MBA, Civil Services, Bank, Defence, UPSC exams resource

Essay For Civil Services Mains Exam – INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

2011-12-09T18:43:00.001+05:30

Each age has its pin-pointed passions and pursuits. If the eighteenth century heralded the revolutionary march towards ‘liberty, equality and fraternity’, the nineteenth and twentieth centuries made spectacular strides in science and technology and waged a relentless war against hunger and disease.

The twentieth century witnessed the gradual demise of colonialism, as also the sudden collapse of communism, and thus ushered in the dawn of freedom for many an Asian and African country, along with the sweet-bitter dose of market economy or globalisation. In order to feed the fires of crass consumerism and commercialisation of concepts, excessive exploration and exploitation of both human and natural resources became the hallmarks of the closing years of the twentieth century. Standing at the threshold of the new millennium, one can foresee the triumphant trinity-Information Technology, Communication Revolution and Entertainment Extravaganza, calling the shots and ruling the roost.

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October 2011 Current Affairs For Civil Services Exam, CSAT, Bank PO, UPSC Exams, MBA, Hotel Management Etc Exams

2011-11-27T10:56:00.001+05:30

List of topics covered
NATIONAL AFFAIRS:
Saving Bank Interest rate decontrol.
Study on rural school education.
Right to property is a human right: SC.
Government cannot change purpose of acquired land: SC.
National Manufacturing Policy cleared.
India Human Development Report, 2011.
National Policy on Electronics.
Draft Policy on Information and Communication Technology.
Visit of President of Afghanistan.
Visit of President of Myanmar.
Visit of Prime Minister of Nepal.
India and Switzerland Info Exchange Treaty.
Visit of President of Vietnam.
Draft National Telecom Policy.

INTERNATIONAL:
Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi is killed.
Commonwealth Summit.
IBSA Summit.
Palestine wins UNESCO seat in a historic vote.

PLUS: Business News/GK

CURRENT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
ABBREVIATIONS:
IBSA.

AWARDS:
Nobel Prizes, 2011.
Man Booker Prize, 2011.
Sanskriti Awards, 2011.

CYBER SPACE:
Apple launches iCloud service.

DEFENCE:
Navy inducts fleet tanker INS Shakti.

DISCOVERY:
Roman remains found near Chennai.

HEALTH:
Aspirin reduces risk of colon cancer.

PROJECTS:
World’s Highest Webcam Installed on Everest.
Major Himalayan Rail Projects.
Asia’s largest solar farm commissioned.

SPACE RESEARCH:
New planet found with water and ice.
Multiple-planet solar system discovered.
PSLV-C18 launched.

MISCELLANEOUS:
Aakash—World’s cheapest tablet PC.

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Economic Development And Environment [For Civil Services Mains Exam, Descriptive Questions Bank Exams Etc.]

2011-08-07T14:52:00.001+05:30

Economic development without environmental considerations can cause serious environmental damage, in turn impairing the quality of life of present and future generations. Such environmental degradation imposes a cost on the society and needs to be explicitly factored into economic planning, with necessary remedial measures incorporated. The challenge of sustainable development thus requires integration of the country’s quest for economic development with its environmental concerns.

Environment management in India has, over the years, recognized these sustainable development concerns. The National Environment Policy 2006 has attempted to mainstream environmental concerns in all our developmental activities. It underlines that “while conservation of environmental resources is necessary to secure livelihoods and well being of all, the most secure basis for conservation is to ensure that people dependent on particular resources obtain better livelihoods from the fact of conservation, than from degradation of the resource”.

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AN OVERVIEW OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN INDIA

2011-08-06T19:44:00.000+05:30

The following Feature is very useful for those preparing for Civil Services Mains Exam or similar exam. The topic will also help you to prepare for Descriptive Questions asked in several Bank PO Exams as also for any Essay paper of any competitive exam.

A detailed literature survey shows that micro and small enterprises contribute to economic growth through several pathways that go beyond job creation. In India, the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) sector plays a pivotal role in the overall industrial economy of the country. It is estimated that in terms of value, the sector accounts for about 39% of the manufacturing output and around 33% of the total export of the country. Further, in recent years the MSE sector has consistently registered higher growth rate compared to the overall industrial sector. The major advantage of the sector is its employment potential at low capital cost. As per available statistics, this sector employs an estimated 31 million persons spread over 12.8 million enterprises and the labour intensity in the MSE sector is estimated to be almost 4 times higher than the large enterprises.

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May 2011 Current Affairs For Civil Services Exam, CSAT, Bank PO, UPSC Exams, MBA, Hotel Management Etc Exams

2011-07-02T18:35:00.000+05:30

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
RBI paves way for financial holding company.
State Elections, 2011.
SC quashes Speaker’s decision to disqualify Karnataka MLAs.
Rising food prices and poverty line.
Panel recommends FDI in retail.
Visit of President of Uzbekistan.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Afghanistan visit.
Second Africa-India Summit.
Visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Indo-Pak defence talks.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Tanzania visit.
2-G Scam: Kanimozhi lands in jail.
India ratifies UN protocol against human trafficking.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Germany to abandon all N-power.
G-8 Summit.
Osama bin Laden killed by US forces inside Pakistan.

CURRENT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
AWARDS:
Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding.
Man Booker International Award.
National Film Awards, 58th.
DEFENCE:
T-90 tank makeover.
Astra tested successfully.
EXPEDITIONS:
Indian couple becomes world’s youngest and India’s first to climb Everest.
PERSONS:
bin Laden, Osama.
Browne, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K.
PROJECTS:
ISRO builds India’s fastest super-computer.
RESEARCH:
Paper PCs.
SPACE RESEARCH:
GSAT-8 successfully launched.

PLUS Business GK/News, News in Brieg, Sports News, Appointments, Events Etc.

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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - Essay for Civil Services exam, MBA exams and interview, Bank Recruitment Descriptive Exams, GDs, Interviews

2011-06-11T19:38:00.001+05:30

There is an impressive history associated with the evolution of the concept and definition of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Definitions expanded during the 1960s and proliferated during the 1970s. In the 1980s, there were fewer new definitions, more empirical research, and alternative themes began to mature. These alternative themes included corporate social performance (CSP), stakeholder theory, and business ethics theory.

One of the most frequently asked questions is the obvious—just what does “Corporate Social Responsibility” mean? Different organisations have framed different definitions, although there is considerable common ground between them. One common and very appropriate definition is that CSR is about how companies manage the business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society.

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April 2011 Current Affairs For Civil Services Exam, CSAT, Bank PO, UPSC Exams, MBA, Hotel Management Etc Exams

2011-05-29T12:34:00.002+05:30

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:
Possession of Naxal literature is not sedition, rules SC.
Chinese troops in PoK worry India.
Visit of Prime Minister Singh to Kazakhstan.
Visit of Prime Minister of Thailand.
CWG Scam.
2G Spectrum Scam.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS:
President Saleh of Yemen agrees to step down.
BRIC expands to BRICS.

PLUS: Business NEWS/GK

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CURRENT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
AWARDS:
Dada Saheb Phalke Award, 2010.
Pulitzer Prizes, 2011.

BOOKS:
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer.

EXPEDITIONS:
IAF women team embarks on Mission Everest.

HEALTH:
New guidelines for Alzheimer’s.

PERSONS:
Hazare, Kisan Baburao.

PROJECTS:
India’s first eco-city to come up at Manesar.

RESEARCH:
Fourth variety of life found by US scientist.

SPACE RESEARCH:
PSLV successfully places three satellites in orbit.

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Essay for Civil Services Exam – IAS, IPS, IRS etc. – UPSC Exams: United Nations Convention against Corruption

2011-05-05T16:19:00.000+05:30

Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. Corruption undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to governmental instability. Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is the soliciting of bribes. Economic development is stunted because foreign direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the “start-up costs” required because of corruption.

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Current Affairs for competitive exams - Civil Services, MBA, Bank PO, Bank Clerk, interviews

2011-04-29T15:17:00.001+05:30

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:
Passive euthanasia permissible: SC.
Cabinet nod for Banking Reform Bill.
Law to deal with sexual offences against kids.
Pension Bill introduced in Parliament.
Census 2011: Population pegged at 1.21 billion.
Direct Subsidy Payout Plan.
FDI policy liberalised.
Cricket diplomacy—Pakistan’s PM invited to watch cricket World Cup semi-final at Mohali.
SC strikes down CVC appointment.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS:
Canadian Parliament Dissolved.
Junta rule ends in Myanmar.
Dalai Lama announces his retirement as political head.
Japan faces its worst disaster since World War II.
US and European planes hit Libya.

PLUS Business GK/News

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Feature for Civil Services, UPSC, IAS, Bank Descriptive Questions | Union Budget 2011

2011-03-16T15:49:00.000+05:30

The Union Budget 2011 was presented on February 28, 2011 by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherji, in the background of Indian economy swiftly coming back to a broad-based growth recovery path. The task on hand was to ensure that the continuance of recovery is aided through policy actions, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, to balance the growth trajectory with the rising concerns on inflation.

As per the Budget statement, the fiscal policy will continue to be guided by the principles of gradual adjustment from the fiscal expansion undertaken during the crisis period in 2008-09 and 2009-10. The path has been slightly front-loaded to help the government in reducing the debt to GDP ratio at faster pace that, in turn, will help in unlocking more resources from government revenue in future to be used for developmental programmes instead of debt servicing. In order to achieve the enumerated accelerated fiscal consolidation path, the government has focused on expenditure correction in 2011-12.

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Essay for Civil Services exam; XAT; UPSC, Civil Services Exams: Limitations on IP Rights

2011-03-15T15:06:00.000+05:30

The most important feature of any kind of property is that the owner may use it exclusively, i.e., as he wishes, and that nobody else can lawfully use it without his authorization. This does not, of course, mean that he can use it regardless of the legally recognized rights and interests of other members of society. Similarly the owner of copyright in a protected work may use the work as he wishes, and may prevent others from using it without his authorization. However, there are limitations to the rights.

The first limitation is the exclusion from copyright protection of certain categories of works. In some countries, works are excluded from protection if they are not fixed in tangible form. For example, a work of choreography would only be protected once the movements were written down in dance notation or recorded on videotape. In certain countries, the texts of laws, court and administrative decisions are excluded from copyright protection.

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Cover Feature @ competitionmaster.com - India's Knowledge Economy

2011-03-15T14:54:00.000+05:30

Private higher education is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing segments of post-secondary education at the turn of the 21st century. A combination of unprecedented demand for access to higher education and the inability or unwillingness of governments to provide the necessary support has brought private higher education to the forefront. Private institutions, with a long history in many countries, are expanding in scope and number, and are increasingly important in parts of the world that have relied on the public sector. A related phenomenon is the “privatization” of public institutions in some countries. With tuition and other charges rising, public and private institutions look more and more similar.

Private higher education has long dominated higher education systems in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. There has been a dramatic shift from public to private post-secondary education in Latin America, and Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela now have at least half of their students in private universities. Private higher education is the fastest-growing sector in many countries in Central and Eastern Europe, as also in India. For the most part, this unprecedented growth in the private sector stems from an inability of the governments to fund expansion.

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Article@competitionmaster.com - State of India's Economy 2010-11

2011-03-15T13:19:00.000+05:30

In 2010-11 the Indian economy emerged from the slowdown caused by the global financial meltdown of 2007-09 with remarkable rapidity. As per the Advance Estimates of the Central Statistics Office, released on February 7, 2011, the turnaround was strong, with a rebound in agriculture and continued momentum in manufacturing. The deceleration in community, social, and personal services, as also industry, remained a cause for concern.

The medium to long-run prospect of the economy, including the industrial sector, however, continues to remain positive. On the demand side, a rise in savings and investment, and pick-up in private consumption resulted in strong growth of GDP at constant market prices at 9.7 per cent in 2010-11.

Food items largely drove inflation, which remained at elevated levels for greater part of the year, though the goods that were inflating at the beginning of the year were different from the goods for which prices had risen in the end part of the year.

The rise in the purchasing power owing to the rapid growth of the economy and inclusive programmes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) partly might have contributed to the upward trend in inflation.

Despite tightening of the money markets and moderate growth in deposits, the financial situation remained orderly with a pick-up in credit growth, vibrant equity market and stable foreign exchange market.

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Current National and International Affairs & Business News [January 2011] for Civil Services exam 2011, Bank PO, Bank Clerk, NDA, CDS, MBA, etc. exams

2011-02-26T12:14:00.000+05:30

Current National and International Affairs & Business News [January 2011] for Civil Services exam 2011, Bank PO, Bank Clerk, NDA, CDS, MBA, etc. exams.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: RBI’s Mid-Term Policy Review. Rural job Plan turns five but a lot needs to be done. Srikrishna panel report. Visit of President of Indonesia. India, Italy to set-up joint trade panel. USA lifts export curbs on DRDO, ISRO. Justice Patil report on 2G Scam. Prime Minister draws up 20-point agenda on Corruption.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: Dilma Rousseff is Brazil’s first woman President. New PM appointed in Jordan following protests. UN ends Peace Mission in Nepal. Governor of Punjab province of Pakistan assassinated.South Sudan says “Yes” to secession. Visit of Chinese President to USA.Global Innovation Report, 2010. Muslim demographic peak over next 20 years.

PLUS Business GK/News

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Civil Services Prelims Exam, 2011

2011-02-20T10:58:00.000+05:30

Civil Services Examination for recruitment to the Services and Posts mentioned below will be held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on June 12, 2011.

Indian Administrative Service
Indian Foreign Service
Indian Police Service
Indian P&T Accounts & Finance Service, Group ‘A’
Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), Group ‘A’
Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
Indian Revenue Service (I.T.), Group ‘A’
Indian Ordnance Factories Service, Group ‘A’ (Assistant Works Manager, Non-technical)
Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’
Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
Indian Railway Traffic Service, Group ‘A’
Indian Railway Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
Indian Railway Personnel Service, Group ‘A’
Post of Assistant Security Officer in Railway Protection Force, Group ‘A’
Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’
Indian Information Service (Junior Grade), Group ‘A’
Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’
Armed Force Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade)
Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service, Group ‘B’
Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakhadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service, Group ‘B’
Pondicherry Civil Service, Group ‘B’
Pondicherry Police Service, Group ‘B’

The number of vacancies is liable to alteration. Reservation will be made for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes. Other Backward Classes and Physically Disabled Categories in respect of vacancies as may be fixed by the Government.

