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  • [Prelims Spotlight] Kaivalya, Parigraha


    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Key words related to History : Kaivalya

    Dynasty/era : Mahavira period

    Meaning : 1.Kaivalya is a state of solitude, aloneness, isolation and detachment. The word is derived from the Sanskrit kevala, meaning “alone” or “isolated.” 2.It is a separation of purusha (Self or Soul) from prakriti (primal matter). The state of kaivalya is the main goal of Raja yoga. 3.It is a detachment and independence from relationships, egoism, attraction, aversion and the cycle of birth and death. One can achieve this state by performing austerities, yoga practice and discipline. One who achieves this state is called a Kevalin.

    Key words related to History : Parigraha

    Dynasty/era : Mahavira period

    Meaning : 1.Parigraha-parimana is one the 12 vratas or vows of a layperson in Jainism. Specifically, it is a vow to limit attachment to worldly possessions. 2.Unlike monks or ascetics who observe such vows more strictly, the layperson may make a vow to limit his or her attachment to certain possessions or a certain number of possessions, or they may vow to limit attachment for a specified period of time.

  • 25 July 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions and Answers

    Q.1) Recently Scientists have developed the fastest man-made rotor in the world from Silica. Consider the following statements:

    1. It can be used to discover things like the gravitational constant and density of Earth.
    2. At more than 60 billion revolutions per minute, this machine is more than 100,000 times faster than a high-speed dental drill.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    a)Only 1

    b)Only 2

    c)Both 1 and 2

    d)None

    Inspired by: World’s fastest man-made spinning object developed

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/worlds-fastest-man-made-spinning-object-developed/

    Q.2)  Consider the following statements about amendment in the Right to Education (RTE) Act to abolish the ‘no detention policy’:

    1. It is recommended by TSR Subramanian Committee.
    2. It provides for a regular examination in classes 5 and 8 and if the child fails, he or she shall be given an additional opportunity for re-examination in two months’ time.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    a)Both 1 and 2

    b)Only 1

    c)Only 2

    d)None of the above

    Inspired by: Explained: Ending “No detention Policy” in schools

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/explained-ending-no-detention-policy-in-schools/

    Q.3) Consider the following statements about Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018:

    1. The Bill provides for jail terms of three to seven years, besides fine, to those convicted of taking or giving bribes to public officials.
    2. The amendments propose that a police officer will not have to take prior permission from appropriate authorities while pursuing cases against all public servants.

    Which of the given statement is/are not correct?

    a)Only 1

    b)Only 2

    c)Both

    d)None

    Inspired by: Parliament gives nod to Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/parliament-gives-nod-to-prevention-of-corruption-amendment-bill/

    Q.4) Consider the following criteria for defining an area as Urban:

    1. A minimum population of 5,000;
    2. Over 50% of its (male) population working in non-agricultural activities
    3. A population density of at least 400 per sq. km.

    Which of the given criterion are correct?

    a)1 and 2

    b)2 and 3

    c)1 and 3

    d)All are correct

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] India needs smart urbanization

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-india-needs-smart-urbanization/

    Q.5) Manila Principles are related to which of the following:

    a)Internet Service Providers

    b)Cloud Storage

    c)Big data

    d)Artificial Intelligence

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Anti-trafficking Bill may lead to censorship

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snapanti-trafficking-bill-may-lead-to-censorship/

    For Solutions – Click Here

    Prelims Daily Archive – Click here

  • 26 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    [op-ed snap] India’s Magna Carta

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-indias-magna-carta/

    100 years of any event is important and Montford report is an important milestone in Modern Indian History. Read all details and go back to history notes to revise this topic in entirety. Very important for Pre as well as Mains.

    Banks agree to resolve stressed assets quickly

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/banks-agree-to-resolve-stressed-assets-quickly/

    Indian banks have signed an inter-creditor agreement and this might help in early resolution of NPAs. Read about Project Sashakt along with this.

    [op-ed snap] Iran can’t issue threats to seek India’s help

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-iran-cant-issue-threats-to-seek-indias-help/

    As the deadline for Iran’s sanctions comes near, India’s worries will only increase. Read editorial and make notes for Mains.

