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  • What are the components of heritage?

    Question: The general perception of heritage in India is biased towards historical monuments, artifacts and scriptures. Analyze the reasons for such a perception and suggest a broad framework of scope of what heritage should constitute with reasons.

    Answer direction
    1. Meaning of Heritage
    2. What has been the perception of heritage it comprises
    (a) Historical monuments
    (b) Paintings
    (c) Sculpture
    (d) Scriptures
    (e) Artifacts
    3. Reasons for such a perception
    (a) British rule & its effect
    (b) Similarity of perception carried on towards similarity in history culture & heritage
    (c) Apathy and disguised understanding towards nature
    (d) Repetitiveness of Image and close identification, Heritage image repetition through exhibition
    (e) Scholarly and academic work specialization
    (f) Abysmal state of disciplines of natural sciences
    (g) Perception intensification through festive moments
    4. Framework for what constitutes heritage – The word has several different senses, including:
    (a) Natural heritage, an inheritance of flora and fauna, geology, landscape and landforms, and other natural resources
    -Crystal wealth
    -Various geological formations.
    -Various types of physiographic differences and diversities
    -Climate
    -The natural vegetation includes variety of species, preferring a specific ecological niche and some endemic species.
    -Indian wildlife
    5. Indian Human variations as Heritage
    6. Cultural heritage, the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that is man-made heritage includes monuments, artifacts, sculptures, paintings and their theme, literature, and various other entertainment forms
    7. Food heritage
    8. Industrial heritage, monuments from industrial culture
    9. Virtual Heritage, work dealing with cultural heritage
    10. Inheritance of physical goods after the death of an individual; of the physical or non-physical things inherited
    11. Heredity, biological inheritance of physical characteristics, and birthright, something inherited due to the place, time, or circumstances of someone’s birth
    12. Kinship, the relationship between entities that share a genealogical origin, and
    13. Thinking attributes such as patience, affection tolerance which has permeated in the people through its cultural milieu and upbringing.

  • How Indian Babus react to Bank Notes issue

    source

    When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the legal tender character of bank notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 would get cancelled from that mid-might, there were different reactions among the people all over the country- shock, confusion, and also a sense of happiness crossed the people.

    Former IPS officer and Lt Governor of Puducherry Kiran Bedi Tweeted,

    “
Times of gunny bags and suitcases gone”, talking about the end of decades old practice of carrying illicit cash. She further said: Within Minutes some Filthy Rich have become Poor. Money under mattresses is mere paper.

    Shaktikanta Das, secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, GoI, reacted:

    Powerful and decisive step by government to fight black money and use of fake currency notes for terror financing.

    Ashok Lavasa, Finance Secretary, GoI, had following thoughts:

    Yet another measure to attack the biggest menace of the country- black money. Citizens must understand, cooperate and join the fight against corruption.

    Hasmukh Adhia, Revenue Secretary, GoI, said:

    This is the biggest and the boldest step by the Government for containing black money. It is like a surgical strike on black money.

    Ashok Khemka, IAS, Principal Secretary, Haryana praised:

    Demonitization of 500 and 1000 rupee notes is master stroke by Central Government to curb black economy and fake currency. Kudos!

    Shailaja Chandra, former IAS expressed her happiness:

    Delighted with Integrity Initiative of PM. What will all those people who’ve stashed black money under their mattresses do? Learn a lesson!

    Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog applauded in the following words:

    Bold, dynamic and brilliant move to end the black money menace. Beginning of the cashless, paperless economy in India.

    A K SAXENA (A retd. civil servant) lauded the Government with the following words:

    Demonitisation, the first surgical strike by PM Modi, followed by Income Tax raids on the filthy rich across the country. What a deadly combination of steps to curb black money. Is India heading for cashless, paperless transactions in India? We can certainly look forward to cashless voting in coming assembly elections. The Opposition is desperate, frustrated, directionless and clueless about how to convert black into white money. It is better to burn illegal money or offer “Gupt daan of fake notes” to the Gods. Then get arrested by the income tax. Even, Gods are helpless, fearing income tax raids. What will happen to scores of self-proclaimed Babas who are custodians of black money of corrupt politicians and business lords?

  • Importance of Previous Years’ Prelims & Upgrading the Prelims Daily Initiative to Master Them

    Update: Download FREE Prelims Daily compilation – Click Here

    Previous year Prelims questions have no role to play in your current IAS Prelims Preparation?

    Think again.

