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  • President quotes Thirukkural while addressing Parliament

    President Ram Nath Kovind quoted a couplet from Thirukkural while addressing the joint Houses of Parliament for Budget Session.

    What did the President quote?

    • ‘Karka Kasadara Karpavai Kattrapin Nirka Atharku Thaka’ was the couplet chosen by him to reiterate the importance of the New Education Policy.
    • The couplet insists on thorough and flawless learning and adhering to what one has learnt.

    What is Thirukkural?

    • The Tirukkuṟaḷ (meaning ‘sacred verses’), or shortly the Kural, is a classic Tamil language text consisting of 1,330 short couplets, or kurals, of seven words each.
    • The text is divided into three books with aphoristic teachings on virtue (aram), wealth (porul) and love (inbam), respectively.
    • Considered one of the greatest works ever written on ethics and morality, it is known for its universality and secular nature.

    Three major parts of the book

    1. Aram : Book of Virtue (Dharma), dealing with moral values of an individual and essentials of yoga philosophy
    2. Porul : Book of Polity (Artha), dealing with socio-economic values, polity, society and administration
    3. Inbam: Book of Love (Kama), dealing with psychological values and love

    Who authored it and when?

    • Its authorship is traditionally attributed to Valluvar, also known in full as Thiruvalluvar.
    • The text has been dated variously from 300 BCE to 5th century CE.
    • The traditional accounts describe it as the last work of the third Sangam, but linguistic analysis suggests a later date of 450 to 500 CE and that it was composed after the Sangam period.

    Cultural significance of Thirukkural

    • The Kural is traditionally praised with epithets and alternative titles, including “the Tamil Veda” and “the Divine Book.”
    • Written on the foundations of ahimsa, it emphasizes non-violence and moral vegetarianism as virtues for an individual.
    • In addition, it highlights truthfulness, self-restraint, gratitude, hospitality, kindness, goodness, duty, giving, and so forth.
    • It covers a wide range of social and political topics such as king, ministers, taxes, justice, forts, war, greatness of army and soldier’s honor.
    • It emphasizes death sentence for the wicked, agriculture, education, abstinence from alcohol and intoxicants.
    • It also includes chapters on friendship, love, sexual unions, and domestic life.

    Read these quotes and bookmark them. They can be used in essays:

    1. Nothing is impossible for those who act after wise counsel and careful thought.
    2. Real kindness seeks no return.
    3. The only gift is giving to the poor; All else is exchange.
    4. Friendship with the wise gets better with time, as a good book gets better with age.
    5. Worthless are those who injure others vengefully, while those who stoically endure are like stored gold.
    6. Among a man’s many good possessions, A good command of speech has no equal. Prosperity and ruin issue from the power of the tongue. Therefore, guard yourself against thoughtless speech.
    7. A fortress is of no use to cowards.
    8. Even the ignorant may appear very worthy, If they keep silent before the learned.

     

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • [pib] Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas

    The Hoysala Temples of Belur, Halebid and Somnathapura in Karnataka have been finalized as India’s nomination for consideration as World Heritage for the year 2022-2023.

    Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas

    • The sacred ensembles of the Hoysalas are extraordinary expressions of spiritual purpose and vehicles of spiritual practice and attainment.
    • The sacred ensembles of the Hoysalas at Belur and Halebid are the finest, most exquisite, and most representative examples of the artistic genius and cultural accomplishments of the Hoysalas remaining today.

     [I] Belur: Chennakeshava Temple Complex

    • The Chennakeshava temple complex was at the center of the old walled town located on the banks of the Yagachi River.
    • The complex itself was walled in a rectangular campus with four rectilinear streets around it for ritual circumambulation of the deity.
    • Construction of the temple commenced in 1117 AD and took a 103 years to complete.
    • The temple was devoted to Vishnu.
    • The richly sculptured exterior of the temple narrate scenes from the life of Vishnu and his reincarnations and the epics, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
    • However, some of the representations of Shiva are also included.
    • Consecrated on a sacred site, the temple has remained continuously worshipped since its establishment and remains until today as a site of pilgrimage for Vaishnavites.

    [II] Halebid: Hoysaleshwara Temple

    • At the zenith of the Hoysala empire, the capital was shifted from Belur to Halebid that was then known as Dorasamudhra.
    • The Hoysaleshwara temple at Halebidu is the most exemplary architectural ensemble of the Hoysalas extant today.
    • Built in 1121CE during the reign of the Hoysala King, Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleshwara.
    • The temple, dedicated to Shiva, was sponsored and built by wealthy citizens and merchants of Dorasamudra.
    • The temple is most well-known for the more than 240 wall sculptures that run all along the outer wall.
    • Halebid has a walled complex containing of three Jaina basadi (temples) of the Hoysala period as well as a stepped well.

