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Author: Dr V

  • How To Approach the IAS Prelims – Last 10 weeks

     

    Prelims is almost here. Preparation would be at full swing. It goes without saying, you have to best utilize these ten weeks to maximize your score in prelims and crack it without any hiccups. As time is of essence, I would not waste any more time on introduction and niceties and come straight to the task at hand. And the task is how to best utilize these last 10 weeks and how to approach prelims paper.

    This blog is primarily based on a talk delivered at Visionias. Here I would add to those points and give more examples to drive home the essence of the entire talk.

    First thing first, nobody can afford to flunk CSAT paper. There is simply no excuse for flunking that paper. To make sure, you don’t flunk the paper, just solve last 4 years UPSC CSAT papers, match your answers with official answer keys and if you score >90 <24 marks cushion over cutoff to discount for a tough paper and bad day> in all 4 papers, you need not touch CSAT.

    If you are scoring <80, you need to do some work. You can decide for yourself what needs to be done if you score b/w 80-90.

    With CSAT out of the way and whole game being based on general studies, our task in these last 10 weeks is to organize our studies in such a way that examination feels like an extension of our daily routine and we can score maximum marks.

    By now, most of you would already have done at least one reading of all the standard books <NCERTs plus Laxmikant, any one book for modern India, G.C Leong, climatology part, Highlights of budget and Eco survey, Current affairs at least from jan to may and later june>. If not, don’t waste any time and finish these books first.

    Before moving forward, I take it that basic books are done.

    Now some Do’s and Don’ts

    Prioritize – Don’t spend disproportionate time on one or two particular subjects or topics <often aspirants spend too much time on art and culture and Environment and ecology with very poor return on your invested time>. Please remember it’s okay to leave a few questions. No body gets all 100 correct and all the questions are of equal marks. So, if you get easy questions wrong and difficult ones correct, it’s not gonna help you.

    For instance, You can not get this question incorrect

    To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India” is a provision made in the

    (a) Preamble of the Constitution
    (b) Directive Principles of State Policy
    (c) Fundamental Rights
    (d) Fundamental Duties

    Or This

    Which one of the following is the best description of the term ‘ecosystem’?

    (a) A community of organisms interacting with one another.
    (b) That part of the Earth which is inhabited by living organisms.
    (c) A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live
    (d) The flora and fauna of a geographical area

    Or Fortaleza declaration or non plan expenditure, repo rate, Basel Committee, Cabinet Mission Plan, Rowlatt Satyagraha etc.

    Marking them incorrect is simply criminal and punishment is 1 year rigorous jail term

    But it’s okay if you got this wrong

    Kalamkari painting refers to

    (a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
    (b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India
    (c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India
    (d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

    Or This

    Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical  Indication’ status?

    1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
    2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
    3. Tirupathi Laddu

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a)  1 only
    (b) 2 and  3 only
    (c) 1 only 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    You just can not remember all the things that have been accorded GI tag. If your guess turn out to be right, well and good, if not, don’t be too livid on yourself.

    Always remember not all questions are doable, your 1st aim should be to mark all doable questions correctly.

    2. Solving Question papers– Solve at least 2 papers every week till last Sunday of UPSC <1 test series paper and 1 past year UPSC paper>.  There’s no harm in solving 4 papers every week either. You know where to get papers from <you know all about copyrights law enforcement in India, I am not getting paid by coaching industry, wasn’t paid by vision either, no conflict of interest>

    Analysis of paper -But just solving isn’t enough. Analyse the paper. Analyse your mistakes. Jot them down in your notebook <doesn’t matter if you have to jot down 80 mistakes>.  You would soon realize there’s pattern to your mistakes. Rectify the though process which makes you commit those mistakes.

    Go back to standard books and read the topics which you find yourself weak at and improve upon them.

    Demolish the myth of negative marking holding you back– In the question paper itself, mark those questions which you are not 100% or even 80% sure <this 100%, 80% is subjective, we all know> and see if marking them benefits you or harm you. Also you would get the knack of marking dicey options correctly.  <this exercise is very important, as many of the questions which we solve by calculated guesses turn out to be correct but we attribute them to our knowledge while all the wrong ones are attributed to guesses and then we trash this whole exercise of calculated/ informed guessing>

    Practice elimination method and informed guessing

    For instance, if the question is-

    • Which of the following country is not a member of Mercosur
    • Options are – Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico

    Now even if you don’t remember much about Mercosur but could recall reading about it in an article about trading blocks at CD, you would be able to vaguely remember that it had members from South America and Mexico is in central America or North but not in South so this could be the answer.

    Very conservatives among you would not mark such options but IMHO, one should definitely mark such options. It’s not tukka, it’s not cheating. It’s calculated/ informed guessing.

    But in exam you may develop cold feet while marking such options, hence it;s important you apply this in test papers, see the benefits for yourself and become confident.

    Similarly sometimes you would be able to eliminate two options, it’s advisable to mark a tukka b/w the two options <You can do the math of probablity for CSAT>

    Consider this question (Pre 2015)

    Consider the following statements

    1. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.
    2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
    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

    • Everyone should know that 1st statement is incorrect <if you don’t know this, no need to do PHD in art and culture but immediately go back to Laxmikant>
    • Statement 2 even if you don’t know IMO, you should mark either b or d after doing akkad bakkad bambe bo <you can do the math of probability>

    What if you are able to eliminate one option?

    You should mark based on your preparation and risk appetite

    For instance this question ( Pre 2015)

    In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight?

