Ed-Tech | UPSC Mentor and Critical Thinker | IIT Guwahati Alum | Navodayan | 🙏 Karma Believer | Govt exam aspirants, how can I help you in your journey?
Aspirants please note
- Low Vitamin D: Fatigue, concentration issues, mood changes etc.
- Low Vitamin B12: Memory troubles, fatigue, numbness, irritability, etc.
- High sugar intake: sugar crash, feeling tired, low energy levels etc.
>>> Get them tested if you feel the
My
#UPSC
Journey:
+6 Attempts
+4 Mains
+2 IFoS Interview
Marks:
+128 in Prelims 2020, Cleared 4 prelims back-to-back
+204 in IFoS 2021 Interview
+148 in Essay Mains 2022 (2nd highest that year as far as I know)
[+Other Exams]
A New Year🎁for serious aspirants from my side👇
- Couldn't clear 4th Mains. I'm sad. But not heartbroken or shattered.
Journey has taught me a lot. Made me resilient enough.
Let's see what adventures await next!
Heartiest congratulations to the candidates who cleared Mains. Congratulations also to those who wrote it with
My
#UPSC
Journey:
+6 Attempts
+4 Mains
+2 IFoS Interview
Marks:
+128 in Prelims 2020, Cleared 4 prelims back-to-back
+204 in IFoS 2021 Interview
+148 in Essay Mains 2022 (2nd highest that year as far as I know)
[+Other Exams]
A New Year🎁for serious aspirants from my side👇
Agreed. It worked for me in last 4 prelims that I cleared with sufficient margins:
Approx 80% time to revise static and 20% to current affairs (in a decreasing preference S&T > IR/Mapping > Environment > others- GI tags/ reports/ polity CA etc. etc.)
Most common mistake done by aspirants while preparing for UPSC Prelims is to focus more current affairs and to ignore the static portion.
Make sure you have absolute command over static syllabus- then add on it with current affairs.
UPSC and PCS Aspirants
+ I had scored 148 in Essay of UPSC 2022
+ I have also scored very good marks in English sections of many exams including SSC CGL and IFS English paper (even full marks in some exam)
I have done this despite having studied in Hindi/Hinglish medium schools
UPSC Aspirants
There are two layers in every subject
+ Conceptual (what, why, how etc.)
+ Factual (including current affairs)
+ Covering both is essential.
- Leaving any is an unforgivable mistake.
Let me illustrate with examples 👇 🧵
UPSC Aspirants
ONE STOP source for ALL Multilateral Environmental Agreements
>>> Use wisely
Do NOT get trapped into the rabbit hole- overreading, over analysis etc.
[Tip: Use PYQs as guiding light]
#UPSCPrelims2024
#UPSC
UPSC Aspirants:
+Embrace small study sessions, they add up
+Celebrate your tiny victories, they matter
-Avoid cramming all at once; it's a marathon, not a sprint
-Never underestimate the power of a well-rested mind
Each day brings you closer to your goal. Keep going,
There are more ways to fail UPSC CSE Exam than to pass it.
Some personal observations after failing 2 Prelims and 4 Mains [and interviewing multiple times]:
- Reading random notes rather than making own notes from standard sources, in a planned manner is bad.
>>> Make notes
The New Year🎁
+I will evaluate 34 Essays - one for each day until the New Year- free of charge and provide relevant macro feedback
+MUST: Sincerely written Essay with dedication
>>> DM for the telegram link.
Utilize this opportunity for
#UPSCPrelims2024
Aspirants,
A list of Science and Tech related YouTube channels that has helped me improve my knowledge and solidify many concepts and also kept me aware of current affairs of this subject.
Use it with your own discretion though. As always don't do anything in excess. 🧵
Keep your phone/tablet/laptop physically out of reach for atleast 5-6 hours daily.
Instead study/revise using books/notes/maps. Try offline tests using actual paper and pen.
This is because...
I don't want to believe this report. It simply paints a grim picture. I hope it's faulty at so many levels.
But if it is indeed factually correct then my belief doesn't matter!
Imagine, going into the future, if technology can not enable provision of affordable social services
Why do people always forget GST and other indirect taxes? Even a kid pays tax in India!
And for direct taxes, the data clearly shows people have low income. So it would be better to point out how to increase the income of people (which automatically will increase the *percent*
Thank God *farmers* live only in Punjab/Haryana, where they can *peacefully* protest for their *legitimate* rights using their *SUVs and Mercedes* by blockading national capital.
