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8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
http://mrunal.org/2014/03/pib-2014-march-week-1-ignore-read-schemes-speeches-conferences-corridors-mock-questions.html 1/33
1. Prologue
2. What to Ignore from PIB (March 1 -7)?
1. 1st March: Ignore this junk
2. 2nd March: Ignore this junk
3. 3rd March: Ignore this junk
4. 4th March: Ignore this junk
5. 5th March: Ignore this junk
6. 6th March: Ignore this junk
7. 7th March: Ignore this junk
3. [Schemes]
1. Sch#1: Minorities related
2. Sch#2: Youth/Sports related
3. Sch#3: Polio Vaccine Lelo yojana (for foreign tourists)
4. Sch#4: BRGF: penalty for delay in release=penalty
5. Sch#5: MPLADS
6. Sch#6: Primitive Tribal groups (PTG)
7. Sch#7: One less Rajiv Gandhi Scheme
4. [E-governance]
1. EGov#1: Virtual Clusters by MSME
2. EGov#2: Passport @CSC
5. [Polity] RPA: Media coverage related provision
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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6. [Speeches]
1. Speech#1: Pranab @CRPF
2. Speech#2: Pranab @Health conference
3. Speech#3: Pranab: International Women’s day
4. Speech#4: VP about WW1
5. Speech#5: Mohan @BIMSTEC summit
6. Speech#6: Mohan @MSME
7. [IR/Diplomacy]
1. IR#1: BIMSTEC Summit @Myanmar
2. IR#2: India UAE BIPA
8. [Infrastructure]
1. #1: Three more Industrial corridors
2. #2: DMIC project launch in UP
3. #3: NTPC new power projects
9. [Defence] TROPEX-2014
10. Culture/books/Misc.
1. #1: Culture: Pratihar Mint in Haryana
2. #2: Book Never Give In :2Lt Arun Khetarpal, PVC
11. Mock Questions
Prologue
Some readers have been asking “how to effectively” utilize Press Information Bureau (PIB.NIC.IN) for the preparation of
UPSC civil service exam. So in this article, we’ll look at first week of March 2014- what press releases were made- what
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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to read, what to ignore
What to Ignore from PIB (March 1 -7)?
1st March: Ignore this junk
what to ignore? why to ignore?
Shri Saurabh Chandra takes over as
new Petroleum Secretary
For CSAT, the petroleum Secretary =not MCQ worthy. (and he is not
MCQ worthy even for SSC/Bank/State exams).
Steel minister common facilities
in Gonda
Steel Miniser lays foundation to
Amity International school.
Geography optional-walla may need to locate the place. but for others,
cost:Benefit = bad.
2nd March: Ignore this junk
PM Condoles passing of some (lesser known) Congress
leader
not high profile enough to become “PIN” status for
MCQs.
Gulam Nabi opens Pharma stores useless
3rd March: Ignore this junk
Grain and sugar
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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prices steady
Diesel under
recovery
Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.
Tarrif value changed same as above.
Indian Navy safety
enhancing measures
too much bol-bachchan. hardly a line worth fodder. Just one idea repeats through out
the article i.e “safety culture and audit”
some new DG in
RPF got
appointment
ACC
appointments
not worthy of “PIN” MCQs.
Andhra bill got
President assentyou’d be knowing this from newspaper already. Just two line information here.
Role of IT in Railways
The ratio of Bolbacchan vs MCQ worthy gold = very bad in this article. Hardly one
fact: C-TRAM= an autonomous body of the Ministry of Railways
SMS gateway for
Railway
CRIS body provides this SMS gateway, CRIS is autonomous body under railway,
139 call center…..all this falls under “Misc.Org” = not that important.
Railway related GK is rarely asked in UPSC.
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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4th March: Ignore this junk
Mughal Garden got 2.5 lakh visitors not MCQ worthy
Railway probationers meet President
it gives location of various training academies but Public
Administration optional removed from prelims, and such
training inst. vs city name type MCQs are almost extinct from
GS.
book “On World Religions – Diversity, not
Dissension”
“edited” book. Author not that high profile to warrant “PIN”
status.
