GS-1 Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
GS-2 Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability; Government Policies
GS-3 Indian Economy
GS-4 Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?
Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.
A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.
You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.
Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.
Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.
If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis
If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.
We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.
*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*.
“Guys, Let us spark up in October so that we can make it better than September.”- Civilsdaily
Civilsdaily is launching the special OCTOBER edition of the on-demand ‘Smash Ethics Program’. It’s a special October Batch for UPSC-CSE 2023 and 24. The ETHICS program assesses your ‘ethical competence‘ and not only mere ‘knowledge about ethics‘.
Mains GS Paper 4, Ethics is the most dynamic paper out of the lot. There is no “ONE WAY approach” in ethics. But, Scoring well in the Ethics paper is the sine qua non for featuring in the final list and getting one’s desired service. As the essay paper, this paper offers maximum returns. With very little effort, one can score good marks.
In our experience of working with 2000+ students, ethics is a game-changer for the UPSC examination. Scoring well in the ethics paper is the sine qua non for getting featured in the final list and one’s desired service. The ETHICS paper is designed to evaluate the ‘ethical competence’ but not the ‘knowledge about ethics’.
REMEMBER: General studies paper 4 is the only paper where you can score 120+ marks easily.
The TRICK is to learn the static portion, link them to current affairs and bring it in writing. So, the ethics paper needs to hold over the ART OF ANSWER WRITING as well as STATIC MATERIAL.
Our October Smash Ethics Program also helps in adding the moral dimension to answers in GS Paper-1, 2, and 3 papers and also the Essay paper. It also helps in coming across as a person who has the qualities desired of a civil servant in the personality test.
Watch: Messages of our Hall of Fame 2021 Top Rankers
👉 The Smash ethics program will focus on both the needs of answer writing and static coverage of the syllabus. Being the composition paper, it offers maximum returns. With very little effort, one can score good marks. Thorough preparation of this paper also helps in adding the moral dimension to answers in GS Paper-1, 2, and 3 papers and also the essay paper. It also helps in coming across as a person who has the qualities desired of a civil servant in the personality test.
Structured video lectures of Paper 4 for a concrete understanding of the syllabus. Our novel methodology accompanied by an in-depth explanation ensures comprehensive coverage of every topic in the syllabus. Added to this, we have made sure to add that extra element of fun. Here’s a snapshot of the lecture for you:
8 FLT Tests:
FLT tests will help to bring together the ideas and concepts of the art of answer writing. Practice full-length tests to evaluate your levels. With every test and discussion on strategies to follow, one can improve with every test. Questions framed are from the most important UPSC relevant themes and papers are based on the latest pattern of UPSC. Get model answers covering all the aspects of a question and providing enriching points to the student.
1-1 Mentorship support
A schedule is created where dedicated days are kept to discuss your doubts regarding each test and lecture. Weekly zoom calls can help boost ideas and discussion on various techniques, also among peers so that one can get a lot of exposure to various answer writing techniques and points to write in the answer. Also, the best answer copy of the week can be taken for discussion so that you can get an idea of how to write better.
👉Acknowledging the need to ensure the fastest mentorship response, Senior IAS mentors like Partha Sir, and Swatantra Sir, will receive your call.
Civilsdaily’s Handholding
You’ll be given membership to an exclusive group on Civilsdaily’s Habitat. The group will be headed by Sukanya ma’am herself. From doubt resolution and discussion will be done by Sukanya ma’am only. Here you can directly connect with ma’am. Habitat is where everything comes together learning, doubt clearing, mentor’s support, and a focused community. You’re going to learn and discuss it like never before.
Sukanya ma’am has firsthand experience of 4 mains and 2 interviews with UPSC. She has also appeared in the State PCS interview. Before she worked as an officer in a public sector bank and now as a Mentor at Civilsdaily, she aims to guide future aspirants in finding success. Sukanya Ma’am has scored consistently 100+ marks in ethics and in 2019 her marks were 140 in GS 4. In 2020, under her mentorship, many smash mains students were able to secure 120+ marks.
👉 Acknowledging the need to ensure the fastest mentorship response, Senior IAS mentors like Partha Sir, and Swatantra Sir will receive your call.
The death of 66 children in the Gambia, linked to cough syrups manufactured by an Indian firm, has spurred the government to launch an urgent probe into the matter.
