Hello hello,
Since the beginning of time or so, everyone wanted a sitemap to civilsdaily, right? We finally let go our procrastination spiral and did a video to make you comfortable with the web offerings.
Please bear with minor digressions. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGu0Glgpcsw&feature=youtu.be
If you have any further queries, do drop in.
So I read somewhere that increase in FDI increased the FOREX reserves and also that a strengthening rupee increases the reserves. Can anyone explain me the basic ideology or principle behind this
Context: Government just released the list of 1st batch of 20 cities selected for the smart city project.
Q. What is a smart city?
1. Smart city is one that “enables a decent life to the citizens, and green and sustainable environment, besides enabling adoption of smart solutions”.
2. Smart cities would create virtually new business districts in several cities, marking a departure from the disaggregated urban development witnessed in the past.
Q. How was selection of these 20 cities done?
1. Selection was based on city challenge competition.
2. Selection process has been very transparent and competitive.
3. It was a very rigorous process with detailed criteria and marking on 41 questions on template.
Q. Now that cities have been chosen, what are the issues on which further clarity is needed?
Smart cities will be developed by by a special purpose vehicle (SPV). Clarity is needed on –
1. How will SPVs function?
2. How much of freedom of action will they get?
3. Where will they get funds from?
4. Interaction b/w civil services and elected municipal representatives?
5. Role of SPV and role of elected representatives need some clarity.
Q. What’s the concern with regard to role of SPV?
1. We seem to be handing over entire governance responsibility to SPV against the whole democratic framework.
2. Smart cities have to be led by mayors not bureaucrats and consultants. There is a democratic deficit.
3. There’s a provision that an officer from the central govt. will be appointed as executive in SPV who can only be removed from the permission of centre. In such circumstances what would elected representatives do.
Q. Then why is such model chosen and how does govt intend to hold SPVs accountable?
1. Municipalities don’t have the type of capacity to implement such projects.
2. Project selection itself will be in the domain of elected bodies. They will make the policies while SPVs which have the capacity will execute it.
3. SPVs are created precisely for the purpose that generation of resources is possible, there is accountability, results are delivered rather than process lingering on.
4. Will have to build a working system, SPV will have to be accountable to municipalities.
5. SPVs will be held accountable for generating resources, executing projects, deliver smart solutions.
Q. Where will funding come from?
1. For every city 500cr by centre, equal amount by state and roughly 1500cr by outside sources.
2. It is here that functioning of SPVs would be imp. Do they freedom to go out and generate resources?
3. But there are concerns that only way funding is gonna come from is real estate and prime land will be given to builders.
Q. There’s is also concern that already better off cities are selected which would result in even more regional disparity?
Yes. It’s true.
1. There’s too much focus on limited no. of cities, earlier programmes were open to all.
2. Northern belt and eastern belt is virtually empty.
3. Selection criteria itself favour better off cities.
State is supposed to help cities which are not up to the mark, have the potential are gonna grow but whole philosophy is reversed here.
Moreover they are planning to develop only a part of city in effect creating gated colonies. There will be only 1 pan city programme.
Counter argument is that whole city could not be turned smart overnight and one had to start from somewhere.
Q. What about consultation? Were citizens consulted in choosing area to be developed or amenities they would want in smart city?
Yes, consultation with citizens was imp. Citizens were involved in every process.
Counterargument- Consultation was a sham. Citizen were asked to give their opinions on FB, twitter and via email. In a country like India, this is no consultation.
In the previous chapter (written light years ago), we read about how the imperialist “Marquess of Wellesley” extended the british dominion in India but putting an end to Mysore and doing more nasty things like extending the subsidiary alliance to most of the indian kingdoms (like a boss).
Now the plan was to continue presenting the indian struggle for independence from the side of firangis, but some of you wanted to know more about the anglo mysore wars and so, here is an attempt to make things easy for you.
Admittedly, these 4 wars, fought from 1767 to 1799 (32 years!) span a really long time in history. The timelines criss-cross with 3 empires which were humbled in course of time by the firangis (Marathas, Mysore & Nizam of Hyd).
Here’s a really quick timeline of what all happened –
I hope you know about the mysore rockets right? No? Let’s tackle this bit of trivia first. The Mysorean rockets used by Hyder Ali during the Battle of Pollilur (2nd anglo-mysore war) were much more advanced than any the British East India Company had previously seen!
So, after they slay Tipu in the fourth and final battle, they (the firangis) took their indigenous rocket development to the next level to use in the Napoleonic wars.
