General Knowledge for IAS Exams (Geography of India and The World)

Countries and their Main Produces/Industries:

Countries Main Produces/Industries:

Afghanistan: Dry and fresh fruits, Carpets, Wool

Australia: Wood, dairy products, wheat, meat, lead, zinc

Austria: Machinery, textiles, leather goods

Brazil: Coffee

Belgium: Glass, textiles

Chile: Copper nitrate

Canada: Wheat, newsprint, machinery

China: Silk, tea, rice

Congo: Copper, uranium, cobalt, ivory

Cuba: Sugar, tobacco, cigar

Denmark: Textiles, paper

France: Textile, wine, silk

Germany: Machinery, chemical, iron and steel equipments

Ghana: Coco, gold, coffee

India: Jute, textiles, sugar, spices, tobacco, tea, cement, mica etc.

Indonesia: Sugar, spices, rubber, rice, cinchona, petroleum

Iran: Petroleum, carpets, dry fruits

Iraq: Dates, petroleum

Italy: Mercury, textiles

Japan: Machinery, textiles, toys, silk, automobiles

Kenya: Coffee, tea, meat, sisal, hides

Kuwait: Petroleum

Malaysia: Rubber, tin

The Netherlands: Machinery, aircraft, electricals

Saudi Arabia: Oil, dates

Spain: Lead

General Knowledge for IAS Exams (Geography of India and The World)

IMPORTANT IRRIGATION AND POWER PROJECTS:

UPSC Mains General Studies Solved Paper (2013) - "Paper-5 : Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude"

Section A

Q1. What do you understand by ‘Values’ and ‘Ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? (150 words) 10 marks (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q2. (a) What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (250 words) 3x5= 15 marks. (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

(b) Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer. 10 marks. (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q3.- Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification. (150 words) 10 Marks (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q4. What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions? (150 words) 10 marks (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q5-. (a) What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience? (150 words) 10 marks (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

(b) What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same. (150 words) 10 marks (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q6. Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q7. “The good of an individual is contained in the good of all.” what do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life? (150 words) 10 marks (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q8. It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. (150 words) 10 marks (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Section B

Q9. A Public Information Officer has received an application under RTI Act. Having gathered the information, the PIO discovers that the information pertains to some of the decisions taken by him, which were found to be not altogether right. There were other employees also who were party to these decisions. Disclosure of the information is likely to lead to disciplinary action with possibility of punishment against him as well as some of his colleagues. Non-disclosure or part disclosure or camouflaged disclosure of information will result into lesser punishment or no punishment.

The PIO is otherwise an honest and conscientious person but his particular decision, on which the RTI application has been filed, turned out to be wrong. He comes to you for advice.
The following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the option:

1. The PIO could refer the matter to his superior officer and seek his advice and act strictly in accordance with the advice, even though he is not completely in agreement with the advice of the superior.
2. PIO could proceed on leave and leave the matter to be dealt by his successor in office or request for transfer of the application to another PIO.
3. The PIO could weigh the consequences of disclosing the information truthfully including the effect on his career, and reply in a manner that would not place him or his career in jeopardy, but at the same time a little compromise can be made on the contents of the information.
4. The PIO could consult his other colleagues who are party to the decision and take action as per their advice.

Also, please indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to advise, giving proper reason. (250 words) 20 marks.

Analysis-

The question can be a little complex. On the one hand, the person has committed some mistake for which he might face trouble; but, on the other hand, the person is honest and conscientious. Thus, taking a very strict action might not be practical as mistakes can happen by anyone. At the same time, it would be inappropriate to manipulate the information. Thus, you need to tackle the question tactfully.

Solution-

Option (i) might be resorted to, but there is a possibility that the superior might advice some unethical path, which would be unethical on the part of the PIO. Thus, it would be inappropriate to follow the advise the superior by word. PIO might take his advise but should judge the value of the same and act by his wit.

Option (ii) might as well be followed, as the PIO has a vested interest in the matter, and the constitution provides for the declaration of such vested interests, and transfer of the case, to ensure impartiality and effectiveness of justice. Thus, the PIO might declare his vested interest in the matter and ask for the transfer of the case of another PIO.

Option (iii) would be unethical on the part of the PIO. As a public functionary, his duty is to communicate the facts objectively. By manipulating the facts, in order to save himself, the PIO would commit an unethical and unprofessional act.

Option (iv) is contentious, as the colleagues might advice him to take an unethical path. Since the PIO is an honest and conscientious person, he shall rely on his principles to take an appropriate action.
Thus, it would be advisable for the PIO to declare his involvement in the matter to his superiors in written, and follow the appropriate directions.

Q10. You are working as an Executive Engineer in the construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and are presently in-charge of the construction of a flyover. There are two Junior Engineers under you who have the responsibility of day-to-day inspection of the site and are reporting to you, while you are finally reporting to the Chief Engineer who heads the cell. While the construction is heading towards completion, the Junior Engineer have been regularly reporting that all construction is taking place as per design specifications. However, in one of your surprise inspections, you have noticed some serious deviations and lacunar which, in your opinion, are likely to affect the safety of the flyover. Rectification of these lacunae at this stage would require a substantial amount of demolition and rework which will cause a tangible loss to the contractor and will also delay completion. There is a lot of public pressure on the Corporation to get this construction completed because of heavy traffic congestion in the area. When you brought this matter to the notice of the Chief Engineer, he advised you that in his opinion it is not a very serious lapse and may be ignored. He advised for further expediting the project for completion in time. However, you are convinced that this was a serious matter which might affect public safety and should not be left unaddressed.

