Civil service exam preapration

Dont's

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Do not be afraid: ""The paper is same for everyone. Trust your preparation and give your best. Any anxiety before or during the exam will hurt your performance. Close your eyes, shut out everything and take deep breathes for a minute to find calmness. Even if at first look, the paper looks tough and you feel you know nothing, do not get scared. Keep calm and go through the paper question by question and you will find ample number of questions that you can answer. ""

⭐️⭐️Do not think you are unprepared or under-prepared: Your preparation is an objective reality and cannot change on the day of the exam. Once you decide to give the paper, do not let thoughts of your preparation enter your mind. Focus only on what you know and make a smart attempt of the paper.

Do not lose momentum going into the exam: You need to be concentrating and studying as much time as you can in the days leading up to the exam. The mental state leading up to the exam is very important.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Do not leave OMR sheet filling to the end: Students often ignore the fact that filling OMR sheet not only takes time but is the most important part of the prelims. If you do not want to go to the OMR sheet after every question, make sure you fill it up after every 45-50 minutes at least. This will not only make sure you do not lose out for not filling OMR sheet but also help you plan your paper better towards the end. Also, while filling OMR sheet, make sure to read out the number of question in your mind; serial filling without looking at question numbers could lead to a big tragedy.

Do not make mistakes in attendance sheet: You will need to fill an attendance sheet during the exam where you also will have to fill out circles. Be very careful and it only takes 1-2 minutes. Although, the exam centers help you if you make a mistake, it will not only lose you time but also create additional anxiety. It is quite a common scene to see students making mistakes in exam sheets. So, be very careful.

⭐️⭐️Do not leave any question before looking at the options: Make sure to read at least once all questions and options. There will always be 2-3 questions which you can answer just by reading the questions and options carefully. Even with minimal information, you will be able to eliminate 2-3 options.

Do not over-attempt: Do not ever think you will have to attempt a predetermined number of questions. You will be able to make a mental assessment on how difficult the paper is after having attempted the paper. If the paper looks very tough and your preparation has been good, then attempting around 70 questions (in paper-I) well might also be enough. So, again, there is no fixed number but do not feel compelled to attempt like 90-100 questions just because some toppers did so.

few golden words for upsc preparation

1-Inner motivation and Inner desire to succeed is must otherwise it becomes difficult to pursue the preparation.
2-One should be pro active and take chances i.e. be flexible and dynamic in your strategy. I feel any action is better than no action.
3-One should not be shy of using any aid like online coaching, test series etc to achieve the aim of qualifying CSE.
4-One should devise one’s own strategy as per one’s own strength and weaknesses.
5- Constant introspection is must for one to be aligned with UPSC.
6-Surround yourself with people who believe in you and support you at all times.
7- Rumi rightly said - “Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames”.

all the best

THE HINDU Editorial NEWS ANALYSIS

1. How dams can control floods

Issue:

Across the world, the role of dams in flood control has been ignored.

Context:

In the aftermath of any Kerala tragedy, people are struggling to comprehend what happened and how to cope. A number of experts and politicians have stated various possible reasons for the tragedy.

Some have cited ill-thought-out development plans that have affected the sustainability of the Western Ghats, arguing that without thoughtful conservation, this was a tragedy waiting to happen.
Some have said that the rainfall was unprecedented.
Some others have said that Kochi airport was bound to flood given that it has been built on fields and wetlands adjacent to the Periyar river which swelled to dangerous levels during the floods.
Some have blamed dams, which were all opened when they were nearly full, causing heavy floods downstream and greatly affecting the lives of the people there.
While criticism and suggestions are natural after a tragedy of this magnitude, we should learn lessons from the experience. The question is, how do we avoid or minimize destruction after such an event?

The purpose of dams

The world over, dams are constructed mainly for the purposes of irrigation, power generation, and flood control.
While the first two roles are acknowledged, the role of dams in flood control has always been underestimated.
It is unfortunate that in both irrigation and hydel projects, flood control is completely ignored.
Authorities always look to store the maximum amount of water in reservoirs during the monsoon season, which is then used for irrigation and generation of electricity during the summer months.
It is an internationally accepted practice that the water level of a reservoir should be kept below a certain level before the onset of the monsoon season. This is so that when the monsoon rains come, there is space to store the excess rainwater and also so that water can be released in a regulated manner, thus preventing floods downstream when there is heavy inflow to the dams.
For instance, in May, Thailand wisely brought down the water level in the dams in the country to below 60% of the storing capacity before the rainy season.

