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  • Get ready for upcoming September Current Affairs Prelims Test on 26th October- sample questions highlighting our methodology

    Click here to enroll for the Prime Prelims TS

    Dear students,

    31st May 2020 is the D-day for all civil service aspirants.

    “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.”

    This quote by Abraham Lincoln sums up how one should prepare for that day. So before entering the battlefield alone should have enough practice. Our Prime Prelims Test series which shall enrich you to acquaint yourself with the pattern of CSE-2020, assess your abilities, rectify your mistakes and make you confident to appear on the examination day.

    Our Prime Prelims Test Series follows the same approach as that adopted by UPSC. Our team of experts is quite enriched with the UPSC pattern and focal point of the questions and hence creates more chances for the aspirants to crack civil service examination by appearing our Test Series.

    The key philosophy of our prelims TS is Evidence-based question making: The 3600 questions you face in our mocks have their relevance established in UPSC’s trend analysis. We focus on themes that are important as per UPSC so that we maximize your chances of questions overlap with the actual UPSC Prelims.

    Nothing speaks more than the facts itself rather than a mere jargon. Here is a list of 5 sample questions from the upcoming test which will help you in identifying the standards and approach we follow. (you can skip this if you want to attempt these directly in the test). 

    Noone but only you can assess how it will help you in being the top percentile of aspirants. You have to practice ruthlessly and civils Daily provides you with a platform to hone your skills.

    Q.1) With reference to International science projects, consider the following:

    1. Large Hadron Collider (LHC)– The God Particle
    2. Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) – The World’s Most Advanced Telescope
    3. International-Thermonuclear-Experimental-Reactor (ITER) – Fusion Energy
    4. Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) – Antiproton and Ion Research

    Which of the above projects have India’s active participation?

    a. 1 only

    b. 2 and 3 only

    c. 1, 3 and 4 only

    d. All of them

     

    Q.2) Project ANDREX is in news related to:

    a. the finding of biological carbon pump in the Antarctic ocean

    b. the discovery and confirmation of methane on the surface of Mars

    c. climate change impact in the Arctic ice sheets

    d. None of the above

     

    Q.3) Consider the following pairs regarding Water Harvesting Practices:

    Practices                                        States

    1. Mission Kakatiya                  Telangana

    2. Pani Panchayat                    Jharkhand

    3. Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan   Gujarat

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    a. 1 only

    b. 2 and 3 only

    c. 1 and 3 only

    d. All of them

     

    Q.4) The following statements describe which of the given places in the options?

    1. It lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal.

    2. It is also known as Seven Pagodas.

    3. The entire assemblage of monuments of this town collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    a. Puri

    b. Kakinada

    c. Mamallapuram

    d. Madurai

     

    Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)

    1. It was established to support the economic development of eastern countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

    2. India participated in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) that was held in Vladivostok, Russia.

    Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

    a. 1 only

    b. 2 only

    c. Both of them

    d. Neither of them

  • Gear up for today’s Environment Mains test | Mains Essential Program 2020

    2020 – Mains Essentials Program . Click here to enrol now! 

    Click here for master Master Timetable for Batch 2. The dates of the mains program are also mentioned.


    Dear Students,

    As aspirants, we all have a tendency to wait for that perfect moment when we would have completed the syllabus and done with all the revisions before we get to attempting answer writing.

    The bitter truth is that there is no such perfect moment. It is only delaying your answer writing. You should remember that you will build confidence only by writing more and more answers, not by postponing the date to be more thorough with the .

    Some things are best learnt by doing. Take swimming for example. You will only learn when you jump in the pool, not by tutorials or by watching others swim.

    A test series gives you the opportunity to test yourself and also helps you in improving your writing.

    Our Mains Test Series had the highest hit ratio among all the Test Series. If you followed our platform/study material, you would’ve written above average answers for all questions. Almost 60 percent Questions in UPSC Mains 2019 GS 1,2,3 and 4  came from our test series.

     

     

    We are excited to launch our Mains essential program for 2020. As usual, we are incorporating a lot of feedback and bringing a better offering.