Eligibility conditions
Age limit: Not less than 21 years and not more than 30 years as on 1st August, 2011
The upper age limit is relax-able for SC/ST/OBC and certain other categories of candidates to the extent specified in the notice.

Educational qualifications: Degree of a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.

Physical standards: Candidates must be physically fit according to the regulations given in the appendix-III of rules for the civil services examination, 2011 published in the gazette of India extraordinary dated February 19, 2011.

Number of attempts: The maximum number of attempts permissible to different categories of aspirants, who are otherwise eligible, will be as follows: General category (4); P.H. candidates belonging to general category (7); OBC (7); SC/ST/ (no limit).

How to apply:

Candidates may apply online at http://www.upsconline.nic.in Detailed instructions for filling up online applications are available on the website

Candidates may also apply off-line in the common application form devised by the commission for its examinations which can be purchased from the designated head post offices/post offices (specified in appendix III of the notice published in Employment News dated 19.02.2011) throughout the country against cash payment of Rs 30/- (Rs thirty) only. Each such form can be used only once and only for one examination.

Online applications can be filled up to March 21, 2011 till 11.59 p.m. after which the link will be disabled

All off-line applications must reach the controller of examinations, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahajahan road, New Delhi-110069 either by hand or by post/speed post or by courier on or before the March 21, 2011.

However, in respect of candidates residing abroad or in certain remote localities specified in the notice the last date for receipt of applications by post/speed post only (not by hand or by courier) is March 28, 2011.

In case of any difficulty in obtaining application forms from the designated HPOs/POs, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned post master or UPSC’s forms supply monitoring cell over Tele 011-23389366/Fax 011-23387310

To Read the Detailed Notification visit www.upsc.gov.in

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Current National and International Affairs & Business News [December 2010] for Civil Services exam 2011, Bank PO, Bank Clerk, NDA, CDS, MBA, etc. exams

2011-01-28T20:24:00.000+05:30

Current Affairs section has been updated with topics of December 2010.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Mid-quarter policy review by RBI. India’s U-turn at Cancun Summit. Rs 40,000 cr raised via disinvestment in 2010. Worst Session of Parliament. Visit of Chinese Prime Minister. India-EU Summit. Visit of French President. Visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Germany. Visit of Russian President. TRAI cracks whip on telemarketers.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: US Senate ratifies new arms control treaty with Russia. Lack of risk management exposes BRIC economies. IMF Report on World Economy. Global economy in better shape. More efforts required to slow deforestation. Greenland ice melts set record in 2010. Cancun Climate Summit. China, Pak ink trade deals. Terror to be India’s focus at UNSC.

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Feature for Civil Services, UPSC, IAS, Bank Descriptive Questions | History of India-China relations

2011-01-17T20:27:00.000+05:30

India’s relations with China have a long history. The origins of China’s expansionist and aggressive designs can be traced to its full occupation of Tibet, a vast region in Central Asia, often called the “Roof of the World” and the “Forbidden Land”. It brought China to the very edge of our border.

The decades-old cordiality, which marked the “Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai” days and all the impressive talk of Panchsheel (five principles of peaceful co-existence), to which China was also a vocal party during Nehru’s time, were turned into hostility as a result of the sudden invasion of India by China in 1962 and forcible occupation of about 35,000 square km of Indian territory.

Every now and then, the Chinese, officially or unofficially, release maps in a bid to establish their legal right over Indian territory which it seized in 1962 and other areas.

Several rounds of talks have been held, frequent gestures of friendship made, feelers thrown by both countries and false hopes aroused of a settlement of the vital border question. The results of the prolonged discussions, do not mark concrete achievements towards the solution of the boundary question which naturally continues to be the topmost priority from the Indian viewpoint.

Relations with China have also remained soured because of its support to Pakistan in making nuclear weapons. India has often protested about this but the co-operation has continued. China’s hand in the making of the Pakistani nuclear bombs was all too evident but India did not make it into an international issue. Nor has it highlighted the plight of the Tibetan refugees in India. More and more have been crossing the border and settle in India to escape the prosecution in China.

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Article @ competitionmaster.com - India's Urban Scenario

2011-01-15T20:24:00.000+05:30

Contrary to popular concepts of a predominantly rural India, an increasingly larger percentage of Indian population today lives in the urban areas. India’s urban population is now second largest in the world after China, and is higher than the total urban population of all countries put together barring China, USA and Russia. Over the last fifty years, while the country’s population has grown by 2.5 times, in the urban areas it has grown by five times.

In 1947, only 60 million people (15 per cent of the total population at that time) lived in urban areas. India’s urban population grew from the 290 million reported in the 2001 Census to an estimated 340 million in 2008 (30 percent of the total population) and it could soar to 590 million plus (40 percent of the population) by 2030. This urban expansion will happen at a speed quite unlike anything India has seen before. The steep growth in number of people living is partly due to the skewed development that has led to proliferation of commercial activities, and greater job opportunities in towns and cities. Facilities like health and education, and infrastructure like roadways, telecommunication, airports, railways and ports are also many times better in urban areas.

In spite of its prominent role in Indian economy, urban India faces serious problems due to population pressure, deterioration in the physical environment and quality of life. According to estimates, nearly one third of the urban India lives below poverty line. About 15 percent of the urbanites do not have access to safe drinking water and about 50 percent are not covered by sanitary facilities.

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Cover Feature@competitionmaster.com - Women Empowerment

2011-01-15T19:51:00.000+05:30

When it comes to women there have been a few important happenings in the recent past. For the Indian women there were the 73rd and 74th Amendments (1993) to the Constitution, providing for the reservation of seats in the local bodies of panchayats and municipalities and, of course, the post 1995 measures by the government that formed the icing. It is a different issue that the cake was missing.

The government of India had floated zealously its grand ideas for the country by declaring the year 2001 as Women’s Empowerment Year, with a focus on achieving the “vision in the new century of a nation where women are equal partners with men”. What followed was a spate of programmes and schemes with fine names: Swashakti and Stree Shakti for women’s empowerment; Swayam Siddha to benefit nearly a lakh women through micro-credit programmes, Balika Samrudhi Yojana for the girl child and a horde of various other projects, doubtlessly with intentions of going about a greater common good.

Since independence, India has developed several initiatives for guaranteeing education to its people. Although some progress has been achieved, the ever growing population has always come in the way. What is worrisome is the inconsistency that marks the efforts. Every once in a while, when a programme is to be launched or a report released, the activism comes to the fore. For rest of the time the problem exists but is too commonplace and ubiquitous to rouse strong motivation for efforts.

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Personality Development: Are You Bottle Bound?

2011-01-15T18:49:00.000+05:30

ONE of the main reasons why we drink is to give ourselves confidence, in the belief that a few glasses oil the tongue and sets us at ease-especially with strangers. There are, of course, plenty of other reasons: loneliness, wanting to please others, being frightened of feeling left out, using drink as bridge between each other, drinking to impress, or just wanting to shut out the world in an alcoholic haze. And it’s often not just one of these reasons but a combination.

We are all at times a bit lonely, frightened, unsure of what to say, anxious about meeting people-friends as well as strangers—and we turn to the bottle to help us over these fears and stumblings.

It is a short step from this to using the bottle whenever life ‘closes in’. Then you have a problem, because life can ‘close in’ at any time.

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Cover Feature@competitionmaster.com - (Family) Ties that Bind

2010-11-30T18:56:00.000+05:30

A person has three names, the name he/she inherited from his/her parents, the name his/her parents gave him/her and the name he/she makes for himself/herself, says a wise man.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that a name a person makes for himself/herself is possible only with the love and support of family.

What are traits of a successful person? Responsibility. Compassion. Loyalty. Trust. Honesty. Hard work. Sharing. Faith. Everyone recognises these as also essentials of good character. But where do we learn these? Not from a textbook, but from the Family—the greatest institution in the world.

In this confusing world, the family is a support system that anchors you and provides a supporting hand when you stumble, gives you a basic life view of optimism and hope.

Turning your dream into victory doesn’t happen easily. Many students think they can, or should, try to go it alone as they pursue their dreams and goals. The truth is, if you want meaningful, long-term success, you need your family and mentors to help you achieve it. Success comes not only through your own efforts, but also through the assistance, guidance, and encouragement from your family.

A key element of the ‘Success Process’ is building relationships with parents who care about you and believe in your goals as you grow and expand the possibilities for your life.

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Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS etc) Prelims Exam: Change in Syllabus 2011

2010-10-21T14:41:00.000+05:30

UPSC has announced changes in syllabus and pattern of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination from 2011.

The Civil Services Preliminary Examination shall now comprise of two compulsory Papers of 200
marks each and of two hours duration each.

Paper I - (200 marks) Duration: Two hours
• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic geography
of India and the World.
• Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System,
Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development,
Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
• General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate
Change - that do not require subject specialization
• General Science.

Paper II- (200 marks) Duration: Two hours
• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision making and problem solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude
etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data
sufficiency etc.—Class X level)
• English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level).
• Questions relating to English Language Comprehension skills of Class X level
(last item in the Syllabus of Paper-II) will be tested through passages from
English

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Banks to have common entrance exam

2010-09-28T10:55:00.000+05:30

The union government has accepted the recommendation of the A.K. Khandelwal committee and the Indian Banks Association has agreed to a common recruitment programme for public sector banks that would be conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.

The move is expected to address the issue of manpower shortage in State-owned banks, which are planning to recruit around 34,000 officers and 51,000 clerical staff over the next three years.

The IBPS, established in 1984, is an autonomous body engaged in recruitment and internal promotions in banks and financial institutions. During 2009-10, IBPS conducted tests for around six million candidates at 125 centres across the country for recruitment in PSBs.

The Khandelwal committee, in its report presented to the government in June, had recommended, among other issues, that bankers could design the content of testing, methodology for conducting such tests and also review the existing arrangements.

The move was necessitated as banks were facing a huge problem in hiring talent. The common test is expected to bring down recruitment cost and the time taken. The proposed selection process will help jobseekers too as they will not be required to take separate tests for different banks.

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Combined Defence Services Exam-1 (CDS), 2011

2010-09-25T21:49:00.004+05:30

The Union Public Service Commission will hold the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2011 on February 13, 2011 for admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy for the courses commencing in January, 2012 and Officers Training Academy, Chennai for the courses (Men and Women) commencing in April, 2012.

Age limits, sex and marital status
For Indian Military Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 1988 and not later than January 1, 1993 only are eligible.
For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1990 (January 2, 1988 in case of NCC Naval Wing ‘C’ certificate holders) and not later than January 1, 1993, only are eligible.
For Air Force Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2nd, 1989 and not later than January 1, 1993 only are eligible.
For Officers Training Academy (SSC course for Men): Male candidates (married or unmarried) born not earlier than January 2, 1987, and not later than January 1, 1993, only are eligible.
For Officers Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical course): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcess (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born but not earlier than January 2, 1987, and not later than January 1, 1993.

Educational qualifications
For Indian Military Academy and Officers Training Academy: Degree of a recognized university or equivalent.
For Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering.
For Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

Candidates who are studying in final year degree course and have yet to pass final year degree examination or equivalent examination can apply for the examination, but they will be required to submit proof of passing the degree examination or equivalent examination by the specified dates published in commission’s notice for the examination.

Physical standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical standards for admission to Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2011 as given in appendix-V of UPSC’s notice for the examination published in employment news/rozgar samachar dated September 25, 2010.

How to apply
Candidates may apply online by using the website upsconline.nic.in.
Detailed instructions for filling up online applications are available on the above-mentioned website.

Candidates may also apply off-line, in the common application form devised by the Commission for its examinations which can be purchased from the designated head post offices/post offices (specified in appendix-III of the notice) throughout the country against cash payment of Rs 20/- (Rupees twenty only). Each such form can be used only once and only for one examination.

In case of any difficulty in obtaining application forms from the designated HPOs/POs, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned post master or UPSC’s forms supply monitoring cell over Tele 011-23389366/Fax 011-23387310.

To read the complete notification visit www.upsc.gov.in

For study material and solved papers visit www.competitionmaster.com

MBA Entrance Group Discussion (GD) / Debate: Privatisation of Education

2010-09-08T11:46:00.000+05:30

"The public choice strategy proposes that functions that are not being carried out properly/efficiently or have received a lackadaisical approach towards them must be delegated to the private sector. The world has been seeing a wave of privatization sweep across many spheres. It is sometimes not only essential but also the only choice that remains when breaking the monopoly of the government is concerned, especially in infrastructure. The impact of privatization on education could not be contained either, as it seemed to help a cause and diversify choice of resources available. At the school-level, privatization has become a very normal phenomenon.

Even though privatization is a necessity, it does not come without drawbacks. The process involves private sector in the ownership or operation of a State-owned enterprise. In reality, the ideals that are upheld by the State in its enterprises has been overtaken by the underlying mantras of business enterprise— profits and more profits. It becomes necessary at this stage to understand that when the Constitution has laid down free and compulsory education for children until they complete 14 years of age, why is the State not able to meet its responsibility. And subsequently, even if it does involve the private sector to reach its goals, why is it unable to hold the ideas of social equity and service to the deprived sections! Is privatization of education really going to help or is it just another up-scale factory turning up nose on the natives?

TO read the complete debate visit competitionmaster.com

Article @ competitionmaster.com - Corruption and Quality of Governance

2010-09-08T11:44:00.000+05:30

"That India is one of the most corrupt in the world is not the news, the news is that there is no hope for any respite from this evil which is essentially an anti-poor phenomenon. According to the Transparency International, India ranks very high on the Corruption Perception Index. There are a lot of things because of which one is proud of being an Indian. However, there are a lot more for which one is ashamed of being an Indian, and corruption is one of them.

