Wednesday 30 January 2013

Free Essays for Competitive Exams-Network of Agromet Service


Network of Agromet Service

District-level agro-meteorological advisory service, providing a 5-day weather forecast for farmers, in 550 districts made operational by the India Meteorological Department is providing information through mobile to about 2,500,000 farmers for planning their agricultural activities.

The Agromet Advisory Services through various channels have resulted in significant increases in farm productivity, resulting in increased availability of food and higher income generation. It has helped the farmers not only in increasing their productions but also reducing their losses due to changing weather patterns and others problems. There is need to ensure that all farmers, small, marginal and big, are able to benefit from the Agromet Advisory Services.

At present about 15 percent of the farmers are benefitting from the SMS services and about 24 percent farmers are aware about Agromet services. The economic benefit of these services which has been estimated by NCAER at Rs.50,000 crores per year is extrapolated to rise to Rs.211,000 crores if the entire farming community in the country were to apply Agromet information to their agricultural activity.

Still no doubt there is a long way to go in not only increasing production but raising the income of farmers and reducing their losses and ultimately distress. It is a challenging task for the Government, IMD as well as the other stake holders to achieve this.  However making use of IT and developments in the field of information technology transfer many new initiatives are in pipeline to far reach the AAS service by the IMD. Soon IMD will be launching spoken web service so that farmers across the country can soon get their agriculture and weather-related queries answered and it will also provide an interactive medium for the farming community which will be of great use to illiterate farmers who are not technologically equipped.

Dissemination
Disseminating agrometeorological information is part of a process that begins with scientific knowledge and understanding and ends with the evaluation of the information. The task of AAS is to provide information to help farmers make the best possible use of weather and climate resources. For a very long time programme like Krishi Darshan were the only source of information for farmers across the country. In the changing scenario and revolution IT sector the dissemination of information to farmers too is taking multi-channel routes. Good communication and working relationships mechanism have been set up under IAAS with the largest agricultural extension agencies in the country, network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agriculture Science Centres), Kisan Call Centre etc., to promote participatory methods for interactions with farmers. Due care is being taken regarding content of the message which must be relevant to the weather based farm decision making by the farmer. This involves the identification of weather & climate sensitive decisions and interactions between the weather forecasters from meteorological Centres of IMD and the agriculture scientists from Agriculture Universities and Institutes of Indian Council of Agriculture Research to develop weather based advisories and technological decisions. Information is disseminated through multi-modes. It includes All India Radio, Doordarshan, Print Media (local news paper in different vernacular languages), internet as well as group and individual relationships through email, telephone etc. The use of media such as mobile, e-mail or the Internet by the farming community is on significant rise. SMS and voice messages on mobiles are the latest techniques to reach out to the farmers.

            Of late encouraged by many State Governments Maharashtra, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala, many private firms started disseminating advisories through SMS to the farming community under PPP mode. Like Reuter Market Light, Handygo, Vritti Solution, IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL) and Nokia are disseminating the agromet advisories through SMS and Interactive Voice over cell phone to farmers at 15 states namely Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh. State Department of Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra has taken an active role in disseminating advisory in local language through SMS to the farming community of Maharashtra.  At present 2.8 million farmers are benefited by this service.
Awareness Programmne
As the interaction between the weather and agriculture is complex, it is not just a case of applying a simple solution and expecting the same to be implemented by the farmers. More targeted weather and climate information can increase preparedness and lead to better economic, social, and environmental outcomes for farmers.  Given the current concerns with climate change and it’s impacts on crop productivity, there is an urgent need to sensitize the farmers about the projected climate change in their regions and the different adaptation strategies that can be considered to cope with the projected change.  Hence, awareness process to understand the influence of weather and changing climate on sustainable agricultural production is an integral part of the service. Under IAAS, awareness programs for farmers highlight the farming community about the climate change and its impact on agriculture are being conducted. 76 such programs have been conducted across the country so far.
Feedback
Regular feedback from farmers, State Agricultural Departments and Agricultural Universities, ICAR and other related Institutes is being collected and processed for further improvement of services. Feedback informations are  collected from Regional and stations of DD, AIR, and FM channels, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ATMA, CSCs, NGOs, VRCs and VKCs and by participating in kisan melas and field visits. India Meteorological Department (IMD) in collaboration with AMFUs, SAUs, IITs etc., also published Agromet Brochure in 14 regional languages highlighting the activities of IAAS.

