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Essay Paper UPSC 2021 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

Last updated on January 8, 2022 by Alex Andrews George

UPSC conducted the  Essay Paper , as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2021 on 07-01-2022.

There were 8 Essay topics, out of which candidates were asked to write on two topics in 3 hours.

Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000 words for each essay (about 10-12 pages).

Table of Contents

Essay Paper UPSC 2021 Instructions

• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than the authorized one.
• Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

Essay Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (Written) 2021

Write  two  essays, choosing  one  topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

1. The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

2. Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

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3. Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4. The real is rational and the rational is real.

5. Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

6. What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

7. History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

8. There are better practices to “best practices”.

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Most of the essays topics this year were philosophical and open to the interpretation of the candidates. However, considering the philosophical base of the questions, most candidates found the questions tricky. It was not easy to write 1000 words on each topic within the time constraints.

UPSC has ensured that the essay topics were much different from the GS questions.

A philosophical theme is clearly evident in most of the essay topics in Section A as well as Section B. This was the case in 2020 as well. However, this year it became much more prominent. It is a clue about what UPSC expects from the essay paper.

Rather than asking candidates to write on topics most aspirants are familiar or trained with, UPSC is now evaluating the essay writing skills of aspirants by providing them with abstract or philosophical topics.

The reason for such a shift in the pattern should be the change in the focus of the Commission.

All the 8 topics presented this year will test spontaneous thinking, comprehension, writing skills, and time-management of aspirants.

Repeated questions from previous years

The importance of the previous year UPSC questions cannot be stressed more.

Just like prelims, in mains too many questions came directly repeated from previous year question papers. Also, there were themes you often see in many essay books.

One such question was Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

Thinkers, Philosophers, and their Quotes

Let’s analyse the source of some of the question topics.

Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

This essay topic was a quote going rounds on the internet. The quote is attributed to “Coach Bobbi” [Bobbi Chegwyn] on Facebook.

Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

This essay topic was connected with J.K. Mehta’s Theory of Wantlessness!

This has also connections with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy.

The real is rational and the rational is real.

This is a quote by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel .

As per Hegel, something can be real, yet it may not exist. Also, something may not be real, it may still exist. For Hegel, reality does not mean existence.

Among philosophers, Hegel is one whose thought is extremely difficult to understand. Often to understand Hegel’s thoughts, we need to grasp his ideas, not in isolation but together with his dialogue with other philosophers, in particular, Aristotle and Kant.

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Is the Hand That Rules the World” is a poem by William Ross Wallace that praises motherhood as the preeminent force for change in the world. The poem was first published in 1865 under the title “ What Rules the World “.

What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

This is a quote by Will Harvey . Will Harvey (born 1967) is an American software developer and Silicon Valley entrepreneur.

History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

It was Karl Marx who said that history repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce.

First, it’s a tragedy because it shouldn’t have happened. Then it’s a farce (joke) because we didn’t learn from our mistakes the first time around. This is Marx’s version of dark humour.

What should aspirants preparing for next year do for an essay paper?

First of all, you should take the essay paper seriously.

Unless properly trained, it is not easy to write 10-12 pages on an abstract or philosophical topic.

You need to polish your comprehension and analytical skills.

Read different kinds of essays – particularly philosophical essays.

Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. Start writing essays on famous quotes.

Also, be prepared to write essays touching other areas like society, polity, economy, or technology. UPSC is known for surprises.

Remember that there is nothing like a constant trend with respect to UPSC questions.

What you get by analysing the previous year question papers are clues. And only those are what you need from UPSC questions!

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Reader Interactions

January 8, 2022 at 11:36 am

Upsc has chosen right path to evaluate person.one person read, listen ,rember and write in exam.He qualify exam.He is just like computer.worthy less people selected by upsc every year.They are not thinker.so our country is intellectually insolvent.civil services requires thinker to. progess country and welfare of common man.These types of question evaluate intellectual for the welfare of human being.

January 9, 2022 at 1:44 pm

You are putting the quality of a leader and a literate society in such a person who just has to follow his supremes.He/She must be a good analyst. That’s it!!!

