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Subject: Trivia

  • Ethical Veganism

    An employment tribunal in the UK has ruled that “ethical veganism” is a philosophical belief and has to be protected by law against discrimination.

    What’s the issue about?

    • A man was fired from an animal welfare charity for raising concerns about its pension funds’ alleged investment in companies that use animal testing.
    • He for gross misconduct on insisting to ban fox-hunting and other types of recreational hunting in Britain.
    • The tribunal had to determine if ethical veganism fit the criteria of a religious or philosophical belief.
    • The tribunal determined that ethical veganism meets the test required to be a philosophical belief, because of which it is protected under the British Equality Act, 2010.
    • Many vegetarians claimed that they were discriminated at workplace for not eating meat. In his case, the tribunal had dismissed the case, calling his vegetarianism a lifestyle choice.

    Veganism, ethical veganism, and ethical vegetarianism

    • Broadly, a vegan person does not consume meat products and also products that are derived from animals (such as milk, eggs, etc).
    • ‘The Ethical Case for Veganism’ in the Oxford Handbook of Food Ethics, loosely defines veganism as a lifestyle choice to refrain from eating meat as well as products made from or by animals.
    • Ethical veganism, on the other hand, has been defined as the view that attaches a positive ethical valuation to a vegan lifestyle.
    • Significantly, ethical veganism is different from ethical vegetarianism — the latter makes a distinction between products made from animals, such as meat, and products made by animals, such as milk.
    • Ethical vegetarianism is opposed to products made from animals in particular.
    • There is also an ethical omnivorism, which permits the use of some animal products and may restrict the use of others based on some ethical criterion, say the authors of the Food Ethics paper.

    Types of ethical veganism

    • They mention two types of ethical veganism: broad absolutist veganism, under which it is always wrong to use any product made by or from animals, and modest ethical veganism, under which it is typically wrong to use products made from or by a range of animals including cats, dogs, cows, pigs, etc.
    • An example of the former category is a person who would not press a leather button, “even if doing so were necessary in order to avert global nuclear war”.
    • The reasons for adopting veganism as a lifestyle can range from wanting a better and healthier lifestyle, environmental, or religious reasons.

    Britain’s Equality Act

    • The act protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in the wider society in the UK.
    • The Act offers a basic framework of protection against direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation in services and public functions, etc.
    • Under the Act, a belief is defined as any religious or philosophical belief.
    • Since the tribunal has ruled that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief, it is a protected characteristic under the Act.

  • 10 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 Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) which of the statements given below is/are correct?
    1. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
    2. It was aimed to reach girls aged 10 to 19.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
    a) 1 only
    b) Both 1 and 2
    c) Neither 1 nor 2
    d) 2 only
    Inspired by: Use of sanitary pads sparse despite govt schemes: studies

    Q.2) With reference to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Amendment) Bill of 2017, consider the following statements:
    1. The amendments primarily seek to transfer the RBI’s balance equity in NABARD to the Central government.
    2. It seeks to decrease private sector share in the NABARD.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) 2 only
    b) 1 only
    c) Both 1 and 2
    d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Inspired by: [oped snap] A boost to rural entrepreneurship

    Q.3) The international Intellectual Property (IP) index is relased by
    a) National Company of Industrial Property Attorneys (CNCPI)
    b) European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
    c) Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC)
    d) Centre for International Industrial Property Studies (CEIPI)
    Inspired by: India ranks 44 out of 50 nations in global IP index

    Q.4) Quasars are amazingly bright due to:
    1. Tectonic waves present in their periphery.
    2. Supermassive black holes found at their centres.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) Both 1 and 2
    b) Neither 1 nor 2
    c) 1 only
    d) 2 only

    Q.5) The Operation Cactus, recently seen in news, was conducted by Indian Army in which of the following countries?
    a) Sri Lanka
    b) Bangladesh
    c) Maldives
    d) Myanmar
    Inspired by: Click2read

    Q.6) Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was
    a) the mosque for the use of Royal Family
    b) Akbar’s private chamber prayer
    c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.
    d) the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs

    Q.7) In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing the ‘Seed Replacement Rates’ of various crops helps in achieving the food production targets of the future. But what is/are the constraint/ constraints in its wider / greater implementation?
    1. There is no National Seeds Policy in place.
    2. There is no participation of private sector seed companies in the supply of quality seeds of vegetables and planting materials of horticultural crops.
    3. There is a demand­ supply gap regarding quality seeds in case of low value and high volume crops.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    a) 1 and 2
    b) 3 only
    c) 2 and 3
    d) None

    Q.8) With reference to ‘Eco­ Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. Eco­ Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 .
    2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco­ Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities, in those zones except agriculture.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 only
    c) Both 1 and 2
    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    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 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 statements is incorrect?
    a) Banks and non-banking financial companies in India are due to switch to Indian Accounting Standards (IndAS) in upcoming times
    b) These norms are in line with international norms, the International Financial Reporting Standards
    c) These were designed to avoid credit shocks like those seen in the aftermath of the global financial crisis in 2008
    d) Banks and NBFCs currently do not have any well defined accounting principles and hence the need for new standards
    Inspired by: RBI, govt may give banks more time to switch to IndAS

    Q.2) The alternative investment fund (AIF) is related to which of the following regulatory body in India?
    a) Association of Mutual Funds
    b) Securities and Exchange Board of India
    c) Small Industries Development Bank of India
    d) Foreign Investment Promotion Board
    Inspired by: Online filing system stumps investors and intermediaries

    Q.3) With reference to the India Post Payments Bank, consider the following statements:
    1. The Government of India has 100% equity in the bank.
    2. The bank offers demand deposits of upto Rs 1 Lac only.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) 1 only
    b) Both 1 and 2
    c) 2 only
    d) Neither 1 nor 1
    Inspired by: [op-ed snap] Long live India Post Payments Bank

    Q.4) Which of the following are the objectives of AYUSH mission, sometimes seen in the news?
    1. To draw up schemes for promotion, cultivation and regeneration of medicinal plants used in these systems.
    2. To upgrade the educational standards in the Indian Systems of Medicines and Homoeopathy colleges in the country.
    3. To eventually scrap the Medical Council of India and esatablishment of a new National Medical Council.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
    a) 1 and 3 only
    b) 1, 2 and 3
    c) 1 and 2 only
    d) 2 and 3 only
    Inspired by: [op-ed snap Capacity building for primary health care

    Q.5) With reference to the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO designated Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITWEC) of the INCOIS as a Regional Tsunami Service Provider (RTSP).
    2. It is a founding member of the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS).
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
    a) Both 1 and 2
    b) 1 only
    c) 2 only
    d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Inspired by: India’s automated ocean pollution system to begin this year

    Q.6) Consider the following statements:
    1. National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
    2. The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
    3. The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 3 only
    d) 1,2 and 3

    Q.7) Consider the following statements:
    1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
    2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they
    have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
    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.8) With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements :
    1.Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity.
    2.It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes and schemes throughout the
    country.
    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

    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.

