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  • [Must Read] Don’t miss these two important success and failure stories

    [Must Read] Don’t miss these two important success and failure stories

    Niki’s answer copies from week 1 of Samachar Manthan to week 10

    Prelims is around the corner and we are going to begin our new courses for Mentorship for next year. It is the right time to take a look at the progress of the students who joined us last year.

    Today we will tell you 2 stories. Stories of Jia and Niki(names changed).  Both of them joined us in May 2020 for Mentorship.

    CLICK HERE FOR SAMANVAYA 1-On-1 Mentorship form

    Similar Beginnings

    Jia and Niki have appeared in UPSC multiple times but failed to clear even Prelims. Both of them were working professionals and had their last attempt in 2021 and as a last resort approached us for mentorship guidance.

    Motivation in the initial days was high for both as seen in regularly completing the assigned targets and attempting the tests.

    Jia’s Progress Graph:

    Jia identified that the biggest issue in her preparation was consistency. So, she asked the mentor to give her an oral test over the call every day to set up accountability. The mentor understood the students’ requirements and obliged. For the next one month, daily oral tests happened to ensure Jia developed the needed discipline.

    Things went well, the Mentor had regular test discussions that helped Jia to improve her scores and cover the syllabus.

    But from the 3rd month, something changed. Jia started missing tests and her score also dropped. Our Mentor tried to reach out to her but she started missing mentor calls. When she did pick up the phone, excuses such as health issues, family functions, etc were the usual replies. Mentor tried to motivate the student over the calls but there is little a mentor can do if the student refuses to pick up the call.

    Within 6 months’ time, the student realized that UPSC is not her cup of tea and finally left the preparation.

    CLICK HERE FOR SAMANVAYA 1-On-1 Mentorship form

    Niki’s Progress Graph:

    The story again starts with a motivated student aiming to crack UPSC. Along with the job, Niki managed her time well under our guidance and was able to complete the assigned targets on time. Niki identifies her issues lie in her approach to Prelims Tests and Answer writing. With the right guidance, her test scores improved which gave her confidence to put in more effort.

    After 6 months of mentorship, Niki was able to complete the majority of her syllabus – both GS and Optional. She completed standard books which in the past 5 years she was never able to. In February 2021, Niki surprised us all.  She left her well-paying corporate job to dedicate time to UPSC preparation.

    Right now Niki is among the top percentile of our batch and has the highest test completion rates.

    What did we learn from them?

    • There is no magic potion that will help you qualify for this exam. Eventually, it is your hard work that pays off.
    • Mentors can only provide directions to smart work and help you to remain motivated. It is you who have to stick to the assigned targets, complete tests, and raise doubts with the mentor.
    • Mentorship is a two-way street. You’ll gain more from it by active participation. You have to give your 100% as well. If you start avoiding your mentor then there is little a mentor can do to help you.

    If you are the type of student who is ready to put in the hard work we are here to provide you with the necessary guidance. Our experienced mentors are always here to listen to your issues and suggest timely interventions.

    To experience the personalized mentorship provided by Civilsdaily please fill the Samanvaya form linked below.

    CLICK HERE FOR SAMANVAYA 1-On-1 Mentorship form
  • Boost Your Prelims Score For FREE! No Strings Attached! | Free Habitat sessions by Top Mentors

    Boost Your Prelims Score For FREE! No Strings Attached! | Free Habitat sessions by Top Mentors

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    free Discussions on Habitat – Current affairs, Answer writing, IR, Economics, and more

  • 26th June 2021 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 688]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 688]

  • Covid-19 Delta-plus Variant

    The Maharashtra government has tightened the Covid-19 unlocking process in the wake of a rise in cases of the Delta Plus variant.

    What is Delta Plus?

    • A variant that has emerged as a new threat, especially in India, Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2.
    • It is technically the next generation of SARS-COV-2.
    • The Delta variant that was first detected in India eventually became a huge problem for the whole world.
    • However, the Delta Plus variant, at present, is limited to smaller areas in the country. This mutant of Delta was first detected in Europe in March 2021, but it came to light on June 13.
    • Although it is still under investigation, experts believe that the Delta Plus variant has increased transmissibility.

    What is known so far?

    • The new Delta plus variant has been formed due to a mutation in the Delta or B.1.617.2 variant.
    • Delta Plus (AY.1) is resistant to monoclonal antibodies cocktail.
    • Since it’s a new variant, its severity is still unknown.
    • 63 genomes of Delta (B.1.617.2) with the new K417N mutation have been identified by the GISAID (global science initiative) so far.
    • The mutation is in the spike protein of SARS-COV-2, which helps the virus enter and infect the human cells.
    • People reported symptoms like headaches, sore throats, runny noses, and fever.