To read the complete article visit competitionmaster.com

Career Planning - What after rejection

2010-09-08T11:42:00.000+05:30

"YOU had, you think, prepared very well for the crucial interview. You are likely to say it to yourself and others, “I left no stone unturned.” Yet, the outcome was disappointing. You start cursing your “luck” or you may, in a fit of bad temper, debunk those who decided against your selection. You begin to nurse a grudge. This will eventually further damage your future prospects. It is better to be rational, objective, look for soft spots and convert them into plus points. That’s the only way from rejection to selection.

Lots of factors can prevent you from getting a job. Many of them you have control over, while others you don’t. By controlling those you can and thinking reasonably about those you can’t, your chances of taking a healthy perspective toward this whole job-research issue are better.

To read the complete article visit competitionmaster.com

India's Foreign Policy: Its Twists and Turns

2010-09-08T11:37:00.001+05:30

Talleyrand, Foreign Minister of Napoleon and the Bourbons, is remembered as a shrewd foreign policy maker. He advocated pragmatism and Western nations have always pursued pragmatic foreign policies. He also advised eschewing excessive fervour while pronouncing foreign policy.

“The art of diplomacy, as that of water colours, has suffered much from the fascination which it exercises on the amateur”, said Harold Nicholson. This observation aptly applies to India’s diplomacy post-independence in 1947. Indians, somehow, have been extravagantly demonstrative, persistently delusive and high sounding while pronouncing their foreign policy.

The cold war era provided a near-perfect setting for spewing idealism at an ideologically divided world that was gracelessly recovering from the holocaust of a catastrophic world war. Those times also saw the end of colonialism and dawn of freedom for India. It gave a larger than life world stage to a Universalist Nehru who illumined it with the light of idealism and, like an angel, befittingly fluttered his wings over it ineffectually, while the Victors of World War Two—USA, UK, France, Russia and China—grabbed the world stage as leaders of peace!

To read complete article visit competitionmaster.com

Article @ competitionmaster.com - Education for All

2010-07-07T13:38:00.000+05:30

The gains achieved since the Education for All and Millennium Development Goals were adopted in 2000 are undeniable: great strides have been made towards universal primary education, increased participation in secondary and tertiary education and, in many countries, gender equality. More widely, there have been improvements in overcoming hunger, poverty, and child and maternal mortality.

The global financial crisis could radically change all this. Reaching the marginalized demonstrates that declining government revenue and rising unemployment now pose a serious threat to progress in all areas of human development. Government budgets are under even greater pressure and funding for education is especially vulnerable. So are poor households. Rising poverty levels mean that the challenge of meeting basic human needs is a daily struggle. Lessons from the past teach us that children are often the first to suffer—as is their chance to go to school.

Global Monitoring Report, 2010, underscores that there is a long way to travel. There are still at least 72 million children worldwide who are missing out on their right to education because of the simple fact of where they are born or who their family is. Millions of youths leave school without the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and one in six adults is denied the right to literacy.

To read the complete article visit www.competitionmaster.com

Essay for Civil Services exam; XAT; UPSC, Civil Services Exams: Tradition and Modernity: Friends or Foes?

2010-07-07T13:36:00.000+05:30

Jean Baudrillard, a major theoretician of the European present, characterizes the present state of affairs, at least in the Western context, as “after the orgy”: the “orgy”, according to him, was the moment when modernity exploded upon us, the moment of liberation in every sphere.

Complete essay available at www.competitionmaster.com

Current Affairs - April 2010 [for MAT, XAT, MBA exams, Bank PO Exams, Civil Services Exam, UPSC exams etc.]

2010-05-28T15:39:00.000+05:30

We have updated following sections of the website with April 2010 news.

Current Affairs READ ALL

Current General Knowledge READ ALL

Sports News in Brief READ ALL

Appointments, Visitors, Events, etc. READ ALL

Business News/GK READ ALL

We are confident you are finding the information being provided useful in your preparations for various competitive exams and recruitment interviews.

Feature for Civil Services, UPSC, IAS, Bank Descriptive Questions | Naga Problem: A Backgrounder

2010-05-18T23:46:00.000+05:30

In 2002, the first visit in more than three decades by leaders of the once banned outfit, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, to hold parleys with the Indian political leadership, sent positive signals and ignited the hope for a peaceful settlement of the Naga problem. While the last meeting in India, with an Indian Prime Minister was held in 1967, the informal talks had been on with the successive Prime Ministers during their visits abroad.

There is no doubt that the road to peace is fraught with many problems and the talks still remain inconclusive. While the Indian government will not let the State separate from the country, it is hard for the separatist group to come to terms with being a part of the Indian Union. Not only this, rest of the States adjoining Nagaland, with large Naga inhabited areas, are not willing to compromise on the issue of territorial division. Manipur had witnessed large-scale riots in 2001. In May 2010 trouble again erupted in Manipur over the visit of Mr Muivah to his village which lies in the State. Assam has also often voiced its displeasure about the ceasefire extending to areas out side the territory of Nagaland.

To read the complete story visit competitionmaster.com

Cover Feature@competitionmaster.com - Crisis in Euro-zone—Next Phase of Global Economic Turmoil

2010-05-18T23:43:00.000+05:30

After 2008’s banking crisis and 2009’s recession, in 2010 the next phase of global economic turmoil is taking shape: a crisis in public finance. The troubles are most acute in Europe. Government deficits have ballooned to more than 12 percent of GDP in Spain, Ireland, and the UK, while government debt will hit over 100 percent across the European Union by 2014. The first country to buckle under pressure has been Greece. Greek markets crashed in December 2009 due to worries about the government’s ability to finance its enormous deficit. Because most EU countries now use the euro as a common currency, they can no longer finance their debt by printing money, or by devaluing their currency to make their exports more competitive and thus grow themselves out of the slump. Faltering countries could face sharply higher interest rates, problems refinancing their debt, and, ultimately, default—something that has not happened in a developed European economy since 1948.

To read the complete story visit competitionmaster.com

Article @ competitionmaster.com - Public Finance and Fiscal Developments

2010-05-06T11:41:00.000+05:30

The fiscal space generated in the 2004-05 to 2007-08 period, following the Fiscal Responsibility Budget Management Act (FRBMA) mandate, mitigated on effects of global financial and economic crisis in 2008-09 through an expansionary fiscal stance to boost aggregate demand. Traditionally, assessment of public finances was confined to analysis of fiscal indicators, but the macro-economy-wide impact of the crisis underscored the importance of accounts data in tandem in such assessments.

To read the complete article Click Here

Civil Services Mains Exam Solved Question: Fundamental Rights Vs Other Rights

2010-05-04T23:53:00.000+05:30

What is the difference between the Fundamental Rights and the rights secured under various other provisions of the Constitution?

To read the answer Click here

UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam solved Question: Provisions of Panchayati Raj Institutions

2010-05-04T23:51:00.000+05:30

What are the provisions relating to the Panchayati Raj Institutions in Indian Constitution?

To read the answer Click here

Competitive Exams in India | General Knowledge | Physical Geography | CDS, NDA, Civil Services, UPSC, SSC Exams

2010-05-03T20:31:00.000+05:30

In the General Knowledge Section of Competition Master.com, under sub-head General Knowledge Refresher, a new topic on Physical Geography added.

This information is very useful for the General Awareness paper of any competitive exam, especially, Civil Services Prelims Exam, Bank PO exam, CDS, NDA and similar exams.

Latest updation on competitionmaster.com

2010-04-19T10:27:00.001+05:30

We have since updated the Cover Story, Career Info, Feature, Debate, Essay and Personality Development sections of the website with new topics. To read the topics visit competitionmaster.com or click on the READ MORE link against each topic below.

COVER STORY: Generation X: No More a Destiny’s Child

Barely into college, in any major city of India, he/she has the trappings of a millionaire. So what if the silver spoon has been missing? Today’s youngster refuses to have a routine like that of his/her parents, prefers life in the fast lane and aims for the moon in shortest possible time. That is the definition of youth for you today. And why not, there is an unending list of success stories for inspiration and many a route to the quick bucks.

READ ALL

CAREER INFO: Career in Insurance

The opening up of the insurance sector and the entry of private companies has led to an ever increasing demand for well-qualified, trained and skilled professionals in the insurance industry. The industry requires professionals in diverse disciplines, such as marketing, distribution, operations, financial experts specialising in investment, banking and mutual funds, etc.

READ ALL

ESSAY: Fast Life: Thrill or Thorn?

The present-day trends and tendencies on the part of individuals and nations hold the view that ‘speed and success’ are synonymous both in content and context. A thrill in senses and a thorn in flesh—this is how one can describe the curves and contours of the rapid pace of present-day life. Given the pressure of the work place and stiff deadlines and targets, health is not a priority at this level.

READ ALL

FEATURE: Does TV Reflect Reality?

Medium of television continues to be under scanner. Questions that still have not got clear-cut answers are: whether television as a media reflects reality or create it? Should media portray an ideal world? What is the overall impact of the media upon reality? What should the role of the media be? Can TV actually change reality?

READ ALL

DEBATE: Striking to win or Holding to Ransom?

Bandhs and strikes are something that affects the people across the country. The amazing fact is that one section of the populace can throw the economy out of gear by refusing to do their bit. What is debatable here is—whether the option exercised in the forms of bandhs and strikes is legitimate? On the other hand, does the aggrieved section have any other option to make their voice heard?

READ ALL

PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT: Banish Your Phobias

A phobia is an irrational fear. Phobias are obsessive, inadequate emotional experiences of specific fears felt by the subject in a definite (phobic) situation and accompanied by dysfunctions. Phobias are observed in neuroses, psychoses and organic brain diseases.

READ ALL

Syndicate Bank Clerical Cadre Recruitment, 2010

2010-04-13T11:40:00.001+05:30

Syndicate Bank, a Premier Nationalised Bank, invites ONLINE applications from Indian citizens for recruitment of 1000 Probationary Clerks.

Opening Date for ONLINE Registration: April 13, 2010

Last date for ONLINE registration (Including for candidates from far-flung areas): May 12, 2010

Written Test on: June 27, 2010.

Selection will be made on the basis of performance in written test and Interview. Written test will comprise of questions on Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Computer awareness and English.

To read the complete notification and to apply online visit syndicatebank.in/scripts/Recruitment.aspx

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For study material, solved papers, etc. visit competitionmaster.com

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2010

2010-03-22T19:31:00.001+05:30

UPSC has announced National Defence Academy Exam (II), 2010. One day examination will be held on August 22, 2010.

Eligibility:
(i) For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

(ii) For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for 10+2 (Executive Branch) Course at Naval Academy: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

Candidates appearing at the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination also eligible to compete subject to certain conditions.

Age limit: 16½ - 19 years as on July 1, 2011

Last date for receipt of application form: April 19, 2010.

How to apply:
(a) Candidates who wish to apply Offline must apply in the Common Application form devised by the Commission for its examinations, which can be purchased from the desginated Head Post Offices/Post Offices (specified in Appendix III of the Notice) throughout the country against cash payment of Rs. 20/- (Rupees Twenty only). Each such Form can be used only once and only for one examination.

In case of any difficulty in obtaining Application Forms from the designated HPOs/POs, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned post Master or UPSC's "FORMS SUPPLY MONITORING CELL" over Telephone No. 011-23389366/FAX No. 011-23387310.

(b) Candidates except certain categories mentioned in para 5(c) can also apply Online using the link http://www.upsconline.nic.in. Detailed instructions for filling up online applications are available on the above mentioned website.

The online Applications can be filled up to April 12, 2010 till 11.59 PM after which the link will be disabled.

Candidates are advised to read carefully the "Instructions for filling up the Offline Application Form" given in Appendix-II (A) and Instructions for Online Applications given in Appendix II (B) of this notice.

To read the complete notification visit: www.upsc.gov.in

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For solved papers and study resources visit competitionmaster.com

Bank of Baroda Clerical Cadre Recruitment Exam 2010

2010-03-19T21:24:00.003+05:30

Bank of Baroda is looking for 2000 young and energetic candidates in its Clerical cadre.

Age (as on 01.01.2010): Minimum age 18 years maximum age 28 years (relaxation of age for reserved candidates as per government guidelines)

Educational qualifications (as on 01.01.2010): A 10+2/Intermediate/HSC pass with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PWD and Ex-servicemen) or degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent qualification recognized by central government

Candidates are advised to apply only online.

To read the complete notification and apply online visit http://www.bankofbaroda.com/recruitment.asp?artid=2278&modid=36

Payment of fees at Bank of Baroda branches will be accepted from: 17.03.2010 to 17.04.2010.

Website link open from 17.03.2010 to 17.04.2010

Date of written test: June 6, 2010

For study material, solved papers, etc. visit competitionmaster.com

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) ADO Recruitment 2010

2010-03-17T16:54:00.001+05:30

Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) India invites Online applications from eligible candidates for recruitment as Apprentice Development Officers in the various officers of LIC of India.

Approximately 5578 posts of Apprentice Development Officers are proposed to be filled in by the Offices under the jurisdiction of 8 Zonal Offices.

For further details and to apply online visit www.licindia.in/ADO/ado-recruitment.htm

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For study material and solved papers/practice questions on GK, Reasoning, English and Quantitative Aptitude visit competitionmaster.com

Bank of Baroda (BoB) Probationary Officers (PO) Recruitment Exam 2010

2010-03-11T23:36:00.001+05:30

Visit competitionmaster.com for study material, solved papers, mock tests, descriptive questions, questions on social and economic problems, current affairs for your preparations for Bank of Baroda (BOB) Probationary Officers (PO) Recruitment Exam

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has announced vacancies for 1200 Probationary Officers (PO) in the rank of Junior Management Grade/Scale 1. The online registration link will be open on March 15, 2010 and will close on April 10, 2010.

