02 Jan
IPCI Info

DAVA project bags eASIA award for trade facilitation- 2015

The Drug Authentication and Verification Application (DAVA) project of The Department of Commerce has won the 2015 eASIA Award under Trade Facilitation category. DAVA project was launched by Union Government in June 2015. It seeks to create an integrated platform for implementation of the Track and Trace system for exporters and domestic markets of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals.

Aims: to cover all the drugs manufactured in India and contribute considerably in enhancing the brand image of our pharmaceutical exporters.

16 Dec
IPCI Info

How to Apply LIC post of Assistant Administrative Officer (Generalist) – 2015

How to Apply LIC ADO
Candidates can apply online only from 15.12.2015 to 05.01.2016 and no other mode of application will be accepted.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE NOTED BEFORE REGISTRATION
Before applying online, candidates should
i) Scan their photograph and signature ensuring that both the photograph and signature adhere to the required specifications as given in Annexure III.
ii) Have a valid personal email ID and mobile no., which should be kept active till the completion of this Recruitment Process. LIC may send call letters for the Examination etc. through the registered e-mail ID. In case a candidate does not have a valid personal e-mail ID, he/she should create his/her new e-mail ID and
mobile no. before applying on-line and must maintain that email account and mobile number.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
iii) The examination will be conducted online in venues given in the respective call letters. No request for change of centre/venue/date/session for Examination shall be entertained.
iv) LIC, however, reserves the right to cancel any of the Examination Centers and/ or add some other Centers, at its discretion, depending upon the response, administrative feasibility, etc.
v) LIC also reserves the right to allot the candidate to any centre other than the one he/she has opted for.
vi) Candidate will appear for the examination at an Examination Centre at his/her own risks and expenses and LIC will not be responsible for any injury or losses etc. of any nature. Candidate should select only one centre and indicate the name of the centre in the application form. Choice of centre once exercised by the
candidate will be final.
vii) If sufficient number of candidates does not opt for a particular centre for “Online” examination, LIC reserves the right to allot any other adjunct centre to those candidates OR if the number of candidates is more than the capacity available for online exam for a centre, LIC reserves the right to allot any other centre to the
candidate.
viii) Candidates will be informed accordingly in case of any change in the date /centre/venue of examination by e-mail and SMS.
ix) The possibility of occurrence of some problem in the administration of the examination cannot be ruled out completely which may impact test delivery and/or result from being generated. In that event, every effort will be made to rectify such problem, which may include movement of candidates, delay in test. Conduct of a reexam is at the absolute discretion of test conducting body. Candidates will not have any claim for a re-test. Candidates not willing to move or not willing to participate in the delayed process of test delivery shall be summarily rejected from the process..
x) Instances for providing incorrect information and/or process violation by a candidate detected at any stage of the selection process will lead of disqualification of the candidate from the selection process and he/she will not be allowed to appear in any LIC recruitment process in the future. If such instances go undetected
during the current selection process but are detected subsequently, such disqualification will take place with retrospective effect.
xi) APPLICATION FEES/ INTIMATION CHARGES (NON REFUNDABLE)

14 Dec
IPCI Info

Alexander’s Invasion of India

Alexander’s Invasion of India (327-325 B.C.)
Political Condition on the eve of Alexander’s Invasion After two centuries of the Persian invasion, Alexander from
Macedonia invaded India. On the eve of his invasion, there were a number of small kingdoms in northwestern India. The leading kings were Ambhi of Taxila, the ruler of Abhisara and Porus who ruled the region between the rivers of Jhelum and Chenab. There were many republican states like Nysa. In short, the northwestern India remained the most disunited part of India and the rulers were fighting with one another. They never come together against common enemy. Yet, it was not easy for Alexander to overcome so many sources of opposition.

Causes of the Invasion
Alexander ascended the throne of Macedonia after the death of his father Philip in 334 B.C. He conquered the whole of Persia by defeating Darius III in the battle of Arbela in 330 B.C. He also aimed at further conquest eastwards and wanted to recover the lost Persian Satrapy of India. The writings of Greek authors like Herodotus about the fabulous wealth of India attracted Alexander. Moreover, his interest in geographical enquiry and love of natural history urged him to undertake an invasion of India. He believed that on the eastern side of India there was the continuation of the sea, according the geographical knowledge of his period. So, he thought that by conquering India, he would also conquer the eastern boundary of the world.

Battle of Hydaspes
In 327 B.C. Alexander crossed the Hindukush Mountains and spent nearly ten months in fighting with the tribes. He crossed the Indus in February 326 B.C. with the help of the bridge of boats. He was warmly received by Ambhi, the ruler of Taxila. From there Alexander sent a message to Porus to submit. But Porus refused and decided to fight against Alexander. Then Alexander marched from Taxila to the banks of the river Hydaspes (Jhelum). On the other side of the river he saw the vast army of Porus. As there were heavy floods in the river, Alexander was not able to cross it. After a few days, he crossed the river and the famous battle of Hydaspes was fought on the plains of Karri. It was a well-contested battle. Although Porus had a strong army, he lost the battle. Alexander was impressed by the courage and heroism of this Indian prince, treated him generously and reinstated him on his throne. Alexander continued his march as far as the river Beas encountering opposition from the local tribes. He wanted to proceed still further eastwards towards the Gangetic valley. But he could not do so because his soldiers refused to fight. Hardships of prolonged warfare made them tired and they wanted to return home. Alexander could not persuade them and therefore decided to return. He made arrangements to look after his conquered territories in India. He divided the whole territory from the Indus to the Beas into three provinces and put them under his governors. His retreat began in October 326 B.C. and the return journey was not free from ordeals. Many republican tribes attacked his army. Anyhow he managed to reach beyond the Indus. On his way he reached Babylon where he fell seriously ill and died in 323 B.C.

