Category: Strategy Sessions

  • 120+ in UPSC Prelims: Know the Secret

    CD remains committed to its students’ success. We are ready to go the extra mile to turn your dreams into reality.

    Watch the video to know rigorous testing methodology followed by us for ensuring comprehensive Prelims preparation for our TS subscribers and how it will benefit you

    Link for buying test series + video lectures: Click2Join

    For students joining before the end of this month, you will get it for Rs. 6372 (Special discounted TS price)

  • [Prelims Spotlight] INS Vikramaditya

     

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name – INS vikramaditya

    Defence forces– Navy

    Module types – Warships

    Brief Intro – INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier which entered into service with the Indian Navy in 2013. Originally built as Baku and commissioned in 1987, the carrier served with the Soviet Navy and later with the Russian Navy (as Admiral Gorshkov) before being decommissioned in 1996

  • 19 June 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    In a first, WHO recommends quadrivalent influenza vaccine

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/in-a-first-who-recommends-quadrivalent-influenza-vaccine/

    Read about types of influenza and need for a quadrivalent vaccine.

    A static science topic combined with CA makes this a potential source of Prelims question

    Aadhaar virtual IDs becoming a real problem for NBFCs

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/aadhaar-virtual-ids-becoming-a-real-problem-for-nbfcs/

    Note all details about Aadhar Virtual IDs and problems being faced in its use.

    Some of them can also be quoted in Mains answers.

    Govt. teams up with Google for flood warning

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/govt-teams-up-with-google-for-flood-warning/

    Note departments concerned with flood warnings and information dissemination.

    Also, read about Artificial intelligence and machine learning which have a high probability of appearing in mains

    Indian plant seed could bring clean water to millions 

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/indian-plant-seed-could-bring-clean-water-to-millions/

    Plant species in news have been appearing in Prelims year after year. Very very important.

    Low Relevance News

    Road map laid for India-U.S. meet

    Indian and U.S. experts began three-day consultations to find meeting points in bilateral relations in preparation for the first-ever 2+2 dialogue

    COMCASA and BECA are the two foundational agreements that India is yet to sign and these will be discussed in the meeting.

    Nothing important from exam perspective as such agreements have been hitherto asked in the exam

    Arab group wants India on board in Yemen

    The Arab coalition which is fighting to secure the strategic Yemeni port of Hodeidah will be reaching out to India for its support

    Note down Hodeidah. Nothing else is important for the exam.


    Govt. Posters for easy recall

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Influenza, International Labor Organization (ILO)

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – Why this week’s OPEC meeting matters for India

    Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

    1. OPEC  is an intergovernmental organization of 14 nations
    2. The 14 countries accounted for an estimated 44 percent of global oil production and 73 percent of the world’s “proven” oil reserves
    3. OPEC’s stated mission is “to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets, in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers, and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry
    4. The OPEC Conference is the supreme authority of the organization and consists of delegations normally headed by the oil ministers of member countries
    5. The Conference ordinarily meets at the Vienna headquarters, at least twice a year and in additional extraordinary sessions when necessary

    B2B #2: From news – In a first, WHO recommends quadrivalent influenza vaccine

    Influenza

    Influenza is a virus that actually has hundreds of different strains. The virus mutates frequently, but the strains are classified into one of three main categories—A, B, or C.

    Influenza A is the group that most commonly causes illness in humans.

    1. All influenza A viruses are further broken down into H and N subtypes. So, any influenza virus that is described as “H#N#” (such as H1N1) is an influenza A virus.
    2. There are 16 H subtypes and nine N subtypes, but only three combinations have actually caused highly contagious illness in humans.
    3. Other combinations have been found to infect other species (such as birds and pigs), but they have not caused widespread human infections.
    4. The three combinations that cause almost all outbreaks of the flu in humans are H1N1, H2N2 and H3N2.
    5. Even in these subtypes, the influenza virus can mutate and change each year. For this reason, influenza viruses are also named using:
    • The host of origin (swine, chicken, etc., or no host if it is of human origin)
    • The geographical location of origin (Hong Kong, Alberta, etc.)
    • Strain number
    • Year of discovery (or isolation)