June 13, 2022 at 12:41 pm

in the bureaucracy – there is no space for logical thinking.

once you clear the exams and get appointed – you have to follow the “protocol’ or “procedures” – its difficult to be analytical and innovative – bcos the system demands obedience and adherence to the protocol. If you follow the protocol – and even if lot of people are severely affected – you wont be taken to task. But if you are innovative – and even if ONE person gets affected – you will be punished.

January 8, 2022 at 4:02 pm

Yeah!I’ve passed upsc .

January 25, 2022 at 2:21 pm

I have written Essay on three topics..how may I share?

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[UPSC Mains 2021] ESSAY PAPER- UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM (CSE) 2021

• January 7, 2022

Important Updates , UPSC MAINS 2021 QUESTION PAPERS

1) The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

2)  Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

3) Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4)  The real is rational and the rational is real

1) Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world

2)  What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

3) History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

4)  There are better practices to ‘best practices’.

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• Essay Paper 2021 , UPSC Mains Essay paper 2021 , UPSC Mains-2021: ESSAY PAPER- UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM 2021

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UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER | LEGACY IAS

Home » UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER | LEGACY IAS

• January 7, 2022
• UPSC CSE MAINS 2021

UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER | UPSC Civil Services  IAS Mains 2021

UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER – SECTION A

1) The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

2)  Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

3) Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4)  The real is rational and the rational is real

UPSC CSE MAINS 2021 ESSAY QUESTION PAPER – SECTION B

1) Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world

2)  What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

3) History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

4)  There are better practices to ‘best practices’.

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UPSC CSE MAINS 2021: ESSAY PAPER FOR UPSC- IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS

The Essay Writing Paper for UPSC CSE 2021  is indicative of the fact that the exam is not merely about factual knowledge, but much beyond it. This year’s paper seems to analyze the box and critical thinking  of the aspirants.

Essay writing papers for Upsc Cse mains 2021 took especially those  aspirants by surprise  who went in with a preconceived notion of the traditional paper. This was where aspirants could use their usual ammunition where they were taught how to feed data points in different ways.

As a lot of our students aptly summed up  the analysis of the essay paper  in the comment sections of the  discussion video (link here)  there is only one word needed to describe the nature of this paper ‘philosophical’. However, the key thing required for writing on these topics was generic/real-life treatment and not core philosophical interpretations.

Table of Contents

Essay Writing Paper, UPSC CSE 2021

Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• The philosophy of witlessness is utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.
• The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge?
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
• There are better practices to best practices.

Essay Writing Paper UPSC 2021 Detailed Analysis

Here is a list of our humble observations in an attempt to understand the nature of the paper.

• All the 8 questions were abstract topics.
• It was a logical culmination of the process that UPSC has lately followed for deep interpretation and introspection.
• Now the essay paper is no longer an extension of GS. It must be prepared differently.
• Essays are now a reflection of one’s personality as the topics demand one to think critically.
• It is quality over quantity that matters now. In simple words, 800-900 words are more than enough if the dimensions are well thought out and are substantiated with good case studies.

Scale of Difficulty

Moving forward, below is a deconstruction of the Essay Paper section wise and topic-wise:

Essay Paper UPSC 2021: Section Wise Analysis:

Clear thematic categorization of sections A and B

The two sections of the paper were categorized to cover two aspects of philosophical discourses –

• Section A  listed a set of topics with  the theme of self-reflective tone , where the subject ponders upon the impact of technology on one’s consciousness, the process of constructed realities of the mind, a critique of both asceticism and hedonism and the relationship of ideas with the reality of the world.
• Section B turned the subject of philosophical thinking from the human to the society, as if the society is reflecting upon itself – the topics covered the themes of the role of the mother in determining human destiny, the playfulness and creativity of research and knowledge, the famous quotation by Hegel and Marx about history repeating itself and a gentle mention of better practices and best practices.

Essay Paper UPSC 2021: Topic Wise Analysis:

Topics were borrowed from standard academic references.  They were drafted by people with a sincere command over the subject of philosophy, as they were not merely quotations, but sentences with layers of complexity which even students of philosophy optional may have found hard to unpack without effort.

