May 22, 2020 60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

[VIDEO] PRELIMS SIMPLIFIED SERIES (Part 1,2,3): How to crack UPSC PRELIMS- IMPORTANT TIPS & TRICKS (using Common Sense - KCT Approach) by Mohan Sir

JOIN - IASBABA’S INTEGRATED LEARNING PROGRAMME (ILP) ONLINE-2021 – With New Paradigms and Surprising Features – BOTH in ENGLISH and HINDI (हिंदी) – ADMISSIONS OPEN!! IASbaba’s ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES (AIPTS) and AIPTS+ (Prelims Test Series with Video Discussions) 2021-ENGLISH and HINDI (हिंदी) - ADMISSIONS OPEN!!   Hello Friends, Have you ever heard of the phrase, ‘Laakhon mein ek’, the Hindi version of ‘One in a million’. Well it is most fitting for students who qualify the prelims exam of UPSC Civil Services. Mathematically, the odds of qualifying the exam are very low. And since the probability is so low, even the toppers are not sure whether they’ll be able to qualify the exam or not before they get a rank. It is a known fact that only knowledge cannot help you in qualifying the exam. Amidst this uncertainty, it is natural to panic. Also, because of the extension due to lockdown, anxiousness has increased manifolds. However, there are many who have cracked the formula to qualify the exam, and again and again, they crack prelims even when their preparation doesn’t look that sound. So from our experience and understanding of the exam, we have decided to share how common sense and basic understanding can improve your performance in the exam and help you get those 10 – 20 marks extra. We advise you to diligently go through the video and make notes for your reference and try to implement those methods in the next mock test that you take. These sessions are taken by Mohan Sir (Founder, IASbaba). Basic idea behind these sessions, is to REMOVE the Fear of Cracking Prelims Exam and Emphasise on using COMMON SENSE to solve UPSC Prelims Exam. These sessions will give you more confidence in attempting UPSC Prelims paper and give you an edge in scoring more than the cut-off and clearing Prelims Exam. We have come up with 4 Videos on Prelims Strategy which will help you to score above the cut-off. Please find the VIDEOS below- 1. UPSC PRELIMS Tips/Strategy (Do's & Don'ts) from Mohan Sir, IASbaba Founder VIDEO -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51CViDR15NA Website Link -> CLICK HERE (QUESTIONS like - How to increase my scores in test? How much risk I can take? Optimum number of questions to be attempted in the prelims exam? What would be the cut-off this year? Time management in those 2 hours /How to handle those 2 hours? How many rounds should I go to solve the paper? Should I focus more on static subjects or dynamic? How to stay motivated and many more have been discussed in this video)   2. How to crack UPSC PRELIMS using Common Sense (Elimination Technique) & Common Mistakes committed by students - Part 1 VIDEO -> https://youtu.be/5nZDaA3TlaY Website Link -> CLICK HERE IMPORTANT POINTERS DISCUSSED IN THIS SESSION: A Well Read Person with a Keen Observation can Crack this Exam Knowledge + Common Sense + Technique (KCT) Approach in Solving UPSC Prelims Question Papers 3A’s to tackle Prelims Attitude Aptitude Absence of disturbance (Calmness/Presence of mind) Common Mistakes committed by Students and how to overcome them- Not using Common Sense Over-thinking   3. How to crack UPSC PRELIMS using Common Sense (Elimination Technique)– 2019 Prelims Question Paper –Part 2  More than 20 Mcq's in 2019 could be solved using common sense- How? Watch this VIDEO- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68v5i9HGrpQ Website Link -> CLICK HERE   4. How to crack UPSC PRELIMS using Common Sense (Elimination Technique)– 2018 Prelims Question Paper–Part 3 - LATEST VIDEO UPLOADED - NEW* More than 20 Mcq's in 2018 could be solved using common sense- How? Watch this VIDEO- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMqVH-iFb6s Website Link -> CLICK HERE   Make the Best use of these sessions!! Thank You  IASbaba    

May 22, 2020 RSTV Video

Primary Education Opportunities & Challenges – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

Primary Education Opportunities & Challenges Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education In News: In the second week of March, state governments across the country began shutting down schools and colleges temporarily as a measure to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. It’s close to two months and there is no certainty when they will reopen. This is a crucial time for the education sector.  As the days pass by with no immediate solution to stop the outbreak of Covid-19, school closures will not only have a short-term impact on the continuity of learning but will also have far-reaching consequences.  The structure of schooling and learning, including teaching and assessment methodologies, was the first to be affected by these closures.  Only a handful of private schools could adopt online teaching methods. Their low-income private and government school counterparts, on the other hand, have completely shut down for not having access to e-learning solutions.  The 2017-18 National Sample Survey reported only 23.8 percent of Indian households had internet access. In rural households (66 percent of the population), only 14.9 percent had access, and in urban households only 42 percent had access. And males are the primary users: 16 percent of women had access to mobile internet, compared to 36 percent of men. Young people’s access is even less: A recent news report stated only 12.5 percent of students had access to smartphones. Furthermore, most teachers are ill-equipped for online teaching. According to data collected by the National Sample Survey as a part of the Survey on Education (2014), only 27% of households in India have some member with access to internet. Access to internet does not necessarily mean that a household actually has internet at home. In fact, only half of the households (47%) that have any access to internet own a computing device (including a smartphone). While direct estimates on how many households have internet access at home are hard to get, one can make a rough estimate by assuming that those who have internet at home report some internet access in general, and report possession of a device that can be used to go on the web. Using this definition, only 12.5% of the households of students in India have internet access at home. There is an urban-rural divide: 27% have access in urban areas and only 5% in rural areas.  So what are the lessons learnt? A multi-pronged strategy is necessary to manage the crisis and build a resilient Indian education system in the long term. The disruption to education systems worldwide offers valuable lessons and provides a unique opportunity to reimagine education, the curriculum, and pedagogy. Address the digital divide – inclusive e-learning solutions:Technology has the potential to achieve universal quality education and improve learning outcomes. But in order to unleash its potential, the digital divide (and its embedded gender divide) must be addressed. Digital capabilities, the required infrastructure, and connectivity must reach the remotest and poorest communities. Access to technology and the internet is an urgent requirement and should no longer be a luxury. Reorient the curriculum.While teachers are struggling to learn digital ways of communicating with their students, it is clear that we need to pay close attention to what we teach. This crisis is teaching us that curricula must be grounded in students’ realities, cultivating critical, creative, and flexible thinking, resilience, and empathy in students. Developing a symbiotic relationship with our environment has taken on a new urgency, and teachers must help students think about their relationship with the universe and everyone and everything in it. Empower a wider cadre of teachers.This crisis is forcing teachers to reinvent their roles from that of transferring information to enabling learning. The shift to distance learning has afforded many opportunities to teach differently, encouraging self-learning, providing opportunities to learn from diverse resources, and allowing customized learning for diverse needs through high-tech and low-tech sources. Improving the education system requires a decentralized, democratic community-based approach, where community ownership of education is cultivated. Important for this is the hiring of local teachers (with adequate Dalit and female representation), which increases teachers’ accountability to children’s families and their ability to empathize with students’ lives. Establish quality assurance mechanisms and quality benchmark for online learning: Many e-learning players offer multiple courses on the same subjects with different levels of certifications, methodology and assessment parameters. So, the quality of courses may differ across different e-learning platforms. Must Read: COVID-19: Online schooling: Possibilities and concerns Online Education Connecting the Dots: If it takes a village to raise a child, we must empower the village to teach the child. Will this be possible? Discuss. Coronavirus crisis' impact on rural India exposes inequality and pitfalls in access to education. Discuss. Essay: No Child Left Behind – A Distant Reality?

