UPSC Civil Services Prelims exam today, important instructions for candidates
The commission released CSE Prelims admit cards earlier this month at upsc.gov.in and upsconline.gov.in. All candidates must bring the CSE prelims admit card to the exam venue to get entry into the exam hall.
They must also carry a photo ID card, the number of which is mentioned in the admit card.
Here are some important exam day instructions for UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 candidates-
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘Not number but where tigers thrive matters'
Madhya Pradesh — often hailed as India's 'Tiger State' — leads the nation in tiger numbers. But with this success comes the challenge of managing a growing big cat population, maintaining ecological balance, and tackling persistent human-wildlife conflict. Adding to the complexity are rapid diversions of forest land for non-forest use, encroachments into key corridors, and the mounting pressures of climate change. In this context, P Naveen spoke with additional principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), MP, L Krishnamurthy. In a candid discussion, he outlined the department's focus areas — from strengthening corridors and improving habitats to using technology and empowering communities — and shared his vision for the state's tiger conservation journey. Excerpts from the interview… How many are too many? When it comes to tiger numbers in the state, what is Madhya Pradesh's target population? n We can't fix the numbers. The department is focusing on consolidating the landscape through protection, habitat management, corridor management, and community engagement in wildlife conservation. That said, we still have some tiger reserves and forest areas, like the proposed Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, where more tigers can be supported. The main focus is on landscape consolidation rather than chasing a specific number. How many tigers can Madhya Pradesh realistically support without leading to excessive human-wildlife conflict? n Tiger numbers can be estimated based on the ecological carrying capacity of each tiger reserve and protected area. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo However, it's equally important to consider the social carrying capacity — that is, the willingness and ability of communities to coexist with large carnivores. Our goal is to keep tiger populations connected through functional corridors, which helps reduce conflict in and around tiger reserves. What plans are in place to manage the tiger population as it approaches the state's ecological carrying capacity? n Under the leadership of the chief minister, we have expanded our network of protected areas by adding new tiger reserves and sanctuaries. We've also developed comprehensive strategies including the State Wildlife Action Plan, a State Elephant Management Plan, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in wildlife monitoring and conflict reduction. We're also promoting ecotourism, creating livelihood opportunities, and running awareness programs. Each tiger reserve has a Tiger Conservation Plan, and protected areas are governed by detailed management plans. The State of India's Environment 2025 report by CSE states that Madhya Pradesh has diverted the highest amount of forest land (38,553 hectares) for non-forest use. How much of this diversion occurred within designated tiger corridors or ecologically sensitive zones? n In cases where land is diverted from within corridor areas, we receive equivalent revenue land under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) provisions. Additionally, mitigation measures are implemented to ensure that wildlife movement is not disrupted, following the recommendations of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) and the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The proportion of land diverted from within Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) and tiger corridors is a small fraction of the total—excluding Panna, where we've taken a landscape-level approach with the Greater Panna Landscape Management Plan. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
UPSC Mains Exam: How to master the art of strategic answer writing for success
Succeeding in the UPSC Civil Services Examination isn't just about knowing the material—it's about how well you can communicate that knowledge. This is especially true during the Mains stage, where smart answer writing and efficient time management can be the deciding factors between just falling short and achieving a top ranking. UPSC Mains: Many aspirants enter the Mains exam prepared with facts and figures, but only a few know how to craft answers that are succinct, relevant, and most importantly, impactful.(Santosh Kumar/File ) The Mains exam is more than just a knowledge-based test. It's a test of clarity, balance, expression, and the ability to interconnect the dots in subjects. Many aspirants enter the Mains exam prepared with facts and figures, but only a few know how to craft answers that are succinct, relevant, and most importantly, impactful. Here's how to master that art: Start with the Basics: Understand the Question Before putting pen on paper, take a few minutes to understand the exact demand of the question. Questions asked in UPSC are not merely academic questions; they are an assessment of your ability to understand and interpret. Directive words such as "examine," "critically evaluate," "discuss," or "elaborate" are not synonymous with each other; misinterpretation of other could result in completely unacceptable answers. A helpful trick is to mentally break the question into sub-parts and draft a mental roadmap. This 30-second pause for analysis can go a long way in keeping your answer focused and well-aligned with the examiner's expectations. Structure is Key: Use the IBC Formula A well-structured answer feels complete. The most widely used (and examiner-friendly) format is IBC—Introduction, Body, Conclusion. Introduction: Briefly define key terms or give context. Body: Address all parts of the question in a logical order. Use bullet points or paragraphs, support with examples, and keep transitions smooth. Conclusion: End with a summary or a forward-looking thought, reflecting analytical maturity. This format isn't just about presentation—it's about clarity of thought. When your answer flows naturally, the examiner is more likely to reward it. Think Visually: Add Flowcharts, Diagrams, Maps You're not being marked on artistic ability—but adding