Space in reservoirs:

In view of all these problems and to ensure that the flood control purpose of dams is met, it is important that at least 30% of the storage capacity of dams be kept free before the monsoon.
While simultaneously allowing discharge of water, it is possible to increase storage slowly as the monsoon progresses.
If the monsoons fail and dams fall short of water and there is a shortfall in electricity generation, this is not a loss compared to the possible loss of lives in the event of a flood of this magnitude.

Kerala’s situation:

In Kerala too, the dams were not managed well.
While earlier too there was no practice of keeping space for greater storage of water, rainfall has never been as torrential as it was this year. Hence, there were no floods.
It is difficult to predict what will happen during the ensuing northeast monsoon in Kerala in case of heavy inflow.
Whatever is the extra quantity of electricity produced an area of land irrigated because of the risky storage of water the dams, that cannot compensate for the loss of human lives, infrastructure, and agricultural land.
The estimated loss to the State runs into thousands of crores. It will take years to rebuild Kerala.
Kerala receives rainfall mainly during the southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon.
These rains are controlled by winds that carry clouds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Atmospheric depression that controls wind movement cannot be predicted months in advance.
The meteorological department can predict rains or cyclones only a few days in advance. Therefore, keeping space in reservoirs before the monsoon begins must be done whether or not there are heavy rains, as no State can afford to take risks in the manner that Kerala did.

Ensuring thoughtful policies:

It is time for the government and the public to formulate water management policies for reservoirs in such a manner that dams are used to control floods, not cause them.
There should be space for greater storage of water in reservoirs before the onset of monsoon.
There is over-dependence on hydel projects to produce electricity. It is time to think of non-conventional sources for electricity generation such as solar, wind and tidal power.
The practice of solar power generation in Kochi airport can be copied in similar large-scale projects by other government agencies.
The public too should be encouraged to adopt the practice of solar power generation. This will greatly reduce our dependence on dams for power generation.
The State Dam Security Authority, if competent, should be entrusted with the task of water management in reservoirs and with taking decisions in emergency situations.
The State government, the State Dam Security Authority, and the National Water Commission should all be prepared to take bold decisions together on water management so that there are no such devastating floods in the future.

2. Restoring dignity

Issue:

Though it has been a while that complete cure for Leprosy is discovered, the social stigma attached to it still remains.

Leprosy:

Leprosy is a long-term infection by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis.
Initially, infections are without symptoms and typically remain this way for 5 to 20 years.
Symptoms that develop include granulomas of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes.
This may result in a lack of ability to feel pain, which can lead to the loss of parts of extremities due to repeated injuries or infection due to unnoticed wounds. Weakness and poor eyesight may also be present.

Details:

Leprosy is one of the World’s oldest diseases with India accounting for 60% of the annual new cases.
In 2005, it was officially declared eliminated as a public health concern in India. This was when the new cases fell to less than 1 per 10,000. Yet India accounts for the largest number of leprosy-affected people in the world.

Current Situation:

Problems like lack of awareness, social stigma, myths and socio-cultural problems in the society.
The colonial laws that predate leprosy eradication programmes and medical advancements remain on the statute book.
These were unconscionably discriminatory from the beginning, but even in independent India, where the law has been an instrument for social change, the process of removing them has been bafflingly slow.
The Lepers Act of 1898 was repealed two years ago.
The time has come to end the stigma and discrimination against the leprosy-affected.

What actions have been taken so far?

Two recent developments hold out hope.

The introduction of a Bill in Parliament to remove leprosy as a ground for seeking divorce or legal separation from one’s spouse.
The Supreme Court asking the Centre whether it would bring in a positive law conferring rights and benefits on persons with leprosy and deeming as repealed all Acts and rules that perpetuated the stigma associated with it.

The Supreme Court has been hearing a writ petition by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy seeking to uphold the fundamental rights of people with leprosy and the repeal of discriminatory laws against them.
The court is seeking to find legal means to ensure a life of dignity for them.
The 256th Report of the Law Commission
The report came up with a number of suggestions, including the repeal of discriminatory legal provisions.
It listed for abolition personal laws and Acts on beggary.
The report cited the UN General Assembly resolution of 2010 on the elimination of discrimination against persons with leprosy.
The resolution sought the abolition of laws, rules, regulations, customs, and practices that amounted to discrimination, and wanted countries to promote the understanding that leprosy is not easily communicable and is curable.

