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  • 16 June 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions with Answers

    Q.1 Consider the following

    1. Sattriya Nritya is the folk dance of Majuli islands situated in Assam
    2. It’s  performed to retell the life of Sankardeva
    3. The dance form is preserved for male monks only

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) 1 and 3

    c) 1 and 2

    d) 2 only

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/16/

    Q. 2 Consider the following

    1. Zero tillage method involves sowing of seeds along the markers on the string which is held by two male labourers on either end of the land.
    2. The seeds sown do not encounter the crust in the soil in zero tillage method

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) Only 2

    c) Both1 and 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/16/

     

    Q. 3 Mallannasagar reservoir is situated in which of the following states

    a) Andhra Pradesh

    b) Karnataka

    c) Tamil Nadu

    d) Telangana

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/16/

    Q.4 Consider the following

    1. Kolleru lake is a freshwater lake
    2. It’s included in the Ramsar convention sites
    3. It’s an important habitat for migratory birds
      Which of the above is correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) Only 2

    c) Only 3

    d) All three are correct

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/16/

     

    Q.5 Which country will host the European Union Film Festival

    a) France

    b) Spain

    c) Singapore

    d) India

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/16/

    For Solutions – Click Here

  • [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

  • 15 June 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions with Answers

    Q.1 Consider the following

    1. Ayushman Bharat — National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) was announced to provide cover to 5 lakh per family per year
    2. The family cap for the scheme is 5 members
    3. The scheme covers all the pre and post hospitalization expenses

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) 1 and 3

    c) 1 and 2

    d) All are correct

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/15/

    Q.2 Consider the following

    1. The Global air pollution data base has been recently released by World Health Organization
    2. According to the report 14 Indian cities are among the top 15 most polluted cities of the world

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) Only 2

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/15/

    Q.3 Consider the following

    1. UNICEF is United Nations Children’s Fund works with Indian government to provide better future for children
    2. They have recently come up with a report which states that 90 countries in the world who don’t offer paternity leave are lower and middle income countries

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) Only 2

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/15/

    Q. 4 Consider the following

    1. Defence Research and Development Organisation is an agency of government under the control of Ministry of Defence
    2. It has recently developed Pinaka Mark II which has an enhanced range of 70 to 80 Kilometres

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) Only 2

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/15/

    Q.5 Consider the following

    1. The sum of all transaction recorded in Balance of Payment must be zero
    2. Capital account and current account are two types of accounts under Balance of Payment

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) 1 and 2

    c) Only 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/15/

    For Solution – Click here

  • [Prelims Spotlight] European Union, Kolleru Lake, The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA)

     

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – [pib] India to host European Union Film Festival

    European Union

    1. The EU consists of 28 countries, has the world’s largest economy and its third largest population, after China and India.
    2. The Maastricht Treaty established the European Union in 1993 and introduced European citizenship.
    3. They have set up common institutions so that decisions on matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level.
    4. By creating a frontier-free single market and a single currency (the euro) which has been adopted by 19 Member States, the EU has given a significant boost to trade and employment.
    5. UK was the last member to leave EU after Greece , popularly known as Brexit.

    B2B #2: From news – Blue revolution a bane of Kolleru

    Kolleru Lake

    1. Kolleru Lake is a freshwater lake and is known as Ramsar site no. 1209.
    2. It is located between Krishna and Godavari deltas of Andhra Pradesh
    3. As a haven for a wide-variety of water birds, the Forest Department has declared 673 sq.km (Con.+5) as the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary.
    4. It is an Important Bird Area on the Central Asian Flyway.
    5. It is important habitat for resident and migratory birds, including the grey or spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis). Many birds migrate here in winter, such as Siberian crane, ibis, and painted storks.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA)

    Brief Intro : The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is an inter-governmental forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. It is a forum based on the recognition that there is close link between peace, security and stability in Asia and in the rest of the world.

    Objective : enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia

    Type : Summit/ Conference

    Category : Economy

    Year : 1999

    Place :  Almaty

  • 15 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

    20 States on board to implement Ayushman Bharat

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/20-states-on-board-to-implement-ayushman-bharat/

    Ayushman Bharat is an ambitious scheme for ensuring Universal health coverage. Note all pros and cons for this as there is a high probability of a question appearing in Mains on it

    The rising risks to financing India’s current account deficit

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/the-rising-risks-to-financing-indias-current-account-deficit/

    Newscard explains ill effects of rising CAD. Note reasons behind it and also reports and agencies mentioned in relation to it.

