general studies (upsc): May 2009

Sunday, May 31

[Indian Current Affairs:819] Current affairs briefing for June 1, 2009

Hi friends,

Here is our current affairs briefing for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/06/01062009.html

In today's briefing:

1. World Tobacco Day. What is the theme?

2. If you are asked to define racism; will your definition be this close?

3. IAF gets a new chief. A fighter pilot is back in the saddle as the chief of air force.

4. Maulana Masood Azhar gets backing from UK!!!

5. Jobless rate in US hits a record 25 year high.

6. Know anything about the expenses scandal that is rocking the British Parliament?

7. Banks can't guarantee corporate bond issues. Says RBI. But it made an exception in case of Tata Motors NCD issue. What is such an exception called? Do you recollect any phrase for it?

8. State of economy in 2004 and 2009; a comparison.

9. Pointer to an ET guide on circuit breakers.

10. Disinvestment process to get a leg up.

11. Record losses in India's aviation industry.

12. Competition Commission gets into action.

13. A very good quote about evil men. From Mark Antony.

14. Language lessons: disingenuous, palaver, diddle.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Saturday, May 30

[Indian Current Affairs:818] Current affairs briefing for 30th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/30052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. What is the equal opportunities commission about?

2. Stalin gets elevated as Dy CM.

3. Very good news on economy front. Are bad days finally over?

4. On monsoons; our childhood paragraph answer revisited. Do you find any change?

5. Goa's Feni gets GI status. What does it mean? What is postal method?

6. MVNOs finally get the government nod.

7. What do you know about G4?

8. What is a militarist state? Look at North Korea to know.

9. Language lessons: affray.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

Friday, May 29

[Indian Current Affairs:817] Current affairs briefing for 29th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/29052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Where is the PM headed next month? SCO and BRIC meetings. What's the agenda?

2. Cabinet formation is now complete. PM has his way. Take a look at some of the important observations and the full list of Council of Ministers for a change.

3. Also look at the areas that are likely to receive lot of thrust in the coming weeks.

4. A very powerful commentary on the draconian nature of the security laws. In the context of Binayak Sen's incarceration for 2 years in jail.

5. Is disinvestment in PSUs a reformist measure? Not necessarily argues an ET editorial.

6. RIL's new gas finds to catapult India into the big league.

7. US names Roemer as new ambassador to India.

8. Pak keeps piling up its nuclear arsenal.

9. Man Booker International for Alice Munro.

10. Language lessons: factotum, fealty, homilie & doppelganger.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

Wednesday, May 27

[Indian Current Affairs:816] Question banks for Civil Services General Studies paper

Hi friends,

We came across a very good site that has question banks relating to Civil Services General Studies. It appears to be having a growing data bank of questions relating to Civil Services. Take a look at http://www.mocktests.info.

We have also given a link to it in our links section.

Enjoy.

Icamaven

Tuesday, May 26

[Indian Current Affairs:815] Current affairs briefing for 27th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/27052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. An explanation as to why violence erupted in Punjab.

2. Is there a downside to NREGS? If so, what is it?

3. Banks may be lowering interest rates soon.

4. Government is sure to speed up the disinvestment process. How much will it rake in?

5. 'Secure' corporate bonds should have full asset backing. Oh ho! Then what is so 'secure' about them without that backing? Ever heard of a phrase called negative-lien? That explains it.

6. FBT to be shown the door?

7. Some snippets about India's health insurance industry.

8. Mouse has its genome sequenced. After humans it is the only second mammal to have its genome sequenced. It was a ten year $100 mn effort.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Monday, May 25

[Indian Current Affairs:814] Current affairs briefing for 26th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here is our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/26052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Dera Sachh Khand resorts to violence following the murder of their sect's leader in Austria.

2. Cycle Aila wreaks havoc in West Bengal and Bangladesh.

3. Government to take a humane approach to rising rural wages?

4. The FM has hands full with indirect taxes nosediving and revenue deficits galloping.

5. Winds of economic recovery sweep across the globe.

6. An excellent piece by Jeffrey D Sachs on water scarcity and development.

7. North Korea plays and renegade state to the hilt and conducts a nuclear test again.

8. Know anything about Dr. Binayak Sen? Who is he and why is he in the news?

9. Language lesson: harrowing.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Saturday, May 23

[Indian Current Affairs:813] Current affairs briefing for 23rd May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/23052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Ever heard of MAC and NCTC? Probably you wouldn't have. These are just now coming into operation.

2. Nepal will get a new PM today. Prachanda lambasts India.

3. Government's flagship schemes will be monitored by a special regulator.

4. Who is the Governor of BoJ?

5. Language lessons: egregious, jettison.

That's all for today. Happy reading.