    Here are some sample questions from our Environment sectional mains test

    Q.) The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process was brought with an ideal intention but it has lost its importance and practical utility. Critically examine. (10 marks)

    Q.) As the Arctic continued to be warm and the temperature difference relative to the equator has reduced, many strange climate anomalies have been witnessed around the world. Examine. (10 Marks)

    Q.) National Urban Transport Policy emphasizes on ‘moving people’ instead of ‘moving vehicles’. Discuss critically the success of the various strategies of the government in this regard. (10 marks)

    Q.) Expediting the migration to electric mobility(E-vehicles) will not just benefit India environmentally but also economically and socially? Discuss

    Q.) What is sustainable development mechanism(SDM)? Compare and contrast it with clean development mechanism? What are the possible challenges and benefits of SDM? discuss. (15 marks)

    Program Inclusions

    1. Checked Copy Discussion on Phone
    We are known to provide individual attention to students. We have further standardized our program. Now students can schedule a call within 2 days of receiving their checked copies by replying back to us with their availability. We have kept it 2 days so your mentors can easily recall your attempt.
    This is the biggest reason why you should join our TS. Major issues with your attempt will be highlighted and your improvement will be tracked in subsequent tests.

    2. Question Formulation
    Our questions will now specifically state that
    >Whether they are straightforward or thought-provoking/analytical.
    >Whether they have subparts.
    >Why this question – similar previous year questions, the importance of the theme, etc.
    CD Innovation – Rather than the regular uninspiring questions, we have gone the extra mile and crafted unique, intellectually-stimulating questions. These will reward analytical ability and critical thinking. These questions will be marked with a ‘star’.

    3. Model Answers
    > For ‘thought-provoking/analytical‘ type of questions, we’ll provide the best way to approach them.
    > Alternate introductions
    > Sub-headings and categorization to enhance readability and answer structure.
    > Color coding for main arguments, reports, data, scholars, etc.
    > OTB – *Out of the box points for additional marks*

    4. Answer Checking
    Answer-copy evaluation in the industry has become stagnant. The focus is restricted to superficial, memory-based lapses rather than on analytical excellence and cross-domain inter-linkages.
    Our stress will be on the following –
    1. Superior introduction and conclusion.
    2. Usage of subject-specific vocabulary.
    3. Articulation proficiency.
    4. Substantiating evidence like Government and International Reports and Indices.
    5. Prominent and contemporary examples.
    Thorough answer checking with oversight of rankers like Dr. Vipin Garg(AIR 20), Swapnil Pawar (AIR 525)

    5. Video Discussion
    There will be a video discussion after every test where the mentor will discuss how you can write the best answers to the questions asked in the test. Mentors will also be sharing answer writing strategy with students so that they can gain extra marks in Mains

    6. One to one mentorship 
    We believe in constant guidance and support approach and therefore we will provide a dedicated one to one mentorship group for students of the module where they can have peer discussions as well as doubt clearance via mentors.
    The group will also have toppers who will personally guide the students. The students can always raise there preparation related query in the group.

    7. Magazines, listicles and other relevant study material
    Supplementary content provided will be helpful in covering multiple related questions.

    2020 – Mains Essentials Program . Click here to enrol now! 

    Click here for master Master Timetable for Batch 2. The dates of the mains program are also mentioned.

     

  • Gear up for This week’s Samachar Manthan lecture on 20th October

    Dear students,

    We understand that the UPSC exam is a generalist exam. It’s more important to cover more issues than to cover one issue in more depth. Hence, through Samachar Manthan, we are trying to maintain a fine balance of covering many important news items and having a detailed discussion on selected topics which require the same. On daily basis a news gets repeated multiple times. Scattered knowledge is not adequately useful when you have to write a 200 words answer within 6-7 minutes. To handle this, Samachar manthan covers such issues in a comprehensive and consolidated manner which is the smart strategy.

    Benefits of Samachar Manthan

    • Packed 3 – 3.5 hours Weekly videos will focus on news and its importance from both prelims and mains perspective.
    • This program will also help you understand how to utilize current affairs in all your prelims and mains papers.
    • This ideology makes this course the best utilization of your time.
    • Detailed coverage would mean analysis from all the angles like background or history, features, significance, challenges and way forward. Also, multiple sources like epw, diplomat magazine etc will be referred to in the video lectures.
    • Such an approach will help in writing multidimensional answers.
    • Also which part of the topic is important from mains and prelims perspective will also be discussed.
    • Audio Visual Learning is more impactful than simply glancing through the material. So that you are able to retain information for long also interlink with any new information you get.
    • 4 stage structure of Video->Notes->testing->review to perfect your preparation
    • The sequence of video->Notes->testing->review is the best way to ensure maximum retention and a rock solid preparation. Each component of the program has been meticulously crafted.

