UGC NET Paper 1: Held on 26th Nov 2021 Shift 2 (Previous Year Paper)

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are open-access online courses that anybody can take. 

Key Points 

Therefore, A-III, B - IV, C - I, D - II is the correct match.

Hypothesis testing is used to assess the plausibility of a hypothesis by using sample data. 

Key Points

• The student's t-test is used to test hypotheses regarding the mean of a small sample selected from a normally distributed population.
• Parametric tests based on the Student's or t-distribution are known as Student's t-tests.
• The distribution of students is named after William Sealy Gosset (1876–1937), who originally calculated it in 1908.
• The t-test distribution is a set of curves defined by the number of degrees of freedom,
• A t-test can be two-sided expressing merely that the means are not equal or one-sided stating whether the observed mean is bigger or less than the hypothesized mean.
• The crucial value is determined by the test's significance level.
• A t-test is an inferential statistic used to determine if there is a statistically significant difference between the means of two variables.
• Hence, the t-test is a test used for hypothesis testing in statistics.

​Therefore, If a researcher has to test a hypothesis whether the difference between the means of two groups is significant, s/he will use a student's t‐test. 

Additional Information

• A chi-squared test is a statistical hypothesis test that can be used when the test statistic is chi-squared distributed under the null hypothesis.
• A sign test is a statistical approach for determining if two observations such as the weight of participants before and after treatment have consistent differences.
• In correlation analysis, the correlation coefficient is a specific statistic that assesses the strength of the linear link between two variables.

Statistics is a distinct discipline of mathematics with applications in virtually every subject of study.

Key PointsStatement I: Parametric statistics are more powerful than non‐parametric statistics.

• The parametric statistical test only works in certain circumstances.
• The validity of the assumption determines the significance of a parametric test's results.
• ​Parametric tests are useful because they are the most powerful for determining the significance or reliability of sample statistics calculated.
• These assumptions are dependent on the structure of the population distribution and how the data measurements are quantified using the type of scale utilized.

​Thus, Statement I is true. 

Statement II: Parametric statistics are assumption-free statistics.

• The validity of the assumption determines the significance of a parametric test's results.
• Serval assumptions of Parametric tests:
• The sample should be taken from a population that is regularly distributed.
• Frequency distributions that follow a normal curve that is infinite at both ends are referred to as normal distributions.
• The variables in question had to be measured on a scale of intervals or ratios.

So, Statement II is false.

Therefore, Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

Additional Information

• Non-parametric refers to procedures that do not rely on data from a specific distribution.
• There are no assumptions that the data have been drawn from a normally distributed population.

Meta-analysis is the statistical analysis of data from independent primary studies focused on the same subject. 

Key Points

• Meta-analytic approaches objectively appraise and synthesize outcomes across studies to determine statistical significance and relevance.
• Stage of meta-analysis: 
• Formulate the research question.
• Identify or Understand relevant literature.
• Extract and consolidate study-level data.
• Locating primary studies
• Data appraisal and preparation.
• Synthesize study-level data into a summary measure.
• Exploratory analyses.
• Knowledge synthesis.

​Therefore, A, C, and D are the correct options. 

Additional Information

• It tries to give a quantitative assessment of the examined phenomenon, such as the effectiveness of an intervention.
• Narrative reviews are common in basic research, and attempts to examine past material in such a rigorous and quantitative manner are rare.

Anthropology is the study of people, past and present, with a focus on understanding the human condition both culturally and biologically. The method that defines social anthropology is ethnographic fieldwork. 

Key Points

• Anthropology is a branch of science that bases its philosophical imaginings on an empirical understanding of human societies.
• Ethnography is defined as the recording and interpretation of a culture or society, usually based on participant observation and resulting in a written account of a people, place, or institution.
• Ethnography is a method for obtaining that knowledge based on specific methodological principles,
• The most fundamental of which is ethnographic fieldwork including participant observation.
• Anthropological research is useless without an ethnographic method.

Therefore, the ethnographic method is commonly used in anthropological research.

Additional Information

• Survey method: A survey is a type of research that involves gathering data from a predetermined group of people in order to get knowledge and insights about a variety of issues.
• Case study method: The case study method is a teaching style in which a student is presented with a specific topic or case.
• Life history method: People are asked to document their lives over a period of time during life history interviews which is a qualitative approach to data collection.

Exploratory research is described as research conducted to learn more about a problem that isn't well studied.

Key Points

Statement I: Exploratory studies mainly aim at developing hypotheses or questions for further research.

• It is carried out in order to gain a better knowledge of the current problem but the results will not be conclusive.
• Exploratory studies are more likely to have loose structures with the goal of identifying future research projects.
• It helps in formulating hypotheses or questions for further research.

​Thus, Statment I is correct. 

Statement II: The goal of formal study is to test the hypotheses or answer the questions posed.

• The formal study begins with a hypothesis or research question much as the exploration did.
• It also necessitates the use of certain techniques and data source requirements.
• A formal design's purpose is to test hypotheses or respond to research inquiries.

So, Statement II is correct. 

Therefore, Both Statement I and Statement II are true.

Additional Information

• Explanatory research is carried out to determine priorities, and develop operational definitions.
• It provides a better-researched model for a topic that has not been thoroughly investigated previously.

In data communications, the term entropy refers to the relative degree of randomness. The higher the entropy, the more frequent are signaling errors.

 Key Points

• Entropy is directly proportional to the maximum attainable data speed in bps (bits per second). Entropy is also directly proportional to noise and bandwidth.
• The entropy in a signal is inversely proportional to compressibility. The greater the entropy, the smaller the factor by which the data can be compressed.
• information entropy is the average amount of information conveyed by an event when considering all possible outcomes.
• There are two types of Entropy:
• Joint Entropy
• Conditional Entropy.

