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  • 30 Sept 2016 | GS3 | The government is increasingly building large nation-wide databases such as Aadhaar, NATGRID etc. What possible concerns related to cyber security and surveillance can result from such databases?

    GS3 (Cyber security)

    The government is increasingly building large nation-wide databases such as Aadhaar, NATGRID etc.  What possible concerns related to cyber security and surveillance can result from such databases?

  • 30 Sept 2016 | GS2 | Should there be state sponsored talent hunts and cultivation of athletes to increase India’s tally in the Olympics? Or should athletes only participate for personal triumph and be awarded when they win medals? Discuss.

    GS2 (Govt intervention in various sectors)

    Should there be state sponsored talent hunts and cultivation of athletes to increase India’s tally in the Olympics? Or should athletes only participate for personal triumph and be awarded when they win medals? Discuss.

  • 30 Sept 2016 | GS1 | Socialism made a tremendous impact on the Indian freedom struggle, even Gandhiji adopted some socialistic viewpoints later in his life. Discuss the impact of socialism on the Indian freedom struggle.

    GS1 (Modern India)

    Socialism made a tremendous impact on the Indian freedom struggle, even Gandhiji adopted some socialistic viewpoints later in his life. Discuss the impact of socialism on the Indian freedom struggle.

  • 30 Sept 2016 | Prelims Daily: CA Questions with Tikdams & Tidbits

    [Update] Explanations can be downloaded from here – Click for Solutions’ PDF. Ask doubts, if any on the topics covered in CA questions.

    Q.1) Recently, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved ‘Project SAKSHAM’. Which of the following correctly describes it?

    a) Support system to below poverty line persons

    b) New Indirect Tax Network of the Central Board of Excise and Customs

    c) New initiative by Urban ministry to support Smart City

    d) Fastest network system for Digital India project

    Q.2) Recently, Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore developed detector of melamine in milk. Consider following statement with reference to it.

    1. It is an organic base chemical most commonly found in the form of white crystals rich in nitrogen

    2. It is widely use in plastics, adhesives, countertops, dishware, whiteboards

    3. Addition of melamine into food is approved by the FAO and WHO.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 only

    c) 2 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3 only

    Q.3) World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest Global Competitiveness Report for 2016-17 comes out with improvement in India’s ranking.

    Which of the following are parameters on India lags behind other nations?

    1. Tax regulations

    2. Technological readiness

    3. Public health indicator

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 only

    c) 2 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3 only

    Q.4) Consider following statements with reference to military surgical strike, which was recently carried out by India.

    1. Military attack intended to inflict damage on a specific target, with collateral damage to surrounding areas

    2. These attacks can be carried out only via air raids, airdropping special ops teams

    3. Surgical strikes are part of India’s Cold Start doctrine

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 3 only

    c) 2 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3 only

    Q.5) The world’s first three-parent baby has been born in

    a) Mexico

    b) Germany

    c) Canada

    d) India

    NOTE: 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.

    For a comprehensive preparation of IAS Prelims 2017 – consider joining our more comprehensive Prelims Modules – prelims.civilsdaily.com

  • Freedom fighters of India

    Today India is free from bondage and people of India stay happy for the contribution of freedom fighters of India.

  • [Update] Flagship Students – Get ready for the History Test on 1st

    [Update]: Please take the weekend to go through OLD History NCERTs for the TS4. We have the test prepared but we are shifting the test date by 2 days so that you can be on the same page/ level of preparation.

    • TS4 will now be held on 3rd October | 9:30 AM | Link for Testing Platform
    • Old NCERTs have been included since they have optimum coverage for Ancient, Medieval and Modern India
    • Download them from the website’s NCERTs tab

    Flagship students,

    You have gone through 2 Basic Tests & 1 CA Focus Tests. Here are some quick takeaways:

    1. The Basic tests (TS1 & TS2) were aimed at ensuring that your NCERTs readings are spot on There can be no substitute for a thorough reading of these basic books and your target score should be 120+
    2. The CA Focus Test was attempted by all old and new aspirants – it is a little early to comment on the scores but everything above 110 is acceptable. If you haven’t achieved that score, please read the explanations properly and discuss your silly mistakes/ issues with information retention on this thread (click here)

    What to expect from the upcoming Basic-Indian History Test on 1st October?