Samples of the cough syrups, being blamed for the deaths, have been sent for testing.
Kids poisoned by cough syrup in Gambia
The cough syrups contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, considered to be poisonous compounds.
After this, the WHO raised an alert, linking the deaths in the Gambia to the four cough syrups, made by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals.
While the probe is on, the incident has certainly put the spotlight once again on quality monitoring and due diligence by companies and the need for stricter regulations.
India’s drug export to Africa
India is a significant player in the pharmaceutical market in Africa.
A recent report revealed that 20% of India’s exports of pharmaceuticals of about $17 billion go to Africa.
The Gambia received 3.6 lakh doses of the Indian vaccine in March 2021, showing the importance that India attaches to this nation.
Africa is, therefore, a major partner in India’s pharmaceutical industry.
What is Diethylene Glycol (DEG)?
WHO said that Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.
It can cause kidney and neurological toxicity and has been associated with several cases of mass poisoning when consumed via drugs.
The chemical tastes sweet and is water-insoluble.
The toxic effects of the chemical include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury.
Are the syrups sold in India?
A drug regulatory expert who was part of the investigation into the 2020 J&K deaths said India has phased out syrups in favour of suspensions.
The chemical is used as a solvent for Active Pharma Ingredients (API).
To save on costs, some companies use industrial propylene glycol that may contain diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants.
India’s response to Gambia deaths
It is certainly the responsibility of the importing country to test medicines before releasing them in their market.
After being informed about the incident, India’s apex regulatory body, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) opened investigations and lifted control samples.
Issue: India’s credibility at stake
India is one of the leading exporters of medicines.
PM Modi recently stressed that Indian drugs had earned the world’s trust and that India could be called the ‘pharmacy to the world’.
However, such negative reports on the quality and safety of our medicines will be a massive blow to the country’s image as a source of cheap generic drugs to the world.
Issues highlighted by the incident
Smuggling of cheap drugs: Inquiry reveals that these were imported from an Indian manufacturer, not under public tender but privately.
Ignorance by authorities: The drug which is banned for domestic consumption has got exported and led to fatalities. This is a huge blissful mistake by Indian Authorities.
Lack of inspection: There are not enough drug inspectors in the country to conduct as many inspections as is ideally required in such as vast set-up.
Inadequacies in quality-check: Despite huge production units, there are not an adequate number of laboratories to test the samples in time if all the samples that should be lifted for testing are picked up.
Blot on credibility: The matter, if not properly handled, can damage the perception that Indian medicines are trustworthy for African countries and the global South.
Health cooperation between India and Africa
Health cooperation is an important part of the India-Africa engagement.
The India-Africa Health Sciences platform, Pan-African e-Network project, e-Arogya Bharti, and training programs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program are part of inter-governmental action.
There is a growing pharmaceutical trade, medical tourism and hospital management between India and Africa.
This is because of the confidence that India is a cost-effective but efficient partner in the health sector.
Indian companies have established a reputation as partners of choice — particularly of international healthcare NGOs and aid agencies — over the past decades.
They have followed WHO standards in the main and their budget-friendly medicines have been a boon to many African countries for their public health programs.
Possible factors behind this tragedy
There are rackets of counterfeit Indian medicines turning up in many African countries.
Some of these were coming from unregistered producers in India, who would produce medicine depending on what cost was paid to them without concern for quality.
In some cases, competitors from other countries were known to make counterfeit medicines with Indian markings and dump them in markets where Indian pharmaceuticals were well regarded.
Way forward
The pharmaceutical trade is vital and must be protected from predatory practices and violations of regulatory norms.
Regulatory mechanism on both sides should be strengthened.
African importers should be given lists of recognised Indian manufacturers.
Training should be provided to drug controllers to curtail the menace of counterfeit and poor-quality medicine entering Africa from India.
Current Affairs for UPSC is such a necessary evil that terrifies many aspirants for good reason. Aspirants feel that there is no single source to help them navigate this section & it all feels like one big haze. In such, confusion 90% of aspirants start to plan their own and start a separate current affairs preparation/strategy for UPSC Prelims and Mains. But current affairs is not a subject that we can filter out for objective types and for descriptive types separately.
They should be dealt with in an integrated manner rather than in a silos approach (covering CA for prelims and mains separately).
