UPSC CSE Exam 2019: Admit Card, Syllabus, Result

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omidichwalkar · July 16, 2015, 7:40am

Dear Readers,

Current affairs is an important component of several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO & PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the terms/concepts/events that make news is critical for aspirants. We at PaGaLGuY bring you series of articles explaining some of these important concepts/events.

In this article we are discussing the Earth's interior.

Theory of tectonic plates:

a) In 1967, Daniel McKenzie, Bob Parker and Jason Morgan discovered the theory of plate tectonics stating that the Earth's crust is broken up into plates.

b) A tectonic plate (also known as lithospheric plate) is a huge, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock, mostly composed of both continental & oceanic lithosphere.

c) These plates move horizontally over the asthenosphere as rigid units.

d) Based on size, there are 2 types of plates. Major plates have an area higher than 10 million km2 whereas minor plates are less than 10 million km2 in area but more than 1 million km2.

e) There are 7 major plates and some minor plates. Major plates are surrounded by young fold mountain ridges, trenches and /or faults.

List of major plates:

a) Antarctica and the surrounding oceanic plate

b) North American (with the western Atlantic floor separated from the South American plate along the Caribbean islands) plate

c) South American (with western Atlantic floor separated from the North American plate along the Caribbean islands) plate

d) Pacific plate

e) India-Australia-New Zealand plate

f) Africa with the eastern Atlantic floor plate

g) Eurasia and the adjacent oceanic plate

Minor plates:

a) Cocos plate : Between Central America and Pacific plate

b) Nazca plate : Between South America and Pacific plate

c) Arabian plate : Mostly the Saudi Arabian landmass

d) Philippine plate : Between the Asiatic and Pacific plate

e) Caroline plate : Between the Philippine and Indian plate (North of New Guinea)

f) Fuji plate : North-east of Australia

According to German meteorologist Alfred Wegener, the continents do not move but plates move constantly over the globe and have been throughout the history of the Earth.

He also stated that all the continents have initially existed as a supercontinent in the form of Pangaea/Pangea. Later, it was discovered that the continental masses on the plates have been wandering all through geological period.

Position of the Indian subcontinent (mainly peninsular India) is traced with the help of rocks analysed from the Nagpur area.

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maniza.siddique · July 16, 2015, 11:32am

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General Knowledge is important for several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO & PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the concepts/ terms that are of practical significance in our daily lives is critical for aspirants. To make your preparation easier and help you score better, we at PaGaLGuY bring you brief articles on trending phenomena, terms and concepts.

This article will cover the important facts related to cancer.

The word cancer was coined by Hippocrates, a Greek physician (also known as the Father of Medicine).
HeLa cells is the oldest immortal human cell line used in research, derived from cervical cancer cells of Henrietta Lacks in 1951.
The four most common cancers occurring worldwide are of the lungs, breasts, colon and prostate.
The most common cancer found in India is oral cancer (in men) and breast cancer (in women).
Chewing tobacco in its various forms causes nearly 90% of oral/mouth cancer cases in India.
Globally, one in eight deaths are due to cancer. It alone causes more deaths than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined.
About 30% of the cancers can be prevented with a healthy change in diet and lifestyle, avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
Use of tobacco is associated with 20% of global cancer deaths and 70% of global lung cancer deaths.
Of the 4800 chemicals found in one cigarette, 69 are known to be proven carcinogens (cancer causing agents).
Prediabetics (people with abnormally high levels of sugar in blood but without all symptoms of diabetes present) are at 15% higher risk of getting cancer as compared to normal people.

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http://www.upsc.gov.in/exams/cut-off%20marks/2014/Cutoff_CS_2014.pdf

shraddha1411 · July 16, 2015, 11:41am

Dear Readers,

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the minimum qualifying marks/ Cut off marks across students of different categories for the Civil Services Examination 2014. This year, the preliminary examination was of a total 385 marks on account of omission of the English language comprehension section.