    Reports have been a favorite area of UPSC in Prelims.

    DRDO turns Pinaka rocket system into guided missile, developmental trials soon

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/drdo-turns-pinaka-rocket-system-into-guided-missile-developmental-trials-soon/

    Very important for SciTech part for both Pre & Mains. Questions have been appearing on indigenous missile and other defense systems being developed

    Low Relevance news

    Digital India brought slew of services to the doorsteps of common man, says Modi

    Digital India was launched with an aim to connect India’s villages and youth

    No important line in news apart from this one.

    Cess collected for construction workers too low for their welfare

    A PIL has been filed in SC saying that the cess collected from construction companies, which is meant to pay for such workers’ welfare, is abysmally low

    Important point: According to the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Cess Act, 1996, a 1% cess is to be levied and collected on all types of construction activities, whether by government, PSUs or private players

    Has very fewer chances of coming in the exam but now you don’t know what can so keep this point somewhere in mind!

    Govt. Posters for easy recall

  • Burning Issues- India’s shifting foreign policy stance

    Image result for India russia china usa

    Why in news

    1. The Shangri-La Dialogue speech (Singapore, Jun 2018) of PM Modi is being seen as a major foreign policy shift.
    2. Despite speaking at the same event, the words of India’s and US’s document were starkly different. This indicates that New Delhi and Washington are no longer on the same page.
    3. Warming up of India to Russia and China is another unmistakable sign of a shift.
    4. It seems the philosophy of Non-Alignment has been revived.

    Evidence of changed foreign policy

    Informal summits

    China

    1. ‘Doklam’ is an issue of the past.
    2. The BRI isn’t as much a concern as before.
    3. India’s non-confrontational attitude with respect to China’s presence in the Maldives and Nepal.

    Russia

    S-400 Deal is being negotiated.

    1. The frequency of meetings with China and Russia far outnumbers those with USA
    2. PM Modi will have met President Xi and President Putin four-five times each by the end of this year, if one counts informal and formal summits, as well as meetings at the SCO, BRICS and G-20
    3. In contrast, nearly half the year has gone in just scheduling the upcoming 2+2 meet of Indian and U.S. Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs.

    Shangrila Dialogue Speech

    1. India referred to the Indo-Pacific as a “natural geographical region”, not a strategic one, while the USA called the Indo-Pacific a “priority theatre” and a “subset of America’s broader security strategy” for its Indo-Pacific Command.
    2. While India referred to India’s good relations with the U.S., Russia and China in equal measure, US vowed to counter China’s moves in the Indo-Pacific, and referred to the U.S. National Defence Strategy released this January, which puts both China and Russia in its crosshairs as the world’s two “revisionist powers”.

    The Quad has also been given short shrift.

    1. India rejected an Australian request to join maritime exercises along with the U.S. and Japan this June, and said quite plainly last month that there was no plan to “militarise” the Quad.
    2. This is in contrast with India’s acceptance of military exercises with countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Russia-China led grouping.

    India has decided to continue energy deals with Iran and Venezuela in defiance of American sanctions.

    Trade protectionism is clearly the other big point of divergence between India and the U.S.

    1. Both countries have, in recent months, taken each other to the World Trade Organisation on several issues.
    2. There has been a surge in disputes between the two countries:
    • on the new American steel and aluminium tariffs,
    • the proposed cuts in H1B professional visas and cancellation of H4 spouse visas,
    • on India’s tariffs and resistance to U.S. exports of dairy and pork products, on Indian price reductions on medical devices, and
    • Reserve Bank of India rules on data localisation on Indian servers for U.S. companies.
    • The row over Harley-Davidson motorcycles has ended up denting the ties quite seriously.

    The biggest challenges to a common India-U.S. vision are now emerging from the new U.S. law called Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal with the threat of more secondary sanctions.

    1. Both actions have a direct impact on India, given its high dependence on defense hardware from Russia and its considerable energy interests in Iran.
    2. India’s plans to acquire the Russian S-400 missile system will become the litmus test of whether India and the U.S. can resolve their differences.

    Recent changes in Indian foreign policy – Shift towards intelligent non-alignment and cautious prudence.

    India, in the Shangrila-La speech:

    1. invoked the “Bandung spirit of 1955”.
    2. praised Singapore for teaching the world the importance of making “free and fair choices” and “embracing diversity at home”.
    3. stressed that “When nations stand on the side of principles, not behind one power or the other, they earn the respect of the world,”
    4. warned the world about the possible return of “great power rivalries”, and
    5. emphasised the importance and centrality of the ASEAN in the concept of the Indo-Pacific.

