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  • 15 Dec 2017 | 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 industries use Petcoke as an ingredient?
    1. Cement
    2. Limestone
    3. Furnance oil
    Select the correct option using the codes given below.
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1, 2 and 3
    d) 1 and 3 only
    Inspired by: SC eases petcoke ban for 2 sectors

    Q.2) Which of the following are the functions/activities of the Labour Bureau?
    1. Labour Intelligence
    2. Labour Research
    3. Monitoring and evaluation studies under the Minimum Wages Act 1948.
    Select the correct option using the codes given below.
    a) 1 and 3 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 2 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q.3) With reference to the ‘Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. It is an declaration under the aegis of the WTO.
    2. India has supported this declaration.
    Select the correct option using the codes given below.
    a) Both 1 and 2
    b) 2 only
    c) Neither 1 nor 2
    d) 1 only
    Inspired by: Click2read

    Q.4) With reference to the Brahmaputra river, consider the following statements:
    1. It originates on the Angsi Glacier.
    2. Lohit is one of its tributaries.
    Which of the following statements is/are correct?
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 only
    c) Neither 1 nor 2
    d) Both 1 and 2
    Inspired by: China denies building tunnel to divert Brahmaputra waters

    Q.5) Which of the following agreement/declaration/convention is related to the WTO?
    a) Bonn Agreement
    b) Alpine Convention
    c) Marrakesh Agreement
    d) Fortaleza

    Q.6) In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 what is the role/ power of Gram Sabah?
    1. Gram Sabah has the power to prevent alienation of land in the scheduled area)
    2. Gram Sabah has the ownership of minor forest produce
    3. Recommendation of gram Sabah is required for granting prospecting licence or mining lease for any mineral in the scheduled
    areas.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) 1
    b) 1 and 2 only
    c) 2 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q.7) In the parliament of India, the purpose of an adjournment motion is
    a) to allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance
    b) to leer opposition members collect information from the ministers
    c) to allow a reduction of specific amount in demand for grant
    d) to postpone th proceedings to check the inappropriate or violent behaviour on the part of some members

    Q.8) How does National Biodiversity Authority help in protecting the Indian agriculture?
    1. NBA checks the biopairacy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
    2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
    3 Applications for intellectual property rights related to genetic/ biological resources can not be made without the approval of NBA.
    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
    a) 1
    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

  • Need Help

    I was little bit of less english background(grammar and vocabulary wise) so my query is that I had read the news but when comes to the question there mentioning some high level english which i’m not able to decode them whether it is negative or positive? can anyone please help me regarding how to overcome this.

  • Challenges faced by Livestock sector in India

    Challenges faced by Livestock sector in India

    1. Improving productivity of farm animals is one of the major challenges. The average annual milk yield of Indian cattle is 1172 kg which is only about 50% of the global average.
    2. The Frequent outbreaks of diseases like Food and Mouth Diseases, Black Quarter infection, Influenza etc. continue to affect Livestock health and lowers the productivity.
    3. India’s huge population of ruminants contributes to greenhouse gases emission adding to global warming. Reducing greenhouse gases through mitigation and adaptation strategies will be a major challenge.
    4. Crossbreeding of indigenous species with exotic stocks to enhance genetic potential of different species has been successful only to a limited extent.
    5. Limited Artificial Insemination services owing to a deficiency in quality germplasm, infrastructure and technical manpower coupled with poor conception rate following artificial insemination have been the major impediments. After more than three decades of crossbreeding, the crossbred population is only 16.6% in cattle, 21.5% in pigs and 5.2% in sheep.
    6. The sector will also come under significant adjustment pressure to the emerging market forces. Though globalization will create avenues for increased participation in international trade, stringent food safety and quality norms would be required.
    7. Livestock sector did not receive the policy and financial attention it deserved. The sector received only about 12% of the total public expenditure on agriculture and allied sectors, which is disproportionately lesser than its contribution to agricultural GDP.
    8. The sector has been neglected by the financial institutions. The share of livestock in the total agricultural credit has hardly ever exceeded 4% in the total (short-term, medium-term and long-term). The institutional mechanisms to protect animals against risk are not strong enough.
    9. Currently, only 6% of the animal heads (excluding poultry) are provided insurance cover. Livestock extension has remained grossly neglected in the past. Only about 5% of the farm households in India access information on livestock technology. These indicate an apathetic outreach of the financial and information delivery systems.
    10. Livestock derives a major part of their energy requirement from agricultural byproducts and residues. Hardly 5% of the cropped area is utilized to grow fodder. India is deficit in dry fodder by 11%, green fodder by 35% and concentrates feed by 28%. The common grazing lands too have been deteriorating quantitatively and qualitatively.
    11. Access to markets is critical to speed up commercialization of livestock production. Lack of access to markets may act as a disincentive to farmers to adopt improved technologies and quality inputs. Except for poultry products and to some extent for milk, markets for livestock and livestock products are underdeveloped, irregular, uncertain and lack transparency. Further, these are often dominated by informal market intermediaries who exploit the producers.
    12. Likewise, slaughtering facilities are too inadequate. About half of the total meat production comes from un-registered, make-shift slaughterhouses. Marketing and transaction costs of livestock products are high taking 15-20% of the sale price.
    13. Other Major Challenges faced by the sector are:
    • Inadequate availability of credit.
    • Poor accesses to organized markets deprive farmers of proper milk price.
    • Limited availability of quality breeding bulls.
    • Deficiency of vaccines and vaccination set-up.
    • Due to industrialization and Urbanization Majority of grazing lands are either degraded or encroached.
    • Diversion of feed and fodder ingredients for industrial use.