Written Test will be held on May 30, 2010.

Eligibility criteria

Qualification (as on 01.07.2010): Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or any equivalent qualification recognized by central government. Should be computer literate (proficient in MS-office, basic applications, internet usage etc)

Candidates who are appearing for final year examination of graduation are also eligible to apply provided they produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before July 1, 2010. Candidature of such candidates whose results are declared or have mark sheet dated after July 1, 2010 would be rejected.

Age (as on 01.07.2010): Minimum 21 years; Maximum 30 years

Relaxation in upper age limit: SC/ST by 5 years, OBC by 3 years.

Written test: Eligible candidates will be required to appear for written test comprising of Objective Test on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Socio-economic and Banking awareness, English and Marketing Aptitude.

Further details regarding the written test i.e. number of questions, duration etc, shall be advised along with the call letter.

Interview: Those short listed candidates in the order of ranking in the written test as per the cut-off marks determined by the Bank shall be called for an interview and/or group discussion and the decision of the Bank in this regard shall be final.

For further information and to apply online visit: www.bankofbaroda.com

Management Aptitude Test (MAT), May 2010

2010-03-10T10:36:00.004+05:30

MAT is entrance fo MBA and Allied Programmes, conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA)

Paper based Test will be held on May 2, 2010.
Computer Based Test will be held from May 8, 2010 onwards.

Last date for sale of Application form: April 7, 2010
Last date for submission of filled-n form at AIMA, New Delhi: April 10, 2010
Last date for Online Registration: April 9, 2010.
Last date for submission of online registration print-out at AIMA, New Delhi: April 12, 2010

Eligibility: Graduates in any discipline. Final year students of Graduate courses can also apply.

For more information and to apply online visit: www.aima-ind.org/matmay10

Visit www.competitionmaster.com for study resources and solved papers of MAT exam.

War Against Poverty

2010-03-07T21:04:00.001+05:30

Readers will find this feature useful in their preparations for Civil Services Exam and other similar UPSC and SSC exams. The information provided is also useful for Bank P.O. and Bank Clerk Recruitment exam preparations as also any competitive exam [MBA, NDA, CDS, IFS, IES etc] in which questions on General Awareness or General Knowledge and Current Affairs are asked.

In a world that could provide for all its people, extreme poverty and hunger are the daily lot of millions. Of the world’s more than six billion people, 2.8 billion—almost half—live on less than $2 a day, and 1.2 billion—a fifth—live on less than $1 a day, with 44 per cent living in South Asia. In rich countries, fewer than one child in 100 does not reach its fifth birthday, while in the poorest countries as many as a fifth of children do not.

Over two million childhood deaths occur annually due to vaccine-preventable diseases; hunger daily stalks nearly 800 million people in the developing world. Every day, 31,000 people die from preventable causes, half of them hunger-related. UNICEF says that some 1,400 girls and women die each day from causes related to child-birth, 99 per cent of them in developing countries. About 1.1 billion people still lack access to clean drinking water. More than 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, and there are 14 million AIDS orphans under the age of 14.

This destitution persists even though human conditions have improved more in the past century than in the rest of history—global wealth, global connections, and technological capabilities have never been greater. But the distribution of these global gains is extraordinarily unequal. The average income in the richest 20 countries is 37 times the average in the poorest 20—a gap that has doubled in the past 40 years.

To read the complete article visit competitionmaster.com

State of India's Economy [for competitive exams like civil services, upsc exams, bank po and mba exams]

2010-03-07T14:11:00.002+05:30

In the second half of 2008-09 there was a significant slowdown in the growth rate, following the financial crisis that hit the world in 2007. The fiscal year 2009-10, thus, began on a difficult note. There was apprehension that the slow-down will continue to affect the economy thus making 2009-10 a difficult year.

However, 2009-10 turned out to be a year of reckoning for the policy makers, who took a calculated risk by providing substantial fiscal expansion to counter the negative fallout of the global slowdown.

The downside of the fiscal stimulus was that India’s fiscal deficit increased, reaching 6.8 per cent of GDP in 2009-10. A sub-normal monsoon added to the overall uncertainty.

Despite all odds the economy, at the end of the financial year, posted a remarkable recovery, not only in terms of overall growth figures but, more importantly, in terms of certain fundamentals, which justify optimism for the Indian economy in the medium to long term.

The real turnaround came in the second quarter of 2009-10 when the economy grew by 7.9 per cent. As per the advance estimates of GDP for 2009-10, released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), the economy is expected to grow at 7.2 per cent in 2009-10, with the industrial and the service sectors growing at 8.2 and 8.7 per cent respectively.

This recovery is impressive for at least three reasons. First, it has come about despite a decline of 0.2 per cent in agricultural output, which was the consequence of sub-normal monsoons. Second, it fore-shadows renewed momentum in the manufacturing sector, which had seen continuous decline in the growth rate for almost eight quarters since 2007-08. Indeed, manufacturing growth has more than doubled from 3.2 per cent in 2008-09 to 8.9 per cent in 2009-10. Third, there has been a recovery in the growth rate of gross fixed capital formation, which had declined significantly in 2008-09 as per the revised National Accounts Statistics (NAS). While the growth rates of private and government final consumption expenditure have dipped in private consumption demand, there has been a pick-up in the growth of private investment demand.

To read the complete article visit www.competitionmaster.com

Union Budget 2010 for Competitive Exams

2010-03-03T17:46:00.000+05:30

UNION BUDGET 2010 IN A NUTSHELL

Additional Rs 1,65,000 cr for bank re-capitalisation
Rs 3000 cr for agricultural impetus
Farm loan payments to be extended for six months
Fertilizer subsidy to be reduced
Rs 100 cr woman farmer fund scheme
Coal regulatory authority to be set up
Clean energy fund to be established
Interest subvention of 2% to be extended for handicrafts and SMEs
Rs 200 cr for Tamil Nadu textile sector
Interest subvention for housing loans up to 1 lacs
Allocation to defence raised to Rs 1.47 lakh cr
Defence capex raised to Rs 60,000 cr
Divestment target of Rs 25,000 cr
Rs 1200 cr assistance for drought in Bundelkhand
Rs 48000 cr for Bharat Nirman
NREGA scheme allocation raised to Rs 41,000 cr
Allocation to health Rs 22,300 cr
Allocation for school education up from Rs 26,800 cr to Rs 31036 cr
Allocation to power sector at Rs 5130 cr
Rs 10,000 cr allocated for Indira Awaas Yojna
Social Security Fund to have corpus of over Rs 1000 cr
Rs 2400 cr for MSMEs
Government to contribute Rs 1000 per month for pension security
Rs 5400 cr allocated for urban development
Rs 66100 cr allocated for rural development
Rs 1900 cr allocated for UID project
Gross tax receipts Rs 7.46 lakh cr
Government to set up National Mission for delivery of justice
15% rise in planned expenditure
Fiscal deficit target of 5.5% in FY11
Excise on all non smoking tobacco raised
Televisions to be costlier
Mobile phones to become cheaper
Cement to be costlier
Refrigerators to be costlier
Jewellery to be more expensive
Monorail granted project import status
CDs to be cheaper
Excise duty on CFL halved to 4%
Bank farm loan target: Rs 3.75,lakh crore
Nutrient based fertiliser subsidy scheme to come into force from April 1, 2010
To build 20 km of highway every day
Income tax on income upto Rs 1.6 lakh: Nil
Income tax on income above Rs 1.6 lakh and upto Rs. 5 lakh: 10 per cent
Income tax on income above Rs.5 lakh and upto Rs. 8 lakh: 20 per cent
Income tax on income above Rs. 8 lakh 30 per cent

To read the complete feature visit www.competitionmaster.com

Current Affairs and Current GK for MBA, Bank PO, Bank Clerk, Hotel Management, NDA, CDS, Civil Services exams

2010-02-25T16:47:00.001+05:30

We have updated following sections of the www.competitionmaster.com website with January 2010 news.

Current Affairs Click to Read

Current General Knowledge Click to Read

Sports News in Brief Click to Read

Appointments, Visitors, Events, etc. Click to Read

Now you can follow us on Twitter for to know about latest updates on the website as also to get information links for various competitive exams. Just click on the Twitter link on the home page.

Henceforth, we will also be providing a link at the end of every article/posting to allow you to share the information with your friends on Facebook.

Tackling Global Warming: From Kyoto to Copenhagen

2010-02-23T10:42:00.001+05:30

Global Warming is defined as the increase of the average temperature on earth. As the earth is getting hotter, disasters like hurricanes, droughts and floods are getting more frequent. Over the last 100 years, the average temperature of the air near the earth´s surface has risen a little less than 1° Celsius. On first look, this does not seem all that much? However, the fact is that this little increase is responsible for the conspicuous increase in storms, floods and raging forest fires we have seen in the last ten years.

Data collected by the scientists shows that an increase of one degree Celsius makes the earth warmer now than it has been for at least a thousand years. Out of the 20 warmest years on record, 19 have occurred since 1980. The three hottest years ever observed have all occurred in the last ten years.

Besides, it is not only about how much the earth is warming, it is also about how fast it is warming. There have always been natural climate changes—Ice Ages and the warm intermediate times between them—but those evolved over periods of 50,000 to 100,000 years.

The earth is already showing many signs of worldwide climate change:

To read the complete article visit www.competitionmaster.com

Indian Forest Service Exam 2010 by UPSC

2010-02-23T10:40:00.000+05:30

For Study material and sample questions visit: www.competitionmaster.com

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UPSC will hold the Indian Forest Service Exam, 2010 commencing from July 10, 2010.

Age Limit: Not less than 21 years and not more than 30 years as on July 1, 2010.

Educational Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree of a recognised university with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botony, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology or a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Forestry or in Engineering or an equivalent qualification.

Number of attempts allowed: General Category – 4; OBC – 7, SC/ST – No limit

To Apply
(a) UPSC proposes to make available online application submission from February 27, 2010 to March 15, 20101. Visit www.upsc.gov.in to apply online.

(b) Common Application form can be purchased from the designated Head Post Offices/Post Offices (specified in the Appendix-III of the notice) against cash payment of Rs 20.

Last date for receipt of application forms: March 22, 2010.

To read the complete notification visit www.upsc.gov.in

competitionmaster.com revamped

2009-05-23T10:22:00.000+05:30

The revamped website, www.competitionmaster.com, was launched on Friday, May 22, 2009. Keeping in mind the feedback received from the subscribers the entire content, except for the e-books, can now be read in the browser itself and there is no need to first download the pdf files.

The layout of the website has also been made more user-friendly. Content has been segregated exam wise and it is now very easy to locate and read study material related to the competitive exams like civil services exam, bank recruitment exams, defence recruitment exams, Management exams like CAT, MAT etc as also other exams.

Unlike in the past, when the website was updated once a month, the updation now will be more dynamic and almost every day the visitor will find something new on offer. The current affairs section, especially, will be updated more frequently.

Very soon online practice module for various sections of competitive exams will also be launched. Subscribers will be able to practice solving questions on reasoning, general awareness, objective english and quantitative aptitude online. Each section will have a data bank of thousands of questions to practice. The Improve Your Word Power section will also be ready soon.

Al the features, articles, personality development and career development tips etc will of course continue to be available online.

Subscribers will find www.competitionmaster.com very useful resource in their preperations for various exams.

Civil Services Exam 2009

2008-12-06T19:53:00.000+05:30

Read The Competition Master regularly to prepare well for the Civil Services Exam

Preliminary Examination of the Civil Services Examination for recruitment to the Services and Posts mentioned below will be held by the Union Public Service Commission on May 17, 2009.
(i) Indian Administrative Service
(ii) Indian Foreign Service
(iii) Indian Police Service
(iv) Indian P&T Accounts & Finance Service, Group ‘A’
(v) Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
(vi) Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), Group ‘A’
(vii) Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
(viii) Indian Revenue Service (I.T.), Group ‘A’
(ix) Indian Ordnance Factories Service, Group ‘A’ (Assistant Works Manager, Non-technical)
(x) Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’
(xi) Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
(xii) Indian Railway Traffic Service, Group ‘A’
(xiii) Indian Railway Accounts Service, Group ‘A’
(xiv) Indian Railway Personnel Service, Group ‘A’
(xv) Post of Assistant Security Officer in Railway Protection Force, Group ‘A’
(xvi) Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’
(xvii) Indian Information Service (Junior Grade), Group ‘A’
(xviii) Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’
(xix) Armed Force Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade)
(xx) Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service, Group ‘B’
(xxi) Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakhadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service, Group ‘B’
(xxii) Pondicherry Civil Service, Group ‘B’
(xxiii) Pondicherry Police Service, Group ‘B’

Application Form:
Candidates must apply in the Common Application Form devised by the Commission for its examinations, which can be purchased from the designated Head Post Offices/Post Offices (specified in Appendix-III of the Notice) throughout the country against cash payment of Rs. 20/- (Rupees Twenty only). Each such form can be used only once and only for one examination.

In case of any difficulty in obtaining Application Forms from the designated HPOs/POs, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned Post Master or UPSC’s “Form Supply Monitoring Cell” over Telephone No. 011-23389366/Fax No. 011-23387310.
Candidates are advised to read carefully the “Instructions for filling up the Application Form” given in Appendix-II of this Notice.

Last Date for Receipt of applications:
All applications must reach the “Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069” either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by Courier, on or before the January 5, 2009.
The candidates should note that applications will be received by hand only one at a time at the designated country(s) and not in bulk, till 5 PM only.
However, in respect of candidates residing abroad or in certain remote localities specified in Para 6 of this Notice the last date for receipt of applications by Post/Speed Post only (not by Hand or by Courier) is January 12, 2009.

Penalty for Wrong Answers (in objective type papers):
Candidates should not that there will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers.

To read the complete notification please visit www.upsc.gov.in

CAT 2008 Exam

2008-07-14T17:16:00.001+05:30

Read The Competition Master regularly to prepare well for the CAT 2008 exam. The September to November 2008 issues of the magazine will carry one CAT Mock Test each as well as Tips on how to prepare for the exams, shortcuts and tips on how to attempt various sections of the exam, and GD and interview tips. The above information will be available in Print Edition only and very selectively online.