Impact Assessment
Impact assessment of weather forecast based agro-advisory service shows that in most of the cases use of AAS advisories resulted in decline in the cost of cultivation up to 25% for the study crops. In some cases, cost of cultivation did increase up to 10% as a result of follow up action on AAS advisories, but this was more than offset by the consequent increase in net returns up to 83%, with a modal value of 20%. The major crops which benefited most from the use of AAS service are paddy, wheat, pearl millet and fruits and vegetables. This proves the usefulness of AAS advisories. This also endorses the need for dissemination of Integrated Agro-Meteorological Advisory Service (IAAS)       information to farmers on a wider scale and convincing them about its positive impacts on a sustainable basis. Equally important but the most challenging task would be to enhance the accuracy of weather forecast and to make the AAS more useful and demand-driven for the farm households

In spite of advances made in weather forecasting and operational agromet advisory services to the users, the real value in terms of offering right advice at right time to the farmers is somewhat lacking. The integrated agromet advisory services was launched with a dream to provide real time crop and location specific agromet services up to village level is a long way not only in reducing weather and climate related risks in Agriculture but also promote scientific agriculture. Hence to overcome the hurdle in shortfall of observation, seamless weather forecast, manpower, real time information flow, Research and  Development (R&D), dissemination etc., IMD proposes to extend this  service to block level by developing block level forecast and advisories using satellite and remote sensing data, establishment of District agromet field unit, assist various research organization by providing online agromet data  and  creating a Centre for Research and Excellence in Agrometeorology (CREAM) at Pune during the XIIthFive Year Plan and thereby reaching the target upto village.  

Free Essays for Competitive Exams-Government Committed to Inclusive Growth of Minorities


Government Committed to Inclusive Growth of Minorities

The Ministry of Minority Affairs was created on 29th January 2006 to ensure a focused approach towards issues relating to the minorities and to facilitate the formulation of overall policy, planning, coordination, evaluation and review of the regulatory framework and development programmes for the benefit of the minority communities. The Ministry aims for inclusive development of minorities notified under National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, viz. Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis. The Ministry adopted a multi-pronged strategy for development of minority communities with focus on:

1.      Educational empowerment;
2.      Area development;
3.      Economic empowerment; and
4.      Strengthening of minority institutions.

The Ministry has made intensive efforts for educational empowerment through Pre-matric, Post-matric, Merit-cum-means based scholarships and Maulana Azad National Fellowships. Online Scholarship Management System (OSMS) has been developed and launched for the on-line applications under Merit-cum-means Scholarship scheme. Now it has also been extended to Post-Matric Scholarship scheme as well. During 11th Plan, these schemes have been a great success and Rs.2672 Crore have been disbursed to more than 1 Crore 40 Lakh students belonging to minority communities including more than 30% eligible minority girls. During current financial year of 12th Plan period (till December 2012), Rs. 826.03 Crore have been released to support education of more than 50 lakh minority students under Scholarship programmes. The Ministry has also taken action on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under Merit cum Means Based Scholarship Scheme. To strengthen the efforts towards educational empowerment, the corpus of Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF), an autonomous body under the Ministry, has been raised from Rs.100 crore to Rs.750 crore to award scholarships to meritorious minority girls. We endeavour to raise the corpus further to Rs.1500 Crore to expand coverage of minority students. MAEF has also increased the number of meritorious girl students to 25,000 for award of Maulana Azad National Scholarship.

Under Area Development strategy, the Ministry has two major programmes viz. Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme and Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP). In order to intensify the Government’s efforts and bring in synergy with the programmes of other Ministries/Departments, Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for minorities was launched in June 2006. This overarching programme envisages specific interventions with definite goals to be achieved in a specific time frame. The programme aims for enhancing opportunities for education, ensuring an equitable share in economic activities and employment, improving living conditions through infrastructure development for minorities, and prevention and control of communal disharmony.

Through Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme, the Central Government ensures equitable allocation of resources for development of minorities by earmarking 15% of target/outlays under important flagship development programmes of Government - Integrated Child Development Services, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana, Indira Awas Yojana, Swarnajayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana, Upgradation of ITIs into Centres of Excellence, Priority Sector Lending through Banks etc. Further, special initiatives have also been taken for providing quality education in Madarsas and infrastructure development of Minority institutions under the scheme of Department of School Education and Literacy, and for recruitment of minorities by Department of Personnel and Training.

MsDP is the flagship programme of the Ministry. The programme aims at improving the socio economic conditions and basic amenities for improving the quality of life and reducing imbalances in rural and semi rural areas of 90 identified Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs). Under this programme, identified “Development deficits” are addressed through a “District Specific Plan” for provision of better infrastructure for education, sanitation, housing, drinking water and electricity supply besides income generating activities. These district specific plans are formulated by the respective State/UT Departments dealing with minority welfare and in this way provide ample opportunities for innovation and participation from Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies. Three tier monitoring mechanism of MsDP with involvement of People’s Representatives makes this programme more focussed.