Effects of Alexander’s invasion
The immediate effect of Alexander’s invasion was that it encouraged political unification of north India under the Mauryas. The system of small independent states came to an end. Alexander’s invasion had also paved the way for direct contact between India and Greece. The routes opened by him and his naval explorations increased the existing facilities for trade between India and West Asia. However, his aim of annexing the northwestern India to his empire was not fulfilled due his premature death. His authority in the Indus valley was a short-lived one because of the expansion of Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.

14 Dec
IPCI Info

PERSIAN AND GREEK INVASIONS

Persian Invasions
Cyrus (558 – 530 B.C)
Cyrus the Great was the greatest conqueror of the Achaemenian Empire. He was the first conqueror who led an expedition and entered into India. He captured the Gandhara region. All Indian tribes to the west of the Indus river submitted to him and paid tribute. His son Cambyses had no time to pay attention towards India.

Darius I (522 – 486 B.C.)
Darius I, the grandson of Cyrus, conquered the Indus valley in 518 B.C. and annexed the Punjab and Sindh. This region became the 20th Satrapy of his empire. It was the most fertile and populous province of the Achaemenian Empire. Darius sent a naval expedition under Skylas to explore the Indus.

Xerxes (465-456 B.C.)
Xerxes utilized his Indian province to strengthen his position. He deployed Indian infantry and cavalry to Greece to fight his opponents. But they retreated after Xerxes faced a defeat in Greece. After this failure, the Achaemenians could not follow a forward policy in India. However, the Indian province was still under their control. Darius III enlisted Indian soldiers to fight against Alexander in 330 B.C. It is evident that the control of Persians slackened on the eve of Alexander’s invasion of India.

Effects of the Persian Invasion
The Persian invasion provided an impetus to the growth of Indo-Iranian commerce. Also, it prepared the ground for Alexander’s invasion. The use of the Kharoshti script, a form of Iranian writing became popular in northwestern India and some of Asoka’s edicts were written in that script. We are able to see the influence of Persian art on the art of the Mauryas, particularly the monolithic pillars of Asoka and the sculptures found on them. The very idea of issuing edicts by Asoka and the wording used in the edicts are traced to Iranian influence. In short, the Iranian connection with India proved more fruitful than the short-lived Indo-Macedonian contact.

14 Dec
IPCI Info

The Rise Of Magadha & Alexandr’s Invasion

In the beginning of the 6th century B.C., the northern India consisted of a large number of independent kingdoms. Some of them had monarchical forms of government, while some others were republics. While there was a concentration of monarchies on the Gangetic plain, the republics were scattered in the foothills of the Himalayas and in northwestern India. Some of the republics consisted of only one tribe like the Sakyas, Licchavis and Mallas. In the republics, the power of decision in all matters of state vested with the Public Assembly which was composed of the tribal representatives or heads of families. All decisions were by a majority vote.

The Buddhist literature Anguttara Nikaya gives a list of sixteen great kingdoms called ‘Sixteen Mahajanapadas’. They were Anga, Magadha, Kasi, Kosala, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Surasena, Asmaka, Avanti, Gandhara and Kambhoja. The Jain texts also contain references to the existence of sixteen kingdoms. In course of time, the small and weak kingdoms either submitted to the stronger rulers or gradually got eliminated. Finally in the mid 6th century B.C., only four kingdoms – Vatsa, Avanti, Kosala and Magadha survived.

Vatsa
The Vatsa kingdom was situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. Its capital was Kausambi near modern Allahabad. Its most popular ruler was Udayana. He strengthened his position by entering into matrimonial alliances with Avanti, Anga and Magadha. After his death, Vatsa was annexed to the Avanti kingdom.

Avanti
The capital of Avanti was Ujjain. The most important ruler of this kingdom was Pradyota. He became powerful by marrying Vasavadatta, the daughter of Udayana. He patronized Buddhism. The successors of Pradyota were weak and later this kingdom was taken over by the rulers of Magadha.

Kosala
Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala. King Prasenajit was its famous ruler. He was highly educated. His position was further strengthened by the matrimonial alliance with Magadha. His sister was married to Bimbisara and Kasi was given to her as dowry. Subsequently there was a dispute with Ajatasatru. After the end of the conflict, Prasenajit married the daughter of Bimbisara. After the death of this powerful king, Kosala became part of the Magadha.

