IAS Main Exam 2011: Question Paper of General Studies Paper II

The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2011 commenced on October 29, 2011. Here Jagranjosh.com provides you the question papers of IAS Main Examination. The following is the Question Paper of General Studies (GS) Paper II of IAS Main Exam 2011.

General Studies

Paper-II

Time Allowed : Three Hours                                    Maximum Marks : 300

INSTRUCTIONS

Each question is printed both in Hindi and in English.

Answer must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No marks will be given for the answer written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate.

Candidates should attempt all questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each question.

The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question is indicated at the end of the question.

Two (2) graph sheets are attached to this question paper for attempting questions 9(b) and 10(c). The graph sheets are to be carefully detached from the question paper and securely attached to the answer book by the candidate.

1. Answer any two of the following in about 250 words:    20x2=40

(a) List the Central Asian Republics and identify those of particular strategic and economic importance to India. Examine the opportunities and bottlenecks in enhancing relations with these countries.

(b) Critically examine the security and strategic implications of the so-called ‘string of pearls’ theory for India.

(c) “Compared to the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Free Trade Area (BIMSTEC FTA) seems to be more promising.” Critically evaluate.

2. Answer any three of the following in about 150 words each:  12x3=36

(a) Subsequent to the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) waiver in 2008, what are the agreements on nuclear energy that India has signed with different countries?

(b) Trace the progress of India’s efforts for a joint counter-terrorism strategy with China. What are the likely implications of the recent Xinjiang violence on these efforts?

(c) Bring out the importance of the ‘Small and Medium Enterprises Expo and Conference’ held in Dubai last year for Indian business.

(d) What are the salient features of the political and economic relationship between India and South Africa?

3. Answer either of the following in about 250 words:    20

(a) “The causes and implications of the Jasmine Revolution and its spread are as much economic in nature as they are political.” Critically evaluate.

(b) In the context of the ‘Euro-zone’ debt crisis, examine the proposed ‘six-pack’ solution. Do you think that this has a better chance of success than the earlier Stability and Growth Pact?

4. Answer any four of the following in about 150 words each:  12x4=48

(a) “As regards the increasing rates of melting of Arctic Sea ice, the interests of the Arctic Council nations may not coincide with those of the wider world.” Explain.

(b) Is there still a role for the concept of balance of power in contemporary international politics? Discuss.

(c) “Strategic interests seem to be replacing commercial interests for the host country with regard to Cam Ranh Bay.” Amplify.

(d) To what extent has the withdrawal of al-Shabab from Mogadishu given peace a real chance in Somalia? Assess.

(e) On a Formula-one (F-1) racing car track, information to drivers is generally signalled through the standardized use of flags of different colours. Describe the meanings associated with any six flags listed below:

(i) White flag

(ii) Black flag

(iii) Yellow flag

(iv) Blue flag

(v) Black and white flag divided diagonally

(vi) Chequered flag

(vii) Yellow and red striped flag

5. Comment on any thirteen of the following in about 50 words each:    5x13=65

(a) International Year of Chemistry

(b) The scourge of e-waste

(c) ‘Designer’ poultry eggs

(d) INSPIRE programme of the Department of Science and Technology

(e) The ‘Kessler syndrome’ with reference to space debris

(f) Omega-3 fatty acids in our food

(g) Difference between ‘spin-dyring’ and ‘tumble-drying’ technology with reference to drying of washed clothes

(h) The diminishing population of vultures

(i) ‘Arensic-bug’ and the significance of its discovery

(j) F-22 ‘Raptor’ aircraft

(k) ‘Concentrated’ solar energy and ‘photovoltaic’ solar energy

(l) Analog, hybrid and IP systems in CCTV technology

(m) Various applications of Kevlar

(n) Differences between Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc

6. Comment on the following in about 50 words each:    5x5=25

(a) Functions of the World Customs Organization. (WCO)

(b) Success of international intervention in Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

(c) Strategies adopted by Colombia to eliminates its drug cartels

(d) World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations (UN)

(e) Sculpture of the broken chair in front of the UN building at Geneva

7. Why have each of the following been in the news recently? (Each answer in a sentence or two only)    2x10=20

(a) Tiangong-1

(b) K-computer

(c) Gliese 581g

(d) MABLE robot

(e) ‘Operation Shady Rat’

(f) ‘SAGA-220’

(g) ‘Billion Acts of Green’

(h) L’Aquila earthquake

(i) OPERA detecter at Gran Sasso

(j) Saturn’s Titan

8. Why have the following been in the news recently? (Each answer in a sentence or two only)    2x5=10

(a) 'News International' newspaper

(b) Mustafa Abdul-Jalil

(c) Abel Kirui

(d) Natalie Portman

(e) Nawaf Salam

9. (a) List the requisities of a good table.

Present the following in a suitable tabular form:     5

(a) In-1980 out of a 1750 workers of a factory, 1200 were members of a union. The number of women employed was 200 of which 175 did not belong to the union. In 1985 the number of union workers increased to 1580 of which 1290 were men. On the other hand the number of non-union workers fell down to 208 of which 180 were men. In 1990 there were 1800 employees who belonged to the union and 50 who did not belong to the union. Of all the employees in 1990, 300 were women of which only 8 did not belong to the union.

(b) Draw an given for the following distribution, Read the median from the graph. How many students get between 60 and 72?

Marks No. of students

50-55 6

55-60 10

60-65 

22

65-70 

30

70-75 16

75-80 12

80-100 15

(c) From the following data calculate the missing frequency:

No. of tables No. of persons cured

4-8 11

8-12 13

12-16 16

16-20 14

20-24 ?