May 21, 2020 Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent and Creativity

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity: An ARTICLE & A POEM by R.AKHILA

ARCHIVES Hello Friends, You must be aware of the term ‘catharsis’. It is the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. Recently we have launched a new initiative by the name Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity! Today's work is An ARTICLE & A POEM by R.AKHILA Well done, Keep it up !! An open letter  (to mind from heart ) Dear mind , As I write this letter I’m not sure of your address. I know it seems awkward, but I am still struggling to find your home. When I was a kid I believed that you were either in my head or my heart but now I’m confused. You are soo close to me that very often I end up identifying myself with you. I must admit that you amaze me with your speed… not even light can travel soo fast!! I can understand your passion to travel but I don’t appreciate it when you drag me along with you in your adventures. I choose to be where I am.. not where you go or wish to go . You surprise me with your memory by the way you replay past events accurately with minute details in your own home theatre,.. but I’m bored seeing the things that I’ve already experienced . Maybe you have a time machine which can travel to past as well as future but unfortunately I don’t. So I choose to be where I am. See, you are absolutely amazing and I’m sure not even the most advanced supercomputers of the world can be as good. Still , i want you to learn from the computer. Haven’t you seen how computers are shut down by their user after use? This saves their energy and power. Similarly I want you to go to sleep or OFF mode when my work is done.. I shall certainly switch you ON when i need you. If you don’t shut down when I tell you so, you will end up wasting your mental energy. Haven’t you noticed how those computers which takes in everything from everywhere without proper security and precautions end up getting infected with viruses? So don’t take everything that comes your way as it can create a psychic clutter and at worst infect you. Remember excess turbulence will force you to send an error message whenever i need you the most. So make sure you lock yourself from distractions and unnecessary information. I hope you’ll take my concerns seriously and emerge more powerful than ever. Thank you so much for being the most wonderful tool to me… With lots of love  Your User POEM   Be creative and find your catharsis in whichever form of creativity you are comfortable with.  It could be anything- a song, a painting, a poem, a story, a dance performance, rangolis, jokes/humor, culinary skills, mimicry and whatnot. There is no limit to creativity. Just unleash and share it with everyone! Why don’t you share your moments of catharsis with us? UPSC is not only about academics but personality as well. And your personality is shaped by the creativity that you possess.   We encourage you to keep the comment section alive by sharing your talents and also by commenting and encouraging the talent of your peers. We are also going to be a regular visitor here and will keep on posting the creative works by our talented team members and staff. NOTE- You can also nominate by tagging anyone (if you know about the talent of your friend or anyone) 🙂 You can share your talent/creativity with us on support@iasbaba.com P.S: Kindly share it in a format that can be published on the website. We believe each one of you have some hidden talent. It’s time that you explore more about yourselves and remain positive throughout this journey. Make the best use of this opportunity! Thank You IASbaba

May 21, 2020 MindMaps

MIND-MAPS: CITIZENSHIP – General Studies 2

MIND-MAPS: CITIZENSHIP – General Studies 2 For Previous Important Topics (Mind Maps) - ARCHIVES Hello Friends, Recently we have come up with a NEW INITIATIVE - BRAINSTORMING THROUGH MIND-MAPS! Mind-map is an incredible powerful thinking tool, an innate human language that will have immense benefit in your preparation. The main idea is to brainstorm different aspects of an issue - think in multi-dimensions; what we call 360 degrees of an issue. The whole of this exercise will unleash your creativity to push your brain cells to recall the data learnt and to make it more relevant for your preparation. It will help you to make your Revision and Retention a far better apart from giving you more Clarity in the topics/issue at hand and improve your Concentration. You can see the drastic impact mind-maps will have in a few weeks, provided you are regular with this exercise. So here we are with Today’s TOPIC! CITIZENSHIP - General Studies 2 NOTE – Instructions to download Mind Maps/Images Right Click on the image and ‘Open image in new tab’ Remove/Delete the resolution part from the URL. Eg. “-1536x757” and Press Enter/Load Again Right Click and Save Image As/Download (You’ll get the maximum resolution) CITIZENSHIP  YOUR PARTICIPATION? – VERY IMPORTANT Unlike what we were doing before, in this initiative we want students to learn and brainstorm through mind-maps (It is not necessary that you use a software/tool to design mind maps. You can prepare mindmaps using a pen and a sheet of paper). We will share the final printable mind map on every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday (3 times a week). We will also provide specific inputs on your mind maps to improve your skill of mind mapping.  So, Enlist the topics you feel as important for MAINS Issues in Current Affairs you find difficult to understand Share your own mind-maps on the given topics in the comment section of the post published on TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, and SUNDAYS (every week). We will provide specific inputs on your mind maps to improve your skill of mind mapping. TOPICS FOR THIS WEEK* - Fundamental Rights will be covered in four mind maps which will be posted on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. To Know More about the initiative, Benefits and How to use a mind-map ->CLICK HERE Together we can, we will. The strength of the community is more powerful than individual effort. We have started it. You have to strengthen it” You can Start sharing Your Mind-maps (get feedback from IASbaba) & Topics of your interest in the comment section below!!   Thank You IASbaba

