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  • Ts2 and Ts 3 solutions

    Sir,
    When will be the solution for ts2 and ts3 be uploaded in pdf format as it is very much necessary for last time revision. @discuss sir @cdroot

  • 28 Sept 2016 | GS4 | Emotions can play havoc with our judgement, and can lead us to make bad decisions. What is emotional intelligence and why is it important?

    GS4 (Emotional Intelligence)

    Emotions can play havoc with our judgement, and can lead us to make bad decisions. What is emotional intelligence and why is it important?

    Best answer

    Simran Bains 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)

    Why EMOTIONS can play havoc?
    Emotions may lead to biased decisions. Professionalism and especially public administration needs NEUTRALITY.
    A decision taken in emotional upheaval may turn out to be CATASTROPHIC. Recent tension between Indo-Pak. War like conditions have developed. People demand for war. Declaring war under pressure and without giving a DEEP THOUGHT, would do no good.
    -Here comes the role of EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE!
    It is that state of RATIONALITY where a person doesnot get carried away with his emotions. It is certainly not being zero on compassion and empathy towards others. But, using rational attitude towards everyone. Understanding the requirements of the MARGINALISED SECTIONS and taking RATIONAL decisions, then only the objective of PUBLIC WELFARE will be achieved in its true sense.
    Emotional intelligence is when Sardar Patel got the heart shattering news of his wife’s demise. But he did not let this news deviate him from the court’s hearing. He used his EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE in that very moment and defended an innocent person.
    -Emotional intelligence broadens a person’s VIEWS, he utilises his ENERGY in the RIGHT DIRECTION and works for the upliftment of the downtrodden by taking ethical and rational decisions.

  • 28 Sept 2016 | GS3 | Should India make special efforts to develop its manufacturing sector? What are the issues with the current sector wise share of agriculture, industry and service in the Indian economy?

    GS3 (Indian economy)

    Should India make special efforts to develop its manufacturing sector? What are the issues with the current sector wise share of agriculture, industry and service in the Indian economy?

    Best answer

    Rahul Jain 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)

    India is a major economic powerhouse but the share of all sectors in the economy is different:
    1. Share of agriculture in GDP is around 16% but it is still a major employment provider.
    2. Service sector has a major share in GDP but not provides very less employment opportunities.
    3. Unlike in major economies, the manufacturing sector has not developed much in India.
    This type of growth is also known as the “JOBLESS GROWTH”.
    Indeed the govt has taken steps to tackle this situation via measures like MAKE IN INDIA, policies for improving ease of doing business,SKILL INDIA,START-UP INDIA etc.
    Benefits of developing manufacturing sector:
    1. Employment pressure on agriculture will reduce.
    2. Might lead to a favourable balance of trade(imports decreasing and exports increasing)
    3. Manufacturing has an upward linkage with the primary sector and thus would boost the rural economy.

    CHALLENGES:
    1. Infrastructure bottlenecks(power,connectivity etc.) still exist
    2. Land and labour reforms
    3. Skill development of the human dividend.

    WAY FORWARD:
    1.Stakeholder approach on land and labour reforms
    2. Incentives to manufacturing based START-UPs too

    Given that India is set to have the largest demographic dividend by the next decade, it is imperative that the manufacturing sector should take the lead in using this dividend. Govt. initiatives taken in this regard are a good start in that direction.

  • 28 Sept 2016 | GS2 | Discuss the evolution of the procedure by which Supreme Court judges have been appointed since independence.

    GS2 (Appointments to various constitutional posts etc)

    Discuss the evolution of the procedure by which Supreme Court judges have been appointed since independence.

    Best answer

    Kunal Aggarwal wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (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)

    There have been tussle between centre and the SC judges on appointment of Judges to higher posts. This is not a new battle and these have been discussed over time.

    – Art. 124 of the constitution, Supreme court judges are to appointed by President in consultation CJI and with other judges of SC as he may seem necessary. This clearly made it a discretion of the President to appoint judges.
    – In the First Judges case, SC concluded that consultation was not same as concurrence and President has full authority to appoint Judges without agreeing with any consultation.
    – However, in second Judges Case, it was changed. SC declared the “primacy” of CJI to uphold the independence of Judiciary and created a collegium of two judges of SC.
    – In Third Judges Case, the collegium was increased to four and restrictions were put on CJI to recommend names based on collegium’s recommendations.

