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  • AWE – Reminder – Enrollments Open for the Months of October & November and Important Announcement regarding the plan for the Month of October

    Dear students,

    Best Wishes To All Students Appearing In UPSC CSE Prelims Examination, 2020.

    AWE Program is gaining popularity and seeing a lot of participation.    

    We request all students to renew their subscription for the upcoming months. Let’s keep the momentum going. 

    The accuracy and fairness of exams can be impacted by some candidate’s fear or anxiety around the exam process. Taking a test in Civilsdaily’s Daily Answer Writing Enhancement (AWE) Program doesn’t just measure how much you know, it helps reinforce the learning and make it more likely that you can retrieve the same information later.

    It’s a fact that taking an AWE test can actually be more beneficial to learning than spending the same amount of time studying. Answer writing practises through Civilsdaily’s Daily AWE program can reduce test anxiety and helps you ace the GS Mains answer writing. And what is a better way to practice for UPSC Mains Examinations than attempting Questions which are the closest to demands of UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination? The more you are accustomed to sitting for a period of time, answering questions, and pacing yourself, the more comfortable you will feel when you actually sit down to take the real UPSC Mains examinations yourself.

    We are working hard to make the program more featureful, highlight the best answers, show the competency levels of students.

    Here is the schedule for the Month of September for topics being covered in GS Paper 1 and Paper 4

    October 2020

    Date

    		 GS 1

    GS 4
    1st October, Thursday Political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.- their forms and effect on the society. Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity.
    5th October, Monday Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Case studies
    6th October, Tuesday History of the world including events from the 18th century.  Case studies
    7th October, Wednesday Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.  Case studies
    8th October, Thursday Indian Society and Diversity of India. Case Studies
    9th October, Friday Role of women and women’s organization. Case Studies
    12th October, Monday Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism. Attitude
    13th October, Tuesday Distribution of key natural resources across the world. Emotional Intelligence
    14th October, Wednesday Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. . Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity.
    15th October, Thursday Population and associated issues, poverty, and developmental issues. Empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
    16th October, Friday Salient features of the world’s physical geography. Human Values
    19th October, Monday Urbanization, their problems, and their remedies. Case studies
    20th October, Tuesday Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries. Case studies
    21st October, Wednesday Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present. Case studies
    22nd October, Thursday Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Case Studies
    23rd October, Friday Indian culture covering the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture. Case Studies
    26th October, Monday Important Geophysical phenomena such as Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, Cyclone, etc. Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
    27th October, Tuesday The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country. Corporate Governance.
    28th-31st October No questions No questions

     

    The fee is for 2 months combined. Monthly Rs. 1300 + taxes: Click2Join (bi-monthly payments accepted)

    For more information on how the program proceeds, click here –

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/course/daily-answer-writing/

  • UPSC Prelims 2020 | Dos and don’ts | Message for 2021 aspirants

    UPSC Prelims 2020 | Dos and don’ts | Message for 2021 aspirants

    Post exam activity and message for 2021 aspirants at the bottom. We’ll be publishing the question paper, explanation, and analysis here. Click here to bookmark.

    Hi all,

    So the day is here. You have been preparing for it, dreaming about it, fearing it, or even fantasizing about it. Countless all-nighters, dozens of mock tests, hours in the library, numerous sacrifices that you had made. It will pay off.

    Tomorrow is the day where you show your courage, commitment, and belief that you have had in yourself.

    But it might also happen that you encounter 10 consecutive questions the answers to which you are not sure about. Don’t let that decide how you are going to attempt the remaining 90 questions.

    1992 Barcelona Olympics, 400m race, Derek Redmond a favorite, collapsed on the ground, in pain, due to a hamstring injury that too in the middle of the race. What did he do?

    “I remembered where I was, and it was just like (snap) – you’re in Olympics semifinal.” Derek Redmond thought, he stood up, crying in pain he hobbled and limped but finished the race. (Yeah, Youtube the video)

    When you don’t give up…you cannot fail!

    So there is some elder brother’s advice to you all for tomorrow.

    Things you must keep

    1. Two copies of the Admit Card ( in case you misplace one)
    2. One photo ID (ORIGINAL)
    3. Two passport size photos if you don’t have it on your admit card.
    4. At least two BLACK ballpoint pen.
    5. An analog/simple wristwatch. (Smart watches are not allowed)

    Special instructions for COVID

    1. Wear a mask (carry a spare one with you). It is mandatory.
    2. Do keep a bottle of sanitizer with you. Use it.
    3. Avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily.
    4. Maintain social distancing. Avoid groups at the entry of the exam center.
    5. Carry your food and water from home. Avoid eating from outside.