During 11th Five Year Plan, Rs. 2963 Crore were released by the Ministry under MsDP to 20 States/Union Territories (UTs) to create infrastructure. The States which performed well under MsDP include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. During current year of 12th Plan period (till December, 2012), Rs. 503.23 Crore have been released to various States/ UTs under MsDP for construction of 4719 houses under Indira Awas Yojana, 142 Health Centres, 1790 Anganwadi Centres, Installation of 15161 hand pumps, 918 additional classrooms, 26 School buildings, 12 Polytechnics, 39 ITI buildings and 102 Hostels for minorities. Under Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme, Rs. 171960.71 Crore have been extended under Priority Sector Lending through banks to minorities and 269770 houses under Indira Awas Yojana have been sanctioned. In addition, the percentage of recruitment of minorities in Central Government Ministries/Departments has reached the level of 15%.

During 12th Five Year Plan, expansion of Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme is high on agenda. Restructuring of MsDP is being done for sharper focus on minority concentration areas, and extending the benefit of this programme to blocks and cluster of villages.

In order to enhance economic development of minorities, the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) provides concessional loans to minorities through its State Channelising Agencies (SCAs). The SCAs identify the beneficiaries, channelize the lending and also make recoveries from the beneficiaries. In the 11th Five Year Plan Period, a total amount of Rs. 977.21 Crore was disbursed to 467909 beneficiaries under Term Loans and Micro Finance to the minorities who are double below the poverty line. During 2012-13, till December, 2012, a sum of Rs. 185.25 Crore has been disbursed to 50737 beneficiaries. The Ministry also provides financial support to SCAs through grant in aid scheme for development of their infrastructure and delivery system. To expand the coverage of minorities under the schemes of NMDFC and strengthen the delivery mechanism, NMDFC is in the process of restructuring.
From the year 2012-13, the Ministry has started implementation of an ambitious scheme for “Leadership Development of Minority Women” with objective to empower and instill confidence among minority women including their neighbours from other communities living in the same village/locality, by providing knowledge, tools and techniques for interacting with Government systems, Banks and other institutions at all levels. The outlay for financial year 2012-13 is Rs.15 Crore. The physical target under the scheme during 2012-13 includes providing training to 40,000 (forty thousand) women belonging to notified minority communities with a mix of women from non- minority communities not exceeding 25% of the project proposal. The trainings are organized through Non-Governmental Organizations on modules viz. Leadership, Government Systems, Diseases among Children and Prevention, Public Distribution System, Schemes/Programmes for Minorities, Life Skills, Health and Hygiene, Nutrition, Home Management, Family Planning, Issues related to women and Waste Water Sanitation & Solid Waste Disposal. So far, Rs.10.45 Crore have been released to 64 organizations of 12 States for implementation of the programme for 36950 women during current financial year.
The Ministry is making all efforts to implement the recommendations of Sachar Committee. The decisions taken by the Government on the recommendations of the Sachar Committee have been grouped in various categories for the sake of convenience viz. measures for affirmative action, education, skill development, access to credit, special development initiatives, Wakfs and miscellaneous. Ministry has taken up action for implementation of these recommendations by involving all stakeholders including other relevant Ministries/Departments. In addition, the Ministry takes periodical review meetings in order to monitor the progress of implementation of the decisions of the Government.

The Ministry has also initiated constitution of Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC). The objective of EOC is to ensure equal access to opportunity, entitlements/ rights to deprived groups belonging to minority communities. The EOC would help to secure equitable development of policy and implementation of programmes in public administration and private enterprise.

An Assessment and Monitoring Authority (AMA), under the aegis of the Planning Commission, has also been constituted to evaluate the extent of development benefits which accrue to different Socio-Religious Communities through various development programmes of the Government.

A “National Data Bank” has been created to maintain disaggregated data for various socio-religious communities which is to be collected by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation to enable the evaluation and assessment of flow of benefits to minorities on a regular basis.