Festival of India in Vietnam
too much bol-bacchhan. There are better sources to prepare
India-Vietnam bilateral relations.
update on Sindhuratna
talks two things: fault in wiring and no battery leak. but you’ll
find better analysis in newspaper.
Kerala HLWG
Kasturirangan / Western Ghat is better dealt via
Hindu/Indianexpress.
Small Saving interests revised
Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.
besides Shyamal Gopinath Committee (2011) = too old to be
mugged up for PIN
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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1. PPP projects by Department of
Economic Affairs
2. Empowered Institution (EI) Approves
PPP Projects
not MCQ worthy
CDS, CMS results announced. not relevant for those who did not give the exam.
Global crude oil price of Indian Basket
rises sharply
Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.
Rural Development Approves 137 Projects
for Skill Development
useless
R.C.Bose Centre for Cryptology cost:benefit bad for such location vs institute MCQs
Steel minister Inaugurates New Office
useless. yes MTSC = mini ratna but factoids have
cost:benefit bad.
Ministry of Urban Development strongly
denies any wrongdoing in any manner with
regard to the property at Block No. 48
useless
sports minister opens central library in TN useless
5th March: Ignore this junk
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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President appoints Governors Governors are not PIN worthy, unless for state service exam.
Waqf property list useless
result of Indian Economic Service /
Indian Statistical Service Examination,
2013
important only for the people who gave exam
Global crude oil price of Indian Basket
declines to 107.00Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.
Dial Bharatgas Mini business GK not much relevant for sarkaari exams
Sports Minister Jitendra Singh
launched Creation of Swimming Pool
project
useless
National Cycling Academy at Indira
Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi
Useless. It does have one fact “World Cycling Centre of UCI at Aigle
(Switzerland)” = but if you start memorizing all such facts, cost : benefit
bad.
6th March: Ignore this junk
President inaugurates innovation exhibition not worth the majoori
S.K. Singh Award for Excellence in IFS not high profile enough to become “PIN”
DAE Clarifies on false rumors about radiation
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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reaction mostly bolbachchan without giving hardcore facts.
TDS date extended
Exchange Rate of Foreign Currency Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.
press note about Drugs Controller General
(India)
USFDA vs Indian pharma cos = this topic is better covered
via newspapers.
Home Secretary Released BPR&D
Publications
200+ page of statistical data about police force. not worth the
effort.
Additional Charge of DG, FSCD&HG not PIN worthy.
Global crude oil price of Indian Basket
declines to 106.30Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.
a Film on Indian Women Scientists
“Scientifically Yours”bad cost:benefit for MCQ.
7th March: Ignore this junk
President of India inaugurates Annual Innovation Exhibition useless
Schedule for General Elections, 2014
you’ll get better pictorial graphs and data in
newspapers – with briefs on NOTA, paper trail
everything.
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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Factsheet on Tripura not worth the effort UNLESS you’re from Tripura
and preparing for UPSC interviews
factsheet on Assam same as above.
press note CGHS are denying credit facilities to the
eligible CGHS beneficiaries for delay in settlement of
hospitals bills.
useless
ACC Appointment not PIN worthy
Global crude oil price of Indian Basket declines to
105.20
Foreign Tourist Arrivals Show a Growth of 7.2%
Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.
Storage of Important Reservoirs in the Country (As on 27
February 2014)
too technical, besides you’ll get related reports in
newspaper / yojana anyways.
Moral of the story
1. It is possible that UPSC may ask something directly from above topics. E.g. “training inst. vs city name type MCQs”,
not seen in recent years, But still UPSC may resume it under BackbreakingTMmove. But, If you try to defend every
pawn, you’ll lose the entire game of Chess. While sincere preparation is necessary, but so is the Risk taking. You
cannot always afford to cover each and every minor data just to be “safe”.
2. First solve the last three years’ prelims and mains papers at home. You’ll automatically learn what type of
data/content is useful and what is junk. Although UPSC is indeed unpredictable but some of the junk remains junk
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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and doesn’t turn into gold, For example:
3. Economy doesn’t mean ball by ball commentary.
4. Not every person/appointment/book/award is worth “PIN” (persons in news)
Anyways, so far, we saw what to ignore. Then what was important in the press releases during 1 to 7thMarch 2014?
[Schemes]
The Main function of PIB = information about various schemes and policies.
