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Testing Thursday : High Five With Tikdam – 7
Hello everyone,

We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam.Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam. In the 2nd installment, questions were easy to moderate and many more of you got answers right. In the 3rd installment, questions were a bit tricky and many of you failed to read the entire question with all the options carefully to arrive ta the write answer.

Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

How to practice – join the test series for more practice (600 tikdams) and one on one interaction with mentors (most important to take your thought process in right direction). It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday 9 a.m (Testing Tuesday) and Thursday 9 p.m.(Testing Thursday) to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

Here are high five questions from prelims 2010 (Moderate ones) which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.

Please write your thought process/ method you applied to solve the question with the answers. We will get back to you as to how you can further refine your answer deriving capabilities. Note that this initiative will help you only if you apply your mind and write your thought process. Merely reading and learning the answers will not help.
1. In order to comply with TRIPS Agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications off Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The difference/differences between a ‘Trade Mark’ and a Geographical Indication is/are:
  1. A Trade Mark is an individual or a company’s right whereas a Geographical Indication is a community’s right.
  2. A Trade Mark can be licensed whereas a Geographical Indication cannot be licensed.
  3. A Trade Mark is assigned to the manufactured goods whereas the Geographical Indication is assigned to the agricultural goods/products and handicrafts only.
  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
2. The SEZ Act, 2005 which came into effect in February 2006 has certain objectives. In this context, consider the following:
1. Development of infrastructure facilities.
2. Promotion of investment from foreign sources.
3. Promotion of exports of services only.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Consider the following statements:
1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions.
2. India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust”
a) NH3
b) CH4
c) H2O
d) H2O2

5. Consider the following:
1. Oxides of Hydrogen
2. Oxides of Nitrogen
3. Oxides of Sulphur
Which of the above causes/cause acid rain?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

MPORTANT STUFF:

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here
January 11, 2018
Beginner's Approach

I would like to know, if I am interested to prepare for 2019 IAS and I am a beginner so what should be the correct steps which are required to be taken up. please note that i am working as well. thank you

January 11, 2018
Samanvaya: IGP 2018 (Interview Guidance Program): Here's how you start
With Mains 2017 results declared, UPSC CSE 2017 exam now enters its final stage. Congratulations to all those who made it to the list of selected students for Interview.

Before I start, I have to state that I have a long-standing empathy-corner for people who get bummed out of the UPSC boat at this stage. Getting ditched after writing Mains is a very tricky space to be in: You don’t know which subject played havoc, you can’t know about that till before Mains results come out, you don’t know the gap between reality vs expectations and even though the next year Prelims is looking right at your face, you have now started to feel itchy about this UPSC marathon.

Hold on to your good memories and stay the course. Trust me, 70% junta skips misses on their track right here, right now. I will write a detailed blog for you which would give you some practical intervention points but for now, stay the course. You won’t be able to let go of your UPSC dream but you might unwittingly let go of the right path. And you don’t want to do that.

I have seen 3 cycles of UPSC: Pre, Mains, and Interview (thrice over).

Like most of us, I had visited my share of coaching institutes for guidance, sat across the mocks, then sat through the lecture sessions which deliberate over the “type of interviews”, “personality types most suitable for an IAS officer” and generic gyaan etc. only to find that while they do make sense at some level, it is a bit difficult to imbibe and change your personality type in a span of 1 month.

I was what I was.

I could think fast like most of us can and know what’s right/ wrong on a particular occasion but in this whole process of sizing up my mock board members, internalizing my responses to suit the interview, controlling my impulses to run over and not play ball with them etc. etc. I made the following conclusions:
1. Don’t bother to change your personality type: It is very easy to get feedback on ‘your personality type’ and a tad difficult to alter it to suit UPSC board’s need for an ideal bureaucrat
2. Master your DAF: If you are quizzed on what you wrote in your DAF and you don’t come on top of it, there is no coming back. DAF based interviews are generally the safest to navigate. Next come “Scenario-based interviews” which are open-ended questions with no right answers and the board marks you on your structured thinking and mature approach towards real-life scenarios. Assuming that you have been good with current affairs and have a few case studies to cite, these are still manageable. The worst are “Fact-based interviews”: Here is where a board member goes rogue and digresses into an infinite spiral of facts and figures and more often than not, puts you in a situation where you have to defend your lack of knowledge or wriggle out of it in a ‘zen-like’ way.
3. Personality type matters for the Fact-based/ Stress interviews: But since you are what you are, try to keep up the interviewer humored with DAF based or Scenario based interview. This is doable and that’s where the stress of this program lies
Basis my learnings, here’s how Samanvaya: IGP 2018 (Interview Guidance Program) is pegged to help you keep up on the right path:

For a holistic interview prep, here’s what you need :
1. Prepare your DAF: Create a folder in google drive or a notebook on Evernote and make notes on important areas of your DAF (Home state, institute/ stream, hobbies, work-ex). Share this with us. [Details will be shared on the telegram group, below]
2. Polish your story: Everyone loves a good narrative and given the subjectivity of the interview process, there are times when the board is deliberating on a ‘scenario builder question’ and you find an opening where you can bring an anecdote from your life or a case study closely lived and that gives them a perspective into your mental framework/ decision making capabilities/ affinity towards a certain cause etc etc. That brings out an undeniable human element in the game and gets the interview back on course [This is where our 1 on 1 calls will come in handy]
3. Prepare your current affairs well: The Fact-based interviews are the most cringe-worthy. You might have an ability to talk ad-nauseam on a scenario builder question… tinker with opinions, take sides with stakeholders etc. but fact-based, current affairs heavy bombs are very straightforward and leave very less room for ‘bs’. Hence, stay up close with CD’s newscards. [We will have a special package of “Samachar Manthan” for the interview qualified guys and the details will be given out soon]
4. A few mock interviews: Mock interviews should be given in a pair from the same place. Give one – take feedback – try to inculcate that and then appear again in front of same/ similar interview panel and let them judge you on your improvement. This is mostly to stitch up last min personality glitches. For now, we do not have a facility for the same. If you can have some coaching institute arrange that for you, go for it. Remember, have interviews in a pair. Measured improvements go a long way in boosting confidence.
How will this program work?

All candidates selected for interview will have to send us their DAF form copy after filling out this form: Click2Register

After you fill the form, please send the PDF copy of your DAF to hello@civilsdaily.com with subject line DAF-Your Name-Interview Guidance 2018

We will then add you to a dedicated telegram group for this initiative. Detailed instructions will be given in the telegram group itself. Expect a formal structure by 12th January 2018

P.S.- This program is FREE. But we might limit the entries to ensure quality.

Other in-service officers may also be a part of program and all of them will guide the aspirants about how interview process has evolved over years, what are expectations of interview board from candidates and what questions can be framed out of the details that you filled in DAF

Prepare well. You have come so far, we want you to get into Final list…

Best of luck!

If you have any queries, mail to hello@civilsdaily.com or call on 08823831311
January 10, 2018
Mains 2017 Result Out – who all made it, share learnings, experience with optionals, etc. + New Cadre Policy Explained
Mains 2017 Result is out- Click to see the result

On 5th September 2017, the Government came out with a totally new Cadre Policy for All India Services (IAS, IPS and IFoS). Since then it has aroused much interest as well as confusion amongst new aspirants.

The aim of this post is to demystify the new cadre policy. Before we go further explaining the nitty gritty of the new policy, it would be good to first have a brief look into the previous cadre policies.

In the 90s until 2008, the cadre allocation was done through Roster System. In this either of these 2 things used to take place.
- A candidate will be given his / her home state
- Will be allotted a cadre based on a complex system based on alphabetical grouping of states.
Under this system if a candidate securing Rank 1 does not get her home state (due to lack of insider vacancy) then she could be randomly assigned any state.

This policy was discontinued in CSE 2008 which brought Choice Based system. Under this a candidate had to give preference for the states (1, 2, 3, .. 15, 16, …).

Now if a candidate secures Rank 1 then she is sure to get a cadre which is amongst her top 3 choices.

This system resulted in a situation where the students from North India mostly remained in North Indian states and vice versa. The Government felt that somewhere the sense of being in All India Service was getting lost.

