πŸ’₯Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (June Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

Search results for: “”

  • [Video Analysis + Top 10 Ranks] 24 April 2019 | Prelims Daily with Rakesh Sir

    Dear students,

    Here’s a link to the Prelims Daily Quiz Analysis Video. Watch this after you have attempted that day’s Prelims Daily questions [on this link]

    https://youtu.be/he24vGUAO5I

    The full playlist is available here [click2watch]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 98]


    We need your comments, likes, and shares on these videos. The aim of this series is to help you revise news via questions. PLEASE spread the videos.

    What’s wrong with the student’s study habits?

    Only 5% of our students who read news attempt PD. This beats the purpose of reading the news. Even those 5% who attempt PD are unable to get the most out of the initiative. They are either guessing or doing the tests just as a routing activity without engaging in it.

    What’s CD doing to maximize your efforts?

    Now, we have moved one step further with the launch of analysis videos of Prelims Daily (PD). These videos will reveal the critical nitty-gritty surrounding every PD question. It is an unfortunate reality that no single question can be framed to cover all the possible angles.

    The analysis videos will plug this hitherto inevitable gap, thereby making your preparation more methodical, holistic and foolproof. Nothing can be more valuable than experience, and that is precisely what the PD initiative and the analysis videos offer. These will be valuable for both newcomers and senior players in the field.

    PS: We want to be 100% certain that the time and energy spent on making these videos is helping you in your UPSC Prelims preparation. So, pls click on the videos, like, share and comment and let us know your thoughts

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Indian heritage and Culture

    Different forms of traditional theatre

    Bhavai

    • It is a traditional theatre form of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
    • Kutch and Kathiawar are the main centres of this theatre form.
    • It is a synthesis of devotional and romantic sentiments.
    • It consists of dance to narrate series of small plays known as Vesha or Swanga.
    • It is accompanied by semi-classical music.
    • Bhungal, tabla, pakhaawaj, rabaah, sarangi, manjeera etc.

    Nautanki

    • Nautanki is popular in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is an offshoot of Swang.
    • It is mentioned in Abu Fazl’s Ain-e-Akbari.
    • The theme is based on historical, social and folk tales, delivered through dance and music.
    • Kanpur, Lucknow, and Hathras are the most popular centres of this theatre form.
    • Dialogues are delivered in a lyrical fashion accompanied by drum beats called Nagara.

     

    Rasleela

    • It is a theatre form popular in Uttar Pradesh.
    • It depicts the legends of Lord Krishna.
    • In this theatre form, dialogues are in pros combined with songs and scenes from the pranks of Krishna.

    Bhand Pather

    • It is a traditional theatre form of Kashmir.
    • It consists of unique combinations of dance, drama, and acting.
    • Surnai, Nagara, and dhol are the instruments used in this theatre form.
    • It is mainly performed by the farming community, reflecting their ideas and way of living.

    Swang

    • It is a popular theatre form of Punjab and Haryana.
    • It is mainly a musical drama sung through verses.
    • Ektara, Harmonium, Sarangi, Dholak, and Kharta are the instruments used in it.
    • Rohtak and Haathras are the two important style in this theatre form.

    Maach

    • Maach is a theatre form of the region of Malwa in Madhya Pradesh.
    • The term Maach is used for the stage as well as the play.
    • It is based on mythological themes and later romantic folks tales were also included.
    • Songs are given importance between the dialogues in this theatre form.
    • Dialogues in this form are called Bol and Ryhm in narration is termed as Vanag.
    • Tune of the theatre is known as Rangat.

    Ankia Naat

    • It is a theatre form present in the state of Assam.
    • It was started by Shankaradeva and his disciple Mahadeva in the 16th century A.D.
    • Cultural glimpses of Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Mathura, and Brindavan can be seen this theatre form.
    • The narration begins with a story in Sanskrit and later switch to Brajboli or Assamese.
    • the narrator called as Suthradhar is accompanied by a group of musicians known as Gayan-Bayan Mandali who play the ‘Khol’ and cymbals.
    • Use of Masks to depict special expression is one of the unique features of this theatre form.

    Dashavatar

    • It is the most developed theatre form of Konkan and Goa.
    • The ten incarnation of Lord Vishnu– the god of preservation and creativity are personified by the performers.
    • Apart from makeup, performers wear a mask of wood and papier mache.

    Krishnanattam

    • It is a folk theatre form of Kerala.
    • It came into existence in the 17th century under the patronage of Calicut king Manavada.
    • It narrates the birth, childhood pranks and various deeds depicting victory of good over evil by Sri Krishna.
    • It is performed for eight consecutive days.
    • Different plays are Avataram, Kaliamandana, Rasa Krida, Kamasavadha, Swayamvaram, Bhanayudham, Vivida Vadham, and Swargarohana.

    Yakshagana

    • It is the oldest theatre form popular in Karnataka.
    • It emerged in the Vijayanagara empire and was performed by Jakkula Varu community.
    • It is a descriptive dance drama.
    • It is presented from dusk to dawn.
    • The stories are drawn from Ramayana, Mahabharata and other epics from both Hindu and Jain tradition.

