Category: Ranker Webinars

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.

UPDATE #2

We have been getting emails every single day to extend the discount till the prelims results are announced and provide more lectures. Hence we are upgrading the program further.

Apart from the static subject videos, now we will also provide Economic Survey & Budget Analysis Videos covering key concepts and important terms for Prelims 2019.  Economic Survey analysis will be available from 2016 to 2018 covering trends in Indian Economy as well as key issues related to it.

That makes the total video lectures to be 75 hours.

We will be extending the discount till 2 weeks after prelims results keeping in mind interest of students who are awaiting prelims results to decide further course of action.

UPDATE  #1

Demolish UPSC series
We are releasing 60+ Hours of Advanced Video Lectures on Static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economy

These cover the most important topics from prelims perspective

Basic knowledge will be helpful in understanding these though it’s not mandatory
CD remains committed to its students’ success. We are ready to go the extra mile to turn your dreams into reality.

The detailed schedule of test series with complete booklist to be followed can be seen here: Click2View

 

Here is the detailed schedule of lectures:

Importance of Economic Survey and Budget

Economic Survey and Budget are the 2 most important documents that you will go through in your exam preparation.

• Economic Survey discusses all the major government initiatives with the explanation.

• If we go by the trend, every year around 20 questions in prelims and 7-8 questions in mains are directly related to the Economic Survey and Budget.
• Questions in prelims paper stress on important phrases, key analysis, and technical terms. Hence they have to be thoroughly studied.
• Almost mandatory to imbibe actual phrases used in Economic Survey to frame answers for Main Examination. for example, if a Question is asked on Banking sector problems in the mains exam, you can always quote the 4R recommendations of the 2016^th economic survey.
• Adding the important and relevant facts and figures significantly enhance your marks in General Studies Paper-III.
• Deep knowledge of the current policies and programs of the government also help an aspirant to write meaningful Essays in UPSC Civil Services Main Examination. For example, Wiping every tear from every eye “Twin balance sheet problem”, “translating potential into actuality” “ Chakravuyh challenge” etc.
• According to the new trend economy and the environment is going hand in hand. So questions can come from that perspective also.

• Many statistics and schemes are now being asked in Prelims

Watch the video to know how we ensure you get 120+ score in Prelims

The only TS that is supervised by top rankers and provides personalized attention to students. Check out the 7 points that make it the best in the market.

Follow the video below to understand what makes the TS unique. Our planning and execution remains perfect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWUJ-nQWqkE

 

It goes without saying that Civilsdaily’s Flagship Test Series Program has created a name for itself. It is preferred among students in their advanced stages of preparation.
Here is what ABHILASH BARANWAL, AIR 44, CSE-2017 had to say about CD

Here is what  JITENDRA KUMAR SHARMA, AIR 392, CSE-2017 had to say –

This year, we have upgraded the program to make it the best offering in the market.

Introducing CD Prime TS 2019

1. One comprehensive program – Our TS is a full-fledged course in itself! With a mix and match of various kinds of questions and detailed explanation wherever need. It is a very effective way of both, starting a subject and revising one.

2. Telegram Groups moderated by to Toppers.  Mentorship taken to a whole new level. You will be helped at every step of the way.

3. Introducing questions-types – Judging the quality of any TS is very subjective. While some will say its great, others will say its quality has decreased over time. That is why we have introduced the concept of question-types. They ensure consistency in quality. How? We have explained that in the end.

4. Dedicated monthly CA Tests – Exclusive focus on Current Affairs(CA) by having dedicated monthly CA tests. Besides, exhaustively preparing for CA questions, it has helped students precisely figure out what their weaknesses are.  

5. Tikdams and mastering the art of intelligent guesses – Tikdam Technique is an innovation by Dr. V(AIR 20) and has helped students gain additional marks. Our TS is the only TS that puts a conscious effort to build student’s risk-taking appetite.

6. Subject and sub-subject Level Tagging – These tags will help you understand the importance of themes and revise other questions from them.

7. Two-tier quality check  – Our questions pass through a rigorous true stage assessment criteria. The first being done by CD’s core content team with the final approval from a coterie of rankers.

---

What are questions types 

Wherever applicable, we will try to stick to the format decided below. It standardizes questions to a decent extent.

A. Consolidation Questions
These questions consolidate information from different topics to help you see concepts holistically and also aid retention.
Eg. Consider this question. You would not have studied all the ‘Majorities’ together but under separate topics. This question will help you understand the concept in entirety.

