There is not much in the report. However, it brings the topic of the statehood of Andaman which is definitely hanging on for a long time. Such an issue may appear in the Mains. Secondly, this month Yojgna issue is exclusively on the North East States, which invariably refers to the policies towards the tribals.
Source used:
The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) Nation State tag eludes Andamans
Useful Resources
Reap the Reach of IT and Save Time. Exploit the following links
UPSC Mains Books
Study Aids & Exams Preparation
Wikipedia Books Relevant to Preparation: New Feature: Check different Posts.
History of Constitution of India - Charter Acts during Company rule 1774-1858 in Hindi is free to download till August 5, 2018. The link is https://amzn.to/2vv2gVR
UPSC Mains Books
History of Constitution of India - Charter Acts during Company rule 1774-1858 in Hindi is free to download till August 5, 2018. The link is https://amzn.to/2vv2gVR
Friday, December 12, 2008
Indo-Pak Relations: Points for Essay
The following report is selected merely because there are some points useful for writing on the topic Indo-Pak relation. The controversial points are not asked in written examination. However, they may be discreetly asked. However, such questions may be asked in Personality Test. Therein, the candidate is expected to give a responsible and balance view. There is no place for zingoism there. There is view expressed by Shashi Tharoor. No way, any blogger is promoted here.
Source Used:
Can India "do a Lebanon'' in Pakistan, asks Pak blogger -Mumbai-Cities-The Times of India
Source Used:
Can India "do a Lebanon'' in Pakistan, asks Pak blogger -Mumbai-Cities-The Times of India
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Bird flu - A Song or a Virus
Bird Flu or Avian Influenza has been reported to have spread in Assam again. Its latest strain is called H5N1.
For Wikipedia article (use it with caution): Click Here.
Birdflu is also a song by a Tamil song writer M.I.A which is part of her Kala Album in 2007. Similarly there was another song by that name during Spanish Flu H1N1 during 1918-1920. (Source: Wikipedia (use with caution) for detail Click here. )
Source Used:
Bird flu spreads to new areas in Assam Top News Reuters
For Wikipedia article (use it with caution): Click Here.
Birdflu is also a song by a Tamil song writer M.I.A which is part of her Kala Album in 2007. Similarly there was another song by that name during Spanish Flu H1N1 during 1918-1920. (Source: Wikipedia (use with caution) for detail Click here. )
Source Used:
Bird flu spreads to new areas in Assam Top News Reuters
20 Indian Institue of Information Technology under PPP
The government has got prepared the Draft Project Report to establish 20 new IIITs (Indian Institute of Information Technology) under PPP (Public Private Partnership). The DPR is prepared by NASSCOM (National Association of Softwares and Service Companies).
Source Used
Decks cleared for setting up 20 new IIITs-Education-The Times of India
Source Used
Decks cleared for setting up 20 new IIITs-Education-The Times of India
Lal Thanhawla: Chief Minister for the Third Time
Lal Thanhawla will be the Chief Minister of Mizoram for the third time. Similarly, Sheila Dixit will be entering her third inning as the CM of Delhi.
Use the Hindu link for further notes on Lal Thanhawla.
Source Used:
The Hindu News Update Service
Use the Hindu link for further notes on Lal Thanhawla.
Source Used:
The Hindu News Update Service
Books for General Studies for 2009
In the November Issue 2008 of Civil Services Chronicle (CSC), there is a long article titled Wnna be an IAS Topper, success sutra, step-by-step. Many of its section are sincerely written. They are practical advices. One of the section has dealt exclusively with General Studies preparation. Their main argument is that there should be an integrated approach for General Studies. I believe that they suggest that preparation for General Studies should fulfill the requirement of Prelims as well as Mains. Secondly, they have stressed upon the need of keeping the target of getting 350+ in the General Studies. Thirdly, they are fair in telling that there can not be any fixed game plan for preparing the General Studies paper because anything below sun can be asked and even beyond that also. However, even then, they have suggested some good points. They are as follows.
It is very difficult to fix a syllabus for General Studies. The commission itself has not given a fixed syllabus. Therefore, the best method is to watch the last years papers analytically. Then, it is suggested that one should learn the area of his or her interest and then develop the reading around that field of knowledge. A good approach is to read fundamental basis of major subjects with the help of NCERT books. For Current affairs the best method is suggested as follows.
