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
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Alappuzha
The 57th Nehru Trophy Boat Race will be held on August 8, 2009 at Alappuzha, Kerala.
Source:
Kerala Boatrace: Rediff.com news
Magsaysay for Joshi
A belated addition to the list but a probable name for Indian personalities/2 marks question.
The hitched report has a brief biography enough for such a question.
Hitched Report:
Magsaysay winner Joshi has long list of laurels - India - NEWS - The Times of India
Gangotri, Maitri and Now Bharti at Antartica
Kindly read this post with Larsemann Hills.The hitched reports has basically an itinerary report however, there are many points which are useful for notes. Anyhow, it is definitely one of the important question for GS Main paper II.
Use the following link along with one suggested above:
3rd base at Antarctica: India to join elite club - India - NEWS - The Times of India
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Right To Education Law
Right to Education is going to be a fundamental Right soon as both the houses have passed the Bill. It will bring into force the 86th constitutional amendment.
Some of the features are listed in the hitched report.
A highly important topic both for the October 2009 and Prelims 2010.
In the hitched report, a new term 'Differently Abled' in place of disabled person is mentioned. It should be given attention while making the note about the ambit of the RTE.
Similarly, the age group covered is 6 to 14 years. Up to Class 8, the students will be promoted and would be declared fail.
Further, there is need to makes note on the following points.
The 1909 Act and Free education.
The free education as a part of Directive Principles.
The Constitutional Amendment 86.
The Disability Act.
The definition of the children covered under 'Differently Abled' phrase.
Report to be used:
Education is now a right - India - NEWS - The Times of India
Critical Environment Hotspots in India
Ministry of Environment and Forests has identified 24 Critical Environment Hotspots in India. It was part of the Parliament queries.
Make a note of the following Report.
Govt zeroes in on 24 most polluted areas - India - NEWS - The Times of India
The Hindu Report
Menace of FICNs
FICNs stands for Fake Indian Currency Notes.
FICNs has become a major problem. It has numerous implications on Economy also. The term as well as the topic are required to be included in important list under Economy section for October 2009 as well as Prelims 2010.
Report to be used:
India to seek global help to check fake note menace - India - NEWS - The Times of India
Nagaraja Report on Brain Mapping
The hitched report is about a Lok Sabha Question.
Nagaraja Report on Brain Mapping has raised doubts over the efficacy of the Brain Mapping as investigation tool.
This report has value for the candidates who have opted for Law as one of the option and also a good topic to develop for the interview.
However, as the Nagaraja Committee has been dissolved and the report as such has not been placed before the members, it may not be included for the prelims 2010 as there seems to be controversy about the findings of the committee. It has been dissolved on the grounds that it had taken a too long time and secondly, the some centres had not been covered under field survey.
However A Term of Note important for October 09 and May 2010:
BEOS: brain electrical oscillation signature
Source to be used:
Brain mapping test of no real use? - India - NEWS - The Times of India
The Hindu Report
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Result of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2009 is out
The Result of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2009 held on May 17, 2009 is out on August 4, 2009.
For Enquiries directly from UPSC on working day between 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM, the website of UPSC at www.upsc.gov.in provides the javascript:void(0)phone nos. as follows: 011-2338 5271, 011-23098543 or 011-23381125.
The Enquiries can be made personally on the facilitation centre at the Dholpur House of UPSC at New Delhi
The result can be checked at the site of UPSC at www.upsc.gov.in.
The result is available in Roll no. series as well as in Query Format.
Reserved Seats in Lok Sabha extended upto 2020.
In the following report, there are topics which had appeared in Prelims as well as Mains earlier also. However, they qualify for probable question in future examinations also.
Main topics:
Article no 334
Constitution Amendment: 109
Constitutional provision under Article 334 of the constitutional for the reservation and its later developments(history).
Source to be used:
Elders okay extension of SC/ST quota - India - NEWS - The Times of India
20,000MW solar power by 2020
The Renewal Energy source is one of important topic at national level. The harnessing of solar energy has been one of the option. India has a National Action Plan on Climate Change on it.
