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  • Beyond the Basics: How to Write Above-Average Answers for GS4 Ethics?|| Free Webinar By 140 scorer Sukanya Rana Ma’am || Limited Seats Only, Reserve Your Spot Now

    Beyond the Basics: How to Write Above-Average Answers for GS4 Ethics?|| Free Webinar By 140 scorer Sukanya Rana Ma’am || Limited Seats Only, Reserve Your Spot Now

    enroll here to attend free ethics webinar by sukanya rana maam

    Every aspirant studies the same standard book for Ethics and gets the same time during exam. And yet, only a few score above 110+ while others don’t. Why? 

    Answer writing for GS4 Ethics is not an inborn talent, it is a skill you can master with the right approach and guidance.

    Join Sukanya Rana Ma’am as she takes you through the advanced nuances of GS4 Ethics and solves a few case studies in the free webinar on 10 November (Wednesday)

    Why Should you Attend this Webinar?

    Every time and every year almost 90% of the GS4 questions come from topics covered in standard books. This is unlike your GS2 and GS3 papers. Hence, it has the least syllabus out of all the papers. The challenges faced by most aspirants in Ethics is not syllabus coverage.

    But writing what is covered in the standard books alone won’t fetch you extra marks. Do you think most of your time is spent understanding the case study than framing an answer for it? Do you want ready-made answers in your mind and write as you go?

    Then this free webinar is the for you! Advance your possibility of success by learning from Sukanya Rana Ma’am who scored 140 in 2019 Ethics paper.

    What will you Learn in this Webinar?

    1. Five years paper analysis of Ethics. What are the trends you shouldn’t miss?

    2. Get an extra edge in your answers. How to have an analytical approach in your answers?

    3. The 3 common types of questions asked in the exam. What are they?

    4. The trickier aspects of the exam. How to answer quote based questions?

    5. Time-management techniques for GS4 Ethics. How not to compromise quality in your answers?

    ENROLL HERE TO ATTEND FREE ETHICS WEBINAR BY SUKANYA RANA MAAM

    Webinar Details

    All aspirants are welcome to interact with Sukanya Ma’am and clear their doubts in the Q&A session. This webinar is absolutely free and only requires prior registration.

    Date: 10 November (Wednesday)

    Time: 3 P.M

    About Sukanya Rana Ma’am

    Sukanya ma’am has the experience of 4 mains and 2 interviews in UPSC. She has also appeared in the State PCS interview. Before being a mentor at Civilsdaily, she worked as an officer in a public sector bank. Sukanya Rana Ma’am is passionate about guiding future officers in finding success.

    As an aspirant, she consistently scored 100+ marks in Ethics paper. Notably, in 2019 her marks were 140 in GS 4. Under her mentorship, many Smash Mains 2020 students were able to secure 110+ marks.

    ENROLL HERE TO ATTEND FREE ETHICS WEBINAR BY SUKANYA RANA MAAM

  • [Sansad TV] The IPO Boom

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

    One97 Communications-owned Paytm will launch its initial public offering for subscription in the coming week.

    This is the largest-ever public issue in the history of Indian capital markets.  Before this, state-run coal mining company Coal India had the biggest IPO of more than Rs 15,000 crore in October 2010.

    Context

    • Driven by excess liquidity and a rising stock market, Indian companies has already raised approximately 72000 Crore rupees through IPOs this year, the highest amount over the last 20 years.
    • With several more IPOs of companies such as Paytm and Policybazaar, the overall figure is likely to cross 1 Lakh crore by the end of this year.

    In this article, we shall discuss the reason behind the IPO Boom’ this year, how are these issues performing on the market after listing and what kind of value addition do they bring to the table.

    What is an IPO?

    • Every company needs money to grow and expand.
    • They do this by borrowing or by issuing shares.
    • If the company decides to opt for the second route of issuing shares, it must invite public investors to buy its shares.
    • This is its first public invitation in the stock market and is called the Initial Public Offering (IPO).

    Do you know?

    The Dutch are credited with conducting the first modern IPO by offering shares of the Dutch East India Company to the general public.

    What does it mean for investors to buy shares?