Imagine what would have happened if other states also had *farmers*!
Demands by the farmers :
(a) Monthly pension of 10k.
(b) Govt to fully cover crop insurance costs.
(c) India to withdraw from WTO, so that farmers can seek more subsidies.
(d) Increase in import duties on food, forcing us to exclusively buy from our beloved farmers.
(e)
Endorphins: Nature's Painkillers
+ Exercise, laughter, and enjoying spicy foods trigger endorphins.
+ They help reduce stress and pain, bringing a sense of euphoria.
>>> Stay active and find reasons to laugh for a natural mood boost!
Things that fuel an aspirants long marathon:
+ Good sleep
+ Good food
+ Some Exercise
+ Consistent study hours
If you can do the first 3, then 4 is very easy.
>>> Find friends who do that.
[Thank me later!]
#UPSCPrelims2024
#UPSC
Aspirants and students
The Forgetting Curve.
2 Simple rules:
+ Memory fades over time
+ Strong memories last longer
2 BEST strategies for long term memory:
+ Better memory representation
e.g. with mnemonic techniques
+ Repetition based on active recall e.g. spaced repetition
Oxytocin: The Love Hormone
+ Grows through physical touch and positive social bonds.
+ Important for social bonding and affection.
>>> Hug, connect, and share love to enhance your oxytocin levels!
So, in this *tech-free*, non digital 5-6 hours, try active recall. Solve PYQs. Draw maps. Refer books/ notes. Rewrite few short notes.
In between, play badminton/ cricket/ any other light physical activity for about 30 mins/ try quizzes with your friends.
Enjoy Studying 👍
More is the number of study materials, the more is inertia to study. It's a good practice to keep limited number of WELL ORGANISED resources and read them again and again.
✅ How do I read NCERTs for UPSC, and is it necessary to make notes on NCERTs?
🔹Common question I've been asked multiple times in DM.
Read NCERTs in three stages.
Don’t highlight anything in then first read;
highlight in the secondd read by pencil,and erase some of the
Serotonin: The Mood Stabilizer
+ Boosted by sunlight 🌞, exercise, and some foods.
+ It regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.
>>> Incorporate outdoor activities and a balanced diet for emotional well-being!
Adulthood begins with us taking our own decisions and owning full responsibilities of the consequences whether good or bad.
Until then, we are just grownup children!
Dopamine: The Reward Chemical
+ Increased by enjoyable activities, certain foods, and adequate sleep.
+ Essential for pleasure, learning, and memory.
>>> Reward yourself with healthy habits and restful nights!
UPSC Aspirants
Continuing...
To cover mapping HOLISTICALLY
3 Steps
ONE:
+ Memorise ALL the countries by heart
+ Memorise all the MAJOR water bodies surrounding these countries
TWO:
+ Memorise the smaller regions of these countries/ continents
e.g. Levant, Catalonia, Aksai
Ex 3: Mapping
Conceptual:
+ Relative location of countries
+ Major water bodies and channels
+ Terminologies (lat, long, strait, isthmus etc.)
+ Knowing how to use Google maps/ Earth and similar tools (not just search but topographic maps, satellite maps etc.)
Factual:
+ Places
UPSC Aspirants
Now is the time to revise what are Lagrange points, how many are there, how far from Earth, at which point is Aditya L1 and why we chose Lagrange points in particular.
Also look up where James Web Telescope is parked and why it's at the opposite Lagrange point
Why do people always forget GST and other indirect taxes? Even a kid pays tax in India!
And for direct taxes, the data clearly shows people have low income. So it would be better to point out how to increase the income of people (which automatically will increase the *percent*
Anyone who is living away from hometown and has residence proof (rent agreement etc.) may get his Voter ID card made for that constituency and cast their vote there.
Especially helpful for the UPSC candidates living in Delhi and not planning to visit their hometown.
I got mine
Ex 1: Environment
Conceptual:
+ Basics of Ecology
+ Basics of Biology
+ Basics of Geography
+ Basics of conservation
etc.
Factual:
+ Names of species
+ Details of laws and rules
+ Details of PAN
etc.
Using any device with internet will 99% of the time will lead you to YouTube/social media. And once that happens it breaks the focussed study session.
What's more it will lead you to watch short videos related to UPSC, which you do not need but your mind will justify to watch.
Procrastination is a disease in an aspirant's life. It leads to:
+ Lost time
+ Guilty feeling
+ Lost motivation
+ Increased workload
+ etc. etc.
