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Follow us on CONTENTS
Current Affairs 5-32
HISTORY 1-27 Ancient India Pre-Historic Period (1), Indus Valley Civilisation (1), Vedic Period (3), Jainism and Buddhism (5), Dynasties of Ancient India (6) Medieval India Provincial Kingdoms (11), Mughal Empire (12), Later Mughals and Marathas (14) Modern India Advent of the Europeans (15), Governor-Generals of Bengal (15), Governor - Generals of India (16), Viceroys of India (17), The Revolt of 1857 (19), Chief National Activities (19) Art and Culture Classical Dancers of India (26), Musical Instruments and Instrumentalists (27)
GEOGRAPHY 28-50 World Geography Universe (28), Solar System (28), Rocks (31), Land Forms (31), Atmosphere (32), Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming (33), Important Canals and Lakes of the World (34), Major Islands and Minerals of the World (35) Indian Geography India (37), Highest Peaks of India (37), Important Lakes and Rivers of India (39), Important River Projects and their Beneficiary States (40), Natural Vegetation of India (41), Soil in India (42), Forests of India (43), Climate (44), Agriculture (44), Mineral Resources (45), Transportation in India (46), Railways (46), Road Transport (46), Water Transport (47), Air Transport (47) Environment and Ecology Important Sanctuaries and National Parks (49), Biosphere Reserves of India (50)
INDIAN POLITY 51-64 Framing of the Indian Constitution (51), Enactment of the Constitution (51), Preamble (51), Important Articles (52), Directive Principles of State Policy (54), Fundamental Duties (54), The President (54), The Vice-President (56), Council of Ministers (56), Prime Minister (56), Union Legislature (56), Supreme Court (58), Comptroller and Auditor General (58) The States The Governor (59), States Legislature (59), The Panchayats and the Municipalities (60), Committees to Study Panchayat System (61), Union Public Service Commission (61), Election and Planning Commission (62), National Development Council (63), Finance Commission (63), e-Governance and Its Impacts (63), Important Parliamentary Terms (64) Constitutional Amendments (64)
INDIAN ECONOMY 65-74 Outline of Indian Economy (65), Broad Sectors of Indian Economy (65), Five Year Plans at a Glance (66), National Income of India (66), Indian Tax Structure (67), Inequality (67), Poverty (67), Employment (68), Industries (69), Major Industries in India (70), Banking and Finance (71), Insurance (72), Census 2011 (73), Economic Terms (74)
GENERAL SCIENCE 75-102 Physics Newton’s Laws of Motion (75), Circular Motion (75), Gravitation (76), Satellites (76), General Properties of Matter (77), Archimedes’ Principle (77), Density (78), Heat and Thermodynamics (78), Waves (80), Light (80), Lens (81), Human Eye (82), Magnets (83), Atomic and Nuclear Physics (83), Laser Technology in India (85) Chemistry Physical and Chemical Changes (86), Corrosion (87), Acids, Bases and Salts (89), Soaps and Pesticides (90) Biology Living World (92), The Cell and Human Systems (92), Fat Soluble Vitamins (93), Blood (94), Central Nervous System (95), Some Human Diseases Caused by Viruses and Bacteria (96), Ecology (98), Biotechnology (98) Computer Components of Computer (101), Memory (101), Some Commonly Used Terms (102)
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 103-128 First in the World, (Male and Female) (103), Superlatives (104), Countries with Capitals and Currencies (105), Geographical Epithets (106), Major Newspapers of the World (109), Religions of the World (109), First in India (Male) (111), Female (111), Books and Authors (113), Important Dates and Days of the Year (114), Abbreviations (115), Awards and Honours (119), Indian Defence (122) Current Affairs
NATIONAL G PM-KISAN beneficiaries to be covered under the KCC scheme. G NABARD Re-finance Scheme to be Union Budget 2020-21 further expanded. G Union Budget 2020-21 was presented G ` 69000 crore allocated for the in Parliament on February 1, 2020 by healthcare sector. Out of the total the Union Minister for Finance Nirmala amount, ` 6400 crore will be Sitharaman. sanctioned for Ayushman Bharat G This year’s Union Budget centres around Yojana. three ideas-AspirationalIndia,Economic G Governement will start start Ind-Sat development,ACaring Society. Exam to promote study in India and G The Finance Minister Said that the Union a degree-level online education Budget 2020-21 aims programme for the deprived. G To achieve seamless delivery of G Government proposed ` 3000 crore services through Digital governance for Skill India to provide relevant skill G To improve physical quality of life training to the youth through National Infrastructure G ` 27300 crore allocated for 2020-21 pipline for development and promotion of G Risk mitigation through disaster Industry and Commerce. resilience G Investment Clearance Cell proposed G Social security through pension and to be set up to provide ‘end to end’ insurance penetration facilitation and support. Focused Points G National Technical Textiles Mission G Fiscal deficit target pegged at 3.8% of to be set up with four-year GDP for FY20. implementation period from 2020-21 G Over 6 crore farmers under Pradhan to 2023-24. Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana have been G New scheme NIRVIK to be launched insured. to achieve higher export credit G Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha disbursement. and Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) G 100 more airports to be developed to be expanded, providing 20 lakh under UDAAN by 2025. farmers in setting up standalone solar G Railways will set up Kisan Rail pumps. through PPP model so that G One-Product One-District for better perishable goods can be transported marketing and export in the quickly. Horticulture sector. G Four station re-development projects G Agri-credit target for the year 2020-21 and operation of 150 passenger has been set at ` 15 lakh crore. trains through PPP. 6 Current Affairs
G ` 22000 crore proposed for power G The plan to provide piped water across and renewable energy sector in Indian households by 2024 with ` 3.6 2020-21 trillion of funding. G Expansion of national gas grid Economic Survey 2019-20 from the present 16200 km to G 27000 km proposed. India’s Economic Survey 2019-20 was tabled in the Parliament by The Chief G An allocation of ` 6000 crore will Economic Advisor (CEA) Krishnamurthy V. be provided for BharatNet Subramanian followed by Finance Minister scheme. Nirmala Sitharaman on Jan., 31, 2020. G ` 28600 crore will be allocated in G The Economic Survey 2019-20 builds on FY21 for women-linked India’s aspiration of 5 trillion Economy by programmes. 2024-25 with a theme of Wealth Creation. G Allocation for senior citizens and Divyang enhanced to ` 9500 crore. Highlights
G G Allocation of ` 2500 crore for GDP growth pegged at 6-6.5% in FY2020-21 2020-21 for tourism promotion. as against 5.0% estimated for 2019-20. G G An Indian Institute of Heritage Survey suggests relaxing Fiscal Deficit and Conservation under Ministry target to revive growth in economy of Culture proposed; with the G To achieve GDP of $ 5 trillion by 2025, status of a deemed University. India needs to spend about $ 1.4 trillion G Reforms accomplished in PSBs; 10 on infrastructure banks consolidated into 4 and G Uptick in GDP growth expected in ` 350000 crore capital infused. second half of 2019-20 G G Government to amend the Theme of Survey is to enable markets, companies Act to decriminalise promote pro-business policies and civil offences. strengthening trust in the economy. G G Insurance cover for bank Ethical wealth creation key to India depositors raised from ` 1 lakh to becoming $ 5 trillion economy by 2025 ` 5 lakh. G Gross GST monthly collection crossed the ` G Government to sell govt stake in 1 lakh crore mark five times till Dec., 2019 IDBI Bank to private investors. G India ranks third in number of new firms created; 1.24 lakh firms created in 2018 G The government has proposed to compared to 70000 in 2014 sell a part of its holding in the LIC, G India’s large economy needs an efficient through an initial public offering banking sector to support growth; State of (IPO). the banking system needs urgent attention G Jan Aushadhi Kendra Scheme to G Survey suggests rationalisation of offer 2000 medicines and 300 government intervention in boosting surgicals in all districts by 2024 economic freedom and wealth creation G TB Harega Desh Jeetega G Access to helath services through Ayushman campaign launched-commitment Bharat and Mission Indradhanush across the to end Tuberculosis by 2025. country has improved G ` 3.60 lakh crore approved for Jal G ‘Thalinomics’ : Affordability of vegetarian Jeevan Mission Thali improved 29% and that of G ` 12300 crore allocation for non-vegetarian Thali by 18% from Swachh Bharat Mission in 2020-21 2006-07 to 2019-20 Current Affairs 7
Cabinet Approved the Medical It is the fourth waste to energy plant in Termination of Pregnancy the country and first plant (Amendment) Bill, 2020 commissioned by Government sector The Union Cabinet has approved the and Indian Railways (IR). Medical Termination of Pregnancy New Indian English Words Added (Amendment) Bill, 2020 on Jan. 29, 2020. to Oxford Dictionary The bill will amend the Medical The tenth edition of the Oxford Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 and Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, which extends the upper limit for permitting was launched on January 24, 2020, has abortions from the present 20 weeks to 384 Indian English words. 24 weeks. In this latest edition, 26 new Indian ‘Samvidhaan’ Named as Oxford languages words namely Aadhaar, Hindi Word of 2019 Chawl, dabba, hartal, shaadi and several Samvidhaan or Constitution has been incorporate words like chatbot, fake named as the Hindi Word of the Year for news, microplastic & over 1000 new 2019 by Oxford University Press on words were included. January 28, 2020. ISRO Unveiled ‘Vyommitra’ for The word was picked as 2019 saw the Gaganyaan values of democracy, secularism, justice, The Indian Space Research liberty, equality, and fraternity being Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled a tested on the touchstone of the half-humanoid or human-robot named samvidhaan. ‘Vyommitra’ which will be sent to space SC Allows Govt. to Bring African as part of the Gaganyaan mission on Cheetah to India January 22, 2020. The Supreme Court has allowed the ‘Vyom Mitra’ or a friend in the sky; is Centre to introduce the African cheetah capable of conversing with astronauts, to a suitable habitat in India (Palpur recognising them, and responding to Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh) on their queries. an experimental basis on January 28, It is called half-humanoid since it does 2020. not have legs, though it can bend The decision was taken after a petition forward and sideways. was filed by National Tiger Conservation POLNET 2.0 Facility Launched Authority (NTCA) to introduce the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs African Cheetah from Namibia as the (MHA) Nityanand Rai has inaugurated rare Indian Cheetah that has become revamped police communication almost extinct in India. services POLNET 2.0 on January 20, Indian Railways Commissioned 2020. First Waste to Energy Plant It is a captive satellite-based network Indian Railways has commissioned the that provides video, audio and data country’s first governmental waste to connectivity across the country, energy plant in Mancheswar Carriage especially in times of disasters when Repair workshop at Bhubaneswar under regular communication either gets the East Coast Railway zone. jammed or crashes. 8 Current Affairs
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020 Held India Successfully Test-fired K-4 PM Narendra Modi has attended the Ballistic Missile 3rd edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha India successfully test-fired the 3,500 km 2020’ held at Talkatora Stadium in strike range nuclear-capable K-4 submarine- New Delhi on January 20, 2020. launched ballistic missile off the coast of He advised students to study in their Andhra Pradesh on January 19, 2020. comfortable time, enter the exam hall The missile system is being developed by with faith and without any pressure the DRDO and is to be fitted into the and start attempting the paper with indigenouslybuilt INS Arihant-class easier question. nuclear-powered submarines of the Indian He guided students that they should Navy. not fear failures and learn from it as it Pulse Polio Programme 2020 would lead them towards their Launched success. President Ram Nath Kovind has launched SU-30MKI Aircraft Squadron the Pulse Polio Programme 2020 by Inducted administering Polio drops to children Indian Air Force has inducted the first below five years at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft squadron January 18, 2020. at the Thanjavurair base. The Pulse Polio Programme 2020 was The SU-30MKI fighters are being conducted as a part of National equipped with the air-launched Immunisation Day across the country. version of the BrahMossupersonic APNA UREA–Sona Ugle Brand of cruise missiles which can hit targets at HURL Launched around 300 kilometres with precision. Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister DV This is the first SU-30MKI fighter aircraft Sadananda Gowda has launched the squadron in South India which will APNA UREA-Sona Ugle brand of Hindustan look after amaritime role as well. Urvarak and Rasayan Limited (HURL) in ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ New Delhi on January 17, 2020. Scheme will be Implemented by HURL is a joint venture company June 2020 promoted by the three Maha Ratna Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has Companies - Coal India Limited, NTPC announced on January 20, 2020 that Limited and Indian Oil Corporation the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ Limited. scheme will be implemented by June ISRO’s GSAT-30 Launched 1, 2020 across the country. India’s ‘high power’ telecommunica- tion Under this scheme, a beneficiary will satellite ‘GSAT-30’ and EUTELSAT KONNECT be able to avail benefits across the was successfully launched from Kourou country using the same ration card. launch base, French Guiana by Ariane-5 The beneficiaries will be identified VA-251 on January 17, 2020. and verified through Aadhaar It will be replacing the INSAT-4A satellite, authentication at the Fair Price Shops which launched in 2005, and it is designed on the electronic point of sale to be operational for at least 15 years. (e-POS) devices. Current Affairs 9
Second Premium Tejas Train Mukherjee Port on the occasion of 150th Flagged-off celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust Gujarat Chief Minster Vijay Rupani has (KoPT). flagged-off Mumbai-Ahmedabad Tejas Two oldest pensioner of the port Smt. Express on January 17, 2020. Nagina Bhagat (105 years) and Mr. This is the IRCTC’s second premium Naresh Chandra Chakra borty (100 train after the semi-high speed and fully years) were honoured at the event. air-conditioned Delhi-Lucknow Tejas 2nd Round of Intensified Mission Express. Indradhanush- 2.0 The train is fully-air conditioned and The Union Government has launched comprises all the modern facilities with the second round of Intensified Mission personalised reading lights, CCTV Indradhanush 2.0 at block level in 35 cameras, bio-toilets, LED TV, automatic districts of Uttar Pradesh on January 7, doors and many more. 2020. K9 Vajra-T Dedicated to the Nation The Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has aims to immunize children under 2 years dedicated the 51st K9 Vajra-T of age and pregnant women against self-propelled artillery gun at the Larsen & eight vaccine-preventable diseases. Toubro (L&T) armoured system complex 10 More Indian Wetlands Got at Hazira in Gujarat on January 16, 2020. Ramsar Site Tag K9 Vajra-T is a 155-mm, 52-calibre Ten more wetlands in India have been self-propelled artillery gun with a recognized as Ramsar wetland sites, maximum range of 40 km, customised taking the total number in the country from the original K9 Thunder gun. to 37. Raisina Dialogue 2020 Held Uttar Pradesh with one Ramsar site has The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and added six more namely Nawabganj, the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Parvati Agra, Saman, Samaspur, Sandi has jointly organised the 5th edition of and Sarsai Nawar. the Raisina Dialogue 2020 in New Maharashtra got its first Ramsar site Delhi from January 14-16, 2020. Nandur Madhameshwar while Punjab The theme of the Raisina Dialogue this which already had three, added three year (2020) is “Navigating the Alpha more sites namely Keshopur-Miani, Beas Century”. Conservation Reserve and Nangal. It brought together 700 international 107th Indian Science Congress Held participants out of which 40% of the The 107th Indian Science Congress (ISC) speakers were women, emphasising was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi India’s commitment to gender equality. on January 3, 2020 at the University of PM Modi’s Visit to Kolkata Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru, PM Narendra Modi paid a two-day Karnataka. The focal theme of the official visit to Kolkata, West Bengal from congress 2020 is Science and Technology January 11-12, 2020. During his visit, he : Rural Development. renamed Kolkata Port as Shyama Prasad It aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural India and improving the 10 Current Affairs quality of farmers life through science about the forest cover, forest vegetation and technology. density, tree cover, progress of PM Modi has launched the Indian plantation outside the designated Science, Technology and Engineering forests etc. for India as well as States. Facilities Map (I-STEM) portal, which will Karnataka (1025 sq km) tops the country hold the database of all R&D facilities, in growing the maximum amount of established in institution across forest in the last two years followed by thecountry and will enable their sharing Andhra Pradesh (990 sq km) and Kerala among the researchers. (823 sq km). Swachh Survekshan League 2020 Mangrove cover in the country has Result Announced increased by 54 sq km (1.10%) as compared to the previous assessment The Ministry of Housing and Urban of 2017. Affairs (MoHUA) has announced the results of the first and second quarter of There is an increase of 42.6 million Swachh Survekshan League 2020 on tonnes in the carbon stock of the December 31, 2019. country as compared to the last assessment of 2017. In the first quarter (April – June 2019), under the category of population Atal Bhujal Yojana Launched between 1 lakh and 10 lakhs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has Jamshedpur was on 1st spot followed launched Atal Bhujal Yojana (or Atal Jal), by New Delhi and Bilaspur whereas, in a scheme for sustainable management the second quarter (July to September of ground water resources, in New Delhi 2019), Jamshedpur, Chandrapur and on December 25, 2019. The scheme was Khargone topped the charts. launched on the occasion of 95th birth RPF Renamed as Indian Railway anniversary former Prime Minister Late Protection Force Service Atal Bihari Vajpayee and it is also named after him. The Ministry of Railway has accorded, Organised Group ‘A’ Status (OGAS) to its Cabinet Approved Updation of security force Railway Protection Force National Population Register (RPF) and renamed it as Indian Railway The Union Cabinet has approved an Protection Force Service on expenditure of ` 8754.23 crore for the December 31, 2019. exercise of Census of India 2021 and RPF is a security force, established by ` 3941.35 crore for updation of the the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957; National Population Register (NPR) on enacted by the Indian Parliament for December 24, 2019. Census of India will ‘the better protection and security of cover the entire population in the railway property’. country while NPR will also cover all the population except in the state of Assam. India State of Forest Report 2019 Released DRDO Tested QRSAM Successfully Environment Minister Prakash Javedkar DRDO successfully flight-tested has released the India State of Forest indigenously developed Quick Reaction Report on December 30, 2019 which Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system provides comprehensive information from Chandipur off the Odisha coast on Current Affairs 11
December 23, 2019. The missile was NEFT Facility to be Available 24×7 flight-tested with full configuration in for Customers deployment mode intercepting the target The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mid-air, meeting the mission objectives. announced on December 6, 2019 Pinaka Missile Successfully Test-fired that the National Electronic Funds DRDO has successfully tested the Transfer (NEFT) system will be made upgraded version of the Pinaka rocket available 24x7 on all days from Mark-II from firing test range at Chandipur December 16, 2019. testing center in Odisha on December 20, Under the current system, funds can 2019. The Pinaka Mk-II rocket is modified as be transferred through NEFT from 8 a missile by integrating with the navigation, am to 7 pm from Monday to Friday control and guidance system to improve (except on Holidays). the end accuracy and enhance the range. President Approved the Recycling President Approved Arms of Ships Bill 2019 (Amendment) Bill 2019 President Ram Nath Kovind has President Ram Nath Kovind has approved approved ‘The Recycling of Ships Bill the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 for a 2019’ for Safe and Environmentally maximum punishment of life Sound Recycling of Ships in India on imprisonment for manufacturing and December 13, 2019. The already carrying illegal arms on December 16, existing Shipbreaking Code (revised), 2019. The act will enhance the period of 2013 and the provisions of the Hong arms license from 3 years to 5 years and Kong Convention, 2009 will be joined also to issue arms license in its electronic together in this bill. form to prevent forgery. The Citizenship (Amendment) National Broadband Mission Launched Act, 2019 Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has President Ram Nath Kovind has given launched National Broadband Mission his assent to the Citizenship (NBM) on December 17, 2019. (Amendment) Bill, 2019, turning it into The mission will facilitate universal and an Act on December 12, 2019. equitable access to broadband services The Act amended the Citizenship Act, across the country, especially in rural and 1955 and aims to provide Indian remote areas. citizenship to the Non-Muslim illegal migrants belonging to the six 2 Versions of BrahMos Missile minority communities namely Hindu, Test-fired Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, Christian and India successfully conducted two separate Sikhs from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, trials of supersonic cruise missile BrahMos, and Pakistan who had arrived in India one each from land and air platforms on before December 31, 2014. December 17, 2019. ISRO Launched RISAT-2BR1 and 9 The land attack version was test fired from Foreign Satellites a mobile autonomous launcher at Launch Complex-3 of the ITR at Chandipur while ISRO has launched India’s latest spy the air attack version was test fired from satellite RISAT-2BR1 and nine foreign Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. satellites (six from the US and one 12 Current Affairs each from Israel, Italy and Japan) BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile through PSLV- C48 at Sriharikota in Test-Fired Andhra Pradesh on December 11, 2019. Indian Navy has successfully test-fired RISAT-2BR1 is radar imaging earth the 290-km strike range BrahMos observation satellite developed by ISRO supersonic cruise missile from the Navy’s and the second satellite in the RISAT-2B stealth destroyer INS Kochi in the Arabian series. The satellite will be used in Sea on November 28, 2019. applications such as agriculture, forestry The supersonic missile successfully hit a and disaster management support. decommissioned target ship in Arabian Fit India School Rating System Sea. The air-launched BrahMos missile is Launched a 2.5-tonne supersonic air-to-surface cruise missile, designed and developed Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju have by BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited. launched the Fit India School Rating ISRO Launched CARTOSAT-3 System at Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Delhi The Indian Space Research Organisation Cantt on December 4, 2019. The Fit India (ISRO) has launched advanced earth School Rating System has been launched imaging and mapping satellite as part of the Fit India Campaign. Fit India Cartosat-3 along with 13 commercial school rating system as per certain nanosatellites into Sun Synchronous parameters is expected to enhance the Orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre image of the schools. at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on India Conducted Night Trial of November 27, 2019. Cartosat-3 was Prithvi-2 Missile launched by PSLV-C47 rocket along with India has successfully conducted night 13 other cubesats from the USA. trial of the indigenously developep Lokpal Logo & Motto Released nuclear-capable Prithvi-2 The logo is based upon the literal surface-to-surface missile as part of a user meaning of Lokpal-Lok means people trial for the armed forces from ITR at and pal means caretaker, i.e. caretaker of Chandipur in the coast of Odisha. people. It is designed by Prashant The missile has a strike range of 350 Mishra, from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh kilometres with warheads carrying (UP). Motto of the Lokpal : Ma Gridhah capacity of 500-1000 kg. Kasyasvidhanam (Do not be greedy for First Night Trial of anyone’s wealth). Agni-III Missile Conducted Parliament Passed Jallianwala Bagh India has conducted the first night trial National Memorial (Amendment) of nuclear capable long-range Bill 2019 surface-to-surface ballistic missile Parliament has passed the Jallianwala Agni-III from the Abdul Kalam Island off Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Odisha coast on November 30, 2019. Bill, 2019 on November 19, 2019. The The Agni-III has a strike range of 3000 new Bill contains an amendment to the km to 5000 km and is capable of Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act, carrying both conventional, nuclear 1951, and changes the provisions for warheads weighing up to 1.5 tonnes. trustees of the memorial. Current Affairs 13
Defence Exercise Test Missile Description Sindhu The Indian Army conducted exercise Sindhu Sudarshan for the year 2019 in Sudarshan the deserts of Rajasthan from November 29 to December 4, 2019. The aim Exercise of this exercise is to evaluate the capability of the defence services in an integrated air-land battle. Shakti-2019 Indian and French armies conducted joint counter-terrorism drills under 'Exercise Shakti-2019' in the Mahajan field firing range in Rajasthan from October 31 to November 13, 2019. Sindhu The Strike Corps of the Indian Army has conducted its second phase of the Sudarshan-VII exercise named Sindhu Sudarshan-VII in Rajasthan from November 12-18, Exercise 2019. Samudra The second divisional naval exercise ‘Samudra Shakti 2019’ between Indian Shakti Navy and Indonesia Navy was held in the Bay of Bengal from Nov. 6-7, 2019. SCOJtEx-2019 Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue (SCOJtEx)-2019 in New Delhi on November 4, 2019. Dustlik-2019 The first-ever India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise Dustlik-2019 was held at Chirchiq Training Area near Tashkent from November 4-13, 2019. The exercise enabled sharing of best practices and experiences between the Armed Forces of the two countries. Sudarshan A two-day long Sudarshan Chakra Vahini War Exercise 2019 of the Indian Chakra Vahini Army was held at Jaisalmer field firing range, Rajasthan from October 20-21, War Exercise 2019. IMNEX-2019 The 2nd edition of India-Myanmar Naval Exercise called ‘IMNEX-2019’ was held in Visakhapatnam from October 19-22, 2019. The exercise was consisted in two phases : the harbour phase includes visits to Indian Naval units, training and maintenance facility at Visakhapatnam.
