TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has concluded its inquiry into Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) transactions, stating that there were no violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

EXPLANATION:

• However, concerns related to Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance and other issues have been identified, prompting potential action by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• On January 31, the RBI issued a circular prohibiting PPBL from accepting further deposits, top-ups, or conducting credit transactions into customer accounts, wallets, FASTags, and National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) after February 29.
• The action was based on the Comprehensive System Audit report and compliance validation reports, indicating persistent non-compliance and supervisory concerns.

ED’s Investigation and Findings:

• FEMA Violation:
  • The ED found no FEMA violations during its inquiry into PPBL transactions.
• PMLA Exclusion:
  • As no scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) were identified, money laundering investigations were deemed unnecessary.
• KYC Compliance Concerns:
  • The investigation focused on KYC compliance, revealing areas of concern related to user and merchant onboarding processes, document collection and authentication, anti-money laundering measures, merchant category code assignment, and National Payments Corporation of India’s regulatory compliance.
• Observations Submitted to RBI:
  • ED findings, along with certain observations regarding other payment banks, third-party application providers, and payment aggregators, have been reported to the RBI for potential regulatory action.

Key Areas of Concern Identified:

• KYC Processes:
  • Slackness in adherence to KYC norms, particularly in user and merchant onboarding.
• Anti-Money Laundering Measures:
  • Lack of robust measures to prevent money laundering.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Issues related to the assignment of merchant category codes and adherence to regulatory requirements by the National Payments Corporation of India.
• Ownership Identification:
  • Inadequacies in processes for identifying ultimate beneficial ownership and politically exposed persons.
• Virtual Account KYC:
  • Lack of KYC adherence related to the setup of virtual accounts.
• Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Inefficient monitoring and periodic reporting of suspect transactions to authorized agencies.

Recommendations for Improvement:

• IT Audit Framework Adoption:
  • The ED recommends the full-fledged adoption of the Information Technology audit framework as prescribed by relevant authorities.
• Mitigating Vulnerabilities:
  • Addressing vulnerabilities, including the possible misuse of Application Programming Interfaces (API) keys and URL spoofing to prevent financial fraud.

Enforcement Directorate (ED):

• The Directorate of Enforcement is a multi-disciplinary organization mandated with an investigation of offenses of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.
• The statutory functions of the Directorate include the enforcement of the following Acts:
  • The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)
  • The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA)
  • The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)

The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA):

• It is a civil law enacted to consolidate and amend the laws relating to facilitate external trade and payments and to and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India.
• ED has been given the responsibility to conduct investigation into suspected contraventions of foreign exchange laws and regulations.

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA):

• It is a criminal law enacted to prevent money laundering and to provide for confiscation of property derived from, or involved in, money-laundering.
• ED has been given the responsibility to enforce the provisions of the PMLA by conducting investigation to trace the assets derived from proceeds of crime.

Conclusion:

• While the ED found no FEMA violations in the case of PPBL, the identified concerns related to KYC compliance underscore the need for regulatory vigilance.
• The RBI is expected to take appropriate action based on the findings, emphasizing the importance of adherence to financial regulations and consumer protection in the digital payment sector.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/ed-finds-no-fema-violation-in-paytm-payments-bank-case/article67854556.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: In a significant breakthrough, a team of researchers has unearthed a new species of damselfly in the Ponmudi hills of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.

EXPLANATION:

• The discovery is particularly noteworthy as it challenges the long-standing belief that the genus Phylloneura was monotypic, with only one described species for over 160 years.
• The findings have been published in the International Journal of Odonatology.

