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## PANORAMA GK-1–56
• I ndian Panorama: Indian States and Union Territories, National Symbols, India’s Journey
70 years (Economic, Political, Agricultural, Scientific, Demographic, Social, Space-43 yrs);
Defence and Security, Atomic and Nuclear Science, National days, Awards, Books and
Authors, Scientists, Power Stations, First in male/ Female others, Superlative, Founders,
Heritage Sights, Different Scientific Revolutions, Sobriquets.
• World Panorama: World countries, Geographical Discoveries, National animals of
countries, Countries’ official books, International Awards, Books and Authors, 7
wonders, Countries’ Intelligence Agencies, Fathers of different fields, Superlatives,
Landmarks, National Emblems, International days, Sobriquets.
## PEOPLE FOREVER GK-57–88
istorical, Discoverer, Political, Social, Religious , Businessmen, Geographical, Artists,
H
Sports persons, Space Travellers, Literary.
## HISTORY GK-89–124
• Indian : Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern History
• World : Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern History
## POLITY GK-125–180
• I ndian Polity: Constitution – Making, Features of Its Framework, Statutory/Constitutional
bodies, Governments (Types and levels), Institutions, Elections, Political Parties, Pressure
Groups, E-Governance, E-Courts, Lokpal, NITI Ayog, Reservation, RTI, Foreign Policy,
Neighbours.
• World Polity: International Organizations, United Nations, International Relations,
Important Summits, Parliaments and Political Parties of countries.
## GEOGRAPHY GK-181–242
• P hysical: Universe–Developmental theories, Solar Systems, Earth, Seasons, Rocks,
Mountains, Precipitation, Plains, Oceans, Atmosphere.
• India: Physiography, Drainage, Soil, Climate, Vegetation, Agriculture, Industry,
Minerals, Energy, Census – 2011.
• World: Continents, Languages, Religions, Climatic Zones, Industrial Regions,
Geographical superlatives.
## ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT GK-243–268
E cosystem and its types; Biodiversity and its types/Loss/Conservation; Endangered
species, National Parks/Sanctuaries ; Biosphere Reserves, Environmental Issues,
Pollution, Global Warming, India’s initiatives; International Conventions on climate,
Animal welfare, Environmental laws, Disaster Management.
## ECONOMY GK-269–302
Micro-Macro Economics, Public Finance, Indian Economy, World Economy.
## MAJOR POLICIES/ACTS – AT A GLANCE GK-303–310

Various Development and Employment programmes in India –At a Glance; Women
Employment programmes, Policies.
## BUSINESS GK-311–224
usiness Entities, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Companies, Income Tax, Balance sheet,
B
Sources of Funds, SMEs, E-commerce, MNC, Business Terms and concepts, Startup India.
## FOREIGN TRADE & INVESTMENT IN INDIA GK-325–334
Foreign Exchange Reserves; India’s Foreign Trade, Balance of Payments.
## GENERAL SCIENCE GK-335–412
• P hysics: Units and Dimensions, Mechanics, Properties of matters; Heat, Waves, Optics/
Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Semiconductors
• Chemistry: Nature of matter, Structure of Atom, General Concepts, Elements,
Acids/Bases/Salts, Metals/Non-metals, Electrochemistry, Minerals
• Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics, Human blood, Human physiology, Respiration,
Digestion, Excretion, Circulation, Skeleton, Sense organs, Reproduction, Plant
Kingdom, Diseases, Logies in science.
• Everyday Science
## TECHNOLOGY AND ITS APPLICATION GK-413–426
## INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTER GK-427–434
## ART AND CULTURE GK-435–446

rt forms, Indian Painters, Musics, Dances, Theaters and Tourist places, Handicrafts,
A
Festivals, Architecture.
## SPORTS GK-447–458
Trophies, Players in Games, National sports, Olympic Games , Paralympics,
Commonwealth, Asian Games, Cricket World Cup, IPL, FIFA, Hockey, Tennis, etc.
## H EALTHCARE GK-459–466
## COMMUNICATION, MEDIA & TRANSPORT GK-467–482

Post office, Telecommunication, Media–Print, Electronic and Social.
Transports-Landways (Roads and Railways), Waterways and Airways.
## FILM INDUSTRY GK-483–488
## EDUCATION & CAREER GK-489–502

10+2 and Graduation-Specialization and their scope (Infographics),
Most Wanted Careers (Infographics), Education System in India/MHRD,
CBSE, CISE, IB, NCERT, NIOS, AICTE, UPSC, SSC, IBPS, NEET, JEE , etc.
## ENGLISH LANGUAGE GK-503–516

Grammar, Idioms and Phrases, Word Formations/Substitutions,
Prefixes, Suffixes, Phobias, Logies.
## GENERAL APTITUDE & PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT GK-517–524
## QUIZZES GK-525–549
CURRENT AFFAIRS UPDATE CA-1–CA-40

PANORAMA GK-1
POLITY
PANORAMA
Indian u World
u
Indian Panorama
NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF INDIA
National The national flag consists of a horizontal rectangular tricolour with
Flag saffron at the top, white in the middle and India green at the bottom.
The centre has a navy blue wheel with twenty-four spokes, known as
the Ashoka Chakra. The flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya.
National The national emblem is the Lion Capital of Asoka at Sarnath which
Emblem was adopted on 26th January 1950. The motto inscribed on the
emblem is in Devanagari script: “Satyameva jayate” which means
Truth Alone Triumphs.
National Jana Gana The anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore; adopted by the
Anthem Mana Constituent Assembly on 24th January 1950.
National Vande Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. It was
Song Mataram adopted as the National song of India in 1950.
National Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is the national flower. It is the
Flower representation of purity as it remains flawless despite growing in
mud and water.
National Mango (Mangifera indica) also known as the ‘King of Fruits’, is the
Fruit National Fruit of India.
National Ganga is the national river of India. It is also the longest river of the
River country.
National The Indian Banyan (Ficus bengalensis) is the national tree.

Tree
National Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the national bird of India.

Bird
National The Tiger (Panthera tigris) known as the Lord of the Jungle is the
Animal national animal of India.
National Saka calendar was introduced as the National calendar by the

Saka calendar
Calendar Calendar Committee in 1957.
INDIAN STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES
INDIAN STATES & UNION TERRITORIES

India/State Capital Area Language Establish- Sex Literacy Pop. Festivals Dance Tribes
(Sq.Km) ment Year Ratio Average Density
/1000 % (Sq. Km)
INDIA New Delhi 3.3 No National 15-08-1947 940 73% 382 G.Jayanti, I.Day. & – –
Million Language R. Day
1. Andhra Hyderabad 160205 Telugu, 01-10-1953 992 67.7% 308 Sankranti, Ugadi Kuchipudi Andh, Bagata,
Pradesh Urdu Bhil, Konda
2. Arunachal Itanagar 83,743 English 20-02-1987 920/ 66.95% 17 Losar” or The Bardo Chham Abor, Aka,
Pradesh 1000 New Year Apatani
3. Assam Dispur 78,550 Assamese, 1st April – – 397 Bihu Ankia Naat Mikirs, Khasis,
(Assom) Bengali, 1912 (Onkeeya) Nagas, Boro
4. Bihar Patna 99,200 Bhojpuri, 1st April 916 63.4% 1,102 Chhath Bidesia Kajari Gonda, Mundas,
Maithili 1936 Gaur
5. Chhattisgarh Raipur 135,194 Chattisgarhi, 1-11-2000 991 71.04% 189 Bastar Dussere, Panthi, Rawat Agariya, Andh,
Hindi Bhoramdeo Nacha Baiga, Bhaina,
6. Goa Panaji 3,702 Konkani 30-05- 1987 968 88.70% 394 per Ganesh Chaturthi Dekhnni, Dhodia, Dubla
sq km. Fugdi (Halpati),
7. Gujarat Gandhinagar 196,204 Gujarati 01-05-1960 918 79.31% 310 Makar Sankranti Rass-garba Bhils, Barda,
Bavacha
8. Haryana Chandigarh 44,212 Punjabi, 01-11-1966 877 76.64% 573 Haryali Teej, Lohri, Saang, Dhamal Meo, Ror
Haryanvi
9. Himachal Shimla 55,673 Pahari, 25-01-1971 974 83.78% 123 Kullu, Shoolini Losar Shona Bhot, Bodh,
Pradesh Kangri Chuksam Gaddi, Gujjar
10. J & K Srinagar 222,236 Kashmiri, 26-10-1947 883 66.7% 56 Hemis, Urs Dumhal, Rouff Balti, Beda, Bot,
Urdu Boto
11. Jharkhand Ranchi 79,714 Santhali, 15-11-2000 947 67.6% 414 Jhumar, Paika, Karam, Vat Asur, Agaria,
Mundari, Ho Chau, Agni savitri Baiga, Banjara
12. Karnataka Bengaluru 191,791 Kannada 01-11-1956 968 75.60% 320 Mysore Dasara, Bharatanatyam, Adiyan, Barda,
Ugadi Bolak-aat Bavacha, Bhil
13. Kerala Thiruvanantha- 38,863 Malayalam, 01-07-1949 1,084 93.91% 860 Onam Kathakali Adiyan, Arandan
puram English
14. Madhya Bhopal 308,245 Hindi 01-11-1956 930 70.60% 236 Shivratri, Badhai, Rai, Bhil, Bhunjia,
Pradesh Bahgoriya Saira Biar, Binjhwar
15. Maharashtra Mumbai 307,713 Marathi 01-05-1960 929 82.9% 370 Vijayadashami or Lavani, Koli Andh, Baiga,
Dasara Barda
16. Manipur Imphal 22,327 Meeteilon 21-01-1972 987 79.21% 120 Lui-ngai-ni Manipuri Aimol, Anal,
Ningol Chakouba, Angami
Yaoshang
17. Meghalaya Shillong 22,429 Khasi,Garo 21-01-1972 986 75.84% 130 Nongkrem, Nongkrem` Chakma, Dimasa,
Wangala Garo
18. Mizoram Aizawl 21,087 Mizo 20-02-1987 975 91.58% 52 Chapchar Kut, Cheraw, Chakma, Dimasa,
Thalfavang Kut, Khuallam Garo
19. Nagaland Kohima 16,579 English 01-12-1963 931 80.11% 119 Hornbill, Sekrenyi Zeliang Naga, Kuki, Mikir,
Garo
20. Odisha Bhubaneshwar 155,820 Odia, Eng- 01-04-1936 978 73.45% 270 Ganesh Chaturthi Odissi Agata, Bathudi,
lish Birhor
21. Punjab Chandigarh 50,362 Punjabi 15-08-1947 893 76.68% 550 Bandi Chhor, Bhangra, –
Vaisakhi, Lohri Giddha
22. Rajasthan Jaipur 342,239 Hindi, 01-11-1956 926 67.68% 201 Gangaur, Teej, Ghoomar –
Rajasthani Gogaji
23. Sikkim Gangtok 7,096 Nepali, 16-5-1975 889 82.2% 86 Maghe, Losar Singhi Chham Bhutia, Lepcha,
Bhutia Limboo
24. Tamil Nadu Chennai 130,058 Tamil 26-01-1950 995 80.33 % 550 Pongal Bharata- Adiyan,
natyam Aranadan,
25. Telangana Hyderabad 114,840 Telugu, 02-06-2014 – 66.50% 310 Ugadi Kuchipudi Andh, Konda
Urdu
26. Tripura Agartala 10,491.69 Bengali , 21-01-1972 961 94.65% 350 – Goria, Jhum Bhil, Bhutia,
Kokborok Chaimal
27. Uttarakhand Dehradun 53,483 Garhwali, 9-11-2000 963 79.63% 189 Kandali, Ramman Langvir Nritya Bhotia, Buksa,
Kumaoni Jaunsari, Raji
28. Uttar Pradesh Lucknow 243,286 Hindi, Urdu 01-04-1937 908 69.7% 820 Makar Sankranti, Kathak Bhotia, Buksa,
Chhath Tharu, Baiga
29. West Bengal Kolkata 88,752 Bengali and 15-08-1947 947 77.08% 1,000 Durga Puja, Kali Chau dance Asur, Baiga,
Union
English Puja Bedia, Chero
Territory
1. Andaman and Port Blair 8,073 English, 01-11-1956 878 86.27% 46 – – Andamanese,
Nicobar Islands Hindi Chariar, Chari
2. Chandigarh Chandigarh 114 Punjabi 01-11-1966 818 81.9% 9,300/ Lohri Bhangra –
3. Dadra and Silvassa 102 English, 11-08-1961 775 77.65% 698 Pongal Tarpa, Warlis, dublas
Nagar Haveli Gujarati Bhavada
4. Daman and Daman 102 Gujarati, 30-05-1987 618 87.07% 2169 Garba Mando, Vira Dhodia, Dubla
Diu Marathi (Halpati)
5. Lakshadweep Kavaratti 32 English, 01-11-1956 946 92.28% 2013 Eid-Ul-Fitr, Lava, Kolkali Koya, Malmi
Malayalam Muharram
6. NCT of Delhi New Delhi 1,484.0 Hindi 01-02-1992 866 86.34% 11,297 Diwali, Eid ul-Fitr – –
7. Puducherry Pondicherry 492 Malayalam, 07-01-1963 1,038 86.34% 2,500 Pongal Garadi Grulas, Villi
Tamil
PANORAMA GK-5
State Animals and Birds

State Animal Birds
Andhra Pradesh Blackback (Antilope cervicapra) Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
Arunachal Pradesh Gayal (Bos frontalis) Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
Asom (Assam) One-horned rhino (Rhinoceros White-winged wood duck (Cairina
unicornis) scutulata)
Bihar Gaur (Bos gaurue) House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Chhattisgarh Wild buffalo (Bubalis arnee) Bastar Hill myna (Gracula religiosa)
Goa Gaur (Bos gaurus) Black-crested bulbul (Pycnonotus
gularis)
Gujarat Asiatic lison (Panthera leo Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus
persica) roseus)
Haryana Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) Black Francolin (Francolinus
francolinus)
Himachal Pradesh Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia or Jujurana Western Irogapa (Trogopan
Panthna uncia) melanocephalus)
Jammu and Kashmir Kashmir Stag (Cervus elaphus Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis)
hanglin)
Jharkhand Indian Elephant (Elephas Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopacea)
maximus indicus)
Karnataka Indian Elephant (Elephas Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
maximus indicus)
Kerala Indian Elephant (Elephas Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
maximus indicus)
Madhya Pradesh Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii) Asian Paradise Flycatcher
(Trepsiphone paradisi)
Maharashtra Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa Yellow footed green pigeon (Treron
indica) phoenicoptera)
Manipur Sangai (Cervus eldi) Mrs. Humes Pheasant (Syrmaticus
humiae)
Meghalaya Clouded Leopard (Neofelis Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa)
nebulosa)
Mizoram Hoolock gibbon (Hoolock Mrs. Humes pheasant (Syrmaticus
hoolock) humaie)
Nagaland Gaur (Bos gaurus) Blyth’s Tragopan (Tragopan blythii)
Odisha Sambar (Rusa unicolor) Indian Roller (Coracias
benghalensis)
Punjab Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) Northern Goshawk (Accipiter
gentilis)
Rajasthan Chinkara (Gazella bennettii) Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis
nigps)
Sikkim Red panda (Ailurus fulgens) Blood pheasant (Ithaginis
cruentus)
Tamil Nadu Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps
hylocrius) indica)
India’s name is derived from “Indus River”.

GK-6 PANORAMA
Telangana Chital (Zinka) Pala Pitta (Coracias benghalensis)
Tripura Phayre’s Langur (Trachypithecus Green Imperial Pigeon (Dacula
phayrel) genea)
Uttarakhand Musk deer (Moschus cupreus) Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus
impejanus)
Uttar Pradesh Swamp Deer (Rucervus Sarus Crane (Grus antigone)
duvaucelii)
West Bengal Fishing cat (Prionailurus White-breasted Kingfisher
viverrinus) (Halcyon smyrnensis)
Lakshadweep House Sparrow (Passer
Domesticus)
National Capital House Sparrow (Passer
Territory of Delhi domesticus)
Puducherry Squirrel Sciuridae ratufinae Asian Koel (Eudynamys
scolopaceus)
Four Ends of India Foundation day of States

Easternmost point of India is known as 1st January Nagaland Day
Kibithu; situated on right bank of river Lohit 21st January Manipur, Meghalaya and
separating India from China-Tibet region. It is Tripura Day
a small village at the altitude of 3,350 metre
in Arunachal Pradesh. Westernmost point 6th February Jammu and Kashmir Day
is situated in Kuch area of Gujarat called as 20th Mizoram and Arunachal
Ghuar Mota. The region is famous for its harsh February Pradesh day
climate with 45°C in summer and 20°C in 11th March Andman and Nicobar Islands
winter. During monsoon season this region Day
looks like a tortoise surrounded by sea water. 22nd March Bihar Day (Bihar Diwas)
Northernmost point of India has been in
30th March Rajasthan Day
controversies ever since India’s independence.
The Siachen Glacier in the state of J&K is the 1st April Utkal (Odisha) Day
northern boundary of India according to the 14th April Tamil Nadu Day
official division of India during the time of 15th April Himachal Pradesh Day
independence. The Southernmost point of 1st May Gujarat and Maharashtra Day
the mainland of India is Kanyakumari District
in the state of Tamil Nadu. Kannyakumari, 16th May Sikkim Day
formerly was known as Cape Comorin. It is 1st November Chattisgarh
the second largest and urbanized of Tamil 9th November Uttaranchal (Now
Nadu. Indira Point is a village in the Nicobar Uttarakhand) Day
district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 15th Jharkhand Day (Jharkhand
India. It is located in the Great Nicobar tehsil. November Diwas)
It is the location of the southernmost point
of India’s territory. 2nd June (2014) Telangana Day
AWARDS AND HONOURS

Gallantry Awards Vir Chakra: The third highest Gallantry Award
Param Vir Chakra: The highest Gallantry Ashok Chakra: The highest peacetime
Award Gallantry award
Mahavir Chakra: The second highest Kirti Chakra: For conspicuous Gallantry
Gallantry Award Shaurya Chakra: For an act of Gallantry
India’s coastline measures 7,517 kms in length.
PANORAMA GK-7
Bharat Ratna Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,

The highest civilian award of India. Disarmament and Development
• The first three recipients of Bharat Ratna: • Instituted in 1985, this prestigious award
C. Rajagopalchari, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan is regarded as ‘Nobel’ and over the years
and DR. C.V.Raman (1954) it has been awarded to those persons
Padma Awards who have done outstanding work for
international peace, disarmament and
• Padma Vibhushan : The second highest development.
civilian award given for exceptional and
distinguished service. Dadasaheb Phalke Award
• Padma Bhushan : The third highest • It is India’s highest award in cinema.
civilian award given for distinguished • It is presented annually at the National
service of a high order. Film Awards ceremony by the
• Padma Shri : The fourth highest civilian Directorate of film festival.
award given for distinguished service.
Borlaug Award
Bharatiya Jnanpith Award
• Instituted in 1973, carries a cash prize of
• Instituted in 22 May, 1961, carries a cash
` 1 lakh.
prize of ` 5 lakh, a citation and a bronze
• Instituted to honour outstanding
replica of Vagdevi (Saraswati).
• This award is given for the best literary agricultural scientists.
writing by an Indian citizen in a language Sahitya Akademi Award
listed in eight schedule of the Indian • Awarded for outstanding literary work
Constitution. and carries a cash prize of ` 1 lakh.
Gandhi Peace Prize • Sahitya Academi gives 22 awards for
• Established in 2 October, 1994. It carries literary works in the languages which
a cash prize of ` 1 crore. has recognized works.
IMPORTANT BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences The Accidental Prime Minister – The
with Pramukh Swamiji: Abdul Kalam making and unmaking of Manmohan
Unbelievable – Delhi to Islamabad: Prof Singh: Sanjaya Baru
Bhim Singh Hard Choices (Autobiography): Hillary
Two Years Eight Months and Twenty Rodham Clinton
Eight Nights: Salman Rushdie I am Malala (Autobiography): Malala
Globalisation, Democratization and
Yousafzai
Distributive Justice: Professor Mool Chand
Sharma And Then One Day: Naseerudin Shah
Making India Awesome: Chetan Bhagat Playing It My Way: Sachin Tendulkar
Flood of fire: Amitav Ghosh The Narrow Road To the Deep North:
Neither a Hawk nor a Dove: Khurshid M Kasuri Richard Flangan
The Red Sari: Javier Moro Go Set a Watchman: Harper Lee
Sourav Ganguly: Cricket, Captaincy and Super Economies: Raghav Bahl
Controversy: Saptarshi Sarkar Family Life: Akhil Sharma
China – Confucius in the Shadows: Lucknow Boy: A Memoir: Late Vinod Mehta
Poonam Surie A Brief History of Seven Killings: Marlon
Mrs Funnybones: Twinkle Khanna James
R.D. Burman: The Prince of Music:
Beyond 2020: A Vision for Tomorrow’s
Khagesh Dev Burman
Beyond Doubt: A Dossier on Gandhi’s India: A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and Y. S. Rajan
Assassination: Teesta Setalvad Leading: Alex Ferguson With Michael
Benazir Bhutto: A Multidimensional Moritz
Portrait: Dr Anna Suvorova The Outsider: Frederick Forsyth
Modi - Incredible emergence of a star: The Courage to Act – A Memoir of a Crisis
Tarun Vijay and Its Aftermath: Ben S. Bernanke
Amar Sonar Bangla, the national anthem of Bangladesh was written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905.
GK-8 PANORAMA
Ruled or Misruled: Story and Destiny of The Country of First Boys: Amartya Sen
Bihar: Santosh Singh A Strangeness in My Mind: Orhan Pamuk
Hungry Bengal: War, Famine, Riots and Autumn of the Matriarch: Indira Gandhi’s
the End of Empire: Janam Mukherjee Final Term in Office: Diego Maiorano
To the Brink and Back: India’s 1991 Gods of Corruption: Promilla Shankar
Story: Jairam Ramesh Restart: The Last Chance for the Indian
The Pakistan Paradox: Christrophe Economy: Mihir S. Sharma
Jaffrelot The Tears of the Rajas: Ferdinand Mount
Crusader or Conspirator: P.C. Parakh The Z factor - My journey as the wrong
Born Again On the Mountain: Arunima man at the Right Time : Subhash Chandra
Sinha
Nathuram Godse - The Story of an
The China Model: Daniel A bell
Assassin : Anup Ashok Sardesai
Scion of Ikshvaku: Amish Tripathi
Purity: Jonathan Franzen The turbulent year - 1980-1996 (Volume
God Help the Child: Toni Morrison II) : Pranab Mukherjee.
Love + Hate: Stories and Essays: Hanif Jawaharlal Nehru and The Indian Polity is
Kureishi Perspective : Prof (Dr) P.J. Alexander
The Heart Goes Last: Margaret Atwood The Kiss of life - How a superhero and
Deep South: Paul Theroux my son defeated cancer : Emraan Hashmi
INDIA’S POLITICAL JOURNEY 70 YEARS

Date/ Period Events
1946 The Constituent assembly elected in 1946 served as the Parliament
15 Aug. 1947 • India became independent
• Jawaharlal Nehru becomes the 1st P. M. of Independent India
30 Jan. 1948 • Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead by Nathuram Godse
• India sends troops and took over the State of Hyderabad
• Sheikh Abdulla became the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Pakistan adopted Guerrilla War in J & K but India recaptured Dras, Kargil and
Poonch.
26 Nov. 1949 Constitution of India was adopted with a Preamble, 395 Articles & 8 Schedules.
26 Jan. 1950 • Constitution of India was enforced & India was declared a Republic State
• Rajendra Prasad, 1st President of India
• Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel died on 15 Dec. 1950.
1951 • India’s first general/Lok Sabha election ( 25 Oct. 1951 to 21 Feb. 1952) &
Indian National Congress won with full majority (75%)
1953 • Sheikh Abdulla was dismissed, arrested and Ghulam Mohammed became the
Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
1954 • French finally gave up its territory Pondicherry to India.
1956 Death of B. R. Ambedkar on 6 Dec. 1956
1957 • Second general elections held in India & Congress won 371 seats
1959 • Mrs. Indira Gandhi was elected the president of Indian National Congress.
1960 • The states of Gujarat and Maharashtra came into being on May 1, 1960 &
Bombay got allocated to Maharashtra.
1961 • Indian troops liberated Goa from Portuguese colony by Operation Vijay
1962 • Congress retained its majority in the general elections (361 seats out of 494).
1964 • Jawahar Lal Nehru passed away. Gulzarilal Nanda was sworn in as acting prime
minister.
• Congress Working Committee finalized on Lal Bahadur Shastri as Nehru’s
successor. (Other contenders were Tamilian K. Kamraj & Morarji Desai)
1965 • Pakistan invaded India over a salt marsh in Kachchh desert forcing Indians to
withdraw some 40 miles.
Posthumously, Neerja Bhanot became the youngest recipient of the Ashok Chakra Award.
PANORAMA GK-9
1966 • L.B. Shastri & Pakistani President Ayub Khan met in Taskent along with the
Soviet Union P.M. Kosygin, and signed “Taskent Agrement”.
• Lal Bahadur Shashtri dies in sleep, of cardiac arrest.
• Gulzarilal Nanda was (once again) sworn in as acting prime minister.
• Indira Gandhi became PM on Congress president Kamraj endorsement for
which Morarji Desai was interested.
• Punjab and Haryana divided into separate states.
1967 • 4th general elections held in February & INC got 283 seats.
1969 14 banks were nationalized which was opposed by then Finance Minister Morarji
Desai
1971 • The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 over Bangladesh liberation. Pakistani troops
surrendered & Provisional Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
came into being.
• 5th general elections of India was held 14 months before scheduled time and
Congress returned with 362 seats out of 520
1975 • On 26th June 1975 national emergency was declared.
• Opposition leaders, including, Jayprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, were sent to
jail. Sanjay Gandhi became leading political executive overshading Indira Gandhi
1977 • Mrs. Gandhi dissolved Lok Sabha and general elections were held.
• The Congress lost around 200 seats. Both Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi lost.
• Janata Party came with majority & Morarji Desai became PM of India.
1979 • Morarji Desai resigned after Janata Party splits into three parts: headed by
Morarji Desai, Jagjivan Ram and Charan Singh.
• Charan Singh was sworn as Prime Minster, but a month later Indira’s Congress
(I) withdrew support, which forced a mid-term election.
1980 General elections of India was held & INC won 353 seats as a result Mrs.I. Gandhi
became PM. Sanjay Gandhi died in a plane accident.
1984 • Indira Gandhi shot dead by two of her Sikh personal bodyguards.
• Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister of India.
• 8th general elections of India was held & INC won 404 seats.
1989 General elections of India was held & INC won 197 seats. The Janata Dal led by V
P Singh secured 143 seats, BJP 85 & Left Parties 45 seats. V.P. Singh became PM
with support of BJP & Left parties.
1991 • Rajiv Gandhi assassinated by suicide bomber sympathetic to Sri Lanka's Tamil
Tigers(LTTE).
• 10th General elections were held. INC+ got 244, BJP+ 120 & NF got 69 seats. P.V.
Narasimha Rao became PM with the support of Left parties.
1992 Babri Mosque in Ayodhya was demolished, triggering widespread Hindu-Muslim
violence.
1996 • General elections were held. UF 192(Janata Dal+) won 192, BJP 187, & INC 140
seats.
• AB Vajpayee became PM only for 13 days followed by H.D. Deve Gowda & IK
Gujral (Janata Dal). The 11th Lok Sabha produced three Prime Ministers in two
years.
1999 General elections were held. NDA(BJP+) won 254(182+), INC+ 144 & UF 64 seats.
AB Vajpayee became PM.
1999 Kargil war between India & Pakistan. India came as victorious.
2004 General elections were held. UPA got 218, NDA 181 seats & Manmohan Singh
became PM of India.
2009 General elections were held. UPA got 262, NDA 159 seats & Manmohan Singh
became PM of India.
2014 General elections were held. BJP got 282, INC 44. Narendra Modi became PM of
India.
2016 India got entry into Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) group.
GK-10 PANORAMA
INDIA'S ECONOMIC JOURNEY 70 YEARS
PANORAMA GK-11
INDIA’S AGRICULTURAL JOURNEY 70 YEARS

Year Developments/Events
1947 • India gains independence
• Agricultural productivity - 50 million tonnes
• Subsistence farming practised
• 80% of population dependent on Agriculture
EFFORT: Establishment of Agricultural Engineering Division at TART.
1949 • River Valley Project-Damodar Valley Corporation established in 1949 to tackle soil and
water conservation in Bihar and Bengal.
1951 1st 5 Year Plan:
• Abolition of Intermediaries / Zamindari System
• Giving Land titles to actual Tillers
• Community Develo pment Programmes introduced.
• Decentralised Planning
• Intensive Area Development Programme Initiated.
Bhoodan Movement launched by Vinoba Bhave
• Land Rights renounced
• 11.9 lakh acres of land distributed.
1954 • ICAR carried out state wise survey of the existing tools and implements used by farmers.
1956 2nd 5 Year Plan:
• Concern for vast rainfed Agriculture feet
• Soil conservation as an important programme.
• Irrigation Development for rainfed areas.
• Training and Development/Extension work for the Agricultural Technology through
Community Development.
1957 • GRAMDAN launched
• Private ownership of land eliminated
1959 • Indian National Congress in Nagpur Resolution resolved that Agrarian Legislation to
lower restriction on the size of land holdings.
1961 3rd Five Year Plan:
• Cultivable waste land brought under cultivation
• Area development as an approach for selected districts
• Integrated land policy adopted
• Soil survey taken up
1964 Incentive Price Policy adopted:
• Agricultural Price Commission set up to fix agricultural prices/support prices of the crops.
1965 Food Corporation of India launched
1966 Green Revolution Introduced:
• The HYV programme started.
• Modern farm technique initiated which replaced manpower
• Irrigation facilities improved.
Results:
• 12.6 times increase in crop production
• 4.84 times increase in wheat output from 1966-67.
• 1.78 times increase in production from 1966-67.
• Success mostly marked in wheat and rice.
• Limited only to Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh.
1969 • Irrigation and soil conservation in dry land regions and technological change
introduced.
• Second phase of land reform and land ceiling acts introduced.
GK-12 PANORAMA
1974 • Drought prone area marked and got attention.
• Desert area development programme launched
• New impetus to dry farming.
1977 Food-For-Work Introduced.
1980 Under utilisation of land resources:
• Land and water management programme under drought prone area in selected area
undertaken.
1982 National Bank for Agriculture & Rural development (NABARD) established.
1992 8th 5 Year plan :
• Period of liberalization and globalisation
• Growth and Diversification of agriculture to achieve self-sufficiency in food.
• Generation of food surplus for exports
• Food grain production increased from 168.4 million tonnes (1966-67) to 199 million
tonnes in (1991-92).
1997 • Land degradation increased significantly
• Brought underutilized land under cultivation
• Maintenance of village commons
• Decentralised land management system
• Panchayati Raj to manage the village lands.
9th 5 Year plan:
• Doubling food production
• Increase in employment and income
• Supplementary/sustained employment and creation of Rural infrastructure through
poverty Alleviation Schemes.
• Distribution of food grains to the people below poverty line.
• Introduction of TARGETED PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (TPDS) to “poor in all areas”.
1998 • KISAN CREDIT CARD (KCC) introduced.
• Introduction of ANTYODAYA ANNA YOJANA (AAY)
2000 • 1 crore of the poorest BPL families identified.
• 25 Kg of food grains available at ` 2 per kg for wheat and ` 3 per kg for rice.
Introduction of ANNAPURANA SCHEME
• Targeted group – Indigent senior citizens
• Provision of 10 kg of grains free.
2004 NATIONAL FOOD FOR WORK launched
• 150 most backward districts provided wage employment.
• 100% centrally sponsored scheme
2005 About 221 farmers committed suicide in Maharashtra
2010 India largest producer of –
Many fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, major spices, jute, millets, castor oil.
India 2nd largest producer of wheat and rice.
2011 • Major reforms in organised retails
• Includes logistics and details of agricultural produce.
• Though this reform was placed on hold.
2012 • Subsidised electricity for pumping due to drop of 90% monsoon rains.
• Production from horticulture exceeded grain output.
2016 • National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to carry out 42 dairy projects with the
financial outlay of 221 crores.
• 585 major wholesale agricultural markets electronically linked creating National
Agriculture Market (NAM)
• 5 year road map drawn to increase pulse production
• PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA and BHARTIYA KRISHI BIMA YOJANA
introduced to insure crops.
• 75000 crores invested on Energy Efficient Irrigation Scheme.
PANORAMA GK-13
INDIA’S SCIENTIFIC JOURNEY 70 YEARS

Year Developments/Discoveries
1947 • PM Jawahar Lal Nehru initiated reforms to promote higher education, science and
technology in India.
• Radio Broadcasting was renamed as ALL INDIA RADIO.
• Electric generation capacity in India – 1362 MW.
1948 • Atomic energy act was passed.
• Defence Organization was set up.
1950 Rural electrification provided to 3016 villages
1951 Indian Institute of Technology (IIT'S) was incorporated on 8th August 1951 at
Kharagpur in West Bengal by Minister of Education Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad.
1954 Hindustan Steel Pvt. Limited formed.
1956 AIIMS founded in New Delhi.
1957 All India Radio renamed as AKASH VANI.
1958 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) formed.
1959 Limited Duration of Television Programming began.
Late IIT'S in Bombay (1958), Madras (1959), Kanpur (1959) and Delhi (1961) opened.
1950's
Early • Close ties with Soviet Union enabled the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
1960's to develop Indian Space Program.
1962 • Indian National for Space Research set up by Department of Atomic Energy.
• Work starts on Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Stations (TERLS)
1963 • First Sounding Rocket launched from TERLS on Nov. 21, 1963.
1965 • Complete Broadcasting of Television followed
• Space Science and Technology Centre set up in Thumba
• Green Revolution began under M.S. Swaminathan
1968 Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station set up in Ahmedabad.
1970 • Indian Medical Centre Council Act passed to Standardize Ayurvedic teaching
institution
• White Revolution / Operation Flood was introduced which made India the largest
producer of milk.
1971 • Electronic Commission was set up by Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre was set up in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
1972 • Department of Space established. ISRO brought under it.
1973 • Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) incorporated with an authorized capital of
` 2000 crore.
1975 • First Indian Satellite ARYA BHATTA launched
1979 • BHASKARA I, an Earth experimental satellite launched.
1981 • Indian Antarctic Programme started when the 1st Indian expedition was flagged off
for Antarctica from Goa.
• Since then more missions sent each year to India’s base DAKSHIN GANGOTRI.
• Commission on additional sources of energy set up and hence department of non-
conventional energy source set up.
GK-14 PANORAMA
1983 • INSAT commissioned in 1983. Largest Domestic Communication in ASIA - PACIFIC.
• Active Satellite of this series include INSAT-2E, INSAT-3A, INSAT-3B, INSAT-3C, INSAT-
3E, KALPANA-I, G-SAT 2, EDUSAT, INSAT-4A.
• APOLLO hospitals opened its 1st facility. 1st hospital to be registered as Public Company.
1984 • 1st Indian Cosmonaut RAKESH SHARMA spends 8 days in Russian Space Station
Salyut 7.
• Kolkata Metro started.
1985 • Immunisation Program consisting in massive vaccination for 9 diseases- T.B,
Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Hepatitis B, Diarhhoea, Japanese
Encephalitis, Pneumonia.
1986 • A separate department of BIOTECHNOLOGY created to develop Indian Agriculture.
1991 • A new permanent Antarctic base MAITRI was founded.
• Indian Economy went through major economic reforms leading India to a new era of
globalisation and International Economic Integration.
1995 • AYUSH created to develop research work in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and
Homeopathy.
• Pulse polio Programme started.
1997 • TRAI was established
1999 • Cellular Services started in India.
2001 'Tejas' - advanced light weight supersonic fighter aircraft introduced.
BRAHMOS - introduced into Defense System (World’s fastest cruise missile) developed
by India & Russia.
2002 • India and European Union agreed to Bilateral cooperation in the field of science and
technology.
• Delhi metro started.
2003 • Super computer PARAM PADMA was launched which had the computational capacity
of 1 texaflop.
2004 • Electricity generation capacity increased to 11350 MW
2005 • National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) launched
2008 • The Moon impact probe was released from CHANDRAYAN 1 at the height of 100 Km.
2013 MARS ORBITER MISSION (MOM) also called as MANGALYAN launched by ISRO making
it the 4th Space Agency to reach Mars and the 1st Nation to reach the Mars orbit in first
attempt.
• Rural Electrification – 593732 villages
2014 TB - Mission 2020 is launched by Govt. of India to eradicate TB by 2020.
2016 • India's first indigenous Sonar Dome was flagged off by the defence Ministry on March
30.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS:
• ISRO's PSLV- C35 successfully placed 8 different satellites in a single rocket mission
including SCAT-SAT-1 for weather Related Studies.
• IIT Kharagpur and NHAI have signed MOU to develop technology to construct
maintenance free highways in India.
• INTERTEC group has launched an agriculture technology laboratory in Hyderabad to
perform DNA analysis for agribiotech, plant seed breeding and plant seed production
industries.
• Indian Institute of Science has discovered a natural cure for cancer in Quercetein and
plant Vernonia condensata.
• About 6500 e-choupals are covering 1 lakh villages.
PANORAMA GK-15
INDIA’S DEMOGRAPHIC JOURNEY 70 YEARS

Parameters Course of Journey
Population • 1947 – Population of India was 340 million
• Between 1947 – 1981, population doubled.
• By 2001 – it surpassed 1 billion
• 2011 – Population was 1210 million
• India's population increasing at the rate of 16 million per year
• India has 17% of world's population.
• Highest populated state : Uttar Pradesh.
• Lowest populated State – Sikkim
• Highest populated Union Territory – Delhi
• Lowest populated UT – Lakshadweep
• Average Density of population in India – 382 person/sq km.
2011–Population in Rural Areas – 68.84 %
• Population in Urban Areas – 31.16%
• 18.62% of country's population in Uttar Pradesh.
Fertility rate • Total Fertility Rate in 1966-71 : 5.78 %
TFR in 1971-76 : 5.37%
TFR in 1976-81 : 4.65%
TFR in Kerala : 2.1%
TFR in Tamil Nadu : 1.8%
2001 : Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan accounted for 45%
of the total population.
Birth and 1951-1961 : Death Rate - 24 /1000
Death Rate : Birth Rate - 42 /1000
1971-1981 : Death Rate - 15/1000
Birth Rate - 38 /1000
1996-2001 : Death Rate – 9/1000
Birth Rate - 24/1000
Population 1952 – National family Programme launched.
policy in Features:
India • To slow down population growth rate through Birth Control Measures
• To Improve public Health Standards
• To Increase Public Awareness about public health Issues.
1975-1976 – Period of National Emergency
• Introduced coercive programme of mass sterilization.
1978 – National family welfare Programme launched.
2010 – National Socio-demographic Goals launched :
• Free Compulsory Education upto age of 14
• Reduce IMR to below 30/1000 live birth.
• Delayed marriages for girls
• 100% registration of birth, death, marriage and Pregnancy.
Literacy 1951 – Literacy Rate in India – 18.3%
1991 – Increased to 52.2%
2001 – Literacy Rate – 65.4%
2011 – Literacy Rate – 74.04%
• Male Literacy Rate – 82.14%
• Female Literacy Rate – 65. 46%
• State with Universal Literacy – KERALA (93.7)
• Least Literate State – BIHAR (63.82%)
• State with Lowest female literacy Rate – HARYANA
• RIGHT TO EDUCATION (Article 21A) has been made fundamental Right in
India via 86th Constitution Amendment Act.
GK-16 PANORAMA
Religion • Share of Hindu Population in India – 80%
• India has world's 3rd most biggest Muslim population (While Pakistan–second
& Indonesia–first)
• Concentration of Muslim population in India in LAKSHADWEEP and JAMMU &
KASHMIR.
• Concentration of Christian population –
MEGHALAYA, MIZORAM, NAGALAND.
• Concentration of Sikh population – PUNJAB
Declining 1951 – 946 F / 1000 M
Sex Ratio 1971 – 930 F / 1000 M
1981 – 934 F / 1000 M
1991 – 925 F / 1000 M
2001 – 933 F / 1000 M
2011 – 940 F / 1000 M
• Lowest Child Sex Ratio – PUNJAB (793)
• Lowest female Sex Ratio – HARYANA (877)
• Highest female Sex Ratio – KERALA (1084)
• States with declining Sex Ratio – HARYANA, CHANDIGARH, DELHI, GUJARAT
and HIMACHAL PRADESH.
Efforts taken: PRE–NATAL DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUE (Regulation and
prevention of misuse) ACT passed in 1996.
Age • INDIA has a very young population.
Structure * UNDER 15 AGE GROUP
1971 – 42% of total population
2011 – 29.7% of total population
* 15 – 60 AGE GROUP
60 + AGE GROUP
• State with high proportion in younger age group – UTTAR PRADESH
• 1/3rd of India's population below 15 yrs of age in 2000.
Life 1951 – Males (32.45 yrs) Female (31.66 yrs)
Expectancy 1971 – Males (46.40 yrs) Female (44.70 yrs)
1991 – Males (59.70 yrs) Female (60.50 yrs)
2001 – Males (63.90 yrs) Female (66.90 yrs)
2011 – Average life expectancy – 65.48 yrs
Rural 1951 – Rural Population : 299 million
Urban Urban Population: 62 million
Preferences 1981 – Rural Population : 524 million
Urban Population: 159 million
2001 – Rural Population : 743 million
Urban Population: 286 million
INDIA'S DEMOGRAPHIC ACHIEVEMENT
• Reduced CRUDE BIRTH RATE from 40.8 (1951) to 24.1 (2004)
• Reduced IMR from 146/1000 live birth (1951) to 58/1000 live birth (2004)
• Reduced Crude death rate from 25 (1951) to 7.5 (2004)
• Added 25 yrs to life expectancy from 37 yrs to 62 yrs.
• Halved the TFR from 6.0 (1951) to 3.0 (2004)
• Quadrupled the couple protection rate from 10.4% (1971) to 44% (1999).
PANORAMA GK-17
INDIA’S SOCIAL/CULTURAL JOURNEY 70 YEARS
National Consolidation In 2000’s

1947 • Adult literacy rate in 2001 was 61% which
• India got independence and partitioned increased to 69% in 2011.
• India adopted a socialist democratic path. • Online education being introduced. Now
easier to opt for many online degrees/
1950 courses from various universities.
• India adopted a new constitution which • Distant Education became popular
guaranteed fundamental rights to the • The right of children to free and compulsory
citizens of India ensuring equality, freedom education was imposed (2009)
and justice. • According to the district information system
1955 for education in India only 51.5% have
• States of India reorganised on the boundary walls, 16.6% have computers,
recommendations made by state 2.39% have electricity.
reorganisation commission. • According to the Annual Statics of
• This was done on linguistic basis. Education, the average attendance rate of
students in the rural states is about 75%.
1967-70 • SARVA SHIKSHA ABHIYAN launched to
• Privy purses were abolished along with the provide education for the children from
compensation paid to the Rajas. 6-14 years (2001)
• Zamindari System was abolished • No. of Primary Schools increased from 2.10
Education lakhs (1950-51) to 6.40 lakhs (2001-02)
1947 11.9 lakh in 2013-14.
• Literacy Rate – 12.2% • No. of Universities increased from 27 (1950-
51) to 254 (2000-01) to 712 in 2013-14.
1950’s–60’s
• 88th amendment of the constitution made
• Government established several industrial
Education a FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT for all
training institutes, polytechnics, engineering
children aged 6-14.
colleges, medical and dental colleges. Many
management institutes (IIM'S) were also set 2011
up. Literacy Rate of 7 to 14 years increased to
74.04% from 65% in 2001.
1968
• Government implemented the recommend- Sanitation
ation of 'KOTHARI COMMISSION' under
1986
National Policy on Education which
• Government of India started the Central
emphasised on universal primary education. Sanitation Programme (CRSP) to improve
1978 the basic sanitation amenities of rural areas.
• The National Adult Education Programme
1999
started which is a part of Primary Education. • TOTAL SANITATION CAMPAIGN (TSC) was
1988 launched
• NATIONAL LITERACY MISSION started to • Programmes such as Individual Houses
enhance adult literacy. Latrines, School Sanitation and Hygiene
Education, Community Sanitary Complex,
1986
Anganwadi Toilets were introduced.
'NATIONAL POLICY ON EDUCATION' announced
by the government which focussed on: 2006
• Universalization of Primary Education • Around 4,50,000 deaths were linked to
• Vocalisation of Secondary Education diarrhoea alone of which 88% were death
• Specialisation of Higher Education of children below 5.
1995 2008
• MIDDAY MEAL PROGRAMME implemented • According to UNICEF, only 90% of Indian
to attract children to schools especially in population is able to utilize proper
rural areas. sanitation facilities.
GK-18 PANORAMA
2010 1986
• Water and Sanitation programme study the • SHAH BANO CASE – The Supreme Court
economic impacts of inadequate sanitation ruled that Shah Bano (Muslim Elderly) was
in India which has caused considerable eligible for maintenance money though
economic losses equivalent to 6.4% of the decision was opposed by Muslim
India's GDP in 2006. fundamentalists. The Union Government
2014 subsequently passed the MUSLIM
• SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN launched by WOMEN'S (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS UPON
PM Narendra Modi. DIVORCE) ACT.
Women 1989
1954 • Panchayati Raj Bill was introduced which
• Vibhla Farooqui and her female colleagues instituted 1/3rd of the seats in the panchayat
in the Communist Party of India organised to be reserved for women.
a national conference to address women 2006
issues. They founded the NATIONAL Kiran Majumdar Shaw (founder of BIOCON)
FEDERATION OF INDIAN WOMEN (NFIW) was rated as the world's richest woman.
focus attention on women's struggle for Kalita D. Gupta (ran ICICI Bank) and Kalpana
equal rights and responsibilities in all Moparia (CEO, JP MORGAN) listed as most
spheres of life. powerful women (Forbes).
1955 PRESENT SCENARIO:
The HINDU MARRIAGE ACT of 1955 was • From 5.4 million girls enrolled at the primary
passed to provide equal rights to women to level in 1950-51 to 61.1 million girls in 2004-
obtain divorce and maintenance. 05 and 94.8 million in 2013-14.
1956 • Dropout rates of girls have fallen by 16.5%
• The "Hindu Adoption and maintenance Act" between the year 2000 and 2005.
was passed. Through this act, a woman can • India has largest population of working
adopt a boy or a girl as her son or daughter. women in the world.
• The "Hindu Minority and Guardianship • Women such as Arundhati Roy, Anita Desai,
Act" of 1956 entitled a woman to act as the Jhumpa Lahiri, Shabana Azmi, Pratibha
natural guardian of her minor children. Patil, Mrs. Indira Gandhi have asserted
• The HINDU SUCCESSION ACT, 1956 was
themselves in this male-dominated realm.
passed in which a woman got equal rights
in the inheritance of family property Domestic Violence
2005
1961
• According to National Family and Health
• The DOWRY PROHIBITION ACT of 1961
Survey in 2005, total lifetime prevalence of
in which dowry was made a punishable
offence. domestic violence was 33.5% and 8.5% for
sexual violence among aged 15-49.
1974 • The DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT of 2005
• According to the report of the committee
legally defines domestic violence and the
on status of women in India, the number
prosecution guidelines of those cases that
of female employees in all sector was
continuously rising. are reported to the police.
• According to the World Bank Report, 94% 2012
of total employment in dairy production • National Crime Records Bureau states the
constitutes women. reported Crime rate of 46/100,000, rape
• CHIPKO MOVEMENT, which got its name rate of 2/100,000 and dowry homicide rate
from the action of woman who hugged trees of 0.7/100,000.
in order to prevent them from being cut by RAPE IN INDIA
timber contractors. • According to the National Crime Records
1976 Bureau 2013, 24,923 rape cases were
• The EQUAL REMUNERATION ACT was reported in 2012 which increased to 34,651
passed. in 2015.
PANORAMA GK-19
2012 • No. of medical colleges gone up

• New Delhi has the highest number of rape to 165 in 1998-99 as against 28
reports among Indian cities. in 1950-51 and to 462 in 2016.
• Jabalpur has the highest per capita rape rate • There was no community centre
reports. in 1951 but in 1999 there were
DOWRY DEATHS 2913 community centres.
• India reports the highest total number of • In 1999, there were 17 doctors
dowry deaths with 8391 deaths reported in for every 1 lakh population as
2010 which increased to 18,233 in 2012. against 5.2 doctors in 1951. But
• Dowry death is considered as one of the in 2016 India has one doctor per
many categories of violence against women 1700 population.
in India along with rape, acid throwing, eve- • The cases of HIV infected people
teasing and bride- burning. are also witnessing a declining
Family • Joint family system has been the trend.
Structure major feature of Indian tradition. The Flipside of Development
and Oldest male member is the head
Poverty In 2011, The World Bank
Marriage of the family system.
estimated 23.6% of India's
• With Urbanisation and deve-
population lived below $ 1.25 per
lopment in the economic system,
day on purchasing power parity.
the joint family system has
paved way for the nuclear family Corruption In 2005, a study done by
system. Transparency International in
• In India, majority of marriages India found that more than 50%
are planned by parents and family people has first hand experience of
members - But now inter- caste paying bribe on getting a job done
and inter-religion marriages are in public office.
also becoming popular. • In 2015, a revelation of tax
• The average age for marriage for evasion (PANAMA PAPER
women in India is now 21 years LEAKS) case involving some
according to the 2011 census of high profile celebrities and
businessmen has added spark to
India.
the corruption charges.
• In 2009, 7% of the women got
married before the age of 18. Terrorism • Regions of terrorist activities in
• Since 1956, males and females are India are Jammu and Kashmir,
treated as equal in the matter of central India and the north-east
inheritance without a legal will. states.
• Divorce is very low-About 1%. • Punjab insurgency led to militant
Urban divorce rates are much activities in Punjab and Delhi
higher. • Today the country faces worst
• Live-in-relationships are becoming phase of Naxalite Maoist Insurgency
common nowadays. especially in Chattisgarh, eastern
Health • Life expectancy increased from 37 India and Andhra Pradesh.
years in 1951 to 65 years in 2011. Caste- • 1979 : Mandal Commission was
• Malnutrition in children under 5 Related established to identify the socially
years came down to 44% in 2006 Violence and educationally backward
from 67% in 1971. communities and to consider the
• Number of Tuberculosis cases got question of seat reservation and
reduced to 185/100,000 in 2009. quotas for people to redress caste
• Birth Rate has fallen from discrimination.
39.9/1000 in 1950-51 to 25.8 in • 1989 : Massive protests were
2000-01 and 21% in 2013. held in the country when V.P.
• Death Rate has fallen from Singh govt. tried to implement
27.4/1000 in 1950-51 to 8.5 in the recommendation of Mandal
2000-01 to 7.4% in 2011. Commission.
GK-20 PANORAMA
SPACE SCIENCE
Space mission 1975-2016 INSAT-2C 7-Dec-95 Ariane-44L
Satellite Launch Launch Vehicle H10-3
Date IRS-1C 29-Dec-95 Molniya
Aryabhata 19-Apr-75 u-11 IRS-P3 21-Mar-96 PSLV-D3
Interkosmos INSAT-2D 4-Jun-97 Ariane-44L
Bhaskara-I 7-Jun-79 C-1 Interkosmos H10-3
Rohini 10-Aug-79 SLV-3 IRS-1D 29-Sep-97 PSLV-C1
Technology
INSAT-2E 3-Apr-99 Ariane-42P
Payload
H10-3
Rohini RS-1 18-Jul-80 SLV-3
Oceansat-1 26-May-99 PSLV-C2
Rohini RS-D1 31-May-81 SLV-3 (IRS-P4)
Ariane 19-Jun-81 Ariane-1 (V-3) INSAT-3B 22-Mar-00 Ariane-5G
Passenger
Payload GSAT-1 18-Apr-01 GSLV-D1
Experiment Technology 22-Oct-01 PSLV-C3
Bhaskara -II 20-Nov-81 C-1 Intercosmos Experiment
Satellite (TES)
INSAT-1A 10-Apr-82 Delta 3910
PAM-D INSAT-3C 24-Jan-02 Ariane-42L
H10-3
Rohini RS-D2 17-Apr-83 SLV-3
Kalpana-1 12-Sep-02 PSLV-C4
INSAT-1B 30-Aug-83 Shuttle [PAM-D]
(METSAT)
Stretched 24-Mar-87 ASLV
Rohini INSAT-3A 10-Apr-03 Ariane-5G
Satellite Series GSAT-2 8-May-03 GSLV-D2
(SROSS-1) INSAT-3E 28-Sep-03 Ariane-5G
IRS-1A 17-Mar-88 Vostok
RESOURCE- 17-Oct-03 PSLV-C5
Stretched 13-Jul-88 ASLV SAT-1 (IRS-P6)
Rohini
EDUSAT 20-Oct-04 GSLV-F01
Satellite Series
(SROSS-2) HAMSAT 5-May-05 PSLV-C6
INSAT-1C 21-Jul-88 Ariane-3 CARTOSAT-1 5-May-05 PSLV-C6
INSAT-1D 12-Jun-90 Delta 4925 INSAT-4A 22-Dec-05 Ariane-5GS
IRS-1B 29-Aug-91 Vostok INSAT-4C 10-Jul-06 GSLV-F02
INSAT-2DT 26-Feb-92 Ariane-44L H10 CARTOSAT-2 10-Jan-07 PSLV-C7
Stretched 20-May-92 ASLV Space Capsule 10-Jan-07 PSLV-C7
Rohini Recovery
Satellite Series Experiment
(SROSS-C) (SRE-1)
INSAT-2A 10-Jul-92 Ariane-44L H10 INSAT-4B 12-Mar-07 Ariane-5ECA
INSAT-2B 23-Jul-93 Ariane-44L INSAT-4CR 2-Sep-07 GSLV-F04
H10+
CARTOSAT-2A 28-Apr-08 PSLV-C9
IRS-1E 20-Sep-93 PSLV-D1
IMS-1 (Third 28-Apr-08 PSLV-C9
Stretched 4-May-94 ASLV
World Satellite
Rohini – TWsat)
Satellite Series
(SROSS-C2) Chandrayaan-1 22-Oct-08 PSLV-C11
IRS-P2 15-Oct-94 PSLV-D2 RISAT-2 20-Apr-09 PSLV-C12
Astronauts comes form the Greek word “Astron” which means stars and “nautes” means sailor.
PANORAMA GK-21
ANUSAT 20-Apr-09 PSLV-C12 Space Centres and Units

Oceansat-2 23-Sep-09 PSLV-C14 •• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) -
(IRS-P4) Thumba (Thiruvananthapuram)
GSAT-4 15-Apr-10 GSLV-D3 •• ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) - Bengaluru
CARTOSAT-2B 12-Jul-10 PSLV-C15 •• SHAR Centre - Shriharikota (Andhra
StudSat 12-Jul-10 PSLV-C15 Pradesh)
GSAT-5P / 25-Dec-10 GSLV-F06 •• Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre
INSAT-4D (LPSC) - Bengaluru
RESOURC- 20-Apr-11 PSLV-C16 •• Space Application Centre - Ahmedabad
ESAT-2 •• Developmental and Educational
Youthsat 20-Apr-11 PSLV-C16 Communication - Ahmedabad unit (DECU)
GSAT-8 / 21-May-11 Ariane-5 VA-202 •• ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command
INSAT-4G Network (ISTRAC) - Bengaluru
GSAT-12 15-Jul-11 PSLV-C17 •• National Remote Sensing Agency
Megha- 12-Oct-11 PSLV-C18
(NRSA) - Hyderabad
Tropiques •• Master Control Facility (MCF) - Hassan
Jugnu 12-Oct-11 PSLV-C18 (Karnataka)
RISAT-1 26-Apr-12 PSLV-C19 •• The Antrix Corporation Limited -
Bengaluru
SRMSAT 26-Apr-12 PSLV-C18
•• North Eastern-Space Applications
GSAT-10 29-Sep-12 Ariane-5 VA-209 Centre (NE-SAC) - Shillong
SARAL 25-Feb-13 PSLV-C20 •• Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) -
IRNSS-1A 1-Jul-13 PSLV-C22 Ahmedabad
INSAT-3D 26-Jul-13 Ariane-5
Indian Remote Sensing (IRS)
GSAT-7 30-Aug-13 Ariane-5
Satellite System
Mars Orbiter 5-Nov-13 PSLV-C25
Mission (MOM) The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite
GSAT-14 5-Jan-14 GSLV-D5 system is one of the largest constellations
IRNSS-1B 4-Apr-14 PSLV-C24 of remote sensing satellites in operation
in the world today. The IRS programme
IRNSS-1C 10-Nov-14 PSLV-C26
commissioned with the launch of IRS-1A
GSAT-16 7-Dec-14 Ariane-5 in 1988 presently includes eleven satellites
IRNSS-1D 28-Mar-15 PSLV-C27 that continue to provide imageries in a
GSAT-6 27-Aug-15 GSLV-D6
variety of spatial resolutions ranging from
better than one metre upto 500 metres.
Astrosat 28-Sep-15 PSLV-C30
GSAT-15 11-Nov-15 Ariane 5 VA-227 Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
IRNSS-1E 20-Jan-16 PSLV-C31 System
IRNSS-1F 10-Mar-16 PSLV-C32 The new of Navigation Satellite system
IRNSS-1G 28-Apr-16 PSLV-C33 was launched in 2013 aimed at providing
accurate real time positioning and timing
Corbo Set-2C 22-Jun-16 PSLV-C34
services over India and its surroundings
Insat 3DR 8-Sep-16 GSLV-F05 upto a range of 1500 km. The fully deployed
SCATSAT-1 26-Sep-16 PSLV-C35 system consists of 3 satellites in GEO
orbit and 4 satellites in GSO orbits placed
GSAT-18 5-Oct-16 Ariane 5 ECA approximately at an altitude of 36000 km.
VA-231
The constellation has total 7 satellites.
In September 2009, India’s Chandrayaan-1 detected water on the moon for the first time.
GK-22 PANORAMA
Mars Odyssey – USA Mars orbiter, Apr.
Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) is a
space probe, launched on 24 September, 7, 2001
2014. The mission focuses on developing Spirit (MER-A) – USA Mars Rover, June
the technologies for designing, planning, 10, 2003
management and operations of an Opportunity (MER-B) – USA Mars
interplanetary mission. The probe carries Rover, July 7, 2003.
five instruments for gathering knowledge Mars Phoenix Lander – USA Mars
about Mars. The space craft is now jointly
Lander, Aug. 4, 2007.
monitored by ISRO Telemetry, Tracking
and Command Network (ISTRAC) in •• Jupiter :
Bangalore, and Indian Deep Space Galileo – USA and Europe probe, Oct.
Network antennae at Byalalu. 18, 1989.
Hubble space Telescope – USA and
GLOBAL SPACE PROBES Europe, Apr. 25, 1990.
•• Venus : New Horizons – USA Kuiper belt flyby,
Venera 1 – USSR Venus flyby, Feb 12, Jan. 19, 2006.
1961; Now in a solar orbit. •• Moon :
Mariner 2 – USA Venus flyby, Aug 27, Pioneer O – USA Lunar orbiter, Aug. 17,
1962; Now in a solar orbit. 1958.
Magellan – USA Venus orbiter, May 4,
Apollo 17 – USA manned lunar lander,
1989 – 1994
Dec. 7, 1972
•• Mars :
Mariner 3 – USA Mars flyby, Nov. 5, 1964. Chang’e – 1 – China’s lunar orbiter, Oct
Viking 1 – USA Mars orbiter/Lander, 24, 2007.
Aug 20,1975. Chandrayaan 1 – India PSLV – C 11, Oct
Phobas 1 – USSR Mars orbiter/Lander, 22, 2008. India’s first moon mission and
July 7, 1988. the cheapest moon mission in the world.
DEFENCE AND SECURITY

The Republic of India has world’s 3rd largest Number of Commands
military force and has the world’s largest
volunteer army. It consists of three services: Command Headquarter
the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air 1. Western Command Chandimandir
Force.
The President of India is the Supreme 2. Eastern Command Calcutta
Commander of the Armed Force. However, the 3. Northern Command Udhampur
Cabinet is responsible for National Defence.
The Administrative control of armed forces is 4. Southern Command Pune
exercised by the Ministry of Defence, which 5. Central Command Lucknow
constitutes the following.
6. Training Command
(a) Department of Defence Mhow
(added in 1991)
(b) Department of Defence Production and
Supplies 7. South Western Command
Jaipur
(c) Department of Defence Research and (added in 2005)
Development (DDRD).
Army Air Force
Headed by Chief of the Army Staff Headed by Chief of the Air Staff
Headquarters New Delhi Headquarters – New Delhi
Indian Army has never been involved in a military coup.
PANORAMA GK-23
Number of Command INS Shahkul INS Delhi INS Prahar

Command Headquarter INS Shalki INS Mysore INS
1. Western Air Delhi Prashant
Command INS INS INS Nashak
2. South-Western Air Gandhinagar Sindhushastra Brahamputra INS Vipul
Command INS Ghariyal
3. Central Air Allahabad INS Kulish
Command INS Satpura
INS Talwar
4. Eastern Air Shillong
INS Tillanchang
Command
5. Southern Air Thiruvanathapuram
Command
Location of Defence Establishments
In addition to the above main command, there Army
are two support commands, or functional • Indian Military – Dehradun
commands, namely:
Academy
1. Training Command – Bangalore
2. Maintenance Command – Nagpur • The College of – Kirkee
The aircraft fleet consists of fighter- Military Engineering (Pune)
bombers, air-superiority fighters, • The School of Signals – Mhow
interceptors, transport, and logistic • The Infantry School – Mhow
aircraft and helicopters. • The Corps of Military – Faizabad
Police Centre and
Navy School
Headed by Chief of Naval Staff • The Army Education – Pachmarhi
Headquarters New Delhi Corps and Training
Number of Commands College
Command Headquarter Navy
1. Western Naval Mumbai • Indian Naval Academy – Kochi
Command
• Naval Air Station Garuda – Kochi
2. Eastern Naval Visakhapatnam • INS Agrani (Petty – Coimbatore
Command Operational command
Officer’s School)
3. Southern Naval Kochi used for training • Naval Gunnery School – Kochi
Command
• Torpedo Anti-Submarine – Kochi
Each command is commanded by a flag School
officer commanding- in-chief. • Navigation Direction – Mormugao
The Indian Navy is a well-balanced three- School
dimensional force consisting of sophisticated
missile-capable warships, aircraft carriers, Air Force
minesweepers, advanced submarines, and • Pilot Training – Allahabad
the latest aircraft in its inventory. At present, Establishment
the Navy has two major Naval bases at • Jet Training and – Hyderabad
Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. Goa and Transport Training
Arkonnam are the major Naval air bases. Wings, Air Force
IMPORTANT SUBMARINES/ MISSILE Station
BOATS/WARSHIPS • The Air Force – Jalahalli
Technical Training
Submarines Warships Missile College
Boats • Paratroopers Training – Agra
INS Chakra INS Savitri INS Vibhuti School
India’s first rocket was brought on cycle and a satellite on a bullock cart.
GK-24 PANORAMA
Inter-services Institutes The DRDO major achievements towards
• National Defence – Khadakvasla indigenous development of defence
Academy weapons and systems are (i) development
• National Defence – New Delhi leading to production of surface-to-surface
College missile, Prithvi; (ii) state-of-the-art MBT,
• Defence Services – Wellington Arjun; (iii) flight simulators for aircraft;
Staff College (iv) pilotless target aircraft, Lakshya; (v)
• School of Land/Air – Secunderabad parallel super-computer; and (vi) the
Warfare submarine sonar and weapon control
• Rashtriya Indian – Dehradun system, Panchendriya.
Military College
• Armed Forces – Pune ISRO
Medical College
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
DRDO is the parent agency of Indian space agencies
Defence Research & Development which was established on 15th August 1969.
Organization (DRDO) was established The headquarter of this organisation is at
in 1958 by amalgamating Defence Bangalore and it was founded by Vikram
Science Organization and some of the Sarabhai with a vision to harness space
Technical Development Institutions. It technology for national development. The
functions under the control of Scientific first satellite made by ISRO was Aryabhata
Adviser to Defence Minister who is also and it was launched by Russia on 19th April
secretary, Defence R&D. DRDO formulates
1975. Thereafter it has developed numerous
and executes programmes of scientific
satellites and spacecrafts for serving different
research, design and development leading
to induction of state-of-the-art weapons, technology such as communication Earth’s
platforms, and other equipment required observation, navigation, climatic observations
by the Armed Forces. etc.
RANKS OF INDIAN ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE
Indian Army Indian Navy Indian Air Force
Field Marshal Admiral of the Fleet Marshal of the Air Force
General Admiral Air Chief Marshal
Lieutenant General Vice Admiral Air Marshal
Major General Rear Admiral Air Vice Marshal
Brigadier Commodore Air Commodore
Colonel Captain Group Captain
Lieutenant Colonel Commander Wing Commander
Major Lieutenant Commander Squadron Leader
Captain Lieutenant Flight Lieutenant
Lieutenant Sub-Lieutenant Flying Officer
Indian Costal Guard (ICG) The Coast Guard works in close cooperation
with the Indian Navy, the Department of
Indian Costal Guard (ICG) protects India’s
Fisheries, the Department of Revenue
maritime interests and enforces maritime
(Customs) and the Central and State police
law, with jurisdiction over the territorial
forces.
waters of India, including its contiguous zone There are five coastal regions: Western
and exclusive economic zone. The Indian Region (W) Mumbai; Eastern Region (E)
Coast Guard was formally established on 18 Chennai; North Eastern Region (NE) Kolkata;
August 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978. North Western Region (NW) Gandhinagar.
Agni and Prithvi are one of the best missile series in the world.
PANORAMA GK-25
Paramilitary Forces •• Acting as guides in an area of responsibility

Railway Protection Force (RPF) (1861)– where routes are known.
Mission : •• Guarding of prisoners of war camps.
•• Protect and safeguard railway passengers, •• Assistance in control of refugees.
passenger area and railway property. •• Anti-infiltration duties in specified area.
•• Ensure the safety, security and boost the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
confidence of the traveling public in the (1969)– Mission :
Indian Railways. •• Providing total security solutions.
Central Reserve Railway Protection Force •• Exposure to varied security environments
(CRPF) (1949) – Mission: ranging from highly disturbed areas in
•• Crowd control J&K, North East and Andhra Pradesh to
•• Riot control mafia infested coal fields of Jharkhand
•• Counter Millitancy/Insurgency operations. and West Bengal.
•• Rich experience in security and protection
•• Dealing with Left Wing Extremism
of highly sensitive establishments,
•• Overall co-ordination of large scale
Airports and Centres of economic growth.
security arrangement specially with
•• Protection of heritage monuments like
regard to elections in disturbed areas.
Taj Mahal.
•• Protection of VIPs and vital installations.
•• Only Force to have a full-fledged Fire Wing
•• Checking environmental degradation and
comprising highly trained personnel.
protection of local Flora and Fauna •• Extensive use of latest security gadgets.
•• Fighting aggression during war time •• Excellent training infrastructure.
•• Participating in UN Peace Keeping Mission Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) (1969) –
•• Rescue and Relief operations at the time Mission:
of Natural Calamity. •• To promote sense of security among the
Border Security Force (BSF) (1965) – people living in the border area.
Mission •• To prevent trans-border crimes and
•• Promote a sense of security among the unauthorized entries into or exit from
people living in the border areas. the territory of India.
•• Prevent trans border crimes, unauthorized •• To prevent smuggling and other illegal
entry into or exit from the territory of activities.
India. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) (1962)–
•• Prevent smuggling and any other illegal Mission :
activity. •• Vigil on the northern borders, detection
•• Holding ground in less threatened sectors and prevention of border violations, and
so long as the main attack does not promotion of the sense of security among
develop in a particular sector and it is the local populace.
felt that the local situation is within the •• Check illegal immigration, trans-border
capability of BSF to deal with. smuggling and crimes.
•• Protection of vital installations particular •• Security to sensitive installations, banks
air-fields against enemy commandoes/ and protected persons.
para troopers or raids. •• Restore and preserve order in any area
in the event of disturbance.
•• Providing extension to the flanks of main
defence line by the holding of strong Special Security Forces
points in conjunction with other units.
•• Limited Aggressive action against para Anti Terrorist Squad (1990)
military or irregular forces of the enemy •• A unit of government of Maharashtra
within the overall plan of the Armed to tackle menace and terrorism in
Forces. collaboration with RAW and IB.
Assam rifles is the oldest paramilitary force in India.
GK-26 PANORAMA
•• Aims at tracking and neutralizing •• Aimed at performing counter hijacking
activities of terror-groups, mafia and tasks on land, sea, and air, bomb disposal
other organized crime syndicates, (search, detection and neutralization
and detecting rackets of counterfeit of IEDs), Post Blast Investigation and
currency notes and smuggling of hostage rescue
narcotic substances. National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Intelligence Bureau(IB) 1887 2009
•• A unit of India’s internal intelligence •• A federal agency established by the Indian
agency Government.
•• It aims at creating prevention for existing
•• Tasked with intelligence collection
and potential terrorist groups/individuals
in border areas along with domestic alongside developing a storehouse of all
intelligence responsibilities terrorist related information.
Assam Rifles (1853)
Marcos (1907)
•• A unit of paramilitary forces •• A special force unit of Indian Navy. It is
•• Aims at combating counter insurgency, created to conduct special operations
civil unrest, terrorism, special weapons such as amphibious warfare, counter-
operations. terrorism, direct action, special
Garud Commando Force (2004) reconnaissance, unconventional warfare,
•• A special unit of the Indian Air Force hostage rescue, personnel recovery,
•• Garuds perform both war and peace combat search and rescue, asymmetric
warfare, foreign internal defense, counter
time duties such as rescuing downed
proliferation.
airmen and other forces from behind
enemy lines, suppression of enemy of RAW
air defense, provide support to other •• Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
air operations,protecting the air bases established in 1968.
and other vital infrastructure, counter •• It’s a primary foreign intelligence agency
of India.
terrorism, anti-hijacking, hostage
•• Aims at monitoring political, military,
rescue, aid during natural calamities economic and scientific developments
and military tasks in the interest of the in countries which have direct bearing
nation. on India’s national security and the
Ghatak Force formulation of its foreign policy,coveting
•• A special unit of the an infantry battalion operations to safe guard India’s National
in the Indian Army. interests, moulding international public
•• Performs task such as special opinion with the help of the strong and
reconnaissance, raids on enemy artillery vibrant Indian diaspora, performing Anti
Terror Operations and neutralizing terror
positions, airfields, supply dumps and
elements posing a threat to India.
tactical headquarters.
Rapid Action Force (1991) COBRA
•• A specialized wing of the Indian CRPF •• Commando Battalion for Resolute
(Central Reserve Police Force). Action (COBRA) established in 2008.
•• It’s a specialized unit of the CRPF created
•• They are trained to deal with riots, riot
to counter the Naxalite problem in India.
like situations, crowd control, rescue and •• They are specially trained in guerilla
relief operations, and related unrest. warfare to tackle the notorious naxalite
National security Guard (1984) groups in the country. They also master
•• It is a Federal Contingency Deployment the techniques of camouflage, jungle
Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs warfare, parachute jumps, precision
(MHA). strikes and ambushes.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was the first Prime Minister of India to die overseas.
PANORAMA GK-27
INDIA’S MISSILE SYSTEM : AT A GLANCE

S.
Missile Feature Range
No.
1 Astra Missile Beyond Visual range air-to-air Missile A range of over 80 km in
head on mode and 20 km
in tail-chase mode.
2 Shourya Missile Canisterised Surface-to-surface missile 600 km
3 Sagarika Missile Submarine-to-Surface Missile More than 700 km
(K-15)
4 Akash Missile Medium range Surface-to-Air Missile 25 km
5 Nag Missile Third Generation-fire and forget-anti-tank 4 to 6 km
guided missile
6 Nirbhay Missile Long range subsonic cruise missile 1000 km
7 Dhanush Missile The Ship-based Surface-to-surface ballistic 300 to 350 km
missile
8 Brahmos Missile Supersonic cruise missile (can be launched 290 km
(Joint Indo-Russia from ships, submarines, aricrafts and land)
Venture)
9 (a) Prithvi-I (Army A single stage liquid-fuelled surface-to- 150 km
version) surface missile.
(b) Prithivi-II (Air A single stage liquid-fuelled surface-to- 250 km
force version) surface missile.
(c) Prithvi-III A two-stage surface-to-surface missile 350 km
(Naval Version) (first stage is solid fuelled and second stage
is liquid fuelled).
10 (a) Agni-I Short range ballistic missile 700-800 km
(b) Agni-II Medium range ballistic missile 2500 km
(c) Agni-III Intermediate range ballistic missile 3500 km
(d) Agni-IV Intermediate 4000 km
(e) Agni-V Range ballistic missile 5500-5800 km
(f) Agni-VI (tested) Under development 6000-8000 km
TANKS IN INDIA
Quantity
Type Origin Description
(Est.)
The Indian Army ordered 124 'Arjun' Mk1 MBTs in 2000 and
placed another order for additional 124 'Arjun' Mk1 MBTs and
Arjun
248 India 124 'Arjun' Mk2 MBTs in 2010, after Arjun tank had conclusively
MBT
outperformed the T-90. Indian Army is set to acquire 124 Arjun
Mk2 tanks as a follow-on order, according to the Defence Minister.
Procured in three separate orders. Two batches (310 tanks
and knockdown kits in 2000 and a further 300 in 2006) were
T-90 1,050 Russia purchased from Russia. A further 1000 were to be produced
locally by 2020. Of those, the first batch of 10 were delivered in
August 2009.
Soviet Upgraded to advanced Ajeya Mk1 and MK2 standard mainly
T-72 2,414 Union, based on Polish PT-91 Twardy Tank features developed by
Poland DRDO
Brahmos-II fastest hypersonic missile in the world.
GK-28 PANORAMA
INDIAN SEA-BASED NUCLEAR-ARMED BALLISTIC MISSILES
Name Type Maximum range (km) Status
Dhanush Short-range 350 Developed, but not deployed
Sagarika (K-15) SLBM 700 Awaiting deployment on INS
K-4 SLBM3 500 Tested
NUCLEAR-POWERED SUBMARINES
Class Type Boats Displacement Note
Chakra Attack submarine INS Chakra 12,770 tonnes Under a 10 year lease from
(Akula II)- (SSN) (S71) Russia since 2012.
class
Arihant-class Ballistic Missile sub INS Arihant 6,000 tonnes, Undergoing sea trials.
marine (SSBN) (S73) surfaced
AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
Class Type Ships Displacement Description
Centaur Aircraft INS Viraat (R22) 28,700 tonnes STOVL carrier. Scheduled to be
-class carrier decommissioned by 2018 and
replaced by INS Vikrant
Modified Aircraft INS Vikramaditya 45,400 tonnes STOBAR carrier.
Kiev-class carrier (R33)
REPLENISHMENT SHIPS
Class Type Ships Origin Displacement
Deepak-class Replenishment oiler INS Italy 27,500 tonnes
Deepak (A50)
INS Shakti (A57)
Jyoti-class Replenishment oiler INS Jyoti (A58) Russia 35,900 tonnes
Aditya-class Replenishment oiler & INS Aditya (A59) India 24,612 tonnes
Repair ship
RESEARCH AND SURVEY VESSELS

Class Type Ships Displacement
Sagardhwani Research INS Sagardhwani (A74) 2,050 tonnes
vessel
Sandhayak-class Survey INS Nirupak (J14) INS 1,800 tonnes
vessel Investigator
(J15) INS Jamuna
(J16)INS Sutlej
(J17) INS Sandhayak
(J18) INS Nirdeshak
(J19) INS Darshak
(J20) INS Sarvekshak (J22)
Makar-class Survey INS Makar (J31) 500 tonnes
vessel
Science Day in Switzerland (26th May) is dedicated to APJ Abdul Kalam.

PANORAMA GK-29
GK-30 PANORAMA
PANORAMA GK-31
ATOMIC & NUCLEAR SCIENCE

ATOMIC RESEARCH Trombay (Maharashtra), and is India’s
largest atomic research centre, for R&D.
India’s atomic research programme is
BARC’s atomic reactors Aspara, India’s
committed to peaceful uses only, for example,
atomic reactor was commissioned on 4 August
atomic power, generation of electricity,
1956. One megawatt swimming pool type
development of agriculture and industry,
reactor produces radio isotopes. It is also
medical science application, etc.
the first atomic reactor in Asia.
India’s journey to atomic energy research
Cirus (Canada India Reactor) Built in 1960,
started with establishment of the Atomic
it is a 40 MW reactor.
Energy Commission on 10 August 1948 under
Zerlina (Zero Energy Reactor for Lattice
the chairmanship of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha.
Investigation and New Assemblies)
Subsequently, DAE was established in 1956 Commissioned on 4 January 1961, used for
with the following mandate: studies of uranium heavy water lattice.
(a) To generate safe, economic electrical Dhruva Commissioned on 15 August
power from nuclear energy. 1984, this 100 MW reactor is a completely
(b) To build research reactors and to utilize indigenous nuclear reactor with most
the radioisotopes produced in these advanced laboratories in the world.
reactors for applications in the field of Purnima I (Plutonium Reactor for Neutronic
agriculture and medicine. Investigation in Multiplying Assemblies)
(c) To develop advanced technology in areas commissioned on 22 May 1972, a plutonium
such as accelerators, lasers, biochemistry, fuelled reactor, modified as Purnima-II that
information technology, and materials used uranium as fuel and it is being further
including development of non-nuclear modified as Purnima-III.
and strategic materials like titanium. Kamini India’s first fast breeder neutron
First Nuclear Implosion reactor, it has been set up at Kalpakkam.
Carried out on 18 May 1974 at Pokhran
Nuclear power plants
to Rajasthan (Thar) desert. The main
objective was use of atomic energy for Nuclear power is the fourth-largest
peaceful purposes, that is, digging canals, source of electricity in India after thermal,
reservoirs, oil explorations as well as hydroelectric and renewable sources of
to study rock dynamics. This successful electricity. India has 21 nuclear reactors
implosion made India the sixth nuclear in operation in 7 nuclear power plants,
nation in the world. having an installed capacity of 5308 MW
and producing a total of 30,292.91 GWh of
BARC electricity while seven other reactors are
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) under construction and are expected to
Established in 1957, it is located at generate an additional 6,100 MW.
POWER STATION IN INDIA
Power station Operator Establishment Location State
Date
Tarapur Atomic Power Station NPCIL 1969 Tarapur Maharashtra
Rajasthan Atomic Power Station NPCIL 1973 Rawatbhata Rajasthan
Kakrapar Atomic Power Station NPCIL 1993 Kakrapar Gujarat
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant NPCIL 2013 Kudankulam Tamil Nadu
Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant NPCIL 2000 Kaiga Karnataka
Madras Atomic Power Station NPCIL 1984 Kalpakkam Tamil Nadu
Narora Atomic Power Station NPCIL 1991 Narora Uttar Pradesh
Gorakhpur Atomic Power Station NPCIL Fatehabad Haryana
The Indian army controls the highest battle field Siachen.

GK-32 PANORAMA
Talcher Super Thermal Power Sta- NTPC 1995 Kaniha Odisha
tion
Sipat Thermal Power Plant NTPC 2008 Sipat Chhattisgarh
Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power NTPC 2013 Singrauli Madhya
Station Pradesh
Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project Tata Power 2009 Mundra Gujarat
Korba Super Thermal Power Plant NTPC 1983 Jamani Palli Chhattisgarh
Bhusawal Thermal Power Station MA- 1968 Deepnagar Maharashtra
HAGENCO
Satpura Thermal Power Station MPPGCL 1967 Sarni Madhya
Pradesh
Sterlite Jharsuguda Power Station Vedanta 2006 Jharsuguda Odisha
Durgapur Thermal Power Station DVC 1996 Durgapur West Bengal
FIRST IN MALE
First Governor of Bengal Lord Clive(1757-60)
Last Governor of Bengal Warren Hastings(1772-74)
The first British Governor General of Bengal Lord Warren Hasting(1774-1885)
The first British Governor General of India Lord William Bentinck(1833-1835)
The first British Viceroy of India Lord Canning(1856-62)
The first Governor General of free India Lord Mountbatten(1947-1948)
The first and the last Indian to be Governor General C. Rajgopalachari(1948-1950)
of free India
The first President of Indian Republic Dr. Rajendra Prasad
The first Prime Minister of free India Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru
The first Indian to win Nobel Prize Rabindranath Tagore
The first President of Indian National Congress W.C. Banerjee
The first Muslim President of Indian National Badruddin Tayyabji
Congress
The first Muslim President of India Dr. Zakir Hussain
The first man who introduced printing press in James Hicky
India
The first Indian to join the I.C.S Satyendra Nath Tagore
India’s first man in Space Rakesh Sharma
The first Prime Minister of India who resigned Morarji Desai
without completing the full term
The first Indian Commander-in-Chief of India General Cariappa
The first Chief of Army Staff Gen. Maharaj Rajendra Singhji
The first Indian Member of the Viceroy’s Executive S.P.Sinha
Council
The first President of India who died while in office Dr. Zakir Hussain
The first Prime Minister of India who did not face Charan Singh
the Parliament
The first Field Marshal of India S.H.F. Manekshaw
The first Indian to get Nobel Prize in Physics C.V.Raman
India has the largest non-ceremonial horse mounted cavalry unit remaining the world.
PANORAMA GK-33
The first Indian to receive Bharat Ratna award Dr. Radhakrishnan

The first Indian to cross English Channel Mihir Sen
The first Person to receive Jnanpith award Sri Shankar Kurup
The first Speaker of the Lok Sabha Ganesh Vasudeva Mavalankar
The first Vice-President of India Dr. Radhakrishnan
The first Education Minister Abdul Kalam Azad
The first Home Minister of India Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
The first Indian Air Chief Marshal S. Mukherjee
The first Indian Naval Chief Vice Admiral R.D. Katari
The first Judge of International Court of Justice Dr. Nagendra Singh
The first person to reach Mt. Everest without oxygen Sherpa Anga Dorjee
The first person to get Param Vir Chakra Major Somnath Sharma
The first Chief Election Commissioner Sukumar Sen
The first person to receive Magsaysay Award Acharya Vinoba Bhave
The first person of Indian origin to receive Nobel Hargovind Khurana
Prize in Medicine
The first Chinese traveller to visit India Fa-hein
The first person to receive Stalin Prize Saifuddin Kitchlu
The first person to resign from the Central Cabinet Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
The first person to receive Nobel Prize in Economics Amartya Sen
The first Chief Justice of Supreme Court Justice Hirala J. Kania
The first Indian Pilot J.R.D. Tata (1929)
FIRST IN FEMALE
The first lady to become Miss World Rita Faria
The first woman judge in Supreme Court Mrs. Meera Sahib Fatima Bibi
The first woman Ambassador Miss C.B. Muthamma
The first woman Governor of a state in free India Mrs Sarojini Naidu
The first woman Speaker of a State Assembly Shanno Devi
The first woman Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi
The first woman Minister in a Government Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
The first woman to climb Mount Everest Bachhendri Pal
The first woman to climb Mount Everest twice Santosh Yadav
The first woman President of Indian National Congress
Mrs Annie Besant
The first woman pilot in Indian Air Force Harita Kaur Dayal
The first woman Graduates Kadambini Ganguly and Chandramukhi
Basu, 1883
The first woman Airline Pilot Durga Banerjee
The first woman Honours Graduate Kamini Roy, 1886
The first woman Olympic medal Winner Karnam Malleswari, 2000
The first woman Asian Games Gold Medal Winner Kamlijit Sandhu
The first woman Lawyer Cornelia Sorabjee
The first woman President of United Nations General Mrs Vijaya Laxmi Pandit
Assembly
Nuclear research in India first began at the Institute of Fundamental Research (IFR) form 1944 onwards.
GK-34 PANORAMA
The first woman Chief Minister of an Indian State Mrs Sucheta Kripalani
The first woman Chairman of Union Public Service Roze Millian Bethew
Commission
The first woman Director General of Police Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya
The first woman Judge Anna Chandy (She became judge in a
district court in 1937)
The first woman Chief Justice of High Court Mrs Leela Seth (Himachal Pradesh High
Court)
The first woman Judge in Supreme Court of India Kumari Justice M. Fathima Beevi
The first woman Lieutenant General Puneeta Arora
The first woman Air Vice Marshal P. Bandopadhyaya
The first woman chairperson of Indian Airlines Sushma Chawla
The first woman IPS officer Mrs. Kiran Bedi
The first and last Muslim woman ruler of India Razia Sultan
The first woman to receive Ashoka Chakra Neerja Bhanot
The first woman to receive Jnanpith Award Ashapurna Devi
The first woman to cross English Channel Aarti Saha
The first woman to receive Nobel Prize Mother Teresa
The first woman to receive Bharat Ratna Mrs Indira Gandhi
The first woman to receive Jnanpith Award Ashapurna Devi
FIRST IN OTHERS
First Wax statue of a Living Indian Mahatma Gandhi at Madame Tussaud’s in 1939
First Exclusive internet magazine Bharat Samachar
First Miss India to participate in Miss Universe Indrani Rehman
First Judge in International Court of Justice Dr. Nagender Singh
First Graduate in Medicine Soorjo Coomar Goodeve Chukerbutty
India’s First University Nalanda University
India’s First Open University Andhra Pradesh Open University
India’s First Lok Sabha Member to be elected P.V.Narasimha Rao
with a record maximum number of votes
First Indian to reach Antarctica Lt. Ram Charan
First Test tube baby of India Indira (Baby Harsha)
First Post Office opened in India Kolkata(1727)
SUPERLATIVES Hydel Project in Kinnaur district of

Structures Himachal Pradesh.
•• Highest Mountain Peak- Kanchenjunga
•• Highest Tower ( Minaret ) – Qutub Minar
•• Highest Road- Road at Khardungla in
•• Higher Gateway – Buland Darwaza at the Leh-Manali Sector
Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Built by Akbar •• Highest Waterfall- Jog Waterfall,
(53.5 m /175 ft High) Karnataka
•• Highest Dam – Bhakra Dam •• Largest Residence – Antilia Bhawan
built by Mukesh Ambani
•• Highest Bridge – Chenab Bridge
•• Largest Cinema Hall – Prasad Max,
•• Highest Airport- Leh Air Port in Ladakh Hyderabad
(3256 m/ 16080 ft high) •• Largest Museum – National Museum Delhi
•• Highest Hydel Power Station- Rongtong •• Largest River Barrage – Farakka Barrage
Takshila is said to be the first ever university in the world; it started around 700 BC.
PANORAMA GK-35
•• Biggest Auditorium (Mumbai) – Sri •• Tallest Light House – Jakhau, light hour,
Shanmukhanand Hall Gujarat
•• Largest zoo – Arignar Anna Zoological •• Tallest Statues – Statue of Jain Saint
Park Gomateswara at Sravanabelagola in
•• Largest Cave Temple – Ellora Karnataka
•• Largest Gurudwara – Golden Temple, •• Tallest Chimber – Hanuman Swami
Amritsar
statue with 135ft. tall.
•• Largest Mosque – Jama Masjid, Delhi
(built by Shah Jahan in 1644-58) •• Oldest Church- St. Thomas Church at
•• Largest Man-made Lake – Govind Sagar Palayar in Trichur district in Kerala
(Bhakra) built in 52 AD.
•• Largest Dome – Gol Gumbaz •• Oldest Monastery- Buddhist Monastery,
(Karnataka) (situated at an altitude of 3,048 m
•• Largest Cantilever Bridge – Howrah /10,000 ft) at Tawang in Arunachal
Bridge Pradesh.
•• Longest Railway Tunnel- Pir Panjal •• Largest mall- Lulu Mall Kochi
Railway Tunnel (11 km) •• Most Populous City- Mumbai
•• Longest Road Tunnel - 9.2 km long
tunnel on Jammu-Srinagar National Natural
Highway •• Longest River – Ganges
•• Largest Public Sector Bank- State Bank •• Largest Desert – Thar ( Rajasthan)
of India •• Largest Lake – Wular Rajasthan
•• Largest Botanical Garden - National •• Largest Fresh Water Lake-Kolleru in
Botanical Garden in Kolkata Andhra Pradesh
•• Largest Church- Se Cathedral at Old Goa, •• Largest Cave- Amarnath (about 44 km
10 km from Panaji.
from Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir)
•• Largest Delta- Sunderbans (75,000 sq km)
formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra Founders of Indian Institutions
in West Bengal and Bangladesh
•• Largest Stupa- Kesariya Stupa in Bihar •• Arya Samaj-Swami Dayanand Saraswati
•• Largest Library- National Library, Kolkata •• Athmiya Sabha-Raja Ram Mohan Roy
•• Largest Planetarium- Birla Planetarium, •• Brahma Samaj-Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Kolkata. •• Deccan Education Society-G.G.Agarkar,
•• Largest Prison- Tihar Jail, Delhi M.G.Ranade, V.G.Gibhongar
•• Largest Concentration of Scheduled •• Dharma Sabha-Radhakanthadev
Tribes- Madhya Pradesh •• Indian Brahma Samaj-Keshav Chandra
•• Largest Scheduled Caste- Community Sen
Santhal •• Manavadharma Sabha-Durgaram Manjaram
•• Longest River Bridge – Bandra-Worli
•• Prarthana Samaj-Athmaram Pandurang
sea link which is 5.6 km.
•• Largest Corridor – Rameshwaram •• Pune Sewa Sadan-Smt.Remabhai Ranade,
Temple Corridor G.K.Devdhar
•• Largest irrigation Canal-Indira Gandhi •• Ramakrishna Mission-Swami Vivekananda
Canal or Rajasthan Canal (959 km long) •• Sadharan Brahma Samaj-Shivananda
•• Longest Dam-Hirakund Dam on Sashtri, Anand Mohan Bose
Mahanadi river in Odisha (24.4 km •• Servants of India Society-Gopalakrishna
long) Gokhale
•• Longest Glacier-Siachen Glacier on the •• Sewa Sadan-Bahuramji M.Malabari
Indo-Pakistan border (75.6 km long and •• Sewa Samithi-H.N.Kunsru
2.8 km wide) •• Social Service League-N.M.Joshi
•• Longest Railway Bridge Nehru Setu
•• Thathwabodhini Sabha-Debendranatha
Bridge (4.62 km) long
•• Fastest Train-Gatiman Express between Tagore
New Delhi and Agra at a speed of 160 •• Theosophical Society-Madam H.P.Blavadski,
kmph Col.H.L.Olkott
India has largest English speaking population in the world.
GK-36 PANORAMA
Leader of Nations-Famous Father •• Calcutta- Job Charnock
•• America—George Washington •• Delhi- Anankapalan
•• Bangladesh—Mujibur Rehuman •• Fatehpur Sikri - Akbar
•• China—Sunyatsen •• Hisar- Ferozshah Tuglaq
•• Hyderabad - Quli Qutabshah
•• India—Gandhiji
•• Jodhpur- Rao Jodha
•• Indonesia—Sukarno
•• Mahabalipuram - Narasimhawarman
•• Mauritius—Ramgoolam •• Siri- Alauddin Khilji
•• Namibia—Sam Nujoma •• Vijayanagaram - Hariharan 1
•• Pakistan—Muhammad Ali Jinna
•• Sri Lanka—D.S.Senanayeke Agricultural Revolution
•• Tanzania—Julius Nerera •• Blue Revolution - Fisheries Development
•• Turkey—Musthafa Kamal •• Brown Revolution - Leather Production
•• Grey Revolution - Housing Development
Founders of Towns in India •• Green Revolution - Agriculture Production
•• Agra- Sikandar Lodhi •• Pink Revolution - Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
•• Ahmedabad - Ahmed Shah •• Silver Revolution - Egg Production
•• Ajmer- Ajaypal Chauhan •• White Revolution - Dairy Development
•• Allahabad- Akbar •• Yellow Revolution - Oil Seed Production
SOBRIQUETS
A sobriquet is a nickname, occasionally assumed and often given by another.
Person Primary Names
Anna C N Annadurai
Badshah Khan/ Frontier Gandhi Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Buddha Siddhartha Gautama
Chacha Jawahar Lal Nehru
Deenabandhu C F Andrews
Deshbandhu C. R. Das
Father of the Nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Grand Old Man of India Dadabhai Naoroji
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore
Guruji M S Gohlwalkar
Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan
Mahatma Gandhi Mohandas K. Gandhi
Man of Peace Lal Bahadur Shastri
Manitas de Plate Flamenco guitarist Ricardo Baliardo
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
Nightingale of India Sarojini Naidu
Panditji Jawahar Lal Nehru
Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai
Rajaji C Rajagopalachari
Saint of the Gutters Mother Teresa
Bandra worli sealink has steel wires equal to the Earth’s circumference.
PANORAMA GK-37
Father of the Nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Haryana Hurricane Kapil Dev
Prince of Kolkata Saurav Ganguly
Places Primary Names
Bengal’s Sorrow Damodar River
Blue Mountain Niligiri Hills
City of Golden Temple Amritsar
City of Palaces Kolkata
Diamond City in India Surat, Gujarat
Garden City of India Bengaluru
Garden of India Kashmir
Gateway of India Mumbai
God’s Own Country Kerala
Land of Five Rivers Punjab
Pink City Jaipur
Queen of Arabian Sea Kochi
Spice Garden of India Kerala
The City of Joy Kolkata
The City of Palaces Kolkata
Venice of East Alleppey
Queen of Arabian Sea Kochi
Garden City of India Bangalore
Blue Mountains Niligiri Hills
Silicon Valley of India Bengaluru
Planned City of India Chandigarh
States & its Slogans •• The Land of Jungles & Jharis (Bushes) –
Jharkhand
•• Rice bowl of India, Egg bowl of Asia –
•• God’s own country – Kerala
Andhra Pradesh.
•• Heart of India – Madhya Pradesh
•• The Orchid state of India or the paradise
•• Gateway of the East – Manipur
of the Botanists- Arunachal Pradesh.
•• The adobe of the clouds – Meghalaya
•• Rice bowl of Central India – Chhattisgarh.
•• Land of the hill people – Mizoram
•• Jewel of the Western part of India– •• Falcon capital of the world-Nagaland
Gujarat. •• Granary of India, India’s bread-basket –
•• State of Apples, Dev Bhoomi (Adobe of Punjab
Gods) – Himachal Pradesh •• Land of the Gods – Uttarakhand
•• Heaven on Earth – Jammu and Kashmir. •• Hindi Heartland of India – Uttar Pradesh
The Indian National Kabaddi Team (Men & Women) has won all the Kabaddi World Cups.
GK-38 PANORAMA
World Panorama
WORLD COUNTRIES, CAPITAL, LANGUAGE & THEIR CURRENCY
Country Capital Chief Language Currency

Afghanistan Kabul Pushtu Dari Afghani
Algeria Algiers Arabic, French Algerian Dinar
Argentina Buenos Aires Spanish Argentine Peso
Australia Canberra English Australian Dollar
Azerbaijan Baku Azeri Manat
Bahrain Manama Arabic, English Bahraini Dinar
Bangladesh Dhaka Bangla Taka
Belgium Brussels Flemish (Dutch), French, German Euro
Bhutan Thimphu Dzongkha Ngultrum
Bolivia La Paz; Sucre Aymara Spanish, Quechua Boliviano
Bosnia and Her- Sarajevo Serbo-Croatian Conv.Mark
zegovina
Brazil Brazilia Portuguese Real
Bulgaria Sofia Bulgarian Lev
Burkina Faso Ouagadougou French Franc
Cambodia Phnom-Penh Khmer Riel
Canada Ottawa French, English Canadian Dollar
Chile Santiago Spanish Peso
China Beijing Chinese (Mandarin) Yuan
Colombia Bogota Spanish Peso
Congo Kinshasa French Congolese Franc
Formerly Zaire
Costa Rica San Jose Spanish Colon
Croatia Zagreb Croatian Kuna
Cuba Havana Spanish Peso
Czech Prague Czech Koruna
Republic
Denmark Copenhagen Danish Krone
Ecuador Quito Spanish United States dollar
Egypt Cairo Arabic Egyptian Pound
Ethiopia Addis Ababa Amharic Birr
Fiji Suva English Fijian Dollar
Finland Helsinki Finnish, Swedish Euro
France Paris French Euro
French Guiana Cayenne French Euro
Only 8% of the world’s currency is actual physical money.
PANORAMA GK-39

Georgia Tbilisi Georgian Lari
Germany Berlin German Euro
Ghana Accra English Ghana Cedi
Greece Athens Greek Euro
Guatemala Guatemala City Spanish Quetzal
Guyana Georgetown English Guyana Dollar
Haiti Port-au-Prince French Gourde
Honduras Tegucigalpa Spanish Lempira
Hong Kong Victoria English, Chinese Hong Kong Dollar
Hungary Budapest Hungarian Forint
India New Delhi Hindi (official), English and 22 Rupee
officially recognised regional
languages
Indonesia Jakarta Bahasa Indonesian, Dutch, English Rupiah
Javanese
Iran Tehran Persian (Farsi), Turk, Kurdish, Arabic Rial
Iraq Baghdad Arabic, Kurdish Iraqi Dinar
Ireland Dublin Irish, English Euro
Israel Jerusalem Hebrew, Arabic Shekel
Italy Rome Italian Euro
Japan Tokyo Japanese Yen
Jordan Amman Arabic, English Jordan Dinar
Kazakhstan Astana Kazakh, Russian, German Tenge
Kenya Nairobi Kiswahili, English, Kikuyu Shilling
Korea, North Pyongyang Korean Won
Korea, South Seoul Korean Won
Kuwait Kuwait city Arabic, English Kuwait Dinar
Lebanon Beirut Arabic, French, English Pound
Libya Tripoli Arabic Libyan Dinar
Luxembourg Luxembourg French, German, English, Luxem- Euro
bourgish
Malaysia Putrajaya Malay, English, Chinese, Tamil Ringgit
(formerly
Kuala Lumpur)
Mauritius Port Louis English, French, Creole, Rupee Mauritian
Hindustani
Mexico Mexico city Spanish, Amerindian Mexico Peso
languages
Mongolia Ulan Bator Mangolian Togrog
Myanmar Naypyidar or Burmese and tribal languages Kyat
Pyinmana (for-
merly Yangon)
Netherlands Amsterdam Dutch Euro
The largest denomination of US Currency was the $ 100,000 bill.
GK-40 PANORAMA
New Zealand Wellington English and Maori dialect New Zealand Dollar
Nigeria Abuja English, Hansa, Ibo, Yoruba Naira
Norway Oslo Norwegian Krone
Oman Muscat Arabic Omani Rial
Pakistan Islamabad Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pusthu, Pakistani Rupee
Baluchi, Brahvi, English
Peru Lima Spanish, Quechua, Aymara Nuero Sol
Philippines Manila Filipino, English, Spanish Peso
Poland Warsaw Polish Zloty
Portugal Lisbon Portuguese Euro
Qatar Doha Arabic, English Riyal (QAR)
Russia Moscow Russian Russian ruble
Saudi Arabia Riyadh Arabic Rial (SAR)
Serbia Belgrade Serbo-Croatian (official), Alba- Dinar
nian
Singapore Singapore city Malay, Chinese, Tamil, English Singapore Dollar
Somalia Mogadishu Arabic, English, Italian Somali Shilling
South Africa Capetown Afrikaans, English Rand
Spain Madrid Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Gali- Euro
cian
Sri Lanka Colombo Sinhala, Tamil, English Sri Lankan Rupee
Sudan Khartoum Arabic, English, Dinka, Nubian Sudanese Pound
Sweden Stockholm Swedish Krona
Switzerland Bern German, French, Italian, Ro- Swiss Franc
mansch
Syria Damascus Arabic, Kurdish, Armenian Syrian Pound
Taiwan Taipei Mandarian Chinese, Taiwan, Hakka New Taiwan Dollar
dialects
Thailand Bangkok Thai, Chinese, English, Malay Thai Baht
Tunisia Tunis Arabic, French Dinar
Turkey Ankara Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic Turkish Lira
Uganda Kampala English, Luganda, Swahili Ugandan Shilling
United Arab Abu Dhabi Arabic Dirham
Emirates
United Kingdom London English, Welsh, Scots, Gaelic Pound Sterling
United States of Washington English Dollar
America D.C.
Venezuela Caracas Spanish Bolivar
Vietnam Hanoi Vietnamese, French, English, Dong
Chinese
Yemen Sana’a Arabic Rial
Zimbabwe Harare English, Shona, Ndebela Dollar (ZWD)
The Bible is the most widely translated book available in 2,454 different languages.
PANORAMA GK-41
WORLD’S GEOGRAPHICAL DISCOVERIES

•• Amundsen (Norwegian)-Discovered •• Magellan-Commanded the first
South Pole in 1912. expedition in 1519 to sail round the world.
•• Byrd-American aviator and polar Discovered passage to the Pacific from
explorer. Flew over the North Pole in the Atlantic through Straits afterwards
1926 and made the first flight over the named after him.
South Pole in 1929. Discovered Edsel Ford •• Marco Polo-Venetian traveller who
mountains and Morei Byrd land. explored China, India, South Eastern
•• Cabot (Venetian)-Discovered New countries and published the record of
Foundland in 1494. his various explorations. He was the first
•• Captain Cook (English)-Discovered European to visit China.
Sandwich (now Hawaiian) Isles in 1770. •• Nansen-Norwegian explorer who
•• Columbus-Discovered West Indies in 1492 explored across Greenland and reached
and South America in 1498. the highest altitude in the North Polar
•• Copernicus-Discovered Solar System Region.
in 1540. Propounded the astronomical •• Peary, Robert-First to reach the North
system which bears his name. Pole in 1909.
•• David Livingstone-Discovered course of •• Pedro Alvares Cabral (Portuguese) -
the Zambesi, the Victoria Falls and Lake Discovered Brazil in 1500.
Nyasa in Africa. •• Shackleton-Arctic explorer, reached
•• Edmund Hillary-Joint conqueror of within 160 km of the South Pole.
Mount Everest with Tenzing. He also led •• Sven Hedin-Swedish explorer. Made
a Trans-Atlantic expedition and reached great contribution to the geographic and
South Pole on January 3, 1958. archaeological knowledge of large areas
•• Ferdinand de Lesseps-Conceived the of Central Asia.
plan of the Suez Canal on which work was •• Iksman-Dutch navigator, discovered the
completed in 1869 through his efforts. Tasmania Island and New Zealand in 1642.
•• Francis Younghusband-Explored the •• Tenzing (Indian)-First to reach Mount
frontier regions of India, China and Tibet. Everest on 29th May, 1953 along with
•• Kepler-Discovered the Laws of Planetary Edmund Hillary. The expedition was led
Motion in 1609. by Col. Sir John Hunt.
•• Lindbergh-Performed the first solo-flight •• Vasco da Gama (Portuguese)-Rounded
across the Atlantic in 1927 from New York the Cape of Good Hope and discovered
to Paris. the sea route to India in 1498.
NATIONAL ANIMALS OF THE MAJOR COUNTRIES
Country Animals Country Animal
Afghanistan Snow Leopard Nepal Cow
Albania Golden Eagle New Zealand Kiwi
Australia Kangaroo Pakistan Markhor
Bangladesh Royal Bengal tiger South Africa Springbok
Brazil Macaw Spain Bull
Canada North American beaver United Kingdom Barbary Lion
China Panda, Red Crowned Crane United States Bald Eagle
Denmark Mute Swan India Bengal Tiger
Japan Green Pheasant Kuwait Camel
Myanmar Tiger Belgium Lion
France covers the most time zone covering 12 time zones.

GK-42 PANORAMA
OFFICIAL BOOKS
Blue Book : An official report of the British Government
Green Book : An official publication of Italy and Persia
Grey Book : An official reports of the Government of Japan and Belgium
Orange Book : An official Publications of the Government of Netherlands
White Book : An official Publications of China, Germany and Portugal
Yellow Book : French official Book
White Paper : An official paper of the Government of Britain and India on a particular issue
Red Data Book : Russian official book which contains lists of species whose continued
existence is threatened.
INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Nobel Prize • The award is given annually on August
• It was set up in 1895 under the will of 31, the birth anniversary of Magsaysay,
Alfred Nobel. for outstanding contributions in Public
• The Nobel prizes are presented annually service, Community Leadership,
on 10 December (The death anniversary Journalism, Literature & Creative Arts
of the founder). and International Understanding.
• It is given in the fields of Peace,
Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Man Booker Prize
Physiology or Medicine (from 1901) • Instituted in 1968, is the highest literary
and Economics (from 1969). award of the world, set up by the Booker
Nobel Prize (Indian/Indian origin) Company and the British Publishers
Association along the lines of the Pulitzer
1913: L
iterature: Rabindranath Tagore; Prize of USA.
was the first Asian to win the prize
1930: Physics: C. V. Raman Right Livelihood Award
1968: M
edicine: Har Gobind Khorana; US • The Right Livelihood Award was
citizen of Indian origin established in 1980.
• It is also referred as “Alternative Nobel
1979: P
eace: Mother Teresa; Indian citi- Prize”.
zen of Albanian origin • It is given to honour those “working on
1998: Economics: Amartya Sen practical and exemplary solutions to the
2009: C
hemistry: Venkatraman Ramak- most urgent challenges facing the world
rishnan; US citizen of Indian origin today.”
2014: Peace: Kailash Sathyarthi Oscar Awards
Pulitzer Prize • Instituted in 1929, are conferred
• Instituted in 1917 and named after US annually by the Academy of Motion
publisher Joseph Pulitzer. Pictures, Arts and Sciences, USA, in
• It is conferred annually in the United recognition of outstanding contribution
States for the accomplishments in in the various fields of film making.
journalism, literature and music.
UN Human Rights Award
Magsaysay Awards
• Instituted in 1966, this award is given
• Instituted in 1957. Named after Ramon every 5 years for individual contributions
Magsaysay, the former President of
to the establishment of human rights.
Philippines.
In 1939-1943, no Nobel Peace Prizes were awarded due to World War II.
PANORAMA GK-43
UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize

• Instituted by UNESCO (1995) for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence on the
occasion of the UN Year of Tolerance and the 125th birth Anniversary of Mahatma
Gandhi funded by a donation from Madanjeet Singh.
INTERNATIONAL BOOKS & AUTHORS

Writer Book
Adam Smith Wealth of Nations
Adolf Hitler Mein Kamph
Albert Einstein The World as I See it
Alexander Solzhenitsyn August 1914
A. L. Basham The Wonder that was India
Anton Chekhov Cherry Orchard
Arthur Hailey Airport
Aristotle Politics
Boris Pasternak Dr. Zhivago
David Baldacci Absolute Power
Dante Divine Comedy
E.M. Forster A Passage to India, Maurice
Homer Odyssey, Illiad
H. G. Wells Shape of Things to Come
Harold Evans Good Times, Bad Times
Henry Miller Tropic of Cancer
Issac Newton Principia
Katherine Mayo Mother India
Machiavelli The Prince
Maxim Gorky Mother
Plato Republic
Jean J. Rousseau The Social Contract
John Milton Paradise Lost, Lycidas
Winston Churchill Gathering Storm
George Orwell Farm House, Animal Farm
Charles Darwin Descent of Man, Origin of Species
William Shakespeare Commedy of Errors, As You Like It, A Mid Summer Night’s
Dream, Merchant of Venice, Hamlet, King Lear, Othello
George Bernard Shaw Major Barbara, Man and Superman, Apple Carte, Arms and the
Man, Pygmalion, Caesar and Cleopatra, Candida
Charles Dickens A Table of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield.
The largest book in the world is “The Klencke Atlas” at 1.75 metres tall & 1.90 metres wide.
GK-44 PANORAMA
J. K. Galbraith Affluent Society, Ambassador’s Journal, The Triumph
Herold Joseph Laski Grammar of Politics, Dilema of Our Time
J.M. Barrie Hindu Civilization, Peter Pan
Gunnar Myrdal Against the Stream, Asian Drama
Leo Tolstoy War and Peace
Z. A. Bhutto Great Tragedy
Vladimir Nabokov Lolita
Mao-tse Tung On Contradiction
7 WONDERS OF MODERN WORLD

Christ the Redeemer Brazil Petra Jordan
Great Wall of China China The Colosseum, Rome Italy
Machu Picchu Peru The Taj Mahal India
Chichen Itza Mexico
7 WONDERS OF ANCIENT WORLD

The Great Pyramid Giza, Egypt
Hanging Garden Babylon
Statue of Zeus Olympia, Greece
Temple of Artemis Ephesus, Asia Minor
Mausoleum Halicarnassus, Modern Turkey.
Colossus of Rhodes Greece
Lighthouse Alexandria, Egypt
WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES
Detective Agency Country Detective Agency Country

Ministry of State Security China VAJA Iran
Australian Secret Intelligence Australia MOSSAD Israel
Service (ASIS)
FSB Russia Egyption Homeland Security Egypt
State Security Agency South Africa PSIA Japan
Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) Pakistan Iraqi National Intelligence Iraq
Service
MI (Military Intelligence) 5 UK Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), USA
and 6, Special Branch, Joint Federal Bureau of investigation (FBI)
Intelligence org
Research and Analysis wing India DGSE (Direction General Dela France
(RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB) Securite Exterieure
The Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made construction in the world for almost 4, 000 years.
PANORAMA GK-45
FATHER OF VARIOUS FIELDS
Field Father Field Father

Atom Bomb Dr. Robert Computer Charles Babbage
Oppenheime
Aviation Sir George Cayley Biology Aristotle
Chemistry Robert Boyle Microbiology Louis Pasteur and Robert
Koch
Comedy Aristophanes Political Science Aristotle
Economics Adam Smith Modern Philosphy Rene Descartes
English Poetry Geoffrey Chaucer Psychology Wilhelmam Wundt
Greek Tragedy Aeschylus
Modern Observational Galileo Galilei
Astronomy
Immunology Edward Jenner Modern Physics Science Galileo Galilei
Modern Chemistry Antoini Lavoisier Modern Science Galileo Galilei
Nuclear Physics Ernest Rutherford Nano technology Richard Smalley
Sanskrit Grammar Panini Indian Nuclear Science Homi Jehangir Bhabha
Geography Eratosthenes Anatomy Andreas Vesalius
Sociology Auguste Comte Geometry Euclid
Mathematics Archimedes Internet Vinton Cerf
SOBRIQUETS
A sobriquet is a nickname, occasionally assumed and often given by another. The sobriquet
can become more familiar than the original name.
Sobriquets Primary Names
Angel of Death Josef Mengele
Bard of Avon William Shakespeare
Bard of Twickenham Alexander Pope
Bloody Mary Mary I of England
Bonnie Prince Charlie Charles Edward Stuart
Brangelina Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Caligula Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus
Canuck Canadian, from Johnny Canuck
Der Alte (the old man) Konrad Adenauer
Desert Fox Erwin Rommel
Diamond Dave David Lee Roth, Singer
Digger Australian soldier
Dr. Death Jack Kevorkian, proponent of assisted suicide
Dubya George W. Bush
EI Caudillo Francisco Franco
Father of his country George Washington
Fuhrer Adolf Hitler
Burj Khalifa in Dubai, is the tallest building in the world.

GK-46 PANORAMA
Genghis Khan Temüjin
Grand Old Man of Britain Willian Ewart Glandstone
Hanoi Jane Jane Fonda
Honest Abe Abraham Lincoln
Ike Dwight David Eisenhower
Iron Duke Duke of Wellington
Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher
King James LeBron James, American basketball player
Lady with the Lamp Florence Nightingale
Little Richard Rev. Richard Wayne Penniman, a prominent figure in
rock n’ roll.
Madge Madonna
Madiba Nelson Mandela
Maid of Orleans Joan of Arc
Man of Blood and Iron Otto Von Bismark
Man of Destiny Napolean Bonaparte
Old Blood and Guts George S. Patton
Old Blue Eyes Frank Sinatra, entertainer
Old Hickory Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States
Old Kinderhook (OK) Martin Van Buren, 8th President of the United States
Old Nick Santa
Old Rough and Ready Zachary Taylor
Old St. Nick Santa
Pelê Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Prince of the Humanists Desiderius Erasmus
Qaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah
Saint Jimmy Billie Joe Armstrong
Satchmo Louis Armstrong
Slick Willy U.S. President Bill Clinton
Slowhand Eric Clapton
Sting Gordon Summer, British rock musician
The Bard William Shakespeare
The Bird Mark Fidrych, Baseball pitcher
The Boss Bruce Springsteen
The Cincinnatus of the Americans George Washington
The Duke John Wayne
The Fab Four The Beatles
The Godfather of Soul James Brown
The Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus
The Great Commoner William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham (“Pitt the elder”) or
William Jennings Bryan
Ireland has absolutely no snakes.

PANORAMA GK-47

The Greatest Muhammad Ali, Boxer
The King (of golf) Arnold Palmer
The King (of Rock and Roll) Elvis Presley
The King of Pop Michael Jackson
The Lion of the Round Top Col. Joshua L. Chamberlain, commander of the 20th
Maine Regiment, American Civil War
The Man from Tennessee Andrew Jackson
The Material Girl Madonna
The New Sinatra Jay-Z
The Rat Pack A group of American singers and entertainers from the
late 1950s to the early 1970s
The Red Baron Manfred von Richthofen, World War I, German flying ace
The Rock chameleon David Bowie
The Tiger of France Georges Clemenceau
Tricky Dick Richard Nixon, 37th President of the United States
Uncle Sam The U.S.A. or sometimes the government
Wizard of the North Walter Scott
Yank (a short form of “Yankee”) Originally used derogatorily by Southerners but now
only heard outside the USA
PLACES
Beantown Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Blighty Great Britain (used by British servicemen abroad and
expatriates)
Brass Fountain PPSh-41
Brew City Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Brisvegas Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Britain of South New Zealand
Chocolate City Washington, D.C., so named because of its majority African-
American population
City of Brotherly Love Philadelphia
City of Dreaming Spires Oxford, England
City of Golden Gate San Francisco, USA
City of Magnificent Washington D.C., USA
Distances
City of Seven Hills Rome, Italy
City of Skyscrapers New York, USA
Cockpit of Europe Belgium
Dark Continent Africa
Empire City New York, USA
Eternal City Rome, Italy
Forbidden City Lhasa, Tibet
South Africa has three Capital cities Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (Legislative) & Bloemfontein (Judicial).
GK-48 PANORAMA
Frisco San Francisco, California
Garden of England Kent, England
Garrincha Manoel Francisco dos Santos
Gate of Tears Bab-el-mandab, Jerusalem
Gift of Nile Egypt
Gotham New York
Granite City Aberdeen, Scotland
Great White Way Broadway, New York, USA
Hermit Kingdom Korea
Herring Pond Atlantic Ocean
Hogtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Holy Land Palestine
Humming Bird Trinidad
Island of Cloves Madagascar
Island of Pearls Bahrain
Key of Mediterranean Gibraltar
Land of Cakes Scotland
Land of Canals Netherlands
Land of Golden Pagoda Myanmar (Burma)
Land of Lilies Canada
Land of Maple Canada
Land of Midnight Sun Norway
Land of Morning Calm Korea
Land of Rising Sun Japan
Land of the Golden Fleece Australia
Land of Thousand Lakes Finland
Land of Thunderbolt Bhutan
Land of White Elephants Thailand
Land of Windmills Netherlands
Manchester of Japan Osaka
Never Never Land Prairies of N.Australia
Pearl of the Antilles Cuba
Pearl of the Orient Philippines
Perfidious Albion Great Britain
Pillars of Hercules Strait of Gibraltar
Playground of Europe Switzerland
Port of Five Seas Moscow
Powder Keg of Europe Balkans
Quaker City Philadelphia, USA
Queen of Adriatic Venice, Italy
Roof of the World Pamirs, Central Asia
Lion Capital of Ashoka, the state Emblem of India was adopted on 26th January 1950.
PANORAMA GK-49
Sick Man of Europe Turkey

Sin City Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Sorrow of China River Hwang Ho
Sugar Bowl of the World Cuba
The Antipodes Australia and New Zealand
The Battlefield of Europe Belgium
The Bayou City Houston, Texas, USA
The Big Apple New York City
The Big D Dallas, Texas, USA
The Big Easy New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Smoke Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The City of Light Paris
The City or The City by San Francisco, California
the Bay
The Dragon China (as an economy)
The Emerald City Seattle, Washington, USA
The Emerald Isle Ireland and Puerto Rico
The Enchanted Isle (from ‘la isla del encanto’) Puerto Rico
The Federal City Washington D.C.
The Fourth Estate The Press
The Mother-in-law of Denmark
Europe
The Old Bailey The Central Criminal Court in England
The Old Lady of The Bank of England
Threadneedle Street
The Old Smoke London
The Paris of the South São Paulo and Buenos Aires
The Paris of the West San Francisco, USA
Tie Rock (prison) Alcatraz Prison
The Steel City Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Windy City Chicago, Illinois, USA
Tinseltown Hollywood, California, USA
Venice of the North Stockholm
Westminster The British Parliament
White City Belgrade, Yugoslavia
White House The executive branch of the government of the United States
White Man’s Grave Guinea Coast
Whitehall The British government including Parliament but excluding the
monarchy
World’s Bread basket Prairies of N. America
World’s Loneliest Island Tristan De Gunha (Mid-Atlantic)
Yellow River Huang He (China)
Germany Chancellor’s office is informally called as “The Washing Machine”.
GK-50 PANORAMA
ADDITIONAL FACTS
•• The largest coffee growing country in the World is - Brazil
•• The biggest delta in the World is the - Sunderbans
•• The Japanese call their country as - Nippon
•• The biggest Island of the World is - Greenland
•• The river which carries maximum quantity of water into the sea is the - Mississippi
•• Mount Everest was named after Sir George - Everest
•• The biggest stadium in the world is the - Strahov Stadium, Prague
•• The world’s largest diamond producing country is - South Africa
•• The Eggel tower was built by - Alexander Eiffel
•• The Red Cross was founded by - Jean Henri Durant
•• The permanent secretariat of the SAARC is located at - Kathmandu
•• The earlier name of Sri Lanka was Ceylon
•• The founder of the Republic of China was - San Yat Sen
FIRST IN THE WORLD

The first person to reach Mount Everest Sherpa Tenzing, Edmund Hillary
The first person to reach North Pole Robert Peary
The first person to reach South Pole Amundsen
The first religion of the world Hinduism
The first country to print book China
The first country to issue paper currency China
The first country to commence competitive China
examination in civil services
The first President of the U.S.A George Washington
The first Prime Minister of Britain Robert Walpole
The first Secretary General of the United Nations Trygve Lie
The first country to win football World cup Uruguay
The first country to prepare a constitution U.S.A
The first Governor General of Pakistan Mohd. Ali Jinnah
The first country to host NAM summit Belgrade (Yugoslavia)
The first European to attack India Alexander, The Great
The first European to reach China Marco Polo
The first person to fly aeroplane Wright Brothers
The first person to sail round the world Magellan
The first country to send man to the moon U.S.A
The first country to launch Artificial satellite in the space Russia
The first country to host the modern Olympics Greece
The first city on which the atom bomb was dropped Hiroshima (Japan)
The first person to land on the moon Neil Armstrong followed by Edwin
E. Aldrin
The first shuttle to go in space Columbia
Indonesian Kawah Ijeh volcano spews blue molten Sulphur Lava.
PANORAMA GK-51
The first spacecraft to reach on Mars Viking-I

The first woman Prime Minister of England Margaret Thatcher
The first Muslim Woman Prime Minister of a country Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan)
The first woman Woman Prime Minister of a country Mrs. S. Bandamaike (Sri Lanka)
The first woman to climb Mount Everest Mrs. Junko Tabei (Japan)
The first woman cosmonaut of the world Valentina Tereshkova (Russia)
The first woman President of the U.N. General Assembly Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
The first man to fly into space Yuri Gagarin (Russia)
The first batsman to score three test century in three Mohd. Azharuddin
successive tests on debut
The first man to have climbed Mount Everest twice Nawang Gombu
The first U.S. President to resign Presidency Richard Nixon
SUPERLATIVES
Tallest Animal on (land) Giraffe
Biggest Bell Great Bell at Moscow
Fastest Bird Swift
Largest Bird Ostrich
Smallest Bird Humming Bird
Longest Bridge (Railway) Lower Zambeji (Africa )
Tallest Building Burj khalifa, Dubai (U.A.E)
Tallest Office Building Patronas Twin Towers Kuala Lampur (Malaysia)
Longest Big Ship Canal Seuz Canal (Linkin red sea & Mediterranean)
Busiest Canal (Ship) Baltic White Sea Canal (152 miles)
Biggest Cinema House Roxy (New York)
Highest City Wen Chuwan (Tibet, China) 16,732 ft.
Largest City (in population) Tokyo [(3,42,00000), Est. population in 2006]
Biggest City in (area) Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia (41225 sq. km.)
Largest Continent Asia
Smallest Continent Australia
Largest Country (in population) China
Largest Country (in area) Russia
Largest Coral Formation The Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
Largest Dam Grand Coulee- Concrete Dam (U.S.A)
Longest Day June 21 (in Northern Hemisphere)
Shortest Day Dec. 22(in Northern Hemisphere)
Largest Delta Sundarbans, India (8000 sq. miles)
Longest Desert (World) Sahara, Africa (84, 00,000 sq. km.)
Largest Diamond The Cullinan (over 1 ½ 1b.)
Biggest Dome Gol Gumbaz (Bijapur), (Old archi) 144 ft. diameter.
Biggest Dome (New Archi) Astrodome, Sports
Longest Epic The Mahabharata
Largest Island Greenland (renamed Kalaallit Nunaat)
There are 196 countries in the world today.
GK-52 PANORAMA
Largest Lake (Artificial) Lake Mead (Bouler)
Deepest Lake Baikal (Siberia); average depth2300 ft.
Highest Lake Titicaca (Bolivia) 12645 ft. above sea level.
Largest Lake (Fresh Water) Lake Superior, U.S.A
Largest Lake (Salt Water) Caspian Sea 3, 71,000 sq. km.)
Largest Mosque Masjid-al-Haram (Mecca-Saudi Arabia) surrounds the
Kaaba
Biggest Library National Kiev Library,Moscow & Library of the Congress,
Washington)
Highest Mountain peak (World) Mt. Everest, Himalayas
Longest Mountain Range Andes (S.America) 5,500 miles in length
Biggest Museum British Museum (London)
Tallest Minaret (Free Standing) Qutub Minar, Delhi 238 ft.
Tallest Minaret Great Hassan Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco
Deepest & Biggest Ocean The Pacific
Largest Palace Imperial Palace (Gugong), Beijing (China)
Largest Park National Park, Greenland
Largest Peninsula Arabic (32,50,000 sq. km.)
Coldest Place or Region Verkhoyansk (Syberia), Temperature – 85° C
Driest Place Death Valley (California); rainfall 1 ½ inch.
Hottest Place (World) Al-Aziziyah (Libya, Africa) 136°F
Largest Planet Jupiter
Brightest and Hottest Planet Venus
(also nearest to Earth)
Farthest planet (from the Sun) Neptune
Nearest Planet (to the Sun) Mercury
Smallest Planet Mercury
Highest Plateau Pamir (Tibet)
Longest Platform (Railway) Kharagpur W.B, India (833m)
Largest Platform (Railway) Grand Central terminal, New York (U.S.A)
Largest Port Port of New York & New Jersey (U.S.A)
Busiest Port Rotterdam (the Netherlands)
Longest Railway Trans-Siberian Railway (6,000 miles Long)
Longest River Nile (6690 km), Amazon (6570 km.)
Longest River Dam Hirakund Dam (Odisha), India 15.8 miles.
Largest sea-bird Albatross
Largest Sea (inland) Mediterranean Sea
Brightest Star Sirius (also called Dog star)
Tallest statue Statue of Liberty, New York (U.S.A), 150 ft. high.
Tallest Statue (Bronze) Bronze Statue of Lord Buddha, Tokyo (Japan).
Longest Swimming Course English Channel
Tallest Tower C.N Tower Toronto (Canada)
Longest Train nonstop Flying Scoutsman
Longest Tunnel (Railway) Seikan Rail Tunnel (Japan), (53.85 km.)
The world’s newest country is South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011.
PANORAMA GK-53
Longest & Largest Canal Tunnel Le Rove Tunnel (South of France)

Longest Tunnel (Road) Laerdal, Norway
Highest Volcano Ojos Del Salado, Andes Argentine-Chile (6,885 m.)
Largest Volcano Mauna Lao (Hawaii)
Longest Wall Great Wall of China (1500 miles)
Highest Waterfall Salto Angel Falls (Venezuela)
Longest Strait Tartar Strait (Sakhalin Island & the Russian mainland)
Broadest Strait Davis Straits (Greenland & Baffin Island, (Canada)
Narrowest strait Chaliks-45 yards (Between the Greek mainland the island
of Euboea in the Aegean Sea)
Largest Bay Hudson Bay, Canada (Shore line 7623 miles)
Largest Gulf Gulf of Mexico,( shoreline 2100 miles)
Largest Archipelago Indonesia (over 3,000 Islands)
Tallest Active Geyser Giant (Geyser ) Yellowstone Park, U.S.A 200 ft. high
Largest River Basin Amazon Basin- 27, 20,000 sq. mile.
World Rainiest Spot Cherrapunji (Mawsynram), India
Largest Gorge Grand Canyon, on the Colorado River, U.S.A
Lightest gas Hydrogen
Lightest Metal Lithium
Highest Melting Point Tungsten, 3,410`C
Hardest Substance Diamond
Longest Animal Blue Whale, (recorded length 106 ft. weight-195 tons)
Longest Life Span of an Animal 190 to 200 years, (Giant tortoise)
Largest Land Animal African Bush Elephant
Fastest Animal Cheetah (Leopard ) 70 m.p.h
Longest Jump Animal Kangaroo
Longest wing Spread Bird Albatross
Slowest Animal Snail
Domestic Dog Irish Wolf Hound
Fastest Dog Persian Grey Hound (speed 43 m.p.h)
Longest poisonous snake King Cobra
Biggest Flower Raffesia (Java)
Largest Stadium Strahov stadium in Prague, (the Czech Republic)
Largest Church Basilica of St. Peter, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Largest Temple Angkor Vat (Combodia)
Largest Diamond mine Kimbarley (S. Africa)
Largest River in volume Amazon, Brazil
Longest Corridor Rameshwaram Temple’s Corridor (5000 ft.)
Highest Straight Dam Bhakhra Dam
Highest Capital City La Paz (Bolivia)
Largest Asian Desert Gobi, Mongolia
Largest Democracy India
Longest Thoroughfare Verazano-Narrows, New York City Harbour
193 countries are UN members. The exceptions are Taiwan, Vatican city & Kosovo.
GK-54 PANORAMA
Largest Neck Animal Giraffe
Largest Animal of the Cat Lion
Family
Most Intelligent Animal Chimpanzee
Bird, that never makes its nests Cuckoo
Wingless Bird Kiwi
Reptile which changes its Chameleon
colours
Largest Mammal Whale
FAMOUS LANDMARKS AROUND •• Niagara Falls: Border of Ontario
THE WORLD (Canada) and New York (USA)
•• The Statue of Liberty in New York: USA •• Angkor Wat: Cambodia
•• The Eiffel tower in Paris: France •• St. Peter’s Cathedral: Vatican City
•• St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow: Russia •• Mount Rushmore: South Dakota
•• The Great Sphinx at Giza, The Pyramids •• The Grand Canyon: Arizona
of Giza: Egypt •• Sydney Opera House: Australia
•• Neptune and the Place of Versailles: •• Forbidden City: Beijing
France •• The Colosseum: Rome, Italy
•• The Great wall of China: China •• The Empire State Building: New York
•• The Taj Mahal in Agra: India •• Abu Simbel: Egypt
•• Christ the Redeemer: Rio de Janeiro •• Tower of Pisa: Italy
•• Mecca: Saudi Arabia •• The Burj al Arab Hotel: Dubai
•• Brandenburg Gate in Berlin: Germany •• Stonehenge: Wiltshire, United Kingdom
•• Acropolis of Athens: Greece •• Big Ben: London
THE NATIONAL EMBLEMS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
Country Emblem Country Emblem
Australia Kangaroo Bangladesh Water Lily
Barbados Head of a Trident Belgium Lion
Canada White Lily Chile Candor & Huemul
Denmark Beach Dominica Sisserou Parrot
France Lily Germany Corn Flower
Guyana Canje Pheasant Hong Kong Bauhinia (Orchid Tree)
India Lioned Capital Iran Rose
Ireland Shamrock Israel Candelabrum
Italy White Lily Ivory Coast Elephant
Japan Chrysanthemum Lebanon Cedar Tree
Luxembourg Lion with Crown Mongolia The Soyombo
Netherlands Lion New Zealand Southern Cross, Kiwi, Fern
Norway Lion Pakistan Crescent
Papua New Bird of paradise Spain Eagle
Guinea Sierra Leone Lion
Sri Lanka Lion Sudan Secretary Bird
Syria Eagle Turkey Crescent & Star
U.K. Rose
The Statue of Liberty was originally dull brown in colour, but slowly turned green due to oxidation of its copper plates.
PANORAMA GK-55
IMPORTANT DAYS OF THE YEAR

9th January: NRI Day 8th May: International Red Cross Day
10th January: World Laughter Day 11th May: National Technology Day
12th January: National Youth Day 17th May: World Telecommunications Day
15th January: Indian Army Day 20th May: World Refugee Day
23rd January: Netaji Subhash Chandra 21st May: Anti-terrorism Day
Bose’s birth anniversary
24th May: Commonwealth Day
24th January: National Girl Child Day
31st May: World No Tobacco Day
25th January: National Tourism Day
1st June: World Milk Day
26th January: Republic Day
5th June: World Environment Day
29th January: National Newspaper Day
8th June: World Ocean Day
30th January: Martyr’s Day
20th June: International Refugee Day
2nd February: World Wetlands Day
21st June: International Yoga Day
4th February: World Cancer Day
23rd June: International Olympic Day
13th February: World Radio Day
27th June: World Diabetes Day
14th February: St. Valentine’s Day
1st July: World Doctor’s Day Van Mahotsav
21st February: International Mother
Language Day Week (1st July to 7th July)
28th February: National Science Day 11th July: World Population Day
8th March: International Women’s Day and 26th July: Kargil Victory Day
Mother’s day 28th July: World Hepatitis Day
13th March: No Smoking Day 29th July: International Tiger Day
15th March: World Consumer Rights Day 30th July: International Day of Friendship
22nd March: World Water Day 6th August: Hiroshima Day
23rd March: World Meteorological Day 12th August: International Youth Day
24th March: World Tuberculosis Day 15th August: India’s Independence Day
27th March: World Theatre Day 19th August: World Humanitarian Day
2nd April: World Autism Awareness Day 29th August: National Sports Day
7th April: World Health Day 5th September: Teacher’s Day
18th April: World Heritage Day 8th September: International Literacy Day
22nd April: World Earth Day 14th September: Hindi Day
25th April: World Malaria Day 15th September: World Engineer’s Day
30th April: World Jazz Day 16th September: World Ozone Day
1st May: International Labour Day 18th September: International Day of
3rd May: World Asthma Day Peace
5th May: World Athletics Day 21st September: Biosphere Day
GK-56 PANORAMA
24th September: Girl Child Day 21st November: World Fisheries Day,
25th September: Social Justice Day, World World Hello Day, World Television Day
Maritime Day 25th November: International Day for the
Elimination of Violence against Women
27th September: World Tourism Day
26th November: National Constitution day
1st October: International Music Day
26th November: National Milk day
2nd October: Gandhi Jayanti, International
30th November: Flag Day
Non-Violence Day
3rd December: World Conservation Day
3rd October: World Habitat Day
5th December: World Soil Day
8th October: National Air force Day
7th December: Armed Forces Flag Day
9th October: World Postal Day National 9th December: International Day against
Postal Week (9th October to 14th October) Corruption, National Immunization Day
12th October: World Sight Day 10th December: World Human Rights Day,
16th October: World Food Day International Broadcasting Day
31st October: National Integration Day 11th December: UNICEF Day

14th December: National Energy
7th November: World Cancer Awareness
Conservation Day
Day
16th December: Vijay Diwas
11th November: National Education Day
22nd December: National Mathematics
14th November: Children’s Day Day
16th November: National Press Day 23rd December: Kisan Diwas (Farmers’ Day)
PEOPLE FOREVER GK-57
PEOPLE FOREVER
SCIENTIFIC PERSONALITIES
Duration, Place & Field : Duration, Place & Field :
•• 14th March 1879 to 18th •• 25 April, 1874 to 20, July, 1937
April 1955 •• Bologna, Italy
•• Germany •• Physics
•• Physics •• Radiowave
Work : Work :
Albert •• Theory of General relativity Guglielmo •• Pioneered the work on long-
and special relativity Giovanni distance radio transmission
Einstein
•• Law of the photoelectric effect Maria •• Developed Marconi’s Law and
Marconi
Duration, Place & Field : a Radio Telegraph System
•• October 21, 1833 to 10 •• The Inventor of Radio
December 1896 Duration, Place & Field :
•• Stockholm, Sweden •• 12 August 1919 to 30th
•• Chemistry, engineering December 1971
Alfred Work : •• Ahmedabad, India
Bernhard •• Invention of Dynamite •• Physics
Nobel •• Patron of Nobel Prizes Work :
Dr. Vikram •• Founder of Physical
Duration, Place & Field : Ambalal
•• 15 Oct 1931 to 27 July 2015 Research Laboratory
Sarabhai •• Indian Institute of
•• Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
•• Aerospace Science Management, Ahmedabad
Work : Duration, Place & Field :
A. P. J. Abdul •• Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests in •• 15th Feb 1564 to 8th Jan 1642
Kalam 1998 •• Pisa, Italy
•• 11th President of India •• Astronomy
•• Missile technology •• Physician
Duration, Place & Field : Galileo Work :
•• 7 Nov 1888 to 21 Nov 1970 Galilei •• Invented Telescope
•• Thiruvanaikaval, Tiruchirap- •• Father of Observational
palli, Tamil Nadu Astronomy
•• Physics •• Father of Modern Physics
Work : •• Father of Scientific Method
C.V. Raman •• Raman effect Duration, Place & Field :
Duration, Place & Field : •• 476 AD to 550 AD
•• 3rd march 1847 to 2nd •• Kusumapura (Pataliputra)
august 1922 (present day Patna)
•• Edinburgh, Scotland •• Mathematics
•• Physics •• Astronomy
Alexander Work : Work :
Aryabhatta
Graham Bell •• Invented telephone •• Aryabhaṭiya
•• Optical Telecommunications •• Arya-siddhanta
GK-58 PEOPLE FOREVER

•• 26th December 1791 to •• September 22, 1791 to 25
18th October 1871 August, 1867
•• London, United Kingdom •• Newington Butts, United
•• Mathematics Kingdom
Work : •• Magnetism (Physics)
Charles •• Father of Computer Michael Work :
Babbage •• Invented First Mechanical Faraday •• His discoveries include the
Computer principles underlying elec-
Duration, Place & Field : tromagnetic induction, dia-
•• 25 December 1642 to 20 magnetism and electrolysis
March 1727 Duration, Place & Field :
•• United Kingdom •• 4 Jan 1809 to 6 Jan 1852
•• Physics
•• Coupvray, France
Sir Isaac •• Mathematicis •• Mechanics
Newton Work : Work :
•• His book Philosophie Naturalis
Principia Mathematics based Louis Braille •• Devised Braille system of printing
on classical mechanics and writing for the blind
•• He formulated the laws of motion Duration, Place & Field :
and universal gravitation •• July 10, 1856 to 7 Jan 1943
Duration, Place & Field : •• Smiljan, Croatia
•• 19th January 1736 to 25th •• Electrical and Mechanical
August 1819 engineering
•• Greenock, Scotland •• Physics
•• Mechanical Engineer Work :
Nikola Tesla •• Induction motor
Work :
James Watt •• Invented steam engine •• Rotating magnetic field
•• Separate condenser Parallel •• Tesla coil
motion Duration, Place & Field :
Duration, Place & Field : •• 25 Jan 1627 to 31 Dec 1691
•• 1 Feb 1550 to 4 April 1617 •• Lismore, Republic of Ireland
•• Mathematics •• Chemistry
•• Edinburgh, United Kingdom Work :
•• Physics Robert •• Boyle's law
•• Astronomy Boyle •• Founder of Modern Chemistry
John Napier
•• Inventor of Algorithm •• 12 November 1896 to 20
•• Napier's bones
June 1987
•• Decimal notation
•• Mumbai
Duration, Place & Field : •• Ornithology
•• 27 Dec 1822 to 28 Sep 1895 •• Natural history
•• Dole, France Salim Ali Work :
•• Microbiology
•• Bombay Natural History Society
Work :
•• Handbook of the Birds of
•• Discovered pasteurization
Louis •• Vaccination for anthrax and
India and Pakistan
Pasteur rabies •• Known as the birdman of India
•• 7 November 1867 to 4 July 1934 •• 22 Dec 1887 to 26 April 1920
•• Warsaw, Poland •• Erode, Tamil Nadu
•• Physics •• Mathematics
Work : Work :
•• The Theory of Radioactivity •• Mathematical analysis
•• Discovered elements; polonium Srinivasa •• Number theory
Marie Curie Ramanujan •• Infinite series
and radium
•• First woman to win the Nobel •• Ramanujan prime
prize twice •• Ramanujan theta function

•• Orville: August 19, 1871 to •• 1 Jan 1894 to 4 Feb 1974
January 30, 1948 Dayton, •• Kolkata
Wilbur Ohio-Wilbur: April 16, 1867 •• Quantum mechanics &
and Orville to May 30, 1912 Millville, Mathematical physics
Wright Indiana Work :
•• He is known for Bose–Einstein
•• Pioneer of aviation Satyendra condensate, Bose–Einstein statist-
•• Physics Nath Bose ics, Bose–Einstein distribution,
Work : Bose–Einstein correlations Bose
•• Invented world's first gas, Boson, Ideal Bose equation
successful airplane of state & Photon gas
•• 9 Jan 1922 to 9 November •• Oct 19, 1910 to Aug 21, 1995
2011 •• Lahore, Punjab (Now in
•• Raipur presently in Pakistan Pakistan)
•• Biochemist •• Astrophysics
Work : Work :
•• First to demonstrate the role Subrahmanyan •• Chandrasekhar limit
Har Gobind Chandrasekhar •• Schönberg–Chandrasekhar
of nucleotides in protein
Khorana limit
synthesis
•• Chandrasekhar number
•• Nobel Prize for Physiology
•• Nobel Prize in Physics (1983)
or Medicine, 1968
Duration, Place & Field :
Duration, Place & Field : •• 6 August 1881 to 11 March
•• 30 October 1909 to 24 1955
January 1966 •• Lochfield, East Ayrshire,
•• Bombay Alexander Scotland
•• Nuclear physics Fleming •• Bacteriology, immunology
Homi J. Work : Work :
Bhabha •• Founding director, and •• Discovery of penicillin
professor of physics at the •• Nobel Prize (1945)
Tata Institute of Fundamental Duration, Place & Field :
Research. •• 570 to 495 BC
•• Father of the Indian nuclear •• Samos, Greece
programme •• Mathematics
Work :
•• Gave Pythagoras Theorem
•• 30 Nov. 1858 to 23 Nov. Pythagoras
•• Pythagorean Tuning
1937
•• Munshiganja (presently Bangla-
•• 11 Feb 1847 to 18 Oct 1931
desh) •• Milan, Ohio, United States
•• Botany, Biophysics •• Physics
Jagadish Work : Work :
Chandra •• He is known for Millimetre •• Invented phonograph, motion
Bose waves Radio and Crescograph Thomas
picture camera
•• Contributions to Plant biology Alva Edison •• Electric light bulb
POLITICAL PERSONALTIES
•• February 12, 1809 to April •• 1 Oct 1847 to 20 Sept 1933
15, 1865 •• London, United Kingdom
•• Hodgenville, Kentucky, US •• Socialist and Political Activist
•• Politics
Work :
Work :
•• President of the United •• First female president of
Abraham Annie Indian national congress
States (1861-1865)
Lincoln Besant (1917)
•• Abolished slavery in USA

•• 25 Dec 1924 •• 13th June, 1944
•• Gwalior, M.P, India •• Eumseong County, South
•• Political leadership Korea
•• Visionary •• Statesmanship & Politics
Atal Bihari Work :
Vajpeyee •• Former Prime Minister of India Work :
Ban-ki- •• 8th General Secretary of
•• Bharat Ratna Awardee Moon United Nations.
•• 4 Aug 1961 •• 14 April, 1891 to 6 Dec 1956
•• Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
•• Mhow, MP
•• Politics
•• Social work
Work :
•• Politics philosophy
•• 44th President of US
Barack •• First African-American Work :
Obama President of US •• Architect of Indian
BR
•• Nobel Peace Prize Winner in Constitution
Ambedkar
2009 •• Campaigned against social
Duration, Place & Field : discrimination against
•• 19 Aug 1946 Untouchables (Dalits)
•• Arkansas, United States •• He was Independent India's
•• American politics first law Minister
Bill Clinton •• Served as the 42nd President •• 3rd Dec 1884 to 28 Feb 1963
of the United States from •• Siwan, Bihar
1993 to 2001 •• Politics
Duration, Place & Field : •• Social work
•• 29 July 1883 to 28 Apr 1945 Dr Rajendra Work :
•• Predappio, Italy Prasad •• First President of India
•• Politics •• President of Indian National
•• Dictatorship Congress (1934-1935)
Work : •• Elected president of the
•• Founder of National Fascist Constituent Assembly of
Benito Party India, which prepared the
Mussolini •• Prime Minister of Italy from
Constitution of India
1922 to 1943
•• 4th September, 1825 to 30th
•• August 15, 1945
June, 1917
•• Dinajpur, Bangladesh
•• Mumbai, India
•• Bangladeshi politics
Work : Dadabhai •• Politics and Social leader
•• Prime Minister of Bangladesh Naoroji work
Begum from 1991 to 1996 and from Work :
Khaleda Zia 2001 to 2006 •• President of INC thrice
Duration, Place & Field : •• Advocated Drain theory and
•• 19th June 1945 poverty
•• Yangon, Burma •• First Asian to be a British MP
•• Politics, Statesman Duration, Place & Field :
Work : •• 9 Oct 1966
Aung San •• Founder of National League •• London, United Kingdom
Suu Kyi for Democracy •• British politics
•• Fight for Democratic Rights Work :
•• First and incumbent State David •• Prime Minister of the United
Counsellor and Leader of the Cameron Kingdom from May 2010 to
National League for Democracy July 2016

•• May 19, 1890 •• 30th January 1882 - 12th
•• Kim Lien, Vietnam April 1945
•• Vietnamese Communist •• Hyde Park, New York, United
leadership States
•• Political leadership
Work :
Work :
Ho Chi Minh •• Prime Minister (1945–55) Franklin D. •• 32nd President of the US
and President (1945–69) of Roosevelt •• Led the Allies in World War II
the Democratic Republic of
Vietnam •• 14th Nov 1889 to 27th May
•• Founder of Democratic Republic 1964
of Vietnam in 1945, People's •• Allahabad
Army of Vietnam (PAVN) •• Politics/ Staesman
Duration, Place & Field : Work :
Jawahar Lal •• First Prime Minister of India
•• July 6, 1946
Nehru •• Architect of NAM
•• Connecticut, United States
•• American Politics Duration, Place & Field :
Work : •• October 2, 1904 to January
11, 1966
George W •• 43rd President of the United •• Mughalsarai, U.P. (India)
Bush States ( 2001- 2009) •• Politics
•• October 26, 1947 Lal Bahadur •• 2nd Prime Minister of the
•• Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Republic of India (9 June
Shastri
•• American Politics 1964 – 11 January 1966)
Work : •• Joined the Indian Independence
movement in the 1920s
•• Democratic Party nominee •• His famous slogan- Jai
Hillary
for President of the United Jawan! Jai Kisan!
Clinton
States in the 2016 election Duration, Place & Field :
•• Served as the 67th United •• November 8, 1927 Karachi,
States Secretary of State Pakistan
from 2009 to 2013 •• Indian Politics
Duration, Place & Field : •• Senior leader of the BJP
•• 19 Nov 1917 to 31 Oct 1984 Work :
•• Allahabad Lal Krishna •• 7th Deputy Prime Minister
•• Indian Politics Advani of India
•• Minister of Home Affairs in the
Work :
BJP-led National Democratic
•• The only female Prime Alliance government from
Indira Minister of India from 1966
Gnadhi 1998 to 2004
to 1977 and then from 1980 Duration, Place & Field :
to 1984 •• April 22, 1870 to January 21,
•• Nationalisation of Banks 1924
Duration, Place & Field : •• Simbirsk, Russia
•• July 8, 1914 to January 17, •• Russian communist revolut-
2010 ionary
Vladimir •• Politics
•• Kolkata
Lenin •• Political theory
•• Indian Politics
Work :
•• Communist Party of India
Jyoti Basu Work : •• He served as head of
Government of the Russian
•• Chief Minister of West Bengal Republic from 1917 to 1918,
state from 1977 to 2000, of the Russian Soviet Federative
making him the longest- Socialist Republic from 1918 to
serving Chief Minister in the 1924, and of the Soviet Union
country's history. from 1922 to 1924

•• October 2, 1869- January 30, •• July 18, 1918 to December
1948 5, 2013
•• Porbandar, Kathiawar, Gujarat •• Mvezo, South Africa
•• Indian independence leader Nelson •• Anti-apartheid revolutionary
Mahatma and freedom fighter Mandela •• Politics
Gandhi •• Social Reformer
•• Philanthropist
Work :
•• Non violent satyagrah Work :
•• Non-co-operation •• Served as President of South
•• Civil Disobedience Movement Africa from 1994 to 1999
•• Quit India Movement •• Nobel Peace prize winner in
•• Champion of Truth & Non- 1993
violence Duration, Place & Field :
Duration, Place & Field : •• January 23, 1897--
•• December 25, 1861 - 12 •• Cuttack
November 1946 •• Freedom struggle
•• Allahabad, U.P. •• Political leadership
•• Politics Work :
Madan •• Education Netaji •• Congress President in 1938
Mohan Work : Subhash and 1939
Malaviya •• Two times President of INC Chandra
•• Founded Banaras Hindu •• Founded Forward Bloc
Bose
University •• Led Indian National Army
•• Founded "The Leader" English against British
Newspaper Duration, Place & Field :
Duration, Place & Field : •• December 26, 1893–
•• September 17, 1950 September 9, 1976
•• Vadnagar, Gujarat •• Shaoshan village, Hunan
•• Politics Province, China
Work : •• Communist revolution
•• Incumbent Prime Minister Mao Zedong
Narendra •• Politics
of India, in office since 26
Damodardas Work :
May 2014
Modi •• 1st Chairman of the
•• Chief Minister of Gujarat
from 2001 to 2014 Central Committee of the
•• Member of Parliament from Communist Party of China
Varanasi •• Founding father of the
•• Leader of the Bharatiya People’s Republic of China
Janata Party •• Maoism
SOCIAL ACTIVISTS
•• July 24, 1945 •• May 12, 1820 to August 13,
•• Mumbai 1910
•• Florence, Italy
•• Indian business tycoon •• English Social Reformer
•• Investor •• Founder of modern nursing
Azim Premji •• Philanthropy Work :
Work : Florence •• Called “The Lady with the
Nightingale Lamp” for making rounds of
•• Chairman of Wipro Limited wounded soldiers at night
•• Founder Azim Premji during war.
foundation •• Founder of modern nursing

•• September 26, 1820 to July •• July 12, 1997
29, 1891 •• Mingora, Pakistan
•• Ghatal •• Pakistani activist
•• Social reform Work :
Work : •• Pakistani activist for female
Ishwar Malala education
Chandra •• Barna parichay (Parts I & Yousafzai •• The youngest-ever Nobel
Vidyasagar II, 1855), Rijupath (Parts I,
Prize laureate
II & III, 1851–52), Sanskrita
Byakaraner Upakramanika
•• December 1, 1954
(1951)
•• Mumbai
•• Worked for widow remarriage
•• Social reform
•• January 11, 1954 •• Founder member of
•• Vidisha, MP Medha Narmada Bachao Andolan
•• Activism for children’s rights Patkar •• National Convener of
and children’s education National Alliance of People’s
•• Activist against child labour Movements
Kailash Work : Duration, Place & Field :
Satyarthi •• Founded the Bachpan •• 22 May 1772–27 September
Bachao Andolan in 1980 1833
•• Acted to protect the rights of •• Radhanagar, West Bengal
more than 83,000 children •• Socio, political reforms
from 144 countries. Work :
Raja Ram
•• Shared Nobel Peace Prize of •• Bengal Renaissance
Mohan Roy
2014 with Malala Yousafzai •• Brahmo Sabha
of Pakistan •• Worked against social evils
Duration, Place & Field : like sati, polygamy and child
marriage.
•• January 15, 1929 to April 4,
1968 Duration, Place & Field :
•• 11 September 1895 – 15
•• Atlanta, Georgia, United States
November 1982
•• Baptist Minister
•• Gagode Budruk, Maharashtra
•• Social Activist
•• Social and political reform
Work :
Martin Work :
•• Led the Civil rights movement
Luther King •• Bhoodan Movement
in the U.S. from 1950s to 1968 Vinoba
Jr. •• Campaigned against the
•• Worked for human rights Bhave
slaughtering of cows
and racial discrimination Duration, Place & Field :
Duration, Place & Field : •• 26 December 1914 – 9
•• August 26, 1910 to Septem- February 2008
ber 5, 1997 •• Hinganghat in Wardha
•• Skopje, Macedonia District of Maharashtra
•• Albanian-Indian Roman Baba Amte •• Social work and social
Mother Catholic nun activism, Human-Rights
Teresa •• Missionary Work :
Work : •• Rehabilitation and empower-
•• Founded the Missionaries of ment of poor people suffering
Charity from leprosy
•• Ramon Magsaysay Peace •• United Nations Prize in the
Prize 1962 Field of Human Rights,1988
•• Nobel Peace Prize 1979 Gandhi Peace Prize, 1999

HISTORICAL PERSONALITIES
•• c. 484–c. 425 BC •• 304 BC-232 BC
•• Halicarnassus, Asia Minor •• Pataliputra, Patna
•• Historian •• Great emperor of the Maurya
Work : Dynasty
•• Regarded as the Father of
Herodotus Work :
History
•• The Histories is his famous Ashoka the •• Kalinga War
book on historical investigation Great •• Propagated Buddhism across
Duration, Place & Field : Asia
•• c. 563 BCE or c. 480 BCE - c. •• First ruler of the entire
483 BCE Indian subcontinent
•• Lumbini, presently in Nepal Duration, Place & Field :
•• Religious philosophy •• 13 July 100 BC–15 March
Gautama Work : 44 BC
Buddha •• Four Noble Truths •• Rome
•• Eightfold Path •• Dictator of the Roman Republic
•• Nirvana
Work :
•• Founder of Buddhism Julius •• Responsible for the fall of
Duration, Place & Field : Caesar the Roman Republic and the
•• 20 or 21 July 356 BC to 10 or
11 June 323 BC rise of the Roman Empire.
•• Pella, Macedon, Greece •• First Roman General who
•• Warrior and conqueror built a bridge across Rhine
Work : •• Conducted the first invasion
Alexander •• Created largest empire from of Britain
the Great Greece to northwestern India Duration, Place & Field :
•• He founded twenty cities •• 2 April 742-28 January 814
that bore his name including •• Aachen in Germany
Alexandria in Egypt •• The first Holy Roman Emperor
•• He unfurled Greek language,
Work :
culture
•• Laid the foundations for
•• 428/427 or 424/423 BC- Charlemagne modern France, Germany
348/347 BC •• Founded the Carolingian
•• Athens, Greece Empire.
•• Philosophy •• Known as the father of
Work : Europe
•• Founder of the Academy in Duration, Place & Field :
Plato Athens •• 25 April 1599-3 September
•• Theory of Forms, Platonic 1658
idealism, philosopher king, •• Huntingdonshire, England
Platonic realism, Plato’s •• 1st Lord Protector of the
tripartite theory of soul Commonwealth of England,
Duration, Place & Field : Oliver
Scotland, and Ireland
•• 384–322 BC Cromwell
Work :
•• Stagira, Chalcidice, Northern
•• Cromwell was sworn in
Greece
as Lord Protector on 16
•• Greek philosophy
Work : December 1653
Aristotle •• Tutor of Alexander the great •• Organized armed forces
•• Golden mean, Aristotelian logic, after the outbreak of Civil
Syllogism, Theory of the soul War in 1642
•• Established a library in the •• Deputy Commander of the
Lyceum New Model Army

•• c. 1162 – August 18, 1227 •• 19 November 1828 – 18 June
•• Khentii Mountains, Mongolia 1858
•• Emperor •• Varanasi, India
Work : •• Queen of Jhansi
•• Founder of the Mongol Empire •• Freedom fighter
Genghis •• Adoption of the Uyghur Work :
Khan script as the Mongol Empire’s Rani
•• Leading figures of the Indian
writing system Lakshmibai
Rebellion of 1857
•• Encouraged religious tolerance •• First woman martyr of
in the Mongol Empire India’s independence war
Duration, Place & Field : •• Died during the battle for
•• 14 February 1483 – 26 Gwalior on the war field
December 1530
•• Andijan, Timurid Empire, Duration, Place & Field :
Uzbekistan •• 5 May 1818 – 14 March 1883
•• Conqueror from Central Asia •• Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Babur
Work : •• Revolutionary socialist
•• Laid the foundation of Work :
Mughal dynasty in the Indian •• His important ideas : Surplus
subcontinent Karl Marx value, contributions to the
•• First Mughal emperor labour theory of value, class
Duration, Place & Field : struggle, alienation and
•• 15 Oct 1542-– 27 Oct 1605 exploitation of the worker,
•• Umerkot, Rajputana (present-
materialist conception of history
day Sindh, Pakistan)
•• 3rd Mughal Emperor •• Important books written: Das
Work : Kapital, A Contribution to the
•• Established a centralised Critique of Political Economy,
Akbar system of administration The Communist Manifesto
•• Promulgated Din-i-Ilahi Duration, Place & Field :
•• Introduced the mansabdari •• 24 May 1819 – 22 January
system 1901
Duration, Place & Field : •• Kensington Palace, London
•• 19 Feb 1630 - 3 April 1680
•• Queen of United Kingdom of
•• Shivneri Fort, Maharashtra
•• Maratha King Great Britain and Ireland
Work : Queen Work :
•• Founder of Maratha Empire Victoria •• The first Empress of British
Shivaji •• Promotion of Marathi and India
Bhonsle Sanskrit •• In June 1837, she became
•• Introduced the guerrilla the Queen at the age of just
warfare tactics 18 years
•• Introduced Ashtapradhan
•• The longest reigning British
mandal composed of eight
ministers Monarch (over 60 years)
•• 20 November 1750 -– 4 May •• 25 December 1876 - 11
1799 September 1948
•• Devanahalli, Bangalore •• Karachi, Pakistan
•• Ruler of the Kingdom of •• Indian Politics
Mysore •• The first Governor General
Work :
Tipu Sultan Muhammad of Pakistan
•• Second & Third Anglo-
Mysore War Ali Jinnah Work :
•• Tiger of Mysore •• Founder of Pakistan
•• Innovator of the world’s first •• Political leader of the All-
war rocket India Muslim League

Duration, Place & Field : •• He orchestrated reforms
•• 21 April 1926 called “perestroika” and
•• Mayfair, London “glasnost” that caused
•• Queen of the United cracks in the Soviet Union
Kingdom and the other Duration, Place & Field :
Commonwealth realms •• 24 August 1929 - 11 November
Work : 2004
Queen •• World’s oldest reigning
Elizabeth II •• Cairo, Egypt
monarch as well as Britain’s •• Palestinian leadership
longest-lived
Work :
•• Since 1952, the Queen has
•• 1st President of the Palestinian
given royal assent to more Yasser
National Authority
than 3,500 acts of parliament. Arafat
•• Founder of the Palestine
Liberation Organisation (PLO)
•• 2 March 1931
•• Privolnoye, Stavropol Krai, •• During this time, Hamas and
Russian SFSR, Soviet Union other militant organizations
•• Politician and former rose to power
President of Soviet Union •• In 1994 Arafat received
Mikhail Work : the Nobel Peace Prize,
Gorbachev •• He was instrumental in together with Yitzhak Rabin
terminating the Cold War and and Shimon Peres, for the
the collapse of the Berlin Wall negotiations at Oslo.
GEOGRAPHICAL PERSONALITIES
•• August 1, 1770 – September •• 22 February 1903 – 27
1, 1838 February 1989
•• Caroline County, Virginia •• Kolkata
•• American explorer •• Professor of Geography
Work : Work :
William •• Famous for the epic expedition •• President of the International
to the Pacific Northwest Shiba Geographical Union (1964 to
Clark
(1804–06). Prasad 1968)
•• His Maps of the West (1810– •• He has suggested the name
Chatterjee of the state ‘Meghalaya’.
14) represented the best
•• Murchison Award 1959,
available until the 1840s
Padma Bhushan 1985
•• March 9, 1454 – February
•• 1991
22, 1512
•• Geographer and
•• Florence, Italy Envirnmentalist
•• Italian explorer Work :
Work : •• Fellow of the Royal Geographi-
Amerigo Vaibhav
•• The first person to recognize cal Society and the Royal
Vespucci North and South America as Kaul
Asiatic Society, alumnus of
distinct continents the Environmental Change
Duration, Place & Field : Institute at the University of
•• c. 100 ce— c. 170 ce Oxford
•• Alexandria, Egypt
•• Egyptian Geographer Duration, Place & Field :
Work : •• 1862 to 1932
•• His Geōgraphikē hyphēgēsis •• Stewartville, United States
Ptolemy (Guide to Geography) •• Geographer and cartographer
provided all the information Work :
and techniques required to John Paul •• Goode’s World Atlas
draw maps Goode

•• February 25, 1304 – 1368 •• 1910 to 1974
•• Tangier, Morocco •• Gurmitkal village Gulbarga
•• Geographer, explorer District , Karnataka
Work : •• Epigraphist
•• Known for his extensive travels, Work :
Ibn Battuta accounts published in Rihla P.B. Desai
•• His books : History of
•• One of the greatest explorers Vijayanagar empire, Jainism
of all-time, documenting his in South India and some
travels over nearly 30 years. Jaina Inscriptions, History of
Duration, Place & Field : Ancient India in Kannada
•• February 12, 1850 to •• Discovery of Buddhist
February 5, 1934 centers in Karnataka, Works
•• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Shakti cult, Panduranga
•• Geographer of Pandharpur and history
Work :
William of place names
•• Father of American geography
Morris Duration, Place & Field :
•• Geographical cycle
Davis •• 16 September 1870 to 8
•• Cycle of erosion
February 1928
•• 12 April 1885 to 23 May 1930 •• Hoskote, Mysore
•• Murshidabad, West Bengal •• Epigraphist
•• Archaeology, epigraphy and H. Krishna Work :
palaeography Sastri •• Deciphered Brahmi inscriptions
Work : of Asoka at Maski and
Rakhaldas •• Known for unearthing pre- inscriptions of the Pallavas
Banerji Buddhist artefacts at the •• Deciphered Tamil-Brahmi
ruins at Mohenjo-Daro inscriptions
RELIGIOUS PERSONALITIES
•• 599 BC to 527 B.C •• 788 CE-- 820 CE
•• Kshatriyakund, Vaishali, Bihar •• Kaladi, Ernakulam, Kerala
•• 24th Jain Tirthankara •• Hindu philosopher and
Work : theologian
•• The founder of Jainism
Work :
•• Doctrine of austerity
Mahavira Adi Shankar •• Expounded Advaita Vedanta
•• Advocated vegetarianism
•• Taught the observance of the (non-dualism)
vows ahimsa (non-violence), •• Founded Brahmasutrabhasya,
satya (truth), asteya (non- commentary on Brahma Sutra
stealing), brahmacharya Duration, Place & Field :
(chastity) and aparigraha •• 15 April 1469 – 22
(non-attachment)
September 1539
•• Rāi Bhoi Kī Talvandī (present
•• 551 – 479 BC
•• Zou, Lu state, Qufu, Shando- day Nankana Sahib, Punjab,
ng, China Pakistan) near Lahore
•• Moral Philosophy Guru Nanak
•• Founder of Sikhism
Work : Dev
Confucius Work :
•• Emphasized self-cultivation, •• Guru Granth Sahib
emulation of moral exemplars,
and the attainment of skilled •• Guru Nanak emphasized
judgment rather than Nam Japna
knowledge of rules •• Langar or common kitchen

Moinuddin Duration, Place & Field : Duration, Place & Field :
Chishti •• 1141 – 1236 •• 22 December 1666 – 7
•• Chisht, Afghanistan October 1708
•• Islamic scholar and philosopher •• Patna, Bihar
Work : •• 10th Sikh Guru
•• Established the Chishti Guru Gobind Work :
Order of Sufism in the Indian Singh •• Founding the Sikh warrior
subcontinent community called Khalsa
•• Famous book Anīs al-Arwāh (1699)
and Dalīl al-’Ārifīn •• Enshrined the scripture
•• Ajmer Sharif Dargah the Guru Granth Sahib as
Nizamuddin Duration, Place & Field : Sikhism’s eternal Guru.
Auliya •• 1238 – 3 April 1325 •• Initiated the Five K’s: Kesh,
•• Badayun, Uttar Pradesh Kangha, Kara, Kirpan, Kacchera
•• Sufi Saint of the Chishti Order Duration, Place & Field :
Work : •• 12 Feb 1824 – 30 Oct 1883
•• He preached to renounce the •• Tankara, Gujarat
world and serve humanity •• Hindu religious leader
•• Founder of the Chisti Nizami Work :
Order Dayanand •• Founded the Arya Samaj
•• He stressed love as a means Saraswati •• First to give the call for
of realising God Swaraj as “India for Indians”
Duration, Place & Field : – in 1876
•• 10 Nov 1483 – 18 Feb 1546 •• Revived Vedic ideologies
•• His famous book: Satyarth
•• Eisleben, Saxony, Holy Roman
Prakash (1875)
Empire, Germany
•• German professor of theology, Duration, Place & Field :
priest, monk •• 6 July 1935
Martin •• Taktser, Qinghai, Republic of
Work :
Luther China
•• Key figure in the Protestant
•• Monk of the Gelug school
Reformation
Work :
•• Notable works: Ninety-five
Dalai Lama •• Nobel Peace Prize in 1989
Theses, Large Catechism,
(14th) •• Has written books on
Small Catechism, On the
Buddhism and Mahayanaand
Freedom of a Christian
Vajrayana topics.
•• Translated Bible into German •• Currently living in India as
Duration, Place & Field : an exile
•• July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564 Duration, Place & Field :
•• Noyon, France •• 12 January 1863 – 4 July
•• Theologian & Pastor 1902
Work : •• 3 Gourmohan Mukherjee
•• His main work is Institutes Street in Kolkata
John Calvin of the Christian Religion, Swami •• Hindu monk
published in Latin Vivekananda Work :
Duration, Place & Field : •• Introduced Indian philosophies
•• 1532–1623 of Vedanta and Yoga to the
•• Rajpur, Uttar Pradesh Western world
•• Poet-saint, Reformer and •• Revived Hinduism and
Philosopher Nationalism
Work : •• Attended Parliament of the
Tulsidas •• Famous literary works:
World’s Religions in Chicago
Ramcharitmanas, Vinaya in 1893.
Patrika, “geetawali”, Dohavali, •• Founder of Ramakrishna
Sahitya Ratna, Hanuman Chalisa Mission & Ramakrishna Math

•• 1835 -- 1918 •• 15 Aug 1872 – 5 Dec 1950
•• Spiritual master
Work : •• Kolkata, Bengal
•• Opponent of religious orthodoxy •• Yogi, Guru
•• He believed and propounded Work :
Sai Baba of Dhikr, Jnana Yoga, Karma Sri
Shirdi Yoga philosophy •• Founder of Sri Aurobindo
Aurobindo
Duration, Place & Field : Ashram, Auroville
•• 18 February 1836 – 16 •• His philosophies included:
August 1886 Integral Yoga, Involution,
•• Kamarpukur, Bengal
•• Indian mystic and yogi Evolution, Integral psychology,
Work : Intermediate zone, Supermind
Ramakrishna •• Exponent of Tantra, Vaishnava •• Literary works: The Life
Paramahamsa bhakti, and Advaita Vedanta
•• Chief disciple Swami Viveka- Divine, The Synthesis of
nanda Yoga, Savitri, Agenda
BUSINESS PERSONALITIES
•• 3 March 1839–-19 May 1904 •• Jan 31, 1924 – April 17, 2015
•• Navsari, Gujarat •• Pontiac, Michigan, US
•• Industrialist •• American real estate developer
Work : Work :
•• Founded the Tata Group, Adolph •• First time designed the
Jamshedji India’s biggest conglomerate Alfred modern indoor shopping mall
Nusserwanji company Taubman •• He has donated large sums
Tata •• Father of Indian Industry to the University of Michigan
•• Founder of Taj Mahal Hotel Duration, Place & Field :
in Mumbai •• 10 April 1894 – 11 June 1983
Duration, Place & Field : •• Pilani, Rajasthan
•• 28 December 1932 – 6 July •• Businessman
2002 Work :
•• Chorvad, Gujarat •• Established Hindustan Motors
•• Business tycoon Ghanshyam •• Conceptualized United
Work : Das Birla Commercial Bank Limited
•• Founded Reliance Industries, •• Elected to the Central
Dhirubhai Reliance Power, Reliance Capital Legislative Assembly of
Ambani •• Started the brand “Vimal” a British India in 1926
textile company Duration, Place & Field :
Duration, Place & Field : •• 29 July 1904 – 29 November
•• July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947 1993
•• Greenfield Township, Michigan, •• Paris, France
U.S •• Entrepreneur
•• American Industrialist Work :
Work : J. R. D. Tata •• Former Chairman of Tata Sons
Henry Ford •• Founder of Ford Motor •• First licensed pilot in India
Company (1929)
•• Instrumental in developing •• Founder of Tata Consultancy
charcoal briquets, under the Services, Tata Motors, Titan
brand name “Kingsford” Industries, Tata Tea, Voltas
•• He was first to introduce the and Air India
five 8 hours-day workweek •• He was awarded Bharat
in 1926 Ratna in 1992

•• 14 June 1967 •• 1 October 1955
•• Kolkata •• Amreli, Gujarat
•• Industrialist •• Businessman,
Work : Pharmaceuticals
Kumar •• Chairman of the Aditya Birla Dilip Work :
Mangalam Group Shanghvi •• Founder of Sun Pharmaceuticals
Birla •• Chancellor of the Birla •• One of the richest persons in
Institute of Technology & India with US$16.9 billion
Science (BITS-Pilani) •• Started Sun Pharmaceutical
•• Chairman of IIT, Delhi, Industries with capital of Rs
Chairman of Rhodes India 10,000 in 1982
Scholarship Committee for Duration, Place & Field :
Oxford University •• 24 June 1962
Duration, Place & Field : •• Ahmedabad, Gujarat
•• October 28, 1955 •• Business tycoon
•• Seattle, Washington, U.S. Work :
Gautam •• Founder and chairman of
•• American business magnate
Adani the Adani Group
Work :
•• A first generation entrepreneur
•• Co-founder of Microsoft
Bill Gates •• Richest person in the world •• Established India’s largest
commercial port the modern
with an estimated net worth
‘Mundra port’
of US$81.7 billion
•• Established Bill & Melinda Duration, Place & Field :
•• 28 October 1955
Gates Foundation, in 2000
•• Chennai, Tamil Nadu
•• American, business executive
•• 4 July 1968 Work :
•• Mumbai •• Current Chairperson and
Indra
•• Businessman Chief Executive Officer of
Krishna-
Work :
murthy Nooyi PepsiCo
Cyrus •• Ex-chairman the Tata group •• Consistently ranked among
Pallonji •• Served as the managing the World’s 100 Most
Mistry director of Shapoorji Pallonji Powerful Women
& Company •• Serves as an Honorary Co-Chair
•• According to The Economist, for the World Justice Project
‘the most important industria- Duration, Place & Field :
list in India, Britain & Ireland’ •• 15 June 1950
Duration, Place & Field : •• Sadulpur, Rajasthan
•• June 14, 1946 •• Steel magnate
•• Jamaica Estates, Queens, a Work :
neighbourhood in New York City Lakshmi •• Chairman & CEO of
•• American Businessman, Niwas Mittal Arcelor Mittal, Owner of
Donald
Trump television, Producer, Karrick Limited, Co-owner of
politician Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Work : •• Member of: the Indian Prime
•• Republican Party nominee who Minister’s Global Advisory
won President’s election of the Council, the Foreign Investment
United States in the 2016 Council in Kazakhstan, the
•• The chairman and president World Economic Forum’s
of ‘The Trump Organization’. International Business
•• Development of Trump Tower, a Council, and the Presidential
58-story skyscraper in Midtown International Advisory Board
Manhattan in 1983 of Mozambique

•• 24 July, 1945 •• 23 October 1957
•• Mumbai, Maharashtra •• Ludhiana, Punjab
•• Business tycoon •• Entrepreneur, philanthropist
Work : Work :
Azim •• Chairman of Wipro •• Founder & Chairman Bharti
Hashim •• Known as the Czar of the Sunil Bharti Enterprises
Premji Indian IT Industry Mittal •• Bharti Airtel
•• Twice listed among the 100 •• Bharti Foundation
most influential people by Duration, Place & Field :
TIME Magazine •• 14 July 1945
•• Moolaipozhi Village, Tuticorin
District, Tamil Nadu
•• 19 April 1957
•• Industrialist and philanthropist
•• Colony of Aden, Yemen
Work :
•• Business magnate Shiv Nadar •• Founder and chairman of
Work : the HCL & SSN Trust
Mukesh •• Chairman of Reliance Industries •• Padma Bhushan, 2008
Dhirubhai •• India’s richest man and Duration, Place & Field :
Ambani second-richest man in Asia
•• 28 Nov 1935
•• Fifth among India’s
•• Shikarpur, presently in Pakistan
philanthropists •• Business magnate, investor
•• 20 August 1946
Srichand •• Chairman, Hinduja Group
•• Mysore, Karnataka
Parmanand •• Acquired Ashok Leyland
•• IT Industrialist from British Leyland and
Hinduja
Work : Gulf Oil from Chevron
N. R. Narayana •• Chairman Emeritus Infosys
Murthy •• Co-founder of Infosys •• 10 June 1948
•• Father of Indian IT sector Time •• Araria, Bihar
magazine •• Businessman
•• He has written a book-- A Work :
Better India: A Better World •• Founder and Chairman of
Duration, Place & Field : Subrata Roy the Sahara India
•• 28 December 1937 •• Propounded the corporate
•• Surat, Gujarat philosophy of ‘Collective
•• Businessman, investor, Materialism’
philanthropist •• Famous book: Life Mantras
Ratan Naval Work : Duration, Place & Field :
Tata •• Interim chairman of Tata Sons, •• July 15, 1978
Chairman of Tata Group •• Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
•• Entrepreneur
•• Conceptualised the Tata
Work :
Nano car, Tata Indica
Vijay Shekhar •• Founder & CEO of Paytm
•• Founder: Tata DoCoMo, Tata
Sharma and One97 Communications
Teleservices Limited
•• August 19, 1967 •• 1973
•• Hyderabad, Telangana •• Rajasthan
•• American business executive •• Entrepreneur and business
Satya Work : executive
Narayana •• Chief executive officer (CEO) Pranay Work :
Nadella of Microsoft Chulet •• Co-founder and the CEO of
•• Pioneered the ‘Cloud computing’ Quikr
division of ‘Microsoft’ •• Founded Kijiji India

•• 5 August 1981 (Sachin Bansal) •• 31 October 1898-1972
•• Chandigarh •• Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
•• Internet entrepreneur •• Pharmaceutical Businessman
Sachin
Work :
Bansal Work :
•• Founder professor of the
& Binny •• Co-founder & Executive Dr. Khwaja Jamia Milia Islamia in Aligarh
Bansal Chairman of Flipkart Abdul •• Founder of Cipla, India’s oldest
•• Entrepreneur of the year – Hamied pharmaceutical company in
ET Awards (2012–2013) 1935
DISCOVERERS & INVENTORS

•• January 17, 1706 - April 17, •• 18 March 1858– 29
1790 September 1913
•• Milk Street, Boston, •• Paris, France
Massachusetts, US •• German inventor and
Benjamin •• Scientist, Inventor mechanical engineer
Rudolf
Franklin Work : Work :
Diesel
•• Franklin stove •• Invented diesel engine
•• He was the first person to Duration, Place & Field :
give electricity positive and •• 14 August 1888 – 14 June
negative charges 1946
•• The first flexible urinary •• Helensburgh,
catheter Dunbartonshire, Scotland,
•• Glass harmonica UK
•• Bifocal glasses John Logie •• Scottish engineer, innovator
Duration, Place & Field : Baird Work :
•• 18 February 1745 – 5 March •• Invented television
1827 •• First recording device
•• Como, Italy Duration, Place & Field :
•• Italian physicist, chemist •• 18 November 1787 – 10 July
Alessandro Work : 1851
Volta •• Invented the first electroche- •• Cormeilles-en-Parisis, Val-
mical battery cell d’Oise, France
•• Discovered methane Louis- •• French artist and photogra-
Duration, Place & Field : Jacques- pher
•• April 27, 1791 – April 2, Mandé Work :
1872 Daguerre •• Invented daguerreotype
•• Painter and inventor process of photography
•• Charlestown, Massachusetts, •• One of the fathers of
USA photography
Samuel Work : Duration, Place & Field :
Morse •• Single telegraph wire •• 9 June 1781 – 12 August 1848
•• Morse code •• Wylam, Northumberland,
Duration, Place & Field : England
•• November 25, 1844 – April •• English civil engineer and
4, 1929 mechanical engineer
•• Baden-Württemberg, Germany George Work :
•• Engine designer and automobile Stephenson •• Built the first public inter-
Karl Benz engineer city railway line in the world
Work : to use steam locomotives
•• Invented petrol-powered car •• Father of Railways

•• 29 Sept 1901 – 28 Nov 1954 •• 6 October 1893 – 16
•• Rome, Italy February 1956
•• Italian physicist •• Shaoratoli, Dhaka
Work : •• Astrophysicist
Enrico Meghnad Work :
•• Inventor of the nuclear reactor
Fermi Saha •• Thermal ionisation
•• Discovered induced radioactivity •• Saha ionization equation
•• 8 June 1955 •• 1451 – 20 May 1506
•• London, England •• Genoa, Republic of Genoa
•• English computer scientist •• Italian explorer, navigator
Work : Work :
Tim Berners Christopher •• Discovered the “New World”
•• Inventing the World Wide
Lee Columbus of the America
Web
•• Developed the http:// Duration, Place & Field :
protocol for the internet •• 1460s – 24 December 1524
Duration, Place & Field : •• Sines, Alentejo, Kingdom of
Portugal
•• April 23, 1941 – March 5,
•• Portuguese explorer
2016 Vasco da Work :
•• Amsterdam, New York, U.S. Gama •• Discovered the sea route to
Work : India
Raymond •• Invented the first email •• First to link Europe and Asia
Tomlinson
system by an ocean route
•• 29 December 1813 – 29 June •• 17 May 1749 – 26 January 1823
1890 •• Berkeley, Gloucestershire,
•• Suffolk Street, Birmingham, England
England •• English physician and scientist
Edward Work :
Alexander •• Metallurgist and inventor Jenner
Parkes •• Pioneer of smallpox vaccine,
Work :
the world’s first vaccine
•• Created Parkesine, the first
man-made plastic
•• 1254– January 8–9, 1324
Duration, Place & Field : •• Venice, Republic of Venice
•• 1398 – February 3, 1468 •• Traveller
•• Mainz, Germany Marco Polo Work :
•• Blacksmith, goldsmith, •• First European to reach China
printer, and publisher Duration, Place & Field :
Johannes Work : •• 19 March 1813– 1 May 1873
Gutenberg •• Introduced mechanical movable •• Blantyre, South Lanarkshire,
type printing to Europe Scotland, United Kingdom
•• Invented movable-type printing •• Explorer
David Work :
press Livingstone •• Exploration of Africa
•• 5 February 1840 – 23
•• 24 March 1733 – 6 February
October 1921
1804
•• Dreghorn, North Ayrshire, •• Batley in the West Riding of
Scotland Yorkshire
John Boyd •• Scottish Inventor
Joseph •• Chemist
Dunlop
Work : Priestley Work :
•• Re-invented pneumatic tyres •• Discovered Oxygen

ARTISTS
•• 17 September 1915 – 9 June •• 25 July 1925 – 2 July 2009
2011 •• Kapadvanj, Kheda district,
•• Pandharpur, Maharashtra Gujarat.
•• Indian painter of •• Painting
Maqbool international acclaim Tyeb Mehta Work :
Fida Husain Work : •• Filmfare Critics Award in
•• Founding member of The 1970
Progressive Artists Group of •• celebration at Christie’s,
Bombay (PAG). Gesture, Kali
•• Meenaxi a tale of three cities Duration, Place & Field :
through the eyes of a painter •• 28 September 1929
Duration, Place & Field : •• Indore, Madhya Pradesh
•• 22 February 1922 – 23 July •• Playback singer
2016 Work :
•• Babaria, Narsinghpur district, Lata •• She has recorded songs for
Madhya Pradesh Mangeshkar over a thousand Hindi films
S. H. Raza •• Painter and has sung songs in over
Work : thirty-six regional Indian
•• Saurashtra is his famous work languages and foreign
•• Founder of Raza Foundation languages
Duration, Place & Field : •• Dadasaheb Phalke Award,
•• 12 April 1924 – 28 March 2002 1889, Bharat Ratna 2001,
•• Saligao, Goa Padma Vibhushan 1999,
•• Painting, Drawing Padma Bhushan 1969
•• Founding member of the •• 24 December 1924 – 31 July
Francis Progressive Artists’ Group of 1980
Newton Bombay •• Kotla Sultan Singh, Punjab
Souza •• Famous works: Birth (1955) •• Playback singer
•• First post-independence Mohammed Work :
Indian artist to achieve high Rafi •• Sang about 7,400 songs in
recognition in the West many languages
Duration, Place & Field : •• Sang songs in English, Farsi,
•• 14 December 1924 – 2 June Arabic, Sinhalese, Creole &
1988 Dutch
•• Peshawar, North-West Frontier •• Padma Shri, 1967
Province, British India (now in Duration, Place & Field :
Raj Kapoor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan) •• 8 September 1933
•• Actor, Producer & Director •• Sangli, Maharashtra
Work : •• Playback Singer, Vocalist
•• The greatest showman of Work :
Indian cinema Asha Bhosle •• Sung for over a thousand
•• Famous works: Awaara, Bollywood movies
Shree 420, Mera Naam Joker •• Acknowledged by the
•• Founder of R. K. Films studio Guinness Book of World
•• Padma Bhushan in 1971, Records as the most recorded
Dadasaheb Phalke Award artist in music history
in 1987, Best Director of •• Dadasaheb Phalke Award in
the Millennium by Stardust 2000, Padma Vibhushan in
Awards 2008.