India Test-Fired Prithvi-II Missile The Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh is a India has successfully test-fired repository of diverse crops across 128 indigenously developed nuclear-capable agro-climatic zones to help enable Prithvi-II missile from a mobile launcher better nutritional outcomes. from Launch Complex-3 of Chandipur Special Winter Grade Diesel Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Balasore Launched district of Odisha on November 20, 2019. Home minister Amit Shah has It is the surface-to-surface missile, which launched a special winter grade has a strike range of 350 km. It is capable of diesel for the citizen of Ladakh carrying 500 to 1,000 kg of warheads and is through video conferencing in New powered by liquid propulsion twin Delhi on November 17, 2019. engines. The winter-grade diesel has been Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh Launched developed by Indian Oil Corporation, The Ministry of Women and Child and stays unfrozen up to minus 33 Development along with Bill and Melinda degrees Celsius. It will help to reduce Gates Foundation has launched the hardships faced by the local people Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh (BPKK) in New for transportation and mobility Delhi on November 18, 2019. during the harsh winter months. 14 Current Affairs
Darjeeling Green & White Tea The order was passed by a five-judge Received GI Tag Constitution bench headed by Chief Two tea varieties of Darjeeling tea Justice Ranjan Gogoi, with other members namely Green Tea and White Tea were including Justices NV Ramana, DY registered under ‘Geographical Chandrachud, Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Indication of Goods (Registration and Khanna. Protection) Act, 1999’ on Ayodhya Case Verdict November 16, 2019. Darjeeling After about 70 years of legal battle in produces 85 lakh kilograms of tea; of independent India, the Babri Masjid-Ram this Green Tea constitutes 10 lakh Janmabhoomi land dispute of Ayodhya kilograms and White Tea constitutes 1 resolved. lakh kilograms. The Supreme Court has finally delivered its India Conducts First Night Trial of much-awaited verdict on November 9, Agni-II Missile 2019 in the landmark Ayodhya Ram DRDO has successfully conducted the Mandir-Babri Masjid land title dispute and first night trial of nuclear-capable ruled in favour of the Hindu side with intermediate range ballistic missile regards to the ownership of the disputed Agni-II from the Dr. Abdul Kalam piece of land. Island off the Odisha coast on The Apex Court has also ordered the November 16, 2019. The 20-metre government to allot a five-acre plot at a long two-stage ballistic missile has a prominent place in Ayodhya to the launch weight of 17 tonnes and can Muslims to construct a new mosque. carry a payload of 1000 kg over a distance of Kartarpur Corridor Inaugurated 2000 km. PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated Integrated Check Post of Kartarpur Sisseri River Bridge Inaugurated Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has November 9, 2019. inaugurated the Sisseri River Bridge at He also flagged off the first batch of over Lower Dibang Valley in East Siang 500 Indian pilgrims led by Akal Takhat District of Arunachal Pradesh on Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh to Gurdwara November 15, 2019. Darbar Sahib through the corridor. It is the 200-metre long bridge between Jonai-Pasighat-Ranaghat- FSSAI Released Food Safety Roing road; will provide connectivity Guidelines for Schools between Dibang Valley and Siang. It The Food Safety and Standards Authority was constructed by Project Brahmank of India (FSSAI) has released draft of Border Roads Organisation (BRO). regulations titled ‘Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Healthy Diets CJI’s Office to Come Under RTI for School Children) Regulations, 2019’, on Supreme Court ruled that the office of November 7, 2019. the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is a The draft is a 10 pointer chart that public authority under the Right to prohibits the sale and promotion of Information Act on November 13, unhealthy food items in schools and 2019. nearby locations. Current Affairs 15
Shala Darpan Portal Launched Along with the position of Prime Union Minister of State for HRD Sanjay Minister, he has also taken over as the Dhotre has launched the Shala Darpan Minister of Interior . Portal for Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti He succeeded Sheikh Abdullah bin (NVS) in New Delhi on November 6, Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, who 2019. Shaala Darpan portal is an submitted his resignation to the emir. ene-to-end E-Governance school Switzerland Minted World’s automation and management system Smallest Gold Coin for Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). Switzerland state-owned Swissmint has INTERNATIONAL minted world’s smallest gold coin of 2.96 mm (0.12 inches) on January 23, WHO Declared the Global Risk of 2020. Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) The coin features a face of scientist The World Health Organization has Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue. declared the outbreak of a novel It weighs 0.063 grams and has a nominal coronavirus a global health emergency value of 1/4 Swiss francs ($ 0.26). on January 30, 2020 because the Corruption Perceptions Index 2019 outbreak continues to spread outside Transparency International has released China. the Corruption Perceptions Index 2019 Coronavirus is an umbrella term for during the annual meeting of the World viruses that cause illness ranging from Economic Forum in Davos on common cold to diseases such as the January 23, 2020. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Denmark and New Zealand have (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory cornered the top spot, followed by Syndrome (SARS). By January 31, 2020, Finland, Singapore, Sweden and 213 deaths have been reported and Switzerland in the top ten, among 180 9776 confirmed cases. countries. Hawaiian Telescope Captured most India slipped two positions to 80th in Detailed Pictures of the Sun Yet the index with a score of 41 while it was Hawaii’s Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope at 78th in the previous year’s ranking. has captured the highest-ever Global Talent Competitiveness resolution images of the solar surface Index 2020 on January 29, 2020. The images show the sun’s surface to be made up of Global Talent Competitive Index (GTCI) granular structures, like nuggets of gold, 2020 has been released at the annual each about the size of France. meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on January 22, 2020. Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Bin Switzerland emerged as the most Abdulaziz Al Thani Appointed as talent-competitive nation of the world’ New PM of Qatar followed by US and Singapore. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz India has moved up eight places to the Al Thani has been appointed as new 72nd position out of 132 countries from Prime Minister of Qatar on January 28, 80th position in GTCI 2019. 2020. 16 Current Affairs e-Passport Launched in Dhaka Henley Passport Index 2020 Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Henley & Partners has released the Hasina has launched e-passport in Dhaka, Henley passport Index 2020 on Bangladesh on January 22, 2020. January 8, 2020. With this, Bangladesh has become the Japan emerged as the world’s most first country in South Asia and 119th powerful passport, while Singapore country in the world to have an e-passport took the second spot followed by facility. The e-passports will have an South Korea and Germany. embedded chip in them which will India’s rank has dropped from 82nd in contain the bio-metric data of the 2019 to 84th in 2020 which means that passport holder, photograph and other Indian passport allows visa-free entry information contained in the passport. to 58 destinations worldwide. Sakellaropoulou becomes Greece’s Nigeria’s passport ranked 199th as the First Woman President weakest passport in the world. Greece’s parliament has elected Katerina Pedro Sanchez Re-elected as the Sakellaropoulou as the first woman PM of Spain president in the Country’s history on Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, a January 22, 2020. She will succeed current Spanish politician & Socialist leader conservative President Prokopis has been re-electedd as Spanish Prime Pavlopoulos, whose five-year term expires Minister on January 7, 2020. He has in March. Prior to her election, she served also been Secretary-General of as President of the Council of State, the the Spanish Socialist Workers' highest administrative court of Greece. Party (PSOE) since June 2017. Guyana Takes Over the Chairmanship Palau Becomes First Country to of G77 Ban ‘Reef-Toxic’ Sunscreen The South American country Guyana has Palau has become the first country in took over the chairmanship of the Group the world to ban various types of of 77 (G77) for the year 2020 from sunscreen to protect coral reefs on Palestine. January 1, 2020. The sun cream The Group of 77 (G77) is the largest consists of oxyben zone and intergovernmental organisation of octinoxate absorbs UV (Ultra Violet) developing countries in the United rays which causes water more acidic, Nations. makes corals susceptible to bleaching Robert Abela Elected and agitating fish stocks New PM of Malta WHO Designated 2020 as ‘Year of Malta’s governing party has elected a Nurse and Midwife’ new leader Robert Abela as 14th prime World Health Organisation (WHO) has minister of Malta on January 12, 2020. designated the year 2020 as the Year At the internal party elections, he of the Nurse and the Midwife in honour obtained 9,342 votes against 6,798 for his of the 200th birth anniversary of rival Chris Fearne. Florence Nightingale. He replaced Joseph Muscat, who The year 2020 is significant for WHO in resigned in December 2019. the context of nursing and midwifery Current Affairs 17 strengthening for Universal Health gap; India has been reached 112th Coverage. The WHO will also launch among 153 countries. first-ever State of the World’s Nursing The report analyzed 153 countries in report in 2020 prior to the 73rd session their progress toward gender parity, of the World Health Assembly. focusing on four main dimensions: China Launched Shijian-20 Satellite Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, China has launched its heaviest and Health and Survival and Political most advanced communications Empowerment. satellite, Shijian-20 by its largest new carrier rocket Long March-5 from UK General Elections 2019 Wenchang Space Launch Center in Boris Johnson won the United Kingdom south China’s Hainan Province on (UK) general election after his December 27, 2019. Conservative Party crossed the required The Long March-5 rocket can carry a majority of 326 votes of the 650 seats in maximum payload of 25 tonnes into the House of Commons on low Earth orbit and 14 tonnes into December 13, 2019. geosynchronous orbit. The Labour party headed by Jeremy Donald Trump Launched Bernard Corbyn and the Scottish US Space Force National Party headed by Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon gained 203 and 43 US President Trump officially has votes, respectively. launched US Space Force, the 1st US military service in over 70 yrs focusing US Shuts Down WTO Appeal Court on warfare in space, on December 22, The Appeal Court of the World Trade 2019. He has signed the 2020 National Organization (WTO) that acts as trade Defense Authorization Act, authorising dispute settlement body for the the establishment of Space Force. members was shut down by the United Eight West African Countries States on December 9, 2019. Renamed Common Currency Without WTO’s appellate body, the Eight West African nations have agreed dispute settlement will return to to change the name of their common pre-1995 GATT (General Agreement on currency from ‘CFA franc’ to ‘Eco’ on Tariffs and Trade) status quo. December 22, 2019. CFA Franc is the Human Development Index 2019 name of two currencies- ‘the West Norway topped the Human African CFA franc’, which is used in 8 Development Index (HDI) 2019 West African countries and ‘Central according to the Human Development African CFA franc’, which is used in 6 Report released by the United Nations Central African countries. Development Programme (UNDP) on Global Gender Gap Report 2020 December 8, 2019. World Economic Forum (WEF) has Switzerland and Ireland stood at the released the Global Gender Gap Index second and third place, respectively out Report 2020 on December 17, 2019. of 189 countries. India has jumped one Under the report Mind the 100 year place from 2018 to 129 in 2019 in HDI. 18 Current Affairs
COP25 Climate Summit Sweden paid a 5-day official visit to The 2019 United Nations Climate India from December 2-6, 2019. Change Conference, also known as The king and queen of Sweden COP25 was held in Madrid, Spain, from inaugurated the 14 MLD (megalitres per December 2-13, 2019 under the day) Sewage Treatment Plant(STP) Sarai presidency of the Chilean government. village in Haridwar (Uttarakhand). Originally, the Summit was supposed to Nuad Thai Massage included in take place in Chile, but was relocated UNESCO Heritage List to Spain after political unrest in The famous 2000-year-old Nuad Thai Santiago. massage that has been practised in The conference incorporates the 25th Thailand has been officially added to Conference of the Parties to the United the UNESCO’s list of ‘intangible cultural Nations Framework Convention on heritage’ practices. The massage follows Climate Change (UNFCCC), the 15th a traditional healing mechanism that meeting of the parties for the Kyoto folds the body and uses sharp elbow Protocol (CMP15), and the second techniques, combining acupressure and meeting of the parties for the Paris Indian Ayurvedic principles. Agreement (CMA2). Oxford Word of the Year 2019 NATO Summit 2019 Announced The United Kingdom (UK) hosted two Oxford Dictionaries has declared climate day organised 2019 NATO (North emergency as the word of the year for Atlantic Treaty Organization) Summit 2019 on November 21, 2019. in London from December 3-4, 2019. Climate emergency is defined as ‘a The purpose of the summit was to make situation in which urgent action is the heads of state and heads of required to reduce or halt climate government of NATO member countries change and avoid potentially to evaluate and provide strategic irreversible environmental damage direction for Alliance activities. The year resulting from it.’ 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the summit. Pakistan Launched Shaheen-1 Missile Pakistan has conducted successful test Afghanistan First Country launch of Shaheen-1 surface-to- surface to Recognize Indian Pharmacopoeia ballistic missile on November 18, 2019. Afghanistan has become the first country The Shaheen-1 missile is capable of to recognise the Indian Pharmacopoeia delivering all types of warheads up to standards for drugs & medicines. The range of 650 km. Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) is an officially recognized book of standards as per the Pakistan Becomes First Country to Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules Launch New WHO approved 1945 thereunder. Typhoid Vaccine Swedish King and Queen Pakistan has become the first country in Visited India the world to introduce a new typhoid vaccine on November 15, 2019. The King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and vaccine was approved by the WHO in Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath of Current Affairs 19
2018, initially used during a two-week SPORTS AND GAMES immunisation campaign from November 18 to 30 in the urban areas CRICKET of Sindh. The new vaccines have been Diplomat Cup 2020 provided by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to the Pakistani government free of cost. The team of the Indian Consulate has defeated the team of the Pakistan BRICS Summit 2019 Held Consulate to lift the Diplomat Cup Cricket The 11th BRICS Summit convened in Championship of 2020 in Dubai on Brasília (Brazil) on November 13-14, January 18, 2020. 2019 with the theme BRICS : Economic This is the third successive year that India Growth for an Innovative Future. won the Diplomat Cup Championship. All BRICS leaders namely Brazilian The first tournament was won by President Jair Bolsonaro, Indian Prime Bangladesh in January 2017. Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese India-West Indies ODI Series President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African India beat West Indies by 4 wickets to win President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed a the three-match ODI series by 2-1 at wide range of topics from intra-bloc Barabati Stadium Cuttack, Odisha. Rohit cooperation to global governance. Sharma was named Man of the Series. India-West Indies Women’s T20 Series Sri Lanka Call Match Fixing a Crime The India women’s cricket team played Sri Lanka has become first South Asian with West Indies women’s cricket team nation to criminalise several offences from November 1-20, 2019. related to match-fixing on Indian women’s cricket team defeated November 12, 2019. The move comes the West Indies in a five- match T20I after Sri Lankan parliament passed of a series by winning the fifth and last T20 bill related to it labelled as Prevention match by 61 runs at the Providence of Offences Related to Sports. If a Stadium in Georgetown, Guyana. person is found guilty of committing an offence, then he may find himself India and Bangladesh T20 Series jailed for a term up to 10 years and will India defeated Bangladesh by 30 runs in also be required to pay other fines. the third and final T20I to win 3-match NASA Unveiled Its First Electric series 2-1 in Nagpur on November 10, Plane 2019. Deepak Chahar won the man of the Match and Man of the Series awards. NASA has launched an early version of its first all-electric experimental India-West Indies Women’s aircraft, the X-57 Maxwell on ODI Series November 9, 2019. Adapted from an Indian Women Cricket team won the three Italian-made Tecnam P2006T match series 2-1 against West Indies by 6 twin-engine propeller plane, the X-57 wickets in the 3rd and final ODI match in has been under development since North Sound, Antigua. 2015. The Maxwell will be the Smriti Mandhana was named the Player agency’s first crewed X-plane to be of the Match, while Stafanie Taylor was developed in two decades. named Player of the Series. 20 Current Affairs
TENNIS ITF World Champions 2019 Hobart International 2020 International Tennis Federation (ITF) 27th edition Hobart International honoured eleven players by its annual Tennis Tournament took place at the awards named as ITF World Champions Hobart International Tennis Centre in 2019 in Singles, Doubles, Wheelchair, and Hobart, Australia from January 13-18, Juniors category on December 20, 2019. 2020. Category Winner Indian Tennis Player Sania Mirza and Men’s Singles Rafael Nadal (Spain) her Ukrainian partner Nadiia Kichenok Women’s Singles Ashleigh Barty (Australia) have won the 2020 women’s doubles Women’s Timea Babos (Hungary) and title. Doubles Kristina Mladenovic (France) The 2020 Hobart International was a women's tennis tournament played Davis Cup Tie 2020 on outdoor hard courts. India defeated Pakistan in the tie match for the International Tennis Federation’s Qatar Open 2020 (ITF’s) Davis cup 2020 was held in Nur- The 28th edition of the Qatar Open Sultan, Kazakhstan from November 29-30, 2020 (men’s tennis tournament) was 2019. Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and took place at the Khalifa International Leander Paes won the match against Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, Huzaifa Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Qatar from January 6-11, 2020. Shoaib 6-1, 6-3 in the only doubles match Russia’s Andrey Rublev won the of the tie between India and Pakistan. singles title after defeating Corentin Davis Cup 2019 Moutet of France in the final. The Davis cup final was conducted from Brisbane International 2020 November 18-24, 2019 at the Caja Mágica The 12th edition Brisbane in Madrid, Spain. Spain’s Rafael Nadal International tennis tournament 2020 clinched 6th Davis Cup title in men’s was took place at the Queensland singles after beating Denis Shapovalov of Tennis Centre in Tennyson from Canada. January 6-12, 2020. Fed Cup 2019 Karolína Plíšková of Czech Republic The final of 57th edition of Fed Cup 2019 won the singles title after defeating was held in Australia on November 10, Madison Keys (USA) in the final. 2019. It is the most important tournament ATP Cup 2020 between national teams in women’s tennis. France defeated Australia with 3-2 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) has defeated in the finals and won the Fed Cup 2019. Rafael Nadal (Spain) to make Serbia the champion of ATP Cup 2020 held HOCKEY at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, National Ice Hockey Women’s Australia from January 3–12, 2020. Championship The 2020 ATP Cup was the first Ladakh lifted the 7th National Ice Hockey edition of the ATP Cup, an Championship Women trophy after international outdoor hard court defeating Delhi, at the Karzoo Ice Hockey men’s tennis tournament. Rink in Ladakh on January 7, 2020. Current Affairs 21
The tournament was organised by the Ice SHOOTING Hockey Association of India (IHAI) in 63rd National Championship association with the Ladakh National Rifle Association of India winter sports club. (NRAI) & MP State Shooting BADMINTON Academy has organized 63rd Indonesia Masters 2020 National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) 2019 at The 2020 Indonesia Masters badminton Shooting Academy Shooting tournament was took place at the Istora Ranges, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Gelora Bung Karno in Indonesia from from December 7, 2019 - January 4, January 14-19, 2020. 2020. Category Winner Manu Bhaker has bagged 4 gold Men’s Singles Anthony Sinisuka medals (individual and team events Ginting (Indonesia) in senior and junior) in the women’s Women’s Singles Ratchanok Intanon 10 meter air pistol event. (Thailand) Shooter Zeena Khitta (Himachal Malaysia Masters 2020 Pradesh) has won the gold medal The 2020 Malaysia Masters badminton of the 10-meter air rifle event. tournament was took place at the Axiata Saurabh Chaudhary (Uttar Pradesh) Arena in Malaysia from January 7-12, 2020. has won the gold medal in the men’s 10 meter air pistol event. Category Winner Men’s Singles Kento Momota (Japan) YOUTH GAMES Women’s Singles Chen Yufei (China) Khelo India Youth Games 2020 BWF World Tour Finals 2019 The 3rd edition of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2020 was held The 2nd edition of Badminton World at Karmabir Nabin Chandra Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals 2019 Bordoloi Indoor Stadium in (officially known as the HSBC– Hong Kong Guwahati, Assam from and Shanghai Banking Corporation BWF January 10-22, 2020. World Tour Finals 2019) took place at Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou, China from Maharashtra topped the medal tally December 11–15, 2019. with total of 256 medals followed by Haryana and Delhi. CHESS It was organised by Ministry for Hastings International Youth Affairs and Sports & India’s P. Magesh Chandran won the title in conducted in partnership with the the 95th edition of the prestigious Hastings School Games Federation of India International Chess Congress at Hastings in (SGFI), Indian Olympic Association England on January 6, 2020. (IOA), and Assam State He remained unbeaten and finished in clear government. first place with 7.5 points from nine games The second edition of Khelo India after securing a 33-move draw in the final Youth Games was held in Pune, round against compatriot G.A. Stany. Maharashtra in 2019; topped by Maharashtra. 22 Current Affairs
AWARDS& HONOURS Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2020 President Ram Nath Kovind has NATIONAL conferred the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Padma Awards 2020 2020 to 49 children in the age group of The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has 5-18 years at a ceremony at Rashtrapati announced the names of 141 Padma Bhawan on January 22, 2020. awardees for 2020 on January 25, 2020. 29th Saraswati Samman Out of 141 awardees, 7 personalities Prominent Sindhi writer Vasdev Mohi have been chosen for Padma Vibhushan, will be conferred with 29th Saraswati 16 personalities for Padma Bhushan and Samman for his short stories collection 118 personalities for Padma Shri. ‘Cheque book’ which talks about the Award Awardee miseries and sufferings of marginalized sections of the society. Padma George Fernandes, Arun Jaitley, Vibhushan Sushma Swaraj and Sri BCCI Annual Awards 2018-19 Vishveshateertha Swamiji Sri Pejavara Adhokhaja Matha The Board of Control for Cricket in India Udupi (Posthumous), Sir (BCCI) has presented its Annual Awards Anerood Jugnauth, MC Mary in 25 different categories for the Kom and Chhannulal Mishra 2018-19 seasons in Mumbai, Padma Syed Muazzem Ali, Neelakanta Bhushan Ramakrishna Madhava Menon Maharashtra to honor all the legendary and Manohar Parrikar cricketers on January 12, 2020. (Posthumous), M. Mumtaz Ali, Jasprit Bumrah received the prestigious Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Ajoy Chakravorty, Manoj Das, Polly Umrigar Award for being the best Balkrishna Doshi, Krishnammal international cricketer for 2018-19 Jagannathan, SC Jamir, Anil season. Prakash Joshi, Dr. Tsering Landol, Anand Mahindra, Prof. Poonam Yadav has been adjudged the Jagdish Sheth, PV Sindhu and best international cricketer among the Venu Srinivasan women. Padma Harish Chandra Verma, Shri Vashishtha Narayan Singh Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu (Posthumous), Dr. Kushal National Awards Konwar Sarma, Kalyan Singh Rawat and 114 others Agricultural Scientist MS Swaminathan and social worker Dr. Gutta Muniratnam Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda were respectively chosen as the first Prabandhan Puraskar 2020 recipients of ‘Muppavarapu Venkaiah Disaster Mitigation and Management Naidu National Award for Excellence’ Centre (DMMC), Uttarakhand and Kumar and ‘Muppavarapu National Award for Munnan Singh have been selected for Social Service’ on January 9, 2020. the 2nd Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda 66th National Film Awards Prabandhan Puraskar 2020 on Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has January 23, 2020. DMMC was selected conferred the 66th National Film under ‘institution category’ while Shri Awards for the year 2018 in 31 Kumar Munnan Singh was selected categories in New Delhi on under ‘individual category’ for their December 23, 2019. contributions in disaster management. Current Affairs 23
Category Award out of which 45 are collections of poems including "Khanda Kavyas", "Katha Best Actor Vicky Kaushal (‘Uri : The Surgical Strike’) Kavyas", "Charitha Kavyas" and songs. AyushmannKhurrana 28th Bihari Puraskar (‘Andhadhun’) Rajasthan based noted writer Manisha Best Actress Keerthy Suresh (‘Mahanati’) Kulshreshtha has been awarded the 28th Bihari Puraskar for 2018 for her novel Best Director Aditya Dhar (‘Uri : The Surgical Strike’) ‘Swapnapash’ on November 23, 2019. She is known for her works like ‘Shigaf’, Best Music Sanjay LeelaBhansali (‘Padmavat’) ‘Shalbhanjika’ and ‘Panchkanya’. The award is named after famous Hindi poet Best Hindi movie ‘Andhadhun’ Bihari and is presented by the KK Birla Dada Saheb Phalke Award Foundation to writers of Rajasthani Amitabh Bachchan has received the 50th origin. Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2019, India’s Indira Gandhi Award for highest film honour from President Ram National Integration Nath Kovind on December 29, 2019. He Noted environmentalist and social was honoured for his ‘outstanding activist Chandi Prasad Bhatt will be contribution for the growth and awarded the Indira Gandhi award for development of Indian cinema’. national integration for the years 2017 Sahitya Akademi Award 2019 and 2018. He has earlier been awarded The Sahitya Akademi announced its the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1982 annual literary awards for 2019 for works and Padma Bhushan in 2005. in 23 languages on December 18, 2019. JCB Prize for Literature 2019 Shashi Tharoor won the Sahitya US based-Indian author Madhuri Vijay’s Akademi Award 2019 for his book An Era debut novel, The Far Field bagged 2019 of Darkness: The British Empire in India. JCB prize for Literature on November 2, Gangadhar National Award 2019. The Far Field is an impressively Hindi Poet Viswanath Tiwari from Uttar ambitious novel of stunning emotional Pradesh to be honoured with and psychological acuity. Gangadhar National Award during the INTERNATIONAL 53rd Foundation Day celebrations of the Sambalpur University. He was the Tyler Prize 2020 former President of the Sahitya Esteemed environmental economist and Akademi between 2013-2014 and has UN Environment Programme (UNEP) authored several anthologies. Goodwill Ambassador Pavan Sukhdev has won 2020 Tyler Prize for 55th Jnanpith Award Environmental Achievement on Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan January 27, 2020. Namboodri has been chosen for the 55th Jnanpith award for his 62nd Grammy Awards outstanding contribution to the The 62nd Annual Grammy Awards Malayalam literature on November 29, ceremony was held at the Staples Center 2019. Akkitham has authored 55 books in Los Angeles on January 26, 2020. 24 Current Affairs
The event was hosted by American Renee Zellweger won the Best Actress in musician, singer and composer Alicia a drama category for his performance in Keys and the awards were presented Judy. in 84 categories. Sam Mendes won the Best Director Lizzo received the most nominations of award for 1917. any artist with eight, followed by Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X with six each. Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh (23) of Jamaica was Billie Eilish, the 18-year-old singer won crowned as Miss World 2019 at 69th five awards, including song of the year, Miss World competition 2019 in best pop vocal album, album of the London, United Kingdom (UK) on year, record of the year and best new December 15, 2019. She was crowned artist. Miss World title by Miss World Former United States(US) first lady 2018-Vanessa Ponce of Mexico. Michelle Obama was honoured with the best spoken word album of the year Miss Universe 2019 award for the book Becoming. Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa was ICC Awards 2019 crowned Miss Universe 2019 at the Miss Universe pageant at Atlanta, the United The International Cricket Council (ICC) States on December 9, 2019. The two has announced on January 15, 2020 the runners-up for the crown were Miss ICC awards 2019 for recognising and Madison Anderson (Puerto Rico) and honoring the performance of player Miss Sofía Aragón (Mexico). Miss between January 1, 2019 and Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the December 31, 2019. Philippines presented the crown. Award Player International Children’s Player of the Year Ben Stokes (England) Peace Prize 2019 Test Cricketer of the Pat Cummins Divina Maloum (14) from Cameroon and Year (Australia) Greta Thunberg (16) from Sweden both ODI Cricketer of the Rohit Sharma (India) Year received the International Children’s Peace Prize 2019 in The Hague, Emerging Cricketer of Marnus Labuschagne the Year (Australia) Netherlands on November 21, 2019. Spirit of Cricket Virat Kohli (India) Teen activist Greta Thunberg has been Award awarded for her work in the struggle T20I Performance of Deepak Chahar against climate change. Divina received the Year (India) the prize for her peaceful fight against extremist violence and radicalization. 77th Golden Globe Awards The 77th annual Golden Globe Awards Indira Gandhi Prize 2019 ceremony was held at The Beverly Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California announced on November 19, 2019 that on January 5, 2020. Hollywood star the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Joaquin Phoenix won the Golden Globes Disarmament and Development for for the Best Actor in a motion 2019 will be conferred on renowned picture-drama for his performance in naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Joker. Attenborough. Current Affairs 25
He has been awarded to preserve and He has replaced Viral Acharya, who had protect the biodiversity of our planet. resigned from the post in June last year. The prize carries a cash award of Anand Prakash Maheshwari 2.5 million Indian rupees and a citation. Senior IPS officer AP Maheshwari has PERSONS IN NEWS appointed as the Director-General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on NATIONAL January 13, 2020. Deepika Padukone He is 1984-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer who will be in the post till Deepika Padukone was honoured with February 28, 2021, the date of his the annual Crystal Award at World superannuation. Economic Forum (WEF) 2020 in Davos, Switzerland on January 21, 2020. She Bipin Rawat has been honoured for her contribution Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat in spreading awareness around mental has been named India’s first Chief of health. Defence Staff on December 30, 2019. JP Nadda The CDS will be a four-star general who Jagat Prakash Nadda was elected will head the department of military unopposed as the national president of affairs and report to the defence the Bharatiya Janata Party on January 20, minister on warfare and defence 2020. He replaced Amit Shah who is strategy for all three Armed Forces. currently serving as Union Home Minister Vishwesha Tirtha Swami in the Narendra Modi Cabinet. Vishvesha Teertha Swami, the head of Challa Sreenivasulu Setty Pejavara Mutt has passed away at the The government has appointed Challa age of 88 on December 28, 2019. Sreenivasulu Setty as the Managing He was known as the ‘Rashtra Swamiji’, Director (MD) of the State Bank of India and a great social reformer. (SBI) for a period of 3 years on Sangita Reddy January 20, 2020. He is presently serving Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing in the SBI as Deputy Managing Director. Director of Apollo Hospitals Group was Arjun Munda appointed as the President of Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Federation of Indian Chambers of Munda has been elected as President of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for the the suspended Archery Association of year 2019-20 on December 23, 2019. India (AAI) on January 18, 2020. He got Harsh Vardhan Shringla the support from former AAI President The Government of India has appointed Vijay Kumar Malhotra and defeated BVP the Senior Diplomat Harsh Vardhan Rao by a margin of 34-18 votes. Shringla as the next Foreign Secretary of Michael Debabrata Patra India on December 23, 2019. The government has appointed Michael He will take charge on January 29, 2020 Debabrata Patra as the fourth Deputy after replacing Vijay Gokhale. He is a Governor of the Reserve Bank of India 1984 batch IFS Officer and the current (RBI) on January 14, 2020. Indian Ambassador to the United States. 26 Current Affairs
Ganga Prasad Vimal Soma Roy Burman Eminent Hindi author Ganga Prasad Soma Roy Burman took charge as the Vimal has passed away at the age of 80 in 24th Controller General of Accounts Sri Lanka on December 23, 2019. He (CGA) in the Finance Ministry’s earlier worked as a Professor in many Department of Expenditure on colleges including Jawaharlal Nehru December 1, 2019. University, New Delhi from 1999 to 2004. Jyoti Sharma Shriram Lagoo Lieutenant Colonel Jyoti Sharma has Eminent theatre and film actor Dr. been appointed as Indian Army’s first Shriram Lagoo has passed away at the female Judge Advocate General officer to age of 92 on December 17, 2019. be deployed on a foreign mission on He was well known for his roles in plays November 14, 2019. like ‘Natsamrat’, ‘Himalayachi Saoli’ and Virat Kohli films like ‘Pinjra’, ‘Ek Din Achanak’, Virat Kohli was named as People for the ‘Gharonda’, and ‘Lawaris’. Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Cyrus Mistry India’s ‘Person of the Year for 2019’ on The National Company Law Appellate November 20, 2019. The Team India Tribunal (NCLAT) restored former Tata captain won the award for his animal group Chairman Cyrus Mistry as advocacy efforts. executive chairman of Tata Group on TN Seshan December 18, 2019. Former Chief Election Commissioner TN BB Kumar Seshan has passed away at the age of Braj Bihari Kumar, Chairman of the 87 on November 10, 2019. He was the Indian Council of Social Science 10th Chief Election Commissioner and Research (ICSSR) has passed away at the had served form December 12, 1990, till age of 78 in New Delhi on December 8, December 11, 1996. 2019. INTERNATIONAL Girish Chandra Chaturvedi Gita Sabharwal Girish Chandra Chaturvedi has United Nations Secretary-General appointed as the Chairman of National Antonio Guterres has appointed Gita Stock Exchange (NSE) on Sabharwal of India as the United December 6, 2019. Nations Resident Coordinator in Lt. Shivangi Thailand on January 30, 2020. Lieutenant Shivangi has become the Marjan Sarec first woman pilot of Indian after joining Slovenia’s Prime Minister Marjan Sarec the naval operations in Kochi on has announced his resignation to December 2, 2019. parliament and called for early general She will be flying the Dornier elections on January 27, 2020. surveillance aircraft of the Indian His resignation was followed by the Navy. Navy’s Aviation branch earlier has resignation of the Finance Minister had women officers operating as ‘air Andrej Bertoncelj. traffic control officers’ and as ‘observers’. Current Affairs 27
Haitham Bin Tariq Al-Said Manuel Marrero Cruz Haitham bin Tariq al-Said has been Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz sworn in as the new Sultan of Oman named as the Cuba’s first prime minister on January 11, 2020. He succeeded since 1976 on December 21, 2019. The his cousin Qaboos bin Said who was post of prime minister was scrapped in the Sultan of Oman from July 1970 1976 by the then-revolutionary leader and until his death. Cuba’s last Prime Minister Fidel Castro. Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said Sethuraman Panchanathan Oman leader, Sultan Qaboos bin Said US President Donald Trump has elected Al Said has passed away at the age of Indian-American computer scientist 79 on January 10, 2020. He was Sethuraman Panchanathan as director of succeeded by his cousin and Oman’s the National Science Foundation on culture minister Haitham bin Tariq. December 20, 2019. Zoran Zaev Danny Aeillo Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hollywood actor Danny Aiello has passed Zoran Zaev submitted his resignation away at the age of 86 on December 12, to the parliament on January 3, 2020. 2019. He was known for his roles in the After his resignation, North movies 'Do The Right Thing' and 'The Macedonia’s parliament has Godfather Part II'. approved a new caretaker Abdelmadjid Tebboune government headed by Oliver Spasovski. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, former Prime Minister of Algeria was elected as the Hillary Clinton President of Algeria on December 13, 2019. Former US secretary of state Hillary He took over the power from former Rodham Clinton has been appointed President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and former as the first female Chancellor of UK’s Acting Head of State Abdelkader Bensalah. Queen’s University on January 2, 2020. Greta Thunberg She is the University’s 11th Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has Chancellor and will serve the post for been named Time magazine’s Person of the a period of five years with effect from Year for 2019 on December 11, 2019. At 16, January 1, 2020. She succeeded Tom she is the youngest person to earn the title Moran, who died last year. in the magazine’s 92-year history. Ashraf Ghani Sundar Pichai Afghan President Ashraf Ghani won Sundar Pichai, the current CEO of Google another five-year term in office, has been named as the new Chief according to preliminary results the Executive Officer (CEO) of Alphabet on election commission announced on December 4, 2019. December 22, 2019. He takes over after chief executive officer He secured 50.6% of the vote Larry Page and president Sergey Brin compared with 39.52% for Abdullah stepped down; who co-founded Google Abdullah, in the September poll. in 1998. 28 Current Affairs
Bob Willis BOOKS & AUTHOR Bob Willis, the former England cricket captain has passed away at the age of 70 Book Author on Dec. 4, 2019. He was well known for Relentless Yashwant Sinha his memorable performance in the third Human Dignity – A Ashwani Kumar Ashes test in 1981 against Australia. purpose in perpetuity Masatsugu Asakawa The Gateway : A Social Hariharan Masatsugu Asakawa was elected as the Commentary on Safety of Balagopal Senior Citizens 10th President of the ADB by its Board of The Renaissance Muppavarapu Governors on December 2, 2019. He is Man-The Many Facets of Harshavardhan currently Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Arun Jaitley and Deepa Minister and Minister of Finance and will Venkat assume office on January 17, 2020. Dreams of a Billion: India Boria Majumdar and the Olympic Games and Nalin Mehta Gotabaya Rajapaksa Kumbh, Garam Pahad Dr. Anita Lt. Colonel Gotabaya Rajapaksa was and Dilli ki Bulbul (Sindhi Bhatnagar Jain sworn in as the Sri Lankan President on edition) November 18, 2019. He will succeed The Legacy of Militancy in Inderjit Singh President Maithripala Sirisena for a Punjab: Long Road to Jaijee and Dona five-year term. Normalcy Suri The Vault of Vishnu Ashwin Sanghi Jeanine Anez The Third Pillar : How Raghuram Jeanine Anez declared herself Markets and the State Govind Rajan interim President of Bolivia after Leave the Community the resignation of the government of Behind Evo Morales on November 13, 2019. She Finding the Simon James Gaps-Transferable Skills Arthur Taufel declared herself President without to be the best you can be having a quorum in the Parliament. RN Kao : Gentleman Nitin Anant Evo Morales Spymaster Gokhale Bolivian President Evo Morales has Hemant Karkare -A Jui Karkare resigned on November 10, 2019. He Daughter’s Memoir Navare served as the President of Bolivia from Suncatcher Romesh 2006 to 2019. The Vice-President, Alvaro Gunesekera Garcia Linera and Senate President The Unquiet River : A Arupjyoti Saikia biography of the Adriana Salvatierra, also resigned. Brahmaputra Pravind Jugnauth Kashmir Chitralekha Pravind Kumar Jugnauth elected as Zutshi Prime Minister of Mauritius for second The Parrot Green Saree Nabaneeta Sen term on November 8, 2019. Militant The First Sikh : The Life Nikky Guninder Socialist Movement (MSM) won 38 of and Legacy of Guru Kar Singh Nanak the 62 seats up for grabs while its rivals, the Labour Party and the Mauritian Accidental Magic Keshava Guha Militant Movement (MMM), garnered 14 Savarkar : Echoes from a Vikram Sampath Forgotten Past, 1883-1924 and 8 seats respectively. Current Affairs 29
WHO’S WHO Minister Portfolio Piyush Goyal Railways; Commerce and President Ram Nath Kovind Industry Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu Dharmendra Petroleum and Natural Prime Minister Narendra Modi Pradhan Gas; Steel Mukhtar Abbas Minority Affairs Cabinet Ministers Naqvi Minister Portfolio Prahlad Joshi Parliamentary Affairs; Coal; MInes Rajnath Singh Defence Dr. Mahendra Skill Development and Amit Shah Home Affairs Nath Pandey Entrepreneurship Nitin Jairam Road Transport and Giriraj Singh Animal Husbandry, Gadkari Highways; Micro, Small Dairying and Fisheries and Medium Enterprises Gajendra Singh Jal Shakti DV Sadananda Chemicals and Fertilizers Shekhawat Gowda Nirmala Finance; Corporate Affairs Ministers of State Sitharaman (Independent Charge) Ramvilas Consumer Affairs, Food Paswan and Public Distribution Minister Portfolio Narendra Singh Agriculture and Farmers Santosh K. Labour and Employment Tomar Welfare; Gangwar (Independent Charge) Rural Development; Rao Inderjit Statistics and Programme Panchayati Raj Singh Implementation (Independent Ravi Shankar Law and Justice; Charge); and Planning Prasad Communications; (Independent Charge) Electronics and Shripad Naik Ayurveda, Yoga and Information Technology Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha Harsimrat Kaur Food Processing and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) Badal Industries (Independent Charge); Thaawar Chand Social Justice and Defence Gehlot Empowerment Jitendra Development of North Dr. S Jaishankar External Affairs Singh Eastern Region (Independent Charge); Prime Minister’s Ramesh Human Resource Office; Personnel, Public Pokhriyal Development Grievances and Pensions; ‘Nishank’ Department of Atomic Arjun Munda Tribal Affairs Energy; Department of Space Smriti Zubin Irani Women and Child Development; Textiles Kiren Rijiju Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge); Dr. Harsh Health and Family Minority Affairs Vardhan Welfare; Science and Technology; Earth Prahlad Singh Culture (Independent Sciences Patel Charge); Tourism (Independent Charge) Prakash Environment, Forest and Javadekar Climate Change; Raj Kumar Power (Independent Charge); Information & Singh New and Renewable Energy Broadcasting; Heavy (Independent Charge); Skill Industries and Public Development and Enterprise Entrepreneurship 30 Current Affairs
Minister Portfolio Minister Portfolio Hardeep Housing and Urban Affairs Som Parkash Commerce and Industry Singh Puri (Independent Charge); Civil Rameswar Teli Food Processing Aviation (Independent Industries Charge); Commerce and Pratap Chandra Micro, Small and Medium Industry Sarangi Enterprises; Animal Mansukh Shipping (Independent Husbandry, Dairying and Mandaviya Charge); Chemicals and Fisheries Fertilizers Kailash Agriculture and Farmers Choudhary Welfare Ministers of State Debasree Women and Child Chaudhuri Development Minister Portfolio Faggansingh Steel Kulaste Governors and Chief Ministers Ashwini Kumar Health and Family Welfare State Governor Chief Minister Choubey Andhra Biswabhusan Jaganmohan General (Retd) Road Transport and Pradesh Harichandan Reddy VK Singh Highways Arjun Ram Parliamentary Affairs; Arunachal BD Mishra Pema Khandu Meghwal Heavy Industries and Pradesh Public Enterprise Assam Jagdish Mukhi Sarbananda Krishan Pal Gurjar Social Justice and Sonowal Empowerment Bihar Phagu Nitish Kumar Danve Raosaheb Consumer Affairs, Food Chauhan Dadarao and Public Distribution Chhattisgarh Anusuiya Bhupesh G. Kishan Reddy Home Affairs Uikey Baghel Parshottam Agriculture and Farmers Goa Satya Pal Malik Pramod Rupala Welfare Sawant Ramdas Athawale Social Justice and Empowerment Gujarat Acharya Dev Vijay Rupani Vrat Sadhvi Niranjan Rural Development Jyoti Haryana Satyadev Manohar Lal Babul Supriyo Environment, Forest and Narayan Arya Khattar Climate Change Himachal Bandaru Jai Ram Sanjeev Kumar Animal Husbandry, Pradesh Dattatraya Thakur Balyan Dairying and Fisheries Jharkhand Droupadi Hemant Soren Dhotre Sanjay HRD; Communication; Murmu Shamrao Electronics and Karnataka Vajubhai R. BS Information Technology Vala Yediyurappa Anurag Singh Finance; Corporate Affairs Thakur Kerala Arif P. Vijayan Mohammed Angadi Suresh Railways Khan Channabasappa Nityanand Rai Home Affairs Madhya Lalji Tandon Kamal Nath Pradesh Rattan Lal Kataria Jal Shakti ; Social Justice & Empowerment Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Uddhav Koshyari Thackerey V. Muraleedharan External Affairs; Parliamentary Affairs Manipur PB Acharya N. Biren Singh Renuka Singh Tribal Affairs Meghalaya Tathagata Roy Conrad Saruta Sangma Current Affairs 31
State Governor Chief Minister Union Lt. Governor/ Chief Territory Administrator Minister Mizoram PS Zoramthanga Shreedharan Lakshadweep Dineshwar — Pillai Sharma (Administrator) Nagaland RN Ravi Nephiu Rio Puducherry Kiran Bedi V. Narayana- Odisha Ganeshi Lal Naveen samy Patnaik Punjab VP Singh Amarinder Chiefs of Armed Forces/ Badnore Singh Intelligence Agencies Rajasthan Kalaraj Mishra Ashok Gehlot Force/Agency Chief Sikkim Ganga Prasad Prem Singh Chief of Defence General Bipin Rawat Tamang Staff Tamil Nadu Banwarilal EK Palanisami Air Force Air Chief Marshal RKS Purohit Bhadauria Telangana Tamilisai K. Army General Manoj Mukund Soundararajan Chandrashek Narawane har Rao Navy Admiral Karambir Singh Tripura Ramesh Bais Biplab Deb CBI Rishi Kumar Shukla Uttar Anandiben Yogi Integrated Lt. General PS Rajeshwar Pradesh Patel Adityanath Defence Staff Uttarakhand Baby Rani Trivendra IB Arvind Kumar Maurya Singh Rawat R&AW Samant Kumar Goel West Bengal Jagdeep Mamata Dhankhar Banerjee Important National Officials Administration of Union Territories Designation Name Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Union Lt. Governor/ Chief Bobde Territory Administrator Minister Chairperson, National HL Dattu Andaman DK Joshi — Human Rights and Nicobar Commission Islands Chairperson, Central PC Mody Chandigarh VP Singh — Board of Direct Taxes Badnore Chairperson, University Dhirendra Pal Dadra and Prafull Patel — Grants Commission Singh Nagar Haveli (Administrator) Chairman, Indian Space Sivan K. Daman and Prafull Patel — Research Organisation Diu (Administrator) Chairman, Atomic Kamlesh Vyas Delhi Anil Baijal Arvind Energy Commission Kejriwal Chairperson, 15th NK Singh Jammu- Girish — Finance Commission Kashmir Chandra Chairperson, Central Prasoon Joshi Murmu Board of Film (Administrator) Certification (CBFC) Ladakh Radha Krishna — Chairperson, Central Anita Karwal Mathur Board of Secondary (Administrator) Education (CBSE) 32 Current Affairs
Designation Name Bank Head/Chairman/MD Chief Election Sunil Arora Punjab and Sind S. Harisankar Commissioner Bank Attorney General KK Venugopal Union Bank of Rajkiran Rai G. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta India Chairman, Staff Selection Braj Raj Sharma UCO Bank Atul Kumar Goel Commission Chairman, Union Public Arvind Saxena Important International Officials Service Commission Designation Dignitary Governor, Reserve Bank Shaktikanta Das Secretary General, United Antonio Guterres of India Nations Organisation President, BCCI Saurav Ganguly President, World Bank David Malpass President, Indian Narinder Batra MD, International Kristalina Olympic Association Monetary Fund Georgieva Director General, World Roberto Azevedo Heads of Nationalised Banks Trade Organisation Bank Head/Chairman/MD President, UN General Tijjani Mohammad Assembly (UNGA) Bande State Bank of India Rajnish Kumar Director General, Audrey Azoulay Bank of Baroda Sanjeev Chadha UNESCO Bank of India Atanu Kumar Das Director General, WHO Tedros Adhanom Bank of AS Rajeev Ghebreyesus Maharashtra Director General, IAEA Rafael Grossi Canara Bank Lingam Venkata Executive Director, Henrietta H. Fore Prabhakar UNICEF Central Bank of Pallav Mohapatra Secretary General, Jurgen Stock India Interpol Indian Bank Padmaja Chunduru Secretary General, Kumi Naidoo Indian Overseas Karnam Sekar Amnesty International Bank President, IOC Thomas Bach Punjab National SS Mallikarjuna Rao President, FIFA Gianni Infantino Bank Chairman, ICC Shashank Manohar GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 1 INDIAN HISTORY
ANCIENT INDIA
PRE-HISTORIC PERIOD INDUS VALLEY Palaeolithic Period CIVILISATION
G G Homo sapiens first appeared towards the Indus Valley Civilisation is one of the end of this phase. four earliest civilisations of the world. G In this period, man barely managed to G According to radiocarbon dating, gather his food and subsisted on hunting. initiation of Indus Valley Civilisation
G Distinguished by the development of the can be dated around 2500-1750 BC. first stone tools made up of Quartzite. G Systematic town planning was based
G Palaeolithic period is divided into three on grid system; burnt bricks were used phases. They are to construct houses; well-managed drainage system; fortified Citadel; 1. Lower Palaeolithic highly urbanised; absence of iron 2. Middle Palaeolithic implements. 3.Upper Palaeolithic G The Great Bath (Mohenjodaro) was Mesolithic Period used for religious bathing. There were changing rooms alongside. G Domestication of animals (particularly, dogs) began and characteristic tools were G Six granaries in a row were found in used, called as microliths. the Citadel at Harappa.