Hence in communication, entropy refers to unpredictable messages.

 Additional Information

• Defensive communication happens when a message triggers a sense of threat, and therefore defensiveness, on the part of the listener. Defensive communication involves not only the actual verbal message but also body language, tone of voice, and perceived meaning and intention as well.
• Public speaking, also called oratory or oration, has traditionally meant the act of speaking face to face to a live audience.

A communication barrier is anything that comes in the way of receiving and understanding messages that one sends to another to convey his ideas, thoughts, or any other kind of information. 

Key Points

• Communication Barriers created by the sender and receiver are known as individual barriers.
• Individual Barriers are the personal factors of both the sender and receiver that may act as a barrier to effective communication.
• This type of barrier relates to the factors that are personal to the sender and receiver and act as a hindrance in the communication process.
• Listed below are some of the common individual barriers to effective communication:
• Using Jargon: If one uses unfamiliar terms or over-complicated technical terms, it could not be understood well.
• Lack of Attention or Interest: If the message is irrelevant to the receiver or there are distractions around then the message might not be communicated properly.
• Perception Difference: If two people see things differently then their viewpoints might come in the way of deciphering the message correctly.
• Emotional Barriers: Sensitive topics make it difficult for the speaker or the receiver to engage properly in the communication exchange. Topics that may be taboo or off-limits for some people are politics, religion, mental or physical disabilities, racism, sexuality, and any other unpopular options.
• The Difference in Culture: Social interactions have different norms in different cultures. For example, the idea of space exists in some cultures and social settings but not in the same form in others. These cultural differences could prevent effective communication.
• Physical Barriers to Communication: Face-to-face communication has a lot of parts to the communication than just the words.
• Language Difference: The difference in dialects of different regions or unfamiliar accents can make it difficult to understand the message sent.

Therefore, keeping quiet because of fear of punishment in communication is an "individual barrier".

Additional Information

• Institutional Barriers refer to the hindrances in the flow of information among the employees that might result in a commercial failure of an organization.

Patterns of communication are called flows, and they are commonly classified according to the direction of interaction: downward, upward, horizontal, diagonal, and external.

Key Points

• Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place, person or group to another.
• Downward communication, also known as top-down communication, is the vertical process of sending a message or passing a piece of information down the hierarchical ladder.
• In other words, communication that takes place from superiors to subordinates in a chain of command is a downward communication
• It is the formal chain of command established to direct subordinates and convey information, pertaining to the organization's objectives, policies, and strategies.
• Katz and Kahn's typology breaks downward communication into five distinct types: job instructions, job rationales, procedures and practices, feedback, and indoctrination.

Additional Information

• Lateral communication or horizontal communication is "the exchange, imparting or sharing of information, ideas or feelings between people within a community, peer groups, departments or units of an organization.
• Upward Communication is the process of information flowing from the lower levels of a hierarchy to the upper levels.

A blog is a discussion or informational website published on the World Wide Web consisting of discrete, often informal diary-style text entries (posts).

Key Points

• A blog is a type of website where the content is presented in reverse chronological order (newer content appears first).
• Blog content is often referred to as entries or “blog posts”.
• Blogs are typically run by an individual or a small group of people to present information in a conversational style.
• Many blogs provide commentary on a particular subject or topic, ranging from philosophy, religion, and arts to science, politics, and sports.
• A typical blog combines text, digital images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic.
• The ability of readers to leave publicly viewable comments, and interact with other commenters, is an important contribution to the popularity of many blogs.

So, the blog is a personal website in form of a journal.

Additional Information

• The Internet is a vast network that connects computers all over the world. Through the Internet, people can share information and communicate from anywhere with an Internet connection.
• A search engine is a software system that is designed to carry out web searches.
• Online journals or electronic journals are intellectual and periodical publications that are published in electronic format and can be accessed online via the internet or electronic transmission.

Classroom communication is the interactive language and responses between students and teachers.

Interactive questions and answers activity reduce the barrier of communication in classroom teaching thereby engaging students in the classroom and encouraging active learning.

Key PointsAssertion A: Teachers should accept students as they are and with whatever cognitive level they have.

• A sense of belonging in school is the degree to which students feel respected, accepted, and supported by teachers and peers.
• It has been linked to students’ attention and effort in class, their persistence, and completion of learning activities.
• When students feel they’re part of a school community, they will actively engage in academic and non-academic activities.
• Different students may have different cognitive levels. A teacher should accept each and every student irrespective of their cognitive or learning levels.
• A teacher should not discriminate among students on the basis of their learning capacity.

So, the Assertion(A) is true.

Reason R: Moralizing, being judgemental, and exposing ignorance are barriers to successful communication.

• Anything that hampers the communication between the sender and receiver acts as a barrier to communication It is an obstacle that limits or reduces the ease of communication.
• Moralizing means giving lectures to someone about right and wrong, judging their decisions and actions. It acts as a hindrance because it demotivates the students.
• Being Judgemental means forming opinions, (usually harsh or critical ones) about people. If a teacher is judgemental, it will automatically become a barrier between the teacher and students. Students' self-esteem will get lowered.
• Being ignorant means also being put in the position of being ignored, being not taken into account, and being placed out of sight. If a teacher ignores the needs of the students, the teaching-learning process will hamper badly

So, the Reason is also correct.