To strike a balance between choice and maintaining the spirit of AIS the Government came up with this new policy.

In this system the states have been grouped into 5 zones.

Zone I
1. AGMUT
2. Jammu & Kashmir
3. Himachal Pradesh
4. Uttarakhand
5. Punjab
6. Rajasthan
7. Haryana
Zone II
1. Uttar Pradesh
2. Bihar
3. Jharkhand
4. Odisha
Zone III
1. Gujarat
2. Maharashtra
3. Madhya Pradesh
4. Chhattisgarh
Zone IV
1. West Bengal
2. Sikkim
3. Assam Meghalaya
4. Manipur
5. Tripura
6. Nagaland
Zone V
1. Telangana
2. Andhra Pradesh
3. Karnataka
4. Tamil Nadu
5. Kerala
Now a candidate has to first give preferences for zones and then within that zone give preferences for states.

For instance let’s consider a hypothetical case where a student has given preferences like this.
1. Zone 4 : 5, 2, 4, 1, 6, 3
2. Zone 2 : 3, 1, 4, 2
3. Zone 5 : 1, 5, 3, 2, 4
4. Zone 1 : 2, 1, 5, 6, 3, 4, 7
5. Zone 3 : 2, 4, 3, 1
Now when it comes to allocating cadre, the cycle would be as follows:
- 1st preference in Zone 4
- 1st preference in Zone 2
- 1st preference in Zone 5
- 1st preference in Zone 1
- 1st preference in Zone 3
- 2nd preference in Zone 4
- 2nd preference in Zone 2
- ……
- ……
- 3rd preference in Zone 4
- 3rd preference in Zone 2
- ….
- ….
Thus if one doesn’t get 1st preference of a particular zone then one would be considered for 1st preference of next preferred zone rather than 2nd preference within same zone.

Since zones are grouped region wise instead of alphabetically therefore the chances of getting a cadre within same zone reduces significantly since 4 other states from other zones separates 1st and 2nd preferences within same zone.

With this new system the government hopes to address the regional imbalance in cadre allocation.

The other aspects related to cadre allotment like insider-outsider ratio, reservation would remain unchanged.

For the last several years there was a certain predictability in cadre allotment which is likely to end now with the new system in place.

This is a guest post by Ms. Ila Tripathi, Rank 51, IAS- Read this and all her blogs here
January 10, 2018
10 Jan 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & [Tikdams]
Dear student,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:
1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!
With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

Q.1) Which of the following about the Ozone (O3) is correct?
a) Ozone may exist in both troposphere as well as stratosphere
b) Stratospheric ozone is hazardous for human health
c) Tropospheric ozone is good for environment as well as human health
d) All of the above
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] The much-neglected pollutant: Surface Ozone

Tikdam:

We know ozone as a protector from UV rays as well as a pollutant and green-house gas. The
surface ozone aids formation of photochemical smog. The only thing was to not confuse
between troposphere and stratosphere. The tropospheric one is bad and the stratospheric one
is good. Just this one line of info and you reach the exact answer.

Q.2) With reference to the ‘Central Drugs Standard Control Organization(CDSCO)’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Its parent department is Minister of Health and Family Welfare.
2. Drug Controller General of India(DGCI) is a body under the CDSCO.
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) 2 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired by: DCGI bans import of drug ingredients from six Chinese firms

Q.3) With reference to Ozone Gas, consider the following statements:
1. Tropospheric ozone is a greenhouse gas.
2. One of the primary components of photochemical smog is ozone.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) 2 only
c) 1 only
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] The much-neglected pollutant: Surface Ozone

Q.4) Recently, the ‘Pratyush’ was seen in the news. It is a
a) A destroyer of the Indian Navy
b) Air-to-Air Missile
c) Supercomputer
d) Weather Satellite
Inspired by: Click2read

Q.5) With reference to the ‘Talanoa Dialogue’, recently seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a diaolgue of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
2. India is not its participant.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) Both 1 and 2
c) 1 only
d) 2 only
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] A sum of contributions