Magadha
Of all the kingdoms of north India, Magadha emerged powerful and prosperous. It became the nerve centre of political activity in north India. Magadha was endowed by nature with certain geographical and strategic advantages. These made her to rise to imperial greatness. Her strategic position between the upper and lower part of the Gangetic valley was a great advantage. It had a fertile soil. The iron ores in the hills near Rajgir and copper and iron deposits near Gaya added to its natural assets. Her location at the centre of the highways of trade of those days contributed to her wealth. Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha. During the reign of
Bimbisara and Ajatasatru, the prosperity of Magadha reached its zenith.

Bimbisara (546 – 494 B.C.)
Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. He consolidated his position by matrimonial alliances. His first matrimonial alliance was with the ruling family of Kosala. He married Kosaladevi, sister of Prasenajit. He was given the Kasi region as dowry which yielded large revenue. Bimbisara married Chellana, a princess of the Licchavi family of Vaisali. This matrimonial alliance secured for him the safety of the northern frontier. Moreover, it facilitated the expansion of Magadha northwards to the borders of Nepal. He also married Khema of the royal house of Madra in central Punjab. Bimbisara also undertook many expeditions and added more territories to his empire. He defeated Brahmadatta of Anga and annexed that kingdom. He maintained friendly relations with Avanti. He had also efficiently reorganized the administration of his kingdom. Bimbisara was a contemporary of both Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. However, both religions claim him as their supporter and devotee. He seems to have made numerous gifts to the Buddhist Sangha.

Ajatasatru (494 – 462 B.C.)
The reign of Ajatasatru was remarkable for his military conquests. He fought against Kosala and Vaisali. His won a great success against a formidable confederacy led by the Lichchavis of Vaisali. This had increased his power and prestige. This war lasted for about sixteen years. It was at this time that Ajatasatru realised the strategic importance of the small village, Pataligrama (future Pataliputra). He fortified it to serve as a convenient base of operations against Vaisali. Buddhists and Jains both claim that Ajatasatru was a follower of their religion. But it is generally believed that in the beginning he was a follower of Jainism and subsequently embraced Buddhism. He is said to have met Gautama Buddha. This scene is also depicted in the sculptures of Barhut. According to the Mahavamsa, he constructed several chaityas and viharas. He was also instrumental in convening the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha soon after the death of the Buddha. The immediate successor of Ajatasatru was Udayin. He laid the foundation of the new capital at Pataliputra situated at the confluence of the two rivers, the Ganges and the Son. Later it became famous as the imperial capital of the Mauryas. Udayin’s successors were weak rulers and hence Magadha was captured by Saisunaga. Thus the Haryanka dynasty came to an end and the Saisunagadynasty came to power. Saisunaga dynasty The genealogy and chronology of the Saisunagas are not clear. Saisunaga defeated the king of Avanti which was made part of the Magadhan Empire. After Saisunaga, the mighty empire began to collapse. His successor was Kakavarman or Kalasoka. During his reign the second Buddhist Council was held at Vaisali. Kalasoka was killed by the founder of the Nanda dynasty.

Nandas
The fame of Magadha scaled new heights under the Nanda dynasty. Their conquests went beyond the boundaries of the Gangetic basin and in North India they carved a well-knit and vast empire. Mahapadma Nanda was a powerful ruler of the Nanda dynasty. He uprooted the kshatriya dynasties in north India and assumed the title ekarat. The Puranas speak of the extensive conquests made by Mahapadma. The Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela of Kalinga refers to the conquest of Kalinga by the Nandas. Many historians believe that a considerable portion of the Deccan was also under the control of the Nandas. Therefore, Mahapadma Nanda may be regarded as a great empire builder. According to the Buddhist tradition, Mahapadma Nanda ruled about ten years. He was succeeded by his eight sons, who ruled successively. The last Nanda ruler was Dhana Nanda. He kept the Magadhan empire intact and possessed a powerful army and enormous wealth. The fabulous wealth of the Nandas is also mentioned by several sources. The enormous wealth of the Nandas is also referred to in the Tamil Sangam work Ahananuru by the poet Mamulanar. The flourishing state of agriculture in the Nanda dominions and the general prosperity of the country must have brought to the royal treasury enormous revenue. The oppressive way of tax collection by Dhana Nanda was resented by the people.

Taking advantage of this, Chandragupta Maurya and Kautilyainitiated a popular movement against the Nanda rule. It was during this time that Alexander invaded India.

Read About: Persian & Greek Invasions

Read About: Alexander’s Invasion of India

UPSC Exam related Question:
1. The rise of Magatha and the different dynasties ruled over it.
2. The achievements of Bimbisara, Mahapadma Nanda and other kings.
3. Persian invasions and their occupation of northwest India.
4. Effects of Persian invasion and occupation.
5. Causes and course of Alexander’s invasion of India.
6. Effects of Alexander’s invasion.

