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Dear students,

We understand that the UPSC exam is a generalist exam. It’s more important to cover more issues than to cover one issue in more depth. Hence, through Samachar Manthan, we are trying to maintain a fine balance of covering many important news items and having a detailed discussion on selected topics which require the same. On daily basis a news gets repeated multiple times. Scattered knowledge is not adequately useful when you have to write a 200 words answer within 6-7 minutes. To handle this, Samachar manthan covers such issues in a comprehensive and consolidated manner which is the smart strategy.

Benefits of Samachar Manthan

• Packed 3 – 3.5 hours Weekly videos will focus on news and its importance from both prelims and mains perspective.
• This program will also help you understand how to utilize current affairs in all your prelims and mains papers.
• This ideology makes this course the best utilization of your time.
• Detailed coverage would mean analysis from all the angles like background or history, features, significance, challenges and way forward. Also, multiple sources like epw, diplomat magazine etc will be referred to in the video lectures.
• Such an approach will help in writing multidimensional answers.
• Also which part of the topic is important from mains and prelims perspective will also be discussed.
• Audio Visual Learning is more impactful than simply glancing through the material. So that you are able to retain information for long also interlink with any new information you get.
• 4 stage structure of Video->Notes->testing->review to perfect your preparation
• The sequence of video->Notes->testing->review is the best way to ensure maximum retention and a rock solid preparation. Each component of the program has been meticulously crafted.

For example this week, we will be covering the following issues;

Economics
[op-ed snap] Eye on the monsoon
Reserve Bank set to create a specialised supervisory cadre
[op-ed snap] Power under pressure
Ongole Cattle Breed

Enviro & Biodiversity
[pib] ‘Not all animals migrate by choice’ campaign
‘Room for the River’ Project
Species in news: White-throated Rail (or Aldabra Rail)
Anthropocene as Earth’s new epoch

Governance
Taj Mahal: First Indian Heritage Site to Get a Breastfeeding Room
WHO strategy to tackle global snakebite ’emergency’
Elephant Bonds
[pib] Sahara Hostel

International Relations
[op-ed snap] The case for informal regional diplomacy’
[op-ed snap] Moral ambiguity on the Rohingya
[op-ed snap] The IBSA task list
Doctrine of Hot Pursuit
UAE launches ‘Golden Card’ scheme
UNGA resolution demanding UK withdraw from Chagos Archipelago

Polity
United Nations not a State under Article 12: Delhi HC
Decision of Foreigners Tribunal Will Prevail Over NRC Order
[op-ed snap] Being responsive

Science Tech
[pib] Redefined units of measurement of kilogram, Kelvin, mole and ampere
Evidence of water found on Ultima Thule
New plants species with healing properties found in Manipur
[op-ed snap] Eye in the sky: on RISAT-2B
[op-ed snap] Full circle: on the change in kilogram’s definition
ISRO’s new commercial arm NewSpace India officially inaugurated

Security Issues
[op-ed snap] A blueprint for a national security strategy

And these issues will be covered in detail

• Elephant Bonds
• Strait of hormuz
• Anthropocene
•  Informal regional diplomacy
• RISAT-2B
• National security strategy

So to be thorough in your preparation and to have an integrated approach, join Samachar Manthan here.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

These lines from the tale of two cities resonate with the feelings aspirants are having now. These days are filled with fear, apprehensions, anxiety, the excitement of all kinds. There is this hope of qualifying with good margin and also fear of losing at the first stage.

One thing to know is that each and every aspirant is going through the same ups and downs. This solidarity should give you the assurance that you are not alone and this phase shall pass too.

Now coming to the D-day. It’s not over until it’s over. To make most of these remaining days following are some tips which may help you in maximising your output.

1. Last mile is the hardest mile. Set aside your temptations to read anything new. Have faith in whatever you have read. Revise all your basics, test papers, current affairs, UPSC previous years papers.
2. Focus on factual lists, facts, reports, festivals, dance, heritage sites, national parks, location on maps. Revision of these is a must 2-3 days before exam. It will help you in gaining 6-8 marks extra.
3. Don’t pay attention to rumours of question paper pattern, cut-off. No-one knows anything. Stay away from last minute tricks to score or any suggestions which you have not applied before. Be confident in your preparation and strategy.
4. Take care of your physical and mental health. Avoid eating Junk,outside food, overthinking about your performance. Schedule your timetable so that you are at your mental peak from 9.30 to 11.30 by focused study session during this interval.
5. Plan your commute in advance. Also, travel with one hour margin to the examination centre. It’s better to wait at the centre than hurrying at the last minute to reach the centre and losing your calm.

On Examination Day

1. Be well rested.
2. Keep your stationery. Admit card, ID proof, chocolates, water bottle ready one day before to avoid last minute panic.
3. Enter the examination hall with immense confidence and mindset that you are well prepared. You will score above your expectations.
4. At first glance, you may feel like you haven’t heard of the question. Read options carefully then. The answer is in front of you. You need to identify it.
5. Start filling the bubbles after one hour has passed. Leaving it for the last minute may cost you dearly.
6. Don’t follow pre-set notions that only these number of questions should be attempted. An easy paper like 2016 will require more attempts and one like 2018 will require lesse number. Paper is same for everyone. You have to be above the cut-off. Take measured risks.
7. If you feel exhausted during exams, consume chocolate or candy. This boosts your energy levels.
8. Do not discuss Paper 1 before CSAT. Also, do not be overconfident or overly relaxed in CSAT. Attempt whole paper diligently.

On a parting note, have unflinching faith in your abilities and what you deserve. You will be amazed at the results you get.