Therefore we can say both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Given:

There are four fractions: 5/8, 11/16, 31/40, and 67/80

Calculation:

Prime factors of 8 = 2 × 2 × 2

Prime factors of 16 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2

Prime factors of 40 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 5

Prime factors of 80 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 5

LCM of 8, 16, 40, and 80 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 5 = 80

5/8 × 80 = 50

11/16 × 80 = 55

31/40 × 80 = 62

67/80 × 80 = 67

Here, 67 > 62 > 55 > 50

∴ The largest fraction is 67/80

Given:

The given sequence: A, D, H, M, ___, ___

Calculation:

The logic is:

Therefore, the next two terms in the series are S, and Z.

Given:

Swati's age : Manisha's age = 5 : 6

The sum of their age = 55 years

Calculation:

Let, the age of Swati = 5x

The age of Manisha = 6x

So, 5x + 6x = 55

⇒ 11x = 55

⇒ x = 55/11 = 5

∴ Swati's age = 5 × 5 = 25 years

∴ Manisha's age = 6 × 5 = 30 years

Swati's age after 5 years = 25 + 5 = 30 years

Manisha's age after 5 years = 30 + 5 = 35 years

Swati's age after 5 years : Manisha's age after 5 years = 30 : 35 = 6 : 7

∴ The ratio of their ages after 5 years will be 6 : 7

Given:

There are two statements given in the question.

Formula used:

Distance = Speed × Time

1 km = 1000 meters

1 hour = 3600 seconds

Calculation:

In statement I,

The speed of vehicle = 30.6 km/hr = (30.6 × 1000)/3600 m/s = 8.5 m/s

Hence, the statement I is false.

In statement II,

The speed of bus = 72 km/hr = (72 × 1000)/3600 m/s = 20 m/s

The bus will cover in 10 seconds = 20 × 10 = 200 meters

Hence, the statement II is false.

Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are false.

Shortcut Trick

If each observation in a set is multiplied by a constant 'k', the average of the set is also multiplied by 'k'.

Original Average = 11

Multiplier (k) = 7

New Average = 11 × 7 = 77

∴ The correct answer is 77.

Alternate Method

Given:

Number of observations (n) = 10

Original Average = 11

Formula Used:

Average = Sum of observations ÷ Total number of observations

Avg = 11 Initial State

Every item × 7

New Avg = 77 Final State

Result: 11 × 7 = 77

Calculations:

⇒ Original Sum = Average × Number of observations

⇒ Original Sum = 11 × 10 = 110

⇒ Since every number is multiplied by 7, the sum is also multiplied by 7.

⇒ New Sum = 110 × 7 = 770

⇒ New Average = New Sum ÷ Number of observations

⇒ New Average = 770 ÷ 10 = 77

∴ The correct answer is 77.

Additional Information

Addition/Subtraction Property

If a constant 'k' is added to or subtracted from every observation, the new average will be (Old Average + k) or (Old Average − k) respectively.

Division Property

If every observation is divided by a non-zero constant 'k', the new average is equal to (Old Average ÷ k).

Weighted Average

When two groups with averages A₁ and A₂ and sizes n₁ and n₂ are combined, the new average is (n₁A₁ + n₂A₂) ÷ (n₁ + n₂).

A deductive argument is the presentation of statements that are assumed or known to be true as premises for a conclusion that necessarily follows from those statements. Deductive reasoning relies on what is assumed to be known to infer truths about similarly related conclusions.

Key Points

• The provability of an argument through deductive reasoning relies on the truth of its assumed premises.
• The argument may be valid or invalid, independently of whether they are sound.
• If the statements offered as premises are true, and the conclusion follows naturally from those premises, then a deductive argument is considered to be valid.
• Deductive Argument based on logic i.e. reasoning out to get a valid inference. A deductive argument claims that its conclusion is supported by its premises conclusively and there is a relation between the premises and conclusion.
• A deductive argument with false premises and a true conclusion can be valid. False premises may lead to true conclusions. For example:
• All cats are human

Socrates is a cat

Therefore, Socrates is human

• When it comes to an argument’s validity, there is no “more valid” and “less valid.” Arguments are simply “valid” or “invalid.”Thus, regardless of how much additional premises might strengthen an argument, adding new premises to an already valid argument cannot improve the validity of the argument.

​So, the correct statements are A, B, and D.

A fallacy is an illogical step in the formulation of an argument. For example, "Blue is a bad color because it is linked to sadness" is an argument because it makes a claim and offers support for it.

Key Points

• A fallacy is the use of invalid or otherwise faulty reasoning, or "wrong moves", in the construction of an argument.
• Fallacies can be either illegitimate arguments or irrelevant points and are often identified because they lack evidence that supports their claim.
• The fallacy of exclusive premises is a syllogistic fallacy committed in a categorical syllogism that is invalid because both of its premises are negative.

Hence in the given example "since no tragic actors are idiots and some comedians are not idiots, some comedians are not tragic actors" both the premises are negative, so it is a fallacy of exclusive premises.

Additional Information

• The existential fallacy occurs when we erroneously suppose some class or group has members. In other words, statements may be true about classes or groups even if no members of the class or group exist.
• Illicit minor is a formal fallacy committed in a categorical syllogism that is invalid because its minor term is undistributed in the minor premise but distributed in the conclusion.
• Illicit major is a formal fallacy committed in a categorical syllogism that is invalid because its major term is undistributed in the major premise but distributed in the conclusion.

Fallacies are common errors in reasoning that will undermine the logic of your argument. Fallacies can be either illegitimate arguments or irrelevant points and are often identified because they lack evidence that supports their claim.

Key Points

• A fallacy is a mistake in belief based on an unsound argument.
• Appeal to Ignorance fallacy occurs when a person mistakenly believes something to be true that is not, because he or she does not know enough about the subject, or has not been given enough evidence, to know otherwise.
• Ignorance fallacies can be found everywhere in everyday conversation, in advertising, in politics, and in history.