    • When one buys such shares, he/she makes an IPO investment.
    • He/she gets ownership in the company, proportionate to the value of your shares.
    • These shares then get listed on the stock exchange.
    • The stock exchange is where you can sell your existing shares in the company or buy more.

    How does an IPO work?

    • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates the entire process of investment via an IPO in India.
    • A company intending to issue shares through IPOs first registers with SEBI.
    • SEBI scrutinises the documents submitted, and only then approves it.

    Who can hold IPOs?

    • It could be a new, young company or an old company which decides to be listed on an exchange and hence goes public.

    Trading of shares

    • The company which offers its shares, known as an ‘issuer’, does so with the help of investment banks.
    • After IPO, the company’s shares are traded in an open market.
    • Those shares can be further sold by investors through secondary market trading.

    Why are IPOs held?

    Some of the main motivations for undertaking an IPO include:

    • Raising capital from the sale of the shares
    • Providing liquidity to company founders and early investors and
    • Taking advantage of a higher valuation

    Benefits offered by IPO

    • Cheaper avenues of raising capital
    • More exposure, prestige and enhanced public image
    • Creating multiple financing opportunity through equity, convertible debt etc

    Limitations of IPO

    • Disclosure of sensitive financial and business information
    • Risk of company performance in future
    • Risk of litigation by investors
    • Market pressure
    • Cost of trading (transaction cost) borne by the investors

    Why is there a boom of IPOs in India?

    There are multiple reasons for the spike IPOs:

    • Monetary push: In in a bid to boost the economy, central banks and governments over the world have been pumping money into the economy.
    • Liquidity: This money with people is finding its way into the stock markets.
    • Lower interest rates: As long as the interest rates remain low, investor enthusiasm remains and investors keep making listing gains on the last few issues.
    • Retailers’ entry: Besides big institutional investors, recent months have seen a hoard of first-time retail investors entering the markets.
    • Regulatory boosts: Positive changes in the regulatory environment are also forging IPOs as a sustainable path for scaled companies. The SEBI has been highly proactive in this regard.

    Ever since the release of a web series on the stock market, every other person/aspirant is seen talking about share markets. This seems to be the rising awareness and sensation created among young investors in the stock market.

    Concerns raised

    • The RBI has warned that there is a disconnect between Indian stock markets and the economy, which could pose a risk to the country’s financial stability.
    • There is a question of sustainability of the spike in stock market.

    Conclusion

    • As a growing economy, India offers tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs to build global companies.
    • A very active early-stage VC ecosystem enables entrepreneurs to take that risk in the early stages, and a buoyant private equity market enables strong early-stage businesses to access growth capital.
    • It is only natural to see a lot more IPOs in the future as these companies scale up.
    • A knowledgeable and active public market ecosystem with active retail participation alongside FIIs is expected to make the country a solid story for the years to come.
  • Beyond the Basics: How to Write Above-Average Answers for GS4 Ethics?|| Free Webinar By 140 scorer Sukanya Rana Ma’am || Limited Seats Only, Reserve Your Spot Now

    Beyond the Basics: How to Write Above-Average Answers for GS4 Ethics?|| Free Webinar By 140 scorer Sukanya Rana Ma’am || Limited Seats Only, Reserve Your Spot Now

    enroll here to attend free ethics webinar by sukanya rana maam

    Every aspirant studies the same standard book for Ethics and gets the same time during exam. And yet, only a few score above 110+ while others don’t. Why? 

    Answer writing for GS4 Ethics is not an inborn talent, it is a skill you can master with the right approach and guidance.

    Join Sukanya Rana Ma’am as she takes you through the advanced nuances of GS4 Ethics and solves a few case studies in the free webinar on 10 November (Wednesday)

    Why Should you Attend this Webinar?

    Every time and every year almost 90% of the GS4 questions come from topics covered in standard books. This is unlike your GS2 and GS3 papers. Hence, it has the least syllabus out of all the papers. The challenges faced by most aspirants in Ethics is not syllabus coverage.