    This had made the appointment system opaque and fraught with nepotism. The legislature took note and enacted National Judicial Appointments Commission Act to remove collegium and develop an institutional framework. However, it was truck down by SC and centre was asked to come up with Memorandum for procedure.

    In recent draft of MoP, SC had raised concerns regarding involvement of executive and attorney general in appointments. It has also object to provisions to reject names based on national security. It is yet to be finalised due to these objections.

  • 28 Sept 2016 | GS1 | The 2008 financial crisis has been called the greatest challenge to the world economy since the 1930 Great Depression. What was the Great Depression? What were its effects on the world, politically, socially, economically?

    GS1 (World History)

    The 2008 financial crisis has been called the greatest challenge to the world economy since the 1930 Great Depression. What was the Great Depression? What were its effects on the world, politically, socially, economically?

    Best answer

    Rahul Jain wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (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)

    The Great Depression of 1930 was a major event that changed the entire landscape of the world.
    The major reasons were:
    1. Excessive dependency of the European countries on Germany for debt repayments to US(Treaty of Versallies).So when Germany crashed, domino effect spread to all the European countries and the US.
    2. Slowdown in the big economies like Russia.
    3. Negligible govt. control on the economy
    IMPACT:
    POLITICAL:
    1.Increased conflicts between the European countries- a leading cause of WWII
    2.Mutual distrust crept in among nations
    3.League of Nations broke down
    ECONOMIC:
    1. Increased govt. control over the economy(KEYNSIAN ECONOMICS)
    2. Stoppage of US aid to Europe.
    3. High inflation.
    4. Stock markets crashed worldwide.

    SOCIAL:
    1.Mass migration to USA
    2.High unemployment
    3.Hunger and Poverty increased
    4.Xenophobic tendencies increased among people(e.g.NAZISM in Germany)

    Immediate consequences of the Great depression set the stage for WWII- the largest man-made destruction in the human history.
    Nevertheless, corrective steps taken in the aftermath ensured that the Economic depression,should it occur again,could be better dealt with,as seen in ’08 crisis.

  • 28 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, Senkaku island was in the news. Where is it located?

    a) South China Sea

    b) Indian Ocean

    c) East China sea

    d) Red sea


    Q.2) Which of the following correctly describes about “FAST”, which was in the news.

    a) NASA’s first fastest supercomputer

    b) World’s largest radio telescope

    c) World’s largest solar power project

    d) None of the above


    Q.3) Recently, African Elephant Status Report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reported declined in numbers. What is status of African elephant given by IUCN Red list?

    a) Vulnerable

    b) Least concern

    c) Endangered

    d) Critically endangered


    Q.4) There are rising number of reported deaths due to of Scrub Typhus disease. consider following statements with regard to this disease.

    1. It is an acute illness caused by a bacteria.

    2. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected mite larva present in the soil having scrub vegetation.

    3. Uttar Pradesh is an endemic region as it has a large scrub vegetation.

    Which of the pairs given  above are correctly matched?

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 only

    c) 2 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3 only


    Q.5) United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27. What was the theme for 2016 World tourism day?

    a) Tourism for All – promoting universal accessibility

    b) Celebrating tourism and community development

    c) Tourism for Environment – promoting sustainable development

    d) Tourism 2016 – for Medical tourism


    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

  • 27 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, Indian Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) was in the news.

    Consider the following statements with regard to ROV.

    1. It is developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, with the help of NASA.

    2. It is useful for studying the coral reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are facing survival threats due to global warming.

    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.2) Consider the following pairs:

    Satellite Application

    1. SCATSAT-1 : For Weather studies

    2. PISAT          :   To explore remote sensing applications

    3. PRATHAM  :  For Commercial high resolution imaging

    Which of the pairs given  above are correctly matched?

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 only

    c) 2 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3 only


    Q.3) Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a series of satellites, consider following statements with regard to this launch.