    (a) Coal production
    (b) Electricity generation
    (c) Fertilizer production
    (d) Steel production

    Anyone with slightest knowledge, commonsense and logic can easily eliminate fertilizer <agriculture’s contribution to GDP <18%, fertilizer ka kitna hoga> with  more logic you can reach to electricity, I applied but reached to steel and my answer turned out to be incorrect <don’t mark in 1/3 if you feel you are comfortable in prelims, no point in going for glory>

    In tests as also in exam, read every question and every option carefully. Don’t leave a question even if you don’t have much idea about without reading the options. Apply all your previous knowledge and all the logic at your disposal to see if you can arrive at correct answer or if you can eliminate at least two options.

    For instance this question (prelims 2015)

    Which one of the following best describes the main objective of ‘Seed Village Concept’?

    (a) Encouraging the farmers to use their own farm seeds and discouraging them to buy the seeds from others
    (b) Involving the farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make available quality seeds to others at appropriate time and affordable cost
    (c) Earmarking  some villages exclusively for the production of certified seeds
    (d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in village and providing them technology and finance to set up seed companies

    Many of you would leave this question just after reading seed village concept. I didn’t have any idea either. But let’s read the options

    • 1st options seems like a BS option. Why should anyone discourage farmers from buying seeds from others if they are of good quality
    • 3rd option, is it even possible to earmark some villages exclusively for seed production i.e leave your animal husbandry, farming, other activities just produce seeds.
    • Now you can choose from b and d. In the exam I chose d which was incorrect but the point I am trying to make is don’t move without reading all the options

    Some important red flags which should alert you to the possibility of statement being wrong. In such situations, you should pause and think about that possibility. I am not saying that statement with red flags would always be incorrect, what I am saying is you should pause and think about that possibility.

    Such red flags are

    • Broad sweeping statements – all, always, only
    • Unnecessary negative sentence which seems odd or seems logically incorrect
    • Too much over exaggeration

    Now I discuss such statements and questions asked in last year’s exam

    1. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements:

    1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
    2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
    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

    Discussion- Look at the statement 2 –Maritime security only. You should observe this and think if it can be false. It’s actually false as this organization has noting to do with security <economy actually>. Also if it had to focus on maritime security only statement could have been, It is an alliance meant for maritime security.  <ye to nhi likha hoga naa that can’t talk about anything except security>

    Now look at the statement one – very recently <could it not be recently, it’s a very lame reason actually> but you should think, be skeptic, mark them right if you are sure they are right.

    Also statement 1 and 2 contradict each other. Accident of oil spills are not related to maritime security.

    Imp.- You should know that this organization is focused on economy and both the statements become incorrect automatically and no such tikdam required

    2. With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct?

    (a) Controlling the inflation in India is the responsibility of the Government of India only
    (b) The Reserve Bank of India has no role in controlling the inflation
    (c) Decreased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation
    (d) Increased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation

    • Option 1 only should make you think, <it’s logical that inflation would be the responsibility of both govt and RBI, yes primary responsibility of RBI but even only RBI would be incorrect>
    • Also if statement one is true, two has to be true and both can’t be true simultaneously <single choice answer>
    • Statement c and d are opposite so one has to be true unless money supply has no role in inflation

    Note– Very easy question, done your NCERT, solved all economy questions I solved for you in the forum, no need for any tikdam

    3. With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following  statements:

    1.The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
    2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.

    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

    Option 2- why only water vapour and NH3, why not CO2 and other gases. Stands to reason. Again it should make you think. You should not mark a statement incorrect just because you see only.

    Note- I don’t think anyone would remember all the gases which are released so this question is apt to be solved by our tikdam after thinking about the statement

    4. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)?

    1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.
    2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.

    Look at the exaggeration in the statement 2. High advanced scientific research with highly advanced foreign institutions. This made me think and I recalled that NIF was actually for grass root level innovation. Again the point is I knew about NIF but I was still going with the flow and marked the option as correct until I focused on exaggeration. So, imp think is stopping and thinking

    NOTE- Knowing about NIF was imp. These tikdams work only when you are well prepared.

    5. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
    2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement concrete.
    3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements.

    Look at the statement 3. Why can’t there be anything else in fly ash? I didn’t know much about that but I thought if that was the case, they should have written made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide, what was the need of silly only?

    6. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/an; correct?

    1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
    2. It is found along the entire coast of India.
    3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1 and 3
    (d) 3 only

    Look at the statement 2. It should at least make you think, at least 1 km stretch mein to nhi milta hoga. Now you can say what if the statement was deer is found everywhere in India?? Tikdam is only to stop you and make you consider the other possibility

    Some questions where logic can help you

    7. Which one of the following issues the ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report periodically?

    (a) The Asian Development Bank
    (b) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
    (c) The US Federal Reserve Bank
    (d) The World Bank

    Global report should be published by a global body, right. You can easily rule out Fed and European Bank. Asian bank can also be ruled out similarly <though there is a possibility of even regional institutions publishing global reports>

    8. With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a Public Limited Government Company.
    2. It is a Non – Banking Financial Company.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 or 2

    Option 1 you can mark correct by name of agency, option 2 if you know it’s function

    9. Kalamkari painting refers to

    (a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
    (b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India
    (c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India
    (d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

    Kalam means pen, option c is easily incorrect but if you don’t know difficult to mark in 1/3

    10. Consider the following statements :

    1 The Legislative Council of a State in India can be larger in size than half of the Legislative Assembly of that particular State
    2. The Governor of a State nominates the Chairman of Legislative Council of that particular State.

    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

    If you don’t remember the exact provisions, think what would be the purpose of making a law if size could be more than half. If it can be more than half, it can be anything. Provisions are made to limit size (<15% size of CoM, <1/3 size of councils>

    Note- Again better to know exact provisions so that tikdam is needed only in difficult questions

    11. With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements:

    1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade.
    2. The Gross Domestic Product at  market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last
    decade.