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Friday, May 22

[Indian Current Affairs:812] Current affairs briefing for 22nd May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/22052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Take a look at our defence spending. We are one of the major spenders.

2. Why is the offset policy failing to deliver results? An excellent explanation.

3. CLIMS: Centralized Lawful Interception & Monitoring System. What is it about?

4. Know what is an horizontal agreement and what is a vertical agreement? In competition parlance.

5. What is the PEACE Act of the USA?

6. Sri Lanka makes all right noises about giving power to Tamils; but will it?

7. Western government see their credit ratings tumble!!

8. Language lessons: ossified, pork barrel, braggadocio

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Thursday, May 21

[Indian Current Affairs:811] Current affairs briefing for 21st May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/21052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Some excellent commentary on the need for Congress of allies.

2. Light hearted political commentary on Karunanidh's fast.

3. Today is anti-terrorism day.

4. Today we learn quite a few basics:

Remorse buying

Street financing

5. A look at Benjamin Cohen's explanation of the causes for the current global financial crisis. Benjamin Cohen who?

6. Some details about NREGS funds -- unspent.

7. A real life (not reel life) example of a Black Swan event.

8. India becomes 15 largest investor in US treasuries.

9. Language lessons: dirigisme, intrepid, incipient

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Wednesday, May 20

[Indian Current Affairs:810] Current affairs briefing for 20th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/20052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Let's take a look at the improved women's representation in our Parliament.

2. And compare it with that in some foreign countries.

3. Who is an anchor investor? Let's know SEBI speak on the subject.

4. A look at the country's aviation industry losses and debts.

5. DCGI seeks to clip cancer drug prices. Who is the DCGI presently?

6. A look at how the incoming FM has his plate full.

7. Why is the US seeking to impose targets on fuel efficiency?

8. Why are American banks returning the TARP money?

9. Language lesson: wangle.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Tuesday, May 19

[Indian Current Affairs:809] Current affairs briefing for 19th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here goes our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/19052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. It's all politics for today. Political news is grabbing our attention. Rightly so.

2. What is lost in the din is the successful user testing of the Agni II missile. What is its capability? Any idea?

3. Stock indices hit the roof. A very good explanation of the circuit breakers follows.

4. Wasn't it just the other day that we were noting about how the FCCB have come to haunt corporate India? With their redemption pressures? Now the story takes a full circle.

5. Language lessons: excoriate, flub

That's it for today.

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Thursday, May 14

[Indian Current Affairs:808] Current affairs briefing for 14th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/14052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. About poll predictions and political future.

2. In the process we also take a look at some interesting snippets about our democracy.

3. EC really needs to be patted for the successful conduct of the elections.

4. On independent directors on corporate boards. What exactly is the conflict of interest that they are expected to handle?

5. EU imposes record fine on Intel. For anti-competitive behaviour.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Tuesday, May 12

[Indian Current Affairs:807] Current affairs briefing for 13th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/13052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Some interesting events that happened on May 13 in history.

2. What is the difference between a regional and a regionalist party?

3. CBDT tightens screws on people who stashed money abroad.

4. NRIs make record remittances.

5. IIP and Exim figures give lot of discomfort. But stock markets gyrate.

6. RBI slowly forces a move to RTGS/NEFT transfers, instead of physical clearing.

7. Steve Ballmer slams Obama's protectionist policies.

8. Language lessons: hubris; set store by something.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Sunday, May 10

[Indian Current Affairs:806] Current affairs briefing for 11th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/11052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Satyam investors take to consumer court for compensation.

2. MNP fro September; at least in some metros and others. Fully to be available from 2010.

3. FCCBs trip banks. An interesting and developing story. What is a CLN by the way? Any idea?

4. Why are share buybacks attracting regulatory glare?

5. Should top executives in companies be paid in stocks?

6. Banks may be allowed to sell policies of rival insurers. Do you know the difference between an agent and a broker?

7. Global Travel and Tourism Summit.

8. State of the US economy -- appears to be improving; though concerns still remain.

9. A spirited defence of the offshoring model.

10. Language lesson: cobbler.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Saturday, May 9

[Indian Current Affairs:805] Current affairs briefing for 9th May 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/09052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. What's the concept of 'command responsibility'? Ever heard of it? Though not heard, we are sure, most of you are aware of it.

2. The country's hinterland comes to IT biggies rescue. By driving demand.

3. What is MTHL?

4. ONGC announces substantial accretion to its reserves -- in the country and globally.

5. US banks asked to raise additional capital.

6. EU complains about high tax rates on liquor in some of the states in India.

7. Bharti Airtel inks a pact with ManU for content.

8. Language lessons: mothball, hamstrung, scrounge, up hill and down dale.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Friday, May 8

[Indian Current Affairs:804] Current affairs briefing for 8th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/08052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Take a look at Gujarat's surprising progress on agriculture.

