Category: Ranker Webinars

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

Supreme Court bats for minor rape survivors

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/supreme-court-bats-for-minor-rape-survivors/

Cases of rapes with minors are increasingly surfacing and stern actions need to be taken in order to stop the same. Make note of SC directives. Can be quoted in Mains answers.

New Ganga clean-up law plans armed force, prison terms & fines

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/new-ganga-clean-up-law-plans-armed-force-prison-terms-fines/

Namami Gange mission is far from achieving its objectives and thus a law to complete cleaning of Ganga river in a better way. Note the details. Will be discussed further in opeds.

[pib] Union HRD Minister releases the curriculum on Experiential Learning – Gandhijis Nai Talim

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-union-hrd-minister-releases-the-curriculum-on-experiential-learning-gandhijis-nai-talim/

Note about Nai Talim. Can be asked in Prelims.

Low Relevance News

U.S. returns two antique statues stolen from India

Two antique statues worth hundreds of thousands of dollars stolen from India and displayed at two American museums have been repatriated to India by the US

Details of statues- ‘Lingodhbhavamurti’, a 12th-century granite sculpture depicting an iconic representation of Lord Shiva, dates back to the Chola dynasty

‘Manjusri’, holding a sword and painted in gold leaf, depicts the bodhisattva of wisdom

The only important thing in the news is the names of statues which have a bleak chance of appearing in Prelims.

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] Where interests meet

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-where-interests-meet/

A good editorial summing up India-US relationship and giving way forward for India. Important for Mains as 2+2 dialogue is finally happening.

India wins key concession on services at RCEP Singapore Ministerial

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-wins-key-concession-on-services-at-rcep-singapore-ministerial/

RCEP deal is under the final negotiation stage and might be completed by year-end. Note all details related to it. Important for Pre as well as Mains.

Google to help EC track online political ads

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/google-to-help-ec-track-online-political-ads/

Measures are being taken to make the election process more transparent especially the election funding. Make notes of all such initiatives as these can be quoted in answers related to conduct of elections.

Reserve Bank tightens Ombudsman Scheme

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/reserve-bank-tightens-ombudsman-scheme/

Make notes about the Ombudsman scheme. Can be asked in Prelims.

Low Relevance Scheme

Congress gives Lokpal panel meeting a miss

The Congress has boycotted the Lokpal Selection Committee meeting for the fifth time this year, asserting that it would continue to do so until the leader of the single largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha is given the status of a full-fledged member of the panel

The committee will set up a search panel for recommending names for the appointment of the anti-graft ombudsman, the Lokpal, and its members

No important points from the exam point of view in the 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

[op-ed snap] Why ethanol blending in petrol might not work for India

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-why-ethanol-blending-in-petrol-might-not-work-for-india/

Amidst government plans to increase ethanol blending, there are few areas of concern that need to be dealt with. Editorial discusses the same. Important for Mains.

Health Ministry comes out with draft rules on sale of drugs by e-pharmacy

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/health-ministry-comes-out-with-draft-rules-on-sale-of-drugs-by-e-pharmacy/

With growing e-commerce, online sales of drugs remains a grey area without any specific rules. Now initiative has been taken to fix this patch. Note important points of draft rules.

Draft charter of Patients’ Rights released

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/draft-charter-of-patients-rights-released/

There’s a lack of rights manual for patients which leads to their exploitation. A step forward to ensure that patients get good treatment without any compromise of their rights.

Panel urges plan to save Himalayan springs

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/panel-urges-plan-to-save-himalayan-springs/

Note about Shimla crisis and the need to conserve groundwater resources. Important for mains.

Low Relevance News

Ateli enters history on a freight train

The small town in Haryana marked the inauguration of the first stretch of the 3,360-km-long Dedicated Freight Corridor, touted as one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the country. The first 190-km stretch of the Dedicated Freight Corridor from Ateli to Phulera in Rajasthan was opened on August 15.

No important points in 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

Why is a Public Credit Registry important?

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/why-is-a-public-credit-registry-important/

Make notes about credit registry. Important for Pre as well Mains.

UN begins talks on treaty to protect imperilled High Seas

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/un-begins-talks-on-treaty-to-protect-imperilled-high-seas/

Read about UNCLOS and areas covered as well as left out by it. A tricky statement can be made in Prelims from that.

Green Tribunal steps in to conserve Western Ghats

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/green-tribunal-steps-in-to-conserve-western-ghats/

Note about ESZ provisions and various reports related to western ghats ecology conservation. Important for Pre as well as Mains.