    But writing what is covered in the standard books alone won’t fetch you extra marks. Do you think most of your time is spent understanding the case study than framing an answer for it? Do you want ready-made answers in your mind and write as you go?

    Then this free webinar is the for you! Advance your possibility of success by learning from Sukanya Rana Ma’am who scored 140 in 2019 Ethics paper.

    What will you Learn in this Webinar?

    1. Five years paper analysis of Ethics. What are the trends you shouldn’t miss?

    2. Get an extra edge in your answers. How to have an analytical approach in your answers?

    3. The 3 common types of questions asked in the exam. What are they?

    4. The trickier aspects of the exam. How to answer quote based questions?

    5. Time-management techniques for GS4 Ethics. How not to compromise quality in your answers?

    ENROLL HERE TO ATTEND FREE ETHICS WEBINAR BY SUKANYA RANA MAAM

    Webinar Details

    All aspirants are welcome to interact with Sukanya Ma’am and clear their doubts in the Q&A session. This webinar is absolutely free and only requires prior registration.

    Date: 10 November (Wednesday)

    Time: 3 P.M

    About Sukanya Rana Ma’am

    Sukanya ma’am has the experience of 4 mains and 2 interviews in UPSC. She has also appeared in the State PCS interview. Before being a mentor at Civilsdaily, she worked as an officer in a public sector bank. Sukanya Rana Ma’am is passionate about guiding future officers in finding success.

    As an aspirant, she consistently scored 100+ marks in Ethics paper. Notably, in 2019 her marks were 140 in GS 4. Under her mentorship, many Smash Mains 2020 students were able to secure 110+ marks.

    ENROLL HERE TO ATTEND FREE ETHICS WEBINAR BY SUKANYA RANA MAAM
  • Register & Join the Live Webinar Now || Meeting Link Inside || 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir

    Register & Join the Live Webinar Now || Meeting Link Inside || 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir

    Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains || Free Webinar By Sajal Sir || on YouTube & Zoom

    Date: Nov 7, 2021

    Time: 03:00 p.m onwards (start joining at 02:45 p.m.)

    YouTube link for Webinar: https://youtu.be/b_KUYPgrHJI


    Zoom Details for Q & A Session Immediately following the Webinar (Check the YouTube link above): https://zoom.us/j/98625802002?pwd=dmpGZFpOMUtUTDVGeEo0WGZIdjQvdz09
    Meeting ID: 986 2580 2002

    Passcode: 629173

    book your seat here for free webinar by sajal sir

    Now that UPSC CSE prelims results are out, you would have started answer writing practice for mains. Keep in mind that answering for mains is not like answering your university papers. Over here, examiners expect pointers, examples, flowcharts, mind maps, diagrams than long paragraphs. Given the time and word limit, it’s better not to beat around the bush while answering.

    Open to All, Free Webinar on 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing

    Sajal sir will share his experiences of scoring 120+ in all the UPSC 2017 GS papers through a webinar. This webinar about the new age formula to ace UPSC Mains is absolutely free for all to attend.

    For a better understanding on the format of the webinar, here’s Sajal sir’s explanation on how to approach a sample question.

    It is commented that Electoral bonds instead of cleansing India’s electoral system distort India’s democracy. Do you agree? Critically analyse.

    Sajal Sir Suggests: Understand the key demand of the question. Don’t get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. Question is not about electoral bonds only. Many aspirants write everything they know about electoral bonds. You need to first mention how it will cleanse India’s electoral system. After that, link it with democracy. How it violates key features of democracy like transparency, accountability and level playing field. Writing only Pros and Cons will not fetch you marks. 

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    Why you should Attend Sajal Sir’s Webinar?

    Do you know that toppers use certain techniques of answer-writing to score higher marks? Are you aware of the PESTLE approach or the 7-5-3 technique of answer writing? If not, then its time you attended this webinar

    Sajal sir in the past 7 years has mentored over 400 students who went onto become UPSC toppers. Apart from this, his course SMASH Mains 2020 had a turnover of 80% interview recommended candidates.