In the hitched report, a major policy decision has been report. It has been decided to opt for solar thermal means in place of mere photovoltic means of generating power. Similar some other major proposals have been approved.
The issue acquires more attention in light of global emission recommendation and India's approach towards cooperation on this issue. The forthcoming Copenhagen summit is an important international meet.
In the light of the above guidelines, the following report can be used to develop notes on India's concern over Renewal Energy sources and Global Warming.
Source to be used:
20,000MW solar mission gets nod - India - NEWS - The Times of India
It is Rs. 91684 crore plan
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Nandita Das is CFSI chief
Nadita Das (Actress and a Director; Fire and Earth fame) replaces Nafisa Ali as the Chairperson of Children's Film Society of India.
Source:
Nandita Das is CFSI chief - India - NEWS - The Times of India
Friday, July 31, 2009
Baku-Admiral Gorshkov-INA Vikramaditya
The Admiral Gorshkov is an aircraft carrier which India has bought from Russia. It will be renamed as INA Vikramaditya.
A brief note is presently available on Wikipedia. Also make note on STOBAR which stands for Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery, a feature available on Admiral Gorshkov.
Wikipedia Article hitched below:
Soviet aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov - INS Vikramaditya
Thursday, July 30, 2009
PM Statement on MEF Global Warming Declaration
The Global Warming and L'Aquila declaration are probable topics of October 2009 as well as May 2010. By that time, Copenhagen UN Meet would have taken place.
In the following link, the statement of PM is given which are in itself a good note on Indian stand towards MEF. Must make a note on it.
The above issues have already been identified earlier in the month of June when Italy meeting took place. That can be incorporated in the notes.
Links to be used:
India to fight warming, but won't accept emission caps - India - NEWS - The Times of India
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratan: Sushil-Vijendra-Mary Com
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Rattan, the country's highest Sports Honour has been awarded to three Olympians and World Champions namely Sushil Kumar, Vijender Kumar and C Mary Com.
Link to be used:
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Rattan
Cyber Regulation Appellate Tribunal.
Cyber Regulation Appellate Tribunal has been established. Justice Rajesh Tandon is the presiding officer.
Use the hitched links for notes.
Links to be used:
Delhi To Have India’s First Cyber Court - Atleast One Cyber Court Per Region | WATBlog.com - Web, Advertising and Technology Blog in India: "Cyber Regulation Appellate Tribunal."
Press Information Bureau (Kindly make notes immediately because I have found that the links to PIB sometimes do not open up the desired article after a lapse and this article has points from the 2000 IT Act and IT 2008.)
Honour Killing: A Social Issue in India
Honour Killing as a social vice is prevalent not only in Indian society but in other countries also. The question was asked in the Parliament after an honour killing in Haryana. It is a social vice which comes into news again and again. The members of the Parliament have asked for an appropriate legislation for it. It can be included in list of important topics for October 2009 Mains as well as for the interview.
Honour Killing comes under Homicide and as such has a legal angle also.
For an essay on Honour Killing read an article on Wikipedia.
Link to substantiate:
Honour killings a national shame: Chidambaram - India - NEWS - The Times of India
Who is an Anchor Investor?
Anchor Investor: SEBI introduced the anchor investor concept in June 2009. In this the investor gets firm allotment of shares, as opposed to the proportionate allotment that other QIB constituents would. The minimum amount the anchor investor can apply for is INR 10 crore.
A related news item at
First Time Anchor Investors
For a Detailed View: Use the followings:
Anchor Investor: Business Line (Highly Recommended)
Economic Times: First Report
Economic News: A Substantiating Point
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Main Features of Educational Tribunal Bill
The following report contains the main features of the Educational Tribunal Bill.
Link to be used:
Three-tier educational tribunal in the offing - India - NEWS - The Times of India
Larsemann Hills
India is going to have its third laboratory in Antarctica. The following report has many points good for notes.
