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Subject: Economics

  • Economic Survey 2019: Introductory Lecture

     

    Economic survey and Union budget are the two most important economic documents of the government. They outline the vision for the Indian economy, challenges faced, and mitigating strategies.

    Keeping in mind that these two documents are technical in nature and a large number of students find it difficult to understand.

    We at Civils daily are launching a program on economic survey and budget under the mentorship of Himanshu Arora sir, to give students a detailed understanding of survey and budget, key issues, concept, technical ideas discussed in it. The course is designed for both students who have no background in economics and have some familiarity with economics. It will go beyond the survey and budget to make students understand the static theories behind the idea presented in the survey.

    The first lecture on economic survey covers the key highlights, approaches, ideas, and issues discussed in the entire survey documents. The lecture explains the idea of nudge economics, trickle-down economic development, export-led growth strategy followed by China and other Asian economies and the key challenges faced by the Indian economy as highlighted in the survey.

    Click here to Enroll for the Economic Survey and Budget 2019 | Advanced Program

    Click here to enroll for the Samachar Manthan Yearly 2019-20 (with Answer Writing Module)

  • Economic Survey: Application of behavioural economics can play key role in success of public policies and programmes

    Economic Survey recommends setting up of a Behavioural Economics Unit in Niti Aayog, proposes ‘Behavioural Economics Audit’ of every programme

    The Economic Survey 2018-19 was tabled in Parliament today by the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman. It has given a unique prescription to improve efficacy of public policy and programmes. It discusses in detail how application of ‘behavioural economics’ can prove to be a valuable instrument of change in a country like India where social and religious norms play a dominant role in influencing behaviour. This is based on the premise that decisions made by real people deviate from the impractical robots theorized in classical economics. “Drawing on the psychology of human behaviour, behavioural economics provides insights to ‘nudge’ people towards desirable behavior”, says the Economic Survey.
    Quoting the success of popular Government Schemes in recent times like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) and Swatchh Bharat Mission (SBM), the Economic Survey says that these schemes have successfully applied behavioural insights to enhance policy impact. For example, ‘#SelfieWithDaughter’ on social media became a worldwide hit and the celebration of the girl child quickly became the norm to which more and more people wanted to conform. Similarly, use of socially and culturally identifiable names for various recent schemes like Namami Gange, Ujjawala, Poshan Abhiyan among others have helped to build the affinity of the people for the scheme.
    The community based approach to sanitation in SBM with the help of Swachhagrahis whose similarity with Satyagrahis, helped to reinforce the message. The gender empowerment component of SBM helped to become a complement the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme. According to the Economic Survey, the key principles of behavioural economics are ‘emphasizing the beneficial social norm’, ‘changing the default option’ and ‘repeated reinforcements’.
    The Economic Survey opines that while several Indian programmes have applied the principles of behavioural economics, there is still ample scope for leveraging these insights to enhance the efficacy of programmes in India. Accordingly, the Economic Survey recommends setting up of a behavioural economic unit in the NITI Aayog. It also strongly recommends that every programme must go through a ‘behavioural economics audit’ before its implementation.

  • Finance Commission – Issues related to devolution of resources

  • Flagship Prelims 2018 Batch 1 & 2 | TS 19 January CA Discussion

    All aspirants who are giving tomorrow’s test should discuss all there doubts/queries about any question on this thread and not in the comments section of the test

    Around 20 questions of the test can be solved using Tikdam method

    Tikdams explanations in those selected questions are given in the explanation column itself

    By closely observing those questions after every test you will gradually learn the art of Tikdams which will assist you in clearing the UPSC prelims

    Highlights of tomorrow’s test:

     

    Q.1) The ‘Justice Srikrishna committee’, recently seen in news, is related to

    a) Transparency and accountability of Municipal Corporations

    b) Medical innovation in the Pharmaceutical Sector

    c) Data Protection Law

    d) Prompt corrective action (PCA)

     

    Q.2) Symbiodinium provides coral host with photosynthetic products in return for nutrients and shelter. The Symbiodinium is basically a/an

    a) Virus

    b) Amoeba

    c) Algae

    d) Macroscopic Animal

     

    Q.3) With reference to the ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2017’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. The Bill would allow the government to take up infrastructure projects within prohibited areas around protected monuments.