In the given example "No one has been able to prove the existence of extrasensory perception. We must therefore conclude that extrasensory perception is a myth", the fallacy mentioned in the statement is based on inaccurate information or incomplete data.

Hence, it is an appeal to the ignorance fallacy.

Additional Information

• Strawman Fallacy- A strawman fallacy occurs when someone takes another person’s argument or point, distorts it or exaggerates it in some kind of extreme way, and then attacks the extreme distortion as if that is really the claim the first person is making.
• Appeal to unqualified authority fallacy- This is only a fallacy when the person being put forth as an authority has no special qualification or is biased in some way, or else only one authority is cited on an issue where there is considerable disagreement between authorities.
• Red Herring Fallacy- This fallacy consists in diverting attention from the real issue by focusing instead on an issue having only a surface relevance to the first.

Hence, the correct answer is A - III, B - IV, C - I, D - II

Important Points In ancient times, India was a center of higher learning as it is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. A large number of centers of learning were established across ancient India, of which Nalanda and Takshashila were the most famous and the oldest universities in the world. However, these were not the only ones.

The correct answer is 'Marks that are almost similar'

Key Points

Given passage is about 'Self‐assessment and peer-assessment it starts with a phrase that says *"*the Assessment is central to almost all forms of education"(sic).

Let's look at the excerpt from the passage: 

'It is also claimed that if marking criteria are discussed and agreed upon at the start, students' marking does not differ significantly from teachers. In studies where the assessment of different teachers is compared, and also in studies where teacher's and peer's and or self‐assessments are compared, it has generally been found that provided criteria are discussed and agreed upon in advance, marks tend to be similar.' ​

• In the above lines, the author has mentioned that "students' marking does not differ significantly from teachers."
• This means when assessments of different teachers and peers and or self‐assessments were compared it was found that marks were almost similar.

Thus, option 3 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'Peer and Self‐assessment**.**

Key PointsGiven passage is about 'assessments' it starts with a phrase that says "the Assessment is central to almost all forms of education"(sic).**

Let's look at the excerpt from the passage: 

'Peer and self‐assessment have become increasingly common methods of assessment. particularly in further and higher education.' ​

• From the above lines, it is evident that the focus of this text is 'Peer and self‐assessment.'

Thus, option 4 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'Enhancement of group work and critical thinking of students.'

Key Points

Given passage is about 'assessments' it starts with a phrase that says *"*the Assessment is central to almost all forms of education"(sic).

L et's look at the excerpt from the passage: 

'Peer and self‐assessment have become increasingly common as methods of assessment, particularly in further and higher education. They are used as methods to reduce the marking loads of teachers and it is claimed, to enhance group work and the critical thinking skills of students.' ​

• From the above lines, it is evident that enhancement of group work and critical thinking of students are some of the benefits that can be accrued from self‐assessment and peer‐assessment of the students.

Thus, option 2 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'Self‐assessment and peer‐assessment are innovative assessment practices.'

Key Points

Given passage is about 'Self‐assessment and peer-assessment it starts with a phrase that says *"*the Assessment is central to almost all forms of education"(sic).

Let's look at the excerpt from the passage: 

*'*As with all assessment methods, both have their own strengths and weaknesses. It can be argued that peer and self‐assessment with careful initiation and moderation are effective methods of assessment.' ​

• From the above lines, the author is trying to make an argument that Self‐assessment and peer‐assessment can be innovative assessment practices with careful initiation and moderation.

Thus, option 1 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'Assessment is pivotal to education in all forms.'

Key PointsGiven passage is about 'Self‐assessment and peer-assessment it starts with a phrase that says *"*the Assessment is central to almost all forms of education"(sic).

L et's look at the excerpt from the passage: 

'Assessment is central to almost all forms of education around the world, and in recent years, a wider variety of assessments has tended to be used. One such form of this change is the use of peer and self‐assessment.' ​

• In the above lines, the author is trying to focus on the role of assessment in all forms of education.
• Hence the statement that says 'Assessment is pivotal to education in all forms' captures the same meaning as stated by the following statement, "Assessment is central to almost all forms of education" in the passage.

Thus, option 1 is the correct answer.

Given:

There are semester fees for BCA and MCA courses in five different years.

Concept used:

Average = The sum of total terms/Total number of terms

Calculation:

Total number of years = 5

Average semester fees of BCA from 2016 to 2020 = (25000 + 26500 + 27200 + 27600 + 28000)/5

= 134300/5

= 26860

Average semester fees of MCA from 2016 to 2020 = (52000 + 53500 + 54200 + 55700 + 56800)/5

= 272200/5

= 54440

The difference = 54440 - 26860 = 27580

∴ The difference between the average semester fees of BCA and average semester fees of MCA during 2016‐2020 is 27580.

Given:

There are semester fees for four different courses in five different years.

Calculation:

The course fees of BCA increased from 2019 to 2020 = 28000 - 27600 = 400

The percentage of course fees of BCA increased from 2019 to 2020 = (400/27600) × 100 = 1.44...%

The course fees of MCA increased from 2019 to 2020 = 56800 - 55700 = 1100

The percentage of course fees of MCA increased from 2019 to 2020 = (1100/55700) × 100 = 1.97...%

The course fees of MTech increased from 2019 to 2020 = 63700 - 62900 = 800

The percentage of course fees of MTech increased from 2019 to 2020 = (800/62900) × 100 = 1.27...%

The course fees of MPhil increased from 2019 to 2020 = 33900 - 33400 = 500

The percentage of course fees of MPhil increased from 2019 to 2020 = (500/33400) × 100 = 1.49...%

Therefore, MCA course has highest percentage fee increase from 2019 to 2020.