To improve the management of Wakf properties and streamline the functioning of State Wakf Boards, the Wakf Amendment Bill 2010 was passed in the Lok Sabha in May, 2010. The Bill was then referred to a Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha where Report was tabled on 16.12.2011. The Bill is under final stages of formulation and will be sought to be put up for consideration and passing of the Rajya Sabha in the Budget Session 2013-14.
The Ministry has also launched the scheme for “Computerization of records of State Wakf Boards” in 2009, and introduced a web-enabled portal software called Wakf Management System of India (WAMSI) to develop centralized database for all State Wakf Boards covering areas such as, registration of Wakfs, Litigation tracking, Mutawalli return assessments, leasing details of properties and a document management system. 25 States/UTs have set up their Centralized Computing Facilities and have taken up the computerization of Wakf properties. As on date, a total of 1,82,233 Wakf properties have been registered. Further, the work of digitization of the Wakf records has also started in most of the Wakf boards.

In addition, the Ministry is contemplating to formulate a new scheme for Skill Development of Minorities. The Ministry intends to intervene to help workers engaged in growth-oriented sectors to become part of the larger network of market oriented firms engaged in that sector. For those caught in the stagnant sectors, a transition path is required to be evolved. Skill up-gradation, education and credit availability, will have an important role in both these strategies.

The Ministry understands that for inclusive growth of the minorities, among other interventions it is also important to make them aware about the Government’s welfare programmes. For intensive awareness generation, Ministry draws an annual Media Plan with the help of DAVP, All India Radio, Doordarshan, NFDC etc. at the beginning of each financial year for multi-media campaign. In addition, the audio-visual publicity is also done through Private FM Channels, Digital Cinema, Exhibition vans, LCD screens at public places etc. Simultaneously, Ministry has taken initiatives to monitor the outcomes and quality of implementation of Government programmes for minorities through independent agencies. Social Audit and concurrent monitoring of Area Development schemes/programmes has also been envisaged during 12th Plan.

We are aware that our friends from minority communities deserve more attention. However, we hope that our humble efforts will certainly bring visible change in the standards of living and upliftment of the minorities.

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Best Quote: If you are beautiful…that is a gift from your parents. But if you are your life beautiful that is a gift for your parents….  

Monday 28 January 2013

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, This is my first attempt. I have been reading interviews of few toppers, I see that most of them take 2-4 attempts to achieve their target. Do they prepare for so many years in a row, or do they find a job after the first attempt and then try their luck with gained knowledge from earlier preparations.
- Lucky

There are toppers who clear their exams in the first attempt itself. About 10% candidates qualify the exams in the first attempt itself. If we talk the total qualification about 28% of successful candidates clear the exam in their 3rd attempt . As far as, preparation during the job is concern, there are aspirants do work in a firm / govt. and prepare for the exams simultaneously.

UPSC Exams-General Information on Reservation-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, What is the age limit for a Muslim candidate?
- Wahetha

Age relaxation is based on Community and not by the Religion. Please go through the Model notification and Scheme of the Examination for more details 

UPSC Exams-General Information on Reservation-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir/ Madam, How is it that SC/ST candidates have achieved ranking with general candidates? I thought all were given last few ranks in the list.
- Prakash

Reservation starts from the Prelims and it is carried forward till the Interview. The 15% and 7.5% reservation for SCs/STs is available at all the stages. If someone clears the Prelims with /reservation, he/she will be considered as a reserved candidate even they top the list in the final result. If a person from the 'reserved' category clears the exam in the General category in the Prelims and he/she carry forward till the Interview with the same status, then he/she will be considered from the General Category. The same person can avail of reservation in cadre allotment etc also. 

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, are there any penalty marks in CSE. How is it imposed and for what mistakes? Please explain.
- Lakhsmanan

Yes. There are .33 negative marks per one mark in CSE at preliminary stage of the examination, if the question is wrong. At the same time if you don’t write the answer and leave the question blank, you will NOT be punished. So, one should be very careful in answering the questions.

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, is it necessary to submit degree certificates while applying for preliminary itself?
- Fathima 

There is no need to submit the degree certificate at the prelims stage. You have to just fill the application in the preliminary stage. You have to submit the photocopies of the eligibility and other supporting certificates at the Mains stage. You have to show your original certificates only at the stage of the personality test. UPSC will verify the original documents and return them before the interview. You need not carry any certificates to the interview board. 

UPSC Exams-General Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I would like to know that if I clear the prelims, but am not able to clear the mains, do I have give the prelims again in my second attempt, or is it only the main?
- Prahalad

You have to write Prelims again in the next attempt. Even if one fails in the start - i.e from the prelims, one has to sit for Prelims in the next attempt. So every attempt is a fresh one in this exam. 

