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  • [Prelims Spotlight] United Nations Human Rights Council, Sentinel – 5P

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – U.S. pulls out of United Nations Human Rights Council

    United Nations Human Rights Council

    1. UNHRC is a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world
    2. The UNHRC has 47 members elected for staggered three-year terms on a regional group basis
    3. The UNHRC was established by the UN General Assembly on March 15, 2006
    4. The headquarters of UNHRC is in Geneva, Switzerland
    5. 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
    6. 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
    7. 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

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : Sentinel – 5P

    Details : specifically for the operational needs of the Copernicus programme · Europe’s environment monitoring programme

    Agency : ESA

  • 20 June 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

    Rajya Sabha fault lines clear for Deputy Chairman poll

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/rajya-sabha-fault-lines-clear-for-deputy-chairman-poll/

    Elections for Vice chairman of Rajya Sabha are due next week. Since UPSC has asked a question related to the presidential election in Prelims this year, there is a probability that a direct or indirect question on this topic can be asked next year.

    Along with news, go back to Laxmikant and read all details about Rajya Sabha and its functioning

    India launches its first National Healthcare Facility Registry

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-launches-its-first-national-healthcare-facility-registry/

    Read about NHRR and National Health Profile. Less important for Prelims but has a high chance of appearing in GS Paper 2 in Mains.

    How to make affordable housing more attractive

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/how-to-make-affordable-housing-more-attractive/

    With launch of various welfare schemes for poor, their performance and lacunae also need to be noted.

    The newscard discusses ways to help make PMAY more inclusive. All points are useful and can be used directly in Mains.

    Low Relevance News

    India, Maldives talks to end logjam

    Proposed meeting between India & Maldives later this month to resolve various issues which are affecting bilateral relations.

    Substantial points can only be taken from final statements after the meeting. Nothing important as of now.

    India for rules-based world order: Ram Nath Kovind

    President Ram Nath Kovind has said that India wants to be a rule framer in a multi-polar world

    President Kovind’s speech highlighted the syncretic connections between the European and Indian traditions of art, politics and state formation

    Nothing important from exam point of view.

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

  • 120+ in UPSC Prelims: Know the Secret

    CD remains committed to its students’ success. We are ready to go the extra mile to turn your dreams into reality.

    Watch the video to know rigorous testing methodology followed by us for ensuring comprehensive Prelims preparation for our TS subscribers and how it will benefit you

    Link for buying test series + video lectures: Click2Join

    For students joining before the end of this month, you will get it for Rs. 6372 (Special discounted TS price)

  • [Prelims Spotlight] INS Vikramaditya

     

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name – INS vikramaditya

    Defence forces– Navy

    Module types – Warships

    Brief Intro – INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier which entered into service with the Indian Navy in 2013. Originally built as Baku and commissioned in 1987, the carrier served with the Soviet Navy and later with the Russian Navy (as Admiral Gorshkov) before being decommissioned in 1996

  • 19 June 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

    In a first, WHO recommends quadrivalent influenza vaccine

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/in-a-first-who-recommends-quadrivalent-influenza-vaccine/

    Read about types of influenza and need for a quadrivalent vaccine.

    A static science topic combined with CA makes this a potential source of Prelims question

    Aadhaar virtual IDs becoming a real problem for NBFCs

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/aadhaar-virtual-ids-becoming-a-real-problem-for-nbfcs/

    Note all details about Aadhar Virtual IDs and problems being faced in its use.

    Some of them can also be quoted in Mains answers.

    Govt. teams up with Google for flood warning

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/govt-teams-up-with-google-for-flood-warning/

    Note departments concerned with flood warnings and information dissemination.

    Also, read about Artificial intelligence and machine learning which have a high probability of appearing in mains

    Indian plant seed could bring clean water to millions 

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/indian-plant-seed-could-bring-clean-water-to-millions/

    Plant species in news have been appearing in Prelims year after year. Very very important.

    Low Relevance News

    Road map laid for India-U.S. meet

    Indian and U.S. experts began three-day consultations to find meeting points in bilateral relations in preparation for the first-ever 2+2 dialogue

    COMCASA and BECA are the two foundational agreements that India is yet to sign and these will be discussed in the meeting.