What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and finally suggest what course of action you would like to take, giving reasons. (250 words) 20 Marks

Follow the advice of the Chief Engineer and go ahead.

1. Make an exhaustive report of the situation bringing out all facts and analysis along with your own viewpoints stated clearly and seek for written orders from the Chief Engineer.
2. Call for explanation from the Junior Engineer and issue orders to the contractor for necessary correction within targeted time.
3. Highlight the issue so that it reaches the superiors above the Chief Engineer.
4. Considering the rigid attitude of the Chief Engineer, seek transfer from the project or report.

Analysis-

This is a very important issue, that often comes before the government employees. Here, the important issues involved are: whether to abide by the deadlines for the projects, or whether to protect the public interest, and prevent any possibility of an accident.

Increment of annual intake in IAS

In order to address the issue of shortage of IAS officers in Regular Recruitment quota, the Government has increased annual intake from 55 in Civil Service Examination (CSE) 1998 to 180 in CSE 2015. Further, the Government has sensitized the States Governments to send complete and updated proposals to Union Public Service Commission for selection of suitable officers for promotion quota of IAS during the present calendar year, 28 selection committee meetings for promotion of State/ Non State Civil Services officers to the IAS have been conducted and 175 officers have been appointed by promotion/ selection to IAS Further the Government has also organized training programme for 7 extra batches at four Administrative Training Institutes to remove the backlog of induction training for promoted IAS officers. However, no proposal to permit lateral entry into Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is currently under consideration of the Government.

(Download) UPSC Mains 2014 Optional Exam Papers (Zoology Paper - 1 & Paper - 2)

Subject: Zoology (Paper - 1 & Paper - 2)

Exam Date: 19th December 2014

File Type: PDF

UPSC Mains General Studies Solved Paper (2013) - "Paper-4 : Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management"

Q1. With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications. (200 words)

Answer:

The new Companies Bill, 2012, would seek to usher in more transparency and governance in the corporate bodies besides creating the necessary environment for growth in the present global structure. 

In 1956, there were just about a few thousand companies in the country. The number had now grown to more than a million now. The government was in favour of a fewer regulation and self-regulation by the business houses, he added. 

The objective was also to help small one-person companies to access facilities and credit, besides ensuring one minimum woman director in certain prescribed class of companies. The effort would also be to encourage these companies to give employment to all sections of society. 

The Bill, as ratified by Parliament, prescribes an expenditure of 2 per cent of profits on CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities in their respective areas of operation. These would have to be outcome and timeline-driven with details posted on websites. 

It provides for formation of welfare trusts which could buy shares of the company and be part of the decision-making process, there was no provision for giving representation to employees on the board of directors. Once enacted, the law will also provide for faster liquidation, mergers and acquisitions. 

But it remains a challenge to find the right people to serve as independent directors. If the government were to impose this requirement on a very large number of non-listed companies, will there be enough qualified people in the market to act as effective independent directors?

He added that the new bill is expected to be implemented in stages, and that the government would need to make sure that there are no surviving provisions of the 1956 act that overlap or conflict with any newly-introduced provisions.

The bill stipulates provisions to provide better protection for investors from financial fraud. It also allows shareholders or depositors, who believe a company’s way of conducting business is not in the best interest of the company, to file a lawsuit before the National Company Law Tribunal, or NCLT.

The bill also makes the process of shutting down of insolvent companies easier and mandates that corporate courts should act within 90 days of receiving a petition from a creditor seeking a closure.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, in an official statement, said “the global environment calls for economic laws and regulations that are effective and efficient, have a reasonable compliance cost and keep Indian businesses competitive,” and expressed hope that there were no inconsistencies that would clash with older measures and affect the implementation of the new bill’s provisions.

Q2. What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2013? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness. (200 words) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

3. What is the meaning of the term ‘tax expenditure’? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government. (200 words) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q4. Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (200 words) (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration Solved Exam Paper - 2010 (Paper - II)

SECTION- A

Q1. Attempt the follwoing in not more than 200 words each:-   20×3=60

(a) " The rule of kings depends primarily on written orders...." Why did Kautilya facour Codification of Laws ? 
(b) Is is correct to state that " One of the major reasone for the failur of many .... public sectors undetakins was due to departures from the original concept  of autonomy " ?
(c) Does the emergence of an Empowered Group of Ministers at the Central level impair the doctrine of Cabinet resposibility ?

Answer:

(a) "The rule of kings depend primarily on written orders…..” why did kautilya favour codification of laws?