    2. The Bill introduces a definition for ‘public works’, which includes the construction of any infrastructure that is financed and carried out by the central government for public purposes.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below

    a) Neither 1 nor 2

    b) 1 only

    c) 2 only

    d) Both 1 and 2

     

    Q.4) Which of the following about the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) is incorrect?

    a) It is a fund created under an Act of the Government of India

    b) Currently, funds collected under CAMPA directly go into the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI)

    c) These funds are meant to be used by states to implement agro-forestry in non-forest land to compensate for felled forest

    d) None of the above

     

    Best of luck!

  • [Sample Video] Samachar Manthan | Weekly CA Enforcer focused on Prelims 2018

    Dear Students,

    We’ve successfully conducted the 1st round of Samachar Manthan. Over 500 students are enrolled with us and over 200 of them have written answers. We have been burning the midnight oil to correct the submissions but we are elated with the reviews we’ve received so far.

    We constantly try to incorporate feedback and provide more value and relevant content for students. Many of our students suggested for a greater focus on prelims specific lectures. Hence we have brought about slight modifications to the program.

    Added features in this programme

    Click here for the prospectus

    >Starting April, we will be focusing completely on upcoming prelims 2018. We will cover all important contemporary issues. Given the trend that UPSC is asking questions from last 2-3 years timeline, we will incorporate all relevant prelims specific topics in our sessions. We will be providing over 30 hours of lectures on various subjects, schemes, environmental issues, etc. Along with lectures we will also provide you with detailed prelims specific current affairs notes.

    We will provide you with lectures on Economic Survey and Budget along with crisp and summarized notes.

     

    Besides the above, all the major details remain the same as highlighted below

    What are we offering and how is it unique?

    1. Mentorship and guidance taken to a whole new level 
    Once you enroll, you’ll be assigned a Telegram group headed by Teachers and rankers like Dr. Vipin Garg, AIR 20.
    This has the following advantages
    • Very convenient to have your doubts and queries resolved.
    • You’ll be provided with the important additional material.
    • You’ll have an ecosystem to study and learn from.
    • Above all, it will help you stay focused every day.
    Here’s what some of our students had to say about our mentorship.
     
    2. 4 stage structure of video->Notes->testing->review to perfect your preparation 
    The sequence of video->Notes->testing->review is the best way to ensure maximum retention and a rock solid preparation. Each component of the program has been meticulously crafted.
    3. Our video lectures and notes on weekly CA are brief but comprehensive
    Packed 2-2.5 hours Weekly videos will focus on news and its importance from both prelims and mains perspective.
    We understand that the UPSC exam is a generalist exam. It’s more important to cover more number of issues than to cover one issue in more detailed format. Hence, we try to cover many important news items and have a detailed discussion on selected topics which require the same.
    This program will also help you understand how to utilize current affairs in all your prelims and mains papers.
    This ideology makes this course the best utilization of your time.

    For more details, click here and read the prospectus

    See a sample video of the program here:

    https://youtu.be/vBUmE3BlYpY

    Here’s what some of our students had to say about the lectures
    4. Weekly Test and Evaluation by our team of subject experts
    The video and notes will be followed by a test. This will complete your study loop and enhance your retention.
    >Mains level questions with feedback. Sample review is attached.
    > Answer Enhancement
    We chose the Question & Answer format because it is perfectly aligned with the requirements of the exam. Having information is very different from presenting it in an answer with a proper structure. This will help in better retention of prelims specific information and prepare a solid ground for your mains prep.
    After every 2nd test you attempt, you can reach out to our mentors for personalized feedback.
    5. Guest Lectures on specific issues by Dr. Vipin Garg, IAS (Rank 20, UPSC 2016) and our distinguished mentor K.Siddhartha
     
    Besides the above, you will have access to our monthly magazines and weekly notes/links to important news/external material. You will have access to all modules included in our Mentorship program – Study-plan, strategy discussion, specific weaknesses, overall guidance. Since our mentors will have information about your performance

    Fee structure

    Program Fee – 7000 + taxes- Join here
    Students already enrolled for Flagship Prelims 2018 test series will have to pay – 5000 + taxes- Join here
    The Flagship Prelims Test series and CA weekly program combo comes for – 10000 + taxes- Join here

  • 27 Dec 2017 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & [Tikdams]

    Dear student,

    One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

    1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
    2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

    With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

    Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

    Q.1) The Universal Immunization Programme(UIP) consists of vaccination for which of the following diseases?

