Subject: Polity

12 March 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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

Q.1) With reference to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), consider the following statements:
1. No European member is signatory to the agreement.
2. The CPTPP incorporates all of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) provisions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) 2 only
d) Both 1 and 2
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Trade goes on: Trans-Pacific Partnership

Q.2) With reference to the Group of 15, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It has more than 15 members.
2. India is not a member of the group.
3. The Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Services (FCCIS) is a private sector forum of G-15 member countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) 1 and 2 only
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] A new NAM for the new norm

Q.3) The Women Power Award, recently seen in news, is given by
a) International Council of Women
b) National Commission for Women
c) Ministry of Women and Child Development
d) International Alliance of Women
Inspired by: Click2read

Q.4) The demon ‘Apasmara’ lying under the foot of the dancing Nataraja symbolizes:
a) Ignorance
b) Darkness
c) Evil
d) Sorrows

Q.5) The ‘One Planet City Challenge (OPCC)’ is related to which of the following environmental organisation?
a) World Wildlife Fund for Nature
b) Conservation International
c) Greenpeace
d) Green Cross International
Inspired by: Smart City Mission: Resonating with global climate themes

Q.6) Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?(CSE: 2014)
Geographical Feature : Region
a) Abyssinian Plateau : Arabia
b) Atlas Mountains : NorthWestern Africa
c) Guiana Highlands : SouthWestern Africa
d) Okavango Basin : Patagonia

Q.7) With reference to the history of Indian rockcut architecture, consider the following statements:(CSE: 2014)
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rockcut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rockcut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.8) Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred(CSE: 2014)
1. across different species of plants
2. from animals to plants
3. from microorganisms to higher organisms
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

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.

March 12, 2018
1 March 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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

Q.1) With reference to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Japan is not its member.
2. China and India has equal voting share in the AIIB.
3. France is one of its founding members.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) 1 and 3 only
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Taking stock two years after AIIB’s opening

Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding the Confederation of Indian Industry:
1. It comes under the authority of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
2. The CII Theme for 2017–18 is ‘India@75: Inclusive. Ahead. Responsible.’
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
Inspired by: India on a drive to improve investment climate, ease of living: Narendra Modi

Q.3) Which of the following Stock Exchanges comes under the definition of ‘Secondary Markets’?
1. NASDAQ
2. NYSE
3. NSE(India)
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) All of the above
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 only
d) None of the above qualifies the definition of ‘Secondary Markets’

Q.4) Which of the following ‘non-preventable risks’ are covered under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?
1. Natural Fire and Lightning
2. Storm
3. Flood
4. Drought
5. Pests/Diseases
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 2, 3 and 4 only
b) 3 and 4 only
c) 3, 4 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Q.5) Surya Kiran Military Joint Exercise is going to be held between which of the following countries(other than India)?
1. Sri Lanka
2. Nepal
3. Bhutan
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 2 only
b) 1 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 2 and 3 only
Inspired by: Click2read

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.

March 1, 2018
21 Feb 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions & [Tikdams]
Dear student,

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) With reference to the the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund established under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act (CAF Act), 2016, consider the following statements:

1. The bill also establishes a State Compensatory Afforestation Fund under the Public Account of each state, along with the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund.

2. The fund will also work for wildlife protection.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) Both 1 and 2

b) 1 only

c) 2 only

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Inspired by: [op-ed snap] The right way to save India’s forests

Q.2) The PJ Nayak committee was related to which of the following sector of the Indian Economy?

a) Coal Sector

b) Power Sector

c) Banking Sector

d) Information Technology Sector

Inspired by: Click2read

Q.3) Which of the following struggles lead by Mahatma Gandhi are correctly matched?

Struggle

1. Champaran Satyagraha             Civil Disobedience

2. Ahmedabad Mill Strike            Hunger Strike

3. Kheda Satyagraha                       Non-Cooperation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1, 2 and 3

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1 and 3 only

Q.4) Consider the following statements regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC):

1. All the Deputy Governors of the RBI are members of the MPC.

2. Finance Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of the MPC.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) Both are correct

b) 2 only

c) Neither 1 nor 2

d) 1 only

Q.5) Consider the following:

1. Infant mortality rate:                                Probability of dying between birth and exactly 1 year of age

2. Neonatal mortality rate: Probability of dying during the first 28 days of life

Which of the definitions given above are correctly matched?

a) Neither 1 nor 2

b) 1 only

c) 2 only

d) Both 1 and 2

Inspired by: Despite having maximum newborn deaths, India reduces under-five mortality rate by 66%

Q.6) The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from

a) Katha Upanishad

b) Chandogya Upanishad

c) Aitareya Upanishad

d) Mundaka Upanishad

Q.7) In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the

a) Preamble to the Constitution

b) Directive Principles of State Policy

c) Fundamental Duties

d) Ninth Schedule

Q.8) What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?

1. Prevention of soil runoff

2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers

3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table

4. Regeneration of natural vegetation

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2, 3 and 4 only

c) 1, 3 and 4 only

d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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.
February 21, 2018
Interview Experience 2018: Themes and expectations of interview boards

Interviews for CSE 2017 started on 19th February.