    Influenza B

    1. Influenza B is less common but still causes outbreaks of seasonal flu.
    2. One or two strains of influenza B are included in the seasonal flu vaccine every year to protect people from the strain(s) that researchers believe are most likely to cause illness during the upcoming flu season.
    3. The quadrivalent flu vaccine contains two strains of influenza B but the traditional trivalent flu vaccine only contains one.
    4. Influenza B is not broken down into subtypes like influenza A is, but it is broken down into individual strains.
    5. Typically, two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B are included in the seasonal flu vaccine. Quadrivalent flu vaccines contain two strains of influenza A and two strains of influenza B.
    6. Influenza B can cause outbreaks of seasonal flu but they occur less frequently than outbreaks of influenza A.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : International Labor Organization (ILO)

    Objective : Deal with labour issues, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities for all

    Members : 186 of the 193 member states of the United Nations plus the Cook Islands are members of the ILO The UN member states which are not members of the ILO are Andorra, Bhutan, Liechtenstein, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, and North Korea

    Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland

    Year Founded : Established in 1919

  • 18 June 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    [op-ed snap] Countering China in the Indo-Pacific

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-countering-china-in-the-indo-pacific/

    The op-ed not only lists various important naval exercises and ports but also highlights the ways in which India can use partnerships with the USA, Japan & Australia to its advantage. A must-read for both Pre as well  as Mains

    [op-ed snap] Parched or polluted: on India’s water crisis

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-parched-or-polluted-on-indias-water-crisis/

    Niti Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index has highlighted the serious condition of water resources in India. Immediate measures that can be taken are mentioned in the op-ed and can be quoted in Mains answers based on this issue.

    India’s proposed Assumption Island deal stands cancelled

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/indias-proposed-assumption-island-deal-stands-cancelled/

    Note on maps position of Assumption island and all nearby places. UPSC has turned back to places in news approach from 2018 Prelims. Also, remember about SAGAR program & IORA

    Low Relevance News

    Centre accused of ‘illegally’ denying details on RTI Act

    An activist has accused the government of “illegally” withholding information about amendments proposed to the Right to Information Act, 2005

    Not much relevant for exam apart from the following:

    Important detail: Section 8(i)(i) of the RTI Act, 2005 exempts the government from giving information about Cabinet papers, including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and other officers

    PM renews call for debate on simultaneous polls

    PM Modi has again called for widespread consultation on simultaneous elections in the country during the fourth governing council meeting of the NITI Aayog

    The topic has appeared in UPSC Mains in 2017 and has bleak chances of appearing again. Also, no important details from UPSC perspective


    Govt. Posters for easy recall

  • [Prelims Spotlight] SAGAR Programme (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Indian Medical Association, DigiShala

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – India’s proposed Assumption Island deal stands cancelled

    SAGAR Programme (Security and Growth for All in the Region)

    1. SAGAR is a term coined by PM Modi in 2015 during his Mauritius visit with a focus on blue economy.
    2. It is a maritime initiative which gives priority to Indian Ocean region for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of India in Indian Ocean region.
    3. The goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation.
    4. It is in line with the principles of Indian Ocean Rim Association.

    IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association)

    1. Established in 1997 in Ebene Cyber City, Mauritius
    2. First established as Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched in 1997 by the conclusion of a multilateral treaty known as the Charter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation.
    3. It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.

    B2B #2: From news – New health scheme flawed: IMA

    Indian Medical Association 

    1. The IMA is a national voluntary organization of Doctors of Modern Scientific System of Medicine in India, which looks after the interest of doctors as well as the well being of the community at large.
    2. It was established in 1928 as the All India Medical Association, renamed “Indian Medical Association” in 1930 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
    3. It is a society registered under The Societies Act of India, 1860.
    4. It delegates its powers to a Working Committee (A representative body of all state Branches) for implementation of programmes and activities.
    5. The Indian Medical Association is a founder member of the World Medical Association.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name of the scheme : DigiShala

    Objectives : To promote cashless transactions

    Salient Features : 1.DigiShala is dedicated 24*7 and 365 days free-to-air TV channel to inform citizens about digital payment ecosystem, benefits and processes. 2.It is a satellite channel managed by Doordarshan (DD). It will be broadcasted nationally on DD Free Dish DTH service. 3.It will be available through GSAT15 (DD Direct DTH), 93.5 degree East, Receive frequency: 11590 Mhz. Through it, citizens will be informed and educated about various digital payment options through step by step demos of digital payments using e-wallets, UPI, USSD, Aadhaar-enabled payment systems and cards.