Kautilya codified, modified, and created new laws related to: loans, deposits, pledges, mortgages etc., sale and purchase of property, inheritance and partition of ancestral property, labor contracts, partnership, defamation and assault, theft and violent robbery, and sexual offenses. He dealt with law and justice issues relating to both the civil law and the criminal law. He offered a truly comprehensive system of justice, which not only incorporated all the salient elements of a twenty-first century system but also contained a few additional invaluable insights.

Kautilya  favoured codification of laws to reduce the discretion of administrators. Centralization led to the overburdening of the king. But this helped in avoiding conspiracies against the king and umpire.

Kautilya recognized the fact that corruption was inescapable. ‘Arthashastra’ itself identifies forty different forms of corruption. Hence it is the duty of state to ensure administration  honest and serve the people’s welfare and interest. This was possible through codification of laws. Hence under prevailing circumstances , kautilya deemed it fit to have the laws codified.

(b) Is it correct to state that “one of the major reasons for the failure of many……public sector undertakings was due to departures from the original concept of autonomy”?

Factors which have been identified for the poor financial performance include: lack of managerial autonomy, excessive interference and failure of the government in meeting its obligations in time, long delays in project implementation, overstaffing, lack of motivation, indiscipline and undue demands of employees, taking onto itself losses of the private sector sick companies, burdening the sector with a variety of labour welfare schemes and social obligations, diversification into non-priority areas, and non-materialisation of assured developments in related industries.

Criticism of the Public sector, has not originated from any ideological stance; it has been moulded by the observed shortcomings. In spite of the continuing monitoring and supervision by elected representatives and their bodies and periodic reports by other investigating agencies, a variety of distortions have crept into the public sector as a whole.

The most frequent criticism of the public sector has been with regard to its financial losses which, it is argued, impose heavy burden on the exchequer. The inefficiencies of the PSEs, it is further argued, get passed on to the private sector which depends heavily on the public sector for supply of raw materials and infrastructure support.

There is also a view that the public sector operations being large in size and value, expose many a responsible person to indulgence in corrupt practices and manipulations for personal profit. It is widely believed that public sector’s financial performance, both in terms of return on capital invested and net profits, has been disappointing.

(c) Does the emergence of an Empowered Group of Ministers at the Central level impair the doctrine of Cabinet responsibility?

The Cabinet Committee  approves  the constitution of an empowered group of ministers at the Central level as a standing arrangement to resolve all issues, in which there is a lack of unanimity among committees at the level of officers and which do not require approval of the Cabinet or CCI.

The formation of the EGoM is in line with the recommendations of the BK Chaturvedi Committee, formed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to suggest ways to expedite government projects.

The EGoM, among other issues, has been vested with powers to fine-tune regulations and change  norms for  projects if required. It has been decided with the approval of the Prime Minister to constitute an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGOM) to deal with the situation arising .

The EGOM consist of senior members of cabinet. The Terms of Reference of the Group would inter alia be given.The Group of Ministers will be serviced by the concerned ministry, department and division.

Baswan Committee Constituted on eligibility, syllabus, scheme and pattern of the CS Examination

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has constituted an Expert Committee under chairmanship of Shri B S Baswan to comprehensively examine the various issues raised from time to time regarding Civil Services Examination, with respect to the eligibility, syllabus, scheme and pattern of the Examination vide notice dated 12.08.2015. 

This was stated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha today in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Kavitha Kalvakuntla and Shri Sisir Kumar Adhikari. 

(Download) UPSC Mains 2014 Optional Exam Papers (Sanskrit Paper -2)

Subject: Sanskrit Paper -2

Exam Date: 19th December 2014

File Size: 949 KB

File Type: PDF

UPSC Mains General Studies Solved Paper (2013) - "Paper-3 : Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations"

Q1. The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was legislated but with a different intention? (200 words) 10

Answer:

Parliament can be effective only if individual MPs have a significant role as law makers, and if they can be held accountable for their actions by their electorate. In the last few years, we have seen the role of individual Members of Parliament diminish on account of the Anti-Defection Law.  For example, when the issue of FDI in retail was voted upon, all MPs voted on party lines. It is difficult to believe that every Congress MP supported the move, or that every BJP MP opposed it, or that every MP of the BSP had no opinion on the issue and decided to abstain.

Two argument are often made in support of the Anti-Defection Law-

One argument is that this Law would ensure stability of the government in an environment where money power can be used to persuade individual MPs to bring down elected governments. The other argument is that MPs are elected on the party ticket. Voters have exercised their preference for a set of policies espoused by the party, and therefore, MPs should be bound by the decisions taken by the party.Whereas there may be some merit in the first argument, there is a flaw in the second one. Voters decide on a combination of particular candidates and their support for the political parties. The Anti-Defection Law removes the need for the government to build a broad consensus for its decisions.  The ruling party can ensure the support of each of its MP by issuing a whip. If it needs to build further support to get a majority, it only needs to convince the leaders of other parties, and not individual MPs. In a sense, the role of an MP is diminished to just a person who has to follow orders from the party bosses.Parliament can be effective only if individual MPs have a significant role as law makers, and if they can be held accountable for their actions by their electorate.  The Anti-Defection Law is a major impediment, and we need a wider public debate on this issue.