So book your copies of September, October and November 2008 issues well in advance with your local newspaper agent or with us.

To order your copies of The Competition Master September, October and November 2008 issues (Cover price Rs 50 each) directly from us send Rs 135 by DD/MO/At par Chq in the name of The Competition Master, to:

Subscription Manager, The Competition Master, 126, Industrial Area-1, Chandigarh 160002.

Postage and handling is FREE.

The issues will be posted by book post. Subscription copies are posted around 22nd of each month. September issue will be posted by August 22nd, October issue by September 22nd and November issue by October 22nd.

——————–

Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other Management institutes that take CAT score as criteria for admission will be held on November 16, 2008.

Important Dates
Issue of CAT Bulletins by Axis Bank STARTS: JULY 14, 2008 (Monday)
Issue of CAT Bulletins by Axis Bank ENDS: AUGUST 8, 2008 (Friday)
Issue of CAT Bulletins by IIMs ENDS: AUGUST 13, 2008 (Wednesday)
Last date for receipt of completed CAT Applications by the IIMs: SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 (Friday)

Sale of CAT Application form and bulletin by Banks
The CAT Application form and Bulletin can be obtained from branches of Axis Bank for Rs 1300 (Rs 650 for SC/ST candidates) between July 14 and August 8, 2008. List of Axis Bank branches from where the application form is available can be read at www.catiim.in/ . The CAT Bulletin can also be downloaded from the website.

Sale of CAT Application form and bulletin by IIMs
CAT Application forms can also be obtained directly from any one of the IIMs till August 13, 2008 by sending a crossed DD for Rs 1300 (Rs 650 for SC/ST candidates with a copy of the SC/ST certificate) drawn in favour of the respective IIM. Request should be accompanied by a cloth-lined self-addressed unstamped envelope of size 12” x 10”

CAT Eligibility
The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPa [45% in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC)/ Scheduled tribe (St) or Persons with Disability (PWD) category], of any of the Universities incorporated by an act of the central or state legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under section 3 of UGC act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India. The Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification obtained by the candidate must entail a minimum of three years of education after completing higher secondary schooling (10+2) or equivalent. The percentage obtained by the candidate in the bachelor’s degree would be based on the practice followed by the university/institution from where the candidate has obtained the degree. In case of the candidates being awarded grades/CGPa instead of marks, the equivalence would be based on the equivalence certified by the university/institution from where they have obtained bachelor’s degree. In case the university/ institution does not have any scheme for converting CGPa into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by the IIMs by dividing obtained CGPa with the maximum possible CGPa and multiplying the resultant with 100.

Candidates appearing for the final year bachelor’s degree / equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirement and are awaiting results can also apply. Such candidates must produce a certificate from the Principal/Head of the Department/Registrar/ Director of the university/ institution certifying that the candidate is currently in the final year / is awaiting final results and has obtained at least 50% marks or equivalent (45% in case of candidates belonging to SC/St/PWD category) based on latest available grades/marks.

Where to send the CAT Application Forms:

Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, Nagpur
Manager (Admissions)
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Vastrapur, Ahmedabad – 380 015
Fax No. (079) 66324631 (Direct)
Fax No. (079) 26306896 (General)
Email: admission@iimahd.ernet.in
Interactive Voice Response System No. 079-26307258

Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune
Administrative Officer, Admissions
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore - 560 076
Fax No. (080) 2658 9973
Email: pgpadm@iimb.ernet.in
Interactive Voice Response System No. 080-26484650

Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi
Incharge, Admissions
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
Joka, Diamond Harbour Road, Kolkata – 700 104
Fax No: (033) 2467 9178
Email: pgpadmissions@iimcal.ac.in
Interactive Voice Response System No. 033-24380266

Bhopal, Gurgaon, Indore, Noida
Incharge, Admissions
Indian Institute of Management Indore
Prabandh Shikhar, Rau-Pithampur Road
Indore 453331 (M.P.)
Fax No: (0731) 4228686
Email: pgpadmission@iimidr.ac.in
Interactive Voice Response System No. 0731-4058371

Chennai, Coimbatore, Kozhikode
Assistant Administrative Officer, Admissions
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
IIM Kozhikode Campus PO, Kozhikode - 673 570
Fax No : (0495) 2803010, 2803011
Email: admissions@iimk.ac.in
Interactive Voice Response System No. 0495-2803005

Delhi, Lucknow
Administrative Officer (Admissions)
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow
Prabandh Nagar, Off Sitapur Road
Lucknow - 226 013
Fax No: (0522) 2734004; 2734025
Email: admission@iiml.ac.in
Interactive Voice Response System No. 0522-2736666

ADMISSION POLICY OF IIMs: Each IIM admits students independently. the Common admission test (Cat) is conducted jointly by IIMs. However, each IIM follows its own admission process, independent of the other IIMs. It should be noted that performance in Cat is one of several inputs used by IIMs to judge the suitability of a candidate, first for group discussion and/or interview and then for final selection. the IIM to which the candidate has applied, evaluates the candidate in each of a set of different areas of achievement, including Cat performance. Each IIM independently decides what weightages should be given to the various areas. Admission process followed by each IIM is given in the respective institutional profile.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT: If an applicant is inadvertently allowed to take the Cat in violation of the admission requirements (eligibility criteria) of the IIMs, he/she cannot, at a later date, use that as a right to claim that he/she meets the eligibility requirements of the IIMs.

SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: It is the endeavour of all IIMs that no student be denied opportunity to pursue the Post-Graduate Programme in Management for want of adequate financial resources. Substantial need-based scholarships are available for students belonging to economically disadvantaged families. (Please see the Brief Institutional Profiles in the Bulletin for details.)

CAT SCORECARD: All the eligible candidates who take Cat 2008 will receive Cat scorecards by mid-January 2009, by mail, from the IIM to which they had sent their Cat application Forms. The scorecard will be valid only for one year. a candidate who loses his/her scorecard during the year may obtain a duplicate card on payment of Rs. 250/- by Demand Draft, from the IIM that had mailed the original scorecard.

NON-IIM INSTITUTIONS: Institutions, other than the IIMs, which also use Cat scores for their admission process, will be provided Cat scores of the candidates who have applied to them, along with suggested guidelines on how to use the scores. IIMs do not have any role, other than providing Cat scores, in the admission processes of these institutions. IIMs do not ascertain the quality of programme/degree offered by these institutions before agreeing to provide Cat scores.

NON-REFUND OF CAT APPLICATION FEE: Please note that claims for refund of the CAT application Fee will NOT be entertained.

CAT 2007 Analysis and what to expect in CAT 2008

2008-06-28T00:03:00.000+05:30

The Common Admission Test (CAT) conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) was conducted on November 18, 2007. Its popularity can be gauged by the fact that the number of people appearing in the test is increasing every year, and this year some 2.5 lakh candidates took the test.

The CAT is a keenly watched examination, not the least because of the enormous hype that is associated with it. Every year newspapers report of the high paying jobs that graduates of management institutes are able to get, which fires the dreams of lakhs of youth. Another reason for the interest in CAT is that it is highly unpredictable. Every year candidates have to struggle with some surprises in the pattern and difficulty of the test.

This time there was little surprise element in the paper, as the number of questions and time limits remained same. There were 75 questions (3 sections of25 questions each) to be attempted in 2.5 hours.

However, the level of difficulty varied. Compared to 2006, questions in Quantitative Ability were slightly tougher, while the Data Interpretation section was more calculation based. There was more variety of questions in the Verbal section and students found it was trickier again this time. Each question had five options. The weightage and marking of the questions, including negative marking, were same as 2006. Candidates would get 4 marks for a correct answer and –1 for a wrong answer.

The CAT paper is becoming more intensive in nature. Candidates had to attempt the maximum number of questions in the given time. The average time of 2 minutes per question means that there is enough time to do the questions provided candidates have an intensive knowledge of all areas.

Our analysis of the different sections is given below:

Maths section: The maths section was difficult compared to previous year. Though the questions looked easy, they were deceptive. Both engineers and non-engineers would have found the section quite difficult this time. There were some direct questions. Out of 25 questions, about 8 were easy and another 8 were medium difficulty level. There was a mix of questions from Numbers, algebra, functions, inequalities and arithmetic. We expect a score of 24-28 to be good.

Verbal ability: The verbal section was extremelydifficult. The number of questions remained the same, but there was a larger variety. This was achieved by putting fewer questions for every type. For instance, the number of passages in Reading Comprehension was increased to 4, but they had only three questions per passage, so there were more passages. Thus, there were 12 questions of Reading Comprehension in the paper, which constituted almost 50% of the verbal section. The importance of Reading Comprehension remains in the CAT and our advice of doing extra reading was proved right again this year. The level of difficulty was also high as the choices were very close and many students were at a loss as to which choice to mark.

The sources of the passages will show the difficulty level: one of the passages was sourced to a book“Reflexivity and the crisis of Western Reason: Logical Investigations” by Barry Sandywell. Other passages were from equally obscure sources.

The balance 13 questions consisted of paragraph completion, Grammar and Critical Reasoning. There were 3 questions on Grammar, in which one had to identify the incorrect parts of sentences. This was purely grammar-based. Three questions were on Critical Reasoning, in which the students had to complete a paragraph given. Perhaps the surprise of the year was the inclusion of three questions which tested basic English: the difference between further and farther, for instance, or the difference between censored and censured. These questions on English usage tested how much candidates actually knew about using common, everyday English. There were also four questions on para-jumbles or order arrangement, in which candidates had to make an order out of a jumbled paragraph. We expect 24-30 as being a good score.

Data Interpretation: This section had questions from data (calculation based), Reasoning and Data Sufficiency. There were 3 sets in which calculations had to be done. Two of these sets were very easy. Data Sufficiency questions were also quite easy. Though the section looked simple lots of questions involved critical reading and tricky calculations. A good score in this section would be 28 to 36.

Every candidate was scored on a scale of 100, with weightage as given below: (a) CAT Score: 20; (b) Class X Marks: 15; (c) Class XII Marks: 10; (d) Graduation Score: 15; (e) Work Experience/Professional Degree: 5; (f) Group Discussion: 7.5; (g) Group Discussion Summary: 7.5; (h) Personal Interview: 20.

On the basis of the above, the first short list was made based purely on CAT scores. For IIM, candidates should have 85 percentile scores in each section and+90 percentile score overall, for general category students.

The students in the first short-list were further divided based on their past academic performance and work experience.

In 2006, for candidates with work experience, score/weight was given for their experience. For every year of work experience above 3 years, marks were deducted proportionately such that at 12 years of experience the score is ‘zero’.

In other words, for 9 years of experience above 3 years, you lose 5 points. No work-experience points were given to students with more than 12 years of work experience. Only CA’s were given points for their Professional Degree as well.

The candidates were finally short-listed for the GD-PI round based on the above 5 parameters i.e.CAT Scores, X Score, XII Score, Graduation Score, WorkExperience/Professional Degree Score.

The GD and GD summary scores of individual evaluators were added to compute the final scores, while that of PI were averaged out.

The weightage of different scores in Phase 2 were as follows: GD (21.43%), GD Summary (21.43%), PI(57.14%).

Lessons for CAT 2008

What can we say about 2008 CAT? Our expectation is that the number of questions and difficulty level will remain almost same. This is becausethe format of 75 questions in 2.5 hours is the international standard, with exams like GMAT and GRE too following this pattern.

To read the complete article please visit www.competitionmaster.com. The article was published in January 2008 issue of The Competition Master. You will find this issue in the Archives section of our website. Access to the material on the website is free for registered users. Registration is free.

SBI and other Bank Clerical Cadre Recruitment Exams -- Mock Test

2008-06-24T15:45:00.001+05:30

Below are sample questions from the Marketing/Computer Aptitude section of the mock test. Complete Mock test with answers has been published in the July 2008 issue of The Competition Master. The Mock Test can also be downloaded from www.competitionmaster.com

Readers will find the mock test a good practice resource for any Bank Clerical Cadre exam as also other recruitment exams of same level.

