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  • 100 Most Probable Topics for IAS Mains 2018

    Civilsdaily team brings you the 100 Most Important Issues that need to be read and understood for Mains 2018. This compilation contains all 100 issues that have high probability of appearing in Mains 2018 and beyond.

    One of the great advantages of having a tech platform which connects daily news and op-eds dynamically to its relevant newstrail is that over the time it helps us understand how a topic has evolved both qualitatively (facets of issues, complexity) and quantitatively (number of newscards, op-eds written and connected).

    With that objectivity in hand and UPSC’s changing patterns in mind, we sat together to write down Explainers on the 100 probable topics for this years’ IAS Mains.

    Each explainer has a Mains level question for you to attempt and review. We have also included Mindmap in most of the issues for better retention and quick revision before the exam

    Get the compilation here: Click2Buy

    Note: This PDF is already provided to the subscribers of our Prelims TS, Samachar Manthan Program & Mains TS subscribers. They don’t need to buy it separately

  • 31 August 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] 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.

  • 30 August 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

    [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

  • 29 August 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

    [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

  • Have a flair for teaching, then we want you

    CD is in the process of transforming how students prepare for exams.

    We are looking for kick-ass teachers and mentors with exceptional command over UPSC syllabus and diverse knowledge beyond standard books.

    Candidates should

    1. Either have exhausted their attempts or should no longer be appearing for exams
    2. Should be willing to relocate to Delhi
    3. Working with us full-time
    4. Preference to those already worked in reputed institutes

    What can you gain out of the association?

    Both intellectual and financial growth. By joining us at this stage, you will grow as we grow. You will be a part of a journey that can alter the whole UPSC preparation scenario

    If you are interested in applying to this position, fill up the google form here: Click2Apply


    No Phone Calls please!

    We will be considering applications received only over the given Google form. Please fill up the form from the link given in this post for your job application so that we can better scrutinize your application.

  • 28 August 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] Government announces Regulations for Drones

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-government-announces-regulations-for-drones/

    Read about Digital Sky platform. Can be asked in Prelims.

    After Saubhagya, govt plans induction stoves for the poor

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/after-saubhagya-govt-plans-induction-stoves-for-the-poor/

    Important news showing how one government scheme paves way for various other initiatives. Read about this and also note data related to power consumption in India. Can be quoted in Mains.

    Indus water panel to discuss Pakistan’s objection to Indian projects

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/indus-water-panel-to-discuss-pakistans-objection-to-indian-projects/

    IWT has appeared in Mains so fewer chances of appearing again but can be asked in Prelims.

    Low Relevance News

    Assam NRC: SC asks Centre whether those left out are getting a second chance

    The Supreme Court has asked the Union government whether it is giving the over 40 lakh people, excluded from the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, a “second chance” to gain citizenship by allowing them to produce fresh documents to prove their Indian legacy

    No important points for the exam in the news

  • 27 August 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

    [op-ed snap] Council conundrum: on States having a Legislative Council

    Odisha to get Legislative Council

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-council-conundrum-on-states-having-a-legislative-council/

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/odisha-to-get-legislative-council/

    Important news and editorial highlighting issues related to legislative councils in states. Must read for Pre as well as Mains.

    New copters to enable tech transfer

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/new-copters-to-enable-tech-transfer/

    Make notes about DAC (Chairman, work domain etc) and the Strategic Partnership (SP) model. Can be asked in Prelims.

    MP seeks revival of cheetah reintroduction project

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/mp-seeks-revival-of-cheetah-reintroduction-project/

    Note details about the animals that are now extinct in India. Can be asked in Prelims.

    Low Relevance News

    Indian choppers to remain in Male

    A long-standing issue between India & Maldives now seems to be resolved. But the news does not contain any important points from exam perspective.