May 21, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st MAY 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st May 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) WAG12: Indian Railways' first indigenous electric locomotive Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-III-  Economy, Infrastructure In News: The Indian Railways has operationalised its first 12,000 hp electric locomotive named WAG12.  It is manufactured locally.  Key takeaways: The locomotive made its maiden commercial run between Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Station, UP to Shivpur, UP  India became the sixth country in the world to produce high horsepower locomotive indigenously. It is manufactured at the Madhepura Electric Locomotive Pvt. Ltd. (MELPL), Bihar.  It is a joint venture between the French major and the Indian railways holding an equity share of 74% and 26% respectively. It is the largest FDI in the railways sector. WAG12 will allow faster and safer movement of heavier freight trains. Such locomotive has been operationalised on broad gauge track in the world for the first time.  Synthetic Drugs in East and Southeast Asia: Report by the UNODC released Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-III-  Economy, Health In News: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently released the report on “Synthetic Drugs in East and Southeast Asia”. Key takeaways: Movement restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to an initial statistical reduction in drug seizures (confiscation).  However, there will be hardly any change in terms of supply in the East and Southeast Asia region. A large proportion of methamphetamine was manufactured, trafficked and consumed without the need for globalised supply chains. An already vulnerable population of drug users may be exposed to additional risks as funding is re-prioritised, access to programmes and services becomes difficult, activities of treatment providers are hampered, and communities concentrate on coping with the effects of the pandemic.  Additional efforts would be required at all levels to carefully analyse methods and trends to understand changes to drug markets. Important value additions: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)  Established in 1997 it is a member of the United Nations Development Group.  Headquarters: Vienna, Austria Functions: To assist the UN in addressing:  interrelated issues of illicit trafficking in and abuse of drugs crime prevention and criminal justice international terrorism political corruption.  These goals are pursued through three primary functions: research, guidance and support to governments through various conventions, treaties and protocols.  CBI alerts States, U.T.s and Central agencies to malicious software threat Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-III-  Security, GS-II- Governance In News: CBI has sent alerts to all the States, Union Territories and the Central agencies on a malicious software threat that uses an update related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key takeaways: The alert related to banking Trojan and Cerberus has been sent on the basis of inputs received from the Interpol.  It is primarily used to steal financial data, such as credit card numbers. This malicious software sends SMS using the lure of COVID-19 related content to download the embedded malicious link.  It can also trick victims into providing personal information and can capture two-factor authentication details.  Important value additions: The International Criminal Police Organisation (commonly known as INTERPOL) is an international organization that facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control.  Headquartered in Lyon, France, It has seven regional bureaus worldwide and a National Central Bureau in all 194 members states, making it the world's largest police organization.  Nepal’s new official map is “artificial” and unacceptable to India Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-II- International Politics In News: Ministry of External Affairs has claimed that Nepal’s new official map is “artificial” and unacceptable to India. Key takeaways: Nepal’s new political map claimed Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of Uttarakhand as part of its sovereign territory.  Nepal claims that India has encroached upon this area, claiming tracts of land, and wants Delhi to evacuate population from the location Nepal has been on a collision course with India since Defence Minister has inaugurated a link road to Tibet on May 8th. The newly inaugurated Darchula-Lipulekh link road passes through the disputed region and will cut travelling time to Mansarovar pilgrimage destinations. Nepal asserts the area belongs to it.  Important value additions: India had published a new map on November 2, 2019, representing the political boundaries of the country which showed the status of the newly created Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.  The same map also showed the region of Kalapani as part of the Indian territory. Nepal, however, maintains that not just the Kalapani region, but Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh are parts of its territory as demarcated in the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli (MAINS FOCUS) SECURITY/ GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 2 &3: Government policies and interventions for development in defence sectors Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources Grasping the Defence Self-reliance Context: COVID-19 has brought to focus the impact of supply chain disruptions caused to defence sectors and increased the necessity for self-reliance Did You Know? For most of the past decade, India was the world’s largest arms importer, accounting for about 12% of global arms imports.  Saudi Arabia jumped to first place in 2018 and 2019, but India still takes over 9% of global imports Why defence self-reliance is necessary for India? India’s external dependence for its defence-preparedness creates vulnerabilities during military crises. Given two hostile neighbours and the threat of terrorism, defence self-reliance is of utmost need Given its great power ambitions, India cannot afford to rely on other powers for defensive purposes There is no dearth of skills as India does have technological capabilities but remains unutilized. Steps taken by Union government to enhance defence preparedness  Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has been created Make in India initiative for promoting indigenous equipment in the armed forces A list of weapons systems for sourcing entirely from Indian manufacturers has been released by the government A separate Budget provision for domestic capital procurement has been made to encourage private defence manufacturers New Defence Procurement Procedures (DPP) 2020 are under formulation  Liberalisation of foreign direct investment in defence manufacturing, raising the limit under the automatic route to 74%,  Way Ahead A time-bound defence procurement process through Overhauling trial and testing procedures to speed up the procurement process  Establishing a professional project management unit Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board.  OFBs structure, work culture and product range now need to be responsive to technology and quality demands of modern armed forces.  Corporatisation, including public listing of some units, ensures a more efficient interface of the manufacturer with the designer and end user Self-reliance should not be taken to extremes: Thrust for indigenous R&D should coexist with the import of cutting-edge military technologies to safeguard defence vulnerabilities Domestic Procurement: When we import weapon systems, we should plan for the ammunitions and spares for them to be eventually manufactured in India A long-term integrated perspective plan of the requirements of the armed forces is needed to give industry a clear picture of future requirements.  The definition of indigenisation itself needs to privilege technology over value or volume Export Promotion: Investment, Indian or foreign, will be viable only if the door to defence exports is opened, with a transparent policy.  Promoting indigenous research and development through tax incentives To give private industry a level playing field for developing defence technologies, conflicts of interest, created by the role of DRDO as the government’s sole adviser, developer and evaluator of technologies have to be addressed. Conclusion Of the key components of any major reform — money, method and mindset — mindset is the most critical and the most needed to bring transformation in any sector. Connecting the dots: Do you think CDS brings structural changes in army? Challenges in India’s defence trade ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE/ HEALTH Topic: General Studies 2,3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources  Government policies and interventions for development in Health sectors  COVID-19: An opportunity to Biomedical Industry Context: As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks economy, there is enhanced focus on health & biomedical sector, where every country is trying to strengthen its indigenous capacity. Did You Know? In India, presently, a third of all authorised testing labs are concentrated in three states US is aiming for a million daily tests. Germany already has walk-in test centres. Why universal testing is necessary? To contain pandemic: The virus currently has no effective treatment and a safe vaccine is possibly a year away, thus testing is needed to contain the pandemic To restart Economy: The main driver of increased COVID testing globally is the need to make people safe so that they begin to engage in market activities.  To attract investment: Global investment destinations will be influenced by the relative reputation of national testing protocols. Moreover, recovery from infection doesn’t guarantee immunity from future infection. Hence the necessity of multiple and regular testing of workers is needed to protect workplaces Scope for Biomedical Industry to expand Potential for Testing industry: If one only targets urban workers in India, there will be a testing pool of approximately 200 million people. Decentralisation: In India, the number of labs that can test for the virus needs to be increased to at least 2,000 with each lab having the capacity to test 5,000 samples a day. Also, labs need to be spread across country to ensure timely results. Scope for Biomedical R&D: India needs to incentivise its universities, research laboratories and biomedical supply chains to develop cheaper and faster testing methods Employment benefits: Massive testing requires hiring of testers, transporters and contact tracers thus increasing labour demand leading to job opportunities Export Potential: Massive testing will likely be a worldwide phenomenon over the next year or two. Consequently, world demand for testing kits will explode.  MSME boost: Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) can be manufactured by MSMEs at a much cheaper cost provided they are provided adequate governmental support  Complements India’s pharmaceutical Sector: India is already a leading player in global pharmaceutical market. Enhanced strength in biomedical field will make India a strong player in overall Health Sector Conclusion The pandemic could do for the biomedical industry what the Y2K scare did for the Indian IT sector. India needs to give an unambiguous signal to its entrepreneurs about the centrality of this mission Connecting the dots: Medical devices parks in India Generic Medicines and India’s provision of compulsory licensing (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh often seen in news is a disputed territory between India and which other country? Sri Lanka Bhutan Nepal China Q.2) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was set up on the recommendation of: Santhanam Committee Administrative Reforms Commission of India Gorwala Report Ashok Mehta Committee Q.3) Consider the following statements about CVC and CBI: Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was established by an executive resolution of the Central government. CVC establishment was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was set up by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The establishment of the CBI was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption. Which of the above given statements are correct? 1, 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 3 and 4 only All of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements about The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)  It assists UN in interrelated issues of illicit trafficking in and abuse of drugs It was established in 1997 and is a member of G-20 Which of the above given statements are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 20th May 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 D 3 A Must Read About safety in workplaces: The Hindu About China’s preparedness in post-COVID world: The Hindu About Social Security for Women: The Indian Express

