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, well look at first week of March 2014- what press releases were madewhat to read, what to ignore

What to Ignore from PIB (March 1 -7)? 1st March: Ignore this junk
what to ignore? Shri Saurabh Chandra takes over as new Petroleum Secretary

why to ignore? 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 Geography optional-walla may need to locate the place. but Steel Miniser lays foundation to Amity International school. for others, cost:Benefit = bad.

2nd March: Ignore this junk

PM Condoles passing of some (lesser known) Congress leader Gulam Nabi opens Pharma stores not high profile enough to become PIN status for MCQs. useless

3rd March: Ignore this junk

Grain and sugar prices steady Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.

Diesel under recovery

Tarrif value changed same as above. Indian Navy safety too much bol-bachchan. hardly a line worth fodder. Just one idea repeats

enhancing measures

through out the article i.e safety culture and audit

some new DG in RPF got appointment not worthy of PIN MCQs.

ACC appointments

Andhra bill got President assent Role of IT in Railways

youd be knowing this from newspaper already. Just two line information here.

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

CRIS body provides this SMS gateway, CRIS is autonomous body under railway, 139 call center..all this falls under Misc.Org = not that important.

SMS gateway for Railway

Railway related GK is rarely asked in UPSC.

4th March: Ignore this junk

Mughal Garden got 2.5 lakh visitors

not MCQ worthy 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.

Railway probationers meet President

book On World Religions Diversity, not Dissension

edited book. Author not that high profile to warrant PIN status.

Festival of India in Vietnam update on Sindhuratna

too much bol-bacchhan. There are better sources to prepare India-Vietnam bilateral relations. talks two things: fault in wiring and no battery leak.

but youll find better analysis in newspaper.

Kerala HLWG

Kasturirangan / Western Ghat is better dealt via Hindu/Indianexpress. Economy is not about ball by ball commentary. besides Shyamal Gopinath Committee (2011) = too old to be mugged up for PIN

Small Saving interests revised

1. PPP projects by Department of Economic Affairs 2. Empowered Institution (EI) Approves PPP Projects CDS, CMS results announced. Global crude oil price of Indian Basket rises sharply Rural Development Approves 137 Projects for Skill Development R.C.Bose Centre for Cryptology Steel minister Inaugurates New Office Ministry of Urban Development strongly denies any wrongdoing in any manner with regard to the property at Block No. 48 sports minister opens central library in TN

not MCQ worthy

not relevant for those who did not give the exam.

Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.

useless cost:benefit bad for such location vs institute MCQs useless. yes MTSC = mini ratna but factoids have cost:benefit bad.

useless

useless

5th March: Ignore this junk

President appoints Governors Waqf property list result of Indian Economic Service / Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2013 Global crude oil price of Indian Basket declines to 107.00 Dial Bharatgas Mini Sports Minister Jitendra Singh launched Creation of Swimming Pool project National Cycling Academy at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi

Governors are not PIN worthy, unless for state service exam. useless

important only for the people who gave exam

Economy is not about ball by ball commentary. business GK not much relevant for sarkaari exams

useless

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 S.K. Singh Award for Excellence in IFS DAE Clarifies on false rumors about radiation reaction

not worth the majoori not high profile enough to become PIN mostly bolbachchan without giving hardcore facts.

TDS date extended Exchange Rate of Foreign Currency

Economy is not about ball by ball commentary. USFDA vs Indian pharma cos = this topic is better covered via newspapers. 200+ page of statistical data about police force. not

press note about Drugs Controller General (India) Home Secretary Released BPR&D

Publications Additional Charge of DG, FSCD&HG Global crude oil price of Indian Basket declines to 106.30 a Film on Indian Women Scientists Scientifically Yours

worth the effort. not PIN worthy. Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.

bad cost:benefit for MCQ.

7th March: Ignore this junk

President of India inaugurates Annual Innovation Exhibition youll get better pictorial graphs and data in Schedule for General Elections, 2014 newspapers with briefs on NOTA, paper trail everything. not worth the effort UNLESS youre from Factsheet on Tripura Tripura and preparing for UPSC interviews factsheet on Assam press note CGHS are denying credit facilities to the eligible CGHS beneficiaries for delay in settlement useless of hospitals bills. ACC Appointment

useless

same as above.

not PIN worthy

Global crude oil price of Indian Basket declines to 105.20 Economy is not about ball by ball commentary.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals Show a Growth of 7.2%

Storage of Important Reservoirs in the Country (As too technical, besides youll get related on 27 February 2014) 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, youll 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. Youll 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 and doesnt turn into gold, For example: 3. Economy doesnt 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 7th March 2014?

[Schemes]
The Main function of PIB = information about various schemes and policies.

Sch#1: Minorities related

All under Ministry of Minority affairs

a sehat card to be issued to every student of institutions financially aided by MAEF (Maulana Azad Education Foundation)

Maulana Azad Sehat scheme

health care centers will be setp. health check-up camps will be organied twice in a year financial assistance in exceptional cases. To develop faculties in Minority Universities /colleges/higher education institutes located in minority concentration areas.

Nalanda Project

The project is taken up at Aligarh Muslim University

pilot project @ Chandrauli village, Rajasthan. For digital literacy and skill development among minorities PPP with help of Digital Empowerment Foundation.

Minority cyber Gram

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) multidisciplinary= theyll 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. These seven countries: Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Syria, Kenya, Somalia, Nigeria and Pakistan If youre going there (or coming from there), you need to take Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Because these are EPICFAIL polio affected countries. And weve 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#3: Polio Vaccine Lelo yojana (for foreign tourists)

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 Cash moves from Union => State governments 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)
for his Constituency any district of his state yes they also get, they can pick any district from any state.

Lok Sabha MP Rajya Sabha MP Nominated MP

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). Previously called Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) but thats 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 Itll 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.

Sch#6: Primitive Tribal groups (PTG)

For (all) these PTG, Tribal ministry runs 100% centrally sponsored scheme. (it doesnt 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

Gone with the wind. This scheme subsumed 1. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana (RGSY) under second scheme. as the name sugest, this aim to strengthen the Panchayats. 2. Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashktikaran Abhiyan(RGPSA).

training centers e-enablement capacity building and other fancy things.

Anyways, youll get more details under 12th FYP for ^this.

[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. Why in news? Because now theyll also provide passport services.

[Polity] RPA: Media coverage related provision

Relevance: [GS2] Salient features of the Representation of Peoples Act. (RPA) Lets 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 councils 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

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 CRPFs diamond jubilee, this automatically becomes important for UPSC (GS2 Mains). Remember the rule: if someone / somethings 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 lets only extract relevant points from the speech.
CRPF related 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. Essay/Interview fodder 4. Extrajudicial killing not a solution to maintain law and order. 5. Terrorism solution: better intel, IT, coop. with people.

3. CRPF reforms: better ground level tactics, troop welfare, modern gadgets.

6. Riots: Need to monitor social media.

Mock Questions (hidden in Pranabs 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* *Its 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.

[Fodder] From Pranabs 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 The Science,

NEED TO BE TAKEN Need to focus on indigenously developed medical equipment to

Technology and Innovation Policy, 2013 traditional healing system: Ayurveda, Rasashastra and Siddha We are largest manufacturer and exporters of medicine.

reduce cost. (At present we are relying heavily on imported machines)

with further research, we may possibly discover new cures for the new-age medical problems using these traditional healing systems.

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.

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 Indias 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 Womens day

just a few fodder points:

International womens day celebrated on 8th March Every year.

Rig Veda Taittriya Upanishad Swami All nations have attained greatness by paying proper respect to women. That Yatr nariyastu poojayante ramante tatr devah or where women are worshipped Matridevo bhava or Let your mother be God to you. Gods preside there.

Vivekananda country and that 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 VPs 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 theyll get some form of selfgovernment. 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 VPs speech 1. Do you agree with Gandhis 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 GDP manufactured output export employment MSMEs contribution 8% 45% 43% 10 crore people

In such speeches, the person will only mention the important acts/policies/schemes. Its your job to dig the relevant feature list.

MENTIONED IN MOHANS SPEECH 1. India Inclusive Innovation Fund (IIIF) 2. National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) 3. The Micro, Small and Medium

IS IT HIGH PRIORITY? of course. Because Chindu mentioned it in interim budget speech. click me. yes because its fodder point can be used at multiple places. Not much. there are sufficient other high priority

Enterprises Development Act, passed in acts/laws. This one too old, and not in news 2006, 4. Public Procurement Policy, announced in 2012 5. Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) launched in 2008-09 No. Too old and clichd. Besides youll get basic through IYB etc sooner or later anyways. Not much. old topic, Not in news recently. recently.

Same days 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] 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 = Indias largest non-oil trading partner 2. UAE committed to invest $2 bl in Indias 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

Industrial corridor 1. AmritsarKolakata 2. Mumbai Bengaluru 3. ChennaiBengaluru Delhi Mumbai (already have) Maharashtra. (UP track difficult to see in map but state is covered, as per official site). Karnataka, TN, Andhra (Rayalaseema region) U.P, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and JICA (Japan International cooperation Agency) States covered Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. MH, Karnataka Who helps?

Wholly by GOI

Britain

#2: DMIC project launch in UP

DMIC (Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor) project launched in UP
Dari-Noida-Ghaziabad industrial city Boraki Dadri

food, auto, electrical, IT, aero space and bio tech Integrated transport hub Multi modal logistic hub at

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 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

NTPCs super thermal power project in Bundelkhand, MP

^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.

[Defence] TROPEX-2014
Such defense exercises are MCQ worthy. Extract the data:

Indian Navys 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.

