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  • Can a married woman crack IAS Exam? Manju Adure did and you can too!

    Background

    She began preparations for Civil Services exam with an objective of being successful and building a good career. She knew she would either emerge successful or exit the field as a learned person.

    Her journey

    In 2011, she first attempted Prelims. Naive and enthusiastic, she took the exam just after reading TMH (Tata McGraw Hill), and as expected she couldn’t clear Prelims that year. In 2012, she lost her selection because she took CSAT for granted. In 2013, she got married and there was a brief hiatus of one year.

    By January 2014, she was back to her preparations. Marriage made her a stronger person. It never posed as a hindrance to the preparations. She managed home and was also studying for the exams. She in fact became a more efficient and responsible person.

    In her third attempt, she only banked upon online preparation. She realised that practice was essential to break the jinx of not clearing Prelims before. Unfortunately, this time too she could not make it to the Final List after clearing mains with her limited preparations.

    After the CSE result of 2014, she was left with hardly a month to prepare for prelims of CSE 2015. She took test series that helped her in a very quick revision and it was extremely helpful in clearing the exam.

    A good test series covers entire syllabus and helps in retaining the information. In addition to the regular syllabus, the test series covered India Year Book, Various Government reports, Old question papers & Current affairs. Following study schedule and test schedule boosts one’s confidence in the preparation.

    Don’ts of the exam

    Giving first attempt with no knowledge of the exam at all is absolutely wrong as it leads to losing a precious attempt and creates a mental block, especially when one talks about the number of attempts one have made.

    A belief that reading more would help in formulating ideas and one can automatically reproduce them on paper is wrong.

    Tips

    UPSC preparation teaches its aspirants to see things in a more positive and focused way. The unsuccessful attempts and years lost are not waste, they go a long way in contributing to making one an emotionally stronger person. The strength and convictions derived from such strenuous circumstances keeps you motivated.

    Do not ever undervalue or overestimate your skills.

    About half the questions being asked in Mains can very well be attempted if one has a decent understanding of current political and social events.

    Accept that there is very little time and you have to utilise most of it. In my third attempt, she could read the syllabus only once and did not practice writing at all.

    Whereas, in the fourth attempt, in a span of three and half months she managed to read the syllabus three times, revise it, and take 30 mock tests. One has to learn how to use the time at hand efficiently.

    There is no scope for procrastination, framing and reframing of the timetables and making excuses as one has to stick to a tight schedule.

    Perseverance, determination, and hard work coupled with a respect towards one’s decisions goes a long way in defining one’s life – whether one qualifies the exam or not.

  • 7 Oct 2016 | Target Mains: GS Questions & DNA Framework

    GS1 (Not strictly a GS1 topic, but still answer it!)

    Recently genetically modified crops and seeds have been in the news. Should GM crops be allowed? Discuss with special reference to environment and biodiversity.

    Demand – What are the issues related to GM crops.

    Approach –

    – What are GM crops? (2 marks)

    – What are the concerns that make them controversial? (2 marks)

    – What are the concerns relating to their effects on environment and biodiversity? (2 marks)

    GS2 (International relations)

    West Asia is an important region for India. Are we giving less attention to it in light of the Look East policy? Are better ties with Israel and Iran leading to problems with other West Asian nations?

    Demand – Analyse the relations with West Asian nations given the Look East policy and improving relations with Iran and Israel.

    Approach –

    – Importance and relation with West Asia. (3 marks)

    – Is there an impact from the Look East policy? (2 marks)

    – Do improving relations with Iran endanger relations with Saudi Arabia etc? (5 marks)

    GS3 (Impacts on Indian economy)

    Many multilateral trade treaties are being discussed around the world such as TPP, RCEP etc. What are these trade treaties? How can they impact the present international trade structure as evolved under WTO? How can they impact India?

    Demand – Discuss effects of multilateral trade treaties and impact on India.