2. A very good essay on why the USD will not die away too soon. Manoj Pant's take on the subject.

3. Indian origin CEOs -- three of them -- win laurels in US. Ofcourse Vikram Pandit is not among them; as can be expected. Because of Citi's troubles.

4. Some titbits of info about zoozoo and their makers.

5. Language lessons: platitudinous.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Thursday, May 7

[Indian Current Affairs:802] Current affairs briefing for 7th May 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/07052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. How is Hindutva anti-development. A very good article. BTW can you define Hindutva?

2. Why should government bear the maintenance charges for NPS? A point.

3. Why is the country moving from cash to accrual based accounting system?

4. The one area where India need not copy China.

5. Are Indo US ties headed for some cold times?

6. Oldes patch of ground discovered.

7. Language lesson: cavil.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Wednesday, May 6

[Indian Current Affairs:803] Current affairs breifing for 6th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/06052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. What is it that the US is trying to bring about a change in the international patent system?

2. Some titbits about India's black money. Some dubious distinction we have acquired over the years.

3. Why is the SDR not an international currency?

4. What is "America First" policy of the Obama administration?

5. Libor is softening. What does it mean for India Inc?

6. Take a look at what happens in the conduct of stress tests for banks.

7. Language lessons: quaint, backstop.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Tuesday, May 5

[Indian Current Affairs:801] Current affairs briefing for 5th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/05052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. UPSC toppers are all women!!! Cheer up boys. Time for your to play catch up.

2. The Nepali crisis. What triggered it?

3. Rakesh Mohan quits RBI; to teach at Stanford.

4. A look at the recommendations of the committee that has gone into the spectrum allocation issue.

5. PMO says "NO" to telecom fee cut.

6. NIF to get a decent burial?

7. Nano is a great hit; rakes in moolah for the Tatas.

8. If you think agriculture is eco-friendly; shake up. It too contributes to GHG emissions.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Monday, May 4

[Indian Current Affairs:800] Current affairs briefing for 4th May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/04052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Some reality check about extension of NPS to the general public.

2. Take a look at some of the conclusions arrived at by the SFIO w.r.t the Satyam saga.

3. Telecom licence renewal to cost more. Why?

4. Seimens partners with BHEL for super critical turbines. What is 'super critical' about them?

5. Why are banks parking tons of money with MFs?

6. Know anything about Wolfram Alpha?

7. What are WHO's pandemic levels? Some primer.

8. IPL gets a mind blowing valuation of $2 bn.

9. Language lessons: zeitgeist; hock; rococo & gainsaid.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Saturday, May 2

[Indian Current Affairs:799] Current affairs briefing for 2nd May, 2009

Hi friends,

Here we go with our link for today: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/02052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Arunachal shatters rigging record.

2. Even 26/11 didn't seem to shake Mumbaikars out of their lethargy.

3. A brief from a US intelligence report on India's ailments w.r.f fighting terrorism.

4. Some bits and pieces of info about Chinese Navy.

5. Auto sales bring cheer.

6. Siva, the serial entrepreneur. Just for staying informed.

7. Govt. breaches the WMA cap.

8. Indian Hockey team gets a new coach.

9. A look at the IPL standings.

10. Language lessons: chutzpah, fulmination

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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Friday, May 1

[Indian Current Affairs:798] Current affairs briefing for 1st May, 2009

Hi friends,

Not much to note from papers today. Anyway, here goes our link: http://indiancurrentaffairs.blogspot.com/2009/05/01052009.html

In today's briefing:

1. Today is International Workers' Day.

2. Supreme Court refuses to shift post-Godhra riots case outside Gujarat. Some titbits of info on this.

3. A look at the measures by the government for fighting swine flu.

4. A titbit about Barmer district of Rajasthan. It's bigger than Kerala!

5. Kenya's ladies decide to starve their husbands of sex; for the cause of Kenya.

6. Chrysler files for bankruptcy protection.

7. Language lessons: clamber.

That's it for today. Happy reading.

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I read...
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Sunday, May 31

Saturday, May 30

Friday, May 29

Wednesday, May 27

Tuesday, May 26

Monday, May 25

Saturday, May 23

Friday, May 22

Thursday, May 21

Wednesday, May 20

Tuesday, May 19

Thursday, May 14

Tuesday, May 12

Sunday, May 10

Saturday, May 9

Friday, May 8

Thursday, May 7

Wednesday, May 6

Tuesday, May 5

Monday, May 4

Saturday, May 2

Friday, May 1

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