TROPEX

P8 I Chakra GSAT7

Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft. Indias first. Nuke submarine. first time participated in TROPEX. ISROs satellite for Navy

Whenever you come across such terms you should also tell your mind What it is NOT. for example

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 not a submarine not a diesel submarine not a petrol boat not an educational / weather satellite for civilian use.

TROPEX

P8 I Chakra GSAT7

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 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. 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal maryared during 71s 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= thats important fact.)

#2: Book Never Give In :2Lt Arun Khetarpal, PVC

#3: Misc. Hockey India regains NSF status

if government gives National Sports Federation (NSF) status to a sport body, then itll be eligible to get a funding and support. 2012: Government revoked Hockey Indias 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 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 education. 3. Faculty development program for minority universities. 4. None of the above. Q4. Correct pairs 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. Special grants to universities under UGC for up-gradation of tertiary-level

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 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 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. 2. The Money from this fund is directly allotted by Union government to Panchayati

Q9. Consider the following statements about the proposed Chennai-Bengaluru industrial corridor. 1. Itll pass through Tamilnadu, Seemandhra and Karnataka. 2. Itll be developed with Japanese assistance. 3. Both A and B 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. Visit Mrunal.org/YEARBOOK for more on schemes/policies/yearbook type topics.

[PIB] 2014 March Week2: Transavaal March, Ghadar, VVPAT, Star Campaigners, Indelible Ink, MH-370, Infrasound, Transponder, Hijacking Policy, sample Questions & Answers

Ad Info 1. Prologue: What to read What to skip PIB March Week-2? 1. 8th March 2014 2. 9th March 2014 3. 10th March 2014 4. 11th March 2014 5. 12th March 2014 6. 13th March 2014 7. 14th March 2014 2. History Culture related 1. H1: Ghadar party & Transvaal March [Mains Answer-writing] 2. H2: Sculpture @Sarnath 3. H3: Stree shakti purshkar 3. [Polity] General Election related 1. P1: Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) 2. P2: Indelible ink: Principle 3. P3: Booth Officer 4. P4: Benefits of registered political party 5. P5: Snatching Deposit 4. [Internal security] Chhattisgarh attack 5. [IR] International/Bilateral related 1. #1: MH 370 & Anti-hijacking Policy in India 2. #2: Tourist visa on arrival

3. #3: energy coop with Sudan + USA 6. PIB Misc. 7. Mock MCQ Questions 8. Sample Mains Answers 1. SA1: Ghadar Party 2. SA2: Transvaal March

Prologue
Continuing the [PIB] Series with March second week (8th to 14th) First lets check what to read, what to skip?
8th March 2014
stree Shakti purskar Fact Sheet on Arunachal Pradesh state vs national party historic figure imp,individual winners useless. ignore, unless your from that state and preparing for interview imp

9th March 2014

passing away of H.E. Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, Vice President not high profile enough for of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan PIN imp because relevance to RPA (GS2) controversy not big enough to warrant attention

Booth Level Officer

Inquiry Ordered into Accident at VIZAG

10th March 2014

President of India to present standard to 112 HU Voter turnout in General Elections 2009 defence doesnt mean ball by ball commentary

ignore ignore, unless youre from those and preparing for interviews. IR doesnt mean ball by ball commentary

fact sheets: Nagaland, Manipur

Festival of India in Vietnam

Global crude oil price of Indian Basket

Economy also doesnt mean ball by ball commentary

11th March 2014

Chhattisgarh attack resignation of D. Purandeswar fact sheets on various states India aviation expo foreign trade data national Archives of india CBEC denies National Workshop on Civil Registration india-sudan Civil Services (Main) Examination,2013- Result Declared global crude oil price imp not high profile enough to become PIN ignore imp for MCQ Economy also doesnt mean ball by ball commentary fact that it falls under culture ministry controversy not big enough to warrant attention

just a few lines

imp

ignore unless you had appeared in it

Economy also doesnt mean ball by ball commentary ignore because its ball by ball commentary, and the topic already covered under my old article click me

India-US energy dialogue

12th March 2014

Maalyasia aircraft VP interacts with students EC related fact sheets etc. India Aviation-2014 Inaugurated at Hyderabad imp ignore ignore already given on previous day

Rare Gupta Period Sculptures Discovered in Sarnath Excavations Exhibition on Ghadar Party and Transvaal March

imp

imp defense not about ball by ball commentary not PIN-worthy enough Economy also doesnt mean ball by ball commentary imp

CAS Visit to the Andaman Nicobar Command & new Eastern

new appointments in high courts Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial ProductionConsumer Price Index Numbers tourist visa on arrival

13th March 2014

New timing for ceremonial changing of guard ignore ignore unless youre from that state, preparing for interviews. we dont have to do PH.D on Election imp but hardly giving much MCQ/exam worthy stuff. Better dig newspapers. ignore only one fact that theyre given by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Economy also doesnt mean ball by ball commentary

Fact Sheet on Odisha

Contestants crossed twenty five per seat in Indian Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard Pressed into Service for the Search of the Missing Malaysian Airline Aircraft The Great Indian Police Band Show

National Community Radio Awards 2014 presented

global crude oil price

14th March 2014

Indian Civil Accounts Service call on the President cost:benefit ratio of bol-bachhan to fodder = bad.

Delegation Of Cpwd Officers Wives Association Ignore Calls On Vice President Infographic on Parliamentary Elections of India Forfeiture of Deposit GPRS Enabled Electronic Cash Transactions wholesale price index CCI Imposes Penalty imp. click me to download only one line- when it gets taken away thik hai. Economy also doesnt mean ball by ball commentary controversy not big enough to warrant attention damn, now this is becoming ball by ball commentary. better rely on newspaper. ignore (unless youve to pay it) imp fact: E-kuber. not PIN worthy enough Economy also doesnt mean ball by ball commentary

Missing MH 370

deadline for advance tax payment repurchase of G-Sec ACC appointment Global crude oil price

History Culture related

three topics:

H1: Ghadar party & Transvaal March [Mains Answer-writing]

Both completed hundred years in 2013 hence both important. PIB uploaded full report about these two events from this PDF file http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2014/mar/d2014031202.pdf But knowing too much can also be a curse- because in mains, you need to prioritize what to write and what to skip.. So, lets have an answer writing practice.

First read above pdf file, then write following questions in 200 words each, within 8-10 minutes each. Then compare with sample answers given at bottom of current article. Questions:

1. Write a note on the historic contributions of Ghadar party in Indias struggle for independence. (10 marks | 200 words) 2. Discuss the events leading to Transvaal March and how they helped transforming Gandhi as a mass leader? (10 marks | 200 words) Sample answers at bottom

H2: Sculpture @Sarnath

Sarnath= Varansi, UP. Other names: Rishipatna and Mrigdava or Mrigadaya. Lord Buddha gave his first semon here. 11th Tirthankar died here, hence the place is sacred for Jains as well Sarnath reached zenith during Gupta period (4 to 6th AD) Foreign travellers to Sarnath

Fa-Hien Hiuen Tsang

Chandragupta-I Harshavardhan

Ya, but why in News?

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was doing excavation in Feb 2014 and Found sculptures in Sarnath. Art form: Gupta art of Sarnath school. This sculpture depicts the scene of Buddhas descent from Tusita heaven, where he believed to have given sermon to his mother Mayadevi. From heaven he descended to Sankassa (modern day city of Sankisa,UP)

H3: Stree shakti purshkar

These awards are given Women and child Development Ministry. Winners not *that* important but the historic women associated with them= important for MCQ. Where they belong to, what time era they lived in? (Exact years not important. But chronology is).
WHEN WHERE WHO 100300 WHAT

TN

Kannagi

character in Tamil epic Silapathikaram Madurais Pandyan king murdered her husband, she took revenge by putting a curse on the city.

12591289 15981674

Andhra

Rani Rudramma

ruler of Kaktiya dynasty, in Andhra Pardesh (capital Warangal) in 13th century. defended her kigdom against Cholas and Yadavas. mother of Shivaji the founder of Maratha empire. also known as rajmata Jijabai Bhosle,

MH

Mata Jijabai

17251795

MP

Rani Ahlyabai Holkar Rani Laxmibai

queen of Malwa kingdom, after death of her husband patron of Hindu temples.

18281858

UP

we already know why she is famous

19151993

Manipur

Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang.

Naga spiritual leader and freedom fighter. 1932: Imprisoned for life at age 16 1947: released Nehru gave her title Rani Got Padma Bhushan

[Polity] General Election related

Do download the Infographic uploaded by PIB: click me to download

P1: Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT)

Features of VVPAT When voter presses EVM button, printer generates a paper slip This paper slip contains serial number of voter name and symbol of the candidate for whom the vote has been cast. paper slip will remain visible to the voter for seven seconds, through a glasscovered window. Then itll automatically fall in a sealed box. Later EC can use these slips for crosschecking / physical verification of votes during recounting. but why do we need it? Some parties allege that EVM machines can be manipulated. VVPAT is developed to clear an air over authenticity of the EVMs (Electronic Voting Machine). Helps physical verification /crosschecking votes. Will help to resolve the election disputes. Timeline 2013: SC ordered EC to introduce VVPAT in phased manner in 2014 general election. 2013, Sep: VVPAT first tried in Noksen constituency in Nagaland

P2: Indelible ink: Principle

Indelible= cannot be removed. Chemical: silver nitrate. 5 ml vial can mark 350 voters. Principle: Silver nitrate is colorless soluble salt. When it is put on skin, Silver nitrate reacts with the salt present on skin Forms silver chloride. (a metallic salt) in the meantime, solvent alcohol evaporates in air. Silver chloride is not soluble in water, and clings to your skin. It cannot be washed off with soap, water, alchol, nail polish removal etc. You must wait for few weeks until dead skin cells fall off. Production? Factory: Mysore Paint and Warnish ltd. (public sector company). only supplier.