    This is how the UPSC Toppers scored in test series before Sajal sir’s intervention —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta(AIR-42)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay-(AIR-65)- Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    They had tried everything but were not able to score high in the exams. From their approach to answering to the body of answers, they faced problems. They faced problems with things like putting proper headings, how to frame dimensions, introductions, conclusions, etc. They never even got the right feedback which could have helped them!

    And this is how they improved after learning the best answer writing practices from him —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta (AIR-42)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay (AIR -65) – Answers After Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    If you wish to learn and unlearn certain reading and writing habits, attending this webinar is the first step in the right direction.

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    What will you learn in this webinar?

    Fundamental mistakes in answer writing that can be avoided?

    How to understand the meaning behind a complex indirect question?

    How to use the PESTLE approach to answer certain type of questions?

    How to extract information read into Pros and Cons?

    How to finish an answer in seven minutes?

    How to think and write an answer simultaneously?

    How to write an innovative answer which can get you an extra 1 mark?

    Few thumb rules of answer writing with examples.

    Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.

    Why UPSC toppers are convinced about Sajal Sir’s Mentorship?

    Read other answers over here.

    Webinar Details

    Anyone who is going to attend UPSC mains now or 2022 UPSC Aspirants, will gain valuable insights from this webinar. Register now for an invite. And, keep the date saved in your calendars!

    Date: 7 November 2021

    Time: 3 P.M

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

  • Registrations Closing in 1 Hour, Limited Seats || 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers

    Registrations Closing in 1 Hour, Limited Seats || 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers

    book your seat here for free webinar by sajal sir

    Now that UPSC CSE prelims results are out, you would have started answer writing practice for mains. Keep in mind that answering for mains is not like answering your university papers. Over here, examiners expect pointers, examples, flowcharts, mind maps, diagrams than long paragraphs. Given the time and word limit, it’s better not to beat around the bush while answering.

    Open to All, Free Webinar on 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing

    Sajal sir will share his experiences of scoring 120+ in all the UPSC 2017 GS papers through a webinar. This webinar about the new age formula to ace UPSC Mains is absolutely free for all to attend.

    For a better understanding on the format of the webinar, here’s Sajal sir’s explanation on how to approach a sample question.

    It is commented that Electoral bonds instead of cleansing India’s electoral system distort India’s democracy. Do you agree? Critically analyse.

    Sajal Sir Suggests: Understand the key demand of the question. Don’t get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. Question is not about electoral bonds only. Many aspirants write everything they know about electoral bonds. You need to first mention how it will cleanse India’s electoral system. After that, link it with democracy. How it violates key features of democracy like transparency, accountability and level playing field. Writing only Pros and Cons will not fetch you marks. 

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    Why you should Attend Sajal Sir’s Webinar?

    Do you know that toppers use certain techniques of answer-writing to score higher marks? Are you aware of the PESTLE approach or the 7-5-3 technique of answer writing? If not, then its time you attended this webinar

    Sajal sir in the past 7 years has mentored over 400 students who went onto become UPSC toppers. Apart from this, his course SMASH Mains 2020 had a turnover of 80% interview recommended candidates.

    This is how the UPSC Toppers scored in test series before Sajal sir’s intervention —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta(AIR-42)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay-(AIR-65)- Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    They had tried everything but were not able to score high in the exams. From their approach to answering to the body of answers, they faced problems. They faced problems with things like putting proper headings, how to frame dimensions, introductions, conclusions, etc. They never even got the right feedback which could have helped them!

    And this is how they improved after learning the best answer writing practices from him —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta (AIR-42)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay (AIR -65) – Answers After Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    If you wish to learn and unlearn certain reading and writing habits, attending this webinar is the first step in the right direction.

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    What will you learn in this webinar?

    Fundamental mistakes in answer writing that can be avoided?

    How to understand the meaning behind a complex indirect question?

    How to use the PESTLE approach to answer certain type of questions?

    How to extract information read into Pros and Cons?

    How to finish an answer in seven minutes?

    How to think and write an answer simultaneously?

    How to write an innovative answer which can get you an extra 1 mark?

    Few thumb rules of answer writing with examples.

    Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.

    Why UPSC toppers are convinced about Sajal Sir’s Mentorship?