Following an integrated approach is an important UPSC skill that is lacking in many relatively fresher/beginner aspirants, and even veteran aspirants. Covering current affairs in such a balanced manner makes preparation effective, outcome-oriented, and simple.
Purnima ma’am will be taking up a special Masterclass to help you impart this skill and teach how to cover current affairs in an Integrated manner for UPSC 2023.
You will get an opportunity to talk and discuss 1-1 with Purnima ma’am. Register now.
1. Balancing Prelims and Mains wrt Current Affairs.
Approaching Current Affairs in an Integrated manner for UPSC pre+mains. Instead of covering current affairs in a silos approach, there should be a high level of interlinking and alignment towards both stages. Else it would be a wasteful approach.
2. Balancing Dynamic-Static part.
Linking Current Affairs with the Static part of the syllabus.
UPSC expects a candidate to be well aware of the implications and impact of a particular issue, that is currently in news, on various aspects of life, the state, society, etc. For this, we need to link it with the GS subjects and topics that explain the static part.
3. Following a selective and effective approach
Reading everything under the sun is a bad approach to dealing with Current Affairs. Following a selective and effective approach to cover CA is essential for success in UPSC in just one attempt.
4. Making notes, collecting info like case studies, examples, etc.
You have to cover a lot of things in Current Affairs for UPSC over the course of around 1 year. Organizing the information, facts, and data to be used in answers and solving MCQs or revision is a crucial skill one must have. We’ll discuss this in the masterclass.
5. Writing Daily mains answers and attempting prelims MCQs. (Best resources for this)
Reading and Organising current affairs is not of any use until and unless you know how to use that fodder. Thus writing daily mains answers based on current affairs and solving MCQs is really important. We will also discuss the best resources, freely available, in this masterclass.
6. LIVE doubt resolution and interaction with Purnima ma’am
A 1-to-1 Q&A session will follow the masterclass because you have questions and doubts that need resolution on a personal level. List down all your questions. We will tackle them in the masterclass/webinar
Aspirants, UPSC 2023 is around 8 months away and it is high time now to start Essay writing. A lot of aspirants delay it till the post-prelims phase, considering the weightage of this Exam (250 marks in mains), this is a poor strategy and a recipe for disaster.
Before you get into the Prelims 2023 zone, which will be from Feb, you must utilize the next few months (Oct-Feb) for Essay particularly.
An Essay is a ‘Written Interview’ in UPSC mains
CivilsDaily is pleased to launch Essay Essential Program 2023 and this time we have made it holistic for you. One of the changes is lectures, that Zeeshan sir will be imparting skills in Essay writing.
Two essays are given and have to be written in under 3 hours in 1000-1200 words. Each essay carries 125 marks for a total of 250
The essay paper is divided into two sections- Section A and Section B. Each section carries a choice of 4 essays, and the aspirants have to choose only one essay from each section.
The instructions in the syllabus are clear in what is expected from aspirants. And Aspirants are expected to keep their thoughts closely to the subject and arrange their ideas accordingly. It further states that credit is given for effective and coherent expression
The underline keywords are super important because, after content, these are the exact parameters on which the essay will be evaluated.
Essay writing is an important component of the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which tries to gauge the writing skills, knowledge, critical thinking, imagination, and creativity of the candidates. Particularly, in the UPSC CSE (Main), scoring well in the Essay paper, which is allocated a decent share of 250 marks, has become crucial to final selection into the coveted services like IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.
In the Essay paper, the UPSC demands certain attributes, which focus on “conciseness, relevance, and effective and exact expression” of the views presented, in an orderly fashion. However, the scenario may not be as simple as it appears. This segment is not easy to master, and getting a good score in an Essay has always been a challenge for the aspirants.
An essay is an organized piece of writing. This means that it consists of several paragraphs which are arranged in such a way that there is a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Although many say that practice makes one perfect, in the case of UPSC essays practice alone is not enough. To clear and get top rank in UPSC, certain things are required, like; Accurate basic structure, Body Keywords, Central idea of the thesis statement, Brainstorming, Adding elements, PESTLE analysis, Outlining the essay, Sticking to the word and time limit, fitting introduction and mark-leaving conclusion, Quotes, Etc.
And for a beginner, acquiring all these concepts, dimensions, and solutions required to solve is nothing but deep pain.