24-28 9

28-32 17

32-36 6

36-40 4

 The average number of tables to cure fever was 19.9

(d) Life time of 400 tubes tested in a company is distributed as follows:

Life-time(Hours)

No. of tubes

300-399 14

400-499 46

500-599 58

600-699 76

700-799 68

800-899 62

900-999 48

1000-1099 22

1100-1199 6

Determine:        4

(i) Relative frequency of sixth class.

(ii) Percentage of tubes whose life-time does not exceed 600 hours.

(iii) Percentage of tubes whose life-time is greater than or equal to 900 hours.

(iv) Percentage of tubes whose life-time is at least 500 but less than 1000 hours.

10. (a) A car travels 25km at 25km at 50 kph, and 25 km at 75 kph. Find the average speed of the car for the entire journey.

(b) The mean of 200 items was 50. Later on it was found that two items were wrongly read as 92 and 8 instead of 192 and 88. Find the correct mean.    4

(c) Students were asked how long it took them to walk to school on a particular morning. A cumulative frequency distribution was formed.

Time taken (minutes)

C.f.

<5 28

<10 45

<15 81

<20 143

<25 280

<30 349

<35 374

<40 395

<45 400

(i) Draw a cumulative Frequency curve.

(ii) Estimate how many students took less than 18 minutes.

(iii) 6% of students took x minutes or longer. Find x.        6

(d) An investors buys Rs. 1200 worth of shares in a company each month. During the first five months he bought the shares at a price of Rs. 10, Rs. 12, Rs. 15, Rs. 20 and Rs. 24 per share. After 5 months, what is the average price paid for the shares by him

JPSC to revise model answers soon

After receiving the conclusion by the panel, the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) is ready with new set of answers. The panel was set up for validating complaints about anomalies in the model answers given by it for preliminary exam of fourth civil services. The updated model answers would be put on commission’s website by next week that would surely upset the cut-off marks and reshuffle the list of successful candidates.

Sources in the commission said that many more names would be added in the list of candidates. “As anomalies have been found in almost all the subjects the process is taking time. We were expecting (revised result) this week itself but wanted to validate the findings from our own experts. If the commission decides that a fresh list of candidates should be released then we would come-up with a revised PT result soon,” said an official of the JPSC.

Meanwhile, declaring result in the proportion of the candidates appeared in the examination took place in March this year has turned a bone of contention. High court, while hearing the plea filed by a section of candidates, has given two-week time to the commission for filing its reply. The petition demanded that the number of successful candidates in PT exam should be 10 per cent of the candidates appeared in it. The commission on its part had reached to the Government for any direction in this regard but no instruction as come so far, leaving it in limbo.

“If we go for 10 per cent formula then probably 4,000 more candidates may figure in the list. Otherwise from 500 to 1,000 more candidates would be inducted based on the revised answers,” added the officer.

About 24 subject experts were roped in by the JPSC to evaluate the objections raised by some candidates after the official answers were displayed following the PT result. According to insiders, the panel of subject experts had found the objections correct for almost all subjects. Subjects such as history, geography and some others have as many as six to seven wrong answers.

http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/ranchi/21446-post-panel-report-jpsc-to-revise-model-answers.html

JPSC Subject wise Category wise PT Result

No Optionals Appearance     Passed
1 Animal Husb          109 2
2 Statistics 86                   4
3 Physics 353 7
4 Mech Eng. 421 9
5 Elec.Eng 209 10
5 Geology 150 9
6 Electronic.Eng 446 10
7 Civil Eng 209                  10
8 Medical Sc. 86 11
9 Philosophy 346 12
10 Chemistry 415                  13
11 Agriculture 333 18
12 Botany 541 22
13 Psychology         629 28
14 Mathematics 621 31
15 Comerce 1317 34
16 zoology               948 31
17 Law                     1728                44
18 Pol.Sc 3507 138
19 Economics 2312 152
20 Sociology 3600 243
21 Pub,Ad. 4189 227
22 Geography 5043 282
23 History 30141                807
Total 57521 2194


General 26364 735
SC                         5285                    172
ST 12673 710
BC-1 4037 357
BC-2 9162 220
TOTAL 57521 2194

Ranchi High Court Extends the Hearing Date of JPSC case

Ranchi,November,18:JPSC has taken extension for the hearing in 4th PT case till Dec.1.by admiting that the commission is working over the result after getting corrected the Model answer by new expert committee.

JPSC is all set to release the New Model answer on commission's web site and will seek advice over the new answer key.

The fresh result will be decleared by the end of this month but number of result decleared by the commission is also yet to be decided amid students are asking for more result.

The students are still struugling to get the clear guideline from the Governmrnt,Court and JPSC.

BPSC Directive will solve the result saga soon

Patna,November,18: Patna high court has directed the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) to work out the way to how they will it award marks for the questions found wrong in the 53rd-55th Combined Common Preliminary Competitive PT Exam. and decide the cut-off marks.

A single bench of the court, headed by Justice Ajay Kumar Tripathi, directed the BPSC to state how will it proceed in to the matter.

The petitions filed by some candidates, alleging that there were several discrepancies in the question papers and model answer sheets of the 53rd and 55th Combined Common Preliminary Competitive Examination, 2011,released by the BPSC.

The high court had earlier directed the BPSC to set up a new committee of experts to find the discrepancies in the papers and model answer of the above examination. It had also stayed the mains examination till the disposal of the case.

High Court Extends the date of BPSC 53-55 PT Case by Nov,28

Patna,Nov,17:Patna high Court again extended the date of hearing of 53-55 case and said the BPSC to settel the issue. Court will again hear the matter on November 28.