Q.6) In which of the following States is liontailed macaque found in its natural habitat?
1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. Karnataka
4. Andhra Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2 only
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q.7) Some Buddhist rockcut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
d) There is no material difference between the two

Q.8) Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
a) The extinction of the flame of desire
b) The complete annihilation of self
c) A state of bliss and rest
d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension

IMPORTANT STUFF:

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.
January 10, 2018
9 Jan 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & [Tikdams]
Dear student,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:
1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!
With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

Q.1) Which of the following about the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is incorrect?

a) It is an inter-governmental body established by the Ministers of its Member Jurisdictions

b) It is a body created by the Government of India to streamline financial sector challenges

c) The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system

d) It is essentially a “policy-making body” which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas

Inspired by: US, Russia back India in bid to stop terror funding by Pakistan

Q.2) With reference to the ‘United Nations Convention against Torture’, recently seen in news, whiich of the following statements is/are correct?
1. India has already India signed the convention.
2. The convention forbids states to transport people to any country where there is reason to believe they will be tortured.
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 2 only
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) 1 only
d) Both 1 and 2

Q.3) Which of the following statements regarding the ‘Blue Economy’ is incorrect?
a) It is founded upon a systems approach, wherein renewable and organic inputs are fed into sustainably designed systems to fuel “blue growth.”
b) is envisaged as the integration of Ocean Economy development with the principles of social inclusion, environmental sustainability and innovative, dynamic business models
c) The concept of blue economy encompasses even maritime activities, such as shipping services.
d) All of the above are correct

Q.4) With reference to the proposed ‘National Testing Agency (NTA)’, which was recently in news, consider the following statements:
1. It will be registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860.
2. It will be an autonomous organsation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) 1 only
c) 2 only
d) Both 1 and 2

Q.5) Consider the following locations:
1. Chitradurga
2. Pashan
3. Wheeler Island
Which of the above is/are test ranges of DRDO ?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.6) Consider the following pairs
National Park River flowing through the Park
1. Corbett National Park : Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas
3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 2
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3
d) None

Q.7) Consider the following organisms
1. Agaricus
2. Nostoc
3. Spirogyra
Which of the above is / are used as biofertilizer / biofertilizers
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3
d) 3 only

Q.8) Which of the following adds / add nitrogen to the soil?
1. Excretion of urea by animals
2. Burning of coal by man
3. Death of vegetation
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

IMPORTANT STUFF:

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.
January 9, 2018
Testing Tuesday : High Five With Tikdam – 6
Hello everyone,

We have been hammering on importance of logical thinking and art of tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients of recipe to clear prelims examination for quite some time now. The flagship prelims test series is based on the same principles so is our prelims daily initiative.

We started high five with tikdam to reinforce the importance of logical thinking and to get you into the habit of applying your mind while solving questions. In the first installment, there were five tough questions from 2016 paper which could be solved by tikdam.Individually none of you could get all five right but collectively you got all five right using tikdam. In the 2nd installment, questions were easy to moderate and many more of you got answers right. In the 3rd installment, questions were a bit tricky and many of you failed to read the entire question with all the options carefully to arrive ta the write answer.

Inference is very simple – USE HAVE TO PRACTICE TO GET BETTER AT DERIVING ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION USING YOUR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE.

How to practice – join the test series for more practice (600 tikdams) and one on one interaction with mentors (most important to take your thought process in right direction). It will help you get better in answering prelims questions and scoring 120 plus marks in CSE Prelims 2018.

Further, we will be posting five questions (apart from prelims daily) from previous years papers on every Tuesday 9 a.m (Testing Tuesday) and Thursday 9 p.m.(Testing Thursday) to make you practice questions asked in exam so that you can yourself the judge of efficacy of tikdam.