Writing a good essay can be very challenging and confusing. Time and again we’ve received many queries from students like:
Reviews provide additional points but don’t address the inherent shortcomings and deficiencies in my skills.
Will reading ready-made sample essays help me prepare for essays?
Don’t know how to start an essay, or how to organize one.
Can we do well in essays without practicing by re-using our GS paper knowledge alone?
Is there a universal format that I can stick to?
Content related- some suffer from information overload others from information deficit.
Importance of rough work for essays.
Difficulty in balancing time and quality in both topics.
That’s why we’ve invested a great deal of energy to create a program the likes of which are offered by no one else
Civilsdaily’s Essay Programs 2023
Civilsdaily’s Essay program is now complete with Essay Writing, Test series, evaluation, and 1-1 mentorship component.
There are two variants this time:
Essay Essential Program 2023 with lectures and 1-1 mentorship
Essay Essential Program Plus 2023 with lectures and Zeeshan sir’s mentorship
What are we offering and how is it unique?
What makes CivilsDaily’s program distinctive is – its process-driven approach. The process may have some common minimum steps for all but your individuality in the form of your essay writing is paramount. Here comes the role of a mentor with whom a reliable one-to-one discussion will certainly be a game-changer.
Not information-centric but rather an analytical and critical style of Essay writing. Our focus is on personalized attention in evaluation, execution, and course correction.
Essay writing and foundation-building lectures by Zeeshan sir
Zeeshan sir will be taking 15 lectures covering different themes and frameworks for UPSC Essays. These lectures will form the foundation of your content for the essay.
Zeeshan sir will also be discussing different frameworks for writing an Essay.
CEP Methodology:
Orientation Session – brainstorming, thesis statement, types of introduction, way to conclude, main body arguments, and their organization in your essay.
Pre-test discussion on the theme for building the arguments and content.
Post-test one-on-one discussion with an evaluated copy.
Highly relevant, precise, and thoughtful topic selection
Our research tells us there are 8 broad themes of essays being asked since 2010 – Economy, Polity, Women Issues, Education, Science & Tech, Philosophy, IR, Miscellaneous.
Social Issues- Women Issues, Social Movements, Class, Caste, Youth, Geriatric
Economy,
Political System and Governance
Human Development- Health, Education, Employment
Science & Technology- IT/ITeS, AI
Ethical, Abstract or Philosophical,
IR
Miscellaneous
An innovative methodology for reviews
Our biggest innovation lies in our review methodology. Specific portions of your essay will be highlighted with symbols to indicate issues in essay writing:
Fundamental Flaws like judgments/strong postures that you need to be avoided at all costs.
Appreciation for uniqueness.
Structure is not maintained. Issues with Language and expression.
General Suggestions for candidates.
Along with this, Zeeshan sir and senior mentors will also leave specific reviews on strengths and weaknesses.
We don’t want to merely suggest additional points that can be googled by the student or point out superficial flaws like not ‘sticking to the topic’. They don’t necessarily highlight the shortcomings in the essay. This adds very little value to students. We go much beyond that and help students fix major flaws in their essays.
10 parameters on which your essays are going to get evaluated
Comprehension of the Essay topic
Language and Expression of Essay writing
Structure and Organization of thought.
Objectivity and Biases. Balance of perception
Attitude whether a learner or judgmental
Focus and attention
Content, Knowledge, and information processing capability
Ability to forge links in an interdisciplinary manner
The simplicity of disposition
Observational Skills
Model essays with indicative structure and good essay copies
You will be provided with good essay copies to serve as sample answers. This is a better alternative than sample answers which are hastily written and at times not updated with the latest figures.
Students have an incorrect impression that going through a sample essay will somehow help them write better essays. This is incorrect.
To develop your competency in tackling different topics, you have to be able to come up with appropriate structures. This aspect of the program addresses this issue.
The expectation from you would be that you study the solutions in detail and try to address the shortcomings in your essays. Should doubts persist, we’re here to help.
One-to-one Mentorship and CivilsDaily’s handholding
This component of the program is the most important. Post-evaluation of your essay test you will get on a one-to-one discussion with senior mentors and in the case of Essay Essential Plus Program 2023 with Zeeshan sir. You will be discussing the topics in considerable depth, appropriate structure, pitfalls to avoid, etc.
Along with that, Sir will also discuss copies presenting different styles in which the essays could be attempted.