[op-ed snap] From Plate to Plough: Maharashtra vs Market

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-from-plate-to-plough-maharashtra-vs-market/

A good editorial providing steps to make farming more profitable instead of relying on makeshift measures like MSP & other subsidies. Points can be quoted in mains answers as is.

Low Relevance News

U.S., India may not sign security pact at 2+2 meet

At the 2+2 dialogue between India and the U.S. here on September 6, an announcement could be made about an in-principle agreement between the two sides on the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), but its signing is doubtful

No important points from exam perspective as the summit is yet to happen and this is not an official statement from the government.

The first paper in the Civil Services Examination (Mains) is the Essay writing paper. This paper doesn’t have any well-defined syllabus, so it is one of the most neglected paper during preparation. The vast syllabi of optional papers and general studies papers coupled with the lethargy of aspirants to practice answer writing often leads to unpreparedness for this paper. If prepared well, this paper can be a game changer.

The most commonly asked question by the aspirant is, “How to prepare for essay paper?”

Let us start by understanding what is expected from a candidate in this paper. The notification of UPSC mentions that “Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.” Thus, it is very clear that UPSC is looking for

1. Discussion to be close to the subject ie; minimum digression from the topic.
2. The arrangement of ideas in an orderly fashion ie; the structure of essay should be well organized.
3. To write concisely ie; the assertions should be terse and succinct. One should avoid lengthy discussions on the same point in the essay.
4. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

The evaluation of the essays written considers comprehension, originality of thought, clarity of expression and integrated thinking with the assimilation of ideas. Thus, the notification makes it very clear that UPSC is expecting short, precise, accurate and exact discussion on the topic. Describing your thoughts in fewer words requires practice.

We will now discuss in detail various aspects related to essay paper.

1. Choosing Essay Topic

Choosing the topic is the most decisive part of essay paper. One should deliberate seriously over the options given before starting to write. Below mentioned are some tips one can follow for choosing a topic.

• One should deliberate about all the topics given by reading them carefully. One should not choose the topic haphazardly.
• Rule out the topics that seem interesting, but you do not know much about them. One cannot make effective arguments without much knowledge.
• There is no empirical evidence that one receives more marks in unconventional topics. You should choose the topics in which you can easily write 5-7 points in favour and at least 3-4 points counter to the topic.
• Some topics are too specific and not much can be written about them. If you cannot think of at least 3-5 arguments for and against, you should avoid choosing such a topic.
• You may have a lot of information on the topic, but merely reproducing information does not make for a good essay; you should have few good ideas around that topic.
• After finalizing the topic, you can write down all the ideas you have around it before starting to plan the essay structure. This step will give you an idea about the kind of topic you have chosen and the arguments you are going to make. If you spot any problem, you can change the topic at this stage before it is late.
• One of the better practices is to make a mind map related to the topic in a rough space. It helps in organising ideas. Also, it can be seen by the examiner and gives a good impression.

2. How to Write an Essay Introduction

The introduction is the first impression upon the examiner. Given the subjectivity in this paper, the introduction is the key to good marks. The introduction should be crisp and precise laying down the thesis statement in an effective manner.

• The introduction should not be vague and general like “since the beginning of time…” It should be targeted to the topic. Given the paucity of time, if nothing comes to mind, try to incorporate the topic given in the introduction. It gives direction to the discussion.
• The introduction can be in more than one paragraph. One should lay down the thesis statement and the relevance of the topic. One should also mention his plan of discussion in the introduction. This is a good method of transition from introduction to the main body of the essay.
• Some techniques of evoking interest of the reader are:
  • Starting with a story.
  • Writing a statement/assertion at the beginning that evokes the interest of the reader.
  • Asking poignant or rhetorical questions related to the topic and your thesis statement.
  • Writing a quote. Although quotes should not be too commonly used and if you are using quotation marks, they should be exactly in a way written by the author. You can also paraphrase the quote and attribute it to the author.
  • Using relevant statistic. However, numbers can be boring. So, it should be used tactfully. Further, statistics should not be common or too obvious.
• Following points should be kept in mind about thesis statements:
  • The thesis statement is essentially what you want to discuss in the essay. It will guide the tone of your essay and arguments that follow.
  • The thesis statement should not be too general.
• The introduction should also mention the approach you are going to take for further discussion.
• How can you transition from the introduction to the body of the essay?
  • The best way to transition is to talk about how the essay is structured; like tracing what arguments will be followed.
  • For instance, after the thesis statement one can write “this essay surveys major issues surrounding reproductive rights and then discusses arguments for and against for giving say over such issues to only women…”

3. How to Write Body of the Essay

The main body of the essay should exhibit your capability of coherent analysis. One should desist from discussing only one-sided view of the topic even if you are trying to take a one-sided stand in conclusion. Discussing both sides of the topics leads to an impression that you are open to discussion. Below mentioned are some points which can help in writing the main body.

