UPSC IFS 2018 Question Paper for General Knowledge

I.F.S. EXAM-(M) 2018
FSI-G-GSF

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks : 300

Question Paper Specific Instructions

Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting
questions:

All the questions are to be attempted.

The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.

Attempt of a part/question shall be counted in sequential order. Unless struck off attempt
of a part/question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the
page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off

Answers must be written in ENGLISH only.

Ql. Answer all the following questions within the word limits indicated in

Describe the characteristic features of Mughal Architecture.
(200 words) 15

Trace the main events of Modern Indian History from the Cripps
Mission to Independence of India. (200 words) 15

Enumerate the causes for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism during
ancient times. (125 words) 10

Discuss the contribution of various organisations in the Social and
Religious Reform Movement during the nineteenth century. (125 words) /0

FSI-G-GSF 1

Q2. Answer all the following questions within the word limits indicated in

How does increase in current account deficit of India influence the fall
in the value of rupee against the US Dollar ? What remedial measures
have been suggested? (200 words) 15

India is going to experience the situation of demographic dividend in
the near future, roughly around 2025. Is India capable to reap the
benefits of demographic dividend? Give reasons for your answer.
(200 words) 15

What is black income ? Examine the recent policy efforts by the
Government of India to tackle the problem. (125 words) 10

How do rising oil prices fuel inflation ? What measures would you
suggest to contain it in context of the Indian scenario in the recent
past? (125 words) 10

Q3. Answer all the following questions within the word limits indicated in

What do you understand by the term 'Judicial Governance' ? Do you
think the judiciary in India has started exercising overarching powers in
the name of judicial governance? Comment citing recent examples.
(200 words) 15

Communal-Secular debate in Indian polity seems to be dissipating
under the ambit of 'Government-Governance' discourse. Comment.
(200 words) 15

Though the right to life as enshrined in Part III of the Constitution
includes rights to food, shelter and employment, these rights remain
non-justiciable. Examine. (125 words) 10

Providing constitutionality to the backward classes will ensure their
legitimate empowerment and integration. Give arguments in light of
the passage of the recent Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill for
backward classes. (125 words) 10

FSI-G-GSF 2

Q4. Answer all the following questions within the word limits indicated in

Write on the vertical distribution of natural vegetation of Himalayas.
(200 words) 15

Discuss the importance of off-shore oil and gas resources for India.
(200 words) 15

Examine the economic and strategic importance of the Island regions of
India. (125 words) 10

Write on the problematic soils formed due to poor management of
irrigation in India. (125 words) 10

Q5. Answer all the following questions within the word limits indicated in

What are the basis for using micro-organisms in a manufacturing
industry ? Describe the various ways in which micro-organisms are
involved with the petroleum industry. Also put a brief note on how
industrial microbiology has been affected by the new biotechnology
(applied genetics) ? (200 words) 15

What are patents ? Briefly describe the various requirements and the
process of award of a patent. Discuss the pros and cons of patenting life
forms. What is the status of India in this context ? Also write your
views on effects of patenting on commercialization of bioteclmological
products, with justification. (200 words) 15

Why are enzymes important to a cell ? Describe two most striking
characteristics of enzymes. Describe three specific types of regulation of
enzyme activity. Also differentiate between constitutive and induced
enzymes. (100 words) 10

How do garden peas stand up to the requirements for good
experimental organisms for genetic breeding? Basically, how does the
first division of meiosis differ from mitosis ? (100 words) 10

FSI-G-GSF 3

Q6. Answer all the following questions within the word limits indicated in
(a) Define a "Polymer" and "Degree of Polymerisation". Discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of the usage of polymers over metals in
modern industries. (200 words) 15
What is Bose-Einstein condensate ? Discuss in brief how the first
Bose-Einstein condensate was created. Mention its significance in
Modern Physics. (200 words) 15
Write down the full form of the acronym SQUID. Where does one use
SQUID ? Mention the important applications of SQUID in medical
sciences. (100 words) 10
How does a quantum computer differ from a digital electronic
computer ? Mention in brief the working of the quantum computer.
(100 words) 10

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