Where? left forefinger of voter => any other finger of left hand=> right forefinger=> right hand any other finger if no fingers=> left arm or right arm. Apart from India- Philippines, Indonesia, Mali etc also use it. Chemical used: silver nitrate which stains the skin on exposure to ultraviolet light, leaving a mark that is impossible to wash off removed only as external skin cells are replaced It may also contain a solvent such as alcohol to allow for faster drying, especially when used with dipping bottles, It may also contain a biocide to ensure bacteria arent transferred from voter to voter. In India, ink dries up in 60 seconds and remain for few months He is the Representative of Election Commission at the Grass-Root Level. Appointed as per provisions of Representation of People Act, 1950. From amongst the officers of the Govt. /Semi Govt. /Local Bodies. He is the custodian of EVM @ polling booth. Responsible for distributing voter identification slips to people. (Previously work done by political parties=complaints.) Helps citizen get voter cards. Keeps electoral rolls updated- removes duplicate entries.

P3: Booth Officer

P4: Benefits of registered political party

can accept donations (but government company cannot give election fund) gets first preference to pick symbol (Independent candidate cannot) Need only one proposer while filling nomination form Gets one copy of electoral rolls free. (in general election) Gets two copies of electoral rolls free (when rolls are revised) Can broadcast/telecast facilities over Akashvani/Doordarshan during general elections. 7. Can nominate Star Campaigners during General Elections. Star Campaigners Travel expenses of star campaigners are not to be accounted for in the election expense accounts of candidates of their party. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

party Can have how many star campaigners?

National / state 40

Un-recognized party 20

Eligibility conditions Meet any one of the following conditions:

State party National Party Minimum 2% seats in Lok Sabha (11)From atleast three different states

3% seats in leg. Assembly, (minimum 3)

Won 1 LS seat for every 25 LS seats in the state Polled minimum 8% votes during (national/state) election Got 6% votes (+ 1 Lok Sabha OR two leg.assembly seats)

6% votes in four states (+4 seats in Lok Sabha)

Enjoys state party status in 4 states or more.

Must fullfill these conditions for all subsequent Lokshabha or State elections. Else, they lose their status. Present status: 2014
National Parties State Parties Unrecognized Parties Total Registered Parties 6 47 1563 1616

P5: Snatching Deposit

Deposit amount for Lok Sabha elections
Gen/OBC 25,000

SC/ST

12,500

If the candidate fails to get a minimum of one-sixth of the total valid votes polled=> deposit taken away, sent to treasury.

[Internal security] Chhattisgarh attack

Major attacks in in recent times:
2010 2013 March 2014

Dantewara: Biggest attack on CRPF, more than 70 personnel killed. Entire Congress state-leadership wiped out in an ambushed Bastar, Chhatigarh. CRPF was deployed to protect on-going road works in Sukma dist., Chhastisgarh. Maoists surrounded them, killed 15 personnel + 1 civilian.

Why this recent Attack? 1. This area-corridor is corridor used by rebels to enter and leave chhatisgarh. 2. But on going Lok Sabha election preparation => increase deployment of police => Maoists nervous. 3. To send a fear message to locals: dont vote in election (OR vote in favour of the candidate we recommend.) 4. This was TCOC attack (Tactical counter offensive campaign). Basically, Maoists will run a gang run for 3-4 months- theyll ambush security personnel for looting weapons. This March-June period provides them good forest cover to hide movement from drones and police informants. What went wrong? Personnel did not follow the standard operating procedure (SOP). They should have taken a different travel route every day. Downplayed the warning/information from MHA and local people. Failed to learn from past mistakes. deficit of Training-Technology and leadership. Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) not fully utilized = lack of mobile connectivity in red corridor. NTRO (Natioanal Technical Reconnaissance Organisation) operates Israeli Drones for surveillance. But their airbase is in Hyderabad=> drones cannot travel long. + shortage of pilots. Lack of coordination between CRPF and state police Future strategy

(List not exhaustive) Deploy women police officers in moist-hit areas => reduce human rights violence cases, better communication with locals => reduce base for Maoist NTROs drone base should be moved closer to rebel strongholds in Chattisgarh and Jharkhand. Better coordination among intelligence agency with security agencies. (which is never going to happen.) Equip CRPF modern weaponry and training and cutting edge technology for intelligence. Increase recruitment of local tribals in state police service.

[IR] International/Bilateral related

Three topics

#1: MH 370 & Anti-hijacking Policy in India

8th March 2014: A Passenger flight of Malaysian Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing disappeared. you can read all conspiracy theories on Dailymail click me Lets focus on two MCQ worthy topics

Transponder

Transponder = device on airplane. It reports an aircrafts altitude, speed, direction etc. to ground controllers and nearby aircraft. also, Helps radar to detect the plane. When plane is on ground, the staff can turn it off. (to prevent wrong signal confusions.) But MH-370s transponder was turned off whil it was in air. => someone had hijacked it and perhaps wanted to use it as plane-missile like in 9/11 attack.

Infrasound

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation(CTBTO) = HQ Vienna. It monitors infrasounds to detect nuclear explosions. If a large plane had crashed, their infrasonic sensors would have detected it as well. by the way, Infrasound is produced by both
Man Made Sources 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. nuclear bombs mining operations chemicals explosions aircrafts rocket launches 6. wind turbines (causes headache)

Natural Sources 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

volcanoes earthquakes meteors storms auroras 6. elephants use it for communication.

Infrasound are Low frequency sounds (<20Hz) =travel farther than high frequency sounds = ideal for long distance communication. Anyways, India has deployed INS Saryu, INS Kumbhir and INS Kesari + two Dornier aircrafts to search its wreckage.

Indias Policy against Hijacking (2005)

(topic becomes important given the MH-370 Development)

Hijacked plane can be shot down, IF there is evidence that itll be used for 9/11 like attack. it is carrying weapons of mass destruction.

The decision on shooting down the plane will be taken by panel of PM, Defence minister and a high ranking IAF officer. If plane is high-jacked on Indian soil, the security agency can prevent its take off. NO negotiations with hijackers on their demands. If at all talks are started- itll be for preventing loss of life or ending the incident. Hijacking = act of terror. Death penalty for hijackers. Other than that:

International convention on Anti-Hijacking: Tokyo, Hague, Montreal. India made Anti-high-jacking act, 1982 too old. New bill made in 2010- but pending.

#2: Tourist visa on arrival

Under Ministry of Home Affairs.
2010 2011 2014, Feb scheme started for five countries six more added 180 countries

Why in news? Because PIB says it lead to boost in tourists. Mechanism for (Tourist) Visa on Arrival Following applicable from Sep14 for 180 countries: Foreigner has to apply online (3 days before arriving to India) When he reaches India, pays 60$ fees, goes through biometric identification and gets the (Tourist) Visa. Validity: 30 days, Cannot be renewed. He must leave after that. But why should India give Visa on Arrival? 1. Will boost tourism and business 2. Can help us earn >40 billion USD by 2017 3. Challenges: women security, bad infrastructure, unhygienic places.

Before 2014

from Sep.2014

Visa on arrival facility available to tourists from 180 countries. Including ~40 countries eligible for visa on arrival. 1. 2. 3. 4. US (Despite Devyani!) China (Despite Dushmani!) UK UAE 5. Bangladesh

Not eligible for Visa on Arrival [security reason] 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Pakistan Sudan Afghanistan Iran Iraq Nigeria Somalia Sri Lanka

Same continued.

Tourists from these countries need to apply for visa through Indian embassies in their country.

By the way, India is not the first country in the world to have Visa on arrival facility. Following countries already offer this facility: Japan, Finland, Singapore, Indonesia, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar.

#3: energy coop with Sudan + USA India USA

Recently meeting held Under PACE-R (Partnership to Advance Clean Energy Research and development). More details under my old article click me

India Sudan
India will help Sudan develop renewable energy resources -wind, solar, biomass and small hydro-plants. training, resource assessment via our national research institutes + IREDA Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Under ministry of new and renewable energy It is an non-banking financial institution, to finance renewable energy projects in the country.

Some additional fodder Despite Sundans close relations with Paki, they shared a cordial reletions with us sinc freedom. During WW2, Indian troops sacrificed in liberation of Sudan. In past India has backed Sudan, when others tried to pass resolution against Sudan. India have 25% stake in oil field in South Sudan.

PIB Misc.
E-KUBER

core banking solution /software of RBI helps auctioning of government securities (G-Sec) was in news- because government decided to re-purchase some securities (via RBI) What will happen to money supply when RBI purchases g-sec from market? money supply increased or decreased? Think about it! Office of Registrar General & Census Commissioner = falls under Ministry of Home Affairs. recently held workshop Issue: at present ~80% of births and ~65% of deaths get officially registered. need to increase this to 100% by 2020 Need for web based portal for uniform civil registration throughout India. exhibition jointly organized by aviation ministry + FICCI at Hyderabad theme: Enhancing air connectivity

CIVIL REGISTRATION

INDIA AVIATION2014 BOOK: SUNRISE AND SLUMS national Archives of India

by Hindi poet Dr. Ravindranath Shrivastva. (Padmashree)

falls under culture ministry. Celebrated 124th bday in March 2014

Mock MCQ Questions

Q1. Correct Pair 1. Rani Rudramma: Kerala 2. Rani Ahlyabai Holkar: Maharashtra 3. Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang: Assam 4. None of Above Q2. Correct Chronology: (1) Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang; (2) Rani Ahlyabai Holkar; (3) Mata Jijabai; (4) Rani Rudramma

1. 1234 2. 2143 3. 2134 4. 4321 Q3. Correct statement about Tourist visa on arrival scheme? 1. This scheme is launched by Ministry of overseas affairs in 2014. 2. India is the first country in the world to have Visa on arrival facility. 3. Tourist from every country except Pakistan, Afghanistan and Somalia are eligible f or this scheme. Answer choices 1. only 1 and 2 2. only 2 and 3 3. only 1 and 3 4. None of them Q4. Correct statements about Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) 1. It generates paper slip containing serial number and individual votes-directly at State Election Commissions headquarter for the purpose of cross-verification. 2. First successful trial was done during last assembly elections in New Delhi 3. Both A and B 4. Neither A nor B Q5. Name of the chemical compound used in Indelible Ink Marker Pens during Elections and Pulse-Polio Campaigns. 1. Lead Acetate 2. Silver Nitrate 3. Chromium Sulphate 4. Zink Bromide Q6. Why is Silver nitrate used in Indelible ink? 1. it directly penetrates inside skin pores 2. When it comes in contact of skin, it forms a metallic salt that cannot be washed off. 3. It forms an insoluble dye when exposed to air and Sunlight. 4. None of Above. Q7. Incorrect statements about Star campaigners in an election?

