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  • 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.

  • 27 Sept 2016 | GS3 | A no. of changes have been proposed to the way the Union budget is prepared or presented. These changes are set to be implemented over the next few years. Elucidate.

    GS3 (Government Budgeting)

    A no. of changes have been proposed to the way the Union budget is prepared or presented. These changes are set to be implemented over the next few years. Elucidate.

    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)

    In a set of reforms, the Union Govt has brought three major changes:
    1. Merging of Railway and General Budget.
    2. Advancement of the Budget Presentation Day(by 27 days)
    3. Doing away with the classification of Plan and Non-Plan expenditure.

    BENEFITS:
    1. Railways will now stop being a political plaything and also the legislature will save time since Railway Budget(which is a separate process) will now be merged with the general budget.
    2. Distortion in terms of Plan expenditure taking greater share than the Non-Plan expenditure will now be a thing of past.
    3. Due to the budget advancement, all processes related to budget might get over by the end of the ongoing financial (also VOTE ON ACCOUNT MIGHT NOT BE NECESSARY)

    CHALLENGES:
    1. Political will of the States in doing away with the Plan and Non-Plan expenditure.
    2. The future of the schemes running under the previous plans is still not clear.
    3. Railways might have interference from the Finance Ministry in their financial matters.
    4. The Advancement of Budget,initially,might not be based on the complete economic data of the current year.

    Nevertheless, coupled with other reforms like GST, these measures will be like a bitter pill to swallow which will be beneficial in the long run.

  • 27 Sept 2016 | GS1 | Besides the freedom fighters in India, many Indians in other parts of the world made important contributions to our struggle for freedom. Discuss these people and their contributions.

    GS I (The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors or contributions from different parts of the country)

    Besides the freedom fighters in India, many Indians in other parts of the world made important contributions to our struggle for freedom. Discuss these people and their contributions.

    Best answer

    Amruta Joshi 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)

    Indian freedom struggle was a wide long struggle which not only had contribution from the people living in India but from the Indians residing abroad.

    THE PEOPLE AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS
    1. Lala Hardayal – He was among the most prominent ones and one of the founders of the gadar party, which emerged as a organization to evoke nationalism among the Indians people and soldiers residing abroad. The others in this organization included kartar singh saraba,ramchandra. He was also a part of the Berlin committee for Indian independence founded by Virendranath chattopadhay, bhupendranath chattopdhyay who mobilized Indian settelers to send volunteers and arms to India to incite rebellion among the Indian troops.

    2.Raja Mahendra Pratap- He alongwith Barkatullah established a provisional Indian government in kabul.
    3.Madam Bhijakji kama- Though being a Lady, she dared to raise Indian issues in Europe and also unfurled the self made Indian flag.
    4. Jamadar chisti khan, jamadar Abdul gani participated in the signapore mutiny . Though they got killed in the battle but participated against the British rule.
    5. Mohan Singh , formed the Indian National Army in Singapore to revolt against the British rule.

    THE SIGNIFICANCE
    Thus, though the contributions had succeeded only upto a certain mark but these fighters contribution showed the much needed nationalism which was essential to figth the British rule.

  • Ask a Question, Answer a Question – Round 6

    Motivation is a tricky thing. 

    It doesn’t last long without support and peer pressure! What to do then in case of this mother of all exam which needs an year long maintenance!

    source

    One of our team members came across this daily log maintained by a UPSC aspirant in his/ her days of preparation – Click to read this log of days

    It might be useful if we have a “log of days” thread on forum where you guys tell each other about how useful/ fruitless your day was – your focus areas of the day – some tricky situations wrt. studies or otherwise which you came across which you would like a fellow to help you with?

    It’s just an experiment which might keep you in good stead all through your prep days.

    It would an entirely self moderated thread. We won’t have anything to do with it but we will ensure that it stays on top of the website forum.

    What do you think?

     

     

  • 26 Sept 2016 | Prelims Daily: CA Questions with Tikdams & Tidbits

    [Update] Explanations can be downloaded from here – http://bit.ly/2cy2dwJ. Ask doubts, if any on the topics covered in CA questions.

    Q1. Consider following statements regarding MERCOSUR – 

    1. Members are only from Latin America

    2. It is an anti-western military alliance with members such as Venezuela

    Select the correct option – 

    a) 1 only

    b) 2 only

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q2. Following Act comes frequently in the news, fill up the blank space – Prevention of Atrocities Against ___

    a) Dalits and other depressed classes

    b) Minorities

    c) SC’s

    d) SC’s and ST’s

    Q3. Shipkila Pass lies in which state

    a) J&K

    b) Himachal Pradesh

    c) Arunachal Pradesh

    d) Madhya Pradesh

    Q4. What is an offset clause mentioned in the Rafale deal

    a) money spent on foreign defense equipment has to be partially invested in the Indian economy

    b) Tax given to attract manufacturing companies

    c) Secrecy clause stopping France from giving any information on Rafale to other countries

    d) None of the above

    Q5.  Swacch Bharat week is being organised by 

    a) Prime Ministers Office

    b) MoUD

    c) Ministry of Rural Development

    d) None of the above

    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

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