    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

    I don’t need to say anything about this question. Whether you know anything or not, this question can not be marked incorrect

    12. The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of

    (a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence
    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim
    (c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region
    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

    Name se clear hai India and Arctic. option D

    13. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the

    (a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
    (b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
    (c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
    (d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

    Whenever Bt cotton or BT brinjal issue comes up, environment ministry pange karti so obviously EPA

    Note– This should be known so no need for tikdam

    14. With reference to the Union Government, consider the following  statements 

    1. The Department of  Revenue is responsible for the preparation of Union Budget that is presented to the Parliament.
    2. No amount can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without the authorization from the Parliament of India.
    3.  All the disbursements made from Public Account also need the authorization from the Parliament of India.

    Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 2 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Apply all and no principle, think. If you mark it incorrect without thinking, you would be wrong. If you stop and think you would realize statement 2 is correct, If you don’t know you would mark statement 3 also as correct which is a incorrect statement

    Moral of the story-  Red flags are to make you stop and think, not for marking indiscriminately

    15. With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential elements of the feudal system?

    1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
    2. Emergence  of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
    3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c)  3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Statement 1, see the exaggeration. Very strong, very weak. It’s a red flag. Pause and think. If you think, you would realize it actually makes sense, correct statement but if you mark indiscriminately based on red flags only, you would be in trouble

    16. With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

    (a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubneshwar
    (b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
    (c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
    (d) varaha Image at Udayagiri

    Eliminate option 1, temple would not be constructed before rock cut architecture. This is the question, you can mark incorrect. No need to go after such questions. It’s important to focus on high yielding topics.

    Some questions from prelims 2014

    1. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3 °C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?

    1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source
    2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
    3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
    4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.

    Look at option 3 and 4 <all, anywhere> Pause and think, obviously incorrect

    2. Consider the following countries:

    1. Denmark
    2. Japan
    3. Russian Federation
    4. United Kingdom
    5. United States of America

    Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council ‘?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3
    (b) 2, 3 and 4
    (c) 1, 4 and 5
    (d) 1, 3 and 5

    Everyone would know UK is incorrect. Choice b/w option a and d that is b/w USA and Japan. Even if you don’t know anything tukka laga do

    3. Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
    2. It is fueled by liquid propellant only.
    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

    Statement 2, pause and think, it could be correct also. actually it’s incorrect. Statement 3 is also incorrect <even Agni 5 does not have that much range>

    4. With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coal bed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following ‘statements:

    1. Coal bed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
    2. In India abundant coal bed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found

    Look at the statement 1 only, pause and think why only propane and butane. Actually mainly methane hota hai

    Similarly statement 2, no shale gas source, not even one? pause and think

    5. Consider the following international agreements:

    1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
    2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
    3. The World Heritage Convention

    Which of the above has / have a bearing on the biodiversity?

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

    Common sense, all 3, statement 1 mentions genetic, statement 2 desert, statement 3 heritage, natural heritage sites

    6. What are the significance of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative’?

    1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
    2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this.
    3. There is no application of chemical/ inorganic fertilizers at all in this.
    4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 1, 2 and 4 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Statement 3, no chemicals, none at all, pause and think, this could be true but read the question again practical method. <practical mein to thoda scope hoga hi chemicals ka>

    7. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?

    1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
    2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
    3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
    4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Look at option 2, pause and think, crocodile seriously?

    I think, with these examples it would be amply clear that one need to finish basic books, read questions and options carefully, pause and think when red flags so indicate, practice test papers, revise weaker topics etc. etc.

    What to do in Exam Hall

    1. Don’t go in the exam hall with any pre-conceived notion of number of questions to be attempted. Attempt as many as you know, make informed guesses, use elimination method, mark where you are able to eliminate two options
    2. Don’t speculate cut off in the exam hall itself. Your task is to maximize your score. 10 extra marks wouldn’t hurt you
    3. Don’t make mistakes in bubbling the circles <keep ample time for that>

    What not to do after Prelims 

    1. Don’t engage in futile speculation of cutoff
    2. Don’t try to correct your wrong answers by sending 100 URLs to your friends
    3. Take a few days break and start studying for mains

    My prelims marks 

    • 2015 – 142 + 182 <rank 20>
    • 2014 – 125 +157/ 175 <interview, back to square one>
    • 2013 – 118 +192 <interview, back to square one> <2013 and 2014 marks could be +- 2 either side>

    P.S. As I have clearly said, there’s no substitute for hard work and studying standard books. Once you are done with them, practicing papers help in knowing our weak areas and taking corrective steps. Red flags and tikdams are like check lists which enable us to pause and rethink and prevent us from making mistakes

    P.P.S.  Constructive criticism is welcome but please don’t get personal. Leave a comment if you appreciate the article. Too lazy to leave a comment, just order a pizza for me.

    Best Luck

     

    From Civilsdaily

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  • Testing Thursday : High Five With Tikdam – 7

    Hello everyone,

    We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

    We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam.Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam.  In the 2nd installment, questions were easy to moderate and many more of you got answers right. In the 3rd installment, questions were a bit tricky and many of you failed to read the entire question with all the options carefully to arrive ta the write answer.

    Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

    How to practice – join the test series for more practice (600 tikdams) and one on one interaction with mentors (most important to take your thought process in right direction). It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

    Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday   9 a.m  (Testing Tuesday) and Thursday 9 p.m.(Testing Thursday)  to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

    Here are high five questions from prelims 2010 (Moderate ones) which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

    Please write your thought process/ method you applied to solve the question with the answers. We will get back to you as to how you can further refine your answer deriving capabilities. Note that this initiative will help you only if you apply your mind and write your thought process. Merely reading and learning the answers will not help.

