performer in attaining Gender Equity, having a 52 score, as Kerala had a 51 score in SDG 5.

Thus, According to Niti Ayog's SDG Index (2019-20), Himachal Pradesh is the best performer in attaining SDG-5 (Gender Equity).

Additional Information

India's higher education system includes both private and public universities.

Key Points

Universities in India are broadly classified by the University Grants Commission (UGC) into the following categories:

• Central Universities​
• Private Universities
• State Universities
• Deemed-to-be Universities
• Autonomous colleges
• ​Universities in India are recognized by the University Grants Commission which is governed by the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.
• Deemed-to-be-University Institutions have increased the country's higher education base by providing education and research in a variety of fields.
• An Institution Deemed to be University is a high-performing institution designated by the Central Government under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956.

​Thus, 'Deemed to be University is established by A notification of the Central Government on the advice of the UGC. 

Additional Information

• The Indian Institute of Science was the first institute to be granted assumed university status.
• The state with the most universities in Tamil Nadu has 28 deemed institutions.

The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) method is used to measure the aerobic destructibility of organic materials.

Key Points

• It is used for calculating the total amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) used by bacteria during the biological process of metabolizing organic compounds in water.
• Dissolved oxygen is the entire amount of oxygen gas contained in the water.
• It represents the amount of organic contamination in marine habitats.
• It can also calculate the amount of organic matter in soils, sewage, sediment, waste, sludge, and other materials.
• Different countries prescribe different discharge limits and India has also its own standards for discharge.​
• BOD must be less than 5 mg/L for drinking water.
• BOD for treated wastewater to be disposed of in water bodies is 30 mg/L to 100 mg/L.

Thus, In respect of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), the permissible Indian standard for discharge of treated effluents in Inland Surface Waters is 30.0 mg/L.

Additional Information

• Organic matter is a large source of oxygen gas in several aquatic bodies.
• Examples of organic matter such as sewage and other contaminants in aquatic bodies.
• The lower the BOD the lower the dissolved oxygen level.

The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is a statistical measure used in the education sector.

Key Points

• UNESCO, defines GRE as the total enrolment in a country in a specific level of education, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the population in the official age group corresponding to this level of education.
• It is used to determine the number of students enrolled in school at various grade levels and to show the ratio of students who live in that country to those who qualify for that grade level.
• The government of India releases the  All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report which accesses the GRE.
• According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20 report, Sikkim(53.9) has the highest GER.
• Tamil Nadu ranks with a GER of 49, followed by Delhi (46.3), Himachal Pradesh (39.6), Uttarakhand (39.1), Kerala (37), and Telangana (37) in that order (36.2).
• Bihar has the lowest GER among the big states, at 13.6, followed by Chhattisgarh and Assam, which have GERs of 18.6 and 18.7, respectively.

​Thus, states are in descending order in terms of GER (Gross Enrollment Ratio) in higher education are Sikkim⇒ Tamil Nadu⇒ Himachal Pradesh⇒ Uttarakhand⇒ Kerala.