Way forward:

It is time for concerted action to end the firmly established discrimination in law and society against those afflicted by it.
The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018, is only a small step. An affirmative action law that recognizes the rights of those affected and promotes their social inclusion will serve a larger purpose.
The culture of exclusion that most of them face has to be ended.
Misconceptions about the disease need to be removed and the belief that physical segregation of patients is necessary has to be dispelled.

The campaign to end discrimination against those afflicted, and combating the stigma associated with it, is decades old. While governments may have to handle the legislative part, society has an even larger role to play. It is possible to end discrimination by law, but stigma requires more than legal efforts to eliminate.

3. Ways to read the Constitution

Context:

The arguments with respect to the Sabarimala case in the Supreme Court case have triggered interesting thoughts on the Constitutional Interpretation. The argument that prohibition of entry of women into the temple in violation of Article 17 was resisted on the contention that the prohibition of untouchability was historically intended only to protect the interests of the backward classes. The claim is that the makers of the Constitution never envisioned including women within the ambit of untouchability.



Details:

‘Sabarimala’ is a test case for freedom of religion, women’s rights and also the constitutional interpretation
It raises issues about religious freedom, gender equality and the right of women to worship.
The petitioners have argued that discrimination based on biological reasons is not permissible going by the constitutional scheme. They maintain that due to the current exclusion, the right of women to worship the deity is violated.
It was also argued that the exclusion is a form of ‘untouchability’ – which is against Article 17 since the exclusion is solely based on notions of purity and impurity.
The Temple Board in support of the ban has cited it as an age-old custom. It forms a part of ‘essential religious practice’ of worshippers under Article 25 of the Constitution.
It was also urged that matters such as who can or cannot enter the temple are covered under the rights to administer and manage religious institutions, under Article 26.



A specific acknowledgment:

Certain observations about the abolition clause are important.

Article 17 is emphatic in its wording: “Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offense punishable in accordance with law.”
It is peculiar since it abolishes a social practice in any form. All the other provisions in the same chapter lay down substantive fundamental rights.
In spite of the specific equality and anti-discrimination guarantees in the Constitution, Article 17 is inserted to specifically acknowledge and remove the social stigma associated with certain castes. It was enacted in an attempt to eradicate historical inequality.
I. Muniswamy Pillai said in the Constituent Assembly that “the great thing that this Constitution brings to notice, not only to this country but to the whole world is the abolition of untouchability.”

Two approaches:

The two arguments reflect the two approaches to reading the Constitution.

The original intent approach: Based on the intent of the framers of the Constitution when they drafted the text.

For example, an originalist will adopt a certain understanding of a constitutional right — say, the right to same-s*x relationships under the right to liberty promised under Article 21 only if she is convinced that the drafters intended that. She may argue that the framers never thought of such a situation and, therefore, a same-s*x couple cannot have a constitutional right under Article 21. In fact, a similar argument has been made in the debates in India on homos*xuality. Article 15 urges the state from discriminating on grounds such as religion, caste, and s*x. By relying on the originalist approach, it was asserted that the makers of the Constitution meant the word ‘s*x’ under Article 15 only in the binary sense of ‘male and female’.

The Living Tree Doctrine: It involves understanding the Constitution to be an evolving and organic instrument. For the living tree theorists, it matters little what the intentions were at the time of Constitution making. What matters the most is how the Constitution can be interpreted to contain rights in their broadest realm.



Over time, originalism (original intent approach) as a method of constitutional interpretation has been subject to serious criticism for being too rigid and inflexible.
In B.C Motor Vehicle Reference (1985), the Canadian Supreme Court, while rejecting originalism, said that such a method would mean that “…the rights, freedoms and values embodied in the Charter in effect become frozen in time to the moment of adoption with little or no possibility of growth, development, and adjustment to changing societal needs.”
The Living Tree Doctrine is very prominent in Canadian jurisprudence. The moral reading of the Constitution, propounded by Ronald Dworkin, also complements the living tree approach.
Dworkin says in Freedom’s Law that “according to the moral reading, these clauses must be understood in the way their language most naturally suggests: they refer to abstract moral principles and incorporate these by reference, as limits on government’s power.”