•• 4 August 1929 – 13 October •• 6 January 1967
1987 •• Chennai, Tamil Nadu
•• Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh •• Composer, singer-song writer,
•• Playback singer music producer, musician
Work : Allah- Work :
Kishore •• He won 8 Filmfare Awards •• Known as the Mozart of Madras
Kumar Rakha (AR)
for Best Male Playback Singer. Rahman •• His awards include: Two
•• Kishore Kumar Award is Academy Awards, two
established in his name by Grammy Awards, a BAFTA
Govt. of Madhya Pradesh Award, a Golden Globe, four
Duration, Place & Field : National Film Awards, fifteen
•• 16 September 1916 – 11 Filmfare Awards, thirteen
December 2004 Filmfare Awards South
•• Madurai, Madras Presidency Duration, Place & Field :
•• Classical vocalist •• Apr 30, 1944
Work : •• Mumbai
Madurai •• First musician ever to be
Shanmukhavadivu •• Classical dancer
Subbulakshmi awarded the Bharat Ratna, Work :
•• First Indian musician to Sonal •• Founder of Centre for Indian
receive the Ramon Magsaysay Mansingh Classical Dances (CICD) in
award New Delhi
Duration, Place & Field : •• Padma Bhushan,1992, Sangeet
•• 14 September 1956 Natak Akademi Award, 1987 ,
•• Chennai, Tamil Nadu Padma Vibhushan 2003
•• Indian classical dancer and Duration, Place & Field :
choreographer •• 21 May 1954
Work : •• Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Alarmel •• Exponent of Pandanallur
•• Classical and contemporary
Valli style of Bharatnatyam
dancer
•• Participated in BBC’s The
Work :
Spirit of Asia Series
Anita •• Director, Arangham Interactive,
Duration, Place & Field : Ratnam Chennai
•• 9 May 1954 •• Founder www.narthaki.com,
•• Ahmedabad, Gujarat
a portal for Indian dance
•• Cassical dancer
•• Known for using her arts •• 20 December 1940
for social change and •• Madanapalli, Andhra Pradesh
Mallika
transformation •• Classical Dance
Sarabhai
•• Played the role of Draupadi Work :
in the Peter Brook’s play The Mungara Yamini
•• Resident dancer of the Tirumala
Mahabharata Krishnamurthy Tirupati Devasthanam
Duration, Place & Field : •• Autobiography: A Passion
•• 4 February 1938 For Dance
•• Classical music Duration, Place & Field :
•• Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh •• 1 November 1973
Work : •• Mangalore, Karnataka
•• Actress, Model
Pandit Birju •• Exponent of the Lucknow
Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Work :
Maharaj
Kathak dance •• Winner of the Miss World
•• Founder of Kalashram Aishwarya 1994 pageant
•• Padma Vibhushan 1986, Rai •• Goodwill Ambassador for the
Sangeet Natak Akademi Joint United Nations Programme
Award, Kalidas Samman on AIDS (UNAIDS)

•• 1253–1325 CE •• 11 December 1922
•• Patiyali in Etah, Uttar •• Peshawar, now in Pakistan
Pradesh •• Film, acting
•• Sufi musician, poet and scholar Work :
Amīr Work : •• His career has spanned over
Dilip Kumar six decades and with over 60
Khusrow •• Invented musical instruments
films
like the sitar and tabla •• Padma Vibhushan 2015, Padma
•• Regarded as the father of Bhushan 1991, Nishan-e-Imtiaz
Qawwali 1997 (Pakistan’s highest civilian
•• Originator of the khayal and award)
tarana styles of music Duration, Place & Field :
Duration, Place & Field : •• 8 February 1941 – 10
•• 11 October 1942 October 2011
•• Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh •• Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan
•• Actor •• Ghazal singer, composer and
Work : musician
Jagjit Singh Work :
Amitabh •• Known as, angry young man
& Shahenshah of Bollywood •• Known as the Ghazal King
Bachchan
•• Has appeared in over 180 •• Popularised ghazal
Indian films •• His 1987 album, Beyond
Time, was the first digitally
•• Hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati
recorded release in India
•• Padma Bhushanin 2001 and
the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 Duration, Place & Field :
•• 13 January 1938
Duration, Place & Field : •• Jammu, Singer
•• 1926–2011 •• Santoor player
•• Sadiya, Assam Work :
•• Lyricist, musician, singer, poet Pandit •• Made the Santoor as a
Work : Shivkumar popular Classical Instrument
Bhupen •• His songs, based on the themes Sharma •• Famous background music--
Hazarika of communal amity, universal Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje
justice and empathy •• Honorary citizenship of the
•• Sangeet Natak Akademi city of Baltimore, USA, 1985,
Award 1987, Padmabhushan, the Sangeet Natak Akademi
2001, Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1986, Padma
Vibhushan 2001
Award 1992
•• Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Duration, Place & Field :
•• 17 December 1770– 26
Akademi from December 1998
March 1827
to December 2003
•• Bonn, Electorate of Cologne
Duration, Place & Field : •• German composer
•• 30 April 1870 – 16 February Work :
Ludwig van
1944 •• Best-known compositions:
Beethoven 9 symphonies, 5 piano
•• Tryambakeshwar, Nashik
•• Producer-director-screen- concertos, 1 violin concerto,
writer 32 piano sonatas, 16 string
quartets
Dadasaheb Work :
Phalke •• Father of Indian cinema Duration, Place & Field :
•• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, •• 15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519
for lifetime contribution to •• Vinci, Italy
•• Painting, sculpting,
cinema, instituted in his honour
•• Architecture
by the Govt. of India in 1969. Work :
•• He made Raja Harishchandra, Leonardo •• Mona Lisa , The Last Supper,
1913, India’s first full-length da Vinci The Vitruvian Man, Lady
feature film with an Ermine

•• June 1, 1926– August 5, 1962 •• 25 October 1881 – 8 April
•• Los Angeles, California, U.S 1973
•• American actress and model •• Málaga, Spain
Work : •• Spanish painter, sculptor
•• Dumb blonde characters Pablo
Work :
•• Founder of Marilyn Monroe Picasso
Marilyn •• Co-founded the Cubist
Productions (MMP) movement, invented construct-
Monroe •• Recognised by the American ed sculpture.
Film Institute as the sixth
•• Proto-Cubist Les Demoiselles
greatest female movie star
d’Avignon 1907, Guernica
of all time.
1937.
•• 24 October 1921 – 26
January 2015 •• December 5, 1901 –
•• Mysore, Karnataka December 15, 1966
•• Cartoonist, illustrator, and •• Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
humorist •• American animator, voice
R. K. Walt Disney actor and film producer
Laxman Work :
•• The Common Man Work :
•• Laxman’s writings include: •• Founded Disney Brothers
Servants of India, The Hotel Studio
Riviera, The Messenger, autobio- •• Mickey Mouse
graphy- The Tunnel of Time •• Established Disneyland
SPORTS PERSONALITIES
•• 10 June 1955 •• 8 July 1972
•• Udupi district of Karnataka •• Behala, Kolkata
•• Badminton •• Cricket
Work : Work :
•• Co-founders of Olympic Gold •• 3rd batsman in history to cross
Prakash Quest Sourav the 10,000 run landmark
Padukone •• Served as the chairman of the Ganguly •• He was involved in the
Badminton Association of India highest partnership of 318
•• Won his first major runs with Rahul Dravid in
international title, 1978 1999 Cricket World Cup
Commonwealth Games in Duration, Place & Field :
Edmonton, Canada. •• 1929
•• The first Indian to win the •• Muzaffargarh District currently
men’s singles title at the All in Pakistan
England Championship. •• Track and field sprinter
•• 16 November 1973 Milkha •• Gold medals in the 1958 and
•• Nagandla, Prakasam district, Singh 1962 Asian Games
Andhra Pradesh •• First Indian athlete to win
•• Badminton player an individual athletics gold
Work : medal at a Commonwealth
Pullela •• Chief National Coach for the Games
Indian Badminton team •• 4th place finish in the 400
Gopichand
•• Won the All England Open metres final at the 1960
Badminton Championships Olympic Games
in 2001 •• Appointed as Director of
•• Founder of Gopichand Sports in the Punjab Ministry
Badminton Academy of Education

•• 1 March 1983 •• 10 July 1949
•• Kangathei, Manipur •• Mumbai, Maharashtra
•• Boxer •• Cricketer
Work : Work :
•• Five-time World Amateur
Mary Kom •• The first person to score
Boxing champion Sunil
•• Only woman boxer to have centuries in both innings of
Gavaskar a Test match three times
won a medal in each one of
the six world championships •• The first Test batsman to
•• The first Indian woman score 10,000 Test Runs
boxer to get a Gold Medal in •• Interim BCCI President
the Asian Games in 2014 in primarily to oversee 7th Season
Incheon, South Korea. of Indian Premier League
Duration, Place & Field : •• Books: Sunny Days (autobio-
•• 27 June 1964 graphy), Idols, Runs n’ Ruins
•• Payyoli, Kozhikode, Kerala and One Day Wonders
•• Track and field athlete Duration, Place & Field :
Work :
•• 6 January 1959
•• Nicknamed as the Payyoli
Express •• Chandigarh, Punjab
P. T. Usha
•• Founder of Usha School of •• Cricketer
Athletics at Koyilandy Work :
•• Won silver medal in the 100m Kapil Dev •• Captained the Indian cricket
and the 200m, New Delhi Asian team which won the 1983
Games, 1982, Won gold in Cricket World Cup
400m in Asian Track and Field •• Only player in the history
Championship (ATF), Kuwait of cricket to have taken
1983, From 1983–89, Usha more than 400 wickets (434
garnered 13 golds at ATF meets,
wickets) and scored more
Won 4 gold medals and 1 silver
medal in the track and field than 5,000 runs in Tests
events in 10th Asian Games, •• The youngest test cricketer
Seoul in 1986, Won five gold to take 100, 200 and 300
medals at the 6th Asian Track wickets
and Field Championship in Duration, Place & Field :
Jakarta, 1985 •• 24 April 1973
Duration, Place & Field : •• Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra
•• 5 July 1995 •• Cricket
•• Hyderabad, Telangana Work :
•• Badminton Sachin •• Regarded as the greatest
Work : Tendulkar
batsman of all time
Pusarla •• Bronze medal at the 2009 •• Only player to have scored
Venkata Sub-Junior Asian Badminton one hundred international
Sindhu Championships, Colombo
centuries
•• Silver in the women’s singles
•• First batsman to score a
at Iran Fajr International
double century in a One Day
Badminton Challenge, 2010,
International
Won Asia Youth Under-19
Championship, 2012, India’s •• Bharat Ratna, 2013
first medalist in women’s •• Nominated to the Rajya
singles at the Badminton World Sabha
Championships, Macau Open •• Sponsors 200 underprivileged
Grand Prix Gold title, 2013. children every year through
•• Won silver medal in the Apnalaya, a Mumbai-based NGO
women’s singles event of the •• Autobiography: Playing It
2016 Summer Olympics at Rio. My Way

•• 11 January 1973 •• 29 August 1905 – 3 December
•• Indore, Madhya Pradesh 1979
•• Cricket
•• Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
Work :
•• The Player of the Year and •• Hockey
Dhyan Work :
Rahul the Test Player of the Year
Chand
Dravid awards at the inaugural ICC •• Three Olympic gold medals
awards ceremony in 2004. (1928, 1932, and 1936) in
•• The first and the only player field hockey
till date to score a century
•• Scored more than 400 goals
in all the ten Test-playing
countries during his international career
Duration, Place & Field : •• His birthday, i.e. 29 August,
•• 14 January 1977 is celebrated as National
•• Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu sports day in India.
•• Formula One motor racing Duration, Place & Field :
driving •• 16 July 1968
Work :
Narain •• Khadki, Pune, Maharashtra
•• First Formula One motor racing
Karthikeyan driver from India, 1994 •• Field Hockey
•• 1st British Formula Ford Work :
Winter Series, 1994, 1st •• Presently the manager of the
Dhanraj
Formula Asia, 1996 Indian hockey team
Pillay
Duration, Place & Field : •• Member of the ad hoc
•• 16 November 1930 – 11
committee of Indian Hockey
June 1997
•• Purulia, West Bengal Federation
•• Swimming •• Only player to have played in
Work : four Olympics, four World Cups,
Mihir Sen •• The first Indian to conquer four Champions Trophies, and
the English Channel from four Asian Games
Dover to Calais in 1958
•• Under his captaincy. India
•• Only man to have swum the
Oceans of the five continents won the Asian Games (1998)
in one calendar year (1966) and Asia Cup (2003)
•• Guinness Book of World Duration, Place & Field :
Records •• 15 December 1976
•• Blitz Nehru Trophy in 1967 •• Tinkitam, Sikkim
by the Govt of India •• Football
Baichung
•• 17 April 1961
Bhutia •• Three-time Indian Player of
•• Delhi
•• Billiards the Year
Work : •• Won the Nehru Cup, LG Cup,
•• Won the IBSF World Amateur SAFF Championship three
Geet Siriram Billiards Championships in times and the AFC Challenge
Sethi 1985, World Professional Cup
Billiards Champion: 1992, •• First Indian athlete to boycott
1993, 1995, 1998, 2006
the Olympic torch relay
•• Took the Indian National
Snooker Championships in support of the Tibetan
four times back to back independence movement.
•• World’s first amateur •• Founder Bhaichung Bhutia
maximum break of 147 Football Schools, Delhi

•• 28 September 1982 •• 16 August 2004
•• Dehradun, Uttarakhand •• Israna, Panipat district, Haryana
•• Shooting •• Golf
Work : Work :
•• First Indian to win an Shubham •• Won the Junior World Golf
Abhinav
individual gold medal at Jaglan
Bindra Championships in 2015,
the Olympic Games, 2008
2013 World Masters of
Beijing Olympic Games
•• Won Gold Medal in 2014 Junior Golf, 2016 European
Commonwealth Games at Junior Championship
Glasgow Duration, Place & Field :
Duration, Place & Field : •• 3 September 1992
•• 17 June 1973 •• Rohtak, Haryana
•• Kolkata, West Bengal •• Freestyle wrestler
•• Tennis Sakshi Work :
Work : Malik •• First Indian female wrestler
•• Won eight doubles and ten to win a medal at the
Leander mixed doubles Grand Slam titles Olympics
Adrian Paes •• Won a bronze medal for
•• Won the bronze medal in
India in singles in the 1996
the 58 kg category, 2016 Rio
Atlanta Olympic Games
Olympics
•• Holds the record for the
most Davis Cup doubles •• Silver medal at the 2014
wins with 42 victories Commonwealth Games in
Duration, Place & Field : Glasgow, bronze medal at
•• 7 June 1974 the 2015 Asian Wrestling
•• Chennai Championships, Doha
•• Tennis Duration, Place & Field :
Work : •• 11 December 1969
Mahesh •• The first Indian to win a •• Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu
Shrinivas Grand Slam tournament •• Chess
Bhupathi •• Founder of International Work :
Premier Tennis League
•• Won three doubles titles with Viswanathan •• India’s first grandmaster, 1988
Anand •• Held the FIDE World Chess
Leander Paes, including the
French Open and Wimbledon Championship from 2000 to
•• Won four men’s doubles and 2002
eight mixed doubles Grand •• Five time winner of the
Slam titles World Chess Championship
Duration, Place & Field : and was World No.1 from
•• 15 November 1986 2007 to 2013
•• Mumbai, Maharashtra Duration, Place & Field :
•• Tennis •• 1 June 1975
Work : •• Amadalavalasa, Srikakulam,
Sania Mirza •• Currently ranked No. 1 in the Andhra Pradesh
women’s doubles rankings •• Weightlifting
•• Won a total of 14 medals Karnam
Work :
(including 6 Gold) at three Malleswari
•• Won the world title in the 54
major multi-sport events,
kg division in 1994 and 1995
namely the Asian Games, the
Commonwealth Games and •• Bronze medal at the 2000
the Afro-Asian Games. Olympics
•• First female from India to be •• The first Indian woman to
seeded at a Grand Slam, 2006 win an Olympic medal

•• 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016 •• 2 May 1975
•• Louisville, Kentucky, U.S •• Leytonstone, London, England
•• Boxing •• Football
Work : Work :
•• At age 18, he won a gold David •• The first English player to
Muhammad medal in the light heavyweight Beckham win league titles in four
Ali division, 1960 Summer countries: England, Spain,
Olympics, Rome, At age 22 in the United States and France
1964, he won the WBA and
•• Won the Premier League title
WBC heavyweight titles
six times, the FA Cup twice,
•• Recorded 56 wins of which
and the UEFA Champions
37 came in knockout and 5
losses League in 1999
•• The first British footballer to
play 100 UEFA Champions
•• 27 August 1908 – 25
February 2001 League games
•• Cootamundra, New South Duration, Place & Field :
Wales, Australia •• 3 January 1969
•• Cricket •• Hürth, West Germany
Don Work : •• Racing driver
Bradman •• Career Test batting average Work :
of 99.94 Michael •• Seven-time Formula One
•• Highest ratio of centuries per Schumacher World Champion
innings played: 36.25%, Most •• Best Driver ESPY Award -
runs in one day’s play: 309, 2005-2002, Bambi-Millenium
Most double centuries: 12 Award – 2014, Laureus World
Duration, Place & Field : Sports Award for Sportsman
•• February 17, 1963 of the Year - 2004-2002
•• Brooklyn, New York Duration, Place & Field :
•• Basketball •• 2 May 1969
Work :
Michael •• Five Most Valuable Player •• Santa Cruz, Trinidad and Tobago
Jeffrey •• Cricket
(MVP) Awards, ten All-NBA
Jordan First Team designations, six Work :
NBA Finals MVP Awards, Brian •• Record for the highest
and the 1988 NBA Defensive Charles Lara individual score in first-class
Player of the Year Award. cricket, with 501 not out at
•• Played with two Olympic gold Edgbaston, 1994
medal-winning American •• Record for the highest
basketball teams individual score in a Test
Duration, Place & Field : innings after scoring 400
•• 30 October 1960 not out against England at
•• Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina Antigua in 2004.
•• Football
•• Only batsman to have ever
Work :
scored a hundred, a double
Diego •• Joint FIFA Player of the 20th
century, a triple century, a
Maradona Century with Pelé
•• In his international career quadruple century and a
with Argentina, he earned quintuple century in first
91 caps and scored 34 goals. class games
•• Known as “The Golden Boy” •• Nicknamed as “The Prince of
•• Won 1986 World Cup in Port of Spain” or simply “The
Mexico as captain Prince”.

•• 7 March 1952 •• July 1, 1961
•• St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda •• Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
•• Cricket •• Track and field athlete
Work : Work :
Sir Vivian •• 8,540 runs in 121 Test Carl Lewis •• Won 10 Olympic medals,
Richards matches at an average of including nine gold, and
50.23, including 24 centuries 10 World Championships
•• As a captain, he won 27 of 50 medals, including eight gold.
Test matches and lost only 8 •• Set world records in the 100 m,
•• Knighted for his contribu- 4 × 100 m and 4 × 200 m relays
tions to cricket
Duration, Place & Field : •• 3 June 1986
•• 14 June 1969
•• Manacor, Balearic Islands,
•• Mannheim, Baden-Württem-
Spain
berg, West Germany
•• Tennis
•• Tennis Rafael Work :
Work : Nadal
Steffi Graf •• Won 22 Grand Slam singles •• Currently ranked world No. 6
titles •• Titled “The King of Clay”
•• The first and only tennis •• Won 14 Grand Slam singles
player (male or female) to titles, the 2008 Olympic gold
achieve the Golden Slam medal in singles, 28 titles
by winning all four Grand in ATP World Tour Masters
Slam singles titles and the 1000 events, and 17 ATP
Olympic gold medal in the World Tour 500tournaments
same calendar year in 1988 (a record tied with Roger
•• The only tennis player to Federer).
have won each Grand Slam •• Won the 2014 French Open
event at least 4 times. •• Won Barcelona Open in 2016.
SPACE TRAVELERS
•• August 5, 1930 – August 25, •• 9 March 1934 – 27 March
2012 1968
•• Wapakoneta, Ohio, U.S. •• Klushino, Russian SFSR
•• Astronaut •• Cosmonaut
Neil
Work : Yuri Gagarin Work :
•• First person to walk on the •• The first human to journey
Armstrong Moon into outer space
•• Commander of Apollo 11, •• Hero of the Soviet Union
the first manned Moon •• Became deputy training
landing mission in July 1969. director of the Cosmonaut
•• Awarded the Presidential Medal Training Centre
of Freedom, Congressional Duration, Place & Field :
Space Medal of Honour in 1978 •• October 31, 1930
Duration, Place & Field : •• Rome, Italy
•• 29 August 1959 •• Astronaut and test pilot
•• Sarnia, Ontario, Canada Work :
•• Astronaut Michael •• Flew into space twice
Chris Work : Collins •• The fourth person, and third
Hadfield •• The first Canadian to walk in American, to perform an EVA
space (Extravehicular activity)
•• He spent 14 hours 53 minutes •• Vice President of LTV
and 38 seconds in space Aerospace, 1980

•• 13 January 1949 •• January 20, 1930
•• Patiala, Punjab •• Mountainside Hospital, Glen
•• Air Force Pilot & Astronaut Ridge, New Jersey, U.S.
Rakesh Work : •• Astronaut
Sharma •• The first Indian to travel in Buzz Aldrin
Work :
space
•• One of the first two humans
•• He spent 7 days 21 hours and
to land on the Moon, and the
40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7
second person to walk on it
•• Conferred with the honour of
Hero of Soviet Union, Ashoka •• Set foot on the Moon at
Chakra 03:15:16 on July 21, 1969
Duration, Place & Field : (UTC), following mission
•• March 17, 1962– February commander Neil Armstrong
1, 2003 •• Books: Return to Earth
•• Karnal, Punjab (1973), Men From Earth
•• Astronaut (1989), Reaching for the
Kalpana Work : Moon (2005), Look to the
Chawla
•• The first woman of Indian Stars (2009) and Magnificent
origin in space Desolation (2009)
•• First flew on Space Shuttle Duration, Place & Field :
Columbia in 1997 •• October 17, 1956
•• Died in the Space Shuttle •• Decatur, Alabama, U.S
Columbia disaster on February
•• Astronaut
1, 2003
Work :
Mae C. •• The first African-American
•• September 19, 1965
Jemison woman to travel in space
•• Euclid, Ohio
•• Astronaut •• Holds nine honorary
Work : doctorates in science,
Sunita •• Holds the records for total engineering, letters, and the
Williams spacewalks by a woman humanities
(seven) and most spacewalk •• Current principal of the 100
time for a woman (50 hours, Year Starship
40 minutes). Duration, Place & Field :
•• As of March 2016, Williams •• July 18, 1921
has made seven spacewalks •• Cambridge, Ohio, U.S.
•• She carried the Hindu holy •• Astronaut
book Bhagavad Gita during Work :
space flights John Glen
•• On February 20, 1962,
Glenn flew the Friendship 7
•• November 19, 1956
mission and became the first
•• Elmira, New York, U.S.
American to orbit the Earth
•• Astronaut
Work : and the fifth person in space
•• First female pilot and first •• Congressional Space Medal
female commander of a of Honor in 1978
Eileen
Collins Space Shuttle. •• Flew as a Payload Specialist
•• Spent 38 days 8 hours and on Discovery mission STS-
10 minutes in outer space 95.

LITERARY PERSONALITIES Duration, Place & Field :
Duration, Place & Field : •• November 9, 1877 – April
21, 1938
•• Between the 12th and 8th
•• Sialkot, Punjab
Century BC
•• Poet
•• Ionia, Smyrna
Work :
•• Greek Poet Muhammad
Homer •• Spiritual father of Pakistan
Work : Iqbal
•• Asrar-e-Khudi, 1915, Rumuz-
•• Iliad and the Odyssey
i-Bekhudi, Payam-i-Mashriq,
•• Author of the first known Zabur-i-Ajam. Bang-i-Dara,
literature of Europe Bal-i-Jibril, Zarb-i Kalim and
Duration, Place & Field : a part of Armughan-e-Hijaz,
•• c. 1265 – 1321 Sare Jahan Se Achcha
•• Florence, Republic of Florence, Duration, Place & Field :
Italy •• 1440 CE- 1518 CE
Dante •• Italian poet •• Lahartara, Kashi Varanasi
Work : •• Weaver, poet
•• Divine Comedy Work :
•• The Father of the Italian Kabir •• Influenced the Bhakti
language movement, Sant Mat and
Duration, Place & Field : Kabir Panth movements.
•• 1551 – 12 August 1602 Having hymns included in
the Guru Granth Sahib
•• Agra, Uttar Pradesh
•• His verses are found in
•• Vizier of the Mughal Sikhism’s scripture Adi Granth
Abul Fazl emperor Akbar, and author Duration, Place & Field :
Work : •• 4th century AD
•• Akbarnama, Ain-i-Akbari •• Classical Sanskrit writer
•• 27 December 1797 – 15 •• Abhijnānaśākuntalam,
Raghuvaṃśa, Meghadūta,
February 1869 Kalidasa
Vikramōrvaśīyam,
•• Kala Mahal, Agra Kumārasambhava
•• Urdu and Persian poet Duration, Place & Field :
Ghalib
Work : •• 31 July 1880– 8 October 1936
•• Ghazal, Qasida, Rubai, Qat’aa •• Lamhi, a village near Banaras
•• The last great poet of the •• Modern Hindi-Urdu literature
Mughal Era Work :
•• Known as Upanyas Samrat
Munshi •• Godaan, Bazaar-e-Husn,
•• 5000 years ago
•• Damauli of Tanahi district, Premchand Karmabhoomi, Shatranj ke
khiladi, Gaban
now in Nepal
•• Author
•• 26 June 1838–8 April 1894
Work : •• 24 Parganas, Naihati, Bengal
Ved Vyasa •• Classified the Vedas •• Bengali writer, poet and
•• The Mahabharata journalist
•• Guru Purnima, is dedicated Work :
Bankim
to him, and also known as Chandra •• Composed India’s national
the Vyasa Purnima it is the Chatterjee song Vande Mataram
day, which is believed to be •• Anandamath, Durgeshn-ondini,
his birthday. Kapalkundala, Mrinalini

•• 15 September 1876 – 16 •• 24 November 1961
January 1938 •• Shillong, Meghalaya
•• Devanandapur, Hooghly, •• Author, Writer
West Bengal
Work :
Sarat •• Bengali novelist Arundhati
Chandra Work : Roy •• Won the Man Booker Prize
Chatterjee •• Palli Samaj, Choritrohin, for Fiction in 1997, Sydney
Devdas, Nishkriti, Srikanta, Peace Prize (2004), Norman
Griha Daha, Sesh Prasna and Mailer Prize, 2011
Sesher Parichay •• The God of Small Things,
Duration, Place & Field : The End of Imagination,
•• 1478 AD- 1581 AD Power Politics, An Ordinary
•• Runakta,Mathura Person’s Guide To Empire,
•• Saint, poet and musician
The Checkbook and the
Work :
Cruise Missile
•• Sur Sagar, Sur-Saravali, Sahitya-
Surdas Lahiri Duration, Place & Field :
•• Considered a saguna bhakti poet •• 12 December 1905 – 28
Duration, Place & Field : September 2004
•• 500 century BCE •• Peshawar currently in Pakistan
•• Banks of the Ganges in ancient •• Writer
Mulk Raj
India Work :
Anand
•• Harbinger-poet in Sanskrit •• First writers to incorporate
literature Punjabi and Hindustani
Valmiki Work :
idioms into English
•• Adi Kavi, Maharishi
•• Untouchable (1935), Coolie
•• Works: Ramayana, Yoga Vasistha
Duration, Place & Field : (1936), Two Leaves and
•• 7 May 1861 – 7 August 1941 a Bud (1937), The Village
•• Jorasanko mansion, Kolkata (1939), Across the Black
•• Author, poet Waters (1939), The Sword
Work : and the Sickle (1942),
Rabindranath •• Known as Gurudev The Big Heart (1945), The
Tagore •• The first non-European to win Private Life of an Indian
the Nobel Prize in Literature Prince (1953)
in 1913
•• Gitanjali, Gora, Ghare-Baire,
•• 10 October 1906 – 13 May
Rabindra Sangeet, Amar
Shonar Bangla 2001
•• Composed national anthems •• Chennai, Tamil Nadu
of India’s Jana Gana Mana •• Author, Writer
R. K. Narayan
and Bangladesh’s Amar Work :
Shonar Bangla •• Swami and Friends, The
Duration, Place & Field : Bachelor of Arts, The Dark
•• 20 June 1952 Room, The English Teacher, Mr.
•• Kolkata, West Bengal Sampath, The Financial Expert,
•• Novelist and poet
Waiting for the Mahatma,
Work :
The Guide, The Man-Eater of
Vikram Seth •• A Suitable Boy, The Golden Malgudi, The Vendor of Sweets,
Gate, An Equal Music, A
Suitable Girl. Malgudi Days

•• 19 June 1947 •• 23 November 1897 – 1 August
•• Mumbai, Maharashtra 1999
•• British Indian novelist and •• Kishoreganj, Bangladesh
essayist •• Writer
Salman Work : Work :
Rushdie •• Won the Booker Prize in Nirad
•• The Autobiography of
1981for Midnight’s Children Chandra
an Unknown Indian, The
•• Grimus (1975), Midnight’s Chaudhuri
Continent of Circe, Thy
Children (1981), Shame Hand, Great Anarch!, Three
(1983), The Satanic Verses Horsemen of the New
(1988), The Moor’s Last Sigh Apocalypse, The Intellectual
(1995), The Ground Beneath
in India (1967), To Live or
Her Feet (1999), Fury
Not to Live (1971), Scholar
(2001), Shalimar the Clown
Extraordinary, Culture in the
(2005), The Enchantress of
Vanity Bag (1976), Clive of
Florence (2008), Two Years
India (1975), Hinduism: A
Eight Months and Twenty-
Eight Nights (2015) Religion to Live by (1979)
•• 17 August 1932 •• 22 April 1974
•• Chaguanas, Caroni County, •• New Delhi
Trinidad and Tobago •• Novelist, Columnist
•• Novelist, travel writer, essayist Work :
Chetan
Work : •• Five Point Someone, One
Bhagat
V S Naipaul •• Booker Prize 1971, Nobel Night @ the Call Center, Half
Prize in Literature 2001 Girlfriend, The 3 Mistakes of
•• A House for Mr Biswas, In My Life, 2 States: The Story
a Free State, A Bend in the of My Marriage, Revolution
River, The Enigma of Arrival 2020, One Indian Girl
•• 2 February 1915 – 20 March •• 26 March 1907 - 11 September
2014 1987
•• Hadali, Khushab District, •• Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh
Khushwant Punjab •• Hindi poet
Singh •• Journalist, writer, historian, Work :
critic Mahadevi
•• Neehar (1930), Rashmi (1932),
Work : Varma
Neeraja (1934), Sandhyageet
•• The Mark of Vishnu and (1936), Deepshikha (1939),
Other Stories, (Short Story) Agnirekha
1950, The History of Sikhs, Duration, Place & Field :
1953, Train to Pakistan,
•• 14 January 1926 – 28 July
(Novel) 1956, The Voice
2016
of God and Other Stories,
•• Dhaka, Bangladesh
(Short Story) 1957, I Shall
•• Fiction writer
Not Hear the Nightingale, Mahasweta
(Novel) 1959, The Sikhs Devi Work :
Today, 1959, With Malice •• Hajar Churashir Maa, Aranyer
towards One and All Adhikar, Agnigarbha, Murti,
•• Awards: Rockefeller Grant, Neerete Megh, Stanyadayani,
1966, Honest Man of the Chotti Munda Evam Tar Tir
Year, Punjab Rattan, Sahitya •• Sahitya Akademi Award
Akademi Fellowship (Bengali)

•• 19 May 1934 •• 26 April 1564 – 23 April
•• Kasauli, Punjab States 1616
Agency, British India •• Stratford-upon-Avon, Warw-
•• Writer
ickshire, England
Work :
Ruskin •• Our Trees Still Grow in William •• Poet, playwright
Bond Dehra, The Blue Umbrella, A Shakespeare Work :
Flight of Pigeons, The Night •• Regarded as the greatest
Train at Deoli writer in the English
•• John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, language and the world’s
Sahitya Akademi Award, pre-eminent dramatist
Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan
•• England’s national poet, and
the Bard of Avon
•• 7 February 1812 – 9 June
1870 •• Hamlet, Othello, King Lear,
•• Landport, Hampshire, England and Macbeth
•• writer and social critic Duration, Place & Field :
Work : •• September 9, 1828--
Charles •• Works: The Pickwick Papers, November 20, 1910
Dickens Oliver Twist, A Christmas •• Yasnaya Polyana, Russian
Carol, David Copperfield,
Empire
Bleak House, Hard Times,
Leo Tolstoy •• Writer
Little Dorrit, A Tale of Two
Cities, Great Expectations Work :
Duration, Place & Field : •• War and Peace, Anna
•• 9 December 1608 – 8 Karenina, The Death of Ivan
November 1674 Ilyich, The Kingdom of God
•• Bread Street, Cheapside, London is Within You, Resurrection
•• English poet Duration, Place & Field :
Work : •• 22 November 1819 – 22
John Milton •• L’Allegro, Il Penseroso, Lycidas,
December 1880
Paradise Lost, Paradise
Regained, Samson Agonistes •• Nuneaton, Warwickshire,
Duration, Place & Field : England
•• 31 July 1965 •• English novelist, poet,
•• Yate, Gloucestershire, England George Work :
Eliot
•• Novelist •• The Mill on the Floss
Work : (1860), Silas Marner (1861),
J. K. Rowling •• Harry Potter series, The Middlemarch (1871–72),
Casual Vacancy (2012), The
Daniel Deronda (1876)
Cuckoo’s Calling (2013), The
Silkworm (2014) and Career •• 1 January 1879 – 7 June
of Evil (2015). 1970
Duration, Place & Field : •• Marylebone, Middlesex, England
•• Feb 2, 1882 – Jan 13, 1991 •• Novelist, short story writer
•• Rathar, Republic of Ireland. Work :
•• Irish Novelist and Poet. E. M. •• Where Angels Fear to Tread
James Joyce Work : Forster (1905), The Longest Journey
•• Works: Ulysses (1922), A
(1907), A Room with a View
Portrait of the Artist as a
(1908), Howards End (1910),
Young Man (1916)
•• He used stream of consciousness A Passage to India (1924),
technique Maurice

•• 26 July 1856–2 November •• 26 September 1888 – 4
1950 January 1965
•• Dublin, Ireland •• St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
•• Anglo-Irish playwright, critic •• Poet & Critic
George Work : Work :
T. S. Eliot
Bernard •• Pygmalion, Heartbreak House, •• Works: The Love Song of J.
Shaw Major Barbara, Saint Joan,
Alfred Prufrock (1915), The
Man and Superman
Waste Land (1922), Four
•• Nobel Prize in Literature 1925.
Quartets (1944)
Vishnu Duration, Place & Field :
•• Nobel Prize in Literature
Sharma •• 3rd century BCE
(1948), Order of Merit (1948)
•• Kashmir
•• Scholar and author
Work :
•• Panchatantra
HISTORY GK-89
HISTORY
u India
u World
TOP HISTORICAL TRENDS/ EVENTS/ DEVELOPMENT

THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
INDIAN HISTORY MIND MAP

ANCIENT
 Indus Valley Civilization  Vedic Period/Aryan  Jainism & Buddhism
 Magadh Empire  Maurya Dynasty  Kushan Dynasty
 Gupta Empire  Harshvardhana  Southern Kingdom
MEDIEVAL
 Delhi Sultanate  Vijayanagar  Bhakti & Sufi Movement
 Mughal Dynasty  Advent of Europeans  Kingdom of Great Marathas
MODERN
 Trade Initiation of British  East India Company  British Rule before 1857
 Sepoy Mutiny 1857
 Freedom Struggle :
 Rowlatt Act (1919)  Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)
 Chauri Chaura (1922)  Non Cooperation Movement (1920-22)
 Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)  Quit-India Movement (1942)
 Partition of India (1947), etc.
GK-90 HISTORY
ANCIENT INDIA
Pre Historic Ages Bronze Age

Stone Age •• It began with the development of Indus
valley civilization around 3000 BC and
•• Pre - historic period is divided into three continued up to 1300 BC.
sections- Stone age, Bronze age and Iron age.
•• People started using weapons and
•• Stone age is divided into three periods agricultural tools made of Bronze, an
i.e. Palaeolithic Age, Mesolithic Age and alloy of copper and tin.
Neolithic Age.
•• It had opened the trade networks of
•• Lower Palaeolithic Age covers the
Mesopotamia civilization to reach out
greater part of the Ice Age.
in various directions.
•• The people of this age used to eat fruits,
•• The age came to an end primarily
birds, raw animal flesh etc.
because of the fact that the metals used
•• The tools were usually made of hard rock. as alloy in manufacturing bronze were
•• In Middle Palaeolithic age, a change not very common and widely found.
occurred in the shape of tools which More over the expenses of making
were made of stones or bones. bronze were high at that time.
•• In Upper Palaeolithic age, human
lived as nomadic hunter and gatherers. Iron Age
•• Mesolithic Age was an intermediate •• It was the last principal period among
stage in the stone age. It ended with the the three-age system of prehistoric
introduction of agriculture. societies, preceded by the Bronze age.
•• Neolithic age was an age of polished •• The development of this era was due
tool culture. to the weapons and tools made by iron.
•• Tool making became an important Other changes in the society such as
profession and a variety of polished agricultural practices, religious belief and
tools were manufactured. inclinations towards art were started.
•• They learnt the art of pottery and their •• The age began in the 6th century BCE in
pots were well made and decorated northern Europe and 8th century BCE
with paintings. in central Europe and by 12th century
•• They discovered the art of producing BCE in the East, i.e. ancient Iran, ancient
fire by the friction of stones and the India, and ancient Greece.
wheel was also an important discovery •• In India the late Harappan Culture
of this age. was marked with the Iron Age
archaeological cultures of India with
Chalcolithic Age emphasis given on the Painted Grey
•• Chalcolithic Age is marked by the use of Ware culture (1200 to 600 BCE) and
copper as copper age. the Northern Black Polished Ware (700
•• The economy was based on subsistence to 200 BCE).
agriculture, stock-raising, hunting and
fishing. Indus Valley Civilization
•• Neither they milked animals for dairy Indus Valley Civilization was the most
products. ancient urban civilization in this world
•• It was a transitional stage when both which flourished on the bank of Indus River
bronze, copper and stone tools were used during Bronze Age Period. The important
and humans started living settled life. cities under this civilizations were :
There is an evidence of livestock breeding at the end of middle stone age period.
HISTORY GK-91
IMPORTANT SITES OF INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION

Name of Sites Year of Excavators Features
Excavation
Harappa Punjab 1921 Daya Ram Sahni, • City followed grid planning
(Pakistan) River Madho Sarup • Row of six granaries
Ravi Vatsa, Wheeler • Only place having evidences of coffin
burial
• Evidence of fractional burial and coffin
burial
• Cemetery-H of alien people.
• Virgin-Goddess (Seal)
• Stone symbol of Lingam and Yoni
• Painted Pottery
Mohenjodaro 1922 R.D. Banerjee, • Great Granary, Great Bath Assembly
Sindh (Pakistan) Mackay, hall
River Indus Wheeler • Pashupati Mahadeva Seal
• Bronze image of nude woman dancer
• Human Skeltons huddled together
• Clay figures of Mother Goddess
• A fragment of woven cotton
• Brick Kilns and Dice
Chanhu-daro 1931 N. Gopal • A city without citadel
Sindh (Pakistan) Majumdar, • Inkpot, Lipstick
River Indus Mackay • Shell ornament makers’ shop and
bead makers’ shop
• Footprint of dog on a brick
• Terracotta model of a bullock cart,
Bronze toy cart
• Town was flooded more than seven times.
Kalibangan 1953 A. Ghosh, • Shows both Pre Harappan and Harappan
Rajasthan (India) B.V. Lal, phase
River Ghaggar B.K. Thapar • Evidence of furrowed land
• Evidence of seven fire altars and camel
bones
• Many houses had their own well
• Kalibangan stand for black bangles
• Evidence of wooden furrow
Lothal Gujarat 1953 S.R. Rao • A titled floor which bears intersecting
(India) River design of circles
Bhogava • Remains of rice husk
• Evidence of horse from a terracotta
figurine
• A ship designed on a seal
• Beads & trade ports
• An instrument for measuring angles,
pointing to modern day compass
• Dockyard
Barley was the first grown crop by human in the Middle East around 8000 B.C.
GK-92 HISTORY
Banwali Hisar 1974 R.S. Bisht • Shows both Pre-Harappan and Harppan
Haryana phase
• Good quantity of barley found here
Amri Sindh 1935 N.G. Majumdar • Evidence of antelope
Dholavira Gujarat 1985-90 R.S. Bisht • Seven cultural stages
• Largest site
• Three part of city
• Unique water management
Rangpur Gujarat 1953 M.S. Vats, B.B. • Rice was cultivated
River Mahar Lal & S.R. Rao
Ropar Punjab 1953 Y.D. • Evidence of burying a dog below the
River Sutlej Sharma human burial
• One example of rectangular mudbrick
chamber was noticed
• Five fold cultures - Harappan, PGW, NBP,
Kushana - Gupta and Medieval
Alamgirpur 1958 Y.D. Sharma • The impression of cloth on a trough is
Ghaziabad discovered
• Usually considered to be the eastern
boundary of the Indus culture
Early Vedic Period/ Aryan (1500– •• Samgrama meant that gram clashed
500 BCE) with one another and caused war.
•• The Aryans were pastoral people and
•• The earliest specimen of Indo-European fought most of the war for it. Rig Veda
language is Rig Veda. Aryans were
is “gavisihthi” or search for cows as
the people who spoke Indo-European
they were the most important form of
languages basically belonging to wealth.
Central Asia, migrated to India.
•• The concept of women slave was most
•• They settled themselves in Sapta
common. Women and cows were gifted
Sindhu the land of seven rivers in
to the priests in those days.
north-western region of India which
•• Voluntary offering to the chief was
included Kubha river of Afghanistan
known as bali.
along with Indus and its five tributaries.
•• Two priests who played important role
•• According to the oldest Vedic literature
during this time were Vasishtha and
(Rig Veda) the Aryan king came into
Vishvamitra.
conflict with Dasa (branch of early
•• The people of Vedic period were theists.
Aryans) and Dasyus (original inhabitants
Vedic literature shows the existence
of the country). They were soft to Dasas
of god. The religion of the Vedic Aryan
but strongly hostile to Dasyus.
•• Gradually the region came to be known worshipped nature with one in many
as Bharatavarsha named after the concepts.
tribe Bharata. This clan consists of 5 •• Indra (rain god) was important as he
Aryan chiefs and 5 non-Aryan chiefs. played role of a warlord. 250 hymns
Dasrajna Yudha or Battle of ten Kings were devoted to him.
has been mentioned in hymns of Rig •• Agni (fire god) was devoted 200 hymns.
Veda. Varuna, Soma (plant god), female
•• The battle was fought on the bank of divinities like Aditi and Usha were
river Parusni, identical to river Ravi also worshipped but were not given
and was won by Bharatas. importance as the male gods.
First evidence of human in India was found in western Narmada region in Madhya Pradesh.
HISTORY GK-93
•• The administrative machinery worked Yajur Veda: Shatapatha (The oldest and the
under tribal chief called as Rajans. Clan largest Brahmana) and Taittariya.
based assemblies were found such as Atharva Veda: Gopatha
sabha, samiti, vidatha, gana. Women
attended sabha and vidatha. Jainism
•• Social structure of the society was based •• There were 24 Thirthankaras according
on the kinship. Common term for nephew, to Jain tradition. Rishabha Adinath
grandson and cousin was naptri. (symbol-Bull) was the first and Mahavira
Later Vedic Period (symbol-Lion) was the last Thirthankara.
•• There is historical proof of only the last two
Vedic Literature Thirthankaras, Parshwanath (23rd) and
(1500 BC - 500 BC) Mahavira (24th) while rest are obscure.
•• It is believed that the Rig Veda was
Parshvanatha
composed while the Aryans were still in
Punjab. He was a prince of Benaras who led the life
•• Vedic Literature comprises of four of a hermit and died at Shikharji, Giridih,
literary productions: Jharkhand. His four main teachings were
1. The Samhitas or vedas called chaturthi.
2. The Brahamans 1. Ahimsa (Non-injury)
3. The Aranyakas 2. Satya (Non-lying)
4. The Upanishads
3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
•• There are four vedas- Rig Veda, Sama
4. Aparigraha (Non-possession)
Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda.
The first three vedas are jointly called Mahavira
Vedatrayi (trio of vedas).
Rig Veda (collection of lyrics) is the oldest He adopted all these four teachings and
text in the world. It contains 10,500 verses added Brahmacharya (Chastity) to it.
and 1028 hymns, divided into 10 mandalas. Mahavira was born in 540 BC in a village
The hymns of Rig Veda were recited by called Kundagram near Vaishali in Bihar.
Hotri. It is the tenth mandalas which •• He renounced his family at the age of 30
explains the four varnas. and became an ascetic.
Sama Veda (Book of chants) is important •• He attained kaivalya (perfect knowledge)
for Indian music. The hymns of sama veda at the age of 42 under a sal tree at
were recited by Udgatri. Jambhika grama on the bank of river
Yajur Veda (book of sacrificial prayers) is Rijupalika.
a ritual veda. It has both verses and prose in •• He came to be known as Kevalin (perfect
contrast with the fist two vedas. Its hymns
learned), Jina (one who conquered his
were recited by Adhveryus. It is divided into
senses), Nirgrontha (free from all bonds),
two parts- Krishna Yajur and Shukla yajur.
Arhant (blessed one) and Mahavira (the
Atharva veda (book of magical formulae)
contains charms and spells to word of evils brave).
and diseases. •• He delivered his first sermon at Pava to his
Every veda has several Brahmanas attached 11 disciples who were called Gandharas.
to it: •• He passed away at Pavapuri near Bihar
Rig Veda: Aitareya and Kaushitiki Sharif, Bihar at the age of 72 in 468 BC.
Sama Veda: Panchvisha, Shadvinsh, •• Sudharma was the only Gandhara who
Chhandogya and Jaiminaya survived after his death.
Lahuradeva in Uttar Pradesh are the site for oldest agricultural region in the Indian sub-continent.
GK-94 HISTORY
Jain Council Year Venne Chairman Result
1st 300BC Patliputra Sthulabhadra Compilation of 12 Angas
2nd 512 AD Vallabhi Devardhi Final compilation of 12 Angas
Kshmasramana and 12 Upangas
Buddhism Sambharnath Horse

Gautama Buddha Abhiaandam Monkey
He was the founder of Buddhism. He was Sumatinath Curlew
born in 563 BC on the vaisakha purnima
Padmaprabhu Red Louts
day at Lumbinivana, Nepal in the Sakya
Kshatriya clan. Suparswanath Swastik
•• At the age of 29, he renounced home, Chandraji Prabhu Moon
this was his Mahabhinish Kramana
Suvidhinath Crocodile
(great going forth) and became a
wandering ascetic. Shitalnath Srivatsa
•• After 49 days of continuous meditation Shreganath Rhinoceros
under a pipal tree at Uruvella (Bodh
Vasupujya Buffalo
Gaya) on the bank of river Naranjana
(modern name Falgu) he attained Vimalnath Boar
Nirvana (enlightment). Anantnath Falcon
•• Buddha delivered his first sermon at
Dharamanath Vajra
Sarnath (Deer Park) to his five disciples,
this is known as Dharamachakro Shantinath Deer
Pravartana. Kuntunath He-Goat
•• He died at the age of 80 in 483 BC Arnath Fish
at Kushinagar. This is known as
Mahaparinirvana. Mallinath Waterpot
Muniswasth Tortoise
Important event of Symbols
Buddha’s life Neminath Blue Lotus
Janma (Birth) Lotus and Bull Arishtanemi Conch Shell
Mahabhinish Kraman Horse Parshwanath Serpent
(Renunciation)
Mahavira Lion
Nirvana/Sambodhi Bodhi tree
(Enlightenment)
Mahajanapadas
Dharamachakra Wheel
Pravartana (First Sermon) During the age of Buddha whole of northern
territory especially north of Vindyan was
Mahaparinirvana (Death) Stupa
divided into sixteen states called Sodasha
24 Tirthankaras Mahajanapadas either monarchical or
Name Symbol republican in character. The kingdoms of
Rishabha Bull Magadh, Koshala, Vatsa and Avanti were
considered powerful. Buddhist literature
Ajitnath Elephant
“Anguttara Nikaya” listed them as:
The original script of the Rigveda is in Brahmi.
HISTORY GK-95
Mahajanapadas Capital Present place

Gandhara Taxila A part of Afghanistan
Kamboja Rajauri Part of Kashmir and Afghanistan
Asmaka Potana Godavari Valley
Vatsa Kaushambi Allahabad
Avanti Ujjain Malwa and a part of M.P
Surasena Mathura Mathura in U.P
Chedi Shuktimati Bundelkhand in M.P
Malla Kushinara, Pawa Eastern U.P
Kurus Hastinapur/Indraprashta Delhi and Meerut
Matasya Virat Nagari Jaipur and Alwar
Vajjis Vaishali North Bihar
Anga Champa Bhagalpur and Munger in Bihar
Kashi Banaras Banaras
Kosala Shravasti Oudh in U.P
Magadha Girivraja/Rajgriha Patna and Gaya in Bihar
Panchala Ahichhatra/Kampilya Rohilkhand in U.P
Magadha Empire Kasi village made to Bimbisara. This brought

Magadha eventually emerged as one of about a war between Magadha and Kosala.
the most powerful Mahajanpadas mainly The war ended in a truce. Ajatasatru got
because of its peculiar geographical back Kasi and married Prasenjit’s daughter,
location. It was bordered by Ganga River in Vajira Kumari. After 16 years-long battle
north, Son River in west, Vindhya ranges in with the Lichchavis, he conquered Vaishali.
south and Champa in East. Kosala too, fell to him. Gradually, the whole
The various dynasties which ruled over of north Bihar came under his control and
Magadh are as follows: Magadha held its sway over Eastern India.
Haryanaka Dynasty Ajatasatru was succeeded by his son,
(544 BC-412 BC) Udayabhadra (459 B.C). He shifted the
capital to Pataliputra at the confluence
King Bimbisara
of the Ganges and the Son rivers. Later
He was the founder of the Haryanka
Pataliputra became the capital of India. A
dynasty. He was a contemporary of Lord
succession of three weak kings, Anuruddha,
Buddha. Bimbisara married Kosala Devi,
Munda and Nagadasaka ascended the
sister of the Kosalan king Prasenajit, and
throne after him.
obtained a portion of Kasi as dowry. He also
In 430 B.C., the last Haryanka ruler,
married Chellana, the Lichchavi princess
Nagadasaka, was killed by his courtier,
of Vaishali, Vasavi, the Videha princess and
Shishunaga, who became the king and
the Madra princess, Khema, thus increasing
founded the Shishunaga dynasty.
Magadha’s powers by marital ties.
Ajatshatru Shishunaga Dynasty (412-344 BC)
Ajatshatru, Bimbisara’s son, killed him to Shishunaga made Grivraja his residence
ascend the throne in 493 B.C. As a result, and deputed his son to Banaras. Shishunaga
Kosalan king Prasenjit revoked the gift of was succeeded by Kalasoka. During
Yapniya was the sect of Jainism which originated from Digambar sect but followed certain Svetambar beliefs too.
GK-96 HISTORY
Kalasoka, Pataliputra became the capital by Chandragupta Maurya thus founding
of Magadha. In Puranas he is mentioned Mauryan Empire in 321 BC.
as Kakavarna and in Sri Lankan texts he is Alexander, the great invaded India in
mentioned as Kalasoka. 326 BC during the rule of Dhanananda.
Kalasoka & Second Buddhist Council Dhanananda is mentioned as Xandrames
The second Buddhist Council was sponsored or Aggrammes or Ganderites in the Greek
by Kalasoka at Vaishali in 383 BC. This historical texts.
council was invited by a Buddhist monk
Yasa, who saw the local monks of Vaishali Mauryan Empire (322-185 BC)
following the teaching carelessly. The The Maurya Empire was founded by
dispute was on 10 points such as storing Chandragupta Maurya, with the help
salt in horn, eating after midday, eating from Chanakya, a Brahmin teacher at
once and going to villages for alms, eating Takshashila who dethroned the last Nanda
sour milk after one’s meal etc. It was not ruler Dhana Nanda.
settled and Buddhism sects appeared for • Chandragupta Maurya defeated
the first time. President of this council was Seleucus Nicator in 305 BC, who
Sabakami. The last rulers of Shishunaga surrendered a vast territory and the
Dynasty were 10 sons of Kalasoka who Hindukush became the boundary of
ruled simultaneously. Out of them one son their states.
Nandivardhana is mentioned in Puranas. • A Greek ambassador Megasthenes
was sent to the Court of Chandragupta
Nanda Dynasty (344-321 BC) by Seleucus Nicator.
Mahapadmananda was the first ruler of the • In the last stage of his life Chandragupta
Nanda Dynasty. There are several theories Maurya accepted Jainism and went to
about the birth of Mahapadmananda. The Sravanbelagola in Karnataka with
Purana theory say that Mahapadmananda Bhadrabaha.
was son of Nandivardhana & a Shudra • He was as sandrocottus by strabo and
Woman. Another theory says that there recognised/discovered by William
was a good-looking barber, who won the Jones.
heart of the queen who subsequently killed Bindusara (298-273 BC)
the king. Mahapadmananda was the son of • He succeeded Chandragupta Maurya.
this barber. Whatever may be correct but Bindusara was know as Amitrochates
this was the line which started the trend of to the Greeks, probably derived from
lowborn (as of contemporary conditions) the Sanskrit world Amitraghata. He
rule started in Magadha. is believed to have raided the Deccan
Mahapadmananda had a large army and (upto Mysore).
that is why he is called Ugrasena. His army • He patronised Ajivikas.
might have been so large that it could be
Ashoka (273BC- 232BC)
arranged in a Lotus shape: Padmavyuh. He
might have been so wealthy that his wealth • Ashoka was the son of Bindusara who
was in Padama, a unit of counting equivalent successed him, by usurping the throne
to a million multiplied by a billion. after killing his 99 brothers and
spared Tissa, the youngest one.
Mahapadmananda subdued all the major
• Ashoka fought the Kalinga war in
powers such as Ikasvakus, Kurus, Panchals,
261 BC. He abandoned the policy
Kasis, Surasens, Maithilas, kalingas, Asmakas of physical occupation after he was
etc. and that is why Puranas mentioned his moved by the massacre in this war.
name Sarvakhstrantaka (destroyer of all • The last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha
Kshtras) equivalent to Parshurama. was assasinated in 185 BC by his
The Nandas were the first Non Kshatriya Commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra
rulers in the history of India. The last ruler Sunga who established his own Sunga
was Dhana Nanda who was over thrown dynasty.
Shyadvade also known as Anekantvada is the theory and Philosophy of Jainism of ancient times.
HISTORY GK-97
Ashokan Edicts and Information Place

Inscriptions
I. Rock Edicts
14 Major Rock Edicts Various Principles of Manshera (Pakistan) Shahbajgarhi (Mardan,
Dhamma Pakistan), Kalsi (Dehradun, Uttarakhand), Junagadh
(Girnar, Gujarat), Sopara (Thane, Maharashtra),
Yerragudi (Kurnul, Andhra Pradesh), Dhauli (Khurda,
Odisha), Jaugada (Ganjam, Odisha)
2 Kalinga Rock New system of Dauli or Tosali (Khurda, Odisha), Jaugada (Ganjam,
Edicts administration after Odisha)
the Kalinga war
Minor Rock Edicts Personal history of
Sasaram (Bihar), Maski (Andhra Pradesh), Bhabru-
Ashoka and summary
Bairat (Rajasthan), Rupanath (MP), Gavimath,
of his dhammaPalkig-undu, Siddhpur, Jating Rameshwar,
Brahmagiri (Karnataka)
Bhabru-Bairat Rock Ashoka’ conversion to Bhabru-Bairat (Rajasthan)
Edicts Buddhism
II. Pillar Edicts
7 Pillar Edicts Appendix to rock Edicts Meerut-Delhi (Chhoti Lata), Topra-Delhi (Badi
Lata), Allahabad (UP); Lauriya Nandangadh,
Lauriya Areraj and Rampurva (Bihar)
4 Minor Pillar Edicts Signs of Ashoka’s Sanchi (MP), Sarnath and Allahabad (UP)
fanaticism to Dhamma
2 Tarai Pillar Edicts Ashoka’s respect for Rummandei/Lumbini and Nigaliva (Tarai of Nepal)
Buddhism
III. Cave Edicts
3 Barabar Cave Edicts Ashoka’s toleration Barabar Hills (Gaya, Bihar)
ASHOKAN 14 MAJOR ROCK EDICTS

S. No. Informations
1. Prohibition of animal sacrifices and festive gatherings.
2. Measures of social welfare.
3. Respect to Brahamanas.
4. Courtesy to relatives, elders, consideration for animals.
5. Appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras and their duties.
6. Need for efficient organisation of administration (orders to Dhamma Mahamatras).
7. Need for tolerance among all religious sects.
9 System of Dhamma-yatras.
9. Attack on meaningless ceremonies and rituals.
10. Conquest through Dhamma instead of war.
11. Explanation of Dhamma-policy.
12. Appeal for tolerance among all religious sects.
13. Kalinga war, mention 5 contemporary Hellenic (Greek) kings.
14. Inspiration to spend religious life.
Ujjain was known as Avantika in the ancient times.
GK-98 HISTORY
Shunga (Sunga) Dynasty The Capital of Kushans is Purushpura
(185 BC–73 BC) (Peshawar). Kanishka is considered to
Four rulers of Shunga or Sunga Dynasty have conflicted with the Pataliputra. He was
a patron of Buddhism and convened the
were Pushyamitra Sunga (185 BC to 151 BC),
4th Buddhist council in the Kundalvana of
Agnimitra (149 BC-141 BC), Bhagabhadra
Kashmir in 78 AD. Scholars in the Court of
(114 BC-83 BC) and Devabhuti (87-73 BC).
Kanishka were Parsva, Vasumitra, Asvaghosa,
Pushyamitra Sunga (185 BC to 151 BC) Nagarjuna, Charaka and Mathara. Sushruta
Pushyamitra Shunga was the founder and who wrote Sushruta Samhita, has also been
hero of the Shunga dynasty. He was viceroy connected to Kanishka.
of the Mauryas at Ujjain and was a real
The Gupta Empire (320-550AD)
war hero. He was not happy with his king
Brihadratha, who failed in containing the This period is known as Golden Era.
Yavanas and attacks from the western sides. Chandragupta I (319-335 AD)- was the
Pushyamitra is also known to have repelled founder and an important ruler of the Gupta
the Kalinga’s king Kharvela conquest. The dynasty. He was married to Kumaradevi
Ayodhya Inscription of Dhandeva mentions princess of lichchhavi clan, in order to
that he performed two Ashwamedha Yagyas strengthen his position.
(Horse Sacrifices). Samudragupta (335-380 A.D.)- Expanded
Agnimitra, the second king of Shunga dynasty, the kingdom as he was very much
succeeded his father Pushyamitra Shunga and delighted by violence. The poet in his
reigned for a short period of 8 years. He is court “Harisena” in his works Prayag and
the hero of Malvikagnimitram of Kalidasa in Prashasti have described glowing account
which he has been referred to as Raja. of the military exploits of the patron. Thus,
he was known as “Indian Napoleon”.
Bhagabhadra Chandragupta II- He succeeded Samundra-
We know about the king Bhagabhadra gupta. Extended his empire by marriage
by a Heliodorus pillar, which has been alliances and conquers. He married his
found in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh near daughter Prabhavati with a Vakataka prince
modern Besnagar. Heliodorus was a Greek who belonged to the Brahmana caste and ruled
ambassador and he dedicated this pillar in central India. He patronized the famous
to God Vasudeva (Vishnu). The Heliodorus Navaratnas. Kalidasa and Amarasimha were
pillar has a surmounted figure of a Garuda. among them. He conquered western Malwa
and Gujarat, ruled by the Saka Kshatrapas for
Devabhuti
about past four centuries and adopted the
Devabhuti was the last Shunga Ruler who title of Vikramaditya after conquering Ujjain.
was killed by his own minister Vasudeva Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien came to India during
Kanva in around 73 BC and founded the his reign.
Kanva Dynasty. •• His son Kumaragupta succeeded him.
Kumaragupta’s dominion suffered
Satvahana Dynasty (167–196 AD) severely from the invasion of Huna Hordes,
Simuka was the founder of this dynasty. It all over North India. Skandagupta, son of
was situated between the region of Krishna Kumaragupta defeated Pushyamitra who
and Godavari rivers. Most powerful king of became powerful during Kumaragupta
the dynasty was Gautamiputra Satakarni time. He also defeated the White Hunas.
(A.D. 106-130). He defeated the Sakas, •• Nalanda University was built by
Yavanas (Greeks) and Pahlavas (Parithans). Kumargupta.
•• The great Mathematician Aryabhata
Kushan Dynasty (30–375 AD) lived during this period. He discovered
Kanishka was the greatest ruler of this the number “0” and value of Pi. He wrote
dynasty and is known for his military powers. “Aryabhatiya” and “Suryasiddhanta.
Bhagwat were the first to worship Vasudev Krishna.
HISTORY GK-99
•• Poets Kalidasa, Dandi, Visakhadatta, Southern Kingdoms

Shudraka, and Bharavi, all belonged to •• The Pallavas of Kanchi, the Chalukyas
the Gupta Age.
of Badami and the Pandyas of Madurai
•• Tamralipti, a port in Bengal , was an
emerged as powerful states in southern
important trade centre during Gupta period.
India in the beginning of seven century.
•• The empire was divided into divisions:
bhuktis (under the charge of an uparika) Pallavas
and vishayas (Districts) under the charge Pallavas constructed temples of Shiva and
of vishyapati. Vishnu in Tamil Nadu.
•• Epigraphs found in Andhra Pradesh
Harshavardhana (606-647 A.D.)
and Karnataka between second and
•• Fall of Gupta’s and Huna invasion left third century B.C. were mostly written
northern India in a disorder and chaotic in Prakrit but around 400 A.D. Sanskrit
situation. It gave rise to small kingdoms
became official language.
like Thaneswar, near Kurukshetra under
•• Pallavas ruled over southern Andhra
the leadership of Prabhakarvardhana
and his son Harsha. Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu.
•• He made Kanauj his capital and his Made Kanchi their capital identical to
kingdom spread over northern India present Kanchipuram and made it a
except Kashmir. city of temple and vedic learning.
•• Banabhatta was a poet in his court Chalukyas
who wrote Harshacharita describing
•• The Chalukyas setup their sovereign
early history of his reign.
•• Chinese pilgrim Hsuan Tsang who state at Vatapi (modern Bijapur district).
visited India during his reign has thrown •• Pulakesin I (543-567 A.D.) established
great deal of light on the administrative, this dynasty and Pulakesin II (608-
political and social life of that time. He 647AD) was greatest of all rulers.
spent his six years of life in India (606- •• Well known Kasivisvesvara Temple
612 A.D.). at Lakkundi, the Mallikarjuna Temple
•• Harsha himself wrote Ratnavali, at Kuruvatti, the Kallesvara Temple at
Naganandam and Priyadarshika Bagali and the Mahadeva Temple at
plays in Sanskrit. Itagi were built during Chalukyas reign.
•• The Pallavas and Chalukyas were
The Pala Empire (750–1174 B.C.) in conflict during Pulakesin II.
Golden era of Bengal Narasimhavarman captured his capital
•• It was Buddhist dynasty from Bengal during their second clash between the
founded by Gopala I. The empire two. Narasimhavarman then assumed the
reached its peak under Dharmapala title of vatapikonda (conquer of Vatapi).
and Devapala. Dharmapala conquered
Kanauj and extended his sway up to the
Chola Dynasty
farthest limits of India in the northwest. Vijayalaya was the founder of Chola
•• Palas were followers of the Mahayana and Dynasty. Most powerful kings of Chola
Tantric schools of Buddhism, they also Dynasty was Rajaraja (985-1014) and his
patronised Shaivism and Vaishnavism. son, Rajendra I. Rajendra I founded a new
•• Dharmapala founded the Vikramashila capital of Gangai Kondacholapuram. He
and revived Nalanda. They maintained defeated the kings of Sumatra in a naval
close cultural and commercial ties with campaign and annexed a part of Sumarata
countries of Southeast Asia and Tibet. kingdom to his kingdom. Rajendra Chola
Sea trade added greatly to the prosperity III was the last king of the dynasty. Under
of the Pala kingdom. The Arab merchant the Cholas, the South India reached new
Suleiman notes the enormity of the Pala heights of excellence in art, religion and
army in his memoirs. literature.
Birth, Karma and Bhakti hold the same significance to achieve Moksha according to Bhagvad Gita.
GK-100
HISTORY
MEDIEVAL HISTORY
Delhi Sultanate
Delhi sultanate begins with Turkish invasion in India by Muhammad Ghori in 1173 to
1202. He nominated his faithful slave Qutub ud-Din Aibak as the governor of the newly
possessed region called India. During this period Delhi became the centre of Turkish and
Afghan Power.
Dynasty Sultan / Agent Event Highlights
Muhammad •• Qutub-ud-din Aibak (1206–1210) •• Construction of world famous
Ghori slave •• Aram Shah (1210–1211) monument Qutub Minar by Qutub-
dynasty •• Shams ud din Iltutmish (1211–1236), ud-din Aibak and finished by his
(1193-1290) •• Rukn ud din Firuz (1236) successors. They attacked temples
•• Raziyyat-ud-din Sultana (1236–1240) of Ajmer, Samana, Kuhram, Delhi,
•• Muiz ud din Bahram (1240–1242) Kol, Benaras
•• Alauddin Masud (1242–1246), •• Construction of Quwat ul-Islam at
•• Nasiruddin Mahmud (1246–1266), Delhi, Adhai din ka Jhopra at Ajmer.
•• Ghiyas uddin Balban (1266–1286),
•• Muiz uddin Qaiqabad (1286–1290),
Khilji •• Jalal ud din Firuz Khilji (1290–1296) •• Known for their cruelty as they
(1290-1320) •• Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316) levied taxes on the defeated
•• Umar Khan Khilji (1316) community. During the period of
•• Qutb ud din Mubarak Shah (1316- Alauddin Khilji the famous Koh-i-
1320) noor Diamond of Warangal was
•• Khusro Khan (1320) looted somewhere around 1310
Tughluq •• Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq (1320-1325) •• Geographically the largest dynasty;
(1320-1395) •• Muhammad bin Tughluq (1325-1351) Muhammad bin Tughluq was
•• Mahmud Ibn Muhammad (March 1351) one of the powerful sultans who
•• Firuz Shah Tughluq (1351–1388) changed the capital from Delhi
•• Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq II (1388– to Daulatabad (present Deogir in
1389) Maharashtra) to rule the empire
•• Abu Bakr Shah (1389–1390) more proficiently thus ordered
•• Nasir ud din Muhammad Shah III for forceful migration of common
(1390–1393) masses. Though a good idea but he
•• Sikander Shah I (March-April 1393) failed to execute.
•• Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah Tughluq •• Secondly his ideas to introduce
(1393–1413) bronze coin instead of silver coin
•• Nasir-ud-din Nusrat Shah Tughluq also failed as the bronze coins were
(1394–1414), easy to forge
Sayyid •• Khizr Khan (1414–1421) •• The vast Tughlaq dynasty shrunk
(1400-1442) •• Mubarak Shah (1421–1434) within 10 miles of Delhi during this
•• Muhammad Shah (1434–1445) period.
•• Alam Shah (1445–1451)
Lodi •• Bahlul Lodi (1451–1489) •• The dynasty had fought one of the
(1457-1518) •• Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517) greatest battles in India- Battle
•• Ibrahim Lodi (1517–1526), of Panipat in 1526 with Babur
who was invited by Daulat Khan
Lodi to enter India and at the end
Ibrahim Lodi lost the battle.
S.A. Dange started the publication of an English Weekly Socialist in 1923.

HISTORY GK-101
LITERATURE OF DELHI SULTANATE

Book Author Historical Importance
Tabqiq-i-Hind Alberuni Alberuni was an Arabian scholar who wrote
about the Slave dynasty
Tabaqat-i-Nasiri Minhaj-us-Siraj Gives an account of Iltutmish’s region
Laila-Majnu Amir Khusrau Court poet of Alauddin Khilji
Khazain-ul-Futuh Amir Khusrau Describes conquests of Alauddin Khilji
Tughlaq-Nama Amir Khusrau Gives account of Ghiyasuddin’s reign
Nuh-Siphir Amir Khusrau Poetic description of Alauddin Khilji
Fatawa-i-Jahandri Ziauddin Barani Gives an account of the Tughlaq dynasty
Tarikha-i-Firoz Shahi Ziauddin Barani Gives an account of Firoz Shah’s reign
Fatwah-i-Firoz Shahi Firoz Shah Gives an account of his reign
Kitab-fi-Tahqiq Alberuni About Indian Sciences
Qanun-e-Masudi Alberuni About astronomy
Jawahar-fil-jawahir Alberuni About mineralogy
Qamas Firozabadi Arabic words dictionary
Taj-ul-Maathir Hasan Nizami History of IIbaris, the slave dynasty
Chach Namah Abu Bakr History of Sindh region
Lubab-ul-Alab Bhukhari Persian anthology
Khamsah Amir khusrau Literature and Poems
Shah Namah Firdausi About Mahmud Ghazni’s reign
Kitab-ul-Rehla lbn Battutah A travelogue with stories
Miftah-ul-Futuh Amir Khusrau Jalaluddin’s conquest and life
Multa-ul-Anwar Amir Khusrau Literary masterpieces
Ayina-i-Sikandari Amir Khusrau Literary masterpieces
Hasht Bihisht Amir Khusrau Literary masterpieces
Shirin Khusrau Amir Khusrau Literary masterpieces
Tarik-i-Firoz Shahi Shams-i-Shiraj Afif History of Tughlaqs
Futuh-us-Salatin Isami About Bahmani Kingdom
VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE
Dynasty Emperors Important Highlights
Sangama •• Harihara Raya I(1336–1356) •• The rise of Vijayanagar dynasty was
Dynasty •• Bukka Raya I (1356–1377) the result of political and cultural
•• Harihara Raya II (1377–1404) movement against the Tughlaqs.
•• Virupaksha Raya (1404–1405) •• Presumably Harihar I and Bukka I were
•• Bukka Raya II (1405–1406) the founders of this dynasty.
•• Deva Raya I (1406–1422) •• This dynasty had to face the invasion
•• Ramachandra Raya(1422) from Bhamani Sultan Ahmed Lin.
•• Vira Vijaya Bukka Raya (1422–1424) •• The kings of this dynasty were generous
•• Deva Raya II (1424–1446) and worked for the social welfare of the
•• Mallikarjuna Raya (1446–1465) people.
•• Virupaksha Raya II (1465–1485) •• Some of the kings were great patronage
•• Praudha Raya(1485) of literature.
Great philosopher and political thinker Chanakya was known with other names such as Kautilya and Vishnugupta.
GK-102
HISTORY
Saluva •• Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya ( 1 4 8 5 – •• The Saluva started ruling soon after
Dynasty 1491) Saluva Narasimha had a fight with
•• Thimma Bhupala (1491) the Sambetas of Peranipadu and the
•• Narasimha Raya II (1491–1505) Paligers of Ummattur but they couldn’t
sustain power for a very long period
•• Tuluva Narasa Nayaka (1491–1503) •• Founded by Tuluva Narasa Nayak, the
•• Vira Narasimha Raya (1503–1509) third Hindu dynasty of Vijayanagar
•• Krishna Deva Raya (1509–1529) Empire seemed to be the most powerful
•• Achyuta Deva Raya (1529–1542) dynasties.
Tuluva •• Venkata I 1542 •• Krishan Deva Raya the most powerful
Dynasty •• Sadasiva Raya (1542–1570) king of this dynasty.
•• Believed to be the golden period of
Telugu literature
•• Worshipped Nagaraja Vasuki hence
called as Nagavanshis
•• Aliya Rama Raya 1542–1565 •• The last dynasty of Vijayanagar empire
•• Tirumala Deva Raya 1565–1572 founded by Tirumal Deva Raya
•• Sriranga I 1572–1586 •• The battle of Raksa –Tangadi happened
Aravidu •• Venkata II 1586–1614 hence the Aravidu dynasty as well as
Dynasty •• Sriranga II 1614 Vijayanagar empire came to an end by
•• Rama Deva Raya 1617–1632 the combined forces of Bijapur muslims
•• Venkata III 1632–1642
•• Sriranga III 1642–1646
Religious Movements •• Kabir was an ardent disciple of

During fifteenth and sixteenth century Ramananda. He wanted unity between
religious movements have emerged in India the Hindus and the Muslims.
so as to liberate people from dogmatic beliefs, •• He preached that both the Hindus and the
ritualism, caste and communal hatred, etc. Muslims are the children of a single God.
Two major movements that carried out •• The devotees of Kabir were known as
juxtaposing by both Hindu and Muslim Kabir Panthis.
communities were Bhakti and Sufi Movement. •• Namdeva was a waterman by birth. He
composed beautiful hymns in Marathi.
Bhakti Movement •• Nanak was the founder of the Sikh
•• Bhakti means personal devotion to God. religion.
It stresses the union of the individual •• Nanak’s teachings were in the form of
with God. verses. They were collected in a book
•• Bhakti movement originated in South called the Adi Granth.
India between the 15th and the 17th •• Later Adi Granth was written in a script
centuries AD. called Gurmukhi.
•• The Nayanars, who worshipped Shiva, •• Chaitanya, a great devotee of Lord
and the Alwars, who worshipped Vishnu, Krishna, was a saint from Bengal.
preached the idea of Bhakti. •• Meerabai was a Rajput princess. She
•• Saints like Sankara, Ramanuja and married the Rana of Mewar. She was a
Madhwa gave their concepts of God and pious devotee of Lord Krishna.
the individual soul. •• Chatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha
•• Teachings of Ramanuja were based on ruler, was a follower of Ramdas.
the Upanishads and Bhagwad Gita. •• Tukaram was a saint who lived in
•• Ramananda was disciple of Ramunaja. He Maharashtra. He composed a large
was the first reformer to preach in Hindi. number of verses called Abhangas.
Vinay Pitaka literature contains the rules and regulations of the Sangha in Buddhism.
HISTORY GK-103
•• Tulsidas composed the famous •• Shaikh Bahauddin Zakariya

Ramcharitamanas in Hindi, expounding (1182-1262): He was the founder of
the various aspects of Hindu dharma. Suhrawardi order who founded first
•• Surdas was a devotee of Lord Krishna leading Khanqah in India at Multan.
and Radha. His works include Sursagar, •• Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti (1141-
Sahitya Ratna and Sur Sarawali. 1236): He was the founder of the
•• Dadu Dayal was a disciple of Kabir. His chisti order which is the first and most
followers were known as Dadu Panthis. popular liberal sufi order in India. He
•• Eknath was a devotee of Vithoba. He settled down at Ajmer. Other chisti Sufi
wrote commentary on verses of the Saints who followed Khwaja Muinuddin
Bhagavad Gita. Chisti were:
Sufi Movement (1) Sheikh Hamiduddin Nagauri
(1192-1274);
Sufism or tasawwuf, as it is called in
(2) Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar
Arabic, is generally understood by scholars
Kaki in whose memory Qutub
and Sufis to be the inner, mystical, or
Minar was built;
psycho-spiritual dimension of Islam. Today,
however, many Muslims and non-Muslims (3) Baba Fariduddin Ganj-i-Shakar
believe that Sufism is outside the sphere of (1175-1265) popularly known as
Islam. Baba Farid. He built his Khanqah
In Sufism, a perfect being is also called a at Ajodan (Punjab). He was also
Wali (saint), a word that literally means the first Punjabi poet of Sufism;
‘sincere friend’. The superstructure of (4) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
Sufism is built upon the concept of teacher, (1236-1325): He was known
pir or murshid. as Mehboob-i-ilahi, built his
The cardinal doctrines of the Sufism include khanqah in Delhi and became
1. Absorbed variety of ideas and practices the most famous Sufi Saint of the
from Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism Chisti order.
and Zorastrianism. (5) Shaikh Nasiruddin Mahmud
2. It aimed at services of mankind (death 1365) was a chisti saint
3. Building cultural synthesis came to known as Chirag-i-Delhi;
4. It opposed orthodoxy and preached (6) Syed Muhammad Gesu Daraz
devotion to God (death 1421) settled down at
5. Discouraged materialistic life but did Gulbarga (Karnataka). He was
not support complete renunciation popularly known as Bandanawaz.
These cardinal principles altogether •• Shaikh Badruddin Samarkandi (13th
make the Doctrine of Fana which means century): He founded Firdausi order
annihilation of human attributes through which thrived only in Bihar.
Union with God. Sufism had succeeded in •• Shah Nayamatullah Qadri and Shah
inculcating the sentiments of fraternity, Abdullah Shuttari (15th Centry):
equality and equity, coupled with sense Shah Nayamattullah Qadri founded
of service to humanity, in the followers,
the Qadiriya order. It spread in Uttar
irrespective of race, community, caste, creed
Pradesh and Deccan. Miya Mir (1550-
and colour.
1635) was its popular Saint. Shah
Sufi Saint Abdullah Shuttari (dealth 1458)
•• Khwaja Ali Hujjwiri (11th century): founded the Shuttari order. It spread
He was also known as Data Ganj mainly in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Baksh. He wrote a manual of Sufism •• Khwaja Baqi Billah (1536-1603) He
called ‘Kashf-ul-Mahjub’. founded Naqsbandiah order.
Borobudur in Central Java, Indonesia is the world’s largest Buddhist temple.
GK-104
HISTORY
MUGHAL DYNASTY
Sultans Important accomplishments
•• Babur won Delhi sultanate by defeating the last king of Lodhi dynasty,
i.e. Ibrahim Lodhi.
•• Two major battles won by Babur were Battle of Panipat I (April 1526)
and Khanwa Battle (March 1527).
•• Continued to conquer places in the coming years and his territory
extended almost up to the northern part of India.
Babur (1526-1530)
•• Came to power soon after the death of his father Babur in 1530.
•• Forcefully driven to Afghanistan by the Muslim rebel Sher Shah in
1540 and returned to India after 15 years in 1555.
•• Encouraged Persian artists for their fine arts; brought two of them
from the school of Bihzad to teach Akbar, the lessons of drawing.
•• Died accidentally by falling down from stone staircase.
Humayun
(1530-40 to 1555-56)
•• Ruled from 1556 till his death.
•• His power influenced entire country because of the dominance of
Mughal military, politics, culture and economy.
•• Was quite different from other mughal emperors in terms of his liberal
behaviour with the society, religious practices and administrative policies
•• Abolished pilgrimage tax which the common people had to pay while
Akbar visiting to pilgrim spots
(1556-1605) •• Rajputs were made equal partners in government.
•• Driven by the thought of religious equality, formulated his own
religion Din-i-Ilahi which focused on universal harmony.
•• His great passion about knowledge made him appoint intellectual
people in his court and name them as Navratna.
•• The only heir that survived and ruled the mughal dynasty after Akbar.
•• First military expedition was against Rana Amar Singh, son of Rana
Pratap of Mewar.
•• Art, literature, and architecture prospered under Jahangir’s rule, and
the Mughal gardens in Srinagar remain an enduring testimony to his
artistic taste.
Jahangir (1605-1627)
•• The fifth ruler of Mughal dynasty and famous for his great
administration
•• As a great lover of art and culture took interest in the construction and
architecture and the master piece is Taj Mahal built in the memory of
his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal
Shah Jahan
(1628-1658)
•• Started ruling the dynasty as its sixth emperor.
•• Was a ruler with religious orthodoxy and used to support Islam
•• Was not much passionate about art and culture, so during his tenure
only few monuments have been developed - the exquisite Moti (Pearl)
Mosque at Delhi.
•• Reintroduced Jaziya, i.e. taxation on non-muslims.
Aurangzeb
(1658-1707)
Bodhisatva Avalokiteshwara of Mahayana Buddhism is also known as Padmapani.
HISTORY GK-105
LITERATURE OF MUGHAL PERIOD

Book Author Contents
Tuzuk-i-Baburi Babur Describes military tactics and
administrative organisation during
Babur’s reign
Qanun-i-Humayu Khwand Amair Describes Humayun’s administration,
festivities and buildings of that period
Humayun Nama Gulbadan Begum Biography of Humayun
Akbar Nama Abul Fazl Gives a history of Akbar’s reign
Tobaqat-i-Akbari Khwajah Nizamuddin -do-
Ahmad Baksh
Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri Jahangir Memoirs of his own reign
Iqbalnama-i-Jahangiri Muhammad Khan History of Jahangir's reign
Chahar Chaman Chandra Bhan History of Shah Jahan's rule
Brahman
Alamgir-nama Munshi Mirza Gives an account of Aurangzeb's first 10
Muhamma Kazin years of rule
Massir-i-Alamgiri Saqi Mustaid Khan Official history of Aurangzeb’s reign
written after his death
Ain-i-Akbari Abul Fazl History of Akbar's reign
Muntakhab-ul-Tawarikh Badauni History of Akbar's rule
Tawarikh-i-Alfi Mulla Daud -do-
Nuriyya-i-Sultaniyya Abdul Haq Theory of Kinship during Mughal Period
Waqt-i-Hyderabad Nimat Khan Ali Aurangzeb's Golconda conquest
Futuhat-i-Alamgiri Ishwar Das Aurangzeb's history
Nuskha-i-Dilkusha Bhimsen Saxena Analysis of Aurangzeb's rule and character
Khulasat-ul-Tawarikh Sujan Raj Khatri History of Aurangzeb's rule
Padshah Namah Abdul Hamid Lahori History of Shah Jahan's reign
Padshah Namah Muhammad Waris -do-
Shahjahan Namah Muhammad Salih -do-
Shahjahan Namah Inyat Khan -do-
Hamlai-Haidri Muhammad Rafi Khan History of Aurangzeb's rule
Namah-e-Alamgiri Aquil Khan Zafar -do-
Sirr-i-Akbar Dara Shikoh Urdu translation of Upanishad
Safinat-ul-Auliya -do- Biographies of Sufi Saints
Majma-ul-Bahrain -do- Philosophical ideas discussed
Raqqat-e-Alamgiri Aurangzeb A compendium of his letters
Hasmat-ul-Arifin Dara Shikoh Religious ideas discussed
The Bhumisparsha mudra statue of Buddha of Sarnath is dated to Gupta period.

GK-106
HISTORY
Advent of European Commerce in in the year 1565. The expedition aimed at
India opening spice roots to India. However, in between
1595 to 1601 several such expeditions were
The Portuguese made to monopolize the entire spice trade to
Vasco de Gama discovered new sea route Europe with their skill administration and
to India via coast of South Africa and vigour commercialization.
reached Calicut coast on 20th May 1498 The French
and established factories at Cochin.
The very first attempt of the French community
Successively Francis co de Almeida
to enter Indian coast was in the early days of
reached India in September 1505 and
16th century but they failed to do so due to
became the Portuguese governor in India. the monopoly of Dutch Territory. Later on
He built a fort and settled there and named
they discovered land routes through Asia
it as Anjadiav.
minors under the guidance of Richelieu.
The Dutch They were permitted to sail to Madagascar
The first Dutch expedition reached East Indies and the neighbouring islands and establish
under the leadership Cornelius Houtman colonies and trade there.
THE KINGDOM OF THE GREAT MARATHA
Eminent Persons Notable accomplishments
•• Known as the father of Maratha nation.
•• Before killing Adilshahi general Afzal Khan in 1647, he gradually started
capturing forts in the region like Purandar, Rajgad, Torna.
•• The guerrilla tactics and brilliant military strategies were his key to
success in every war.
•• Fought with Jai Singh, general of Aurangzeb in which he lost and was
Shivaji Bhonsle arrested in 1666, but soon he escaped and regained his lost territory.
(1630-80 A.D) •• Assumed the title of “Chhatrapati” at his elaborate coronation in 1674.
•• Died in 1680 and at that time had control over most of western
Maharashtra and had made ‘Raigad’ capital.
•• Was the first son of Chhatrapati Shivaji and succeeded his father after his
death in the first week of April 1680.
•• Gave shelter to Sultan Muhammad Akbar, the fourth son of Aurangzeb, who
sought Sambhaji’s aid in winning the Mughal throne from his emperor father.
•• During this period Mughals sieged the Maratha fort of Ramsej in 1682, but
after five months of failed attempts, including planting explosive mines
Sambhaji and building wooden towers to gain the walls, the Mughal siege failed.
•• Was imprisoned and executed by Aurangzeb, in 1689.
•• After the execution of Sambhaji, Rajaram, the second son of Shivaji had
taken the charge of Marathas in 1689 but soon died in 1700.
•• Tarabai the widow of Rajaram, put her young son Sambhaji II on the
throne after his father’s death, at the tender age of ten, and continued the
fight against Mughals until the death of Aurangzeb in 1707.
Rajaram
•• Sahuji the son of Sambhaji was released from Mughals captivity in 1707.
•• He attacked Tarabai and Sambhaji II from the throne of Maratha with the
help of Peshwa Balaji Biswanathan and won the battle. Soon had his own
territory.
•• Didn’t posses a strong affinity towards politics he settled down in Satara.
Sahuji
Gautam Buddha was raised to the position of God during the reign of Kanishka.
HISTORY GK-107
•• He was appointed as Prime Minister of Sahuji and assisted him on

political issues.
•• This was the beginning of another great dynasty in 1718 known as
Peshwa dynasty.
•• He died in 1721.
Balaji
Vishwanath
•• As the eldest son to his father Balaji Vishwanath, Bajirao Peshwa I took
the charge of Peshwa dynasty after his death in 1721.
•• During his tenure, Pune regained the status of capital Maratha Kingdom
from Raigad.
•• In 1734, captured the Malwa territory in the north, and in 1739, drove out
the Portuguese from nearly all their possessions in the Western Ghats.
•• He died in 1740.
Bajirao Peshwa I
•• Succeeded as Peshwa after his father Bajirao Peshwa’s Death.
•• Fought the third war of Panipat with Ahmad Shah Abdalli in 1761 but
lost the war.
•• Was shattered by the loss of his elder son and brother in the war and died
soon after the war ended.
Balaji Bajirao
(Nanasaheb)
•• Assumed the title of Peshwa in 1761.

•• His leading achievements included the defeat of Nizam of Hyderabad,
Hyder Ali of Mysore and Bhosle of Nagpur.
•• Defeated Jats and took the hold of Agra and Mathura in 1769 with the
help of Mahadaji Shinde and Nana Phadnis.
•• In 1772, died at an early age of 27 years.
Madhav Rao
•• Was a trusted lieutenant of the Peshwa and one of the three pillars of
Maratha Resurrection
•• Wiped out the power of Jats of Mathura and during 1772-73 and
destroyed the power of Pashtun Rohillas in Rohilkhand and captured
Najibabad.
•• Died of typhoid fever, at his camp at Wanavdi near Pune on 12 February
1794 while he was at the zenith of power.
Mahadaji Shinde
•• Was a prominent minister and statesman of the Maratha Empire during
the Peshwa administration in Pune.
•• Handled the Peshwai well and with great unity among Maratha chiefs.
•• The then rising powers have been halted by his great efforts and
continued to serve the Peshwas until his death in 1800 AD.
Nana Phadnavis
Chamundarai, minister under Ganga ruler Rachmalla constructed Jain statue of Bahubali (Gomat) in 983 A.D.
GK-108
HISTORY
MODERN HISTORY
British India (1612–1947) The border dispute between Nepal and
In 1617, the British East India Company British India, which sharpened after 1801,
was given permission by Mughal Emperor had caused the Anglo-Nepalese War
Jahangir to trade in India. As a result of of 1814–16 and brought the defeated
three Carnatic Wars, the British East India Gurkhas under British influence. In 1854,
Company gained exclusive control over Berar was annexed, and the state of Oudh
the entire Carnatic region of India. The was added two years later. Their policy was
Anglo-Mysore Wars (1766–1799) and sometimes summed up as Divide and Rule,
later the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1772– taking advantage of the enmity festering
1818) led to control of the vast regions of between various princely states and social
India. Ahom Kingdom of North-east India and religious groups.
first fell to Burmese invasion and then to
In 1757, Clive was appointed by the
British after Treaty of Yandabo in 1826.
company as its first ‘Governor of Bengal’.
Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, and
Kashmir were annexed after the Second In same year Treaty of Allahabad was
Anglo-Sikh War in 1849; however, Kashmir concluded by which the Mughal Emperor
was immediately sold under the Treaty of granted the Diwani rights to the English
Amritsar to the Dogra Dynasty of Jammu East India Company. Thus, the British
and thereby became a princely state. power in India was thoroughly established.
GOVERNORS (1757–1854)
• Robert Clive 1757–1760 • Henry Vansittart 1760–1764
• Robert Clive 1765–1766 • Harry Verelst 1767–1769
• John Cartier 1769–1772 • Warren Hastings 1772–1774
• Charles Cornwallis 1786–1793 • Richard Wellesley 1798–1805
• Charles Cornwallis 1805–1805 • James Broun-Ramsay 1848–1854
EAST INDIA COMPANY BEFORE 1857

Event Involved Consequences
First Carnatic War French La Bourdonnais and British victory
(1746-1748) British Admiral Edward Peyton
fought at Negapatam
Second Carnatic Nasir Jung aided by France while •• Ended with the Treaty of Pondicherry
War (1749-1754) England aided Muzaffar Jung in 1754 and Muzafar Jung became the
Nizam.
•• Dupleix was replaced by Godeheu as
the French governor.
Third Carnatic At Wandiwash (1760) Count de •• Defeat of French
War (1758-1763) Lally French commander was •• Treaty of Paris (1763) was signed,
defeated by British General Sir which returned Chandernagore and
Eyre Coote Pondichérry to France.
Battle of Plassey French supported Siraj-ud-Daula •• Paved way for British mastery of
(23 June 1757) and East India Company led by Bengal and eventually whole of India.
Robert Clive. •• Rich revenue of Bengal helped British
to maintain strong army.
Battle of Buxar, East India Company led by Hector •• Treaty of Allahabad secured Diwani
22nd October, Munro and Mughal Emperor along Rights for the Company to collect and
1764 with the Nawab of Bengal manage the revenues of real estate.
The Hathigumpha inscription tells us that Kharvela defeated three Southern Kingdom-Cholas, Cheras and Pandayas.
HISTORY GK-109
1781 War Forces of the Kingdom of Mysore •• Eyre Coote defeated Haider Ali at Port
and Great Britain. Novo.
1784, Pitt’s Act •• British government got supreme
control over the company’s affair and
its administration.
War 1789 -1792 Tipu Sultan and East India •• Treaty of Seringapatam was signed.
Company Tipu had to cede half of his territories
to English and paid ` 330 lakhs as
indemnity.
Awadh annexation Lord Dalhousie •• Introduced the famous Doctrine of
1856 Lapse.
The rebellion East India Company and united force of Indian leaders like (Bahadur
of 1857 Sepoy Shah, Bakt Khan, Begum Hazart Mahal of Avadh, Tanti Tope, Nana Saheb,
Mutiny Azimullah, Rani Lakshmibai, Kunwar Singh etc.), The revolt marked the end
of the East India Company’s rule, and India came under the direct rule of
the British Crown.
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL REFORMS

Date Person Event
1815 Raja Ram Mohan Roy Established Atmiya Sabha. He was the first
Indian to start an agitation for social, religious and
political reforms.
1828 Raja Ram Mohan Roy Established Brahmo Samaj to preach monotheism
and purify Hinduism.
1839 Debendranath Tagore Founded Tatvabodhini Sabha to propagate Ram
Mohan Roy’s ideas.
1850 Vidyasagar Protest against child-marriage and promoted
women education.
1850 Vishnu Shankar Pundit Founded widow remarriage association.
1851 Naoroji Furdonji, Dadabhai Rehnumai Mazdayasan Sabha or Religious Reform
Naoroji and S.S.Bengalee Association.
1852 Kassondas Mulji In Gujarat advocated widow remarriage.
1866 Dadabhai Naoroji Established East India Association in London.
1872 Baba Ram Singh Namdhari Movement originated in north-west
corner of Sikh kingdom. It was also known as Kuka
movement.
23 September, Mahatma Jyotirao Formed Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of
1873 Govindrao Phule Truth).
1875 Swami Dayanand Founded Arya Samaj in Bombay. Called Vedas to
Saraswathi be source of “true knowledge” and gave the motto
“back to Vedas”. Was against idol worship, child
marriage and caste system.
1897 Vivekananda Founded the Ramakrishna Mission to carry out
humanitarian relief and social work.
1902 Swami Shradhananda Started Gurukul near Haridwar to propagate more
traditional idea of education.
Yuktisastika (Sixty stanzas on Reasoning) was written by Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna.

GK-110
HISTORY
THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE TIME LINE
1885 Pherozeshah Mehta, K.T. Telang, Badruddin Tyabji formed Bombay Presidency
Association.
28 Dec. 1885 Indian National Congress was formed by Allan Octavian Hume.
28-31 Dec. 1885 First session of Indian National Congress was attended by 72 delegates under
the presidency of W.C. Bonnerjee.
1896-97 Bal Gangadhar Tilak initiated a no-tax campaign in Maharashtra.
20 July, 1905 Partition of Bengal order was passed by Lord Curzon.
Dec. 1905 Gokhale then the president of Congress condemned the partition of Bengal
and supported Swadeshi and Boycott movement.
1906 Dadabhai Naoroji became the president of National Congress and clearly
declared their goal to be self-government or Swaraj like the other colonies.
30 Dec. 1906 All India Muslim League was formed by Aga Khan III and the founding
meeting was hosted by Nawab Sir Khwaja Salimullah.
1909 The Indian Councils Act or Morley-Minto Reform was announced.
1911 Government announced the withdrawal of Partition of Bengal.
1913 Ghadar Party founded by Punjabi Indians in the United States and Canada
aiming at securing India’s independence.
April, 1915 First session of Hindu Mahasabha was held under the presidentship of
Maharaja of Kasim Bazar.
26 Dec. 1916 Lucknow Pact was signed dealing with the structure of the government of
India and with relation to the Hindu and Muslim communities.
1917 Indigo Satyagraha started by M.K. Gandhi in Champaran, Bihar.
1918 Edwin Montagu, then the Secretary of State and Lord Chelmsford, the
Viceroy produced a scheme of constitutional reform which was called as the
Montague-Chelmsford reforms.
1919 Enactment of the Government of India Act.
March, 1919 Rowlatt Act was passed which enabled government to imprison people
without trial.
13 April, 1919 Unarmed crowd gathered at Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the arrest of
Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal was attacked by the British army as
commanded by General Dyer.
31 August, 1920 Khilafat Committee launched a non-cooperation Movement.
1 February, 1922 M.K. Gandhi announced mass Civil Disobedience movement.
5 Feb. 1922 Protesters participating in the Non-cooperation Movement turned violent,
leading to police opening fire in Chauri Chaura. Congress as a result halted
the non-cooperation Movement.
1925 Communist Party came into existence.
Nov. 1927 Simon headed commission was set up to submit report on working of Indian
constitution established by Government of India Act, 1919.
17 Nov. 1928 Lala Lajpat Rai died due to the injuries by the beating of local police during
a protest demonstration at Lahore.
Dec. 1928 Gandhi joined back the active politics at Calcutta session.
26 Jan. 1930 Was fixed as the First Independence Day and since then was celebrated
every year up to 1947.
Bali was a voluntary offering to the king but it became compulsory and oppressive tax during Gupta period.
HISTORY GK-111
Feb. 1930 Chandra Shekhar Azad was shot dead in a park called Azad Park at Allahabad,
in an encounter with British police.
12 March, 1930 Dandi March lead by M.K. Gandhi took place. Together with 78 companions
he walked 375 km from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi.
6 April, 1930 Gandhi reached Dandi and broke the Salt law.
12 Nov. 1930 First round table conference was held in London, was chaired by British
Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald.
5 March, 1931 Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed between Gandhi and then viceroy of India
Lord Irwin. According to which British agreed to withdraw all ordinances and
end prosecutions and release all political prisoners.
24 August, 1932 Poona Pact was signed between Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Yerwada
Central Jail.
1935 Government of India Act was passed according to which All India Federation
was established including British India and Princely States (representative
were appointed by the rulers) forming a bicameral federal legislature.
October, 1940 Gandhi gave an order for limited satyagraha (for few individuals only).
8 August, 1942 Quit India Movement was launched by M.K.Gandhi.
1945 Congress working committee adopted a resolution to abolish landlordism.
2 Sept. 1946 Interim government of India formed the newly elected Constituent
Assembly of India. This idea was rejected by Muslim league.
9 Dec. 1946 The Constituent Assembly met for the first time.
INTERIM GOVERNMENT
External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations : Jawahar Lal Nehru
Defence : Baldev Singh
Home (including Information and Broadcasting) : Vallabhbhai Patel
Finance : Liaquat Ali Khan
Posts and Air : Abdur Rab Nishtar
Food and Agriculture : Rajendra Parsad
Labour : Jagjivan Ram
Transport and Railways : M. Asaf Ali
Industries and Supplies : John Matthai
Education and Arts : C. Rajagopalachari
Works, Mines and Power : C.H. Bhabha
Commerce : I.I. Chundrigar
Law : Jogindar Nath Mandal
Health : Ghazanfar Ali Khan
Mountbatten Plan
The Indian Independence Act 1947 also called 3 June Plan or Mountbatten Plan,
declared that power would be handed over by 15 August 1947. It gave India and Pakistan
a dominion status. The Act received the royal assent on 18 July 1947. The boundaries
between the two dominion states were determined by a Boundary Commission which
was headed by Sir Cyril Radcliff.
Katyayana, a smriti writer of Gupta period, was the first to use the expression Asprashya to denote the untouchables.
GK-112
HISTORY
SESSIONS OF INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
The Founding Years (1885-1900)
Session Place Date President
1st Session Bombay Dec. 28-30, 1885 Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
2nd Session Calcutta Dec. 27-30, 1886 Dadabhai Naoroji
3rd Session Madras Dec. 27-30, 1887 Badruddin Tyabji
4th Session Allahabad Dec. 26-29, 1888 George Yule
5th Session Bombay Dec. 26-28, 1889 William Wedderburn
6th Session Calcutta Dec. 26-30, 1890 Pherozeshah Mehta
8th Session Allahabad Dec. 28-30, 1892 Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
10th Session Madras Dec. 26-29, 1894 Alfred Webb
11th Session Poona Dec. 27-30, 1895 Surendranath Banerjee
12th Session Calcutta Dec. 28-31, 1896 Rahimatullah M. Sayani
13th Session Amraoti Dec. 27-29, 1897 C. Sankaran Nair
14th Session Madras Dec. 29-31, 1898 AnandaMohan Bose
15th Session Lucknow Dec. 27-30, 1899 Romesh Chunder Dutt
16th Session Lahore Dec. 27-29, 1900 N.G. Chandavarkar
7th Session Nagpur Dec. 28-30, 1891 P. Ananda Charlu
9th Session Lahore Dec. 27-30, 1893 Dadabhai Naoroji
The Pre Independence Era (1900-1947)

17th Session Calcutta Dec. 26-28, 1901 Dinshaw Edulji Wacha
18th Session Ahmedabad Dec. 28-30, 1902 Surendranath Banerjee
19th Session Madras Dec. 28-30, 1903 Lal Mohan Ghosh
20th Session Bombay Dec. 26-28, 1904 Henry Cotton
21st Session Benares Dec. 27-30, 1905 Gopal Krishna Gokhale
22nd Session Calcutta Dec. 26-29, 1906 Dadabhai Naoroji
23rd Session Surat Dec. 26-27, 1907 approx Rash Behari Ghosh
23rd Session (contd.) Madras Dec. 28-30, 1908 Rash Behari Ghosh
24th Session Lahore Dec. 27-29, 1909 Madan Mohan Malaviya
25th Session Allahabad Dec. 26-29, 1910 William Wedderburn
26th Session Calcutta Dec. 26-28, 1911 Bishan Narayan Dar
28th Session Karachi Dec. 26-28, 1913 Nawab Syed Mohammed Bahadur
30th Session Bombay Dec. 27-29, 1915 Satyendra Prasanna Sinha
31st Session Lucknow Dec. 26-30, 1916 Ambica Charan Mazumdar
32nd Session Calcutta Dec. 26-29, 1917 Annie Besant
(Special Session) Bombay Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 1918 Syed Hasan Imam
33rd Session Delhi Dec. 26-31, 1918 Madan Mohan Malaviya
Chandragupta II ‘Vikramaditya‘ was the first Gupta ruler to issue silver coins and adopted the title Sakari.
HISTORY GK-113
34th Session Amritsar Dec. 26-30, 1919 Motilal Nehru

35th Session Nagpur Dec. 26-31, 1920 C. Vijayaraghavachariar
36th Session Ahmedabad Dec. 27-28, 1921 Hakim Ajmal Khan (Acting Presi-
dent for C.R. Das)
37th Session Gaya Dec. 26-31, 1922 C.R. Das
(Special Session) Delhi Abul Kalam Azad
39th Session Belgaum Dec. 26-27, 1924 M.K. Gandhi
40th Session Kanpur Dec. 26-28, 1925 Shri B.K. Hariprasad
41st Session Gauhati Dec. 26-28, 1926 S. Srinivasa Iyengar
42nd Session Madras Dec. 26-28, 1927 M.A. Ansari
43rd Session Calcutta Dec. 29, 1928-Jan. 1, 1929 Motilal Nehru
45th Session Karachi Mar. 29-31, 1931 Vallabbhai J. Patel
46th Session Delhi Apr.24,1932 (Banned) Ranchod Lal Amrit Lal
47th Session Calcutta March,1933(Banned) Nellie Sen Gupta
48th Session Bombay Oct. 24-28, 1934 Rajendra Prasad
51st Session Haripura Feb. 19-21, 1938 Subhash Chandra Bose
52nd Session Tripuri Mar. 10-12, 1939 Subhash Chandra Bose
53rd Session Ramgarh Mar. 19-20, 1940 Abul Kalam Azad
54th Session Meerut Nov. 23-24, 1946 J.B. Kripalani
The Post Independence Era (1947-1990)

55th Session Jaipur Dec. 18, 1948 B. Pattabhi Sitaramayya
56th Session Nasik Sept. 21-22, 1950 Purushottam Das Tandon
60th Session Avadi (Madras) Jan. 21-23, 1955 approx. Shri Bharat Kumar
61st Session Amritsar Feb.11-12,1956approx. Shri Bharat Kumar
62nd Session Indore Jan. 5-6, 1957 approx. Shri Bharat Kumar
63rd Session Gauhati Jan. 18-19, 1958 Shri Bharat Kumar
64th Session Nagpur Jan. 9-11, 1959 Shri Bharat Kumar
65th Session Bangalore Jan. 16-17, 1960 N. Sanjiva Reddy
66th Session Bhavnagar Jan. 6-7, 1961 N. Sanjiva Reddy
71st Session Hyderabad Jan. 10-11, 1968 S. Nijalingappa
72nd Session Faridabad Apr. 27-28, 1969 S. Nijalingappa
73rd Session Bombay Dec. 28-29, 1969 Jagjivan Ram
74th Session Calcutta Dec. 28-29, 1972 Shankar Dayal Sharma
75th Session Chandigarh Dec.31,1975-Jan.1,1976 D.K. Barooah
76th Session New Delhi Jan. 1-2, 1978 Indira Gandhi
77th Session Calcutta Dec. 29-30, 1983 Indira Gandhi
78th (Centenary) Session Bombay December 28, 1985 Rajiv Gandhi
Harshavardhana was an accomplished author who wrote three sanskrit plays – Nagenanda, Ratnavali and Priyadarshika.
GK-114
HISTORY
THE POST LIBERALIZATION ERA (1990-2010)
79th Session Tirupati (A.P.) April 14-16, 1992 P.V. Narasimha Rao
Special Session Surajkund (Haryana) March 27-28, 1993 P.V. Narasimha Rao
Special Session Talkatora Stadium, June 10- 11, 1994 P.V. Narasimha Rao
New Delhi
80th Session Calcutta August 8-10, 1997 Sitaram Kesri
Special Session New Delhi April 6, 1998 Sonia Gandhi
Chintan Shivir Panchmarhi (M.P.) Sept. 4-6, 1998 Sonia Gandhi
Special session Talkatora Stadium, December 18, 1998 Sonia Gandhi
New Delhi
Special Session Talkatora Stadium, May 25, 1999 Sonia Gandhi
New Delhi
81st Session Bangalore February 14, 16, 2001 Sonia Gandhi
Chintan Shivir Shimla (H.P.) July 9, 10, 11, 2003 Sonia Gandhi
Special session Talkatora Stadium, August 21, 2004 Sonia Gandhi
New Delhi
82nd Session Hyderabad January 2006 Sonia Gandhi
83rd Plenary Session New Delhi 2010 Sonia Gandhi
Chintan Shivir Jaipur January 18-19, 2013-08-24 Sonia Gandhi
NEWSPAPERS AND JOURNALS

Newspaper/Journal Name Founder
Bengal Gazette (1780) (India’s First Newspaper) James Augustus Hickey.
Kesari B.G.Tilak
Amrita Bazar Patrika Sisir Kumar Ghosh and Motilal Ghosh
Vande Mataram Aurobindo Ghosh, Madam Bhikaji Cama
Kavivachan Sudha Bhartendu Harishchandra
Rast Goftar(first newspaper in Gujarati) Dadabhai Naoroji
Statesman Robert Knight
Hindu Vir Raghavacharya and G.S. Aiyar
Yugantar Bhupendranath Data and Barinder Kumar
Ghosh
Bombay Chronicle Firoze Shah Mehta
Hindustan M.M. Malaviya
Mooknayak B.R. Ambedkar
Comrade Mohammad Ali
Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
Pallavi ruler Narshimhavarman ‘Mammala’ invaded chalukyas and captured vatapi and adopted the title vatapikonda.
HISTORY GK-115
Al-Hilal Abul Kalam Azad

Al-Balagh Abul Kalam Azad
Independent Motilal Nehru
Punjabi Lala Lajpat Rai
New India(Daily) Annie Besant
Pratap Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi
Samvad Kaumudi (Bengali) Ram Mohan Roy
Mirat-ul-Akbhar Ram Mohan Roy (first Persian Newspaper)
Young India M.K Gandhi
Harijan M.K Gandhi
Hindustan Times K.M. Pannikar
GREAT TRAVELERS IN INDIAN HISTORY

Identity: Greek ethnographer & ambassador.
Time of Visit to India: During the rule of Chandragupta Maurya.
Duration of Stay: 302-298 BC.
Contribution: Wrote the book Indica.
Megasthenes
Identity: A Buddhist Monk who came from China.
Time of Visit to India: Reign of Harshvardhana.
Duration of Stay: 405-411 AD.
Contribution: Wrote ‘Record of Buddhist kingdoms’.
Fa Hsien
Identity: Chinese Buddhist monk.
Time of Visit to India: Reign of Harshavardhan.
Duration of Stay: 630-645 AD.
Contribution: Wrote Si-yu-ki or the ‘Records of Western World.
Hiuen Tsang-tsang/
Xuanzang
Identity: Muslim scholar and polymath from Persia
Time of Visit to India: Came along with Mahmud of Ghazni.
Duration of Stay: 1024-1030 AD
Contribution: Wrote Taharikh-al-Hind, about social religious,
political nature of India during that time.
Al-Biruni/Abu
Rayhan Muhammad
Identity: Italian merchant and traveller
Time of Visit to India: Came during the Period of Rudramani Devi
of Kakatiya Dynasty.
Contribution: Wrote “The book of Sir Marcopolo”, describing
about Indian Economy at that time.
Marco Polo
Vaishesika School of Philosophy was founded by Uluka Kanada.

GK-116
HISTORY
Identity: Traveller of Morocco
Time of Visit to India: Came in India at the reign of Muhammad
bin Tughluq.
Contribution: write Kitab-ul-rahla, relating geographical, social
and economical behaviour of this time.
Ibn Battuta
Identity: Russian merchant Traveller
Time of Visit to India: Came to India during the reign of Bahmani
Sultanate.
Duration of Stay: 1469-1472
Contribution: ‘The Journey beyond Three Seas’.
Nicolo Conti
Identity: Ambassador of James II, king of England
Time of Visit to India: Came in India at the reign of Jahangir, the
great mogul along with William Finch.
Duration of Stay: First Visit: 1421, Revisited: 1430
William
Hawkins
Identity: Italian Traveller
Time of Visit to India: Came during the rule of Devaraya I of
Sangam dynasty of Vijaynagar empire.
Duration of Stay: First Visit : 1421 Revisited: 1430
Contribution: Author of “Voyage aux Indes.
Afanasy Nikitin
Identity: Persian traveller
Abdur Razzaq Time of Visit to India: Came to India during Bahmani Sultanate.
Identity: Arab navigator
Sulaiman Al Mahri Time of Visit: Middle of Ninth Century during the age of Palas and
Pratiharas
Contribution: Wrote an account on Pala Empire
Identity: Arab historian & geographer
Al-Masudi Time: Visited Gujarat in 915-16 during Pratiharas Kinghom.
Contribution: Testified the great power and prestige of the
Pratihara rulers.
Pallavas were instrumental in spreading Indian culture in South-East Asia. The Pallava types of Shikhara can be found
in temples of Java, Cambodia and Annam.
HISTORY GK-117
WORLD HISTORY MIND MAP

WORLD HISTORY
Ancient Medieval Modern

 Mesopotamian Civilization  Medieval Europe  Renaissance
(5000-900 BC) Civilization  Reforms
 Egyptian Civilization  African Civilization  Major Revolutions of
(500-30 BC)  Mongol Empire Civiliza- World
 Israel Kingdom tion • Glorious Revolution
(1300-63 BC)  Arab civilization & Islam • Industrial Revolution
 Greek Civilization (776-  Medieval China • American Revolution
388 BC) • French Revolution
 Roman Civilization (753 • Russian Revolution
BC-476AD)  An insight into World Wars
 Christianity  Major wars of World
 Zoroastrianism (Parsi) • Trojan War
• Persian War
• Peloponnesian War
• Punic Wars
• Hundred Years War
• Russo-Japan War
• Vietnam War
• Iraq War
ANCIENT WORLD HISTORY
MESOPOTAMIAN CIVILIZATION
Time Period Events
5000-3500 BC The first city built by Sumerian people in southern Mesopotamia.
3500 BC Writing started with pictogram based script and took about a thousand year
to be evolved in full cuneiform script.
2300 BC The first akkadian ruler Sargon started to conquer Sumerian cities
2112-2095 BC The central city of Ur was built by Ur-Nammu and called as the third dynasty
of Mesopotamian.
1792-49 BC Development of Babylonian civilization by king Hammurabi along
Euphrates River.
1530 BC Kassite came into being in Hammurabi’s rule in 1750 BC and categorized
into minorities of Mesopotamia.
1500 BC Northern Mesopotamia is conquered by an Indo-European ruler called
Mittani. He has also conquered Syria and Asia Minor.
1200 - 900 BC Assyria started to lose its importance due to political instability engulfing
Anatolia, Syria, and the Levant coast.
Fahien, the Chinese pilgrim visited India during Chandragupta II and Hiuen-Tsang during Harshavardhana.
GK-118
HISTORY
EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
Time Period Events
5000 BC Farming started along the bank of Nile river.
3500-3000 BC Starting of Pre dynastic period which was characterized by permanent
settlement.
2650 BC Old kingdom began to flourish which was known to be the era of dynamic
development of Egyptian art.
2575-2465 BC Pharaoh Khufu built Great pyramid of Giza having a height of 481 feet.
2381-2345 BC The Old Kingdom ended during the realm of Unas.
2055 BC-1650 BC The era of middle kingdom started with reunion of Egypt.
1539 BC With the expulsion of the Hyksos and reunification of Egypt, it became
the leading power in the Middle East.
1344-1328 BC The first ever instance of monotheism had been illustrated by the
religious reforms of pharaoh Akhenaton.
1336-1327 BC The realm of Tutankhamen.
1279-1213 BC The existence of Ramses Realm when Egypt experienced the height of
its power.
728 BC Nubian kings took over the power of Egypt.
639 BC The period of revival started with the expulsion of Assyrians by
Egyptians.
525 BC Persians started ruling the Egypt.
332 BC Alexander the great conquered Egypt.
305 BC A greek-speaking dynasty was established by one of the generals of
Alexander the Great.
30 BC The last queen of independent Egypt died and Roman empire occupied
Egypt.
THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL

Time Period Events
1300-1200 BC The land of Canaan occupied by the Israelites.
1050-970 BC The kingdom was ruled by Soul followed by David.
970 BC David’s son Solomon became the new king.
931 BC The kingdom divided into north (Israel) and south(Judah) parts.
722 BC The Assyrians destroyed the northern kingdom.
620 BC A religious revival took place in southern kingdom of Judah.
597-582 The destruction of both Judah and Jerusalem occurred.
538 BC The Persian king Cyrus repatriated the kings of Judah and Jerusalem and
encouraged them to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
Jai Chand was the last Rajput king who was killed by Mohammad Ghori in the Battle of Chandawar.
HISTORY GK-119
164 BC The revolution broke out against the Seleucid kings under the leadership of
the Maccabbees brothers by Jews.
63 BC Judaea was conquered by Romans and the family of Herod the Great started
ruling.
GREEK CIVILIZATION
Time Period Events
776 BC The first official date of Olympic Games.
750 BC Greek started planting colonies on the Mediterranean coast.
490-479 Athens and Sparta took lead for defending their land against invasion from
the huge Persian Empire.
447 BC Athenian Empire was at the height of its power.
431-404 Athens was defeated by Sparta in the Second Peloponnesian War.
399 Socrates, the famous philosopher of Athens was sentenced to death as he

was questioning conventional ideas.
338 The Greek city-states were defeated by King Phillip II of Macedon.
ROMAN CIVILIZATION
Time Period Events
753 BC Rome was founded.
509 BC Roman republic was built.
390 BC Rome was sacked by the Gauls.
264-241 BC First Punic War between Carthage and Rome took place.
218-202 BC Second Punic War consisting of several small battles took place where Rome
was the ultimate winner.
83-31 BC Decline of Roman Republic due to the continuous phase of civil wars.
27 BC Augustus established himself as the first of the Roman emperors.
117 AD Roman Empire became the largest empire of its time.
312 AD Constantine the great got converted to Christianity.
410 AD Goths sacked Roman Empire.
476 AD The last Roman emperor was thrown out by German Tribes.
Christianity
•• It was founded by Jesus Christ (i.e. Merriah).
•• He was born on 25th December to Mother Mary (Marium) in Bethlehem (Nr. Jerusalam)
•• Bible is the holy book of Christians.
•• His crucifixion (hanging) on cross happened in about AD 33.
•• So, sign of ‘cross’ is considered holy for Christians.
Kanbana, Kuttana and Pugalendi are considered as ‘three gems of Tamil poetry’.
GK-120
HISTORY
MEDIEVAL WORLD HISTORY

MEDIEVAL EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION
Time Period Events
500-600AD •• A monastery was built in Italy.
•• Christianity was introduced in England.
•• The foundation stone of Roman Catholic Church was laid by Gregory the
Great.
650-700AD History of the English Church and People was written by Bede.
800AD Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, was crowned as Holy Roman Emperor.
850-900AD First Russian states founded at Kiev and Novgorod.
900-950AD Viking raids across Western Europe.
1000-1050 Medical school set up in Salerno, Italy (1030).
1050-1100 AD •• William of Normandy invaded England and becomes king.
•• First Crusade was proclaimed.
1150-1200 AD Construction of the cathedral of Notre Dame.
1200-1250 AD •• St Francis of Assisi sets up a monastic order, emphasizing austerity and
compassion.
•• Rebellion against the king by the Lords of England as he signed the Magna
Carta, accepting to rule according to law.
1250-1300 AD Establishment of the Hapsburg dynasty that continued to rule Austria till
1918.
Feudalism was a socio-political hierarchy which started in 8th century AD in Europe and
ended in 14th century AD.
Crusades were the series of military campaign organized under the banner of the cross so
as to recover the holy places of Palestine from Muslim occupation.
AFRICAN CIVILIZATION
Time Period Events
830AD Ghana Empire was created.
1050-1100AD Expansion of Almoravid kingdom from Ghana to southern Spain.
1100-1150AD Emergence of Zimbabwe as a centre for producing gold and copper
artifacts and long distance trade.
1200-1250 AD •• Christian churches established in Ethiopia.
•• Kingdom of Mali was established in West Africa, with Timbuktu as a
centre of learning.
1375 AD Gao rebelled against and Songhai started to expand its realm.
1465 AD Songhai conquered Mema and after three years seized Timbaktu.
1588–91 AD Songhai was attacked by Moroccan forces with firearms and they kept on
conquering Tondibi, Timbuktu and Gao one after the other.
Qutubuddin Aibak patronised Hasan-un-Nizami, author of ‘Taj-ul-Massir’ and Fakhruddin, author of ‘Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi’.
HISTORY GK-121
MONGOL EMPIRE
Time Period Events
1206 AD Temüjin from the Orkhon Valley received the title Genghis Khan, and
started ruling the unified nomads of Mongolia homeland.
1227 AD Death of Genghis Khan.
1250–1350 AD Pax Mongolica or stabilization of Mongol empire.
1260-1294 AD Fragmentation of Mongol Empire into Ilkhanate Yuan dynasty, Chagatai
Khanate, Golden Horde.
1368 AD Fall of Yuan dynasty.
1687 AD Collapse of Chagatai Khanate.
ARAB CIVILIZATION
Time Period Events
571AD •• The great Prophet of Islam, was born in Mecca
•• With the rise of new religion Islam, the Arab civilization started
expanding its realm
632AD After the death of Mohammad his successors continued to spread his
teachings and were known as Caliphs or Khalifas
13th Century AD The Islamic Empire came to end with the defeat of Abbasids by Seljuq Turks
Islam in Arab Civilization

•• Hazrat Prophet Muhammad Saheb founded Islam as a religion.
•• He was born on Monday, April 22nd, 571 A.D. (12th Rabi Al Awwal) in Mecca.
•• His father was Abdulsah & mother was Aminah.
•• His father died in Madina before Muhammad was born.
•• His grandfather was Abdul Mullahib.
•• He was suckled by Haleema (Dai).
•• His mother died when he was 6 year and grandfather died 2 years later.
•• His uncle – Abu Talib took cave of him.
•• Khadijah (a rich widow lady) of age 40 years married Muhammad (25 yrs).
•• Hijri Era started on 24th September 622 when he migrated to Medina.
•• He attained enlightment, i.e. the first revelation came to him on Monday, August 10th,
610 AD (21st of Ramadan) at 40 years of age at Gaare-Hira (Hira cave).
•• First persons who embraced Islam were–Khadija (wife), Zaid (slave), Ali (cousin), &
Abu Bakr (friend).
•• Prophet Muhammad died on Monday, 8th June, 623 AD and was buried at Medina.
•• Islam divided into shia and sunni cults after his death.
•• His successors were called Khalifa.
•• Eid-milad-un-Nabi is celebrated as the birthday of the prophet.
Harshavardhana called for a religious assembly at Kannauj which was joined by many learned people and presided over by Hiuen-Tsang.
GK-122
HISTORY
MODERN WORLD HISTORY
Renaissance invention of several technological aids such

The European era between 14th to 17th as spinning jenny by James Hargreaves
centuries AD was designated as the Age of in 1764, water-powered spinning frame by
Renaissance generally known for “Revival Richard Arkwright in 1769, spinning mule
of Learning”. The Florence city of Italian by Samuel Crompton in 1779, power loom
region Tuscany was well known as the by Edmund Cartwright in 1785, steam
birth place of Renaissance. engine by James Watt in 1769 etc.
American Revolution
Reformation
It was the mutiny of people living in thirteen
Reformation was a social movement
colonies of England in North America in late
initiated by Martin Luther during 16th
18th century. Various factors such as French
century in Europe against Roman Catholic and Indian War, stamp act, Townshend
Church. He started criticizing the selling of Acts, Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party/
self indulgence of higher authorities in the Intolerable Acts, can be considered as the
church by highlighting the fact that the Pope triggering fact of this revolution in 1775-83.
had no authority over the purgatory and
there was no evidence of catholic doctrine French Revolution
of the merits of the saints in the gospel. It was one of the greatest revolutions of
eighteenth century which put an end to
Major Revolutions French monarchy. It lasted from 1789 until
Glorious Revolution 1799, and partially carried forwarded by
It was otherwise known as the Bloodless Napoleon during the later expansion of the
Revolution primarily focused on securing French Empire.
freedom of worship from Catholics and Russian Revolution
unifying Whigs and Tories of Anglican Based on the ideology of Marxism,
church against the Roman Catholic ruler Russian revolution took place in 1917 and
James II. eventually ended up in creating the Russian
Industrial Revolution Soviet Union. The prime causes of these
It was the process of change in earning revolutions were the autocratic rule Czars,
livelihood by adopting industrial processes inefficient and vigorous use of power, low
rather than agriculture. It started during living standard of people in the society, to
mid 18th century in Britain with the support church forcefully.
WORLD WARS: I & II

Event World War I World War II
Countries Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey Britain, France, USSR, US, Other
Involved vs. France, Russia, Britain, US, Italy. nations vs. Germany, Italy, Japan
Duration of July 28, 1914 – November 11, 1918 September 1, 1939 –
War September 2, 1945
Hiuen-Tsang spent about eight years (635-643 AD) in India and wrote a text called- Si Yu ki.
HISTORY GK-123
Causes Immediate Immediate

Murder of Austrian King Archduke Germany’s ultimatum and
Ferdinand at Serajevo by a Serbian which Poland’s rejection for surrender
resulted in strong hostility between Austria- of Port Dazing.
Hungary and Serbia Refusal of Poland to establish rail
Associated link between Germany and West
•• Militarism Prussia through Polish corridor.
•• Nationalism or Competitive Patriotism Associated
•• Economic Imperialism •• The treaty of Versailles (1919)
•• Anglo-German Rivalry and the charter of •• Nationalist movement of
William II Germany & Italy.
•• Lack of International Organization •• Ideological conflict between
Dictatorship and Democracy
•• Inefficiency of League of Nation
•• Colonial and commercial rivalry
•• Aggressiveness of Berlin-Rome
–Tokyo axis
Conse- •• End of the German, Russian, Ottoman and •• Collapse of Nazi Germany
quences Austro-Hungarian empires •• Fall of Japanese and Italian
•• Formation of new countries in Europe and Empires
the Middle East. •• Creation of the United Nations
•• Transfer of German colonies and regions •• Emergence of the United
of the former Ottoman Empire to other States and the Soviet Union as
powers superpowers
•• Establishment of the League of Nations •• Beginning of the Cold War
Major Wars in History Peloponnesian War

Trojan War Participants: Athens vs. Sparta
Duration of War: 431 BC – 404 BC
Participants: City of Troy vs City of Sparta
Causes of War: The war occurred due to
Duration of War: 10 years
the political fragmentation and mutual two
Causes of War: The war resulted due to city states of Greece, Athens and Sparta.
the kidnapping of Queen Helen from her
Outcome of War: Eventually Sparta
husband, the king of Sparta by the Trojan
registered its victory by defeating Athens in
Prince.
Decelean war (known to be the third phase
Outcome of war: The war ended with of Peloponnesian War), with the help of
victory of Greek and destruction of Troy. Persian Empire.
Persian War Punic Wars
Participants: Greek vs. Persia First
Duration of War: 499 BC – 449 BC Participants: Rome vs. Carthage
Causes of War: The king of Persia, Darius Duration of War: 264 BC -241 BC
I attacked Athens when the series of Greek Causes of War: The war broke out as the
uprisings were suppressed. Carthaginians established a base of island
Outcome of war: The Greek made its that seemed to be a potential threat to
victory against Persia. Rome.
Sher Shah Suri was known as Hazarat-i-Ala and he defeated Humayun in the battle of Chausa in 1539.
GK-124
HISTORY
Outcome of War: The Romans won the war. Russo-Japan War
Second Participants: Russia vs. Japan
Participants: Greek vs. Trojan Duration of War: 1904 – 05 AD
Duration of War: 218 BC- 201 BC Causes of War: The war fought for having
Causes of War: The war occurred when imperial authority over Manchuria and
Korea.
Carthage started expanding its power in
Spain and striving for the coastal city of Outcome of War: Japanese won the war.
Saguntum (the present day Sagunto) which Vietnam War
was allied with Rome. Participants: Democratic Republic of
Outcome of War: Finally Rome won over Vietnam allied with Soviet Union vs. China.
Carthage in the battle of Zama forcing the Duration of War: 1955 – 75 AD
Carthaginians to give up Spanish territories Causes of War: The war was fought for
and its navy. checking communism spread all over
South-Asia.
Third
Outcome of War: The war ended with the
Participants: Greek vs. Persian
victory of North Vietnam by empowering
Duration of War: 149 BC- 146 BC the Communist government in South
Causes of War: The fear of Carthaginian Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia with annexure
resurgence led to the war in the city streets of South Vietnam. The American-led forces
of Carthage had to back out from Indochina.
Outcome of War: Ultimately Romans Iraq–Iran War
destroyed the city of Carthage Participants: Islamic Republic of Iran and
Hundred Years War the Republic of Iraq
Duration of War: 1980 – 88 AD
Participants: France vs. England
Causes of War: The war started with the
Duration of War: 1337 BC -1453 BC
invasion of republic of Iran resulting from a
Causes of War: The war broke out after border dispute of two Republics.
King Edward III of England invaded the Outcome of War: Iraq failed to take over
country of France and continued to seize its the east bank of the Shatt al-Arab and
land and became its ruler. strengthen Arab separatism in the region of
Outcome of War: At the end France Khuzestan. The Iranian invasion failed and
managed to defy the England’s reign with the idea of deposing Saddam Hussein was
the help of Scotland. shattered.
Krishna Deva Rai took the titles of Yavanaraja Sthapancharya and also known as Andhra Bhoj and Andhra Pitamaha.
POLITY GK-125
POLITY
POLITY
u India u World
TOP POLITICAL TRENDS/ EVENTS/ DEVELOPMENT

THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
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POLITY
Important Acts
Making of Constituent Assembly
Constitution Enactment & Enforcement
Introduction
Salient Features Basic Features
of Constitution Important Quotes
Sources
Structure of List of Articles
Indian List of Schedules
Constitution List of Amendments (Till date)
MAPMAP
Indian Constitution
Preamble
Union & Territories
Citizenship
FRs, FDs, & DPs.
Union & State Executives
Union & State Composition
MIND
Constitutional Supreme Court & High Court

Framework Indian Penal Code
Panchayati Raj System & Municipalities
Centre State Relations
POLITY- -MIND

List I, II, III
Interstate Council
Zonal Council
Article 370 - Jammu & Kashmir
Uniform Civil Code
POLITY
Election Comm. CAG

Constitutional UPSC / SPSC AG
Bodies Finance Comm. Advocate General
National Comm.
Statutory Lokpal & Lokayukta NDC

NITI Ayog NHRC
INDIAN
Bodies
Democratic
Types of
INDIAN
Parliamentary
Government Federal
Legislature
Institutional
Indian Government
Executive
Framework
Judiciary
Union
Levels of
State
Government
Local
Electoral System
Elections Electoral Reforms
Political Parties & Composition
Pressure Groups
Principles & Look - East
Foreign Objectives Gujaral Doctrine
Nuclear Policy
India & its Neighbours

POLITY GK-127
INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Making of Constitution
IMPORTANT ACTS
Constitutional Important Provisions
Landmark
Pitts India Act, 1784 •• Indian affairs under direct control of British government.
•• Board of control was established.
Government of India, •• Company rule replaced by British crown.
1858 •• Secretary of state for India appointed to exercise the power of the
crown. He was a member of British cabinet, responsible to it &
was assisted by Council of India with 15 members.
•• Governor General became the agent of the crown and now known
as Viceroy of India.
Indian Councils Act, 1861 •• Parliamentary system started in India.
•• Indians became non-official members of the legislature.
•• Started decentralization of power.
Indian Councils Act, 1909 •• Central Legislative Council becames Imperial Legislative Council
(Morley-Minto Reforms. with officials forming the majority.
Lord Morley was the then •• Provincial Legislative Councils had a majority of non-official
Secretary of State for members.
•• Introduced communal representation for Muslims with a separate
India and Lord Minto was
electorate system. Legalized communalism. Lord Minto created a
then Viceroy of India). communal electorate.
Government of India •• Separated central subjects from provincial subjects.
Act, 1919/ Montague •• Provincial subjects were transferred and reserved.
- Chelmsford Reforms. •• Transferred subjects were administered by Governor with help of
Montague was the ministers who were responsible to the legislature.
•• Reserved subjects were administered by Governor and Executive
Secretary of State
Council who were not responsible to the legislature.
for India and Lord •• Diarchy/ Dual system of government was introduced.
Chelmeford was the •• Bicameral legislature with upper and lower houses were formed
Viceroy of India. with direct elections.
•• Majority of members in both houses were directly elected.
•• 3 of the 6 members of Governor-General’s council had to be
Indians.
Government of India Act, •• Established All India federation of provinces & princely states as
1935 constituent units.
•• Federal, provincial & concurrent lists were introduced.
•• Abolished diarchy in provinces which now had provincial
autonomy.
•• Introduced diarchy at the Centre & bicameralism in the provinces.
•• Introduced responsible governments in provinces.
The August Offer, 1940 •• Expansion of the Governor-General’s Executive Council to include
more Indians.
•• Establishment of an advisory war council.
Cripps Proposals, 1942 •• Provision made up for participation of Indian states in the
constitution making body.
•• The leaders of the principal sections of the Indian people were
invited to take active and effective participation in the councils of
their country.
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisaiton Act was passed in the year 2014.
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Cabinet Mission Plan, •• There should be a Union of India, embracing both British India
1916 and the states which should deal with foreign affairs.
•• A Constituent Assembly should be set up to draw up the future
constitution of the country.
Indian Independence Act, •• Declared India as independent & sovereign state.
1947 •• Established responsible government at the Center & provinces.
•• Designated Governor General of India & Provincial Governors as
Constitutional heads or nominal heads.
Objective Resolution •• On Jan 22, 1947 the Constituent Assembly adopted Objective
resolution as advocated by Jawahar Lal Nehru. It contained
fundamental propositions of the constitution & set forth the
political ideas that should guide its deliberations.
Constituent Assembly
•• The Constituent Assembly was constituted in Nov. 1946 under the scheme formulated
by the Cabinet Mission Plan 1946.
•• Total members – 389
•• Members elected indirectly from British India – 296
•• Members nominated by princely states. – 93
•• The Constituent Assembly had both Nominated & Elected members. The elected
members were indirectly elected by members of the Provincial Assemblies.
•• 1st meeting of Constituent Assembly –Dec.9, 1946.
•• Muslim League boycotted the Constituent Assembly.
•• Temporary president of the Assembly – Dr. Sachidanand.
•• Permanent President of the Assembly – Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
•• Vice President of the Assembly – H.C. Mukherjee.
•• Constitutional Advisor to the Assembly – Sir B.N.Rau
IMPORTANT COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
Drafting Committee Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Flag Committee J. B. Kriplani
Union Constitution Committee Jawahar lal Nehru
Provincial Constitution Committee Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
Union Powers Committee Jawahar lal Nehru
Committee on Fundamental Rights and Minorities Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
Special Committee to Examine the Draft Constitution (Chairman: Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer)
Expert Committee on Financial Provisions
Ad-hoc Committee on Supreme Court
Ad-hoc Committee on National Flag
Committee on Chief Commissioners’ Provinces
Drafting Committee 4 Dr. K.M. Munshi
It consisted of 7 members – 5 Syed Mohammad Saadullah.
1 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Chairman) 6 N. Madhava Rau
2 N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar
7 T.T Krishnamachari
3 Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar
The Constituent Assembly has 11 sessions and incurred `64 lakh on making the constitution.
POLITY GK-129
The Drafting Committee took less than 6 months to prepare its draft. In all it sat only for
141 days. Indian Constitution was framed by the Constituent Assembly in a long time of 2
years, 11 months & 18 days.
Enactment & Enforcement of the Constitution
The Constitution was adopted on Nov. 26,1949, contained a Preamble, 395 Articles & 8
Schedules. Now, it increased to 447 Articles & 12 Schedules. It came into force on January
26,1950. This day is celebrated as the Republic Day.
Salient features of the Constitution
The term Constitution is derived from Latin word “Constituere” which means “to
establish”. A Constitution is something established as the basis of government (whether by
a constitutional convention or by process of evolution). The Constitution of our country is
a collection of legal rules which provides the framework of the governmental machinery &
also it is an effective instrument of orderly social change.
Lengthiest
Written Constitution Combination
of Rigidity &
Supremacy of Constitution Flexibility
Republican form of govt. Emergency
Provisions
Secularism Federal System
Basic with Unitary Bias
Federal character
Structure
Features
Sovereignty of the Country Integrated and
Independent
Parliamentary Democracy Judiciary
Parliamentary System
Fundamental Rights, DPs. of Government
Synthesis of Parliamentary
Sovereignty & Judicial Supremacy
Sources of Indian Constitution

Indian Constitution has borrowed its provisions from following sources.
Country Provisions Borrowed
Government of Federal scheme
India Act, 1935 Declaration of emergency powers
Ordinance defining the power of the President and Governors
Office of the Governor
Power of federal judiciary
Administration at the centre and state level
United Parliamentary system
Kingdom Bicameral parliament
Prime Minister
Council of Ministers
Single citizenship
Office of CAG
Writ jurisdiction of courts
Rule of law
USA Written constitution
Fundamental rights
Supreme Court
President as executive head of the state
Impeachment of the president, removal of SC and HC judges
Vice President as chairman of Rajya Sabha
Judicial review, independence of judiciary
The concept of written constitution was first born in the USA.

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Australia Concurrent list
Cooperative federalism
Centre State relationship
Joint sitting of two houses of Parliament
USSR Fundamental duties
Weimer Suspension of fundamental rights during emergency
Constitution of Ballot system
Germany
Canada Federal system
Residuary powers
Appointment of Governor
Advisory jurisdiction of S.C.
South Africa Procedure of Constitutional amendment.
Electing member to Rajya Sabha
Ireland Concept of Directive Principles of State Policy.
Nomination of members to Rajya Sabha by the President.
Presidential election.
SCHEDULES OF THE CONSTITUTION

Numbers Subject Matter Articles Covered
First Names of the States and their territorial jurisdiction. 1 and 4
Schedule Name of the Union Territories and their extent.
Second Provisions relating to the emoluments, allowances, 59, 65, 75, 97, 125, 148,
Schedule privileges and so on of: 158, 164, 186 & 221
The President of India
The Governors of States
The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative
Assembly in the states
The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the legislative
Council in the states
The judges of the Supreme Court
The judges of the High Courts
The Comptroller and Auditor - General of India
Third Forms of Oaths or Affirmations for: 75, 84, 99, 124, 146,
Schedule 173, 188 and 219
The Union Ministers
The candidates for election to the Parliament
The members of Parliament
The judges of the Supreme Court
The Comptroller of Auditor - General of India
The State Ministers
The candidates for election to the state legislature
The members of the state legislature
The judges of the High Courts
Fourth Allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to the states and the 4 and 80
Schedule Union Territories.
Fifth Provisions relating to the administration and control of 244
Schedule scheduled areas and scheduled tribes.
The first woman to become the Prime Minister of a country was Sirimavo Bhandharnaike of Sri Lanka.
POLITY GK-131
Sixth Provisions relating to the administration of tribal areas in 244 and 275
Schedule the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
Seventh Division of power between the Union and the States in 246
Schedule terms of List I (Union List), List II (State List) and List III
(Concurrent List). Presently, The Union List contains 100
subjects (originally 97), The State list contains 61 subjects
(Originally 66) and the concurrent list contains 52 subjects
(originally 47).
Eighth Languages recognized by the Constitution. Originally, it had 344 and 351
Schedule 14 languages but presently there are 22 languages. They are:
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo Dogri (Dongri), Gujarati, Hindi,
Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Mathili(Maithili), Malayalam,
Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali,
Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. Sindhi was added b the 21st
Amendment Act of 1967: Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali
were added by the 71st Amendment Act of 1967; Konkani,
Manipuri and Nepali were added by the 71st Amendment
Act of 1992; And Bodo, Dongri, Maithili and Santhali were
added by the 92nd Amendment Act of 2003.
Ninth Acts and Regulations (originally 13 but presently 282) of the 31 - B
Schedule state legislatures dealing with land reforms and abolition
of the zamindari system and of the Parliament dealing
with other matters. This schedule was added by the 1st
Amendment (1951) to protect the laws included in it from
judicial scrutiny on the ground of violation of fundamental
rights. However, in 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that the
laws included in this schedule after April 24, 1973, are open
to judicial review.
Tenth Provisions relating to disqualification of the members 102 and 191
Schedule of Parliament and State Legislatures on the ground of
defection. This schedule was added by the 52nd Amendment
Act of 1985, also known as Anti Defection Law.
Eleventh Specifies the powers, authority and responsibilities of 243 - G
Schedule Panchayats. It has 29 matters. This Schedule was added by
the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992.
Twelfth Specifies the powers, authority and responsibilities of 243 - W
Schedule Municipalities. It has 18 matters. This Schedule was added
by the 74th Amendment Act of 1992.
LIST OF IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS

Amendments Enforced since Objectives
11th – 1961 Amend articles 66 19 December Election of Vice President by Electoral
and 71. 1961 College consisting of members of
both Houses of Parliament, instead of
election by a Joint Sitting of Parliament.
Indemnify the President and Vice
President Election procedure from
challenge on grounds of existence of
any vacancies in the electoral college.
25th – 1971 Amend article 31. 20 April 1972 Restrict property rights and
Insert article 31C. compensation in case the state takes
over private property.
The total strength of the Constituent Assembly was to be 389.

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POLITY
31st – 1973 Amend articles 81, 17 October 1973 Increase size of Parliament from 525 to
330 and 332. 545 seats. Increased seats going to the
new states formed in North East India
and minor adjustment consequent to
1971 Delimitation exercise.
32nd – 1973 Amend article 371. 1 July 1974 Protection of regional rights in
Insert articles 371D Telangana and Andhra regions of State
and 371E. of Andhra Pradesh.
Amend schedule 7.
42nd – 1976 Amend articles 31, 1 April 1977 Amendment passed during internal
31C, 39, 55, 74, 77, 81, emergency by Indira Gandhi. Provides
82, 83, 100, 102, 103, for curtailment of fundamental
105, 118, 145, 150, rights, imposes fundamental duties
166, 170, 172, 189, and changes to the basic structure of
191, 192, 194, 208, the Constitution by making India a
217, 225, 226, 227, “Socialist Secular” Republic.
228, 311, 312, 330,
352, 353, 356, 357,
358, 359, 366, 368
and 371F.
Insert articles 31D,
32A, 39A, 43A, 48A,
131A, 139A, 144A,
226A, 228A and 257A.
Insert parts 4A and
14A.
Amend schedule 7.
51st – 1984 Amend articles 330 16 June 1986 Provide reservation to Scheduled Tribes
and 332. in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram
and Arunachal Pradesh Legislative
Assemblies.
61st – 1988 Amend article 326. 28 March 1989 Reduce age for voting rights from 21 to 18
64th – 1990 Amend article 356. 16 April 1990 Article 356 amended to permit President’s
rule up to three years and six months in
the State of Punjab.
65th – 1990 Amend article 338. 12 March 1990 National Commission for Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes formed
and its statutory powers specified in
the Constitution.
81st – 2000 Amend article 16. 9 June 2000 Protect SC / ST reservation in filling
backlog of vacancies.
82nd – 2000 Amend article 335. 8 September Permit relaxation of qualifying marks and
2000 other criteria in reservation in promotion
for SC / ST candidates.
86th – 2002 Amend articles 45 12 December Provides Right to Education until the
and 51A. 2002 age of fourteen and Early childhood
Insert article 21A. care until the age of six.
89th – 2003 Amend article 338. 28 September The National Commission for
Insert article 338A. 2003 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
was bifurcated into The National
Commission for Scheduled Castes and
the National Commission for Scheduled
Tribes.
Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha, the oldest member, was elected as the temporary President of the Assembly.
POLITY GK-133
97th – 2011 Amend Art 19 and 12 January 2012 Added the words “or Co-operative
added Part IXB. Societies” after the word “or Unions” in
Article 19(l)(c) and insertion of article
43B i.e., Promotion of Co-operative
Societies and added Part-IXB, i.e. the
Co-operative Societies.
The amendment objective is to
encourage economic activities of
cooperatives which in turn help
progress of rural India. It is expected
to not only ensure autonomous and
democratic functioning of cooperatives,
but also the accountability of the
management to the members and other
stakeholders.
99th – 2014 Insertion of new 13 April 2015 The amendment provides for the
articles 124A, 124B and formation of a National Judicial
124C Amendments Appointments Commission. 16 State
to Articles 127, 128, assemblies out of 29 States including
217, 222, 224A, 231. Goa, Rajasthan, Tripura, Gujarat
and Telangana ratified the Central
Legislation, enabling the President
of India to give assent to the bill. The
amendment is in toto quashed by
Supreme Court on 16 October 2015.
100th – 2015 Amendment of 1 August 2015 Exchange of certain enclave territories
First Schedule to with Bangladesh and conferment
Constitution of citizenship rights to residents of
enclaves consequent to signing of Land
Boundary Agreement (LBA)Treaty
between India and Bangladesh.
PREAMBLE
Meaning •• Introduction or preface to the Constitution.
•• Summary or essence of the Constitution
Components •• Source of Authority – People of India
•• Nature of Indian State – Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic & Republican.
•• Objectives of Constitution –Justice, Liberty, Equality & Fraternity.
Amendment •• 42nd Amnd Act 1976 added 3 new words – Socialist, Secular & Integrity.
Part of the •• In Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973), Supreme Court held that Preamble is
Constitution an integral part of the Constitution.
THE UNION & ITS TERRITORY

•• Article 1 stipulates that India, that is Bharat, shall be Union of states.
•• The country is described as ‘Union‘ beacuse it is indestructible.
•• The ‘territory of India’ includes the entire area over which the Sovereignty of India extends.
•• Under Articles 2 &3, Parliament has the power to establish new States, form a new State from
the territory of any State or by uniting two or more States, increase or decrease the area of
any State, or after the boundaries or the name of any State.
•• First Linguistic State – Andhra Pradesh.
National flag was adopted on July 22, 1947.

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POLITY
State Reorganisation Act 1956
State Reorganisation Act 1956 was adopted by the Govt. of India that resulted in the
formation of new States & UTs.
LIST OF NEW STATES & UTS CREATED AFTER 1956
STATES/UTs YEAR
1. Maharashtra & Gujarat 1960
2. Dadra & Nagar Haveli 1961
3. Goa, Daman & Diu 1962
4. Goa (Statehood) 1987
5. Puducherry 1962
6. Nagaland 1963
7. Haryana, Chandigarh 1966
8. Himachal Pradesh (Statehood) 1971
9. Manipur, Tripura & Meghalaya (Statehood) 1972
10. Sikkim (full – fledged State) 1975
11. Arunachal Pradesh & Mizoram 1987
12. Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand & Jharkhand 2000
13. Telangana 2014
Citizenship
Person domiciled
Single Citizenship in India
3 Categories entitled Refugees who migrated to
to citizenship India from Pakistan
Indian Indians living in other
Citizenship Act (1955)
Citizenship Countries.
Provides for acquisition
& loss of Citizenship after
commencement of the
Constitution.
Dual Citizenship for PIOs

Acquisition of Citizenship
By Birth By Descent By By By Incorporation

Registration Naturalisation of Territory

Loss of Citizenship
By Renunciation By Termination By Deprivation
The Constitution deals with the Citizenship from article 5 to 11 under Part II.
POLITY
Can be Suspended FRs available only to citizens

Magna Carta Part III (Article Borrowed from during Emergency & Not to Foreigners- Art. 15,
of India 12 to 35) USA & France except Art. 20 & 21 16, 19, 29, 30
Fundamental Rights
Right to Equality Right to Freedom Right Against Exploitation Right to Freedom of Cultural and Right to Constitutional
Religion Educational Rights Remedies
Articles Articles Articles Articles Articles Articles

14-18 19-22 23-24 25-28 29-30 32
(14) Equality before Law (19) 6 Rights: Freedom of (23) Prohibition of traffic in (25) Freedom of conscience & (29) Protection of Includes writs:
& Equal protection speech & expression, human beings & forced free profession, practice & interests of (1) Habeas Corpus
of law. Assembly, Association, labour. propagation of religion. minorities. (2) Mandamus
Movement, Residence & (3) Prohibition
Profession. (4) Certiorari
Fundamental Rights
(5) Quo–Warranto
(15) Prohibition of (20) Protection in respect of (24) Prohibition of (26 ) Manage religious affairs. (30) Right of minorities
discrimination on conviction for offences. employment of to establish
grounds of religion, children in factories & administer
race, sex etc. etc. educational
institutions.
(16) Equality of (21) Protection of life & (27) Freedom from payment of
opportunity in personal liberty. taxes for promotion of any
public employment religion.
(17) Abolition of (22) Protection against (28) Freedom from attending

untouchability. arrest & detention in religious instruction
certain cases. or worship in certain
GK-135
educational institutions.
(18) Abolition of titles.
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POLITY
Directive Principles
Promote concept of
Part IV, Article
“Instrument of instructions” welfare state
36 – 51
– B.R. Ambedkar
Mixture of
socialist
Gandhian & Directive Non-justiciable
Liberal Principles
principles
Fundamental guidelines Borrowed from Aim to economic &

in country’s governance Ireland social justice
ARTICLES RELATED TO DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY AT A GLANCE

Article No. Subject - matter
36 Definition of State
37 Application of the principles contained in this part
38 State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people
39 Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State

•• Means of livelihood to all.
•• Use of resources for common good.
•• Prevention of concentration of wealth
•• Equal pay for equal work
•• Protection of workers, children & youth
39 A Equal justice and free legal aid
40 Organisation of village panchayats
41 Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases
42 Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief
43 Living wage, etc. for workers
43 A Participation of workers in management of industries
43 B Promotion of co-operative societies
44 Uniform Civil Code for the citizens
45 Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of
six years
46 Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled

Tribes and other weaker section.
Article 39, 39A, 43A and 48A of Directive Principles were added by 42nd Amendment Act of 1976.
POLITY GK-137
47 Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to
improve public health
48 Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry
48 A Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and

wildlife
49 Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance
50 Separation of judiciary from executive
51 Promotion of international peace security
FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES
Fundamental Duties
Covered Part IV A, Article 51–A
Borrowed from USSR
Amendment 42nd Amendment 1976, introduced Article 51 A in the Constitution.
Recommended by Swaran Singh Committee.
Numbers Originally–10 duties

Now–11 duties (added by 86th Amendment ACT, 2002)
List of F.Ds 51 A (a) Abide by the Constitution and respect National Flag & National
Anthem
B Follow ideals of the freedom struggle
C Protect sovereignty & integrity of India
D Defend the country and render national services when called
upon
E Spirit of common brotherhood
F Preserve composite culture
G Protect natural environment
H Develop scientific temper
I Safeguard public property
J Strive for excellence
K Duty of all parents & guardians to send their children in the age
group of 6-14 years to school.
National Song of India was adopted on 24th January, 1950.