Cliffside Bambootail (Phylloneura rupestris):

• The damselfly belongs to the bambootails group, named for their elongated abdomen resembling bamboo stalks.
• Unlike the previously known Myristica Bambootail, this new species lays its eggs in moss beds found in seasonal rills flowing over rock cliffs.
• This distinct behaviour sets Cliffside Bambootail apart, as opposed to the Myristica Bambootail, which lays eggs on the surface roots of riparian trees.
• The Ponmudi hills, situated at the southernmost tip of the Western Ghats in the Agasthyamalai landscape, have proven to be a hotspot for biodiversity.
• This discovery marks the third damselfly species identified in this region, emphasizing its ecological richness.
• For more than 160 years, the genus Phylloneura was considered monotypic, with the Myristica Bambootail being the sole described species.
• The discovery of Cliffside Bambootail challenges this notion, showcasing the diversity within the genus.
• The contrasting egg-laying behaviour of Cliffside Bambootail, choosing moss beds in seasonal rills, distinguishes it from the Myristica Bambootail.
• Understanding such behavioural nuances is crucial for comprehending the ecological roles and adaptations of damselfly species.

Conservation Implications:

• The Myristica Bambootail, endemic to the Western Ghats, was considered near-threatened.
• The discovery of a new species emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies to safeguard the biodiversity of the southern Western Ghats.

Conclusion:

• The identification of Cliffside Bambootail expands our understanding of damselfly diversity in the Western Ghats and calls for increased conservation efforts. This discovery underscores the importance of continuous research to unravel the complexities of biodiversity and ecological interactions in specific regions, contributing to effective conservation strategies.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/new-species-of-damselfly-discovered-in-ponmudi/article67852949.ece

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has introduced draft guidelines to regulate misleading advertisements by coaching centres, emphasizing the need to protect consumers from false claims and deceptive practices.

EXPLANATION:

• The guidelines aim to bring transparency, prevent misinformation, and ensure accountability within the coaching sector.

Context and Background:

• Government Initiative:
  • The move comes in the wake of the government’s commitment to address issues related to coaching centres.
  • Guidelines have been drafted prohibiting enrolment of students below 16 and restricting misleading promises.
• CCPA’s Call for Public Feedback:
  • The CCPA has actively sought public feedback on the ‘Draft Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector,’ demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and a collaborative approach.

Scope and Definition:

• Definition of Coaching:
  • The guidelines define ‘coaching’ broadly, encompassing tuition, academic support, learning programs, or guidance provided by any person.
• Conditions for Misleading Advertisements:
  • The draft outlines specific conditions that classify an advertisement as misleading within the coaching sector, focusing on claims related to success rates, student selections, and rankings in competitive exams.

Prohibited Practices:

• Concealment of Information:
  • Coaching centres are discouraged from concealing essential information related to course details and duration, influencing a consumer’s decision.
• False Claims:
  • Prohibition of false claims regarding success rates and rankings without providing verifiable evidence.
• Acknowledgment of Individual Efforts:
  • Mandate for coaching centres to acknowledge the individual efforts of students in their success and clearly state the extent of coaching involvement.
• Avoidance of Fear-Based Tactics:
  • Prevention of creating a false sense of urgency or fear of missing out, aiming to protect students and parents from undue anxieties.

Applicability and Consumer Protection:

• Broad Applicability:
  • The guidelines are designed to be applicable to every person engaged in coaching, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to curb misleading practices across the sector.
• Consumer Protection Framework:
  • Aligning with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the proposed guidelines act as a regulatory framework to safeguard consumer interests.

Accessibility and Stakeholder Consultation:

• Website Placement:
  • The draft guidelines are made accessible on the Department of Consumer Affairs website, facilitating public scrutiny and feedback.
• Stakeholder Consultation:
  • Prior to drafting, a stakeholder consultation on misleading advertisements in the coaching sector was conducted, garnering input from key entities like the Ministry of Education, FIITJEE, and National Law University Delhi.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019:

• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Act No. 35 of 2019) was enacted in India to safeguard the interests of consumers and establish mechanisms for timely and effective resolution of consumer disputes. Here are some key provisions of the act:
• Three-Tier Quasi-Judicial Mechanism:
  • The act establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial mechanism for redressal of consumer disputes:
    • District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission: At the district level.
    • State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission: At the state level.
    • National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission: At the national level.
  • Pecuniary Jurisdiction:
    • The act specifies the pecuniary jurisdiction of each tier of the consumer commission, ensuring that disputes are handled appropriately based on their financial value.
  • Improved Protection for Consumers:
    • The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
    • It aims to strengthen consumer protection, especially in the context of globalization, online platforms, and e-commerce markets.
    • The act provides improved protection for consumers involved in online transactions.
  • Establishment of Authorities:
    • Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA):
      • CCPA is a statutory body constituted under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
      • Responsible for administration and settlement of consumer disputes at the central level.
      • Empowered to recall goods, issue penalties against false/misleading advertisements, and more.
    • District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission:
      • Each tier handles consumer complaints and disputes within its jurisdiction.
      • Provides a structured process for resolution, including mediation, hearings, and appeals.

Conclusion:

• The draft guidelines represent a proactive step by the government to address challenges in the coaching sector.
• By involving stakeholders and seeking public feedback, the authorities aim to create a robust framework that not only regulates misleading advertisements but also ensures transparency, accountability, and protection of consumers’ interests.
• The guidelines, once finalized, are poised to shape a more ethical and consumer-friendly environment within the coaching industry.

SOURCE: https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/draft-guidelines-to-curb-misleading-ads-by-coaching-centres-released-2503074-2024-02-16

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently imposed restrictions on a yet-to-be-named card network in the country, citing unauthorized payments made through business cards.

EXPLANATION:

• The regulatory action is grounded in concerns over the violation of the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007, and non-compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) norms in transactions facilitated by the network.

Card Networks in India:

• India boasts five authorized card networks – Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, Diners Club, and American Express.
• Unspecified Network: The RBI refrained from specifying the card network involved but pointed out that only one has operationalized the arrangement allowing unauthorized card payments via business cards.

Modus Operandi of Alleged Violations:

• Unauthorized Payments:
  • The RBI identified a card network enabling businesses to make payments to entities not authorized to accept card transactions, a direct infringement of the PSS Act, 2007.
• Payment Routing:
  • The alleged arrangement involved businesses making card payments through intermediaries to non-card-accepting entities.
• Fund Transfer:
  • Intermediaries accepted card payments from corporates for commercial purposes and then transferred funds through IMPS, RTGS, or NEFT to non-card-accepting recipients.

RBI’s Concerns and Observations:

• Payment System Qualification:
  • The RBI deemed the identified arrangement as constituting a payment system, necessitating authorization under Section 4 of the PSS Act.
  • The absence of such authorization rendered the activity without legal sanction.
• Funds Pooling and Account Designation:
  • The intermediary pooled substantial funds into an account not designated under the PSS Act, raising regulatory concerns.
• KYC Non-Compliance:
  • Transactions under this arrangement failed to comply with ‘originator and beneficiary information’ requirements, as stipulated in the ‘Master Direction on KYC.’

RBI’s Regulatory Action:

• Directive to Cease Operations:
  • The RBI has directed the card network to suspend all such arrangements until further orders.
• Clarification on Business Credit Cards:
  • While restraining the unauthorized arrangements, the RBI clarified that no restrictions were placed on the regular use of business credit cards.

Visa’s Response and Implications:

• Visa’s Confirmation:
  • Although the RBI did not explicitly name the card network, Visa issued a statement acknowledging the regulatory directive.
• Suspension of BPSP Transactions:
  • Visa confirmed suspension of all Business Payment Service Provider (BPSP) transactions until further notice, aligning with the RBI’s directive.
• Normal Usage Continues:
  • The RBI clarification emphasized that normal business credit card usage remains unaffected.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

• The origins of the Reserve Bank of India can be traced to 1926.
• Royal Commission on Indian Currency and Finance – also known as the Hilton-Young Commission – recommended the creation of a central bank for India to separate the control of currency and credit from the Government and to augment banking facilities throughout the country.
• The Reserve Bank of India Act of 1934 established the Reserve Bank and set in motion a series of actions culminating in the start of operations in 1935.
• Since then, the Reserve Bank’s role and functions have undergone numerous changes, as the nature of the Indian economy and financial sector changed.
• Starting as a private shareholders’ bank, the Reserve Bank was nationalised in 1949.
• It then assumed the responsibility to meet the aspirations of a newly independent country and its people.
• The Reserve Bank’s nationalisation aimed at achieving coordination between the policies of the government and those of the central bank.

