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Category: Ranker Webinars

  • Batch 4: CD Prime Test Series for Prelims 2019

    We are now accepting admissions for Batch 4

    Join Batch 4 of Test series here: Click2Join

    Click2View the detailed schedule of test series with complete booklist to be followed.

     

    Get a 10% discount for early joiners. We will be extending the discount on this batch till 7th October (the date for the first test of this batch) to ensure that students join before tests start and they stay regular with the schedule

    UPDATE #2

    We are upgrading the program further to provide you more Comprehensive Preparation

    Apart from the static subject videos, now we will also provide Economic Survey & Budget Analysis Videos covering key concepts and important terms for Prelims 2019.  Economic Survey analysis will be available from 2016 to 2018 covering trends in Indian Economy as well as key issues related to it.

    That makes the total video lectures to be 75 hours

    UPDATE  #1

    Demolish UPSC series
    We are releasing 60+ Hours of Advanced Video Lectures on Static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economy

    These cover the most important topics from prelims perspective

    Basic knowledge will be helpful in understanding these though it’s not mandatory
    CD remains committed to its students’ success. We are ready to go the extra mile to turn your dreams into reality.

    Join Batch 4 of Test series here: Click2Join

     

    Here is the detailed schedule of lectures:

    Importance of Economic Survey and Budget

    Economic Survey and Budget are the 2 most important documents that you will go through in your exam preparation.

    • Economic Survey discusses all the major government initiatives with the explanation.
    • If we go by the trend, every year around 20 questions in prelims and 7-8 questions in mains are directly related to the Economic Survey and Budget.
    • Questions in prelims paper stress on important phrases, key analysis, and technical terms. Hence they have to be thoroughly studied.
    • Almost mandatory to imbibe actual phrases used in Economic Survey to frame answers for Main Examination. for example, if a Question is asked on Banking sector problems in the mains exam, you can always quote the 4R recommendations of the 2016th economic survey.
    • Adding the important and relevant facts and figures significantly enhance your marks in General Studies Paper-III.
    • Deep knowledge of the current policies and programs of the government also help an aspirant to write meaningful Essays in UPSC Civil Services Main Examination. For example, Wiping every tear from every eye “Twin balance sheet problem”, “translating potential into actuality” “ Chakravuyh challenge” etc.
    • According to the new trend economy and the environment is going hand in hand. So questions can come from that perspective also.
    • Many statistics and schemes are now being asked in Prelims

    Watch the video to know how we ensure you get 120+ score in Prelims

    The only TS that is supervised by top rankers and provides personalized attention to students. Check out the 7 points that make it the best in the market.

    Follow the video below to understand what makes the TS unique. Our planning and execution remains perfect.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWUJ-nQWqkE

     

    It goes without saying that Civilsdaily’s Flagship Test Series Program has created a name for itself. It is preferred among students in their advanced stages of preparation.
    Here is what ABHILASH BARANWAL, AIR 44, CSE-2017 had to say about CD

    Here is what  JITENDRA KUMAR SHARMA, AIR 392, CSE-2017 had to say –

    This year, we have upgraded the program to make it the best offering in the market.

    Introducing CD Prime TS 2019

    1. One comprehensive program – Our TS is a full-fledged course in itself! With a mix and match of various kinds of questions and detailed explanation wherever need. It is a very effective way of both, starting a subject and revising one.

    2. Telegram Groups moderated by to Toppers.  Mentorship taken to a whole new level. You will be helped at every step of the way.

    3. Introducing questions-types – Judging the quality of any TS is very subjective. While some will say its great, others will say its quality has decreased over time. That is why we have introduced the concept of question-types. They ensure consistency in quality. How? We have explained that in the end.

    4. Dedicated monthly CA Tests – Exclusive focus on Current Affairs(CA) by having dedicated monthly CA tests. Besides, exhaustively preparing for CA questions, it has helped students precisely figure out what their weaknesses are.  

    5. Tikdams and mastering the art of intelligent guesses – Tikdam Technique is an innovation by Dr. V(AIR 20) and has helped students gain additional marks. Our TS is the only TS that puts a conscious effort to build student’s risk-taking appetite.

    6. Subject and sub-subject Level Tagging – These tags will help you understand the importance of themes and revise other questions from them.