1. Only national parties such as Congress and BJP, can nominated star campaigners. 2. Travel expenses of star campaigners are not to be accounted for in the election expense accounts of candidates of their party. 3. All Star campaigners are eligible to get minimum Y category security cover. Answer choices 1. only 1 and 2 2. only 2 and 3 3. only 1 and 3 4. None of them Q8. Correct statement 1. The matters related to registration of birth and deaths fall under Ministry of Health and Family welfare. 2. 12th Five year plan wants to achieve universal registration of births and deaths by the end of 2017. 3. Both A and B 4. Neither A nor B Q9. Correct statements about Infrasounds 1. Infrasound are inaudible to humans to audible to elephants. 2. Auroras and meteors can produce infrasounds. 3. They are ideal for short distance communication because they can travel a path than high frequency sounds. Answer choices 1. only 1 and 2 2. only 2 and 3 3. only 1 and 3 4. All of them Q10. What is the utility of a Transponder device on an airplane? 1. It is a technical instrument inside blackbox that prevents data from being destroyed when plane crashes. 2. Pilot uses this device to turn on the Auto-Pilot mode while the aircraft is at high altitude.

3. It reports an aircrafts altitude, speed, direction to ground controll ers and nearby aircrafts. 4. None of Above.

Correct Answers for MCQ

1. None of above 2. D- 4321 3. D all wrong 4. D all wrong 5. B silver nitrate 6. B metallic salt. 7. C 1 and 3 wrong 8. D both wrong 9. A-only 1 and 2. 10. C.

Sample Mains Answers

These are not sacred cows best of the best answers, just written to help you kickstart who to frame a reasonably good answer without mugging up trivial GK data.

SA1: Ghadar Party

Q. [GS Mains Paper 1] Write a note on the historic contributions of Ghadar party in Indias struggle for independence. (10 marks | 200 words) In the original pdf, lot of freedom fighters and lot of dates. First brainstorm for ideas: 1. Are all years important? no, just focus on three: 1913 (setup), 1914: Komagata 2. Are all freedom fighters important? no, just focus on four: Hardayal, Premanand, Bhkana, Ras Bihari 3. Canada, oppression 4. journal 5. mutiny idea- ship arrests 6. Ras Bihari fails, 7. two parties in India Now lets create 200 words Answer keypoints

During early 1900s, Canadian govt. had started imposing restriction on the immigration and political rights of South Asians. 1913: Lala Hardayal, Bhai Parmananda and Sohan sigh Bhakhna setup Hindi Association of Pacific Coast. They started weekly journal Ghadar, in English and vernacular lan guages to expose British exploitation of Indian economy and promote Nationalism among masses. Thus, became famous as Ghadar party. 1914: Gadar leaders called upon all Indians abroad to return to India and wage an armed revolt against the British- akin to 1857s mutiny. But British authorities became alert, passed orders to detain people. This led to arrest of Ghadarites from Namsang and Toshamaru ships. 1914: Komagata Maru ship was carrying Sikh immigrants to Canada. But Canada did not allow them to enter. Ship returned Kolkata, but Immigrants refused to go back to Punjab. Clashes with police, several deaths. Later Rash Bihari Bose tried to wage an armed revolt but failed. They also setup Kirti Kisan Party for workers and peasants in Punjab; Revolutionary Party of India in Bengal and UP. Despite their repeated failures and oppression under British, Ghadhar party created a feelings of unity, sacrifice, nationalism and internationalism among the masses within India and abroad.

~205 words.

SA2: Transvaal March

Q. Discuss the events leading to Transvaal March and how they helped transforming Gandhi as a mass leader? (10 marks | 200 words) First brainstorm for ideas 1. What was the problem of Indians in S.Africa? 1. registration 2. migration difficult 3. marriage invalid 2. Gen. Smut wasnt listening. Transval march=>Gen.Smut Listened.

3. If he transformed as mass leader then in what wisdom did he gain during Transval March? Now lets frame the answer Events Leading Transvaal March: Since the early years of his stay in S.Africa, Gandhi had tried Moderate methods of prayers and petition to oppose the discriminating laws against Indians, but often he failed. 1906: A legislation in Transvaal, required the Indians to register themselves and carry registration certificates at all times. Gandhi initiated passive resistance or satyagraha and called the Indians to burn their certificates in public. Later, the authorities even imposed restriction on the inter-provincial movement of Indians, and declared their Hindu marriages legally invalid. Finally in 1913, Gandhi launched a March from Natal to Transvaal, crossing the border illegally. These Marchers were sent to jail and treated brutally. But the struggle paid off, and under Gen.Smut-Gandhi agreement, most of their demands were accepted.

Gandhis transformation Tolstoy farm and Phoenix farm were precursor to Gandhis ashrams in India.

He learned that civil disobedience and passive resistance were more effective than traditional moderate methods of prayers and petition. Gained experienced of leading people from both genders, different religions, caste and social classes while facing resistance from both enemy and followers. This experience made him bold enough to take hard decisions even at the peak of the enthusiasm of the followers e.g Calling off the NCM due to chauri-chaura incident. ~209 words.

Courtesy: Ms. Rajtanil for majority of the compilation. Visit Mrunal.org/YEARBOOK for more on schemes/policies/yearbook type topics.

Current] March-Week3-Part1: History, Culture, Environment-Biodiversity, Polity topics: Rhino dehorning, Western Ghat notification, Chagos rehabilitation, RPA, UID-Biometric data, Tablighi Jamat, Rani ki Vaav, Bara Imambara, Anayottam race, Timbuktu mausoleum

Ad Info 1. Prologue 2. Mains answer writing Practice for March 2014: Week3 3. [Act I] Environment and Biodiversity (EnB) related 1. E1: Rhino Poaching Problem vs Dehorning solution 2. E2: Great Himalayan National Park: UNESCO nomination 3. E3: Western Ghats: Draft notification 4. E4: Chagos people: Rehabilitation 5. E5: Natural Aerosols: effect on Monsoon 4. [Act II] Polity Related 1. P1: RPA Section 8 vs. Law commissions recommendation

2. P2: UID Biometric data= Not for solving crime 5. [Act III] Culture-History-Religion Related 1. C1: Tablighi Jamat 2. C2: Rani ki Vaav, Patan 3. C3: Bara Imambara 4. C4: Anayottam race 5. C5: Timbuktu mausoleum

Prologue
So far, I had released two PIB compilations for March 2014, week1 and week2. But in March week3, week4- hardly any good topics in PIBs official site. So from now on, Ive decided to combine PIB + selective topics from Hindu and Indian Express. Henceforth under the tag [Current]. Theyll be released on weekly basis (most probably on Sunday or Monday) These compilations will contain summary of 1. PIB.NIC.IN (Almost all important topics) 2. TheHindu (only few selected topics) 3. IndianExpress (only few selected topics) These [Current] compilations will NOT contain following: Person in news (PIN) / Sports related data because itll be put under separate [PIN-2014], before SSC CGL re-exam. Sci-tech related items, because theyll be separately done in sci-tech compilation. Long Topics that require standalone full-fledged articles e.g. Ukrain, capital account liberalization or xyz other big topic. Clichd topics and ball by ball commentaries. Important: 1. Just because Mrunal.org will release weekly current affairs, doesnt mean you are free to stop reading newspapers. This is mere supplement and not substitute of any newspaper. Im not covering each and every MCQ worthy topic here. Just a few that I feel most important ones. 2. After the closure of write2win competition, got many requests from readers to create a new system, to aid the players from small town and village (who may not get access to pib etc on daily basis). So this is the new system (in infant stage at this moment. May expand in future in terms of topic coverage)

anyways lets see what happened in March Week 3 (15-21). Part 1: deals with history, culture, EnB and Polity. (youre on this page) Part 2: deals with Economy, IR/Diplomacy and MCQs. (click me)

Mains answer writing Practice for March 2014: Week3

Before starting to read this article, DO write following mock-question (the sample answers are embedded in this article itself)
Question 1. Is Dehorning a viable solution to stop Rhino poaching in India? Justify your stand. 2. List the salient features of Draft notification on Western Ghats ecologically sensitive areas. 3. Examine the deficiency in Section 8 of RPA act and list the remedies suggested by Law commission. 4. Discuss in brief the Registered Foreign Portfolio Investor (RFPI) scheme. 5. Examine the problem Rohingya migrant influx in India and suggest remedies. 6. Write a note on Sino-India Strategic economic dialogue. 7. List the salient features and benefits of OTBA scheme. wordlimit 200 100 200 100 100 200 100

[Act I] Environment and Biodiversity (EnB) related

five topics: Rhino dehorning, UNESCO nomination for Great Himalayan Park, Western Ghat notification, Chagos islands and natural aerosols.