    [III] Somnathpur: Kesava Temple

    • The Keshava temple at Somanathapura is another magnificent Hoysala monument, perhaps the last.
    • This is a breathtakingly beautiful Trikuta Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms – Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala.
    • Unfortunately, the main Keshava idol is missing, and the Janardhana and Venugopala idols are damaged.
    • Still this temple is worth a visit just to soak in the artistry and sheer talent of the sculptors who created this magnificent monument to the Divine.

     

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Free Live Webinar @ 7PM Today, Registrations Closing Soon||What are the Top 10 Elimination Techniques Used by Toppers in UPSC Prelims to Solve Answers When They Are Unsure of the Right Option?|| Free Live Webinar by Two-Time Interview Qualified Civilsdaily Mentor Parth Verma Sir|| Limited Slots Available, Register Now

    Free Live Webinar @ 7PM Today, Registrations Closing Soon||What are the Top 10 Elimination Techniques Used by Toppers in UPSC Prelims to Solve Answers When They Are Unsure of the Right Option?|| Free Live Webinar by Two-Time Interview Qualified Civilsdaily Mentor Parth Verma Sir|| Limited Slots Available, Register Now

    register here for the free live webinar on the elimination techniques for prelims 2022 by parth sir

    Knowledge alone is not enough to clear UPSC Prelims. Elimination techniques alone are not enough to crack this exam. One needs both to clear UPSC Prelims from 2014 onwards. Since UPSC Prelims is the toughest exam out of Interview and Mains with over 9.5 lakh aspirants getting disqualified, it’s always better to think about increasing 20-30 marks with your existing knowledge using elimination techniques.

    Why is that with the same syllabus, the same study materials and similar syllabus and similar study materials, most candidates score differently? For some, just a reading of the Spectrum book is enough to answer all the Modern History questions, but for others despite reading the same book this is what they face in exams —

    https://twitter.com/MemeUpsc/status/1485128344903745537

    If it’s about prelims exam performance, then aspirants fall into either of these four categories. Which category are you in currently?

    1) Prelims score 0-40: They need to work on improving their knowledge first and then learn answering tricks
    2) Prelims score 50-70: They have decent knowledge and decent answering tricks. But this is not enough to clear Prelims, they need to be an above average performer. Hence, they must focus on preparing for the topics they have scored less in their mock tests.
    3) Prelims score 80-100: They have good knowledge but they need to develop answering tricks. They can do without learning elimination techniques as well, but if they wish to be on the same time learning elimination techniques will guarantee them success.
    4) Prelims score 120+: They have excellent knowledge and know all the answering tricks.

    REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE LIVE WEBINAR ON THE ELIMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR PRELIMS 2022 BY PARTH SIR

    Free Open to All Webinar by Parth Sir on UPSC Prelims Answering Tricks and Elimination Techniques

    UPSC 2020 AIR 30 Topper & Civilsdaily Student Divyanshu Chaudhary says how elimination techniques are useful for UPSC Prelims

    Knowledge of a topic precedes elimination techniques in Prelims exam. Without knowing much about a topic, if one uses elimination techniques, it will only backfire.

    Clearing Prelims is all about Knowledge + Answering Tricks (Tikdams). And while you are studying hard to improve your knowledge, Parth sir will help you improve your answering techniques, for absolutely FREE!

    The webinar will have live demonstration of few questions from Smash Prelims 2022 mock tests and how elimination technique can be used when one is not sure between two similar looking options. Let’s look at an example to understand how.

    In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillion are remembered as

    a) Leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
    b) Members of the Interim Government in 1946
    c) Members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly
    d) Officers of the Indian National Army

    If you have come across the names while reading, using elimination techniques will help you recollect exactly what you had read.

    Parth sir will explain how you can answer these questions with smart techniques, even if you DON’T know the answer but have read the topic before.

    REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE LIVE WEBINAR ON THE ELIMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR PRELIMS 2022 BY PARTH SIR

    Key Takeaways of Free Live Webinar by Parth Sir

    This is your opportunity to learn the tricks that can help you score 120+ in your Prelims. Join Parth sir for a free webinar and this is what you can learn:

    1. 10 Different types of elimination/intelligent guess techniques for hard to verify facts through solving previous year UPSC questions.

    2. How to master the Elimination techniques, used by toppers.

    3. Ideal strategy for the Last 120 days for UPSC prelims 2022.

    4. Which are the tricky topics in the syllabus where one can use elimination techniques? Like for example information technology is a perfect topic where tricky questions can come from.

    6.Open Q&A session with Parth sir

    Webinar Details

    We are inviting all serious aspirants to grab this FREE opportunity to learn the tricks that toppers use to score higher than everyone else. 

    There are limited slots available so we request you to enroll now!

    Date: 1st February, 2022

    Time: 7:00 P.M.

    REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE LIVE WEBINAR ON THE ELIMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR PRELIMS 2022 BY PARTH SIR

    About Parth Sir

    Our Civilsdaily Mentor, Mr Parth has been mentoring students since 2017. He has an admirable experience of attending UPSC-CSE interview two times. Parth sir has always scored 400+ in all the 4 GS Mains Subjects. The secret of success according to him is consistency and time-management.

  • Highlights of the Economic Survey 2021-22

    The Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs has presented the Economic Survey 2021-22 in Parliament.

    What is the Economic Survey?

    • The Economic Survey is a report on the state of the economy in the past one year, the key challenges it anticipates, and their possible solutions.
    • One day before the Union budget, the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) releases the Economic Survey.
    • The document is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) , Ministry of Finance.
    • Once prepared, the Survey is approved by the Finance Minister.
    • The first survey was presented in 1950-51. Until 1964, the document was presented along with the Budget.

    Why is the Economic Survey significant?

    • The Economic Survey is a crucial document as it provides a detailed, official version of the government’s take on the country’s economic condition.
    • It can also be used to highlight some key areas of focus — for example, in 2018, the survey presented by the then CEA Arvind Subramanian was pink in colour, to stress on gender equality.

    Is it binding on the government?

    • The government is NOT constitutionally bound to present the Economic Survey or to follow the recommendations that are made in it.
    • If the government so chooses, it can reject all suggestions laid out in the document.
    • But while the Centre is not obliged to present the Survey at all, it is tabled because of the significance it holds.

    Highlights of the Economic Survey 2021-22

    [1] State of the Economy

    • Economic growth: Indian economy estimated to grow by 9.2 percent in real terms in 2021-22 (as per first advanced estimates) subsequent to a contraction of 7.3 percent in 2020-21. 
    • GDP growth: GDP projected to grow by 8- 8.5 percent in real terms in 2022-23.  
    • Agriculture and allied sectors: They are expected to grow by 3.9 percent; industry by 11.8 percent and services sector by 8.2 percent in 2021-22.

     [2] Fiscal Developments

    • Revenue receipts: These have gone up by 67.2 percent (YoY) as against an expected growth of 9.6 percent in the 2021-22 Budget Estimates.
    • Gross Tax Revenue: It registered a growth of over 50 percent during April to November, 2021 in YoY terms. 
    • Borrowings: With the enhanced borrowings on account of COVID-19, the Central Government debt has gone up from 49.1 percent of GDP in 2019-20 to 59.3 percent of GDP in 2020-21/

    [3] External Sectors

    • India’s merchandise exports and imports rebounded strongly and surpassed pre-COVID levels during the current financial year.
    • Net capital flows: These were higher at US$ 65.6 billion in the first half of 2021-22, on account of continued inflow of foreign investment, revival in net external commercial borrowings, higher banking capital and additional special drawing rights (SDR) allocation.
    • India’s external debt: It rose to US $ 593.1 billion at end-September 2021, from US $ 556.8 billion a year earlier, reflecting additional SDR allocation by IMF, coupled with higher commercial borrowings.
    • Foreign Exchange Reserves: It touched US $ 633.6 billion in Dec 2021 making India the fourth largest forex reserves holder in the world after China, Japan and Switzerland.

    [4] Monetary Management and Financial Intermediation

    • Repo was maintained: The liquidity in the system remained in surplus. Repo rate was maintained at 4 per cent in 2021-22.
    • GSAP: RBI undertook various measures such as G-Sec Acquisition Programme and Special Long-Term Repo Operations to provide further liquidity.
    • NPAs declined: The Gross Non-Performing Advances ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) declined from 11.2 per cent at the end of 2017-18 to 6.9 per cent at the end of September, 2021.

    [5] Prices and Inflation

    • Control over food inflation: The decline in retail inflation was led by easing of food inflation. Proactive measures were taken to contain the price rise in pulses and edible oils.
    • Supply constraints eased: Effective supply-side management kept prices of most essential commodities under control during the year.
    • Fuel price reduction: Reduction in central excise and subsequent cuts in Value Added Tax by most States helped ease petrol and diesel prices. 

    [6] Sustainable Development and Climate Change

    • Sustainable development: India’s overall score on the NITI Aayog SDG India Index and Dashboard improved to 66 in 2020-21 from 60 in 2019-20 and 57 in 2018-19.
    • Rise in forest cover: India has the tenth largest forest area in the world. In 2020, India ranked third globally in increasing its forest area during 2010 to 2020. In 2020, the forests covered 24% of India’s total geographical, accounting for 2% of the world’s total forest area.
    • Plastic waste management (PWM): In August 2021, the PWM Amendment Rules, 2021, was notified which is aimed at phasing out single use plastic by 2022.
    • Extended Producer Responsibility for plastic: Draft rules for plastic packaging was notified.
    • Pledge on Net-Zero Emissions: The PM participated at COP-26 in Glasgow. He announced ambitious targets to achieve net-zero by 2070.