Meaning and Approach to ESSAY Paper TOPICS 2021:

Topic 1: the process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced..

• Difficult topic because a particular/specific interpretation was required.
• Not a general moral critique of technology. Seems a general critique of our process of self-discovery.
• Examples/case studies are important for this kind of essay where the use of technology solves our problems but takes us away from self-realization.
• To put it in simple terms, sometimes the problems that we face as humans are not supposed to be immediately solved as we usually do by employing technology.
• The role of AI and Artificial Intelligence, Tech-based consultants, Thought processes, and Biotech  could be discussed as part of current affairs and GS reading for this topic.

Topic 2: Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is awareness of me

• This is perhaps the trickiest topic in the whole paper as two different dimensions of epistemology (subjective and objective) were fused into one essay.
• Most topics in section A talk about self-knowledge but this one is not about achieving self-knowledge but elaborating upon an already achieved self-knowledge.
• The fundamental value that can be discussed in this essay is humility, the need to introspect about one’s self, and the merits of exercising restraint .

Topic 3: The philosophy of witlessness is utopian, while materialism is a chimera

• In this topic, there are two propositions-  asceticism and hedonism  and both open themselves for a critical analysis.
• This is one topic that has an underlying critical tone.
• The topic is more about sustainable development, a balance between growth and development  which requires proper GS and current affairs base to add illustrations.

Topic 4: The real is rational and rational is real

• This is a quotation by Hegel, who was a philosopher in the tradition of German idealism. German idealism insisted on the proposition that the material world is the reflection of the world of ideas. It implies that if you can think of something as true it probably must exist in reality.
• The main thrust of this essay is to emphasize  intuition, theoretical powers of the mind, the power of big ideas, and the ability to think big, even if “big ideas” might look “unreasonable and unrealistic”
• Word of caution:  The term rational should not lead a student to interpret it as an essay in which scientific thinking has to be promoted and religious/spiritual thinking has to be criticized.
• The point that Hegel was trying to make was that even the idea of God/spirituality also comes from rational thinking.

Topic 5: The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world .

• This one is the easiest of all the topics this year.
• It hints at the power of the role of a mother/caregiver to shape society.
• This is one of the least abstract and more sociological topics of the exam and therefore the data on women’s rights, and women’s empowerment can be made relevant in this essay.

Topic 6: What is research, but a blind date with knowledge?

• The clear interpretation of the essay is that there is always  an element of risk, adventure, imagination, and open-mindedness in research.
• In simple words, research must be taken for the pleasure of discovering truth and any form of knowledge that follows from research must be appreciated.
• This topic also encourages an open and rational mindset in any research and study with the ability not to be influenced by biases and prejudice.
• Data points like nations with the best research institutes and Universities eventually are also more prosperous and just.

Topic 7: History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

• It is a famous Marxist quotation brought into current relevance by some contemporary events like  the impact of the pandemic, conflicts, and environmental problems on the economy and society.
• The key interpretation of the topic is that if something unjust, wrong, or indemnifying happens to us once, then we can interpret it as a tragedy, where no one can be blamed for a tragedy. However, if it happens repeatedly then an evil motivation must be involved.
• Repeated mismanagement during successive COVID waves is a classic example of this.
• Care should be taken by those candidates who identified it correctly as a quote by Marx as that does not mean that the essay is about Marx or Communism vs. Capitalism or a history-based topic alone.
• Climate change, Afghan crises, the Middle East, Mismanagement during the pandemic, and Religious conflicts and riots  can be directly mentioned as illustrations based on current affairs and GS readings.

Topic 8: There are better practices to best practices.

• The clear-cut interpretation of this topic is that we cannot be convinced of having achieved the best practices ever and we always can improve ourselves endlessly .
• This also implies that we must follow an action-oriented philosophy and not wait for perfection to arrive at our ideas.
• Examples from cultural practices, social practices, political practices, and economic practices can be cited from a wide range, which is one essay where examples can be thought of easily if the interpretation is correct.
• The  core value  of this essay can be summed up as  the pursuit of excellence and not of perfection.