Link to be used:
India to start building new Antarctia base in January - India - NEWS - The Times of India
CJI Views on Judges Assets Bill
Use the following to news report on the Judges Asset Bills giving importance to the views of Chief Justice of India K. G. Balakrishnan.
The Judges Assets, the misconduct of Judges and the removal of judges are some of the issues which are in the headlines. However, I still believe that they may not appear in the examinations due to obvious reasons. But, in any case, the reports and issues must be followed as they may become part of interview.
Links to be used:
The Hindu : Front Page : Judges welcome proposed Bill on asset declaration, says CJI
Judges Asset Bill, TOI
Friday, July 24, 2009
Aung San Suu Kyi Awarded Gandhi Peace Award
Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel laureate has been awarded Mahatama Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation.
For Biography of Aungh San Suu Kyi use Wikipedia Article.
Link to be used:
Suu Kyi wins Gandhi Peace Award in SA - Rest of World - World - NEWS - The Times of India
Source:
Photograph Source: Wikipedia as referred above.
Nandan Nilekani, Chairman of UIAI
Nandan Nilekani takes over as the Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India. It is a cabinet rank post.
Kindly use the following link to develop the notes.
Link to be used
The Hindu : Front Page : Unique ID numbers in 12-18 months
ADDED REPORT: August 13, 2009:
In the following report, there is enough detail about the modalities and processes, and also the legal status of the UID. Similarly some of the major problems, facing the collection of demographic spread and the legality of UID are also mentioned in the report. The Report after gleaning can be made a good note. UID is definitely a topic to watch for the examination in October 2009 as well as 2010.
USE the following Reports:
UID: Four Year Project for 60 crore people.
Dated September 6, 2009:
The following report gives a peep into the working of the UIAI:
Nilekani Drives Indica when in Government
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Bloggers who cleared Civil Services 2008
First of all I welcome the 6th follower to my blog who has named himself as ab.
From the list of his following I am noting two blogs which belong to Shubhra Saxena (Alloted IAS) and Supreet Gulati (AIR 2-2008).
Read each post and whole of the blog. They are by the successful candidates and they have shown sincerity and simplicity in dealing with different aspects while giving their views about the preparation of specific subject. They are not schoolistic and demagogic. Kindly note the suggestion about dealing the General Studies papers by Shubhra Saxena. She is virtually revealing out the truths. If you get to the soul of the suggestions, then be sure, you may be next successful candidate. Remember, she says again and again that you should write and write again and again. She has emphasized upon reviewing the last year papers. They are your most important gurus and guides. If you are able to develop feel of the papers as they come, then you can easily organize your preparation in an effective manner. Otherwise, there are numerous coaching classes, magazines and whole library there to study but will that serve the purpose? You must learn to break up the structure of the paper as well as the syllabus. In case of GS, there are general guidelines. In new syllabus they have give points on which the question may be asked but even then they are very wide and extensive. Hence, the best way is to understand the last year papers as they have appeared and then try to visualize that what can be asked in the current year in light of previous questions. Rest, study her guidelines on 20 words, 50 words and 150 words questions. Similarly understand the importance of 2 marks questions, 15 marks question and for elective subjects 60 marks question. That should be the mind frame which should work behind preparing and revision of notes.
I believe after joining Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy, they may not get time to write there as they may be going on long trekking and through tight schedules of the academy(Some even there believe in slipping out. Blink). But their blogs definitely need reading by those who are already into the preparation. For freshers, they may read it but they may be able to appreciate the contents only after some experience.
Kindly note that they are not the first one as bloggers who had made it to Civil Services. I have in my Zotero Add on, some more references. It is the contents of Saxena blog which prompted me to write this post. They are not being given any special attention at all. It is just that I checked the credential of a new follower to my blog and found their reference. I went through their blog. Read five to six posts especially posts on the breakup of General Studies paper and studying strategies. They are true. Any experienced person may approve them. They have been marked out here and it is believed that those who are intelligent and capable, they will find them highly paying when put into practice.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Gangubhai Hangal, Hindustani Classic Vocalist, Kirana Gharana, passes away
Gangubhai Hangal, a Hindustani Music Vocalist has passed away. She belonged to Kirana gharana in Khyal style.
