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  • 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers|| Register Now, Limited Seats Available

    20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers|| Register Now, Limited Seats Available

    book your seat here for free webinar by sajal sir

    Now that UPSC CSE prelims results are out, you would have started answer writing practice for mains. Keep in mind that answering for mains is not like answering your university papers. Over here, examiners expect pointers, examples, flowcharts, mind maps, diagrams than long paragraphs. Given the time and word limit, it’s better not to beat around the bush while answering.

    Open to All, Free Webinar on 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing

    Sajal sir will share his experiences of scoring 120+ in all the UPSC 2017 GS papers through a webinar. This webinar about the new age formula to ace UPSC Mains is absolutely free for all to attend.

    For a better understanding on the format of the webinar, here’s Sajal sir’s explanation on how to approach a sample question.

    It is commented that Electoral bonds instead of cleansing India’s electoral system distort India’s democracy. Do you agree? Critically analyse.

    Sajal Sir Suggests: Understand the key demand of the question. Don’t get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. Question is not about electoral bonds only. Many aspirants write everything they know about electoral bonds. You need to first mention how it will cleanse India’s electoral system. After that, link it with democracy. How it violates key features of democracy like transparency, accountability and level playing field. Writing only Pros and Cons will not fetch you marks. 

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    Why you should Attend Sajal Sir’s Webinar?

    Do you know that toppers use certain techniques of answer-writing to score higher marks? Are you aware of the PESTLE approach or the 7-5-3 technique of answer writing? If not, then its time you attended this webinar

    Sajal sir in the past 7 years has mentored over 400 students who went onto become UPSC toppers. Apart from this, his course SMASH Mains 2020 had a turnover of 80% interview recommended candidates.

    This is how the UPSC Toppers scored in test series before Sajal sir’s intervention —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta(AIR-42)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay-(AIR-65)- Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    They had tried everything but were not able to score high in the exams. From their approach to answering to the body of answers, they faced problems. They faced problems with things like putting proper headings, how to frame dimensions, introductions, conclusions, etc. They never even got the right feedback which could have helped them!

    And this is how they improved after learning the best answer writing practices from him —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta (AIR-42)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay (AIR -65) – Answers After Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    If you wish to learn and unlearn certain reading and writing habits, attending this webinar is the first step in the right direction.

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    What will you learn in this webinar?

    Fundamental mistakes in answer writing that can be avoided?

    How to understand the meaning behind a complex indirect question?

    How to use the PESTLE approach to answer certain type of questions?

    How to extract information read into Pros and Cons?

    How to finish an answer in seven minutes?

    How to think and write an answer simultaneously?

    How to write an innovative answer which can get you an extra 1 mark?

    Few thumb rules of answer writing with examples.

    Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.

    Why UPSC toppers are convinced about Sajal Sir’s Mentorship?

    Read other answers over here.

    Webinar Details

    Anyone who is going to attend UPSC mains now or 2022 UPSC Aspirants, will gain valuable insights from this webinar. Register now for an invite. And, keep the date saved in your calendars!

    Date: 7 November 2021

    Time: 3 P.M

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

  • Our Best Prelims Program Till Now | Smash Prelims 2022 | By Santhosh Sir who scored 145+ twice in Prelims | More than Test-Series

    Our Best Prelims Program Till Now | Smash Prelims 2022 | By Santhosh Sir who scored 145+ twice in Prelims | More than Test-Series

    FILL THE FORM FOR DOUBTS REGARDING SMASH 2022 PRELIMS
    BUY THIS COURSE – SMASH 2022 PRELIMS

    Prelims Super-25 Program is back after a thumping success in Prelims 2021. Out of 25 students Santhosh sir has mentored, 15 have cleared prelims this time.

    Do you want to practice medium to tough test series regularly? Before attending a test do you want to revise the right notes with integrated current affairs? And, after a test do you want an experienced mentor to discuss your answers and motivate you?

    If yes, then this is the right program for you! The registrations are open for all UPSC 2022 aspirants.

    Is Prelims the Toughest Exam of UPSC-CSE?

    Toppers like Pranav Vijayvergiya (AIR 65) and Swati Sharma (AIR 17) have found Prelims to be tougher than Mains. In fact, Pranav failed to clear Prelims thrice. But, in his fourth attempt he had cleared Mains and Interview in one shot!

    What makes prelims tough? It’s because the paper is unpredictable. If this year, science questions are a breeze then the next year you will have to answer advanced concept based questions.

    Unlike Mains, Prelims has negative marking. One has to be good at elimination methods to choose the right option amongst two similar ones.