13 Dec
IPCI Info

LIC Apprentice Development Officers (ADO’s) Exam Previous Question Paper (Reasoning)

Q.1 How many such pairs of letters are there in the word TRANSFER each of which has as many letters between them in the word as in the English alphabet?
1) None
2) One
3) Two
4) Three
5) More than three

Q.2 D is sister of F. M is brother of F. K is brother of D and son of T. R is wife of T. How is F related to T?
1) Son
2) Daughter
3) Son or daughter
4) Data inadequate
5) None of these

Q.3 The positions of how many digits in the number 8359614 will remain unchanged after the digits are rearranged in descending order within the number?
1) None
2) One
3) Two
4) Three
5) More than three

Q.4 In a certain code ‘STAGE’ is written as ‘4@59’ and ‘EARN’ is written as 987′. How is ‘NEST’ written in that code?
1) 497@
2) 794@
3) @79
4) 79@
5) None of these

Q.5 In a certain code TRILOGY is written as HQSMXFN. How is CREDITS written in that code?
1) DQBERSH
2) FSDCTUJ
3) DQBETUJ
4) FSDCRSH
5) None of these

Direction (6 – 10) : Study the following arrangement carefully and answer the questions given below:
H 3 $ E K 5 @ M % I 8 2 T A F 6 W I  N V ★ P 4 Q δ R D Z

Q.6 Four of the following five are alike in a certain way based on their positions in the above arrangement and so form a group. Which is the one that does not belong to that group?
1) FAW
2) N★
3) 4Pδ
4) MI
5) SEH

Q.7 How many such symbols are there in the above arrangement each of which is immediately preceded by a number and immediately followed by a letter?
1) None
2) One
3) Two
4) Three
5) More than three

Q.8 Which of the following is the fifth to the left of the sixteenth from the left end of the above arrangement?
1) 2
2) 
3) 8
4) 6
5) None of these

Q.9 If all the symbols and numbers are dropped from the above arrangement which of the following will be the fourteenth from the right end?

1) T
2) K
3) N
4) P
5) None of these

Q.10 How many such numbers are there in the above arrangement each of which is immediately preceded by a letter but not immediately followed by a letter?
1) None
2) One
3) Two
4) Three
5) More than three

Directions (11 – 15): In these questions, certain symbols have been used to indicate relationships between elements as follows:
‘P  Q’ means ‘P is neither greater than nor equal to Q.
‘P $ Q’ means ‘P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q.
‘P @ Q’ means ‘P is not smaller than Q.
‘P % Q means P is not greater than Q.
‘P ★ Q’ means ‘P is neither greater than nor smaller than Q.

In each question, four statements showing relationships have been given, which are followed by three conclusions I, II and III. Assuming that the given statements are true, find out which conclusion(s) is /are definitely true?

Q.11 Statement:
R % T, T  K, K $ M, M @ V
Conclusions:
I. M  T
II. R  K
III. K $ V
1) None is true
2) Only I and II are true
3) Only II and III are true
4) Only I and III are true
5) All I, II and III are true

Q.12 Statements:
W $ N N  R, R @ K, K % F
Conclusions:
I. F ★ R
II. R $ W
III. N  K
1) None is true
2) Only I is true
3) Only II is true
4) Only III is true
5) Only II and III are true

Q.13 Statements:
F @ M, M % W, W $ R, R  V
Conclusions:
I. V $ M
II. F $ W
III. R  F
1) None is true
2) Only I is true
3) Only II is true
4) Only III is true
5) Only I and III are true

Q.14 Statements:
B $ D, D @ M, M % K, K  R
Conclusions:
I. R $ M
II. K@D
III. B $ M
1) Only I and II are true
2) Only I and III are true
3) Only II and III are true
4) All I, II and III are true
5) None of these

Q.15 Statements:
N@W, W★K, KV, V$F
Conclusions:
I. K★N
II. K@N
III. FW
1) Only I is true
2) Only II is true
3) Only III is true
4) Only either I or II is true
5) None of these

Directions (16-20) Study the following information carefully and answer the questions given below:
P,Q,R,S,T,V,W and Z are sitting around a circle facing the centre. S is second to the right of V who is third to the right of T.Q. is second to the left of T and fourth to the right of Z, W is third to the right of P who is not an immediate neighbour of T.

Q.16 Four of the following five are alike in a certain way based on their positions is the above arrangement and so form a group. Which is the one that does not belong to that group?
1) ZRV
2) SPQ
3) VZP
4) TWR
5) QWT

Q.17 Who is to the immediate left of W?
1) Q
2) T
3) S
4) Data inadequate
5) None of these

Q.18 Who is second to the left of R?
1) T
2) Q
3) W
4) Data Inadequate
5) None of these

Q.19 Who is fourth to the left of P?
1) R
2) Z
3) W
4) T
5) Data inadequate

Q.20 In which of the following pairs is the first person sitting to the immediate right. of the second person?
1) SQ
2) TW
3) ZV
4) PS
5) QW

Directions (21-25): Study the following information carefully and answer the questions given below: Following are the conditions for selecting Manager- Accounts in an organisation.

The Candidate must:
i. be at least 28 years and not more than 33 years as on 01.06.2010.
ii. be agraduate with at least 55 percent marks. iii. be a post graduate dergee/ diploma holder in financial management with atleast 60 percent marks.
iv. have post qualification work experience of atleast seven years in the Finance department of an organisation.
v. have secured 40 percent marks in the personal interview.