    Read other answers over here.

    Webinar Details

    Anyone who is going to attend UPSC mains now or 2022 UPSC Aspirants, will gain valuable insights from this webinar. Register now for an invite. And, keep the date saved in your calendars!

    Date: 7 November 2021

    Time: 3 P.M

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

  • Last Few Hours Left for Registration || Today @ 3 PM || 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers

    Last Few Hours Left for Registration || Today @ 3 PM || 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers

    book your seat here for free webinar by sajal sir

    Now that UPSC CSE prelims results are out, you would have started answer writing practice for mains. Keep in mind that answering for mains is not like answering your university papers. Over here, examiners expect pointers, examples, flowcharts, mind maps, diagrams than long paragraphs. Given the time and word limit, it’s better not to beat around the bush while answering.

    Open to All, Free Webinar on 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing

    Sajal sir will share his experiences of scoring 120+ in all the UPSC 2017 GS papers through a webinar. This webinar about the new age formula to ace UPSC Mains is absolutely free for all to attend.

    For a better understanding on the format of the webinar, here’s Sajal sir’s explanation on how to approach a sample question.

    It is commented that Electoral bonds instead of cleansing India’s electoral system distort India’s democracy. Do you agree? Critically analyse.

    Sajal Sir Suggests: Understand the key demand of the question. Don’t get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. Question is not about electoral bonds only. Many aspirants write everything they know about electoral bonds. You need to first mention how it will cleanse India’s electoral system. After that, link it with democracy. How it violates key features of democracy like transparency, accountability and level playing field. Writing only Pros and Cons will not fetch you marks. 

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    Why you should Attend Sajal Sir’s Webinar?

    Do you know that toppers use certain techniques of answer-writing to score higher marks? Are you aware of the PESTLE approach or the 7-5-3 technique of answer writing? If not, then its time you attended this webinar

    Sajal sir in the past 7 years has mentored over 400 students who went onto become UPSC toppers. Apart from this, his course SMASH Mains 2020 had a turnover of 80% interview recommended candidates.

    This is how the UPSC Toppers scored in test series before Sajal sir’s intervention —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta(AIR-42)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay-(AIR-65)- Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    They had tried everything but were not able to score high in the exams. From their approach to answering to the body of answers, they faced problems. They faced problems with things like putting proper headings, how to frame dimensions, introductions, conclusions, etc. They never even got the right feedback which could have helped them!

    And this is how they improved after learning the best answer writing practices from him —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta (AIR-42)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay (AIR -65) – Answers After Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    If you wish to learn and unlearn certain reading and writing habits, attending this webinar is the first step in the right direction.

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    What will you learn in this webinar?

    Fundamental mistakes in answer writing that can be avoided?

    How to understand the meaning behind a complex indirect question?

    How to use the PESTLE approach to answer certain type of questions?

    How to extract information read into Pros and Cons?

    How to finish an answer in seven minutes?

    How to think and write an answer simultaneously?

    How to write an innovative answer which can get you an extra 1 mark?

    Few thumb rules of answer writing with examples.

    Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.

    Why UPSC toppers are convinced about Sajal Sir’s Mentorship?

    Read other answers over here.

    Webinar Details

    Anyone who is going to attend UPSC mains now or 2022 UPSC Aspirants, will gain valuable insights from this webinar. Register now for an invite. And, keep the date saved in your calendars!

    Date: 7 November 2021

    Time: 3 P.M

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

  • Only Few Slots Left|| 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers|| Register Now

    Only Few Slots Left|| 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers|| Register Now

    book your seat here for free webinar by sajal sir

    Now that UPSC CSE prelims results are out, you would have started answer writing practice for mains. Keep in mind that answering for mains is not like answering your university papers. Over here, examiners expect pointers, examples, flowcharts, mind maps, diagrams than long paragraphs. Given the time and word limit, it’s better not to beat around the bush while answering.

    Open to All, Free Webinar on 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing

    Sajal sir will share his experiences of scoring 120+ in all the UPSC 2017 GS papers through a webinar. This webinar about the new age formula to ace UPSC Mains is absolutely free for all to attend.