    Nothing important from exam perspective as such agreements have been hitherto asked in the exam

    Arab group wants India on board in Yemen

    The Arab coalition which is fighting to secure the strategic Yemeni port of Hodeidah will be reaching out to India for its support

    Note down Hodeidah. Nothing else is important for the exam.

    Govt. Posters for easy recall

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Influenza, International Labor Organization (ILO)

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – Why this week’s OPEC meeting matters for India

    Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

    1. OPEC  is an intergovernmental organization of 14 nations
    2. The 14 countries accounted for an estimated 44 percent of global oil production and 73 percent of the world’s “proven” oil reserves
    3. OPEC’s stated mission is “to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets, in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers, and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry
    4. The OPEC Conference is the supreme authority of the organization and consists of delegations normally headed by the oil ministers of member countries
    5. The Conference ordinarily meets at the Vienna headquarters, at least twice a year and in additional extraordinary sessions when necessary

    B2B #2: From news – In a first, WHO recommends quadrivalent influenza vaccine

    Influenza

    Influenza is a virus that actually has hundreds of different strains. The virus mutates frequently, but the strains are classified into one of three main categories—A, B, or C.

    Influenza A is the group that most commonly causes illness in humans.

    1. All influenza A viruses are further broken down into H and N subtypes. So, any influenza virus that is described as “H#N#” (such as H1N1) is an influenza A virus.
    2. There are 16 H subtypes and nine N subtypes, but only three combinations have actually caused highly contagious illness in humans.
    3. Other combinations have been found to infect other species (such as birds and pigs), but they have not caused widespread human infections.
    4. The three combinations that cause almost all outbreaks of the flu in humans are H1N1, H2N2 and H3N2.
    5. Even in these subtypes, the influenza virus can mutate and change each year. For this reason, influenza viruses are also named using:
    • The host of origin (swine, chicken, etc., or no host if it is of human origin)
    • The geographical location of origin (Hong Kong, Alberta, etc.)
    • Strain number
    • Year of discovery (or isolation)

    Influenza B

    1. Influenza B is less common but still causes outbreaks of seasonal flu.
    2. One or two strains of influenza B are included in the seasonal flu vaccine every year to protect people from the strain(s) that researchers believe are most likely to cause illness during the upcoming flu season.
    3. The quadrivalent flu vaccine contains two strains of influenza B but the traditional trivalent flu vaccine only contains one.
    4. Influenza B is not broken down into subtypes like influenza A is, but it is broken down into individual strains.
    5. Typically, two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B are included in the seasonal flu vaccine. Quadrivalent flu vaccines contain two strains of influenza A and two strains of influenza B.
    6. Influenza B can cause outbreaks of seasonal flu but they occur less frequently than outbreaks of influenza A.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : International Labor Organization (ILO)

    Objective : Deal with labour issues, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities for all

    Members : 186 of the 193 member states of the United Nations plus the Cook Islands are members of the ILO The UN member states which are not members of the ILO are Andorra, Bhutan, Liechtenstein, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, and North Korea

    Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland

    Year Founded : Established in 1919

  • 18 June 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] Countering China in the Indo-Pacific

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-countering-china-in-the-indo-pacific/

    The op-ed not only lists various important naval exercises and ports but also highlights the ways in which India can use partnerships with the USA, Japan & Australia to its advantage. A must-read for both Pre as well  as Mains

    [op-ed snap] Parched or polluted: on India’s water crisis

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-parched-or-polluted-on-indias-water-crisis/

    Niti Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index has highlighted the serious condition of water resources in India. Immediate measures that can be taken are mentioned in the op-ed and can be quoted in Mains answers based on this issue.

    India’s proposed Assumption Island deal stands cancelled

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/indias-proposed-assumption-island-deal-stands-cancelled/

    Note on maps position of Assumption island and all nearby places. UPSC has turned back to places in news approach from 2018 Prelims. Also, remember about SAGAR program & IORA

    Low Relevance News

    Centre accused of ‘illegally’ denying details on RTI Act

    An activist has accused the government of “illegally” withholding information about amendments proposed to the Right to Information Act, 2005

    Not much relevant for exam apart from the following:

    Important detail: Section 8(i)(i) of the RTI Act, 2005 exempts the government from giving information about Cabinet papers, including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and other officers

    PM renews call for debate on simultaneous polls

    PM Modi has again called for widespread consultation on simultaneous elections in the country during the fourth governing council meeting of the NITI Aayog