President

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President
Position Term Oath Emolument Qualification Election Vacancy Powers
Executive
• Executive • 5 years • By Chief • ` 1.5 lakh • Citizen of • Elected • On expiry of Legislative
Head of the • Eligible for Justice per month India indirectly by term Judicial
State Re-election of India • Pension • Completed 35 electoral college • By death Emergency
• First citizen or senior ` 75,000 years age consisting • By resignation
of the country most per month • Qualified for elected members • By impeachment
judge of election as a of both houses
Supreme member of of Parliament
Court Lok Sabha & State’s
• Not hold any Legislative
office of profit Assemblies
under GOI • Following
formula is
adopted at first
stage:
×
Total population of State 1
UNION & STATE EXECUTIVES
Value of vote of MLA =

Total no. of elected members in the State Legislative Assembly 1000
Total value of votes of all MLAs of all States

Value of vote of MP =
Total no. of elected MPs
•• At second stage, a complex system of calculating Quota of individual candidate is used

which is based on the order of preference of candidates.
POLITY
Powers of President
POLITY
Executive Legislative Judicial
Appoints PM, Directly Dissolution or Address Nominates Assent Laying Issue Seek Power to
Council of administers Prorogation of & Send Members of on Bills down Ordinance Advice of grant
ministers, UTs Parliament messages Parliament passed by some Supreme pardon
Attorney_General,
CAG, Judges of to houses Parliament reports Court
Supreme Court before
& High Courts, Parliament
Governors,
Administrators
of UTs, Chairman Miscellaneous Emergency
& Members of
Public Service
Commission,
Chairman & Supreme Conclude National Failure of Financial
Members of Commander & Approve Emergency Constitutional Emergency
Finance of Armed International (Art. 352) Machinery (Art. 360)
Commission, Forces Treaties & in States
Chief Election Agreements (Art. 356)
Commissioner
& Election
Commissioners,
Inter - State
Council,
Commission
GK-139
investigate the
condition of SCs,
STs & OBCs.
GK-140
POLITY
LIST OF PRESIDENTS
List of President Joining date Leaving date
Dr. Rajendra Prasad 1/26/1950 5/13/1962
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan 5/13/1962 5/13/1967
Zakir Hussain 5/13/1967 5/3/1969
Varahagiri Venkata Giri 5/3/1969 7/20/1969
Muhammad Hidayatullah 7/20/1969 8/24/1969
Varahagiri Venkata Giri 8/24/1969 8/24/1974
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed 8/24/1974 2/11/1977
Basappa Danappa Jatti 2/11/1977 7/25/1977
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy 7/25/1977 7/25/1982
Giani Zail Singh 7/25/1982 7/25/1987
Ramaswamy Venkataraman 7/25/1987 7/25/1992
Shankar Dayal Sharma 7/25/1992 7/25/1997
Kocheril Raman Narayanan 7/25/1997 7/25/2002
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam 7/25/2002 7/25/2007
Smt. Pratibha Patil 7/25/2007 7/25/2012
Pranab Mukherjee 7/25/2012 Incumbent
Vice President (4) Acts as President when vacancy occurs
Qualification in the office of the President due to his
resignation. Removal, death, or otherwise.
(1) Citizen of India.
(2) Completed 35 years. Removal
(3) Qualified for election as a member of (1) He can be removed by a resolution of
Rajya Sabha. the Rajya Sabha passed by an absolute
(4) Not hold any office of profit under Union/ majority & agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
State government or any Local Authority. But, no such resolution can be moved
Term unless at least 14 days advance notice
(1) 5 years. has been given.
(2) Eligible for re-election.
Prime Minister
Oath
(1) Administered by the President.
Appointment
(1) By President
Emoluments
(1) ` 1.25 Lakh per month salary. Position
Election (1) Real executive authority (de facto executive).
(2) Head of the Government.
(1) Indirectly elected.
(3) Leader of the majority party in the Lok
(2) Elected by an electoral college consisting
of the members of both Houses of Sabha.
Parliament & in accordance with the Election
system of proportional representation (1) Elected directly by the people.
by means of the single transferable vote. Term
Functions (1) 5 years
(1) Ex-officio chairman of Rajya Sabha. (2) The PM actually stays in office as long as he
(2) Suspend or adjourn the business of the enjoys the confidence of the parliament,
House(Rajya Sabha). but the normal term is automatically
(3) Issues direction to the Chairman of reduced if the Lok Sabha is dissolved
various committees. earlier.
The election commission of India is not concerned with the election of panchayats and municipalities.
POLITY GK-141
Powers President on the recommendations of

(1) Advise the President to summon & the Prime Minister.
(4) Allocates Portfolios among the various
prorogue the Parliament & dissolve the
ministers & reshuffles them.
Lok Sabha. (5) Presides over the meetings of the
(2) Act as a Link between the cabinet & the Council of ministers.
President. (6) Ask a minister to resign.
(3) All the members of the Council (7) Coordinates the policies of the various
of Ministers are appointed by the departments & ministries.
List of Prime Ministers of India Party Name
Narendra Modi 2014 till date Bharatiya Janata Party
Manmohan Singh 2004-14 Indian National Congress
Atal Bihari Vajpayee 1998-2004 Bharatiya Janata Party
IK Gujral 1997-98 Janata Dal
HD Deve Gowda 1996-97 Janata Dal (Secular)
AB Vajpayee 1996 Bharatiya Janata Party
PV Narasimha Rao 1991-96 Indian National Congress
Chandra Shekhar 1990-91 Samajwadi Janata Party
VP Singh 1989-90 Janata Dal (National Front)
Rajiv Gandhi 1984-89 Indian National Congress
Indira Gandhi 1980-84 Indian National Congress
Charan Singh 1979-80 Janata Dal (Secular)
Morarji Desai 1977-79 Janata Dal
Indira Gandhi 1966-77 Indian National Congress
Gulzarilal Nanda 1966-66 Indian National Congress
Lal Bahadur Shastri 1964-66 Indian National Congress
Gulzarilal Nanda 1964 Indian National Congress
Jawaharlal Nehru 1947-64 Indian National Congress
Governor
Position •• Chief Executive of the State.
•• Act as an head agent of the Central Government.
Qualification •• Citizen of India.
•• Completed 35 years.
•• Not hold any office of profit under government.
•• Not a member of Parliament or State legislature.
Appointment •• Appointed by President.
& Tenure •• Term is 5 years.
Oath •• Administered by Chief Justice of High Court
Powers and (A) Executive Powers –
Functions •• Appoints Chief Minister & other ministers, Advocate General, chairman &
Members of State PSC, State Election Commissioner & Finance Commission,
Vice Chancellors of Universities in State.
•• Nominate one member of Anglo Indian Community to the Legislative Assembly
of his State & 1/6th members of Sate Legislative Council.
•• Recommend President that government of the Sate cannot be carried on in
accordance with the Provisions of the Constitution.
(B) Legislative Powers –
•• Summon, adjourn & Prorogue State legislature & Dissolve the State Legislative
Assembly.
•• Address the state legislature at the commencement of the first session after
each general election and the first session of each year.
•• Give or withold Assent to the bill.
The interpretation of the Constitution falls within the domain of the Constitutional Bench which must consist of at least 5 judges.
GK-142
POLITY
•• Return or reserve the Bill.
•• Submission reports from auditor General, State PSC, State Finance Commission
before the legislature.
(C) Discretionary Powers –
•• Appointing a new Chief Minister when no Single Party Commands a clear-cut
majority in Legislative Assembly.
•• Dismissal of ministry if he is convinced that it has lost majority support.
(D) Other powers –
•• Grant Pardons & Suspend the sentence of any person but cannot Pardon in
case of death sentence.
•• No demand of grants can be made except on the recommendation of the Governor.
•• Ensures that Budget of State is laid before State legislature every year.
Chief Minister
Appointment By Governor
Tenure 5 years
Qualification Member of either house of the State legislature
Powers & (1) Chief link between the Governor & the Council of Ministers.
Functions (2) Head of the Council of Ministers.
(3) Recommends to the Governor the names of persons to be appointed as
members of the Council of Ministers
(4) Allocates portfolios among Ministers.
(5) Supervises & coordinates Policies of the several Ministries & Departments.
Council of Ministers (At Centre & State Level) : Composition
Assist Ministers
with whom they are
attached & perform
administrative duties
Collective
Responsibility No Separate charge
to Lok Sabha M I NISTE
TY RS
at Central level E PU Head Important
and Legislative S O F S TA Ministries of Central
D
Assembly at T ER T / State Government

IS
State level
MIN
Attend Cabinet’s
CABINET meetings & decide
MINISTERS policies
Supreme
Individual Executive
(Independent
Responsibility authority
Charge)
to President at
Central level Independent charge of
& Governor at Ministries / Departments.
State level.
Work under Supervision &
guidance of Cabinet ministers.
Not members of Cabinet &

donot attend Cabinet meeting.
Part IV of The Constitution i.e. States Govt. is not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.
POLITY GK-143
THE NEW COUNCIL OF MINISTERS AT THE CENTRE 2016
S.No. Portfolio Name

Union Council of Ministers
1 Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Narendra Modi
Atomic Energy, Department of Space, All important policy
issues and All other portfolios not allocated to any Minister
Cabinet Ministers
1 Home Affairs Rajnath Singh
2 External Affairs Smt. Sushma Swaraj
3 Finance, Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley
4 Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty M. Venkaiah Naidu
Alleviation, Information & Broadcasting
5 Road Transport and Highways, Shipping Nitin Jairam Gadkari
6 Defence Manohar Parrikar
7 Railways Suresh Prabhu
8 Statistics & Programme Implementation D.V. Sadananda Gowda
9 Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Sushri Uma Bharati
Rejuvenation
10 Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ramvilas Paswan
11 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Kalraj Mishra
12 Women and Child Development Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi
13 Chemicals and Fertilizers, Parliamentary Affairs Ananth kumar
14 Law & Justice, Electronics & Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad
15 Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda
16 Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati
17 Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Anant Geete
18 Food Processing Industries Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal
19 Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Narendra Singh Tomar
Sanitation
20 Steel Chaudhary Birender Singh
21 Tribal Affairs Jual Oram
22 Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Radha Mohan Singh
23 Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot
24 Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani
25 Science and Technology, Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan
26 Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar
While debating or during general discussion on a bill, the members of the parliament have to address only to the Speaker.
GK-144
POLITY
Parliament

Indian Legislature
Union Leg
State Leg
(Parliament)
President Rajya Sabha Lok Sabha Bicameral Unicameral
Legislative Assembly
Upper House Lower House
Also known as House of People

council of states Maximum Leg. Council or Leg. Assembly or
Total members-250 Strength - 552 Vidhan Parishad Vidhan Sabha
238 12 530 20 2 (Nominated Lower House

Indirectly Nominated (States) (UTs) members from Upper House
Anglo-Indian Maximum
elected Maximum
Community) Strength - 500
Permanent Body Strength - 1/3 rd
Members are of total strength Minimum
directly elected of Assembly. Strength - 60
Term of individual
member - 6 years Term - 5 years Minimum Members are
Strength - 40 directly elected
1/3 rd members Presiding Officers by people
Members are
retires at expiration indirectly Term - 5 years
of every 2nd year. elected
Speaker Deputy
Speaker Permanent body
Presiding officers
Qualification 1/3rd of its members
retire every second
Chairman Deputy year.
Chairman Citizen Not less Term - 6 years
of India than 25
Qualification years.
Citizen of Not less than

India 30 years
Sessions of Parliament
Budget Session Monsoon Session Winter Session
February- May July-September November–December
Only the president can save a person guilty in the supreme court who has been given the death sentence.
POLITY GK-145
CONTROL OF THE PARLIAMENT OVER THE EXECUTIVE

Question hour •• First hour of every parliamentary sitting.
•• Starred questions are answered orally and supplementary questions can follow.
•• Unstarred questions are answered in writing.
•• Short notice questions are asked giving less than 10 days notice.
Zero hour •• Starts immediately after the question hour.
•• Any matter can be discussed during the zero hour.
Half-an-hour •• To clear fact on matters of public importance on which lot of debate has
discussion occurred.
Short duration •• To discuss urgent matters.
discussions •• Also known as two hour discussion.
Calling •• Moved to call the attention of a minister to matters of public importance.
Attention
Motion
Adjournment •• To draw attention of Parliament to a matter of urgent public importance.
Motion •• Motion needs the support of 50 members for admission.
•• Rajya Sabha cannot move this motion.
No Confidence •• Moved to prove the confidence of Lok Sabha in the Council of Ministers.
Motion •• If No Confidence Motion is passed, Council of Ministers has to resign.
•• No Confidence Motion needs the support of 50 members to be admitted.
•• Can be moved only in Lok Sabha.
Censure •• This motion seeks to censure the government for its lapses.
Motion •• If the Censure Motion is passed against the government, it should pass a
Confidence Motion as soon as possible to regain the confidence of the house.
•• And government, does not need to resign immediately unlike in case of No-
Confidence Motion.
•• It can be moved against an individual minister for specific policies or
actions. This motion should state the reason for its adoption. It is in practice
since 1954.
INDIAN JUDICIARY
INTEGRATED JUDICIARY
President
Supreme Court
1. Chief Justice
Governor 2. Judges Parliament
High Courts
1. Chief Justice
2. Judges
The presiding officer (Speaker or Chairman) declares the house adjourned sine die, when the business of a session is completed.
GK-146
POLITY
Courts
Indian Judiciaries
The Supreme Court
Delhi High Courts
(In States)
(In Districts) District and Metropolitan Areas

Session Courts
Metropolitan Magistrate Courts
City - Civil and Session Courts
(Civil) Provincial (Criminal)
Subordinate Small Cases Session Courts Presidency Small Cases Courts
Courts Courts
Subordinate Panchayat
Munsif Nyaya
Magistrate Courts Courts
Courts Panchayat
Judicial Executive
Magistrate Magistrate
Supreme Court •• According to Article 129, SC is a “Court of

Record”. It means:-
•• Supreme court is the final interpreter (a) Court records are admitted to be of
& guardian of our Constitution. It is the evidentiary value.
highest court of appeal in India. (b) It can punish for Contempt of the
•• Presently there are 31 judges (including Court.
Chief justice) in Supreme Court. •• Qualification for appointment as a Judge
•• The CJI is appointed by the President. The of SC :-
present CJI is Hon’ble Mr. TS Thakur.
(1) Citizen of India.
(2) Either be a distinguished jurist,
•• There is no fixed period of office for SC or one who has been a High Court
judges. Once appointed, they hold office Judge for atleast 5 years or an
till the age of 65 years. advocate of a High Court ( or 2 or
•• A judge of SC can be removed from his more such courts in Succession ) for
office only by the process of impeachment. atleast 10 years.
Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
Types of Jurisdiction
Original Appellate Advisory Review

Jurisdiction Jurisdiction Jurisdiction Jurisdiction
Give its legal opinion

Disputes Disputes involving on matters referred to
relating to violation of it by the President Power of Judicial Review
Union and the fundamental rights (means it can pronounce
states (writ jurisdiction) upon the constitutional
validity of laws passed by
legislature and actions
Appeal in Appeal in Appeal in Special leave taken by administrative
Civil cases Criminal cases Constitutional cases to Appeal authority.
Supreme Court at Calcutta was established by the Regulating Act 1773.

POLITY GK-147
High Court •• Qualification: a person appointed as a

•• The judiciary in a State consists of a HC judge of HC should
& a hierarchy of Subordinate courts. (1) Be a citizen of India.
•• The judges of HC are appointed by the (2) Must have held a judicial office in
President .
the territory of India for 10 years
•• The judge of a HC holds office until he
attains the age of 62 years. He can be or have been on advocate a high
removed by the process of Impeachment. court for 10 years.
Jurisdiction of High Court
Types of Jurisdiction
Original Writ Appellate Court of

Jurisdiction Jurisdiction Jurisdiction Record
Issue writs for Appeal against judgements

enforcement of of subordinate courts in civil
FRs of citizens and criminal matters
Matters of Disputes relating Revenue

Admirality to election of matter
Parliament and
state legislature
Review its own Judgements Power to
judgement Proceedings and punish for
Acts are recorded contempt
for legal references of court
Crime 2. Crimes Against Property: Dacoity,

The Indian Penal Code was passed in its preparation & assembly, Robbery,
the year 1860 and came into effect from Burglary, Theft;
January 1, 1862. The Indian Penal Code 3. Crimes Against Public order: Riots,
applies to the whole of India except for Arson;
the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It contains 4. Economic Crimes: Criminal Breach of
23 Chapters and 511 Sections. Before Trust, Cheating, Counterfeiting;
the Indian Penal Code came into effect, 5. Crimes Against Women: Rape, Dowry
the Mohammedan Criminal Law was Death, Cruelty by Husband and Relatives,
applied to both Mohammedans and Hindus Molestation, Sexual harassment and
in India.
Importation of Girls;
Broad classification of crimes under 6. Crimes Against Children: Child
the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Rape, Kidnapping & Abduction of
1. Crimes Against Body: Murder, its Children, Procreation of minor girls,
attempt, Culpable Homicide not Selling/Buying of girls for Prostitution,
amounting to Murder, Kidnapping & Abetment to Suicide, Exposure and
Abduction, Hurt, Causing Death by Abandonment, Infanticide, Foeticide;
Negligence; 7. Other IPC crimes.
Jammu and Kashmir has its own constitution and its own flag.
GK-148
POLITY
Few Known Sections LEGAL TERMS
Section 120 : Concealing design to commit Affidavit: This is a sworn statement made
offence punishable with imprisonment by a party, in writing, made in the presence
of an oath commissioner or a notary
Section 120-A and B: Definition of criminal
public which is used either in support of
conspiracy and Punishment of criminal
applications to the Court or as evidence in
conspiracy
court proceedings.
Section 141: Unlawful assembly Alimony: The maintenance given by a
Section 146 and 147: Rioting and husband to his divorced wife.
Punishment for rioting Amicus curiae: Translated from the Latin
Section 169: Public servant unlawfully as ’friend of the Court’. An advocate appears
buying or bidding for property in this capacity when asked to help with
the case by the Court or on volunteering
Section 171-B: Bribery
services to the Court.
Section 279: Rash driving or riding on a Arbitration: Settling disputes by referring
public way them to independent third parties as an
Section 295: Injuring or defiling place of alternative to court proceedings.
worship with intent to insult the religion of Audi alteram partem: This is a rule of natural
any class justice which translates from the Latin as ‘hear
Section 298: Uttering words, etc., with the other side’ or ’hear both sides’.
deliberate intent to hurt the religious Bequeath: To dispose of personal property
feelings of any person by Will.
Caveat: Where it is apprehended that an
Section 300: Murder
opposite party may file a case, a party may
Section 304-B: Dowry death file a document requesting the court that no
Section 307: Attempt to murder order be made in the case without hearing
Section 317: Exposure and abandonment the caveator.
of child under twelve years, by parent or Cognizable offence: An offence in which
person having care of it. arrest can be made without a warrant.
Dasti Notice: Dasti is a persian word,
Section 369: Kidnapping or abducting
which means ‘by hand’. Dast Notice means
child under ten years with intent to stealing
service of the notice by the Petitioner on
from their parent.
the Respondent(s) in person, and not by the
Section 372: Selling minor for purposes of Registry through post.
prostitution, etc. Decree: The formal expression of an
Section 373: Buying minor for purposes of adjudication which, so far as regards the
prostitution, etc. Court expressing it,
Section 378: Theft Estoppel: A legal principle that bars a
party from denying or alleging a certain
Section 375: Rape fact owing to that party’s previous conduct,
Section 376: Punishment against rape allegation, or denial.
Section 383: Extortion Habeas Corpus: A writ requiring a person
under arrest to be brought before a judge or
Section 390: Robbery
into court, especially to secure the person’s
Section 397: Robbery, or dacoity, with release unless lawful grounds are shown for
attempt to cause death or grievous hurt their detention.
The first Speaker of Lok Sabha was Ganesh Vasudev Mavlankar who served as the speaker from 1952 to 1956.
POLITY GK-149
In pari delicto: When both the parties are Prima facie: At first sight; on the face of it.
equally in fault. Pro bono publico: Translated from the
Interim Order : Any order by a court before Latin as ’for the public good’. In PIL, this
a final order is made. refers to a petitioner acting bonafide in the
Interlocutory Application: Petition seeking public interest.
a relief even while the main petition Respondent: A party against whom a
remains in the Court.
petition is filed. A proforma respondent is a
Intervenor: A person who is not a party to party against whom no relief is sought.
the proceedings may, with the permission
Stare decisis: The principle that decisions
of the court, intervene if it is shown that the
of Courts in previous cases must be followed
outcome of the case will affect such person
in subsequent cases of similar nature.
in some way.
Judgment-debtor: Any person against Statute: A codified law that is enacted by
whom a decree has been passed or an order the Parliament or a State Legislature.
capable of execution has been made; Stay Order: A party filing a petition may
Judicial Review: A term that describes require some immediate relief, even before
the function of the judiciary being able the respondents can be heard or a final
to examine and correct the actions of all decision given.
the organs of State—the executive, the Suo Motu: The Court may take action on its
legislature and the judiciary itself. own when facts requiring legal intervention
Justiciable: A matter is justiciable if it reach its notice. The Court is then said to be
lends itself to adjudication by a court. This acting Suo Moto.
is determined by criteria laid down in law.
Void: One that law regards as never having
Litigation: The totality of the legal taken place.
proceedings in any dispute.
Vox populi: Translated from the Latin as
Locus Standi: Translated from Latin as
’the voice of the people’.
‘place of standing’, locus standi gives the
right to pursue a litigation. Under this rule, Writ: A writ is a direction that the Court
only a person or group of persons affected issues, which is to be obeyed by the
by the issue may petition the Court. authority/person to whom it is issued.
Ordinance: A codified law made, as a Writ Petition: A petition seeking issuance
temporary measure, by the President of of a writ is a writ petition.
India or the Governor of a State when the
Parliament or legislature of a state is not in
Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI)
session. The term Panchayati Raj (PRI) in India
Perjury: This occurs when a person gives signifies the system of rural local self
false evidence or false affidavit in a case. government. It has been established in all
Petition: A written document filed in the States of India by the Acts of the state
a court asserting a claim or a right and Legislatures to build democracy at the
seeking relief on legal grounds. grassroot level. It is entrusted with rural
Pleadings: A collective noun for all the development. It was constitutionalised
petitions, affidavits, replies, rejoinders through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment
drafted by or on behalf of the parties to a case. Act 1992.
Balwant Rai Mehta Committee had recommended for the decentralization of the government in November 1957.
GK-150
POLITY
Committees on Panchayati Raj
Committee Year Important Recommendations
1. Balwant Rai Mehta 1957 •• Three – tier Panchayati Raj System – Gram Panchayat at
Village level, Panchayat Samiti at Block level & Zila Parishad
at district level.
2. Ashok Mehta 1977 •• Two – tier PR System – Mandal Panchayats at Village level &
Zila Panchayat at district level.
•• Official representation of Political Parties at all levels of
Panchayat elections.
•• Seat for SCs & STs should be reserved.
•• Constitutional recognition to PRIs.
3. GVK Rao 1985 •• Regular elections to the PRIs.
4. LM Singhvi 1986 •• Regular, Free & fair elections to PRIs.
•• Establishment of Nyaya Panchayats.
•• More financial resources to village Panchayats.
Constitutionalisation 6. Power to the Panchayats to impose
73rd Amendment Act 1993 and collect taxes in accordance with
the provisions made by the State
The Parliament has passed 73rd and 74th
government.
Constitutional Amendment Acts in 1993 to
7. Establishment of a State Finance
ensure the effective participation of rural &
Commission.
urban people in the institutions of local Self
8. Prepare & implement the plans for
government.
economic development.
•• Added part -IX (Articles 243 to 243-0) &
the 11th Schedule to the Constitution. Municipalities
•• 11th Schedule contains 29 functional items
& deals with Article 243 – G.
For the establishment of self-government
•• The important provisions of 73rd in urban areas urban bodies have been
Constitutional Amendment Act are as established. The urban institutions have
follows – been granted constitutional status by 74th
1. It made mandatory to hold the elections Constitutional Amendement (enforced
of Panchayats in due time on regular with effect from January 1,1993). In the
basis. Part IX A of the Constitution the provisions
2. Reservation of seats for women, SCs, for Municipalities have been made from
STs & OBCs in Panchayats, at all levels. Article 243 P to 243 ZG. Besides a 12th
3. Elections to the panchayats shall be Schedule also has been incorporated in the
held with in a period of 6 months from Constitution, which contains 18 subjects
the date of dissolution. relating to the jurisdiction of Municipalities.
4. Members of Block Panchayat & Zila As per this Constitutional Amendment
Panchayats are to be elected by people 3 types of urban institutions have been
directly along with the election of established on the basis of population they
members of Gram Panchayat. The heads are –
of Gram Panchayat shall be elected 1. Nagar Panchayat for a transitional area.
by directly elected members of these 2. Municipal Council for a smaller urban
bodies. area.
5. Establishment of an independent State 3. Municipal Corporation for a larger
Election Commission in every State. urban area.
The Fifth Schedule of Indian Constitution which deals with Scheduled Tribes and administration of Scheduled Tribe areas do not hold for J&K.
POLITY GK-151
CENTRE – STATE RELATIONS

The basic provisions regarding the Concurrent List (List III)
distribution of powers between the central 1. Criminal law.
& Provincial governments are in Part XI 2. Criminal procedure.
& XII of the Constitution. Both the Union 3. Preventive detention.
& the States derive their authority from 4. Marriage and divorce.
the Constitution, which divides all powers 5. Transfer of property other than
legislative, executive & financial between agricultural land.
them. Our Constitution makers elaborated 6. Contracts.
provisions to govern Centre State relations. 7. Civil procedure.
A total of 56 Articles, from Article 245 to 8. Contempt of court, but not include
300 deal with the Centre State relations. contempt of the Supreme Court.
Committees Appointed to study Centre 9. Prevention of cruelty to animals.
-State relation. 10. Economic and social planning.
1. Setalvad Committee (1966). 11. Legal, medical and other professions.
2. Rajamannar Committee (1969) 12. Electricity.
3. Sarkaria Committee (1983). 13. Archaeological sites.
Division of Legislative Powers between Inter State Council
Centre & the States Inter–State Council is one of the important
extra judicial bodies formed in 1990 on the
I. Three Lists recommendation of Sarkaria Commission.
1. Union List – List I – 97 subjects The Article 263 of Constitution empowers
2. State List – List II – 66 subjects the President to appoint or establish an Inter–
3. Concurrent List – List III – 52 subjects State Council for: (1) enquiring into & advising
upon inter–state disputes. (2) Investigate &
Important Subject in Various Lists Discuss on subjects in which states alone or
Union List (List I) states & Union have common interest.
1. Atomic energy and mineral resources. The Council is headed by the Prime Minister
2. Extradition. & its members include 6 Cabinet Ministers
3. Banking. & Chief Ministers of States.
4. Insurance. Zonal Council
5. Stock exchanges and futures markets.
Zonal Councils were constituted on the
6. Patents, inventions and designs; copyright;
recommendation of States Reorganization
trade-marks and merchandise marks. Commission 1956. In 1956, five Zonal
7. Census. Councils were established – North, South,
8. Corporation tax. East, West & Central. In 1971, the 6th Zonal
9. Any other matter not enumerated in Council was established i.e. North–east
List II or List III including any tax not zonal council. Its objectives are:–
mentioned in either of those lists. (a) To promote collective approach &
State List (List II) sorting out common problems of the
member states.
1. Public order.
(b) For providing cooperation for the
2. Local government.
implementation of development plans
3. Public health and sanitation.
& progress.
4. Libraries, museums and other similar
Composition: The Union Home Minister
institutions. is the ex–officio chairman of all the Zonal
5. Agriculture. Councils. Each Zonal Council includes the
6. Fisheries. Chief Ministers of the member states & the
7. Gas and gas-works. Administrators of the Union Territories.
8. Markets and fairs. The chief secretaries of the member states
9. Captivation taxes. are also included.
Justice M. Hidayatullah was the first and only Chief Justice of India to have become acting President of India from
20th July, 1969 to 24th August, 1969.
GK-152
POLITY
Article 370
Under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, of Kashmir follow separate set of laws in
Jammu & Kashmir is granted autonomy. terms of citizenship, property ownership,
It is a ‘temporary provision’ that accords and other rights.
special status to the State. All the provisions Moreover, as per Article 370, the power of
of the Constitution are not applicable to Parliament to make laws for the said State
J&K, unlike other states. Except finance, is “limited to those matters in the Union
defence, communications, and foreign List and the Concurrent List.” It doesn’t
affairs, Central Government needs the state have the authority to increase or reduce the
government’s consensus for applying all borders of the State. For those uninitiated,
other laws. Because of this article, residents the article was drafted by N. Gopalaswami
The Supreme Court has no jurisdiction in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
POLITY GK-153
Ayyangar in 1949 against the wish of Dr How J & K Different from Other States?
BR Ambedkar, who found it discriminatory •• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
and against the interest of India. Despite are not applied to J&K but applied to other
Jawahar Lal Nehru’s promise that Article states. DPSP = states are required to do
some things for the welfare of community.
370 will be gradually abrogated, it has not
•• President can’t declare financial emergency
happened even after more than six decades
(salaries and allowances reduction etc.) in
have whiled away. relation to J&K.
It is not known to many that the article 370 •• High Court of J&K can issue writs only for
has been eroded time and again due to a enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
series of Presidential Orders. These orders •• Right to property is still guaranteed in J&K.
over a period of time have made almost all •• Permanent residents of J&K have some
Union laws applicable to J&K. Today, the special fundamental rights.
State is within the “scope and jurisdiction” •• Although Supreme Court, EC and CAG are
of almost every institution of India. applicable to J&K along with all other states.
CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES
Election Commission
It is a permanent & an independent body established by the Constitution of India directly
to ensure free & fair elections in the country. Elections to Parliament, State legislatures,
President & Vice–President are vested in it.
Composition
The Election Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner & such other
commissioners as the President may form time to time to decide.
Appointment & Term
The CEC & other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President for a term of 6
years. The Regional Commissioners may also be appointed by the President in consultation
with the Election Commission for assisting the Election Commission. The CEC can be
removed from office before expiry of his term by the President on the basis of a Resolution
passed by the Parliament by a special majority on the ground of proved misbehavior or
incapacity. The other Election Commissioners may be removed by the President on the
recommendation of the CEC.
POWERS & FUNCTIONS
Current Chief Election Commissioner is Mr. Nasim Zaidi
No outsider can purchase land in Jammu and Kashmir.

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POLITY
Public Service Commissions •• Members may resign by writing to
Governor. It is only the President who can
Union Public Service Commissions make a reference to the Supreme Court &
(UPSC) make an order of removal in pursuance of
•• Independent Constitutional body. the report of the Supreme Court.
•• Recruitment of civil servants at the Union Functions
level.
•• Chairman & members are appointed by 1. Conduct examinations for appointments
the President & have tenure of 6 years or to the services of the state.
until age of 65 years. 2. Advise on matter that may be referred
•• The President can also remove them before by the Governor.
expiry of their term on grounds of proved 3. Present Annual report to the Governor
misbehaviour. The President can issue who shall cause it to be laid before the
orders for the removal of the members state legislature.
of the UPSC only after the Supreme court 4. Any other function that state legislature
makes such a recommendation on the may by law assign.
basis of an enquiry.
Functions Finance Commission
1. Conduct examinations for appointment An instrument which the Constitution has
to the services of the Union. evolved for the purpose of distributing
2. Assists the states in framing & operating financial resources between Centre & states
schemes of joint recruitment. is the Finance Commission. According
3. Advises the President of India– to Article 280 of the Constitution, it is to
(a) All matters relating to methods of be constituted by the President once every
recruitment in civil services & for 5 years consisting of a chairman &
civils posts. four other members appointed by the
(b) Suitability of Candidates for President.
appointments, for promotions.
(c) On all disciplinary matters person
Functions
serving under the goverment of The duty of the Commission is to make
India. recommendations to the President as to–
4. Presents annually to the President 1. The distribution between the Union &
a report on its performance. The the states of the net proceeds of taxes
President places this report before both which are to be divided between them
the Houses of Parliament. and the allocation between the states
themselves of the respective shares of
State Public Service Commission such proceeds.
•• Recruitment of Civil Services at the state 2. The principles which should govern
level. the grant– in–aid of the revenue of the
•• Two or more states, if parliament provides states out of the Consolidated Fund of
by law, may have a Joint Public Service India.
Commission. 3. The measures needed to augment
•• Service conditions of SPSC’s members are
the consolidated fund of a state to
determined by Governor whereas service
supplement the resources of the
conditions of Joint PSC are determined by
President.
Panchayats & the Muncipalities in the
•• Chairman & members of SPSC are state on the basis of the recommendation
appointed by Governor & in case of JPSC by the State Finance Commission.
by the President. 4. Any other matter referred to the
•• Chairman & members of SPSC & JPSC have Commission by the President in the
tenure of 6 years or until age of 62 years. interests of sound finances.
As the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, President appoints chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force.
POLITY GK-155
National Commission for Scheduled 3. To submit its annual report to the

Castes & Tribes President.
The President has power to appoint a National Commission for Backward
National Commission for SCs & STs. The
Classes
Commission shall consist of a Chairman, a
Vice–Chairman & 5 other members. This Article 340 empowers the President to
Commission was given constitutional status appoint a Commission to investigate the
by the 65th Amendment Act 1990. conditions of the socially & educationally
Functions backward classes. The Commission
recommends removal of all difficulties
1. To investigate & monitor all matters
of Backward Classes & raising them to a
relating to the safeguards provided for
SCs & STs under the Constitution of higher social, educational & economic
India & to evaluate the working of such standard.
safeguards. After Constitution was adopted two
2. To enquire specific complaints with ‘Backward Class Commissions’ were
respect to the deprivation of rights & appointed – (1) Kaka Saheb Kalelkar
safeguards of SCs & STs. Committee & (2) B.P. Mandal Committee.
RESERVATION
Meaning Percentage of seats reserved for the socially and educationally backward
communities.
Constitutional Article 16(4)—
Provision Nothing in this article shall prevent the state from making any provision for
the reservation of appointments or posts in favor of any backward class of
citizens which, in the opinion of the state, is not adequately represented in the
services under the state.
Commissions Kaka Kalelkar Commission (1955):
• First Backward Classes Commission
• Relate social backwardness of a class to its law position in the traditional
caste hierarchy of Hindu society.
• Report was rejected by Central Government.
• Mandal Commission (1979):
• Established to assess the situation of socially and educationally backward
clases.
• Recommended 27% reservation for people belonging to OBC in
government jobs.
Current Scenario • Out of 543 seats in parliament, 84 are reserved for SC and 47 for ST.
• In Central Govt. funded higher education institutions—
—7.5% reservation to ST.
—15% reservation to SC.
—27% reservation to OBC.
Demand for a • Protests by the people from SC, ST and OBC communities who were not
separate Quota benefited properly from the current reservation system.
• They demand a separate quota within the SC/ST quota.
Recent Examples • Conflict of Mala and Madiga caste in Andhra Pradesh.
• Gujjar agitation in Rajasthan.
• Jat community in Haryana demanded inclusion of Jats in OBC category.
• Patel or Patidar community in Gujarat aggressively campaigned for
reservation.
Sikkim was made an integral part of India under the 36th Constitutional Amendement.
GK-156
POLITY
Comptroller & Auditor – General (CAG) Though the AG of India is not a member
The CAG is the custodian of public purse & of the Cabinet, he has the right to address
controls the entire financial system of the in the House of Parliment but has no right
country. He is appointed by the President to vote. In the performance of his official
for a period of 6 years or till he attains duties the AG is entitled to audience in all
the age of 65 years whichever is earlier. Courts in the territory of India.
It is his/her duty to see that no money
Functions
is spent out of the Consolidated Fund of
India or of a State without the authority 1. Give advice on all such legal matters & to
of the appropriate legislation. The reports perform all such other duties of a legal
of the CAG are presented to the President character as may, from time to time, be
or the Governor, as the case may be, & laid referred to him by the President.
before the Parliament & the respective 2. Discharge the functions conferred on
State legislatures. In Lok Sabha, the Public him by the Constitution or any other
Accounts Committee considers this Report. law for the time being in force.
The current CAG of India is Shashikant 3. Appear before the Supreme Court &
Sharma. various High Courts in cases involving
Functions the Goverment of India.
He can audit & report on:
Advocate General
1. All expenditure from Consolidated
Fund of India & each state & each Each state shall have an Advocate General.
Union Territories having a legislative He is the state’s counter part of the Attorney
Assembly & see whether expenditure General of India. He is appointed by the
has been in accordance with the law. Governor of the State who holds office
2. All expenditure from the Contingency during the pleasure of the Governor. A
Funds & Public Accounts of the Union & person qualified to be a High Court Judge
the states. can be appointed Advocate– General. He
3. All trading, manufacturing, profit & loss has the right to address & take part in
accounts, etc. Kept by any Department the proceedings of the House of the State
of the Union or a State. Legislature. But he has no right to vote.
4. The receipts & expenditure of the His functions are similar to those of the
Union & of each state to satisfy himself Attorney – General.
that the rules & procedures are
designed to secure an effective check Planning Commission
on the assessment, collection & proper •• Set up by a Resolution of the
allocation of revenue. Government of India on March 15,
5. The receipts & expenditure of all bodies 1950.
& authorities substantially financed •• Non-statutory/extra constitutional
from the Union or state revenues.
body.
Attorney General (AG) •• Jawahar Lal Nehru was the first
The AG is the highest legal officer of the Chairman.
Government of India. He is appointed by the National Development Council (NDC)
President & holds office during the pleasure
•• Set up by a Resolution of central
of the President. He must have the same
qualifications as are required to be a judge government on August 6, 1952.
of the Supreme Court. •• Extra-Constitutional body.
•• Described as a Super Cabinet.
The Constituent Assembly had 15 women members - Ammu Swaminathan, Dakshayani Velayudan, Begum Aizaz Raisul,
Vijalakshmi Pandit and SarojiniNaidu to name a few.
POLITY GK-157
NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India)

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POLITY
Administrative Reforms
The nodal agency of the Government for administrative reforms as well as redressel of
public grievances relating to the states and Central Government agencies is the Department
of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). The Department comes under
the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The mission of the department
is to foster excellence in governance and pursuit of administrative reforms through
improvements in Government structures, promoting citizen centric governance with
emphasis on grievance redressel, innovations in e-governance and documentation and
dissemination of best practices.
ARC AT A GLANCE
Appointed by Government of India.
Objective Recommendations for reforming Indian public administration system.
Two commission First ARC Second ARC
• Set up in Jan. 1966. • Set up in Aug. 2005.
• Initially chaired by Morarji R • Initially chaired by Mr. Veerappa
Desai. Moily.
• Later chaired by K. Hunmanthaiya. • Later chaired by Ramachandran.
• Submitted 20 reports contained • Submitted 15 reports.
537 major recommendations.
Citizens’ Charter
• First articulated and implemented in the UK by Conservative Government of John Major
in 1991.
• Represents the commitment of the organization towards standard, quality and
time frame of service delivery, grievance redressal mechanism, transparency and
accountability.
• It is basically a set of commitments made by an organization regarding the standards of
service which it delivers.
• In India it was first introduced simultaneously in Central departments and in all state
governments in May 1997.
• 2nd ARC has recommended adoption of the “Seven Step Model for Citizen Centricity—
Sevottam”, for making citizen’s Charters effective.
• The Right to Public Service Delivery Act, based on Sevottam model, guaranteeing the
delivery of certain time bound services to the citizens have been enacted by many state
governments. Madhya Pradesh has led the way and now this act has been enacted by
Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal
Pradesh and Punjab.
Good Governance
The World Bank initially defined Governance simply as “the exercise of political power to
manage nations’ affairs”.
Good Governance is about making sure that the exercise of power by the government helps
improve quality of life enjoyed by all citizens.
The idea of the suspension of Fundamental Rights during the emergency was taken from Weimar Constitution of Germany.
POLITY GK-159
Right to Information (RTI)

• RTI Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government
information.
• It has been given the status of a fundamental right under Article 19(1) of the
Constitution.
• It confers right to access to information held by a Public Authority, in order to
promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, the
constitution of a Central Information Commission States Information Commissions
and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
National Anthem was adopted on 24th January, 1950.

GK-160
POLITY

POLITY GK-161
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

NHRC is a statutory body, established in 1993, to act as the watchdog of human rights in
the country, that is the rights relating to life, liberty, equality & dignity of the individual
guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the international covenants & enforceable
by courts in India. The Commission is a multi-member body consisting of a chairman and
four members. The Chairman and members are appointed by the President. They hold
office for a term of 5 years or until they attain the age of 70 years.
INDIAN GOVERNMENT
Govt.
Local
Decentralisation
of Authority
Govt.
State
State Concurrent
List
Central
Govt.
Federal
Distribution
of powers
List
P.M. President
Union
of State)
FEATURES OF INDIAN GOVERNMENT
List
(Head
2 Heads
Government is
Govt.)
(Head
to parliament
of
responsible
Parliamentary
sentation
governs through Repre-
Government Party
assembly or
parliament
to the public
Responsive
opinion
Democracy
socio-economic
development
freedom &
Political
Ensure
people indirectly
Representatives
are elected by
or directly.
GK-162
POLITY
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
Legislature Executive Judiciary
Law-making Law-Implementation Law-Adjudication

Body Body
Includes Ministers Settlement Judicial

Introduction, Make
Discussion & Laws & Civil Servants of Disputes Review
passing of
the bills
Formulation
Guardian
& Implementation
Responsible of Fundamental
of Plans & Policies
to the electorate Rights
POLITY GK-163
ELECTIONS
3 Types Procedure Basis
General By Mid term Steps Adult Geographical Single Member

Election Election Election Suffrage Representation Territorial
Constituencies
Nomination
Elections Election Election of Candidates
of Lok to fill due to
Sabha vacant Dissolvement Declaration of final
& State seat of of Lok Sabha or list of candidates
Assemblies a member Vidhan Sabha Allotment of symbols
of Lok before its term to political parties &
Sabha or is over Independent Candidates
State
Legislative Election Manifesto
Assembly & campaign
Polling
Counting
of votes
Declaration
of Result
Committees for Electoral Reform : •• Contestants restricted to two constituencies.

1. Tarkunde Committee (1974) •• Campaigning period reduced from 20 to
2. Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) 14 days.
3. Vohra Committee (1993) •• Declaration of criminal antecedents, assets,
4. Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998) etc. by candidates on nomination paper.
5. Election Commission of India Report on •• Ceiling on election expenditure increased.
Proposed Electoral Reforms (2004)
6. Tankha Committee (2010) Political Parties
Important Electoral Reforms : •• Meaning : Group of persons who agree
•• Lowering of voting age from 21 years to on some ideology & seek to capture the
18 years. power & form the government on the
•• Use of Electronic Voting Machines. basis of collective leadership.
•• Adjournment of poll or countermanding •• Type of Party System in India : Multi
of elections in case of booth capturing. Party System.
Candidates of •• Functions :
Recognised
(i) Representation
Parties
(ii) Elite Formation & Recruitment
Listing of Candidates of
Registered (iii) Goal Formulation
•• candidates
Unrecognised (iv) Interest Articulation & Aggregation
Names
Parties (v) Socialization & Mobilization
Other Independent (vi) Organization of Government.
Candidates •• Category of Political Party in India:
The Rashtrapati Bhavan was designed by Edwin Lutyens.
GK-164
POLITY
Political Party
National Party State Party
6% of valid 2% seats in Lok 6% of valid 3% of total

votes in 4 Sabha & members votes in state no. of seats
states or more OR are elected from + OR or 3 seats
+ 3 different states 2 seats in in assembly,
4 seats in Lok assembly whichever is
Sabha from any more
state or states
NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES OF INDIA

No. Name Abbreviation Symbol Foundation Current
Year Leaders
1. Bharatiya Janata Party BJP Lotus 1980 Amit Shah
2 Indian National Congress INC Hand 1885 Sonia Gandhi
3 Communist Party of India CPI-M Hammer, Sickle 1964 Sitaram Yechury
(Marxist) and star
4 Communist Party of CPI Ears of corn 1925 Suravaram
India and sickle Sudhakar Reddy
5 Bahujan Samaj Party BSP Elephant 1984 Mayawati
6 Nationalist Congress Party NCP Clock 1999 Sharad Pawar
Pressure Groups •• Seek support of party leaders, legislators

•• Represents socio-economic & political & bureaucracy in vigorous pursuit of their
interests of a particular section in political goals.
system. Eg. farmers, industrial workers etc. •• Exert pressure on government in order to
•• Organised on the basis of common goals obtain laws and administrative measures
& share similar values. in favour of their specific interests.
•• Termed as a “Anonymous Empire”
Types of Pressure Group in India
Types of P.G.
Associational
Pressure Groups Non-Associational Institutional Anomic Pressure
Pressure Groups Pressure Groups Groups
Industry, Labour,
Agriculture, etc. Religion, Caste, Civil Services, Police, Adhoc interest
(Eg. ASSOCHAM, Tribe, language Defence services, Groups set up for
AITUC) or culture Public Sector specific objective
(Eg. Anglo-Indian Employees (Eg. All Assam
Christians Association) (Eg. AISA) Students Union)
Manmohan Singh is known as the Father of Indian economic reforms.

POLITY GK-165
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POLITICAL PARTY & PRESSURE GROUP

Political Party Pressure Group
1. Strive to organise public opinion in issues Specific or sectional interets (united objectives)
of public concern. (Wider objectives)
2. Represents aggregation of interests. Represents specific interest. (Limited
(Large membership) Membership)
3. Generalist in organisation of opinion. Specialist in organisation of opinion.
4. Contest elections. Do not contest elections.
5. Intention of gaining political power. No intention of gaining political power.
6. Help in formulating policies. Tend to influence the policies of government.
FOREIGN POLICY OF INDIA

I. Principles and Objectives III. Gujral Doctrine
1. Preservation of India’s sovereign The Gujral Doctrine is a milestone in India’s
independence. foreign policy. It was propounded & initiated in
2. Non-alignment. 1996 by I.K. Gujral, the then Foreign Minister
3. Opposition to Imperialism, colonialism in the Deve Gowda Government. The Doctrine
& racial discrimination. is a 5-point roadmap to guide the conduct of
4. Opposition to discriminatory international India’s foreign relations with its neighbours.
regimes & hedonistic policies. These 5 principles are as follows
1. With the neighbours, India should not
5. Panchsheel –
ask for reciprocity, but give to them
•• Mutual respect for each other’s what it can in good faith.
territorial integrity & sovereignty. 2. No South Asian country should allow its
•• Non-aggression territory to be used against the interest
•• Non-interference in each other’s of another country of the region.
internal affairs. 3. No country should interfere in the
•• Equality & mutual benefit. internal affairs of another country.
•• Peaceful co-existence. 4. All South Asian countries should respect each
6. Support for United Nations & other’s territorial integrity & sovereignty.
international peace. 5. All South Asian countries should settle
7. Promotion of unity & solidarity of Third all their disputes through peaceful
world for securing an equitable share in bilateral negotiations.
world politics. IV. Nuclear Policy of India
II. Look East Policy India adopted its Nuclear doctrine in 2003.
India’s ‘Look East’ Policy was first initiated Its main objectives are:
in 1992 by the then Prime Minister P. V. 1. India shall pursue a doctrine of credible
Narasimha Rao. Since then, the policy has minimum nuclear deterrence.
been one of the cornerstones of India’s 2. India will not resort to the use or threat
foreign policy. It lays emphasis on improving of use of nuclear weapons against states
cooperation with India’s neighbouring which donot possess nuclear weapons, or
are not aligned with nuclear weapon powers.
south-east & east. Asian countries (eg.
3. Deterrence requires that India maintain:
China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand
(a) Sufficient, survivable & operationally
etc.) & also engagement with various prepared nuclear forces.
regional organisations such as ASEAN, East (b) Robust command & control system.
Asia Summit, BIMSTEC & Mekong Ganga (c) Effective intelligence & early warning
Cooperation (MGC). The policy is pursued capabilities.
in a multi faceted manner in diverse areas • India’s first nuclear test- 18 May 1974.
such as improved connectivity, promotion • India second nuclear test- 11 May &
of trade, investment & cultural exchanges. 13 May, 1998.
The original copies of the Indian Constitution are kept in Helium-filled Cases in Parliament’s Library.
GK-166
POLITY
INDIA & ITS NEIGHBOURS

India & Myanmar India & Sri Lanka
Myanmar acts as a land bridge Sri Lanka is India’s largest trade partner
between India & South East Asia. in south Asia. India in turn is Sri Lanka’s
Myanmar is important to India as it largest trade partner globally.
looks to counter Chinese presence in Four key issues—the Tamil Nadu factor,
South East Asia by creating its own devolution of power and Tamil interests,
sphere of economic zones. the fishermen quandary and Indian
India is one of Myanmar’s largest Ocean and maritime security—that
export markets and the two countries affects the India-Sri Lanka relationship.
collaborate in a number of bilateral India pledged $318 million line of
treaties to promote investment, free credit for railway upgradation, unveiled
trade and double tax avoidance. a currency swap agreement of US $ 1.5
Two issues play a significant role in
billion to help stabilize the Sri Lankan
the growth of New Delhi- Naypyidaw
rupee and to develop Trincomalee
trade relations—
as a regional petroleum hub with the
(i) The Trilateral Highway project
intended to Connect India, cooperation of Lanka IOC (India Oil
Myanmar and Thailand. Corp’s subsidiary in Sri Lanka) and
(ii) The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Ceylon petroleum corporation.
Transport initiated by India in Both countries also signed four
Myanmar’s Rakhine state. pacts regarding visa exemption
Both the countries signed an MOU on for official passport holders, youth
border cooperation. exchanges, customs agreement and
the construction of the Rabindranath
India & Pakistan Tagore auditorium at the Ruhuna
Strained relations due to disagreements University with India’s aid.
over a number of key issues.
In keeping with India’s long—standing
India & Afghanistan
policy of strengthening relations India’s development work in Afghanistan
with Pakistan based on peace and include — Zaranj Delaram highway
cooperation, Pakistani Prime Minister Salma Dam in Heart province (also
Mr. Nawaz Sharif was invited along known as Afgan-India friendship dam)
with other SAARC Leaders to attend Afghanistan’s new Parliament building
the swearing-in ceremony of the new Medical care, food aid and scholarships
Indian Government on May 26, 2014. for Afghan students and policy makers.
New 10—point Comprehensive Bilateral
India is the largest regional donor
Dialogue (CBD) includes following
and Afghanistan is the second largest
elements—
recipient of Indian aid.
• Peace and security CBMs.
• Jammu & Kashmir Afghanistan is the gateway to the central
• Siachen Asia, an energy rich destinations, for India.
• Sir Creek Boundary Dispute
India & Bangladesh
• Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project
• Economic and Commercial cooperation India’s longest land boundary is with
• Counter-terrorism, Narcotics control Bangladesh, which is strategically
People-to- people exchanges located between India’s Northeast
• Humanitarian issues region and the rest of the country.
• Religious tourism The problems of undemarcated and
• Pakistan opposed granting India the faulty border-drawing, resources
status of a permanent member of the sharing and illegal trafficking have
UN Security Council. often off-set relations.
The hand-in-hand joint training exercise between India-China was first held in 2007.
POLITY GK-167
In the Tin Bigha Corridor, Bangladeshi India is Nepal’s steadfast partner,

Citizens were granted 24—hour supplying to it essential commodities
access to Dahargram and Angorpeta. ranging from salt to petroleum products.
India has also opened its markets to the India is constructing a petroleum
huge garment industry of Bangladesh. pipeline from Raxaul to Amlekhganj for
The majority of recent agreements Nepal’s future energy security, besides
signed between the two countries are halving the transportation costs.
focused on improving connectivity.
New bus and rail routes are planned, India & China
as is the use of Mongla and Chittagong There are elements of cooperation,
ports and is essential for its competition and concern in the China-
development. India relationship.
India and Bangladesh are partners Major irritants—the boundary dispute,
in the SAARC, the BIMSTEC and the China–Pakistan nexus, issuing
Bangladesh—China—India—Myanmar stapled visas to Indians traveling to
Forum for Regional Cooperation. China from Arunachal Pradesh and
China’s reported attempts to check
Indian PM Narendra Modi and PM
off India’s water supply by building
of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina jointly a dam across the Yarlung Tsangpo in
inaugurated the Petrapole Integrated Tibet, Chinese activities in the border
Check Post. It will provide better regions abutting India’s Northeast
facilities for smooth cross border States and in the Indian Ocean.
movement of person’s goods and India and China hold first joint
transport and for efficient and effective tactical exercise, named Sino—India
discharge of functions such as security, Cooperation 2016, in Chushul—Maldo
customs, immigration, quarantine, etc. in Jammu and Kashmir.
India & Nepal India & Maldives

Nepal matters for the defence of India’s contribution to the development
India. After the Chinese established a of the Maldives include the construction
significant military presence in Tibet, of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital,
it became an important buffer vis-à-vis faculty of Engineering & Technology,
China. and faculty of Hospitality and Tourism
Nepal has South Asia’s largest potential Studies as well as the establishment of
for hydropower and India is the largest the Technology Adoption Programme in
potential consumer. Education Sector in Maldives. Through
its leading public sector bank, the State
The first direct bus service between
bank of India, India has been providing
Pokhara (Nepal) and New Delhi
loan assistance to promote Maldivian
(India) was launched to connect south island resorts, marine products exports,
Asia’s two important cities. business enterprises and commercial
In the infrastructure sector, India’s projects.
current development partnership In the defence and security sphere,
consists of construction of four India’s assistance to the Maldives
Integrated Check Post for trade National Defence Force in training,
promotion and facilitation, and cross- supply of equipment, capacity
border rail links at five locations. building, joint patrolling, aerial and
India and Nepal work together against maritime surveillance, and medical
flood–related disasters, including treatment has been enormous.
the repair and maintenance works In 2016, bilateral agreements were
at major border rivers, especially signed in the fields of avoidance of
Kosi and Gandak, embankments of double taxation, conservation and
which are maintained by India under restoration of ancient mosque, tourism
bilateral agreements. and defence.
Mohammad Ajgar Ali, an old Bangladeshi casted vote for the first time in an Indian Election.
GK-168
POLITY
World Polity
ARMS CONTROL TREATIES
Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT) Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty I
Banned nuclear weapon tests in the (START-I):
atmosphere, in outer space and under Treaty signed by the USSR President
water. Signed by the US, UK and USSR in Mikhail Gorbachev and the US President
Moscow on 5 August 1963. Came into force George Bush (Senior) on the reduction and
on 10 October 1963. limitation of strategic offensive arms in
Moscow on 31 July 1991.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty II
Allows only the nuclear weapon states to (START-II):
have nuclear weapons and stops others
Treaty signed by the Russian President
from acquiring them. For the purposes
Boris Yeltsin and the US President George
of the NPT, a nuclear weapon state is one Bush (Senior) on the reduction and
which has manufactured and exploded a limitation of strategic offensive arms in
nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive Moscow on 3 January 1993.
device prior to 1 January 1967. So there are
five nuclear weapon states: US, USSR (later UN Specialized Agencies
Russia), Britain, France and China. Signed in UNESCO
Washington, London, and Moscow on 1 July United Nations Educational, Scientific and
1968. Came into force on 5 March 1970. Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Extended indefinitely in 1995. Headquarters : Place de Fontenoy, Paris,
France
Strategic Arms Limitation TalksI
Established : 16 November 1945
(SALT-I)
Head : Irina Bokova,
The first round of the Strategic Arms Members : 195 member states
Limitation Talks began in November 1969. Functions:
The Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and •• Mobilizing for education by providing
the US President Richard Nixon signed the every child, irrespective of its gender
following in Moscow on 26 May 1972 – a) quality education as a fundamental
Treaty on the limitation of Anti-Ballistic human right
•• Creation of World Heritage Sites to
Missile Systems (ABM Treaty); and b)
support cultural diversity and protect
Interim Agreement on the limitation of sites of outstanding universal value.
strategic offensive arms Came into force on •• Pursuing scientific cooperation
3 October 1972. •• Protecting freedom of expression
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks II UNICEF
(SALT-II):
The United Nations Children’s Fund
The second round started in November (UNICEF)
1972. The US President Jimmy Carter and Headquarters : New York City
the Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed Established : 11 December 1946
the Treaty on the limitation of strategic Head : Anthony Lake
offensive arms in Vienna on 18 June 1979. Members : 36 Member States
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has a preamble and eleven articles and is reviewed every 5 years.
POLITY GK-169
GK-170
POLITY
Functions: •• Promote high employment and
•• Child protection from violence, sustainable economic growth.
exploitation and abuse along with •• Reduce poverty.
social inclusion for disabled. WHO
•• Basic education and gender equality
through programmes like girls The World Health Organization (WHO)
education innovation for education Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
learning for the peace out-of-school Established : 7 April 1948
initiative. Head : Margaret Chan, Director
•• Policy advocacies and partnership General
through data analysis, leveraging Members : 194 member states
resources and child participation. Functions:
•• Providing leadership on matters critical
ILO to health and engaging in partnerships
International Labour Organization (ILO) where joint action is needed.
Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland •• Shaping the research agenda
Established : 1919 [Head: Guy Ryder] and stimulating the generation,
Members : 187 of the 193 member dissemination of valuable knowledge.
states of the United Nations •• Providing technical support, catalyzing
plus the Cook Islands are change, and building sustainable
members of the ILO. institutional capacity.
Functions: •• Monitoring the health situation and
•• Creation of international labour assessing health trends.
standards. FAO
•• Formulation of international policies.
•• Technical assistance training. The Food and Agriculture Organization of
•• Education, research and publishing the United Nations (FAO)
activities. Headquarters : Rome, Italy
Established : 16 October 1945, in Quebec
World Bank (WB) City, Canada
Headquarters : Washington DC, USA Head : José Graziano da Silva
Established : July 1944 Members : 197 members
Head : Jim Yong Kim Functions:
Members : 189 member states •• Help eliminate hunger, food insecurity
Functions: and malnutrition.
•• World Bank provides various technical •• Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries
services to the member countries. more productive and sustainable.
•• Reduce poverty. •• Reduce rural poverty.
•• Support development. IAEA
•• Bank grants loans for a particular
project duly submitted to the Bank by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
the member country. Headquarters : Vienna, Austria
Established : July 29, 1957
IMF Head : José Yukiya Amano
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Members : 168 member states
Headquarters : Washington, D.C. Functions:
Established : 27 December 1945 •• Promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear
Head : Christine Lagarde energy by its member states.
Members : 189 countries •• Implementing safeguards to verify that
Functions: nuclear energy is not used for military
•• Foster global monetary cooperation. purposes.
•• Secure financial stability. •• Promoting high standards for nuclear
•• Facilitate international trade. safety.
World Food Programme is the largest Humanitarian Organisation which is located in Rome.
POLITY GK-171
UNIDO Head : Francis Gurry (Director-

United Nations Industrial Development General)
Organization (UNIDO) Members : 189 member states
Headquarters : Vienna, Austria Functions:
•• Promoting creative intellectual activity
Established : 1966 (converted to a sp-
and facilitating the transfer of technology
ecialized agency in 1985)
related to industrial property to the
Head : Li Yong
developing countries.
Members : 170 States
Functions: WMO
•• Assists developing countries in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
formulation of development, institutional, Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
scientific and technological policies and Established : 1950
programmes in the field of industrial Head : Petteri Taalos
development. (Secretary-General)
•• Analyzes trends, disseminates information Members : 191 Member States and
and coordinates activities in their industrial Territories
development. Functions:
•• Acts as a forum for consultations and •• Provides a framework for international
negotiations directed towards the cooperation in the development of
industrialization of developing countries. meteorology and operational hydrology
UNWTO and their practical application.
•• Played a unique and powerful role in
The United Nations World Tourism contributing to the safety and welfare
Organization (UNWTO) of humanity.
Headquarters : Madrid, Spain •• Under WMO, National Meteorological
Established : 1975 and Hydrological Services contribute
Head : Taleb Rifai substantially to the protection of life
Members : 157 countries and property against natural disasters.
Functions: UNDP
To promote and develop sustainable
The United Nations Development Programme
tourism so as to contribute to economic
(UNDP)
development, international understanding,
Headquarters : New York City
peace, prosperity etc. Established : 1965
WFP Head : Helen Clark
The World Food Programme (WFP) Functions:
Headquarters : Rome, Italy •• Poverty reduction.
Established : 1961 •• Crisis prevention and recovery.
•• Environment and Energy.
Head : Ertharin Cousin
Members : 80 UNHCR
Functions: The United Nations High Commissioner for
•• Save lives and protect livelihoods in Refugees (UNHCR)
emergencies. Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
•• Support food security and nutrition and Established : 14 December 1950
(re) build livelihoods in fragile settings. Head : Filippo Grandi
•• Reduce risk and enable people, Members : 98 members
communities and countries to meet Functions:
their own food and nutrition needs. •• To lead and co-ordinate international
action to protect refugees and resolve
WIPO refugee problems worldwide.
The World Intellectual Property Organization •• To protect and provide humanitarian
(WIPO) assistance to whom it describes as
Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland other persons “of concern,” including
Established : July 14, 1967 internally displaced persons.
The Republic of Nauru has become the 189th member of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
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POLITY
UNEP Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
The United Nations Environment Programme Established : 1964
(UNEP) Head : Mukhisa Kituyi
Headquarters : Nairobi, Kenya Members : 194 member states
Established : 15 December 1972 Functions:
Head : Erik Solheim •• To formulate policies relating to all
(Executive Director) aspects of development including trade,
Members : 58 nations (Governing aid, transport, finance and technology.
Council)
Functions: UN Women
•• Assessing global, regional and national The United Nations agreed to the formation
environmental conditions and trends. of a new institution named “UN Women”
•• Developing international and national on 2nd July 2010. The main objective will
environmental instruments.
be the sexual/gender equality and women
•• Strengthening institutions for the wise
empowerment.
management of the environment.
The fifty-ninth session of the Commission
UNFPA on the status of Women took place at United
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nations Headquarters in New York from 9 to
Headquarters : New York City 20 March 2015. Representatives of Member
Established : 1969 States , UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited
Head : Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Members : 36 countries from all regions of the world attended the
Functions: session. The main focus of the session was
•• Universal access to reproductive health on the Beijing Declaration and Platform
services. for Action, including current challenges
•• Universal primary education and closing
that affect its implementation and the
the gender gap in education.
achievement of gender equality and the
•• Reducing maternal mortality and infant
mortality. empowerment of women.
The sixtieth session of the Commission on
UNCTAD the Status of Women will take place at the
United Nations Conference on Trade and United Nations Headquarters in New York
Development from 14 to 24 March 2016.
OTHER ORGANISATIONS
World Trade Organization (WTO) Functions:
•• Administering WTO trade agreements
The World Trade Organisation dealing with
•• Forum for trade negotiations
the rules of trade between nations. The goal •• Handling trade disputes
is to help producers of goods and services, •• Monitoring national trade policies
exporters, and importers conduct their •• Technical assistance and training for
business. developing countries
Facts: •• Cooperation with other international
Location : Geneva, Switzerland organizations
Established : 1 January 1995 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Created by : Uruguay Round The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is an
negotiations (1986-94) intergovernmental organization of states
Membership : 161 members considering themselves not aligned formally
with or against any major power bloc. As of
Head : Roberto Azevedo
now, the organization has 120 members and
United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi was founded by Maurice Strong.
POLITY GK-173
17 observer countries. Generally speaking The symbol of their free association is the Head
the Non-Aligned Movement members can of the Commonwealth, which is a ceremonial
be described as all of those countries which position currently held by Queen Elizabeth II.
belong to the Group of 77 (along with Belarus Member countries span six continents and
and Uzbekistan), but which are not observers in oceans from Africa (19), Asia (8), the Americas
Non-Aligned Movement and are not Oceanian (2), the Caribbean (12), Europe (3) and the
(with the exception of Papua New Guinea and South Pacific (10).
Vanuatu). The Commonwealth Heads of Government
The organization was founded in Belgrade Meeting, abbreviated to CHOGM, is a biennial
in 1961, and was largely the brainchild summit meeting of the heads of government
from all Commonwealth nations. Every two
of Yugoslavia’s first President, Josip Broz
years the meeting is held in a different member
Tito, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawahar
state, and is chaired by that nation’s respective
Lal Nehru, Egypt’s second President, Prime Minister or President, who becomes
Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Indonesia’s first the Commonwealth Chairperson-in-Office.
President, Sukarno. All four leaders were
prominent advocates of a middle course for European Union
states in the Developing World between the The European Union (EU) is an economic
Western and Eastern blocs in the Cold War. and political union of 28 member states
The purpose of the organisation as stated in which are located primarily in Europe.
the Havana Declaration of 1979 is to ensure The Maastricht Treaty established the
“the national independence, sovereignty, European Union under its current name
territorial integrity and security of non- in 1993. The last amendment to the
aligned countries” in their “struggle against constitutional basis of the EU, the Treaty of
Lisbon, came into force in 2009.
imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism,
racism, and all forms of foreign aggression, SAARC
occupation, domination, interference The South Asian Association for Regional
or hegemony as well as against great Cooperation (SAARC) is an organization of
power and bloc politics.” They represent South Asian nations, founded in 1985. Its seven
nearly two-thirds of the United Nations’s founding members are Bangladesh, Bhutan,
members and 55% of the world population, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
particularly countries considered to be Afghanistan joined the organization in 2007.
developing or part of the third world. Meetings of heads of state are usually scheduled
annually; meetings of foreign secretaries, twice
The Commonwealth annually. Headquarter is in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally •• The concept of SAARC was first adopted
referred to as the Commonwealth and previously by Bangladesh during 1977, under
known as the British Commonwealth, is an the administration of President Ziaur
intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four Rahman.
independent member states. All except two •• Afghanistan was added to the regional
(Mozambique and Rwanda) of these countries grouping on 13 November 2005.
•• On 2 August 2006 the foreign ministers
were formerly part of the British Empire.
of the SAARC countries agreed in
The member states co-operate within a principle to grant observer status to
framework of common values and goals. the US, South Korea and the European
These include the promotion of democracy, Union.
human rights, good governance, the rule of •• The SAARC Secretariat was established
law, individual liberty, egalitarianism, free in Kathmandu on 16 January 1986 and
trade, multilateralism and world peace. The was inaugurated by Late King Birendra
Commonwealth is not a political union, but Bir Bikram Shah of Nepal.
an intergovernmental organisation through •• The SAARC Secretariat and Member
which countries with diverse social, political States observe 8 December as the SAARC
and economic backgrounds. Charter Day .
The World Meteorological Organisation and UNEP established the IPCC in 1988.
GK-174
POLITY
NATO United States. In 1976, Canada joined the
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization group (thus creating the G7). In 1997, the
or NATO also called the (North) Atlantic group added Russia thus becoming G8. In
Alliance, is an intergovernmental military addition, the European Union is represented
alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty within the G8, but cannot host or chair. “G8”
which was signed on 4 April 1949. The NATO can refer to the member states or to the
headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium, annual summit meeting of the G8 heads of
and the organization constitutes a system government.
of collective defence whereby its member Group of 77
states agree to mutual defense in response The Group of 77 (G-77) was established
to an attack by any external party. on 15 June 1964 by seventy-seven
On 1 April 2009, membership was enlarged developing countries signatories of the
to 28 with the entrance of Albania and “Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven
Croatia. Countries” issued at the end of the first
SEATO session of the United Nations Conference
The South-East Asia Treaty Organization on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
(SEATO) was an international organization in Geneva. Beginning with the first
for collective defense which was signed on “Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77 in
September 8, 1954 in Manila. The formal Algiers (Algeria) on 10 - 25 October 1967,
institution of SEATO was established at a which adopted the Charter of Algiers”, a
meeting of treaty partners in Bangkok in permanent institutional structure gradually
February 1955. It was primarily created to developed which led to the creation of
block further communist gains in South- Chapters of the Group of 77 with Liaison
East Asia. The organization’s headquarters offices in Geneva (UNCTAD), Nairobi
were located in Bangkok, Thailand. SEATO (UNEP), Paris (UNESCO), Rome (FAO/
was dissolved on June 30, 1977. IFAD), Vienna (UNIDO), and the Group of 24
SEATO was planned to be a South-East (G-24) in Washington, D.C. (IMF and World
Asian version of the North Atlantic Bank). Although the members of the G-77
Treaty Organization (NATO), in which the have increased to the original name was
military forces of each member would be retained because of its historic significance.
coordinated to provide for the collective GROUP OF 15
defense of the members’ country. The Group of Fifteen (G-15) was established
INTERPOL at a Summit Level Group of Developing
Interpol (the International Criminal Police Countries in September 1989, following
Organization) is largest organization the conclusion of the Ninth Non-Aligned
facilitating international police cooperation. Summit Meeting in Belgrade. The Group
It was established as the International was originally founded by 15 developing
Criminal Police Commission in 1923 and countries. While there are now 17 member
adopted its telegraphic address as its countries, the original name of the Group
common name in 1956. has been retained.
Its membership of 190 countries provides This forum was set up to foster cooperation
finance of around $78 million through and provide input for other international
annual contributions. The organization’s groups, such as the World Trade
headquarters is in Lyon, France. Organization and the Group of Eight. It is
composed of countries from North America,
GROUP OF 8 South America, Africa, and Asia with a
The Group of Eight (G-8) is a forum, created common goal of enhanced growth and
by France in 1975, for governments of six prosperity. The G-15 focuses on cooperation
countries in the world: France, Germany, among developing countries in the areas of
Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the investment, trade, and technology.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has designated November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day.
POLITY GK-175
Group of 20 (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

The Group of Twenty (G-20)Finance Ministers Its aims include the acceleration of
and Central Bank Governors from 20 economic growth, social progress, cultural
economies: 19 countries plus the European development among its members, the
Union, which is represented by the President protection of the peace and stability of the
of the European Council and by the European region, and to provide opportunities for
Central Bank. Their heads of government or member countries to discuss differences
state have also periodically meet at summits peacefully.
since their initial meeting in 2008. Collectively, If ASEAN were a single country, it would
the G-20 economies comprise 85% of global rank as the 9th largest economy in the
gross national product, 80% of world trade world and the 3rd largest in Asia in terms
(including EU intra-trade) and two-thirds of of nominal GDP.
the world population. OPEC
The G-20 was proposed by former Canadian The Organization of the Petroleum
Finance Minister Paul Martin (later, Prime Exporting Countries is a cartel of twelve
Minister) for cooperation and consultation developing countries consisting of Algeria,
on matters pertaining to the international Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya,
financial system. Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United
Asian Development Bank Arab Emirates and Venezuela. OPEC has
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a maintained its headquarters in Vienna since
regional development bank established 1965, and hosts regular meetings among
on 22 August 1966 to facilitate economic the oil ministers of its member countries.
development of countries in Asia. The bank Indonesia withdrew in 2008 after it became
admits the members of the UN Economic a net importer of oil, but stated it would
Commission for Asia and the Far East (now likely return if it became a net exporter in
UNESCAP) and non-regional developed the world again.
nations. APEC
Arab League Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
The Arab League is a regional organisation is a forum for 21 Pacific Rim countries
of Arab states in North and North-east Africa, that seeks to promote free trade and
and South-west Asia. It was formed in Cairo economic cooperation throughout the
on 22 March 1945 with six members: Egypt, Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1989 in
Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and response to the growing interdependence
of Asia-Pacific economies and the advent
Syria. Yemen joined as a member on 5 May
of regional economic blocs (such as the
1945. The Arab League currently has 22
European Union and the North American
members and four observers. The main goal
Free Trade Area) in other parts of the
of the league is to “draw closer the relations
world, APEC works to raise living standards
between member states and co-ordinate
and education levels through sustainable
collaboration between them, to safeguard economic growth and to foster a sense of
their independence and sovereignty, and community and an appreciation of shared
to consider in a general way the affairs and interests among Asia-Pacific countries.
interests of the Arab countries. Members account for approximately 40% of
ASEAN the world’s population, approximately 54%
The Association of South-east Asian Nations of world GDP and about 44% of world trade.
is a geo-political and economic organization OECD
of 10 countries located in South-east Asia, The Organisation for Economic Co-operation
which was formed on 8 August 1967 by and Development is an international
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore economic organisation of 34 countries
and Thailand. Since then, membership founded in 1961 to stimulate economic
has expanded to include Brunei, Burma progress and world trade. It defines
CENTO, originally known as the Baghdad Pact was formed in 1955 but was dissolved in 1979.
GK-176
POLITY
itself as a forum of countries committed formation of a permanent relief society
to democracy and the market economy, for those wounded in war. Durant’s appeal
providing a platform to compare policy had immediate results. An international
experiences, seeking answers to common conference took place in Geneva in 1864
problems, identifying good practices, and where 26 governments were represented.
co-ordinating domestic and international The Conference led to the Geneva
policies of its members. Convention and the emblem of Red Cross
The OECD originated in 1948 as the was adopted. Each year World Red Cross
Organisation for European Economic Co- and Red Crescent Day is celebrated on May
operation (OEEC), led by Robert Marjolin 8, the birthday of its founder Henri Durant.
of France, to help administer the Marshall Its motto is Charity in War. A red cross on
Plan for the reconstruction of Europe after a white background is its symbol (it is the
World War II. Later, its membership was reverse of the flag of Switzerland). The
extended to non-European states. In 1961, Red Cross completed 132 years on 8 May
it was reformed into the Organisation for 1994 and in it 126th year, it adopted the
Economic Co-operation and Development slogan ‘125 Years at Work — and Still
by the Convention on the Organisation Developing’
for Economic Co-operation and In the Middle East, a Red Crescent replaces
Development. Most OECD members are The Red Cross. ICRC (International
high-income economies with a high Human Committee of the Red Cross) together
Development Index (HDI) and are regarded with the League of Red Cross Societies,
as developed countries (Chile being the constitutes the International Red Cross. The
only OECD member which is also a member League of Red Cross Societies was founded
in the organisation of developing countries, in 1929.
the Group of 77).
BRICS
Amnesty International
BRICS is the acronym for an association
Amnesty International was established of five major emerging international
on 28 May 1961, with its headquarters at economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and
London, by Peter Benson, a British lawyer. South Africa. The grouping was originally
A worldwide organization, it investigates known as “BRIC” before the inclusion of
violations of human rights. It campaigns for South Africa in 2010. The BRICS members
the release of all prisoners of conscience, are all developing or newly industrialised
provided they have not used or advocated countries, but they are distinguished by
violence, fair, and prompt trails for all their large, fast-growing economies and
prisoners, and abolition of torture and significant influence on regional and global
capital punishment. It now has more than affairs; all five are G-20 members.
1,100,000 members in over 150 countries, As of 2014, the five BRICS countries
with 6,000 local groups in 70 countries in represent almost 3 billion people which
Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the is 40% of the world population, with a
Middle East. It won the Nobel Prize for combined nominal GDP of US$16.039
Peace in 1977. trillion (20% world GDP) and an estimated
Red Cross US$4 trillion in combined foreign reserves.
Red Cross was established in 1864 by As of 2014, the BRICS nations represented
Jean Henri Durant. In 1859, J.H. Durant, 18% of the world economy.
a Swiss businessman, travelling through Brazil held the chair of the BRICS group
Italy witnessed the Battle of Solferino, in 2014, having hosted the group’s sixth
when France tried to free Italy from summit in 2014.
Austrian domination, in which about Russia chaired the 7th BRICS summit on
30,000 soldiers were wounded or killed. 8-9th July 2015.
He organized relief work for the wounded 8th BRICS summit was held in Goa (India) on
soldiers and subsequently called for the 16 & 17 Oct. 2016.
MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) was established by G7 countries in April 1987.
POLITY GK-177
Sustainable Development Goals ecosystems, sustainable management

At the United Nations Sustainable of forests, combat desertification, and
Development Summit on 25 September halt and reverse land degradation and
2015, World Leaders adopted the 2030 halt biodiversity loss.
Agenda for sustainable development, 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive
which includes a set of 17 sustainable societies for sustainable development,
development goals (SDG) to end poverty, provide access to justice for all and build
fight inequality and injustice and tackle effective, accountable and inclusive
climate change by 2030. institutions at all levels.
17 Goals are– 17. Strengthen the means of implementation
1. End poverty in all its forms and revitalize the global partnership for
everywhere. Sustainable development.
2. End hunger, achieve food security Missile Technology Control
and imporve nutrition and promote Regime (MTCR)
sustainable agriculture.
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote The Missile Technology Control Regime
well-being for all at all ages. (MTCR) is a multilateral export control
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable regime. It is an informal and voluntary
quality education and pormote life partnership among 35 countries to prevent
long learning opportunities for all. the proliferation of missile and unmanned
5. Achieve gender equality and aerial vehicle technology capable of
empower all women and girls. carrying above 500 kg payload for more
6. Ensure availability and sustainable than 300 km.
management of water and sanitation MTCR was established by G-7 countries in
for all. 1987. The aim of the MTCR is to restrict
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, the proliferation of missiles, unmanned air
sustainable and modern energy for vehicles (UAVs), complete rocket systems
all. and related technology for those systems
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and capable of carrying a 500 kilogram payload
sustainable economic growth, full and for at least 300 kms, as well as systems
productive employment and decent intended for the delivery of weapons of
work for all. mass destruction (WMDs).
9. Build resilient infrastructure,
promote inclusive and sustainable Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
industrialization and foster innovation. NSG is an elite group or cartel of countries
10. Reduce inequality within and among concerned with reducing nuclear
countries. proliferation by controlling the export and
11. Make cities and human settlements re-transfer of materials that may be used
inclusive, safe, resilient and for development of nuclear weapons. It was
sustainable. set up in 1974 as a reaction to India’s first
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and successful nuclear tests (code name Smiling
production patterns. Buddha conducted on 18 May 1974) to
13. Take urgent action to combat climate stop so called misuse of nuclear material
change and its impacts. meant for peaceful purposes. NSG’s
14. Conserve and sustainably use the members are allowed to trade in and export
oceans, seas and marine resources for nuclear technology. Currently, NSG has 48
sustainable development. members (including China) and works by
15. Protect, restore and promote consensus. India is persistently bidding for
sustainable use of terrestrial its membership.
India became the 35th member of the Missile Technology Control Regime in June 2016.
GK-178
POLITY
IMPORTANT SUMMITS AT A GLANCE
Summits Location Theme/Objective Previous Upcoming
8th BRICS Goa, India Building Responsive, Ufa, Russia

Inclusive and collective (2015)
solutions
11th G-20 Hangzhou, China Toward an Innovative, Antalya, Turkey Hamburg,

Invigorated, Interconnected (2015) Germany
and inclusive world (2017)
Economy
19th SAARC Islamabad, Postponded Kathmandu, Bengaluru,

Pakistan Nepal (2014) India (2018)
28th and Vientiane, Laos Turning Vision into Reality Kuala Lumpur, —
29th ASEAN for a Dynamic ASEAN Malaysia (2015)
Community
11th EAS Vientiane, Laos Matters include maritime Kuala Lumpur, Philippines
security, terrorism, non- Malaysia (2015) (2017)
proliferation, irregular
migration
28th APEC Peru, Lima Quality Growth and Human Philippines, Vietnam,
Development Manila (2015) Hanoi (2017)
4th Nuclear Washington, USA To coordinate international Hague, —

Security efforts to prevent terror Netherlands
Summit organizations from (2015)
acquiring nuclear weapons
or material
27th NATO Warsaw, Poland Major agenda include— Wales, UK Brussels,

Summit situation in Eastern (2014) Belgium
Europe, reform of NATO’s (2017)
partnership policy, debate
about future nuclear
strategy of the alliance,
17th NAM Margarita, Peace, Sovereignty and Venezuela —

Venezuela Solidarity for Development (2015)
49th (ADB) Frankfurt, Agenda—Sustainable Baku, Azerbaijan Yokohama,

Asian Germany development in Asia and (2015) Japan (2017)
Development the pacific
Bank Annual
Meeting
Shanghai Tashkent, Issues of strengthening Ufa, Russia Astana,

Cooperation Uzbekistan stability and security in (2015) Kazakhstan
Organization Central Asia (2017)
(SCO)
Summit
POLITY GK-179
List of Parliament of Different Countries

Country Parliament Name Country Parliament Name
India Sansad/Parliament Maldives Majlis
Pakistan National Assembly Spain Cortes
Bangladesh Jatiya Sansad Nepal Rastriya Panchayat
China National Peoples Congress Russia Duma
Bhutan Tsondu France National Assembly
Sri lanka Parliament of Sri Lanka Iran Majlis
Afghanistan Shora Malaysia Diwan Negara
England Parliament Switzerland Federal Assembly
Canada Parliament Turkey Grand National Assembly
Australia Parliament Taiwan Yuan
USA Congress Japan Diet
Germany Wondstag Israel Knesset
Governing Political Parties in Different Countries

Country Ruling Party or Coalition Parties in opposition
India National Democratic Alliance led by Bharatiya UPA, non-NDA parties
Janata Party
Pakistan Pakistan Muslim League (N) Pakistan People Party
Bangladesh Awami League Jatiyo Sangshad
China Communist Party of China
Bhutan Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party People’s Democratic Party
United Kingdom Conservative Unionist Party Labour Party
Canada Liberal Party of Canada Loyal Opposition
Australia Coalition of the Liberal Party and the National Party Shadow Cabinet of Australia
USA Democratic Party (President), Republican from
Jan 2017
Republican Party (Legislature)
Germany Christian Democratic Union, Christian Social
Union, Social Democratic Party of Germany
Sri Lanka National Unity Government (consists of All Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi
Ceylon Muslim Congress, Jathika Hela Urumaya,
Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Up-Country People’s
Front, National Union of Workers, Sri Lanka
Muslim Congress, United National Party,
Democratic People’s Front)
Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party
Japan Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Democratic Party
Burma National League for Democracy Aung San Suu Kyi
Iraq State of Law Coalition, Al-Muwatin, Al-Ahrar
Bloc, Kurdistan Democratic Party, Iraq Alliance
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POLITY
Israel Likud, The Jewish Home, United Torah Judaism, The Knesset
Kulanu, Shas
Spain People’s Party Spanish Socialist Worker’s
Party
Nepal Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist– Nepali Congress
Leninist), Unified Communist Party of Nepal
(Maoist), Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal,
Madhesi Jana Adhikar Forum, Nepal (Loktantrik)
Russia United Russia Shadow Cabinet
France Socialist Party, Radical Party of the Left National front
Iran Moderation and Development Party People’s Mojahedin
Organisation of Iran (PMOI)
Malaysia United Malays National Organization (UMNO) People’s Justice Party (PKR),
Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party
(PAS) & the Democratic
Action Party (DAP)
Turkey Justice and Development Party Republican People’s Party
GEOGRAPHY GK-181
GEOGRAPHY
u Physical u India
u World
 Theories of Development
 Big bang Theory
 Steady State theory
 Oscilating Universe Theory
 Galaxy
Universe
 Solar Systems
 Planets and Moons
 Cosmic Bodies
 Seasons and Their Formation
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY–MIND MAP
 Earth
 Chronology of the Earth
 Geological Era
 Internal Structure
 Rocks and their classification

Geographology
 Movement of Earth
 Factors Affecting movement of Earth
(Endogenetic and Exogenetic Forces)
 Outcomes of Earth’s Movement (Fold
Mountains, Earthquakes, Volcanoes)
 Mountain, Plains, Plateau
 Process of Formation and their types
 Ocean Structure  Temperature

Oceano-
graphy
 Salinity  Ocean Deposits

 Ocean Tides  Ocean Currents
 Coral Reef and Atolls
 Atmospheric Structure
 Insolation and Heat Budget
 Winds and their type
Atmosphere
 Planetary Wind (Polar winds, Westerlies, Trade winds)

 Seasonal Winds (Monsoon)
 Local Winds
 Cyclones and Anti Cyclones
 Recent Major Cyclones
 Air masses
 Clouds and their types
 Precipitation
 Conventional, Cyclonic, Orogenic
GK-182
GEOGRAPHY
ASTRONOMY
NASA defines astronomy as, “The study of highly compressed state and expansion
stars, planets and space.” started with premordial explosion
which was bang in superdense ball.
Universe These exploded particles travelling at
•• All existing matters and space as a a speed of thousands miles per second
whole forms the Universe. It was gave rise to our galaxies.
termed as cosmos when first conceived
Steady State Theory
as an orderly unit and its study called
as cosmology. It is believed to be •• The steady state theory was governed
expanding since its creation in the Big by Hermann Boudi and Thomas Gold.
Bang about 13 billion years ago. •• It is also known as theory of continuous
•• In astronomy & cosmology, space is the creation. According to this theory
vast 3-dimensional region that begins universe has always existed and will
where the earth’s atmosphere ends. There always exist and will always look
are inter steller & intergalactic spaces. essentially the same, so there is no over
all evolution, thus balancing the average
Fact of Universe density despite the exapansion.
Diameter 8.8×1026 m (28.5 Gpc or 93 •• As old galaxies move apart the new
Gly) galaxies are being formed.
Volume 4×1080 m3 Galaxy
Mass 1053 kg •• A Galaxy is a large collection of stars,
(ordinary gas, dust, and dark matter bounded by
matter) gravitational force. At times they are so big
Density 9.9 × 10–30 g/cm3 (equivalent that they are called as Island Universe.
to 6 protons per cubic meter Elliptical Galaxies
of space)
Elliptical galaxies can be classified on the
Age 13.799 ± 0.021 billion years
basis of their ellipticity, ranging from nearly
Average 2.72548 K spherical (E0) to highly elongated (E7).
temperature These have low portion of open clusters and
Contents ordinary (baryonic) matter low rate of new star formation.
(4.9%)
Spiral Galaxies
dark matter (26.8%)
Spiral galaxies have a central nucleus with
dark energy (68.3%) great spiral arms trailing round it resembling
•• Normal matters that are visible (star, pin wheel. Andromeda Galaxy and Milky
planet and galaxies) make up less than Way are the example of such galaxies. The
5% of the total mass of the universe rest spiral arms are thought to be areas of high-
are made of dark matters. These dark density matter, or “density waves”.
matters are not seen by the astronomers
Irregular Galaxies
but they can study their effects.
Irregular galaxies are youthful in nature
Development Theories
with no sharp and boundary thinning out
Big Bang Theory gradually, these galaxies contain large
•• Big bang theory was proposed by amount of gas and dust. This type of galaxy
Georges Lemaitre in 1927. is the result of gravitational interaction
•• According to this theory billion of or collision between formerly regular
years ago cosmic matters were in galaxies.
Mt. Vesuvius (Italy), Mt. Stromboli (Italy), Mt. Etna (Italy) and Mauna Loa (Hawaii) are examples of active volcanoes.
GEOGRAPHY GK-183
The Life Cycle of a Star the asteroids, the comets, the inter
Nebula planetary dust and the electrically
charged gases called plasma, together
A nebula is a cloud of gas (hydrogen) and make up the solar system.
dust in space. Nebulae are the birthplaces •• Our solar system consists of an average
of stars. star we call it the Sun, the planets –
Star: A star is a luminous globe of gas Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter,
producing its own heat and light by nuclear Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
reactions (nuclear fusion). •• The Sun is an average star. It isn’t the
•• Stars are born from nebulae and consist hottest, it isn’t the coolest, it isn’t the
mostly of hydrogen and helium gas. oldest. Nor is it brightest, biggest, etc.
•• Sun’s Mass: The Sun’s mass is in
Red Giant Star
between 99.8% and 99.9% of the
•• Red Giant stars solar system. The rest is split between
is a dying star, i.e. the later stages of planets, satellites, comets, asteroids,
the evolution of a star like the Sun, as it dust particles and gases surrounding
runs out of hydrogen fuel at its centre. the solar system.
•• In few billion years, the Sun will turn •• It is composed mainly of hydrogen and
into a red giant star, expand and engulf helium.
the inner planets, possibly even the •• Nuclear fusion in the core of the Sun is
Earth. Red Giant stars are very cool, source of all its energy.
faint and small stars, approximately one •• The glowing surface of the Sun is called
tenth the mass and diameter of the Sun. Photosphere.
Red Dwarf Stars •• The Sun has a red coloured
Chromosphere and beyond it is Corona
Red Dwarf stars are the most common &
(visible during eclipses).
longest lived stars.
•• The surface of the Sun changes continu-
•• They are the smallest of the stars with
ously. Bright regions are called Plages
low temperature, e.g. Proxima Centauri
and dark spots are called Sun spots
& Barnard’s star.
which frequently form and disappear.
White Dwarf A small very dense star that is
typically the size of planet. Sun Statistics
Black Hole is very small, hot star, the last •• Distance from the Earth – 150 mn km
stage in the life cycle of a star like the Sun. •• Diameter – 1391980 km
The gravitational pull in a black hole is so •• Core temperature – 15000000°C
great that nothing can escape from it, not •• Rotation time – 25 days
even light. So, it is invisible. •• Age – 5 billion years
•• S. Chandrasekhar has given •• Composition : H2 - 71%, He - 26.5% and
Chanderasekhar limit, which is about other 2.5%
the formation of Black Holes. •• Mass – 1.99 × 1033 kg
•• The closest star to the Earth is the Sun. Solar Eclipse
•• The closest star to our solar system is
Solar eclipse is caused when the Moon
The Proxima Centauri.
revolving around the Earth comes in
•• Light year, Astronomical unit (A.U.).
between the Earth and the Sun, thus making
Parsec is the unit of measurement of
a part or whole of the Sun invisible from a
interstellar distance that is equal to
particular part of the Earth.
3.26 light years.
Lunar Eclipse
The Solar System During the revolution of Earth, when it
•• The Sun, the eight planets (Pluto is not comes between moon and the Sun the
a planet now, considered as a dwarf shadow of the Earth hides moon either fully
planet) along with their satellites, or partially. This is called lunar eclipse.
Barren Island in India is an active volcano while Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa is an example of extinct volcano.
GK-184
GEOGRAPHY
Planet Jupiter has 67 known satellites and
A planet must meet three criteria: 4 Galilean moons. It has the biggest
(i) It must orbit the Sun, magnetosphere in the entire solar system.
(ii) It must be big enough for gravity to Saturn
squash it into a round ball, It is the second largest planet of the
(iii) It must have cleared other objects out of solar system and surrounded by ring
the way in its orbital neighbourhood. like structures. These rings are made of
•• The Terrestrial Planets or Inner premordial dust and ice particles. More
Planets are the four innermost planets over Saturn is a gaseous planet. The planet
in the solar system, which include has 62 prominent moons among which the
Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. largest moon is Titan which is the second
•• The Jovian Planets or Outer Planets largest in the entire solar system.
are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Uranus
Neptune because they are all gigantic It is the seventh planet from the Sun. One day
compared to Earth, and they have a on Uranus takes about 17 hours (the time
gaseous nature. it takes for Uranus to rotate or spin once).
Uranus makes a complete orbit around the
Mercury Sun (a year in Uranian time) in about 84 Earth
It is the smallest and the closest planet to the years. It has 27 moons. It is characterized by
Sun, without a moon. Surface is full of craters. usual magnetic and electric field.
Venus Neptune
It is the second closest planet to the Sun, known It is the eighth planet from the Sun. Its
as evening as well as morning star, rotates atmosphere is made up mostly of hydrogen
from east to west. It is the hottest planet. The (H), helium (He) and methane (CH4). Triton
atmosphere of Venus is covered with thick is its largest moon. It is having a earth
clouds that strongly reflects sunlight. size blemish called as Green dark spot. It
has 14 satellites among which Triton and
Earth Nereid are the prominent ones.
It is the third planet from the Sun with one
Pluto (not a planet now). It is now
moon. Perfect place for life. It consists of
considered as a dwarf planet. It has the
78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other slowest orbital velocity and hence, the
ingredients envelops it. Moon is the only longest year, Charon, is nearly half its size.
natural satellite of Earth.
Mars Dwarf planet– A dwarf planet is a
It is the fourth planet from the Sun with two planetary-mass object that is neither a
moons (Phobos and Deimos). planet nor a natural satellite. It shares
It is known as the Red Planet because iron its orbits around the Sun with other
minerals in the Martian soil oxidize, or rust, objects such as asteroids or comets. It
causing the soil and the dusty atmosphere is massive enough for its shape to be
in hydrostatic equilibrium under its
to look red. The planet is characterized
own gravity, but has not cleared the
by volcanoes, canyon systems, riverbeds,
neighborhood around its orbit.
crated terrains.
The first 5 recognised dwarf planets are –
Jupiter Ceres, Pluto, Eris, Haumea & Makemake.
It is the fifth planet from the Sun and the
largest in the solar system. Its atmosphere Light year– A light-year is a unit of
is made up mostly of hydrogen (H) and astronomical distance. It is the distance
helium (He). It has the fastest rotational that light can travel in one year. It is
velocity, completing one rotation in less approximately 9.5 trillion kilometres
than 10 hours. (or about 6 trillion miles).
The zone on the globe which does not experience an earthquake is known as the shadow zone.
GEOGRAPHY GK-185
Planets Facts Cosmic World

1. Biggest Planet-Jupiter Asteroid: 645,118
2. Biggest Satellite-Jupiter
3. Blue Planet-Earth A small rocky body orbiting the sun is
4. Green Planet-Uranus termed as asteroid. Large numbers of these,
5. Brightest Planet-Venus are found between the orbits of Mars and
6. Brightest Planet outside Solar System- Jupiter, though some have more eccentric
Sirus orbits.
7. Closest Star of Solar System-Proxima Meteor
8. Coldest Planet-Neptune A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic
9. Evening Star-Venus body travelling through space and range
10. Farthest Planet from Sun-Neptune in size from small grains to 1 meter-wide
11. Planet with maximum no. of satellites- objects. When it enters the atmosphere to
Jupiter become visible it is called meteor. It is also
12. Fastest revolution in solar system- known as “shooting star” or “falling star.”
Mercury One can see nearly 20 million of meteors
13. Hottest Planet-Venus in a day. In Huba the largest meteorite was
14. Densest Planet- Earth found (Namibia – 60 tons).
15. Fastest Rotation in Solar System-Jupiter
16. Morning Star-Venus
Oort Clouds
17. Nearest Planet to Earth-Venus They are roughly spherical, shell of icy
18. Nearest Planet to Sun-Mercury objects found in the outermost reaches
19. Red Planet-Mars of the solar system is called Oort Clouds.
20. Slowest Revolution in Solar System- Astronomers believe that it is remains of
Neptune the disc of material that formed the Sun and
21. Slowest Rotation in Solar System-Venus planets. Estimates put it at around 2 trillion.
22. Smallest Planet-Mercury It is also referred to as Trans-Neptunian
23. Smallest Satellite-Deimos object applied to objects in the Kuiper Belt.
24. Earth’s Twin-Venus Astronomers think that long-period comets
25. Atmosphere like Earth-Titan have their origins in the Oort Clouds.
INFORMATION BULLETIN ON EARTH

•• Human population of the Earth : Seven billion as of on 2011, 7.389 billion (as of Dec
2015)
•• World Population Growth : 1.13% as of (2015-16) - 2014 estimate
•• Countries of the world : 196 (195 Excluding Taiwan)
•• Earth’s Circumference at the : 24,901.55 miles (40,075.16 km)
Equator
•• Earth’s Circumference between : 24,859.82 miles (40,008 km)
the North and South Poles
•• Earth’s Diameter at the Equator : 7,926.28 miles (12,756.1 km)
•• Average Distance from the : 92, 935, 700 miles
Earth to the Sun
•• Average Distance from the : 238.900 miles/384, 400 km
Earth to the Moon
•• Highest Elevation on Earth : Mt. Everest, Asia : 29,035 feet (8850 m)
Light takes about 4.3 years to reach us from the next nearest star Proxima Centauri.
GK-186
GEOGRAPHY
•• Tallest Mountain on Earth from : Mauna Kea. Hawaii: 33,480 feet (rising to 13.796
Base to Peak feet above sea level) (10204 m, 4205 m)
•• Point Farthest from the Center : The peak of the volcano Chimborazo in Ecuador at
of the Earth 20,561 feet (6267 m) is farthest from the center of
the Earth due to its location near the equator and
the oblateness of the Earth.
•• Lowest Elevation on Land : Dead Sea: 1369 feet below sea level (417,27 m)
•• Deepest Point in the Ocean : Challenger Deep. Mariana Trench. Western Pacific
Ocean: 36,740 feet (11022 m)
•• Highest Temperature Recorded : 135.80F - A1 Aziziyah, Libya, Sep. 13,1922 (57.7°C)
•• Lowest Temperature Recorded : –128.5°F - Vostok, Antarctica. July 21, 1983
(–89.2°C)
•• Water vs Land : 4.5 to 4.6 billion years
•• Atmosphere content : 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% traces of
argon, carbon dioxide and water.
•• Rotation on Axis : 23 hours and 56 minutes and 04.09053 second.
But, it takes an additional four minutes for the
earth to revolve to the some position as the day
before relative to the sun (i.e., 24 hours)
•• Revolution Around the Sun : 365 . 2425 day
•• Chemical Composition of the : 34.6% Iron, 29.5% Oxygen, 15.2% Silicon, 12.7%,
Earth Magnesium, 2.4% Nickel, 1.9% Sulphur and 0.05%
Titanium.
Planet Earth between the tropics and polar region (23½°

•• The form of Earth is ‘Oblate spheroid’. of 66½°) having moderate climate.
•• The axis of the Earth is inclined to the Frigid Zones
plane of Earth’s orbit at an angle of 66
1/2°giving rise to different seasons and
varying lengths of day and night.
•• At equator, day and night are of equal
length throughout the year.
Torrid Zone
The Mid-day Sun shines vertically overhead
at least once a year between the Tropic of
Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Thus,
this region receiving the maximum heat and
is called Torrid Zone.
Temperate Zones
These are the areas where climatic
condition is not extreme. The area lies
Jupiter is known as winter planet as its average temperature is very low (–148ºC).
GEOGRAPHY GK-187
These are the two extremely cold zones situated in the Polar regions extending to the Arctic
circle in the North and to the Antarctic circle in the South.
Seasons Formation
Revolution of the Earth around the Sun along with it spinning around its axis, which is
tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees, is the main cause of season’s formation. Around the
June Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, therefore experiencing
summer. The Southern Hemisphere on the other hand, is tilted away from the Sun and
thus, experiences winter. The opposite occurs around the December Solstice, when the
Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, while the Northern Hemisphere is tilted
away.
Seasons and their Formation
Northern summer/Southern winter Northern fall/Southern spring

21. March
Periapsis
ill.
Equinox 47 m 3. January
1 k m
21. June Line of Solstice
21. December
es
sid
ap
e of
Lin
m
ill. k
2m 23. September
15
Apoapsis 3. July
Northern summer/Southern winter Northern fall/Southern spring
There are four seasons: Summer when the Sun’s ray falls directly over the tropic of cancer.
In autumn, the Sun’s ray falls directly over the equator. During winter it is over tropic of
Capricorn and during spring it falls back on equator.
Equinoxes is the day which happens twice a year and day and night are of equal length.
March 21 is called as Vernal equinox and 23rd September is autumnal equinox. Solstice
in the same ways occurs when the difference between the lengths of day and night are
maximum. Occurs twice in a year firstly when the Sun’s ray falls on tropic of cancer and
secondly when over tropic of Capricorn.
Eclipse
It is related to obscuring light of the sun or the moon by any other body. There are two types
of eclipse.
Lunar eclipse occurs when the earth comes in middle of the sun and the moon. It occurs on
full moon day but not every full moon day experiences lunar eclipse.
Solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes in middle of the sun and the earth. It occurs on
the new moon day when the moon is in line with sun.
Lake Eyre (–15.8 m) is the lowest point in Australia and Kosciuszko mountain (2.228 m) is the highest point.
GK-188
GEOGRAPHY
Chronological age of the Earth
EON ERA PERIOD EPOCH Millions of Years Ago
Holocene 0.011477
Quaternary
Pleistocene 1.806
Pliocene 5.332
Neogene
Cenozoic Miocene 23.03
Tertiary
Oligocene 33.9
Paleogene Eocene 55.8
Paleocene 65.5
Cretaceous 145.5
Mesozoic Jurassic 199.5
Phanerozoic
Triassic 251
Permian 299
Charboniferous
Pennsylvanian 318.1
Paleozoic Mississippian 359.2
Devonian 416
Silurian 443.7
Ordiviclan 488.3
Cambrian 542
Ediacaran 630
Neoproterozoic Cryogenian 850
Tonian 1000
Stenian 1200
Proterozoic
Mesoproterozoic Ectasian 1400

Calymmian 1600
Precambrian
Statherian 1800
Orosirian 2050
Paleoproterozoic
Rhyacian 2300
Siderian 2500
Neoarchean 2800
Archean
Mesoarchean 3200
Paleoarchean 3600
Eoarchean 4000
Hadean 4567
Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) is the highest while Lake Assai (–156.1 m) is the lowest point in Africa.
GEOGRAPHY GK-189
Internal Structure of Earth

The thickness and deepness of the Earth is the study of seismology. The interior structure
of the Earth is layered in spherical shells. It was Edmund Halley (1692) who put forth the
idea of earth consisting of a hollow shell about 500 miles thick, with two inner concentric
shells around an innermost core. These shells can be divided by mechanical properties
such as Rheology, or chemically. Mechanically, are divided into lithosphere, asthenosphere,
mesospheric mantle, outer core, and the inner core. The interior of Earth is divided into 5
important layers. Chemically, are divided into the crust, upper mantle, lower mantle, outer
core, and inner core.
Upper crust Depth (Km) Layers

er cr ust
Low
0-60 Lithosphere (locally varies between 5
Uppe
r Mantl
e and 200 km) (density 2.9-3.3)
m sphere
0k m Meso 0-35 Crust (locally varies between 5 and
k
20 m
40
k 70 km)
r Mantl
Lowe e
km
400 km
35-60 Uppermost part of mantle
650 D” Layer
35–2,890 Mantle
r Core
0k
m Oute
270 0 km
8 9 100–200 Upper mesosphere (density 3.3-4.3)
2
r
Inne Core
515
0k
m
660–2,890 Lower mesosphere (density 4.3-5.5)
2,890–5,150 Outer core (density 10.00-13.3)
6378 km
5,150–6,360 Inner core (density 13.3-13.6)
Crust (6-11 km oceanic,

25-90 km
continental)
Lower 6300 km
Mantle
id 3500 Upper
qu
Li re km Mantle
co down to
1200 about
km
100 km
Solid (the upper
inner core mantle
Fe Fe + Ni
+ and crust
S (?) form the
rigid
lithosphere)
Mt. Mckinley (6,194 m) is the highest and Death Valley (–85.9 m) is the lowest point in North America.
GK-190
GEOGRAPHY
GEOMORPHOLOGY
Rock
Rock is a naturally occurring mineral and relatively hard.
Proportion of Elements Found in Rock
7% Others 5.5% Others
13% Magnesium 3% Sodium
15% Silicon 8% Aluminium
30% Oxygen 28% Silicon
35% Iron 47% Oxygen
In Earth In Earth Crust
Type of Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary rocks are formed through lithification, compression and cementation of sedi-
ments deposited in a particular place mainly aquatic areas.
Igneous/Primary Rocks
Igneous rocks are formed from solidification and cooling of magma. Usually this magma
partially melts off the pre-existing rocks from mantle or crust of the earth. This melting
of rocks is caused by one or more processes namely: increase in temperature, decrease in
pressure, or a change in composition e.g. Basalt, Granite.
Metamorphic Rocks
When the change occurs in the form or composition of the pre-existing rock (igneous or
sedimentary) without any disintegration taking place is called as metamorphic rock.
Earth Movement
The forces affecting earth’s crust and the resultant movement can be categorized into two
broad categories and further into sub-categories.
Aconcagu (6,960 m) is the highest while valdes Peninsula (–39.9 m) is the lowest point in Latin America.
GEOGRAPHY GK-191
Forces which affects the Earth’s Crust
Endogenetic Forces Exogenetic Forces
Diastrophic Forces Sudden Catastrophic Forces
Epeirogenetic Forces Orogenetic Forces Volcanic Eruption Earthquakes
Upward Downward
Movement Movement
(Emergence) (Submergence)
Tensional Forces Compressional Forces
Crustal Fracture Crustal Bending
Cracking Faulting (Faults) Warping Folding (Folds)
Weathering Erosion
Upwarping Downwarping
• Physical • Ice
• Chemical • River water
• Biological • Sea
• Wind
• Underground
water
Endogenetic Forces Types of Folds
The forces which originate within the •• Symmetrical fold is the simple fold, the
Earth surface are defined as endogenetic limbs of which incline uniformly.
forces. They can result in both horizontal •• Asymmetrical Fold is the fold with
and vertical movement of the earth unequal and irregular inclination and
surface. Internal heat causing chemical length.
reactions inside the earth and transfer of
•• Monoclinal Fold is the fold with one
rock materials on the surface of the earth
by external forces results in release of limb inclined moderately with regular
endogenetic energy. slope while the other limb inclines steeply
Endogenetic forces are of two types: at right angle and the slope is almost
Diastrophic movements and Sudden vertical.
movements. •• Isoclinical Fold is a fold where compres-
These movement causes fold, fault, sive force, forces both the limbs of the fold
earthquake and volcanic activities. to become parallel but not horizontal to
Folds its axis.
These are the wave like structure formed •• Recumbent Fold is formed when
in the crustal rock due to tangential compression force is strong enough to
compressive force resulting from horizontal make both the limbs of the fold parallel as
movement caused by endogenetic forces. well as horizontal to its axis.
The explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who circumnavigated the Earth, named the Ocean ‘Pacific’ meaning peaceful.
GK-192
GEOGRAPHY
Faults Types of Volcanoes:
These are the slippage or displacement (a) Active Volcanoes: Alive now
(b) Dormant Volcanoes: Have not erupted
occuring in the crust along the fracture
for quite some time
plane. Four types of faults: i) normal, ii)
(c) Extinct Volcanoes: Have not erupted
reverse, iii) lateral and iv) step faults. for several centuries
Volcano Earthquake
It is a fissure or vent in the earth’s crust Motion ranging from faint terror to wild
communicating with the interior, from shaking of the earth surface is called
which lava, rock fragments, hot vapour and earthquake. It occurs mainly due to tectonic
gases are ejected. A volcano begins to form activities caused by continuous endogenetic
when magma, which is hot molten rock processes inside earth’s crust. The place
from where it starts is called as focus or
from deep within the earth, rises toward
hypocenter and the point directly above
the earth’s surface and collects in magma it is known as epicenter. It is measured in
chambers. Richter scale varying from 0 to 9.
Plate Tectonic Theory in the earth’s plate is called as tectonic

Our earth surface is made up of plates movement. This movement has been
which are in motion due to the convection widely accepted cause of continental drift,
current flowing beneath it. This movement earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains, and
oceanic trenches.
The Mariana Trench is the World’s deepest trench with a depth of 11,033 metres.
GEOGRAPHY GK-193
Types of Plates
of several mountain groups and systems
having different ridges, ranges, mountain
Minor Plates Minor Plates chains etc.
Africa Plate Cocos Plate Types of Mountains
Pacific Plate Filipino Plate
Folded Mountains originated by
compressive forces. Young, mature and
North American Plate Juan de Fuca Plate old are its sub types. E.g. Alps in Europe,
Rockies in North America, Andes in South
Antarctic Plate Caribbean Plate
America and the Himalayas in Asia.
Eurasian Plate Scotia Plate Block fault Mountain originated by
tensile and compressional forces. E.g. Black
Australian Plate Nazca Plate forest mountains on the border of France
South American Plate and Arabian Plate and Germany.
Dome Mountain originated by magnetic
Indian Plant intrusion and unwrapping of the crustal
Exogenetic/Denudational/Destructional surface.
Forces Volcanic Mountain formed by accumula-
tion of volcanic materials e.g. Mount Mauna
The forces which act above the earth surface
Loa in Hawaii, Mt. Fujiyama in Japan and Mt.
changing relief of earth surface are known
Popa in Central Myanmar.
as exogenetic forces. These processes are
Residual mountain E.g. Vindhyachal
continuously engaged in destructing the
Aravalli, Eastern and Western Ghats.
relief features created by endogenetic
forces. These forces are carried on by the Plateau
agents of erosion such as wind, water, A second order relief feature characterized
glacier etc., the process through which by flat and rough top surface and steep wall
these agents work on the earth surface are with a height difference of at least 300 m
weathering and erosion. from its surrounding areas.
•• Weathering is a process in which Types of Plateau:
breaking down of the earth surface takes (i) Intermontane Plateau (Tibetan,
place but the debris do not move from Bolivian, Peru, Columbian Plateau,
their place. Mexican, Iranian)
•• Erosion refers to the movement in the (ii) Piedmont Plateau (Appalachian
weathered material. Piedmont Plateau, Patagonian Plateau)
Denudation is a long-term sum of processes (iii) Continental Plateau (Deccan Plateau
that is caused by weathering, leading to a of India, Chota Nagpur Plateau)
reduction in elevation and relief of landforms (iv) Coastal Plateau (Coromandel Coastal
and landscapes and erosion. upland of India)
Major Landforms Lake
Lakes are static bodies of water surrounded
Mountains by land from all sides. These are not
These are the second order relief features permanent features on the earth surface.
having an abrupt natural rise from the Sometimes lakes are found near along the
adjacent surrounding area. Collective sea coast. There are two type lakes e.g.
system of long, narrow elevated land freshwater lakes and saline lake.
for some distance is a Mountain Ridge.
Several parallel long narrow mountains Oceanography
of different period is called as Mountain Ocean Structure
chain. Mountain Range is a series of
•• Ocean can be divided into two main groups
mountain ridges, peaks, and summits and
(i) the ocean (ii) the sea. Ocean covers 70%
the valley of same age but structurally
of the earth surface and has an average
different. Cordilleras are the huge set depth of more than 12,400 feet.
The Atlantic Ocean has the longest coastline and is also the busiest ocean for trade and commerce.
GK-194
GEOGRAPHY
•• Geographically the oceans have been Density of Ocean
divided into (i) the Pacific (ii) the •• Amount of mass per unit volume of
Atlantic (iii) the Indian and (iv) the substance, measured in g/cm3
Arctic ocean. •• Density of pure water is 1 g/cm3 at 4°C.
•• Pacific Ocean, the largest and oldest and ocean water is 1.0278 g/cm3 (2-3%
occupies 50% of the ocean world, followed higher than water) at 4°C.
by Atlantic (29.9%), Indian (21%). •• It increases with lowering of
•• Arctic is strictly not an ocean and not temperature of ocean. Highest density
navigable. is recorded at –1.3°C.
Continental shelf Salinity of the Ocean
•• Continental margin submerged under •• Average salinity of ocean water is 35%.
ocean water upto 100 fathoms (600 Salinity of ocean water is affected by
feet) with slope of 1° to 3° and often marine organism, plant community and
determined by the coastal reliefs. High physical properties of ocean such as
mountainous coast have narrow self. In temperature, density, waves, pressure
Atlantic Ocean it is 2 km to 80 km. and currents.
Deep Sea Plain/Abyssal Plain •• Highest salinity is observed between
•• Most extensive relief, covering 75.9% 20° - 40° N (36%).
of the total area of ocean basin. Flat and •• Boiling point of saline water is higher
rolling submarine having depth from than pure water.
3000 m to 6000 m. The Mariana Trench •• The line with same salinity is joined by
near Guam Island is the deepest of all. Isohalines.
Temperature of Ocean Source of Salinity
Ocean is divided into three layers according Salts brought by rivers is the main source. It
to temperature. contains 60% of calcium sulphate and 2%
(i) First layer upto 500 m from top having of sodium chloride.
temperature of 20° - 25°C SALTS IN OCEAN WATER
(ii) Thermocline layer - below 500 m where
temperature decreases at a rapid rate Name of Salts %
with the increase in depth. Sodium Chloride 77.8
(iii) Third layer is very cold and extends Magnesium Chloride 10.9
upto deep ocean floor. Polar region has
this layer from surface to deep ocean Magnesium Sulphate 04.7
form. Calcium Sulphate 03.6
Daily Range of temperature is the
Potassium Sulphate 02.5
difference of maximum and minimum
temperature of a day which is 0.3°C at low Calcium Carbonate 00.3
latitude and 0.2° to 0.3°C at higher latitudes. Magnesium Bromide 00.2
Annual Range of temperature: Maximum
Factors controlling salinity
temperature is recorded in August and
minimum in February in the northern •• Evaporation is positively related to the
hemisphere. Average annual range of salinity level.
temperature of ocean water is - 12°C usually. •• Precipitation has a negative relation
with it.
Factors affecting distribution of •• Influx of river water has inverse relation
temperature with salinity level.
•• Major factors include: Latitude, Unequal •• Atmospheric pressure and wind are of
distribution of land and sea, prevailing directional help in the redistribution of
wind and ocean current water salinity.
•• Minor factors include: Submarine ridges, •• Circulation of ocean water is the
local weather, location and shape of sea. controlling factor of salinity in a region.
A shallow lake formed between the sand and the sea coast is called lagoon and kayal in Kerala.
GEOGRAPHY GK-195
Ocean Currents • Counter Equatorial Current (Warm)

The movement of a mass of oceanic water • Kuroshio System (warm)
parallel to the coast is called as ocean • Oyashio Current (Cold)
current. • California Current (Cold)
Currents are of two types on the basis of • Peru Current (Cold)
temperature. • El Nino or Counter Current (warm)
(i) Warm current • Eastern Australian Current (warm)
(ii) Cold current • West Wind Drift (Cold)
On the basis of velocity, dimension and
Indian Ocean
direction.
• North-east Monsoon Current (warm)
Drift
• Indian Counter Current (warm)
It is slow movement of the ocean current • South West Monsoon (warm)
under the influence of prevailing wind. • Indian Equatorial Current (warm)
Current • Mozambiqe Current (warm)
Movement or circulation of ocean water in a • West Wind Drift (cold)
definite path having great velocity. Seas of Ocean
Stream
Pacific ocean
Movement of ocean water involving large
volume in a definite direction with velocity. Arafura sea, Bering sea, Celebes sea, Coral
It is a continuous flow. sea, Java sea, Gulf of Carpentria, Yellow sea,
Japan sea, Bohol sea, Gulf of Alaska, Molucca
Origin
sea and South China sea.
Origin of ocean current occurs due to
following factors: Indian ocean
• Rotation of earth Arabian sea, Andaman sea, Bay of Bengal,
• Temperature difference in ocean Timor sea, Red sea, Laccadive sea, Gulf of
• Salinity difference in ocean Oman, Gulf of Aden, Mozambique Channel.
• Density Difference
• Air pressure and wind
Atlantic ocean
• Rainfall and Evaporation Caribbean sea, Celtic sea, Labrador sea,
• Direction, shape and configuration of Marmara sea, Norwegian sea, Bothnia sea,
coast Gulf of Finlang, Bay of Fundy, Barents sea,
• Bottom relief Beaufort sea, Amunden sea, Baffin Bay,
• Seasonal variation Laptev sea, White sea, Pechora sea, Kara
Distribution of Currents sea, East Siberian sea, Greenland sea, Prince
Gustav Adolf sea.
Atlantic Ocean
Inland Seas
North Equatorial Current (warm)
Caspian sea, Aral sea, Salton sea, Dead sea
South Equatorial Current (warm)
Counter Equatorial Current (warm) and Black sea.
Gulf stream (warm) Strait is a narrow passage of water
North Atlantic Current connecting two seas or two other large
Canary Current (Cold) areas of water.
Labrador Current (Cold) Strait of Malacca is a funnel-shaped
Brazil Current (warm) narrow waterway 800 km long that
Falkland Current (Cold) connects the South China & Andaman Sea.
South Atlantic Drift (Cold) Bass strait is the widest (240 km).
Benguela Current (Cold) Bosphorous, the narrowest strait in
world used for international navigation,
Pacific Ocean that connects the Black Sea with the Sea
• North Equatorial Current (Warm) of Marmara.
• South Equatorial Current (Warm)
Andaman and Nicobar islands are separated by the Ten Degree Channel because 10ºN latitude passes through this place.
GK-196
GEOGRAPHY
MAJOR STRAIT OF THE WORLD
Name Joins Location
Malacca Strait Andaman Sea & South China Sea Indonesia - Malaysia
Palk Strait Palk Bay & Bay of Bengal India-Sri Lanka
Sunda Strait Java Sea & Indian Ocean Indonesia
Yucatan Strait Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea Mexico-Cuba
Messina Strait Mediterranean Sea Italy-Sicily
Otranto Strait Adriatic Sea & Ionian Sea Italy-Albania
Bab-el-Mandeb
Red Sea & Gulf of Aden Yemen-Djibouti
Strait
Cook Strait South Pacific Ocean New Zealand (N & S islands)
Mozambique Strait Indian Ocean Mozambique - Malagasy
North Channel Irish Sea & Atlantic Ocean Ireland-England
Taurus Strait Arafura Sea & Gulf of Papua Papua New Guinea - Australia
Bass strait Tasman Sea & South Sea Australia
Bering Strait Bering Sea & Chukchi Sea Alaska-Russia
Bonne-Fasio Strait Mediterranean Sea Corsika-Sardinia
Bosphorus Strait Black Sea and Marmara Sea Turkey
Dardanelle Strait Marmara Sea and Aegean Sea Turkey
Davis strait Baffin Bay & Atlantic Ocean Greenland-Canada
Denmark strait North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean Greenland-Iceland
Dover strait English Channel & North Sea England-France
Florida Strait Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean USA-Cuba
Hormuz strait Gulf of Persia & Gulf of Oman Oman-Iran
Hudson strait Gulf of Hudson & Atlantic Ocean Canada
Mediterranean Sea & Atlantic
Gibraltar Strait Spain-Morocco
Ocean
Magellan strait Pacific and South Atlantic Ocean Chile
Makassar Strait Java Sea & Celebeze Sea Indonesia
Tsugaru Strait Japan Sea and Pacific Ocean Japan (Hokkaido-Honshu island)
Tatar Strait Japan Sea & Okhotsk Sea Russia (E Russia-Sakhalin Island)
Gulf trading centers are located on gulfs. It forms

a good fishing ground and oil deposits.
A large area of a sea or ocean partially
enclosed by land, especially a long The Gulf of Mexico
landlocked portion of sea opening through Bordering the United States, Mexico, and
a strait. Gulf and Bay are of economic the island nation of Cuba, is the world’s
importance as they serve as excellent largest gulf. It has a coastline of about 5,000
harbour in most of the cases. Many important kilometers (3,100 miles).
Anemometer is an instrument used for measuring wind velocity and Beufort Scale is used to identify wind strength.
GEOGRAPHY GK-197
The Persian Gulf Bar-built

In Arabian Sea borders Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Sandbars or barrier islands built up by
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab ocean currents and waves in coastal areas
Emirates, and Oman. There a vast deposit of created a protected area fed by small
petroleum is found. streams or rivers. The barrier islands off
The Gulf of Carpentaria on northeast coast the Atlantic coastline of North Carolina and
of Australia, is an inlet of the Arafura Sea.
Massachusetts enclose bar-built estuaries.
Bay
Delta system
A bay is a small body of water or a broad
inlet that is set off from a larger body of Deltas are formed at the mouths of large
water generally where the land curves rivers from sediment and silt depositing.
inward. Examples of bays include the Bay When the river flow is restricted by the
of Pigs (Cuba), Hudson Bay (Canada), delta, an estuary may form. The Nile River
Chesapeake Bay (Maryland and Virginia), in Egypt and the Mississippi River in
and Bay of Bengal (near India). Louisiana forms delta systems estuaries.
Choke Point Tectonic
When a body of water such as a strait is It is created when a major crack or a large
capable of being blocked or even closed in landmass sink, often caused by earthquakes,
order to control transportation routes, the produced a basin below sea level that fills
body is called a “choke point.”
with water. This type of estuaries usually
Estuaries occurs along fault lines. San Francisco Bay
Estuaries are bodies of water and their in California is an example of an estuary
surrounding coastal habitats typically found created by tectonics.
where rivers meet the sea. It becomes the
home of numerous unique plant and animal Fjords
communities because their waters are brack- Advancing glaciers ground out long, narrow
ish. Brackish is a mixture of fresh water drain- valleys with steep sides. Glacier Bay in
ing from the land and salty seawater. Alaska is an example of a fjord.
Clinometer is an instrument used for determing the difference in elevation between two points.
GK-198
GEOGRAPHY
MAJOR GULFS AND THEIR LOCATION
Gulf of Aden of the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula
Gulf of Alaska in the Pacific Ocean south of the state of Alaska
Amundsen Gulf in the Arctic Ocean northwest of Canada
Gulf of Aqaba in the northern end of the Red Sea, leading to Israel and Jordan
Gulf of Bahrain, part of the Persian Gulf
Gulf of Bothnia, part of the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland
Gulf of Cádiz, part of the Atlantic Ocean off the southern border of Spain and Portugal
Gulf of California in the Pacific Ocean in northwestern Mexico
Gulf of Carpentaria a large bay off northern Australia
Gulf of Cazones a large gulf in southern Cuba
Gulf of Corinth, which extends into Greece from the Mediterranean
Davao Gulf in the Philippines
Gulf of the Farallones, westward from the opening of the San Francisco Bay and Drakes
Bay to the Farallon Islands
Gulf of Finland, between the southern coast of Finland and the northern coast of Estonia
in the Baltic Sea.
Gulf of Genoa inside the Ligurian Sea on the northwestern coast of Italy
Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Equatorial Africa
Gulf of Izmir in the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. It was formerly called the
Gulf of Smyrna.
Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea, formerly known as the Gulf of Cambay
Gulf of Kutch in the Arabian Sea
Lingayen Gulf of western Luzon, the Philippines, in the South China Sea
Gulf of Lion, a bay on the Mediterranean coastline of Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence
in France
Gulf of Maine, off the State of Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia in the Atlantic
Ocean
Gulf of Mannar, between India and Sri Lanka
Gulf of Mexico, between Mexico, the United States, and Cuba
Gulf of Morbihan, a natural harbour on the coast of the Département of Morbihan in the
south of Brittany
Gulf of Nicoya, in Costa Rica, Central America.
Gulf of Oman, between the south eastern Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Pakistan and Arabian
Sea.
Gulf of Oristano, near Oristano on the Western Sardinian coast
Gulf of Panama in the Pacific Ocean south of Panama
Persian Gulf between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula
Fathometer is the instrument used for measuring the depth of the Ocean.
GEOGRAPHY GK-199
Gulf of Roses, the most northeastern bay on the Catalan coast

Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the world’s largest estuary and the outlet of the Saint Lawrence
River into the Atlantic Ocean
Gulf St Vincent, separated from Spencer Gulf by the Yorke Peninsula
Gulf of Sidra, just north of Libya in the Mediterranean
Spencer Gulf, near Port Lincoln, South Australia
Gulf of Suez, in the northern end of the Red Sea, leading to the Suez Canal
Gulf of Thailand, just south of Thailand in the Indian Ocean
Gulf of Tonkin, just east of North Vietnam in the Pacific Ocean
Gulf of Tunis, in the Mediterranean off the coast of Tunisia
MARINE RESOURCES
The biotic and abiotic resources found in without the permission of the concern
the oceanic water and lagoons are called state.
as Marine resources. It includes marine (iii) High Sea
water, inherent energy in ocean water (e.g. It extends beyond sea limit of the
wave and tidal energy) biotic life (plants exclusive economic zone and includes
and animals), marine deposits and abiotic the vast ocean area.
elements (minerals, fossils fuels, etc). Marine Biological Resources
Marine Zone Those marine - related biological resources
(i) Territoral Sea such as flora, fauna and micro organism
It is a region lying between base line whose inter-community behaviour and
and 12 nautical miles towards sea. 12 action affect or get affected by the piece of
nautical mile is the seaward limit of marine ecosystem they are living in.
territoral sea and called as contiguous
Plankton Community
zone.
(ii) Exclusive Economic Zone Planktons are floating and drifting micro
This zone extends upto a 200 plants and animals in photic zone. These are
nautical miles from the base line. divided into phytoplankton (plant plank-
The coastal state has the right of tons) and zooplanktons (animal planktons).
survey, exploitation, conservation and Phytoplankton produces food through the
management of mineral resources of process of photosynthesis with the help of
ocean deposits, ocean floor, marine sunlight, water and atmosphere. Algae and
water energy, water and ocean Diatoms are most important member of this
organisms with exclusive economic community. Algae and diatom are called as
zone. No other country can venture marine pasture.
MAJOR WETLAND OF THE WORLD AS RANKED BY WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Country Wetland Name Area
Canada Wood Buffalo National Park 44,807 km2
USA Everglades National Park 6,110 km2
USA Olympic National Park 3,734 km²
Isopleth is a line drawn on the map along which the value of a particular phenomenon or product is uniform.
GK-200
GEOGRAPHY
USA Yellowstone National Park 8,983 km²
Bulgaria Srébarna Nature Reserve 6 km²
Romania and Ukraine Danube Delta 4,152 km2
Russian Federation Lake Baikal 31,722 km²
Russian Federation Volcanoes of Kamchatka 43781 km²
Spain Doñana National Park 543 km²
Tunisia Ichkeul National Park 85 km²
Malawi Lake Malawi National Park 94 km²
Senegal Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary 160 km²
Dem. Republic of Congo Virunga National Park 7,800 km²
India Kaziranga National Park 430 km²
India Keoladeo National Park 28 km²
India Manas National Park 950 km²
Australia Fraser Island 1,840 km²
Australia Kakadu National Park 19,804 km²
New Zealand Te Wahipounamu 26000 km²
Honduras Río Platano Biosphere Reserve 5250 km²
Mexico Sian Ka’an 3,157 km²
Panama Darien National Parks 720 km²
Colombia Los Katios National Parks 5,970 km²
Peru Manu National Park 17,163 km²
called ebb/low tide. The difference between

Coral Reefs and Atoll
high and low tide is called as tidal range.
It is accumulated and compact skeleton
of lime secreting organisms known as Types of Tide
coral polyps. They are confined between (i) Spring tide: When the sun, the moon
25°N - 25°S latitude. They live on lime and the earth are in the same line, there
and in colony form. High mean annual is formation of spring tide. The position
temperature between 68°F to 70°F (20°C when all three are in a straight line is
- 21°C) is required for the growth of called as syzygy. When the sun, the
corals. They do not grow in more than 250 moon and the earth are in sequential
feet (60-77 m) of water as they require order in a straight line is called as
oxygen and sunlight. Grows in open sea conjunction. It occurs on new moon
as fresh water is harmful for corals.
day. When the earth is in between
Types of Coral Reef: (i) fringing reef (ii)
the moon and the sun are called as
barren reef and (iii) atoll
opposition. It occurs on full moon day.
(ii) Neap tide: It’s a quadrature (90o)
Ocean Tide
position between the earth, the sun
Alternative rise and fall in the sea level is and the moon on seventh or eighth day
known as tide. The rise of sea water and its of the fortnight. During this time the
movement towards coast is high tide. The forces of the sun and the moon acts in
fall of seawater and moving towards sea is Opposite direction.
Isorithm is any line on the map representing continuous value on maps.

GEOGRAPHY GK-201
ATMOSPHERE
The gaseous envelop which covers a celestial called normal lapse rate. The transition layer
body or planet is called atmosphere. Air is a separating troposphere from stratosphere is
mixture of gases in various proportions. It known as tropopause which is between 16
has a mass of 5.15 × 1018 kg. of which are km at equator to 8 km at pole.
concentrated within 11 km of the surface of
Stratosphere
the earth. The force of gravity plays a vital
role in holding the atmosphere close to the The layer which extends from 18 to 50
earth. km above the earth surface is called as
Gases which contributes to the formation stratosphere. In this layer temperature
of atmosphere are Nitrogen (78.084%) increases as altitude increases due the ultra
Oxygen (20.946%), Argon (0.93%), Carbon violet rays. Ozone forms to be the outer
dioxide (0.0397), Neon (0.001818), Helium limit for this layer. Turbulence free zone
(0.000024), Methane (0.000179) along with hence is ideal for flying of jet aircrafts.
Water vapour (0.001% – 0.005%). Mesosphere
Proportion of gas in Mesosphere lies from 50 to 80 km above
the Atmosphere
other
the ground level with the temperature
1% below – 100°C at 80 km. Even pressure
drops to 1 mb at 50 km to 0.01 mb at 90 km.
Oxygen
Mesopause are the upper transitional layer
21% separating mesosphere from ionosphere. It
is the zone of meteorites activities.
Ionosphere
Nitrogen
78 % The layer between mesosphere and
thermosphere is known as ionosphere.
Aurora Austrialis and Aurora Borealis occur
due to penetration of ionizing particles in
Structure of Atmosphere this layer. Temperatures rise with increasing
km height here owing to the absorption of ultra-
180
B violet radiation by atomic oxygen. Above
160 100 km the atmosphere is increasingly
Heterosphere
140 affected by solar X-rays and ultra-violet

120 ere radiation, which causes ionization.
sph
rmo
100 The Thermosphere
80 Mesopause
The thermosphere is the second highest
Homosphere
60 Mesosphere layer of earth’s atmosphere just above

40 Stratopause mesopause. It forms lower boundary of
20 Tropopause Stratopause
Troposphere exosphere is known as exobase. Gradual
0 increase of temperature is witnessed with
-200 -100 0 100 200
TEMPERATURE °C height reaching up to 1500°C (2700°F).
Troposphere Exoshpere
The first layer of atmosphere from the earth Outer most layer extending between of 700 km
surface is known as troposphere. It is at the to 10000 km. Gases like nitrogen, oxygen and
carbon dioxide are found. No meteorological
height of 12 km from the earth surface. Here
phenomenon is possible. Sometimes
temperature decreases at the rate of 6.5°C
Aurora Borialis and Aurora Austrialis occur
per km with the increase in height. This is overlapping into the thermosphere.
Isobar is a line of equal pressure and Isobath is a line of equal depth in sea.
GK-202
GEOGRAPHY
Insolation volume and hence temperature falls. Such
•• The sun is primary source of energy on a change of temperature, where neither
earth. It enters earth’s atmosphere in addition nor subtraction of heat involves is
the form of short waves. This is known known as ‘adiabatic change’.
as incoming Insolation solar radiation.
The earth receives solar radiation at the Inversion of Temperatures
rate of 1.94 calories per cm2/m. It refers to a condition where temperature
•• The amount of solar radiation received increases with increasing height of the
by earth is affected by four factors atmosphere. The five causes of inversion
which are as follows: of temperature are radiation, drainage,
1. Solar Constant: It is the rate at which frontal, advection, subsidence.
incoming solar radiation is received per •• General tendency to decrease in temperature
unit area of earth surface when the sun with increasing latitude is known as
is at its mean distance from the earth. ‘temperature gradient’. Not only the
Increase in the sun-spot increases
temperature but even its nature with
the amount of solar radiation hence
affecting insolation as well. latitude changes. The rate of change
2. Distance from Sun: The path that is of temperature is comparatively low
followed by the earth around the sun is between tropics. On the other hand the
not at the same distance throughout the gradient is high at the poles.
year. The orbit of the earth is elliptical in Isotherms: The line which join places
shape. The shortest distance of the earth having equal temperature is called
from the sun is called as Perihelion ‘Isotherms’.
(147 million km) and Apehelion is time
when the earth farthest from the sun.
The former occurs in January and the Atmospheric Pressure
latter in July.
•• Atmospheric pressure is the pressure
3. Altitude of the Sun: Solar altitude
exerted by the weight of air in the
is the relative angle of the sun with
atmosphere of Earth. The standard air
respect to earth’s horizon. The angle
pressure at sea level is 1013.25 mb.
formed between the sun and the earth
Air pressure decreases with increase
surface varies with the latitude at which
in altitude at the rate of 0.1 inch or 3.4
a place is situated. The area closer to
mb per 600 feet. The rate of decrease is
equators receive greater amount of
confined to the height of few thousand
solar insolation than at poles.
feet. Line joining places with equal
4. Length of Day: The amount of insolation
pressure at sea level are called isobars.
received by place also depends on the
•• The areas affect by high pressure
length the day. Longer the duration
are called as High Pressure zone or
of the day more will be the amount of
Anticyclones and the low pressure are
radiation received.
called as Low or depression or Cyclone.
Heat Budget There are seven pressure belts across
Earth balances the incoming solar radiation the globes.
with the outgoing terrestrial radiation Equatorial Low Pressure Belt
and is called as heat budget. The energy
The geographical region situated between
received if not returned back to the space
5° N to 5°S is known as Equatorial Low
in the form of long waves would increase
Pressure Belt. This belt gets longer duration
the temperature of the earth surface. This
of sunshine and sun’s ray falls at a straight
balancing of heat affects the amount of
angle on earth surface. Intense heat is
insolation absorbed.
received by the earth surface causing
Adiabatic Changes thermal induced atmosphere. It is also a
When the air parcel moving towards a low convergence zone of north-east and south-
pressure zone without the exchange of heat east trade winds. The area is calm with no
with surrounding air. It increases volume wind movement, thus known as Belt of
and reduces the heat available per unit Calm or Doldrums.
Isobronts are lines joining places experiencing a thunderstorm at the same time.
GEOGRAPHY GK-203
Sub-Tropical High Pressure Polar High

Pressure
The sub tropical high pressure belt extends Winds
between 25° to 35° in both the hemisphere. Low
Low 60º
Pressure
Pressure
The air upraises in equatorial region. They
Low
High
start descending as they become heavy Pressure
30º
Pressure
after cooling at a certain height and are Trade Winds
deflected towards poles because of earth’s (N E)
rotation causing a zone of high pressure. Low
Low
Pressure
Pressure 0º
Sub Polar Low Pressure Belt
Trade Winds
The zone is situated between 60° to 65° in (S E)
both the hemisphere. The temperature of Low
Low
30º
Pressure
Pressure
this area is generally low throughout the
year. It is a convergence zone where winds
from sub-tropical low and polar high meets 60º
together to produce Polar front.
Major Pressure Belts
Polar High
Wind Belts
The Polar High Pressure zone is situated
Wind can be defined as the movement large
near the pole. As the name suggests the
volume of gases from high pressure area
zone is originated due to thermally induced
to low pressure area. There are two types
factor as very low temperature is solely
of winds 1) Permanent/Prevailing Winds
responsible for the creation of a high
(blow throughout the year) and 2) Seasonal
pressure zone over the polar areas.
Wind (blow in particular period of the year).
Permanent/Planetary/Prevailing Winds
Types Sub Types Characteristics
Tropical Doldrum •• It is called as “equatorial calms” because wind over there
Winds (5º N - 5ºS) has no motion and cumulonimbus cloud are formed bring
Equatorial daily rainfall.
westerlies
•• It is not continuous belt. Equatorial fronts are formed
(15ºN – 35ºN)
and equatorial westerlies blow there. It is associated with
strong atmospheric disturbances or cyclonic storm.
Trade Winds •• A wind flowing from subtropical high pressure to
equatorial low pressure belt is termed as Trade Winds.
It moves in north east and south east in north and south
hemisphere respectively.
Sub Westerlies Blowing from subtropical high pressure belt (30º - 35ºN
Tropical (35º-65ºN and S) to the sub polar low pressure belt (60º - 65ºN and
wind and S) S) is called Westerlies. In the northern hemisphere these
wind blow from south west to north east and in southern
hemisphere from north west to south east. 40ºS to 50ºS-
Roaring Forties, 50ºS to 60ºS- Furious Fifties and 60ºS
onwards – Shriecking Sixties are its name.
Polar •• A low pressure zone is created in between 600 to 650 in

Wind both the hemisphere due to the dynamic factor of the earth.
•• It blows from north easterly and south easterlies in
northern and southern hemisphere respectively.
Isogonals are the lines joining places with some magnetic declination.
GK-204
GEOGRAPHY
Variable Wind
Sub Types Seasonal Winds Characteristics
Monsoon •• It blows from the south west in summer and from north east in winter.
It is consistent and bi-directional regular flow of wind over a year. It
is thermally induced complex air circulation where all layers of air
circulation that is surface, middle and upper layer are involved.
Local Winds
Nature Nature Region

Fohn Warm Alps
Chinook (snow eater) Warm Rockies
Kalbaisakhi Warm North India
Berg Warm S. Africa
Zonda Warm Andes
Loo Warm Indian subcontinent
Santa Ana Warm Coastal Southern California
Southerly Cold New South Wales Burster
Khamsin Warm Egypt
Harmattan (Doctor) Warm Guinea Coast
Mistral Cold S.E. France
Samun Warm Iran
Purga Cold Russia
Levanter Cold France
Pampero Cold S. America
Norwester Warm, dry New Zealand
Harmattan Warm, dry Eastern part of Sahara
Levante It blows in western Mediterranean, near the Strait of Gibraltar. It is called as

the Viento de Levante or the Levanter and even Solano. It blows moderately or
strongly bringing rain and damp smell to the region.
Norte The Norte is a strong and cold northeasterly wind which blows in Mexico along
the Gulf of Mexico. It results from an outbreak of cold air from the north.
Etesian Etesians blow as winds of northeasterly to northerly direction over Northern
Agean Sea while, in the southern Aegean along with the Cretan and the
Carpathian Sea, they blow as northern westerlies.
Helm Generally seen in Columbia and England these strong north-easterly wind
blows down the south –west slope of the Cross Fell Escarpment.
Buran/ Extremely cold wind full of ice and snow blowing across Russia and eastern
Purga Asia. In tundra region, it is also known as Purga. In Alaska this severe north-
easterly wind is known as Burga, bringing snow and ice pellets.
Brick- It is a hot and dry summer wind blowing in coastal regions of South Australian
fielder desert. Blows strongly, for several days at a time, along with dust, and parching
all vegetation. In one sense it is a healthy wind, as it destroys many harmful
germs due to its heat.
Isohels are Isopleths of equal amount of Sunshine and Isohyet are isopleth of rainfall.
GEOGRAPHY GK-205
Air Mass
Maritime Tropical (mT) is hot and
A large volume of air defined by constant humid sticky weather on the tropical
physical properties i.e. temperature and water coastal regions.
vapor, spreading over hundreds or thousands
of square miles is called as air mass. Cyclones
Types of Air mass Cyclones are the low pressure centers
surrounded by closed isobars having
Continental Polar (cP) forms over cold pressure increasing outwards. Blows
and dry land mass during winter near inward from high pressure to low pressure
poles north of 50-60 N. and hence wind movement is anti-clockwise
Maritime Polar (mP) is associated with in northern hemisphere and clockwise
cool or cold, damp and gray day’s weather, in southern hemisphere. They are also
near polar coastal areas. termed as atmospheric disturbances. There
shape varied from circular to elliptical and
Continental Tropical (cT) form over sometimes even V shaped. On the basis
deserts and plains. It is hot and dry during of place of origin there are two types of
summer and only dry during winter. cyclones which are as follows:
Tropical Cyclone Temperate / Extra-tropical cyclone

The tropical cyclones have a thermal origin, Formed in middle or high latitudes, due to
exclusively over the tropical seas. the development of front (350- 650 N and S).
A low pressure zone is created due to extreme Develops when a frontal surface
heat and further intensifies with the increase separates two opposing air masses
in temperature (above 270C). The winds from (warm and cold). As the amplitude of
surrounding high pressure region rushes to the the wave increases, the pressure at the
central low pressure (eye) area developing a centre of disturbance falls, eventually
powerful and destructive storm. The velocity of intensifying to the point at which a
the cyclone varies from 32-180 km/hour. cyclonic circulation begins.
Its velocity decreases and finally decays as When the cold air from the poles sweeps
they cross more land mass. Usually ends with off all the warm tropical air and entire
heavy downpour of rain and wind bringing cyclone is composed of the cold air mass
devastation to the coastal areas. temperate cyclone dies.
Humidity
It is the amount of water vapour present in the air at a particular period of time and place.
Humidity of a place can be expressed in three ways:
Absolute Humidity
The measure of water vapour content of the atmosphere which may be expressed as the
actual quantity of water vapour present in a given volume of air is called absolute humid-
ity. This is measured as gms per cubic meter air. Absolute humidity changes with place
and time. The capacity of air to hold water vapour depends on temperature. Warm air
holds more moisture than cold air.
Specific Humidity
Another way to express humidity as the mass of water vapour per unit weight of air or
the proportion of the mass of water vapour to the total mass of air is called the specific
humidity. Specific humidity is not affected by changes in pressure or temperature.
Isonif are Isopleth of amount of snow and Isohyse are Isopleth of elevation above sea level.
GK-206
GEOGRAPHY
Relative Humidity
This is a ratio expressed between actual quantity of water vapour present in the air at a
given temperature (absolute humidity) and the maximum quantity of water vapour that
the atmosphere can hold at that temperature. Relative humidity determines the amount
and rate of evaporation.
•• Hygrometer is the instrument used Sleet
for measuring relative humidity. It is a mixture of snow and rain. It is a small
It comprises of wet and dry bulb pellets formed by freezing of raindrops or
thermometer. melting snowflakes.
Absolute humidity
Relative humidity = · 100 Rainfall
Humidity capacity
It is the most common form of precipitation.
•• Temperature and evaporation are It is a process wherein warm air ascends,
directly proportional to humidity.
saturates and condenses. Adiabatic cooling
•• The process of transformation of
takes place when the relative humidity
liquid into gaseous form is called as
becomes 100 per cent. The condensation
evaporation.
of water vapour takes place where large
•• Oceanic and coastal regions record
higher humidity capacity of air than the hygroscopic nuclei (salt and dust) is formed.
remote continental regions. Such droplets are called as cloud droplets
•• Humidity capacity decreases from shade. Rainfall occurs when cloud droplets
equator to polewards as the temperature change to raindrops which involves two
also decreases. processes:
•• The air having moisture content equal 1. The warm and moist air ascends
to its humidity capacity is called as to such a height that the process of
saturated air. condensation begins below freezing
Precipitation point. Both the water droplets and ice
droplets are formed. The condensation
Condensation of atmospheric water va-
takes place as the water droplets
pour that falls under the gravity is called
evaporates around ice droplets due to
as precipitation. This could be in the form
difference in vapour pressure. These
of rain, snow or hail etc. Its form depends
ice droplets become large and fall when
on the temperature at which water vapour
condenses. finally they are not able to be held back
in the condensed icedroplets.
Forms of Precipitation 2. The suspended cloud droplets in the
Hail cloud are of varrying sizes. They collide
among themselves at different rate as
It is a form of solid precipitation consisting
their size varies. They combine to form
of large pellets or spheres of ice balls with
a large droplet. In this process several
the diameter varing between 5 to 50 mm.
The falling of hail on the ground surface cloud droplets are coalesced to form
raindrops. When these cloud droplets
is called hailstorm. It is destructive as it
destroys agricultural crops and claim are large enough that they are unable to
human and animal lives. hold by ascending air they begin to fall.
Snowfall Types of Rainfall

It is the fall of large snowflakes from clouds Rainfall can be classified into three types:
on the ground surface. The dew point 1. Convectional Rainfall
should be below freezing point for receiving 2. Orographic Rainfall
snowfall. It is a result of sublimation. 3. Cyclonic or Frontal Rainfall
Isophence are isopleth of seasonal phenomena and Isorymes are lines of equal frost.
GEOGRAPHY GK-207
1. Convectional Rainfall of that mountain is known as Leeward

The thermal heating of the ground side.
surface through the process of Windward side receives maximum rain
insolation leads to rise of air as they and leeward side receives no or little
become warm and light. The process of rain. The leeward side is also known as
convectional rainfall mainly depends on rainshadow region. This type of rainfall
two factors. is called as orographic rainfall.
(i) The supply of moisture through
evaporation should be abundant
so that its relative humidity e
Le
becomes high. sid
ew
rd
wa
ard
(ii) There should be intense heating ind
sid
through insolation process. W
e
The process of convectional rainfall involves
Orographic rainfall
intense heating of ground surface through
solar radiation. As the warm air rises, the 3. Cyclone or Frontal Rainfall
vacant shape is filled by surrounding air Cyclonic or frontal rainfall occurs due
which too warm up when come in contact to ascending of moist air and adiabatic
with already warm air. When the air cooling caused by convergence of two
reaches the temperature of its surrounding extensive air mass.
cumulo-nimbus cloud is formed and there
Clouds
is instantaneous heavy rainfall.
•• It occurs daily in afternoon in the Clouds are the visible mass of condensed
equatorial regions. water vapour floating in the atmosphere,
•• It is for short duration but pour down typically high above the general level of
heavily. the ground. It plays a major role in the heat
•• Occurs through thick dark and extensive budget of the earth and the atmosphere
cumulo-nimbus clouds. as they reflect, absorb and diffuse the
•• It is accompanied by number of thunder incoming short wave and outgoing long
and lightning.
wave terrestrial radiation.
Cloud
Types of clouds
•• Cirrus : Feather like
•• Cirrocumulus : Ripples like
•• Cirrostratus : Transparent sheet like
causes sun and moonto have ‘halos’.
Warm ascending air •• Altocumulus : Have bumpy-look
Ground Surface •• Altostratus : Sheet like
Convectional Rainfall •• Stratocumulus:Large globular masses
2. Orographic Rainfall •• Nimbostratus: Dark grey and rainy
When the warm and moist air is looking which gives continuous rain.
obstructed by any hill or mountain, it •• Stratus: Low clouds foggy in appearance
starts ascending along the slope of the •• Cumulus: Round topped and flat based
hill or mountain and get saturated after
•• Cumulonimbus: Special type of
reaching a height. As a result condenses
cumulous clouds spread out in form of
around hygroscopic nuclei. The slope of
the mountain facing the wind is called an anvil. Often indicate convectional
as windward side and the other side rain, lightning and thunder.
The highest tidal range is observed in the Bay of Fundy.

GK-208
GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHY GK-209
INFORMATION BULLETIN
1. Official name: Republic of India The Himalayan Mountains
2. Capital: New Delhi The Himalayas are the youngest mountains
3. Nationality: Indian in the world. They are structurally folded
4. Continent: Asia mountains, form an arc of about 2,400
5. Region: South Asia Indian subcontinent km long from west to east. The width
6. Area: Ranked 7th varies from 400 km in Kashmir to 150
•• Total 3,287,263 km2 (1,269,219 sq mi) km in Arunachal Pradesh. The altitudinal
•• Land 90.08% variations are greater in the eastern part
•• Water 9.92% than in the western part. There are four
7. Borders : Total land borders : 15,106.70 parallel ranges in its longitudinal extent.
km (9,386.87 mi) Zaskar range lies west of Himalayas and
•• Bangladesh: 4,096.70 km (2,545.57 mi) Indus gorge is beyond it.
Bordering States - West Bengal, Assam, The Great or Inner Himalayas
Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram It is known as ‘Himadri, it is the most
•• C hina (PRC) : 3,488 km (2,167 mi) continuous range with loftiest peaks.
Bordering States - Jammu & Kashmir, Average height of peaks here is 6,000
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, meters. Asymmetrical folds having granite
and Arunachal Pradesh) in the core are snow covered throughout
•• Pakistan: 2,910 km (1,808 mi) the year.
Bordering States- Jammu and Kashmir, The Lesser Himalayas or Himachal
Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan This lies south of the Great Himalayas and
and Gujarat north of Shiwalik with altitude varying from
•• Nepal: 1,751 km (1,088 mi) 3,700 m to 4,500 m. Average width of this
Bordering States – Bihar, Uttarakhand, range is 60-80 km. This range is mainly
Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, and West Bengal composed of highly compressed and altered
•• Myanmar: 1,643 km (1,021 mi) rocks. Pir Panjal, Dhaula Dhar, Mahabharat
Bordering States – Manipur and and Mussorie ranges are found as we move
Nagaland west to east.
•• Bhutan: 699 km (434 mi) The Shiwaliks or the Outer Himalayas
Bordering States: West Bengal, Sikkim, It is an outermost range and is also known
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam as lesser Himalayas. The altitude varies
8. Highest point: K2 or Godwin Austin between 900 - 1100 km and the width
(claimed) 8,611 m (28,251.3 ft) varies between 10 -50 km in this range.
Kangchenjunga (administered) 8,598 m The longitudinal valleys lying between the
(28,208.7 ft) Himachal and Shiwaliks are called ‘Dun’ and
9. Lowest point: Kuttanad; –2.2 m (–7.2 ft) are composed of unconsolidated sediments.
10. Longest river: Ganges, Brahmaputra Trans Himalayas
11. Largest lake: Chilka Lake (Odisha) It includes Karakoram and Ladakh Ranges.
Karakoram Range (Krishnagiri) lies north
Major Physiographic Divisons
of Indus. Extended from Pamir crossing
The landmass of India can be divided into Gilgit river reaches Ladakh. Elevation
following major physiographic divisions. is above 5500 m and width is 120-140
The Himalayan Mountain, Northern plain, Km. Ladakh Range is situated in Kashmir
Peninsular plateau, Indian desert, Coastal between Indus and its tributary Shyok.
plains, the islands. Highest peak is Mt. Rakaposhi (7880).
Name of India has been derived from the river Indus.

GK-210
GEOGRAPHY
Major Mountain Peaks Important Straits
Peak Country Height in Location Channel
meters
Mt. Everest Nepal 8848 Indira point-Indo- Great Channel
nesia
Kanchenjunga India 8598
Makalu Nepal 8481 Little Andaman and 10° Channel
Nicobar
Dhaulagire Nepal 8172
Nanga Parbat India 8126 Minicoy-Lakshad- 9° Channel
Annapurna Nepal 8078 weep
Nanda Devi India 7817 Maldives-Minicoy 8° Channel
Kamet India 7756
Namcha Barwa India 7756 India-Sri Lanka Gulf of Mannar
Gurla Mandhata Nepal 7728 and Palk Strait
Valleys in India
Valleys and its locations

• Araku Valley : Andhra Pradesh
• Damodar Valley : Jharkhand and West Bengal
• Darma Valley : Uttarakhand
• Dzukou Valley : North-eastern part
• Johar Valley : Uttarakhand
• Markha Valley : Ladakh
• Nubra Valley : Ladakh
• Sangla Valley : Himachal Pradesh
• Saur Valley : Uttarakhand
• Suru Valley : Ladakh
• Tons Valley : Uttarakhand
• Yumthang Valley : Sikkim
Mountain Passes of India

Himalayan passes
• Banihal pass — between Doda and Anantnag (Jawahar Tunnel), J & K.
• Shipki La — River Sutluj enters India from Tibet, Himachal Pradesh.
• Bara Lachan La — between Kyelang and Leh, Himachal Pradesh.
• Rohtang pass — between Kullu and Kyelang, Himachal Pradesh.
• Bomdila pass — between Tezpur and Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
Himalaya passes between India and China
• Shipki La — Himachal Pradesh.
• Thaga La and Niti La — Uttarakhand .
• Lipu Lekh La — Tri-junction, India-Nepal-China, Uttarakhand.
• Jelep La — Between India and China (Gangtok-Lhasa Road) Sikkim.
• Nathu La — Between India and China (Entry to Chumbi Valley) Sikkim.
The Southernmost Point of India was called the Pigmation point and now it is known as the Indira point.
GEOGRAPHY GK-211
Trans Himalayan passes

• Karakoram pass and Aghil pass — Jammu & Kashmir.
Passes in Western Ghats
• Palghat — between Palakkad and Coimbatore.
• Shenkota — between Kollam and Madurai.
• Thalghat — between Mumbai and Pune.
• Bhorghat — between Mumbai and Nasik.
•• The best known passes of the Pir Panjal plain is divided into three sections, viz.
range are the Pir Panjal Pass (3480 m), the Punjab Plain, the Ganga Plain and the
the Bidil (4270m), Golabghar (9812m) Brahmaputra Plain.
and Banihal Pass (235m). The Jammu- Punjab Plains
Srinagar highway uses the Banihal Pass.
It is western part of the northern plain.
Some important facts about peaks Formed by the Indus and its tributaries like
• Highest Mt. Peak in India: K2 or God- Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.
win Austin
• Highest peak in Aravalli: Gurushikhar Ganga Plains
(in Mt. Abu) This plain extends between Ghaggar and
• Highest peak in Satpura - Dhupgarh Tista rivers. The northern states, Haryana,
(Mahadeo Hills) Delhi, UP, Bihar, part of Jharkhand and West
• Highest peak in E. Ghats - Mahendra- Bengal lie in the Ganga plains.
giri (Odisha) Brahmaputra Plains
• Highest peak in W. Ghats - Anaimudi
This plain forms the eastern part of the
(Annamalai Hills - Kerala)
northern plain and lies in Assam.
• Highest peak in Nilgiris - Doda Betta
• Hills in Southern Hill complex - Nilgiri, •• Based on the relief features the northern
Annamalai, Cardamom & Palani plain can be divided into four regions, viz.
• Hills in Eastern Ghats: Shevaroy, Ja- bhabar, terai, bhangar and khadar.
vadi, Palkonda, Nallamalai, Northern The Peninsular Plateau
Circars The peninsular plateau is a tableland. It is
• Oblique ranges to Western Ghats in composed of the oldest rocks and drifted
Maharashtra: Ajanta, Satmala, Harish- from Gondwana land with elevation of 600-
chandra, Balaghat 900 Km. Broad and shallow valleys with
• Satpura range from East to West: rounded hills are the characteristic features
Amarkantak - Maikal- Mahadeo -
of this plateau. The plateau can be broadly
Gawilgarh - Rajpipala
divided into two regions, viz. the Central
• Highest peak in Andaman and Nicobar
Highlands and the Deccan Plateau. The
is lands- Saddle Peak
slope of the Deccan Plateau is from west to
• The highest peak of Naga hills is Sara-
east as the rivers flows.
mati peak.
The Northern Plain The Central Highlands
It lies to the north of Narmada river (Satpura
The northern plain of India is formed by
three river systems, viz. the Indus, the Ganga range), covering portion of Malwa plateau.
and the Brahmaputra along with their It is wider in west and narrower in east.
tributaries. Alluvial soil has been deposited Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand mark the
over millions of years. The total area of eastward extension. The plateau further
the northern plain is about 7 lakh square extends eastwards into the Chhota nagpur
kilometer. It is about 2400 km long and plateau. Touches Aravilli in the west covering
about 240 to 320 km broad. The northern Rajasthan uplands.
The Highest peak is Andaman and Nicobar Island is the Saddle Peak.
GK-212
GEOGRAPHY
The Deccan Plateau The Islands
It is triangular in shape, Satpura range makes The Lakshadweep Islands are in the
its northern boundary. The Mahadev, Kaimur Arabian Sea. Its area is 32 sq km. This group
Hills and Maikal ranges make its eastern of islands is rich in terms of biodiversity.
part. It extends into the north east which The Andaman and Nicobar Islands group of
encompasses Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong islands can be divided into two groups. The
Plateau and North Cachar Hills. Garo, Khasi Andaman is in the north and the Nicobar
and Jaintia hills are the prominent ranges is in the south. These islands too have rich
starting from west to east. biodiversity.
The Western and the Eastern Ghats ISLANDS OF INDIA

The average elevation of Western Ghats is
900 – 1600 metres compared to 600 metres
in case of Eastern Ghats. The Eastern Ghats
stretch from Mahanadi Valley to the Nilgiris
in the south.
The Indian Desert
It lies towards the western margins of the
Aravali Hills. This region gets scanty rainfall
which is less than 150 mm in a year. Hence,
the climate is arid and vegetation is scanty.
The Thar Desert
Major Island Group
• The Thar desert extends across Gujarat,
Haryana and Punjab; and covers more Two major island groups are situated
than 60% of the geographical area of on either side of Indian peninsula.
Rajasthan. The region is also called as Andaman and Nicobar island group lies
‘MARUSTHALI’. on the eastern part, i.e. in Bay of Bengal
• Luni is the seasonal river and gets very and Lakshadweep island group lies on
the western part of India, i.e. in Arabian
little rainfall.
Sea.
• It has an arid climate and vegetation is
Altogether there are 247 smaller islands
sparse.
from which 204 are in Bay of Bengal and
• Ghaggar flows through Rajasthan and
43 islands are in Arabian Sea.
disappears at the heart of the Thar
desert. Drainage in India
The Coastal Plains The pattern of drainage in India is mostly
Towards the west and east of Peninsular influenced by its varied physiological
stretches narrow coastal strips are situated. divisions. Thus, they are classified into three
They run along the Arabian Sea in west major types such as: Himalayan, Peninsular
and along the Bay of Bengal in east. The and Inland drainage.
western coast lies between the Western Himalayan Rivers
Ghats and the Arabian Sea. It is divided into The Himalayan Rivers mostly originate
three sections. The Konkan is northern from Himalayan mountain range. These are
part, comprised of Mumbai and Goa. The mostly perennial in nature which means
Kannada Plain makes the central part and availability of water throughout the year as
the Malabar coast is the southernmost they obtain water from the large ice cover of
coast. The eastern coastal plain is wider and great Himalayan range. Major rivers of this
runs along the Bay of Bengal. section are the Indus, the Ganges and the
The northernmost point of the country is in Jammu and Kashmir, known as Indira col.
GEOGRAPHY GK-213
Brahmaputra. Other important tributaries •• It enters the plain at Rupnagar (Ropar).

of this section are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas •• It is joined by the Beas at Harike.
and Sutlej of Indus river system, Yamuna, •• From near Ferozepur to Fazilka, it
Son, Ramganga, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi of forms the boundary between India and
the Ganges river System, and Tista, Lohit,
Pakistan for nearly 120 km.
Manas, Subansiri River, Dhansiri River of the
Brahmaputra River System. •• It joins the Indus a few kilometers
above Mithankot.
The Ganga River System
•• It is the largest in India.
•• The total area of the Ganga basin in
India is 861,404 sq km which accounts
for 26.3% of the geographical area of
the country.
•• The Ganga basin covers over 12,500 sq
Ravi km in northern India.
•• It originates from Kullu hills near the Ganga
Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. •• It originates as Bhagirathi from the
•• It cuts a deep gorge in the Dhaula Dhar Gangotri glacier.
range after crossing Chamba. •• Alaknanda joins it at Devaprayag.
•• It enters Punjab Plains near Madhopur Pindar river joins it at Karan Prayag
and later enters Pakistan 26 km below
and Mandakini or Kali Ganga at Rudra
Amritsar.
Prayag.
•• It debouches into the Chenab a little
•• The combined waters of the Bhagirathi
above Rangpur in Pakistani Punjab.
and the Alaknanda flow in the name of
Beas the Ganga, below Devprayag.
•• It also originates near Rohtang Pass, •• It debouches on plain from hills in
close to the source of the Ravi. Haridwar.
•• It crosses the Dhaula Dhar range •• It is joined by Yamuna in Allahabad.
through a deep gorge from Lorji to
•• Beyond Farakka, it is known as Padma
Talwara.
in Bangladesh.
•• It debouches on the plain near Pong and
•• It bifurcates itself into Bhagirathi-
meets the Sutlej river at Harike.
•• It lies entirely within the Indian territory. Hooghly in West Bengal and Padma-
Meghna in Bangladesh.
Sutlej •• The delta formed by the Ganga-
•• It rises from the Mansarovar - Rakas Brahmaputra is the largest delta of the
Lake near Darma Pass in western Tibet, world covering an area of 58,752 sq km.
where it is also known as Langcher
•• Sundarbans is a part of the world’s
Khambab.
largest delta.
•• In Nari Khorsan province of Tibet, it has
•• The total length, 2525 km, is distributed
created an extraordinary canyon.
•• It is joined by the Spiti river at Namgia among states:
near the Shipki La. (i) Uttar Pradesh – 1140
•• Before entering the Punjab Plain, it cuts (ii) W. Bengal – 520 km
a gorge in Naina Devi Dhar (Bhakra (iii) Bihar – 445 km,
Dam has been constructed here). (iv) Uttarakhand – 310 km.
The most important waterfall by river Narmada is Dhuandhar falls near Jabalpur, is also called the Marble falls.
GK-214
GEOGRAPHY
The Drainage System
Name of the Length Area drained
Source
river (in km) (sq km)
Ganga Gangotri Glacier at 7,010 m 2,525 861,404
Yamuna Yamnotri Glacier at 6,330 1,376 366,223
Chambal Near Mhow (Indore-M.P) 1,050 139,468
Ramganga Garhwal district at 3,110 m 596 32,493
Ghaghra Near Gurla Mandhota peak 1,080 127,950
Gandak South of Manasarovar 425 in India 46,300 (7,620 in India)
Kosi Tibet-Nepal border at 7,620 730 in India 86,900 (21,500 in India)
Sikkim Nepal- Tibet Himalaya
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DELTA AND ESTUARY

Delta Estuary
1. The triangular deposits made by rivers 1. The sharp edged mouth of rivers, devoid of
at their mouth form a delta. any deposits is known as estuary.
2. Deltas are founded in the regions of 2. Regions of high tides and rift valleys witness
100 tides and coastal plains. estuaries.
3. Deltas are fertile lands. 3. Estuary does not have fertile lands.
4. Ganga, Brahmaputra, Krishna, Kaveri and 4. Narmada and Tapi rivers form estuaries.
Mahanadi rivers form Delta.
Yamuna •• Betwa, rising in Bhopal, joins the

•• It is the largest and the most important Yamuna near Hamirpur. Dhasan is an
tributary of the Ganga. important tributary of Betwa.
•• It originates from the Yamunotri glacier
Son
on the Bandarpunch Peak in Garhwal in
Uttarakhand. •• It is a large south bank tributary of the
•• It enters the plains near Tajewala. Ganga.
•• Tons, a tributary of it, joins it below •• The Son river springs from the
Kalsi. At this site, the water carried by Amarkantak Plateau.
the Tons is twice the water carried by •• It joins the Ganga near Danapur in
the Yamuna.
Patna district.
•• It takes a southerly course upto
Mathura and south easterly in its •• Its catchment area is 71,259 sq km.
onward journey upto Allahabad where •• Almost all the tributaries join it on its
it unites with the Ganga. right bank.
Chambal •• Tributaries are Johilla, Rihand, Kanhar
•• It rises near Mhow in the highlands of and North Koel.
Janapao Hills in MP. Damodar
•• It enters a gorge at Chaurasigarh.
•• It joins Yamuna in Etawah district of •• It rises in the hills of the Chota Nagpur
Uttar Pradesh. plateau and flows through a rift valley.
•• Banas joins it near Sawai Madhopur. •• It is also called ‘Sorrow of Bengal’.
Quartz is the chief rock that has formed the Aravalli Ranges.
GEOGRAPHY GK-215
•• It joins the Hooghly 48 km below •• Then all three streams unite at Triveni
Kolkata. north of the Mahabharat Range to form
•• The total length of the river is 541 km. the Kosi.
•• Its catchment area is 25,820 sq km. Peninsular Rivers
Ramganga The Peninsular Rivers are mostly having
•• It rises in the Garhwal district of their origin from Western Ghats running
Uttarakhand. parallel with western coast from north to
•• It enters the Ganga plain near Kalagarh. south. They are seasonal in nature as the
•• Its basin covers 32,493 sq km. source of water is rainfall only. The rivers
Ghaghra form deltas at their mouth. Some of the
•• It originates near the Gurla Mandhota rivers such as Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna
peak, south of Manasarovar in Tibet. and Cauvery are drained into the Bay of
•• It is known as the karnali in Western Bengal whereas the other prominent rivers
Nepal. like Narmada and Tapi both fall into the
•• It joins Ganga a few kilometres Arabian Sea.
downstream of Chapra in Bihar. The West Flowing Rivers
•• The total catchment area of the river is
127,950 sq km out of which 45% is in Narmada
India. •• It is the largest of all the west flowing
Kali rivers of the Peninsula.
•• It rises from the Amarkantak plateau in
•• It rises in high glaciers of snow covered
region of trans-Himalayas. Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh.
•• It forms the boundary between Nepal •• It flows through a rift valley between
and Kumaon. the Vindhyan Range on the north and
•• It is known as the Sarda or Chauka after the Satpura range on the south.
it reaches the plains near Tanakpur. •• The Dhuandhar (Clouds of Mist) falls
is formed by the Narmada river in
Gandak
Jabalpur.
•• It originates near the Tibet-Nepal border. •• It makes an estuary studded with
•• Kali Gandak, Mayangadi, Bari and several islands. Aliabet is the largest
Trishuli are the major tributaries of it. island.
•• Its drainage area is 46,300 sq km out of
•• The Sardar Sarovar Project has been
which 7620 sq km is in India.
constructed on this river.
Burhi Gandak
Tapi (or Tapti)
•• Originating from the western slopes
•• It is the second largest west flowing
of Sumesar hills near the India-Nepal
border, it joins the Ganga opposite river of the Indian peninsula.
Munger town. •• It is also known as ‘the twin’ of the
•• Its length is 610 km and drainage area Narmada.
is 12,200 sq km. •• It originates from Multai in Betul
district of Madhya Pradesh.
Kosi
Sabarmati
•• The Kosi river consists of seven
streams, namely, Sut Kosi, Tamba Kosi, •• This 320 km long river is the name given
Talkha, Doodh Kosi, Botia Kosi, Arun to the combined streams-the Sabar and
and Tamber and is popularly known as the Hathmati.
Saptkaushiki. •• It rises from the hills of Mewar in
•• Seven rivers mingle with each other to the Aravalli Range. Its tributaries are
form three streams named the Tumar, Hatmati, Sedhi, Wakul, Meshwa, Vatrak,
Arun and Sun Kosi. etc.
Rann of kutch is believed to have once been a part of the Arabian Sea.
GK-216
GEOGRAPHY
Mahi Inland Drainage
•• It rises in the Vindhyan range and Some rivers of India do not reach upto the
debouches into the Gulf of Khambhat. sea and constitute inland drainage. These
•• Its length is 533 km. rivers are mostly present in the drier regions
•• It drains an area of 34,862 sq km. of the country like Western Rajasthan,
•• The main tributaries are Som, Anas and Ladakh and Aksai Chin etc. Ghaggar river
Panam. is the most important example of inland
•• Mahi river cuts tropic of cancer twice. drainage. It is a seasonal stream rising
Luni (or the Salt River) from the lower slopes of Himalayas and
•• Its water is brackish below Balotra. is said to flow on the dried bed of ancient
•• Its source lies to the west of Ajmer river Saraswati. It forms boundary between
(Rajasthan) in the Aravallis. Punjab and Haryana for much of its length
•• The river is known as the Sagarmati in and gets subsumed in Rajasthan desert.
its upper course and from Govindgarh, Another such river is Luni, which is the
where Sarsuti joins it, becomes Luni. largest river of Rajasthan. It originates near
Finally, it gets lost in the Rann of Pushkar and flows South-West of Aravalis
Kachchh. till it reaches Rann of Kutch.
Famous Cities and River Banks

City River City River City River
Allahabad At the confluence Ferozpur Satluj Mathura Yamuna
of the Ganga and Guwahati Brahmaputra Nasik Godavari
Yamuna (Sangam) Haridwar Ganga Patna Ganga
Agra Yamuna Hyderabad Musi Panjim Mandavi
Ayodhya Saryu Jabalpur Narmada Srinagar Jhelum
Ahmedabad Sabarmati Jamshedpur Swarnarekha Surat Tapti
Badrinath Alaknanda Jaunpur Gomti Sambalpur Mahanadi
Bareilly Ram Ganga Kanpur Ganga Serirangapatam Cauvery
Cuttack Mahandadi Kota Chambal Tiruchurapalli Cauvery
Kurnool Tungabhadra Kolkata Hooghly Ujjain Kshipra
Delhi Yamuna Lucknow Gomti Vijayawada Krishna
Dibrugarh Brahmaputra Ludhiana Sutlej Varanasi Ganga
Annual yield of water

River Contribution (%)
Brahmaputra 33.8
Ganga 25.2
Godavari 6.4
Indus 4.3
Mahanadi 3.6
Krishna 3.4
Narmada 2.9
The highest range of the western ghats is called the Sahyadri Range.
GEOGRAPHY GK-217
Important Rivers of India

Name Origin From Fall into Length (km)
Ganges Combined Sources Bay of Bengal 2525
Satluj Mansarovar Rakas Lakes Chenab 1050
Indus Near Mansarovar Lake Arabian Sea 2880
Ravi Kullu Hills near Rohtang Pass Chenab 720
Beas Near Rohtang Pass Satluj 470
Jhelum Verinag in Kashmir Chenab 725
Yamuna Yamunotri Ganga 1375
Chambal M.P. Yamuna 1050
Ghagra Matsatung Glacier Ganga 1080
Kosi Near Gosain Dham Park Ganga 730
Betwa Vindhyanchal Yamuna 480
Son Amarkantak Ganga 780
Brahmaputra Near Mansarovar Lake Bay of Bengal 2900
Narmada Amarkantak Gulf of Khambat 1057
Tapti Betul Distt. of M.P. Gulf of Khambat 724
Mahanadi Raipur Distt. in Chattisgarh Bay of Bengal 858
Luni Aravallis Rann of Kuchchh 450
Ghaggar Himalayas Near Fatehabad 494
Sabarmati Aravallis Gulf of Khambat 416
Krishna Western ghats Bay of Bengal 1327
Godavari Nasik distt. in Maharashtra Bay of Bengal 1465
Cauvery Brahmagir Range of Western Bay of Bengal 805
Ghats
Tungabhadra Western Ghats Krishna River 640
Important River Valley Projects in India

Bhakra Nangal Project Situated on Sutlej in Punjab. Highest in India. Ht.
226m. Reservoir is called Gobind Sagar Lake.
Mandi Project On Beas in Himachal Pradesh
Chambal Valley Project On Chambal in Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan, 3
dams include Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar
Dam and Jawahar Sagar Dam
Damodar Valley Project On Damodar in Bihar, based on Tennessee Valley
Project USA
Hirakud Project On Mahanadi in Odisha, World’s Longest Dam:
4801m
The Dzukou valley is a valley located at the border of Nagaland and Manipur.
GK-218
GEOGRAPHY
Rihand Project On Son in Mirzapur, Reservoir is called Gobind Vallabh
Pant reservoir
Kosi Project On Kosi in N. Bihar
Mayurkashi Project On Mayurkashi in West Bengal
Kakrapara Project On Tapi in Gujarat
Nizamsagar Project On Manjra in Andhra Pradesh
Nagarjuna Sagar Project On Krishna in Andhra Pradesh
Tungabhadra Project On Tungabhadra in Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka
Shivasamudram Project On Cauvery in Karnataka. One of the oldest river
valley projects in India.
Tata Hydel Scheme On Bhima in Maharashtra
Sharavathi Hydel Project On Jog Falls in Karnataka
Kundah & Periyar Project In Tamil Nadu
Farakka Project On Ganga in WB. Apart from power and irrigation,
also helps to remove silt for easy navigation.
Ukai Project On Tapti in Gujarat
Mahi Project On Mahi in Gujarat
Salal Project On Chenab in J&K
Mata Tila Multipurpose Project On Betwa in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
Thein Project On Ravi, Punjab.
Pong Dam On Beas, Punjab
Tehri Dam On Bhagirathi, Uttarakhand
Sardar Sarovar Project On Narmada, Gujarat/MP.
Lakes
Lakes of India are of high importance as they prevent flooding during high rain and on the
other hand it stimulate an even water flow during dry seasons. India is bestowed with some
really beautiful lakes which are not only of geomorphologic importance but also attracts a
large number of tourists every year. Many such lakes are Dal Lake,Wular, Chilka, Loktak,
Nakki, Kodaikanal, Sukhna, Puskar, Nakki, Sukhna, Manasbal, Bhojtal, Hussain Sagar, Tam
dil, Pulicat etc.
Important lakes in India

Lakes Name State
Kolleru Lake, Pulicat Lake Andhra Pradesh
Deepor Beel, Chandubi Lake, Haflong Lake, Son Beel Assam
Kanwar Lake Bihar
Hamirsar Lake, Kankaria Lake, Nal Sarovar, Sursagar Lake Gujarat
Brighu Lake, Dashir Lake, Dhankar Lake, Kareri (Kumarwah) Himachal Pradesh
Lake, Khajjiar Lake,
Macchial Lake, Maharana Pratap Sagar, Manimahesh Lake, Nako
Lake, Pandoh Lake,
Johar valley in Uttarakhand was a major trade route with Tibet.

