PM’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Address

Why in News? In his monthly radio address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's growing self-reliance in defence production and lauded the achievements of Indian sportspersons and students in international Olympiads.

Key Facts to Memorize (Prelims Focus)

1. Defence Achievements & Indigenisation:

• INS Mahendragiri: Inducted into the Indian Navy. Designed and built in India with more than 75% indigenous materials.
• DRDO Successful Tests:
  • Pinaka: Long-Range Guided Rocket.
  • Kusha: Missile system.
• Defence Exports/Agreements: A major agreement regarding BrahMos and Astra missiles was concluded with Indonesia.

2. Sports Achievements:

• Commonwealth Games: Began in Glasgow.
• P.V. Sindhu: Became the first Indian to win the Japan Open title in badminton.
• Women’s Cricket: Indian team won the first-ever women’s Test match played at Lord’s, London.

3. Academic Achievements (International Olympiads):

• Physics: All 5 students won Gold medals; India secured the top rank.
• Chemistry: All students won Gold medals.
• Biology: All students won medals (including a Gold).
• Mathematics: 2 Gold and 4 Silver medals.

Probable Prelims Questions (MCQs)

Q1. With reference to the recent defence initiatives mentioned by the Prime Minister, consider the following statements:

1. INS Mahendragiri is a modern warship inducted into the Indian Navy with more than 75% indigenous materials.
2. The DRDO recently successfully tested the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile.
3. India recently concluded a major agreement with Vietnam regarding BrahMos and Astra missiles. How many of the statements given above are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None

Answer: B (Only two)

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the major agreement for BrahMos and Astra missiles was concluded with Indonesia, not Vietnam.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding India's performance in the recent International Olympiads:

1. In the Physics Olympiad, all five Indian students won gold medals and India secured the top rank.
2. In the Mathematics Olympiad, Indian students secured two gold and four silver medals.
3. In the Chemistry Olympiad, all Indian students won gold medals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D (1, 2, and 3)

Explanation: All three statements accurately reflect the achievements of Indian students in the respective International Olympiads as highlighted in the PM's address.

Q3. The Indian women's cricket team recently won the first-ever women's Test match played at which of the following iconic cricket grounds? A) The Oval B) Edgbaston C) Lord's D) Headingley

Answer: C

Explanation: The Indian women’s cricket team won the first-ever women’s Test match played at Lord’s in London. PM Modi noted this as a historic victory for 'Nari Shakti'.