Given below are the category wise cut offs for Prelims, Mains and finals :

Category Prelims Mains Finals

General 205 678 889

OBC 204 631 844

SC 182 631 830

ST 174 619 811

PH - 1 Ortho 167 609 816

PH Visual 113 575 778

PH - 3 Hearing 115 449 713

Total 385 1750 2025

For more information refer to the official website notice -

nileshpandey521 · July 16, 2015, 11:57am

Friends for optional subject I am thinking to take geography as option. Are the study materials easy available for it or I should go for some other subject as I am electrical engineer but not much confident with the subject and infact success ratio for this subject seems to be low

shraddha1411 · July 16, 2015, 12:15pm

As per the latest notice released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2015 notification which was scheduled to be released on 18th July 2015, has been postponed.

The new notification will be issued shortly.

For more details refer to the following link -

http://www.upsc.gov.in/exams/notifications/2015/CDS_II_2015/Notific_Message_CDS_II_2015.pdf

omidichwalkar · July 16, 2015, 1:25pm

Dear Readers,

Current affairs is an important component of several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC-CGL, Bank PO, PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the terms/concepts/events that make news is critical for aspirants. We at PaGaLGuY bring you series of articles in explaining some of these important concepts/events. In this article we will read about movement of plates.

Plates move over Asthenosphere. With movement their outer edges interact in the following 3 ways:

1) Divergent/Constructive boundaries:

a) This type of movement can be seen where new crust is generated when the plates pull away from each other, creating a rift.

b) The sites where these plates move away from each other are called spreading sites.

c) Along the plate boundaries, the lava spreads from long fissures. Beneath the rift, lava rises from the mantle. It oozes up into the gap and hardens into solid rock, forming a new crust on the torn edges of the plates.

d) The best example of divergent boundaries is Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the American site is separated from the Eurasian & African plates.

2) Convergent/Destructive boundaries:

a) This type of movement can be seen where the old crust is destroyed when the plates pull away from each other.

b) The impact of the two colliding plates creates a compressional force, securing the edge of one or both plates up into a rugged mountain range (fold mountain range). Sometimes it also bends the other plate down into a deep seafloor trench (oceanic trench).

c) In this process, the descending plate heats up, melts and gets converted into magma that comes out through volcanoes to form a new continental plate.

d) In this type the heavier plate (oceanic) is subdued in the lighter plate (continental).

f) The location where the plates sink is called a subduction zone.

Here are some ways of convergence :

i) Between an Oceanic & Continental plate

ii) Between two Oceanic plates

iii) Between two continental plates.

g) The west coast of South America is a convergent boundary between the Nazca plate and the South American plate.

3) Transform boundaries:

a) This type of movement can be seen where the crust is neither produced nor destroyed as the plates slide horizontally past each other.

b) This type of movement of plates is parallel to each other in the horizontal direction.

c) Rocks that line the boundary are pulverised as the plates grind along, creating a linear fault valley or undersea canyon.

d) No magma is formed in this type unlike convergent and divergent movements. Thus, crust is cracked and broken at transform margins, not created or destroyed.

e) The best example is the San Andreas fault on the Pacific coast of the United States.

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omidichwalkar · July 17, 2015, 9:50am

UPSC Civil Services GK update - Physical Geography: Rocks and Minerals - Capsule 1

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Current affairs is an important component of several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO & PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the terms/concepts/events that make news is critical for aspirants. We at PaGaLGuY bring you series of articles explaining some of these important concepts/events.

In this article we are discussing minerals.

As we know, the Earth is composed of various kinds of elements. On the Earth's surface, these elements are in solid form while in the Earth's interior they are in liquid form.

Listed below are the major elements found in the Earth's crust:

Elements By weight (%)

Oxygen 46.60

Silicon 27.72

Aluminium 8.13

Iron 5.00

Calcium 3.63

Sodium 2.83

Potassium 2.59

Magnesium 2.09

Others 1.41

These major elements combine with each other to form new substances. These substances are called minerals.