    1. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s PSLV C-34 rocket launched a total of ten satellites.

    2. This was first mission of PSLV in which it had launched its payloads into two different orbits.

    3. This PSLV mission was the longest of the PSLV missions conducted till date.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    a) 1 and 2

    b) 2 only

    c) 2 and 3

    d) 1,2 and 3 only


    Q.4) Which of the following are geo-engineering methods –

    1. Using mirrors in space to deflect sunlight from earth

    2. Using sequestration or carbon capture to remove carbon from the atmosphere

     

    a) 1 only

    b) 2 only

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither


    Q.5)

    What are the objectives of the Namami  Gange programme –

    1. To involve local governance bodies such as Panchayats

    2. To involve the people living on the banks of the river

     

    a) 1 only

    b) 2 only

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither


    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

  • TS3: Open Discussion + Good Scores + 5 Most Tricky Questions with Tikdams

    The TS3 went LIVE on 26th September.

    TS3 = Current Affairs Test covering news from the month of june and July. Available to attempt for the Flagship, Advanced and CA only students at prelims.civilsdaily.com

    This is an open discussion thread for those who attempted the paper. Talk around ingenious tikdams which you deployed to solve some questions or silly mistakes which you learnt from.


    5 Most Tricky Questions as per user attempts

    Q.1) India recently joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), consider the following statements w.r.t MTCR:

    1. It seeks to limit proliferation of missiles and missile technology

    2. It was established in 1987 by the G7 industrialized countries

    3. It is a treaty which imposes legally binding obligations on members countries

     

    Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?

    a) 1 only

    b) 1 and 3 only

    c) 1 and 2 only

    d) 1,2 and 3

    Ans. c

    Explanation: MTCR is not a treaty and does not impose any legally binding obligations (therefore it is a voluntary and informal understanding) on member countries.

    By, eliminating 3 and adding 2 we can reach to an answer.

    Source: June 28th

     http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/india-%20enters-elite-%20missile-tech-group/article8781132.ece

    Tikdam – Export control regimes are not treaties, statement 3 eliminated and you reach the answer

    Learning – Export control regimes <search CD, nice write up is there>


    Q.2) ‘Vidyanjali’, a new scheme launched by Government of India, aims

    a) To enable volunteers to reach out to govt. school and devote time & efforts

    b) at providing affordable and quality education for free

    c) at an integrated education and livelihood Initiative for the Minority Communities

    d) Training-cum-placement programme for unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir

     

    Ans. a

    Explanation: Vidyanjali will be implemented under the overall aegis of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, envisaged to enhance the community involvement in Government run elementary schools and effectively engage children in reading, creative writing, public speaking, play acting, preparing story books etc.

    Source: June 15

    http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/an-app-to-aid-volunteer-workers-at-govt-schools/article8733367.ece

    Tikdam – VIdya plus Anjali , Anjali means divine offering, donation, You are donating education, Answer is clear


    Q.3) With reference to India’s first National Civil Aviation Policy, consider the following statements.

    1. Policy  envisaged towards increasing air connectivity and allowing new domestic airlines to fly abroad quickly

    2. India has 9th largest civil aviation market in the world

    3. Government of India will enter into ‘Open Sky policy’ on a reciprocal basis with SAARC countries and countries located beyond 5000 km from Delhi

    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

    Ans. d

    Explanation: All statements are correct.

    Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=146238


    Q.4) Recently, China launched its first “dark sky reserve” in the Ngari, bordering Nepal and India, what is its purpose?

    a) For astronomical observation

    b) To study dark black holes

    c) To study meteorological phenomenon

    d) To study solar winds in upper atmosphere of the sun

    Ans. a

    Explanation:  China has launched its first “dark sky reserve” for astronomical observation in the Tibetan prefecture of Ngari, bordering Nepal and India. Ngari is among the best sites for astronomical observation on earth, due to its high altitude and large number of cloudless days throughout the year.

    Source: June 23

    http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/first-dark-sky-reserve-launched-by-china-116062300348_1.html


    Q.5) Which of the following can be used to produce second generation ethanol?