E1: Rhino Poaching Problem vs Dehorning solution

Q. Is Dehorning a viable solution to stop Rhino poaching? Justify your stand. [10 marks | 200 words] Rhino-horns are used in traditional Chinese medicine and decorative trophies. This illegal trade is so lucrative, poachers have begun using AK-47. While Rhinos are indeed being killed for their horns, and theoretically, dehorning ought to save them. But dehorning is not the lasting solution, because:

Rhinos need horns for foraging food, digging waterholes, breaking branches; females need them to protect their calves from predators, males need them to fight other males claiming territorial domination for mating. Therefore, Dehorning will increase their vulnerability from both humans and wild predators.

If a dehorned Rhino is hiding in a thick bush, or roaming in dark night, the poacher may kill it anyways. Poachers often have to spend weeks to track a rhinos footsteps before the actual hunt. So, African poachers deliberately kill de-horned rhinos, to avoid tracking these useless targets in future. Rhino Horn is not a bone but keratin- like human fingernails and hairs, and can grow back. In Africa, Poacher even hunt such de-horned rhinos to extract those few grams of partially re-grown horns. Instead of separating Rhinos from their horns, they should be protected with firm hands.

Use local people for Rhino protection and intel.inputs about poachers. Equip forest guards with GPS, sensors, night vision cameras and sophisticated weapons. Satellite tagging and drones for surveillance. Stricter punishments and speedy trials. (~230 words)

Side notes: As per IUCN: Indian rhinos = Vulnerable. (not critically endangered) Assam the first state of India to have shoot@sight orders against poachers. Some activists even demand that NH37 (now NH-715) should be closed for five hours every day- during peak animal movement. (Anti arguments: will hurt Hurt tourism industry and create hardship for people in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur) Rhino horn is not same material as Elephant tusk. Rhino horn is made of keratin, just like human hairs and nails. Namibia was the first country in world to initiate de-horning of Rhinos. Many other African nations followed the same suit. Rhinos have three toes in each foot. (hence theyre not same as pigs, camels etcwho have two toes). on that three toes logic, Rhinos closest relatives= zebra, horses and tapirs. English vocabulary:
A group of ___ Rhino is called __ crash

crows Fish Bats bees Lions hyenas wolves

murder School Colony swarm pride clan pack

E2: Great Himalayan National Park: UNESCO nomination

why in News? March 2014: Government nominated it for UNESCO heritage site, because of its fragile ecology and inaccessibility. located In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh At the height of 1500-6000m. Climate: Western Himalayan temperate and alpine type. Rare species found in the park Also has glaciers. Rivers: Tirthan, Sainj, Jiwa Nal, and Parvati. (all get water from glaciers) Sanctuaries near the park: Sainj, Tirthan UPSCs unwritten rule dictates that we mugup the species found in this park and their endangeredness for MCQ!

Species Blue Sheep / Bharal Snow Leopard Himalayan Brown Bear

IUCN classification least concern. Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar. Endangered least concern.

Himalayan Tahr Musk Deer Kalij Pheasant (Bird) Cheer Pheasant (Bird) Himalayan Griffon Vulture Golden Eagle

near threatened. one type of goat. Endangered. Musk produced by Males. Used in cosmetic/perfume industry. Also found in China. least concern vulnerable least concern. [note: Indian vulture (long billed) is critically endangered but this Griffon is least concern, as per IUCN. Least concern. Note: Bald Eagle is the national bird of USA.

E3: Western Ghats: Draft notification

Q. Discuss in brief the Draft notification on Western Ghats ecologically sensitive areas. [100 words] MoEF published this draft, based on Kasturirangan committees recommendations for protection of Western Ghats. Salient features In Ecologically sensitive areas: New hydropower projects only after EIA Permitted orange category industries but with strict vigil. Diversion of forest land for non-forest purpose: information must be provided in public domain. Gram Sabha consent necessary for all new projects. Following activities are prohibited in the Ecologically Sensitive areas New thermal power plants mining, quarrying and sand mining. Existing mines will be phased out within five years. Any new Red category of industries. (Categorization will be decided by pollution control board) Building and township projects beyond specified size. Enforcement: Under State governments, pollution control board and forest departments. MoEF will setup a dedicated Monitoring Centre for Western Ghats Penalty:

Any violation will be punished under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. ~130 words.

Btw,Why controversy over this draft? Kasturirangan committee wanted creation of ecologically sensitive areas (ECA) in Western Ghats The villages are to be declared as ECA if they have more than 20% ecologically sensitive areas in their boundaries. But this draft notification removed agriculture, plantation and settlement from ECA definition. (to benefit some regions in Kerala, because of farmers protests) Environment activists have challenged this in in National Green Tribunal.

E4: Chagos people: Rehabilitation

Chagos Island archipelago = ~70 islands between Madives and Maurititus (Indian ocean) Diego Garcia=largest island of Chagos Archipelago. Chagos Islands are under British Overseas territories. (other examples Falkland Islands and Gibraltar.) Chagossian islands are coral islands with rich biodiversity. British declared them as worlds largest Marine reserve in 2010.

Back in 70s, UK had evicted local tribes to make room for US military base in Diego Garcia. Why in news? Because Now British govt. is planning for resettlement of chagossian communities + eco-fishing, tourism, industrial development on the islands.

E5: Natural Aerosols: effect on Monsoon

Aerosols: tiny particles of either soli/liquid, suspended in atmosphere. Natural aerosols: sea-salt, water vapour, dust, ash from volcanoes, organic material: spores, bacteria, pollen. Artificial aerosols: particles of pollutants like, smoke, ashes. How aerosols effect rain fall? Dust absorbs radiation from sun and heats the atmosphere=> low pressure condition over land. These pockets of low pressure attract south-west monsoon winds into the region. Scientists observe that dust from West Asia to India=>helps in monsoon. IF more dust particles from W.Asia and N.Africa blow towards India, then more rain to India.

[Act II] Polity Related

two topics: RPA section 8 and UIDAI.

P1: RPA Section 8 vs. Law commissions recommendation

Q. Examine the deficiency in Section 8 of RPA act and list the remedies suggested by Law commission. (10 marks | 200 words.) Representation of Peoples act, 1951 Section 8 provides that Any person convicted in any offence, cannot contest election for 6 years. But sitting MPs and MLAs can continue in the office, if they file an appeal in higher court against such conviction in 3 months. [Section 8(4) of RPA Act] Over the years, this loophole has indirectly aided the criminalization of politics in India, because trials run forever while MP/MLAs continue enjoying the privileges. In 2013, SC declared Section 8 (4) of RPA act as unconstitutional and void. [Lily Thomas Vs. Union of India] Because as per Article 101 & 190 of Indian Constitution, the seat of sitting Member of parliament & state legislator get vacant upon disqualification.

Therefore, Parliament has no right to delay the date of disqualification- by making such exemptions via RPA Act. Dec 2013: SC ordered Law commission to examine this issue. Law commission gave these recommendations: Sitting MP/MLAs should be disqualified, when chargesheet is filled in court, without waiting for the conviction. Disqualify such person for six years. (unless he is acquitted later) This will apply only to punishment of 5 years or more. Sufficient judicial scrutiny /safeguards, to avoid misuse of this provision by ruling/opposite parties. Criminal cases against sitting MPs and MLA should be put on day-to-day hearing. Trial should be completed in a year.

P2: UID Biometric data= Not for solving crime

UID = 12 digit unique number UID database contains following biometric information: Facial images, Finger prints, iris images How can it be used to solve crime? By matching finger prints through forensic lab. Facial information, iris image for CCTV footage. Why in news? In an unsolved rape case in Goa, Some fingerprints recovered from crime scene. Magistrate ordered UIDAI to share biometric details of all Goans with CBI- to identify the culprit. UIDAI went to Bombay HC and then to SC against this order. Why UIDAI opposing it? UIDAIs policy= biometric data cannot be shared to any agency without consent of the card holder If data is shared for Goa rape case, then many other will demand the same. UIDAI data has 0.057% chances of false identification, but when multiplied with 60 crore residents data= there is chance of innocent man arrested. UIDAI has been developed for civilian use and not for forensic purpose. There are already some PILs in Supereme court about right to privacy. So, until that matter is settled, we cannot share biometric data with anyone.

It will lead to erosion of trust towards UIDAI among people, who have voluntarily applied for Aadhar cards. What is Supreme Courts stand? Government / UIDAI cannot share biometric database with any third party WITHOUT permission from original card holder. Even if a person doesnt have Aadhar card / UID number, STILL government CANNOT deny him any scheme benefit.

[Act III] Culture-History-Religion Related

C1: Tablighi Jamat

why in news? Its leader Maulana Zubair Hasan died recently. Tablighi Jamat movement started as off-shoot of Deoband movement in North India to reform Islamic traditions during British era. By Mohmmad Kandhlawi in 1926,and then transformed into a missionary organisation.

The movement followed fundamentals of sunni Islam. It has been a pacifist organisation, stays away from political issues spread across many countries including UK, France, Canada and Central Asian countries. by the way, what is Deoband movement? The name Doband is came from a town in UP- Deoband Pan-Islamic movement, led by Nationalist Muslims like Sibli Nomani, Nantovi and Gangoi. Were against the partition of Pakistan along religious lines. Democratic, anti-imperialist, progressive interpretation of Islamic tradition, political freedom and equality.

