This is for students preparing for UPSC Mains with Anthropology optional.
Unlike popular opinion, scoring marks in Anthropology is not that easy anymore. Many aspirants still are confused about the right strategy to prepare for anthropology optional. It is not just studying but studying in the right direction. Writing answers that fetch you marks.
Rinku Lather sir has launched his exclusive Anthropology club wherein he will be guiding you on a 1-to-1, personal level. He will be sharing tips and his process that helped him to score consistently high marks in Anthropology optional.
https://youtu.be/oc7aLdeao6o
About the Anthropology Marks Enhancer by Rinku Lather, IAS
Anthropology topic-wise discussion to improve score.
Google meet classes with Anthropology rank holder and UPSC Topper.
One-on-one discussions every week.
Doubt clearing sessions
Important notes, reference material, etc. will be suggested by Rinku sir
Mentorship to guide you in understanding the demand of the question, structuring of answers and content enrichment.
Program Inclusion
Exclusive membership to Habitat club- Only for Mains written aspirants
Civil Services Examination result 2020 was released on 24th September 2021. Civilsdaily is proud to announce its toppers. In 2020, we took 50 Students for Mains exclusive one-to-one mentorship program and 80% got interview calls with 50% making it to the final list.
Even Toppers of Civil services examination 2020 were impressed by the quality of questions from the Mains Test and Mentorship provided:
A personal note by Karishma Nair, AIR 14 (2020)
Quora Review by Pranav Vijayvergiya, AIR 65 (2020)
A talk with Vaibhav Rawat, AIR 25 (2020)A talk by P Srija, AIR 20(2020)
Here’s a look at some questions from our FLT Tests:
FLT 1 PAPER 1
Q. While there are several theories about why the Indus Valley Civilisation declined, climate change appears to be the most likely scenario. Discuss in what way the decline of IVC could be related to climate change aspects of that time. Draw an analogy of how past experiences can prove to be lessons to our future generations.
Model Answers:
More than 4,000 years ago, the Indus Valley Civilisation thrived in the Indus river valley of what is now modern Pakistan and north-western India. They built sophisticated cities, invented sewage systems, and even engaged in long-distance trade. However, by 1800 BCE, this advanced culture had abandoned their cities, moving instead to smaller villages in the Himalayan foothills.
Various causes have been suggested for the decline of the civilization which includes:
Aryan invasion theory- Very little evidence.
Decreasing fertility- Due to increasing salinity of soil
Sudden subsistence or uplift of land- Causing floods
Tectonic disturbances- caused earthquakes
Climate change- Most accepted theory. A new study titled ‘Neoglacial climate anomalies and the Harappan metamorphosis also supports this.
Climate change and decline of IVC:
Wetter winter monsoon- Between 4,500 and 3,000 years ago, strong winter monsoons were characterised by early neoglacial anomalies (ENA) that are characterised by changes in wind and precipitation patterns that are evident across the eastern Northern Hemisphere and tropics. This may have led to urban Harappan society turning into a rural one, as inhabitants migrated from a summer flood-deficient river valley to the Himalayan plains.
Decline in the winter monsoon- This could have played a role in the demise of the rural late Harappans.
Shift in temperatures and weather patterns- This caused summer monsoon rains to gradually dry up, making agriculture difficult or impossible near Harappan cities.
Neo-glaciation- A general cooling, occurred between 2,500 and 4,500 years ago. Records for the last 4,500 years generally indicate that temperatures were lower than the Holocene thermal maximum.
Less predictable floods in the Indus and tributary rivers- This affected the Indus people who depended a lot on inundation agriculture.
Changing character of the Indian monsoon- Affected atmospheric temperatures and the flow of rivers originating in the Himalayas. Both the changing temperature and the changes in river flow would have influenced the crops that were grown in the region.
Drying up of Ghaggar-Hakra- The probable course of the Saraswati river, dried at the same time.
The Indus story is important today because it provides us with a vivid example of what climate change could do to people. Some analogous examples observable in modern times are:
Migration due to climate change– The study provides a powerful lesson for today as the migration out of Syria, Venezuela and African countries has some roots in climate change.
Sea level rise- The sea level is rising at a rate of 12 mm per year in the western Pacific and has already submerged eight islands.This can lead to huge migrations from the low-lying regions or from hurricane-prone regions in the southern U.S.
