PEAK PERFOMANCE. UNLOCKED.

Score
Booster
Lecture 02

By Zeeshan Hashmi
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

Sequence of applying
Tikdams

First see for

Basic Jugaad
T1: Extreme Exaggerations
T2: WordPlay
T3: Odd one out

depending on your stage of preparation

Later use your

Beginner’s Luck Vetaran
T4: Known2Unknown T6: Master Shifu
T5: Combinations
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

Score Booster Lecture 02 - by Zeeshan Hashmi

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

Tikdam Vocab Meaning

Assumption "Whether you need to be acquainted with basic working knowledge of the
theme being asked in the question.

e.g. When faced with a question on bitcoins, you are expected to know
that bitcoins have challenged the traditional banking structure."
Extreme Exaggerations "Whether the given statements take a position that sharply deviates from
what would be assumed normal.

e.g. If the statement states that as a result of introduction of GST, India

would overtake Chinese economy in near future, then it is wildly overstat-
ing the present situation of Indian economy."
Obvious Wordplay "Certain words might be used either to fool the aspirants or act as a hint
to derive the right answer.

e.g. 'Panchayatan' may fool the aspirants to think it as some sort of village
assembly."
Odd One Out "Whether one option starkly stands apart from the remaining three op-
tions

e.g. If the options contain names of books, but one is a medieval book and
other are ancient books, it must raise a red flag."
Extrapolate "To extend your localised knowledge toa larger context and zero in on the
right answer.

e.g. If Supreme Court does not publish periodic reports, the same is likely
to be the case with International Court of Justice."
Combinations At times more than one tikdam needs to applied in a single question.

You develop this ability with time.

Master Shifu "Applying your creative and critical abilities to extract the right answer.

e.g. Breaking the term 'Astradharini' into Astra + Dharini i.e. something
that weilds weapons."

CivilsDaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Next to Karol Bagh Metro Stn. (Gate #7), New Delhi-110060
Web: www.civilsdaily.com | Mail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 89299 87787
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

Score Booster Lecture 02 - by Zeeshan Hashmi

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

2018 UPSC Question:-

Q1. Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following?
a. Amnesty International
b. International Court of Justice
c. The Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights
d. World Justice Project

Assumptions, if any? - none

Applying 3 techniques of Desi Jugaad tikdams

Exaggerated statements? - none
Obvious wordplay? - The word 'law' can be directly correlated to 'justice'.
Now, both options (b) and (d) contain 'justice'

Can we extrapolate on the basis of our rudimentary knowledge? - ICJ cannot

be the answer.
Does the Supreme Court release any report?
Extrapolate this information to a broader context of ICJ.
Thus (b) is eliminated and we are left only with the correct option (d).

Practice Question 1:-

'Global Terrorism Index' is released by which of the following?
a. Institute for Economics and Peace
b. Amnesty International
c. Reporters Without Borders
d. Oxfam International

Assumptions, if any? - none

Applying 3 techniques of Desi Jugaad tikdams

Exaggerated statements? - none
Obvious wordplay? - In terms of option a, the word 'Terrorism' and 'Peace'
have an inverse relationship. Nevertheless, what is important is that the
relationship is evidently visible.
Although, other options may seem equally plausible, but in case of zero-
knowledge situation, we instinctively tend to mark option (a), which in this
case is the correct answer.

CivilsDaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Next to Karol Bagh Metro Stn. (Gate #7), New Delhi-110060
Web: www.civilsdaily.com | Mail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 89299 87787
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

Score Booster Lecture 02 - by Zeeshan Hashmi

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

2018 UPSC Question:-

Q2. In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional
Protocol’ with the `International Atomic Energy Agency ?
a. The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
b. The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
c. The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear
Suppliers Group (NSG).
d. The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

Assumptions, if any? - You have a basic understanding of international

regimes.

Applying 3 techniques of Desi Jugaad tikdams

Exaggerated statements? - Eliminate (b). No country would want to bring its
military nuclear installations under foreign control.
Eliminate (c). NSG doesn't export Uranium by itself. It is just an export
control regime.
Eliminate (d). How can a country 'automatically' become a member of NSG,
when we keep reading in a newspaper that countries like China are halting
India's Membership because of it being a consensus-based organisation.
Thus we are left only with the correct answer (a).

Practice Question 2:-

Which of the following statements is NOT correct with regards to the Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR)?
a. India is not a founding member of the MTCR regime.
b. It is a global regime dominated by permanent members of UNSC
c. It seeks to limit the risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
d. The MTCR does not impose any legally binding obligations on members

Assumptions, if any? - You have a basic understanding of international regimes

and CA.