  • 14 Dec 2017 | 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 statement about the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill (FRDI),

    1. It provides for establishment of a resolution corporation with powers relating to transfer of assets to a healthy financial firm, merger or amalgamation, liquidation.

    2. The Bill says that in case of a bank failure, the proposed corporation will not provide any kind of deposit insurance to the depositors.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a) 2 only

    b) Neither 1 nor 2

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) 1 only

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Perils of going cashless

    Q.2) Moreh which is recently in news since it is a place from where India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) highway will begin is in which Indian state?

    a) Manipur

    b) Mizoram

    c) Nagaland

    d)Assam

    Inspired by: Govt, ASEAN in talks to take IMT highway up to Vietnam

    Q.3) With reference to the ‘Promissory note’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a legal instrument.

    2. In special circumstances, it is called Negotiable Instrument.

    Select the correct opion using the codes given below.

    a) Neither 1 nor 2

    b) 1 only

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) 2 only

    Inspired by: Electoral bonds likely to carry validity of 15 days

    Q.4) With reference to the ‘Electoral Bonds’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. They cannot be issued against cheque.

    2.  Required amendments to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (Section 31(3)) and the Representation of People Act, 1951 were already made, for the issuing of these bonds.

    Select the correct option using the codes given below.

    a) Both 1 and 2

    b) 2 only

    c) Neither 1 nor 2

    d) 1 only

    Inspired by: Electoral bonds likely to carry validity of 15 days

    Q.5) Which of the following organisation publishes ‘Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)’, sometimes seen in news?

    a) Central Council of Indian Medicine

    b) World Health Organisation

    c) Students Working Against Tobacco

    d) None of the above

    Inspired by: Maharashtra FDA approaches law and judiciary dept over ban on e-cigarettes

    Q.6) Consider the following agricultural practices:

    1. Contour bunding

    2. Relay cropping

    3. Zero tillage

    In the context of global climate change, which of the above helps/help in carbon sequestration/ storage in the soil?

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 3 only

    c) 1, 2 and 3

    d) None of them

    Q.7) What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?

    1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected)

    2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected)

    3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 only

    c) 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q.8) Vultures used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to

    a) the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species

    b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle

    c) Scarcity of food available to them

    d) a widespread, persistant and fatal disease among them

     

    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

  • 13 Dec 2017 | 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) With reference to the ‘Trade Facilitation Agreement’, sometimes seen in news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. It is an accord to simplify customs regulations for the cross-border movement of goods.
    2. The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) entered into force on 22 February 2017.
    3. India has not ratified the agreement yet.
    Select the correct option using the codes given below.
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 1 and 3 only
    c) 2 and 3 only
    d) 1 only
    Inspired by: Click2read

    Tikdam:

    The second statement looks tough, since student who is following newspaper may be aware of the TFA and its details but he may or may not be aware of factual things like when it entered into force. It is extremely tough to remember exact date when any agreement or accord entered into force. However ignore the date you can still solve this question without even knowing the exact date by using a bit of smartness.-If you are reading newspaper you must be aware with the fact that India has ratified TFA and not only India has ratified, it has also created Trade facilitation council for the implementation of the TFA. Thus once you eliminate statement 3 you will automatically get the answer without even knowing the first2 statements.