Given:

There are semester fees for four different courses in five different years.

Calculation:

The course fees of BCA increased from 2017 - 2018 = 27200 - 26500 = 700

The percentage of course fees of BCA increased from 2017 - 2018 = (700/26500) × 100 = 2.64...%

The course fees of MCA increased from 2017 - 2018 = 54200 - 53500 = 700

The percentage of course fees of MCA increased from 2017 - 2018 = (700/53500) × 100 = 1.30...%

The course fees of MTech increased from 2017 - 2018 = 62500 - 61400 = 1100

The percentage of course fees of MTech increased from 2017 - 2018 = (1100/61400) × 100 = 1.79...%

The course fees of MPhil increased from 2017 - 2018 = 32600 - 32000 = 600

The percentage of course fees of MPhil increased from 2017 - 2018 = (600/32000) × 100 = 1.875%

Therefore, MCA course has the lowest percentage fee increase from 2017‐2018.

Given:

There are semester fees for four different courses in five different years.

Calculation:

Total semester fees (for all courses) in 2018 = 27200 + 54200 + 62500 + 32600 = 176500

Total semester fees (for all courses) in 2019 = 27600 + 55700 + 62900 + 33400 = 179600

The difference = 179600 - 176500 = 3100

∴ The difference between total semester fees (for all courses) of 2018 and 2019 is 3100.

Given: 

There are semester fees for four different courses in five different years.

Concept used:

Average = The sum of total terms/Total number of terms

Calculation:

Total number of years from 2016 to 2020 = 5

The average course fees of MCA from 2016 to 2020 = (52000 + 53500 + 54200 + 55700 + 56800)/5

= 272200/5

= 54440

The average course fees of MTech from 2016 to 2020 = (60200 + 61400 + 62500 + 62900 + 63700)/5

= 310700/5

= 62140

The difference = 62140 - 54440 = 7700

∴ The average of difference of fees of MCA and MTech for 2016‐2020 is 7700.

The National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER) is a project that aims to bring together all digital and digitise resources used in school and teacher education.

Key Points

• NROER was launched in New Delhi on August 13, 2013.
• The National Repository of Open Educational Resources is a collection of open educational resources.
• NROER has a huge amount of educational resources for Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary levels in a variety of disciplines and Indian languages.
• NROER was created by the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) and NCERT.
• ​Video, image, audio, document, and interactive resources are available in a variety of formats.
• NROER allows teachers to download, share, comment on, and rate media resources in addition to accessing and posting them.
• the platform that houses the repository, is a project of Mumbai's Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education's Knowledge Labs.

Therefore, The National Repository of Open Educational Resources is managed by the Central Institute of Educational Technology, NCERT. 

Additional Information

• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has embarked on its journey since the year 1985. It started as a National Open University for imparting a higher level of education to all who are eager to study but are unable to do so for some cause.
• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi is one of the 23 IITs created to be Centres of Excellence for training, research, and development in science, engineering, and technology in India. Established as the College of Engineering in 1961. The Institute has later declared an Institution of National Importance under the “Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Act, 1963” and was renamed as “Indian Institute of Technology Delhi”.
• The University Grants Commission of India is a statutory body set up by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and Government of India in accordance with the UGC Act 1956 and is charged with coordination, determination, and maintenance of standards of higher education.

SWAYAM MOOCs is the World's Largest Online Free E-Learning Platform Portal.

Key Points

• SWAYAM is based on the concept of MOOCs which is a way of giving online courses to a large number of learners through an e-learning platform.
• Its goal is to accomplish the three cardinal principles of Education Policy: Access, Equity, and Quality.
• SWAYAM is a free learning platform but there is a little price for certification.
• SWAYAM has been created cooperatively by MHRD (Ministry of Human Resource Development), and AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) with the help of Microsoft.
• The current SWAYAM platform is developed by the Ministry of Education and NPTEL, IIT Madras with the help of Google Inc. and Persistent Systems Ltd., and is equipped for facilitating 2,000 courses.
• It offers students over 2000 courses and over 80000 hours of learning.
• Objectives of SWAYAM​
• To ensure that everyone has access to free education.
• The quality of classroom instruction should not be jeopardized.
• Education's Fundamental Principles.​​

Therefore, the SWAYAM platform was developed by MHRD (now Ministry of Education), the Government of India, and google. 

Additional Information

• Adobe Inc., originally called Adobe Systems Incorporated, is an American multinational computer software company incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in San Jose, California.

Confusion Points Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology corporation that produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. 

• ​Human Resource Development Ministry had selected Microsoft as its technical partner for its biggest platform of online courses.

Nyāya (literally “rule or method of reasoning”) is a leading school of philosophy within the “Hindu umbrella”—those communities which saw themselves as the inheritors of the ancient Vedic civilization and allied cultural traditions.

Statement I: According to Nyāya, universals are eternal entities that are distinct from, but inherent in many individuals.

• Nyaya, one of the six systems of Indian philosophy, is important for its analysis of logic and epistemology.
• The major contribution of the Nyaya system is its working out in profound detail the means of knowledge known as inference.
• Three kinds of causes are distinguished: inherent or material cause (the substance out of which an effect is produced), non-inherent cause (which helps in the production of a cause), and efficient cause (the power that helps the material cause produce the effect).
• God is not the material cause of the universe, since atoms and souls are also eternal, but is rather the efficient cause.

Hence statement I is correct.

Statement II: The universal is the basis of the notion of sameness that we have with regard to all the individuals of a certain class.

• The idea of sameness that we may have with regard to a number of individuals of a certain character is due to their being called by the same name.
• It is only the name that is general, and the name does not stand for any positive essence that is present in all the individuals.
• It means only that the individuals called by one name are different from those to which a different name is given.

