💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Search results for: “”

  • How to prepare for Prelims?

    Of late, many people have been asking me about how to prepare for the Prelims.

    Before I begin, I would like to share my own personal experience with the Prelims 2014. Coming from an engineering background, I found Paper II to be extremely scoring. I used to solve 1 question paper of Paper II everyday and in total I have solved about 40 of them before the prelims exam. I also tried to cover as many topics as possible in Paper I, given the time constraint of 2-2.5 months, that I had allotted exclusively for prelims preparation. I hadn’t covered the Sciences part like Physics, Biology etc.

    I had enrolled myself for the Career Launcher (CL) test series, in which I used to score moderate marks in Paper I (as Paper I of CL test series used to be extremely difficult – more than the UPSC level) and consistently high marks in Paper II (160-190 out of 200 in the last 3-4 exams).

    When I solved the CSP 2013 paper II at my home, a few days before the 2014-Prelims exam, my score was 190 and solved the paper nearly 20 minutes before the time. This was a big confidence booster for me.

    But on the day of the prelims exam, I unfortunately fell sick (could be because of the tension). I did quite well in Paper I but because of a bad headache, my performance in Paper II was a disaster.

    I had left almost 25-30 questions (including the excluded English comprehension questions). After the exam, I was devastated and was almost certain that I would not clear the prelims. I decided not to check the key as I knew that I would fall in the border range. Nevertheless, I tried to calm myself and began preparing for mains with a heavy heart.

    The next 2 months was torturous for me, but despite that I kept on studying for mains as I did not want to squander even the slightest chance of clearing the prelims. Thanks to the Lord, I fortunately cleared the prelims and that was such a big relief.

    The most important lesson that I learnt from this experience is that never neglect any topic in Paper I.

    And also, one must prepare so well that he/she should clear the exam not just with the best performance, but even with the worst performance.

    Coming to the Prelims-2015, one must cover all the topics exhaustively – including topics like Biology, Physics etc. Environment and Ecology have become extremely important as many questions are being asked from these areas. NCERTs, I think, are indispensable. And for paper II, I’m guessing that it would be a very difficult paper. So, even though it is now a qualifying paper, it will be so designed to eliminate a good number of people there. I strongly recommend the aspirants to focus entirely on prelims (both paper I and paper II) and not to neglect it. After the exam one must be sure that he/she would certainly clear the prelims, so that entire focus can be put on the mains.

  • Studying newspapers, magazines and making notes

    I started reading studying newspapers from 1st November 2013 and I didn’t miss even a single day till 13th December, 2014 (Mains started from 14th December, 2014). I restarted the newspapers again from 1st Jan, 2015. I feel that one year of newspapers reading studying before mains would suffice (this is purely my personal opinion).

    The reason why I’d like to call it studying newspapers is because unlike reading, this involves a lot of thinking and analysing the issues. Try and see, in what way it fits into the static portion covered from standard textbooks. For example, last year there was a controversy that was sparked off when a former Chief Justice of India was appointed as a Governor. First I’d identify what the qualifications are for a Governor and then the restrictions on post-retirement positions for judges, along with respective articles in the Constitution. Then accordingly, I’d make notes of this whole issue including its pros and cons. In the end, I’d also try to form my own opinion on the issue.

    The “news” is something that I’d ignore in the newspapers. For example, isolated developments like petty crimes and all news about politics are some of the things that I would not care to look into. I would study an article only if it fits in to the exam syllabus. I would also study the newspapers from Geography and History points of view. Friday Magazine and Sunday Review cover important articles from History point of view, so its better not to neglect them.

    I would start my day with newspapers. I used to study 2 newspapers till mains – theHindu (hard copy) and the Indianexpress (digital). After mains I started studying Livemint (through feedly) and thehansindia.com (for State news) and restricted to the opinions section of Indianexpress, in addition to the Hindu. It used to cost me about 3 hours to complete the newspapers including the notes making.

    I used to keep the weekends for reading magazines – frontline, downtoearth and idsa (selected articles) using feedly, a chrome app.

    I used to make notes online on Google Docs which makes it easy to maintain and access. I would make notes on topics/issues basis and I’d write all the developments regarding a topic/issue at one place. This would help me in tracking all the developments at one place and also be able to cover multiple dimensions of a topic.

  • Tribes in News

  • Censorship Issues – Censor Board, Banning films, etc

  • Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Why Everyone has interest in Martian System exploration?