Q2. Discuss -Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. (200 words) 10

Answer:

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, in its affidavit, defended section 66A of the Information Technology Act under which the two girls from Palghar were arrested by Thane police. The section states that any person who sends, by means of a computer resource or communication device, any information that was grossly offensive or has a menacing character could be punished with imprisonment for a maximum term of three years, besides imposing appropriate fine.

The ministry said the provision does not curb freedom of expression and speech guaranteed under Article 19(1) of the Constitution, as it does not provide absolute freedom but imposed certain reasonable restrictions. It further said that the advisory issued by the Centre not to effect arrest under Section 66A of the IT Act without prior permission from senior police officers would rule out unnecessary detentions in future. The Maharashtra Government, which was asked to explain the circumstances of arrest, admitted that arrests of the girls for making comments on the shutdown of Mumbai for the funeral of Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray, were “unwarranted” and “hasty” and “cannot be justified”. It said the Thane police SP (Rural) has been suspended for arresting the two girls despite an instruction by the IGP not to do so. The court had sought response from the Centre on the amendment and misuse of section 66A of IT Act and had also directed the Maharashtra government to explain the circumstances under which the two were arrested.

Q3. Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. (200 words) 10

Answer:

Nagas are agitated over what they perceive as the Centre’s “threat” to override the exceptional status they enjoy under Article 371A of the Constitution. Veerappa Moily, the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, asked the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) to withdraw the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulation, 2012 (NPNGR) that it framed within the ambit of Article 371A.

Taking a serious note of Mr. Moily’s request, the Nagaland government held a consultative meeting with various sections of civil society . The meeting resolved to not only reject Mr. Moily’s request but also demand that the GoI implement the unfulfilled clauses of the Sixteen Point Agreement, 1960, and place Nagaland under the Ministry of External Affairs. This may set up a new confrontation with the Central government.

Mr. Moily’s request and the earlier stand taken by M. Ramachandran, Minister of State for Home Affairs, in a response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha — that “any resolution” passed by the NLA “seeking to revoke/remove the applicability of a law, the enactment of which lies within the sole domain of Parliament, is ultra vires” — was seen by many in Nagaland as a move to betray a negotiated agreement which entrenched Naga exceptionalism in India’s federal polity.

To recall, the 1960 Agreement laid the basis for the creation of Nagaland in December 1963. Article 371A, which was incorporated as a partial fulfilment of this agreement, facilitated negotiated sovereignty of the Nagas on matters pertaining to their religious and social practices, customary laws and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice, ownership and transfer of land and resources, as the NLA can make any law of Parliament inapplicable by passing a resolution.

Arguably, the stand taken by Mr. Moily, Mr. Ramachandran and Mr. Choubey can be seen either as constitutional oversight which ignores the special status that Nagaland enjoys under Article 371A or a deliberate attempt to foist a Centralist federal framework. Needed here is a contextual reading of the special status enjoyed by Nagaland under Article 371A, which supports the legislative competence of Nagaland to regulate and develop petroleum and natural gas — a legal position supported by the legal luminaries.

Q4. ‘The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically. (200 words) 10 (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q5. Many States Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss. (200 words) 10 (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q6. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. (200 words) 10 (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q7. Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances. (200 words) 10 (for Answer Join Online Coaching for IAS Mains Exam)

Q8. The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify. (200 words) 10

Answer:

Suggesting far-reaching legislative reforms in the financial sector, a government-appointed panel said key regulators like Sebi, IRDA, PFRDA and FMC should be merged into a unified financial agency (UFA). The Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, headed by former justice B N Srikrishna, has also suggested setting up of a financial redressal agency (FRA) to address consumer complaints against companies across the financial sector.

The unification of regulation and supervision of financial firms such as mutual funds, insurance companies, and a diverse array of firms which are not banks or payment providers, would yield consistent treatment in consumer protection and micro-prudential regulation across all of them. At present, while the stock market is regulated by Sebi, the activities in the commodities market are looked after by the FMC. The insurance sector is regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), while the PFRDA is responsible for managing the pension sector.

The UFA, it said, would deal with all financial firms other than banking and payments. It would also yield benefits in terms of economies of scale in the financial system. There is a need for separating the adjudication function from the mainstream activities of a regulator, so as to achieve a greater separation of powers. The laws for the financial sector need to enshrine regulatory independence. This involves enshrining an appointment process for senior regulatory staff, fixed contractual terms, controlling the loss of independence that comes from the possibility of extension of term or promotion, removing the power of government to give directions, bringing transparency to board meetings.

UPSC Mains General Studies Solved Paper (2013) - "Paper-2: Indian Heritage, History and Geography"

Instructions: Answer each question in not more than the word limit specified. Content of the answer is more important than its length.

Q1. Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. (200 words)   (10 marks)

Answer.

Sangama literature was produced in the early four centuries of the Christian era, although it was finally compiled by 600 AD. Poets, bards and writers, authors came from various parts of South India to Madurai. Such assemblies were called “Sangamas”, and the literature produced in these assemblies was called “Sangama literature”. The Sangama literature is a collection of long and short poems composed by various poets in praise of numerous heroes and heroines. It potrays the society of that time in beautiful way.