G G Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, is The towns were divided into 2 parts: known for ancient caves depicting the Upper Part or Citadel and the pictures of birds, animals and humans. Lower Part. Harappans were ruled by a class of merchants, as no evidence of Neolithic Period weapons are found there. G G Neolithic people knew about fire and Indus people sowed seeds in November wheel. and reaped their harvest in April, because of the danger of flood. G An important site of this age is Burzahom, which means ‘the place of G Produced wheat, barley, rai, peas, birch’. seasum, rice and mustard. G Indus people were the first to produce Chalcolithic Period cotton, which the Greeks termed as G Use of Copper and Stone made tools. Sindon (derived from Sindh). G They practised agriculture, venerated G Animals known were oxen, sheep, Mother Goddess and worshipped the bull. buffaloes, goats, pigs, elephants, dogs, cats, asses and camels. 2 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
G Well-knit external and internal trade. Barter system was prevalent. G A very interesting feature of this civilisation was that iron was not known to the people. G The Indus people used weights and measures in the multiples of 16. G Harappans looked on Earth as fertility Goddess and phallic (lingam) and yoni worship was prevalent.
G Unicorn was the most worshipped animal. Many trees (pipal), animals (bull), birds (dove, pigeon) and stones too were worshipped though no evidence of temple has been found.
G Dead bodies were placed in North-South orientation.
G The Seal of Pashupati depicts elephant, tiger, rhinoceros and buffalo. Two deers appear at the feet of Pashupati. G The Indus people believed in ghosts and evil forces evident by their use of amulets for protection against them. Fire altars are found at Lothal and Kalibangan. G The greatest artistic creation of the Harappan culture were the seals, made of steatite. Harappan script is pictographic and hasn’t been deciphered yet. G The script was written from right to left in the first line and left to right in the second line. This style is called Boustrophedon.
G Occupations practiced were spinning, weaving, boat-making, goldsmiths, making pottery and seal-making. G The possible causes of the decline of the civilisation may be invasion of the Aryans, recurrent floods, social break-up of Harappans and earthquakes, etc.
G Boundaries North-Mandu (J&K); South-Daimabad (Maharashtra); East- Alamgirpur; West-Sutkagendor.
Site Discovery/Finding(s) Harappa Situated on river Ravi in Montgomery district of Punjab (Pakistan). It was excavated by Daya Ram Sahni in 1921-23. The Indus Civilisation is named after it as the Harappan Civilisation. Stone dancing Natraja and Cemetry-37 have been found here. Mohenjodaro Situated on river Indus in Larkana district of Sind (Pak). It was excavated by (Mound of Dead) RD Bannerji in 1922. The main building includes the Great Bath, the Great Granary, the Collegiate Building and the Assembly Hall. The dancing girl made of bronze has been found here. Pashupati Mahadeva/proto Shiva seal; fragment of woven cotton, etc are other findings . Chanhudaro On river Indus; discovered by NG Majumdar (1931); only Indus site without (Sindh, Pakistan) citadel; bronze figurines of bullock cart and ekkas; a small pot suggesting a an ink pot. Lothal (Gujarat) Discovered by SR Rao (1954); situated on river Bhogava. A part of the town was divided into citadel and the lower town and dockyard. Evidence of rice has been found here. Kalibangan Discovered by BB Lal (1961); situated on Ghaggar river, a ploughed field; a (meaning, Black wooden furrow; seven fire-altars; bones of camel; and evidence of two types Bangles) (Rajasthan) of burials namely—circular grave and rectangular grave. Dholavira It was found on river Luni of Kachchh district in Gujarat discovered by JP Joshi (1967-68). It has a unique water management system; only site to be divided into 3 parts; largest Harappan inscription and a stadium. Surkotada (Gujarat) Discovered by JP Joshi in 1972; evidence of horse found; oval grave; pit burials and seemingly a port city. Banawali (Haryana) On river Saraswati; discovered by RS Bisht (1973); evidence of both pre-Harappan and Harappan culture; lacked systematic drainage system; evidence of good quality barley. Rakhigarhi (Haryana) Largest Indus valley site. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 3
VEDIC PERIOD Economy No regular revenue system, kingdom Rig Vedic Period maintained by voluntary tribute called bali (1500-1000 BC) and booty won in battles. G G Vedic civilisation started with the Aryan’s main occupation was mainly migration of Aryan people in North- pastoral. Agriculture was a secondary Western part of India. occupation. G G The Aryans were semi-nomadic pastoral Cow was a standard unit of exchange. people and originally believed to have lived Gold coins-Nishka, Krishnal and Satmana. somewhere in the Steppes, stretching G The staple crop was Yava (barley). from Southern Russia to Central Asia. G The whole region in which the Aryans were first settled in India was called the Term Meaning Land of 7 Rivers or Sapta Sindhawa. Dasyus Original inhabitant of India (the Indus and its five tributaries and the Ayas Copper/bronze Saraswati). Vajrapati/ Officer enjoying authority over Kalapas large tract of land G The Dasrajan War Battle of 10 kings against Sudas (Bharata king of Tritsus) Gramini Headofthevillage on the bank of river Parushni. Sudas Gavisthi Fighting hordes, Search for emerged victorious. cows/war for cows Political Organisation River NameinRigveda G It was mainly a tribal system of Indus Sindhu government in which the military Kurram Krumu element was strong. Jhelum Vitasta G Tribe was known as Jana and its king as Chenab Asikni Rajan. Ravi Parushini G Although king’s post was hereditary, we Beas Vipas have also some traces of election by the Sutlej Sutudri tribal assembly called Samitis. Gomati Gomal G Other tribal assemblies that were Saraswati Sarasvati mentioned in Rigveda were Sabha, Ghaggar Drishadavati Vidatha and Gana. G Villages were headed by Gramani. Later Vedic Period G In day-to-day administration, the King (1000-500 BC) was assisted by the Purohita (most G In this period, Aryans expanded from important), a Senani and Gramani. Punjab over the whole of Western Uttar Society Pradesh covered by the Ganga-Yamuna Doab. People were loyal to the tribe, called Jana (mentioned 275 times in the Rigveda) as Political Organisation kingdom/territory was not yet established. G King (Samrat) became more powerful Women enjoyed freedom and respect. and tribal authority tended to become Religion territorial. G G Worshipped Nature, Indra (also called King’s position strengthened by rituals Purandara-breaker of forts) was the most like Ashwamedha and Vajapeya Yajnas. important divinity. Society G Soma was considered to be the God of G Society was clearly divided into four plants. varnas—Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya G People worshipped the divinities mainly and Shudra. Position of women for Praja (children), Pashu (cattle), deteriorated. The institution of Gotra food, health and wealth. No temple or (descent from common ancestors) idol worship was noted. appeared for the first time. 4 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
Economy The Upanishadas
G G Beginning of town and settled life. Philosophical texts emphasising value of right belief and knowledge; criticising G Agriculture was the main livelihood. rituals/sacrifices; and 108 in number. G Wheat and rice (called vrihi in later Vedic Brihadaranyaka is the oldest texts) became the staple crop. upanishada. G New occupation like those of ironsmith, G Also known as ‘Vedanta’. coppersmith and jewel work emerged. Weaving were reserved for women. Smritis Explains rules and regulations in Vedic life. Religion These are Manusmriti (the first law book); Naradasmriti, Yajnavalkya- smriti and G Prajapati became the supreme God, Parasharasmriti. followed by Rudra (animal God) and Lord Vishnu (preserver and protector of Vedangas people). These are Limbs of Vedas and are six in G Idolatry began in this period. number.
G G Pushana, who looked after the cattles was Shiksha (Pronunciation) ‘God of Shudras’. G Kalpa (Rituals) G Vyakaran (Grammar) G Sacrifices, rather than prayers, became more important. G Nikrukta (Etymology) G Chhanda (Metrics) Vedic Literature G Jyotish (Astrology) The Vedas Puranas Deals with world creation, the geneologies of G Rigveda The oldest Indo-European language text is a collection of hymns. Gods and Rishis and the Royal dynasties. Contains 1028 hymns divided into There are 18 famous ‘Puranas’. The ‘Matsya 10 mandalas. The 10th Mandala contains Purana’ is the oldest puranic text. Purushasukta hymn that explain about Darshana four varnas, whereas 3rd Mandala There are six schools of Indian philosophy, contains Gayatri mantra, which was called Shada-darshana. compiled in the praise of Sun God. These are G Samaveda Collection of melodies, contains Nyaya Darshana Gautam Dhrupad raga. It is a book of chants. Vaishesika Darshana Kanada Rishi G Yajurveda Contains hymns and rituals/ Sankhya Darshana Kapila sacrifices. Yoga Darshana Patanjali G Atharvaveda Charms and spells to Purva Mimansa Jaimini ward-off evils and diseases. Uttara Mimansa Badrayna or Vyasa The Brahmanas Upavedas G They explain the hymns of Vedas. Contains There are four Upavedas ritualistic formulae and explains the social Upaveda Dealswith Upavedaof and religious meaning of rituals. Each veda has several Brahmanas attached to it. Dhanurveda Art of warfare Yajurveda Rigveda : Kaushitaki and Aitareya Gandharva- Art and music Samaveda veda Yajurveda : Taittiriya and Satapatha Shilpaveda Architecture Atharvaveda Samaveda : Panchvish and Jemineya Ayurveda Medicine Rigveda Atharvaveda : Gopatha The Aranyakas Epics Mahabharata by Vyasa, also called Jaya The word Aranya means the forest. These Samhita and Satasahasri Samhita has texts were called Aranyakas, because they 100000 verses and are older than were written mainly for the hermits and Ramayana, written by Valmiki, and has students living in the jungle. 29000 verses. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 5
G Mother Trishala—sister of Lichchhavi Mahajanapada (Locations) Capital (s) Chief Chetaka, married to Yashoda and had a daughter named Gandhara (Between Kabul Taxila Priyadarshini, whose husband Jamali and Rawalpindi) became his first disciple. Mahavira Anga (Bhagalpur and Champa became an ascetic at the age of 30, Mungher in Bihar) attained Kaivalya (Jina) outside the Magadha (Patna and Gaya Girivraj, Rajagriha district, Bihar) (Bimbisara); Patliputra town of Jimbhikgrama at the age of 42 (Udayin); Vaishali and died at the age of 72 in 468 BC in (Shishunaga); Pavapuri. Patliputra (Ashoka) G Five Doctrines of Jainism Kashi (Varanasi district, UP) Varanasi 1. Do not commit violence (Ahimsa) Vajji (Vaishali district, UP) Vaishali 2.Do not steal (Asteya) Malla (South of Vaishali Kusinagara and Pava 3. Do not acquire property (Aparigraha) district, UP) 4.Do not speak lie (Satya) Chedi (River Ken Sothivati-nagar or 5. Observe continence (Brahmacharya) Bundelkhand area) Shuktimati G Triratnas of Jainism are right Vatsa (River Yamuna, Kaushambi knowledge, right faith and right Allahabad and Mirzapur district in UP) conduct. Kosala(EasternUP) Sravastiand G Jainism says salvation is possible only Ayodhaya (Saket) by abandoning all possessions, a long Kuru (Ganga-Yamuna Hastinapur and course of fasting, self mortification, doab. Delhi-Meerut region) Indraprastha study and meditation.
Panchala (Ganga-Yamuna Ahichhatra and G Jainism recognised existence of God, doab, Rohilkhand) Kampilya but lower than Jina. It didn’t condemn Matsya (Jaipur- Viratnagar/Bairath varna system unlike Buddhism. Bharatpur-Alwar district) G Jainism could not delink clearly from Surasenas (Mathura region) Mathura brahmanical religion, hence failed to Asmaka (River Godavari) Patna or Patali attract masses; admitted both men and (Near Paithan in Maharashtra) women. Jain monastic establishments Avanti(Malwa) Ujjain(Northern were called basadis. capital), Mahismati G Jainism was patronised by (Southern capital) Kharavela–the king of Kalinga; Kamboja (Hazara district of Rajapur or Hataka Chandragupta Maurya became the Pakistan) disciple of Bhadrabahu and spread Jainism in the South. JAINISM AND BUDDHISM G Jainism was divided into two sects G Came into existence around 600 BC. after Vallabhi Council, namely Svetambaras (wearing white dresses) G The main causes being the reaction against domination of Brahmanas and spread of under Sthul- bhadra and Digambaras agricultural economy in the North-East. (naked) under Bhadrabahu. G Jaina texts were written in Prakrit Jainism language. G Founded by Rishabhadeva (Emblem : Bull) born in Ayodhya. Councils G There were 24 tirthankaras (great teachers), First Council (300 BC) At Pataliputra the 23rd being Parshvanatha and the 24th Under Sthulbhadra (Pataliputra) Jaina being the Vardhamana Mahavira. Canons compiled. G Mahavira was born in 540 BC in Second Council At Vallabhi (AD 5th Kundagram near Vaishali. Century). Under Kshamasramana (Vallabhi) G Father Siddhartha of Jantrika Kshatriya 12 Angas and 12 Upangas were compiled in Clan. Ardh Magadhi language. 6 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
Buddhism G Pain and misery can be ended by killing or controlling desire. Founded by Gautama Buddha, also known G Desire can be controlled by following the as Siddhartha or Sakyamuni or Eight-Fold Path. Tathagata. G Born in 563 BC in Lumbini in Nepal in The Eight-Fold Path Shakya Kshatriya Clan. 1. Right Understanding 5. Right Efforts G His father Suddhodana was a Shakya 2.RightThought 6.RightSpeech ruler and his mother Mahamaya of 3. Right Action 7. Right Mindfullness Kosalan dynasty died early. Brought up 4. Right Livelihood 8. Right Concentration by step mother Gautami. Madhya Marga (The Middle Path) G Married to Yashodhara and had a son Rahul. Man should avoid both extremes, i.e. life of comforts and luxury and a life of severe G Triratnas in Buddhism stand for 3 pillars asceticism. – Buddha Its founder Buddhist Literature – Dhamma His teachings In Pali language commonly referred to as – Sangha Order of Buddhist monks Tripitakas, i.e., ‘three fold basket’. and nuns Buddhism was also divided in two main Vinaya Pitaka sects namely Hinayana and Mahayana. Rules of discipline in Buddhist monasteries. Phases of Buddha’s Life Symbols Sutta Pitaka Birth LotusandBull It contains collection of Buddha’s sermons Mahabhinishkraman Horse and teachings. It is largest among all three (Renunciation) pitakas. Nirvana (Enlightenment) Bodhi Tree Abhidhamma Pitaka Dharmachakra Pravartana Wheel (First Sermon) Explanation of the philosophical principles Mahaparinirvana (Death) Stupa of the Buddhist religion. Mahavamsha and Dipavamsa are the other Buddhist texts of The Dhamma Sri Lanka. The Four Great Truths Causes of Decline of Buddhism G The world is full of sorrow and misery. Use of Sanskrit, the language of G The cause of all pain and misery is intellectuals, in place of Pali, the language of desire. the common people. Revival of Hinduism.
Buddhist Councils Period Place Chairman Patron First 483BC Rajagriha Mahakashyapa Ajatashatru Second 383BC Vaishali Sabakami Kalashoka Third 250BC Patliputra MogaliputtaTissa Ashoka Fourth AD72 Kundalvana Vasumitra,Ashwaghosa Kanishka DYNASTIES OF ANCIENT INDIA Haryanka Dynasty G Bimbisara was the founder, who expanded the Magadha kingdom by annexing Anga, and entering into matrimonial alliances with Kosala and Vaishali. He was contemporary of Buddha. Capital-Rajgir (Girivraja). G Ajatashatru came to power by killing his father. Annexed Vaishali, Kosala and Lichchhavi kingdom.
G Udayin founded the new capital, Pataliputra. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 7
Shishunaga Dynasty G The name Ashoka occurs only in copies of Minor Rock Edict I. Founded by Shishunaga; Kalashoka or G Three languages were used for Kakavarin of this dynasty convened the Ashokan inscription that is Prakrit, Second Buddhist Council. Their greatest achievement was the destruction of Avanti. Greek and Aramic. G Most of the Ashokan edicts were Nanda Dynasty written in Brahmi script. It was James G Considered non-Kshatriyan dynasty, Princep who deciphered first the founded by Mahapadma Nanda. Alexander Brahmi script of Ashokan edicts in attacked during Dhana Nanda’s reign. AD 1837. Cyrus was the first foreign invader of G Ashoka was the first king to maintain India. direct contact with people through inscriptions. G Alexander, the king of Macedonia, invaded G Kalinga War (261 BC) mentioned in India in 326 BC and fought the Battle of 13th Major Rock Edict converted Hydaspes (Jhelum) with Porus Ashoka to Buddhism under Upagupta. (Purushottam) of Paurava dynasty. G Sanchi Stupa was built by Ashoka. G The last Mauryan king Brihadratha, Mauryan Dynasty was killed by Pushyamitra Sunga in Important rulers of Mauryan Dynasty are 185 BC, who established the Sunga Chandragupta Maurya (321-298BC) dynasty. The first ruler who overthrew the Nanda G The Punch-marked coins carrying the dynasty with the help of Chanakya. symbol of the peacock and the hill and crescent, famed the imperial currency G He has been called Sandrocottus by Greek of Mauryas. scholars. G The Mauryan artisans started the G Chandragupta defeated Seleucus Nikator, practice of carving caves of monks to the general of Alexander (304 BC), who live in. Barabar Caves near Gaya is later sent Megasthenese the author of earliest example of such cave. Indica to Chandragupta’s court. G Ringwells for domestic use of water G His mother was Mura—a Shudra woman appeared first under the Mauryas. in Nanda’s court. G Sri Lanka is called Tamrapani in the G Mudrarakshasa was written by Ashokan inscription. Vishakhadatta and describes about mechanisation of Chanakya against The Indo-Greeks Chandragupta's enemy. Chandragupta G The most famous king among the maintained six wings of armed forces. Indo-Greeks was Menander (165-145 G He adopted Jainism and went to BC) also called Milinda, his capital Sravanabelgola with Bhadrabahu. was Sakala (modern Sialkot) in Punjab. Bindusara (298-273 BC) G Converted to Buddhism by Nagasena as per the Milindapanho—a Pali text. He was called Amitraghat (i.e., slayer of foes) G The Greeks were the first to issue coins by Greek writers; Greek ambassador, attributable to the king and also the Deimachos visited his court; said to conquer first to issue gold coins in India; the land between the two seas—The introduced Hellenistic art. Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Bindusara appointed his eldest son Sumana The Shakas as his viceroy at Taxila and Ashoka at Ujjain. G The most famous ruler was Ashoka (293-273 BC) Rudradaman I (AD 130-150), who
G For the first eight years Ashoka ruled like a repaired Sudarshana lake in Kathiawar cruel king and maintained discipline. region, issued first ever inscription in Chaste Sanskrit (Junagarh inscription). G He was called Devanamapriya, Dear to Gods in some of his inscriptions. He defeated the Satavahanas twice. 8 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
G Vikramaditya, the king of Ujjain, was G The Satavahanas issued coins of lead the only one who defeated the Shakas. (mainly), copper, bronze and potin. To commemorate the victory, he started G Gautamiputra Satakarni was a famous the Vikram Samvat in 57 BC. king. G The Parthians The most famous king was Gondophernes (AD 19-45), in Sangam Age whose reign St Thomas visited India to G Sangam Age corresponds to the propagate Christianity. post-Mauryan and pre-Gupta periods. G South India, during the Sangam Age, The Kushanas was ruled by three dynasties- the cheras, G Also called Yechi or Tocharians, were cholas and pandyas. nomadic people from the Steppes. G Kanishka was the greatest of the The Pandyas Kushanas , who started the Saka Era in G Their capital was Madurai famous for AD 78. pearls. The Pandyas were first mentioned G Kushanas were the first rulers to issue by Megasthenese. gold coins on a wide scale known for G Traded with Roman empire, sent metallic purity. embassies to emperor Augustus. G In the royal court of Kanishka, a host of scholars found patronage, like Parsva, The Cholas Vasumitra, Asvaghosha, Nagarjuna, G The Chola kingdom, also called as Charak (Physician) and Mathara. Cholamandalam was situated to the North-East of Pandya Kingdom between The Sunga Dynasty (185-73 BC) Pennar and Vellar rivers.
G The Sunga Dynasty was established by G Their Capital was Kaveripattanam/ Puhar. Pushyamitra Sunga. (who killed last Mauryan King Brihadratha) The Cheras G They were basically Brahmins. This G Their capital was Vanji (also called period saw the revival of Bhagvatism. Kerala country). It had important trade G Patanjali wrote ‘Mahabhasya’ at this time. relations with the Romans.
G In arts, the Bharhut stupa is the most famous monument of the Sunga period. Sangam Literature G Sangam was a college or an assembly of The Kanva Dynasty (73-28 BC) Tamil poets, held under Royal Patronage. G In 73 BC, Devabhuti, the last ruler of Three Sangams were held the Sunga dynasty, was murdered by his (i) at Madurai chaired by Agastya. minister Vasudeva, who usurped the (ii) at Kapatpuram, chaired by Tolkappiyar. throne and founded the Kanva dynasty (iii) at Madurai, chaired by Nakkirar. which was later replaced by the G Kural by Tiruvalluvar is called the ‘Fifth Satavahanas. Veda’ or the Bible of Tamil Land.’ The Satavahanas (or Andhras) Gupta Period G Simuka (60-37 BC) was the founder of The important rulers of Gupta period are the Satavahana dynasty. G Satavahanas were finally succeeded by Chandragupta I (AD 319-334) the Ikshvakus in AD 3rd century. Married a Lichchhavi princess, who G Under the Satavahanas, many chaityas strengthened his position and enhanced (worship halls) and viharas (monastries) the prestige of the Guptas. were cut out from rocks mainly in G He was the first Gupta ruler to acquire North-West Deccan or Maharashtra the the title of Maharajadhiraja. famous examples were Nasik, Kanheri G Chandragupta I was able to establish his and Karle. authority over Magadha, Prayaga and G The official language of the Satavahanas Saketa. was Prakrit. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 9
Samudragupta (AD 335-380) Pushyabhuti Dynasty G He is called the Napoleon of India (by VA (AD 606-647) Smith) on account of his conquests. G The greatest king was Harshavardhana, G Meghavarman the ruler of Sri Lanka, son of Prabhakar Vardhana of sent a missionary to his court for Thaneshwar. He shifted the capital to permission to built a Buddhist temple at Kannauj. Gaya. G Hieun Tsang visited during his reign. G The Allahabad pillar inscription gives G He established a large monastery at detailed information about Samudragupta, it was composed by his Nalanda. Banabhata adorned his court, court poet Harisena. wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari. Harsha himself wrote three G He assumed the titles of Kaviraj and plays—Priyadarshika, Ratnawali and Vikrama. Nagananda. Chandragupta II (AD 380-414) Rashtrakutas G Mehrauli inscription on Iron Pillar near Qutub Minar is related to him. G Founded by Dantidurg; Krishna I built the Kailasha temple at Ellora. G His court was adorned by Navratnas, the Amoghavarsha, who is compared to chief being Kalidasa and Amarsimha. Vikramaditya, wrote the first Kannada G Fa-hien, Chinese Pilgrim (AD 399-414) poetry Kaviraj Marg. Rashtrakutas are visited during his reign. credited for building cave shrine G Defeated Saka Kshatrapa Rudrasimha III Elephanta, dedicated to Shiva. G Chandragupta II also succeeded in killing Ramagupta, and not only seized Gangas his kingdom, but also married his widow Ruled Orissa; Narsimhadeva constructed Dhruvadevi. the Sun Temple at Konark; Anantvarman G He was the first Gupta ruler to issue the built the Jagannath Temple at Puri; and silver coins in the memory of victory over Kesaris, who used to rule before Gangas Sakas and to have adopted the titles built the Lingaraja Temple at Sakari and Vikramaditya. Bhubaneshwar. G The Gupta age is called golden age of Indian history and saw the issuance of Pallavas the largest number of gold coins. Founder–Simhavishnu; Capital–Kanchi; greatest king Narsimhavarman, who Kumaragupta I (AD 415-455) founded the town of Mamallapuram G Chandragupta II was succeeded by his (Mahabalipuram) and built rock-cut rathas son Kumaragupta I. and even pagodas. G Kumaragupta was the worshipper of God Kartikeya. ■ Palas, with their capital at Monghyr is known for Dharmapala, their second king, G He founded the ‘Nalanda Mahavihara’ which developed into a great centre of who founded the Vikramashila University and learning. revived the Nalanda University. ■ The greatest ruler of Pratiharas was Skandagupta (AD 455-467) Bhoja (also known as Mihir, Adivraha).
■ G Skandagupta was the last great ruler of Khajuraho temples were built during the the Gupta dynasty. reign of Chandellas of Bundelkhand.
■ G During his reign the Gupta empire was Chalukyas of Vatapi-founded by Jayasimha invaded by the Hunas. were contemporary to Harshavardhan.
■ G Success in repelling the Hunas seems to Rajputs divided into four clans: Pratiharas have been celebrated by the assumption (S Rajasthan), Chauhans (E Rajasthan), of the title ‘Vikramaditya’ (Bhitari Pillar Chalukyas/Solankis (Kathiawar), Parmaras Inscription). (Malwa). 10 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
The Cholas Northern Sri Lanka; constructed Rajarajeshwari (or Brihadeshvara) Shiva G Founder Vijayalaya, Capital Tanjore. temple at Tanjore. G Aditya I wiped out the Pallavas and weakened the Pandyas. G Rajendra I (AD 1014-1044) annexed the whole of Sri Lanka; took the title of G Purantaka I captured Madurai, but was Gangaikonda and founded Gangaikonda defeated by the Rashtrakuta ruler Cholapuram. Krishna III at the Battle of Takkolam. G Dancing Figure of Shiva (Nataraja) G Rajaraja I (AD 985-1014) led a naval belongs to the Chola period. Local self expedition against Shailendra empire government existed. (Malaya Peninsula) and conquered MEDIEVAL INDIA
G Mohammad bin Qasim invaded India Iltutmish (AD 1210-1236)
in AD 712 and conquered Sindh. G Attack of Mongols; formed G Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni led about Turkan-e-Chahalgani or Chalisa (a 17 expeditions of India. group of 40 powerful Turkish nobles).
G In 1025, he attacked and raided the G Divided his empire into Iqtas most celebrated Hindu temple of (assignment of land in lieu of salary). Somnath, situated on the sea coast of G Introduced 2 types of coins-silver tanka Kathiawar. and copper jital. FOUNDATION OF THE Razia Sultan (AD 1236-1240) G First and last Muslim woman ruler of DELHI SULTANATE Medieval India. G Mohammad Ghori invaded India and G She disregarded Purdah, married Altunia, was defeated by Prithviraj Chauhan in the Governor of Bhatinda. First Battle of Tarain (1191). G Bahram Shah, son of Iltutmish, killed her. G Ghori defeated the Rajput king in Second Battle of Tarain (1192) and laid Balban (AD 1266-1286) the foundation of the Muslim dominion G Separated Military Department (Diwan- in India. He may be considered the e-Ariz) and Finance Department ‘founder of Muslim rule’ in India. (Diwan-e-Wazarat). G He declared that king was the deputy of Ilbari Dynasty God (Niyabat-e-Khudai) and shadow of (AD 1206-1290) God (Zil-e-Illahi) and introduced the practices of Sijdah and Paibos. Qutub-ud-in-Aibak Khalji Dynasty (AD 1290-1320) G Capital Lahore (initial); Delhi (later) G Jalaluddin Firuz Khalji was the first G The founder of the Slave dynasty. Also ruler, who reviewed that India cannot be a called Lakh Baksh because of his totally Islamic state. generosity. G Alauddin Khalji His conquests were that G Qutub-ud-din Aibak laid the foundation of Gujarat ruled by Vaghela king; of Qutub Minar, after the name of the Ranthambhor, Chittor and Malwa and famous Sufi saint Khwaja Qutubuddin later to the South (mainly by Malik Bakhtiyar Kaki; built Quwwat-ul-Islam Kafur). (first mosque in India) and Adhai Din G He abolished Zamindari in Khalisa land. ka Jhopra (Ajmer). No iqta was allotted in Doab area. G Died while playing Chaugan (polo). GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 11
G Alauddin adopted the policy of Blood and G He introduced the following coins— Iron in tackling the Mongols. Aadha, Bhikh, Shashgani and Hasthragani. G He built Khizrabad, Alai Darwaja and his G Timur Mongol leader of Central Asia, capital city Siri. ordered general massacre in Delhi (AD G Also built Hauz Khas in Delhi and added 1398) at the time of Nasiruddin entrance door to Qutub Minar, Mahmud (later Tughlaq king). introduced market reforms. Sayyids and Lodhis G Adopted the title of Sikandar-i-Sani. G Sayyids dynasty was founded by G Built a permanent army, introduced Chehra and Dagh System. Khizr Khan : Successors-Mubarak Shah, Muhammad Shah and Alauddin Alam G First Turkish Sultan’ who separated Shah. religion from politics. G The Lodhis were the first Afghans to G His court poets were Amir Khusrau and rule India. Mir Hassan Dehlvi. G Bahlol Lodhi (AD 1451-1481) founded Tughlaq Dynasty the dynasty. G Sikander Lodhi (AD 1418-1517) (AD 1320-1413) introduced Gaz-i-Sikandari. (unit for G Founded by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, who measuring cultivated field). He founded built the fortified city of Tughlaqabad and Agra in 1504. He wrote the Persian made it his capital. verse ‘Gulrukhi’. G He was the first sultan to start irrigation G He was succeeded by Ibrahim Lodhi works. (1517-1526), who was defeated by Rana G Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq also called the Sanga of Mewar in the Battle of Khatoli. wise fool king on account of five Ibrahim Lodhi was also defeated by experiments, namely (a) Transfer of Babur in April, 1526 which led to the capital to Daulatabad (b) Taxation in Doab establishment of the Mughal rule in India. (c) Qarachil expedition (d) Khurasan expedition (e) Token currency. PROVINCIAL KINGDOMS G The Sultan set-up a separate department Gujarat for agriculture, Diwan-i-kohi. He gave G Broke away from Delhi in AD 1397 Sondhar loans to farmers. under Zafar Khan, who assumed the G South Indian states of the Vijayanagara title of Sultan Muzaffar Shah. empire, the Bahmani kingdom and the G His grandson Ahmed Shah I built a new Sultanate of Madura were founded. city Ahmedabad. G The famous traveller Ibn-Batuta visited G The next prominent ruler was Mahmud his court. Beghra. During his rule, the Portuguese G Firoz Shah Tughlaq built new towns of set-up a factory at Diu. Hissar, Firozpur, Fatehabad, Jaunpur and Firozabad (his capital). During his reign Kashmir two Ashokan pillars, one from Topara in Kashmir was ruled by Hindu rulers until Ambala and the other from Meerut were Shamsuddin Shah asserted himself in AD brought. Built canals was fond of slaves 1339. The greatest ruler was Zain-ul- and wrote a book Fatuhat Firozshahi. Abidin (AD 1420-70), who is called the G He repaired Qutub Minar when it was Akbar of Kashmir, built Zaina lank, struck by lightening. artificial island in Wular lake. G Firoz Shah Tughlaq also made Iqtadari system hereditary and imposed new taxes Mewar like Kharaj (land tax equal to one-tenth of G Rajput rule restored by Rana Hamir the producer) and Zakat and Khams after Alauddin Khilji captured Chittor in (one-tenth of the booty captured in war). AD 1303.