Habitat is our learning platform, here you’ll be given membership to an exclusive Essay group. This group will be administered by Zeeshan sir, Sajal sir, in-service officers, rankers, and other mentors.
For essays, you need multiple perspectives to understand a topic or an issue in its entirety. You need discussions; arguments; confluence, confrontation, and integration of ideas. Here, discussions will be facilitated by mentors and enriched by different viewpoints from peers. Moreover, you can ask and discuss any of your doubts with peers and Zeeshan sir.
Habitat discussions
Besides these, you will be given the following
Any additional material that we release for essays.
Notes and reference material including good articles, essays, etc. on Habitat group.
Program inclusion
8 FLTs before Prelims and 5 FLTs Post Prelims
Zeeshan sir’s lectures that will include – Orientation, Process building session, Content/approach building session.
Model essays
One-to-one mentorship
In Essay Essential Program 2023 by senior mentors
In Essay Essential Plus Program 2023 by Zeeshan sir
HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?
Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.
A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.
You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.
Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.
Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.
If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis
If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.
We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.
*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*.
Guys, something fortune comes in pairs. As we all know that MPSC, the Maharashtra PSC pattern, and the syllabus have changed since 2023. And the good news is that now you can shoot two birds with one arrow.
Yes, you can say that both the UPSC and the MPSC are now twins. The 2 commissions are now two bodies but one heart. So, if you prepare for UPSC, you will get MPSC ready all together.
MPSC has been aligned with UPSC and aspirants preparing for UPSC as well must have an integrated preparation. To bring direction, efficiency, and 360-degree practice in the next 8 months is not only crucial for your preparation but also to fill loopholes, identify the cause of failures, handle your comfort zone, etc. Everything that you do must be under a plan, a strategy. Strategies are nothing but the pillars of success for both UPSC and MPSC.
Post-seminar CivilsDaily will share a special Preparatory Package both for UPSC & MPSC candidates.
You are also entitled to a personalized intensive mentorship session by a senior IAS mentor wherein you can avail of a personalized study plan, schedule, and doubt resolution session.
A UPSC/MPSC beginner – confused about the syllabus, prioritizing subjects, making timetables & targets, or just getting started.
A working professionalor college student who will be attempting UPSC 2023 with a job. Facing a serious time crunch and mismanagement in UPSC preparation.
A veteran or aspirant trying to improve your rank in UPSC 2023 attempt.
Strategic planning will help you fully uncover your options, set priorities for them, and define the methods to achieve them.
This is going to be an interactive 1-1 session with Senior mentors and UPSC Rankers. You will get ample time and opportunity to discuss with Soham sir and Pravin sir. These points will be discussed.
1. Make a plan for the day. Day-to-day time management.
2. Dealing with negative emotions such as despair and stress. How did Soham study when he was feeling down?
3. His sources for current events, and strategy
4. Should an aspirant participate in a study group and prepare? Soham responds.
6. What practices did Soham altogether avoid what was popular among other aspirants?
7. What shall be the macro plan for the next 8 months
8. Revision Cycle strategy
9. Different approach of Prelims and mains and Integrated Preparation of both for MPSC and UPSC – 2023.
CivilsDaily’s mentorship: Acknowledged by The Hindu
About Soham Mandhare
Soham Mandhare’s story is about grit and determination. It is a story of fortitude. Despite all the hardships he secured an AIR 267 in UPSC 2021. She was a student of our Mentorship programs and was taking mentorship under Sajal sir and Sukanya ma’am.
Soham will be mentoring CivilsDaily students as Super Mentor.
GS-1 Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone. etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
GS-2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
GS-3 Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices
GS-4 Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity
HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?
Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.
A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.
You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.
Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.
Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.
If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis
If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.
We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.
*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*.
The UPSC 2023 bell rang as soon as the UPSC mains 2022 exam ended. UPSC 2023 exam date is already out and Prelims are scheduled for May 28th, 2023. That’s just 8 months away. Acknowledging the high unpredictability, an infallible strategy, and previous years’- based trend analysis is of utmost importance. If you want to crack UPSC with a rank in 2023, no random study, nor every chapter from every subject is required.
Reading and trying to memorize everything under the sun is a wrong and wasteful strategy.
UPSC is often called an UnPredictable service commission. To a certain extent, this might be actually true as UPSC is evolving year by year, making changes to both its pattern and the way it asks questions, leaving aspirants in the hall flummoxed.