Economic potrayal by Sangam literature

It tells us about the brisk Indo Roman trade, we used to import gold, wine, pottery, slaves and export spices, textiles, silk etc.It also tells us of the important ports of the age (Muchiri, Arikamedu), important cities (Kanchivaram), important economic activities (textile making, agriculture).It also tells us the important role played by women in the economy.

It tells us the various agricultural practices that were followed at that time. It beautifully narrates the economic decline that set in by the end of 3rd century.

Social potrayal by Sangam literature

It tells us about the social hierarchy, at the top of the society were brahmans, below them everybody was shudra but among them the vellalars held importance also untouchability has come into existence. It tells us education was dominated by brahmans. It also tells about the virtues expected from a noble woman i.e. chastity and devotion to husband. So brahmanism was started but not completed. The poets praise entire kins of the kings and not just the king, which tells us the importance of clan based society and importance of kinship. Main clans were hillsmen, forestmen, delta people, coastal people.

Political potrayal by Sangam literature

Some of the stories like attempts to link to mahabharata war and pandavas are obviously an exaggeration. Yet it tells us some important real political events.For example the Chola king Karikala who won his kingdom back after defeating an alliance of opponents.

Q2. (a) Discuss the ‘Tandava’ dance as recorded in early Indian inscriptions. (100 words)   (5 marks)

Answer.

TâGava is a divine dance performed by the Hindu god Shiva. Tandava is described as a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. RudraTandav represents the angry mood of Shiva. It signifies that destruction is inevitable. What takes birth, must be destroyed. Its the 2 sides of same coins.The dance is a pictorial allegory of the five principal manifestations of eternal energy:Srishti - creation, evolution, Sthiti- preservation, Samhara - destruction, evolution, Tirobhava - illusion, Anugraha - release, emancipation. In the Hindu texts, at least seven types of Tandava are found, however, some people believe that there are 16 types of Tandava.

Q2. (b) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss (100 words)  (5 marks)

Answer.

The Chola period saw the culmination of tradition of direct patronization of the temples, which resulted in the most sophisticated buildings of that era.The Chola temples like Brihadeshwara temple and Gangaikondacholapuram temples took the Dravidian temple architecture to new heights. Largest and tallest of all Indian temples i.e. Siva Temple of Thanjore was built in Chola Period. Ganas, among the sculptures at the temple, are the most memorable figures made in Chola temples

Special features of Chola architecture:-

• The dvarapalas, or guardian figures, at the entrance to the mandapa, or hall which started from the Palava period became a unique feature of the Chola Temples.
• These temples had huge pyramidicalvimanas and massive gopurams.
• These also had huge thousand pillars mandapas to house devotees.
• They were linked to wars and battles.
• They were linked to the greatness and power of the king, with idols of the kings and queens in them.
• The temples of the Imperial Cholas are covered with exquisite well composed sculptures and frescoes.

(Download) UPSC Mains 2014 Optional Exam Papers (Sanskrit Paper -1)

Subject: Sanskrit Paper -2

Exam Date: 19th December 2014

File Size: 1.07 MB

File Type: PDF

General Knowledge for IAS Exams (Geography of India and The World)

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND NATIONAL PARKS IN INDIA:

Name Location Important Species

• Bandipur National Park: Mysore, Karnataka: Elephant, Tiger, Bear, Sambhar, Panther
• Balpakram Sanctuary: Garo Hills, Meghalya: Tiger, Elephant, Bison
• Chandraprabha: Varanasi, UP: Asiatic Lion, Tiger, Panther, 
• Sanctuary: Indian Gazelle, Sloth bear
• Corbett National Park: Nainital, Uttarakhand: Elephant, Tiger, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Panther, Sambhar
• Dachigam Sanctuary: Jammu & Kashmir: Kashmir stag (Hangul)
• Dudhwa National Park: Lakhimpur Kheri, UP: Tiger, Panther, Sambhar, Nilgai
• Ghana Bird Sanctuary: Bharatpur, Rajasthan: Siberian Crane, Spoonbill, Heron teal, Stork
• Gir National Park: Junagarh, Gujarat: Asiatic Lion, Panther,Sambhar, Nilgai, Crocodile, Rhinoceros
• Hazaribagh National Park: Hazaribagh, Jharkhand: Tiger, Leopard, Sambher, Chital
• Jaldapara Sanctuary: West Bengal: Tiger, Leopard, Sambher, Chital
• Kanha National Park: Mandla and Balaghat, MP: Tiger, Panther, Antelope, Barking Deer, Nilgai
• Kaziranga National Park: Jorhat, Assam: Great Indian one horned Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo, Sambhar, Tiger
• Manas: Barpeta, Assam: Tiger, Elephant, Panther, Wild Buffalo, One horned Rhinoceros
• Mudumalai Sanctuary: Nilgiri Hills, TN: Elephant, Dear, Pigs
• Namdapha National Park: Tirap Distt., AP: Tiger and Elephant
• Palamau: Daltonganj, Jharkhand: Tiger, Elephant, Panther, Leopard
• Parkal: Warangal, AP: Tiger, Panther, Chital, Nilgai
• Periyar: Idukki, Kerala: Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Wild board, Gaur, Sambhar
• Ranganthitoo Bird: Karnataka: Birds Sanctuary
• Shivpuri National Park: Shivpuri, MP: Tiger, Birds
• Sunderbans: West Bengal: Tiger, Wild board, Crocodile, Deer Birds
• Vedanathangal Bird: Tamil Nadu: Birds Sanctuary
• Wild Ass Sanctuary: Little Rann of Kutch Gujarat: Wild Ass, Wolf, Nilgai, Chinkara