    Nodal Ministry : The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

     

  • 16 June 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    Zero tillage good for cotton cultivation

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/zero-tillage-good-for-cotton-cultivation/

    Read about zero tillage and its advantages. Can be asked in Prelims as well as Mains.

    Why is Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project important?

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/why-is-telanganas-kaleshwaram-lift-irrigation-project-important/

    The project has some unique features and is important for Andhra Pradesh’s drought prone areas. Read details of it as well as rivers associated.

    Blue revolution a bane of Kolleru

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/blue-revolution-a-bane-of-kolleru/

    Each year one or two wetlands make it to UPSC Prelims in one way or another. Note details about the lake and threats posed to its expanse.

    The Vaishnav monks of Assam’s Majuli island

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/the-vaishnav-monks-of-assams-majuli-island/

    News on Art & Culture are a rare sight but whenever they appear all details related to the art forms discussed should be noted. Here Sattriya dance form as well as majuli island is important.

    Low Relevance News

    Maharashtra lets refugees self-survey their properties

    Maharashtra government has now allowed thousands of Sindhi and Punjabi refugees who migrated from Pakistan to carry out self-assessment and survey of their properties

    Nothing important from UPSC pesrpective

    Only important detail in news is The Displaced Persons (Compensation and Rehabilitation) Act, 1954 which governs colonies of refugees

    Govt likely to penalise insurance companies for delaying payment under NHPS

    The government has proposed to impose penalty on insurance companies for delay in payment to hospitals for settlement of claims under its ambitious Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS)

    NHPS has been discussed in detail in previous news cards in detail. No important update in this news


    Govt. Posters for easy recall

  • Demolish UPSC series: 60+ Hours of Advanced Video Lectures

    Demolish UPSC series

    We are releasing 60+ Hours of Advanced Video Lectures on Static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economy

    These cover the most important topics from prelims perspective

    Basic knowledge will be helpful in understanding these though it’s not mandatory

    CD remains committed to its students’ success. We are ready to go the extra mile to turn your dreams into reality. For students joining before the end of this month, you will get these lectures + Prelims test series for Rs. 6372 (Special 10% discounted TS price)

    Link for buying test series + video lectures: Click2Join

    For other students joining after June 30, the price would be Rs. 7000 + taxes for test series + video lectures

    Here is the detailed schedule of lectures:

    These lectures will be aligned to our CD Prime Prelims Test Series. You can view the schedule of test series here: Click2View

  • [Prelims Spotlight] European Union, Kolleru Lake, The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA)

     

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – [pib] India to host European Union Film Festival

    European Union

    1. The EU consists of 28 countries, has the world’s largest economy and its third largest population, after China and India.
    2. The Maastricht Treaty established the European Union in 1993 and introduced European citizenship.
    3. They have set up common institutions so that decisions on matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level.
    4. By creating a frontier-free single market and a single currency (the euro) which has been adopted by 19 Member States, the EU has given a significant boost to trade and employment.
    5. UK was the last member to leave EU after Greece , popularly known as Brexit.

    B2B #2: From news – Blue revolution a bane of Kolleru

    Kolleru Lake

    1. Kolleru Lake is a freshwater lake and is known as Ramsar site no. 1209.
    2. It is located between Krishna and Godavari deltas of Andhra Pradesh
    3. As a haven for a wide-variety of water birds, the Forest Department has declared 673 sq.km (Con.+5) as the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary.
    4. It is an Important Bird Area on the Central Asian Flyway.
    5. It is important habitat for resident and migratory birds, including the grey or spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis). Many birds migrate here in winter, such as Siberian crane, ibis, and painted storks.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA)

    Brief Intro : The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is an inter-governmental forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. It is a forum based on the recognition that there is close link between peace, security and stability in Asia and in the rest of the world.

    Objective : enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia

    Type : Summit/ Conference

    Category : Economy

    Year : 1999

    Place :  Almaty

  • 15 June 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    20 States on board to implement Ayushman Bharat

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/20-states-on-board-to-implement-ayushman-bharat/

    Ayushman Bharat is an ambitious scheme for ensuring Universal health coverage. Note all pros and cons for this as there is a high probability of a question appearing in Mains on it

    The rising risks to financing India’s current account deficit

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/the-rising-risks-to-financing-indias-current-account-deficit/

    Newscard explains ill effects of rising CAD. Note reasons behind it and also reports and agencies mentioned in relation to it.