Functions of RBI:

• The functions of the Reserve Bank today can be categorised as follows:
  • Monetary policy
  • Regulation and supervision of the banking and non-banking financial institutions, including credit information companies
  • Regulation of money, forex and government securities markets as also certain financial derivatives
  • Debt and cash management for Central and State Governments
  • Management of foreign exchange reserves
  • Foreign exchange management—current and capital account management
  • Banker to banks
  • Banker to the Central and State Governments
  • Oversight of the payment and settlement systems
  • Currency management
  • Developmental role
  • Research and statistics

Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007:

• The PSS Act, 2007 received the assent of the President on 20th December 2007 and it came into force with effect from 12th August 2008.
• Under the PSS Act, 2007, two Regulations have been made by the Reserve Bank of India, namely, the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems Regulations, 2008 and the Payment and Settlement Systems Regulations, 2008.
• Both these Regulations came into force along with the PSS Act, 2007 on 12th August 2008.
• The PSS Act, 2007 provides for the regulation and supervision of payment systems in India and designates the Reserve Bank of India (Reserve Bank) as the authority for that purpose and all related matters.
• The Reserve Bank is authorized under the Act to constitute a Committee of its Central Board known as the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS), to exercise its powers and perform its functions and discharge its duties under this statute.
• The Act also provides the legal basis for “netting” and “settlement finality”. This is of great importance, as in India, other than the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system all other payment systems function on a net settlement basis.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/rbi-restraints-card-network-9164676/

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Researchers at Odisha’s Berhampur University have recently identified a new species of marine amphipod, belonging to the genus Parhyale, in Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon on India’s east coast.

EXPLANATION:

• The crustacean has been named Parhyale odian after Odisha’s native language, Odia.
• The discovery was made by researchers from Berhampur University, including an assistant professor in the Department of Marine Science, and three others.

• The findings were published in the online edition of the journal Zootaxa on February 14, 2024, in an article titled “A new species of amphipod of the genus Parhyale from Chilika lagoon, India.”
• The newly discovered species is brown in colour and approximately eight millimeters in length.
• It possesses distinctive features, such as 13 pairs of legs, with the first pair utilized for capturing prey and feeding.
• Notably, Parhyale odian is different from the existing 15 species in the genus, particularly due to the stout robust seta on the surface of the male gnathopod’s propodus (first pair of legs).
• After thorough examination and testing in the university laboratory, it was confirmed as a new species.
• The collected specimens have been deposited in the Zoological Survey of India’s Estuarine Biology Regional Centre at Gopalpur-On-Sea, Odisha, for additional research.

Ecological Significance:

• Amphipods, including Parhyale odian, are a crucial group in marine ecosystems, playing a vital role in the marine food chain.
• They serve as indicators for studying the impact of climate change and the health of coastal ecosystems.
• Further research will delve into understanding the specific ecological roles of amphipods in coastal and marine environments.

Previous Discoveries by Researchers:

• The researchers had made other significant discoveries in 2023, including two marine amphipods from Chilika Lake and one from the West Bengal coast.
• The previously discovered species include Quadrivisio chilikensis and Demaorchestia alanensis from Chilika Lake and Talorchestia buensis from the West Bengal coastal area.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/researchers-find-new-crustacean-in-odisha-s-chilika-lagoon-94496

We all are charmed by the grandeur associated with the civil services in India. According to a report, UPSC civil services exam is one of the toughest exams of the world. Naturally, the preparation process for the exam will attract several myths around it.
But, as George Orwell famously said: “Myths, which are believed in, tend to become true. Hence, if you start believing in myths associated with the UPSC preparation, your dream of becoming a civil servant will surely get ruined.
Here, we are listing down some of the common myths about the UPSC and debunking them too:

Myth 1: Engineers have it easy in the UPSC exam.