UPSC Exams-General Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I am in 2nd year MBBS. I have studied in Kannada medium upto 10th std, so I am weak in English Speaking .But I am interested in science subjects. What are optionals suited for me.
-Kamalakannan

Don't worry. There are people who study in Vernacular medium till 12th standard and directly enter college (professional degrees like yours) in English medium. Believe in yourself, you can improve English:

1. Follow some Standard English newspaper

2. Listen to All Indian Radio New and spotlight regularly.

3. Always try to speak in English with friends

4. Try to speak / open discussion in English in your class also
Initially, you may be committing mistakes. Don't worry about. Within some period, you will cope up the situation.

You can go with medical Sciences and Psychology / Sociology / Anthropology.

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir,  I am a software engineer working in a top notch s/w products company. I did B.Tech in Electronics & Communications branch. I have planned to go for History & Geography.
-  Nilofer 

Both History and Geography are fine but you have to consider the following before going for these two.

1. Both has vast syllabus

2. Both are useful in General studies

3. Both exams ( in the mains ) will be back to back or just two days gap.

4. Approach to both the subjects are different.

5. Both are general and popular optionals, it is easy to read. But Geography will
be little tougher ( Physical Geography ) than History.

6. Geography is better scoring than History.

7. Past years shows, the success ratio of Geography is three times higher than History.
8. One has to have good analytical capacity to give scientific approach to arts subject like History.

As far as Correspondence course is concerned, History has more outlets than Geography. But we suggest you to go through the previous years questions and come to a Conclusion.

Other subject for optional may be Public Administration/ Sociology/ Psychology. 

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, How many marks are needed in total (inclusive interview) to crack IAS exam. I know, it differ from subject to subject but I want a general idea. Which is the best optional combination for sure success? 
- Joy 
•  It is above 60% marks. Normally, if one scores about 1400 / 2300 he / she definitely gets IAS even tops the list.

•  There is not best optional combination for ever. The trend also changes every year. To get a great success, one has to perform well in all subjects.

•  Normal combinations in recent years are

•  Geography + Psychology, medical science + Psychology, Public Administration + Geography, Agriculture +Geography, medical science + Anthropology. The list goes on.

•  To understand the reality, please read the Column "SECRET OF SUCCESS" in the blog.


UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I hear from someone that there is no prescribed syllabus for IAS EXAMS. Is the syllabus only for reference? Does the question go beyond the syllabus in this exam.
- Rageetha

•  The syllabus is prescribed by UPSC. For any exam, there will be some syllabus ie we have to draw some line.

•  Civil services exam is not an University exam, there only pass or fail is important. Civil services exam is a competitive exam, ie it is a running race. Who will come first, will be selected.

•  In UPSC, questions are not asked directly like University exams, it is more than that. UPSC tests not only candidate's grasping power but also getting inference, correlating subjects, analytical capacity and more.

•  Whoever told must have seen the question, which is not direct. The questions are very much from the prescribed syllabus and they are indirect. So syllabus is the same. 

Sir/Madam, Arrange the following services chronologically according to their powers, facilities and prestige of IAS, IPS, IRS.IRTS, IRPS, IAAS, and ICCES. IFS (Forest), IFS (Foreign), IRAS, ICAS etc.
- Jacob

The question is really subjective to many considerations. There are many factors involved. The choice and the priority also vary from individual to individual. It is like mathematical formula, where many factors involved such as Minus, Plus etc. These factors also vary from person to person. For example, one factor may be Plus point for him and the same may be negative for another person. It is the intertwining of different services under one umbrella called Government. Mostly, it is led by IAS. Railways another empire of their own, there no IAS at all. The Foreign Affairs run by IFS only. Other services integrated with one another. Normally people give their preference in this order IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS, IRTS, IAAS, IRPS after that it varies from year to year. 

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I want to know whether the age limit will be reduced. If so then what happens to the old students
- Karan

The age reduction is being debated at different levels. It may happen or may not happen. But there will be sufficient time frame so that all the stake holder's interests are taken care of. Whenever, Government comes with such a decision, normally there will be notification. There will be a deadline with sufficient time frame/gap. So, no need to worry about it. But the number of chances may go down for those who are in the late twenties. But every one will have a chance if they are in the old age group. 

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir, I am a student of MBA with specialization in HR and I am graduate in B.Sc.(M). I want to appear for CSE. Please Guide me. Please also help me in choosing the best study material.
- Manickam

The details about the Preparation and tips are available on the book. First go through the details of model notification and scheme of Examination. Then select the optional subjects for the Prelims and Mains. Once you are clear with it, go to the strategy for preparation given in the book. Follow the steps given in it. 
As you are a Maths and Management person, you can think of taking Management as one of the optional subjects. If you are not confident in Management, you can think of taking Public Administration as a first optional. If you are strong in any Indian Literature, you can opt for that Literature as a second optional. Otherwise, you can think of taking one of the following as a second optional. i.e Geography (you may opt this as a first optional also)/ Sociology/ Psychology/ Anthropology (If you have interest in Genetics, evolution etc). 
Above all, you should go through the detailed syllabus and previous years' questions papers and your interest towards the subject. If you decide the optionals based on the above facts, it will be easy for your Success in the Civil Services Exam. For the preparation strategy, read the tips given in the site. 