relevant visual elements like flowcharts, timelines, or India maps (for geography questions) can enhance your answer's clarity. These tools help communicate complex ideas quickly and break the monotony of plain text. Just remember: visuals should be relevant and neatly done—they're there to add value, not to decorate the page. Anchor Answers with Facts & Reports—But Wisely Throwing in a good fact, number, or government report makes your answer stronger and shows your awareness. Mentioning the Economic Survey, NITI Aayog, or global rankings (like HDI or MPI) can back up what you're saying. But don't go overboard. Using a couple of useful stats per answer is enough—too many can take away from your main point or confuse people. Practice Like It's Game Day Writing answers every day under timed conditions is non-negotiable. Pick previous years' questions, enrol in a test series, and seek feedback—be it from mentors or peers. Don't wait to be perfect; the more you write, the better you get. This is how you improve speed, content recall, structure, and confidence—all while staying exam-ready. Time Management: The Silent Game-Changer The Mains is a race against the clock—20 questions in 3 hours means roughly 8–9 minutes per answer. That includes reading, planning, and writing. Here's how to stay ahead: Start with the easy questions to get a good rhythm going and build some confidence. Avoid getting stuck on any one question for too long, even if you're writing a great answer. You don't want to waste precious time that could be used on other parts. Try to answer everything, even if it's not perfect. It's usually better to give reasonable attempts at all the questions rather than spending all your effort on just a few perfect ones. Take little breaks here and there. Stretch your hands, take some deep breaths – these quick mental pauses can really help you stay sharp and focused throughout the whole three hours. Simulate Exam Conditions before the Actual Day Practice full-length papers with a timer, no interruptions, and minimal distractions. This builds writing endurance and helps you understand your own pace. You'll also become more aware of how long your answers tend to run—do they fit in the answer sheet? Are you over-explaining? This kind of self-awareness is only gained through mock tests. Conclusion: It's a Skill, Not a Secret There's no magic to UPSC Mains answer writing—just a combination of smart strategy, consistent practice, and presence of mind. Understand the question. Organize the answer. Use your time effectively. Add data where necessary. And practice until these habits are second nature. Mastering the Mains is not merely to pass the exam. It's to show the UPSC that you have the clarity, conviction and a holistic mind that can help the nation. Continue writing. Continue improving. That next answer might be the one you earn your badge with. ( Author is CMD Next IAS. Views expressed are personal.)
Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Indian Express
BrahMos missiles: What you must-know for UPSC Exam
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your UPSC Current Affairs knowledge nugget for today on BrahMos missiles. (Relevance: Various missiles, air defence systems, fighter jets, and aircraft types are some of the important topics of defence technology that have been asked by UPSC in prelims. In 2018, a question was asked on Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) Stating that BrahMos missile launched from Sukhoi-30 MKI was the primary offensive weapon used during Operation Sindoor, chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Samir V Kamat said on Saturday (9th August) that the development of a smaller version of the supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos-NG, will soon begin. Furthermore, India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles were delivered to the Philippines on April 19, as part of a $375 million deal signed by the two countries in 2022. In this context, it becomes essential to know about the BrahMos missiles. 1. BrahMos is an extremely versatile stand-off range 'fire-and-forget' type supersonic cruise missile that has proved its capabilities in land-based, ship-based, air launched and submarine-based versions. 2. These supersonic cruise missiles are operationalised in all three defence services. It is built by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. 3. BrahMos is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine. Its first stage brings the missile to a supersonic speed, greater than the speed of sound, and it then gets separated. The second stage of the liquid ramjet then fires and thrusts the missile to three times the speed of sound in its cruise phase. A liquid ramjet is an air-breathing jet engine that uses liquid fuel, which is injected into the high-speed airstream and ignited to produce thrust. 4. The missile has an extremely low radar signature, making it stealthy, and it can follow a variety of paths. As per its website, cruising altitude could be up to 15 km and terminal altitude as low as 10 metres. The missile carries a conventional warhead weighing 200-300 kg. 5. Cruise missiles, like the BrahMos, come under the category known as the 'stand-off range weapons', which are fired from a range sufficient to allow the attacker to evade defensive fire from the adversary. These weapons are in the arsenal of most major militaries in the world. 6. The versions of the BrahMos that are currently being tested at an extended range can hit targets at upto 350 kilometres, as compared to its original range of 290 kilometres. Even higher ranges of upto 800 kilometres, and hypersonic speed or five times the speed of sound, are said to be on the cards. 7. Compared to subsonic cruise missiles, the BrahMos has three times the speed, 2.5 times the flight range and a higher seeker range, leading to higher accuracy and nine times more kinetic energy. Following the first successful launch at the Chandipur test range, the BrahMos was inducted into the Navy in 2005, into the Indian Army in 2007 and the first successful flight with IAF's Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter in 2017. While land, air, sea and submarine are broader classifications of the missile, numerous versions with extended ranges and evolving sensing capabilities have been tested and deployed over the last 24 years. 