    7. Two-tier quality check  – Our questions pass through a rigorous true stage assessment criteria. The first being done by CD’s core content team with the final approval from a coterie of rankers.


    What are questions types 

    Wherever applicable, we will try to stick to the format decided below. It standardizes questions to a decent extent.

    A. Consolidation Questions
    These questions consolidate information from different topics to help you see concepts holistically and also aid retention.
    Eg. Consider this question. You would not have studied all the ‘Majorities’ together but under separate topics. This question will help you understand the concept in entirety.

    Consider the following questions on the types of Majority
    1. Special Majority of not less than 2/3 of the Members present and voting is required in the passage of a resolution under Art. 249 and Art. 312ONLY.
    2. Impeachment of the President requires Not less than 2/3 of the Members present and voting along with Majority of the Total Strength of the House.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a)1
    b)2
    c)Both
    d)None

    Explanation – A very detailed account of the types of Majority is given here https://www.civilsdaily.com/types-of-majorities/
    Statement 1 is correct despite having ‘ONLY’ in it.

    B. Comparative Questions
    Comparative questions help you understand the relative differences between related topics. Consider the question below. Instead of asking a question on HC or SC separately, we have clubbed it together.

    Consider the following statements with respect to the appointment of judges of High Court & Supreme Court
    1. The minimum qualifications prescribed in the Constitution is same for judges of HC & SC.
    2. While SC judges are appointed by the President, HC judges are appointed by the SC.
    Which of the following is/are incorrect?
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 only
    c) Both 1 and 2
    d) None

    Explanation – 3 qualifications are common to both judges of HC and SC
    1. Citizen of India
    2. Judge of HC for 5 years
    3. Advocate in HC for 10 years
    In case of judges of SC, there is an additional qualification – If he/she is a distinguished Jurist in the opinion of the President. Judges of HC are also appointed by the President. The controversy around appointments has been in news very frequently. Please read – https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/judicial-appointments-conundrum-post-njac-verdict/

    C. Interactive Questions
    These questions will ask you to go through a concept/related concepts and reply back with comments. This will help you re-visit the entire concept rather than simply answer one specific aspect of the topic.

    Eg., consider the following question –
    The conversion of Ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2-) and then to nitrates (NO3-) is called

    a) Nitrification
    b) Ammonification
    c) Assimilation
    d) Denitrification
    Answer A

    Explanation
    Nitrification
    In this process, the ammonia is converted into nitrate by the presence of bacteria in the soil. Ammonia is oxidized to form nitrites by bacteria such as Nitrosomonas species. Nitrates are converted into nitrates by Nitrobacter. This conversion is very important as ammonia gas is toxic for plants.
    Make a note of all the processes involved in the Nitrogen Cycle – nitrogen fixation, assimilation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification process.
    Leave their definitions/organisms involved in the comments.

    D. Star-marked/special questions
    These are advanced questions that are not from standard sources but relevant for the exam. These questions will help you build additional knowledge without going through specialized books.
    Eg. Questions on books by freedom-fighters, News not covered by the Hindu, IE, PIB but of very high importance in world affairs.

    Besides these, questions indirectly related to CA will also be asked. 

    Do I need to join a TS for prelims at all?

    Despite UPSC being unpredictable, prelims TS is the only program that can help you assess how your preparation is. Besides few questions that are directly asked from TS, it helps in developing a good understanding of how to prepare/what to prepare/what to prioritize and so on.

    In today’s hyper-competitive exam scenario, it’s almost impossible to clear the exam without a good TS in hand.

    Join Batch 4 of Test series here: Click2Join

  • 19 September 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News

    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] ‘e-Sahaj’ portal for grant of Security Clearance

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-e-sahaj-portal-for-grant-of-security-clearance/

    Read about e Sahaj portal and national security clearance. Important for Prelims.

    [pib] New operational guidelines for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-new-operational-guidelines-for-pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana-pmfby/

    Read about PMFBY. Becomes important in the context of the agricultural crisis in India and the need to protect farmers.

    [pib] C-DAC Information Media Server (CIMS)

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-c-dac-information-media-server-cims/

    Read about CIMS and its applications. Can be asked in Prelims.