    Q.2) The primary aim of the Australian Group, sometimes seen in news is to help member countries to identify those exports which need to be controlled so as not to contribute to the spread of which of the following types of weapons?
    1. Chemical
    2. Biological
    3. Nuclear
    Select the correct option using the codes given below.
    a) 1 and 3 only
    b) 1, 2 and 3
    c) 1 and 2 only
    d) 1 and 2 only
    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] In an elite club: On India’s Wassenaar entry

    Q,3) ‘The State of the World’s Children’ report, recently seen in news, was published by which of the following organisation?
    a) Save the Children
    b) UNICEF
    c) Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation
    d) None of the above
    Inspired by: Click2read

    Q.4) With reference to the ‘Advertising Standards Council of India’, consider the following statements:
    1. It is a non-Government body.
    2. Government has directed that ads violating ASCI code cannot be permitted on TV.
    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: Govt bans condom ads from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. because they are “indecent”

    Q.5) Consider the following statements about Wassenaar Arrangement:
    1. It was established in 1996 to contribute to regional and international security and stability by promoting transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies, thus preventing destabilizing accumulations.
    2.All permanent members of UN Security Council are its members.
    Which of the following statement is/are correct?
    a) Only 1
    b) 1 and 2
    c) Only 2
    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q.6) What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
    a) Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi­desert areas of cold high mountains
    b) Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
    c) Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north east India only.
    d) None of the statements given above is correct.

    Q.7) Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?
    1. Global warming
    2. Fragmentation of habitat
    3. Invasion of alien species
    4. Promotion of vegetarianism
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 4 only
    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Q.8) Consider the following:
    1. Black necked crane
    2. Cheetah
    3. Flying squirrel
    4. Snow leopard
    Which of the above are naturally found in India?
    a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    c) 2 and 4 only
    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    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

  • 12 Dec 2017 | 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) With reference to the ‘G33 countries’, sometimes seen in news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. All of its member countries are Developing Countries.

    2. It deals with concerns regarding agriculture in relation to World Trade Organisation negotiations.

    3.India is not a member of G33 group.

    Select the correct option using the codes given below.

    a) 1 and 3

    b) 2 and 3

    c) 1 and 2

    d) All of the above

    Inspired by: WTO: diverse views fuel bleak prospect for outcomes

    Tikdam:

    It is very obvious that India as a leader of Developing countries is expected to be member of any coalition of developing countries in WTO. If you are reading news-papers carefully you must be aware with the fact that G33 is dominated by India and after/before every WTO ministerial summit there is always meeting among G33 countries and usually it is presided by India. Once you eliminate statement 3 you will automatically get the answer without even knowing other 2 statements.

    Q.2) The ‘Digital Infopedia’ platform, recently seen in news, is established under

    a) Digital India Initiative

    b) World Trade Organisation

    c) United Nations General Assembly

    d) International Solar Alliance

    Q.3) Which of the following characteristics best describe atomic/physical properties of ‘Heavy Metals’?

    1. High Density

    2. Low Atomic weight

    3. Low Atomic number

    Select the correct option using the codes given below.

    a) 1, 2 and 3

    b)1 and 3 only

    c) 2 and 3 only

    d) 1 only

    Inspired by: Govt plans study to settle dispute over use of PET bottles for medicines

    Q.4) Accoring to a decision by Health Ministry, state-run National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) will assess the health impact of the use of PET bottles to package medicines. PET bottles are made up of a

    a) Heavy metal

    b) Polymer

    c) Light Metal

    d) Metalloid

    Inspired by: Govt plans study to settle dispute over use of PET bottles for medicines

    Q.5) Consider the following statement about advertisement standards council of India:

    1.It is a regulatory organization under the Ministry of information & broadcasting.

    2.ASCI seeks to ensure that advertisement confirm to its Code for Regulation.