    Are COVID-19 vaccines effective against the Delta Plus variant?

    • Medical experts say it is too early to predict the effectiveness of the existing vaccines on the new variant.
    • A detailed study would be required to establish any effect of the mutant on the immune system.
    • However, Union Health Ministry says that both Indian vaccines — Covishield and Covaxin are effective against the Delta variant.
    • There is fear that this new variant Delta Plus may spark the third wave of COVID-19, but there is a very low incidence of such cases, so there is no certainty.

  • Who is a Registered Valuer?

    A valuation report by a registered valuer is at the heart of the recent controversy surrounding a Rs 4,000 crore share allotment decision by PNB Housing Finance.

    Who is a Registered Valuer?

    • A registered valuer is an individual or entity which is registered with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBIBI) as a valuer in accordance with the Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules, 2017.
    • Under Section 458 of the Companies Act, IBBI has been specified as the authority by the central government.
    • The concept of registered valuer was introduced in the Companies Act in 2017 in order to regulate the valuation of assets and liabilities linked to a company and to standardize the valuation procedure in line with global valuation standards.
    • Before the concept of registered valuer became part of the Companies Act, valuation was done in an arbitrary manner, often leading to question marks over the authenticity of the valuation.

    What does the valuation report comprise?

    • As per the Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules, 2017, the valuer should, in his/its report, state 11 key aspects including disclosure of the valuer’s conflict of interest, if any.
    • Among others, it must include the purpose of valuation; sources of information; procedures adopted in carrying out the valuation; valuation methodology; and major factors that influenced the valuation.

    Who can become a registered valuer?

    • An individual needs to clear the Valuation Examination conducted by IBBI.
    • The rules state that an individual who has completed 50 years of age and has been substantially involved in at least ten valuation assignments of assets amounting to Rs 5 crore rupees or more, during the five years preceding the commencement of these rules, shall not be required to pass the Valuation Examination.
    • The individual should, however, have a postgraduate degree in the specified discipline (relevant for valuation of the class of asset for which the registration is sought) and should have at least three years of experience in the discipline thereafter.
    • As of March 31, 2021 there were 3,967 registered valuers in the country. Only 40 of them are registered entities; the rest are individuals.

    For what assets can a registered valuer undertake valuation?

    • A registered valuer can get themselves registered for valuation of assets such as land and building; plant and machinery; and securities and financial assets.
    • They can get registered for valuation of all three classes, and can undertake valuation of only the assets for which they have got the registration.

    Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Q.Which of the following statements best describes the- term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news? (CSP 2017)

    (a) It is a procedure for considering the ecological costs of developmental schemes formulated by the Government.

    (b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.

    (c) It is a disinvestment plan of the Government regarding Central Public Sector Undertakings.

    (d) It is an important provision in ‘The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’ recently implemented by the Government.

  • What is Ambergris?

    In the past few weeks, there have been two cases where the Mumbai Police has arrested five persons trying to sell Ambergris or whale vomit.

    What is Ambergris?

    • Ambergris, French for grey amber, is generally referred to as whale vomit.
    • It is a solid waxy substance that floats around the surface of the water body and at times settles on the coast.
    • A sperm whale eats several thousand squid beaks a day.
    • Occasionally, a beak makes it way to the whale’s stomach and into its looping convoluted intestines where it becomes ambergris through a complex process, and may ultimately be excreted by the whale.

    Is it Ambergris valuable?

    • This excretion is so valuable it is referred to as floating gold.
    • As per the latest estimates given by Mumbai Police, 1 kg of ambergris is worth Rs 1 crore in the international market.
    • The reason for its high cost is its use in the perfume market, especially to create fragrances like musk.
    • It is believed to be in high demand in countries like Dubai that have a large perfume market. Ancient Egyptians used it as incense.
    • It is also believed to be used in some traditional medicines.

    Why are the laws on Ambergris?

    • Due to its high value, Ambergris has been a target for smugglers especially in coastal areas.
    • There have been several cases where the coastline of Gujarat has been used for such smuggling.
    • Since the sperm whale is a protected species, hunting of the whale is not allowed.
    • However, smugglers are known to have illegally targeted the fish in order to obtain the valuable Ambergris from its stomach.
    • However, Ambergris is produced only by an estimated one per cent of sperm whales.

