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Monday, October 6, 2008

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2008

The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has today decided to award
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2008 with one half to

Harald zur Hausen

for his discovery of "human papilloma viruses causing cervical cancer"

and the other half jointly to

Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier

for their discovery of "human immunodeficiency virus"

Centre State Relations

1.Administrative Reforms Commission:
The Administrative Reforms Commission in its report on Centre-State Relations submitted in 1969 recommended, inter-alia that an Inter-State Council should be constituted under article 263 of the Constitution and that it might consist of the Prime Minister as Chairman and the Union Home Minister, the Union Finance Minister, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and five representatives, one each from the five Zonal Councils, as members. The Commission noted that the phrase 'common interest' occurring inarticle 263 was a comprehensive one which might be construed to cover problems relating to or arising out of the Constitution, legislative enactments, administration and finance.

2.Rajamannar Committee:
A Centre-State Relations Inquiry Committee was set up by the then DMK Government of Tamil Nadu on 2nd September,1969 under the Chairmanship of Dr.P.V.Rajamanar to consider the entire question regarding relationship that should subsist between the Centre and the States in a federal set up. The Committee in its report recommended that "the Inter-State Council should be constituted immediately" and that "no decision of national importance or which may affect one or more States should be taken by the Union Government except after consultation with the Inter-State Council". The Committee further recommended that "every Bill of national importance or which is likely to affect the interests of one or more States should, before its introduction in Parliament, be referred to the Inter-State Council and its views thereon should be submitted to Parliament at the time of introduction of the Bill".

Sarkaria Commission:
3. Sarkaria Commission went at considerable length into the justification for establishing a permanent Inter-State Council as an independent national forum for consultation with a mandate well defined in accordance with article 263. The Commission recommended that for coordination of policies and implementation in a dual polity specially in view of large areas of common interest and shared action requires a sustained process of contact, consultation and interaction, for which a proper forum is necessary. The Commission observed that executive powers of the Union and States overlap in many areas and as such division of matters in Union List and State List is not absolute. Several entries overlap. Then in implementation of its laws and policy Union is largely dependent on State administrations. Union and States can entrust their executive functions to each other. States are dependent on Union for fiscal resources and in many administrative matters. Interdependence is indispensable in a diverse and developing society. Institutionalized and sustained consultation is indispensable in view of this interdependence. The Commission recommended setting up of a Council under article 263 of the Constitution for this purpose.
1st Centre-State relations Committee:- Sarkaria
2nd Centre-State relations Committee:- Madan Mohan Punchi

Sunday, October 5, 2008

BHAKTI SAINTS

The following is a list of some of the important saints and teachers of the Bhakti movement.

Shankara (c 788 - 820 AD.,): gave new interpretations to the ancient vedic religion, and integrated essence of Buddhism in Hindu thought. He preached Advaita
Ramanuja (1017-1137 A.D.,): wrote commentaries on Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishad; expounded Visishtadvaita or qualified monism
Basava (12th Century), treasurer turned saint of Karnataka preached equality to all and taught the way to reach God through one's vocation; his followers constitute the Lingayat or the Veerashaiva cult. His promise poems known as the Vachanas preached devotion to Lord Shiva as the means of salvation. He preached shakthi Visishtadvaita
Madhva (1238-1319): broke away from the doctrine of unity of God and the human soul prevalent at the time. He preached "Dvaita" or dualism, where the divinity was separate from the human conscience.
Ramanada (15th century): A disciple of Ramunuja, he was a worshipper of Lord Rama. He taught perfect love for God and human brotherhood.
Kabir (1440-1510, picture, biography): Disciple of Ramananda, he believed in formless God. He was the first to reconcile Hinduism and Islam.
Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1538): He was the founder of Sikh religion. He preached against idol worship and caste system, and taught worship of one God through prayer and meditation.
Purandara (15th century) A singer-saint of Karnataka who sang the praises of Lord Krishna; among the greatest composers of South Indian ( Carnatic) classical music. He is often quoted as Karnataka Sangeeta Pitamaha
Dadu Dayal (1544-1603) A disciple of Kabir, he was a supporter of Hindu-Muslim unity. His followers were known as Dadu Panthis.
Chaitanya (1468-1533): A devotee of Lord Krishna, he was the founder of modern Vaishnavism in Bengal. He popularized Kirtan.
Shankaradeva (1499-1569): Spread the Bhakti cult in Assam.
Vallabhacharya (1479-1531): Exponent of Krishna cult. He worshipped. Krishna under the title "Srinathji."
Surdas (1483-1563): A disciple of Vallabhacharya, he showed intense devotion to Radha and Krishna.
Mirabai (1498-1563): Staunch devotee of Lord Krishna, she composed number of songs and poems in honor of Krishna.
Haridas (1478-1573,): a great musician saint who sang the glories of Lord Vishnu.
Tulasidas (1532-1623): Depicted Rama as the incarnation. He wrote Ramcharitmanas.
Namdeva (1270-1309) (Maharashtra): A disciple of Vishoba Khechar, he was a devotee of Vittoba (Vishnu).
Jnanesvar (1275-1296): Wrote "Jnaneswari", a commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita.
Eknath: Wrote commentary on verses of the Bhagavad-Gita: A devotee of Vithoba.
Tukaram : Contempotary of Maratha king Shivaji; a devotee of Vithal he founded the Varkau sect. His teachings are contained in Abhangas.
Ram Das: Author of Dasabodh, his teachings inspired Shivaji to establish an independent kingdom in Maharashtra.