    Some Dos and Don’ts

    1. Don’t set a target for number of questions that you are going to attempt.
    2. Fill all the details in the OMR sheet. Like your question paper series.
    3. Read questions carefully. VERY CAREFULLY.
    4. Highlight every single keyword in question paper and options.
    5. Mark your answers in the Question Paper first (DON’T FILL THEM DIRECTLY IN THE OMR SHEET)
    6. Don’t leave filling answers in OMR for the end. Keep filling it at regular intervals, like after 20 answers or so.
    7. Don’t think about cutoffs. Don’t even discuss with the candidates at the center during the break.
    8. CSAT even though qualifying can be a game-changer. Don’t take it lightly.
    9. Keep yourself hydrated, have a nice dinner, and sleep early (you aren’t going to do it but make it atleast 6 hrs).
    10. Confirm your exam centre once again. Find it on Google maps if you can’t visit it in the evening today.
    11. Set an alarm in the morning. Eat a light breakfast. Leave early for the center to avoid any hassles or getting late.

    Post exam

    After the exam we will discuss every aspect of the paper on the same day. We’ll be sharing with you the explanation and detailed analysis of the UPSC prelims paper on the same day at 7:00 pm. Bookmark this link shared below.

    UPSC Prelims 2020 – Answer keys, expected cutoff, and explanations

    Message for 2021 aspirants

    We’ll upload the question paper by 12:30 pm. All of you, must download it and attempt it with whatever knowledge you have as of now. Try to get a feel of the UPSC prelims paper. Ask your doubts on Habitat and share your score with us.

    Click here to join Habitat.

    Those who are taking the Prelims exam tomorrow just be courageous, believe in yourself, and your hard work. Make the most out of those two hours, make every second count. It is going to be a glorious day. Make it happen.

    Reach out to us if you are feeling nervous and panicky or if you have any doubts. We’re here for you on Habitat.

  • JAL JEEVAN MISSION (PIB)

    What is Jal Jeevan Mission ?

    The Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched a special mission mode campaign to provide potable piped water supply in all schools and anganwadi centres across the nation within 100 days.

    About Jal Jeevan Mission

    • This mission was envisaged by the Prime Minister on 29th September, 2020 while releasing the ‘Margdarshika’ for Gram Panchayats and Paani Samitis for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
    • Provisions have been made under Jal Jeevan Mission for ensuring safe water through tap water connection in schools, anganwadi centres, health care centres, etc.
    • National Jal Jeevan Mission has reached out to States/ UTs to ensure that during this campaign, Gram Sabhas are convened at the earliest to pass a resolution for providing safe water in all schools, anganwadi centres and other public institutions in the village in the next 100 days.
    • These facilities will be operated and maintained by the Gram Panchayat and/ or its sub-committee i.e. Village Water & Sanitation Committee or Paani Samiti.
    • Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims at the universal coverage of provision of tap water connection to every rural home by 2024. Under the mission, special focus is on women and children.

     

  • Swachh Bharat Puraskar (PIB)

    What are Swachh Bharat Puruskar ?

    • he Swachh Bharat (2020) Awards were conferred to the best performing States/UTs, districts, blocks, GPs and others in various categories marking six years of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) launch.
    • The awards were given by Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS).
    • Top Awards were conferred upon Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab& others.
    • Gujarat was felicitated with the first prize in the state category; Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu as best district; Khachrod, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh as best block; and Chinnaur, (Salem) as the best Gram Panchayat for Swachh Sundar Samudayik Shauchalaya (SSSS) campaign organized from 1st Nov 2019 to 30th April 2020.
    • For the week-long Gandagi Se Mukt campaign launched by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 8th August 2020, Telangana received the top award for maximum Shramdaan participation.

     

  • Wildlife Week

    Celebrating Wildlife Week

    • Wildlife Week is celebrated every year in India between October 1 and 8.
    • The annual theme of the campaign is to promote the preservation of fauna – i.e. animal life.
    • Wildlife Week was conceptualized in 1952 with the overall goal of raising awareness to serve the long-term goal of safeguarding the lives of wildlife through critical action.
    • In addition, the Indian Government established an Indian Board of Wild Life which works to improve awareness towards the preservation of wildlife.