  • Places in news: Black Sea

    Russia accused Britain of spreading lies over a warship confrontation in the Black Sea.

    What is the issue?

    • Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014, a move that was not recognized by most countries in the world.
    • Russia has frequently responded at NATO warships visits near Crimea, casting them as destabilizing.
    • NATO members Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria are in the Black Sea, but warships from the US, UK and other NATO allies also have made increasingly frequent visits in a show of support to Ukraine.

    About Black Sea

    • The Black Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean lying between Europe and Asia; east of the Balkans (Southeast Europe), south of the East European Plain in Eastern Europe, west of the Caucasus, and north of Anatolia in Western Asia.
    • It is supplied by major rivers, principally the Danube, Dnieper, and Don.
    • The watersheds of many countries drain into the sea beyond the six that share its coast.
    • The Black Sea is bordered by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine.

    Must answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Q.Consider the following pairs:

    Sea

    Bordering country
    1. Adriatic Sea Albania
    2. Black Sea Croatia
    3. Caspian Sea Kazakhstan
    4. Mediterranean Sea Morocco
    5. Red Sea Syria

    Which of the pair given above are correctly matched? (CSP 2020)

    (a) 1, 2 and 4 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • [pib] 6 years of Urban Transformation

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has commemorated 6 years of the three transformative Urban Missions vis. Smart Cities Mission (SCM), Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U). All these missions were inaugurated in 2015.

    [A] Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY)

    • PMAY is an initiative in which affordable housing will be provided to the urban poor with a target of building 2 crore (20 million) affordable houses by 31 March 2022.
    • It has two components: for the urban poor and also for the rural poor.
    • This scheme is converged with other schemes to ensure houses have a toilet, Saubhagya Yojana electricity connection, Ujjwala Yojana LPG connection, access to drinking water, and Jan Dhan banking facilities, etc.

    [B] Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

    • AMRUT was launched with the focus to establish an infrastructure that could ensure adequate robust sewage networks and water supply for urban transformation by implementing urban revival projects.
    • The components of the AMRUT consist of capacity building, reform implementation, water supply, sewerage and septage management, stormwater drainage, urban transport, and the development of green spaces and parks.
    • During the process of planning, the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will strive to include some smart features in the physical infrastructure components.
    • Rajasthan was the first state in the country to submit State Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

    [C] Smart Cities Mission

    • National Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal and retrofitting program by the Government of India with the mission to develop smart cities across the country, making them citizen-friendly and sustainable.
    • The Union Ministry of Urban Development is responsible for implementing the mission in collaboration with the state governments of the respective cities.
    • All the participating cities from West Bengal have withdrawn from the Smart Cities Mission.
    • Mumbai and Navi Mumbai from Maharashtra have also been withdrawn from the Smart Cities Mission.

  • [Yojana Archive] Maharashtra: A Journey of Over Sixty Years

    On 1st May 1960, the separate Marathi speaking state of Maharashtra was created.  Located in the western region of India, Maharashtra is the third-largest state in India in terms of area and the second-largest in terms of population. The State has been recognized as the country’s industrial powerhouse and maintains the position of being the most industrialized state.

    Mumbai—the capital of Maharashtra, is seen as India’s financial capital, but is literally the Gateway of India-secular, progressive yet rooted.

    Historical perspective

    [A] Ancient

    • Many Chalcolithic sites are located in present-day Maharashtra and some like Inamgaon (1300 BCE to 700 BCE) were extensively excavated.
    • The Satavahanas ruled in regions belonging to present-day Maharashtra between the 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE.
    • International trade with the western world was in full swing during this period. The ports in Maharashtra played a major role in this.
    • The result can be seen in the excavation of many Buddhist rock-cut caves like Bhaja, Pitalkhore, Karla Nasik, etc. patronized mainly by the trading community.
    • After the decline of the Satavahana rule, many small kingdoms were established in different parts of Maharashtra like the Abhiras, Traikutakas, etc.
    • In the 8th century CE when the Rashtrakutas came to power, they were involved in creating the world-famous caves at Ellora.

    [B] Medieval

    • The Yadavas (10th century to 13th century CE) were the next rulers in the state. The Shilahara rulers were contemporary to them ruling in western and southern Maharashtra.
    • Allauddin Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate defeated the Yadavas. Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted his capital to Daulatabad (Devagiri) from Delhi for some time.
    • This period marks the efflorescence of the temple building activity in Maharashtra.
    • After the decline of the Tughlaqs, the Bahmani Sultanate started ruling over Maharashtra in the 14th century CE. After the disintegration of the Bahamani empire, the Nizam Shahi and Adil Shahi ruled over different parts of the state.
    • In the 17th century CE, Chhatrapati Shivaji established his independent rule in Maharashtra. Maratha Empire lasted until the British took over it in 1819.