 BPSC has said in court that they have altered the questions as per directive of High Court after receiving the expert advice.

Now 9 question has been deleated by removing three more question and adding two question.

This is going to be the litmus test for the newly appointed Chairman Mr.Saha.Now things will be decided by November 28.Court used to give date and Students are forced to Wait.

BPSC to Revaluate the Answer sheet of 53-55 PT Examination:Admits in Patna High Court

Patna,November,17:BPSC has open their vault in todays hearing by revealing the fact as per their affidavit in which they have altered some evaluation matrix.

According to new disclosure commission will evaluate the answer sheet with 141 question out of 150 question asked in examination,nine question has been erased due to error at the same time commission has changed the answer of one question.

As per the intention of BPSC it seems that they will release some more result to calm down the student.

Court has fixed the date for next hearing on November 28.

New Model answer key will soon be published on JPSC site

According to internal sources of JPSC ,the commission has ratified the model answer but they donot want to take chances any more so they will publish the answer key on the commission's site and will seek the objection prior to release the fresh result.

The students will be requested to register their openion over the Model answer key if they finds any error in that.

As far as number of result is considered JPSC is yet to decide on that.

JPSC 4th civil services Examination is under controversy right from the notification till Answer key release ,Here is the chronology

Notification: Age related Controversy was witnessed during the notification of the examination

Examination Date Controversy: The JPSC web site was jammed and aspirants were unable to download the Admit card so date was extended at the last minutes

Examination Controversy: Large number of Question Repeated from UPSC Civil services Examination were seen, and even the Examination controller of the JPSC has recommended the cancelation of PT.

Result Controversy: Scaling and improper representation of all the optional, Category wise cut off and many students got more than maximum marks after the release of Result sparked the controversy.

Answer Key Controversy: Wrong answer in most of the papers including General studies has also added new flavor in the ongoing controversy.

Patna High court Extends the date of Hearing of BPSC PT Result case

Patna, Nov, 14: Patna high Court again extended the date of hearing of 53-55 case due to technical reason. Court will again hear the matter on November 17.

Earlier BPSC has filed the counter affidavit in which they have altered the questions as per directive of High Court after receiving the expert advice.

Now things will be decided by High court after three days on November 17.

The bench of Justice Tripathi on August 16 had directed BPSC not to conduct the mains of the civil services examination till petitions demanding fresh examination for the preliminary test were disposed of. The court was set to hear the matter today.

Earlier the bench of Justice Ajay Kumar Tripathi issued the order while hearing the petitions filed by 54 candidates challenging the BPSC’s decision to announce the results of the preliminary exam after abruptly deleting eight marks from 150.

An advertisement for BPSC preliminary exam was published on January 1, 2011. It invited applications for 53rd to 55th Common Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination 2011. The preliminary exam was conducted on April 17. The result was published on July 16.

Many candidates who failed to make it to the list approached the court on the issue. The petitioners said the commission had illegally deleted eight questions out of 150 asked in the exam and declared results on the basis of 142 questions. The petitioners maintained that they would have automatically qualified in the examination if the results were declared on the basis of 150 questions.

BPSC to frame Level Playing field by Balancing Questions

Patna,November,14:Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is all set to balance the question pattern to make the level playing field for the applicants of the Civil Services Examination after the High Court directives.

A division bench of the Patna high court, comprising Justice A Amanullah and Justice S K Katriar and has already directed Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) to frame rules for bringing uniformity in the marking system for different subjects.

 A PIL was filed in this context by the examinees of 53rd and 55th combined BPSC civil services examination.

Petitioners’ felt that in certain subjects, the questions varied in their level of complexity, and examiners were liberal in some papers and strict in others.

The PIL seeks to create a level-playing field, Kaushik said. The court directed on August 26 to BPSC to frame laws in this regard within six months. The rules would be followed at the upcoming  mains examination.

Occupy Portland Marched Ahead

Over 200 anti-Wall Street protesters in Portland, Ore., moved ahead for a showdown with security personel early Sunday after over ruling the orders of administration to abandon a city park encampment, and security personels elsewhere arrested 25 people as cities  stepped up pressure against the demonstrators.

“We’re going to sit-in and force them to arrest us,” Jordan LeDoux, an Occupy Portland spokesman, said  last evening.

In Salt Lake City, police also arrested 19 people on Saturday at the time when protesters refused to leave a park a day after a man was found dead inside his tent at the encampment. Police said he died because of the drug use and carbon monoxide.

More than 150 people had been living in the camp for several week, and security personels had ordered them to leave the place as soon as possible.

Authorities in Denver forced protesters to leave a downtown encampment and arrested 4 people for indulging with officials who tried to  remove the illegally pitched tents, said  spokesman of police  Sonny Jackson.

Jackson also said that police had advised protesters since Wednesday that their tents in Civic Center Park and on a nearby sidewalk were illegal.

In San Francisco, two officers were injured Saturday afternoon during a march by protestors, police said. One was slashed in the hand with a razor blade and the other sustained a cut on his cheek during separate incidents around 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of the Embarcadero and Broadway. They were treated and released at the scene, according to police spokesman Carlos Manfredi.

The Occupy Oakland encampment was surprizely quiet Saturday night, despite of buzz from many that police might move in to clear tents and protesters after issuing two eviction notices in coning days warning campers that "your continued use of city property or parks for overnight lodging will subject you to arrest."