#1. First Anglo-Mysore War
As per the Treaty of Madras:
#2. Second Anglo-Mysore War
Now, what happens when you (allegedly) have a strong ally with you? More ambitions, more audacity, neh? That’s what Hyder thought after signing that treaty of madras. He started demanding tributes from the smaller states on the border of Maratha and Mysore. The Marathas responded this in 1770 with a force of over 30 thousand. This is the point when Hyder rings up the Brits to come for the rescue! Of course they did not. Hyder lost the battle – had to pay a huge tribute to the marathas and this episode left him high and dry.
Hyder did not like this one bit and he swears revenge from the Brits FOREVER.
The second anglo-mysore war begins now. It was one of the most bloodiest battle in the history of India (exaggeration helps). If you consider the 2nd anglo-mysore war as a T-20 world cup, then there many minor-major battles held in this 4 year period. Also, please note that Hyder Ali died during this prolonged battle period. So, Tipu Sultan rose to the occasion and marched ahead.
So, anyway – you win some – you lose continued and eventually the war ended with the last British-Indian treaty with an Indian ruler on equal footing, the 1784 Treaty of Mangalore.
#3. Third Anglo-Mysore War
Mangalore Treaty of 1784, which was signed on the end of the Second Anglo Maratha war had an article regarding transfer of the Prisoners. Now it is said that Tipu Sultan did not honour this part of the deal – strike 1.
It so happened that Tipu developed a beef with the local raja of Travancore about a disputed land. Travancore was a British ally, so when Tipu moved against him, Brits got a chance to home in on Tipu.
Where were the Marathas and the Nizams or the world? All credit goes to the diplomacy of Lord Cornwallis who kept Tipu aloof from the Marathas , Coorg and Nizams.
Result? Tipu lost. The peace was restored by the Treaty of Srirangapatnam which was signed in 1792.
This treaty was a big blow to Tipu Sultan. Half of his territories were snatched away and divided into Marathas, British and Nizam. Many would have thought it wise to retreat now but Tipu was seething with fear.
#4. The Final Battle
Marquess of Wellesley was a shrewd imperialist. He had got a wiff of a possible french-mysore collaboration and he did not want to give Tipu another chance. This battle was just a formality now. Tipu’s troops were outnumbered 4:1 in this war. The Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas launched an invasion from the north. Phew!
He lost. He died fighting. The Wodeyar dynasty was restored its place in Mysore and rest of the territory was divided by the Brits, Marathas and Nizam.
If you just joined us into reading the firangis, give the previous ones a quick read. Part 1 is here.
hello sir. Is there any link that I would get a complete information on ozone depletion ? If
I could that would be so helpful sir. thank you 🙂
In the Civil Services Examination (CSE), the marks of the interview (Personality Test) make a lot of difference. You can get 100 marks (or less) and you can even get 200+ marks in interview. When the competition is so tough and each mark counts, the marks in the interview can make or mar your chances of getting into CSE and getting the service of your choice.
There is no hard and fast rule for getting good marks. However, if you prepare well, you can surely improve the chances of high score. I can’t suggest you any trick which can guarantee you great marks in interview but I can suggest some methods, which can perhaps help you scoring better in the interview.
This question is as old as civil services itself and the right answer of this question is very critical. You must be clear in your mind (and so the interviewers after listening your reply) as to why you wish to join IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS etc. It is better to know the functioning of the top services and be ready to justify joining these services.
If you are a professional like Engineer, Doctor, CA, MBA, etc. you should be doubly prepared for it. If you are from premium institutes like IIT, IIM, AIIMS etc, be ready to be grilled even more as if you are committing a crime by joining these services. If you are leaving a job in private or government sector to join civil services, be ready to justify it.
A civil servant must be sensitive to every important development in the country and even around the world. You may not be able to remember everything, but at least don’t miss out the important ones. It is not enough to know the facts, you must also have a view on every issue.
For example, you must know about GST, Land Bill, FDI/ Retails reforms which are very important for country. You must read newspapers and magazines extensively to know the positives and negatives of everything. A civil servant is not expected to have a hardened view about anything.
He must be persuasive and should have a reasoned view of everything which must also be flexible. You are also expected to know your subject well. If the interviewer happen to be from your field, you can expect tough questions.
There are typically 4/5 members of the interview board headed by the UPSC Member or Chairman. It is always better to know in depth about all the members of the UPSC because you can’t know who is going to take your interview.
Their names are available on the UPSC website. You must do extensive research about their earlier professions and know their likes and dislikes, from their articles or books.
You can’t know the other members of the board in advance, you have to make instant judgment about them during interview. You must also meet the candidates who have already faced interview to know the types of questions asked by the different boards and be accordingly prepared for it.
It is important to listen the questions carefully and think about the best answer before you start speaking. Avoid instant reactions to questions, particularly on the provocative questions. It is always advisable to admit, if you don’t know the answer. You must put yourself in the shoes of the officer before answering the question. Don’t answer the question from a student or a common citizen’s perspective but from the perspective of an officer, because most members of the boards are usually retired or senior serving officers. They don’t expect that you know everything under the sun. But they expect honesty, fairness and decency from you.