  • China’S Climate Commitment

    Context- Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Chinese President Xi Jinping made two promises that came as a welcome surprise to climate change watchers.

    What has China announced ?

    • First, Xi said, China would become carbon net-zero by the year 2060.
      • Net-zero is a state in which a country’s emissions are compensated by absorptions and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
      • Absorption can be increased by creating more carbon sinks such as forests, while removal involves application of technologies such as carbon capture and storage.
    • Second, the Chinese President announced a small but important change in China’s already committed target for letting its emissions “peak”, from “by 2030” to “before 2030”.
      • That means China would not allow its greenhouse gas emissions to grow beyond that point.
      • Xi did not specify how soon “before 2030” means, but even this much is being seen as a very positive move from the world’s largest emitter.

    How significant is China’s commitment?

    • China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. It accounts for almost 30% of global emissions, more than the combined emissions in the United States, the European Union and India, the three next biggest emitters.
    • Getting China to commit itself to a net-zero target is a big breakthrough, especially since countries have been reluctant to pledge themselves to such long term commitments.
    • So far, the European Union was the only big emitter to have committed itself to a net-zero emission status by 2050.

  • CBD Oil

    Context- Earlier this week, late actor Irrfan Khan’s wife Sutapa Sikdar made an appeal to legalise CBD oil in India for its potential to treat cancer. Her appeal followed the criticism of actor Rhea Chakrabaorty after it was reported that she had administered CBD oil, used as a pain reliever for some, to Sushant Singh Rajput when he was alive.

    About CBD oil ?

    • CBD oil is an extract from the cannabis plant. The two main active substances in it are cannabidiol or CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
    • The high that is caused by the consumption of cannabis is due to THC. CBD, however, does not cause a “high” or any form of intoxication.
    • CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
    • Cannabidiol can reduce pain and anxiety. It also reduces psychotic symptoms associated with conditions such as schizophrenia as well as epilepsy.
    • There is not enough robust scientific evidence to prove that CBD oil can safely and effectively treat cancer.
    • CBD oil manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be legally used. However, the use of cannabis as a medicine is not much prevalent in India.

  • Changes in the labour laws needs to discussed and debated

    Increase in the jobs without employment security

    • Between 2004-05 and 2017-18, the share of salaried workers outside agriculture without any written contract increased from 60 per cent to 71 per cent.
    • Even in private and public limited companies, this share increased from 59 per cent to 71 per cent.
    • In the government and the public sector the share of such workers increasing from 27 per cent to 45 per cent over the period.
    • Many of the wage jobs in the organised sector came through contractors.
    • In organised manufacturing, the reported share of contract labour increased from 13 per cent in 1995-06 to 36 per cent in 2017-18.

    Policy response

    • A policy to deal with the problem of employment security was much needed.
    • The response came in the form the three revised labour Code Bills — on Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, and Social Security.
    • These were introduced in Parliament in the Monsoon Session, and approved on September 23.
    • These three labour codes, along with the Code on Wages approved earlier, touch the lives of every Indian worker.

     “Fixed term” worker

    • In 2018, the government amended the Standing Orders on Employment Act and introduced the category of “fixed term” worker.
    • That category creates a permanent cadre of temporary workers, with no prospects of career growth and job security.

    Changes and issues with the Bills

    • 1) Government had rationalised fixed-term employment by arguing that industries had resorted to the third-party engagement of contract labour to get around the rigidities in firing workers.
    • But that has not stopped the Codes from further liberalising the provisions relating to employment of contract labour and making their regulation applicable only in establishments employing 50 or more workers, instead of 20 or more.
    • 2) The key provisions which regulate the employment of inter-state migrant workers have been further diluted and made applicable only to establishments employing 10 or more such workers, compared to five earlier.
    • 3) Along with the provisions of retrenchment, the applicability of the Standing Orders, which regulate the categorisation as well as the terms of employment of workers in establishments, has also been raised from 100 to 300 workers.
    • 4) The threshold for factories has now been doubled — from 10 to 20 workers with power — thereby eliminating a large number of important regulatory provisions for the smaller factories.
    • 5) Relevant governments have been given much more leeway in exempting establishments from the applicability of a whole range of provisions in the Code.
    • 6) Inspection provisions have been diluted in all the Codes and will no longer even be complaints based.
    • 7)  The changes have also made legal industrial action a virtual impossibility, and the presence of unions less possible.

