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Year: 2016

  • TS3: Open Discussion + Good Scores + 5 Most Tricky Questions with Tikdams

    The TS3 went LIVE on 26th September.

    TS3 = Current Affairs Test covering news from the month of june and July. Available to attempt for the Flagship, Advanced and CA only students at prelims.civilsdaily.com

    This is an open discussion thread for those who attempted the paper. Talk around ingenious tikdams which you deployed to solve some questions or silly mistakes which you learnt from.

    5 Most Tricky Questions as per user attempts

    Q.1) India recently joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), consider the following statements w.r.t MTCR:

    1. It seeks to limit proliferation of missiles and missile technology

    2. It was established in 1987 by the G7 industrialized countries

    3. It is a treaty which imposes legally binding obligations on members countries

     

    Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?

    a) 1 only

    b) 1 and 3 only

    c) 1 and 2 only

    d) 1,2 and 3

    Ans. c

    Explanation: MTCR is not a treaty and does not impose any legally binding obligations (therefore it is a voluntary and informal understanding) on member countries.

    By, eliminating 3 and adding 2 we can reach to an answer.

    Source: June 28th

     http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/india-%20enters-elite-%20missile-tech-group/article8781132.ece

    Tikdam – Export control regimes are not treaties, statement 3 eliminated and you reach the answer

    Learning – Export control regimes <search CD, nice write up is there>

    Q.2) ‘Vidyanjali’, a new scheme launched by Government of India, aims

    a) To enable volunteers to reach out to govt. school and devote time & efforts

    b) at providing affordable and quality education for free

    c) at an integrated education and livelihood Initiative for the Minority Communities

    d) Training-cum-placement programme for unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir

     

    Ans. a

    Explanation: Vidyanjali will be implemented under the overall aegis of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, envisaged to enhance the community involvement in Government run elementary schools and effectively engage children in reading, creative writing, public speaking, play acting, preparing story books etc.

    Source: June 15

    http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/an-app-to-aid-volunteer-workers-at-govt-schools/article8733367.ece

    Tikdam – VIdya plus Anjali , Anjali means divine offering, donation, You are donating education, Answer is clear

    Q.3) With reference to India’s first National Civil Aviation Policy, consider the following statements.

    1. Policy  envisaged towards increasing air connectivity and allowing new domestic airlines to fly abroad quickly

    2. India has 9th largest civil aviation market in the world

    3. Government of India will enter into ‘Open Sky policy’ on a reciprocal basis with SAARC countries and countries located beyond 5000 km from Delhi

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 3 only

    c) 2 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3

    Ans. d

    Explanation: All statements are correct.

    Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=146238

    Q.4) Recently, China launched its first “dark sky reserve” in the Ngari, bordering Nepal and India, what is its purpose?

    a) For astronomical observation

    b) To study dark black holes

    c) To study meteorological phenomenon

    d) To study solar winds in upper atmosphere of the sun

    Ans. a

    Explanation:  China has launched its first “dark sky reserve” for astronomical observation in the Tibetan prefecture of Ngari, bordering Nepal and India. Ngari is among the best sites for astronomical observation on earth, due to its high altitude and large number of cloudless days throughout the year.

    Source: June 23

    http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/first-dark-sky-reserve-launched-by-china-116062300348_1.html

    Q.5) Which of the following can be used to produce second generation ethanol?

    1. Biomass

    2. Bamboo

    3. Rice straw

    4. Wheat straw

    5. Cotton straw

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a) 1, 2 only

    b) 1,2 and 4 only

    c) 2 and 4 only

    d) 1, 2, 3 ,4 and 5

    Ans. d

    Explanation: Ministries  of  renewable  energy  and  science  and  technology has found a  way  to  produce  second generation ethanol from biomass, bamboo, rice straw, wheat straw, and cotton straw etc. to power vehicles.  To promote second generation ethanol govt is planning to take up ethanol blending in petrol to 22.5 percent and in diesel to 15 percent.

    Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/draft-policies-on-coal-based-urea-ethanol-in-3-weeks-nitin-gadkari/articleshow/53068730.cms         

    Tikdam – All 5 options are similar, all biomass; so all have to be correct or incorrect simultaenously

    Learning – Learns generations of biofuels <1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th>     

  • 27 Sept 2016 | GS2 | What do you understand by the concept of freedom of speech and expression? What is its status in India today?

    GS2 ( Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant
    provisions and basic structure    )

    What do you understand by the concept of freedom of speech and expression? What is its status in India today?

    Best answer

    Srishty Arun wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Freedom of speech and expression is the ability to express oneself without fear or favour through any communicable medium.
    The right to freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution under Article 19(1)(a).
    It is an important pillar of democracy. Though fundamental, it is subjected to reasonable restrictions given under Article 19(2) which includes sovereignty and integrity of the country, public order, morality or decency, incitement to an offence, etc..
    Like Art 21, Art 19(1)(a) too has some implicit rights as given by Supreme court of India like right to silence, right to dissent and right to information (until 2005).
    Its violation is also expressed in the form of sedition (IPC Sec124A) and defamation cases(IPC Sec 499, 500). For example, Perumal Murugan and Aseem Trivedi cases.
    The Court has held ambivalent relationship with freedom of expression. For instance, in the Shriya Singhal case, the SC struck down Sec 66A of IT Act, 2000 for violating Art 19(1)(a). And, recently the Bombay HC upheld right to reputation over right to expression.
    Today, freedom of speech and expression is threatened because of
    # archaic laws (sedition, defamation) that are largely undemocratic
    # imperfections in judicial system especially lower judiciary
    # rise of emergency politics (since Ayodhya and Mandal agitations)
    # declining tolerance in political sphere that dissent is seen as sedition
    This indicates an urgent need to inculcate democratic values deeply. With the support of Supreme court, certain ambiguous terms in the archaic laws can be demystified.

  • 27 Sept 2016 | GS4 | The Supreme Court recently asked the government to end sterilisation camps. Is it ethical to have a population control measure which affects the more vulnerable section of society?

    GS4 (Ethics)

    The Supreme Court recently asked the government to end sterilisation camps. Is it ethical to have a population control measure which affects the more vulnerable section of society?

    Best answer

    Vivek Singh wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Recently in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, many women died in a sterilization camp, which exposed population control drive and invited sharp criticism from various sections of society including SC.
    Ethical behavior of government is determined by its values. Values in Indian system include democracy, socialism and sovereign.
    Democracy: litmus test of democracy is how a government treats its most vulnerable citizen.
    Socialism: Resources have to share between every section of the society as far as possible, tribal people get least of the share of government spending, therefore it is cruel to blame them for rise depleting resources.
    Sovereign: people are sovereign. Even if sterilization is the only way, they need to properly accommodate these camps. Death is unacceptable.
    Cruelty on women: most women agree because of economic crisis, family and social pressure, why would somebody want to do an operation for not having a baby when there are many other options available
    India has a population growth rate of 1.7%, 2.1 NRR (net reproduction rate), this is equivalent to stable population, population is growing because of population momentum and further decrease will dynamically change population equations.
    Education, social, economic inclusion is a genuine way to control population but is hard to achieve.
    Sterilization and death because of it is not just ethical wrong, it is needless and a serious threat to environment, traditional values. These tribal people protect our environment, killing tribal women is wiping out entire population.

  • 27 Sept 2016 | GS3 | A no. of changes have been proposed to the way the Union budget is prepared or presented. These changes are set to be implemented over the next few years. Elucidate.

    GS3 (Government Budgeting)

    A no. of changes have been proposed to the way the Union budget is prepared or presented. These changes are set to be implemented over the next few years. Elucidate.

