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  • 17 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    Be cautious in shifting to DBT, RBI tells States

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/be-cautious-in-shifting-to-dbt-rbi-tells-states/

    Note benefits and problems associated with DBT. Can be asked in Mains

    Upgraded Vikas engine will soon boost ISRO’s rockets

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/upgraded-vikas-engine-will-soon-boost-isros-rockets/

    ISRO achievements have been a favourite of UPSC. No point in missing these. Read all the details.

    U.N. agrees first-ever global compact for migration

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/u-n-agrees-first-ever-global-compact-for-migration/

    The entire globe is gripped in migrant crisis in some way or the other. This has now led to UN coming forward and initiating a global pact for ensuring the welfare of migrants. Read and make notes.

    BrahMos tested in extreme weather conditions

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/brahmos-tested-in-extreme-weather-conditions/

    Know about BrahMos launch capabilities and its range after India joined MTCR. A potential prelims question

    Low Relevance News

    Army to resume M777 trials

    The Army will resume the trials of the U.S.-made M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer (ULH) in Pokhran firing range. The M777 is a 155 mm, 39-calibre towed artillery gun made of titanium and aluminium alloys and weigh just four tonnes, making it transportable under slung by helicopters

    No more important details in news.

    SC to decide if J&K police can book Army men

    A legal tussle broke out between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir on whether Army personnel stationed in the restive State can be prosecuted for their action taken in “good faith.”

    The Centre countered that Section 7 of The Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act of 1990 lays down that there would be no legal proceedings against Army personnel for acts done within the course of their duty

    Since matter is subjudice, not very important at this stage

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

  • 16 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    Indian shipping companies headed for troubled waters

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/indian-shipping-companies-headed-for-troubled-waters/

    The right of first refusal available to Indian shipping companies is now being taken back. This would lead to shippers taking their business to other countries such as Panama. Note points from the news as a question can be asked in Mains related to such rules and their impact on the economy.

    NCPCR moots model for school fees

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/ncpcr-moots-model-for-school-fees/

    The cause of concern for all parents is rising school fees. It is also a factor in low enrolment ratio in schools. Note the proposal by NCPCR and also details about NCPCR. Can be asked in Prelims.

    [pib] Bansagar Canal Project

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-bansagar-canal-project/

    Read and make notes about Banbhatta. Also about Son river and its geographical features. Can be asked in Prelims.

    [pib] Institute of Cost Accountants of India

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-institute-of-cost-accountants-of-india/

    Read about ICAI. Can be asked in Prelims.

    Low Relevance News

    Peak hour flights may get costlier

    The government is mulling over a proposal to impose a surcharge on airlines for operating flights during peak hours to enhance airport capacity and to avoid flight delays

    Currently, landing fees paid by airlines are determined by the weight of an aircraft and do not vary according to the time of the day

    Nothing important from exam perspective

    Rahul writes to PM for passage of Women’s Reservation Bill

    Congress President Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him to ensure the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Monsoon Session of Parliament

    Women’s Reservation Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on March 9, 2010, and has been stalled in the Lok Sabha since

    Not much important news but do read about the passage of bills and their pendency provisions in LS as well as RS

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Shala Asmita Yojana (SAY), Saransh

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name of the scheme : Shala Asmita Yojana (SAY)

    Objectives : To track the educational journey of school students from Class I to Class XII across the 15 lakhs private and government schools in the country. -ASMITA will be an online database which will carry information of student attendance and enrolment, learning outcomes, mid-day meal service and infrasstructural facilities among others. Students will be tracked through their Aadhaar numbers and incase those not having unique number will be provided.

    Nodal Ministry : Ministry of Human Resource Development

    Name of the scheme : Saransh

    Objectives : Tool which allows the schools to identify areas of improvement in students, teachers and curriculum to facilitate and implement change.

  • 14 July 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions and Answers

    Q.1) Consider the following statements about India’s, Repatriation of Prisoners Act in 2003:

    1. An offence committed abroad is also an offence in the home country and the sentence implemented upon transfer shall not be aggravated but may be deemed for further trial.
    2. It seeks to ease transfer process by leaving no obligations upon transferring and receiving states.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    a)Both 1 and 2

    b)Only 1

    c)Only 2

    d)None of the above.