Consider the following questions on the types of Majority
1. Special Majority of not less than 2/3 of the Members present and voting is required in the passage of a resolution under Art. 249 and Art. 312ONLY.
2. Impeachment of the President requires Not less than 2/3 of the Members present and voting along with Majority of the Total Strength of the House.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a)1
b)2
c)Both
d)None

Explanation – A very detailed account of the types of Majority is given here https://www.civilsdaily.com/types-of-majorities/
Statement 1 is correct despite having ‘ONLY’ in it.

B. Comparative Questions
Comparative questions help you understand the relative differences between related topics. Consider the question below. Instead of asking a question on HC or SC separately, we have clubbed it together.

Consider the following statements with respect to the appointment of judges of High Court & Supreme Court
1. The minimum qualifications prescribed in the Constitution is same for judges of HC & SC.
2. While SC judges are appointed by the President, HC judges are appointed by the SC.
Which of the following is/are incorrect?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None

Explanation – 3 qualifications are common to both judges of HC and SC
1. Citizen of India
2. Judge of HC for 5 years
3. Advocate in HC for 10 years
In case of judges of SC, there is an additional qualification – If he/she is a distinguished Jurist in the opinion of the President. Judges of HC are also appointed by the President. The controversy around appointments has been in news very frequently. Please read – https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/judicial-appointments-conundrum-post-njac-verdict/

C. Interactive Questions
These questions will ask you to go through a concept/related concepts and reply back with comments. This will help you re-visit the entire concept rather than simply answer one specific aspect of the topic.

Eg., consider the following question –
The conversion of Ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2-) and then to nitrates (NO3-) is called

a) Nitrification
b) Ammonification
c) Assimilation
d) Denitrification
Answer A

Explanation
Nitrification
In this process, the ammonia is converted into nitrate by the presence of bacteria in the soil. Ammonia is oxidized to form nitrites by bacteria such as Nitrosomonas species. Nitrates are converted into nitrates by Nitrobacter. This conversion is very important as ammonia gas is toxic for plants.
Make a note of all the processes involved in the Nitrogen Cycle – nitrogen fixation, assimilation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification process.
Leave their definitions/organisms involved in the comments.

D. Star-marked/special questions
These are advanced questions that are not from standard sources but relevant for the exam. These questions will help you build additional knowledge without going through specialized books.
Eg. Questions on books by freedom-fighters, News not covered by the Hindu, IE, PIB but of very high importance in world affairs.

Besides these, questions indirectly related to CA will also be asked. 

Do I need to join a TS for prelims at all?

Despite UPSC being unpredictable, prelims TS is the only program that can help you assess how your preparation is. Besides few questions that are directly asked from TS, it helps in developing a good understanding of how to prepare/what to prepare/what to prioritize and so on.

In today’s hyper-competitive exam scenario, it’s almost impossible to clear the exam without a good TS in hand.

Join Batch 2 of Test series here: Click2Join

Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

B2B #1: From news- [op-ed snap] Rhetoric and reality: on the UNHRC and human rights

United Nations Human Rights Commission

1. The UNHRC was established in 2006, as part of the UN’s reform process, replacing the Commission on Human Rights.
2. Council members are elected by the General Assembly with three-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
3. The headquarters of UNHRC is in Geneva, Switzerland
4. The members of the General Assembly elect the members who occupy the UNHRC’s 47 seats. The term of each seat is three years, and no member may occupy a seat for more than two consecutive terms
5. The General Assembly can suspend the rights and privileges of any Council member that it decides has persistently committed gross and systematic violations of human rights during its term of membership
6. The UNHRC investigates allegations of breaches of human rights in UN member states and addresses important thematic human rights issues such as freedom of association and assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of belief and religion, women’s rights, LGBT rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities

B2B #2: From news- India, South Korea agree on framework to improve trade

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

1. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a free trade agreement between India and South Korea
2. The agreement was signed on August 7, 2009
3. The agreement was aimed at easing restrictions on foreign direct investments and provide better access for the Indian service industry in South Korea

B2B #3: From news- [op-ed snap] Rhetoric and reality: on the UNHRC and human rights

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

1. It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
2. The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.
3. FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
4. The FSSAI is headed by a non-executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or has held the position of not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.

