GS2 (Polity and Governance)
After more than two decades of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments being passed, have they fulfilled their promise? Discuss their achievements and shortcomings.
Year: 2016
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23 Nov 2016 | GS1 | What role did the social and religious reform movements play in the Indian freedom struggle? Give examples of movements which helped the freedom struggle, and also examples of movements which held back the freedom struggle.
GS1 (Modern India)
What role did the social and religious reform movements play in the Indian freedom struggle? Give examples of movements which helped the freedom struggle, and also examples of movements which held back the freedom struggle.
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23 Nov 2016 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & Tikdams
Dear students,
When you submit your answer, if possible, give some reasoning & more info. along with the ABACAA format. Elaborate on what you know. This is going to help you retain & remember better.
NOTE: Prelims Daily compilation for October 2016 has been released for FREE – Click2Download
Q.1) Consider the following statements in regard to ‘European Organization for Nuclear Research’ (CERN).
1. CERN is the world’s largest nuclear and particle physics laboratory based in Paris on the French-Swiss border.
2. As an Associate Member of CERN, India will be a part of the huge scientific and technological endeavor.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.2) With reference to Prithvi-II, consider the following statements.
1. Prithvi-II is a short-range surface-to-surface missile.
2. Prithvi II is the first missile to be developed by DRDO under Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.3) Which of the following Guided Missile Destroyers are part of ‘Project 15A’.
1. INS Kolkata
2. INS Kochi
3. INS Chennai
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘Decision Review System’ (DRS)
1. DRS is a technology-based system used in the sport of cricket for the sole purpose of reviewing controversial decisions made by the on-field umpires.
2. The system was first tested in an India vs Sri Lanka match in 2008.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.5) Which of the following committee appointed for major reforms on safety and restructuring related with Indian railways.
1. Dr. Anil Kakodkar committee on safety
2. Bibek Debroy committee on restructuring
3. R.M.Lodha committee on railway reforms
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Q.6) With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:
1.Siddhas (sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
2.Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (CSP-2016)
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Q.7) Which of the following best describes the term ‘import cover’, sometimes seen in the news? (CSP-2016)
A. It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country.
B. It is the total value of imports of a country in a year.
C. It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries.
D. It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country’s international reserves.
Q.8) Consider the following pair:
Community sometimes mentioned in the news – In the affairs of
1.Kurd – Bangladesh
2.Madhesi – Nepal
3.Rohingya – Myanmar
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (CSP-2016)
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3
D. 3 only
IMPORTANT STUFF:
1. 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.
2. For a comprehensive preparation of IAS Prelims 2017 – consider joining one of the three Prelims Modules by CD – prelims.civilsdaily.com
3. Solutions will be uploaded at 8 p.m. Click here for solutions.
4. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here
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22 Nov 2016 | Back2Basics: Daily Static and CA Revision using News
Everyday we read news, but do we do more than read it? The best way to learn from news is to find the issues and facts which we don’t know and research them. Starting today we will try to list some topics to help you do that.
Let’s call this the new avatar of #Back2Basics
Following topics are based on today’s news –
1. There is a news item on FRBM. Make notes on FRBM – when was the Act passed? What was its purpose? Also make notes on the recent proposals for changes to the Act. What changes are being proposed (e.g. having a range of targets) and why. – MAINS
Also note the name of the committee, and try to read the report when it comes out. No need to read in detail, just note suggestions and the reasons for them.
2. India-China training excercise – Hand in Hand – in the news. Keep a list of such exercises. It will be very helpful for revision before prelims. – PRELIMS
3. The National Civil Aviation Policy is in the news. Make notes on it. Try to find some govt. document, try the ministry website. Every year there is generally one question on some policy in mains. – MAINS
4. Niti Aayog in the news. Have you visited its website and made notes from it? If not then do it!
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22 Nov 2016 | GS4 | Despite many attempts by the Prime Minister and the govt., the Swacch Bharat campaign has not caught on with the public. This failure is present in other spheres also, e.g. a failure on part of public to follow traffic rules. What are the reasons for this? How can we instill the people with such important values as cleanliness?
GS4 (Ethics)
Despite many attempts by the Prime Minister and the govt., the Swacch Bharat campaign has not caught on with the public. This failure is present in other spheres also, e.g. a failure on part of public to follow traffic rules. What are the reasons for this? How can we instill the people with such important values as cleanliness?
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22 Nov 2016 | GS3 | Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment.
GS3 (Science and Technology)
Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment.
Previous Year 2014 Question
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22 Nov 2016 | GS2 | In its quest for a clean and reliable source of energy, India has been trying to strike nuclear deals with many nations and groups. Describe India’s efforts and progress in the area in recent years. Why has progress been so slow?
GS2 (International Relations)
In its quest for a clean and reliable source of energy, India has been trying to strike nuclear deals with many nations and groups. Describe India’s efforts and progress in the area in recent years. Why has progress been so slow?
Click here for some background.
Similar Previous Year Question: Subsequent to the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) waiver in 2008, what are the agreements on Nuclear Energy that India has signed with different countries ? [2011]
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22 Nov 2016 | GS1 | Although the Marathas ruled over vast amounts of territory, they were easily defeated by the British. What were the reasons behind the failure of the Marathas to resist the English?
GS1 (Modern India)
Although the Marathas ruled over vast amounts of territory, they were easily defeated by the British. What were the reasons behind the failure of the Marathas to resist the English?