Unquestionably this highlights the need to adapt to the demands and expectations of UPSC. However, a thorough trend analysis reveals that there are certain topics or themes that are more important than others.
Since UPSC has no defined solution, reading and trying to memorize everything under the sun is a wrong and wasteful strategy. We need to go extremely selective and smart, rather than following an ‘eat it all’ strategy when it comes to preparing for Prelims.
Santosh sir, Assistant Commissioner, GST and guiding light for Smash Prelims Program (success rate of more than 80%) will be in CivilsDaily’s Delhi center. He will give the 50 most important themes for UPSC prelims 2023.
CivilsDaily IAS is conducting a Seminar for UPSC Exam 2023 with Santosh sir and UPSC Rankers including IPS, Amol sir
The topic for the Seminar:
50 Most Important themes for UPSC 2023 Prelims for a sure shot 115+ marks? Insights and strategy by Santosh sir, IPS Amol sir and other rankers in the Seminar
(Detailed points and agenda below)
Date and Time: Concluded successfully
Masterclass on 6th Octoberber 2022 (Thursday) at 1 pm
Venue:
Offline – CivilsDaily IAS, Delhi center
(Address: 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Karol Bagh, near Metro station gate number 7, Delhi)
Online- Zoom link will be emailed to you.
(10% scholarship (FEE waiver) across all courses of CivilsDaily to Seminar attendees)
Post-seminar CivilsDaily will share a special Preparatory Package both for Offline and Online attendees.
You are also entitled to a personalized intensive mentorship session by a senior IAS mentor wherein you can avail a personalized study plan, schedule, and doubt resolution session.
Tavishi failed thrice in the Prelims before but after joining Santosh sir’s mentorship cleared Prelim 2022 in her 4th attempt.
This is for you if you are:
A UPSC beginner – confused about the syllabus, prioritizing subjects, making timetables & targets, or just getting started.
A working professionalor college student who will be attempting UPSC 2023 with a job. Facing a serious time crunch and mismanagement in UPSC preparation.
A veteran or aspirant trying to improve your rank in UPSC 2023 attempt.
Strategic planning will help you fully uncover your options, set priorities for them, and define the methods to achieve them.
This is going to be an interactive 1-1 session with Senior mentors and UPSC Rankers. You will get ample time and opportunity to discuss with Santosh sir and Rankers. These points will be discussed.
Trend analysis of past 6 years papers of UPSC Prelims by Santosh sir. Lessons to be learnt. ‘Pattern Analysis. UPSC is the most dynamic in nature. So, the most important step is to analyze the pattern of the exam. Find ‘Do’s & ‘Don’ts’. Here, also a mentor, only a mentor can show you the right direction.
Selective and smart study through UPSC trend validated topics and themes: 50 Most Important themes for UPSC Prelims 2023 that will guarantee your 115+
Strategy for UPSC Prelims 2023 for the next 8 months.
How do UPSC rankers pick specific and certain topics which are more important than the others? How to build a topper’s like thinking and how to cover the UPSC syllabus? The syllabus, and not the books, must be completed.
How to attempt Mock Tests! How to read & revise PYQs. ‘What to read & what not to read?
How to Understand the expectations of UPSC, and devise an evolving adaptive strategy for UPSC 2023 Prelims and Mains. If your strategy didn’t work, how to restrategize will also be elaborated. What should be your approach for the next 8 months even if you have just started the preparation? Strategy for next 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and like that, will be shared with you.
Last but not the least, apart from all the above discussion everyone joining the session can ask their doubts, fear, queries, Etc.
CivilsDaily’s mentorship: Acknowledged by The Hindu
Santosh Gupta sir heads this program
About Santosh Sir
Santosh sir has guided around 200+ rankers in UPSC 2021 exam and 600+ overall rankers have been mentored by him. Santosh Gupta heads the Smash Prelims program for CivilsDaily. He himself cleared UPSC Prelim 6 times with 120+ marks in every attempt.
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) region has been afflicted by the problem of cross-border terrorism, separatist violence and armed militancy for more than 30 years.
Militancy in J&K: A Backgrounder
Since the early 1990s, this militancy has transformed radically as various internal and external dynamics have impacted it, such as the driving role of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), evolution of Kashmir’s separatist politics, influence of terrorist groups and the emergence of social media.