    1. In order to comply with TRIPS Agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications off Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The difference/differences between a ‘Trade Mark’ and a Geographical Indication is/are:
      1. A Trade Mark is an individual or a company’s right whereas a Geographical Indication is a community’s right.
      2. A Trade Mark can be licensed whereas a Geographical Indication cannot be licensed.
      3. A Trade Mark is assigned to the manufactured goods whereas the Geographical Indication is assigned to the agricultural goods/products and handicrafts only.
      Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
      a) 1 only
      b) 1 and 2 only
      c) 2 and 3 only
      d) 1, 2 and 3

    2. The SEZ Act, 2005 which came into effect in February 2006 has certain objectives. In this context, consider the following:
    1. Development of infrastructure facilities.
    2. Promotion of investment from foreign sources.
    3. Promotion of exports of services only.
    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

    3. Consider the following statements:
    1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions.
    2. India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 only
    c) Both 1 and 2
    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    4. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust”
    a) NH3
    b) CH4
    c) H2O
    d) H2O2

    5. Consider the following:
    1. Oxides of Hydrogen
    2. Oxides of Nitrogen
    3. Oxides of Sulphur
    Which of the above causes/cause acid rain?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 3 only
    c) 2 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

     

    MPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

    2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

    3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

  • Samanvaya: IGP 2018 (Interview Guidance Program): Here's how you start

    With Mains 2017 results declared, UPSC CSE 2017 exam now enters its final stage. Congratulations to all those who made it to the list of selected students for Interview.

    Before I start, I have to state that I have a long-standing empathy-corner for people who get bummed out of the UPSC boat at this stage. Getting ditched after writing Mains is a very tricky space to be in: You don’t know which subject played havoc, you can’t know about that till before Mains results come out, you don’t know the gap between reality vs expectations and even though the next year Prelims is looking right at your face, you have now started to feel itchy about this UPSC marathon.

    Hold on to your good memories and stay the course. Trust me, 70% junta skips misses on their track right here, right now. I will write a detailed blog for you which would give you some practical intervention points but for now, stay the course. You won’t be able to let go of your UPSC dream but you might unwittingly let go of the right path. And you don’t want to do that. 

    I have seen 3 cycles of UPSC: Pre, Mains, and Interview (thrice over). 

    Like most of us, I had visited my share of coaching institutes for guidance, sat across the mocks, then sat through the lecture sessions which deliberate over the “type of interviews”, “personality types most suitable for an IAS officer” and generic gyaan etc. only to find that while they do make sense at some level, it is a bit difficult to imbibe and change your personality type in a span of 1 month.

    I was what I was.

    I could think fast like most of us can and know what’s right/ wrong on a particular occasion but in this whole process of sizing up my mock board members, internalizing my responses to suit the interview, controlling my impulses to run over and not play ball with them etc. etc. I made the following conclusions:

    1. Don’t bother to change your personality type: It is very easy to get feedback on ‘your personality type’ and a tad difficult to alter it to suit UPSC board’s need for an ideal bureaucrat
    2. Master your DAF: If you are quizzed on what you wrote in your DAF and you don’t come on top of it, there is no coming back. DAF based interviews are generally the safest to navigate. Next come “Scenario-based interviews” which are open-ended questions with no right answers and the board marks you on your structured thinking and mature approach towards real-life scenarios. Assuming that you have been good with current affairs and have a few case studies to cite, these are still manageable. The worst are “Fact-based interviews”: Here is where a board member goes rogue and digresses into an infinite spiral of facts and figures and more often than not, puts you in a situation where you have to defend your lack of knowledge or wriggle out of it in a ‘zen-like’ way.
    3. Personality type matters for the Fact-based/ Stress interviews: But since you are what you are, try to keep up the interviewer humored with DAF based or Scenario based interview. This is doable and that’s where the stress of this program lies

    Basis my learnings, here’s how Samanvaya: IGP 2018 (Interview Guidance Program) is pegged to help you keep up on the right path:

    For a holistic interview prep, here’s what you need :

    1. Prepare your DAF: Create a folder in google drive or a notebook on Evernote and make notes on important areas of your DAF (Home state, institute/ stream, hobbies, work-ex). Share this with us. [Details will be shared on the telegram group, below]
    2. Polish your story: Everyone loves a good narrative and given the subjectivity of the interview process, there are times when the board is deliberating on a ‘scenario builder question’ and you find an opening where you can bring an anecdote from your life or a case study closely lived and that gives them a perspective into your mental framework/ decision making capabilities/ affinity towards a certain cause etc etc. That brings out an undeniable human element in the game and gets the interview back on course [This is where our 1 on 1 calls will come in handy]
    3. Prepare your current affairs well: The Fact-based interviews are the most cringe-worthy. You might have an ability to talk ad-nauseam on a scenario builder question… tinker with opinions, take sides with stakeholders etc. but fact-based, current affairs heavy bombs are very straightforward and leave very less room for ‘bs’. Hence, stay up close with CD’s newscards. [We will have a special package of “Samachar Manthan” for the interview qualified guys and the details will be given out soon]
    4. A few mock interviews: Mock interviews should be given in a pair from the same place. Give one – take feedback – try to inculcate that and then appear again in front of same/ similar interview panel and let them judge you on your improvement. This is mostly to stitch up last min personality glitches. For now, we do not have a facility for the same. If you can have some coaching institute arrange that for you, go for it. Remember, have interviews in a pair. Measured improvements go a long way in boosting confidence.

    How will this program work?

    All candidates selected for interview will have to send us their DAF form copy after filling out this form: Click2Register

    After you fill the form, please send the PDF copy of your DAF to hello@civilsdaily.com with subject line DAF-Your Name-Interview Guidance 2018

    We will then add you to a dedicated telegram group for this initiative. Detailed instructions will be given in the telegram group itself. Expect a formal structure by 12th January 2018

    P.S.- This program is FREE. But we might limit the entries to ensure quality.