But a simple 5 minute rule can rescue us.
Idea is to commit to the task that we are procrastinating for atleast 5 minutes WITHOUT
I have a really old diary lying around. Haven't used it much. But, recently stumbled upon the thoughtful quotes 🖊️ written on each page.
I plan to give a few minutes each day to think about one quote. Hopefully, I'll get a bit wiser over the next year. 🤞
Join me🧵
@Roverrei
Boards were always cordial to me, in both UPSC and state PCS. They may ask difficult questions. Not to humiliate but to test. That's what I feel.
Anyway, there are always exceptions.
Clarification: what to read/revise and how much to read/revise vary for person to person. But, without solid preparation of static topics, one should not expect to clear prelims.
On the brighter side, do not get panicked by vastness of current affairs (but do not neglect it
Ever wondered how Indore maintains its top ranking as the Cleanest City?
It is no small feat.
It requires incredible teamwork of municipality, dedication of its citizens, and inspiring role played by women in keeping the city spick and span.
imo, Delhi does not even come
In UPSC preparation, the 80/20 rule is vital.
Focus 80% of your effort on the 20% of topics that yield the most results.
For example: strengthen polity, economy and environment before ancient and medieval.
This type of spoon feeding gives false sense of study. You are not actively recalling information rather passively watching someone else. In exam, you will realise that you have read something but unable to recall.
Instead, practice active recalling while studying/revising.
Environment and Ecology is an important subject for
#UPSCPrelims2024
To improve the accuracy in E&E, one must thoroughly understand the fundamental concepts.
I had made very concise AND beautiful notes of this subject. And it worked very well for me.
Sharing the list of
Ex 2: Science and Tech
Conceptual:
+ Basics of Physics
+ Basics of Biology and Biotech
+ Basics of Chemistry
etc.
(ATLEAST upto 10th NCERT level)
Factual:
+ Details and trivia relating to applications
+ New events/ inventions/ discoveries
+ New initiatives/ missions
etc.
Why Slow Growth Is Good
+ It allows for deep roots and strong foundations
+ It's about steady progress, not speed
+ Gives time for learning, adapting, and maturing
+ Every small step forward counts
>>> Be patient. Be cautious, in modern fast paced life.
[Personal experience]
Best wishes sir 🙏. Hopefully you will push for affordable, accessible, equitable and a very high quality education for ALL... especially in rural areas.
You'd know better as an educator and Navodayan.
Have started new innings in my life. It took lots of thinking and courage to plunge into active politics. Currently I am actively engaged in grassroots politics in my native district Davanagere. Many events and people - including some of my students have inspired me to take this
The people of Bharat tasked the leaders to revitalize their civilization and reclaim the lost glory and nullify all the deliberate brainwashing that had been done to generations which made them miserable, weak, confused and timid.
And so they did.
What a time to be alive when
@sujansinghdangi
I conducted a health checkup camp for upsc aspirants in pune recently. Of 77 aspirants, 78% were B12 deficient, 96% were D deficient; 28% had severe D/B12 deficiencies. 5 cases of PCOD/hormonal disorders. Aspirants reported tangible improvements after treatment.
#medtwitter
Hope we can *make* a new Bharat where each citizen, no matter what the background, can *hope* to achieve success in whichever endeavour one wish to undertake, if they do the hardwork and have bonafide intent.
A long way we have come. A long way still to go.
Finally saw ‘12th FAIL’ over this past weekend.
If you see only ONE film this year, make it this one.
Why?
1) Plot: This story is based on real-life heroes of the country. Not just the protagonist, but the millions of youth, hungry for success, who struggle against extrordinary
Ex 3: Mapping
Conceptual:
+ Relative location of countries
+ Major water bodies and channels
+ Terminologies (lat, long, strait, isthmus etc.)
+ Knowing how to use Google maps/ Earth and similar tools (not just search but topographic maps, satellite maps etc.)
Factual:
+ Places
4 Takeaways
+ Without the reforms of UNSC, there is no reformed multilateralism.
+ Gradualism works. To make the world a fair place.
+ Put a timeline to stated goals.
+++ We (Indians) have not given others the privilege to judge our competence.
Thank you sir 🙏
#UNSCReform
My final remarks at the event "Shifting the Balance: Perspectives on
@UN
Security Council Reform from Global South Think Tanks," organized by
@IndiaUNNewYork
and Amb
@ruchirakamboj
that we at
@orfonline
were delighted to support and partner
It's been years since I stayed in my village for more than a week. Feeling so fortunate to be able to spend some quality time here!!!