    We tend to skip a detailed analysis of previous year’s papers thinking that UPSC is a sacrosanct institution and they are never going to repeat themselves on the Prelims or the Mains Examination. But that is not entirely true. While UPSC does continue to throw surprises at you, there is some method in madness which we should all recognise.

    There are enough instances where UPSC has repeated itself in letter and spirit and you would do well to practice previous years’ questions in the Prelims Daily initiative.

    Myth #1: Questions do not get repeated

    Look at these set questions and understand how themes and even exact questions get repeated. If you just give a good round to previous years’ questions, these would be a cakewalk

    Consider the following statements [2015]
    1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill. 2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote the Demands for Grants.
    3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement.
    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

    What is the power of Rajya Sabha regarding Money Bill ? [1979]

    (a) It can amend it
    (b) It can reject it
    (c) It can withhold the bill for 14 days to make recommendations

    (d) It has no power regarding Money Bill

    Rajya Sabha can delay the Money Bill passed by the Lok Sabha for a period not exceeding [UPSC 1980]

    (a) 9 days
    (b) 14 days
    (c) 15 days
    (d) 30 days

    The Government of India Act 1919 clearly defined [UPSC 2015] 
    (a) the separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature
    (b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments
    (c) the powers of the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy
    (d) None of the above

    Which of the following is/ are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act 1919? [UPSC 2012]

    1. Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces. 2. Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims
    3. Devolution of legislative authority by the centre to the provinces 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

    Myth #2: Maps are tough and impossible to do

    UPSC often repeats the same map based questions. Have a look at this set of question based on Godavari:

    Consider the following rivers : [UPSC 2015]

    1. Vamsadhara
    2. lndravati
    3. Pranahita
    4. Pennar

    Which of the above are tributaries of  Godavari?

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

    Which one of the following statements is not true ? [UPSC 2000] 

    (a) Ghaggar’s water is utilised in the Indira Gandhi Canal
    (b) Narmada rises from Amarkantak region
    (c) Nizam Sagar is situated on the Manjra river
    (d) Penganga is a tributary of the Godavari

    Myth #3: Dynamic questions come only from this year

    Many times you would see even the themes of dynamic news getting repeated. Sometimes, even the same topics!

    H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? [UPSC 2015]

    (a) AIDS

    (b) Bird flu

    (c) Dengue

    (d) Swine Flu

    Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2010]

    1. Every individual in the population is equally susceptible host for Swine Flu

    2. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu

    3. To prevent the future spread of Swine Flu in the epidemic area, the swine (pigs) must all be culled.

    Which of the statement given above is/are correct?

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

    (d) 1, 2 and 3.

     

    So, What changes in the Prelims Daily initiative?

    • 5 questions from previous day current affairs (with 1 explanations on Tikdams & tidbits)
    • 3 questions from previous years’ IAS Prelims papers (we will pick only relevant static questions)

    This way, we will be able to cover atleast 5 years of IAS Prelims papers by the time you appear for your IAS Prelims 2017.

    PS: We have already talked about the importance of “The Art of Tikdams” and how we at CD help you train on them at our mock test series – Download the FREE Pdf here

    PPS: Analysis done with inputs from Shashidthakur’s compilations

  • Preparing along with a 3 month old kid, Poonam Dalal nails UPSC in her fourth attempt

    source

    We all love to find excuses. Age, gender, marital status, financial background, lack of facilities, work-pressure – these are only some of the excuses one can make. But not Poonam Dalal. Her story is a story of hard work and willpower. It’s a story which can inspire not only thousands of women but also men.

    Background

    She has her ancestral roots at Chhara village in Jhajjar District, Haryana. But she was born and brought up in Delhi. Poonam started her career as a primary teacher in a government school at Delhi. Along with the job she did her graduation as an external student from Delhi University. After completing her graduation she appeared for different Bank PO Exams and SSC Graduate Level Exam and cleared all of them. She finally chose SBI PO.

    After 3 years in SBI, she joined the Income Tax Department securing a very decent rank (7) at all India level in SSC graduate level Examination 2006 which gave her the confidence of writing UPSC.

    UPSC journey

    She gave her first attempt at UPSC CSE in 2009 at the age of 28 and got Railways (RPF). She didn’t join that service and sat for CSE 2010. She again got Railways, but a different service (IRPS). Meanwhile, she had cleared Haryana PSC and joined as Dy.SP in Haryana Police in 2011.