  • 22 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) Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has decided to bring out a Liveability Index. Consider the following about it:
    1. The index will cover all the cities and census towns in India
    2. The cities will be assesed by Ministry of Housing in order of the quality of life they offer
    Select the correct statement/s using the codes given below:
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 only
    c) Both 1 and 2
    d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Inspired by: Govt plans liveability index of 116 cities

    Q.2) With reference to the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, often seen in the news, consider the following statements:
    1. The scheme is based on public private partnership model(PPP) model.
    2. The mission is a part of Housing for All by 2022.
    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: National Urban Policy: Single policy for multiple states

    Q.3) Recently, thhe ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has decided to bring out a liveability index. Consider the following statements regarding it:
    1. The index includes all the 99 smart cities.
    2. The ministry has also decided to involve the Economist Intelligence Unit, which brings out an annual liveability index of cities across the world.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) Both 1 and 2
    b) Neither 1 nor 2
    c) 1 only
    d) 2 only
    Inspired by: Govt plans liveability index of 116 cities

    Q.4) With reference to the Australian Group which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. It works against the proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
    2. India is the first Asian member of the group.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
    a) Neither 1 nor 2
    b) 2 only
    c) 1 only
    d) Both 1 and 2
    Inspired by: India joins chemical weapons parts export control bloc Australia Group

    Q.5) Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Indo-Tibetan Border Police’:
    1. It comes under the Ministry of Defence.
    2. It was raised under the CRPF Act.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) 2 only
    b) Both are correct
    c) 1 only
    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q.6) Consider the following statements :
    1. Inflation benefits the debtors.
    2. Inflation benefits the bond­holders.
    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.7) Disguised unemployment generally means
    a) large number of people remain unemployed
    b) alternative employment is not available
    c) marginal productivity of labour is zero
    d) productivity of workers is low

    Q.8) Consider the following statements:
    1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament.
    2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India.
    3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for Iegislation.
    Which of the Statements given above is/are correct?
    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.

  • can anyone clear my question?

    how can a bill passed n parliament without drafting rules and laws of it?
    eg: CAMPA, it has been saying that bill was passed in parliament. but for release of funds to states they are saying that government still drafting the laws….

  • 26 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) With reference to the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) -SABLA’, consider the following statements:

    1. It is being implemented using the platform of Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).

    2. It is a scheme to empower adolescent girls of 11-18 years by improving their nutritional and health status.

    3. It will be implemented by Ministry of health & family welfare

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a) Both 1 and 2

    b) 1 and 3

    c) 2 and 3

    d) All of the above

    Inspired by: [pib] Global Hunger Index

    Q.2) Consider the following statement about LIGO:

    1. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) is a large-scale physics experiment and observatory to detect cosmic gravitational waves and to develop gravitational-wave observations as an astronomical tool.

    2. The initial LIGO observatories were funded, conceived, built, and are operated by NASA.

    Which of the following statement is/are correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) Only 2

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Inspired by: A new LIGO gravitational wave detector to be built in India by 2025

    Q.3) The Government of India has recently enacted Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, with reference to it consider the following statements:

    1. The act is applicable in all the Union Territories.

    2. All Indian States can adopt the Act under clause (1) of Article 252 of the Constitution.

    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: [pib] Charges on Health Services

    Q.4) Which of the following organisation/organisations publishes/publish the Global Innovation Index(GII) annually?

    a) INSEAD

    b) World Intellectual Property Organization

    c) World Bank

    d) Collaboration of both (a) and (b)

    Inspired by: [pib] India ranked 60th most innovative country on the Global Innovation Index-2017

    Q.5) Which of the following are authorised to issue Municipal bonds in India?

    1. Urban local bodies

    2. Municipal bodies

    3. Municipal corporates

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    a) 1, 2 and 3

    b) 2 and 3 only

    c) 1 and 3 only

    d) 1 and 2 only

    Inspired by: Govt to provide ecosystem for raising municipal bonds

    Q.6) Which of the following parties were established by DR. B. R. Ambedkar?

    1. The Peasants and Workers party of India

    2. All India Scheduled Castes Federation

    3 The Independent Labour Party

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 and 3 only

    c) 1 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3

    Q.7) Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?

    a) To change the existing territory of a State and to change the name of a State

    b) To pass a resolution empowering the Parliament to make laws in the State List and to create one or more All India Services

    c) To amend the election procedure of the President and to determine the pension of the President after his/her retirement

    d) To determine the functions of the Election Commission and to determine the number of Election Commissioners.

    Q.8) How does the National Rural Livelihood Mission seek to improve Livelihood Mission seeks to improve livelihood options of rural poor?

    1. By setting up a large number of new manufacturing industries and agribusiness centres in rural areas.

    2. By strengthening ‘self­help groups’ and providing skills development

    3. By supplying seeds, fertilizers, diesel pump­sets and micro­ irrigation equipment free of cost of farmers.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 2 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

  • How to best use Civilsdaily for my IAS Prep?

    IMP: Civilsdaily IAS Prelims 2018 Test Series Module Launched – Click here

    Hello,

    Let’s set your expectations straight. At the end of this read – you will understand how you can adapt to the changing UPSC syllabus by being a regular at Civilsdaily. You will understand the power of connected NEWS for a better analysis via our concept of STORY when you look back and read all of them.

    You will come to appreciate our one pointed focus on making daily news and related static concepts (b2bs) easy for you guys.

    Trust us when we say this – unlike overwhelming writing practice or daily dose of daunting 5,000+ words long articles, our seemingly simple but connected news & stories go a long way in making you feel on top of the major happenings of the world around you.

    Civilsdaily lets you remember everything important that happens around you and use that information in a way to make yourself more productive.

    At the examination hall, on the D-day, if you remember the key points of most of the major themes and stories of the year, you are going to ace Pre & Mains – come what may!

     

    So, here we are, writing a long but practical blog post which is going to help you understand, explore and utilize CIVILSDAILY to its maximum potential for the exams to come. Read this one very carefully.

    #1. Use the calendar widget the read daily news from the NEWS tab

    • Every day, we pluck out the most relevant daily news and push it on our FREE android app as well as the NEWS’ tab at civilsdaily.com
    • Since many of you do not keep up with daily news, we designed a calendar widget to help you go back in time – any date & any month! Available in both english and hindi (hindi translations are available after 6 PM everyday)
    • So, go to the NEWS tab – click on a date – toggle on the language and scroll down to read the most important summaries of the NEWS

    #2. What do I do after NEWS reading? These are just 4-5 points. Is this going to help me clear IAS?

    • These are not just any 4-5 points – these are the most relevant 4-5 points. What’s more – once you are done reading the NEWS, go and click the green text next to the orange tree on each newscard
    • Once you click on the green text next to the orange tree – you go to the mother of all pages on the “State of Forest in India” where you can see all the related news stacked up wrt this topic. Isn’t that awesome! No more concerns about revising news from a week before – everything is already stacked for you!
    • Whenever we have a news item relevant to this TOPIC/ STORY, we will keep adding it here so that you never lose a trail.
    • And to make sure that you also get detailed analysis on an ongoing story – we have inserted another tab – CD Explains on each story page

    If you have been a Civilsdaily user for long, then you would be happy to know that we have shifted most of the CD Explains articles in their relevant stories so that you lose no time in searching for them!

    For the new users, this is the best time to start using Civilsdaily. Read and make notes! Which brings to our most important segment of the day –

    #3. What the hell is a story and how is it going to help me in my IAS Prep?

    A story is a collection of related newscards. This is the most innovative method to stay in touch with news (past & present). This is what UPSC wants to test you on – your ability to analyse a news better and connect the dots!

    Click on a story and you can track down all the important changes which happened on that theme over the last few months – sometimes even year!

    Click on any of these stories and you can go back and read the trail of news + CD Explains articles which we would have written about that topic.