1. India Year Book of Publication Division. Pick chapters and then develop or gather extra material around them.
2. Adopt one or two newspaper for daily reading. It is universally accepted that The Hindu and The Times of India are the two best newspapers. One can watch on his own that they cover more issues of national interest.
3. Books published by NBT and Publication Bureau on Indian history and Culture. I am regular reader of Yojana. Each month, there is one selective theme. In November, it was the child problem and in December, it is North East states.
Then, The CSC has further suggested other books. I have not consulted them, therefore, I do not feel confident in suggesting them here. In case of foreign news, I believe apart from Frontline, the internet is a better option.
After taking up Current Affairs as one major subject of General Studies, the CSC magazine has taken Indian Polity. I accept that to whichever field you belong, you have to read DD Basu and P N Baskshi. You must understand that there are 100 marks questions in General Studies Mains and on an average there are 15 questions in Prelims. There is no other way out. In addition to that a leisure reading of NCERT books of IX, X, XI and XII is equally essential. Notes preparation is better way then to adopt some guide book.
In case of Indian Economy, there is no answer to Dutt and Sundharam or Mishra and Puri. I may add some more at a later stage but books by NCERT for class XI and XII are must. I will suggest that one should adopt Business Today or Business Standard also along with one Competition Magazine. One can develop liking for capital market in order to understand their contents but beware you may not give your self away to share market. You must remember that you are preparing for civil services and for full 18 months you have to save money only for that. The investments can be carried on with some detachments but they can be postponed for one year. It does not matter much.
Now take up the case of History. Modern History by B.L. Grover is a good approach. I believe, for that any history, which helps you to develop understanding of political history from 1707/1757 to 1947, is must. It may be a simple text book of graduation level and even that can be good. There is a book by same title by K. L. Khurana or by L. Prasad. The main idea is to develop the political history understanding before taking up the book by A. R. Desai. I think that, that will be a good way to tackle the subject. I am a history teacher and saying all this with some understanding. Finally, it goes without repetition, you have to read NCERT books from eighth to twelfth. It is must. You may not read Bipin Chandra, or other books which are being discussed, but, you have to go through them.
Now Geography is a fascinating field. The trend is not presently in its favour. In 1990s, it was Geography and Animal husbandry, which had attracted the attention. However, you have to read about it. Here, I will go with CSC suggestions.
Principles of Geography (NCERT)
Geography of India.
Land and the People NCERT. Even the books suggested for ICSE boards schools are quite helpful. I remember reading a book of ninth class for ICSE school which was publisher of Delhi, the contents were perfect material for present day trends.
Let me suggest an approach here. Make topics of NCERT books from VI to XII as the topics of preparation. Get material from the books and substantiate with the help of Wikipedia and CIA Facts books website.
Science and Technology: It is very difficult to suggest one set for it. However, as CSC has remarked, the main thrust is on basic Human anatomy, hygiene, circulatory system, human diseases, Nutrition and plus Agricultural sciences. Question of Physics, Chemistry, Technology are there but if you are not a student from science background, then it is better to adopt the established Refreshers. The CSC has given its list but I doubt, apart from reading NCERT books, one can read the whole list without the help of a person who has some understanding of science. You should have liking for the field of science. Then you can make the list of the contents of NCERT books and continue to prepare the notes. The questions are really typical. They may ask you the Light temperature of a fluorescent tube and other year may ask you about the resistance of the human body to the flow of the current. The candidates were expecting 3D technology but the commission remained satisfied with asking only about IPTV. You may prepare for CFL light buld, but it may ask about newer mode of lightening. You may prepare for 4D telecommunication, it may ask about WiMax. It is better to remain fixed with the fundamentals of the physics and chemistry than to prepare the list of the books.
I hope that those who have approached my blog with this query, and visited to one of my older list, may find the above write up useful.
Swraj Paul NRI is Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords
It is a history of a sort as Swraj Paul, the founder of TNC Caparo and member of Apeejay Group of Jalandhar Punjab has been appointed as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords in Britain.
Source Used:
Swraj Paul is Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords
Source Used:
Swraj Paul is Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords
Examination Notice No. 04/2009-CSP
Civil Services Preliminary Examinaion notification is issued on December 6, 2008.