GEOGRAPHY GK-219
Prashar Lake, Renuka Lake, Suraj Taal, Chandra Taal Himachal Pradesh
Badkhal Lake, Brahma Sarovar, Karna Lake, Sannihit Sarovar, Haryana
Surajkund Lake, Tilyar Lake, Blue Bird Lake
Dal Lake, Pangong Tso, Sheshnag Lake Jammu & Kashmir
Bellandur Lake, Ulsoor Lake, Sankey Lake, Agara Lake, Karanji Karnataka
lake, Kukkarahalli lake, Lingambudhi Lake, Pampa Sarovar
Ashtamudi Lake, Maanaanchira Lake Kerala
Upper Lake, Lower Lake Madhya Pradesh
Moti Jheel Uttar Pradesh
Gorewada Lake, Lonar Lake Maharashtra
Umiam Lake Meghalaya
Loktak Lake Manipur
Palak Dil Lake, Tam Dil Lake Mizoram
Anshupa Lake, Chilka Lake, Kanjia Lake Odisha
Kanjli Wetland, Harike Wetland, Ropar Wetland Punjab
Soil Parts of South Bihar, Birbhum and Bankura

As a prime natural resource soil plays an districts of West Bengal, Mirzapur, Jhansi,
important role in the growth of human Banda, Hamirpur district of UP, Aravali
activities of a specific location. The type of Hills and eastern half of Rajasthan.
soil found in India can be classified in number •• Property: Abundance of Ferric oxide
of ways but as per All India Soil Survey Absence of lime matters and hence
Committee of Indian Council of Agricultural highly fertile.
Research there are 8 types of soil found in •• Colour: Red
India. •• Texture: Sandy to clay and loamy.
•• Suitable for: Production of Wheat,
Alluvial soil
cotton, pulses, tobacco, oilseeds, potato.
Spatial Distribution: Wide spread in
Black / Regur soil
northern plains and river valleys such as
Indus-Ganga- Brahmaputra plain, Narmada- •• Spatial Distribution: Most of the
Tapi plain, deltas and estuaries of Peninsular Deccan is occupied by Black soil.
India. •• Property: Mature soil with high water
Property: Mixture of Humus, lime and retaining capacity, become sticky when
organic matters and hence highly fertile. wet and shrinks when dried. Iron, lime,
Colour: Light Grey to Ash Grey. calcium, potassium, aluminum and
Texture: Sandy to silty loam or clay. magnesium.
Suitable for: Production of Wheat, rice, •• Colour: Deep black to light black.
maize, sugarcane, pulses, oilseed. •• Texture: Clayey.
Red soil •• Suitable for: Best soil for cotton
production.
Spatial Distribution: Mainly found in the
areas of low rainfall. The states with red Arid / Desert soil
soils are Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, South-east •• Spatial Distribution: Seen widely
part of Maharashtra, Eastern Part of Andhra under Arid and Semi-Arid conditions
Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Chota such as Rajasthan, Parts of Haryana and
Nagpur in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattishgarh Punjab.
Markha river is a tributary of Zanskar river lying within Hemis National Park.
GK-220
GEOGRAPHY
•• Property: Lack of moisture and Forest soil and Mountain Soil
Humus and contains impure Calcium •• Spatial Distribution: Mostly found
Carbonate. in Himalayan Region mainly in valley
•• Colour: Red to Brown. basins, and Western and Eastern Ghats
•• Texture: Sandy of Peninsular India
•• Suitable for: Salt tolerant crops like •• Property: Rich in humus, deficient in
barley , rapeseed, wheat , millet, maize. Potash, Phosphorous and lime.
Laterite soil •• Suitable for: Wheat, maize, barley in
southern India and temperate fruit in
•• Spatial Distribution: mostly found
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh
in Eastern Ghats, the Rajmahal Hills,
and Uttarakhand.
Vidhyas, Satpura and Malwa Plateau.
•• Property: Prone to leaching of lime and Climate
silica from soil, rich iron and aluminum, Although India is basically a tropical
•• Deficient in Nitrogen, Potash, country, it experiences wide variation in
Potassium, Lime, Humus climatic condition depending upon the
•• Colour: Red colour due to iron oxide altitude, latitude, distance from sea and
•• Texture: Clayey rocky relief. The variability can be observed in
•• Suitable for: Rice, Ragi, Sugarcane and number of factors such as:
Cashew nuts are cultivated mainly. •• Western Rajasthan experiences a
Saline soil high temperature during June where
as the areas close to Kashmir are
•• Spatial Distribution: mostly found
relatively experiencing a much lower
Andhra Pradesh and Karnatak, in Drier
temperature. The coastal lands are
parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, comparatively having a moderate
Punjab, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. In climate due to the nearness of sea.
Gujarat the area around gulf of Khamart, •• The amount of rainfall also varies
vast estuaries of the Narmada, Tapi and throughout the country. The rainfall in
Mahi river. India is primarily governed by Monsoon
•• Property: Mainly saline and alkaline wind which generally hits the south
in nature, rich in sodium, magnesium, west coast of India generally in June
calcium salt, and sulphurous acid. and known as onset of Monsoon. The
•• Not suitable for agricultural wind then starts circulating via the Bay
productivity. of Bengal covering the entire eastern,
Peaty/marshy soil north eastern and parts of central India.
The highest rainfall is experienced in
•• Spatial Distribution: generally found
Mawsynram Cherrapunji in Meghalaya
Coastal areas of Odisha and Tamil Nadu,
i.e. 1221 cm of annual rainfall every
Sunderbans of West Bengal, Bihar and
year. On the other hand in the month
Almora district of Uttarakhand.
of October and November the monsoon
•• Property: heavy and highly acidic trough of Low pressure starts receding
in nature, deficient in Potash and from Northern Plain results into rain in
Phosphate. Southern India. About 50% to 60% of
•• Colour: Black rainfall in Tamil Nadu is caused due to
•• Suitable for: Paddy Cultivation. Retreat of Monsoon from North East.
Tache gompa is an important Buddhist monastry in the Markha valley.
GEOGRAPHY GK-221
Rain fall Distribution in India

Amount Heavy Rainfall Moderately Heavy Less Rainfall Scanty Rainfall
of Rain (> 200cm) Rainfall (50-100 cm) <50cms
fall (100-200 cm)
States West coasts, Southern Parts of Upper Ganga Northern part of
on the western Gujarat, East Tamil valley, eastern Kashmir, Western
Ghats, Sub- Nadu, North-eastern Rajasthan, Punjab, Rajasthan, Punjab
Himalayan areas Peninsular, Western Southern Plateau and Deccan
in North East and Ghats, eastern of Karnataka, Plateau
Meghalaya Hills. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradessh
Assam, West Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Bengal, Southern Odisha, the middle
slopes of eastern Ganga valley.
Himalayas.
NATURAL VEGETATION
Natural Vegetations or the forest type of India vary from place to place depending upon
several factors such as climate, soil, rainfall, temperature as well as their seasonal variation
along with varied edaphic and biotic conditions. Various botanist and ecologist have given
different classification on the basis of climatic and adaptive factors. On the basis of such
suggestion a generalised classification can be done with 5 main types and 16 sub types of
vegetation.
Classification of Natural Vegetation

Type Sub- Types
Moist Tropical Forest •• Tropical wet Evergreen
•• Tropical semi evergreen
•• Tropical Moist Deciduous
•• Littoral and Swamp
Dry Tropical Forest •• Tropical dry evergreen

•• Tropical dry deciduous
•• Tropical Thorn
Mountain Sub-tropical •• Sub tropic Broad leaved hill
Forest •• Sub tropical Moist hills (pine)
•• Sub tropic dry evergreen
Mountain Temperate •• Mountain Wet Temperate
Forest •• Himalayan Moist Temperate
•• Himalayan Dry Temperate
Alpine Forest •• Sub- Alpine

•• Moist – Alpine Scrub
•• Dry Alpine Scrub
Nubra Valley lies in the Ladakh Valley is a high altitude cold desert.
GK-222
GEOGRAPHY
Spatial Distribution of Natural vegetation in India
LANGUAGES
According to the schedule eight of our constitution, there are 22 officially recognized
languages in India; among all, Hindi dominates the scene as it is spoken by 41.03% of people
followed by Bengali (8.11 %), Telugu (7.19 %), Marathi (6.99), Tamil (5.91 %) and Urdu
(5.01%). Sanskrit, Bodo, Manipur, Dogri and Konkani are the languages which have least
speakers in India. Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali were added to the Eighth Schedule
with the passing of the 100th Amendment to the Constitution of India in 2003, taking the
The little Andaman and the South Andaman is separated by the Duncan Passage.
GEOGRAPHY GK-223
total number of Scheduled languages to 22 to be the official language of the country

in 2001. There are total 234 identifiable along with English to be an additional
mother tongues. language. Other than these two French and
Official languages in India: Article 343 Portuguese are the official languages of
of the Indian Constitution considers Hindi Puducherry and Goa respectively.
Tribal Groups of India
Tribal Region Tribal Region
Group Group
Abhor Arunachal Pradesh Kharia Jharkhand, Odisha
Adivasi A.P, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Kol Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Some
Northeastern States, West Bengal,
Andaman and Nicobar
Ahgani Manipur Kolam Maharashtra, Andhra
Pradesh, Telengana, M.P
Apatani Arunachal Pradesh Kota Karnataka
Baiga Madhya Pradesh Kuki Mizoram
Bakarwal Jammu and Kashmir Lahaula Himachal Pradesh
Bhil M.P and Rajasthan Lepcha Sikkim
Birhor M.P and Bihar Lushai Mizoram, Manipur
Chang Nagaland Muria Chhattisgarh
Chenchuas Telengana, Karnataka Miha Rajasthan
Sutiya Assam Moplah Malabar
Gaddis Himachal Pradesh Munda West Bengal, Jharkhand,
Odisha, Chhattishgarh
Gallong Arunachal Pradesh Nishi Assam
Garo Meghalaya Naga Nagaland
Gond M.P and Bihar Oraon MP, Bihar and Odisha,
Chhota Nagpur, W.B,
Gujjar Rajasthan Onges Andaman & Nicobar
Irula Tamil Nadu Singpho Assam, Arunachal
Pradesh
Jaintia Meghalaya Santhal WB, Odisha, Bihar,
Jharkhand, Assam
Jarawa Andaman, Islands Sangtam Nagaland
Kanikar Tamil Nadu and Kerala Sema Nagaland
Kalkari Maharashtra Sentinelese Andaman & Nicobar
Kharia Maharashtra Shompen Andaman & Nicobar
Khond Jharkhand Toda Tamil Nadu
Khasi Meghalaya Uralis Kerala
Wancho Arunachal Pradesh
Warli Maharashtra, Daman
and Diu, Bihar, Madhaya
Pradesh, West Bengal
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The Andaman group of Islands is separated from the Nicobar group by the 10 Degree Channel.
GK-224
GEOGRAPHY
AGRICULTURE IN INDIA
A wide range of crops can be grown in (iii)Lower Gangetic Plain Region
India as the land is supported by element Located in West Bengal (except the
essential for crop growth such as relief,
hilly areas), eastern Bihar and the
soil, climate, abundant sunshine and long
growing seasons. Brahmaputra valley lie in this region
with the rainfall of 100 cm-200 cm. Rice
Kinds of Crops is the main crop which at times yields
The major Indian crop can be divided into three successive crops (Aman, Aus and
following categories: Boro) in a year. Jute, maize, potato, and
Food crops pulses are other important crops.
Rice, Wheat, Maize, Millet, Jower, Bajra, (iv) Middle Gangetic Plain Region
Ragi, and pulses like Gram, Tur (Arhar) Large parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Cash crops are covered and receive 100 cm and
Cotton, Jute, Sugarcane, Tobacco, Oilseeds, 200 cm of rainfall. Rice, maize, millets
Ground Nut, Linseed, Sesame, Castor seed, grow in kharif; wheat, gram, barley,
Rapeseed, Mustard peas, mustard and potato in rabi are
Plantation crops important crops.
Tea, Coffee, Spices, Cardamom, Ginger, Turmeric, (v) Upper Gangetic Plains Region
Coconut, Areca nut and Rubber Central and western parts of Uttar
Horticulture Pradesh and Haridwar and Udham Nagar
Apple, Peach, Pear, Apricot, Almond, districts of Uttarakhand fall into it. Rainfall
Strawberry, Walnut, Mango, Banana, Citrus is between 75 cm-150 cm. Wheat, rice,
Fruit, Vegetables. sugarcane, millets, maize, gram, barley,
oilseeds, pulses and cotton are the main
Agro-climatic Regions
crops.
(i) Western Himalayan Region (vi) Trans-Ganga Plains Region
Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh
Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi
and the hill region of Uttarakhand fall
into it. Valley floors grow rice, while and the Ganganagar district of
the hilly tracts grow maize in the kharif Rajasthan come under it. Rainfall
season. Winter crops are barley, oats, varies between 65 cm and 125 cm.
and wheat. Apple orchards and other The main crops are wheat, sugarcane,
temperate fruitls such as peaches, cotton, rice, gram, maize, millets,
apricot, pears, cherry, almond, litchis, pulses and oilseeds etc. The region
walnut, etc. Saffron is grown in this faces the threat of water logging,
region. salinity, alkalinity, soil erosion and fall
(ii) Eastern Himalayan Region of water table.
Arunachal Pradesh, hills of Assam, (vii) Eastern Plateau and Hills
Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur,
Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and
Mizoram, Tripura, and the Darjeeling
district of West Bengal come into this Dandakaranya come under it. 80 cm-
region. Annual rainfall is 200-400 cm. 150 cm of annual rainfall is received.
The main crops are rice, maize, potato, Rice, millets, maize, oilseeds, ragi, gram,
tea. Orchards of pineapple, litchi, potato, tur, groundnut and soyabean
oranges and lime are also found. grow on rainfed areas.
The largest reserves of Kyanite are found in the Lapsa Buru area in Jharkhand.
GEOGRAPHY GK-225
(viii)Central Plateau and Hills the main crops in the rain-fed areas,
Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Bhander while in the irrigated areas, sugarcane,
Plateau, Malwa Plateau, and rice, and wheat, are cultivated.
Vindhyachal Hills receive rainfall 50 (x) Southern Plateau and Hills
cm-100 cm. Crops like millets, wheat,
Interior Deccan includes parts of
gram, oilseeds, cotton and sunflower
southern Maharashtra, the greater
grow in this region.
parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
(ix) Western Plateau and Hills and Tamil Nadu uplands from Adilabad
Malwa plateau and Deccan plateau district in the north to Madurai district
(Maharashtra). 25 cm-75 cm. of annual in the south. Annual rainfall is between
rainfall. Wheat, gram, millets, cotton, 50 cm and 100 cm. Millets, oilseeds,
pulses, groundnut, and oilseeds are pulses grows here.
AGRO-CLIMATIC
ZONES OF INDIA
I. Western Himalayan Region IX. Western Plateau and Hills

II. Eastern Himalayan Region X. Southem Plateau and Hills
III. Lower Gangetic Plain Region XI. Eastern Coastal Plains and Hills
IV. Middle Gangetic Plain Region XII. Western Coastal Plains and Ghats
V. Upper Gangetic Plains Region XIII. Gujarat Plains and Hills
VI. Trans-Ganga Plains Region XIV. Western Dry Region
VII. Eastern Plateau and Hills XV. Island Region
VIII. Central Plateau and Hills
Mining and Smelting of copper in India are managed by Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL).
GK-226
GEOGRAPHY
(xi) Eastern Coastal Plains and Hills maize, millets, pulses, turmeric and
Coromandal and northern Circar coasts cassava. Nearly half of the cropped
of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha come into area is under coconut plantation. The
it. Annual rainfall here varies between 75 area is covered with thick forests and
cm and 150 cm. Main crops include rice, agriculture is in backward stage.
jute, tobacco, sugarcane, maize, millets, Major Growing Seasons in India
groundnut and oilseeds. Cultivation of
spices (pepper and cardamom) and Kharif (July to October)
development of fisheries is also done. Major crops are rice, maize, sorghum, pearl
(xii) Western Coastal Plains and Ghats millet/bajra, finger millet/ragi (cereals),
Malabar and Konkan coastal plains arhar (pulses), soyabean, groundnut
and the Sahyadris are included in it. (oilseeds), cotton, etc.
Annual rainfall is more than 200 cm.
Rabi (October to March)
Rice, coconut, oilseeds, sugarcane,
millets, pulses and cotton are the Major crops wheat, barley, oats (cereals),
main crops. The region is famous for chick pea/gram (pulses), linseed, mustard
plantation crops and spices.
(oilseeds) etc.
(xiii)Gujarat Plains and Hills
Zaid (March to June)
They includes hills and plains of
Kathiawar, and the fertile valleys of Muskmelon, Watermelon, Vegetables of
Mahi and Sabarmati rivers. Annual cucurbitacae family such as bitter gourd,
rainfall varies between 50 cm and 100 pumpkin, ridged gourd etc.
cm. Groundnut, cotton, rice, millets,
oilseeds, wheat and tobacco are the International Boundaries with India
main crops. It is an important oilseed • India shares its international boundaries
producing region. with Pakistan in the West, Nepal, China
(xiv)Western Dry Region and Bhutan in the North-East.
Extended over Rajasthan, West of the • It is surrounded by Burma and
Aravallis, this region has an erratic Bangladesh to the East.
rainfall of an annual average of less
• Sri Lanka is located in the South of India.
than 25 cm. Horticultural crops like
• Radcliffe line separates India and
watermelon, guava and date palm
grow here. Pakistan.
• The McMahan Line is the effective
(xv) Island Region
boundary between India and China.
It includes Andaman-Nicobar and
Laksha-dweep which have typically • The Durand Line is boundary between
equatorial climate (annual rainfall India–Afghanistan and Pakistan–
less than 300 cm). Main crops are rice, Afghanistan.
Gypsum is a hydrated sulphide of Calcium used for reclaiming alkaline soils.

GEOGRAPHY GK-227
Industry Major Industrial Type

As per the type raw materials used in the
Major Industrial Regions of India industry and its finished product, the categories
There are eight major industrial regions in India. of Indian Industry can be divided into:
1. Mumbai-Pune Industrial Region •• Agro Based Industry
2. Hugli Industrial Region ¾¾ Cotton Textile
3. Bangalore-Tamil Nadu Industrial ¾¾ Jute Textile
¾¾ Sugar
Region ¾¾ Silk
4. Gujarat Industrial Region •• Metallurgical Industry
5. Chota Nagpur Industrial Region ¾¾ Iron and Steel Industry
6. Vishakhapatnam-Guntur Industrial ¾¾ Aluminum smelting Industry
Region •• Engineering Industry
7. Gurgaon-Delhi-Meerut Industrial •• Fertilizer Industry
Region •• Aircraft Industry
8. Kolfam-Thiruvananthapuram •• Glass Industry
•• Cement Industry
Industrial Region
•• Chemical Industry
Fertilizer and Cement industries are the largest consumers of gypsum produced in the country.
GK-228
GEOGRAPHY
MINERALS IN INDIA
Minerals are the natural resources which are materials, cement materials, clay, chromite,
used in many industries as raw materials. Iron lime, dolomite, and gold, but deficient in
ore, manganese, bauxite, copper, etc. are such copper, lead, mercury, zinc, tin, nickel,
minerals. petroleum products, rock phosphate,
Minerals are of two types: metallic and non- sulphur, and tungsten.
metallic. Iron ore and copper are metallic Mineral resources like potassium are totally
minerals while limestone and dolomite are absent and have to be imported. Minerals
non-metallic minerals. like crude petroleum (which accounts
Metallic minerals are further sub-divided into
for about 80% of the total value of Indian
ferrous and non-ferrous minerals. Those
metallic minerals which have iron content imports), diamonds (uncut), sulphur, and rock
belong to ferrous group. The metallic minerals phosphorus are imported.
belonging to non-ferrous group do not have The state with the highest mineral output is
iron content. Jharkhand. India is rich in ferrrous metals
India is rich in iron, mica, manganese, but its reserves of non-ferrous metals are
bauxite; self sufficient in antimony, building poor.
Mineral Resources
Aluminium - Kerala.
Antimony - Antimony deposits are found in Punjab and Karnataka.
Asbestos - Karnataka and Rajasthan.
Barytes (Barium - Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Manbhum and Singhbhum districts of
Sulphate) Jharkhand.
Bauxite - Ranchi and Palamau districts of Jharkhand, Belgaum, Jharia and Thana
districts of Maharashtra, Balaghat, Jabalpur, Mandya and Bilaspur
districts of Chhattisgarh.
Beryllium Sands - Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kashmir and Bihar.
Cement - Katni (M.P.), Lakheri (Rajasthan), Jabalpur (M.P.), Guntur (Andhra
Pradesh), Jhinikapani (Singhbhum district of Jharkhand), Surajpur
(Haryana).
China Clay - Rajmahal Hills, Singhbhum (district of Jharkhand), Kerala.
Chromite - Singhbhum and Bhagalpur (Jharkhand), Ratnagiri, Salem (Tamil Nadu),
Karnataka, Keonjhar (Odisha), Ladakh (Kashmir).
Coal - Raniganj (West Bengal), Jharia, Bokaro (Jharkhand), Giridih, Karanpur,
Panch Valley and Chanda (M.P.), Singareni (Andhra Pradesh) and Mukum
(Assam).
Cobalt - Rajasthan and Kerala.
Copper - Jharkhand (Singhbhum and Barajamda), Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan (Khetri).
Diamond - Diamond mines are found in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, Raipur
district of Chhattisgarh.
Feldspar - Burdwan (West Bengal), Rewa (M.P.), Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu), Alwar
and Ajmer.
Gold - Kolar gold-fields (Karnataka).
Graphite - Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,
Odisha and Kerala.
Gypsum - Bikaner and Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu), Gujarat
and Himachal Pradesh.
Cuttack and Keonjhar district have the largest amount of chromite reserves.
GEOGRAPHY GK-229
Iron Ore - Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Chhattisgarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj (Odisha).

Lac - West Bengal.
Lead - Zawar in Udaipur and at the Banjavi mines in Jaipur.
Lignite - Neyveli in South Arcot district (Tamil Nadu).
Limestone - Singareni and Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Panchmahals (Gujarat),
Balaghat, Bhandara, Chhindwara, Nagpur, Indore, Vishakhapatnam,
Sandur (Tamil Nadu).
Manganese - Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
Marble - Jaipur (Rajasthan).
Mica Koderma in Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand, Munger (Bihar), Nellore in
Andhra Pradesh.
Monazite Sands - Found in abundance in Travancore Coast (Kerala).
Nitre - Bihar, U.P., Tamil Nadu and Punjab.
Petroleum Digboi, Badarpur, Musimpur and Patharia fields of Assam.
Pitchblende - Gaya (Bihar).
Red Stone - Jodhpur (Rajasthan).
Salt - Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan), and is also obtained from ocean water in
Rann of Kutch, on the north-western and south-eastern littoral (sea-
shore) of India.
Saltpetre - Punjab, U.P. and Bihar.
Silmanite - Khasi Hills (Assam), Rewa (M.P).
Silver - Goldfields (Karnataka), Singhbhum and Manbhum (Jharkhand), Tamil
Nadu and Rajasthan.
Tungsten - Bihar, Nagpur (Maharashtra) and Marwar.
Uranium - Bihar
Zinc - Zawar mines in Udaipur (Rajasthan).
Zircon - Beach sands of Kerala and Cape Comorin.
CENSUS 2011
The 15th Indian National census was According to the provisional reports
conducted in two phases, houselisting and released on March 31, 2011, the Indian
population enumeration. Information for population increased to 1.21 billion with a
National Population Register was also decadal growth of 17.64%. Adult literacy
rate increased to 70.04% with a decadal
collected in the first phase, which will be
growth of 9.21%.
used to issue a 12-digit unique identification Information on castes was included in the
number to all registered Indians by Unique census following demands from several
Identification Authority of India. ruling coalition and opposition parties.
Census Data
Population Statistics
Total Population 1,21,01,93,422 (persons)
Males 62,37,24,248
Females 58,64,69,174
Ratio 940 Females/1000 Males
The chief producer of kyanite in India is the Indian Copper Corporation Ltd.
GK-230
GEOGRAPHY
Decadal Growth (2001-2011) 18,14,55,986 (17.64%)
Density of Population 382 per sq. km.
Literacy (in percent) Total: 74.04, Males: 82.14, Females: 65.46
Highest/Lowest Population
State with Highest Population Uttar Pradesh 166,197,921
State with Lowest Population Sikkim 540,851
UT with Highest Population Delhi 13,850,507
UT with Lowest Population Lakshadweep 60,650
District with Highest Population Medinipur (West Bengal) 9,610,788
District with Lowest Population Yanam (Pondicherry) 31,394
Population Density Persons/Sq. Km.
India 325
State with highest Population Density West Bengal 903
State with lowest Poxpulation Density Arunachal Pradesh 13
UT with Highest Population Density Delhi 9,340
UT with Lowest Population Density Andaman & Nicobar Islands 43
District with Highest Population Density North East (Delhi) 29,468
District with Lowest Population Density Lahul & Spiti (Himachal Pradesh) 2
Sex Ratio (Females per Thousand Males)
India 940
Rural 946
Urban 900
State with Highest Female Sex Ratio Kerala 1,058
State with Lowest Female Sex Ratio Haryana 861
UT with Highest Female Sex Ratio Pondicherry 1,001
UT with Lowest Female Sex Ratio Daman & Diu 710
District with Highest Female Sex Ratio Mahe (Pondicherry) 1,147
District with Lowest Female Sex Ratio Daman (Daman & Diu) 591
Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes Population
Population Percentage
Scheduled Castes 166,635,700 16.2%
Scheduled Tribes 84,326,240 8.2%
Scheduled Castes
State with highest proportion of Scheduled Castes Punjab (28.9%)
State with lowest proportion of Scheduled Castes Mizoram (0.03%)
UT with highest proportion of Scheduled Castes Chandigarh (17.5%)
UT with lowest proportion of Scheduled Castes D&N Haveli (1.9%)
District with highest proportion of Scheduled Castes Koch-Bihar (50.1%)
District with lowest proportion of Scheduled Castes Mizoram (0.01%)
Meghalaya is the leading producer of sillimanite.

GEOGRAPHY GK-231
Scheduled Tribes
State with highest proportion of Scheduled Tribes Mizoram (94.5%)
State with lowest proportion of Scheduled Tribes Goa (0.04%)
UT with highest proportion of Scheduled Tribes Lakshadweep (94.5%)
UT with lowest proportion of Scheduled Tribes A & N Islands (8.3%)
District with highest proportion of Scheduled Tribes Sarchhip, Mizoram (98.1%)
District with lowest proportion of Scheduled Tribes Hathras, Uttar Pradesh (0.01%)
Religion Based Data
Religions Composition Population * (%)
Hindus 827,578,868 80.5
Muslims 138,188,240 13.4
Christians 24,080,016 2.3
Sikhs 19,215,730 1.9
Buddhists 7,955,207 0.8
Jains 4,225,053 0.4
Other Religions & Persuasions 6,639,626 0.6
Religion not stated 727,588 0.1
Total * 1,028,610,328 100
Rural Urban Distribution
Rural-Urban Distribution Population (%)

Rural 742,490,639 72.18%
Urban 286,119,689 27.82%
State with highest proportion of Urban Population Goa 49.8
State with lowest proportion of Urban Population Himachal Pradesh 9.8
UT with highest proportion of Urban Population Delhi 93.2
UT with lowest proportion of Urban Population Dadra & Nagar Haveli 22.9
Quick facts Mizoram and the Andaman and Nicobar
•• India’s population has jumped to 1.21 Islands, but in the remaining States/
billion, an increase of more than 181 UTs, the ratio showed a decline. The
million during 2001-11, according total number of children in the age
to provisional data of Census 2011 group of 0–6 is now 158.8 million, less
released. by five million since 2001.
•• Though the population is almost equal •• The literacy rate has gone up from
to the combined population of the U.S, 64.83% in 2001 to 74.04%, an increase
Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh of 9.21% points.
•• Kerala, with 93.91%, continues to
and Japan (1,214.3 million). occupy the top position while Mizoram’s
•• The percentage decadal growth rates Serchhip district (98.76%) and Aizawl
of the six most populous states have (98.50%) recorded the highest literacy
declined during 2001-11 compared with rates among districts. Madhya Pradesh’s
1991-2001. Alirapur district has the lowest literacy
•• The overall sex ratio nationwide has rate of 37.22% as also the naxalite-
increased by seven percentage points affected Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district,
to 940 against 933 in Census 2001. where the literacy rate is 41.58 per cent.
Sex ratio is defined as the number of Lakshadweep followed Kerala with a
females per 1,000 males. literacy level of 92.28%, while Bihar
•• An increasing trend in the child sex remained at the bottom of the ladder at
ratio was seen in Punjab, Haryana, 63.82%, followed by Arunachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, at 66.95%.
The beach sands of Kerala are the most important source of sillimanite.
GK-232
GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHY GK-233
EARTH INFORMATION BULLETIN

•• Total Surface Area - 510, 072,000 km² •• Largest country - Russia (17,075,400
•• Land Area - 148,094,000 km² km²)
•• Water Area - 361,132,000 km² •• Most populated country - China
•• Percentage of Land - 29.2% (1,401,586,609) 2015
•• Percentage of Water - 70.8% •• Smallest country - Vatican City (0.44 km²)
•• Water Type - 97% salt water, 3% fresh •• Least populated country - Vatican City
water (1000) 2015
•• Circumference - 40,066 km at Equator, •• Highest point - Mount Everest (8,848 m)
39,992 km at Poles •• Lowest point - Dead Sea (-409 m)
•• Continents - 7 recognized •• Largest Ocean - Pacific (155,557,000
•• Countries - 193 recognized km²)
•• Oceans - 5 •• Smallest Ocean - Arctic (14,056,000
•• Population - 7,214,958,996 (2015) km²)
•• Largest continent - Asia (43,810,582 km²)
•• Largest Sea - South China sea (2,974,600
•• Most populated continent - Asia
km²)
(4,361,416,312) 2015
•• Smallest continent - Australia/Oceania •• Largest Saline Lake - Caspian Sea
(8,112,000 km²) (371,000 km²)
•• Least populated continent- Antarctica •• Longest River - Nile (6,695 km)
(no native population)
CONTINENTS OF WORLD
A continent is one of the large landmasses on Earth generally identified by convention
rather than any strict criteria, with up to seven regions commonly regarded as continents.
They are Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica.
Continent % of Earth Area Continents (by the number of
countries)
1. Asia 29.5 44
2. Africa 20.4 54
3. North America 16.3 23
4. South America 11.8 12
5. Europe 7.1 46
6. Australia or Oceania 5.3 14
7. Antarctica 9.6
Asia south of the Caucasus Mountains and the
Asia is the world’s Caspian and Black Seas. It is bounded on
largest continent, the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south
having an area of by the Indian Ocean and on the north by the
44,444,100 sq km. Arctic Ocean.
Asia covers to the Physical Features
east of the Suez
Region-wise it can be classified into 6
Canal, the Ural
regions which are:
River, and the Ural Central Asia : Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Mountains, and Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Madagascar is often called the land of the living fossils.
GK-234
GEOGRAPHY
Eastern Asia :China, Hong Kong, Japan, North Eastern Africa : Burundi, Comoros, Kenya,
Korea, South Korea, Macau, Mongolia, Taiwan Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mayotte,
Northern Asia : Russia Mozambique, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles,
Southeastern Asia: Brunei, Myanmar, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Zimbabwe.
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor- Central Africa : Angola, Cameroon, Central
Leste, Vietnam African Republic, Chad, Republic of the
Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Southern Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and
India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Príncipe.
Western Asia : Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Southern Africa: Botswana, Lesotho,
Cyprus, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland
Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, State of Palestine, Western Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,
Emirates,Yemen. Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger,
Nigeria, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone,
Natural Vegetation of Asia
Togo
•• The Tundra
Natural Vegetation of Africa
•• The Taiga
•• Temperate Grasslands, the Steppes •• Tropical Rain Forests
•• Mediterranean Scrubland and Forest •• Tropical Savannas
•• Tropical Steppes and Deserts
•• Desert Vegetation
•• Mediterranean Forests
•• Monsoon Region •• Montane Forests
•• Tropical Rainforest •• Mangrove Forests
•• Vegetation in the Mountains
Europe
Africa
The continent comprises the westernmost
Africa is the second largest continent in part of Eurasia bordered by Arctic Ocean in
area (30,330,000 sq north, the Atlantic Ocean in west, and the
Km), covers 6% of Mediterranean Sea to the south. To the east
Earth’s total surface and southeast, it is separated from Asia by
area and 20.4% of the watershed divides of the Ural and
its total land area. Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the
Algeria is Africa’s Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways
largest country by of the Turkish
area, and Nigeria Straits. The coastline
by population. Africa’s population is the of Europe is 80,500
youngest among all the continents; 50% of km, which is longer
Africans are 19 years old or younger. than Africa. It is the
Separated from Europe by the second smallest
Mediterranean Sea, it is joined to Asia at its continent in the
northeast extremity by the Isthmus of Suez world.
163 km wide.
Physical Features
Physical Features
Region-wise classification of Europe Western
Region-wise it can be classified into 6
Uplands: Landscape of Scandinavia (Norway,
regions which are listed below.
Sweden, and Denmark), Finland, Iceland,
Northern Africa : Algeria, Canary Islands,
Scotland, Ireland, the Brittany region of
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Ceuta, Egypt, Libya, France, Spain, and Portugal.
Madeira, Melilla, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, Central Uplands : Central Europe, western
Western Sahara. France and Belgium, southern Germany,
Northeast Africa : Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Czech Republic, and parts of northern
Somalia Switzerland and Austria.
The inhabitants of Madagascar refer themselves as Malagasy.
GEOGRAPHY GK-235
Alpine Mountains : The Italian and Balkan and the United States. Grain grown in this
peninsulas, northern Spain, and southern region, called the “Bread basket of North
France. The region includes the mountains America,” feeding a large part of the world.
of the Alps, Pyrenees, Apennines, Dinaric Canadian Shield: The Canadian Shield
Alps, Balkans, and Carpathians. is a raised but relatively flat plateau. It
North European Plain: France, Belgium, extends over eastern, central, and north
the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, western Canada. The Canadian Shield is
Poland, the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, characterized by a rocky landscape packed
and Lithuania), and Belarus. by an astounding number of lakes.
Island : British Isles, Corsica, Alba, Sardinia, Eastern Region: This varied region
Crete , Malta , Cyprus, are some of the major includes the Appalachian Mountains and
Islands of Europe. the Atlantic coastal plain. North America’s
Deserts : Accona Desert, Bardenas Reales, older mountain ranges, including the
Bledowska Desert, The Stone Desert, Appalachians, rise near the east coast of the
Larzac, Santorini and Anafi, are some of the United States and Canada
major deserts of Europe Caribbean Region: The Caribbean Region
Natural Vegetation of Africa includes more than 7,000 islands, islets,
•• Sub tropical dry forest reefs, and cays. The region’s islands and
•• Subtropical Mountain Forest smaller islets are varied in their topography.
•• Temperate Oceanic Forest Natural Vegetation of Africa
•• Temperate continental Forest •• Arctic/ Tundra Forests
•• Boreal Coniferous forest •• Boreal Forests/ Taiga/ Coniferous forests
•• Boreal Tundra Forest •• Eastern Deciduous Forests
•• Boreal Mountain •• Grasslands
•• Desert Scrub
North America •• Mediterranean and Madrean Scrublands
North America covers about 4.8% of the and Woodlands
planet’s surface or about 16.5% of its land •• Pacific Coast Coniferous Forests
area, having the population of 565 million •• Western Montane Coniferous Forests
(2013) in 23 independent states. It is the •• Tidal Wetlands
third largest continent by area, following South America
Asia and Africa and
fourth largest in This is a triangular shape continent,
terms of population stretching from 12° N to 55°S latitude.
with the density of Towards its west
24 million/sq km. It lies Pacific Ocean,
extends from 7° N Atlantic Ocean on
to 85° N latitudinal- the east and, North
wise and longitude-wise 20°W to 179°W. It America and the
has 5 time zones. Caribbean Sea lie to
the northwest. It is
Physical Features the fourth largest continent of the world
It can be classified into 5 regions: with smooth and inlet coastline.
Western Region : Young Mountains rise
Physical Features
in the west. The most familiar of these
mountains are probably the Rockies, North It can be classified into 5 regions :
America’s largest chain. They stretch from The Pacific coastal strip lies between the
the province of British Columbia, Canada, to west Pacific and Andes.
the U.S. state of New Mexico. The Andes stretches through entire
Great Plains : In the middle of the continent in length running in north-south
continent lies the Great Plain. Deep rich soil direction from Isthmus of Panama to Strait
blankets large areas of the plains in Canada of Magellan.
The southwestern sections of Africa are rimmed by the Cape fold mountains and Karoo rock series.
GK-236
GEOGRAPHY
The Central Lowland: Two great river Physical Features
system are covered under it namely the It can be classified into 3 regions such as:
Amazon-Orinoco and Parana-Paraguay rivers. The Great Western Plateau covers two
The Eastern Highland consists of third of Australia.
Brazilian and Guiana Highlands along with The Central Lowland extends from the
Patagonia. shallow Gulf of Carpentaria in the north to
Natural Vegetation of South America the Southern Ocean.
•• Equatorial Forest The Eastern Highlands stretch along the
eastern edge of Australia, all the way from
•• Temperate Forests
Cape York to Tasmania.
•• Mediterranean Forests
•• Savanna Grasslands Natural Vegetation
•• Pampas •• The tropical Rainforest
•• Desert •• The deciduous forest Savanna
•• The dry desert and desert scrub
Australia
Antarctica
Thousands of islands combined to form
Oceania region, mostly covering the Central The continent of Antarctica is the fifth–
largest continent in terms of geographical
and South Pacific
area, and it is situated
Ocean. The region is
in a remote cold
dominated by world’s
location of Southern.
biggest island and The continent covers
two other major approximately 20%
landmasses, micro- of the hemisphere.
continent of Zealandia As such there are not
(including New Zealand) and the western countries in this continent except some
half of the island of New Guinea, made up of parts of few nations such, New Zealand,
the nation of Papua New Guinea. Oceania Australia, France, Norway, the United
also includes three island regions: Kingdom, Chile, and Argentina.
Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia Physical Features
(including the U.S. state of Hawaii). It As a frozen continent it has only a few
stretches from the Strait of Malacca to the prominent physiographic units such as:
coast of Americas. Tropic of Capricorn Trans – Antarctic Mountain dividing the
divides it into almost two halves. continent into West Antarctica and East
There are 28 countries and Island groups Antarctica.
in Australasia/Oceania covering 5.3% of The Antarctic Peninsula
The islands of the Antarctic region which
the Earth’s land and 1.5% of the Earth’s
contains South Orkney Islands, South
surface. The largest cities of this region Shetland Islands, South Georgia, and the
includes: Jakarta, Manila, Sydney, Bandung, South Sandwich Islands, all claimed by the
Melbourne, Surabaya, Medan etc. United Kingdom.
LANGUAGES OF WORLD
There are numerous languages in the world but they have varying number of speakers for
each one of them. Approximately 2,300 languages are spoken in Asia, 2,140, in Africa, 1,300
in the Pacific, 1,060 in the Americas, and 280 in Europe (2015). Chinese tops the list of most
popular world languages, with over one billion speakers. English trails in third place, with
335 million speakers. This data represents first-language speakers.
The Okarango region of Kalahari is called the Jewel of Kalahari.

GEOGRAPHY GK-237
Major Languages Spoken in the World

Language Approx number of speakers
1. Chinese 1,197,000,000
2. Spanish 414,000,000
3. English 335,000,000
4. Hindi 260,000,000
5. Arabic 237,000,000
6. Portuguese 203,000,000
7. Bengali 193,000,000
8. Russian 167,000,000
9. Japanese 122,000,000
10. Javanese 84,300,000
Major religion of the world
Religion Followers (in millions)
Christianity 2,200
Islam 1,600
Hinduism 1,100
Chinese folk religion 754 — 1,000
Buddhism 488 — 535
World Climatesic types
Climate zone Climate Type
Polar climate zone Polar climate
Sub polar climate Subpolar climate
Marine West coast
Transitional climate
Temperature zone Cool continental climate
Warm summer continental climate
East coast climate
Subtropical East Coast climate
Subtropical climate zone
West coast winter rain climate
Dry passat climate
Passat climate zone
Humid Passat climate
Tropical seasonal climate zone Tropical seasonal climate
Equatorial climate zone Equatorial climate
High mountains climate zone High mountains climates
The first European to reach Angola was the Portuguese navigator Diogo cao.
GK-238
GEOGRAPHY
Major Industrial Regions of the World `` Asian major
These are areas where manufacturing • China is the most dominant and
industries are carried out on a relatively powerful industrial agglomeration
large scale and employ a relatively large of Asia. The regions of Manchurian
proportion of population. The industrial region, Yangtze region, North-China
regions of the world are very unevenly region, South China region, etc. with
distributed. With the development of many manufacturing units producing
machinery, many industrial centres have steel, heavy chemical's textiles, paper,
come up where there is abundance of coal, cement, automobiles, toys, etc are
iron, and extensive water-power are in major industrial regions.
abundance. • Japan has several industrial cities
The major industrial regions of the world producing steel, Pedro-chemical,
are as follows: cement, footwear. toys, etc. at Tokya-
USA and Canada Industrial Regions Yokohama region, Osaka - Kobe region,
Industrial region of USA and Canada north Kyushu region.
comprises the New England Regions, The • India’s conurbation of Kolkata,
New York - Mid-Atlantic Region, North the Mumbai-Pune Industrial belt,
- Eastern Region. The Southern Region, Ahmedabad-Vadodara belt, Southern
Western Region & Pacific Region. These industrial regions with Chennai,
regions include several major American Coimbatore, Bangalore industrial
industrial cities & Metropolitans like belt, Damodar Valley industrial belt,
Hartford, New Haven, areas from New York Northern regions with centers like
to Baltimore with New Jersey, Chicago, Delhi, Ambala, Ghaziabad, Mathura, etc.
Detroit, Houston, etc. Other major industrial regions include
European Industrial Region Allahabad, Varanasi, Hyderabad,
Patiala, Jaipur, Bilaspur, Jalandhar,
• Western Europe major industrial
regions. Meerut, Lucknow, Kanpur, etc.
• United Kingdom’s industrial regions are Trans-Continental Railways of World
located in Lancashire, London's basin, •• Canadian Pacific Rail Route : It runs
Scotland, Midland, South-Wales, etc. from Halifax to Vancouver.
producing manufacturing products like •• Candian National Rail Route: It joins
engineering, ferrous, chemical textile, St. John City to Vancouver.
food & beverages, etc.
•• Trans-Siberian Rail Route: It connects
• The Saar Region, the Hamburg Region,
St. Petersburg to Vlalivoslok.
Berlin Region & Leipzig Region with
•• Trans-caucasus Rail Route: It starts
iron & steel heavy chemicals, textiles
from Batum, cross Tergana and reaches
& different consumer goods Industries.
Krusk.
• France’s industrial region produces
•• North Trans continental Rail Route:
iron & steel, textile, glass, leather,
automobiles with Northern, Lorraine & It originates at Seattle (USA) New York.
Paris Industrial Regions. Other European •• Mid Transcontinental Rail Route: It
countries like Italy, Switzerland, Holland joins San Francisco to New York.
Belgium and Sweden are industrial •• Southern Transcontinental Rail
giants. Routes : It runs from Los Angeles
• Eastern Europe has six major industrial to New York and then reaches New
regions out of which four are in Russia, Orleans.
one in Ukraine, and one in southern •• Oriental Express Rail Route: Connects
Poland and northern Czech Republic. Paris to Kustuntunia (Turkey).
Volga and Dnieper river are the most important for transport and hydroelectric source for Europe.
GEOGRAPHY GK-239
•• Cape-Cairo Rail Route: It is the longest •• Trans-Australian Continental Rail

rail route of Africa running from Cape Route: It connects west end of Australia
Town in Southern part of continent to east end starting from Perth and
and reaches Ciro near the coast of reaches Sydney.
Mediterranean sea situated in the Transe-Asiatic Railways Line : This
northern part of continent. is a proposed project of united Nations
•• Trans-Andean Rail Route: Starting Economic and Social Commission for Asia
from Valparais (Chile) reaches other and Pacific. It will connect 28 countries
end of the continent running west to including China, Thailand Bangladesh,
east to Buenos Aires (Argentina). India, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey.
WATER TRANSPORT
Water transport is considered to be one of The Cape of Good Hope Sea Route
the oldest form of transport. It is cheapest It connects west European and West
mode of transport. The cost of production African countries with Brazil, Argentina
alongwith the cost of operation is also and Uruguay in South America.
low incase of water transport. There are The North Pacific Sea Route
evidences which shows that boats were It is connecting Western European, North
used in the form dugout canoe (a boat made American with Australian countries. It is
from a hallowed tree trunk) in ancient used for reaching Hong kong, Philippines
period. It is considered that Egyptians and Indonesia. Honolulu is the most impor-
probably were the first to use sail boat. The tant seaport of this route.
Mesopotamian and Indus valley civilization Inland Water Transport
excavation have shown the presence of River, canals, lakes and coastal area the
habour and ports. important components of inland water
Water transportation includes canals, lakes, transport as they facilitate transportation
rivers, seas and oceans. It is mainly divided of goods and services with in the country.
into two categories: Boats and steam are the important means
of transport. The significant waterways of
Sea Routes the world are:
Oceans provide smooth traversable high- The Rhine Waterway

way in all direction with low maintenance River Rhine flows through Germany and
cost. Major sea routes are: Netherland. It is navigable for 700 km.
It serves industrial areas of Switzerland,
The North Atlantic Sea Route Germany, France, Belgium and the
It is linking two major industrially developed Netherlands.
regions of the world such as North-Eastern The Dawube Waterway
USA and North-Western Europe. River Danube serves Eastern Europe as it
rises from Black forest and flows eastward
The Mediterranean-Indian Ocean Sea
through many countries. The navigation is
Route possible only upto Taurna Sevenin, this river
It is considered to be the most important transport facilitates the export of wheat,
sea route as it serves more countries maize, timber and machinery.
and people than this route are port said, The Volga Waterways
Aden, Mumbai, Colombo, and Singapore. Volga is one of important waterways of
The distance covered by this route has Russia which provides a navigable water
drastically reduced with the construction of route of 11,200 km and it drains into
Suez canal. Caspian sea.
Gora Narodnaya is the highest peak in the Ural Mountains.
GK-240
GEOGRAPHY
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Continent’s Highest and Lowest Points

Continent Highest Point Lowest Point
1. Asia Everest (8848 m) Dead Sea (–396.8m)
2. Africa Kilimanjaro (5894 m) Lake Assai (–156.1 m)
3. North America Mckinley (6194 m) Death Valley (–85.9 m)
4. South America Aconcagua (6960 m) Valdis Penin (–39.9 m)
5. Europe Elbrus (5663 m) Caspian Sea (–28.0 m)
6. Australia Koscisko (2228 m) Lake Eyre (–15.8 m)
7. Antarctica Vinson Massif (5140 m) (Unexplored)
Highest Mountain Peaks (World)

Name Height (in metres) Range
1. Mount Everest 8848 Himalayas
2. K2 (Godwin Austen) 8611 Karakoram
3. Kanchenjunga 8598 Himalayas
4. Lhotse 8511 Himalayas
5. Makalu I 8481 Himalayas
6. Dhaulagiri I 8167 Himalayas
7. Manaslu I 8156 Himalayas
8. Cho Uyo 8153 Himalayas
9. Nanga Parbat 8126 Himalayas
8. Annapurana I 8091 Himalayas
Three Deepest Oceans
Name Greatest depth (in metres) Greatest depth location

1. Pacific Ocean 11,033 Mariana Trench
2. Atlantic Ocean 9,460 Puerto Rico Trench
3. Indian Ocean 7,542 Java Trench
Some Important Boundary Lines

Durand Line Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Hindenberg Line Between Germany and Poland
49th Parallel Between USA and Canada
Mac Mahon Line Between India and Tibet/China
Maginot Line Between France and Germany
38th Parallel Between North and South Korea
Oder Neisse Line Between Germany and Poland
Radcliffe Line Between India and Pakistan
Mt. Elbrus in the caucasus is the highest peak in Europe.
GEOGRAPHY GK-241
Longest Rivers
Name, Nation/Continent Length in kms Basin Area m2km
Nile, Africa 6695 3.25
Amazon, South America 6516 6.14
Yangtze Kiang, China 6380 1.72
Mississippi Missouri, USA 5959 3.20
Ob Irtysh, Russia 5568 2.97
Yenisey Angari a Selenga, Asia 5550 2.55
Yellow (Hwang Ho), China 5464 –
Congo (Zaire), Africa 4667 –
Parana Rio de la Plata, S. America 4500 2.58
Irtysh, Asia 4440 –
Mekong, Asia 4425 –
India REGION LENGTH
Indus Asia 3180
Brahmaputra Asia 2948
Ganga-Hooghly-Padma India 2620
Godawari India 1465
Sutlej India 1372
Krishna India 1300
Narmada India 1289
Chenab India 1086
Ghaghara India 1080
Shortest River (metres)
Europe Ombia River, Croatia 30
North America, Roe River, Montana, USA 61
South America – Azvis River, Brazil 147
Deepest Lakes
Baikal, Russian 1620 m
Tanganyika, Africa 1463 m
Caspian Sea, Asia-Europe 1025 m
Malawi of Nyasa, Africa 706 m
Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan 702 m
Largest Deserts of the World
Subtropical
Sahara, North Africa 8,600,650 sq. km
Arabian, Middle East 2,300,000 sq. km
Great Victoria, Australia 647,475 sq. km
Kalahari, Southern Africa 582,727 sq. km
Chihuahuan, Mexico 453,232 sq. km
Thar, India/Pakistan 453,232 sq. km
Great Sandy, Australia 388,485 sq. km
The world’s deepest lake, Lake Baikal is drained by Angara River.
GK-242
GEOGRAPHY
Gibson, Australia 310,788 sq. km
Sonoran, S.W. USA 310,788 sq. km
Simpson/Stony, N Africa 145,034 sq. km
Mohave, S.W. USA 139,854 sq. km
Cool coastal
Atacama, Chile SA 139,854 sq. km
Namib, S.W. Africa 33,668 sq. km
Cold winter
Gobi, China 1,166,450 sq km
Patagonian, Argentina 673,374 sq km
Great Basin, S.W. USA 492,081 sq. km
Karakum, West Asia 349,636 sq. km
Colorado, Western USA, also called the Painted Desert 336,687 sq. km
Kyzyl-kum, West Asia 297,838 sq. km
Taklamakan, China 271,939 sq. km
Deep-Sea Trenches
Name Length Depth Deepest Pt.
Mariana 2250 10.924 Challenger Deep
Tonga Kermadec (S. Pacific) 2575 10.850 Vityaz 11 (Tonga)
Kuril-Kamchatka 2250 10.542 -
Philippine 1350 10.539 Galathea Deep
Java-Indian 2250 7725 Planet Deep
Some Important Tribes and their Home and (World)
Aleuts : Alaska Koryaks : N. Siberia, Eurasian Tundra, N.E.
Ainus : Japan Asia
Aeta : Phillip Cines Kalmuk : Central Asia
Bushman : Kalahari Kareus or Meos : Myanmar
Buryak : Central Asia Kirghiz : Asiatic steppes
Berbers : N. Africa
Kazakhs : Kazakhstan
Bedouin : Sahara and Middle East
Lapps : N. Finland, Scandinavia
Bindibu or Aborigins : Australia
Chukchi : N.E. Asia, U.S.S.R., North Siberia Maoris : New Zealand
Eskimos : Greenland, North Canada, Masai : East and Central Africa
Alaska, N. Siberia Orange Asli : Malaysia
Fulani : Western Africa Pygmies : Congo basin, Zaire
Gobi Mongols : Gobi Red Indian : N. America
Guicas : Amazon forest area Somoyeds : Siberia
Hausa : North Nigeria Semangs : East Sumatra
Hotten tots : Hot tropical Africa Turregs : Sahara
Ibans : Equatorial rain forest region of Tapiro : Papua New Guinea
South-East Asia
Yoakuts : Siberia
India Tribes : Amazon basin
Zulus : South Africa
Verkhoyansk has recorded the lowest temperature on the globe outside Antarctica.
ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT GK-243
ECOLOGY AND
ENVIRONMENT
TOP TRENDS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
GK-244
INTRODUCTION
Ecology is a branch of biology that deals biosphere are any closed, self-regulating
with the distribution and interaction of systems containing ecosystem.
living organisms among themselves and
their environment. Ecosystem
There are four basic concepts of ecology
which are as follows:
•• Holism: is a term which conceived
as a directive and creative principle
operating from initial to last level in
ecology. It means whole are much
important than individual element.
•• Ecosystem: involve both the living and
non-living factors interacting together,
working in a complex web.
Ecosystem is defined as a specific and
•• Succession: the living organisms
recognizable landscape such as forest,
and their environment commonly
wetland, coastal area, grass lands, deserts,
reactive and influence each other
in different ways. Increase in the etc. having interaction of biological
capacity of tolerance towards changing community and physical and chemical
environment by modifying their factors that make up its non-living or abiotic
adaptability as the process of growth, environment.
dispersal, reproduction, death and decay Components of Ecosystem
follows changing the abiotic component •• Abiotic components are the non-living
of ecosystem is called as succession. elements of an ecosystem as air, water,
•• Conservation: Regulation of the climate and soil, etc. containing both
population through naturally-operating organic and inorganic matters.
trophism ensures resilience of the •• Biotic components consist of all the
system. living community of plants and animals
in any area together with the non-living
Realm of Ecology components of the environment such as
Ecology as a basic division of biology soil, air and water.
explains patterns within and among
Function of Ecosystem
organism. The hierarchical level of ecology
is shown below. Ecosystem is a functional and life sustaining
•• Biosphere environmental system. Consists of biotic
•• Ecosystem and abiotic components in any particular
•• Communities habitat.
•• Population The function of ecosystem can be referred
•• Organism a producer consumer arrangement of
nutrients known as energy cycles and
Biosphere each food level of this pyramid is known as
Biosphere is the layer of the planet Earth trophic level. The three major aspects of
where life exist. This layer ranges from energy cycles are food chain, food web and
heights of upto ten kilometers above the ecological pyramids.
sea level. Biosphere is an ecological system Food chain
integrating all living beings and their It is a chain or series of feeding relationship
relationship. Including their interaction among different living things in a particular
with the elements of the lithosphere, environment or habitat. Plant is always the
hydrosphere and atmosphere. In general first step of food chain as it produces its own
Fresh water ecosystem can be categorised as Lentic (pools, ponds and lakes), Lotic (streams and river) and Wetlands.
food from non living things and eventually •• Energy flows in a one way direction
eaten by the next higher level of living through ecosystem i.e. not recycled.
orgasm such as herbivores who only takes •• It passes from one trophic level to another.
plant as their food item. Plants are known •• Only 10% energy (that was stored
as producers and animals depend upon in adipose tissue of one trophic
producers are known as primary consumer. level organism), passes to another
trophic level. It is called 10% law or
The next level in this hierarchy is known LENDEMANN LAW.
as secondary consumer who depends on •• In the same way carnivores store only
primary consumer for food. 10% of the stored energy of herbivore.
Food Web
Types of Ecosystem
It is defined as the system of interlocking
and interdependent food chains. Ecosystems are classified on the basis of
climate, habitat and plant communities.
Types of Ecosystem
Aquatic Ecosystem Terrestrial Ecosystem

• Fresh water • Tropical rainforest
• Estuarine • Temperate decidusous
• Marine • Coniferous forest
• Grassland
• Desert
• Taiga
Energy Pyramid • Tundra
It is a graphical presentation of the trophic Aquatic Ecosystem
levels in an ecosystem where the energy from The aquatic ecosystem has been classified
the sun is transferred through the ecosystem in a number of ecological ways. On the basis
of salt content in water they are further
by passing through various trophic levels.
divided into fresh water, estuarine and
Only 10% of energy gets transferred from
marine ecosystem.
one trophic level to the next.
Terrestrial Ecosystem
It is further divided into forest, grassland,
Top Carnivore desert ecosystem and artificial ecosystems
such as crop fields, gardens, etc.
1
kg
Primary Carnivore 10
kg Aquatic Ecosystem
100 On the basis of salt content in water they
Herbivores kg are further divided into:
•• Fresh water.
Producers 1000 kg
•• Estuarine and
•• Marine ecosystem.
Energy Flow in Ecosystem Fresh Water
•• Ecosystem obtains energy from sun, •• Freshwater ecosystem can be categorised
which is trapped by producers via into three types of fresh water ecosystem,
photosynthesis and is converted into i.e. lotic, lentic & wetlands.
chemical energy.
Lotic and Lentic
•• The chemical energy is converted into
mechanical and heat energy in cellular Lotic ecosystem refers to the dynamic
activities. (moving) water habitat eg. river, brook
•• Energy enters in the ecosystem as light etc. Lentic ecosystem refers to the static
and exits as heat. water habitats like ponds, lake, swamps
World Wetland Day is celebrated on 2nd February every year.
GK-246
and marshes. However, both of ecosystem •• Hold sediments and accumulate soil
have fresh water source, but weather and along the shoreline.
climatic condition can lead to a wide ranges •• National Wetland Conservation Programme
of salinities. (NWCP) has been initiated for identified
wetland which are at present 66 covering
Wetlands
21 states.
•• Wetlands are lands which, due to
geological or ecological factors, have a Estuaries
natural supply of water – either from •• An estuary (from Latin aestus, “tide”) is
tidal flows, flooding rivers, connections a semi-enclosed coastal body of water,
with groundwater, or because they are which has a free connection with the
perched above aquifers. open sea.
•• The periodicity of water level fluctuations •• Nutrients from the river enrich estuarine
is termed as hydroperiod and it is the key waters, making estuaries one of the most
factor that determines the productivity biologically productive ecosystem on
and species composition of the wetland earth and thus have more biodiversity
community. in unit area.
•• Generally low lying areas, covered by •• It is strongly affected by tidal action
shallow water and have characteristic which is an important physical
soils and water tolerant vegetation. regulator and an energy subsidy.
•• Wetlands occupy only 2% of the surface •• They are transitional zones/ecotones
area of earth and they are estimated to between the freshwater and marine
contain 10 to 14% of carbon. habitats.
•• Man made wetlands: paddy fields, •• Examples include river mouths, coastal
fishery ponds, Trapa & Euryale bays tidal marshes and bodies of water
cultivation ponds and other aquaculture behind barrier beaches and extensive
habitats. intertidal mudflats or salt marshes
often border them.
Significance of Wetlands •• Estuary provides the “nursery grounds”
•• Nutrient rich and have high primary for most coastal shellfish and other
productivity. fishes. e. g. shrimp and spawn.
•• Since they have both aquatic and semi- Marine Ecosystem
aquatic environmental conditions so It is Earth's largest aquatic ecosystem,
support specialized vegetation and which includes salt marshes, intertidal
fauna. Often a prime breeding habitat zones, lagoons, mangroves, coral reefs and
for waterfowl, many migratory birds and sea floor.
other aquatic or semi aquatic vertebrates. Mangroves
•• Found in tropical and sub tropical land-
sea ecotones.
•• They are potential “land builders” that
help to form islands and to extend
seashores.
•• On the basis of salinity, five zones of
mangrove distribution are considered,
•• Helps in controlling flood by holding
namely euhaline, polyhaline, mesohaline,
excess water, and the flood water stored
oligohaline and limnetic zones.
in wetlands then drains slowly back ino •• Indian coastline covers about 7500km
the rivers, providing a steady flow of and it accounts for 8% of the world’s
water throughout the year. mangrove area which is approximately
•• Serve as groundwater recharging areas. 700,000 ha.
•• Provide important commercial products,
including wild rice and various types Significance of Mangroves
of berries (such as black berries, blue •• Mangroves perform a variety of
berries, etc.). productive as well as protective
The Gulf of kachchh & the Gulf of khambhat constitute the major mangrove zones of the Gujarat Coast.
functions. The resilient mangroves •• The polyp is able to feed itself using
protect the hinterland against cyclonic stinging cells found on its tentacles,
storms during cyclones, super cyclones, but is able to feed itself partially.
and ingress of sea water during tidal The ramainder comes from the
surges and other natural catastrophes zooxanthellae and the carbohydrates
acting as an effective shelterbelt.
are also used by the polyp to make
calcium carbonate via calcification. This
material forms the skeleton of the coral
and eventually the framework known
as the coral reef.
•• Polyps secrete hard limestone deposits
(calcium carbonate that ramain when
polyps die.
•• Coral reefs are sometimes referred to as
‘tropical rainforests of the deep’.
•• Bleaching: Under environmental stress
•• They are considered as “land builders”. much of the algae are lost and corals
It is belived that the roots of mangroves appear white in colour. If the symbiotic
secrete a substance, which modifies the green algae leave the coral animal and
coarse particles into fine ones and help the mutumlism is not restored then the
in soil formation. The tangles of stilt coral slowly dies of starvation.
roots also trap the sediments. Importance of Coral reefs
•• Support a range of interconnected •• Apart from tropical rain forests, they
food webs, which directly sustain the are the other most productive natural
fisheries. Algae and detritus sustain ecosystems in the world.
shrimps and prawns, which provide a
food source for fishes and prawns.
•• They are repositories of immense
biological diversity.
•• The mangrove conservation programme
was launched in 1987 and so far 35
mangrove areas have been identified for •• They protect coastline from storms &
intensive convervation and management high waves by breaking the force of the
in our county. waves, thereby allowing mangroves and
•• A mangrove genetic resource center is sea grass to flourish.
established in the Pichavaram mangrove
•• They serve as nurseries for many fish
area, Chidambaram, India where the
endangered mangrove species are being species and provide resources for
conserved. fisheries.
•• Coral skeletons are being used as bone
Coral Reefs
substitutes in reconstructive bone
•• Coral is plant-animal super organism, surgery. The pores and channel in
an algae called zooxanthellae, grow certain corals resemble those found
inside the tissues of the animal polyp, in human bone. Bone tissue and blood
thus exhibits mutualism between vessels gradually spread into the coral
polyps & algae. graft. Eventually, bone replaces most of
•• Located generally between 30 degrees the coral implant.
North and 30 degrees South latitudes.
•• Found scattered in coastal zones Terrestrial Ecosystem
above contineantal shelves throughout Biomes
the tropical and subtropical western Biome can be defined as major ecological
Atlantic and Indo-pacific oceans. communities of flora and fauna, which
Major reef formations in India are restricted to the Gulf of Mannar, Palk bay, Gulf of Kutch, Andaman and Nicobar
Island and the Lakshadweep Islands.
GK-248
generally extend over a large part of the Population Dynamic
earth surface and usually characterized by It is the change in the number of individuals
a distinct type of vegetation. in a population or the vital rates of a
The main terrestrial biomes are: population over time. It is the key to
•• Tundra •• Examine the response of species to
•• Coniferous forests/Temperate evergreen ecosystem manipulation,
forests •• Analyze the endangered species
•• Temperate Broadlead deciduous forests •• Understand ecosystem dynamics and
•• Mediterranean Shrublands ecology
•• Grasslands Theories of Population Dynamics
•• Deserts •• Exponential population growth is
•• Tropical deciduous forests when the birth rate is constant over a
•• Tropical scurubs/Thornwoods period of time and isn’t limited by food or
•• Tropical rain forests disease. A species growing exponentially
•• F.E elements and V.E shelford (1939) would also affect other species directly
introduced the biome concept. due to competition for food and other
•• Ecotone: boundary between two biomes. resources. Exponential growth can be
•• Bailey (1976) developed the concept of affected by modern medicine, quality
and quantity of food and the overall
ecoregion.
standard of living for a species.
•• Ecoregions: Ecosystems based on a
continuous geographical or landscape (a) Exponential (unrestricted) growth
area across which the interactions
of climate, soil and topography are
sufficiently uniform to permit the
development of similar types of
The growth rate
Population size
vegetation. of the population

Community accelerates
A group of population of different species
living together in a given area with mutual
tolerance and beneficiary interactions is
defined as community. The species may be
plant, animal or microorganism.
Characteristics 0 Time
•• Biodiversity
•• Logistic growth describes a sustainable
1. Species richness
growth of populations which slows
2. Relative abundance
down after a period of significant
•• Dominant vegetation
•• Stability/disturbance development as the availability of
•• Succession living space and resources, along with
other factors, limits its growing ability.
Population The logistics growth model is a more
A population is a summation of all the reliable measure of population growth
organisms of the same group or species, than the exponential model because it
which live in a particular geographical area, accounts for the real-world factors that
and have the capability of interbreeding. inhibit population growth.
The term Biodiversity was popularized by the sociologist- Edward Wilson.
(b) Logistic (restricted) growth The genetic diversity helps the population to
adapt changing environment. If a population
Carrying capacity of has more diversity it can adapt better to the
environment changed environmental conditions. The low
diversity leads to uniformity. The genetic
variability is therefore, considered to be the
The rate
Population size
raw material for specialisation.

slows down
2. Species Diversity
The measurement of species diversity is its
richness, i.e. the number of species per unit
area. The greater is the species richness the
The rate Point of more will be the species diversity. In nature,
accelerates maximum the number and kind of species, as well as
growth the number of individual per species, vary,
and this leads to greater diversity.
0 Time
3. Ecological diversity
Organism It is the diversity at community level. It can
An organism, is any form of contiguous be of 3-types:
living system such as an animal, plant or Alpha (α) diversity: It is the diversity of
bacterium with cell as its basic units. All organisms within the same community or
organism have developed with some degree habitat.
of response to stimuli, reproduction, growth Beta (b) diversity: It is the diversity between
and development and homeostasis. As the communities or different habitats. Higher the
basic unit of every organism is cell it can be heterogeneity in the altitude, Humidity and
categorized into both uni cellular and multi Temperature of a region, the greater will be
cellular depending upon the no. of cells the dissimilarity between communities, and
present in the organism. Mostly the unicellular higher will be the β diversity.
organisms are microscopic in nature. Gamma (γ) diversity: It is the diversity of
organisms over the entire geographical area,
Biodiversity covering several ecosystems or habitats and
Biodiversity means diversity or various trophic levels and food webs. Such
heterogeneity at all levels of biological diversity is most stable and productive.
organization, i.e. from macromolecules of
the cells to the Biomass. Causes of Loss of Biodiversity
The important levels of biodiversity are The accelerated rate of species-extinction
1. Genetic diversity, 2. Species diversity, is largely due to human activities. There are
3. Ecological diversity 4-major causes, called ‘The Evil Quartet’,
for the loss of biodiversity –
1. Genetic Diversity
1. Habitat loss and fragmentation
It is the diversity at genetic level, or at 2. Overexploitation
subspecies level, i.e. below species level, in 3. Invasion of Alien or exotic species
a single species. 4. Co-extinctions
Biodiversity Conservation
In-situ conservation Ex-situ conservation
National Parks Biosphere Sacred Zoos, Seed Bank/ Sacred

and Sanctuaries reserves lakes and Botanical Gardens, Gene bank groves
forests Arboreta and (Cryopres-
Aquaria ervation)
Terrestrial Marine
The first national park of the world, Yellow stone, in U.S.A., was founded in 1872 and India's first national park established
in 1936 as Jim Corbett National Park.
GK-250
The Conservation of biodiversity can be National Parks
in situ (on site) or ex situ (off site)– They are reserved for the betterment of
In Situ Conservation wild life, both fauna and flora. In national
In such conservation the endangered parks private ownership is not allowed. The
species are protected in their natural grazing, cultivation, forestry etc. is also not
habitat with entire ecosystem. The permitted.
conservationists, on global basis, have Sanctuaries
identified certain Biodiversity Hot Spots.
In sanctuaries the protection is given to
The 3-biodiversity hot spots of India, that
fauna only. The activity like harvesting of
cover rich-biodiversity regions, are
timber, collection of forest products and
1. Western Ghat
private ownership rights are permitted so
2. Himalaya
long as they do not interfere with the well
3. Indo-Burma
being of the animals. The important wildlife
The in situ conservation in India, consists sanctuaries are Chilka wildlife sanctuary
of 15–Biosphere reserves, 90-National (Odisha), Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Parks, more than 450 sanctuaries and (Rajasthan),
several Sacred Groves or the tracts of forests.
The Sacred Groves
Biosphere Reserves
These are found in Khasi and Jaintia hills
They represent natural biomes which (Meghalaya), Aravalli hills (Rajasthan),
contain unique biological communities. Western ghats (Karnataka and Maharashtra)
They include land as well as coastal and Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya
environment. Pradesh.
(i) Core (natural) zone – It is inner most
zone Ex situ conservation
(ii) Buffer zone – In this zone limited In such type of conservation the threatened
human activity is allowed for research animals and plants are taken out of their
and education purposes. natural habitat and are protected in special
(iii)
Transition (manipulation) zone – parks or areas like, Zoological parks, Wild
It is the outermost zone of biosphere life safari parks and Botanical gardens,
reserve in which large number of etc. The ex situ conservation also includes
human activities are permitted, Cryopreservation.
ENDANGERED SPECIES IN INDIA

Birds White-bellied heron
Great Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps)
Forest owlet (Athene blewitti)
Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri)
Spoon-billed sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus)
Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus)
White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
Indian vulture (Gyps indicus)
Slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)
Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis)
Himalayan quail (Ophrysia superciliosa)
Jerdon’s courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus)
Pink-headed duck (Rhodonessa caryophyllacea)
Red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)
Sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius)
Bugun liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum)
Cryopreservation is the process of freezing biological material at extreme temperature, most common –196ºC in liquid (N2).
Fish Knifetooth sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata)

Pondicherry shark (Carcharhinus hemiodon)
Ganges shark (Glyphis gangeticus)
Deccan labeo (Labeo potail)
Largetooth sawfish (Pristis microdon)
Longcomb sawfish (Pristis zijsron)
Humpback mahseer
Reptiles and Northern river terrapin (Batagur baska)
Amphibians Red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga)
Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)
Ghats wart frog (Fejervarya murthii)
Gundia Indian frog (Indirana gundia)
Toad-skinned frog (Indirana phrynoderma)
Charles Darwin’s frog (Ingerana charlesdarwini)
Rao’s torrent frog (Micrixalus kottigeharensis)
Amboli bush frog (Pseudophilautus amboli)
White-spotted bush frog (Raorchestes chalazodes)
Griet bush frog (Raorchestes griet)
Munnar bush frog (Raorchestes munnarensis)
Ponmudi bush frog (Raorchestes ponmudi)
Sacred Grove bush frog (Raorchestes sanctisilvaticus)
Shillong bubble-nest frog (Raorchestes shillongensis)
Resplendent shrubfrog (Raorchestes resplendens)
Anaimalai flying frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus)
Patinghe Indian gecko (Geckoella jeyporensis)
Mammals Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus)
Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi)
Himalayan wolf (Canis himalayensis)
Andaman Shrew (Crocidura andamanensis)
Jenkins’ shrew (Crocidura jenkinsi)
Nicobar shrew (Crocidura nicobarica)
Northern Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis lasiotis)
Kondana soft-furred rat (Millardia kondana)
Pygmy hog (Porcula salvania)
Indian Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus inermis)
Malabar large-spotted civet (Viverra civettina)
Elvira rat (Cremnomys elvira)
Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)
Kashmir stag (Cervus canadensis hanglu)
Coral Fire corals (Millepora boschmai)
Spiders
Rameshwaram Ornamental or Parachute Spider (Poecilotheria
hanumavilasumica)
Gooty Tarantula, Metallic Tarantula or (Poecilotheria metallica)
NATIONAL PARKS IN INDIA

Name State Notability
Bandipur National Karnataka Chital, grey langurs, Indian giant squirrel, gaur,
Park (1974) leopard, sambar deer, Indian elephants, honey
buzzard, red-headed vulture and other animals.
Biodiversified hotspots are geographic area that contain high levels of species diversity but are threatened with extinction.
GK-252
Bannerghatta Karnataka White Tiger, Royal Bengal Tiger, Bear, other animals
National Park
(Bannerghatta
Biological Park) (1974)
Betla National Park Jharkhand Tiger, Sloth Bear, Peacock, Elephant, Sambar deer,
(1986) mouse deer and other animals.
Bhitarkanika Odisha Mangroves, Saltwater crocodile, white crocodile,
National Park (1988) Indian python, black ibis, wild pigs, rhesus
monkeys, chital and other animals
Buxa Tiger Reserve West Bengal Tiger
(1992)
Dachigam National J&K Only area where Kashmir stag is found
Park (1981)
Dudhwa National U.P Swamp deer, sambar deer, barking deer, spotted
Park (1977) deer, hog deer, tiger, Indian rhinoceros,
Gir Forest National Gujarat Asiatic lion
Park (1965)
Great Himalayan Himachal UNESCO World Heritage Site
National Park (1984) Pradesh
Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu Green turtles and Olive Ridley turtles and whales.
Marine National Park
(1980)
Indravati National Chhattisgarh Wild Asian Buffalo, Tiger Reserve, Hill Mynas
Park (1981)
Jaldapara National West Bengal Indian one horned rhinoceros
Park (2012)
Jim Corbett National Uttarakhand Tiger
Park (1936)
Kanha National Park Madhya Swamp Deer, Tigers
(1955) Pradesh
Kaziranga National Assam Indian rhinoceros, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Park (1905)
Keibul Lamjao Manipur Only floating park in the world
National Park (1977)
Keoladeo National Rajasthan UNESCO World Heritage Site
Park (1981)
Manas National Park Assam UNESCO World Heritage Site
(1990)
Mandla Plant Fossils Madhya Plant Fossils National Park
National Park (1983) Pradesh
Marine National Park, Gujarat 70 species of sponges, Coral 52 species along with
Gulf of Kutch (1980) puffer fishes, sea horse and sting ray
Namdapha National Arunachal Snow Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Common
Park (1974) Pradesh Leopards and Tigers
Nanda Devi National Uttarakhand UNESCO World Heritage Site
Park (1982)
Neora Valley National West Bengal Clouded leopard, red panda and musk deer
Park (1986)
Nokrek National Park Meghalaya UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
(1986)
Dobson unit is measurement for the total amount of ozone in the atmosphere above a point on the earth's surface 1 Dobson
unit equivalent to a layer of pure ozone 0.01 mm.
Periyar National Park Kerala Tigers

(1982)
Ranthambore Rajasthan Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer and
National Park (1981) Chital
Sariska Tiger Reserve Rajasthan Tiger
(1955)
Simlipal National Odisha Tiger, Leopard, Asian elephant, Sambar, Barking
Park (1980) deer, Gaur, Jungle cat, Wild boar, and other animals
Sultanpur National Haryana Siberian crane, greater flamingo, ruff, black-winged
Park (1989) stilt, common teal, northern pintail, and yellow
wagtail
Sundarbans National West Bengal UNESCO World Heritage Site
Park (1984)
Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand Flying squirrel, Himalayan black bear, red fox,
National Park (1982) Himalayan weasel, Himalayan yellow-throated
marten, and Himalayan goral
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
India has 515 animal sanctuaries referred to as wildlife sanctuaries category IV protected
areas. Among these, the 48 tiger reserves are governed by Project Tiger, and are of special
significance in the conservation of the tiger.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN INDIA
Name of the Location Major Species
Sanctuary
Gir Wildlife Sasan Gir, Lion, Leopard, Chausinga, Chital, Hyena, Sambar,
Sanctuary Junagadh, Amreli Chinkara, Herpetofauna, Crocodiles and birds
Wild Ass Little Rann of Wild Ass, Chinkara, Blue bull, Houbara bustard,
Sanctuary Kachchh Wolf, Waterfowls, Herpetofauna
Hingolgadh Hingolgadh, Chinkara, Blue bull, Wolf, Hyena, Fox, Birds,
Sanctuary Rajkot Herpetofauna
Marine Sanctuary Gulf of Kachchh, Sponges, Corals, Jellyfish, Sea horse,
Jamnagar Octopus,Oyster, Pearloyster, Starfish, Lobster,
Dolphin, Dugong, waterfowls
Simlipal Sactuary Odisha Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Cheetal
Kutch Desert Great Rann of Chinkara, Hyena, Fox, Flamingo, Pelicans &
Sanctuary Kachchh other waterfowls, Herpetofauna
Rampara Rampara, Rajkot Blue bull, Chinkara, Wolf, Fox, Jackal, Birds,
Sanctuary Herpetofauna
Ghana Bird Rajasthan Water Bird, Black-buck, Cheetal, Sambar
Sanctuary
Panchmarhi Madhya Pradesh Tiger, Panther, Sambhar, Nilgai, Baskeng, Deer
Dandeli Sanctuary Karnataka Tiger, Panther, Elephant, Cheetal, Sanbhar, Wild
Boar
Kutch Bustard Near Naliya, Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Houbara
Sanctuary Kachchh bustard, Chinkara, Blue bull, Herpetofauna
Biosphere Reserves has three zones – core, buffer and transition.
GK-254
BIOSPHERE RESERVES IN INDIA AREA-WISE
Name State Key Fauna
Nilgiri Biosphere Tamil Nadu, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque
Reserve Kerala and
Karnataka
Nanda Devi Uttarakhand Himalayan musk deer, mainland serow,
National Park & Himalayan tahr
Biosphere Reserve
Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu Dugong or sea cow
Nokrek Meghalaya Red panda
Sundarbans West Bengal Royal Bengal tiger
Manas Assam Golden langur, red panda
Simlipal Odisha Gaur, Royal Bengal tiger, elephant
Dihang-Dibang Arunachal Mishmi takin, red goral, musk deer
Pradesh
Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh Giant squirrel, flying squirrel
Biosphere Reserve
Achanakmar- Madhya Pradesh, Four horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis), Indian
Amarkantak Chhattisgarh wild dog (Cuon alpinus), Saras crane (Grus antigone),
Biosphere Reserve Asian white-backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Sacred
grove bush frog (Philautus sanctisilvaticus)
Great Rann of Kutch Gujarat Indian wild ass
Cold Desert Himachal Pradesh Snow leopard
Khangchendzonga Sikkim Snow leopard, red panda
AgasthyamalI Kerala, Tamil Nilgiri tahr, elephants
Biosphere Reserve Nadu
Great Nicobar Andaman and Saltwater crocodile
Biosphere Reserve Nicobar Islands
Dibru-Saikhowa Assam Golden langur
Seshachalam Hills Andhra Pradesh Yellow-throated bulbul
Panna Madhya Pradesh Tiger, chital, chinkara, sambhar and sloth bear
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Deforestation
It is the conversion of forest to another land use or the long-term reduction of the tree canopy
cover. This includes conversion of natural forest to tree plantations, agriculture, pasture, water
reservoirs and urban areas but excludes timber production areas managed to ensure the forest
regenerates after logging.
Material that get into the stratosphere can stay there for long time, such the case for the ozone-destroying chemicals
called CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbon).
Causes Impact
Subsistence • Physical and ecological processes, (e.g. disruption of hydrological re-
farming (48%) gimes and loss of watershed protection).
Commercial • Soil and water resources, (e.g. soil erosion, loss of nutrients and in-
agriculture crease in sediment loads in river systems)on local and global climate,
(32%) e.g. albedo changes, changes in surface energy budget, and alteration
Logging (14%) of biogeochemical cycles (such as the global carbon cycle) leading to
Fuel wood an increase in atmospheric CO2 and other trace gases, affecting the
removals (5%) climate and causing global temperature change, Diversity and abun-
dance of terrestrial species through destruction and fragmentation of
habitats and the “edge effects”, decreasing ecological complexity.
Desertification
The U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) defines it as “land degradation in arid,
semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations
and human activities.” This process is the result of a long-term failure to balance human
demand for ecosystem services and the amount the ecosystem can supply. The stress
mounts on dry land ecosystems for providing services related to basic human existence.
The situation worsens when combined with human factors (such as population pressure
and land use patterns) and climatic factors (such as droughts).
Causes Effects Measures
Overgrazing Soil becomes less Afforestation and planting of soil binding
usable grasses can check soil erosion, floods and
water logging
Farming of Average Land Vegetation is lacking Crop rotation and mixed cropping im-
or damaged prove the fertility.
Destruction of Plants in Causes Famine Artificial bunds or covering the area with
Dry Regions vegetation.
Incorrect Irrigation in Food Loss Salinity of the soil can be checked by
Arid Regions Causes a improved drainage
Build-up of Salt in the Soil
Ozone Layer Depletion: Causes and Effects

Chlorofluorocarbons or associated hydrocarbons start dissociating in presence of UV rays
which release chlorine, which is catalyst of destroying ozone.
Ozone Layer Depletion:
A process wherein oxygen molecules are photolyed splitting into two atoms, weakening the
ozone as solar UV enters accentuating conversion
Effects on Human Health: Causes Effects on Biogeochemical Cycles:

nonmelanoma skin cancer, malignant Increased UV radiation affects terrestrial
melanoma development and clouding and aquatic biogeochemical cycles
of eyes
Effects on Marine Ecosystem: Phytoplankton Effects on Materials:

lead aquatic food webs which are effected by Synthetic polymers and naturally occurring
amount of sunlight received biopolymers are affected by UV rays
Effects on Plants: amount of UVB in present-

day sunlight affecting the plant growth directly
Delhi government ran odd even plan in two phases — 1st to 15th January 2016 and 2nd phase from 15th to 30th April
2016 to combat pollution in Delhi.
GK-256
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Pollution Types and Measures of their Control
Pollution: The process which contaminates natural

environment that resulting in adverse change.
Air Pollution: Light pollution: It is caused by light

Photochemical smog, Acid rain trespass, over- illumination and
astronomical interference
Primary Pollutants enter the
atmosphere directly from various How to Control?
sources (CO, HCs, SO2, NO)
Secondary Pollutant formed during •• recycling

chemical reaction between primary
pollutant and other atmospheric •• reusing
constitution (water vapour)
•• Waste
Anthropogenic Sources: Combustion
minimization
from power plant, vehicles, household
fuel etc.
•• mitigating
Pollution control devices:
•• Vapour recovery systems •• preventing
•• Phytoremediation
•• Sewage /industrial waste treatment •• compost
•• Scrubber (Baffle spray, Cyclonic
spray, Ejector venture, mechanically
aided Spray tower)
•• Bag houses
Littering: It is caused by man-made objects, Noise pollution: It is created by

piling onto public and private properties. vehicles, aircraft, sonar, underground
leakage etc.
Radioactive contamination: It is
caused by nuclear power generation Thermal pollution: It is caused by
and nuclear weapons research, temperature change in natural water
manufacture and deployment. bodies (using water as a coolant).
Visual pollution: It is caused by Water Pollution: It is caused by waste

overhead power line, motorway disposal to the water bodies (sewage,
billboard, municipal solid waste, commercial by-products, surface runoff).
debris, scarred landforms.
Soil Pollution: It is caused by
Plastic pollution: It is caused by plastic Chemical spill or underground leakage
products in the environment, adversely (hydrocarbons, heavy metals, MTBE,
affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, or humans. pesticides).
The pollutants may be inorganic, biological or radiological in nature.

(i) Bio-degradable pollutants are domestic wastes which are rapidly decomposed by
micro-organisms.
(ii) Non-biodegradable pollutants include chemicals, mercuric salts, lead compounds,
pesticides, etc.
(iii) Natural pollution is caused by radioactive substances, volcanic eruptions, forests and
mines fires, floods, etc.
According to UNICEF, more than 3000 children die everyday globally due to consumption of contaminated drinking water.
(iv) Artificial pollution is caused by It hinders the movement of air in

industries, thermal plants, automobile, and out of lungs. It is particularly
exhausts, sewage, etc. poisonous to trees causing chlorosis
Environment: The conditions existing and dwarfing. In presence of air it is
around animal or human life. oxidised which is also irritant.
Atmosphere : The gaseous envelop 2SO2 + O2 (air) → 2SO3
surrounding the earth. It has been classified In presence of moisture it is converted
into following regions:- into highly corrosive sulphuric acid.
(i) Stratosphere: The layer of the earth’s SO3 + H2O (moisture) → H2SO4
atmosphere above the troposphere It attacks marble, limestone,
and below the mesosphere. vegetation, paper and textiles and
(ii) Troposphere: The lowest region of injurious to human beings.
the atmosphere extending from earth’s (iii) Oxides of nitrogen: Source - combustion
surface to the lower boundary of the of coal, gasoline, natural gas, petroleum
stratosphere. In this region, human refining, chemical plants, manufacturing
beings along with other organisms live. explosives and fertilizers, tobacco smoke.
It contains water vapour and is greatly Breathing NO2 causes chlorosis to
affected by air pollution. plants and chronic lung conditions
Note: The other two layers are leading to death. It reacts with moisture
Thermosphere and Mesosphere. to form acids.
Material that get into the stratosphere (iv) Smoke, dust:
can stay there for long time, such is the Sources: cement works, iron and steel
case for the ozone - destroying chemicals works, gas works, power generating
called CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). stations.
Smog: It is a mixture of smoke and fog
Air Pollution in suspended droplet form. It is of two
• The WHO defines air pollution as, "the types:
presence of materials in the air in such (a) London smog or classical smog:
a concentration which are harmful to It is coal smoke plus fog. The fog
man and his environment." part is mainly SO2 and SO3. It has
• Infact, are pollution is the addition sulphuric acid aerosol. It causes
of foreign particles, gas and other bronchial irritation and acid rain.
pollutants into the atmosphere which (b) Photochemical smog or Los
have an adverse effect on human beings, Angeles smog: The oxidised
animals, vegetation, buildings, etc. hydrocarbons and ozone in
Air Pollutants presence of humidity cause
photochemical smog.
Hydrocarbons + O2, NO2, NO, O,
Carbon Sulphur Nitrogen Smoke and O3 → Peroxides, formaldehyde,
monoxide dioxide Oxides dust
peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN), acrolein
Air pollutants: The major air pollutants are etc.
(i) Carbon monoxide (CO): It is produced It is oxidising in nature and causes
by incomplete combustion of gasoline irritation to eyes, lungs, nose,
in motor vehicles, wood, coal, asthmatic attack and damage plants.
incineration and forest fires. • Acid rain: The oxides of C, N and S
It is deadly poisonous gas. It induces present in the atmosphere, dissolve
headache, visual difficulty, coma and in water and produce acids and
death. It blocks the normal transport of lower the pH of water below 5.5.
oxygen from the lungs to other parts of The acids are toxic to vegetation, react
the body. with marble and damage buildings.
(ii) Sulphur dioxide (SO2): It is produced Acids corrode water pipes and produce
by petrol combustion, coal combustion, salts with heavy metals ions viz Cu, Pb,
petrol refining and smelting operations. Hg and Al toxic in nature.
Pollen and aeroallergan in high levels also leads to rising temperature. This causes asthma which affects 300 millions
people worldwide.
GK-258
Air Pollution is a major factor in many of the world's leading causes of death
Global burden of disease Burden attributable to
motorized road transport
Rank Cause Deaths DALYs Deaths DALYs
1 Ischemic heart disease 7,029,270 129,795,464 90,639 1,909,563
2 Stroke 5,874,181 102,238,999 58,827 1,148,699
3 COPD 2,899,941 76,778,819 17,266 346,376
4 Lower respiratory 2,814,379 115,227,062 5,670 489,540
infections
5 Lung cancer 1,527,102 32,405,411 11,395 232,646
6 HIV/AIDS 1,465,369 81,549,177 -- --
7 Diarrheal disease 1,445,798 89,523,909 -- --
8 Road injury 1,328,536 75,487,102 1,328,536 75,487,104
9 Diabetes Mellitus 1,281,345 46,857,136 -- --
10 Tuberculosis 1,195,990, 49,399,351 -- --
All other causes 24,207,527 1,682,995,639 -- --
Total 52,769,676 2,482,258,070 1,512,333 79,613,928
Air pollution can also pose a significant cost on GDP
CO2 emissions (million tons) Deaths %GDP
China 8287 1,233,890 9.7%-13.2%
United States 5433 103,027 3.2%-4.6%
India 2009 627,426 5.5%-7.5%
Russia 1741 94,558 6.9%-9.8%
Japan 1171 64,196 4.9%-7.7%
Germany 745 41,582 5.1%-7.3%
Iran 572 32,288 4.7%-6.2%
South Korea 568 23,036 4.6%-7.1%
Canada 499 7,171 2.0%-3.2%
United Kingdom 494 23,373 3.7%-5.5%
Saudi Arabia 464 8,550 3.4%-4.4%
South Africa 460 3,208 0.6%-1.0%
Mexico 444 20,496 1.9%-2.5%
Indonesia 434 63,826 2.8%-3.9%
Brazil 420 7,582 0.3%-0.7%
Greenhouse Effect Consequences of global warming:

The retention of heat by the earth and (i) Rise in sea level due to increased rate
atmosphere from the sun and its prevention of melting of glaciers and floods.
to escape into the outer space is known as (ii) Increase in infectious diseases like
greenhouse effect. malaria, dengue, etc.
Global warming is average increase in the Ozone layer and its depletion
temperature of earth due to increase in The ozone layer, existing between 20 to
concentration of greenhouse gases. 35 km above the earth’s surface, shield
To address climate change, countries adopted the Paris Agreement at the COP 21 in Paris on 12 December 2015. In this agreement, all
countries agreed to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degree celsius, and given the grave risk, to strive for 1.5 degrees celsius.
the Earth from the harmful U.V. radiations (f) Wastes from fertilizer plants such as
from the Sun. The U.V. radiations cause phosphates, nitrates ammonia, etc.
skin cancer, cataract of eye, and harm to (g) Clay: Ores, minerals, fine particles of soil.
vegetation. Aerobic and anaerobic oxidation
Depletion of ozone is caused by oxides of The oxidation of organic compounds
nitrogen. present in sewage in presence of good
N2 + hv → N + N amount of dissolved or free oxygen (approx.
reactive nitric oxide 8.5 ml/l) by aerobic bacterials is called
The presence of chlorofluorocarbons also aerobic oxidation. When dissolved or free
increase the decomposition of O3. oxygen is below a certain value the sewage
Control of air pollution
is called stale. Anaerobic bacterias bring
It can be controlled by
out putrefaction producing H2S, NH3, CH4,
1. Dissolving HCl, HF in water and, in
(NH4)2S, etc. This type of oxidation is called
alkaline solution.
anaerobic oxidation.
2. Adsorbing gas and liquid molecules
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
over activated charcoal and silica gel.
It is defined as the amount of free oxygen
3. Chemical reactions.
required for biological oxidation of the
4. Use of precipitators to settle charge
organic matter by aerobic conditions at
particles.
20°C for a period of five days. Its unit is mg/l
5. Use of settling chambers under the action
or ppm. An average sewage has BOD of 100
of gravity.
to 150 mg/l.
6. Use of natural gas in place of diesel,
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
petrol, etc.
It is a measure of all types of oxidisable
Water Pollution impurities present in the sewage. COD
The contamination of water by foreign values are higher than BOD values.
substances which would constitute a health Soil Pollution
hazard and make it harmful for all purposes
The addition of substances in an indefinite
(domestic, industrial or agriculture, etc.) is
proportion changing the productivity of the
known as water pollution. The polluted
soil is known as soil or land pollution.
water may have offensive odour, bad taste,
Sources of soil pollution
unpleasant colour, murky oily, etc.
(i) Agricultural pollutants: Chemicals
Sources of water pollution
like pesticides, fertilizers, bacteriacides,
(a) Domestic sewage: Discharges from
kitchens, baths, lavatories, etc. fumigants, insecticides, herbicides,
(b) Industrial waters: Wastes from fungicides.
manufacturing processes which (ii) Domestic refuge and industrial wastes.
includes acids, alkalines, pesticides, (iii) Radioactive wastes from research centres,
insecticides, metals like copper, zinc, and hospitals.
lead, mercury, fungicides, etc. (iv) Soil conditioners containing toxic metals
(c) Oil: From oil spills or washings of like Hg, Pb, As, Cd, etc.
automobiles. (v) Farm wastes from poultries, dairies and
(d) Atomic explosion and processing of piggery farms.
radioactive materials. (vi) Improper disposal of human and
(e) Suspended particles (organic or animal excreta.
inorganic) viruses, bacterias, algae, (vii) Pollutants present in air from chemical
protozoa, etc. works.
The Red list of 2012 was released on 19 July 2012 at Rio +20 Earth Summit, nearly 2000 species were added, with 4 species
to the extinct list, 2 to the rediscovered list.
GK-260
Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
Greenhouse effect is the phenomenon of heating of atmosphere as a result of short wave
radiations transmitted inward through earth atmosphere owing to its absorption by
atmospheric carbon dioxide, water vapour, methane, and other gases. It’s a natural process
that keeps the temperature suitable for sustenance of life. But the matter of concern is
enhanced greenhouse effect which refers to intensification of the effect due to increase
in the toxic gaseous envelop of these gases and ultimately lead to the rise of temperature.
The process of rise in temperature is known as Global Warming.
Greenhouse gas emission in the atmosphere absorbs and emits radiation within the
thermal infrared range. The primary green house gases in Earth’s atmosphere are water
vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
WHO IS DOING WHAT FOR CLIMATE?

GHG emission Country
CHINA : Envisages a peak in emissions by around 2030, and reducing carbon
intensity (CO2 emitted per unit of GDP) by 60-65% by 2030 compared with
I 24% 2005 levels. The world’s most populous nation will boost the share of non-
fossil fuel in primary energy consumption from 11.2% in 2014 to 20%, and
boost the volume of CO2-absorbing forest by about 4.5 billion cubic metres.
UNITED STATES : Has pledged a 26-28% reduction in emissions from 2005
II 15.5%
levels by 2025. Power plants are to cut carbon dioxide pollution by 32% by 2030.
EUROPEAN UNION : The 28-member bloc tends to cut emissions by at least
III 10.8% 40% by 2030 over 1990 levels, and has set 27% targets for renewable energy
supply and efficiency gains.
INDIA : Plans to reduce carbon intensity by 35% by 2030 from 2005 levels,
IV 6.4%
and generate 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by the same date.
RUSSIA : Has mooted cutting emissions by 25-30% by 2030 from 1990 levels,
V 4.9% conditional on the pledges of other “major emitters”.
JAPAN : Has pledged a 26% reduction in emissions from 2013 levels by 2030,
with nuclear energy – offline since the 2011 Fukushima disaster – providing
VI 2.9%
20-22% of electricity by then. Renewable electricity production, including
hydro power, would be expanded to a 22-24% share, from 11% in 2014.
VII 2.1% BRAZIL : Will cut emissions by 37% by 2025 from 2005 and 43% by 2030.
IRAN : Iran has made an unconditional pledge to reduce its greenhouse gas
emissions in 2030 by four per cent compared with a “business as usual”
VIII 1.6% secnario. In addition, Tehran said it would reduce emissions by another
8% if it receives financial and technology support, and if what it describes
as : unjust sanctions where lifted.
INDONESIA : A 29% cut in emissions by 2030 compared with what the level
IX 1.6% would have been with our any action. With financial and other help, this could
be raised to 41%.
CANADA : Will seek to cut emissions by 30% from the 2005 levels by 2030.
X 1.5% Canada has done its bit by cutting carbon emission and putting a curb on
pollution in major cities in the country.
Source: TOI
India's Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are amongst the 32 biodiversity hotspots on Earth.
Carbon Budget
A carbon budget is the maximum amount of carbon that can be released into the atmosphere while
keeping a reasonable chance of staying below a given temperature rise. The concept of carbon budget
was first time adopted by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its 2013 report. In
its most recent synthesis report, published in early 2014 states that the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) laid out estimates of how much CO2 we can emit and still keep global average
temperature rise to no more than 1.5C, 2C or 3C above pre-industrial levels.
The first four carbon budgets, leading to year 2027, have been set in law. The UK is currently in
the second carbon budget period (2013-17). Meeting the fourth carbon budget (2023-27) will
require that emissions be reduced by 50% on 1990 levels in 2025.
Carbon Sinks are increasing with time:
As Carbon dioxide is increasing day by day in the atmosphere the three major sink (atmosphere,
ocean and land) are absorbing more carbon. The carbon sink are increasing alarmingly due to
deforestation, fossil fuel emission and industrialization. Although we tend to focus on growing
atmospheric carbon concentrations, ocean acidification is also hugely worrying. As the world
continues to warm the future function of ocean and land sinks may come under strain.
Global Share of CO2
The largest producers of CO2 emissions worldwide in 2015, based on their share of global CO2
emissions. In recent years, there has been a tremendous surge in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels
in the atmosphere. These atmospheric carbon dioxide rises are believed to be the result of the
earth’s industrialization. China was the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide; the country accounted
for around 28.03 percent of global CO2 emissions that year. In 2014 five largest CO2 producers
includes United States of America, Brazil, Russia India and China out of which China is at the top
position in carbon dioxide emission. Today, there are a number of measures to reduce carbon
dioxide emissions. These measures include reforestation, the introduction of a price for carbon,
a reduction of livestock and a decreased use of fossil fuels in energy generation.
INDIA'S INITIATIVES TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

•• National Solar Mission: The NAPCC (National Action Plan for Climate Change) aims to
promote the development and use of solar energy for power generation and other uses with
the ultimate objective of making solar competitive with fossil-based energy options.
•• National Water Mission: With water scarcity projected to worsen as a result of climate
change, the plan set a goal of a 20% improvement in water use efficiency through pricing
and other measures.
•• National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: To promote energy efficiency as a core
component of urban planning.
•• National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency: The government initiative will
address national problems of inefficient energy use.
•• National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem: The plan aims to conserve
biodiversity, forest cover, and other ecological values in the Himalayan region, where
glaciers that are a major source of India’s water supply are projected to recede as a result
of global warming.
•• National Mission for a “green India”: Goals include the afforestation of 6 million hectares
of degraded forest lands and expanding forest cover from 23% to 33% of India’s territory.
•• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: The plan aims to support climate
adapation in agriculture through the development of climate-resilient crops, expansion
of weather insurance mechanisms,and agricultural practices.
•• National Mission on Strategic knowledge for Climate Change: To gain better
understanding of climate science, impacts and challenges, the plan envisions a new
Climate Science Research Fund, improved climate modeling, and increased international
collaboration.
International conventions for climate change entered into force on 21 March 1994.
GK-262
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

Convention Place Crucial documents
International Washington, •• To keep under review and revise as necessary
Whaling Commission D.C., United the measures laid down in the Schedule to the
(1946) States. Convention which govern the conduct of whaling
throughout the world.
Convention on Washington, •• Help in conservation of species
International Trade in U.S.A.
Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora
(1963)
Ramsar Convention Ramsar, Iran •• Halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and
on Wetland (1971) •• To conserve, use and manage, those that remain.
•• This requires international cooperation, policy
making, capacity building and technology transfer.
Convention on the Bad •• It is an intergovernmental treaty
Conservation of Godesberg, •• Should promote, cooperate in and support
Migratory Species of Germany research relating to migratory species
Wild Animals (1976) •• Endeavour to provide immediate protection for
migratory species
•• Conservation and management of migratory
species included in Appendix II
International Tropical Geneva •• Provide an effective framework for cooperation
Timber Organization between tropical timber producers and consumers
(1983) •• To encourage the development of national policies
aimed at sustainable utilization
•• Conservation of tropical forests and their genetic
resources
Montreal Protocol Helsinki, •• Play role in controlling the ozone depletion
on Substances that Finland
Deplete the Ozone
Layer (1987)
Basel Convention on Basel, •• To reduce hazardous waste generation and
the Control of Trans Switzerland promote environmental sound management
boundary Movements system for their disposal.
of Hazardous Wastes •• Restrict trans boundary movement of such wastes and
and Their Disposal •• Provide regulatory system applying to cases where
(1989) such movement is allowable.
United nation Rio de •• Draft Earth Charter
Conference on Janeiro, •• Convention on climate change and Biological
environment and Brazil Diversity
Development or •• Convention on Forest
Earth Summit (1992) •• Agenda 21
Convention on •• The conservation of biological diversity
Biological Diversity •• The sustainable use of the components of
(1993) biological diversity
•• The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits
arising out of the utilization of genetic resources
The existing Tiger Reserves represent around one-third of India's high density forest area.
The United Nations Kyoto, Japan •• Gather and share information on greenhouse gas
Framework emissions, national policies and best practices
Convention on •• Launch national strategies for addressing
Climate Change greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to
(1994) expected impacts, including the provision of
financial and technological support to developing
countries
•• Cooperate in preparing for adaptation to the
impacts of climate change
Global tiger forum New Delhi, •• Set up to embark on a worldwide campaign to
(1994) India save the wild tiger
United Nations •• Promotes a global response to desertification,
Convention to Combat land degradation and drought
Desertification (1994)
United Nations •• Implementation of agreements and foster a
Forum on Forests common understanding on sustainable forest
(2000) management;
•• To provide policy development and dialogue among
Governments and international organizations,
•• To enhance cooperation
•• To foster international cooperation and
•• To monitor, assess and report on progress of the
above functions and objectives
•• Tostrengthenpoliticalcommitmenttothemanagement,
conservation and sustainable development.
Stockholm Stockholm, •• It develops a risk management evaluation
Convention on Sweden •• Determines whether the substance fulfills POP
Persistent Organic screening.
Pollutants (2001) •• Manage and dispose of POPs wastes in an
environmentally sound manner
Rotterdam Rotterdam, •• Convention promotes open exchange of information
Convention Netherlands •• Calls on exporters of hazardous chemicals to use
(2004) proper labeling
•• Inform purchasers of any known restrictions or
bans
KYOTO Protocol the Kyoto Protocol have committed to cut
Kyoto Protocol was an agreement negotiated emissions of not only carbon dioxide, but of
by many countries in December 1997 and also other greenhouse gases, being:
came into force with Russia's ratification on Methane (CH4)
February 16, 2005. The reason for the lengthy Nitrous oxide (N2O)
timespan between the terms of agreement Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
being settled upon and the protocol being
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
engaged was due to terms of Kyoto requiring at If participant countries continue with
least 55 parties to ratify the agreement and for emissions above the targets, then they are
the total of those parties emission to be at least required to engage in emissions trading;
55% of global production of greenhouse gases. i.e. buying “credits” from other participant
The protocol was developed under the countries who are able to exceed their
United Nations Framework Convention on reduction targets in order to offset.
Climate Change. The goals of Kyoto were to see participants
UNFCCC collectively reducing emissions of greenhouse
Participating countries that have ratified gases by 5.2% below the emission levels of
(which is an important term that I'll clearly) 1990 by 2012.
Hemis National Park in Jammu and Kashmir is the largest national park in India.
GK-264
While the 5.2% figure is a collective one, This phenomenon, whether intended or
individual countries were assigned higher coincidental is a major hole in the Kyoto
or lower targets and some countries were Protocol.
permitted increases. For Example, the USA
was expected to reduce emissions by 7%.
About National Air Quality Index
India and China, which have ratified •• The national AQI is published for every
the Kyoto protocol, are not obligated to month by CPCB along with a numerical
reduce greenhouse gas production at the value and a colour code which helps in
moment as they are developing countries; comparing air pollution levels in cities.
i.e. they weren't seen as the main culprits •• It is determined on the basis of
for emissions during the period of concentration of 8 pollutants, including
industrialization thought to be the cause for Particulate Matter (PM 2.5, PM 10),
the global warming of today. sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide
This is a little odd given that China is about to (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) ozone
overtake the USA in emissions, but take into
(O3), ammonia (NH3) and lead (Pb).
account the major differences in population
•• The colour categories are classified into
and that much of the production in these
countries is fuelled by demand from the West 6 categories depending upon numerical
and influence from the West on their own value as Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-
culture. As a result of this loophole, the West 100), Moderately polluted (101-200),
has effectively outsourced much of its carbon Poor (201-300), Very poor (301-400)
emissions to China and India. and Severe (401-500).
ANIMAL WELFARE
People for the Ethical Treatment of WWF’s giant panda logo originated from a
Animals (PETA) panda named Chi Chi. It has been designed
by Sir Peter Scott from preliminary sketches
It is a non-profitable American animal rights
made by Gerald Watterson.
organization based in Norfolk, Virginia.
The main missions of WWF are as follows:
Led by Ingrid Newkirk, its international
•• conserving the world’s biological diversity
president, founded in 1980 with a slogan of •• ensuring that the use of renewable
“Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment natural resources is sustainable
on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any •• promoting the reduction of pollution
other way.” It focuses its attention on the
and wasteful consumption.
four areas in which the largest numbers of
At present WWF’s current strategy of
animals suffer the most intensely for the
achieving its mission which is related to
longest periods of time: on factory farms, in restoring populations of 36 species (species
the clothing trade, in laboratories, and in the or species groups that are important for
entertainment industry. their ecosystem or to people, including
World Wide Fund for Nature elephants, tunas, whales, dolphins and
porpoises), and ecological footprint in 6
The organisation was conceived in
areas (carbon emissions, cropland, grazing
Morges, Switzerland (29 April, 1961).
It is an international non-governmental land, fishing, forestry and water).
organization in nature. Works in the field Animal Welfare Board of India
related to biodiversity conservation, and Functions
the reduction of humanity’s footprint on •• To keep the law in force in India for
the environment. It is the world’s largest the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
conservation organization with the slogan under constant study and to advise
of “For a Living Planet.” The method of its the government on the amendments
working involves Lobbying Research and to be undertaken in any such law from
Consultancy. Basically it’s a charitable trust. time to time.
Rann of Kutch, also known as the Indian Wild Ass sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India.
•• To advise the Central Government on think fit for amelioration of animals

the making of rules under the Act with a by encouraging, or providing for the
view to preventing unnecessary pain or construction of sheds, water troughs
suffering to animals. and the like and by providing for
•• To advise in the design of vehicles so as veterinary assistance to animals.
to lessen the burden on draught animals. •• To advise in the design of slaughter
•• To take all such steps as the Board may houses or its maintenance.
INDIA INITIATIVES TOWARDS ANIMAL PROTECTION

Project Tiger Project Elephant (PE)
It is a Government of India initiative for It is a Central Government initiative to
conserving its national animal, the tiger. The provide financial and technical support
project was launched in 1973. Since then the to major elephant bearing states of India.
number of tiger reserve has been increased It was launched in February 1992. It aims
from 9 to 47 which accounts for 2.08% the at protecting the elephants, their habitat
total geographical area of our country. The
and corridor. It also looks after the human
area of tiger projects have been developed
elephant issues. It is implemented in 13
on core/buffer strategy. The core areas
are legally termed as National Parks and States / UTs, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal
the buffering areas are a mixture of forest Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka,
and non-forest land managed as a multiple Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Tamil
used area. The project aims at fostering an Nadu, Uttranchal, Uttar Pradesh and West
exclusive tiger agenda in the core areas of Bengal.
tiger reserves, with an inclusive people SAVE
oriented agenda in the buffer
Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction
Project Rhino (SAVE) is a consortium of regional and
It was joint venture of the Assam Forest international organization to co-ordinate
Department and Wildlife Trust of India conservation, campaigning and fundraising
- International Fund for Animal Welfare activities to help the plight of south Asia’s
(WTI-IFAW) and initiated in February 2006 vultures. The key strategies of vulture
with the trans location of a hand-raised conservation SAVE is involved in a wide
rhino calf to Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.
range of conservation activities across
The projects aims at repopulating the one
South Asia including:
horn rhino by displacing them to Manas
wild life sanctuary from Kaziranga National •• breeding vultures in captivity so that
Park. The whole project is supported by their offspring can be released back in
Bodoland Territorial Council and the Assam to the wild when the environment is
Forest Department. free from diclofenac
•• an active advocacy programme targeting
Project Crocodile Conservation
the vets and farmers using diclofenac
It was launched in 1975 in different States •• legislation controlling the manufacture
for protecting the endangered crocodile
and sale of veterinary drugs
species like Gharial, Gavialis gangeticus;
•• in-situ conservation actions focused
Mugger crocodile, Crocodylus palustris
and Saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus were around the small but key remaining
on the verge of extinction by the seventies. vulture populations in the wild
The funds and technical support for the •• an active research programme that
project came from UNDP/ FAO through the underpins these activities and monitors
Government of India. their effectiveness
In India the first biosphere reserve, Nilgiri was declared in 1986.

GK-266
Project Dolphin For conservation of dolphins, India’s first
Gangetic river dolphins is India’s national Dolphin Community Reserve established
aquatic animal and is often known as the in West Bengal to protect the endangered
‘Tiger of the Ganges’. This dolphin species is mammal, Gangetic river dolphins. The
an indicator animal which represent healthy reserve would be set up in the Hooghly
river ecosystem in a same position as a tiger River between Malda and Sundarbans as
in a forest. Their population is estimated to
per provisions of Wildlife Protection Act,
be less than 2,000 in the country. Some of the
major threats are habitat fragmentation due 1972. State Forest department also has
to construction of dams and barrages, direct announced that it would also conduct
killing, indiscriminate fishing and pollution a census to estimate the population of
of rivers. dolphins.
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
•• The Water (Prevention and Control of •• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
Pollution) Act, 1974 •• The Forest (Conservation) Rules, 1981
•• The Water (Prevention and Control of •• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Pollution) Rules, 1975 •• The Wildlife (Transactions and
•• The Water (Prevention and Control of Taxidermy) Rules, 1973
Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 •• The Wildlife (Stock Declaration) Central
•• The Water (Prevention and Control of Rules, 1973
Pollution) Cess Rules, 1978 •• The Wildlife (Protection) Licensing
•• The Air (Prevention and Control of (Additional Matters for Consideration)
Rules, 1983
Pollution) Act, 1981
•• The Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 1995
•• The Air (Prevention and Control of
•• The Wildlife (Specified Plants - Conditions
Pollution) Rules, 1982 for Possession by Licensee) Rules, 1995
•• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 •• The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
•• The Environment (Protection) Rules, •• The Public Liability Insurance Rules,
1986 1991
•• Hazardous Wastes (Management and •• The National Environment Tribunal
Handling) Rules, 1989 Act, 1995
•• Manufacture, Storage and Import of •• The National Environment Appellate
Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 Authority Act, 1997
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Hazards are the situations which occur on loss of vegetation, loss of farmland, loss of
the earth surface and have the capability livestock and loss of life due to famine or
of impacting life, health, property and dehydration.
environment negatively. When they really
start impacting they turned into disasters. Floods
Major types of natural disasters are: These are the overflow of water from rivers
Drought and streams which submerge the connected
dry lands caused due to excessive
It is a period of unexpected rainfall deficit
precipitation driven by atmospheric factors.
which results in a shortage of water, which
develops slowly affecting an extensive They can be divided into two types, river
area. The associated impacts of drought flood and sea flood basing upon their place
are the lack of adequate drinking water, of occurrence.
Tiger census added 295 tigers and total estimated population reaches to 1706. In the latest census, Karnataka has surpassed
Madhya Pradesh for the number of tigers.
'Chennai' the capital city of Tamil Nadu Super Typhoon Meranti has become
along with its surrounding areas had the strongest cyclone hurricane or
faced one of the most dangerous and typhoon, of 2016 and is one of three most
catastrophic flood situation during 1st powerful typhoons ever recorded.
and 2nd week of December 2015 as Cyclonic storm ‘Komen’ hit Bangladesh
a result heavy down pour which had coast on 30th July 2015, bringing
occurred from 28th Nov to 4th Dec heavy rainfall to Gangetic West Bengal
2015. and Odisha. The wind speed was
approximately 300km/h.
Tsunamis Landslide
These are the series of huge sea waves that It is a downward movement of rock and
strike a coast with the massive amount soil debris that becomes detached from the
of water in the coastal areas as a result of underlying slope. The material can move
by falling, toppling, sliding, spreading and
underwater seismic disturbances.
flowing.
Earthquakes
Twand district in Arunachal Pradesh
These are the vibration of the earth surface faced a landslides triggered by heavy
caused due to the convergence of two plates rains on April 24, 2016
under the earth crust giving rise to physical
damage such as demolition of buildings, Forest Fire
rupture in the roads etc. Human-made forest fires in the
Himalayan state of Uttarakhand have
Nepal earthquake killed over 9,000 been regular and a historic feature. In
people and injured more than 23,000 2016 Indian state of Uttarakhand caught
occurred on 25th April 2015 with forest fire in mainly pine forest in the
intensity of 7.8 on Richter Scale. slope of sub-Himalayan Region. The
forest department estimated that 3,500
Tornadoes hectares (8,600 acres) of forest had been
These are the localized gust of wind moving burnt. National Disaster Response Force
in a circular motion over the land surface. was deployed for rescue operations in
the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. MI-
Generally they form funnel like structure
17 helicopters were used to spray water
and commonly termed as thunder storm as to control forest fire. Reports were
well. published in local media which variously
blamed local people and timber mafia for
Numerous tornadoes scoured the the forest fires.
landscape across central Indiana and into
Northwest Ohio on August 24,2016 Managing a Disaster
•• Disaster management practices are
Hurricanes the policies, initiative or operational
These are the typical disturbance of the activities, that pertains to various
North Atlantic and East Pacific Oceans. stages of disasters at all levels.
In other ocean basins they are known •• These are applied management
as Typhoons, Tropical Cyclones, or practices with systematic observation
Cyclones. These are the low pressure zones and analysis of the types of disaster,
measures of improvement related
over the ocean surface which continues to
to prevention, emergency response,
intensify as long as they are moving on it. recovery and mitigation and finally
Once they hit the coast they start to weaken planning for and responding to
and result into heavy down pour with high disasters including both pre and post
velocity of wind. disaster activities.
In 2016, forest fire, have been noted in pine forest of Uttarakhand and according to forest department 3,500 hectares of
forest had been burnt.
GK-268
Integrated Disaster Management
Recovery
Preparedness Response
(Activities prior (Activities during (Activities following (Activities that reduce
to a disaster) a disaster) a disaster) effects of disasters)
•• Preparedness •• Public Warning •• Temporary •• Building codes &
plans system housing Zoning
•• Emergency •• Emergency •• Claims •• Vulnerability
exercises Operations processing analyses
•• Training, •• Search and •• Grants •• Public education
•• Warning Sytem rescue •• Medical care
Institutional Framework for Disaster  22nd March: World Water Day

Management
2016 Theme: Better Water, Better Jobs
The disaster management practice is an
integrated effort of several institution  23rd March: World Meteorological Day
who joins hand together to mitigate the
2016 Theme: Hotter, Drier, Weter – Face
problem and rehabilitate the victims in
best possible way. The top down approach the Future.
of the institutional framework for disaster  22nd April: World Earth Day
management cell is as follows:
Disaster Management Structure 2016 Theme: Trees for the earth.
•• NDMA Apex Body with Prime  5th June: World Environment Day
Minister as Chairperson.
•• National Executive Committee - 2016 Theme: Zero tolerance for the
Secretaries of 14 Ministries and Chief illegal trade in Wildlife
of Integrated Defence Staff.  8th June: World Ocean Day
Centre Level
2016 Theme: Healthy Ocean healthy
•• Central Ministries; National Disaster
Management Authority, Planet.
•• National Institute of Disaster  29th July: International Tiger Day
Management
 16th September: World Ozone Day
•• National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF). 2016 Theme: Ozone and climate:
State Level Restored by a world united.
•• SDMA headed by Chief Minister.  3rd October: World Habitat Day.
•• State Executive Committee (SEC).
2016 Theme: Housing at the centre.
District Level
 3rd December: World Conservation
•• DDMA headed by District Magistrate.
•• Interface between Govt. and Public. Day
Important Dates for Ecology &  5th December: World Soil Day
Environment
2016 Theme: Soil and pulses, a
 2nd February: World Wetland Day symbiosis for life.
2016 Theme: Wetland for one future:  14th December: National Energy
Sustainable livelihood. Conservation Day
Ecology term was coined by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel.

ECONOMY
TOP ECONOMICAL TRENDS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

GK-270
ECONOMY
ECONOMY
Micro-Macro
Public Finance Indian Economy
Economics
Demand Budget Naonal Income

Supply
Revenue Terms
Price
Expenditure Measurement
Elascity
Deficit Human Development
Marginal
Ulity Tax Index
Equilibrium Types Five Year Plans
Revenue & Poverty
Classificaon
Cost Unemployment
Methods
Profit & Loss Type
Recession & Banking &
Schemes
Depression Insurance Agriculture
Market Deficit Financing Green Revoluon
Factors of in India NABARD
Producon Government Food Security
Land Industries
Subsidies
Labour
Finance Manufacturing
Capital
Services
Entrepreneur Commission
Inflaon Stock Exchanges
SEBI
MICRO–MACRO ECONOMICS
Demand the amount of a certain good producers are

willing to supply when receiving a certain
Demand refers to how much (quantity)
of a product (goods) or service is desired price. The correlation between price & how
by buyers. The quantity demanded is the much of a good or service is supplied to the
amount of a product people are willing market is known as the supply relationship.
to buy at a certain price; the relationship The law of supply states that as the price of a
between price & quantity demanded is good increases (or decreases), the quantity of
that good supplied will increase (decrease).
known as the demand relationship. The law
of demand states that as the price of a good Price
increases (or decreases), the quantity of that Price is the amount of money that has to
good demanded will decrease (increase). be paid to acquire a given product. Price
mechanism is based on the principle that
Supply only by allowing prices to move freely,
Supply represents how much the market the supply of any given commodity match
can offer. The quantity supplied refers to demand. If supply is excessive, prices will
India’s retail market is estimated to be worth US$450 billion.
ECONOMY GK-271
be low & production will be reduced, this Elasticity

will cause prices to rise until there is a The concept of elasticity is intended to
balance of demand & supply. In the same measure the degree of responsiveness
way, if supply is inadequate, prices will be of a buyer or seller to a change in a key
high, leading to an increase in production determinant, in particular price.
that in turn will lead to a reduction in OR
prices until both supply & demand are in Elasticity is a ratio of relative changes in
equilibrium. quantity demanded/supplied & price.
Elasticity – I
(Price is determinant)
Demand Supply
Elastic ← (buyer response) → Inelastic Elastic ← (seller response) → Inelastic
Quantity Supply is
Price↑
OR
Price↓ Demanded Price↑ OR Price↓ unaffected
⇓ ⇓ ⇓ ⇓
is same at when price
Demand↓ Demand↑ Supply ↑ Supply ↓
any price changes
Elasticity – II
(Demand/supply is determinant)
Demand Supply
Elastic ← (seller response) → Inelastic Elastic ← (buyer response) → Inelastic

Price is
Price is unaffected
Demand↑ Demand↓ Supply ↑ Supply↓
constant ⇓ OR ⇓ when supply
⇓ OR ⇓ irrespective Price ↓ Price ↑ changes
Price↑ Price↓
of demand
Marginal Utility equilibrium. At this point, the suppliers

Marginal utility is the additional satisfaction are selling all the goods that they have
a consumer gains from consuming one produced & consumers are getting all the
more unit of a goods or service. It is used by goods that they are demanding.
the economist to determine how much of an
Supply
item a consumer will buy.
Equillibrium Equilibrium
Price
When supply & demand are equal (i.e. when Demand

the supply function & demand function
intersect) the economy is said to be at Quantity
Mumbai is the financial capital of India and headquarter of LIC, NSE, BSE.
GK-272
ECONOMY
Revenue
Revenue refers to the amount received by a firm or an individual from the sale of a given
quantity of a commodity in the market. It is directly influenced by sales level, i.e. as sales
increases, revenue also increases.
REVENUE
Total Revenue (TR) Average Revenue (AR) Marginal Revenue (MR)

↓ ↓ ↓
TR = Quantity of TR It is the addition of TR
commodity sold AR= from the sale of one extra
No. of units sold
× Price of commodity.
commodity
Change in total revenue
MR =
Change in total quantity
Cost
Cost is defined as the money expenditure incurred by the producer to purchase ( or hire)
factors of production & raw materials to produce goods & services.
TYPES OF COST
Fixed cost Variable cost Explicit cost Implicit cost
Expenditure on Expenditure on Expenditure in- Cost of self

hiring/purchasing of variable inputs curred on both fixed supplied
fixed inputs (eg. land) (eg. labour) & variable inputs factors
CONCEPTS
Total Cost (TC) Average Cost (AC) Marginal Cost (MC)

↓ ↓ ↓
TC = Total fixed AC = Total cost MC = Increase in total
cost + Total variable cost Total output cost due to increase in
one extra unit of output
Profit Loss
Profit is the surplus of revenue over total Loss is a situation in which a producer does
cost of production. not earn the level of profit that would justify
remaining in business in the long run.
Profit = Total Revenue – Total Cost
Normal profit: This occurs when total Loss = Total cost – Total revenue
revenue is equal to total cost. This is
the Break-even Point for a firm. It is the Recession
minimum profit level to keep the firm in the A period of temporary economic decline
industry in the long run. during which trade and industrial activity
Supernormal profit: This occurs when are reduced, generally identified by a fall in
total revenue is more than total cost. GDP in two successive quarters.
According to 2016 estimates, India has more than 502.3 million available labour force..
ECONOMY GK-273
Depression Market
A period during which business, employment, Market is a place where forces of demand &
& stock-market values decline severely or supply operate, & where buyers and sellers
remain at a very low level of activity. interact to trade goods, services, or contracts
or instruments, for money or barter.
FEATURES OF MARKET STRUCTURE
S. Market Types of Numbers of Entry & exit Price determination
No. product sellers/firms
1. Perfect Homogeneous Many Freedom of entry Firms are price-takers
competition product & exit
2. Monopoly Unique One Barriers to entry Firm is price-makers
3. Oligopoly Differentiated Few Barriers to entry Firm are price-makers
products
4. Monopolistic Differentiated Many Freedom of entry Firms are price - makers
Competition products & exit
Factors of Production profit from it by combining all other

factors of production.
An economic term to describe the inputs
that are used in the production of goods or Inflation
services in the attempt to make an economic In a broad sense, inflation is that state in
profit are called factors of production. The which the prices of goods & services rise on
factors of production include – land, labour, one hand & value of money falls on the other.
capital & entrepreneurship.
Types of Inflation
•• Land: Represents all natural resources
used in the production of goods. 1. Demand Pull Inflation: It is that inflation
•• Labour: All work that labourers & workers
when prices rise due to higher demand
for goods & services over the available
perform at all levels of an organization.
supply.
•• Capital: All of the tools, machinery, cash
2. Cost Push Inflation: It is the type of
used to produce a goods or service.
inflation in which prices rise due to
•• Entrepreneur: Individual who takes an
idea & attempts to make an economic increased input costs.
Degree of Inflation
Creeping Trotting Running Hyper Inflation/

Inflation Inflation Inflation Runaway/Galloping
↓ ↓ ↓ Inflation
Price rise at Price rise moderately Price rise rapidly ↓
very slow rate (Less than 10%) (10 - 20%) Price rise at very fast
less than 3% (Between 3 – 7%) rate (20 – 100%)
Measurement of Inflation basis price index for the current year is
1. General Price or Wholesale Price Index: calculated. If the index of the current
It measures the changes in average prices year is below 100 it indicates the state
of goods & services. A base year is selected of deflation &, on the contrary, if index of
& its index is assumed as 100 & on this the current year is above 100 it indicates
the state of inflation.
China, European Union, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland are the main import partners of India.
GK-274
ECONOMY
2. Consumer Price Index (CPI): It measures Inflation leads to recession, as people with
the average change in prices paid by fixed incomes set apart an increasing share
ultimate consumers for a particular of their income to meet the growing costs
basket of goods & services over a period of essential commodities, leaving very little
of time. CPI actually measures the for expenditure on non-essential terms. The
increase in price a consumer will have
to pay for the designated commodity production of such items has to be reduced,
basket which may be revised every leading to shutdowns and recession.
4 – 5 years to factor in changes in Policy measure to control inflation
consumption pattern.
The issue of inflation is addressed from
Price Index = Current year’s both demand and supply sides. Demand
price/base year’s price × 100 management implies putting a check on the
In India, inflation is measured in terms demand of the public for goods and services.
of the WPI. Demand management is achieved by measures
such as postponing public expenditure,
Causes of Inflation reducing up excess liquidity either through
The inflation occurs due to two main factors :- taxes or saving schemes and restrictions on
ad hoc treasury bills. While such measures
(a) (b) help contain the money supply, there is a
Increase in demand Decrease in the danger that these will contract the economy
for goods & services supply of goods & and lead to an increase in unemployment.
services Rationalisation of excise and import duties of
(a) Factors causing an increase in demand essential commodities to higher the burden
for goods & services: on poor.
(i) Increase in public expenditure
RBI assists in controlling inflation through
(ii) Increase in pvt. expenditure
(iii) Increase in exports monetary measures such as quantitative and
(iv) Reduction in taxation selective credit controls and by manipulating
(v) Rapid growth of population the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and the Statutory
(vi) Black money Liquidity Ratio (SLR). These are the monetary
(vii) Deficit financing policies adopted by government.
(viii) Cheap money policy On the supply side, the mechanism of
(ix) Increase in consumer spending Public Distribution System (PDS) ensures
(x) Department of Tax internal debts. availability of essential commodities for the
(b) Factors causing decrease in supply of vulnerable sections of society. This helps to
goods & services: maintain price levels. Fixation of maximum
(i) Shortage of supplies of factors prices to eliminate the incentive for hoarding
(ii) Industrial disputes and speculative activity in foodgrains. Control
(iii) Natural calamities over private trade in foodgrains. Adoption
(iv) Loop-sided Production of Open General Licence (OGL) to ease
(v) Hoarding by traders the imports of sugar, pulses, etc.,in case of
(vi) Operation of Law of Diminishing shortages. Coupled with this is the open
Returns. market sale of rice and wheat resorted to by
Impact of Inflation FCI from its buffer stock in times of price rise.
Inflation is the most regressive form of taxation Related Terms
as it affects the poor and vulnerable sections Deflation: Deflation is that state in which
of the society the most. Such a situation leads the value of money rises & the price of goods
to increase in income disparities. & services falls.
Inflation dampens exports by making our Stagflation: It refers to the situation of
products expensive and, conversely, makes coexistence of stagnation & inflation in the
imports attractive. Such a situation may economy. Stagnation means low National
warrant formal or informal devaluation of Income growth & high unemployment.
the currency in order to make our exports Disinflation: The rate of inflation at a slower
competitive. rate is called disinflation.
On 30 June 2015, Greece became the first developed country to fail to make an IMF loan repayment.
ECONOMY GK-275
PUBLIC FINANCE
Budget
Budget is an annual financial statement. The Budget in India is divided into 2 parts – Revenue
Account & Capital Account.
GK-276
ECONOMY
New Classification of Expenditure
ECONOMY GK-277
Important Terms
(1) Revenue– It is the income received by the government.
(2) Expenditure– It is the amount incurred by the government to meet day to day & regular
needs.
(3) Deficit– It means shortage. The gap between the Receipts & Expenditure is called
deficit. The important types of deficit are as follows:
(a) Budget Deficit = Total Expenditure – Total Receipts
(b) Revenue Deficit = Revenue Expenditure – Revenue Receipts
(c) Fiscal Deficit = Total Expenditure – Total Receipts except Borrowing & Other Liabilities.
(d) Primary Deficit = Fiscal Deficit – Interest Payment
Tax
The money which public have to pay to the government so that it can pay for public services
is called tax.
(i) Types of Taxes
Direct Tax Indirect Tax
Income
Tax Wealth Minimum Excise Value added Goods & Services
Tax Alternate Tax Duties Tax (VAT) Tax (GST)
Corporate Commodities Custom Service
Tax Transaction Tax Duties Tax
(ii)
Broad Areas of Tax
Tax on Income Tax on Tax on Property &

& Expenditure Commodities Property Transaction
Personal Income, Excise Wealth Tax,

Corporate Income, Duty Estate &
Sales Tax Succession Duties
(iii)
Classification of Taxation
Proportional Progressive Regressive Taxation

Taxation Taxation
Tax levied as Tax rate increase Tax rate decrease

a% of tax base with increase in with increase in
at a uniform size of tax base . tax base .
India ranks second in world fish production, contributing about 5.4 per cent of global fish production.
GK-278
ECONOMY
Types of Taxes •• GST– It is a uniform tax on goods &
•• Direct Tax– The tax that people pay services throughout the country.
directly to the government is called METHODS OF TAXATION OF GOODS
direct tax.
Methods of
•• Indirect Tax– The tax burden when
Taxation on Goods
shifted to another person that tax is
called indirect tax.
•• Income Tax– Tax on the personal
income of the individuals. Ad– Valorem Specific Duty
•• Corporate Tax– Levied on Company’s
profit income. (1) Ad Valorem– If tax is levied as x of the
•• Wealth Tax– Imposed on the value of the goods regardless of number
accumulated wealth or property of of units produced/ sold/ imported, then
every individual. it is called ad valorem.
•• MAT (Minimum Alternate Tax) – Imposed Eg. Price of car Tax Amount
on zero tax companies (companies pay ` 2 lakh ` 20,000
very low tax by using the provisions of ` 4 lakh ` 40,000
exemptions, deductions, incentives, etc. (2) Specific Duty– If tax is levied at a flat
•• Excise Duties– Tax on production of rate per unit of goods produced/ sold/
commodities.
imported regardless of the value then it
•• Custom Duties– Tax on Import &
is called specific duties.
Export of commodities.
•• VAT (Value Added Tax) –Tax on sale of Eg. Car’s Price Tax
commodities. It is a state level tax. The ` 2 lakh ` 10,000
tax rate is imposed as x of value added. ` 4 lakh ` 10,000
INCOME TAX SLAB FOR FY 2016 -17
1. For Individual/HUF/Association of person
Income tax slab (in `) Tax
0 to 2,50,000 Nil
2,50,001 to 5,00,000 10%
5,00,001 to 10,00,000 20%
Above 10,00,000 30%
2. For Senior Citizen (who is 60 years or more but less than 80 years)
Upto ` 3,00,000 Nil
` 3,00,01 – ` 5,00,000 10%
Next Slabs are same as general
3. For Super Senior citizen (80 years of age or more).
Upto ` 5,00,000 Nil
Next Slabs are same as general
Mutual Funds asset base of equity funds and Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS) increased to `4.68 trillion (US$ 70.0
billion) at the end of September 2016.
ECONOMY GK-279
BANKING SYSTEM
Reserve Bank of India
[Central Bank and supreme monetary authority of the country]
Scheduled Banks Unscheduled Bank
Scheduled Commercial Bank Scheduled Co-operative Banks
Public Private Foreign Regional Scheduled Scheduled

Sector Sector Bank in Rural Urban State
Banks (27) Banks (25) India (39) Banks (357) Cooperative Cooperative
Banks (53) Banks (31)
Other State Bank Old New

Nationalised
Public of India Private Private
Banks (19)
Sector Bank & its Banks (17) Banks (8)
Associates (8)
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

•• It is the apex regulatory body of Indian (f) Supervision over commercial &
Banking system. Also called as the cooperative banks.
Central Bank.
Commercial Banks
•• It keeps the cash reserves of all
Scheduled Banks & hence is known as Accept deposits, give loans and provide
the ‘Reserve Bank’. other financial services to earn profit.
•• It was inaugurated in April 1935. Consist of both public sector and private
sector banks.
•• Situated in Mumbai.
•• Fully owned by the Government of Public Sector Banks
India. Public sector banks are those banks in
•• Presently, the Governor is Dr. Urjit R. which the majority of ownership is with
Patel. government. The majority of ownership
•• Has 19 regional offices. means, shareholding of more than 51%.
Functions of RBI– State Bank Group
(a) Bank of Issue (All notes except ` 1 note State Bank group means State Bank of India
& coins are issued by RBI). One rupee (SBI) and its Associates. Previous name of
note & coins are issued by Ministry of SBI was Imperial Bank of India. It was
Finance but circulated by RBI. created in 1921 by amalgamating the three
(b) Banker & debt manager to Government. Presidency Banks of Bengal (1806), Bombay
(c) Banker’s Bank. (1840) and Madras (1843). Imperial Bank
(d) Custodian and manager of Foreign of India was partially nationalized on July
Exchange. 1, 1955 and renamed as State Bank of India
(e) Controller of credit (SBI).
EXIM Bank was established for financing, facilitating and promoting foreign trade in India.
GK-280
ECONOMY
Other Nationalised Bank Repo Rate
The public sector banks other than SBI and It is the rate at which commercial banks
its associates are other nationalised banks. borrow from RBI by mortgaging their dated
For examples – PNB, BOI, etc. government securities and treasury bills. If
The Regional Rural Banks (RRB): repo rate is increased, the banks have two
These banks were established since 1975, options either to reduce the borrowing from
under RRBs Act 1976. These banks were RBI or borrow at higher rate from RBI and
set up by public sector banks. RRBs were charge higher interest rate from customer.
established to lend to weaker section called If banks borrow fewer amounts, the credit
target group like landless labour, artisan and creating capacity of banks will come down
craftsmen at concessional rate. and money supply will come down. If
Co-Operative Banks bank borrows and charges higher interest
Cooperative banks are established by State rate, the customer will borrow less. The
laws. These banks are called as cooperative money supply will come down. If the rate is
banks because these have cooperation of decreased the reverse will be the case.
stake holders as motive. Along with lending,
cooperative banks accept deposits. Reverse Repo Rate
NABARD It is the rate at which RBI borrows from
commercial banks by mortgaging its dated
NABARD was set up in July 1982.
The functions of NABARD, viz. financing of Government securities and Treasury bills.
agriculture and refinancing of cooperative If the reverse repo rate is increased, the
banks and RRBs. banks have two options either to lend to RBI
NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture or lend to customer at higher interest rate.
and Rural Development) is the apex body If banks lend to RBI, the money available
of cooperative sector in India. with the bank to lend to its customer will
Tools of Credit Control come down. The credit creating capacity of
RBI acts as controller of credit. Control of banks and money supply will come down.
Credit means control of lending & deposit If the banks raise interest rate on loans to
creating capacity of the banks. These customers at higher rate, the customer
controls result in control of money supply will borrow lesser amount. So, the money
which is essential to control inflation & supply will come down.
there by promote economic growth.
Some of the important measures or tools of The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
credit control are as follows: has set an ambitious target of bringing
more than 7.5 crore un-banked families
Bank Rate
into India’s banking system by opening
It is the rate charged by the Central Bank for
more than 15 crore bank accounts at the
lending funds to commercial banks.
rate of two bank accounts per household
CRR by 15 August 2015. The remaining hilly
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is a specified areas and the other 75 naxalite-affected
minimum fraction of the total deposits of districts will be covered under the Yojana
customers which commercial banks have to by the end of August 2016.
hold as reserves with the Central Bank.
According to World Bank report, 42% of the world’s poor live in India.
ECONOMY GK-281
INSURANCE
Insurance in the event of an incident involving
It is a form of risk management primarily a vehicle they own.
used to hedge against the risk of a (c) Health Insurance: Covers the
contingent, uncertain loss.
expenditures associated to
Insurance policy treatment & medical expenditures.
It is a financial contract between the insurer (d) Property Insurance: Provides
& the policy holder where the details of the protection from risks associated to
policy is mentioned including the benefits theft, fire, floods, etc.
& the premium that policy holder has to •• Insurance Industry in India
pay. The Indian Government passed
Premium an ordinance on January 19, 1956
whereby the life insurance sector
It is the periodic payment made on an
was nationalised & the Life Insurance
insurance policy. Insurance premiums are
Corporation of India (LIC) came into
collected in monthly or quarterly or half-
existence. The Indian Parliament
yearly or yearly mode.
passed the General Insurance Business
Major Types of Insurance: (Nationalisation) Act in 1972 & the
general insurance sector was brought
(a) Life Insurance: Descendent’s
under governmental control from
family receives financial benefits.
January 1, 1973.
(b) Automobile Insurance: Protects
policy holder against financial loss
Insurance Companies in India
IRDA
Life Insurance General Insurance
Public Sector Private Sector Public Sector Private Sector

(LIC) (24 Companies) (5 G.I Cos) (23 G.I. Cos.)
IRDA
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is an autonomous apex
statutory body which regulates and develops the insurance industry in India. It was constituted
by a Parliament of India act called Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act,
1999 and duly passed by the Government of India.
The agency operates from its headquarter at Hyderabad, Telangana, shifted from Delhi in 2001.
The key objectives of the IRDA include promotion of competition so as to enhance customer
satisfaction through increased consumer choice and lower premiums, while ensuring the
financial security of the insurance market.
India has the seventh largest foreign currency reserves in the world.

GK-282
Insurance Plans
Life Insurance Plans General Insurance Plans
Whole life plan Term Plan Endowment Money Back ULIP Personal Rural Industrial Commercial Motor
Taken for entire Nominee Provide lump Used as a form Unit linked Taken by For rural Availed by Coverage Compulsory
duration of receives sum once of investment Insurance individual based companies to for damage for vehicles. It
insured’s life. It a fixed the policy that produces plans are to cover business or get protection to work, covers theft,
is a pension plan. payment holder dies good financial one where against individuals, for important operations, damage and
once the to nominee returns energy the financial accidental provide projects, equipments, third party
policy or when the 4th/5th year worth of death, coverage construction, etc. accident.
holder dies policy matures in future a policy is injury, from life contracts &
during to policy for using dependent health. & health equipments.
policy holders. in various on present to natural
period. purposes. Net Asset disasters.
Value (NAV)
of the core
investment
assets related
to it in the
share market.
ECONOMY
ECONOMY GK-283
India’s Public Debt In-Kind subsidies

Provision of free medical services through
Public Debt government dispensaries, provision of
The Public Debt of the Govt. of India is equipment to physically handicapped persons.
composed of – (a) Internal Debt & (b)
External Debt. Regulatory subsidies
Fixation of prices of goods produced by
Internal Debt
the public sector at less than the cost with
It comprises of market loans, compensation a view to providing inputs to industry
bonds, prize bonds & 15–year annuity or helping certain other categories of
certificates. It also includes borrowings consumers. Examples are making steel,
of a temporary nature, viz treasury bills
coal or other minerals available to industry,
issued to the RBI, commercial banks, etc. &
also non– negotiable, non–interest bearing providing electricity to farmers at a rate
securities issued to international financial much lower than the cost.
institutions like the IMF, World Bank & the Finance Commission
Asian Development Bank. Under the provisions of Article 280 of the
External Debt Constitution, the President is required to
It includes borrowings by Central constitute a Finance Commission every
Government from external sources & are fifth year for the specific purpose of
based upon historical rates of exchange. devolution of non-plan revenue resources.
The total Public Dept & other liabilities The functions of the Commission are to
of the Indian Government would come to make recommendations to the President in
`68,94, 691 crores by end March 2016; it respect of
was only `15, 58, 900 crores in March 2003, (i) the distribution of net proceeds of taxes
Central Govt’s public debt & other liabilities to be shared between the Union and
has increased by nearly 4.5 times. the States and the allocation of share of
such proceeds among the States,
Government Subsidies (ii) the principles which should govern the
It is the money paid by government to help payment by the Union Govt. as grants-
an industry to reduce its costs, so that it can in-aid to the States, and
provide products services at lower prices. (iii) any others matter concerning financial
Subsidies– A sum of money granted to relations between the Union and the
support an undertaking held in public interest. States.
Types of Subsidies –
The appointment of the Finance Commissioner
Cash Subsidies
is of great importance, for it enables the
Providing food or fertilizers to the consumer
at prices lower than those at which financial relation between the Centre and
government procures the commodities. the units to be altered in accordance with
Interest or credit subsidies changes in need and circumstances.
It relates to loans given at rates lower
than market rates. This takes the form of Stock Exchange in India
concessional credit to small scale industries In India, there are small and big stock
or priority sector loans to individuals to exchanges. The most prominent exchanges
buy a taxi, an auto-rickshaw or to set up are National Stock Exchange (NSE) and
some small enterprise by buying some Bombay Stock Exchanges (BSE).
equipment.
Tax subsidies National Stock Exchange (NSE)
It can be in the form of tax exemption of The NSE is the leading stock exchange of
medical expenses, postponing collection of India, located in Mumbai. It was established
tax arrears. in 1993 on the recommendation of
Procurement subsidies Pherwani Committee. Industrial
It is the purchase of food grains at an Development Bank of India (IDBI) is
assured price which is higher than the the main promoter of this exchange. The
prevailing market price. number of listings in NSE is 1696.
India is the world’s second largest importer of arms and spent $50 billion in the last decade
GK-284
ECONOMY
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
Like wholesale price index which
It is an Indian stock exchange located at Dalal measures the rise/fall in the price of
Street, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai. Established in commodities, there are share price indices.
1875, the BSE is Asia’s first stock exchange The most prominent indices in India are
and the World’s fastest stock exchange with
Sensex, Nifty and Nifty Junior.
a median trade speed of 6 micro seconds.
Sensex stands for Sensitive index. This is
More than 5500 companies are publicly
an index of Bombay Stock Exchange. This
listed in the BSE.
measures the price movement of top 30
Top 10 Stock Exchanges of the World company shares. The top 30 companies
1. New York Stock Exchange are called Blue Chip Companies.
2. NASDAQ Nifty stands for National Index for
3. London Stock Exchange fifty. This and Nifty Junior are indices of
4. Japan Exchange Group National Stock Exchange. Nifty measures
5. Shanghai Stock Exachange price movement of top fifty companies.
Nifty Junior is an index of next 50 top
6. Hong Kong Stock Exchange
companies.
7. Euronext
The top companies are selected on the
8. Shenzhen Stock Exchange basis of total value of all shares that are
9. TMX Group traded in the stock exchange.
10. Deutsche Borse
SEBI (Security and Exchange Board of India)

SEBI was established in 1988 for the development & regulation of securities market (Shares
& Debentures) through a resolution of government. It was given statutory status in 1992.
Its head office is in Mumbai. Its regional offices are in Kolkata, Delhi & Chennai. SEBI was
authorized to regulate all merchant banks on issue activity, lay guidelines & supervise &
regulate the working of mutual funds & oversee the working of stock exchanges in India.
INDIAN ECONOMY
National Income GDP = Q × P,
National Income of a country is the total Q = Total quantity of final goods & services.
value of all final goods and services P = Price of final goods & services.
produced in the country in a particular
period of time usually, one year. The growth GNP
of National Income helps to know the Gross National Product (GNP) is the money
progress of the country. National Income is value of total output or production of final
a flow, not a stock. In India, National Income goods & services produced by the nationals
estimates are related with the financial of a country during a given period of time,
year, i.e. April 1 to March 31. generally a year. In this case, the income of
Measures/Concepts of National Income all the resident & non-resident citizens of
a country is included whereas the income
GDP
of foreign nationals who reside within the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the geographical boundary of the country is
total money value of all final goods & excluded.
services produced within the geographical
boundaries of the country (produced by GNP = GDP + (X – M)
resident citizens + foreign nationals) during X = Export of goods & services
a given period of time, generally one year. M = Import of goods & services
India is the largest producer of milk, i.e. 17% of global production.
ECONOMY GK-285
X – M = Net Factor Income from Abroad P.I. = National Income – Undistributed Profits
(NFIA) of Corporation – Payments for Social Security
So, GNP = GDP + NFIA Provisions – Corporate Taxes + Government
Transfer payments + Business Transfer
NNP
payments + Net Interest paid by government.
Net National Product (NNP) can be SOCIAL SECURITY PROVISIONS = Payments
calculated in 2 ways:- made by employees towards pension &
(i) NNP at market price: provident fund
NNP = GNP – Depreciation TRANSFER PAYMENTS = Payments that
are not made against any productive
Depreciation means wear & tear of goods activity. eg. old age pension, unemployment
produced. compensation, disaster relief payment, etc.
NNP at market price includes Indirect taxes DISPOSAL PERSONAL INCOME (DPI):
and excludes subsidies. Income that is available to individuals that
(ii) NNP at factor cost: NNP at factor cost can be disposed at their will.
calculates National Income only on the
DPI = Personal Income – Direct Taxes.
basis of cost incurred to produce the goods
& services. This cost is the payment made to National Income at constant price &
the factors of production. current price
NNPfc = NNPmp – Indirect Taxes + Subsidy NI @ CONSTANT PRICE = Total quantity

of all final goods & services produced in a
When NNP is obtained at factor cost, it is
particular year × Price of base year.
known as National Income.
Base year of National Income accounts
Likewise, GDP at factor cost also can be
is the year chosen to enable inter – year
calculated.
comparisons. The new series changes the
GDPfc = GDPmp – Indirect Taxes + Subsidy base to 2011–12 from 2004–05
Personal Income NI @ CURRENT PRICE = Total quantity

of all final goods & services produced in
It is that income which is actually obtained
a particular year × Price of goods & ser-
by nationals in one year. vices in that particular year.
Measurement of National Income

Methods of Measurement
Product/Output/Pro- Income Consumption/Expen-

duction method method diture method
Gross value added = Output N.I. = Total Rent + GDP = Consumption

of final goods & services – Total wages + Total Expenditure of Consumers
Intermediate Consumption Interest + Total profit
+ Consumption Expenditure
of investors or entrepreneur
called investment +
GDP = Gross value added +
consumption of government
Indirect Taxes – Subsidy
The average Indian is nearly 20 years younger than the average Japanese (26 against 45).
GK-286
ECONOMY
IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL (c) Living standards: Gross National
REPORTS INDEX Income Per Capita
Human Development Index India has been classified in the Medium
The UNDP Human Development Report Human Development Category, placed
ranks countries on basis of measuring at 130 rank out of 187 countries (Human
human development by combining Development Report 2015).
indicators of the Health, Education The title of 2015 edition of, HDR is ‘work
& Income into a composite Human
for Human Development’. The top 3 nations
Development Index (HDI). The HDI
classifies the World into 4 broad segments : in 2015 HDI are Norway (1st),Australia
Very High → High → Medium and → Low (2nd) & Switzerland(3rd).The first Indian
Human Development Components of HDI. Human Development Report was formally
HDI includes released by the then Prime Minister Mr. Atal
(a) Health : Life Expectancy at Birth Bihari Vajpayee on April 23, 2002. Madhya
(b) Education : Mean years of schooling, Pradesh was the first state to release state-
Expected years of schooling level Human Development Report.
INDIA’S RANK IN IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL REPORTS/INDEX
Index / Report India's Rank
Gender Inequality Index 2015 130th (Out of 155 countries)
Global Hunger Index 2016 28.5 (Serious hunger situation)
Global Competitiveness Report 55th (Out of 140 economies)
2015-16
World Investment Report 2016 10th (in FDI inflows in the world)
Global Gender Gap 2015 108th (Out of 145 economies)
Ease of Doing Business Index 2017 130th (Out of 190 economies)
Global Innovation Index 2016 66th (Out of 128 countries)
Global Human Capital Index 2016 105th (Out of 130 countries)
FIVE YEAR PLANS

Plans Period Growth Performance Themes
(% p.a.)
Target Actual
1st Plan (1951 - 56) 2.1 3.5 Development of primary sector
2nd Plan (1956 - 61) 4.5 4.2 Development of public sector (Industries)
3rd Plan (1961 - 66) 5.6 2.8 Agricultural Development, Defence
Industry, Price stabilization
Annual Plan (1966 - 69) – 3.9 Growth with stability & progress towards
(Plan Holiday) self-reliance. (Nationalisation of Banks,
Green Revolution).
4th Plan (1969 - 74) 5.7 3.2 Employment, Poverty Alleviation
5th Plan (1974 - 78) 4.4 4.7 Economic Liberalisation
Annual Plan (1979 - 80) – – 5.2 Growth, Modernisation, Self-Reliance &
Social Justice
According to latest data, Indian Railways is one of the largest rail networks in the world, giving employment to more than 1.4 million people.
ECONOMY GK-287
6th plan (1980 - 85) 5.2 5.5 Human Development in various aspects,
Beginning of Liberalization - Privatisa-
tion- Globalization
7th plan (1985 - 90) 5.0 5.6 Growth with Equity & Distributive
Justice
Annual Plan (1990 - 92) – 3.4 Equity with Social Justice
8th Plan (1992 - 97) 5.6 6.5 Towards more Inclusive Growth
9th Plan (1997 - 6.5 5.5 Faster more Inclusive & Sustainable Growth
2002)
10th Plan (2002 - 07) 7.9 7.7
11th Plan (2007 - 12) 9.0 8.0
12th Plan (2012 - 17) 8%
Poverty 3. Antyodaya plan

Poverty can be defined as a social 4. Small Farmer Development Programme
phenomenon in which a section of the (SFDP)
society is unable to fulfil even its basic 5. Drought Area Development Programme
necessities of life. (DADP)
Magnitude of Poverty in India 6. Twenty Point Programme
7. Food for Work Programme
The Planning Commission of India has
8. Minimum Needs Programme (MNP)
estimated rural and urban poverty in India
from the sixth Five Year Plan ownwards. 9. Integrated Rural Development Programme
Type of Poverty (IRDP)
1. Absolute 10. National Rural Employment Programme
2. Relative (NREP)
11. Rural Labour Employment Guarantee
Rural & Urban Poverty
Programme (RLEGP)
I. Rural Poverty 12. Jawahar Gram Samriddhi Yojana (JGSY)
(Formerly known as Jawahar Rojgar
Main Reasons for Rural Poverty Yojana)
1. Rapid population growth. 13. TRYSEM scheme
2. Lack of capital. 14. Family Planning/Welfare programme for
3. Lack of alternative employment population control
opportunities other than agricultural. 15. Employment Assurance Scheme
4. Excessive population pressure on 16. Scheme for Rural artisans / craftsmen
agriculture. 17. DWCRA programme
5. Illiteracy 18. Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana
6. Regional disparities. 19 Mahila Samriddhi Yojana
7. Joint family system. 20 National Social Assistanc Programme (NSAP)
8. Child marriage tradition. 21 Group Life Insurance Scheme for Rural
9. Indifferent attitude towards investment. Areas
10. Lack of proper implementation of 22. Rural Housing Programme
public distribution system.
23. Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana
Government Efforts for Eliminating (PMGY)
Rural Poverty 24. Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana
1. Legal elimination of bonded labourers 25. Sampurna Gramin Rojgar Yojana
2. Preventing the centralisation of wealth 26. Indira Awaas Yojana
by modifying the law 27. Samagra Awaas Yojana
India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the World.
GK-288
ECONOMY
28. Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Yojana 2. Under-employment
29. Agriculture Income Insurance Scheme The labourers are under-employed
30. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural who obtain work but their efficiency
Employment Guarantee Scheme and capability are not utilised at their
(MGNREGS) optimum and as a result they contribute
in the production upto a limited level.
II. Urban Poverty
3. Disguised Unemployment
Main Reasons for Urban Poverty If a person does not contribute anything
1. Migration of rural youth towards cities. in the production process or in other
2. Lack of vocational education /training. words, if he can be removed from the
3. Limited job opportunities of employment work without affecting the productivity
in the cities. adversely, he will be treated as
4. Rapid increase in population. disguisedly unemployed. The marginal
productivity of such unemployed
5. Lack of housing facilities.
person is zero.
6. No proper implementation of public
distribution system (PDS). 4. Open Unemployment
When the labourers live without any
Government Efforts for Eliminating work and they don’t find any work to
Urban Poverty do, they come under the category of
1. Emphasis on vocational education. open unemployment. Educated and
2. Nehru Rozgar Yojana (NRY). unskilled labourers unemployment are
included in open unemployment.
3. Self-Employment Programme for the
Urban Poor (SEPUP). NREGS (National Rural Employment
4. Financial assistance for constructing houses. Guarantee Scheme)
5. Self-Employment to the Educated Urban NREGS was started by the UPA
Youth (SEEUY) Programme. Government as a national programme to
6. Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana (Also provide 100 days of employment to begin
implemented in rural areas). with through asset-creating public works
7. National Social Assistance Programme. every year at minimum wages to one-
8. Urban Basic Services for the Poor (UBSP) able bodied person in every poor class
Programme. household.
9. Prime Minister's Integrated Urban Poverty The National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act came into force in 2006
Eradication Programme (PMIUPEP).
in India’s 200 most backward districts.
10. Swarna Jayanti Shahri Rozgar Yojana.
In 2007, it was extended to another 130
Unemployment districts. With effect from April 1,2008,
In broad sense a state of unemployment the Act is to cover all districts.
appears when a labour does not obtain The following are the major short-
employment opportunity despite his comings of NREGS:
willingness to work on existing wage rate. •• Lack of adequate professional staff
•• Lack of project planning
Different Types of Unemployment in
•• Bureaucratic resistance of NREGA
India on account of the widely held belief
1. Structural Unemployment that it is much more difficult to make
This type of unemployment is associated money under NREGS as compared
with economic structure of the country, i.e. with other employment programmes.
•• Lack of transparency and absence of
rapidly growing population, technological
social audit
change and their immobility fall in rate •• Inappropriate rates of payment.
of capital formation.
Brown field FDI is investment made by a foreign company’s existing production arrangements.
ECONOMY GK-289
VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES

IN INDIA – AT A GLANCE
Programme/Plan/ Year of Objective/Description
Institution beginning
Command Area Development 1974-75 To ensure better and rapid utilisation of irrigation
Programme (CADP) capacities of medium and large projects.
Twenty Point Programme 1975 Poverty eradication and raising the standard of
(TPP) living.
Antyodaya Yojana 1977-78 To make the poorest families of the village
economically independent (only in Rajasthan).
Training Rural Youth for 1 August Programme of training rural youth for self-
Self-Employment (TRYSEM) 15,1979 employment.
Integrated Rural Development October 2, All-round development of the rural poor through a
Programme (IRDP) 1980 programme of asset endowment for self-employment
National Rural Employment 1980 To provide profitable employment opportunities to
Programme the rural poor.
National Fund for Rural February To grant 100% tax rebate to donors and also to
Development (NFRD) 1984 provide financial assistance for rural development
projects.
Industrial Reconstruction March To provide financial assistance to sick and closed
Bank of India 1985 industrial units for their reconstruction.
Council for Advancement of September To provide assistance for rural prosperity.
People’s Action and Rural 1, 1986
Technology (CAPART)
Jawahar Rozgar Yojana April 1989 For providing employment to rural unemployed
Nehru Rozgar Yojana October For providing employment to urban unemployed.
1989
Members of Parliament December To sanction ` 1 crore per year to every Member of
Local Area Development 23, 1993 Parliament for various development works in their
Scheme (MPLADS) respective areas through DM of the district.
Scheme of Infrastructural 1993-94 To provide capital through special institutions for
Development in Mega Cities water supply, sewage, drainage, urban transportation,
(SIDMC) land development and improvement of slum projects
undertaken in Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai
and Hyderabad.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme 1995 Improving the nutritional status of children in
government, local body, government aided schools
and Education Guarantee scheme and Alternate
& Innovative education centres with the main
objective of enabling poor children to attend
school regularly.
Mahila Samridhi Yojana October 2, To encourage the rural women to deposit money in
1993 Post Office Savings & Account
Kasturba Gandhi August 15, To establish girls schools in districts having low
Education Scheme 1997 female literacy rate.
Swarna Jayanti Shahari December To provide gainful employment to urban
Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) 1997 unemployed and under employed poor through
self-employment or wage employment.
Greenfield investment is investment in new plants.
GK-290
ECONOMY
Annapurna Yojana March To provide 10 kg foodgrains to senior citizens (who
1999 did not get pension).
Swarna Jayanti Gram April 1999 For eliminating Rural poverty and unemployment
Swarozgar Yojana. and promoting self-employment.
Jan Shree Bima Yojana Aug. 10, Providing Insurance Security to people living
2000 below poverty line
Pradhan Mantri 2000 To fulfil basic requirements in rural areas.
Gramodaya Yojana
Antyodaya Anna Yojana Dec. 25, To provide food security to poor.
2000
Pradhan Mantri Gram Dec. 25, To provide good all-weather road connectivity to
Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) 2000 unconnected villages.
Vande Matram Scheme Feb. 9, Major initiative in public-private partnership during
2004 pregnancy check-up.
National Food for Work Nov. 14, Programme to intensify the generation of
Programme 2004 supplementary wage employment.
Janani Suraksha Yojana April 12, Providing care to expectant mothers.
2005
Bharat Nirman Dec. Development of Rural Infrastructure including six
Programme 16,2005 components : Irrigation, Water Supply, Housing,
Road, Telephone and Electricity.
Jawaharlal Nehru National 2005 To assist cities and towns in taking up housing and
Urban Renewal Mission infrastructural facilities for the urban poor in 65
(JNNURM) cities in the country.
National Rural Health 2005 To provide effective healthcare to rural population
Mission (NRHM) and universal access to healthcare with emphasis
on women.
National Rural Employment Feb. 2, To provide atleast 100 days wage employment in
Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA) 2006 rural areas.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 2014 Generating awareness and improving the efficiency
Yojana of delivery of welfare services meant for women.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan 2014 To link poors at grassroot level by providing bank
Yojana accounts.
Atal Mission for 2015 To upgrade urban infrastructure across 500 towns
Rejuvenation and Urban and cities.
Transformation (AMRUT)
Shyama Prasad Mukherji September To deliver integrated project based infrastructure
Rurban Mission 2015 in the rural areas.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan 2001 Programme for achievement of universalization of
(SSA) elementary education in a time bound manner.
Make in India August To revive manufacturing sector.
2015
National Skill Mission July To develop skill and entrepreneurship.
2015
NABARD is the apex institution for providing credit facility to agricultural & rural areas.
ECONOMY GK-291

Atal Pension Yojana March For Social Security.
2015
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan May To provide a renewable 1 year accidental death-
Jyoti Bima Yojana 2015 cum-disability cover of ` 2 lakh for partial/
(PMJJBY) permanent disability to all savings bank account
holders in the age group of 18-70 years for a
premium of ` 330 per annum per subscriber.
AGRICULTURE
Features of Indian Agriculture Sector
(1) Accounts for almost 27% of GDP incorporate financing of rural infrastructure
(2) Contributes 21% of total exports such as water, roads and power.
(3) Provides employment to around 65% of Evergreen Revolution
the total workforce
(4) Provides raw materials to several The pioneer of Indian green revolution Mr.
industries M.S. Swaminathan, presently chairman of
National Commission on farmers gave a
Green Revolution in India new call for ‘Evergreen Revolution’ for
doubling the present production level of
Since the mid-1960’s, the traditional
foodgrains from 210 million tonnes to 420
agricultural practices are gradually being
million tonnes. For making ‘Evergreen
replaced by modern technology & farm
Revolution’ a success, he stressed on
practices in India & veritable revolution
adopting organic farming. He also
is taking place in our country. American
mentioned four pre-requistes for getting
Scientist Dr. William Grande termed it as
the success:
Green Revolution. During the middle of
i. Promoting soil health.
60s, Indian agricultural scientists developed ii. Promoting Lab to Land exhibitions.
a number of new high yielding varieties of iii. Making rainwater harvesting compulsory.
wheat by processing wheat seeds imported iv Providing credit to farmers on suitable
from Mexico. These varieties were having conditions.
production potentialities of 60 – 65 quintals
per hectare. Agricultural Revolution in a nutshell
As a result Green Revolution ensured India’s Revolution Area
self-dependence in foodgrains. The credit for
it goes not only to Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman 1. Green Foodgrain production
Borlaug but also to Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. 2. White Milk
Second Green Revolution 3. Yellow Oil seeds
(Strategy Adopted in 11th Plan) 4. Blue Fisheries
The urgent need for taking agriculture to a 5. Red Meat and Tomato
higher trajectory of 4% annual growth can 6. Golden Fruits
be met only with improvement in the scale 7. Grey Fertilizers
as well as quality of agricultural reforms
undertaken by the various states and agencies 8. Black/ Brown Non-conventional &
at the various levels. These at efficient use of Energy Sources
resources and conservation of soil, water and 9. Silver Eggs
ecology on a sustainable basis, and in a holistic 10. Round Potato
framework. Such a holistic framework must
Food Corporation of India was established in 1965.

GK-292
ECONOMY
Food Security with the RBI by the latter contributing half
World Development Report defined food of its share capital the other half being
security as “access by all people at all times contributed by the Government of India
to enough food for an active, healthy life”. and nominating three of its Central Board
Directors on the board of NABARD, besides
Main components of the food security a Deputy Governor of RBI being appointed
system : as Chairman of NABARD.
1. Promoting domestic production to meet Functions of NABARD
the demands of the growing population
and also to reduce under-nutrition among (i) It provides refinance facilities to all
quite a large section of the population. banks and financial institutions lending
2. Providing minimum support prices for to agriculture and rural development.
procurement & storage of food items. (ii) It provides short-term, medium-term
3. Operating a Public Distribution System. and long-term credits to State Co-
4. Maintaining buffer stocks so as to take operative Banks (SCBs), RRBs, LDBs and
care of natural calamities resulting in other financial institutions approved by
temporary shortage of food. RBI.
(iii) NABARD gives long-term loans (up
Public Distribution System (PDS) to 20 years) to State Governments to
•• It is established by the Government of enable them to subscribe to the share
India in an Indian Food Security system. capital of co-operative credits societies.
•• It distributes subsidized food & non- (iv) NABARD gives long-term loans to any
food items to India’s poor. institution approved by the Central
•• Scheme was launched in India on June Government.
1997. (v) NABARD has the responsibility of co-
•• Major commodities distributed include ordinating the activities of Central
staple foodgrains, such as wheat, and State Governments, the Planning
rice, sugar, and kerosene oil, through Commission and other all- India and
a network of public distribution State level institutions entrusted with the
shops, (also known as ration shops)
development of small scale industries, village
established in several states across the
and cottage industries, rural crafts, industries
country.
in the tiny and decentralised sectors, etc.
•• Food Corporation of India procures
and maintains the PDS. (vi) It has the responsibility to inspect RRBs
and co-operative banks, other than
Minimum Support Price of Agriculture primary co-operative societies; and
Production (vii) It maintains a Research and Develop-
Minimum Support Price (MSP) announced ment Fund to promote research in
by the Government is the price at which agriculture and rural development.
Government is ready to purchase the crop
from the farmers directly if crop price India’s agriculture in Current
becomes lower to MSP. As a result, market Scenario
price of the crop never comes down from Agriculture plays a vital role in India’s
the levels of MSP. The minimum price economy. Over 58 per cent of the rural
security gives incentives to farmers to
households depend on agriculture as their
increase their production.
principal means of livelihood. Total food
NABARD grains production in India reached an all-
A National Bank for Agriculture and Rural time high of 251.12 million tonnes in FY15.
Development (NABARD) was, set up in July India has the second largest agricultural
1982 by an Act of Parliament to take over land in the World with 157.35 million
the functions of ARDC and the refinancing hectares of land available.
functions of RBI in relation to co-operative Agriculture sector in India contributes 16%
banks and RRBs. NABARD is linked originally of GDP & 10% of export earnings.
The General Budget is presented in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Finance.
ECONOMY GK-293
2nd Largest Agricultural Land in the World

157.35 million hectares of available land
Growth of Agriculture Industry in India

Growth drivers of Indian Agriculture
• Population and income
growth
Demand-side
drivers • Increasing exports
• Favourable demographics
• Growing
Growth institutional credit
drivers • Increasing MSPs
• Hybrid and genetically
modified seeds • Introduction of
• Mechanisation new schemes
Supply-side Policy
• Irrigational facilities • Opening up of
drivers support
• Green Revolution in exports of wheat
Eastern India and rice
Among 15 Leading Exportern of Agricultural Products Agricultural exports from India

(USD billion) CAGR: 27%
Policy Support
• 100% FDI under automatic route for

development of seeds
29.6 • Agricultural Technology Management

24.7 29.2 Agency (ATMA)
15.6
11.3 • Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium
(SFAC)
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sinchai Yojana
Growth of Agriculture Industry in India

Growth in Agriculture
According to the advanced estimates of Central Statistical Organisation, agriculture and
allied sector recorded a growth of 8.3 per cent in FY 15.
Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about 58 per cent of India’s population
Deficit financing was first done in the USA.
GK-294
ECONOMY
GDP by value added - size of agriculture and allied activities (US$ billion)
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Print Release, RBI Tech sci Research;
Note: GDP- Gross Domestic Product, cso-Central Statistical Organisation
INDUSTRIES
Types of Industries
Primary Secondary Tertiary

(Manufacturing) (Services)
Production of Transform raw material into Provide services to other

goods with help finished product with the people & industries
of nature help of manpower machines.
Eg. Agriculture, Heavy & Light Industries, Travel & Tourism,

Forestry, Fishing, Automobile, Oil Refining, Information Technology,
Horticulture Textile, Energy Production etc.
Liberalisation
Liberalisation is a relaxation of Government restrictions, usually in areas of social, political
and economic policy. It is commonly known as free trade. It implies removal of restrictions
& barriers to free trade.
1. Privatization: Privatization can be partner and players in the global defined as the
transfer of ownership arena & control of public sector units to private individuals or
companies.
2. Globalization: It refers to a process whereby there are social, cultural, technological
exchanges across the border.
RBI is the nodal agency for implementing the monetary policy.