    In 2011, she couldn’t qualify Prelims. She thought her tryst with UPSC was over due to the age-limit. Hold on! ‘Fortune favors the brave.’ In 2015, because of agitations and petitions from candidates who were affected by pattern change in 2011, the government gave an extra attempt to all those who wrote for Civil Services Exam in 2011. Thus, Poonam got an opportunity to appear again for UPSC.

    This attempt came as a great challenge as Poonam was out of touch with preparation, being working 24*7 in police force. Also she was 9 months pregnant at the time of prelims.

    She cleared UPSC prelims in flying colors by self-study. While preparing for mains she had also to take care of her son who was just 3 months old. It was never easy. But she got her best rank in her most challenging circumstances – all India rank 308!

    Optional Subject

    Sociology- because of the familiarity and interest in the subject.

    Tips for candidates

    In her final attempt she focused exclusively on self-study and online material.

    Owing to her special circumstances she could study only for 2-3 months for Prelims and she could hardly get a month before mains. Her study was concentrated on focusing on the traditional areas like Polity, History, Geography and optional Sociology. She relied on notes of certain key areas in every paper for quick reference and revision.

    This exam actually requires consistent efforts. There should be more regularity in the preparation. It is more beneficial to study for 6 hours each rather than studying one day for 18 hours and not studying another day at all. Also, study schedule should be properly planned and should be followed religiously. Prepare a monthly planner, weekly planner and daily planner based on the syllabus and time at one’s disposal. Every morning plan your day (what is your target today) and every night audit your output.

    Never let stress take over you. All of us have the same anxiety and pressure of this exam but handle this nervousness effectively otherwise it will result in more problems. Be an optimist always.

  • Know Your Service | Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service

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    Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service is a group A service, wherein, the senior most person of the service is the Deputy Director General who heads this organisation.

    The Service was started in 1972 for prudent and professional management of the finances of the Department of Posts and Department of Telecommunications which were the sole provider of the communications needs of the country at that time.

    Training:

    Training is split into three parts:

    1. After selection through the civil services exam, the IP&TAFS officers get trained in the Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie
    2. This is followed by training in the financial management at the National Institute of Financial Management, Faridabad, for 48 weeks along with officers of other organised accounts and finance services.
    3. The final phase of training is at the advanced level telecom training centre at Ghaziabad with emphasis on postal and telecom functioning and rules. Here the training schedule has an intensive course in advanced accountancy.

    After these training programmes, the officers handle posts in the Departments of Telecom and Posts, TRAI and a number of PSUs under the Communications Ministry.

    All the finance posts in the largest PSUs in the country – BSNL and MTNL – are also manned by the officers of this service – Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service.

    Career Progression:

    Assistant Chief Controllers of Imports and Exports > Deputy Chief Controller of Imports and Exports > Joint Chief Controller Imports and Exports or Chairman of a Public Sector unit.

    Why IP&TAFS:

    This is a service of prestige and power. It involves postings at some of the prominent posts of the country. In Department of Telecommunications, the officers are posted at DOT Headquarters as Adviser, Sr DDG, DDG, Directors & ADG.

    In field units the officers are posted as Controller or Joint Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA/JCCA) which is involved in the collection of License fees and Spectrum Usage Charges from Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, BSNL, MTNL and other service providers.

    The CCA units also assist in the administration of Universal Service Obligation Fund under the Ministry of Communications & IT for providing telecom service in rural or remote areas of the country.

    This involves: (a) planning & forecasting, (b) tendering, (c) costing, (d) disbursement of support to service providers, and (e) monitoring.

    In the Department of Post, the officers from this service are manning the offices of Postal Accounts located at DOP Headquarters and in all states. The work in these offices mainly comprises maintaining General Provident Fund accounts of the staff employed in a particular postal circle, settlement of pension cases, checking of money order deliveries and NSCs, budgeting and financial control, Internal Audit of Postal Units and rendering financial advice to the concerned Head of the Circle.

    With such important departments to serve in, respectable job, easy timings and good pay packages, the service becomes another of the coveted posts of India.

  • Alankrita Pandey: Once caught in depression cleared UPSC in her first attempt with Rank 85

     

    source

    Background: In January 2014, Alankrita decided to start preparing for UPSC exam. However, in mid-2014, she had to go through a personal crisis. This brought her to the level of using anti-depressants, anger management sessions and counseling by friends and family.