    Our Super 25 Prelims Program started as a pilot project last year with an aim to introduce step-wise improvement in our chosen 25 aspirants. Over a period of 2 months, Santhosh sir inculcated confidence in aspirants who were either newbies or gave too many attempts.

    This year, we achieved a remarkable 60% success ratio. Next year, we have set our eyes on 100%. Yes, we are ambitious and aspirational just like any other UPSC aspirant.

    How do Students find Santhosh Sir’s Mentorship?

    Santhosh sir has always been more than a guide. He has always walked with aspirants in their UPSC journey than ahead of them. Whenever our students were demotivated, this is how Santhosh sir lifted their spirits —

    Testimonials by students who successfully cleared UPSC 2021 Prelims —

    read other testimonials of santhosh sir over here

    How is Smash Prelims 2022 structured?

    The program has three pillars and every aspirant who enrolls for Smash 2022 Prelims has access to all of them.

    Pillar-1

    Prelims Tests:

    40 (12 Basic + 6 Advanced + 10 CA tests + 8 Full tests + 4 CSAT)

    Sl No.SUBJECTNO. OF TESTS
    1Polity3
    2Modern History2 
    3Economy2 
    4Geography3
    5Environment3
    6Science & Technology1
    7Ancient and Medieval India2
    8Economic Survey1
    9Schemes and India Year Book1
    10Current Affairs10
    11CSAT4
    12Full Length Test8

    Pillar-2

    Value Additions Notes and Classes by Santosh Gupta Sir

    Polity  

    Santhosh Gupta sir will conduct two sessions covering all the Polity Fundamentals, a session analyzing past year papers, another session on important current affairs related to polity this year and will discuss your test solutions.

    History 

    Santhosh Gupta sir will conduct a session on Sectoral Developments in Modern History, a session analyzing past year papers and test discussion.

    Economy

    There will be sessions on economic survey, trend analysis, discussion of most important economic current affairs, past year paper analysis and economy final test discussion.

     Geography

    Santhosh sir will conduct sessions on the most difficult aspects like Geography Mapping, Economic Geography and Indian Agriculture.

    Environment

    Santhosh Gupta sir will cover sessions on Environment innovatively. Key concepts like vegetation and biome, Indian wildlife, conventions and protocols, national parks and sanctuaries, agriculture and sustainable development and environment current affairs will be covered.

    Science & Technology

    This year’s prelims paper questioned on the basic concepts of science. Keeping this in mind, Santhosh Gupta sir will conduct 2 sessions on One basic concepts and current affairs of science and technology.

    Other Value Additions

    1. Decimate Prelims-2022 Content: 2 years of current affairs notes for all topics + Videos

    2. Civilsdaily Current Affairs Magazines for 1 year

    3. Civilsdaily compilations of Yojna, Kurukshetra, PRS and RS TV.

    4. Civilsdaily Budget And Economic Survey Summary.

    Pillar-3

    Santhosh Gupta sir’s mentorship programme will have these special features for aspirants.

    1. Monthly zoom session by Santosh Gupta for doubt clearance and continuous improvement.

    2. 1-1 mentor calls after tests.

    3. Habitat/Whatsapp support from mentors.

    4. Frequent sessions with toppers for support and guidance. 

    If you have any doubts regarding the program, please fill the form for a call back.

    fill the form for doubts regarding smash 2022 prelims

    Course Details

    The fees for complete Smash Prelims Program is 20,000+ GST

    Aspirants who don’t want the full program can opt for Smash Prelims-2022: Mini version. This will not have value added notes. Prelims tests + individual mentorship + monthly zoom sessions by Santosh Gupta sir will be available for this plan.

    BUY THIS COURSE – SMASH PRELIMS 2022

  • All India Judicial Service (AIJS): The centralised recruitment debate

    The central government is preparing to give a fresh push to the establishment of an All India Judicial Service (AIJS) on the lines of the central civil services.

    All India Judicial Service (AIJS)

    • The AIJS is a reform push to centralize the recruitment of judges.
    • It would work at the level of additional district judges and district judges for all states.
    • In the same way that the UPSC conducts a central recruitment process and assigns successful candidates to cadres, judges of the lower judiciary are proposed to be recruited centrally and assigned to states.
    • This idea has been debated in legal circles for decades, and remains contentious.

    How are district judges currently recruited?

    • Articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution of India deal with the appointment of district judges, and place it in the domain of the states.
    • The selection process is conducted by the State Public Service Commissions and the concerned High Court since High Courts exercise jurisdiction over the subordinate judiciary in the state.
    • Panels of High Court judges interview candidates after the exam and select them for an appointment.
    • All judges of the lower judiciary up to the level of district judge are selected through the Provincial Civil Services (Judicial) exam.