This makes the militancy in J&K today a qualitatively different challenge to the security establishment than it was in 1989 when scores of Kashmiri youths crossed the Line of Control (LoC) to train in Pakistan-occupied J&K (PoK) and joined the ranks of terrorist outfits.
J&K since the revocation of Art. 370
The 5th of August 2022, marked three years since the Union Government revoked the special status of J&K and created two new Union Territories (UTs) of J&K and Ladakh.
This change is said to be a landmark moment for the region, marking a break from the past to herald a new administrative and security approach to this strategically-important region.
Several initiatives implemented by the J&K UT administration and security establishment since then demonstrate that there is hope for a better future.
At present, the Indian security establishments extend their firm control of the situation in J&K. Security agencies have kept up the pressure on militants through dynamic operations and have cut off the support from terror ecosystems.
Despite there being some evolving and emerging challenges from the Counter-Terrorism (CT) perspective, security forces are confident of tackling them effectively.
Success of counter-terrorism operations
Ans. Decline in militancy
The current residual strength of the terrorists operating in the region is a key indicator of the improved security situation in the region.
The numbers during the early 1990s were in the thousands. However, the situation has changed significantly. Current terrorist strength in Kashmir stands at about 163.
It is also seen that the role of Pakistani terrorists has now been reduced to guiding and motivating the local terrorists.
South Kashmir remains the main hub of militancy while North Kashmir has been a key entry point for Pakistani Militants through the LoC.
Major challenges
(1) Tackling cross-border infiltration
Pakistan-based terrorist organizations have used the mountainous terrain in north Kashmir to sneak into the Kashmir Valley.
Militants enter through the south of Pir Panjal range, Jammu-Samba-Kathua plains and the hilly Rajouri-Poonch areas.
To counter this infiltration, security forces have set up a highly-effective three-tiered counter-infiltration grid.
Further, the forces have deployed Anti Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) fencing and have enhanced surveillance through the use of drones, night-vision equipment, and hand-held thermal imaging devices.
The security agencies have increased the pressure on the terrorist groups in the region through several Counter-Insurgency (CI) operations.
The elimination of the top militant leadership and disruption of their subversive plan has yielded great results.
(2) Leftover terrorist groups
A crucial part of the security crackdown is the punitive action against the subversive elements of the ecosystem that support the terrorists that include the network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and terrorist sympathisers.
Security agencies have targeted the OGWs who help the militants by providing multiple services such as recharging mobile phones, providing shelter and informing the terrorists about the security forces movements.
Since 2019, J&K Police have arrested more than 900 OGWs under the Public Safety Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Countering terrorist finances has been another key area of focus. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched several investigations into the cases of terrorist financing.
The MHA has set up a Terror Monitoring Group, comprising representatives of security agencies like NIA, Central Bureau of Investigation, Intelligence Bureau and JKP and financial agencies like Central Board of Direct Taxes, and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to closely monitor terrorist financing cases.
Several soft measures such as exercising maximum restraint, avoiding pellet guns and minimizing collateral damage during the CI operations and protest demonstrations have also helped the cause by gaining the trust and respect of the civilians in the region.
Emerging challenges
Radicalization and Terrorist Recruitment: Increase in the local terrorist recruitment in areas such as Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Awantipora have been a key cause of concern.
Hybrid terrorists and virtual terrorist outfits: With increased Counter-Insurgency ops and neutralization of many active militants, terrorist masterminds have changed their strategies.
Technological advances: With the advent of modern technologies in cyberspace such as the dark web, the militants are using technological advancements to achieve their agenda.
Pakistan’s information warfare: The ISI is working hard to spread disinformation on social media platforms as Pakistan’s material and financial support to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM have attracted global scanners.
Way forward
Comprehensive national efforts: Countering terrorism will require a comprehensive national effort anchored in India’s democratic credentials.
Sahi Raasta Initiative: by Indian Army aims to tackle the issue of radicalization by bringing the youth on the right track through national integration tours, sports training programs and festivals, and skill development workshops.
Habitat discussions
CivilsDaily’s mentorship: Acknowledged by The Hindu
Karishma Nair, AIR 14 was also CivilsDaily’s mentorship student
AIR 65, and Pranav was a mentorship student for UPSC 2020