Following the living tree approach:

The ‘living tree’ approach is an alternative and a finer reading of the Constitution supports a broader interpretation of Article 17.
It is opined that, even if the framers of the Constitution intended this provision to address a specific category of discrimination, the constitutional court must adopt an interpretation to include women under Article 17.
Women have been kept out of Sabarimala because of menstruation. As a distinct class, they are being discriminated against.
If certain castes are considered ‘impure’ because of their social status, menstruating women are considered to be so because of their gender.
The criteria are different but the effect of exclusion is common. It seems that such an interpretation does not do any violence to the language and content of Article 17, but only liberates it.
In Living Originalism in India: Our Law and Comparative Constitutional Law (2013), Sujit Choudhry argues that untouchability and the exclusion of the homos*xuals are comparable.
He says that “the treatment which homos*xuals experience today is similar in kind to that which ‘untouchables’ experienced and which prompted the adoption of Article 17, in that the treatment of homos*xuals likewise flows from their social status.” This is a case where discrimination is based solely on s*xual orientation.

Therefore, in essence, the Sabarimala case is a test case not only for freedom of religion and women’s rights but also for constitutional interpretation. It presents to the court an exemplary opportunity for an alternative reading of the Constitution. If the court indeed reads Article 17 to have a wider meaning, it will signal a new era of transformative constitutionalism in Indian jurisprudence.

Here are top 10 quotes from PM Modi's speech on 72nd Independence Day:

1. We are celebrating this Independence Day when every Indian anywhere in the world is proud that India is the sixth biggest economy in the world today. India used to be counted in the 'Fragile Five' in the world. But today, India is a multi-trillion dollar investment. Everything has changed.

2. The recently concluded Parliament session was one devoted to social justice. The Parliament session witnessed the passage of the Bill to create an Other Backward Class (OBC) Commission.

3. When 1.25 billion dreams go towards a goal, there's nothing that cannot happen. In 2014, the people of the country did not just stop at forming a government. They got together for nation-building and they will keep at it.

4. Businesses used to talk about red tape, now they talk about red carpet. They used to talk about policy paralysis, today they talk about reform, perform, transform.

5. By 2022, when India completes 75 years of independence, India will send a son or daughter to the space with the national flag in hand. With this, India will become the fourth nation to send a human to the space.

6. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan will be launched on September 25 this year, on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay. It is high time we ensure that the poor of the country get access to good quality and affordable healthcare.

7. Women officers commissioned in short service (SSC) will get opportunity for permanent commission like men.

8. The honest taxpayer of India has a major role in the progress of the nation. It is due to them that so many people are fed, the lives of the poor are transformed.

9. We have to free our society and country from this disgusting mentality of r**e. Recently in Madhya Pradesh a ra**st was hanged by fast track court. We should spread this news and make people aware. Rule of law is supreme and no one can take law in their hands.

10. Atal Bihari Vajpayee showed us the way for Jammu and Kashmir: Insaniyat, Jamhuriyat, Kashmiriyat. We want to go ahead on that road. Not by bullets and abuse, we want to embrace the patriotic people of Kashmir.