    1. Mars has long been the subject of human fascination. Early telescopic observations revealed color changes on the surface that were originally attributed to seasonal vegetation as well as apparent linear features that were ascribed to intelligent design.
    2. Telescopic observations found Mars’ two moons, Phobos and Deimos, the polar ice caps, and the feature now known as Olympus Mons, the solar system’s tallest mountain.
    3. These discoveries piqued further interest in the study and exploration of the red planet.
    4. Mars is a rocky planet, like Earth, that formed around the same time, yet with only half the diameter of Earth, and a far thinner atmosphere, it has a cold and desert-like surface.
    5. It is notable, however, that although the planet has only one quarter of the surface area of the Earth, it has about the same land area, since only one quarter of the surface area of the Earth is land.

    NASA's Journey to Mars infographic

    Then, How Mars Journey has started?

    NASA’s Mars Odyssey orbiter entered Mars orbit in 2001. Odyssey’s Gamma Ray Spectrometer detected significant amounts of hydrogen on Mars,thought to be contained in large deposits of water ice.

    The Mars Express mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) reached Mars in 2003. It carried the Beagle 2 lander, which was not heard from after being released and was declared lost in February 2004.

    In early 2004 the Mars Express Planetary Fourier Spectrometer team announced the orbiter had detected methane in the Martian atmosphere. ESA announced in June 2006 the discovery of aurorae on Mars.

    In January 2004, the NASA twin Mars Exploration Rovers named Spirit (MER-A) and Opportunity (MER-B) landed on the surface of Mars. Both have met or exceeded all their targets.

    On March 10, 2006, the NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) probe arrived in orbit to conduct a two-year science survey.

    The orbiter began mapping the Martian terrain and weather to find suitable landing sites for upcoming lander missions. The MRO snapped the first image of a series of active avalanches near the planet’s north pole.

    The Mars Science Laboratory mission was launched on November 26, 2011 and it delivered the Curiosity rover, on the surface of Mars on August 6, 2012 UTC.

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) on November 5, 2013. It was successfully inserted into Mars orbit on 24 September 2014.

     

     

    Wow, so finally did we find water?

    New findings from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) provide the strongest evidence yet that liquid water flows intermittently on present-day Mars.

    Using an imaging spectrometer on MRO, researchers detected signatures of hydrated minerals on slopes where mysterious streaks are seen on the Red Planet.

    They darken and appear to flow down steep slopes during warm seasons, and then fade in cooler seasons. They appear in several locations on Mars when temperatures are above min0us 10 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 23 Celsius), and disappear at colder times.

    It appears to confirm that water is flowing today on the surface of Mars.These downhill flows, known as recurring slope lineae (RSL), often have been described as possibly related to liquid water.

    The new findings of hydrated salts on the slopes point to what that relationship may be to these dark features. The hydrated salts would lower the freezing point of a liquid brine, just as salt on roads here on Earth causes ice and snow to melt more rapidly.

    Scientists say it’s likely a shallow subsurface flow, with enough water wicking to the surface to explain the darkening.

     

     What are the Garni crater on Mars?

    Dark narrow streaks called recurring slope lineae emanating out of the walls of Garni crater on Mars. The dark streaks here are up to few hundred meters in length.

    The spectral signatures as caused by hydrated minerals called perchlorates. The hydrated salts most consistent with the chemical signatures are likely a mixture of magnesium perchlorate, magnesium chlorate and sodium perchlorate.

    On Earth, naturally produced perchlorates are concentrated in deserts, and some types of perchlorates can be used as rocket propellant.

     

    What a Contribution by MRO in this enigmatical mission!!

    NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has been examining Mars since 2006 with its six science instruments.

    The ability of MRO to observe for multiple Mars years with a payload able to see the fine detail of these features has enabled findings such as these:

    first identifying the puzzling seasonal streaks and now making a big step towards explaining what they are?

    The new findings are more proof that the mysterious lines he first saw darkening Martian slopes five years ago are, indeed, present-day water.

    The discovery is the latest of many breakthroughs by NASA’s Mars missions

    It took multiple spacecraft over several years to solve this mystery, and now we know there is liquid water on the surface of this cold, desert planet.It seems that the more we study Mars, the more we learn how life could be supported and where there are resources to support life in the future.

    Then, Mars is more habitable than previously thought so, Can we go to Mars for living really? Yes probably. Because NASA is planning for it by 2030.