    Conclusion

    Informality contributes to inequality and to conditions which make sustainable growth impossible, and economic recovery more difficult. It also creates conditions in which employers under-invest in workers’ capacities and workers are not invested in a company’s future — leading to low productivity and lack of competitiveness.

  • Finishing the unfinished task of reform in land and labour markets

    The article discusses the issues faced by the various sectors of the economy and how the reform measures introduced by the government could help these sectors.

    Exploitation of farmers and consumers

    • The Indian farmer has bee treated as captive sources of producing cheap food grain while living at subsistence levels.
    • There was no freedom to choose the point of sale for his produce, he could not decide the price of his product and had no say in selecting the buyer.
    • The end consumer was equally short-changed with frequent cycles of persistent high inflation.
    • The only beneficiaries of this perverse system were middlemen who thrived under political protection.

    How reforms will help farmers

    • The stifling nature of the Essential Commodities Act and the APMC Act have both been removed.
    • Contract farming is now nationally enabled, allowing private investment to come in.
    • Private investment will bring in technology, modern equipment, better seeds, know-how for in-between-season crops, improved yields, better logistics and freer access to national and international markets.
    • The Indian farm sector will now finally begin to see the benefits of economies of scale.

    Need for the reforms in various sectors

    • There were 44 different labour laws with more than 1,200 sections and clauses that demanded compliance if one even thought of becoming an entrepreneur.
    • Different inspectors and departments administered these laws and this stunted many entrepreneurs.
    • The Companies Act of 2013 completely paralysed risk-taking and quick decision-making among the private wealth creators.
    • There were a large number of organisations that called themselves “banks” but were completely outside the ambit of RBI regulation.
    •  The politicians who controlled these banks were the primary obstacles in introducing any reforms in these sectors.
    • Indian mainstream banks, contrary to international norms, had a peculiar practice of “grossing” their bilateral liabilities rather than “netting”.
    • As per estimates, this locked anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 crore funds.

    Reforms made by the government

    • In place of the 44 central labour laws,  the Parliament has now put in place four labour codes that are much simpler — the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Social Security Code and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code.
    • The bilateral banking netting law has been passed and a large corpus of unproductive capital has been freed to be deployed in the market.
    • Cooperative banks will now be regulated by the RBI and its customers will have the same protections as those of other regular banks.
    • The problematic sections of the Companies Act 2013 have been done away with and the fear of criminal prosecution gone.

    Conclusion

    The reforms in various sectors of the economy are bound to help the faster recovery of the economy as well as help the farmers realising their full potential.

  • UPSC Prelims 2020 – Answer keys, expected cutoff, and explanations

    UPSC Prelims 2020 – Answer keys, expected cutoff, and explanations

    UPSC CSE Prelims 2020 was held on 4th Oct 2020. Around 6 lakh aspirants were supposed to appear for the exam. On this page, we will be sharing with you the most accurate Answer Keys for all four series, i.e. Series A, Series B, Series C, and Series D.

    Click here to download the UPSC CSE prelims 2020 question paper.

    UPSC prelims 2020 answer keys and expected cut off

    Click here for UPSC CSE Prelims 2020 solutions

    Explanation for UPSC prelims 2020 questions

    Click here for detailed explanation of UPSC CSE Prelims 2019 GS paper 1

    Our team at Civilsdaily will be posting a detailed analysis of GS paper 1. We will be providing you with solutions, sources, and relevance of each and every question. All the doubtful as well as controversial questions will be explained.

    Sajal sir here has given a detailed analysis of difficult and doubtful questions. Click on the video below.

    https://youtu.be/mSxS3dUOGus

    Trend analysis

    Based on the previous year’s papers we will be sharing a trend analysis here. This is going to help UPSC CSE 2021 aspirants.

    Expected cutoff for UPSC prelims 2020

    Based on a large sample size of our students and the detailed analysis by our team we are sharing an Expected cutoff for UPSC pre-2020. Various other factors like the number of vacancies, the number of candidates taking the exam, and special circumstances like lockdown will also be considered.

    Expected cut off for UPSC Prelims 2020 – 95 (+-2)

    This was the cut off for UPSC Prelims 2019 which was close to our predicted cutoff.

    CATEGORY2019
    GENERAL98
    EWS90
    OBC95.34
    SC82
    ST77.34
    PwBD – 153.34
    PwBD – 244.66
    PwBD – 340.66
    PwBD – 561.34

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