    Approach –

    – How are these treaties different from bilateral treaties and WTO? (3 marks)

    – What will be their effect on existing trade structure? (3.5 marks)

    – Impact on India. (3.5 marks)

    GS4 (Case study)

    You are studying a remote tribe. They consider their territory to be very important and don’t want to move away from there. It has cultural significance and its loss would deal a huge blow to their culture. Somehow you come to realise that the location also has rich uranium reserves. There is intense global warming and carbon neutral sources such as nuclear power are very important at that time. These reserves would be very important for the nation. What would your course of action be?

    Demand and Approach – No hints in case studies!

  • 7 Oct 2016 | GS4 | You are studying a remote tribe. They consider their territory to be very important and don’t want to move away from there. It has cultural significance and its loss would deal a huge blow to their culture. Somehow you come to realise that the location also has rich uranium reserves. There is intense global warming and carbon neutral sources such as nuclear power are very important at that time. These reserves would be very important for the nation. What would your course of action be?

    GS4 (Case study)

    You are studying a remote tribe. They consider their territory to be very important and don’t want to move away from there. It has cultural significance and its loss would deal a huge blow to their culture. Somehow you come to realise that the location also has rich uranium reserves. There is intense global warming and carbon neutral sources such as nuclear power are very important at that time. These reserves would be very important for the nation. What would your course of action be?

    Best answer

    Ashutosh Namdeo wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Development and tribal culture and environment have been at the loggerheads ever since India has quickened on its growth path. Policymakers have attempted to walk this tightrope by striking a balance between the two and same would be my intention as I approach this case
    Before moving any further I will ascertain my finding and if needed take some reliable technical help
    Now I have four courses in front of me
    Firstly I can write to science and tech department and department of tribal affairs and leave the matter at their discretion
    Pros
    a)my conscience will rest assure that ultimate result of my action will be development of nation
    b)tribals can bargain for hefty compensation and resettlement with the help of which they can find new and sustainable sources of livelihood
    Cons
    a)possible eviction of tribals without their consent
    b)threat to tribal culture
    Secondly, I can inform gram sabha and seek its opinion
    Pros
    a)gram sabha can make informed choice as regards the future of their own culture
    b)I will have the option of putting forward the argument of national need before them thus setting in a process of introspection
    c)gram sabha can decide its terms and condition and comprehensive letter can be sent to department
    Cons
    a)possibility that gram sabha will sideline all deliberation
    b)fear psychosis may set amidst the tribals in anticipation of losing their land and thus creating unrest
    c)gram sabha takes an extremist stand and prepare themselves to resort to all possible measures if they are forced out of their land
    d)there is a possible threat to my life
    Thirdly I can start a process of trust building with tribals and identify a few informed individuals among them and try to set in process of dialogue through them
    Pros
    a)tribals will not make any knee jerk reaction
    b)chances of some halfway solutions from the dialogue that sets in
    Cons
    a)tribals can pressurise me not to disclose the information
    Fourthly, I can write to some qualified sociologist who has experience of working with these tribals and seek his help in charting the future course
    Pros
    a)smoother dialogue and more fruitful outcomes
    b)I will be better informed of the consequences in event of writing to government departments
    Cons
    a)possibility of information leak and its misuse
    As a citizen my country i have a civic duty to use my knowledge for its betterment but a human being I have moral duty to be equally sensitive to the rights of fellow beings. Thus keeping full faith and trust in government and its commitment to ensure welfare of every citizen I will take the fourth course whereby I will ensure that both gram sabha and government gets informed.

  • 7 Oct 2016 | GS3 | Many multilateral trade treaties are being discussed around the world such as TPP, RCEP etc. What are these trade treaties? How can they impact the present international trade structure as evolved under WTO? How can they impact India?

    GS3 (Impacts on Indian economy)

    Many multilateral trade treaties are being discussed around the world such as TPP, RCEP etc. What are these trade treaties? How can they impact the present international trade structure as evolved under WTO? How can they impact India?