Oakland police said that they had not made any forced move to clear the campers, who have been in the plaza in front of City Hall since Oct. 10. The encampment drew international attention late last month when police razed it. Violence erupted, and police later lobbed tear gas into the crowd.

In Portland,  Mayor Sam Adams ordered Thursday morning that the demonstrators vacate the parks by midnight Saturday, arguing that the encampment had become dangerous, a health hazard and a haven for criminals. If protesters didn't leave, he warned, they would be arrested. Some were dismantling tents and leaving Saturday, but dozens of tents remained after midnight.

 “We’re going to have a significant number of people arrested if they come through and start arresting people,” LeDoux said.

Demonstrators rallied Saturday evening as organizers said they hope radical elements don't use violence to overshadow the movement's message of peaceful resistance to income inequality and what they see as corporate greed.

But police prepared for a possible clash, warning that dozens of anarchists may be planning a confrontation.

BPSC Files an Affidavit in Patna High Court over 53-55 PT Case

Patna, Nov, 13: According to the source close to development Bihar Public Service Commission has filed an affidavit in Patna high court in matter associated with 53-55 Civil services examination prior to the date of  hearing.

According to the report two answers has been changed and one question has been removed by the BPSC.

Commission has taken decision after reevaluating the question and model answer under the directives of High court.

After this decision the cut off marks are expected to come down by 3 marks and chances are firm that some more result will be declared by BPSC, once court will convince by their argument.

Patna High Court is due to hear the matter on November 14.

A rotten state: Graft is Common Religion in India

Recent reaction on Indian people over rising corruption has reached at bubble burst level. What Indian people feels“India a state of season of scams” includes the well known theft of billions by Indian officials behind Commonwealth games 2011 in Delhi; $40 billion of exchequeres money lost from the fabricated sale of 2G telecoms licences; and over $40 billion evaporated in Uttar Pradesh of food and fuel subsidy for the poor.

Foreign players, who have reduced their investment over the past year, rank graft as their biggest headache behind crumbling infrastructure.

Graft has been the common phenominon  in India and people are used to it because they cant do anything to improve it alone.

Bofors scam brought down the Congress government in 1989. But there seems to be more of it about than ever, if only because India is getting richer fast, and the faster the economy grows, the more chances arise for mind-boggling theft.

Indian government claims that in the upcoming 12th plan, which will starts in 2012, $1 trillion will be spent on railways, ports, roads and so on, with billions more on re-equipping the Indian forces and  in welfare schemes as well. Add in an insatiable appetite for scarce land, water and minerals and a monsoon of bribes is forecast.

Some people are inclined to shrug their shoulders despite the all, corruption does not seem to be stopping India from growing as india is still among fastest growing country of the world. Yet imagine how much better India would be doing without it.

Corruption increases costs not just to Indians, but also to the foreigners whose capitals are the despirate need of the country. Thanks in part to those scandals, India’s stockmarket was the worst-performing since scam brok out post 2010 diwali.

Government has begun to take action against powerful individuals. Maharashtra state’s chief minister was forced out over Adars Society scam.Suresh Kalmadi, the politician who ran the Commonwealth games  . Most strikingly, Andimuthu Raja, the cabinet minister fabricator of the 2G telecom licences, is also behind the bar.

Right to information act has exposed the auctions for public goods, such as last year’s fabricated sale of the 3G telecom spectrum at theow away price. Technology is playing an important role In some states, bids for government contracts are being run online,it also helps anti-corruption agencies to monitor them.

Gujarat  is pioneer they does this for all contracts over 500,000 rupees ($11,000). It also listed land records and death certificates online, cutting down on one form of petty graft. Websites, led by ipaidabribe.com, reveal the cost of graft by publicising the sums demanded for everything from registering a baby to fixing a broken water supply.

The union government is going through snail pace to implement a plan for a universal, computerised ID scheme. It would allow welfare payments to be paid into individuals’ bank accounts, hindering theft by state workers.

The licence Raj still in practice

Most of the people thinks here is no licence raj  after the liberalisation. The state must outsource the official tasks, remove red tape and sell wasteful and corrupt state-owned firms why does the government make watches no body watches HMT but company is still making it. Under the “licence Raj” it can still take six month to get a construction permit and seven years to close a business. Regulations are not, by and large, deterrents to corruption, but a source of it.

'Super-25' to Rock in IAS Examination,will It Repeate Super 30 Sucess !

Patna : Now financial problem won't come in the way of Bihari , but poor aspirants to crack the Civil Services examination conducted by the UPSC.

In line with Bihar's world  famous Super 30 initiative om Mr Anand where student gets coacing free of cost to crack IIT-JEE, an innovative 'Super-25' initiative is all set to launched in december 2011 .

 Under 'Super-25', scheme poor and meritorious Bihari UPSC asparants will be given free quality assistance and lodging arrangements to help them to clear UPSC civil services examination.

The decision has made at a symposium on 'Declining Performance of Bihar in Civil Services' held at A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies (ANSISS) here on Sunday.

 At the symposium, Bihar Human Resource Development minister P K Sahi, Super 30 founder Mr.Anand Kumar, DGP of Bihar Abhyanand,  Ashok Kumar Singh who rund IAS coaching Institute  , educationist S P Singh, IAS officer Sanjay Kumar Singh and others explored the cause of Bihar's declining performance in the Indian Administrative Service.

 Ashok Kumar Singh announced that in association with the Career Launcher's CL Educate Ltd. he will conduct tests in the last week of November to select 25 poor students who will be provided one year-long free coaching and lodging to help crack IAS examination.