This is a common myth among the students from non-science background. Time and again, toppers of the exam have proved that the UPSC exam is not skewed against students from humanities or commerce background. Be it Garima Lohia (AIR 2), Shruti Sharma (AIR 1) or Tina Dabi (AIR 1), all come from non-engineering background. Apart from them, there are many others who have cleared this exam without harbouring any ‘ifs and buts’ mentality.

Myth 2: Preparation requires 15-16 hours of study routine.

This is absolutely not true. The exam requires a dedicated and consistent performance. Always remember, this journey can be a long one for some aspirants. And, it is normal. Mental health is more important than anything else. Putting in more than 15-16 hours can take a toll on your health, which can affect your performance in the long run. Follow a disciplined regime, but it shouldn’t be taxing on the mind.

Myth 3: UPSC exam cannot be cracked with a job.

There are many aspirants who have cleared this exam, along with a full-time job. These candidates were not superhumans. All they had was the clear-cut goal in their mind. Besides knowing what should be studied, an aspirant should also know, or learn to know, what shouldn’t be studied.

Myth 4: Answer-writing should be done only after prelims.

This is a common misconception among aspirants, due to which they ruin their valuable years in preparation. They get caught in the vicious cycle of attempts and reattempts and getting stuck at the same stage where they clear prelims easily, but do not get the interview call. To break this cycle, answer-writing practice should be initiated early on.

Myth 5: You need to have super-human memory to clear this exam.

Unlike the state-PCS which focuses more on facts, the UPSC CSE exam is more about developing analytical skills. A person who has strong analytical skills with an ability to connect the dots between different issues would surely have an edge over other candidates.

Myth 6: UPSC exam prefers English-medium students.

UPSC doesn’t favour anyone with a particular background over others. It only has preferences for people with sharp analytical skills. Medium of instruction should never be counted amongst the hurdles. Just focus on deeper understandings of the subjects and issues plaguing the country. Eventually, you will develop officers-like qualities.

Myth 7: You need to read the ‘The Hindu’ newspaper inside-out.

There are certain aspirants who give more than four hours to study the newspaper. They even make notes of city-based stories. This not only wastes their precious time, but also provides them a pile of notes which are of no use at the time of revision. Candidates are required to read and analyze only the important articles. They can develop this understanding by following previous-year questions and syllabus.

Myth 8: You need to start your preparation right after school.

UPSC looks for a candidate who has a well-rounded personality. It can only be developed when you have greater exposures in life. Some parents enroll their kids in coaching institutes just after college. This unnecessarily burdens the child’s mind and limit his/her capability. It should only be the child’s prerogative to decide when to start his/her preparation.

Myth 9: Candidates from premier colleges are preferred during the personality test.

UPSC Interview consists of members from varied backgrounds. They are only looking for candidates who possess essential traits for administrative roles. It doesn’t matter which school or college you have been to. You only need to demonstrate officer-like qualities in the personality test.

Myth 10: My chances of success will increase only if I give multiple government exams.

A lot of candidates start preparing for multiple government exams simultaneously. Following this strategy in the beginning of the preparation can possibly backfire. The strategy to give other government exams simultaneously, or a ‘Plan B’, can be adopted after two unsuccessful attempts. A candidate meets failure only when his/her improvement stops. You can only how to bring improvements only under right guidance. So, always go for the trusted guidance.

These myths work as a potent tool in diminishing your chances of success. Never fall for them. Clearing this exam requires concerted efforts and a strong belief in your capabilities. Approach this exam with real expectations and unwavering dedication and success will follow you.