It is better to practice for the interview by the help of your friends or those who have already faced the interview. There are many mock-interviews coaching centers, who become active after the declaration of the results of the Mains. You can join one or more of them and they will train you for interview. You must debate all issues with your friends to get wider perspectives of the issue. It is better to avoid controversial statement during interview. If forced to speak on a controversial issue, it is better to be diplomatic and noncommittal. You must learn the art to handle complex and controversial issues. You must train yourself for such questions appropriately. The more you practice, the more confident you will become.
It may be advisable to dress appropriately and formally for the occasion. Your dress should be comfortable and decent. You should never look casual. You must also avoid being tense during the interview. Don’t wear tight cloths that are uncomfortable to you and you have difficulty in sitting or walking. Needless to say that your cloths should be clean and shoes must be polished. A light color shirt and dark trousers may be advised for males and saris or salwar-suits of decent design for females.
A civil servant is expected to have high ideals because he is to given immense power to administer the country and influencing the lives of millions at very young age. You must have high ideals for national service and upholding the Constitution of India.
You should never justify following illegal means to achieve noble ends. You are a law enforcer. If you break the law yourself, who is going to follow them. You should never justify police encounter for reducing crime and eliminating criminals.
And lastly,
There are so many uncontrollable variables responsible for a getting good or bad marks in the interview. You can’t control them all. Often the interviewer may be biased for or against certain community, religion, region, gender, language, background. However, these are random factors which often balance each other. You can’t control them and hence you must think positive and presume that all these factors are going to help you. You must have faith in yourself and God to decide your destiny.
Try your best and leave the rest to God.
Source: Awdhesh Singh, A Senior IRS officer @Quora
Was reading it up at quora… found this…. abhi tak to mujhe pata bhi nahi tha…
There are broadly three types of government officers in India.
1: Central Government Officers
These officers are appointed by the Government of India and they work with a department (cadre) of the Government of India. The appointing authority is the President of India. These officers are appointed by the UPSC. The examples of such officers are IRS, IFS, IRTS who are appointed through Civil Services Examinations; IES, MES officers appointed through Engineering Services Examinations. They can work in State Government or in other Ministries of Central Government on deputation on equivalent rank.
They can be removed/dismissed by the Government of India.
2: State Government Officers
These officers are appointed through the State Public Service Commission by the State Governments. The appointing authority is the Governor of the State. The officers like PCS, BDO, AEE etc. are appointed as State service officers. They can be dismissed/removed by State Government.
They can also be promoted to All India Service (AIS) by UPSC/Government of India.
3: All India Service (AIS) officers
There are three AIS in India at present viz. IAS, IPS and IFoS (Indian Forest Service). These officers are appointed by the Government of India, but they work under the State Government.
Each AIS officer is allotted a cadre (State), where they work for life. However, they can work with Central Government or other State Government on deputation.
These officers can’t be removed by State Governments, which can only suspend them. The final decision to remove the officer lies with Central Government.
—–
1. Can IAS officers work in different state as well?
2. State officer can become IAS. How long does it take?
In June 1989, both sides announced that “there was agreement by both sides to work towards a comprehensive settlement, based on redeployment of forces to reduce the chance of conflict, avoidance of the use of force and the determination of future positions on the ground so as to conform with the Simla Agreement and to ensure durable peace in the Siachen area.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2005 suggested that the world’s highest battlefield be converted into a “peace mountain” without the redrawing of boundaries.
I think this news can be a criss cross of border security + disaster management + historic context (Benazir Bhutto and Rajiv Gandhi agreement)?
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tragedy-could-trigger-demilitarisation/article8203729.ece
Ganga Kumar is a 2000 batch IAS currently posted in Bihar. He is an alumnus of Hindu College, DU and made it to the civil services at an age of 22. His wife Sneha is an architect.
Together, these two are trying to change the face of cancer awareness and diagnosis in India. As a couple, they have always been socially-focused.
They started the Grameen Sneh Foundation in 2009.
Initially the aim was of increasing public engagement in issues such as health education, early childhood education, and art and culture.
However, Sneha was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. She received timely chemotherapy and is now cancer-free, but this episode set the stage for a new focus to their social venture.
The focus has now shifted towards cancer and the intensity has also increased as it is a personal cause for him.
The Foundation began its work in Bihar, Odisha, and Delhi-NCR.
Mostly the NGOs are accused of seeking publicity and funding from various sources, but GSF is one which is shy of publicity despite working in 3 states and not taking financial help from Government and other sources.
A corner of his living room has a showcase decorated with various awards that he got for his efforts. But his modesty prompts him to say: “These are mostly for the office, I am just one sitting in the chair.”
