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India.com
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
The Good, The Tough And The Tricky – What You Need To Know About UPSC CSE Prelims 2025
New Delhi: The UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 is over. Those who appeared in the examination were of the view it was not a cakewalk at all. They are still reeling from the mental gymnastics which took place on exam day. So, were this year's papers brutal or was it just another routine UPSC brain teaser? Let's dissect the nuances of the paper. Here are eight takeaways to help you recalibrate, regroup and even smile through the madness. 1. A Bit of a Treat (or Was It?) Let's begin with the paper of Art & Culture and History. The section, for once, appeared like a friendly embrace from UPSC. There were 16 questions, including a good chunk on Modern Indian History. The questions gave the impression that the Commission was in a generous mood this year. But wait. You might be thinking that it was all smooth sailing. No, it was not so. The UPSC tossed in a curveball and asked a question with regard to fruits and their Portuguese origins. The aspirants said it was not exactly in the textbook. The absence of any question on Buddhism surprised many. The commission might have saved it next year. Simple and almost celebratory queries related to the 'Dancing Girl' of the Indus Valley were refreshing for many. Experts are of that it was the easiest section, but 'easy' may not serve a respite. It has perhaps raised the competition. 2. Familiar Faces in Tricky Disguises Polity this year was apparently simple but practically complex While the section revolved around Centre-State relations, the Constitution, the Presidency, etc, statement-based questions were the real devil in disguise. Though the commission asked about governors, Parliament and the President, yet did not appear in the mood for basic answers. Tricky statements were tossed, leaving the aspirants second-guessing themselves. The candidates said the routine question format – 'how many of the above statements are correct?' – made the section more time-consuming than expected. 3. More Than Just Theory Those who were anticipating that they would sail through the Economy section based on their theoretical knowledge only were perhaps wrong. The UPSC, this year, added a bit of arithmetic to the usual economic theory. So, knowing the fiscal deficit was not sufficient, the aspirants had to calculate it too. A little dash of numbers caught many off guard, particularly since economic concepts tend to confuse even the best of us. From green economy (lithium and strategic minerals) to RBI regulations, stocks and agricultural tax exemptions, the commission sought to test candidates' knowledge on everything. So, understanding how the world works was more important this year than learning formulas. 4. Buzzwords, Basics and Mind Games The Science and Technology section was also designed almost in the same way that can be summed up as 'all you need to know, but do you really understand?' The section had 17 questions that covered everything from UAVs to Majorana 1, Electric Vehicles and deep learning. The section did not only focused on current affairs, it also dug deep into fundamental concepts. The questions were not straightforward. Even if one knew the material, the way it was phrased was designed to him/her second-guess everything. 5. Smooth But Short The section on International Relations, this year, was the odd one out. Only five covered everything such as the BIMSTEC, the NATO and the BRICS. UPSC candidates are expected to be well-versed in these topics. The only curveball was a question about the EU's Nature Restoration Law, a difficult topic for those who do not track climate diplomacy. 6. The Fun Corner Known for throwing surprise, the UPSC asked about Kho Kho and Chess. But for those who were keeping a close eye on current affairs, these section would not have tough. The question on AI summits and the Gandhi Peace Prize also should not surprise anyone. The takeaway – never ignore 'miscellaneous' section during revision. Some of the most unexpected points came from topics that are often overlooked. 7. UPSC's Favorite Power Combo The questions in the Geography and Environment/Ecology section this year were a mix of current affairs and static. The focus appeared to be on environmental issues of global importance and geography. Those who had meticulously gone through current affairs and NCERTs will probably breeze through this. There were questions based on maps apparently to test grasp on world geography. The environment-related questions were equally substantial and made the section a must-master zone. 8. The Qualifying Gauntlet For years, the CSAT has been the paper that everyone loves to hate. This year too, it lived up to its reputation. Though it is meant to be a qualifying paper, yet it felt like a strategic elimination round. It was not at all 10th-grade math. It was so tough and tricky that it made many stuck. So, in short, was the paper as a whole tough? The answer is – when the last time anyone called a UPSC Prelims paper 'easy'. It always gives surprises and causes stress. This year's paper too was a full-on storm.