    In case, you find that we have not written the CD Explains on a particular story – go ahead and suggest what you want us to write about. We are always listening!

    #4. Use the forum to the fullest – a lot can happen over discussions

    Ask questions – Get answers. Participate in discussions – grow your knowledge. Help your peers – get helped by our moderators.

    Good Karma always helps!

    #5. Blogs, blogs & blogs

    To make sure that we do not miss the static portions of your syllabus, we write elaborate writeups on course modules which are difficult to understand from textbooks and coachings institutes. There’s more – Toppers Strategies, How to clear guides, Daily motivation etc etc.

    Add to that, to help you discover old related blogs, we introduced a concept of “Collections”. Here are 3 quick steps to find the related blog posts.

    #6. Monthly Magazine – CivilsDigest E-book

    And one last thing, to make sure that you get the best of monthly news and blogs, we started out with state of art magazines every month – get your copy from here – CivilsDigest Magazine – Click to buy

    That’s it! This is all you need to do to take the best out of Civilsdaily.com. Make sure you download our FREE App to get daily news in crisp, clean layout.

    If you still have doubts, please put in your comments below.

  • Strategy for cracking IAS examination for the beginners

    IMP: Civilsdaily IAS Prelims 2018 Test Series Module Launched – Click here

    How to begin, where to start?

    That’s the million dollar question which everyone asks oneself when one first thinks of becoming a civil servant. How to go about preparation depends on how much time you have at your disposal. And you guys have lots of time in your hands.

    Before coming to preparation let’s know our enemy better

    It’s basically a 3 stage examination

    (i) Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (Objective type) for the selection of candidates for the Main Examination;

    It consists of two papers,

    • Paper 1 deals with general studies and contains 100 questions. Paper 2 is of aptitude test and contains 80 questions. Paper 2 is only of qualifying nature (67 marks for qualifying)
    • Approximately 12 times the total number of vacancies qualify this exam to be eligible to appear in the next stage. Marks obtained in prelims are not counted for final merit.

    (ii) Civil Services (Main) Examination (Written and Interview) for the selection of candidates for the various Services and posts noted above. Approximately 2.6 times the total vacancies are qualified to appear in personality test. Marks of written plus interview combined decide the merit list.

    Let’s settle a few issues

    #1. Is this a sprint or marathon?

    Notion of sprint suggests 6 months of super fast study while marathon suggests 5 year planning (Sprinters would claim 6 months proper study and you are done, marathon runners would have you planned for next 5 years).

    I don’t know what it is. Nobody used such metaphors when we were preparing for JEE or PMT or CAT or CLAT or even board exams. Civil Services examination is like any other decently competitive examination which demands rigorous preparation, only difference being the subjective pattern, which makes it more unpredictable.

    In our view, this exam needs 12 months of decent preparation for already well aware candidates and 18 months,  i.e roughly 12 months before prelims for those who are not so well aware.

    #2. Is it a purely luck based exam? A gamble!

    Well, luck certainly matters but luck is randomly distributed. So if you are well prepared, chances are, if not in 1st, in 2nd or (3rd or 4th attempt), you will make it to the list.

    But one thing is certain, if you are not decently well prepared, there’s no way, you are gonna make it to that sacred list of rank holders.

    Like every exam, it has certain demands and certain ways of achieving success. For instance, some people say, that guy scored so well in essay, ethics and optional and he is through. Well, that’s one type of strategy but not without risk. What if for some reason, you are not able to score well in one of the papers, well you are doomed.

    Like finance, the best way is to diversify your portfolio, hedge your bets. You should prepare every paper decent enough, so decent that you don’t get butchered in that paper. Say 50 marks in essay or one optional paper. Nobody can save you in that case. It requires spending proportionate time on every subject, not keep on studying culture and world history from every other book or farras available in the karol bagh market.

    Well these were some general fundas but we haven’t answered how should you begin your preparation yet.

    Prelims still 6 months away for those writing in 2018?

    If you are in college and your optional subject is gonna be your graduation subject, download the UPSC syllabus from the official notification- click here and previous year question papers- click here and master the subject with emphasis on UPSC syllabus (both paper 1 and paper 2).

    Even otherwise, don’t take college very lightly, college ka kaam sabse pahle.

    After that decide, if you are gonna take exam as you complete your studies or you are gonna take a break and prepare full time. Say for instance degree in may and prelims in august (proxy for time you can dedicate for UPSC preparation).

    If you are willing to give at least 9 months before prelims to full time UPSC preparation, don’t just start reading core books but cultivate the habit of reading newspapers, Indian express I would suggest.

    Follow newscards regularly on the civilsdaily app (click here for the FREE app) and if you feel like reading, read interesting articles on the website, especially back to basics, series on landmark judgments but don’t take much load.

    One thing which you all should do immediately is to buy map of India and world and put on your room’s wall. Also buy Orient Blackswan School Atlas. Locate every place you read in the news in the map on your wall and also look sideways to see what’s around these places. Within a few months, your map marking skills would be superb. Learn rivers and valleys and straits you read in the news.

    Read these very interesting and enlightening books

    1. An Uncertain Glory: India and it’s contradictions by Amartya Sen and Jean Dreaze
    2. India’s tryst with destiny by Jagdish Bhagwati and Arvind Panghariya (Vice charperosn on NITI Ayog)
    3. Breakout Nations by Ruchir Sharma
    4. 10 judgements that changed India by Zia Mody
    5. Pax indica: India and World of 21st century by Shashi Tharoor
    6. India after Gandhi by Ram Guha
    7. Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ by Daniel Goleman (must read not only for you but your friends, siblings and parents) Please do read it.

    Watch some great videos over youtube to get your basics right

    1. Crash course economics
    2. Crash course world history (21st episode onward)
    3. Justice with Michael Sanders (Very important)
    4. Cultivate the habit of watching interesting Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) and Lok Sabha TV (LSTV) discussions. Give about half an hour to one hour daily for these discussions. I would recommend India’ world (Weekly on RSTV), The Big Picture (Monday to Friday on RSTV)

    Catch up on some of the best documentaries around

    1. Heaven on Earth: Rise and Fall of Socialism (3 part pbs documentary total 160 min) It is heavily biased against socialism yet a must watch as public discourse in India is heavily loaded against free enterprise
    2. India Untouched: Documentary on Caste based discrimination
    3. Incurable India by PSBT (it gives you picture of very dismal state of health care in India)
    4. Pradhanmantri series by ABP news
    5. Mandate with destiny by Vir Singhavi: story of historic elections For our friends from southern and north eastern India who don’t understand Hindi,
    6. Guns and Glory by Kabir Bedi on Headlines today (story of all post independence wars)
    7. Samvidhan written by iconic Shyam Benegal for RSTV
    8. Gandhi The Road to Freedom – British Propaganda – BBC Documentary
    9. Nero’s guests by P. Sainath
    10. Planet Earth by BBC
    11. Story of India BBC documentary

    Books are very interesting reads. Read them like novels. Don’t start taking notes from them. Enjoy them. These books, videos and documentaries will give you perspective from all sides- Left, right, centre. Embrace the exposure and try to assimilate the gyaan. At the same time major portion of your syllabus will be done.

    Simultaneously start reading NCERTs from class 6 to 10. All the books but mathematics. Science background guys can skip science. Old NCERT ancient India, medieval India and modern India (11th std and 12th std), Macroeconomics (12th std), Geography (all 4 books must read).