Implications- Essay For UPSC:

Many aspirants appearing in mains do not practice Essay writing as much as they should.  One must avoid such a blunder.  Being a paper largely dominated by abstract topics, it is indicative of the fact that it is one of the critical ways of checking the interpersonal skills  of the candidates and how they can present case studies and interpret them in the examination.

Therefore, the following  parameters should be kept in mind  while preparing for Essays:

• Comprehension of the topics: There should be a clear understanding of the essay topics asked in previous years. Next comes the segregation of topics into abstract and topical essays.
• Creative writing skills
• Coherent and cohesive ideas
• Time management
• Current affairs should be read diligently as these help in generating good illustrations.
• Certain themes around women, education, morality, technology, etc., should be well prepared
• The regular practice of writing 10-12 pages should be the norm.
• The target should be to score above 140 marks.

The Road Ahead- Essay Writing For UPSC:

• This year the UPSC has gone all out to emphasize that the routine delivery of facts learned from studying General Studies cannot be mindlessly reproduced in the essay paper.
• The students must develop an ability to appreciate the abstraction of thought and use the data points carefully to suit the given context.
• The UPSC has indicated with this paper that an inability to comprehend or express complex thoughts in simple terms cannot be an excuse for not being comfortable with the Essay paper, where ALL the topics are of such a nature there is no alternative to learning to cultivate some reading and writing skills.
• The interesting part is that developing these basic skills is not difficult at all and we are sometimes just late in overcoming such fears due to a lack of proper guidance .
• Further, there has to be a different approach while attempting such a paper as these topics are beyond general studies and require  an awakened mind to deconstruct such topics.
• One must understand that UPSC always surprises everyone with the kind of questions they ask.

How Edukemy’s Essay Writing Program Can Help?

• Edukemy’s Essay Program  includes sessions where we pay special attention to  the techniques of interpreting the topics  of the essay correctly and expressing our thoughts clearly and simply with appropriate vocabulary.
• Abstract essays form an essential part of Edukemy’s module course  on Essay writing which focuses on cultivating the habit of thinking in abstraction and multi-layered approaches of using facts and data points to suit the philosophical themes.
• Edukemy stands out in curating a list of reading material (Famous Book Summaries/Excerpts and Philosophies of Famous Personalities) which we publish and regularly update along with our essay programs. There is additional material where quotes, examples, and case studies are provided for important essay themes.
• Edukemy’s Essay Test Series can help you develop a regular practice routine and improve your writing style through detailed and personalized feedback.

1. What is the format of the UPSC CSE Mains 2021 Essay Paper?

A: The UPSC CSE Mains 2021 Essay Paper consists of two sections, each containing four essay topics. Candidates are required to write two essays, one from each section. The word limit for each essay is 1,000-1,200 words. The topics cover a wide range of issues, and candidates are expected to critically analyze and present their thoughts on the given subjects.

2. How should I approach essay writing in UPSC CSE Mains 2021?

A: Approaching the essay paper requires a strategic mindset. Begin by understanding the demands of the topic, brainstorming ideas, and structuring your essay coherently. Emphasize a balanced and analytical approach, supported by facts, examples, and relevant quotations. Make sure to showcase a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Time management is crucial, so allocate time wisely between the two essays.

3. What is the role of current affairs in the Essay Paper for UPSC CSE Mains 2021?

A: While the essay topics may not explicitly mention current events, candidates are expected to integrate contemporary issues into their essays. This showcases an awareness of the world around them and the ability to connect theoretical knowledge with practical situations. Including relevant examples and case studies from recent events can significantly enhance the quality of the essay.

4. How are essays evaluated in UPSC CSE Mains 2021?

A: Essays are evaluated based on several criteria, including clarity of expression, coherence, relevance of content, originality of thought, and the ability to present a well-structured argument. Examiners look for a candidate’s ability to critically analyze issues, provide a balanced perspective, and communicate ideas effectively. Clear and concise writing with proper grammar and language usage is also crucial.

5. Can I use bullet points or diagrams in my essays for UPSC CSE Mains 2021?

A: The UPSC recommends a traditional essay format, and the use of bullet points or diagrams is generally discouraged. However, if it aids in clarity and better presentation of your ideas, candidates can use them sparingly. It’s essential to prioritize a coherent narrative and ensure that the essay meets the specified word limit. Excessive use of bullet points or diagrams may lead to a loss of depth in the analysis.