    Other in-service officers may also be a part of program and all of them will guide the aspirants about how interview process has evolved over years, what are expectations of interview board from candidates and what questions can be framed out of the details that you filled in DAF

    Prepare well. You have come so far, we want you to get into Final list…

    Best of luck!

    If you have any queries, mail to hello@civilsdaily.com or call on 08823831311

  • Testing Tuesday : High Five With Tikdam – 6

    Hello everyone,

    We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

    We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam.Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam.  In the 2nd installment, questions were easy to moderate and many more of you got answers right. In the 3rd installment, questions were a bit tricky and many of you failed to read the entire question with all the options carefully to arrive ta the write answer.

    Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

    How to practice – join the test series for more practice (600 tikdams) and one on one interaction with mentors (most important to take your thought process in right direction). It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

    Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday   9 a.m  (Testing Tuesday) and Thursday 9 p.m.(Testing Thursday)  to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

    Here are high five questions from prelims 2011 (Easy ones) which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

    1. In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the
      bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material?
      1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.
      2. Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources.
      3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.
      4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads.
      Which of the statements given above are correct?
      a) 1, 2 and 3 only
      b) 1, 3 and 4 only
      c) 2 and 4 only
      d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    2. Consider the following:
    1. Carbon dioxide
    2. Oxides of Nitrogen
    3. Oxides of Sulphur
    Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power
    plants?
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

    3. India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the
    reasons?
    1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the
    cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last five years by about 30%.
    2. As a consequence of increasing incomes, the consumption patterns of the people have
    undergone a significant change.
    3. The food supply chain has structural constraints. Which of the statements given above are
    correct?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

    4. Consider the following:
    1. Photosynthesis
    2. Respiration
    3. Decay of organic matter
    4. Volcanic action
    Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?
    a) 1 and 4 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 2, 3 and 4 only
    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4


    5. With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.
    2. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.
    3. In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

     

    MPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

    2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

    3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

  • Testing Thursday : High Five With Tikdam – 5

    Hello everyone,

    We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

    We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam.Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam.  In the 2nd installment, questions were easy to moderate and many more of you got answers right. In the 3rd installment, questions were a bit tricky and many of you failed to read the entire question with all the options carefully to arrive ta the write answer.

    Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

    How to practice – join the test series for more practice (600 tikdams) and one on one interaction with mentors (most important to take your thought process in right direction). It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

    Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday   9 a.m  (Testing Tuesday) and Thursday 9 p.m.(Testing Thursday)  to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

    Here are high five questions from prelims 2012 (Moderate ones) which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

    Please write your thought process/ method you applied to solve the question with the answers. We will get back to you as to how you can further refine your answer deriving capabilities. Note that this initiative will help you only if you apply your mind and write your thought process. Merely reading and learning the answers will not help.

    1. If National Water Mission is properly and completely implement, how will it impact the country?
    1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water.
    2. The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be
    met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.
    3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
    4. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore-wells and for installing motors and pumpsets
    to draw ground-water will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    a) 1 only
    b) 1 and 2 only
    c) 3 and 4 only
    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    2. Which of the following are included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
    1. A dispute between the Government of India and one or more States.
    2. A dispute regarding elections to either House of the Parliament or that of Legislature of a State.
    3. A dispute between the Government of India and a Union Territory.
    4. A dispute between two or more States.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
    a) 1 and 2
    b) 2 and 3
    c) 1 and 4
    d) 3 and 4

    3. Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in
    India. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification.
    2. The combustible gases generated consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only.
    3. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat
    generation but not in internal combustion engines. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

    4. Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health hazard. After the addition of lead to petrol has been banned, what still are the sources of lead poisoning?
    1. Smelting units
    2. Pens and pencils
    3. Paints
    4. Hair oils and cosmetics
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    b) 1 and 3 only
    c) 2 and 4 only
    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    5. With reference to stem cells, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are
    correct?
    1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only.
    2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs.
    3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

    Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

     

    MPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

    2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

    3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

  • Wow Wednesday : Evolution of Basic Structure Doctrine

    Constitution provided a mechanism for parliament to amend the constitution in the form of article 368 but the nature and scope of this amending power was questioned in supreme court on multiple occasions. Supreme court gave a series of judgement which ultimately culminated in probably the most landmark judgement – Basic structure doctrine judgement.

    They are very important for exam purposes (both prelims and mains) and in this article, we cover the most important supreme court judgment related with powers of parliament to amend the constitution-

    1. Shankari Prasad Case
    2. Sajjan Singh Case
    3. Golakh Nath Case
    4. Kesvananda Bharati Case
    5. Minerva Mills case
    6. I.R. Koelhi

    Constitutional Provisions

    1. 1st amendment and 9th schedule
    2. 24th amendment
    3. 42nd amendment

     

    His holiness, Kesavananda bharati, challenged before the supreme court, the validity of 29th CAA which inserted some laws in 9th schedule and affected property of his Hindu Mutt.

    What else was at stake?

    1. Supreme court (R. C. Cooper case ) had struck down bank nationalization act of 1969 which had nationalized 14 major banks for illusory compensation though it conceded parliament’s right to nationalise banks in national interest.
    2. Supreme court had struck down abolition of privy purses which was a betrayal of solemn promise to erstwhile kings by Sardar Patel.

    Supreme court could do all this as it had held in 1967 in Golaknath case that fundamental rights could not be abridged.

    Before returning back to Kesavananda, Let’s take a look at the relevant provisions of the constitution and supreme court interpretation of the same.

    • Art 13(2) – Any LAW abridging fundamental rights mentioned in part 3 shall be null and void to the extent of contravention
    • Art 368 -Procedure to amend the constitution.
    • Art 19(f) – freedom to acquire hold on and dispose off property.
    • Art 31 – right to property

    Both the rights were subject to reasonable restriction in public interest and restriction were subject to judicial review.