South Asia- Increasing temperatures, more frequent cyclones, flooding of river systems fed by melting glaciers, and other extreme weather events along with rapid economic growth and urbanization are accelerating and magnifying the impact and drivers of climate change
The Harappans could cope with the change by migrating but owing to the existing rigid political boundaries with the increasing tendency of protectionism, this option is nearly closed in today’s global scenario which ultimately can cause political and social convulsion. Multilateral institutions, development agencies, and international law must do far more to resolve the impending crisis in line with the sustainable development goals.
FLT 2 PAPER 2
Q. Involving local communities along with the welfare of women can prevent malnutrition in the country effectively. Elaborate.
Model Answer:
While India’s malnutrition rates have improved over the recent years, the country is still facing a Triple burden of Malnutrition i.e. undernutrition, Hidden hunger, and Child overweight. In Global Hunger Index 2021 India ranked 101 among 116 countries under the Serious Level category, whereas the report of the WHO positioned India as the world’s third most obese nation after the USA and China.
The Core Strength of a nation is vested in the capabilities of its people. Malnutrition inflicts the very human resources base, severely limiting the socio-economic development of a nation. In this regard involvement of the local community along with the empowerment of women becomes essential in tackling the issue of malnutrition.
Role of Local Community in preventing Malnutrition:
Ensuring accountability and Avoiding Leakages- using methods like surveys, social audits, local community’s checks both inclusion and exclusion errors and ensure accountability and better targeting thus improving the delivery of food and nutrition. Eg. ‘Collective Action for Nutrition’ (CAN) social audit program in Odisha.
Making Govt. interventions culturally adaptable– involvement local community build trust and cooperation that ensures various Govt. interventions are culturally appropriate and holistic in terms of design and implementation thus making it easier to adapt in fighting against Malnutrition. Example- fish, egg, and dry fruits in mid-day meal program of states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Lakshadweep.
Checking discrimination: There is a correlation between discrimination based on gender, caste or religion and poor nutrition. With participation and active sensitization of the local community, such discrimination can be checked which in turn helps in fighting malnutrition.
Acting as Role Model: Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) recommended by both WHO and UNICEF, has shown positive results in the Nandurbar district of Maharashtra that led to rapid reduction of malnutrition among children between 2015-16 (NFHS-4) to 2019-20 (NFHS-5). it has the potential to be scaled up anywhere in India.
Support system: This collective action by communities imparts a sense of psychosocial well-being, self-efficacy and confidence to the group members along with the creation of a protective environment that helps in fighting malnutrition. Eg. the Proliferation of various community kitchens was conceived, organized, and run by the people in various states to tackle food security crisis during the lockdown.
Promotion of nutritional behavior: Synergy between the local community and various govt. departments can help in making the public aware of nutritional behavior.
Eg. SAAMAR (Strategic Action for Alleviation of Malnutrition and Anemia Reduction) campaign to tackle malnutrition in the state of Jharkhand.
Welfare of women and Malnutrition
Mother’s Literacy: Mothers empowered with knowledge and a facilitative environment, as the decision-maker in the house they can ensure proper dietary diversity, breastfeeding immunization and other interventions which is crucial for reducing malnutrition.
Ending gender discrimination- female members of the household tend to be treated as inferior and receive a relatively lower share of nutrition. Women end up eating the last and the least. Undernourished mothers give birth to an undernourished baby thus perpetuating an intergenerational cycle of under nutrition. To break this circle, the welfare of women is imperative.
Empowered women farmers can help fight malnutrition- Given financial support and choice in crop selection. A report of CARE India suggested that women farmers preferred crops that would contribute to household dietary diversity while promoting food and nutrition security rather than being more inclined towards cash crops.
Political empowerment- Role of women Sarpanchs in states like Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh showed that Women in leadership positions tend to take up issues related to health and hygiene on priority hence fighting rather effectively with menace like Malnutrition.
In the fight against Malnutrition India needs a change of perspective where malnutrition is seen as a social issue rather than as a health problem. An integrated approach involving all the stakeholders along with the robust framework of service delivery can help India to achieve the aim of the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030.
Mains Guidance Plus is a wholesome package for UPSC Aspirants. The aim behind this program is not just to provide students with Model tests, but to cover multiple needs of students. From Mentorship to current affairs, the program has all the necessary elements needed for mains 2021.
PROGRAM INCLUSION:
Sectional Tests: 8 sectional tests to cover your static portions in detail. The scope will spread over your core subjects like History, economics, and polity, etc.