ECONOMY GK-295
CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises)
Structure of PSEs in India

The PSEs in India are basically categorised under four broad types based on their owner-
ship structure. These include:
(i) departmental undertakings,
(ii) statutory corporations,
(iii) government-owned companies and
(iv) autonomous bodies set up as registered societies.
Public Enterprises
Autonomous Bodies
Departmental Statutory Government registered under
Undertakings Corporations Companies Societies
Registration Act
• Railways • Airport Authority of • Steel Authority of • Indian Council of

• Post India India Ltd. Agricultural
• All India Radio • National Highway • Coal India Ltd. Research
• Doordarshan authority of India • Hindustan Copper • Council of Scientific
• Food corporation Ltd. & Industrial
of India • State Bank of India Research
• Industrial Finance
Corporation of India
(i) Departmental undertakings (iii) Government-owned companies

Departmental undertakings are Government-owned or controlled
primarily meant to provide essential companies refer to companies in
services such as railways. They function which 51% or more of the paid up
under the control of the respective capital is held by the central or any
ministries of Government of India (GOI). state government (partly or wholly by
A departmental undertaking structure both). It is registered under the Indian
is considered suitable for activities the Companies Act and is fully governed by
government aims to keep in its control the provisions of this Act.
in view of the public interest.
(iv) Autonomous bodies
(ii) Statutory corporations
Autonomous bodies are set up whenever
Statutory corporations are public it is felt that certain functions need to be
enterprises that came into existence discharged outside the governmental set
by a Special Act of the Parliament. The up with some amount of independence
Act defines the powers and functions,
and flexibility without day-to-day
rules and regulations governing the
interference from the governmental
employees and the relationship of
machinery. These bodies are set up
the corporation with government
by the concerned ministries or their
departments.
National Stock Exchange (NSE) was set up in 1984.
GK-296
ECONOMY
departments and are funded through their instructions. They are mostly
grants-in-aid, either fully or partially, registered as societies under the ‘Societies
depending on the extent which such Registration Act’ and in certain cases they
institutes generate internal resources of have been set up as statutory institutions
their own. These grants are regulated by under the provisions contained in various
the Ministry of Finance (MOF) through Acts.
CPSE’s Role in Economy

•• CPSE investments have a multiplier effect on the economy
During the first five-year plan (1950-51 to 1955-56) there were only 5 CPSEs with a total
financial investment (Including equity plus long-term loans) of `290 million, whereas at
present, in 2015, there are as many as 290 CPSEs, wherein, 169 are Holding CPSEs and
121 are the subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2012, the total financial investment of CPSEs was
7,292.3 billion, showing a CAGR of around 12% during the same period.
•• CPSEs continue to dominate domestic output of key sectors
CPSEs continue to hold control across several industries, despite opening up of several
sectors for private investment. CPSEs continue to have complete monopoly in nuclear power
generation. Other leading areas of dominance are coal (over 80%), crude oil (over 70%),
refineries (over 55%) and wired lines (over 80%). However, their share has decreased
considerably, with the exception of coking coal and power generation.
Corporations & Government companies are 2. Coal India Limited

divided into three categories - Maharatna, 3. GAIL (India) Limited
Navratna and Miniratna. As on 26th October 4. Indian Oil Corporation Limited
2014 there are 7 Maharatna, 17 Navratna & 5. NTPC Limited
73 Miniratna. 6. Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Limited
Maharatna 7. Steel Authority of India Limited
Criteria for grant of Maharatna status :
The CPSEs fulfilling the following criteria Navratna
are eligible to be considered for grant of Criteria for grant of Navratna status :
Maharatna status. The Miniratna Category – I and Schedule ‘A’
(i) Having Navratna status. CPSEs, which have obtained ‘excellent’ or
(ii) Listed on Indian stock exchange with ‘very good’ rating under the Memorandum
minimum prescribed public shareholding of Understanding system in three of the last
under SEBI regulations. five years, and have composite score of 60
(iii) Average annual turnover of more than or above in the six selected performance
` 25,000 crore, during the last 3 years. parameters, namely,
(iv) Average annual net worth of more than (i) net profit to net worth,
` 15,000 crore, during the last 3 years. (ii) manpower cost to total cost of production/
(v) Average annual net profit after tax of services,
more than ` 5,000 crore, during the last (iii) profit before depreciation, interest and
3 years. taxes to capital employed,
(vi) Should have significant global presence/ (iv) profit before interest and taxes to
international operations. turnover,
Companies: (v) earning per share and
1. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (vi) inter-sectoral performance.
The BOP of a country reflects its economic strengths and weaknesses.
ECONOMY GK-297
Companies: (v) Non-Resident Indians Scheme (NRIs are

1. Bharat Electronics Limited allowed to invest upto equity on non-
2 Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited repatriation basis in all activities except
3. Container Corporation of India Limited for a small negative list).
4. Engineers India Limited (vi) Electronic Hardware Technology Park
5. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (EHTP)/ Software Technology Park (STP)
Scheme for building up strong electronic
6. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation
industry to enhance exports.
Limited
(vii) Liberalised policy for Foreign Direct
7. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited
Investment (FDI).
8. National Aluminium Company Limited
Core Industries
9. National Buildings Construction
Corporation Limited There are 8 core industries in the economy
having a weightage of 38% in the IIP.
10. NMDC Limited
11. Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (Index of industrial production). There 8
12. Oil India limited. core Industries are-Coal, Crude oil, Natural
Gas, Petroleum Refinery production,
13. Power Finance Corporation Limited
Fertilizes, steel, Cement and Electricity.
14. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
15. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited MAJOR INDUSTRIES:-
16. Rural Electrification Corporation Limited Biotechnology Industry in India
17. Shipping Corporation of India Limited
India is among the top 12 biotech
Industrial Policy 1991 destinations in the world and ranks third in
the Asia-Pacific region.
(A) Main Features (objective) The Indian biotech industry holds about
•• to maintain a sustained growth in 2% share of the global biotech industry. The
productivity. Indian biotechnology sector is expected
•• to enhance gainful employment. to grow from the current US$ 5-7 billion
•• to achieve optimum utilisation of to US$ 100 billion by 2025, growing at an
human resources. average rate of 30%.
•• to attain international competitiveness Biopharma is the largest sector contributing
•• to transform India into a major partner about 64% of the total revenue followed
and players in the global arena. by bioservices (18%), bioagri (14%),
(B) Main Focus on bioindustry (3%), and bioinformatics
•• deregulating Indian industry. contributing (1%).
•• allowing the industry freedom & flexibility The high demand for different biotech
in responding to market forces products has also opened up scope for the
•• providing a policy regime which foreign companies to set up base in India.
facilitates and fosters growth of Indian India has emerged as a leading destination
industry for clinical trials, contract research and
(C) Policy Measures manufacturing activities owing to the
(i) Liberalisation of Industrial Licensing growth in the bioservices sector.
India has all the ingredients to become a
Policy.
global leader in affordable healthcare. If
(ii) Introduction of Industrial Entrepreneur’s
there is an annual investment of US$ 4.01
Memorandum (i.e. no industrial approval
billion to US$ 5.02 billion in the next five
is required for industries not requiring
years, the biotech industry can grow to US$
compulsory licensing).
100 billion by 2025, with a 25% return on
(iii) Liberalisation of Locational Policy. investment, and set a growth rate of 30%
(iv) Liberalised policy for Small Scale Sectors. year-on-year.
Asia’s first Export Processing Zone (EPZ) set up in Kandla in 1965.
GK-298
ECONOMY
12th Five-Year Plan fund allocation precious stones, gold, silver and platinum.
It contributed US$ 39.9 billion in terms of
foreign exchange earnings in FY 2014-15.
According to a report by Research and
Markets, the jewellery market in India is
expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.95% over
the period 2014-2019.
Manufacturing Industry in India
Indian Manufacturing sector currently
contributes 16% to GDP (2015) and gives
employment to 12% (2014) of the country’s
Source : Deptt. of science and Technology,
workforce. Studies have estimated that
Planning commission, Aranca Research
every job created in manufacturing has a
Cement Industry in India multiplier effect, creating 2–3 jobs in the
India is the second largest producer of services sector.
cement in the world. India’s cement Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, has
industry is a vital part of its economy, launched the ‘Make in India’ initiative
providing employment to more than a to place India on the world map as
million people, directly or indirectly. a manufacturing hub to give global
Some of the recent major government recognition to the Indian economy.
initiatives such as development of 100 In a major boost to the ‘Make in India’
smart cities are expected to provide a initiative, the Government of India has
major boost to the sector. Expecting such received investment proposals of over
developments in the country and aided US$ 3.05 billion till end of August 2015
by suitable government foreign policies, from various companies. India has become
several foreign players such as Lafarge- one of the most attractive destinations for
Holcim, Heidelberg Cement, and Vicat have investments in the manufacturing sector.
invested in the country in the recent past. Clean energy investments in India increased
India’s cement demand is expected to reach to US$ 7.9 billion in 2014, helping the
550-600 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) country maintain its position as the seventh
by 2025. The housing sector is the biggest largest clean energy investor in the world.
demand driver of cement, accounting for Oil and Gas Industry in India
about 67% of the total consumption in India.
In the 12th Five Year Plan, the Government The oil and gas sector is among the six core
of India plans to increase investment in industries in India and plays a major role
infrastructure to the tune of US$ 1 trillion and in influencing decision making for all the
increase the industry’s capacity to 150 MT. other important sections of the economy.
In 1997–98, the New Exploration Licensing
Gems and Jewellery Industry in India Policy (NELP) was envisaged to fill the ever-
Contributor to semi-skilled employment. increasing gap between India’s gas demand
Consists of 3 segments – Diamonds, Gold and supply. The Government of India
Jewellery & Coloured Gemstones. has adopted several policies to fulfil the
It is extremely export oriented and labour increasing demand. The Government has
intensive. It contributes to 6 – 7% of the allowed 100% foreign direct investment
GDP. (FDI) in many segments of the sector,
The gems and jewellery sector in India including natural gas, petroleum products,
is engaged in sourcing, manufacturing, and refineries, among others.
and processing, which involves cutting, Presently, domestic production accounts for
polishing and selling precious gemstones more than three-quarters of the country’s
and metals such as diamonds, other total gas consumption. India increasingly
The Industrial Policy Resolution, 1948 was the first economic policy of our country.
ECONOMY GK-299
relies on imported LNG. The country was cubic meters, yet given the low production
the fifth-largest LNG importer in 2013, base, the country remains a net importer of
accounting for 5.5% of global imports. energy.
India’s LNG imports are forecasted to
increase at a CAGR of 33% during 2012–17. Real Estate Industry in India
India is the second largest employer of
Real estate after agriculture and is slated to
Wind
grow at 30% over the next decade.

r
The real estate sector comprises four sub

a
cle
sectors - housing, retail, hospitality, and

N u
commercial.
Hydro Coal Bengaluru is expected to be the most
favoured property investment destination
for NRIs, followed by Ahmedabad, Pune,
lG &
Chennai, Goa, Delhi and Dehradun.

tu um
as
The Indian real estate market is expected to

Na role
ra
touch US$ 180 billion by 2020. The housing

t
Pe
sector alone contributes 5-6% to the

country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Energy consumption pattern in India Mumbai is the best city in India for
commercial real estate investment, with
State-owned Oil and Natural Gas
returns of 12-19% likely in the next five
Corporation (ONGC) dominates the
years, followed by Bengaluru and Delhi-
upstream segment (exploration and
National Capital Region (NCR).
production), accounting for approximately
Under the Sardar Patel Urban Housing
68% of the country’s total oil output (FY14).
Mission, 30 million houses will be built in
PAHAL - Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG
India by 2022, mostly for the economically
consumer (DBTL) scheme was launched
weaker sections and low-income groups,
in 54 districts on November 11, 2014
through public-private-partnership (PPP)
and expanded to rest of the country on
January 1, 2015 will cover 15.3 crore and interest subsidy.
active LPG consumers of the country. 24×7 Textile Industry in India
LPG service via web launched to provide
LPG consumers an integrated solution to India’s textiles sector is one of the oldest
carry out all services at one place, through industries in Indian economy dating back
MyLPG.in, from the comfort of their home. several centuries. Even today, textiles sector
The Government of India launched the ‘Give is one of the largest contributors to India’s
It Up’ campaign on LPG subsidy that helped exports. India is the world’s second largest
it save ` 140 crore (US$ 21.11 million) as exporter of textiles and clothing contributing
on 22nd July 2015 with nearly 12.6 lakh approximately 12% of total exports.
Indians registering for the cause. The Indian textiles industry, currently
Subsidised cooking gas will no longer be estimated at around US$ 108 billion, is
provided to consumers earning ` 10 lakh expected to reach US$ 223 billion by 2021.
or more a year from January 1, 2016. The The textile industry contributes to 10% of
rule will initially be implemented on self- manufacturing production, 2% of India’s
declaration basis for cylinders booked from GDP and to 13% of the country’s export
January 2016 onwards. earnings. With over 45 million people
India has proven oil reserves of 5.7 billion employed directly, textile industry is one of
barrels, and gas reserves of 1.4 trillion the largest source of employment generation
Indian Railway network is the biggest railway of Asia.
GK-300
ECONOMY
in the country. Readymade garments are exports. Cotton and handmade textiles were
the largest contributor to total textile and also major contributors with shares of 31%
apparel exports from India in FY15. The and 16%, respectively.
segment had a share of 40% in overall textile The textile and apparels industry is broadly
classified into the following segments:
Segments
Cotton & Jute & Silk & Wool & Hand- Technical Ready-
Cotton Jute Silk Woolen crafted Textiles made
Textiles Textiles Textiles Textiles Textiles garments
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in textile India’s internet economy is expected to touch
sector increased to US$ 1,587.8 million in `10 trillion (US$ 151.6 billion) by 2018,
FY15 from US$ 1,424.9 million in FY14. accounting for 5% of the country’s gross
The Ministry of Textiles is encouraging domestic product (GDP), according to a
investments through increasing focus on report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
schemes such as Technology Up-gradation and Internet and Mobile Association of India
Fund Scheme (TUFS). (IAMAI). India’s internet user base reached
over 350 million by June 2015, the third largest
IT & ITeS Industry in India in the world, while the number of social media
India is the world’s largest sourcing users grew to 143 million by April 2015 and
destination for the information technology smartphones grew to 160 million.
(IT) industry, accounting for approximately Indian start-ups are expected to receive
67% of the US$ 124-130 billion market. funding worth US$ 5 billion by the end of
India’s IT industry amounts to 12.3% of the 2015, a 125% increase in a year, according to
global market, largely due to exports. Export a report by IT Industry association NASSCOM.
of IT services accounted for 56.12% of total The Government of India has launched
IT exports (including hardware) from India. the Digital India program to provide
The Business Process Management (BPM) several government services to the people
segment accounted for 23.46% of total IT using IT and to integrate the government
exports during FY15. departments and the people of India. The
The IT industry has also created significant adoption of key technologies across sectors
spurred by the ‘Digital India Initiative’ could
demand in the Indian education sector,
help boost India’s gross domestic product
especially for engineering and computer
(GDP) by US$ 550 billion to US$ 1 trillion by
science.
2025, as per research firm McKinsey.
The Indian Information Technology (IT)
SMAC, increasing at a CAGR of approximately
sector is expected to grow 11% per annum
30% to around US$ 650-700 billion by
and triple its current annual revenue to
2020. The social media is the second most
reach US$ 350 billion by FY 2025, as per
lucrative segment for IT firms, offering
National Association of Software and a US$ 250 billion market opportunity by
Services Companies (NASSCOM). 2020.
The IT industry is the biggest private sector employer in India.
ECONOMY GK-301
The Indian e-commerce segment is Iron & Steel Industry

US$ 12 billion in size and is witnessing Started by TISCO at Jamshedpur in 1907.
strong growth and thereby offers another India is world’s 3rd largest producer of
attractive avenue for IT companies to crude steel. Provides employment to large
develop products and services to cater to number of people. Steel sector contributes
the high growth consumer segment.
nearly 2% of GDP. Key industry for
Indian Autombile Industry construction. Backbone of all industries.
SAIL is the largest public sector steel
The Indian automobile industry registered
producing company. India is the largest
a growth of 8.68% in the FY 2014 – 15
producer of sponge iron in the world.
over last year and produced 23.37 million
vehicles. The automobile industry accounts Travel & Tourism Industry
for 7.1% of the country’s gross domestic
According to World Economic Forum’s Travel
product (GDP).
& Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015,
Two-wheeler production is projected to
India ranks 52nd globally out of 141 economies
rise from 18.5 million in FY15 to 34 million
ranked on Travel & Tourism Competitiveness
by FY20. Furthermore, passenger vehicle
Index. Tourism in India accounts for 6.8% of
production is expected to increase to 10
the GDP & is the 3rd largest foreign exchange
million in FY20 from 3.2 million in FY15.
The government aims to develop India as a earner for the country. The direct contribution
global manufacturing as well as a research and of Tourism & Hospitality sector to GDP totalled
development (R&D) hub. It has set up National US $ 44.2 billion in 2015. Over 7.757 million
Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure foreign tourist arrivals were reported in
Project (NATRIP) centres as well as a National 2015. Important Travel Companies in India
Automotive Board to act as facilitator between Cox Kings Ltd., India Tourism Development
the government and the industry. Corporation Ltd., Thomas Cook Ltd.
Alternative fuel has the potential to provide
Foreign Direct Investment Policy 2016
for the country’s energy demand in the auto
sector as the CNG distribution network in India The FDI policy amendments are meant to
is expected to rise to 250 cities in 2018 from liberalize and simplify the FDI policy so as to
125 cities in 2014. Furthermore, the luxury provide ease of doing business is the country
car market can register high growth and is leading to larger FDI inflows contributing
expected to reach 150,000 units by 2020. to growth of investment, incomes and
employment. Measures undertaken by the
Coal Industry in India
Government, in previous years, have resulted
Coal is one of the important parts of India’s in increased FDI inflows at US$ 55.46 billion
energy mix. It has the fifth largest coal
in financial year 2015-16, as against US $
reserves in the world. It is a major source of
36.04 billion during 2013-14. This is the
electricity production in India.
highest ever FDI inflow far a particular
Coal India Limited (CIL) was formed as a
holding company in 1975, incorporating the financial year. However, it was felt that the
state-owned companies that were created country has potential to attract far more
following the nationalisation of India’s coal foreign investment which can be achieved
assets. by further liberalizing and simplifying the
Coal India Limited accounts for around FDI regime. Thus changes introduced in the
80% of India’s total coal production. FDI policy 2016 included increase in sectoral
MSME is the largest job provider and contributes about 8% to the GDP of India.
GK-302
ECONOMY
caps, bringing more activities under automatic route and easing of conditionalities for foreign
investment. The amendments have made India the most open economy in the world for FDI.
FDI 2016 in Various Sectors

Sector Limit Entry Route
Food Products (Manufactured/Produced 100% Government
in India)
Defence 100% Government
Broadcasting Carriage Services 100% Automatic
Brownfield pharmaceuticals 74% Automatic
Brownfield Airport Projects 100% Automatic
Animal Husbandry 100% Automatic
Agriculture 100% Automatic
Construction Development: Townships, 100% Automatic
Housing, Built-up Infrastructure
Industrial Parks 100% Automatic
Telecom Services 100% Upto 49%—Automatic
Above 49%—Government
Multi Brand Retail Trading 51% Government
Banking—Private Sector 74% Upto 49%—Automatic
Above 49%—Government
& Upto 74%
Banking—Public Sector 20% Government
Insurance 49% Automatic
Pension 49% Automatic
MSME contributes about 40% to India’s exports.

MAJOR POLICIES/ACTS – AT A GLANCE GK-303
MAJOR POLICIES/ACTS –
AT A GLANCE
VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES

IN INDIA – AT A GLANCE
National Institution of 1977 Training, investigation and advisory organisation for
Rural Development rural development.
Rural Landless August 15, For providing employment to landless farmers and
Employment Guarantee 1983 labourers.
Programme (RLEGP)
Self-Employment to the 1983-84 To provide financial and technical assistance for
Educated Unemployed self- employment.
Youth (SEEUY)
Self-Employment September To provide self-employment to urban poor through
Programme for the Urban 1986 provision of subsidy and bank credit.
Poor (SEPUP)
District Rural 1993 To provide financial assistance for rural
Development Agency development.
(DRDA)
Valmiki Ambedkar Awas December Constructing slum houses in urban areas.
Yojana (VAMBAY) 2, 2001
Community Development 1952 Overall development of rural areas with people’s
Programme (CDP) participation.
Intensive Agriculture 1960-61 To provide loan, seeds, fertilizer tools to the
Development Programme farmers.
(IADP)
Green Revolution 1966-67 To increase the foodgrains, specially wheat production.
Nationalisation of 14 July 1969 To provide loans for agriculture, rural development
Banks and other priority sectors.
Drought-Prone Area 1973 To try an expedient for protection from drought
Progr-amme (DPAP) by achieving environmental balance and by
developing ground water.
Crash Scheme for Rural 1972-73 For rural employment.
Employment (CSRE)
Food for Work 1977-78 Providing food grains to labour for the works of
Programme development.
GK-304
MAJOR POLICIES/ACTS – AT A GLANCE
Jawahar Rozgar Yojana April 1989 For providing employment to rural unemployed.
Agricultural and Rural 1990 To exempt bank loans upto ` 10,000 of rural
Debt Relief Scheme artisans and weavers.
(ARDRS)
Scheme of Urban Micro 1990 To assist the urban poor people for small
Enterprises (SUME) enterprise.
Scheme of Urban Wage 1990 To provide wage employment after arranging the
Employment (SUWE) basic facilities for poor people in the urban areas
where population is less than one lakh.
National Renewal Fund February To protect the interest of the employees of Public
(NRF) 1992 Sector.
Employment Assurance October 2,
To provide employment of at least 100 days in a
Scheme (EAS) 1993 year in villages.
Scheme of Integrated Sixth Five
To provide resource and create employment in
Development of Small and Year Plansmall and medium towns for prohibiting the
Medium Towns migration of population from rural areas to big
cities.
Child Labour Eradication August 15, To shift child labour from hazardous industries to
Scheme 1994 schools.
Prime Minister’s November To attack urban poverty in an integrated manner
Integrated Urban Poverty 18, 1995 in 345 town having population between 50,000 to
Eradication Programme 1 lakh.
(PMIUPEP)
National Social Assistance 1995 To assist people living below the poverty line.
Programme
Ganga Kalyan Yojana 1997-98 To provide financial assistance to farmers for
exploring and developing ground and surface
water resources.
BhagyaShree Bal Kalyan October 19, To uplift the conditions of girls.
Policy 1998
Sampurna Gramin Rojgar September Providing employment and food security.
Yojana 25, 2001
Social Security Pilot January 23, Scheme for labourers of unorganised sector for
Scheme 2004 providing family pension, insurance and medical.
WOMEN EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES
Name of the Year of Objective/Description

Programmes Beginning
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh- 1993 It extends micro-finance services through a client
(National Credit Fund for friendly and hasslefree loaning mechanism for
Women) livelihood activities, housing micro-enterprises,
family needs, etc to bring about the socio-economic
upliftment of poor women.
Support to Training and 2003-04 To increase the self-reliance and autonomy of
Employment Programme women by enhancing their productivity and
for Women (STEP) enabling them to take up income generating
activities.
Ujjawala December A comprehensive scheme for prevention

4th, 2007 of trafficking with 5 specific components :
prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, re-integration
and repatriation of victims.
Dhan Laxmi March Conditional cash transfer scheme for the girl child
2008 to encourage families to educate girl children and
to prevent child marriage.
National Mission for 2010 To achieve empowerment of women socially,
Empowerment of Women economically and educationally by securing
(NMEW) convergence of schemes.
Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for November It aims at empowering adolescent girls of 11 to 18
Empowerment of Adolescent 19th, 2010 years by improving their nutritional and health
Girls (RGSEAG)- ‘Sabla’ status, upgradation of home skills, life skills and
vocational skills.
Saakshar Bharat September National Literacy mission has been recased as
8th, 2009 ‘Saakshar Bharat’. The aim is to cover all adults,
in the age group of 15 and above, with its primary
focus on women.
POLICIES
Policy Year of Objective/Description

Beginning
New Pension System January,  To provide retirement income to all the citizens.
2004  Structured in 2 tiers –
 Tier-1 account is a basic retirement pension
account available to all citizens and does not
permit withdrawal of funds before retirement.
 Tier-2 account is a prospective payment system
account that permits some withdrawal of
pension prior to retirement under exceptional
circumstances.
National Food Security 2007  To increase production and productivity of
Mission wheat, rice and pulses.
 To bridge the yield gap through spreading of
improved technologies and farm management
practices.
Mega Food Parks Scheme 2008  To set up modern infrastructure facilities for
(MFPs) food processing.
 To reduce wastage of perishables.
Unique Identification 2009  To assign a 12-digit UID number (Aadhaar) to
Authority of India (UIDAI) all residents of India.
Direct Benefit Transfer 2013  Direct transfer of subsidy under various social
schemes into beneficiaries’ bank accounts
through Aadhar Payment Bridge
Digital India July, 2015  Creation of digital infrastructure.
 Delivering services digitally.
 Digital literacy.
GK-306
Smart Cities Mission June, 2015  To promote, cities that provide core
infrastructure, and give a decent quality of life
to its citizens.
 A clean & sustainable environment and
application of smart solutions.
 Cover 100 cities and its duration will be 5 years
(2015-16 to 2019-20).
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan 2 October,  To have a cleaner India.
2014  Introduce modern and scientific municipal
solid waste management practices.
MUDRA Bank Yojana April 8,  Regulate the micro finance to the rural and
2015 needy population.
Payment Banks 2015  RBI granted ‘in principle’ approval for payment
banks to 11 entities, including Reliance
Industries, Airtel, Vodafone etc.
 New stripped - down type of banks, which are
expected to reach customers mainly through
their mobile phones rather than traditional
bank, branches.
 These banks can’t offer loans but can raise
deposits of upto ` 1 Lakh, and pay interest on
these balances.
Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram 2015  To provide 24×7 uninterrupted electricity
Jyoti Yojana supply to each rural household across the
nation by 2022.
Soil Health Card Scheme February,  To help farmers to improve their farm
2015 productivity by evaluating the quality by of the
soil.
Citizenship (Amendment) February  The bill allows the central government to
Bill 27, 2015 register a person as an Overseas Citizen of India
cardholder even if he/she does not satisfy the
given eligibility under special circumstances
only.
The Constitution (119th May 2015  Constitution (119th Amendment) Act, 2015
Amendment) Act is related to the Land Boundary Agreement
(LBA) between India and Bangladesh.
 The bill aims to amend the 1st schedule of
the constitution for the exchange of disputed
territories occupied by both the nations in
agreement with the 1974 bilateral LBA(Land
Boundary Agreement)
Motor Vehicles March,  The bill describes “e-cart or e-rickshaw” as a
(Amendment) Bill 2015 special purpose battery powered vehicle of
power not exceeding 4000 watts, having three
wheels for carrying goods or passengers.
 The bill empowers Union Government to make
the rules on the specifications for e-carts and
e-rickshaws with conditions and manner for
issuing driving licenses.
The Rights of Transgender April 2015  The Bill guarantees reservation in education,
Persons Bill jobs, financial aid and social inclusion.
• The bill promises for creation of welfare
boards at the Centre and State level for the
community with two per cent reservation
in government jobs along with providing for
pensions and unemployment allowances; and
establishment of Transgender rights court.
Insurance Laws March  The Amendment will hand over the
(Amendment) Bill 2015 responsibility of selecting insurance agents to
insurers and provides for IRDAI to standardize
their eligibility, qualifications and other
aspects. It allows agents to work for variety
of companies in various business categories;
upholding the conflict of interest that would
not be allowed by IRDAI via suitable rules.
• The amendments provide a comparatively
easier process for payment to the nominee
of the policy holder, as the insurer would
be discharged of its legal liabilities once the
payment is made to the nominee.
Land Acquisition 11th May,  The Right to Fair Compensation and
Rehabilitation 2015 Transparency in Land Acquisition,
and Resettlement Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment)
(Amendment) Bill Bill, 2015 was introduced on 11th May, 2015.
• The Bill seeks to amend the principal Act
(LARR Act, 2013) passed in 2013.
• The bill empowers the government to excuse
five categories of projects including defence,
rural infrastructure, affordable housing,
industrial corridors and infrastructure
including PPPs, from the requirements of: (i)
social impact assessment, (ii) restrictions on
acquisition of multi-cropped land, and (iii)
consent for private projects and public private
partnerships (PPPs) projects.
• The bill eliminated the provisions from the
principal act which deemed the head of a
government department guilty for an offence
conducted by the department and added the
requirement of a prior sanction to take legal
action against a government employee.
• The government allowed this ordinance
on the land acquisition act to lapse on 31st
August 2015.
SAHAJ Scheme 2015  Under the SAHAJ scheme, people are required
to fill up forms online for a new LPG connection
and avoid visiting the LPG distributors. It
involves filing the KYC form by uploading bank
account details and photographs.
GK-308
‘SAMANVAY’ portal 2015  ‘SAMANVAY’ web portal was launched by
the Union Ministry of Rural Development
to supervise the progress and execution of
the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) for
development of Gram Panchayats.
USTAAD Scheme 2015  The USTAAD scheme was launched in order to
improve the degrading condition of the world
renowned Banaras Saree weavers belonging to
various minority communities.
• The Scheme seeks to upgrade the Skills and
Training of the minority communities by
preservation of their customary ancestral Arts
and Crafts.
• It also focuses on improving upon the skills
of craftsmen, weavers and artisans who are
already engaged in the traditional ancestral
work.
Namami Gange Project May, 2015  Namami Gange Project was launched as an
intergrated effort by the Union Government
for the conservation and improvement of the
Ganga River.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan 9 May,  Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
Jyoti Bima Yojana 2015 (PMJJBY) was launched by the Union finance
minister Arun Jaitley with the aim to extend life
insurance cover to people both in the cases of
natural deaths or accidents.
Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao January  Union Government launched one of its most
campaign 22nd, ambitious projects Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao
2015 (BBBP) on 22nd January 2015 whose prime
objective is to create awareness about the
diminishing child sex ratio in the country.
Sukanya Samridhi Yojana January  Sukanya Samridhi Yojna was launched by Prime
22nd, Minister Narendra Modi on 22nd January 2015
2015 as a girl child prosperity scheme to ensure the
bright future of the girl child in India.
• Under the scheme, parents need to deposit `
1,000 at the time of her birth and thereafter
deposit multiples of ` 100 with the maximum
deposit of ` 1,50,000.
• The yojana permits the girl child to access
her account after she is 10 years old and
a withdrawal of 50% from the account is
permitted at the age of 18 years for higher
education purpose.
Nai Manzil scheme August  The scheme seeks to deal with educational
8th, 2015 and livelihood needs of minority communities
in general and Muslims in particular as it lags
behind other minority communities in terms of
educational attainments.
• The focus of the scheme is to provide
educational intervention by offering bridge
courses to the trainees, getting them
certificates for class XII and X through distance
educational system and facilitate them with
trade basis skill training in 4 courses namely
manufacturing, engineering, services and soft
skills.
Thari Pension, Thare Pass August,  Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar
2015 launched the Thari Pension Thare Pass in
Chandigarh, seeking to directly transfer
pension into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
• Over 10 lakh beneficiaries from 1,744 villages
and 81 towns in the state would get pensions
through banks and post offices under the first
phase of the scheme.
‘Aapki Beti Hamari Beti’ January  Haryana government launched the ‘Aapki
Scheme 22nd, Beti Hamari Beti’ scheme aiming to combat
2015 the problem of declining child sex ratio and
promote girls’ education.
 The scheme is to be implemented in both rural
and urban areas of the state covering first-born
girl child of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Below
Poverty Line (BPL) families.
Green Highways Policy 2015 • The aim of the policy is to promote greening
of Highway corridors with participation of the
community, farmers, private sector, NGOs, and
government institutions.
•
The target for the first year is to plant trees
along 6,000 km of highways, for which 12,000
hectares of land allotted.
‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal 2015 • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched
Vikas Yojana’ ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana’, which
aims to offer 24 lakh Indian youth meaningful,
industry relevant, skill based training.
One Rank One Pension September  To provide uniform pension to ex-servicemen
(OROP) 5, 2015 of the same rank and the same length of
service, regardless of their date of retirement.
Swadesh Darshan Yojana 2015  Develop world class tourism infrastructure.
GK-310
National Heritage January  Bringing together urban planning, economic
City Development and 21, 2015 growth and heritage conservation to preserve
Augmentation Yojana the heritage character of each Heritage City.
(HRIDAY)
Udaan Scheme November,  Encouraging girls for higher technical
2014 education and aims to provide them with
better learning opportunities.
Gold Monetisation Scheme November,  To reduce the reliance on gold imports.
2015
UJWAL Discom Assurance November,  To reduce the interest burden, cost of power,
Yojana (UDAY) 20, 2015 power losses in distribution sector, and
improve operational efficiency of DISCOMs.
BUSINESS GK-311
BUSINESS
BUSINESS ENTITIES
or intellectual property & has no significant
Sole Proprietorship
accounting transaction, such a company
It is an unincorporated business with one or an inactive company may make an
owner who pays personal income tax on application to the registrar in such manner
profits from the business. as may be prescribed for obtaining the
Partnership status of a Dormant company.
A type of business organisation in which Family Owned Business
two or more individuals pool money, skills,
& other resources, & share profit & loss in It is a kind of business in which two or more
accordance with terms of the partnership family members are involved & the majority
agreement. of ownership or control lies within the family.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Private Limited Company
It is a partnership in which some or all A type of company that offers limited liability,
partners have limited liabilities. or legal protection for its shareholders but
Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) places certain restrictions on its ownership.
It is an extended family arrangement Small Company
prevalent throughout the Indian subcontinent It is a company that satisfies either of the
consisting of many generations living in the
following conditions:
same household, all bound by the common
(i) Paid-up share capital which does not
relationship. A HUF is a legal term related
to the Hindu Marriage Act. The female exceed 50 lakh rupees or such higher
members are also given the right of share to amount as may be prescribed which shall
the property in the HUF. not be more than 5 crore rupees.
OR
Cooperative
(ii) Turnover of which as per its last profit
It is a firm owned, controlled, & operated by
& loss account does not exceed 2 crore
a group of users for their own benefit. Each
member contributes equity capital & shares rupees or such higher amount as may be
in the control of the firm on the basis of one- prescribed which shall not be more than
member, one-vote principle. 20 crore rupees.
Dormant Company Public Limited Company
The Companies Act 2013 (section 455) A company whose securities are traded on
introduces a concept of a dormant company a stock exchange & can be bought & sold by
within its ambit. The Dormant Company is anyone. Its formation, working & its winding
a company formed & registered under this up, in fact, all its activities are strictly
act for a future project or to hold an asset governed by laws, rules & regulations.
Goldmansach was founded in 1869 and became a public company in 1999.
GK-312
BUSINESS
Public Sector Unit (PSU) Unlimited Company
The government owned corporations are It is a company in which all members
termed as public sector undertakings or shareholders have total & joint
(PSUs) in India. In a PSU, majority (51% or responsibility to cover all debts & other
more) of the paid up share capital is held liabilities the company generates, regardless
by Central Government or by any state of how much capital each contributes.
government & partly by one or more state Incorporated Company
governments.
A company that has been granted a charter
One Person Company legally recognizing it as a separate entity
It is a registered company who has only one having its own privileges, rights, & liabilities
shareholder. It is a private company. distinct from other business & persons.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The framework of rules & practices by which distribution of responsibilities, rights &
a Board of Directors ensures accountability, rewards.
fairness, & transparency in a company’s 2. procedures for reconciling the sometimes
relationship with its all stakeholders conflicting interests of stakeholders in
(financiers, customers, management, accordance with their duties, privileges
employees, government, & the community). & roles.
The corporate governance framework 3. procedures for proper supervision, control
consists of : & information-flows to serve as a system
1. explicit & implicit contracts between of checks & balances.
the company & the stakeholders for
COMPANIES ACT AMENDMENT BILL 2016

The Companies Act (Amendment) Bill Lok Sabha. This Bill is mainly based on the
2016 seeks to amend the Companies Act recommendations of the companies Law
2013 which regulates the incorporation, Committee. The Bill was then referred to
regulation and winding up of companies. the standing Committee on finance for
The Bill in the wake of facilitating ease examination.
of doing business aims to bring some Brief description of the key changes
radical changes in the previous Act. In proposed is 2016 Bill compared with
March 2016, the Bill was introduced in provisions of the 2013 Act:
Key Features Companies Act, 2013 Companies
(Amendment) Bill, 2016
Private Placement Separate offer letter to be given to Removes the requirement of is-
private individuals. A record of such suing a separate offer letter, and
offers must be filed with the Regis- recording such offers with the
trar of Companies (ROC) in 30 days. ROC.
Forward dealing & Prohibits forward dealing in secu- Removes the provisions related
Insider trading rities by the Director or Key mana- to prohibition of forward deal-
gerial personnel. Prohibits insides ing and insider trading.
trading by all persons in a company.
Memorandum of a Requires to state the objects for Memorandum may contain gen-
Company which the company is being incor- eral objects which state that the
porated, and other related matters. company may engage in any
lawful activities or businesses.
Edmund Jerome McCarthy propounded the theory of 4 P’s of marketing.
BUSINESS GK-313
Managerial Approval of the Central Government Omits the requirement of ob-

remuneration and shareholders must be obtained taining approval from the Cen-
for payment of managerial remu- tral Government.
neration if exceeds prescribed lim-
its.
Cap on invest- Investments in a company cannot Removes the restrictions on
ments be made through more than two lay- number of layers of investment
ers of investment companies. companies.
Subsidiary com- Subsidiary Company is one in Replaces the term ‘shares’
pany and Associate which a parent company holds with voting power. Preferential
Company more than 50% of its ‘Shares’. shareholders, who do not have
Associate Company is one voting power are excluded.
where another company holds
at lest 20% of its ‘Shares’. (Includes
equity & Preferential shareholders).
Ratification of Appointment or continuance of au- Omit this requirement
Auditors ditor of a company should be rati-
fied annually by the members of the
company.
Loans to Directors A company is not allowed to ad- Allows company to advance a loan
vance any loan to its Directors or to in relation to any person a Direc-
any person in whom the director is tor is interested in if the company
interested. passes a special resolution.
Register as a Pri- Any company formed, consisting For the words ‘seven or more
vate Company of seven or more members, may members’, the words ‘two or
at any time register under this Act more member’ shall be substi-
as an unlimited company, or as a tuted. A company with less than
company limited by shares, or as a seven members shall register as
company limited by guarantee. a private company.
PENSION SYSTEM
Pension Plans provide financial security & stability during old age when people don’t have
a regular source of income. To provide social security to more citizens the Government
of India has started the National Pension System. Government of India established
Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA) on 10th October 2013 to
develop & regulate pension sector in the country. The National Pension System (NPS)
was launched in 1st January, 2004 with the objective of providing retirement income to
all the citizens. With effect from 1st May 2009, NPS has been provided for all citizens of
the country including the unorganised sector workers on voluntary basis. Additionally,
Central Government launched a co-contributory pension scheme, ‘Swavalamban
Scheme’ in the Union Budget of 2010-11, under which the Government will contribute
a sum of ` 1,000 to each eligible NPS subscriber who contributes a minimum of
` 1,000 & maximum ` 12,000 per annum.
The NPS is structured in 2 tiers. A Tier-1 account is a basic retirement pension account
available to all citizens from 1 May 2009. It doesnot permit withdrawal of funds before
retirement. A Tier-2 account is a prospective payment system account that permits
some withdrawal of pension prior to retirement under exceptional circumstances,
usually related to the provision of health care.
The 4 P’s of the marketing theory are Product, Price, Place, Promotion.
GK-314
BUSINESS
MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
MCA regulates corporate affairs in India Act. These offices function as registry
through the Companies ACT, 1956, 2013 of records relating to the companies
and other allied Acts, Bills and Rules. MCA registered with them, which are available
also protects investors and offers many for inspection by members of public on
important services to stakeholders. payment of the prescribed fee. The Central
The Ministry is also responsible for Government exercises administrative
administering the Competition Act, 2002 control over these offices through the
to prevent practices having adverse respective Regional Directors.
effect on competition, to promote and
Income Tax Department
sustain competition in markets, to protect
The Income Tax Department, also referred
the interests of consumers through the
to as IT Department, is a government
commission set up under the Act.
agency in charge of monitoring the income
Besides, it exercises supervision over
tax collection by the Government of India. It
the three professional bodies, namely,
functions under the Department of Revenue
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
of the Ministry of Finance. It is responsible
(ICAI) which are constituted under three
for administering following direct taxation
separate Acts of the Parliament for proper
acts passed by Parliament of India.
and orderly growth of the professions
•• Income Tax Act
concerned
•• Wealth Tax Act
Registrar of Companies •• Gift Tax Act
Registrars of Companies (ROC) appointed •• Expenditure Tax Act
under Section 609 of the Companies •• Interest Tax Act
Act covering the variuous States and •• Various Finance Acts (Passed Every
Union Territories are vested with the Year in Budget Session)
primary duty of registering companies The IT Department is also responsible for
and LLPs floated in the respective states enforcing the Double Taxation Avoidance
and the Union Territories and ensuring Agreements and deals with various aspects
that such companies and LLPs comply of international taxation such as Transfer
with statutory requirements under the Pricing.
BALANCE SHEET
A financial statement that summarizes company owns and owes, as well as the
a company’s assets, liabilities and amount invested by shareholders.
shareholders’ equity at a specific point in The balance sheet adheres to the following
time. These three balance sheet segments formula:
give investors an idea as to what the Assets = Liabilities + Shareholders’ Equity
Production function is the relationship between physical inputs and physical output of a commodity.
BUSINESS GK-315
Balance Sheet Template

Company Name Here
Balance Sheet
For the period Ended ___________
Assets Liabilities
Current Assets Current Liabilities
Cash XXXXXX Account Payable XXXXXX
Short-term investment XXXXX Salaries Payable XXXXX
Accounts Receivables XXXXX Accrued Interest XXXXX
Inventories XXXXXXX Taxes payable XXXX
Prepaid Insurance XXXXXX XXXXXX Current Portion of Notes XXXXXX XXXXXXXX
Others XXXXXX
Long Term Investments Long Term Liabilities

Stock Investments XXXXXX Note Payable XXXXXX
Cash Value of Insurance XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Mortgage Liability XXXXXX XXXXXXXX
Fixed Assets
Land XXXXXX
Building and Equipment XXXXXX Total Liabilities XXXXXXXX
Less Accumulated Depreciation (XXXXX) XXXXXX XXXXXX
Stock Holder’s Equity
Intangible Assets Capital Stock XXXXXXX
Good Will XXXXXX Retained Earnings XXXXXX
Total stock Holder’s Equity XXXXXX

Other Assets
Receivables from Employees XXXXXXXX
Total Assets XXXXXXXX Total Liabilities XXXXXXXX
SOURCES OF FUNDS
Debt Venture Funding
A duty or obligation to pay money delivery It is the capital invested, or available for
goods or render service under an express or investment, in an enterprise that offers the
implied agreement. probability of profit along with the possibility
Debentures of loss. This sort of funding is done, generally,
It is a medium- to long-term debt instrument after a company has a proof of concept and
used by large companies to borrow money, has crossed early stages of business.
at a fixed rate of interest. IPO
Shareholder’s Equity Initial public offering or IPO is the first sale
It represents the amount by which a of a company’s shares to the public, leading
company is financed through common and to a stock market listing. A lot of venture
preferred shares. funds adopts this route to exit a company in
Seed Funding which they have invested.
It is a type of securities contribution in which Shares
an investor invests capital in exchange for A unit of ownership that represents an equal
an equity stake in the company. This sort proportion of a company’s capital. It entitles
of funding is done in the initial stages of a its holder( the shareholder) to an equal
business.
Relationship marketing is a form of marketing developed from direct response marketing campaign conducted in 1960.
GK-316
BUSINESS
claim on the company’s profits & an equal sized businesses (SMBs) are businesses
obligation for the company’s debts & losses. whose personnel numbers fall below
There are 2 major types of shares- certain limits. Indian Small and Medium
Enterprises (SME) sector has emerged as
•• Ordinary shares: Entitles the shareholder
a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the
to share in the earnings of the company &
Indian economy over the last five decades.
to vote at the company’s annual general
SMEs not only play crucial role in providing
meetings & other official meetings.
large employment opportunities at
•• Preference shares: Entitles the shareholder
comparatively lower capital cost than large
to a fixed periodic income but generally do
industries but also help in industrialization
not give him/her voting rights.
of rural areas. SMEs are complementary to
Loans: A loan is a debt provided by an
large industries as ancillary units and this
entity (organisation of individual) to
sector contributes enormously to the socio-
another entity at an interest rate.
economic development of the country.
Performance of a company The sector consisting of 36 million units,
as of today, provides employment to over
Debt/Equity Ratio
80 million persons. The Sector through
It is a debt ratio used to calculate company’s more than 6,000 products contributes
financial leverage. It is calculated by about 8% to GDP besides 45% to the total
dividing a company’s total liabilities by its
manufacturing output and 40% to the
stockholder’s equity. It shows how much
exports from the country. The SME sector
debt a corporation is using to fund its assets
has the potential to spread industrial
relative to the amount of value represented
in shareholder’s equity. growth across the country and can be a
major partner in the process of inclusive
P/E Ratio
growth.
The price-to earnings ratio is an equity SMEs also play a significant role in Nation
valuation multiple. It is defined as market development through high contribution to
price per share divided by annual earnings
Domestic Production, Significant Export
per share, (EPS = total income of company
Earning, Low Investment Requirements,
divided by number of shares issued)
Operational Flexibility, Location Wise
Turnover Ratio Mobility, Low Intensive Imports, Capacities to
The turnover ratio measures how well a Develop Appropriate Indigenous Technology,
company is utilizing its capital to support Import Substitution, Contribution towards
a given Level of Sales. A high turnover Defence Production, Technology – Oriented
ratio indicates that management is being Industries, Competitiveness in Domestic
extremely efficient is using a firm’s short
and Export Markets thereby generating new
term assets & liabilities to support sales.
entrepreneurs by providing knowledge and
Conversely, a low ratio indicates that a
business is investing in too many accounts training.
receivable & inventory assets to support E–Commerce in India
its sales, which could eventually lead to an
excessive amount of bad debts & obsolete E-commerce or electronic commerce
inventory. deals with the buying & selling of goods
& services, or the transmitting of funds or
Small and Medium-Sized data, over an electronic platform, mainly
Enterprises the internet. These business transactions
Small and medium-sized enterprises are categorised into–
(SMEs); sometimes also small and medium •• Business to Business (B2B)
enterprises) or small and medium- •• Business to Consumers (B2C)
First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956) was based on the “Harold-Domar Model”.
BUSINESS GK-317
•• Consumer to Consumer (C2C) widely. Today, according to the UN, any kind of
•• Consumer to Business(C2B) private organization that is independent from
Business to Business to Consumer government control can be termed an “NGO”,
E–commerce processes are conducted provided it is not-for-profit, non-prevention,
using applications, such as Email, fax, and not simply an opposition political party.
online catalogues & shopping carts, Examples include improving the state of
electronic data interchange, file transfer the natural environment, encouraging the
protocol & web services & e–newsletters to observance of human rights, improving the
subscribers. E–Travel is the most popular welfare of the disadvantaged, or representing
form of E–commerce, followed by e–Tail which a corporate agenda. However, there are a
essentially means selling of retail goods on huge number of such organizations and their
the internet conducted by the B2C category. goals cover a broad range of political and
Mobile Commerce (M – Commerce) philosophical positions. This can also easily
M–Commerce is the buying & selling of goods be applied to private schools and athletic
& services through wireless handheld services organizations.
such as cellular telephone & personal digital
assistants. The phrase mobile commerce was FICCI (Federation of Indian Chamber
originally coined in 1997 by Kevin Duffey at of Commerce & Industry)
the launch of the Global Mobile Commerce Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest
Forum. Mobile Commerce transaction and oldest apex business organisation in
continues to grow, & the term includes online India. A non-government, not-for-profit
banking, bill payment & so on. organisation, FICCI is the voice of India’s
business and industry. From influencing
MNC
policy to encouraging debate, engaging
A corporation that has its facilities and with policy makers and civil society, FICCI
other assets in at least one country other articulates the views and concerns of
than its home country. Such companies industry.
have offices and/or factories in different
countries and usually have a centralized Agmark
head office where they co-ordinate global It is a certification mark employed on
management. It can also be referred as an agricultural products in India, assuring that
international corporation, a “transnational they confirm to a set of standards approved
corporation”, or a stateless corporation. by the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection,
NGO an agency of the Government of India.
A non-governmental organization (NGO) is ISI Mark
an organization that is neither a part of a
ISI (Indian Standards Institute) mark is
government nor a conventional for-profit
a certification mark for industrial products
business.
in India. The mark certifies that a product
The term “non-governmental organization”
confirms to the Indian Standard, mentioned
was first coined in 1945, when the United
as IS: xxxx on top of the mark, developed
Nations (UN) was created. The UN, itself an
by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
inter-governmental organization, made it
The ISI mark is mandatory for certifying
possible for certain approved specialized
products to be sold in India, like many of the
international non-state agencies, i.e. non-
electrical appliances, kitchen appliances,
governmental organizations to be awarded
observer status at its assemblies and some of other products like LPG valves, LPG
its meetings. Later the term became used more cylinders, automotive tyres, etc.
Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961) was based on the P.C. Mahalanobis Model.
GK-318
BUSINESS
Important Business Terms
Term Meaning
Ahead of the Curve To be more advanced than the competition
Backroom Deal An agreement or decision that is made without the public knowing
about it.
Go broke To go bankrupt or to loose all the money a person or business had.
In the black If a company is “in the black”, it means that they are making a profit
In the red If a company is “in the red” it means that they are not profitable & are
operating at a loss.
Lose – Lose When someone has to choose between various options & all the
situation options are bad.
Pink Slip If someone gets the “pink slip”, it means they have fired.
Snail Mail Letter or messages that are not sent by email, but by regular post.
Blue Collar Worker Someone who works with his/her hands (manufacturing
construction, maintenance, etc.).
White Collar Worker Someone who works in an office (customer service, management,
sales, etc.)
Win – Win situation A situation where everyone involved gains something.
Corner a market To dominate a particular market.
Downsizing A planned reduction in the number of employees needed in a firm in
order to reduce costs & make the business more efficient.
Venture Capital Money that is invested in new or emerging companies that are
perceived as having great profit potential.
Opportunity Cost Cost in terms of foregone alternatives.
Logistics Process of strategically managing the efficient flow & storage of raw
materials, in-process inventory, & finished goods from point of origin
to point of consumption.
Equity Difference between market value of a property & claims held against
it.
Merger Combination of two or more companies into a single firm.
Acquisition Taking over the control of one company by another.
Hedging A Risk management strategy used in limiting or offsetting probability
of loss from fluctuations in the prices of commodities, currencies, or
securities.
Intellectual Property Knowledge, creative ideas, or expressions of human mind that
have commercial value & are protectable under copyright, patent,
servicemark, trademark, or trade secret laws from imitation
infringement, & dilution.
Swap Exchange of one type of asset, cash flow, investment, liability, or
payment for another.
Bankrupt When individual/company cannot pay their debts & are not able to
reach an agreement with their creditors.
Liquidity How quickly assets can be converted into cash.
Abid Hussain committee was formed for the development of capital markets.
BUSINESS GK-319
BUSINESS CONCEPTS
Agent and finances as they move in a process from
A business entity that negotiates, purchases, supplier to manufacturer to wholesaler
and/or sells, but does not take title to the to retailer to consumer. Supply chain
goods. management involves coordinating and
integrating these flows both within and
Doing Business As (DBA)
among companies.
DBA stands for “Doing Business As,” which
is a company name, also commonly called Memorandum of Association (MoA)
a “Fictitious business name.” When a sole MoA is a legal document prepared in
proprietor operates a company using any the formation & registration process of
name except his or her own given name, a limited liability company to define its
then the DBA or ficticious business name relationship with shareholders.
registration establishes the legal ownership to Articles of Association
satisfy banks, local authorities, and customers. It is a document of a company which defines
Ideas vs Opportunities the responsibilities of the directors, the kind
Ideas are the basis of potential business of business to be undertaken, & the means by
opportunities. Good ideas do not necessarily which the shareholders exert control over the
represent good opportunities. board of directors.
Initial Public Offering (IPO) Start–ups
A corporation’s initial efforts of raising A start-up company is an entrepreneurial
capital through the sale of securities on the venture or a new business in the form of
public stock market. a company, a partnership or temporary
organization designed to search for a
Inventory
repeatable and scalable business model.
Goods in stock, either finished goods or These companies, generally newly created,
materials to be used to manufacture goods. are innovative in a process of development,
Outsourcing validation and research for target markets.
Purchasing an item or a service from an Boot Strap
outside vendor to replace performance A situation in which an entrepreneur starts
of the task with an organization’s internal a company with little capital. An individual
operations. is said to be boot strapping when he or
SWOT Analysis she attempts to lay foundation and build a
A formal framework of identifying and company from personal finances or from
framing organizational growth opportunities. the operating revenues of the new company.
SWOT is an acronym for an organization’s Employees’ State Insurance (ESI)
internal Strengths and Weaknesses and ESI is a self-financing social security
external Opportunities and Threats.
& health insurance scheme for Indian
CRM workers. The ESI is managed by the ESI
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Corporation (ESIC) according to rules and
Management. At its simplest, a CRM system regulations stipulated there in the ESI Act
allows businesses to manage business 1948, which oversees the provision of
relationships and the data and information medical and cash benefits to the employees
associated with them. and their family through its large network
Supply Chain Management (SCM) of branch offices, dispensaries and
It is the oversight of materials, information, hospitals throughout India.
The World Trade Organisation was earlier known as GATT.

GK-320
BUSINESS
Provident Fund (PF) It is a commercial arrangement where:
It is a fund which is composed of •• the lessee (customer or borrower) will
contributions & made by the employee select an asset (equipment, vehicle,
during the time he/she worked along with software);
an equal contribution by his employer. •• the lessor (finance company) will
Its purpose is to help employees save a purchase that asset;
fraction of their salary every month, to •• the lessee will have use of that asset
be used in an event that the employee is during the lease;
temporarily or no longer fit to work or at •• the lessees will pay a series of rental or
retirement. installments for the use of that asset;
•• the lessor will recover a large part or all
TDS of the cost of the asset plus earn interest
Tax deducted at source (TDS), as the very from the rentals paid by the lessee;
name implies aims at collection of revenue •• the lessee has the option to acquire
at the very source of income. It is essentially ownership of the asset (e.g. paying the
an indirect method of collecting tax which last rental, or bargain option purchase
combines the concepts of “pay as you price).
earn” and “collect as it is being earned.” The finance company is the legal owner of
Its significance to the government lies in the asset during duration of the lease.
the fact that it prepones the collection of E-FILING
tax, ensures a regular source of revenue, Electronic tax filing, or e-filing, is a
provides for a greater reach and wider system for submitting tax documents
base for tax. At the same time, to the tax to a revenue service electronically,
payer, it distributes the incidence of tax and often without the need to submit any
provides for a simple and convenient mode paper documents. E-filing has manifold
of payment. benefits; the taxpayer can file a tax
Lease return from the comfort of home, at any
A legal document outlining the terms under convenient time, once the tax agency
which one party agrees to rent property begins accepting returns. E-filing saves
from another party. A lease guarantees the tax agency time and money, because
the lessee (the renter) use of an asset the tax data is transmitted directly into
and guarantees the lessor (the property its computers, significantly reducing the
owner) regular payments from the lessee possibility of keying and input errors.
for a specified number of months or years.
Both the lessee and the lessor must uphold Corporate Tax
the terms of the contract for the lease to Corporate taxes are taxes against profits earned
remain valid. by businesses during a given taxable period.
Financial Leasing Corporation tax is a tax imposed on the net
As one of the most popular financing income of the company. The present corporate
tools in modern business world, Financial tax is 30% on the Net Income of the company.
Leasing Services uses finance leases to It was announced in Union Budget 2015 that
leverage assets. A Finance Lease (or Capital corporate tax rate will be gradually reduced
Lease) is a lease that is primarily a method from 30% to 25% over the period of 4 years,
of raising finance to pay for assets, rather starting in April 2016. 2% surcharge was
than a genuine rental. introduced on earnings above 10 crores.
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was established on 12 July 1982.
BUSINESS GK-321
Surcharge is applied in the following the number and class of shares held by them.
cases: Start-ups and other high-growth companies
•• If the company has a total income less such as those in the technology or
than ` 1 crore, then it does not have to biotechnology sectors rarely offer dividends
pay any income tax. because all of their profits are reinvested to
•• If the net income of the company for help sustain higher-than-average growth and
that year is in the range of ` 10 crore
expansion. Larger, established companies
then 5% surcharge is applied on its net
tend to issue regular dividends as they seek
income.
•• If the net income of the company for to maximize shareholder wealth in ways aside
that year exceeds ` 10 crore then 10% from supernormal growth.
surcharge is applied on its net income Issued Capital
education cess
The share capital that has been issued to the
Profitability of Company shareholders. This is part of a company’s
Profitability is the ability of a business to authorised capital.
earn a profit. A profit is what is left of the
revenue a business generates after it pays all Paid up Capital
expenses directly related to the generation The amount of a company’s capital that has
of the revenue, such as producing a product, been funded by shareholders. Paid-up capital
and other expenses related to the conduct can be less than a company’s total capital
of the business activities. because a company may not issue all of the
Dividend shares that it has been authorized to sell. Paid-
A share of the after-tax profit of a company, up capital can also reflect how a company
distributed to its shareholders according to depends on equity financing.
FORBES LIST OF MONEY MASTERS 2016

The Most Powerful People In The Financial World
Top 10 People Firm
1. Stephen Schwarzman Blackstone Group.
2. David Tepper Appaloora Management.
3. Jamie Dimon JP Morgan Chase & Co.
4. Warren Buffett Berkshire Hathaway
5. Laurence Fink Black Rock
6. Ken Griffin Citadel
7. Jeffrey Gundlach Double line Capital
8. Carl Icahn Icahn Enterprises
9. Lloyd Blankfein Goldman Sachs
10. George Soros Soros Fund Management
33. Uday Kotak Kotak Mahindra Bank
The idea of credit card was first developed by a Bavrarian Farmer, Franz Nesbitum McNanaera, an American businessman.
STARTUP INDIA

GK-322
Meaning & Objective Startup India Action Plan Economic Survey 2015-16 Banks' Dedicated Branch for Startups

Definition To build
strong eco- unusual dynamism in startup sector Focus Imp Data

An entity,

system for

incorporated Financial India is 3rd largest
or registered in nurturing Launched Focused Coverage base of technology
e-commerce
India for not more innovation by PM on Areas startups in world.

than 5 years. & startups. 16/1/2016 19,400 technology-
Wide array Cities
Drive sustainable of sectors From tier enabled startups.
Annual turnover
economic growth. 1, 2 to tier India is home ground
not exceeding healthcare
3 cities for 8 startups in unicorn
INR 25 crore Generate large education
scale employment club with valuations
in any preceding manufacturing including
opportunities. semi-urban greater than $1 billion
financial year. technology
agriculture & rural Startups grown by 40%,
Working towards Promoting others areas. creating 80,000-85,000
innovation development, entrepreneurship jobs in 2015.
deployment or among SCs/STs Indian startups have raised
commercialization & women $3.5 billion in funding in
of new or improved candidates. first half of 2015.
products, processes No. of active investors in

services. Simplification Funding Industry India increased from 220
Driven by technology or & Hand holding support & Academia in 2014 to 490 in 2015.
Incentives Partnership 19-Point Action Plan
intellectual property.

& Incubation (See Next Page)

SBI RBL HDFC

Incube Branch Bank Smartup
BUSINESS
19-Point Action Plan
BUSINESS
Single point of Self Certification Tax exemption Annual

Contact via startup Compliance on Investments startup
India Hab above fair Fests
Market Value
Simplifying
Processes
with Mollie App
Launch of world class Innovation Hubs
& Portal
under Atal Innovation Mission
Easier Patent Filing Flipkart
Snapdel Paytm Setting up of Incubator Network
Relaxed norms of Public Pepper Tap Quikr
Procurement
Car Dekho Ola R&D centres across the country
Faster exit Mechanism Top
Free Charge
First cry startups
Setting up of INR 100 billion Research Parks to propel innovation
corpus fund College Dekho
Urban Ladder
Promotion of Biotechnology sector
Credit Guarantee Funding Policy Bazaar Rapido
Tax exemption on Profits Innovation Focused Programs for students
3- year Income Tax Exemption Oyo Rooms Grofers
Annual Incubator
GK-323
Grand Challange
GK-324
BUSINESS
MAJOR ACQUISITIONS IN 2016
Company Company that is Acquired
1. Mindtree Magnet 360.
2. Tech Mahindra Ltd. BIO Agency Ltd.
3. Dabur Discaria.
4. Myntra Jabong
5. Quikr Common Floor.
6. Titan Industries Carat Lane.
7. Yatra Mgaadi.
8. Road Runnr Tiny Qwl
9. Shop clues Momoe.
10. Russia’s Rosneft Oil Company India’s Essar Oil
11. Sony Pictures Networks Sports Channels of Zee Entertainment.
12. IDFC Bank Grama Vidiyal Micro Finance Ltd.
13. Google Moodstocks.
14. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Forever 21.
15. Future Group Fab Furnish.
16. Flipkart Phone Pe International Pvt. Ltd.
17. Bharti Airtel Ltd. Videocon Telecommunication Ltd’s Spectrum.
Reliance Communications and Marxis Communications Berhad, promoters of Aircel,
merged their wireless businesses to form the 4th largest telecom operator in the country.
Dear Money is a money which is very expensive to borrow because of high real interest rates.
FOREIGN TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN INDIA GK-325
FOREIGN TRADE
AND INVESTMENT
IN INDIA
Foreign Trade and Investment
Introduction Foreign Exchange India's Foreign Balance of India's Balance

Reserves Trade Payments of Payments
Trends
Gold Problems
Special Drawing
Protectionist
Right (SDR)
Policies
Foreign Currency
Assets (FCA) External Debt
Reserve Tranche Export Promotion
Position (RTP)
Exchange Rate
Trade Policy
Special Economic
History India's Export India's Import
Zone (SEZ)
Profile Profile
Foreign Direct
Investment
Introduction Structure of Balance
of Payments
Current Account
Capital Account
Reserve Account Balance
INTRODUCTION
• Foreign trade is exchange of capital, goods, and services across international borders or
territories, which involves the activities of the government and individuals.
• In most countries, it represents a significant share of gross domestic product (GDP).
Foreign trade in India, includes all imports and exports to and from India. At the level
of Central Government it is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
India exports approximately 7500 commodities to about 190 countries.
GK-326
FOREIGN TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN INDIA
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES
• Foreign exchange reserves also called Foreign Exchange Management

forex reserves or FX reserves are • Foreign exchange management (FEM)
assets held by a central bank or other
can be managed in three possible ways:
monetary authority, usually in various
reserve currencies and used to back its fixed currency rates, floating currency
liabilities, e.g. the local currency issued, rates and managed exchange rates.
and the various bank reserves deposited Fixed Exchange rates
with the central bank by the government
or by financial institutions. • Fixed rates are currency values which
• The foreign exchange reserves of India are tied to a precious metal such as gold,
comprise of three elements: or anchored to another currency, like the
US Dollar. This method was brought by
(i) Gold,
the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
(ii) Special Drawing Rights (SDR),
• The IMF system involved the US$ as the
(iii) Foreign Currency Assets (FCA).
anchor for the system with the US$ given
Gold a specific value in terms of gold, and
• It accounts for only 5% of our foreign other currencies were then given a value
exchange assets. in terms of the US$, such as £1 = $2.40.
Special Drawing Rights (SDR) India was part of this regime too and in
1948, 1$ was equal to ` 3.30.
• An international type of monetary
• However, the system collapsed in 1971
reserve currency, created by International
for a variety of reasons, including the
Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1969 which
build up of US debts abroad as a result
operates as a supplement to the existing of the need to fund the war in Vietnam,
reserves of member countries. inflation in the USA and growing doubts
• It is also known as “paper gold”, about the stability of the US$.
created in response to concerns about
Floating Exchange Rates
the limitations of gold and dollars as
the sole means of settling international • Under a floating system, a currency can
accounts, SDRs are designed to augment rise or fall due to changes in demand
or supply of currencies on the foreign
international liquidity by supplementing
exchange market.
the standard reserve currencies.
• The advantages of floating exchange
• Its value is based on a basket of five key
rates are flexibility and automatic
international currencies and SDRs can be
adjustment in case of balance of trade
exchanged for freely usable currencies.
disequilibrium.
The basket of five international currencies
includes US dollar, Euro, Chinese yuan,
Managed Exchange Rates
Japanese yen and British pound. • This is a combination of fixed and
floating rates. In today’s economic
Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs)
situation, almost all countries follow this
• Foreign currency assets include foreign system of exchange rate determination.
exchange reserves less gold holdings, The governments usually let the market
special drawing rights and India’s determine the exchange rates but
reserve position in the IMF. intervene whenever needed.
India imports 6000 commodities from 140 countries.

Reserve Tranche Position • The difference between a member’s

• Each member of the IMF is assigned a quota and the IMF’s holdings of its
quota, part of which is payable in SDRs currency is a country’s Reserve Tranche
or Specified usable currencies and part position (RTP).
in the member’s own currency.
INDIA’S FOREIGN TRADE

• Historically, India ran a trade surplus • The Import policies prior to 1992
for centuries together through export contained an Open General Licence under
of spices, handicrafts, textiles, etc. No which specific goods could be imported
restrictions on imports or exports were and exported by specific categories
officially maintained. of importers and exporters subject to
• Before India got independence, import fulfilment of certain conditions.
of goods from great Britain received • In 1992, the policy was amended to open
general licence and allow imports and
official encouragement through
exports of all goods without a licence,
Imperial preferences. except those specifically mentioned in a
• Statutorily, it was the Sea Customs small negative list.
Act, 1878 that provided the basis • In 1950s, India’s share in the world
for implementing the official bias in trade was 1.78% which was decline to
favour of imports from Britain. 0.59% in 1990 and remained low for
• The Government of India Act, 1935 many years. India’s share in world trade
is currently around 2% (2015) and our
granted Central government the
country has set for itself the ambitious
exclusive legislative powers to regulate
target of gaining 3.5% of world trade by
import of goods into India and export of 2020.
goods from India. However, this power • As per the rankings of WTO for the year
was used when the Imports and Exports 2014, India was the 19th largest exporter
(Control) Act, 1947 was enacted. (with a share of 1.7%) and 12th largest
• The initial life of the Imports and Exports importer (with a share of 2.5%) of
(Control) Act, 1947 was three years but it merchandise trade in the world.
was extended from time to time till 1971. • In Commercial services, India is the 6th
• To protect industries from influx of largest exporter (with a share of 3.3%)
and 7th largest importer (with a share of
imported goods the government issued
2.9%). Service sector has been a major
the Imports (Control) Order 1955
financer for India’s merchandise trade
allowing most of the imports only against deficit. Service surplus financed around
an import licence. 53% of merchandise trade deficit during
• In 1976 many changes were made to the 2013-14.
Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1947. • India has been pursuing a policy of
• Beginning mid-1991, the Government market diversification directing her
of India introduced a series of reforms export promotion efforts at Asia and
ASEAN, Latin America and Africa through
to liberalise and globalise the Indian
Focus Market Initiatives and bilateral
economy.
trade agreements.
India’s foreign exchange reserves were US$ 367.14 billion in the week up to October 21, 2016.
GK-328
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS (BOP)
Introduction transaction undertaken on international

account. It is usually composed of three
• Balance of payments (BoP) is statistical
sectors:
statement of all transactions made
1. Current account,
between one particular country and 2. Capital account,
all other countries during a specified 3. Reserve account balance.
period of time. BoP compares the dollar
difference of the amount of exports and Current Account
imports, including all financial exports This account is the summary of all
and imports. international trade transactions of the
• A negative balance of payments means domestic country in one year. It records the
that more money is flowing out of the following 3 items:
country than coming in. The balance of (i) Visible items of trade
payment is maintained by Central Bank • The balance of exports and imports of
of India, i.e. Reserve Bank of India goods is called the balance of visible
(RBI). trade, e.g. Tea, Coffee, etc.
• Balance of payments may be used as (ii) Invisible Trade
an indicator of economic and political • The balance of exports and imports
stability. For example, if a country has of services is called the balance of
a consistently positive BoP, this could invisible trade. The invisible are divided
mean that there is significant foreign into three categories: (a) Services-
investment within that country. It may insurance, travel, transportation,
also mean that the country does not miscellaneous (like communication,
export much of its currency. construction, financial, software, etc.),
• BoP indicates trade balance, foreign (b) Income, and (c) Transfers (grants,
investments and investment by gifts, remittances, etc.).
foreigners. Even a negative BoP does (iii) Unilateral transfers
not signify unfavourable climate for the • Unilateral transfers are receipts which
economy. It is unfavourable only if the residents of a country make without
economy lacks the means to fill the gap
getting anything in return, e.g. gifts, etc.
created by negative BoP.
Capital Account
Balance of trade and balance of • This account is the summary of
payment foreign capital transactions. On the
• Balance of trade takes into account only credit side of this account receipt of
those transactions arising out of exports foreign exchange due to Foreign Direct
and imports (the visible items). It does Investment (FDI), Foreign Capital
not consider the exchange of services
rendered such as shipping. Balance of Investment (FCI) and Foreign Borrowing
payment takes into account the exchange (FB) is recorded.
of both visible and invisible items. • On the debit side of capital account
• Hence, the balance of payments payment of foreign exchange due
represents a better picture of a country’s to Direct Investment Abroad (DIA),
economic transactions with the rest of Portfolio Investment Abroad (PIA) and
the world than the Balance of trade. Foreign Lending (FL) is recorded.
• While India made the rupee fully
Structure of Balance of Payments
convertible under current account, it
Accounts was felt that the economy was not yet
A balance of payments statement is a ready for capital account convertibility
summary of a nation’s total economic (CAC).
Net inflow into equity schemes during September 2016 stood at `3,743 crore (US$ 559.9 million).
Reserve Account Balance problem of the developing countries

• This is the adjusting account in balance is that of a chronic BoP deficit, India
of payment. It makes an adjustment being no exception.
between current account balance and • Our country has been facing BoP
capital account balance. disequilibrium right since independence,
culminating into a disaster in 1990-91,
• If the deficit in the current account is
the year of the acute BoP crisis. India
followed by surplus in capital account
then had foreign exchange reserve of
than the excess foreign exchange is
mere 1 billion dollar, barely sufficient
diverted into capital account to current
to finance a month’s import bill. The
account so that deficit in the current
country was on the verge of defaulting.
account is eliminated. • This crisis led to the massive changes in
• The remaining surplus in the capital the country’s economic policy, popularly
account is transferred to the Reserve known as the Structural Adjustment
account and recorded on the credit of Program or New Economic Policy
reserve account. Therefore both Current (NEP) regime, focusing on liberalization
Account and Capital Account is always and globalization of the economy.
balanced.
Trends & Problems Of India’s
• The Reserve Account is also the indicator
BoP – 1949-50 To 1999-2000.
of Forex Reserves of the country. If
surplus in the Capital Account is more •• The disequilibrium in India’s BoP
than deficit in the Current Account, there has been caused by both internal as
is net increase in the Forex Reserves of well as external factors. The need for
the country at the end of the year. development of such a big nation with
• On the other hand if deficit in the a huge population is one of the main
causes for the recurring BoP problem.
current account is more than surplus
•• The BoP is always under pressure and
in the Capital Account then there is net
had huge deficits due to high imports of
decrease in Foreign Reserves of the
food grains and capital goods, the heavy
country at the end of the year. external borrowings and its payment and
Balance of Payment (BoP) Crisis poor exports.
• If international reserves of a country • India faced a major BoP crisis in the
are not enough to balance a combined early 1990s. We had to borrow
deficit in current and capital account on from IMF to be able to sustain the
a sustained basis, then the phenomenon economy. This loan came with a number
is called a BoP crisis. of conditions. The following are some
• It can be tackled by exporting more or by of the conditions that came with the
limiting imports through tariffs, quotas, medium term loan given by IMF to India
etc. for restructuring of the economy:
• Contractionary fiscal and monetary •• Government expenditure to be cut by
policies can also tackle the crisis 10% per annum,
through lower import demand with fall •• Devaluation of rupee by 22%,
•• Excise duty to be increased by 20%,
in average income levels.
•• Custom duty to be cut drastically from
• Another short term solution is currency
the peak of 130% to 30%.
devaluation which encourages exports
and discourages costlier imports. Protectionist Policies
• The main objective of the Second
India’s Balance of Payment Five Year Plan (1956-57 to 1960-61)
• The international Balance of Payments was to attain self reliance through
(BoP) of a country reflects its economic industrialization. Self reliance was to be
strengths and weaknesses. A typical achieved through import substitution.
India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by -0.7 % in August 2016, as compared to a growth of -2.5% growth in July 2016.
GK-330
• For this basic industries had to be set up drawbacks, Rupee devaluation, etc. However,
which required import of capital goods. our exports remained discouraging. Indian
Exports were expected to automatically exports depended largely on world trade
take-off with industrialization. situation. We were mainly primary product
• All focus was on import substitution, with exporters, the price of which fluctuated
gross neglect of exports. Such inward heavily with fluctuations in world market
looking protectionist policies did result demand.
in some self-reliance in the consumer • Primary products exporting countries
goods industries, but the capital goods have an unfavorable term of trade. The
industries remained mostly import earnings from primary product exports
intensive. were low and unstable.
• The high degree of protection to Indian • Secondly, the quality of Indian products
industries led to inefficiency and was not up to the world standards due to
poor quality products due to lack of which we could not sustain markets.
competition. The high cost of production • Third, only residue products were mainly
further eroded our competitive strength. exported. The fact that export earnings
• Rising petroleum products demand, the also contribute to economic development
two oil shocks, harvest failure, all put was overlooked. Cumbersome procedures
severe strain on the economy. The BoP for license, etc. served as disincentives
situation remained weak throughout the for exporters. Domestic inflation further
1980s, till it reached the crisis situation reduced the competitiveness of India’s
in 1990-91, when India was on the verge export.
of defaulting due to heavy debt burden
and constantly widening trade deficit. Exchange Rate
External Debt • The instability of the exchange value
of the rupee was another problem. The
• India had to resort to large scale foreign constant devaluations (to promote
borrowings for its developmental efforts
exports) raised the amount of external
in the field of basic social and industrial
debt. The value of rupee was managed
infrastructure. The country’s resources
by the central bank (fixed exchange rate).
were very much limited due to low per
capita income and savings • The gap between official and market
• The situation worsened because exchange rate created problems for
Government of India resorted to heavy the exporters and importers. The
foreign borrowings to correct the BoP strict foreign exchange controls also
situation in the short run out of panicky. encouraged hawala trade.
By the Seventh Five Year Plan, the debt • India followed a strongly inward
service obligations rose sharply because looking policy, laying stress on import
of harder average terms of external substitution. Ideally, imports should be
debt, involving commercial borrowing, financed by export earnings. But because
repayments to the IMF and a fall in there was export pessimism, the deficit
concessional aid flow. was financed either by the invisible
Export Promotion earnings or by foreign aid or depletion of
valuable foreign exchange reserve. Much
Although by the Sixth Five Year Plan we
had done away with the need of food grain import constraint to check trade deficit
imports and some crude oil was being was also not possible because India’s
produced domestically, BoP position was still imports were mainly ‘maintenance
not comfortable due to low exports. The need imports’.
for export promotion was felt during the • On one hand import reduction was
1960s. The Third Five Year Plan introduced not possible and on the other exports
certain export promotion policies like cash suffered due to the recession in the
compensatory schemes, tax exemptions, duty 1980s.
India’s largest trading partners in descending order are UAE, China, USA, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Singapore, Germany,
Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iraq and Japan.
India’s BoP was thus beset with several particularly those which were used as
problems. The process of liberalization inputs for export production. But by then
began from the mid 1980s. Restriction the situation was already bad and all the
on certain imports were removed, mismanagement ultimately led to the
1990-91 BoP crisis.
FOREIGN TRADE POLICY 2015-20
Aiming to nearly double India’s exports of • Agricultural and village industry
goods and services to $900 billion by 2020, products to be supported across the
the government has announced several globe at rates of 3% and 5% under MEIS.
incentives in the five-year Foreign Trade • Higher level of support to be provided to
Policy for exporters and units in the Special processed and packaged agricultural and
Economic Zones (SEZ). Unveiling the food items under MEIS.
first trade policy of the NDA government, • Industrial products to be supported in
Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman major markets at rates ranging from 2%
said the FTP (2015-20) will introduce to 3%.
Merchandise Exports from India Scheme • Served from India Scheme (SFIS) will be
(MEIS) and Services Exports from India replaced with Service Export from India
Scheme (SEIS) to boost outward shipments. Scheme (SEIS).
The new policy aims at boosting India’s • Branding campaigns planned to promote
exports and it is believed that PM Narendra exports in sectors where India has
Modi’s pet projects, ‘Make in India’ and traditional strength.
‘Digital India’ will be integrated with the • SEIS shall apply to ‘Service Providers
new Foreign Trade Policy. located in India’ instead of ‘Indian
Trade Policy (2015-20) Key Features Service Providers’.
• The criteria for export performance
• India to be made a significant participant
for recognition of status holder have
in world trade by 2020.
been changed from Rupees to US dollar
• Merchandize exports from India (MEIS)
earnings.
to promote specific services for specific
• Manufacturers who are also status
Markets Foreign Trade Policy. holders will be enabled to self-certify
• FTP would reduce export obligations their manufactured goods as originating
by 25% and give boost to domestic from India.
manufacturing. • Reduced Export Obligation (EO) to
• FTP 2015-20 introduces two new schemes, (75%) for domestic procurement under
namely “Merchandise Exports from EPCG scheme.
India Scheme (MEIS)” and “Services • Online procedure to upload digitally signed
Exports from India Scheme (SEIS)”. The document by Chartered Accountant/
‘Services Exports from India Scheme’ (SEIS) Company Secretary/Cost Accountant to be
is for increasing exports of notified services. developed.
These schemes (MEIS and SEIS) replace • Inter-ministerial consultations to be held
multiple schemes earlier in place, each with online for issue of various licences.
different conditions for eligibility and usage. • No need to repeatedly submit physical
copies of documents available on
Incentives (MEIS and SEIS) to be available
Exporter Importer Profile.
for SEZs also e-Commerce of handicrafts,
• Export obligation period for export
handlooms, books, etc. eligible for benefits of items related to defence, military store,
MEIS. FTP benefits from both MEIS and SEIS aerospace and nuclear energy to be 24
will be extended to units located in SEZs. months instead of 18 months.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows have increased 29 per cent during April 2015 – March 2016 to reach US$ 40 billion.
GK-332
• Calicut Airport, Kerala and Arakonam as Towns of Export Excellence.
ICDS, Tamil Nadu notified as • Certificate from independent chartered
registered ports for import and export; engineer for redemption of EPCG
Vishakhapatnam and Bhimavarm added authorisation no longer required.
SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE (SEZ)

• Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a • 100% income tax exemption for 5 years,
specifically delineated duty-free enclave 50% for the next 5 years and 50% of
that has economic laws different from ploughed back export profits for 5 years
a country’s typical economic laws, thereafter for SEZs units.
usually the goal is to increase foreign • Exemption from capital gains on transfer
investments. of an undertaking from an urban area of
• India was one of the first in Asia to SEZs.
recognise the effectiveness of the • 100% income tax exemption to SEZ
Export processing Zone (EPZ) model in developers for a block of 10 years in 15
promoting exports, with Asia’s first EPZ years.
set up in Kandla in 1965. With a view • Exemption from dividend distribution
to attract larger foreign investments in tax to SEZ developers.
India, the Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
• 100% income tax exemption for 5 years
Policy was announced in April 2000.
and 50% for next five years for off shore
• Today, there are approximately 3,000
Banking units located in SEZ.
SEZs operating in 120 countries which
• Exemption to SEZ developer and units
account for over US $ 600 billion in
from Minimum Alternate Tax.
exports and about 50 million jobs.
• As a major step forward meant to invoke • CST exemption to SEZ developer and
confidence in investors and signal the units on inter-state purchase of goods.
government’s commitment to a stable • Constitution of an authority for each
SEZ policy regime, a comprehensive SEZ with a view to providing greater
Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 was administrative, financial and functional
passed by the Parliament in May 2005. It autonomy to these zones.
received Presidential assent on the 23rd • Establishment of designated courts and
of June 2005. This Act came into force a single enforcement agency to ensure
w.e.f. February 10, 2006. speedy trial and investigation of offences
committed in SEZs.
The main objectives of the SEZ Act • Encouragement to State Governments
• Generation of additional economic to liberalise State laws and delegate
activity. their powers to the Development
• Promotion of exports of goods and Commissioners to the SEZs to facilitate
services. single window clearance.
• Promotion of investment from domestic
and foreign sources. Export Oriented Units, Export
• Creation of employment opportunities. processing Zone and Special
• Development of infrastructure facilities. Economic Zone Schemes
The salient features of SEZs Act • The Government has liberalised the
• Exemption from customs duty, excise duty, scheme for export-oriented units and
etc. on import/domestic procurement of export processing zones. Agriculture,
goods for the development, operation horticulture, poultry, fisheries and
and maintenance of SEZs and the units dairying have been included in export-
therein. oriented units.
Passenger vehicle sales in September 2016 grew by to 278,428 units, as compared with to 258,000 units in August 2016.
• Export processing zone units have also 3. Export Houses, Trading Houses
been allowed to export through trading and Star Trading Houses
and star trading houses and can have • To increase the marketable efficiency of
equipments on lease. These units have exporters, the Government introduced
been allowed cent per cent participation the concept of export houses, trading
in foreign equities. houses and star trading houses.
1. Export Processing Zones • Since April 1, 1994 a new category
• Before getting converted into Special named Golden Super Star Trading
Economic Zones (SEZs), these Export Houses was added by the Government
which has the highest average annual
Processing Zones (EPZs) were playing
foreign exchange earnings. On March
important role in promoting exports of
31, 2003 there were 4 Golden Super Star
the country. These zones were created
Trading House working in the country.
to develop such an environment in the
economy which may provide capability 4. Export Promotion Industrial
of facing international competition. Parks (EPIP)
• The Export Processing Zone (EPZs) • A Centrally-sponsored ‘Export Promotion
set up as enclaves, separated from the Industrial Park (EPIP)’ scheme was
Domestic Tariff Area by fiscal barriers, introduced in August 1994 with a view
were intended to provide a competitive to involving the state governments in the
duty free environment for export creation of infrastructure facilities for
production. export oriented production. It provides
• All the 8 EPZs, located at Kandla and Surat for 75% (limited to 10 crore) grant to
(Gujarat), Santa Cruz (Maharashtra), state government towards creation of
Cochin (Kerala), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), such facilities.
Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), • The Central Government has so far
Faeta (West Bengal) and Noida (U.P) approved 25 proposals for establishments
have been converted into Special of EPIPs in the states of Punjab, Haryana,
Economic Zones. Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka,
Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra
2. Export-Oriented Units Pradesh, U.P., Gujarat, Bihar, J&K, Assam,
• Since 1981, the Government introduced M.P., West Bengal, Odisha, Meghalaya,
a complementary plan of EPZ (Now Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura.
converted into SEZ) scheme for • At present, the number of formally approved
promoting export units (making export SEZs is 523, notified is 352 and operational
of their cent per cent production. Under is 196. The total number of units approved
this scheme the Government provides in SEZs is 4,102. A total investment of
various incentives to increase the ` 3,48,983.22 crores has been done till
production capacity of these units so as 2015. Moreover, till now 15,04,597 persons
to increase exports of the country. have received employment through SEZs.
FDI
• Foreign direct investment (FDI) is an called Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
investment in a business by an investor or Multinational Enterprises (MNEs).
from another country for which the • A MNE may create a new foreign
foreign investor has control over the enterprise by making a direct investment,
company purchased. The Organisation of which is called a greenfield investment.
Economic Co-operation and Development • A MNE may make a direct investment by
(OECD) defines control as owning 10% the acquisition of a foreign firm, which
or more of the business. Businesses that is called an acquisition or prownfield
make foreign direct investment are after investment .
India’s current account deficit stood at US$ 277 million in April-June quarter, as against US$ 0.3 billion in Jan-Mar 2016 quarter.
GK-334
Advantages FDI a. one consisting of sectors where
1. Economic Development Stimulation. automatic approval is granted for FDI
(often foreign equity participation
2. Easy International Trade.
less than 100 %), and
3. Employment and Economic Boost. b. the other consisting of sectors where
4. Development of human capital prior approval from the Foreign
Resources. Investment Approval Board (FIPB) is
5. Tax incentives. required.
6. Resource Transfer. • FDI policy changes increasingly reflect
7. Reduced disparity between revenues the requirements of industry and are
and costs. based on stakeholder’s consultation.
8. Increased productivity. Upfront listing of negative sectors has
9. Increment in income. helped focus on reform areas, which are
reflected in buoyant FDI inflows.
Disadvantages of FDI
100% FDI
1. Hindrances to domestic Investment.
• Advertising, agriculture, air transport
2. Risk from political changes. services (domestic airlines), courier
3. Negative influence on exchange rates. services, drugs and pharmaceuticals,
4. Higher costs. electricity, power, films and studios, hotel
5. Economic non-viability. and tourism, housing and real estate,
6. Expropriation. construction, mass rapid transport
7. Modern-day Economic colonialism. system, mining (gold and silver), NBFC,
• FDI, being a non-debt capital flow, is marketing, pipelines and refining of
a leading source of external financing, petroleum products, tourism, transport
especially for the developing economies. infrastructure, townships, SEZs, railways,
It not only brings in capital and technical single brand retail (upto 49% automatic
know-how but also increases the and from 49 to 100% has to be approved
by FIPB), telecommunications (upto
competitiveness of the economy.
49% automatic, 49-100% by FIPB), and
• The current phase of FDI policy is
asset reconstruction companies ( upto
characterized by negative listing,
49% automatic, 49-100% by FIPB).
permitting FDI freely except in a few
sectors indicated through a negative list. 74% FDI
Under the current policy regime, there • Airports, broadcasting, coal and lignite,
are three broad entry options for foreign credit information companies, direct
direct investors: to home (DTH), mining (diamonds &
1. In some sectors, FDI is not permitted precious stones), satellites, and private
(negative list); sector banking are the sectors with FDI
2. In another small category of sectors, limit of 74%.
foreign investment is permitted only 26–49% FDI
till a specified level of foreign equity • Airlines/aviation, defence, insurance and
participation. pension are the sectors which have 49%
3. The third category, comprising all FDI limit. Sectors with 26% FDI limits
the other sectors, is where foreign print media (newspaper – 26%, scientific
investment up to 100 % of equity & periodicals – 100% ) and FM radio.
participation is allowed. The third Public sector Banks have the lowest FDI
category has two subsets – limit of 20%.
India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rate declined to 3.6% in September 2016 as against 3.74% in the previous month.
GENERAL SCIENCE GK-335
GENERAL SCIENCE u Physics

u Chemistry
u Life Science
u Everyday Science
PHYSICS
Unit & dimension Some Important Conversions
Physical Quantities (i) 1 yard = 0.9144 m ≅ 0.91m
(ii) 1 foot (1’) = 0.305 m
Those quantities which can describe the (iii) 1 inch (1”) = 2.54 cm = 0.025 m
laws of physics and possible to measure are (iv) 1 mile = 1609 m = 1.609 km
called physical quantities. (v) 1 ltr. = 1000 cc = 10-3 m3
The physical quantities which do not depend (vi) 1 cm2 = 10-4 m2
upon other physical quantities are called (vii) 1 mm = 10-3 m
fundamental quantities. (viii) 1 atomic mass unit 1 (amu)
In Standard International (S.I.) system the = 1.67 × 10-27
(ix) 1 slug = 14.57 kg
fundamental quantities are mass, length,
(x) 1 tonne = 10 quintal = 1000kg
time, temperature, luminous intensity, electric
(xi) 1 kg/m3 = 1000 g/cm3
current and amount of substance.
5
The physical quantities which depend on (xii) 1 km/h = m/s and
fundamental quantities are called derived 18
quantities, e.g. speed, acceleration, force, etc. 18
1 m/s = km/h
5
Units (xiii) 1 newton = 105 dyne, 1 kg wt = 9.8 N
The unit of a physical quantity is the and 1 g wt = 981 dyne
reference standard used to measure it. (xiv) 1 joule = 107 erg,
1. Fundamental Units: The units defined 1 eV = 1.6 × 10–19 J
for the fundamental quantities are (xv) 1 atm = 76 cm of Hg = 1.01 × 105
called fundamental or base units.
N dy
Fundamental Unit for Mass- Kilogram = 1.01 ×
(Kg), Length-metre (m), Time-second(s), m2 cm 2
(xvi) 1 h.p. = 746 watt
Temperature-kelvin (K), Electric Current-
(xvii) 1 kw h = 3.6 × 106 J
ampere (A), Luminous intensity - Candela
(xviii) 1 tesla = 1 web/m2 = 104 gauss
(cd), Amount of Substance - mole (mol).
2. Derived Units: The units defined for the Mechanics
derived quantities are called derived Path Length or Distance: The length of the
units. e.g. unit of speed or velocity actual path between initial and final positions
(metre per second), acceleration of a particle in a given interval of time is called
(metre per second2), etc. distance covered by the particle.
The MKS and CGS system are called metric or decimal system.
GK-336
GENERAL SCIENCE
Displacement: The shortest distance from This law is known as Newton’s first law of
the initial position to the final position of motion or law of inertia.
the particle is called displacement. Inertia: Inertia is the property of a body due
to which it opposes the change in its state.
Speed, Velocity and Acceleration Inertia of a body is measured by mass of the
Distance travelled body. It is directly proportional to the mass
Speed = of the body i.e., Inertia ∝ mass.
TimeTaken
Displacement Momentum
Velocity = 
Time interval The linear momentum of a body ( p ) is
Change in velocity defined as the product of the mass of the
Acceleration = body (m) and its velocity. i.e., P = mv .
Time interval
Relation between momentum and kinetic
Kinematic equations for uniformly
energy:
accelerated motion
Consider a body of mass (m) moving with
Motion under uniform acceleration is
velocity (v). Linear momentum of the body,
described by the following equations.
p = mv.
1
v = u + at ; s = ut + at2 and KE of a particle can be expressed as
v2 = u2 + 2as 2 P2
E= and p = 2mE
Distance travelled in nth second of 2m
uniformly accelerated motion 2nd law: The rate of change of momentum
a of a body is directly proportional to the
S = u + (2n − 1) unbalanced external force applied on it.
n th 2  
   
Relative velocity i.e., F ∝ dp or, F = k dp or F = ma
 
If v A and v B be the respective velocities dt dt
of object A and B then relative velocity of A Force (F) = ma where m = mass of the object
   and a = acceleration produced
w.r.t. B is v A B = v A − v B
Similarly, relative velocity of B w.r.t. A is Impulse: If a large force acts on a body or
   particle for a smaller time, then impulse =
v BA = v B − v A
product of force and time.
Scalars and Vectors Impulse = F∆t
The physical quantities which require only 3rd law: According to this law, every action
magnitude to express, are called scalar has equal and opposite reaction. Action and
quantities, e.g. Mass, distance, time, speed, reaction act on two different bodies and
volume, density, pressure, work, energy, they are simultaneous. There can be no
power, charge, electric current, temperature, reaction without action.
potential, specific heat, frequency, etc. Certain Law of conservation of linear momentum
physical quantities have both magnitude and If the total external force acting on a system
direction, they are called vector quantities, is equal to zero, then the final value of the
e.g. Displacement, velocity, acceleration, total momentum of the system is equal to
force, momentum, impulse, electric field, the initial value of the total momentum of
magnetic field, current density, etc. the system.
  
p = constant or pf = pi
Newton’s Laws of Motion
1st law: Every body continues to be in Motion in a Lift
its state of rest or of uniform motion in a Let a man of weight W = Mg be standing in
straight line unless compelled by an external a lift.
force to change its state. This fundamental Case (a): If the lift is moving with constant
property of the body is called inertia. velocity v upwards or downwards.
When a body moves in space, then the motion is called three–dimensional motion.
The fictitious force F0 = Ma acts upward

a=0 while weight of a man W = Mg always acts
downward, therefore apparent weight,
W ‘ = W + F0 = Mg – Ma = M (g – a)
g Friction
Whenever a body moves or tends to move over
the surface of another body, a force comes
into play which acts parallel to the surface
W = Mg of contact and opposes the relative motion.
This opposing force is called friction.
In this case there is no accelerated motion
hence no pseudo force experienced by Circular Motion
observer ‘O’ inside the lift. Motion of a body along a circular path is
So apparent weight, W’ = actual weight W called circular motion.
Case (b): If the lift is accelerated i.e., a = Centripetal force: The force directed
constant and in upward direction. towards the centre required for traversing a
Then net forces acting on the man are circular path is called centripetal force.
mv 2
(i) weight W = Mg downward Centripetal force = F = = mω2 r .
(ii) fictitious force F0 = Ma downward. r
• In a banked path with curvature (q)
So apparent weight, with friction, the safe velocity is given
W’ = W + F0 = Mg + Ma by
= M (g + a) v = √ [rg (tan θ + µ) / (1 – µ tan θ)].
• Bending of cyclist: In order to take
a circular turn of radius r with speed
a v, the cyclist should bend himself
through an angle q from the vertical
such that
v2
g tan θ =
rg
Centrifugal force: A force that is equal
and opposite to the central force is called
centrifugal force. e.gs. cream separator,
W’ = M(g+a) centrifugal dryer, etc.
Case (c): If the lift is accelerated downward Torque and angular momentum
with acceleration a < g: Torque is the moment of force. It is the cross
product of the force with the perpendicular
distance between the axis of rotation and the
point of application of force with the force.
a<g  
Torque = t = r × F ; S.I. unit is N – m
Angular momentum is the moment
of linear momentum. It is also the
g product of the linear momentum and the
perpendicular distance of the mass from
the axis of rotation.
  
t =r×p
where r = position relative to origin
W’ = M (g – a) p = linear momentum at position.
Relation between angular velocity and linear velocity, V = rw
GK-338
GENERAL SCIENCE
  Board of Trade unit (B.O.T.U) = kwh, i.e., kilo
Angular momentum L = r × p =: S.I unit
kg m /s
2 watt hour
Relation between torque and angular 1 kwh = 1 unit = 3.6 × 106 joule
momentum,  This is to measure domestic electric energy
 dL consumption.
T=
dt Energy
Moment of inertia Energy is the capacity of doing work.
It is equivalent to mass in rotational motion. It is also a scalar quantity. The SI unit is
It is defined as the sum of the product of the joule.
constituent masses and the square of their Work-energy theorem states that the
perpendicular distances from the axis of work done on a body is equal to the change
rotation. in its kinetic energy.
n Kinetic energy: K.E. is the energy possessed
= ∑ mi ri 2 by the body due to its motion.
i =1 1
S.I. unit is kg/m2 and it is a scalar quantity. K.E. = mv 2
2
Periodic motion
Potential energy: P.E. is the energy
Any motion that repeats itself in equal possessed by the body due to its position
intervals of time is called periodic motion.
or shape.
A periodic motion can be represented in
terms of sines and cosines, so it is called a Gravitational P.E. = mgh (due to change in
harmonic motion. The uniformly rotating position)
earth represents a periodic motion that Law of conservation of energy states
repeats itself at every 24 hours. that energy can neither be created nor be
An oscillatory motion is always periodic destroyed but it can be transformed from
but a periodic motion may not be one form to another. For eg.
oscillatory. Dynamo: Mechanical Energy into Electrical
Examples of S.H.M. (i) clock pendulum, (ii)
Energy.
oscillating liquid in a U-tube, (iii) oscillating
block in a liquid, (iv) oscillating frictionless Electric Motor: Electrical Energy into
piston fitted in a cylinder filled with ideal Mechanical Energy.
gas, etc. Microphone: Sound Energy into Electrical
Energy.
Work
Loud Speaker: Electrical Energy into
Work done by a force on a body is defined as Sound Energy.
the product of force and the displacement of
Electric Bulb: Electrical Energy into Light
the body in the direction of force. SI unit of
work is joule. Heat Energy.
 Solar Cell: Solar Energy into Electrical
W = F.S = FS cos θ where θ is the angle Energy.
 
between F and S . Candle: Chemical Energy into Light & Heat
Power : Power is the rate of doing Energy.
work. Sitar: Mechanical Energy into Sound
  Energy.
dW F.dS   Mass-energy equivalence: According to
Power = P = = = F.v
dt dt this theorem mass and energy are inter-
Its SI unit is watt. convertible.
1 Horse power [1HP] = 746 W, E = mc2.
1 calorie = 4.2J and where c = 3 × 10 ms–1 is velocity of light in
8
6
1 kW h = 3.6 × 10 J vacuum or air.
The amount of heat produced by unit mass or unit volume of a fuel is called its calorific value.
Collision • According to Newton’s theory, the

If the path of a body is affected by another gravitational attraction between the
body when two bodies physically come in planets and the sun holds the planets in
contact, then collision is said to have taken elliptical orbits around the sun.
place. • The earth’s moon and moons of the
Elastic collision: Both momentum and K.E. other planets are held in orbits by the
are conserved. attraction between the moons and the
planets.
For elastic collision in one dimension,
• The force of gravity depends upon the
Inelastic collision: Only momentum is
object’s mass or the amount of matter
conserved.
in the object.
Coefficient of restitution is defined as the
• The weight (w) of an object is equal to
ratio of velocity of separation to the velocity
the mass of the object multiplied by the
of approach.
acceleration due to gravity(g).
Coefficient of restitution W = mg
v − v1 • gmaximum at poles and gminimum at equator.
= e = 2
u1 − u 2 1
e = 1 for perfectly elastic collision • g(moon) = g(earth)
(gearth)
6
e = 0 for perfectly inelastic collision • The value of ‘g’ decreases with altitude,
Centre of Mass: It is an imaginary point at depth from the earth’s surface.
which the whole mass of a body is supposed • g decreases due to rotation of earth.
to be concentrated. Weight of a body in a lift
(i) If lift is stationary or moving with
Gravitation
uniform speed (either upward or
• Gravitation is a natural phenomenon downward), the apparent weight of a
by which all physical bodies attract body is equal to its true weight.
each other. (ii) If lift is going up with acceleration, the
• On Earth, gravity gives weight to apparent weight of a body is more than
physical objects employing a downward the true weight.
force to keep them grounded. (iii) If lift is going down with acceleration,
• Gravitational force is always attractive. the apparent weight of a body is less
For example, earth always attracts us than the true weight.
but never repels. (iv) If the cord of the lift is broken, it falls
• It is weakest force among the freely. In this situation the weight of a
four natural forces in nature i.e. body in the lift becomes zero. This is
electromagnetic, weak and strong the situation of weightlessness.
nuclear force. (v) While going down, if the acceleration
• If there are two objects of mass m1 and of lift is more than acceleration due to
m2 and they are placed at distance r gravity, a body in the lift goes in contact
apart. Then force between them will be: of the ceiling of lift.
F = G(m1m2)/r2 • Escape speed (ve) is the minimum
where G is the universal gravitational speed with which an object just crosses
constant. the earth’s gravitational field and never
This is called Newton’s Universal comes back.
Gravitational law.
2GM
• G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2/kg2 V = = 2gR
• Gravitational force is a central and
conservative force. • The escape velocity of Earth is about
• They can operate over a very long 11.2 kilometres per second and on
distances. moon it is 2.4 km/sec.
At the centre of the earth, weight becomes zero. This is due to the fact that 8 in all directions becomes equal and all forces
canal each other.
GK-340
GENERAL SCIENCE
Satellite well as the satellite are in a free fall state
It is a heavenly body or an artificial object towards the earth.
which revolves round a planet in a particular
Properties of Matter
orbit. The required centripetal force is provided
by the gravitational force. Kepler’s laws of Elasticity and Plasticity
planetary motion are applicable to them.
The property of the body to regain its
(a) Orbital velocity of a satellite:
original configuration (length, or shape)
Velocity with which the satellite when the deforming forces are removed is
orbits around the planet. called elasticity. On the other hand, if the
GM body does not have any tendency to regain
vo = its original configuration on removal of
R+h
deforming force the body is called plastic
(b) Time period of a satellite: Time body and this property is called plasticity.
taken by it to complete one revolution Perfectly elastic body: A body which
around the planet. regains its original configuration
immediately and completely after the
T=
2π ( R + h )3 removal of deforming force from it, is
R g called perfectly elastic body. Quartz and

phosphorous bronze, are closed to perfectly
(c) Height of a satellite above the
plastic body.
surface of the planet: Perfectly plastic body: A body which does
 T 2 R 2g  not regain its original configuration at all
H =  
2  –R on the removal of deforming force, however
 4π  small the deforming force may be is called
(d) “Total energy of a satellite orbiting perfectly plastic body. Putty and mud are
on a circular path is negative” with closed to perfectly plastic body.
potential energy being negative but Stress: The internal restoring force acting per
twice as the magnitude of positive unit area of a body is called stress.
kinetic energy. i.e., Stress = Restoring force/ Area
(e) Binding energy of a satellite is the Strain: The ratio of change in configuration
energy required to remove it from its to the original configuration is called strain.
orbit to infinity. Change in configuraion
GMm i.e., Strain =
B.E. = No energy is required Original configuration
2r Strain being the ratio of two like quantities
to keep the satellite in its orbit. has no units and dimensions.
Geostationary satellites: The satellites Elastic Limit
in a circular orbit around the earth in the Elastic limit is the upper limit of deforming
equatorial plane with a time period of 24 force up to which, if deforming force is
hours, appears to be fixed from any point removed, the body regains its original form
on earth are called geostationary satellite. completely and beyond which, if deforming
For geostationary satellite, height above force is increased, the body loses its
the earth’s surface = 35800 km and orbital property of elasticity and gets permanently
velocity = 3.1 km/s. deformed.
Polar Satellites: A satellite that revolves Hooke’s law
in a polar orbit along north-south direction It states that within the elastic limit stress is
while the earth rotates around its axis in directly proportional to strain.
east west direction. i.e., Stress ∝ strain
Weightlessness: A situation where the or Stress = E × strain
effective weight of the object becomes zero. Here E is the coefficient of proportionality
An astronaut experiences weightlessness and is called modulus of elasticity or
in space satellite because the astronaut as coefficient of elasticity of a body.
The geostationary environment satellites are used for short range whereas polar satellites are used for longer term forecasting.
Materials-Ductile, Brittle and Elastomers ∆F

(i) Ductile materials: The materials In limiting sense, pressure p = lim
∆A →0 ∆A
which have large range of plastic Pressure is a scalar quantity.
extension are called ductile materials. SI unit: pascal (Pa), 1 Pa = 1 N/m2
They can be drawn into thin wires, e.g., Practical units: atmospheric pressure
copper, silver, aluminium, iron, etc. (atm), bar and torr
(ii) Brittle materials: The materials 1 atm = 1.01325 × 105Pa = 1.01325 bar =
which have very small range of plastic 760 torr = 760 mm of Hg column pressure.
extension are called brittle materials. Pascal’s Law of Transmission of Fluid
These materials break as soon as the Pressure
stress is increased beyond the elastic Pascal’s law is stated in following ways:
limit. e.g., glass, ceramics, cast iron, etc. • The pressure in a fluid at rest is same at
(iii) Elastomers: The materials which can all the points if gravity is ignored.
be stretched to large values of strain are • A liquid exerts equal pressures in all
called elastomers. e.g., rubber, elastic directions.
tissue of aorta, etc. • If the pressure in an enclosed fluid is
Young’s modulus of elasticity (Y): It is changed at a particular point, the change
defined as the ratio of normal stress to the is transmitted to every point of the fluid
longitudinal strain within the elastic limit. and to the walls of the container without
Normal stress being diminished in magnitude.
Thus, Y = Applications of Pascal’s law: Hydraulic
Longitudinal strain
Fluids machines, lifts, presses and brakes, are
Fluids are the substances that can flow. based on the Pascal’s law.
Therefore liquids and gases both are fluids. Atmospheric Pressure
The study of fluids at rest is called fluid Force exerted by air column on unit cross-
statics or hydrostatics and the study of section area of sea level is called atmospheric
fluids in motion is called fluid dynamics or pressure (P0)
hydrodynamics. Both combined are called
fluid mechanics. P0 =
F
= 101.3kN / m 2
Density (r) A
Mass per unit volume is defined as density. So Barometer is used to measure atmospheric
density at a point of a fluid is represented as pressure which was discovered by
dm dm m Torricelli.
ρ = lim = =
∆v →0 dV dV V Atmospheric pressure varies from place to
Relative Density place and at a particular place from time to
It is defined as the ratio of the density of the time.
given fluid to the density of pure water at Sudden fall in barometer reading is the
4°C. indication of storm.
Relative density (R.D). • Slow fall in barometric reading is the
Density of given liquid indication of rain.
= • Slow rise in barometric reading is the
Density of pure water at 4°C
indication of clear weather.
The density of water is maximum at 4°C and
is equal to 1.0 × 103 kgm–3 Buoyancy and Archimedes Principle
Pressure If a body is partially or wholly immersed
If a uniform force is exerted normal to in a fluid, it experiences an upward force
an area (A), then average pressure (pav) is due to the fluid surrounding it. This
defined as the normal force (F) per unit area. phenomenon of force exerted by fluid on
F the body is called buoyancy and force is
i.e., Pav = called buoyant force or upthrust.
A
Thicker liquid like honey, coaltar, glycerine, sugar solution, etc. have a larger viscosity.
GK-342
GENERAL SCIENCE
Archimedes’ Principle: It states that the Heat
buoyant force on a body that is partially or
totally immersed in a fluid equal to the weight Temperature and Heat
of the fluid displaced by it. Temperature is defined as the degree of
Bernoulli’s Principle hotness or coldness of a body. It is a scalar
When incompressible, non-viscous, irrotational quantity. Its S.I. unit is kelvin (K).
liquid i.e., ideal liquid flow from one position Heat is a form of energy which causes
to other in streamline path then in its path at sensation of hotness or coldness. The flow of
every point, the sum of pressure energy, kinetic heat is always from higher temperature to
lower temperature. No heat flows from one
energy and potential energy per unit volume
body to other, when both the bodies are at
remains constant.
the same temperature. The two bodies are
Blowing of roofs by storms, sprayer action of said to be in thermal equilibrium. The SI
carburetor, etc. based on Bernoulli’s principle. unit of heat is joule. Its CGS unit is calorie,
Viscosity 1 cal = 4.2 joule
The property of a fluid due to which it Measurement of Temperature
opposes the relative motion between its A branch of science which deals with the
different layers is called viscosity (or fluid measurement of temperature of a substance
friction or internal friction) and the force is called thermometry.
between the layers opposing the relative Thermometer is a device used to measure
motion is called viscous force. the temperature. Thermometer used for
Terminal Velocity measuring very high temperatures are called
pyrometer.
It is maximum constant velocity acquired
by the body while falling freely in a viscous Relationship between different scales of
medium. temperature
Surface Tension C − 0 F − 32 R − 0 K − 273 Ra − 492
= = = =
Surface tension is basically a property of 100 180 80 100 180
liquid. The liquid surface behaves like a
stretched elastic membrane which has a OR
natural tendency to contract and tends to C F − 32 R K − 273 Ra − 492
= = = =
have a minimum possible surface area. This 5 9 4 5 9
property of liquid is called surface tension. Normal temperature of human body is 310.15 k
Force F (37°C = 98.6°F)
Surface tension T =
Length L At –40° temperature, celsius and fahrenheit
Examples of surface tension thermometers read the same.
(i) Raindrops are spherical in shape. Ideal-gas Equation and Absolute
(ii) The hair of a shaving brush cling together Temperature
when taken out of water. The equation, PV = nRT
(iii) Oil spread on cold water but remains as
a drop on hot water etc. where, n = number of moles in the sample
of gas
Capillarity
R = universal gas constant; (its value is 8.31
A glass tube with fine bore and open at J mol–1 K–1), is known as ideal-gas equation
both ends is known as capillary tube. The
property by virtue of which a liquid rise or fall It is the combination of following three laws
in a capillary tube is known as capillarity. (i) Boyle’s law: When temperature is
Rise or fall of liquid in tubes of narrow bore held constant, the pressure is inversely
(capillary tube) is called capillary action. proportional to volume.
Rise of kerosene in lanterns, rise of ink in i.e., P ∝ 1 ( at constant temperature)
fountain pen etc. are due to capillary action. V
Coffee powder is easily soluble in water because water immediately wets the five granules of coffee by the action of capillarity.
(ii) Charle’s law: When the pressure is Relation between coefficient of linear
held constant, the volume of the gas is expansion (α), coefficient of superficial
directly proportional to the absolute expansion (β) and coefficient of cubical
temperature. expansion (γ)
i.e., V ∝ T (at constant pressure) b g
(iii) Avogadro’s law: When the pressure a= = ⇒ a : b : g = 1: 2 : 3
and temperature are kept constant, the 2 3
volume is directly proportional to the Anomalous expansion of water
number of moles of the ideal gas in the Almost all liquids expand on heating but
container. water when heated from 0°C to 4°C its volume
i.e., V ∝ n (at constant pressure and decreases and hence density increases until
temperature) its temperature reaches 4°C. Its density
is maximum at 4°C, on further heating its
Absolute temperature
density decreases. This behaviour of water is
The lowest temperature of –273.16 °C at which called anomalous behaviour of water.
a gas is supposed to have zero volume and zero
Specific heat capacity
pressure and at which entire molecular motion
stops is called absolute zero temperature. It is the amount of heat energy needed to raise
A new scale of temperature starting with the temperature of unit mass of substance by
–273.16°C by Lord Kelvin as zero. This 1ºC (or 1K).
is called Kelvin scale or absolute scale of It is denoted by s or c.
temperature.
Cwater = 1 cal/g °C = 1 cal/g K = 1 kcal/kg K=4200
T(K) = t°C + 273.16
Thermal expansion joule/kg K
The increase in the dimensions, i.e. length, Latent heat or hidden heat
area or volume of a body due to the increase When state of a substance changes, change
in its temperature on heating is called thermal of state takes place at constant temperature
expansion. (m.pt. or b.pt.) heat is released or absorbed
Linear expansion: The fractional increase and is given by,
in length per ºC rise in temperature is called Q = mL
coefficient of linear expansion. where L is latent heat.
Coefficient of linear expansion, Change of State of Matter
 ∆l 
  Any state of a substance (solid/ liquid/ gas)
l dl
α=   = can be changed into another by heating or
∆T l.dT cooling. The transition of a substance from
Superficial expansion: On increasing the one state to another is called a change of
temperature of a solid, its area increases. This state.
increase in area is referred as superficial
expansion. Some common changes of states:
Coefficient of superficial expansion is (i) Melting: When heat is supplied, solid
defined as the fractional increase in area per substance changes into liquid, this
ºC rise in temperature. change of state of substance is called
Cubical expansion: On increasing the melting.
temperature of a solid, its volume increases. Heat
Solid  → Liquid
This increase in volume with increase in The temperature at which the solid and
temperature is called cubical or volume the liquid states of a substance coexist
expansion. in thermal equilibrium with each other
Coefficient of volume expansion is defined is called its melting point.
as the fractional increase in volume per ºC rise
(ii) Freezing: When heat is released, liquid
in temperature.
changes into solid, this change of state
i.e., Coefficient of volume expansion,
of substance is called freezing.
∆V / V dV
g= = Liquid 
Cool
→ Solid
∆T V.dT
The air having moisture content equal to its humidity capacity, is called saturated air. Humidity capacity of air is directly proportional to
the temperature.
GK-344
GENERAL SCIENCE
(iii) Condensation: When vapour is cooled, Newton’s Law of Cooling
it changes into liquid, this change of The rate of cooling of a body (rate of loss
state is called condensation. of heat) is directly proportional to the
Vapour 
Cool
→ liquid excess of temperature of the body over the
surroundings, provided that this excess is small
(iv) Evaporation: Conversion of liquid into and loss of heat by radiation only.
gaseous state at all the temperatures is If θ and θ0 are the temperatures of the body
called evaporation or boiling. and its surroundings respectively, then
Heat according to Newton’s law of cooling,
Liquid 
→ Vapour
dQ
The temperature at which the liquid Rate of loss of heat, − ∝ ( θ − θ0 )
and vapour states of a substance co- dt
exist in thermal equilibrium with each Thermodynamics
other is called its boiling point. The thermodynamics is the branch of
It is a phenomenon that occurs at science in which the conversion of heat into
the surface of liquids. The rate of mechanical work and vice versa is studied.
evaporation increases with rise in Triple point of water: The triple point of
temperature. Heat required to change water represents the co-existence of all
unit mass of liquid into vapour at a the three phases of water ice, water and
given temperature is called heat of water vapour in equilibrium. The pressure
evaporation at that temperature. corresponding to triple point of water is 6.03
(v) Sublimation: It is the conversion of a × 10–3 atmosphere or 4.58 mm of Hg and
solid directly into vapour. temperature corresponding to it is 273.16 K.
Solid 
Heat
→ Vapour Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
If objects A and B are separately in thermal
Sublimation takes place when boiling equilibrium with a third object C then objects
point is less than the melting point. A and B are in thermal equilibrium with each
Heat transfer: Heat energy transfer from other.
a body at higher temperature to a body First Law of Thermodynamics
at lower temperature by three different If some quantity of heat is supplied to a
methods. They are conduction, convection system capable of doing external work, then
and radiation. the quantity of heat absorbed by the system is
Conduction: Conduction is that mode equal to the sum of the increase in the internal
of transmission of heat in which heat is energy of the system and the external work
transferred from a region of higher done by the system.
temperature to a region of lower temperature i.e., δQ = δU + δW
by the aid of particles of the body without The first law of thermodynamics is essentially
their actual migration. Conduction requires a restatement of the law of conservation of
material medium. energy, i.e. energy can neither be created nor
Convection: Convection like conduction be destroyed but may be converted from one
requires a material medium. It is the process form to another.
in which heat is transferred from one place to Heat Engines
other by actual movement of heated material Heat engine is a device which converts heat
particles. energy into work.
Radiation: When a body is heated and
Efficiency of heat engine,
placed in vacuum, it loses heat even when
there is no medium surrounding it. Work done (W )
η=
The process by which heat is lost in this case Heat taken from source (Q1 )
is called radiation. This does not require the
presence of any material medium. It is by Refrigerators and Heat Pumps
radiation that the heat from the sun reaches A refrigerator is the reverse of a heat engine.
the earth. A heat pump is the same as a refrigerator.
The measuring of temperature closed to OK, is known as cryogenics while dealing with the measurement of very high temperature, is called
pyrometry.
Waves (iii) Sound waves do not pass through a

• A wave is a disturbance which propagates vacuum but electromagnetic waves
energy from one place to the other (light) do.
without the transport of matter. Characteristics of Sound Waves
• These are of two types • Audible sound for human is 20 Hz to
(i) Mechanical waves 20000 Hz.
(ii) Electromagnetic waves • Sound higher than 20000 Hz are called
ultrasonics.
Mechanical Waves • Sounds less than 20 Hz are called
A mechanical wave is a periodic disturbance infrasonics.
which requires a material medium for its Speed of Sound in Different Mediums
propagation.
Medium Speed of sound
(a) Transverse wave: When the particles
of the medium vibrate in a direction (In m/s)
perpendicular to the direction of Air(0°C) 332
propagation of the wave, the wave
Air (20°C) 343
is known as the transverse wave. For
example, waves produced in a stretched Steam (at 100°C) 405
string, waves on the surface. These waves Mercury 1450
travel in form of crests and troughs. Water (20°C) 1482
These waves can travel in solids and
Sea water 1533
liquids only.
(b) Longitudinal wave: When the particles Iron 5130
of the medium vibrate along the direction Glass 5640
of propagation of the wave then the wave Sound is characterised by three parameters:
is known as the longitudinal wave. For (i) Pitch (ii) Loudness (iii) Quality
example sound wave in air, waves in a
(i) Pitch: Pitch is the sensation (brain
solid rod produced by scrubbing etc.
interpretation) of the frequency of an
These waves travel in the form of compressi-
ons and rarefactions. These waves can travel emitted sound and is the characteristic
in solids, liquids and gases. which distinguishes a shrill (or sharp)
sound from a grave (or flat) sound.
Electromagnetic Waves (ii) Loudness: Loudness or softness of
The waves which do not require medium a sound wave is the sensation that
for propagation are called electromagnetic depends upon its amplitude. The
waves. This means that these waves can loudness of sound is a measure of the
travel through vacuum also. For example, sound energy reaching the ear per
light waves, X-rays, γ-rays, Infrared waves,
second.
radio waves, microwaves, etc. These waves
are of transverse type. • The loudness of sound is measured in
• In the 1860’s and 1870’s, a Scottish sci- decibel (dB).
entist named James Clerk Maxwell no- The loudness of sound of people talking
ticed that electrical fields and magnetic quietly is about 65 dB, the loudness of
fields can couple together to form elec- sound in a very noisy factory is about
tromagnetic waves. 100 dB.
Difference between sound waves and (iii) Quality (Timber): Quality or timber
electromagnetic waves of a sound wave is that characteristic
(i) Sound waves are longitudinal and which helps us in distinguishing one
electromagnetic waves are transverse. sound from another having same pitch
(ii) Sound waves travel at a speed of 340 and loudness. We recognise a person
m/s whereas electromagnetic waves (without seeing) by listening to his sound
travel at a speed of 3 × 108 m/s. as it has a definite quality.
Shark protective oceanic device (Shark POD) protects divers from shark. It consists of two metal electrodes, one attached to diver’s fins and
other to diver’s air tank.
GK-346
GENERAL SCIENCE
A pure sound of single frequency is called Luminous and non-luminous objects
a tone. Luminous objects are those which emit its
An impure sound produced by mixture own light e.g., sun, glowworm, burning
of many frequencies is called a note. It is candle, electric lights. Non-luminous objects
pleasant to listen. do not give out its own light but are visible
Reflection of Sound only when light from a luminous object falls
on it. e.g., moon, earth, table, paper, etc.
When sound waves strike a surface, they
return back into the same medium. This Transparent, Translucent and Opaque
phenomenon is called reflection. materials
Laws of reflection of sound waves Transparent materials are those which
(i) Angle of incidence is equal to the angle allow most of light to pass through them.
of reflection. Example: Glass, water, air.
(ii) The incident wave, the reflected wave Translucent materials allow only a part
and the normal all lie in the same plane. of light to pass through it. We cannot see
Echo distinctly through them. Example: greased
Phenomenon of hearing back our own sound paper, paraffin wax, etc.
is called an echo. It is due to successive Opaque materials do not allow any light
reflection from the surface of obstacles of to pass through it. They reflect or absorb all
large size. the light that falls on them. Example: Books,
Conditions for the formation of Echoes desk, stone, rubber, trees, etc.
(i) The minimum distance between the • Speed of light in different mediums
source of sound and the reflecting body Medium Speed of light
should be 17.2 metres.
Glass 2 ×108 m /sec
(ii) The wavelength of sound should be less
than the height of the reflecting body. Turpentine oil 2.04 ×108 m /sec
(iii) The intensity of sound should be Water 2.25×108 m/sec
sufficient so that it can be heard after Vacuum 3×108 m/sec
reflection.
Reverberation Reflection of Light
Persistence of sound after its production The turning back of light in the same medium
stopped, is called reverberation. is called reflection of light.
When a sound is produced in a big hall, its Laws of reflection
wave reflect from the walls and travel back
1. The angle of incidence ‘i’ is equal to the
and forth. Due to this energy does not reduce
angle of reflection ‘r’.
and the sound persist.
2. At the point of incidence, the incident
A short reverberation is desirable in a rays, the normal to the surface and the
concert hall (where music is being played) reflected ray all lie in the same plane.
because it gives ‘life’ to sound.
Images and their properties
Optics An ‘image’ is defined as the impression of
an object carried over and formed by light
Optics
reflected from it. An image is said to be a
The branch of physics which deals with the real image if it can be caught on a screen,
propagation, nature and behaviour of light is and a virtual image if it cannot be caught
known as optics. on the screen. For example, the image on
Light the screen in a theatre is a real image and
Light is a form of energy which enables human the image observed in a plane mirror is a
beings and creatures to ‘see’ things. virtual image.
Light is an electromagnetic radiation which Real image
exhibits properties like a wave as well as a 1. When the rays of light actually meet,
particle. It always propagates in a straight line. the image so formed is known as real
Light travels with a speed nearly equal to image.
3 × 108 m/s. According to current theories, 2. A real image can be caught on a screen
no material particle can travel at a speed since it is formed by actual meeting
greater than the speed of light. of rays.
Humming of mosquito has high pitch (high frequency) but low intensity (low loudness) while the roar of a lion has high intensity (loudness)
but low pitch.
3. A real image is always inverted. Mirror Formula

4. A real image is formed by a convergent If an object is placed at a distance u from the
reflected beam. pole of a mirror and its image is formed at a
5. In ray diagrams, for real image, the rays distance v (from the pole) then,
are represented by full lines. 1 1 1
Virtual image + =
1. When the rays of light appear to meet, v u f
the image so formed is known as Magnification
virtual image. If a thin object linear size O situated vertically
2. A virtual image cannot be caught on a on the axis of a mirror at a distance u from
screen since it is formed by meeting of the pole and its image of size I is formed at
imaginary rays. a distance v (from the pole), magnification
3. A virtual image is always erect. (transverse) is defined as
4. A virtual image is formed by a divergent (+ve means erect image)
reflected beam.
m I v
5. In ray diagrams, for virtual image, (–ve means inverted image)
the rays are generally represented by O u (|m| >1 means large image)
dotted lines.
(|m| < 1 means small image)
Characteristics of images formed by a
plane mirror Refraction of Light
The image formed by a plane mirror is When a ray of light passes from one medium
(a) virtual (the image cannot be formed on to another medium it bends – towards the
a screen), normal when goes from rarer to denser
(b) upright, and away from the normal when goes from
(c) laterally inverted (the left side of an denser to rarer medium. This phenomenon is
image is formed by the right side of an called refraction of light.
object), Twinkling of stars, sun is visible to us about
(d) the same size as the object, 2 minutes before the actual sunrise, and
(e) the same distance behind the mirror as about 2 minutes after actual sunset etc. due
to atmospheric refraction.
the object is in front of the mirror.
Refractive index
Concave and Convex Mirror
Refractive index of medium II with respect
Concave mirror: If the reflection takes to medium I.
place from the inner surface of a spherical Speed of light in medium I
mirror, then the mirror is called concave µ 21 =
Speed of light in medium II
mirror.
Uses of concave mirrors: Laws of Refraction
(i) In torches, search-lights and vehicles (i) Snell’s law: For any two media and for
headlights to get powerful beams of light of a given wavelength, the ratio
light. of the sine of the angle of incidence to
(ii) As a shaving mirror to see a large the sine of the angle of refraction is a
image of the face. constant.
(iii) As a dentists mirror to see large images sin i
of the teeth of patients. i.e., = constant
sin r
(iv) Large sized concave mirror is used to where i = incidence angle,
concentrate sunlight to produce heat r = refraction angle.
in solar furnaces. (ii) The incident ray, the refracted ray and
Convex mirror: If the outer surface of the the normal at the incident point all lie
spherical mirror acts as a reflector then the in the same plane.
mirror is called convex mirror. When object is in denser medium and
Uses of convex mirrors:
observer is in rarer medium:
(i) As a rear -view mirrors in vehicles.
(ii) For security purposes. Real depth
Refractive index µ =
(iii) In sodium reflector lamp. Virtual depth
If half of the mirror is covered, then image formed is complete but its intensity reduces (because less amount of light is reflected from the mirror).
GK-348
GENERAL SCIENCE
Some Phenomena based on Refraction (viii)An object in a denser medium
(i) Twinkling of stars appears to be nearer when seen
(ii) Oval Shape of sun in the morning and
from a rarer medium, eg. fish in
evening.
(iii) Rivers appear shallow water, a coin at the base of a water
(iv) Coins appear raised in glass filled with filled vessel.
water.
(v) Pencils appear broken in the beaker Lens
filled with water. A lens is a piece of transparent material
(vi) Sun appears above horizon at sunset with two refracting surfaces such that
and sunrise. atleast one is curved and refractive index
(vii) Writing on a paper appears lifted on of used material is different from that of the
putting glass slab on it. surroundings.
Refractive index
Material medium Refractive index Material medium Refractive index
Air 1.0003 Canada Balsam 1.53
Ice 1.31
Water 1.33 Rock salt 1.54
Alcohol 1.36
Kerosene 1.44 Carbon disulphide 1.63
Fused quartz 1.46 Dense flint glass 1.65
Turpentine oil 1.47 Ruby 1.71
Benzene 1.50 Sapphire 1.77
Crown glass 1.52 Diamond 2.42
Refraction through a thin lens (lens Critical angle (ic): When a ray passes from
formula) an optically denser medium to an optically
If an object is placed at a distance u from rarer medium, the angle of refraction r
is greater than the corresponding angle of
the optical centre of a lens and its images
incidence i. From Snell’s law.
is formed at a distance v (from the optical
centre) and focal length of this length is f Let µ1 = µ 2 and µ 2 = 1 and let for i = ic, r =
then 90º then sin ic = 1 / µ
1 1 1 1
− = ∴ ic = sin −1 ; ic is called the critical angle.
v u f µ
This phenomenon takes place in shining
This is called lens formula.
of air bubble, sparkling of diamond,
Power of a lens mirage, looming, in optical communication,
The power of a lens is defined as endoscopy using optical fibre.
P=
1
. The unit of power is diopter.
Dispersion of Light
f (in m ) When a white ray of light or sunlight passes
Total Internal Reflection through a prism it breaks into its seven
constituents colours, i.e. violet, indigo, blue,
When the object is placed in an optically
green, yellow, orange and red (VIBGYOR).
denser medium and if the incident angle is This phenomenon is called dispersion
greater than the critical angle then the ray of light. The band of seven constituents
of light gets reflected back to the originating colours is called spectrum. The deviation
medium. This phenomenon is called total is maximum for violet colour and least for
internal reflection. red colour.
At the sunrise and sunset, the sun appears flattened. This apparent flattening of the Sun’s disc is also due to the atmospheric refraction.
The Rainbow Power of Accomodation of Eye

A rainbow is a spectrum of white light The ability of the lens to change its shape
from the sun. This is a phenomenon due to to focus near and distant objects is called
combined effect of dispersion, refraction accommodation.
and reflection of sunlight by spherical water A normal human eye can see objects clearly
droplets of rain. that are between 25 cm and infinity.
(i) Primary rainbow: It is formed due to Microscope: It is an optical instrument used
two refractions and one total internal to see magnified image of a tiny objects.
reflection of the light incident on the Resolving power (R.P.) of a microscope
droplet. Sunlight is first refracted Resolving power of a microscope is defined
as it enters a raindrop which cause as the reciprocal of the least separation
different colours of light to separate. between two close objects, so that they
The observer sees a rainbow with red appear just separated, when seen through
colour on the top and violet on the the microscope.
bottom. Telescope (Astronomical): It is an optical
(ii) Secondary rainbow: It is formed instrument used to increase the visual angle
due to two refractions and two total of distant large objects.
internal reflection of light incident on It is used to see far off objects clearly.
the water droplet. It is due to four - Resolving power (R.P.) of a telescope
step process. The intensity of light is Resolving power of telescope is defined as the
reduced at the second reflection and reciprocal of the smallest angular separation
hence the secondary rainbow is fainter between two distant objects, so that they
than the primary rainbow. appear just separated, when seen through
the telescope.
Scattering of Light D
Resolving power of telescope =
As sunlight travels through the earth’s 1.22λ
atmosphere it gets scattered by the small Interference of Light Waves
particles present in the atmosphere. The phenomenon of redistribution of light
According to Rayleigh law, the amount of energy in a medium due to superposition
scattering is inversely proportional to the of light waves from two coherent sources is
 1  called interference of light.
fourth power of the wavelength  . Conditions for sustained interference:
 λ4  (i) Two sources must be coherent.
Phenomenon based on scattering of light (ii) Amplitudes of waves should be either
(i) Blue colour of sky: Blue colour has equal or approximately equal.
a shorter wavelength than red colour (iii) Light should be monochromatic.
therefore blue colour is scattered Polarisation
strongly. Hence the bluish colour It is the phenomenon of restricting the
predominates in a clear sky. vibration of light in a particular plane.
(ii) White colour of clouds: Clouds Light waves are transverse in nature i.e.,
contain large dust particles, water the electric field vector associated with
droplets or ice particles. These large light wave is always at right angles to the
sized Particles do not obey Rayleigh direction of propagation of the wave. When
law of scattering. All wavelengths are unpolarised light is incident on a polaroid
scattered nearly equally. Hence clouds (Nicol Prism), the light wave gets linearly
are generally white. polarised i.e., the vibration of electric field
(iii) Sun looks reddish at the Sunset vector are along a single direction.
or Sunrise: At sunset or sunrise, the
sun’s rays have to pass through a larger Electricity
distance in the atmosphere. Most of the
blue and other shorter wavelengths Electric Charges
are scattered. The least scattered light Charge is something associated with matter
reaching our eyes, therefore the sun due to which it produces and experiences
looks reddish. electric and magnetic effects.
Interference of light can be seen when the kerosene oil spread on the water surface seems to have a decent colour because of the
interference of the light.
GK-350
GENERAL SCIENCE
The study of charges at rest is called static Two lines of force never intersect. If they
electricity or electrostatics while the are assumed to intersect, there will be two
study of charges in motion is called current directions of electric field at the point of
electricity. There are two types of electric intersection, which is impossible.
charge:
(i) Positive charge and (ii) Negative charge Capacitors and Capacitance
The magnitude of elementary positive or A capacitor or condenser is a device
negative charge is same and is equal to that stores electrical energy. It consists of
1.6 × 10–19 C. conductors of any shape and size carrying
Charge is a scalar quantity and its SI unit is charges of equal magnitude and opposite
ampere second or coulomb (C). signs and separated by an insulating
Basic properties of electric charge medium.
(1) Similar charges repel and opposite The symbol of a capacitor is or
charges attract each other.
(2) A charged body attracts light uncharged The net charge on a capacitor is zero.
bodies. Capacitance or capacity of a capacitor is a
(3) Accelerated charge radiates energy. measure of ability of the capacitor to store
Conductors and Insulators charge on it.
The materials which allow electric charge When a conductor is charged then its
(or electricity) to flow freely through them potential rises. The increase in potential is
are called conductors. Metals are very directly proportional to the charge given to
good conductors of electric charge. Silver, the conductor.
copper and aluminium are some of the good Q
conductors of electricity. i.e. Q ∝ V or Q = CV or, C =
V
The materials which do not allow electric The constant C is known as the capacitance
charge to flow through them are called of the conductor.
nonconductors or insulators. Its SI unit is farad (F) or coulomb/volt
For example, most plastics, rubber, non- Capacitance of the conductor depends
metals (except graphite), dry wood, wax,
upon:
mica, porcelain, dry air etc., are insulators.
(i) Size of conductor
Coulomb’s law (ii) Surrounding medium
It states that, the electrostatic force of (iii) Presence of other conductors nearby
interaction (repulsion or attraction) between
two electric charges q1 and q2 separated Electric Current
by a distance r, is directly proportional to The time rate of flow of charge through any
the product of the charges and inversely
cross-section is called electric current. If ∆q
proportional to the square of distance
charge passes through a cross-section in
between them.
time ∆t then,
Electric Field ∆q
average current I av =
The region surrounding an electric charge or ∆t
a group of charges in which another charge ∆q dq
Instantaneous current I = lim =
experiences a force of attraction or repulsion ∆t →0 ∆t dt
is called ‘electric field’. Electric current is measured in ampere (A).
The S.I. unit of electric field intensity is N/ Types of electric current:
coul or volt/metre. (a) Direct current: The current whose
Electric lines of force magnitude and direction does not
An electric line of force is that imaginary vary with time is called direct current
smooth curve drawn in an electric field along (dc). The various sources are cells, dc
dynamo, etc.
which a free isolated unit positive charge
moves. It’s symbol is
Polaroids are useful in three dimensional motion pictures, i.e. in holography.

(b) Alternating current: The current consumed by an electrical device is given by

whose magnitude continuously changes P = VI, where V = Potential difference across
with time and periodically changes its the device and I = current.
direction is called alternating current. Ammeter : An ammeter is a low resistance
It has constant amplitude and has galvanometer used to measure strength of
alternate positive and negative halves. current in an electrical circuit.
It is produced by ac dynamo.
Conversion of galvanometer into ammeter:
It’s symbol is
A galvanometer can be converted to an
Resistance, Conductance and Resistivity
Resistance (R): It is the property of a ammeter by connecting a low resistance or
substance due to which it opposes the flow of shunt in parallel to coil of galvanometer.
current through it. Voltmeter: A voltmeter is a high resistance
Its SI unit volt/ampere called ohm (Ω). galvanometer used to measure potential
The reciprocal of specific resistance is difference.
1 Conversion of galvanometer into voltmeter:
conductance i.e. σ =
ρ A galvanometer is converted to a voltmeter
Superconductors by connecting a high resistance in series with
the coil of galvanometer.
At a very low temperature, the resistance
of the conductor may vanish completely. Alternating Current
When it happens, the conductor is called a
superconductor. For example, helium is a When an alternating voltage is applied
superconductor at 4.2 K (– 268.8°C). across a coil or a bulb, it sends a similar
Ohm’s law varying current (i.e., of the same nature as
It states that if the physical state i.e. that of voltage) through the coil. The current
temperature, nature of material and is called alternating current (A.C.).
dimensions of a conductor remain unchanged The current flowing in only one direction
then the ratio of potential difference applied in a circuit is called direct current (D.C.).
across its ends to current flowing through it Batteries, thermocouples and solar cells
remains constant. are some of the sources of direct current.
V Advantages of Alternating Current Over
i.e. V ∝ I or V = I R, where R = is the Direct Current
I
resistance of conductor. (i) A.C. can be obtained over a wide range
of voltages. These voltages can be
Electrical Energy
easily stepped up or stepped down
When a current is passed through a with the help of transformers.
resistor energy is wasted in overcoming (ii) The generation of A.C. is found to be
the resistance of the wire. This energy is economical than that of D.C.
converted into heat.
Transformers
The heat generated (in joule) when a current
of 1 ampere flows through a resistance of R It is a device used for transforming a low
ohm for T second. alternating voltage of high current into a
This is the joule’s law of heating high alternating voltage of low current and
1 unit of electrical energy vice versa, without increasing power or
= 1 Kilowatt hour (1 KWh) = 3.6 × 106 joule changing frequency.
This is known as Board of trade (B.O.T) Principle: It works on the phenomenon of
unit of electrical energy. mutual induction.
If a low voltage is to be transformed into a
Power high voltage, then the number of turns in
Energy liberated per second is called its secondary is more than those in primary. The
power. The electrical power P delivered or transformer is called a step up transformer.
The process of protecting certain field from external electric field, is called electrostatic shielding.
GK-352
GENERAL SCIENCE
If a high voltage is to be transformed into Lodestone or magnetite is natural magnet.
a low voltage, then the number of turns in Earth is also a natural magnet.
secondary is less than those in primary. In magnetised substance all the atomic
The transformer is called a step-down magnets are aligned in same direction and
transformer. thus resultant magnetism is non-zero.
Uses of Transformer
A transformer is used in almost all ac
operation.
(i) In voltage regulators for TV, refrigerator,
Bar Magnet: A bar magnet consists of
computer, air conditioner, etc.
two equal and opposite magnetic poles
(ii) In the induction furnaces. separated by a small distance. Poles are not
(iii) Step down transformer is used for exactly at the ends. The shortest distance
welding purposes. between two poles is called effective length
(iv) In the transmission of ac over long (Le) and is less than its geometric length (Lg).
distance. For bar magnet Le = 2l and Le =(5/6) Lg.
AC Generator/Dynamo/Alternator
An electrical machine used to convert
mechanical energy into electrical energy S N
is known as AC generator/alternator or L=
e 2 l
dynamo. Lg
Principle: It works on the principle of Bar magnet
electromagnetic induction, i.e. when a coil
is rotated in uniform magnetic field, an Properties of Magnet
induced emf is produced in it. (i) Attractive property: The places where
its attracting power is maximum are
DC Motor
called poles.
A D.C. motor converts direct current energy (ii) Directive property: When a magnet is
from a battery into mechanical energy of suspended its length becomes parallel
rotation. to N-S direction. The pole pointing
Principle: It is based on the fact that when north is called the north pole while
a coil carrying current is held in a magnetic the other pointing in the geographical
field, it experiences a torque, which rotates south is called the south pole of the
the coil. magnet.
Efficiency of the d.c. motor: (iii) Poles of a magnet always exist in
EI E Back e.m. f . pairs: In a magnet the two poles are
η= = = found to be equal in strength and
VI V Applied e.m. f . opposite in nature.
Uses of D.C Motor (iv) Repulsive property: A pole of a
1. The D.C. motors are used in D.C. fans magnet attracts the opposite pole
while repels similar pole.
(exhaust, ceiling or table) for cooling
Demagnetisation of Magnet
and ventilation.
2. They are used for pumping water. A magnet gets demagnetised, i.e. loses its
power of attraction if it is heated, hammered
3. Big D.C. motors are used for running
or alternating current is passed through a
tram-cars and even trains. wire wound over it.
Permanent and Temporary Magnets
Magnetism (Electromagnets)
Magnetism The permanent artificial magnets are
made of some metals and alloys like Carbon-
The phenomenon of attracting magnetic steel, Alnico, Platinum-cobalt, Alcomax,
substances like iron, cobalt, nickel etc. is Ticonal etc. The permanent magnets are
called magnetism. A body possessing the made of ferromagnetic substances with
property of magnetism is called magnet. large coercivity and retentivity
Thermistor is a heat sensitive device whose resistivity changes very rapidly with change of temperature.
The temporary artificial magnets like Magnetic equator: A great circle on the
electromagnets are prepared by passing surface of the earth in a plane perpendicular
current through coil wound on soft iron to magnetic axis is called magnetic equator.
core. These cannot retain its strength for a All places on magnetic euqator are at equal
long time. These are made from soft iron, distance from magnetic poles.
non-metal and alloy. Electromagnets are Magnetic Elements
stronger than permanent magnet.
The physical quantities which determine
Some applications of electromagnets
the intensity of earth’s total magnetic field
(i) Electric motors completely both in magnitude and direction
(ii) Doorbells
are called magnetic elements.
(iii) In scrapyards to separate iron from
Angle of declination (φ): The angle
other metals
between the magnetic meridian and
Magnetic Field
geographical meridian at a place is called
The space around a magnet (or a current angle of declination.
carrying conductor) in which its magnetic Angle of dip or inclination (θ): The angle
effect can be experienced is called the
through which the N pole dips down with
magnetic field.
reference to horizontal is called the angle of
Magnetic Lines of Force dip. At magnetic north and south pole angle
Magnetic line of force is an imaginary of dip is 90°. At magnetic equator the angle
curve tangent to which at a point gives the of dip is 0°.
direction of magnetic field at that point or Horizontal component of earth’s
the magnetic field line is the imaginary path
magnetic field: The total intensity of the
along which an isolated north pole will tend
to move if it is free to do so. earth’s magnetic field makes an angle θ
Magnetic lines of force do not intersect each with horizontal. It has
other. Because if they do, there will be two (i) component in horizontal plane called
directions of magnetic field which is not horizontal component BH.
possible. (ii) component in vertical plane called
vertical component BV.
The Earth’s Magnetism Comparison of properties of soft iron
The branch of Physics which deals with and steel:
the study of earth’s magnetic field is called (1) The area of hysteresis loop for soft
terrestrial magnetism. iron is much smaller than for steel, so
William Gilbert suggested that earth itself energy loss per unit volume per cycle
behaves like a huge magnet. for soft iron is smaller than steel.
(a) A freely suspended magnet always
(2) The retentivity of soft iron is greater
comes to rest in N-S direction.
(b) A piece of soft iron buried in N-S than that of steel.
direction inside the earth acquires (3) The coercivity of steel is much larger
magnetism. than that of soft iron.
Geographic meridian: It is a vertical plane (4) The magnetisation and demagnetisa-
passing through geographic north and tion is easier in soft iron than steel.
south pole of the earth. (5) Soft iron acquires saturation
Geographic equator: A great circle on the magnetisation for quite low value
surface of the earth in a plane perpendicular of magnetising field than in case of
to geographical axis is called geographic steel or soft iron is much strongly
equator. All places on geographic equator magnetised than steel.
are at equal distances from geographical Diamagnetic Substances: The substances
poles. which when placed in a magnetic field are
Magnetic meridian: It is a vertical plane feebly magnetised in a direction opposite
passing through the magnetic north and to that of the magnetising field are called
south pole of the earth. diamagnetic substances.
Magnetic field inside the body forms the basis of obtaining the images of different parts of body and it is done by using a
technique MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
GK-354
GENERAL SCIENCE
Some diamagnetic substances are Cu, Zn, Bi, (b) p - type semiconductor: Si or Ge with
Ag, Au, Pb, He, Ar, NaCl, H2O, marble, glass, trivalent doping. The trivalent atom is
etc. negatively charged as it acquires an
Paramagnetic Substances: The substances electron and is called acceptor atom
which when placed in a magnetic field or impurity.
are feebly magnetised in the direction of Formation of p – n junction: Part of
magnetising field are called paramagnetic p-type can be converted into n – type by
substances. adding pentavalent impurity. There is
Some paramagnetic substances are Al, Na, concentration gradient between p and n
Sb, Pt, CuCl2, Mn, Cr, liquid oxygen, etc. sides, holes diffuse from p side to n side
Ferromagnetic Substances: The substances (p → n) and electrons move from (n → p)
which when placed in a magnetic field are creating a layer of positive and negative
strongly magnetised in the direction of the charges on n and p side respectively called
magnetising field are called ferromagnetic depletion layer.
substances. Symbol of p-n junction diode
Iron, cobalt, nickel, etc. are some examples of
ferromagnetic substance.
Semiconductor Electronics
p n

Metals, Semiconductors and Insulators
Special purpose p – n junction diode:
On the basis of electrical conductivity (σ) or
Zener diode: It is fabricated by heavy
resistivity (ρ = 1/σ) the solids are classified as
doping of p and n sides of p – n junction.
(i) Metals – have low resistivity
Depletion region is thin < 10–6 m. Electric
ρ ∼ 10–2 to 10–8 Ωm
field of junction is high ~ 5 × 106 V/m.
σ ∼ 102 to 108 Sm–1 Reverse bias ~ 5V.
(ii) Semiconductors – have intermediate It is used as voltage regulator.
resistivity
p-n junction diode is used as a rectifier.
ρ ∼ 105 to 100 Ωm
Rectifier is a device which converts A.C.
σ ∼ 10–5 to 100 Sm–1
into D.C.
(iii) Insulators – have high resistivity
Inverter converts D.C. into A.C.
ρ ∼ 108 Ωm
Optoelectronic junction devices:
σ ∼ 10–8 Sm–1
(a) Photodiode: It work on the principle of
i.e. the Semiconductors are the materials
photoelectric effect. It is always lightly
whose conductivity is more than insulators
doped. It is a p – n junction fabricated
but less than conductors.
with a transparent window to allow
Types of Semiconductors :
light photons to fall on it. These
Intrinsic semiconductors or Pure photons generate electron hole pairs
semiconductors upon absorption. The generation
In semiconductors forbidden energy gap is
of electron hole pair is near the
more than metals or conductors and less
junction and due to junction field they
than insulators.
remain separated till external load is
Silicon (Si) and Germanium (Ge) are the
connected. The electron are collected
examples of pure semiconductors.
In pure or intrinsic semiconductor, on n–side and holes on p–side near
ne = nh = ni where, ne = no. of electrons; junction and give rise to an emf.
nh = no. of holes When external load is connected,
and ni = no. of intrinsic carrier concentration. current flows. The magnitude of
(a) n – type semiconductor: Si or Ge with current depends on intensity of
pentavalent doping. incident radiation.
Now-a-days large electromagnets are used to levitate modern trains, these trains are called, maglev.
(b) Light emitting diode Principle (LED): Symbol:

Photoluminonce
It consists of heavily doped p – n E
junction in forward bias. Electrons
move from n to p and holes from
C
p to n (minority carriers). Thus,
near junction, minority carrier
concentration increases (under no
bias it is less) and they combine with B
majority carriers near the junction n-p-n type
to release energy in form of photons
with energy equal to or less than band E
gap energy. As forward bias increases,
current increases till light intensity C
reaches maximum.
Junction Transistor:
Types: (i) n-p-n type, (ii) p-n-p type.
Structure: (i) Emitter (E), (ii) Base (B), (iii) B
Collector (C) p-n-p type
Important Discoveries in Physics
Discovery Scientist Year
Laws of motion Newton 1687
Law of electrostatic attraction Coulomb 1779
Atom John Dalton 1808
Photography (On metal) J.Neepse 1826
Law of electric resistance G.S. Ohm 1827
Law of floatation Archemedes’ 1827
Electromagnetic induction Michael Faraday 1831
Photography (On paper) W.Fox Talbot 1835
Dynamite Alfred Nobel 1867
Periodic table Mandeleev 1888
X-Rays Roentgen 1895
Radioactivity Henry Becquerel 1896
Electron J.J. Thomson 1897
Radium Madam Curie 1898
Quantum theory Max Plank 1900
Wireless telegram Marconi 1901
Diode Sir J.S. Fleming 1904
Photoelectric effect Albert Einstein 1905
Principle of relativity Albert Einstein 1905
Triode Lee de Forest 1906
Atomic Structure Neil Bohr & Rutherford 1913
Proton Goldstein 1886
Raman effect C.V. Raman 1928
Neutron James Chadwick 1932
We come across the metal detect or at some public places like railway stations, airport, etc. walking through a metal detector
is walking through a coil of wire that carries a small electric current and is associated with some magnetic field.
GK-356
GENERAL SCIENCE
Nuclear Reactor Anrico Fermi 1942
Law of electrolytic dissociation Faraday –
Thermionic emission Edison –
Some more Inventions
Invention Inventor Country Year
Adding machine Pascal France 1642
Aeroplane Wright brothers USA 1903
Ball-point pen C. Biro Hungary 1938
Barometer E. Torricelli Italy 1644
Bicycle K. Macmillan Scotland 1839
Calculating machine Pascal France 1642
Centrigrade scale A. Celsius France 1742
Cinematograph Thomas Alva Edison USA 1891
Clock (mechanical) Hsing and ling-Tsan China 1725
Diesel engine Rudolf Diesel Germany 1892
Dynamo Michael Faraday England 1831
Electric lamp Thomas Alva Edison USA 1879
Evolution(theory) Charles Darwin England 1858
Film (with sound) Dr Lee do forest USA 1923
Fountain Pen L.E. Waterman USA 1884
Gramophone T.A. Edison USA 1878
Jet Engine Sir Frank Whittle England 1937
Lift E.G. Otis USA 1852
Match (safety) J.E. Lundstrom Sweden 1855
Microphone David Hughes USA 1878
Motor car(petrol) Karl Benz Germany 1885
Motorcycle Edward Butler England 1884
Printing Press J. Gutenberg Germany 1455
Radium Marie and Pierre Curie France 1898
Radio G.Marconi England 1901
Razor (safety) K.G. Gillette USA USA 1895
Refrigerator J. Harrison and A. Catlin Britain 1834
Rubber(vulcanized) Charles Good year USA 1841
Safety pin William Hurst USA 1849
Sewing machine B. Thimmonnier France 1830
Steam engine (piston) Thomas Newcome Britain 1712
Steam engine (condenser) James Watt Scotland 1765
Stainless Steel Harry Brearley England 1913
Telephone Alexander Graham Bell USA 1876
Television John Logie Bared Scotland 1926
Thermometer Galileo Galilei Italy 1593
Tractor J.Froelich USA 1892
Scientific Instruments and their uses

Instrument Use
Altimeter Measures Altitudes (in aircraft)
Ammeter Measures electric current
Anemometer Measures force and velocity of wind and directions
Audiometer Measures intensity of sound
Bolometer To measures heat radiation
Calorimeter Measures quantities of heat
Cardiogram (ECG) Traces movement of the heart; recorded on a Cardiograph
Chronometer Determines longitude of a vessel at sea.
Colorimeter Compares intensity of colours
Cryometer A type of thermometer used to measure very low temperatures,
usually close to 0°c
Dynamo To convert mechanical energy into electrical energy
Electroencephalo- Records and interprets the electrical waves of the brain (brain
graph (EEC) waves) recorded on electroence-phalograms
Electroscope Detects presence of an electric charge
Endoscope To examine internal parts of the body
Fathometer Measures depth of the ocean
Galvanometer Measures electric current
Hygrometer Measures level of humidity
Hydrophone Measures sound under water
Hypsometer To determine boiling point of liquids
Kymograph Graphically records physiological movement. (e.g. blood pressure/
heartbeat)
Lactometer Measures the relative density of milk to determine purity
Machmeter Determines the speed of an aircraft in terms of the speed of sound
Manometer Measures the pressure of gases
Micrometer Measure thickness, width, wavelength, diameter of hair, wool, ra-
diation or cell or bacteria.
Microphone Converts sound wave into electrical vibrations
Microscope To obtain a magnified view of small objects
Periscope To view objects above sea level (used in submarines)
Photometer Compares the luminous intensity of the source of light
Polygraph Instrument that simultaneously records changes in physiological
processes such as heartbeat, blood-pressure and respiration; used
as a lie detector
Pyrheliometer Measures components of solar radiation
Pyrometer Measures very high temperature
Radar To detect the direction and range of an approaching aeroplane by
means of radio waves, (Radio, Angle, Detection and Range)
Salinometer Determines salinity of solutions
Sphygmometer Measures blood pressure
Stereoscope To view two-dimensional pictures
Stethoscope Used by doctors to hear and analyze heart and lung sounds
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GENERAL SCIENCE
Telemeter Records physical happenings at a distant place.
Thermostat Regulates temperature at a particular point
Tonometer Measures the internal pressure of the eye to detect a disease (glau-
coma)
Udometer Rain gauge to measure the quantity of rain
Ultrasonoscope To measure and use ultrasonic sound (beyond hearing); use to
make a Ecogram to detect brain tumours, heart defects and abnor-
mal growth
Viscometer Measures the viscosity of liquid
Transistor As a switch, an amplifier, an oscillator, etc.
Nano Technology everyday items, and are used in medicine

for purposes of diagnosis, imaging and drug
Introduction delivery.
Nanomaterials are cornerstones of nanoscience Engineered nanomaterials are resources
and nanotechnology. Nanostructure science designed at the molecular (nanometre
and technology is a broad and interdisciplinary level to take advantage of their small
area of research and development activity that size and novel properties which are
has been growing explosively worldwide in generally not seen in their conventional,
the past few years. It has the potential for bulk counterparts. The two main reasons
revolutionizing the ways in which materials why materials at the nanoscale can have
and products are created and the range different properties are increased relative
and nature of functionalities that can be surface area and new quantum effects.
accessed. It is already having a significant Nanomaterials have a much greater surface
commercial impact, which will assuredly area to volume ratio than their conventional
increase in the future. forms, which can lead to greater chemical
Nanoscale materials are defined as a set of reactivity and affect their strength. Also at
substances where at least one dimension is the nanoscale, quantum effects can become
less than approximately 100 nanometers. A much more important in determining the
nanometer is one millionth of a millimeter- materials properties and characteristics,
approximately 100,000 times smaller than the leading to novel optical, electrical and
diameter of a human hair. Nanomaterials are magnetic behaviours.
of interest because at this scale unique optical, It could be nanoscale in one dimension
magnetic, electrical, and other properties (eg: surface film), two dimension
emerge. These emergent properties have (eg: strands of fibre) or three dimension
the potential for great impacts in electronics, (eg: particle).
medicine, and other fields. Application
Some nanomaterials occur naturally, So, due to the important features it find its
but of particular interest are engineered application in (a) Medicine (b) electronics
nanomaterials (EN), which are designed for, (c) cosmetic TiO2, (Sun protection factor in
and already being used in many commercial sunscreen) (d) automobiles (e) decrease
products and processes. They can be found pollutant. It is used as nano optics
in such things as sunscreens, cosmetics, nanomagnetic, nanoelectronic,
sporting goods, stain-resistant clothing, But its utilisation in nano mechanic is still a
tyres, electronics, as well as many other challenge for scientists.
The diameter of a proton is approximately 0.000000000001 mm (1/25,000,000,000,000 inch).

CHEMISTRY
Chemistry : It is a branch of physical science that studies the composition, structures,
properties and change of matter.
So, we initiate our learning from matter.
Nature of Matter
Matter
Chemical classification of matter Physical classification of matter
Pure Substances Mixtures

Solid Liquid Gas
Homogeneous Heterogeneous
Elements Compounds
Organic Inorganic
Metalic Metalloids Non-metallic
Everything in this universe is made up Matter is made up of particles

of material. Scientist have named matter where the particle of matter
air, food we eat, stones, clouds, plants and (i) Has space between them
animals, particle of sand-everything is (ii) Particle of matter attract each other.
matter. All the thing mentioned above Due to above characteristic matters are
occupy space and have mass. i.e they have classified as follows with their properties in
both mass and volume. the table.
State of Matter Properties Example

Solid • Definite shape (tightly packed particle, so rigid) Ice, salt, rubber band,
• Fixed volume sponge
Liquid • No fixed shape, more space than solid particle, so Water, Petrol, etc.
not rigid, can flow so it is fluid
• Fixed volume
Gas • No fixed shape (Largest space between particle Water vapour oxygen,
so can diffuse easily) hydrogen
• No fixed volume (High compressibility)
Plasma, fourth state of matter can be found on the earth in flames, lightning and the polar auroras.
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GENERAL SCIENCE
NOTE : Gas and Liquid both are fluids Mixture
Factors determining the state of matter are A mixture is a substance which consists of
(i) Pressure two or more elements or compounds not
(ii) Temperature chemically combined together.