    Which of the following statement is/are correct?

    a)    Only 1

    b)    Only 2

    c)    Both 1 and 2

    d)    Neither 1 and 2

    Inspired by: Govt bans condom ads from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. because they are “indecent”

    Q.6) Consider the following kinds of organisms:

    1. Bat

    2. Bee

    3. Bird

    which of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 only

    c) 1 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q.7) Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

    a) Great Indian bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

    b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetah, Blue Bull, GIB

    c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey, Saras (Crane)

    d) Lion Tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur, Cheetah

    Q.8) Consider the following statements:

    If there were no phenomenon of capillarity

    1. it would be difficult to use a kerosene lamp

    2. one would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft drink

    3. the blotting paper would paper would fail to function

    4. the big trees that we see around would not have grown on the earth

    Which of the following 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

     

    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

  • I am searching for The Environmental Laws and Acts in India .

    what are the Environmental Acts and Laws enacted by CPCB?

  • I want help regarding prelims..

    As I am preparing for prelims, what content should I refer
    Especially for economics?

  • 11 Dec 2017 | 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.

    Q1) Which of the following was a non-violent peasant agitation in India?

    a) Telangana stuggle

    b) Bardoli movement

    c) Naxalbari peasant Uprising

    d) Tebhaga Movement

    Tikdam:

    If you know, the leader of the Bardoli Peasant movement was Sardar Patel. Then, you can easily figure out, it must be on Gandhian Prinicples(i.e. peaceful) as Patel was a great follower of Gandhi. Tittle ‘Sardar’ was given by Gandhi to Sardar Patel.

    Q,2) With reference to the ‘Gross fixed capital formation(GFCF)’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a macroeconomic concept.

    2. It shows how much of the new value added in the economy is invested rather than consumed.

    3. It is not a measure of total investment.

    Select the correct option using the codes given below.

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 and 3 only

    c) 1 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3

    Answer: (d)

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Getting back on track

    Q.3) Which of the following organisms are known (in some special cases) to have Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) ability to stop an antimicrobial from working against it?

    1. Bacteria

    2. Virus

    3. Parasites

    Select the correct option using the codes given below.

    a) 2 and 3 only

    b) 1 and 3 only

    c) 1, 2 and 3

    d) 1 and 2 only

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Living in a world of emerging microbial resistance

    Q.4) ‘Ajeya Warrior’, recently seen in news, is a periodic military exercise between/among which of the following countries?

    1. India

    2. United Kingdom

    3. Nepal

    Select the correct option using the codes given below.

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 and 3 only

    c) 1, 2 and 3

    d) 1 and 3 only

    Inspired by: Joint Indo-UK military exercise focusing on inter-operability

    Q.5) The National Action Plan on Antimicrobialm 2017 primarily focusses on

    a) limiting antibiotics in effluent being dumped by drug makers into the environment

    b) getting people to cut down on unnecessary antibiotic consumption

    c) spreading awareness about threats from anntimicrobial resisitance.

    d) None of the above

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Living in a world of emerging microbial resistance

    Q.6) Consider the following statements:

    1. The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India)

    2. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west.

    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

    Q.7) Which one of the following is the characteristic climate of the Tropical Savannah Region?

    a) Rainfall throughout the year

    b) Rainfall in winter only

    c) An extremely short dry season

    d) A definite dry and wet season

    Q.8) In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?

    a) Biosphere reserves

    b) National parks

    c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar convention

    d) Wildlife sanctuaries

     

    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

  • Weekly Gyaan with Dr. V | Priority 1 news items from 1-7 Dec 2017

    #1. [op-ed snap] Stand up against torture

    Importance level: HIGH

    Prelims worthy: Convention Against Torture (CAT). UPSC has been asking 1-2 conventions every year in prelims and mains. Example they asked a question on ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’ in 2016

    Mains worthy: How lack of ratification of this convention is undermining India’s prestige in the world. How ratification of this convention will further the cause of human rights in India

    Short Summary: India has been making promises of ratifying CAT but doesn’t seem intent on keeping them

    The Prevention of Torture Bill, 2010 was a big step taken to include various forms of torture in consideration such as food deprivation, sleep deprivation, sound bombardment, electric shocks etc. which are used by Indian police force. But bill was allowed to lapse

    By showing that it has no intention of combating the issues related to its own forces and of implementing its promises made to the UN, India has undermined its own prestige

    Read full op-ed here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-stand-up-against-torture/

    #2 Boost for exports as Government announces more incentives

    Importance level: HIGH

    Prelims worthy: MEIS, SEIS, Foreign trade policy 2015-20

    Mains worthy: Ease of doing business, steps taken by Government to arrest slowdown in exports