"During the past few years, Bihar's performance in UPSC examination has dramatically declined. It is in reverse to what was the scene during the 1990s. It is a major cause of concern. Bihar's educationists and government must come forward to check this dangerous trend," Ashok added.

According to the recent UPSC report, around 50% decline has been witnessed in Bihar's performance in the prestigious examination in the last 10 years. In 1990s, UPSC success rate in Bihar was 7 to 8 % while national success rate was 8 to 9 %. At present, Bihar's success rate came down to 3.6 % while overall  success rate at national level is 7.0%.

Mr Sahi, who also felt the need to do something substantial to check this trend, promised all possible support of HRD department. In the Super-25 initiative, Meridian Courses by Ashok Singh and CL Educate Ltd will partner with the state government.

"We will formally issue advertisements to invite candidates to appear for our entrance examinations. At present, we are structuring everything in consultation with the stakeholders. Date, time and venue for the procurement of entrance forms and examination venues will be duly advertised in the local media," said CL Educate Limited vice-president Vijay Jha.

Anand Kumar mentor of "Super 30" expressed happiness over the unique idea: "Bihar has a heritage of academic excellence. This heritage should be preserved. Nothing would be better for poor Bihari UPSC aspirants."

A few months ago, the government of Jammu and Kashmir had initiated such an initiative to help poor IAS aspirants. The idea behind 'Top-25', which was conceived in a similar symposium in Srinagar, was also attended by Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah. From the very beginning, the programme was supported by Abdullah, said Jha.

Miami Marlins,Value of the Franchise is $360 million

The Miami Marlins are the professional baseball team situsted in Miami, Florida USA. The team was established in 1993 as the franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are the part of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League.

The Miami Marlins had played their home baseball games at Sun Life Stadium from their inception until current year.

In recent years, the Miami Marlins ownership pushed for a new stadium and agreed to a plan with Miami-Dade County commissioners and the city of Miami to build a $515 million ballpark on the site where the Miami Orange Bowl once stood. As part of the deal, the Marlins changed their name to the Miami Marlins on November 11, 2011. As per the famous Forbes Magazine in 2011 the value of the franchise is $360 million.

The Marlins are notable for winning the World Series twice (1997, 2003), in the only two times they have made it to the postseason. They have never won first place in their division, advancing to the playoffs both times as the National League Wild Card winner.

USS Carl Vinson Hosts Basketball Mach on Deck

President Barak  Obama praised US veterans at a college basketball game on the deck of the famous aircraft carrier which sent Osama-bin Laden to his underwater grave in Indian ocean.

Barak Obama and his wife Michelle sat courtside on the USS Carl Vinson, among 7,000 other spectators in San Diego Bay, en route to an Asia Pacific summit in his native Hawaii, for a game televised on cable sports channel ESPN.

Enveloped by servicemen and veterans, US President watched Michigan State and North Carolina, two of the top ranked basketball programs in the US, face off on a hardwood court laid on the flight deck of the giant warship.

By celebrating the Veterans Day, Obama noted the USS Carl Vinson key role in the US wars initiated post 9/11 attacks in 2001.

"It was from this aircraft carrier that some of the first assaults on Iraq were launched," Obama said in a short speech on the court before the opening tip-off between two teams wearing camouflage uniforms.

"This ship supports what happens, what is happening in Afghanistan."

"Some of you may know, the men and women on the Carl Vinson were part of that critical mission to bring Osama bin Laden to justice," he said.

"To all our veterans to all our men and women in uniform we say thank you," said Obama," after two fighter jets streaked over during patriotic pre-game celebrations.

The USS Carl Vinson, then believed to be steaming in the Indian Ocean, was the vessel to which the body of most wanted Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was taken after the US special forces Navy Seal raid on his Pakistani hideout in May 2011 in which he was killed.

Bin Laden was later buried at Indian Ocean from the ship with full Muslim rites.

Former NBA and collegiate stars Magic Johnson and James Worthy served as honorary captains for their former colleges.

Mike Whalen of Morale Entertainment Foundation, which came up with the idea, said it was a coincidence that the Carl Vinson was the ship hosting the event -- with the USS Ronald Reagan originally expected to hold the game.

Patna High Court to Hear the matter associated with BPSC PT Result on 14th November

Patna high court who had earlier directed the BPSC to correct the result by removing the anomaly in its last hearing is all set to see the matter on November 14.

 On 14 november BPSC is to reply the High court about the development in the 53-55  civil services examination result.

As per expectation BPSC will release some additional result to calm down the students and Mains examination can be taken by Feb 2012.

Earlier Mr K.C Saha has been appointed as chairman of Bihar Public Service Commission.Saha is an senior IAS officer of 1975 batch earlier he was working as Development Commissioner.

Justice delays for the JPSC Aspirants, once again new date for Hearing

Applicants those waiting for the justice from the court in JPSC fourth civil services examination is trapped in the vicious process of court as in last several hearing students are getting new dates for  hearing with little progress in the matter.

The applicants were quite optimistics about the November 9 hearing in Ranchi High Court of the writ filed by a group of students but due to technical region court has once again extended the date of hearing.

The next hearing is going to take place on november 16 for one group and on November 17 for another group.

In the mean time JPSC is working to declear the fresh result for the PT based on the correct key which was prepared by the experts.

K.C Saha Appointed Chairman of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)

Bihar Government has appointed Mr K.C Saha as the chairman of Bihar Public Service Commission.Saha is an senior IAS officer of 1975 batch earlier he was working as Development Commissioner .

He will take the BPSC office on November 15 when existing chairman R J M Pillai is all set to retire government has released the notification after approval from governor.