    For a better understanding on the format of the webinar, here’s Sajal sir’s explanation on how to approach a sample question.

    It is commented that Electoral bonds instead of cleansing India’s electoral system distort India’s democracy. Do you agree? Critically analyse.

    Sajal Sir Suggests: Understand the key demand of the question. Don’t get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. Question is not about electoral bonds only. Many aspirants write everything they know about electoral bonds. You need to first mention how it will cleanse India’s electoral system. After that, link it with democracy. How it violates key features of democracy like transparency, accountability and level playing field. Writing only Pros and Cons will not fetch you marks. 

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    Why you should Attend Sajal Sir’s Webinar?

    Do you know that toppers use certain techniques of answer-writing to score higher marks? Are you aware of the PESTLE approach or the 7-5-3 technique of answer writing? If not, then its time you attended this webinar

    Sajal sir in the past 7 years has mentored over 400 students who went onto become UPSC toppers. Apart from this, his course SMASH Mains 2020 had a turnover of 80% interview recommended candidates.

    This is how the UPSC Toppers scored in test series before Sajal sir’s intervention —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta(AIR-42)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay-(AIR-65)- Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    They had tried everything but were not able to score high in the exams. From their approach to answering to the body of answers, they faced problems. They faced problems with things like putting proper headings, how to frame dimensions, introductions, conclusions, etc. They never even got the right feedback which could have helped them!

    And this is how they improved after learning the best answer writing practices from him —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta (AIR-42)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay (AIR -65) – Answers After Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    If you wish to learn and unlearn certain reading and writing habits, attending this webinar is the first step in the right direction.

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    What will you learn in this webinar?

    Fundamental mistakes in answer writing that can be avoided?

    How to understand the meaning behind a complex indirect question?

    How to use the PESTLE approach to answer certain type of questions?

    How to extract information read into Pros and Cons?

    How to finish an answer in seven minutes?

    How to think and write an answer simultaneously?

    How to write an innovative answer which can get you an extra 1 mark?

    Few thumb rules of answer writing with examples.

    Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.

    Why UPSC toppers are convinced about Sajal Sir’s Mentorship?

    Read other answers over here.

    Webinar Details

    Anyone who is going to attend UPSC mains now or 2022 UPSC Aspirants, will gain valuable insights from this webinar. Register now for an invite. And, keep the date saved in your calendars!

    Date: 7 November 2021

    Time: 3 P.M

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

  • India’s power discoms are at a critical point

    Context

    The power sector in India is at an inflection point. Three developments are triggering a shift across the power chain, generation and distribution in particular, and are in the process deepening existing faultlines, and exacerbating the distress.

    Three changes driving the shift in power sector

    1) Central government’s approach towards distribution segment

    • Till recently, the Centre had preferred to incentivise states, nudging them to address the issue that lies at the heart of the power sector’s woes — turning around the operational performance and financial position.
    • However, despite multiple attempts, not much has changed.
    • But over the past few months, the Centre appears to have changed tack.
    • The Centre no longer appears content to simply nudge states into acting.
    • This change in stance is evident from enforcing the tripartite agreement to recover the dues owed to power producers like NTPC by discoms in Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to now regulating coal supplies to states where power generating companies have been delaying payments.

    2) Covid impact on government finances and ability to support discoms

    • Notwithstanding buoyant tax revenues this year, Covid has wreaked havoc on government finances.
    • The general government debt stands at 90 per cent of GDP.
    • Add to this demands for greater welfare spending, uncertainty over state government finances once the five year GST compensation period ends next year, and the limits to which states can continue to support discoms will increasingly be tested.
    • To what extent accounting jugglery can be used once again to clean up discom debt is debatable.
    • After all, even the liquidity facility arranged by the Centre to help discoms pay off their obligations will have to be paid back.