G G He made Jizya a separate tax and he The greatest was Rana Kumbha who imposed this tax upon the Brahmans for built the Vijay Stambh at Chittor to the first time in the history of Sultanate. commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khalji of Malwa. 12 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
Vijayanagara Kingdom Mughal Empire (AD 1336-1565) (AD 1526-1707) G Founded by Harihara I and Bukka I. Babur (AD 1526-1530) G Devaraya I built a dam across Tungabhadra river and Italian traveller G Founder of Mughal empire, who Nicolo de Conti visited his court followed introduced gunpowder in India; by the Russian merchant Nikitin. defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat (AD 1526); Rana G Devaraya II, the greatest ruler, who was Sanga (Sangram Singh) at Battle of seen as incarnation of Indra by Commoners; Khanwa (AD 1527); Medini Rai of He was also called ‘Gajabetekara’ and wrote Chanderi at Battle of Chanderi Mahanataka Sudhanidhi and commentary (AD 1528) and Mahmud Lodi at on the Brahma Sutras in Sanskrit; Persian Battle of Ghagra (AD 1529); he Ambassador Abdur Razzaq visited his wrote Tuzuk-i-Baburi in Turkish court. Krishnadeva Raya (AD 1509-29) was language. the greatest ruler. G Babur declared Jehad and adopted G He was known as Abhinava Bhoja, Andhra the title Ghazi. Pitamah and Andhra Bhoja because of G Died in 1530 and was buried at Aram being a great patron of literature. Eight Bagh (Agra). Later his body was taken great poets of Telugu (Ashta Diggaja) to Bagh-e Babun (Kabul). adorned his court like Pedanna and Tenalirama. Humayun (AD 1530-1556) G Portuguese Dominigo Paes and Barbosa G Built Dinpanah at Delhi as his second visited his court. capital. G Battle of Talikota (AD 1565) Sadasiva, the G Sher Shah Suri gradually gained last ruler of the Tuluva dynasty was defeated power. He fought two battles with by an alliance of Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Humayun—Battle of Chausa (AD Golconda and Bidar. 1539) and another Battle of Kannauj (AD 1540) culminating into Bahmani Kingdom Humayun’s defeat. G Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (AD G Humayun passed 15 years in exile; 1347-58), also known as Hasan Gangu, again invaded India in 1555 with the founded it with capital at Gulbarg. help of his officer Bairam Khan.
G Ahmad Shah Wali transferred the capital G Died in AD 1556 due to a fall from his from Gulbarg to Bidar. library building’s stairs; Gulbadan G Bahmani kingdom broke up into : Begum, Humayun's half-sister wrote ¡ Nizamsahis of Ahmadnagar Humayun-nama. Founder Malik Ahmad Bahri Akbar (AD 1556-1605) ¡ Adilsahis of Bijapur Founder Yusuf Adil Shah G Coronated at the young age of 14 by Bairam Khan; defeated Hemu at the ¡ Imadsahis of Berar Second Battle of Panipat (AD 1556) Founder Fatullah Khan Imad-ul-Mulk with the help of Bairam Khan; ¡ Qutubsahis of Golconda conquered Malwa (AD 1561) Founder Quli Qutub Shah defeating Baz Bahadur followed by ¡ Baridsahis of Bidar Garh-Katanga (ruled by Rani Founder Ali Barid Durgawati), Chittor (AD1568), Ranthambhor and Kalinjar (AD G The Gol Gumbaz (a tomb with World's second largest dome) was built by 1569), Gujarat (AD 1572), Mewar Muhammad Adil Shah at Bijapur. (Battle of Haldighati, AD 1576 Akbar and Rana Pratap), Kashmir (AD G Muhammad Quli Qutubshah founded 1586), Sindh (AD 1593) and Asirgarh Hyderabad and built Charminar. (AD 1603) were also conquered. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 13
G Buland Darwaza was constructed at Aurangzeb (Alamgir) Fatehpur Sikri after victory over Gujarat in AD 1572. (AD 1658-1707)
G G Married to Harkha Bai, daughter of Aurangzeb became victorious after the Rajput ruler Bharmal brutal war of succession among his brother Dara, Shuja and Murad. G Ralph Fitch (in AD 1585) was the first Englishman to visit Akbar's court. G Rebellions during his rule—Jat Peasantry at Mathura, Satnami G Abolished Jaziyah (AD 1564); believed peasantry in Punjab and Bundelas in in Sulh-i-Kul (peace to all), built Ibadat Bundelkhand. Khana (Hall of prayer) at Fatehpur Sikri; issued ‘Degree of Infallibility (AD 1579); G The annexation of Marwar in AD 1658 formulated religious order Din-i-Ilahi led to a serious rift between Rajput and (AD 1582). Birbal was the first to Mughals after the death of Raja Jaswant embrace it. Singh.
G G Land revenue system was called Todar Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Mal Bandobast or Zabti System was executed by him in AD 1675. measurement of land, classification of G Mughal conquests reached territorial land and fixation of rent; and introduced climax during his reign. Mansabdari System (holder of rank) to G It stretched from Kashmir in North to organise nobility and army. Jinji in South, from the Hindukush in G The Navratnas included Todar Mal, Abul West to Chittagong in East. Fazal, Faizi, Birbal, Tansen, Abdur G He was called Darvesh or a Zinda Pir. Rahim Khana-i-Khana, Mullah-do-Pyaza, He forbade Sati. Conquered Bijapur (AD Raja Man Singh and Fakir Aziao-Din 1686) and Golconda (AD 1687) and reimposed Jaziya in AD 1679.
Jahangir (AD 1605-1627) G He built Biwi ka Makbara on the tomb G Executed the fifth Sikh guru, Guru of his queen Rabaud-Durani at Arjun Dev. Aurangabad; Moti Masjid within Red G Greatest failure was loss of Kandahar to Fort, Delhi; and the Jami or Badshahi Persia in AD 1622. Mosque at Lahore. G Married Mehr-un-Nisa in AD 1611 and conferred the title of Nurjahan on her; Causes behind the fall He established Zanjir-i-Adal at Agra Fort of Mughal Empire for the seekers of royal justice. ■ Weak and incompetent successors
■ G Captain Hawkins and Sir Thomas Roe Wars of succession visited his court. ■ Aurangzeb’s Deccan, religious and Rajput G Famous painters in his court-Abdul policies Hassan, Ustad Mansur and Bishandas. ■ Jagirdari crisis ■ Growth of Marathas and other regional Shahjahan (AD 1628-1658) powers ■ Foreign invasions of Nadir Shah (1739) and G Annexed Ahmadnagar while Bijapur and Golconda accepted his overlord- Abdali ship.
G Secured Kandahar (AD 1639). Sur Dynasty
G Two Frenchmen, Bernier and Tavernier G The founder of Sur dynasty was Farid. and an Italian adventurer Manucci G Afghan ruler of Bihar, Bahar Khan visited his court. Lohani gave the title of Sher Shah to G Built Moti Masjid and Taj Mahal at Farid. Introduced Silver coin called Agra, Jama Masjid and Red Fort at Rupaya and Copper coin Dam. Delhi. His reign is considered the G Built his tomb at Sasaram and built a Golden Age of the Mughal empire. new city on the bank of Yamuna river (present day Purana Qila). 14 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
G Ashtapradhan (eight ministers) helped LATER MUGHALS in administration. These were Peshwas, G Bahadur Shah I (1707-12) Original Sar-i-Naubat (Military), Mazumdar or name was Muazzam; Title-Shah Alam I. Amatya (Accounts); Waqenavis
G Jahandar Shah (1712-13) He ascended (Intelligence); Surunavis (Corres- the throne with the help of Zulfikar pondence); Dabir or Sumanta Khan; abolished Jizya. (Ceremonies); Nyayadhish (Justice);
G Farrukhsiyar (1713-19) He lacked the and Panditrao (Charity). ability and knowledge to rule G Successors of Shivaji were Shambhaji, independently. His reign saw the Rajaram and Shahu (fought at Battle of emergence of the Sayyid Brothers. Khed in AD 1708).
G Muhammad Shah (1719-48) Nadir Shah invaded India and took away Peacock Peshwas (AD 1719-18) throne and Kohinoor diamond. G Balaji Vishwanath was the first
G Ahmed Shah (1748-54) Ahmed Shah Peshwas, who concluded an agreement Abdali (General of Nadir Shah) marched with the Sayyid Brothers (the king towards Delhi and the Mughals ceded makers in history) by which Mughal Punjab and Multan. emperor Farukh Siyyar recognised Shahu as the king of Swarajya. G Alamgir (1754-59) Ahmed Shah occupied Delhi. Later, Delhi was G Baji Rao considered as the “greatest plundered by Marathas. exponent of guerilla tactics after Shivaji”; Maratha power reached its G Shah Alam II (1759-1806) could not enter Delhi for 12 years. zenith and system of confederacy began; defeated Siddis of Janjira; Conquest of G Akbar II (1806-37) pensioner of East BasseinandSalsettefromPortuguese. India Company. He gave the title ‘Raja’ to Ram Mohan Roy. G Balaji Baji Rao known as Nana Sahib; Third Battle of Panipat (AD 1761) G Bahadur Shah II (1837-57) Last Mughal between Marathas and Ahmed Shah Emperor who was made premier during Abdali gave a big jolt to the Maratha the 1857 Revolt. empire.
Author Work SIKH GURUS Babur Tuzuk-i-Babari G Nanak (1469-39) founded Sikh religion. AbulFazal Ain-i-Akbari,Akbarnamah G Angad(1539-52)inventedGurmukhi. Jahangir Tuzuk-i-Jahangir G Amardas (1552-74) struggled against HamidLahori Padshahnama sati system, and purdah system and established 22 Gadiyans to propagate Darashikoh Majma-ul-Bahrain religion. Mirza Md Qasim Alamgirnama G Ramdas (1574-81) founded Amritsar in 1577.Akbargrantedtheland. MARATHAS (AD 1674-1818) G Arjun (1581-1606) founded Swarn (AD 1627-80) Mandir (Golden Temple) and composed Shivaji Adi Granth. G Born at Shivner to Shahji Bhonsle and G Hargobind Singh (1606-45) established Jijabai. His religious teacher was Akal Takht,andfortifiedAmritsar. Samarth Ramdas and guardian was Dadaji Kondadev. G Har Rai (1645-66) G Harkishan (1661-64) G Treaty of Purandar (AD 1665) between Shivaji and Mughals. G Tegh Bahadur (1664-75) G Coronation at Raigarh (AD 1674) and G Gobind Singh (1675-1708) was the last assumed the title of Haindava Guru who founded the Khalsa. After Dharmadharak (Protector of Hinduism). him Sikh guruship ended. MODERN INDIA
ADVENT OF THE large concessions to the company. This farman has been called the Magna Carta EUROPEANS of the Company. Portuguese G Battle of Plassey (1757) English defeated Sirajuddaula, the nawab of G Vasco-da-Gama reached the port of Bengal. Calicut in 1498 during the reign of king G Battle of Buxar (1764) Captain Munro Zamorin. (Hindu ruler of Calicut). defeated joint forces of Mir Qasim G Settlements Daman, Salsette, Chaul (Bengal), Shujauddaula (Awadh) and and Bombay (West coast), San Thome Shah Alam II (Mughal). (near Madras) and at Hooghly. G Alfonso de Albuquerque, the second Danes Governor of India (first being Francisco G The Danish East India Company was de Almeida) arrived in 1509 and formed in 1616. captured Goa in AD 1510. G The Danish colony ‘Tranquebar’ was established on Southern Coromondel Dutch coast of India.
G G Dutch East India Company was formed Settlements Serampur (Bengal) and in AD 1602. Tranquebar (Tamil Nadu) sold their settlements to the English in 1845. G Dutch were defeated by English at the Battle of Bedara in AD 1759 and as per French agreement, the Dutch gained the control G The French East India Company was over Indonesia and the British over formed by Colbert under state patronage India, Sri Lanka and Malaya. in 1664. The First French factory was G Settlements They set-up their first established at Surat by Francois Caron in factory at Masulipatnam in 1605. Their 1668. A factory at Masulipatnam was other factories were at Pulicat, Chinsura, set-up in 1669. Patna, Balasore, Naga pattanam, Cochin, G French were defeated by English in Surat, Karaikal and Kasimbazar. Battle of Wandiwash (1760). English GOVERNOR-GENERALS G The English East India Company was formed in 1599 under a charter granted OF BENGAL by Queen Elizabeth in 1600. Jahangir granted a farman to Captain William Warren Hastings (AD 1774-85) Hawkins permitting the English to erect G Brought the dual government to an end a factory at Surat (1613). by the Regulating Act, 1773. G In 1615, Sir Thomas Roe succeeded in G The Act of 1781 made clear demarcation getting an imperial farman to trade and between the jurisdiction of the Governor establish factory in all parts of the General-in-Council and Supreme Court Mughal Empire by ruler Jahangir. at Calcutta. G In 1690, a factory was established at G Pitt’s India Act (1784), Rohilla War Suttanati by Jab Charnock. In 1698, (1774), First Maratha War (1775-1782) following the acquisition of zamindari of and Treaty of Salbai with Marathas three villages of Suttanati, Kalikata and (1782) and Second Mysore War (1780- Govindpur, the city of Calcutta was 84). Foundation of Asiatic Society of founded. Fort William was set-up in Bengal (1784) in Calcutta by Sir 1700. William Jones. G In 1717, John Surman obtained a G English translations of Bhagavad Gita by farman from Farrukhsiyar, which gave Charles Wilkins in 1785. 16 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
Lord Cornwallis (AD 1786-93) GOVERNOR-GENERALS G Third Mysore War (1790-92) and OF INDIA Treaty of Seringapatnam (1792). G Introduced Permanent Settlement in Lord William Bentinck Bengal and Bihar (1793). (AD 1828-35)
G He is called the Father of Civil G Charter Act of 1833 was passed and he was Services in India, introduced judicial made the first Governor General of India. reforms by separating revenue Before him, the designation given was administration from judicial Governor General of Bengal. administration and established a G Carried out social reforms like prohibition system of circles (thanas, headed by a of sati (1829) and elimination of thugs Daroga (an Indian). (1830). On Macaulay’s recommedations, G Translation of Abhigyan Shakuntalam English was made the medium of higher in English by William Jones in 1789. education. Suppressed female infanticide and child sacrifice. Sir John Shore (AD 1793-98) Lord Metcalfe (AD 1835-36) G Played an important role in the introduction of Permanent Settlement. Known as liberator of the press in India. G Battle of Kharda between the Nizams Lord Auckland (AD 1836-42) and the Marathas (1795). First Afghan War (1838-42), a disaster for Lord Wellesley (AD 1798-1805) the English. G Introduction of the Subsidiary Lord Ellenborough (AD 1842-44) Alliance (1798), first alliance with Brought an end to the Afghan war. War with Nizam of Hyderabad followed by Gwalior (1843), Annexation of Sind by Mysore, Tanjore, Awadh, the Peshwa, Charles Napier (1843). the Bhonsle and the Scindia. Lord Hardinge (AD 1844-48) G Treaty of Bassein (1802) and the Second Maratha War. First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46) and Treaty of Lahore (1846). Gave preference to English George Barlow (1805-07) educated persons in employment. G Vellore Mutiny (1806) Lord Dalhousie (AD 1848-56)
G (AD 1807-13) Introduction of Doctrine of Lapse and Lord Minto I annexation of Satara (1848), Jaipur and G Concluded the Treaty of Amritsar Sambhalpur (1849), Udaipur (1852), with Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1809). Jhansi (1853), Nagpur (1854) and Awadh Charter Act of 1813 was passed. (annexed in 1856 on account of maladministration). Lord Hasting (AD 1813-23) G Laid down the first railway line between G Anglo Nepal War (1814-1816) and Bombay and Thane (1853), Telegraph line Treaty of Sagauli (1816). between Calcutta and Agra and Postal G Third Maratha War (1817-18) reforms (first issue of the Indian stamp in dissolution of Maratha confederacy Karachi in 1854) with the Post Office Act. and creation of Bombay Presidency. G Widow Remarriage Act, 1856 (the main
G Pindari War and establishment of force being Ishwar Chand Vidyasagar). Ryotwari System by Thomas Munro G Started Public Works Department, Grand (1820). Trunk Road work and harbour of Karachi, Bombay and Calcutta developed. Lord Amherst (AD 1823-28) G Charter Act, 1853-Selection to Civil G First Burmese War (1824-26), Service through competitive examination. Treaty of Yandaboo (1826) and G Started Engineering College at Roorkee; capture of Bharatpur (1826). made Shimla, the summer capital. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 17
VICEROYS OF INDIA Lord Ripon (AD 1880-84) G First Factory Act of 1881 prohibited Lord Canning (AD 1856-62) Child Labour under the age of 7. Local G The last Governor General and the first Self-Government was introduced in Viceroy. Withdrew Doctrine of Lapse. 1882. G Revolt of 1857, Mutiny took place. G Repealed the Vernacular Press Act in Indian Penal Code 1860 was passed. 1882. Finances of the centre were G Passed the Act, 1858, which ended the divided. rule of the East India Company. The G Lord Ripon is regarded as ‘the founding Universities of Calcutta, Bombay and father of local self governance’ in India. Madras were established in 1857. G An Education Commission was appointed under Sir William Hunter in 1882 to Lord Elgin (AD 1862) improve primary and secondary G Wahabi Movement education.
G The llbert Bill Controversy (1883) Lord John Lawrence (AD 1864-69) enabled Indian district magistrates to try G Established the High Courts at Calcutta, European criminals. Bombay and Madras in 1865. Lord Dufferin (AD 1884-88) G Telegraphic communication was opened with Europe. Created the Indian Forest Third Burmese War (AD 1885-86). Department. Establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885. Lord Mayo (AD 1869-72) Lord Lansdowne (AD 1888-94) G Organised the Statistical Survey of India and for the first time in Indian history, a G Factory Act of 1891 granted weekly census was held in 1871. holiday and stipulated working hours for women and children. G Started the process of financial G decentralisation in India. Established Civil services were divided into Imperial, the Department of Agriculture and Provincial and Subordinate Services. Commerce. G Indian Councils Act of 1892. G Established the Rajkot College at G The Durand Commission defined the Kathiawar and Mayo College at Ajmer for Durand Line between British India and the Indian princes. Afghanistan (now between Pakistan and Afghanistan) in 1893. G He was the only viceroy to be murdered in office by a Pathan convict in the Lord Elgin II (AD 1894-99) Andamans in 1872. G Southern uprisings of 1899. Great Lord Northbrooke (AD 1872-76) famine of 1896-1897 and Lyall Commission on famine was established. Kuka Rebellion in Punjab, Famine in Bihar. Lord Curzon (AD 1899-1905) Lord Lytton (AD 1876-80) G A Commission was appointed under G Known as the ‘Viceroy of Reverse Sir Thomas Raleigh in 1902 to suggest Character’. reforms regarding universities, the G Royal Titles Act of 1876 and the Indian Universities Act of 1904 was assumption of the title of ‘Empress of passed on the basis of its India’ by Queen Victoria, the Delhi recommendations. Durbar in January 1877. G Ancient Monuments Preservation Act G Vernacular Press Act (also called the of 1904. Thus, Archaeological Survey of ‘Gagging Act’ to restrain the circulation of India was established. printed matter) and the Arms Act (made G Agricultural Research Institute was it mandatory for Indians to acquire established at Pusa in Delhi. Partitioned license in arms) of 1878. Bengal in 1905. 18 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
Lord Minto (AD 1905-10) Lord Willingdon (AD 1931-36)
Swadeshi Movement (1905-08); foundation G Second Round Table Conference in of Muslim League (1906); Surat Session and London in 1931 and third in 1932. split in the Congress (1907). Morley-Minto G Government of India Act (1935) was Reforms (1909). passed. Communal Awards (16th August, 1932) assigned separate Lord Hardinge (AD 1910-16) electorate for Gandhiji went on a Capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi epic fast to protest against this (1911); Delhi Durbar; Partition of Bengal was division. cancelled. The Hindu Mahasabha was founded in 1915 by Pandit Madan Mohan Lord Linlithgow (AD 1936-43) Malaviya. G Congress Ministries resignation celebrated as ‘Deliverance Day’ by the Lord Chelmsford (AD 1916-21) Muslim League (1939), the Lahore G Gandhi returned to India (1915) and Resolution (23rd March, 1940) of the founded the Sabarmati Ashram (1916), Muslim League demanding separate Champaran Satyagraha, Satyagraha at state for the Muslims. (It was at this Ahmedabad (1918), Kheda Satyagraha session that Jinnah propounded his (1918). Two-Nation Theory). Outbreak of
G August Declaration (1917) by Montague, World War II in 1939. Cripps Mission the then Secretary of State, and Montford in 1942. Quit India Movement (8th reforms or the Government of India Act of August, 1942). 1919. Lord Wavell (AD 1943-47) G Rowlatt Act (March, 1919) and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13th April, G Cabinet Mission Plan (16th May, 1919). 1946).
G G Khilafat Committee was formed and First meeting of the Constituent Khilafat Movement started (1919-20). Assembly was held on 9th December, 1946. G Non-Cooperation Movement started (1920-22). Women’s University was G Arranged the Shimla Conference on founded at Poona (1916). 25th June, 1945 with the failure of talks between the Indian National Lord Reading (AD 1921-26) Congress and Muslim League.
G G Repeal of Rowlatt Act. Chauri-Chaura Election to the Constituent Assembly incident. RSS founded in 1925. Suppressed were held and an interim government Non-Cooperation Movement. Formation of was appointed under Nehru. Swaraj Party. Lord Mountbatten G Moplah Rebellion (1921) took place. Kakori Train Robbery on 1st August, 1925. (March to August, 1947) Communal Riots of 1923-25 in Multan, G Last Viceroy of British India and the Amritsar, Delhi etc. first Governor-General of free India.
G Partition of India decided by the 3rd Lord Irwin (AD 1926-31) June Plan or Mountbatten Plan.
G Simon Commission visited India in 1927. G Retired in June, 1948 and was Congress passed the Indian Resolution in succeeded by C Rajagopalachari, the 1929. first and the last Indian Governor- G Dandi March (12th March, 1930). Civil General of Free India. Disobedience Movement (1930). G Indian Independence Act was passed G First Round Table Conference was held by the British Parliament on in England in 1930. Gandhi-Irwin Pact. 4th July, 1947, by which India became G Lahore Session of Congress and Poorna independent on 15th August, 1947. Swaraj Declaration (1925). GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 19
THE REVOLT OF 1857 Impact of the Revolt
■ G Started at Meerut on 10th May, 1857. The control of Indian administration was passed on to the British Crown by the G Political Causes The policy of Doctrine of Lapse. Government of India Act, 1858. ■ Reorganisation of the army. G Economic Causes Heavy taxation, ■ evictions, Discriminatory Tariff Policy After the revolt, the British pursued the against Indian products and destruction of Policy of Divide and Rule. traditional handicrafts that hit peasants, artisans and small zamindars. CHIEF NATIONAL G Military Discrimination as Indian soldiers were paid low salaries, they could ACTIVITIES not rise above the rank of subedar and The Indian National Congress were racially insulted. G It was formed in 1885 by AO Hume a G Grievances of Sepoys The introduction of retired Civil Servant. Enfield rifle, and its cartridge of which G The first session was held in Bombay was greased with animal fat, provided the spark. under WC Bannerjee in 1885, attended by 72 delegates from all over India. G A rebellion broke out among Sepoys of Meerut on 10th May, 1857 which later G The first two decades of INC are spread to other parts of the country. described in history as those of moderate demands and a sense of confidence in G British social reforms (widow remarriage, British justice and generosity. abolition of sati, education for girls, Christian missionaries). G Moderate leaders Dada Bhai Naoroji, Badruddin Tayabji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Bannerjee and Anand Mohan Bose. Centre Leader British of Revolt Suppressor Partition of Bengal (1905) Delhi BahadurShahII, John Nicholson, G The partition was announced by Lord Bakht Khan Hudson Curzon on 16th October, 1905 through Banaras LiaquatAli JamesNeill a royal proclamation, reducing the old Kanpur Nana Saheb, Tantia Campbell, province of Bengal in size by creating Tope, Azimullah Havelock East Bengal and Assam out of the rest of Khan Bengal. Lucknow Hazrat Mahal Havelock, (Begum of Awadh) James Neill, Swadeshi Movement (1905) Campbell This movement had its origin in the Jhansi RaniLaxmiBai SirHughRose anti-partition movement of Bengal. Lal, Bal, Pal and Aurobindo Ghosh played an Bareilly Khan Bahadur Khan Sir Colin important role. INC took the Swadeshi Campbell call first at the Banaras Session, 1905 Awadh Veer Kunwar Singh William Taylor presided over by GK Gokhale. (Bihar) and Vincent Eyer Muslim League (1906) Causes of Failure G It was set-up in 1906 by Aga Khan, ■ The Nizam of Hyderabad, the Raja of Jodhpur, Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka and Nawab Scindia of Gwalior, the Holkar of Indore, the Mohsin-ul- Mulk. rulers of Patiala, Sindh and Kashmir and the G The league supported the Partition of Rana of Nepal provided active support to the Bengal and opposed the Swadeshi British. Movement, demanded special ■ Comparative lack of efficient leadership. safeguards to its community and a separate electorate for Muslims. 20 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
G This led to communal differences August Declaration (1917) between the Hindus and the Muslims. G After the Lucknow Pact, the British policy Demand for Swaraj was announced which aimed at ‘‘increasing (Calcutta Session in Dec, 1906) association of Indians in every branch of the administration for progressive realisation G The INC, under the leadership of of responsible government in India as an Dadabhai Naoroji, adopted ‘Swaraj’ integral part of the British empire’’. This (Self-government) as the goal of Indian came to be called the August Declaration. People. G The Montague—Chelmsford reforms or Surat Session (1907) the Act of 1919 was based on this declaration. G The INC split into two groups: the Extremists and the Moderates, due Rowlatt Act (18th March, 1919) to the debate on nature of Swadeshi G This gave unbridled powers to the Movement. government to arrest and imprison suspects G Extremists were led by Lal, Bal, Pal without trail. This law enabled the while the Moderates by GK Gokhale. government to suspend the right of Habeas Corpus, which had been the foundation of Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) civil liberties in Britain.
G The reforms envisaged a separate G Rowlatt Satyagraha was started against electorate for Muslims, besides other the act. This was the first countrywide constitutional measures. agitation by Gandhiji. G Lord Minto came to be known as the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Father of Communal Electorate. (13th April, 1919)
Ghadar Party (1913) G People were agitated over the arrest of Dr
G Formed by Lala Hardayal, Taraknath Kitchlu and Dr Satyapal on 10th April, Das and Sohan Singh Bhakna. 1919. Headquarter—San Francisco. G General O’ Dyer fired at people who G The name was taken from a weekly assembled in the Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. paper, Ghadar, which had been The Hunter Commission was appointed to started on 1st November, 1913 to enquire into it. commemorate the 1857 Revolt. G Rabindra Nath Tagore returned his knighthood in protest. Home Rule Movement (1916) G Sardar Udham Singh killed General Dyer in G Started by BG Tilak (April, 1916) at Caxton Hall, London. Poona and Annie Besant and S Subramania Iyer at Adyar, near Khilafat Movement (1920) Madras (September, 1916). G Muslims were agitated by the treatment done with Turkey by the British in the treaty G Objective Self-government for India in the British Empire. that followed the First World War. G G During this movement, Tilak raised Ali brothers, Mohd Ali and Shaukat Ali the slogan Swaraj is my Birth Right started this movement. It was jointly led by and I shall have it. the Khilafat leaders and the Congress. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) Lucknow Pact (1916) G Congress passed the resolution in its Pact between INC and Muslim League Calcutta Session in September, 1920. following a war between Britain and G It was the first mass-based political Turkey leading to anti-British feelings movement under Gandhiji. among Muslims. Both organisations jointly demand dominion status for the G The movement envisaged resignation from country congress accepted separate nominated offices and posts in the local electorate for Muslims. bodies. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 21
G Refusal to attend government durbars Lahore Session (1929) and boycott of British courts by the G On 19th December, 1929, under the lawyers. presidentship of JL Nehru, the INC, at G Refusal of general public to offer its Lahore Session, declared Poorna themselves for military and other Swaraj (complete independence) as its government jobs and boycott of foreign ultimate goal . goods. G The tri-coloured flag adopted on Chauri-Chaura Incident (1922) 31st December, 1929, was unfurled and 26th January, 1930 was fixed as the G The Congress Session at Allahabad in First Independence Day, to be December 1921, decided to launch a Civil celebrated every year. Later, this day Disobedience Programme. Gandhiji was was chosen as the Republic Day of appointed its leader. India. G But before it could be launched, a mob of people at Chauri-Chaura (near Dandi March (1930) Gorakhpur) clashed with the police and G Also called the Salt Satyagraha. burnt 22 policemen on 5th February, G Gandhiji started his march from 1922. This compelled Gandhiji to Sabarmati Ashram on 12th March, withdraw the Non-Cooperation 1930 for the small village Dandi to Movement on 12th February, 1922. break the Salt Law. G He picked a handful of salt and Swaraj Party (1923) inaugurated the Civil Disobedience G Motilal Nehru, CR Das and NC Kelkar Movement. (called Pro-changers) demanded that the Civil Disobedience Movement nationalist should end the boycott of the Legislative Councils, enter them and G Countrywide mass participation by expose them. women. G The Garhwal soldiers refused to fire on G They formed Swaraj Party for this purpose with CR Das as the President. the people at Peshawar. First Round Table Conference Simon Commission (1927) (1931) G It was constituted by John Simon, to review the political situation in India and G It was the first conference arranged between the British and Indians as to introduce further reforms and equals. It was held on 12th extension of parliamentary democracy. November, 1930 in London to discuss G Indian leaders opposed the commission, as Simon Commission. there were no Indians in it, they cried G Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League Simon Go Back. participated in it. The conference failed G The government used brutal due to absence of the Indian National repression and at Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai Congress. was severely beaten in lathi- charge and later succumbed to death. Gandhi Irwin Pact (1931) G The government represented by The Nehru Report (1928) Lord Irwin, and INC led by Gandhiji
G After boycotting the Simon Commission, signed a pact on 5th March, 1931. all political parties constituted a G In this, the INC called off the Civil committee under the chairmanship of Disobedience Movement and agreed to Motilal Nehru to evolve and determine the join the Second Round Table principles for the Constitution of India. Conference. 22 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
G The government allowed the villagers on G Chaudhary Rehmat Ali gave the term the coast to make salt for consumption Pakistan in 1933.
and released the political prisoners. The G Muslim League first passed the proposal Karachi Session of 1931 of Congress of separate Pakistan in its Lahore endorsed the Gandhi Irwin Pact. Session in 1940 (called Jinnah’s Second Round Table Conference Two-Nation Theory). It was drafted by Sikandar Hayat Khan, moved by Fazlul (1931) Haq and seconded by Khaliquzzamah.
G Gandhiji represented the INC and went G In December 1943, the Karachi Session to London to meet British Prime of the Muslim League adopted the Minister Ramsay McDonald. slogan Divide and Quit. G The conference however failed as Gandhiji could not agree with British August Offer (8th August, 1940) Prime Minister on his policy of G It offered (i) Dominion status in the Communal Representation and refusal unspecified future, (ii) A post-war body of the British Government on the basic to enact the Constitution (iii) To expand Indian demand for freedom. the Governor-General’s Executive Council to give full weightage to minority The Communal Award opinion.
(16th August, 1932) G This was rejected by the INC, but was G Announced by Ramsay McDonald. It accepted by the Muslim League. showed divide and rule policy of the British. The Cripps Mission (1942)
G G It envisaged communal representation of The British Government with a view to depressedclasses,SikhsandMuslims. get cooperation from Indians in the Second World War, sent Sir Stafford G Gandhiji opposed it, and started fast Cripps to settle terms with Indian unto death in Yervada jail. leaders. Poona Pact/ Gandhi- Ambedkar G He offered dominion status to be granted Pact (25th September, 1932) after war. G Congress rejected it. Gandhiji termed it G The idea of separate electorate for the as ‘a post - dated cheque on a crashing depressed classes was abandoned, but bank’. seats reserved for them in the Provincial Legislature were increased. The Revolt of 1942 and the Quit G Thus, Poona Pact agreed upon a joint India Movement electorate for upper and lower castes. G Also called the Wardha Proposal, a Third Round Table Conference Leaderless Revolt. (1932) G The resolution was passed on 8th August, 1942, at Bombay. Gandhiji gave G Proved fruitless as most of the national the slogan Do or Die. leaders were in prison. G On 1st August, the Congress was banned Demand for Pakistan and its important leaders were arrested. Gandhiji was kept at the Aga Khan G In 1930, Iqbal suggested that the North-West provinces and Kashmir Palace, Pune. should be made Muslim states within the G The people became violent. The federation. movement was, however, crushed by the government. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 23
Indian National Army (INA) Jinnah’s Direct Action Resolution
G Subhash Chandra Bose escaped to (16th August, 1946)
Berlin in 1941 and set-up the Indian G Provoked by the success of the Congress in League there. In July 1943, he joined the voting for Constituent Assembly Jinnah the INA at Singapore. Ras Bihari Bose withdrew his acceptance to the Cabinet handed over the leadership to him. MissionPlan.
G INA had three fighting brigades, G Muslim League passed a Direct Action named after Gandhi, Azad and Nehru. Resolution, which condemned both the Rani of Jhansi Brigade was an British Government and the Congress exclusive women force. INA had its (16th August, 1946). It resulted in heavy headquarters at Rangoon and communal riots.