BEACHES IN INDIA

Name of beach = Place

Agonda = Goa
Alappuzha = in Allepey district of Kerala. It is referred to as the Venice of the East.
Anjuna = Goa
Arambol = in Pernem region of north Goa district of Goa.
Bakkhali = in south 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. It is located on one of the deltaic islands.
Calangute = Goa
Cherai = in Ernakulam district of Kerala.
Colva = Goa
Digha = in east Midnapore district of West Bengal.
Dona paula = Goa
Ganpatipule = in Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra.
Gopalpur = in Orissa
Jampore = Daman & Diu
Junaput = West Bengal
Juhu = in the suburb of Mumbai
Kanwatheertha = in Kasargod district of Kerala.
Karwar = in the North Kannada district of Karnataka.
Konark = in Orissa.
Kovalam = in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.
Malpe = Karnataka
Mandavi = Gujarat
Marina = Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Marwanthe = Karnataka
Miramar = Goa
Meenkunnu = Kannur district of Kerala
Muzhappilangad = located parallel to national highway no.17 ( Kaannur to Thalasery)
Palolem = South Goa
Payyambalam = Kannur district of Kerala
Puri = Orissa
Sagardwip = West Bengal
Rishikonda = Andhra pradesh
Shankarpur = West Bengal
Shankumugham = in Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala
Tannirubhavi = near Mangalore in Karnataka
Vagator = Goa
Girgaum Chowpatti = near marine drive in south Mumbai.
Versova = in the suburb of Andheri , Mumbai.

ANTHROPOLOGY MAINS 2000

Anthropology - 2000 (Main) (Paper - I)

Time Allowed : Three Hours
Maximum Marks : 300

INSTRUCTIONS

Each question is printed both in Hindi and in English.
Answers must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No mark will be given for the answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate.
Candidates should attempt questions 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any THREE of the remaining questions selecting at least ONE question from each Section.
All questions carry equal marks.

SECTION 'A'

Q. 1. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words :

(a) Culture Area and Age Area

(b) Copper-Bronze Age

(c) Social stratification

(d) Etic and Emic approach

Q. 2. Describe the range of locomotive behaviour of contemporacy non-human primates and state how does it help in understanding the structural-functional correlations of their limb structure.

Q. 3. What do you understand by neo-evolutionism ?Evaluate how Leslie A. White's approach is helpful in understanding cultural evolution.

Q. 4. What is planning from below? Critically assess the role of anthropology towards implementing sustainable development.

SECTION `B'

Q. 5. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words :

(a) Chi-square Test

(b) Malnutrition

(c) Genetic Adaptation

(d) Ethnic boundaries

Q. 6. Evaluate genetic heterogeneity of ABO, Rh and Gm antigens. Discuss how the principal human groups can be distinguished on the basis of their blood antigen characteristics.

Q. 7. Define ecosystem. Explain with examples, how biocultural adaptive qualities have helped human survival in stressful eco-conditions.

Q. 8. What do you understand by recombinant DNA technology ? Discuss its application and limitations in improving human health.

Anthropology - 2000 (Main) (Paper - II)

Time Allowed : Three Hours
Maximum Marks : 300

INSTRUCTIONS

Each question is printed both in Hindi and in English.
Answers must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No mark will be given for the answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate.
Candidates should attempt questions 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any THREE of the remaining questions selecting at least ONE question from each Section.
All questions carry equal marks.