The preparation for the UPSC civil services examination can be an overwhelming experience for candidates. This is true not just because of the sheer amount of syllabus that an aspirant has to cover, but also because of the high magnitude of competition involved.
In this process, hence, a candidate is bound to make mistakes, if he/she does not have anyone to guide him/her through this quagmire.
But throw away all your worries out of the window as we have got your back. Here, we are listing down some of the common mistakes made by a UPSC aspirant, which we do not want you to repeat.

#Mistake 1: Studying without a plan.
This is a very common mistake. Most of the students lack any plan or strategy. They just go with the flow with a very common but flawed thinking — ‘ho jaega’. But it doesn’t happen like that. A scientific approach to studying gives you better returns than studying in an ad hoc manner. Do not waste your time in developing the ‘best strategy’. There is no such thing as the ‘best strategy’. Develop proper targets and adhere to them. Do not make your strategy too rigid. It should be agile. You may be required to make changes in it as and when required.

#Mistake 2: Buying every book available in the market related to the subject.
There may be some misguided candidates who would think that piling up books would help them in clearing the exam. They would get inspired by some random ‘source-tracing’ videos, which will show them how UPSC is asking questions from XYZ… book. This leads them to nowhere. Sticking to standard books, limiting your resources and giving them multiple readings is the best approach.

#Mistake 3: Procrastination or lack of consistency.
There is another category of candidates who are heavy procrastinators. They may be making meticulous daily time-table only to be remade the next day. They are the ones who fall for instant gratification and get easily distracted. Or, there may be candidates who will study for 15-18 hours in a day but then will not turn up for studying for the next two-three days. This lack of consistency has a high cost. Always remember, consistency is the key in this exam. You may not be able to put in 14-15 hours daily. But that is fine. Six-eight hours of consistent and quality study is enough to crack this exam.

#Mistake 4: Ignoring NCERTs.
This is a very silly mistake. The allure of reading advanced books can make some candidates skip NCERTs. But, UPSC has time and again asked easy but analytical questions from NCERTs. Hence, skipping NCERTs would not be advisable, especially when your basic concepts are not clear.

#Mistake 5: Not giving enough mock tests for prelims.
In recent years, the level of difficulty in prelims has increased considerably, and falling cut-offs reflect this. Hence, there is a need to develop MCQs-solving aptitude. This can only be developed when you solve more questions.

#Mistake 6: Ignoring CSAT.
Many candidates have faltered at the prelims stage just because they could not score 66 marks in the CSAT paper. One simple reason behind this is that aspirants simply ignore this subject. Assess your preparation for CSAT by attempting previous year papers. If you are comfortably scoring above 66 marks, then it is fine. Otherwise, you need to pull up your socks and give this paper some extra attention.

#Mistake 7: Lack of answer-writing practice.
There are several reasons for this. First, this happens when a candidate follows a segregated approach for prelims and mains, while what we require is an integrated approach. Second, when an aspirant thinks of attempting tests only after finishing the entire syllabus. Third, when a candidate focuses just on prelims and thinks of writing tests only when he/she clears the prelims so that his/her efforts are not wasted. In all the three scenarios, the result would not turn out to be desirable. Answer writing practice is one of the major determinants of your success. Ignoring it would make you stuck in the vicious cycle of giving attempt after attempt.

#Mistake 8: Giving up on writing tests on scoring low marks in mock tests.
This is true for many students. It is natural that initially a candidate would not be scoring very good marks. But a usual response by the candidates is to give up on answer writing practice. While the best approach is to know your mistakes and keep improving on them.

#Mistake 9: Not revising enough.
Because of the colossal syllabus, multiple revision becomes very important. Revision enhances the recalling power of the mind. Make short, hand-written or digital notes, depending on your convenience, and revise them frequently.

#Mistake 10: Underestimating or overestimating your potential.
UPSC exam is a great equalizer. Whether a candidate underestimates or overestimates his/her potential, both are equally harmful scenarios. While preparing, always be grounded and have a company of those people who can motivate you in your difficult times, while also giving you a reality check.

It is very easy to fall for traps, but a candidate needs to develop a level-headed mind in order to successfully navigate through this journey.