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UPSC CSE Mains 2021 Essay Question Paper

• January 7, 2022
• Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
• Category: Mains

UPSC CSE Mains 2021 Essay Question Paper 

Write Two Essays, choosing ONE from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each.

SECTION ‘A’

• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• Your Perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.

SECTION ‘B’

• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
• There are better practices to “best practices”.

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• UPSC Mains 2021 Question Paper

UPSC Mains 2021 Question Papers

The UPSC Mains Examination has been scheduled to be conducted from 7th January 2022 to 16th January 2022. The candidates who have cleared the Preliminary exam 2021 which was held on October 10, 2021, would appear in the next level of the recruitment process, that is, Civil Services (Main) Examination. 

It is to be noted that the marks obtained in the IAS Exam Prelims by the candidates will not be counted for determining their final order of merit. 

The Civil Services (Main) Written Examination will consist of 9 papers of conventional essay type in the subjects out of which two papers will be of qualifying in nature. The marks obtained for all the compulsory papers (Paper-I to Paper-VII) and Marks obtained in the Interview/Personality Test will be counted for ranking.

The aspirants can download the UPSC IAS 2021 Mains question papers PDF from this page. 

Note – The exams are yet to take place. The PDFs will be available shortly.

Meanwhile, to download the 2020, 2019 UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers , visit the linked article.  

Download UPSC CSE 2021 Mains GS Question Papers PDF

The candidates can download the IAS Mains 2021 GS papers from the following links. The link will be activated once the question papers are officially released by the commission on the official website. 

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF

The candidates would be required to write essays on multiple topics. The candidates are expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. The essay paper is not just qualifying in nature but will be counted for the merit ranking. 

Therefore, the aspirants can download the Essay Paper and Compulsory English Language Paper from below:

• UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Language Papers

• UPSC Mains 2021 Compulsory English Paper

The aspirants can download the compulsory Indian language papers from the links below:

For more information, check out UPSC Mains 2021 Indian Language Papers from the linked article. 

Download UPSC 2021 Mains Optional Papers PDF

The candidates have to choose any one of the optional subjects from amongst the list of subjects prescribed by the commission. 

The candidates can also choose Literature of any one of the following languages as their optional subject. 

Also, check out UPSC Mains 2021 Optional Paper from the linked article.

Other related links:

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UPSC CSE 2023 AIR 1 Aditya Srivastava Shares Tips For Aspirants

Curated By : Education and Careers Desk

Local News Desk

Last Updated: April 23, 2024, 17:55 IST

Delhi, India

Aditya Srivastava said that UPSC aspirants have to sacrifice a lot of things.

According to Aditya Srivastava, preparing for the UPSC is a test of patience, especially for those who are aspiring to become IAS in the future.

Aditya Srivastava, who got the all-India rank one in the UPSC CSE 2023, received a grand welcome in the city of Lucknow on Monday. In a press conference, he candidly talked about his preparation and gave important tips for aspirants.

According to Aditya, preparing for the UPSC examination is a test of patience, especially for those who are aspiring to become IAS in the future. It is rare for anyone to get selected in the first attempt, an individual has to appear at least twice or thrice for a successful selection. So, you must not get upset or disappointed if you fail the first time, you just have to be persistent towards your goal, the UPSC topper added.

Speaking further, Aditya stated that one has to sacrifice a lot of things to achieve this dream. He said that aspirants have to change their lifestyle by giving up the habits of sleeping, playing cricket and even eating in some cases. He revealed that he gave up cricket to prepare for the exam. He stopped spending time with his friends and even avoided family weddings and functions. He reduced his sleeping time, devoting ten to fourteen hours to his preparation and studies.

Aditya added that not just hard work, you have to work smart as well to achieve success. To prepare for the exam, he went through the last three years of UPSC question papers and solved them. He said that solving these papers helped him greatly. Revealing further, he said that he did not opt for any coaching to prepare, just studied online. He continued that one must learn from their past mistakes and then only they will be able to improve and move towards success.