    Low Relevance News

    Slight delay in delivering VVPATs

    The Election Commission has said all VVPATs would be delivered well within the time required for preparations ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls

    In May 2017, the Commission had placed an order of 16.15 lakh VVPATs to the Public Sector Unit (PSU) manufacturers Bharat Electronics Limited and Electronics Corporation of India Limited, to meet the requirements for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections

    Note the manufacturers. A possibility of it being asked in Prelims remains. No other important points in the news.

    Jio Institute hasn’t been given Eminence status: Javadekar

    The proposed Jio Institute had not been granted the Institution of Eminence status, as only a Letter of Intent had been issued

    A committee headed by N. Gopalaswami was set up to bring Indian Universities on a par with world universities and funding of Rs. 1000 crore would be granted only to public universities

    Note the committee and funding clause. Nothing else is important in the news.

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Aditya-L1


    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : Aditya-L1

    Details : It is India’s first solar mission. It will study the sun’s outer most layers, the corona and the chromospheres and collect data about coronal mass ejection, which will also yield information for space weather prediction.

    Significance of the mission : The data from Aditya mission will be immensely helpful in discriminating between different models for the origin of solar storms and also for constraining how the storms evolve and what path they take through the interplanetary space from the Sun to the Earth.

    Position of the satellite : In order to get the best science from the sun, continuous viewing of the sun is preferred without any occultation/ eclipses and hence, Aditya- L1 satellite will be placed in the halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the sun-earth system. What are Lagrangian points and halo orbit? Lagrangian points are the locations in space where the combined gravitational pull of two large masses roughly balance each other. Any small mass placed at that location will remains at constant distances relative to the large masses. There are five such points in Sun-Earth system and they are denoted as L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5. A halo orbit is a periodic three-dimensional orbit near the L1, L2 or L3.

  • 25 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    Explained: Ending “No detention Policy” in schools

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/explained-ending-no-detention-policy-in-schools/

    Read this explainer to understand the recent decision of scrapping no detention policy and its effects on the education system

    Parliament gives nod to Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/parliament-gives-nod-to-prevention-of-corruption-amendment-bill/

    A major step in curbing corruption. Note important features of the bill. Can be asked in Pre as well as Mains.

    [op-ed snap] India needs smart urbanization

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-india-needs-smart-urbanization/

    A very nice editorial showing the way forward for smart cities and urbanization in India. Important for Mains

    [op-ed snap] Anti-trafficking Bill may lead to censorship

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snapanti-trafficking-bill-may-lead-to-censorship/

    Women and children are worst victims of trafficking and a bill introduced to protect them might become counterproductive. Editorial highlights all such sticking points. Read and make notes.

    Low Relevance News

    Govt stand on Lokpal appointment is ‘wholly unsatisfactory,’ says Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court has said the government’s stand on completing the appointment of a Lokpal, an ombudsman to protect the common man from corruption in public service and power centres, was “wholly unsatisfactory

    Though passed in 2014, the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act of 2013 had not been implemented all these years because there was no Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the 16th Lok Sabha

    The only important thing in the news is the provision of inclusion of LoP in the search committee.

    Privilege notices against Modi, Rahul, Nirmala Sitharaman under my consideration, says Speaker

    LS speaker had received five privilege notices against the Prime Minister and five against the Defence Minister from members of Opposition parties for allegedly misleading the House on the Rafale deal during the debate on the motion of no-confidence against the government and these are under her consideration

    Not important right now. If admitted, the issue becomes important. Will be covered then.