Singapore. G Jinnah celeberated Pakistan Day on 27th March, 1947. The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
G Members were Wavell, Patrick Mountbatten Plan (also called 3rd Lawrence, Alexander and Stafford June Plans) (3rd June, 1947) Cripps. The plan formulated by Lord Mountbatten G Main proposals outlined that
1. Rejection of demand for a full- G India was to be further divided into India fledged Pakistan. and Pakistan. 2. Loose union under a Centre with G There would be a separate Consitutional Centre’s control over defence and Assembly for Pakistan to frame its foreign affairs. Constitution. 3. Provinces were to have full G The princely states would enjoy the liberty autonomy and residual powers. to either join India or Pakistan, or could 4. Provincial legislatures would elect even remain independent. a Constituent Assembly. G Bengal and Punjab will be partitioned and The Muslim League accepted it on 6th a referendum in NWFP and Sylhet district June, 1946. The Congress also partially of Assam would be held. A separate state of accepted this plan. Pakistan would be created. Boundary Formation of Interim Commission was to be headed by Radcliffe. Government (2nd September, 1946) Partition and Independence
G It came into existence on (August, 1947)
2nd September, 1946 in accordance G Indian Independence Act, 1947 with Cabinet Mission’s proposals and implemented on 15th August 1947, was headed by JL Nehru. Muslim abolished the sovereignty of British League refused to join it initially. Parliament. Dominions of India and G Prime Minister Attlee on Pakistan were created. Each dominion 20th February, 1947 announced that was to have a Governor-General. Pakistan British would withdraw from India by was to comprise Sind, British Baluchistan, 30th June, 1948. NWFP,West Punjab and East Bengal. G Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Formation of Constituent Minister, integrated all the states by 15th Assembly (December, 1946) August, 1947. Kashmir, Hyderabad, G The Constituent Assembly met on Junagarh, Goa (with Portuguese) and 9th December, 1946 and Dr Rajendra Pondicherry (with French) later acceded Prasad was elected as its President. to Indian Federation. 24 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History
Religious Institution Founder Ideas Brahmo Samaj was Raja Ram Mohan Roy Author Propagated monotheism, opposed founded in Calcutta (1830) of Gift to Monotheists and sacrifices, idolatory, superstition Percepts of Jesus and the and sati. Journals Sambad Kaumudi and Mirat-ul Akbar Young Bengal Movement Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, Opposed the vices in society and (1826-31) probably the first modern believed in truth, freedom and right. nationalist poet brought out journal ‘Jananresan’ Tattavabodhini Sabha Debendranath Tagore Propagated Brahmo Samaj idea, (1839) brought out the journal eventually founding Adi Brahmo Tattavabodhini Patrika Samaj (1866). Dharma Sabha (1820), Radhakant Deb Emerged to counter Brahmo Samaj Rohilkhand and propagated orthodoxy. Wahabi Movement (1820), Syed Ahmed of Rai Bareilly Popularised the teachings of Rohilakhand Waliullah, stressed the role of individual conscience in religion. Namdhari or Kuka Bhai Balak Singh and Baba For political and social reforms Movement (1841-71) Ram Singh among Sikhs. Paramhans Mandali Dadoba Pandurang Emphasised the unity of God, (1849) against caste rules. Rahnumai Mazdayasanan SS Bengali, Dadabhai Naoroji To improve the social condition of Sabha (1851) and others Parsis and restore the purity of Zorastrianism. Their journal was Rast Gotar. Prarthana Samaj (1867), Atmaram Pandurang Monotheism, upliftment of women, Bombay abolition of caste discrimination. Indian Reform Association Keshab Chandra Sen Opposed child marriage, advocated (1870), Calcutta widow remarriage and inter-caste marriages. Arya Samaj (1875), Dayanand Saraswati Gave the slogan Go Back to the Bombay (original name Mulshankar) Vedas and within a revivalist framework denounced rites, idolatory, Brahmins’s supremacy etc. Aligarh Movement (1875) Syed Ahmed Khan, his Religious reform through emphasis grew into Mohammedan journal Tahzib-al-Akhlaq on principle of equality in religion, Anglo-Oriental College favoured scientific and national (1877) and later Aligarh outlook. Muslim University The Theosophical Society Madam HP Blavatsky and Drew inspiration from Upanishads, (1875), New York (later Col HS Olcott philosophy of the Vedanta and shifted to Adyar) transmigration of the souls. Deccan Education Society MG Ranade, VG Chiplinkar To contribute to education and (1884), Pune and GG Agarkar culture in Western India established Fergusson College, Pune (1885). Seva Sadan (1885), Behramji M Malabari Against child marriages, and forced Bombay widowhood. Deva Samaj (1887), Shiv Narain Agnihotri Favoured a code of conduct against Lahore bribe- taking, gambling, etc. Madras Hindu Association Veresalingam Pantulu Social Purity Movement and against (1892) Devadasi system. Ramkrishna Mission Vivekananda (original name Revive Hinduism, against caste (1897), Belur Narendranath Dutta) restrictions, superstition in Hinduism and overhaul of education system. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 25
Religious Institution Founder Ideas Servants of Indian Society Gopal Krishna Gokhale Famine relief and improving tribal (1905), Bombay conditions, in particular. Bharat Stri Mandal (1910), Sarlabai Devi Choudhrani Women’s education and Calcutta emancipation. Social Service League NM Joshi Improving the condition of the (1911) masses. Indian Women Association Annie Besant Upliftment of Indian women. (1917), Madras
PopularName Personality PopularName Personality AndhraKesari TPrakasam JP JayaprakashNarayan Babuji JagjiwanRam LadywiththeLamp FlorenceNightingale Bapu MahatmaGandhi LionofthePunjab LalaLajpatRai CR CRajagopalachari LittleCorporal Napoleon DeshBandhu ChitranjanDas Lokmanya BalGangadharTilak GrandOldman DadabhaiNaoroji Jawan Indiansoldier Lal,Bal,Pal LalaLajpatRai, Mahamanya PanditMadanMohan Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Malaviya Chandra Pal ManofBlood Bismarck Guru ji MS Golvalkar Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Gurudev RabindranathTagore NightingaleofIndia Sarojini Naidu IronMan VallabhbhaiPatel Panditji JawaharlalNehru Sparrow MajorRajenderSingh Shastriji LalBahadurShastri
Crematorium FamousPerson(s) Crematorium FamousPerson(s) RajGhat MahatmaGandhi ShantiVan JawaharlalNehru VijayGhat LalBahadurShastri ShaktiSthal IndiraGandhi KisanGhat ChCharanSingh AbhayGhat MorarjiDesai VeerBhumi RajivGandhi SamataSthal JagjivanRam EktaSthal GianiZailSingh, KarmaBhumi DrShankarDayalSharma Chandra Shekhar UdayBhoomi KRNarayana MahaprayanGhat DrRajendraPrasad
Name Publishedby Book Author BengalGazette JAHickey GhulamGiri JyotibaPhule Kesari BGTilak Pather Panchali B.Bhushan Bannerji Maratha BGTilak Satyarth Prakash Swami Dayanand Amrita Bazar Patrika Sisir Kumar Ghosh and Motilal Ghosh AnandMath BankimChandra Chatterji VandeMataram AurobindoGhosh UnhappyIndia LalaLajpatRai Yugantar BhupendranathDutta and Barinder Kumar IndiaDivided RajendraPrasad Ghosh The Discovery of Jawaharlal Nehru Bombay Chronicle Firoz Shah Mehta India GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History ART AND CULTURE
Dance Dancer n Bharatanatyam Bala Saraswati, CV Chandrasekhar, Leela Samson, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Padma Subramanyam, Rukmini Devi, Sanyukta Panigrahi, Sonal Mansingh, Yamini Krishnamurti n Kathak Bharti Gupta, Birju Maharaj, Damayanti Joshi, Durga Das, Gopi Krishna, Kumudini Lakhia, Sambhu Maharaj, Sitara Devi n Kuchipudi Josyula Seetharamaiah, Vempathi Chinna Sathyam n Manipuri Guru Bipin Sinha, Jhaveri Sisters, Nayana Jhaveri, Nirmala Mehta, Savita Mehta n Odissi Debaprasad Das, Dhirendra Nath Patnaik, Indrani Rahman, Kelucharan Mahapatra, Priyambada Mohanty n Kathakali Mrinalini Sarabhai, Guru Shankaran, Namboodripad, Thottam Shankaran, Kutti Nayyar, Shankar Kurup, KC Pannikar, TT Ram Kulti n Mohiniattam Protima Devi, Sanyukta Panigrahi, Sonal Mansingh, Pankaj Charan Das, Kelucharan Mahapatra, Madhvi Mudgal, etc
n Andhra Pradesh Kuchipudi, Ghantamardala, Ottam Thedal, Veedhi Natakam n Assam Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Khel Gopal, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai n Bihar Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama-Chakwa, Bidesia n Gujarat Garba, Dandiya Ras, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai n Haryana Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor n Himachal Pradesh Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi n Jammu and Kashmir Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Damali n Karnataka Yakshagan, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi n Kerala Kathakali (Classical), Ottam Thulal, Mohiniattam, Kaikottikali n Maharashtra Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Powada n Odisha Odissi (Classical), Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau n Paschim Banga Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan n Punjab Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand, Naqual n Rajasthan Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Kalbeliya n Tamil Nadu Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi n Uttar Pradesh Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita n Uttarakhand Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, Chappeli
Carnatic MS Subbalakshmi, Balamuralikrishna, Bombay Jaishree, HK Raghavendra, Aryakudi Ramanujan Iyenegar Venkataram, Sitarajam, Mani Krishnaswamy, Akhil Krishnan, ML Vasanthakumari, MD Ramanathan, GN Balasubramaniam Dhrupad Ustad Rahim Fahim-ud-din Dagar, Zahir-ud-din Dagar, Wasif-ud-din Dagar, Bundecha Bandhu, Pt Abhay Narayan Mallick, Pt Ritwik Sanyal, Uday Bhawalkar Hindustani Shubha Mudgal, Madhup Mudgal, Mukul Shivputra, Pandit Jasraj, Parveen Sultana, Naina Devi, Girija Devi, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Gangubai Hangal, Krishna Hangal, V Rajput, Kumar Gandharva, Faiyyaz Khan, Mallikariun Mansur. Thumri Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Mazhar Ali Khan, Ustad Zawad Ali Khan, Poornima Chaudhary, Shanti Heerananda, Naina Devi, Rita Ganguly GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian History 27
Instruments Instrumentalists Stringed Instruments 1. Been AsadAliKhan,ZiaMoin-ud-dinKhan 2. Santoor ShivKumarSharma 3. Sarod BuddhadevDasgupta,AliAkbarKhan,AmjadAlikhan, Bahadur Khan, Sharan Rani, Zarin S Sharma 4. Sarangi UstadBindaKhan 5. Sitar RaviShankar,HaraShankarBhattacharya,NikhilBanerjee, Vilayat Khan, Mustaq Ali Khan 6. Surb Ahar SajjadHussain,Annapurna 7. Veena Doraiswamy Iyengar,Chittibabu,EmaniSankara Shastri, Dhanammal, S Bala Chandran, KR Kumaraswamy 8. Violin GajananRaoJoshi,MSGopalKrishnan,TNKrishnan, Baluswamy, Dikshitar, Dwaran Venkataswamy Naidu Lalyuli G Jayaraman, Mysore T Chowdiah, VG Jog Wind Instruments 9. Flute TRMahalingam,NRamani,HariPrasadChaurasia,Pannalal Ghosh 10. Nadaswaran Sheikh Chinna Moula, Neeruswamy Pillai, Rajaratanam Pillai 11. Shehnai BismillahKhan Percussion (Striking Thumping) Instruments 12. Mridangam Palghat Mani Iyer, Karaikudi R Mani, Palghat Raghu 13. Pakhawag Pt Ayodhya Prasad, Gopal Das, Babu Ram Shanker Pagaldas 14. Tabla ZakirHussain,NikhilGhosh,KishanMaharaj,Alla Rakha Khan, Pandit Samta Prasad, Kumar Bose, Latif Khan 15. Kanjira PudukkotaiDakshinamurthiPillai
Institutions Headquarters Institutions Headquarters n Anthropological Survey Kolkata n Sahitya Academy, 1954 New Delhi of India, 1945 n Sangeet Natak New Delhi n Archaeological Survey New Delhi Academy, 1953 of India, 1861 n Library of Tibetan Works Dharmashala n Asiatic Society, 1784 Kolkata and Archives (Sir William Jones) n Science City Kolkata n Indira Gandhi National New Delhi n Victorial Memorial Hall Kolkata Centre for Arts, 1985 n Birla Industrial and Tech Kolkata n Lalit Kala Akademi New Delhi Museum (National Academy of n Central Institute of Leh Fine Arts), 1954 Buddhist Studies n National Archives of New Delhi n Nava Nalanda Nalanda (Birla) India, 1981 Mahavihara n National School of New Delhi n National Gallery of New Delhi Drama, 1959 Modern Art 28 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
GEOGRAPHY
WORLD GEOGPRAHY
UNIVERSE G Comets Made up of frozen gases. They move around the Sun in G The study of universe is known as elongated elliptical orbit with the tail . Cosmology always pointing away from the Sun. G The universe is commonly defined as G Constellations The sky is divided into the totality of everything that exists units to enable the astronomers to including all physical matter and energy, identify the position of the stars. These the planets, stars, galaxies and the units are called constellations. There contents of intergalactic space. are 88 known constellations. G Galaxy A galaxy is a vast system of G Satellites are the heavenly bodies that billions of stars, dust and light gases revolve around the planets. Moon is the bound by their own gravity. There are 100 natural satellite of the Earth. billion galaxies in the universe and each galaxy has, on average, 100 billion stars.
G Our galaxy is Milky Way Galaxy (or the Diameter 3476km Akash Ganga) formed after the Big Bang. Average distance from 384365 km G Andromeda is the nearest galaxy to the Earth Milky Way. RotationSpeed 27days,7h,43 min and 11.47 sec G The Big Bang Theory Big Bang was an explosion of concentrated matter in the RevolutionSpeed 27days,7h,43 min and 11.47 sec universe that occurred 15 billion years Time taken by moonlight 1.3 sec ago, leading to the formation of galaxies of to reach the Earth stars and other heavenly bodies. G It is believed that universe should be filled Solar System with radiation called the “cosmic microwave background.” NASA has G The solar system consists of the Sun, launched two mission to study these eight planets and their satellites (or radiation, i.e. the Cosmic Background moons) and thousands of other smaller Explorer (COBE) and the Wilkinson heavenly bodies such as asteroids, Microwave Anistropy Probe (WMAP). comets and meteors. Neptune G Stars are heavenly bodies made up of hot burning gases and they shine by emitting their own light. Saturn G Black Hole Stars having mass greater Uranus Mars than three times that of the Sun, have Venus very high gravitational power, so that even Jupiter Earth Mercury light can not escape from its gravity and SUN hence called black hole. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 29
G The Sun is at the centre of the solar system Meteors and Meteorites and all these bodies revolve around it. It is the nearest star to the Earth. G Meteors are also called as shooting stars. G Meteors are fragments of rocks Average distance from 149598900 km coming towards the Earth. the Earth G They are formed due to collision Diameter 1391980 km among the asteroids. Temperature of the Core 15000000°C G Meteors that do not burn up RotationSpeed 25.38days(with completely in Earth’s atmosphere and respect to equator); land on the Earth, are called 33 days (with respect meteorites. to poles) G Meteorites are composed of various Time taken by Sunlight 8 min and 16.6 sec proportions of a nickel-iron alloy (10% to reach the Earth nickel and 90% iron) and silicate minerals. Biggest Planet Jupiter Biggest Satellite Ganymede Classification of Planets (Jupiter) Inner Planets Include Mercury, Venus, Blue Planet Earth Earth and Mars. Green Planet Uranus Outer Planets Include Jupiter, Saturn, Brightest Planet Venus Uranus and Neptune. Brightest Planet outside Solar Sirius InnerPlanet OuterPlanet System (Dog Star) Closest Star of Solar System Proxima They are called as They are called as Centauri Terrestrial or Rocky Jovian or Gaseous planets. planets. Coldest Planet Neptune Evening Star Venus They are nearer to They are far away the Sun. from the Sun. Farthest Planet from Sun Neptune Planet with maximum number of Saturn Dwarf Planet According to satellites (Overtaking International Astronomical Union (IAU), Jupiter) it is a celestial body in direct orbit of the Fastest revolution in Solar System Mercury Sun, that is massive enough that its shape Hottest Planet Venus is controlled by gravitational forces, but has Densest Planet Earth not cleared its neighbourhood. e.g., Pluto, Fastest rotation in Solar System Jupiter Ceres, Eris, Makemake and Haumea. Morning Star Venus Nearest Planet to Earth Venus A light year is the distance light travels in × 8 Nearest Planet to Sun Mercury one year at the speed of 3 10 m/s. Red Planet Mars Astronomical unit mean distance Slowest Revolution in Solar Neptune between Earth and Sun. System Slowest Rotation in Solar System Venus Earth Smallest Planet Mercury G The Earth is an oblate spheroid. It is Smallest Satellite Deimos almost spherical, flattened a little at (Mars) the poles with a slight bulge at the Earth’s Twin Venus centre (equator). Only Satellite with an atmosphere Titan G Perihelion Nearest position of the like Earth Earth to the Sun. G Aphelion Farthest position of the Asteroids (or Planetoids) Earth from Sun. Small planetary bodies that revolve around G The Earth’s interior is composed of the Sun and found in between the orbits of three major layers: the crust, the Mars and Jupiter. Also known as minor mantle and the core. planets. 30 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
G Eduard Suess has explained the interior of Longitudes (Meridians) Earth on the basis of chemical G Meridians are a series of semicircles composition as SIAL, SIMA and NIFE. that run from pole to pole passing G SIAL (Silicon-Aluminium) Upper part of through the equator. the crust. G Prime Meridian passes through G SIMA (Silicon-Magnesium) Lower part of the crust. Greenwich near London, divides the Earth in Eastern and Western G NIFE (Nickel-Iron) Outer part of the core. hemisphere. Its value is 0°. G Rotation of the Earth Earth spins on its G Longitude has very important function imaginary axis from West to East in one day. i.e., it determines local time in relation Result in causation of day and night, tides. to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). G Revolution of the Earth Earth’s motion in elliptical orbit around the Sun in one G 1° change of longitude corresponds to year. Result in Change of seasons. 4 minutes difference in time. International Date Line (IDL) Age 4550 million years G It is the longitude where the date Mass 5. 976× 1024 kg changes by exactly one day when it is Volume 1083. × 1012 km 3 crossed. Mean Density 5.513 g/cm 3 G 180°East and 180° West meridians is Total Surface Area 510 million sq km the same line, which is called the Land Area 29.2% of the total surface International Date Line. area G Crossing Date line from West to East Water Area 70.8% of the total surface — addition of 1 day area Crossing Date line from East to West — Rotation Speed 23 hr, 56 min and 4.100 sec subtraction of 1 day Revolution Speed 365 days, 5 hr and 45.51 G Recently Samoa island decided to shift sec itself on west side of IDL. Dates when days March 21 (Vernal Equinox); and nights are equal 23rd September, (IST) (Autumnal Equinox) Indian Standard Time Longest day 21st June, (Summer ■ The Earth takes approximately 24 hours to Solstice) Sun is vertically complete one rotation i.e.,ittakes24 hours overhead at Tropic of to complete 360° of its rotation. Cancer ■ Indian Standard Time is calculated on the Shortest night 22nd December, basis of 82.5°E longitude which passes (Winter Solstice) Sun is vertically overhead at through Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh Tropic of Capricorn Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. Escape velocity 11.2 km/sec ■ IST is 5 hr 30 min ahead of GMT. Mean surface 14°C temperature Eclipses When the light of the Sun or the Moon is Latitudes blocked by another body, the Sun or the Imaginary lines drawn on the Earth’s surface Moon is said to be in eclipse. parallel to the equator. Equator (0°) is the biggest latitude that divides Earth in two G Solar Eclipse It is caused, when the equal hemispheres (North and South). Moon revolving around the Earth TropicofCancer 23.5°N comes in between the Earth and the Sun, thus making a part or whole of the TropicofCapricorn 23.5°S Sun invisible from a particular part of ArcticCircle 66.5°N the Earth. Thus, the eclipse can be AntarcticCircle 66.5°S partial or complete. G Each degree of latitude equals 111 km. G Lunar Eclipse When the Earth G The most important line of latitude is the comes between the Moon and the Sun, Equator. the shadow cast by the Earth on the Moon results in a lunar eclipse. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 31
ROCKS Types of Volcanoes Rocks are made up of individual G Active Which erupts frequently, e.g., substances, called minerals, found mostly Mauna Loa (Hawaii), Etna (Sicily), in solid state. Rocks are classified into three Vesuvius (Italy), Stromboli major types (Mediterranean Sea).
G G Igneous rocks are formed by the Dormant Not erupted for quite solidification of the molten magma, e.g., sometime, e.g., Fujiyama (Japan), Mica, Granite etc. Krakatoa (Indonesia), Barren Island (India). G Sedimentary rocks are formed due to accumulation of rock particles and G Extinct Not erupted for several organic matter in layers, under centuries. e.g., Arthur’s Seat, tremendous pressure, e.g., Gravel, Peat, Edinburgh, Scotland. Gypsum etc. G Ring of Fire Hundreds of active volcanoes found on the land near the G Metamorphic rocks were originally edges of the Pacific Ocean. igneous or sedimentary but later changed due to pressure, heat or action of water, Tsunami e.g., Gneiss, Marble, Quartzite etc. Large ocean wave that is caused by sudden Type of Original Metamorphic motion on the ocean floor. Motion could be Rock Rock Rock an earthquake, volcanic eruption or Igneous Granite Gneiss underwater landslide. Igneous Basalt Green-stone Sedimentary Limestone Marble LANDFORMS Sedimentary Coal Graphite, Coal There are three major landforms Sedimentary Sandstone Quartzite mountains, plateaus and plains. Sedimentary Shale/Clay Slate, Mica, Schist Mountains Weathering An uplifted portion of the Earth’s surface is called a hill or a mountain. The process by which rocks are chemically or physically disintegrated into fragments. Mountains are classified into following four types EARTHQUAKES G Fold Mountains These are formed by folding of crustal rocks by compressive G Any sudden disturbance below the Earth’s surface may produce vibrations or forces. e.g., Himalayas (Asia), Alps shaking in Earth’s crust and some of (Europe). these vibrations, when reach the surface, G Block Mountains When great blocks are known as earthquakes. of the Earth’s crust are raised or lowered during the last stage of mountain G The magnitude of an earthquake is measured by Richter Scale. building, block mountains are formed, e.g., Vosges in France, Black Forest G The intensity of earthquake waves is mountains in Germany. recorded by Seismograph. G Volcanic Mountains These are formed G Intensity of shaking is measured on the by the matter thrown out from the modified Mercalli Scale. volcanoes, and are also known as G Focus is the point beneath the Earth mountains of accumulation, e.g., where earthquake originates. Mt Mauna Loa in Hawaii, Mt Popa in G Epicentre is the point just above the Myanmar.
focus on the Earth’s surface. G Residual or Dissected Mountains They are known as relict mountains or VOLCANISM mountains of circum-denudation. They G Sudden eruption of hot magma (molten owe their present form to erosion by rock), gases, ash and other material from different agencies, e.g. Nilgiris, Girnar inside the Earth to its surface. and Rajmahal. 32 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
Plateaus Range Location Length(km) Plateaus are flat, table like, upland areas with rough top surface and steep side Andes SouthAmerica 7200 walls. Himalayas, South Central 5000 Karakoram and Asia Hindukush Plateau Situation Rockies NorthAmerica 4800 Tibetan Plateau Between Himalayas Great Dividing EastAustralia 3600 and Kunlun Mountains Range Deccan Plateau Southern India Atlas North-West 1930 Africa Arabian Plateau South-West Asia WesternGhats WesternIndia 1610 Plateau of Brazil Central-Eastern South Caucasus Europe 1200 America Alaska USA 1130 Plateau of Mexico Mexico Alps Europe 1050 Plateau of Columbia USA Plateau of Madagascar Madagascar MountainPeak Location Plateau of Alaska North-West North America Mt Everest Nepal-Tibet (Highest in the world) Plateau of Bolivia Andes Mountains K2 (Godwin Austin) India (POK) Great Basin Plateau South of Columbia Plateau, USA Dhaulagiri Nepal Annapurna Nepal Colorado Plateau South of Great Basin Plateau, USA GurlaMandhata Tibet TirichMir Pakistan Plains Aconcagua Argentina A relatively low-lying and flat land surface Cotopaxi Ecuador with least difference between its highest Kilimanjaro Tanzania and lowest points is called a Plain.
ATMOSPHERE
G The vast expanse of air, which envelops the earth all around is called the atmosphere. It extends to thousands of kilometres.
G It protects the Earth’s surface from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
Layer Height(km) Feature Troposphere 0-18km Contains75%ofthegasesintheatmosphere.Asheight increases, temperature decreases (about 6.5°c/km ascent). Stratosphere 18-50 km This layer contains the ozone layer. The temperature remains fairly constant in the lower part but increases slowly with increase in height due to presence of ozone gas. At upper layer temperature is almost 00C. Mesosphere 50-80 km This is the coldest region of the atmosphere. The temperature drops to about – 100°C. Ionosphere 80-600 km Radio waves are bounced off the ions and reflect waves back to the Earth. This generally helps radio communication. Exosphere Above 600 km Upper part of exosphere is called Magnetosphere. The temperature keeps on rising constantly at high rate. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 33
G It also regulates temperature, preventing The types of winds are given below
the Earth from becoming too hot or too G Planetary Winds The winds blowing cold. throughout the year from one latitude G The major constituents of air in the to another in response to latitudinal atmosphere are Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen differences in air pressure are called (21%), Argon (0.93%) and Carbon planetary or prevailing winds. dioxide (0.03%). G Planetary winds are divided into three G Besides water vapour, dust particles, types they are Trade winds, Westerlies smoke, salts and other impurities are and Polar winds. present in air in varying quantities. (i) Trade Winds They blow from the Sub-tropical High Pressure Belt to Greenhouse Effect and the Equatorial Low Pressure Belt in the tropics between 30° North and Global Warming 30° South latitudes. G A greenhouse gas (sometimes (ii) Westerlies They blow from abbreviated GHG) is a gas in the Sub-tropical High Pressure Belt to atmosphere that absorbs and emits the Sub-Polar Low Pressure Belt in radiation within the thermal infrared the temperate latitudes between range. This process is the fundamental 30°and 60°, on the either side of the cause of the greenhouse effect. Equator. G The primary greenhouse gases in the These are also called Roaring Earth’s atmosphere are water vapour, Forties, the Furious Fifties and carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide Shrieking or Screaming sixties. and ozone. (iii) Polar Winds They blow from the G In the solar system, the atmosphere of Polar High Pressure Belt to the Venus, Mars and Titan also contain gases Sub-Polar Low Pressure Belt that cause greenhouse effects. between 60° latitude and the Pole G Global warming is the increase of Earth’s on both sides of the Equator.
average surface temperature due to effect G Periodic Winds They change their of greenhouse gases, such as carbon direction periodically with the change dioxide emissions from burning fossil in pressure and temperature, e.g., fuels or from deforestation. This is a type Monsoon, Land and Sea Breeze. of greenhouse effect. G Local Winds Local winds develop as a result of local differences in Pressure System of Earth temperature and pressure. e.g., Fohn, G The pressure exerted by the atmosphere Chinook, Loo. due to its weight, above a unit area of the G Cyclones Rapid inward circulation of Earth’s surface is called atmospheric airmasses with a low pressure at centre. pressure. It is measured by Mercury It is anticlockwise in the Northern Barometer. Hemisphere and clockwise in the G Major pressure belts of the Earth are Southern Hemisphere. equatorial low, sub-tropical high, G Anticyclones Rapid outward sub-polar low and polar high. movement of air masses with a high Winds pressure at centre. G Hurricane This is also known as Due to horizontal differences in air tropical cyclone or tropical storm. This pressure, air flows from areas of high is a disturbance of about 650 km across, pressure to areas of low pressure. spinning around a central area of very Horizontal movement of the air is called low pressure, with (with wind speed wind. above) 140 km/h. 34 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
Name NatureofWind Panama Pacific Ocean with Caribbean Sea Chinook Hot, dry wind in Rockies, also Suez Mediterranean Sea to Red Sea called ‘Snow Eater’. Erie AtlanticOceantoGreatLakes Fohn Hot, dry wind in the Alps. Kiel NorthSeatoBalticSea Khamsin Hot, dry wind in Egypt. Sirocco Hot, moist wind from Sahara to Mediterranean Sea. It is also Oceans DeepestPoint known as Blood rain. Pacific Mariana Trench Solano Hot, moist wind from Sahara Atlantic Puerto Rico Trench towards Iberian Peninsula. Indian Java Trench Harmattan Hot, dry wind blowing outwards from the interior of Western Arctic Eurasian Basin Africa. Also called Guinea Doctor. Bora Cold, dry wind blowing outwards from Hungary to the North of Italy Strait WaterBodies Area (near Adriatic Sea). joined Mistral Very cold wind, which blows from Bab-el- Red Sea and Arabia and the Alps over France. Mandeb Arabian Sea Africa Punas Cold, dry wind blowing down Bering ArcticOceanand Alaska and towards the Western side of Bering Sea Asia Andes. Bosphorus Black Sea and Turkey Blizzard Very cold winds in Tundra region. Marmara Sea Purga Cold wind in Russian Tundra. Dover NorthSeaand England and Atlantic Ocean Europe Levanter Cold wind in Spain. Florida GulfofMexicoand Florida and Norwester Hot wind in New Zealand. Atlantic Ocean Bahamas Santa Ana Hot wind in South California in Islands USA. Gibralter Mediterranean Sea Spain and and Atlantic Ocean Africa (Morocco) Malacca JavaSeaandBay India and River Origin of Bengal Indonesia Nile Victorialake Palk Bay of Bengal and India and Sri Amazon Andes (Peru) Indian Ocean Lanka Yangtze TibetanKiangPlateau Magellan South Pacific and Chile Mississippi Itaska Lake (USA) South Atlantic Missouri Ocean Sunda JavaSeaand Indonesia Yenisei Tannu-OlaMountains Indian Ocean HuangHo KunlunMountains Ob AltaiMountains,Russia Congo LualabaandLuapularivers Lake Location Amur NorthEastChina CaspianSea Asia Lena BaikalMountains Superior Canada and USA Mekong TibetanHighlands Victoria Africa Niger Guinea Huron Canada and USA Michigan USA Typhoons ChinaSea Tanganyika Africa TropicalCyclones IndianOcean Baikal Russia Hurricanes CaribbeanSea GreatBear Canada Tornadoes USA Aral Kazakshtan WillyWillies NorthernAustralia GreatSlave Canada GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 35
Waterfall Location Name Country/Region AngelFalls Venezuela Sahara (Libyan, Nubian) North Africa TugelaFalls SouthAfrica Australian (Gibson, Australia Simpson), Victorian Great Monge Norway Sandy) Yosemite UnitedStates Arabian Arabia CatarataYumbilla Peru (Rub al Khali, An-Nafud) Dasht-e-Lut (Barren Desert) Iran Dasht-e-Kavir (Salt Desert) Iran Town River DesiertodeSechura Peru Akyab (Myanmar) Irrawaddy Atacama NorthChile Baghdad (Iraq) Tigris Patagonia Argentina Basara (Iraq) Tigris and Euphrates Kalahari Botswana Belgrade Danube Namib Namibia Berlin (Germany) Spree Bristol (UK) Avon Budapest (Hungary) Danube RankName Area Country 2 3 Cairo (Egypt) Nile (km ) Canton Si-Kiang 1. Greenland 2,175,600 Denmark Glasgow (Scotland) Clyde 2. NewGuinea 785,753 Indonesia Hamburg (Germany) Elbe 3. Borneo 748,168 Indonesia, Malaysia Jamshedpur Subarnarekha 4. Madagascar 587,713 Madagascar Kabul Kabul 5. BaffinIsland 503,944 Canada Karachi Indus 6. Sumatra 443,066 Indonesia Khartoum (Sudan) Nile Lahore Ravi Lisbon (Portugal) Tangus London (UK) Thames Mineral LeadingProducer Lucknow Gomti Gold China Montreal (Canada) Ottawa Bauxite Australia New Castle (UK) Tyre Copper Chile New Orleans (USA) Mississippi Platinum SouthAfrica New York (USA) Hudson Chromium SouthAfrica Paris (France) Seine Vanadium China Philadelphia (USA) Delaware Antimony China Rome (Italy) Tiber Tungsten China Shanghai Yang-tse-Kiang Phosphate Morocco Srinagar Jhelum Manganese China Warsaw (Poland) Vistula Diamond Russia WashingtonDC Potomac Ironore China Yangon (Myanmar) Irawady Petroleum USA 36 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
Grassland Country Name InBetween Steppe Eurasia Radcliffe Line (1947) India and Pakistan (Indo-Pak) Pustaz Hungary McMahon Line India and China (Indo-China) Prairie USA (1914) Durand Line (1893) Pakistan and Afghanistan Pampas Argentina and Uruguay Hindenburg Line Germany and Poland (South America) MaginotLine FranceandGermany Veld South Africa Oder Neisse Line Germany and Poland Downs Australia Siegfried Line Fortification between Germany Canterbury New Zealand and France 38th Parallel Line North and South Korea 49th Parallel Line USA and Canada Agricultural Leading 24th Parallel Line Pakistan claims that it is the Produce Producer boundary between India and Pakistan in Rann of Kachchh Coffee Brazil 17th Parallel Line North Vietnam and South Vietnam Rubber Thailand Tea China Highest and Lowest Points of the Oil Palm Indonesia Continent Cocoa Ghana Continent Highest(m) Lowest(m) Coconut Indonesia Asia Mt Everest (8850) Dead Sea (−396) Date Palm Egypt Africa Mt Kilimanjaro Lake Assal (−151) Cotton China (5895) − Wheat China North America Mt Mckinley (6190) Death Valley ( 87) Maize USA South America Mt Aconcagua Valdes Peninsula (6962) (−40) Fruits and Vegetables China Antarctica Vinson Massif Bentley Subglacial Wool Australia (4897) Trench (−2538) Rice China Europe Mt El' brus (5642) Caspian Sea (−28) Cloves Zanzibar Australia Mt Kosciuszko Lake Eyre (−16) (2228)
Anshan(China) IronandSteel LosAngeles(USA) Petroleum Baku(Azerbaijan) Petroleum Lyon(France) SilkTextiles Belfast(Ireland) Ship-building Magnitogorsk (Russia) Iron and Steel Birmingham(UK) IronandSteel Manchester(UK) CottonTextile Chicago(USA) MeatPacking Milan(Italy) SilkTextile Detroit(USA) Automobile Multan(Pakistan) Pottery Havana(Cuba) Cigars Munich(Germany) Lenses Hollywood(USA) Films Nagoya(Janpan) Automobiles Johannesburg Gold Mining Philadelphia(USA) Locomotives (South Africa) Pittsburg(USA) IronandSteel KansasCity(USA) MeatPacking Plymouth(USA) Ship-building Kawasaki(Japan) IronandSteel Rourkela(India) IronandSteel Kimberley (South Africa) Diamond Mining Sheffield(UK) Cutlery KrivoiRog(Ukraine) IronandSteel Vladivostok (Russia) Ship-building Leeds(UK) WoollenTextiles Wellington (New Zealand) Dairy Products Leningard(Russia) Ship-building GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 37 INDIAN GEOGRAPHY INDIA
G India is the seventh largest country in HighestPeak Height State the world with an area of 3287263 sq km, (in m) which is 2.42% of world’s area. MtK2 8611 PoK(India)
G India is the second most populous country Kanchenjunga 8598 Sikkim in the world with a population of 1.21 NandaDevi 7817 Uttarakhand billion, which is 17.44% of the world. SaltoroKangri 7742 Jammuand Kashmir G Indian subcontinent is located in the Kangto 7090 Arunachal Northern and Eastern hemisphere. Pradesh G India shares longest boundary with ReoPurgyil 6816 Himachal Bangladesh (4096 km), followed by China Pradesh (3488 km), Pakistan (3323 km), Nepal Saramati 3841 Nagaland (1751 km), Myanmar (1643 km), Bhutan Sandakphu 3636 WestBengal (699km)andAfghanistan(106km). Khayang 3114 Manipur Anaimudi 2695 Kerala G In India, the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N latitude) passes through 8 states (Gujarat, DoddaBetta 2636 TamilNadu Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Important Facts Tripura and Mizoram). Latitudinal extent 8°4' North to 37° 6' G Islands Andaman and Nicobar Islands in North the Bay of Bengal; Lakshadweep, Longitudinal extent 68°7' East to 97° 25' Amindivi and Minicoy in the Arabian Sea. East
G Ocean India lies midway between the Far North-South extent 3214 km East and Middle East. The trans-Indian East-West extent 2933 km Ocean routes connecting the industrially Land Frontiers 15200 km developed countries of Europe in the West Total Coastline 7516.6 km and the under developed countries of East Number of States 29 Asia pass close by Indian subcontinent. Union Territories 8 (After bifurcation of It is surrounded by Arabian Sea in the J&KinJammuand South-West and Bay of Bengal in the Kashmir and Ladakh South-East. and merger of Dadar and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu) Land Neighbours Pakistan, Afghanistan, Country Border China, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan (4) Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bangladesh and Jammu and Kashmir Myanmar Afghanistan (1) Jammu and Kashmir Longest Coastline Gujarat China (5) JammuandKashmir, Active volcano Barren Island in Uttarakhand, Himachal Andaman and Nicobar Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Islands Pradesh Southern most point Indira Point or Nepal (5) Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Pygmalion point in Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim Great Nicobar Bhutan (4) Sikkim,WestBengal,Assam, Southern most tip Kanyakumari Arunachal Pradesh Northern most point Indira Col Bangladesh (5) West Bengal, Assam, Western most point West of Ghaur Mota in Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram Gujarat Eastern most point Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh) 38 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
and
Bhangar Khadar EasternGhat WesternGhat
■ These are low ■ The deposit of fresh Located East to Located West to plains. Formed alluvium every year Deccan Plateau. Deccan Plateau. of older brought by the They are parallel to They are parallel to alluvium Himalayas rivers makes Eastern Coast, i.e., Western Coast, i.e., this belt of Northern Coromandal, Northern Konkan, Kannad, plains. Circar, etc. Malabar etc.