    1. Tuberculosis

    2. Diphtheria

    3. Hepatitis B

    4. Malaria

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    a) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    b) 1, 2 and 3 only

    c) 2, 3 and 4 only

    d) 1 and 4 only

    Inspired by: Govt to assess impact of Hepatitis B immunization drive

    Tikdam:

    Remembering the name of all 12 diseases is a tough task. However, using a bit of logic, you can easily solve this question. Only recently The World Health Organisation (WHO) has developed a new anti-malaria vaccine which could potentially help countries such as India and those in Sub-Saharan Africa reduce deaths from the vector-borne disease. It has not yet been launched in India. Therefore, no way UIP would also cover vaccine for Malaria. Once we eliminate statement 4 we will automatically get the answer.

    Q.2) Which of the following expenditures comes under the category of Revenue expenditure

    1. salaries of government employees

    2. interest payment on loans taken by the government

    3. subsidies

    4. The defense expenditures which are needed for smooth operation of the standing armed forces

    Select the correct code:

    a)    1,2 and 3

    b)    All of the above

    c)    2,3 and 4

    d)    1,3 and 4

    Q.3) With reference to the Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF), consider the following statements:

    1. Rapid Action Force(RAF) is a child agency of the CRPF.

    2. Its jurisdiction comes under the Ministry of Defence.

    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

    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Tackling Maoism

    Q.4) With reference to the Condonation of Delay Scheme, recently seen in news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It would be rolled out by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

    2. The scheme is related to defaulting companies.

    Select the correct ansswer using the codes given below.

    a) Neither 1 nor 2

    b) 1 only

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) 2 only

    Inspired by: ‘Condonation of delay scheme only for bona fide directors’

    Q.5) With reference to the electronic-Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS), consider the following statements:

    1. The system has been launched for central government employees to access their service-related information.

    2. It is a platform built under the ‘Consolidated Model Conduct, Discipline and Appeal Rules’

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a) Both 1 and 2

    b) 1 only

    c) Neither 1 nor 2

    d) 2 only

    Inspired by: Online platform for employees to access all service details

    Q.6) What will follow if a Money Bill is substantially amended by the Rajya Sabha?

    a) The Lok Sabha may still proceed with the Bill, accepting or not accepting the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha

    b) The Lok Sabha cannot consider the Bill further

    c) The Lok Sabha may send the Bill to the Rajya Sabha for reconsideration

    d) The President may call a joint sitting for passing the Bill

    Q.7) Which one of the following statements is correct?

    a) In India, the same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time

    b) The Judges of the High Court of the States in India are appointed by the Governor of the State just as the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President

    c) No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post

    d) In the case of a Union Territory having a legislative setup, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governor on the basis of majority support

    Q.8) Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?

    Geographical Feature : Region

    a) Abyssinian Plateau : Arabia

    b) Atlas Mountains : North­Western Africa

    c) Guiana Highlands : South­Western Africa

    d) Okavango Basin : Patagonia

    IMPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

    2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

    3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

    4. Click here for Solutions.

  • 23 Dec 2017 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & [Tikdams]

    Dear student,

    One of these questions would have application of Tikdams. Tikdams are smart hacks which help you arrive at the right answer with basic knowledge. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types:

    1. Elimination Tikdams: Extrapolate your basic knowledge to eliminate options which appear out of context. Zero down on 2 choices and then mark the question as per your risk appetite
    2. Estimation Tikdams: Read the question well and work out the answer from within the options – Most of the times UPSC plays with words or embeds clues within the question. A smart aspirant figures them out!