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

  • 24 July 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions and Answers

    Q.1) Consider the following statements about incremental capital-output ratio (ICOR):

    1. The productivity of investments is measured by the incremental capital-output ratio (ICOR)
    2. Lower the ICOR, higher is the productivity of capital because ICOR measures the capital required to produce an additional unit of output.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    a) Both 1 and 2

    b) Only 1

    c) Only 2

    d) None of the above

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Two engines of the economy need to fire

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-two-engines-of-the-economy-need-to-fire/

    Q.2) Consider the following statements about National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE):

    1. The NCTE Act, 1993, came into force in 1995 and applies to all parts of India, including the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
    2. All institutions running teacher education courses, such as B.Ed and D.El.Ed have to obtain recognition from the NCTE under section 14 of the NCTE Act.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) Only 2

    c) Both

    d) None

    Inspired by: NCTE amendment Bill passed

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/ncte-amendment-bill-passed/

    Q.3) Consider the following statements about Public affairs Index 2018:

    1. It conducted study across all the Indian states considering them across 10 themes such as essential infrastructure, support to human development, social protection, women and children as well as law and order.
    2. The states were divided into two categories — large and small — on the basis of their population.
    3. States with more than two crore population were considered large.

    Which of the following statement is/are correct?

    a) 1 and 2

    b) 2 and 3

    c) Only 2

    d) All are correct

    Inspired by: Kerala trumps high-profile peers to top Public Affairs Index 2018

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/kerala-trumps-high-profile-peers-to-top-public-affairs-index-2018/

    Q.4) Consider the following statements about Unnat Bharat Abhiyan:

    1. This is an HRD Ministry initiative launched in 2014 with the two-fold aim to provide rural India with professional resource support from institutes of higher education in the field of STEM.
    2. This programme will be launched in collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research (IISERs) and the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) throughout the country.
    3. Each IIT/NIT/IISER will identify 10 villages in its neighbourhood and work out technologies to solve the most pressing issues of the region.

    Which of the given statement is/are correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) 1 and 3

    c) 2 and 3

    d) All are correct

    Inspired by: [pib] Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-unnat-bharat-abhiyan-2-0/

    Q.5) Consider the following statement about ‘Study in India’ Programme:

    1. To facilitate Internationalization of Higher Education in India, a Programme viz. ‘Study in India’ has been launched.
    2. EdCIL (India) Limited is the implementing agency for the Programme.

    Which of the given statement is/are correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) Only 2

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) None

    Inspired by: [pib] ‘Study in India’ Programme to make India an educational hub for foreign students

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-study-in-india-programme-to-make-india-an-educational-hub-for-foreign-students/

    For Solutions – Click Here 

  • [Prelims Spotlight] National AYUSH Mission, Prahaar


    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1:  [pib] Special AYUSH Clinics for the Elderly

    National AYUSH Mission

    1. Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has launched National AYUSH Mission (NAM) during 12th Plan for im­plementing through States/UTs.
    2. The basic objective of NAM is:
    • to promote AYUSH medical systems through cost-effective AYUSH services,
    • strengthening of educational systems,
    • facilitate the enforcement of quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani & Homoeopathy (ASU &H) drugs and sustainable availability of ASU & H raw-materials.
    1. It envisages flexibility of implementation of the programmes which will lead to a substantial participation of the State Governments/UT.
    2. The NAM contemplates the establishment of a National Mission as well as corresponding Missions in the State level.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : Prahaar

    Defence Forces : Army

    Module Type : Missiles

    Brief Intro : Prahaar is a solid-fuelled Surface-to-surface guided short-range tactical ballistic missile that would be equipped with omni-directional warheads and could be used for hitting both tactical and strategic targets

  • 24 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    Kerala trumps high-profile peers to top Public Affairs Index 2018

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/kerala-trumps-high-profile-peers-to-top-public-affairs-index-2018/

    Read about PAI and associated details. Can be asked in Prelims

    Iran becomes India’s No. 2 oil supplier

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/iran-becomes-indias-no-2-oil-supplier/

    sanctions on Iran will have a big impact on India too. Read the news to know how. Can be asked in Mains.

    [op-ed snap] Two engines of the economy need to fire

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-two-engines-of-the-economy-need-to-fire/

    Investment has been slowing down in recent past and it needs quick revival to bring a boost in across economy. Editorial discusses measures to be adopted to bring the change.