V. Marketing/Computer Aptitude

161. Which of these statements about marketing is TRUE?
(1) It is not needed due to liberalisation era
(2) It is not needed due to competition
(3) It is not needed in a sellers’ market
(4) It is not needed in the global market
(5) It is not needed in the buyers’ market

162. A ‘prospect’ means:
(1) A new bank employee
(2) A new bank customer
(3) A likely interested customer
(4) An eager borrower
(5) A rich depositor

163. In traditional marketing, there is:
(1) Tele marketing (2) Direct marketing
(3) Indirect marketing (4) Internet marketing
(5) All of the above

164. If there is effective marketing, which of these is not needed?
(1) Research (2) Advertisement
(3) Publicity (4) Segmentation of market
(5) Road-side shows

165. Which one of these is a long-term objective of
marketing?
(1) Customers’ satisfaction
(2) Maximisation of profit
(3) Cost reduction
(4) Profit Maximisation with customer satisfaction
(5) None of these

166. ‘Attitude’ in marketing means:
(1) The ego of the customer
(2) The manners of seller
(3) The mental state of consumer
(4) The behaviour of salesman
(5) All of the above

167. The ‘JIT’ (Just in Time) was Ist introduced into which countries’ markets?
(1) India (2) Pakistan (3) UK
(4) Germany (5) USA

168. In the ‘Online Marketing’ system, which of these
features is present?
(1) Warranty (2) Guaranteee (3) Gratuity
(4) Exchange (5) Utility

169. By the term ‘brand equity’ we mean:
(1) the methodology by which it enters the market
(2) greater value of the brand
(3) a brand at par with other brands
(4) selling out shares of a company
(5) Value of a brand based on various factors

170. ‘Consumers’ Day’ is:
(1) December 1 (2) March 15 (3) January 15
(4) January 26 (5) August 21

171. When the bank assigns the job and work place to the various selected candidates, it will be called as:
(1) Recruiting (2) Processing (3) Placement
(4) Promotion (5) Counselling

172. The figure ‘10,000’ in the banking related news recently, is related to:
(1) Each bank should make 10,000 customers
(2) Each customer should make 10,000 (Rs) deposits annually
(3) Lead banks of SBI to have 10,000 customers
(4) 10,000 new banks in the latest plan period
(5) 10,000 bank branches of SBI

173. What is ‘line extension’?
(1) An increase in the types of products by a company
(2) Introducing a new/additional product under the same old name
(3) Increasing the warranty period of a product
(4) None of the above
(5) All of (1, 2, 3) above

174. The ‘expansion of market’ by developing ‘new products’ ‘to satisfy new consumer’s needs’ is:
(1) Intensification (2) Loyalty
(3) Recruitment (4) Diversification
(5) Circuiting

175. In the banking industry, what should be the ‘key’ drivers?
(1) Publicity and Funds
(2) CRR and SLR
(3) Excellent marketing
(4) Market reviews at short periods
(5) Attract, Acquire and Retain the right customers

176. For what is ‘market research’ used?
(1) Conducting surveys on bank’s market value
(2) Analysis of statistical data
(3) Better understanding of customers’ needs
(4) All of the above
(5) None of the above

177. Marketing covers:
(1) The Right Approach
(2) The Public Approach
(3) The Production Approach
(4) The Profit Approach
(5) All of the above

178. If a bank or some agency is exposing its customers to its various other services also, it will be known as:
(1) Cross-selling
(2) Market Research
(3) Customer Relationship Extension
(4) Competition
(5) Business Promotion

179. To attract more customers, a bank should:
(1) Promote greater services
(2) Promote congenial atmosphere
(3) Promote good public relations
(4) Promote prompt services
(5) All of the above

180. The generally employed ‘market research’ techniques are:
(1) Quantitative Approach (2) Quantitative Methods
(3) Personal interactions (4) Group studies
(5) All of the above

Download the complete mock test from www.competitionmaster.com

State Bank of India (SBI) Clerks' Grade Recruitment

2008-05-19T13:34:00.002+05:30

Calling
State Bank of India (SBI) Clerks’ Grade Aspirants
as also other Bank Clerks’ Grade and PO Exam Aspirants

State Bank of India will be holding the exam for recruitment in its Clerks’ Grade on July 6, 2008. The written test will comprise of (i) General Awareness (ii) General English (iii) Quantitative Aptitude (iv) Reasoning Ability (v) Marketing Aptitude/Computer Knowledge

THE COMPETITION MASTER provides you with solved papers (Reasoning, Objective English, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness) of various exams, including Bank exams that you will find very useful for practice while preparing for the SBI and other Bank exams. Going through current affairs and current GK sections of CM, of minimum last six months, is highly recommended for scoring well in the General Awareness section of the exam.

Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude questions are best mastered by practice. In different exams only the level of difficulty varies; the type questions asked remains similar. So, go through all solved papers published in CM in last 12 issues (except for papers of Management entrance and NDA/CDS) and practice solving them as part of your preparations for the SBI or other Bank Clerk Grade or PO exams.

We expect the level of SBI Clerks’ Grade exam this time to be a little higher than exams held earlier. It is advisable to practice solving Bank P.O. level papers also to be better prepared for the exam.

Reading a GK book (like Ever-Latest General Knowledge by O.P. Khanna) is also recommended.

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT in July 2008 issue
July 2008 issue (due for publishing on June 15, 2008) will carry a Mock Test (Bank Clerical Cadre Exam).

To read The Competition Master Free ONLINE visit www.competitionmaster.com

SPECIAL Subscription PACKAGES
for Bank Clerks’ Grade and P.O. Exam Aspirants

1. Knowledge Package
One year subscription of print edition of The Competition Master PLUS Ever-Latest General Knowledge By O.P. Khanna: Rs 400
YOUR SAVING Rs 315 or 44% on cover price.

2. Knowledge and Practice Package
One Year subscription of print edition of The Competition Master PLUS Ever-Latest General Knowledge by O.P. Khanna PLUS Test of Reasoning Book: Rs 455
YOUR SAVING Rs 375 or 54% on cover price

3. Subscription Package
One year subscription of print edition of The Competition Master: Rs 300

4. Back issues Package
January 2008 to June 2008 issue s (total six issues) can be purchased for Rs 150 only.

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How to Order
Take a print-out of page one of this email and write your name and complete postal address on the reverse. Attach a Cheque/DD (drawn on any bank in India; we levy no extra charges for out-station cheque; DD should be payable Chandigarh), in the name of The Competition Master, of the amount of Package(s) taken and send to:
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The Competition Master
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Terms & Conditions: 1. Subscription magazine will be sent by book post every month. 2.
Books will be sent by Registered Post. 3. Offer is valid till June 15, 2008 only or till the stocks last, whichever is earlier. 4. The order will be processed after the receipt of payment. 5. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. 6. Current subscribers can avail this offer and extend their subscription by one year. 7. Subscription will not be started from bac k issues. 8. The above offers are valid for delivery anywhere in India only. 9. All disputes are subject to Chandigarh Jurisdiction.

Corporation Bank PO Recruitment, 2008

2008-05-15T12:38:00.002+05:30

Read The Competition Master regularly to prepare for Bank P.O. Recruitment Exams.

Corporation Bank is inviting ONLINE application for 150 Probationary Officers posts.

Selection will be on the basis of written test to be held on July 20, 2008 (Tentative)
Written exam will consist of questions on Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Objective English and General Awareness on Socio-Economic Developments. There will also be a Descriptive Test consisting of 5 questions on socio-economic developments and communication skills. The Descriptive Test will be of qualifying nature only.

Closing Date for ONLINE registration is: May 31, 2008
Last date for receipt of “print-out of the computer generated online application”: July 7, 2008.
Last date for receipt of “print-out of the computer generated online application” from far-flung areas: July 14, 2008.

For detailed notification and to apply ONLINE visit www.corpbank.com

State Bank of India (SBI) Clerical Cadre Recruitment Exam, 2008

2008-05-14T17:55:00.003+05:30

Read The Competition Master every month to prepare for SBI Clerical Cadre Recruitment Exam

Central Recruitment & Promotion Department, State Bank of India, Corporate Centre, Mumbai invites on-line applications from Indian citizens for appointment in the Clerical Cadre posts in State Bank of India.

Candidates are requested to apply online between before May 31, 2008 through Bank’s website www.statebankofindia.com and www.sbi.co.in.

For applying on-line, the candidates should go to a CBS branch of SBI, pay the amount of fees and get cash Receipt with unique deposit journal number. This number should be correctly entered while registering an application on-line. No other means / mode of application / print-out will be accepted.

Date of Written Examination: July 6, 2008

Educational Qualification [as on July 1, 2008]
a. Minimum 12th standard (10+2) pass or equivalent qualification there of with a minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PWD/XS). OR A degree from a recognised university (graduation level) with a minimum of 40% marks (35% for SC/ST/PWD/XS).Candidates appearing for the 12th/Graduation examinations during 2008 will be allowed to appear provisionally for the written examination subject to their submitting the original mark-sheet as a proof of passing the qualifying examination at the time of interview, if called for the same.

b. Should be able to write and speak English fluently.

c. Knowledge of other Indian language will be an added qualification.

Age:
a) Minimum Age : 18 years ; Maximum Age : 28 years (as on 01.07.2008.) Candidates born between 30.06.1980 & 01.07.1990 both days inclusive are only eligible to apply.
b) The upper age limit will be relaxed as under :
i) For SC/ST, Orthopaedically handicapped, Ex-servicemen/Disabled Ex-servicemen/OBC etc. as per guidelines laid down by Government of India.
ii) For persons who have ordinarily been domiciled in Kashmir Division of J & K State during 01.01.80 to 31.12.89, by 5 years.
iii) For widows, divorced women & women judicially separated from their husbands & who are not remarried, by 9 years, subject to maximum age limit of 35 years for General and 40 years for SC/ST Candidates.

Application Fees and/or Postal Charges
SC / ST / PWD / XS: Rs. 50/- (Postal Charges only)
All Others: Rs. 250/- (App. fees plus postage charges)

Selection Procedure:
All eligible candidates should apply online before the last date for registering of applications.
a) Final selection will be made on the basis of performance in the written test and interview taken together. Merely satisfying the eligibility norms does not entitle a candidate to be called for written test or interview. The questions in objective tests, except for the test of General English, will be printed bilingual i.e., in English & Hindi.

b) The written test will be of Objective type consisting of (i) General Awareness (ii) General English (iii) Quantitative Aptitude (iv) Reasoning Ability (v) Marketing Aptitude / Computer Knowledge

There will be negative marks for the wrong answers in the Objective tests. Candidates will have to pass in each of the objective tests.

Short Essay: War will never cease until babies begin to come into the world with larger cerebrum and smaller adrenal glands

2008-05-09T17:31:00.001+05:30

When the First World War was being fought the slogan that was raised by the Allies and which caught the imagination of youngmen promised that it was a war to end all wars. The war ended in 1918 and within a few years of the conclusion of Peace Treaty there was talk of war and feverish preparations for it. The armament race began all over Europe and the Allies led the van in the manufacture of arms and ammunition. No wonder another global war came in 1939 and wrought havoc, but without making human beings any wiser. We used to wonder where war lived, what it was that made it so vile. And now we realise that we know where it lives, that it is inside ourselves. Man is pugnacious by instinct. He must be born a new and born different. The average human intelligence is pretty little and that little is kept down by his passions and emotions. A few unscrupulous but clever firebrands influence his adrenal glands thereby rousing his baser instincts. Unless, therefore, human beings become, like Shaw’s Ancients, passionless Intelligences, there is no hope for humanity. Wars will go on causing destruction and devastation, opening a vein that bleeds humanity to death.

To read more topics visit www.competitionmaster.com

National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam (1), 2008

2007-10-13T11:45:00.000+05:30

UPSC will hold the entrance exam for admission to National Defence Academy and Naval Academy on April 20, 2008.

Common Application form is available at designated Head Post Offices/Post Offices throughout India.

Last date for receipt of completed application form: November 19, 2007.

To read the complete notification visit www.upsc.gov.in

Read The Competition Master regularly to prepare for the NDA Exam. Subscribe to the Print Edition or download the magazine and other study material free from www.competitionmaster.com

State Bank of India (SBI) Clerical Cadre Recruitment

2007-10-06T15:56:00.000+05:30

Central Recruitment & Promotion Department, State Bank of India, Corporate Centre, Mumbai, invites applications from Indian citizens for appointment of Clerical Cadre posts in associate Banks of SBI. All posts are computer related and knowledge of computers is essential, including knowledge of MS Office.

For complete notification and application form read Employment News dated October 6-12, 2007 or visit http://www.statebankofindia.com

Last date for receipt of application: October 22, 2007
Date of written exam: January 6, 2008.

To prepare for the written exam read regularly The Competition Master print edition or download the magazine free from http://www.competitionmaster.com

The voice of the people is the voice of humbug

2007-09-30T11:57:00.000+05:30

It was the day when Jesus Christ was to be crucified. Thousands of Jews had gathered at the Calvary to witness the scene. Incidentally the day also happened to be one on which the governor used to release one prisoner with the consent of the people. When they were asked to choose for this act of mercy between Jesus and a dacoit, with one voice they voted for the dacoit. They plumped for a common felon in preference to the holiest, the greatest and the noblest of men. The voice of the people is not the voice of God but the voice of Satan. Carlyle divided mankind into two classes, the unwise many and the wise few, and the wise few cry in the wilderness. People in the mass are swayed by the lowest common multiple of their intelligence. Any unscrupulous orator, be he a monomaniac like Hitler, a megalomaniac like Napoleon or a man-monster like Idi Amin, can play on their hearts as an expert musician can play on his instrument. They would deify him and kow-tow to him. Let but a few years pass and they would fake the same delight in killing him as they did in applauding him.

Post your comments on this topic. The best comment will win General Knowledge Refresher by O.P. Khanna. The second best will win Ever-Latest General Knowledge by O.P. Khanna

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Contest open till October 31, 2007. At the end of your comment write your name and complete postal address. Do not write your email. The decision of Editor, The Competition Master will be final. The contest is open to residents of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan only.

Combined Defence Services Exam (I), 2008

2007-09-30T11:19:00.000+05:30

The Union Public Service Commission will hold the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2008 on February 17, 2008 for admission to Indian Military Academy and Air Force Academy for the Courses commencing in January, 2009 and Officers Training Academy. Chennai for the Courses (Men and Women) commencing in April, 2009.

Common Application Forms available from designated Head Post offices/Post Offices all over India.

CONDITION OF ELIGIBILITY

Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status:

For Indian Military Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 1985 and not later than 1st January, 1990 only are eligible.
For Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 1987 (2nd January, 1985 in case of NCC Naval Wing ‘C’ Certificate holders) and not later than 1st January, 1990 only are eligible.
For Air Force Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 1986 and not later than 1st January, 1990 only are eligible.
For officers’ Training Academy – (SSC Course for Men) : Male candidates (married or unmarried) born not earlier than 2nd January, 1984 and not later than 1st January, 1990 only are eligible.
For Officers’ Training Academy – SSC (Women Non – Technical) Course : Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd January, 1984 and not later than 1st January 1990.

Educational Qualifications:

For Indian Military Academy and Officers’ Training Academy – Degree of a recognised university or equivalent
For Naval Academy – Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and
For Air Force Academy – Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

Candidates who are studying in final year Degree Course and have yet to pass final year degree examination or equivalent examination can also apply for the Examination, but they will be required to submit proof of passing by the the specified dates published in Commission’s Notice for the Examination.

Physical Standards:
Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical standards for admission to Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2008 as given in Appendix – V of Commission’s Notice for the Examination published in Employment News dated 29th September, 2007

Last date for receipt of applications by Post/Speed Post only (not by Hand or by Courier) is November 5, 2007.