General Knowledge for IAS Exams (Geography of India and The World)

INDIAN STATES AND THEIR FOLK DANCES:

• Jharkhand: Chhau, Sarahul, Jat-Jatin, Karma, Danga, Bidesia, Sohrai.
• Uttaranchal: Gadhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, Chappeli
• Andhra Pradesh: Kuchipudi (Classical), Ghantamardala, Ottam Thedal, Mohiniattam, Kummi, Siddhi Madhuri, Chhadi.
• Chhattisgarh: Goudi, Karma, Jhumar, Dagla, Pali, Tapali, Navrani, Diwari, Mundari.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Mask dance, War dance etc.
• Himachal Pradesh: Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi, Chamba, Thali, Jhainta, Daf, Stick dance etc.
• Goa: Mandi, Jhagor, Khol, Dakni, etc.
• Assam: Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai etc.
• West Bengal: Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan, etc.
• Kerala: Kathakali (Classical), Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat etc.
• Meghalaya: Laho, Baagla, etc.
• Manipur: Manipuri (Classical), Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat, etc.
• Nagaland: Chong, Khaiva, Lim, Nuralim, etc.
• Odisha: Odissi (Classical), Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat etc.
• Maharashtra: Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada, Tamasha, Mauni, Powara, Gouricha etc.
• Karnataka: Yakshagan, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi etc.
• Gujarat: Garba, Dandiya Ras, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai, etc.
• Punjab: Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman etc.
• Rajasthan: Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Panihari, Ginad etc.
• Mizoram: Khanatm, Pakhupila, Cherokan etc.
• Jammu & Kashmir: Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Damali.
• Tamil Nadu: Bharatnatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi
• Uttar Pradesh: Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita.
• Bihar: Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama-Chakwa, Bidesia, Jatra, etc.
• Haryana: Jhumar, Phag Dance, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor etc.

General Knowledge for IAS Exams (Geography of India and The World)

IMPORTANT RIVERS/LAKES OF THE WORLD:

Places Rivers/Lakes

• Vancouver (Canada): R. Fraser
• Qyuebec (Canada): R. St. Lawrence
• Hamiliton (Canada): L. Ontario
• Kingston (Canada): R. St. Lawrence, L. Ontak
• Arvida (Canada): R. Saguenay
• Sarnia (Canada): L. Huron
• Monetreal (Canada): R. St. Lawrence, R. Ottawa
• Sudbury (Canada): L. Huron
• Sacramento (USA): R. Sacramento, R. America
• Portland (USA): R. Columbia
• Cleveland (USA): L. Erif
• Chicago (USA): L. Michigan, R. Chicago
• Gary (USA): L. Michigan
• Detroit (USA): L. Erie, R. St. Clair
• Milwaukee (USA): L. Michigan
• Philadelphia (USA): R. Delaware
• Duluttz (USA): R. St. Louis, L. Superior
• New York City (USA): R. Hudson
• Baton Rouge (USA): R. Mississippi
• Toledo (USA): L. Erif
• Buffalo (USA): L. Ontario
• St. Louis (USA): R. Mississippi, R. Missouri
• Asuncion (Paraguay): R. Paraguay
• Belem (Brazil): R. Amazon
• Manaus (Brazil): R. Negro, R. Amazon
• Cairo (Egypt): R. Nile
• Port Said (Egypt): Suez Canal
• Alexandria (Egypt): R. Nile
• Khartoum (Sudan): R. Blue Nile, R. White Nile
• Omudurma (Sudan): R. Nile
• Kisume (Kenya): L. Victoria
• Kampala (Upanda): L. Victoria
• Jinja (Upganda): R. Nile, L. Victoria
• Lokoja (Nigeria): R. Niger, R. Benue
• Port Harcourt (Nigeria): R. Niger
• Brazzavilie: R. Zaire (Congo) 
• Kinshasa: R. Zaire
• Matadi: R. Zaire
• Boma: R. Zaire
• Kiruna (Sweden): R. Torne
• Lisbon (Portugal): R. Douro
• Paris (France): R. Seine
• Bordeaux (France): R. Garrone
• Lyons (France): R. Saone, R. Rhone
• Le Havre (France): R. Seine
• Rouen (France): R. Seine
• Rome (Italy): R. Tiber
• Milan (Italy): R. Po.
• Vatican City: R.Tiber
• Berlin (Germany): R. Spree
• Frankfurt (Germany): R. Rhine, R. Main
• Leipzig (Germany): R. Elbe
• Dresden (Germany): R. Elbe
• Bingen (Germany): R. Rhine
• Bonn (Germany): R. Rhine, R. Seig
• Hamburg (Germany): R. Elbe
• Bremen (Germany): R. Weser
• Krakow (Poland): R. Vistula
• Antwerp (Belgium): R. Scheldt
• Rotterdam (Netherlands): R. Rhine, R. Maas, R. Schei
• London (Britain): R. Thames
• New Castle (U.K.): R. Tyne
• Glasgow (U.K.): R. Clyde
• Moscow (Russia): R. Moskva
• Petrozavosk (Russia): L. Onega
• Stalingrad (Russia): R. Volga
• Krasnoyark (Russia): R. Yenisey
• Bratsk (Russia): R. Angara
• Irkutsk (Russia): L. Baikal
• Nickopol (Ukraine): R. Dnieper
• Dnepropetrovsk (Ukraine): R. Dnieper
• Zaragoza (Spain): R. Ebro
• Nantes (France): R. Loire
• Saratov (Russia): R. Volga
• Rostov (Russia): R. Don
• Kiev (Ukraine): R. Dnieper
• Vienna (Austria): R. Danube
• Venice (Italy): R. Po.
• Budapest: R. Danube
• Belgrade: R. Danube
• Dublin: R. Liffey
• Madrid: R. Manzanares
• Prague: R. Vltava
• Bratislava: R. Danube
• Dusseldorf (Germany): R. Rhine
• Cologne (Germany): R. Rhine
• Essen: R. Ruhr
• Wuppertal: R. Wupper
• Stuttgart: R. Neckar
• Washington (USA): R. Potomac
• Eerth (Australia): R. Swan
• Freemantle (Australia): R. Swan
• Sydney (Australia): R. Darling
• Shanghai (China): R. Yangtze Kiang (Chang Jang), R. Hwang Pu
• Nanking (China): R. Yangtze Kiang
• Hongkong (China): R. Canton
• Macao (China): R. Pearl
• Vientiane (Laos): R. Mekong
• Phnom Penh (Cambodia): R. Mekong, R. Tonie Sap
• Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia): R. Gambak, R. Kelang
• Mandalay (Myanmar): R. Irrawaddy
• Chauk (Myanmar): R. Irrawaddy
• Bangkok (Thailand): R. Chao Praya
• Baghdad (Iraq): R. Tigris
• Lahore (Pakistan): R. Ravi
• Kathmandu (Nepal): R. Baghmati, R. Vishnuma
• Colombo (Sri Lanka): R. Kelani
• Kabul (Afghanistan): R. Kabul
• Bucharest (Romania): R. Dimbovita
• Cognac (France): R. Charente
• Galafi (Romania): R. Danube, R. Siret
• Cambridge (U.K.): R. Cam
• Oxford (U.K.): R. Thames
• Panaji (Goa, India): R. Mandovi

UPSC Public Administration Model Question Paper for IAS Mains Exam - 2015

Paper-1 : Administrative Theory

Q1."DECISIONS ARE NOT MADE BY 'ORGANIZATIONS',BUT BY 'HUMAN BEINGS' BEHAVING AS MEMBERS OF ORGANIZATIONS. "HOW DO BERNARD & SIMON CONCEPTUALIZE THE RELATION BETWEEN THE DECISIONS OF THE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE & ORGANIZATIONAL AUTHORITY?

Answer:

In order to find the roots of the organizational studies and the reasons for the success of business organizations, it is important to consider Barnard. In his book, "The Functions of the Executive", Barnard conceptualizes organizations as "cooperative social systems" that should maintain the subtle balance between the constraints imposed by formal organization and the demands arising out of informal group behavior for the long-term preservation of cooperation. According to Barnard, a formal organization is a "system of consciously coordinated activities of two or more persons". The organization exists to overcome the cognitive and biological limitations of individuals, permitting them to achieve certain ends that would not otherwise be achieved by individual action. All organizations have a purpose, but this purpose does not produce cooperative activity even if the participants accept it. The existence of organizations somewhat depends on their ability to generate sufficient incentives to obtain the contributions of participants. From Barnard's point of view, organizations are natural systems, which are more an end in themselves than they are a means. They are a structure of relations which participants seek to preserve because of the benefits they derive from membership. Barnard's model goes beyond the naïve statement that labor and capital should cooperate and that this cooperation would reduce conflict or increase productivity. In fact, he stresses that, organizations, "by very nature are cooperative systems and cannot fail to be so". In addition, he says that organizations cannot fail to have a natural purpose, which is the main task of the executive to emphasize to the organization's members. As stated before, Simon suggests organizations help men to overcome their bounded rationality. He challenged the validity of the classic label "Homo economicus" by rejecting the notion of unlimited rational optimization in human behavior. Simon views that the basic features of organization structure and function derive from the characteristics of human problem solving and rational human choice. The organization provides a structured social environment in which "that behavior which is rational from the standpoint of this environment is also rational from the standpoint of group values and group situation". Furthermore, he declares that a theory of administration should be concerned with decision- making and action. He points out the task of "deciding" pervades the entire administrative organization as much as the task of "doing" – indeed, both are integrally joined. In fact, he stresses that decisions are not made by organizations but by human beings behaving as members of organizations.

