INDIA YEAR BOOK 2017 PDF FREE DOWNLOAD:

http://adfoc.us/26090459488212

THE HINDU AND INDIAN EXPRESS NEWS PAPERS DAILY VIDEO ANALYSIS AT:

http://adfoc.us/26090459765621

PRS INDIA ANNUAL POLICY DOCUMENT FROM APRIL 2015 TO MARCH 2016 PDF FREE DOWNLOAD:

http://adfoc.us/26090459876397

India year book 2016 video lecters by Vision IAS:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDnIeUIsbmQtEJ4Gf27wSNPdc3IKGxGog

Daily Mains answer writing practitce with synosis by IAS baba@

http://adfoc.us/26090455100119

YOJANA DISASTER MANAGEMENT PDF FREE DOWNLOAD:

http://adfoc.us/26090459673371

DOWNLOAD FREE MATERIAL FOR VARIOUS TOPICS BOTH IAS MAINS AND PRELIMS:

http://adfoc.us/26090454813651

http://appscgroup.blogspot.in/

http://adfoc.us/26090454906040

http://sainiias.com/downloads/0

Policy Updates:

http://adfoc.us/26090454007063

http://policy-updates.blogspot.in/

http://iasmaker.com/

http://gsupsc.blogspot.com/

Material by Topper: Ashish AIR 209

http://adfoc.us/26090453766720

https://files.secureserver.net/0fVWxTOPcRz4ge

Some Current topics notes:

http://iasscore.in/upsc-current-affairs.html

Notes Prepared by http://itsprabhavspeaking.blogspot.in/

link for paper 1

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rj0ksijg6b8ygzk/AADnpUW-9-ZtQu0GOClgHJRNa

Please follow this link to download my notes for GS paper 2

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/55ao522p475fzyl/AAC2U2ryy3MeX1asmZ5n2W7ba

link for paper 3

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w4sa4gv0y8shqqk/AAB_K3HDg2cwt6tBu-fRTxgFa

link for paper 4

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vjt7frxf44pebzb/AADg8HYO-jr3UyV3Qlmy784ha

How to Use these?

1) Color code: yellow/green highlighted material is somewhat important. and was revised by me in my last but second revision. RED UNDERLINED means the stuff is very very imp and was revised in the last revision. The portion not highlighted/underlined is useless and can be skipped for revision purposes or even on first reading.
2) LMR stands for Last Minute Revision meaning the stuff was revised on the eve of the examination
3) only read the docs which have been highlighted ie touched by me. some of the docs are useless.

Indian governance Practices: http://indiagovernance.gov.in/documentlibrary.php

e-GOVERNANCE RELATED FROM GOVT WEBSITE:

http://indiagovernance.gov.in/docsearch.php?search=e-Governance&type=theme

Best GOVERNANCE PRACTICES FROM GOVT. WEBSITE

http://indiagovernance.gov.in/map.php

IAS Main Examination Syllabus (General Studies)

The civil services examination is a nationwide competitive examination in India conducted by UPSC for the recruitment to various government posts. The examination is conducted in two phases--the preliminary examination consisting of two objective-type papers and the main examination, consisting of nine papers followed by a personality test.

Union Public Service Commission has drastically changed the syllabus of Mains Examination from 2013.

In Civil Services Mains Examination 2013 instead of two optional papers, now student will opt only one optional paper. Weightage of General Study has been increased. Here is the new pattern of General Studies incase of Civil Services mains examination

Paper-I :

Essay - 250 Marks - To be written in the medium or language of the candidate's choice - Candidates will be required to write an essay on a specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Paper-II :

General Studies-I 250Marks (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues

The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.

Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Effects of globalization on Indian society Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

Salient features of world's physical geography.

Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)

Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Paper-III

General Studies -II: 250 Marks (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.

Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

Role of civil services in a democracy.

India and its neighborhood- relations.

Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.

Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

PAPER-IV

General Studies -III 250 Marks (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Government Budgeting.

Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

Land reforms in India.

Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Investment models.

Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Disaster and disaster management.

Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

Paper-V

General Studies -IV 250 Marks (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)

This paper will include questions to test the candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.

Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen's Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

Case Studies on above issues.

Mains 2013 GS analysis: by clear IAS.com

http://srikanthreddysalkuti.blogspot.in/2013/12/mains-2013-analysis.html

Answer Writing Techniques for IAS Main Exam - 2

By Manoj K. Jha

What is a good answer? Million dollar question! Especially in the given scenario when good marks in IAS Mains Exam is distant dream. Mains examination questions of general studies unfolded many thing, about word limit, approach to the questions, analytical demand of the question, and many turns and twists attached to most of the question in the form of common instructions i.e. Analyse, Critically Analyse, Discuss, Evaluate, Explain etc.