    Low Relevance News

    Medical tourists flocking to India

    A rare combination of advanced facilities, skilled doctors, and low cost of treatment have made India a popular hub of medical tourism, attracting a large number of foreign patients every year

    The Niti Aayog has identified medical value travel (MVT) as a major source of foreign exchange earnings. India currently has around 18% of the global medical tourism market

    Not very important from exam perspective

    New rules to allow appeals on NRC

    The Centre is all set to amend the rules that would enable residents whose names don’t feature in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to file an appeal before the Foreigners Tribunals in Assam

    The amendments will be made to the rules in the Foreigners Tribunal Order, 1964 as under the existing law only State or Police could move the Tribunal against a person suspected to be illegally staying in Assam

    Will be important when amendment actually happens. Currently its just a proposal

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, National Council for Teacher Education, BIOFIN


    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: [pib] Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0

    Unnat Bharat Abhiyan

    1. This is an HRD Ministry initiative launched in 2014 with the two-fold aim to provide rural India with professional resource support from institutes of higher education in the field of STEM
    2. And Building institutional capacity in Institutes of higher education in research & training relevant to the needs of rural India
    3. This programme will be launched in collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research (IISERs) and the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) throughout the country
    4. Each IIT/NIT/IISER will identify 10 villages in its neighbourhood and work out technologies to solve the most pressing issues of the region
    5. Various teams from these institutes will visit the villages, identify problems and then aim to find financially-viable schemes.

    B2B #2:  NCTE amendment Bill passed

    National Council for Teacher Education

    1. National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) is a statutory body of Indian government set up under the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993 in 1995
    2. It has been established to formally oversee standards, procedures and processes in the Indian education system
    3. This council functions for the central as well as state governments on all matter with regard to the Teacher Education
    4. Functions
    • undertake surveys and studies pertaining to all aspects of the teacher education and publish the corresponding results
    • For the preparation of suitable plans and programmes regarding the field of teacher education, it makes recommendations to both the state and central governments, universities, University Grants Commission (UGC), and other recognised institutions.
    • it coordinates and monitors the teacher education system throughout the country.
    • it lays down the guideline for the minimum qualifications need for an individual to be a teacher in schools and recognised institutions.
    • it lays downs guidelines for the provision of physical and infrastructural facilities, staffing pattern etc. for the compliance by recognised institutions.
    • it lays down standards with respect to examinations, the major criteria for such admission as well as schemes for courses or training.
    • it promotes and conducts research and innovation in schools and recognised institutions and then disseminates the results thereof.
    • it examines its own laid-down guidelines, norms and standards for the improvement.
    • it identifies the recognised institutions and set up new institutions for the developmental programmes of teacher education system.
    • it takes up necessary steps for the prevention of the commercialisation of teacher education.
    • it also performs other function that is entrusted to it by the central government

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : BIOFIN

    Objective : UNDP in October 2012 launched the Biodiversity Finance Initiative – BIOFIN

    Category : Environment

  • 23 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    India to expand polar research to Arctic as well

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-to-expand-polar-research-to-arctic-as-well/

    After China’s stride on poles to search for hydrocarbons and other resources, it was inevitable for India to follow the suit. Arctic research has been in focus in India and a question related to it was asked in Prelims 2015. Read more and make notes.

    [op-ed snap] Why private hospitals should join AB-NHPM

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-why-private-hospitals-should-join-ab-nhpm/

    NHPM is a very ambitious scheme for the turnaround of the health sector. Participation of private hospitals will surely help in achieving its objectives. Note important points from editorial to quote in mains answers.

    [op-ed snap] Who’s responsible for modernizing a 150-year-old law?

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-whos-responsible-for-modernizing-a-150-year-old-law/

    A very nice editorial tracing the history of section 377 as well its judicial discourse. Must read for Mains

    Low Relevance News

    Centre mulls changes in IPC to deal with mob lynching

    The Centre is considering the possibility of amending the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to define ‘mob lynching’ as a penal offence. If the IPC is amended, the government will not have to bring a stand-alone law on mob lynching.

    Nothing important as this proposal is still in nascent stage. Will become substantial if amendment takes place

    Women and Child Development Ministry to move proposal to amend POCSO Act

    The Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry is set to move a proposal before the Cabinet for enhanced punishment in cases of sexual assault of male children which the Law Ministry has cleared

    Not important now. Will become once the amendment is approved by Cabinet

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

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