UPSC Exams-Essay Preparation-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, On what topics should one concentrate while preparing for essay?
- Rashid 

The essay is a test of ones world view and orientation in life besides ones ability to express things in clear perspective. One should not cram /mug up topics for the essay but try to develop a holistic view about issues in life and ones surrounding as a educated and socially conscious youth of India would understand and know.

UPSC Exams-Essay Preparation-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Dear Sir/Madam Please suggest the topics to be prepared for general essay paper or any books for reading.
-Mayuri

There are books in the market for Essay preparation. But these books can be taken as an guide and that is not the entire spectrum of essay preparation. Normally these topics are based on some theme and it should be supported with the latest trends. For example, there is a topic on Women Empowerment, the question may be any form i.e. direct/ indirect/twisted/inferred. Here one should synthesize his/her thought and how to go about/present about. If you read the tips given in the book, you will get some idea.

Essay writing is not memorizing something and vomiting in the exam hall. One should give proper and sufficient examples for his/her arguments. These supporting points will not be available in one place. This has to be consolidated with lots of reading. This will not come overnight. So, Essay doesn't need any special preparation. If you are preparing the General Studies well, that is more than enough. Essay is nothing but consolidating the facts and figures studied in the General Studies, present it in a cohesive and orderly manner. In the Essays, not only the base knowledge of a person is tested but also synthesizing power, presentation skills, coherence of thoughts, argumentative power with supporting facts, diction etc. 

UPSC Exams-Preparation Strategy-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling


Sir, I am not comfortable in writing essay. Please suggest the way to improve.
- Naveen

Practice marks perfection. If you go through the previous year questions, you will get an idea. Normally the essay covers all spheres of General studies like, society, Women, current Affairs, science etc. One has to have good writing skills and to know correlating facts.

The UPSC tests a person's writing skills, diction, presentation, facts & figures, arguing capacity discussion, problem solving etc. So, the essay should have introduction, body of contents and good conclusion.
There are books available in the market, which may give small tips but you have to have your originality. 

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling-General Strategy


Dear Sir, I would like to know how to go about reading newspapers for general studies? Please suggest me what to read and what are the sections I should concentrate on?
- Mukesh
1.   One Should concentrate on the main page, editorial and Open page.
2.   One should be careful in selecting and reading News items.
3.   During the preparation one should not waste too much time on Newspapers.
4.   Every National Newspaper has its own way of putting stories. An experienced reader can differentiate between the news worthy and non news worthy stories. 

UPSC Exams-General Information-FAQ-Frequently Asked questions and Free Counselling-General Information


Sir, I have completed diploma in optometry (3yrs) and I received a certificate from FOREC. I have also done my fellowship (1yr) from. Am I eligible to appear for CSE?
- Meena

Diploma may not be taken as a degree. You have to have a degree to appear for the exam. Even diploma holders in Engineering do AIME to write civil services. You can do a degree in an arts subject, which will be easy for you. There are Institutes giving course / degree in one sitting exam also. 

General Knowledge on Current affairs-India Successfully test fires ballistic missile from Underwater Platform


India Successfully test fires ballistic missile from Underwater Platform

India today (27.01.13) successfully test fired a ballistic missile, with a strike range of around 1500 kilometres, from an underwater platform in the Bay of Bengal. Chief of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) V K Saraswat told that the medium range K-5 ballistic missile was test-fired from an underwater pontoon. He, however, did not disclose the area of test firing. The DRDO chief said the development phase of the submarine-launched ballistic missile K-5, is over and it is now ready for deployment on various platforms. This missile will help India to achieve the capability of launching nuclear warheads from underwater facilities. This is the first missile in the underwater category to have been developed by the country.  

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

We often live with deadlines, it helps knowing the schedule for when something is to be completed. Likewise, our lives should be lived anticipating that deadline” Is anytime, so let us live expectantly. 

Sunday 27 January 2013

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

A careless word may kindle strife. 
A cruel word may wreck a life. 
A timely word may level stress. 
A loving word may heal and bless. 

Saturday 26 January 2013

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

To be the SUBJECT of JEALOUS is the sign of FAILURE in life… To be OBJECT of JEALOUSY is the sign of SUCCESS in life…. 