    [7] Agriculture and Food Management

    • Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy: It is being used to promote crop diversification.
    • Allied sector growth: Allied sectors including animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries are steadily emerging to be high growth sectors and major drivers of overall growth in agriculture sector.
    • Food security:  Government has further extended the coverage of food security network through schemes like PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY).
    • Income Support: Timely release of PM-KISAN Funds.

    [8] Industry and Infrastructure:

    • Index of Industrial Production (IIP): It grew at 17.4 percent (YoY) during April-November 2021 as compared to -15.3 percent in April-November 2020.
    • Extent of road construction per day: This has increased substantially in 2020-21 to 36.5 Kms per day from 28 Kms per day in 2019-20 – a rise of 30.4 percent.
    • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: It gave a major boost to infrastructure-both physical as well as digital.

    [9] Services Sector

    • Growth despite pandemic: Overall service Sector GVA is expected to grow by 8.2 percent in 2021-22.
    • Opening up of space sector to private players: Major government reform.
    • India becomes start-up hub: India has become 3rd largest start-up ecosystem in the world after US and China.
    • Unicorns in India: 44 Indian start-ups have achieved unicorn status in 2021 taking overall tally of unicorns to 83, most of which are in services sector.

    [10] Social Infrastructure and Employment

    • Universal vaccination: 157.94 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered (as on 16th January 2022).
    • Employment recovery: As per the quarterly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PFLS) data up to March 2021, employment in urban sector affected by pandemic has recovered almost to the pre-pandemic level.
    • Expenditure on social services (health, education and others): This expenditure by Centre and States as a proportion of GDP increased from 6.2 % in 2014-15 to 8.6% in 2021-22.
    • National Family Health Survey-5:
    1. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) came down to 2 in 2019-21 from 2.2 in 2015-16
    2. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), under-five mortality rate and institutional births have improved in 2019-21 over year 2015-16
    3. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Under this, 83 districts have become ‘Har Ghar Jal’ districts.
    4. Continuance of MGNREGS: Increased allotment of funds to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) to provide buffer for unorganized labour in rural areas during the pandemic.

  • 1st February 2022| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

    GS-1      Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

    GS-2     Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

    GS-3     Government Budgeting

    GS-4    Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1 The contemporary Indian society finds itself caught at the intersection of a growing aspiration to mimic the West and a revival of the conservative traditional outlook. Comment. (15 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2 With its overriding focus on health and nutrition, early childhood care and education (ECCE) has hitherto been the weakest link of the anganwadi system. In the context of this, examine the role anganwadis can play in imparting ECCE and the challenges it can face in doing it. (10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3 What are the factors that explains the ballooning food subsidy amount in the Union Budget? What are the implications of such inefficiencies in subsidy? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4 Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human being. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant? (10 Marks)

     

    HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

    1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

    2. 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.

    3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

    4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

    5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

    6. 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

    7. 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.

    8. 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*. 

    For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

    CLICK HERE To join Daily AWE

  • What are the Top 10 Elimination Techniques Used by Toppers in UPSC Prelims to Solve Answers When They Are Unsure of the Right Option?|| Free Live Webinar by Two-Time Interview Qualified Civilsdaily Mentor Parth Verma Sir|| Limited Slots Available, Register Now

    What are the Top 10 Elimination Techniques Used by Toppers in UPSC Prelims to Solve Answers When They Are Unsure of the Right Option?|| Free Live Webinar by Two-Time Interview Qualified Civilsdaily Mentor Parth Verma Sir|| Limited Slots Available, Register Now

    register here for the free live webinar on the elimination techniques for prelims 2022 by parth sir

    Knowledge alone is not enough to clear UPSC Prelims. Elimination techniques alone are not enough to crack this exam. One needs both to clear UPSC Prelims from 2014 onwards. Since UPSC Prelims is the toughest exam out of Interview and Mains with over 9.5 lakh aspirants getting disqualified, it’s always better to think about increasing 20-30 marks with your existing knowledge using elimination techniques.

    Why is that with the same syllabus, the same study materials and similar syllabus and similar study materials, most candidates score differently? For some, just a reading of the Spectrum book is enough to answer all the Modern History questions, but for others despite reading the same book this is what they face in exams —

    https://twitter.com/MemeUpsc/status/1485128344903745537

    If it’s about prelims exam performance, then aspirants fall into either of these four categories. Which category are you in currently?

    1) Prelims score 0-40: They need to work on improving their knowledge first and then learn answering tricks
    2) Prelims score 50-70: They have decent knowledge and decent answering tricks. But this is not enough to clear Prelims, they need to be an above average performer. Hence, they must focus on preparing for the topics they have scored less in their mock tests.
    3) Prelims score 80-100: They have good knowledge but they need to develop answering tricks. They can do without learning elimination techniques as well, but if they wish to be on the same time learning elimination techniques will guarantee them success.
    4) Prelims score 120+: They have excellent knowledge and know all the answering tricks.

    REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE LIVE WEBINAR ON THE ELIMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR PRELIMS 2022 BY PARTH SIR

    Free Open to All Webinar by Parth Sir on UPSC Prelims Answering Tricks and Elimination Techniques

    UPSC 2020 AIR 30 Topper & Civilsdaily Student Divyanshu Chaudhary says how elimination techniques are useful for UPSC Prelims

    Knowledge of a topic precedes elimination techniques in Prelims exam. Without knowing much about a topic, if one uses elimination techniques, it will only backfire.

    Clearing Prelims is all about Knowledge + Answering Tricks (Tikdams). And while you are studying hard to improve your knowledge, Parth sir will help you improve your answering techniques, for absolutely FREE!

    The webinar will have live demonstration of few questions from Smash Prelims 2022 mock tests and how elimination technique can be used when one is not sure between two similar looking options. Let’s look at an example to understand how.

    In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillion are remembered as

    a) Leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
    b) Members of the Interim Government in 1946
    c) Members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly
    d) Officers of the Indian National Army

    If you have come across the names while reading, using elimination techniques will help you recollect exactly what you had read.

    Parth sir will explain how you can answer these questions with smart techniques, even if you DON’T know the answer but have read the topic before.

    REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE LIVE WEBINAR ON THE ELIMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR PRELIMS 2022 BY PARTH SIR

    Key Takeaways of Free Live Webinar by Parth Sir

    This is your opportunity to learn the tricks that can help you score 120+ in your Prelims. Join Parth sir for a free webinar and this is what you can learn:

    1. 10 Different types of elimination/intelligent guess techniques for hard to verify facts through solving previous year UPSC questions.

    2. How to master the Elimination techniques, used by toppers.

    3. Ideal strategy for the Last 120 days for UPSC prelims 2022.

    4. Which are the tricky topics in the syllabus where one can use elimination techniques? Like for example information technology is a perfect topic where tricky questions can come from.

    6.Open Q&A session with Parth sir

    Webinar Details

    We are inviting all serious aspirants to grab this FREE opportunity to learn the tricks that toppers use to score higher than everyone else. 

    There are limited slots available so we request you to enroll now!

    Date: 1st February, 2022

    Time: 7:00 P.M.

    REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE LIVE WEBINAR ON THE ELIMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR PRELIMS 2022 BY PARTH SIR

    About Parth Sir

    Our Civilsdaily Mentor, Mr Parth has been mentoring students since 2017. He has an admirable experience of attending UPSC-CSE interview two times. Parth sir has always scored 400+ in all the 4 GS Mains Subjects. The secret of success according to him is consistency and time-management.

  • What are the Top 10 Elimination Techniques Used by Toppers in UPSC Prelims to Solve Answers When They Are Unsure of the Right Option?|| Free Live Webinar by Two-Time Interview Qualified Civilsdaily Mentor Parth Verma Sir|| Limited Slots Available, Register Now

    What are the Top 10 Elimination Techniques Used by Toppers in UPSC Prelims to Solve Answers When They Are Unsure of the Right Option?|| Free Live Webinar by Two-Time Interview Qualified Civilsdaily Mentor Parth Verma Sir|| Limited Slots Available, Register Now

    register here for the free live webinar on the elimination techniques for prelims 2022 by parth sir

    Knowledge alone is not enough to clear UPSC Prelims. Elimination techniques alone are not enough to crack this exam. One needs both to clear UPSC Prelims from 2014 onwards. Since UPSC Prelims is the toughest exam out of Interview and Mains with over 9.5 lakh aspirants getting disqualified, it’s always better to think about increasing 20-30 marks with your existing knowledge using elimination techniques.

    Why is that with the same syllabus, the same study materials and similar syllabus and similar study materials, most candidates score differently? For some, just a reading of the Spectrum book is enough to answer all the Modern History questions, but for others despite reading the same book this is what they face in exams —

    https://twitter.com/MemeUpsc/status/1485128344903745537

    If it’s about prelims exam performance, then aspirants fall into either of these four categories. Which category are you in currently?

    1) Prelims score 0-40: They need to work on improving their knowledge first and then learn answering tricks
    2) Prelims score 50-70: They have decent knowledge and decent answering tricks. But this is not enough to clear Prelims, they need to be an above average performer. Hence, they must focus on preparing for the topics they have scored less in their mock tests.
    3) Prelims score 80-100: They have good knowledge but they need to develop answering tricks. They can do without learning elimination techniques as well, but if they wish to be on the same time learning elimination techniques will guarantee them success.
    4) Prelims score 120+: They have excellent knowledge and know all the answering tricks.

    REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE LIVE WEBINAR ON THE ELIMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR PRELIMS 2022 BY PARTH SIR

    Free Open to All Webinar by Parth Sir on UPSC Prelims Answering Tricks and Elimination Techniques

    UPSC 2020 AIR 30 Topper & Civilsdaily Student Divyanshu Chaudhary says how elimination techniques are useful for UPSC Prelims

    Knowledge of a topic precedes elimination techniques in Prelims exam. Without knowing much about a topic, if one uses elimination techniques, it will only backfire.

    Clearing Prelims is all about Knowledge + Answering Tricks (Tikdams). And while you are studying hard to improve your knowledge, Parth sir will help you improve your answering techniques, for absolutely FREE!

    The webinar will have live demonstration of few questions from Smash Prelims 2022 mock tests and how elimination technique can be used when one is not sure between two similar looking options. Let’s look at an example to understand how.

    In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillion are remembered as

    a) Leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
    b) Members of the Interim Government in 1946
    c) Members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly
    d) Officers of the Indian National Army

    If you have come across the names while reading, using elimination techniques will help you recollect exactly what you had read.

    Parth sir will explain how you can answer these questions with smart techniques, even if you DON’T know the answer but have read the topic before.

    REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE LIVE WEBINAR ON THE ELIMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR PRELIMS 2022 BY PARTH SIR

    Key Takeaways of Free Live Webinar by Parth Sir

    This is your opportunity to learn the tricks that can help you score 120+ in your Prelims. Join Parth sir for a free webinar and this is what you can learn:

    1. 10 Different types of elimination/intelligent guess techniques for hard to verify facts through solving previous year UPSC questions.

    2. How to master the Elimination techniques, used by toppers.

    3. Ideal strategy for the Last 120 days for UPSC prelims 2022.

    4. Which are the tricky topics in the syllabus where one can use elimination techniques? Like for example information technology is a perfect topic where tricky questions can come from.

    6.Open Q&A session with Parth sir

    Webinar Details

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  • How the Budget can push India’s health system transformation

    Context

    After decades of low government expenditure on health, the Covid pandemic created a societal consensus on the need to strengthen our health system.

    Steps to strengthen our health system

    • The Fifteenth Finance Commission recommended greater investment in rural and urban primary care, a nationwide disease surveillance system extending from the block-level to national institutes, a larger health workforce and the augmentation of critical care capacity of hospitals.
    • The Union budget of 2021 reflected these priorities in a proposed Pradhan Mantri Aatmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (PMASBY) to be made operational over six years, with a budget of Rs 64,180 crore.
    • Broader vision of health: The Finance Minister also projected a broader vision of health beyond healthcare by merging allocations to water, sanitation, nutrition and air pollution control with the health budget.
    • Under the Ayushman Bharat umbrella the Digital Health Mission was launched in September 2021.
    • The Health Infrastructure Mission, launched in October 2021, was a renamed and augmented version of the PMASBY.
    • These missions join the two other components of Ayushman Bharat launched in 2018.
    • The Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) component is nested in the National Health Mission (NHM) while the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is steered by the National Health Authority (NHA).

    Way forward

    • While much of the following needs to be done by the states, the Centre should incentivise and support such efforts by the states.
    • Link synergically: Primary healthcare services under the CPHC and linkage with water, sanitation, nutrition and pollution control programmes will strengthen the capacity of the health system for health promotion and disease prevention.
    • The budget of 2022 must not only fund these missions adequately but indicate how they will link synergically while functioning under different administrative agencies.
    • Allocate more funds: The NHM received only a 9.6 per cent increase in the 2021 budget.
    • PMJAY did not see an increase in allocation last year, because its utilisation for non-Covid care declined sharply in the previous year.
    •  More importantly, limiting cost coverage to hospitalised care reduces the PMJAY’s capacity to significantly lower out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on health, which is driven mostly by outpatient care and expenditure on medicines.
    • Focus on Digital Heath Mission: The Digital Health Mission can enhance efficiency of the health systems in a variety of ways.
    • These include better data collection and analysis, improved medical and health records, efficient supply chain management, tele-health services, support for health workforce training, implementation of health insurance programmes, real time monitoring and sharper evaluation of health programme performance along with effective multi-sectoral coordination.
    • Improve the skill and number of healthcare workers:  We need to increase the numbers and improve the skills of all categories of healthcare providers.
    • While training specialist doctors could take time, the training of frontline workers like Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) can be done in a shorter time.
    • Upgrade district hospitals: District hospitals need to be upgraded, with greater investment in infrastructure, equipment and staffing.
    • In underserved regions, such district hospitals should be upgraded to become training centres for students of medical, nursing and allied health professional courses.

    Conclusion

    The expanded ambit of health, as defined in last year’s budget, must continue for aligning other sectors to public health objectives. The Union budget of 2022 can add further momentum to our health system transformation.

