Category: Ranker Webinars

1. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment (10 marks, 150 words)
2. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. (10 marks, 150 words)
3. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (10 marks, 150 words)
4. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (10 marks, 150 words)
5. Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic region? (10 marks, 150 words)
6. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (10 marks, 150 words)
7. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? (10 marks, 150 words)
8. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (10 marks, 150 words)
9. ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (10 marks, 150 words)
10. How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)
11. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)
12. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (15 marks, 250 words)
13. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to their colonies? have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (15 marks, 250 words)
14. “The ideal solution of depleting groundwater resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (15 marks, 250 words)
15. Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (15 marks, 250 words)
16. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (15 marks, 250 words)
17. Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. (15 marks, 250 words)
18. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addresses the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (15 marks, 250 words)
19. ‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate. (15 marks, 250 words)
20. ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (15 marks, 250 words)

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High Relevance News

Adultery no longer a criminal offence as SC scraps Section 497 of IPC

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/adultery-no-longer-a-criminal-offence-as-sc-scraps-section-497-of-ipc/

Another progressive judgment to move away from Victorian-era laws. Also ensures equal rights for women. Important for Mains. Read this news with the editorial on this issue.

MHA merges Police forces of 6 UTs

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/mha-merges-police-forces-of-6-uts/

Make notes on the need for a central cadre of police force. Important for Mains.

Cabinet approves 100% govt stake in GST Network

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/cabinet-approves-100-govt-stake-in-gst-network/

Note the composition of GSTN. Can be asked in Prelims.

[op-ed snap] National surgical strike day: celebrating failures

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-national-surgical-strike-day-celebrating-failures/

A good editorial highlighting the actual scenario after the surgical strike and the change that is needed in India’s security architecture. Important for Mains.

Low Relevance News

Arunachal Pradesh mega dam clearance shocks greens

Conservationists have asked the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) to reverse the clearance for the 1750MW Demwe Lower hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh which is proposed to be constructed on river Lohit

No important points in the news from the exam point of view.

No questions on women, education, social issues. Mostly philosophical topics.

Section A had objective topics (1&4) but Section B was a bummer. Let us know what you think?

SECTION – A

1.Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India
2.A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge
3.Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
4.Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task

SECTION – B

1. Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
2. ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
3. A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both
4. Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it

 

 

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

Supreme Court Okays Constitutional Validity of Aadhaar

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/supreme-court-okays-constitutional-validity-of-aadhaar/

Important judgment related to Aadhar. Read where it is required and where not. A tricky statement question might appear in Prelims.

Supreme Court nod to live-streaming of court proceedings

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/supreme-court-nod-to-live-streaming-of-court-proceedings/

A progressive move by SC to bring in more transparency and accountability. Important for Mains.

PM Modi gets UN’s ‘Champions of the Earth’ award

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pm-modi-gets-uns-champions-of-the-earth-award/

Read all details about the award. Important for Prelims.

[pib] Cabinet approves National Digital Communications Policy-2018

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-cabinet-approves-national-digital-communications-policy-2018/

An area seeing unprecedented growth and new technological developments is the telecom sector. Read all points of the policy as each year a policy is being asked in Mains.

Low Relevance News

SC declines to refer to larger Bench issue whether mosques are integral to Islam

A three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court declined to refer the question whether a “mosque as a place of prayer is an essential part of Islam” in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid appeals to a larger Bench

The bone of contention here is an observation made in a 1994 judgment of the Supreme Court in the Ismail Faruqui case that “a mosque is not an essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam and ‘namaz’ [prayer] by Muslims can be offered anywhere, even in open”

No important points in the news from exam point of view

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

[pib] Financial Inclusion Index

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-financial-inclusion-index/

Indexes and reports, domestic as well as international are important for Prelims.

India ranks 158th in ‘human capital’ score

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-ranks-158th-in-human-capital-score/

Read and note the details of the study. Points can be used in Mains.

Enact strong laws to cleanse Politics: Supreme Court

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/enact-strong-laws-to-cleanse-politics-supreme-court/

Important SC judgment regarding the decriminalisation of politics in India. Important for Mains.

Low Relevance News

Govt to hold inter-ministerial consultation on impact of SC order on Aadhaar

The government will hold inter-ministerial consultation to assess the impact of the Supreme Court judgement on Aadhaar and action will be taken thereafter

No important points in news from exam perspective.

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

[op-ed snap] Raja Mandala: The world beyond Pakistan

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-raja-mandala-the-world-beyond-pakistan/

A detailed editorial discussing India’s diplomatic attachment to Pakistan issue and how this is affecting India’s interests in various multilateral fora. Important for Mains.

Publishing poll candidate’s propaganda is paid news: Election Commission

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/publishing-poll-candidates-propaganda-is-paid-news-election-commission/

Note the provisions of disqualifications of people from contesting elections. Can be asked in Prelims. Paid news in elections can be a topic for Mains.