    Short summary: Government announced additional incentives to help boost exports in its mid-term review of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020

    The mid-term review aims to promote exports by simplification of processes and enhance support to high employment sectors

    Various other steps have been taken to make processes relating to trade simpler like: Self certification scheme for duty free imports, single point electronic contact to traders with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade for trade and consignment related queries and creating a logistics division in the department of commerce

    Read full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/trade-sector-updates/#post-93986

    #3 The unfortunate consequences of GST anti-profiteering rules

    Importance level: Medium

    Prelims worthy: anti-profiteering rules

    Mains worthy: ill-effects of anti-profiteering rules and reasons behind ill-effect

    Short summary: India may adopt a product-specific approach similar to that of Australia to ensure that the full benefit of price reductions due to the goods and services tax (GST) is passed onto consumers

    Australia, Malaysia, Canada and New Zealand are some countries where anti-profiteering or similar provisions have been put in place but were not successful

    This happened because movement in prices is also a function of the demand-supply scenario and such provision can work only when things like raw material costs do not swing sharply

    Read full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/goods-and-services-tax/#post-93982

    #4. UAE and Saudi form new group separate from GCC

    Importance level: Medium

    Prelims worthy: GCC and its members

    Mains worthy: Geopolitics of Middle east and its impact on India

    Short summary: UAE announced it has formed a new economic and political partnership group with Saudi Arabia, separate from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

    Known as Joint cooperation committee, it is assigned to cooperate and coordinate between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in all military, political, economic, trade and cultural fields, as well as others, in the interest of the two countries

    Read full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/foreign-policy-watch-india-middle-east/#post-93978

    #5. [op-ed snap] From Plate to Plough: Agri-futures, like China

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: What is Agri-future?

    Mains worthy: Need of agri-future in India, issues in India’s Agri-future infrastructure,lessons which India should take from China

    Short Summary: In November, prices of most major kharif crops crashed below their respective minimum support prices (MSPs), triggering farm distress

    Agrifutures are futures contracts in which the underlying assets come from the raising of crops and/or animals. That is, the underlying asset of an agricultural futures contract may be a direct product of the earth, such as corn or beef, or a derivative, such as high fructose corn syrup

    The agri-futures market was introduced in the early 1990s in China and by 2016, it was at the top of global chart. India needs to take lessons from China in order to improve agricultural economy

    Read full op-ed here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/agricultural-marketing-reforms/#post-93925

    #6. [op-ed snap] Bail-in doubts — on financial resolution legislation

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: Not much

    Mains worthy: Key features of the ordinance, issues with the ordinance. How does the ordinance affects freedom of speech and expression

    Short Summary: Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017, introduced in Parliament this August, has caused great anxiety about the safety of funds parked by millions of households in bank deposits

    There are fears that it will enable banks to be ‘bailed in’ by depositors’ funds rather than being ‘bailed out’ by taxpayers (or potential buyers)

    A bail-in is rescuing a financial institution on the brink of failure by making its creditors and depositors take a loss on their holdings. A bail-in is the opposite of a bail-out, which involves the rescue of a financial institution by external parties, typically governments using taxpayers money

    Read full op-ed here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/2017/12/05/#post-93914

    #7. Rajasthan ordinance that sought to shield public servants from probe lapses

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: Not much

    Mains worthy: Key features of the ordinance, issues with the ordinance.How does the ordinance affects freedom of speech and expression

    Short summary: The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 which sought to shield judges, magistrates and public servants from investigation lapsed as it was not passed by assembly

    The government in Rajasthan had promulgated an ordinance providing for prior sanction for investigation against public servants, judges and magistrates for acts done “in discharge of official duties”

    As per rules, if the Assembly fails to pass the Bill, the Ordinance automatically lapses after six weeks from the date of being tabled as a Bill

    Read full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/2017/12/05/#post-93916

    Further reads: Provisions related to promulgation of ordinance, powers of president and government in this regard, exceptions etc.

    #8 India is biggest importer of U.S. oil refinery by-product ‘petcoke’

    US exporting dirty fuel to already pollution choked India

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: What is petcoke?