    Reports have been a favorite area of UPSC in Prelims.

    DRDO turns Pinaka rocket system into guided missile, developmental trials soon

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/drdo-turns-pinaka-rocket-system-into-guided-missile-developmental-trials-soon/

    Very important for SciTech part for both Pre & Mains. Questions have been appearing on indigenous missile and other defense systems being developed

    Low Relevance news

    Digital India brought slew of services to the doorsteps of common man, says Modi

    Digital India was launched with an aim to connect India’s villages and youth

    No important line in news apart from this one.

    Cess collected for construction workers too low for their welfare

    A PIL has been filed in SC saying that the cess collected from construction companies, which is meant to pay for such workers’ welfare, is abysmally low

    Important point: According to the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Cess Act, 1996, a 1% cess is to be levied and collected on all types of construction activities, whether by government, PSUs or private players

    Has very fewer chances of coming in the exam but now you don’t know what can so keep this point somewhere in mind!


    Govt. Posters for easy recall

  • [Prelims Spotlight]India-US Defence Cooperation, Ayushman Bharat — National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM), Kaivalya

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – US approves sale of Apache helicopters, missiles to India

    India-US Defence Cooperation

    1. India-US defence trade cooperation continues to expand, including through the US-India Defence Trade and Technology Initiative, a partnership begun in 2012.
    2. It seeks to create opportunities for US-India co-production and co-development, foster science and technology cooperation, and remove bureaucratic barriers to trade, the official said.
    3. In 2016, India was also awarded the status of a US major defence partner, which allows India to receive license-free access to a wide range of military and dual-use technologies that are regulated by the Department of Commerce.
    4. The two countries also agreed to an updated ten-year Defence Framework Agreement in June 2015 to guide and expand their bilateral defence and strategic partnership until 2025.

    B2B #2: From news – 20 States on board to implement Ayushman Bharat

    Ayushman BharatNational Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM)

    • The scheme was announced in the Budget 2018
    • The scheme will provide a cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year
    • There will be no cap on family size and age
    • The benefits cover will include pre and post-hospitalization expenses
    • All pre-existing conditions will be covered from day one of the policy
    • A defined transport allowance per hospitalization will also be paid to the beneficiary

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Key words related to History : Kaivalya

    Dynasty/era : Mahavira period

    Meaning : 1.Kaivalya is a state of solitude, aloneness, isolation and detachment. The word is derived from the Sanskrit kevala, meaning “alone” or “isolated.” 2.It is a separation of purusha (Self or Soul) from prakriti (primal matter). The state of kaivalya is the main goal of Raja yoga. 3.It is a detachment and independence from relationships, egoism, attraction, aversion and the cycle of birth and death. One can achieve this state by performing austerities, yoga practice and discipline. One who achieves this state is called a Kevalin.

  • 14 June 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    New norms for college teachers

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/new-norms-for-college-teachers/

    Note details about UGC and the fact that Indians who had been awarded a doctoral degree from any of the top 500 global universities would be eligible to teach in Indian universities without the requirement of any equivalence certificate or NET

    Also read about Swayam, the MOOCs platform for online material

    [pib] Cabinet approves proposal for enactment of Dam Safety Bill, 2018

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-cabinet-approves-proposal-for-enactment-of-dam-safety-bill-2018/

    Note down important provisions of the bill. A question can be asked in Mains under the Disaster Management head

    [pib] NITI Aayog to launch Composite Water Management Index

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-niti-aayog-to-launch-composite-water-management-index/

    See components of water management index. Also, study about the water crisis in India as well as across the world and need for sustainable use of water

    Low Relevance News

    U.S. nod for six more Apaches

    The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of six additional AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to India

    No important details included in news from exam point of view

    Centre mulls action against Haryana for polluting Yamuna

    A notice is being issued to Haryana for its role in polluting the Yamuna.

    No important bodies or river tributaries mentioned. Not important for exam.