    For example this week, we will be covering the following issues;

    Economics

    •  [Op-ed snap] Regulator needs to address risks to financial stability
    • Green Channel Combination
    • Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) Programme
    • [op-ed snap] The great disruption of 2016
    • [op-ed snap] A land of missed calls and revised deadlines
    • Global Competitiveness Index 2019
    • Slowdown in the credit flow
    • Can the government intercept WhatsApp?
    • Small businesses provide most jobs in underdeveloped, developing nations: ILO
    • [op-ed snap] The efficiency promise of the bankruptcy code
    • India’s industrial production shrinks 1.1% in August
    • [op-ed snap] The policy way out
    • Issues in cooperative banks

    Enviro & Biodiversity

    • The fight over Mumbai’s Aarey Colony
    • Evolution of Universe after the Big Bang
    • Graded Response Action Plan
    • [oped of the day] Rethinking water management issues
    • GEMINI system to aid fishermen
    • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

    Governance

    • e-DantSeva
    • World Vision Report
    • [op-ed snap] Uncaging India
    • WHO India Country Cooperation Strategy 2019–2023
    • Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme (PMILP) – ‘DHRUV’
    • Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship Programme
    • [op-ed snap] The minimum wage solution
    • Government launches SUMAN scheme, assures free medicines for pregnant women
    • [oped of the day] Let’s use cognitive science insights for better learning

    History

    • Satnami Rebellion
    • Mahabalipuram’s China connection

    International Relations

    • Turkish offensive in Syria
    • India-Bangladesh relations
    • [oped of the day] Techno-Politics: Focus on China’s facial recognition technologies
    • RCEP
    • Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) 2019
    • Modi-Xi ‘Informal Summit’

    Polity

    [op-ed snap] Privacy rights & wrongs 54

    Science Tech

    • Nobel Prize in Chemistry: for Lithium ion battery
    • 82 Moons orbiting Saturn
    • [op-ed snap] How things work
    • Elastocaloric effect
    • Ionospheric Connection Explorer
    • [oped of the day] On AI, various government agencies have conflicting and confusing strategies

     

    So to be thorough in your preparation and to have an integrated approach, join Samachar Manthan here.

  • Get ready for upcoming Environment and Biodiversity Prelims Test on 19th October- sample questions highlighting our methodology

    Click here to enroll for the Prime Prelims TS

    Dear students,

    31st May 2020 is the D-day for all civil service aspirants.

    “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.”

    This quote by Abraham Lincoln sums up how one should prepare for that day. So before entering the battlefield alone should have enough practice. Our Prime Prelims Test series which shall enrich you to acquaint yourself with the pattern of CSE-2020, assess your abilities, rectify your mistakes and make you confident to appear on the examination day.

    Our Prime Prelims Test Series follows the same approach as that adopted by UPSC. Our team of experts is quite enriched with the UPSC pattern and focal point of the questions and hence creates more chances for the aspirants to crack civil service examination by appearing our Test Series.

    The key philosophy of our prelims TS is Evidence-based question making: The 3600 questions you face in our mocks have their relevance established in UPSC’s trend analysis. We focus on themes that are important as per UPSC so that we maximize your chances of questions overlap with the actual UPSC Prelims.

    Nothing speaks more than the facts itself rather than a mere jargon. Here is a list of 5 sample questions from the upcoming test which will help you in identifying the standards and approach we follow. (you can skip this if you want to attempt these directly in the test). 

    Noone but only you can assess how it will help you in being the top percentile of aspirants. You have to practice ruthlessly and civils Daily provides you with a platform to hone your skills.

    Q.1) Which of the following are the likely consequences of an increase in the concentration of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

    1. There would be an increase in the rate of photosynthesis in the plants
    2. Nitrogen fixation in root nodules will be increased
    3. There would be an increase in rate of transpiration

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a. 1 and 3 only

    b. 2 and 3 only

    c. 1 and 2 only

    d. All of them

     

    Q.2) With reference to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), consider the following statements:

    1. It aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
    2. It was adopted under the aegis of members of IUCN.
    3. It is legally binding on the Parties and take the place of national laws.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a. 1 only

    b. 1 and 2 only

    c. 2 and 3 only

    d. All of the

     

    Q.3) Which of the following is/are sources of soil pollution?