Friday 25 January 2013

UPSC Exam-Civil Services Exam 2011-12:IAS-Indian Administrative Service Cadre Allocation-Part 1


UPSC Exam-Civil Services Exam (CSE-2011-12)

IAS (Indian Administrative Service)

Complete Cadre Allocation-Part 1

Sl. No.
Rank
Name of the Candidate
Category
HomeState
Cadre Allotted
Allotted as
1
1
SHENA AGGARWAL
General
Haryana
Punjab
Outsider
2
2
RUKMANI RIAR
General
Punjab
Rajasthan
Outsider
3
3
PRINCE DHAWAN
General
Punjab
A G M U T
Outsider
4
4
MANGESH KUMAR
General
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Insider
5
5
S GOPALA SUNDARA RAJ
O.B.C.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Insider
6
7
HIMANSHU GUPTA
General
Punjab
Rajasthan
Outsider
7
8
HARSHIKA SINGH
General
Jharkhand
Jharkhand
Insider
8
9
D KRISHNA BHASKAR
General
Kerala
Andhra Pradesh
Outsider
9
10
AURANGABADKAR AMRUTESH KALIDAS
General
Maharashtra
Gujarat
Outsider
10
11
NEERAJ KUMAR SINGH
General
Chhattisgarh
Madhya Pradesh
Outsider
11
12
SANYAM AGGARWAL
General
Haryana
Punjab
Outsider
12
13
NAMIT MEHTA
General
Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Insider
13
14
MUKESH PANDEY
General
Assam Meghalaya
Bihar
Outsider
14
15
PANKAJ JAIN
General
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Insider
15
16
RAVEESH GUPTA
General
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Insider
16
17
OM PRAKASH KASERA
General
Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Insider
17
18
NITIKA PAWAR
General
Delhi
A G M U T
Insider
18
19
VINEET KUMAR
General
Bihar
Punjab
Outsider
19
20
MALLIKARJUNA A
O.B.C.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Insider
20
21
VIKRAM JINDAL
General
Haryana
Rajasthan
Outsider
21
22
NEHA PRAKASH
General
Jharkhand
Uttar Pradesh
Outsider
22
23
SYED ABID RASHEED SHAH
General
Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir
Insider
23
24
UJJWAL KUMAR
General
Jharkhand
Uttar Pradesh
Outsider
24
27
RAHUL NADH A R
General
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
Outsider
25
28
AJAY KATESARIA
General
Jharkhand
Madhya Pradesh
Outsider
26
29
SHARMA PRASHANT
General
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Insider
27
30
BINWADE RAVINDRA LAXMAN
Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Insider
28
31
YASHU RUSTAGI
General
Haryana
Uttar Pradesh
Outsider
29
32
AMIT ARORA
General
Uttar Pradesh
Gujarat
Outsider
30
33
NIDHI NIVEDITA
General
Bihar
Madhya Pradesh
Outsider
31
34
VISHNU V
General
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
Outsider
32
35
ANUPAM SAHA
General
Orissa
Orissa
Insider
33
36
CHANDRA MOHAN THAKUR
General
Jharkhand
Madhya Pradesh
Outsider
34
37
AVICHAL CHATURVEDI
General
Uttar Pradesh
Rajasthan
Outsider
35
38
SUNDARESHBABU M
O.B.C.
Tamil Nadu
Karnataka
Outsider
36
39
RAVI SHANKAR SHUKLA
General
Uttar Pradesh
Jharkhand
Outsider
37
40
KRISHNANUNNI H
General
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
Outsider
38
41
KAUSHAL KUMAR
Bihar
Bihar
Insider
39
42
SIDHARTH SIHAG
General
Haryana
Rajasthan
Outsider
40
43
NOOH P B
O.B.C.
Kerala
Kerala
Insider
41
44
VIJAY RAMA RAJU V
General
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Insider
42
45
ROHIT SINGH
General
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Insider
43
46
VIKRAM SINGH MALIK
General
Haryana
A G M U T
Outsider
44
47
DEBAPRIYA BARDHAN
General
Tripura
Manipur Tripura
Insider
45
49
SWAROCHISHA SOMAVANSHI
General
Uttar Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Outsider
46
50
DHIRENDRA KHADGATA
O.B.C.