    Why has the AIJS been proposed?

    The idea was to ensure:

    • Efficient subordinate judiciary
    • Address structural issues such as varying pay and remuneration across states
    • Fill vacancies faster
    • Ensure standard training across states

    Beginning of the debate

    • The idea of a centralized judicial service was first proposed in the Law Commission 1958 ‘Report on Reforms on Judicial Administration’.
    • It was proposed again in the Law Commission Report of 1978, which discussed delays and arrears of cases in the lower courts.
    • In 2006, the Parliamentary Standing Committee backed the idea of a pan-Indian judicial service, and also prepared a draft Bill.

    What is the judiciary’s view on the AIJS?

    • 1992: the Supreme Court directed the Centre to set up an AIJS in All India Judges’ Assn. vs Union of India
    • 1993: In review of the judgment, the court left the Centre at liberty to take the initiative on the issue.
    • 2017: The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the issue of appointment of district judges, and mooted a “Central Selection Mechanism”.

    What is the opposition to the AIJS?

    • Blow to federalism: AJIS is seen as an affront to federalism and an encroachment on the powers of states granted by the Constitution.
    • Language of Business: Language and representation, for example, are key concerns highlighted by states. Judicial business is conducted in regional languages, whi ch could be affected by central recruitment.
    • Quotas: Also, reservations based on caste, and even for rural candidates or linguistic minorities in the state, could be diluted in a central test, it has been argued.
    • Separation of power: The opposition is also based on the constitutional concept of the separation of powers.
    • Not a complete remedy: Additionally, legal experts have argued that the creation of AIJS will not address the structural issues plaguing the lower judiciary.

    Why is the government seeking to revive the idea of AIJS?

    • The government has targeted the reform of the lower judiciary in its effort to improve India’s Ease of Doing Business ranking.
    • It will act as efficient dispute resolution is one of the key indices in determining the rank.
    • AIJS is a step in the direction of ensuring an efficient lower judiciary.

    Centre’s argument for AJIS

    • The government has cited IAS officers’ examples.
    • It has argued that if a central mechanism can work for administrative services — IAS officers learn the language required for their cadre — it can work for judicial services too.

     

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Centre cuts Excise Duty on Petrol and Diesel

    The Government has finally reduced fuel prices by slashing excise duties on petrol and diesel by ₹5 and ₹10 per litre respectively.

    What is Excise Duty?

    • Excise duty is a form of tax imposed on goods for their production, licensing and sale.
    • It is the opposite of Customs duty in sense that it applies to goods manufactured domestically in the country, while Customs is levied on those coming from outside of the country.
    • At the central level, excise duty earlier used to be levied as Central Excise Duty, Additional Excise Duty, etc.
    • Excise duty was levied on manufactured goods and levied at the time of removal of goods, while GST is levied on the supply of goods and services.

    Purview of excise duty

    • The GST introduction in July 2017 subsumed many types of excise duty.
    • Today, excise duty applies only on petroleum and liquor.
    • Alcohol does not come under the purview of GST as exclusion mandated by constitutional provision.
    • States levy taxes on alcohol according to the same practice as was prevalent before the rollout of GST.
    • After GST was introduced, excise duty was replaced by central GST because excise was levied by the central government.
    • The revenue generated from CGST goes to the central government.

    Types of excise duty in India

    Before GST, there were three kinds of excise duties in India.

    (1) Basic Excise Duty

    • Basic excise duty is also known as the Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT).
    • This category of excise duty was levied on goods that were classified under the first schedule of the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985.
    • This duty applied on all goods except salt.

    (2) Additional Excise Duty

    • Additional excise duty was levied on goods of high importance, under the Additional Excise under Additional Duties of Excise (Goods of Special Importance) Act, 1957.
    • This duty was levied on some special category of goods.

    (3) Special Excise Duty

    • This type of excise duty was levied on special goods classified under the Second Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985.
    • Presently the central excise duty comprises of a Basic Excise Duty, Special Additional Excise Duty and Additional Excise Duty (Road and Infrastructure Cess) on auto fuels.

    Present taxation of Fuels

    • Currently, taxes on petroleum products are levied by both the Centre and the states.
    • While the Centre levies excise duty, states levy value-added tax (VAT).
    • For instance, VAT on petroleum products is as high as 40% in Maharashtra, contributing over ₹25,000 crores annually.
    • By being able to levy VAT on these products, the state governments have control over their revenues.
    • When a national GST subsumed central taxes such as excise duty and state levies like VAT on July 1, 2017, five petroleum goods – petrol, diesel, ATF, natural gas and crude oil – were kept out of its purview.