C2: Rani ki Vaav, Patan

Why in news? Because Government nominated this site + Himalayan park for UNESCO heritage site status. Vaav= stepwell. Patan, was capital of Solanki dynasty(chalukyas) in Gujarat. 1063: Quyeen Udayamati built this Rani ki Vaav, in memory of her husband Bhimdev Solanki, the founder of Solanki dynasty. The step well was used for collecting water, socialisation and spiritual bathing. has sculptures of Vishnu.

C3: Bara Imambara

Why in news? Because shrine administration made a new dress code- women must cover their head while entering this place. Critiques say the timing of this dress code was politically motivated.

Bara= big and Imambara = shrine During Muharram, Shia muslims mourn at this shrine. Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. built by Asaf-ud-daula, son of suja-ud-daula (nawab-wazir of awadh) in 1784 The complex includes large Asafi mosque, tomb of Asaf-ud-daula and a stepwell. The architecture reflects maturation of Mughal design.

C4: Anayottam race

Why in News? Because its held during this time! It a traditional elephant race performed at Guruvayur temple at Kerala. The race marks the beginning of annual Guruvayur festival in Feb-March. The winning elephant gets honour to carry Thidambu (idol of Guruvayurappan) on all special occasions for one year. Btw, Jallikattu = bull taming festival in Tamilnadu.

C5: Timbuktu mausoleum

Why in news? Militant groups named Ansar Dine destroyed some of these mausoleums. UNESCO created special fund to restore them. Timbuktu is an ancient city in northern Mali, Africa. Timbuktu mausoleums are world heritage sites, built by Songhay empire (15 th16th century). Timbuktus mosques were sign of early Islam penetration in Africa. Remaining topics of Economy, IR, Misc. given under second part. Click me. Visit Mrunal.org/current for entire Archive weekly current affairs compilations published so far.

[Current] March-Week3-Part2: Economy, Diplomacy related: RFPI Investors, CPSE Exchange Traded Funds, GSDP, Rohingya Migrants, ICANN control, OTBA scheme

Ad Info 1. [Act 4] Economy Related 1. E1: RBI: RFPI = FII + QFI 2. E2: RBI: more banks can import gold under 80/20 rule 3. E3: CPSE-ETF Exchange Traded Funds 4. E4: State GSDP: Chindu feels something fishy 5. E5: Gas Pricing postponed on EC order 2. [Act 5] Diplomacy / International relation (IR) related 1. D1: Indo-China: Economic Dialogue and IT Pact 2. D2: Rohingya illegal migrants in India 3. D3: USA hands over ICANN to world 3. [Act 6] Misc: 1. M1: OTBA scheme 2. M2: Sports-New format of Hockey 3. Mock MCQs Part 1: deals with history, culture, EnB and Polity.(click me) Part 2: deals with Economy, IR/Diplomacy and MCQs. (youre on this page)

[Act 4] Economy Related

Five topics: RFPI, 80/20 rule, GSDP, CPSE-ETF, Gas pricing delayed

E1: RBI: RFPI = FII + QFI

Until now Two type of Foreign portfolio investors 1. FII: Foreign institutional investor 2. QFI: Qualified Foreign Investor After RBIs reform in Mar.14

Now just one: REFI. Registered Foreign Portfolio Investor (RFPI)

REFI: Salient features? Can buy and sell desi shares and debentures (via broker)

Can participate in disinvestment. (= can buy PSU shares of government- be it State or Central) Can buy/sell Government bonds and Corporate bonds. (as per investment limits decided by authorities)
Upto 25 billion USD Upto 51 billion.

Government bonds Corporate bonds

These limits donot apply for NRIs. Scheme Will become effective from 1/April/2014. Benefits? This Simplification will attract more capital inflows in India. (earlier there were separate limitations and registrations for FII vs QFI = headache, redtape) More capital inflow=indirectly immunize our economy against the negative impact of American Fed Tapering. Important: under Balance of Payment (BoP): the REFI investment will count undeR capital account (inflow.) BUT the profit/interest/dividend earned by such people will be considered as Current account outflow.
Current account Profit interest dividend (outgoing). Capital account REFI investment (incoming)

E2: RBI: more banks can import gold under 80/20 rule
Background: 2012-13: Current Account deficit (CAD) went as high as 88 Billion USD. To decrease this CAD, Government increased import duty on gold to 10% [so that import decreases] August 2013: RBI launched 80:20 scheme. Under this scheme, an entity can import gold on condition that 20% of it will be exported back (=80% left for domestic use). March 2014: Until now only six banks were permitted to import gold under this. RBI permitted some private banks to import gold under this scheme. (Axis, Kotak, Indus and Yes bank) Result? Will help gold jewelry exporters.

Will it raise CAD? Not much because our CAD for 2013-14 will be ~45 billion USD. (so its not that big 88 billion dollars in 2012. hence relaxation can be made.)

E3: CPSE-ETF Exchange Traded Funds

Think of EFT is one basket. In this basket, Government puts its shares of 10 public sector understakings (PSUs) or Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) e.g. ONC, GAIL, BEL. Fund manager Goldman Sachs takes a knife and cut this ETF basket into smaller pieces worth Rs.10 each. These small pieces are put on sale at stock exchange so, aam-juntaa can buy it. (minimum order has to be Rs.5000) Hence called CPSE-ETF (Exchange traded funds) Benefit @Aam Juntaa: First time investor will get tax benefit under Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme.(upto Rs.50k) @Government : this is one type of disinvestment, governments shares are being sold to private players. CPSE-ETF will help government fetch around ~16 crore rupees.

E4: State GSDP: Chindu feels something fishy

GSDP= Gross State Domestic Product. (= in other words States GDP) Central Statistics Office (CSO) calculates this. National GDP will be higher than GSDP of States. Because it also counts output from sectors that donot belong to States. (e.g. Bombay high) ~90% of national GDP is madeup of States GSDP. Ya but why in news? Because Chindu suspects th at some states deliberately send exaggerated data to CSO to show their states GDP is awesome. Therefore, Chindu has ordered CSO to cross check the data as soon as possible.

E5: Gas Pricing postponed on EC order

Rangarajan formula explained Long time ago Government wanted to implement Rangas formula from 1/April/2014 (would have doubled the prices)

According to Rangas system, gas rates will be changed four times a year (=in each quarter). Pricing will be based on 12-month average of global rates and LNG import prices. But EC denied. Criticism: sends a wrong signal to the global investor community about the policy framework

[Act 5] Diplomacy / International relation (IR) related

Three Topics: Indochina Economic Dialogue, Rohingya Migrants In India, USAICANN Control

D1: Indo-China: Economic Dialogue and IT Pact

Q. Write a note on Sino-India Strategic economic dialogue. (200 words) Apart from border issues, Sino-China relation is plagued by two major issues (1) Trade deficit on Indian side (2) China deliberately restricting the entry of Indian goods and services in its domestic market, via tarrif and non-tarrif barriers 2010: both signed an agreement to hold strategic economic dialogue every year, to resolve these issues. Apart from India, only USA has such arrangement with China. 2014: 3th round of talks in Delhi. It revolved around following topics: Reducing Indias trade deficit with China- giving more market access to Indian Pharma and IT industries in China. Within same week, India-China signed an MoU/IT pact. Under this pact, China agreed to assist Indian IT sector in their domestic market. Infrastructure cooperation: China agreed to assist to infrastructure development in India, especially high-speed rail corridors. improving bilateral investments Developing counter strategy against two-US backed agreements TPP, TTIP because they are designed to keep China, India and other emerging economies from WTO talks. Sidenotes:

TPP

Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement is between US and Indo-Pacific countries like, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Chile, Canada, Mexico and Peru.

India has not joined TPP but ASEAN-led RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Partnership) which does not demand labour reforms. Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement between US and EU, to boost trade between them.

TTIP

D2: Rohingya illegal migrants in India

Q. Examine the problem Rohingya migrant influx in India and suggest remedies. [100 words] Rohingya Muslims are illegally migrating to India via Bangladesh, due to on-going tussle with Buddhist in their native land, Rakhine in Myanmar. However, Indian authorities cannot sent them back because neither Myanmar or Bangladesh willing to recognizes them. Some of these migrants involved with Lashkar-e-Toiba & other militant groups active in Chittagong hills in Bangladesh, who to use the plight of Rohingyas to increase hostility among India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. LeT even created an outfit Difa-E-Muslman in Myanmar for this. Suggestions: Rohingya migrants in India need to be segregated, rehabilitated. Indian authorities should negotiate the issue with Myanmar for their possible resettlement. India should also ask UN Human rights council to intervene. India should firmly spell that no state should evade its responsibility of giving protection and equal rights to its minority population.

~130 words.

D3: USA hands over ICANN to world

What is ICANN? Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. HQ: near Los Angeles. ICANN is a non-profit corporation, manages internet protocol (IP) numbers and Domain name system (DNS). Example: Yahoo.com (domain name) and 67.195.160.76 (IP address). Domain name service (DNS) provides translation between that domain name vs IP addresses. so aam-juntaa doesnt need to mugup the list of IP address for any website. US control over ICANN: ICANN works under contract of US dept. of commerce.

Mar 2014: Commerce department decide itd not renew the contract. (Expires in Sep15). But instead, they asked ICANN to design new plan to run this system, with global-participation of stakeholders across the world. Why is US giving up control over ICANN: Now USA thinks that Internet should run under global internet governance (!!) and defend the right to free speech. However, its decision came after wide opposition by countries against US snooping/NSA-Snowden controversy. Great opposition by Brazil. Germany went on to declare separate European internet. Impact on World The impact of this decision depends upon the how and what alternative mechanism would be conceived by the international leaders. China and Russia want to have internet under auspice of international organisation like UN or ITU, through which it can be regulated as well as constrained. Indias stand? India welcomed US decision. India wants democratisation of internet with freedom of expression. (and measures to stop its misuse e.g. hate speech.) India fears that US, Russia and China together may form an alternative mechanism that fulfils their own interest- something akin to UNSC/veto power. India favours internet governance under a multi-lateral UN body, whose stakeholders are not from government but from civil society, academia and businesses.