■ ■ Mahanadi, Cauveri, Narmada, Tapi, This belt ends This belt ends in Terai. Godavari, Krishna etc Sabarmati and Mahi in Khadar. rivers are drawn in this etc rivers are drawn in land form. this land. Jindhagada with an Anaimudi with an altitude of 1690 m is altitude of 2695 m is Terai Bhabar the highest peak. the highest peak.
■ Terai is a broad ■ Bhabar is a long long zone South of narrow plain along Bhabar plain. the foothills. Town River ■ It is a marshy damp ■ It is a pebble Jamshedpur Subarnarekha area convered with studded zone of thick forest. porous beds. Delhi Yamuna Kanpur Ganga ■ It is 20-30 km wide. ■ It is 9-16 km wide. Surat Tapti ■ ■ It is unsuitable for It is suitable for Ferozpur Sutlej agriculture. agriculture. Allahabad At the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna Varanasi Ganga Doab Region Haridwar Ganga
■ Bist Doab ■ Between Beas and Sutlej Badrinath Alaknanda Ludhiana Sutlej ■ Bari Doab ■ Between Beas and Ravi Srinagar Jhelum ■ Rechna Doab ■ Between Ravi and Chenab Ayodhya Saryu
■ Chaj Doab ■ Between Chenab and Ahmedabad Sabarmati Jhelum Patna Ganga
■ Sind Sagar ■ Between Jhelum and Kota Chambal Doab Indus Jabalpur Narmada Panji Mandavi Ujjain Kshipra Eastern Coast Western Coast Guwahati Brahmaputra Kolkata Hooghly Smooth outline Dissected outline Cuttack Mahanadi Occurence of Occurrence of estuaries deltas Hyderabad Musi Broad Narrow Nasik Godavari Longrivers Smallrivers Lucknow Gomti GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 39
Waterfall Height (km) River State Kunchikal 455 Varahi Karnataka Jog/Gersoppa 260 Sharavati Karnataka RakimKund 168 Gaighat Bihar Chachai 127 Bihad MadhyaPradesh Kevti 98 Mahanadi MadhyaPradesh Sivasamudram 90 Cauveri Karnataka
NameofLake State ImportantFact Chilka Lake Odisha Itisasalineandlagoonlake(largestlakeofIndia). Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh It is a freshwater lake. Loktak Lake Manipur It is a freshwater lake having inland drainage in Manipur. Lonar Lake Maharashtra ItisameteoritecraterlakeinBuldhanaareaof Maharashtra. The water is highly charged with Sodium carbonates and Sodium chloride. Pangong Lake Jammu and Kashmir It is a salty lake. Pulicat Lake Tamil Nadu & Andhra It is a saline and lagoon lake. Pradesh border Sambhar Lake Rajasthan It is a shallow lake which is saline, located near Jaipur. Tso Moriri Lake Jammu&Kashmir Itisasaltylake. Vembanad Lake Kerala Itisalagoonlake. Wular & Dal Lakes Jammu and Kashmir Wular lake was created due to tectonic activities.
Name Originatesfrom Fallsinto Ganges CombinedSources BayofBengal Sutlej MansarovarRakasLakes Chenab Indus NearMansarovarLake ArabianSea Ravi KulluHillsnearRohtangPass Chenab Beas NearRohtangPass Sutlej Jhelum VerinaginKashmir Chenab Yamuna Yamunotri Ganga Chambal SingarChouriPeak,Vindhyanescarpment Yamuna Ghaghara MatsatungGlacier Ganga Kosi NearGosainDhamPeak Ganga Betwa Vindhyanchal Yamuna Son Amarkantak Ganga Brahmaputra NearMansarovarLake BayofBengal Narmada Amarkantak Gulf of Khambat Tapti BetulDistrictinMadhyaPradesh GulfofKhambat Mahanadi RaipurDistrictinChhattisgarh BayofBengal Luni Aravallis Rann of Kachchh Ghaggar Himalayas Near Fatehabad Sabarmati Mewarhill,Aravallis GulfofKhambat Krishna WesternGhats BayofBengal Godavari NasikdistrictinMaharashtra BayofBengal Cauveri BrahmagirRangeofWesternGhats BayofBengal Tungabhadra Western Ghats Krishna 40 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
Project River Purpose BeneficiaryStates Bhakra Nangal Project Sutlej Powerandirrigation Punjab,Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan Damodar Valley Damodar Power,irrigationand Jharkhand and West flood control Bengal, shared by Madhya Pradesh Hirakud Mahanadi Powerandirrigation Odisha Tungabhadra Project Tungabhadra Powerandirrigation AndhraPradeshand Karnataka Nagarjunasagar Krishna Powerandirrigation AndhraPradeshand Project Telangana Gandak River Project Gandak Powerandirrigation Bihar,UttarPradesh, Nepal (joint venture of India and Nepal) Kosi Project Kosi Floodcontrol,Powerand Bihar irrigation Farakka Project Ganga, Bhagirathi Power, irrigation, avoid West Bengal accumulation of slit to improve navigation Beas Project Beas Irrigationandpower Rajasthan,Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh Indira Gandhi Canal Sutlej, Beas and Irrigation Rajasthan,Punjaband Project (Rajasthan Ravi Haryana Canal Project) Chambal Project Chambal Powerandirrigation MadhyaPradeshand Rajasthan Kakrapara Project Tapti Irrigation Gujarat Ukai Project Tapti Powerandirrigation Gujarat Tawa Project Tawa(Narmada) Irrigation MadhyaPradesh Poochampad Project Godavari Irrigation Telangana Malaprabha Project Malaprabha Irrigation Karnataka Durgapur Barrage Damodar Irrigationandnavigation WestBengaland Jharkhand Mahanadi Delta Mahanadi Irrigation Odisha Project Iddukki Project Periyar Hydroelectricity Kerala Koyna Project Koyna Hydroelectricity Maharashtra Ramganga Chisot stream near Power and irrigation Uttar Pradeshand Multipurpose Project Kala Uttarakhand MatatilaProject Betwa Multipurposepowerand Uttar Pradesh and irrigation Madhya Pradesh Tehri Dam Project Bhilangana, Hydroelectricity Uttarakhand Bhagirathi Rihand Scheme Rihand Hydroelectricity UttarPradesh Kundah Project Kundah Hydroelectricityand Tamil Nadu irrigation GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 41 rn il Nadu l Nadu, Western Noth-East India, WesternWestern slopes Ghats, of AndamanIslands and Nicobar Lower slopes of EasternOdisha Himalayas, Coast Western Ghats, EasternEastern coastal Plateau plains, Ghats, Rajasthan and West Bengal Haryana and Uttar Pradesh,Madhya Western Pradesh, KachchhSaurashtra and Delta regions of Ganga,Godavari Mahanadi, and Krishna Bamboo, Agar and Hopea Semul, Rosewood, IndianKusum, Chestnut, Mesua Khirni, Jamun, Tamarind, Neem, Cane Coromandal Coast of Tam Sal, Teak, Sandalwood,Shisham Ebony, Mahua, Sal, Teak, Khair, Palash, Tendu, Laurel Uttar Pradesh, Tami Babul,Acacia,Khair,Khajuri South-WesternPunjab,Weste Keora, Amur, Sundari,Nipa Agar, Bhendi, Denseforest,talltrees Mesa,Dhup,Whitecedar,Jamun, Evergreen mixed with deciduous,Height 24-36 m Presence of canopy, low9-12 height, m about Trees shed their leavesseason in the dry Undergrowth is shrubbytrees and grassy, shed their leavesseason in the dry Trees are stunted (6-9long m), roots, trees sharp have spinesleaves and to glossy conserve water Trees are evergreen, breathingcalled pneumatophores roots Feature ImportantSpecies FoundinArea Rainfall > 250 cm Temperature 25-27°C Humidity 80% or more Rainfall > 200-250 cm, Temperature 24-27°C Humidity 80% Areas receive rain from North-East Monsoon, Temperature 28°C, Humidity 74% Moderate rainfall of 150-200 cm, Temperature 26-27°C, Humidity 60-80% Rainfall < 150 cm, Dry season Rainfall 50-70 cm, Temperature 25-27°C, Humidity < 47% Rainfall > 200 cm, high water salinity and areas are flooded regularly Requirement Tropical Wet Evergreen Tropical Semi- Evergreen Tropical Dry Evergreen Tropical Moist Deciduous Tropical Dry Deciduous Tropical Thorny Tidal/Littoral Mangrove Name Climatic 42 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography ow Useful for rice and jute cultivation. Unfit for agriculture. with fertilisers, tea,plants fruits can and be medicinal grown. Generally unsuitable forirrigation cultivation, useful but for with cultivationdrought-resistant of lime, millets,cotton, barley, maize and pulses. Tea, coffee, rubber, cashew and millets. Wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane and pulses. Cotton sugarcane, jowar,and tobacco, rice. wheat Large variety of rabias and wheat, kharif rice, crops sugarcane,etc. such cotton and jute Contain large amount oforganic soluble matter, salts but and lackphosphates. in potash and Many salts such asand sodium, calcium. magnesium Rich in iron andlime. humus, but deficient in Rich in soluble salts,organic but matter. deficient in Rich in iron butphosphorus, poor potash in and silica, humus. lime, Rich in iron andlime, potash, nitrogen, but phosphorus deficient and in humus. Rich in iron, lime,calcium, aluminium, but magnesium, lacks inphosphorus nitrogen, and humus. Rich in potash andnitrogen lime and but phosphorus. deficient in Kerala, coastal regionsNadu of Odisha, and Suderbans Tamil of West Bengal. Drier parts of Bihar,Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Uttar Punjab,and Rajasthan Maharashtra. Hills of Jammu andand Kashmir Assam Uttarakhand hills. West and North-West India,North Rajasthan, Gujarat and Southern Punjab. Summits of Eastern andAssam Western hills, Ghats, Andhra Pradesh,West Bengal Karnataka, and Odisha. Eastern parts of DeccanNadu, Plateau, Goa, Odisha Tamil and Meghalaya. Deccan Plateau, ValleysGodavari, of Krishna Andhra and Pradesh,Pradesh Madhya and Tamil Nadu. Punjab, Haryana, Uttarand Pradesh, Jharkhand Bihar Peaty and Marshy Saline (Reh, Kallar, Usar,Thur, Rukar) and Alkaline Mountain Desert Laterite Red Black soil (Regur soil) Alluvial Types StateswhereFound(Occurrence) Composition CropsGr GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 43 Mahogany, Mahua, Bamboo, Cones, Ironwood, Kadam, Irul, Jamun, Hopea, Rubber tree, Toon, Telsur etc. Sal, Teak, Arjun, Mulberry,Kusum, Sandalwood, Siris, Haldi, Khair, Mango, Banyan tree etc. Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Mango, Acacia, Neem, Shisham etc. Cactus, Thorny bushes, Kikar, Babool, Date palm,Acacia, Khair, Euphorbias etc. tics Species Height of trees is60 40 m. to Leaves are dark green and broad. 30 to 40 m highDue to trees. deficiency of water, they shed their leaves in spring (onset of summer). 6 to 15 m high.Roots are thick and long. Thorny vegetation. Roots are very long. Leaves are small. n n n n n n n n n Rainfall > 200 cm Relative Humidity > 70% Average temperature is about 24°C. Hot and humid climate. 100 to 200 cmannum. rainfall per Moderate temperature. 50 to 100 cmModerate rainfall. humidity. Low rainfall (less than 50 cm per annum). Relative humidity is less. n n n n n n n n n n Rainy slopes of WesternNE Ghats. India except ArunachalEastern Pradesh. part of West BengalAndaman and and Odisha. Nicobar Islands. Eastern parts of SahyadrisGhats). (Western North Eastern part ofMiddle Peninsula. and lower Ganga valley. Foothills of Himalayas inTarai Bhabar region. and These cover about 20%area. India’s forest Large parts of MaharashtraPradesh. and Andhra Parts of Punjab, Haryanaparts and of Eastern Rajasthan. Northern and Western partsPradesh. of Madhya Tamil Nadu. Southern parts of Uttar Pradesh. Rajasthan and adjoining areasHaryana, of Gujarat and Punjab. Rainshadow area of peninsular India. n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests Dry Forests or AridForests Tropical Evergreen Forests Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests ForestType Distribution ClimaticConditions Characteris 44 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
CLIMATE Seasons of India G Winter Season Mid December to Monsoon Mid March A type of wind system, in which there is almost G Summer Season Mid March to May complete reversal of prevailing wind direction. G Rainy Season June to September Types G Season of Retreating Monsoon October to Mid December 1. South West Monsoon (June and July) 2. North East Monsoon (Sept. to Dec.)
Type Area Characteristic Tropical Rain Western Ghats, West Coastal Plains, High temperature throughout the year, Forests Parts of Assam heavy seasonal rainfall, annual rainfall 200 cm annually (May to November) Tropical Savana Most of Peninsular region (except Dry winters, annual rainfall varies from Climate leeward side of Western Ghats) 76 cm to 150 cm. Tropical Rainshadow belt running Southward Low rainfall varies from Semi-Arid- Steppe from Central Maharashtra to Tamil 38 cm to 80 cm and temperature from Climate Nadu. 20° to 30°C. Tropical and Punjab, Haryana and Kachchh region Temperature varies from 12°-35°C. Sub-tropical Steppes Tropical Desert Western parts of Barmer, Jaisalmer Scanty rainfall (mostly in form of cloud and Bikaner districts of Rajasthan and burst), high temperature. parts of Kachchh Humid Sub- SouthofHimalayas Mildwintersandextremelyhot tropical Climate summers. with dry winters Mountain Climate Mountainous region (above 6000 m Rainfall varies from 63.5 cm to or more) 254 cm. (Mostly during South-West Monsoon)
AGRICULTURE Zaid India is essentially an agricultural land. Sown in February/March harvested in Two-thirds of its population still lives on May/June, e.g., urad, moong, melons agriculture. It includes farming, animal etc. rearing and fishing. Green Revolution Agricultural Seasons in India It is the phrase generally used to There are three major crop seasons in India describe the spectacular increase that took place during 1968 and is Kharif continuing in the production of Sown in June/July, harvested in foodgrains in India. September/October, e.g., rice, jowar, bajra, The components of Green Revolution are ragi, maize, cotton andjute. High Yield Variety Seeds, Irrigation, Use of Fertilisers, Use of Insecticide Rabi and Pesticide, Command Area Sown in October/December, harvested in Development, Programme Consolidation April/May e.g., wheat, barley, peas, rapeseed, of Holdings etc. mustard, grains. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 45
Type Name MajorProducers Cereals Wheat UttarPradesh,PunjabandMadhyaPradesh Rice WestBengalandUttarPradesh Gram MadhyaPradeshandTamilNadu Barley Maharashtra,UttarPradeshandRajasthan Bajra Rajasthan,Gujarat CashCrops Sugarcane UttarPradeshandMaharashtra Poppy UttarPradeshandHimachalPradesh OilSeeds Coconut KeralaandTamilNadu Linseed Rajasthan,MadhyaPradeshandHaryana Groundnut Gujarat,AndhraPradeshandTamilNadu Rape seed and mustard Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana Sesame UttarPradeshandRajasthan Sunflower Karnataka,AndhraPradeshandMaharashtra FibreCrops Cotton MaharashtraandGujarat Jute WestBengalandBihar Silk KarnatakaandKerala Hemp MadhyaPradeshandUttarPradesh Plantations Coffee KarnatakaandKerala Rubber KeralaandKarnataka Tea AssamandKerala Tobacco Gujarat,MaharashtraandMadhyaPradesh Spices Pepper Kerala,KarnatakaandTamilNadu Cashewnuts Kerala,TamilNaduandAndhraPradesh Ginger KeralaandUttarPradesh Turmeric AndhraPradeshandOdisha MINERAL RESOURCES Types of Minerals Metallic Iron ore, copper, aluminium, tin, lead, gold and silver. Non-metallic Coal, mica, manganese, petroleum and sulphur. Radioactive Uranium and thorium Gondwana rocks (Chhotanagpur Plateau) are the richest mineral deposits in India.
Mineral States Coal WestBengal,Jharkhand,Odisha,MadhyaPradeshandChhattisgarh Copper MadhyaPradesh,Rajasthan,Jharkhand,Karnataka Gold Karnataka,AndhraPradesh Iron Karnataka,ChhattisgarhandJharkhand Bauxite Odisha,Jharkhand,GujaratandMadhyaPradesh Mica Jharkhand,AndhraPradeshandRajasthan Petroleum Assam, Gujarat, Mumbai High, Bassein (South of Mumbai High) Uranium Jharkhand,Rajasthan,AndhraPradeshandKarnataka Thorium KeralaCoast,RocksofAravalliinRajasthan Silver, Zinc and Lead Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka (Kolar mines) Diamond Panna(MadhyaPradesh),Banda(UttarPradesh) 46 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
TRANSPORTATION IN INDIA
Railways G Vande Bharat Express also known as G Indian Railway system is the second largest Train 18, is an Indian semi-high speed in Asia and the fourth largest in the world. electric (India’s fastest train) train made by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, G The longest railway platform in India is now Gorakhpur with a stretch of around under make in India Programme. 1.3 km. G Eastern Peripheral Expressway or Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal Expressway is RailwayZone Headquarters a 6-lane expressway passing through the Central Mumbai (CST) states of Haryana and Uttar pradesh. Eastern Kolkata G India’s longest greenfield 6 lane Northern New Delhi expressway, named as Agra-Lucknow North-Eastern Gorakhpur expressway has been inaugurated in North-East Frontier Maligaon-Guwahati Uttar Pradesh. Southern Chennai South Central Secunderabad Road Transport South-Eastern Kolkata G India has one of the largest road Western Mumbai Churchgate networks in the world (48 lakh km East Coast Bhubaneshwar approx). It consists of National East Central Hajipur highways, State highways; major/other North Central Allahabad district roads and rural roads. North-Western Jaipur G NH 44 (3745 km) is the longest highway South-Western Hubli of India (Srinagar to Kanyakumari). West Central Jabalpur South- East Central Bilaspur G NH 548 and NH 118 are the shortest Kolkata Metro Kolkata National Highways each with the length of 5 km. South Coast Railway Visakhapatnam G The North-South and East-West G The first train ran in India between Corridor (NS-EW) is the largest Bombay and Thane, a stretch of 34 km on ongoing expressway project in India. It 16th April, 1853. is the second phase of the National Highways Development Project G The second train ran between Howrah and Hooghly in 1854. (NHDP) and involves building 7300 km of six lane expressway connecting G The first electric train in India was Srinagar, Kanyakumari, Porbandar and Deccan Queen. It was introduced in 1929 Silchar. between Bombay and Poona. G NS-EW Corridor intersect at Jhansi. G The longest train route is ‘Vivek Express’ G The Indian Railways operate in three from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari different gauges i.e. Broad Gauge in Tamil Nadu. It covers a distance of (distance between rails is 1.676m), 4273 km (2655 miles). Metre Gauge (distance between rails is G The first Metro train was introduced in 1.00m) and Narrow Gauge (distance Kolkata (West Bengal) on 24th October, between rails is 0.762 or 0.610m). 1984. The two stations connected were G Maharashtra has the maximum length Dumdum and Belgachhia. of surfaced roads in India. G In 1990, Konkan Railway has been started between Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Golden Quadrilateral project G Delhi metro rail was started in 2002 on connects the four metropolitan cities of 25th December between Shahdra and Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata Tees Hazari. covering a total distance of 5952 km. It is G Rapid metro train has been started in the first phase of the National Highways Gurgaon (Haryana) on 14th November Development Project (NHDP). 2013. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 47
Note Kandla port was renamed as Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay port in 2017. NH Connects NH 1 New Delhi-Ambala-Jalandhar- Amritsar Air Transport NH 2 Delhi-Mathura-Agra-Kanpur- G In 1935, the ‘Tata Air Lines’ started its Allahabad-Varanasi-Kolkata operation between Mumbai and NH 3 Agra-Gwalior-Nasik-Mumbai Thiruvananthapuram and in 1937 NH 4 Thane and Chennai via Pune between Mumbai and Delhi. and Bengaluru G In 1953, all the private airline companies NH 5 Kolkata-Chennai were nationalised and Indian Airlines NH 6 Kolkata-Dhule and Air India came into existence. NH 7 Varanasi-Kanyakumari (2369 km) G Vayudoot Limited started in 1981 as a NH 8 Delhi-Mumbai (via Jaipur, Vadodra and private air carrier and later on it merged Ahmedabad) with Indian Airlines. NH 9 Mumbai-Vijaywada G International Airports Authority of India NH 10 Delhi-Fazilka and National Airports Authority were merged on 1995 to form Airports Water Transport Authority of India. As per the National Waterways Act, 2016, G The Authority manages the Civil Aviation 111 Waterways have been declared as Training College at Allahabad and National Waterways including the five National Institute of Aviation existing NWs given below: Management and Research at Delhi. NW1 Allahabad to Haldia 1620 km on Ganga river NW2 Sadia to Dhubri on 891 km Brahmaputra river InternationalAirports City NW3 Kollam to Kottapuram (along 168 km Champakara and Rajiv Gandhi International Hyderabad Udyogmandal Canal) Airport NW4 Kakinada to Marak- kanam 1095 km Calicut International Airport Calicut along Godavari and Krishna river Chhatrapati Shivaji Mumbai NW5 Mangalgarhi to Paradeep and 623 km International Airport Talcher to Dhamara along Kempe gowda International Bengaluru Mahanadi and Brahmini Airport NW6 LakhipurtoBhanga 121km Goa Airport in Vasco di Goa Gama City Netaji Subhash Chandra Kolkata WesternCoast EasternCoast Bose International Airport Kandla (child of Paradip (exports raw Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvanan- partition) Gujarat iron to Japan) Odisha International Airport thapuram Mumbai (busiest and Vishakhapatnam biggest) Maharashtra (deepest port) Andhra Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Guwahati Pradesh International Airport JL Nehru (fastest Chennai (oldest and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ahmedabad growing) Maharashtra artificial) Tamil Nadu International Airport Marmugao (naval Ennore (most modern base also) Goa in private hands) Indira Gandhi International Delhi Tamil Nadu Airport Mangalore (exports Tuticorin Chennai International Airport Chennai Kudremukh iron-ore) (Southernmost) Karnataka Tamil Nadu Shri Guru Ram Dass Jee Amritsar International Airport Cochin Port Blair (strategically (natural harbour) important) Andaman Pakyong Airport (First green Sikkim Kerala and Nicobar Islands field airport in Northeast Enayam Port region) (Tamil Nadu) 48 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
Environment All external conditions, Threatened Species Wild species that is factors, matter and energy living and still abundant in its natural range but is non-living that affect any living organism likely to become endangered because of or other specified system. a decline in numbers.
Ecology Biological science that studies the Ozone (3 )O Colourless and highly reactive relationships between living organisms gas and a major component of and their environment; study of the photochemical smog. Also found in the structure and functions of nature. ozone layer in the stratosphere and Ecosystem It is defined as a unit which protect us from ultra violet rays. include all the organisms (biological Smog Originally, a combination of smoke components) in a given area interacting and fog but now used to describe other with the enviornment (physical mixtures of pollutants in the component), so that the flow energy atmosphere. leads to a clearly defined trophic structure, biotic diversity and material Acid Rain When fossil fuel is burnt, oxides are formed in the atmosphere. The cycles. oxides formed of sulphur and nitrogen Biome Terrestrial regions characterised by get dissolve in water and cause acid rain. certain types of vegetation and other Global Warming Warming of the Earth’s forms of life. Examples include various lower atmosphere (troposphere) because types of deserts, grasslands and forests. of increases in the concentrations of one Wetland Land that is covered all part of the or more greenhouse gases. It can result in time with saltwater or freshwater, irreversible climate change that can last excluding streams, lakes and the open for decades to thousands of years. ocean. Ecomarks The ministry of environment Biodiversity Variety of different species and forests, Government of India (species diversity), genetic variability instituted a scheme, that is operating on among individuals within each species a national basis and provides (genetic diversity), variety of ecosystems accreditation and labelling for (ecological diversity) and functions such household and other consumer products as energy flow and matter cycling which meet certain environmental needed for the survival of species and criteria. biological communities (functional Coral Bleaching Coral bleaching occurs diversity). when the relations between the coral Biosphere Zone of the Earth where host and zooxanthallae, which give coral life is found. It consists of parts of the much of their colour, breaks down. atmosphere (the troposphere), Without the zooxanthallae, the tissue of hydrosphere (mostly surface water and the coral animal appears transparent groundwater) and lithosphere (mostly and the coral’s bright white skelton is soil and surface rocks and sediments on revealed. the bottoms of oceans and other bodies Sustainability Ability of Earth’s various of water) where life is found. systems, including human cultural Wildlife All free, undomesticated species. systems and economies, to survive and Sometimes the term is used to describe adapt to changing environmental animals only. conditions indefinitely. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography 49
Name Location ReserveFor KazirangaNationalPark Assam One-hornedrhinoceros,gaur, elephant, leopard and wild buffalo Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Assam Elephant,sambhar,wildboarandone-horned rhinoceros Namdapha National Park Arunachal Elephant, panther, sambhar, tiger, cheetal Pradesh and king cobra Gautam Buddha Sanctuary Bihar Tiger,leopard,sambhar,cheetalandbarking deer (Indian Muntgac) Achanakmar Sanctuary Chhattisgarh Tiger, boar, cheetal, sambhar and bison Velvadore National Park Gujarat Wolfandblackbuck Wild Ass Sanctuary Gujarat Wildass,wolf,nilgaiandchinkara Gir Forest Gujarat India’sbiggestwildlifesanctuaryfamousfor Gir lions Dachigam National Park Jammu and Kashmiri stag, Long tailed marmot, Kashmir Himalayan serow Banerghatta National Park Karnataka Elephant, cheetal, deer and grey partridge and green pigeon Bhadra Sanctuary Karnataka Elephant, cheetal, panther, sambhar and wild boar Bandipur National Park Karnataka and Elephant, tiger, panther, sambhar, deer and Dandeli Sanctuary Tamil Nadu birds Tungabhadra Sanctuary Karnataka Tiger, panther, elephant, cheetal, sambhar and wild boar Nagarhole National Park Karnataka Panther, cheetal, sloth bear and four-horned antelope Pachmarhi Sanctuary Madhya Pradesh Tiger, leopard, wild bear, cheetal, sambhar reshus maccaque Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary Madhya Pradesh Tiger, panther, boar, sambar, nilgai and barking deer Bandhavgarh National Park Madhya Pradesh Cheetal, sambhar, chinkara and wild birds Simlipal Sanctuary Odisha Tiger,panther,cheetal,nilgaiandwildboar Ghana Bird Sanctuary Rajasthan Water birds, black buck, cheetal and sambar Khangchendzonga National Sikkim Snowleopard,muskdeerandHimalayan Park boar Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary TamilNadu Importantbirdsanctuary Chandraprabha Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh Gir lions, cheetal and sambhar Dudhwa National Park Uttar Pradesh Tiger, panther, sambar, cheetal, nilgai and barking deer Corbett National Park Uttarakhand Tiger, leopard, elephant and sambhar (named in memory of Jim Corbett) Jaldapara Sanctuary West Bengal Rhinoceros, Elephant Sunderban Tiger Reserve West Bengal Tiger, deer, wild boar, crocodile and Gangetic dolphin 50 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Geography
Name States Type Area(km 2) Manas Assam EastHimalayas 2837 Dibru-Saikhowa Assam EastHimalayas 765 Seshchalam Hills AndhraPradesh EasternGhats 4755.997 Great Nicobar (UNESCO) AndamanandNicobarIslands Islands 885 Dihang-Dibang ArunachalPradesh EastHimalayas 5112 Great Rann of Kachchh Gujarat Desert 12454 Cold Desert HimachalPradesh WesternHimalayas 7770 Agasthyamalai (UNESCO) Kerala,TamilNadu WesternGhats 1828 Pachmarhi (UNESCO) MadhyaPradesh Semi-Arid 4926 Achanakamar- Amarkantak Madhya Pradesh, MaikalaRange 3835 (UNESCO) Chhattisgarh Nokrek (UNESCO) Meghalaya EastHimalayas 820 Simlipal (UNESCO) Odisha DeccanPeninsula 4374 Khangchendzonga (UNESCO) Sikkim EastHimalayas 2620 Nilgiri (UNESCO) Tamil Nadu, Kerala and WesternGhats 5520 Karnataka Gulf of Mannar (UNESCO) TamilNadu Coasts 10500 Nanda Devi (UNESCO) Uttarakhand WestHimalayas 5860 Sunderbans (UNESCO) WestBengal GangeticDelta 9630 Panna MadhyaPradesh Semi-Arid 2998
UN Conference on the Human Environment Stockholm (1972) Convention on Migratory Species Bonn (1979) Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer Vienna (1985) Pototocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer Montreal (1987) Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes Basel (1989) Earth Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development) Rio-de-Janeiro (1992) Convention on Prior Informed Consent Rotterdam (1998) UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio-de-Janeiro (2012) Nagoya Protocol on Genetic Resources (Nagoya Protocol) Nagoya (2010) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-CoP-11) Hyderabad (2012) LimaClimateChangeConference(CoP-20) Lima(2014) Paris Agreement (CoP-21) Paris (2015) Marrakech Conference (CoP-22) Marrakech Morocco (2016) Bonn Conference (CoP-23) Bonn (2017) Katowice Conference (CoP-24) Katowice, Poland (2018) Madrid Conference (CoP-25) Madrid, Spain (2019)
Project Year Birds GreatIndianBustard,Forest ProjectHangul 1970 Owlet, Vulture, Bengal Florican, ProjectGir 1972 Himalayan Quail, Siberian Crane ProjectTiger 1973 ProjectOliveRidleyTurtles 1975 Mammals Flying Squirrel, Red Panda, CrocodileBreedingScheme 1975 Pygmy Hog, Kondana Rat, ProjectManipurThamin 1977 Snow Leopard, Asiatic Lion, One-Horned Rhinoceros ProjectRhino 1987 ProjectElephant 1992 Reptiles Gharial, Hawksbill Turtle, River ProjectRedPanda 1996 Terrapin, Sispara Day Gecko ProjectSeaTurtle 1999 Amphibians Flying Frog, Tiger Toad ProjectVulture 2006 ProjectSnowLeopard 2009 INDIAN POLITY
G The enforcement of Constitution was CONSTITUTION delayed till 26th January because, in Framing of the 1929, on this day Indian National Congress demanded Poorna Swaraj in Indian Constitution Lahore Session, Chaired by JL Nehru.