     

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Global Methane Pledge

    The Global Methane Pledge was launched at the ongoing UN COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

    What is the Global Methane Pledge?

    • Global Methane Pledge is an agreement to reduce global methane emissions.
    • One of the central aims of this agreement is to cut down methane emissions by up to 30 per cent from 2020 levels by the year 2030.
    • The pledge was first announced in September by the United States and the European Union.
    • So far, over 90 countries have signed this pledge.

    Why methane?

    • According to the UN, 25 % of the warming that the world is experiencing today is because of methane.
    • Methane is the second-most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, after carbon dioxide.
    • According to IPCC, methane accounts for about half of the 1.0 degrees Celsius net rise in global average temperature since the pre-industrial era.

    About Methane

    • Methane is a greenhouse gas, which is also a component of natural gas.
    • There are various sources of methane including human and natural sources.
    • The anthropogenic sources are responsible for 60 per cent of global methane emissions.
    • It includes landfills, oil and natural gas systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial processes.
    • The oil and gas sectors are among the largest contributors to human sources of methane.
    • These emissions come primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, decomposition in landfills and the agriculture sector.

    What is Coal-based Methane?

    • CBM, like shale gas, is extracted from unconventional gas reservoirs — where gas is extracted directly from the rock that is the source of the gas (shale in case of shale gas and coal in case of CBM).
    • The methane is held underground within the coal and is extracted by drilling into the coal seam and removing the groundwater.
    • The resulting drop in pressure causes the methane to be released from the coal.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q. With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coalbed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following ‘statements:

    1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fi ne-grained sedimentary rocks.
    2. In India abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

    Post your answers here.

    Why is dealing with methane important for climate change?

    • Methane has a much shorter atmospheric lifetime (12 years as compared to centuries for CO2).
    • However, it is a much more potent greenhouse gas simply because it absorbs more energy while it is in the atmosphere.
    • The UN notes that methane is a powerful pollutant and has a global warming potential that is 80 times greater than carbon dioxide, about 20 years after it has been released into the atmosphere.

    Back2Basics: CO2 Equivalents

    • Each greenhouse gas (GHG) has a different global warming potential (GWP) and persists for a different length of time in the atmosphere.
    • The three main greenhouse gases (along with water vapour) and their 100-year global warming potential (GWP) compared to carbon dioxide are:

    1 x – carbon dioxide (CO2)

    25 x – methane (CH4) – I.e. Releasing 1 kg of CH4into the atmosphere is about equivalent to releasing 25 kg of CO2

    298 x – nitrous oxide (N2O)

    • Water vapour is not considered to be a cause of man-made global warming because it does not persist in the atmosphere for more than a few days.
    • There are other greenhouse gases which have far greater global warming potential (GWP) but are much less prevalent. These are sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
    • There are a wide variety of uses for SF6, HFCs, and PFCs but they have been most commonly used as refrigerants and for fire suppression.
    • Many of these compounds also have a depleting effect on ozone in the upper atmosphere.

     

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Gujarat grants Parole to Prisoners as Diwali gift

    The Gujarat government has decided to grant 15-day parole to prisoners above 60 years of age and women prisoners, except those booked in serious offences, as a ‘Diwali gift’.

    What is Parole?

    • Furlough and parole envisage a short-term release from custody, both aimed as reformative steps towards prisoners.
    • Parole is granted to meet a “specific exigency” and cannot be claimed as a matter of right.
    • Both provisions are subject to the circumstances of the prisoner, such as jail behaviour, the gravity of offences, sentence period and public interest.

    How is it different from Furlough?

    • Furlough may be granted without any specific reason after a convict spends a stipulated number of years.
    • It is a matter of right although cannot be claimed as an ‘absolute legal right’.

    Is ‘parole as Diwali gift’ an extraordinary move?

    • The state governments often take a compassionate view on applications for parole during festivals of Diwali, Rakshabandhan, etc.
    • The legislature/politicians do not have direct powers to grant parole on suo-motu cognizance.
    • The announcement only indicates that prisoners will have to make applications to the authorities concerned, which in turn will be considered with leniency and expeditiously.
    • The applications will, however, be subject to scrutiny and the prisoners’ conduct and gravity of their offence.

    Who can opt for parole and how?

    • The provision of parole is available to convicts found guilty by a court and such a prisoner.
    • The prisoner’s relative/legal aid may submit an application to the prison superintendent.
    • He/she in turn forwards the application to the ‘competent authority’, often under the jurisdiction of district magistrate concerned and comprising prison and police authorities, to sanction release.
    • After due verification of reasons and prisoner’s conduct by the competent authority, an order for grant of release on parole will be issued.
    • In case of rejection of the said application, a convict may approach the High Court.