    3) Loss of monopoly and shift towards renwable

    • Until now, consumers had little recourse to alternate sources of supply.
    • Consequently, discoms, which are essentially geographical monopolies, were able to charge higher tariffs from commercial and industrial consumers to cross-subsidise agricultural and low-income households.
    • But the situation appears to be changing.
    • Migration of high tariff paying consumers through open access and investments in captive power plants is gaining traction, driven in large part by the emergence of solar as an alternative at seemingly competitive tariffs.
    • This reduced reliance of high tariff paying consumers on discoms will only exacerbate their already precarious financial position.
    • The pace at which this transition is occurring will only accelerate in the coming years.
    • On the supply side, at the global and the national level, there is a push towards cleaner fuel, solar in particular.
    • Flowing from this — though with debatable relevance given the current levels of per capita emissions — is the domestic policy thrust towards renewables.
    • Solar, in particular, benefits from both explicit and implicit subsidies — land at concessional rate, exemption from interstate transmission charges, discounted wheeling charges, cross-subsidies for open access, SECI taking on counterparty risk, and others.
    • It also enjoys “Must Run” status.
    • On the demand side, at current tariffs, solar is emerging as an attractive alternative for the high tariff paying commercial and industrial consumers.
    • On their part, discoms are trying to salvage a losing situation.
    • To stem the flow of high paying customers, some have begun levying an additional surcharge on whoever opts for open access to lower the cost differential.
    • Others are shifting from net metering to gross metering — essentially charging consumers higher tariffs — above particular consumption levels.

    Conclusion

    Continuously subsidising discoms for their AT&C losses (operational inefficiencies), and for not supplying power at commensurate tariffs to low-income households and agricultural customers (for political considerations) will become fiscally untenable.

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  • The right time for India to have its own climate law

    Context

    The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26, from October 31 to November 12, 2021), at Glasgow, Scotland is important as it will call for practical implementation of the 2015 Paris Accord, setting the rules for the Accord.

    Indian proposals

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced, on November 1 at Glasgow, a ‘Panchamrit solution’ which aims at reducing fossil fuel dependence and carbon intensity.
    • This also includes ramping up India’s renewable energy share to 50% by 2030.
    • Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav has reasserted the call for the promised $100 billion a year as support (from the developed world to the developing world).
    • But as we consider new energy pathways, we must also consider the question of climate hazard, nature-based solutions and national accountability.
    • This is the right time for India to mull setting up a climate law while staying true to its goals of climate justice, carbon space and environmental protection.

    Why India needs climate law

    • There are a few reasons for this.
    • Existing laws not adequate: Our existing laws are not adequate to deal with climate change.
    • We have for example the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA), 1986, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
    • Yet, climate is not exactly water or air.
    • The Environment (Protection) Act is grossly inadequate to deal with violations on climate. Clause 24 of the Act, “Effect of Other Laws”, states that if an offence is committed under the EPA or any other law, the person will be punished under the other law (for example, Code of Criminal Procedure).
    • This makes the EPA subordinate to every other law. 
    • There is a need to integrate climate action: Integration includes adaptation and mitigation — and monitoring progress.
    • Comprehensive climate action is not just technological such as changing energy sources or carbon intensity, but also nature-based such as emphasising restoration of ecosystems.
    • India’s situation is unique: Climate action cannot come by furthering sharpening divides or exacerbating poverty, and this includes our stated renewable energy goals.
    • The 500 Gigawatt by 2030 goal for renewable can put critically endangered grassland and desert birds such as the Great Indian Bustard at risk, as they die on collision with wires in the desert.

    Suggestions on climate law

    • A climate law could consider two aspects.
    • Commission on climate change: Creating an institution that monitors action plans for climate change.
    • A ‘Commission on Climate Change’ could be set up, with the power and the authority to issue directions, and oversee implementation of plans and programmes on climate.
    • The Commission could have quasi-judicial powers with powers of a civil court to ensure that its directions are followed in letter and spirit.
    • System of liability and accountability: We need a system of liability and accountability at short-, medium- and long-term levels as we face hazards.
    • This also means having a legally enforceable National Climate Change Plan that goes beyond just policy guidelines.
    • A Climate Commission could ideally prevent gross negligence in fragile areas and fix accountability if it arises.