    Prelims 2017 has been a surprise

    Solve the paper both paper 1 and 2 with whatever you have just read and calculate how many you get right. If you have done what you have been told so far, you will easily be able to score very decent marks for a beginner who will take exam in 2018.

    Scoring less marks-

    It’s time to get serious

    1st step would be to get syllabus print out and read it thoroughly and keep referring back; download past year question papers or buy compilations available in the market.

    You can now join a coaching or a test series if you want

    If you haven’t yet read NCERTs upto class 10, very quickly go through NCERTs. Geography, polity and world history part is not to be missed. Polity is very conceptual in NCERT. Please do not leave that (concepts such as social justice democracy etc) are very nicely explained.

    You can leave the history part if you are feeling uncomfortable.

    Standard 11, 12 NCERTs are to be read very carefully again. Sit tight with paper and pencil and take notes simultaneously. All 4 books of geography, macroeconomics, India’s economic development as well as society is to be read from cover to cover with notes.

    Read polity book like a novel. Modern India can be left. For ancient and medieval India old NCERTs will be better.

    Medium scores

    Join a test series if you haven’t already. Be regular here. Keep looking back at past year question papers to get  a sense of what’s important and what’s not.

    Few must read standard books-

    1. Indian Polity – M Laxmikant (read cover to cover)
    2. Certificite Physical and Human Geography – Goh Cheng Leong
    3. A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir (cover to cover) plus Old NCERT modern India (1757 to 1947) or Plassey to Partition by Shekhar Bandyopadhyay
    4. Lexicon for Ethics
    5. Economic Survey plus NCERT economics cover to cover- after that you can read Sriram economics
    6. Very selective reading of India since independence (You already know everything having already read India after gandhi and watched pradhanmantri and guns and glory)
    7. Read NCERT biology std 12 ecology part from both old as well as new books for Environment and biodiversity. Good knowledge of maps and geography is essential hence the importance of map marking. If you ample time at your disposal, you can give a look to the Shankar coaching notes n the subject (but only after doing basics right)
    8. Old NCERT std 12, 9th and 10th std books for world history
    9. NCERT fine arts book + CCRT for art and culture, don’t forget to revise ancient India from old NCERT
    10. Challenges to internal security of India by Ashok Kumar
    11. Yojana magazine

    For dispersed topics of mains like comparison of Indian constitution with other constitutions, Issues with PDS, SHGs, voluntary organizations etc, various caching notes will help you. As no direct questions are asked you only need to understand the basics and cover current affairs in detail.

    Books which are not recommended-

    1. India 2016/ 2017 (popularly known as India Year Book)
    2. Reading India after Gandhi again
    3. Ethics book by SubbaRao (very fat book, you should spend your time analyzing ethical problems, solving more and more case studies rather than doing PHD on theory of ethics

    Now,the most important issue of time management

    Leave aside the essay paper for the moment (not because it’s not important but rather it’s very very important).

    Of the 1500 mains marks, 500 marks are contributed by optional i.e. 1/3rd. Common sense suggests ⅓ time should be devoted to optional i.e. if you read 9 hrs daily, approximately 3 hours daily for optional. But it is often seen that, aspirants don’t give even 20% of their time to the preparation of optional. It’s a very bad strategy. Avoid it all cost. Instead of ⅓ you can allot 30% or 28% if you are comfortable with optional but devoting only 20% time is asking for failure.

    Similarly, all four general studies paper should be given more or less proportional time (of course you won’t study GS history, if you have history optional) but what is commonly observed is that aspirants spend majority of their time  especially September and October month immediately after prelims doing PHD on art and culture; world history and; International relations. Avoid this failing. Devote proportional time for all 4 papers and proportional among sub parts in the papers.

    Importance of answer writing and solving prelims test papers

    You should know something before you start writing. We don’t believe that you should just start writing even if you know nothing. Once you have gained decent enough knowledge (you will gain that by the time you are done with NCERTs and are regular with newspaper), start writing mains answers and solving prelims questions.

    For prelims, rule of thumb is appearing in a test every week (available on photo state shops). Take at least 20 high quality tests before appearing in exam beside solving past 10 years question papers.

    For mains you need to again prioritize your time. For paper 1, paper 2 and paper 3, 80% of time should be spent on studying and 20% on writing answers (4 hr studying, 1 hr writing), for paper 4, 50% study, 50% writing ( 1 hr studying, 1 hr writing). Take time to evaluate your own answers even if you are writing in paid test series.

    For essay, no special preparation is needed as whatever you read for IAS preparation will suffice. Take your time understanding different writing styles. Choose the one you are comfortable with and stick to that. Keep a separate notebook (or evernote) to write good quotes, points you come across.

    Important point is to write one essay every week (90 min) and then spending 60 minutes thinking how you could have written it better.

    For Optionals -Answer writing depends on the nature of optional but ignore optional and answer writing at your own peril.

    What to read further?

  • 12 Nov 2017 | Target Mains | 12th Weekly Test with Official Answer

    Q.1) Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment

    Source:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/civil-service-accountability-and-challenges-benefits-of-an-independent-permanent-and-impartial-civil-service/

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/reforms-needed-in-civil-services-2nd-arc-report-and-other-committee-recommendations/

    Hints:

    • The civil service system is the backbone of the administrative machinery of the country. Initially, the civil services in India were designed to maintain law and order, provide stability, and implement executive decisions in effective and efficient manner. However, they were not supposed to take part in decision making with the executive bodies and thus were aimed to maintain neutrality.
    • Of late, our civil services are marred with a number of challenges like corruption, red Tapism, insensitivity, lack of technology and technical knowledge, political interference etc. which decreased its neutrality and effectiveness and thus required drastic reforms to cop up with the demand and need of current situation.

    Why drastic reforms needed?

    • Increasing population; change in peoples’ aspirations; society becoming more complex etc. needs a reformed bureaucracy which can deal with the problems of modern world. Rising complexity of economy means specialists are needed with lateral entry as recommended by 2nd Administrative Reform Commission.
    • Modern society becoming more digital with the use of modern technology, digitalization of governance work etc. requires our bureaucracy to change as per need. For example: My Gov Application, Daksh Application etc.
    • E-governance and paperless governance ranking for ministries at central and state levels on the basis of
      their move to the e-office system, reduction of paper use, and citizen engagement through the electronic medium etc.
    • More and more use of public private partnership model wherever possible in the governance system in order to reduce burden on government administrative machinery.
    • Code of conduct and code of ethics for civil servants should be modified in order to deal with conflict of interests and also with the corruption among government officials.
    • Good governance is the need of the hour. The citizen, having come centre stage, demands a more responsive, transparent and accountable set-up which is premised on probity and integrity. We need to emulate some of the culture embedded in the civil services of Singapore, Scandinavian countries and the qualities that the British Civil services, from whom we derived our model, still espouse and maintain. 
    • Periodic training must be given to our bureaucrats so as t keep them updated and increase their efficiency. Their relationship with political executives must be properly defined by code of conduct and other channels.

    Conclusion:

    • Any attempt to re-engineer the bureaucracy would have to deal with two aspects. The first would have to address the systems or structures and the other would have to be the professional or attitudinal aspects of civil servants. No civil service structure can be static in its character. It has to be dynamic and has to change with the times.
    • These reforms are more incremental in nature but their implementation leads to big bang reforms as told by the Economic Survey. They will lead to better delivery of goods and services.
    • In the globalised world, it is of utmost important that our civil services are SMART i.e. sensible, mobile, responsive, accountable and tech- savvy so as to lead us towards ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’.

