What is the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)?

The UPSC CSE is India’s most prestigious exam conducted to recruit IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A & B officers. It has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

Who is eligible to apply for UPSC CSE?

Any graduate between 21–32 years of age (with relaxation for reserved categories) can apply. Both final-year students and professionals are eligible.

How many attempts are allowed in UPSC?

General: 6 attempts (till 32 years); OBC(NCL): 9 attempts (till 35 years); SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (till 37 years).

What is the exam pattern of UPSC?

Prelims: Objective (GS & CSAT); Mains: 9 Descriptive Papers (Essay, 4 GS, 2 Optional, 2 Qualifying Language Papers); Interview/Personality Test: Final stage.

How should a beginner start UPSC preparation?

For self-learners: Start with NCERTs (Class 6–12), followed by standard reference books, daily newspaper reading, and consistent answer writing practice. Students associated with 'UnderStand UPSC': Follow the guidance provided by the team of mentors led by Satyam Jain Sir.

Which books are best for UPSC preparation?

Polity: Laxmikanth; History: Spectrum + NCERTs; Geography: NCERT + GC Leong; Economy: Ramesh Singh + Current Affairs; Environment: Majid Husain.

Is coaching necessary for UPSC?

Not compulsory. With the right strategy, self-discipline, and resources, many toppers have cleared UPSC without coaching. Coaching, however, can provide structured guidance.

How important is Current Affairs in UPSC?

Extremely important. Questions in Prelims, Mains, and Interviews are linked to current issues. Reading newspapers like The Hindu/Indian Express or using monthly compilations is essential.

How much time is required to prepare for UPSC?

On average, 1.5 to 2 years of focused preparation with 8–10 hours daily study is ideal. Consistency matters more than duration.

What is the role of NCERTs in UPSC preparation?

NCERTs build strong conceptual clarity in subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Economy. They are the foundation of UPSC preparation.

How can I manage UPSC preparation with a job?

Follow a time-blocking strategy, prioritize weekends for deep study, and focus on smart notes & revision. Many working professionals have successfully cleared UPSC.

Does UPSC preparation require English medium only?

No. UPSC allows candidates to write Mains in any of the 22 scheduled languages. Many toppers have cleared UPSC in Hindi and regional languages.

What is the cut-off for UPSC Prelims (General Category)?

The cut-off changes every year but usually ranges between 75–98 marks depending on difficulty, vacancies, and number of applicants.

How should I prepare for UPSC answer writing?

Practice daily or weekly answer writing, focus on structure (Intro–Body–Conclusion), and include facts, examples, and current affairs.

Where can I get free UPSC resources?

You can download NCERTs, UPSC Previous Year Papers, Daily Current Affairs PDFs, and Notes for free from the Understand UPSC Free Resources section.

Is CSAT qualifying in UPSC Prelims?

Yes. Candidates need to score at least 33% (66 marks) in CSAT to qualify.

What is the exam pattern of UPSC Prelims?

Two papers: General Studies (200 marks) and CSAT (200 marks, qualifying). Both are objective type.

What is UnderStand UPSC and how is it different from other coaching institutes?

UnderStand UPSC is a mentorship-driven EdTech platform for UPSC aspirants focusing on personalized guidance, affordability, and credibility — unlike traditional coaching setups.

What courses do you offer for UPSC preparation?

We offer Conquer Program (Mains Mentorship), UpSurge Mains Test Series, Transform (Foundation), CSAT by Saransh Gupta Sir, Prelims MAD Execute, Prelims Test Series, Answer Writing Programs, and Optional Subject Mentorship.

How does the mentorship program work?

Each group on Telegram is assigned a mentor who reviews test copies, provides feedback, tracks progress, and conducts sessions via Zoom or Google Meet.

Do you provide online or offline classes?

Yes, both modes are available. Offline has limited seats; online ensures access across India with live mentorship and test feedback.

How can I enroll in a course?

You can register via our website (www.understandupsc.com), mobile app, or contact team. Enrolled students receive LMS access with all resources.

Do you provide free resources?

Yes. Free resources include NCERT PDFs, UPSC Academic Calendar, Syllabus, PYQs, and Daily Current Affairs — available in the Free Resources Section.

How do your test series work?

Our test series mirror UPSC standards, are evaluated by mentors, and come with personalized feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

What is the fee structure for your programs?

Fees vary by program but are designed to remain affordable while maintaining quality. Check the latest pricing on the Courses Page.

Can working professionals also join your programs?

Yes. Our mentorship is flexible and personalized, helping working aspirants balance jobs with preparation.

Do you provide guidance for the UPSC Interview/Personality Test?

Yes. We conduct mock interviews, DAF-based guidance, and personality development under the ANTIM-PAG program.