Hence statement II is correct.

Therefore we can conclude that both statements are correct.

A media access control address (MAC address) is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for use as a network address in communications within a network segment.

Key Points

Statement I: The MAC address identifies which device is connected to a given IP address

• MAC address is the physical address, which uniquely identifies each device on a given network.
• To make communication between two networked devices, we need two addresses: IP address and MAC address.
• It is assigned to the NIC (Network Interface card) of each device that can be connected to the internet.

Hence statement I is correct.

Statement II: MAC addresses are unique to each device

• ​MAC address is globally unique which means two devices cannot have the same MAC address. It is represented in a hexadecimal format on each device, such as 00:0a:95:9d:67:16.
• It is provided by the device's vendor at the time of manufacturing and embedded in its NIC, which ideally cannot be changed.

Hence statement II is correct.

Therefore we can conclude that both Statement I and Statement II are true.

The primary pollutant, directly emitted, is nitric oxide (NO), together with a small proportion of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). NO is oxidized by ozone in the atmosphere, on a time scale of tens of minutes, to give NO₂.

Key Points

• Nitrogen oxides are produced in combustion processes, partly from nitrogen compounds in the fuel, but mostly by a direct combination of atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen in flames.
• Nitrogen oxides are produced naturally by lightning, and also, to a small extent, by microbial processes in soils.
• The nitrogen oxides family can react with ammonia, VOCs, and other compounds to form PM _2.5 pollution that easily penetrates into sensitive and deep parts of the lung causing respiratory diseases like emphysema and bronchitis.
• NOx is a common name for the nitrogen oxides NO and NO2.
• The term 'nitrogen oxides' (NOx) is usually used to include two gases-nitric oxides (NO), which is a colorless, odorless gas, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is a reddish-brown gas with a pungent odor. Nitric oxide reacts with Oxygene or ozone in the air to form nitrogen dioxide.

Hence, the air pollutant NOx is a combination of Nitrogen dioxide and Nitric oxide.**

Key Points

• The wind is an intermittent and site-specific resource of energy and therefore, an extensive Wind Resource Assessment is essential for the selection of potential sites.
• The Government, through the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), has installed over 800 wind-monitoring stations all over the country and issued wind potential maps at 50m, 80m, 100m, and 120m above ground level.
• The highest wind power potential in India as per MVRE's latest report is in Gujarat.
• In Gujarat, the Wind potential at 100 m (GW) is 84.43.

Hence, the correct answer is Gujarat.

Additional InformationThe recent assessment indicates a gross wind power potential of 302 GW in the country at 100 meters and 695.50 GW at 120 meters above ground level. Most of this potential exists in seven windy States as given below:-

In logic, an inference is the thinking process from what we think is true (information) to what else we think is true. In logic, an argument consists of statements. One or more of the statements is alleged information (premises) and one statement (the conclusion) is an inference from the alleged information (premises).

Key PointsSāmānyatodṛsṭā inference:

• In Sāmānyatodṛsṭā inference, there is no direct cause and effect relationship between fire and smoke.
• The inference is drawn from the universal experience regarding such an incident.
• For instance, if there is a change of place, there must have been a movement as known from our common experience.
• Similarly, when we see the moon in different positions at long intervals, we infer that it moves, though the actual movement itself is not easily or clearly perceivable.

Additional Information

• Anumāna or inference is an important pramāṇa or means of knowledge recognized by almost all the systems of religious philosophy.
• The Nyāyadarśana of Gautama has further categorized anumāna into 
• Purvavat Anumana.
• Sheshavat Anumana.
• Samanyatodrushtam Anuman.

Purvavat - It means as seen earlier. It's an inference in which we infer an unperceived effect from a perceived cause as in the case of inferring future rain from the appearance of dark heavy clouds in the sky.

Śeṣavat - It means from the seen effect to the unseen cause. It infers that the unperceived cause is inferred from a perceived effect as in the case of inferring past rain by seeing the swift muddy currents in the river now.

Hence, The middle term is related to the major term neither as a cause nor as an effect is correct with respect to Sāmānyatodṛsṭā inference.

Key Points 

Therefore the correct match is A-III, B ‐ I, C ‐ IV, D ‐ II

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic worms.

Key Points

Assertion A: Schistosomiasis is a polluted waterborne disease

• Schistosomiasis is considered one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that is waterborne.
• The infectious form of the parasite, known as cercariae, emerges from the snail into the water which eventually affects human health.
• Most human infections are caused by Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, or S. japonicum.
• Schistosomiasis differs from most waterborne diseases in that rather than through ingestion of contaminated water, people become infected when their skin comes into contact with freshwater bodies that contain the parasite.

Hence Assertion A  is correct

Reason R: Schistosomiasis is mainly caused due to the presence of sulfate in water

• Infection occurs when the skin comes in contact with contaminated fresh water in which certain types of snails that carry schistosomes are living.
• Freshwater becomes contaminated by Schistosoma eggs when infected people urinate or defecate in the water.

Hence Reason R is false.

Therefore we conclude that A is true but R is false.

The global consciousness for the protection of the environment in the seventies, the Stockholm Conference, and increasing awareness of the environmental crisis prompted the Indian Government to enact the 42^nd Amendment to the Constitution in 1976.

The Constitution was amended to introduce direct provisions for the protection of the environment. This 42^nd Amendment added Article 48-A to the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Key Points

Article 48A lays down the directive principle for the protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife. It reads as:

• "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country."
• There is a pronounced responsibility upon the Central Govt. and the Concerned State Govt. in terms of Article 48A of the Constitution where it's required to preserve and enrich the environment.
• Part III of the Indian Constitution relating to Fundamental Rights does not specifically devote any Articles relating to Environment protection but the development of law and pronouncement of judgment by the Apex Court takes a crucial role to protect the right of a clean and pollution-free environment.