Sch#1: Minorities related
All under Ministry of Minority affairs
“Maulana Azad
Sehat scheme”
a “sehat card” to be issued to every student of institutions financially aided by MAEF
(Maulana Azad Education Foundation)
health care centers will be setp.
health check-up camps will be organied twice in a year
financial assistance in exceptional cases.
“Nalanda Project”
To develop faculties in Minority Universities /colleges/higher education institutes
located in minority concentration areas.
The project is taken up at Aligarh Muslim University
pilot project @ Chandrauli village, Rajasthan.
For digital literacy and skill development among minorities
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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Minority cyber Gram PPP with help of Digital Empowerment Foundation.
Sch#2: Youth/Sports related
Community connect scheme
by Ministry of youth affairs and sports
Objective: to make stadiums under sports authority of India(SAI) multi-disciplinary= they’ll host sport events +
Recreational facilities for local junta (yoga center, skating, squash, jogging track etc.)
SAI already runs “come and play scheme” to attract local youth to their stadium.
Sch#3: Polio Vaccine Lelo yojana (for foreign tourists)
These seven countries: Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Syria, Kenya, Somalia, Nigeria and Pakistan
If you’re going there (or coming from there), you need to take Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
Because these are EPICFAIL polio affected countries. And we’ve done lot of majoori to get polio free status. Cannot
risk another case.
And we are not doing anything “Arrogant” or “illegal”. WHO guidelines permit this.
Sch#4: BRGF: penalty for delay in release=penalty
Backward regions grant fund
Boss= Panchayati Raj ministry
Cash given to states to address regional imbalance.
“untied” = not specifically given for any xyz scheme
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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Cash moves from Union => State government’s consolidated fund.
From there, it must be transferred to Panchayat, municipality / other implementing entity within 15 days. If delay =
State government will have to pay penalty interest (+principal) to that body.
for the year 2013-14, highest amount given to Bihar >> Andhra >> Odisha.
Sch#5: MPLADS
Full name: Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)
Boss: Statistical ministry.
Salient features:
MP can create durable community assets in his area.
MPLADS funds are non-lapsable (5 cr. year)
Lok Sabha MP for his Constituency
Rajya Sabha MP any district of his state
Nominated MP yes they also get, they can pick any district from any state.
MP can recommend during any time of the year. even if he demits office, his recommendation will remain valid for the
given year.
He can only make recommendation to District collector. The sanction and implementation done by DC, he finish within
one year.
Delay or laxity= responsibility of the District Authorities (and not of the MP).
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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Sch#6: Primitive Tribal groups (PTG)
Previously called “Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)” but that’s too crude. hence renamed as “PARTICULARLY
VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS”.
75 PTGs spread over 14 states and the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Island.
Entire list given here: click me
It’ll difficult to mugup all 75 but observe that only one UT mentioned: Andaman Nicobar = that must be muggedup i.e.
Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, Shom Pens. For more on them- read IYB page 1026.
For (all) these PTG, Tribal ministry runs 100% centrally sponsored scheme. (it doesn’t have a catchy name though)
Benefit: housing, land distribution, energy for light, social security etc.
Sch#7: One less Rajiv Gandhi Scheme
boss: Pachayati Raj ministry
1. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana (RGSY) Gone with the wind. This scheme subsumed under
second scheme.
2. Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashktikaran
Abhiyan(RGPSA).
as the name sugest, this aim to strengthen the
Panchayats.
training centers
e-enablement
capacity building and other fancy things.
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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Anyways, you’ll get more details under 12th FYP for t̂his.
[E-governance]
You should approach E-governance- just like schemes i.e. who is the boss, what are the features?
EGov#1: Virtual Clusters by MSME
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has launched Virtual clusters scheme.
Virtual clusters = dedicated web-portal to supplement physical clusters.
This will enable different sectors to co-exist and reap the benefits of the networking.
Small business anywhere in the country to be connected with one another and with other stakeholders like financial
and technical institutions, experts and (jholaachhap) NGOs etc.
EGov#2: Passport @CSC
In 2006, National E-Governance Plan is jointly formulated by
1. Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG)
2. Department of Electronics and Information Technology (Deity)
Under NeGP there are 31 Mission Mode Projects (MMP).