For further details and to read the complete notification visit www.upsc.gov.in

Read The Competition Master regularly as part of your preparations for the exam. Visit www.competitionmaster.com to download the magazine and other resources for your competitive exam preparations

Descriptive Questions for Bank PO Exams

2007-09-19T15:55:00.000+05:30

Prison reforms in India
Q. Administrative skill and political will are required to bring about jail reforms in India. Express your views on the subject.
Ans. The fact remains that both institutions and administrative entities like prisons have deteriorated in India. The clashes between the prison inmates and their official custodians is not a matter to be glossed over but a subject that needs urgent and immediate attention and corrective action. Some deaths of jail inmates in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail bring to the fore the deplorable state of affairs, not only in the premier prison, but elsewhere in the country also. The time and tendency to sit back is over. Now the crying need of the hour is to sit up and exhibit political will and administrative skill to come to grips with the all-pervasive problem of prison-reforms.

Over the years a number of commissions have gone into the challenges that continue to confront the jail administrations. The latest in the series is the ‘Moily Panel Report’ that says reforms in prison administration require modernisation of jail infrastructure as well as procedural reforms in the entire criminal justice system.

Overcrowding in jails is a very big problem that leads to confusion, chaos and conflicts resulting in a virtual breakdown of services. The problem is endemic and widespread. It should be understood both by political leadership and bureaucratic set-up that a prison is not a hell with no proper amenities, but an institution of reforms. The State cannot deny the inmates their basic right to life and a speedy trial. Unfortunately, our prisons house more undertrials than convicts. In order to reduce pressure on the jail administration, expeditious trials are the only way out of the “traffic-jam-like situation”.

It is also time for a uniform national policy on prisons. Why not shift prisons from the State List to the Concurrent List as recommended by the Mulla Committee? Its other proposals, if implemented, could go a long way in bringing about the much needed prison reforms in the country.

Making road travel safe
Q. In the present age of speed, it is imperative that all modes of travel, especially the road travel in India is made safe for all categories of people. Comment.
Ans. For all those who feel for India and its people, the number of deaths on Indian roads as a result of accidents, collision, negligence, rash driving et al, is both shocking and stupefying. When knowledgeable people describe Indian road as ‘death traps’ it does credit neither to road makers nor to those whose duty it is to see that roads remain free from all types of hassels and harrowing happenings.

Unless and until the Ministry of Surface Transport, Traffic Regulatory Agencies/Police etc. put road safety under the scanner and devise meaningful and result-oriented ways and means to render road travel a pleasant experience, things would not improve. Strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations is just one of the measures that can bring about perceptible change in the situation. Unfortunately, the series of accidents that occur on Indian roads day in and day out brings home the terrible truth that raising the safety bar on Indian roads remains a pipedream. When the tools of high technology are readily available and there is no shortage of funds, it is not comprehensible why this vital area of transport, both goods and humans, remains vulnerable to accidents.

Ironically, while new roads are being built, and newer, supposedly safer automobiles—with safety features like airbags, crash sensors etc—race out of the factories, the country’s road safety record remains abysmal. No doubt, several factors contribute to the appalling statistics that tell the sorry state of affairs on roads. In India, this is particularly true since the facilities available for non-motorised users are poor or even non-existent. It is high time the authorities did more than indulge in “traffic drives” to book errant drivers.

Only a zero tolerance policy on a sustained basis to educate people on good road sense will work. The test of this is the way road users put on their best behaviour during the “Safety Week” every year. This is the one period when the number of accidents come down significantly.

Urbanisation of India
Q. India is getting urbanised faster than the rest of the world. On the basis of your reading, knowledge and experience state the implications of rapid urbanisation.
Ans. The state of the “World Population 2007” report points out that, for the first time in history, more than half of the world’s population will be living in towns/cities by 2008. The same report further tries to bring home a message of caution in a world in which population growth is being accompanied by urbanisation that could lead to congestion. unlike Thomas Mathus’s fears of high population growth leading to scarcities and conflict, the UNPFA Report simply cautions such countries as China and India that the future course of dealing with population-growth-cum-rapid urbanisation may not prove as smooth and easy as a cakewalk.
The implications of urbanisation in India getting faster than in the rest of the world, holds a cup of both promises and problems. People migrating to urban areas in search of better opportunities and amenities, real or imaginary, would certainly, though temporarily, reduce pressure on land and agriculture in rural India. It goes without saying that rapid but unplanned urbanisation in India leading to a spurt in slums and degrading living conditions of slum dwellers, even worse than those of the rural poor.

Strangely enough, the population of towns and cities in developing countries like India is set to double in the space of a generation. While the urban population in the developed world is expected to grow relatively lower. With the state of health services, sanitation, housing, education etc. already under tremendous pressure in urban India, the scenario in future holds no big and pragmatic promise of coping with ever increasing migration from rural India to urban India. We cannot lose sight of another fact that climate change can result in higher migration rate, leading to further growth in urbanisation with all possible consequences, both sour and sweet. Besides, what should be of particular concern to India, is the warning provided by the report on the drought, flooding, and the other fallouts of climate change/global warming, which would not only hit drier cities like Delhi, but also modify the migration patterns of rural and urban areas.

The report rightly points out, “the future of those in developing countries, and humanity itself will depend on the decision of policy-makers today.” Therefore, the approach to urban growth of India and China—who happen to have 37 per cent of the world’s slums between them—becomes critical for the world’s future.

Legalising sting operations
Q. It is time that sting operations carried out by media and others are legalised in India. Express your views.
Ans. From ‘Watergate’ (USA) to Tehelka, to ‘Cash for Questions’ the invisible camera has cut short the political career of many a big-wig politicians and made their real faces visible to the people. No doubt, sting operations carried out by the media (both print and electronic) and others in public interest merit to be legalised so that their findings command due respect and recongnition in the courts as well as in the perception of the people at large. The exposure of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats is the primary responsibility of not only the investigating agencies like the CBI and VB but also of the ever vigilant media, provided the operations are done not to settle personal scores but in the national interest.

Soaked in scams and scandals, the power brokers/wielders, whether politicians or bureaucrats or both, deserve to be thoroughly exposed and this onerous task can be performed only by persons of strong conviction and confidence. Since ‘sting operations’ tend to impinge upon the dubious dealings of powerful persons, they should be undertaken with utmost diligence and dexterity, coupled with objectivity, and not vendatta or vengeance.

Needless to reiterate that ‘sting operations’ not only play a major role in unearthing the nefarious designs and deeds of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats but also reaffirm the faith of the masses in a free and vibrant media. If the investigating agencies of the government can trap culprits, why can’t the media be allowed to do so?

For more sample questions with answers visit: http://www.competitionmaster.com

Defence Services Recruitment: SSB Interview

2007-09-15T11:45:00.000+05:30

Armed forces offer very exciting career to young men and women in several fields. Career in the forces, in addition as a career, is also an adventure in itself. To ensure that appropriate candidates are chosen, a comprehensive selection process is adopted by the armed forces through Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. This system of selection is based on the “trait theory” of leadership which assumes that every leader must have some specific and pre-determined leadership traits. It also presumes that such traits can be acquired by a candidate with the passage of time meaning thereby that a person once rejected in an SSB interview is likely to succeed if he acquires some of the traits with the passqage of time. The present system of selection, although is long and takes four to five days, is thus based on an objective assessment of each candidate in which the qualities like initiative, alertness, judgement, courage, physical fitness endurance, cooperation, group planning, decisiveness, knowledge, etc. are judged. In addition, psychological and mental robustness of the candidate vis-a-vis requirements of the Armed Forces is judged and finally an overall assessment of the personality of a candidate is made by way of an exhaustive personal interview.

Scheme of Selection
The existing scheme of selection was initially designed in the US army, after the second World War. The system was adopted in the selection of officers in Army, Navy and Air Force for induction through National Defence Academy, Army Cadet Corps, Officers Training Academy, Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy or Naval Academy.
The selection process has the following stages/components.

(a) Psychological/Intelligence Test. (b) Group Testing Officer’s (GTO’s) Test. (c) Personal Interview. (d) Medical Examination.

It is evident that the interview is mainly confined to first three stages of examination while the fourth one concerns the medical examination of only those who get through in the SSB interview comprising of first three components. Evaluation of a candidate is made by three independent examiners. The psychological test is carried out by a psychologist and GTO test is given by a Group Testing Officer (GTO). Personal interview is carried out by the interviewing officer who usually is also the President of the Board.

The interview being an integrated process, culminates with the conference on the final day when all the three examiners get together to give the final assessment of the candidate. If there is any doubt on any aspect of the personality of the candidate, a few questions are put to him/her and the evaluation is done accordingly. All the candidates who manage to obtain minimum prescribed marks are declared selected. There is no quota or percentage fixed about the number of candidates to be selected and the selection purely depends on the performance of the individuals. The selected candidates then have to undergo a comprehensive medical examination to be finally recommended for selection.

Through this series of features on careers an effort is being made to acquaint the candidates, particularly the fresh candidates, with the techniques of SSB interviews and strategy to be adopted to overcome this final hurdle to a challenging career in the defence forces. In the first part of this series, psychological tests are being dealt with in detail.

The scheme of selection is almost same for Army, Navy and Air Force with the only difference that in case of interviews for the flying branch of Air Force, an additional aptitude test is given to the candidates right at the beginning. The interview usually lasts for four to five days and the arrangements for free boarding and lodging are made for the candidates. Moreover, the candidates appearing before the Board for the first time are entitled to claim travelling allowance for to-and-fro journey upto the selection centre.

To read the complete article and for study resources for NDA and CDS exams visit http://www.competitionmaster.com. The article on Career in Defence forces is posted in Career Info section.

Millennium Development Goals and India

2007-09-14T11:44:00.000+05:30

To read the complete article visit: http://www.competitionmaster.com

Economic development of the Third World countries is a matter of concern not only for the developing countries but also the developed West. With almost one-third of the total population of the developing countries still languishing under abject poverty, with per capita income of less than 1 US dollar per day, the need has become even more pronounced. World community thus has a major role to play in enabling the Third World countries achieve reasonable levels of development with equitable distribution of the wealth and economic resources.

The world community has expressed its grave concern at several occasions about the issues relating to equitable and sustainable growth in the developing countries. In addition to various other steps like grants-in-aid and actions through various country specific development agencies like the USAID, DFID and AUSAID, the United Nations is playing a major role in assisting the Third World countries develop primarily through various organizations like WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNESCO etc. It was in 2000 when the United Nations resolved to adopt Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for taking care of the deprived sections of society in the world. Having a time frame extending mostly up to the year 2015 (2020 in a few cases), the millennium development goals are among the major instruments to coax the developing world to achieve some fixed targets.

The MDGs are eight in number and there are eighteen targets within the MDGs which are sought to be achieved by the year 2015. The targets are not uniform in terms of a particular benchmark to be achieved over the given period of time but are general in terms of percentage reduction or increase to be achieved in the developing countries. The World Bank and the UN have agreed to 48 indicators to monitor the progress of the MDGs in the developing countries. The MDGs are aimed at reducing hunger, deprivation, illiteracy, gender inequalities and the incidence of disease in the developing world and providing the people in these countries with better life.

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Indian history: Quick Revision notes

2007-09-13T16:50:00.000+05:30

1. Jambu-dvipa was considered to be the innermost of seven concentric islandcontinents into which the earth, as per Hindu cosmographers, was supposed to have been divided. The Indian sub-continent is said to bepart of Jambu-dvipa.

2. Sapta sindhavah is the name of the country of the Aryans in the Vedas.

3. The Negritos were the first human inhabitants of India. Originally, they came from Africa through Arabia, Iran and Baluchistan. They have practically disappeared from the soil of India, except in Andaman Islands.

4. Prakit was the single language of Indian sub-continent in third century B.C. Sanskrit came into being a few centuries later.

5. With the advent of age of metals, in Northern India, copper replaced stone as ordinary material for tools and weapons. And, it took several centuries for iron to replace copper. In Southern India, however, the Iron Age immediately succeeded the Stone Age.

6. The Indus civilization existed in the same period as those of Egypt, Assyria and Babylonia.

7. It is presumed that Iron was not known to the Indus Valley civilisation as not a single scrap of iron has been found in the excavations at various sites.

8. The most important feature of houses of Mohenjodaro is the presence in them of one or more bathrooms, the floors of which were fully laid and connected by means of drainage channels with the main street.

9. The people of Indus Valley also practiced the worship of Lings and Yoni symbols.

10. The Dravadians are thought to have come to India from eastern Mediterranean. At one time the Dravadian culture was spread throughout India.

11. The Dravadian language is still spoken by the Brahui people of Baluchistan.

12. In the early vedic period river Ravi was known as Parushni, river Jhelum as Vitasta, Chenab as Asikni, Beas as Vipas and Sutlej as Sutudri.

13. The Veda consists of four different classes of literary compositions: (a) the Mantra constitutes the oldest division of Vedic literature and is distributed in four Samhitas or collections known as the Rig, Sama, Yajur and the Atharva; (b) Brahmanas are the second class of Vedic works. They are mainly prose texts containing observations on sacrifice; (c) Aranyakas or forest texts are books of instruction to be given in the forest or writings meant for wood-dwelling hermits; (d) Lastly there are the Upnishads which are either imbedded in the Aranyakas or form their supplements.

You can download all the Quick Revision Notes on Indian History, Indian Constitution, General Information on India, etc from http://www.competitionmaster.com

Essay: Is Modern Life Making Children Unhappy?

2007-09-13T16:44:00.000+05:30

There is a growing consensus that modern childhood today is in a somewhat parlous state. Experts world over contend that the fast-moving, hyper-competitive modern society is damaging children mentally and emotionally. Growing children confront the tyranny of consumer and moral choice. The society at large, however, appears to be ambivalent on the issue. “Our children are in danger, fattened on fast food, corrupted by commerce, traumatized by testing. And, other children are dangerous…., chaotic in the classroom, bestial in the bedroom”, according to an analyst.