Do you provide study material and notes?

Yes. Students receive curated notes, strategic value additions, and daily/weekly study targets complementing NCERTs and standard books.

How can I contact the team for queries?

You can contact us via email at support@understandupsc.com or call our helpline at +91 8377072252.

Does UnderStand UPSC provide online classes?

Yes, we offer live online sessions, recorded lectures, and continuous mentorship support.

Are test series available separately?

Yes. We provide separate Prelims and Mains test series with detailed evaluation and feedback, aligned with our classroom programs.

The EV boom is accelerating a copper crunch

January 21, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 21 Jan 2026, Energy Transition, GS3, Minerals

Why copper is in news
• EV boom is sharply increasing copper demand
• EVs use 4–5 times more copper than petrol/diesel vehicles
• Demand is rising faster than supply → global copper shortage (“copper crunch”)
• Copper is becoming a strategic mineral for energy transition

Major uses of copper
• Electric vehicle batteries & motors
• Charging infrastructure
• Power grids & transmission lines
• Electronics and renewable energy systems (solar, wind)

Important copper ores (basic)
• Chalcopyrite (most important)
• Bornite
• Malachite
• Chalcocite

Top 3 copper-producing countries (world)

Chile – largest producer
Democratic Republic of Congo
Peru

India’s first confirmed case of pufferfish poisoning

January 21, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 21 Jan 2026, Biodiversity, GS3, Public health

What is a pufferfish?
• Pufferfish are fish belonging to the order Tetraodontiformes.
• In India, freshwater pufferfish are found in river systems like the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi.
• They are often mistakenly sold with mixed freshwater catch.

Toxin associated
• Tetrodotoxin (TTX)
• A highly potent neurotoxin.
• It is heat-stable (not destroyed by cooking).
• Blocks sodium channels in nerves, preventing nerve signal transmission.

Impact on humans
• Symptoms include tingling, numbness, vomiting, dizziness.
• Can progress to muscle paralysis, respiratory failure and death.
• No specific antidote; treatment is supportive.

Governor altered policy address, says Kerala CM

January 21, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 21 Jan 2026, Constitution, Federalism, GS2

Summary
• Context: The controversy relates to the Governor’s customary address to the State Legislature, which is constitutionally meant to present the elected government’s policies, not the Governor’s personal views.

Constitutional Basis
• Article 176: The Governor addresses the State Legislative Assembly (and Council, if any) at the commencement of the first session each year and after general elections.
• Article 87 (for comparison): Similar provision for the President’s address to Parliament.

Nature of the Address
• It is prepared by the State Cabinet.
• The Governor is bound to read the Cabinet-approved text.
• Any deviation violates the principle of responsible government.

To compete with China, India may need China

January 21, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 21 Jan 2026, Economy, FDI, GS3

Why India may need China
• Supply-chain integration: Chinese FDI can help India plug into global value chains and boost exports.
• Manufacturing scale & components: China’s dominance in intermediate goods means diversification away from China is hard without Chinese firms’ participation.
• Pragmatism over protectionism: Easing curbs can attract capital, technology and scale at a time when global firms are re-aligning supply chains.

Only important data
• China’s contribution to India’s FDI (2000–2021): <1% of total equity inflows.
• Chinese firms’ contract losses post-curbs: $700–750 billion worth of contracts lost.
• FDI curbs introduced: 2020 (mandatory approval for investments from bordering countries).

China’s share in India’s FDI inflows (rank)
• 2021: ~0.43% (rank 20)
• 2022: ~0.02% (rank 47)
• 2023: ~0.10% (rank 34)
• 2024: ~0.01% (rank 58)
• 2025 (Sept): ~0.01% (rank 49)

Bridging the Gulf: India must tread cautiously

January 21, 2026

Source: The Hindu, Tags: 21 Jan 2026, International Relations

Context
The article analyses India’s move to deepen defence cooperation with Gulf countries—especially the UAE—while cautioning against regional rivalries, instability, and the need to balance India’s strategic, energy, and diaspora interests.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
• What it is: A regional political and economic bloc formed in 1981.
• Members (6): Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain.
• Objectives: Security cooperation, economic integration, energy coordination, and regional stability.

Importance for India
• Major energy suppliers (oil & LNG)
• Home to ~9–10 million Indian diaspora
• Key partners for trade, investment, connectivity, and maritime security
• Strategic relevance: Internal rivalries and West Asian conflicts make India’s engagement with the GCC a careful balancing act (strategic autonomy).

21 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

The EV boom is accelerating a copper crunch

India’s first confirmed case of pufferfish poisoning

Governor altered policy address, says Kerala CM

To compete with China, India may need China

Bridging the Gulf: India must tread cautiously

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21 Jan 2026 | Daily Current Affairs

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