​ Confusion Points

• Article 51A(g) states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have benevolence for living creatures.
• Article 51A(g) article is similar to Article 48A, the only difference is it is the fundamental duty of citizens whereas Article 48A is the duty of the state to protect the environment. This Article Also says that we get a pollution-free environment, so it is our duty to protect it and improve its quality.

Key Points ‘Students’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement through Quality Education (SARTHAQ)’–Implementation plan for National Education Policy 2020,

• SARTHAQ aims at creating a conducive learning environment for school students at the primary and secondary levels.
• It also focuses on bringing teachers to the forefront of the education process and giving them a safe, secure, and reliable platform to impart education.
• SARTHAQ was launched on 29^th July 2020 by Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal to pursue the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
• The official statement of the education ministry presented this plan as a part of the Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75 years of Indian independence.

Hence, the correct answer is an Implementation plan for NEP-2020.

Additional Information National Education Policy 2020 envisions an India-centric education system that provides high-quality education to all, thereby transforming India's sustainability into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society in the world.

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A browser is a software program that is used to explore, retrieve, and display the information available on the World Wide Web. 

Key Points

• A web browser is a client program, it runs on a user's computer or mobile device and contacts the webserver for the information requested by the user.
• The web server sends the data back to the browser that displays the results on internet-supported devices.

Features of a web Browser:

• Home button:
• It provides users the option to bring up the predefined home page of the website
• Bookmarks: 
• It allows the users to select a particular website to save it for the later retrieval of information, which is predefined by the users.
• Hyperlink: 
• It is an item like a word or button that points to another location.
• When it is clicked on a link, the link takes us to the target of the link, which may be a webpage, document, or other online content.
• Web browsing history :
• It refers to the list of web pages a user has visited, as well as associated metadata such as page title and time of visit.
• It is usually stored locally by web browsers in order to provide the user with a history list to go back to previously visited pages.

Therefore we conclude that the correct statement is A and C only

Malware is intrusive software that is designed to damage and destroy computers and computer systems. Malware is a contraction for “malicious software.

 Key Points

• A logic bomb is a piece of code intentionally inserted into a software system that will set off a malicious function when specified conditions are met.
• Software that is inherently malicious, such as viruses and worms, often contains logic bombs that execute a certain payload at a pre-defined time or when some other condition is met.
• To be considered a logic bomb, the payload should be unwanted and unknown to the user of the software.

 Additional Information

• Worm- A computer worm is a type of malware that spreads copies of itself from computer to computer. A worm can replicate itself without any human interaction, and it does not need to attach itself to a software program in order to cause damage.
• Trojan- A Trojan Horse Virus is a type of malware that downloads onto a computer disguised as a legitimate program. The delivery method typically sees an attacker use social engineering to hide malicious code within legitimate software to try and gain users' system access with their software.
• Spyware- Spyware is a type of malware that collects personal information and gathers data about a person without consent. Viruses are a type of malicious software designed to spread from one device to another devices.

Hence, a Logic Bomb is the type of malware embedded in a program on a computer that will set off a malicious function when certain conditions are met.

Computer memory is the storage space in the computer, where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are stored.

Key PointsRegisters:

• Registers are a type of computer memory used to quickly accept, store, and transfer data and instructions that are being used immediately by the CPU.
• The registers used by the CPU are often termed Processor registers.
• A processor register may hold an instruction, a storage address, or any data.
• The computer needs processor registers for manipulating data and a register for holding a memory address.

Additional Information

• RAM- Random-access memory (RAM) is a high-speed component in devices that temporarily stores all information a device needs for the present and future.
• ROM- Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of storage medium that permanently stores data on personal computers (PCs) and other electronic devices.
• Hard Disks- Hard disks are flat circular plates made of aluminum or glass and coated with magnetic material.
• Hard disks for personal computers can store terabytes of information. Data are stored on their surfaces in concentric tracks.

Hence, Registers memory is used as part of the processor.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals with measurable targets and clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world's poorest people. To meet these goals and eradicate poverty, leaders of 189 countries signed the historic millennium declaration at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000.

Key Points The United Nations Millennium Declaration, signed in September 2000, commits world leaders to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women.

The MDGs are derived from this Declaration.

Millennium Development Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

• The natural resources base and ecosystems must be managed sustainably to meet people’s food requirements and other environmental, social, and economic needs.
• Climate change, increased water scarcity, and conflicts over access to resources all pose challenges to environmental sustainability and food security.

Hence, Millenium Development Goal 7 is about ensuring Environmental Sustainability.

Additional Information

The following are the eight Millennium Development Goals:

1. To eliminate extreme poverty and hunger;
2. To achieve global primary education;
3. To empower women and promote gender equality;
4. To reduce child mortality;
5. To promote maternal health;
6. To fight malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases;
7. To promote environmental sustainability; and
8. To develop a universal partnership for development.

Key Points

Statement I: The National Knowledge Commission recommended opening 500 universities to enable India to attain a Gross Enrolment Ratio of at least 20% by 2015

• National Knowledge Commission was an Indian think-tank that was constituted on 13 June 2005, by the then Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.
• As of July 2014, the National Knowledge Commission is defunct
• Recommendations of NKC are currently pending with the central govt:
• It recommended creating many more universities.
• It stated that the higher education system needs a massive expansion of opportunities, to around 1500 universities nationwide, which would enable India to attain a gross enrolment ratio of at least 15 percent by 2015.