Here are high five questions from prelims 2011 (Easy ones) which you can solve with your knowledge, logical thinking and tikdam.
1. In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the
  bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material?
  1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.
  2. Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources.
  3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.
  4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads.
  Which of the statements given above are correct?
  a) 1, 2 and 3 only
  b) 1, 3 and 4 only
  c) 2 and 4 only
  d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Consider the following:
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Oxides of Nitrogen
3. Oxides of Sulphur
Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power
plants?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

3. India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the
reasons?
1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the
cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last five years by about 30%.
2. As a consequence of increasing incomes, the consumption patterns of the people have
undergone a significant change.
3. The food supply chain has structural constraints. Which of the statements given above are
correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

4. Consider the following:
1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration
3. Decay of organic matter
4. Volcanic action
Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

5. With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.
2. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.
3. In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.
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

Dr. Vipin Garg is a medical doctor by training, economist by passion and an IAS (rank 20)officer by profession. He is one of the founding members of Civilsdaily and pioneered the concept of Tikdams (Smart Hacks) for IAS Prelims which form the bedrock of Civilsdaily’s Flagship Prelims Test Series.

MPORTANT STUFF:

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here
January 9, 2018
8 Jan 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & [Tikdams]
Dear student,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:
1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!
With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

Q.1) Which of the following statement/s about the Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India) programme for certification of organic produce is/are correct?
1. It involves a peer-review approach of certification.
2. Farmers play a role in certifying whether the farms in their vicinity adhered to organic-cultivation practices.
3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Centre of Organic Farming.
Select the answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 only
c) 2 only
d) All of the above
Inspired by: Come July, label mandatory for food certified as ‘organic’

Q.2) In which of the following cases of the Supreme Court of India the ‘Third Gender’ was recognized?
a) NALSA v. The Union of India (2014)
b) Joseph Shine v. The Union of India
c) Vishakha and Others vs. State
d) None of the above
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] This too is a right: the right to sexual privacy

Q.3) Which of the following are the objectives of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)?
1. To encourage the development of organic farming and organic processing.
2. To provide the means of evaluation of certification programme for organic agriculture and products.
3. To accredit certification programmes of Certification Bodies seeking accreditation.
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Inspired by: Come July, label mandatory for food certified as ‘organic’

Q.4) With reference to the Purchasing Managers’ Index(PMI) which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It shows the economic health of Service Sector.
2. Employment environment is one of its major indicators on which it is based.
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 2 only
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) 1 only
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: GDP growth seen slowing to 4-year low of 6.5% in 2017-18

Q.5) Which of the following country is not a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council?
a) Bahrain
b) Kuwait
c) Iraq
d) Qatar

Q.6) Due to improper / indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as ewaste?
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
b) 1, 2, 3,5 and 6 only
c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Q.7) Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by
a) carbon dioxide and nitrogen
b) carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
c) ozone and carbon dioxide
d) nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide

Q.8) With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements :
1. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other.
2. Food chains are found within the populations of a species.
3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None

IMPORTANT STUFF:

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.
January 8, 2018
07 Jan 2018 | Target Mains | 19th Weekly Test

Q.1) Criminalising Triple Talaq is Unnecessary Overkill. Critically discuss

Q.2) With other mega regional trade agreements like the Trans–Pacific Partnership in uncertainty, do you think there is any more rationale for India to join RCEP. Critically analyse

Q.3) Why are the farmers distressed in India? Discuss the steps which Government are taking in recent years to reduce the distress. What more is needed ?

Q.4) Municipal bonds can not only be used to bolster city finances but also improve Governance of Municipal corporations across India. Discuss

Q.5) The problem of non-performing assets (NPAs) in the Indian banking system is said to be big and might affect economic growth of the country. What are the approaches that RBI and government are adopting to clean the banking system of NPAs? Examine.

Q.6) Recently India was ranked 100 in the Global hunger index 2017? Discuss the reasons behind India’s dismal performance and steps Government is taking to address the problem.

Q.7) The recent reduction in Maoist related incidents proves the point that Maoist insurgency could not be tackled only with military approach. Discuss

Q.8) Do you think India is right in opposing WTO deal to end fisheries subsidies? Critically analyse

Q.9) According to the recently released UNESCO’s state of World’s children report less than one-third of India’s internet users are females. Discuss the reasons behind these trends and also its impact on the future condition of women in India.

Q.10) What do you understand by Kyasanur Forest Disease(KFD)? Discuss its threat and what steps should be taken by the Government to eradicate this disease.