Minerals:

a) Minerals are naturally occurring substances formed by geological processes. They are usually crystalline solid, have specific physical properties and chemical compositions.

b) Physical properties of minerals are its crystal structure, hardness (Mohs scale), lustre/luster (how it reflects light), colour, among others.

c) Single-element minerals are also found. For example: silver, gold, graphite, etc.

d) Around 2000 minerals have been found in the Earth's crust.

e) There are six commonly occurring mineral groups known as major rock-forming minerals.

f) Minerals such as coal, petroleum, & natural gas are organic substances found in solid, liquid & gaseous forms respectively.

Physical characteristics of Minerals:

a) Their external crystal form is determined by the internal arrangement of molecules. This arrangement can be like cubes, octahedrons, etc.

b) Cleavage: Due to the internal molecular arrangement, minerals show a tendency to break in a given direction, producing plain surfaces.

c) Fracture: Due to their complex internal molecular arrangement, the crystal will break in an irregular manner (not along the planes of cleavage).

d) Lustre: It is the appearance of a material without regard to colour. Minerals have distinctive lustre, namely metallic, silky, and glossy, etc.

e) Colour: Minerals have a distinctive colour (malachite, azurite) based on either their molecular structure or impurities present (white, green, red).

f) Streak: It is the colour of ground powder of a mineral. While, malachite is green and gives a green streak, fluorite is green/purple and gives a white streak.

g) Transparency: Minerals can be classified as transparent or translucent or opaque.

h) Structure: The structure of minerals depends on the specific arrangement of individual crystals. A mineral could either be fine, medium or coarse-grained, etc.

i) Hardness: It is the relative resistance of a mineral while being scratched. There are 10 minerals considered to measure the degree of hardness. They are:

1. Talc

2. Gypsum

3. Calcite

4. Fluorite

5. Apatite

6. Feldspar

7. Quartz

8. Topaz

9. Corundum

10. Diamond

Specific gravity: It is the ratio between the weight of a given object & weight of an equal volume of water. Every mineral has a different specific gravity.

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omidichwalkar · July 17, 2015, 1:30pm

Dear Readers,

Current affairs is an important component of several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO & PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the terms/concepts/events that make news is critical for aspirants. We at PaGaLGuY bring you series of articles explaining some of these important concepts/events.

In this article we are discussing minerals.

Listed below are some of the major minerals & their characteristics.

1) Feldspar

a) Silicon & oxygen are common elements in all types of feldspar

b) Other elements like sodium, potassium, calcium, aluminium etc. are found in specific feldspar variety.

c) Half of the Earth's crust is made up of feldspar.

d) Feldspar is light cream to salmon pink in colour.

e) It has been used in ceramics & glass making.

2) Quartz

a) It is the most important element in sand & granite. It consists of silica.

b) It is hard in nature and virtually insoluble in water.

c) It is either white or colourless.

d) It is used in making digital watches & computer microprocessors.

3) Pyroxene

a) It consists of aluminium, magnesium, iron & silica.

b) It forms almost 10% of the Earth's crust.

c) It is commonly found in meteorites.

d) It is green or black coloured.

4) Amphibole

a) Amphibole consists of elements like aluminium, silica, calcium, iron & magnesium.

b) It forms 7 % of the Earth's crust.

c) It is in green or black in colour.

d) It is mostly used in asbestos industry.

5) Mica

a) It consists of potassium, aluminium, magnesium, iron, silica, etc.

b) It forms 4% of total Earth's crust.

c) This can be commonly found in igneous & metamorphic rocks.

d) It is mostly used in industrial instruments.

6) Olivine

a) The major elements in olivine are magnesium, iron & silica.

b) It is usually in green colour and can be found in basaltic rocks.

c) It is mostly used in the jewellery industry.