    Govt. Posters for easy recall

  • [Prelims Spotlight] North Eastern Council, GOLD and ICON Mission

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – [pib] Cabinet approves Repositioning of North Eastern Council

    North Eastern Council

    1. North Eastern Council (NEC) was constituted as a statutory advisory body under the NEC Act 1971 and came into being on the 7th November 1972 at Shillong.
    2. NEC was established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971 as an apex level body for securing balanced and coordinated development and facilitating coordination with the States.
    3. Sikkim was added to the council in the year 2002
    4. Subsequent to the Amendment of 2002, NEC has been mandated to function as a regional planning body for the North Eastern
    5. While formulating a regional plan for this area, shall give priority to the schemes and projects benefiting two or more states.
    6. In case of Sikkim, the Council shall formulate specific projects and schemes for that

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : GOLD and ICON Mission

    Details : To explore the earth’s ionosphere.

    Agency : NASA

  • 13 June 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    [op-ed snap] The government needs to handle public sector banks with care

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-the-government-needs-to-handle-public-sector-banks-with-care/

    Oped discusses issues plaguing PSBs and what should be effectively done in order to bring house back in order.

    A mains question has a high probability of appearing as this issue has been in news for quite a long time now

    [pib] 3,000 Additional Atal Tinkering Labs Announced

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-3000-additional-atal-tinkering-labs-announced/

    Read and make notes about Atal Innovation Mission and Atal Tinkering Labs.

    Useful for both Pre as well Mains. These initiatives can also be quoted in Essay related to innovation ecosystem in India

    SEBI panel to study option of direct overseas listings

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/sebi-panel-to-study-option-of-direct-overseas-listings/

    GDR & ADR can be asked in Prelims. Also note details about listing of companies overseas

    Low Relevance news

    Belt and Road Initiative: Inept translation of Qingdao Declaration alters India’s stand

    Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s English statement on the declaration implied Delhi’s support for the Chinese connectivity project

    India is the only member state of the SCO which is not a part of the BRI, and has publicly criticised it

    The only important part from the news is SCO and BRI which have been discussed in the various previous news in detail

    Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project set to miss land acquisition target: sources

    India is set to miss a December deadline to acquire land for a Japan-backed $17 billion bullet train project

    Important details to be noted: Japan is majority-funding the train project through a 50-year loan and at least 70% of the core components of the rail line will be supplied by Japanese companies


    Govt. Posters for easy recall

     

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Global Depository Receipts, Swachh Iconic Places (SIP), USHUS-II submarine sonar

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – SEBI panel to study option of direct overseas listings

    Global Depository Receipts

    • Indian companies are allowed to raise equity capital in the international markets through the issue of GDR.
    • GDR are designated in USD / Euros or any other foreign currency.
    • The proceeds of GDR can be utilized for various purposes.

    American Depository Receipts

    • These are like shares issued to US retail and institutional investors and are listed in NASADAQ/NYSE
    • They are entitled like share to bonus, stock spilt and dividend.
    • ADR route is taken as non-USA companies are NOT allowed to list on US stock exchanges by issuing shares.

    B2B #2: From news – [pib] Ten new Swachh Iconic Places launched under Swachh Bharat Mission

    Swachh Iconic Places (SIP)

    1. The project envisioned by the Prime Minister is being coordinated by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation with the support of State governments and local administration.
    2. The consultation is in process for finalising the PSUs/corporates for extending support to new sites as CSR partners.
    3. These new sites have joined the 20 iconic places under Phase I & II where special Sanitation work is already underway.
    4. Launched in 2016, the Phase I iconic places are: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, CST Mumbai ,Golden Temple, Kamakhya Temple, Maikarnika Ghat, Meenakshi Temple, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Shree Jagannath Temple, The Taj Mahal and Tirupati Temple.
    5. Phase II of Swachh Iconic Places was launched in Nov 2017, and included Gangotri, Yamunotri, Mahakaleshwar Temple, Charminar, Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assissi, Kalady, Gommateswara, BaidyanathDham, Gaya Tirth and Somnath temple.
    6. SIP is a collaborative project with three other central Ministries: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, M/o Culture, and M/o Tourism.
    7. It also involves local administrations in the concerned States and Public Sector and Private Companies as sponsoring partners.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : USHUS-II submarine sonar

    Defence Forces : Navy

    Module Type : Tech Misc.

    Brief Intro : 1.Sonars are the eyes and ears of a submarine under water. DRDO has developed the State-of-the-Art submarine sonar suite, USHUS-II, a highly evolved compendium of multiple sensors. 2.The constituent sonars in the suite include passive sonar, active sonar, intercept sonar, obstacle avoidance sonar and underwater telephony.