    [pib] Medical Cyclotron Facility Cyclone-30, Kolkata

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-medical-cyclotron-facility-cyclone-30-kolkata/

    Know the details of the project and technical specifications. This type of questions are a common sight in Prelims.

    Low Relevance News

    Assam draft NRC: Supreme Court orders resumption of filing of claims, objections by 40 lakh left-out people

    The Supreme Court has ordered the resumption of filing of claims and objections by around 40 lakh people who were left out in the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) of Assam

    Assam, which had faced an influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only State having an NRC, which was first prepared in 1951

    No important points in the news except the above fact.

  • 18 September 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News

    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] India first country in the world to develop Cooling Action Plan

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-india-first-country-in-the-world-to-develop-cooling-action-plan/

    Read about ICAP and India’s effort in controlling global warming. Important for Prelims.

    CIC wants break-up of how MPLADS funds are utilized

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/cic-wants-break-up-of-how-mplads-funds-are-utilized/

    Read about the MPLADS scheme for Prelims. How it has not been a success can be a topic for Mains.

    NITI Aayog for clear policy on ‘jhum’ 

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/niti-aayog-for-clear-policy-on-jhum-cultivation/

    Jhum cultivation and other types of shifting cultivation can be asked in Prelims along with the areas in which they are practised.

    Low Relevance News

    India urges Pakistan to create conducive environment for talks

    India has urged Pakistan to create a ‘conducive’ environment for restarting dialogue

    No important points in the news from the exam perspective

     

  • 17 September 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News

    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

    More river stretches are now critically polluted: CPCB

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/more-river-stretches-are-now-critically-polluted-cpcb/

    Revisit environment book/notes and read about BOD, COD and related concepts. Can be asked in Prelims.

    Indigenous anti-tank missile test-fired

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/indigenous-anti-tank-missile-test-fired/

    Read about MPTAGM. Important for Prelims.

    EyeROV TUNA: India’s first Underwater Robotic Drone

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/eyerov-tuna-indias-first-underwater-robotic-drone/

    Such Science & tech innovations are a common sight in Prelims. Remember the details.

    Low Relevance News

    3,400 centres to aid in practice tests

    Union HRD Minister has inaugurated a network of 3,404 Test Practice Centres (TPCs) spread across the country to help students get familiar with the pattern of competitive exams to be conducted by the newly established National Testing Agency (NTA)

    No important points in the news from the exam perspective

  • 13 September 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News

    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

    Andhra launches e-Rythu to boost cashless farm ecosystem

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/andhra-launches-e-rythu-to-boost-cashless-farm-ecosystem/

    A unique initiative for helping farmers. Note the details. The term can be asked in Prelims.

    Govt prohibits manufacture, supply, sale of 328 FDC drugs

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/govt-prohibits-manufacture-supply-sale-of-328-fdc-drugs/

    Know what are FDC drugs and reasons behind their ban. Important for Pre as well Mains.

    [pib] TCIL, MEA sign MOU for pan Africa e-network project

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-tcil-mea-sign-mou-for-pan-africa-e-network-project/

    India has been increasing its presence in Farica in recent years. Know about the current status of investments and the new projects. Important for Pre & Mains.

    [op-ed snap] Reimagining financial reforms in India, 10 years after Great Recession

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-reimagining-financial-reforms-in-india-10-years-after-great-recession/

    Note about FSDC, FSLRC for Prelims. Knowing reasons for GFC can help in extending Mains answers with economic facts.

    Low Relevance News

    Justice Ranjan Gogoi appointed new Chief Justice of India

    Justice Ranjan Gogoi has been appointed as the 46th Chief Justice of India

    No important points in this news for the exam. But do read about the appointment process of judges in HC as well SC

  • 12 September 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News

    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] Health Ministry issues a notification for bringing the HIV/AIDS Act, 2017 in force

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-health-ministry-issues-a-notification-for-bringing-the-hiv-aids-act-2017-in-force/

    Note about the details of the act and what other measures need to be taken to remove the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. Important for Mains.

    UN sees 70% chance of El Nino event this year

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/un-sees-70-chance-of-el-nino-event-this-year/

    El Nino is important for Pre as well as Mains. Know how it originates, its effects and other details.

    India’s first missile tracking ship is readying for sea trials

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/indias-first-missile-tracking-ship-is-readying-for-sea-trials/

    Note details about the ship being built and special features. Important from Prelims perspective.