May 21, 2020 Important Articles

NEW INITIATIVE: Prelims 2020: Babagiri-The Game Show (Season 1 Episode 1)

Hello Everyone, We are pleased to announce a new initiative- BABAGIRI: THE GAME SHOW! The idea behind this program is to make your learning fun and captivating experience at the same time. Through these videos, you will be able to learn so many new things and value addition to your preparation. We wish to cover relevant and most important concepts for upcoming Prelims 2020 through this initiative. You will have a lot of value additions in these episodes.  Hope, you find it useful :) IASbaba

May 21, 2020 AIR

Details of Economic Package announced - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

ARCHIVES Details of Economic Package announced Search 17th May, 2020 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx  Topic:  General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health General Studies 3 Economic crisis during COVID-19 In News: PM Modi announced Lockdown 4.0 but with a promise of a substantial reduction in restrictions and a whopping Rs 20 lakh crore fiscal package to be announced in a phased manner. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan economic package is worth Rs 20 lakh crore, which is around 10% of India’s GDP in the 2019-20 financial year. The uncertainty With a nationwide lockdown for the better part of April and May, the total quantum of economic activity in the country — measured by the monetary value of all goods and services produced — has sharply curtailed. Given an uncertain future for the rest of the year, most observers estimate that the Indian economy will contract. That is, it will produce less in 2020-21 than it did in 2019-20. This means the Gross Value Added (GVA is a proxy for the income earned) across sectors — agriculture, industry and services — will fall. As incomes fall, three things will happen. Individuals (like you and me) will cut down their expenditure. In particular, all discretionary expenditure — be it an additional pack of cigarettes or a new car or a house — will come down sharply. Seeing overall demand fall, businesses, which were already not investing, will likely postpone their investments further. The government revenues will take a massive hit. This means that if the government wants to maintain its level of fiscal deficit (the gap between what it earns as revenues and what it spends), it will have to cut its overall expenditure this year. These three types of “expenditures” — by individuals, businesses and government — essentially make up the GDP of India. There is a fourth component called net exports (that is, the net of exports and imports), but with the global demand plummeting as well, this too is unlikely to help matters. Why is there discontent? The government doesn’t seem to be raising its total expenditure — at least not by the quantum required to arrest the sharp decline in GDP. According to an assessment by Prof N R Bhanumurthy of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and published by National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), the way things are going, India’s GVA will contract by a whopping 13% this year under the Base case scenario (see Table 1). The Base case scenario refers to a scenario where governments (both Centre and states) bring down their expenditure in line with their falling revenues to maintain their fiscal deficit target. To lift growth, the governments would have to spend more and counteract the natural downward spiral of the economy. But only if the government spends 3% of the GDP over and above what it promised to do in the Union Budget 2020-21, will the economic growth stay in the positive territory. Short of that, the Indian economy will contract. Of course, higher public spend will come at the cost of higher levels of fiscal deficits and higher inflation, but a growth contraction will come at the cost of widespread economic ruin, job losses and even deaths. Coronavirus changed all the calculations In Budget 2020-21, the Central government planned to spend Rs 30,42,230 crore in the current year. The shortfall on the revenue side would be financed by borrowing Rs 7,96,337 crore. This was the budgeted fiscal deficit, equivalent to 3.5 per cent of GDP.  It was evident that the Government had to borrow more. The government accepted that it will borrow an additional amount of Rs 4.2 lakh crore taking the total borrowing to about Rs 12 lakh crore. The fiscal deficit (assuming no change in the estimate of GDP) would be 5.3 per cent. Cuts that is required: There is no clarity whether the government will make cuts in other items of expenditure. The cuts announced so far will save the government Rs 41,490 crore and will be available for Covid-19-related expenditure. That expenditure will only restore the original level of expenditure and, therefore, will not amount to a fiscal stimulus. Gap-filling: Additional borrowing would be a fiscal stimulus only if it was used to provide cash and other forms of support to the poorest families at the bottom half of the population and to re-start the completely stalled economy. The additional amount of Rs 4.2 lakh crore will be used for ‘gap filling’. The government expects to take a big hit on estimated tax revenues and proceeds of disinvestment. If the ‘gap’ has been estimated at about Rs 4.2 lakh crore, the additional borrowing will fill that ‘gap’. This is unavoidable, but the amount of Rs 4.2 lakh crore certainly cannot be counted as a fiscal stimulus. Details – Special economic and comprehensive package of Rs 20 lakh Crore A clarion call for आत्मनिर्भर भारत अभियान or Self-Reliant India Movement was given; Outlined five pillars of Aatmanirbhar Bharat –  Economy Infrastructure System Vibrant Demography Demand Free food grains supply to migrants for 2 months For the migrant labour, additional food grain to all the States/UTs at the rate of 5 kg per migrant labourer and 1 kg Chana per family per month for two months i.e. May and June, 2020 free of cost shall be allocated.  Migrant labourers not covered under National Food Security Act or without a ration card in the State/UT in which they are stranded at present will be eligible. States/UTs shall be advised to put a mechanism for targeted distribution as envisaged in the scheme.  8 Lakh MT of food-grain and 50,000 MT of Chana shall be allocated. The entire outlay of Rs. 3500 crore will be borne by Government of India. Technology system to be used enabling Migrants to access PDS (Ration) from any Fair Price Shops in India by March, 2021-One Nation one Ration Card Pilot scheme for portability of ration cards will be extended to 23 states. By that, 67 crore beneficiaries covering 83% of PDS population will be covered by National portability of Ration cards by August, 2020. 100% National portability will be achieved by March, 2021.  This is part of PM’s Technology Driven System Reforms This scheme will enable a migrant worker and their family members to access PDS benefits from any Fair Price Shop in the country. This will ensure that the people in transit, especially migrant workers can also get the benefit of PDS benefit across the country. Scheme for Affordable Rental Housing Complexes for Migrant Workers and Urban Poor to be launched Central Government will launch a scheme for migrant workers and urban poor to provide ease of living at affordable rent.  Affordable Rental Housing Complexes will provide social security and quality life to migrant labour, urban poor, and students etc. This will be done through converting government funded houses in the cities into Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) under PPP mode through concessionaire; manufacturing units, industries, institutions, associations to develop Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) on their private land and operate; and Incentivizing  State Govt agencies/Central Government Organizations on similar lines to develop Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) and operate.  2% Interest Subvention for 12 months for Shishu MUDRA loanees- Relief of Rs. 1,500 crore The current portfolio of MUDRA Shishu loans is around Rs 1.62 Lakh crore. This will provide relief of about Rs 1,500 crore to Shishu MUDRA loanee. Rs 5,000 crore Credit facility for Street Vendors A special scheme will be launched within a month to facilitate easy access to credit to Street vendors, who are amongst the most adversely impacted by the present situation for enabling them to restart their businesses.  Under this scheme, bank credit facility for initial working capital up to Rs. 10,000 for each enterprise will be extended. This scheme will cover urban as well as rural vendors doing business in the adjoining urban areas. Use of digital payments and timely repayments will be incentivized through monetary rewards.  It is expected that 50 lakh street vendors will be benefitted under this scheme and credit of Rs. 5,000 crore would flow to them.  Rs 70,000 crore boost to housing sector and middle income group through extension of  Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme for MIG under PMAY(Urban) The Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme for Middle Income Group (annual Income between Rs 6 and 18 lakhs) will be extended up to March 2021. This will benefit 2.5 lakhs middle income families during 2020-21 and will lead to investment of over Rs 70,000 crore in housing sector.  This will create significant number of jobs by giving boost to Housing sector and will stimulate demand for steel, cement, transport and other construction materials. Rs 6,000 crore for Creating employment using CAMPA funds Approximately Rs 6,000 crore of funds under Compensatory Afforestation Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA) will be used for Afforestation and Plantation works, including in urban areas, Artificial regeneration, assisted natural regeneration, Forest management, soil & moisture conservation works, Forest protection, forest and wildlife related infrastructure development, wildlife protection and management etc.  Government of India will grant immediate approval to these plans amounting to Rs 6000 crore. This will create job opportunities in urban, semi-urban and rural areas and also for Tribals (Adivashis). Rs 30,000 crore Additional Emergency Working Capital for farmers through NABARD NABARD will extend additional re-finance support of Rs 30,000 crore for meeting crop loan requirement of Rural Cooperative Banks and RRBs. This refinance will be front-loaded and available on tap.  This is over and above Rs 90,000 crore that will be provided by NABARD to this sector in the normal course. This will benefit around 3 crore farmers, mostly small and marginal and it will meet their post-harvest Rabi and current Kharif requirements. Rs 2 lakh crore credit boost to 2.5 crore farmers  under Kisan Credit Card Scheme A special drive to provide concessional credit to PM-KISAN beneficiaries through Kisan Credit Cards. Fisherman and Animal Husbandy Farmers will also be included in this drive. This will inject additional liquidity of  Rs 2 lakh crore in the farm sector. 2.5 crore farmers will be covered. Source: Click here  Connecting the Dots: Additional borrowing is the key to fiscal stimulus. Explain. The key to the dramatic turnaround in the global financial crisis of 2008 was the fiscal risk. Discuss.  Essay: COVID-19 is the acid test for our political leadership 