#Peace
#village
#nature
As always,
There may be SOME exceptions where conceptual and factual parts are not very distinct.
But, in most subjects and topics we can distinguish between the two.
Keep learning 👍
WESTERN DISTURBANCE (
#Geography
)
What is it?
An extratropical cyclone, sometimes called mid-latitude cyclone. A storm system that originates in the Mediterranean region and brings winter rain or snow to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent.
How does it form?
It
Thanks for sharing
@x_rahulraj
A very good read with original perspective.
Spirit of doing things matters.
The zeal of learning matters.
Successes or failures are secondary.
Everything else is secondary.
I was in China for the last 10 days. I went intending to meet cell manufacturers, machine makers, automation companies, and visit good factories. I went there after 4 years, so expected a lot of upgrades after my last visit. The trip did not disappoint me. Sharing some of those:
Only 0.12% of Earth's total VOLUME is liquid water.
Equivalent to a sphere of diameter about 1384 km.
The big blue drop 💧 on the map is FRESH water.
#UPSCPrelims2024
[Image credits: USGS]
Therefore
If you are beginning:
+ Start with conceptual part
+ Keep adding factual part as per your memorization capacity
If you have studied but still not able to solve a question:
+ Figure out which part needs improvement
+ May be you need to revise some concepts
+ Or you may
UPSC aspirants, concepts related to Universe, Spacetime, Einstein's theories etc. are favourite topics of UPSC. But information on these topics is not available at one place.
Read and re-read this Wikipedia page to understand this topic decently. Even if you have read this
Ironies of "Modern Life"
- Language that bridges worlds can also build walls between them
- Technology connects across continents but distances from the person next door
- In simplifying life with gadgets, we often complicate it with clutter
- Social media, designed
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (also a NP)- The only "Mixed Heritage" site of India.
+ India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, out of which 12 are listed in UNESCO's MAB program.
+ There are 42 World Heritage Sites in India
> 34 are cultural,
> seven are natural,
>
My twitter circle....
Thankful for everyone who made 2023 special.
Gratitude fills my heart for the wonderful moments and people that shaped this year of my life.
@VIJAY1MANIT
That's why I felt I have seen you somewhere. Great to connect back! And yes I agree with your viewpoint. We should try to learn to be happy despite the situations we are in 🙏
Software Engineers, Designers, Product Managers, Innovators
Thank you so much 🙏
For making the lives of people drastically convenient.
You have made highly efficient, functional, scalable and aesthetically beautiful systems for web, mobiles and beyond.
For which you have
As an S&T enthusiast, 2024 is off to a good start for me... hope it continues that way till end!
ISRO Missions at a glance:
2023
SSLV-D2 Mission
LVM3 M3/ OneWeb India-2 Mission
Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology
Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Aditya-L1 Mission (launch)
Gaganyaan
𝐀𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐚-𝐋𝟏 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:
Did you hear? I'm close to the destination!
Aditya-L1 will reach its destination, Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which is about 1.5 million km from the Earth, on January 6, 2024.
#AdityaL1
#ISRO
The era of Superhumans has begun it seems.
As in the case of AI, the regulators will be left far behind. Either unable to grasp the technology and/or playing a catch up game.
Will have to wait and watch who wins- technocrats or bureaucrats.
My hunch is that people will miss
True. This is happening across MP.
This last week and month has been a celebration of such a vast scale not seen before. Across villages and cities. Young and old participating together with all of their soul. It's a feeling words cannot express.
All driven by pure spiritual
Ayodhya – the one big happy family.
"Delhi feels like one big happy family this morning. Strangers smiling at each other" was something a dumbo had imagined after AAP's landslide victory in 2015. But if that imagination was to really come alive, it has come alive at Ayodhya Dham
I am going to extend this initiative further.
Interested candidates join here 👇
(Channel still building)
(This private group)
You will find the guidelines in the group.
The New Year🎁
+I will evaluate 34 Essays - one for each day until the New Year- free of charge and provide relevant macro feedback
+MUST: Sincerely written Essay with dedication
>>> DM for the telegram link.
Utilize this opportunity for
#UPSCPrelims2024
•The weather system is a highly complex phenomenon. But, it is important for
#UPSCPrelims2024
. Read the
#currentaffairs
article for context.
-It's difficult to understand its complexity without visualization.
+I'll SHOW you an easy way. Unwrap the 🧵👇