    Greenhouse gas emissions from Indian paddy fields Very High: NY based Study

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-indian-paddy-fields-very-high-ny-based-study/

    Agriculture is considered to be one of the major contributors to global warming and the study reaffirms that fact. Note important points of the study and quote them in Mains answers.

    Low Relevance News

    Sidhu bats for Kartarpur Sahib pilgrim corridor

    Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has written to the Centre, asking for steps to realise a “Kartarpur Sahib corridor” for pilgrims

    It was in Kartarpur Sahib, now in Pakistan, that Guru Nanak Dev had spent the last 18 years of his life. The Gurdwara is close to the International Border

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

  • 11 September 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News

    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

    Ocean Cleanup team heads to the Pacific

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/ocean-cleanup-team-heads-to-the-pacific/

    Read about Ocean cleanup project and Pacific garbage patch. Important for Prelims.

    Elusive snow leopard spotted in Himachal wildlife sanctuary

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/elusive-snow-leopard-spotted-in-himachal-wildlife-sanctuary/

    Make notes about the location of Lippa-asra WLS and Snow leopard protection status. Can be asked in Prelims.

    Animals in Wrong Role

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/animals-in-wrong-role/

    Know provisions of Prevention of cruelty to animals act and other related statutes. Important for Pre as well as Mains.

    Low Relevance News

    CRPF takes up mental health project for jawans to check suicides, depression

    Concerned over suicides and stress factors claiming more lives of troops than during operations, the country’s largest paramilitary force, the CRPF, has launched a first-time project to ascertain jawans’ mental health

    No important points in the news from the exam perspective

  • UPSC Mains 2018 Admit Card now available for download

    Check your centers.

    Click on the link below –

    https://upsconline.nic.in/eadmitcard/admitcard_csm_2018/admit_card.php#hhh1

     

  • 10 September 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News

    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

    Heritage tag for 2 irrigation facilities in Telangana

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/heritage-tag-for-2-irrigation-facilities-in-telangana/

    Read about ICID and the sites which have got heritage tag. Important for Prelims.

    Limit for filing cases in Debt Recovery Tribunal doubled

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/limit-for-filing-cases-in-debt-recovery-tribunal-doubled/

    Note about the functioning of debt recovery tribunals and SARFAESI Act. Important for Pre as well Mains.

    UN Chief appeals for Ratification of CTBT to India and US

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/un-chief-appeals-for-ratification-of-ctbt-to-india-and-us/

    CTBT has been in news due to heightened tensions in the Korean peninsula. Make notes about it.

    India, France to collaborate on Gaganyaan mission

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-france-to-collaborate-on-gaganyaan-mission/

    Gaganyaan mission is very important from Prelims perspective. All details about it need to be remembered.

    Low Relevance News

    Trial through WhatsApp: Is this some kind of a joke, asks Supreme Court

    WhatsApp caused raised eyebrows in the Supreme Court this week when it was informed that a criminal case was conducted via the service as a lower court judge in Hazaribagh put the accused on trial by pronouncing the order framing charges against them through a ‘WhatsApp’ call

    No important points in news from the exam perspective

     

  • 8 September 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News

    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

    IMA moots ethics code overhaul

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/ima-moots-ethics-code-overhaul/

    There are various ethical issues faced by doctors when they are on duty. An attempt is being made to provide a structure to resolve these issues when they arise.  A question can appear in paper 4 related to medical ethics.

    Jan Dhan Yojana made an open-ended scheme

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/jandhan-yojana-made-an-open-ended-scheme/

    Note details about PMJDY as it is a major milestone in achieving financial inclusion in the country. Important for Pre as well Mains.

    [op-ed snap] Post office solutions: the challenges facing India Post Payments Bank

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-post-office-solutions-the-challenges-facing-india-post-payments-bank/

    The editorial discusses challenges that IPPB will face. Important from mains perspective.

    Low Relevance News

    Supreme Court won’t stay SC/ST Act changes

    The Supreme Court has refused to stay the recent amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which were meant to nullify the effect of a March 20 judgment of the court

    The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill of 2018 had restored the legislative intent of the original Act, which barred anticipatory bail to a person accused of insulting or hurting a Dalit

    No important points from the exam point of view