    Therukooth

    • Therukooth is a popular folk drama of Tamil Nadu.
    • Therukooth means “street play”.
    • It is performed during the annual temple festival of Mariamman(Rain God) for a rich harvest.
    • It plays various themes and one the theme is based on Draupathi in Hindu epic Mahabharata.
    • It is a combination of song, music, dance, and drama.
    • Harmonium, drums, and cymbals are the instrument used in it.

    Koodiyattam

    • It is Sanskritic theatre tradition of Kerala.
    • Chakyaar(actor), Nambiar(instrumentalist) and Nangyaar( those taking woman’s role) are the main characters of Koodiyattam.
    • The main protagonists are Suthradhar(narrator) and the Vidushak(jesters). Dialogues are delivered by Vidushak alone.
    • Hand gestures and eye movements are the features of this theatre form.

    Villu Paatu

    • It is a musical theatre popular in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
    • Villu Paatu means bow-song.
    • In this, using a bow-shaped instrument, the stories of Ramayana are narrated.

    Mudiyettu

    • Mudiyettu is a traditional folk theatre of Kerala.
    • It is performed in the month of Vrichigam. ie November-December.
    • It is performed only in Kali Temple as a presentation to Goddess.
    • It is a part of Bhadrakali cult. It depicts the triumph of Goddess Bhadrakali over the asura Darika.
    • Mudiyettu is performed by Marar and Karuppu community.
    • Shiva, Narada, Darika, Danavendra, Bhadrakali, Kooli, and Koimbidar are the seven charaters of Mudiyettu.
    • In 2010, Mudiyettu was inscribed in the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity after Koodiyattam

    Some of the other important theatre forms are Kala of Vaishnaite tradition, Bhuta in Karnataka, Daskathia in Odisha, Garodas in Gujarat, Jatras in Eastern India, Kariyila in Himachal Pradesh, Powda in Maharashtra, Burra Katha in Andhra Pradesh, Bayalata in Karnataka and Kuruvanji in Tamil Nadu.

  • Gear up for This week’s Samachar Manthan lecture on 28th April Sunday

    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] Slowing down fast: Industrial growth
    Renewable Energy Certificates
    [op-ed snap] Hard landing: Jet Airways’ temporary halt
    [op-ed snap] Capital gains

    Enviro & Biodiversity
    [pib] Resilient Cities Asia-Pacific (RCAP) Congress
    Long Period Average: The IMD yardstick for determining rainfall
    Western Disturbances
    The Face of Disasters 2019 Report
    [op-ed snap] Humanise the law

    Governance
    India short of 6 lakh doctors, 2 million nurses: U.S. study
    Explained: What Supreme Court said on petition to disqualify tainted candidates
    [op-ed snap] The ethical act of voting
    [op-ed snap] The Lack of a Legal Status for the Model Code of Conduct Leaves Room for Ambiguity
    CSIR plans genome sequencing to map population diversity
    [op-ed snap] A manifesto for health

    International Relations
    Bhutan govt to place bill for ratification of BBIN initiative at its upper senate
    [op-ed snap] Indian elections, South Asian concerns
    External Affairs Ministry sets up Indo-Pacific Wing
    China backs β€œWuhan spirit” despite differences on BRI
    [op-ed snap] A bad deal

    Polity
    [op-ed snap] Level-playing field matters
    How Justice Chandrachud’s dissent on Aadhaar influenced Jamaica ruling
    [op-ed snap] Indelicate imbalance
    [op-ed snap] Sealed disclosure
    [op-ed snap] The legacy of Ambedkar
    Voting rights of undertrials and convicts

    Science Tech
    CSIR plans genome sequencing to map population diversity
    Saturn’s moon Titan has 100-m deep methane lakes
    Universe’s first molecule detected in space

    Security Issues
    India successfully test-fires Sub-sonic cruise Missile Nirbhay

    Trivia
    Explained: History behind Notre Dame- Soul of the French nation

     

    And these issues will be covered in detail

    • Genome Sequencing
    • Wuhan Spirit
    • Loc Trade Suspension
    • Industrial Growth
    • Aviation Sector Concerns

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

     

  • Topper Testimonial: Saurabh Bhuwania, AIR – 113, CSE 2018

    Saurabh was one of our early adopters. We take great pride in his success.

    He praises us in more ways than one.


    We have raised the bar high. Check out our foundation 2020 program.