    [C] Modern

    • Maharashtra played a major role in the struggle for independence.
    • The year 1885 saw the establishment of the Indian National Congress in Bombay.
    • The establishment of the first Indian newspaper Darpan also happened in the state.
    • Maharashtra has been a pioneer of women’s rights and the Indian feminist movement.
    • From the early 19th century onwards, the state saw a host of thinkers and reformers who campaigned against child marriage and Sati, while simultaneously upholding women’s education and widow remarriage.
    • Prominent names include the late Justice MG Ranade, Savitribai Phule, and Pandita Ramabai.
    • India’s first female doctor, Late Anandi Bai Joshi comes from the state of Maharashtra.
    • As early as the 1930s, cities like Pune was also known as a prominent educational hub and as the ‘Oxford of the East’.

    Geography of Maharashtra

    The modern state of Maharashtra is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the West, Gujarat and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the Northwest, Madhya Pradesh to the North & North East, Chhattisgarh to the East, Karnataka to the South, Andhra Pradesh to the Southeast and Goa to the Southwest.

    Physical features

    • The Western Ghats form the source of several major rivers of Maharashtra, notable among them being the Godavari and the Krishna.
    • The Sahyadri Range is the defining geographical feature of Maharashtra. The Konkan, lying between the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri Range, is a narrow coastal lowland.
    • The Satpuras, hills along the northern border, and the Bhamragad Chiroli-Gaikhuri Ranges on the eastern border form physical barriers.
    • Apart from the mainly occurring rock Basalt; other rocks like Laterite are found in the coastal humid and tropical region.

    Natural resources found

    • Maharashtra is rich in ore deposits. Granite, Granite gneiss, Quartzite, Conglomerates are found in the basement regions of the Konkan Rivers.
    • Kamti of the Nagpur region is famous for coal.
    • The Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, and Nagpur Districts form the main mineral belt, with coal and manganese as the major minerals and iron ore and limestone as minor minerals.

    Heritages

    [A] Rock-cut caves and temples

    • Ajanta and Ellora, in the vicinity of Aurangabad, are world-famous heritage sites. All these have been carved out of solid rock.
    • Buddhist rock-cut caves like Bhaja, Pitalkhora, Karla and Nasik are also equally famous rock-cut caves in the state.
    • The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves on Elephanta Island.

    [B] Folk art

    • Musical forms like Powada, a song praising the valour of a great ruler and graceful dance forms like Lavani are popular art forms of the state.
    • The Koli dance form is also famous in the coastal region of the state.

    [C] Social-cultural reforms

    • The Bhakti movement—a medieval movement spread all over the country between the 13th and 17th centuries found resonance in Maharashtra as well.
    • Famous personalities of the Bhakti movement includes saint poets like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Chokhamela.
    • The Warkari movement every year in June-July sees a plethora of farmers and myriad believers in Vitthoba (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) converge to Pandharpur in an annual pilgrimage.

    Related Previous Year Questions:

    Q.There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings? (CSP 2010)

    (a) Bagh caves

    (b) Ellora caves

    (c) Lomas Rishi cave

    (d) Nasik caves

    Q. In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

    1. Women’s right to gain education

    2. Age of consent

    3. Restitution of conjugal rights

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: (CSP 2019)

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1,2 and 3

    Q.Satya Shodhak Samaj organized (CSP 2016):

    (a) A movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar

    (b) A temple-entry movement in Gujarat

    (c) An anti-caste movement in Maharashtra

    (d) A peasant movement in Punjab

    Q.Consider the following pairs:

    Famous place Region

    1. Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand

    2. Khajuraho : Bundelkhand

    3. Shirdi : Vidarbha

    4. Nasik (Nashik) : Malwa

    5. Tirupati : Rayalaseema

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    (a) 1, 2 and 4

    (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5

    (c) 2 and 5

    (d) 1, 3, 4 and 5

    Q. Among the following, who was not a proponent of bhakti cult?

    (a) Nagarjuna

    (b) Tukaram

    (c) Tyagaraja

    (d) Vallabhacharya

  • Don’t Pay, Just Learn | Complete Laxmikant for Polity By Zeeshan Sir | First session today

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