    1. Biomass

    2. Bamboo

    3. Rice straw

    4. Wheat straw

    5. Cotton straw

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a) 1, 2 only

    b) 1,2 and 4 only

    c) 2 and 4 only

    d) 1, 2, 3 ,4 and 5

    Ans. d

    Explanation: Ministries  of  renewable  energy  and  science  and  technology has found a  way  to  produce  second generation ethanol from biomass, bamboo, rice straw, wheat straw, and cotton straw etc. to power vehicles.  To promote second generation ethanol govt is planning to take up ethanol blending in petrol to 22.5 percent and in diesel to 15 percent.

    Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/draft-policies-on-coal-based-urea-ethanol-in-3-weeks-nitin-gadkari/articleshow/53068730.cms         

    Tikdam – All 5 options are similar, all biomass; so all have to be correct or incorrect simultaenously

    Learning – Learns generations of biofuels <1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th>     

  • 27 Sept 2016 | GS2 | What do you understand by the concept of freedom of speech and expression? What is its status in India today?

    GS2 ( Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant
    provisions and basic structure
    )

    What do you understand by the concept of freedom of speech and expression? What is its status in India today?

    Best answer

    Srishty Arun 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)

    Freedom of speech and expression is the ability to express oneself without fear or favour through any communicable medium.
    The right to freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution under Article 19(1)(a).
    It is an important pillar of democracy. Though fundamental, it is subjected to reasonable restrictions given under Article 19(2) which includes sovereignty and integrity of the country, public order, morality or decency, incitement to an offence, etc..
    Like Art 21, Art 19(1)(a) too has some implicit rights as given by Supreme court of India like right to silence, right to dissent and right to information (until 2005).
    Its violation is also expressed in the form of sedition (IPC Sec124A) and defamation cases(IPC Sec 499, 500). For example, Perumal Murugan and Aseem Trivedi cases.
    The Court has held ambivalent relationship with freedom of expression. For instance, in the Shriya Singhal case, the SC struck down Sec 66A of IT Act, 2000 for violating Art 19(1)(a). And, recently the Bombay HC upheld right to reputation over right to expression.
    Today, freedom of speech and expression is threatened because of
    # archaic laws (sedition, defamation) that are largely undemocratic
    # imperfections in judicial system especially lower judiciary
    # rise of emergency politics (since Ayodhya and Mandal agitations)
    # declining tolerance in political sphere that dissent is seen as sedition
    This indicates an urgent need to inculcate democratic values deeply. With the support of Supreme court, certain ambiguous terms in the archaic laws can be demystified.

  • 27 Sept 2016 | GS4 | The Supreme Court recently asked the government to end sterilisation camps. Is it ethical to have a population control measure which affects the more vulnerable section of society?

    GS4 (Ethics)

    The Supreme Court recently asked the government to end sterilisation camps. Is it ethical to have a population control measure which affects the more vulnerable section of society?

    Best answer

    Vivek Singh 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 in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, many women died in a sterilization camp, which exposed population control drive and invited sharp criticism from various sections of society including SC.
    Ethical behavior of government is determined by its values. Values in Indian system include democracy, socialism and sovereign.
    Democracy: litmus test of democracy is how a government treats its most vulnerable citizen.
    Socialism: Resources have to share between every section of the society as far as possible, tribal people get least of the share of government spending, therefore it is cruel to blame them for rise depleting resources.
    Sovereign: people are sovereign. Even if sterilization is the only way, they need to properly accommodate these camps. Death is unacceptable.
    Cruelty on women: most women agree because of economic crisis, family and social pressure, why would somebody want to do an operation for not having a baby when there are many other options available
    India has a population growth rate of 1.7%, 2.1 NRR (net reproduction rate), this is equivalent to stable population, population is growing because of population momentum and further decrease will dynamically change population equations.
    Education, social, economic inclusion is a genuine way to control population but is hard to achieve.
    Sterilization and death because of it is not just ethical wrong, it is needless and a serious threat to environment, traditional values. These tribal people protect our environment, killing tribal women is wiping out entire population.

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