[Act 6] Misc:
Lot can be added, but just focusing on two important developments. (PIN, booksauthors-awards type news will be release separately later on.)

M1: OTBA scheme

Also known as Rajiv Gandhi kitaab se copy karo yojana Q. List the salient features and benefits of OTBA scheme. [100 words] Salient features: CBSE has introduced Open Textbook Based Assessment (OTBA) in class 9th and 11th this year on experimental basis.

Under this mechanism, students are allowed to carry and use textbooks inside the exam-hall. The questions will not be verbatim from the given book. They will teststuden ts ability to comprehend. Benefits: Relief from the burden of cramming the contents of textbooks. break from rote learning. Students can think beyond syllabus. Students can acquire skill of information processing, analysis and comprehension. ~80 words.

M2: Sports-New format of Hockey

by International Hockey Federation To make the game more interesting and attract young audience. 1. Before: 2 x 35 minutes = 70 minutes 2. Now: 4 x 15 minutes = 60 minutes 3. 40-second break after every penalty corner and a goal Will be applicable to Champions trophy, world league, 2016 Rio Olympics and all other major tournaments.

Mock MCQs
Q1. Correct statements about Tablighi Jamat? 1. It was an off-shoot of Muslim League to work in the religion, educational field. 2. Bara Inambara was established by Tablighi Jamat Leaders for propagation of Islamic teachings. 3. both A and B 4. Neither A nor B Q2: Find Incorrect Matches 1. Rani ki Vaav: in Dilwara temples at Mt.Abu for religious bathing of Jains. 2. Bara Imambara: Hyderabad based, Mughal Architecture. 3. Anayottam Race: Bull cart race in Tamilnadu during Pongal. 4. Timbuktu mausoleums: Islamic Architecture, in Mauritania in West Africa. Answer choice:

1. only 1 and 2 2. only 3 and 4 3. only 1, 3 and 4 4. All of them Q3. Find incorrect statements 1. Indian Rhinos are classified as Critically endangered species. 2. A rhino horn is made up of Keratin and hence incapable of regeneration. 3. Female Indian Rhinos dont have horns while African female rhinos have horns. 4. Indian rhinos have one horn and three toes while African rhinos have two horns and two toes. Answer choice: 1. only 1 and 2 2. only 2 and 4 3. only 1, 3 and 4 4. All of them Q4. Which of the following species are found in the Temperate-Alpine climate of India? 1. Blue sheep 2. Tahr 3. Golden Eagle 4. Griffon Vulture Answer choice: 1. only 1 and 2 2. only 2 and 4 3. only 1, 3 and 4 4. All of them Q5. Which of the following is a critically endangered species in India? 1. Himalayan Brown Bear 2. Kalij Pheasant 3. Himalayan Griffon Vulture 4. Golden Eagle Answer choice:

1. only 1 and 2 2. only 2 and 4 3. only 1, 3 and 4 4. None of them Q6. Chagos island Archipelago 1. is located in Caribbean sea, between Jamaica and Nicaragua. 2. is a French overseas territory 3. both A and B 4. Neither A nor B Q7. Find incorrect statements 1. According to Representation of Peoples Act, Any person convicted in any offence, cannot contest election for six years. 2. In Lily Thomas vs Union of India (2013), Supreme court raised this limit to seven years for sitting MPs. 3. In its latest report, Law commission has recommended raising this limit to eight years. Answer choices 1. only 1 and 2 2. only 2 and 3 3. only 1 and 3 4. All of them. Q8. For every resident enrolled, UID database contains: 1. 16 digit unique number allotted to him 2. his finger prints 3. his iris image 4. his facial image 5. his blood group 6. Height, weight and identification marks on body. Answer choices 1. 1234 2. 2345 3. 234

4. All except 1 and 6 Q9. IF Supreme court allowed Police to access UID database, it may help in solving: 1. a crime scene where fingerprints were found 2. a crime scene where blood, semen, saliva or hairs were found. 3. both A and B 4. neither A nor B Q10. Find correct statements about Registered Foreign Portfolio Investor (RFPI). 1. This is the new category created by SEBI, to replace erstwhile QFIs 2. They can invest in corporate bonds but not in government bonds 3. Both A and B 4. Neither A nor B Q11. Which of the following is an example of transaction under Current Account of the Balance of Payment? 1. Shares purchased by RFPI 2. Government bonds purchased by RFPI 3. Earnings of RFPI on their investments. 4. None of Above Q12. Correct statements 1. If we combine the GSDP of all states, itll be higher than the national GDP. 2. Instead of 80/20 rule on Gold import, Had RBI implemented 20/80 rule, theoretically, itd reduce our trade deficit. 3. Both A and B 4. Neither A nor B Q13. Correct statements about CPSE-ETF 1. Theyre called Exchange traded funds because investment has to be made in Rupees but dividiends are paid in dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the given day. 2. For the trading of CPSE-ETF in domestic market, ICICI is the fund manager and in American market, Goldman Sach is made the fund manager. 3. Both A and B 4. Neither A nor B

Mains answer writing practice

Question 1. Is Dehorning a viable solution to stop Rhino poaching in India? Justify your stand. Marks 10 Word limit 200 100 200 100 100 200 100

2. List the salient features of Draft notification on Western Ghats ecologically 5 sensitive areas. 3. Examine the deficiency in Section 8 of RPA act and list the remedies suggested by Law commission. 4. Discuss in brief the Registered Foreign Portfolio Investor (RFPI) scheme. 5. Examine the problem Rohingya migrant influx in India and suggest remedies. 6. Write a note on Sino-India Strategic economic dialogue. 7. List the salient features and benefits of OTBA scheme. 10 5 5 10 5

Correct answers for the MCQs

1. D all wrong 2. D all wrong 3. D all wrong 4. D all of them found. 5. D none of them critically endangered. 6. D both wrong. 7. B only 2 and 3 wrong. 8. C only 234 9. only A- fingerprints 10. D both wrong 11. C only. Money invested= capital, money earned = current. 12. B only. 20/80 = youve to export 80% of the gold imported so yes itll reduce trade deficit. 13. D. Both Wrong

[Current] March-Week4-P1: Polity, Environment, Culture- Twin nomination, Voting rights of Army, Manual Scavanging, Primaries, Goa Mining Report, Menhir, Rakhigarhi

Ad Info 1. Prologue 2. [Act I] Polity 1. P1: Twin Nominations in Election 2. P2: Voting rights of Defence Personnel 3. P2: Manual Scavenging 4. P4: Primaries method- why #Epicfail in India? 3. [Act II] Environment: SC panel on Goa iron ore mining: 4. [Act III] Culture 1. C1: Menhirs sites in Mizoram 2. C2: Rakhhigarhi-the biggest Harappan site 3. C3: Australian Nataraja

Prologue
Some notable Current affairs during last week of March (22-31). Three part article

part 1: polity, Environment, Culture part 2: international relations part 3: economy, yearbook, essay

[Act I] Polity
First write answer to following questions, then read the article: 1. List the provisions related to Twin nomination in the RPA Act and examine the need for reforms in it. (100 words) 2. Discuss in brief, the provisions relating Voting rights of Defence personnel, and recent SC verdict on it. (200 words) 3. Write a note on the legal initiates taken to prohibit manual scavenging in recent times. (200 words)

P1: Twin Nominations in Election

[GS2] Q. List the provisions related to Twin nomination in the RPA Act and examine the need for reforms in it. (100 words) Provisions in RPA: 1. Section 33: Candidate can contest from two Constituencies. 2. Section 70: He has to give up one seat, if he wins both. Misuse of Sec.33 & 70: To increase the odds of winning, some candidates contest from two seats. But if and when he wins, he has to vacate one. This results in a by-election for vacated seat, wastage of manpower & publicmoney, and erosion of voters faith & interest in electoral process. Therefore, Twin nomination is against the fundamental principles of representative democracy. Suggested reforms: 1. Repeal the provision of twin nomination from RPA Act OR 2. Make the candidate bear entire cost of by-election. ~110 words.

Background info
Why in news? Because a petition filed in SC against these sections. Then SC issued notice to government.

P2: Voting rights of Defence Personnel

Q. Discuss in brief, the provisions relating Voting rights of Defence personnel, and recent SC verdict on it. (200 words) A defence personnel can vote in his native home Constituency via two methods: POSTAL BALLOT self-explanatory. But process increases the cost of election. (RPA Act 1951) PROXY VOTING i.e. fillup a form (13F) to nominate another person to vote on his behalf at home. But process is cumbersome and violates the principle of secrecy in voting. (Election Act 2003) Later, EC permitted defence personnel to cast vote in their area of posting, IF he is serving there for at least three years and living with his family.

In many constituencies of J&K and North-East, the defence personnel outnumbere the local population. So if they were allowed to cast votes in the area of posting, itll potentially change the electoral outcome. Therefore EC made three years safeguard, this was upheld in Punjab-Haryana HC (2013) Recently SC-verdict amended above EC rule: 1. Defence personnel have right to vote and Election Commission cannot impede it 2. IF they were posted at a peace station since 1 January, 2014, they can cast their vote in their constituency of posting. Same applies to family members living with them. EC cannot force them to in native home Constituency via postal or proxy voting. 3. SC ordered government to send list of such peace station to EC. 4. SC ordered EC to prohibit political parties from campaigning at such peace stations. ~230 words.