    Duration of Parole

    • The Prison rules state that parole period may be granted for not more than 30 days.
    • The competent authority may exercise its discretion in case of serious illnesses or death of “nearest relative such as mother, father, sister, brother, children, spouse of the prisoner, or in case of natural calamity.”
    • Parole or extension of parole cannot be granted without a report of the police
    • Apart from the remedy to approach a high court for parole in case of a rejected application, a prison can also approach the high court directly in case of an extraordinary emergency.

     

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2021:

    Q. With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. When a prisoner makes a sufficient case, parole cannot be out denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right.
    2. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

    Post your answers here.

     

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • 5th November 2021| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

    GS-1    Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

    GS-2   Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity.

    GS-3    Agriculture and related issues

    GS-4    Human Values – Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.

    Questions:

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1 The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (10 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q. 2 What are the challenges facing criminal justice system in India? Suggest the measures to deal with these challenges. (10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3 What are the challenges in arriving at definition of farmer in India? What are the implications of this? (10 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4 Identify the various factors which shape the political attitude of a person. (10 Marks)

     

    HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

    1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

    2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

    3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

    4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

    5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

    6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  October is uploaded on 11th October then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

    7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th October is uploaded on 13th October, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

    8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

    *In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

    For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

    CLICK HERE To join Daily AWE

  • Q.4 Identify the various factors which shape the political attitude of a person. (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Introduce by explaining what you understand by political attitude.
    • State the factors which shape the political attitude of a person such as family, peer group, educational institutions, social structure etc
    • Conclude accordingly.

  • Q.3 What are the challenges in arriving at definition of farmer in India? What are the implications of this? (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s comment-
    • https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/farmers-protest-india-farm-laws-7607697/lite/
    • In the intro mention the issue of various definitions of farmers in India.
    • In the body mention various number of farmers in India arrived at by different methodologies in India. In the challenges mention selecting specific criteria and issues with it. In the next part mention policy implications such as inefficiency, difficulty in framing targeted measures etc.
    • Conclude by mentioning the need to address the issue by defining farmer and arriving at specific number.

  • Q. 2 What are the challenges facing criminal justice system in India? Suggest the measures to deal with these challenges. (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s comment-

  • Q.1 The Quit India movement marked a new direction in the struggle against the British colonial rule in India. Analyse. (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Give a brief introduction about the Quit India movement.
    • Discuss how the Quit India marked a new direction in the Indian freedom struggle.
    • Conclude the answer.
  • 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers|| Register Now, Limited Seats Available

    20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers|| Register Now, Limited Seats Available

    book your seat here for free webinar by sajal sir

    Now that UPSC CSE prelims results are out, you would have started answer writing practice for mains. Keep in mind that answering for mains is not like answering your university papers. Over here, examiners expect pointers, examples, flowcharts, mind maps, diagrams than long paragraphs. Given the time and word limit, it’s better not to beat around the bush while answering.

    Open to All, Free Webinar on 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing

    Sajal sir will share his experiences of scoring 120+ in all the UPSC 2017 GS papers through a webinar. This webinar about the new age formula to ace UPSC Mains is absolutely free for all to attend.

    For a better understanding on the format of the webinar, here’s Sajal sir’s explanation on how to approach a sample question.

    It is commented that Electoral bonds instead of cleansing India’s electoral system distort India’s democracy. Do you agree? Critically analyse.

    Sajal Sir Suggests: Understand the key demand of the question. Don’t get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. Question is not about electoral bonds only. Many aspirants write everything they know about electoral bonds. You need to first mention how it will cleanse India’s electoral system. After that, link it with democracy. How it violates key features of democracy like transparency, accountability and level playing field. Writing only Pros and Cons will not fetch you marks. 

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    Why you should Attend Sajal Sir’s Webinar?

    Do you know that toppers use certain techniques of answer-writing to score higher marks? Are you aware of the PESTLE approach or the 7-5-3 technique of answer writing? If not, then its time you attended this webinar

    Sajal sir in the past 7 years has mentored over 400 students who went onto become UPSC toppers. Apart from this, his course SMASH Mains 2020 had a turnover of 80% interview recommended candidates.

    This is how the UPSC Toppers scored in test series before Sajal sir’s intervention —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta(AIR-42)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay-(AIR-65)- Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    They had tried everything but were not able to score high in the exams. From their approach to answering to the body of answers, they faced problems. They faced problems with things like putting proper headings, how to frame dimensions, introductions, conclusions, etc. They never even got the right feedback which could have helped them!