May 21, 2020 RSTV Video

Changing Labour and Tax Laws – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

Changing Labour and Tax Laws Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Labour reforms In News: The information technology industry has approached the central government ministries to flesh out changes to taxation and labour laws in line with the work-from-home model. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the economy in more ways than one, including the way in which business and life as we know it is conducted. In an effort to stay buoyant, every organization has enabled a wealth of mitigatory measures including adopting the virtual approach in the least disruptive manner. While the coronavirus pandemic forced offices to migrate to WFH, many are expected to continue this even once a solution for the current health crisis emerges.  At least 4.3 million IT workers or half the sector’s workforce would WFH permanently, according to estimates. Industry body Nasscom has been tasked with preparing a detailed report, after which it will go to relevant ministries such as department of telecom and the labour ministry for action. The government categorised the IT industry as essential services and permitted exemptions similar to those granted to units in SEZs and STPIs by the department of telecom.  The successful transition is now prompting large-scale shifts in work models across the industry, with India’s largest IT services firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) looking at 75% of its workforce working remotely by 2025. The Industry’s Perspective The industry has also requested the government to make permanent several recent concessions extended until July, including relaxation of telecom regulations that allow back-office companies to work from home and move equipment out from designated special economic zones to facilitate remote working. Some of the labour laws may not cater to a work-from-home environment, so (we) need to start looking through a fresh lens Labour laws should be amended in a way to safeguard employees while also providing flexibility to employers. Once work from home is enabled at a large scale, people may want to work for only a certain number of hours a day, as opposed to the norm of 8 hours a day; this could benefit women, university students and handicapped greatly As working from home catches up, people could work for two or even three companies at the same time. So, the government will need to let employers and workers choose NPS (National Pension Scheme) instead of EPFO as a social security scheme, as in NPS a worker can be an employee today and a gig worker tomorrow Current labour laws will need to be revisited to provide industry the flexibility to enable working hours and shift timings.  The role of employer with respect to safety and health measures at the workplace will require a rethink as the home becomes the new workplace. Most organisations will break away from large campuses to distributed centres. Work from home doesn’t mean work from home forever. There will be a Friday meeting, etc. But instead of my campus being 10,000 people in one place, it can be 500 people in a smaller town. Source: Click here Experts are of the view that a shift to a WFH model delivers gains to both the industry and to society as metros are decongested with lower migration from tier II and III cities that could lead to reduced carbon footprint. The Challenges Workspace: As the home environment is not designed to be the replica of the work environment, there are unique challenges in terms of identifying a workstation or conducting work without distractions.  Productivity: Productivity and focus are far more challenging for employees who are staying in small paying guest or co-living developments owing to the complexities of the shared space. The belongingness: The office environment is one that will also nurture a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie for employees, thereby having a positive impact on productivity. Although Work from Home offers relief from commute, businesses can be more efficiently run in a demarcated office setup. This will enable the CRE fraternity to find a bridge between the workspace and the work-from-home space. The demarcated office setup can help improve talent management and the collaborative work experience among other concerns. Data: Data security, during Covid-19 poses a major concern as people working from home are exposed to social engineering and phishing risks and are more likely to use potentially vulnerable services, thus jeopardising the integrity of both the individual and the organization. Data confidentiality is another impeding factor as many firms have client-related restrictions to avail work from home. Mental Health: Research reveals that prolonged duration of working remotely without socializing can adversely impact the mental wellbeing of employees. A framework needs to be developed wherein employees are amply supported such to incorporate physical activity, meditation and creative activities in the interest of wellness Fostering Innovation: With the pace of business changing the way it has, organizations are focused on reinventing themselves continuously. In the workplace, we typically have greater access to technology, interactions with our fellow colleagues, subordinates and a stronger cultural connection—all of which make innovation easier and drive the business forward. Connecting the Dots: Can work from home be the new normal for India? Comment. Discuss the challenges associated with the work-from-home model.

May 20, 2020 60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

IASbaba's ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES (AIPTS) and AIPTS+ (Prelims Test Series with Video Discussions) 2021-ENGLISH and HINDI (हिंदी) Admission Open!