Beside these major minerals, there are other minor minerals present in the Earth's crust. For example: Chlorite, calcite, magnetite, bauxite, etc.

Based on their metallic characteristics, minerals can be subdivided into the following 2 groups:

Metallic minerals: These minerals contain metal content. They can be sub-divided into these following groups:

a) Precious metals : gold, silver, platinum

b) Ferrous metals : iron, cast iron, steel

c) Non-ferrous metals : copper, lead, zinc, tin

Non-metallic minerals: These minerals do not contain metal content. For example: sulphur, prosperous & nitrates.

omidichwalkar · July 18, 2015, 6:27am

Dear Readers,

Current affairs is an important component of several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO & PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding terms/concepts/events that make news is critical for aspirants. We at PaGaLGuY bring you series of articles explaining some of these important concepts/events.

In this article we are discussing about the types of rocks.

Earth's crust is made up of various kinds of rocks, which differ from one another in texture, size, colour, composition, permeability, mode of appearance and degree of resistance to denudation.

Petrology is the science of rocks. A petrologist studies rocks in all their variety.

On the basis of their origin & appearance the rocks can be categorised into three different groups:

1) Igneous rocks :

a) They are primary rocks. These rocks are first to originate on the Earth's surface. Other rock types are direct or indirect derivatives of igneous rocks.

b) Igneous rocks are formed when molten rock (magma) from beneath the Earth's crust cools and solidifies.

c) Normally, these rocks are crystalline in nature. They do not occur in layers.

d) These rocks do not contain fossils.

e) These rocks can be subdivided on the basis of their mineral composition. When they contain high proportion of silica, they are acidic. Acid igneous rocks such as granite are less dense and have lighter colour than basic igneous rocks.

f) When the igneous rocks contain high proportion of basic oxides like iron, aluminium & magnesium, they are basic igneous rocks. They are denser and darker in colour.

g) Igneous rocks can also be divided on the basis of their origin as explained below:In this article we are discussing about the types of rocks.

h) Basalt is a common type of volcanic rock. It forms lava flows, lava sheets & lava plateaux. The Deccan plateau in India is an example of basaltic rock.

i) Some types of basalt form long polygonal columns while solidifying. In some types, molten lava may push itself to the surface through cleft & passages, forming vertical dykes or horizontal sills.

j) Igneous rocks are very hard & resistant. So, they are usually quarried for road making and used for monuments.

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prince_05 · July 18, 2015, 12:32pm

Where can I get OLD NCERT books from.

And which are the must read, please mention the books with class.

omidichwalkar · July 20, 2015, 5:09am

Dear Readers,

Current affairs is an important component of several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO & PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the terms/concepts/events that make news is critical for aspirants. We at PaGaLGuY bring you series of articles explaining some of these important concepts/events.

In this article we are discussing the types of rocks.

Sedimentary rocks:

a) Such rocks are formed of sediments accumulated over long periods, usually under water.

b) Rocks on the Earth's surface are exposed to denudational agents (wind, waves, glacial ice & animals) and are broken into small fragments. This process is called weathering. Such fragments are transported and compact under pressure when deposited (called soil compaction), thereby forming rocks. This whole process is called lithification.

c) They are distinct as they are deposited in layers or strata. Thus they are known as stratified rocks.

d) They may be coarse/fine-grained or soft/hard.

e) They are non-crystalline and often contain fossils of animals, plants & other microorganisms. Thus, these rocks are varied in their composition vis-à-vis other rocks.

f) Sedimentary rocks can be further classified into the following 3 groups:

1) Mechanically-formed sedimentary rocks:

i) This type is composed of inorganic rocks and mineral fragments. Hence, they are also called clastic sedimentary rocks.

ii) They have been formed due to accumulations of bits from other rocks getting cemented together.

iii) When the layers of clastic sediments build up, the lower strata is pushed down by their weight. The resultant pressure compacts the sediment by squeezing out excess water.

iv) The dissolved minerals recrystalize in between the sediment grains. This process is called as cementation.

v) The texture, colour and composition of these rocks vary in a great amount.

vi) Sandstone, limestone, shale, loess are some examples of this type of rocks. A coarser type of sandstone is known as grit.

vii) When big, rounded pebbles form a rock, it is called conglomerate. However, when angular pebbles form a rock, it is called as breccia.