    And this is how they improved after learning the best answer writing practices from him —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta (AIR-42)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay (AIR -65) – Answers After Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    If you wish to learn and unlearn certain reading and writing habits, attending this webinar is the first step in the right direction.

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    What will you learn in this webinar?

    Fundamental mistakes in answer writing that can be avoided?

    How to understand the meaning behind a complex indirect question?

    How to use the PESTLE approach to answer certain type of questions?

    How to extract information read into Pros and Cons?

    How to finish an answer in seven minutes?

    How to think and write an answer simultaneously?

    How to write an innovative answer which can get you an extra 1 mark?

    Few thumb rules of answer writing with examples.

    Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.

    Why UPSC toppers are convinced about Sajal Sir’s Mentorship?

    Read other answers over here.

    Webinar Details

    Anyone who is going to attend UPSC mains now or 2022 UPSC Aspirants, will gain valuable insights from this webinar. Register now for an invite. And, keep the date saved in your calendars!

    Date: 7 November 2021

    Time: 3 P.M

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

  • [Sansad TV] Need for Climate Equity

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

    PM Narendra Modi addressed the COP26 World Leaders’ Summit in Glasgow where he made a critical pitch for climate action and stood for the nations of the developing world.

    India has been pushing for Climate Equity in terms of actions that need to be taken by the developed countries to achieve climate and energy goals.

    In this regard, India has launched an online tool called the Climate Equity Monitor (CEM).

    What is Climate Equity?

    • A small group of industrialised countries had burnt fossil fuels for 100 years and built-up enormous wealth.
    • This club had to decide what to do to cut emissions, and it claimed all countries were equally responsible for the problem.
    • Influential American think tanks broke the news that India, China and other developing countries were equally responsible for greenhouse gases.
    • Many nations including India rebutted this and brought in the issue of equitable access to the global commons.

    About Climate Equity Monitor (CEM)

    • CEM aims to assess equity in climate action, inequalities in emissions besides energy and resource consumption across the world.
    • It tracks the performance of “Annex-I Parties” comprising developed countries under the UNFCCC based on the principles i.e. equity and the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).  
    • The performance and policies of the “Non-Annex-I Parties” which comprise developing countries will be also provided for comparison.

    How did the idea of Climate Equity pace up?

    • China, which in 1990, with over a quarter of the world’s population, was responsible for only 10 per cent of annual emissions, contributed 27 per cent by 2010.
    • So, the fight over atmospheric space is now real.
    • While the rich countries have not reduced emissions, the new growth countries have started emitting more and more.
    • Similar is the case with coal and extractive economies like India. The world has run out of atmospheric space and certainly of time.

    Significance of CEM

    [1] Comparing actions vs commitments

    • The aim of launching the tracker seems to be to provide a comparison between the words and actions of developed countries vis a vis developing countries in many contentious areas.
    • And hence take the climate fight to the developed world.

    [2] Unbiased analysis of climate actions

    • Most climate impact “tracking” websites are based in developed countries and are not seen to address the concerns of developing countries like climate equity and differentiation.  
    • It helps build awareness, especially among the public of the global South, that climate action is a global collective action problem.

    [3] Holds developed countries accountable

    • It intends to debunk the narrative provided by many developed countries, and global non-government organizations that focus attention continually on what developing countries must do.
    • The CEM clearly illustrates the scale of developed country overuse and provides estimates of the carbon debt and credit of different countries in a clear and straightforward manner.

    [4] For distributive justice

    • The developing countries are behaving too mean to give money or technology to poor nations for transition to low-carbon growth.
    • Even climate change negotiators do not really believe this form of climate-socialism can happen.

    [5] Nearing net-zero target

    • The narrative on net-zero and the aggressive push for all countries to declare target years for it ignore the scientific understanding of the problem of global warming.
    • It is not the year of net-zero that is the determining factor for global temperature rise, but the cumulative emissions till the world reaches net-zero emissions.

    [6] Accounting historicity and positionality

    • Unfortunately, many other websites that track climate efforts emerge from the Global North and completely side-line the issue of historical responsibility.
    • They provide no historical context to the pledges made for the future and many of them greenwash the repeatedly delayed action of developed countries that is responsible for the climate crisis we face today.

    [7] Exposing the Greenwashing by developed countries

    • Developed nations also fall short on representing the science accurately.
    • For example, the ‘effort’ of the US on climate change is often termed “adequate” despite its high historical and per capita emissions.
    • It has a record of repeated withdrawal from climate agreements, and continued dependence on fossil fuels.