Rajasthan
Haryana
Outsider
47
51
SURABHI MALIK
General
Chandigarh
Gujarat
Outsider
48
52
PRIYANKA SONI
Rajasthan
Haryana
Outsider
49
53
PAVAN KUMAR MALAPATI
General
Andhra Pradesh
Karnataka
Outsider
50
54
VISHAL GUPTA
General
Rajasthan
Gujarat
Outsider
51
55
DEEPAK SINGLA
General
Haryana
Maharashtra
Outsider
52
56
LAXMINARAYAN MISHRA
General
Orissa
Maharashtra
Outsider
53
57
SENTHIL RAJ K
S.C.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Insider
54
58
SANJEEV KUMAR
O.B.C.
Bihar
Bihar
Insider
55
59
KANNAN G
General
Kerala
A G M U T
Outsider
56
60
NIKHIL PAVAN KALYAN
General
Andhra Pradesh
Orissa
Outsider
57
61
MANISH AGARWAL
General
Rajasthan
Orissa
Outsider
58
62
HIMANSHU GUPTA
General
Delhi
A G M U T
Insider
59
63
HARLEEN KAUR
General
Punjab
A G M U T
Outsider
60
64
SANDEEP SINGH
General
Uttar Pradesh
Jharkhand
Outsider
61
65
ANNIES KANMANI JOY
General
Kerala
Karnataka
Outsider
62
66
G S SAMEERAN
General
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
Outsider
63
67
SHANTANU GOEL
General
Uttar Pradesh
Maharashtra
Outsider
64
68
SHIV ANANT TAYAL
General
Chandigarh
Chhattisgarh
Outsider
65
69
ABHISHEK KUMAR TIWARY
General
Bihar
West Bengal
Outsider
66
70
RITESH KUMAR AGRAWAL
General
Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh
Insider
67
71
SHEKHAR SINGH
General
Delhi
Maharashtra
Outsider
68
72
CHARULATA SOMAL
General
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Outsider
69
73
AMNA TASNEEM
O.B.C.
Uttar Pradesh
Haryana
Outsider
70
74
SWATI SRIVASTAVA
General
Uttar Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Outsider
71
75
VINEET BHARDWAJ
General
Bihar
Orissa
Outsider
72
76
RAVINDER KUMAR
General
Haryana
Jammu & Kashmir
Outsider
73
77
ALAGU VARSINI V S
O.B.C.
Tamil Nadu
Andhra Pradesh
Outsider
74
78
SANTANU KUMAR AGRAHARI
General
Uttar Pradesh
Jharkhand
Outsider
75
79
PAWAN KADYAN
General
Haryana
West Bengal
Outsider
76
80
VIBHU
General
Uttarakhand
West Bengal
Outsider
77
81
SHALEEN
Haryana
Haryana
Insider
78
82
AMIT SINGH BANSAL
O.B.C.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Insider
79
83
RANBIR SHARMA
General
Haryana
Chhattisgarh
Outsider
80
84
PIYUSH SINGLA
General
Punjab
Jammu & Kashmir
Outsider
81
85
RAJAT BANSAL
General
Haryana
Chhattisgarh
Outsider
82
86
PRIYANKA SINGLA
General
Punjab
West Bengal
Outsider
83
87
KHEMNAR KUNAL PRAKASH
Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Insider
84
88
AJAY SINGH TOMER
General
Delhi
Assam Meghalaya
Outsider
85
89
GHANSHYAM DASS
General
Haryana
Assam Meghalaya
Outsider
86
91
SUHAS S
General
Karnataka
Kerala
Outsider
87
92
RAJANVIR SINGH KAPUR
General
Punjab
West Bengal
Outsider
88
93
PALLAV GOPAL JHA
General
Jharkhand
Assam Meghalaya
Outsider
89
94
CHANDRA VIJAY SINGH
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Insider
90
95
NAVJOT KHOSA
General
Punjab
Kerala
Outsider
91
96
BIJIN KRISHNA
General
Kerala
West Bengal
Outsider
92
97
NEHA ARORA
General
Punjab
Jharkhand
Outsider
93
98
SANJEEV SINGH
O.B.C.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Insider
94
100
RAKESH KUMAR K
S.C.
Karnataka
Karnataka
Insider
95
105
BALAMURALI D
O.B.C.
Tamil Nadu
Kerala
Outsider
96
107
PRAVEEN SINGH ADHAYACH
O.B.C.
Rajasthan
Madhya Pradesh
Outsider
97
108
SONAL SWAROOP
S.T.
Rajasthan
A G M U T
Outsider
98
115
RAMACHANDRAN R
O.B.C.
Tamil Nadu
Karnataka
Outsider
99
116
PRAVEEN KUMAR LAXKAR
O.B.C.
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
Outsider
100
123
PRASANNA VENKATESH V
O.B.C.
Tamil Nadu
Andhra Pradesh
Outsider