Here I am presenting the meaning of the common instructions attached to the Questions in the Mains paper. And few question and there model hints about content, it is just an answer hint to get some overview about attempting answer in main exam. We have not attached the word limits.

Here are some model questions:

Q 1. Central Vigilance Commission was set up by the Government to propagate the principle of zero tolerance on corruption. What steps it has taken to combat corruption? Analyse the outcomes of these steps and also assess the effectiveness of CVC.
Q 2. Critically examine the role played by Non Government Organisations (NGOs) in development process with special reference to India. Enumerate main problems facing the NGOs in India.
Q 3. “Democratic decentralization cannot be operationalised in real terms without proper fiscal decentralization”. Elaborate.
Q 4. What is micro finance? What role the self help groups play in financial intermediation?

In the IAS Mains exam there are various instructions attached to the question. Here is essence of those:-

• ANALYSE: Break up an issue/event into its component parts and explain how these relate to one another.

• ASSESS: consider the importance of something stress is given in the question.

• COMPARE: simply examine the similarities and differences.

• CONTRAST: concentrate on the differences.

• CRITIQUE: point out the limitations and usefulness of the subject in the question.

• DESCRIBE: give detailed account of a topic

• DISCUSS: explain various perspective and present a logical argument

• EVALUATE : weigh up the importance, success or value of something with evidence to support your view

• EXAMINE : give a detailed account, questioning and exploring the relevant issue

• EXPLAIN: give a precise account, with reasons for why or how it is as it is.

• ILLUSTRATE: use examples from a range of source to demonstrate your understanding of the subject.

• JUSTIFY: make a case for a particular perspective. Establish the truth through supporting evidence or logical reasoning

• REVIEW : examine how a topic has been studied and comment on value and limitations of its treatment

• To what extent... : explore the case for and against a claim

How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper-II (GS-1)

HOW TO PREPARE CIVILS MAINS

How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper-II (GS-1)

Source:http://civilservices4u.blogspot.in/

UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the pattern and the syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies Papersapart from one Essay and Optional paper each.

This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies -1 (i.e Paper-II, Paper-I is Essay)

Before you start reading further, please remember the following importantmantra given by the Almighty UPSC:

“The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio‐ economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.”

This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You don’t have to master the topics, all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to analyze.

Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to analyze what you have understood from reading comes from WRITING PRACTICE.

STRATEGY

GS-1 broadly covers - Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.

Under this heading total 12 topics and around 40 sub-topics are given in the syllabus.

Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:

Get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics by writing them many times – they should be strongly etched in your memory.
Keep a copy of the syllabus always near you no matter where you are.

Now, how to deal with GS-1?

Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-1, we will discuss a topic by topic what to read, from where to read and what not to read for these topics.

TOPIC-1

Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

In this topic, the sub-topics are - Art forms, Literature, Architecture – from ancient to modern times. Before jumping into Big Books, first go through these beautiful books by NCERT – to get a glimpse of the sub-topics – they are

NCERT Class VI – History – Our Past
NCERT Class VII – Our Past -I
NCERT Class VIII – Our Past II and III
NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History I
NCERT Class-XII – Themes in Indian History – II
NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History III

Hold on. Four books for one topic? No. You have to read only a few chapters from each book that are related to Sub-Topics. For ex, you have to read only Chapters 2 and 3 from Class-XII -Themes In Indian History-II book.

Apart from these you should have a reference book for getting more information:

TOPIC-2

Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present.

Read this book: Comprehensive History Of Modern India – Spectrum (It covers topics from the Advent of British to India’s Independence – so covers this part of the syllabus completely)

TOPIC-3

[The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.]

Because this topic demands specific knowledge of Freedom Struggle and its various facets, you must, along with the above mentioned book, read Bipan Chandra’s Struggle For India’s Independence.

TOPIC – 4

Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

For this you need to study Chapter 6 to 12 of India Since Independence – Bipan Chandra

0r Chapters 8 to 14 from India After Gandhi: The History Of The World’s Largest Democracy (above mentioned chapters cover completely this part of the syllabus)

TOPIC-5

[History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars,redrawal of national boundaries,colonization,decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism,socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.]