    Way forward

    • Climate change is a global collective action problem and cannot be solved merely by self-sacrifice. India is a part of the solution to climate change, but it is not the sole answer.
    • A very incorrect idea is often floated —that those who are likely to feel the impact of climate change the most are obliged to do more by way of cutting emissions.
    • CEM analysis and website are geared to debunking this false narrative.
    • Countries that have historically caused the maximum impact through emissions must proportionately carry the responsibility to ensure a rapid decrease in emissions. 
    • Merely proportionately dividing future responsibility of emissions is not equitable because it ignores the highly unequal history.
    • We should not forget the simple fact that developed countries have contributed to a vast majority of emissions for most of history, which triggered global warming.

    Conclusion

    • In India, too often we have been looking purely inward as if the entire responsibility to address the issue of climate change was ours.
    • With the CEM, India aims to represent a perspective on climate equity from the developing world.
    • India, therefore, is right in using, and placing upon the table for conversation, the topic of justice and positionality.
    • There can be no real climate equity without considering the point of climate justice, which may have been delayed but must not be denied.
  • 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers|| Register Now, Limited Seats Available

    20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers|| Register Now, Limited Seats Available

    book your seat here for free webinar by sajal sir

    Now that UPSC CSE prelims results are out, you would have started answer writing practice for mains. Keep in mind that answering for mains is not like answering your university papers. Over here, examiners expect pointers, examples, flowcharts, mind maps, diagrams than long paragraphs. Given the time and word limit, it’s better not to beat around the bush while answering.

    Open to All, Free Webinar on 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing

    Sajal sir will share his experiences of scoring 120+ in all the UPSC 2017 GS papers through a webinar. This webinar about the new age formula to ace UPSC Mains is absolutely free for all to attend.

    For a better understanding on the format of the webinar, here’s Sajal sir’s explanation on how to approach a sample question.

    It is commented that Electoral bonds instead of cleansing India’s electoral system distort India’s democracy. Do you agree? Critically analyse.

    Sajal Sir Suggests: Understand the key demand of the question. Don’t get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. Question is not about electoral bonds only. Many aspirants write everything they know about electoral bonds. You need to first mention how it will cleanse India’s electoral system. After that, link it with democracy. How it violates key features of democracy like transparency, accountability and level playing field. Writing only Pros and Cons will not fetch you marks. 

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    Why you should Attend Sajal Sir’s Webinar?

    Do you know that toppers use certain techniques of answer-writing to score higher marks? Are you aware of the PESTLE approach or the 7-5-3 technique of answer writing? If not, then its time you attended this webinar

    Sajal sir in the past 7 years has mentored over 400 students who went onto become UPSC toppers. Apart from this, his course SMASH Mains 2020 had a turnover of 80% interview recommended candidates.

    This is how the UPSC Toppers scored in test series before Sajal sir’s intervention —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta(AIR-42)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay-(AIR-65)- Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    They had tried everything but were not able to score high in the exams. From their approach to answering to the body of answers, they faced problems. They faced problems with things like putting proper headings, how to frame dimensions, introductions, conclusions, etc. They never even got the right feedback which could have helped them!

    And this is how they improved after learning the best answer writing practices from him —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta (AIR-42)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay (AIR -65) – Answers After Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    If you wish to learn and unlearn certain reading and writing habits, attending this webinar is the first step in the right direction.

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    What will you learn in this webinar?

    Fundamental mistakes in answer writing that can be avoided?

    How to understand the meaning behind a complex indirect question?

    How to use the PESTLE approach to answer certain type of questions?

    How to extract information read into Pros and Cons?

    How to finish an answer in seven minutes?

    How to think and write an answer simultaneously?

    How to write an innovative answer which can get you an extra 1 mark?

    Few thumb rules of answer writing with examples.

    Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.

    Why UPSC toppers are convinced about Sajal Sir’s Mentorship?

    Read other answers over here.

    Webinar Details

    Anyone who is going to attend UPSC mains now or 2022 UPSC Aspirants, will gain valuable insights from this webinar. Register now for an invite. And, keep the date saved in your calendars!

    Date: 7 November 2021

    Time: 3 P.M

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

  • 4th November 2021| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

    GS-1    Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

    GS-2   Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.

    GS-3    Government Budgeting.

    GS-4    Case Studies

    Questions:

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1 The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (15 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2 Discuss the need to strengthen the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to tackle the problems faced by the Scheduled Castes in India. (10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3 Taxation is not just a vehicle for raising state revenue but is also a critical instrument for economic and political development. Discuss. (10 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4 You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (20 Marks)

     

    HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

    1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

    2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

    3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

    4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

    5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

    6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  October is uploaded on 11th October then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

    7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th October is uploaded on 13th October, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

    8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

    *In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

    For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

    CLICK HERE To join Daily AWE

  • Q.4 You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments. (20 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Bring out the ethical and legal-administrative issues involved in the case study from the stakeholder’s perspective.
    • Discuss the various options along with their merits and demerits.
    • Suggest your courses of action to deal with the situation along with their justifications and conclude accordingly.