  • 12 June 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    PM’s maternity scheme benefits 23.6 lakh

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pms-maternity-scheme-benefits-23-6-lakh/

    Newscard gives details about coverage of PMMVY and associated benefits. Govt schemes are important from both Prelims as well as Mains point of view

    What caused the Dec. 1, 2015 Chennai downpour?

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/what-caused-the-dec-1-2015-chennai-downpour/

    A detailed reasoning for the heavy downpour in Chennai and subsequent flooding. Cold pool theory can be asked in Prelims and Urban flooding has been appearing in UPSC mains in recent years

    Rise in India-ASEAN naval games

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/rise-in-india-asean-naval-games/

    Note all bilateral and multilateral exercises mentioned in news card. Apart from that also make a note of points of convergence with ASEAN countries in recent times in order to quote that in Mains answers

    Low relevance news

    No plans to privatise Railways, says Piyush Goyal

    The Centre has no plans to privatise the Railways.

    The statement comes amid concerns voiced by unions about the part or full privatization of the Railways, which has been inviting private participation in station development, infrastructure creation and some other areas

    Nothing important from exam perspective

    Maldives sets deadline for India on taking back helicopters

    Tensions over the presence of the two Indian helicopters in two different strategically important locations in Laamu and Addu atolls have been growing over the past few weeks

    India had gifted two Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) to the Maldives in 2013

    Only notable details are Dhruv helicopter and Laamu and Addu tolls.


    Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Labour Reforms :

  • [Prelims Spotlight] BIMSTEC, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – India to host first BIMSTEC war games in September

    BIMSTEC

    1. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization comprising seven Member States lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity.
    2. This sub-regional organization came into being on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
    3. The regional group constitutes a bridge between South and South East Asia and represents a reinforcement of relations among these countries.
    4. BIMSTEC has also established a platform for intra-regional cooperation between SAARC and ASEAN members.
    5. The BIMSTEC region is home to around 1.5 billion people which constitute around 22% of the global population with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.7 trillion economies

    B2B #2: From news – PM’s maternity scheme benefits 23.6 lakh

    Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

    1. The maternity benefits under PMMVY are available to all Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) except those in regular employment with the Central Government or State Government or Public Sector Undertaking or those who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law.
    2. The scheme is being implemented on a 60:40 cost-sharing basis with the State governments.
    3. It is for first living child of the family as normally the first pregnancy of a woman exposes her to new kind of challenges and stress factors.
    4. The Government of India has approved Pan-India implementation of PMMVY in all districts of the country under which the eligible beneficiaries get Rs. 5,000/- under PMMVY
    5. The remaining cash incentive as per approved norms towards Maternity Benefit under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) after institutional delivery so that on an average, a woman gets Rs. 6000/-
    6. The objectives of the scheme are:
    • Providing partial compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the woman can take adequate rest before and after delivery of the first living child; and
    • The cash incentives provided would lead to improved health seeking behaviour amongst the PW&LM. 
    • However, to address the problem of malnutrition and morbidity among children, the Anganwadi Services Scheme, which is universal, is available to all PW&LM including the second pregnancy.
    • Further, in order to address the malnutrition and morbidity during pregnancies a number of interventions are provided to the pregnant women viz. universal screening of pregnant women for Anaemia and Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation, Calcium supplementation in pregnancy, Deworming in pregnancy, Weight gain monitoring and Counselling on nutrition, family planning and prevention of diseases. 

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)

    Recently in News because : Has ranked India as the world’s most disaster-prone country for displacement of residents.

  • 11 June 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    India, Uzbekistan to route their trade through Chabahar

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-uzbekistan-to-route-their-trade-though-chabahar/

    SCO has been in news and has gained importance in view of changing dynamics in Iran.

    Central Asia is a resource-rich region and can help fill the deficit of important minerals that India doesn’t have.

    ISRO’s PRL scientists discover an ‘EPIC’ planet

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/isros-prl-scientists-discover-an-epic-planet/

    ISRO missions and discoveries have constantly made it  to Prelims as well as Mains exam

    Read all details about the mission. Becomes important as India has joined a handful of countries which have discovered planets around stars

    [op-ed snap] Open data, open government

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-open-data-open-government/

    The application of data and their assimilation with solving social problems, enabling better governance and powering elected governments to serve their citizens better is ushering in a new revolution

    Read about Open government data, 5C framework and application of data sciences in governance as it is continuously in news and can make roads to Mains

    Low Relevance News

    Xi to visit India in 2019 for Wuhan-style informal meet

    India and China have expanded on the “spirit” of the Wuhan informal summit

    Chinese president accepted PM Modi’s invitation for another “informal summit” in India next year.