    Mains worthy:  Impact of Petcoke use in India and views of experts,government and SC on petcoke

    Short summary: US oil refineries that are unable to sell a dirty fuel waste product (petcoke) at home are exporting vast quantities of it to India instead

    Petroleum coke, the leftover from refining Canadian tar sands and other heavy crude, is cheaper and burns hotter than coal. It also contains more planet-warming carbon and far more heart and lung-damaging sulfur

    The petcoke burned in countless factories and plants is contributing to dangerously filthy air in India

    Read full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/foreign-policy-watch-india-us/#post-93706

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/india-is-biggest-importer-of-u-s-oil-refinery-by-product-petcoke/#post-93853

    #9. Government to enable skilled persons bag jobs abroad

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: Not much

    Mains worthy: Steps being taken by Government for skilling people. Skill development has become a hot topic for UPSC.In both 2015 and 2016 mains they asked question related to skill development

    Short summary: India plans to make it easier for masons, carpenters and plumbers, among other skilled persons, to get jobs overseas

    Information Asymmetry exists across the globe for different skills and the basic minimum certification required for each skill in different countries

    Government had announced the launch of 50 India International Skill Centres to impart training to youth under the Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana. The idea was to increase the employability and acceptability of Indian youth on global platforms

    Read full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/skilling-india/#post-93839

    #10. New direct taxes code aims for lower rates, wider base

    [op-ed snap] Towards a new direct tax system

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: Not much

    Mains worthy: Why we need reforms in our direct tax laws.What should be the feature of new tax system

    Short summary: Aim of the new direct taxes code is to get more people to pay direct taxes and to take the direct tax-to-GDP ratio to as close to 18% as possible.

    The current direct tax-to-GDP ratio is 5.6%. Including direct taxes and indirect taxes, this is currently 10.8% of GDP (excluding state taxes). This is likely to increase because of the unified goods and services tax introduced this year.

    Indian state has to depend a lot on indirect taxes, which are fundamentally regressive. Proportion of direct taxes in the total pool has to increase further to make the tax system more progressive.

    Read full news and op-ed here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/tax-reforms/#post-93834

    Further reads: Direct and indirect taxes in India, authorities related to them and reasons behind low tax compliance

    #11. [op-ed snap] An opportunity for India

    Importance level: Medium

    Prelims worthy: Not much

    Mains worthy: The importance of Clinical Trials,Why India is lagging behind in clinical trials and steps taken by the government regarding the trials

    Short summary: It is time India creates a favourable environment for clinical trials as it has a huge talent pool and growing demand for innovation in drugs and medical devices to address the rising disease burden

    According to the Journal of Clinical Research and Bioethics, India represents 17.5% of the world’s population but conducts only 1.4% of global clinical research.  This is because the regulatory system in India for clinical research has become increasingly a deterrent for biopharmaceutical and device companies which sponsor clinical trials

    The Government has proposed waiving off clinical trials for those drugs that have already proved their efficacy in developed markets. More such steps need to be taken

    Read full op-ed here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/innovation-ecosystem-in-india/#post-93819

    #12. [pib] Star Rating Protocol for Garbage Free Cities Introduced

    Importance level: Medium

    Prelims worthy: Star rating protocol for garbage free cities

    Mains worthy: Urbanisation challenges

    Short summary: A star rating protocol for garbage free cities has been introduced

    It will focus on the issue of cleanliness of community and public toilets. There is a concerted drive to seek user feedback for CT/PTs through the Google toilet locator and Swachhata app

    Local bodies will be uploading all community / public toilets in cities on Google maps under the Business listing category, integrating with Swachhata app

    Read full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/managing-indias-growing-waste/#post-93717

    #13. [pib] SAUBHAGYA Scheme launched in Manipur

    Importance worthy: High

    Prelims worthy: Saubhagya scheme, First State where the scheme is launched

    Mains worthy: Significance of Saubhagya scheme,challenges in its implementation

    Short summary: The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) was launched in Manipur

    Saubhagya is a scheme launched to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of the Country by Government of India. People would get 24×7 power supply by March, 2019

    For achieving this target, the Government has already given obligation to private companies to provide 24×7 power supply to every household

    Read about all important government schemes here in this listicle:

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1arK69byj5rzHFaN3Wlo-9uA9B_cIrrKuf5_PpcJQxbI/edit?usp=sharing

    #14. Instant triple talaq: Draft Law

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: Sarkaria commission

    Mains worthy: Rights of Women vs minority rights; State’s role in people’s religion