In the case of a candidates who satisfies all the conditions

EXCEPT:
A) at (iii) above but has completed CA/ICWA/CFA after his/ her graduation, the case is to be referred to executive Director- Finance.
B) at (v) above but has secured atleast 35 percent marks in the personal interview and at least 65 percent marks in graduation. The case is to be referred to General Manager – Finance. In each question below are given details of one candidate.
You have to take one of the following courses of action based on the information provided and the conditions and sub- conditions given above and mark the number of that course of action your answer. You are not to assume anything other that the information provided in each question.

Mark Answer
(1) if the case is to be referred to Executive Director – Finance. Mark answer
(2) if the case is to be referred to General Manager- Finance. Mark answer
(3) if the candidate is to be selected. Mark answer
(4) if the candidate is not to be selected. Mark answer
(5) if the data provided are not adequate to take a decision

Q.21 Subodh Saha has been working in the finance department of an organisation for the past seven years after completing his post Graduate degree in Financial Management with 60 percent marks. He has secured 53 percent marks in the personal interview. He was born on 8th may 1984.
Q.22 Abhiram Gupta was born on 8th July 1980. He has been working in the Finance department of an organisation for the past nine years after completing his post graduation degree in Financial Management with 68 percent marks. He has secured 37 percent marks in personal interview and 70 percent marks in graduation.
Q.23 Suchitra Kulkarni has been working in the finance department of an organisation for the past eight years. She was born on 12th April 1979. She has secured 65 percent marks in both graduation and post graduate diploma in financial management. She has also secured 50 percent marks personal interview.
Q.24 Atul Sangma was born on 24th March 1980. He has secured 45 percent marks in the personal interview and 60 percent marks in graduation. He has been working organisation for th past seven yeas after completing his post graduate degree in Financial Management with 65 percent marks.
Q.25 Neha Juneja was born on 4th September 1981. She has been working in the Finance department of an organisation for the past eight years after completing her ICWA after obtaining 58 percent marks in graduation. she has secured 48 percent marks in the personal Interview.

Answer Key

1-4; 2-3; 3-1; 4-2; 5-1; 6-5; 7-4; 8-3; 9-2; 10-5; 11-3; 12-1; 13-1; 14-2; 15-4; 16-5; 17-1; 18-3; 19-4; 20-2; 21-4; 22-2; 23-3; 24-3; 25-1;

11 Dec
IPCI Info

LIC Apprentice Development Officers (ADO’s) Exam Previous Question Paper (English Language)

Directions (Q. 1-10) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.
Certain words are given in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions. Politicians and generals talk of military strategies and maneuvers but something completely different is needed. Stability will come only when economic opportunities exist, when youth can find jobs and support families rather than seeking their livelihood in violence. Peace can only be achieved with a withdrawal of foreign troops, sanctions and peace-keepers and the arrival of jobs, productive farms and factories, healthcare and schools. Repeatedly the fragile peace in impoverished countries has broken down because of the lack of economic follow-up. Despite promises of aid, the actual record of international aid to post war reconstruction is deficient.

Once the war ends agencies involved in post war relief efforts fail to understand how to start or restart economic development in a low income setting. They squander time, surplus aid funds and opportunities because they are not familiar with local conditions and do not under-stand their point of view. There are distinct phases of outside help to end a conflict. In the first phase focus is on providing food, water, shelter and medicine to refugees i.e., humanitarians. In the second, emphasis is on the refugees returning home while in the last phase long term investments and strengthening of courts is the main focus. However once a conflict is over aid agencies sanctioned by the World Bank send study groups instead of requisite personnel. There is a gap of several years before moving from humanitarian relief to economic development. By the time such help arrives the war has restarted. It is possible to restart economic develop-ment through targeted quick impact initiatives. Most economies in post conflict countries are based on agriculture. Providing free packages of seeds, fertilizers and low cost equipment quickly will ensure that former soldiers will return to their farms and establish their livelihood. But the window of opportunity closes quickly and one has to implement these measures almost immediately.

Q.1 Which of the following is a reason, post conflict reconstruction efforts have failed ?
(A) Aid organizations do not understand issues from the perspective of the poor
(B) Rapid economic development in low income countries
(C)World Bank studies are not valid
(D) International aid organizations become too involved in reconstruction efforts
(E) None of these

Q.2 Where does the problem lie in implementing post war relief measures ?
(A) Aid agencies fail to study the situation
(B) Economic development measures are too rapid
(C) Focus on economic development not humanitarian aid
(D) Lack of funds to implement programmes
(E) Lack of essential and qualified personnel

Q.3 According to the author how can political stability be achieved ?
(A) Increasing the number of foreign troops in areas of conflict
(B) Depending more on foreign aid
(C) Following recommendations given by the World Bank
(D) Providing economic opportunities
(E) None of these

Q.4 Which of the following is not true in the context of the pas-sage ?
(A) Focus in the first phase of a war is on providing humanitarian aid
(B) Sanctions are not a means to ensure peace
(C) Adequate time must be taken to plan and implement quick impact strategies
(D) Providing employment to the younger generation will prevent wars
(E) Focus on delivering justice through courts should be in the last phase of conflict aid

Q.5 How can economic development be restarted in an impoverished country ?
(A) Long term studies should be commissioned
(B) Retaining soldiers in the army to ensure law and order
(C) Restrict number of aid agencies to avoid waste
(D) Focusing on agricultural initiatives
(E) Deploying peace keepers in the country