Applying 3 techniques of Desi Jugaad tikdams

Exaggerated statements? - Even if you have a cursory understanding of CA,
you can tell that India joined MTCR recently. Thus Option (a) is correct.
Obvious wordplay? - Even if you are uncertain of its mandate, you can
reasonably assume option (c) to be correct. Controlling WMD resonates
strongly with the term MTCR i.e. it is a control regime focussed on missile
technology.
Now, you are left with (b) and (d). Again, option d mentions that it is a global
regime and also mentions. The fact that India is a member and not China has
been discussed a lot in the news.
Thus, it must not be difficult for you to ultimately mark option (b) (which is
the wrong statement as asked in the question).

CivilsDaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Next to Karol Bagh Metro Stn. (Gate #7), New Delhi-110060
Web: www.civilsdaily.com | Mail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 89299 87787
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

Score Booster Lecture 02 - by Zeeshan Hashmi

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

2016 UPSC Question:-

Q3. Which of the following is not a member of the ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?
a. Iran
b. Saudi Arabia
c. Oman
d. Kuwait

Assumptions, if any? - You should have a basic understanding of geopolitics of

the gulf region.

Applying 3 techniques of Desi Jugaad tikdams

Exaggerated statements? - none
Obvious wordplay? - none
Odd one out? - Iran is the only Shia country among the four. Though, Iran is a
member of other fora like OPEC where Sunni/Arab countries are members.
Yet, among these four, Iran appears a safe bet. You must go for it.

Practice Question 3:-

Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
a. USA
b. Canada
c. Cuba
d. Mexico

Assumptions, if any? - You have a basic understanding of geopolitics.

Odd one out? - You can safely assume that the USA and Canada have to be the
members.
You are left with (c) and (d). Both don't form part of North America.
However, even if you have the slightest idea of relations between the USA and
Cuba in the half a century, you can safely assume Cuba to be the odd man out
and you can mark your answer as (c).

2016 UPSC Question:-

Q4. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in
2015, which of the following statement is/ are correct?
1. The Agreement was signed by all the members of the countries of the UN
and it will go into effect in 2017.
2. The Agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in
average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C
or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global
warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help
developing countries cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

CivilsDaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Next to Karol Bagh Metro Stn. (Gate #7), New Delhi-110060
Web: www.civilsdaily.com | Mail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 89299 87787
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

Score Booster Lecture 02 - by Zeeshan Hashmi

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

a. 1 and 3 only
b. 2 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Assumptions, if any? - none

Applying 3 techniques of Desi Jugaad tikdams

Exaggerated statements? - Statement 3 mentions 1000 billion dollars.
At a time when, even 100 billion dollars are not flowing despite hue and cry
from developing countries, 1000 billion dollars is simply overblown.
You are left only with correct option if you eliminate statement 3.
Obvious wordplay? - none
Odd one out? - none

Practice Question 4:-

Which of the following statements are correct regarding Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)?
1. The SDGs, set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly is
intended to be achieved by the year 2030.
2. The SDGs intend to achieve 90% energy production through renewable
sources by 2030.
3. UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 Development Agenda titled
"Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development".
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Applying 3 techniques of Desi Jugaad tikdams

Exaggerated statements? - Statement 2 mentions of achieving 90% energy mix
from renewable sources.
Even if you don't have exact data, you must be able to place your finger on the
wild exaggeration in statement 2.
Can the world possibly achieve 90% energy mix in a period of 15 years?

Can we extrapolate on the basis of our rudimentary knowledge? - Also, you

can apply Indian context to the global level and eliminate statement 2.
Can India even think to achieve a 90% energy mix from renewables till 2030?
You directly get the answer if you eliminate statement 2.

CivilsDaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Next to Karol Bagh Metro Stn. (Gate #7), New Delhi-110060
Web: www.civilsdaily.com | Mail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 89299 87787
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

Score Booster Lecture 02 - by Zeeshan Hashmi

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

2018 UPSC Question:-

Q5. Which of the following is/are the aim/ aims of the “Digital India” Plan of
the Government of India ?
1. Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational
corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centers within
our national geographical boundaries.
3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of
our schools, public places and major tourist centers.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 3 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d.1, 2 and 3

Assumptions, if any? - Eliminate statement 2. At a time when data

sovereignty and privacy are hot issues, how can there be an official policy to
allow MNCs to collect big data.
After eliminating 2, you directly get the answer.

Practice Question 05:-

Which of the following statements are correct with regards to Pradhan Mantri
Gram Sadak Yojana?
1. It is a nationwide plan in India to provide good all-weather road
connectivity to unconnected villages.
2. The scheme has started to change the lifestyle of many villagers with new
roads and upgrades.
3. Thrust of the scheme is on laying 4 lane roads for development of village
economies.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Assumptions, if any? - none

Applying 3 techniques of Desi Jugaad tikdams

Exaggerated statements? - Eliminate statement 3. At a time when even some
stretches of National Highways are double lane, a scheme cannot possibly aim
for building 4 lane roads to connect villages.
On eliminating 3, you are left only with the right answer.

CivilsDaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Next to Karol Bagh Metro Stn. (Gate #7), New Delhi-110060
Web: www.civilsdaily.com | Mail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 89299 87787
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

Score Booster Lecture 02 - by Zeeshan Hashmi

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

2018 UPSC Question:-

Q6. Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization?
a. Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere
b. Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere
c. Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere
d. Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought
about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Obvious wordplay? - What is the literal meaning of 'fertilisation'?

It is something to do with enhancing plant growth.
Then what could be the meaning of 'carbon fertilisation'?
Growth induced by carbon.
Only option (a) perfectly suits this description.

Practice Question 6:-

Which of the following best describes 'One Health Approach' sometimes seen
in news?
a. It refers to Government’s policy of installation of one-stop health centers at
the block level for servicing rural health needs.
b. It refers to synergistic efforts of Government and Private Health
establishments at countering Non Communicable Diseases.
c. It refers to emphasis on Sanitary care by Panchayati institutions as the
Focal area to reduce disease burden.
d. It refers to treating existence of Humans, Animals and Environment as
interlinked for the purpose of providing Sustainable Healthcare.

Obvious wordplay? - What do you understand by the jargon 'one-health'?

It roughly means unity of the health of different constituents.
Take the example of 'One China' policy. It means there is only one China and
Taiwan is not a separate entity.

Although all the four options are framed to mimic the keyword, on deeper
scrutiny, you shall understand that only option (d) speaks about the
interconnectedness of the health of different components.

CivilsDaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Next to Karol Bagh Metro Stn. (Gate #7), New Delhi-110060
Web: www.civilsdaily.com | Mail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 89299 87787
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

Score Booster Lecture 02 - by Zeeshan Hashmi

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

2018 UPSC Question:-

Q7. Consider the following:
1. Areca nut
2. Barley
3. Coffee
4. Finger millet
5. Groundnut
6. Sesamum
7. Turmeric

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum

Support Price for which of the above ?

a. 1, 2, 3 and 7 only
b. 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
c. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
d. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Odd one out? - Eliminate option 3. Coffee is a Plantation Crop.

Even if you have cursory understanding of MSP, you can say that MSP is
not given to plantation crops. An important utility of MSP is to support the
income of farmer.
On eliminating 3, you are left only with the right answer.

Practice Question 7:-

Which of the following animals are naturally found in India?
1. Cheetah
2. Flying Squirrel
3. Rusty-spotted cat
4. Barking Deer
Select the correct option using the code given below:
a. 1, 2 and 3
b. 1, 3 and 4
c. 2, 3 and 4
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Odd one out? - It is common knowledge that Cheetah is extinct from India.
You get the answer i.e. (c) by just eliminating option 1.
The beauty of the question lies in the fact that you need not have any
information on Rusty-spotted Cat which is quite unheard of.

CivilsDaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Next to Karol Bagh Metro Stn. (Gate #7), New Delhi-110060
Web: www.civilsdaily.com | Mail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 89299 87787
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

Score Booster Lecture 02 - by Zeeshan Hashmi

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

2018 UPSC Question:-

Q8. In 1920, which of the following changed its name to “Swarajya Sabha”?
a. All India Home Rule League
b. Hindu Mahasabha
c. South Indian Liberal Federation
d. The Servants of India Society

Assumptions, if any? - You need to have a basic understanding of Hindi

Obvious wordplay? - Swarajya roughly translates to Home Rule/Self Rule

Sabha roughly translates to League/Movement.

Option (a) perfectly fits into this description.

Practice Question 8:-

Which of the following statements with reference to “Gravity RAT” often seen
in news is correct?
a. It is a computer program capable of being remotely controlled
b. It is a pest control system developed by ICAR
c. It is an experiment run by NASA to decipher anomalies in Earth’s Gravity
d. It is an endangered species of mammals that need urgent attention

Obvious wordplay? - The term/jargon is highly misleading.

Options (b), (c), (d) either talk about a pest, animal or gravity. These options
are "Too obvious to be true" in line with the present pattern of UPSC.

For example, UPSC had asked a question on SWAYAM. But it did not have a
direct relation with self-help.

Thus, if you have a good risk appetite, you should mark option (a) as your
answer.

CivilsDaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Next to Karol Bagh Metro Stn. (Gate #7), New Delhi-110060
Web: www.civilsdaily.com | Mail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 89299 87787
 a n A p e i r o g o n c oam
n pAapneyi r o gao
ann Ac
Apope
mei irproo
agn
goy
onn ccoom
mppaannyy

Score Booster Lecture 02 - by Zeeshan Hashmi

PEAK PERFORMP
AENA
CKE . PUEN
R LFP
O
P
OEC
E
RAA
K
MKK
EAD
PP
N.EE
CRR
EFF
.OO
URR
NMM
LAO
ANC
NCK
CEE
E.D
.U.UN
NLLO
OCCKKEED
D. .

ितकड़म

CivilsDaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Next to Karol Bagh Metro Stn. (Gate #7), New Delhi-110060
Web: www.civilsdaily.com | Mail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 89299 87787