    Q.2) Discuss the potential threats of Cyber-attack and the security framework to prevent it

    Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/cyber-security-issues-and-developments/

    Hints:

    With the world moving towards digitalization, and India shifting towards everything online (eg cashless economy), cyber threats are at a new height with the number of attacks increasing by more than 27,000 incidents in the first half of 2017. For example: A ransomware — a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid — dubbed “WannaCry” attacked hundreds of thousands of computers around the world.

    Potential Threats to Cyber Attacks:

    • Cybercriminals have embedded malware into legitimate applications and they’re targeting poorly secured Wi-fi spots, stealing passwords, and more in their quest to steal information. Due to the massive financial gains being made, cyber crime has become a multibillion pound industry.
    • India is vulnerable to threats reported including phishing attacks, website intrusions and defacements, virus code and denial of service attacks or damages to data as well as ransomware attacks.
    • The increasing number of first-time internet users in India is also posing a big challenge. Since first-time users are least aware about digital technologies and potential threats, they are more likely to fall victim to the most basic malicious tricks like debit card frauds, social engineering, phishing etc.
    • There is an ever growing threat to economy, financial sector, key government departments and infrastructure set up which in turn leaves internal security at risk. India remains vulnerable to digital intrusions such as cyber-espionage, cybercrime, digital disruption and distributed denial of services.

    India’s security framework to prevent cyber attacks:

    • The Government of India took the first formalized step towards cyber security in 2013 with
      National Cyber Security Policy, 2013.
    • CERT-In is an emergency response team set up under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for dealing with a range of cyber-attacks. Apart from this, the Government of India has four Sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams to address Cyber Security Threats in Power Systems: Transmission, Thermal, Hydro and Distribution.
    • To combat cyber security violations and prevent their increase, Government of India’s Computer
      Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) launched ‘Cyber Swachhta Kendra’a new desktop and
      mobile security solution for cyber security in India.
    • Apart from this, Government has also developed apps, software, etc to make devices safe.

    International Collaboration:

    • The government of India has collaborated with several countries such as the USA, European Union and Malaysia. Recently the United Kingdom government has agreed to assist in developing the proposed National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre in India.

    Way forward:

    • As agreed by experts, setting up of a National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) in order to address cyber security issues and improve implementation at a national level.
    • There are need to bring more number of professionals in this field as the number of hackers are very few in India as well as world. The government needs to incentivize youth with relevant interest to excel in this field.
    • India’s budgetary allocation need to be increased from the current 42.2 crore in orders to better cop up with such a situation.
    • There is a need to set up high end cyber labs that are capable of critically inspecting every IT components before these are deployed in critical infrastructure across industry sectors.

    Q.3) The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries.

    Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/india-west-asia/

    Hints:

    • India’s demand for electricity is seeing a steady rise. With an increasing number of villages being connected to the grid, this demand is only set to accelerate in the coming years.
    • India is a global giant in oil consumption and energy security has long been a concern for India. The fuel demands are growing fast in proportion to its rapid economic development. Despite the current consumption, India’s energy demand is expected to increase due to increasing population, government policy (electricity and housing for all), increasing use of power consuming gadgets and equipments. Meeting these needs will amount to provide 5000 unit per capita per annum to Indian citizens.
    • Due to lack of significant domestic reserves of oil and natural gas, India has looked towards the geopolitically challenging West Asian regions to fulfill its requirements throughout much of its independent history.

    Energy cooperation with West Asia:

    • For decades, India was a passive player in West Asia-a beneficiary of good relationships with multiple actors. Historically, India’s West Asia policy has been multi-directional.
    • Energy security, of course, is a key ingredient of India’s interest in West Asia. It is dependent on imports for 80% of its oil needs, of which roughly 55% is sourced from the Persian Gulf region.
    • India is engaged bilaterally with different countries like Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia to secure its energy supplies. Various Indian Public Sector Units like ONGC and GAIL have been making investments in these regions in order to strengthen their claims on energy reserves.
    • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is India’s solo chief source of oil as of 2015. Saudi Arabia exported 795,000 barrels per day to India from January to April 2015, an increase of around 4.6 percent over the same period in 2014 and further increasing.
    • Abu Dhabi has entered into a strategic partnership in energy with New Delhi, including upstream and downstream investments. Qatar is pivoting towards investing internationally as well.
    • India’s increasingly multidimensional relations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states buttress these energy security efforts. 
    • Kazakhstan has offered ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), a stake in a medium-sized Abai oil block in the Caspian Sea.
    • Our Link West policy diversifies the base of oil imports, opens up new markets for our trade/exports. Diaspora and remittances are immense advantages.
    • Indian refiners have already begun to take advantage of the oil price drop to switch long-term contracts with West Asian suppliers for African oil spot purchases. And some of the former like Saudi Arabia—looking to enhance its share of the growing Indian energy market as it drives a supplier price war to shake loose more marginal producers—have responded. For instance, Riyadh has reportedly been in talks to ship crude to India on its own tankers, saving on shipping costs and passing on the benefits to Indian refiners.

    India’s concern:

    • The security scenario in the region, issue of terrorism, China’s increasing influence in the region etc. has always been a concern for India.
    • India is presently trying its best to diminish its dependence on West Asia for its energy requirements,
      mainly due to the political uncertainty in the region especially in countries like Iraq. Also the future of TAPI pipeline is of great concern.

    Way forward:

    • Though increased connectivity with West Asia is strategically important for India, the future of India’s energy security lies in diversifying India’s portfolio through competitively priced renewable energy sources.
    • India should expand its energy security department within the MEA, presently operated by a single Joint Secretary level officer, and give it equal importance as the defence department gets.
    • India should enhance energy cooperation with other Asian Countries like China, Japan, South Korea etc form a cooperative partnership to ensure continuous energy flow to the region.
    • Develop closer ties with countries like Iceland, Israel etc. to develop India’s renewable energy
      technology and to backup with an alternate way other than oil and natural gas.
    • Though increased connectivity with West Asia is strategically important for India, the future of India’s energy security lies in diversifying India’s portfolio through competitively priced renewable energy sources.

    Q.4) Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement.

    Source:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/15-oct-2017-target-mains-question-4/

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-hungry-for-publicity/

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/has-hunger-increased-in-india-in-recent-years

    Hints:

    • Good Governance is all about empowering citizen by strengthening their living condition. However, the recent Global Hunger Index puts India at 100th position out of 119 countries shows that India lags behind many developing countries in curbing poverty and hunger despite being the fastest growing country in the world.
    • According to FAO estimates in ‘The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2017” report, 190.7 million people are undernourished in India. By this measure 14.5% of the population is undernourished in India. Also, 51.4% of women in reproductive age between 15 to 49 years are anaemic.
    • Further according to the report 38.4% of the children aged under five in India are stunted (too short for their age), while 21% suffer from wasting, meaning their weight is too low for their height. Malnourished children have a higher risk of death from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria.
    • The Global Hunger Index 2017 ranks India at 100 out of 119 countries on the basis of three leading indicators — prevalence of wasting and stunting in children under 5 years, under 5 child mortality rate, and the proportion of undernourished in the population.