    With strong basics and regular practice, you will be able to arrive at a very robust Tikdam framework of your own. To know more, read about this technique here, IAS 2016 by Dr. V & Tikdams 

    Note: Please comment your responses to questions in the comment section. It will help you in assessing yourself.

    Q.1) Which of the following organisation has recently released the ‘State of the World’s Children Report’?
    a) UNICEF
    b) Save the Children
    c) World Bank
    d) International Falcon Movement Watchlist
    Inspired by: Click2read

    Q.2) With reference to the ‘National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF)’, consider the following statements:
    1. The Fund is designed as a non lapsable fund under Public Accounts.
    2. It was formed for funding research and innovative projects in clean energy technologies of public sector or private sector entities.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) Neither 1 nor 2
    b) 1 only
    c) Both 1 and 2
    d) 2 only
    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] The state is writing cheques it can’t cash

    Q.3) Consider the following statements:
    1. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India can be removed by an address from both the Houses of the Parliament only.
    2. The CAG of India has no control over the issue of money from the consolidated fun of India.
    Which of the following options is correct?
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 only
    c) Both 1 and 2
    d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] The state is writing cheques it can’t cash

    Q.4) Which of the following rivers are the tributaries of Brahmaputra River?
    1. Kameng
    2. Manas
    3. Tizu
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
    a) 2 and 3 only
    b) 1, 2 and 3
    c) 1 and 3 only
    d) 1 and 2 only

    Q.5) Consider the following:
    1. UN General Assembly
    2. European Union
    3. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
    4. Commonwealth of Independent States
    5. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
    In which of the above SCO holds observer status ?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 1, 3 and 5
    c) 1, 2 and 3
    d) All of the above

    Q.6) Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of ‘Inclusive Governance’?
    1. Permitting the Non­Banking Financial Companies to do banking
    2. Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts
    3. Increasing the government spending on public health
    4. Strengthening the Mid­day Meal Scheme
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 3 and 4 only
    c) 2,3 and 4 only
    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Q.7) The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the
    a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent.
    b) Three main linguistic divisions in to which the languages of India can be classified
    c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
    d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

    Q.8) The congress ministries resigned in the seven provinces in 1939, because
    a) The Congress could not form ministries in the other four provinces
    b) emergence of a ‘left wing’ in the Congress made the working of the ministries impossible
    c) there wee widespread communal disturbances in their provinces.
    d) None of the statements given below is correct.

    IMPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

    2. Liked Tikdams? Join our Flagship TS which helps you perfect this approach – Flagship Prelims for IAS 2018

    3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

    4. Click here for Solutions

  • Challenges faced by Livestock sector in India

    Challenges faced by Livestock sector in India

    1. Improving productivity of farm animals is one of the major challenges. The average annual milk yield of Indian cattle is 1172 kg which is only about 50% of the global average.
    2. The Frequent outbreaks of diseases like Food and Mouth Diseases, Black Quarter infection, Influenza etc. continue to affect Livestock health and lowers the productivity.
    3. India’s huge population of ruminants contributes to greenhouse gases emission adding to global warming. Reducing greenhouse gases through mitigation and adaptation strategies will be a major challenge.
    4. Crossbreeding of indigenous species with exotic stocks to enhance genetic potential of different species has been successful only to a limited extent.
    5. Limited Artificial Insemination services owing to a deficiency in quality germplasm, infrastructure and technical manpower coupled with poor conception rate following artificial insemination have been the major impediments. After more than three decades of crossbreeding, the crossbred population is only 16.6% in cattle, 21.5% in pigs and 5.2% in sheep.
    6. The sector will also come under significant adjustment pressure to the emerging market forces. Though globalization will create avenues for increased participation in international trade, stringent food safety and quality norms would be required.
    7. Livestock sector did not receive the policy and financial attention it deserved. The sector received only about 12% of the total public expenditure on agriculture and allied sectors, which is disproportionately lesser than its contribution to agricultural GDP.
    8. The sector has been neglected by the financial institutions. The share of livestock in the total agricultural credit has hardly ever exceeded 4% in the total (short-term, medium-term and long-term). The institutional mechanisms to protect animals against risk are not strong enough.
    9. Currently, only 6% of the animal heads (excluding poultry) are provided insurance cover. Livestock extension has remained grossly neglected in the past. Only about 5% of the farm households in India access information on livestock technology. These indicate an apathetic outreach of the financial and information delivery systems.
    10. Livestock derives a major part of their energy requirement from agricultural byproducts and residues. Hardly 5% of the cropped area is utilized to grow fodder. India is deficit in dry fodder by 11%, green fodder by 35% and concentrates feed by 28%. The common grazing lands too have been deteriorating quantitatively and qualitatively.
    11. Access to markets is critical to speed up commercialization of livestock production. Lack of access to markets may act as a disincentive to farmers to adopt improved technologies and quality inputs. Except for poultry products and to some extent for milk, markets for livestock and livestock products are underdeveloped, irregular, uncertain and lack transparency. Further, these are often dominated by informal market intermediaries who exploit the producers.
    12. Likewise, slaughtering facilities are too inadequate. About half of the total meat production comes from un-registered, make-shift slaughterhouses. Marketing and transaction costs of livestock products are high taking 15-20% of the sale price.
    13. Other Major Challenges faced by the sector are:
    • Inadequate availability of credit.
    • Poor accesses to organized markets deprive farmers of proper milk price.
    • Limited availability of quality breeding bulls.
    • Deficiency of vaccines and vaccination set-up.
    • Due to industrialization and Urbanization Majority of grazing lands are either degraded or encroached.
    • Diversion of feed and fodder ingredients for industrial use.