" All applications must reach the "Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069" either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by Courier, on or before the 5th January, 2009."
For the first hand information kindly visit http://upsc.gov.in/. Enter Examination link. Then Enter Notification Current link. This path is valid till January 5, 2009. After that, it is generally moved to the Archival Section and remains there till the next notification.
" All applications must reach the "Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069" either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by Courier, on or before the 5th January, 2009."
For the first hand information kindly visit http://upsc.gov.in/. Enter Examination link. Then Enter Notification Current link. This path is valid till January 5, 2009. After that, it is generally moved to the Archival Section and remains there till the next notification.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Amendement to IT 2006 Act
There is a good material to develop the points on the IT crimes and the amendments proposed in the IT Act 2006 in the report mentioned below.
This heading can be selected for writing an essay as well as 150 words write up on Science and Technology and General Awareness on Current Issues.
High priority Topic
Sources Used
Government is proposing amendments in IT Act Top News
Additional Sources: http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG5_sub.asp?newscode=29417&catcode=ENG5&subcatcode=
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=103793
This heading can be selected for writing an essay as well as 150 words write up on Science and Technology and General Awareness on Current Issues.
High priority Topic
Sources Used
Government is proposing amendments in IT Act Top News
Additional Sources: http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG5_sub.asp?newscode=29417&catcode=ENG5&subcatcode=
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=103793
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Major Dhian Chand: national sports day August 29
The Hindu : Sport : Book on Dhyan Chand
A book authored by Dr. Meena Umesh has been released on Major Dhyan Chand, the hockey legend.
A book authored by Dr. Meena Umesh has been released on Major Dhyan Chand, the hockey legend.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
What is a Exoplanet?
The following links as news report can be useful in making a note on this question.
The astronauts have recently been able photograph a star called Fomalhaut which is nearly 25 light years away having planets. The exoplanets or extrasolar planets are issue of interest because they may become the case of discovery of extra territerial life as the planets orbiting the other stars may also have life as it is here on the earth. It may be cause of proving theory of existence of aliens. (Fascinating!!!. I have doubt about including in the notes because it is highly based on theories. The only factor played in the favour of imaging of the distant plant in other star system by Hubble telescope after technological advancement in imaging.)
BBC NEWS Science & Environment Exoplanets finally come into view
http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Researchers_Capture_First_Photo_Of_An_Exoplanet_Orbiting_A_Star_29045.html
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/11/14/fomalhaut_b/
Wikipeida Article on Extra Solar Planets with definition of Planet:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exoplanets
Friday, November 14, 2008
Slumdog Millionaire
The Hindu News Update Service
Slumdog Millionaire is a movie directed by British Director Danny Boyle baded on a best selling novel 'Q & A' written by an Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup. The movie is getting very good reviews. It remains in news for number of reasons like Merc manufacturer has objected to a scene wherein their product is shown in the film. It is about a Mumbai orphan's rag to riches story.
Slumdog Millionaire is a movie directed by British Director Danny Boyle baded on a best selling novel 'Q & A' written by an Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup. The movie is getting very good reviews. It remains in news for number of reasons like Merc manufacturer has objected to a scene wherein their product is shown in the film. It is about a Mumbai orphan's rag to riches story.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Obama's books
Obama's books a big hit among book lovers
The books penned by the 44th President of America, Barack H Obama are
Dreams from my Fahter: A Story of Race and Inheritance.
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream.
Barak Obama in his Own Words.
Barack Obama: What He Believes In – From His Own Works
The books penned by the 44th President of America, Barack H Obama are
Additional Sources: Wikipedia retrieved on November 14, 2008, 6.09 pm (IST)
BIMSTEC 11th Submit under Chairmanship of India
The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News
The full form of BIMSTEC is Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). It is also written as BIMST-EC.
The official site of the BIMSTEC is http://www.bimstec.org/.
The Wikipedia article is also useful addition at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIMSTEC.
Source:
Label source: Official site of BIMSTEC as mentioned above.
100 km above Moon: Final Circular Orbit of Chandrayaan-I
Chandrayaan-I reaches its final resting orbit-India-The Times of India
Chandrayaan I is the fifth satellite now orbiting moon. The other four members are the US, Russia (former Soviet Union), Japan, China and members of European Space Agency.