    Short summary: Centre has drawn up a draft law to stop the practice of instant triple talaq or talaq-e-bidat

    The draft law applies to instant triple talaq in “oral, written, electronic or any other form”. Instant triple talaq or talaq-e-bidat will be a “cognizable and non-bailable” offence

    In view of the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission, the Centre has forwarded the draft law to states and asked them to send their views soon

    Read full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/uniform-civil-code/#post-93708

    Further reads: Provisions in constitution and various statutes to safeguard women, Uniform civil code, various marriage acts

    #15. Way to remove poll commissioners vague

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: Appointment and removal of Election Commissioners

    Mains worthy: Electoral reforms,issue of vagueness in the procedure for of removal Election Commissioners and its implication on independence of E.C.

    Short summary: A PIL petition pointing out the vagueness in the procedure for removal of Election Commissioners, saying it affects the Election Commission’s autonomy was filed in Supreme court

    Though the proviso to Article 324 (5) of the Constitution safeguards the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) from arbitrary removal, the same provision is silent about the procedure for removal of the two Election Commissioners. It only provides that they cannot be removed from office except on the recommendation of the CEC

    The CEC and the Election Commissioners enjoy the same decision-making powers which are suggestive of the fact that their powers are at par with each other and thus Election Commissioners should be with the same protection against arbitrary removal as the Chief Election Commissioner

    Read the full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/electoral-reforms-in-india/#post-93690

    Further reads: Appointment of Election commissioners, functioning of election commission

    #16. Cabinet nod to nutrition mission

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: National Nutrition Mission, A question regarding this mission was also asked in UPSC Prelims 2017

    Mains worthy: Steps taken by Government to counter hunger & Malnutrition in India

    Short summary: The Union Cabinet approved the launch of National Nutrition Mission with a target to reduce malnutrition and low birth weight by 2% each year

    The core idea behind the mission is to converge all the existing programmes on a single platform

    The mission targets to bring down stunting in children and anaemia among young children, women and adolescent girls by 3% every year

    Read full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/hunger-and-nutrition-issues/#post-93682

    #17. All you need to know about the Transgender Persons Bill, 2016

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: Transgender rights bill, Private members bill, IPC

    Mains worthy: Significance and issues in the current Transgender persons bill,2016

    Short summary: Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016, which was tabled in the Lok Sabha in August 2016, is set to be reintroduced in the winter session of Parliament

    India’s transgender community is up in arms, since they believe the legislation meant to safeguard their interests only serves to undermine their right to life and livelihood

    The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014, was introduced as a Private Member’s Bill in the Rajya Sabha and had many progressive clauses and many of them have been removed or toned down in the new bill

    Read the full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-transgender-persons-bill-2016/#post-93600

    Further reads: Private members bill, provisions related to vulnerable sections of society

    #18. New Delhi caught by surprise as Maldives seals FTA with China

    Importance level: High

    Prelims worthy: FTA

    Mains worthy: Effects of FTA between China and Maldives on India-Maldives relations

    Short summary: Maldives rammed through its Free Trade Agreement with China in the Maldivian parliament in a session attended by only 30 out of 85 members

    The haste with which the government decided to pass the pact is being perceived as Maldives trying to cosy up to China

    This is Maldives’s first FTA with any country, and China’s second FTA with any country in South Asia after Pakistan. Maldivian government has extended invitations to establish free trade agreements with countries including Japan, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and countries of the European Union but it doesn’t name India in this list

    Read full news here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/foreign-policy-watch-india-maldives/#post-93625

    #19. [op-ed snap] Responsibility without power

    Importance worthy: High

    Prelims worthy: Article 239AA

    Mains worthy: UPSC has asked question on this topic in 2016 mains.Limitations of article 239AA

    Short summary: The problem of jurisdictional conflicts between Delhi’s elected government and the lieutenant governor (LG) is attributable to Article 239AA of the Indian Constitution

    Two important questions that emanate are:

    • Whether the elected government is the final authority in respect of matters assigned to it by the Constitution?
    • Whether the LG has primacy when a difference of opinion arises between him and his council of ministers on matters of governance?

    Westing of all powers in the LG in respect of matters which come within the jurisdiction of the assembly is not in conformity with the scheme of Article 239 AA.

    Read full op-ed here:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/delhi-statehood/#post-93602

    Further reads: Special provisions in Constitution for some states and UTs

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