💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (June Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Search results for: “”

  • [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.

  • 29 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, India plans to review Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan.

    Consider the following statements with reference to MFN status.

    1. The MFN status was accorded in 1996 under the WTO’s General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

    2. India and Pakistan are not signatories to the GATT agreement.

    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) An advanced Indian mega space launcher is likely to power ISRO’s launchers by around 2018.

    Consider following statements with regard to ISRO’s mega space launcher.

    1. It can deliver ten-tonne and heavier communication satellites to space and using a semi-cryogenic engine.

    2. Semi-cryogenic engine will use space-grade kerosene as fuel and solid hydrogen as oxidiser

    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.3) Consider following statements with regard to Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), which was frequently in news.

    1. The GSLV is designed mainly to deliver the communication-satellites to the highly elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

    2. The satellites in these orbits appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky.

    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.4) Recently, India decided not to attend the SAARC Summit. Consider the following statements with reference to it.

    1. The SAARC Summit cannot be held even if only one country pulls out.

    2. The 19th SAARC summit will be held in Islamabad.

    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.5) Recently, More evidence of possible water plumes erupting from the surface of Europa found. Europa is one of the moon of

    a) Saturn

    b) Jupiter

    c) Venus

    d) Mars

    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

  • 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.

More posts