Except for Industrial revolution, Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe (Buy From Amazon India))covers all topics of this part of the syllabus – it is a very good book. Stick to only this book. Refer above links for a glimpse of those sub-topics in Wikipedia, but don’t dwell deeply on them. (A 30 % discount from Flipkart, or Or This IMPORTED copy provided you are rich- Rs 1700/ – this classic book contains insightful chapters on the 2008 Financial Crisis, and even Arab Spring and its aftermath!)

TOPIC-6

[Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.]

About salient features of Indian Society – don’t look anywhere else – Just read this NCERT – Indian Society Class 12 (Complete book without watermarks)

TOPIC-7

[Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues,poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.]

For India specific women related issues download this beautiful report (PLATFORM FOR ACTION-REPORT ON INDIAN WOMEN -DOWNLOAD FROM HERE) where you can find everything you want to learn about Women’s issues.

Other sub-topics are general in nature and can be found in Magazines and Newspapers. If one is thorough with current events questions on these sub-topics can be answered very well by consolidating their knowledge.

TOPIC-8

[Effects of Globalization on Indian society]

This is also general in nature. If you have a basic understanding of Indian Society and Globalization, their mutual relation can be elucidated with ease. Here is a good article from a Marxist politician about the topic. (UPSC people love the slightly leftist version of everything)

If you want to learn the impact of Globalization on Indian Economy, here is a book. (Purely optional)

TOPIC-9

[Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.]

This is again generic. But you must know the basic concept of communalism, regionalism and secularism. Wikipedia comes handy here.

For Regionalism In India.

TOPIC-10

[Salient features of world’s physical geography.

To cover this part two books are necessary:

1. Certificate Physical and Human Geography 1st Edition

2. NCERT Class-XI - Fundamentals of Physical Geography

TOPIC-11

[Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)]

1) NCERT Class XII – Human Geography

2) NCERT Class-XII – India-People and Economy

3) For reference:Geography of India 4 Edition

TOPIC-12

[Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.]

This is a repetition actually. You can read Physical Geography book by Goh Cheng Leong which is mentioned above (Certificate Physical and Human Geography 1st Edition)

Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember most of the things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a single topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things clearly and concisely.
Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source. Avoid the temptation of doing ‘Research’ on a topic.
Always Remember – UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.
Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do RESEARCH and scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not 100% satisfied with it.
Remember that old saying? – Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do Research, most probably your name won’t appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.
For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in enabling you to acquire analytical skills.

Very Important Part In The Preparation

Writing. Writing. Writing.
But what? – One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take a Mock Test. Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent lot of time on answer writing.

Most Important Part In The Preparation

Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.
If you don’t Revise what you read all these months – you slightly miss the Personality Test, or You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.

How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper-III (GS-2)

Source: Insightsonindia.com

Click Here For More Detailed Strategies For Other Papers and More!

How to prepare GS – 1 (i.e Paper – II)

How to prepare GS-3 (i.e Paper – IV)

How to prepare GS – 4 (i.e Paper – V)

UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the pattern and the syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies Papers apart from one Essay and Optional paper each.

This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies -2 (i.e Paper-III)

Before you start reading further, please remember the following important mantra given by the Almighty UPSC:

“The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio‐ economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.”

This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You don’t have to master the topics, all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to analyze.

Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to analyze what you have understood from reading comes from WRITING PRACTICE.

Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:

Get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics by writing them many times – they should be strongly etched in your memory.
Keep a copy of the syllabus always near you no matter where you are.

Now, how to deal with GS-2?

Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-1, we will discuss a topic by topic what to read, from where to read and what not to read for these topics.

Broad Syllabus Of GS-2 is:

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

Before you start preparing for this paper, please read following NCERT texts, which might take 2-3 days of your time.

NCERT Class XI – India Constitution At Work
NCERT Class XII – Political Science II
NCERT Class X – Democratic Politics

TOPIC-1

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

This part is very useful both for Prelims and Mains. Best book to study this section is D.D. Basu’s “Introduction To The Constitution Of India” First 5 chapters in this book exclusively deal with this part of the syllabus.

For Basic Structure, These two articles might help you.

1) Basic Structure of the constitution revisited – The Hindu (PDF)

2) The Basic Structure of the constitution (PDF)

TOPIC-2

Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

One good source to get the critical perspective about these topics is –Report of the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission, named -Organizational Structure Of Government of India (13th Report)

For devolution of finances to local bodies, Read This.. (Don’t look anywhere else)

For the concept part read – Laxmikant’s Indian Polity. Buy the new updated 4th edition. (Chapters 12, 13 14 and 30).