India to focus on climate change, South-South cooperation at U.N.

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-to-focus-on-climate-change-south-south-cooperation-at-u-n/

Know about stated aims of G4. Important for Prelims.

India conducts successful interceptor missile test at night

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-conducts-successful-interceptor-missile-test-at-night/

Read about Prithvi defence vehicle. Defence and space related questions are repeatedly asked in Prelims.

Low Relevance News

Monsoon withdrawal to begin by weekend

The monsoon will likely start withdrawing from the country by the end of the week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a forecast

Typically, the monsoon begins its withdrawal from the 1st week of September, but it has been delayed primarily due to the development of cyclonic conditions

No important points in the news for the exam.

 

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

People cutting down Neelakurinji plants to be fined

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/people-cutting-down-neelakurinji-plants-to-be-fined/

Note all details about Neelakurinji plant (Special features, places where found etc). Questions based on such special plant and animal species are seen in Prelims year after year.

India’s first indigenously developed fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam may achieve criticality in 2019 

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/indias-first-indigenously-developed-fast-breeder-reactor-at-kalpakkam-may-achieve-criticality-in-2019/

Note about PFBR. Important for Prelims. Along with this, research about India’s nuclear program. Can be asked in Mains.

What caused Kerala Floods?

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/what-caused-kerala-floods/

Know what Hungry water effect is and its role in flooding in Kerela. Important for Pre as well as Mains.

Explained: Governor’s Pardoning Power

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/explained-governors-pardoning-power/

There’s been a continuous debate about Governor’s discretionary powers and their wide and undefined scope. Note the articles being discussed and their ramifications on governor’s relationship with the Council of Ministers. Important for Mains.

Low Relevance News

Article 370: J&K’s special status challenged

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the continued existence of Article 370, which gives a temporary autonomous status to the State of Jammu and Kashmir and restricts the power of Parliament to make laws for the State

No important points in the news from the exam perspective.

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

UNDP report lauds India’s strides in reducing poverty in past decade

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/undp-report-lauds-indias-strides-in-reducing-poverty-in-past-decade/

Read about MPI and its 2018 report findings. Can be asked in Pre as well as Mains.

Now outsourced eco-impact checks

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/now-outsourced-eco-impact-checks/

Make notes about EIA. Important from Mains point of view.

Who is at risk from China’s Belt and Road Initiative debt trap?

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/who-is-at-risk-from-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-debt-trap/

Read and remember about Paris Club. Terms like these are favourite of UPSC for Prelims.

[pib] National Board of Examinations

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-national-board-of-examinations/

Make notes about NBE. Important for Prelims

Low Relevance News

Reinstated staff can’t have back wages: SC

An employee has no right to back wages merely because the court has set aside his dismissal and returned his old job, the Supreme Court held in a judgment

No important points in the news from the exam point of view

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

Sex offenders’ registry launched with 4.4 lakh entries

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/sex-offenders-registry-launched-with-4-4-lakh-entries/

With the rise in sexual offences against women and children, the registry was necessary. Note the details. Important for Pre as well as Mains.

India puts four more nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-puts-four-more-nuclear-facilities-under-iaea-safeguards/

Read about IAEA and impact of its safeguards on India’s nuclear program. Can be asked in Prelims.

[pib] Health Ministry launches sputum sample transportation Through Dept of Post

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-health-ministry-launches-sputum-sample-transportation-through-dept-of-post/

Read about Nikshay. Important for Prelims.

Low Relevance News

BSF opens hotline in Delhi to talk to Pakistan Rangers

The Border Security Force (BSF) has opened a new hotline in Delhi to communicate with the Pakistan Rangers

After large-scale ceasefire violations in 2015, the BSF and Pakistan Rangers put in a system to resolve through effective communication any flare-up on the border. At least 14 hotlines were activated along the Pakistan border from Gujarat to Jammu. A hotline between the Directors-General of Military Operations (DGMOs) also exists.

No important points in the news apart from the above fact.

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

Triple talaq is criminal offence

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/triple-talaq-is-criminal-offence/

Read about provisions of the ordinance and the process of promulgating ordinances by the president. Important for Prelims.

[pib] DAC Approves Procurement of Equipment Worth Rs 9,100 Crores

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-dac-approves-procurement-of-equipment-worth-rs-9100-crores/

Read about Akash missile systems and IUWBA. Important for Prelims.

ITU South Asia area office and tech innovation centre to be set up in Delhi

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/itu-south-asia-area-office-and-tech-innovation-centre-to-be-set-up-in-delhi/

Read about ITU. International organizations related questions are frequently asked in Prelims.

Low Relevance News

Nilakanth Vyas is Atomic Energy Commission chief

Prominent scientist and Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Kamlesh Nilakanth Vyas, has been appointed Secretary, Atomic Energy, and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by PM cleared his name for the post.

No important points in the news from exam perspective.