Full-length tests: 12 FLTs to help you practice for the final Mains examination. These FLTs are patterned on UPSC Examination and have medium to high-quality questions. They will surely boost your preparation and test your analytical skills.
One on One Mentorship: After every test, a call with a mentor will be arranged and you can clear your doubts on the paper. This is important as with your mentor you can discuss your weakness and strategize for the next paper.
Quality Enrichment Program Notes: QEP is an intensive and holistic program for IAS Mains 2021 GS papers. We aim to cover up to 250 most relevant issues with a 360-degree view, covering all dimensions of each and every topic. Not only you’ll learn and analyze these issues but will also understand how to utilize them via Daily Answer Writing and Mains Test Series.
Mains Super 50 is a program apt for those aspirants whose focus lies on clearing Mains 2021. Those Students who have been practicing some answer writing and want to directly start with FLTs should opt for this. This program also has complete mentorship support.
PROGRAM INCLUSION:
Full-length tests: 12 FLTs to help you practice for the final Mains examination. These FLTs are patterned on UPSC Examination and have medium to high-quality questions. They will surely boost your preparation and test your analytical skills.
One on One Mentorship: After every test, a call with a mentor will be arranged and you can clear your doubts on the paper. This is important as with your mentor you can discuss your weakness and strategize for the next paper.
Weekly Zoom Call with Sukanya Ma’am: These calls will focus on paper discussion and students can as well raise their queries.
Mentorship is a forte of Civilsdaily and once you experience it, you will believe it. Mains Guidance Mini is a program focused on mentorship-based improvement. You can appear in any Test series, we will provide you the mentorship on that paper.
PROGRAM INCLUSION:
10 Test Discussion: You can discuss 10 FLTs in which you have appeared recently. These tests can be from any institute. Just mail to us and we will provide you the guidance.
One on One Mentorship: After submitting a test, a call with a mentor will be arranged and you can clear your doubts on the paper. This is important as with your mentor you can discuss your weakness and strategize for the next paper.
GS-1 Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of art forms, literature and architecture from ancient to modern times.
GS-2 Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
GS-3 Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
GS-4 Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships
HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?
Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.
A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.
You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.
Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.
Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.
If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th October is uploaded on 11th October then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis
If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th October is uploaded on 13th October, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.
We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.
*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*.
Prelims Super-25 Program is back after a thumping success in Prelims 2021. Out of 25 students Santhosh sir has mentored, 15 have cleared prelims this time.
Do you want to practice medium to tough test series regularly? Before attending a test do you want to revise the right notes with integrated current affairs? And, after a test do you want an experienced mentor to discuss your answers and motivate you?
If yes, then this is the right program for you! The registrations are open for all UPSC 2022 aspirants.
Is Prelims the Toughest Exam of UPSC-CSE?
Toppers like Pranav Vijayvergiya (AIR 65) and Swati Sharma (AIR 17) have found Prelims to be tougher than Mains. In fact, Pranav failed to clear Prelims thrice. But, in his fourth attempt he had cleared Mains and Interview in one shot!
What makes prelims tough? It’s because the paper is unpredictable. If this year, science questions are a breeze then the next year you will have to answer advanced concept based questions.
Unlike Mains, Prelims has negative marking. One has to be good at elimination methods to choose the right option amongst two similar ones.
Our Super 25 Prelims Program started as a pilot project last year with an aim to introduce step-wise improvement in our chosen 25 aspirants. Over a period of 2 months, Santhosh sir inculcated confidence in aspirants who were either newbies or gave too many attempts.
This year, we achieved a remarkable 60% success ratio. Next year, we have set our eyes on 100%. Yes, we are ambitious and aspirational just like any other UPSC aspirant.
How do Students find Santhosh Sir’s Mentorship?
Santhosh sir has always been more than a guide. He has always walked with aspirants in their UPSC journey than ahead of them. Whenever our students were demotivated, this is how Santhosh sir lifted their spirits —
Testimonials by students who successfully cleared UPSC 2021 Prelims —
The program has three pillars and every aspirant who enrolls for Smash 2022 Prelims has access to all of them.
Pillar-1
Prelims Tests:
40 (12 Basic + 6 Advanced + 10 CA tests + 8 Full tests + 4 CSAT)
Sl No.