    Soon after the coming into force of the constitution, states enacted land reform acts #Zamindars challenged them. #Patna high court declared Bihar act as unconstitutional for violating right to property #interim parliament passed 1st CAA.

    1. ART 31B created 9th schedule. Laws inserted under it by constitutional amendment were immune to judicial review.

    Other provisions not imp for this article but imp for exams –

    1. Reasonable restrictions against  freedom of expression under art 19.
    2. To nullify judgment in State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan and giving effect to art 46 (promoting educational and economic interests of weaker sections) amplified article 15 (3)

    Zamindars didn’t like it, not one bit. And here comes the 1st salvo

    1. Shankari Prasad v Union of India

    Challenged 1st CAA. What was the court’s judgment?

    1. Difference b/w constituent power and ordinary legislative power i.e. amendment not law for the purpose of article 13
    2. art 13 and 368 in conflict # apply DOCTRINE OF HARMONIOUS CONSTRUCTION # ART 13 not applicable to art 368

    Govt 1-0 Zamindars

    Govt passed 17th amendment and inserted more laws under 9th schedule ‘

    Zamindars fired another salvo-

    2. Sajjan Singh vs state of rajasthan

    Supreme court sang Shankari prasad song again 

    Govt 2-0 jamindars

    But Justice Mudholkar was of the view that the every Constitution has certain features which are basic in nature and those features cannot be changed.

    2 minority judgements ..utter confusion. And you can see seeds of basic structure were sown here.

    Zamindars fired 3rd salvo

    3. Golaknath v. State of Punjab

    11 judge bench overturned earlier 2 verdicts by a slender majority of 6-5

    Really? What was the logic given here?

    1. Nothing to suggest constituent power to be separate from legislative power and even if distinct, amending power not same as constituent power which is given only to constituent assembly i.e. amendment is law and subject to article 13
    2. Fundamental rights so sacrosanct and transcendental that they can not be abridged even if whole parliament unanimously decided to abridge them.

    But it validated all previous land reform acts as nullifying them would create utter confusion

    Govt angry – Zamindars angry

    New landlords happy.

    Loss – loss to defendants as well as petitioner.

    Madam Indira was in power and she did not like  this . Not one bit.

    Along came 24th amendment to neutralize GOLAKNATH JUDGEMENT

    1. Art 13 inapplicable to art 368
    2. Art 368 provided powers as well as procedure to amend the constitution
    3. Parliament by way of addition, variation or repeal can amend any provision of constitution
    4. President shall give assent to CA bills ( VERY VERY IMP FOR PRELIMS )

    But madam Indira wouldn’t just stop here as Cooper judgment (Bank nationalization ) also had to be neutralized.

    Smarting from this setback, Madam Indira ( the parliament, herself) passed 24th CAA to neutralise GOLAKNATH judgement. But there was also a small matter of reversing Copper judgment in bank nationalisation case so parliament passed 25th CAA.

    1. Art 19f delinked from 31, in effect parliament deciding compensation amount payable instead of courts.
    2. Art 31c  -inserted under which – art 39b and c, most socialist of DPSPs (equitable distribution and prevention of concentration of wealth respectively) precede over 7 freedoms (art 19 ), equality (14), property (31)
    3. Parliament’s power to determine if policy is to give effect to 39b and c not subject to judicial review.

    29th CAA had put Kerala land reform act under 9th schedule and his holiness challenged the provisions and all hell broke loose.

     

    Now the 4th salvo

    4.  Kesvanada Bharati Case

    A 13 judge bench is constituted and what does it do!

    1. Overturned Golaknath i.e. amendment not law, fundamental rights amendable, no implied limit under art 368 i.e. CAA 24 constitutional
    2. Art 25 invalid to the extent it takes away judicial review i.e. 39 b and c above 14, 19 and 31 but subject to judicial review

    Most imp decision of all by slimmest of all 7-6 majority stated Parliament can amend any provision of the Constitution but the basic structure should not be destroyed, damaged or abrogated.

    What’s the logic?

    1. Expression amendment did not encompass defacing the constitution such that it lost its identity.
    2. In the garb of amendment parliament can not rewrite the constitution.

    Court gave relief to govt but reserved for itself power to review all amendment not just those that violate fundamental rights.

    Aftermath

    Indira Gandhi didn’t like the judgement one  bit. She (via the president) superseded 3 judges to appoint justice A.N. Ray as CJI.

    Knives had been drawn and the battle was gonna be very bloody –

    • Navnirman movement of JP (Jayprakash) had gathered steam, Indira was on the back foot and along came the judgement of Allahabad High Court convicting Indira of corrupt electoral practices. Election was declared null and void and  6 years ban to contest election was imposed on her.
    • Supreme Court stayed it and allowed her to remain PM but not to draw salary or speak or vote in parliament.
    • Darkest chapter in democracy’ 21 month emergency was declared on 25th June 1975 without even consulting cabinet (44th amendment mande it mandatory for the president to have written advice of cabinet to declare emergency)

    Indira Gandhi wasn’t to sit quiet.

    CAA 39th – election of president, VP, PM and speaker beyond judicial review

    Clownish Rajnarayan challenged the CAA 39.

    5. Indira Gandhi v/s Raj Narain Case

    For the 1st time supreme court applied basic structure doctrine and considered free and fair election and rule of law to be part of basic structure . #amending act invalidated.

    Note here that 4 of the 5 judges on the bench had given dissenting judgment in Bharati case but still applied the same doctrine for supreme court judgment becomes law until overruled by bigger bench ( art 141 ).

    Then how did Indira continue to be prime  minister and contest election again and not get banned for 6 years?