The most crucial stage of taking Chandrayraan to its final orbit was LOI ie lunar orbit insertion. "At a certain point, the gravity of moon and that of earth cancel each other out, making LOI very challenging."
The satellite will work for next two years taking 3D maps of moon, getting chemical mapping of the moon along with searching water and ice caps.
Chandrayaan I is the fifth satellite now orbiting moon. The other four members are the US, Russia (former Soviet Union), Japan, China and members of European Space Agency.
The most crucial stage of taking Chandrayraan to its final orbit was LOI ie lunar orbit insertion. "At a certain point, the gravity of moon and that of earth cancel each other out, making LOI very challenging."
The satellite will work for next two years taking 3D maps of moon, getting chemical mapping of the moon along with searching water and ice caps.
Shourya missile system: Surface to Surface Missile: DRDO
India test-fires new long-range missile
Shourya missile system is a surface to surface missile newly developed by DRDO.
Other missile systems developed by DRDO are the Agni, Prithvi and Trishul missiles and the Nag anti-tank missile for Indian Army and the Aakash surface-to-air missile for the Indian Air Force.
Shourya has another capability of being fired from underground launchers.
Additional Notes from The Hindu at http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/13/stories/2008111358700100.htm
Shourya is the land version of the underwater-launched missile called K-15 (Sagarika), which was fired in February 2008 from an underwater pontoon.
Shourya missile system is a surface to surface missile newly developed by DRDO.
Other missile systems developed by DRDO are the Agni, Prithvi and Trishul missiles and the Nag anti-tank missile for Indian Army and the Aakash surface-to-air missile for the Indian Air Force.
Shourya has another capability of being fired from underground launchers.
Additional Notes from The Hindu at http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/13/stories/2008111358700100.htm
Shourya is the land version of the underwater-launched missile called K-15 (Sagarika), which was fired in February 2008 from an underwater pontoon.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Kalka-Shimla railway line declared World Heritage Site-India-The Times of India
Kalka-Shimla railway line declared World Heritage Site-India-The Times of India
Read it with the The Hindu report at http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200811092144.htm.
It forms a complete report. It is good for Notes 2009.
Read it with the The Hindu report at http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200811092144.htm.
It forms a complete report. It is good for Notes 2009.
Friday, November 07, 2008
An Interview with Shailesh Gandhi on RTI
'Indians are yet to take advantage of RTI'
Useful for making notes on RTI, still an important topic for Civil SErvices
Useful for making notes on RTI, still an important topic for Civil SErvices
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Jurassic Park author Michael Crichton dies of cancer aged 66 - The Daily Record
Jurassic Park author Michael Crichton dies of cancer aged 66 - The Daily Record
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King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
VOA News - Bhutan Hands Raven Crown to New King: "Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck"
It is a repeat posting. However, the coronation of the King of Bhutan has taken place today that is October 6, 2008.
It is a repeat posting. However, the coronation of the King of Bhutan has taken place today that is October 6, 2008.
RISAT - A new Satellite developed by ISRO
ISRO develops new satellite-India-The Times of India
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
SAARC Agriculture Ministers conference New Delhi
SAARC Agriculture Ministers conference begins - Yahoo! India News
The list includes the action plan of the SAARC countries on the agriculture front.
Read the following news item along with above.
SAARC nations to set up Food Bank to ward off crisis
The list includes the action plan of the SAARC countries on the agriculture front.
Read the following news item along with above.
SAARC nations to set up Food Bank to ward off crisis
What is Bhuvan?
Bhuvan, ISRO's new eye in the sky-Ahmedabad-Cities-The Times of India
Bhuvan will be a portal of ISRO which will show the earth images upto 10 m. It is similar to Google Earth and Wikimapia.
The Times of India Report is a complete note in itself. It is valid upto March 2009. After that, the portal will be launched and then more information can be added.
High Probable Rate: Both Prelims 2009 and Mains 2009.
Bhuvan will be a portal of ISRO which will show the earth images upto 10 m. It is similar to Google Earth and Wikimapia.
The Times of India Report is a complete note in itself. It is valid upto March 2009. After that, the portal will be launched and then more information can be added.
High Probable Rate: Both Prelims 2009 and Mains 2009.
Monday, November 03, 2008
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