    Kerala lacks a flood warning system: Ministry of Earth Sciences

    While Kerala records among the highest amounts of rainfall in the country, the State did not have a flood warning system in place. He added that while there were several sophisticated tools to anticipate extreme weather events, India still lacked a mechanism to effectively deploy them

    No important points in the news from exam point of view

  • Special 4 – Mains 2018

    1 Test each for GS Paper 1, 2, 3 and 4 containing best questions for Mains 2018 preparation. Questions will be a mix of Static as well Current Affairs as per the UPSC trend in last few years.

    Schedule

    GS Paper 1- 1st September

    GS Paper 2- 5th September

    GS Paper 3- 9th September

    GS Paper 4- 13th September

    What is special about these tests?

    1. Question Formulation 

    Rather than the regular uninspiring questions, we have gone the extra mile and crafted unique, intellectually-stimulating questions. These will reward analytical ability and problem-solving skills.

    We will make the 1st question paper public so you can assess our claims for yourself.

    2. 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.

    Overall, the program is the perfect tool that will equip you with everything that is needed to crack the exam

    Price: Rs 2500

    Join the program here: Click2Join


    What are we offering?

    1. 4 Full-length tests of GS1, GS2, GS3 & GS4. The difficulty level will be above the UPSC Mains Papers so that you are prepared in the best possible way for facing any kind of paper.

    2. Detailed Sample Answers with “Mentor’s Comment” by Rank holders to help you gauge better the needs of the question.

    3. The supplementary content provided will be helpful in covering multiple related questions.

    4. Telegram Groups with Rank holders and Core faculty members.

    5. Thorough answer checking with oversight of rankers like Dr. Vipin Garg(AIR 20), Swapnil Pawar (AIR 525).

    6. Mentor Call after every test to discuss in detail your strengths and weaknesses.  You can schedule an in-person meeting with mentors at our office in Karol Bagh.

    7. Detailed video discussion of each test.

    8. Magazines, listicles and other relevant study material.

    Prime TS folks will get a 30% discount as promised

    Join the program here: Click2Join

  • 25 August 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

    20 years since slave trade was abolished

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/20-years-since-slave-trade-was-abolished/

    A very important newscard covering Haitian revolution. Must read for Mains World History portion as events like these are very likely to appear in Mains.

    Poll panel to brainstorm on key issues

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/poll-panel-to-brainstorm-on-key-issues/

    Important issues concerning polls in India. Read and make notes for Mains.

    National Logistics Portal to boost trade competitiveness

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/national-logistics-portal-to-boost-trade-competitiveness/

    There has been more focus on the logistics sector in recent years and it has resulted in increasing India’s ranking in logistics performance index. Read about NLP & facts associated with the logistics sector in the newscard. Important for Pre as well as Mains

    Low Relevance News

    Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy appointed DRDO Chief

    The Government has appointed eminent scientist Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy as the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) after the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment

    No important details from exam point of view

  • 24 August 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

    State can stop voluntary retirement of doctors

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/state-can-stop-voluntary-retirement-of-doctors/

    A judgment highlighting the importance of public interest over fundamental/constitutional rights. Can be asked in Pre as a tricky statement.

    35% of cyber attacks on Indian sites from China: official report

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/35-of-cyber-attacks-on-indian-sites-from-china-official-report/

    Read about CERT-In & China’s role in cyber attacks. Important for Pre and mains respectively.

    ICOMOS launches initiative to save cultural heritage damaged in Kerala floods

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/icomos-launches-initiative-to-save-cultural-heritage-damaged-in-kerala-floods/

    Make notes about ICOMOS. A hot topic for Prelims.

    [pib] CJI launches various applications to facilitate Litigants and Lawyers

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-cji-launches-various-applications-to-facilitate-litigants-and-lawyers/

    Read and make notes about all initiatives highlighted in newscard.

    Low Relevance News

    After UAE, Pakistan offers help to flood-hit Kerala

    Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has offered to help flood-hit Kerala. The Pakistani leader’s comments came in the backdrop of growing criticism of the Indian government’s decision to decline foreign aid for flood relief and rehabilitation in the State

    No important points from the exam point of view.