    She planned to write prelims in January 2014 and started reading some basic books but due to her aggravated situation, could not even write the exam. These circumstances went on till October and finally it controlled. By this time, she had decided to focus only on her career. The crisis gave her a clear sense of purpose.

    The life changing moment was not when the results came out, but the day when she stuck a paper on a wall in her room saying- “I want a 2-digit AIR in CSE-2015.”

    Her journey: She then began the hard work of day in-day out studies. She planned her preparation first at macro level and then at micro level. Example, she planned completing full mains syllabus by May 15, then reducing it to topic wise scheduling and then hour wise every day.

    Her motivation: There used to be moments of doubt, depression and stress quite often. To tackle it, she used to run in the mornings, meditate and exercise. Sometimes when she would lose patience to go on, she wrote on a paper as to why she started all this and this would provide her the motivation to move forward with more enthusiasm. Whenever she felt lethargic, she would see the newspaper and problems faced by various sections of society and think as to how she could be of some help. This gave her a sense of urgency to get into that position.

    Strategy for preparation: Newspaper played the most important role in her preparation. One must not ignore it at any cost. Apart from this, 50-60% of her preparation was from internet. One more thing that she thinks helped her was studying very selectively but studying strong. She would read a single book 4-5 times rather than reading 4-5 books for one subject. Since the process of this examination itself is year-long, one must study something keeping it in mind that it might be asked a year later in their interview. One should be able to retain the points in long term memory and that can only be done once you have understood and analyzed the issues properly.

    Mains strategy: Answer writing based on current events, peer evaluation process, mind maps during revision, strategy articles of toppers were initiatives that were immensely relevant and helpful.

    Her motto: ‘Your thoughts become things. Make them good.’ The power of positive thinking cannot be emphasized enough. She believes it to be her most important asset throughout the preparation. She always saw a silver lining in every challenging situation, right from the unfavorable start to her preparation or managing financial difficulties.

    Message to aspirants: Attitude is more important than aptitude.

    [Click 2 Download] “The Art of Tikdams” is now available for all IAS Prelims 2017 aspirants

  • Now Available for FREE Download: The Art Of Tikdams

    Attention: IAS Prelims 2017 Seekers

    This is an Advanced level compilation on choicest IAS Prelims questions, penned down by Vipin Garg (AIR 20, CSE 2015).

    These 20 pages contain elaborate expositions on the application of what we at Civilsdaily refer to as “Tikdams”.

    With 19 questions & unique explanations using the 3 types of Tikdam approaches, we present to you this unprecedented piece of literature in the history of IAS Prelims Approach Methodology.

    Make no mistake, this is a GOLDMINE of practical wisdom.

    Click here to download your FREE copy

    PS: If this compilation helped you get a fresh perspective at IAS Prelims, share this forward. Your friends will appreciate you lightening their preparation anxiety, as we are sure you would too.

     

  • [update] Special GS columns with an interdisciplinary approach for Mains Examination 2017 by K Siddhartha

    K Siddhartha (http://www.ksiddhartha.com) is an internationally known Earth Scientist, Advisor to Governments, Educationist, Author and and Mentor with 40 books, and 1401 qualified Civil Servants to his credit. We will be carrying a series of his articles having an intra & interdisciplinary approach for IAS Mains 2017.

    New Columns

    Urban Drainage – Components, Case of Chennai floods

    Cloudburst

    Essay pointers – The only meaning of success is leading your life the way you want

    Essay pointers – Justice is not in Law, Justice is all about how we treat each other

    Geophysical Events: Thunderstorm and Lightning

    Nuclear and Radiological Disasters

    Air Quality Standards

    Smart cities have a viability gap

    Should India aim for soft power or hard power?

    What is heritage erosion and how can we manage it?

    What are the components of heritage?

    Collapse of the Soviet Union

    World History – European Dominance

    Forest Fires

    The Ethics of Environment is Environmental Ethics

    India – Challenges of External Security | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

    Let us know the perils of interlinking as a drought proofing mechanism – In the light of water scarcity that has plagued Maharashtra, a lot of talk is going to revive the interlinking of the rivers plan.

    Everything that you need to know about recent advances in Nuclear Fusion – Chinese just came a step closer to creating an artificial sun. Get to know what India is upto!

    It’s all about corals – Corals that have been in news on account of El Nino. Let’s take a quick byte at it!

    What do we mean by Glacial Harvesting? – Artificial glaciers created by diverting meltwater to prepare for the uncertain future!

    Arctic Sea melting and its impact on geopolitics – Implications of the melting of Arctic ice on geopolitics.