Link to be used:
Hindustani music exponent Gangubai Hangal passes away - India - NEWS - The Times of India
Biography at Wikipedia
Solar eclipse of July 22, 2009 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Wikipedia article has a good graphic and details about the solar eclipse of July 22, 2009. The India related places can be noted down from the Times of India news report. Both the links are hitched below.
Solar eclipse of July 22, 2009 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Solar Eclipse in India - TOI
Friday, July 17, 2009
Carnatic music legend D. K. Pattammal passes away
D. K. Pattammal, a legendary Carnatic Singer associated with MS Subhalakshmi has passed away.
Click here for a brief Biography at Wikipedia.
Check the following report. Important for CS 2010. A perfect combination for picking the odd man out and belongs to Indian heritage and culture.
Carnatic music legend Pattammal passes away - India - NEWS - The Times of India
Image Source: Wikipedia in the link given above
Monday, July 13, 2009
Hogenakkal project
What is Hogenakkal Project?
For Answer Click Here.
For brief coverage consult the following link:
The Hindu News Update Service: "Hogenakkal project"
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Major Economic Infrastructure Concerns of the Indian Government
In the following hitched link, the major economic infrastructure concerns of India are well listed. It also contains the glimpse of measures which the government is going to take and had also found place in the Budget 2009.
The Hitched Link:
PM to head Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure
What is ENR Technology?
The ENR Technology stands for enrichment and reprocessing technology required in case of use of Nuclear technology.
What is NSG?
Is it National Security Guards?
It is here means Nuclear Supplier Group.
Hitched link for the questions: The issues in the link is continuing since last year when President Bush had signed the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement on October 8, 2008.
G-8 nations vow to curb ENR technology, surprise India
In addition to that check the following links to get a complete picture in context of India.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Ministry of Personnel Guidelines for Women representation in Civil Services
The following report is about a circular from Ministry of Personnel, public grievances and pensions to different department about the representations of the women on the selection boards and about increasing the recruitment of the women in the central services. There are some data given in it that can be gleaned for the notes like the present level of the women percentage as the working employees in various departments and categories (group a, b, c, d) is 7.5% and in Civil services Group A and All India services, it is 24 %. Keep a note of it. Good for Preliminary 2010.
Hitched link for study:
Govt takes the first step to increase women's representation in jobs - India - The Times of India
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Issues discussed between Brown & Singh at L'Aquila
The link hitched here is meant only for reading. It is about bilateral relations between UK and India. It is about the world economic concern which are going to be discussed at Copenhagen in December. Mere reading is sufficient.
The Hitched Link:
The Hindu : Front Page : Manmohan Singh seeks green technology transfer commitment
Time Chart of G8 and G5 parleys in 2009
The article hitched to the post is a report by N. Ravi in The Hindu. It discusses the time schedule of G8 and G5 activities scheduled to take place in 2009, the issues that are to be taken there and the bit of background upto 2009. The article needs reading in order to form the ground work to understand the world economic relations, the major players, the mechanism and the present issues on the priority list. It is good for October 2009.
Link to be used:
The Hindu : Front Page : G8 meetings to focus on economic crisis and climate change
Try some questions:
Answers source: Check out Wikipedia
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Allocation of National Highway projects
It is good to make a note of exact amount of allocation to national highways in 2009 budget. The development of infrastructure is the major policy thrust of the present government. Hence, it is obvious that there can be questions in GS Mains 2009 and again in May 2010. It is a tricky affairs for those who are unable to remember figures but it is highly advisable to they must start picking some figures.
Link to be used:
Road project on overdrive - India - The Times of India
Monday, July 06, 2009
A Critical View of Right To Education Bill
The following writeup in Times of India by Renu Singh 'Save the Children' must be read and glean points out of it.
Link to be used:
The wrongs in the Right to Education Bill - The Times of India
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