    Inspired by: Coming home to jail: on the Repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/coming-home-to-jail-on-the-repatriation-of-prisoners-act-2003/

    Q.2) Medipix is a-

    1. a)3D Computer Tomography Technique
    2. b)Ultrasound Spectroscope Technology
    3. c)X-Ray Technology
    4. d)3D Spectroscopy Imaging Technology

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] The whole picture

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-the-whole-picture/

    Q.3) Consider the following statements about Proposed DNA Data Bank under DNA Based Technology (Use and Regulation) Bill, 2017:

    1. DNA Data will be held permanently but for repetitive offendors.
    2. There will be single storage database for all suspects, convicts etc.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    a)Only 1

    b)Only 2

    c)None

    d)Both 1 and 2

    Inspired by: Proposed DNA bank will not store data permanently

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/proposed-dna-bank-will-not-store-data-permanently/

    Q.4) The National Green Tribunal is-

    1. Inspired from article 39A of the DPSP.
    2. It does not deal with matters related to damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    Inspired by: NGT to hear pleas via videoconference

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/ngt-to-hear-pleas-via-videoconference/

    Q.5) With reference to Swachh Survekshan Grameen, 2018 , weightage to which of the following element is/are correctly matched?

    1. Direct Observation of sanitation in public places: 30%
    2. Citizen’s Feedback on sanitation parameters: 35%
    3. Service Level Progress on sanitation progress in the country as per SBMG- MIS: 35%

    Select the correct code from the following:

    a)All of the above

    b)1 and 2

    c)1 and 3

    d)2 and 3

    Inspired by: [pib] Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation Launches the Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2018

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-ministry-of-drinking-water-and-sanitation-launches-the-swachh-survekshan-grameen-2018

    For Solutions – Click Here

    Prelims Daily Archive – Click here

  • [Prelims Spotlight] National Green Tribunal, DNA Based Technology (Use and Regulation) Bill, 2017, East Asian Summit


    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news- NGT to hear pleas via videoconference

    National Green Tribunal

    1. The National Green Tribunal has been established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
    2. It draws inspiration from India’s constitutional provision of Article 21, which assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy environment.
    3. It aims for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to the environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
    4. It has Original Jurisdiction on matters of “substantial question relating to environment” and & “damage to the environment due to specific activity” (such as pollution).
    5. It follows principles of Natural Justice

    B2B #2: From news- Proposed DNA bank will not store data permanently

    DNA Based Technology (Use and Regulation) Bill, 2017

    1. DNA technology is being increasingly relied upon in investigations of crime, identification of unidentified bodies, or in determining parentage.
    2. It seeks to establish regulatory institutions and standards for DNA testing, and supervise the activities of all laboratories authorised to carry out such tests.
    3. It prohibits the collection of any “bodily substance” from an arrested individual (for the purposes of a DNA test) without his/her consent, except if the individual is arrested for certain specific offences.
    4. The penalty for misuse of data remains a prison term of up to three years and a fine up to Rs 1 lakh, a reference to a minimum prison term of one month has been removed.
    5. The Bill seeks to set up two new institutions — a DNA Profiling Board and a DNA Data Bank.
    6. The Board, with 11 members, is supposed to be the regulatory authority that will grant accreditation to DNA laboratories and lay down guidelines, standards and procedures for their functioning.
    7. A national databank of DNA profiles is proposed to be set up, along with regional databanks in every state.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : East Asian Summit

    Brief Intro : The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a forum held annually by leaders of, initially, 16 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian and South Asian regions. Membership expanded to 18 countries including the United States and Russia at the Sixth EAS in 2011.

    Objective : It is formed to promote the objectives of regional peace, security, and prosperity. It has played an indicative role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia.

    Type : Summit/ Conference

    Category : Diplomacy

    Year : 2016

    Importance (wr. Prelims) : High

    Place : Laos

  • 13 July 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    Q.1) Sendai Framework is based on –

    a)Rehabilitation of Refugees

    b)Disaster Risk Reduction

    c)Repatriation of Children

    d)Extradition of Criminals

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Spirit Of Sendai

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-spirit-of-sendai/

    Q.2) Taper Tantrum was the term first used in the context of which of the following economies?

