GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

(TIme Allowed: Three HoursJ IMaximwn Marks: 3001
INSTRUCTIONS
Candidates should attempt ALL questions.
The number of 11U:lrkS carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question: Answers must be written in ENGLISH only.
1. Answer any seven of the following In less than 100 'Words each: 7xlO=70
Comment on Jeans and "Tidal Hypothesis" on the origin of the Solar System.

Distinguish between 'continental crust' and 'continental rise'.

Comment on the formation and features of a 'hanging valley'.

Distinguish between 'bajada' and 'hamada' landforms.

Comment on cyclone and its effects.

What is the theory of demographic transition
Distinguish between and 'dew point'.

Describe the 'Coriolis force

Comment on the Tundra biome.

2. Answer any four of the following In less than 50 words each 4x5=20
Distinguish between 'katabatic' winds and 'chinook' winds.

Distinguish between 'drainage density' and 'drainage patterns' as applied to streams.

What are the major types of forests in the Indian subcontinent

List the processes that initiate ocean currents and influence their speed and direction.

What are the terms 'wagon turnaround' and 'operating ratio' in the context of the Railways?

3. On the outline map of India provided separately, mark the location of the following National ParkslWildlife Sanctuaries: lOxl=10
Bandipur

Dudhwa

Kaziranga

Keoladeo Ghana

Dachigam

Namdapha

Nalsarovar

Simlipal

Vedanthangal

Periyar

(Important note: Remember to attach your map-sheet securely to your answerpbook, after answering the question. Please do not write your Roll number or name on the map-sheet).

4. Answer any ten of the following in about 100 words each: lOxlO=100
"The second urbanization in the Ganges plain had a far-reaching impact on the environment and forests." Elucidate.

What are the features of the Forest Act of 2006 that attempt to redress the "historical injustice" committed against forest dwellers of the country?

What do you understand by the basic structure" doctrine as applied to the Indian Constitution

What are the recommendations of the Yash Pal Committee on 'Renovation and Rejuvenation of Higher Education in India'

What are the powers and functions of the Central and State Information Commissions?

Comment on India's position on climate change and reduction of CO2 emissions.

Describe the procedure of the passing ordinary Bill in the Indian Parliament. of an

Give your views on whether it is in interest to participate more actively Shanghai Cooperation Organization. India's in the

Comment on the significance and present-day relevance of Birsa Munda's contributions to the National Movement.

List the guidelines of the Election Commission regarding general conduct of political parties and candidates, as part of the Model Code of Conduct for the recent Elections.

What amendments have been issued by the RBI to the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, In February 2009

How is food cooked in a microwave oven?


5. Comment briefly (in less than 50 words each) on any twelve of the following 12x5=60
Dendrochronology

Fossil Ida

Oseltamivir

Jayad crops

Jarvik-7 heart Agni-I1 missile

Galileo project

LES technology in mobile phones

The Trusteeship Council of the United Nations

Earth Hour

'Swayamsidha'scheme

Elections held recently in India's neighbourhood

'Vishwakarma Rashtriya Puraskar'

National Judicial Academy

Universal Service Obligation Fund

6. Who are the following and why were they in the news recently?
(Answer each in not more than a sentence or two)

Anarkali Honaryar
Namit Bahadur
Banayak Sen
Ram Ashrey Yadav
Bhagat Singh Bilga
Iftikhar Choudhary
Magan Mylan
Sudarsan Pattnaik
Martti Ahtisaari
Jasbir Singh Bajaj

7. Mention the /sport/game with which each of the terms
below is most closely associated: lOxl=10
Home run
Chinaman
Fosbury flop
Sinclair coefficient
Raider
Mashie
Shoulder line
Castle
Dunk
Dink

8. Write down the name of the creator of each of these popular fictional characters lOxl=10
Artemis Fowl

Feluda

Tarzan

Perry Mason

Hercule Poirot

Sherlock Holmes

Gandalf

Tom Sawyer

Lord Voldemort

Captain Nemo