SUBJECT
NO. OF TESTS
1
Polity
3
2
Modern History
2
3
Economy
2
4
Geography
3
5
Environment
3
6
Science & Technology
1
7
Ancient and Medieval India
2
8
Economic Survey
1
9
Schemes and India Year Book
1
10
Current Affairs
10
11
CSAT
4
12
Full Length Test
8
Pillar-2
Value Additions Notes and Classes by Santosh Gupta Sir
Polity
Santhosh Gupta sir will conduct two sessions covering all the Polity Fundamentals, a session analyzing past year papers, another session on important current affairs related to polity this year and will discuss your test solutions.
History
Santhosh Gupta sir will conduct a session on Sectoral Developments in Modern History, a session analyzing past year papers and test discussion.
Economy
There will be sessions on economic survey, trend analysis, discussion of most important economic current affairs, past year paper analysis and economy final test discussion.
Geography
Santhosh sir will conduct sessions on the most difficult aspects like Geography Mapping, Economic Geography and Indian Agriculture.
Environment
Santhosh Gupta sir will cover sessions on Environment innovatively. Key concepts like vegetation and biome, Indian wildlife, conventions and protocols, national parks and sanctuaries, agriculture and sustainable development and environment current affairs will be covered.
Science & Technology
This year’s prelims paper questioned on the basic concepts of science. Keeping this in mind, Santhosh Gupta sir will conduct 2 sessions on One basic concepts and current affairs of science and technology.
Other Value Additions
1. Decimate Prelims-2022 Content: 2 years of current affairs notes for all topics + Videos
2. Civilsdaily Current Affairs Magazines for 1 year
3. Civilsdaily compilations of Yojna, Kurukshetra, PRS and RS TV.
4. Civilsdaily Budget And Economic Survey Summary.
Pillar-3
Santhosh Gupta sir’s mentorship programme will have these special features for aspirants.
1. Monthly zoom session by Santosh Gupta for doubt clearance and continuous improvement.
2. 1-1 mentor calls after tests.
3. Habitat/Whatsapp support from mentors.
4. Frequent sessions with toppers for support and guidance.
If you have any doubts regarding the program, pleasefill the formfor a call back.
Aspirants who don’t want the full program can opt for Smash Prelims-2022: Mini version. This will not have value added notes. Prelims tests + individual mentorship + monthly zoom sessions by Santosh Gupta sir will be available for this plan.
Paper 4 aka Ethics is the most dynamic General studies paper out of the lot. There is no “ONE WAY approach” in ethics. In our experience of working with 1000+ students, ethics is a gamechanger for the UPSC examination. As compared to other paper, it has less syllabus and require less time to master but can be very rewarding.
The TRICK is to learn the static portion, link them to current affairs and bring it in writing. So, ethics needs hold over ART OF ANSWER WRITING as well as STATIC MATERIAL.
The Smash ethics program will focus on both the needs of answer writing and static coverage of the syllabus.
REMEMBER: General studies paper 4 is the only paper where you can score 110+ marks easily. Considering the fact that the syllabus is least out of all the other General studies papers. The amount of time this paper requires is also relatively less. Thus, this paper can play a major role in boosting your score in the final mark sheet.
TRENDS IN ETHICS PAPER
Shift towards more conceptual questions than direct static questions
Consider the first questions of 2 years:
What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? (PYQ 2013)
Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power viz. human capital, soft power, and social harmony. (PYQ 2020)
The difficulty level of paper has more or less increased. This requires more practice and smart work.
More current affairs focused
The number of questions linked to current affairs is increasing. So, here you have to be careful to link the theory with current affairs.
“Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all-round development of an individual and social transformation”. Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement. (PYQ 2020)
There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss. (PYQ 2019)
Complex case studies
Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It has rocky terrain that is not suitable for agriculture, though some subsistence agriculture is being done on small plots of land. The area receives adequate rainfall and has an irrigation canal flowing through it. Amria, its administrative center, is a medium-sized town. It houses a large district hospital, an Industrial Training Institute, and some privately owned skill training centers. It has all the facilities of a district headquarters. A trunk railway line passes approximately 50 kilometers from Amria. Its poor connectivity is a major reason for the absence of any major industry therein. The state government offers a 10 years tax holiday as an incentive to the new industries.
In 2010 Anil, an industrialist decided to take benefits to set up Amria Plastic Works (APW) in Noora village, about 20 km from Amria. While the factory was being built, Anil hired the required key labor and got them trained at the skill training centers at Amria. This act of his made the key personnel very loyal to APW.
