CGPSC MAINS 2014 Paper-4

Points to Remember: Excretion is the process of removing metabolic waste products from the body. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for urine formation. Urine formation involves filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. Introduction: Excretion is a vital physiological process in all living organisms, involving the removal of metabolic waste products that are … Read more

Points to Remember: Definition and mechanism of drip irrigation. Advantages of drip irrigation compared to other methods. Specific benefits in terms of water conservation, yield improvement, and cost-effectiveness. Potential limitations and challenges. Introduction: Drip irrigation, also known as trickle irrigation, is a micro-irrigation system that delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a … Read more

Points to Remember: Major air pollutants: Particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Effects on living beings: Respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, neurological damage, reproductive issues, cancer, damage to ecosystems. Mitigation strategies: Reducing emissions from vehicles and industries, promoting renewable energy, improving air … Read more

Points to Remember: Rapid increase in human population Strain on resources Environmental consequences Social and economic implications Sustainable solutions Introduction: Population explosion refers to a rapid and significant increase in a population’s size over a relatively short period. It’s characterized by a growth rate that far exceeds the capacity of the environment to sustain it. … Read more

Points to Remember: Definition of sound pollution Sources of sound pollution Effects of sound pollution on human health and the environment Measurement of sound pollution Control and prevention of sound pollution Introduction: Sound pollution, also known as noise pollution, is defined as the propagation of noise with harmful effects on the activity of human or … Read more

Points to Remember: Location of Nitrogen Group (Group 15) in the Periodic Table. Electronic Configuration and Chemical Inertness of N₂. Diverse Nature of Nitrogen Oxides. Properties and Structures of Nitrogen Oxo-acids. Introduction: The nitrogen group, also known as Group 15 or pnictogens, occupies a crucial position in the periodic table. It’s the fifteenth column, positioned … Read more

Points to Remember: Electromagnetism Magnetic field interaction Torque production DC and AC motors Applications Introduction: An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. This conversion relies on the fundamental principle of electromagnetism: the interaction between electric currents and magnetic fields. Essentially, an electric motor uses electricity to create a rotating … Read more

Points to Remember: Faraday’s Law Lenz’s Law Applications of Electromagnetic Induction AC Generators Transformers Introduction: Electromagnetic induction is the process by which a changing magnetic field produces an electromotive force (EMF) – a voltage – in a conductor. This fundamental principle, discovered by Michael Faraday in the 1830s, forms the basis for countless technologies we … Read more

Points to Remember: Respiratory Quotient (RQ) is the ratio of CO2 produced to O2 consumed during metabolism. RQ varies depending on the type of substrate being metabolized. Carbohydrates have a higher RQ than fats. Introduction: The Respiratory Quotient (RQ), also known as the respiratory exchange ratio (RER), is a dimensionless number used in physiology to … Read more

Points to Remember: Oparin’s theory proposes the origin of life from inorganic matter. It emphasizes the role of the early Earth’s environment in the formation of organic molecules. The theory highlights the gradual evolution of complex organic molecules from simpler ones. It is a foundational theory in the field of abiogenesis. Introduction: Oparin’s theory, also … Read more