    The topic has appeared in UPSC Mains in 2017 and has bleak chances of appearing again. Also, no important details from UPSC perspective

    Govt. Posters for easy recall

  • [Prelims Spotlight] SAGAR Programme (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Indian Medical Association, DigiShala

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – India’s proposed Assumption Island deal stands cancelled

    SAGAR Programme (Security and Growth for All in the Region)

    1. SAGAR is a term coined by PM Modi in 2015 during his Mauritius visit with a focus on blue economy.
    2. It is a maritime initiative which gives priority to Indian Ocean region for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of India in Indian Ocean region.
    3. The goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation.
    4. It is in line with the principles of Indian Ocean Rim Association.

    IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association)

    1. Established in 1997 in Ebene Cyber City, Mauritius
    2. First established as Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched in 1997 by the conclusion of a multilateral treaty known as the Charter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation.
    3. It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.

    B2B #2: From news – New health scheme flawed: IMA

    Indian Medical Association 

    1. The IMA is a national voluntary organization of Doctors of Modern Scientific System of Medicine in India, which looks after the interest of doctors as well as the well being of the community at large.
    2. It was established in 1928 as the All India Medical Association, renamed “Indian Medical Association” in 1930 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
    3. It is a society registered under The Societies Act of India, 1860.
    4. It delegates its powers to a Working Committee (A representative body of all state Branches) for implementation of programmes and activities.
    5. The Indian Medical Association is a founder member of the World Medical Association.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name of the scheme : DigiShala

    Objectives : To promote cashless transactions

    Salient Features : 1.DigiShala is dedicated 24*7 and 365 days free-to-air TV channel to inform citizens about digital payment ecosystem, benefits and processes. 2.It is a satellite channel managed by Doordarshan (DD). It will be broadcasted nationally on DD Free Dish DTH service. 3.It will be available through GSAT15 (DD Direct DTH), 93.5 degree East, Receive frequency: 11590 Mhz. Through it, citizens will be informed and educated about various digital payment options through step by step demos of digital payments using e-wallets, UPI, USSD, Aadhaar-enabled payment systems and cards.

    Nodal Ministry : The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

     

  • 16 June 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

    Zero tillage good for cotton cultivation

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/zero-tillage-good-for-cotton-cultivation/

    Read about zero tillage and its advantages. Can be asked in Prelims as well as Mains.

    Why is Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project important?

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/why-is-telanganas-kaleshwaram-lift-irrigation-project-important/

    The project has some unique features and is important for Andhra Pradesh’s drought prone areas. Read details of it as well as rivers associated.

    Blue revolution a bane of Kolleru

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/blue-revolution-a-bane-of-kolleru/

    Each year one or two wetlands make it to UPSC Prelims in one way or another. Note details about the lake and threats posed to its expanse.

    The Vaishnav monks of Assam’s Majuli island

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/the-vaishnav-monks-of-assams-majuli-island/

    News on Art & Culture are a rare sight but whenever they appear all details related to the art forms discussed should be noted. Here Sattriya dance form as well as majuli island is important.

    Low Relevance News

    Maharashtra lets refugees self-survey their properties

    Maharashtra government has now allowed thousands of Sindhi and Punjabi refugees who migrated from Pakistan to carry out self-assessment and survey of their properties

    Nothing important from UPSC pesrpective

    Only important detail in news is The Displaced Persons (Compensation and Rehabilitation) Act, 1954 which governs colonies of refugees

    Govt likely to penalise insurance companies for delaying payment under NHPS

    The government has proposed to impose penalty on insurance companies for delay in payment to hospitals for settlement of claims under its ambitious Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS)

    NHPS has been discussed in detail in previous news cards in detail. No important update in this news

    Govt. Posters for easy recall

  • Demolish UPSC series: 60+ Hours of Advanced Video Lectures

    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. For students joining before the end of this month, you will get these lectures + Prelims test series for Rs. 6372 (Special 10% discounted TS price)

    Link for buying test series + video lectures: Click2Join

    For other students joining after June 30, the price would be Rs. 7000 + taxes for test series + video lectures

    Here is the detailed schedule of lectures:

    These lectures will be aligned to our CD Prime Prelims Test Series. You can view the schedule of test series here: Click2View