Hello Friends,   IASbaba is known for its quality coverage and it is a testimony that we have been able to HIT the bull’s eye in Prelims and Mains both over the period of the last 5 years. The closeness and exact repetition of Questions from our Tests needs no mention. This is acknowledged by many Toppers every year. Well, apart from the fact that many toppers have recommended IASbaba for our quality, the overall results are a testimony of our meticulous planning and dedication towards students. We try to match the standards set by UPSC in our test series by keeping the questions of mixed difficulty level i.e. easy, moderate, difficult, and very difficult. The overall level of the test is kept a notch higher than UPSC so that students of IASbaba can have an edge and can handle uncertainty much better than the rest. If you are able to maintain a good rank in the IASbaba test series, surely you’ll find the actual paper like a stroll in a park. As you all know, in recent times the importance of Current Affairs has increased. Keeping this in mind a Current affairs test is kept every 15th day. This test series caters to both category aspirants – Fresher’s who have just started their preparation and Veterans who have attempted UPSC Prelims before. If there is one thing that separates a person who qualifies the exam and a person who does not is DISCIPLINE!!  The plan has been designed to bring discipline in your preparation and keep it streamlined. You keep walking this path, and it will take you to your goal. “The Difference Between Ordinary and Extraordinary is Practice.. IASbaba’s AIPTS provides you that Perfect Practice Road-Map to reach your Goal !!” CHECK THE QUALITY OF IASbaba’s AIPTS HERE AIPTS - English Question Paper AIPTS - HINDI (हिंदी) Question Paper AIPTS - English Solution AIPTS - HINDI (हिंदी) Solution Hitting the bull’s eye year after year: IASbaba’s journey so far In the last four years, ILP has been bang on target with a hit ratio of more than 65%, a figure remarkably high keeping in mind the unpredictable nature of UPSC. With a knack of getting it right ILP has become a reliable name: Please Note: If you have joined ILP-2021, you don’t have to enroll for AIPTS separately. AIPTS is one of the important features of the ILP Program. ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES (AIPTS) – 2021 IMPORTANT FEATURES: 1. ONLINE All India Prelims Test Series (AIPTS) – 2021 is available BOTH in ENGLISH and HINDI (हिंदी). 2. TOTAL NO. OF TESTS = 62 TESTS 3. 52 General Studies (Paper 1) Tests + 10 CSAT (Paper 2) Tests. Out of 62 Tests, 42 tests (32 GS + 10 CSAT) are full length (100 Questions) & 20 Current Affairs Tests with 50 Questions per Test. 4. FREQUENCY OF THE TEST: The Tests on Core Subjects are held every 10 Days and Current Affairs Tests are held every 15 days. 5. STANDARD/QUALITY OF THE TESTS: Questions are graded. easy, moderate, difficult and very difficult. The overall level of the test is kept a notch higher than UPSC so that students of IASbaba can have an edge and can handle uncertainty much better than the rest. 6. CSAT TESTS-10 FULL MOCKS – Given the recent trend, one should not take CSAT lightly. We have meticulously analysed the previous CSAT papers from 2013-2019. Based on that, we have carefully crafted the CSAT papers as per the standard’s, difficulty level and pattern followed by UPSC. 7. DETAILED SOLUTIONS will be provided after each test. The Detailed Solution will also incorporate Techniques to Decipher the Correct Answer (Elimination Technique). The solution document is made very exhaustive and revision friendly at the same time. PDFs of questions and solutions will be sent to registered email ID. It can also be downloaded after taking the tests online. The Detailed Solution itself will act as a Source of learning and Revision. 8. DOUBTS RESOLUTION PAGE- We have a comment section for every question in a Test. So this gives you a scope to clear your doubts which are question-specific. All your doubts will be resolved by IASbaba’s team within 48 hours (maximum). 9. ALL INDIA RANKING – the scores and ranks will be displayed after every test. You can clearly monitor your progress in a continuous manner and get to know where you stand. Since our subscriber base is huge, you will not only get to know the real competition, but will also bring in seriousness and discipline in your preparation. It will keep you on your toes and make you walk the extra-mile’ which is very much important in the journey of UPSC. 10. DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF YOUR PERFORMANCE- For you to analyse your performance we provide 2 tools – Time Analytics and Subject-wise Analytics. As time management is one of the most important factor on the D-Day of the exam. Time Analytics will help you in gauging your efficiency per question. Here, you will be able to know the time you have spent on an individual question, the average time taken by all your peers, and time taken by the topper to solve the same question. This analytics becomes extremely important in both GS and CSAT papers as we believe if you are not able to go through all the questions in the given 2 hours, then it’s a crime! This will also help you in knowing how much time you should spend on the difficult questions, so that you don’t miss out on solving the easier ones. Subject-wise Analytics will help you introspect your strengths and weaknesses in a particular subject. It also helps you in giving more clarity and knowing your subjects better. Based on that, you can work on your weakness and gain more confidence in subjects of your interest. Overall, both the tools will aid you in analysing yourself better interms of the subject and time factor which are two most important factors in cracking UPSC Prelims. ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES+ (AIPTS+) 2021 It includes ALL THE FEATURES OF AIPTS (62 Tests) Additionally, each Prelims test (GS & CSAT) will be followed by Discussion classes of that particular test. The video discussion will be uploaded on the test platform. You can view the discussions any number of times till the day of the UPSC Prelims 2021 Exam. PLEASE NOTE: The Video Discussions will be available BOTH in ENGLISH and HINDI (हिंदी).! HOW THE PRELIMS TEST SERIES HAS BEEN DESIGNED/STRUCTURED & HOW TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY? PART – A: The Tests are designed such that, you will be prepared to face any kind of question in real-time. The Daily targets/sub-topics that are mentioned in the course plan/schedule are carefully designed considering the learning capacity of students in a day. Adequate time has been given for revision and consolidation. A few thought-provoking previous year’s questions of UPSC will also be covered as UPSC as a knack of picking up concepts covered in previous year question papers of exams conducted by UPSC. As many Toppers have suggested you MUST strictly adhere to the course plan. If you are following it sincerely, you will be able to streamline your preparation, bring disciple in your studies, and be well-prepared for the D-DAY of the Exam! You will cover the syllabus well on time! By Jan end, you can cover all the core subjects. February and March can be used for solving full-length revision tests (revision time) along with starting your CSAT preparation. Then focus on some grey areas like budget, economic survey, map-based questions, and government schemes. Finally, in the last phase, we will condition you to the actual format of UPSC, wherein you get to solve a mix of all the core subjects and Current Affairs along with CSAT Papers. PART – B: With increasing IMPORTANCE OF CURRENT AFFAIRS (CA) in the exam, we have Current Affairs Test held every 15 days (50 MCQ’s). These 20 Separate CA Tests will help you in quick revision and consolidation. Current Affairs also overlaps with many concepts and topics of core subjects, which will be given due importance in the test series. Example: National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, Summits, Reports, Indexes, Personalities, Important Events, Latest Technologies in news etc. will be covered. PART – C: The FIRST MODULE (July 2020- Jan 2021) – 34 Tests will focus on covering all the CORE SUBJECTS – Polity, History, Economics, Geography, Environment, Science and Technology along with Current Affairs. The SECOND MODULE – REVISION TESTS (Feb 2021- 15th March 2021)- This module focuses on Subject-wise Full-length Tests intended to make the candidates revise the previously covered topics of every core subject. The THIRD MODULE – SPECIAL FOCUS There are some specific topics which are very important from the exam point of view. Atleast 8-10 questions are from these topics every year in UPSC. These include Budget, Economic Survey, Government Schemes, Map-Based Questions based on geography, events, important locations and places in news. The FORTH MODULE – FULL MOCK TESTS. This phase we call it as ‘Art of Being Prepared’. Now that you have equipped yourself with all the ingredients necessary for the UPSC Prelims Exam in Modules 1, 2, 3; the final touches, polishing and last round of revision is required. In this module, we will condition you to the actual format of UPSC, wherein you get to solve a mix of all the core subjects and Current Affairs. By the end of this module not only will you be confident but also be ready to take up any surprises on the D-Day of the exam! PLEASE NOTE: There is no fixed time to take the test. It’s flexible! You can join the PRELIMS TEST SERIES- 2021, There is no deadline! INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING PRELIMS TEST For each test, there will be THREE attempts. Ranks will be calculated based on the very first attempt. Tests will be uploaded on the respective dates as mentioned in the plan. The validity of the tests is from JULY 2020 to June 2021 (or till the day of Prelims 2021, whichever is earlier) You have to take tests/download PDFs between the given period only. In no case, there will be any assistance from our side after the expiry of the program. ILP ONLINE 2021 students need not join ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES (AIPTS)-2021 separately, as it already included in the ILP 2021 program.  NOTE: Test Platform will be Activated 1 week before the first test i.e., Activation of Test Platform is on 3rd of July 2020. First Test Date- 10th July 2020 for BOTH English and Hindi Medium. AIPTS 2021- Detailed Course Plan Document and Topic Listing for Prelims AIPTS-2021 SCHEDULE/PLAN TOPIC LISTING FOR PRELIMS FEE DETAILS The pricing remains the SAME, both for English & Hindi (हिंदी) Medium! AIPTS Price: Rs.5,999 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.7,080/- Make Payment - English Make Payment - (हिंदी) AIPTS Plus Price: Rs.7,999 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.9,440/- Make Payment - English Make Payment - (हिंदी) PLEASE NOTE: OFFLINE PAYMENT DETAILS - Please mail us the acknowledgment at ilp@iasbaba.com if making offline payment.  Bank details BANK Name CANARA BANK BANK BRANCH BANGALORE KLE SOCIETY ACCOUNT NAME IASBABA ACCOUNT NUMBER 8418201003836 IFSC CODE CNRB0008418 ACCOUNT TYPE CURRENT ACCOUNT AFTER MAKING PAYMENT ONLINE You will receive a Receipt/Mail with Login Details. Do not worry it may take 2-3 hours time since it is automated. You can always mail for any technical issue on given email ID (below) You will be able to login to your AIPTS account ONLY when the test platform is activated. The platform will be activated one week before the start of the Program. The Program will start on 10th July, 2020. Go through the AIPTS 2021 Detailed Course Plan/Schedule Document and Topic Listing Document. Please Note: If you have joined ILP-2021, you don’t have to enroll for AIPTS separately. AIPTS is one of the important features of the ILP Program. To Know More about ILP Basic, ILP+, ILP Connect, ILP Connect+ -> CLICK HERE FOR ANY QUERIES (Related to ILP/AIPTS): You can reach us on Email id: ilp@iasbaba.com Mobile No: 9035077800/9986193413 (Please call between 10 am – 6 pm ONLY) Office Address: BANGALORE CENTRE: IASbaba’s TLP Centre 2- No. 1443/1444, 2nd Floor, Above Carzspa, Ganapati Circle, Chandra Layout, Vijaynagar, Bangalore 560040. DELHI CENTRE: IASBABA, 5B, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005. Landmark: Just 50m from Karol Bagh Metro Station, GATE No. 8 (Next to Croma Store) All the Best IASbaba Team