Heat Heat Types of mixtures
Solid state Liquid state Gaseous state
Cool Cool Mixtures are impure substances. They are of
two types:
Pure Substance
(i) Homogeneous mixture: It has a
Pure substance is one that is a single form of
uniform composition throughout
matter and has a uniform composition. Such a
and its components can not be
substance always have the same texture and
distinguished visually.
taste. e.g. water, salt, sugar, etc.
e.g. a well mixed sample of vinegar.
Testing the purity of a substance (ii) Heterogeneous mixture: It is one that
The purity of substance can easily be is not uniform throughout. Different
checked by checking its melting points in samples of a heterogeneous mixture
case of a solid substance or by checking its may have different composition. e.g. a
boiling points in case of a liquid substance. mixture of salt and pepper.
Types of pure substances Solution
Two different types of pure substances are It is a homogeneous mixture of two or more
(i) Element: An element is a substance substances whose composition can be
which can not be split up into two or varied, e.g. solution of common salt in water,
more simpler substances by usual solution of ammonia in water. Some other
chemical methods of applying heat, examples are lemonade, coke, pepsi, etc.
light or electric energy, e.g. hydrogen,
Separating the components of a
oxygen, sodium, chlorine etc.
(ii) Compound: A compound is a mixture
substance made up of two or more Depending upon the type of mixture (i.e.
elements chemically combined in a whether it is a homogeneous mixture or
fixed ratio by weight, e.g. H2O (water), heterogeneous mixture) different methods
NaCl (sodium chloride), etc. used are given below:
S No. Mixture Separation Method Example

1. Insoluble solid in solvent Sedimentation followed by Sand in water tank
filtration. In case of a fine
solid centrifugation is used
instead of filtration
2. Solution of solid in liquid Evaporation, NaCl in water sugar
crystallization, distillation solution
3. Miscible mixture of Fractional distillation Petroleum products
liquids
4. Immiscible mixture of Separating funnel Water-kerosene
liquids mixture
5. Mixture of two solids one Sublimation Camphor in iron ore.
of which is sublime
6. Mixture of substances in Chromatography
solution
Mosquitoes like the scent of estrogen, thus women get bitten more often than men do.
• Solute: The component of solution Amount of solute

that is dissolved and present in smaller Concentration=
Amount of solvent
quantities in a solution is known as
solute. • Solubility: It is defined as the amount
• Solvent: The component of solution in of solute dissolved in 100g of solvent to
which solute is dissolved is known as form a saturated solution.
solvent. It is always present in larger • Suspension: It is a non-homogeneous
amount in a solution. mixture in which solids are dispersed
• Saturated Solution: A solution in in liquids. The solute particles do
which no more solute can be dissolved not dissolve but remains suspended
at the same temperature is called through out the bulk of the medium.
saturated solution. • Colloids or colloidal solution: Colloid
• Unsaturated Solution: It is a solution is a heterogeneous mixture. The size of
in which more solute can be dissolved particles of a colloid is intermediate
at the same temperature. between true solutions and suspensions
(i.e between 1nm and 100 nm). The
• Super-saturated Solution: It is a solution
particles of a colloid can not be seen
which contains more mass of the dissolved
with naked eye. It shows tyndall effect.
solute than the saturated solution at the
• Types of colloidal solution: Since
same temperature and pressure.
colloidal solution is heterogeneous
• Concentration of a solution: Concentration
mixture it consists of two phases. These
of a solution is the amount of solute are
present in a given amount (mass or (i) dispersed phase (colloidal particles)
volume) of a solution or the amount (ii) dispersion medium (The medium
of solute dissolved in a given mass or in which colloidal particles are
volume of a solvent. dispersed.)
Dispersed Dispersing Type Example

phase Medium
Liquid Gas Aerosol Fog, clouds, mist
Solid Gas Aerosol Smoke, automobile exhaust
Gas Liquid Foam Shaving cream
Liquid Liquid Emulsion Milk, face cream
Solid Liquid Sol Milk of magnesia, mud
Gas Solid Foam Foam, rubber, sponge, pumice
Liquid Solid Gel Jelly, cheese, butter
Solid Solid Solid Sol Coloured gemstone, milky glass
• Emulsion: Emulsions are liquid-liquid • Emulsifiers are those substances that

colloids. help in forming stable emulsions of oil
• Types of Emulsion: Emulsions are of and water, e.g. milk, cod-liver oil, cold
two types: creams, vanishing creams, moisturising
(i) water in oil (ii) oil in water cream, paints, etc.
Nanotechnology in the interdisciplinary field that has evolved from the study of colloids and the techniques of integrated
circuit fabrication.
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GENERAL SCIENCE
• Physical change: During such a change (iv) Atom is the smallest particle that takes
no new substances is formed and there part in a chemical reaction.
is no change in the chemical properties (v) Atoms of different elements may
of the substances. combine with each other in a fixed
• Chemical change: Such a change is simple, whole number ratio to form
accompanied by change in chemical compound atoms.
properties and formation of new (vi) Atoms can neither be created nor
substances. destroyed, i.e. atoms are indestructible.
Structure of Atom Atom: It is the smallest particle of an
element which can take part in a chemical
Atomic Laws and Theory change. It may or may not be capable of
Law of conservation of mass: This law independent existence.
was stated by Lavoisier in 1744. It states Symbol: The abbreviation used for lengthy
that “In all physical and chemical changes, the names of elements are termed as their
total mass of reactants is equal to total mass symbols.
of products.” The symbol of an element is the first letter
Law of constant proportions (or constant or the first and another letter of English
composition): This law was first stated by name or Latin name of the element.
Proust in 1797. According to the law “a While writing a symbol, the first letter is
chemical compound is always found to be made always capital and the second is always
up of the same elements combined together in small.
the same proportions by weight” e.g. the ratio Molecule: It is the smallest particle of an
of hydrogen and oxygen in pure water is element or compound that is capable of
always 1: 8 by weight. This law is also called independent existence and shows all the
law of definite proportions. properties of that substance.
Law of multiple proportions: This law was Atomicity: The number of atoms present in
given by John Dalton (1803) and states a molecule of an element or a compound is
that “when two elements combine to form known as its atomicity, e.g. the atomicity of
two or more compounds, the different mass oxygen is 2 while atomicity of ozone is 3.
of one of the elements and the fixed mass of
Formula of Simple and Molecular
the one with which it combines always form
a whole number ratio”. This law explains Compounds
the concept of formation of more than one Binary compounds are those compounds
compound by two elements. which are made up of two different elements
Dalton’s Atomic theory: Postulates of e.g. NaCl, KBr, CaO, etc. Following rules are
Dalton’s Atomic Theory to be followed for writing the formula.
(i) Matter is made up of extremely small (i) The valencies or charges on the ions
indivisible particles called atoms. must be balanced.
(ii) Atoms of the same substance are (ii) For a compound made up of a metal
identical in all respects, i.e. they and a non-metal the symbol of metal
possess same size, shape, mass, chemical is written first.
properties, etc. (iii) In compounds formed with polyatomic
(iii) Atoms of different substances are ions, the ion is enclosed in a bracket
different in all respects, i.e. they before writing the number to indicate
possess different size, shape, mass, etc. the ratio.
The most abundant type of atom in the universe is the hydrogen atom. Nearly 74% of the atom in the milky way galaxy are
hydrogen atoms.
Valency: The electrons present in the Applications of Isotopes: Isotopes are

outermost shell of an atom are known used in various fields. For example
as valence electrons. These electrons (i) Isotope of uranium is used as a fuel in
determine the valency of an atom. nuclear reactor.
Valency is equal to the number of valence (ii) Isotope of cobalt is used in treatment
electrons. of cancer.
In case the number of valence electrons is (iii) Isotope of iodine is used in treatment
close to its full capacity. Then,
of goitre.
Valency=8 − valence electrons Isobars: Atoms of different elements
Atomic number (Z): Atomic number of an having same mass numbers are known as
element is equal to the number of protons Isobars, e.g. K-40 and Ar-40
present in the nucleus of an atom. The discovery of cathode rays was done by
Atomic number (Z) = number of protons = J.J. Thomson, an English physicist.
number of electrons.
Mass number (A): It refers to the total
Sub-atomic particles
number of neutrons and protons (i.e., sum Electron, proton and neutron are subatomic
of protons and neutrons) called collectively particles. The credit for discovery of these
as nucleus, present in an atom. particles goes to :
Mass number (A) = number of protons + Electron — J.J. Thomson and Proton— E.
number of neutron Goldstein. Another subatomic particle which
Isotopes: Atoms of the same element is neutral and has a mass approximately
having same atomic number but different
equal to that of a proton was called neutron
mass numbers are known as Isotopes e.g.
and was discovered by Chadwick. The
35 and 36 Cl , and 1 H and 2 H , 12 C
17 Cl 17 1 1 6 neutron is a neutral particle found in the
and 14 C etc. nucleus of an atoms.
6
Properties of Atomic Particles (Comparative)
Particles Electron Proton Neutron
(i) Symbol e or e– p n
(ii) Nature Negatively charged Positively charged neutral (no charge)
(iii) (a) Charge (a) –1.6 × 10 –19 C (a) +1.6 × 10 –19 C 0

(b) Unit charge (b) –1 (b) + 1 0
(iv) Mass (a) amu (a) 0.0005486 amu (a) 1.00753 amu (a) 1.00893 amu
(b) kg (b) 9.1 × 10–31kg (b) 1.67265× 10–27 kg (b) 1.67495 × 10–27 kg
(v) Location Extra nuclear space nucleus nucleus
(vi) Notation 0 1 1
−1e 1P 0n
(vii) Relative mass 1/1840 1 1
The number of protons in the atom will determine its chemical element, and the number of neutrons will determine its isotope.
Composition of Atoms of the First Eighteen Elements with Electron Distribution in Various Shells
Distribution of Electrons Valency

Atomic Number of Number of Number of

GK-364
Element Symbol
Number Protons Neutrons Electrons K L M N
Hydrogen H 1 1 - 1 1 - - - 1
Helium He 2 2 2 2 2 - - - 0
Lithium Li 3 3 4 3 2 1 - - 1
Beryllium Be 4 4 5 4 2 2 - - 2
Boron B 5 5 6 5 2 3 - - 3
Carbon C 6 6 6 6 2 4 - - 4
Nitrogen N 7 7 7 7 2 5 - - 3
Oxygen O 8 8 8 8 2 6 - - 2
Fluorine F 9 9 10 9 2 7 - - 1
Neon Ne 10 10 10 10 2 8 - - 0
Sodium Na 11 11 12 11 2 8 1 - 1
Magnesium Mg 12 12 12 12 2 8 2 - 2
Aluminium Al 13 13 14 13 2 8 3 - 3
Silicon Si 14 14 14 14 2 8 4 - 4
Phosphorus P 15 15 16 15 2 8 5 - 3.5
Sulphur S 16 16 16 16 2 8 6 - 2
Chlorine Cl 17 17 18 17 2 8 7 1
GENERAL SCIENCE
Argon Ar 18 18 22 18 2 8 8 0
Radioactivity Half-Life Period

• It was discovered by Henry Becquerel It is the time in which a radioactive
but term radioactivity was given by substance remains half of its original
Madam Curie. It is the process of amount.
spontaneous disintegration of nucleus Nuclear Fission
and is measured by Geiger counter. • It is a process in which a heavy nucleus
• It is a nuclear phenomenon, thus is broken down into two or more lighter
remains unaffected by external factors fragments.
like temperature, pressure, etc. • It is usually accompanied with the
Radioactive rays emission of neutrons and large amount
• Radioactivity involves emission of a, b of energy. It is used in nuclear reactor
and g rays or particles. The original unit and atom bomb.
of radioactivity is curie (Ci). Curie is Atom Bomb
replaced by becquerel (Bq) in SI unit. • It is based on uncontrolled nuclear
Alpha (a) Rays fission. It contains 235U or 239Pu as fuel.
• These rays consist of positively charged Nuclear Reactor
helium nuclei (He++). They have +2 unit • It is a device that is used to produce
charge and 4 mass. electricity and permits a controlled
• They have low penetrating power but chain nuclear fission.
very high ionising power and kinetic • It contains fuels, e.g. 92U235, moderator
energy. (e.g. graphite and heavy water, D2O) to
• An a-emission reduces the atomic mass slow down neutrons and control rods
by 4 and atomic number by 2, thus, the (made up of boron steel or cadmium) to
new nuclei formed occupy a position absorb neutrons.
two places left to the parent nuclei in • It may also contain liquid sodium as
the periodic table (Soddy Fajans group coolant.
displacement law). Nuclear Fusion
Beta (b) Rays • It is a process which involves fusion
• These rays consist of negatively charged of two or more lighter nuclei to give a
electrons (–1e0) and have – 1 unit charge heavier nuclei.
and zero mass. • It occurs only at extremely high
• These are more dangerous than a-rays. temperature (> 106 K), so also called
• These have high penetrating power as thermonuclear reactions.
compared to a-rays. • It is used in hydrogen bomb. Energy of
• A b-emission increased the atomic Sun is also a result of a series of nuclear
number by one with no change in fusion reactions.
atomic mass, thus, the new nuclei Hydrogen Bomb
obtained occupy a position one place It contains a mixture of deuterium oxide
right to the parent nuclei in the periodic (D2O) and tritium oxide (T2O) in a space
table (Soddy Fajans group displacement surrounding an ordinary atom bomb.
law). Radiocarbon Dating
Gamma (g) Rays • It is used in determining the age of
carbon bearing materials such as wood,
• These are electromagnetic radiation
animal fossils, etc. It is based on the
and have very high penetrating power.
concentration of C and C isotopes.
• These have low ionising power and
kinetic energy. Uranium Dating
• Their emission does not affect the It is used to determine the age of earth,
position of nuclei in the periodic table. minerals and rocks.
The half life of carbon-14 is used in carbon dating to determine the age of fossils.
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GENERAL SCIENCE
Uses of Radioisotopes Formula of compound
1. Iodine-131 is employed to study the A molecule of a compound may be made
structure and activity of thyroid gland. up of atom of different elements linked
It is also used in internal radiation up together chemically and in definite
therapy for the treatment of thyroid proportion by weight.
disease.
2. Iodine-123 is used in brain imaging. Chemical Formula
3. Cobalt-60 is used in external radiation It is of two types:
therapy for the treatment of cancer. (i) Molecular formulae:
4. Sodium-24 is injected along with salt Chemical formulae that indicate
solution to trace the flow of blood. the actual number and type of atoms
5. Phosphorus-32 is used for leukemia in a molecule is called molecular
therapy. formulae.
6. Carbon-14 is used to study the kinetics (ii) Empirical formulae:
of photosynthesis. Chemical formulae that indicate only
General Concepts of the relative number of atoms of each
Chemistry type in a molecule is called empirical
The study of chemistry is sub-divided into formulae.
various branches such as: Equivalent weight
(i) Physical chemistry
(ii) Inorganic chemistry (i) Equivalent weight of element
(iii) Organic chemistry Molecular mass
=
(iv) Biochemistry Basicity of acid / Acidity of base
(v) Analytical chemistry (ii) Eq. wt of an acid/base
(vi) Industrial chemistry
Molecular mass
(vii) Agricultural chemistry =
Basicity of acid / Acidity of base
(viii) Applied chemistry
(iii) Eq. wt of salts
Ions or Radicals
Formula mass
An ion is formed when electrons are =
removed from or added to an atoms or (Valency of cations)(No.of cations)
group of atoms. Expression of strength /
When electron(s) is/are removed the resulting concentration of solution
ion is called a cation or basic radical. A cation
is positively charged ion. (e.g. Na+). (i) Mass percent
When electron(s) is/are added the resulting Weight of solute(gm)
= × 100
ion is called an anion or acidic radicals. An Weight of solution (gm)
anion is negatively charged ion (e.g. Cl–, O22–) (ii) Normality
An ion or radical is classified as monovalent,
divalent, trivalent or tetravalent when the Number of gram equivalents of solute
=
number of charges over it is 1, 2, 3 or 4 Volumeof solution (lit.)
respectively. (iii) Molarity
Formula of elements
Number of gram moles of solute
The molecule of an element is denoted by =
Volumeof solution (lit.)
writing the symbol of the element and, to
the right and below it, a number expressing Gram moles of solute
(iv) Molality =
the number of atoms in the molecule. Weight of solvent (kg)
Most radicals may be considered to have arisen by cleavage of normal electron – pair bonds.
(v) Mole fraction: Mole fraction of solute a molecule is displaced by another

nA atom. This type of reaction can be
= XA = represented as follows:
nA + nB

Mole fraction of solvent
AB + C →AC + B
(Compound) (New compound)
= XB =
nB (iv) Double displacement reactions or
nA + nB Double decomposition: The reactions in

which mutual exchange of radicals takes
XA + XB = 1
place are known as double decomposition
Chemical change reactions.
A chemical change is generally accompanied (v) Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
by a change of state, change of colour, evolution Oxidation: Oxidation is defined as a
of a gas or change of temperature etc. process which involve addition of oxygen
Chemical equation or removal of hydrogen.
Reduction: The term reduction is
The qualitative representation of a chemical
defined as a process which involve
reaction in a short hand or concise form in
the removal of oxygen or addition of
term of symbols and formulae, is called a
hydrogen.
chemical equation.
(vi) Redox reactions: Those reactions in
Skeletal chemical equation or symbol which oxidation and reduction takes
equation place simultaneously, are known as redox
A chemical equation written in the form of reactions.
symbols and formulae is called a skeletal (vii) Exothermic and endothermic reaction:
chemical equation. Chemical reactions usually proceed
Balanced chemical equation with either liberation of heat or the
A chemical equation in which number absorption of heat.
of atoms of each elements on L.H.S. (i.e. When a chemical reaction liberates
reactants) and R.H.S. (i.e.products) is equal heat to the surroundings, it is said
is called a balanced chemical equation. to be ‘exothermic reaction’ and
when it absorbs the heat from
Balancing of chemical equations the surroundings, it is said to be
The process of making the number of endothermic reaction.
different elements on both side of the Rancidity: The most important cause
equation equal is known as balancing of of deterioration in fats and fatty foods is
chemical equation. oxidation of fats. What we perceive is an
Types of chemical reactions unpleasant change in the flavour and odour
Various types of chemical reactions are:- of a food, called rancidity.
(i) Combination reactions:
Combination reactions are those in Classification of Elements
which one element reacts with another and Periodicity in Properties
to form a compound. Doberiner’s Law of Triads
(ii) Decomposition reactions:
Decomposition reactions are those According to this law, “in certain triads
reactions in which a compound breaks (group of three elements) the atomic mass of
down into simpler compounds (or the central element was the arithmetic mean of
substances). These reactions require the atomic masses of the other two elements.”
energy in the form of heat, light, Limitations of Doberiner’s Triads: He
electricity, etc. could identify only a few such triads and so
(iii) Simple displacement reaction and the law could not gain importance. In many
simple substitutions: A displacement traids like in the triad of Fe, Co, Ni, all the
reaction is a reaction in which an three elements have a nearly equal atomic
atom, or group of atoms, present in mass and thus does not follow the above law.
Most oxidation-reduction (redox) processes involve the transfer of oxygen atoms, hydrogen atoms or electrons.
GK-368
GENERAL SCIENCE
Newland’s Law of Octaves (iii) Correction of doubtful atomic
According to this law “the elements are masses: Mendeleev corrected the
atomic masses of certain elements with
arranged in such a way that the eighth element the help of their expected positions
starting from a given one has properties which and properties.
are a repetition of those of the first if arranged
in order of increasing atomic weight like the Limitations of Mendeleev’s classification:
eight note of musical scale.” (i) He could not assign a correct position
Drawback of Newland’s law of octaves: of hydrogen in his periodic table, as
(i) According to Newland only 56 elements the properties of hydrogen resembles
exists in nature and no more elements both with alkali metals as well as with
would be discovered in the future. But halogens.
later on several new element were (ii) The isotopes of the same element will
discovered whose properties did not be given different position if atomic
fit into law of octaves. number is taken as basis, which will
(ii) In order to fit new elements into his disturb the symmetry of the periodic
table Newland adjust two elements in table.
the same column, but put some unlike (iii) The atomic masses do not increases
elements under the same column. in a regular manner in going from one
Thus, Newland’s classification was not elements to the next. So it was not
accepted. possible to predict how many elements
could be discovered between two
Mendeleev’s Periodic Table elements.
Mendeleev arranged 63 elements known at Characteristics of the Periodic Table
that time in the periodic table. According to Its main characteristics are:
Mendeleev, “the properties of the elements are (i) In the periodic table, the elements are
a periodic function of their atomic masses.” arranged in vertical rows called groups
The table consists of eight vertical column and horizontal rows called periods.
called ‘groups’ and horizontal rows called (ii) There are eight groups indicated by
‘periods’. Roman Numerals I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII,
VIII. The elements belonging to first
Merits of Mendeleev’s periodic table:
seven groups have been divided into
(i) At some places the order of atomic sub-groups designated as A and B
weight was changed in order to justify on the basis of similarities. Group VIII
the chemical and physical nature. consists of nine elements arranged in
(ii) Mendeleev left some gap for new three triads.
elements which were not discovered at (iii) There are six periods (numbered 1, 2,
that time. 3, 4, 5 and 6). In order to accomodate
(iii) One of the strengths of Mendeleev’s more elements, the periods 4, 5, 6 are
periodic table was that, when inert divided into two halves. The first half
gases were discovered they could of the elements are placed in the upper
be placed in a new group without left corners and the second half occupy
disturbing the existing order. lower right corners in each box.
Achievements of Mendeleev’s periodic
table Modern Periodic Law
(i) The arrangement of elements in Modern this law was given by Henry
groups and periods made the study of Moseley in 1913. It states, “Properties of
elements quite systematic the elements are the periodic function of their
(ii) Prediction of new elements and atomic numbers”.
their properties: Many gaps were Cause of periodicity: Periodicity may
left in this table for undiscovered be defined as the repetition of the similar
elements. The elements silicon, gallium properties of the elements placed in a group
and germanium were discovered in this and separated by certain definite gap of atomic
manner. numbers.
Bee stings are acidic while wasp stings are alkaline.
Modern periodic table (iii) Metallic and non-metallic properties:

Moseley proposed this modern periodic In a period from left to right metallic
table and according to which “the physical nature decreases while non-metallic
and chemical properties of elements are character increases.
periodic function of their atomic number and In a group metallic character increases
not the atomic weight.” from top to bottom while non-metallic
(i) The modern periodic table has 18 character decrease.
vertical columns called “groups” and (iv) Electronegativity: The relative tendency
seven horizontal rows called “periods”. of an atom to attract the shared pair
The groups have been numbered 1, 2, of electrons towards itself is called
3.......18 from left to right. electronegativity.
(ii) The elements belonging to a particular In a period from left to right, the value
group make a family and usually named of electronegativity increases while in
after the first member. In a group all a group from top to bottom the value of
the elements contain the same number electronegativity decreases.
of valence electrons.
(iii) In a period all the elements contain Acids, Bases and Salts
the same number of shells, but as we
move from left to right the number of Acids and Bases
valence shell electrons increases by The term acid, in fact, comes from the
one unit. latin term acere, which means “Sour”.
The maximum number of electrons In everyday life we come across many
that can be accommodated in a shell compounds that chemists classify as acids.
can be calculated by the formula 2n2 Bases are compounds which taste bitter eg.
where n is the number of the given
milk of magnesia.
shell from the nucleus.
A. Properties of acids
Trends in modern periodic table
Chemical properties:
The trends observed in some important
(i) Action of metals
properties of the elements in moving down
Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen
the group (from top to bottom of the table)
(ii) Action with metal oxides
and across a period (from left to right in a
(Basic oxides)
period) are discussed below:
Basic oxide + Acid →
(i) Valency: Valency may be defined as
Salt + Water (neutralisation reaction)
“the combining capacity of the atom of
(iii) Action with metal carbonates
an element with atoms of other elements
and metal hydrogen carbonates
in order to acquire the stable configuration
Carbonate/bicarbonate + Acid →
(i.e. 8 electron in valence shell. In some
Salt + water + carbon dioxide.
special cases it is 2 electrons).”
(ii) Atomic size: It refers to the distance B. Properties of bases
between the centre of nucleus of an Chemical Properties:
isolated atom to its outermost shell (i) Reaction of metals with bases:
containing electrons. Metals (e.g. Zn, Al, Sn) dissolve
The atomic radius decreases on moving in NaOH (an alkali) to liberate
from left to right along a period. This hydrogen gas.
is due to an increase in nuclear charge (ii) Action with acids: It is a
which tends to pull the electrons closer neutralisation reaction.
to the nucleus and reduces the size of
Base + Acid → Salt + Water
the atom.
Non-metallic oxides react in the same
In a group atomic size decreases
from top to bottom due to increase in way hence non-metallic oxides are acidic
number of shells. in nature.
Acids and bases are important in the human body. Stomach secretes hydrochloric acid, to digest food. Bile juice secreted from liver
are rich in base bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid before it reaches to small intestine.
GK-370
GENERAL SCIENCE
Strength of Acids and Bases Salts
The strength of an acid or a base can be A salt is an ionic compound which dissociates
easily estimated by making use of universal to yield a positive ion other than hydrogen
indicator which is a mixture of several ion (H+) and negative ion other than
indicators. The universal indicator show hydroxyl ion (OH–) e.g. NaCl.
different colours at different concentrations Salts are formed by the reaction of acid and
of hydrogen ions in solution. base which is also known as neutralisation.
pH Scale (i) Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or Caustic
It is a scale that is used for measuring H+ ion soda: It is prepared on commercial
(hydrogen ion) concentration of a solution. scale by the electrolysis of strong
The term pH stands for “potential” of solution of sodium chloride (NaCl)
“hydrogen”. It is the amount of hydrogen ions also called brine. The process is called
in a particular solution. chlor-alkali process.
For acids pH < 7 The overall reaction taking place is:
For bases pH > 7 2NaCl(aq) + 2 H2O(l) →
For neutral substances pH = 7 H2(g) + Cl2(g) + 2NaOH(aq)
Uses:
Importance of pH in Daily Life
(a) Sodium hydroxide is used as a
(i) Blood pH: For proper functioning base in the laboratory.
our body needs to maintain blood pH (b) It is used in many industries,
between 7.35 and 7.45. Values of blood mostly as strong chemical base
pH greater than 7.8 or less than 6.8 in manufacture of pulp and paper,
often results in death. textiles, drinking water, soap and
(ii) Acid rain: When pH of rain water is detergents etc.
less than 5.6, it is called acid rain, when (ii) Baking soda, Sodium hydrogen
acid rain flows into rivers, it lowers the carbonate, (NaHCO3)
pH of river water. NaCl + H2O + CO2 + NH3 →
Approximate Values of pH for some NH4Cl + NaHCO3
Familiar Solutions When heated the following reaction
Solution pH occurs
Heat
1 M NaOH 14 2NaHCO3 
→
1 M NH3 (household 11.6 Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2

ammonia) The above reaction occurs when
Saturated Mg(OH)2 (milk 10.5 baking soda is heated during cooking.
of magnesia) Uses:
Blood 7.3 – 7.5 (a) In baking powder:
The most practical use of baking
Saliva 6.5 – 7.5
soda is as a leavening agent in baking.
Urine 5.5 – 7.5 (b) As an antacid: Baking soda reacts
Coffee 4.5 – 5.5 with acid due to its alkaline nature
Beer 4.0 – 5.0 and neutralizes acidity (i.e. acts as
Tomato Juice 4.0 – 4.4 an antacid).
(c) In fire extinguishers: It is used in
Wine 2.8 – 3.8 soda-acid fire extinguisher.
Vinegar 2.4 – 3.4 (iii) Washing soda, Na2CO3. 10H2O,
Lemon juice 2.2 – 2.4 Sodium carbonate
Gastric juice 1.0 – 3.0 Sodium carbonate can be obtained by
heating baking soda; recrystallisation
Battery acid 0.5
of sodium carbonate gives washing
1 M HCI 0 soda. It is also a basic salt.
Black salt is made in India by mixing saltwater with harad seeds. The mixture is left to evaporate leaving behind black lumps
of salt. When the salt is ground, the resulting powder is pink.
Uses: NEWLY added 4 elements in Periodic

(a) Sodium carbonate (washing soda) table are :
is used in glass, soap and paper 115 Ununpentium (Uup)
industries. 116 Livelmorium (Lv)
(b) It is used for removing permanent 117 Ununxptium (Uus)
hardness of water. 118 Ununoctium (Uuo).
(iv) Bleaching powder: Physical properties of metals:
Calcium hypochlorite is a chemical (i) They are usually shiny i.e. have a
compound with formula CaOCl2. It metallic lustre.
is a yellowish powder with smell of (ii) Metals have a high density.
chlorine. It is widely used for water (iii) Metals are ductile, i.e. they can be
treatment and as a bleaching agent drawn into wires.
(bleaching powder) (iv) Metals are malleable i.e. they can be
2Ca(OH)2 + 2Cl2 → hammered into thin sheets.
(v) Metals are good conductors of electricity.
CaOCl2 + CaCl2 + 2H2O
(vi) Metals have high melting point and
Calcium hypochlorite is used for the
are generally in solid state at room
disinfection of drinking water or temperature.
swimming pool water. (vii) Metals are good conductors of heat and
(v) Plaster of Paris, CaSO4 .1/2 H2O sound.
It can be obtained by heating gypsum
Uses of metals:
(CaSO4. 2H2O)
Metals are used in manufacturing of bridges,
(CaSO 4 .2H 2O + heat → railways, aeroplanes, diesel mobile units
 1  3 (DMU), electric mobile units (EMU), motor
 CaSO 4 . H 2O  + H 2O cars, electric motors, telephones, televisions,
 2  2 interplanetary space vehicles, or even
Plaster of paris is a white powder and common articles like cooking utensils and
on mixing with water it changes to coins. Metals are very important for the
gypsum once again giving a hard solid economy of a country. Some metals, such
mass as titanium, chromium, manganese and
Uses: It is used zirconium are strategic metals. These metals
and their alloys find wide applications in
(a) for making moulds or casts for
atomic energy, space science projects, jet
toys, pottery, cermics etc. engines and high grade steels. Gold and silver
(b) in surgical bandages for setting ornaments are obtained from small pieces of
fractured bones. metals by hammering.
Noble metal: Noble metals are metals
Metals and Non-metals that are resistant to corrosion or oxidation,
unlike most base metals. Examples include
Metals and Non-Metals tantalum, gold, platinum, and rhodium.
There are 118 elements present in the Precious metal: A precious metal is a
periodic table. New 4 elements have been rare metallic chemical element of high
added recently, earlier it was 114 elements. economic value. Precious metals include
These elements can be broadly classified the platinum group metals: ruthenium,
into two categories, i.e. metals and non- rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and
metals. Out of 118 elements, 22 are non- platinum, of which platinum is the most
widely traded.
metals. Some element share the property
Alloy: An alloy is a mixture of two or more
of both metal & non-metal are called
elements in solid solution in which the
metalloid. major component is a metal. Combining
List of metalloid : Silicon (Si), Germanium different ratios of metals as alloys modify
(Ge), Arsenic (As) Antimony (Sb), Tellurium the properties of pure metals to produce
(Te) desirable characteristics.
Sodium bicarbonate combine with water and work as cleaning agent and also as deodoriser.
GK-372
GENERAL SCIENCE
Alloy Composition Uses
1 Brass Cu = 80%, Zn = 20%
For making utensils and cartridges.
2 Bronze Cu = 90%, Sn = 10%
For making statues, medals, ships, coins and
machines
3 Solder Sn = 50%, Pb = 50% For joining metals, solding wire and
electronic components etc.
4 Duralumin Al = 95.5%, Cu = 3%, Used in bodies of aircrafts, kitchen ware and
Mn = 1.0%, Mg = 0.5% automobile parts etc.
5 German Silver Cu = 60%, Zn = 20%, Ni For making utensils and ornaments
= 20%
6 Gun metal Cu = 90%, Sn = 10% For gears and castings etc.
7 Bell metal Cu = 80%, Sn = 20% For bells, gangs etc.
8 Magnalium Al = 90%, Mg = 10% For balance beams, light instruments.
9 Type metal Pb = 82%, Sb = 15%, For casting type
Sn = 3%
10 Stainless steel Fe, Ni, Cr, C For utensils, cutlery etc.
Physical properties of non-metals: Extraction of Metals
(i) They are dull, however diamond, (i) Minerals: The natural substance in
graphite and iodine are lustrous. which the metals or their compounds
(ii) They are poor conductors of heat occur in the earth is called minerals.
and electricity. Graphite is a good (ii) Ores: The minerals from which
conductor. the metals can be conveniently and
(iii) They are weak and brittle (they easily economically extracted are called ores.
break or shatter). (iii) Native ores: These ores contain
(iv) They have a low density (they feel light metals in the free state, e.g., silver, gold,
for their size). platinum, etc.
(v) They do not make a ringing sound (iv) Metallurgy: The whole process of
when they are hit. obtaining a pure metal from one of its
(vi) Melting points and boiling points are ore is known as metallurgy.
usually low. (v) Gangue or matrix: Ores usually
(vii) Non-metals are usually soft. (Diamond contain soil, sand, stones and others
is an exception, it is quite hard. It is a useless silicates. These undesired
crystalline solid). impurities present in ores are called
(viii) They exist in allotropic forms. gangue or matrix.
(vi) The removal of unwanted earthy and
Uses of Non-Metals silicious impurities from the ore is
(i) Oxygen is essential for survival of life. called ore-dressing or concentration
(ii) Hydrogen is used to convert vegetable oil of ores and the process used to
into vegetable ghee by hydrogenation. concentrate an ore is called the
(iii) Nitrogen is used to preserve food and benefication process.
for manufacturing proteins by plants. Ore is achieved by
(iv) Carbon in the form of diamond is (1) Physical methods:
used for cutting rocks and in the (a) Hand-picking: It is used in the
form of graphite as electrode and in case when the impurities are quite
manufacturing of lead pencils. distinct from the ore so that these
(v) Sulphur is used in vulcanization of may be differentiated by naked eye.
rubber, as fungicide and in manufacture (b) Hydraulic washing or Levigation or
of dyes, gun powder etc. Gravity separation: The separation
(vi) Chlorine is used as water disinfectant is based on the difference in the
and in the manufacture of pesticides specific gravities of the gangue
like gammaxene. particles and the ore particles.
Amulgum used for dental fillings, is made from mercury, tin, silver, zinc and copper.
(c) Electromagnetic separation: (2) Chemical method (Leaching) involves

When one component either the ore the treatment of the ore with a suitable
or impurity is magnetic in nature, reagent as to make it soluble while
this method can be used for impurities remain insoluble. The ore is
recovered from the solution by suitable
separation.
chemical method.
(d) Froth floatation process: (3) Extraction process used to obtain
This method is used for the metals in free state from concentrated
concentration of sulphide ores. ores is called extraction.
S. Name of the ore Formula of the ore Types of ore Metal obtained from
no. the ore
1 Bauxite Al2O3.2H2O Oxide Aluminium (Al)
2. Haematite Fe2O3 Oxide Iron (Fe)
3. Magnetite Fe2O4 Oxide Iron (Fe)
4. Zincite ZnO Oxide Zinc (Zn)
5. Cuprite Cu2O Oxide Copper (Cu)
6. Litharge PbO Oxide Lead (Pb)
7. Malachite CuCO3.Cu(OH)2 Carbonate Copper (Cu)
8. Magnesite MgCO3 Carbonate Magnesium (Mg)
9. Lime stone CaCO3 Carbonate Calcium (Ca)
10. Cinnabar HgS Sulphide Mercury (Hg)
11. Chalcopyrite CuFeS2 Sulphide Copper (Cu)
12. Zinc blende ZnS Sulphide Zinc (Zn)
13. Galena PbS Sulphide Lead (Pb)
14. Common salt NaCl Chloride Sodium (Na)
(Halide)
15. Fluorspar CaF2 Fluoride Calcium (Ca)
(Halide)
16. Horn silver AgCl Chloride Silver (Ag)
(Halide)
17. Chalcocite Cu2S Sulphide Copper (Cu)
Electrochemistry • In electrolytic etching of metal surfaces
It is the study of production of electricity like tools or knives with a permanent
from energy released during spontaneous mark or logo.
• Electrometallurgy is the process of
chemical reactions and use of electrical
reduction of metallic compound into
energy to carry out non-spontaneous
pure metal by electrolysis.
chemical transformations. • Anodisation is an electrolytic process
Electrolysis that makes the surface of metals
The process in which a non-spontaneous resistant to corrosion.
reaction is carried out by using electrical • Electrolysis of brine (the water,
energy. saturated or nearly saturated with
salt, usually sodium chloride) gives
It is used hydrogen and chlorine. The products
• in production of oxygen for spacecraft are gaseous.
and nuclear submarines.
• in layering metals to fortify them. 2NaCl + 2H2O 
→
• in production of hydrogen for fuel. 2NaOH + H2 + Cl2

Diamonds being the rarest gems have been replaced by jadeite which costs about $3 million per carat.
GK-374
GENERAL SCIENCE
Faraday’s Laws of Electrolysis Mercury Cell
First Law of Electrolysis • It is suitable for the low current devices
It states that the quantity of elements like hearing aids and camera, etc.
separated by passing an electric current • It consists of zinc-mercury amalgam as
through a molten or dissolved salt is anode and a paste of HgO and carbon
proportional to the quantity of electric as cathode. The electrolyte is a paste of
charge passed through the circuit. KOH and ZnO.
w ∝ Q ; w ZQ = Z it • It has potential of 1.35 V. This potential
(Charge Q = Current × Time) remains constant during its whole life.
Second Law of Electrolysis Lead Storage Battery
The amount of different substances • It is a secondary battery.
liberated at the electrodes by the same • It acts as electrochemical cell during
quantity of electricity passing through the discharging (i.e., during use) and as
electrolytic solution are proportional to electrolytic cell during charging.
their chemical equivalent weights.
• It is used in automobiles and invertors.
W1 E • It consists of lead as anode and a
W ∝ E or = 1
W2 E 2 grid of lead packed with lead dioxide
Electrochemical Cell (PbO2) as cathode. A 38% solution of
• It is a device that produces an electric sulphuric acid is used as an electrolyte.
current from energy released by a • It consists of a series of six identical
spontaneous redox reaction (in short cells assembled in series. Each cell
which converts chemical energy into may produce a potential of 2 V, hence
electrical energy). This kind of cell overall voltage produced is12 V.
includes the galvanic cell or voltaic • PbSO4 is formed when lead storage
cell. battery is in use and lead dioxide are
• It has two conductive electrodes, i.e., formed when it is charged.
anode (at which oxidation occurs) and
cathode (at which reduction occurs) Fuel Cell
• It contains an electrolyte in between These are galvanic cells which use energy
the electrodes, which contains ions of combustion of fuels like hydrogen (H2),
that can move freely. methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), etc. as
Battery the source to produce electrical energy. e.g.
• It is an arrangement of one or more hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.
cells connected in series. Corrosion of Metals
• It is basically a galvanic cell.
Corrosion is an oxidation reaction with
These are of two types
atmospheric oxygen in the presence of
1. Primary batteries (non-rechargeable)
e.g., dry cell, mercury cell etc. water on the surface of a metal. Rusting is
2. Secondary batteries (rechargeable) 3
Fe(s) + O2(g) + xH2O(l ) →
e.g., lead storage battery, nickel- 2
cadmium battery. Fe2 O3 .xH2O(s)

Lechlanche Cell or Dry Cell i.e. rust is hydrated iron oxide.
• It consists of a zinc container that acts Prevention of Corrosion
as anode and carbon (graphite) rod
Iron and steel (alloy of iron) are most easily
surrounded by powdered manganese
protected by paint which provides a barrier
dioxide and carbon which acts as
cathode. It contains a paste of NH4Cl between the metal and air/water. Moving
and ZnCl2 in between the electrodes. parts on machines can be protected by a
• It is used in transistors and clocks. water repellent oil or grease layer. Other
• It has a potential of 1.5 V. important methods are
Faraday is basically the charge on 1 mole of electrons. Its exact value is 96487.
(i) Alloying: Iron or steel along with other Mould blowing: This method was developed
metals can also be protected by ‘alloying’ after the technique of free blowing. In this
or mixing with other metals (e.g., method, molten glass is inflated into a
chromium) to make non-rusting alloys. wooden or metal carved mould with the
(ii) Galvanizing: Coating iron or steel with
help of blow pipe which gives the molten
a thin zinc layer is called ‘galvanizing’.
glass the shape and design of the interior of
Purity of Gold the mould.
24-Carat gold: The carat (abbreviation Chemical properties of glass
ct or Kt) is a measure of the purity of gold
alloys. Carat is used to measure the mass of (i) It is resistant to action of air and acids
gemstones, pearls, etc. except hydroflouric acid.
(ii) It is alkaline in nature.
Some Important Man Made (iii) It slowly reacts with water to form
Materials alkaline solution.
Glass Types of glass
It consists of a mixture of two or more (i) Silica glass: For this type of glass the
silicates. raw material used is 100% pure form
of quartz. It is quite expensive. It is
Preparation of glass
used in the manufacture of laboratory
Common glass (or soft glass): It is used
to make bottles, glass wares etc. and is apparatus. It has low thermal
obtained by heating together silica (in the expansion. Its softening point is very
form of sand), sodium carbonate or sodium high and it is resistant to a wide variety
sulphate and chalk or lime stone (calcium of chemicals.
carbonate). Some broken glass and a (ii) Alkali silicate glass: For it the raw
little coke are usually added. The glass so materials used are sand and soda. It
prepared consists of silicates of sodium and is also called water glass because it
calcium. is soluble in water and used only as a
Na2CO3(s) + SiO2(s) → solution. It is generally used to make
(silica) gums and adhesives.
Na2SiO3(s) + CO2(g)
(iii) Lead glass: For this type of glass lead
Na2SO4(s) + SiO2(s) →
oxide is added to ordinary glass. The
Na2SiO3(s) + SO3(g)
CaCO3(s) + SiO2(s) → addition of lead oxide increases the
CaSiO3(s) + CO2(g) density and also the refractive index.
This type of glass is used for the
Hard glass: For preparation of hard glass
manufacture of ornamental glass ware,
K2CO3 is used in place of Na2CO3. It consists
decorative articles, etc.
of a mixture of calcium and potassium
(iv) Optical glass: This type of glass
silicates.
is used in the manufacture of
Physical properties of glass optical instruments like binoculars,
Hard, rigid, high viscosity, bad conductor of spectacles, lenses, prisons, telescopes,
heat and electricity, brittle, etc. microscopes etc. It is transparent
Blowing: It is a method to cast the molten and can be grounded into the
glass into different moulds. There are two required shape. It generally contains
different methods of glass blowing: phosphorus, and lead silicates with
(i) Free blowing and ( ii) mould blowing little cerium oxide which absorbs UV
Free blowing: It involves the blowing of air radiations.
to inflate the molten glass which is gathered (v) Processed glass: The properties and
at one end of the blow pipe to give the applications of glass also depend upon
desired shape. the processing of glass.
Nowadays, Ni-MH (Nickel-metal hydride) batteries are widely used. These batteries have 25% more rechargeable life and is less
hazardous as compared to Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium) battery.
GK-376
GENERAL SCIENCE
Some types of processed glass and their applications are given here:
Processed glass Applications
1. Laminated glass Used for doors and windows of automobiles. (It has high
strength).
2. Fibre glass Used for reinforcing purpose (It has enough tensile strength)
3. Foam glass Used for civil construction and insulation purposes (it is light
weight).
4. Opaque glass In it non-transparent glass filters the light entering into it. Thus
provides an aesthetic look.
(vi) Borosilicate glass: It contains silica Saponification
and Boron oxide and small amount of It is the process of making of soap by the
oxides of sodium and aluminium. It is hydrolysis of fats and oils with alkalis.
resistant to a wide variety of chemicals Both soaps and detergents are soluble in
due to this property it is used in the water and act as surfactants which reduce
manufacture of laboratory ware. the surface tension of water to a great extent.
Fertilizers This increases the water - fabric interaction
as a consequence of which dirt particles,
Fertilizers are chemical compounds which
grease spots etc are washed away effectively.
when added to the soil increase their
In other words soaps and detergents enhance
fertility and directly supply the need of
the cleansing action of water.
essential elements [N, P, K] of primary
importance. Portland Cement
Classification It was first discovered in England. It is
Chemical fertilizers are broadly classified essentially a mixture of lime stone and clay.
into the following three types: It was called Portland cement because in
(i) Nitrogenous fertilizers: Ammonium presence of water it sets to a hard stone-like
sulphate, urea etc. mass resembling with the famous Portland
(ii) Phosphatic fertilizers: Super phosphate, rock. The approximate composition of
ammonium phosphate Portland cement is
(iii) Potash fertilizers: Potassium chlo- Calcium oxide (CaO) 62%
ride, potassium sulphate. Silica (SiO2) 22%
Alumina (Al2O3) 7.5%
Soaps and Detergents Magnesia (MgO) 2.5%
Soap: Fatty acid salts of sodium and Ferric oxide (Fe2O3) 2.5%
potassium are known as soaps. These are The above compounds are provided by
prepared by the action of fatty acids with the two raw materials, namely lime stone
sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. (which provides CaO) and clay (which
Fatty acid + sodium hydroxide → Soap provides SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3). In cement,
+ glycerol. almost entire amount of lime is present
Detergents are sodium salt of long chain in the combined state as calcium silicate
sulphonic acids or alkyl hydrogen sulphate. (2CaO. SiO2 and 3CaO. SiO2) and calcium
Advantages of detergents over soaps aluminates (3CaO. Al2O3 and 4 CaO. Al2O3).
(i) Detergents can be used for laundering (i) Cement containing excess amount
even with hard water as they are of lime cracks during setting; while
soluble even in hard water. cement containing less amount of lime
(ii) Detergents possess better cleansing is weak in strength.
properties than soaps. (ii) Cement with excess of silica is slow-
Disadvantages of detergents over soap: setting and that having an excess of
Detergents are prepared from hydrocarbons, alumina is quick-setting.
while soaps are prepared from edible fatty (iii) Cement containing no iron is white but
oils. Thus they are non biodegradable. hard to burn.
Water glass is basically a compound of Sodium Silicate (Na2 SiO3) and prepared by heating sodium carbonate with silica.
Cement is manufactured by two processes, viz. wet and dry. A small amount (2–3%) of
gypsum is added to slow down the setting of the cement so that it gets sufficiently hardened.
Setting of cement is an exothermic process and involves hydration of calcium aluminates
and calcium silicates.
Lime stone and
clay are powdered
and mixed
Addition of
Burnt at
Calcium silicates + Portland Cement
1770-1870K gypsum
in a rotatory kiln calcium aluminates
Substance Chemical Composition Formula

Alum Potash Potassium, Sulphur, Aluminium, K2SO4Al2(SO4)3
Hydrogen and Oxygen
Bleaching Calcium Calcium, Chlorine, Oxygen CaCl(OCl)4 H2O
Powder hypochlorite
Blue Vitriol Copper Copper, Sulphur and Oxygen CuSO45H2O
sulphate
Calomel Mercurous Mercury, Chlorine Hg2Cl2
chloride
Caustic Lotion Silver nitrate Silver, Nitrogen, Oxygen AqNO3
Candy Fluid Potassium Potassium, Manganese, Oxygen KMnO4
permanganate
Caustic Potash Potassium Potassium, Hydrogen, Oxygen KOH
hydroxide
Chalk Calcium Calcium, Carbon, Oxygen CaCO3
carbonate
Caustic Soda Sodium Sodium, Hydrogen, Oxygen HaOH
hydroxide
Baking Soda Sodium Sodium, Hydrogen, Carbon, Oxygen NaHCO3
bicarbonate
Common Salt Sodium Sodium, Chlorine NaCl
chloride
Epsom Salt Magnesium Magnesium, Sulphur, Oxygen MgSO4.7H2O
sulphate
Galena Lead sulphide Lead and Sulphur PbS
Green Vitriol Iron sulphate Iron, Sulphur, Oxygen FeSO4.7H2O
Glauber’s salt Sodium sulphate Sodium, Sulphur, Oxygen Na2SO4.10H2O
Gypsum Calcium sulphate, Calcium, Sulphur, CaSO4.2H2O
Oxygen
Hypo Sodium Sodium, Sulphur, Hydrogen, Oxygen Na2S2O3.5H2O
thiosulphate
Laughing gas Nitrous oxide Nitrogen, Oxygen N2O
Lime water Calcium Calcium, Hydrogen, Oxygen Ca(OH)2
hydroxide
Excess of lime in the cement causes cracks in cement during solidification. While excess of alumina in it causes easy and
quick solidification of cement.
GK-378
GENERAL SCIENCE
Substance Chemical Composition Formula
Litharg Lead monoxide Lead, Oxygen PbO
Nitre Potassium Potassium, Nitrogen, Oxygen KNO3
nitrate
Plaster of Paris Calcium Calcium, Sulphur, Hydrogen, Oxygen 2CaSO4.H2O
sulphate
Quartz Sodium silicate Sodium, Silica, Oxygen Na2SiO3
Quick lime Calcium oxide Calcium, Oxygen CaO
Red lead Triphumbic Lead, Oxygen Pb3O4
tetroxide
Sal ammoniac Ammonium Ammonia, Chlorine NH4Cl
chloride
Soda ash Triplumbic Sodium, Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen Na2CO3.10H2O
tetroxide
Soda bicarb Ammonium Sodium, Hydrogen, Carbon, Oxygen NaHCO3
chloide
Washing soda Sodium Sodium, Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen Na2CO3.10H2O
carbonate
White vitriol Zinc sulphate Zinc, Sulphur, Hydrogen, Oxygen ZnSO4.7H2O
General Organic Chemistry chloroform, benzene, etc. and insoluble in

water. The most important role of lipids is
Carbohydrates that of biological fuel. Lipids supply more
Carbohydrates are defined as the optically energy than carbohydrates, excess of lipids
active polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones or
is stored in the body and used at the time of
substances which yield these on hydrolysis.
starvation.
Classification of Carbohydrates
Proteins
Based on Molecular Size
Proteins are highly complex, natural
Carbohydrates compounds, composed of a large number
of different amino acids joined together
with peptide linkage, i.e. they are naturally
Monosaccharides Oligosaccharides occurring polypeptides. The biological
Based on Nature importance of proteins can be judged by
Carbohydrates are also classified as the fact that the animals can live for a long
reducing and non-reducing sugars time without fat or carbohydrate, but not
depending on whether they reduce Fehlings without protein.
and Tollen’s reagent or not.
Based on Taste Nucleic Acids
Carbohydrates with sweet taste are called Nucleic acids are colourless, complex,
sugars while those without a sweet taste amorphous, compounds made up of
are called non-sugars. three units: bases, sugar and phosphoric
Lipid acid. These are macro-molecules of high
Lipids are organic compounds soluble in molecular weight and are present in every
non-polar fat solvents such as acetone, ether, living cell.
Though solid at room temperature, gallium will liquefy in your hand.

LIFE SCIENCE
Cell biology and Genetics Cell are of 2 types :

Biology is the science of life. Biologist study Prokaryotic cell and Eukaryotic cell
the structure function, growth origin, Prokaryotic Cells
evolution and distribution of living organism.
It include both plants & animals. •• Prokaryotic cells are morphologically
Father of biology & zoology: Aristotle most primitive.
Father of Botany : Theophratus. •• Prokaryotic cells are devoid of
membrane bound organelles like
Cell
nucleus, plastids, mitochondria and
Cell is a basic structural and functional unit advanced (9+2) flagella.
of life.
•• Prokaryotic cells are represented by
•• Robert Hooke in 1665 coined the word
‘cell’. bacteria, cyanobacteria (blue green
•• Anton van Leeuwenhoek first saw and algae), mycoplasma and PPLO (pleuro-
described a live cell. pneumonia like organisms).
•• Robert Brown later discovered the nucleus. Eukaryotic Cells
•• Cell theory was proposed by Schleiden and Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus (which
Schwann in 1855 to explain the concept
of the cellular nature of living organism. absent in prokaryotes) and many organelles
Note : Every cell originate from pre-existing like mitochondria, lysosomes, golgi complex,
cell. etc.
COMPONENTS OF A CELL
Cell Membrane Cytoplasm Nucleus
Cell Organelles Cell Inclusions

Membrane Bound Non-Membranous Storage Products
Endoplasmic Ribosomes – Starch
Reticulum – Fats and Oils
– Proteins
Golgi Complex Cytoskeleton Secretory Problems
– Enzymes
– Hormones
Mitochondria Centrioles – Pigments **
– Alkaloids **
Plastids ** – Resins **
– Gums **
Lysosomes * Excretory Products **
– Inorganic Salts
– Latex
NOTE : * Only in animal cells – Tannin
** Only in plant cells – Essential Oils
Archaebacteria are the primitive type of prokaryotes which includes methanogeus, halophiles and thermoacidophiles.
GK-380
GENERAL SCIENCE
A eukaryotic cell consists of the following parallely arranged organelles that occur in
components: the association of endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi in the cytoplasmic matrix.
apparatus Plasma •• The golgi apparatus principally performs
membrane the function of packaging materials to
Smooth
endoplasmic
Centriole be delivered either to the intra-cellular
reticulum targets or secreted outside the cell.
Lysosome
Nuclear Lysosomes
envelope Ribosomes
•• L
ysosomes are popularly called “suicide
Mitochondrion
bags” present in animal cell.
Rough endoplasmic
reticulum Vacuoles
Nucleus
Cytoplasm •• I n plant cells, the vacuoles can occupy
up to 90% of the volume of the cell. The
Cell Wall vacuole is bound by a single membrane
•• The cell wall is a non-living, semi-rigid, called tonoplast. They are responsible
for maintenance of turgor pressure.
external protective covering of the cell.
•• Cell wall is entirely absent in animals. Mitochondria
•• It is made up of cellulose secreted by •• M
itochondria are also called as
the cell itself. powerhouse of cells.
Plastids
Cell Membrane •• P
lastids are found in plants and few
•• T
he cell membrane is a living, protists Euglena.
thin, elastic and semi-permeable
Ribosomes
membranous covering of plant and
•• ibosomes are smallest cell organelles.
R
animal cells. They are protein synthesising factories.
Fluid mosaic model of plasma There are two types of ribosomes viz.,
membrane – Prokaryotic or 70S ribosomes
•• S.J. Singer and G. Nicolson in 1972 – Eukaryotic or 80S ribosomes
proposed the most accepted model Nucleus
of membrane structure. The plasma •• N ucleus is centrally located, spherical
membrane is a lipid-bilayer with and largest component of the all
proteins embedded in it. eukaryotic cell. It contains the genetic
•• Lipids are amphipathic, i.e. they are material of the cell.
structurally asymmetric with polar Structure of Nucleus
hydrophilic and non-polar hydrophobic •• A typical nucleus consists of four
group. structures: (i) nuclear membrane, (ii)
•• One of the most important function of nucleoplasm (iii) chromatin and (iv)
plasma membrane is the transport of the nucleolus.
the molecules across it. Satellite
Secondary
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Short arm Short arm

constriction
There are two types of endoplasmic Centromere

reticulum, i.e. Centromere
•• Smooth or agranular ER – They do

not have attached ribosomes on their Long arm
Telocentric Acrocentric Sub-
surface. It is site for Lipid Synthesis. metacentric
Metacentric
•• Rough or granular ER – They bear Fig. : Types of chromosomes based on the

ribosomes on their surface, for protein position of centromere
synthesis. Nucleolus
Golgi Apparatus •• It is present inside the nucleus.
•• Golgi apparatus or Golgi complex is a •• It is the site of active ribosomal RNA
stack of flattened, membrane bounded, synthesis.
Mitochondria and Plastid are semi autonomous organelles as they posses their own DNA.
Genetics DNA
Study of heredity and variation is called •• D NA is found in nucleus, and also found
genetics. in mitochondria and chloroplast.
•• Term genetics was given by - Bateson. •• It stands for deoxyribonucleic acid
•• Father of genetics - Gregor Johan Mendel. (DNA).
•• Father of experimental genetics - •• It is double stranded.
Thomas Hunt Morgan. •• It consists of Nitrogenous bases-
•• Father of human genetics - Archibald Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine or
Garrod. Guanine, 5-carbon sugar and a
•• Study of genes is known as genetics.
phosphate molecule.
Gene •• RNA is single stranded.
•• It is a segment of DNA and basic unit •• It consists of phosphate, ribose sugar,
of heredity. These are located on nitrogenous bases- Adinine, Uracil,
chromosomes. Cytosine, and Guanine.
Some Human Body Disorder
Disorder Symptoms Defect
Cystic fibrosis Mucus clogs lungs, liver, and Failure of chloride ion transport
pancreas mechanism
Sickle-cell anemia Poor blood circulation Abnormal hemoglobin molecules
Tay-Sachs disease Deterioration of central nervous Defective enzyme (hexosaminidase A)
system in infancy
Phenylketonuria Brain fails to develop in infancy
Defective enzyme
(phenylalanine hydroxylase)
Hemophilia Blood fails to clot Defective blood-clotting factor VIII
Huntington’s disease Brain tissue gradually deteriorates Production of an inhibitor of brain
in middle age cell metabolism
Muscular dystrophy Muscles waste away Degradation of myelin coating of nerves
(Duchenne) stimulating muscles
Congenital Increased birth weight, puffy face, Failure of proper thyroid development
hypothyroidism constipation, lethargy
Hypercholesterolemia Excessive cholesterol levels in Abnormal form of cholesterol cell
blood, leading to heart disease surface receptor
Mendel’s Laws pair of genes-controlling a given trait -
•• M endel conducted cross hybridization was not influenced by the segregation
experiments on Garden Pea plant (Pisum of other gene pairs. Genes located on
sativum). The first was the Principle of different chromosomes move to gametes
segregation, which claimed that each independently of each other during meiosis.
trait was specified by paired hereditary Human Blood Groups
determinants (alleles of genes) that •• T he system of blood groups in humans
separate from each other during gamete was discovered by Karl Landsteiner in
formation. This law is also called Law of 1900s.
purity of gametes or Law of splitting •• There are four phenotypes of blood
of hybrids. namely A, B, AB and O produced by
•• Gregor Mendel was the first individual to three different alleles IA, IB and i of a
apply a modern scientific approach to the gene.
study of heredity. Mendel proposed two •• The allele IA and IB are equally dominant
basic principles of transmission genetics. and do not interfere with expression of
•• Mendel’s second basic conclusion was the each other hence the allele IA IB are said
Principle of independent assortment, to be co-dominant because both are
which stated that the segregation of one expressed in the phenotype AB.
Alleolemorph is one of a number of alternative forms of the same gene occupying a given position on a chromosome.
GK-382
GENERAL SCIENCE
Blood Antigen present Antibody present Possibility of blood donation
Group in RBC in plasma
A A b Can donate blood to A and AB.
B B a Can donate blood to B and AB
AB A, B none Can receive from all but donate to only
AB
O None a, b Can donate to all but receive blood
only from O.
Blood valves in them to prevent back flow

of blood in them. Blood flows at low
•• Blood is a fluid connective tissue and
pressure and at a lower speed.
composed of blood corpuscles, plasma
•• These carry deoxygenated blood except
and platelets.
the pulmonary vein which carries
•• It is slightly alkaline is nature (pH 7.4).
oxygenated blood to the heart.
•• Its volume in an adult is 5.8 L.
•• The oxygenated or pure blood is bright Capillaries
red while the deoxygenated blood is •• These are the thinnest blood vessels
purple coloured (Darker shade of red). and connect arteries to the veins.
•• People who live at high altitudes have •• These help in exchange of materials like
more blood than those who live in the nutrients, gases, waste product, etc.,
low regions. This extra blood supplies between blood and cells.
additional oxygen to body cells. Blood Type of Parent and their
•• During blood clotting fibrinogen changes Children
into fibrin by thrombin which is obtained
from thromboplastin in the presence of Blood Type of Possible Blood Type
Ca2+. Parent (Homo or of Children
•• The haemoglobin content of adult female Heterozygous)
varies from 13.5-14.5% whereas in adult O×O O
male its amount varies from 14.5-15.5%
Haemoglobin count is highest in the foetus O×A O, A
and is about 23 g per 100 mL. of blood O×B O, B
at birth. O × AB A, B
Blood Vessels A×A A, O
A×B O, A, B, AB
Blood vessels are of three types:
A × AB A, B, AB
Arteries
B×B B, O
•• These are thick walled blood vessels
which carry the blood away from the B × AB A, B, AB
heart to various body parts. These are AB × AB A, B, AB
deep seated in the body and have no Blood Cells
valves in them.
•• These carry oxygenated blood except Erythrocytes (RBCs)
the pulmonary artery which carries •• Red blood cells contain the blood’s
deoxygenated blood to the lungs. In haemoglobin and distribute oxygen.
arteries, blood flows at a high pressure •• RBCs are the most abundant cells.
and a higher speed.
•• Mature red blood cells lack a nucleus
Veins and organelles in mammals. However,
•• These are thin walled blood vessels and in camel and Llama it is nucleated.
carry blood away from various body •• One RBC contains about 280 haemoglobin
parts towards the heart. These have molecules.
Heparin, a natural anticoagulant in the blood that prevent the conversion of prothombin into thombin in circulating blood.
Leukocytes (WBCs)
These are part of the body’s immune system; they destroy and remove old or aberrant cells
and cellular debris, as well as attack infectious agents and foreign substances. These are
much less in number than RBCs (1 : 600).
Thrombocytes
(Platelets)
It is responsible for blood clotting (coagulation). It changes fibrinogen into fibrin.
Comparison between Plasma and Lymph
Plasma Lymph
It contains 92% water, 8% blood plasma Lymph contains a variety of substances
proteins and trace amounts of other including proteins, salts, glucose, fats, water
materials and WBCs.
It is cell free part of blood, contain salts, It is modified tissue fluid, contains cells like
considerable amount of proteins as well as lymphocyte and monocytes, salt and small
more or less all constituents of body. amount of proteins. It is colourless.
It flows within blood vessels. It flows within lymphatic vessels.
It takes part in nutrition, excretion, respiration, It supplies nutrition to tissue devoid of
etc. by transporting various materials and blood supply,takes part in fat absorption and
helps in the defence mechanism of the body defence mechanism of the body.
by producing antibodies.
It can coagulate because it contains fibrinogen It can coagulate but very slowly because it
and prothrombin. contains these two in small quantities.
Blood Pressure (BP) Sex Determination
•• The pressure created by the blood on •• Henking discovered X body in sper-
the walls of the blood vessels due to matogenesis of few insects and it was
the repeated pumping of heart is called given name of X chromosome. Due to
blood pressure. It is measured by involvement of X and Y chromosomes in
sphygmomanometer. determination of sex, they were called
•• It can be felt at certain places in our sex chromosomes.
body, viz wrist of the hands etc.
XX → Girl
•• Blood pressure is recorded as systolic/
diastolic. Blood pressure in a normal XY → Boy
person is 120/80 mm Hg. Factors •• Rest of the chromosomes which
affecting blood pressure are age, cardiac determine other metabolic character of
output, total peripheral resistance, etc. the body are called autosomes.
•• If a person has persistent high blood
pressure then it is called hypertension Mutation
and persistent high blood pressure is •• Phenomenon that results in alteration of
150/90 mm Hg. Factor responsible are DNA sequence and consequently results
overeating, fear, worry, anxiety, sorrow, in change in genotype and phenotype of
etc. Hypotension is condition of low
an organism is called mutation.
blood pressure, i.e. persistent 100/50
•• Mutagens are various chemical and
mm Hg.
•• Electrocardiograph (ECG) is used to physical factors that induce mutations,
check proper working of heart by using e.g. UV radiations, carcinogenic chemicals
electrodes. like nicotine, nitric oxide (NO).
Bone marrow is the flexible tissue in the interior of bones.
GK-384
GENERAL SCIENCE
Plant Physiology Nitrification
•• Ammonia is rapidly converted first to
Photosynthesis nitrite and then nitrates by the process
•• Photosynthesis occurs in specialized of nitrification. Nitrification is brought
cells called mesophyll cell which contain about by nitrifying bacteria such as
chloroplast.
Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter.
•• Photosynthesis follows two main steps:
Light dependent reaction which occur Denitrification
in grana of the chloroplast and light •• It is the process of conversion of nitrate
dependent reaction which occur in salts present in the soil and water to
stroma region of the chloroplast. gaseous nitrogen which escapes into
•• It is actually oxidation reduction atmosphere. It takes place with the help
process in which water is oxidized and of bacteria called Pseudomonas.
CO2 is reduced to carbohydrates.
•• The reduction of CO2 to carbohydrates Plant Growth Regulators
needs assimilatory powers, i.e. ATP and Some chemical molecules secreted by the
NADPH2. plants which affect the growth of the plant
known as plant growth regulators.
Respiration
Auxin
•• Carbohydrates are broken down •• It controls division in the vascular
through the process of oxidation and cambium and xylem differentiation. It
releasing of energy for cellular use, is Promotes flowering. It also causes the
called respiration. Respiration occurs in phenomenon of apical dominance.
three steps as Glycolysis, Kreb’s Cycle
and Electron transport system. Gibberellins
C6H12O6 + 6CO2 → 6CO2 + 6H20 + •• It causes an increase in length of axis of
energy the plant. It delay senescence and help
•• Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of in induction of seed germination.
the cell and the final product is pyruvate Cytokinins
which is transported from the cytoplasm •• It promotes cell division and growth
to mitochondria. Citric acid cycle/Kreb’s of lateral branches by inhibiting apical
cycle occur in mitochondrial matrix. dominance. It also promotes formation
of adventitious shoot.
Transpiration
•• Loss of water in the form of water Ethylene
vapour from plant through the small •• It is synthesized in the tissue undergoing
pore (stomata) present on leaves is senescence and ripening of fruits.
called transpiration. It promtes in ripening of fruits and
accelerate the abscission of flower.
Nitrogen Metabolism Abscisic acid
•• P
lants obtain Nitrogen from the soil in the •• It causes ageing and abscission of
form of nitrites (NO2—), nitrates (NO3—) leaves and fruits. It also regulates bud
and ammonium (NH4)+ salts. Nitrogen
assimilation is carried out by plants in and seed dormancy.
three steps. Human Physiology
Ammonification
•• It is the process of conversion of
Human Digestive System
complex organic compounds like The human digestive system consists of
protein into ammonia in the presence alimentary canal and digestive glands. The
of ammonifying bacteria. alimentary canal consists of mouth, (having
•• Proteins → Amino acids → Organic teeth and tongue) oesophagus, stomach,
acids → Ammonia small intestine and large intestine.
In transpiration water loss occur in the form of vapour through stomata whereas in Guttation water loss occur in form of
water droplets through hydathodes.
Teeth •• Tongue also contains taste buds due

to which we sense bitter, sour, salty or
•• With the help of teeth the food is
sweet taste.
chewed. Teeth are of four types:
Incisors (for cutting)
Canines (for tearing)
Premolars (for chewing)
Bitter
Molars (for chewing and grinding)
Sour
Tongue Sour
•• S aliva, secreted by the salivary glands, Salt Salt
is mixed with the chewed food by the Sweet
tongue. Taste Areas on the Human Tongue
Digestion of Food
Name of the Name of the enzymes Substrate End product
Digestive juice
Saliva Ptyalin (Salivary amylase) Starch Maltose
Pancreatic Juice Amylopsin (pancreatic Starch, Maltose and Glucose
amylase) Glycogen
Intestinal juice Sucrase (invertase), Sucrose; Glucose, fructose and
Maltase, Lactase Maltose, galactose
Lactose
Gastric Juice Pepsin, Rennin Proteins, Proteoses and peptones,
Casein Calcium caseinate
Pancreatic Juice Trypsin, Chymotrypsin, Proteins, Proteoses and peptides
Carboxyl peptidases Proteins Peptides Amino acid.
Peptides
Intestinal juice Amino peptidase, Peptides Amino acids
Dipeptidase
Vitamin Required by the Body
Vitamin Chemical Function in Body Deficiency Sources
Name Disease
B1 Thiamine Part of coenzyme for Beri-beri: Cereals, legumes,
pyrophosphate respiration nerve and heart beans, nuts.
disorders
B2 Riboflavin Part of coenzyme Ariboflavinosis: Milk, yogurt, meat,
FAD needed for skin and eye leafy greens, whole
respiration disorders grains.
B12 Cyanoco- Coenzyme needed Pernicious Meat, fish, poultry,
balamin for making red blood anaemia shellfish, eggs,
cells, bone, blood and cheese, milk.
nerve changes
B5 Nicotinic Part of coenzymes Pellagra: skin, Widespread in
acid (‘niacin’) NAD, NADP used in gut and nerve foods.
respiration disorders
C Ascorbic acid Not precisely known Scurvy: Citrus fruits, e.g.
degeneration of lemon.
skin teeth and
blood vessels.
Digestion begins in the mouth with the secretion of saliva and its digestive enzymes.
GK-386
GENERAL SCIENCE
A Retinol Not fully known but Xeropthalmia: Milk, eggs, meat, fish
forms part of visual ‘dry eyes’ liver oils, Green leafy
pigment, rhodopsin vegetables.
D Cholecalciferol Stimulates calcium Rickets: bone Exposed to sunlight,
absorption by small deformity Dairy products, egg
intestine, needed for yolk, fish liver oils,
proper bone growth oysters, yeast.
E Tocopherol Not precisely known Infertility Plant oils, green,
leafy vegetables,
egg yolk, nuts,
seeds, and liver.
K Phylloquinone Involved in blood Possible Bacterial synthesis
clotting haemorrhage in the digestive
tract. Green leafy
vegetables, cabbage
and milk
Mineral Required by Body
Minerals Source Function
Sodium (Na) Table salt large amounts is present Needed for proper fluid balance,
in processed foods, small amounts in nerve transmission, and muscle
milk, breads, vegetables, and meats contraction
Chloride Table salt, large amounts is present Needed for proper fluid balance,
in processed foods, small amounts in stomach acid
milk, meats, breads, and vegetables
Potassium Meats, milk, fresh fruits and Needed for proper fluid balance,
vegetables, whole grains, legumes nerve transmission, and muscle
contraction
Calcium Milk and milk products, canned Important for healthy bones and teeth,
fish with bones (salmon, sardines), helps muscles relax and contract,
fortified tofu and fortified soy milk, important in nerve functioning, blood
greens (broccoli, mustard green), clotting, blood pressure regulation,
legumes immune system health
Phosphorus Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, Important for healthy bones and
processed foods teeth, found in every cell, part of
the system that maintains acid-base
balance
Magnesium Nuts and seeds; legumes, leafy green Needed for making protein, muscle
vegetables, seafood, and chocolate contraction, nerve transmission,
immune system health
Sulfur Occurs in foods as part of protein, Important for protein
meats, poultry, fish, eggs, milk,
legumes, nuts
Iron Organ meats; red meats, fish, poultry, Part of a molecule hemoglobin
shellfish (especially clams), egg yolks, found in red blood cells that carries
legumes; dried fruits dark, leafy oxygen in the body, needed for
greens, iron-enriched breads and energy metabolism
cereals, and fortified cereals
Iodine Seafood, foods grown in iodine-rich Found in thyroid hormone, which
soil, iodized salt, bread, dairy products helps regulate growth, development,
and metabolism
Vitamin B complex is a dieting supplement that delivers all eight of the B vitamins.
Human Respiratory System •• Amphibians and the reptiles (except

crocodiles) have a 3-chambered heart
•• H
uman respiratory system consists
with two atria and a single ventricle.
of external nostrils, nasal cavity, Crocodiles, birds and mammals
nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchiole possess a 4-chambered heart with
and lungs. two artia and two ventricles.
Heart Beat and Pulse
nasal cavity The human heart beats at the rate of about
72-80 per minute in the resting condition.
windpipe
larynx
(trachea) Electrocardiograph
bronchial tree
•• E CG is the graphic record of electronic
lobes
of lung alveoli are in current produced by the excitation of
here
cardiac muscles.
•• A normal electrocardiogram is composed
of a P wave, QRS complex and T wave.
P wave indicate the depolarisation of
Transport of gases the atria. QRS complex expresses the
ventricular depolarisation. T wave
•• 9
7% of oxygen is transported from the
indicate an repolarisation of ventrcle.
lungs to the tissues in combination with
haemoglobin (Hb + O2 HbO2, Excretion
oxyhaemoglobin). 3% is transported in •• T he process of excreting ammonia is
dissolved condition by the plasma. -Ammonotelism. Kidney plays a minor
There are three ways of transport of role in the elimination of ammonia
CO2 e.g. teleost fishes, tadpoles, aquatic
•• 5 %–7% (approximately) of CO2 is soft bodied invertebrates. Organism
transported, being dissolved in the undergoing ammonotelism are called
plasma of blood. ammonotelic.
•• CO2 react with the water to form •• The process of excreting urea is -
carbonic acid (H2CO3) by the enzyme Ureotelism. e.gs. are mammals, many
carbonic anhydrase (present in RBC). terrestrial adult amphibians and
•• CO2 reacts with amine radicals (NH2) cartilaginous fishes (shark).
of haemoglobin molecule and forms •• The process of elimination of uric acid is
a carbamino – haemoglobin (HbCO2) Uricotelism, egs. are land snails, insects,
molecule. Nearly 23% of CO2 is birds and many reptiles.
transported through this mode. •• Each kidney has nearly one million
complex tubular structures called
Circulatory Pathways nephrons, which are the functional
The circulatory patterns are of two types – units of kidney. These filter the blood to
Open circulatory system is present in produce urine.
arthropods and molluscs in which blood
pumped by the heart passes through large Excretory Organs of Some Animals
vessels into open spaces or body cavities Excretory Organ Animal
called sinuses.
Closed circulatory system Contractile vacuole Amoeba
•• Annelids and chordates have a closed Flame cells/solenocytes Tapeworm
circulatory system in which the
Renette cell Ascaris
blood pumped by the heart is always
circulated through a closed network of Nephridia Earthworm
blood vessels. All vertebrates possess a Malpighian tubules Cockroach
muscular chambered heart.
Coxal glands Scorpion
•• Fishes have a 2-chambered heart with
an atrium and a ventricle. Green glands Prawn
Cigarette smoke contain chemicals that interfere with the filtering of air as it produces mucus and toxic substances result in congestion of the lungs.
GK-388
GENERAL SCIENCE
Skeletal System emotional reactions and exercise control
over sleep mechanism.
Human Skeleton
Midbrain: It is formed of corpora
(comprising 206 bones)
divided into quadrigemina and cerebral peduncles.
Cerebral penduncles are bundles of fibres
Axial Skeleton Appendicular Skeleton connecting the cerebral cortex with other
made up of made up of parts of brain and spinal cord.
•• Hind brain: It comprises of:
Skull Vertebral Sternum Ribs Girdles Limbs Cerebellum: It controls the balance and
column posture of the body.
Pons varolii - The pons is concerned
Joints
with maintenance of normal rhythm of
A joint is a location at which two bones
respiration.
make contact and is essential for all types
Medulla oblongata - Medullary centres
of movements, involving the bony parts of
the body. (reflex centres) are present for controlling
Synovial joints - Movable joints the functions of important organs, e.g.
They are characterised by the presence cardiac centres (heart), respiratory centre,
of a closed space or cavity between the vasomotor centre (for regulating diameter
bones. These are classified into six major of blood vessels) and reflex centres
categories: (for swallowing, vomiting, peristalsis,
Plane (gliding joint): Present between secretion and activity of alimentary canal,
carpals. Only sliding motion in all direction salivation, coughing, etc.)
is allowed.
Hinge joint: Present between Knee joint. Sense Organs
Pivot joint: Present between vertebrae.
Saddle joint: Present between carpal and Eye
metacarpal. Eyes are the sensitive detectors of light. The
Ball and Socket joint: Present between human eye can distinguish about 10 million
humerus and pectoral girdle. colours. It consists of three parts:
Neural Control and Coordination
Sclerotic Layer
•• The neural system is the control system
of the body which consists of highly It is the outermost, bony layer, which includes
specialized cells called neurons. Cornea is the clear dome-shaped tissue,
•• A neuron consists of main cell body and covering the front of the eye.
cytoplasmic processes arising from it. Conjunctiva is the continuation of upper
The human brain is divisible into three eyelid.
parts: Choroid Layer
Forebrain: It comprises the olfactory lobes,
cerebrum and diencephalon. It is the middle layer and consists of:
Cerebrum is the largest and complex part. Pupil is the black hole in the centre of the
It consists of the left and right hemispheres iris. It changes size as the amount of light
connected by a bundle of myelinated fibres, changes.
called corpus callosum. The outer layer of Ciliary muscles regulates the lens curvature.
the cerebrum is called the cortex. Iris is the coloured part of the eye. It
Diencephalon: The main parts of the controls the amount of light that enters the
diencephalon are epithalamus, thalamus eye by changing the size of the pupil.
and hypothalamus. Lens is a biconvex transparent circular
The hypothalamus is the highest centre solid located just behind the iris. It focuses
of autonomic nervous system. It governs onto the retina
In chloride shift exchange of chloride and carbonate occur between the plasma and the erythrocytes during exchange of
O2 and CO2 .
Retina Causes
Lens Fovea (point of •• The eye ball is too short so image is
Iris central focus)
formed beyond the retina.
Optic nerve to •• Cornea is not curved enough.
brain’s visual
cortex •• Eye lens is farther back in the eye.
Pupil
•• Increase in the focal length of eye lens.
Cornea
•• Stiffening of ciliary muscles.
Blind spot Remedy: Convex lens is used to converge
The Eye
the rays at retina.
Retina Target group
•• Light sensitive tissue that lies at the •• It can affects both children and adults.
back of the eye. It contains millions •• People whose parents are farsighted.
of photoreceptors (rods and cones) •• It can be confused with presbyopia (i.e.
that convert light rays into electrical “after 40” vision).
impulses that are relayed to the brain
via the optic never. Astigmatism: Astigmatism is the most
•• The image formed on retina is real and common refractive problem responsible for
inverted. blurry vision. Cylindrical lens is used to
•• Rods are highly sensitive to dim light correct astigmatism.
and contain a reddish purple pigment Presbyopia (“after 40” vision)
called rhodopsin. Night vision involves After age 40, and most noticeably after age
mostly rods (not cones). 45, the human eye is affected by presbyopia,
•• Cones are sensitive to bright light, which results in greater difficulty maintaining
hence differentiate the colours.
a clear focus at a near distance with an eye
•• The fovea centralis is the area
which sees clearly at a far away distance.
of sharpest vision due to high
concentration of ones. Cataract
•• The blind spot (optic disc) has not rods It is the clouding of the lens of the eye that
and cone cells, hence no image is form prevent a person to see.
in this region. Because light rays can’t pass through the
Defects of Vision & Remedies cloudy lens, vision of a person becomes
cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy.
Myopia or Near(short) sightedness Causes
A person suffering from Myopia can’t see •• Protein builds up in the eye lens & make
the far (distant) object clearly but can see it cloudy.
nearby object clearly. •• Cloudy protein layers prevent rays to
Causes pass through eye lens.
•• The eye ball is too long (i.e. elongated)
•• New lens cells form on the outside of the
so image is formed before retina.
•• Lens being too curved for the length of lens, making older cells compacted into
the eye ball. the center of the lens to form cataract.
•• Combination of above, i.e. elongated Remedy
eyeball & curved lens. •• It can be corrected with suitable eye
•• Shortening of focal length of eye lens. glasses (lenses).
•• Over stretching of ciliary muscles. •• Cataract surgery is performed when eye
Remedy: Concave lens is used to diverge glass does not suit.
the rays at retina. Ear
Hyperopia or Hypermetropia (long •• Ears are meant for both balancing and
(far) sightedness) hearing.
A person suffering from it can’t see near •• It can be divided into three parts
object clearly but can see distant object as External ear (pinna + external
clearly. auditory canal), Middle ear (tympanic
Synovial fluid is present in the cavities of synovial joints, reduces the friction between the synovial joints.
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cavity) and Internal ear (bony and Nose
membranous labyrinth). •• Nose is a sense organ for smell or
•• Hearing is controlled by auditory are of olfaction, It contains
temporal lobe of cerebral cortex. 1. Olfactory cells which are more
•• Human ear can list in the sound of chemosensitive than taste cells.
60-80 decibel. 2. Olfactory stimuli such as, chloroform
•• Human ear is sensitive to sounds and ammonia are irritating and can
frequency 50-20,000 cycles/sec. cause tearing.
•• Defects of ear are : Otalgia ear, ache •• Dogs have an acute olfactory sense.
(Pain in ear); Othitis media (Acute They can trace people because they
infection of middle ear), Labyrithine can distinguish between the odours of
disease (malfunction of inner ear). different persons.
Chemical Coordination in Animal (Hormones)
Endocrine Gland Hormone Principal action Disorders
Thyroxine (T4) and Maintains calcium level Cretinism, myxoedema
Triiodothyronine (T3) normal in the body. goiter
Thyroid
Calcitonin Increases rate of metabolism
in the body.
Parathyroid Parathormone (PTH) Increases plasma calcium Parathyroid tetany,
osteoporosis
“Adrenal gland “Adrenaline and Increases heart beat, blood
(medulla)” Noradrenaline” sugar and also constricts
blood vessel
“Mineralocorticoids Increases reabsorption of “Addison’s disease
(aldosterone)” sodium and excertion of Adrenal virilism”
potassium
Adrenal cortex
Glucocorticoids Increases blood sugar and Cushing’s syndrome
(cortisol) affects carbohydrate, fat and
protein metabolism
ARH Regulates corticotropin
secretion
TRH Thyrotropin secretion
Hypothalamus SRH Stimulates secretion of
gonadotropins
Growth hormone Regulates secretion of
releaing factor prolactin
Pituitary gland Stimulates general growth Pituitary dwarfism,
anterior lobe gigantism, Acromegaly
Prolactin Stimulates milk production
and secretion
Follicle stimulating Stimulates ovarian follicle and
Pituitary gland hormone (FSH) spermatogenesis
anterior Lutemizing Stimulates corpus luteum
lobe hormone (LH) and ovulation in females and
interstitial cell in males
Thyroid stimulating Stimulates thyroid gland to
hormone (TSH) secrete hormones
Adrenocorticotropic Stimulates adrenal cortex to
hormone secrete glucocorticoids
Cornea of the eye is an only tissue that don’t have blood.
Intermediate Melanocyte Growth and development of

lobe stimulating hormone melanocyte
Oxytocin Contraction of uterine muscles
and mammary gland cells
Posterior lobe “Vasopressin Promotes reabsorption of Diabetes insipidus
(ADH)” water from collecting ducts
of kidneys
Reproductive System Urethra 1 Conduct urine and

•• The process by which new individuals sperms.
are produced from their parents is called Prostate gland 2 Secrete an alkaline
reproduction and the organs which fluid to neutralise the
are used for this process, collectively acidity of urethra and
constitute the reproductive system. make the sperm more
•• Reproduction is of two types, i.e., active.
asexual and sexual. Cowper’s 2 Secrete an alkaline
•• In asexual reproduction only one gland white lubricating fluid
parent is involved and sex cells are not Penis (have 1 Pass urine and deposit
involved. rich blood sperm in female genital
•• In sexual reproduction two parents supply) tract
are involved and formation and fusion
•• Males can produce spermatozoa
of gametes takes place.
(sperm) throughout their life from age
Modes of Reproduction in Different of 13-14 yrs. The growth of hairs on
Organisms body is due to masculine hormones.
Mode of Organism
Reproduction Urinary Seminal
bladder vesicle
Fission (asexual) Amoeba, bacteria,
(behind
flatworm, etc. bladder)
Prostate
Budding (asexual) Hydra, yeast and sponge. gland
Bulbourethral Urethra
Syngamy (sexual) Cockroach, frog, human gland Scrotum
being, etc. Erectile tissue
of penis
Glans
Vas deferens
Male Reproductive System Epididymis
penis
The various organs which constitute Testis

the male reproductive system and their Male Reproductive System
functions are tabulated below: Female Reproductive System
Reproductive No Function Female reproductive system includes
Organ following organs which are tabulated below
Testes 2 Produce sperm and Reproductive No Function
testosterone Organ
Sperm duct 2 Conduct the sperm from Ovaries 2 To produce ova and
the testes to urethra hormones.
Seminal 2 Secrete seminal plasma Oviducts 2 To move the ovum
Vesicles towards uterus.
Epididymis 2 Temporarily store Uterus 1 To provide space for
sperms and provides developing child
mobility Vagina 1 To receive the sperms
Ear bone (auditory ossicle) consists of three bones namely malleus, incus and stapes. They are considered as smallest bone.
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Ovaries Oviduct Follicles •• On an average menstrual cycle is
completed in 28 days.
•• It is absent during pregnancy, may
be suppressed during lactation and
Uterine Corpus permanently stops at menopause.
Uterus luteum
wall About 13 mature eggs are released from
Cervix Endometrium two ovaries of female in a year.
Vagina •• Menstrual cycle is controlled by FSH,
LH, oestrogen and progesterone
Female Reproductive System harmones.
•• If sperm is present, the egg will be Birth Control Methods or
fertilised in the ampullary isthmic Contraception Methods
junction of Fallopian tube. •• The prevention of union of sperm and
•• After maturity the ovary releases an ovum is known as contraception.
ovum (egg cell) after every 28 days. The various methods used for it are
•• The connection between developing diaphragm, condoms, contraceptive pills,
embryo and mother is made by tubectomy, vasectomy, copper-T etc.
placenta. It supplies blood, organic •• Amniocentesis or amniotic fluid test
and inorganic nutrients, harmones, is technique of finding out sex and
antibodies etc. disorder of foetus.
•• The embryo develops for nine months
Gestation Periods of Animals
in uterus. It is called gestation period.
•• Child is delivered after its development Animal Gestation Animal Gestation
and mother produces milk to nourish Period Period
the child (lactation). Buffalo 310 days Horse 340 days
•• The first milk which comes out from Elephant 610 days Leopard 105 days
the mother’s mammary gland just after
Lion 120 days Tiger 103 days
child birth is caused colostrum.
•• This milk is rich in protein, antibodies Whale 365 days Squirrel 40 days
which imparts immunity to new born Human 280 days Dog 61 days
baby.
Menstrual Cycle Plant Kingdom
•• Reproductive period of a human female Features of Plants
extends from puberty (10-14 years) to
•• Most of the plants are eukaryotic and
menopause (40-50 years).
chlorophyll containing organisms.
•• The release of the first menstrual flow
•• Cell walls of plant cells are comprised of
or period is called menarche.
cellulose.
•• Menarche marks the onset of
•• They have an ability to grow by cell
reproductive life and onset of puberty
division.
in females.
•• Menopause is stopping of ovulation and •• In life cycle of plant cells, the
menses. It normally occurs between interchanges occur from the embryos
the age of 45 to 55. This stage onwards, and are supported by other tissues and
woman lose the ability to reproduce. self produce.
•• The periodic vaginal bleeding during •• Plants have both organs and organ
menstrual cycle is called menstruation. systems.
Male produce the smallest human cell – the sperm and female produce the largest human cell → the egg or ovum.
•• They obtain their energy from sun •• R

oots have fungal association in the form
through photosynthesis. of mycorrhiza (Pinus), while in some
•• Plants reproduce both by sexual and other (Cycas) small specialised roots
asexual. called coralloid roots are associated
•• Plants develop a self defense mechanism with N2– fixing cyanobacteria.
to protect them from being destroyed by
animals, fungi and other plants. Angiosperms (Flowering Plants)
•• Organisms within Kingdom Plantae •• A ngiosperms are seed bearing,
are multicellular, eukaryotic and flowering vascular plants in which
autotrophic. seeds are enclosed in fruits.
•• They lack motility.
•• The flower is the most characteristic
structure of the angiosperms. The male
sex organ in a flower is the stamen.
PTERIDOPHYTES Each stamen consists of a slender
filament with an anther at the tip. The
anthers, following meiosis, produce
pollen grains.
•• The female sex organ in a flower is the
Bryophytes pistil or the carpel. Pistil consists of
•• Bryophytes are also called amphibians an ovary enclosing one to many ovules.
of the plant kingdom because these
Within ovules are present highly
plants can live in soil but are dependent
reduced female gametophytes termed
on water for sexual reproduction. They
usually occur in damp, humid and embryo sacs.
shaded localities. Each embryo-sac has a seven-celled
•• Species of Sphagnum, a moss, provide egg apparatus – one egg cell and two
peat that have long been used as fuel, synergids, three antipodal cells and
and because of their capacity to hold two polar nuclei. The polar nuclei
water as packing material for trans- eventually fuse to produce a diploid
shipment of living material.
secondary nucleus.
Pteridophytes •• Pollen grain, after dispersal from the
•• Evolutionarily, they are the first anthers, are carried by wind or various
terrestrial plants to possess vascular other agencies to the stigma of a pistil.
tissues – xylem and phloem. This is termed as pollination.
•• The main plant body is a sporophyte •• The pollen tubes enter the embryo-sac
which is differentiated into true root, where two male gametes are discharged.
stem and leaves. These organs possess
One of the male gametes fuses with the
well-differentiated vascular tissues
egg cell to form a zygote (syngamy).
Examples are Psilotum, Equisetum,
Dryopteris, Marsilea, etc. The other male gamete fuses with the
diploid secondary nucleus to produce
Gymnosperms the triploid primary endosperm
•• G
ymnosperms are plants which bear nucleus (PEN). Because of the
naked seeds i.e. the ovules and the involvement of two fusions, this event
seeds that develop from these ovules
is termed as double fertilisation, and
after fertilization are not enclosed in
fruit wall. event unique to angiosperms.
Fertilization is most possible when the female is at the middle of her menstrual cycle. It is when the hormones promoting pregnancy
are at their peak.
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Animal Kingdom
KINGDOM ANIMALIA
Unicellular Animals Multicellular Animals
Protozoa Metazoa
It lacks cell wall,
egs. Amoeba, Invertebrates Vertebrates
Euglena, (No Backbone) (Backbone)
Trypanosoma,
Sponges Fishes
Giardia,
Coelenterates Amphibians
Paramecium,
Worms Reptiles
Plasmodium
Anthropods Birds
Mollusca Mammals
Echinoderms
Introduction Phylum-Platyhelminthes
Animals are the most diverse groups of •• T hese are mostly endoparasites, bilateral
organisms. Multicellular, heterotrophs symmetrical, triploblastic and acoelomate
characterised by mobility, sensory and
animals with organ level of organisation.
nervous systems.
•• Examples– Taenia (Tape worm), Fasciola
Phylum-Porifera
(liver fluke).
•• S ponges are aquatic, mostly marine,
solitary or colonial and sessile. Phylum-Aschelminthes
•• Examples of some sponges are : Sycon •• T
hey may be free-living, aquatic and
(scypha), Spongilla (fresh water terrestrial or parasitic in plants and
sponge) and Euspongia (bath sponge). animals.
Phylum-Coelenterata (Cnidaria) •• Examples: Ascaris (Round worm), Wuchereria
•• All are aquatic and are mostly marine (filarial worm), Ancylostoma (Hook worm),
(exception-Hydra are found in fresh- Enterobius (Pin worm).
water), solitary or colonial, sessile,
or free-swimming and radially Phylum-Annellda
symmetrical animals. •• It is characterised by metameric
•• E
xample-Physalia (Portuguese man segmentation forming ring like segments.
of war), Adamsia (Sea anemone), •• Example: Neries, Pheretima (Earthworm)
Pennatula (Sea-pen), Gorgonia (Sea-
and Hirudinaria (Blood sucking leech).
fan) and Meandrina (Brain coral).
Phylum-Arthropoda
Phylum-Ctenophora
•• T hey are bilateral symmetry, triploblastic
•• These are diploblastic, radial symmetrical
animals with tissue level of organization. animals, which have organ-system level
•• Examples–Hormiphora (sea walnut), of organisation.
Pleurobranchia (sea gooseberry), Cestum •• Example: Apis (Honey bee), Bombyx
(venus girdle), Beroe. (Silkworm), Laccifer (Lac insect).
Since bryophytes lack xylem and phloem only way to move substances through the plant body is by osmosis and diffusion from
surface moisture.
Phylum-Mollusca xamples : Marine – Exocoetus (Flying

•• E
•• T hey are aquatic (marine or fresh fish), Hippocampus (Sea horse), Lophius
water), or terrestrial having an organ- (Angler fish), Fresh water fishes – Labeo
system level of organisation. (Rohu), Catla (Katla).
•• Ex. Pila, Octopus (devil fish), Loligo (sea Superclass : Tetrapoda (Bear Limbs)
squid).
Class : Amphibia
Phylum-Echinodermata •• Adapted for both water and land life.
•• A ll existing echinoderms are marine, •• They are oviparous and development
generally live at sea bottom. indirect through distinct larval stage
•• Ex. Asterias (star fish), Cucumaria called tadpole. Exambles : Bufo (Toad),
(commonly called as sea cucumber), Rana (Frog), Hyla (Tree frog), Salamandra
Antedon (water lily or feather star). (Salamander), Ichthyophis (Limbless
amphibia).
Phylum-Hemichordata
•• They are bilaterally symmetrical, Class: Reptilia
triploblastic, and entrocoelous animals. •• T
he class name refers to their creeping
•• Ex. Balanoglossus (acorn worm or or crawling mode of locomotion.
tongue worm), Saccoglossus. •• They are oviparous; Development direct.
Examples: Crocodilus (Crocodile),
Phylum-Chordata Bangarus (Krait)
•• T he fundamental four characters Class: Aves
of phylum chordata are presence of
•• B irds are bipedal feathered animals.
notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve
•• Endoskeleton is fully ossified (bony) and
cord, paired pharyngeal gill slits and
the long bones are hollow with air cavities
post anal tail either in the embryonic or
adult stage. (pneumatic).
•• Examples: Herdmania (sea squirt), Examples : Corvus (crow), Pavo (Peacock).
Branchiostoma. Class: Mammalia
•• T hese are warm blooded (homio-
Subphylum Vertebrata is Divided
thermous) animals having hair and
into Two Sections mammary glands.
Section 1 Agnatha (The jawless •• They are viviparous with few
exceptions and development is direct.
vertebrates)
Example : Oviparous – Tachyglossus =
Class : Cyclostomata Echidna (spiny Anteater). Viviparous –
•• M outh jawless suctorial and round. Pteropus (Flying fox), Camelus (Camel),
•• All living members are ectoparasites on Macaca (Monkey).
some fishes.
•• Ex. Petromyzon (lamprey), Myxine (hag Disease and Defence
fish). Mechanism
Section 2 Gnathostomata (The Pratozoan Diseases
jawed vertebrates)
Disease Pathogen
Superclass : Pisces (Bear fins) Malaria Plasmodium
Class : Chondrichthyes Amoebiasis Enta moeba
•• They have a cartilagenous skeleton. histolylica
•• Some of them possess electric organs
e.g. Torpedo. Giardiasis Giardia lambia
•• Examples: Scoliodon (Dog fish), Trygon Sleeping sickness Trypanosoma
(Sting ray). Leshmanis Leishmania
Class : Osteichthyes Trichomoniasis Trichomonas
•• They have a bony skeleton. vaginalis
Corals are marine coelenterates which secrete hard stony substance which form external skeleton.
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GENERAL SCIENCE
Fungal diseases Immunity
Disease Pathogen he term immunity refers to the
•• T
specific resistance exhibited by the host
Aspergillosis Aspergillus fumigatuo
towards infections by micro-organisms
Candidiasis Candida albicens (pathogens) and their products.
Ringworm Trichoplyton Innate or Natural Immunity
Blastomycosis Blasto myces •• Innate immunity is developed in an
dermatitidis individual without having the disease
Sporotnichosis Sporothrix Schenckii or immunization, e.g., recreation of
sweat glands contain certain chemical
Bacteria Diseases substances which prevent the entry of
micro-organisms.
Disease Pathogen
•• It is present from birth.
Dysentery Shigella
Acquired Immunity
Plague Pasteurellapestis
•• T
he resistance against infectious
Diphtheria Corynebacterium disease that an individual acquires
diphtheriae during life is known as acquired
Cholera Vibrio cholerae immunity.
Tuberculosis Mycobacterium Antibody Mediated Immunity
tuberculosis •• B
cells produce specialized proteins
Tetanus Clostridium tetani called antibodies (immunoglobulin)
Whooping cough Bordetella pertussis which are glycoproteins.
Leprosy Mycobacterium leprae Classification of Antibodies :
Anthrax Bacillus anthrasis (a) Ig A – Protects from inhaled or ingested
pathogens.
Weil’s disease Leptospira (b) Ig D – Present on lymphocyte surface as
receptors, activation of B cells.
Viral Diseases (c) Ig E – Mediator in allergic response.
(d) Ig G – Stimulation of phagocytes and
Disease Pathogen complement system, passive immunity
Rabies Rabies virus to foetus.
(e) Ig M – Activation of B cells.
Dengue Dengue virus
Influenza Influenza virus MERS : Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
(MERS) is new viral disease related to
Measles Rubeola virus
respiratory illness. Including fever, cough
German measles Rubella virus and shortness of breath. Affected countries
Mumps Mumps virus is Middle East include Egypt, Iran, Jordan,
Chicken pox Varicella zoster Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
and UAE.
Small pox Variola virus
SARS : Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Polio Polio virus (SARS) is caused by coronavirus called,
Chikungunya Chikungunya (CHIK) SARS-CoV. First time this disease was
Virus reported in November 2002 in Guangdong
Avian flu H5N1 virus province, China. It begins with high fever
headache an overall feeling of discomfort,
H1N1(Swine flu) H1N1 virus and bodyaches.
Arthropods have external skeleton composed of poly saccharide called chitin.
Ebola: Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola Diabetes

HF) is a severe & fatal disease in humans, Diabetes is a long-term condition caused
monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees. It is by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood.
caused by Ebola virus, named after the There are two main types of diabetes
Ebola River found in Congo. Ebola is spread Type 1
through direct contact (through broken Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t
skin or unprotected mucous membranes produce enough insulin to function
in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth). properly or the body’s cells don’t react to
The symptoms appears for Ebola HF from insulin. This is known as insulin resistance.
2 to 21 days. Symptoms are fever, headache,
joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and Type 2
weakness, followed by diarrhoea, vomiting, Diabetes is a far more common than type
and stomach pain. 1 diabetes, which occurs when the body
doesn’t produce any insulin at all.
Zika : Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus
Symptoms
transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Symptoms common to both types of diabetes
The virus was first identified in 1947 in
include
Uganda and its name has been derived from
(i) Feeling very thirsty
Zika Forest.
(ii) Urinating frequently, particularly at
Transmission : Zika virus is transmitted by
night.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Most common symptoms : Headache, (iii) Feeling very tired.
muscle and joint pain, mild fever, rash, (iv) Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk.
pinkeye and inflammation of the underside Rabies
of the eyelid.
Linkages: It causes neurological disorders and Rabies is a viral disease which is endemic
foetal deformation known as Microcephaly in most African and Asian countries and it
in which infants are born with abnormally affects the central nervous system of warm
smaller heads that can cause brain damage. blooded animals, including human. This
fatal zoonotic viral disease transmitted
AIDS :
to human through contact (mainly bites
•• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
and scratches) with infected animals both
(AIDS) is caused by Human Deficiency
domestic and wild. Clinical signs of rabies
Virus (HIV) which destroys the CD4 in animals will vary depending on the effect
Cells that are essential for the body of the virus on the brain. Typical signs
immune symptoms. include sudden behavioural changes and
•• HIV is transmitted (spread) through the progressive paralysis leading to death.
blood, semen, genital fluids, or breast Dengue
milk of a person infected with HIV.
Dengue fever occurs through 1 to 4 types of
•• Unprotected sex and sharing of drug dengue virus. It is spread by the bite of an
injection equipment with the person infected dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti).
infected with HIV are the most common It is characterized by high fever lasting 3-7
ways of HIV transmission. days frontal headache pain behind the eyes
•• It takes many years to develop the HIV and muscle joint pain and muscular and
symptoms but the HIV infected person rash on skin. There is no specific treatment
can spread the virus at any stage of HIV for Dengue fever till now.
infection. Chikungunya
•• 1st December is also remembered as Chikungunya fever is a viral illness caused
World AIDS day globally people unite by an arbovirus transmitted by the Aedes
together to fight against HIV showing mosquitoes. Chikungunya disease does not
support to the people infected with HIV. often result in death, but the symptoms can
Bird flu or avian influenza is caused by deadly strain of bird flu – H5N1.
GK-398
GENERAL SCIENCE
be severe and disabling. Symptoms appear Common Brain Diseases
after 3-7 days after infected by the virus. Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a condition where
Most common symptom is fever, joint pain
a person has recurrent seizures, abnormal
and headache.
discharge of electrical activity in the brain
Common Heart Diseases cells which may give rise to abnormal
Coronary artery disease or Arthro- behaviour such as involuntary muscle
movements, unusual perceptions and
sclerosis: In this disorder the deposition
disturbed level of consciousness. Epilepsy
of calcium, fat, cholesterol and fibrous
tissue occur in coronary arteries which can occur due to brain injury, brain tumor,
makes the lumen of arteries narrower and chemical abnormalities and alcohol or drug
thereby affect the blood supply. effects.
Angina (angina pectoris): Angina is an Loss of Consciousness: Faintness
acute chest pain due to oxygen deficiency includes the sensation of dizziness
to heart muscles. It occurs due to oxygen lightheadedness and weakness. The
deficiency to heart muscles. It occurs due to majority of attack is due to altered reflex
improper blood flow. It is common among affecting cardiac rate, vascular tone
middle-aged and elderly person. and some time due to severe cardiac
Heart Failure (congestive heart disturbances.
failure): It is the condition in which heart Cancer : Cancer is a complex genetical
is not pumping blood enough to meet the disease which occurs due to the environmental
need of the body. Congestion of the lung is factors. Cancer causing agent (carcinogen)
the main symptom. may be present in food and water, in air in
Arteriosclerosis: It is the state of sunlight and in chemicals.
hardening of arteries and arterioles due
to thickening of the fibrous tissue and Biology in Human Welfare
consequent loss of elasticity. It leads to
hypertension. Animal Husbandry
Common Lung Diseases It deals with the care, breeding &
management of domesticated animals that
Asthma: It is a disease caused due to an
are useful to humans.
allergic reaction to foreign substances that
affect the respiratory tract. In people with Poultry Farming
asthma, the walls of these airways become •• P oultry is a rearing of domesticated fowls,
inflamed (swollen) and oversensitive. The ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowls and
airways over react to things like smoke,
pigeons.
air pollution, mold, and many chemical
•• Poultry birds exclusively grown for
sprays. Bronchioles can constrict (narrow)
meat are called broilers, layers are for
because of muscle spasms. Drugs called
bronchodilators (inhalers). These devices egg production, cockerel for young
help dilate (open up) the bronchioles. male fowls and rooster are mature male
fowls.
Bronchitis (Inflammation of the
Bronchi): A condition where the bronchi Fisheries
and bronchioles get inflamed and their •• P isciculture is the rearing, breeding
cavities become narrow so that air and catching of fishes.
cannot pass in and out of lungs easily. •• Aquaculture is rearing and management
The bronchial pathway gets blocked with of useful aquatic plants and animals like
the accumulation of mucus on the wall of fishes, oysters, and prawns etc.
bronchi due to which walls inflammation
of the wall occur. Bronchitis occurs due to Apiculture
cough and cold smoking and exposure to air •• A
piculture is rearing and breeding
pollutant like carbon monoxide. of honeybees for the production of
Ig A is the main immunoglobulin found in mucous secretions including tears, saliva, sweat, etc.
honey. It also produces beeswax and Out-crossing: Mating between the animals
bee pollen. Beeswax is used for the of the same breed which do not have a
preparation of cosmetics and polishes common ancestor.
of various kinds. Cross-breeding: Mating between the
•• The commonest species of honeybee is superior animals of different breeds of the
Apis indica. same species.
MOET (Multiple Ovulation Embryo
Animal Breeding Transfer) technique is a programme
Animal breeding is the production of which improves the chances of successful
new breeds of domesticated animals production of hybrids.
with improved traits. Breeding is the
modification of genotype of an organism to Plant Breeding
make that organism more useful to human. •• P
lant breeding refers to the modification
Inbreeding: Mating between the closely and improvement of genetic material
related animals of same breed. of plants resulting in the development
Out-breeding: Mating between the animals of crops which are more beneficial to
which are not closely related. human beings.
Crop Variety Resistance to diseases
Wheat Himgiri Hill bunt, leaf and stripe rust
Cauliflower Pusa snowball Blight black rot, Black rot and Curl
K-1, Pusa shubra
Brassica Pusa Swarnim (Karan rai) White rust
Cowpea Pusa Komal Bacterial blight
Chilli Pusa Chilly mosaic virus, Tobacco mosaic
Sadabahar virus and leaf curl.
Table : Crop varieties bred by hybridization and selection for disease resistance to fungi,
bacteria and viral disease.
•• Examples of insect pest resistance crops using living organism cells or enzymes.
bred by hybridization are This technology has application in
(i) Pusa Gaurav variety of Brassica is agriculture, food processing industry,
resistant to aphids. bioremediation, medicine diagnostics,
(ii) Pusa Sawani and Pusa A-4 waste treatment and energy production.
varieties of Okra (Bhindi) are •• Biotechnology deals with:
resistant to shoot and fruit borer. ¾¾ Microbe-mediated processes
(iii) Pusa sem 2 and Pusa sem 3 (making curd, bread, wine etc.)
varieties of flat bean are resistance ¾¾ In vitro fertilization (‘test tube’
to aphids and fruit borer. baby programme)
Biotechnology and its Application ¾¾ Synthesis and using of gene
•• It deals with large scale production and ¾¾ Preparation of a DNA vaccine
marketing of products and processes ¾¾ Correcting a defective gene
Medical Discoveries
Discovery Made by Country Year
Antibiotic (Penicillin) Alexander Fleming Scotland 1928
Antiseptic Joseph Lister Scotland 1867
Aspirin Dr Felix Hoffmann Germany 1899
Blood Circulation William Harvey Britain 1628
Blood Group K. Landsteiner Austria 1900-1902
Blood Transfusion Jean-Baptiste Denys France 1625
DNA was first discovered in 1869 by swiss Friedrich Mieschler.
GK-400
GENERAL SCIENCE
Cholera and TB Germs Robert Koch Germany 1883
Diphtheria Germs Klebs and Loffler Germany 1883-84
Electro cardiogram (ECG) William Einthoven Dutch 1903
Heart-Lung machine John Heynsham Gibbon US 1953
Hypodermic Syringe Alexander Wood Britain 1853
Heart Transplant Christian Barnard South Africa 1967
Kidney Machine W. J. Kolf The Netherlands 1944
Malaria Germs A. Laveran France 1880
Organ Transplant John P. Merril USA 1953
Scan (CAT) Godfrey Hounsfield England 1973
Sphygomomanometer Scipione Riva-Rocci Italy 1896
Stethoscope Rene Laennec France 1819
Thermometer (Clinical) Sir Thomas Albutt England 1867
Ultrasound Ian Donald Ireland 1950
X-ray W. Roentgen Germany 1895
Important Vaccines
Vaccine Developed by Country Year
Small Pox Edward Jenner England 1796
Cholera Louis Pasteur France 1880
Diphtheria and Emil Adolf Von Behring and Shibasaburo Germany/Japan 1891
Tetanus Kitasato
TB Vaccine Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin France 1922
Polio Vaccine Jonas E. Salk US 1952
Oral Polio Vaccine Albert Bruce Sabin US 1955
Measles Vaccine John F. Enders, Thomas peeble US 1953
Rabies Vaccine Louis Pasteur France 1885
Typhus Vaccine Charles Nicolle France 1909
Health Guide FRUITS

CALORIE CHART Apple 1 small 50-60
Banana ½ Medium 50-60
Food Categories Measure Calories
Grapes 20 small 50-60
MILK & MILK PRODUCTS Mango 1 small 50-60
Milk (Cow) 90 ml 50 Musambi 1 Medium 50-60
Milk (Buffalo) 45 ml 50 Orange 1 small 50-60
Cheese 15 gms 50 CEREAL

Cooked Cereal ½ Cup 80
Butter 1 tbsp 50
Rice Cooked 25 gms 80
Ghee 1 tbsp 50 1 Medium 80
Chapati
Mostly people in world have cornea defect. It does not need blood match. 1 cornea can be donated at least to 3 persons.
STARCY VEGETABLES 167.5 59.0-64.8 157.5 48.5-53.9

Potato 1 Medium 80 170.0 60.7-66.6 160.0 49.9-55.3
Pulses 1 Large 80
172.5 62.6-68.9 162.5 51.2-57.1
Katori
Mixed 150 gms 80 175.0 64.4-70.7 165.0 52.6-58.9
Vegetables 178.0 66.2-72.5 167.5 54.4-61.2
PROTEIN / MEAT 180.0 68.0-74.8 170.0 56.2-63.0
Fish 50 gms 55 183.0 69.8-77.1 172.5 58.0-64.8
Mutton 1 oz 75 185.5 71.6-79.3 175.0 59.8-66.6
Egg (Hen) 2 pieces 100
188.0 73.4-81.6 178.0 61.6-68.4
COOKED FOOD
190.5 75.7-83.9 180.0 63.5-70.3
Biscuit (Sweet) 15 gms 70
193.0 78.0-86.1 183.0 65.3-72.1
Cake (Plain) 50 gms 135 +For Medium Frame Persons
Cake (Rich 50 gms 225
Chocolate)
Branches of Science
Dosa (Masala) 1 Medium 120 Branch Study
Pakoras 1 Medium 175 Acarology – study of mites
Puri 1 Large 85 Adenology – study of glands
Samosa 1 Piece 140 Angiology – study of blood flow
Vada (Medu) 1 Small 70 and lymphatic system
MAIN DISH Apiology – study of bees
Biryani (Mutton) 1 Cup 225 Arthrology – study of joints
Biryani (veg.) 1 Cup 200 Astheniology – study of diseases of
Curry (Chicken) 100 gms 225 weakening and aging
Auxology – science of growth
Curry (Veg.) 100 gms 130
Fried Rice 85 gms 140 Barology – study of gravitation
Pullao (Veg.) 100 gms 130 Biometrics – study of biological
measurement
SWEET DISH
Bromatology – study of food
Carrot Halwa 50 gms 300
Ctetology – study of the
Jalebi 20 gms 100
inheritance
Kheer 100 gms 180 of acquired
Rasgulla 150 gms 140 characteristics
HEIGHT & WEIGHT CHART Cacogenics – study of racial
degeneration
Height Weight Height Weight
(Cms) (Kgs) (Cms) (Kgs) Carcinology – study of cards and
+ Men + Women other crustaceans
Carpology – study of fruits and
157.5 53.5-57.1 147.5 43.5-48.5
seeds
160.0 54.8-60.3 150.0 44.4-49.9 Catacoustics – science of echoes or
162.5 56.2-61.6 152.5 45.8-51.2 reflected sounds
Cetology – study of whales and
165.0 57.8-63.0 155.5 47.1-52.6 dolphins
Bt cotton was the first genetically modified crop of cotton variety, which produces an insecticide to ball worms.
GK-402
GENERAL SCIENCE
Branch Study Branch Study
Chemistry – study of properties of Herpetology – study of reptiles and
substances amphibians
Chirography – study of handwriting Histology – study of the tissues of
or penmanship
organisms
Cosmology – study of the universe
Horology – science of time
Craniology – study of the skull
measurement
Dactylography – the study of
Horticulture – study of gardening
fingerprints
Hyetology – science of rainfall
Dactylology – study of sign
language Hygienics – study of sanitation;
Demography – study of population. health
Demology – study of human Hygiastics – science of health and
behaviour hygiene
Dermatology – study of skin Hypnology – study of sleep; study
Ecology – study of environment of hypnosis
Edaphology – study of soils Insectology – study of insects
Emetology – study of vomiting Ichthyology – study of fish
Emmenology – the study of Irenology – the study of peace
menstruation Kalology – study of beauty
Endocrinology – study of ductless Kinematics – study of motion
glands
Kinetics – study of forces
Entomology – study of insects
producing or
Entozoology – study of parasites
changing motion
that live inside larger
organisms Karyology – study of cell nuclei
Epidemiology – study of diseases; Laryngology – study of larynx
epidemics Lepidopterology – study of butterflies
Euthenics – science concerned and moths
with improving living Leprology – study of leprosy
conditions
Magnanerie – art of raising
Geochemistry – study of chemistry of
silkworms
the earth’s crust
Magnetics – study of magnetism
Geogony – study of formation of
the earth Malacology – study of molluscs
Geology – study of earth’s crust Malariology – study of malaria
Geoponics – study of agriculture Mammalogy – study of mammals
Graminology – study of grasses Mastology – study of mammals or
Gynaecology – study of women’s mammary glands or
physiology breast diseases
Halieutics – study of fishing Meteoritics – study of meteors
Helminthology – study of worms Meteorology – study of weather
Hematology – study of blood Metrology – science of weights
Hepatology – study of liver and measures
Branch Study Branch Study

Microbiology – study of microscopic Palaeontology – study of fossils
organisms Parasitology – study of parasites
Microclimatology – study of local Pathology – study of disease
climates
Pharmacology – study of drugs
Microphytology – study of very small
Physiology – study of processes
plant life
of life
Morphology – study of forms and
the development of Psychology – study of mind
structures Pyretology – study of fevers
Myology – study of muscles Rheumatology – study of rheumatism
Magirics – art of cookery Radiology – study of X-rays
Nasology – study of the nose and their medical
Neonatology – study of newborn applications.
babies Seismology – study of earthquakes
Nephology – study of clouds Sociology – study of society
Nephrology – study of the kidneys Tectonics – science of structure
Obstetrics – study of midwifery of objects, buildings
Odontology – study of teeth and land forms
Oncology – study of tumours Toxicology – study of poisons
Oology – study of eggs Urology – study of urine;
Optics – study of light urinary tract
Ornithology – study of birds Virology – study of viruses
Osteology – study of bones Xylology – study of wood
Otology – study of the ear Zoiatrics – veterinary surgery
Paedology – study of children Zoology – study of animals
GK-404
GENERAL SCIENCE
EVERYDAY SCIENCE
•• Why on mixing salt to the water the Water, which is heavier than petrol,
level of water remain same? slips down permitting the petrol to
The matter is made up of particle. When rise to the surface and continue to
we dissolve particle of salt it occupies burn. Besides, the existing temperature
the space between the particles of water. is so high that the water poured on
••
Why is carbon dioxide used in the fire evaporates even before it can
extinguishing fire? extinguish the fire. The latter is true if a
small quantity of water is poured.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is heavier than
•• Why does water remain cold in an
oxygen, (O2). So it makes a blanket and
earthen pot?
do not allow oxygen to come in contact There are pores in an earthen pot which
for combustion. allow water to percolate to the outer
••
Evaporation takes place at lower surface. Here evaporation of water
temperature around 60° & above, takes place thereby producing a cooling
but boiling at 100° C. effect.
Evaporation is a surface phenomenon, •• Why do we place a wet cloth on the
occurs only in the upper part of water forehead of a patient suffering from
but boiling is a bulk phenomenon. high fever?
•• Plant cells are stronger than animal Because of the body’s temperature,
cells. water evaporating from the wet cloth
produces a cooling effect and brings the
Plant cells lacks lysosome (suicide bag
temperature down.
of cell). So in plant cell even dead cell
•• When a needle is placed on a small piece
help to strengthen the plant.
of blotting paper which is placed on
•• Why number of (white blood cell or the surface of clean water, the blotting
WBC) should be maintained? paper sinks after a few minutes but the
Normally the count of WBC in normal needle floats. However, in a soap
human body is 4500 to 11000 per mg. solution the needle sinks. Why?
But its increase will lead to leukaemia The surface tension of clean water being
and decrease may decrease the higher than that of a soap solution, it can
immunity which may lead to HIV. support the weight of a needle due to its
•• Why head injury is more vulnerable? surface tension. By addition of soap, the
The head cells are basically neuron cell, surface tension of water reduces,
which are specialized cell, which do not thereby resulting in the sinking of the
regenerate. It ultimately is very fatal. needle.
•• To prevent multiplication of mosquitoes,
•• Who will possibly learn swimming
it is recommended to sprinkle oil in
faster-a fat person or thin person ?
the ponds with stagnant water. Why?
The fat person displaces more water
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.
which will help him float much more The larvae of mosquitoes keep floating
freely compared to a thin person. on the surface of water due to surface
•• Why is a flash of lightening seen tension. However, when oil is sprinkled,
before thunder? the surface tension is lowered resulting
Because light travels faster than sound, in drowning and death of the larvae.
it reaches the Earth before the sound of •• How does oil rise on a cloth tape of
thunder. an oil lamp?
•• Why cannot a fire caused by petrol The pores in the cloth tape suck oil due
be extinguished by water? to the capillary action of oil.
•• How are ventilators in a room always into lactic acid which on reacting with
made near the roof? milk protein (caesin), forms curd.
The hot air being lighter in weight •• Why does hard water not lather soap
tends to rise above and escape from the profusely?
ventilators at the top. This allows the Hard water contains sulphates and
cool air to come in the room to take its chlorides of magnesium and calcium
place. which forms an insoluble compound
•• How does ink get filled in a fountain with soap. Therefore, soap does not
pen? lather with hard water.
When the rubber tube of a fountain pen •• Why is it dangerous to have charcoal
is immersed in ink it is pressed, the air fire burning in a closed room?
inside the tube comes out and when the When charcoal burns it produces
pressure is released the ink rushes in to carbon monoxide which is suffocating
fill the air space in the tube. and can cause death.
•• Why are air coolers less effective •• Why is it dangerous to sleep under
during the rainy season? trees at night?
During the rainy reason the atmospheric Plants respire at night and give out
air is saturated with moisture. Therefore, carbon dioxide which reduces the
the process of evaporation of water from oxygen content of air under the trees
the moist pads of the cooler slows down required for breathing.
thereby not cooling the air blown out •• Why does ENO’s salt effervesce on
from the cooler. addition of water?
•• Why does grass gather more dew in It contains tartaric acid and sodium
nights than metallic objects such as bicarbonate. On adding water, carbon
stones? dioxide is produced which when released
Grass being a good radiator enables into water causes effervescence.
water vapour in the air to condense •• Why does milk turn sour?
on it. Moreover, grass gives out water The microbes react with milk and grow.
constantly (transpiration) which They turn lactose into lactic acid which
appears in the form of dew because the is sour in taste.
air near grass is saturated with water •• Why is a new quilt warmer than an
vapour and slows evaporation. Dew old one?
is formed on objects which are good In the new quilt the cotton is not
radiators and bad conductors.
compressed and it encloses more
•• If a lighted paper is introduced in a jar
air which is bad conductor of heat.
filled with carbon dioxide, its flame is
Therefore, it does not allow heat to
extinguished. Why ?
pass.
Because carbon dioxide does not help
•• Eskimos live in double-walled ice
in burning. For burning oxygen is
houses. Why?
required.
Because the air in between two ice walls
•• Why does the mass of an iron rod
does not allow heat to pass. Ultimately
increase on rusting?
they feel warmer in it compared to
Because rust is hydrated ferric oxide
which adds to the mass of the iron rod. environment
The process of rusting involves addition •• Curved rail tracks or curved roads
of hydrogen and oxygen elements to are banked or raised on one side.
iron. Why?
•• Why does milk curdle? Because a fast moving train or vehicle
Lactose (milk sugar) content of milk leans inwards while taking turn and
undergoes fermentation and changes the banked or raised track provides
GK-406
GENERAL SCIENCE
required centripetal force to enable it to •• Why is it easier to lift a heavy object
move round the curve. under water than in air?
•• How do bats fly in dark? Because when a body is immersed in
When bats fly they produce ultrasonic water, it experiences an upward thrust
sound waves which are reflected back (Archimedes’ Principle) and loses
to them from the obstacles in their weight equal to the weight of the water
way and hence they can fly without displaced by its immersed portion, and
difficulty. hence, is easier to lift objects.
•• Water pipes often burst at hill •• If a highly pumped up bicycle tyre
stations on cold frosty nights. Why? is left in the hot sunlight, it bursts.
The temperature at hill stations may Why?
fall below 0°C during cold frosty nights The air inside the tube increases in volume
which converts the water inside the when heated up. As sufficient space for
pipes into ice, resulting in an increase the expansion of the air is not available
in volume. This exerts great force on the because the tube is already highly
pipes and as a result, they burst. pumped, it may result in bursting of the
•• Why are white clothes more comfortable tyre.
in summer than dark or black ones? •• What will be the colour of green
White clothes are good reflectors and grass in blue light?
bad absorbers of heat, whereas dark Grass will appear dark in colour
or black clothes are good absorbers of because it absorbs all other colours of
heat. Therefore, white clothes are more the light except its own green colour.
comfortable because they do not absorb The blue light failing on grass will be
heat from the sun rays. absorbed by it, and hence, it will appear
•• Why does a rose appear red and dark in colour.
grass green in daylight? •• Why do two eyes give better vision
Rose absorbs all the constituent colours than one?
of white light except red which is Because two eyes do not form exactly
reflected to us. Similarly, grass absorbs similar images and the fusion of these
all colours except green which is two dissimilar images in the brain gives
reflected to us. three dimensions of the stereoscopic
•• Why does a ship rise as it enters the vision.
sea from a river? •• Why do we bring our hands close to
The density of sea water is high due the mouth while shouting across to
to impurities and salts compared to someone far away?
river water. As a result, the upthrust By keeping hands close to mouth the sound
produced by the sea water on the ship is not allowed to spread (phenomenon of
is more than that of river water. diffraction of sound) in all directions but
•• Why are fuses provided in electric is directed to a particular direction and
installations? becomes louder.
A safety fuse is made of a wire of metal •• Why does a corked bottle filled with
having a very low melting point. When
water burst if left out on a frosty
excess current flows in, the wire gets
night?
heated, melts and breaks the circuit.
Because of low temperature the water
By breaking the circuit it saves electric
inside the bottle freezes. On freezing it
equipment or installations from
expands, thereby its volume increases
damage by excessive flow of current.
and pressure is exerted on the walls.
•• Why is a small gap left at the joint while touching the ground but his upper
between two rails? portion which is still in motion propels
To permit expansion of rails due to heat him forward.
generated by friction of a moving train. •• Why does an ordinary glass tumbler
•• Why cannot a copper wire be used to crack when very hot tea or milk is poured
make elements in electric heater? in it?
Copper melts at 108.3°C and forms a black When a hot liquid is poured into a
powder on reacting with atmospheric tumbler, the inner layer of the tumbler
oxygen. For heater elements a metal
gets heated, it expands before the outer
should have more resistance to produce
layer and an unequal expansion of both
•• Why are water or mercury droplets
layers causes the tumbler to crack.
always round when dropped on a
•• Why is a compass used as an indicator
clean glass?
The surface of a liquid is the seat of of direction?
a special force as a result of which The magnetic needles of a compass under
molecules on the surface are bound the influence of the earth’s magnetic field
together to form something like a lie in a north-south direction. Hence, we
stretched membrane. They tend to can identify direction.
compress the molecules below to •• Why is water from a hand pump
the smallest possible volume which warm in winter and cold in summer?
causes the drop to take a round shape In winter the outside temperature is
as for a given mass the sphere has lower than that of water flowing out of
minimum volume. the pump, and therefore, the water is
•• Why does a balloon filled with warm. Whereas, in summer, the outside
hydrogen rise in the air? temperature is higher than the water of
Weight of hydrogen is less than the the pump, and therefore, it feels cold.
weight of air displaced by it. In balloons •• Why is a rainbow seen after a
hydrogen is normally filled because it is
shower?
lighter than air.
After a shower the clouds containing
•• Why do we lean forward while
water droplets act like a prism through
climbing a hill?
which the white light is dispersed
In order to keep the vertical line passing
through our centre of gravity always producing a spectrum.
between our feet, which is essential to •• Why does a swimming pool appear less
attain equilibrium or stability. deep than it actually is?
•• Why does smoke curl up in the air? The rays of light coming from the bottom
Smoke contains hot gases which being of the pool pass from a denser medium
lighter in weight, follows a curved path (water) to a rarer medium (air) and are
because of the eddy currents that are refracted (bend away from the normal).
set up in the air. When the rays return to the surface they
•• Why does an electric bulb explode form an image of the bottom of the pool
when it is broken? at a point which is little above the real
The bulb encompasses partial vacuum position.
and as it breaks, air rushes in causing a •• Why is one’s breath visible in winter
small explosion. but not in summer?
•• Why does a man fall forward when In winter, water vapour contained in the
he jumps out of a running train or
breath condenses into small droplets
bus?
which become visible but in summer
He is in motion while in the train or bus.
they are quickly evaporated and not seen.
When he jumps out, his feet comes to rest
GK-408
GENERAL SCIENCE
•• Why doesn’t the electric filament in •• Why is it difficult to breathe at higher
an electric bulb burn up? altitudes?
Firstly, because it is made of tungsten Because of low air pressure at higher
which has a very high melting point altitudes the quantity of air is less, and
(3410°C) whereas the temperature of the so also that of oxygen.
filament required to glow is only 2700°C. •• Why are winter nights and summer
Secondly, oxygen is absent since the bulb nights warmer during cloudy weather
than when the sky is clear?
is filled with an inert gas which does not
Clouds being bad conductors of heat
help in burning.
do not permit radiation of heat from
•• Why does blotting paper absorb ink?
land to escape into the sky. As this heat
Blotting paper has fine pores which
remains in the atmosphere, the cloudy
act like capillaries. When a portion of
nights are warmer.
blotting paper is brought in contact with
•• Why is a metal tyre heated before it
ink, ink enters the pores due to surface
is fixed on wooden wheels?
tension (capillary action of liquids) and On heating, the metal tyre expands by
is absorbed. which its circumference also increases
•• Why does a small ball of iron sink in This makes fixing the wheel easier and
water but a large ship float? thereafter cooling down shrinks it; thus
The weight of water displaced by an fixing the tyre tightly.
iron ball is less than its own weight, •• Why is it easier to swim in the sea
whereas water displaced by the than in a river?
immersed portion of a ship is equal to The density of sea water is higher;
its weight (Archimedes’ Principle). hence the upthrust is more than that of
•• Why does ice float on water? river water.
The weight of the ice block is equal to •• A man with a load jumps from a
the weight of the liquid displaced by the high building. What will be the load
immersed portion of the ice experience by him ?
•• Why does moisture gather outside a Zero, because while falling, both the
tumbler containing cold water? man and the load are falling at the same
The water vapour in the air condenses on acceleration i.e. acceleration due to
cooling and appears as droplets of water. gravity.
•• Why does kerosene float on water? •• A piece of chalk when immersed in
Because the density of kerosene is less water, emits bubbles. Why?
than that of water. For the same reason Chalk consists of pores forming
capillaries. When it is immersed in
cream rises in milk and floats at the top.
water the water begins to rise in the
•• Why is the water in an open pond cool
capillaries and air present there is
even on a hot summer day?
expelled in the form of bubbles.
As the water evaporates from the open
•• Why does a liquid remain hot or
surface of a pond, heat is taken away in
cold for a long time inside a thermos
the process, leaving the surface cool. flask?
•• Why is it less difficult to cook rice or The presence of air, a poor conductor of
potatoes at higher altitudes? heat, between the double glass wall of
Atmospheric pressure at higher a thermos flask, keeps the liquid hot or
altitudes is low and boils water below cold inside a flask for a long time.
100°C. The boiling point of water is •• Why does a ball bounce upon falling?
directly proportional to the pressure on When a ball falls, it is temporarily
its surface. deformed. Because of elasticity, the ball
tends to regain its original shape for •• On the Moon, will the weight of a
which it presses the ground and bounce man be less or more than his weight
up (Newton’s Third Law of Motion). on the Earth?
•• Why is standing in boats or The gravity of the moon is one-sixth
double decker buses not allowed, that of the earth; hence the weight of a
particularly in the upper deck of person on the surface of the moon will
buses? be one-sixth of his actual weight on
On tilting the centre of gravity of the earth.
boat or bus is lowered and it is likely to •• Why do some liquids burn while
overturn. others do not?
•• Why is it recommended to add salt to
A liquid burns if its molecules can
water while boiling dal?
combine with oxygen in the air with the
By addition of salt, the boiling point
production of heat. Hence, oil burns but
of water gets raised which helps in
water does not.
cooking the dal sooner.
•• Why is the boiling point of sea water •• Why can we see ourselves in a
more than that of pure water? mirror?
Sea water contains salt, and other We see objects when light rays from
impurities which cause an elevation in them reach our eyes. As mirrors have a
its boiling point. shiny surface, the light rays are reflected
•• Why is it easier to spray water to back to us and enter our eyes.
which soap is added? •• Why does a solid chunk of iron sink
Addition of soap decreases the surface in water but floats in mercury?
tension of water. The energy for Because the density of iron is more
spraying is directly proportional to than that of water but less than that of
surface tension. mercury.
•• Which is more elastic, rubber or •• Why is cooking quicker in a pressure
steel? cooker?
Steel is more elastic for the same stress As the pressure inside the cooker
produced compared with rubber. increases, the boiling point of water is
•• Why is the sky blue? raised. Hence, the cooking process is
Violet and blue light have short waves quicker.
which are scattered more than red
•• When wood burns, it crackles.
light waves. While red light goes almost
Explain.
straight through the atmosphere.
Wood contains a complex mixture of
Blue and violet light are scattered by
gases and tar forming vapours trapped
particles in the atmosphere. Thus, we
under its surface. These gases and tar
see a blue sky.
vapours escape, making a crackling
•• Why does ink leak out of partially
sound.
filled pen when taken to a higher
altitude? •• Why do stars twinkle?
As we go up, the pressure and density The light from a star reaches us after
of air goes on decreasing. A partially refraction as it passes through various
filled pen leaks when taken to a higher layers of air. When the light passes
altitude because the pressure of air through the earth’s atmosphere, it is
acting on the ink inside the tube of the made to flicker by the hot and cold
pen is greater than the pressure of the ripples of air and it appears as if the
air outside. stars are twinkling.
GK-410
GENERAL SCIENCE
•• W hy is it easier to roll a barrel than •• W hy do we perspire before rains?
to pull it? Before the rain falls, the atmosphere
Because the rolling force of friction is gets saturated with water vapour, as
less than the dynamic force of sliding a result, the process of evaporation of
friction . sweat is delayed.
•• If a feather, a wooden ball and a steel •• Why does a thermometer kept in
ball fall simultaneously in a vacuum, boiling water show no change in
which one of these would fall faster? reading after 100°C?
All will fall at the same speed in vacuum The boiling point of water is 100°C.
because there will be no air resistance Once water starts boiling at this
and the earth’s gravity will exert a temperature, thermometer records no
similar gravitational pull on all. change in temperature. The quantity of
•• When a man fires a gun, he is pushed heat supplied is being utilized as latent
back slightly. Why?
heat of evaporation to convert the water
As the bullet leaves the nozzle of the
gun’s barrel with momentum in a at boiling point into vapour.
forward direction, as per Newton’s •• TB patients are suggested to live in
Third Law of Motion, the ejection sanatorium.
imparts to the gun an equal momentum At high altitude count of RBC
in a backward direction. (haemoglobin) increases.
•• Ice wrapped in a blanket or saw dust •• Rate of breathing in fish is higher
does not melt quickly. Why?
than human being.
Both blanket and saw dust are bad
conductors of heat. They do not permit Fish live in water, where amount of
heat rays to reach the ice easily. dissolved oxygen in water is less, so fish
•• Why do we perspire on a hot day? breath at higher rate to get adequate
When the body temperature rises, the oxygen for respiration.
sweat glands are stimulated to secrete •• Cornea transplant do not need blood
perspiration. It is nature’s way to keep match.
the body cool. During the process of
Cornea does not have blood vessel. It
evaporation of sweat, body heat is taken
away, thus, giving a sense of coolness. takes oxygen directly from atmosphere.
•• Why does ice float on water but sink •• Clay layers are poor aquifers.
in alcohol? Clay minerals are dense impermeable
Because ice is lighter than water it material and act as an aquifers i.e a layer
floats on it. However, ice is heavier than of material that is almost impermeable
alcohol and therefore it sinks in alcohol. to water.
MYTHS & REALITY IN EVERY DAY SCIENCE

1. Hair and fingernails continues to and influenza are caused by viruses
grow after death: and are not affected by antibiotic use.
Reality: People believe that hair and While some might think that taking
fingernails grows even after the death antibiotics could be helpful on some
of the person. The person would need level and want them for viral disease
to still be eating and digesting nutrients that is actually wrong and could bring
and performing cellular processes. So
on more problems. Taking antibiotics
there’s no way the body is producing
in a manner contrary to their intended
more keratin in order to make hair and
purpose or dosage instruction could
fingernails.
cause other common bacteria within
2. Antibiotics can kill the virus:
Reality: By definition antibiotics can the body to become drug-resistant,
kill only bacteria. The common cold which has become critically important.
3. Dropping a penny from a tall building 8. Brain cell cannot regenerate:

will kill someone: Reality: The study has found that the
Reality: Some people believes that memory and learning center of the
pennies when fall on the head from brain can create new cells – giving hope
top of any tall building it may kill the for an eventual cure for illnesses like
person. Pennies are fairly lightweight Alzheimer’s.
at around one gram and being a flat 9. Meteors are heated by friction when
circle doesn’t bode well in terms entering the atmosphere:
Reality: When a meteoroid enters the
of aerodynamics. Because it would
atmosphere of the earth (becoming
tumble and flip the entire way down,
a meteor), it is actually the speed
its low mass and relatively low terminal
compressing the air in front of the
velocity wouldn’t do much damage to
object that causes it to heat up. It is the
the people rather. It would feel similar pressure on the air that generates a
to getting flicked in the head. Annoying, heat intense enough to make the rock
yes; but not lethal. so hot that is glows brilliantly.
4. Sugar makes children hyperactive: 10. Evolution causes something to go
Reality: Some people believe that sugar from “lower” to “higher”:
consumption by children can influence Reality: It is a fact that according to
hyperactivity in them as they see them natural selection organisms having
in birthday parties. There has not been useful variations are selected by nature
much evidence to suggest that the sugar but there are many cases where an
actually makes children hyperactive. It imperfect organism has survived. Some
may be due to presence of caffeine and examples of this are fungi, sharks,
also due to excitement over getting a crayfish, and mosses – these have all
treat or being around other kids. remained essentially the same over a
5. Tea makes the skin turn darker: great period of time. These organisms
Reality: Tea has been blamed for 11. People use just 10 per cent of their
brain:
causing darker skin tone however there
Reality: Neurologists describe the myth
is no relation between your cup of tea
as false and state we use virtually every
and your skin tone.
part of the brain, and that (most of) the
6. The Earth revolves around the Sun:
brain is active almost all the time.
Reality: Technically, the Earth, sun and 12. Shaving your hair will make it grow
all of the other the planets are orbiting back quicker:
around the centre of mass of the solar Reality: Many believe shaving body hair
system, not specifically the sun. makes it grow back quicker but shaving
7. Vitamin C is an effective treatment hair doesn’t change its thickness, colour
for a cold: or rate of growth. Shaving facial or body
Reality: Flu-sufferers are often hair simply gives the hair a blunt tip
encouraged to increase their dosage of which might feel coarse or ‘stubbly’ for
Vitamin C, but most experts have stated a period of time as it grows out.
that there is little or no evidence that 13. Microwave radiation can cause
the vitamin can help treatment of a cold. cancer:
Instead of effectively treating a cold, Reality: Most experts say that
it is thought to help in building up the microwave ovens don’t give off enough
immune system to ward off potential flu energy to damage the genetic material
(DNA) in cells so they can’t cause cancer.
viruses.
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GENERAL SCIENCE
14. Handling a baby bird will make its oxygen are used for different processes.
mother reject it: In Photosynthesis plants takes carbon
Reality: Most birds have a very poor dioxide, while in respiration plants
sense of smell, so in most cases are takes oxygen.
unable to even notice human scent on 17. Physical changes are reversible
baby bird. while chemical changes are not:
15. The Great Wall of China can be seen Reality: Chemical changes are also
from space: reversible. Some physical changes
Reality: The Apollo astronauts are also hard to reverse, for example,
confirmed that you can’t see the Great crushing a rock.
Wall of China from the Moon. In fact, all 18. Going out in chilly weather causes
you can see from the Moon is the white you to catch cold:
and blue marble of Earth. Reality: A cold is caused by a viral
16. Plants breathe by inhaling carbon infection of the respiratory system.
dioxide and exhaling oxygen: Viruses don’t magically appear in your
Reality: Plants take in air through body because you went out to get the
their leaves. Both carbon dioxide and mail without your scarf and mittens.
TECHNOLOGY & ITS APPLICATION GK-413
TECHNOLOGY & ITS

APPLICATION
BIOTECH INNOVATIONS
Gene Editing Absorbable Heart Stent
Gene editing is a tool for the CRISPRs (Clustered The bio- absorbable version made by Abbott
Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) Laboratories in Illinois
which are the segment of prokaryotic DNA does its job and
containing short repetitions of base sequences. disappears. After six
Genome editing techniques were concurrent
months the stent begins
with other approaches over the years to
to dissolve, and after two years it’s
manipulate gene function, including homologous
completely gone, leaving behind a healthy
recombination and RNA interference.
artery. But cheap stents are metallic which
Cancer Spit Test don’t dissolve.
Forget biopsies—a device designed by Stem cell treatment
researchers at the University of California-
Stem cell has been used to treat range of
Los Angeles detects oral cancer from a
diseases, injuries and other health related
single drop of saliva.
conditions. The widely used stem cell
Smart Contact Lens
treatment is the transplantation of blood
Contact lenses developed at the University of stem cells used to treat disease and immune
California-Davis contain conductive wires system.
that continuously monitor pressure and fluid
flow within the eyes of at- Nanomedicines
risk people. The lenses Nanomedicine is one of the applications
then relay information to of nanotechnology which is used for
a small device worn by diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases.
the patient; the device
Nanomedicine shows, the promising use in
wirelessly transmits it to
disease diagnosis, drug delivery on a targeted
a computer.
site in the body and molecular imaging.
Speech Restorer
Nanosensors
For people who have lost the ability to talk, a
new “phonetic speech engine” from Illinois- Today, detection of biological and chemical
based Ambient Corporation provides an species is the centre of area in the field of
audible voice. Developed in collaboration with health care. Nanosensors are any biological,
Texas Instruments, the Audio uses electrodes chemical, or surgical sensory points used to
to detect neuronal signals travelling from convey information about nanoparticles to the
brain to vocal cords. macroscopic world.
DNA App store is an online store for information about our genes and to learn more about our health risks.
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TECHNOLOGY & ITS APPLICATION
Biosensors Artificial Intelligence
Biosensor is a device for the detection of It is the field of science in which we study
biological component with a physiochemical how computers and computer softwares
detector component. Biosensors can convert can be created that are capable of intelligent
the biological data to electrical signal which behaviour.
can be later used to detect enzymes, receptors
antibodies and microbial cell. Bio-printing
Artificial Brain 3D bio-printing is the process of creating
Artificial brain is a collection of interconnected spatially-controlled cell
neural net module which is evolved in a special patterns, in which the
electronic hardware downloaded into PC and
interconnected according to the design of behaviour of biological
human brain. tissues can be reproduced.
MEDICAL INNOVATIONS
Cryonics applications are the disposal and long-term
Cryonics is the low-temperature preservation storage of nuclear waste or other hazardous
(usually at -196°C) of people who cannot be wastes in a method called geomelting and in
sustained by contemporary medicine, with cryopreservation.
the hope that resuscitation and restoration to Tooth Regeneration
full health may be possible in the far future. Tooth regeneration is a stem cell based
De-extinction, or Resurrection regenerative medicine procedure in the
Biology, or Species Revivalism field of tissue engineering and stem cell
biology to replace damaged or lost teeth by
De-extinction is the process of creating an
regrowing them from autologous stem cells.
organism, which is either a member of, or
resembles an extinct species, or breeding Cancer treatment in Nature
population of such organisms. Cloning is the The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has
most widely proposed method, although discovered a breed of natural cures for cancer
selective breeding has also been proposed. in Quercetin, a compound found in fruits
Similar techniques have been applied to and leaves, and plant Vernonia Condensata,
endangered species. which can significantly reduce the tumour
size and increase the longevity of life.
Virotherapy
Autophagy
Virotherapy is a treatment using biotechnology
to convert viruses into therapeutic agents by This year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or
reprogramming viruses to treat diseases. In Medicine has been awarded to 71-year-old
a slightly different context, virotherapy can Yoshinori Ohsumi of the Tokyo Institute of
also refer more broadly to the use of viruses Technology for unravelling in the 1990s
to treat certain medical conditions by killing the underlying molecular mechanism
of autophagy. He was the first to visually
pathogens.
observe the process.
Vitrification During starvation a person is able to survive
Vitrification is the transformation of a for a considerable stretch of time. Despite
substance into a glass, that is to say a non- the obvious stress, the body is able to cope
crystalline amorphous solid. The technology because of an internal physiological process
can be used in making of pottery, glass, of “self-cannibalisation” through which the
and some types of food. Some of the other body makes use of its inessential and damaged
cellular components by breaking them down
HAL Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s stealth super maneuverable multirole fighter aircraft.
and reassembling them into useful proteins could eventually be used to develop new
and the nutrients needed to sustain its antibiotics for humans to aid the battle
essential functions. This is called autophagy, against superbugs.
which literally means “self-devouring”. It Superbugs are deadly bacteria which
is a process that has been evolutionarily cannot be treated by current antibiotics
conserved and is intrinsic to all organisms, and other drugs. According to recent British
from unicellular yeast to multicellular study, Superbugs could kill up to 10 million
mammalian systems like humans. people globally by 2050.
T-cell Therapy of Cancer Electroactive Bandage
Researchers from the Yale Cancer Center
The NASA (National Aeronautics and Space
have identified that two genes, NR4A1 and
Administration) has developed a new
ABC transporters, mark a distinct subset of
quiescent T cells within human tissues, and high-tech electroactive bandage that uses
have developed methods to mobilize them electricity to significantly promote healing
into circulation for potential application in of injured wounds.
adoptive T cell therapy of cancer. The high-tech bandage
Adoptive cellular therapy uses the body’s creates an electric
own T cells to boost its immune system to charge to promote
target cancer. The adoptive transfer of T the healing process
cells has emerged as a promising treatment of wounds in space
strategy for cancer, but improvements especially in conditions
on enhanced longevity and infiltration to of non-Earth gravity.
tumor tissue, particularly in solid tumors, The electroactive bandage uses a new
are needed.
material called polyvinylidene fluoride
CYSVAX Vaccine Against Tapeworms (PVDF) which can be stimulated by
The Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) pressure of cell growth and body heat. This
has launched CYSVAX, world’s first vaccine bandage could be used by astronauts in
to fight against Taenia solium Tapeworms space, military personnel wounded in field,
in pigs. patients who have undergone surgery or
The vaccine has significant potential benefit who have suffered a serious wound.
to reduce the incidence of epilepsy in
humans. 3D – Lungs
The CYSVAX is a recombinant porcine Scientists in the United States including
(Pigs) Cysticercosis Vaccine. The vaccine those of Indian origin have successfully
has potential to break the Cysticercosis grown three-dimensional (3D) lungs in
disease parasite’s life-cycle in pigs which the lab, using stem cells.The 3D lungs or
is considered to be one of the important organoids was created by coating tiny gel
reasons for epilepsy in humans. beads with lung-derived stem cells and
Mother’s Milk Fight Super bugs then allowing them to self-assemble into
Scientists from University of Sydney the shapes of the air sacs found in human
(Australia) have found that mother’s milk lungs. To show that these tiny organoids
from marsupials (also known as Tasmanian mimicked the structure of actual human
devils) could help to deadly superbugs lungs, researchers compared it with real
which resist antibiotics. sections of human lung.
They have found that peptides in the The laboratory-grown 3D lungs can be
marsupial’s milk killed resistant bacteria, used to study diseases including Idiopathic
including methicillin-resistant golden staph Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) which has
bacteria and enterococcus that is resistant been difficult to study using conventional
to powerful antibiotic vancomycin. methods and also test possible treatments
Scientist are hopeful marsupial peptides for the lung diseases.
World’s first climate-controlled domed city is to be built in Dubai.
GK-416
IPF is a chronic lung disease characterised Zika Vector
by scarring of the lungs. The scarring Brazilian scientists have identified Culex
makes the lungs thick and stiff. It results
quinquefasciatus mosquito infected
in progressively worsening shortness of
breath and thus results in lack of oxygen by the Zika virus as another type of Zika-
to the brain and vital organs. Though transmitting mosquito.
researchers do not know what causes IPF in It was identified by researchers from the
all cases but cigarette smoking and exposure public Brazilian laboratory Fundacion
to certain types of dust can increase the risk Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) in three out of 80
of developing the disease. groups of mosquitoes analysed up until
Herb inhibit cancer now.Up until now, transmission of the Zika
Researchers from the Pune-based National virus was only known through the Aedes
Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) have aegypti mosquito, the same vector that
successfully isolated cancer stem cells that spreads Dengue and Chikungunya.
cause skin cancer. The Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito is
They have successfully demonstrated that known as the domestic mosquito in Brazil.
Andrographolide (a compound) isolated and In Recife, where the majority of Zika cases
purified from Andrographis paniculata (a
of Brazil were registered, the population of
herb) found in India is effective in inhibiting
tumour growth both in skin cancer and lung this mosquito is estimated to be 20 times
metastasis in mice. larger than that of the Aedes aegypti.
PHYSICS
Fastest Electric Current charging of energy storage devices such
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of as supercapacitor. It can also be used for
Quantum Optics have now created electric operating electronic devices in the absence
currents inside solids which exceed the of external power source.
frequency of visible light by more than Topology of Matter
ten times They made electrons in silicon British trio of physicists David Thouless,
dioxide oscillate with ultrafast laser pulses. F Duncan M Haldane and Michael
The conductivity of the material which is Kosterlitz have won the 2016 Nobel Prize
typically used as an insulator was increased in Physics. For their individual researches
by more than 19 orders of magnitude. on theoretical discoveries of topological
UV-Photo Detector phase transitions and topological phases of
matter.
The researchers from the Indian Institute
Their research work centres on Topology, a
of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have developed branch of mathematics involving step-wise
a cost-effective, high-performance, self- changes like making a series of holes in an
powered UV photodetector. object.
They have discovered totally unexpected
behaviours of solid materials.
The discoveries have paved the way for
designing new materials with all sorts of novel
properties that have significant potential
revolutionize advances in electronics and
The self-powered UV photodetector can use
the harvested optical energy for direct self- future quantum computers.
In China, Facebook was blocked following the July 2009 Urumqi riots.
CHEMISTRY
Water Hydroelectric Cell splits water into hydroxide and hydronium
A team of scientists led by Dr. RK Kotnala ions. The H3O ions get trapped inside
from Delhi’s National Physical Laboratory the nanopores of magnesium ferrite and
(NPL) have developed a novel way using of generate an electric field. The electric field
producing electricity from water hydroelec- helps in further dissociation of water.
tric cell at room temperature without using To further enhance the activity of
any power or chemicals. magnesium ferrite, about 20% of
In this new method, scientist had used zinc magnesium is replaced with lithium. The
and silver as electrodes to make a cell that substitution of lithium at magnesium site
produces electricity. increases the sensitivity of magnesium
They had used nanoporous magnesium ferrite.
ferrite to split water into hydroxide (OH) and This is helpful in dissociating water at room
hydronium (H3O) ions. As magnesium has temperature as the electrons get trapped in
high affinity for hydroxide, it spontaneously the oxygen deficient sites.
BIOLOGY
Termite Snake-like-fish
A new termite species Scientists have discovered Gymnothorax
Glyptotermes Chiraharitae indicus (proposed name Indian unpatterened
was discovered at Kakkayam moray), a new species of eel (a snake-like
in the Malabar Wildlife fish) in the northern Bay of Bengal region
Sanctuary, Kerala. It has along the West Bengal coast.
been named ‘Chiraharitae’ It was discovered after it was collected in a
after the tropical evergreen forests of the trawl net by fishermen in northern Bay of
Western Ghats, where it was spotted. Bengal, about 70 km off the coast.
TECHNOLOGY
Tumor-Nanosensor Gelator
Engineers at MIT have developed new Researchers from Indian Institute of
nanosensors that can profile tumors and Science Education and Research (IISER)
Thiruvananthapuram have developed a
may yield insight into how they will respond
compound named gelator to scoop out
to certain therapies.
marine oil spills.
The system is based on levels of enzymes They had produced gelators using
called proteases, which cancer cells use to glucose as a starting material and through
remodel their surroundings. several other chemical reactions. The
Once adapted for humans, this type of gelator molecule is partly hydrophilic and
sensor could be used to determine how partly hydrophobic. The hydrophilic part
aggressive a tumor is and help doctors helps in self-assembling to form gelator
fibres, while the hydrophobic part is
choose the best treatment, says Sangeeta
responsible for its diffusion into oil layer.
Bhatia, the John and Dorothy Wilson. Since outer part of the fibre is hydrophobic,
On 28 August 2016, ISRO conducted a successful test of a scramjet engine on a two stage, solid-fuelled rocket.
GK-418
oil tends to gets into spongy network made will run in the city’s confluence area. The
of fibres. Once inside the fibre network, oil driverless bus service includes two electric
loses fluidity and becomes a gel. The gel shuttles that will transport passengers on a
was strong enough to be scooped with a ten-minute route hosting five stops.
spatula. The driverless buses can hold up to 15
Human Hair as Cathode passengers and are electric buses. It has
features like LIDAR radar technology and
Researchers from Kolkata based Indian
motion sensors will help to avoid accidents.
Institute of Science Education and Research
The LIDAR radar technology allows these
(IISER) have produced cost-effective, metal-
free cathodes using human hair for use in buses to know exactly where they are and
solar cells. to detect everything happening around
This is the first instance where a bio-waste- them. Using this technology these buses
derived electrode (in this case human hair) manage their movement intelligently to
has been used as cathode in a quantum dot avoid collisions.
sensitised solar cell device. LIDAR is acronym of Light Detection And
Ranging. Originally it was created as a
Eye of Heaven portmanteau of “light” and “radar”.
China has built world’s largest radio Software Roboties
telescope nicknamed Tianyan (Heavenly
Eye” or “The Eye of Heaven) or the five- India’s largest private sector bank ICICI
hundred-metre aperture spherical radio Bank has successfully deployed ‘Software
telescope (FAST). Robotics’ for power banking operations.
It has started its operation and is part With this, it becomes first bank in the
of China’s drive to become a science country and among few globally to deploy
powerhouse. It is located in the Dawodang ‘Software Robotics’. ICICI Bank has deployed
depression (vast natural crater), a natural Software Robotics to over 200 business
basin in Pingtang County in the Guizhou processes across various functions. The 200
Province, Southwest China. business processes include retail banking
Driverless Bus Service operations, agri-business, trade & foreign
The world’s first daily driverless bus exchange, treasury and human resources
service has started in Lyon, France which management, among others.
SPACE
Artificial Gravity kinds of probes are :
It is the increase or decrease of apparent (i) Sounding rockets: It carries
gravity (g-force) by artificial means, instruments into the upper atmosphere
particularly in space as well as on Earth. and into space near the Earth.
Hyper Telescope (ii) Lunar Spacecraft: It explores the
Hyper-telescope is a set of moon to prepare the way for astronauts
telescopes, arranged in a large to land there.
lens-shape, working together
(iii) Interplanetary Probes: It explore space
to resolve astronomical
images at much higher between the planets. They do not reach a
angular resolutions than possible with each specific body in space.
telescope alone. (iv) Planetary Probes: It travel in orbits
Space Probes around the sun. They may fly past the
Space probes are used to explore space at target planet, go into orbit around it, or
various distances from the Earth. Four main land.
The movie Kinoautomat presented in the Czech Pavilion in Expro ‘67 in Monteral is considered to be the first cinema-like
interview movie.
Remote Sensing help bridge the gap between the number

The term ‘remote sensing’ refers to of satellite being made by India and the
the process of sensing, identifying and vehicles needed for their launch.
delineating various objects on ground Reusable Launch System
from a distance without coming into
RLS or reusable launch vehicle (RLV)
direct physical contact with them. ISRO
is a launch system which is capable of
and the Indian Council of Agricultural
launching a payload into space more than
Research conducted during 1974-75 a
once. This contrasts with expendable
joint experiment called the Agricultural
launch systems, where each launch vehicle
Resources Inventory and Survey
is launched once and then discarded. Falcon
Experiment (ARISE). Indian experimental
9 rocket is designed to have a reusable
satellites, Bhaskara I and II carried out
first stage; several of these stages have
remote sensing for land cover mapping,
been safely returned to land after launch.
geology and vegetation cover of the country.
Several partially reusable systems, such as
Today, India has the largest group of remote
Adeline and Vulcan, are currently under
sensing satellites providing services at both
development; one fully reusable system,
the national and global levels.
the Mars Colonial Transporter, is also under
Launch Vehicle Technology development.
PSLV Inflatable Space Habitats
The PSLV, the country’s
The Inflatable space habitats are pressurized
firstoperational launch
structures capable of supporting life
vehicle, is a four-stage
in outer space whose internal volume
rocket. The first stage
increases after launch. They have frequently
is a solid propellant,
been proposed for use in space applications
the second stage is
based on the liquid to provide a greater volume of living space
engine technology, the for a given mass. The main areas of research
third stage is a solid are being undertaken by Bigelow Aerospace
propellant motor and and NASA. The only designs that have flown
the fourth, a liquid in space have been the Genesis I, Genesis II,
propellant stage. and Bigelow Expandable Activity Module
from Bigelow Aerospace.
Cryogenic Engine
Asteroid Mining
The cryogenic engine is crucial to the
development of GSLV. Cryogenics refers to Asteroid mining is the exploitation of
technology of sub-zero temperatures, and raw materials from asteroids and other
cryogenic engines use liquid oxygen as the minor planets, including near-Earth
oxidiser and liquid hydrogen as the fuel. objects. Minerals and volatiles could be
India was to acquire the cryogenic engine and mined from an asteroid or spent comet
technology from the Russian space agency, then used in space for in-situ utilization
Glavkosmos. (e.g. construction materials and rocket
The advantage of the cryogenic engine is that propellant) or taken back to Earth. These
it would develop one-and-a-half times the include gold, iridium, silver, osmium,
thrust of conventional liquid rocket engines palladium, platinum, rhenium, rhodium,
using fuel storable at room temperature. It ruthenium and tungsten for transport back
is a high risk high technology and would to Earth.
Dragon Skin Body Armour can withstand a grenade explosion at point-blank range.
GK-420
DEFENCE
Cruise Missiles from small arms
ammunition and from
Cruise Missiles are low flying missiles, which
are programmed to target by an on board small arms ammunition
computer. These missiles are used for long manufacturing. Two green
distance warheads with high accuracy. ammunition cartridges
These are self-corrected avionic missiles are the 5.56×45mm NATO
with high tech aeronautics using transistor M855A1 and the MK281 40 mm grenade.
and computer technology. BrahMos and Directed-energy Weapon
Nirbhay missiles of Indian origin are under
Directed-energy weapon (DEW) emits
this category.
highly focused energy, transferring that
Stealth Technology energy to a target to damage it. The
Stealth technology is a discipline of applications of this technology include
military tactics and passive electronic anti-personnel weapon systems, potential
countermeasures, which include the missile defense system, and the disabling
techniques used with personnel, aircraft, of lightly armored vehicles such as cars,
ships, submarines, missiles and satellites to drones, watercraft, and electronic devices
make them less visible (ideally invisible) to
such as mobile phones.
radar, infrared, sonar and other detection
methods. Some of the stealth aircraft Electromagnetic Pulse
are F-22 Raptor, SR-71 Blackbird, F-117 Electromagnetic pulse (EMP), also called
Nighthawk, F-35 Lightning II, B-2 Spirit and a transient electromagnetic disturbance,
T-50 PAK FA. is a short burst of electromagnetic energy.
Green Bullet Weapons have been developed to create
Green bullets are nicknames for a United the damaging effects of high-energy EMP.
States Department of Defence program to These are typically divided into nuclear
eliminate the use of hazardous materials and non-nuclear devices.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Claytronics Domed City
Claytronics is an abstract future concept that A domed city is a kind of theoretical or
combines nanoscale robotics and computer fictional structure that encloses a large urban
science to create individual nanometer-scale area under a single roof. In most descriptions,
computers called claytronic atoms, or catoms, the dome is airtight and pressurized,
which can interact with each other to form creating a habitat that can be controlled for
tangible 3D objects that a user can interact air temperature, composition and quality,
with. Claytronics will offer a more realistic sense typically due to an external atmosphere.
to communication over long distance called Domed cities have been a fixture of science
pario. Pario could be used effectively in many fiction and futurology since the early 20th
professional disciplines from engineering design, century, and may be situated on Earth, a
education and healthcare to entertainment and moon or other planet.
leisure activities such as video games.
AGRICULTURE
Data Preserved in Soil of land. However, any idea of future potential
For traditional farming models, the primary must be built on current data, with what data
determinants are the availability and suitability there is then mapped to tell the story of a
The 30th of November is known as “Computer Security Day”.
region. This story is effectively written in Cultured Meat

the dirt, the soil. The Africa Soil Information Cultured meat, also called synthetic meat is
Service (ASIS) is developing continent-wide meat grown in cell culture instead of inside
digital soil maps for sub-Saharan Africa animals. It is a form of cellular agriculture.
using new analysis, statistics, field trials and Cultured meat is produced using many of
crowdsourcing. the same tissue engineering techniques
traditionally used in regenerative medicine.
Molecular Assembler Due to technical challenges associated with
A molecular assembler, as defined by K. Eric scaling and cost-reduction, cultured meat
Drexler, is a “proposed device able to guide has not yet been commercialized.
chemical reactions by positioning reactive Precision Agriculture
molecules with atomic precision”. Some Precision agriculture (PA) or satellite
biological molecules such as ribosomes fit farming is a farming management
this definition. This is because they receive concept based on observing, measuring
instructions from messenger RNA and then and responding to inter and intra-field
assemble specific sequences of amino acids variability in crops. The purpose of
to construct protein molecules. precision agriculture research is to define
a decision support system (DSS) for
Greens Fed on Rainbow Waste whole farm management with the goal
Hydroponicsis a growing method of optimizing returns on inputs while
based on use of mineral- preserving resources. Precision agriculture
enriched water, whereas management practices can significantly
aquaponics takes reduce the amount of nutrient and other
matters a step further, crop inputs used while boosting yields.
bringing together fish Vertical Farming
and plant farming in one Vertical farming is the practice of producing
recirculating system. food in vertically stacked layers, vertically
inclined surfaces and/or integrated in other
Genetically Modified Food (GMF)
structures. The modern idea of vertical farming
Genetically modifying a food involves uses controlled-environment agriculture
introducing a gene into a fruit, vegetable, (CEA) technology, where all environmental
or animal from another organism. Broad factors can be controlled. These facilities
scientific consensus suggests that genetically utilize artificial control of light, environmental
modified foods presents no more danger control (humidity, temperature, gases...) and
than conventional food. GMFs have been fertigation. Some vertical farms use techniques
commercially available since the 1990s and similar to greenhouses, where natural sunlight
are most often associated with fruits and can be augmented with artificial lighting and
vegetables. metal reflectors.
EDUCATION
E-Learning on accessible portable platforms. It is ideal
eLearning is learning or utilizing electronic for people on the go or for those who can’t
technologies to access educational access a regular computer.
curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. Virtual Classroom
m-Learning A virtual classroom is an online learning
m-Learning is one of the latest environment. The environment can be
developments in e-Learning which takes web-based and accessed through a portal or
advantage of mobile devices for learning software-based and require a downloadable
executable file.
Skype is banned from the public in China.
GK-422
Smart Board MOOCs (Massive Open Online
The smart board Course)
provides the facility for (MOOCs) is a platform where every student
learners to participate can discover a free online course through
in the instructional internet for years, although the quality
process. It gives the and quantity of courses changed day by
platform for students day. It has changed the face of education.
to understand the subject through writing, MOOCs can be considered as a term or word
teaching and drawing. Every student has a related to the scalability of open and online
facility to participate in the discussion via education.
tablets and notebooks.
DISPLAYS
OLED 1980 by Clark and Lagerwall. These find
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is a applications in 3D head mounted displays
light-emitting diode (LED). They are used (HMD), image insertion in surgical
to create digital displays in devices such microscopes and electronic view finders
as television screens, computer monitors, where direct-view LCDs fail to provide
portable systems such as mobile phones, more than 600 ppi resolution.
handheld game consoles and PDAs. Quantum Dot Display
3 D Display A quantum dot display is an experimental
A stereo display also known as 3D display type of display technology. Quantum dots
is a display device capable of conveying (QD) or semiconductor nanocrystals could
depth perception to the viewer by means of provide an alternative for commercial
stereopsis for binocular vision. applications such as
Laser Phosphor Display display technology.
Currently, they are
Laser Phosphor Display (LPD) is a large-
format display technology that is similar to used only to filter
cathode ray tube (CRT) technology but uses light from LEDs to
lasers instead of an electron gun to activate backlit LCDs, rather
the phosphors that create the images. LPD than as actual displays.
was invented and patented by Prysm, Inc. Laser Video Display
LPD competes with liquid crystal display Laser color television, or Laser color video
(LCD), plasma display panel (PDP), and display utilizes two or more individually
other large-format display technologies. modulated optical (laser) rays of different
FLCD colors to produce a combined spot that is
Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Display (FLCD) scanned and projected across the image
is a display technology based on the plane by a polygon-mirror system or less
ferroelectric properties of chiral smectic effectively by optoelectronic means to
liquid crystals. It has been proposed in produce a color-television display.
SPORTS
Kinetic Energy Recovery System present in the waste heat created by the car’s
(KERS)- Auto Racing braking process.” It takes the energy used
Used in Formula One racing, this 35-kilogram when a car brakes and uses it later on to boost
car part “recovers the kinetic energy that is acceleration.
DRS was first tested in a India vs Sri Lanka match in 2008.

Computerized Scoring- Bowling matches played

The difficulty of keeping score manually at night. The red
can put people off of the game. Bowling, in ball is unsuited to
particular, can be difficult for the infrequent night tests due to
alley visitor to score. However, using a poor visibility, and
computer eases the pain of scoring by 100%. the white ball is
Having a computer keeping the score can unsuited to first-
keep all your focus on your next ball rather class cricket because its rapid deterioration
than adding and multiplying pins. makes it unable to be used for eighty overs
as specified in the rules, so the pink ball
Above the Net Camera-Hockey was designed to provide a satisfactory
One of the most game-changing devices, a compromise on both issues.
camera above the net will primarily be used
Umpire Decision Review System
to see what goals passed the line, if it beat the
clock, etc., just very basic events. The camera- The Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS
evidence has changed the outcome of numerous or DRS) is a technology-based system
games, all for the better. used in the sport of cricket. The system
was introduced in Test cricket, for the
The Headset-Football sole purpose of reviewing controversial
The headset is the best technology football decisions made by the on-field umpires
has to offer. Coaches up in the press box can as to whether or not a batsman had been
see aerial views of the game, and with the dismissed.
headset they can relay information to the
Electronic Line Judge
head honcho who may not be able to get
that look at ground-level. An electronic line judge is a device used
in tennis to automatically detect where a
Heart Monitor-Training
ball has landed on the court. The methods
Heart monitors help out the average joggers have been based upon the use of pressure
as well as the elite athletes. These devices sensors, sensors to detect magnetized or
can be used to alert athletes of dehydration electrically conductive tennis balls, infrared
and malnutrition. This is a simple wrist or laser beams, and most recently video
strap-on mechanism that can warn people cameras.
of an unsafe workout.
Hawk-Eye
Advancements in Protective Gear
Hawk-Eye is a complex computer system
With bigger hits than ever on the field, used officially in numerous sports such as
athletes want to be more protected. Rob cricket, tennis, Gaelic football, badminton,
Vito guarantees that players won’t get hurt hurling, association football and volleyball,
on game day. Another company, evoSHIELD, to visually track the trajectory of the ball
creates gear for all 32 NFL teams. The and display a record of its statistically most
technology is dubbed a ‘second skin’ and likely path as a moving image. The system
doesn’t add a ton of bulk. is not infallible and is accurate to within
Pink Balls 5 millimetres (0.19 inch) but is generally
Pink balls in cricket were developed in trusted as an impartial second opinion in
the 2000s to enable Tests and first-class sports.
TRANSPORT
Utility fog structure. In the original application as a
Utility fog, coined by Dr. John Storrs Hall replacement for seatbelts, the swarm of
in 1993 is a hypothetical collection of robots would be widely spread-out, and
the arms loose, allowing air flow between
tiny robots that can replicate a physical
Pink ball was first used in a day-night Test match for the first time in November 2015.
GK-424
them. In case of a collision the arms would units are the communicating nodes,
lock into their current position, the result providing each other with information, such
would be to spread any impact over the as safety warnings and traffic information.
entire surface of the passenger’s body. They can be effective in avoiding accidents
Maglev Trains and traffic congestion.
The maglev train has no wheels. So, these Supersonic Transport
locomotives levitate. The tracks they run A supersonic transport (SST) is a civilian
on are magnetized. The trains use the force supersonic aircraft designed to transport
this creates to propel themselves upward passengers at speeds greater than the
and forward at high speeds. Running speed of sound. To date, the only SSTs to see
these engines requires the consumption regular service have been Concorde and the
of only a small amount of fuel. Thus, in Tupolev Tu-144. The last passenger flight of
addition to being faster than traditional the Tu-144 was in June 1978 and it was last
style locomotives, these ones are more eco- flown in 1999 by NASA.
friendly and less costly to operate.
Scramjet
Electric Cars
A scramjet (supersonic combusting ramjet)
The electric car is a good solution to the is a variant of a ramjet airbreathing jet
transportation crisis at hand. engine in which combustion takes place in
These automobiles are just supersonic airflow. An aircraft using this
plugged in to the appropriate
type of jet engine could dramatically reduce
outlet and then they are on
the time it takes to travel from one place to
the road. The cars do almost
another, potentially putting any place on
no harm to the environment and are also
Earth within a 90-minute flight.
economical. One study published by IDC
Energy Insights stated that by the end of 2015 Vactrain
there will be three million cars on the road. A vactrain (or vacuum tube train) is a
Driverless Cars proposed design for very-high-speed rail
A large and complex camera is mounted transportation. It is a maglev (magnetic
to the roof of driverless cars which is used levitation) line using partly evacuated
to navigate the road. These cars are safer, tubes or tunnels. Reduced air resistance
if the technology is right, to ride in as a could permit vactrains to travel at very
precisely calibrated robot is at the wheel. high speeds—up to 4,000–5,000 mph
The automobiles also allow people to work (6,400–8,000 km/h), which is 5–6 times the
or relax during a trip, as they eliminate the speed of sound in Earth’s atmosphere at sea
need to focus on the road. However, they are level—using relatively little power. If these
bad for the environment. trains achieve the predicted speeds, the trip
between New Delhi and New York would
Vehicular Communication Systems take less than 2 hours, surpassing aircraft
Vehicular communication systems are as the world’s fastest mode of public
networks in which vehicles and roadside transportation.
PRINTING
3D Printing carried out using additive processes. In an
Printing is no longer limited to flat additive process an object is created by
sheets of paper. 3D printing or additive laying down successive layers of material
manufacturing is a process of making until the entire object is made. Each of
3-dimensional solid objects from a digital these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced
file. The creation of a 3D printed object is horizontal cross-section of the eventual
object.
The Mumbai Suburban Railway is the first Rail system in India which began in 1867.
Hybrid Printing possible by, and inseparable from, digital

Hybrid printing is where a mix of printing printing. It prints books only in response
technologies are used on a press or finishing to orders, and only prints the exact
system to allow for adding variable data to amount ordered. With the capabilities
offset or flexo printed content. of digital printing, print on demand is
Print-on-demand capable of filling an order for one book
It is a book distribution method made economically.
BUSINESS
Dimensional Marketing CRM (Customer Relationship
Management)
Marketing has evolved significantly in the
last half-decade. The evolution of digitally- (CRM) software is a category of enterprise
connected customers lies at the core, reflecting software that covers a broad set of applications
the dramatic change in the dynamic between and software designed to help businesses manage
relationships and transactions. This modern customer data and customer interaction, access
era for marketing is likely to bring new business information, automate sales, marketing
challenges in the dimensions of customer and customer support. It also manages employee,
engagement, connectivity, data and insight. vendor and partner relationships.
Amplified Intelligence Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Amplified intelligence is focused on deploying Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is the
tools at points when a business really needs
business process management software
it for effective decision-making. Natural
language processing techniques (allowing that allows an organization to use a system
conversational interaction with a complex of integrated applications to manage the
system), visualisation tools (letting individuals business and automate many back office
explore data on their own terms and find functions related to technology, services and
new patterns of discoveries), or advanced human resources. ERP software integrates
analytics mobile solutions (such as those all facets of an operation, including product
embedded inside smartphones or tablets) planning, development, manufacturing, sales
are the examples. and marketing.
BANKING
Satellite Banking
Satellite banking is an upcoming technological
innovation in the Indian banking industry,
which is expected to help in solving the
problem of weak terrestrial communication
links in many parts of the country. The use
of satellites for establishing connectivity
between branches will help banks to reach technology to tap the potential of rural
remote areas in a better way, and offer better markets. People in such areas do not adopt
facilities, particularly in relation to electronic technology as fast as the urban centres due
funds transfers. to the large scale illiteracy. Development of
Biometrics biometric technology has made the use of
A number of banks have started the process self service channels like ATMs viable with
of setting up ATMs enabled with biometric respect to the illiterate population.
The RBI logo was inspired from the East India Company Double Mohur.
GK-426
RTGS transactions. The introduction of RTGS in
The other payment and settlement systems 2004 was instrumental in the development
deployed were mostly aimed at small value of infrastructure for Systemically Important
repetitive transactions, largely for the retail Payment Systems (SIPS).
ENTERTAINMENT
Virtual reality of suspension of disbelief. The greater the
Virtual reality (VR), is a technology that suspension of disbelief, the greater the
offers new and exciting ways to consume degree of presence achieved.
information and entertainment. As a non- Interactive Cinema
linear medium, VR brings a very different Interactive cinema tries to give the audience
viewing experience to the table. VR offers an active role in the showing of movies. The
exciting possibilities: as a dynamic new availability of computers for the display
storytelling medium; as a rich narrative of interactive video has made it easier
device within conventional film; and as a to create interactive movies. Another
practical, time-saving preproduction tool. newer definition of interactive cinema is
Depth Sensors a video game which is a hybrid between
participation and viewing, giving the player
Developed as a CGI-video hybrid, the - or viewer, as it were - a strong amount of
software repurposes the depth-sensing control in the characters’ decisions.
camera from the Microsoft Kinect to capture
and visualise the world as wireframe forms. Second Screen
By syncing the Depth Kit to the camera The second screen involves the use of a
with which shooting is done, a 3D CGI computing device to provide an enhanced
sculpture for every frame of the film is viewing experience for content on another
captured, essentially producing a file of device, such as a television. The use of such
3D animation that perfectly lined up to the devices provide interactive features during
film’s characters and action. broadcast content, such as a television
program, especially social media postings
Computer-generated Imagery on social networking platforms, such as
Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is the Facebook and Twitter. The use of a second
application of computer graphics to create screen supports social television and
or contribute to images in art, printed generates an online conversation around
media, video games, films, television the specific content.
programs, shorts, commercials, videos, Smart TV
and simulators. The term “CGI” is most
A smart TV, sometimes referred to as
commonly used to refer to 3D computer
connected TV or hybrid TV, is a television
graphics used for creating scenes or special set with integrated Internet and
effects in films and television. interactive “Web 2.0” features. Smart TV
(Immersion (virtual reality) is a technological convergence between
Immersion into virtual reality is a computers and flatscreen television
perception of being physically present sets and set-top boxes. Along with the
in a non-physical world. The perception traditional functions of television sets and
is created by surrounding the user of set-top boxes provided through traditional
the VR system in images, sound or other broadcasting media, these devices also
stimuli that provide an engrossing total provide Internet TV, online interactive
environment. The degree to which the media, over-the-top content (OTT), as well
virtual or artistic environment faithfully as on-demand streaming media, and home
reproduces reality determines the degree networking access.
The term “virtual reality” was conceived by Jaron Lanier in 1987.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY &

COMPUTERS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTERS
•• I ndia is the world’s largest sourcing destination for the information technology (IT)
industry.

The world’s first website was published on August 6, 1991 by British physicists Tim Berners-Lee.
GK-428
•• A
ccounting for approximately 67% of The initiative is an umbrella programme
the US$ 124-130 billion market. which shall include all departments
•• T
he industry employs about 10 million and ministries within its scope. The
work forces. implementation shall be monitored and
•• T
he IT industry has also created overseen by a Digital India Advisory group.
significant demand in the Indian Objectives
education sector, especially for •• To bring digital empowerment to India
engineering and computer science. and aid in its transition to becoming a
•• The Indian IT and ITeS industry is knowledge economy.
divided into four major segments: •• Transform so far agrarian Indian econo-
v IT services; my to a knowledge-centric economy
•• Plug the widening digital divide in In-
v Business Process Management
dian society
(BPM);
•• Give India equal footing with the devel-
v Software products and engineering oped world in terms of development
services and hardware. with the aid of latest technology.
•• The IT-BPM sector which is currently Features
valued at US$ 143 billion is expected
•• N ational Optical Fiber Network (NOFN)
to grow at a Compound Annual Growth
Rate (CAGR) of 8.3% yearly. to connect 2, 50,000 Gram Panchayats
by providing internet connectivity to all
•• The sector is expected to contribute 9.5% citizens.
of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) •• To provide high-speed internet at the
and more than 45% in total services gram level, e-availability of major gov-
export in 2015-16. ernment services like health, education,
security, justice, financial inclusion etc.
Government Initiatives
thereby digitally empowering citizens.
1. National Digital Literacy Mission •• Ensure public answerability via a
National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) unique ID, e-Pramaan
Scheme has been formulated to impart IT •• To create huge number of jobs.
training to 52.5 lakh persons, including •• To promote of digital usage through
Anganwadi and ASHA workers and mobile phones
•• Individuals will maintain a digital iden-
authorised ration dealers in all the States/
tity right from birth.
UTs to enable them to actively participate in
•• Government services can be availed ei-
developmental process.
ther through mobile phones or through
2. Digital India (DI) the internet.
•• To promote universal digital literacy
The Digital India not only envisages giving
and make all digital resources univer-
boost to information technology but also
sally accessible to the people.
envisages achieving import-export balance
in electronics. •• The DI programme covers a wide range
of areas.
Thrust Areas in Digital India
 Broadband highways
 Total mobile connectivity
 Public Internet Access Programme
Digital India is somewhere derived from the frame work “Vibrant Gujarat” of Gujarat’s developmentary program.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTERS GK-429
•• It has a peak computing power of 250

 E-Governance,
Teraflops and three hundred terabytes
 E-Kranti capacity.
•• It can be used in research initiatives
 Boost to electronics firms,
such as computational chemistry,
 Employment computational electromagnetic,
computational fluid dynamics, civil
 Early harvest programmes engineering structures, nana-block self-
 Access to information assemble, optimization etc.
•• It can be also used for weather, climate
 MyGov modeling and seismic data processing.
 Net-Zero Electronics Import Target
by 2020 IT Trends
Internet.org
 Electronic development fund
Social networking services company Facebook
3. Smart India Hackathon along with Samsung, Ericsson, MediaTek, Opera
•• I t is the world’s largest digital national Software, Nokia and Qualcomm have moved
building initiative. into a partnership which is named as Internet.
•• The Hackathon aims to find digital org. This coming together of companies is
solutions by harnessing creativity and to attain the objective of bringing affordable
technical expertise of over 30 lakh access to selected services of Internet in
students from technology institutes in countries.
remotest parts of India. Internet.org was launched on August 20,
•• It is a joint initiative of All India Council 2013 by Mark Zuckerberg to improve
for Technical Education (AICTE), internet access for people across the world.
University Grants Commission (UGC), The platform is available to all developers
MyGov, NASSCOM. to have their apps on the portal subject to
•• Finding digital solutions to problems fulfilling the technical criteria like websites
in the areas of education, health, water, requiring high-bandwidth will be excluded,
power, agriculture, finance, urban & partner services should be optimized for
rural development, energy, aviation smart phones and services should promote
& shipping, transport, sanitation, law the exploration of broader internet
& justice, sports, skill development & wherever possible. The first summit of
entrepreneurship, textiles, tourism, Internet.org was held in New Delhi, India on
defence, etc. October 9, 2014. Internet.org has launched
its Free Basics Android application to offer
Supercomputing in India free web services to its users.
India’s supercomputer programme was
started in late 1980s. PARAM 8000 is Net Neutrality
considered to be India’s first supercomputer. Network Neutrality, Internet Neutrality or
It was indigenously built in 1990 by Centre Net neutrality is a term that was first given by
for Development of Advanced Computing media law professor of Columbia University,
(C-DAC)and was replicated and installed Tim Wu, in the year 2003. The principle makes
at ICAD Moscow in 1991 under Russian it necessary for the Internet service providers
collaboration. and governments to treat all Internet data as
PARAM-ISHAN same. There will not be any charges imposed
•• P
ARAM ISHAN is the fastest on by user, application, type of enclosure,
and most powerful computer. content, website, etc. It is the best way for all
It has been jointly developed by IIT to enjoy the usefulness of internet without
Guwahati and C -DAC. any charges. It is a feature of net neutrality to
allow different websites to exist side-by-side
IoT was first coined by Kevin Ashton in a presentation related to use of RFID.
GK-430
without affecting others. At the same time and Instant Prints
same speed, all the websites are accessible for Creating instant prints from a digital camera
users. Net neutrality will support competitive is one of the new electronic inventions in
market place by providing a chance to each printing. The Polaroid PoGo™ is a small
firm irrespective of its size. Net Neutrality portable printer that weighs only a few
has enabled Google, Facebook and Zomato ounces. The printer produces full colour 2”
to reach various places around the globe. x 3” prints using an “inkless” technology.
Until now, India has had no laws to govern the The images are created from heat activated
net neutrality. Although Telecom Regulatory crystals in the photo paper. The photos are
Authority of India (TRAI) has released rules water proof, tear proof and smear proof.
This new electronic invention connects to
for unified access service license to encourage
a digital camera using a USB cable, or to a
net neutrality, they do not execute them. mobile phone through wireless Bluetooth.
It uses rechargeable batteries or an AC
Free Basics by Facebook is a free step
adapter.
to connecting one billion Indians to jobs,
education, and opportunities online, and Smart Factory/ Industry 4.0
ultimately a better future.
Digital Industry 4.0 known as the fourth
industrial revolution is based on cyber-
KiloCore, World’s First physical production systems that combine
1000-Processor Computer Chip communications, IT, data and physical
The scientists in June 2016 unveiled a elements. These systems transform
microchip, named KiloCore, containing traditional plants into smart factories.
1000 independent programmable Here, machines “talk” to products and
processors. other machines, objects deliver decision-
critical data, and information is processed
Key features and distributed in real time resulting in
•• The energy-efficient chip has a profound changes to the entire industrial
maximum computation rate of 1.78 ecosystem.
trillion instructions per second.
•• It contains 621 million transistors. Quantum Computing
•• Each processor core can run its own
Like the first digital computers, quantum
small program independently of the
computing offers the possibility of
others. Cores operate at an average
technology millions of times more powerful
maximum clock frequency of 1.78 GHz.
•• It can shut itself down to further save than current systems, but the key to success
energy when not needed. will be translating real world problems
•• It can execute 115 billion instructions into quantum language. At D-Wave, the
per second, 100 times more efficiently first company to offer the technology for
than a modern laptop processor. commercial use, that process is already
underway and it is revealing massive
Biometric Sensors potential.
Soon, your body could log you into an e-mail
account. Intel is providing software so that Internet of Things (IoT)
users can log in to websites via biometric
This is the concept of basically connecting
authentication. It serves two purposes:
biometric authentication is relatively any device with an on and off switch to
reliable and secure, and users won’t have the Internet (and/or to each other). This
to remember dozens of passwords for includes everything from cellphones, coffee
different sites. makers, washing machines, headphones,
As of now, the fastest super computer in the world is the Sunway Taihu light, in mainland China.
lamps, wearable devices and almost anything else you can think of. This also applies to
components of machines, for example a jet engine of an airplane or the drill of an oil rig.
By 2020 there will be over 26 billion connected devices. The IoT is a giant network of
connected “things” (which also includes people). The relationship.
The original name of Windows was interface manager.

