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GS IV (Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders) (Simplex) (Analytical)

Personal interaction on a professional level is what keeps leaders going and what inspires them to try harder in everything they do. Discuss.

Spoiler #1: If you have joined the CD’s Flagship Test Series and have not attempted the TS1 yet, please go ahead and do so before you read this post. Click here to login and attempt your test.

Spoiler #2: For those appearing for IAS 2017 and planning to join the CD’s Prelims TS later, these are some of the most discussed questions from the first TS. They will give you a feel of how we test our students’ core concepts and give them detailed explanations.

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5 Questions with Explanations/ Tikdams/ Mentor notes

#1. Consider the following statements with regard to the Indian Constitution:

1. The Indian Constitution does not make ethnic identity a criterion for citizenship.

2. The Fundamental Rights can be violated by government when it is necessary.

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

Suggestion: It is an inclusive question. Hence Option 2 is incorrect. Extract from NCERT – “The Fundamental Rights are so important that the Constitution itself ensures that they are not violated by the government. It can be abridged away but cannot be violated”

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#2. Consider the following:

1. Constitution completely forbids employment of children below the age of 14 years in all sectors.

2. Freedom to assemble peaceably is considered as a core hallmark of democracy.

Which of the following is/are correct?

a 1 only

b 2 only

c Both 1 and 2

d Neither 1 nor 2

Suggestion: NCERT extract: “The Constitution forbids employment of children below the age of 14 years in dangerous/ unsafe to life and health jobs like factories and mines. With child labor being made illegal and right to education becoming a fundamental right for children, this right against exploitation has become more meaningful.”

It specifically says that it forbids dangerous jobs as mentioned above. Children employable as domestic help etc. is not completely forbidden.

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#3. Consider the following about division of powers between center & state:

1. Economic and financial powers are centralized in the hands of the central government by the Constitution.

2. Dispute about division of power between union & state can be resolved by the Judiciary.

Which of the following is/are incorrect?

a 1 only

b 2 only

c Both 1 and 2

d Neither 1 nor 2

Suggestion: NCERT extract : “Any dispute with respect to power between union and state can be resolved by the judiciary on the basis of constitutional provisions. “

It says since, Judiciary is the only authority that can resolve the disputes between states and centre, hence it can do so. The add on is that judiciary can do anything on the basis of constitutional provisions.

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#4. Consider the following statements:

1. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act has been made on the basis Articles 43 and 44 of Constitution.

2. The Constitution clearly states that executive powers of the center are superior to the executive powers of the States.

Which of the following is/are correct?

a 1 only

b 2 only

c Both 1 and 2

d Neither 1 nor 2

Suggestion: Constitution states this that center government powers are superior to states. It is understood in the: 

(a) manifestation of subjects mentioned in Union List as well as 

(b) laws made by parliament prevailing over state laws in case of conflict

(c) Subject on Concurrent List laws made by the centre and state, centre law will prevail in case of conflict.  

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#5. On 22 January 1947, Objectives Resolution was unanimously adopted. Consider the following statements about its components:

1. India is an independent, sovereign, secular & republic nation.

2. Territories forming the Union shall be autonomous units and they will exercise all powers and functions of the government and administration.

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

Suggestion: Most candidates have marked the answer as d on the basis of what they practically happening. But be careful as to question is talking about the Objectives Resolution and not what territories actual functioning. Hence Statement 2 is correct.

PS: For detailed explanations + tikdams, you will have to download the pdf on the test portal. The access is restricted to the Flagship Test Students. Link to the test portal – Click here

If you attempted the TS1 and applied some tikdams from your end, feel free to discuss those questions here. Let the community learn from your hacks!

source

A medical graduate from rural Rajasthan, Dr. Ravindra Goswami, started his preparation after the age of 30. After working for two years in the Government setup as medical officer, he realized that he could deliver more as a citizen if he entered in administrative services. He failed in his first attempt and believing it to be a learning step, instead of a failing step, he finally qualified in 2015.

At an age when the social structure was not in favour of him- being married and father of two children, society was expecting more active involvement in family matters. It was his wife who showed him the path to try to realise the dream of becoming an IAS officer.

He sacrificed the good Post Graduation degree in Surgery and took the non-clinical branch so that he could devote time to study for IAS. People around him kept on telling that he had crossed the good age of UPSC preparation and it was futile effort, but he kept his head strong and moved forward.

Preparation Strategy:

His preparation strategy is a perfect example of hardwork and dedication. As a working professional, he relied heavily on online study sources especially for GS. For optional he consulted the standard text books.

On a typical day, he used to get up at 6am and study the optional for two hours, then while travelling from Huda city center Metro to AIIMS metro, he used to finish The Hindu, while on workplace he developed a habit of surfing online IAs study sites. At 6pm after reaching back home he used to write answers for 3 hours and crosscheck them. He reserved his time slot from 9-10 to watch RSTV.

He did prepare notes for optional subject, but not for GS due to paucity of time.

Mood swings and distractions:

He never read on Sundays, and used to share his thoughts with his wife.

“She kept on motivating me during mood swings.” Watching some comedy movies or inspirational movies like the Million Dollar Baby used to break the monotony of his weekday struggles.

Prelims strategy: He practiced almost 10000 questions and they are very essential for gaining greater accuracy.

Optional Subject: Medical Science

Mains Strategy: He attempted all the questions asked, as he is of the view that you know at least something about a topic and you should write that something on paper. He also tried to include as many dimensions of the problem in the answer as possible to give a holistic view of problem. He completely disbelieves in filler material like stuff and was not very conscious about how less words he was writing.

End Note:

“Believe in yourself, then only you can claim belief of UPSC.”

GS I (Distribution of key natural resources across the world) (Duplex)

How best can the problem of floods and droughts be addressed so that the losses are minimal and the system becomes more resilient?

GS II (International Relations)

North Korea has done five nuclear tests in 10 years. North Korea has given world ample of reason to ask. As its nuclear and missile programmes have grown, the concerns have grown more urgent.  Discuss.  Why North Korea is rational ? What are the impacts of this on India?

GS III ( Biodiversity) (Hattrick)

India is in the midst of an unacknowledged biodiversity crisis. Elucidate.

 

GS IV (Work Culture)

Change in work culture can bring efficiency, sensitivity and accountability. Elucidate.

 

Hello anybody Tell me about bolochidthan issues

i am working professional and i am planning to appear in 2017 prelims. please guide me as to how should i start my prep.

GS I (Diversity in India) (Duplex)

The Kashmiri approach to the world is uniquely positive. What are important contributions of Kashmir to Indian culture ?