Q.11) You are posted in a government office. Your staff is not punctual when it comes to timings as the last officer had no complaints about late coming as long as people did their work efficiently. However, one of your friend who is in other department advices you to be strict with you staff. He tells you that punctuality comes first even if people are doing their work efficiently. You know that your staff though comes late but is well efficient in work and their coming late to office doesn’t have any negative effect on work. What will you do? Will you follow your friend’s advice and be strict with your staff? Discuss the various options that are available to you along with their merits and demerits suggesting which course of action would you take and why?

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/work-culture-in-central-govt-offices-has-changed-under-nda-pm-modi-4770131/

Q.12 You are posted as DSP who is known for his integrity and sense of duty. You find two people violating traffic rules and when you give them challan, they tell you they belong to ruling party and refuse to pay challan. When you insist, they start misbehaving with you. You have a heated argument with them. They ask you to leave them or ask you to be ready to face the consequences. Next day you get a call from a local politician that you should apologise to the party workers else you will be transferred to a remote area. You have lived all your life in metro cities. Even your husband advises you to apologise, as he has a permanent job in the city and if you are transferred you might face family problems. Given below are some options. Discuss them with their merits and demerits. Also suggest which course of action would you take and why? Your course of action could be different from the options given below.

(i) Apologise from the leader so that you are not transferred.

(ii) Asks your husband who also knows some senior minister to help you get out of the matter.

(iii) Be firm on your stand and decide to go to your new posting.

(iv) Highlighting the matter in the media to get more people support.

January 7, 2018
6 Jan 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & [Tikdams]
Dear student,

One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:
1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!
With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams

Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

Q.1) Consider the following statements about the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Status under the World Trade Organisation (WTO):
1. Under MFN, a WTO member country is obliged to treat other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies.
2. India has accorded MFN status to all the WTO members, including Pakistan.
3. This status is given in accordance with the provisions of the General Agreement on Trade and Services under WTO.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) All of the above
Inspired by: Govt says no proposal to review Most Favored Nation status to Pakistan

Tikdam:

Statement 1: The words “Most Favoured” can be elusive in making you think that it is some special and discriminatory treatment but it is not.
Statement 2: The agreement requires every WTO member to extend this status to every other nation and hence India has extended it to all the members. But Pakistan is a defaulter/ violator in this case who has not accorded the MFN status to India. Just because it is a blanket statement having “all” in it, doesn’t mean it is wrong.
Statement 3: This requires specific knowledge and also reading carefully even when you know it well, you might mark it wrong in haste. Read carefully!
In conclusion, even in such a specific question, tikdam can at least help reach near action. But such questions inevitably require some amount of specific information/ knowledge.

Q.2) With reference to the ‘Environment Pollution and Prevention Control Authority (EPCA)’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an SC-mandated body.
2. It has enforced the graded response action plan (GRAP).
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) 1 only
c) 2 only
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Hope for good air

Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding Aerosols
1.Aerosols are tiny particles made from super-fine solid particles only
2.Aerosols can modify the size of existing cloud particles,
and changes the rate of cloud’s reflection and absorption of sunlight .
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q.4) With reference to the ‘Government securities’, consider the following statements:
1. It is a tradable instrument.
2. These securities cannot be issued by the State Governments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired by: Govt seeks Parliament nod for Rs80,000 crore recap bonds

Q.5) With reference to the ‘internal complaints committee (ICC)’ mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013, recently seen in news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It can include member from any NGO working for women’s causes.
2. The constitution of an ICC is compulsory in any branch or office that employs more than 10 people.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) Neither 1 nor 2
b) 1 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) 2 only
Inspired by: Notice to govt. on law for working women

Q.6) Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?
a) State Forest Department
b) District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
c) Tahsildar /Block Development Officer / Mandai Revenue Officer
d) Gram Sabha

Q.7) Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by
a) bacteria
b) protozoa
c) moulds
d) viruses

Q.8) ‘Economic Justice’ the objectives of Constitution has been as one of the Indian provided in
a) the Preamble and Fundamental Rights
b) the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
c) the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy
d) None of the above

IMPORTANT STUFF:

1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

4. Click here for Solutions.
January 6, 2018

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