Among various honours, the most recent one was Udyog Ratna Award.
This award is presented to Economic Leaders or Organizations’ for their exceptional vision, drive, persistence and results in Business and Economy.
‘Karma’ is the secret of my energy!
When asked about how he gets this much time and energy, he says, “Life is small and each one of us must do our part. We must give back to the society. It is our responsibility to work for the betterment. Awards and accolades all come when time wishes. That shouldn’t be the focus.”
He has written several books on Bihar’s glorious past which, he said, was limited to merely Nalanda, Bodhgaya, Rajgir.
Lamenting on the fact about migration, he remarked, “Everyone comes from Bihar to work, but no one works for Bihar”.
#1. On relation of individual to society
We are at a distance from the society. The older you grow, the more society consumes you. The key here is to adapt and not give in.
People do not change, they remain the same. However, adaptability is the key.
#2. His Karma yoga
Do your work, leave the rest to God. Keep a balanced life. Happiness and sorrow are part and parcel. When time comes, your efforts would be recognised.
#3. Sattoo restaurant
Kumar’s happiness, apart from his social efforts, lies in opening a ‘Sattoo restaurant’ (in future) where people could come and consume various delicacies made from the humble gram flour consumed in various forms in Bihar. It is one of the main ingredients of ‘litti’ of the litti-chokha.
Published with inputs from Swapnil | Image - Facebook
Context: Chinese economy grew by 6.9% in 2015, slowest in a quarter century. IMF expects the Chinese economy to slow down to 6.3% in 2016.
Q. Why is China slowing down?
1. It was only expected for no economy can continue to grow at 10% forever. China is still among one of the fastest growing economy.
2. As incomes rise, most economies encounter what is called a middle income trap. To come out of it, china will have to innovate.
3. Slow down in exports as world demand has slowed down.
4. Rebalancing away from exports and investment towards domsetic consumption.
5. Ageing demography
6. Moving away from GDP growth rate obsession to sustainable development.
Q. If slowdown was expected, why is China devaluing its currency?
1. Chinese policymakers want China to still grow at a faster clip hence further devaluation to boost exports.
2. Chinese currency being pegged to US$ had appreciated with appreciation of US$.
Q. Is Chinese restructuring proving to be painful? How deep a trouble China is in? What about its debt level?
2 aspects of restructuring
1. From investment towards consumption
2. From manufacturing towards services
Percentage of GDP coming from consumption has increased. Also in 2015, services sector grew faster than manufacturing at 8% and now accounts for 50% of GDP.
Restructuring will certainly be painful. Worst aspect is nobody believes Chineses numbers and many analyst believes China is growing at 4% not 7%.
Debt Crisis – China invested huge amounts after 2008 financial crisis and its growth since than has been on a credit boom. Debt to GDP ratio increased many times in such a short span and there are no historic parallel of such a huge rise in debt in such a short span of time.
Good news is most of the debt is internally owned. Bad news is nobody knows the scale of debt and who owes to whom.
Q. why is their sudden capital flight from China?
1. 700b$ have been withdrawn from China in last 1 year and prime reason being policy uncertainty. Nobody knows what might be coming.
2. Stock market is volatile, bank returns are very low, real estate market is no longer suitable for investment (ghost cities you know), Chinese are parking their funds abroad.
3. Yuan devaluation will make it even more attractive to park funds outside as purchasing power of Yuan goes down.
Q. How does Chinese slowdown affect world economy?
1. With a major source of demand going down, world economy is heading towards recession.
2. It majorly affects commodity exporting countries of Africa and latin America. China was after all buying about 50% of incremental commodity output.
3. With China moving towards competitive devaluation, bad bad news for world economy.
Q. What about India? Rajan says not good for India while Jaitley says opportunity for India?
Jaitley’s / Pangariya’s view point
1. China slow down # commodity prices down # india major importer # good for India as forex outgo decreases plus input costs come down
2. Investment going towards China shift to India
3. We anyway don’t export much to China so our exports to china can’t go down any further.
4. We don’t compete with China in very many markets.
If we can put our house in order, put in place right policies, predictable tax structure and leverage competitive advantage of low cost labour, we can become global manufacturing hub and provide jobs to 1m people entering workforce every month.
Rajan’s view point-
1. In a globally connected world, Chinese slowdown can not be an unmitigated blessing.
2. Crude prices down but it affects economies of gulf whom we export, our exports down,
3. Expats will lose jobs there, remittances will come down plus social tension of rehabilitating them back.
4. South East Asian nations who export to China will slow, they will not buy from us.
5. Global currency war will be a disaster.
In a globally connected world, we can not grow because others are slowing, we will have to growing by improving our productivity. World demand will only help our growth story.