These MMPs serve as vehicles for electronic service delivery @Central, State and Local levels.
One of such Mission mode project= Community service center (CSC).
CSC provide one-stop information regarding govt., private and social sector in the areas of agriculture, health,
education, banking and insurance, pension etc.
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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Why in news? Because now they’ll also provide passport services.
[Polity] RPA: Media coverage related provision
Relevance: [GS2] Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. (RPA)
Let’s check media related provisions in RPA
1. 48 hrs before the polling, media cannot display any news that can influence the voters. (else jail 2 years)
2. Media cannot run exit polls until the election polling phases are complete.
3. if in doubt, they should seek permission of District election officer.
Additionally, in 2012: EC released the guidelines for paid news.
Press council’s guidelines to newspapers:
(for election coverage)
1. newspapers should not exaggerated reports about any candidate/party or incident during the elections
2. newspaper should not leave out any important point raised by a candidate
3. should not promote feelings of hatred between people about religion, race, caste, community or language.
4. must not publish unverified allegations against any candidate/party.
5. must not accept any inducement/money/gift/hospitality/facilities from any candidate or party.
6. Press shall not accept/publish any advertisement at the cost of public exchequer regarding achievements of a
party/government in power.
News Broadcasters Association
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They also made similar guidelines like PCI. Additionally following points given:
1. News broadcasters should maintain a clear distinction between editorial and expert opinion carried on their news
channels.
2. must not broadcast any hate speech
3. All paid content should be clearly marked as “Paid Advertisement” or “Paid Content”
4. Exit polls: should explain the methodology used, the sample size, the margin of error, the fieldwork dates, and data
used. Broadcasters should also disclose how vote shares are converted to seat shares.
[Speeches]
Another important use of PIB= gather speeches by eminent people. Speeches are gold mines for MCQ and Fodder.
Same applies to conference related coverage. Because usually some eminent person will give speech @conference and
PIB will write the highlight.
Speech#1: Pranab @CRPF
Since it is CRPF’s diamond jubilee, this automatically becomes important for UPSC (GS2 Mains). Remember the rule: “if
someone / something’s birth/death anniversary is in the multiple of 10 or 25, it is automatically important!”
First you Read the original article here: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=104420 [to learn, how one should
extract exam worthy information from boring speeches.]
Now let’s only extract relevant points from the speech.
CRPF related Essay/Interview fodder
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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1. LWE- removed naxals, created space for development-
work.
2. Election-16th LS (1/7th of world junta), CRPF will aid in
free-fair election.
3. CRPF reforms: better ground level tactics, troop
welfare, modern gadgets.
4. Extrajudicial killing not a solution to maintain
law and order.
5. Terrorism solution: better intel, IT, coop. with
people.
6. Riots: Need to monitor social media.
Mock Questions (hidden in Pranab’s speech itself)
1. Write essay: “Without peace, all others dreams vanish and are reduced to ashes” 2500 words.
2. Indian paramilitary forces are not mere law enforcers but also partners in growth and development. Comment. 200
words*
*It’s Trap Question. Because CRPF itself is not a “paramilitary” force. We have only three paramilitary forces: Assam
rifles, Coast Guard and Special frontier Force. click me to know why.
Speech#2: Pranab @Health conference
Full report: http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=82109
Global Healthcare Conference @Delhi, March 2013
President of India was given white papers by the members.
Healthcare Alliance is a partnership between industry, the private sector and global consultancies from India and
abroad.
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[Fodder] From Pranab’s speech: healthcare initiatives taken and need to be taken
National Rural Health Mission
National Urban Health Mission
3 years without a polio case.
“Swasthya Bharat” initiative by Ministry of Health and Family welfare: under which 12,000 health speacialists
appeared in over 30,000 programmes on doordarshan and AIR channels.
”Healthcare sector skill council: by National skill development corp and CII (PPP mode) to develop standards for
healthcare and certification process
TAKEN NEED TO BE TAKEN
The Science, Technology
and Innovation Policy, 2013
Need to focus on indigenously developed medical equipment to reduce cost. (At
present we are relying heavily on imported machines)
traditional healing system:
Ayurveda, Rasashastra and
Siddha
with further research, we may possibly discover new cures for the new-age
medical problems using these traditional healing systems.