    Best answer

    Srishti Srivastava wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    TPP, TTIP and RCEP are plurilateral agreements that seek to liberalise trade regimes by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers within a regional bloc, thereby leading to an increase in volume of trade and investment activities in the regional bloc.
    Trade structure under WTO is multilateral and not plurilateral. Thus, it is more inclusive when it comes to sharing benefits of a liberalised trade regime with all its members. On the other hand, TPP, RCEP AND TTIP will: –
    1. Shift the trade flows from “non-member to member” regime to “member to member” regime within the respective regional bloc.
    2. Competitiveness in terms of price and quality may be compromised in a bid to derive benefits of low tariffs within the regional bloc rather than better quality outside the bloc.
    3. Increased participation in Global Value chains
    4. Traditional industries, SMEs may be the worst hit
    5. Standards with respect to labour, environment, IPR may be set higher, resulting in non-member countries losing out on trade.

    Impact on India:
    1. India may lose out on trade as it not a part of TPP, TTIP
    2. As a part of RCEP, it may gain from an agreement on services but lose out in terms of its agricultural trade.
    3. Trade deficit with China may increase.
    4. High standards in terms of IPR, labour and environment may become a norm or the default minimum. Thus, non-member countries will have to work towards enhancing capabilities in these areas.
    5. Better cooperation with ASEAN due to RCEP
    With plurilateral agreements fast gaining ground, India cannot choose to stay away from them. Rather, it must put across its concerns and pursue its interests to get the maximum out of RCEP, “obstructionist” claims notwithstanding. It must simultaneously work towards enhancing its standards of production by enhanced Bureau of Indian Standards certification system. In this way, competitiveness as well as protectionism will be balanced for a favourable business environment.

  • 7 Oct 2016 | GS2 | West Asia is an important region for India. Are we giving less attention to it in light of the Look East policy? Are better ties with Israel and Iran leading to problems with other West Asian nations?

    GS2 (International relations)

    West Asia is an important region for India. Are we giving less attention to it in light of the Look East policy? Are better ties with Israel and Iran leading to problems with other West Asian nations?

    Best answer

    Shashank Pander wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    For an energy starve country battling with the menace of terrorism and harbouring a huge population, the region of West Asia is truly a perfect trade partner as:
    1. Around 60% of oil is imported from the region.
    2. Large number of migrants move to the region to work in both blue collar and lately white collar jobs.
    3. The sovereign wealth funds of these countries are potential investments in infrastructure sector.
    4. Partnership on counter terrorism (like that with Saudi Arabia).
    5. As a gateway to Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan (INSTC, Ashgabat Agreement, IRan partnership)

    Although look east has Beena defining policy for India for some while, there has been limited involvement in West Asia, mainly because:
    1. Political and security turmoil in the region.
    2. The inability to forge a balanced relationships with players having different ambitions, for instance;
    – the strife between Iran and Saudi Arabia, has limited our options in getting closer to any one or both of them.
    – the animosity between Israel and Arab world has challenged our security related partnership with Israel and energy related partnership with GcC.

    Because of the deep ethnic divide between Shias and Sunnis (and to some extent the Jews), the whole region has been divided into spheres of influence that has made making inroads rather difficult.

    In such a scenario, perhaps the best way forward would be to work on commonalities that each has with various groups without irritating the other faction – a sort of revival of West Asian NAM, by:
    1. Exploring common anti terrorism and work immigration ties with Saudi Arabia along with the age old oil relations.
    2. Working with Iran over regional connectivity and refraining from military arrangements.
    3. Technical areas of convergence like cleaning Ganga, agriculture and defence I prts without any explicit military level engagement.

    The challenge is to balance the three legged chair, albeit of different lengths – Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iran.

  • 7 Oct 2016 | GS1 | Recently genetically modified crops and seeds have been in the news. Should GM crops be allowed? Discuss with special reference to environment and biodiversity.

    GS1 (Not strictly a GS1 topic, but still answer it!)

    Recently genetically modified crops and seeds have been in the news. Should GM crops be allowed? Discuss with special reference to environment and biodiversity.