Government has also appointed Rajwardhan Sharma a 1980 batch retired IPS officer as the member of the BPSC.

Christmas trees taxing sparks in US ,Obama says no!

White House sopksman revealed that it was rethinking on its decision to impose an industry-sponsored Christmas tree promotion program after conservatives alleged the Agriculture Department of spoiling Christmas party with a new tree tax.

The plan like industry campaigns  "Got Milk?" ''Beef: It's What's For Dinner" and "The Incredible Edible Egg" — would will be fully supported by fees on the industry at 15 cents per Christmas tree sold. The industry had asked the USDA to set up such program.

Conservative critics argued that the costs  of this will eventually be passed on to consumers. The National Christmas Tree Association has said that it wouldn't have any impact on the price consumers pay for their trees.

White House spokesman Matt Lehrich said the USDA would delay the program, but defended it, saying it was not a tax.

"I can tell you unequivocally that the Obama administration is not taxing Christmas trees," Lehrich said. "What's being talked about here is an industry group deciding to impose fees on itself to fund a promotional campaign."

That said, Lehrich added, "USDA is going to delay implementation and revisit this action."

USDA promotion and research boards are common, used by at least 18 other agricultural commodities. The Christmas tree industry petitioned to set up its own promotional program after years of concern about lost market share to the artificial Christmas tree industry. The NationalChristmas Tree Association said a majority of growers are in the favor of  this petition.

Industries get the Agriculture Department involved to make sure the effort to promote their product is fair and unified. If the USDA eventually approves it, a board of industry representatives will make decisions on how to promote and research Christmas trees.

Conservative critics were unbowed. David Addington, a former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney and now a vice president at the conservative Heritage Foundation, said in a post on the think tank's website that the money coming into the federal government constitutes a tax.

"The American Christmas tree has a great image that doesn't need any help from the government," Addington said.

"This new tax is a smack in the face to each and every American who celebrates Christmas, and may be the best example to date of President Obama's obsession with taxing and regulating hard-working American families," he said.

Penn State Sex Scandal Joe Paterno Removed,Univ. President Resigns

Penn State famous coach of football  Joe Paterno is all set to get removed from the post as the  board of trustees of university has voted late Wednesday night to fire Paterno ... effective immediately.

The living legend, known as JoePa, said on Wednesday that he would leave at the end of the season in the wake of the child sex abuse scandal that sparked with the arrest of Paterno's former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

Speaking about the retirement, Paterno -- who's been PSU's head coach for 46 years -- said the university  trustees should "not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address."

PSU President Graham Spanier was allowed to resign.Paterno and Spanier are just two university officials who have been under fire for not going to police with their knowledge of Sandusky's alleged sex abuse incidents with young boys ... some dating back to 1994.

Thousands of students are rallying on the Penn State campus -- many chanting support for Paterno.

JPSC to Publish Fresh Results by next Week to Curb the Controversy

As the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) is very likely to announce the result of preliminary exam of 4th Civil Services. Sources in the JPSC has informed that the experts of the JPSC were evaluating the findings of the panels and revised result may be released by the end of next week.

“We are deeply involved in the work after receiving the findings. As anomalies have been found in almost all the subjects, the process is taking time. We were expecting (revised result) this week itself but wanted to validate the findings from our experts. If JPSC decides that a fresh list of candidates should be released then we would come up with a revised PT result by the next week,” said Controller of Examination Rati Kant Jha.

About twenty four  experts of diffrent sublect were roped in by the commission to evaluate the objections raised by some candidates after the official answers were displayed following the PT result. 

As per the insiders, the experts had found the objections correct for almost all subjects. Subjects such as history, geography and some others have as many as six to seven wrong answers. The anomalies are bound to affect the final tally of the aspirants and a fresh set of result is most likely.

The matter has also reached the High Court, where it is being heard along with other objections related to scaling method adopted by the commission. It will certainly affect the final list and it is most likely that the new set of result will find new set of candidates. Sources also revealed that JPSC chairman Shiv Basant is for shorting out the matter as soon as possible.

Ranchi High Court Slams Jharkhand Government over JPSC appointment Scam

Ranchi high court bench comprising Justice Prakash Tatia and Jaya Rai issued a notice to all 172 candidates appointed through second JPSC Civil service examination and given one month deadline to submit their response.

Court has also questioned the State government that why only 19 officer has been sacked despite all 172 has got back door entry at the same time it also given the stay on the previous decision of single bench that has quashed the removal of Mukesh Kumar  Mahto,Radha Prem Kishore and Ravi Kujur.

What is the matter?

In august 2009 Governor of Jharkhand directed the vigilance department to inquire into the appointment scam of JPSC Civil services examination. On August investigation was begun, on 16th april the papers of successful applicants were investigated and first report was filed to home secretary by calming that in prima farcies alleging the 19 officers who has selected wrongly.

Reacting over the report government has sacked all 19 officers on august 2010.After the sack Mukesh Kumar Mahto who is the brother of Sudesh Mahto the deputy Chief Minister of Jharkhand who was appointed as DYSP has filed a case against government that vigilance department has targeted him with other 18 selected candidates.

Single bench of Ranchi High Court has quashed the government decision of sacking the officers by saying that the officers hasn't given the chance to put their point so it is against the right of natural justice.  

Sacked Officers

Kundan Kumar Singh,Mausami Nagesh,Kanuram Nag,Lal Manoj Nath Sahdev,Prakash Kumar,Kumari Geetanjali,Sangeeta Kumari,Prashant Kumar Layak,Radha Prem Kishore,Vinod Ram,Harishankar Baraik,Harihar Singh Munda,Ravi Kumar Kujur,Mukesh Kumar Mahto,,Rajneesh Kumar,Shivendra,Santosh Kumar Chaudhary,Kumar Shailendra and Hari Uraaon.