    1. a)USA
    2. b)Japan
    3. c)China
    4. d)European Union

    Inspired by: Rescuing the rupee: A peek into the RBI’s arsenal

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/rescuing-the-rupee-a-peek-into-the-rbis-arsenal/

    Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to International Comparison Program (ICP):

    1. It was hosted by WTO.
    2. India emerged as the world’s third-largest economy in ‘2011’ from being the tenth largest in 2005 according to the report.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    a)Only 1

    b)Only2

    c)Both 1 and 2

    d)None

    Inspired by: India became third largest economy in 2011

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-became-third-largest-economy-in-2011/

    Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to farm loan waivers by some states in India:

    1. These have a dampening impact on rural credit institutions
    2. Waivers do not impact tax revenues.
    3. They vitiate credit culture and dis-incentivise borrowers to repay loans, thus engendering moral hazard

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a)Only 3

    b)1 and 3

    c)2 and 3

    d)1, 2 and 3

    Inspired by: RBI flags States’ fiscal stress

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/rbi-flags-states-fiscal-stress/

    Q.5) Mycology is the study of-

    a)Algae

    b)Fungi

    c)Mushrooms

    d)Pigments

    Inspired by: Pigment in Goa mushroom may help fight cancer

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pigment-in-goa-mushroom-may-help-fight-cancer/

    Prelims Daily Archive – Click here

  • 13 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    [op-ed snap] Spirit Of Sendai

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-spirit-of-sendai/

    Very good editorial highlighting vulnerabilities of India & Asia and how to mitigate disaster risks. Read and use points in Mains

    [op-ed snap] India needs to focus on water efficiency

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-needs-to-focus-on-water-efficiency/

    India is facing an acute water crisis and the editorial highlights the fact and suggests solutions. Useful for Mains

    Failure to educate girls could cost world $30 trillion a year: World Bank report

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/failure-to-educate-girls-could-cost-world-30-trillion-a-year-world-bank-report/

    Girls are still away from primary as well as secondary education. This is impacting their lifestyle as well as growth prospects. Know the reasons and solutions. Can be quoted in Mains.

    India became third largest economy in 2011: World Bank

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-became-third-largest-economy-in-2011-world-bank/

    With reports surfacing of India becoming world’s 6th largest economy, various debates on this tag’s utility and importance have started.

    World Bank report claims that India achieved a better feat in 2011 itself.  Read about ICP from the news as it can be asked in Prelims.

    Low Relevance News

    Homosexuality not an illness: Indian Psychiatric Society

    The Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) has said it is “time to stop looking at homosexuality as a mental illness”, stating that the there is no scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be altered by any treatment

    Nothing important in news from UPSC perspective

    India to ease visa curbs for Bangladesh citizens

    India will sign a pact with Bangladesh to ease visa restrictions for citizens from the neighbouring country. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “revised travel arrangements” will be signed during Home Minister’s three-day visit to Dhaka

    No important points from exam perspective

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

  • [Prelims Spotlight] International Comparison Program (ICP), Ajivika


    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news- India became third largest economy in 2011: World Bank

    International Comparison Program (ICP)

    1. ICP is a partnership of various statistical administrations of up to 199 countries guided by the World Bank
    2. The main partners of this program are the World Bank, IMF, UN, ADB, OECD, CISSTAT, Eurostat, AfDB ESCWA, ECLAC, DFID, ABS, IDB, NMoFA who are also all part of the executive board
    3. The Program produces internationally comparable price and volume measures for gross domestic product (GDP)
    4. Its component expenditures are based on purchasing power parities (PPP’s)
    5. The International Comparison Program holds surveys collecting price and expenditure data for the entire range of final goods and services at intervals of some few years (the last two were separated by six years)
    6. The ICP tries to make different countries GDPs comparable by calculating them in PPP both currency converters and spatial price deflators
    7. The ICP has published its PPP results eight times so far – the first time for 1970 (a preliminary study for 1967 was also carried out) and the latest for 2011

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Key words related to History : Ajivika

    Dynasty/era : Buddha period

    Meaning : A heterodox sect of the time of the Buddha

  • 12 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    Telecom Commission approves net neutrality, new telecom policy

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/telecom-commission-approves-net-neutrality-new-telecom-policy/

    Net neutrality has been a hot topic for a long time and has been finally culminated by the government with a decision in favour of it. Read all details since policies are being asked in Mains.