APW started production in 2011 with the labor drawn fully from Noora village. The villagers were very happy to get employment near their homes and were motivated by the key personnel to meet the production targets with high quality. APW started making large profits, a sizeable portion of which was used to improve the quality of life in Noora. By 2016, Noora could boast of a greener village and a renovated village temple. Anil liaised with the local MLA to increase the frequency of the bus services to Amria. The government also opened a primary health care center and primary school at Noora in buildings constructed by APW. APW used its CSR funds to set up women’s self-help groups, subsidize primary education to the village children and procure an ambulance for use by its employees and the needy.
In 2019, there was a minor fire in APW It was quickly extinguished as fire safety protocols were in place in the factory. Investigations revealed that the factory had been using electricity in excess of its authorized capacity. This was soon rectified. The next year, due to a nationwide lockdown, the requirement of production fell for four months. Anil decided that all employees would be paid regularly. He employed them to plant trees and improve the village habitat. APW had developed a reputation for high-quality production and a motivated workforce.
Critically analyze the story of APW and state the ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW as a role model for the development of backward areas? Give reasons. (PYQ 2020)
Not only the length but also, complexity levels of the case studies has also increased.
Lengthier paper
Gone are the days when solving Ethics papers within the time limits without practicing mocks seemed achievable. Today, with lengthy case studies and tricky Section A questions, this paper demands more answer writing practice.
Here’s what the program includes:
VIDEO LECTURES
Structured video lectures of Paper 4 for a concrete understanding of the syllabus. Our novel methodology accompanied by an in-depth explanation ensures comprehensive coverage of every topic in the syllabus. Added to this, we have made sure to add that extra element of fun.
Here’s a snapshot of the lecture for you:
8 FLT TESTS
FLT tests will help to bring together the ideas and concepts to the art of answer writing. Practice full-length tests to evaluate your levels. With every test and discussion on strategies to follow, one can improve with every test.
Questions framed are from the most important UPSC relevant themes and papers are based on the latest pattern of UPSC. Get model answers covering all the aspects of a question and providing enriching points to the student.
MENTORSHIP SUPPORT ON ZOOM CALL
A schedule is created where dedicated days are kept to discuss your doubts regarding each test and lecture. Weekly zoom calls can help boost ideas and discussion on various techniques, also among peers so that one can get a lot of exposure on various answer writing techniques and points to write in the answer.
Also, the best answer copy of the week can be taken for discussion so that you can get an idea of how to write better.
CIVILSDAILY’S HANDHOLDING
You’ll be given membership to an exclusive group on Civilsdaily’s Habitat. The group will be headed by Sukanya ma’am herself. From doubt resolution and discussion will be done by Sukanya ma’am only. Here you can directly connect with ma’am.
Habitat is where everything comes together learning, doubt clearing, mentor’s support, and a focused community. You’re going to learn and discuss it like never before.
Program inclusion
Comprehensive Video Lectures covering Paper 4
8 FLT tests with dedicated days for test discussion
Mentorship support over weekly zoom calls by Sukanya ma’am
Membership of Ethics group (exclusive) on Civilsdaily’s Habitat
*Note: The test in the module will be uploaded as per the 2021 schedule…2022 students can follow their respective schedules or flexible ones*
About the mentor:
Sukanya Rana:
Sukanya ma’am has firsthand experience of 4 mains and 2 interviews of UPSC. She has also appeared in the State PCS interview. Before she has worked as an officer in a public sector bank and now as a Mentor at Civilsdaily, she aims to guide future aspirants in finding success.
Sukanya Ma’am has scored consistently 100+ marks in ethics and in 2019 her marks were 140 in GS 4. In 2020, under her mentorship, many smash mains students were able to secure 110+ marks.
GS-1 Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc, geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
GS-2 Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
GS-3 Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
GS-4 Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships
HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?
Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.
A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.
You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.
Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.
Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.
If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th October is uploaded on 11th October then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis
If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th October is uploaded on 13th October, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.
We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.
*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*.
Paper 4 aka Ethics is the most dynamic General studies paper out of the lot. There is no “ONE WAY approach” in ethics. In our experience of working with 1000+ students, ethics is a gamechanger for the UPSC examination. As compared to other paper, it has less syllabus and require less time to master but can be very rewarding.
The TRICK is to learn the static portion, link them to current affairs and bring it in writing. So, ethics needs hold over ART OF ANSWER WRITING as well as STATIC MATERIAL.