Source:

http://goindocal.com/education-%BB-exams-ranchi-high-court-slams--vt%2C-over-jpsc-appointment-scam-issues-notice-to-all-172-selected-candidatego-3018.htm

Dr. Conrad Murray all set to get conviction in Jackson's death case

Los Angeles , High profile Dr. Conrad Murray, has identified guilty on Monday of causing Michael Jackson's death, shifted his residence as an inmate in a section of the Los Angeles County jail where high-profile prisoners are generally kept, a jail official confermed.

While it is the "medical area" that houses inmates on suicide watch,Dr. Conrad Murray is only there because it has a higher ratio ofsecurity guards, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Sgt. Harry Drucker said.

Murray's cauncil is all set to appeal his involuntary manslaughter conviction, but first they must deal with his sentencing set for November 29.

While Murray was "devastated" by the guilty verdict, he is "confident" he will win an appeal, defense lawyer Nareg Gourjian said to the press.

 Patient: Murray loved Jackson Doctors: Practice within boundaries Murray trial and patient responsibility Jackson doctor guilty of manslaughter

"What matters most right now is trying to keep Dr. Murray from taking up a prison cell in this community," lead defense lawyer Ed Chernoff said. "That's what we're focusing on right now and we'll deal with an appeal after that."

Dr. Conrad Murray worked as Jackson's personal doctor as Jackson prepared for his comeback concerts, with Dr. Conrad Murray giving him the surgical anesthetic propofol to help him sleep nearly every night for the last  months of his life, as per the testimony.

Jackson's died on June 25, 2009,which  was result of "acute propofol intoxication" in combination with two sedatives, the Los Angeles County coroner ruled.

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The verdict followed about 9 hours of jury deliberations, which started on Friday morning in the downtown Los Angeles County courthouse.

Murray could be sentenced to as much as 4 years in a state prison, but his cauncil will ask for probation and "maybe a little bit" of time in the county jail, Gourjian said.

A new California law looking at reducing state prison overcrowding and a federal  court order addressing county jail overcrowding could combine to significantly reduce Murray's time behind bars.

If Murray's conviction is treated as a non-violent felony he could be kept in the  jail, where he could be eligible to stay some of his time at home under monitored house arrest.

 Michael Pastor  County's Superior Court Judge, who will decide Murray's sentence, had made it clear when he denied bail today that he considered Dr. Murray'  a threat to public safety.

"This is not a crime involving a mistake of judgment," Pastor said. "This was a crime where the end result was the death of a human being."

Both Chernoff and Gourjian said the defense was not surprised by the verdict given to Murray'.

Fans spar abourt Murray verdict Expert witness: Jury was 'right' Murray jury 'did the right thing' Jackson atty: AEG Live also responsible

The outcome may have been different had the defense been able to introduce additional evidence -- like on Jackson's past drug use and "financial condition," Gourjian said.

Pastor's rulings to limit the defense case could be the basis for an appeal, he said.

Murray appeared to show no emotion as the verdict was read by court clerk Sammi Benson Monday afternoon or even as deputies handcuffed him and led him away.

A loud celebration erupted among Jackson fans outside of the courthouse, where emotions ran so high at least one woman fainted. Passing cars honked their horns, as people nearby hugged, cried and yelled out in joy.

Jackson's family, including by his parents and several of his brothers and sisters, smiled as they left the courthouse.

An emotional La Toya Jackson on Monday thanked all those involved in the trial, calling the decision a "victory."

"Everybody was wonderful," La Toya Jackson told HLN's Jane Velez-Mitchell as she left the Los Angeles courthouse.

A statement released by Michel Jackson's estate Monday said that "justice has been served."

Deputy District Attorney David Walgren personally expressed his sympathies to the Jackson family who he said lost "not a pop icon, but a son and brother."

 Steve Cooley expresses his thanks to  Attorney of Los Angeles County District jurors "for their hard work and thoughtful deliberation," and expressed gratitude that they recognized the "overwhelming" evidence against Murray in finding him guilty.

The seven men and five women on the jury heard 49 witnesses over 23 days, including Murray's girlfriends and patients, Jackson's former employees, investigators and medical experts for each side.

Defense lawyers contended the matter was a negligence case that should instead be heard by the state medical board.

"If it were anybody else but Michael Jackson, would this doctor be here today?" Chernoff asked in his closing.

Jurors were left to decide if the propofol overdose was infused into Jackson's blood by a steady intravenous drip, as the prosecution contended, or if Jackson injected himself using a syringe left nearby by Murray, as the defense argued.

"He was just a little fish in a big, dirty pond," Chernoff said, pointing the finger at other doctors who treated Jackson, and Jackson himself.

Prosecutor Walgren attacked the defense for trying to blame "everybody but Conrad Murray, poor Conrad Murray."

Walgren painted Murray as a selfish doctor who agreed to take $150,000 a month to give Jackson nightly infusions of propofol in his home, something prosecutors argued an ethical doctor would never do because of the dangers.

"It was a very strong and powerful message that this sort of conduct does rise to the level of criminal negligence, and to the extent someone dies as a result of them playing the role of Dr. Feel Good, they will be held accountable," Cooley said after the verdict.

Dr. Murray's license to practice the medicine is suspended, as per the Medical Board of California, which decides if a doctor can legally work in the state.

In the light of the conviction, the board now will open an investigation to determine whether or not to fully revoke Murray's right to practice medicine in the state, spokeswoman Jennifer Simoes said.

