Onam Festival

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Onam Festival: This topic has appeared again and again in the GS prelims as well as in Mains.

IBN news item gives a good description at What 'Onam' festival is all about?

On the other hand Wikipedia has a more elaborate write up. (Click Here to Access)

For further study on similar lines Check the social festival index on Wikipedia. (Click here to Access)

Kindly observe caution while making notes from the Wikipedia write ups. Sometimes they are subjected to vandalism or motivated tones.

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Manas National Park

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Manas National Park Assam is in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Check the following Link for making further notes: Click Here

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Scotia Prince

Make a note of the following link:

Scotia Prince

New Consumer Price Index

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Before reading the post, Check the contents of a suggestive report here

From February 2011, the GOI has adopted new CPI. Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister for Labour And Employment had given a statement in Parliament giving the detail of the composition of CPI.

It is interesting to read the contents of the statistics.

I am of the view, that this year question paper is going to be bulky. As the stress will to evaluate the analytic ability, therefore, some sets of data will definitely take space on the question paper.

Go through the data provided in the report. Try to question as follows:
If any change takes place in housing, which section of society is going to be effected more?

Which type of food items are consumed more in Urban area?

If you are businessman in a particular area of trade, which section of society, rural or urban, can be your customers?

Check the contents of the suggestive report here.

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Murnal Blog

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The author of Murnal Blog himself is an aspirant. He is taking up very pertinent queries on his blog. I have subscribed to his blog. I generally do not recommend any other identity. However, in his case, I have found that he has taken up such questions and queries that are sought by new aspirants and answered them in a very effective manner.

It seems that he has been associated with a website India Officer. He has borrowed material from numerous sources especially like upscportal.com. In one of his write up, he has remarked that the people do not like to read the manuals. They require specific information. Now, it is here, that many bloggers like us are becoming useful. Before, recommending anything read the whole material yourself. Understand the requirement and then share the information. There are many e-books which I have been sharing only when some of you have approached me on phone or through email. However, in his case, as he seems to know some tweaking with html, xml and good understanding of free resources (anyhub.net, But I am bit reluctant to use every free resource on the internet), he has developed a better blog and assembled a good assortment of widgets and IT resources.

I strongly recommend that new aspirants subscribe to his blog if you are new to preparation. He takes up very pertinent questions and answer them in simple, short and effective manner. Let us hope, he continues  to blog and post with same zeal, integrity and approach.  Click HERE to REACH MURNAL 
(He seems to have good knowledge of capital market. Must be indulging in speculation and capital investment. He is from Gujarat!!! No apology to the person as it is a light hearted comment.)

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India Year Book 2011 (Publication Division India)

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Now you can get the India Year Book 2011 HERE. I acknowledge the contribution of one of the anonymous commentator for providing the link.

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The India Year Book 2011, a reference manual published by Publication Division of India is available on the site of Publication Division. To access the book Click HERE.

During recent analysis of the last year papers, it has been found that lesser number of questions are based on the contents of the India Year Book. Even then, it is recommended that reading of this book is essential as it otherwise helps to understand many aspects of Indian Polity and Economy which require special study.

I strongly recommend to retain it as one of the essential book to be read for Civil Services Preparation.

There is one bad news this time in case of this publication. Earlier, the whole book was available free of cost. This year, at least I am not able to download the whole book. Presently only five pages are available which includes the index of the chapter. The price is Rs. 345/-.

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Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS)

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In game of cricket, if replays indicate the distance for the ball to travel to be in excess of 2.5 metres from the point of impact, a batsman can still be given out if Hawk-eye shows the ball will strike any part of the middle stump at a comfortable height.

The rule has been adopted by ICC: International Cricket Council

It has become an issue of debate during the World Cricket Cup 2011.

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Source: The Telegraph - Calcutta

Sample Paper for CS 2011 by UPSC

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The Sample Paper for the Preliminary Test 2011 for Civil Services is displayed on the site of UPSC at upsc.gov.in.

A copy of that paper can be accessed here.

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Check www.sumir.co.in for further resources and guidelines.

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