    Supreme court accepted retrospective amendment to electoral law i.e. electoral malpractice of Indira was no longer a corrupt practice .

    Find out for fun the charges against Mrs. Gandhi for which she was convicted and what a popular British magazine had to say about the judgement.

    Along came the mini constitution i.e 42nd amendment act TO ELIMINATE IMPEDIMENTS TO THE GROWTH OF THE CONSTITUTION – 

    1. PART 4a fundamental duties
    2. Socialist,secular and integrity word to preamble
    3. New DPSPs were added

    And for the purpose of this article  amendment to article 368 nullifying basic structure doctrine by adding amendments can’t be challenged in courts and parliament possessing unlimited power of amendment

    4. All DPSPs to take precedence over all fundamental rights not just 39b and 39c.

    And Minerva Textile mills of Karnataka fired the 5th and the last salvo

    6. Minerva Mills v Union of India

    SC unanimously struck down amendment to article 368 holding limited amending power and judicial review to be part of basic structure.

    Court held that constitution is founded on the bedrock of balance b/w FRs and DPSPs. Goals set out by DPSPs have to be achieved without abrogation of means provided by FRs.

    What’s the logic?

    If a donee was vested with limited power, it could not be exercised to control that very power power and convert into unlimited one.

    Or

    If a genie grants u 3 wishes, it is understood u can not, as one of the wish, ask for unlimited number of wishes !

     

    Janta govt comes to power and 44th CAA  deletes art 31 (b)  right to property and 19 (f) freedom to acquire, hold and dispose of property as they were not considered part of basic structure

    Right to property now a constitutional right under art 300A.

    9th schedule and judicial review

    7. I.R.Coelho vs state of TN

    Supreme court held that acts placed under 9th schedule after basic structure subject would be subject to judicial review to the extent of those acts violating basic structure of constitution.

    Impact of basic structure doctrine.

    It certainly saved Indian democracy from degenerating into authoritarian regime during those testing times but it has also given immense untold unbridled power to supreme court and made it the most powerful court in the world .

    As we would later see in the NJAC Verdict (let’s call it 4th judges case), Supreme court applied this doctrine, many would say for wrong reasons to strike down the act and kept for itself the power to appoint brother judges. In the original constitution only fetters on the power of parliament was art 13.

    Relevance –  It was delivered at the time of single party rule both at the centre and most of the states. In the era of coalition politics no govt is going to wield so much power to destroy the constitution and then there is ever present danger of tyranny of unelected .

    But only legitimate way to overturn the verdict would be a 15 judge bench so don’t hold your breath for that .

    Now is the time for some thought  questions –

    #1. Consider these 2 statements –

    1. Any LAW ie ordinary law violating  provisions  of constitution  would be declared null and void to to the extent of contravention.
    2. Any LAW violating art 13 would be declared null and void

    Both statements are  true ..if amendments were not law, what was the purpose of art 13 (2) other laws would anyway be declared unconstitutional !

    #2. Is basic structure doctrine relevant in the present political scenario where no single party is unlikely to enjoy majority in both the houses ?

    #3. What should be the limits to amending power of parliament? Do u think for very substantial amendments instead of courts, people by way of referendum should determine whether amendment should go.through or not ?

    #4. Whatever happens to original intent theory that constitutional courts have to interpret constitution in accordance with the implied intentions of founding fathers and there is enough evidence to suggest founding fathers thoughtfully kept FRs sacrosanct to prevent their abrogation or as we would see in a later article how supreme court by creative interpretation virtually changed procedure established by law in art 21 to due process of law while founding fathers deliberately kept expression as procedure established by law.

    Summary 

     

    1. Shankari Prasad Case
    1. Constitutional amendment not law
    2. Art 13 not applicable to article 368
    3. Parliament can amend fundamental rights
    2. Sajjan Singh Case Same story
    3. Golak Nath case
    1. Constitutional amendment is law and subject to article 13
    2. Fundamental Rights transcendental and inviolable and the Parliament of had no power to take away FRs
    4. Kesavananda Bharati Case
    1. Constitutional amendment not law
    2. No implied limits on power of parliament to amend the constitution including FRs
    3. Can’t amend basic structure
    5. Minerva Mills case
    1. Limited amending power of parliament and judicial review part of basic structure
    2. Constitution founded on the bedrock of balance b/w FRs and DPSPs
    6. I.R. Coelho case Acts placed under 9th schedule after basic structure doctrine are subject to judicial review

     

    1st amendment
    1. Inserted 9th schedule to protect acts from judicial review
    2. Added restrictions on freedom of speech
    42nd amendment (Mini Constitution)
    1. Socialist, Secular and Integrity words added to preamble
    2. New DPSPs – Equal justice and free legal aid; Participation of workers in management; protection of environment
    3. Part 4A – Fundamental duties
    44th constitution
    1. Right to property removed from the list of FRs
    2. New DPSP- state to secure social order for welfare of people
    3. For emergency, internal disturbance word replaced by armed rebellion
    4. Written notice from cabinet to proclaim emergency by president

    Note – For quick revision for pre Click here

  • Testing Tuesday : High Five With Tikdam – 4

    Hello everyone,

    We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

    We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam.Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam.  In the 2nd installment, questions were easy to moderate and many more of you got answers right. In the 3rd installment, questions were a bit tricky and many of you failed to read the entire question with all the options carefully to arrive ta the write answer.

    Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

    How to practice – join the test series for more practice (600 tikdams) and one on one interaction with mentors (most important to take your thought process in right direction). It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

    Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday   9 a.m  (Testing Tuesday) and Thursday 9 p.m.(Testing Thursday)  to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

    Here are high five questions from prelims 2013 (Easy ones) which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

    Please write your thought process/ method you applied to solve the question with the answers. We will get back to you as to how you can further refine your answer deriving capabilities. Note that this initiative will help you only if you apply your mind and write your thought process. Merely reading and learning the answers will not help.