SECTION 'A'

Q. 1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each :

(a) Negrito elements in India

(b) Concept of Karma in relation of caste

(c) Tribe-caste contintium

(d) Criteria of civilization

Q. 2. Describe the geographical spread of Indus valley civilization. What were the causes of its decline ?

Q. 3. Define the Jajmani system. Analyse the changes in the relationship between caste and occupation in contemporary rural society.

Q. 4. Distinguish between the characteristics and problems of linguistic and religious minorities in India. Give examples of conflicts generated by such considerations and steps to resolve them.

SECTION `B'

Q. 5. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each :

(a) The problems of denotified groups

(b) Impact of Christianity on tribal societies

(c) Tribal education in the context of development

(d) MADA, LAMPS, TRIFED

Q. 6. Give an account of Joint Forest Management programmes. What is the role of NGOs in such programmes ?

Q. 7. Assess the political and economic role of tribal and rural movements in the creation of the new states of Uttaranchal, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh.

Q. 8. Outline the historical background of tribal administration during the colonial period. Evaluate post-Independence administrative policies with special reference to states under either the Fifth Schedule or Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

LINKS FOR IAS Mains

Here are some links which can be of some help in your preparation for IAS Mains :

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Written Result of Asstt. Commandants of Central Police Forces

Press Note

Based on the result of the Central Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Written Examination, 2007, held by the Union Public Service Commission on 7^th October, 2007 and the Personality Test held in September, 2008, the following is the list, in order of merit, of candidates who have been recommended for appointment to:-

(i) Border Security Force;

(ii) Central Reserve Police Force;

(iii) Indo-Tibetan Border Police;

(iv) Central Industrial Security Force; and

(v) Sashastra Seema Bal.

2. A total number 353 candidates, recommended for appointment, include 165 General, 108 Other Backward Classes, 52 Scheduled Castes and 28 Scheduled Tribes candidates.

3. Appointment to various Services will be made according to number of vacancies available and due consideration to the provisions contained in the Rules for the Examination. The number of vacancies reported for Border Security Force is 160 (83 General, 42 Other backward Classes, 23 Scheduled Castes and 12 Scheduled Tribes); for the Central Reserve Police Force is 81 (39 General, 25 Other backward Classes, 11 Scheduled Castes and 06 Scheduled Tribes); for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force is 100 (51 General, 29 Other Backward Classes, 13 Scheduled Castes and 07 Scheduled Tribes); Sashastra Seema Bal is 22 (14 General, 05 Other backward Classes, 02 Scheduled Castes and 01 Scheduled Tribes) and for Central Industrial Security Force is 50 (27 General, 13 Other backward Classes, 07 Scheduled Castes and 03 Scheduled Tribes). The results of 21 candidates have been withheld due to pending medical review appeals.

4. The candidature of the candidates having Roll Numbers –

45427, 4076, 46218, 26926, 775, 7204, 18811, 40936, 8241, 53085, 26808, 17800, 55833, 1659, 33491, 46870, 41974, 32683, 68351, 33163, 32361, 29024, 7567, 2759, 41937, 12767, 7747, 42139, 314, 47313, 26906, 30918, 43604, 19006, 8803, 52445, 69499, 60680, 36118, 38258, 33429, 34502, 19451, 51091, 30615, 4088, 17661, 9329, 2311, 11181, 38081, 58499, 24382, 43081, 39297, 13705, 21204, 62735, 21996, 4877, 13556, 54384, 21983, 32049, 45578, 28298, 18959, 5867, 54234, 40629, 52741, 34763, 22828, 38518, 59902, 61322 & 33233 (77) is provisional.

5. In accordance with Rule 16 (4) & (5) of the Central Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2007, the Commission is maintaining a Consolidated Reserve List of 78 candidates ranking in order of merit below the last recommended candidate under respective category which include 39 General, 35 Other Backward Classes, 02 Scheduled Castes and 02 Scheduled Tribes candidates.

6. UPSC has a “Facilitation Counter” near Examination Hall in its campus. Candidates can obtain any information / clarification regarding their examinations / recruitment on the working days between 1000 hrs. to 1700 hrs. in person or over telephone Nos.011- 23385271 / 23381125. Result will also be available on the U.P.S.C. web site i.e., http/www.upsc.gov.in. However, marks on the web site will be available after 15 days from the date of declaration of results.

Roll Order List of Successful Candidates

Disclaimer

The contents of this result are informatory in nature. Candidates are advised to refer to the notice published in 'Employment News'

UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
NEW DELHI - 110069 - 1st OCTOBER 2008/ASVINA 09, 1930 SAKA

source : upsc.gov.in