    Everything that you want to know about blizzards | Part 1 | Part 2 – Everything you wanted to know about blizzards!

    Shale gas can transform energy geopolitics. But how? – Significance of exploring this avenue of energy in the Indian context.

     

  • Economics made easy by Manasi Phadke

    These are columns by Manasi Phadke, and after you read these you will realise how to integrate economics into your everyday life!

    Manasi is a consultant economist and analyst. She is visiting Faculty @Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, and has a column in The Hindu Business Line.

    Articles below are reproduced with her permission –

    Will NOTA work for India? – Pulses and teenagers!

    The Metaphorical Faux Pas of the Central Banker – A one-eyed king in the land of the blind. Uh-oh!

    Budget Humour – Should budgets be philosophical or filmy?

    Thought for food: Coco(a) Bonds and Dosa Economics! – It’s not the dosa, stupid. It’s the tawa!

    A brief history of the Greek crisis: A ppt format – Greek Crisis summarised in a ppt.

    Hard targets – Inside the FM’s mind.

    Econ Mom as the Finance Commission, Hubby as the Planning Commission – Using pocketmoney to explain planning!

    A new Parliament building, please! – Let’s put nation building on hold. First, the Parliament building, please.

    Delhi traffic: At odds and evens – Delhi’s GDP and pollution.

    Cop out at COP 21! – Simple explanation of COP21.

    Pay Commission 007: Bond’s Spectre pales before India’s Spectre!

    Divine Humor: When Deity goes wrong!

    US Fed Funds Rate will rise in 2016

    PM Modi’s Big Boss House!

    Econ Mom talks Mann ki Baat on Land Ordinance

    The Bahubali of a Devaluation!

    Making the “Most” out of Indian “Post” Office Payment Banks

    Will the US raise interest rates in September?

    Nursery Rhymes, SDRs and Devaluation of the Yuan

  • Santosh Kumar Hindi medium IAS Topper 2013

    Santosh Kumar says that becoming an IAS Officer was his childhood dream. His story is like a film script consisting of all those – dream, struggle, step-by-step move towards the goal, hits and misses; and at last with so many difficulties he achieved his goal.

    Background:

    As he was from a rural background, having inadequate resources, he was lacking all the comfort and ease which many others had in their lives. But he never had inferiority complex in front of others. He always had firm belief that God has given him everything that others have; and if there is anything less, then he shall achieve and earn it with his hard word.

    Like all other youngsters his first aim was to settle in life. With his affirmed efforts and luck in 2010, he was selected in SSC (Graduate Level) Exam and got posted in Central Secretariat, New Delhi. After marriage and government services he attained stability in his life. In true sense he actually started preparing for CSE at the age of 27 plus.

    Preparation journey:

    It was not a smooth sail. Many a times there were situations where he was compelled to re-think of his decision of attempting for CSE exams as the resources which he had were scarce and the uncertainty of clearing the exam with it.

    He felt weak, disheartened and his economic conditions forced him to postpone his plans to appear in Civil Service Examination. Meanwhile, he got married and was blessed with a daughter. He gave his full time to family and in return their love, affection and much needed mental peace helped him think beyond and achieve his goal.

    In tune with the saying that, when something good has to happen, almost all things fall in place, same was the case of Santosh Kumar. He got serious about his career in CSE as his wife kept on encouraging him to make an attempt. In true sense she was keener towards this exam and has truly believed that he could do it.

    Delhi being the hub for CSE preparation fulfilled all that he required to move ahead with his preparation plans. Books, Study material, guidance and right kind of advice- he received all of it in Delhi. In total Santosh Kumar made 3 attempts for Civil Service Examination. In his first attempt in 2011, he cleared the preliminary Examination but was unable to move ahead. In his next attempt in CSE 2012, he scored 665th rank and was allotted INDIAN REVENUE SERVICE (INCOME TAX) but in his third attempt he finally achieved his goal of IAS and felt a deep sense of relief.

    Preparation Strategy:

    Almighty has given everyone some strengths and weaknesses. Santosh Kumar had strong willpower and never overlooked his capabilities. No sooner did he complete his graduation, than he thought of appearing for Civil Service Examination as he was confident that he can do it. He had in his mind that he is very much eligible to appear in CSE. He always used to prefer standard textbooks as he could understand it very well and also the entire syllabus of CSE is woven around that level. He was hardly worried about getting success. He just went on doing his hardwork.