    • TS4 would be made LIVE on the CD’s Test Portal @prelims.civilsdaily.com at 9:30 AM on 1st October
    • If you haven’t joined any of the module yet, do consider joining. Don’t take prelims for granted!
    • There is a general tendency among sincere students who are regular with their newspapers and classes to take prelims for granted. Its not completely their fault
    • Many toppers say prelims are not an issue for sincere students. There are many institutes that claim students have cracked prelims by studying only during the last 2 months and exhaustively doing many questions

    All this is was probably true couple of years back when the pattern was different and engineers had undue advantage because of the CSAT. Now that’s not the case.

    Here’s how the next history test has been set up. Expect it a bit on the difficult side

    Q.19) Consider the following statements regarding “Swaraj Party”.

    1. C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru were the leaders of Swaraj Party.

    2. Swarajist wanted the constructive programme to be coupled with a political programme of council entry.

    3. Special Congress session in 1923 held at Delhi allowed Swarajists to contest the elections.

    Which of the above statements are correct?

    a)       1 and 2 only

    b)       2 and 3 only

    c)       1 and 3 only

    d)      1, 2 and 3

    Ans (d)

    Explanation

    -All 1, 2 and 3 are correct.

    [Source: Chapter 2, Modern India Old NCERT Class XII]

    Q.3) Consider the following Statements about Vijay Nagara Architecture.

    1. The high entrance gateway called Reya Gopuram is the characteristic feature of vijayanagara temple.

    2. Sittanavasal Paintings was developed during the reign of Vijay Nagara rulers.

     Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:

    a) Only 1

    b) Only 2

    c) 1 and 2

    d) None of the above

     Answer: (a)

    Explanation:

    Statement 1 is correct.

    – Sittanavasal Painting was developed during the reign of Pandyan rulers. Thus Statement 2 is incorrect.

    [Source: Chapter 5 and 6 Fine Arts NCERT Class XI] – this one is new

    Q.17) Consider the following about Mathura school of sculpture:

     

    1. Mathura School of Art flourished mainly during the reign of Shungas.
    2. The material used in this school was the spotted red sandstone.
    3. The Mathura school images include those of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Vishnu, Shiva, Yakshas, Yakshinis, Jinas etc. 
    4. Reclining Buddha is an famous sculpture of this school.

     Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:

    a)      1,3 and 4

    b)      2 and 3

    c)      1 and 4

    d)     1,2 and 3

     

    Answer: (b)

     Explantion:

    Statement 2 and 3 are correct

    – Mathura School of Art flourished mainly during the reign of Kushan ruler Kanishka thus statement 1 is incorrect.

    – A statue of a reclining Buddha is carved on the wall of the ancient Buddhist rock temple in Ajanta Caves and not in Mathura school. Thus statement 4 is incorrect.

    [Source: Chapter 4 NCERT Fine arts Class XI] – new ncert

    For those attempting the test, make sure you have gone through OLD and NEW NCERTs well. OLD NCERTs are usually favoured for the Modern India History part (this is the one which Bipan Chandra wrote) as it aptly covers the basic of our freedom struggle.

    For Culture – NEW NCERTs work well. Mostly these are 11th and 12th standard books

    For Medieval and Ancient India – It’s best that you cover from OLD NCERTs

  • 29 Sept 2016 | GS4 | India is a diverse country with many different cultures and values. How does this impact the work culture? How can leaders deal with this diversity?

    GS4 (ethics in public administration)

    India is a diverse country with many different cultures and values. How does this impact the work culture? How can leaders deal with this diversity?

    Best answer

    Payal Mittal wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5.5/10 (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)

     People who join the organization have different beliefs, ideas, value systems, cultural orientations(individualism or collectivism, masculine or feminine, power-distance etc.)
    Such diversity interferes with team processes. Group cohesion becomes difficult to achieve since finding a common ground is in itself a task. Thus there are conflicts in decision making. People may think leader is prejudiced against or another community. Moreover sometimes affirmative action ensues in animosities among people as they think it is form of reverse discrimination.
    At the same time, diversity is inevitable and indispensable too as diversity in workforce synergises decision making. People from different cultures and values give different viewpoints .Hence each decision is taken after sufficient critical analysis and more likely to be accepted.
    Thus diversity management is the only solution and capitalising on this diversity works in favor of all. Make people work in groups. Try to increase group cohesion by motivating them towards a common goal towards which all are striving.
    Be fair and transparent. Organizational justice is important otherwise these difference are bond to deepen. All procedures and rules should be sufficiently explained and same for all.
    Icebreaker sessions to social events like picnics, parties, and outdoor adventure-team retreats can be of immense help.
    At surface level, people may appear to be different to each other as they belong to different cultures, communities etc. but same at core. Diversity training may come to the rescue. People through training programs can be more self-aware and stereotypes and prejudices people hold against one another more easily recognized.