    Govt. seeks help to end manual scavenging

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/govt-seeks-help-to-end-manual-scavenging/

    Read about MGISC. Can be asked in Prelims.

    World Population Day: What ails the Youth of India

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/world-population-day-what-ails-the-youth-of-india/

    Stress level is rising among youth and there is a rising concern about unemployment too. Note all these points and quote them in Mains answers as well as Essay paper.

    North India’s obsession with the male child remains unchanged

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/north-indias-obsession-with-the-male-child-remains-unchanged/

    Despite the government’s direct and indirect interventions, female foeticide has continued and Indian parents wish for a male child still remains the same.

    Note the points quoted in news.

    Low Relevance News

    SC slams Lieutenant Governor for ‘inaction’ against ‘mountains of garbage’

    The Supreme Court has said “mountains of garbage” in Delhi indicate that the city is facing a grave situation and slammed the Lieutenant Governor (LG) for not taking appropriate action on the issue of solid waste management

    Nothing important in news from exam perspective

    Aadhaar must for health mission cover

    The government has mandated the use of Aadhaar card for administering its massive Ayushman Bharat, or National Health Mission, that assures a ₹5 lakh health cover to 10 crore families

    Possessing an Aadhaar card isn’t mandatory to avail services, a proof of enrolment, or request for enrolment, is mandatory

    No important points from exam perspective.

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

  • [Prelims Spotlight] International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA), Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP), Aditya-L1

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news- India’s genetically modified crop area fifth largest in world

    International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA)

    1. ISAAA is a non-profit international organization that shares agricultural biotechnology, focusing on genetic engineering
    2. ISAAA documents approved GM crops worldwide and present them in a database available in the organization’s website
    3. The Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology is the information network of ISAAA
    4. The organization releases an annual publication on the global status of commercially approved genetically engineered crops
    5. The ISAAA receives funding from both public and private donors

    B2B #2: From news- Govt. seeks help to end manual scavenging

    Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention

    1. It will be held in Delhi from September 29 to October 2
    2. Ministers from over 70 countries will be invited and taken on a ‘Gandhi Trail’ in Gujarat
    3. The government will use the occasion to “showcase its performance” and “success story” in the Swachh Bharat programme in the past four years, which was launched on October 2, 2014, and have a face-to-face dialogue with the world leaders to share their experiences on sanitation programmes
    4. The Foreign Ministry will coordinate this mega exercise along with the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

    B2B #3: From news- North India’s obsession with the male child remains unchanged

    Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP)

    1. It is a campaign of the Government of India that aims to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls. The scheme was launched with an initial funding of ₹100 crore.
    2. It mainly targets the clusters in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Bihar and Delhi.
    3. It aims to address the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) through a mass campaign across the country targeted at changing societal mindsets & creating awareness about the criticality of the issue.
    4. The Scheme will have focused intervention & multi-sectoral action in 100 districts with low Child Sex Ratio.
    5. This scheme is a joint initiative of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Human Resource Development.
    6. These guidelines cover the key elements of the scheme including enforcement of Pre-Conception & Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act, awareness and advocacy campaign and multi-sectoral action in select 100 districts which are low on Child Sex Ration (CSR).

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : Aditya-L1

    Details : It is India’s first solar mission. It will study the sun’s outer most layers, the corona and the chromospheres and collect data about coronal mass ejection, which will also yield information for space weather prediction. Significance of the mission: The data from Aditya mission will be immensely helpful in discriminating between different models for the origin of solar storms and also for constraining how the storms evolve and what path they take through the interplanetary space from the Sun to the Earth. Position of the satellite: In order to get the best science from the sun, continuous viewing of the sun is preferred without any occultation/ eclipses and hence, Aditya- L1 satellite will be placed in the halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the sun-earth system. What are Lagrangian points and halo orbit? Lagrangian points are the locations in space where the combined gravitational pull of two large masses roughly balance each other. Any small mass placed at that location will remains at constant distances relative to the large masses. There are five such points in Sun-Earth system and they are denoted as L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5. A halo orbit is a periodic three-dimensional orbit near the L1, L2 or L3.