    Progress in Poverty Reduction:

    • By adopting various strategies and approaches like self employment programs, wage employment programs, food security programs, social security programs and urban poverty alleviation programs etc. the government of India has been able to reduce a significant number of poverty and hunger.
    • Since post liberalization, those below India’s official poverty line have reduced from 45% to 22%. This means that 133 million people have been lifted out of poverty. From 55% since independence to 22% now.
    • Some population groups in India are substantially worse off than other groups. These include the Scheduled Tribes (STs), 43 per cent of whom were below the poverty line in 2012, and the Scheduled Castes, 29 per cent of whom were below the poverty line. Poverty also seems entrenched among the STs, with the pace of poverty reduction slower than that witnessed in other groups between 2005 and 2012.
    • However, the absolute number has reduced only slightly. India still is home to 1/5th of world’s poor people, about 300 million people still living under poverty. With the recent Food Security Act, Insurance driven social safety net, and focus on SHGs, it can be hoped that India will make bigger strides towards completely eradicating the poverty.

    Conclusion:

    • Over the next decade and a half, the goal of citizens and policymakers in India should be improvement in Goals 1 and 2 of SDGs.
    • Growth alone will not be enough but must get translated into jobs for the poor and marginalised for it to become truly inclusive. This will not be easy considering the pressure that automation and newer technologies are putting on jobs and employment. Newer skills will hold the key for translating growth into jobs over the coming decade.
    • Also, there is a need for decentralization of the programmes by strengthening the panchayati raj institutions as poverty is not merely economic deprivation but also social marginalization that affects the poor most.

    Q.5) What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.

    Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/important-international-economic-organizations/

    Hints:

    • The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principle organs of the United Nations responsible for coordinating the economic, social and related work of 15 UN specialized agencies, their functional commissions and five regional commissions also known as UN Family.
    • It has 54 members and holds meeting one four-week session each year in July and since 1998, it has also held an annual meeting in April with finance ministers heading key committees of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Functions of ECOSOC:

    • To serve as the central forum for discussions on international economic and social issues.
    • To promote higher standards of living, full employment and economic and social progress.
    • To find solutions of international economic, social, health and related problems, and international cultural and educational cooperation.
    • To encourage universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
    • To assist the organization of major international conferences in the field of economic and social and related fields.
    • To make or initiate studies and reports with respect to international economic and social matters.
    • To prepare draft conventions for submission to the General Assembly.
    • To coordinate the work of the specialized agencies and programmes and their functional commissions and five regional commissions.
    • To make arrangements for consultations with non-governmental organizations.
    • Managing the transition from MDGs to SDGs.

    Different Functional Commissions attached to ECOSOC:

      • Statistical Commission: Established in 1947, it is the highest body of the global statistical system. It brings together the Chief Statisticians from member states from around the world. It is the highest decision making body for international statistical activities especially the setting of statistical standards, the development of concepts and methods and their implementation at the national and international level.
      • Commission on Population and Development: Its goal is to follow up the implementation of the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. This would also monitor, review and assess the implementation of the Program of Action at the regional, national and international level, integrating population and development strategies and on population and related development policies and programs.
    • Commission for Social Development: Its purpose is to advise ECOSOC on social policies of a general character and in particular on all matters in the social field not covered by the specialised inter governmental agencies. It is also in charge of the follow up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Program of Action.  
    • Commission on Sustainable Development: was established by the UN General Assembly in December 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit.
    • Commission on the Status of Women: It is a global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women.
      • Commission on Narcotic Drugs: It assists the ECOSOC in supervising the application of the international drug control treaties. Now it also functions as the governing body of the UNODC.
    • Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice: The Commission acts as the principal policymaking body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. 

     

    • Commission on Science and Technology for Development: The Commission provides the General Assembly and ECOSOC with high-level advice on relevant science and technology issues. UNCTAD is responsible for the substantive servicing of the Commission.
    • United Nations Forum on Forests: The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is a high-level intergovernmental policy forum. The forum includes all United Nations Member States and Permanent Observers, the UNFF Secretariat, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, Regional Organizations and Processes and Major Groups.

    Q.6) What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes(STs)?

    Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/introduction-backward-classes-laws-for-the-development-and-betterment-of-vulnerable-sections-constitutional-provisions-for-vulnerable-sections-constitutional-provisions-for-the/

    Hints:

    The Schedules listing the castes and tribes recognized as deserving of special treatment because of the massive discrimination practiced against them were drawn up in 1935 by the British Indian Govt.

    India with 700 tribes constitute a significant number of population (over 10 crore) which have been notified under Article 342 of the Constitution of India.

    The two major initiatives addressing discrimination against Tribals are: Reservation and Forest Rights Act.

    Reservation:

    • The most important state initiative is popularly known as ‘reservations’. This involves the setting aside of some places or ‘seats’ for members of the Scheduled Tribes in different spheres of public life.
    • These include reservation of seats in the State and Central legislatures, reservation of jobs in government service across all departments and public sector companies; and reservation of seats in educational institutions. The proportion of reserved seats is equal to the percentage share of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the total population.
    • India provided reservation to scheduled Tribes in education and jobs with 7.5% reservations in government-aided educational institutions and public sector in 1982.
    • In parliament, tribe based reservations are provided to make it more representative. Today, out of 543 seats in India’s parliament, 47 (8.66%) seats are reserved for ST/Tribes.
    • According to a new study, 26% male and 35% female students from India’s most disadvantaged
      castes and tribes in 245 engineering colleges would not be there without reservation.

    Forest Rights Act:

    • This is the beginning towards giving communities and the public a voice in forest and wildlife conservation. This Act grants legal recognition to the rights of traditional forest dwelling communities, partially correcting the injustice caused by the forest laws.
    • There are three types of rights tribals gets under this Act – Land Rights, Use Rights and Right to Protect and Conserve. This Act revises 200 years of colonial and postcolonial history in which the state had taken over control of forests.
    • Regarding decision on who gets right, the gram sabha (full village assembly, NOT the gram panchayat) makes a recommendation – i.e. who has been cultivating land for how long, which minor forest produce is collected etc. The gram sabha plays this role because it is a public body where all people participate, and hence is fully democratic and transparent. The gram sabha’s recommendation goes through two stages of screening committees at the taluka and district levels.

    Conclusion:

    • In spite of legal safeguards and the efforts of the central and state government, the tribal’ progress and welfare has been very slow, and even dismal. Due to ignorance among tribals, outsiders such as moneylenders, traders and other middlemen and their nexus with government officials exploiting tribals leading them to indebtedness, low literacy rate, retreating deep into hills and forests etc.
    • There is need of political will to address tribals’ problems through proper training to governemnt officials dealing with tribal regions to inculcate a sense of compassion towards tribals and awareness among masses and all politicians so that they can give positive heed to tribal prevailing conditions in India.

    Q.7) What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia?

    Source:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/indian-climate-4-the-southwest-monsoon-season-jun-sep

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/the-southwest-monsoon-season-jun-sep-part-2/

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/natural-vegetation-and-forest-types-of-india-factors-which-influence-vegetation-rainfall-temperature-photoperiod-relief/

    Hints:

    • A monsoon is a seasonal shift in the prevailing wind direction that usually brings with it a different kind of weather. It almost always refers to the Asian monsoon, a large region extending from India to Southeast Asia where monsoon conditions prevail.
    • Monsoon plays a vital role in the food production for millions of people around the world, particularly in India and Southeast Asia. Roughly, 80% of annual rainfall in India occurs during the monsoon. More than 235 million people in India alone rely on agriculture, and 60% use no irrigation, so they must rely on rainfall to grow crops for food.
    • The monsoon occurs in sub Saharan Africa, South Asia, China, Korea, Japan, North-East India and Bengal, Indo China, the Philippines, Part of Australia and to a much lesser extent in Europe where it is called the Return of the Westerlies. In these regions the people more or less rely on monsoon to grow their crops and thus rightly said that the monsoon feeds more than 50% of the world population. Moreover, the regions of Asia especially India and China are the largest producer of food grains in the world and also are most populated and hence feed more number of people.