    Published with inputs from Arun

     

  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    Technology Vision 2035 – Putting science to Use

    The Prime Minister unveiled the ‘Technology Vision Document 2035’ while inaugurating the 103rd Indian Science Congress on  January 3,  2016. Let’s take a glance at it

    <The document is dedicated to late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India.>

    India2035header

    What is Technology Vision 2035?

    • The document foresees the technologies required for fulfilling the needs of India 2035
    • This is a vision of where India and its citizens should be in 2035 and how technology should help achieve this
    • Twelve Sectoral Technology roadmaps are being prepared by the Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council, (TIFAC)

    Which are the 12 sectors?

    • Education
    • Medical Sciences & Healthcare
    • Food and Agriculture
    • Water
    • Energy
    • Environment
    • Habitat
    • Transportation
    • Infrastructure
    • Manufacturing
    • Materials
    • Information and Communication Technology

    The prime aim of the vision document

    • To ensure the security of every Indian, enhancing their prosperity and identity
    • This is stated in the document as “Our Aspiration” or “Vision Statement” in all languages of the 8th Schedule of the Constitution
    • The Vision document also identifies 12 prerogatives – (six for meeting individual needs and six for collective needs) that should be available to each and every Indian

    ISCPrerogatives

    How technologies could map to assure prerogatives?

    • Those are readily deployable
    • Those that needs to be moved from Lab to Field
    • Those that require targeted Research
    • Those that are still in Imagination

    What type of technologies are expected in future?

    • Technologies could come about as a result of curiosity driven or paradigm – shattering ‘Blue-sky’ Research like Internet of Things, Wearable Technology, Synthetic Biology, Brain computer Interface, Bioprinting and regenerative medicine
    • Precision agriculture and robotic farming, vertical farming, interactive foods, autonomous vehicles, Bioluminescence, 3D printing of buildings, earthquake prediction, weather modification technologies, green mining etc <Here, UPSC has great scope to ask questions, as we know 3D printing technology was asked in 2013 Mains >

    What is Bioluminescence?

    Bioluminescent creatures are found throughout marine habitats, from the ocean surface to the deep sea floor.
    Bioluminescent creatures are found throughout marine habitats, from the ocean surface to the deep sea floor.
    • Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism
    • The light emitted by a bioluminescent organism is produced by energy released from chemical reactions occurring inside (or ejected by) the organism

    What are the challenges in the field of Technology?

    • Guaranteeing nutritional security and eliminating female and child anaemia
    • Ensuring universal eco-friendly waste management
    • Taking the railway to Leh and Tawang
    • Understanding national climate patterns and adapting to them
    • Ensuring location independent electoral and financial empowerment

    Then! Are there any ways to overcome these challenges?

    Technology Leadership – niche technologies in which we have core competencies, skilled manpower, infrastructure and a traditional knowledge base; eg. Nuclear Energy, Space Science.

    Technology Independence – strategic technologies that we would have to develop on our own as they may not be obtainable from elsewhere eg. Defence sector

    Technology Innovation – linking disparate technologies together or making a breakthrough in one technology and applying it to another. eg., solar cells patterned on chlorophyll based synthetic pathway are a potent future source of renewable energy

    Technology Adoption – obtain technologies from elsewhere, modify them according to local needs and reduce dependence on other sources eg., foreign collaboration in the sectors of rainwater harvesting, agri-biotech, desalination, energy efficient buildings.

    Technology Constraints – areas where technology is threatening and problematic i.e. having a negative social or environmental impact because of serious legal and ethical issues eg., Genetically Modified(GM) Crops.

    Which 3 key activities were identified as a part of the ‘Call to Action’?

    • Knowledge creation – It says India cannot afford not to be in the forefront of the knowledge revolution, either applied or pure
    • Ecosystem design for innovation and development
    • Technology deployment by launching certain national missions involving specific targets, defined timelines requiring only a few carefully defined identified players

     

    Source - PIB Features | Pic - Vision 2035

  • Women Safety Issues – Marital Rape, Domestic Violence, Swadhar, Nirbhaya Fund, etc.

  • Inland Waterways

    National Waterways Bill 2015: Time to take to Water

     

    The approval of the National Waterways Bill, 2015, by both Houses of Parliament clears the decks for increasing the use of India’s extensive network of rivers, canals and other water stretches for transport. Let’s see this in brief.