We are largest
manufacturer and exporters
of medicine.
need to iron out the USFDA regulatory issues, IPR and Patent related disputes.
Super 301
1. Focus needs to be on early detection of diseases.
2. Non-communicable diseases are the biggest public health challenge.
Solution: public awareness and behaviour change communication,
Education, especially of the girl child.
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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Role of IT
1. Advanced satellite technology for telemedicine systems that can connect remote health centres with Super Specialty
Hospitals in faraway urban areas.
2. Healthcare delivery through the mobile phone – a device now in the hands of millions of Indians.
Mock Questions:
1. [GS2] There is fundamental correlation between the state of a nation and the health of its people. In this regard, write
a note on the pressing need for reforms in the public healthcare sector of India. 200 words.
2. [Essay] The march to good health is the key to sustaining India’s success story in the long run.
3. [Interview] There is a strong linkage between poverty, lack of education and limited access to health services. So, as
a policymaker, what initiatives will you take to address this issue?
Speech#3: Pranab: International Women’s day
just a few fodder points:
International women’s day celebrated on 8th March Every year.
Rig Veda Yatr nariyastu poojayante ramante tatr devah or where women are worshipped
Taittriya
Upanishad‘Matridevo bhava’ or ‘Let your mother be God to you’. Gods preside there.
Swami All nations have attained greatness by paying proper respect to women. That country and that
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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Vivekananda nation which does not respect women has never become great.
1. Constitution grant equality to women,
2. Constitution empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women.
Speech#4: VP about WW1
Vice Prez inaugurated India and the Great War conference @Delhi.
Fodder: about WW1 (From VP’s speech)
1. Unethical and arbitrary sharing of spoils of war between the victorious powers=>WW2 and international territorial
disputes, which continues to haunt even today, like in west Asia and Africa.
2. led to creation of League of nations=>inspired UN (1945)
3. Most colonies supported WW1 hoping they’ll get some form of “self-government”. India sent more than a million
soldiers to France, Belgium, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia and Palestine etc. More than 60000 died. But after WW1,
Britain did not keep promise => freedom struggle movement became more fierce.
4. Created demand for freedom movements in Asia and Africa
5. more than 20 million died. More civilian than soldiers among the dead.
6. use of modern weapons of destruction, such as poisonous chemical gas, aircrafts and airships, tanks, U-boats etc.
7. War brought to an end four great empires – German, Austro-Hungarian, Russian and Ottoman
8. led to Russian Revolution of 1917
9. Immediate result: USA emerged as world power- both on economy and military front.
[GS1] World History: Mock Questions based on VP’s speech
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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1. Do you agree with Gandhi’s observation that “it was our duty to win their (British) help by standing by them in their
hour of need (during WW1).”
2. “WW1 was the first calamity of 20th century, calamity from which all other calamities sprang.” Comment
3. WW1 irreversibly transformed the global political, economic and social order irreversibly. Explain with examples.
4. WW1 was the first calamity of the twentieth century, the calamity from which all other calamities sprang. Elaborate.
5. Write a note on the role played by WW1 in the freedom movement in the Indian subcontinent.
Speech#5: Mohan @BIMSTEC summit
Topic already covered in separate article yesterday. click me
Speech#6: Mohan @MSME
Full article http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=104421
Again, extract the important points from his speech:
Why MSME important to Indian economy?
arena MSME’s contribution
GDP 8%
manufactured output 45%
export 43%
employment 10 crore people
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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In such speeches, the person will only mention the important acts/policies/schemes. It’s your job to dig the relevant
feature list.
MENTIONED IN MOHAN’S SPEECH IS IT HIGH PRIORITY?
1. India Inclusive Innovation Fund’ (IIIF) of course. Because Chindu mentioned it in interim budget
speech. click me.
2. National Manufacturing Competitiveness
Programme (NMCP)
yes because its fodder point can be used at multiple
places.
3. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Development Act, passed in 2006,
Not much. there are sufficient other high priority acts/laws.
This one too old, and not in news recently.
4. Public Procurement Policy, announced in 2012 Not much. old topic, Not in news recently.
5. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation
Programme (PMEGP) launched in 2008-09
No. Too old and clichéd. Besides you’ll get basic through
IYB etc sooner or later anyways.