We need to look hard into the changing consumerist environment that surrounds the growing child today. The electronic media is held as a corrupting influence on modern childhood. We cannot ignore the fact that the imaginative life of children is full of violence. A visit to a playground any time will uphold this perception. But the adult world’s concerns generally are about the proliferation of technology, particularly in the home, and the challenge to adult authority that it represents.

Surely, children’s access to media, and the prevalence of sex and violence in such media, has vastly increased. Research has been documenting for years the nexus between electronic media and a medley of developmental horrors. Though some analysts believe that these studies are flawed in as much as they take violence as an objective category and fail to investigate what audiences themselves define as violent.

Read the complete Essay in May 2007 issue of The Competition Master. You can download the file from Archives section at http://www.competitionmaster.com

Advertising: The Brandwagon Story

2007-09-11T10:43:00.000+05:30

Read the complete feature at: www.competitionmaster.com

Just imagine: if one was to go to a store to buy tooth paste, soap, oil, shampoo, computer, refrigerator—all covered in drab white or brown paper reading only just as much! No idea of richness and exclusivity backing them, no appeals working on the mind. The result would be no more desire to buy something exceptional, no more hankering for a great shopping experience, no more retail therapy for the parched souls! And subsequently, limited sales, slumped markets and extremely dejected entrepreneurs. This is what an un-exciting, un-informed world would be like if there were no branding, no advertising—the two processes that work on the minds quite invisibly and lead us to the stores wanting this fairness crème or that exquisite watch even if there is no need for the same.

Advertising has played a major role in consumer marketing, and has enabled companies to meet communication and other marketing objectives. Typically, advertising is used to inform, persuade, and remind consumers. It importantly reinforces their attitudes and perceptions. Advertising has been a target of criticism for decades, as also been hailed as a capitalistic virtue, an engine of free market economy, a promoter of consumer welfare.

To begin with, an advertisement is in fact a public announcement with the avowed purpose not so much to inform as to coax the public into buying a product, subscribing to a service or accepting an idea. The origins of advertising can be traced to the times when the services of the town crier were used to convey the messages to people. The messages could be a rulers proclamations or information about the market days.

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Career Planning: 3Ds of a wandering mind

2007-09-05T12:32:00.000+05:30

Courtesy: The Competition Master - Online study resource for competitive exams

One difference between a person who comes out in flying colours in career or examination and the one who fails, is that the former is focused, the latter scattered. Watch the two sitting in examination hall, answering questions. The former is a picture of concentration. He is totally immersed in writing.

The latter is constantly rotating his neck left or right. He is overseeing his neighbour’s copy! Watch two girls studying in a library. One is deep in her work. The latter is watching and
studying the fashion of others! Distraction, diversion and division of the mind are the culprits. Watch out.

You have to write important letters, office reports, projects but are also distracted by entertainments. You want to watch television programmes. You want to visit a restaurant. And so on. There are other digressions. You have a library of video and audio cassettes. You want to play them. There are ads—silly and stale. They assault your senses.

It is little wonder that you have difficulty in keeping to the task you should be doing. Your mind is working over-time, as it is on doing tasks on the fringe, neglecting to ones on the hard core. You can put your mind on spot.

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CM extensively covers Bank PO Exam Syllabus

2007-09-03T13:45:00.000+05:30

Here is what one of the readers of The Competition Master has to say:

Sir, I do not know how to exhibit my thanks to you, because most of the questions in the general knowledge paper of Corporation Bank PO exam were based on your previous issues. If I get the 48th Volume I can attempt all the questions. More over above 30 questions were asked from the past three months issues. Thank you sir.

PRASAD PRABHAKARAN

Time Management

2007-09-02T21:31:00.000+05:30

Rakesh is a senior executive in a top firm, eminently qualified for his job. He is ambitious and does not easily trust his subordinates, afraid of being let down by them. He, therefore, tries to do everything himself and is left with little time to think over larger issues. He remains immersed in files and carries work home. The last time he took the family for an outing appears to be years ago.

Shiv, also in a senior position in the same firm, heads another department. However, the ambience here is different. Everyone goes about his job with a song on his lips and Shiv is always at hand, easily accessible to anyone. He packs for home on time and frequents the golf course in the afternoon. Holidays with the family help him to unwind further, which brings in added zip to his job.

What essentially is the difference between these two executives?

Most people seldom have enough time to do all the things they want to do. They have to work late in the offices, carry papers home for disposal and spend all their energy in the drudgery of daily routine. They have, therefore, no time to plan and execute jobs requiring their personal attention. Nor do they have adequate time for self-development. One’s control over time is directly related to the hierarchical position one holds in an organization.

Of all the resources—human, material, financial and the like—time is the scarcest. It is rightly said that time is money. An executive earning Rs 40,000 per month has his time cost him Rs. 1,818 per day and Rs 227 per hour. This works out to Rs four every minute of his working time, including lunch and coffee breaks. Time must, therefore, be utilized with utmost care and on a priority basis. In the competitive environment prevailing in all spheres of life, the one who manages his time effectively will have the cutting edge.

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MAT 2007 solved paper available online

2007-09-01T17:41:00.000+05:30

The MAT 2007 solved papers is now available online at http://www.competitionmaster.com. The solved paper has also been published in the September 2007 issue of the magazine (Print Edition) which is available with newspaper vendors/shops all over India.

The magazine in print form or through its online version offers excellent study resources for various competitive exams, like MAT, CAT and other Management admission tests, Civil Services Exam, Defence Services exam, Bank PO/Clerk Cadre exam etc. There are solved papers on Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Objective English, General Awareness. There are essays, features, articles, personality development tips, quick revision notes and lots more.

All you need to do is to register to be able to access this vast study resource.

In the coming October 2007 issue The Competition Master will carry a cover story on Management as a career and how to prepare for it. There will also be a Mock Cat paper and lots of other useful information.

Essay: Multinationalism and Democracy

2007-09-01T17:39:00.000+05:30

To read the complete essay visit http://www.competitionmaster.com

When we speak of a country or State, we assume that it has only one nation. In fact, in some languages, the country implies nation. Thus, when we say Hindusthani, literally it would mean the one who belongs to the country called Hindusthan. But, rare are the countries that contain only one race of people or have a completely homogeneous populations.

In a democratic country or State, the ‘diverse population’ phenomenon assumes a multifarious significance. The relationship between demography and democracy is becoming politically important. After the collapse of the Soviet
Union, borders of every country are softening and migration, legal or illegal, is going on apace. The Majority’s will as the deciding principle in a democracy is becoming ambiguous.

Minorities are becoming highly visible and vocal and gaining special rights. Multinationalism was a distinctive feature
of the USSR and Yugoslavia that were not considered democratic States. They were not liberal democracies, any way. Currently, the question of multinationalism has to be discussed within the context of liberal democracy.

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Explore and realise your potential

2007-09-01T17:35:00.000+05:30

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If you have ever been dubbed dull, you are in illustrious company. Albert Einstein was so slow-minded that his father feared he might be feeble-minded. Thomas Alva Edison’s teacher complained that he couldn’t keep up with his classmates. Since then historians have said of Edison. “His brain had the highest cash value in history.”

What have the late Thomas Edison and the late Albert Einstein to do with you? They were brighter than their elders first thought! There are late bloomers. There are dazzling dunces. Many intelligent men and women underestimate their own intelligence. There is a very good reason for this.

According to Professor J.P. Guillord of the University of Southern California, about forty mental dimensions or factors have so far been mapped out. Among them are: judgement, foresight, ability to visualise, to express ideas verbally, and to comprehend what is said. Any one is aware of the fact that he doesn’t shine in all forty or more mental factors. He finds some intellectual tasks difficult. For instance, a person may write good English. But when he tries to figure out his sums, he is confused.

Another man who is excellent at mathematics, but his mind goes completely blank if he’s asked to say a few words about any subject. He does not know how to communicate his ideas. Often, you are so worried about the fact that there are two or three intellectual tasks you cannot handle well that you forget that there may be thirty-seven or thirty-eight mental dimensions in which you can shine. Even the mediocre man is brighter than he is usually given credit for being.

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Civil Services Exam: Success plan for preliminary examination

2007-09-01T17:28:00.001+05:30

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One important thing that candidates should keep in mind is that since the time between the Main Exam and the declaration of result of the Preliminary Exam is very less, it is advisable to begin preparations of the Main Exam along with the Preliminary Exam.

The General Studies paper covers the following areas:

General Science; Current events of national and international importance; History of India; World Geography; Indian Polity and Economy; Indian National Movement; General Mental Ability.

For this section, it is important to be updated in all fields. For History, Economy, Polity, etc, it is advisable to read Class 11 and 12 books published by the NCERT. Some books on the freedom struggle are published by the National Book Trust. For general knowledge and objective-type questions, refer to General Knowledge Refresher by O.P. Khanna. For General Mental Ability and current affairs, it is advisable to read The Competition Master regularly.

One question that is often asked by students is about the subjects that they should take up. Since some subjects are scoring, students wish to opt for them. But one thing that must be kept in mind is one’s aptitude. If one has studied a subject since school and one is comfortable in it, chances of doing well in it are greater rather than taking up an unrelated subject which one may never have studied. Generally speaking, do not choose an entirely new subject in which you will have to work very hard. If the optional is prepared well for the preliminary and the same subject is also planned to be opted as one of the optionals, it is very useful and saves a lot of labour.

Once you have decided to appear in the Civil Services Exam, preparations should start early. A look at past papers helps get an idea about the kind of questions that are asked. Over the years, The Competition Master has published solved papers which can be referred to. It may be advisable to join a coaching institute so that one keeps in touch with other students and discuss issues with them. It is important, however, to select a good institute. However, one can be successful by self-study also.

Prepare Well

Before initiating the preparations, a few things must be noted by the candidates. The choice of optional subject for Paper-II has to be done very carefully. The candidates must plan ahead of time with eyes on the main examination and choose the optional which he/she intends taking up in the Mains. The preparations done for the preliminaries would assist the candidates in getting good grasp of the subject and the effort put in would not go waste after the prelims. Secondly, optional subject carries more number of maximum marks as compared to the General Studies Paper. Hence, its importance cannot be undermined. A candidate doing well in the optional paper is expected to fare well in the examination. Moreover, the optional subject for Paper-II should usually be the subject in which the candidate has either attained proficiency/higher academic qualification or in which the candidate feels at home. Another consideration is the performance of candidates in the said subject in the recent past. There are several subjects like History, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration etc in which even the candidates not having special or additional educational qualifications have been doing reasonably well, while the subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering are considered to offer tougher questions and the candidates with exceptionally good preparation only may expect to do well. But this observation may not be taken as the universal truth. Moreover, the aptitude and proficiency of a particular candidate in a given subject also plays an important role in arriving at a decision.

Availability and access to good and prescribed books is yet another consideration and often the candidates are also guided by this factor, particularly in smaller towns. Books for preliminary examination are available in plenty in common subjects but in case of specialised optionals like Mathematics, Engineering, Agriculture etc, one has to look carefully for good books which cover all parts of the syllabus.

Preparations for Paper-II also need specific planning. It would be wrong to confine the studies only to the multiple choice objective type questions. Unless a detailed study of the subject is carried out, it would be difficult to answer the questions on the subject properly. The aim, must, therefore, be to clearly understand the basics of the subject by covering each and every aspect of the syllabus. This provides a candidate with adequate self-confidence and knowledge to answer the questions correctly. It is better to consult various books on different aspects, as it is very rare that one single book covers the entire syllabus with total efficiency. After going through all parts of the syllabus in detail and getting hold of the basic concepts, it is desirable to have sufficient practice in solving multiple choice objective type questions. A good book on objective type multiple choice questions or a good question bank on the subject concerned may assist the candidates a great deal. Such practice, on the one hand, would perfect the art of answering the questions correctly and rapidly, and on the other would enable the candidates in understanding the questions asked in various forms. It is normally observed that at times even simple questions are asked in such a complex manner that it becomes difficult to understand the question correctly.

It is not difficult to find out a candidate who had, during the past couple of years, appeared in the prelims with the same subject. It is always better to discuss the subject, its intricacies, pattern of questions and the books to be studied. In addition, it is also not difficult to identify the candidate offering the same optional subject for Paper-II within the same town/city. It is always fruitful to have detailed discussions on various parts of the syllabus, books to be consulted for the basics, multiple choice question books or question banks and other related issues. Finally, the practice of correctly marking the answer sheet by using minimum possible time will go a long way in helping you succeed.

For more information and study resources for the exam visit: http://www.competitionmaster.com

Competitive Exams in India

2007-05-25T12:58:00.000+05:30

The Competition Master magazine is now available Free on its website www.competitionmaster.com. Not only the current issue, last 12 issues can be downloaded and read. There are mock tests, solved papers, career guidance, personality development tips, e-books and lots more.

The magazine has been an excellent resource on current affairs, general knowledge and solved papers for competitive exams. Now this vast resource is available free on the net, which is a very good news for the student community of India.

Visit http://www.competitionmaster.com and register yourself as a member, and get access to very useful information.

There is saying: Knowledge is power. So, here is an excellent website to gain knowledge and make a successful career for yourself

Competition Master Online

2007-05-14T19:23:00.000+05:30

In keeping with times, a philosophy that The Competition Master have always tried to follow, it has taken a decision to make the magazine available free on the net. Access to the online edition is free to all registered members. The new, completely refurbished website, http://www.competitionmaster.com was soft launched on Sunday, May 6, 2007.

Do visit http://www.competitionmaster.com and register yourself as a member, and get access to very useful information for not only those preparing for various competitive exams but also for any one interested to keep himself/herself up-to-date with inmformation.

The print edition will continue to be there, for, no matter what, the charm of reading a magazine, book or newspaper is still in the print form. You cannot still beat the convenience of print medium. However, it is important that you have a choice to choose from among various mediums of information and this new step is in that direction.

There is saying: Knowledge is power. So, here is an excellent website to gain knowledge.