💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

Category: Ranker Webinars

  • 18 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

    Scientists to test land for LIGO

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/scientists-to-test-land-for-ligo/

    LIGO project is an important breakthrough and its extension to India is a big news. Important for Pre as well as Mains.

     

    Odisha to showcase its biodiversity

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/odisha-to-showcase-its-biodiversity/

    Make notes about Bhitarkanika national park & its important features. Can be asked in Prelims.

    [op-ed snap] How WHO’s Essential Diagnostics List Can Spur Innovation, Quality Assurance

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-how-whos-essential-diagnostics-list-can-spur-innovation-quality-assurance/

    A good editorial highlighting the status of the diagnostic sector as well as possible solutions for increasing access to healthcare. Important for Mains.

    Low Relevance News

    Kerala floods: Mobilisation of additional Central resources discussed in high-level meeting

    A high-level committee headed by cabinet secretary met to discuss the Kerala floods.

    It was decided to mobilise additional resources of all agencies including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to provide the required assistance to Kerala

    No important points in news from the exam perspective

  • 17 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

    Caspian Sea breakthrough treaty set to boost oil, pipeline plans

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/caspian-sea-breakthrough-treaty-set-to-boost-oil-pipeline-plans/

    Caspian sea dispute was pending from years and it now seems to be resolved. Note details of the Caspian Sea & surrounding nations. Important for Prelims.

    FSSAI unveils initiative to collect, convert used cooking oil into biofuel

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/fssai-unveils-initiative-to-collect-convert-used-cooking-oil-into-biofuel/

    Note details about RUCO & its possible uses. Important for Prelims.

    NPCI launches UPI 2.0 with overdraft facility

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/npci-launches-upi-2-0-with-overdraft-facility/

    Digital payments have been in focus recently. Can be asked in Pre as well as Mains.

    Low Relevance News

    SC asks Delhi Lieutenant Governor to take effort to clear garbage

    The Supreme Court has asked the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi to make a collaborative effort with the help of civil society and resident welfare associations to clear Delhi of its garbage

    No important points from exam perspective.

  • 16 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] Questioning a crackdown

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-questioning-a-crackdown/

    A good editorial on the relevance of Oxytocin ban and why its a bad decision on government’s part. Make notes for Mains.

    India fares poor on Global Liveability

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-fares-poor-on-global-liveability/

    Every index is important from UPSC perspective. Must read for Prelims.

    Verdict of Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal Comes

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/verdict-of-mahadayi-water-disputes-tribunal-comes/

    After Kaveri, another major river dispute going on since years. Read and note details of tribunal’s verdict.

    Super-insulating gel could help build Mars habitats

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/super-insulating-gel-could-help-build-mars-habitats/

    Read about Aerosol & its uses. Can be asked in Prelims.

    Explained: How to send an Indian into space?

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/explained-how-to-send-an-indian-into-space/

    Gaganyaan is now a hot topic and very important for Pre as well as Mains. Note India’s manned space mission history and future prospects.

    Low Relevance News

    Centre may relax NRC guidelines

    The Centre is mulling relaxed guidelines for migrant workers and labourers from other States who were not included in the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam that was published on July 30

    No important points from the exam point of view.

    CJI launches mobile apps for e-filing of cases

    In a “giant leap” towards a litigant-friendly court system, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Tuesday heralded the launch of a host of smartphone apps to help litigants, including convicts, from all parts of the country file cases and even make e-payments to courts

    No name of apps given nor any other important info. Not relevant for the exam.

  • [Open Test] Modern History & Polity: Deadline Extended

    Last Date to appear- Wednesday 22 August (Till midnight). Results will be announced on Thursday 23rd August

    Attempt the test here: Click2Attempt  

    We expect students to have completed Polity and Modern History by now.
    Even if you have completed one of the two, you should appear for the test and attempt questions from that specific subject

    The questions are of moderate difficulty and primarily from the core materials.

    This is to help you assess if you are on the right track and are not passively reading books.

    Most of the questions for the Open Test are from our Test Series. The aim is to demonstrate the level of our Test Series and how it is the best source to prepare and conquer prelims.

    Questions will be from different themes ensuring complete coverage. The explanations can be regarded as a study material in itself.

    Question Types ensure the questions framed are good. Watch the video to know more

    For more details about our program click here: Click2Read

    To enroll in the latest batch click here: Click2Join

  • 14 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] How India should close the financial gender gap

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-how-india-should-close-the-financial-gender-gap/

    A detailed editorial discussing obstacles in financial inclusion for women. Very important for Mains.

    [op-ed snap] Huff and e-puff: On e-cigarette ban

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-huff-and-e-puff-on-e-cigarette-ban/

    Ban culture is now dominating the policy-making process instead of finding viable solutions to the problems. Recent proposal to ban e-cigarettes is in the same line. Read the editorial to understand the issue and possible alternates.

    National Wildlife Genetic Resource Bank dedicated to nation 

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/national-wildlife-genetic-resource-bank-dedicated-to-nation/

    Read about Gene Resource Bank, LaCONES. can be asked in Prelims.

    Pune tops Ease of Living index; Patna ranked lowest of 111 cities

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pune-tops-ease-of-living-index-patna-ranked-lowest-of-111-cities/

    A new index to assess India’s cities. Read and note the parameters and other related details. Can be asked in Pre as well as Mains.