  • 29 Sept 2016 | GS3 | There has been a lot of discussion about the importance of the bankruptcy law and the need to facilitate exit in the Indian economy. Why was the bankruptcy law important and what are the benefits of an easy exit for the economy?

    GS3 (Indian economy)

    There has been a lot of discussion about the importance of the bankruptcy law and the need to facilitate exit in the Indian economy. Why was the bankruptcy law important and what are the benefits of an easy exit for the economy?

    (Aspirants are advised to read the second chapter of the 2015-16 Economic Survey if they are unfamiliar with the topic)

    Best answer

    Avinash Y wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (as the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those)

  • 29 Sept 2016 | GS2 | PM Modi did not attend the recent NAM summit, only the second PM not to do so. Is NAM still important for India?

    GS2 (Global groupings and effects on India)

    PM Modi did not attend the recent NAM summit, only the second PM not to do so. Is NAM still important for India?

    Best answer

    Aman Chauhan 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)

     Recently 17th non aligned summit was held in Venezuela and India was represented by our vice-president instead of our PrimeMinister.Interestingly enough it was Nehru who along with Naseer was instrumental in founding NAM .
    At that time back in 1960’s it was appreciated as –
    1.All the underdeveloped nation members to the forum had their own problems and didn’t want to side with US or USSR
    2.Gave India the time to focus more on agriculture and industrial development ,getting our impoverished economy back on track
    3.It essentially suited India as our freedom struggle was based on non-violent non-cooperation and we garnered international prestige as we were seen as leaders of newly independent world emerged out of colonialism
    But,alot has changed since those times which has made NAM less relevant-
    1.globalization has percolated to the roots of every country
    2.world was bipolar then but now equations have changed and is essentially multipolar with rising china and India seen as magnetic forces striving for dominance.
    3. Alignment now is based on interests of (geography ,economy and strategic) and not just ideological .for e.g.As CPEC is being constructed across POK India needs to be proactive and assertive of its interests
    4.No country is non aligned as of now in reality ,even North Korea has a certain level of alignment with china
    India is multi aligned now as can be seen in
    1.Signing of LEMAO with US
    2.defence acquisitions from France(Rafael) and US (Apache and chinook ) to secure our defence capabilities deterring notorious neighbours .
    3.Voicing its concerns on South China Sea in favour of ASEAN nations as our 50% trade is via that route
    4.various trade pacts like Mercosur and FTA , being a member of RCEP and increased integration with ASEAN serves our economic interests
    5.From look east we have now resolved to act east policy
    6..Inclusion of Japan in naval exercises like Malabar along with US (to counter China’s dominance in SCS)
    From non-aligned We are essentially multialigned but need of the hour is to balance this approach using (soft+hard power) ,to manouver actions of our old friends like Russia as it is inching towards Pakistan .

  • 29 Sept 2016 | GS1 | Socialism as given by Karl Marx has brought about a number of revolutions around the world. What are the most prominent examples of political, social and economic changes brought about by it across the world?

    GS1 (World history)

    Socialism as given by Karl Marx has brought about a number of revolutions around the world. What are the most prominent examples of political, social and economic changes brought about by it across the world?

    Best answer

    Rahul Jain 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)

    Socialism, as given by Karl Marx, means the state ownership of the means of production.It gained prominence post the Great Depression and the WW II,and compared to Communism(which means complete state control),it is a milder form of governance.
    IMPACT:
    POLITICAL:
    1. Responsible for the rise of Trade Unions.
    2. Russian Revolution of 1917 was the biggest impact.
    3. Was politically against Capitalism and so socialistic countries were viewed as a threat by the capitalist Nations(e.g. COLD WAR,Cuba-US relations).

    SOCIAL:
    1.For the first time,gave voice to the workers’rights.
    2.Promoted the idea of equitable share of resources.

    ECONOMIC:
    1. Many initiatives like Collective Farming,State Cooperatives etc. were due to socialism.
    2. For the first time, “PUBLIC SECTOR” became an important player in the economy(e.g. can be seen in India and other newly independent countries post WWII, the idea of PLANNING etc.)

    Though today there are no completely socialistic(or capitalist) countries, the concept of the state’s role(particularly in economy) can be seen in Western Nations too which is a legacy of Socialism.

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