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22 Nov 2016 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & Tikdams
Dear students,
When you submit your answer, if possible, give some reasoning & more info. along with the ABACAA format. Elaborate on what you know. This is going to help you retain & remember better.
NOTE: Prelims Daily compilation for October 2016 has been released for FREE – Click2Download
Q.1) Consider the following statements in regard with ‘Non-photochemical quenching’ (NPQ).
1. NPQ is a mechanism employed by plants to protect themselves from the adverse effects of high light intensity.
2. In NPQ process, plants protect themselves by making changes within the leaf that dissipate the excess energy as heat.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.2) Consider the following pairs.
1. Nagarhole National Park – Maharashtra
2. Bandipur National Park – Odisha
3. Bandhavgarh National Park – Madhya Pradesh
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3
d) 3 only
Q.3) Consider the following statements with regard to ‘Waterless chrome tanning technology’.
1. It is a first of its kind technology to reduce chromium pollution load and it also reduces the use of water in tanning.
2. Waterless chrome tanning technology has been developed by CSIR’s National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.4) Consider the following statements in regard to ‘Loktak lake’.
1. Loktak Lake is the largest saltwater lake in Manipur.
2. Loktak lake is known for its circular floating swamps called phumdis in the local language.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.5) Which of the following correctly describes ‘IOWave16’.
a) International Wind power program by UNEP
b) Exercise by UN Peacekeeping forces
c) Tsunami mock drill exercise by UNESCO
d) None of the above
Q.6) Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF’s SDR? (CSP-2016)
A. Rouble
B. Rand
C. Indian Rupee
D. Renminbi
Q.7) With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements:
1.IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy, and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work.
2.The World Bank participates as observer in IMFC’s meetings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (CSP-2016)
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Q.8) ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a National campaign to (CSP-2016)
A. Rehabilitate the homeless and destitute the persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood.
B. Release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood.
C. Eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers
D. Release the bonded laborers from their bondage and rehabilitate them
IMPORTANT STUFF:
1. 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.
2. For a comprehensive preparation of IAS Prelims 2017 – consider joining one of the three Prelims Modules by CD – prelims.civilsdaily.com
3. Solutions will be uploaded at 8 p.m. Click here for solutions.
4. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here
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Flagship and Advanced Students – Get ready for the Advanced Test on 1st Dec
Flagship & Advanced students,
This blog is to give guidance to students about the advanced test on History and Geography on the 1st of December. First let’s discuss history.
History
The test on 1st Dec will cover Ancient India (future tests will be on Medieval India and Modern India). The whole of Ancient India will be covered. Students tend to ignore ancient India, but it is an important topic from prelims and mains perspective. Questions regularly come from this portion, and having a good command over this topic can give you the crucial edge.
In the basic tests you must have already covered the basic NCERTs. Some other books if you have mastered the NCERTs are – Tamil Nadu Class 11 NCERT and Nitin Singhania notes. Here is a sample question –
Q.1) Consider the following statements about the Nalanda University:
1. Nalanda university was founded during the tenure of Kanishka.
2. Only Mahayana Buddhism was taught in Nalanda University
3. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who came during Harsha’s reign, gave detailed account of Nalanda University.
Which of the following statement/s are correct?
a) All of the above
b) Only 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Only statement 3 is correct. Nalanda university was founded during the rule of Kumargupta of Gupta dynasty. Thus statement 1 is incorrect. Also while primary teaching focus was on Mahayana Buddhism, yet other ‘secular’ subjects like grammar, logic, epistemology and sciences were also taught in the university.
Q.14) Consider the following statements:
1. Kailashnath temple at Ellora represents excellent example of cave architecture built by Pallavas.
2. Seven Rath temples of Mahabalipuram is an example of rock cut temple built by Rashtrakutas.
Select the correct codes:
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Kailashnath temple at Ellora represents excellent example of cave architecture built by Rashtrakutas. Pallavas excelled in rock cut temple architecture. The classic example is the Rath temples of Mahabalipuram.
Geography
The test will cover climatology or chapters 13-25 from GC Leong. There will also be map questions. Climatology broadly covers topics such as weather, climate and vegetation.
1. Weather – Chapter 13 – this covers topics such as temperature, humidity etc. We noticed that students had difficulty in such topics in the basic tests (click here to see that analysis), so make sure to cover this chapter properly.
2. Climate – Chapter 14 – this covers topics such as cyclones and is very important for UPSC preparation.
3. Types of climate and vegetation – Chapter 15-25 – What is Sudan climate? Why are deserts located on the western coasts of continents? Questions from these chapters have a high probability of coming in prelims.
Here is a sample question –
Q.26) Which of the following is/are warm local winds?
1. Loo
2. Foehn
3. Bora
4. Mistral
5. Sirocco
Select the correct code
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2, 3 and 5
c) 1, 2 and 5
d) 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Bora and mistral are cold winds while others are warm winds.
Q.36) A geographic region has the following distinct characteristics:
1. Warm and dry climate
2. Mild and wet winter
3. Evergreen Oak trees
The above features are distinct characteristics of which one of the following regions?
a) Mediterranean
b) Eastern China
c) Central Asia
d) Atlantic coast of North America
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Mediterranean climate is characterized by the winter rains while summers are dry. There is presence of trees such as oak.
You can still join and avail all the tests of Flagship/ Advanced Prelims Course – Click here to join in