    Under bill, 106 additional inland waterways will be added to the list of national waterways, taking the number to 111

    Under Entry 24 of the Union List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, the central govt can make laws on shipping and navigation on inland waterways which are classified as national waterways by Parliament by law

    Let’s see background of Inland Waterway Transport

    <Why Govt has cleared decks for National waterways?>

    • Inland Water Transport is considered as the most cost effective and economical mode of transport from the point of view of fuel efficiency
    • One horse power can carry 4000 Kg load in water whereas, it can carry 150 Kg and 500 Kg by road and rail respectively
    • Further in a study as highlighted by the World Bank, 1 litre of fuel can move 105 ton-Km by inland water transport, whereas the same amount of fuel can move only 85 ton-Km by rail and 24 ton-Km by road
    • Studies have shown that emission from container vessels range from 32-36 gCO2 per ton-Km while those of road transport vehicles (heavy duty vehicles) range from 51-91gCO2 per ton-km.(Environment friendly)
    • Many countries in Europe and elsewhere carry over 40% of their passenger and freight traffic through water. But in India this proportion is only 3.5 per cent
    • Inland water transport’s share in the country’s total transport sector is less than 0.4%
    • This is partly because of the inability to shift cargo between modes of transport without disruption

    Let’s learn about five existing and one proposed waterway

     

    1. Allahabad-Haldia Stretch of the Ganga Bhagirathi-Hooghly River
    2. Sadiya-Dhubri Stretch of Brahmaputra River
    3. Kollam-Kottapuram Stretch of West Coast Canal and Champakara and Udyogmandal Canals
    4. Kakinada-Puducherry Stretch of Canals and the Kaluvelly Tank
      Bhadrachalam-Rajahmundry Stretch of River Godavari and Wazirabad-Vijayawada Stretch of River Krishna
    5. Talcher-Dhamra Stretch of Rivers, Geonkhali-Charbatia Stretch of East Coast Canal, Charbatia-Dhamra Stretch of Matai River and Mahanadi Delta Rivers
    6. This is a proposed national waterway b/w Lakhipur and bhanga of the Barak river

    What are the Benefits of inland waterways?

    • Recognised as fuel efficient, cost effective and environment friendly mode of transport, especially for bulk goods, hazardous goods and over dimensional cargos
    • Reduces time, cost of transportation of goods and cargos, as well as congestion and accidents on highways
    • Immense potential for domestic cargo transportation as well as for cruise, tourism and passenger traffic.
    • Systematic development will open up progressive economic and transport opportunities in the country
    • Open up considerable investment and business opportunities in the areas like water-based tourism, construction and operation of terminals, creation of storage accommodation, and provision of other facilities required for smooth water-based navigation
    • Help to generate millions of new jobs

    Are there any limitations/ problems to implement this national waterway project?
    If any, How to solve those limitations?

    • India’s water channels will need to have adequate width, depth and air clearance. Many rivers are seasonal, with water flows declining sharply after the monsoon
    • Navigating such rivers in the lean season may, therefore, require regular and extensive dredging and desilting
    • Higher water salinity, especially in the coastal regions and estuaries, and constant inflow of silt in the rivers can also be problematic
    • Water highways will require more river ports with their support infrastructure – road and rail connections, warehouses and other services
    • Heavy investment will be needed also to procure equipment, including dredgers, shipping vessels and barges of different sizes

    What are the sources of funding and finances?

    • Financial approval of the competent authority for each waterway would be taken based on outcome of techno-economic feasibility studies, that are being undertaken by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
    • IWAI will develop the feasible stretch of National Waterways for shipping and navigation purpose through mobilization of financial resources
    • Govt will explore multiple sources of finance, including market borrowings and tapping the National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) and the Central Roads Fund  (CRF)

    <The National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is a fund created in 2010-11 using the carbon tax – clean energy cess – for funding research and innovative projects in clean energy technologies of public sector or private sector entities, upto the extent of 40% of the total project cost. The Fund is designed as a non lapsable fund under Public Accounts>

    <Central Road Fund (CRF) is a non-lapsable fund created under Section 6 of the Central Road Fund Act, 2000 out of a cess/tax imposed by Union Govt on consumption of Petrol and High Speed Diesel to develop and maintain National Highways, State roads (particularly those of economic importance and which provides inter-state connectivity), rural roads, railway under/over bridges etc.> 

    To know what is cess, how it is different from tax and surcharge, click here

    1. Private participation in infrastructure is needed – but will be possible only if such ventures become economically viable. For this, they will require adequate and assured 2-way traffic
    2. But the traffic in bulk goods, such as coal, minerals, food grain, fertiliser and similar other commodities is often unidirectional, compelling the vessels to return empty or under-loaded. This aspect will need to be weighed and addressed
      Published with inputs from Arun

More posts