    Best answer

    Rahul Jain wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    In a set of reforms, the Union Govt has brought three major changes:
    1. Merging of Railway and General Budget.
    2. Advancement of the Budget Presentation Day(by 27 days)
    3. Doing away with the classification of Plan and Non-Plan expenditure.

    BENEFITS:
    1. Railways will now stop being a political plaything and also the legislature will save time since Railway Budget(which is a separate process) will now be merged with the general budget.
    2. Distortion in terms of Plan expenditure taking greater share than the Non-Plan expenditure will now be a thing of past.
    3. Due to the budget advancement, all processes related to budget might get over by the end of the ongoing financial (also VOTE ON ACCOUNT MIGHT NOT BE NECESSARY)

    CHALLENGES:
    1. Political will of the States in doing away with the Plan and Non-Plan expenditure.
    2. The future of the schemes running under the previous plans is still not clear.
    3. Railways might have interference from the Finance Ministry in their financial matters.
    4. The Advancement of Budget,initially,might not be based on the complete economic data of the current year.

    Nevertheless, coupled with other reforms like GST, these measures will be like a bitter pill to swallow which will be beneficial in the long run.

  • 27 Sept 2016 | GS1 | Besides the freedom fighters in India, many Indians in other parts of the world made important contributions to our struggle for freedom. Discuss these people and their contributions.

    GS I (The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors or contributions from different parts of the country)

    Besides the freedom fighters in India, many Indians in other parts of the world made important contributions to our struggle for freedom. Discuss these people and their contributions.

    Best answer

    Amruta Joshi wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Indian freedom struggle was a wide long struggle which not only had contribution from the people living in India but from the Indians residing abroad.

    THE PEOPLE AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS
    1. Lala Hardayal – He was among the most prominent ones and one of the founders of the gadar party, which emerged as a organization to evoke nationalism among the Indians people and soldiers residing abroad. The others in this organization included kartar singh saraba,ramchandra. He was also a part of the Berlin committee for Indian independence founded by Virendranath chattopadhay, bhupendranath chattopdhyay who mobilized Indian settelers to send volunteers and arms to India to incite rebellion among the Indian troops.

    2.Raja Mahendra Pratap- He alongwith Barkatullah established a provisional Indian government in kabul.
    3.Madam Bhijakji kama- Though being a Lady, she dared to raise Indian issues in Europe and also unfurled the self made Indian flag.
    4. Jamadar chisti khan, jamadar Abdul gani participated in the signapore mutiny . Though they got killed in the battle but participated against the British rule.
    5. Mohan Singh , formed the Indian National Army in Singapore to revolt against the British rule.

    THE SIGNIFICANCE
    Thus, though the contributions had succeeded only upto a certain mark but these fighters contribution showed the much needed nationalism which was essential to figth the British rule.

  • Ask a Question, Answer a Question – Round 6

    Motivation is a tricky thing. 

    It doesn’t last long without support and peer pressure! What to do then in case of this mother of all exam which needs an year long maintenance!

    source

    One of our team members came across this daily log maintained by a UPSC aspirant in his/ her days of preparation – Click to read this log of days

    It might be useful if we have a “log of days” thread on forum where you guys tell each other about how useful/ fruitless your day was – your focus areas of the day – some tricky situations wrt. studies or otherwise which you came across which you would like a fellow to help you with?

    It’s just an experiment which might keep you in good stead all through your prep days.

    It would an entirely self moderated thread. We won’t have anything to do with it but we will ensure that it stays on top of the website forum.

    What do you think?

     

     

  • 26 Sept 2016 | Prelims Daily: CA Questions with Tikdams & Tidbits

    [Update] Explanations can be downloaded from here – http://bit.ly/2cy2dwJ. Ask doubts, if any on the topics covered in CA questions.