• Dividing the essay into different sections and giving subtitles helps the reader get an overall idea of the essay at the end without having to search for your line of thought. However, one should not write over simplistic subheadings like pros, cons etc.
• A transition from introduction to body of the essay should be clear and one of the better ways to do it is through a subtitle suggesting next part of the essay.
• Let each paragraph represent one argument. The best way to structure a paragraph is to write the argument in first sentence of the paragraph and then explain it or give examples in following sentences. Consider each paragraph to be a mini-essay, which will present an argument, explain it, provide example/s, and write a very short concluding remark or transitory sentence for the next paragraph. Paragraphs should not be too long as they make the essay monotonous.
• As the time and space in essay paper is limited, one should refrain from giving too many examples to corroborate an argument.
• Avoid using technical terms of your field or your optional subjects.
• Do not use shorthand expressions and symbols such as “&,” “can’t” and “don’t” in formal essays even if the time is limited.
• Do not spend time in making your language flowery and your sentences long and difficult. Write in simple, short sentences and words. The examiner is not checking your prowess over the language, but your ability to think critically, present arguments in a logical manner and produce a crisp yet convincing essay in a short period of time. At the same time, maintain a certain formality and avoid writing as if you are texting or e-mailing a friend.
• Underline the quotations and important words, but do not overdo it.
• If you are quoting, make sure that you write the exact quote in quotation marks. If you do not remember the quote, you can paraphrase it without using quotation marks and attribute it to the writer, but the essence of original quote should not be lost.
• Your arguments should be balanced and logical. Do not write controversial statements or give controversial examples especially on polemic topics. Consider all the sides of arguments and always think of counter-arguments, which can be used to strengthen your arguments in following ways:
  • Show that the counter-argument is weak.
  • Demonstrate that the counter argument is irrelevant to your example.
  • Prove that the counter argument does not apply universally.

4. How to Write Essay Conclusion

The conclusion is the difficult part because of the short amount of time available for writing a conclusion. One should not write it in a haphazard manner.

• There should be a clear transition from body to the conclusion. One of the common ways to do so is to use phrases such as “To conclude the discussion..,” “In conclusion…,” “Consequently…” etc. Do not merely say “As discussed above…” or “As shown in the essay…” instead of stringing the arguments together.
• Conclusions that state main argument of the essay for the first time do not make an effective impression.
• Given the word limit for this exam, at least two paragraphs should be written to conclude the essay.
• The conclusion should not be too short and very generalist either.
• Do not introduce new arguments/philosophers/examples in the conclusion.
• The conclusion should contain a brief summary of the discussion done in the main body of the essay.
• Generally, one should avoid concluding on a negative or pessimistic note. Conclusions should be optimistic, positive and forward-looking. Some practical suggestions given in the conclusion make the whole essay very effective.
• The conclusion can be said to be reverse-introduction. In the introduction, we start with a general discussion to lay down a specific topic for discussion. In conclusion, we summarize the discussion on a specific topic and end with a general tone

-Vipul Shrivastav (IPS -2011 Batch)

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

Kathmandu Declaration to Root out Terror

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/kathmandu-declaration-to-root-out-terror/

Note key points and summit of the Kathmandu Declaration. Important for Prelims.

No need for uniform civil code now, says law panel

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/no-need-for-uniform-civil-code-now-says-law-panel/

The Law Commission has put to rest a major debate going on regarding UCC. Note its recommendations to use in Mains answers.

[pib] Law commission submits report on “Wrongful Prosecution (Miscarriage of Justice): Legal Remedies”

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-law-commission-submits-report-on-wrongful-prosecution-miscarriage-of-justice-legal-remedies/

Note about ICCPR for Prelims & the issue of wrongful prosecution for Mains.

[pib] Environment Minister Releases India’s National REDD+ Strategy

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-environment-minister-releases-indias-national-redd-strategy/

Environmental conventions have been consistently asked in Prelims. Cannot be ignored at any cost.

Low Relevance News

India invites Pakistan experts to hydroelectric project sites in J&K

India has invited Pakistan to visit sites of the Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnal hydroelectric projects on the Chenab. It is as per the Indus water the Treaty-mandated tours of both the Indus Commissioners in the Indus basin on both sides.