G The idea to have a Constitution was first G The Constitution came into force on given by MN Roy (A pioneer of 26th January, 1950, known as Republic Communist Movement in India). Day of India. The Constituent Assembly G The Constitution was framed by the adopted our National Flag on 22nd July, Constituent Assembly of India, set-up 1947. It was designed by Pingali on 16th May 1946, in accordance with Venkayya. the Cabinet Mission Plan, under the (1946) Chairmanship of Sach-chidanand Members PortfoliosHeld Sinha, initially. Dr Rajendra Prasad and HC Mukherjee were elected as the JawaharlalNehru ExternalAffairs& Commonwealth President and Vice-President respectively Relations on 11th December 1946. BN Rau was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Home, Information & appointed as the Constitutional Advisor. Broadcasting G The total membership of the Constituent Dr Rajendra Prasad Food & Agriculture Assembly was 389, of these 292 were DrJohnMathai Industries&Supplies representatives of British States; 93 were JagjivanRam Labour representatives of Princely States and 4 SardarBaldevSingh Defence were from the Chief Commissioners CH Bhabha Works, Mines & Power Provinces of Delhi, Ajmer-Merwara, LiaquatAliKhan Finance Coorg and British Baluchistan. AbdurRabNishtar Posts&Air G The Chairman of the Drafting Committee AsafAli Railways&Transport was Dr BR Ambedkar, also known as the CRajagopalachari Education&Arts Father of the Indian Constitution. IIChundrigar Commerce GhaznafarAliKhan Health Enactment of the Joginder Nath Mandal Law Constitution Note Interim government was formed from G The Constituent Assembly took 2 years, the newly elected Constituent Assembly. 11 months and 18 days to complete the Constitution. Preamble G It is the preface or the introduction of G Some of the provisions related to citizenship, elections, provisional Parlia- the Constitution. It is an integral part of ment etc were given immediate effect. the Constitution. The interpretation of the Constitution is based on the spirit of G The Constitution, is adopted on 26th the Preamble. November, 1949, contained a Preamble, G 395 Articles divided into 22 Parts and The Objective Resolution, drafted and moved by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and 8 Schedules. Presently, it has 448 Articles adopted by the Constituent Assembly, divided into 25 Parts and 12 Schedules. ultimately became the Preamble. 52 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity
G The idea of the Preamble was borrowed Ireland n Concept of Directive from the Constitution of USA. Principles of State Policy. G The words, Socialist, Secular and Method of election of the Integrity were added by the 42nd President Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976. South n Procedure for amendment of Africa the constitution and election The Preamble of member of Rajya Sabha ‘‘WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly France n Republic and the ideals of resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN, Liberty equality and fraternity SOCIALIST,SECULAR,DEMOCRATICREPUBLIC in the Preamble. and to secure to all its citizens: Main Features JUSTICE, Social, Economic and Political G Bulkiest written Constitution in the LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and World. worship; G Combination of Rigidity and Flexibility EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all G Parliamentary System of Government FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the G Federal System with a Unitary bias individual and the unity and integrity of the G Fundamental Rights and Duties Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this G Directive Principles of State Policy twenty-sixth day of November, 1949 do HEREBY G Integrated and Independent Judiciary ADOPT,ENACTANDGIVETOOURSELVESTHIS G Single Citizenship CONSTITUTION. G Emergency Powers G Universal Adult Franchise UK n Rule of Law Important Articles n Cabinet System n Prerogative Writs Part I n Parliamentary Government n Bicameral Parliament Union and its Territories n CAG Office n Single Citizenship (Article 1-4) n Law making procedures 1. The Constitution says, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”. USA n Written Constitution 2. Admission or establishment of new n Vice-President as the Ex-officio Chairman of Upper House States. n Fundamental Rights 3. The Constitution empowers the n Supreme Court Parliament to form new States and to n Independence of Judiciary and alter the areas, boundaries or names of Judicial Review existing States. n Preamble Note Through J & K Reorganisation Act of Erstwhile n Fundamental Duties 2019, the state of Jammu and Kashmir USSR was divided into two Union Territory i.e. Union Territory of Ladakh and the Union Australia n Concurrent List Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. n Joint sitting of Parliament Japan n Procedure established by law Part II Germany n Suspension of Fundamental Rights during the Emergency Citizenship (Article 5-11) Canada n Scheme of federation with a The Citizenship Act of 1955 prescribes strong Centre five ways to acquire citizenship of India n Distribution of powers between 1.Bybirth 2.Bydescent the Centre and the States and placing Residuary Powers with 3. By registration 4. By naturalisation the Centre 5. By incorporation GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity 53
Three modes of losing citizenship G Freedom to manage religious affairs 1. Renunciation 2.Termination (Article 26). 3. Deprivation G Freedom from taxation for promotion of Through Citizenship (Amendment) Act any particular religion (Article 27). 2019 members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, G Freedom from attendance of religious Jain, Parsi and Christian religions minorities instructions or religious worship in certain from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan educational institutions (Article 28). who entered India before 31st December, 2014 will be given Indian citizenship. Cultural and Educational Rights G Protection of interest of minorities Part III (Article 29). G Right of minorities to establish and Fundamental Rights administer educational institutions (Article 12-35) (Article 30). Rights to Equality (Article 14-18) Freedom of Press is implicit in the
G Equality before Law (Article 14). Article 19. Article 20 and 21 cannot be suspended even during National Emergency. G Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of (Article 352) birth.(Article 15) Right to Property under Article 19 (1) (f) was G Equality of opportunity in matters of repealed by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978, public employment. (Article 16) and was made a legal right under Article 300A. G Abolition of untouchability (Article 17). Rights to Constitutional Remedies G Abolition of titles. (Article 18) G Right to move to the Supreme Court (Article Rights to Freedom (Article 19-22) 32) and the High Courts (Article 226) in case of violation of the Fundamental Rights G Protection of certain rights regarding; Speech and expression, assembly, BR Ambedkar called Article 32 as the Heart association, movement, residence, and and Soul of the Constitution. profession (Article 19) G Writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo-warranto G Protection in respect of conviction for offences. (Article 20) can be issued under this. G Protection of life and personal liberty (Article 21). Writ Meaning IntendedPurpose G Protection against arrest and detention Habeas You may To release a person who in certain cases (Article 22). Corpus have the has been detained body unlawfully whether in Right to Education prison or in private Article 21A states that the state shall custody. provide free and compulsory education to Mandamus We To secure the perfor- all children of the age of 6-14 years. Command mance of public duties by lower court, tribunal Rights against Exploitation or public authority. (Article 23-24) Certiorari To be To quash the order certified already passed by an G Prohibition of human trafficking and inferior court, tribunal or forced labour (Article 23). quasi judicial authority. G Prohibition of employment of children in Prohibition The act of To prohibit an inferior any factories, etc (Article 24). stopping court from continuing something the proceedings in a Rights to Freedom of Religion particular case where it (Article 25-28) has no jurisdiction totry. Quo What is To restrain a person G Freedom of conscience and right to Warranto your from holding a public profess, practice and propagate one’s authority office to which he is not religious beliefs. (Article 25) entitled. 54 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity
Part IV It shall be the duty of every citizen of India Directive Principles of State Policy (a)to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, (Article 36-51) the National Flag and the National Directive principles are broad guiding Anthem. principles that states shall keep in mind (b)to cherish and follow the noble ideals while formulating policies and enacting which inspired our national struggle laws. These are non-justiciable in nature for freedom. Articles 36-37 Definition and application of (c)to uphold and protect the the principles contained in this part. sovereignty, unity and integrity of Article 38 To secure and protect a social order, India. which stands for the welfare of the people. (d)to defend the country and render Article 39 Certain principles of policy to be national service, when called upon to followed by the State. do so. Article 40 To organise village Panchayats as (e)to promote harmony and the spirit of units of self- government. common brotherhood amongst all Article 41 Right to work, to education and to the people of India, transcending public assistance in certain cases. religious, linguistic and regional or Article 42 To secure just and humane sectional diversities; to renounce conditions of work and maternity relief. practices derogatory to the dignity of Article 43 Living wage etc for workers, to women. promote cottage industries. (f) to value and preserve the rich Article 44 Uniform Civil Code for the heritage of our composite culture. citizens. (g) to protect and improve the natural Article 45 Provision of early childhood care environment including forests, and education to children below the age of 6 years. lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures. Article 46 To promote the educational and (h)to develop scientific temper, economic interests of the weaker sections humanism and the spirit of enquiry of the people, especially the Scheduled and reform. Castes and Scheduled Tribes. (i) to safeguard public property and to Article 47 Improvement of public health and abjure violence. the prohibition of intoxicating drinks and (j) to strive towards excellence in all drugs. spheres of individual and collective Article 48 Organisation of agriculture and activity, so that the nation constantly animal husbandry on modern lines. rises to higher levels of endeavour Article 49 To protect all monuments of and achievement. historic interest and national importance. The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 Article 50 To bring about the separation of the inserted Article 51A (K), “each judiciary from the executive. parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his Article 51 Promotion of international peace child or ward between the age of and security. 6 and 14 years.” Part IV (A) Part V Fundamental Duties Union (Article 52-151) (Article 51A) It was inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act THE PRESIDENT in 1976 on the recommendations of Swaran Singh Committee it was inspired by the G Executive Head of the State and the Constitution of erstwhile USSR. first citizen of India. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity 55
G The 42nd Amendment of the Powers of President Constitution has made it obligatory on the part of the President to accept the G He is the formal head of the advice of the Council of Ministers. administration. However, 44th Amendment Act amended G The President shall have the power to the word ‘obligatory’ and added that appoint and remove high authorities like ‘President can send the advice for the Prime Minister, other Ministers of reconsideration’. the Union, Judges, Governors of States and appoints Chiefs of Army, Navy and Qualifications Must be a citizen of India; Air Force. of 35 years in age; eligible to be a member of G He nominates 12 members of the Rajya the Lok Sabha and must not hold any office Sabha from persons of literature, art, of profit. science and social work and 2 members Election Indirectly elected through in the Lok Sabha of the Anglo-Indian Electoral College consisting of elected Community. members of both the Houses of the Note Parliament has passed (126th) Parliament and elected members of the Amendment Bill in December 2019, doing Legislative Assemblies of the States and away with the provision of Anglo-Indians elected members of the Legislative to Lok Sabha and Some State Assemblies. Assemblies of Union Territories of Delhi and G Declares wars and concludes peace Puducherry. subject to the approval of the Parliament. G Members of the Legislative Councils G President has the Veto power. have no right to vote in the Presidential election. G Under Article 72, the President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, G Supreme Court decides all disputes respites or remission of punishment or regarding President’s election. to suspend, remit or commute the Tenure The term is 5 years though there sentence of any person convicted with is no upper limit on the number of times a death sentence. person can become the President G Under Article 123, President can (Article 57). He can give resignation to the promulgate Ordinances, when the Vice-President before the full-term. Parliament is not in session. G The salary of the President is ` 5,00,000 per month. Types of Vetoes G In case, the office of the President falls Absolute Veto Withholding the assent to vacant due to death, resignation or the Bill. removal, the Vice- President acts as the Qualified Veto Can be overridden by the President. Legislature with a higher majority. G If he is not available then Chief Justice of Suspensive Veto Can be overridden by India, if not then the senior most Judge of the Legislature with an ordinary majority. the Supreme Court shall act as the Delay in giving assent to the President of India. Pocket Veto Bill. The Veto Power has been exercised only G The first and only President who died in twice (a) by Dr Rajendra Prasad and (b) by the office, was Dr Zakir Hussain. He was R.Venkata raman. President of India is vested also the President with the shortest tenure. with three vetos absolute veto, suspensive G Justice M Hidayatullah was the first veto and pocket veto. There is no qualified Chief Justice of India to be appointed as veto in the case of Indian President. the President (July 1969-August 1969). Emergency Powers Impeachment Procedure G To declare National Emergency. ■ It is a quasi- judicial procedure. President can (Article 352) be impeached only on the grounds of violation G To impose President Rule in a State. of the Constitution. (Article 61)p (Article 356) ■ The impeachment procedure can be initiated in G To declare Financial Emergency. either House of the Parliament. (Article 360) 56 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity
G If no party gets an absolute majority VICE-PRESIDENT in the Lok Sabha or a Prime Minister G Article 63 of the Constitution stipulates a resigns or dies, the President can use Vice-President for India. his own discretion in the choice of G He is elected by both the Houses of the Prime Minister. Parliament. G Article 78 stipulates that it is the duty G The Vice-President is the Ex-officio of the Prime Minister (a) to Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya communicate to the President all the Sabha) as mentioned in the Article 64. decisions taken by the Cabinet and (b)to furnish such information G Present salary of the Vice-President is ` 4,00,000 per month. relating to the administration of the Union or any Legislation as the G The first Vice-President of India was President may call for. The Prime Dr S Radhakrishnan. Minister serves in the office for five G The first and only Vice-President who died years though he can be re-appointed. in the office, was Shri Krishna Kant G When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, He (1997-2002). can continue in office upon the request of the President until new COUNCIL OF MINISTERS government is formed. G If the Government is defeated in the G Article 74 of the Constitution states that there shall be a Council of Ministers, with Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister and the entire cabinet must resign, the Prime Minister at its head, to aid and however, if defeated in the Rajya advise the President. Sabha, resignation is not obligatory. G It is composed of all Union Ministers— the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers. Tit-Bits
■ G The other Ministers shall be appointed by Jawaharlal Nehru was the first the President on the advice of the Prime Prime Minister and the longest serving so Minister under Article 75(1). far. ■ The first and the ‘only’ acting Prime G A Minister must be a member of either House of Parliament or be elected within 6 Minister was Gulzarilal Nanda. months of assuming office under ■ Lal Bahadur Shastri was the first PM Article 75(5). who died abroad, while in office at Takshent. Gulzarilal Nanda has acted G The Council of Ministers is collectively twice as the Prime Minister. responsible to the Lok Sabha, It means the ■ Lok Sabha can remove the Council of Chaudhary Charan Singh was the Ministers from office by passing a only PM who did not face Parliament, No-confidence Motion. [Article 75 (3)]. while being in office. ■ The youngest Prime Minister was G Ministers are also responsible for their Rajeev Gandhi and the oldest Prime departments and can be removed from the Minister was Morarji Desai. office by the President on the advice ■ of the Prime Minister. This is essentially an AB Vajpayee (May 1996–June 1996) individual responsibility under Article government had the shortest tenure 75 (2). (13 days). PRIME MINISTER UNION
G The Prime Minister is the head of the LEGISLATURE Government and the head of the Council of G Ministers. Legislature of the Union is called the Parliament and consists of the Rajya G The Prime Minister is appointed by the Sabha (Council of States), the Lok President on the basis of his being the leader Sabha (House of the People) and the of the majority party in the Lok Sabha. President (Article 79). GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity 57
G The business of Parliament is Qualifications Article 84 provides for the transacted either in Hindi or in English. eligibility for membership of the However, the Presiding Officers of the Parliament. The conditions are two Houses may permit any member to (a)citizen of India; address the House in his/her mother (b)Not less than 25 years of age for the Lok tongue too. Sabha and 30 years of age for the Rajya Sabha; and Rajya Sabha (c) possess such other qualifications as may (Council of States) be prescribed by the Parliament. G Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Bills It may be classified as Ordinary, Parliament. First sitting of the Rajya Money, Financial and Constitutional Sabha was held on 3rd April, 1952. Amendments. G The maximum permissible strength of G The Ordinary Bills can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha is 250. Of these, either House of the Parliament, but 238 members are elected indirectly Money Bill can be initiated only in the from the States and Union Territories, House of the People i.e. Lok Sabha. and 12 are nominated by the President G After a Money Bill has been passed by the for their expertise in art, literature, Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha science and social services (Article 80). for deliberations. The Rajya Sabha is G Currently, the strength of the Rajya given 14 days to make recommendations, Sabha is 245. Of these, 229 members which can be accepted or not by the Lok are elected from States and 4 members Sabha. represent Union Territories while G Article 111 stipulates that a Money Bill 12membersare nominated by the cannot be returned to the House by the President. President for reconsideration. G The Rajya Sabha is a Permanent House and is not subject to dissolution and Speaker of the Lok Sabha members enjoy a tenure of six years. G As soon as a new Lok Sabha is However, one-third of the members constituted, the President appoints a retire every second years (Article 83). Speaker pro-tem, who is generally the G It shares legislative powers with the Lok senior most member of the House. (It is a Sabha, except in the case of Money Bill temporary office that ceases to exist after where the Lok Sabha has overriding new speaker is elected by the house.) powers. G Speaker is the head of Lok Sabha. He/She is elected from amongst the Lok Sabha (People’s House) members of Lok Sabha. The Speaker of G The Lok Sabha is the Lower House of the the Lok Sabha conducts the business in Parliament and its first sitting took place the House. A Deputy Speaker is also on 13th May, 1952. The current Lok elected to officiate in the absence of the Sabha is the 17th constituted Lok Sabha. Speaker. G Three Sessions of the Lok Sabha are held every year, namely Budget Session Facts about Speaker (February to May); Monsoon Session ■ GV Mavlankar was thefirstSpeakerofthe (July to September); and Winter Lok Sabha (1952-1956). Session (November to December). ■ MA Ayyangar was the first Deputy Members 530 from States, 20 from Speaker (1952-1956). Union Territories and 2 nominated by the ■ Dr Balram Jakhar was the longest serving President, from the Anglo Indian Speaker (1980-1989). Community. ■ GMC Balyogi is the first Speaker to die in Election The representatives of the the office (1998-2002). states are directly elected by the people of ■ Meira Kumar is the first woman speaker of the states on the basis of adult suffrage. the Lok Sabha (2009-2013). 58 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity
(c) disputes between two or more States; SUPREME COURT and (Article 131).
The Supreme Court of India was G Appellate Jurisdiction means that inaugurated on 28 January, 1950. appeals against judgements of lower Presently, Supreme Court is functioning at courts can be referred to it. The Supreme full strength (sanctioned strength 34). A Court is the highest court of appeal in the small Bench, with two to three Justices, is country. Four types of cases fall within its called a Division Bench. A large Bench, appellate jurisdiction, namely, with five or more Justices, is called a constitutional cases, civil cases, criminal Constitutional Bench. cases and appeals by special leave.
Tenure and Qualification ■ The first Chief Justice of India was HJ Kania G Judges of the Supreme Court are (1950–51). appointed by the President and retire at ■ The shortest tenure so far is of KN Singh (25th the age of 65. November,1991—12thDecember,1991). G The qualifications are (a) must be a ■ The longest tenure, so far is of citizen of India; (b) a Judge of a High YV Chandrachud (1978–85). Court for at least 5years; or (c) an ■ The first woman Judge of the Supreme Court advocate of a High Court for at least was Justice Fatima Beevi in 1987 and the 10years; or he should be a second woman Justice was Gyan Sudha distinguished jurist in the opinion of the Mishra in 2010. President.
G The Constitution has not prescribed a G Advisory Jurisdiction refers to the process minimum age for appointment as a where the President seeks the court’s judge of the Supreme Court. advice on legal matters (Article 143). Independence of Judges (Article 125) The Supreme Court is a court of record The salaries and allowances of Judges are (Article 129). charged upon the Consolidated Fund of G Under Article 139 (A) (inserted by the India (Present salary of the CJI is ` 2.8 44th Amendment), the Supreme Court Lakh and of other Judges is ` 2.5 Lakh). may transfer to itself, cases from one or Removal of Judges Judges can be more High Court if these questions removed only on the grounds of proved involve a significant question of law. misbehaviour or incapacity. Judges can be removed only by a resolution Comptroller and Auditor of both Houses of Parliament supported by General (CAG) (Article 148-151) a majority of total membership of both G The Comptroller and Auditor General is the Houses and 2/3 of members present appointed by the President under Article and voting. The first Judge against 148 of the Constitution. whom the proceedings were initiated was V Ramaswami (1993) and the second one G The CAG audits all receipts and was Soumitra Sen (2011). expenditures of the Union and State Governments. Jurisdiction G The CAG also acts as the external auditor The Supreme Court has original, for the government-owned companies. appellate, advisory and writ jurisdictions. G The CAG submits its reports to the G Original Jurisdiction means that President (in case of accounts relating to certain types of cases can originate with the Union Government) or to the the Supreme Court only. The Supreme concerned State Governors (for State Court has original jurisdiction in (a) Government Accounts).
disputes between the centre and one or G The CAG is also the head of the Indian more States; (b) disputes between the Audits and Accounts Service (IA & AS). Centre and any State(s) on one side and The office of the CAG was established in one or more States on the other side; 1860. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity 59
G The first CAG of India was V Narahari G Article 171 states that the States Rao (1948-1954). where Legislative Councils exists, the
G The CAG can only be removed from office Governor can nominate some in manner similar to a Judge of the members from amongst those Supreme Court. distinguished in literature, science, art, cooperative movement and social G The salary and benefits of the CAG cannot service. be changed to his disadvantage during his tenure. G Article 213 empowers the Governor to issue the ordinances during the G The CAG is not eligible for further office recess of the State Legislature. under the Union or State Governments. The expenses of the office of the CAG is Qualifications charged upon the Consolidated Fund of G India. Must be a citizen of India. G Completed 35 years of age. Attorney General of India G Shouldn‘t be a member of either House of Parliament or State Legislature. G The Attorney General is the highest law officer in the country appointed by the G Must not hold any office of profit. President under Article 76 of the Constitution. STATES LEGISLATURE G The first Attorney General of Independent Article 163 Council of Ministers to aid India was MC Setalvad (1950-1963). The and advise the Governor. 15th and Current Attorney General of India Article 165 An Advocate General for is KK Venugopal. each of the State. G To be appointed as Attorney General, a Article 169 Abolition or creation of candidate must be qualified to be Legislative Councils in States. appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Most of the states have unicameral Court. system, only 6 states have legislative G The Attorney General can participate in council. These states are Andhra proceedings of the Parliament without the Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, RighttoVote(Article88). Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana. Part VI Legislative Assembly Legislative Assembly consists of Representatives The States (Article 152-237) directly elected by the people. The strength of assembly varies from 60 to 500 members. However assembly of THE GOVERNOR Sikkim, Goa, Mizoram, Arunachal
G The Governor is the Constitutional Head Pradesh, Nagaland and Puducherry of the State and the same Governor can act have less than 60 members. as Governor of more than one State Composition of Legislative Council (Article 153). Unlike the members of the Legislative Assembly, the members of Legislative G The Governor is appointed by the President (Article 155) and Article 156 Council are indirectly elected. The states that the Governor holds office maximum strength of the Council is fixed at one-third of the total strength of during the pleasure of the President. assembly and the minimum strength is G Article 161 gives the Governor the power fixed at 40. to grant pardons, reprieves, remission of punishment to persons convicted under HIGH COURTS the state law. (ARTICLE 214-232) G Article 163 talks of discretionary powers of the Governor, which is not even provided There are 24 High Courts in India. The to the President. Moreover, the courts Calcutta High Court, established cannotquestionhis discretion. in 1862, is the oldest High Court in 60 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity
India. The Bombay and Madras High Courts G The Panchayat system exists in all were also established in the same year. The states except Nagaland, Meghalaya and newest High Courts are the Tripura, Mizoram. It also exists in all Union Meghalaya and Manipur High Courts, all Territories except Delhi. were established in the year 2013. As of G Panchayat system is provided for all 2019, there are 25 High Courts in India. states having a population more than 2million. Every Panchayat can Part IX continue for 5 years from the date of its first meeting. The Panchayats (Article 243-243 O) Part IXA G Introduced by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 which envisaged a three tier system The Municipalities of local government. (Article 243 P-243 ZG) These are G Introduced by the 74th Amendment 1. Gram Panchayat at the village level Act, 1992 which envisages three types 2. Panchayat Samiti at the block level of urban local bodies, namely, Nagar 3. Zila Parishad at the district level Panchayat, Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation. Jurisdiction and Seats of High Courts CourtName Estd.in TerritorialJurisdiction Seat the Year Mumbai 1862 Maharashtra,DadraandNagar Mumbai (Bench at Nagpur, Haveli, Goa, Daman and Diu Panaji and Aurangabad) Kolkata 1862 WestBengal,Andamanand Calcutta Nicobar Islands (Circuit Bench at Port Blair) Chennai 1862 TamilNaduandPuducherry Chennai (Bench at Madurai) Allahabad 1866 UttarPradesh Allahabad (Bench at Lucknow) Karnataka 1884 Karnataka Bangalore (Circuit Benches at Hubli Dharwad and Gulbarga) Patna 1916 Bihar Patna Madhya Pradesh 1956 MadhyaPradesh Jabalpur (Benches at Gwalior and Indore) Jammu & Kashmir 1928 JammuandKashmir SrinagarandJammu Punjab and 1875 Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh Chandigarh Haryana Orissa 1948 Odisha Cuttack Guwahati 1948 Assam,Nagaland,Mizoramand Guwahati (Bench at Kohima, Arunachal Pradesh Aizwal and Itanagar Rajasthan 1949 Rajasthan Jodhpur (Bench at Jaipur) Kerala 1958 KeralaandLakshadweep Ernakulam Gujarat 1960 Gujarat Ahmedabad Delhi 1966 NationalCapitalTerritory ofDelhi NewDelhi Himachal Pradesh 1971 HimachalPradesh Shimla Sikkim 1975 Sikkim Gangtok Chhattisgarh 2000 Chhattisgarh Bilaspur Uttarakhand 2000 Uttarakhand Nainital Jharkhand 2000 Jharkhand Ranchi Tripura 2013 Tripura Agartala Manipur 2013 Manipur Imphal Meghalaya 2013 Meghalaya Shillong Andhra Pradesh 2019 AndhraPradesh Amaravati Telangana 2019 Telangana Hyderabad GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity 61
Committees to Study Panchayat System Name Established Recommendation Balwantrai 1957 Establish local bodies, devolve power and authority, basic unit of Mehta decentralised government to be Block/Samiti. Conceptualised PRIs as 3-tier system. K Santhanam 1963 Panchayats to have powers to levy tax on land revenue etc, Panchayati Raj Finance Corporation to be set-up. Ashok Mehta 1978 District to be a viable administrative unit for planning, PRIs as two-tier system with Mandal Panchayat and Zila Parishad. GVK Rao 1985 PRIs to be activated and supported, Block Development Office (BDO) to be central to rural development. LM Singhvi 1986 Local self-governments to be constitutionally recognised, non-involvement of political parties.