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Business Standard
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
UPSC CSE prelims 2025 question paper review: What students, teachers said?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Civil Services Preliminary Examination on May 26, 2025, and once again, the paper lived up to its reputation for unpredictability. Aspirants felt that this year, the paper 1 was a bit easier than last year's prelims exam. However, some believe that the question paper was time-consuming. CSAT 2025: Qualifying or eliminating? Meant to be a qualifying paper, CSAT turned out to be the true eliminator this year. With tough comprehension passages and intricate reasoning questions, many aspirants found it far beyond their expectations. Mudit Gupta, a UPSC mentor, in a statement to The Indian Express, said, 'This year's CSAT was one of the most difficult papers ever. The paper, which UPSC says is qualifying in nature, is actually 'eliminating' in nature.' Many students echoed similar sentiments on social media, calling the paper 'a trap disguised as a formality.' History: Surprising sweet spot Amid the overall difficulty, one section that offered relief was History and Art & Culture. With 16 questions – 9 of them from Modern Indian History – students found it relatively easy. Shikhar Sachan, a civil services mentor, called the History paper easiest in the past five years and told The Indian Express, 'The History section was arguably the easiest in the last five years.' Questions ranged from the Indus Valley's Dancing Girl statue to Portuguese fruits and historical personalities like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, offering both diversity and simplicity. ALSO READ | Polity: Familiar yet confusing Polity featured standard topics such as the President, Panchayati Raj, and Ordinances, but the trick lay in the framing of questions. UPSC's notorious 'How many statements are correct?' format confused even well-prepared candidates. 'Every straightforward topic had at least one cleverly crafted statement. That was enough to confuse even the best-prepared,' added Mudit Gupta. Arguably, the Polity section is the easiest in the past five years. Economy: Conceptual meets calculative With 17 questions, the Economy section was both conceptual and quantitative. It included topics such as fiscal deficit calculations, RBI policies, UPI, and agricultural taxation. 'There was a strong focus on energy and minerals critical to the green economy,' noted Banke Bihar, Economy mentor (The Indian Express). Students described it as mentally taxing and praised the real-world relevance of the questions. Science, tech, and international relations: Mixed bag Science and Technology featured both trending topics like electric vehicles and deep learning, as well as conceptual questions. While some found it manageable, others struggled with the tricky wording. International Relations had only five questions, mostly centred around organisations like BIMSTEC and NATO, with the EU's Nature Restoration Law being a surprise element. Tough GS, tougher CSAT Overall, aspirants described the 2025 Prelims as lengthy, mentally exhausting, and layered with traps. With CSAT acting as a gatekeeper rather than a qualifier, mentors expect the cut-off to drop this year. One student summed it up perfectly: 'UPSC didn't test what we knew—it tested how calmly we could think under pressure.'
The Independent
17-03-2025
- The Independent
Singapore Insider guide: Discover hidden gem adventures in this unique city in nature
While balmy Singapore is synonymous with towering skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls, this little microcosm of the world is also home to countless clandestine spots you may have never even heard of. Almost half of the city is green space, including 400 parks and four nature reserves. Yet, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 promises to make it even greener, with nature seamlessly intertwined into daily life. From secret green escapes and quirky art spaces to must-visit restaurants serving some of the best food on the planet, here's your guide on where to eat, stay and play in The Lion City. Culture and creativity in The Lion City Beyond iconic landmarks like Marina Bay and Orchard Road, Singapore's cultural scene is thriving. Head to Joo Chiat and Katong, where Peranakan culture comes to life with the two and three-storey shophouses of Koon Seng Road, traditional eateries are a rite of passage, and trendy boutiques line the streets. Try some of the local food here, like katong laksa, a spicy Straits Chinese noodle soup, and kueh, traditional Peranakan cakes. Over in the hip enclave of Tiong Bahru, you'll find a melding of the old and new; colourful murals on the walls, independent bookstores, and chic cafés sitting side by side with stunning Art Deco architecture. Be sure to stop by Seng Poh Gardens for a slice of nature in the city, where you can follow the geometric paths winding between shrubs to find the Dancing Girl sculpture, a cherished piece of art in Singapore. If contemporary art is your thing, Gillman Barracks is a must. This former military base is now home to ten galleries showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions from both local and international artists. It's also right next to the Southern Ridges (see main image), a winding 10-kilometre trail connecting some of the country's most breathtaking parks and nature reserves. Follow pathways through sprawling forests and elevated boardwalks while enjoying panoramic views of the city's staggered peaks. Haw Par Villa is definitely one of Singapore's quirkiest attractions. This open-air park with bizarre, mythology-inspired statues is a must if you want to learn all about fascinating Chinese folklore. Beyond the street eats Although the city's hawker houses are non-negotiable, if you want to eat like a local and guzzle your way through all the Singaporean delicacies, the food scene here goes way beyond these bustling markets. It has close to 100 restaurants boasting Michelin stars, including multiple with three stars. Not bad for a country half the size of London. If you're after street food with a side of greenery, head to Satay By The Bay. It's situated between the Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay, meaning you can tuck into tasty local dishes while enjoying scenic views of the outdoors. Wildseed Café, perched atop Telok Blangah Hill, is a floral-filled café which is all about great coffee and cakes adorned with edible flowers. You'll also find another branch of the Wildseed Café located in the neighbourhood of Seletar, a green sliver of the city chock full of secret restaurants, hip hangouts and breathtaking nature. Other Selatar spots well worth a visit are Wheeler's Estate for laid-back dinner vibes, The Apricus for tables drenched in natural sunlight, and The Summerhouse for seasonal, farm-to-fork dining. For something more clandestine, The Dragon Chamber near Chinatown is a speakeasy-style restaurant hidden behind a secret entrance, serving a modern twist on traditional Chinese cuisine. It's a throwback to the old Chinatown gambling dens and secret society hangouts. Dempsey Hill is another cool district to explore, home to various restaurants and shops in what was once a nutmeg plantation and later British military barracks. For a wholesome farm-to-table experience, visit Open Farm Community, where seasonal produce from local farms takes centre stage. If you're an avid gin drinker, you should also visit Tanglin's Gin Bar, Singapore's first-ever gin distillery, located in Dempsey Hill. Sip on premium gin-based cocktails made with the distillery's own gin, along with other top-quality gins from all around the world. Shop 'til you drop Singapore is a land of shopping malls, where futuristic shopping centres showcase big-name brands and independent stores host some of the finest Singaporean designers. But hidden within its bustling retail hotspots lies a surprising fusion of nature and culture. The Orchard Heritage Trail allows you to explore the fascinating history of Orchard Road, Singapore's famous shopping district, while browsing local shops and soaking up the city's greenery at the same time. One must-visit along the trail is Design Orchard, a shopping hub that champions local brands and Singaporean designers via all kinds of items, from clothing and homewares to ceramics and more. There's also a peaceful rooftop garden and amphitheater with a café where you can unwind in between shopping. While browsing in malls like Funan, Orchard Central, and Jewel Changi Airport, you'll also find plenty of unexpected, tranquil green spaces ideal for taking a breather during your retail therapy session. There's no Chinatown quite like the one in Singapore, where the Chinatown Complex Market is home to the city's largest hawker centre. Two hundred stalls plate up some of the finest food in Singapore. Here, you can tuck into some of the best food in the world and browse hidden antique stalls at the same time. It's easy to see why Haji Lane is named one of the coolest streets in Singapore. This street-art-filled area boasts a kaleidoscope of multicoloured shops lining the narrow, car-free lane, including vintage stores, yoga studios, tattoo parlours, and old-school Egyptian restaurants. Bugis Street Market is a mecca for shoppers and bargain-hunters. This colourful market is filled with boisterous stalls and vendors flogging cheap deals on clothes, replica designer bags, jewellery, knick knacks and much more. It's also a popular spot to get your nails done in one of the salons in the beauty aisle. For greener shopping, Timbre+ is Singapore's first sustainable food park, a diverse eatery and retail hub housed in a collection of colourful shipping containers where you can shop to your heart's content and enjoy street food all in one spot. Finding hidden nature in an urban jungle Labrador Nature Reserve is just one of the flourishing parks in this bloom-brimmed city, where hidden WWII tunnels and relics add a historical edge to the area's natural beauty. Just a short drive away, Kranji Marshes, one of Singapore's largest freshwater wetlands, is a hotspot for birdwatching. It's not uncommon to spot rare bird species here, like the endangered purple heron and the pied harrier. For an offbeat adventure, Coney Island, off the northeastern coast, boasts meandering trails and native wildlife, making it feel worlds apart from the bustling metropolis.