B2B #4: From news- Rajya Sabha members can use all 22 scheduled languages

Eighth Schedule of the Constitution

1. The Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India lists the official languages of the Republic of India
2. The Government of India is under an obligation to take measures for the development of these languages, such that “they grow rapidly in richness and become effective means of communicating modern knowledge”
3. In addition, a candidate appearing in an examination conducted for public service is entitled to use any of these languages as the medium in which he or she answers the paper
4. The 22 languages which are listed in the Eighth Schedule are Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Name : Advance Area Defence (AAD) interceptor missile

Defence Forces : Army

Module Type : Missiles

Brief Intro : 1.Advanced Air Defence (AAD) is an anti-ballistic missile designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles in the endo-atmosphere at an altitude of 30 km (19 mi). 2.AAD is a single-stage, solid-fuelled missile. 3.Guidance is similar to that of Prithvi Air Defence (PAD): it has an inertial navigation system, midcourse updates from ground based radar and active radar homing in the terminal phase

 

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Name : World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)

Objective : To encourage creative activity, to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world

Members : 186 of the UN member states as well as the Cook Islands, Holy See and Niue are members of WIPO

Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland

Year Founded : 1967

 

Name : Forest Carbon Partnership Facility(FCPF)

Objective : 4 objectives To assist countries in their REDD+ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance in building their capacity to benefit from possible future systems of positive incentives for REDD+. To pilot a performance-based payment system for REDD+ activities, with a view to ensuring equitable benefit sharing and promoting future large-scale positive incentives for REDD+. Within the approach to REDD+, to test ways to sustain or enhance livelihoods of local communities and to conserve biodiversity. To disseminate broadly the knowledge gained in the development of the Facility and the implementation of Readiness Preparation Proposals (RPPs) and Emission Reductions Programs (ERPs).

 

Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

B2B #1: From news- Fish samples in Chennai test positive for formalin

Formalin

1. Formalin is 30-45% aqueous solution of Formaldehyde with water.
2. Formaldehyde is a simple chemical compound made of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon.
3. All life forms – bacteria, plants, fish, animals and humans – naturally produce formaldehyde as part of cell metabolism.
4. Formaldehyde is perhaps best known for its preservative and anti-bacterial properties, but formaldehyde-based chemistry is used to make a wide range of value-added products.
5. Formalin causes irritation in the eyes, throat, skin and stomach. In the long run, continued exposure causes harm to the kidneys, liver and can even cause cancers.
6. In the fishing industry, formalin or formaldehyde is sprayed on the fish or injected into the fish or the fish is dipped into the solution. This helps keep the fish fresh for a longer time.

B2B #2: From news- National Testing Agency to conduct NET, NEET, JEE (Mains) exams

National Testing Agency

1. It is a agency which will conduct examinations for higher and secondary education
2. Its main purpose is to bring reforms in the education system
3. Establishment of NTA will free CBSE, AICTE and other agencies from conducting various exams and enable them to focus on their core areas and work on improving the quality of education
4. Initially, the CBSE staff will be deployed in this department and but later on the specialised people will be hired in the NTA

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Name of the scheme : Mission Madhumeha

Objectives : Effective management of Diabetes through Ayurveda.

Salient Features : 1. It was Launched on National Ayurvedic Day .

2.The Mission will be implemented throughout the country through a specially designed National Treatment Protocol.

3.The guidelines in the protocol will be sent to various state governments, which will further circulate them across various medical institutions.

4.The Madhumeha Assessment Tool (MAT) based on Ayurvedic philosophy has also been developed for the self-assessment of the people with regards to possibilities of diabetes.

5. The government is set to launch a mobile app which will suggest Ayurvedic medicines for diabetic patients.

6.The app will be meant for use by both practitioners of Ayurveda as well patients.

7.It will help in identifying the type of diabetes a patient is suffering from as well as recommend which Ayurvedic medicines can be administered to a patient.

8.The app is based on a set of guidelines issued by AYUSH.

Nodal Ministry : Ministry of AYUSH

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Name : Minmata Convention

Brief Intro : The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions

Objective : To protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury.

Type : Conventions

Category : E&B

Year : 2013

Importance (wr. Prelims) : High

Place : Minmata

Key Terms/ Institutions spinoffs : 1.Under the provisions of the Minamata Convention, developed under United Nations sponsorship, governments have agreed on a range of mercury-containing products whose production, import and export will be banned by 2020. 2.It also seeks to decrease the discharge of mercury into the air, water and land, to promote proper storage and disposal of mercury, as well as reduce the use and discharge of mercury in the process of gold mining in developing countries. 3.The pact, which is expected to take effect in 2016 at the earliest, also calls for a ban by 2018 on the use of mercury to produce acetaldehyde, which was the cause of Minamata disease. 4.It will also provide financial aid through a fund to developing countries to assist their efforts to cut mercury emissions, but does not refer to issues such as compensation for victims and who should be obliged to restore mercury-contaminated environments.