    Since very fewer details are divulged about the meeting right now, it is not important for UPSC.

    Narendra Modi holds bilateral talks with heads of SCO member countries

    Talks on sidelines of ongoing SCO summit. No major announcements made.

    The only important thing to note is SCO member countries.

    Plea to make poll offences cognisable

    A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court to direct the government to make electoral offences cognizable with a punishment of minimum two years in jail

    The offenses listed are bribery, undue influence, impersonation, false statement, illegal payments and non-filing of accounts

    Till the SC passes a final verdict on the issue, nothing important from UPSC perspective

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SWAJAL yojana

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news – India, Uzbekistan to route their trade though Chabahar

    Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

    1. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organization
    2. The organization, formed in 2001, aims to boost cooperation in economic and security matters between China, Pakistan, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan
    3. India and Pakistan joined SCO as full members on 9 June 2017 at a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan
    4. Iran, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and Belarus have been granted observer status in SCO
    5. In 2017, SCO’s eight full members account for approximately half of the world’s population, a quarter of the world’s GDP, and about 80% of Eurasia’s landmass

    B2B #2: From news  :  Niti Aayog seeks views on rationalisation of trade margins in medical devices

    Drug Price Control Orders (DPCO)

    1. DPCO are issued by the DoP under Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, in the exercise of the powers conferred under section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
    2. This enables the Government to declare a ceiling price for essential and life-saving medicines and ensure that these medicines are available at a reasonable price to the general public.
    3. The latest DPCO was issued in 2013

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name of the scheme : SWAJAL yojana

    Objectives : 90% of the project cost will be taken care of by the government while the rest 10% of the project cost which will be contributed by the community

    Salient Features :  It is a community owned drinking water programme which will not only ensure round-the-year availability of clean drinking water but also generate employment. – Besides ensuring the availability of clean drinking water to every household round the year, the project would also generate employment. – It is the second project under the Swajal Yojana. Prior to this, it has been launched in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

    Nodal Ministry : Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

  • 9 June 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    [pib] Declaration by the Government of Republic of India relating to Article II and III of the Appendix to the Paris Act (1971)

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-declaration-by-the-government-of-republic-of-india-relating-to-article-ii-and-iii-of-the-appendix-to-the-paris-act-1971/

    News discusses about India’s extension of association with Berne convention. Very important from both Prelims as well as Mains perspective

    Dhanush artillery gun clears final test, ready for induction

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/dhanush-artillery-gun-clears-final-test-ready-for-induction/

    Note technical specifications as well as manufacturers and designers of the weapon. UPSC is now tilting towards these trivial details

    Archaeologists find pre-Columbian mass child sacrifice site in Peru

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/archaeologists-find-pre-columbian-mass-child-sacrifice-site-in-peru/

    Important from Mains perspective. A link between various contemporary organizations can be asked

    In prelims, cities connected to it can be asked in form of places in news and country associated

    Germany certain to win UN council seat, but contest in Asia

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/germany-certain-to-win-un-council-seat-but-contest-in-asia/

    Contains important details about UNSC structure and the recent election. Note down permanent members and new members elected and do a map practice of those

    Low relevance news

    Excessive illumination caused VVPAT snags: Election Commission

    Preliminary reports on the malfunction of VVPATs during the recent Lok Sabha bypolls have blamed it on excessive exposure of the machines to illumination at polling stations

    The preliminary fact-finding reports have indicated that there were two major technical reasons: failure of contrast sensor and length sensor

    Nothing important from exam point of view but a good time to go online and read more about VVPAT machines and their use (also note where they were used for the first time)

    SC wants panel to monitor shrines

    The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to form an independent committee to review whether the “management practices” of shrines across the country are visitor-friendly

    It indicated that issues like the harassment and exploitation of devotees by sevaks and staffers “may be common to various other important shrines in the country”

    This is just a preliminary intervention by the SC and bears very less relevance for the exam until the court pronounces a verdict on this issue taking in consideration Articles of constitution related to religious practices