    Foundation 2020: Take a Big Step Towards Comprehensive & Personalised Learning for IAS 2020

  • [Prelims Spotlight]Important reports and indexes ( Part 2 )

    Technology and Energy Security

    Report name – Technical Cooperation Report

    Issuing agency – IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)

     

    Report name – Nuclear Technology Review

    Issuing agency – IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)

     

    Report name – Safety Reports

    Issuing agency – ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

     

     

    Report name – Global Innovation Index

    Issuing agency – Cornell University INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

     

    Report name – World Energy Outlook (WEO)

    Issuing agency – International Energy Agency

     

    Report name – Southeast Asia Energy Outlook

    Issuing agency – International Energy Agency

     

    Report name – OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report

    Issuing agency – OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries )

     

    Report name – World Oil Outlook

    Issuing agency – OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)

     

    Report name – World Intellectual Property Report (WIPR)

    Issuing agency – WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)

     

     

    Report name – Global Information Technology Report

    Issuing agency – WEF (World Economic Forum)

     

    Report name – The Energy Report

    Issuing agency – WWF (World Wildlife Fund)

     

    Social development

    Report name – Global Wage Report

    Issuing agency – ILO (International Labour Organization)

     

    Report name – World Employment and Social Outlook

    Issuing agency – ILO (International Labour Organization)

     

    Report name – World Social Protection Report

    Issuing agency – ILO (International Labour Organization)

     

    Report name – Global Hunger Index

    Issuing agency – Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide

     

    Report name – World Happiness Report

    Issuing agency – Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)

     

     

    Report name – Global Corruption Report (GCR)

    Issuing agency – Transparency International

     

     

    Report name – Levels and Trends in Child Mortality Report

    Issuing agency – UN Inter-agency Group

     

     

    Report name – The State of the World’s Children reports

    Issuing agency – UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund )

     

     

    Report name – Report on Regular Resources

    Issuing agency – UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund )

     

    Report name – The Global Report

    Issuing agency – UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). To read more about UNHCR, click here and here.

     

    Report name – State of world population

    Issuing agency – UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)

     

    Report name – Global education monitoring Report

    Issuing agency – UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)

     

    Report name – Global Gender Gap Report

    Issuing Agency – World Economic Forum (WEF)

     

     

    Report name – Human Capital Report 2016

    Issuing agency – World Economic Forum

     

    Security Issues

    Report name – World Wildlife Crime Report

    Issuing agency – UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)

     

     

    Report name – World Drug Report

    Issuing agency – UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)

     

    Report name – Global Report on Trafficking in Persons

    Issuing agency – UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)

     

    Report name – Reports on Counterfeiting and Organized Crime

    Issuing agency – UNICRI (United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute)

     

    Report name – Global Money Laundering Report

    Issuing agency – FATF (Financial Action Task Force)

  • [Video Analysis + Top 10 Ranks] 23 April 2019 | Prelims Daily with Rakesh Sir

    Dear students,

    Here’s a link to the Prelims Daily Quiz Analysis Video. Watch this after you have attempted that day’s Prelims Daily questions [on this link]

    https://youtu.be/I7hsy-quuA4

    The full playlist is available here [click2watch]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 90]


    We need your comments, likes, and shares on these videos. The aim of this series is to help you revise news via questions. PLEASE spread the videos.

    What’s wrong with the student’s study habits?

    Only 5% of our students who read news attempt PD. This beats the purpose of reading the news. Even those 5% who attempt PD are unable to get the most out of the initiative. They are either guessing or doing the tests just as a routing activity without engaging in it.

    What’s CD doing to maximize your efforts?

    Now, we have moved one step further with the launch of analysis videos of Prelims Daily (PD). These videos will reveal the critical nitty-gritty surrounding every PD question. It is an unfortunate reality that no single question can be framed to cover all the possible angles.

    The analysis videos will plug this hitherto inevitable gap, thereby making your preparation more methodical, holistic and foolproof. Nothing can be more valuable than experience, and that is precisely what the PD initiative and the analysis videos offer. These will be valuable for both newcomers and senior players in the field.

    PS: We want to be 100% certain that the time and energy spent on making these videos is helping you in your UPSC Prelims preparation. So, pls click on the videos, like, share and comment and let us know your thoughts

  • [Video Analysis + Top 10 Ranks] 22 April 2019 | Prelims Daily with Rakesh Sir

    Dear students,

    Here’s a link to the Prelims Daily Quiz Analysis Video. Watch this after you have attempted that day’s Prelims Daily questions [on this link]

    https://youtu.be/jFNY6TD_DTw

    The full playlist is available here [click2watch]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 89]


    We need your comments, likes, and shares on these videos. The aim of this series is to help you revise news via questions. PLEASE spread the videos.

    What’s wrong with the student’s study habits?

    Only 5% of our students who read news attempt PD. This beats the purpose of reading the news. Even those 5% who attempt PD are unable to get the most out of the initiative. They are either guessing or doing the tests just as a routing activity without engaging in it.

    What’s CD doing to maximize your efforts?

    Now, we have moved one step further with the launch of analysis videos of Prelims Daily (PD). These videos will reveal the critical nitty-gritty surrounding every PD question. It is an unfortunate reality that no single question can be framed to cover all the possible angles.

    The analysis videos will plug this hitherto inevitable gap, thereby making your preparation more methodical, holistic and foolproof. Nothing can be more valuable than experience, and that is precisely what the PD initiative and the analysis videos offer. These will be valuable for both newcomers and senior players in the field.

    PS: We want to be 100% certain that the time and energy spent on making these videos is helping you in your UPSC Prelims preparation. So, pls click on the videos, like, share and comment and let us know your thoughts