  • 29 Nov 2017 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & Tikdams

    Q.1) With reference to the proposed ‘National Testing Agency (NTA)’, which was recently in news, consider the following statements:
    1. It will be registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860.
    2. It will be an autonomous organsation.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) Neither 1 nor 2
    b) 1 only
    c) 2 only
    d) Both 1 and 2

    Q.2) Which of the following statements regarding the ‘Blue Economy’ is incorrect?
    a) It is founded upon a systems approach, wherein renewable and organic inputs are fed into sustainably designed systems to fuel “blue growth.”
    b) is envisaged as the integration of Ocean Economy development with the principles of social inclusion, environmental sustainability and innovative, dynamic business models
    c) The concept of blue economy encompasses even maritime activities, such as shipping services.
    d) All of the above are correct

    Q.3) With reference to the ‘United Nations Convention against Torture’, recently seen in news, whiich of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. India has already India signed the convention.
    2. The convention forbids states to transport people to any country where there is reason to believe they will be tortured.
    Select the correct option using the codes given below.
    a) 2 only
    b) Neither 1 nor 2
    c) 1 only
    d) Both 1 and 2

    Q.4) Recently, which of the following organisation has released the “Global Gender Gap Report 2017”?
    a) IMF
    b) World Economic Forum
    c) United Nations
    d) World Bank

    Q.5) Consider the following locations:
    1. Chitradurga
    2. Pashan
    3. Wheeler Island
    Which of the above is/are test ranges of DRDO ?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 2 only
    c) 1 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q.6) According to the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the President of India to cause to be laid before the Parliament which of the following?
    1. The Recommendations of the Union Finance Commission
    2. The Report of the Public Accounts Committee
    3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General
    4. The Report of the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes
    Select the correct answer the using the codes given below:
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 and 4 only
    c) 1, 3 and 4 only
    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Q.7) A deadlock between the Lok Sabha and rajyasabha calls for a joint sitting of the parliament during the passage of
    1. ordinary legislation
    2. money bill
    3. constitution amendment bill
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 3 only
    d) 1,2 and 3

    Q.8) How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?
    1. DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country.
    2. DRDAs undertake area­specific scientific study of the cause of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures.
    3. DRDAs secure inter­sectoral and inter­departmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti­ poverty programmes.
    4. DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilisation of the funds intended for anti­poverty programme.
    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
    a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    b) 3 and 4 only
    c) 4 only
    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    IMPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. Daily newscards have been enriched with back2basics and note2students – Make notes daily

    2. Join Full Year Prelims TS – prelims.civilsdaily.com

    3. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

    4. Click here for Solutions

  • To clear CAPF 2018

    Please provide me test series for the coming exam.
    Thank you