    Best answer

    Namrata Rai wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Genetically modified crops are those crops whose genes are modified by genetic engineering to insert new traits like pesticide resistance, increased nutritional value, etc.
    After the public furore over Bt Brinjal, GEAC’s approval for Bt Mustard has again brought the protests to limelight.
    The resistance is ascribed to impacts these crops have on Environment and biodiversity –
    1. Opponents say these crops are not enough researched upon and may have unknown effects like anti-biotic resistance development, allergies, etc.
    2. Cross contamination of other crops may lead to rise of “superweeds”.
    3. May wipe out species due to unknown mutational effects.
    4. BT Cotton’s failure to fight pink bollworms defeats the idea of creation of the BT variety.
    5. Also monopoly of few global giants has made seeds unaffordable for farmers.
    6. Bt crops need a lot of water degrading the already scarce resource.

    However they are considered ‘Environment friendly’ because –
    1. They need less pesticides preventing contamination of soil and water.
    2. They selectively target species not hurting the ecological food chains.

    Essentially, the repercussions are dangerous for the environment hence should be avoided. This has also been acknowledged in various protocols like Cartagena, Nagoya Protocol, etc.
    Hence, Governments should enhance conventional crops’ quality via research. Proper implementation of National Farmers Policy holds the way ahead.

  • bookmark option

    sir please provide bookmark option for dekstop also .

  • 7 Oct 2016 | Prelims Daily: CA Questions with Tikdams & Tidbits

    Dear students,

    When you submit your answer, if possible, give some reasoning & more info. along with the ABACAA format. Elaborate on what you know. This helps the whole community to know more and learn more!

    Q.1) Consider following statements in regard to ‘World Sustainable Development Summit’.

    1. The objective of summit is to creating environmental consciousness and promoting leadership to tackle the challenges of climate change.

    2. The theme of the summit was ‘Beyond 2015: People, Planet and Progress’.

    3. It was organized by The Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 3 only

    c) 1 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3 only

     

    Q.2) Consider following statement with reference to Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016.

    1. This year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded for the design and synthesis of molecular machines.

    2. Bernard Feringa was the first person to develop a molecular motor.

    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.3) Recently, Singapore-Rajasthan come forward on collaboration in launch of the Centre for Excellence in Tourism Training (CETT) at

    a) Jaipur

    b) Udaipur

    c) Jodhpur

    d) Jaisalmer

     

    Q.4) Consider following statements in regard to ‘GSAT-18 satellite’.

    1. GSAT-18 satellite is a communication satellite built by the ISRO.

    2. GSAT-18 satellite launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

    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.5) Marshall islands located in

    a) Atlantic Ocean

    b) Pacific Ocean

    c) Indian Ocean

    d) Atlantic Ocean

    IMPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. These questions are mostly derived from our daily newscards. Reading daily news from Civilsdaily’s App (click here) or website + solving these questions will help you reinforce the basics.

    2. For a comprehensive preparation of IAS Prelims 2017 – consider joining one of the three Prelims Modules by CD – prelims.civilsdaily.com

    3. Download the solutions – Click here

    4. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

    5. How to apply Tikdams? Read this, this and this

  • 7 Oct 2016 | Debate | Can the sexes ever be equal?

    Despite every organisation, every government and the whole world in general talking about the importance of gender equality and increasing the participation of women in the workforce, there is only minor progress.

    For some background see here – http://bit.ly/2dJlIHq

    Even the US, supposed to be much ahead in these matters, will only elect its first female president ever. Since there is limited progress even after decades of trying are we doing something wrong? Even women in workforce complain about the bad working conditions. Something very relevant to us are these policewomens stories of bad working conditions –

    http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2016/09/life-of-female-cops-in-karnataka/

    The debate is whether the India can ever reach a point of complete equality of the sexes? And why do women feel that are workplace conditions are bad even after having women CM’s, PM’s, Presidents in India? Will female IAS, IPS etc officers make a difference?

  • Public Apology to NeoStencil for Sharing their Videos

    I sincerely apologize to NeoStencil for trying to share their videos illegally yesterday evening. I am deeply sorry for my actions and that I used this portal for carrying out such an illegal activity.
    With all honesty I assure that I will never repeat this crime again.

    Its an humble request to withdraw all the complains filed against me as this will ruin my career and devastate my family and parents.

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