The Smash ethics program will focus on both the needs of answer writing and static coverage of the syllabus.
REMEMBER: General studies paper 4 is the only paper where you can score 110+ marks easily. Considering the fact that the syllabus is least out of all the other General studies papers. The amount of time this paper requires is also relatively less. Thus, this paper can play a major role in boosting your score in the final mark sheet.
TRENDS IN ETHICS PAPER
Shift towards more conceptual questions than direct static questions
Consider the first questions of 2 years:
What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? (PYQ 2013)
Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power viz. human capital, soft power, and social harmony. (PYQ 2020)
The difficulty level of paper has more or less increased. This requires more practice and smart work.
More current affairs focused
The number of questions linked to current affairs is increasing. So, here you have to be careful to link the theory with current affairs.
“Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all-round development of an individual and social transformation”. Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement. (PYQ 2020)
There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss. (PYQ 2019)
Complex case studies
Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It has rocky terrain that is not suitable for agriculture, though some subsistence agriculture is being done on small plots of land. The area receives adequate rainfall and has an irrigation canal flowing through it. Amria, its administrative center, is a medium-sized town. It houses a large district hospital, an Industrial Training Institute, and some privately owned skill training centers. It has all the facilities of a district headquarters. A trunk railway line passes approximately 50 kilometers from Amria. Its poor connectivity is a major reason for the absence of any major industry therein. The state government offers a 10 years tax holiday as an incentive to the new industries.
In 2010 Anil, an industrialist decided to take benefits to set up Amria Plastic Works (APW) in Noora village, about 20 km from Amria. While the factory was being built, Anil hired the required key labor and got them trained at the skill training centers at Amria. This act of his made the key personnel very loyal to APW.
APW started production in 2011 with the labor drawn fully from Noora village. The villagers were very happy to get employment near their homes and were motivated by the key personnel to meet the production targets with high quality. APW started making large profits, a sizeable portion of which was used to improve the quality of life in Noora. By 2016, Noora could boast of a greener village and a renovated village temple. Anil liaised with the local MLA to increase the frequency of the bus services to Amria. The government also opened a primary health care center and primary school at Noora in buildings constructed by APW. APW used its CSR funds to set up women’s self-help groups, subsidize primary education to the village children and procure an ambulance for use by its employees and the needy.
In 2019, there was a minor fire in APW It was quickly extinguished as fire safety protocols were in place in the factory. Investigations revealed that the factory had been using electricity in excess of its authorized capacity. This was soon rectified. The next year, due to a nationwide lockdown, the requirement of production fell for four months. Anil decided that all employees would be paid regularly. He employed them to plant trees and improve the village habitat. APW had developed a reputation for high-quality production and a motivated workforce.
Critically analyze the story of APW and state the ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW as a role model for the development of backward areas? Give reasons. (PYQ 2020)
Not only the length but also, complexity levels of the case studies has also increased.
Lengthier paper
Gone are the days when solving Ethics papers within the time limits without practicing mocks seemed achievable. Today, with lengthy case studies and tricky Section A questions, this paper demands more answer writing practice.
Here’s what the program includes:
VIDEO LECTURES
Structured video lectures of Paper 4 for a concrete understanding of the syllabus. Our novel methodology accompanied by an in-depth explanation ensures comprehensive coverage of every topic in the syllabus. Added to this, we have made sure to add that extra element of fun.
FLT tests will help to bring together the ideas and concepts to the art of answer writing. Practice full-length tests to evaluate your levels. With every test and discussion on strategies to follow, one can improve with every test.
Questions framed are from the most important UPSC relevant themes and papers are based on the latest pattern of UPSC. Get model answers covering all the aspects of a question and providing enriching points to the student.
MENTORSHIP SUPPORT ON ZOOM CALL
A schedule is created where dedicated days are kept to discuss your doubts regarding each test and lecture. Weekly zoom calls can help boost ideas and discussion on various techniques, also among peers so that one can get a lot of exposure on various answer writing techniques and points to write in the answer.
Also, the best answer copy of the week can be taken for discussion so that you can get an idea of how to write better.
CIVILSDAILY’S HANDHOLDING
You’ll be given membership to an exclusive group on Civilsdaily’s Habitat. The group will be headed by Sukanya ma’am herself. From doubt resolution and discussion will be done by Sukanya ma’am only. Here you can directly connect with ma’am.