Same day’s PIB also gives list of National Awards for MSME:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=104426
but you can ignore it. Because Such large list is not worth the cost: benefit.
[IR/Diplomacy]
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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IR#1: BIMSTEC Summit @Myanmar
Topic already covered in separate article yesterday. click me
IR#2: India UAE BIPA
India-UAE signed Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in 2013.
Legal protection of investments in both the countries.
The Agreement waiting to be ratified
Topic was in news because of some meeting.
Why UAE is important?
1. UAE = India’s largest non-oil trading partner
2. UAE committed to invest $2 bl in India’s infrastructure.
3. TAQA company of UAE= the largest private operator of hydroelectric plants in India
4. India wants to invest in petroleum sector in UAE.
[Infrastructure]
#1: Three more Industrial corridors
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Industrial
corridorStates covered Who helps?
1. Amritsar-
Kolakata
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and
West Bengal.Wholly by GOI
2. Mumbai
Bengaluru MH, Karnataka Britain
3. Chennai-
Bengaluru Karnataka, TN, Andhra (Rayalaseema region) JICA (Japan
International
cooperation Agency)Delhi Mumbai
(already have)
U.P, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. (UP track
difficult to see in map but state is covered, as per official site).
#2: DMIC project launch in UP
DMIC (Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor) project launched in UP
Dari-Noida-Ghaziabad industrial city food, auto, electrical, IT, aero space and bio tech
Boraki Integrated transport hub
Dadri Multi modal logistic hub at
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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Exact names of location, not that important, except for geography optional and UP PSC.
[fodder for GS3 food processing]
DMIC corridor + cold storage chains will help Agri-produce of UP to reach Western ports efficiently.
#3: NTPC new power projects
Theory:
Plant load factor – measure of average capacity utilization. If a power plant generates below its full capacity, due to
unavailability of the fuel or for maintenance or breakdown, that extent is called capacity loss.
Higher the load factor means more total output and lower cost per unit
NTPC’s super thermal power project in Bundelkhand, MP
uses environment friendly super critical technology. [from 12th FYP, you should know the benefits of super critical
technology]
coal from Banai coal block (MP); water from Majhgaon dam and Shyamari project
50% electricity to MP.
In MP, NTPC also working on super thermal power project in Gadarwara; solar power project in Rajgarh
^exact names not that important, except for Geography optional and MP PSC. However, we do get indirect wisdom about
[GS1] Location factors for setting up a thermal power project.
Q. With suitable examples from India and abroad, enumerate the factors affecting the location of thermal power plants.
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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[Defence] TROPEX-2014
Such defense exercises are MCQ worthy. Extract the data:
TROPEX
Indian Navy’s major annual exercise (March 2014)
With participation from Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard.
‘TROPEX’ (Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise)
large scale maneuvers in surface, air and underwater,
Across the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
P8 I Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft. India’s first.
Chakra Nuke submarine. first time participated in TROPEX.
GSAT7 ISRO’s satellite for Navy
Whenever you come across such terms you should also tell your mind What it is “NOT”. for example
TROPEX
“NOT” an army exercise
“not” an airforce exercise
“not” a joint army-navy exercise
“not” a bilateral exercise between India/US/Russia
“not” a biannual exercise
P8 I “not” a submarine
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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Chakra“not” a diesel submarine
“not” a petrol boat
GSAT7 “not” an educational / weather satellite for civilian use.
Because in MCQs, often the examiner will give such wrong statements and ask you to find correct statements. For
example
1. “TROPEX is a joint Indo-US army exercise for tropical warfare.”
2. GSAT-7 will provide the 900 MHz airwaves to the companies that won spectrum auction in Feb 2014.
By the way, in 5th March PIB release, they even gave a huge report “Shri AK Antony as Defence Minister -A Look Back” –
almost 25 pages worth data about achievements since 2009.
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=104490
but cost:benefit becomes terrible if you read it word by word. Better just glance over, note down any important latest
developments (i.e.2013 and after) in it. PS: lot of the content overlaps with defense compilation given under
Mrunal.org/snt
Culture/books/Misc.
#1: Culture: Pratihar Mint in Haryana
full report: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=104424
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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He has given a long PH.D thesis. You need to extract only MCQ worthy points.