  • Q.3 Taxation is not just a vehicle for raising state revenue but is also a critical instrument for economic and political development. Discuss. (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Introduction- Write about the meaning of taxation and who is the authority for taxation.
    • Body – the main role of taxation, i.e. generating state revenue. discuss on how taxation is important for economic and political development.
    • Conclude the answer with importance of taxation for an overall growth of a state.

  • Q.2 Discuss the need to strengthen the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to tackle the problems faced by the Scheduled Castes in India. (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Start with a brief introduction on the working of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in India.
    • Connect the shortcomings of NCSC to the need of strengthening NCSC.
    • Conclude by suggesting changes that are required in the structure and functioning of NCSC.

  • Q.1 The reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and the liberal policies of his successor Lord Rippon acted as catalyst in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Discuss. (15 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Briefly state the nationalist political sentiment before the formation of Indian National Congress.
    • Discuss the reactionary policies of Lord Lytton and its effects on Indians.
    • Discuss the liberal policies of Lord Rippon and its effects on Indians.
    • Conclude on the basis of above points.
  • 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers|| Register Now, Limited Seats Available

    20 Best Practices of Answer Writing for Mains|| Free Webinar By Sajal Sir|| 2017 GS Topper and mentor of 400 UPSC Toppers|| Register Now, Limited Seats Available

    book your seat here for free webinar by sajal sir

    Now that UPSC CSE prelims results are out, you would have started answer writing practice for mains. Keep in mind that answering for mains is not like answering your university papers. Over here, examiners expect pointers, examples, flowcharts, mind maps, diagrams than long paragraphs. Given the time and word limit, it’s better not to beat around the bush while answering.

    Open to All, Free Webinar on 20 Best Practices of Answer Writing

    Sajal sir will share his experiences of scoring 120+ in all the UPSC 2017 GS papers through a webinar. This webinar about the new age formula to ace UPSC Mains is absolutely free for all to attend.

    For a better understanding on the format of the webinar, here’s Sajal sir’s explanation on how to approach a sample question.

    It is commented that Electoral bonds instead of cleansing India’s electoral system distort India’s democracy. Do you agree? Critically analyse.

    Sajal Sir Suggests: Understand the key demand of the question. Don’t get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. Question is not about electoral bonds only. Many aspirants write everything they know about electoral bonds. You need to first mention how it will cleanse India’s electoral system. After that, link it with democracy. How it violates key features of democracy like transparency, accountability and level playing field. Writing only Pros and Cons will not fetch you marks. 

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    Why you should Attend Sajal Sir’s Webinar?

    Do you know that toppers use certain techniques of answer-writing to score higher marks? Are you aware of the PESTLE approach or the 7-5-3 technique of answer writing? If not, then its time you attended this webinar

    Sajal sir in the past 7 years has mentored over 400 students who went onto become UPSC toppers. Apart from this, his course SMASH Mains 2020 had a turnover of 80% interview recommended candidates.

    This is how the UPSC Toppers scored in test series before Sajal sir’s intervention —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta(AIR-42)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay-(AIR-65)- Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    They had tried everything but were not able to score high in the exams. From their approach to answering to the body of answers, they faced problems. They faced problems with things like putting proper headings, how to frame dimensions, introductions, conclusions, etc. They never even got the right feedback which could have helped them!

    And this is how they improved after learning the best answer writing practices from him —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta (AIR-42)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay (AIR -65) – Answers After Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    If you wish to learn and unlearn certain reading and writing habits, attending this webinar is the first step in the right direction.

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

    What will you learn in this webinar?

    Fundamental mistakes in answer writing that can be avoided?

    How to understand the meaning behind a complex indirect question?

    How to use the PESTLE approach to answer certain type of questions?

    How to extract information read into Pros and Cons?

    How to finish an answer in seven minutes?

    How to think and write an answer simultaneously?

    How to write an innovative answer which can get you an extra 1 mark?

    Few thumb rules of answer writing with examples.

    Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.

    Why UPSC toppers are convinced about Sajal Sir’s Mentorship?

    Read other answers over here.

    Webinar Details

    Anyone who is going to attend UPSC mains now or 2022 UPSC Aspirants, will gain valuable insights from this webinar. Register now for an invite. And, keep the date saved in your calendars!

    Date: 7 November 2021

    Time: 3 P.M

    BOOK YOUR SEAT HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR BY SAJAL SIR

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