Aditya Srivastava is a resident of Lucknow and is currently training to become an IPS from the National Police Academy, Hyderabad. He did his schooling from the City Montessori School, in Lucknow.

Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website .

UPSC Exam Calendar 2024-2025 – UPSC ने परीक्षा विविध भरतीसाठी 2024-2025 कॅलेंडर जारी केले

Upsc exam annual calendar 2024-2025.

UPSC Exam Calendar 2024-2025 : You can easily find the UPSC exam calendar on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or through below Link .These calendars typically include dates for exams like the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Engineering Services Examination (ESE), Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE), and others conducted by UPSC. Check UPSC 2025 Exam Dates, UPSC 2024 Exam Schedule at below:

तुम्ही UPSC परीक्षा दिनदर्शिका केंद्रीय लोकसेवा आयोगाच्या (UPSC) अधिकृत वेबसाइटवर किंवा खाली दिलेल्या लिंकवर सहज शोधू शकता. या कॅलेंडरमध्ये सामान्यत: नागरी सेवा परीक्षा (CSE), अभियांत्रिकी यांसारख्या परीक्षांच्या तारखा समाविष्ट असतात. सेवा परीक्षा (ESE), एकत्रित वैद्यकीय सेवा परीक्षा (CMSE) आणि UPSC द्वारे आयोजित इतर. UPSC 2025 परीक्षेच्या तारखा, UPSC 2024 परीक्षेचे वेळापत्रक खाली तपासा…तसेच या संदर्भातील पुढील सर्व अपडेट्ससाठी  या लिंक वरून आपण आमच्या टेलिग्राम चॅनलला जॉईन  करावे किंवा  या लिंक वरून महाभरती एक्सामची अधिकृत अँप आपल्या मोबाईल मध्ये डाउनलोड  करावी आणि अधिक ताज्या आणि अधिकृत महाराष्ट्र परीक्षेच्या अपडेटसाठी MahaBharti.in/exam फॉलो करा:

UPSC OTR Profile Registration 2024 – UPSC OTR नोंदणी कशी करावी जाणून घ्या?

Upsc exam 2025 schedule.

UPSC 2024 Exam Schedule

Table of Contents

UPSC 2023 topper Aditya Srivastava's mock essay copy goes viral, netizens react

T he UPSC 2023 results were recently announced, with Lucknow's Aditya Srivastava emerging as the IAS topper. As aspirants gear up for UPSC prelims 2024, many are eager to learn from the strategies of Aditya and other toppers. Aditya's essay mock test copy has gone viral, sparking various reactions from netizens. Some are questioning the relevance of the essay in UPSC CSE.

The essay, which begins with a reference to Oppenheimer's idea of the Manhattan Project, discusses the balance between logic and emotion--"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade, it makes the hand bleed that uses it."

However, it has not been confirmed if this essay was written by Aditya Srivastava. It was shared by a UPSC preparation handle on X.

Netizens are giving the viral essay a mixed response. Some like the reference, while some are unhappy with the curation: 

"Not at all impressed," a user commented.

"Salute to perfection," another user posted on X.

"Kids, the only thing matters is a good handwriting," another comment reads.

"It's a bizarre topic and equally bizarre response. Most unexpected.," another user posted on X.

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[Mission 2024] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 27 April 2024

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically.

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 3:

India’s declining net Household Savings

Facts for prelims (ffp), reports in news, unctad rebranded as ‘un trade and development’, weapon-free outer space, corporate sustainability due diligence law, marrakesh agreement, network as a service (naas), climate technology centre and network (ctcn), blue whales makes a comeback in seychelles.

Syllabus: Indian Economy

Source: BBC

  Context: Recent data from the Reserve Bank of India reveals that India’s net household savings are at a 47-year low, standing at 5.3% of the GDP in the fiscal year 2023, down from 7.3% in 2022 .

• This decline is accompanied by a sharp increase in household debt (at 5.8% of GDP) reaching the second-highest level since the 1970s.

What is the Household Saving Rate?

The Household Saving Rate refers to the percentage of disposable income that households save instead of spending on consumption . It is a key economic indicator that reflects the propensity of households to save for the future.