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  • 30 years of India-Israel Diplomatic Relations

    A recent speech by the PM Modi has marked three decades since New Delhi established formal diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv on January 29, 1992, when P.V. Narasimha Rao was the Prime Minister.

    India-Israel Relation: A Backgrounder

    (I) Recognition of Israel

    • Both nations became independent almost at the same time, in the late 1940s, following a long struggle against British Colonialism.
    • Though India had recognized Israel on September 17, 1950, full-fledged diplomatic relations between the countries were established on January 29, 1992.
    • Their diplomatic relationship was previously based on popular consensus and only much later became official.

    (II) India’s reluctance for extending ties

    • The popular perception of Israel was negative as it was a state formed on religion and analogous to Pakistan.
    • This was because during that time India was a young state that needed to take into account Arab states’ numerical impact at the United Nations.
    • Furthermore, it could not afford to antagonize its Muslim population by establishing ties with a Jewish state.
    • Sympathizing the Palestinian cause is a by-product of these motives.

    (III) India’s shift towards Israel

    • Though India voted against a UN resolution for the creation of Israel, once Israel is created, India officially recognized Israel (in 1950).
    • But full diplomatic ties were established only in 1992.

    Reasons for India prioritizing Israel

    • India’s exclusion from OIC: The formation of an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 1969 which neglected the sentiments of Indian Muslims by blocking India’s membership to this group by Pakistan is one of the primary triggers for the change instance.
    • Backing of Kashmir: India has received no backing from the Arab countries on the Kashmir Issue. There have been no serious attempts by the Arab world to put pressure on Pakistan to reign in the cross-border insurgency in Kashmir.
    • Support in crucial wars: Israel supported India during the Indo-Pak wars even before full diplomatic ties were established.
    • India’s US allegiance: With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of the US as a superpower, India started aligning itself with the US, and this further added to our improved relations with Israel.
    • Deviation from NAM: After decades of Non-Alignment and Pro-Arab policy, in 1992 India changed its stance and established full diplomatic ties with Israel.
    • Support at global forums: Israel has always been a vocal supporter of India’s permanent seat in the UNSC.
    • Technology: India’s world-class institutes of higher education could benefit from the strong culture of research and high-end innovation that thrives in Israel.

    Israeli interests in India

    • India presents a massive market for Israel’s manufactured goods and technology.
    • India has for long enjoyed great goodwill among Israel’s citizens as the only country in the world where Jews have not faced anti-Semitism.
    • There are many instances of Jews under Hitler’s persecution finding shelter in India including some that were said to have been facilitated by Nehru.
    • The minuscule Jew community was able to rise to eminence in various fields.
    • Israel cherishes its admirers in India for its ability to thrive in spite of very adverse situations in its short history as an independent nation.

    Collaborations between India and Israel

    [A] Military collaboration

    • Against terrorism: India and Israel have increased collaboration in military ventures since both nations face the threats of rising radical terrorism and separatism.
    • Arms trade: India is the largest buyer of Israeli military equipment and Israel is the second-largest defense supplier to India after Russia.
    • Security: Working groups in areas of border management, internal security and public safety, police modernization, and capacity building for combating crime, crime prevention, and cybercrime were established.
    • Defence R&D: IAI is developing the Barak 8 missile for the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force which is capable of protecting sea vessels and ground facilities from aircraft and cruise missiles.

    [B] Political collaboration

    • Since the up-gradation of relations in 1992, defense and agriculture have become the two main pillars of the bilateral engagement.
    • The political ties have become especially cordial under the Modi Government.
    • In 2017, Prime Minister Modi became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel.

    [C] Agriculture collaboration

    • India has chosen Israel as a strategic partner (G2G) in the field of agriculture.
    • This partnership evolved into the Indo-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP), under the Indo-Israel Action Plan, based on an MOU signed by Indian and Israeli ministers of Agriculture in 2006.
    • The partnership aims to introduce crop diversity, increase productivity & increase water use efficiency.
    • India has a lot to learn from the dryland agriculture of Israel. The Economic Survey 2016-17 batted for Indo-Israel cooperation in drip-irrigation technologies.

    [D] Economic collaboration

    • India is Israel’s third-largest trading partner in Asia after China and Hong Kong.
    • In recent years, bilateral trade has diversified to include several sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT and telecom, and homeland security.
    • Major exports from India to Israel include precious stones and metals, chemical products, textiles, etc.
    • Major imports from Israel include chemicals and mineral products, base metals and machinery, and transport equipment. Potash is a major item of Israel’s exports to India.