But Mains demands not only basic understanding of these topics, but your critical and analytic abilities to answer questions on these topics. So, try to relate these concepts to current event topics and write small articles. ARC reports will help you in this regard.

Eg. ” Though devolution of funds, functionaries and functions is taking place in the local governments, development is still a mirage in many parts of India”. Critically analyze. (you can frame many questions like this)

TOPIC-3

Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

BASICS: Public Grievances and Redressal Mechanism

This topic is a dynamic portion – we read lot about conflict between the Judiciary and the Executive – to answer dynamic topics, one should first understand the constitutional provisions, redressal measures with the constitution, checks and balances provided in the constitution etc.

ARC reports come to the rescue again. 7th report of 2nd ARC named“Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution” talks elaborately on various issues such as Left Wing Extremism, Regional Disparities, Land and Water related issues, SC and ST issues, Religious conflicts and North East conflicts – which involve numerous institutions in the conflict management and resolution.

Later, scan current events and find any latest instances of conflict between any constitutional bodies, or between a constitutional body and statutory body.

Again, concepts can be studied either from D.D. Basu or Laxmikat..

TOPIC-4

Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

A book by S. Chand – Select Constitutions of the world is famous among Law students. This covers this topic comprehensively. One should be careful to not to study this topic in depth.

In case you can afford to buy costly book - D.D. Basu’s Classic on the Indian Constitution – Shorter Constitution Of India not only covers all above topics, it also covers the present topic.

Few links that might help:

Constitutions around the world
Evolution of Indian Constitution (It is compared with other constitutions – you have to search in between)
Difference between US and EU constitutions.

Try to know some basics about the New Constitutions/reforms being framed/brought out in Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Pakistan.

(Again, emphasis should be on relating all these topics to the current events)

TOPIC-5

Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

To cover this topic, one stop source is Subhash Kashyp’s Our Parliament. (Why this book? Because it is written by someone who worked inside the Parliament for most of his career, and this book gives a detailed idea about the functioning of our Parliament – as the above topic suggests, you should be familiar with all aspects of our Parliament. This books is cheap, and is highly readable with lot of insights)

TOPIC-6

Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government;Pressure Groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

BASICS:

Again, Laxmikant is enough for this topic. Regarding pressure groups/ informal associations – recent activism shown by Civil society, conflict with the government and other such topics should be studied in depth.

TOPIC-7

Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

First read this beautiful article by Yogendra Yadav. (PDF)

This topic has generated more heat in the past and present – eg, office of profit bill, anti-defection bill, electoral reforms bill etc.

This topic should be

Recent supreme court ruling disqualifying MPs and MLAs with criminal background, and current topics like this should be studied carefully.

TOPIC-8 and 9

Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

Read Laxmikant for this part. Part VII,VIII and IX of this book completely covers these topics.

This part of the syllabus has given rise to some contentious issues such as political interference in the appointment to various constitutional posts and statutory bodies. Eg EC, CBI, CVC, CAG, SC, Governors, Lokayukta, Lokpal (if it comes into existence) etc. So, read this topic keeping in mind these above issues.

As I said before, you need to read all the above topics with an analytical perspective. To provide you with this, there is a wonderful book published by Oxford University Press and authored by Pratap Bhanu Mehta, named – “Public Institutions in India – Performance and Design“, will be immensely useful.

As its back cover says, “This volume analytically assesses the design, performance, and adaptability of the principal institutions of governance in India and their critical role in a democratic polity.” That is what you need for this paper.

TOPIC-10

Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

This part is covered well in the same book I mentioned above: “Public Institutions in India – Performance and Design”

Also, refer Economic Survey for government policies and PIB siteregularly.

TOPIC-11

Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

[Please note the phrase "Development Industry" - it refers to aid industry developed around NGOs, UN bodies, Charities etc and their role in the development process.]

Planning commission has various articles on these topics.

This report gives critical account of success and failure of SHG’s in India. (just read the summary, conclusion and recommendations – NEVER read full report)

Article on NGO – their evolution and role.

TOPIC-12

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Note the word “STATE” – schemes by the states are also important.

Focus on the schemes being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child welfare, Ministry of Social Justice, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Tribal affairs.

List Of Government Schemes – India – Wikipedia link.

List of All state and central scheme – Govt. of India Website (here you can filter queries by the ministry- it is not easy though, govt site you know..)

One more option is visit this link on my site to go to the site of any Ministry and find schemes there.