Habitat is where everything comes together learning, doubt clearing, mentor’s support, and a focused community. You’re going to learn and discuss it like never before.
Program inclusion
Comprehensive Video Lectures covering Paper 4
8 FLT tests with dedicated days for test discussion
Mentorship support over weekly zoom calls by Sukanya ma’am
Membership of Ethics group (exclusive) on Civilsdaily’s Habitat
*Note: The test in the module will be uploaded as per the 2021 schedule…2022 students can follow their respective schedules or flexible ones*
About the mentor:
Sukanya Rana:
Sukanya ma’am has firsthand experience of 4 mains and 2 interviews of UPSC. She has also appeared in the State PCS interview. Before she has worked as an officer in a public sector bank and now as a Mentor at Civilsdaily, she aims to guide future aspirants in finding success.
Sukanya Ma’am has scored consistently 100+ marks in ethics and in 2019 her marks were 140 in GS 4. In 2020, under her mentorship, many smash mains students were able to secure 110+ marks.
Spanning thousands of years, toy manufacturing in India is as old as civilization itself. Some of the earliest evidence of terracotta toys being found in Harappa (c. 2500 BCE)- a key site of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
It is remarkable to note that the history of toy manufacturing in India is inextricably linked to the larger story of India’s past.
Toy Industry in India
Presently, the Indian toy industry is only 0.5% of the global industry size indicating a large potential growth opportunity.
The domestic toy demand forecasted to grow at 10-15% against the global average of 5%.
The report ‘State of play: India’s toy story- Unboxing fun and beyond’ said India could also target a 2% share of global exports by 2025.
There is high growth potential for India in exports of plastic toys and board games in the US, EU and Middle East among other markets.
Toy Industries & Women Empowerment
Employment in the toy manufacturing sector offers its female majority workforce avenues for socio-economic empowerment, financial security, and skill development.
It also offers opportunities for women to act as agents of change by preserving local toy forms, intrinsic to their regions.
Toy manufacturing also creates possibilities for men and women artisans to work together, thereby promoting equal task division and partnerships.
For instance, in Tamil Nadu the manufacturing processes of ‘Vilachary‘ clay toys are divided between men and women.
Toy Industries and Women
According to a report by the National Productivity Council, India’s toy industry employs 3million workers, of which 70 per cent are women.
Challenges
Unorganized and fragmented: It continues to be significantly fragmented, with 90 per cent of the market being unorganised.
Small scale: 75 per cent of domestic manufacturing originates in micro-industries, while 22 per cent comes from MSMEs. Less than 3 per cent of the domestic toy manufacturing processes come from large units.
Less competitive: The retail value of the Indian toy market is INR 16, 000 crores of which close to three-fourths are Chinese imports.
Govt Initiatives
Toycathon: In January 2021, it launched ‘Toycathon’, a hackathon to develop toys and games based on Indian culture and ethos.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: To promote the indigenous toy manufacturing industry, this multi-Ministerial effort sought to create an ‘Aatmanirbhar’ eco-system for local manufactures by exploring their untapped potential.
Formal recognition in years: Toy manufacturing clusters across the country have come to be formally recognised and supported by the govt.
Cluster based production: State govts. are in the process of allocating spaces for toy parks. For instance, Koppal District in Karnataka has recently been recognised as the country’s first toy manufacturing cluster.
Conclusion
As India looks to build its ‘toyoconomy — women workers will continue to play a significant role in fulfilling domestic demand, reducing imports and raising India’s share of toy manufacturing in the global marketplace.
“When the results were out and I knew I finally made it, I sat down and cherished all the 8 years of preparation. For me, they are the best years of my life, regardless I cleared the exam or not. The civil services exam is worth your time, efforts and sacrifices even if there is a 1% chance of clearing it!”
So many aspirants in Shahansha’s position would have given up by now. They will not wait until all the attempts got exhausted. They would have already decided UPSC is not for them. But Shahansha is among the 1% who wanted to show up sincerely for every attempt given to him. And that’s why he cleared an exam where the probability of failure is 99%.
UPSC or Job? Better still, UPSC and Job!
Shahansha had a demanding job as an Indian Railway Protection Force Officer, he was a son and a husband as well. Yet, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. “If I was preparing for this exam with no job, with no family and friends to support me, then I don’t think I would have been successful.”, he says. According to him, stability in life is essential to deal with the psychological and emotional stress of the exam.