Majra village, Haryana.
Pratihara period mint found. (mint = A factory where money is coined by authority of the government.)
First of its kind ever found in the country.
worked during 8-11thcentury
Pratihar King MihiraBhoja. HQ=Kannauj, Ruled over northern and central India.
#2: Book Never Give In :2Lt Arun Khetarpal, PVC
2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal maryared during 71’s war, fighting against Paki tanks
won Param vir Chakra
this book is in a graphical novel format.
Army Chief= Bikarm Singh. (Who released the book? Bikram singh OR Antony Released the book= that type of trivial
GK is not important. But Bikarm Singh is our Army general= that’s important fact.)
#3: Misc. Hockey India regains NSF status
if government gives “National Sports Federation (NSF)” status to a sport body, then it’ll be eligible to get a funding
and support.
2012: Government revoked Hockey India’s “NSF” status due to mismanagement and internal disputes
2014, March: status restored. Now Hockey India is the official national body for Hockey.
Mock Questions
Q1: Consider following industrial corridors
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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1. Amritsar-Kolkata: with help of JICA
2. Banglore-Chennai: wholly government owned
3. Banglore-Mumbai: with British assistance
The correct pairs are:
1. only 1 and 2
2. only 1 and 3
3. only 3
4. All of them.
Q2. Correct statement about “load factor” of thermal power plants?
1. higher the load factor, less output and lower cost per unit
2. lower the load factor, more output and lower cost per unit
3. Higher the load factor means more total output and lower cost per unit
4. None of above.
Q3. “Nalanda Project” is about
1. Establishing Nalanda University in Bihar with international collaboration
2. Special grants to universities under UGC for up-gradation of tertiary-level education.
3. Faculty development program for minority universities.
4. None of the above.
Q4. Correct pairs
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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1. Maulana Azad Sehat scheme: Ministry of Health and Family welfare
2. Community connect scheme: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
3. Virtual Clusters scheme: Ministry of Communication and Information technology
Answer choice
1. only 1 and 2
2. only 2 and 3
3. only 1 and 3
4. None of above
Q5. find correct statements about the Community connect scheme
1. by Ministry of Information technology and broadcasting
2. this is an e-governance project to aid the community radio-stations
3. both A and B
4. Neither A nor B
Q6. Who among the following is / are eligible for recommending projects under MPLADS scheme
1. Elected members of Lok Sabha
2. Elected members of Rajya Sabha
3. Nominated members of Lok Sabha
4. Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha
Answer choice
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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1. only 1 and 2
2. only 1 and 4
3. only 1, 3 and 4
4. all of them
Q7. Under MPLADS scheme, a Nominated member of parliament
1. can recommend projects only for backward districts earmarked by planning commission.
2. can recommend projects only in his domicile state
3. can recommend projects for any district of any state
4. None of above.
Q8. Correct statements about Backward regions grant fund
1. It is managed by Ministry of Rural development
2. The Money from this fund is directly allotted by Union government to Panchayati Raj bodies in the backward districts.
3. The Money from this fund is given only for creation of durable community assets and infrastructures.
4. None of above
Mains/Essay related question- we already saw under the relent topics themselves.
Q9. Consider the following statements about the proposed Chennai-Bengaluru industrial corridor.
1. It’ll pass through Tamilnadu, Seemandhra and Karnataka.
2. It’ll be developed with Japanese assistance.
3. Both A and B
8/4/2014 [PIB] 2014 March Week 1: What to Ignore, What to read? Schemes, Speeches, Conferences, Corridors, Mock Questions - Mrunal
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4. Neither A nor B
Q10. The proposed Amritsar Kolkata Industrial corridor will pass through Punjab, _____ and West Bengal.
1. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand
2. Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand
3. Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand
4. Haryana, Himachal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand,Bihar, Jharkhand
Answer to MCQs
1. C only 3 (British)
2. C higher load factor= more output, less cost
3. C Minority faculty
4. D none of above.
5. D none
6. D all of them eligible for MPLADS
7. C. any district any state.
8. D None of above
9. C both right
10. C (Punjab) Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, (WB)
Courtesy: Ms. Rajtanil Solanki for majority of the compilation.