This forum post is intended to share interview transcripts of students whose interview is completed.

We request all those students whose interview is completed to chip in and provide the prospective students knowledge about expectations of various interview boards and topics that are in focus.

Students who are part of Civilsdaily’s Interview Guidance Program 2018 will also share their interview experiences after their interviews are completed.

Please note that the interview transcripts that will be shared have not been edited nor do they represent a “perfect” transcript. They do, however, provide insight into the interview process.

February 21, 2018
27 Jan 2018 | 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) Universal Immunization Programme covers vaccinations for which of the following diseases?
1. Tuberculosis
2. Diphtheria
3. Sudden infant death syndrome
Select the correct option using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Inspired by: First India-designed vaccine passes WHO test

Q.2) Which of the following organisation does Swachh Survekshan under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission)?
a) Survey of India
b) None is correct
c) National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)
d) Quality Council of India
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Stumbling towards sustainable sanitation

Q.3) With reference to the Himalayan Research Fellowships scheme, recently seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. The financial support under the scheme will be provided under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS).
2. Fellowships will be awarded for a maximum period of three years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Both 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 1 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired by: Environment ministry to start ‘Himalayan Research Fellowships scheme’

Q.4) Which of the following species of turtles are found in India?
1. Leatherback
2. Loggerhead
3. Olive Ridley
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] A turtle recovery plan

Q.5) ‘Brasilia Declaration’ is related to which of the following issue?
a) Road Safety
b) Environment
c) Black Money
d) Human Rights
Inspired by: Click2read

Q.6) In the context of Indian economy,Open Market Operations’ refers to
a) borrowing by scheduled banks from the RBI
b) lending by commercial banks to industry and trade
c) purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI
d) None of the above

Q.7) Priority Sector Lending by banks in India constitutes the lending to
a) agriculture
b) micro and small enterprises
c) weaker sections
d) All of the above

Q.8) Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?
a) Engineering
b) Paper and pulp
c) Textiles
d) Thermal power

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.
January 27, 2018
13 Jan 2018 | 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 international organisation has recently released the ‘Global Economic Prospects?
a) World Trade Organisation
b) IMF
c) World Bank
d) OECD
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] A global opportunity for the Indian workforce

Q.2) With reference to the ‘Gini Coefficient’. consider the following statements:
1. It is statistical measure to gauge the rich-poor income or wealth divide.
2. Its value varies anywhere from zero to 1.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Both 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) 1 only
Inspired by: [op-ed snap] A global opportunity for the Indian workforce

Q.3) India is a member to which of the following groups/agreements?
1. Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
2. Wassenaar Arrangements
3. The Australia Group
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) 1 and 2 only
Inspired by: US sends clear signal to India: At some point, let us post officers at each other’s combatant commands

Q.4) With reference to the Model Code of Conduct in the Indian Electoral System, consider the following statements:
1. The objective of the ocde is to ensure that the party in power is not able to use public money to improve its electoral prospects.
2. The Code of Conduct have statutory basis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) Both 1 and 2
c) 2 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Inspired by: In view of new media, EC panel to suggest changes to model code

Q.5) Merchant Discount Rate is
a) a mandatory discount provided to all customers under company law
b) a mandatory discount provided to all customers under company law rate charged to a merchant by a bank for providing debit and credit card services
c) a special cess levied on small merchant dealing in shares and securities
d) None of the above

Q.6) Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horsedrawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None of the statements given above is correct

Q.7) Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?
1. Chikungunya
2. Hepatitis B
3. HIVAIDS
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) Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?
1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
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

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.
January 13, 2018

Polity Titbits: Panchayati Raj- Local governance

Local self government: various committees

	Balwant Rai Mehta Committee	Ashok Mehta	GVK rao	Singhvi
Mandate	To examine working of Community development programme and national extension services	To study Panchayati Raj	Administrative arrangement for rural development and poverty alleviation	Revitalisation of panchayati raj
Suggestion	3 tier Panchayati Raj linked through indirect election	2 tier – Zila Panchayat and Mandal Panchayat	District the unit of planning, post of district development commissioner	Constitutional protection to panchayati raj

Local governance

	Panchayat	Municipalities
Constitutional amendment	73rd	74th
Schedule	11th (29 items)	12th (18 items)
DPSP article	40	NA
Tier/ type	3 tier	Not tier but 3 types depending on size of urban areas

Titbits

1st panchayati raj institution in Nagore (Rajasthan)
1st municipality Madras (British times)
Gram sabha is assembly of all the voters of gram panchayat
74th amendment deals with district planning committee
⅓ reservation for women in all posts
State election commission appointed by governor to conduct polls
State finance commission appointed by governor
Min age to contest election is 21 years
Duration is 5 years, if dissolved before that, next panchayat serves only remaining years