Hence Statement I is incorrect.

Statement II: The need to establish an Independent Regulatory Authority for Higher Education (IRAHE) was recommended by the National Knowledge Commission

• National Knowledge Commission recommended that there is a need to change the system of regulation for higher education.
• The present regulatory system in higher education is flawed in some important respects.
• The system, as a whole, is over-regulated but under-governed. the commission believed that there is a clear need to establish an Independent Regulatory Authority for Higher Education (IRAHE).

Hence Statement II is correct.

Therefore the correct answer is Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

SWAYAM Prabha videos will be translated into 10 regional languages in a time-bound manner.

Key Points

• The Ministry of Human Resource Development created Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) on July 9, 2017.
• It focuses on providing an integrated platform and portal for online courses.
• This includes all subjects in higher education as well as courses in the skill sector.
• NPTEL, IITs, UGC, CEC, IGNOU, NCERT, and NIOS provide the content.
• The web portal is maintained by the INFLIBNET Centre.
• The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have agreed to work with universities and institutes to ensure that SWAYAM credits are accepted.
• The goal is for every student in the country to have access to high-quality higher education at an affordable price.
• The GSAT-15 satellite is used by the DTH networks to broadcast their programming.
• SWAYAM brings together academics from hundreds of institutions around the country to create and teach Massive open online courses.

​Therefore, The web portal of Swayam Prabha is maintained by the INFLIBNET center.

Additional Information

• Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur is a public technical university established by the government of India in Kharagpur, West Bengal, India. Established in 1951, the institute is the first of the IITs to be established and is recognized as an Institute of National Importance.
• Doordarshan is an Indian public service broadcaster found by the Government of India, owned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and one of Prasar Bharati's two divisions. One of India's largest broadcasting organizations in studio and transmitter infrastructure, it was established on 15 September 1959.
• Google LLC is an American multinational technology company that focuses on artificial intelligence, search engine, online advertising, cloud computing, computer software, quantum computing, e-commerce, and consumer electronics.

NSQF will be aligned with the International Standard Classification of Occupations maintained by ILO

Important Points

• A National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) will be formulated by the GEC and it shall be in sync with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) to ease the integration of vocational education into higher education.
• Higher education qualifications leading to a  degree/diploma/certificate shall be described by the NHEQF in terms of such learning outcomes.
• The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) organizes qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills, and aptitude.
• These levels are defined in terms of learning outcomes that the learner must possess regardless of whether they were acquired through formal, non-formal, or informal learning. In that sense, the NSQF is a quality assurance framework.

The International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) is one of the main international classifications for which ILO is responsible. It belongs to the international family of economic and social classifications.

ISCO is a tool for organizing jobs into a clearly defined set of groups according to the tasks and duties are undertaken in the job. Its main aims are to provide:

• a basis for the international reporting, comparison, and exchange of statistical and administrative data about occupations;
• a model for the development of national and regional classifications of occupations; and
• a system that can be used directly in countries that have not developed their own national classifications.

Piaget divided children's cognitive development into four stages, each of the stages represents a new way of thinking and understanding the world. He called them (1) sensorimotor intelligence, (2) preoperational thinking, (3) concrete operational thinking, and (4) formal operational thinking.

The Preoperational Stage is a Piaget stage that corresponds to early childhood.

Key PointsStatement I: The ability to form and use symbols (words, gestures, signs, images, and so on) are accomplished in the preoperational period.

• According to Piaget, the preoperational stage occurs between the ages of 2 and 7.
• Children utilize symbols to represent words, images, and ideas at the preoperational stage.
• In the preoperational period, children begin to utilize language, but they are unable to comprehend adult logic or mentally manipulate information.

​Therefore, Statement I is correct. 

Statement II: According to Piaget, preoperational children do not have a tendency to be egocentric.

• Piaget's claims concerning the cognitive capacity of children at this age.
• Early infancy egocentrism refers to a child's inability to perceive things from other people's perspectives and instead believes that everyone sees, thinks, and feels the same way they do.
• An egocentric youngster is incapable of inferring other people's perspectives and instead assigns his own to situations.
• Preoperational children do have a tendency to be egocentric.

​So, Statement II is incorrect. 

Hence, Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.

NPE‐2020 is the new education policy that replaces the previous National Policy on Education, 1986. NEP 2020 aims to ensure that no child loses any opportunity to learn and excel because of the circumstances of birth or background.

Key Points

Role of Vocational Education As per NEP 2020:

• Vocational education will be integrated into all school and higher education institutions in a phased manner over the next decade.
• By 2025, at least 50% of learners through the school and higher education system shall have exposure to vocational education, for which a clear action plan with targets and timelines will be developed.
• Higher education institutions will offer vocational education either on their own or in partnership with industry and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs).
• Focus areas for vocational education will be chosen based on skills gap analysis and mapping of local opportunities.
• Higher Education Institutions will be allowed to conduct short-term certificate courses in various skills including soft skills.
• Vocational knowledge developed in India – ‘Lok Vidya’, will be made accessible to students through integration into vocational education courses.
• The Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc.) degrees introduced in 2013 will continue to exist, but vocational courses will also be available to students enrolled in all other Bachelor’s degree programmes, including the 4-year multidisciplinary Bachelor’s programmes.
• The Ministry of Human Resource Development (now renamed as Ministry of Education) will constitute a National Committee for the Integration of Vocational Education (NCIVE), consisting of experts in vocational education and representatives from across Ministries, in collaboration with industry, to oversee this effort.

Therefore we conclude that the correct statements are D and E the statement(s) do NOT hold true with respect to Vocational Education as per NPE‐2020 are A, B, and C.