May 20, 2020 Important Articles

UPSC PRESS RELEASE : UPSC Civil Services (PRELIMS) Examination 2020 -Revised Schedule of the Examination to be updated on June 5, 2020

This is an OFFICAL ANNOUNCEMENT made by UPSC. Revised Programme of Examinations/Recruitment Tests (RTs)-2020 [including the date of the Civil Services (Prel.) Examination-2020] will be uploaded on 05.06.2020 after assessing the situation.   UPSC_PRESS_RELEASE - UPSC Prelims Exam 2020 - DOWNLOAD   UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION DHOLPUR HOUSE, SHAHJAHAN ROAD, NEW DELHI-110069 PRESS RELEASE MAY 20, 2020 The Commission held a special meeting on May 20, 2020 to review the situation after the third phase of the nation-wide restrictions, due to COVID-19. Taking notice of the extension of several restrictions, the Commission decided that it will not be possible to resume examinations and interviews, for the present. The Commission, however, took note of the progressive relaxations being announced by the Central Government and various States and has decided to review the situation once more, after the fourth period of lockdown. With a view to giving some clarity to candidates of various examinations and interviews, which have been deferred over the last two months, the Commission will issue a revised schedule of examinations in its next meeting to be held on June 5, 2020. Details of the new calendar of examinations will be published on the UPSC website, after the Commission’s meeting on June 5, 2020.   ********   But we would advice students to keep going, to stay focused. We will be with you! We will keep you engaged. We will be re-starting the program's like 60 Day plan, Daily Quiz, and other initiatives in a few days.   P.S: People from Odhisa and West Bengal should stay safe as Cyclone Amphan is hitting the East Coast.