    Characteristics of the Monsoon climate:

    • Tropical monsoon type of climate has high annual temperature (approx 26 ° Centigrade).

     

    • In tropical monsoon type of climate, there are two dry seasons with low rainfall. For example in India, summers and winters are dry with only little rainfall. While northern parts of the country receive little rainfall during the summer season due to cyclonic depression, Tamil Nadu receives rainfall during winters. Rest of the country experiences hot and dry summers and cool and dry winters.
    • There is a distinct rainy season with very high rainfall. During the monsoon season in India, many parts of the country receive rainfall as high as 200cm. However, some parts of the country like western Rajasthan, western Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana receive very little rainfall due to relief features.
    • Rainfall in the tropical monsoon climate is seasonal in nature and is often irregular and uneven.

    Monsoon type of climate has various advantages:

    • Rain water infiltrates in to the ground and hence the ground water table rises that is very useful for irrigation and drinking purposes. Around 90 % of the world’s drinking water supply depends on the rain water.
    • Rain is very helpful in keeping the dew balance in the atmosphere which balances the temperature on our Earth.
    • In country like India, monsoon season has its own importance because crops, animals and the whole population are completely dependent on rain water.

    Q.8) Explain the salient features of the constitution(One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services’?

    Source:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/a-z-of-gst/

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/goods-and-services-tax/

    Hints:

    The constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016 deals with the Good and Service Tax (GST) which aims to subsume all kinds of indirect taxes in India constituting a common market of taxation.

    Since GST bills involve a huge interest of the state governments, such a historical tax reform cannot take place without making suitable changes into the constitution. The amendment brought changes in Article 246A, Article 269A, Article 279A, 7th schedule and other rules.

    Salient Features of GST:

    • Single tax on supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer to the consumer.
    • It is a value based tax as credit of input taxes paid at each stage will be available in the subsequent stages.
    • The final consumer will bear only the GST charged by the last dealer in the supply chain.
    • Parliament and state legislatures will have concurrent powers to make laws on GST.  Only the centre may levy an integrated GST (IGST) on the interstate supply of goods and services, and imports.
    • Alcohol for human consumption has been exempted from the purview of GST.   GST will apply to five petroleum products at a later date.
    • The GST Council will recommend rates of tax, period of levy of additional tax, principles of supply, special provisions to certain states etc.  The GST Council consists of the Union Finance Minister, Union Minister of State for Revenue, and state Finance Ministers.
    • The Bill empowers the centre to impose an additional tax of up to 1%, on the inter-state supply of goods for two years or more. This tax will accrue to states from where the supply originates.
    • Parliament may, by law, provide compensation to states for any loss of revenue from the introduction of GST, up to a five year period.

    Is it efficacious enough for common national tax market?

    • Historically, India’s constitution did not invest power to either the Center or the States to tax the supply of goods and services. Up until now, the Center has been able to tax services and goods during the production stage and the States have been able to tax the sale of goods. The Center did not have the power to tax the sale of goods and the States did not have the power to tax the provision of services.
    • Hence, the primary intent of the legislature (GST) is to bring in uniformity and harmony to the existing indirect tax laws governing goods and services in India.
    • As a result of the merging of these taxes, the GST is anticipated to be a single tax on the inter-state supply of goods and services, covering the entire supply chain from the manufacturer to the consumer.
    • Credits for taxes paid at each stage of the value chain will be available in subsequent stages of value addition, which makes the GST essentially a tax only on value addition at each stage. The final consumer will therefore bear only the GST charged by the last dealer in the supply chain, with the seller benefiting from set-off from the tax paid on previous downstream transactions.
    • The GST has merged the previous Central and State indirect taxes into a single tax, by subsuming central excise duty, additional excise duty, service tax, additional customs duty, special additional duty of customs (earlier collected by the Centre) with value added tax, entertainment tax, central sales tax, octroi and entry tax, purchase tax, luxury tax and taxes on lottery, betting and gambling (earlier collected by the States).
    • The above provisions clarifies that constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016 is efficacious enough to unify all existing taxes of India paving a common market for uniform tax.

    Q.9) What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system?

    Source:
    https://www.civilsdaily.com/economic-survey-for-ias-chapter-04-agriculture-more-from-less/

     

    Hints:

    • The Rice-wheat cropping system is India’s most widely adopted cropping system practiced on an estimated area of around 11 million hectares. This system is prevalent in Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) and is found in Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh etc.

    Major reasons for declining of rice and wheat yields:

    • Green Revolution was based on excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides which caused degradation of soil to a large extent and water become polluted. Cultivation of rice and wheat by indigenous method for a prolonged time caused degradation of natural resources affecting the current rice and wheat production.  
    • Ground water pollution due to excessive use of fertilization, over mining of vital nutrients from soil led to the declined in sustainability of rice-wheat system.
    • Declining ground water levels, diseases/pests, disturbance in soil due to rice puddling etc. led to decline in current rice-wheat system.
    • Diverse weed flora and excessive weed pressure is an important issue in the way to sustainable agriculture. Due to intensive cultivation of rice–wheat sequence, the weed flora simplified with grasses. Weeds compete with the main plants for light, water and nutrients and in turn decrease overall land productivity of the system as a whole.
    • Outbreak of diseases and insect-pest: Both wheat and rice crops are grown under lavish environment. The green crops with higher dose of N-fertilizers and wet conditions because of frequent irrigations are the paradise for the outbreak of insect-pest and diseases. 
    • Yields are somehow decreases or stagnating. It has been observed that input use efficiency decreased with increased cost of cultivation which further increased the risk probability. Natural calamity viz. floods, draughts etc. may put the farmers to the corner.
    • Burning of the rice residues causes the environmental pollution, global warming, killing the beneficial insects, create net negative nutrient balance and also degraded the soil, decreases organic matter levels and finally results in the soil health deterioration.
    • Growing same crops throughout the year leads to the declining of specific nutrients which is further added by soil salinity due to excessive flooding of farms year round.

    Crop Diversification:

    • This is the practice of growing more than one crop in any particular year to increase financial and biological stability of the farm. Similarly, the practice of planting a succession of crops in the same field is also termed as crop diversification. Practice is used for the management of pests, plant nutrition, crop scheduling and so on. These are together known as crop-rotation and diversification.

    Crop diversification can help to stabilize the yields in the following manner:

    • By restoring nutrients in the soil, for example, leguminous plants, like beans restore nitrogen in soil.
    • Crop diversification can better tolerate the ups and downs in the market value of farm products and may ensure economic stability for farming families of the country.
    • By rotating the water intensive crops with water-efficient crops in between, water tables can be allowed to replenish themselves.

    Conclusion:

    • Apart from this, under the aberrant weather situations, dependence on one or two major cereals (rice, wheat, etc.) is always risky. Hence, crop diversification through substitution of one crop or mixed cropping/intercropping may be a useful tool to mitigate problems associated with aberrant weather to some extent, especially in the arid and semi-arid drought-prone/dry land areas.
    • The government is also involved in promoting the alternate crops like Summer Moong, Sunflower and Maize in order to reduce the wheat and paddy crop rotation because legume crops have capability to increase soil nutrition.