    1. Fly ash from thermal power plants
    2. Use of inorganic fertilizers in agriculture
    3. Dumping of hospital organic wastes
    4. Incineration and pyrolysis

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    a. 1 and 3 only

    b. 2 and 4 only.

    c. 2 and 3 only

    d. All of them

     

    Q.4) Consider the following statements regarding Biodiversity Hotspot:

    1. A Biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with a rich pool of biodiversity that threatened by the human.
    2. The Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, the Western Himalayas, and the Eastern Himalayas are the only 4 Biodiversity hotspots in India.

    Which of the above statement is/are correct?

    a. 1 only

    b. 2 only

    c. Both of them

    d. Neither of them

     

    Q.5) Which of the following are the effects of Global warming?

    1. The clashing of warm and cold fronts would result in more violent weather.
    2. Due to warming, more water will be evaporated from seas leading to consistent high rainfall.
    3. Agricultural productivity of temperate regions will decline.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a. 1 and 2 only

    b. 1 and 3 only

    c. 2 and 3 only

    d. All of them

     

     

  • SAMANVAYA: Students Preparing for UPSC 2020 > Come join US !

    SAMANVAYA: Students Preparing for UPSC 2020 > Come join US !

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

    Dear Students, 

    As the mains conclude, we have started getting emails, messages from students who have benefitted from our programs. Our lectures on paper discussions and posts on solutions and sample structures have received over 20,000 hits collectively.  


    After numerous conversations with so many aspirants, we have started understanding your problems better and standardizing solutions for the same.

    These are being incorporated into our Samanvaya program. It is these practices that will make the program more effective.

    At the core of Samanvaya lies the fact that each one of you will have a unique journey while preparing for the exam. Some will get through on the first attempt without much effort while others will take both more time and more effort. We want to understand you better to help you optimize your journey so you can focus on the right things and not waste time on the wrong ones. We are asking you to tap into the valuable experiences of mentors who underwent the same grind and realize the pitfalls and understand the shortcuts to make it.

    Samanvaya program involves the following –

    1. Identifying your weaknesses

    Over 80% of students who claimed to have revised NCERTs were unable to answer basic questions. Many were not comfortable with at least 1 GS subject and Optional. Many struggled with ‘What went wrong’ after 2-3 years of hard work.

    Our mentors will help you assess your preparedness and suggest accurate strategies.

    2. Strategy and study plan discussions

    Over 90% of students couldn’t stick to a plan. Study plans and strategies are iterative in nature and we want to help you with that. Many are unable to perform in tests despite preparing hard. This could be due to a variety of factors – lack of adequate prep, jitters in the exam hall, inadequate revision, lack of practice of test series or just a bad day at work. Tell us what you think went wrong and we’ll figure out a way to get you over the line next time.

    3. Helping you understand the exam better

    Which books to read, different approaches, etc. Over 60% of students we talked to did not find NCERTs relevant and saw no point in being thorough with them.

    4. Lack of motivation

    We have all had those days when it’s been hard to motivate ourselves to hit the books and just study. It happens to the best of us sometimes and for some of us, it happens more frequently. And it is understandable, Civil Service preparation is a long and often lonely process. Every aspirant, from toppers to those who have quit have been overwhelmed by this process at some point.

    Samanvaya Code of Conduct

    • Be honest with your mentors about your preparation levels and stage.
    • Follow their advice and participate in tests and assignments that they set for you
    • Stay active in the telegram groups, ask doubts, don’t hold yourself back.
    • Don’t expect spoonfeeding. You have to drive the initiative.

    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

    Here’s the feedback that we got from some of our students:


    Click here to fill the form and get a kickstart. 

  • Tikdam Technique – How our Prime Test Series 2020 gives you an edge

    Here’s the link to the

    Prime Prelims TS brochure. Click2download

    Click here to enroll for the Prime Prelims TS

    To understand the points in depth, we recommend you download and read.


    We have been hammering on the importance of logical thinking and art of Tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients to clear prelims examination for quite some time now.

    Make no mistake, this is a GOLDMINE of practical wisdom.

    Sajal Sir discusses the utility of Tikdam Technique for Prelims 2017 paper.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptimG8kOYZg

    Here’s a real-life experience by an aspirant –

    Here’s how CD’s Tikdams helped me: Recollection from an aspirant

    PS: We are in the process of preparing an updated dossier on the Art of Tikdams and will make it available for a free download soon. If you wish to download an older version of the document, pls click here.

    Click here to enroll for the Prime Prelims TS