    Various deterrents in ties

    • Bilateral Trade and investment still below potential: From just $200 million in 1992, bilateral trade (excluding defense) peaked at about $5 billion in 2012 but since then it has dropped to about $4 billion. Also, bilateral trade has not diversified much—diamonds and chemicals still make up for the large chunk of the pie.
    • Connectivity between the two countries is still poor with just one direct flight from Mumbai 3 times a week and no direct flights from Delhi.
    • Historical retrenchment: India’s consistent support for a sovereign, independent, viable, and united Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side, and at peace with Israel and Pro-Arab stance has been a sticky point.
    • Limited People to People ties and cultural differences: Israelis and Indian approach business differently and often find it difficult to get on the same page.
    • India’s support for Palestinian Cause: Though formal ties were established in 1992, the ideological divide resurfaces time and again due to India’s affinity for Palestine.

    Way forward

    • Indian policy appears to be guided primarily by strategic considerations.
    • There is a strong need to use soft power diplomacy to build people-to-people bridges and to add to economic benefits through robust inter-country tourism.
    • The Indian and Israeli markets do not compete with one another but complete one another.
    • A potential quadrilateral with US and UAE can help this relationship soar to new heights.

     

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    Also read:

    Indo-Abrahamic Accord: A new QUAD

  • India-Oman Relations

    India is laying out the red carpet for Oman’s top defence official Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, who will be in India for a four-day official visit.

    India-Oman Relations: A Backgrounder

    • The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf.
    • Both nations are linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations.
    • An Indian consulate was opened in Muscat in February 1955 which was upgraded to a consulate general in 1960 and later into a full-fledged embassy in 1971.
    • The first ambassador of India arrived in Muscat in 1973.

    History of the ties

    • Oman, for many years, was ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, who was a friend of India.
    • Sultan Qaboos, the longest-reigning leader of the modern Arab world, died in January ‘2020 at the age of 79.
    • He was a man who was, as a student, taught by Shankar Dayal Sharma who went on to become the President of India.
    • Sultan Qaboos’s father, an alumnus of Ajmer’s Mayo College, sent his son to study in Pune for some time, where he was former President Shankar Dayal Sharma’s student.

    Economic ties

    • Expatriate community: Oman has over five hundred thousand Indian nationals living there making them the largest expatriate community in Oman. They annually remit $780 million to India.
    • Bilateral trade: In 2010, bilateral trade between India and Oman stood at $4.5 billion. India was Oman’s second-largest destination for its non-oil exports and its fourth-largest source for Indian imports.
    • Energy: India has been considering the construction of a 1,100-km-long underwater natural gas pipeline from Oman called the South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE).

    Defense cooperation

    Oman is the first Gulf nation to have formalized defense relations with India.

    • Naval cooperation: The Indian Navy has berthing rights in Oman, and has been utilizing Oman’s ports as bases for conducting anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
    • Tri-services base: In February 2018, India announced that it had secured access to the facilities at Duqm for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. Duqm had previously served as a port for the INS Mumbai.
    • Arms trade: The standard issue rifle of the Royal Army of Oman is India’s INSAS rifle.
    • Bilateral exercises: Naseem al-Bahr (Arabic for Sea Breeze) is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Oman. The exercise was first held in 1993.

    Significance of Oman for India

    • Oman is India’s closest defense partner in the Gulf region and an important anchor for India’s defense and strategic interests.
    • It is the only country in the Gulf region with which all three services of the Indian armed forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and staff talks, enabling close cooperation and trust at the professional level.
    • It also provides critical operational support to Indian naval deployments in the Arabian sea for anti-piracy missions.

    Duqm port and its strategic imperative

    • In a strategic move to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean region, India has secured access to the key Port of Duqm in Oman for military use and logistical support.
    • This is part of India’s maritime strategy to counter Chinese influence and activities in the region.
    • The Port of Duqm is strategically located, in close proximity to the Chabahar port in Iran.
    • With the Assumption Island being developed in Seychelles and Agalega in Mauritius, Duqm fits into India’s proactive maritime security roadmap.
    • In recent years, India had deployed an attack submarine to this port in the western Arabian Sea.

    Deterrent in ties: Chinese influence in Oman

    • China started cultivating ties with the Arab countries following the former Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.
    • Beijing has cultivated close ties with Oman and the latter was, in fact, the first country to deliver oil to China.
    • As of today, 92.99 per cent of Oman’s oil exports go to China, making China Oman’s largest oil importer.
    • Oman and China signed an agreement to establish an Oman-China Industrial Park at Duqm in 2016.
    • China has identified Oman as a key country in the region and has been enhancing defence ties with it steadily.

    Way forward

    • India does not have enough energy resources to serve its current or future energy requirements. The rapidly growing energy demand has contributed to the need for long term energy partnerships with countries like Oman.
    • Oman’s Duqm Port is situated in the middle of international shipping lanes connecting East with West Asia.
    • India needs to engage with Oman and take initiatives to utilise opportunities arising out of the Duqm Port industrial city.

     

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