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nileshpandey521 · July 20, 2015, 6:16am

Friends can you suggest me any groups or sites where I could start preparing for geography as an optional subject or who so ever taking it as an optional subject can guide me how nd from where to start this subject. Ny key points,map reading etc.

omidichwalkar · July 20, 2015, 5:04pm

Dear Readers,

Current affairs is an important component of several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO and PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the terms/concepts/events that make news is critical for aspirants. We at PaGaLGuY bring you series of articles explaining some of these important concepts/events.

In this article we are discussing the remaining types of sedimentary rocks, followed by explanations of metamorphic rocks and the rock cycle.

2) Organically formed sedimentary rocks:

a) These rocks are formed by the lithification (solidification of sediments/fragments under excessive pressure) of the remains of living organisms like corals, shellfish, algae and plankton sinks. Animals' flesh gets decomposed, leaving behind the hard shell.

b) Rocks formed in this way are called calcareous rocks. For example: limestone, chalk, etc.

c) On the other hand, rocks that are formed of vegetative matter from swamps and forests are called carbonaceous rocks. In this type, the pressure mounted by other sediments compresses the plant sediments into compact masses of carbon. For example: peat, lignite and coal.

d) Being great sources of fuel, carbonaceous rocks have a high economic value.

3) Chemically formed sedimentary rocks:

a) Such rocks are formed due to precipitation of minerals from the water i.e. when dissolved minerals come out of water.

b) Chemically precipitated sediment is made up of solid and inorganic mineral compounds.

c) These types of rocks are also called evaporites.

d) Rock salts, a type of chemical sedimentary rocks, are derived from the beds of seas and lakes.

e) Rocks such as gypsum is formed by the evaporation of salt lakes like the Dead Sea.

f) Another example is dripstone, which is formed by calcium carbonate that has precipitated from dripping water.

Metamorphic rocks:

a) All other types of rocks that have changed their form under excessive heat and pressure are called metamorphic rocks.

b) Metamorphism results in crystallisation and reorganisation of materials that make up rocks.

c) Particularly during the Earth's movements or extreme temperatures, the character and appearance of a rock may get metamorphosed (transformed). Rocks on the Earth's crust are pushed down to its interior where molten magma comes in contact with them.

d) Grains or minerals in such rocks get arranged in layers. This arrangement is called foliation or lineation.

e) Sometimes the minerals get arranged in alternative thin and thick layers, appearing in light and dark shades. This structure is called banding and such rocks are called banded rocks.

f) Due to metamorphism, clay may change into slate, limestone into marble, sandstone into quartzite, granite into gneiss, shale into schist and coal into graphite.

Rock Cycle:

a) The rock cycle is a continuous process wherein old rocks get transformed into new rocks over time.

b) Igneous rocks are primary rocks whereas sedimentary and metamorphic rocks are formed out of primary rocks.

c) Igneous rocks can be changed into metamorphic rocks. Also, fragments of igneous and metamorphic rocks form sedimentary rocks.

d) Again, sedimentary rocks can break down into fragments, which may form another sedimentary rock.

e) Also, all the types of rocks may get carried down into the mantle through the process of subduction. These rocks in the Earth's interior to form molten magma, which then becomes the source for another igneous rock.