DMK seeks postponement of UPSC main exam 2015 due to Tamil Nadu Floods

DMK today sought postponement of UPSC Civil Services main exam, scheduled on December 18, by two weeks due to the heavy rains and flooding in Tamil Nadu.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, Tiruchi Siva (DMK) said civil aspirants in Tamil Nadu have not only lost their study material to floods but also lost crucial study time ahead of the important exam.

"Civil aspirants have undergone immense physical and mental stress because of floods. They should be given some time to prepare for the UPSC exam. I urge the government to postpone the UPSC exam, scheduled on December 18, for two weeks," Siva said.

UPSC Mains General Studies Solved Paper (2014) - "Paper-5 : Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude"

SECTION - A

1. (a) All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples. (150 words) 10

Answer:

It is indeed true that all human beings aspire for happiness. Human action and behavior are guided by pursuit of happiness. Aristotle enshrines happiness as a central purpose of human life and a goal in itself.

To me, happiness is the experience of joy, contentment or positive well being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful and worthwhile. Though a genuinely happy life requires the fulfillment of a broad range of conditions including physical well being, the ultimate happiness originates from mental well being. We see people caring for numerous physical amenities and material things, but fulfillment of such material desires does not ensure mental well being. On the other hand a relatively less affluent person can be happy and satisfied as he considers mental and spiritual happiness as more important.

Also, pursuit of happiness should not be narrow and short term. Rather, it should be continuous process leading to perfection of human nature and cultivation of virtues. It is only through cultivation of virtues that we can attain happiness. Often the lesser good promises immediate pleasure and is more tempting, while the greater good is painful and requires some sort of sacrifice. For example it may be enjoyable to spend the night watching television, but we will be better off if we spend it researching for our paper. Another example is the taking of drugs and alcohol. These things can give us short pleasure but it will lead to long term pain. So, for me happiness is not synonymous to instant gratification, rather it is lifelong pursuit of mental will being.

Q1 (b). What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in public administration? (150 words) 10

Answer:

Ethics is a set of standards that society places on itself and which helps guide behaviors, choices and actions. Ethics seeks to improve human lives. The ethical principles help one to attain what is best. It helps a person to perfect himself/ herself as a moral being.

For functioning of any society we need certain rules and regulation. The institutions which are designed to make life easier and better for humankind cannot function without certain ethical principles. Ethics aims to provide us with a common point of view from which we can come to agreement about what all of us ought to do. It tries to discover a more objective standpoint of evaluation than that of purely personal preference.

Ethics has a pivotal role to play in public administration. Ethical public service is considered a prerequisite of well functioning democracy. Public administration based on sound ethical framework is a precondition for g goad governance that ensures sustainable development and equitable public policy. Ethics helps improve the performance of public service delivery and prevents corruption.

The primary concern of the citizens in a good civil society is that the administration must be fair and good. For an administration to be fair and good, it is essential that the administration is equitable and ethical. The lack of ethics in administration not only reduces the effectiveness but also leads to many negative effects. If leads to wastage of resources and undermines the confidence of people in governance systems.

Several rules, regulations and laws exist to ensure impartiality, honesty and devotion among the public servants. But sill there remains a vast area of administrative activity which cannot be controlled by formal laws, procedures and methods. In such cases ethics plays a central role in guiding the thoughts and actions of administrators.

(Download) UPSC Mains 2014 Optional Exam Papers (Hindi Literature Paper -2)

Subject: Hindi Literature Paper -2

Exam Date: 19th December 2014

File Type: PDF

Click Here to Download Full Paper

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UPSC Exam Complete Study Materials (Pre, Mains, Interview COMBO Study Kit)

General Knowledge for IAS Exams (Indian Polity and Governance)

Offices under Government of India

Chairman of the UPSC

• Sir Ross Barker: 1926–1932
• Sir David Petrie: 1932–1936
• Sir Eyre Gorden: 1937–1942
• Sir F.W. Robertson: 1942–1947
• H.K. Kripalani: 1947–1949
• R.N. Banerjee: 1949–1955
• N. Govindarajan: 1955–1955
• V.S. Hejmadi: 1955–1961
• B.N. Jha: 1961–1967
• K.R. Damle: 1967–1971
• R.C.S. Sarkar: 1971–1973
• Dr. A.R. Kidwai: 1973–1979
• Dr. M.L. Shahare: 1979–1985
• H.K.L. Capoor: 1985–1990
• J.P. Gupta: 1990–1992
• Smt. R.M. Bathew (Kharbuli): 1992–1996
• S.J.S. Chhatwal: 1996–1996
• J.M. Qureshi: 1996–1998
• Surinder Nath: 1998–2002
• P.C. Hota: 2002–2003
• Mata Prasad: 2003–2005
• Dr. S.R. Hashim: 2005–2006
• Gurbachan Jagat: 2006–2007
• Subir Dutta: 2007–2008
• D.P. Agrawal: 2008–2014
• Smt. Rajni Rajdan: 2014–Till Date