Household savings consist of three main parts:

• Financial assets: This includes cash, bank deposits, retirement funds, insurance policies, stocks, and other investments.
• Physical assets: These are investments in tangible assets like real estate, land, and property.
• Gold and silver ornaments: Savings in the form of precious metals like gold and silver jewellery or bullion.

A higher saving rate indicates greater financial prudence and potential for investment, while a lower saving rate may suggest higher consumer spending and less savings for future needs.

Household net savings are the total money and investments families have, like deposits, stocks and bonuses, minus any money they owe, like loans and debt.

Why are domestic savings important for India’s economy?

Domestic savings are vital for India’s economy as they fuel investment in key sectors like infrastructure and industries. This capital formation supports economic growth, job creation, and prosperity.

What is Household debt?

Household debt refers to the total amount of money that individuals owe to creditors, such as banks, financial institutions, or other lenders.

Reasons for declining Household savings in India and Increasing Household Debt:

As households borrow more to support consumption, their savings diminish. Increased borrowing means more income goes toward debt repayment , reducing the amount available for savings.

The fall in household savings can have several macroeconomic implications:

• Increased household debt : The fall in household savings means people have less money set aside for the future, which can lead to more borrowing.
• Impact of high-interest rates : Policy measures like higher interest rates aimed at controlling inflation can inadvertently lead to increased household debt levels, potentially trapping them in a debt cycle.
• Effect on demand : High-interest rates can weigh on households’ ability to consume, thereby reducing demand in the economy .
• Fragility and joblessness : This shift towards a more financialized economy could make the economy fragile and potentially lead to job losses
• Rising inequality – The rise in financial liabilities with falling asset levels could be a sign of rising inequality.
• Dependence on foreign capital – A dip in household savings would lead to more dependence on foreign capital to fund growth.

Steps to Increase Household Savings in India:

• Implement initiatives to enhance financial literacy among households , empowering them to make informed decisions about savings and investments.
• Introduce tax incentives or deductions for savings instruments such as retirement accounts, fixed deposits, and insurance policies to encourage households to save more.
• Government Savings Schemes: Promote government-sponsored savings schemes like the Public Provident Fund (PPF) , National Savings Certificate (NSC), and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) to attract households to invest in safe and secure avenues.
• Employer Contributions : Encourage employers to contribute to their employees’ retirement savings through schemes like the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the National Pension System (NPS).
• Financial Inclusion : Expand access to banking and financial services in rural and underserved areas to include more households in the formal financial system, offering them opportunities to save.

Steps to Reduce Household Debt in India:

• Debt Counseling Services : Establish debt counselling services to provide guidance and support to households struggling with debt management,
• Regulation of Lending Practices : Implement stricter regulations on lending practices by financial institutions to prevent predatory lending and discourage households from taking on excessive debt burdens.
• Debt Relief Programs: Introduce debt relief programs or schemes to assist households facing financial hardship esp. farmers.
• Alternative Financing Options: Promote alternative financing options such as peer-to-peer lending, microfinance, and community-based savings and credit groups as alternatives to traditional banking loans, offering households access to affordable credit sources with reasonable terms and conditions.

Conclusion:

While some interpret reduced savings in India as a sign of confidence in future income prospects , others express concerns about financial fragility and sustainability, especially given India’s low per capita income among G20 nations . The situation underscores the delicate balance between consumption aspirations, inadequate public amenities, and income instability for Indian households.

Insta Links:

Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-23

Prelims Link:

As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households”, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)

• Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agricultural households among its rural households.
• Out of the total agricultural households in the country, a little over 60 percent belong to OBCs.
• In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agricultural households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because (UPSC 2019)

(a) poverty rates vary from State to State (b) price levels vary from State to State (c) Gross State Product varies from State to State (d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State

Source: UNCTAD

Context: UNCTAD , the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development , has undergone a significant rebranding as “ UN Trade and Development ” to mark its 60th anniversary .

• This strategic move reflects its commitment to enhancing its impact and amplifying its voice on behalf of developing countries.
• The rebranding initiative includes a new visual identity aimed at better reflecting the organization’s work and values.
• The organization will adopt its new name and logo across all official channels in the six UN languages.