North Korea – US: In Depth

For better understanding of North Korea – US relationship let us slightly go back to 1950
Historical Background:
 The fear of communism led the US to
intervene in the affairs of Asian Countries.
In June 1950, war broke between North
Korea and South Korea.
 The United Nations, with the United States
as the principal force, came to the aid of
South Korea. China came to the aid of
North Korea, and the Soviet Union also
gave some assistance to the North.
 Within two months the North Korean
armies had swept across almost entire
South Korea.
 However, the US army, Navy and Air Force
intervened in the war massively and North
Korean Troops were pushed back.
 The US forces now carried out war inside
North Korea. At this time Chinese troops
moved in and the US troops were forced
back.
 There were negotiations for an armistice
(an agreement made by opposing sides in
a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a
truce.) in which India played an important
role.
 The armistice was signed in July 1953
which restored the position that existed
before the war.
The situation today
 Today US is a multi-trillion dollar economy
with a strong 1.3 million strong military of
whom 28,500 troops are deployed
in South Korea
 Chairman Kim, at 34 the third-generation
leader of a totalitarian state with an
impoverished economy estimated at less
than $40 billion and a military force of 1.2
million with a newly acquired nuclear
capability.
2017
 In September 2017, it conducted its sixth
nuclear test, declaring it a thermonuclear
device, a claim that has been disputed.
 Simultaneously, Chairman Kim accelerated
the missile programme conducting over
80 flight tests during the last seven years,
compared to 16 undertaken by his father
from 1994 to 2011.
 Last November, Hwasong 15 was tested
with a range estimated at 13,000 km,
making it clear that North Korea was close
to developing the capability to target the
U.S. mainland.
 The UN Security Council met repeatedly,
tightening economic sanctions on North
Korea.
 Russia and China appealed for restraint,
proposing a 􀇲freeze for freeze􀇳, calling on
the U.S. to stop military exercises with
South Korea in return for North Korea
halting its nuclear and missile testing.
Shift in Relations
 Mr. Kim􀇯s New Year􀇯s address indicated
that North Korea had achieved its nuclear
deterrent capability and offered a new
opening in relations with South Korea as it
prepared to host the Winter Olympics in
February.
 The two Korean teams marched together
at the opening ceremony.
 Mr. Kim indicated continued restraint on
testing and willingness to discuss
denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula
if military threats to North Korea
decreased and regime safety was
guaranteed.
Previous Attempts by US
 The first was the 1994 Agreed Framework
after North Korea threatened to withdraw
from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
(NPT).
 This was annulled by the Bush
administration in 􀍴􀍲􀍲􀍴 with the 􀇮axis of
evil􀇯 speech. Consequently, North Korea
withdrew from the NPT.
 The Six Party talks (second round) were
initiated in 2004, resulting in a joint
statement the following year reiterating
commitment to denuclearisation, with a
peace treaty and security guarantees to be
concluded.
 The process collapsed when the U.S.
imposed new sanctions, and in 2006 North
Korea conducted its first nuclear test.
Changed Situation
 North Korean capabilities have grown
dramatically, increasing anxiety especially
in South Korea and Japan and Chinese
worries about U.S. deployment of missile
defence in South Korea.
 North Korea seeks regime legitimacy and
regime security together with sanctions
relief while reducing its dependency on
China.
 China would like to prolong the process to
ensure its centrality. And South Korea
would like to lower tensions while
retaining the American presence.
Reconciling these needs time and
sustained dialogue.
Outcomes of the Singapore Summit
 The Joint Statement in Singapore is shy on
detail but carries political promise.
 US announced suspension of joint military
exercises with South Korea and indicated
that North Korea would dismantle a major
missile engine testing site.
 It reflects clear recognition that a new
beginning in U.S.-North Korea relations is
possible only by replacing the 1953
Armistice Agreement with a permanent
peace treaty and that regime security
guarantee for North Korea is a
prerequisite for denuclearisation.

So, Finally Wait is over.
You are going to face the challenge in few hours.

Are You Tensed? Worried? Confused? Confident? Cool?

Yes, Different feelings strike different aspirants due to their first attempt, do or die attempt and with last attempt. These feelings happen Every year with every aspirants of UPSC. You are not the only one. Just Chill.

Yes, Your mind surrounded with different feelings right now, Right?. What Ever may be the feelings, Go and Attempt the Exam with full of optimism. You are going to Attempt just 4 hours exam which can change your position and situation but not whole life. Yes, These 4 hours cannot decide your life. You are not born for only for that 4 hours of Exam. It's the process of Life, but not the final Destination. So, Feel it as just another opportunity to serve the nation.

If you crack the UPSC then you will come under the category of successful candidates of UPSC. And, You serve the nation. If you fail in this exam doesn't mean you failed in Life. You just failed in UPSC exam but not in LIFE.

So, What ever it may be the attempt and results. Whether its your first, last and do or die attempt. Just enjoy your tomorrow. If you crack the exam then serve the nation. If you don't crack the exam, then also, You will have lot of opportunities to serve the nation. Don't take it to the heart.

Be Cool
Be Brave
Be Practical
Be Confident
Be Optimistic

Chak De. ✌️🇮🇳

It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.....so in the final moments before the prelims, keep working with honesty and at the same time maintain the cool and be patient!All the best to all those who are appearing for prelims.