    [pib] First project under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme the ‘North East Circuit to be inaugurated

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-first-project-under-the-swadesh-darshan-scheme-the-north-east-circuit-to-be-inaugurated/

    Read about Swadesh darshan scheme. Can be asked in Prelims.

    Low Relevance News

    JCOs are gazetted officers, says Defence Ministry

    Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) in the Indian military are gazetted officers, the Defence Ministry has clarified in an order issued on August 1. The clarification follows a long-standing controversy over the issue

    No important points from exam point of view.

  • 13 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

    More banks report tightening of credit standards, shows survey

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/more-banks-report-tightening-of-credit-standards-shows-survey/

    More and more banks are now coming in the ambit of NPA resolution process and the results can be seen in tightening of lending rules. Note important points for Mains.

    ISRO set to launch its TV channel

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-isro-set-to-launch-its-tv-channel/

    A necessary step in order to promote science education in India. Note details about the channel. Can be asked in Prelims.

    Bill to allow proxy voting by NRIs passed by Lok Sabha

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/bill-to-allow-proxy-voting-by-nris-passed-by-lok-sabha/

    Till now, proxy voting was only available to service personnel. This demand was pending for a long time as people were unable to use their right to vote due to their settlement/work in foreign countries. Know important provisions as well as the pros and cons of the bill for Mains.

    [op-ed snap] Undoing a legacy of injustice

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-undoing-a-legacy-of-injustice/

    Delhi HC has given a historic decision by scrapping Begging Act. The editorial sums up all facts related to it. Must read for Mains.

    Low Relevance News

    CJI changes subject-wise roster in Supreme Court

    The Chief Justice of India has changed the subject-wise roster for judges in the Supreme Court

    The subject-wise roster was first implemented from February 5 this year after a press conference by four seniormost Supreme Court judges over “selective” allocation of cases to certain Benches by recent CJIs

  • Batch 3: CD Prime Test Series for Prelims 2019

    We are now accepting admissions for Batch 3

    Join Batch 3 of Test series here: Click2Join

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

     

    We will be extending the discount on this batch till 2nd September (the date for the first test of this batch) keeping in mind interest of students who were awaiting prelims results to decide further course of action and now want to join a test series for Prelims 2019. This is also 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 3 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 3 of Test series here: Click2Join

  • 11 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] Decoding the DNA Bill

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-decoding-the-dna-bill/

    The editorial discusses all issues related to DNA profiling bill. Read and make notes for Mains.

    NASA poised to blast off first spacecraft to explore Sun

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/nasa-poised-to-blast-off-first-spacecraft-to-explore-sun/

    Any news of new space mission by either ISRO or NASA is very important for Prelims. Now space missions are also being asked in Mains.

    [pib] “PARIVESH” – an environmental single window hub for Environment, Forest, Wildlife and CRZ clearances launched

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-parivesh-an-environmental-single-window-hub-for-environment-forest-wildlife-and-crz-clearances-launched/

    Important from prelims perspective.

    [pib] Exercise SCO Peace Mission 2018

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-exercise-sco-peace-mission-2018/

    A match the column type question on various bilateral exercises might appear in Prelims 2019. Remember these exercises.

    Low Relevance News

    Centre issues new order on cantonment roads

    The Defence Ministry issued a fresh statement on the closure of cantonment roads, reiterating most of what it had said in its previous orders

    No important points from exam perspective.

     

  • 10 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] NITI Aayog to join hands with CII to develop a roadmap for Global Innovation Index

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-niti-aayog-to-join-hands-with-cii-to-develop-a-roadmap-for-global-innovation-index/

    Read about GII and its details. Can be asked in Prelims.

    Explained: Thermal Battery

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/explained-thermal-battery/

    A first of its kind plant in the world has been set up in India and this itself makes the news important. Read about the thermal battery and all related details. Can be asked in Pre as well as Mains.

    [op-ed snap] Time for economic policy vigilance

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-time-for-economic-policy-vigilance/

    Indian economy is facing challenges from domestic as well as international front. The editorial discusses all these in detail and also recommends solutions to attain fiscal stability. Read and make notes for Mains.

    Low Relevance News

    Monsoon session: Most productive for Lok Sabha since 2000

    The Monsoon session of Parliament, which ended on Friday, was the “most productive” for Lok Sabha since 2000. The Lok Sabha worked for 110 per cent of the scheduled hours.

    No important details in news except the work done in the monsoon session.

  • 9 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

    India faces a stern test of its commitment to RCEP

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-faces-a-stern-test-of-its-commitment-to-rcep/

    RCEP has been on cards for a long time. Now India has moved forward to take a final call on joining RCEP. Read the associated consequences for Mains and member countries for Prelims.

    [pib] Swachh Survekshan 2019, ODF+ & ODF ++ Protocols and Swachh Manch Web Portal

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-swachh-survekshan-2019-odf-odf-protocols-and-swachh-manch-web-portal/

    Read about swacch survekshan and associated parameters and agencies involved. Can be asked in Prelims. The change in mindset being brought by this campaign can be a topic for Mains.

    [op-ed snap] The urgent need for states to get fiscally fit

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-the-urgent-need-for-states-to-get-fiscally-fit/

    A detailed editorial highlighting the fiscal strain of states and measures to bring more revenue and better fiscal prudence. Must read for Mains.

    Low Relevance News

    NGT grants interim relief to Sterlite

    The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted Vedanta Limited access to its administrative section of the Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin. However, the green panel said that the production process will continue to remain shut

    No important things in news from the exam perspective