    Q1. Consider following statements regarding MERCOSUR – 

    1. Members are only from Latin America

    2. It is an anti-western military alliance with members such as Venezuela

    Select the correct option – 

    a) 1 only

    b) 2 only

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q2. Following Act comes frequently in the news, fill up the blank space – Prevention of Atrocities Against ___

    a) Dalits and other depressed classes

    b) Minorities

    c) SC’s

    d) SC’s and ST’s

    Q3. Shipkila Pass lies in which state

    a) J&K

    b) Himachal Pradesh

    c) Arunachal Pradesh

    d) Madhya Pradesh

    Q4. What is an offset clause mentioned in the Rafale deal

    a) money spent on foreign defense equipment has to be partially invested in the Indian economy

    b) Tax given to attract manufacturing companies

    c) Secrecy clause stopping France from giving any information on Rafale to other countries

    d) None of the above

    Q5.  Swacch Bharat week is being organised by 

    a) Prime Ministers Office

    b) MoUD

    c) Ministry of Rural Development

    d) None of the above

    NOTE: These questions are mostly derived from our daily newscards. Reading daily news from Civilsdaily’s App (click here) or website + solving these questions will help you reinforce the basics.

    For a comprehensive preparation of IAS Prelims 2017 – consider joining our more comprehensive Prelims Modules – prelims.civilsdaily.com

  • happinesss

    IPS is my aimmmmmmmmmmmmmm

  • Query

    I want to join Flagship test series programme,Can I get all pdf of all materials of that course after the subscriptions?

  • 26 Sept 2016 | Target Mains: GS Questions & DNA Framework

    GS I (Geography) (Duplex)

    What is sea floor spreading?  Explain with the evidences in support of it. Describe link between it and the Plate Tectonic Theory

    Demand-

    Static Question.  Define sea floor spreading with evidence. Last part, define relation between both theories.

    Approach-

    – Define & explain sea floor spreading. Provide evidences in support (3+4 marks)

    – Explain relation between two- Seafloor spreading helps explain continental drift in the theory of plate tectonics (3 marks)

     

    GS II (Representation of People Acts) (Duplex)

    The Representation of People Acts (RPA) of 1950 and 1951 form the foundation of electoral democracy in India. Elucidate the limitations RPAs & measures required to strengthen it.

    Demand-

    RPA provisions need to be known and how it has helped electoral democracy. Bring its general limitations and solutions to improve it.

    Approach-

    – RPA 1950 and 1951 provisions which has strengthen electoral democracy (3 marks)

    – Limitations ( 3 marks)

    – Measures and challenges (4 marks)

     

    GS III (Issues relating to intellectual property rights) (Hattrick)

    New Intellectual Property Rights Policy 2016, designed to strengthen India’s IPR regime “to foster creativity and innovation,” indicates that it has put the interests of intellectual property owners, or global capital above that of public. Critically examine.

    Demand-

    – Private sector organisations in the US such as the US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) consider it as weak and ineffectual.

    – In its IP index, India’s IPR score is only 7.05 out of 30, while it is 10.41 for Brazil, 12.64 for China, 13.06 for Russia, and 28.61 in the case of US

    Approach-

    – Explain the Property rights policy of India in brief. Try to quote few objectives (2 marks)

    – One side-Many commentators are of the view that India’s TRIPS Agreement (Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) compliant patent regime is quite adequate for balancing the interests of both inventors of new technologies and its users.

    Other side- The pharmaceutical multinational corporations (MNCs) and the government of the United States (US) have been extremely critical of India’s IPR regime. Explain both sides (6 marks)

    -Challenges and way ahead (2 marks)

     

    GS IV (Ethics) (Hattrick)

    What is meant by environmental ethics? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the view point of environmental ethics ?

    Demand-

    –  Ethics that studies the relation of human beings and the environment and how ethics play a role in this.

    Approach-

    –          Environmental ethics believe that humans are a part of society as well as other living creatures, which includes plants and animals. These items are a very important part of the world and are considered to be a functional part of human life.

    -Give example- Global warming, global climate change, deforestation, pollution, resource degradation, threat of extinction are few of the issues from which our planet is suffering. With environmental ethics, you can ensure that you are doing your part to keep the environment safe and protected.