    Q.10) The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding

    Source:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/internal-security-and-related-issues-part-1-cross-border-terrorism/

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/india-internal-security-history-and-changing-face-of-terrorism

    Hints:

    • India has been a victim of terrorism and insurgency since Independence.
    • In the late 1980s, Kashmir, one of the most strategic states in India and sharing land borders with Pakistan, witnessed the rise of terrorism with visible support from Pakistan.
    • Since 1993, a new trend of terrorism emerged which was not territorially bound as those in the Northeast or Kashmir. This distinctive wave of terrorism targeted Indian cities with the political goal of discrediting India’s economic growth by creating disorder.
    • This urban terrorism is a growing threat and needs special emphasis since India’s urban population will grow over the years with massive migration from rural to urban areas in search of better livelihood.

    Terrorism and National Security:

    • The aim of the terrorism is to create an environment of fear and distrust between groups and communities that differ on ideological background.
    • Terrorist organizations, through repeated attacks, aim to challenge the basic feature of the Indian state and through such action, highlight its inability to provide security and protection to its citizens.
    • Growing unemployment and widening economic disparities exacerbate social tensions and conflicts. This phenomenon is accentuated by privatization and globalization, where rich are becoming richer and poor poorer. This is exploited by different leftist extremist organizations like Naxal/Maoist outfits who are fast spreading their network with indiscriminate killing of civilians and security personnel.
    • For India, terrorist threats range from Left Wing Extremism (LWE), ethnic separatism to religious militancy. Most of these groups draw their inspirations from the international terrorist networks, particularly the popular ones, whose atrocities aim to undermine national interests.
    • Infiltration, illegal migration, and trafficking of arms and narcotics are not only breaching the country’s international borders but are also aggravating its security situation.

    Sources of Terrorist Funding:

    A major part of funding for terrorism from external sources comes from:

    • Counterfeit Currency
    • Drug Trafficking
    • Charities, NGOs

    The role of safe heavens, failed states, and state sponsors:

    • Absence of effective jurisdictional control, tolerance of terrorist organisation and their activities, or active support to terrorist organizations, safe heavens, failed state and state sponsored create enabling environment for terrorist financing.

    Remittances: Organisations from various countries in order to spread terrorism sponsor the groups in other countries. For ex: Links of former Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and IndianMujahedeen (IM) cadres in India have also been established with financiers in the Gulf.

    Internal Funding:

    Extortions and taxations:

    • Funds are being raised from big corporate and business organisations illegally in the name of protecting them or being established in the region of majoritarian terrorism/naxalism etc. for example: Due to peace agreement with government of India, various left wing organisations in north east are engaged in collecting remittances and ransoms.

    Solution:

    • A ‘national defence policy’, in the Indian context, would majorly have to be a military sub-set of the national security strategy, for dealing with external threats and challenges, taking into account the specific components of internal security which the military is mandated to deal with, namely, counter infiltration, counterinsurgency, antiterrorism and disaster management.
    • The government has to focus on developmental issue and reducing economic disparities and enabling inclusive growth.
    • The government need to concentrate on effective border management through round the clock surveillance & patrolling on the border areas.
    • Effective coordination and action of early intelligence needs to work on as seen in the instances of Pathankot attacks where terrorists are believed to have crossed the international border through the same sector from where the Gurdaspur attackers had infiltrated into India.

    Q.11) Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.

    Hints:

    Politics in India is considered something which is very dirty. The criminalization of politics, criminals getting elected, reflection of its bad image by media, illegal practices for winning election as well as for maintaining power etc. has created a bad image of politics in general masses. It is seen as a field for the uneducated, the uncouth, the jobless and the scum of society. This is unduly harsh and prevents the youth from entering into this arena.

    The reasons why the ethical young minds are not attracted towards politics are:

    • Economic condition of individual: With a rising population, scarcity of resources and job opportunities, and fierce competition in any given job market, the priorities of the youth does not include public service and welfare. The average populations in this country are busy about fulfilling their own priorities and needs rather than being a politician and social workers.
    • The psychological fear of having criminal cases pending in their name along with the strict background checks before employment for criminal records makes sure that the youth interested in politics, but who also want to enjoy a good standard of living, become only mere spectators instead of active participants in the democratic process.
    • Underhanded nature of the field: All is fair in war and politics. The moment one enters politics and comes into the limelight, it becomes a no holds barred dirt slinging festival. Defamation becomes an everyday occurrence. Criticisms become everywhere’s affair and one will be painted into the worst possible light, digging up every skeleton to show downwards in the eyes of public.
    • Less Rewarding: Politics, unlike professional careers are not instantly rewarding and required prolonged risk involved with unending hardwork.
    • No Role Model: Role model influences people especially the youth to participate in certain field of his/her. The current scenario of politics lacks the existence of such role model who in actual sense motivates the youth with his/her decisions and actions.

    Moreover, the true politics is not bad per se. Politics is an important aspect for the governance of any country. It involves the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power, policy formulation and implementation with general consensus which affect large number of people.

    Ways to motivate youngsters for joining politics:

    • Institution plays greater role in shaping the minds of individual. The curriculum about the good faces of politics, the achievements of good leaders and innovative ideas about politics should be taught in school levels to make young minds aware about politics and its outcomes. Like other fields of profession, Politics should also be considered an open option by the parents as a career prospect for their children.
    • The knowledge enhancement about politics, political work and job profile is important to make general people aware about the work of politics and its members. Youth in college and university level should be encouraged to participate in campus politics and public welfare work which will provide practical experience along with their academic knowledge.
    • Politics like other career prospects should be made lucrative by legal emoluments so as to attract more candidate in order to earn and live a happy life at the same time bring innovate ideas about legislation, policies and decision making.
    • At last the veterans should act as role model by setting the height of their work for public welfare as done by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Patel etc.

    Q12) You are the manager of a spare parts company A and you have to negotiate a deal with the manager of a large manufacturing company B. The deal is highly competitive and sealing the deal is critical for your company. The deal is being worked out over a dinner. After dinner the manager of manufacturing company B offered to drop you to the hotel in his car. On the way to hotel he happens to hit motorcycle injuring the motorcyclist badly. You know the manager was driving fast and thus lost control. The law enforcement officer comes to investigate the issue and you are the sole eyewitness to it. Knowing the strict laws pertaining to road accidents you are aware that your honest account of the incident would lead to the prosecution of the manager and as a consequence the deal is likely to be jeopardized, which is of immense importance to your company.

    What are the dilemmas you face? What will be your response to the situation?

     

  • [Open Access] QIP videos for Geography Optional

    We had run a special programme for Geography optional students known as Quality Improvement Programme under the aegis of K Siddhartha sir.

    Many students benefited from the program and have made their preparation more robust through these special sessions.

    CD is now opening up this initiative in order to benefit students who are writing Mains 2017 with Geography Optional.

    Videos are available below for watching.

    1. IAS Mains Answer Writing 1: What Constitutes a Good Answer

    2. IAS Mains Answer Writing 2: Directives to Question & Tail Word Meaning

    3. IAS Mains Answer Writing 3: Answering Tricky Questions of Geography

    Part 1

    Part 2

    4. IAS Mains Answer Writing 4: Perspectives in Geography

    5. IAS Mains Answer Writing 5: Questions of Unknown Origin in Geography