December 4, 2017

Polity Titbits: Constitutional, Statutory and quasi judicial bodies

Constitutional bodies

	Appointment	Tenure	Removal	Process of removal	Eligibility for reappointment w/i govt
Attorney general (Advocate general)	President (governor)	Pleasure of President (governor)	President (governor)	No reason need to be mentioned	Yes
Election Commission (SEC)	President (governor)	6 years/ 65	President	CEC and SEC by special majority Other ECs on recommendation of CEC	Yes
Finance commission (SFC)	President (governor)	Specified by president	NA	NA	yes
UPSC (SPSC)	President (governor)	6 years/ 65	President	After enquiry by supreme court	Members can become Chair, state members can become chair or member or chair of UPSC
CAG	President	6 years/ 65	President	Special majority	NO

Statutory bodies

	Appointment	Committee members	Other members	tenure	Removal
NHRC (SHRC)	President (governor)	6 (PM + LOP lok sabha)	Speaker, deputy CP RS, LOP RS, home minister	5 years/ 70	President after supreme court inquiry
CIC (SIC)	President (governor)	3 ((PM + LOP lok sabha)	Cabinet minister nominated by PM	5 years/ 65	President (governor for CIC) after supreme court inquiry
CVC	President (governor)	3 ((PM + LOP lok sabha)	Home minister	5 years/ 65	President after supreme court inquiry
Lokpal	President	5 (PM + LOP lok sabha	Speaker, CJI, eminent jurist	5 years/ 70	Like a supreme court judge

December 4, 2017

Polity Titbits: Constitution- Special provisions

Special Provisions

Emergency provisions

	National emergency (art 352)	State Emergency/ President’s rule (Art 356)	Financial emergency
Grounds	War, External aggression, armed rebellion <threat or actual>	Failure of constitutional machinery of state or can’t comply with the directions of centre	Threat to financial credit
Who declares	President after written cabinet recommendation	President	President
Parliamentary approval	w/i 1 month by both houses	w/i 2 month by both houses	w/i 2 month by both houses
Type of majority	Special	Simple	Simple
Duration	6 months from approval	6 months from approval	Indefinitely
Reapproval	Any number of times	Max 3 years	Not applicable
Revocation	By president or by LS only by simple majority	By president,	By president
Legislature and laws on state list	Continues, both parliament and state can pass laws	Suspended or dissolved and only parliament can make laws	Can issue directions to reserve money bill and finance bills for president
Executive	Continues, both union govt and state govt have powers	Dismissed, president administers through governor	Can issue direction to reduce salaries including those of supreme court and high court judge
FRs,	Art 19 automatically suspended, 20 and 21 can’t be, right to move courts for others can be suspended by presidential orders	NA	NA

Schedule 5 and 6

	Schedule 5	Schedule 6
Deal with –	Scheduled area and STs in any state except ATMM	Administration of tribal areas Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram
Autonomy	Limited autonomy. Only tribal advisory council at state level	More autonomy, autonomous districts
Schedule area	President declares, can increase or decrease the area	Governor can organize, reorganize autonomous districts
Executive power of state	Applicable but special responsibility of governor	Same
Acts of parliament or legislature	Governor can modify the law or state that they are not applicable	same

December 4, 2017

Polity Titbits: Functions/powers of Judiciary

Judiciary

Appointments

Titbits

Parliament decide the number of judges of supreme court while president decide the numbers in high courts
Both supreme court and high court judges are appointed as well as removed by president
Salaries of high court judges is charged on CFS while pension is charged on CFI
Appointment by collegium system (CJI plus 4 seniormost supreme court judges) after 3rd judges case
District judges are appointed by governor in consultation with high courts
Both SC and HC judges need 10 year practice in high court but SC judge need 5 year judgeship in high court while HC judge needs 10 years of judgeship
A distinguished jurist can be appointed as judges of supreme court but not high court
Removal by special majority of parliament on grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity
SC judges can’t practice w/i india post retirement: high court judges can in supreme court or other high courts <but there is no bar on further appointments such as chairperson or members of NHRC etc>
Constitution provided for 1 high court for each state but 7th amendment allowed parliament to establish common high courts

Jurisdictions of courts

Exclusive (original by default)	Original <concurrent with high courts>	Appellate	Advisory
Petition only in supreme court (directly by default)	Directly in supreme court	Appeals from high court	President refers(art 143)
Federal disputes, inter state matters, disputes regarding election of president, VP	Writ under art 32	Appeals, SLP	Not necessary to tender opinion except on pre constitutional matters

Types of Writs

Writ	Habeas Corpus	Mandamus	Prohibition	Certiorari	Quo Warranto
Meaning	-To produce the body -Against arbitrary detention	-We command -to perform Official duty	-To forbid – from exceeding jurisdiction	– to be certified -transfer a case or quash an order	-by what authority -legality of claim to public office
Issued against	public as well as private authority	Public official, court, tribunal	Judicial, quasi Judicial	Judicial, quasi Judicial and administrative authorities	Substantive public office created by constitution or statute
Can’t be issues against	Lawful detention	private	Private, administrative, legislative	Private, legislative	Ministerial, private
Who can file	Aggrieved person	Aggrieved person	Aggrieved person	Aggrieved person	Any person

Writ jurisdiction of Supreme court v/s High Court

Court	Supreme court	High Court
Article	32	226
Scope	Only for FRs	FRs plus legal rights

December 4, 2017