GK-432
mobile web, gaming services, high definition
TV, video conferencing, 3D television and
cloud computing.
Mobile generations began in 1981 with byte
analogue (1G) moving to digital transmission
(2G) in the year 1992. Then, in 2001, multi-
media supported 3G was introduced. It had
byte rate of 200 kb/s. 4G is assumed to have
a five times faster speed than its predecessor
3G. 4G aims at providing a download speed
of 100MB/s.
•• 4G long-term evolution (LTE) is wireless
communications standard developed
by the 3rd Generation Partnership
Project (3GPP).
will be between people to people, people to
•• 4G LTE is one of several competing 4G
things, and things to things.
standards along with WiMax (IEEE
ReactJS 802.16) and Ultra Mobile Broadband
(UMB). Presently two standards are
ReactJS is an open-source JavaScript
commercially used world-wide viz. LTE
library providing a view for data rendered and Mobile WiMax standard.
as HTML. It is maintained by Facebook, •• WiMax standard was first commercially
Instagram and a community of individual in South Korea in 2007 and LTE
developers and corporations. React is standard was first used in Norway and
currently being used on the websites of Sweden in 2009.
Netflix, Imgur, Bleacher Report, Feedly, •• Designed to provide up to 10x speeds
Airbnb, SeatGeek, HelloSign, and others. As of 3G networks for mobile devices such
of March 2016, React and React Native are as tablets, smartphones, netbooks and
Facebook’s top two open-source projects wireless hotspots etc.
by number of stars on GitHub, and React is •• It can provide internet speed of at least
the 6th most starred project of all time on 100 Mbit per second (Mbps) to 1 Gbps.
GitHub. •• 4G technologies are designed to provide
IP (Internet Protocol)-based voice,
Advanced Machine Learning data and multimedia streaming at high
Advanced machine learning is what makes speed.
smart machines appear “intelligent” by Google Pixel
enabling them to both understand concepts
Google Pixel Smartphone the latest has the
in the environment, and also to learn.
following features:
Through machine learning a smart machine
•• a 5.00-inch touchscreen display with a
can change its future behaviour. This area
resolution of 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels
is evolving quickly, and organizations at a PPI of 441 pixels per inch.
must assess how they can apply these •• powered by 1.6GHz quad-core
technologies to gain competitive advantage. Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor
•• 4GB of RAM
Mobile Trends •• 32GB of internal storage
4G •• 12.3-megapixel primary camera on the
Fourth generation, also called as 4G, is rear and a 8-megapixel front shooter
the succeeding generation of 3G in mobile for selfies.
telecommunications. It is an advanced system •• runs Android 7.1
with advanced capabilities of telephony, •• 2770mAh non removable battery.
Noughat 7.1 is current version of Android.
•• I t measures 143.80 x 69.50 x 8.60 Evolution) operator in the country,

(height x width x thickness) and weighs with coverage across all 22 telecom
143.00 grams. circles in India.
•• Connectivity options, Wi-Fi, GPS,
Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
Bluetooth, NFC, 3G and 4G (with
support for Band 40 used by some LTE •• U nified Payments Interface (UPI) ap-
networks in India). plication will allow customers to make
•• Sensors on the phone include Compass easier real-time payments via digital
Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, means using smartphones.
Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor, •• It help India to move towards a cashless
Gyroscope and Barometer. economy.
Reliance Jio •• It will provide uniform mobile payment
system by leveraging digital trends such
•• Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, doing
as increasing smartphone adoption and
business as Jio, is a LTE (Long-Term
deeper penetration of mobile data.
Evolution) mobile network operator in
India. •• It will allow customers to send and re-
•• It is a wholly owned subsidiary of ceive money from their smartphones
Reliance Industries using virtual payments address without
provides wireless 4G entering bank account details.
LTE service network •• It facilitates ‘virtual address’ as a single
(without 2G/3G based payment identifier for sending and col-
services) and is the only lecting money and works on single click
100% VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term 2 factor authentication.
SOME COMMONLY USED TERMS

• Assembler– A programme, which con- becomes part of another executable pro-
verts assembly language programme gramme and thus halts the system by
into machine language programme. It is pending to same undesired result.
a system software. • Connector– A connector is a device that
• Bit– It is the basic units of computer. It joins two networks together. The most
can have two values 1 and 0 only. common connectors are hub, bridges
• BIOS– It stands for Basic Input Output and router.
System. This program is stored in ROM. • Cables– A flexible metal or glass wire or
• Byte– One byte is a collection of 8 bits. group of wires. All cables used in elec-
• Compiler– It is a computer programme tronics are insulated with a material
that transforms human readable source such as plastic or rubber.
code of another computer programme • Cell– Cells are boxes created by the inter-
into the Machine readable code that a action of rows and columns.
CPU can execute. • Copyright– It means the material and
• Cloud Commuting– It is a new technolo- information are the personal property of
gy for internet services, under which the the owner or producer.
user need not to have fall softwares and • Database– It is a collection of files. Data
operating system installed on his ma- remains in an organized form in a data-
chine, rather could be provided the same base.
as and when required by the internet e.g., • Interpreter– It translates some form of
Google. source code into a target representation
• Computer Virus– A virus is a computer that it can immediately execute but exe-
programme which attaches itself to and cution is relatively slower than compiler.
Typewriter is the longest word that can write using the letters only on one row of the keyboard of computer.
GK-434
• Internet– It is the worldwide accessible • Network Interface Card (NIC)– An
system of interconnected computer expansion card or other device used to
networks that transmit data by using the provide network access to a computer or
internet protocol. other device, such as a printer. Network
• Local Area Network (LAN)– A LAN interface cards mediate between the
is a computer network that physically computer and the physical media, such
links two or more computers within a as cabling, over which transmissions
geographically limited area (generally travel.
one building or a group of buildings). • Primary Key– It is a field with unique
value for each record.
• Multi-tasking– Allows more than one
• Resource– Any part of a computer
programme to run concurrently.
system or a network such as a disk drive,
• Multi-processing– Supports running a printer, or memory that can be allotted
programme on more than one CPU. to a program or a process while it is
• Multi-threading– Allows different parts running.
of a single programme to run concurrently. • Secondary Memory– It is the permanent
• Multimedia– It is the use of several memory of the computer.
media (example, text, audio, graphics, • System Software– It performs the
animation, video etc.) to convey the basic functions that are necessary to
information. operate a computer system.
• Microprocessor– It is a single chip based • Time sharing– It is the concurrent use
device which is a complete processor of a single computer system by many
in itself and is capable of performing independent users. In time sharing many
arithmetic and logical operations. terminals can be attached to a central
computer.
• Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)– • Tag– It is part of HTML. It determines
MAN is a high-speed network that can the way, the browser displays text in Web
carry voice, data, and images at up to Page.
200 Mbps (megabit per second) or faster
• Wide Area Networks (WAN)– WAN is a
over distances of up to 75 km ranging
computer Network that is distinguished
from several blocks of buildings to entire
from a Local Area Network because of
cities.
its longer-distance communications.
• Modem– A modem is a device that allows The network may cover a whole country
a computer to communicate through or may include the sites of a large
telephone lines. multinational organization.
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ART & CULTURE GK-435
Geography
ART & CULTURE
Culture plays an important role in the development of any nation. It represents a set of
shared attitudes, values, goals and practices. Culture and creativity manifest themselves in
almost all economic, social and other activities. A country as diverse as India is symbolized
by the plurality of its culture.
India has one of the world’s largest collections of songs, music, dance, theatre, folk
traditions, performing arts, rites and rituals, paintings and writings that are known, as the
‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ (ICH) of humanity.
ART FORMS IN INDIA

The vibrant and colourful land of India is also famous for the versatility of its art and culture
as each of the forms are different from each other in terms of their place of origin, creativity
and raw materials used.
FAMOUS ART FORMS
Names State of Origin Materials Used
The art form has its origin dates Canvas made of fine gauze-like cloth
back in 5th century BC and since fortified with tamarind paste, chalk
then it has been lovingly nurtured powder and gum and natural dyes
in the areas like Raghurajpur for intricate painting over it.
Village in Puri district of Odisha.
Patachitra painting
The indigenous art form belongs Artists use dye that are made
to Bengal and very interestingly of spices, earth, soot, etc. And
it depicts spoofs on retrograde particularly red, indigo, green, black
social practices, thus attempting and ochre colours are seen widely in
to highlight them for change. such painting.
Bengal pat painting
This art form comes under the cultural Traditionally people used mud coated
legacy of Madhubani district of Bihar wall as canvas for painting. But with
depicting mythological stories of Lord time the canvases modified into cloth,
handmade paper to give the painting
Krishna. Various geometric shapes
the same authentic look. The colours
have given emphasis on the colourful
used in the painting are derived from
Madhubani painting environment of Madhubani Painting natural element like bamboo shoots,
Canvas. turmeric powder, rice powder, flower
extracts, pollens etc.
“Pattachitra” is an Indian technique of paintings that is done on palm leaves and is originated in the state of Odisha.
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ART & CULTURE
Developed during Mughal Period The intricate designs are given form
i.e. 16th – 19th century this style of by using colours using precious
painting are very small in size but stones conch shells, gold and silver.
having a lot of niceties of court life
and the contemporary personalities,
Miniature painting events and actions of the Mughal times.
As the name indicates this form of Semi-precious stones, glass and gold
art has its origin in Tanjore district are used to give the painting a royal
of Southern Tamil Nadu depicting look with embellished designs.
the stories of gods and goddess
with an aristocratic touch.
Tanjore art
This ethnic painting is a patronage The art is executed by fine pens
of Golkonda and Mughal Sultanate made of bamboo and natural colours
and flourished near Kalahasti region extracted from vegetables.
of Chennai and Masulipatnam area
Kalamkari of Hyderabad.
This is a rudimentary wall painting Typical natural elements such as
with emphasis on graphical pattern Rice paste, mix with gum and water
and legacy of North Sahyadri Range Red clay (Geru), cow dung, mud
in India. It’s an age old tribal painting
are used to give the painting an
started during the 2500 or 3000 BCE
depicts the nature, celestial body authentic tribal look.
Warli Painting and human invention with different
graphical shape.
This is a tribal art form developed These art forms are generally drawn
by Gond Tribes of Central India. on made on walls, ceilings and floors
The typical design Gond art with of village houses.
dots and lines depict the nature
and social customs of the tribal
community.
Gond Art
FAMOUS INDIAN PAINTERS

Rabindranath Tagore 7 May 1861 – 7 Aug 1941
Abanindranath Tagore 7 Aug 1871 – 5 Dec 1951
Amrita Sher-Gil 30 Jan 1913 – 5 Dec 1941
Jamini Roy 1 Apr 1887 – 24 Apr 1972
Francis Newton Souza 12 Apr 1924 -28 Mar 2002
S.H. Raza 22 Feb 1922 - 23 July 2016
Tyeb Mehta 25 Jul 1925 – 2 Jul 2009
Satish Gujral 25 Dec 1925 - Till date
Nandalal Bose 3 Dec 1882 – 16 Apr 1966
Manjit Bawa 1941-29 Dec 2008
M. F. Husain 17 Sep 1915 – 9 Jun 2011
Indian Music
The music of India includes multiple varieties of folk music, pop and classical music. India’s
classical music tradition, including Hindustani music and Carnatic, has a history spanning
millennia and developed over several eras. Music in India began as an integral part of socio-
religious life.
Indian art industry is estimated to be around 500 crore rupees with a per annum growth of 35-40 %.
LEGENDS OF INDIAN MUSIC

Legends Period & Forte Awards
Pandit Ravi Shankar Grammy Award, Padma Bhushan, Magsaysay
7 April 1920 – 11 Dec 2012 award, Padma Vibhushan, UNESCO International
Sitar Music, Legion d’honneur, Sangeet Natak
Akademi Award, Kalidas Samman, Bharat Ratna
Pandit Hariprasad Sangeet Natak Academy, Padma Bhushan,
Chaurasia: 1st July 1938 Konark Samman, Yash Bharati Samman, Padma
Bansuri Vibhushan
Pandit Shivkumar Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padma

Sharma: January 13, 1938 Vibhushan, Padma Shri
Santoor
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan UNESCO Award, Padma Bhushan, Padma

9 October 1945 Vibhushan, UNICEF’S National Ambassadorship,
Sarod
Ustad Bismillah Khan Bharat Ratna, Fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi,

21 March 1913- 21 August Padma Vibhushan
2006
Shehnai
Ustad Zakir Hussain Padma Bhushan,Padma Shri, Grammy, Sangeet
9 March 1951 Natak Akademi, Indo-American Award, India’s
Tabla National Academy of Music
Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Padma Bhushan, National Film Award for Best
Joshi: 4 February 1922 – 24 Male Playback Singer, Sangeet Natak Akademi
January 2011 Award, First platinum disc, Padma Vibhushan
Indian classical vocalist
Pandit Jasraj: 28 January Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi

1930 Award, Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Kala Ratna,
Indian classical vocalist Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Award
M. S. Subbulakshmi Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award,

16 September 1916 – 11 Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Ramon Magsaysay award,
December 2004 Padma Vibhushan
Classical vocalist
Dr. Lakshminarayana Lifetime Achievement Award, Limca Book of
Subramaniam: 23 July Records, GiMA (Best Carnatic Instrumental
1947 Album – Innovations), Asthana Vidwan, ISKCON,
Classical, Carnatic, jazz Bangalore , Viswa Kala Bharathi Bharat Kalachar
fusion, Indo jazz, world Chennai (2004), Sangeet Kalaratna, Sangeet
fusion, Western music Kala Shiromani, Padma Bhushan.
M.Balamurali Krishna Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan
6 July 1930-22 Nov, 2016
Carnatic music
Bade Ghulam Ali Khan NA

2 April 1902 – 25 April 1968
Sarangi, Hindustani classic
vocal
Indian art industry is the only field that has never been affected by the inflation.
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ART & CULTURE
Indian Dance The most popular classical dance styles of
There are many types of dance forms in India India are Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu,
which are deeply religious in content to those Kathakali and Mohiniattam of Kerala,
which are performed on small occasions. Odissi of Odisha, Kathak of Uttar Pradesh,
The Indian dances are broadly divided into Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh and Manipuri
Classical dances and folk dances. of Manipur.
The Classical dances of India are usually All these dance forms use basically the same
spiritual in content. Though the folk dances ‘mudras’ or signs of hand as a common
of India are also spiritual and religious in language of expression and were originally
content but the main force behind the folk performed in the temples to entertain
dances of India is the celebratory mood. various Gods and Goddesses.
VARIOUS DANCE FORMS
Dance Forms Origin Legends
Odissi is believed to be the oldest Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sonal Mansingh
form of Indian dance from the Mayadhar Raut , Jhelum Paranjape,
state of Odisha. It is considered KumKum Mohanty, Madhumita Raut,
a dance of love, joy and intense Aloka Kanungo, Ileana Citaristi
Odissi passion, pure, divine and human.
Bharatnatyam is more popular in Alarmel Valli, Yamini Krishnamurthy,
South Indian states. This dance is Rukmini Devi, Padma Subramanyam,
almost 2,000 years old. Mrinalini Sarabhai.
Bharatnatyam
It presents scenes from Hindu Epics Bhavana Reddy, Yamini Reddy, Raja &
and mythological tales through Radha Reddy, Kaushalya Reddy
dance-dramas.
Kuchipudi
This north Indian dance form is Pandit Birju Maharaj, Kumudini Lakhiya,
inextricably bound with classical Sitara Devi, Shovana Narayan, Malabika
Hindustani music. Mitra, Kartik Ram - Kalyan Das, Manisha
Gulyani
Kathak
It literally means story play and is Kalamandalam Krishna Prasad, Kavungal
an elaborate dance. Chathunni Panicker, Kalamandalam
Ramankutty Nair, Kalamandalam
Kesavan Namboodir, Kottakkal Sivaraman,
Kathakali Kalamandalam Gopi
It is a very graceful dance meant Smitha Rajan, Sunanda Nai, Jayaprabha
to be performed as a solo recital Menon, Pallavi Krishnan, Gopika Varma,
by women. Vijayalakshmi
Mohiniyattam
The most striking part of Manipur Poushali Chatterjee , Rajkumar Singhajit
dance is its colorful decoration, Singh, Sohini Ray, Guru Nileswar
lightness of dancing foot, delicacy Mukharjee, Guru Bipin Singha
of abhinaya (drama), lilting music
Manipuri and poetic charm.
20th century Indian art was associated with the nationalist movement as people were using art and paintings as a medium to sway
the patriotic feelings of the masses.
Indian Festivals all celebrated in the spirit of harmony and

India has numerous national, regional, local, national oneness.
religious, seasonal and social festivities. This There is also a stream of secular or non-
is not surprising considering the fact that religious festivals like the harvest festivals
of Baisakhi and Pongal-Sankranti, the
India is the land of gods, goddesses, saints,
Raksha Bandhan, which depicts the love
gurus and prophets. All these festivals are
of sisters for brothers and vice-versa or the
characterised by colour, gaiety, celebrations,
Karwa Chauth, the observance of fasts by
feasts and a variety of prayers and rituals. It
Hindu married women for the well-being
may not be out of place to describe India as
of their husbands. There are other festivals
‘A Land of Festivals’. Since India is a multi-
which are typical of particular states, towns
religious and multi- lingual country, it is but or villages like the Bonnalu of Andhra
natural to find festivals of all major religions Pradesh, Pushkar of Rajashthan, Rajrani of
in the world being celebrated in India. Thus, Odisha, Teej of Rajasthan or Bogali Bihu of
we come across, Holi, Dusshera, Krishna Assam. Some other festivals are associated
Janmashtmi, Hanuman Jayanti, Ganesh with renowned historical or cultural places
Chaturthi, Eid-ul-Adha, Eid-ul-Fitr, like the Khajuraho Festival, Taj Mahotsava,
Muharram, Shivratri, Buddha Jayanti, Nagaur Festival and Vijayanagar Hampi
Jamshed Navroz, Christmas and Diwali, Festival.
Main Festival Other Festivals Main Festival Other Festivals
Diwali Durga Puja, Dussehra, Buddha Purnima Hemis Gompa, Losar,
Holi,Janmashthami, Ullambana (Bodh)
Ram Navami, Karwa
Chauth, (Hindus)
Eid-ul-Fitr Eid-ul-Adha, Milad- Christmas Easter
un-Nabi Good Friday
(Barawafat), Shab-e-
Barat,
Shab-e-Qadr, Shab-e-
Meraz, Muharram Feast of Passover Purim(Festivals
(Muslims) of Lots)
Navroz Zarthost No Deeso,
Khordad Sal, Pateli
(Parsis)
Chaliho Sahib Chaliho Sahib (Lord
Guru Purab Guru Nanak Jayanti, Jhulelal), Cheti Chand
Holla Mohalla,
Lohri, Birthday Guru
Ramdassji, Sodal mela,
Onam Boat Race Festival
Guru Gobind Singh (homecoming of
Jayanti (Sikhs) King Mahabal)
Mahavir Jayanti Mahamastak Abhishek,
Diwali,
Paryushan Paryushana (Kerala)
Parva (Jains)
Mughal era saw the emergence of a unique style which was a blend of Islamic, Hindu and Christian art.
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ART & CULTURE
Main Festival Other Festivals Main Festival Other Festivals
Kila Raipur Sports Kila Raipur Sports Hemis Festival Ugadi (Regional)
(India’s Rural Ladakh Andhra,
Olympics) Telangana, Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu
Karni Mata Karni Mata(devotees

believe her soul
resides in the rats) Bihu(Regional) Chhath(Regional)
Assam Bihar & Eastern UP
Jaisalmer Desert Jaisalmer Desert

Festival Festival, Rajasthan
Chapchar Kut Sekrenyi (Regional)

(Regional) Mizoram Nagaland
Nag Panchami Nagaraja - Kerala,
Nagathamman -
Chennai,
and Hardevja - Jaipur.
Archaeology
Archaeology studies the story of man’s past through his material remains.
Period Indian Architecture Indian Sculpture
Indus Civilization • House, Lothal, Gujarat, • Chaitiva Hall, Bhaja, Maharashtra
Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Ropar, Dancing girl, Bronze, Mohen-
Kalibangan, Lothal and Rangpur. jo-daro, Pakistan
• Lomas Rishi cave, Bihar Priest, Clay, Harappa,
Pakistan
Bull, bronze, Mohen-jo-daro
Toy animal with movable head,
Terracotta, Mohen-jo-daro Pakistan
Seal : Pasupati, Stone, Mohen-jo-
daro, Pakistan
• Jewellery, Mohen-jo-daro, Pakistan
Buddhist • Prayer Hall or Chaitya, at Karle • Lion capital from Ashoka
(Poona district) Stambha, Stone, Sarnath,
• Sanchi Stupa No.1, (UP)
Madhya Pradesh
• Railing and • Bull Capital, from Rampurva, Bihar
Gateways at • Chauri-bearer (Yakshi), Lime Stone,
Bharhut, Sanchi Didarganj, Bihar
and Bodh Gaya(North) • Worship of the Bodhi Tree, Bharhut,
• Amravati and Nagarjunakonda (MP)
( South). • Sanchi Stupa No.1, Yakshi, (MP)
• Taming of Nalagiri Elephant, Amaravati,
State Museum, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Followers of Zoroastrianism in India don’t bury their dead, but instead leave bodies in buildings called “Towers of Silence” for
the vultures to pick clean.
Gupta Period • Temples 17 & 18 at Sanchi, Vishnu Anantasheshashayee,

Madhya Pradesh Vishnu Temple, Deogarh, (UP)
• Lad Khan & Durga
Temples, Aihole,
Karnataka
• Draupadi and Arjuna Ratha &
Nakula and Sahadev Temple,
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu Standing Buddha, Sarnath, (UP)
• Mahabodhi Temple,
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
• Jagannatha Temple,
Puri, Odisha
• Kailash Temple, Ellora,
Maharashtra
Indo-Islamic • Arches, Qutub Complex, Delhi • Descent of Ganga, Mahabalipuram,
Architecture • Adhai din-ka-jhonpra, Ajmer, (TN)
Rajasthan • Ravana shaking Mount Kailash,
• Qutub Minar, Delhi • Trimurti, Elephanta Caves,
• Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Maharashtra
Sikri, (UP) • Nayika, Lingaraja Temple,
• Amar Singh Gate, Agra Fort, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
(UP) • Surya riding chariot, Surya Mandir,
• Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Konarak, Odisha
Agra, (UP) • Manjira Player, Surya Mandir,
• Taj Mahal, Konarak, Odisha
Agra, (UP) • Mohini, Chennakeshava Temple,
• Hawa Mahal, Belur, Karnataka
Jaipur, • Pillars with Horse rider, Meenakshi
Rajasthan Sundareshvara Temple, Madurai, (TN)
Modern • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, • ‘Triumph of labour’ by D.P. Roy

Architecture Mumbai Chowdhury, Delhi
• North and South Block, Delhi
• Rashtrapati Bhawan &
Parliament House, Delhi
• Connaught Place, India Gate,
Delhi, Supreme Court, Delhi
Parliament House , Delhi
The earliest cotton in the world was spun and woven in India. Roman emperors would wear delicate cotton from India that they
would call “woven winds.”
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ART & CULTURE
THEATRES
The rich Indian theatre culture has its origin dating back in the first century, CE, and started
and nurtured by the society as means of expressing, communicating and sharing the ideas,
opinions, emotions and belief of mankind. Since then it has gone through many ups and
downs but the culture remain undaunted. Today many of Indian theatre have internationally
acclaimed fraternity.
Some of the Important Theatres of Modern India

Name Founder Year and Place of People Associated with it
Establishment
National School of Ministry 1959, New Delhi Naseeruddin Shah, Irfan Khan,
Drama of Culture, Anupam Kher, Nawazuddin Siddiqui,
(Deemed Government Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri and
University) of India. many more
Bhartendu Academy Padma Shri 1975, Lucknow, Rajiv Jain, Raajpal Yadav, Anupam
of Dramatic Arts Raj Bisaria. Shyam
Theatre Arts Raj Bisaria 1966, Lucknow
Workshop (TAW)
TOURISM
Famous Tourist places of India
Site Location Founder
Aram Bagh Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Babur
Anand Bhawan Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) Moti Lal Nehru
Adhai Din Ka Jhopra Ajmer (Rajasthan) Qutub-ud-din-Aibak
Ajanta Caves Aurangabad Gupta Rulers
Akbar’s Tomb Sikandera (Uttar Pradesh) Jahangir
Bibi ka Maqbara Aurangabad (Maharashtra) Aurangzeb
Bharatpur Fort Bharatpur (Rajasthan) Raja Surajmal Singh
Bundi Fort Bundi (Rajasthan) Qutub-ud-din-Aibak
Bada Imambada Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) Nawab Asaf-ud-daulah
Belur Math Kolkata Swami Vivekanand
Botanical Garden Shilbpur (West Bengal) -
Chhatra Mahal Bundi Fort Rani Chhatrasal
Chenna Keshab Temple Belur (Karnataka) Vishnu Vardhan
Char Temple Konark (Odisha) Narasing Dev I
Chasma-Shahi Jammu and Kashmir Ali Mardan Khan
India has the world’s largest movie industry, based in the city of Mumbai (known as the “City of Dreams”).
Charar-e-Sarif Srinagar (Kashmir) Jainul Abedin
Chhota Immbada Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) Mohammad Ali Shan
Cochin Fort Kerala Portuguese
Dewan-e-khas Agra Fort (Uttar Pradesh) Shah Jahan
Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu (Rajasthan) Vastu Pal Tejpal
Deeg Palace Deeg (Rajasthan) Raja Badan Singh
Dhar Fort Dhar (Madhya Pradesh) Mohammad Bin Tughlaq
Etamad-ud-daulah’s Tomb Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Noor Jahan
Ellora Caves Aurangabad Rashtrakuta Dynasty
Elephanta Caves Mumbai Rashtrakutas
Fatehpur Sikri Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Akbar
Firoz Shah Kotla Delhi Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Fort William Kolkata Lord Clive
Fateh Sagar Udaipur (Rajasthan) Maharana Fateh Singh
Gateway of India Mumbai British Government
Golconda Fort Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) Qutubshahi Dynasty
Gol Ghar Patna (Bihar) British Government
Humayun’s Tomb Delhi Hameeda Bano Beghum
Hauz Khas Delhi Ala-ud-din-khilji
Hajratbal Masjid Srinagar (Kashmir) -
Harmandir Sahib Patna (Bihar) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Junagarh Bikaner (Rajasthan) Raja Jai Singh
Jama Masjid Delhi Shah Jahan
Jantar-Mantar Delhi and Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh
Jodhpur Fort Jodhpur (Rajasthan) Rao Jodha Ji
Jaku Temple Kolkata Rani Ras Moni
Jagannath Temple Puri (Odisha) Chola Gang Dev
Jama Masjid Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Shah Jahan
Khas Mahal Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Shah Jahan
Kankaria Lake Ahmedabad Sultan Qutub-ud-din
The Bahá’í house of worship in Delhi, known as the “Lotus Temple,” is shaped like a lotus flower with 27 gigantic “petals” that
are covered in marble.
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ART & CULTURE
Khirki Masjid Delhi Ghiyas-ud-din-Tughlaq
Kandaria Mahadev Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) Chandela Kings
Kanheri Caves Mumbai Buddhists
Laxman Temple Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh) Chandela Rulers
Laxmi Narayan Temple Delhi Birla Family
Laxman Jhula Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) -
Moti Masjid Agra Fort (Uttar Pradesh) Shah Jahan
Moti Masjid Delhi Fort Aurangzeb
Mrignayani Palace Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) Raja Man Singh Tomar
Madan Palace Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) Raja Madan Shah
Mecca Masjid Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) Kuli Kutab Shah
Nahargarh Fort Jaipur (Rajasthan) Raja Jai Singh
Nishaat Bagh Jammu and Kashmir Asaf Ali
Nakhuda Masjid Kolkata -
Old Fort (Purana Quila) Delhi Sher Shah Suri
President House Delhi British Government
Pichhola Lake Udaipur (Rajasthan) -
Pathar ki Masjid Patna (Bihar) Parvez Shah
Padari Ki Haveli Patna (Bihar) Father Capuchin
Patthar Ki Masjid Jammu and Kashmir Noor Jahan
Prince of Wales Museum Mumbai George V
Rani Ki Badi Bundi (Rajasthan) Rani Nathvati
Red Fort Delhi Shah Jahan
Sheesh Mahal Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Shah Jahan
Safdarjung ka Maqbara Delhi Shuja-ud-daulah
Sabarmati Ashram Ahmedabad Mahatma Gandhi
St George Fort Chennai (Tamil Nadu) East India Company
Shalimar Bagh (Garden) Srinagar (Kashmir) Jahangir
Sunset Point Mount Abu (Rajasthan) -
Indians made significant contributions to calculus, trigonometry, and algebra. The decimal system was invented in India in 100 B.C.
Sher Shahi Masjid Patna (Bihar) Parvez Shah
Sher Shah’s Tomb Sasaram (Bihar) Islam Shah Suri, Son of Sher Shah
Taj Mahal Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Shah Jahan
Tughlakabad Delhi Ghiyas-ud-din-Tughlaq
Umaid Palace Jodhpur (Rajasthan) Maharaj Ummed Singh
Vijay Stambh Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) Rana Kumbha
Victoria Memorial Kolkata -
Vishnupad Temple Gaya (Bihar) Rani Ahilya Bai
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Year of Sites 1993 Qutub Minar (Delhi)

Inclusion
1983 Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra) 1999 Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
(West Bengal)
1983 Ellora Caves (Maharashtra)
2002 Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh
1983 Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh) Gaya) (Bihar)
1983 Agra Fort (Uttar Pradesh) 2003 Rock Shelters of Bhimbetaka
(Madhya Pradesh)
1984 Sun Temple Konark (Odisha)
2004 Brihadeshwara Temple
1985 Mahabalipuram Temples (Gangaikondacholapuram,
(Tamil Nadu) Tamil Nadu)
1985 Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, 2004 Airavatesvara Temple,
Bharatpur (Rajasthan) Darasuram
1985 Kaziranga National Park (Assam) 2004 Champaner-Pavagadh
1985 Keoladeo National Park Archaeologicatl Park (Gujarat)
Bharatpur (Rajasthan) 2005 Valley of Flowers
1986 Churches in Goa (Goa) (Uttarakhand)
1986 Khajuraho Temples (Madhya 2005 Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Pradesh) (Tamil Nadu)
1986 Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh) 2007 Red Fort (Delhi)
1986 Hampi Temple (Karnataka) 2008 Kalka-Shimla Railway
1987 Sunderbans National Park (Himachal Pradesh)
(West Bengal) 2010 Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
1987 Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra) (Rajasthan)
1987 Pattadakal Temples 2012 Western Ghat
(Karnataka)
2013 Hill forts of Rajasthan
1988 Nanda Devi National Park
(Uttarakhand) 2014 Rani ki Vav (Gujarat)
1989 Sanchi Stupa (Madhya Pardesh)
2014 Great Himalayan National Park
1993 Humayun’s Tomb (Delhi)
(Himachal Pradesh)
During the Vedic era in India, horse sacrifice sanctioned the sovereignty of the king.
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ART & CULTURE
Top Ten Monuments With Highest Foreign Visitors in india
Monuments No. of Foreign Visitors % age share
1. Taj Mahal, Agra 6,95,702 23.2
2. Agra Fort, Agra 3,63,823 12.1
3. Qutub Minar, Delhi 3,07,043 10.2
4. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi 2,76,641 9.2
5. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra 2,55,129 8.5
6. Red Fort, Delhi 1,41,498 4.7
7. Mattancherry place Museum, Kochi 1,04,717 3.5
8. Western Group of Temple, Khajuraho 89,511 3.0
9. Excavated site, Sarnath 85,991 2.9
10. Group of Monuments, Mamallapuram 70,840 2.4
HANDICRAFTS
India has got international acclamation in terms of its beautiful and creative handicrafts.
Given below are the states with diversified crafts:
State Handicrafts
Odisha Weaving craft, palm leaf writing, patachitra- the chitrakar’s foray, applique,
stone carving, metal craft,
Delhi Zardozi, lacquer work, clay and paper made dolls
Maharashtra Paithani saris, sawantwadi crafts, warli paintings, kolhapuri chappals,
narayan peth
West Bengal Artistic leather craft, brass & bell metal, pottery, mat making, dhokra metal
casting, cane & bamboo, fine arts, clay dolls, horn work, jute products, shell
& conch shell, sholapith, famous handloom sarees like dhakai jamdani,
tangail etc
Gujarat Bead-work, jewellery, inlay work, embroidery, wood carving, cloth printing,
dyeing, patola fabric, zari work
Rajasthan Tie-and-dye textiles, hand block printing, quilting, jewellery, gems and
stones, blue pottery, leather craft, wood carving
Himachal Pradesh Jewellery, leather craft, woodcarving, architecture, kangra paintings
Goa Pottery & Terracotta, Brass metal ware, Crochet & Embroidery, Bamboo
Craft, Fiber Craft, Jute Macrame Craft, Coconut Mask carving, sea shell craft
Andhra Pradesh Priceless Pearls
Karnataka Wood carving, Ivory carving
Jharkhand Woodcraft, paitkar paintings, metal work, stone carving, ornaments, toy
making
Manipur Wood carving, textile weaving, stone-carving, block printing, kauna (water
reed) mat, hand-embroidery
Jammu & Kashmir Carpets, Basket Weaving, Namdas, pashmina shawls, Papier-mache, Leather
and fur, wood carvings
Chandragupta Maurya (340-290 B.C.), was guarded by a band of women on horseback.

SPORTS & GAMES GK-447
SPORTS & GAMES
TROPHIES ASSOCIATED WITH SPORTS

NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL
Name of the Trophy Related game Name of the Trophy Related game
Aga Khan Cup Hockey Nehru Trophy Hockey
Barna Bellack Cup Table Tennis American Cup Yatch Racing
Ashes Cup Cricket (Australia-
Beighton Cup Hockey England)
Bombay Gold Cup Hockey Azlan Shah Hockey
Burdwan Trophy Weight Lifting US Masters Golf
D.C.M. Trophy Football Hopman Cup Lawn Tennis
Dhyan chand Trophy Hockey Colombo Cup TrophyFootball
Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy Football Davis Cup Lawn Tennis
Duleep Trophy Cricket Kings Cup Race Air Races (England)
Merdeka Cup Football (Asia)
Durand Cup Football
Thomas Cup World Badminton (Men)
Ezra Cup Polo
Uber Cup World Badminton
I.F.A Shield Football (women)
Lady Ratan Tata Trophy Hockey US-Open Lawn Tennis
Moin ud daula Gold Cup Cricket French-Open Lawn Tennis
Rangaswami Cup Hockey Australian Open Lawn Tennis
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis
Ranji Trophy Cricket
Masters Champions Hockey
Santosh Trophy Football Trophy
Scindia Gold Cup Hockey British Open Golf
Subroto Mukherjee Cup Football (Inter-School) Malaysian Open Badminton
Wellington Trophy Rowing Tata Open Lawn Tennis
NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON EACH SIDE

Badminton 1 or 2 Polo 4
Baseball 9 Rugby Football 15
Basketball 5 Tennis and Table tennis 1 or 2
Cricket 11 Water Polo 7
Football 11 Volleyball 6
Hockey 11 Kabaddi 7
Chess 1
Since the modern Olympic Games began, Swiss athletes have won a total of 184 Summer Olympic medals and 137 Winter
Olympic medals.
GK-448
SPORTS & GAMES
Chess Check, Checkmate, Gambit,
NATIONAL SPORTS OF Stalemate
FAMOUS COUNTRIES Cricket Bowling, Bouncer, Crease, Cover
point, Drive, Duck, Follow on,
Name National game Googly, Gulley, Hat Trick, Hit
Australia Cricket wicket, L.B.W. (Leg Before
Brazil Football Wicket), Leg Break, Leg
Canada Ice Hockey spinner, Leg bye, Maiden over,
China Table Tennis No ball, Pitch, Run, Silly point,
England Cricket Stumped, Wicket keeper.
India No Game Football Dribble, Drop Kick, Foul,
Japan Judo or Ju Jitsu
Hattrick, Off-side, Penalty,
Throw in, Touch Down.
Malaysia Badminton
Golf Bogey, Caddie, Hole, Links, Put,
Pakistan Hockey
Putting the green, Stymie, Tee.
Russia Chess, Football
Hockey Bull, Carry, Centre Forward,
Scotland Rugby, Football Carried, Dribble, Goal, Hat
Spain Bull Fighting trick, Penalty corner, Scoop,
United States of America Baseball Short corner, Sticks, Striking
TERMS USED IN SPORTS AND GAMES circle, Under cutting.
Horse Racing Jockey, Place, Protest, Punter,
Badminton Deuce, Double, Drop, Fault,
Game, Let, Love, Smash. Win.
Baseball Bunt, Diamond, Home, Lawn Tennis Back-hand-drive, Service, Smash,
Pitcher, Put out, Strike. Volley, Deuce, Game, Set, Love.
Billiards Break, Cannons, Cue, In off, Polo Bunder, Chuckker, Mallet.
Jigger, Scratch, Rifle Shooting Bull’s eye.
Boat Race Cox Rugby Drop kick, Screen.
Boxing Hook, Jab, Knock-out, Punch,
Upper cut. Swimming Stroke.
Bridge Diamonds, Dummy, Grand Volley ball Booster, Deuce, Love, Service,
slam, Little slam, Revoke, Ruff, Spikers.
Tricks, Trump. Wrestling Half Nelson, Heave.
SPECIFIC NAMES OF PLAYING AREAS
Sport Name of Playing Area Sport Name of Playing Area
Badminton Court Golf Link, Green**
Baseball Diamond Lawn Tennis Court
Boxing Ring Ice Skating Rink
Cricket Pitch* Wrestling Ring, Arena
* Pitch in fact is the space between the wickets and not the entire cricket field.
** It is the area around the hole only.
OLYMPIC GAMES
Olympic Games are an international sporting event which is organised in the form of
summer and winter sports. The Summer Olympic Games were first held in 1896. The Winter
Olympic Games were created after the huge success of the Summer Olympics. Baron Pierre
de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894. The Olympic
Games are held after every four years, with the Summer and Winter Games alternatively
occurring every four years but two years apart from each other.
Major Dhyan Chand has a statue with 4 hands and 4 sticks in Austria.
The Olympics games originated in the city The colour of rings represents different
of Olympia, an ancient city of Greece. These continents as given below:
games were held at Mount Olympia. India
Blue Europe
officially participated in the Olympics for
the first time in the year Yellow Asia
1920, in the 6th edition
of the games at Antwerp, Black Africa
Belgium.
The Olympic flag is made up of white silk Red America
and contains five intertwined rings as the Green Australia and Oceania
Olympics emblem.
INDIA’S PERFORMANCE IN OLYMPICS
Discipline Year Performance
Wrestling 1952 KD Jadhav won Bronze Medal in Men’s 52-57 kg Freestyle
2008 Sushil Kumar won Bronze Medal in men’s 66 kg Freestyle
2012 Sushil Kumar won Silver Medal in Men’s 66 kg Freestyle
Yogeshwar Dutt won Bronze Medal in men’s 60 kg Freestyle
Hockey 1928 Won Gold Medal
1932 Won Gold Medal
1936 Won Gold Medal
1948 Won Gold Medal
1952 Won Gold Medal
1956 Won Gold Medal
1960 Won Silver Medal
1964 Won Gold Medal
1968 Won Bronze Medal
1972 Won Bronze Medal
1980 Won Gold Medal
Shooting 2004 Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won Silver Medal in double trap
Abhinav Bindra won Gold Medal in Men’s 10 m air rifle
2008 Vijay Kumar won Silver Medal in 25 Rapid Fire Pistol
2012 Gagan Narang won Bronze Medal in 10 m Air Rifle
Athletics 1900 Norman Pritchard won two Silver Medals in (200 m) and (200
m hurdle) events
1960 Milkha Singh-fourth in 400 m final Zora Singh-eighth in 50 km
walk
1964 Gurbachan Singh Randhawa-fifth in 100 m hurdles (final)
1976 Sriram Singh-seventh in 800 m final Shivnath Singh-eleventh in
the marathon
1980 Sriram Singh-Semifinalist in 800 m
1984 PT Usha-fourth in 400 m hurdles
Football (Soccer) 1956 Semi-final
Tennis 1996 Leander Paes won Bronze Medal in Men’s Singles event
Weightlifting 2000 Karnam Malleshwari won Bronze Medal in women’s 69 kg
category
Boxing 2008 Vijender Singh won a Bronze Medal (75 kg)
2012 Mary Kom won a Bronze Medal in Women’s flyweight
Badminton 2012 Saina Nehwal won a Bronze Medal in Women’s singles
2016 P.V. Sindhu won Silver medal in women’s singles
Wrestling 2016 Sakshi Malik won Bronze in Women’s freestyle 58 kg.
Mary Leela Rao was the first Indian woman participant in the olympic games.
GK-450
SPORTS & GAMES
SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES 1952 Helsinki, Finland
Year Venue 1956 Melbourne, Australia
1896 Athens, Greece 1960 Rome, Italy
1900 Paris, France 1964 Tokyo, Japan
1904 St Louis, France 1968 Mexico City, Mexico
1906 Athens, Greece (Games were not 1972 Munich, West Germany
recognised by IOC) 1976 Montreal, Canada
1908 London, Great Britain 1980 Moscow, Russia
1912 Stockholm, Sweden
1984 Los Angeles, USA
1916 Games not held due to World War I
1988 Seoul, South Korea
1920 Antwerp, Belgium
1992 Barcelona, Spain
1924 Paris, France
1928 Amsterdam, Netherlands 1996 Atlanta, USA
1932 Los Angeles, USA 2000 Sydney, Australia
1936 Berlin, Germany 2004 Athens, Greece
1940 Games not held due to World War II 2008 Beijing, China
1944 Games not held due to World War II 2012 London, Great Britain
1948 London, Great Britain 2016 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
INDIA IN THE SUMMER OLYMPICS

Games Gold Silver Bronze Total Rank
1896 Athens did not participate
1900 Paris 0 2 0 2 17
1904 St. Louis did not participate
1908 London did not participate
1912 Stockholm did not participate
1920 Antwerp 0 0 0 0 -
1924 Paris 0 0 0 0 -
1928 Amsterdam 1 0 0 1 23
1932 Los Angeles 1 0 0 1 19
1936 Berlin 1 0 0 1 20
1948 London 1 0 0 1 22
1952 Helsinki 1 0 1 2 26
1956 Melbourne 1 0 0 1 24
1960 Rome 0 1 0 1 32
1964 Tokyo 1 0 0 1 24
1968 Mexico City 0 0 1 1 42
1972 Munich 0 0 1 1 43
1976 Montreal 0 0 0 0 -
1980 Moscow 1 0 0 1 23
1984 Los Angeles 0 0 0 0 -
1988 Seoul 0 0 0 0 -
1992 Barcelona 0 0 0 0 -
1996 Atlanta 0 0 1 1 71
2000 Sydney 0 0 1 1 71
Over 40 international sports federations and organisations have their headquarters in Switzerland, mostly in the canton
of Vaud.
2004 Athens 0 1 0 1 65
2008 Beijing 1 0 2 3 50
2012 London 0 2 4 6 55
2016 Rio de Janeiro 0 1 1 2 67
Winter Olympic Games

Winter Olympic games were started in the year A.D. 1924. The first game, were held at
Chamonix (France). The winter games are numbered in rotation as they are held. The
programme at the winter games includes ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, alpine
sking, skiting, etc. Like the summer games, the winter games are also awarded gold, silver
and bronze medals.
Year Venue Year Venue
1924 Chamonix, France 1980 Lake Placid, New York
1928 St. Moritz, Switzerland 1984 Sarajevo, Yugoslavia
1932 Lake Placid, New York 1988 Calgary, Canada
1936 Garmisch – Parten/Kirchen, Germany 1992 Albertville, France
1948 St. Mortiz, Switzerland 1994 Lillehammer, Norway
1952 Oslo, Norway 1998 Nagano, Japan
1956 Cortina d’ Ampezz, Italy 2002 Salt Lake City, USA
1960 Squaw Valley, United States 2006 Turin, Italy,
1964 Innbruck, Austria 2010 Vancouver, Canada
1968 Grenoble, France 2014 Sochi, Russia
1972 Sapporo, Japan 2018 Pyeongchang, South Korea
1976 Innsbruck, Austria 2022 Beijing, China
PARALYMPIC GAMES
•• Back in 1948, Sir Ludwig Guttman, a •• Paralympic sports include athletics,
neurologist who was working with cycling, judo, rowing, swimming, and
World War II veterans with spinal volleyball.
injuries at Stoke Mandeville Hospital
in Aylesbury, began using sport as part •• The Paralympic Games are always held
of the rehabilitation programmes of his in the same year as the Olympic Games.
patients. He set up a competition with The name comes from the fact that it
other hospitals to coincide with the runs parallel to the Olympic Games
London Olympics in that year.
hence the name Paralympics.
•• The Paralympics are elite sport events
for athletes from six different disability •• The first Paralympic Games were held
groups. Athletes include those with in Rome, Italy, in 1960 and involved 400
mobility disabilities, intellectual athletes from 23 countries. Originally,
disabilities, visual impairments, cerebral only wheelchair athletes were invited
palsy and amputees.
to compete.
•• This event focuses on the athletes’
achievements rather than their •• The Paralympics are held in two
disabilities. seasons: summer and winter.
Switzerland has 1,774 ski lifts, of which 51% are T-bars.
GK-452
SPORTS & GAMES
Winter Paralympic Games 1968 - Paralympics III - Tel Aviv - Israel
1976 - Paralympics I - Örnsköldsvik - Sweden 1972 - Paralympics IV - Heidelberg - West
1980 - Paralympics II - Geilo - Norway Germany
1984 - Paralympics III - Innsbruck - Austria 1976 - Paralympics V - Toronto - Canada
1988 - Paralympics IV - Innsbruck - Austria 1980 - Paralympics VI - Arnhem -
1992 - Paralympics V - Albertville - France Netherlands
1994 - Paralympics VI - Lillehammer - 1984 - Paralympics VII - Stoke Mandeville -
Norway UK, New York - US
1998 - Paralympics VII - Nagano - Japan 1988 - Paralympics VIII - Seoul - South Korea
2002 - Paralympics VIII - Salt Lake City - 1992 - Paralympics IX - Barcelona - Spain
United States
1996 - Paralympics X - Atlanta - United States
2006 - Paralympics IX - Turin - Italy
2000 - Paralympics XI - Sydney - Australia
2010 - Paralympics X - Vancouver – Canada
2004 - Paralympics XII - Athens - Greece
2014 - Paralympics XI - Sochi - Russia
2008 - Paralympics XIII - Beijing - China
Summer Paralympic Games 2012 - Paralympics XIV - London - United
1960 - Paralympics I - Rome - Italy Kingdom
1964 - Paralympics II - Tokyo - Japan 2016 - Paralympics XV - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
•• It is the second largest sports festival in •• The first Commonwealth Games were
the world after Olympics. held in 1930 at Hamilton, Canada.
•• India, for the first time, participated in
•• It is held in four years in between the
the 2nd Commonwealth Games held in
olympic years.
1934 at London.
COMMONWEALTH GAMES SINCE 1930
Year Places Participant Competitions First India’s Medal
Countries Place
1930 Hamilton 11 6 England Not participated
(Canada)
1934 London 16 6 England 1 Bronze Medal
(England)
1938 Sydney 15 7 Australia No medal
(Australia)
1950 Auckland 12 9 Australia Not Participated
(New Zealand)
1954 Vancouver 24 9 England No medal
(Canada)
1958 Cardiff (Wales) 35 9 England Gold-2, Silver-1
1962 Perth (Australia) 35 9 Australia Not Participated
1966 Kingston 34 9 England Gold-3, Silver-4, Bronze-5
(Jamaica)
1970 Edinburgh 42 9 Australia Gold-5, Silver-3
(Scotland)
1974 Christchurch 38 9 Australia Gold-4, Silver-8, Bronze-3
(New Zealand)
There are over 20,000 sports clubs in Switzerland and 2.7 million sport licences.
1978 Edmonton 46 10 Canada Gold-5, Silver-4, Bronze-6

(Canada)
1982 Brisbane 46 10 Australia Gold-5, Silver-5, Bronze-3
(Australia)
1986 Edinburgh 26 10 England Not Participated
(Scotland)
1990 Auckland 55 10 Australia Gold-13, Silver-8, Bronze-7
(New Zealand)
1994 Victoria 63 10 Australia Gold-6, Silver-11, Bronze-10
(Canada)
1998 Kuala Lumpur 70 16 Australia Gold-07, Silver-10, Bronze-8
(Malaysia)
2002 Manchester 72 17 Australia Gold-32,Silver-21,Bronze-
(England) 19(Third Position)
2006 Melbourne 71 16 Australia Gold-22, Silver-17,
(Australia) Bronze-11 (Fourth Position)
2010 Delhi 71 17 Australia Gold-74, Silver-55,
(India) Bronze-48 (Second Position)
2014 Glasgow 71 18 England Gold-15, Silver-30,
(Scotland) Bronze-19 (Fifth Position)
2018 Gold Coast Proposed
(Australia)
ASIAN GAMES
• The idea of the Asian Games was first conceived by Prof. G.D. Sondhi. The first Asian
Games were held at New Delhi on 4 March 1951.
• The motto of the Asian Games play the game in spirit of the game” was given by Pt. J.L
Nehru.
• Its emblem is a bright full rising sun with interlocking rings.
ASIAN GAMES SINCE 1951
Games Year Places Number of Number of Number of
Serial Countries Sports Players
1 1951 New Delhi(India) 11 6 491
2 1954 Manila(Philippines) 18 8 1021
3 1958 Tokyo(Japan) 20 13 1422
4 1962 Jakarta(Indonesia) 16 13 1545
5 1966 Bangkok(Thailand) 18 14 1945
7 1974 Tehran(Iran) 25 16 2869
9 1982 New Delhi(India) 33 21 3447
10 1986 Seoul(S. Korea) 27 25 3883
11 1990 Beijing(China) 37 27 4500
Vishwanathan Anand was the first sportsperson to win the Padma Vibhushan.
GK-454
SPORTS & GAMES
12 1994 Hiroshima(Japan) 42 34 7300
14 2002 Busan(S. Korea) 44 38 7711
15 2006 Doha(Qatar) 45 39 9524
16 2010 Guangzhou(China) 45 42 9704
17 2014 Incheon(South Korea) 45 36 9501
18 2018 Jakarta (Indonesia) Scheduled
South Asian Games

The SAG(SAF) games was first held in 1984 at Kathmandu, Nepal. The seven participating
countries are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. The
motto of SAG games is “Peace, Prosperity and Progress”. The games year 1986 edition was
not staged as it was a year of Commonwealth and Asian Games.
CRICKET WORLD CUP

• It is organised by the International • The first One day International Cricket
Cricket Council (ICC) after every 4 Match was played in the year 1971
years. between England and Australia in
• The first world Cup was organized in Melbourne.
England in June 1975. • The first twenty 20 International
• Australia is the champion of ICC Cricket match was played on 17 February
world cup 2015, which also holds
2005 between Australia and New
the record of winner for maximum
Zealand in which the former came out
number of times.
• The first Cricket Test Match was played victorious.
in Melbourne between England and • The Board of Control for Cricket in
Australia in 1877. India (BCCI) was formed in 1927.
LIST OF CRICKET WORLD CUP
1975 Lord’s, England West Indies beat Australia
1979 Lord’s, England West Indies beat England
1983 Lord’s, England India beat West Indies
1987 Kolkata, India Australia beat England
1992 Melbourne, (Australia) Pakistan beat England
1996 Lahore, Pakistan Sri Lanka beat Australia
1999 Lord’s, England Australia beat Pakistan
2003 Johannesburg, South Africa Australia beat India
2007 Bridgetown, West Indies Australia beat Sri Lanka
2011 Mumbai, India India beat Sri Lanka
2015 Australia/New Zealand Australia beat New Zealand
2019 England Scheduled
The average soccer ball is made up of 32 leather panels and held together by 642 stitches and is the most followed sport.
ICC TWENTY-20 CRICKET WORLD CUP

Year Host Nations Final Venue Winner Runner-up
2007 South Africa Johannesburg India Pakistan
2009 England Lord’s, London Pakistan Sri Lanka
2010 West Indies Barbados England Australia
2012 Sri Lanka R Premdasa Stadium, Colombo West Indies Sri Lanka
2014 Bangladesh Sher-e Bangla Cricket Stadium, Dhaka Sri Lanka India
2016 India Eden Gardens, Kolkata West Indies England
IPL 2016
It is a professional Twenty 20 Cricket league The ninth and the latest IPL was held in
in India. 2016. The Sunrisers Hyderabad were
It is held every year in April-May which crowned as the champion after they won
is organised by the Board of Control for against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the
Cricket in India (BCCI). finals.
It was founded by BCCI in 2007. The IPL
is the most attended Cricket league in the 2016 IPL FINAL
world and ranks sixth among all sports
league. Man of the Match Ben Cutting
There are total 8 teams in IPL: Delhi Most Valuable player Virat Kohli
Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight of the tournament
Riders, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers
Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rising Emerging player of the Mustafizur
Pune Supergiants, Gujarat Lions. season Rehman
FIFA WORLD CUP

It is held after every four years.
Germany was the champion of 20th FIFA world cup held last in 2014 in Brazil, which was
their 4th title.
Brazil has won five times and they are the only team to have played in every tournament.
The next two World Cups will be hosted by Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.
HOCKEY WORLD CUP

• It is organised by the International Hockey Federation. It was started in 1971.
• It is held every four years.
• India has won the tournament only once in 1975 since its inception in 1971.
A LOOK AT HOCKEY WORLD CUP
Year Host Winner Runner-up
1971 Spain Pakistan Spain
1973 Netherlands Netherlands India
1975 Malaysia India Pakistan
1978 Argentina Pakistan Netherlands
1982 India Pakistan West Germany
1986 England Australia England
Before 1850 golf balls were made of leather and were stuffed with feathers.
GK-456
SPORTS & GAMES
1990 Pakistan Netherlands Pakistan
1994 Australia Pakistan Netherlands
1998 Netherlands Netherlands Spain
2002 Malaysia Germany Australia
2006 Germany Germany Australia
2010 India Australia Germany
2014 Netherlands Australia Netherlands
2018 India – –
TENNIS GRAND SLAMS

The four Grand Slam tournaments also called majors, are the most important annual tennis
events. The Grand Slam itinerary consists of the ‘Australian-open’ in mid January, the ‘French
open’ in May/June ‘Wimbledon’ in June/July, and the ‘US open’ in August /September. Each
tournament is played over a period of two weeks.
Grand Slams Nature of Court
1. Australian open Hard court
2. French open Clay court (Red)
3. Wimbledon Grass court
4. U.S. Open Hard court
ATP/WTA Rankings No ATP/WTA Rankings

ATP world tour finals Davis Cup
WTA Tour Championships Fed Cup
ATP Masters 1000 olympics World Team Cup
ATP 500 Series Hopman Cup
ITF Men’s Circuit
ITF Women’s Circuit
Australian Open French Open Wimbledon US Open

2016 2016 2016 2016
Venue: Melbourne Venue: Stade Roland Venue: All England Venue: USTA Billie Jean
Par, Melbourne Garris, Paris Lawn Tennis and King National Tennis
Croquet Club, London Center, New York City
Men’s Singles Men’s Singles Men’s Singles Men’s Singles
champion: Novak champion: Novak champion: Andy champion: Stan
Djokovic Djokovic Murray Wawrinka
Women’s Singles Women’s Singles Current Women’s Women’s Singles
champion: Angelique champion: Garbine Singles champion: champion: Angelique
Kerber Muguruza Serena Williams Kerber
INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE

The Indian Super League (ISL) also known as the Hero Indian Super
League is a professional football league in India. The league consists of eight
franchise teams from all around India. The Indian Super League was founded in
2013 in an effort to make football a top sport in India and to make Indian football
a major player worldwide. The inaugural season of the league started on 12th
October 2014 and concluded on 20th December 2014. The inaugural season was
won by Atlético de Kolkata when it defeated the Kerala Blasters in the final 1–0.
The game of Tug-of-war was an Olympic sport from 1900-1920.
Team City/State Stadium

Atlètico de Kolkata Kolkata, West Bengal Salt Lake Stadium
Chennaiyin FC Chennai, Tamil Nadu Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium
Delhi Dynamos FC Delhi Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium
FC Goa Margao, Goa Fatorda Stadium
Kerala Blasters FC Kochi, Kerala Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium
Mumbai City FC Mumbai, Maharashtra DY Patil Stadium
North East United FC Guwahati, Assam Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
FC Pune City Pune, Maharashtra Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UEFA Champions League also known as Champions League is a yearly
continental club football competition organised by the Union of European
Football Associations (UEFA), played by top-division European clubs. The
club competition was launched one month after UEFA’s first Congress, held
in Vienna on 2 March 1955.
ALL-TIME TOP SCORES
Rank Player Goals Appearances Years Clubs
1 Cristiano Ronaldo 88 121 2003- Manchester United, Real Madrid
2 Lionel Messi 80 102 2005- Barcelona
3 Raùl 71 142 1995-2011 Real Madrid, Schalke 04
Ruud van 56 73 1998-2009 PSV, Manchester United, Real
4
Nistelrooy Madrid
5 Thierry Henry 50 112 1997-2010 Manaco, Arsenal, Barcelona
6 Alfredo Di Stèfano 49 58 1955-1964 Real Madrid
7 Andriy Shevchenko 48 100 1994-2012 Dynamo Kyiv, Milan, Chelsea
Eusèbio 46 65 1961-1974 Benfica
8 Karim Benzema 46 77 2006- Lyon, Real Madrid
Fllippo Inzaghi 46 81 1997-2012 Juventus, Milan
NICKNAMES OF FAMOUS PLAYERS PT Usha Payyoli Express

AROUND THE WORLD Major Dhyan- “The Wizard”
chand
Sachin Tendulkar Master Blaster, Tendlya
Allan Donald White Lightning
Virender Sehwag Viru, Sultan of Multan
Shoaib Akhtar Rawalpindi Express Kapil Dev The Haryana Hurricane
V V S Laxman Very Very Special Shikhar Dhawan Gabbar

Brendon McCul- Baz
Don Bradman The Don
lum
Milkha Singh Flying Sikh
Rahul Dravid The Wall, Mr. Dependable,
Sunil Gavaskar Sunny, Little Master Jammy
Sourav Ganguly Dada, The Prince of Kolkata Mahendra Singh Mahi, Captain Cool, MSD
Ricky Ponting Punter Dhoni
Harbhajan Singh Bhajji, Turbanator Michael Phelps “The Baltimore Bullet”
Shane Warne Warnie, The King of Spin Usain Bolt “Lightning Bolt”
Brett Lee Bing, Binga, The Speedster Lionel Messi “La Pulga”
The volleyball sport was invented in the year 1895.

GK-458
SPORTS & GAMES
Baichung Bhutia “Sikkimese Sniper” Ajith Wadekar The making of a cricketer
Mahesh Bhupathi “Indian Express” David Beckham My Side
and Leander Paes Tiger Wood How to play golf?
(Doubles) Allan Border Beyond Ten thousand
Novak Djokovic “Djoker” PT Usha Golden Girl
Rafael Nadal “The King of Clay” Major Dhyan Goal
Andre Agassi “The Las Vegas Kid” Chand
Martina Hingis “Can’t-miss-Swiss” Javed Miandad The cutting edge
BOOKS BY SPORTS PERSONS Vishvanathan My best game of Chess
Anand
Sachin Tendulkar Playing it my way Yuvraj Singh The test of my life
Kapil Dev By God’s Decree Abhinav Bindra A Shot at History
Sunil Gavaskar Idol, Sunny Days Allan Donald White Lightening
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established on 10th November 1999. Its pri-
mary aim is to promote and coordinate the fight against doping in sport internationally.
The organization’s headquarters is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. WADA was set
up as a foundation under the initiative of the IOC with the support and participation of
intergovernmental organizations, governments, public authorities, and other public and
private bodies fighting doping in sport. WADA is accountable for the World Anti-Doping
Code, adopted by more than 600 sports organizations, including international sports fed-
erations, national anti-doping organizations, the IOC, and the International Paralympics
Committee. Sir Craig Reedie is the current president of the agency.
National Anti Doping Agency
National Anti Doping Agency is responsible for conducting for dope free sports in India.
The primary objectives are to implement anti-doping rules as per WADA code, regulate
dope control programme, to promote education and research and creating awareness
about doping and its ill effects. India is among one of the nation who signed the Copenha-
gen Declaration on Anti Doping in December 2004.
The average golf ball has 336 dimples.

HEALTHCARE GK-459
HEALTHCARE
HEALTHCARE IN INDIA
The healthcare services of India have Present Status

seen tremendous growth in the past few
India has worked in improving the health
years which can be revealed by different
of the citizens. However, the healthcare
indicators and health parameters. Inspite
sector has been seen as a social sector
of this fact, the expenditure on healthcare
is very less, i.e. 4% of the GDP and private receiving less focus and low budget
parties have the dominance over the sector. allocation.
* India spends a total of 4.2% of its GDP on healthcare while USA 18%.
* As a result of low GDP allocation private players are emerging to fulfil the growing
healthcare needs.
* India shares 20% of the burden of global diseases with only 6% beds and 8 %
doctors.
* Hospital bed density in India is 0.9 per 1,000 persons, against WHO’s recommendation
3.5 per 1,000.
* India has one doctor per 1,700 citizens against WHO’s a minimum ratio of 1:1,000.
* India has 387 medical colleges—181 Government and 206 private.
* India produces 30,000 doctors, 18,000 specialists, 30,000 AYUSH graduates, 54,000
nurses, 15,000 ANMs and 36,000 pharmacists annually.
* India has about 6-6.5 lakh doctors. But it needs 4 lakh more by 2020 to maintain the
required ratio of 1:1,000.
Rise in Per Capita Healthcare personal health and hygiene.

Expenditure • Greater penetration of health insurance
• Per capita healthcare expenditure is aided the rise in healthcare spending, a
estimated at a CAGR of 5 % during FY trend likely to intensify in the coming
2008–15 to US$ 68.6 billion by 2015. decade.
• This is due to rising incomes, easier • Economic prosperity is driving the
access to high-quality healthcare improvement in affordability for
facilities and greater awareness of generic drugs in the market.
The blue whale has the largest heart weighing over 1,500 pounds.
GK-460
HEALTHCARE
Per capita healthcare expenditure (US$) strengthening coverage, services and
68.9
increasing expenditure by public as
61 58 61 61.9 well private players.
54
• During 2008-20, the market is expected
to record a CAGR of 16.5%.
• The total industry size is expected to
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 touch US$ 160 billion by 2017 and US$
Source : World Bank, BMI Report, TechSci Research 280 billion by 2020.
• As per the Ministry of Health, development
Growth of Healthcare Industry in India of 50 technologies has been targeted in
• Healthcare industry is growing at the FY16, for the treatment of disease
a tremendous pace owing to its like Cancer and TB.
HEALTHCARE
Healthcare Sector to Grow at a CAGR of 17% during 2008-20 and
healthcare revenues to reach USD 280 billion by 2020
Policy Support
280.0 India to Emerge as a global healthcare hub
300 Reduced excise and customs duty
Exemption in service taxes
200 160.0 Establishment of new drug testing
laboratories
81.3 Formulation of the Mental Health Policy
68.4 72.8
45.0 51.7 59.5
According to the Ministry of Health, over 50
technologies are being developed by FY16 for
0 treatmentofCancer,TBandotherdiseases.
8 9 010 011 12 14 F
F
0 0 0
20 2
17
20 2 20 20 20
2
Implementation and Promotion of e-Health
20
F-Forecase Initiatives-Mother and Child Tracking System

(MCTS)andFacilitationCentre(MCTF).
Healthcare expenditure to grow at a CAGR of 17% during 2011-20
Source: TechSci Research
Dolly, a female domestic sheep was the first cloned mammal.

HEALTHCARE GK-461
7 Structural Problems in India’s •• A wide gap between urban and rural

Healthcare System population in terms of provision of
medical facilities.
1. A weak primary healthcare system.
•• Poor facilities in large government
2. Unequally distributed skilled human
institutions compared to corporate
resources.
hospitals.
3. Large unregulated private sector
•• Increasing cost of curative medical services,
4. Low public spending on health
high tech curative services not free.
5. Fragmented health information systems
•• India has been affected the most by
6. Irrational use and spiralling cost of
dengue, the rapidly spreading mosquito-
drugs
borne viral disease.
7. Weak governance and accountability
•• Malaria is still a major concern for
Major Concerns in Last Decade Indian Health sector.
•• Tuberculosis is the biggest threat to India
•• India ranked 67th among the top developing with 2.2 million tuberculosis patients.
countries with a doctor patient ratio of •• Hepatitis C patients lack access to
0.7 doctors per 1000 patient. affordable treatment and care.
NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMMES
National AIDS Control Programme National Filaria Control Programme

A division of Ministry of Health and Family Launched in India since 1957 with an
Welfare,was established in 1992 to prevent objective:
and control HIV/AIDS infection through 35 •• To carry out surveys in different parts of
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Societies. the state where the problem was known
to exist in order to determine the extent
National Cancer Control Programme of prevalence, types of infection and their
Launched in 1975 with an initiation of vectors.
giving priority for equipping the premier •• To undertake large scale pilot studies
cancer hospital/institutions. The further to evaluate the known methods of
evolution has added few other important filariasis control in selected areas in
aspects which include recognition of new different parts of states.
Regional Cancer Centre, strengthening of •• To train professional and ancillary
existing Regional Cancer Centres, devel- personnel required for the programme.
opment of oncology units, District Cancer
National Leprosy Eradication
Control Programme, etc.
Programme (NLEP)
Pulse Polio Campaign (Do Boond Launched in 1955 is a centrally sponsored
Zindegi Ke) Health Scheme of the Ministry of Health
Initiated in 1978 the programme aimed at and Family Welfare, Govt. of India with an
preventing polio by vaccinating against the objective of eliminating Leprosy with the
disease. It was the extended programme use of Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) in phases.
of Universal Immunisation Program which
successfully covered 95% of the country and Eliminate Kala-azar
as a result India was declared Polio free in A part of National Health Policy envisaged
2014. in 2010 to eradicate the dreaded disease
A red blood cell can circumnavigate our body in under 20 seconds.
GK-462
HEALTHCARE
‘Kala-azar’ or Visceral Leishmaniasis, also •• Integrating health and family welfare
known as ‘Black Fever’ and ‘Dumdum Fever’ programme.
from India by 2015. •• Developing capacities for preventive
healthcare at all levels.
National TB Control Programme •• Promotion of public-private partnerships
Launched in 1962 with an objective of for achieving public health goals.
eradication of the disease but till 1992 only •• Strengthening capacities for data
30% of the country had been covered. So the collection, assessment and review for
programmes has been revised in 1993 with evidence based planning, monitoring
an objective of achieving and maintaining and supervision.
a cure rate of 85% among newly detected
infectious (new sputum smear positive) National Urban Health Mission
cases. This resulted in the coverage of 450 (NUHM)
million populations which is more than 80%
Launched in 2014 under National Health
in 2004.
Mission (NHM).
TB-Mission 2020 The main objectives are to:
•• Improve the healthcare status of the
•• TB Mission 2020 was announced by the
urban population particularly the poor
Union Ministry of Health and Family
and other disadvantaged sections.
Welfare on 28th October 2014 at WHO’s
•• Strengthen public healthcare system.
Global TB Symposium in Barcelona with
•• Involve the community and urban local
an initiative to eliminate Tuberculosis in
bodies in healthcare delivery.
India by 2020.
•• Supplement the National Rural Health
•• The Indian government will take up
under a unified National Health Mission.
projects of providing free diagnosis,
treatment, nutrition support and Special Focus on:
financial aid to the affected patients. •• Urban poor population living in listed and
unlisted slums.
National Tobacco Control •• All other vulnerable populations such as
Programme homeless, rag-pickers, street children,
rickshaw pullers, construction site workers,
Launched in 2007 by the Ministry of Health
sex workers and any other temporary
and Family Welfare with objectives:
migrants.
•• To bring about greater awareness about
the harmful effects of tobacco use and Mission Indradhanush
about the Tobacco Control Laws.
•• Mission Indradhanush was launched
• • To facilitate effective implementation
to immunize all children against seven
of the Tobacco Control Law.
vaccine preventable diseases including
National Rural Health Mission diphtheria, whooping cough (Pertussis),
(NRHM) tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles and
hepatitis B by the year 2020.
Launched on 5th April,2005. The Mission
was initially started for: •• The mission involves four special
•• Creation of cadre of Accredited Social vaccination campaigns which were
Health Activist (ASHA). conducted between the months of April
•• Strengthening all the CHCs, PHCs and and July 2015, focussing on intensive
sub centres. planning and monitoring of these campaigns.
•• Mainstreaming AYUSH (Indian System •• The campaigns will be planned and
of Medicine). executed in accordance with the learning
Sushruta, an ancient Indian physician is known as “The father of surgery” and also called “The first plastic surgeon”
HEALTHCARE GK-463
from the successful implementation of •• It also involves 100% collection and

the polio programme. processing/disposal/reuse/recycling
•• The focus of the systematic immunization of municipal solid waste.
drive will be comprehended through a •• The campaign involves generation of
“catch-up” campaign mode with the aim awareness among the citizens regarding
to cover the left out children who missed sanitation and public health.
out immunization. •• The mission encourages private sectors
•• The mission will be carried out in 2 phases to participate in construction and
in 2015 in which the first phase will cover maintenance of sanitary facilities as a
201 districts, while the second phase will part of corporate social responsibility
cover 297 districts. initiative. L&T has announced the
•• The Government has recognised 201 construction of 5000 toilets across the
districts across 28 states in the country nation as the part of their CSR initiative.
with 82 districts from Bihar, Madhya National Bal Swachhta Mission
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
•• The National Bal Swachhta Mission was
having 25% children who are
launched by the Union Government on
unimmunized or partially immunized.
14th November 2014, on the 125th birth
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister
Jawahar Lal Nehru.
•• The Swachh Bharat Mission was officially
•• The Bal Swachhta Mission is an integral
launched by Prime Minister Narendra
part of the famous sanitation drive
Modi on 2nd October 2014, covering 4041 ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’.
statutory towns with the purpose to clean •• The six themes to be included in the
the streets, roads and infrastructure of mission are:
the nation. 1. Clean Anganwadis
•• The mission aims to make the nation 2. Clean Surroundings like Playgrounds
‘open defecation free’ by 2019 through 3. Clean Self (Personal Hygiene/ Child
construction of IHHL (individual Health)
household latrines), cluster toilets and 4. Clean Food
community toilets. 5. Clean Drinking Water.
•• SBA also aims at eradication of manual 6. Clean Toilets
scavenging. •• Maternity Benefit Program
RECENT OUTBREAK OF MAJOR DISEASES IN INDIA
Disease Outbreak Symptoms Recommended Treatment
Influenza A (H1N1) • Chills, Fever, Cough Use of drugs such as

virus 2009 • Sore Throat, Runny or Stuffy • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®),
Nose, Bodyache, Fatigue, • Zanamivir (Relenza®)
Diarrhoea • Peramivir (Rapivab®)
Swine flu 2014- • Cough • Vaccination to prevent
2015 • Fever infection.
• Headache • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®),
• Sore Throat • Zanamivir (Relenza®)
• Muscle Pain
• Chills
• Vomiting Or Diarrhoea.
We exercise atleast 36 muscles when we smile.

GK-464
HEALTHCARE
Hepatitis 2009 • Liver Inflammation, • Lamivudine (Zeffix®)
• Vomiting • Adefovir (Hepsera®)
• Jaundice. • Entecavir (Baraclude®)
• Tenofovir (Viread®)
• Pegylated Interferon
(Pegasys®)
Dengue 2014-2016 • High Fever, (105°F) • As such there is no such
• Pain Behind the Eyes & Joints, specific drugs for treating
Muscles, Bones dengue. However doctors
• Severe Headache prescribe Acetaminophen
• Rash over skin (Tylenol, others) for
• Bleeding from nose/ gum/ alleviating pain and reduce
stools fever.
Cholera 2010 • Mild fever, Body ache, • Antibiotic
Abdominal pain and cramps, • Oral health drink to prevent
Lethargy and fatigue dehydration
• Excessive thirst
• Headaches
Plague 1994 • Sudden onset of fever • Streptomycin
• Headache • Gentamicin
• Chills • Tetracycline
• Weakness and one or • Chloramphenicol
more swollen, tender and pain- • Doxycycline
ful lymph nodes (called • Oxytetracycline
buboes) • Sulfamethoxazole/trimethopri
Chikungunya • Arthritis like pain around the • Aspirin
1963-1973 & 2016 joints • Non-steroidal inflammatory
• Muscle aches drugs
• Fever • Chloroquine Phosphate
• Malaise
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
A3’s Healthcare Challenge in

Remote Areas anywhere to control patients from long
distances, i.e. rural areas.
•• A3rmt is a wireless portable medical
•• The concept and devices useful in
technology developed as a solution to
area-specific healthcare inefficiencies. developing countries was started by Dr.
A3 is a remote technology came in Shrikant Parikh, founder and CEO of the
to help doctors sitting in cities or company, in 2008.
Our blood is on a 60,000 mile journey per day.
HEALTHCARE GK-465
•• Dr. Shrikant Parikh has declared that A3 •• A3 devices are helping doctors and
will help India in tackling its rural health cardiologist of Tamil Nadu State
problems by connecting needy patients to Governmental District Hospital to
medical experts. A3rmt create customized remotely serve patients in the Primary
devices to connect patient side units to Healthcare Centre of Kunjapanai village,
multiple cloud servers. Doctors just need
which lies in a hilly, forested terrain.
to have a smartphone/hand held device.
•• A3rmt provides detailed information •• A3 has provided their technology to
about the specific local challenges in six Indian states so far, and has even
healthcare. crossed the Indian border to reach the
•• The A3 services focus on five broad hospital of Mwanza, Tanzania, where
areas: cardiovascular diseases, cuts patients are remotely monitored by
and wounds, war zone medical care, senior doctors in Ahmedabad.
pregnancy, and radiology.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES IN HEALTHY SECTOR

India’s universal health plan that aims to and Telemedicine) has been launched
offer guaranteed benefits to a sixth of the to empower rural citizens by providing
world’s population will cost an estimated ` access to information, knowledge, skills
1.6 trillion (US$ 23.48 billion) over the next and other services in different sectors
four years. through digital technologies.
Some of the major initiatives taken by the •• Government of India has launched the
Government of India to promote Indian National Deworming initiative to
healthcare industry are as follows: protect 24 crore children of 1-19 years
•• Provisions made in the Union budget from intestinal worms.
2016-17:
o National Dialysis Services Pro- Startups Making Difference in
gramme to be initiated to provide Healthcare Digitally
dialysis services in all district hos- About 90% of the startups evaluated
pitals. in 2015 were working on preventive
o A new health protection scheme healthcare and monitoring solutions,
for health cover upto ` 1 lakh (US$ revealed an InnAccel’s report. Hospitals,
1,470) per family. medical devices, clinical trials, outsourcing,
o Setting up 3,000 medical stores tele-medicine, medical tourism, health
across the country to provide qual- insurance and medical equipment
ity medicines at affordable prices. collectively form the pillar of healthcare
o Senior citizens will get additional sector.
healthcare cover of ` 30,000 (US$ Today, you can locate diagnostic centres,
441) under the new scheme hospitals and doctors just by a swipe on a
o Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi smartphone’s Apps created by Startups.
Yojana to be strengthened, 3000 Below are the list of some healthtech
generic drug store to be opened. startups:
•• Government of West Bengal has eKincare: It was founded in 2014 by
introduced G1 Digital Dispensary, to Kiran Kalakuntla and Sunil Motaparti at
provide people from rural areas access Hyderabad. It helps users put their health
to primary healthcare services. records and keep it on the cloud — where
•• A unique initiative for healthcare they can access the data anywhere, using a
‘SEHAT’ (Social Endeavour for Health PC or a mobile device.
The beating sound of the heart is the clap of valve leaflets opening and closing.
GK-466
HEALTHCARE
Medibox Technologies: Mr. Bhavik Kumar MUI manages personal health information
and Kapil Kanbarkar started it at Bengaluru. to deliver quality healthcare to the public.
Medibox allows patients to search for It allows users to maintain lifetime health
healthcare facilities like pharmacies, records and data for improving the quality
hospitals and blood banks across India. It is of medical treatment.
a mobile application based services. BookMEDS.com: It was started by
Mohammed Abubakar, Subathra Santanam,
Mediaka Bazaar: It was founded by Mr.
and Sajid Sikander in 2013 at Hyderabad.
Vivek Tiwari in 2015 in Mumbai. Mediaka
BookMEDS is an e-commerce portal for
bazaar is a market place for all medical and
medicines and medical products. The
healthcare needs. It helps buyers search and product categories include orthopedic care,
compare from over 10,000 medical devices home care, mother and baby care, medical
and consumable options for all health and gadgets, hospital equipment, contraceptives
wellness needs. care, protein supplements, fitness and
Medical Unique Identity (MUI): Mr. sports, homeopathy and ayurveda, ENT,
Mayank Harlalka started it in Bengaluru. eye, and dental care.
The human body has 45 miles of nerves.

MEANS OF COMMUNICATION
Means of Communication
Postal Network Telecommunication

Expanding Telephone
services
Indian Handles First class mail Second class mail Six mail 24 hrs STD facility to every
postal parcels, Includes Book channels village in the country
Include
Network letters cards & Pockets, Development of space
COMMUNICATION, MEDIA & TRANSPORT
Largest in etc. envelopes Registered technology revolutionized

World Newspapers, the system
Airlifted, Periodicals
cover both Rajdhani Channel
land & air Carried by
surface mail, Metro Channel
cover land Facilitate
quick Green Channel
& water delivery
transport Business Channel
in large Bulk mail Channel
towns &
cities Periodical Channel
Mass Communication
COMMUNICATION
Print Media
Newspapers Periodicals Journals

MEDIA & TRANSPORT
Includes Radio, Benefits

TV, Newspapers, Provides Entertainment

Magazines,
GK-467
Creates Awareness about

Books, Films Provides Updates current
programmes/policies
knowledge National &
Educational programmes International affairs
GK-468
COMMUNICATION
Post Office •• Indian Post has been terminated two
•• The Department of Posts was founded of its major services such as Telegram
in India on 1st April, 1774. and Money order in July 2013 and April
•• This department serves as an agent of Govt. 2015 respectively due to the increasing
•• It provides services like letter post, pressure of electronic communication
parcel service, EMS, delivery, freight media, but still continues with the
forwarding, third-party logistics, services of electronic money order
and deposit accounts, saving banks, (eMO) and instant money order (IMO)
retailing, life insurance, remittance etc. which were introduced in 2008.
Quick Facts
Founder of Telegraph and Postal in India : Governor General Lord Dalhousie
First General Post Office opened in India : 1774 (Kolkata)
First postage stamp of India : Sinde Dawk (1852)
Pin system started in India : 1972
The First Indian Post Office Outside India : Dakshin Gangotri in Antarctica (1983),
Indian Territory
Speed Post started in India : 1986
Money Order System : 1880
Postal Life Insurance started : 1884
Postal Staff College situated at : Ghaziabad (UP)
World Postal Day is observed on : 9th October
Indian Postal Day is observed on : 10th October
Telecommunication William O’Shaughnessy pioneered

the telegraph and telephone in India.
•• The Telecommunications system in
A separate department was opened in
India is the 2nd largest in the world.
1854 when telegraph facilities opened
Telephone services were introduced
to the public.
in 1881-82 in Kolkata for the first
•• A revolution in wireless communication
time and first automatic exchange was
began in the first decade of the
opened up at Shimla in 1913-14 with a
20th century with the pioneering
capacity of 700 lines only. In 1850, the
developments in radio communications
first experimental electric telegraph
by Guglielmo Marconi, who won the
line was started between Calcutta
Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909.
and Diamond Harbour. In 1851, it was
•• Other highly notable pioneering inventors
opened for the use of the British East
and developers in the field of electrical
India Company. The construction of
and electronic telecommunications
4,000 miles (6,400 km) of telegraph
include Charles Wheatstone and Samuel
lines was started in November 1853.
Morse (telegraph), Alexander Graham
These connected Kolkata and Peshawar
Bell (telephone), Edwin Armstrong, and
in the north; Agra, Mumbai through
Guglielmo Marconi (radio), as well as
Sindwa Ghats, and Chennai in the
Vladimir K. Zworykin, John Logie Baird
south; Ootacamund and Bangalore. and Philo Farnsworth (television).
Chandragupta Maurya is the first Indian King to be depicted on an Indian Stamp.
COMMUNICATION, MEDIA & TRANSPORT GK-469
Radio and Television •• 3G, is the third generation of mobile

•• At the time of Independence, there telecommunications technology. 3G
were six radio (Akashwani) stations. At telecommunication networks support
present all India Radio is accessible to services that provide an information
almost 99% of total population. transfer rate of at least 200 kbit/s.
•• Doordarshan is the national television •• 4G, is the fourth generation of mobile
service of India. It was started in 1959. telecommunications technology, succeeding
3G. A 4G system must provide capabilities
•• Under the open skies policies a
defined by ITU in IMT Advanced. Potential
large number of private parties have
and current applications include amended
registered in India.
mobile web access, IP telephony, gaming
services, high-definition mobile TV, video
Mobile Communication
conferencing, 3D television, and cloud
•• A mobile phone is a telephone that can computing.
make and receive calls over a radio
frequency carrier while the user is Communications Satellite
moving within a telephone service area.
•• A communications satellite is an artificial
•• Modern mobile phones support a variety satellite that relays and amplifies radio
of services, such as text messaging, MMS, telecommunications signals via a
email, Internet access, short-range wireless transponder; it creates a communication
communications, business applications, channel between a source transmitter
gaming, and photography. Mobile phones and a receiver(s) at different locations on
which offer these and more general Earth.
computing capabilities are referred to
•• Communications satellites are used for
as Smartphone.
television, telephone, radio, internet, and
•• Wireless data connections used in military applications.
mobile computing take three general
•• The first artificial Earth satellite
forms. Cellular data service uses
was Sputnik 1. Put into orbit by the
technologies such as GSM, CDMA or
Soviet Union on October 4, 1957,
GPRS, 3G, 4G networks such as W-CDMA,
it was equipped with an on-board
EDGE or CDMA 200 and more recently 4G
radio-transmitter that worked on two
networks such as LTE, LTE-Advanced.
frequencies: 20.005 and 40.002 MHz.
•• GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communications, is to describe the protocols India has launched 87 Indian satellites
for second-generation (2G) digital cellular (as of now) of many types since its first
networks used by mobile phones, first in 1975. The organisation responsible for
deployed in Finland in July 1991. India’s satellite program is the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO).
•• Code division multiple access (CDMA) is
a channel access method used by various
Application Areas
radio communication technologies. CDMA
•• Agriculture
is used as the access method in many
mobile phone standards such as cdmaOne, •• Education
CDMA2000 (the 3G evolution of cdmaOne), •• Health
and WCDMA (the 3G standard used by •• e-governance
GSM carriers), which are often referred •• Grid Computing (High Performance
to as simply CDMA. Computing)
The first handheld mobile phone was demonstrated by Motorola in 1973.
GK-470
NEWS & MEDIA

Newspaper All India Radio (AIR) or Akashwani
Newspaper is the print media that It was formed in 1930 as a part of Prasar
usually prints information, the activities Bharti. It is considered to be one of the
and happenings around us, generally nation’s premier Public Service Broadcasters
categorized into daily and weekly basis. It which truly lives up to its motto of ‘Bahujan
was introduced way back in 1780. Hitaya: Bahujan Sukhaya’. At the beginning
AIR started broadcasting in 23 languages
QUICK FACTS and 146 dialects.
Event Publishing Name of the Doordarshan
Year Publication It was launched on 15 September, 1959
First newspaper 1780 Hicky’s Bengal as a part of Prasar Bharti with the motto
in India Gazette or Satyam Shivam Sundaram. It provides
Calcutta General television, radio, online and mobile services
throughout metropolitan and regional
First newspaper 1789 Bombay Herald India with more than 60 channels which
from Bombay broadcast programmes in almost all
First newspaper 1854 Samachar regional languages along with Hindi and
in Hindi Sudha Varshan English. It has also a wide spread network
Registrar of Newspapers in the overseas also.
It is a statutory body of Government of Reuters
India which is popularly known as RNI. It It is an English news service opened in
was established on 1st July 1956 with an London by Julius Reuter in 1851, and now the
objective of regulating and monitoring the most important institution of its kind in the
printing and publication of newspapers British Empire. It has correspondents in all the
based on the Press and Registration of great news centres of the world and furnishes
Books Act, 1867. It has both statutory and telegraph and other news features throughout
non-statutory functions. the eastern hemisphere and, to some extent, to
Latin America, the United States and Canada.
Press Trust of India (PTI) AFP Agence France-Presse (AFP)
It was incorporated in Madras on, 27th It is an international news agency. The
August, 1947 but started providing full- headquarter of AFP is located in Paris. It
fledged news and information both in was founded in 1944. It is the third largest
Hindi and English medium from 1st in the world (after Associated Press and
February, 1949. It’s a non-profit sharing Reuters). AFP has regional offices in Nicosia,
cooperative organization and known for Montevideo, Hong Kong, and Washington,
its unbiased news coverage. The corporate D.C., and bureaus in 150 countries. It
and registered offices are located at Sansad transmits news in French, English, Arabic,
Marg, New Delhi and D N Road, Mumbai Portuguese, Spanish and German.
respectively. It has a news channel known AP (Associated Press)
as PTI-TV featuring documentaries. It is one of the largest and most trusted sources
United News of India (UNI) of independent news gathering. It is neither
privately owned nor government-funded;
It was founded on December 1961 under instead, as a not-for-profit news cooperative
the Company Acts. However its commercial owned by its American newspaper and
application started on 21st March 1961. broadcast members. Founded in 1846, AP
Prasar Bharti has covered all the major news events of
the past 165 years, providing high quality,
It is an autonomous body set up by an Act informed reporting of everything from wars
of Parliament on 23 Nov, 1997. It has two and elections to championship games and
major divisions Doordarshan Television royal weddings. Since the Pulitzer Prize was
Network and All India Radio. It is known to established, in 1917, AP has received 51
be the largest broadcasting agency in India. Pulitzers, including 31 photo Pulitzers.
Bharti Airtel launched India’s first 4G service, using TD-LTE technology, in Kolkata on 10 April 2012.
BBC (The British Broadcasting Social Media

Corporation) Social Media are computer-mediated
It is the public service broadcaster of the technologies that allow the creating and
United Kingdom, headquartered at Broad- sharing of information, ideas, career
casting House in London. It is the world’s interests and other forms of expression via
oldest national broadcasting organisation and virtual communities and networks.
the largest broadcaster in the world. Social media use web-based and mobile
technologies on smartphones and tablet
Al Jazeera computers to create highly interactive
platforms through which individuals,
It is a Doha-based state funded broadcaster communities and organizations can share,
owned by the Al Jazeera Media Network, co-create, discuss, and modify user-
Partly funded by the house of Thani, the generated content or pre-made content
ruling family of Qatar. It is one of the largest posted online.
news organizations with 80 bureaus around Some of the most popular social media
the world. The channel was launched on 1st websites are Facebook (and its associated
November 1996 following the closure of the Facebook Messenger), WhatsApp, Tumblr,
BBC’s Arabic language television station. Instagram, Twitter, Baidu Tieba, Pinterest,
Hamid bin Thamer Al Thani is the chairman LinkedIn, Gab, Google+, YouTube, Viber,
of the channel. Snapchat, Weibo and WeChat.
TRANSPORT
A well-knit and coordinated system of transport plays an important part in the development
of economic growth of a country. The present transport system of India comprises several
modes of transport which includes (a) Rail (b) Roads (c) Inland waterways (d) Coastal
shipping and (e) Airways.
The Ministry of Transport is responsible for the formation and implementation of policies
and programmes for the development of various modes of transport except the railways
and the civil aviation.
NEED & IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPORT
Development of a Country
Production of Goods & Services + Movement of Goods & Services
Require
EFFICIENT Means of Transport
Link areas of production with consumption
Importance of Trans-
port System
Facilitates movement of Goods, Services Economic Prosperity & Maintain

& People at local & global level Security
The Smallest National Highway is NH47A with length of 6 kms from Bamanbore (Guj) to Nagpur.
GK-472
TRANSPORT
Means of Transport
Land Water Air
Indian Road Network

•• India has a road network of over approx. 4,689,842 kilometers.
•• The Central Government is responsible for development and maintenance of the
National Highways system.
•• The Ministry carries out development and maintenance work of National Highways
through three agencies. viz. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), State Public
Works Department (PWDs) and Border Road Organization (BRO).
•• National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is the largest highway project ever
taken in the country.
•
FEATURES OF ROAD TRANSPORT
More economical for
short distance travel &
traffic movement
Cheap & Easy Provides

to Construct door-to-door
& Maintain service
Road
Transport
Feeder to More flexible &

Railways, Air Accessible
& Seaports
Constructed in hilly
areas, negotiate steep
slopes & sharp bends
QUICK FACTS
Categories Dimensions in Responsible Authority
Kms (up to 2011)
National Highways 92,851 Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Central
Government)
State Highways 1,63,898 State governments (State’s public works department)
Major and Other 17,05,706 Local governments, Panchayats and Municipalities
District Roads
Rural Roads 27,49,805 Local governments, Panchayats and Municipalities
All highways directed from east to west are numbered in odd digits.
CLASSIFICATION OF ROAD ON THE BASIS OF CAPACITY
National Highways State Highways District Roads Village Roads
Golden Quadrilateral
Super Highways Objective Maintained Major National Objective Maintained Objective
Objective Constructed/
by Highways by
Maintained by
Improve Special Impetus
& upgrade Link State Connect
Objective Implemented Major primary road NH-1 Capital with Zila
district head Parishad Pradhan Mantri
by Projects system Different quarters Grameen Sadak
Delhi-Amritsar District Yojana Govt.
Central
Reduce Time (Sher Shah Suri

Public Works Marg) State Public Link Rural Schemes
& Distance Works areas with
between Mega Department NH-2 Department Towns
Cities
Golden
National Quadrilateral Delhi-Kolkata
Highway NH-3
Authority Delhi-Kolkata- Border Roads
of India Chennai-Mumbai Agra-Mumbai
(6 lane)
North South NH-7 Objective Benefits Constructed/
Corridor Maintained by
Varanasi- Improved
Development Accessibility
Srinagar (J & K) Kanyakumari of Roads of Border Roads
to Kanyakumari in difficult
(Tamil Nadu) NH-8 Strategic Organisation
terrain
Importance in (est. in 1960)
East West North & North- Economic
Delhi-Mumbai
Corridor East Border Development

States
GK-473
Porbandar
Gujarat to
Silcher, Assam
GK-474
National Highways Development Project main purpose is to provide connectivity
National Highways Development Project to all the State capitals and district
(NHDP) has taken up a massive programme headquarters including 4-laning of 315
of road building in the country. Launched on km of National Highways between Nagao
January 2, 1999, this is perhaps one of the and Dibrugarh and 2/4 laning of 288 km of
largest programmes of road development National Highways in Meghalaya, Nagaland
ever taken up in the country. The project is and Sikkim. Other stretches considered
being implemented by National Highways critical for economic development are also
Authority of India (NHAI). NHDP has included in this proposal.
following components.
(iv) Phase IV of NHDP
(i) Phase I — Golden Quadrilateral This is a new initiative which aims
Comprising National Highways connecting at providing balanced and equitable
Delhi — Mumbai—Chennai—Kolkata— distribution of improving/widening
Delhi by six-lane super highways. This highway network throughout the country
component has a total length of 5,846 km. by upgrading 21,000 km of single lane
The four sides of the quadrilateral have roads to 2 lane road with paved shoulders
varying length. The side of quadrilateral and for strengthening of 17,000 km of
between Delhi and Mumbai is 1419 km existing 2-lane highways and construction
long, Mumbai to Chennai is 1,290 km long, of paved shoulders.
Chennai to Kolkata is the longest side which
Border Roads Organisation
is 1,684 km long. The side between Kolkata
and Delhi is 1,453 km long. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Board
was set up in May 1960 for accelerating
(ii) Phase II—North-South Corridor economic development and strengthening
Comprising the National Highways defence preparedness through rapid and
connecting Srinagar to Kanniyakumari co-ordinated improvement of roads in the
including Kochi-Salem Spur and East-West north and north-eastern border areas.
corridor comprising the National Highways This organisation has constructed world’s
connecting Silchar in Assam and Porbandar highest road joining Chandigarh with
in Gujarat. Manali in Himachal Pradesh and Leh in
The project has a total length of about 7,300 Ladakh.
km, out of which the North-South corridor This road runs at an average altitude of
is 4,000 km and East-West corridor is 3,300 4,270 metres above sea level and negotiates
km long. four passes at heights ranging from 4,875
to 5,485 metres. It is a vital road link in the
(iii) Phase III of NHDP western Himalayas and has considerably
The NHDP Phase III, proposed to take up reduced the distance between Chandigarh
rehabilitation and upgradation of about and Leh.
10,000 km of existing National Highways to
4-lane dual carriageway configurations on a The Border Roads Organisation has
BOT basis. Identification of these stretches now spread its activities throughout the
is proposed on the following principles: country and is presently working in states
of Rajasthan, J &K, Himachal Pradesh,
(i) Corridors having high density of traffic. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
(ii) Connectivity of State capitals with the Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya,
NHDP Phase I and II network. Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram,
(iii) Connectivity to places of economic, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar and Andaman and
commercial and tourist importance. Nicobar Islands. It has so far constructed
The implementation of entire 10,000 over 24,553 km of roads and surfaced
stretches has been entrusted to NHAI. 20,225 km of roads. It is also maintaining
Accelerated North-East Road Development about 16,720 km of roads in border areas.
Project is being proposed for the The BRO is doing a commendable job
development of roads in this region. The in the field of snow clearance on 64
The NH7 is the longest National highway in India with a length of 2369 km, Varanasi to Kanyakumari.
roads for a length of 2,618 km in high

NH 5 Kolkata-Chennai
altitude areas. With the passage of time,
NH 6 Kolkata-Dhule
the BRO has extended and diversified
its field of activities and is now engaged NH 7 Varanasi-Kanyakumari
in the construction of airfields, building NH 8 Delhi-Mumbai (via Jaipur, Boroda
complexes, hospitals, schools, prestigious & Ahmedabad)
NH 9 Mumbai-Vijaywada
accommodation projects and allied
NH 10 Delhi-Fazilka
hydroelectric projects. A prestigious project
NH 24 Delhi - Lucknow
of developing the 160 km long Tamu-
NH 26 Lucknow-Varanasi
Kalemyo-Kalewa road in Myanmar was
taken up in 1997 and completed in 2001.
Another important work is the construction
Some Basic facts about the Indian
of Indo- Bangladesh Border (IBB) Roads
Road Network
and fencing of the border. India has the second largest road network
International Highways in the world. The density of India’s high-
way network is higher than that of the
The roads which are financed by the World United States.
Bank and connect India with neighbouring
countries are called international highways. Given below are some interesting facts
There are two categories of such highways, about India Roads.
(a) the main arterial routes linking the
capitals of neighbouring countries. Some Total length of Roads in 4.690 million
of the important routes of this category are India kilometers
(i) the Lahore-Mandalay (Myanmar) route Total Length of National 66,754 Kms
passing through Amritsar-Delhi-Agra- Highways in India
Kolkata-Golaghat- Imphal (ii) Agra-Gwalior- Length of India’s State 128,000
Hyderabad-Bangalore-Dhanushkodi road Highways
and (iii) Barhi-Kathmandu road.
Longest National NH 7 ( 2369
(b) Routes joining major cities, ports etc. Highway in India kms)
with arterial network such as: (i) Agra-
Mumbai road (ii) Delhi-Multan road (iii) Density of highway 0.66 km per
Bangalore-Chennai Road and (iv) Golaghat- network sqkm of land
Ledo road. Total Length of Express 562 Kms
Highways in India
IMPORTANT NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
NH Connects Indian Railways
NH 1 New Delhi-Ambala-Jalandhar- Indian Railways is a state-owned enterprise
Amritsar and one of the world’s largest railway
networks comprising 115,000 km of
NH 2 Delhi-Mathura-Agra-Kanpur-
track over a route of 65,808 km and 7,112
Allahabad-Varanasi-Kolkata stations. Indian Railways is the second most
NH 3 Agra-Gwalior-Nasik-Mumbai important means of communication in
NH 4 Thane and Chennai via Pune and India contributing 1% to the gross domestic
Belgaum product from transportation point of view.
It was founded on April 16, 1853.
INDIAN RAILWAY TRACK
Broad Gauge
Inner (1.676 m)
distance Multiple
Railway between Metre Gauge
Gauge
Gauges 2 parallel (1.000 m)
Operations
rail lines Narrow Gauge
(0.762 and 0.610 m)
Colour distribution of milestones are as: National – Yellow and White, State – Green and White, City – Black and White.
GK-476
RAILWAY TRANSPORT
Accelerate
Mode of transport Conduct development
for freight & Multifarious Integrating of Industry &
passengers Activities Force Agriculture
Railway
Transport
INDIAN RAILWAYS
Largest 1st Train-From (March 2011) Reorganised

Public Sector Mumbai to Network of 7133 into 16 zones
Undertaking Thane (34 km) stations + Route
in 1853 length of 64,460 km
INDIAN RAILWAYS ZONES AND THEIR HEADQUARTERS

Name Route (km) Headquarters
Southern (SR) 5098 Chennai
Central (CR) 3905 Mumbai
Western (WR) 6182 Mumbai
Eastern (ER) 2414 Kolkata
Northern (NR) 6968 Delhi
North Eastern (NER) 3667 Gorakhpur
South Eastern (SER) 2631 Kolkata
Northeast Frontier (NFR) 3907 Maligaon
South Central (SCR) 5951 Secunderabad
East Central (ECR) 3628 Hajipur
North Western (NWR) 5459 Jaipur
East Coast (ECoR) 2677 Bhubaneswar

North Central (NCR) 3151 Allahabad
South East Central(SECR) 2447 Bilaspur
South Western(SWR) 3177 Hubli
West Central (WCR) 2965 Jabalpur
All highways directed from North to South are numbered in even digits.
DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF RAILWAY NETWORK
Distribution Pattern of
Railway Network
Regions of Dense Regions of Moderate Regions of Sparse

Network Network Network
Himalaya
Northern Plains Peninsular
Mountainous
Region
Regions
Reasons Reasons Reasons

Level Land, dense Hilly & Plateau terrain High relief, sparse
population, rich population, lack of
agricultural resources economic opportunities
PROBLEMS FACED BY RAILWAYS

Loss due to passengers travel
without tickets.
Delay & Inconvenience due to

chain pulling, stopping trains &
Problems faced other anti-social activities
by Railways
Thefts & damages to railway
property
Operational problems; accidents
TOP TEN STATES WITH TOP TEN COUNTRIES WITH
LONGEST RAIL NETWORK IN LONGEST RAIL NETWORK IN
IN INDIA THE WORLD
Rank State Route Km. Rank Country Route Km.
1. Uttar Pradesh 8832 1. USA 250000
2. Rajasthan 5872 2. China 100000
3. Maharashtra 5725 3. Russia 85500
4. Andhra Pradesh 5322 4. India 65000
5. Gujarat 5257 5. Canada 48000
6. Madhya Pradesh 4955 6. Germany 41000
7. West Bengal 4037 7. Australia 40000
8. Tamil Nadu 4027 8. Argentina 36000
9. Bihar 3656 9. France 29000
10. Karnataka 3228 10. Brazil 28000
Indian Railway is the third longest railway network around the world.
GK-478
Metro Rail
Metro Rail was started in India on 24th October, 1984 in Kolkata. By far it has covered the
major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and Bangalore.
With 8 operational metro systems, metro rail lines are composed of both standard gauge
and broad gauge.
SCENARIO OF METRO RAIL IN FOUR METROPOLIS
City Owner Began Operation Distance in Kms
Kolkata Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation 24 October 1984 28.14 km
Delhi Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRCL) 24 December 2002 213 km
Mumbai Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development 8 June 2014 11.4 km
Authority (MMRDA)
Chennai Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) 29 June 2015 10km
Kolkata Metro Hyderabad Metro
Kolkata Metro is the first mass rapid Hyderabad Metro is under construction
transit system in the country and India’s with 3 lines and covering a distance of
Oldest Metro Railway. The Line 1 North- around 71 km for the city. The Hyderabad
South Metro of 25 kilometers is in the Metro is the first public-private partnership
operation with 23 stations of which 15 are metro project in India. Hyderabad is already
underground station. Kolkata Metro is also running a Multi-Modal Transport System
the first in country to build an operational for particular routes.
underground railway. Jaipur Metro
Chennai Metro The pink city of Rajasthan got its first metro
line of 9.2 km from Mansarovar to Chandpole
Chennai is second city in India to run a Bazaar in November 2010. Rajasthan is one
rapid transit system in 1995, Chennai Mass of the most visited tourist place in India,
Rapid Transit System is an elevated railway specially international tourist and Jaipur is
line run within the city from Chennai Beach best place to enjoy royal Rajasthan.
to Velachery. Chennai Metro Rail project
consist both elevated and underground Aviation industry
section. Aviation industry is the highly growing
Delhi Metro market, in terms of World Economy. It
Delhi Metro has 6 lines of 189.63 kilometers targets to be the third largest market by
with 142 railway stations of which 35 2020 and to be in the first position by 2030.
are underground. Delhi Metro consist a Over the next five years, the industry will
experience an increase in the domestic and
combination of at-grade,underground and
international passenger traffic at an annual
elevated lines.
average rate of 12 % and 8 % respectively.
Bengaluru Metro Air transport in India made a beginning
Bengaluru Metro also known as Namma in 1911 when airmail operation
Metro is recently started rapid transit rail commenced over a little distance of 10
system in the Bengaluru city of Karnataka. km between Allahabad and Naini. But
its real development took place in post-
Mumbai Metro Independent period. The Airport Authority
Mumbai, the financial and commercial of India is responsible for providing
capital of India is all set to provide another safe, efficient air traffic and aeronautical
mode of transport to the people. Mumbai is communication services in the Indian Air
already running Monorail system, the first Space. The authority manages 125 airports.
monorail in India. Mumbai metro is opened
and over 10 lakh commuters traveled on
the city’s first Metro train. It covers the 11.4
km-long journey from Versova-Andheri-
Ghatkopar corridor.
DMRC is the first in the world to have started earning carbon credits for its regenerative breaking system.
Airways
Airways
Merits Limitations
Fastest, comfortable & Very Expensive

prestigious mode
Reach inaccessible & remote Limited carrying capacity

areas
Cover difficult terrains (high Weather conditions hamper air

mountains, deserts, dense transport
forests, long oceanic stretches
with ease.
AIR TRANSPORT
Air Transport in India
Nationalised Domestic International Pawan Hans

in 1953 Airways Airways Helicopter
Indian Alliance Private Non- Indian Air India Public Provides

Airlines Air Scheduled Scheduled Airlines Sector helicopter
Airlines Operators Company services to
ONGC
BUSIEST AIRPORTS IN INDIA
Rank Name City State IATA Code
1. Indira Gandhi International Airpot Delhi Delhi DEL
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai Maharashtra BOM
3. Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore Karnataka BLR
4. Chennai International Airport Chennai Tamil Nadu MAA
5. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Kolkata West Bengal CCU
Airport
6. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Hyderabad Telangana HYD
7. Cochin International Airport Kochi Kerala COK
8. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Ahmedabad Gujarat AMD
Airport
9. Pune International Airport Pune Maharashtra PNQ
10. Goa International Airport Dabolim Goa GOI
5/20 rule aviation: The rule allows an Indian carrier to fly abroad only after has completed five years of domestic operations
and maintains a fleet of 20 aircrafts.
GK-480
Waterways
India has 14,500 km of navigable waterways, contributing about 1% to the country’s
transportation. It comprises rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks, etc. At present, 5,685 km
of major rivers are navigable by mechanised flat bottom vessels. For the development,
maintenance and regulation of national waterways in the country, the Inland Waterways
Authority was set up in 1986.
ADVANTAGES OF WATERWAYS
Cheapest means of
transport
Helps in Promotion of Waterways Suitable for carrying

foreign Trade heavy & bulky goods
Fuel efficient &

Environment friendly
NATIONAL WATERWAYS OF INDIA

Waterways Stretch Specification
NW 1 Allahabad-Haldia It is divided into three parts for
stretch (1,620 km) developmental purposes– (i) Haldia-
Farakka (560 km), (ii) Farakka-Patna
(460 km), (iii) Patna- Allahabad (600
km).
NW 2 Sadiya-Dhubri stretch Brahmaputra is navigable by steamers
(891 km) up to Dibrugarh (1,384 km) which is
shared by India and Bangladesh.
NW 3 Kottapuram-Kollam It includes 168 km of west coast canal
stretch (205 km). along with Champakara canal (23 km)
and Udyogmandal canal (14 km).
NW 4 Godavari and Krishna rivers along with
Kakinada Puducherry stretch of canals (1078
km)
NW 5 Specified stretches of river Brahmani
along with Matai river, delta channels of
Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers and East
Coast canals (588km).
The Central Water Transport corporation (CIWTC)

It was constituted in 1967 and has its headquarters at Kolkata. It is mainly engaged in
the transportation of goods by inland waterways in the Ganga, Brahamputra, Hugli and
Sundarbans regions. It is operating regular Cargo services between Kolkata and Karimganj
(Assam), Kolkata and Bangladesh, and Haldia and Patna.
World Water Day is held annually on March 22.
Inland Waterway Authority of India Kochi Kerala Arabian Sea

(IWAI) Vishakhapatnam Andhra Bay of Bengal
The Inland Waterway Authority of India Pradesh
came into existence on 27 October, 1986 for Paradip Odisha Bay of Bengal
the development and regulation of inland (Orissa)
waterways for shipping and navigation. The New Tuticorin Tamil Nadu Bay of Bengal
authority primarily undertakes projects Marmagao Goa Arabian Sea
for development and maintenance of IWT Kandla Gujarat Arabian Sea
infrastructure on national waterways
New Mangalore Karnataka Arabian Sea
through grant received from the Ministry
Nhava Sheva Maharasthra Arabian Sea
of shipping, Road Transport and Highways. (Jawahar Lal
The head–office is at Noida. The National Nehru Port)
Inland Navigation Institute is located at Ennore Tamil Nadu Bay of Bengal
Patna.
Port Blair Andman and Bay of Bengal
Ports Nicobar
•• Indian coastline is about 7516.6 Facts

kilometers and it is one of the biggest • Jawahar Lal Nehru Port in Mumbai is
peninsulas in the world. the largest port in India.
•• It is serviced by 12 major ports, 200
• Vishakhapatnam Port is the largest
notified minor and intermediate ports.
natural port.
Maharashtra (48) has the maximum
number of non-major ports followed by • Kandla is the tidal port in Gujarat. It has
Gujarat (42) and Andaman & Nicobar been made into a free trade zone.
Islands (23). • Haldia Port (WB) is said to be developed
•• The Major Ports are administered by as the first Green port of India.
the central government’s shipping • Kochi port is a natural harbour on the
ministry. west coast. It largely handles coal,
•• The Minor and Intermediate ports petroleum products, fertilisers, raw
are administered by the relevant materials and general cargo.
departments or ministries in the nine •• Paradip Port is an artificial and deep-
coastal states. water port.
The Coastal States in India are Andhra
•• Ennore Port, officially renamed
Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu,
Kamarajar Port Limited, is the only
Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and
corporatised major port and is
Gujarat.
registered as a company.
India has about 7517 km of main coastline
spread over 13 states/union territories, and •• Jawaharlal Nehru Port is the largest
studded with 12 major ports and 200 non- container port in India. It was formerly
major ports (minor and intermediate). known as Nhava Sheva port.
•• Tuticorin Port is an artificial deep-
MAJOR PORTS OF INDIA sea harbour of India. Tuticorin Port is
Name State/UT River/Strait/ officially known as VO Chidambaranar
Ocean Port.
Kolkata West Bengal Hoogly River •• Chennai Port is the one of the oldest
Mumbai Maharashtra Arabian Sea port of India and the second largest
Chennai Tamil Nadu Bay of Bengal port in the country.
Gujarat forms the longest coastline that is about 1600 km.

Major Sea Ports (12)
At a Glance

GK-482
West Coast East Coast
Kandla Mumbai New Tuticorin Vishakhapatnam Kolkata

Port Jawaherlal Nehru Mangalore Port Port (Tamil Port Port
(Gujarat) Port Nhava Sheva (Karnataka) Nadu)
Deepest Inland
Natural
1st port Decongest landlocked & Riverine Port
Harbour
Mumbai port Export-Iron ore well-protected
Tidal Rich port Large & Rich
concentrates
port Hub Hinterland hinterland
from Kudremukh
port Handle large Outlet for of Ganga-
mines
variety of Iron ore Brahmaputra
cargoes export basin
Mumbai Marmagao Kochi Port
Port Port (Goa) (Kerala) Trade with
Tidal
Located at neighbouring
Port
MAJOR SEA PORTS OF INDIA
Biggest Iron-ore entrance countries

port exporting port of lagoon (Srilanka,
Maldives) Paradip Port Haldia
Chennai Port (Odisha) Port (West
Natural & well- Natural
sheltered Harbour Bengal)
Harbour Oldest
Artificial port Export of
Ranked next iron ore As a subsidiary

to Mumbai in port to relieve
Trade & Cargo
pressure on
Kolkata port
FILM INDUSTRY GK-483
FILM INDUSTRY
INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY

India is the largest producer of films in the film industry in India is the Hindi film industry
world and second oldest film industry in the mostly concentrated in Mumbai(Bombay),
world which originated around about 103 and is commonly referred to as "Bollywood",
years ago. It was in early 1913 that an Indian an amalgamation of Bombay, which produces
film received a public screening. The film was around 20% of films in India. The other
Raja Harischandra. Its director, Dadasaheb largest film industries are Telugu cinema,
Phalke is now remembered through a life- Tamil cinema, Kannada cinema, Malayalam
time achievement award bestowed by the cinema, and Bangla cinema (Cinema of West
film industry in his name. It was Phalke Bengal), which are located in Hyderabad,
who introduced India to world cinema at a Chennai, Bengaluru (Bengaluru), Kochi,
time when working in films was taboo. After and Kolkata are commonly referred to as
the success of 'Raja Harishchandra', several "Tollywood" (Telugu), "Kollywood"(Tamil),
filmmakers in Bombay and Madras began "Sandalwood"(Kannada),"Mollywood"(Ma
making silent films. layalam), "Tollywood"(Bangla). The Indian
The silent era came to an end when film industry produces more than 1000 films
Ardeshir Irani produced his first talkie, 'Alam a year. "Bollywood" is the largest portion
Ara' in 1931. of this and is viewed all over the Indian
The year also marked the beginning of the Subcontinent, and is increasingly popular in
Talkie era in South Indian films. The first UK, United States, Australia, New Zealand,
talkie films in Bengali (Jumai Shasthi), Southeast Asia, Africa, the Gulf countries and
Telugu (Bhakta Prahlad) and Tamil European countries. The largest film studio
(Kalidas) were released in the same year. complex in the world is Ramoji Film City
Indian film industry is also the dominant is located at Hyderabad, India, which was
source of movies and entertainment in its opened in 1996 and measures 674 ha (1,666
neighbouring countries of South Asia. Largest acres), comprising 47 sound stages,
Popular Indian Cinema People

Producers
Name Films and Year
1. Nikhil Advani D-Day (2013), Katti Batti (2015), Airlift (2016).
2. Farhan Akhtar Don (2006), Rock On (2008), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011),
Dil Dhadakne Do (2015).
3. Sanjay Leela Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Black (2005), Saawariya
Bhansali (2007), Gabbar is Back (2015), Bajirao Mastani (2015).
Bollywood word has been included as a word in the Oxford Dictionary.

GK-484
FILM INDUSTRY
4. Yash Johar Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001),
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003).
5. Aditya Chopra Dhoom (2004), Veer Zaara (2004), Chak De ! India (2007),
Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Fan (2016),
Sultan (2016).
Directors
1. Mani Ratnam Dil Se (1998), Bombay (1995), Guru (2007).
2. Prakash Jha Gangaajal (2003), Apaharan (2005), Raajneeti (2010),
Aarakshan (2011), Chakravyuh (2012), Satyagraha (2013).
3. AR Murugadoss Ghajini (2008) Holiday (2014), Akira (2016).
4. Farhan Akhtar Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Don (2006), Lakshya (2004),.
5. Sanjay Leela Devdas (2002), Black (2005), Saawariya (2007), Bajirao Mastani
Bhansali (2015).
Lyricists
1. Sampooran Singh Mirzya (2016), Kill Dil (2014), Dedh Ishqiya (2014), Jab Tak Hai
Kalra (Gulzar) Jaan (2012), Raajneeti (2010), Guru (2007).
2. Javed Akhtar Welcome, Don 2, Talaash, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Om Shanti Om, Jodhaa
Akbar.
3. Sameer Saawariya, Aashiq Banaya Aapne, Tere Naam, Andaaz, Raaz,
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dhadkan.
4. Irshad Kamil Sultan (2016), Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015), Highway (2014),
Raanjhnaa (2013), Aashiqui 2 (2013).
5. Swanand Kirkire 3 Idiots (2009), Raajneeti (2010), Singham (2011), Barfi (2012),
Vicky Donor (2012).
Actors
1. Amitabh Bachchan Anand (1971) Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Don (1978),
Agnipath (1990), Mohabbatein (2000), Black (2005), Paa
(2009), Pink (2016)
2. Akshay Kumar Namaste London (2007), Hera Pheri (2000), Welcome (2007),
(Rajiv Hariom Singh is King (2008), Housefull (2010), Special 26 (2013),
Bhatia) Holiday (2014), Gabbar is Back (2015), Airlift (2016).
3. Hrithik Roshan Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000), Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish (2006), Dhoom
2 (2006), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011).
4. Ranbir Kapoor Rockstar (2011), Raajneeti (2010), Barfi (2012), Roy (2015),
Tamasha (2015).
5. Ranveer Singh Band Baaja Baaraat(2010), Ram Leela (2013), Dil Dhadakne Do
(2015), Bajirao Mastani (2015).
6. Shahrukh Khan Darr (1993), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch
Hota Hai (1998), Mohabbatein (2000), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003),
Don (2006), Fan (2016).
Devika Rani was the first actress with a degree in film making.
7. Salman Khan Tere Naam (2003), Wanted (2009), Dabangg (2010), Ek Tha
Tiger (2012), Kick (2014), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Sultan
(2016).
8. Aamir Khan Sarfarosh (1999), Lagaan (2001), Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Rang
De Basanti (2006), Taare Zameen Par (2007), Ghajini (2008),
3 Idiots (2009), Dhoom 3 (2013), PK (2014).
9. Saif Ali Khan Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2001), Hum Tum
(2004), Parineeta (2005), Omkara (2006), Love Aaj Kal (2009),
Salaam Namaste (2005).
10. Ajay Devgan Gangaajal (2015), Apaharan (2005), Golmaal (2006), Raajneeti
(2010), Once upon a Time in Mumbai (2010), Singham (2011),
Satyagraha (2013), Drishyam (2015).
Actresses
1. Aishwarya Rai Taal (1999), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Mohabbatein
(2000), Dhoom 2 (2006), Guru (2007), Aye Dil Hai Mushkil
(2016).
2. Jacqueline Housefull (2010), Murder 2 (2011), Race 2 (2013), Kick (2014),
Fernandez Roy (2015), Dishoom (2016), A Flying Jatt (2016).
3. Deepika Padukone Om Shanti Om (2007), Love Aaj Kal (2009), Chennai Express
(2013), Ram Leela (2013), Piku (2015), Bajirao Mastani (2015).
4. Priyanka Chopra Andaaz (2003), Fashion (2008), Aitraaz (2004), Barfi (2012),
Mary Kom (2014), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Bajilrao Mastani
(2015).
5. Anushka Sharma Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), Badmaash Company (2010), Jab
Tak Hai Jaan (2012), PK (2014), NH 10 (2015), Sultan (2016).
List of Top 10 Highest-grossing Bollywood Movies of 2016
Movie Name Budget Lifetime Business
1. Sultan 90 Cr. 300.45 Cr.
2. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story 104 Cr. 132.85 Cr.
3. Airlift 30 Cr. 127.80 Cr.
4. Rustom 40 Cr. 127.13 Cr.
5. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 72 Cr. 109.00 Cr.
6. House full 3 85 Cr. 108 Cr.
7. Shivaay 105 Cr. 97.57 Cr.
8. Fan 105 Cr. 85 Cr.
9. Baaghi 47 Cr. 76 Cr.
10. Neerja 30 Cr. 75.61 Cr.
'Mughal-e-Azam (1960) was a trilingual-with all scenes shot thrice in Hindi, Tamil and English.
GK-486
FILM INDUSTRY
INTERNATIONAL FILM INDUSTRY

The first films to consist of more than one shot Albert Smith made The Kiss in the Tunnel in
appeared toward the end of the 19th century, 1900, continuity of action across successive
a notable example was the French film of the shots was definitively established by George
life of Jesus Christ by Alice Guy. It was not a Albert Smith and James Williamson, who also
continuous film rather the separate scenes worked in Brighton
G.A Smith pioneered the use of the close-
were interspersed with lantern slides, a lecture,
up shot in his 1900 films As Seen Through a
and live choral numbers, to increase the running Telescope and Grandma's Reading Glass.
time of the spectacle to about 90 minutes. The first use of animation in movies was in
Another example of this is the reproductions 1899, with the production of the short film
of scenes from the Greco-Turkish war, made by Matches: An Appeal by British film pioneer
Georges Méliès in 1897. Real film continuity, Arthur Melbourne-Cooper.
involving action moving from one sequence The first feature length multi-reel film in the
into another, is attributed to British film pioneer world was the 1906 Australian production
Robert W. Paul's Come Along, Do!The further called The Story of the Kelly Gang. The first
development of action continuity in multi-shot successful permanent theatre showing only
films continued in 1899 at the Brighton School films was "The Nickelodeon", which was
in England. In the latter part of that year, George opened in Pittsburgh in 1905.
Popular International Cinema People

Directors
Name Films and Year
1. Christopher Nolan Memento (2000), Insomnia (2002), Batman Begins (2005), The
Prestige (2006), The Dark Knight (2008), Inception (2010 ),
The Dark Knight Rises (2012 ), Interstellar (2014).
2. James Cameron The Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986), The Abyss (1989), Terminator
2: Judgment Day (1991), True Lies (1994), Titanic (1997), Ghosts of
the Abyss (2003), Aliens of the Deep (2005 ), Avatar (2009).
3. Steven Spielberg Minority Report, Catch Me If You Can (2002), War of the Worlds,
Munich (2005), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal
Skull (2008), The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the
Unicorn (2011).
4. David Fincher Panic Room (2002), Zodiac (2007), The Curious Case of Benjamin
Button (2008), The Social Network (2010), The Girl with the Dragon
Tattoo (2011), Gone Girl (2014).
5. Zack Snyder Dawn of the Dead (2004), 300 (2007), Watchmen (2009), Legend
of the Guardians (2010), Sucker Punch (2011), Man of Steel (2013),
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016).
Lyricists
1. Bob Dylan - Forrest Gump, American Beauty, Silver Linings Playbook, The Big Lebowski
2. David Bowie - Labyrinth, Basquiat, The Hunger, The Man Who Fell to Earth
3. Tyler Perry - Diary of a Mad Black Woman, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, For Better or
Worse, Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor
In the 19th Century, Charlie Chapter Chaplin made his theatrical debut at the age of eight, in 1897.
4. Mel Brooks - The Producers, Spaceballs, Blazing Saddles, History of the World: Part I
5. Stevie Wonder - Silver Linings Playbook, Die Hard, I Am Legend, I, Robot
Actors
Name Films and Year
1. Christian Bale Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008 ), Terminator
Salvation (2009), Public Enemies (2009), The Dark Knight Rises
(2012).
2. Johnny Depp Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006), Pirates of
the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), Public Enemies (2009),
Alice in Wonderland (2010), The Tourist (2010), Pirates of the
Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), The Rum Diary (2011).
3. Leonardo DiCaprio Titanic (1997), The Departed (2006), Blood Diamond (2006),
Body of Lies (2008), Inception (2010 ), The Great Gatsby (2013
), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), The Revenant (2015).
4. Robert Downey Jr. Zodiac (2007 ); Lucky You (2007), Iron Man (2008), Tropic
Thunder (2008), Sherlock Holmes (2009), Iron Man 2 (2010),
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011), The Avengers
(2012), Iron Man 3 2015 Avengers (2013).
5. Brad Pitt Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Troy (2004), Ocean’s Twelve (2004 ),
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Ocean’s Thirteen (2007), Tree of Life
(2011), Moneyball (2011 ), World War Z (2013), 12 Years a
Slave (2013 ), Fury (2014).
Actresses
Name Films and Year
1. Emma Stone Superbad (2007), Zombieland (2009), Easy A (2010), Crazy,
Stupid, Love (2011), The Help (2011), The Amazing Spider-
Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), Birdman
(2014)
2. Jennifer Lawrence 2013 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire; 2013 American Hustle;
2015 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2; 2015 Joy ; 2016
A Beautiful Planet; 2016 X-Men: Apocalypse; 2016 Passengers
3. Natalie Portman 2009 The Other Woman; 2009 New York, I Love You
Brothers; 2010 Black Swan; 2011 No Strings Attached; 2011
Your Highness; 2011 Thor; 2013 Illusions & Mirrors; 2013
Thor: The Dark World
4. Angelina Jolie 2005 Mr. & Mrs. Smith; 2008 Wanted; 2010 The Tourist; 2008
Changeling; 2010 Salt; 2014 Maleficent; 2015 By the Sea
5. Scarlett Johansson 2009 He’s Just Not That Into You; 2010 Iron Man 2; 2011 We
Bought a Zoo; 2012 The Avengers; 2014 Captain America: The
Winter Soldier; 2014 Chef; 2014 Lucy; 2015 Avengers: Age of
Ultron
Roundhay Garden Scence, an 1888 short silent film is the oldest surviving film in existence, noted by the Guinness Book of Records.
GK-488
FILM INDUSTRY
Producers
Name Films and Year
1. Kathleen Kennedy Rogue One (2016) Star wars (2015), LinColn (2012),
Crossing Over (2009), The Last Airbender (2010), Jurassic
Park (1993).
2. Quentin Tarantino Planet Terror (2007), Hostel (2005), Hell Ride (2008), My
Best Friend's Birthday (1987).
3. Peter Jackson The Hobbit (2014), West of Memphis (2012), King Kong
(2005), District 9 (2009), The Lovely Bones (2009).
4. Frank Marshall Jason Bourne (2016), Jurassic World (2015), The Bourne
Legacy (2012), The Sixth Sense (1999), Signs (2002), The
Young Black Stallion (2003).
5. Harvey Weinstein Southpaw (2015), Scream (2015), Carol (2015), Sin City
(2014), Escape from Planet Earth (2013), Spy kids (2011),
Rambo (2008) The Reader (2008).
Hollywood’s Highest-grossing Films of 2016

Rank Title Distributer Worldwide gross
1 Capital America: Civil War $1,153,304,495
2 Finding Dory $1,023,352,708
Disney
3 Zootopia $1,023,761,003
4 The Jungle Book $966,533,249
5 The Secret Life of Pets Universal $873,713,249
6 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Warner Bros. $873,260,194
Justice
7 Deadpool Fox $782,612,155
8 Suicide Squad Warner Bros. $745,600,054
9 Doctor Strange Disney $582,186,769
10 The Mermaid Sony $553,810,228
The Sensorium is regarded the world's first commercial 4D film and was first screened in a Six Flags theme park in Baltimore in 1984.
EDUCATION AND CAREER GK-489
EDUCATION AND
CAREER
STRUCTURE OF HRD
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (MHRD)
The essence of Human Resource Development Department of School Education &
(HRD) is education, which plays a significant
and remedial role in balancing the socio-
Literacy
economic fabric of the country. It was created The essence and role of education
on September 26, 1985, through the 174th articulated in the National Policy on
amendment to the Government of India Education (NPE), 1986/92 continues to be
(Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961. relevant even 25 years after its formulation.
National Policy on Education(NPE) states:
The main objectives of the Ministry •• In our national perception education is
would be: essentially for all. This is fundamental to
•• Formulating the National Policy on our all-round development.
Education and to ensure that it is •• Education has an acculturating role.
implemented in letter and spirit •• Education develops manpower for
different levels of the economy.
•• Planned development, including expanding
•• In sum, education is a unique investment
access and improving quality of the
in the present and the future. This cardinal
educational institutions throughout the principle is the key to the National Policy
country, including in the regions where on Education.
people do not have easy access to education.
•• Paying special attention to disadvantaged Department of Higher Education
groups like the poor, females and the
The Department of Higher Education, MHRD,
minorities
•• Provide financial help in the form of
is responsible for the overall development of
scholarships, loan subsidy, etc to deserving
the basic infrastructure of Higher Education
students from deprived sections of the society. sector, both in terms of policy and planning.
•• Encouraging international cooperation in the Under a planned development process, the
field of education, including working closely Department looks after expansion of access
with the UNESCO and foreign governments and qualitative improvement in the Higher
as well as Universities, to enhance the Education, through world class Universities,
educational opportunities in the country. Colleges and other Institutions.
Nalanda University of Bihar was reopened after 800 years on 1st September, 2014.
EDUCATION & CAREER
th Graduation
Intermediate(XII )

GK-490
Science Commerce Humanities Science Commerce Humanities

(B.Sc) (B.Com) (B.A)
Careers in: Careers in:
• B.Com • B.A
• BBA • BBA Careers in: Careers in:
• CA/CS • Mass Communication • Accountancy • M.A
• Accountancy • Psychoanalysis • M. Com • • Psychology:
• Mass Communication • Career Counselling • CA/CS – Career
• CLAT • SSC(Govt.Jobs) • MBA Counselling
• SSC(Govt.Jobs) • Teaching – PsychoAnalysis
Math Group Bio Group • Data Analysis • Teaching
• Others...
• Govt Jobs: • MBA
PCM PCB – UPSC • Govt Jobs:
(Phy, Che, Math) (Phy, Che, Bio) Careers in: Careers in:
• B.Tech – PCS – UPSC
• M.Sc (zoology,
• M.Sc/Phy, Chemistry, Math – Railway – PCS
Bot, Agriculture)
Careers in: Careers in: • Nuclear Science – Banking – Railway
• Biotechnology
• IIT/NIT/Engg. • NEET/AIIMS • Aerospace – SSC – Banking
• Health Science
• B.Sc • Biotech • Petrochemical – etc. – SSC etc.
• Biochemistry
• BBA • Biochemistry • Applied Mathmatics • Nutrition Science
• CA/CS • Biophysics • Forensic Science • Environment Science
• Mass Communication • Mass Communication • Energy (solar,wind,etc.) • Wildlife
• CLAT • CA/CS • Robotics • Agriculture Science
• NDA • CLAT • Meteorology • Biomedicine
• SSC(Govt.Jobs) • SSC(Govt.Jobs) • Hydrology, Hydrogeology • Teaching, MBA
• Others... • Teaching, MBA • Govt.Jobs: UPSC, PCS
• Govt. Jobs–UPSC, Banking, Railway, SSC, etc.
SSC, PCS, Railway, Banking,

Defence
EDUCATION AND CAREER
EDUCATION IN INDIA
Education in India is provided by public sector as well as the private sector. with control
and funding coming from three levels: Central, State, and Local. The Central and most state
boards uniformly follow the “10+2+3” pattern of education.
Education School/Level Grade Grade Age Age Years Notes

From To from To
Primary Elementary 1 8 6 14 8
School
Secondary Secondary 9 12 14 18 4 Includes standards X
School and XII - Secondary
School or Senior
Secondary School
Tertiary University/ 3
Collage Level
Tertiary Technical 4 Under-graduate
Institutes degree
Of all the schools in the world, the City Montessori School is the largest in India.
GK-492
Regulatory Framework of Higher Education in India
• Department of Higher Education, • University Grants Commission
Ministry of Human Resources Development • AICTE, MCI, PCI, DEC, BCI, NCTE
• Association of Indian Universities • ICAR, ICMR, ICSSR, CSIR
gn
• Central Advisory Board of Education • States Regulatiors
Re
ki
ma
gu
• State Councils for Higher Education

lat
y
lic
io
n
Po
Accreditation
• National Board of Accreditation

• National Assessment and Accreditation Council
University and Higher Education Institution under State Legislature Act

In India, “University” means a University An Institution established or incorporated
established or incorporated by or under a by a State Legislature Act.
Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act National Curriculum Framework
and includes any such institution as may, in
consultation with the University concerned, (NCF 2005)
recognised by the University Grants The National Curriculum Framework
Commission (UGC). (NCF 2005) is one of four National
At present, the main categories: Central Curriculum Frameworks published in
Universities, State Universities, Deemed- 1975, 1988, 2000 and 2005 by the National
to-be Universities and University-level Council of Educational Research and
institutions. These are described as follows: Training NCERT in India.
•• The Framework provides the framework
Central University for making syllabii, textbooks and
A university established or incorporated by teaching practices within the school
a Central Act. education programmes in India.
State University •• The NCF 2005 document draws its
policy basis from earlier government
A university established or incorporated by reports on education as Learning
a Provincial Act or by a State Act. Without Burden and National Policy of
Private University Education 1986-1992 and focus group
A university established through a State/ discussion.
Central Act by a sponsoring body. A Society
registered under the Societies Registration Act Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
1860, or any other corresponding law for the •• A Massive Open Online Course is
time being in force in a State or a Public Trust an online course aimed at unlimited
or a Company registered under Section 25 of participation and open access via the web.
the Companies Act, 1956. •• In addition to traditional course materials
such as filmed lectures, readings, and
Deemed-to-be University
problem sets, many MOOCs provide
An institution Deemed to be University, interactive user forums to support
commonly known as Deemed University, community interactions among students,
refers to a high-performing institution, which professors, and teaching assistants (TAs).
has been so declared by Central Government •• MOOCs are a recent and widely researched
under Section 3 of the University Grants development in distance education
Commission (UGC) Act, 1956. which were first introduced in 2008 and
Institution of National Importance emerged as a popular mode of learning in
2012.
An Institution established by Act of Parliament
•• As MOOCs have evolved, there appear
and declared as Institution of National
to be two distinct types: “cMOOC” and
importance.
“xMOOC”.
Agnes Zhelesnik is the world’s oldest teacher, who is 101 years old.
•• cMOOCs are based on principles from international educational foundation

connectivist pedagogy indicating that headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland,
material should be aggregated (rather founded in 1968. IB offers for educational
than pre-selected), remixable, re- programmes for children aged 3-19. It is a
purposable, and feeding forward (i.e. non-profit educational foundation offering
evolving materials should be targeted at four highly respected programmes of
future learning).
international education that develop the
•• xMOOCs have a much more traditional
course structure typically with a clearly intellectual, personal, emotional and social
specified syllabus of recorded lectures skills needed to live, learn and work in a
and self-test problems. rapidly globalizing world. Schools must be
authorized, by the IB organization, to offer
INSTITUTIONS SCHOOL EDUCATION any of the programmers.
AND LITERACY
The top IB schools of the country are
Central Board of Secondary Education as follows:
(C.B.S.E) •• The Doon School, Dehradun
The Central Board of Secondary Education •• Woodstock School, Mussoorie
(CBSE) is a Board of Education for public (Uttarakhand)
and private schools which functions under •• GD Goenka School, Gurgaon
the supervision of the Union Government of •• Kodaikanal International School,
India. CBSE affiliates Kendriya Vidyalayas, Tamil Nadu
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, private •• Singapore International School,
schools and most of the schools approved Mumbai
by Central Government of India. It conducts
10th and 12th boards every year in the
month of March. It also conducts AIPMT National Council of Educational
(All India Pre Medical Test NEET) for Research and Training
admission to major medical colleges in •• The National Council of Educational
India. In 2014, the conduct of the National Research and Training (NCERT)
Eligibility Test for grant of junior research is an autonomous organisation of
fellowship and eligibility for assistant the Government of India that was
professor in institutions of higher learning established on 1 September 1961 as a
was outsourced to CBSE. With the addition literary, scientific and charitable society
of NET in 2014, the CBSE has become the under the Societies’ Registration Act
largest exam conducting body in the world. (Act XXI of 1860). Its headquarters are
Vineet Joshi is the current chairman of the located at Sri Aurbindo Marg in New
board. Delhi. NCERT assists and advises the
Council for the Indian School Central and state governments on
academic matters related to school
Certificate Examinations (CISCE) education.
Council for the Indian School Certificate •• The major objectives of NCERT and its
Examinations (CISCE) is a national level, constituent units are to: undertake,
private Board of School education in India promote and coordinate research in
which conducts the Indian Certificate of areas related to school education;
Secondary Education and the Indian School prepare and publish model textbooks,
Certificate examinations for 10th and supplementary material, newsletters,
12th standard respectively. The board was journals and develops educational
established in 1958. kits, multimedia digital materials, etc.
organise pre-service and in-service
International Baccalaureate (IB) training of teachers; develop and
The International Baccalaureate (IB), disseminate innovative educational
formerly known as The International techniques and practices; collaborate
Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), is an and network with state educational
Banaras Hindu University is one of the best and largest residential university in Asia.
GK-494
departments, universities, NGOs All India Council for Technical
and other educational institutions; Education (AICTE)
act as a clearing house for ideas and The All India Council for Technical
information in matters related to school Education (AICTE) is the statutory body
education; and act as a nodal agency for and a national-level council for technical
achieving the goals of Universalisation education, under Department of Higher
of Elementary Education. Education, Ministry of Human Resource
Development. The Council was established
National Institute of Open Schooling in November 1945 as an advisory body but
(NIOS) in 1987 was given statutory status by an Act
of Parliament. It is responsible for proper
•• The National Institute of Open planning and coordinated development of
Schooling National Open School, the technical education and management
(name changed in 2002) is the education system in India. The AICTE
board of education under the Union accredits postgraduate and graduate
Government of India. It was established programs under specific categories at
by the Ministry of Human Resource Indian institutions as per its charter.
Development of the Government of
What is a deemed university?
India in 1989 to provide education Deemed university, or “Deemed-to-be-
to remote areas under the motive to University”, is a status of autonomy granted
increase literacy and aimed forward for by the Department of Higher Education in
flexible learning. the Union Human Resource Development
•• It is a national board that administers Ministry, on the advice of the UGC, under
Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956. The status
examinations for Secondary and Senior allows full autonomy in courses, syllabus,
Secondary examinations of open admissions and fees. The first institute
schools similar to the CBSE and the to be granted deemed university status
CISCE to increase literacy and provide was Indian Institute of Science which was
education to rural areas. granted this status on 12th May 1958.
University Grants Commission Indian Council of Social Science

The University Grants Commission (UGC) Research
is a constitutional organization established Indian Council of Social Science Research
in 1956 by an Act of Parliament. It provides (ICSSR) was established in the year of 1969
grants to eligible universities and colleges, by the Government of India to promote
and also advises the Central and State research in social sciences in the country.
The Council was meant to:
Governments on the measures which are •• Review the progress of social science
necessary for the development of Higher research and give advice to its users;
Education. Its headquarters is situated in •• Sponsor social science research
New Delhi and the other six Regional offices programmes and projects and
are located in Bangalore, Bhopal, Guwahati, administer grants to institutions and
Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune. Indian individuals for research in social
sciences;
government has set a National Institutional •• Institute and administer scholarships
of Ranking Framework under UGC which will and fellowships for research in social
rank all educational institutes by April 2016. sciences;
Prof. Ved Prakash is the incumbent Chairman •• Indicate areas in which social science
of UGC. The Commission along with CSIR research is to be promoted and adopt
conducts NET for appointments of teachers special measures for development of
in colleges and universities. It has made research in neglected or new areas;
NET qualification mandatory for teaching •• Give financial support to institutions,
at Graduation level and at Post Graduation associations, and journals engaged in
level since July 2009. social science research.
There are 22 Universities in the name of “Gandhi”: Mahatma Gandhi-8, Rajiv Gandhi-8, Indira Gandhi-5 and Sanjay Gandhi-1.
CAREER
The word career refers to a person’s chosen changes in your life and the world of
profession or occupation. A career often work.
requires special training and comes with Career Guidance
some expectation of progress throughout
the course of an individual’s life. Career guidance consists of the services
that help people successfully manage their
Career Exploration
career development. Although this aspect
Career Exploration is the process of.
of human development occurs on its own
• learning about yourself and the world of
as we mature, everyone can benefit from
work assistance navigating through this process.
• identifying and exploring potentially
satisfying occupations Service
• developing an effective strategy to realize Since career guidance is intended to support
your goals an individual through his or her entire career,
Career Planning 4-step Planning it includes the following components:
Process • Career Choice Assistance
• Job Search Help
Career planning is an ongoing process that • Early and Mid-Career Advice
can help you manage your learning and • Job Loss Recovery
development. • Motivatation
• Career Change
UPSC
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
is one of the many constitutional bodies in
India. It is authorized to conduct competitive
examinations and interviews for recruitment
of civil services, defence services and posts
under the Union Government or Central
Government.
Some of the most sought after exams are
as follows:
You can use the four step planning process
Civil Services Examination
whether you are:
• still at school; It is conducted by the UPSC. Top services
• a school dropper; offered by this examination are: IAS (Indian
• an adult adding on skills; or Administrative Service), IPS (Indian Police
• an adult changing your job or career. Service), IFS (Indian Foreign Service), IRS
Career Planning is the Continuous (Indian Revenue Service), Indian Customs
Process of: and Central Excise Service etc. There are
• thinking about your interests, values, total twenty-four services offered through
skills and preferences; this single examination. Considering the
• exploring the life, work and learning importance and the nature of the jobs,
options available to you; UPSC takes utmost care in selecting the right
• ensuring that your work fits with your people. A three level examination is conducted
personal circumstances; and to achieve this purpose which include
• continuously fine-tuning your work and Preliminary Examination (Objective-type
learning plans to help you manage the questions), Main Examination (Descriptive-
The world’s first university was established in Taxila in 700 BC.
GK-496
type questions), and interview test. This and the Air force. The candidates Joining
examination is open to graduates in any Indian Naval Academy would undergo
discipline. 4 years B.Tech Course and would be given an
Indian Forest Service Examination opportunity to join Executive and Technical
Branches of the Navy subject to availability
IFS officers are recruited through the IFS
examination conducted annually by the Union of vacancies. The examination consists of
Public Service Commission. The examination 2 Papers-Mathematics (300 marks) and
is open to graduates in any science or General Ability Test (600 marks) with
objective type questions, inclusive of
engineering discipline and has a three-
negative marking for every wrong answer.
stage selection process including Preliminary
Examination (Objective-type questions), Combined Medical Services
Main Examination (Written and Interview) Examination
spanning nearly seven months. The officers The “Combined Medical Services”
while in field postings in their state cadres Examination or the CMS Exam is conducted
work for conservation, protection and by the Union Public Service Commission for
development of forests and wildlife along with recruitment as Medical Officer in various
an aim to enhance livelihood opportunities of organizations such as the Indian Ordnance
forest dependent communities of rural and Factories, Indian Railways functioning
tribal areas. under the Government of India. There is an
objective-type written examination with
Engineering Services Examination two papers of two hours duration, each
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) carrying a maximum of 250 marks. This
conducts Engineering Services Examination is followed by a Personality Test carrying
as a combined competitive examination 100 marks of candidates who qualify on the
for recruitment to the services or posts of results of the written examination.
Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering, and Electronics and SSC
Telecommunication Engineering. The exam Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is an
is conducted for selection of engineers for Indian organization to recruit staff for
government’s engineering organizations, such various posts in the various Ministries and
as Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), Departments of the Government of India
Central Engineering Service (CES), Military
and in Subordinate Offices by administering
Engineering Services (MES), etc. The entrance
comprises of a Written Exam (section I and various competitive exams.
II) and an Interview. The examinations which are conducted under
the purview off SSC are broadly categorized as:
Combined Defence Services 1. Open Examinations
Examination (CDS) 2. Departmental Examinations
(CDS) Combined Defence Service
Examination is an exam conducted twice OPEN EXAMINATION
every year by Union Public Service S. No. Name of the Examinations
Commission (UPSC). It is an exam to induct 1 Combined Graduate Level Examination
officers into the Indian Defence Forces i.e.
the Army and the Air force. The entrance 2 Tax Assistant Examination
comprises of a Written Exam followed by 3 Statistical Investigators (SSS) Grade IV
and Intelligence and Personality Test. Examination
4 Junior Engineers Examination
National Defence Academy (NDA)
Examination 5 Junior Translators (CSOLS) Examination
This exam is conducted for admission to 6 Section Officer (Commercial Audit)
Examination
the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the
NDA and for Indian Naval Academy Course 7 Deputy Field Officer (Cab Sect)
Examination
(INAC) by UPSC. It is an exam to induct cadets
into the Indian Defence Forces i.e. the Army 8 Data Entry Operator (DEO) Examination
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is considered the world’s largest open university.
9 Sub Inspector in CPOs Examination •• Data Entry Operator (DEO)

10 Section Officer (Audit) Examination •• Sub Inspector in CPOs
•• Section Officer (Audit)
11 Combined Matric Level Examination
•• Steno Grade “C”, Steno Grade “D”, and LDC
12 Section Officer (Accounts) Examination
•• Section Officer (Accounts)
DEPARTMENTAL EXAMINATIONS Banking
S. No. Name of the Examinations IBPS PO & Clerk
1 Grade ‘C’ Stenographers Ltd. Depttl. Candidates aspiring for a Probationary Officer
Compt. Examination
(PO) and Clerk in any Indian Public Sector
2 UD Grade Ltd. Depttl. Compt. banks have to go through the compulsory IBPS
Examination exams. Recruitment under the IBPS includes a
3 Clerks Grade (For Group ‘D’ Staff three-tier process consisting of a Preliminary
only) Examination exam of 100 marks, followed by a mains exam
Career Options after Choosing SSC or of 200 marks for the shortlisted candidates
its Branches and finally the third tier is an Interview.
Ever since its inception in November 1975, SBI PO & Clerk
the Staff Selection Commission recruits
Indians to Group B governmental posts, State Bank of India (SBI) accepts application
Group C technical posts, and more. SSC has form through offline or online for recruitment
announced the prospective job vacancies of Probationary Officer (PO). Candidates who
open for suitable candidates in 2015. have completed their graduation or above
Indian citizens have the option to apply for qualification from any recognized university
62,390 job vacancies across governmental are eligible to apply. The selection of the
candidates is done in three phases which
organizations like:
include Preliminary Examination, Main
•• Assistants, in CSS, AFHQ, MEA etc, Inspectors
Examination, and Group Discussion and
in Central Excise/Preventive Officer/Income
Interview.
Tax, Inspector of Posts, Sub Inspector in CBI, The SBI Clerks/JA/JAA selection is based
Divisional Accountants, Auditors, UDC etc on an online objective test consisting of
•• Tax Assistant in CBDT and CBEC 2 tests : Preliminary and Main exams.
•• Statistical Investigators (SSS) Grade IV in
Dept. of Statistics IBPS/SBI/Other Nationalised
•• Junior Engineers (Civil and Elect) in Specialist Officer Exam
CPWD/Dept. of Posts, Military Engineering Specialist officers are posted in specialised
Service department in banks such as IT, Law,
•• Junior Translators of CSOLS Cadre in DOL Agriculture, HR, etc. The selection of
•• Section Officer (Commercial Audit ) candidates will be on the basis of online test
•• Deputy Field Officer (Cabinet Sect) and interview.
VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL TESTS

SAT GRE GMAT IELTS TOEFL
Reason Used by most Used as a judging Required for An international Required for
to take U.S. colleges parameter admissions test of English testing the
the test to determine by most U.S. in graduate language English language
whether colleges to management Proficiency proficiency
students should determine programs for non-native of non-native
be accepted into admissions to of most English language English speakers
the institution’s master’s and business speakers for wishing to enroll
undergraduate doctoral degree schools. higher education in American
programs. programs. and immigration. universities.
Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian to join Indian Civil Service (ICS) in the year 1864.
GK-498
Struc- The SAT The GRE The GMAT The IELTS test Has internet
ture consists of a consists of consists of has four sections based test and
of the 70 minutes Analytical analytical Listening (30 paper based
test Critical Reading Writing writing minutes plus 10 test. The internet
section (one section (1 assessment minutes’ transfer based test has
20-min section hour), Verbal (30 min), time), Reading reading (60–100
and two 25-min Reasoning integrated (60 minutes), min), listening
sections); a 70 section (20 reasoning Writing (60 (60–90 min),
minutes Math questions in 30 (30 min minutes) and speaking (20
section (one minutes) and for 12 Speaking min) and writing
20-min section 2 sections of questions), (11–14 minutes) (50 min). And
and two 25-min Quantitative the the paper based
sections) and Reasoning (20 quantitative test Listening
a 60 minutes questions in 35 section (75 (30 – 40 min),
Writing section minutes) min for 37 Structure
(one 25-min questions), and Written
essay, one and the Expression (25
25-min section, verbal min), Reading
and one 10-min section (75 Comprehension
section) min for 41 (55 min) and
questions) Writing (30 min).
Format It is a paper- The test is a The GMAT is

The test involves The TOEFL is
based Computer- a computer-
2 modules either Internet-
standardized based or based
of the IELTS: based or
test. paper-based the Academic
standardized paper-based
standardized Module and the
test. standardized
test. General Training test.
Module.
Scoring 200–800 Analytical The total The test is The iBT test
(in 10-point writing scored score ranges scored on a is scored on a
increments) on from 0.0 to 6.0 from 200 nine-band scale, scale of 0 to 120
each of three (in 0.5 point to 800 and with each band points whereas
sections (total increments), Scores are equivalent to the PBT score
600–2400). Verbal reasoning given in a specified ranges between
Essay scored and Quantitative increments competence in 310 and 677
on scale of reasoning of 10. English. and is based
0–12, in 1-point marked on the Listening (31–
increments. scale of 130 to 68), Structure
170 (in 1 point (31–68),
increments) and Reading
each. (31–67).
Test 3 hours and 45 Around 3 hours 3.5 hours 2 hours, 45 Internet-based
duration minutes and 45 minutes minutes test: 3 hours 10
minutes to 4
hours 20 minutes
Paper-based
test: 2 hours
20 minutes
to 2 hours 30
minutes.
Validity 5 years 5 years 5 years 2 years 2 years
First SAT was developed in 1901 as a means of determining intelligence without systematic bias.
MOST SOUGHT-AFTER COURSES
Engineering engineer specializes in theory of computation

Premier institutions: The Indian and design of computational systems.
Institutes of Technology (IITs), Birla Electronics & Communication
Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Engineering
Indian Institutes of Information Technology It develops everyday devices such as
(IIITs), National Institutes of Technology transistors, integrated circuits and printed
(NIT) and many more.
circuit boards (PCBs) which can be used
Engineering Entrance Examinations in computers, MP3 players, cell phones,
1. JEE MAIN television to name a few.
Purpose: For Admission in B.E/B. Tech., Electrical Engineering
B. Arch., B. Planning JEE-Main exam is
It deals with the study and application of
for admission to National Institutes of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes The focus of the course remains on designing
of Technology (IITs), Centrally Funded and testing ICs, inductors, capacitors and
Technical Institutes (CFTIs). resistors, etc.
Eligibility: Class 12, passed/appearing (PCM)
Admission Test: JEE Main exam has two Civil Engineering
papers, Paper-1 and Paper-2. Candidates It deals with the various aspects of planning,
may opt for either or both of them. Both designing, construction, maintenance and
papers contain multiple choice questions. modification of physical structure and
Paper 1 is for admission to B.E/B.Tech naturally built environment.
courses. It is conducted both online and Information Technology
offline. Paper-2 is for admission in B.Arch
Information Technology is the study of
and B.Planning courses. It is conducted
utilizing computers and telecommunications
offline only.
in order to control, gather, store and
2. JEE Advanced
circulate information.
Purpose: Admission in UG programmes in
IITs and ISM Dhanbad Aeronautical Engineering
Eligibility : Students who qualify JEE-Mains It is the specialized branch of engineering
for advance can appear for JEE -Advanced for the aviation industry. It involves studying,
examination. designing, construction and science of the
Duration: 4 years. airplanes and other spacecraft.
Major Branches of Engineering:
Architecture Engineering
Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry
and Mathematics as core subjects. It is the area of study, which deals with the
Course Duration: 4 years for B.E or B.Tech. designing, and planning of buildings and
structures and the spaces between them.
Mechanical Engineering Course Duration: 5-year Bachelor of
The branch applies the principles of Architecture degree programme.
engineering, physics and material science
Chemical Engineering
for the design, analysis, manufacturing and
maintenance of mechanical systems. It is concerned with the design, construction,
and operation of machines and plants
Computer Science Engineering that perform chemical reactions to solve
It deals with design, implementation, and practical problems or make useful products.
management of information system of both It deals with the application of physical
software & hardware processes. A computer science and life sciences with mathematic,
In 1861, Indian Civil Service (ICS) act was passed.
GK-500
to the process of converting raw materials 3. B.H.M.S
or chemicals into more useful or valuable BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine
forms. and Surgery) is an undergraduate degree
programme in medical field. This degree
Medical
covers the medical knowledge of the
Premier institutions: All India Institute of homeopathic system.
Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, Armed Forces Course Duration: 5.5 years academic
Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Christian
programme containing the 4 and 1/2 year
Medical College (CMC), Vellore, Maulana Azad
academic session and one year internship
Medical College (MAMC), Delhi, Jawaharlal
programme.
Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education
& Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, and many 4. B.A.M.S
more. Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and
Surgery (BAMS) is an integrated Indian
Medical Entrance Examinations Degree in the medical field. This degree
1. National Eligibility-cum-Entrance programme is conferred to those students
Tests (NEET) for Undergraduate (UG) who studied the modern medicines and
Purpose - Admission to MBBS/BDS traditional Ayurveda.
Eligibility-Class 12 (PCB) Course Duration: 5 years and 6 month
Duration - 4.5 Years degree programme containing the 4 and
AIIMS MBBS: Entrance Exam: The All 1/2 year academic session and one year
India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) internship programme.
conducts an entrance exam after Class XII at 5. B. Pharma
National Level for admission to MBBS seats
Bachelor of Pharmacy or B.Pharma is an
in AIIMS New Delhi and to the other six new
undergraduate degree course in Pharmacy.
AIIMS like institutions.
After the completion of this degree, the
Eligibility: Should have secured 50% marks
students can practise as a Pharmacist.
in physics, chemistry, biology and english in
the ‘10+2’ examinations. Course Duration: 4 years.
6. M.D: M.D (Doctor of Medicine) is
2. JIPMER MBBS Entrance Test awarded to the doctors who are physicians.
This medical entrance exam is conducted Eligibility: MBBS.
by Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Course Duration: 3 years
Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) 7. M.S: This degree is awarded to the
for admission to MBBS course in its institute.
doctors who master course in surgery.
Major courses of Medical
Eligibility: MBBS.
1. M.B.B.S
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor Course Duration: 3 years
of Surgery) is the bachelor degree in Mass Communication
medical field for cure & diagnose.
Course Duration: The course duration is Premier Institutions
5½ years (4½ years of classroom study Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication
followed by a year of rotating internship) (Pune); Amity School of Communication
2. B.D.S (Noida); Delhi College of Arts & Commerce;
The BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Manipal Institute of Communications;
is the only educational and professional Department of Media Studies, Christ
programme of dental surgery in India. University (Bangalore); St. Xavier’s College
Course duration: The BDS is a 5 year (4 years (Mumbai); Institute of Mass Communication
academic education + 1 year mandatory Media Technology (Kurukshetra) and many
internship) UG degree programme. more.
The primary school at Phumachangtang, Tibet is the highest school in the world at 5,373 m above the sea level.
Main Branches of Mass Communication General/OBC/PWD categories and minimum

1. Bachelor of Journalism and Mass 50% marks for SC/ST categories
Communication (BJMC) Course of Duration: 2 years
It combines classes in journalism, writing
and communications. Students must Business & Management
complete both a broad liberal arts education Premier Institutions
and rigorous writing course work. Christ University; Symbiosis Centre for
Eligibility: Pass with 50% aggregate marks Management Studies; Amity International
in 10+2 or equivalent (with English) Business School; Indian Institutes of
Course Duration: 3 years Management (IIMs); XLRI (Xavier Labour
2. Master of Journalism and Mass Relations Institute) Jamshedpur; FMS
Communication (MJMC): (Faculty of Management Studies) Delhi; JBIMS
It is an academically-oriented degree that (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management
prepares students for doctoral studies or a Studies) Mumbai.
career in research. Eligibility - Graduate in any discipline
Eligibility: Graduation. 1. CAT (Common Admission Test)
Course Duration: 2 years
CAT is the Guru of all MBA entrance
Law examinations, is conducted by the Indian
Institutes of Management (IIMs) to enroll
Premier Institutions: National Law School
students for Post-graduate and Fellow
of India University (Bangalore); National
Programs. Several other top management
Academy of Legal Studies and Research institutes in India also use valid CAT score
(Hyderabad); National Law University (Delhi); for admissions. CAT is held in the month of
Faculty Of Law, BHU; Faculty of Law, Aligarh Nov.
Muslim University; University School of Law
& Legal Studies, GGSIPU and many more. 2. XAT (Xavier’s Admission Test)
XAT (Xavier’s Aptitude Test) is conducted
Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
for admission to Post-Graduate degree
CLAT entrance examination is conducted programme in Management at XLRI, XIM,
for admission to 17 of the coveted National XISS, LIBA etc. XAT is held in the month of
Law Schools. January.
Eligibility: - Candidates should have passed Institutes accepting XAT Score: XLRI
Higher Secondary School/Intermediate (Jamshedpur); XIM (Bhubaneshwar); SIBM
Examination (10+2) or its equivalent (Pune); BIM(Trichy); GIM (Goa);
examination with not less than 45% marks Major courses of Business & Management
in aggregate (40% in case of SC/ST and Bachelor of Business Administration
persons with Disability). (BBA) : It is a bachelor’s degree in commerce
Major courses of Law: and business administration.
LLB (Bachelor of Law) Eligibility: Should have passed 10+2 with at
It is an undergraduate law course. The degree least 50% marks.
felicitates a student to become a lawyer or Course Duration: 3 years
work in a legal department. Master of Business Administration
LLM (Masters in Law) (MBA): It is a master’s degree in business
The University Grants Commission approved administration (management).
one-year LLM courses in India on 6 September Eligibility: The minimum eligibility
2012 and the guideline for the same was criterion for admission is at least a 3-year
notified in January, 2013. bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks
Eligibility: Should have cleared LL.B./Five- or equivalent.
Year Integrated LL.B./any other equivalent Course Duration: 2 years
examination with minimum 55% marks for The following are the list of some of the
specialization in MBA Courses in India:
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was launched in 1980 by Cambridge English Language
Assessment and the British Council.
GK-502
•• Finance behaviour by observing, interpreting and
•• Marketing recording how people relate to one another
•• Human Recourse (HR) and their environments.
•• International Business (IB) Types of Psychologists:
•• Health Care Management I. Clinical Psychologists: diagnose and
•• Operations treat mental, emotional and behavioral
•• Banking and Finance disorders. some clinical psychologists
•• Sales and Marketing focus on certain specialities, such as:
Health Psychologists study how
Hotel Management Psychological and behavioral factors
Premier Institutions: Institutes of Hotel interact with health and illness.
Management (IHM), Oberoi Centre of Learning Neuropsychologists study the effects of
and Development, Welcomgroup Graduate brain disorder diseases on behaviour
School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) and thinking.
Manipal, Christ College Bangalore. II. Counselling Psychologists: help
Major courses: persons deal with and understand
problems, including issues at home,
1. Bachelor of Hotel Management at school, at the work place or in their
(BHM) community.
Eligibility: The candidate should have III. Developmental Psychologists: study the
passed 10+2 stage examination psychological progress and development
Course duration: 3 years that take place throughout life.
Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management: IV. Forensic Psychologists: use psycho-
The program teaches students the necessary logical principles in the legal and
technical, organizational, and communication criminal justice system to help judges,
skills needed to manage restaurants, hotels, attorneys, and other legal specialists.
and other places where hospitality is V. Industrial - Organisational Psychologists
essential to the nature of the business. apply psychology to to work place by
Eligibility: Must have passed Class 10+2 using psychological principles to to
examination with at least 50% marks. solve problems and improve the quality
Course Duration: 4 years of work life.
Psychology VI. School Psychologists counsel students
and families
Premier Institutions: University of Delhi, VII. Social Psychologists study how people’s
Indian Institute of Psychology & Research mind sets and behavious are shaped by
(IIPR), Bangalore, Amity Institute of social interactions.
Behavioural Health & Allied Science, Eligibility: Ph.D in Psychology, a
Noida, University of Rajasthan, Jamia master degree is sufficient for some
Millia University, Government College of positions.
Educational Psychology and Guidance, 2. Academic Teachers/ Research
Jabalpur, S.N.D.T women’s University, Mumbai. Psychologists: These kinds of
Career in Psychology psychologists works as leachess and
1. Psychologist researchers, generally at the college level.
Scope: Psychologists study cognitive, Eligibility: Ph.D in Psychology, a
emotional and social processes and master degree is sufficient for some
positions.
The TOEFL test was first administered in 1964 by the Modern Language Association.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE GK-503
ENGLISH
LANGUAGE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & GRAMMAR

Language is a medium of communication Abstract Noun
through which one person expresses his/her An Abstract Noun is the name of a quality,
views by speaking or writing with the help action or feelings of a person or an animal.
of words, phrases, sentences, etc. e.g. Ram is very kind. John is an honest man.
Grammar is the set of rules that explain how
words are used in a language. In the world, Pronoun
every language has its rules, regulations
A Pronoun is a word that takes the place of
and principles. These rules are called the
or refers to a noun. Thus, a word which is
Grammar of the language. Similarly is the
used instead of a Noun is called a Pronoun.
case with English Language. Words used
Example: John is running as he is an athlete.
in English language are of 8 types, called
Sweety is a good girl and she is also beautiful.
parts of speech. These are noun, pronoun,
A camel is drinking water; it is called the
adjective, verb, adverb, preposition,
ship of the desert.
conjuction & interjection.
In the sentences he is used for John, she for
Noun sweety and it for camel.
There are also relative pronouns which
A noun is a word used as the name of a refer or relate to other Nouns e.g.
person, place or thing: e.g. boy, girl, Delhi, John, who is an athlete, is standing there.
India, table, chair, lion, deer etc. There are
four types of nouns. Adjective
Common Noun An Adjective is a word that is used to modify
A Common Noun is the word used for a or add something to the meaning of a noun.
class of person, place or thing. e.g. boy, king, Example: Sita is an intelligent girl.
birds, ball, garden, road, bat etc. Ashoka was a brave king.
Proper Noun Here intelligent & brave are adjectives.
A Proper Noun is the name of some Comparison of Adjectives
particular person or place. e.g. Ram, Delhi, When things are compared we use the
Himalya, Taj Mahal etc. Adjectives to compare them. When only
Proper Nouns should always be written two things are compared, the comparative
with a Capital letter at the beginning. degree of the adjective should be used.
Collective Noun Example: Ram is wiser than Shyam.
A Collective Noun is the name of a number When more than two things are compared,
of (or collection) persons or things, taken the superlative degree of the Adjective
together and spoken of as ‘one whole’ e.g. should be used.
a crowd of People, a team of Players, a flock Example: Ram is the wisest boy of the class.
of sheep, a school of children, an army of It should be noted that the article ‘the’ should
soldiers, etc. be used before the superlative degree.
English is the official language of 67 countries.
GK-504
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Verb Interjections
A verb is usually called a ‘doing word’ when Interjections are words used to express
a word tells us about some action or work strong feeling or sudden emotion. They are
done, then it is called a Verb. e.g. included in a sentence usually at the start
Ram plays football. to express a sentiment such as surprise,
The lion killed the deer. disgust, joy, excitement, or enthusiasm.
The School bell is ringing. Example: Hey!
In the above sentences, the plays, killed Get off that bike! Oh! that is a surprise.
ringing are verbs. Good! Now we can move on.
Adverb Introductory expressions such as yes, no,
indeed, and well also fall in this category.
A word that modifies the meaning of a verb, Example: Indeed, this is not the first time he
an adjective, or another Adverb is called an came late. Yes, I do intend to go to Delhi.
Adverb. e.g. The boy runs quickly.
In the above sentences the verbs runs, is Figure of Speech
modified by the adverbs quickly.
A figure of speech is a word or phrase that
Adverbs modifying the Adjectives has a meaning which is different from its
When a word modifies an adjective, it is also literal meaning. It can be a metaphor or
known as an Adverb. For example: The boy simile that is designed to further explain a
runs very fast. The apples are extremely concept.
sweet. She reads quite clearly. Types of figures of speech
Prepositions Alliteration is the repetition of beginning
A Preposition is a word placed before a sounds. Example: Sally sells seashells.
Noun or a Pronoun to show the relation Walter wondered where winnie was. Ninja
between a person or a thing. needed notebooks. Fred fried frogs.
Example: The book is on the table Anaphora is a technique where several
The cow is in the field. phrases or verses begin with the same word
The cat jumped on the table. or words.
Some generally used prepositions are–in, on, Example: I came, I saw, I conquered - Julius
about, above, across, along, among, around, Caesar.
before, behind, below, within, without, etc. Mad world! Mad kings! Mad composition!
We laughed, we loved, we sang. With malice
Conjunction toward none; with charity for all; with
A Conjunction is a word which joins firmness in the right, - Abraham Lincoln.
together sentences and also words. Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds
Example: in words that are close together. Example:
The man is poor. The man is honest.
“And stepping softly with her air of blooded
Now if we join these two sentences with
ruin about the glade in a frail agony of grace
‘but’, then they join together: The man is
poor, but he is honest. she trailed her rags through dust and ashes,
Ram sells mangoes and oranges. circling the dead fire, the charred billets and
Some conjunctions are used in pairs only. chalk bones, the little calcined ribcage.” The
e.g. words “glade,” “frail,” “grace,” and “trailed”
Either do it or go away. help set the chilling mood of the work, and
It is neither required nor is useful. it is repeated and emphasized at the end
Though he is my friend, yet he hides his with “ribcage.”
secrets from me. Euphemism is a word or phrase that
Whether you stay or go away, it’s your wish. replaces a word or phrase to make it more
We both love and honour our teacher. polite or pleasant. Example: A little thin
‘I am.’ is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.
on top instead of bald, Homeless instead the next syllable is a vowel, then we use ‘an’
of bum, letting him go instead of fired him, and not ‘a’.
passed away instead of died, put to sleep Example:
instead of euthanize. The train is an hour late.
Hyperbole uses exaggeration for emphasis The definite Article- ‘the‘
or effect. Example: I’ve told you a hundred
times. He is older than dirt. Everybody The definite article ‘the’ is used when we
knows that. refer to some particular person or thing
such as:
Irony is using words where the meaning
The boy along with me is my brother. The
is the opposite of their usual meaning.
dog which was playing with you is mine.
Example: A traffic cop suspended for not
We also use the definite article ‘The’ for
paying his parking fee. The titanic was said some outstanding things: for example: The
to be unsinkable. Gita, The Bible, The koran etc.
Metaphor compares two unlike things The Ganga, The Indus, The Taj Mahal, The
or ideas. Example: Heart of stone, time is Sun, The Mars, The Economic Review etc.
money, the world is a stage. He is a night Some important buildings – The Taj Mahal,
owl. He is an ogre. The Red Fort, The Qutub Minar etc.
Onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like Names of heavenly bodies -The Sun, The
what it is describing. Example: Splat, buzz, Moon, The Earth, The Mars, The Sky etc.
click.
Oxymoron is two contradictory terms Tenses
used together. Example: Peace force, small There are three tenses in the English
crowd, free market. language. They are (i) the Present Tense (ii)
Personification is giving human qualities the Past Tense (iii) the Future Tense. The
to non-living things or ideas. Example: The tenses of a verb show the time of an action
flowers danced, the wind howled. or event.
Simile is a comparison between two Present Tense
unlike things using the words “like” or “as.”
Example: As blind as a bat, eats like a pig, as A verb in a sentence which refers to the
slippery as an eel. present time or situation is called the
Synecdoche is when a part represents the Present Tense.
Example:
whole or the whole is represented by a part.
I play football.
Example: Wheels - a car, the police - one
Sita dances everyday.
policeman, Coke - any cola drink. However, the Present Tense has four
Understatement is when something is said different forms, which clarify the state or
to make something appear less important the situation of the action.
or less serious. Example: It’s just a scratch Example:
- referring to a large dent, the weather is I play football - Simple Present Tense
a little cooler today - referring to sub-zero I am playing football - Present Continuous
temperatures. I have played football - Present Perfect
I have been playing football -Present
Articles perfect continuous
An article is a word used to modify a noun, Past Tense
which is a person, place, object, or idea. When a verb in a sentence refers to the past
‘A’, or ‘an’ and ‘the’ are called Articles. In time or situation is called the Past Tense.
fact, they are demonstrative adjectives e.g.
which specify whether the person or thing I played football.
is singular or plural, or is indefinite or a Sita danced everyday.
definite. Example: I saw a boy playing. Similar to the Present tense, it also has four
I saw the boys playing. different forms, which denote the state or
This is an apple. the situation of the action.
The article ‘an’ is used before a noun which Example:
starts with a vowel - a, e, i, o, u. I played football.– Simple Past
However, there is an exception in using the I was playing football. – Past continuous
article ‘an’. When begin with a silent ‘h’ and I had played football. – Past perfect
The longest English word that can be spelled without repeating any letters is ‘uncopyrightable’.
GK-506
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
I had been playing football. – Past Perfect I shall have played football. – Future
continuous. Perfect Tense
Future Tense I shall have been playing football. – Future
Perfect Continuous Tense
When the verb in a sentence refers to the
future time or situation, then it is denoted Active and Passive Voice
as the Future Tense.
Example:
Active Voice
I shall play football. When the subject of a verb performs an
action the verb is said to be in the active
Sita shall/will dance everyday.
voice. The effect of the action may or may
Ram shall write a letter.
not fall on an object, that is, the verb may or
Future tense also has those four forms, may not have an object.
which tell the state and affairs of the work
which is to be done. Passive Voice
Examples: When the object of a verb appears to
I shall play football. – Simple Future Tense perform an action so that the effect of that
action appears to fall on the subject the verb
I shall be playing football. – Future
is said to be in the passive voice.
Continuous Tense
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE IN VARIOUS TENSES
Tense Active Passive
Simple Present Once a week, Calvin cleans Once a week, the shed is cleaned by Calvin.
the shed.
Present Right now, Shreya is Right now, the letter is being written by
Continuous writing the letter. Shreya.
Simple Past Samuel repaired the car. The car was repaired by Samuel.
Past Continuous The accountant was The customer was being helped by the
helping the customer accountant when the thief came into the
when the thief came into store.
the store.
Present Perfect Many tourists have visited That fort has been visited by many tourists.
that fort.
Present Perfect Deepti has been doing the The work has been being done by Deepti.
Continuous work since morning.
Past Perfect Michelle had repaired Many cars had been repaired by Michelle
many cars before she before she received her mechanic’s license.
received her mechanic’s
license.
Past Perfect Chef Vikas had been The restaurant’s fantastic dinners had been
Continuous preparing the restaurant’s being prepared by Chef Vikas for two years
fantastic dinners for two before he moved to London.
years before he moved to
London.
Simple Future Someone will finish the The work will be finished by 5:00 PM.
work by 5:00 PM.
Simple Future Sarita is going to make a A beautiful dinner is going to be made by
beautiful dinner tonight. Sarita tonight.
Future At 8:00 PM tonight, Kevin At 8:00 PM tonight, the dishes will be being
Continuous will be washing the dishes. washed by Kevin.
‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog’. This type of sentence is called a ‘pangram’ as it uses every letter in the
English language.
Future At 8:00 PM tonight, Kevin At 8:00 PM tonight, the dishes are going to
Continuous is going to be washing the be being washed by Kevin.
dishes.
Future Perfect They will have completed The building will have been completed
the building before the before the deadline.
deadline.
Future Perfect They are going to have The building is going to have been
completed the building completed before the deadline.
before the deadline.
Future Perfect The famous artist will The mural will have been being painted by
Continuous have been painting the the famous artist for over one year by the
mural for over one year by time it is finished.
the time it is finished.
Future Perfect The famous artist is going The mural is going to have been being
Continuous to have been painting the painted by the famous artist for over one
mural for over one year by year by the time it is finished.
the time it is finished.
Used to Kunal used to pay the The bills used to be paid by Kunal.
bills.
Would Always My mother would always The desserts would always be made by my
make the desserts. mother.
Future in the Past I knew Akriti would finish I knew the work would be finished by 5:00
Would the work by 5:00 PM. PM.
Future in the Past I thought Swati was going I thought a beautiful dinner was going to
Was Going to to make a beautiful dinner be made by Swati tonight.
tonight.
DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH This week That week
Direct Speech Tomorrow The following day
Direct speech reports the speech by The next day
repeating the actual words of a speaker. The day after
Example: He said, ‘I am going to school.’
Next week The following week
Indirect or reported speech The next week
Indirect speech is a sentence where the The week after
main idea of a speaker’s words is reported Yesterday The previous day
by another person. Usually, they are The day before
summarized or paraphrased and there are
Last week The previous week
no special punctuation issues to take into
The week before
account.
Example: He said that he was going to school. Ago Previously before
2 weeks ago 2 weeks previously
RULE CHART FOR CHANGING 2 weeks before
DIRECT INTO INDIRECT
Tonight that night
Direct Indirect Last Saturday The previous Saturday
Now Then The Saturday before
Today That day Next Saturday The following Saturday
The next Saturday
Here There The Saturday after
This That The Saturday after
The longest word in English has 45 letters: ‘pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis’. It is a type of lung disease
caused by inhaling ash and sand dust.
GK-508
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
TENSE CHANGE RULES Drink like a fish drink excessive
amounts of alcohol
Direct Indirect
Have a memory to be very bad at
Simple present Simple Past like a sieve remembering things
Simple Past Past Perfect Sleep like a log to sleep very soundly
Have eyes like a miss nothing of what is
Present continuous Past Continuous
hawk going on around one
Present Perfect Past Perfect Sleep like a baby a very deep and restful
Can Could sleep
Sing like a bird to have a beautiful
Will Would
singing voice
May Might Eat like a pig to eat noisily and
unpleasantly
LIST OF SIMILES As harmless as a innocent, meek and
Direct Indirect dove gentle
Gleamed like shining very brightly As fragile as a easily destroyed or
pearls house of cards spoilt
As green as very green As fresh as the air very fresh
mould in spring
as clear as crystal easy to understand As ugly as sin very ugly and
As bold as brass very brave and unpleasant to look at
confident As soft as a very soft
As dead as a quite dead daffodil’s petals
doornail
Deaf as a post having very bad LIST OF IDIOMS
hearing
A penny for to ask someone what
Hot as hell extremely warm your thoughts they are thinking about
As crooked as a very dishonest
witch’s hat At the drop of without hesitation or
Sharp as a razor very sharp a hat good reason
As sick as a dog very ill Ball is in your it is someone’s turn to
court make the decision
As slippery as devious and
an eel untrustworthy Beat around To avoid getting to the
As fiery as a quickly or easily the bush point of an issue
volcano becoming angry Bite off more take on a commitment
As solid as a rock to be very strong than you can one cannot fulfill
chew
As stubborn as a extremely stubborn
mule Blessing in an apparent misfortune
As white as a extremely pale (when disguise that eventually has good
ghost frightened) results
Burn the read or work late into the
Wise as an owl very wise
midnight oil night
As red as a red-faced,
beetroot typically through Costs an arm to be very expensive
embarrassment and a leg
Eat like a horse to eat large amounts Curiosity killed Being curious can get
of food the cat you into trouble
There is no word in the English language that rhymes with month, orange, silver or purple.
Don’t put all don’t risk everything Come up with To produce or find a
your eggs in on the success of one (something) thought/idea/answer
one basket venture
Right away Immediately
Every cloud Every bad situation has
has a silver some good aspect to it Take over To take control of something
lining
Run through Be present in every part
Hit the sack go to sleep of; pervade.
It takes two to Actions or
tango communications need To call a To be frank and truthful a
more than one person spade spade
Once in a blue Happening very rarely Bring Raise a child up
moon someone
See eye to eye to agree about someone Chip in Help
Steal win praise for oneself by
someone’s pre-empting someone En route On the way
thunder else’s attempt to impress Lingua Common language
Your guess is as To say something when franca
good as mine you do not know the
answer to a question Count on To rely on a person or
Whole nine everything possible or someone/ thing
yards available something
Miss the boat to miss out Grow apart To end a friendship
Last straw the final difficulty in a
Hang in To stay strong and positive
series
Barking up the To pursue a mistaken line
wrong tree of thought or course of LIST OF HOMOPHONES
action Aid: to help
Cry over spilt to be unhappy about Aide: an assistant
milk what cannot be undone
Allowed: let someone to do something.
Cut corners do something Aloud: out loud
perfunctorily so as to
Alter: change in character or composition
save time or money
Altar: The table in a Christian church on
LIST OF PHRASES which the bread and wine are consecrated
in communion services.
Phrases Meaning
Bait: Food placed on a hook or in a net
Feel blue Feel sad Bate: An angry mood
Rain or Not allowing the weather Bail: temporary release of an accused
shine to prevent you from doing person awaiting trial
something Bale: A large wrapped or bound bundle of
Over one’s When something is paper, hay, or cotton
head mentally too difficult to Base: The lowest part or edge of
understand
something
Sleep Tight Get a good night’s sleep Bass: The member of a family of
Down to Realistic; reasonable; instruments that is the lowest in pitch
Earth sensible Berth: a fixed bunk on a ship, train, or
Drop Send a letter or email to a other means of transport
someone line someone Birth: give birth to
‘Queueing’ is the only word with five consecutive vowels (five vowels in a row).
GK-510
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Bridal: of or concerning a bride or a newly Anecdote A short interesting or
amusing story
married couple.
Bridle: the headgear used to control a Anthology A collection of poems or
writings
horse
Apiary A place where bees are kept
Cereal: a grain used for food
Serial: consisting of or taking place in a Arboreal Those who live in trees
series. Ascetic One who avoids physical
pleasures and comforts
Desert: abandon in a way considered Astronomy Scientific study of heavenly
disloyal or treacherous. bodies
Dessert: the sweet course eaten at the end Aviary A place for keeping birds
of a meal Backlog It means an accumulation of
arrears.
Discreet: careful and prudent in one’s Barbarian An uncivilised person
speech or actions Beverage A liquid for drinking
Discrete: individually separate and
Bibliography A list of writings on a subject
distinct
Biennial Happening once every two
Flour: a powder obtained by grinding years
grain
Floor: Lower surface of a room Bigamy System of two marriages
Genes: a unit of heredity which is Blue Blood The quality of being a noble
transferred from a parent to offspring person by birth
Jeans: hard-wearing casual trousers made Bonsai The art of growing a plant in
of denim or other cotton fabric a pot that is prevented from
reaching its natural size
Grate: reduce (food) to small shreds by
rubbing it on a grater Bookworm One who is too fond of
Great: intensity considerably above reading and study
average Bottleneck It is a narrow passage, a
Hoard: a stock or store of money or valued place, stage or condition that
objects checks progress.
Horde: a large group of people Boulevard A broad street having trees on
each side
ONE WORD SUBSTITUTION Bourgeois Belonging to the middle class
Abdicate Renounce a throne, high Bric-a-brac Small objects kept for
decoration
office or dignity
Abolish Do away with Cabal A small group of people who
make secret plans for political
Acrobat One who performs action
gymnastic feats Calligraphy The art of beautiful writing
Adulterate Make impure by the by hand
addition of inferior Canine Of a dog
substance
Ad hoc Made for a particular Cannibal One who eats human flesh
purpose Chalet A wooden house with a
steeply sloping roof
Agoraphobia Fear of open spaces
Alimony Compensatory allowance Celibacy One who does not indulge in
given to wife after divorce carnal pleasure
Altruist One who is habitually kind Clock-and- Stories that deal with
to others Dagger adventure and exciting
Alumnus A former student of a mystery
school or college Clot A half-solid mass or lump
Anachronism That which appears to be in formed from a liquid,
the wrong period especially blood
English is the official language of the sky! It doesn’t matter which country they are from, all pilots speak in English on
International flights.
Coagulate Change from a liquid into a Chefd’ oeuvre masterpiece (Mona Lisa is
solid by chemical action Vinci’s Chef-d’ oeuvre)
Cold war Severe political struggle Corrigenda a list of errors (in a book)
between countries, without Dejure from the law, by law.
actual fighting Dramatis characters of the drama or
personae play
Foreign Words and Phrases En masse in a body (They took leave
The knowledge of foreign words and phrases en masse)
will help you reading comprehension and Errata list of errors
other types of common questions. So, make Ex-officio in virtue of his office
yourself familiar with the common foreign Faux pas a false step; slip in
words and phrases. behaviour
Aborigine from the origin Impasse a deadlock (Talks reached
Addenda list of additions (addenda an impasse)
to a book) In memoriam in memory
Ad hoc a body elected or appointed Modus manner of working. (of a
for a definite work. (ad hoc operandi gang, group etc.)
committee). Per se by itself
Alma mater a school which one has
attended Word Formation
A la carte according to the bill of English has many ways of making new
fare (a la carte dishes are words from old words like:
available) • By adding something to a word before
Amour self love or after.
propre • By changing its grammatical category
Au revoir until we meet again (to say • By combining two or more whole words
au revoir at parting) or part of one and part of another
Beaumonde the world of fashion English is able to produce new words
Bonjour Good morning whenever required. This is called the
Bona fide good faith (His bona fide process of word formation.
in the matter cannot be
doubted) Prefixes
A prefix is affix that’s added in front of a
Bizarre odd, fantastic word and often changes the meaning of it.
Bon voyage a good voyage or journey Common prefixes include--- re-, un-, mis-
to you etc.
Prefix Meaning Keyword

anti- against Antifreeze
de- opposite Defrost
dis- not, opposite of Disagree
en-, em- cause to encode, embrace
fore- before Forecast
in-, im-, ir- not injustice, impossible, irresponsible
Inter- between Interact
mid- middle Midway
mis- wrongly Misfire
non- not Nonsense
over- over look over
pre before Prefix
re- again Return
To jirble means “to spill a liquid while pouring it because your hands are shaking.”
GK-512
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
semi- half Semicircle
sub- under Submarine
super above Superstar
trans across Transport
un- not Unfriendly
under- under Undersea
contra- against contraindicate, contraceptive
de- down, away Descend
ex- former ex-husband
ex- out Exhort
an- not, without anaemic
in- not Inconvenient
in- into inebriate, indulge
homo- same homograph, homophone, homogeneous
magn- great magnate, magnificent, magnanimous,
magnitude, magnify
para- beside paragraph, paramedic, paradox triangle,
tri- three tripod, triceps, triathlon
Suffix
A suffix is a letter or a group of letters attached to the end of a word to form a new word or
to change the grammatical function (or part of speech) of the original word. For example,
the verb read is made into the noun reader by adding the suffix -er. Similarly, read is made
into the adjective readable by adding the suffix -able.
Common Suffixes in English
Noun Suffixes
Suffix Meaning Example
-acy state or quality privacy, fallacy, delicacy
-al act or process of refusal, recital, rebuttal
-ance, -ence state or quality of maintenance, assurance
-dom place or state of being freedom, kingdom, boredom
-er, -or one who trainer, protector, narrator
-ism doctrine, belief communism, narcissism, skepticism
-ist one who chemist, narcissist, plagiarist
-ity, -ty quality of inactivity, veracity, parity, serenity
-ness state of being heaviness, sadness, rudeness, testiness
-ship position held fellowship, ownership, kinship, internship
Verb Suffixes
-ate become regulate, eradicate, enunciate, repudiate
-en become enlighten, awaken, strengthen
-ify, -fy make or become terrify, satisfy, rectify, exemplify
-ize, -ise become civilize, humanize, socialize, valorize
Adjective Suffixes
-able, -ible capable of being edible, presentable, abominable, credible
-al pertaining to regional, grammatical, emotional, coastal
-ful notable for fanciful, resentful, woeful, doubtful
-ic, -ical pertaining to musical, mythic, domestic, chiastic
-ious, -ous characterized by nutritious, portentous, studious
-ish having the quality of fiendish, childish, snobbish
-ive having the nature of creative, punitive, divisive,
decisive -less without endless, ageless, lawless, effortless
-y characterized by sleazy, hasty, greasy, nerdy, smelly
Bamboozle derives from a French word, embabouiner, meaning “to make a baboon out of someone.”
PHOBIAS AND THEIR MEANINGS
Acrophobia Fear of heights Mysophobia Fear of contamination

Aerophobia Fear of flying or or dirt
draughts Nebulaphobia Fear of fog
Agoraphobia Fear of open spaces Necrophobia Fear of corpses
Ailurophobia Fear of cats Nosophobia Fear of disease
Algophobia Fear of pain Novercaphobia Fear of one’s
Amaxophobia Fear of riding in a car stepmother
Ambulophobia Fear of walking Nyctophobia Fear of the night or
Anglophobia Fear of England or darkness
the English Ochlophobia Fear of crowds
Anthrophobia Fear of humans Ombrophobia Fear of rain
Aquaphobia Fear of water Onomatophobia Fear of hearing a
Arachnophobia Fear of spiders certain word
Automysophobia Fear of being dirty Ophidiophobia Fear of snakes
Autophobia Fear of solitude Ophthalmophobia Fear of being stared
Ballistophobia Fear of missiles at
Bathophobia Fear of falling from a Ornithophobia Fear of birds
high place
Paedophobia Fear of children;
Batophobia Fear of heights or
fear of dolls
being close to tall
buildings Pantophobia Fear of everything
Bibliophobia Fear of books Pathophobia Fear of disease
Blennophobia Fear of slime Pediculophobia Fear of lice
Cancerophobia Fear of cancer Phagophobia Fear of eating
Cenophobia Fear of empty spaces Phengophobia Fear of daylight
Chrematophobia Fear of money Photophobia Fear of light
Claustrophobia Fear of closed spaces Pyrophobia Fear of fire
Climacophobia Fear of falling down Satanophobia Fear of the devil
stairs Sciaphobia Fear of shadows
Cremnophobia Fear of cliffs and Scopophobia Fear of being looked
precipices at
Cyberphobia Fear of computers Scotophobia Fear of the dark
Cynophobia Fear of dogs Sitiophobia Fear of food
Dysmorphophobia Fear of physical Spectrophobia Fear of looking in a
deformities mirror
Ecophobia Fear of home Symmetrophobia Fear of symmetry
Euphobia Fear of good news Taphephobia Fear of being buried
Geniophobia Fear of chins alive
Gerascophobia Fear of growing old Technophobia Fear of technology
Heliophobia Fear of sunlight Thalassophobia Fear of the sea
Hierophobia Fear of sacred things Thanatophobia Fear of death
Hydrophobia Fear of water Theophobia Fear of God
Kainotophobia Fear of change
Tonitrophobia Fear of thunder
Kakorrhaphiophobia Fear of failure
Topophobia Fear of performing;
Kenophobia Fear of empty spaces fear of certain places
Ligyrophobia Fear of loud noises Toxicophobia Fear of poisoning
Lygophobia Fear of darkness Xenophobia Fear of foreigners
Muriphobia Fear of mice
Zoophobia Fear of animals
Noon is derived from the Latin for “ninth” novem. It originally referred to the ninth hour of the Roman day -- 3pm.
GK-514
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
CONFUSABLES & THEIR MEANING

Confusables Meanings Confusables Meanings
accept to agree to receive or do breech the back part of a gun barrel
except not including canvas a type of strong cloth
adverse unfavourable, harmful canvass to seek people’s votes
averse strongly disliking; opposed censure to criticize strongly
advice recommendations about censor to ban parts of a book or film; a
what to do person who does this
advise to recommend something chord a group of musical notes
affect to change or make a cord a length of string; a cord-like
difference to body part
effect a result; to bring about a result coarse rough
all together all in one place, all at once course a direction; a school subject;
altogether completely; on the whole part of a meal
along moving or extending complacent smug and self-satisfied
horizontally on complaisant willing to please
a long referring to something of complement to add to so as to improve;
great length an addition that improves
aloud out loud something
allowed permitted compliment to praise or express approval;
altar a sacred table in a church an admiring remark
alter to change council a group of people who
appraise to assess manage or advise
apprise to inform someone counsel advice; to advise
assent agreement, approval cue a signal for action; a wooden
ascent the action of rising or climbing rod
up queue a line of people or vehicles
bare naked; to uncover currant a dried grape
bear to carry; to put up with current happening now; a flow of
bated in phrase ‘with bated breath’, water, air, or electricity
i.e. in great suspense defuse to make a situation less tense
baited with bait attached or inserted diffuse to spread over a wide area
bazaar a Middle Eastern market desert a waterless, empty area; to
abandon someone
bizarre strange
dessert the sweet course of a meal
berth a bunk in a ship, train, etc.
discreet careful not to attract attention
birth the emergence of a baby from
discrete separate and distinct
the womb
dual having two parts
born having started life
duel a fight or contest between
borne carried
two people
bough a branch of a tree
elicit to draw out a reply or reaction
bow to bend the head; the front of
illicit not allowed by law or rules
a ship
ensure to make certain that
brake a device for stopping a
something will happen
vehicle; to stop a vehicle
insure to provide compensation if
break to separate into pieces; a pause
a person dies or property is
breach to break through, or break a
damaged
rule; a gap
The opposite of déjà-vu is called jamais-vu: it describes the odd feeling that something very familiar is actually completely new.
Confusables Meanings Confusables Meanings

envelop to cover or surround palate the roof of the mouth
envelope a paper container for a letter palette a board for mixing colours
exercise physical activity; to do pedal a foot-operated lever
physical activity peddle to sell goods
exorcise to drive out an evil spirit pole a long, slender piece of wood
fawn a young deer; light brown poll voting in an election
faun a mythical being, part man, pour to flow or cause to flow
part goat pore a tiny opening; to study
forebear an ancestor something closely
foreword an introduction to a book sceptic a person inclined to doubt
forward onwards, ahead septic infected with bacteria
freeze to turn to ice sight the ability to see
frieze a decoration along a wall site a location
hoard a store stationary not moving
horde a large crowd of people stationery writing materials
loath reluctant, unwilling storey a level of a building
loathe to hate story a tale or account
loose to unfasten; to set free yoke a wooden crosspiece for
lose to be deprived of; to be unable harnessing a pair of oxen
to find yolk the yellow center of an egg
LOGIES
Arachnology The scientific study of spiders and related animals such as scorpions.
Aetiology The branch of medical science that studies the causes of diseases
and the factors underlying their spread
Andrology The branch of medicine concerned with diseases in men, esp of the
reproductive organs
Anemology The science of the winds
Audiology The scientific study of hearing, often including the treatment of

persons with hearing defects
Agrology The branch of soil science dealing with the production of crops.
Apiology The scientific study of bees.
Carpology A branch of botany that deals with the study of fruits and seeds.
Cytology Deals with the structure and function of plant and animal cells
Dermatology The branch of medicine dealing with the skin, nails, hair diseases
Etymology The branch of linguistics
Ethology The study of the behaviour of animals in their normal environment.
Gastroenterology The branch of medicine which deals with disorders of the stomach
and intestines.
The infinity sign, ∞, is called a lemniscate. Its name means “decorated with ribbons” in Latin.
GK-516
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Gemmology The science of gemstones.
Genealogy The study or investigation of ancestry and family histories.
Hierology The study of religious beliefs and practices.
Ichnology The branch of paleontology that studies fossil footprints
Limnology The study of inland waters.
Mycology The branch of biology that deals with fungi.
Metrology The science of weights and measures; the study of units of measurement
Nephology The scientific study of clouds.
Otorhinolaryngology The study of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat
Ophiology The branch of zoology that is concerned with the study of snakes.
Osteology The scientific study of bones.
Oncology The branch of medicine that deals with tumors
Petrology The branch of geology that studies the origin, composition,

distribution and structure of rocks.
Philologies The study of literary texts and written records
Phonology The sound system of a language.
Phycology The branch of botany that deals with algae
Rhinology The branch of medical science concerned with the nose and its diseases.
Semiology The study of signs.
Tribology The science and technology of friction, lubrication, and wear.
Uranology The branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe
as a whole.
The first English dictionary was written in 1755.