About UNCTAD:

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a permanent intergovernmental organization that promotes the interests of developing countries in world trade.

It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 30, 1964 and has its headquarters in Geneva .

UNCTAD’s work focuses on trade, development, finance, technology, investment, and sustainable development. 

It collects data, conducts research, and analyses policies to help countries frame policies in these areas.

UNCTAD also outlines recommendations for realigning the global debt architecture with developing countries’ needs.

  Context: Russia blocks a US and Japan-sponsored draft resolution urging against space-based nuclear weapons after its amendment extending the ban to all weapons failed to pass.

• The resolution called for all states, particularly those with significant space capabilities , to contribute to the peaceful use of outer space and prevent an arms race there.

However, the Security Council rejected the resolution with 13 members in favour, one against (Russia), and one abstention (China).

Source: Forbes

Context: The European Parliament gave its approval for the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) , a significant step toward its formal adoption by the European Union.

• The CSDDD introduces a legal liability for companies regarding environmental and human rights violations within their supply chains.
• It applies not only to a company’s direct actions but also to its subsidiaries and supply chain .
• The CSDDD will be phased in over five years, affecting larger companies first.

Despite being diluted from its original proposal, the directive establishes a standard of corporate due diligence on sustainability issues, focusing on environmental concerns, climate change, and human rights.

Source: WTO

  Context: The World Trade Organization (WTO) commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Marrakesh Agreement, a milestone in global trade cooperation

About Marrakesh Agreement:

The Marrakesh Agreement , also known as the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO), was signed on April 15, 1994, in Marrakesh, Morocco by 123 nations.

The agreement defines the WTO’s structure, functions, and scope, and incorporates agreements negotiated under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and agreements concluded during the Uruguay Round.

The WTO officially came into existence on January 1, 1995. 

Source: Multiple

  Context: In India’s rapidly advancing internet economy, embracing Network as a Service (NaaS) holds promise for enhancing user experiences.

What is Network as a Service (NaaS)?

Network as a Service (NaaS) is a cloud-like networking model where network resources are provided to customers on demand. It offers networking functionality without the need for customers to invest in hardware or manage infrastructure directly.

With over 850 million active internet users and a digital economy projected to contribute 20% to GDP by 2026, NaaS offers a cloud-like networking model , providing on-demand network resources without the need for direct infrastructure management.

Other such terminologies:

Source: UNEP

  Context: The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) celebrates its 10-year anniversary as a key player in advancing climate technology and innovation .

About Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN):

• Established as the implementation arm of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Technology Mechanism and hosted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP ), the CTCN facilitates the development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
• It operates through a global network of over 760 civil society, finance, private sector, and research institutions , providing technical assistance and capacity building to developing countries upon request.
• Over the past decade, the CTCN has funded over 300 technical assistance projects across 112 developing nations, supporting them in meeting their sustainable development commitments under the Paris Agreement.
• Through projects spanning various sectors such as green building standards, drought risk modelling, industrial energy efficiency, and policy development for e-mobility, the CTCN aims to catalyse climate resilience and innovation globally.

  Context: Blue whales, the largest mammal on Earth, have made a remarkable return near the Seychelles after a 60-year absence . Commercial whaling activities decimated their populations, leading to an 89-97% decline . However, recent expeditions conducted by researchers revealed sightings of up to 10 blue whales in the region , a surprising and encouraging discovery.

About the Blue Whales :

It is the largest and loudest animal on the planet and inhabits all oceans except the Arctic . With an estimated lifespan of 80 to 90 years , they typically swim alone or in pairs, occasionally forming small groups. Their diet consists mainly of krill and marine crustaceans . Threats to blue whales include vessel strikes and historical commercial whaling, leading to their endangered status according to the IUCN.

About the Republic of Seychelles

It is Africa’s smallest country and is an archipelago of 155 islands situated in the Indian Ocean, southeast of mainland Africa. Seychelles boast beaches, coral reefs, nature reserves, and unique wildlife, including giant Aldabra tortoises . It is located in the northeast of Madagascar , with Kenya about 1,600 kilometres to the west.

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