Q.6 What is the benefit of quick impact aid ?
(A) Soldiers earn income from the army and their farms
(B) Providing alternate livelihood to soldiers before war can restart
(C) Free land is given to soldiers
(D) Price of equipment is low
(E) None of these

Directions (Q. 7 and 8) Choose the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
Q.7 exist
(A) live
(B) fit
(C) create
(D) occur
(E) survive

Q.8 squander
(A) lavish
(B) spend
(C) displace
(D) lose
(E) misuse

Directions (Q.9 and 10) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
Q.9 fragile
(A) weak
(B) lasting
(C) long
(D) strong
(E) unstable

Q.10 deficient
(A) surplus
(B) valued
(C) short
(D) secure
(E) repaired

Directions (Q. 11-15) Rearrange the following sentences (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph and then answer the questions given below it.
A. Strict obedience to these rules is called discipline.
B. In the same way, a societywhere rules are not followed cannot survive for long.
C. Only then a society can be run in an orderly fashion.
D. A society can exist properly onlywhen men living in it agree upon certain rules of conduct.
E. For example, if the people on the road do not obey traffic rules there will be complete disorder and con-fusion.
F. Students must obey their teachers, children their parents, citizens the laws and so on and so forth.

Q.11 Which of the following is the fifth sentence ?
(A) A
(B) B
(C)C
(D) E
(E) F

Q .12 Which of the following is the sixth (Last) sentence ?
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
(E) E

Q.13 Which of the following is the second sentence ?
(A) A
(B) B
(C)C
(D) D
(E) E

Q.14 Which of the following is the first sentence ?
(A) A
(B) B
(C)C
(D) D
(E) E

Q.15 Which of the following is the third sentence ?
(A) A
(B) B
(C)C
(D) E
(E) F

Directions (Q. 16-20) Pick out the most effective word from among the given words to fill in the blank to make the sentence meaningfully complete.

Q.16 She did not like to her decision like a dictator on her subordinates.
(A) divulge
(B) prompt
(C) enforce
(D) deploy
(E) make

Q.17 People unfortunately that money brings happiness.
(A) assume
(B) deny
(C) object
(D) rely
(E) conscious

Q.18 The public have a protest against the new rules of the budget.
(A) organize
(B) demonstrated
(C) compiled
(D) pursued
(E) launched

Q.19 Sarojini Naidu will always be remembered for her to the national cause.
(A) blessing
(B) involvement
(C) pursuit
(D) dedication
(E) command

Q.20 Poverty has to be and the basic necessities of life should be made available to everyone.
(A) destroyed
(B) eliminated
(C) finished
(D) magnified
(E) considered

Directions (Q. 21-25) In each of these questions, two of the words are related in some way i.e., they are similar or opposites. Pick out the option which represents that pair.
Q.21
1. moderate
2. easy
3. significant
4. strenuous
(A) 2 -4
(B) 1 -2
(C) 1 -3
(D) 2 -3
(E) 3 -4
Q.22
1. focus
2. trivial
3. vital
4. site
(A) 1 -2
(B) 2 -4
(C) 1 -3
(D) 3 -4
(E) 2 -3
Q.23
1. defer
2. dispute
3. prefer
4. challenge
(A) 2 -3
(B) 1 -3
(C) 2 -1
(D) 2 -4
(E) 3 -4
Q.24
1. consequence
2. potential
3. influence
4. ability
(A) 4 -3
(B) 2 -4
(C) 2 -3
(D) 1 -3
(E) 4 -1
Q.25
1. rebuke
2. oppose
3. praise
4. distrust
(A) 1 -2
(B) 2 -3
(C) 1 -3
(D) 3 -4
(E) 2 -4

Directions (Q. 26 -35) In the following passage there are blanks each of which has been numbered.
These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words are suggested, one of which fills the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case. Deli king of jobs from degrees is one of the (26) features of our education (27). There has been a (28) fall in (29) in the academic field in recent years. There is a (30)of degree holders in the country, as a result, university degrees have (31) their value and charm while the number of students in colleges and universities of the country has been (32) rising. Consequently thousands of graduates and post graduates come out of these institutions and stand in queues waiting to get some (33) jobs (34) in the country. Moreover, these degree holders do not have any technical or vocational knowledge needed for a particular job. As a result, the number of educated unemployed has been rising (35) . It has created a very serious problem.
Q.26 (A) minor
(B) trivial
(C) unachievable
(D) irrelevant
(E) salient
Q.27 (A) process
(B) policy
(C) development
(D) guideline
(E) procedures
Q.28 (A) expected
(B) sheer
(C) rough
(D) steep
(E) gentle
Q.29 (A) assessment
(B) evaluation
(C) competence
(D) fees
(E) value
Q.30 (A) flood
(B) class
(C) party
(D) mob
(E) rabble
Q.31 (A) mislaid
(C) increase
(D) found
(E) establish
Q.32 (A) slowly
(B) hastily
(C) deeply
(D) waiting
(E) out
Q.33 (A) suitable
(B) remain
(C) study
(D) live
(E) place
Q.34 (A) frequency
(B) occurrence
(C) event
(D) chance
(E) blocking
Q.35 (A) fever
(B) outshine
(C) lean
(D) dwarfed
(E) horribly