Related topic: Service Voters

Election commission permits Service voters to cast vote via post / proxy. The examples of Service votes are:

Personnel employed under Government of India but posted outside (embassy staff, diplomats) Defence / police forces of union Armed police force of state, serving outside the state.

P2: Manual Scavenging

Q. Write a note on the legal initiatives taken to prohibit manual scavenging in recent times. In 2013, Parliament enacted a law to prohibit manual scavenging and for the rehabilitation of the existing people in this inhumane work. Salient Features of the Act: 1. D.M. to ensure no person employed in the manual scavenging within his jurisdiction.

2. Provide them photo-identity cards, loan subsidy and skill development training to start a new vocation; scholarship for children and housing for the families. 3. Make a list of dry latrine and demolish them in time bound manner. 4. Local governance bodies need to construct latrines within 3 years 5. In case of Violation: 1 year imprisonment + Rs.50,000 fine. 6. Central, state monitoring authority and vigilance commission (under D.M.) to monitor implementation of the act. In 2014, Supreme Court issued following Mandamus to Union and States that: 1. Even in emergency, No one should be forced to clean sewers without safety gear. 2. Compensation: Rs. 10 lakh to families of persons died in sewerage work- from 1993 onwards. 3. Railways should end manual scavenging on the tracks, within timebound framework. 4. Provide dignified livelihood to women engaged in this trade. 5. Donot create red-tapes, provide these victims their legitimate dues. ~191 words.

Side notes:
The practice of manual scavenging is a violation of the rights guaranteed under Art.14, 17, 21 and 47 But still, today ~12 lakh people in this work, 95% of them Dalits. Even Railways, PSUs, Army and military engineering works organizations (informally) employ Manual scavengers Time line:

1989 National ST/ST finance and development corporation. 1992

National scheme for rehabilitation of Manual scavengers. 2003: CAG notes that despite spending 600 cr. in this, no visible progress made.

1993 National Commission for Safai Karmachari 1993 Dry latrine prohibition Act. (Because Dry latrines have to be manually cleaned. So if there are no dry laterines, then there is no need for manual scavengers)

1997 Above act finally implemented. (But only in a few states). 2003

MANDAMUS writ petition was filed by Safai Karamchari Andolan (Civil society org.)

they demanded dry latrine + manual scavenging = violation of 14, 17, 21 and 23 Government enacted the law. (that we discussed in answer) March: SC delivered verdict on that Mandamus writ (of 2003). Chief Justice P. Sathasivam himself headed the bench.

2013 2014

P4: Primaries method- why #Epicfail in India?

1. (GS2) Comparing Constitution: Examine the merits & demerits of replacing first past to post method with primaries method in Indian elections. 2. (Interview question) What do you understand by Rahul Gandhis Primaries method for giving tickets? Why does it work well in USA but fails in India? Points / hints Primaries method = a way to shortlisting the contestants. There are 4 types of primary election methods in USA, with difference in each state. But, I am taking the two most common:

Closed primary election

Only Karyakarta (Party-workers) can vote for candidates among their own party. The highest voted candidate then contest for run-off election (against other party).. Suppose, Manish Tewari, Kapil Sibbal and Sheila Dixit want to contest from Chandani Chowk. Then Congi workers (from this area), will do internal-voting. if Sibbal gets max votes of local Congi workers, then he will get ticket from this Chandni Chowk. (And fight against BJP, AAP candidates= at that time, entire junta will come to vote). Benefit: increases internal democracy in a party.

Open primary election

Everyone in the area, can vote for all candidates in that area. (This is only for shortlisting the BEST candidate from each party.) The highest voted candidates from each party then proceed to run-off election. e.g. Sibbal among congies, Harshwardhan among BJP and Kerjiwal among AAP.

Benefit: reduces the chances of reduce the chances of hung parliament or coalition government. because non-serious candidates are eliminated.

Rahulbabas #EPICFAIL
Rahulbaba had decided to give tickets to Congi aspirants via (Closed) primary method. But first he wanted to test this method at few Constituencies, including Vadodara in Gujarat. One Mr. Narendra Ravat won primaries election in Vadodara. So he should be given Congi ticket for this seat. But then Modi himself decided to Twin contest from here=> Ravat replced by Madhusudan Mistry. Anyways names not important- just taking them for explanation. Million dollar question is, WHY primary method works in USA but failed in India (despite Rahulbabas best intention for internal democracy within Congress)?

Works in USA because

EPICFAIL in India because

USA has two party-polity system. So, easier to choose candidate from 2 parties. (whether you adopt open or closed system)

India has multi-party system. CLOSED PRIMARY: will be hard/ gimmickry, because sometimes there is no internal competition within party. (BSP, RJD etc.) OPEN PRIMARY: will be hard for small parties and minorities to win primary if big parties puts large no of candidates in a ballot. IF we amend Constitution to run open primaries method, then weve to run two stage election -first to shortlist candidates from each party, then second stage election to select final winner. But this will be way too expensive given the sheer number of polling booths and voters. India follows political ideology based politics. Party and its policies matter. At max, what matters is CASTE/RELIGION of the candidate, before giving him ticket MP/ MLAs are merely stamping yes/no/abstain from any motion in legislature depending on party whips. Therefore, it doesnt matter that much who is local candidate- as long as junta has faith in the party. .

USA is wealthy and not as populous as India. They can afford this game.

USA follows personality based politics. Face/character/persona/policies of an individual Candidate matters.

[Act II] Environment: SC panel on Goa iron ore mining:

Sequences of events: Government formed M.B.Shah Commision. To investigate illegal mining of iron & manganese in 6 states. 2012: Shah gives report Environment ministry temporarily suspended mining in Goa. Supreme Court ordered ban on mining SC formed panel under C.R.Babu, to suggest annual limit on iron ore extraction from Goa. Now CR Babu gave interim report. What are CR Babus interim recommendations? 1. Supreme court should lift the ban on iron ore mining in Goa. 2. BUT put restriction/cap- Max. 20 million tonnes per year. 3. Create permanent fund from mining companies profit. Use this cash to benefit of local junta. 4. Impose cess on mining activity. 5. Use this cess money to setup an ecological centre. This centre will monitor ecosystem in mining areas. 6. setup mineral corporation. (in other words, let PSU extract ore, and prohibit private companies) 7. Dont give new mining permission without adequate regulatory and technological measures. 8. Conduct study before settingup new plants of low-grade iron ore. Why Illegal mining= bad? Huge loss to state revenue due to illegal mining. An increase in dust pollution, deforestation. more health disorders Landscape degraded, soil fertility declines, agricultural productivity lost. Extensive degradation of landscape Negative hydrological systems in the mining belt. Related: Development Vs. Environment: issues in News:
CONGO UGANDA oil extraction near Virgunga nation park.this park is home of mountain gorillas (rare and endangered) oil extraction near Lake Kivu (between Uganda and Kivu). This site is close to

river niles source. INDONESIA equatorial forest cut down to make space for Palm oil cultivation. Even leading to forest fires.

[Act III] Culture

Three topics this time: Menhir sites in Mizoram, Rakhigarhi the biggest Harrapan site and Australian Nataraja.

C1: Menhirs sites in Mizoram

Menhir means a large standing stone. They contain embossed figures of humans, animals and weapons. Found in Mizoram, Andhra and Myanmar. (even in South America and Eastern Europe). Mizo people have protected these sites for ages, despite having no exact knowledge of their meaning / origin. Mizo script is barely 100 years old. Previous events are unwritten, orally passed through folklore and songs. Therefore, Menhirs are important source of decoding the early history and culture of this region. (Although yet to be deciphered.) WHY IN NEWS? Culture ministry has declared the Menhirs, its surrounding caves and forest as protected areas. Side notes: Exact place: Vangchhia village, Champhai district, Mizoram.

In Mizoram, Villagers call the site Kawtchhuah Ropui (The Great Gateway). ~170 Menhirs found. Each ~6 ft. The site lies on the bank of the Tiau River Taiu river separates India and Myanmar. ~2000 sites of Indus valley civilization in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Till now, the largest site: Mheonjo-daro, in Pakistan. Now the largest site= Rakhigarhi, Hayana
Pak

C2: Rakhigarhi, the biggest Harappan site

India

largest = Rakhhigarhi (Haryana) 5th largest= Dholavira (Gujarat)

Mohenjo-daro (2nd largest) Harappa Ganweriwala.

Why Rakhigarhi important?

from Indiatoday

Industrial centre of Indus valley civilisation. A seal and a potsherd, both inscribed with the Harappan script. Previously, Archiologists believed that Early Harappan civilization phase begin from 3500 BCE But new sites from Haryana are as old as 5000 BECAUSE (Farmana, Girawad and Mitathal) Now Expert think that Harppan civilization originated from Ghagagar basin in Haryana and then spread towards Indus Valley civilization in Western India and Pakistan. Rakhigarhi is best example for the expert to prove above concept.

C3: Australian Nataraja

Background: Two Chola temples in Tamilnadu
1.Sundaresvara, in Suthamalli 2.Sapthakanni temple in

Sripuranthan, close to Gangai-konda-cholapuram [one of the capital cities of the Chola kings.]

close to the Brihadeeswarar temple of Chola period.

Total 18 ancient bronze sculptures were stolen from these temples. One of them was a Bronze Nataraja idol from Chola period, from ^that second temple, and was smuggled to Australia. Australia will return Nataraja idol under its own Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act, Australia, as a signatory to a UNESCO convention on the illicit import, export and transfer of ownership of cultural property. features of the UNESCO convention: 1. Countries should keep National inventory/register of cultural goods. 2. Train to police, custom officers about fight against illicit trading of cultural objects.