    1. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements
      is/are correct?
      (1). The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
      (2). As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments
      for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
      (3). The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer
      using the codes given below.
      a) 1 only
      b) 2 and 3 only
      c) 1 and 3 only
      d) 1, 2 and 3

    2. The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for
    a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third
    b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land
    c) the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom
    d) writing off all peasant debts

    3. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
    (1). Beryllium
    (2). Cadmium
    (3). Chromium
    (4). Heptachlor
    (5). Mercury
    (6). Lead
    (7). Plutonium
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
    a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
    b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
    c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
    d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

    4. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by
    a) carbon dioxide and nitrogen
    b) carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
    c) ozone and carbon dioxide
    d) nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide

    5. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through
    tattooing?
    (1). Chikungunya
    (2). Hepatitis B
    (3). HIV-AIDS
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

    6. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among
    a) NO 2 , O 3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the prescence of sunlight
    b) CO 2 , O 2 , and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the prescence of sunlight
    c) CO, CO 2 , and NO 2 at low temperature
    d) high concentration of NO 2 , O 3 and CO in the evening

    Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

     

    MPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

    2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

    3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

  • Testing Thursday : High Five With Tikdam – 3

    Hello everyone,

    We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

    We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam.Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam.  In the 2nd installment, questions were easy to moderate and many more of you got answers right.

    Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

    How to practice – join the test series for more practice (600 tikdams) and one on one interaction with mentors (most important to take your thought process in right direction). It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

    Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday   9 a.m  (Testing Tuesday) and Thursday 9 p.m.(Testing Thursday)  to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

    Here are high five questions from prelims 2014 which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

    Please write your thought process/ method you applied to solve the question with the answers. We will get back to you as to how you can further refine your answer deriving capabilities. Note that this initiative will help you only if you apply your mind and write your thought process. Merely reading and learning the answers will not help.

    1. What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative’?

    1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.

    2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this.

    3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this.

    4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a) 1 and 3 only

    b) 1, 2 and 4 only

    c) 2, 3 and 4 only

    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

     

    2. With reference to technology for solar power production, consider the following statements:

    1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process.

    2. Photovoltaics-generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC). 3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for photovoltaics.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    a) 1 only

    b) 2 and 3 only

    c) 1, 2 and 3 only

    d) None of the above

     

    3. Consider the following diseases:

    1. Diphtheria

    2. Chickenpox

    3. Smallpox

    Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 3 only

    c) 1, 2 and 3 only

    d) None of the above

     

    4. “Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganga River Dolphins?

    1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers.

    2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers.

    3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally.

    4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 and 3 only

    c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only ”

     

    5. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?

    1. Oxides of sulphur

    2. Oxide of nitrogen

    3. Carbon monoxide

    4. Carbon dioxide

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    a) 1, 3 and 4 only

    b) 2 and 3 only

    c) 1 and 4 only

    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

     

    Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

     

    MPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

    2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

    3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

  • Testing Tuesday: High Five With Tikdam – 2

    Hello everyone,

    We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

    We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam. Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam. Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

    How to practice – join the test series for more practice and one on one interaction with mentors. It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

    Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday and Friday to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

    Here are high five questions from prelims 2015 which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

    Please write your thought process/ method you applied to solve the question with the answers. We will get back to you as to how you can further refine your answer deriving capabilities. Note that this initiative will help you only if you apply your mind and write your thought process. Merely reading and learning the answers will not help.

     

    1. The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of

    a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence

    b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim

    c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antartic region

    d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

    2. What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?
    (1) Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms is soil can occur.
    (2) Increase in the acidity of soil can take palce.
    (3) Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    a) 1 and 3 only
    b) 2 only
    c) 2 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

    3. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the
    following statements is/are correct?
    (1) Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
    (2) Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete.
    (3) Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic
    elements.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    a) 1 and 2
    b) 2 only
    c) 1 and 3
    d) 3 only

    4. With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements :
    (1) It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes.
    (2) It wanted to establish the dictatorship of proletariat.
    (3) It advocated separate electorate for minorities and oppressed classses.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 3 only
    c) 1, 2 and 3
    d) None

    5. Amnesty International is
    a) an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars
    b) a global Human Rights Movement
    c) a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people
    d) an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions

     

    Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

     

    MPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

    2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

    3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

  • High Five With Tikdam

    Hello everyone,

    We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

    Prelims is just 162 days away now and your preparation should be at full swing now. We are with you in your quest to clear prelims and to ensure that we leave no stone unturned, here are high five questions from prelims 2016 which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

    Please write your thought process/ method you applied to solve the question with the answers. We will get back to you as to how you can further refine your answer deriving capabilities. 

    Please fill the samanvaya form if you have any difficulty in applying the tikdams and join the test series for more practice and one on one interaction with mentors which will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

     

    1. Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers.
    2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme.
    3. Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber’s death.

    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

     

    2. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

    1. Carbon dioxide
    2.  Carbon monoxide
    3. Nitrogen dioxide
    4. Sulfur dioxide
    5. Methane

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    c) 1, 4 and 5 only

    d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

     

    3. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?

    a) Swapnavasavadatta

    b) Malavikagnimitra

    c) Meghadoota

    d) Ratnavali

     

    4. The FAO accords the status of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

    1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.

    2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities

    3. The provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identifies GIAHS

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a) 1 and 3 only

    b) 2 only

    c) 2 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    5. Which one of the following is the best description of  INS Astradharini, that was in the news recently?

    a) Amphibious warfare ship

    b) Nuclear-powered submarine

    c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

    d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

    Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20) officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

     

    MPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

    2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

    3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here