    Conclusion

    We have an urgent moral imperative to tackle climate change and reduce its worst impacts. But we also should Indianise the process by bringing in a just and effective law — with guts, a spine, a heart, and, most importantly, teeth.

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  • Charting a trade route after the MC12

    Context

    The World Trade Organization (WTO)’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) is being convened in Geneva, Switzerland at the end of this month.

    Ministerial Conferences

    • The topmost decision-making body of the WTO is the Ministerial Conference, which usually meets every two years. It brings together all members of the WTO, all of which are countries or customs unions.
    • The Ministerial Conference can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements

    The task ahead for MC12

    • Recent WTO estimates show that global trade volumes could expand by almost 11% in 2021, and by nearly 5% in 2022, and could stabilise at a level higher than the pre-COVID-19 trend.
    • The MC12 needs to consider how in these good times for trade, the economically weaker countries “can secure a share in the growth in international trade commensurate with the needs of their economic development’, an objective that is mandated by the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization.
    • Some of the areas are currently witnessing intense negotiations, these include adoption of WTO rules on electronic commerce, investment facilitation, and fisheries subsidies.

    Following issues will form the basis of MC12 discussions

    1) IPR waiver for Covid-19 related technologies

    • Pharmaceutical companies have used monopoly rights granted by their IPRs to deny developing countries access to technologies and know-how, thus undermining the possibility of production of vaccines in these countries.
    • To remedy this situation, India and South Africa had tabled a proposal in the WTO in October 2020, for waiving enforcement of several forms of IPRs on “health products and technologies including diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, medical devices.
    •  This proposal, supported by nearly two-thirds of the organisation’s membership, was opposed by the developed countries batting for their corporates.
    • The unfortunate reality of the current discussions is that an outcome supporting affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines looks distant.

    2) Fisheries subsidies

    • Discussions on fisheries subsidies have been hanging fire for a long time, there is considerable push for an early conclusion of an agreement to rein in these subsidies.
    • The current drafts on this issue do not provide the wherewithal to rein in large-scale commercial fishing.
    • Large scale commercial fishing is depleting fish stocks the world over, and at the same time, are threatening the livelihoods of small fishermen in countries such as India.

    3) E-commerce

    • Discussions on e-commerce are being held in the WTO since 1998, wherein WTO members agreed to “continue their practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions”.
    • The more substantive outcome was the decision to “establish a comprehensive work programme” taking into “account the economic, financial, and development needs of developing countries”.
    • However, in 2021, a key focus of the 1998 e-commerce work programme, namely “development needs of developing countries”, is entirely missing from the text document that is the basis for the current negotiations.
    • On the negotiating table are issues relating to the liberalisation of the goods and services trade, and of course guarantee for free flow of data across international boundaries, all aimed at facilitating expansion of businesses of e-commerce firms.
    • In fact, the decision on a moratorium on the imposition of import duties agreed to in 1998 has become the basis for a push towards comprehensive trade liberalisation — a perfectly logical way forward, given that the sole objective of the negotiations on e-commerce is to facilitate expansion of e-commerce firms.

    4) Investment facilitation

    • Inclusion of substantive provisions on investment in the WTO has been one of the more divisive issues.
    • In 2001, the Doha Ministerial Declaration had included a work programme on investment, but developing countries were opposed to its continuation because the discussions were geared to expanding the rights of foreign investors through a multilateral agreement on investment.
    • An investment facilitation has reintroduced the old agenda of concluding such an investment agreement.

    Issues with the negotiations

    • The negotiations on e-commerce and investment facilitation are being conducted not by a mandate given by the entire membership of the WTO in a transparent manner.
    • Instead, these negotiations owe their origins to the so-called “Joint Statement Initiatives” (JSI) in which a section of the membership has developed the agenda with a view to producing agreements in the WTO.
    •  This entire process is “detrimental to the very existence of a rule-based multilateral trading system under the WTO”, as India and South Africa have forcefully argued in a submission against the JSIs early this year.

    Conclusion

    Current favourable tidings provide an ideal setting for the Trade Ministers from the WTO member-states to revisit trade rules and to agree on a work programme for the organisation, which can help maintain the momentum in trade growth.

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