Not very important news from the exam point of view as IWC meeting has already been covered.

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] Indian Naval ship Sahyadri reaches Darwin, Australia for exercise KAKADU 2018

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-indian-naval-ship-sahyadri-reaches-darwin-australia-for-exercise-kakadu-2018/

Read about Exercise Kakadu. Can be asked in Prelims.

Law Commission calls for re-think on sedition clause

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/law-commission-calls-for-re-think-on-sedition-clause/

Sedition clause has been in news frequently. Read related provisions and also law commission recommendations. Important for Mains.

New ranking based on innovation

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/new-ranking-based-on-innovation/

ARIIA can be asked in Prelims. Measures to boost innovation can be a topic for Mains.

Quota is State-specific, rules the Supreme Court

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/quota-is-state-specific-rules-the-supreme-court/

Very important judgment related to quota in jobs and other benefits across various states especially when the migrant issue is going on. Note important points.

The Nilgiri tahr climbs population charts

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/the-nilgiri-tahr-climbs-population-charts/

Note details about Nilgiri tahr such as protection status, habitat and reasons for a decline in population. Can be asked in Prelims.

Now marriage certificate must for official work in Meghalaya

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/now-marriage-certificate-must-for-official-work-in-meghalaya/

A major step for women empowerment coming from a matrilineal state. Important for Mains.

Low Relevance News

Article 35A: SC adjourns hearing on pleas till January 2019

The Supreme Court has adjourned till the second week of January 2019 the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35A saying it would wait for the panchayat polls to get over in December.

No important points in this news. Article 35A has been covered in detail previously.

UIDAI relaxes minimum Aadhaar enrolment targets, related deadlines for banks

The UIDAI has extended till November 1 the deadline for banks to do minimum Aadhaar enrolments and updations in identified branches

The banks have been mandated to set up Aadhaar enrolment and updation facilities within their premises in one out of every 10 branches

No important points from the exam point of view except the trivial detail mentioned above.

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] Is It Really Time For India to Shift Away From the Fiscal Deficit Debate?

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-is-it-really-time-for-india-to-shift-away-from-the-fiscal-deficit-debate/

A good editorial discussing the importance of fiscal consolidation for India. Must read for understanding concepts as well as quoting various points in Mains.

Anti-lynching measures: social media sites to be held responsible

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/anti-lynching-measures-social-media-sites-to-be-held-responsible/

The lynching of persons across the nation has been a cause for concern. Now a GoI appointed committee has suggested measures to tackle it. Note important points to quote as suggestions in Mains answers.

NASA’s Spitzer telescope completes 15 years in space

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/nasas-spitzer-telescope-completes-15-years-in-space/

ISRO, NASA & other space missions related news are most important.

EU, India to collaborate on developing next generation influenza vaccine

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/eu-india-to-collaborate-on-developing-next-generation-influenza-vaccine/

Read about Horizon 2020 mission. Can be asked in Prelims

Low Relevance News

Water discharge from China threatens to submerge Arunachal villages

High discharge of water from China, the highest in 50 years, is threatening to submerge at least 12 villages flanking river Siang in Arunachal Pradesh

Hydrological experts said the “unusually high” discharge indicates sudden release of water from man-made barriers or a natural dam that was formed due to landslides caused by major earthquakes in the Tibetan region of China in November 2017

No important points 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] Easing tensions: on U.S.-Mexico trade deal

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-easing-tensions-on-u-s-mexico-trade-deal/

By this deal, USA has shown a ray of hope of an end to the trade war with other countries too. Note details of NAFTA & way forward for India & other countries.

[op-ed snap] India needs to walk the talk on Bimstec

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-india-needs-to-walk-the-talk-on-bimstec/

A good editorial highlighting issues being faced by BIMSTEC & how to resolve them. Important for Mains.

As carbon dioxide levels rise, India faces big crop nutrition deficiency: study

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/as-carbon-dioxide-levels-rise-india-faces-big-crop-nutrition-deficiency-study/

The study highlights the impact of climate change on food crops. Can be quoted in climate change related answers in Mains.

Govt. jettisons scientific advisory panels

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/govt-jettisons-scientific-advisory-panels/

Note about PM-STIAC. Can be asked in Prelims

Low Relevance News

Cabinet approves 2% hike in DA for central government employees

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the release of an additional 2% of dearness allowance for central government employees. This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission

No important points in the news from exam point of view