Logical Reasoning Click Here 

Answers Key:
1. (A) 2. (A) 3. (D) 4. (E) 5. (D) 6. (E) 07. (D) 8. (B) 9. (D) 10. (A) 11. (D) 12. (A) 13. (A) 14. (E) 15. (E) 16. (C) 17. (A) 18. (E) 19. (D) 20. (B) 21. (A) 22. (E) 23. (B) 24. (B) 25. (C) 26. (E) 27. (B) 28. (D) 29. (C) 30. (A) 31. (B) 32. (B) 33. (A) 34. (D) 35. (E)

10 Dec
IPCI Info

Analogy Exercise For CAT, SNAP and CET Exams

   ANALOGIES EXERCISES

1. APOSTATE : RELIGION ::
a.Offender : Order
b.Atheist : faith
c.Deserter : duty
d.Adherent : rule
e.Differ : hero

2. BIRD : AVIARY ::
a.Lion : Circus
b.Bear : Cave
c.Pig : sty
d.Hare : Burrow
e.Rodent : silo

3. JEER : DERISION ::
a.Worry : Check
b.Tremble : Menace
c.Slouch : Alertness
d.Reprimand : Censure
e.Glower : Agony

4. SWARM : INSECT ::
a.Match : Player
b.Picnic : forest
c.Throng : Person
d.Dog : Puppy
e.Vase : Bloom

5. IRASCIBLE : PROVOKED ::
a.Credulous : Convinced
b.Reliable : Disproved
c.Immoral : Suppressed
d.Impersonal : Described
e.Taunting : Amused

6. EXPEL : SCHOOL ::
a.Export : Factory
b.Exile : Nation
c.Escape : penitentiary
d.Vacate : Building
e.Dodge : Taxes

7. COLD : FORSTBILE  ::
a.River bed : Sand
b.Star : Twinkling
c.Laceration : Wound
d.Heat : sunburn
e.Rain : Overcoat

8. BACTERIA : DECOMPOSITION ::
a.Volcano : Eruption
b.Antibiotic : Injection
c.Yeast : Fermentation
d.Oxygen : treatment
e.Trees : Deforestation

9. GRADUATE : DIPLOMA ::
a.Aggressor : Compromise
b.Property owner : Deed
c.Editor : Byline
d.Elector : Vote
e.Librarian : volume

10. COLOR : WAVELENGTH ::
a.Pitch : Frequency
b.Diameter : Circumference
c.Angle : Acuteness
d.Power : Generation
e.String : Vibration

Answer:

1.C          2.C          3.D         4.C          5.A         6.B         7.D         8.C          9.B        10.A      

  1. (DEFINITION ) An apostate is one who has abandoned his faith; a deserter is one who has abandoned his duty. (C)
  2. (HABITAT ) An aviary is where one grows birds; a sty is where one grows pigs. (C)
  3. (SYNONYM VARIANT ) (From a reference to the first words in the choices, we can infer that jeer is used as a verb in this question.) When one jeers ( meaning mocks or abuses) criticizes) another person, he shows his censure ( meaning disapproval ) (D)
  4. (COLLECTIVE NOUN) A swarm means a large number of insects; a throng means a large number of persons. (C)
  5. (DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC ) An irascible (meaning easily angered ) person can be easily provoked; a credulous (meaning disposed to believe readily ) person can be easily convinced. (A)
  6. (CAUSE AND EFFECT ) A person expelled from school cannot reenter ti; a person exiled (meaning banished legally) from a country cannot reenter it. (B)
  7. (CAUSE AND EFFECT) Severity of cold causes frostbite: severity of heat causes sunburn. (D)
  8. (CAUSE AND EFFECT) Bacteria are minute organisms which cause decomposition: yeasts are minute organisms which cause fermentation (meaning chemical reaction induced by living organisms). (C)
  9. (SYMBOL AND MEANING) The word deed’ means ‘title deed’ to a property) The diploma forms proof that one is a graduate; the deed forms proof that one is a property owner. (B)
  10. (UNIT OF MEASUREMENT ) The color of light is measured by its wave length: the pitch of sound is measured by its frequency. (A)
  11. (DEGREE OF INTENSITY) Being austere (meaning bare) is a heightened form of being plain: being sterile (meaning free from bacteria or other micro-organisms) is a heightened form of being clean. The pairs (neutral, detached); (deserted, barren) and (eloquent, talkative) are mere synonyms.) (B)
  12. (CAUSE AND EFFECT) When discomposed (meaning disturbed in composure) one loses one’s equanimity (meaning calmness); when unbalanced, one loses one’s equilibrium (meaning mental or emotional peace). (D)
  13. (CAUSE AND EFFECT) A surface that is riddled ( meaning pierced or perforated) develops holes; a surface that is pitted (meaning marked with depressions) develops indentations (meaning depressions). (D)
  14. (THING AND PURPOSED) A bastion (meaning the projecting part of a fortification) is a structure used for defense; an arsenal (meaning a place used for storing arms and ammunitions) is a building used for storage. (A) Choice (E) is given to trip you because you may think that there is some connection between ‘defense’ and ‘fortification’ and wrongly choose it as the answer)
  15. (DEFINITION) A relapse (meaning getting back an illness) is a setback on convalescence (meaning the process of returning to health and strength); a recidivism (meaning returning to criminal habits) is a setback on rehabilitation. (D)
  16. (THING AND PURPOSE) The purpose of a vault (meaning a steel structure where valuables are kept) is to protect from theft; the purpose of a fort is to protect from aggression. (A)
  17. (DEGREEE OF INTENSITY ) Coma is an intensified state of unconsciousness; delirium (meaning state of uncontrolled excitement or emotion) is an intensified state of confusion. (B)
  18. (CAUSE AND EFFECT) A speckled surface has a number of spots; a striated surface has a number grooves. (E)
  19. (DESIRABLE AND UNESIRABLE FORMS OF A QUALITY) Being a lackey (meaning a servile follower ) is an undesirable form of a being a dependent; being a groveler (meaning a person who abases himself for a favour ) is an undesirable form of being a petitioner. (B)
  20. (THING AND PURPOSE ) A sedative act as an aid to sleep; a mnemonic (such as VIBGYOR, a a word made of the first letters of the sequential colors of the rainbow) acts as an aid to memory. (B)
08 Dec
IPCI Info