Don’t miss the chance to interact with him, get answers to all your questions and discover solutions to the issues bothering you! This webinar is free for all aspirants to attend.
Why Attend this Webinar?
“You are your own best friend and enemy”, says Shahansha as he believes negativity feeds on more negativity.
More than IQ, one requires EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to clear this exam. UPSC is looking for just above-average marks in all the subjects. But, it requires officers who don’t have excuses or run away from solving people’s issues. The more mentally adept you are, the more happy UPSC will be to select you. So, work on controlling your emotional impulses early on.
Shahansha will teach how to inculcate patience, perseverance and study through the stress. For anyone struggling in this area, this webinar is going to be useful.
1. Despite qualifying for IAS why did Shahansha choose IPS?
2. Why is it important to unwind when you’re feeling low? Importance of hobbies and friends.
3. The brighter side of his failures.How did Shahansha improve with every attempt?
4. Shahansha’s Prelims and Mains Strategy.How did he divide his time into before-work and after-work slots?
5. Six years of wrong optional versus one year of right optional — How did it make the difference for him in Mains?
6. General Do’s and Don’ts while preparing. What are the mistakes of his previous attempts he avoided?
All aspirants are encouraged to participate in the Q&A Session by Shahansha. Learn from your doubts, learn from others’ doubts and learn from Shahansha’s answers.
This Ask me Anything session is free for all aspirants to attend but is perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing break from their grueling studies. Only limited slots are available, so register ASAP.
Date: 31 October, 2021
Time: 3 P.M.
About Shahansha
Son of a shopkeeper father and school teacher mother, Shahansha was a professional athlete, trained by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He cleared prelims in all his seven attempts and even reached the interview round thrice. He gave multiple government exams and worked as the Assistant Commander in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indian Railway Protection Officer.
“When the results were out and I knew I finally made it, I sat down and cherished all the 8 years of preparation. For me, they are the best years of my life, regardless I cleared the exam or not. The civil services exam is worth your time, efforts and sacrifices even if there is a 1% chance of clearing it!”
So many aspirants in Shahansha’s position would have given up by now. They will not wait until all the attempts got exhausted. They would have already decided UPSC is not for them. But Shahansha is among the 1% who wanted to show up sincerely for every attempt given to him. And that’s why he cleared an exam where the probability of failure is 99%.
UPSC or Job? Better still, UPSC and Job!
Shahansha had a demanding job as an Indian Railway Protection Force Officer, he was a son and a husband as well. Yet, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. “If I was preparing for this exam with no job, with no family and friends to support me, then I don’t think I would have been successful.”, he says. According to him, stability in life is essential to deal with the psychological and emotional stress of the exam.
Don’t miss the chance to interact with him, get answers to all your questions and discover solutions to the issues bothering you! This webinar is free for all aspirants to attend.
Why Attend this Webinar?
“You are your own best friend and enemy”, says Shahansha as he believes negativity feeds on more negativity.
More than IQ, one requires EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to clear this exam. UPSC is looking for just above-average marks in all the subjects. But, it requires officers who don’t have excuses or run away from solving people’s issues. The more mentally adept you are, the more happy UPSC will be to select you. So, work on controlling your emotional impulses early on.
Shahansha will teach how to inculcate patience, perseverance and study through the stress. For anyone struggling in this area, this webinar is going to be useful.
1. Despite qualifying for IAS why did Shahansha choose IPS?
2. Why is it important to unwind when you’re feeling low? Importance of hobbies and friends.
3. The brighter side of his failures.How did Shahansha improve with every attempt?
4. Shahansha’s Prelims and Mains Strategy.How did he divide his time into before-work and after-work slots?
5. Six years of wrong optional versus one year of right optional — How did it make the difference for him in Mains?
6. General Do’s and Don’ts while preparing. What are the mistakes of his previous attempts he avoided?
All aspirants are encouraged to participate in the Q&A Session by Shahansha. Learn from your doubts, learn from others’ doubts and learn from Shahansha’s answers.
This Ask me Anything session is free for all aspirants to attend but is perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing break from their grueling studies. Only limited slots are available, so register ASAP.
Date: 31 October, 2021
Time: 3 P.M.
About Shahansha
Son of a shopkeeper father and school teacher mother, Shahansha was a professional athlete, trained by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He cleared prelims in all his seven attempts and even reached the interview round thrice. He gave multiple government exams and worked as the Assistant Commander in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indian Railway Protection Officer.