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http://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-2-35033362

tony.sid1989 · July 21, 2015, 6:29am

my range of marks in GS I is ranging from 30-110....any pointers....what to do?

nileshpandey521 · July 22, 2015, 11:36am

Well I still doubt if it is possible for a non coaching student to reach to IAS cadre . can u help me to boost nd give some sort of confidence ny example of any converters

maniza.siddique · July 22, 2015, 12:01pm

Dear Readers,

General Knowledge is an important component for most competitive exams, namely the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO & PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, an understanding of the concepts/terms are significant in our daily lives is critical for aspirants. To make your preparation easier and to help you score better, we at PaGaLGuY bring you brief articles on trending phenomena and concepts.

From the production of beer in circa 6000 B.C to the first cloned mammal Dolly sheep, the progress in biotechnology has been ever growing. In the past few decades, biotechnology has resulted in big advancements and sophistication in fields such as medicine, industrial microbiology and agriculture. This article will discuss the basics of biotechnology.

What is Biotechnology?

1. It is the application of various biological processes/systems and microorganisms to manufacture products or increase industrial productivity for the benefit of the mankind. For example: production of antibiotics at a commercial level.

2. Today, biotechnology is undergoing resurgence with applications in the fields of healthcare, environment, industrial and agriculture.

3. It is a mix of multiple disciplines like molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry and biostatistics.

Sub-disciplines of Biotechnology

Depending on the field of research, biotechnology can be divided into four branches namely-

1. Red Biotechnology: Also known as Medical Biotechnology, it is the science dedicated to improvements in medical science like development of new drugs (like antibiotics and vaccines), diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

2. Green Biotechnology: It is dedicated to providing more environment-friendly farming solutions compared to traditional agricultural practices and animal breeding techniques. Development of genetically-altered plants and animals to increase yield of better quality crops and animal products is the basis of green technology. For example: transgenic plants and animals.

3. Blue Biotechnology: Also, known a Marine Biotechnology, it is the application of biotechnological tools on marine resources in order to increase seafood supply, discover novel drugs, ensure safety of sea organisms from polluted water and control the growth of poisonous organisms.

4. White/ Grey Biotechnology: Also known as Industrial Biotechnology, it is the application of biotechnological tools like enzymes and microorganisms for the processing, production and purification of materials, chemicals and energy. It majorly focuses on making industrial manufacturing processes more environment-friendly with minimal waste generation.

Link to Biotechnology - capsule 2:

Link to Biotechnology - capsule 3:

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Link to Biotechnology - capsule 4:

http://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-4-35065432

Link to Biotechnology - capsule 5:

http://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-5-35131807

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https://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-1-35012272

maniza.siddique · July 23, 2015, 1:18pm

Dear Readers,

General Knowledge is an important component for most competitive exams, namely the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO & PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the concepts/terms that are significant in our daily lives is critical for aspirants. To make your preparation easier and to help you score better, we at PaGaLGuY bring you brief articles on trending phenomena and concepts.

As we have covered the basics of biotechnology and its sub-disciplines, in this article, we will discuss the tools used in biotechnology.

1. Fermentation: It process wherein complex molecules of organic substances breakdown into simpler ones. Enzymes released by microorganisms produce various intermediate and end products along with release of energy. Fermentation process is widely used in breweries, distilleries, food industries, pharmaceuticals and in the treatment of waste water.

2. Selection and breeding: It is the manipulation of plants, animals or microbes involving selection of organisms with desired characteristics. They are bred together to produce a stock with better quality and higher yield. This technique is widely used in livestock breeding and selective breeding of plants. It is also known as artificial selection.

3. Genetic analysis: It is the study of genes that helps us to understand biological systems. Identifying genes and their functions, studying DNA patterns and sequences helps to establish the relation of mutations (sudden change in structure of chromosomes) and inherited disorders. This technique plays a critical role in diagnostics, genetic counselling and gene therapy.

4. Tissue culture: It is the cultivation of tissues/cells (outside of its natural environment) in a nutrient-rich artificial medium, which helps them survive. It is an important tool for the biological study of cells where its behaviour can be observed under experimental conditions. This technique is widely used in the field of research.

