07 Jan 2018 | Target Mains | 19th Weekly Test

Q.1) Criminalising Triple Talaq is Unnecessary Overkill. Critically discuss Q.2) With other mega regional trade agreements like the Trans–Pacific Partnership in uncertainty, do you think there is any more rationale for India to join RCEP. Critically analyse Q.3) Why are the farmers distressed in India? Discuss the steps which Government are taking in… Continue reading

31 Dec 2017 | Target Mains | 18th Weekly Test

Q.1) If India Wants to Remain Secular, the New Citizenship Bill Isn’t the Way to Go? Critically Comment. Q.2) Recently Parliament has amended Forest act 1927 and from now on Bamboo would not be considered as tree. Discuss the impact of the decision on Indian Economy, Internal security, Ecology and Society. Q.3) While Everyone agrees… Continue reading

Biotechnology – Stem Cells

Before we deep-dive into the topic, have a look at the TED talk below. Broadly speaking, Stem cells is a naïve/immature/unspecialized cell that can i. divide to form similar cells (self renewal) and ii. develop into different specialized cells that perform distinct function A. Classification of Stem Cells Depending on their ability (potency)… Continue reading

Biotechnology – Genetic Engineering

N4S Genetic Engineering concepts, specially their applications highlight the practical implications of Biotechnology. Hence, they become the most important area for UPSC. Students are expected to be thorough with it. Genetic Engineering is an overarching term referring to modification of an organism’s genome. Here is a summary video outlining important techniques and applications which you… Continue reading

Biotechnology – Basics of Cell, Nucleus, Chromosomes, DNA, RNA, Genes, Codons, Amino acids, etc.

N4S Biotechnology is one of the most important topics with at least 1 question in both prelims and mains year after year. Nevertheless, it remains a major pain point for students. They have issues right from understanding the most basic terms like chromosomes, DNA, RNA, gene, codons, amino acids, proteins, etc. to recent breakthroughs. Understanding… Continue reading

17 Dec 2017 | Target Mains | 17th Weekly Test

Q.1) An interesting event which is happening in last few years is Russia and China’s continued attempts to frame global and regional politics through a similar lens, and the growing divergences between India and them. In the light of the above statement, Discuss the Challenges facing the RIC and steps required to address these… Continue reading

10 Dec 2017 | Target Mains | 16th Weekly Test with Official Answer

Q.1) The Chabahar Port which has been inaugurated recently could bring India and its partners a new spring. In this regard, discuss the strategic, economic and political significance of Chabahar port. Also discuss in what context will India gain from this project? Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/foreign-policy-watch-india-iran/#post-93837 Introduction Chabahar port is located in the Gulf of Oman has been… Continue reading

03 Dec 2017 | Target Mains | 15th Weekly Test with Official Answers

Q.1) What do you understood by Quad arrangement? Discuss its motive. What are the major issues Quad arrangement is facing? Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-quad-confusion/ Explain about Quad Arrangement as a security dialogue between four nations. Explain about its prime motives and general perception about its initiations. Talk about the major problems associated with member countries which will… Continue reading

26 Nov 2017 | Target Mains | 14th Weekly Test with Official answers

Q.1) Among several factors for India’s potential growth, savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? (Answer in 150 words) (UPSC mains 2017) Model Answer: The savings ratio a big determinant of economic activity. Investment depends on saving rate If people save more, it… Continue reading

19 Nov 2017 | Target Mains | 13th Weekly Test with Official Answers

Attempt the questions individually by clicking on them. Q.1) How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/india-coinage/ Hints: The Gupta period of Indian History is known by several scholars as the ‘Golden Period’ of Indian History which… Continue reading

New Capital Goods Policy: 2016

New Capital Goods Policy: 2016 It is for the first time that a national policy has been framed for the capital goods sector. Know about Capital Goods Capital goods are goods which are used by businesses to produce other goods and services which are used by consumers. They are usually considered as fixed goods, that cannot… Continue reading

12 Nov 2017 | Target Mains | 12th Weekly Test with Official Answer

Q.1) Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/civil-service-accountability-and-challenges-benefits-of-an-independent-permanent-and-impartial-civil-service/ https://www.civilsdaily.com/reforms-needed-in-civil-services-2nd-arc-report-and-other-committee-recommendations/ Hints: The civil service system is the backbone of the administrative machinery… Continue reading

5 Nov 2017 | Target Mains | 11th Weekly Test with Official Answers

Q.1 Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (UPSC 2017 mains) Hints: ‘Stem Cell Therapy’ also known as ‘Regenerative Medicine’ promotes the reparative… Continue reading

29 Oct 2017 | Target Mains | 10th Weekly Test

Attempt the questions individually by clicking on them. Q.1) There is a big opportunity in space for a nation like India. Apart from technological developments, in what ways can the space industry help in the economic development of the nation? http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/ShWdzqTBKakZv6DvJgcxIO/Unbundling-of-space.html Q.2) The need of prior sanctions to report the misdeeds of government officials will… Continue reading

Onwards and Upwards – Mantra for Mains

Mains is rightly called so given that it is this stage of the civil services examination that determines your very selection. This stage is also a test for you as a person. It requires patience to sit through three hours at a stretch for five odd days back to back. It requires stamina to pull… Continue reading

22 Oct 2017 | Target Mains | 9th Weekly Test with Official Answers

Attempt the questions individually by clicking on them. Q.1) Time and again there has been a demand for having dedicated personnel for public health management in India. In view of this, critically analyse the proposal of having a dedicated public health management cadre on health services. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/the-case-for-a-public-health-cadre/article19867932.ece Answer structure Various committees in the past like Mudaliar committee, Kartar… Continue reading

15 Oct 2017 | Target Mains | 8th Weekly Test with Official Answers

Attempt the questions individually by clicking on them. Q.1) Though representation of women in local bodies has increased after 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, India does not present a good picture when it comes to women’s participation and representation in politics. Discuss the causes of low women’s participation and representation in politics in India.… Continue reading

08 Oct 2017 | Target Mains | 7th Weekly Test with Official Answers

Attempt the questions individually by clicking on them. Q.1) According to UN Comtrade, a significant drop in China’s low-end manufacturing over the coming decades would leave a large gap for lower-cost countries to exploit. How can India reap the benefits of China’s shift from low-end, labour-intensive manufacturing in the wake of unemployment crisis faced by… Continue reading

01 Oct 2017 | Target Mains | 6th Weekly Test with Official Answer

Attempt the questions individually by clicking on them. Q.1) The demand for creation of separate states in India has often been driven by lack of development. In the light of ongoing Gorakahland agitation in Darjeeling, discuss the roots and causes of current crisis. How should the government deal with the situation? India has seen several… Continue reading

[Open Access] QIP videos for Geography Optional

We had run a special programme for Geography optional students known as Quality Improvement Programme under the aegis of K Siddhartha sir. Many students benefited from the program and have made their preparation more robust through these special sessions. CD is now opening up this initiative in order to benefit students who are writing Mains… Continue reading

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