    The complexities of dealing with the two major powers have always led India to seek out support for other intermediate powers and coalitions across the world.

    1. The old G-77 was not an ideological construct. India was, in limited ways, mobilising a power source outside of the Great Powers. This strategy has its limitations; its effectiveness in confronting the hard power realities imposed by the Great Powers has always been in doubt. But India is still looking for that functional substitute: A coalition that stands a little apart from the Great Powers.
    2. The rediscovered fascination for the ASEAN, Africa, and the commitment to pursue these relationships shows a shift towards the old coalition building of the 1950s.

    Why India shifted its stance?

    1. India’s foremost objective has been the preservation of her ‘strategic autonomy’ with respect to foreign policymaking.
    2. Aligning excessively with any particular nation or group can be counterproductive to India’s long-term interests
    3. The US, in recent years, has displayed the tendency to betray its allies for short-term gains.

    Conclusion

    1. India seems to be striving for a more balanced approach in what it increasingly sees as an uncertain world.
    2. The “principled” vision India has embraced projects is a departure from the transactionalism and pragmatism espoused by her over the last few years.

  • 14 June 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions with Answers

    Q.1 Consider the following

    1. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is a free trade agreement between ASEAN and India, China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand
    2. RCEP covers trade in goods, services, investment, economic and technical co-operation, intellectual property, competition, dispute settlement and other issues

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Both 1 and 2

    b) Only 1

    c) Only 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/14/

    Q.2 Consider the following

    1. Backward participation in trade is measured by share of domestic value added content in total gross exports
    2. Forward participation in trade is measured by share of foreign value added content in total gross exports

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Both 1 and 2

    b) Only 1

    c) Only 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/14/

    Q. 3 Consider the following

    1. The 74th Amendment includes essential civic issues such as urban transportation, housing or urban commons
    2. Under the 74th Amendment municipalities need not be constituted in areas which are declared as industrial township

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Both 1 and 2

    b) Only 1

    c) Only 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/14/

    Q. 4 Consider the following

    1. SWAYAM is an initiative of Ministry of Human Resource Development
    2. It’s a program for promoting participation in small and medium entrepreneurship.

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Both 1 and 2

    b) Only 1

    c) Only 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/14/

    Q. 5 Consider the following

    1. Nikkie Asia Prize for culture and community is given by Japan
    2. Recently it was given to Bindeshwar Pathak for his significant work in tackling poor hygiene and discrimination

    Which of the above is correct?

    a) Both 1 and 2

    b) Only 1

    c) Only 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Source- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/2018/06/14/

    For Solutions – Click Here

  • [Prelims Spotlight]India-US Defence Cooperation, Ayushman Bharat — National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM), Kaivalya

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – US approves sale of Apache helicopters, missiles to India

    India-US Defence Cooperation

    1. India-US defence trade cooperation continues to expand, including through the US-India Defence Trade and Technology Initiative, a partnership begun in 2012.
    2. It seeks to create opportunities for US-India co-production and co-development, foster science and technology cooperation, and remove bureaucratic barriers to trade, the official said.
    3. In 2016, India was also awarded the status of a US major defence partner, which allows India to receive license-free access to a wide range of military and dual-use technologies that are regulated by the Department of Commerce.
    4. The two countries also agreed to an updated ten-year Defence Framework Agreement in June 2015 to guide and expand their bilateral defence and strategic partnership until 2025.

    B2B #2: From news – 20 States on board to implement Ayushman Bharat

    Ayushman Bharat — National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM)

    • The scheme was announced in the Budget 2018
    • The scheme will provide a cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year
    • There will be no cap on family size and age
    • The benefits cover will include pre and post-hospitalization expenses
    • All pre-existing conditions will be covered from day one of the policy
    • A defined transport allowance per hospitalization will also be paid to the beneficiary

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Key words related to History : Kaivalya

    Dynasty/era : Mahavira period

    Meaning : 1.Kaivalya is a state of solitude, aloneness, isolation and detachment. The word is derived from the Sanskrit kevala, meaning “alone” or “isolated.” 2.It is a separation of purusha (Self or Soul) from prakriti (primal matter). The state of kaivalya is the main goal of Raja yoga. 3.It is a detachment and independence from relationships, egoism, attraction, aversion and the cycle of birth and death. One can achieve this state by performing austerities, yoga practice and discipline. One who achieves this state is called a Kevalin.

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