TOPICS 12 and 13

Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

We read lot about this these days: Food security bill, PDS reform, Poverty reduction schemes, Poverty-line controversy, Malnutrition figures, report on malnutrition(remember HungMa report?) etc.

TOPIC-13

Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures

This introductory article on 2nd ARC site and 2nd ARC report on “Promoting e-Governance: The SMART Way Forward” will be very useful to cover this topic.

E-governance – Concept and Significance (IGNOU)

TOPIC-14

Role of civil services in a democracy

Again, 2nd ARC report (10th report) – Refurbishing of Personnel Administration has whole chapter (ch-4) on this topic.

International Relations

TOPIC-15

India and its neighborhood- relations.

Two sources for this topic:

India and its neighbours – MEA Website

2. For critical analysis – This Book by Rajiv Sikri – Challenge and Strategy – Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy is must for reading this part of the syllabus.

TOPIC – 16

Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

For India’s relations with the other countries, click here. (read only important counries – USA, UK, EU, SA, Brazil, Japan, Russia, Australia etc)

Ministry of External Affairs has briefs on all bilateral relations of India with regional and global groupings:

TOPIC-18

Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora

This is a dynamic part – effects of globalization, WTO policies, domestic policies of developed countries and their effect on other countries (lot of examples from USA, UK can be given – visa row, war on terrorism, immigration policies, economic policies etc)

Indian diaspora – their contribution to India, India’s contribution to them, Their contribution to the world etc. Their problems in the residing countries, their rights in India – constitutional/statutory provisions if any, their participation in track two diplomacy, their role in Indian economy etc etc.

Newspaper is the best source I guess. For more info, visit the official site.

TOPIC- 19

Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

UNO and its various bodies, agencies must be studied with respect to their structure, role, relevance and reforms. UN reforms is the hot topic.

International Organizations (no UN bodies) such as APEC, ADB, ASEAN, OECD, NATO should be studied.

For links to all these organizations: click here.

Finally, for some articles from Yojana magazines (2013) that are related to many topics from this Paper, click here.

Five Indispensable Books For paper-III

TWO RECOMMENDED BOOKS (Only If You Have More Time At Your Disposal) – Both By Granville Austin – Classics On Indian Polity

1) The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of A Nation (Classic Reissue) – Review

2) Working a Democratic Constitution: A History of the Indian Experience – Review

A SMALL LECTURE

Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember most of the things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a single topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things clearly and concisely.
Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source. Avoid the temptation of doing ‘Research’ on a topic.
Always Remember – UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.
Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do RESEARCH and scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not 100% satisfied with it.
Remember that old saying? – Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do Research, most probably your name won’t appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.
For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in enabling you to acquire analytical skills.

Very Important Part In The Preparation

Writing. Writing. Writing.
But what? – One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take a Mock Test. Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent lot of time on answer writing.

Most Important Part In The Preparation

Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.
If you don’t Revise what you read all these months – you slightly miss the Personality Test, or You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.

Well, to sum up. To get the interview call all you need to do is: Read, Re-read the same source, Write and Revise.

Preparation for this paper can be finished in 20 days provided you are focused and determined.

Of course. Eat well, Sleep well and Keep a good health. If you get a running nose on the day of the exam, 2 hours out of 3 hours goes in draining it and drying it.

STRATEGY FOR GENERAL STUDIES – PAPER -II

7 comments:

IndianweddingstoryNovember 18, 2014 at 9:36 PM
Hi sir this is Amith from Hyderabad. Need some last minute guidance for mains. Could you please tell me the way through which i can contact you. If you can plz reply to amithamazing@gmail..com.
Thanks
AnonymousAugust 29, 2015 at 3:44 PM
G C Leong – Geography (Best Copy available online till today) on the following two links:

https://www.scribd.com/doc/276697973/Certificate-Physical-and-Human-Geography-by-Goh-Cheng-Leong-Author

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxkQmyYIKVgATWNiemdGYldVRFU/view?usp=sharing
UnknownSeptember 21, 2015 at 2:48 PM
Basic UPSC free ebooks and everyday THE HINDU are available at :
https://shashidthakur23.wordpress.com/
Srikanth Reddy SalkutiSeptember 27, 2015 at 3:28 PM
Thank you Shashi
UnknownMarch 9, 2016 at 9:29 PM
thank you
UnknownSeptember 6, 2016 at 8:25 AM
Thanks for giving wide information

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SRIKANTH REDDY SALKUTI IAS

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