5. Genetic Engineering: Also known as genetic modification, it is the manipulation of an organism's gene using different techniques. One of the examples, recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, involves cutting a fragment of DNA with a molecular scissor (restriction enzyme used to cut specific sequences) followed by joining a piece of a different DNA (responsible for producing desired character) using a molecular glue (For e.g. ligase, an enzyme that helps to join broken fragments). Other techniques are chemical or electroporation (creating pores in the cell membrane using weak electric current or a specific chemical to insert the DNA directly), microinjection (injecting foreign genes directly), use of plasmids (circular pieces of genetic material in which foreign gene is inserted) and vectors (inserting foreign gene with help of viruses).

Link to Biotechnology - capsule 1:

Link to Biotechnology - capsule 3:

http://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-3-35050091

Link to Biotechnology - capsule 4:

http://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-4-35065432

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http://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-5-35131807

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omidichwalkar · July 23, 2015, 1:36pm

Dear Readers,

Current affairs is an important component of several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO and PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the terms/concepts/events that make news is critical for aspirants. We at PaGaLGuY bring you series of articles explaining some of these important concepts/events.

In this article we are discussing the geomorphic processes.

a) While learning about the Earth we always wonder, why is its surface uneven?

b) It is so because of the dynamic nature of the Earth's crust that moves in a horizontal and vertical direction.

c) This movement is directed by external and internal forces acting on the Earth's crust. The external forces are known as exogenic forces and internal forces are known as endogenic forces.

d) These forces cause physical stress and effect chemical reactions, thereby changing the configuration of the Earth's surface. They are thus called 'geomorphic processes'.

Exogenic forces:

i) Exogenic forces wear down (erode) relief/elevations and fill up (aggrade) basins/depressions.

ii) When Earth's surface erodes, the phenomenon is called gradation. Exogenic forces are generally land-wearing forces.

iii) Weathering, mass wasting, erosion and deposition are exogenic processes.

iv) Natural elements (like ice, water and wind) and celestial bodies (like comets and meteorites) are some examples of exogenic elements. They are capable of changing the configuration of the Earth's surface and hence are called geomorphic agents.

v) Gravity is a major component of exogenic forces as it facilitates downslope movement thereby activating waves and tides to induce currents and winds.

Endogenic Forces:

a) Energy contained in the Earth's interior is the main source of endogenic forces.

b) This energy is usually generated by radio activity, rotational and tidal friction and primordial heat (heat imparted to a planet during the process of its formation).

c) This heat induces diastrophism and volcanism in lithosphere.

d) Three main endogenic processes are: folding, faulting and volcanism.

e) Endogenic processes are not uniform due to variations in geothermal gradients and heat from within the Earth. Hence, the surface of the blue planet is uneven.

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omidichwalkar · July 24, 2015, 6:49am

Dear Readers,

Current affairs is an important component of several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO and PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the terms/concepts/events that make news is critical for aspirants. We at PaGaLGuY bring you series of articles explaining some of these important concepts/events.

In this article we are discussing the Endogenic geomorphic processes.

Diastrophism:

a) All the processes that move, elevate or build-up portions of the Earth are called Diastrophism.

b) Diastrophism includes:

i) Orogenic processes that involve formation of mountains through severe folding and faulting of the Earth's crust.

ii) Epeirogenic processes that uplift or bend large part of the Earth's crust.

iii) Earthquake involving minor local movements.

iv) Plate tectonic involving horizontal movements of plates of the Earth's crust.

Differences between 2 major processes in diastrophism .

Volcanism:

a) Volcanism includes the movement of molten rock (magma) onto or towards the Earth's surface, which eventually forms many intrusive & extrusive volcanic forms.

b) Magma that starts moving towards the crust & reaches the Earth's surface is called lava.

c) The material that reaches the ground includes lava flows, pyroclastic debris, volcanic bombs, ash, dust, nitrogenous and sulphurous compounds and minor amounts of chlorine, hydrogen and argon.

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