I Wish it Had Been Murder One:Nancy Grace on Conrad Murray Verdict

Sunday night Nancy Grace was minding about her low scores on 'Dancing With the Stars.' Talking to mediapersons backstage afterward she was more preoccupied with the punishment verdict that had been handed down to Conrad Murray j.

Nancy Grace, had a zinger or two to let us know how she really feels about it.

"Well, once I found out it was a guilty verdict that's really all I needed to know," she told OnTheRedCarpet.com. "I only wish it had been murder one, because murder one deserves life behind bars, not four years."

Discussing Murray's future prospects, Grace told 'THR': "When he gets out, I got news for him ... God's gonna get him. He's gonna be mis-er-able. He can run but he can't hide. Hey! He and Casey Anthony can have a tea party in four years."

Grace's intense, often controversial, scrutiny of the Casey Anthony case produced record ratings for CNN's Headline News, and her outraged disbelief at Anthony's acquittal -- "somewhere out there, the devil is dancing tonight" -- set the Twitterverse afire.

Although Nancy Grace hasn't captured the Murray trial to the same extent, it is something she has been following avidly. The former prosecutor revealed to mediapersons reporters on Sunday night "I've been talking about Michael Jackson since he was charged with child molestation. I made it very clear what I thought after I read the autopsy report and all the state's and defense's evidence. So yes, of course, I would have liked to have weighed in on the verdict. But I've weighed in on what I thought the verdict would be, including what would it be and when it would come in. And luckily, I was two for two."

Back in September Grace said on AOL TV that, in fact, Murray's trial was an important reasons she'd agreed to take part in 'DWTS' -- she was already in Los Angeles to cover the proceedings.

"I understand the defense attorney wants the jury sequestered from Nancy Grace," she said. "I can only say that his client is charged with standing by, talking on the phone to his girlfriend while the King of Pop, a music icon, lay on that bed and died ... I don't think it was altogether a bad thing that they asked the jury to be sequestered from me."

However, don't expect a special 'Nancy Grace' on the Murray verdict just yet. She and partner Tristan MacManus are confident that they'll survive tonight's elimination to dance into a place in the 'DWTS' semi finals next week.

Court Government and Commission Applicants sandwiched with JPSC

JPSC’s inefficiency to take free and fare examination has put the future of applicant in unchartered territory for those who eyeing to get the birth in premiere service of Jharkhand government.

The controversy saga is continues with the 4th civil services examination despite the appointment of so called honest efficient chairman Mr Shiv Basant who is also a former senior IAS officer.

4th JPSC Civil Services Examination has become twisted tale as every party looks to involved in that. Applicants are protesting on the streets of the Ranchi, questions are traveling in the secretariats as government closely watching the development. JPSC is trying hard to get an amicable solution and high court is also scheduled to hear the matter.

The new development has confused the successful as well as failed applicant, passed students are worrying that will they able to find their name in new set of result, however those failed aspirants who missed by whispers are optimistic about coming result.

Nothing is clear here in JPSC and Applicants are sandwiched by these organization.

Climate Change Scenarios in California’s Bay-Delta

                                                    Suisun Slough, California

United States Geological Survey scientists and academic colleagues investigated how California's interconnected San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (the Bay-Delta system) is expected to change from 2010 to 2099 in response to both fast and moderate climate warming scenarios. Results indicate that this area will feel impacts of global climate change in the next century with shifts in its biological communities, rising sea level, and modified water supplies.

"The protection of California's Bay-Delta system will continue to be a top priority for maintaining the state's agricultural economy, water security to tens of millions of users, and essential habitat to a valuable ecosystem," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "This new USGS research complements ongoing initiatives to conserve the Bay-Delta by providing sound scientific understanding for managing this valuable system such that it continues to provide the services we need in the face of climate uncertainty."

This study provides the first integrated assessment of how the Bay-Delta system will respond to climate change. Results show that the combined effects of increasing water temperature and salinity could reduce habitat quality for native species, such as the endangered Delta smelt and winter-run Chinook salmon, and intensify the challenge of sustaining their populations. The study indicates that water-resource planners will need to develop adaptation strategies to address potentially longer dry seasons, diminishing snow packs and earlier snowmelt leaving less water for runoff in the summer. The study also describes risk from flooding as sea-level rise accelerates and extreme water levels become increasingly common. Increased intensity and frequency of winter flooding could also occur as a result of earlier snowmelt and a shift from snow to rain.

                                    Golden Gate Bridge, California

The Delta provides drinking water to 25 million people and irrigation water to farmland producing crops valued at $36 billion per year. Intensive efforts are underway among the USGS, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA, and the State of California to address what will be increasingly difficult decisions regarding allocations of water for human consumption and biological needs. The report's findings provide new information that can inform planning of next steps in collaborative initiatives such as the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and contribute to the science foundation underlying the Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Plan.

"As we plan for the future, it is important to consider more than just global warming," said USGS scientist and the study's lead author James Cloern. "We also have to consider other drivers such as land-use changes and population growth. A comprehensive assessment of the future looks at responses to global warming in the context of all factors that will change the resources we value."

In addition to providing future visions of the Bay-Delta system, this research provides general lessons to guide development of adaptation strategies for coping with climate change in other coastal landscapes. Anticipation, flexibility, and adaptability will be the keys to the success of those strategies.

Results of this study were recently published in the journal, PLoS ONE. The article, "Projected Evolution of California's San Francisco Bay-Delta-River System in a Century of Climate Change,” is available online.

Source :USGS