1. Ship-based variant: The naval version can be fired vertically or inclined, and from both moving and static naval platforms. From ships, the BrahMos can be launched as a single unit or in a salvo of upto eight, separated by two-and-a-half-second-long intervals. These salvos can hit and destroy a group of frigates having modern missile defence systems. BrahMos is a 'prime strike weapon' for such targets and significantly increases the capability of engaging naval surface targets at long ranges. The Indian Navy began inducting BrahMos on its frontline warships from 2005, and it can hit sea-based targets beyond the radar horizon. Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INS Rajput was the first ship to deploy a BrahMos and it has since been deployed on other warships. 2. The land-based system: The land-based BrahMos Complex has four to six mobile autonomous launchers. Each launcher has three missiles on board that can be fired almost simultaneously on three different targets and in different configurations. Multiple units of BrahMos systems have been deployed along India's land borders. The land attack version of the BrahMos, with a capability of cruising at 2.8 Mach speed. Following upgrades, it can hit targets at a range of upto 400 kilometres with precision. The development of advanced versions of a range above 1,000 kilometres and speed upto 5 Mach is said to be in store. The ground systems of BrahMos come with an air-conditioned cabin with Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) protection. The land attack version of the BrahMos was operationalised in the Indian Army in 2007. 3. Air-launched version: The BrahMos Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) is the heaviest missile to arm India's frontline fighter jet, the Sukhoi-30 MKI. In November 2017, BrahMos was successfully flight-tested for the first time from the IAF frontline fighter aircraft against a sea-based target in the Bay of Bengal and has since been successfully tested multiple times. In tests conducted in 2019, BrahMos ALCM validated its land attack and anti-ship capability from large, stand-off ranges by day or night and in all weather conditions. 4. Submarine-launched version: This version can be launched from around 50 meters below the surface of the water. The canister-stored missile is launched vertically from the pressure hull of a submarine and uses different settings for underwater and out-of-the-water flights. This version was first successfully tested in March 2013 from a submerged platform off the coast of Visakhapatnam. 5. Futuristic BrahMos-NG: Development is underway for a futuristic version of the BrahMos, known as the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), primarily for air and naval applications. This version will have reduced dimensions and weight, next generation stealth features, greater effectiveness against Electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM), higher versatility for underwater combat and launch capability from a torpedo tube. 1. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two consecutive successful tests of quasi-ballistic missile Pralay from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha on 28th and 29th July. Three Pune based facilities of the DRDO have played a key role in the development of the tactical weapons system. 2. 'Pralay is an indigenously-developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile employing state-of-the-art guidance and navigation to ensure high precision. The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets.' said the Ministry of Defence. 3. The first test of Pralay (which means widespread destruction) was conducted in December 2021. The missile is slated to be armed with a conventional warhead and will be inducted into the artillery of the Indian Army. 4. The system has been developed by Hyderabad-based DRDO facility Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other facilities including three Pune based firms—Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) and Research & Development Establishment, Engineers (R&DE). The ballistic missiles are a category of missiles that utilise projectile motion to deliver warheads. During their arched trajectories, the ballistic missiles are powered during their initial travel but later take a gravity driven path. The quasi ballistic missiles are a class of missiles that have low trajectory and take the ballistic trajectory but can change course and make maneuvers during the flight if required. Ballistic missiles use projectile motion to deliver warheads to a target. They are powered for a relatively brief time, after which they let the laws of physics take them to their target. These missiles are categorised based on range. Ballistic missiles can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads. Examples of ballistic missiles are Agni I, Agni II, Prithvi I, Prithvi II and Dhanush missiles. Cruise missiles are unmanned vehicles powered by jet engines that can be launched from ground, air, or sea platforms. Examples of cruise missiles are BrahMos,Tomahawk,Kalibr, AGM-86 ALCM and JASSM. The cruise missiles fly at a low distance from the ground while the ballistic missiles follow a parabolic trajectory. Ballistic missiles are easier to track since they have a standard parabolic trajectory, as compared to cruise missiles which can fox air defence systems due to their manoeuvrability. (1) With reference to the BrahMos missile, consider the following statements: 1. It is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine. 2. The missile has a very low radar signature which makes it stealthy. 3. The course of the missile cannot be altered once fixed. 4. There is no sea to sea variant of BrahMos missile. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (2) With reference to the Pralay missile, consider the following statements: 1. It is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile. 2. This missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets. 3. The first test of Pralay was conducted in 2024. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None (Sources: Sukhoi-30-launched Brahmos was the primary offensive weapon in Op Sindoor: DRDO chief, DRDO successfully tests quasi-ballistic tactical missile Pralay as part of user evaluation trials , Story of BrahMos: the 'fire and forget', stealthy cruise missile India likely used against Pakistan) You are invited to the next Express with Uttam Kumar Sinha, Senior Fellow at Manohar Parrikar-IDSA and Managing Editor of Strategic Analysis in conversation with Amitabh Sinha, Editor, Climate and Science, The Indian Express. Date:- June 13, 2025 l Time:- 6:00 P.M.|Place:- Zoom Topic- Indus Waters Treaty Join Now: Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