Important Day & Date from September to December

                                      September:

 September 2 – World Coconut Day

 September 5 – National Teacher’s Day or Dr. Radhakrishanan’s Birth Day, Sanskrit Day

 September 7 – World Forgiveness Day

 September 8 – World Literacy Day

 September 10 – World Anti-Suicide Day

 September 14 – Hindi Diwas or HindiDay, World First Aid Day

 September 15 – International Day of Democracy, International Engineer’s Day

 September 16 – World Ozone Day

 September 20 – RPF Foundation day

 September 21 – World Peace Day orInternational day

 September 22 – World Cancer FreeDay or Rose Day

 September 23 – International Day ofthe Deaf

 September 25 – Antyodya Diwas

 September 26 – World ContraceptionDay, European day of languages

 September 27 – World Tourism Day

 September 28 – World Rabies Day

 September 29 – World Heart Day

                                              October:

 1st Monday of October – World HabitatDay

 October 1 – World Vegetarian Day, International Day of the older/Elderly

 October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti, International Day of Non-Violence,Birth of lal bahudar shastri.

 October 3 – World Nature Day

 October 4 – World Animal Day

 October 5 – World Teacher’s Day

 October 6 – World Wildlife Day

 October 8 – Indian Air Force Day

 October 9 – World Postal or Post-officeDay

 October 10 – World Mental HealthDay, National Post-office Day

 October 11 – International Day of theGirl Child

 2nd Thursday of October – World SightDay

 October 12 – World Arthritis Day

 October 13 – International Day forNatural Disaster Reduction

 October 14 – World Standards Day

 October 16 – World Food Day

 October 17 – International Poverty Dayfor its Eradication

 October 20 – World OsteoporosisDay,World Statistics Day,

 October 24 – UN Day, WorldDevelopment Information Day, World Polio Day

 October 27 – World day for AudioVisual Heritage

 October 28 – International AnimationDay

 October 30 – World thrift day

 October 31 – World Savings Day orHalloween Day

                                                          November:

 November 1 – World Vegan Day

 November 6 – International Day forPreventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and ArmedConflict

 November 7 – Infant Protection Day,World Cancer Awareness Day

 November 8 – World Radiology Day

 November 9 – World Legal ServiceDay

 November 10 – World Science day forPeace and Development,

 November 11 – National EducationDay

 November 12 – World PneumoniaDay, Public Service Broadcasting Day

 November 13 – World Kindness Day

 November 14 – Children’s Day(India),World Diabetes Day

 November 16 – International Day forEndurance or Tolerance

 November 17 – International StudentsDay, Gurunanak Dev’s Birth Anniversary,

 November 19 – World Toilet Day,International Men’s Day, NationalIntegration

 November 20 – Universal Children’sDay

 3rd Sunday of November – World Dayof Remembrance for Road TrafficVictims

 3rd Thursday of November – WorldPhilosophy Day

 November 21 – World Fisheries Day,World Hello Day, World TelevisionDay

 November 25 – International Day

 November 26 – National Law Day orNational constitution Day

 November 30 – National Flag Day

                                             December:

 December 1 – World AIDS Day

 December 2 – World ComputerLiteracy Day

 December 3 – International Day ofPeople with Disability or WorldDisability D

 December 4 – Indian Navy Day

 December 5 – International VolunteerDay for Economic and SocialDevelopment

 December 7 – International CivilAviation Day, Indian Armed ForceFlag Day

 December 9 – The International Anti-Corruption Day, Girl child day (INDIA)

 December 10 – World Human Rights Day,International Children’s Day

 December 11 – International MountainDay, UNICEF Day

 December 14 – National EnergyConservation Day (India)

 December 17 – International dayagainst violence against sex workers

 December 16 – Vijay Diwas