GENERAL APTITUDE & PERSONALITY GK-517
GENERAL APTITUDE
& PERSONALITY
GENERAL APTITUDE
An Aptitude is natural ability to do something i.e. for learning and proficiency in a specific
area or discipline. Outstanding Aptitude can be considered “TALENT”. Aptitude may be
physical or mental.
Aptitude is expressed in interest and is reflected in current performance which is expected
to improve over time with training.
(table, line, pie, bar

graphs) etc.
‘Aptitude found in the understanding and is often inherited. Genius coming from reason
and imagination, rarely’. –Marcus Aurelius
General Aptitude was developed during World War.
GK-518
GENERAL APTITUDE & PERSONALITY
Reasoning a person’s strengths and weaknesses.
It is the set of processes that enables us to 3. Aptitude tests can afford the candidate
an opportunity to examine the types of
go beyond the information given
skills the position calls for. Job applicant
Logic should feel that they will be the right fit
It is a tool to develop reasonable conclusions for the position
based on a given set of data. Logic is free of
emotion and deals very specifically with Verbal Reasoning
information in its purest form. Verbal reasoning is understanding and
reasoning using concepts framed in words.
Aptitude Test It aims at evaluating, ability to think
These are one of the most commonly used constructively rather than at simple fluency or
assessments in measuring candidates’ vocabulary recognition. This type of reasoning
suitability for a role. Advantage of aptitude refers to how well students solve problems
tests is that they may suggests areas in using words.
which you could succeed, even though you
do not have yet any experience of them. Types of Verbal Reasoning Tests
The kind of ability testing is usually called The skill needed to perform well in verbal
‘aptitude testing’. There are 2 types of reasoning tests can be broken down into 3
aptitude tests. separate categories:
•• General aptitude test •• Comprehension: Your ability to understand
•• Scholastic aptitude test and analyze written information.
•• Grammar: Your ability to spell correctly
(a) General Aptitude Test
and know to correct tenses. Such tests
These test are designed to give you include sentences completion and same
information about types of intelligence that type of tests.
are relevant to different skills. Completing •• Vocabulary: Some tests are deliberately
all of the tests will allow you to establish worded difficult and use long complicated
different skills. Completing all of the tests routes to tell you the information. Such
will allow you to establish your likely methods include the use of double
strengths and weaknesses. negative and other such forms.
(b) Scholastic Aptitude Test Topic Based On Verbal Reasoning
These tests are designed to give you •• Analogy: Analogy refers to relationship.
information about intelligence relevant In this type of tests a particular
to different subjects. Completing all the relationship is given and another
tests will establish your strengths and similar relationship has to be identified
weaknesses in different subjects. from the alternatives provided.
•• Classification: Classification means to
Benefits of Aptitude Tests
separate the item which does not belong
1. Accurate Prediction: Aptitude tests to a particular group of items classified
are quite accurate in predicting the on the bases of certain qualities.
potentials for success. There are further •• Coding-decoding: Code refers to a
advantages too in using the test to help system of words, letters or symbols
identify the right candidate for the job, used to represent others. Coding is
whether it is a new hire or promotion. a method of transmitting a message
2. Accurate Assessment: These tests are between the sender and the receiver
fairly accurate when it comes to assessing without knowing anybody else. While
Carl Brigham, a psychologist developed General Aptitude Test.
decoding is translation (data or Non-Verbal Reasoning

message) from a code into the original Non-verbal reasoning refers to student’s
language or form. ability in spatial and abstract thinking. This
•• Blood-Relations Test: In this, a round type of reasoning also refers to how well
about description is given in the form students solve problems using shapes and
of certain small relationship and we figures. For example: identifying relationship,
analyse the whole chain of relation and similarities and differences between shapes
find out the direct relationship between and patterns, recognizing visual sequences
the persons concerned. and relationship between objects.
Abstract Reasoning Logical /Analytical/Critical

Abstract reasoning involves the ability Reasoning
to analyze and understand non-verbal or The logical reasoning, also known as
visual information to figure out problems critical thinking or analytic reasoning,
using non-verbal reasoning. involves one’s ability to isolate and identify
the various components of any given
Diagrammatic Reasoning
argument. A person with a higher logical
In diagrammatic reasoning tests you are given reasoning ability is better equipped to work
a diagram or a flowchart. In this flowchart, in positions that require quick decision
you are given a set of rules and these rules making. Logical Reasoning involves use of
have to be applied to a new situation. reasons, especially to form conclusions,
inferences or judgments from the given
Inductive Reasoning
facts, evidences and figures.
This is a form of logical reasoning which It introduced in various exams to test the
involves going from a series of specific cases student’s ability to analyze the logical
to a general statement. foundations of a given argument and to
Non-verbal reasoning such as abstract predict the effects of certain causes and
reasoning is also referred to as inductive on the basis find a best possible course of
reasoning. Examples of inductive reasoning action and take decisions for any situations.
are number sequences and a particular form
Types of Logical/ Analytical/Critical
of syllogism.
Reasoning
Spatial Reasoning Syllogism
These type of tests test your ability to In syllogism, follow the methods of Venn
understand a logical series of patterns but diagram by drawing as much diagram as
involves your ability to mentally rotate possible through the given statements and
pictures and three dimensional shapes in then compare them with given conclusion
your mind. to find their validity.
General Aptitude was first used in the recruitment of Army called Army Alpha.
GK-520
Statement and Argument is usually referred to sample of behaviour.
In this, the statement full of argument This sample of behaviour consists of a
is provided. Students are being asked to paper-and-pencil tests which are a series
support/weaken a conclusion or fact and of items.
evidence be given, reasoning may not be Types of Psychological Tests
implicit and not should be identified before
proceeding. IQ/Achievement Tests
IQ tests are designed to measure the
Lateral Thinking/Reasoning
intelligence level and achievement test
Lateral thinking reasoning is solving measure the use and level of development
problems through an indirect and creative of ability. In IQ tests, a series of tasks is
approach, using reasoning that is not given to a person being evaluated and the
immediately obvious and involving ideas person’s response are graded according
that may not be obtainable by using only to prescribed guidelines. After the test is
traditional step-by-step logic. completed, the results can be compiled and
It is the process of using information to bring compared to the responses of a non group.
about creativity and insight restructuring. Examples of verbal IQ tests are vocabulary
Lateral thinking can be learned, practiced and information Non-verbal examples are
and used.
Puzzle solving and identifying images in a
Lateral Reasoning is a set of processes that
fixed pattern (Matrix reasoning).
provides a deliberate, systematic way of
thinking creatively that result in innovative Attitude Tests
thinking in a repeatable manner. While These type of tests are individual’s feelings
critical thinking is primarily concerned about an event, person or object. Attitude
with judging the true value of statements scales are used in marketing to determine
and seeking errors. It is more concerned individual or group preference for brands
with the “movement value” of statements or items. These tests use specific type of
and ideas. scale.
Psychological Testing Psychometric Testing
It is related with psychological tests. A Psychometric testing is related with
psychological test is an objective and evaluation of candidate’s performance that
standardized measure of individual’s includes skills and knowledge, abilities,
performance on specific tasks. This personality traits, attitudes and job/
individual performance on specific tasks academic potentials.
PERSONALITY
Personality
Ethics/Human Personality
Values Assessment
Code of Code of Interview Group

ethics conduct discussion
Five broad personality dimensions that compose human personality are: Extraversion Agreeableness, conscientiousness,
Neuroticism & openness.
Introduction to respect his/her human qualities. It

Personality can be defined as the collective is a positive quality develops social
qualities, characteristics, disposition and and professional relationship.
values of a person which distinguish him • Honesty, fairness, loyalty, sharing,
or her from others. Personality reflects the solidarity
manners he/she reacts toward or interact These are basic principles of a
with other people and his/her environment. strong character. These values when
It is an ongoing developmental process. incorporated into individual’s character
Every person has some specific set of boost confidence and make one’s
personality traits. personality strong and respectable.
• Openness, listening, welcoming,
Ethics/Human Values acceptance, recognition
Ethics and human values are the bedrock These human values are based on
of an admired personality. the principles of sharing and caring.
Ethics These are the finest human values that
make your personality sociable. These
Ethics are moral principles that govern
qualities demand love and affection at
a person’s behaviour or activity. It helps
the cost of compromising personal ego.
to lead a value based life and brings
all-round development. Things like • Brotherhood, friendship, empathy,
integrity, humility, simplicity, fairness, compassion, love
modesty, love, courage, justice are the These values express peace by
components of ethics. Being ethical integrating them into our way of
implies doing what the moral and social managing human relations.
law requires without harming anybody. Human values are most required to
Religion can set high ethical standards develop personality in social as well as
and provide intense motivations but professional front.
ethics cannot be confined to religion. We
Code of Ethics
can say, ethics comprise two basic things:
firstly, it refers to well-founded standards Certain codes of ethics are essential to be
of right and wrong that prescribes what successful in social and professional fronts.
humans ought to do. Secondly, it refers These are an essential part of professional
to the study and development of one’s responsibility. Ethical codes in personality
ethical standards. are practiced entities that refine individual
behaviour.
Human Values These codes include :
They are the cardinal characteristics of a • Honesty: Honesty is best policy. To be
positive and well organized personality. These honest means to be truthful to your duty
are the principles, standards, convictions and and responsibility without harming
beliefs that people adopt as their guidelines others intensely. Same criteria are
in daily activities. They are a set of consistent
applicable in all spheres of life.
measures and behaviours that individuals
• Right Conduct: While working with
choose to practice in the pursuit of doing
what is right or what is expected of them by different people, it is always good
society. to respect them. The basic priority
should be to get the work done despite
Human values comprises of: differences. You can develop strong
• Civility, respect, consideration personality being patient, able to
To respect someone ultimately means listen and making right decisions.
Ethics is derived form Ancient Greek word Ethikos whichi means “relating to one’s character.
GK-522
• Kindness: Gaining trust depends on • Not doing harm to any living being.
your feelings for others. Therefore, • Avoiding unethical behaviours like
selfless service with kindness is a stealing or causing misunderstandings.
noble virtue that will enlighten your • Avoid telling lies, deceiving others,
personality.
manipulating or using abusive or
• Faithfulness: We should be faithful hurtful words.
to those we are serving. We should
• Avoid using intoxicating substances.
honour our obligations to serve the
public. • Develop ethical behaviour towards
parents and the environment.
Code of Conduct
• Sense of justice.
Code of conduct in terms of personality
• Respect to Motherland and law of the
means to follow certain set of social rules,
land.
accepted by all, for the good of the society
and the nation. This includes principles, • Respect to Culture and traditions.
values, standards and rules of behaviour. • Sense of duty and time.
The basic aim is to contribute to the welfare Society, organisations and business entities
of all and respect the rights of all people follow code of conduct for the betterment
affected by your conduct. of their members employees. Govt. servants
Some of the important personal codes of are also prescribed with certain codes of
conducts are: conduct while assigning their duties.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CODE OF ETHICS AND CODE OF CONDUCT

Basics Code of Ethics Code of conduct
Meaning It is a set of principles to guide It is a set of rules & guidelines that influence
members in their decision making members actions
honestly & with integrity
Nature General Specific
Scope Wide Narrow
Governs Decision making Actions
Length Short Longer (i.e. do’s & don’ts)
Disclosure Publicly disclosed Members only
Focused on Values or principles Compliance & rules
Personality Assessment assessments is behaviourial assessment.

The other techniques include interview and
Personality assessment is the measurement group discussion.
of personal characteristics. One way of
Interview
measuring personality involves asking
individuals to respond to a self-report Interviews are popular methods of
personality assessment. It is known as
inventory or questionnaire. This is known
observational method. In this method:
as objective tests of personality that
• There is a direct contact
contain questions or statements to which • Personality is assessed by asking
individuals respond in various ways. One questions
of the important areas of personality • Personality traits are identified
The first personality tests were developed in 1920.
In structured interviews predetermined • Sit straight

questions are asked. In unstructured • Be precise in your answer
interviews any question could be asked to
Approachability
assess personality.
• Be friendly and open with etiquette,
Personality Test during Interviews smile pleasantly and greet everyone
First Impression you are introduced.
It is very important to create a good Sense of Humour
impression right from the beginning. • Be responsive to humours but don’t
Therefore, put aside all of your previous crack jokes.
preparations and allow plenty of time to
get to the interview so that you arrive in Body Language
a cool and composed state of mind. Arrive • Make your presence felt in a positive
before the scheduled time. You will never way.
feel nervous if you are well prepared and • Take care of your postures and
look your best. gestures.
• Develop confidence and feel relaxed. • Be yourself but remain professional.
Look directly into the eyes of the • Show your strengths and personality
interviewer. that will prove you are the right person
• Don’t let confidence come across as for the job.
arrogance. • Think before you say
• Excess confidence can come across as • Answer interview questions by giving
arrogance is not a positive trait. relevant examples that show your
• Consider your personality to suit your coverage.
desired job • Emphasize on how your personality
Confidence contributes to your actions and helps
• Shake hand firmly you succeed.
DO’S & DON’TS OF INTERVIEW
Do’s Don’ts
• Eye contact: Keep your eye fixed • Don’t lie: Never give fake facts during
on the interviewers. This displays interview.
interest and sincerity, but don’t • Don’t stop reading newspapers: Information
stare. about current happenings is very important.
• Dress for success: Dress professionally Have a general idea about the happenings for
for the type of job, because the last one year.
first thing the employer sees when • Don’t compromise your morality: Many
greeting you is your attire. interviews not only measure one’s intellectual
• Wait until you are offered a chair qualities but also social traits.
before sitting. • Do not get involved into any negative
• Show enthusiasm in the position emotions before interview.
and the company. • Avoid the expression, ‘I am sorry.’
• Make sure that your good points • Avoid conversational cliches, like: ‘as you
come across in a factual, sincere know’, ‘that’s correct’, ‘of course’, ‘indeed’,
manner. ‘obviously’, etc.
• Show human concern whenever • Avoid technical jargon. However, if a member
possible in your answers. continues to probe you in any technical field,
you can use technical expressions.
The job interview was born in 1921, when Thomas Edison created a written test to evaluate job candidate knowledge.
GK-524
Group Discussion newspaper, magazine and news
channels will help in it.
Group Discussion is essentially an
interactive oral process. The exchange of • Confidence in speaking with correct
ideas in a GD takes place in a systematic pronunciation audible to evaluator
structured way. Each of the participants sitting two meters away.
gets an opportunity to express his/her • Organise your thoughts before
views and comment on the views expressed speaking.
by other members of the group. • Don’t repeat the same point time and
again.
Candidates called for GD are tested on
• Don’t conclude when discussion is in
the interpersonal skills, their leadership
qualities, effective communication and its full flow.
confidence levels. The examiners closely • Observe the reaction of the group to
watch the candidate and evaluate him/ your contributions.
her on these attributes. The criteria • Your body language should reflect your
for evaluation are active participation, interest by maintaining eye-contact
thoroughness, adaptability, leadership, while speaking.
listening, appropriate language, clarity • Don’t speak irrelevant but only three
of expression, positive attitude, emotions, to four relevant points to pass the GD.
and effective non-verbal communication • If GD is given an abstract topic, relate it
i.e. facial expression, gestures, eye-contact, to humanity, morals, and ethics.
posture and tone of voice. • Be active and not passive except some
GD is divided into three parts-introduction, time when it needs.
body and summary. Each candidate should • Try to be the first speaker showing
participate in every part systematically. leadership quality by making valid
contribution.
Some Tips For Successful GD • If you don’t have valid points to
• A complete understanding and contribute, then wait and only enter
knowledge of the current political the discussion at the appropriate time.
economic and social scene within the • Always be polite and cut in gently
country and outside. Regularly reading when someone in speaking.
The common IIT-JEE was conducted for the first time in 1960, when it had four subjects including an English language paper.
GK-525
QUIZZES
QUIZZES
u National u International
u Science u Finance
NATIONAL
1. Which was the largest site of Indus 9. Arya Samaj was started by-
Civilization? (a) Swami Vivekananda
(a) Mohenjodaro (b) Lothal (b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(c) Chanhudaro (d) Dholavira (c) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
2. Babur established Mughal rule in India (d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
through his victory in 1526, over 10. Bannerghatta National Park is situated in
(a) Rana Sanga (a) Meghalaya
(b) Sikandar Lodi (b) Rajasthan
(c) Daulat Khan Lodi (c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Ibrahim Lodi (d) Karnataka
3. The cavalry of Shivaji was known as
11. Which of the following crops is regarded
(a) Risala (b) Sir-i-Naubat
as a plantation crop?
(c) Bergir (d) Paga
4. The first jute mill was set up in India in – (a) Coconut (b) Cotton
(a) 1920 (b) 1850 (c) Sugarcane (d) Rice
(c) 1855 (d) 1755 12. The most ideal region for the cultivation
5. Who among the following created the of cotton in India is
Khalsa Panth? (a) the Brahmaputra valley
(a) Guru Teg Bahadur (b) the Indo-Gangetic valley
(b) Guru Hargobind (c) the Deccan plateau
(c) Guru Gobind Singh (d) the Rann of Kutch
(d) Guru Arjan Dev 13. The Aravallis mountain ranges are the
6. Who was the first Governor General of example of-
Bengal? (a) old fold mountains
(a) Warren Hastings (b) young fold mountains
(b) Robert Clive (c) Volcanic mountains
(c) William Bentinck (d) block mountains
(d) Lord Cornwallis 14. The only state in India that produces
7. Who was the founder of Indian National saffron is-
Congress? (a) Assam
(a) Gopal Krishna Gokhle (b) Himachal Pradesh
(b) Allen Octavian Hume
(c) Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Feroz Shah Mehta
(d) Meghalaya
(d) Bipin Chandra Pal
8. Who is regarded as the ‘ Mother of the 15. The India’s highest annual rainfall is
Indian Revolution’ ? reported at
(a) Devika Rani (a) Namchi, Sikkim
(b) Madam Bhikaji Cama (b) Churu, Rajasthan
(c) Rani Laxmibai (c) Mawsynram, Meghalaya
(d) Begum Hazrat Mahal (d) Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
GK-526
QUIZZES
26. The typical area of sal forest in the Indian (a) Pankaj Advani
peninsular upland occurs (b) Sachin Tendulkar
(a) on the western ghats (c) Vishwanathan Anand
(b) between the Tapti and the Narmada (d) Abhinav Bindra
(c) to the north-east of the Godavari 26. In which town of Uttar Pradesh did
(d) on the Malwa plateau Gautam Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana
17. Which mythological weapon is depicted (salvation)?
on the Param Vir Chakra medal? (a) Lumbini (b) Kushinagar
(a) Vajra (c) Nanded (d) Pavapuri
(b) Khatvanga 27. In which hill station is the Himalayan
(c) Sudarshan Chakra Mountaineering Institute (HMI) located?
(d) Kaumodaki (a) Darjeeling (b) Srinagar
18. Which is the oldest football club in India? (c) Nainital (d) Shimla
(a) Mohun Bagan
28. In India, the inflation rate represents the
(b) East Bengal
annual change (in percentage) in which
(c) Mohammedan Sporting
index?
(d) Churchill Brothers
(a) Consumer Price Index (CPI)
19. What name has been given to the first
Boeing 747/700 jet, inducted into Indian (b) Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)
Air Force, designed to work as the Indian (c) Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
President’s office-in-the-sky? (d) Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
(a) Samrat (b) Rajdoot 29. In addition to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya
(c) Maharaja (d) Badshah Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and
20. The novel ‘Q & A’, on which 8 Oscar awards West Bengal, the Tropic of Cancer passes
winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008) through which north eastern states of
is based, was authored by which Indian India?
civil servant? (a) Assam and Meghalaya
(a) Vikas Swarup (b) Vikram Seth (b) Meghalaya and Manipur
(c) Amitav Ghosh (d) Aravind Adiga (c) Manipur and Nagaland
21. Ghatigaon Sanctuary, set up for the (d) Tripura and Mizoram
conservation of the Son Chiriya (great 30. In 1965, at which port was the India’s first
Indian bustard), is located in which state? Free Trade Zone established?
(a) Haryana (a) Kandla (Gujarat)
(b) Rajasthan (b) Kochi (Kerala)
(c) Madhya Pradesh (c) Falta (West Bengal)
(d) Karnataka (d) Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
22. Which Indian state is the largest producer in 31. By what name is the Irish lady Margaret
the world of the golden coloured ‘Muga’ silk ? Elizabeth Noble, a disciple of Swami
(a) Assam (b) Odisha Vivekananda, better known?
(c) West Bengal (d) Karnataka (a) Meera Ben
23. Which was the first Indian company to list (b) Mother Teresa
on the Nasdaq in 1999? (c) Savitri Khanolkar
(a) Wipro (d) Sister Nivedita
(b) Infosys 32. Who authored the ‘Gitanjali’, an anthology
(c) Satyam Computers of poems?
(d) Tech Mahindra (a) Sumitranandan Pant
24. Which state is known as the ‘Spice Garden (b) Makhanlal Chaturvedi
of India’? (c) Rabindranath Tagore
(a) Kerala (d) Maithili Sharan Gupt
(b) Karnataka 33. To have legal rights for self-employed
(c) Andhra Pradesh women like industrial workers, which lady
(d) Tamil Nadu activist founded Self-Employed Women’s
25. Who is the first Indian sportsman whose Association (SEWA)?
wax statue was inducted at Madame (a) Aruna Roy (b) Ela Bhatt
Tussaud’s Wax Museum in London? (c) Medha Patkar (d) Teesta Setalvad
QUIZZES GK-527
34. Kailash Temple at Ellora in Maharahstra, (a) Governor of Reserve bank of India
the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture, (b) Finance Minister of India
was built by the rulers of which dynasty? (c) Comptroller & Auditor General of India
(a) Kadamba (b) Rashtrakuta (d) Supreme Court of India
(c) Chalukya (d) Satavahana 44. The National Optic Fibre Network (NOFN)
35. Anamudi Peak, located in the Idukki project is to link the optical fibre for of-
district of Kerala, is the highest peak of fering a 100 mbps broadband ser-
which Indian mountain range? vice to which among the following levels?
(a) Aravali (a) District
(b) Vindhyas (b) Tehsil / Taluka
(c) Sahyadri (W.Ghats) (c) Gram Panchayat
(d) Satpura (d) Block Gram Panchayat
36. Which Indian state was originally known 45. How many articles are there in Constitution
as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) ? of India?
(a) Manipur (a) 395 (b) 397
(b) Meghalaya (c) 448 (d) 410
(c) Arunachal Pradesh 46. Which of the following is not a constitutional
(d) Nagaland body?
37. Which Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, (a) Election Commission
popularly known as Water Man, founded (b) Planning Commission
an NGO called ‘Tarun Bharat Sangh’ near (c) National Advisory Council
Alwar in Rajasthan to work on watershed (d) Inter State Council
projects and rain-water harvesting? 47. The oath of office is administered to the
Governor by the
(a) Sandeep Pandey
(a) Chief Justice of India
(b) Rajendra Singh
(b) President
(c) Mahesh Chandra Mehta
(c) Chief Justice of high court
(d) Arvind Kejriwal
(d) Speaker of legislative assembly
38. What is the minimum age limit to become 48. In which Constitutional Amendment Act
the President of India? Sikkim was made full-fledged State of the
(a) 25 years (b) 30 years Union of India?
(c) 35 years (d) 40 years (a) 21st Constitutional Amendment Act
39. In which city is the dargah (tomb) of sufi (b) 31st Constitutional Amendment
saint Moinuddin Chishti located ? Act, 1973
(a) Mumbai (b) Srinagar (c) 35th Constitutional Amendment
(c) New Delhi (d) Ajmer Act, 1974
40. Who was the first person to address the (d) 36th Constitutional Amendment
United Nations in Hindi? Act, 1975
(a) Morarji Desai 49. When Right to Information Act came into
(b) Atal Behari Vajpayee force in India?
(c) V.P.Singh (a) 10th June 2005
(d) P.V. Narasimha Rao (b) 11th March 2005
41. Which princely state was the first to (c) 12th October 2005
be annexed to the British East India (d) 13th November 2005
Company under the Doctrine of Lapse 50. In which Constitutional Amendment Act,
policy, devised by Lord Dalhousie? seats of Lok Sabha were increased from
(a) Satara (b) Sambalpur 525 to 545?
(c) Jhansi (d) Awadh (a) 21st Constitutional Amendment
42. Which one of the following organisation Act, 1967
was launched to help the poor in rural (b) 24th Constitutional Amendment
area to make them self employed Act, 1971
(a) DPAP (b) IRDP (c) 25th Constitutional Amendment
(c) TRYSIM (d) DDP Act, 1971
43. Who among the following is called the (d) 31st Constitutional Amendment
“guardian of the public purse” of India? Act, 1973
GK-528
QUIZZES
51. Article 44 is related to? 61. India’s first Defence University is set up in-
(a) Uniform civil code for citizens. (a) Haryana (b) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Provision of early childhood care and (c) Punjab (d) Delhi
education to children below the age 62. “Pahla kadam , pahli udan” account is
of 6 years. launched by which bank ?
(c) Duty of the state to raise the level of (a) SBI (b) Andhra Bank
nutrition. (c) Bank of Baroda (d) Canara Bank
(d) Organization of agriculture and 63. When, for the first time, did the Prime
animal husbandry. Minister of India announce the 20-point
52. Who among the following is a famous Economic Programme?
Santoor player? (a) 1973 (b) 1974
(a) Hari Prasad Chaurasia (c) 1975 (d) 1976
(b) Ravi Shankar 64. Name the Card launched by Indian
(c) Zakir Hussain Railways to avoid payment transaction
(d) Shiv Kumar Sharma during ticket booking?
53. Natya Shastra the main source of India (a) Go India smart Card
classical dances was written by
(b) Metro Card
(a) Bharat Muni (b) Tandu Muni
(c) Smart Citizen Card
(c) Narad Muni (d) Abhinav Gupt
(d) Adhar Card
54. The words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed
below the base plate of the emblem of 65. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme was
India are taken from which scripture. launched by which ministry?
(a) Ramayana (a) Ministry of Women and Child
(b.) Mundaka Upanishad Development
(c) Rigveda (b) Ministry of Human Resource
(d) Satpath Brahmana Development
55. Where is the largest concentration of (c) Ministry of Home Affairs
Stupas in India? (d Ministry of Health and Family
(a) Himachal Pradesh Welfare
(b) Andhra Pradesh 66. The committee on Cauvery water dispute
(c) Madhya Pradesh was known as:
(d) Arunachal Pradesh (a) P. Sathasivam
56. Manusmrithi was translated into English (b) H. L. Dattu
by- (c) B.S Chauhan
(a) Macauely (d) K. G. Balakrishnan
(b) J.S Mill 67. RBI Adjusts Liquidity by which tool?
(c) William Jones (a) Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)
(d) Max Muller (b) Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)
57. Who wrote Charaka Samhita? (c) Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)
(a) Kautiliya (b) Charaka (d) Market Stabilisation Scheme (MSS)
(c) Aryabatta (d) Chanakya 68. Who has become the first Indian to be
58. Who is the Sanskrit Scholar in the court elected the President of the International
of Chandragupta II? Hockey Federation (FIH)?
(a) Bimbisara (b) Ariean (a) Narinder Batra (b) Dhanraj Pillay
(c) Amarsimba (d) Bindu Sar
(c) K D Singh (d) Kirtan Singh
59. Who was the founder of Maurya dynasty?
69. Which is the focus country in the 2016
(a) Karikala
India International Trade Fair (IITF)?
(b) Raja Raja
(a) South Korea (b) Belarus
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Ashok (c) Japan (d) Thailand
60. Which city is known as the Pittsburg of 70. The book “SRK – 25 Years of a Life” has
India? been authored by whom?
(a) Jamshedpur (b) Kerala (a) Samar Khan (b) R K Kapoor
(c) New Delhi (d) Punjab (c) Sonali Kokra (d) Omang Tripathi
QUIZZES GK-529
71. What is the theme of 2016 World 80. The 2016 Asia-Pacific Economic
Pneumonia Day (WPD)? Cooperation (APEC) will be hosted by
(a) Universal access to pneumonia which country?
prevention and care (a) India (b) Peru
(b) Keep the Promise, Stop Pneumonia (c) China (d) Philippines
Now 81. “Smart India Hackathon 2017” has been
(c) Every Breath Counts: Stop launched by which Union Minister?
Pneumonia Now (a) Ravi Shankar Prasad
(d) Innovate to End Child Pneumonia (b) Narendra Modi
72. The World Science Day for Peace and (c) Prakash Javadekar
Development (WSDPD) is observed on (d) Dr. Harsh Vardhan
which date? 82. Which country is hosting the 2016
(a) November 11 (b) November 12 International Regulatory Cooperation
(c) November 10 (d) November 13 for Herbal Medicines (IRCH)?
73. Who is the newly appointed chairman of (a) Germany (b) Morocco
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)? (c) Indonesia (d) India
(a) Ishaat Hussain 83. Who has been bestowed with the 2016
(b) Aman Mehta Reporters Without Borders (RSF) – TV5
(c) Ron Sommer Monde Press Freedom Prize in journalist
(d) N Chandrasekaran category?
74. The book “Beyond the Last Blue Mountain: (a) Hadi Abdullah (b) Zaina Erhaim
A Life Of J. R. D. Tata” has been authored (c) Li Tingyu (d) Inan Kizilkaya
by whom? 84. The 2016 International Academy of
(a) Elena Ferrante Aviation & Space Medicine (IAASM) has
(b) Gita Subramaniam started in which city?
(c) C. S. Lakshmi (a) Brasília (b) New Delhi
(d) R M Lala (c) Pretoria (d) Beijing
75. The Public Service Broadcasting Day is 85. How much loan amount has been
observed on which date in India? sanctioned by the Asian Development
(a) November 9 (b) November 15 Bank (ADB) to improve to improve
(c) November 12 (d) November 14 Assam’s power distribution system?
76. “Lakshmi”, India’s first banking robot has (a) $54 million (b) $48 million
been launched by which bank? (c) $88 million (d) $63 million
(a) State Bank of India 86. Who will be conferred with the Rashtriya
(b) City Union Bank
Kalidas Samman for year 2016-17?
(c) ICICI Bank
(a) N. Rajam (b) Anupam Kher
(d) Axis Bank
(c) Raj Bisaria (d) Banshi Kaul
77. The 2018 International Competition
87. The 7th session of Conference of Parties
Network (ICN) annual conference will be
(COP7) on tobacco control has started in
hosted by which country?
(a) Portugal (b) India which state of India?
(c) Japan (d) Singapore (a) Uttar Pradesh (b) Haryana
78. Which state government has launched (c) Rajasthan (d) Odisha
“Lakshya Bhagirathi” campaign to 88. Which country is hosting the Conference
complete the irrigation projects? of Parties (COP22) of the UN Framework
(a) Madhya Pradesh Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?
(b) Uttar Pradesh (a) India (b) Morocco
(c) Chhattisgarh (c) Nepal (d) Palestine
(d) Assam 89. The Defence Research & Development
79. India’s first-ever Liquefied Natural Gas Organisation (DRDO) has signed a MoU
(LNG) driven bus has been launched in with which IIT institute to establish a Joint
which state? Advanced Technology Centre (JATC)?
(a) Kerala (b) Assam (a) IIT Bombay (b) IIT Kharagpur
(c) Tamil Nadu (d) Karnataka (c) IIT Indore (d) IIT Delhi
GK-530
QUIZZES
90. Which Indian Armed Force has launched (c) Live To Tell: Raising Awareness
“Operation school chalo” in South (d) Effective Education and
Kashmir? Evacuation Drills
(a) Indian Army (b) Indian Air Force 96. The book “An Era of Darkness: The British
(c) Indian Navy (d) All of the above Empire in India” has been authored by
91. Who has been appointed as the new whom?
Executive Director (ED) of the Reserve (a) Amrish Tripathi
Bank of India (RBI)? (b) Hamid Ansari
(a) K K Malhotra (b) MRajeshwarRao (c) Shashi Tharoor
(c) Arindam Kunar (d) Greesh Bindra (d) Romesh Dutt
92. Who has been appointed as MD & CEO of 97. Which country will host the 2016
Central Registry of Securitisation Asset International Energy Forum –
Reconstruction and Security Interest of International Gas Union (IEF-IGU)
India (CERSAI)? Ministerial Forum?
(a) Rishabh Jain (a) India (b) Qatar
(b) Praveen Kumar Sharma (c) Iran (d) Israel
(c) Kirti Singh 98. Which country’s hockey team has won the
(d) Sudha Singhvi 2016 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy?
93. Which state government has recently (a) China (b) India
inked MoU with Union Ministry of Civil (c) Japan (d) Malaysia
Aviation for Regional Connectivity Scheme 99. Asia’s largest man-made ‘Jungle Safari’
(RCS)-UDAN? is located in which state of India?
(a) Assam (b) Odisha (a) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Haryana (d) Madhya Pradesh (b) Chhattisgarh
94. Where is the headquarters of the (c) Rajasthan
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)? (d) Uttar Pradesh
(a) Pune (b) New Delhi 100.“Aware and Care” the health awareness
(c) Bhopal (d) Raipur campaign has been launched by which
95. What is the theme of the first-ever World state government?
Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD)? (a) Uttar Pradesh (b) Kerala
(a) Reduce Mortality, Raise awareness (c) Punjab (d) Karnataka
(b) Knowledge for Life
ANSWER KEY
1. (a) 16. (d) 31. (b) 46. (c) 61. (a) 76. (b) 91. (b)
2. (d) 17. (a) 32. (c) 47. (c) 62. (a) 77. (b) 92. (b)
3. (d) 18. (a) 33. (b) 48. (d) 63. (c) 78. (c) 93. (a)
4. (c) 19. (b) 34. (b) 49. (c) 64. (a) 79. (a) 94. (b)
5. (c) 20. (a) 35. (c) 50. (d) 65. (a) 80. (b) 95. (d)
6. (a) 21. (c) 36. (c) 51. (a) 66. (c) 81. (c) 96. (c)
7. (b) 22. (a) 37. (b) 52. (d) 67. (c) 82. (d) 97. (a)
8. (b) 23. (b) 38. (c) 53. (a) 68. (a) 83. (a) 98. (b)
9. (c) 24. (a) 39. (d) 54. (b) 69. (b) 84. (b) 99. (b)
10. (d) 25. (b) 40. (b) 55. (c) 70. (a) 85. (b) 100. (c)
11. (a) 26. (d) 41. (a) 56. (c) 71. (b) 86. (d)
12. (c) 27. (a) 42. (c) 57. (b) 72. (c) 87. (a)
13. (a) 28. (c) 43. (c) 58. (c) 73. (a) 88. (b)
14. (c) 29. (d) 44. (c) 59. (c) 74. (d) 89. (d)
15. (c) 30. (a) 45. (c) 60. (a) 75. (c) 90. (a)
QUIZZES GK-531
INTERNATIONAL
1. Who wrote the famous novel “Alice’s 13. Who invented the ball point pen?
Adventures in Wonderland”? (a) Waterman Brothers
(a) Rudyard Kipling (b) Bicc Brothers
(b) John Keats (c) Biro Brothers
(c) Lewis Carroll (d) Wright Brothers
(d) H G Wells 14. Which scientist discovered the radioactive
2. Who was the first to complete the element radium?
circumnavigation of Earth? (a) Isaac Newton
(b) Albert Einstein
(a) Francis Drake (b) Columbus
(c) Benjamin Franklin
(c) Magellan (d) Vasco da Gama
(d) Marie Curie
3. The Nobel prize was instituted by which 15. Who invented Dynamite?
country? (a) Sir Alexander Graham Bell
(a) USA (b) UK (b) Benjamin Franklin
(c) Russia (d) Sweden (c) Thomas Alva Edison
4. Which of the following is an award (d) Alfred B. Nobel
instituted by UNESCO? 16. Who is the father of English Poetry?
(a) Kalinga Award (b) Pulitzer prize (a) Charles Dickens
(c) Stirling prize (d) Pritzker prize (b) John Milton
5. Magsaysay award is given by (c) Geoffrey Chaucer
(a) USA (b) UK (d) William Wordsworth
(c) Malaysia (d) Philippines 17. Who wrote the novel War and Peace?
6. Which of the following organisations is (a) Leo Tolstoy
not associated with the UNO? (b) Mahatma Gandhi
(a) ILO (b) WHO (c) Charles Dickens
(d) Rudyard Kipling
(c) ASEAN (d) All of the above
18. Who was the first woman to win the Nobel
7. Where is the headquarters of UNESCO Prize?
situated? (a) Marie Curie
(a) Rome (b) Geneva (b) Bertha von Suttner
(c) New York (d) Paris (c) Selma Lagerlöf
8. The five permanent members of UN (d) Grazia Deledda
Security Council are 19. Who is called as “The Father of History”?
(a) Japan, West Germany, USSR, UK and (a) Euclid (b) Herodotus
USA (c) Aristotle (d) Julius Caesar
(b) Canada, China, France, USSR and USA 20. Who wrote the novel “Anna Karenina”?
(c) Germany, China, USSR, UK and USA (a) Lewis Carroll (b) Leo Tolstoy
(d) China, France, USSR, UK and USA (c) Victor Hugo (d) Boris Pasternak
9. Which of the following is the headquarters 21. Who wrote the novel “A Farewell to Arms”?
of World Trade Organisation (WTO)? (a) Charles Dickens
(a) New York (b) Geneva (b) Ernest Hemingway
(c) Thomas Hardy
(c) Madrid (d) Paris
(d) Aldous Leonard Huxley
10. The Great Victoria Desert is located in
22. Who wrote the controversial novel “The
(a) Canada (b) West Africa Satanic Verses”?
(c) Australia (d) North America (a) William Golding
11. Which of the following is tropical (b) Gunnar Myrdal
grassland? (c) Salman Rushdie
(a) Taiga (b) Savannah (d) Agatha Christie
(c) Pampas (d) Prairies 23. Who is the author of the novel Les
12. The humidity of the air depends upon Misérables?
(a) Temperature (b) Location (a) Victor Hugo (b) ALium tofler
(c) Weather (d) All of the above (c) G.Wynne (d) Agatha Christie
GK-532
QUIZZES
24. Who wrote the book ‘Gulliver’s Travels’? 35. Who was the author of the American
(a) Jonathan Swift Declaration of Independence?
(b) Charles Dickens (a) George Washington
(c) Charles Lamb (b) Thomas Paine
(d) Alexandra Dumas (c) Thomas Jefferson
25. Who wrote the book ‘Tom Sawyer’? (d) Marquis de Lafayette
(a) William Shakespeare 36. Who authored the book The Social
(b) John Ruskin Contract?
(c) Mark Twain (a) Voltaire
(d) Leo Tolstoy (b) Denis Diderot
26. Who wrote the 16th-century political (c) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
treatise “The Prince”? (d) Aristotle
(a) George Bernard Shaw 37. Who discovered the sea-route from
(b) V.S. Naipaul Europe to India?
(c) Emile Zola (a) Christopher Columbus
(b) Vasco-da-Gama
(d) Niccolo Machiavelli
(c) Marco Polo
27. Who was the first woman to go to space?
(d) Magellan
(a) Valentina Tereshkova
38. Who defined Democracy as the
(b) Sally Ride Government of the people, by the people
(c) Sunita Williams and for the people?
(d) Liu Yang (a) George Washington
28. Anthropology is the study of? (b) John Stuart mill
(a) Science (b) Psychology (c) Abraham Lincoln
(c) Literature (d) Humanity (d) Winston Churchill
29. The working languages of the UNESCO 39. Das Capital and Communist Manifesto
is/are were written by
(a) French only (a) Engels (b) Trotsky
(b) English only (c) Karl Marx (d) Lenin
(c) English and French 40. The Battle of Waterloo in the year 1815
(d) English, French and Russian was fought between
30. ‘World Cancer Day’ is observed on (a) Britain and France
(a) 19th February (b) 4th February (b) Britain and Germany
(c) 12th February (d) 17th January (c) Japan and China
31. Who invented Mobile phone? (d) Austria and Russia
(a) Graham Bell (b) Martin Cooper 41. The Boston Tea Party took place in which
(c) Edison (d) Larry Page year?
32. Who among the following is the co- (a) 1776 (b) 1773
founder of Google? (c) 1774 (d) 1770
(a) Larry Page 42. Which style of painting was used by early
(b) Time Berners-Lee renaissance artists?
(c) Philippe Kahn (a) Graeco-Roman (b) Catholic Art
(c) Gothic (d) None of these
(d) Richard Davis
43. Which is the longest River in the world?
33. The Last Super, a famous renaissance
(a) Nile (b) Amazon
painting was a master piece of
(c) Thames (d) Ganges
(a) Leonardo da Vinci 44. Where is the headquarters of FIFA
(b) Raphael situated?
(c) Michael Angelo (a) Zurich (b) Sao Paulo
(d) Titian (c) London (d) Dubai
34. The terms Liberty, Equality and Fraternity 45. Which is the oldest Grand Slam tennis
are associated with which of the following? tournament?
(a) Industrial Revolution (a) Wimbledon
(b) Russian Revolution (b) French open
(c) French Revolution (c) Australian open
(d) Olympic Games (d) US open
QUIZZES GK-533
46. The parliament of Russia is known as (a) Japan (b) Brazil

(a) Federal Assembly of Russia (c) Canada (d) Germany
(b) Shora 58. Mike McCormack, who has won the 2016
(c) National Assembly Goldsmiths Prize, is belonged to which
(d) Folketing country?
47. The religious text of the Jews is named as (a) Brazil (b) Peru
(a) The Analectus (b) Torah (c) Portugal (d) Ireland
(c) Tripitika (d) Zend-Avesta 59. Who is the newly elected director-general
48. Which country’s currency is Ngultrum? of the International Labour Organization
(a) Laos (b) Nepal (ILO)?
(c) Bhutan (d) Bangladesh (a) Adriana Cruz (b) MichelHansenne
49. World Environment Day run by the UNEP (c) Juan Somavía (d) Guy Ryder
on 60. The 2016 Asia-Pacific Economic
(a) 11th Dec. (b) 20th Dec. Cooperation (APEC) will be hosted by
(c) 15th Sept. (d) 5th June. which country?
50. International Human Rights Day is (a) India (b) Peru
observed on (c) China (d) Philippines
(a) 10th Dec. (b) 24th Oct. 61. Who has been bestowed with the 2016
(c) 25th Nov. (d) None of these Reporters Without Borders (RSF) – TV5
51. When is the World Population Day Monde Press Freedom Prize in journalist
observed? category?
(a) Hadi Abdullah (b) Zaina Erhaim
(a) Jan 8 (b) June 10
(c) Li Tingyu (d) Inan Kizilkaya
(c) July 11 (d) May 19
62. The book “The Singularity Is Near: When
52. Meng Hongwei, who has been elected as
Humans Transcend Biology” has been
the new President of Interpol, is belonged
authored by whom?
to which country? (a) John Walker (b) Bill Gates
(a) Japan (b) Thailand (c) Ray Kurzweil (d) Janet Maslin
(c) China (d) Malaysia 63. Which country is hosting the Conference
53. Headquarter of Asian Development Bank of Parties (COP22) of the UN Framework
is located in Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ?
(a) Tokyo (b) Rio de Janeiro (a) India (b) Morocco
(c) London (d) Manila (c) Nepal (d) Palestine
54. What is the theme of the 2016 World 64. The book “Game Goes On” has been
Diabetes Day (WDD)? authored by whom?
(a) Understand diabetes and live Happily (a) Alan McGilvray
(b) Eyes on Diabetes (b) James Leigh Hunt
(c) Healthy Living and Diabetes (c) Arun Kolatkar
(d) Diabetes education and prevention (d) Nissim Ezekiel
55. What is the theme of 2016 World 65. What is the theme of the first-ever World
Pneumonia Day (WPD)? Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD)?
(a) Universal access to pneumonia (a) Reduce Mortality, Raise awareness
prevention and care (b) Knowledge for Life
(b) Keep the Promise, Stop Pneumonia (c) Live To Tell: Raising Awareness
Now (d) Effective Education and Evacuation
(c) Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia Drills
Now 66. Kwon Taek Im, who will be honoured with
(d) Innovate to End Child Pneumonia the Lifetime Achievement Award at the
56. The World Science Day for Peace and 2016 International Film Festival of India
Development (WSDPD) is observed on (IFFI), is belonged to which country?
which date? (a) Japan (b) Taiwan
(a) November 11 (b) November 12 (c) South Korea (d) Malaysia
(c) November 10 (d) November 13 67. Who has been appointed as the new Prime
57. Leonard Cohen, who passed away recently, Minister of South Korea?
was the legendary singer of which (a) Yim Jong-yong (b) Jung Youn-kuk
country? (c) Kim Byong-joon (d) Choi Soon-sil
GK-534
QUIZZES
68. The World Vegan Day is observed on which 79. Junko Tabei, who recently passed away,
date? was the well-known mountaineer of
(a) November 2 (b) November 4 which country?
(c) November 1 (d) November 3 (a) Japan (b) China
69. Who has won the 2016 Formula 1 Mexican (c) Nepal (d) Malaysia
Grand Prix? 80. Who has been named as the 2016
(a) Daniel Ricciardo European Golden Boy Award?
(b) Sebastian Vettel (a) Raheem Sterling
(c) Lewis Hamilton (b) Anthony Martial
(d) Nico Rosberg (c) Renato Sanches
70. Katherine Espin, who won the crown of (d) Marcus Rashford
2016 Miss Earth, is belonged to which 81. Carlos Alberto, who died recently, was a
country? legendary footballer from which country?
(a) Philippines (b) Ecuador (a) Germany (b) Brazil
(c) Colombia (d) Venezuela
(c) Italy (d) France
71. Silvio Gazzaniga, who designed the FIFA
82. The World Polio Day is observed on which
World Cup trophy, was belonged to which
date?
country?
(a) France (b) Germany (a) October 23 (b) October 24
(c) Italy (d) Brazil (c) October 25 (d) October 26
72. What is the theme of 2016 World Savings 83. Who has won the 2016 Formula 1 United
Day? States Grand Prix?
(a) A global celebration for saving (a) Daniel Ricciardo
(b) Shining a light on what people value (b) Nico Rosberg
(c) Saving, investment and planning for (c) Sebastian Vettel
retirement (d) Lewis Hamilton
(d) Grabbing hold of your financial future 84. Tom Hayden, who passed away recently,
73. What is the theme of the 2016 United was anti-Vietnam war activist of which
Nations’ World Cities Day? country?
(a) Designed to Live Together (a) United States (b) Russia
(b) Promoting a better urban future (c) Germany (d) France
(c) Inclusive Cities, Shared Development 85. What is the theme of the 2016 United
(d) Better City, Better Life Nations Day?
74. Kylie Verzosa, who has been crowned Miss (a) Freedom First
International 2016, is belonged to which (b) Goals for Peace
country? (c) Strong UN: Better World
(a) Nicaragua (b) Philippines (d) Freedom & Peace for humanity
(c) Argentina (d) Venezuela 86. Which of the following will be the official
75. Kristalina Georgieva, who has been mascot of FIFA 2018 World Cup?
appointed chief executive of the World (a) Zakumi (b) Willie
Bank (WB), is belonged to which country? (c) Zabivaka (d) Gauchito
(a) Israel (b) Germany
87. The United Nations’ (UN) World
(c) France (d) Bulgaria
Development Information Day is observed
76. Who is the newly elected Prime Minister
on which date?
of Spain?
(a) Javier Arenas (b) Mariano Rajoy (a) October 23 (b) October 25
(c) Alfredo Perez (d) Maria Dolores (c) October 24 (d) October 26
77. Antartica’s which sea has been declared 88. The cannes film festivals are held in
as world’s largest marine protected area? (a) SPAIN (b) FRANCE
(a) Caspian Sea (b) Black Sea (c) PORTUGAL (d) USA
(c) Ross Sea (d) Dead Sea 89. The book “Dogs at the Perimeter” has been
78. Who has won the 2016 Man Booker Prize? authored by whom?
(a) Sam Lipsyte (a) Johanna Skibsrud
(b) Amanda Foreman (b) Wajdi Mouawad
(c) Paul Beatty (c) Madeleine Thien
(d) Marlon James (d) Deborah Levy
QUIZZES GK-535
90. What is the theme of 2016 World (a) Bhutan (b) South Africa
Osteoporosis Day (WOD) ? (c) Nepal (d) Bangladesh
(a) Stop at One: Make Your First Break 96. Which city has topped the 2016 Global
Your Last Power City Index (GPCI) ?
(b) Love Your Bones: Perfect Your Future (a) Tokyo (b) Rio de Janeiro
(c) Real Men Build Their Strength from (c) London (d) Mumbai
Within 97. Who has been awarded with the first
(d) Serve Up Bone Health International Prize in Statistics?
91. The 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World cup
(a) Ron Wasserstein
has been won by which country?
(a) Venezuela (b) Japan (b) William Johnson
(c) Spain (d) North Korea (c) David Cox
92. The powerful Typhoon Haima has recently (d) Susan Ellenberg
hit which of the following countries? 98. How much fund will be provided by
(a) India (b) Malaysia World Bank to Bangladesh to fight child
(c) Indonesia (d) Philippines malnutrition?
93. Who is the newly elected President of (a) $5 billion (b) $1 billion
the International Gymnastics Federation (c) $4 billion (d) $2 billion
(IFG)? 99. What is the theme of 2016 World Food
(a) Emilia Romagna Day (WFD)?
(b) Morinari Watanabe (a) Social protection and Agriculture
(c) Georges Guelzec (b) Feeding the world, caring for the earth
(d) Bruno Grandi (c) Climate is changing. Food and
94. Which Italian city has recently honoured agriculture must too
the Dalai Lama with an honorary
(d) Family Farming: Breaking the Cycle
Citizenship award? (
of Rural Poverty
a) Rome (b) Florence
(c) Naples (d) Milan 100. Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, who passed away
95. Mewa Ramgobin, who passed away was the king of which country?
recently, was well-known Gandhian (a) Kenya (b) Rwanda
activist of which country? (c) Egypt (d) South Africa
ANSWER KEY
1. (c) 18. (a) 35. (c) 52. (c) 69. (c) 86. (c)
2. (c) 19. (b) 36. (c) 53. (d) 70. (b) 87. (c)
3. (d) 20. (b) 37. (b) 54. (b) 71. (d) 88. (b)
4. (a) 21. (b) 38. (c) 55. (b) 72. (d) 89. (c)
5. (d) 22. (c) 39. (c) 56. (c) 73. (c) 90. (b)
6. (c) 23. (a) 40. (a) 57. (c) 74. (d) 91. (d)
7. (d) 24. (a) 41. (b) 58. (d) 75. (d) 92. (d)
8. (d) 25. (c) 42. (a) 59. (d) 76. (b) 93. (b)
9. (b) 26. (d) 43. (a) 60. (b) 77. (c) 94. (d)
10. (c) 27. (a) 44. (a) 61. (a) 78. (c) 95. (b)
11. (b) 28. (d) 45. (a) 62. (c) 79. (a) 96. (c)
12. (d) 29. (d) 46. (a) 63. (b) 80. (c) 97. (c)
13. (c) 30. (b) 47. (b) 64. (a) 81. (b) 98. (b)
14. (d) 31. (b) 48. (c) 65. (d) 82. (b) 99. (c)
15. (d) 32. (a) 49. (d) 66. (c) 83. (d) 100. (b)
16. (c) 33. (a) 50. (a) 67. (c) 84. (a)
17. (a) 34. (c) 51. (c) 68. (c) 85. (a)
GK-536
QUIZZES
SCIENCE
1. What is the purpose of Biotech – KISAN 9. In which country the world’s first baby
scheme launched by the Union Ministry was born from a new procedure that
of Science and Technology? combines the DNA of three people?
(a) Its purpose is to connect farmers, (a) China (b) Australia
scientist and science institution (c) US (d) Mexico
across country 10. 2nd largest black hole in Milky Way is
(b) The scheme aims at boosting selective found by which country?
breeding of the native livestock more (a) China (b) Japan
accurately to ensure high-yielding, (c) North Korea (d) US
disease-resistant, resilient livestock. 11. Which organization has discovered
(c) In this scheme farmers are provided the presence of Neon Gas in Moon’s
with free seeds. atmosphere?
(d) None of the above (a) ISRO (b) BARC
2. What is the name of the satellite launched (c) NASA (d) JAXA
by China space lab Tiangong-2? 12. Researchers of which country has
(a) Shenzhou - 11 (b) Banxing-2 developed a laboratory on Smartphone
(c) Shenzhou – 10 (d) None of the above that can detect cancer?
3. What is the name of the vaccine (a) China (b) US
launched by The Indian Immunologicals (c) UK (d) Japan
Limited (IIL) to fight against Taenia 13. The scientist of which Indian institute
solium Tapeworms in pigs? or university has developed a catalyst
(a) CYSVAX (b) CYYVAX to render the drinking water E.coli free?
(c) TAXVAX (d) None of the above (a) IIT – Kanpur
4. India has signed an agreement for (b) IIT – Mumbai
cooperation in the development of a (c) Indian institute of Sciences
network of 25 integrated infrastructure Agro (d) National Chemical Laboratory
irradiation centres with which country? 14. The surgeons of which country
(a) US (b) UK performed the world’s first robotic
(c) Russia (d) China operation inside the eye?
5. Researchers from Kolkata based Indian (a) China (b) Japan
Institute of Science Education and (c) US (d) Britain
Research (IISER) has produced cost- 15. What is the name given to the largest
effective, metal-free cathodes using planet recently discovered by NASA that
__________for use in solar cells. orbits two suns?
(a) Human hair (b) Coal (a) Keplar 1647b (b) SDSU 69
(c) Human skin (d) None of the above (c) Keplar 7689a (d) None of the above
6. India has launched latest communication 16. The world’s 1st scanning Helium
satellite GSAT-18 from which country? Microscope (SHeM) is developed by
(a) Russia (b) Turkey which country?
(c) Vizag (d) Guiana (a) India (b) UK
7. From where does India launch its (c) Australia (d) Russia
fastest and most powerful computer, 17. Which of the following countries have
PARAM-ISHAN? launched the 1st rocket from its newly
(a) IIT – Madras (b) IIT – Bombay built Vostochny Cosmodrome recently?
(c) IIT – Guwahati (d) IIT - Delhi (a) South Korea (b) Russia
8. Which country has invited India to join (c) China (d) Japan
in developing next-generation nuclear 18. The domain of which country has
reactors and participate in its fast reactor become the world’s most commonly
research project, known as MBIR? used domain over Internet?
(a) US (b) China (a) US (b) UK
(c) Russia (d) UK (c) China (d) India
QUIZZES GK-537
19. India has developed Long Range Surface 28. What is the name of the second multi-
to Air Missile (LRSAM) Barak 8 which spectral remote sensing Indonesian
was successfully test fired from INS satellite launched by India that will help
Kolkata. With which country it tested the country to monitor land-use, natural
the Missile jointly? resource and in disaster mitigation?
(a) Israel (b) Russia (a) LAPAN A1/Tubsat
(c) UAE (d) UK (b) LAPAN A2/ Orari
20. Recently Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite (c) LAPAN A2/Tubsat
has been launched by which country? (d) None of the above
(a) South Korea (b) North Korea 29. Which country has successfully
(c) China (d) Japan launched a new model of carrier rocket,
21. Which country has successfully Test- the Long March-11?
Fired Anti-Ship ‘Zarb’ Missile? (a) South Korea (b) China
(a) Russia (b) India (c) Japan (d) India
(c) China (d) Pakistan 30. From which of the following naval ships
22. Which company has hired the world’s has India successfully test fired Long
first robot lawyer ROSS to assist the Range surface to Air missile, LR – SAM?
company and its various teams? (a) INS Kolkata (b) INS Kamrota
(a) Baker Hostetler (c) INS Kavaratti (d) None of the above
(b) DLA Piper 31. Which of the following Indian states will
(c) Dentons get the 1st ever solar, stellar observatory?
(d) None of the above (a) Rajasthan (b) Uttar Pradesh
23. Which country has successfully (c) Maharashtra (d) Gujarat
launched Yaogan-30 remote sensing 32. Which of the following statements are
satellite into sun-synchronous orbit correct regarding INS Vikrant?
(SSO) using the Long March-2D rocket? (a) It was India’s first indigenously-
(a) Russia (b) China built largest aircraft carrier
(c) UK (d) Mongolia (b) It was successfully undocked at
24. What is the name of the insect which Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in
has been declared as a world’s largest Cochin district of Kerala.
insect? (c) With successful completion of
(a) Indian spider construction of INS Vikrant India
(b) China bug joins elite group of four nations
(c) Indian grasshopper in the world viz United States,
(d) None of the above Russia, United Kingdom and France
25. 1st IVF puppies were developed by that are capable of designing and
which country? constructing aircraft carriers.
(a) US (b) UK (d) All the above
(c) China (d) Russia 33. Which material is used for the
26. Which of the following statements are construction of filament of the world’s
true? thinnest light bulb?
(a) GSAT-15, India’s latest communications (a) Carbon (b) Graphene
satellite, was launched successfully (c) Graphite (d) None of the above
by the European Ariane 5 VA-227 34. Which country manufactured the
launch Vehicle world’s first electric passenger aircraft
named BX1E?
(b) The weight of the satellite is 3164kg
(a) India (b) Russia
(c) It carries communication transponders
(c) China (d) US
in Ku-band and a GPS Aided GEO
35. What is India’s world rank in Nuclear
Augmented Navigation (GAGAN)
Power Generation?
payload operating in L1 & L5 bands.
(a) 60th (b) 19th
(d) All the above
(c) 12th (d) 20th
27. ARSAT2 is a second communication
36. Which statement is correct regarding
satellite launched by which country?
GSLV – D 6 satellite launched by India?
(a) US (b) Russia
(a) Its launch vehicle is having the
(c) Argentina (d) Mexico
complex cryogenic engine
GK-538
QUIZZES
(b) The GSAT-6 satellite will provide (a) New Zealand (b) Australia
S-band Communication services (c) China (d) US
mostly to the defence sector. 45. What is the name of the world’s lightest
(c) The Weight of GSLV – D 6 launching material developed by ISRO scientists?
Vehicle is 414.75 Tonnes. (a) Carbon Aerogel
(d) All the above (b) Graphite Aerogel
37. What is the name of the Indian origin (c) Silica Aerogel
scientist who has developed the world’s (d) None of the above
first wireless pacemaker? 46. Maximum of how many satellites does
(a) Dr. Vivek Reddy ISRO launched in a single mission held
(b) Dr. Vishvanand Prasad in May 2016?
(c) Dr. J. P. Singh (a) 23 (b) 27
(d) None of the above (c) 22 (d) 25
38. What is the name of the Gene behind 47. Which country has successfully launched
Brain Development? its most sophisticated observational
(a) USP6X (b) USP9X satellite, Gaofen – 4?
(c) USP10X (d) USP8X (a) China (b) India
39. What is the name of the compound (c) Russia (d) UK
developed by IISER to scoop out marine 48. Recently WHO has launched flavoured
drugs for kids to counter which disease?
oil spills?
(a) Malaria (b) Dengue
(a) Carbon (b) Fiberol
(c) TB (d) Swine Flu
(c) Gelator (d) None of the above
49. Which American MNC recently
40. In which country first baby is born developed the 1st human like speech
using Next-Generation DNA sequencing recognition system?
method? (a) Apple Inc (b) Samsung
(a) US (b) UK (c) HP (d) None of these
(c) Australia (d) China 50. Which of the following companies has
41. Which statements are correct regarding introduced the Li – Fi technology?
World’s first holographic flexible (a) Ericsson (b) Google
Smartphone? (c) Velmenni (d) Motorola
(a) HoloFlex features a 1920x1080 full 51. _____________is an independent regional
high-definition Flexible Organic navigation satellite system being
Light Emitting Diode (FOLED) developed by India.
touch screen display. (a) PSLV (b) IRNSS
(b) Images are rendered into 12-pixel (c) INSAT (d) ISTRAC
wide circular blocks rendering the 52. Which is India’s first dedicated multi
full view of the 3D object from a wavelength space Observatory?
particular viewpoint. (a) ASTROSAT (b) GEOSAT
(c) HoloFlex is also equipped with a (c) SLV (d) MOM
bend sensor 53. GAGAN stands for
(d) All the above (a) GPRS Aided Geography Augmented
42. Which country has test fired a ballistic Navigation
missile named “Musudan missile” (b) General Aided GEO Augmented
(a) South korea (b) North korea Narrow
(c) China (d) Japan (c) GPS Aided GEO Augmented
43. Which bank has launched SmartUp, a Navigation
dedicated solution for start-ups to fulfil (d) GEO Aided GPS Augmented
Navigation
all their banking needs?
54. Which gas is usually filled in the electric
(a) ICICI Bank (b) Axis Bank
bulb is?
(c) Yes Bank (d) HDFC Bank (a) Carbon Dioxide (b) Nitrogen
44. The National Aeronautics and Space (c) Oxygen (d) Hydrogen
Administration (NASA) has successfully 55. Which of the following rays are more
launched a super pressure balloon from penetrating?
which country to conduct near-space (a) X rays (b) Alpha rays
scientific investigations? (c) Beta rays (d) Gamma rays
QUIZZES GK-539
56. Deep blue colour is imparted to glass by 63. During a thunderstorm, the thunder in
the presence of: the skies is produced by the:
(a) Cupric Oxide (b) Nickel Oxide (a) Meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in
(c) Iron Oxide (d) Cobalt Oxide the sky
57. Which of the following is the first ever (b) Lightning that separates the nimbus
manned Spacecraft? clouds
(a) Vostok-I (b) Sputnik-I (c) Violent upward movement of air
(c) Louika (d) Columbia and water particles
58. Which of the following lab is the first (d) Both a and c
space lab in orbit? 64. Which points are correct regarding
(a) Skylab Cattle Genomics Scheme launched by
(b) American Space lab the government recently?
(c) Media-Saturn SPACELAB (a) The scheme aims at boosting
(d) Flylab selective breeding of the native
59. What is the importance of Graphene? livestock more accurately to ensure
(a) It is a two-dimensional material and high-yielding, disease-resistant,
has good electrical conductivity. resilient livestock.
(b) It is one of the thinnest but strongest (b) Under it, government will
materials tested so far. undertake an ambitious project of
(c) It can be used as ‘conducting genome sequencing of 40 registered
electrodes’ required for touch indigenous cattle breeds of India.
screens, LCDs and organic LEDs. (c) A high-density DNA chips will be
(d) All the above developed under this scheme to
60. Consider the statements about ‘Dark reduce the cost and time interval of
Energy and Dark Matter’. breeding of the native livestock
(a) Dark energy attracts while Dark (d) All the above
matter repels. 65. Which of the following is/are example/
(b) While dark energy shows itself examples of chemical change?
only on the largest cosmic scale, (a) Crystallization of sodium chloride
dark matter exerts its influence on (b) Melting of ice
individual galaxies as well as the (c) Souring of milk
universe at large. (d) All the above
(c) Both a and b 66. Which statement is correct regarding
(d) None of the above GSAT-11?
61. Which of the above are responsible (a) It will basically address the rural
for bringing dynamic changes on the communication requirement
surface of the earth? (b) Its mission life is 15 years
(a) Electromagnetic radiation (c) It will provide high throughput
(b) Geothermal energy capacity of about 10Gbps to render
(c) Gravitational force broadband connectivity
(d) All the above (d) All the above
62. “A solar flare is a sudden flash of brightness 67. Which among the following are
observed over the Sun’s surface or the ‘Nocturnal’ in nature?
solar limb, which is interpreted as a large (a) Bat (b) Catfish
energy release”. Consider the statements (c) Kiwi (d) All the above
with reference to it 68. Consider the statements with reference
(a) They are always followed by a to ‘Ebola Virus’
colossal mass ejection. (a) Fruit bats and animals like monkeys
(b) The flare ejects clouds of neutrons, are natural hosts.
ions, and atoms through the corona (b) It spreads through direct contact
of the sun into space. with the blood, secretions, body
(c) They produce radiation across fluids and aerosol transmission.
electromagnetic spectrum at all (c) It can be diagnosed through electron
wavelength except visible microscopy and ELISA test only.
(d) None of the above (d) None of the above
GK-540
QUIZZES
69. What is the difference between a CFL 77. What is El Nino?
and an LED lamp? (a) The surname given to Ventura
(a) To produce light, a CFL uses mercury Reyes Prósper
vapour and phosphor while an LED (b) A major warming of the equatorial
lamp uses semiconductor material. waters in the Pacific Ocean
(b) The average life span of a CFL is much (c) A particularly damaging type of
longer than that of an LED lamp. hurricane
(c) A CFL is less energy-efficient as (d) The nine forms the Ebola disease
compared to an LED lamp. can take
(d) Both a and c 78. Which statement is correct regarding
70. The objective of developing a genetically the lightest material developed by ISRO
engineered brinjal named as Bt Brinjal ‘silica aerogel’:
is to: (a) It can be used both in space and earth
(a) To make it pest-resistant (b) Can be used in thermal jackets
(b) To improve its taste and nutritive (c) It has low density
qualities (d) All the above
(c) To make it drought-resistant 79. Which of the following are optical illusions?
(d) To make its shelf-life longer (a) Size of the sun at dusk
71. Leakage of which of the following gases (b) Colour of the sun at dawn
had caused the Bhopal Gas Tragedy? (c) Twinkle of stars in the sky
(a) Methyl isocyanate (d) All the above
(b) Carbon Mono-oxide 80. “A solar flare is a sudden flash of brightness
(c) Nitric oxide observed over the Sun’s surface or the
solar limb, which is interpreted as a large
(d) Sulphur dioxide
energy release”. Consider the statements
72. What is measured by the sling
with reference to it
Psychrometer? (a) They are always followed by a
(a) Temperature (b) Humidity colossal mass ejection.
(c) Pressure (d) Wind velocity (b) The flare ejects clouds of neutrons,
73. Cryogenic engines fined applications in: ions, and atoms through the corona
(a) Sub-marine propulsion of the sun into space.
(b) Frost free refrigerators (c) They produce radiation across
(c) Rocket technology electromagnetic spectrum at all
(d) Superconductivity wavelength except visible
74. What is the theme of the 2015 Indian (d) None of the above
Science Congress? 81. Consider the statements about ‘Dark
(a) Science and Technology for Energy and Dark Matter’. Which of the
Sustainable Growth following are correct:
(b) Science and Technology for Human (a) Dark energy attracts while Dark
Development matter repels.
(c) Ancient science for today’s growth (b) While dark energy shows itself
(d) Technology for better future only on the largest cosmic scale,
75. Which physical law is behind the idea of dark matter exerts its influence on
a rocket engine? individual galaxies as well as the
(a) The law of gravity universe at large.
(b) The action-reaction principle (c) Both a and b
(c) The law on the conservation of energy (d) None of the above
(d) The General Relativity 82. Many transplanted seedlings do not
76. What is the A380? grow because:
(a) The biggest civilian aircraft ever, (a) the new soil does not contain
built by Airbus favourable minerals
(b) The code name for AMD’s next- (b) most of the root hairs grip the new
generation laptop chips soil too hard
(c) The model of the rocket used by China (c) most of the root hairs are lost
to send its first astronaut in space during transplantation
(d) A supersonic military transport (d) leaves get damaged during
aircraft being developed by Boing transplantation
QUIZZES GK-541
83. Which of the following plants are 93. Which country has developed the 1st
propagated by stem cutting? Helium Microscope?
(a) Rhodendron (b) Rose (a) Australia (b) Russia
(c) Mulberry (d) All the above (c) UK (d) US
84. Which of the following statements are 94. Which was the India’s first satellite
correct regarding ‘Phyto Chemicals’? launched from Kapustin Yar using a
(a) They posses antioxidant and Kosmos-3M launch vehicle?
hormone like activity. (a) Apple (b) Mangalyam
(b) They can be found in apples, tea and (c) Aryabhata (d) Ariane
carrot 95. Which was the First experimental
(c) They have potential to treat cancer, remote sensing satellite which Carried
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes etc TV and microwave cameras?
(d) All the above (a) Bhaskara-I (b) Rohini – I
85. Which of the following statements are (c) GSAT (d) PSLV
correct? 96. Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic
1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for Engineering) allows genes to be
the generation of energy. transferred:
2. Viruses can be cultured in any (a) Across different species of plants.
synthetic medium. (b) From animals to plants.
3. Viruses are transmitted from one (c) From microorganisms to higher
organisms.
organism to another by biological
(d) All the above
vectors only.
97. Satellites used for telecommunication
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only relay are kept in a geostationary orbit.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 A satellite is said to be in such an orbit
86. Exomars is the mars mission launched when:
jointly between Europe and which (a) The orbit is geosynchronous.
other country? (b) The orbit is circular,
(a) India (b) America (c) The orbit lies in the plane of the
(c) Australia (d) Russia Earth’s equator.
87. What is the application of IRNSS? (d) All the above
(a) Disaster Management 98. What is “Virtual Private Network”?
(b) Vehicle tracking (a) It is a private computer network of
(c) Mapping an organization where the remote
(d) All the above users can transmit encrypted
88. How do organisms use Adenosine information through the server of
Triphosphate? the organization
(a) as a digestive enzyme (b) It is a computer network across a
(b) as an energy carrier public internet that provides users
(c) to maintain cell membrane integrity access to their organization’s network
(d) as a competitive inhibitor while maintaining the security of the
89. How many pairs of chromosomes does a information transmitted
human usually have? (c) It is a computer network in which
(a) 23 (b) 36 users can access a shared pool of
(c) 48 (d) 56 computing resources through a
90. What is the technology to provide high service provider.
speed internet access over telephone (d) None of the above
wiring called? 99. The term ‘Polymorphism’ is associated
(a) DSL (b) ADSL with:
(c) MODEM (d) None of the above (a) Genetics
91. Tuberculosis is caused by: (b) Material science
(a) Virus (b) Fungus (c) Computer science
(c) Bacteria (d) None of the above (d) All the above
92. Which of the following is not a scientific 100. When is National Technology Day
optical instrument? celebrated in India?
(a) telescope (b) periscope (a) 2nd May (b) 20th April
(c) endoscope (d) microscope (c) 5th April (d) 11th May
GK-542
QUIZZES
ANSWER KEY
1. (a) 18. (c) 35. (c) 52. (a) 69. (d) 86. (d)
2. (b) 19. (a) 36. (d) 53. (c) 70. (a) 87. (d)
3. (a) 20. (b) 37. (a) 54. (b) 71. (a) 88. (b)
4. (c) 21. (d) 38. (b) 55. (d) 72. (b) 89. (a)
5. (a) 22. (a) 39. (c) 56. (d) 73. (c) 90. (b)
6. (d) 23. (b) 40. (b) 57. (a) 74. (b) 91. (c)
7. (c) 24. (b) 41. (d) 58. (a) 75. (b) 92. (b)
8. (c) 25. (a) 42. (b) 59. (d) 76. (a) 93. (a)
9. (d) 26. (d) 43. (d) 60. (b) 77. (b) 94. (c)
10. (b) 27. (c) 44. (a) 61. (d) 78. (d) 95. (a)
11. (c) 28. (b) 45. (c) 62. (d) 79. (d) 96. (a)
12. (b) 29. (b) 46. (c) 63. (d) 80. (c) 97. (d)
13. (c) 30. (a) 47. (a) 64. (d) 81. (b) 98. (b)
14. (d) 31. (d) 48. (c) 65. (c) 82. (c) 99. (d)
15. (a) 32. (d) 49. (d) 66. (d) 83. (d) 100. (d)
16. (c) 33. (b) 50. (c) 67. (d) 84. (d)
17. (b) 34. (c) 51. (b) 68. (d) 85. (c)
QUIZZES GK-543
FINANCE
1. With which of the following banks 8. Which of the following is not one of the
the SBI has signed an MOU in the four organizations which have been
fields of corporate finance and project selected for sale of share in HUDCO?
financing? (a) SBI Caps (b) ICICI Securities
(a) Royal bank of Scotland (c) IDBI Capital (d) HDFC Infra
(b) Asian Development Bank 9. Which of the following has become
(c) Korea development bank the first major port in India to sign an
(d) IBRD agreement with SBI and Development
2. Syndicate bank has started the project
Bank of Singapore for raising External
to offer latest digital banking facilities
Commercial Borrowing?
to customer including the proposal of
opening fully operational account in (a) Chennai port trust
less than one day. The project has been (b) Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust
named? (c) Paradip Port Trust
(a) Project Ananya (d) Kandla Port Trust
(b) Project Antariksha 10. What is the limit to the cash transactions
(c) Project Digidhwani that has been fixed by the Government
(d) Project Antyodaya with an objective of curbing the black
3. In which state the BSE has signed an money?
MOU to setup an International Stock (a) 2 lakh (b) 4 lakh
Exchange? (c) 5 lakh (d) 3 lakh
(a) Uttarakhand (b) Uttar Pradesh 11. Which of the following banks has tied up
(c) Karnataka (d) Gujrat with IBM for using its cloud commerce
4. Consider following two statements solutions?
I. PFRDA has reduced the minimum (a) SBI (b) ICICI
annual contribution to Rs. 1000 for (c) IndusInd (d) IDBI
keeping the account active. 12. As per RBI guidelines the loans to
II. Earlier this limit was minimum women SHGs will be provided under
10,000 per annum. the NRLM Ajeevika scheme at the
Which of the above statements are interest rate of?
correct? (a) 9% (b) 7%
(a) Both I and II (b) Only I (c) 8% (d) 10%
(c) Only II (d) Neither I nor II 13. Who has been appointed as the
5. Which of the following entities chairman of the Committee set up by
joined hands with Federal Bank for MoF for digitizing incentive payments?
distribution of Indian Gold Coin (IGC)? (a) Raghuram Rajan
(a) SBI (b) MMTC (b) Kaushik Basu
(c) RBI (d) ICICI (c) Arun Jaitly
6. Which of the following received the (d) Ratan Watal
certificate of incorporation from the 14. Qatar based Doha Bank has opened its
registrar of companies thus setting to first branch in which of the following
start operations in 2017? Indian states?
(a) India Post Payment Bank (a) Kerala
(b) Indian Bank of Post Payments (b) Tamilnadu
(c) Indian Bank of Restructuring (c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Indian Development and Restructuring (d) Telangana
Bank 15. Who of the following has been
7. Bhartiya Mahila Bank is to be merged appointed as the new CEO of Reliance
with which of the following? Life?
(a) SBI (b) PNB (a) Deep Bora (b) Kamal Siddhu
(c) NABARD (d) IDBI (c) Ashish Vohra (d) Ashish Khaitan
GK-544
QUIZZES
16. Who has been appointed as the chief of 24. Who has been appointed as the
the Banks Board Bureau? chairman of the LIC of India?
(a) Sushil mahajan (a) V K Sharma
(b) B N Kaul (b) S K Rao
(c) R Rajan (c) P V Bharti
(d) Vinod Rai (d) Mallikarjun Rao
17. Who of the following has been 25. Who of the following was recently
appointed as the new governor of RBI? appointed as the World Bank’s country
(a) Kaushik Basu director to India?
(b) Subramanyam Swami (a) Onno ruhl (b) Jim Yong Kim
(c) Raghuram Rajan (c) Junaid Ahmed (d) Reena Kala
(d) Urjit Patel 26. Which of the following institutions has
18. Which of the following states is not
launched the ‘Hope Loans’ at reduced
included amongst the three states in
interest rates?
which HDFC – Ergo has implemented
(a) PNB (b) SBI
Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme
(c) HDFC (d) ICICI
(WBCIS)?
27. Which of the following recently
(a) Uttarakhand
acquired BSS Microfinance?
(b) Assam
(a) Karur Vyasya
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(b) Yes Bank
(d) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Muthoot Finance
19. Which of the following banks has
(d) Kotak Mahindra Bank
become the first in India to tie up with
28. Which of the following Public Sector
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to
offer specialised courses in Banking bank recently opened its branch in
and Finance? Yangon, Myanmar?
(a) Axis Bank (b) HDFC Bank (a) SBI
(c) ICICI Bank (d) PNB (b) PNB
20. Which insurance company has joined (c) Dena Bank
hands with Paytm to provide health (d) Union Bank of India
insurance to cab and auto drivers which 29. Rajeev Rishi, the newly elected
shall cover the hospital expenses upto chairman of IBA is currently working as
50 thousand? CMD of which of the following banks?
(a) ING Vyasya (a) Canara Bank
(b) Bharti Axa (b) Syndicate Bank
(c) ICICI Prudential (c) PNB
(d) Tata AIG (d) Central Bank of India
21. Which of the following has become 30. Which of the followings banks recently
the first in Asia to tie up with a social designated P V Sindhu and K Srikanth
networking site (Twitter) for providing as brand ambassadors?
regular updates? (a) Canara Bank (b) SBI
(a) NSE (b) BSE (c) Bank of Baroda(d) PNB
(c) HSE (d) SSE 31. Which of the following has become the
22. Which of the following city has been first bank in India to introduce software
declared as the richest city in India by robotics in power banking?
the ‘New World Wealth’? (a) ICICI
(a) Delhi (b) Bangalore (b) IDBI
(c) Chandigarh (d) Mumbai (c) Kotak Mahindra
23. Who of the following has been (d) Yes bank
appointed as the MD of SBI? 32. In which of the following Indian
(a) Anuradha Rao cities the first BRICS film festival was
(b) Dinesh Khara organised?
(c) R Gandhi (a) Bangalore (b) Mumbai
(d) Pami Dua (c) Delhi (d) Hyderabad
QUIZZES GK-545
33. India stands on which rank in the global (a) E- Nistasran (b) E- nivaran
competitiveness index for 2016-17? (c) E- sancharan (d) E- samadhan
(a) 35th (b) 45th 41. LG electronics has recently tied up with
(c) 39th (d) 49th which of the following e commerce
34. Which of the following states has ranked
companies for smart home services?
first in attracting industrial investment
in the year 2015-16? (a) Snap deal (b) Amazon
(a) Gujrat (c) Alibaba (d) Myntra
(b) Delhi 42. Which of the following became the
(c) Karnataka first start up of India to be acquired by
(d) Andhra Pradesh Apple?
35. What is the new limit of flexible fund (a) Tumble toe (b) Teeter pots
decided by the Government in the (c) Tuplejump (d) Imids
Centrally Sponsored Schemes in order
43. For which of the following field of
to give the states more freedom of
study the Nobel prize in economics
operation in these schemes?
(a) 10% (b) 15% was conferred to Oliver Hart and Bengt
(c) 20% (d) 25% Holmstrom?
36. Which of the following companies (a) Distribution of wealth
has been ranked on top by fortune (b) Welfare economics
magazine in ‘Change the World’ list for (c) Sustainability of demand
current year? (d) Contract theory
(a) Nicolas Piramal
44. India was recently declared to be on
(b) Zydus Pharma
97th rank in global hunger index. Which
(c) Glaxo Smithkline of the following organizations publishes
(d) Sun Pharma
the index?
37. Who of the following has been
(a) IFPRI (b) UNHRD
appointed as the president of Indian
(c) UNCHR (d) TERI
Statistical Institute (ISI)?
(a) C Rangrajan 45. Which of the following cities recently
(b) Vijay Kelkar hosted the 11th G20 summit?
(c) Vijay Tendulkar (a) New Delhi, India
(b) Shanghai, China
(d) R Rajan
(c) Hangzhou, China
38. Which of the following banks recently
(d) Bangalore, India
started its skill academy in Coimbatore
46. On what rank India is placed in
as part of its CSR functions?
the ‘Global Competitiveness Index’
(a) Yes Bank (b) ICICI Bank
published by World Economic Forum?
(c) HDFC Bank (d) Federal Bank
(a) 40th (b) 97th
39. In which of the following Indian states (c) 121st (d) 39th
the government has started the scheme 47. Which rank India stands on in the ‘Ease
of providing 50% subsidy on purchase of Doing Business Index’ released by
of scooty for college going girls? World Bank?
(a) Uttar Pradesh (a) 97th (b) 130th
(b) Madhya Pradesh (c) 100th (d) 21st
(c) Rajasthan 48. Who of the following was recently
(d) Jammu and Kashmir appointed as whole time member of
40. Central Board of Direct Taxes has SEBI?
recently launched an online service to (a) Gurumoorthy Mahalingam
provide easy grievance redressal for (b) Rishabh Sood
tax payers. What is the name of the (c) C Rangrajan
scheme? (d) Dinesh Chandra
GK-546
QUIZZES
49. Which of the following has been made 55. Who was the first Indian to calculate
the 5th Zone by SBI in north-east? national income of India?
(a) Guwahati (b) Aizawl (a) Dada Bhai Nauroji
(c) Dimapur (d) Silchar (b) Suresh Tendulkar
50. Who is the president of New Deve- (c) C Rajgopalachari
lopment Bank? (d) N M Joshi
(a) Paul Aldren (b) Sita Bajpayi
56. Which of the following factors is
(c) K V Kamath (d) U Patel
accounted in the calculation of Gross
51. Which one of the following is the most
Domestic Product of a country in the
appropriate method to measure the
economic growth of a country? expenditure method?
(a) National Income (a) Private consumption
(b) Net National Produce (b) Gross investments and government
(c) Gross Capital Formation spending
(d) Gross Domestic Product (c) Net expenditure of the expenditure
52. Consider the following statements on export and import
I. About 1/3 of GDP in India is (d) All of the above
contributed by the agriculture sector. 57. Which one of the following is not the
II. More than 60% of the country’s GDP component of the services sector of
is contributed by the services sector. Indian Economy?
Which of the statements given above is/ (a) Insurance and Finance
are correct?
(b) Community and Personal
(a) Only I (b) Only II
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II (c) Construction
53. Match list (Period) with list II (Growth (d) Trade and Hotel
rate of India’s population) and select 58. Which one of the following countries of
the correct answer using the codes Asia has the highest number of human
given below the list resource in Science and Technology?
List I List II (a) SriLanka (b) China
(a) 1891 to 1. High growth with (c) India (d) Thailand
1921 definite sign of 59. Who presented the first Union Budget
slowing down and of Independent India?
stabilisation (a) Morarji Desai
(b) 1921 to 2. Stagnant (b) John Mathai
1951 population growth (c) RK Shanmukham Chetty
(c) 1951 to 3. Steady population (d) NK Chanda
1981 growth 60. Which one of the following bodies/
(d) 1981 to 4. Rapid high agencies implements the largest
2011 population growth National Highways Development
Codes: Project (NHDP) in the country?
A B C D (a) BRO (b) CPWD
(a) 2 4 3 1 (c) NHAI (d) None of these
(b) 2 3 4 1 61. Which one of the following is the best
source of generating electricity in India
(c) 4 3 1 2
from the view point of sustainable
(d) 4 1 3 2
development?
54. Which one of the following sectors is the (a) Coal
major contribution towards the Gross (b) Mineral oil and gas
Domestic Saving in India in recent time? (c) Hydro-electricity
(a) Public Sector (d) Atomic energy
(b) Private Sector 62. Which of the following is not a harbour?
(c) Corporate Sector (a) Kandla (b) Cochin
(d) Household sector (c) Mangalore (d) Bengaluru
QUIZZES GK-547
63. Which one of the river basins has the 69. Consider the following statements
highest potential for the Hydel Power? I. In India robusta constitutes major
(a) Brahmaputra Basin portion of coffee production
(b) Ganga Basin II. India ranks II in coffee production
(c) East Flowing rivers of South India in the world
(d) West flowing rivers of South India Which of the above is correct?
64. What is the position of India in the term (a) Only I (b) Only II
of proven coal reserves in the world? (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
(a) First (b) Second 70. Which of the following states ranks 1st
(c) Third (d) Fourth in production of coffee in India?
65. Which one of the following ports is not (a) Kerela (b) Karnataka
the major port of India? (c) Tamil nadu (d) Andra Pradesh
(a) Port Blair Port 71. Who is considered as the father of
(b) Ennore operation flood (White Revolution) in
(c) Paradeep India?
(d) None of the above (a) MS Swaminathan
66. Consider the following statements (b) Vargese Kurian
I. Agriculture and Allied sectors (c) KV Kamath
contribute less than 20% of Gross (d) E Shridharan
Domestic Product Of India. 72. The green revolution was restricted to
II. Around 60% of net sown which part of India?
agricultural area of India is (a) North west (b) North east
dependent on rainfall. (c) South (d) South east
Which of the statements given above is/ 73. Which of the following FYP had no
are correct? targets for crop production?
(a) Only I (b) Only II (a) 7th (b) 10th
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I or II (c) 9th (d) 11th
74. What is India’s rank in coffee production
67. Match list I with List II and select the
in the world?
correct answer using the codes given
(a) 4 (b) 5
below the list (c) 6 (d) 7
List I List II 75. In which FYP National Horticulture
(Five Year Plan) (GDP Growth of Mission was launched?
Agriculture) (a) 9th (b) 10th
(a) Third Plan 1. More than 3% (c) 11th (d) 12th
(b) Eight Plan 2. Negative growth 76. Consider the following statements
rate I. India ranks 1st in the world in
(c) Ninth Plan 3. Around 2.5% dairy milk production
(d) Eleventh Plan 4. More than 4.5% II. India ranks 1st in the number of
Codes: pet cattle in the world
A B C D Which of the above is correct?
(a) 2 4 3 1 (a) Only I (b) Only II
(b) 2 3 4 1 (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
(c) 4 3 1 2 77. What does MSP stands for?
(d) 4 1 3 2 (a) Major Share Producer
68. Consider the following statements (b) Maximum support price
(c) Minimum support price
I. Between 1960 to 2010 the food grin
(d) Minimum structural price
production grew at around 2%
78. What does NABARD stands for?
II. The food grain production during this
(a) National Accredited Board for Arid
time is known as Hindu growth rate Region Development
Which of the above is correct? (b) National Bank for Agricultural and
(a) Only I Rural Development
(b) Only II (c) National Agriculture Board for
(c) Both I and II Arid Region Development
(d) Neither I nor II (d) None of the above
GK-548
QUIZZES
79. The ill effect of green revolution doesn’t 87. Devaluation of currency results in
include? (a) Fall in internal prices
(a) Interregional inequality (b) No change in internal prices
(b) Class inequality (c) Rise in internal prices
(c) Gender inequality (d) Unpredictable consequences
(d) Crop Diversification 88. Which of the following makes fiscal
80. Central Potato Research Institute is policy?
located at? (a) Ministry of finance
(a) Modinagar (b) Bangalore
(b) RBI
(c) Ahemdabad (d) Mumbai
(c) Niti Ayog
81. Which of the following is known as
narrow money in India? (d) NDC
(a) M1 (b) M2 89. What is repo rate?
(c) M3 (d) M4 (a) The rate at which RBI buys the
82. Which of the following are the currency
major instruments used for liquidity (b) The rate at which RBI buys the
management? government securities
I. Repo rate (c) The rate at which RBI repositions
II. Reverse repo rate its hold in the market
III. Lending rates (d) The rate at which RBI repositions
Which of the above is correct? its hold in the banks
(a) I and II (b) I and III 90. The proportion of cash which a
(c) II and III (d) I only commercial bank is required to
83. Which of the following type of currency maintain as reserved from its total
is difficult to convert in other currencies assets is called as?
as it may depreciate rapidly? (a) SLR (b) RR
(a) Hard Currency
(c) CRR (d) RRR
(b) Soft Currency
91. Which of the following is not a part of
(c) Gilt Edged Currency
scheduled banking structure?
(d) SDR’s
(a) Private banks
84. What are open market operations?
(b) PSUs banks
(a) sale and purchase of shares by
(c) Cooperative banks
brokers
(d) Money lenders
(b) Selling of government securities
92. At times the Governments opt for
by RBI to people
deliberate devaluation of currency.
(c) Selling of government securities
Which of the following is primary
by RBI to banks
objective?
(d) Sale of shares by companies
(a) Boosts exports
directly to people
85. Which of the following money is most (b) Boosts imports
(c) Boosts Internal Trade
liquid?
(d) Increase gold reserves
(a) Broad money
93. Which of the following committees was
(b) Bad money
formed for reforms in Indian banking
(c) Near money
system?
(d) Commodity money (a) Abhijeet Sen Committee
86. Who roles out the monetary policy of (b) Abid Husain Committee
India? (c) Suresh Tendulkar Committee
(a) Ministry of Finance (d) Narsimhan Committee
(b) Budget Division 94. Which of the following regulates mutual
(c) A collegiums of government and funds in India?
RBI members (a) SEBI (b) RBI
(d) RBI (c) PFRDA (d) IRDA
QUIZZES GK-549
95. Which of the following is not the part of 98. Which of the following bodies regulates
capital market? the insurance market in India?
(a) Government securities market (a) LIC (b) PFRDA
(b) Mutual funds
(c) RBI (d) IRDA
(c) Long term borrowings
(d) Call Money Markets 99. Which of the following is related with
96. Which of the following committees NIFTY junior?
submitted its report on full capital (a) Equity market
account convertibility? (b) Commodity market
(a) ESL Narshimhan Committee (c) Money Market
(b) Tarapore Committee (d) FDI
(c) Rajan Mehta Committee
100. Which of the following is considered to
(d) GVK Rao Committee
97. Which of the following setup ICICI bank be an asset for a commercial bank?
for developing SMEs in private sector in (a) Peoples deposits
India? (b) Industrial Deposits
(a) World bank (b) ADB (c) Agriculture Credits
(c) IMF (d) UNHCR (d) Borrowings from the RBI
ANSWERS KEY
ANSWER KEY
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (a)
7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (b) 10. (d) 11. (c) 12. (b)
13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (d) 18. (c)
19. (a) 20. (d) 21. (b) 22. (d) 23. (b) 24. (a)
25. (c) 26. (b) 27. (d) 28. (a) 29. (d) 30. (c)
31. (a) 32. (c) 33. (c) 34. (d) 35. (d) 36. (c)
37. (b) 38. (d) 39. (d) 40. (b) 41. (b) 42. (c)
43. (d) 44. (a) 45. (c) 46. (b) 47. (a) 48. (a)
49. (d) 50. (c) 51. (d) 52. (b) 53. (b) 54. (d)
55. (d) 56. (d) 57. (c) 58. (b) 59. (c) 60. (c)
61. (c) 62. (d) 63. (d) 64. (d) 65. (d) 66. (c)
67. (a) 68. (a) 69. (a) 70. (b) 71. (b) 72. (a)
73. (b) 74. (c) 75. (c) 76. (c) 77. (c) 78. (b)
79. (d) 80. (a) 81. (a) 82. (a) 83. (b) 84. (c)
85. (c) 86. (d) 87. (b) 88. (a) 89. (b) 90. (c)
91. (d) 92. (a) 93. (d) 94. (a) 95. (d) 96. (b)
97. (a) 98. (d) 99. (a) 100. (d)
CA-1
BUDGET 2017
CA-2 BUDGET 2017

BUDGET 2017 CA-3

CA-4 BUDGET 2017

CA-5
CA-6
CA-7
CA-8 GLOBAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

GLOBAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK CA-9

CA-10 GLOBAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

GLOBAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK CA-11

CA-12
GAME CHANGERS 2016 CA-13

CA-14 GAME CHANGERS 2016

GST 2016 CA-15

GST 2016
CA-16 GST 2016

DEMONETIZATION CA-17
CA-18 DEMONETIZATION
CA-19
BOOKS AND AUTHORS 2016

The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad– Twinkle Khanna
Driven: The Virat Kohli Story–Vijay Lokapally
Democrats and Dissenters–Ramachandra Guha
One Indian girl–Chetan Bhagat
Six Machine (I Don’t Like Cricket I Love It)–Chris Gayle
His Bloody Project–Graeme Macrae Brunet
AB The autobiography–AB De Villiers
Citizen and Society–Hamid Ansari
The Ocean of Churn: How the Indian Ocean Shaped Human History–Sanjeev Sanyal
R D Burmania: Panchamemoirs–Chaitanya Padukone
India Rising: Fresh Hope, New Fears–Ravi Velloor
The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable–Amitav Ghosh
Courage & Commitment–Margaret Alva
India vs Pakistan: Why Can’t we just be Friends?–Husain Haqqani
Chaos and Caliphate: Jihadis and the West in the Struggle for the Middle East–Patrick Cockburn
A Call to Mercy: Hearts to Love, Hands to Serve–Mother Teresa

The Unseen Indira Gandhi–Dr KP Mathur
A Life in Diplomacy–Maharajakrishna Rasgotra
Blood on my Hands: Confessions of Staged Encounters–Kishalay Bhattacharjee
The Making of India: The Untold Story of British Enterprises–Kartar Lalvani
A State in Denial–BG Verghese
The Kiss of Life–Emraan Hashmi
Anything But Khamosh: The Shatrughan Sinha Biography–Bharathi S Pradhan
Gandhi: An Illustrated Biography–Pramod Kapoor
Fixed! Cash and Corruption in Cricket–Journalist Shantanu Guha Ray
“Who was Shivaji?”–Govind Pansare
A Kingdom for His Love–Vani Mahesh, Shinie Antony
Nathuram Godse: The Story of an Assassin–Anup Ashok Sardesai
The Turbulent Years, Volume II–President Pranab Mukherjee
The Z Factor–Subhash Chandra
Jawaharlal Nehru and The Indian Polity in Perspective–Hamid Ansari
Maru Bharat Saru Bharat–Jain Acharya Maharaj
CA-20 Popular Terms
POPULAR TERMS
Augmented Reality: Augmented reality relationships between business people and

(AR) is a live direct or indirect view of a government officials. It may be exhibited by
physical, real-world environment whose favoritism in the distribution of legal permits,
elements are augmented (or supplemented) government grants, special tax breaks, or
by computer-generated sensory input such other forms of state interventionism.
as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. It is CIVETS: An acronym given to the
also known as the computer term, Kudzi 3.0. countries Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam,
It is related to a more general concept called Egypt, Turkey and South Africa, which
mediated reality, in which a view of reality are predicted by some to be among the
is modified (possibly even diminished
next emerging markets to quickly rise in
rather than augmented) by a computer.
economic prominence over the coming
Benami properties: Benami essentially decades.
means property without a name. In this
Democratic socialism: It is a political
kind of transaction the person who pays for
ideology that advocates political democracy
the property does not buy it under his/her
alongside social ownership of the means
own name. The person on whose name the
of production, often with an emphasis on
property has been purchased is called the
democratic management of enterprises
benamdar and the property so purchased
within a socialist economic system.
is called the benami property. The person
who finances the deal is the real owner. Decacorn: A decacorn is a word used for
companies valued over $10 billion.
Black Friday: Black Friday is the day
following Thanksgiving Day in the United EAGLES: Emerging and growth-leading
States (the fourth Thursday of November). economies of Korea, Indonesia, Mexico,
Since 1952, it has been regarded as the Turkey, Egypt and Taiwan along with the
beginning of the Christmas shopping season BRIC countries Brazil, Russia, India and
in the U.S., and most major retailers open very China. BBVA expected these countries
early (and more recently during overnight to generate 50% of the global economic
hours) and offer promotional sales. growth through 2020, whereas it expected
the G7 countries of France, Germany, the
COP22: COP 22 (Conference of the Parties)
United States, Canada, Italy, Japan and the
was held in Marrakech, Morocco, on
United Kingdom to generate just 14%.
7–18 November 2016. Main issues: water
scarcity, water cleanliness, and water- Extracorporeal membrane oxyge-
related sustainability, a major problem nation (ECMO): It is an extracorporeal
in the developing world, including many technique of providing both cardiac and
African states. respiratory support to persons whose heart
and lungs are unable to provide an adequate
China’s Singles Day: Singles’ Day or
amount of gas exchange to sustain life.
Guanggun Jie is an entertaining festival
widespread among young Chinese people, Frontier market: A frontier market is
to celebrate the fact that they are proud a type of developing country which is
of being single. The date, November 11th more developed than the least developing
(11/11), is chosen because the number “1” countries, but too small to be generally
resembles an individual that is alone. considered an emerging market.
Crony-Capitalism: Crony capitalism Geneva III (Geneva peace talks on
is a term describing an economy in which Syria): The Geneva peace talks on Syria,
success in business depends on close also known as Geneva III, are intended
Popular Terms CA-21
peace negotiations between the Syrian used when standard monetary policy has
government and opposition in Geneva become ineffective. Quantitative easing is
under the auspices of the UN. considered when short-term interest rates
Hectocorn: A Hectocorn is the appropriate are at or approaching zero, and does not
term for such a companies valued over involve the printing of new bank notes.
$100 billion. Servergate: The term refers to the
Liquid biopsy: A medical test in which controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton’s
blood cells are taken from the body and private server. The term comes from the
examined to find out if they are healthy. combination of “server” and “watergate”,
MINTs: An acronym coined by the major which was the political controversy that led
investment firm Fidelity in 2011 for a group to President Richard Nixon’s resignation.
of four countries—Mexico, Indonesia, TIMP: TIMP’ stands for ‘Turkey, Indonesia,
Nigeria and Turkey—that are expected Mexico and Philippines.’ Similar to BRIC
to show strong growth and provide high (Brazil, Russia, India and China), the
returns for investors over the coming acronym was coined by an investor/
decade. The MINTs have been grouped
economist to group fast-growing emerging
together because of their large populations,
market economies in similar states of
favorable demographics and emerging
economic development.
economies. The MINTs have smaller
economies than the BRICs. Trans Pacific Partnership: The Trans-
Mercalli intensity scale: The Mercalli Pacific Partnership (TPP) or Trans Pacific
intensity scale is a seismic scale used for Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is a trade
measuring the intensity of an earthquake. It agreement among twelve of the Pacific Rim
measures the effects of an earthquake. countries—notably not including China.
Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB): A Thanksgiving Day: Thanksgiving Day is
zero-energy building, also known as a zero a national holiday celebrated in Canada, in
net energy (ZNE) building, net-zero energy the United States, in some of the Caribbean
building (NZEB), or net zero building, is a islands and in Liberia. It was originally
building with zero net energy consumption, celebrated as a day of giving thanks for
meaning the total amount of energy used by the blessing of the harvest and of the
the building on an annual basis is roughly preceding year. Similarly named festival
equal to the amount of renewable energy holidays occur in Germany and Japan.
created on the site, or in other definitions Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second
by renewable energy sources elsewhere. Monday of October in Canada and on the
Populism: It is a political doctrine that fourth Thursday of November in the United
stems from a viewpoint of struggle between States, and around the same part of the year
the populace and ruling faction. Populism is in other places. Although Thanksgiving has
most common in democratic nations. historical roots in religious and cultural
Political radicalism: The term denotes traditions, it has long been celebrated as a
political principles focused on altering secular holiday as well.
social structures through revolutionary
Unicorn: A unicorn is a start-up company
means and changing value systems in
valued at over $1 billion. According to
fundamental ways.
VentureBeat, there were 229 unicorns
Quantitative Easing: Quantitative easing as of January 2016. The largest unicorns
(QE) is a monetary policy used by central included Uber, Xiaomi, Airbnb, Palantir,
banks to stimulate the economy. It is usually Snapchat, Dropbox and Pinterest.
CA-22 Important Appointments 2016
IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS 2016

JANUARY
Amitabh Kant appointed CEO of NITI (National Institution for
Jan 1, 2016
Transforming India) Aayog.
Jan 4, 2016 RK Mathur sworn in as 8th Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).
Jan 25, 2016 K Durga Prasad appointed as DG of CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force).
FEBRUARY
Feb 2, 2016 Archana Ramasundram becomes 1st woman DG of Sashastra Seema Bal.
DJ Pandian appointed AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) Vice-
Feb 3, 2016
President.
Ashok Chawla appointed as new Chairman of TERI (The Energy and
Feb 13, 2016
Resources Institute).
Feb 23, 2016 KN Vyas appointed as Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
Feb 25, 2016 Rajendra Singh appointed as DG of Coast Guard.
Former CJI HL Dattu takes over as Chairman of NHRC (National Human
Feb 29, 2016
Rights Commission).
MARCH
Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain appointed as Chief of Staff of Eastern Naval
Mar 2, 2016
Command.
Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan appointed as Chairman of 21st Law
Mar 11, 2016
Commission of India.
Mar 12, 2016 Lt Gen N P S Hira appointed Deputy Chief of Army.
Mar 15, 2016 Htin Kyaw elected as first civilian President of Myanmar.
Justice Permod Kohli appointed as Chairman of Central Administrative
Mar 23, 2016
Tribunal.
APRIL
CP Gurnani appointed as Chairman of NASSCOM (National Association of
April 7, 2016
Software and Services Companies).
MAY
Bhupendra Kainthola takes charge as FTII (Film and Television Institute
May 3, 2016
of India) Director.
May 31, 2016 Admiral Sunil Lanba takes charge as Navy chief.
JUNE
June 3, 2016 Navin Agarwal appointed as DG of NADA (National Anti Doping Agency).
Peter Thomson elected as President of 71st session of United Nations
June 15, 2016
General Assembly.
Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway appointed as UN Women Goodwill
June 15, 2016
Ambassador.
Important Appointments 2016 CA-23
June 22, 2016 Ken Miyauchi appointed as President and COO of SoftBank Group.
June 23, 2016 BCCI appoints Anil Kumble as the head coach of Indian Cricket Team.
Sujoy Bose appointed as first CEO of NIIF (National Investment and
June 27, 2016
Infrastructure Fund).
June 28, 2016 NS Vishwanathan appointed as deputy governor of RBI.
JULY
July 4, 2016 Sudarshan Sen appointed Executive Director of RBI.
July 11, 2016 D Rajkumar appointed as CMD of BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd).
July 13, 2016 Theresa May appointed as PM of the United Kingdom.
July 14, 2016 Rakesh Kumar Chaturvedi appointed as Chairman of CBSE.
July 19, 2016 Guruprasad Mohapatra appointed as Chairman of Airports Authority of India.
Ajay Bhushan Pandey appointed as CEO of UIDAI (Unique Identification
July 21, 2016
Authority of India).
AUGUST
Aug 1, 2016 Rani Singh Nair appointed as Chairman of CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes).
SEPTEMBER
Sep 4, 2016 Urjit Patel assumes charge as 24th Governor of Reserve Bank of India.
Sep 19, 2016 Alka Sirohi appointed UPSC chairman.
Sep 28, 2016 World Bank reappoints Jim Yong Kim for second term as President.
OCTOBER
Oct 3, 2016 S Sivakumar appointed as full-time member of 21st Law Commission of India.
Oct 6, 2016 Sushil Chandra appointed CBDT Chairman.
Oct 14, 2016 Portugal’s Antonio Guterres appointed UN Secretary-General.

Amandeep Singh Gill appointed as India’s Ambassador to UN Conference
Oct 18, 2016
on Disarmament, Geneva.
Vice Admiral SV Bhokare assumes office as the Commandant of Indian
Oct 21, 2016
Naval Academy.
Oct 27, 2016 Karnal Singh appointed as Director of Enforcement Directorate.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 7, 2016 M Rajeshwar Rao new RBI Executive Director.
Nov. 24, 2016 Yudhvir Singh Malik appointed as new Chairman of NHA.
DECEMBER
Senior AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam appointed as the new AIADMK
Dec 5, 2016
chief and the new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
CA-24
AWARDS & HONOURS 2016
Gallantry Awards
President Pranab Mukherjee has conferred the country’s highest peacetime gallantry
award Ashok Chakra to Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami posthumously.
On the eve of 67th Republic Day celebrations President has approved 365 Gallantry
awards and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and
others. It includes one Ashoka Chakra, 4 Kirti Chakras and 11 Shaurya
Chakras.
Ashok Chakra: Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami (Posthumous). He
belonged to 9 PARA (Special Force) and laid down his life while fighting
LeT militants in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kirti Chakra: Subedar Mahendra Singh of 9 PARA (Special Force).
Sepoy Jagdish Chand (Posthumous) of 546 DSC Platoon.
Shaurya Chakra: Colonel Santosh Mahadik (Posthumous) of 41
Rashtriya Rifle (PARA). Major Praphul Kumar Bhardwaj of 12 PARA
(Special Force). Major Sandip Yadav of 55 Rashtriya Rifle (Armed). Major
Anurag Kumar of 9 PARA (Special Force). Lieutenant Harjinder Singh of
3 KUMAON. Naik Satish Kumar (Posthumous) of 21 Rashtriya Rifle
(Guards). Naik Kheem Singh Mehra of 21 KUMAON. Sepoy Dharma Ram
(Posthumous) of 1 Rashtriya Rifle(MAHAR).
73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards

The 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony was organized at Beverly Hills,
California, United States (US) on January 10, 2016. Golden Globe Awards are the annual
awards that honour the best in Motion Pictures and Television for the previous year.
In this edition of awards, The Revenant won the maximum 3 awards followed by The
Martian and Steve Jobs winning 2 awards each.
The winners of various awards are as follows:
Best Motion Picture Drama: The Revenant.
Best Motion Picture Musical/Comedy: The Martian.
Best Director in Motion Picture-Drama: Alejandro Inarritu
for The Revenant.
Best Actor in Motion Picture-Drama: Leonardo DiCaprio for
The Revenant.
Best Actress in Motion Picture-Drama: Brie Larson for Room.
Best Actor in Motion Picture or Musical or Comedy: Matt Damon for The Martian.
Best Actress in Motion Picture Musical or Comedy: Jennifer Lawrence for Joy.
Best Actor in a Supporting role in Motion Picture: Sylvester Stallone for Creed.
Best Actress in a Supporting role in Motion Picture: Kate Winslet for Steve Jobs.
Best Original Score Motion Picture: Ennio Morricone for The Hateful Eight.
Best Foreign Language Film: Son of Saul (Hungary).
AWARDS & HONOURS 2016 CA-25
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2015

Veteran Film Actor and Director Manoj Kumar has been selected for the prestigious
47th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2015. He was unanimously selected by a
five member jury consisted of Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Salim Khan, Nitin Mukesh
and Anup Jalota. This award was given by the president Pranab Mukherjee at the 63rd
National Film Awards on 3rd May 2016 in New Delhi.
Saraswati Samman 2015

Dogri Poetess and novelist Padma Sachdev (76) has been chosen for the prestigious
Saraswati Samman for the year 2015. She has been chosen for her autobiography ‘Chitt-
Chete’ written in Dogri language and published in 2007.
51st Jnanpith Award 2016

President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the 51st Jnanpith Award on renowned Gujarati
writer and litterateur Dr. Raghuveer Chaudhari on July 11, 2016 at a function in New
Delhi. He was awarded with the India’s highest literary honour carrying a cash prize, a
citation plaque and a bronze replica of Goddess Saraswati for the year 2015.
Mr. Chaudhary is the fourth Gujarati litterateur to bag this prestigious award after Uma
Shankar Joshi (1967), Pannalal Patel (1985) and Rajendra Shah (2001)
Nobel Prize 2016

Peace: The current President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, was awarded Nobel
Peace Prize for his resolute efforts to bring the country’s more than 50-year-long civil
war to an end, a war that took away the lives of at least 2,20,000 Colombians and dis-
placed nearly six million people.
Physics: British trio of physicists David Thouless, F Duncan M Haldane and Michael
Kosterlitz have won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Economics: Two economists Oliver Hart and Bengt Holmstrom have won the 2016 No-
bel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.
Chemistry: Trio of Jean-Pierre Sauvage, J Fraser Stoddart and Bernard L Feringa have
won the prestigious 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Literature: American singer-songwriter, artist and writer Bob Dylan (75) has won the
2016 Nobel Prize in Literature. He is the first American to win the prize since novelist
Toni Morrison in 1993.
Medicine: Yoshinori Ohsumi (71) of Japan has won the 2016 Nobel Prize for physiology
or Medicine for his pioneering work on autophagy.
CA-26 AWARDS & HONOURS 2016
National Sports Awards 2016

The Union Government bestows National Sports Awards every year to recognize and
reward excellence in sports in India.
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
Recipients are: PV Sindhu (Badminton), Sakshi Malik (Wrestling), Dipa Karmakar
(Gymnastics) and Jitu Rai (Shooting). 2016
Dronacharya Award
Recipients are: Nagapuri Ramesh (Athletics), Sagar Mal Dhayal (Boxing), Raj Kumar
Sharma (Cricket), Bishweshwar Nandi (Gymnastics), S. Pradeep Kumar (Swimming)
and Mahabir Singh (Wrestling) 2016
Arjuna Award
Recipients are: Rajat Chauhan (Archery), Lalita Babar (Athletics), Sourav Kothari
(Billiards & Snooker), Shiva Thapa (Boxing), Ajinkya Rahane (Cricket), Subrata Paul
(Football), Rani (Hockey), Raghunath V.R. (Hockey), Gurpreet Singh (Shooting), Apurvi
Chandela (Shooting), Soumyajit Ghosh (Table Tennis), Vinesh (Wrestling), Amit Kumar
(Wrestling), Sandeep Singh Mann (Para-Athletics) and Virender Singh (Wrestling).
2016 Dhyan Chand Award
Recipients are: Satti Geetha (Athletics), Sylvanus Dung Dung (Hockey) and Rajendra
Pralhad Shelke (Rowing). 2015-16
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy
Recipient: Punjabi University, Patiala.
CA-27
BILLS AND ACTS 2016

Benami Transaction Bill 2016 • The Bill will make all the stakeholders
responsive and accountable for
• The Benami Transactions (Prohibition)
upholding the principles underlying the
Amendment Bill, 2016 was passed by
Bill.
the Rajya Sabha. It was already passed
• It will bring greater accountability on
by Lok Sabha in the last week of July the part of the Union Government and
2016. State Governments/UT administrations
• The bill has provision for confiscating for issues concerning Transgender
‘benami’ (proxy) assets. persons.
• The bill seeks to establish adjudicating • Background Transgender community
authorities and an appellate tribunal to is among one of the most marginalized
deal with benami transactions as also communities in the country because
specify penalty for entering into benami they don’t fit into the stereotypical
transactions. categories of gender of ‘men’ or ‘women’.
• The bill is part of measures planned by • They face problems ranging from social
exclusion, ostracism and discrimination,
the Government to tackle the problem
as well as verbal, physical and sexual
of black money. abuse.
• A transaction is considered as benami • They also lack of access to education and
(meaning nameless) where a property employment opportunities, ending up
is transferred to or is held by a person into organised groups, forced begging
and the consideration for such property or demanding money.
has been provided or paid by another
person.
Aadhaar Act, 2016
• People keeping ‘benami’ properties to The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of
evade taxes will get up to seven years Financial and other Subsidies, benefits and
rigorous imprisonment and fine, as services) Act, 2016 has been notified by the
per a new law aimed at checking black Union Government on March 28. The Act
money in real estate sector. will provide statutory backing for transfer
of subsidies and benefits to eligible people
Transgender Persons (Protection of having Aadhaar (UID) number.
Rights) Bill, 2016 Key facts
• The act seeks to provide efficient,
• The Transgender Persons (Protection transparent and targeted delivery of
of Rights) Bill, 2016 was approved by subsidies, benefits and services to
the Union Cabinet on July 21 to protect individuals residing in India by assigning
transgenders from discrimination. Through them unique identity numbers (UID) or
this Bill the Union Government has evolved a Aadhaar number.
holistic mechanism for the social, economic • It will be used for all benefit that will be
and educational empowerment of linked to consolidated fund of India or
marginalized transgenders community. the expenditure incurred from it.
Key Facts • Both Central and state governments can
• The Bill will benefit a large number use Aadhaar for disbursal for benefits
of transgender persons, mitigate the and subsidies. However the Aadhaar
stigma, discrimination and abuse number cannot be used as a proof of
citizenship or domicile.
against them and also bring them into
the mainstream of society. • The Act gives statutory for establishment
of the Unique Identification Authority of
• It will lead to greater inclusiveness
India consisting of a Chairperson (part
and will make the transgender persons
time or full time) and two Members
productive members of the society.
(part time).
CA-28 Bills and Acts 2016

• Those individuals not having Aadhaar Custodian, it shall continue to be vested
number shall be offered alternate in it as enemy property irrespective of
and viable means of identification for whether the enemy, enemy subject or
delivery of the subsidies, benefits or enemy firm has ceased to be an enemy
service. due to reasons such as death.
• The new Bill ensures that the law of
Enemy Property (Amendment and succession does not apply to enemy
Validation) Bill, 2016 property; that there cannot be transfer
• Lok Sabha passed the Enemy Property of any property vested in the Custodian
(Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016 by an enemy or enemy subject or enemy
on 9th March 2016. firm and that the Custodian shall
• The Bill seeks to amend the Enemy preserve the enemy property till it is
Property Act, 1968 and the Public disposed of in accordance with the Act.
Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised
Occupants) Act, 1971. The Juvenile Justice (Care and
• The Enemy Property Act 1968 was Protection of Children) Act, 2015
enacted to take over the properties • The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection
owned by people who left for Pakistan of Children) Act, 2015 has come into
or China when India was at war with force from January 15, 2016 and repeals
the two countries. Such properties were the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection
vested in the Mumbai-headquartered of Children) Act, 2000.
Custodian of Enemy Properties (CEP).
• The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on
• Approximately 16,000 properties 7th May, 2015 and Rajya Sabha on
across the country have either been or
22nd December, 2015 and received
are being taken over by the CEP under
Presidential assent on 31st December,
the 1968 Act. Of these, the process to
take over 9,400 properties –estimated 2015.
to be worth ` 1 lakh crore, or ` 1,000 • Under Section 15, special provisions
billion – has been completed. have been made to tackle child offenders
• The amendments states that once committing heinous offences in the age
an enemy property is vested in the group of 16-18 years.
CA-29
POLICIES AND SCHEMES 2016
KVK Portal and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It

The Union Minister of Agriculture and provides for incentivizing employers
Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh to engage apprentices. 25% of the total
stipend payable to an apprentice would
formally launched Krishi Vigyan Kendra
be shared with employers directly by
(KVK) portal (http://kvk.icar.gov.in) on 8th
Government of India. It is for the first
July in New Delhi.
time a scheme has been designed to
Features of the Portal offer financial incentives to employers
• The portal provides provisions for to engage apprentices. In addition, it
online monitoring of KVKs which will also supports basic training, which is an
include reporting of major events on essential component of apprenticeship
regular basis and submission of monthly training. 50% of the total expenditure
reports online. incurred on providing basic training
• The portal will also provide information would be supported by Government of
on different services being provided by India.
different KVKs. • The Scheme will catalyze the entire
• Weather and Market related apprenticeship ecosystem in the country
informations can also be accessed by and it will offer a win-win situation
the farmers and others. for all stakeholders. It is expected to
• The forthcoming programmes will also become one of the most powerful skill-
be available on the website which will delivery vehicle in the country.
benefit farmers and youth in joining • The National Policy of Skill
different training programmes being Development and Entrepreneurship,
organized by KVKs. 2015 launched by the Prime Minister
focuses on apprenticeship as one of
• Question and answer facility will also be
the key components for creating skilled
available for the farmers.
manpower in India. The present scheme
• Agriculture related information of the
also aims to achieve the objective as
districts will also be available on the
stated in the National Policy, 2015. The
portal. policy proposes to work pro-actively
• The farmers and the Agricultural with the industry including MSME to
Officers may register themselves and facilitate ten fold increase opportunities
seek different informations related to in the country by 2020.
KVKs.
UJALA Scheme
National Apprenticeship Promotion The National LED programme – Unnat
Scheme Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA)
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime was launched by the Union Government on
Minister Narendra Modi approved a May 1. The scheme was launched by Union
National Apprenticeship Promotion Minister for State (IC) for Power, Coal and
Scheme on 5th July. The Scheme has an Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal in Bhopal,
outlay of ` 10,000 crore with a target of 50 Madhya Pradesh.
lakh apprentices to be trained by 2019-20. Key facts
Features of the scheme • The UJALA scheme is being implemented
• The Scheme would be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited
by Director General of Training (DGT) (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under
under Ministry of Skill Development the Union Ministry of Power.
CA-30 POLICIES AND SCHEMES 2016

• It is LED based Domestic Efficient from VI to XII along with free uniforms
Lighting Programme (DELP). and other study materials.
• Under the scheme, 3 crore LED Bulbs • These schools will be affiliated under the
will be distributed in Madhya Pradesh Central Board of Secondary Education
in the next 6 months. (CBSE) and shall have hostel facility in
• People of Madhya Pradesh will get future.
subsidised 9W energy efficient LED • Under this project, one Adarsh Vidyalaya
bulbs by paying just 85 rupees per LED will be set up in each of the 314 revenue
bulb. blocks of the state.
• The scheme will help reduce electricity • They will be managed by the Odisha
bills of consumers, contribute to the Adarsh Vidyalaya Sangathan (AVS)
energy security of India and also help in and will be formed on the lines of the
environment protection. Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).
• It will help in saving energy around 24 • In these schools, English will be the first
crore units every year. language and Odia will be the second
language as medium of instruction.
Bhimrao Ambedkar Awas Yojana
• The project will be implemented in
The Bhimrao Ambedkar Awas Yojana for phases and in the first phase 100 such
widows was launched on 14 April by the schools will start functioning on 5 April
Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das. 2016.
The objective of the scheme is to create • The teacher-pupil ratio of these schools
equality and harmony in society, ensuring will be 1:25 and classroom-student ratio
all round development. of 1:40. 50 per cent of total seats will be
Highlights of the Yojana reserved for the girls and scheduled
• The programme is with a budget categories.
allocation of 80 crore rupees and a One Rank One Pension Scheme
target of 11000 units (houses) for
One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme was
widows was set in 2016-17 financial
given ex-post facto approval on 7 April by
year.
the Union Cabinet for implementation of
• An amount of 75000 rupees would be
retrospectively with effect from 1st July,
granted to build a house in districts in
2014. Decision in this regard was taken by
hilly terrains and 70000 rupees in plains
Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime
and the amount would be distributed
Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. OROP
among the beneficiaries in three
will provide ex-servicemen of the same rank
instalments in their bank accounts.
and same length of service uniform pension
• The widows would also get pension.
regardless of date of retirement.
Adarsh Vidyalaya Project Key facts
• The benefits of OROP will be given
Adarsh Vidyalaya (AV) project was
with effect from 1st of July 2014 and it
launched by the Odisha Government on
will benefit ex-servicemen of all three
April 7 to provide modern schools facilities
services- Army, Navy and Air Force.
on the lines of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the • The benefits will also be extended
underdeveloped rural areas of the state. to family pensioners including war
It was launched by Odisha Chief Minister widows and disabled pensioners.
Naveen Patnaik at Sasan Ambagaon village • All arrears will be paid in four half-
in his home constituency Hinjli in Ganjam yearly instalments. However all widows,
district. family pensioners including those in
Key features receipt of Gallantry award will be paid
arrears in one instalment.
• Schools under AV project will provide • Pension will be re-fixed every five years
free education to students of the classes and future enhancements in rates of
POLICIES AND SCHEMES 2016 CA-31
pension would be automatically passed Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin

to the past pensioners. The implementation of the rural housing
• Armed forces personnel who retire scheme of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-
voluntarily would be not covered Gramin was given approval by the Union
under OROP scheme. However, it will Cabinet on March 25. Under the scheme,
be applicable to personnel who have financial assistance will be provided
already retired prematurely. for construction of pucca houses to
all houseless and households living in
Stand up India scheme for SC/ST & dilapidated houses.
Women Key facts
The Stand-up India scheme was launched • The expenditure involved in implementing
on April 6 by Prime Minister Narendra the project is ` 81975 crore in a span of
Modi to provide credit to Scheduled 3 years from 2016-17 to 2018-19.
Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and • Under the scheme, it is proposed
women borrowers in the non-farm sector. to provide assistance to one crore
The scheme is intended to promote households for construction of pucca
entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women house.
and further gives a push to government’s • It will be implemented in rural areas
financial inclusion programme. throughout the country except in Delhi
and Chandigarh.
Main features of the scheme • The beneficiaries will be identified
• Composite loan between 10 lakh using Socio Economic and Caste Census
rupees and up to 1 crore rupees will be (SECC)-2011 data ensuring total
provided to SC/ST and women and also transparency and objectivity.
inclusive of working capital component • The cost of houses would be shared
for setting up any new enterprise. between Centre and States Governments
• Debit Card (RuPay) for withdrawal in the ratio 60:40 in plain areas and
of working capital: Credit history of 90:10 for North Eastern and hilly states.
borrower to be developed of these • Under this scheme, annual list of
under-banked sections of society. beneficiaries will be identified from the
• Refinance window through Small total list through participatory process
Industries Development Bank of India by the Gram Sabha.
(SIDBI) with an initial amount of 10,000 • Funds will be transferred electronically
crore rupees. directly to the account of the beneficiary.
• Creation of a corpus of 5,000 crore • He will be able to track the progress
rupees for credit guarantee through of his payments through the app.
National Credit Guarantee Trustee Inspection will be done through a
Company (NCGTC). mobile app.
• Handholding support for borrowers • Locally appropriate house designs,
with comprehensive support for pre will be mainly practised to address the
loan training needs, facilitating loan, natural calamities.
factoring, marketing, etc. • The beneficiary is entitled to 90 days of
• Web Portal for online registration and unskilled labour from MGNREGA. This
support services will be provided. will be ensured through a server linkage
• Under the scheme, 1.25 lakh bank between PMAY and MGNREGA.
branches will provide loans up to 1 • The additional requirement of building
crore rupees to SC/ST and women materials, bricks using cement
entrepreneurs. Thus it will help in stabilised earth or fly ash will be taken
creating 2.5 lakh entrepreneurs up under MGNREGA.
throughout the country. • National Technical Support Agency
will be established to provide

technical support to the Centre and • Its objective is to showcase Himachal’s
States to ensure their quality of beauty as India’s cleanest and greenest
construction of the houses. state.
• Under the scheme, the game of cricket
Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish will be linked with Swatch Bharat
Yojana Abhiyan and youth will be termed as
Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Yojana Swatch Captain and teachers as Swatch
was launched on March 8 by the Karnataka Coach. They will start cleanliness
Government to provide free treatment drive with the help of students from
to road accident victims for the first 48 universities, educational institutes and
then in their local neighbourhood.
hours in the nearest government or private
hospital. Udyam Aakansha scheme
The scheme is named after Harish Nanjappa, Chhattisgarh Government has launched
who donated his eyes moments before his ‘Udyam Aakansha’ Scheme for promoting
death in a road accident in February 2016. micro, small and medium enterprises in the
Highlights of the scheme state on February 9.
• The scheme will provide assistance to Highlights of the scheme
victims of road accidents across the
• The scheme would facilitate free online
state irrespective of their financial
registration and self-certification to the
status or nationality. investors interested in investment on
• Immediate medical relief will be micro, small and medium enterprises
provided to victims during the Golden and service businesses.
Hour with financial aid up to 25000 • The investors can enrol themselves
during the first 48 hours of treatment. online through website of the Industries
• The victims will receive medical care for department which will be based on self-
first 48 hours and get treatment at any certification process.
hospital. All hospitals will be directed • For the online registration, investors
not to reject accident victims. need not submit any documents nor
have to pay any fee.
• A software covering hospital registration, • Chhattisgarh is among some leading
patient registration, claims submission states where this scheme has been
and packages will be installed for the initiated.
proper implementation of the scheme. • Keeping in view the objective of
• Emergency toll free helplines will also promoting the ease of doing business,
the process of registration and self-
be set up to help accident victims.
certification for entrepreneurs has been
simplified.
Swachh Himachal Padhai bhi, Safai bhi
‘Swachh Himachal – Padhai bhi, Safai bhi’ National Capital Goods Policy 2016
campaign was launched by Himachal National Capital Goods Policy 2016 was
Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) on unveiled by Union Ministry of Heavy
February 20 in Dharamsala. With this Industries on 15 February 2016. The policy,
unique campaign, HPCA became the first with the theme Building India of Tomorrow,
seeks to achieve the vision of Make in
cricket association in the country to work
India initiative and establishes India as a
towards Swatch Bharat Abhiyan initiated by
global manufacturing hub by unlocking the
the Union Government.
potential for capital goods sector.
Key facts Main Features
• The campaign aims at involving youth to • Vision: To increase the share of capital
promote good health and sanitation in goods contribution from present 12 to
urban and rural areas in the Himalayan 20% of total manufacturing activity by
state. 2025.
POLICIES AND SCHEMES 2016 CA-33
• Mission: To become one of the top • The balance 778 crore rupees outstanding
capital goods producing nations of the debt will be re-priced or issued as state
world by raising the total production to guaranteed DISCOM bonds at coupon
over twice the current level. rates of around 3%.
• To raise exports to a significant level • The debt restructuring of state
of at least 40% of total production and DISCOMs will lead to annual saving
thus gain 2.5% share in global exports in interest cost to the tune of around
of capital goods. ` 117 crore.
• To improve technology depth in Indian • The financial restructuring of debt under
capital goods from the current basic and this scheme will help Bihar to speedily
intermediate levels to advanced levels. provide power to around 160.60 lakh
• Objectives: Increase total production households in 1,152 villages that are
to achieve total production in excess of still without electricity.
5 lakh crore rupees by 2025 from the
current 2.2 lakh crore rupees. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
• To increase domestic employment Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan was
from the current 15 lakhs to at least 50 introduced by the Union Finance Minister
lakhs by 2025 thus providing additional Arun Jaitley on 29 February 2016 in the
employment to over 35 lakhs people. Union Budget for 2016-17. The scheme
• To increase the share of domestic is aimed at energising rural India and
production in India’s capital goods transforming lives of rural population.
demand from 56% to 80% by 2025
Key Features of the scheme
and in the process improve domestic
capacity utilization to 80-90%. • The scheme seeks to develop
• To improve skill availability by training governance capabilities of Panchayat
50 lakhs people by 2025. Raj Institutions (PRIs) to deliver on the
• To improve ‘technology depth’ in Sustainable Development Goals.
capital goods sub-sectors by increasing • Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan has
research intensity in India from 0.9% to been proposed with allocation of ` 655
at least 2.8% of GDP. crore.
• The scheme will help Panchayat
Bihar joins UDAY Scheme Raj Institutions deliver Sustainable
• Bihar has become the sixth state to Development Goals.
join Union Government’s UDAY (Ujwal • It will cover 52,000 village panchayats.
Discom Assurance Yojana) Scheme for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen
financial restructuring of debt of power
Kaushalya Yojana
distribution companies.
• Other 5 states are Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Under the Yojana, the Union Ministry of Rural
Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat to Development will launch skill development
become part of the scheme. training centres on a large scale to address
• A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding the problem of unemployment particularly
in rural India.
(MoU) was signed between Bihar
government, State Power Distribution Main Highlights of the Rural Scheme
companies (DISCOMs) and Union Power • The Yojana aims at training 10 lakh (1
ministry. million) rural youths for jobs in three
• Under the scheme, Bihar government years, that is, by 2017.
would take over 75% or 2,332 crore • The minimum age for entry under the
rupees of the state DISCOM’s total debt Yojana is 15 years compared to 18 years
of 3,110 crore rupees as of September under the Aajeevika Skills Programme.
2015. • Skill development training centres
to be launched so as to address the

unemployment problem in the rural • Training urban poor to meet the
area. huge demand from urban citizens
• The skills imparted under the Yojana by imparting market oriented skills
will now be benchmarked against through City Livelihood Centres.
international standards and will • Enabling urban poor form Self-Help
complement the Prime Minister’s Make Groups for meeting financial and social
In India campaign. needs with a support of 10000 rupees to
each group.
• The Kaushalya Yojana will also address
the need for imparting training to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
differently-able persons and chip in
On May 1, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala
private players including international
Yojana (PMUY) was launched. The scheme
players to impart the skills to the rural
will benefit the poor, especially the women.
youths.
The scheme aims to provide cooking gas
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya connections to five crore below-poverty-
Yojana for urban areas line beneficiaries over the next three years.
Salient features of the scheme
It extends the coverage to all the 4041
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
statutory cities and towns, there by covering (CCEA) approved 8000 crore rupees for
almost the entire urban population. the next 3 years starting from financial
Currently, all the urban poverty alleviating year 2016-17.
programmes covered only 790 towns and • PM Ujjwala Yojana will provide 5 crore
cities. LPG connections to BPL Families.
Main Highlights of the Urban Scheme • A budgetary provision of the scheme is
The scheme will focus on 2000 crore rupees.
• Imparting skills with an expenditure of • 5 crore LPG connections will be
15000 rupees to 18000 rupees on each provided to BPL families with a support
urban poor. of 1600 rupees.
• Promotion of self-employment through • Connections will be given in the name of
setting up individual micro-enterprises women beneficiaries.
and group enterprises with interest • Identification of BPL families will
subsidy for individual projects costing be made in consultation with State
2 lakhs rupees and 10 lakhs rupees for Governments and Union territories.
group enterprises. • EMI Facility for meeting the cost of
Stove and Refill cost.
TOP 10 CA-35
INDIA TOP 10 PEOPLE – 2016
Social/Science & Tech. Political Economic
• Pusarla Venkata (P.V.) • PM- Narendra Modi • Vijay Mallya (Business)

Sindhu
• Dipa Karmakar • Arvind kejriwal (CM-Delhi) • Cyrus Mistry (TATA)
(Gymnast)
• Rohit Vermula (Ph.D • Irom Chanu Sharmila • Urjit R. Patel (RBI)
student) (Social work)
• Justice J.S. Khehar (CJI) • Jayalalitha Jayaraman • Pankaj Patel (FICCI)
(AIADMK)
• Ravichandran Ashwin • Mufti Mohammad Sayeed • Amit Mitra (GST)
(cricket) (J&K)
• Aparna Kumar (Antarctic • O.Panneerselvam (CM-Tamil • Binny Bansal (Flipkart)
expedition) Nadu)
• Alok Kumar Verma (IPS) • H.L. Dattu (chairman-HRC) • Aditya Puri (HDFC)
• Anuradha Roy (writer) • Mehbooba Mufti (CM-J&K) • Abid Ali Neemuchwala

(Wipro)
• Sakshi Malik (wrestling) • Jagdish Singh Khehar (CJI) • Satyanand Munjal
(Herocycle)
• Bezwada Wilson (social • Vinod Rai (Banks Board • Dinesh Sharma (Banking)
work) Bureau)
INDIA TOP 10 EVENTS
Social/Science & Tech. Political Economic

• 103rd Indian Science • President’s Rule in • India overtakes Thailand as
Congress on 03-01-2016 Arunachal Pradesh world’s largest rice exporter on
on 26-01-2016 28-01-2016
• Padma Awards to 112 • India’s 67th Republic • Incredible India Tourism
recognised people on Day on 26-01-2016 investors summit on 21-09-2016
26-01-2016
• India’s first Aviation • National Conference • Yes Bank won Green Bond Award
Park in Gujarat on of women Legislator in London on 25-02-2016
10-02-2016 in nation building on
05-03-2016
• Setu Bharatam Project • National Waterway • Kerala Tourism’s Muziris Heritage
on railway crossing on Bill passed on 09-03- Project on 27-02-2016
04-03-2016 2016 by Rajya Sabha
• ARIES-Asia’s largest • India ranked 70th in • 9th Defence Expo 2016 unveiled in
optical Telescope with good country index Goa on 28-03-2016
Belgium on 30-03-2016 list of 163 on
03-06-2016
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala • Afghan-India • India at top in FDI destination by
Yojana (PMUY) for LPG friendship Dam on Financial Times Report on 22-
on 01-05-2016 04-06-2016 04-216
CA-36 TOP 10
• E-library Sugamya • 8th BRICS summit in • Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
Pustakalaya for blind on Goa on 15-10-2016 Bill passed on 11-05-2016
24-08-2016
• India’s First LIGO • India’s 1st amphibious • Simhastha Declaration at Ninora
laboratory in Hingoli bus project at Harike Village in Ujjain on 14-05-2016
(Maharashtra) on 10- (Amritsar) on 12-12-
09-2016 2016
• Super Computer PARAM- • India-Indonesia • GST Bill passed on 8th August
ISHAN (IIT-Guwahati) strategic partnership 2016 by Rajya Sabha
inaugurated on 20-09- on 12-12-2016
2016
• Smart India Hackathon • Rights of persons • 2016-17 Global Competitiveness
by MHRD on 10-11- with disabilities bill- Index by world Economic Forum
2016 2016 passed by Rajya on 27-09-2016
Sabha on 14-12-2016
INDIA TOP 10 ISSUES 2016
Social/Science & Tech. Economic Political

• Sex ratio in Haryana is • Organic farming-food • Uniform Civil Code
903 per 1000 as per 2011 quality & soil fertility
Census
• Cauvery Water dispute • Net neutrality Facebook’s • Electoral reforms
between Karnataka and free basics
Tamil Nadu
• JNU controversy and its • E-commerce in India • Age for UPSC civil services
effects aspirants
• Haryana Jat Agitation for • UIDAI and sharing of • CBI raid and arrest of Delhi
consideration as OBC Aadhaar data government principal
category secretary
• Combat Drug resistant TB. • Black money in India • Aam Aadmi Party MLAs Vs
Delhi Police
• Child Labour Prohibition • TATA’S Mistry Controversy • 7th Pay Commission and IAS
and Regulation Vs. IPS officers increments
• Commercial Surrogacy • Tax structure and GST • Unrest in Kashmir
• National Waterways • Demonetization of `500 • Punjab government and
Project Threatens and `1000 currency new castes inclusion in
Gangetic Dolphins notes OBC list
• BCCI-Lodha Committee • Enemy property • Armed Forces Special
recommendation Ordinance Power Act (AFSPA) in 3
more district of Arunachal
Pradesh
• NDTV goes off the air • Limited withdrawal of • Delhi Government Vs LG-
own money from ATM Najeeb Jung
and banks
TOP 10 CA-37
INDIA TOP 10 IDEAS 2016
Social/Science & Tech. Economic Political
• Smart cities • Credit Guarantee Fund for • Metrino Pod Taxi Project
MUDRA Loans
• HPV Vaccine Programme • Stand-up India scheme for • Doubling farmers’ income
in schools women & SC/ST
• 112- new single • SBI in Cube • Water Metro Rail
emergency number for
India
• Hologram Technique to • Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 • Solar Power Tree
check liquor’s purity in
Maharashtra
• India’s longest Bridge • Mahila E-Haat • Single Budget
• Panic Button-GPS in • India Post Payments Bank • Election Commision on
mobile Facebook to register
young voters
• Educational Institution • Unified Payments Interface • Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on
open to public scrutiny (UPI) Sardar V. Patel’s birthday
• E-bidding portals • Living in cashless/less • Caterpillar train to bust
cash society tourism in Punjab
• Digital Locker • Islamic Banking in India • Union Health Ministry
with AIIMS start National
Death Registry
• Online Platform “Nyaaya” • Incentives to digital • PM –Modi launched UPI
payments based mobile payment
app BHIM
TOP TRENDS 2016
Sociological Economic Political Scientific Ecological

Trends Trends Trends Trends Trends
• Water Crisis/ • Demonetization • World Politics • Hacking • Climate
Scarcity Swinging to the sites change
the right
• Living in • Goods & • Surgical Strike • R-Jio a • Global
relationship Services Tax trend Warming
(GST) setter
• Love Jihad • Blackmoney & • ISIS/Terrorism • Digital • Swachh
Corruption India Bharat
• Ghar Wapsi • e-commerce, • Politics & • e-wastes • Carbon Sinks
e-wallet & Education
Internet together
• Farmers’ • Oil wars • Servergate • Digital • Green peace
suicide locker
• Demographic • Benami • Populism • Live on • Smart cities
dividend Properties e-office
CA-38 TOP 10
• Surrogacy • Globalization • One Rank One • e-wallet • Green
Vs. Pension Technology
Protectionism
• Juvenile • Insolvency & • Patidar Quota • Medipark • Interlinking of
Justice Bankruptcy Agitation rivers
• Social Boycott • Cashless/Less- • BREXIT • Monorail • Solar impulse
cash Economy
• Uniform Civil • Paytm • Blood & water • Indigenous • CorodiaiLint
Code not together
• Lodha • Product Recall • Burhan Wani • e-courts •Rise in sea
Committee Vs & J&K unrest level
BCCI
• Europe’s • South China Sea • Ae Dil Hai • Mahila • Clean energy
Refugee Muskil e-Haat
Crisis
LGBT Rights • Unified • NSG (Nuclear • LIGO India • Biodiversities
Payments Suppliers
Interface (UPI) group) &
MTCR (Missile
Technology
Control
Regime)
• Islamic Banking • Bullet • Endangered
train species
• Single Budget • Pokemon • Deforestation
Go Vs
aforestation
• Robotic • Air pollution
Surgeon
WORLD TOP 10 PEOPLE, EVENTS, ISSUES & IDEAS
People Events Issues Ideas

• Boutros Boutros • World economic • World’s most • Japan’s ASTRO-H
Ghali-former UN Forum (WEF) expensive train satellite to study
secretary general meeting held station near Black holes.
died on 16-02- in Swiss resort World Trade
2016. of Davos, Centre in New
Switzerland on York (USA) at a
20 to 23 January cost of $ 4 billion
2016. with 11 subway
lines began in
February 2016.
• Htin Kyaw • 12th South Asian • 2016 World • Laser
appointed as first Games start at Tuberculosis interferometer
civilian president IGAS in Guwahati Day is 20th March Gravitational
of Myanmar on 05-02-2016. 2016 with a Wave Observatory
after 50 years of theme –unite to (LIGO) India project
military rule. end TB. for research on
gravitational
waves.
TOP 10 CA-39
• Juan Manuel • 4th Nuclear • India is 5th largest • Solar impulse-2, the
Santos-colombian Security producer of first plane powered
president was given Summit held in e-waste in world by renewable
Nobel Peace Prize Washington, D.C. expected to touch energy.
for ending ‘50 on 31st March to 4.7 lakh tones.
years Civil War’. 1st April 2016.
• Ray Tomlinson- • Saudi Arabia’s • Pakistani Artists • BRICS women
inventor of e-mail highest civilian controversy in forum.
died on 05-03- award (i.e. King bollywood.
2016. Abdulaziz Sash)
was given to PM
Narendra Modi on
03-04-2016.
• Muhammad Ali- a • Group-7 (G-7) • India ranked • Chabahar Port in
boxing symbol countries foreign 112th in world south-eastern
died on 03-06- ministers issued Economic Iran in the Gulf of
2016. Hiroshima Freedom Index. Oman.
declaration for
a world without
nuclear weapon
on 11-04-2016.
• Jim Yong Kim • Summer Olympic • Oil water Vs • First e-commerce
reappointed as at Rio de Janero US shale gas satellite planned
president of world (Brazil) started on revolution. by China’s giant
Bank on 01-07-2016. 05-08-2016. Alibaba.
• Mother Teresa was • Micius-the world’s • South China • Tackling illegal
declared saint on first quantum Sea and United immigration led
04-09-2016. satellite was Nations Donald Trump’s
launched by China Convention on victory.
on 16-08-2016. the law of the sea
(UNCLOS).
• Donald Trump • 2016 G-20 summit • Europe’s refugee • India’s strong
elected 45th held in Hangzhou, crisis led BREXIT. neighbourhood
president of USA China from 4 to 5th policy.
on 8-11-2016. September 2016.
• Fidel castro-cuba’s • Rio Paralympics • India surgical • Tsunami early
former president began on 07-09- strikes on Terror warning-system
passed away on 2016 at Rio de launch pads for South China Sea
25-11-2016. Janero (Brazil). across LOC. countries.
• Antonio Guterres • 6th Heart of Asia • India’s NSG bid, • Hafnium Carbide
former Portugese Conference began UN security (HFC)- world’s most
PM sworn in as on 3rd Dec. 2016 at council and heat resistant
UN secretary general Amritsar, Punjab MTCR. material identified
on 12-12-2016. with Amritsar by researchers of
declaration. imperial College,
London.
CA-40
Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement came during COP21/CMP11 of United Nations
Climate Change Conference (UNCCC) held in Paris (France) from 30
November to 11 December 2015. It was the outcome of 20 previous
Conferences of Parties (COPs) on behalf of United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) first held in Rio de Janeiro
(Brazil) Earth Summit in 1992. The Paris Agreement for the first time
brings all nations(Developed & developing) into a common cause to
undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its
effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so. As
such, it charts a new course in the global climate effort.
The Parties acknowledged, “climate change is a common concern of
humankind, so Parties should, when taking action to address climate
change, respect, promote and consider their respective obligations on
human rights, the right to health, the rights of indigenous peoples, local
communities, migrants, children, persons with disabilities and people
in vulnerable situations and the right to development, as well as gender
equality, empowerment of women and intergenerational equity”.
Some of the key aspects of the Agreement are:
Long-term Temperature Goal (Art. 2), Global Peaking (Art.4), Mitigation
(Art. 4), Sinks and Reservoirs (Art.5), Market and Non-markets (Art. 6),
Adaptation (Art. 7), Loss and Damage (Art. 8),Support (Art. 9, 10 and 11),
Transparency (Art. 13), Global Stocktake (Art. 14), etc.

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## MAJOR POLICIES/ACTS – AT A GLANCE GK-303–310

## INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTER GK-427–434

## ART AND CULTURE GK-435–446

## COMMUNICATION, MEDIA & TRANSPORT GK-467–482

## FILM INDUSTRY GK-483–488

## EDUCATION & CAREER GK-489–502

## ENGLISH LANGUAGE GK-503–516

## GENERAL APTITUDE & PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT GK-517–524

CURRENT AFFAIRS UPDATE CA-1–CA-40

National The Indian Banyan (Ficus bengalensis) is the national tree.

National Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the national bird of India.

National Saka calendar was introduced as the National calendar by the

INDIAN STATES & UNION TERRITORIES

State Animals and Birds

India’s name is derived from “Indus River”.

Four Ends of India Foundation day of States

AWARDS AND HONOURS

Bharat Ratna Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,

IMPORTANT BOOKS AND AUTHORS

INDIA’S POLITICAL JOURNEY 70 YEARS

INDIA’S AGRICULTURAL JOURNEY 70 YEARS

INDIA’S SCIENTIFIC JOURNEY 70 YEARS

INDIA’S DEMOGRAPHIC JOURNEY 70 YEARS

INDIA’S SOCIAL/CULTURAL JOURNEY 70 YEARS

National Consolidation In 2000’s

2012 • No. of medical colleges gone up

ANUSAT 20-Apr-09 PSLV-C12 Space Centres and Units

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Number of Command INS Shahkul INS Delhi INS Prahar

Paramilitary Forces •• Acting as guides in an area of responsibility

INDIA’S MISSILE SYSTEM : AT A GLANCE

RESEARCH AND SURVEY VESSELS

Science Day in Switzerland (26th May) is dedicated to APJ Abdul Kalam.

ATOMIC & NUCLEAR SCIENCE

The Indian army controls the highest battle field Siachen.

The first Indian to receive Bharat Ratna award Dr. Radhakrishnan

SUPERLATIVES Hydel Project in Kinnaur district of

Father of the Nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Country Capital Chief Language Currency

Country Capital Chief Language Currency

WORLD’S GEOGRAPHICAL DISCOVERIES

France covers the most time zone covering 12 time zones.

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize

INTERNATIONAL BOOKS & AUTHORS

7 WONDERS OF MODERN WORLD

7 WONDERS OF ANCIENT WORLD

WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES

Detective Agency Country Detective Agency Country

FATHER OF VARIOUS FIELDS

Field Father Field Father

Burj Khalifa in Dubai, is the tallest building in the world.

Ireland has absolutely no snakes.

Sobriquets Primary Names

Sick Man of Europe Turkey

FIRST IN THE WORLD

The first spacecraft to reach on Mars Viking-I

Longest & Largest Canal Tunnel Le Rove Tunnel (South of France)