G The first Municipal Corporation in India Part XIV was introduced in Madras in 1688. The Madras Municipal Corporation is the Services Under the Union and the first municipal body in the whole (Article 308-323) commonwealth outside the UK. The States Bombay and Calcutta Corporations were Article 312 All India Services. established in 1726. Article 315 Public Service Commissions G Municipal Corporations are established in for the Union and for the States. cities with population greater than G The first Public Service Commission 1 million. was set-up in 1926, on the G Nagar Panchayat administers urban areas recommendations of the Lee having population greater than 30000 and Commission. less than 100000. G The Government of India Act, 1935 G A Municipal Council administers an provided for the establishment of a urban area of population 200000 or less. Federal Public Service Commission and Provincial Public Service Commissions. Part XI Union and State Public Relations between the Union Service Commissions and the States (Article 245-263) G Constitution provides a Public Service Commission for the Union, a Public G Legislative Relations Service Commission for each state or a G Administrative Relations Joint Public Service Commission for a G Financial Relations group of states. Article 262 Adjudication of disputes G The appointment is done by the relating to waters of inter-state rivers or President in case of the Union or Joint river valleys. Commission and by the Governor of the Article 263 Inter-state council. State in the case of a State Commission. G At least half of the members of these Part XII commissions should be civil servants with at least 10 years experience in Finance, Property, Contracts and central or state services. Suits (Article 264-300 A) G Age of retirement for a member of UPSC is 65 years and for a member of PSC of a Article 266 Consolidated Fund of India. State or a Joint Commission is 62 years. Article 267 Contingency Fund of India. 62 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity
Functions Likewise, a political party shall be entitled to be recognised as a State party, if G To conduct exams for appointment to (i) It secures at least 6% of the valid votes services under the Union and the polled in the State at a general election, States. either to the House of the People or to be G Maintains continuity in administration. Legislative Assembly of the State G Members of the UPSC and State concerned; and Commissions can be removed by the (ii)In addition, it wins at least two seats in President on the charges of the Legislative Assembly of the State misbehaviour, if these charges are concerned. upheld by the Supreme Court. or Elections (Article 324-329) It wins at least 3% of the total number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the Article 324 stipulates that the State or at least three seats in the superintendence, direction and control Assembly, whichever is more. of elections shall be vested in the For elections of President and Vice- Election Commission. President, election petitions can only be Article 325 provides for a single filed with the Supreme Court. electoral roll for every constituency. Also stipulates that no person shall be Election Commission eligible or ineligible for inclusion in G The Election Commission is an electoral rolls on the basis of race, autonomous, quasi-judiciary constitutional religion, caste or sex. body. Its function is to conduct free and fair Article 326 stipulates that elections elections in India. shall be held on the basis of adult suffrage. Every person, who is a citizen G The Election Commission was established of India and is not less than 18 years of on 25th January, 1950 under Article 324 age shall be eligible for inclusion. of the Constitution. G The first Chief Election Commissioner Political Parties was Sukumar Sen. Registration of the People Act, 1951 provides for registration of political parties Planning Commission with the election commission. G The Planning Commission was established There are eight (8) National Parties in in March 1950 by an executive resolution of India, namely BJP, Congress, BSP, NCP, the Government of India (i.e., Union CPI, CPM, Trinamool Congress and Cabinet) on the recommendation of the National People’s Party. Advisory Planning Board constituted in A political party shall be eligible to be 1946 under the Chairmanship of KC Neogi. recognised as a National party if G Now, the Planning Commission has been (i) Itsecuresatleast6%ofthevalidvotes replaced by NITI Aayog. polled in any four or more states, at a general election to the House of the NITI Aayog People or to the State Legislative G NITI Aayog or National institution for Assembly; and transforming India Aayog is a policy (ii) In addition, it wins at least four seats think-tank of Union Government of India in the House of the People from any that replaces Planning Commission of State or States. India and aims to involve the states in or economic policy-making in India. It will be (iii) Itwins atleast2%seats intheHouse providing strategic and technical advice to of the People (i.e., 11 seats in the the central and the State Governments. existing House having 543 members) G Prime Minister of India heads the Aayog and these members are elected from as its Chairperson. at least three different States. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity 63
National Development It has been held by the Supreme Court in the Keshavananda Bharati Case (1973) Council (NDC) that every provision of the Constitution is G Functions of the NDC was to review the amendable under the meaning of Article working of national plan. The NDC was 368 except the basic structure of the formed in 1952, to associate the states in Constitution. the formulation of the plans. G The PM is the ex-officio chairman of e-GOVERNANCE NDC. The word electronic in the terms G It is an extra-constitutional and extra legal e-Governance implies technology driven body. governance. G Since establishment of NITI Aayog, NDC The prespective of the e-governance is ‘‘the has been proposed to be abolished. use of the technology that both governing and Finance Commission have to be governed. Generally five basic models are given in G Article 280 of the Constitution of India e-Governance provides for a Finance Commission as a ■ G2C (Government to Citizens) quasi-judicial body. It is constituted by the President of India every fifth year. ■ G2B (Government to Business) ■ G It consists of Chairman and 4 other G2E (Government to Employees) members. ■ G2G (Government to Governments) Functions The Finance Commission is ■ C2G (Citizens to Governments) required to make recommendation to the The National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) takes President of India in the following matters: a holistic view of e-governance initiatives The distribution of the net proceeds of taxes to across the country, integrating them into a be shared between the centre and the states collective vision. and the allocation between the states, the Impacts of e-Governance respective shares of such proceeds. The 15th Finance Commission was appointed on 2nd e-Governance brings about two major impacts January, 2017 under the Chairmanship of NK firstly, making the government offices work Singh. smart. Secondly, e-governance makes services available to the citizen at his AMENDMENTS OF THE doorstep through the internet. Some of the most successfull citizen oriented CONSTITUTION e-governance projects are the Railways (ARTICLE 368) Reservation System, MCA 21 is the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Bhoomi Project in There are two categories of Amendment Andhra Pradesh, etc. under Article 368 which are:- 1. By special majority of Parliament that is E-districts (more than 50 percent) of the total It is a mission mode under e-governance. Its membership of each House and a objective under National E-Governance Policy majority of two-thirds of the members of is to computerisation of services. Under it, each House present and voting. different programmes are conducted in 2. By special majority of Parliament and following states with the consent of half of the State ■ Jandoot Project - Madhya Pradesh Legislature by a simple majority. ■ Compact 2020 - Andhra Pradesh Provisions related to Federal structure ■ Land Programme - Karnataka can be amended through this procedure. ■ There is a third category of the Friends - Kerala Amendment which is done by simple ■ Disha - Haryana majority though these amendments do not come under ambit of Article 368. 64 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Polity
‘Armed Rebellion’ as one of the PARLIAMENTARY TERMS circumstances for declaration of Quorum It is the minimum number of emergency. members required to transact the Seventy Third Amendment Act, 1992 The business of the House. Article 100 of the institution of Panchayati Raj receive Constitution specifies that the Quorum of constitutional guarantee, status and either House shall be 10% of the strength legitimacy. XIth Schedule was added to of the House. deal with it. It also inserted Part IX, Question Hour The first hour of every containing Articles, 243, 243 A to 243 O. sitting of Parliament is called the Question Eighty Ninth Amendment Act, 2003 The Hour. Questions usually need a 10 day Act adds Article 338 A and provides for notice before being answered by the the creation of National Commission for concerned minister. Scheduled Tribes. Starred Questions To be answered orally Ninety First Amendment Act, 2003 on the floor of the House. Supplementary Amended the Anti-Defection Law and questions can be asked. also made a provision that the number of Unstarred Questions To be answered in ministers in the Centre and State writing. No supplementary questions may Government, cannot be more than 15% be asked. of the strength of Lok Sabha and the respective Vidhan Sabha. Zero Hour Does not formally exist in the Parliamentary procedure. The hour after Ninety Third Amendment Act, 2005 To Question Hour is popularly known as Zero reserve seats for socially and Hour. Members raise matters which they educationally backward classes, besides feel urgent. the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Adjournment Motion Motion to adjourn Tribes, in private unaided institutions the proceedings of the House, so as to other than those run by minorities. take up a matter of urgent public Ninety Fifth Amendment Act, 2009 importance. It can be moved by any Extends the reservation of seats for member. Requires support from at least SC/STs in the Lok Sabha for another 10 50 members. years. In Article 334 of the Constitution, Calling Attention Motion A member may for the words ‘sixty years’, the words call the attention of a Minister to an urgent ‘seventy years’ was substituted. matter and the Minister may make a Ninety Seventh Amendment, 2011 statement regarding it. Amend- ment of Article 19(1)(i), Insertion of Article 43B, Insertion of Part IXB. This No Confidence Motion A No Confidence amendment gives constitutional status to Motion indicates lack of confidence of the cooperatives. Lok Sabha in the Council of Ministers. It can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only. Ninety Eighth Amendment Act, 2012 If the Motion is passed, the government (Insert Article 371 J) To empower the must resign. Governor of Karnataka to take steps to develop Hyderabad-Karnataka Region. CONSTITUTIONAL Ninety-Ninth Amendment Act, 2014 deals with replacing the collegium system for AMENDMENTS the appointments of the Judges of the First Amendment Act, 1951 Added Ninth Supreme Court and the 24 High Courts. Schedule. But Supreme Court of India has declared this unconstitutional and void. Seventh Amendment Act, 1956 One Hundredth Amendment Act, 2015 to Necessitated on account of reorganisation give effect to the acquring of territories by of States on a linguistic basis. India and transfer of certain territories to Fifteenth Amendment Act, 1963 Age of Bangladesh in pursuance of the retirement of the Judges of High Court agreements and its protocol. has been extended from 60 to 65 years. One Hundredth One Amendment Act, Twenty Sixth Amendment Act, 1971 2016 with deals Goods and Services Tax Abolished the titles and special privileges One Hundredth Two Amendment Act of former rulers of princely states. 2018 provides the Constitutional status Thirty Sixth Amendment Act, 1975 Made to National Commission for Backward Sikkim a State. Classes. Forty Fourth Amendment Act, 1978 The One Hundredth Three Amendment Act Right to Property was deleted from Part 2018 provides 10% reservation to the III. Article 352 was amended to provide economically backward classes of society. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Economy 65 INDIAN ECONOMY
OUTLINE OF Economic Planning in INDIAN ECONOMY India The economy of India is the 5th largest in the Planning Commission (1950) was world by nominal GDP and 3rd largest by set-up under the Chairmanship of Purchasing Power Pariety (PPP). Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (Gulzarilal Nanda was the first Deputy Chairman). Nature of the Indian Economy Basic aim of Economic Planning is to (i) Mixed Economy Existence of both public bring rapid economic growth through and private sectors. This term was coined agriculture, industry, power and all by Pat Mullins and Supported by JM Keynes. other sectors of the economy. (ii) Agrarian Economy Even after six-decades of independence 58% of the NITI Aayog workforce of India is still agriculturist and NITI Aayog or National Institution for its contribution to GDP is around 17% at Transforming India Aayog came into current prices. existence on 1st January, 2015; policy-making think-tank of Features government that replaces Planning Following are the features of Indian economy Commission and aims to involve states (i) Slow growth of national and per capita in economic policy making. It will income. (ii) Capital deficiency and low rate of provide strategic and technical advice to capital formation, hence low rate of the Central and the State Governments. investment, low production, etc; poor quality The Prime Minister heads the Aayog as of human capital. (iii) Over- dependence on its chairperson. Rajiv Kumar is the agriculture alongwith low productivity in Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog of India. agriculture; heavy population pressure. (iv) Unequal distribution of income and wealth. Historical Milestones (v) Mass poverty, chronic inflation and chronic unemployment. Planned Economy for India (1934) M Visvesvaraya Broad Sectors of Indian Economy National Planning Committee Primary Sector Agriculture, forestry and (1938) Jawaharlal Nehru fishing, mining etc. Bombay Plan (1944) Secondary Sector manufacturing, electricity, Gandhian Plan (1944) SN Agarwal gas and water supply and construction. People’s Plan (1945) MN Roy Tertiary Sector (also called service sector) business, transport, telecomm- unication, Sarvodaya Plan (1950) JP Narayan banking, insurance, real estate, community and personnel services. 66 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Economy
Plan GrowthRate ImportantSector Target Achieved First Plan (1951-56) 2.1% 3.6% Agriculture, irrigation, electricity (Based on Harrod Domar Model) Second Plan (1956-61) (Based on 4.5% 4.2% Heavy industries PC Mahalanobis two sector model) Third Plan (1961-66) 5.6% 2.8% Foodgrains, heavy industries Plan Holiday (1966-69) Fourth Plan (1969-74) 5.7% 3.3% Agriculture Fifth Plan (1974-78) 4.4% 4.8% Removal of poverty Rolling Plan (1978-80) Sixth Plan (1980-85) 5.2% 5.4% Agriculture, industries Seventh Plan (1985-90) 5.0% 6.0% Energy, foodgrains Two Annual Plans (1990-92) Eighth Plan (1992-97) 5.6% 6.6% Human resource education Ninth Plan (1997-2002) 6.5% 5.4% Social justice Tenth Plan (2002-07) 8.1% 7.5% Income, energy Eleventh Plan (2007-2012) 8.0% 7.9% Inclusive growth Twelfth Plan (2012-2017) 8% — Faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth National Income in India National Income refers to the aggregate value of goods and services produced in an economy in one year. Following are the measures of National Income in India G Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the final value of the goods and services produced within the geographical boundaries of a country during a year. G Net Domestic Product (NDP) equals to the GDP minus depreciation (value loss of an asset) on country capital goods. G Gross National Product (GNP) is an estimate of the total value of all the final products and services produced in a given period (usually a year) by the nationals of a country. G The Net National Product (NNP) is obtained by subtracting depreciation value from GNP. G When NNP is obtained at factor cost it is called National Income. It is calculated by deducting indirect taxes and adding subsidies in NNP at market price. Indian Tax Structure Direct Tax The term direct tax generally means a tax paid directly to the government by the persons on whom it is imposed. e.g. income tax, Corporate income tax, capital gain tax, stamp duty, land tax, estate duty, wealth tax, petroleum revenue tax. The government earns maximum from corporate income tax. Indirect Tax An indirect tax is a tax collected by an intermediary from the person who bears the ultimate economic burden of the tax. e.g. sales tax or VAT, customs duty, insurance premium tax, excise duties, landfill tax, electricity duty, climate change levy. Goods and Service Tax (GST) The GST as it is more commonly referred to is a system of taxation where there is a single tax in the economy for goods as well as services. Indian GST was first proposed in India in the Union Budget speech in 2006-07. This tax come into effect from 1 July, 2017. The main feature of the GST is that there is a tax credit available at each stage of the value chain. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Economy 67
Inclusive Development in India in 2004-05 was 27.5% and according to the Suresh Tendulkar Human Development Index (HDI) Committee was 37.2%. G HDI measure was given by Pakistani G The Tendulkar Committee stipulated a Nobel Prize Winner, Mehbub-ul-Haq benchmark of daily per capita ` ` G Level of Human development is expenditure of 27 and 33 in rural and measured by Human Development urban areas, respectively. Index (HDI), published by UNDP since, 1990. Programme/Measure Yearof G Three dimensions Launch 1. Life expectancy at birth; Twenty Point Programme 1975 2. Education Index comprising means year of schooling and expected year IndiraAwaasYojana 1985 of schooling; JawaharRozgarYojana 1989 3. GNI per capita (PPP US $) Index. NehruRozgarYojana 1989 G India has been ranked 129 out 189 Swarna Jayanti Shahri Rozgar Yojana 1997 countries on 2019’s HDI. Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana 2000 Programmes/Measures Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana 2000 Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana 2001 G NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) was launched on 2nd April, 2005 to Bharat Nirman 2005 reduce Infant Mortality Rate and Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban 2005 Maternal Mortality Rate. Renewal Mission
G NUHM (National Urban Health Mission) Prime Minister Employment 2008 launched on 2013. Education Generation Programme programmes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural 2009 Mid-Day Meal Scheme etc were Employment Programme launched. National Rural Livelihood Mission 2011 (NRLM) G Rural development programmes like MGNREGA and Bharat Nirman. NirmalBharatAbhiyan 2012 SwachhBharatAbhiyan 2014 POVERTY BetiBachaoBetiPadhao 2014 PradhanMantriJanDhanYojana 2015 G The erstwhile Planning Commission estimated poverty rate based on data AtalPensionYojana 2015 collected by National Sample Survey DigitalIndiaProgramme 2015 Organisation (NSSO). National Skill Development Mission 2015 G Main Reasons for Rural Poverty Rapid HRIDAY (Heritage City Development 2015 population growth, lack of capital, lack of and Augmentation Yojana) alternate employment other than poor SmartCityMission 2015 agriculture, illiteracy and lack of proper AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation 2015 implementationof PDS. and Urban Transformation)
G Main Reasons for Urban Poverty Pradhanmantri Jeevan Jyoti Beema 2015 Migration from rural areas, lack of skilled Yojana labour, lack of housing facilities, limited Pradhanmantri Suraksha Beema 2015 job opportunities in cities. Yojana Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee 2015 G Based on 2400 calories (rural) and 2100 Yojana calories (urban) and monthly per capita Start-upandStand-upYojana 2016 consumption expenditure of ` 454 (rural) and ` 540 (urban), Planning Commission Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana 2016 (Now NITI Aayog) estimated poverty ratio UjalaYojana 2016 68 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Economy
Programme/Measure Yearof Programme/Measure Year Launch National Mission for Empowerment 2010 SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active- 2016 of Women Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) BalBanduScheme 2011 Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana 2016 NaiRoshni 2012 Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana 2017 BetiBachaoBetiPadhao 2015 Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana 2017 PMUjjwalaYojna 2016 Yojana PMMatraVandanaYojna 2017 Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar 2017 Yojana AGRICULTURE RashtriyaVayoshriYojana 2017 G Agriculture is the mainstay of Indian SaubhagyaYojana 2017 economy. It makes important UDANScheme 2017 contribution in GDP, National Income, AyushmanBharat 2018 employment, trade and industry. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi 2019 G Green Revolution is associated with the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi 2019 use of HYVS (High Yielding Variety Man-dhan Yojna Seeds), chemical, fertilisers and new technology, which led to a revolutionary UNEMPLOYMENT results in agricultural production. It refers to a situation, when a person is G Dr. MS Swaminathan has been called able and willing to work at the prevailing the ‘Father of Green Revolution’ in India. wage rate, but does not get the opportunity to work. Revolution Production Estimation of Unemployment Blue FishProduction Since 1973 on the recommendation of GoldenFibre Jute B Bhagwati Committee, three estimates Pink Onion of unemployment have been brought about Red Meat by Planning Commission, viz White Milk 1. Usual Principal Status Persons who Yellow Oilseed remained unemployed for a major part Tricolour Revolutions of the year. Tricolour revolution has 3 components 2. Current Weekly Status Persons who G Saffron revolution–Solar energy did not find even an hour of work in a G White revolution–Cattle welfare week preciding the date of survey. G Blue revolution–fisherman’s welfare 3. Current Daily Status Persons who did not find work even for 1 hour in a day. INDUSTRIES and Industrial Policies G Industrial policies were launched in Programme/Measure Year 1948, 1956, 1977, 1980 and 1991. Mid-DayMealScheme 1995 G Industrial Policy 1956 is called Swadhar 1995 Economic Constitution of India and SwayamSidha 2001 gave public sector the strategic edge. SSA 2001 G Industrial Policy 1991 opened up the Support to Training and Employ- 2003-04 economy. Its main aims were ment Programme for Women (STEP) (a) to end license-permit raj; Ujjwala 2007 (b) to integrate Indian economy with Dhanlaxmi 2008 the outer world; Integrated Child Protection Scheme 2009-10 (c) to remove restrictions on FDI and SablaScheme 2010 (d) to reform public sectors. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Economy 69
Public Sector Enterprises Industrial Committes (PSEs) Hazari Committee on Industrial Policy. G Industries requiring compulsory Subimal Dutt Committee on Industrial licensing (a) distillation and brewing of licensing. alcoholic drinks; (b) cigar and cigarettes Abid Hussain Committee on Small of tobacco; (c) electronic aerospace and Scale Industry. defence equipment; (d) industrial C Rangarajan Committee on explosives; (e) specific hazardous disinvestment. chemicals. Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) G Areas reserved for public sector are Arjun Sengupta. (a) atomic energy—production, separation and enrichment of fissionable materials and (b) railways. Small Scale Industry G Present Policy on PSEs is to (a) not to G A new thrust to Small Scale Industry, privatise profit-making companies and to given in Industrial Policy of 1977. modernise and revive sick companies; (b) G MSMED Act, was enacted in 2006. not to bring government stake in PSEs G Contributes 8% to GDP, 45% to all below 51%; (c) to adopt initial public manufactures and 42% to exports. offering route to disinvestment. G According to the 4th census (2009) of SSIs, 67% of the MSME are in Maharatnas, Navratnas, and manufacturing and 33% are in services Miniratnas sector. G To impart greater managerial and commercial autonomy to the PSEs, the Classification of MSMEs concept of Maharatna, Navratna and Category Annual turnover Miniratna was started. Micro Not exceeding ` 5 crores G Maharatnas were started in 2009. Ten Maharatnas are ONGC, SAIL, IOC, Small Between ` 5 crores to NTPC, Coal India Ltd, BHEL, GAIL ` 75 crores (India) Ltd, and BPCL, HPCI and Power Medium ` 75 to ` 250 crores Grid Corporation. G Navratnas Bharat Electronics Ltd, HAL, Major Industries in India MTNL, NALCO, National Mineral Development Corporation, Nevyeli Lignite Iron and Steel Company Ltd, Oil India Ltd, Power G First Steel Industry at Kulti, West Finance Company Ltd, Rashtriya Ispat Bengal—Bengal Iron Works Company Nigam Ltd, Rural Electrification was established in 1874. Corporation Ltd, Shipping Corporation of India Ltd, CCIL, EIL and NBCCL. G First large scale steel plant—TISCO at Jamshedpur (1907) was followed by G Miniratnas Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) that have made profit continuously IISCO at Burnpur (1919), West Bengal. for the last three years and have positive G The first public owned steel plant was net worth. Rourkela integrated steel plant.
G At present there are 61 in category I and 12 Presently, India is the 3rd largest in Category II. producer of steel and comes 1st in the production of sponge iron. 70 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Economy
Location(Plants) Assistance Abid Hussain Committee Development of Capital Markets Rourkela (Odisha) Germany Damodaran Committee Customer Service in Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) Russia Banks Durgapur (West Bengal) Britain Khandelwal Committee Human Resource in Commercial Banks Bokaro (Jharkhand) Russia Patil Committee CorporateDebt Visakhapatnam Russia (Andhra Pradesh) VK Sharma Committee Credit to Marginal Farmers Jute Industry Sarangi Committee Non-Performing Assets G India ranks no 1 in jute production and no 2 in raw jute exports after Bangladesh. Khanna Committee RegionalRural Banks G More than two third jute industry is Dantawala Committee Lead Bank Scheme concentrated in West Bengal. Gadgil Committee FinancialInclusion Cotton and Textile Industry G Largest organised and broad-based BANKING AND industry accounting for 4% of GDP, 20% of manufacture value added and one third FINANCE of total exports earning. G Bank of Hindustan was the first bank, Cement Industry established in India in 1770. G First bank with limited liability G First cement producing unit was set-up at West Bengal, Porbandar (Gujarat) in managed by an Indian Board was the 1914. Oudh Commercial Bank in 1881. G India is the second largest producer of G First purely Indian bank was Punjab cement in the world. National Bank (1894). Sugar Industry Nationalisation of Bank
G India is the second largest producer of G A step towards social banking was sugar in the world with a 22% share. It is taken with the nationalisation of 14 the second largest agro-based industry in commercial banks on 19th July, 1969. the country. Six more banks were nationalised on 1980, total number of public sector banks are 27.
G Later on, in the year 1993, the AC Shah Committee Non-Banking government merged New Bank of India Financial Company with Punjab National Bank. Bimal Jalan Committee Market Infrastructure Instruments G Bhartiya Mahila Bank, India’s first bank exclusively for women, Malegam Committee Functioning of Micro Finance Institutions headquarters in New Delhi was Inaugurated on 19th November, 2013. Birla Committee Corporate Governance It has been merged with SBI in 2017. Kirit Parikh Committee Rationalisation of G IDBI Bank is an Indian financial Petroleum Product service company, formerly known as Prices Industries Development Bank of India, Chaturvedi Committee Improving National head quartered in Mumbai, India. Highways in India G In September, 2004, the RBI incorpo- SR Hashim Committee Urban Poverty rated IDBI as a scheduled bank under Abhijit Sen Wholesale Price Index the RBI Act, 1934. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Economy 71
G In 2019, Oriental Bank of Commerce G Repo Rate It is the rate, at which RBI and United Bank got merged with lends short-term money to the banks Punjab National Bank. Syndicate Bank against securities.
is merged with Canara Bank while G Reverse Repo Rate It is the rate, at Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and which banks park short-term excess Corporation Bank got merged. Similarly liquidity with the RBI. This is always 100 Indian Bank got merged with Allahabad base point, 1% less than Repo rate. Bank. Qualitative/Selective/Direct Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Credit Control RBI was established in 1935, under RBI Qualitative measures are used to make sure Act, 1934. RBI is the Central Bank of that purpose, for which loan is given is not India. The main purpose of creating RBI misused. It is done through was to regulate money supply and credit in G credit rationing the country. RBI was nationalised in 1949 and its first Indian Governor was CD G regulating loan to consumption etc. Deshmukh. Its headquarter is in Mumbai. New Bank Licence Functions of the RBI In April 2015, Reserve Bank of India
G Monetary policy, regulation and provided licence for operation to two new supervision of the banking and private banks namely Bandhan Financial non-banking financial institutions. Services and Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC). G Debt and cash management for Centre and State Governments. MUDRA Bank G Foreign exchange management, current Micro Units Development and Refinance and capital account management. Agency Bank (MUDRA Bank) was launched G Management of foreign exchange on 8th April, 2015. Bank set up under SIDBI reserves. (Small Industries Development Bank of G Currency management; oversight of the India). Bank has launched 3 loan payment and settlement systems. instruments G Development role. G Shishu–Cover loans upto ` 50,000 G Research and statistics. G Kishore–Cover loan above ` 50,000 and upto ` 5 lakh. The RBI and Credit Control G Tarun–Cover loans above ` 5 lakh and Quantitative Credit Control upto ` 10 lakh. It is used to control the volume of credit Indradhanush Scheme 2015 and indirectly to control the inflationary and deflationary pressures. The This is for the banking reforms in India. The quantitative credit control consists of 7 key reforms of Indradhanush Mission includes. appointments de-stressing, G Bank Rate It is the rate, at which the capitalisation, empowerment, framework of RBI gives finance to Commercial accountability, governance reforms and Banks. bank board bureau. G Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) Cash that banks deposits with the RBI without 15th Finance Commission any floor rate or ceiling rate. The 15th Finance Commission was G Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) It is constituted in accordance with the Article the ratio of liquid asset, which all 280 of the Indian Constitution. Commercial Banks have to keep in the The first finance commission was headed by form of cash, gold and government KC Neogi and the 15th Finance approved securities with itself. Commission is headed by NK Singh. 72 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Economy
Stock Exchange of India Balance of Payment (BoP) G Capital market is the market for long-terms BoP records the transactions in goods, funds while money market is the market for services and assets between residents of short-term funds. a country with the rest of the world for a G Capital market of India is regulated by SEBI specified time period typically a year. (Securities and Exchange Board of India, There are two main accounts in the BoP 1988). : the current account and the capital account. In addition to that BoP G A Stock Exchange provides services for brokers and traders to trade stocks, bonds, includes errors and omissions and and other securities. change in foreign exchange reserves. G The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is a Foreign Direct Investment stock exchange located on Dalal Street, Mumbai and is the oldest stock exchange in (FDI) Asia. The BSE has the largest number of listed It is an investment in a foreign country companies in the world established in 1875. through the acquisition of a local G The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is the company or the establishment of an 16th largest stock exchange in the world. It operation on a new greenfield site. is situated in Mumbai. Direct investment implies control and managerial and perhaps technical, input. Insurance G Insurance industry includes two sectors, Sector/Activity % of FDI/Equity life Insurance and General Insurance. MultiBrandRetail(food) 100% G LIC was established on 1st September, 1956. TelecomServices 100% G Insurance Regulatory and Development TeaPlantation 100% Authority of India (IRDAI) was set-up on 19th April, 2000 to regulate the Insurance Asset Reconstruction 100% Company Sector IRDA has changed its name to Insurance Regulatory and Development PetroleumandNaturalGas 49% Authority of India in December 2014. Commodity Exchanges, 49% Insurance Foreign Trade PowerExchanges 49% (BoT) Stock Exchanges/Clearing 49% Balance of Trade Corporations The difference between a nation’s imports of Credit Information 74% goods and services and its exports of them is Companies, Pharma known as Balance of Trade. There are three CourierServices 100% possibilities in the Balance of Trade (BoT) which are as follows Single Brand Product 100% Retail Trading 1. Balance BoT i.e. Exports = Imports DefenceSector 100% 2. Adverse BoT i.e. Exports < Imports Airlines 100%and49% 3. Favourable BoT i.e. Exports > Imports GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Economy 73
CENSUS 2011
Population Trend in India TotalPopulation 1210569573 1891-1921 Stagnant population Male 623121843(51.47%) 1921-1951 Steady growth Female 587447730(48.53%) 1951-1981 Rapid high growth (stage of Density 382persqkm population explosion) SexRatio 943 1981-2001 High growth rate with definite ChildSexRatio 914 signs of slowing down
(in Population) TopStates/UTs BottomStates/UTs Uttar Pradesh 199281477 Lakshadweep 64429 Maharashtra 112372972 Daman and Diu 242911 Bihar 103804637 Dadra and Nagar Haveli 342853 West Bengal 91347736 Andaman and Nicobar Islands 379944 Andhra Pradesh 84665533 Sikkim 607688 (2001-2011) 2001(%) 2011(%) Difference Persons 64.83 74.04 10.21 Males 75.26 82.14 6.9 Females 53.67 65.46 11.8 (according to Literacy) Top States/Uts (in %) Bottom States/Uts (in %) Kerala 93.91 Bihar 63.82 Lakshadweep 92.28 ArunachalPradesh 66.95 Mizoram 91.58 Rajasthan 67.06 Tripura 87.75 Jharkhand 67.63 Goa 87.40 AndhraPradesh 67.66
2001 2011 Population Proportion Population Proportion (in mn) (in %) (in mn) (in %) n Males 532.2 51.74 623.7 51.51 n Females 496.5 48.26 586.4 48.46 AdultSexRatio 933 943 n Males 85.0 51.89 82.9 52.24 n Females 78.8 48.11 75.8 47.76 ChildSexRatio 927 914 74 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Indian Economy
ECONOMIC TERMS Assets Property of any kind. Deflation It is a state in monetary market Balance of Trade (BoT) The difference when money in circulation has decreased. between the exports and imports of two Depreciation Reduction in the value of fixed countries in trade with each other is called assets due to wear and tear. Balance of Trade. Devaluation Official reduction in the foreign Balance Sheet It is a statement of value of domestic currency. It is done to accounts, generally of a business encourage the country’s exports and concern, prepared at the end of a year. discourage imports. Banker’s Cheque A cheque by one bank to Dividend Earning of stock paid to another. shareholders. Bank Rate It is the rate of interest charged Dumping Sale of a commodity at different by the Reserve Bank of India for lending prices in different markets, lower price money to commercial banks. being charged in a market where demand is relatively elastic. Barter To trade by exchanging one commo- dity for another. Exchange Rate The rate at which Central Banks will exchange one country’s Bearer This term on cheques and bills currency for another. denotes that any person holding the same, has the same right in respect of it, as the Excise Duty Tax Imposed on the person who issued it. manufacture, sale and consumption of various commodities, such as taxes on Black Money It means unaccounted money, textiles, cloth, liquor, etc. concealed income and undisclosed wealth. The money which thus remains un- Fiscal Policy Government’s expenditure, accounted for, is called the black money. tax policy and borrowing. Bond A legal agreement to pay a certain Gross Domestic Product (GDP) A measure sum of money (called principal) at some of the total flow of goods and services future date and carrying a fixed rate of produced by the economy over a specific interest. time period, normally a year. Budget An estimate of expected revenues Repo Rate The rate at which banks borrow and expenditure for a given period, usually from RBI. It injects liquidity into the market. a year, item by item. Inflation A sustained and appreciable Budget Deficit When the expenditure of the increase in the price level over a government exceeds the revenue, the considerable period of time. balance between the two is the budget Monopoly Singlesellersellingsingleproduct. deficit. Monopolistic Competition Existence of Bulls Speculators in the stock markets who too many sellers selling differentiated buy goods, in some cases without money products. to pay with, anticipating that prices will go up. Bilateral Monopoly Existence of single buyer and single seller. Buyer’s Market An area in which the supply of certain goods exceeds the demands so Monopsony Single buyer buying product that purchasers can drive hard bargains. being unique. Commercial Banks Financial institutions Oligopoly Existence of few sellers and few that create credit accept deposits, give products. Price war is a common feature. loans and perform other financial functions. Reverse Repo Rate The rate at which RBI Call Money Loan made for a very short borrows from banks for a short-term. It period. It carries a low rate of interest. withdraws liquidity into the market. GENERAL SCIENCE
PHYSICS
In Physics, we study about a large number of Rocket moves up due to reaction of physical quantities, which can be broadly downward ejection of gas. classified into two categories : scalars and vectors. CIRCULAR MOTION Scalar Quantities Physical quantities which have magnitude only. e.g. Mass, G When an object moves along a circular speed, volume, work, time, power, energy, path, its motion is called circular etc. are scalar quantities. motion. G Vector Quantities Physical quantities, The direction of motion at any point in which have magnitude and direction both, circular motion is given by the tangent to the circle at that point. e.g., Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, torque, etc. G The external force required to act radially inward over the circular motion For a quantity to be a vector, it is necessary of the body is called centripetal force. that it follows the triangle rule of addition of two vectors. G In the death well, the walls of well exert an inward force over the motorcycle and as a reaction, the motorcycle exert NEWTON’S an outward force on the walls of the LAWS OF MOTION well. G Centrifugal force is such a pseudo First Law Every body maintains its initial force that is equal and opposite to state of rest or uniform motion on a straight centripetal force. line unless any external force acts on it. It is G Cream separator, centrifugal dryer work also called Galileo’s law of inertia. on the principle of centrifugal force. Example While jumping from a slowly moving train/bus one must run for a short FRICTION distance, in the direction of motion. Second Law The force acting on an object It is the opposing force that is set-up is directly proportional to the product of the between the surfaces of contact of two mass of the object and the acceleration bodies when one body slides or rolls or produced on it. tends to do so on the surface of another body. Third Law To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. G Due to friction we are able to move on the surface of Earth. Example Bogies of the trains are provided G with buffers to avoid severe jerks during On applying brakes in automobiles, it shunting of trains. stops only due to friction. 76 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
WORK GRAVITATION
G Work is said to be done, if force G Everybody in the universe attracts other acting on a body is able to actually body by a force called force of gravitation. move it through some distance in the G The gravitational force of the earth is called direction of the force. Its SI unit is gravity. joule. G The acceleration produced in a body due to Work = FS cos θ force of gravity is called acceleration due to where, F = force, S = displacement gravity (g) and its value is 9.8 m s/ 2 . and θ is the angle between the G Acceleration due to gravity is independent of direction of force and displacement. shape, size and mass of the body. G θ > ° If 90 , then work will be negative. G Escape velocity is the minimum velocity G If θ <90 °, then work will be positive. with which an object just crosses the Earth’s G If θ =90 °, then work will be zero. gravitational field and never returns. Escape velocity at the Earth’s surface is 11.2 km/s. If a coolie carrying a load on his head is G Escape velocity at the Moon’s surface is moving on a horizontal platform, then 2.4 km/s. Due to low escape velocity there is theoretically he is not doing any work no atmosphere on the Moon. because θ =90 ° ,W= FS cos 90 ° = 0 G Value of g decreases with height or depth from Earth’s surface. ENERGY G g is maximum at poles. Capacity of doing work by a body is G g is minimum at equator. called its energy. Energy is a scalar G g decreases due to rotation of Earth. quantity and its unit is joule. G g decreases if angular speed of Earth Mechanical energy is of two types. increases and increases if angular speed of G Kinetic Energy (K) Energy Earth decreases. possessed by a body due to its motion. G The acceleration due to gravity at the Moon 1 K = mv2 is one-sixth that of the Earth. So, the weight 2 of a person on the surface of the Moon will where, m is mass and v is the be one-sixth of his actual weight on the velocity. Earth. G Potential Energy (U) The capacity of doing work developed in a body SATELLITES due to its position or configuration. G Satellites are natural or artificial bodies U = mgh revolving around a planet under its where, m is mass, g is acceleration gravitational force of attraction. due to gravity and h is height. G Moon is a natural satellite, while INSAT-B is G The sum of all kinds of energies in an an artificial satellite of Earth. isolated system remains constant at G The period of revolution of satellite revolving all times. This is the law of near the surface of Earth is 1 hour conservation of energy. 24 minutes (84 minutes). G Geo-stationary satellite revolves around the POWER Earth at a height of 36000 km (approx). The Rate of doing work is called power. Its orbit of geo-stationary satellite is called unit is watt. parking orbit. Geo-stationary satellite revolves in equatorial plane from West to East. Time = Work done Power period of rotation of geo-stationary satellite is Time taken 24 h. ■ 1 watt hour = 3600 joule G The Earth rotates on its axis from West to 6 ■ 1 kilowatt hour =3. 6 × 10 joule East. This rotation makes the Sun and the ■ 1 HP = 746 watt stars appears to be moving across the sky from East to West. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 77
G Geo-stationary satellite is used to telecast TV Pascal’s Law of Pressure programmes from one part of the world to another, in weather forecasting, in G If gravitational attraction is predictions of floods and droughts. negligible in equilibrium condition, (approx) pressure is same at all G Polar satellite revolves around the Earth in points in a liquid. polar orbit at a height of 800 km (approx). G The pressure exerted anywhere at a Time period of these satellites is 84 min. point of confined liquid is G These are used for weather forecasting, transmitted equally and mapping, etc. undiminished in all directions throughout the liquid. GENERAL PROPERTIES G Hydraulic lift, hydraulic press and OF MATTER hydraulic brakes are based on the Pascal’s law of pressure. Elasticity Elasticity is the property of material of a body by Archimedes’ Principle virtue of which the body acquires its original When a body is immersed partly or shape and size after the removal of deforming wholly in a liquid, there is an apparent force. loss in the weight of the body, which is G A force, which changes the configuration of a equal to the weight of liquid displaced body, is called a deforming force. by the body.
G G Steel is more elastic than rubber. The weight of water displaced by an iron ball is less than its own weight Pressure whereas water displaced by the Pressure is defined as force acting normally on immersed portion of a ship is equal a unit area of the surface. to its weight. So, small ball of iron Force ball sink in water, but large ship float. Pressure = Area G A fat person will quickly learn the Its unit is N/m 2 . It is a scalar quantity. swimming as compared to a slim person because he will displace more G Atmospheric pressure is measured by an instrument called the barometer. water. So, he will be more balanced. G Hydrogen filled balloon float in air G Sudden fall in barometric reading is the indication of storm. because hydrogen is lighter than air. G A person can lift more weight in G Slow fall in barometric reading is the indication of rain. water. G Slow rise in the barometric reading is the indication of clear weather. Laws of Floatation A body floats in a liquid if G The pressure exerted by liquid column at the surface given as p= hdg, where d is the G The density of material of the body is less than or equal to the density of density of liquid and h is height of liquid liquid. column. In a static liquid at same horizontal level, pressure is same at all points. G When the density of material of the body is equal to density of liquid, the Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude. body floats fully submerged in liquid That is why in neutral equilibrium. ■ It is difficult to cook on the mountain. G When body floats in neutral ■ The fountain pen of a passenger leaks in equilibrium, the weight of the body is aeroplane. equal to the weight of displaced liquid. The centre of gravity of the ■ Bleeding occurs from the nose. body and centre of gravity of the ■ It is difficult to breath on higher altitude due to displaced liquid should be in one less amount partial pressure of oxygen in air. vertical line for this condition. ■ Water starts to boil below 100°C. 78 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
Density Capillarity
G Density is defined as mass per unit The phenomenon of rise or depression of volume. liquids in a capillary tube is called G Relative density is measured by hydro- capillarity. meter. ■ Apieceofblottingpapersoaksinkbecause G The density of sea water is more than that the pores of the blotting paper serve as of normal water. capillary tubes. G When a ship enters in a sea from a river, it ■ The oil in the wick of a lamp rises due to raises a bit because the density of saline capillary action of threads in the wick. water (salt water) is higher. ■ The root hairs of plants draws water from G The density of iron is more than that of the soil through capillary action. water, but less than that of mercury. So, a solid chunk of iron sink in water but float Viscosity in mercury. Viscosity is the property of a fluid by G If ice floating in water in a vessel melts, the level of water in the vessel does not virtue of which an internal frictional change. force acts between its layers, when it is in motion. Surface Tension Bernoulli’s Theorem G It is the force (F) acting normally on unit length (l) of imaginary line drawn on When an incompressible and F non-viscous liquid (or gas) flows in the surface of liquid i.e., T = , its unit streamlined motion from one place to l another, then at every point of its path is N/m. the total energy per unit volume G The property of a liquid by virtue of which (pressure energy + kinetic energy + it tries to minimise its free surface area is potential energy) is constant. called the surface tension. Venturimeter, Atomizer, filter pump, G Surface tension decreases with rise in motion of aeroplane are based upon the temperature and becomes zero at the Bernoulli’s theorem. critical temperature. G The surface tension of clean water is HEAT AND higher than that of a soap solution. THERMODYNAMICS G Formation of lead shots, spraying result in coldness, floatation of needle on water, Heat dancing of camphor on water, are based on G Heat is a form of energy, which surface tension. measures the sensation or perception of G Rain drop form spherical shape due to warmness or coldness of a body or surface tension. environment. G When kerosene oil is sprinkled on water, G Its units are calorie, kilocalorie or joule.
its surface tension decreases, due to which G 1 calorie = 4.18 joule. the excess of mosquitoes floating on the surface of water die due to sinking. Temperature
G Temperature is the measurement of Cohesive and Adhesive Forces hotness or coldness of a body. Force of attraction applied between molecules of G When two bodies are placed in contact, same substance is called cohesive force heat always flow from a body at higher while attractive force between molecules of temperature to the body at lower different substances is called adhesive temperature. force. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 79
■ An instrument used to measure the Latent Heat temperature of a body is called a G The heat energy absorbed or released at thermometer. constant temperature per unit mass for ■ The normal temperature of a change of state is called the latent heat. is 37°C or 98.4°F. human body G Latent heat of fusion of ice is 80 cal/g. ■ −40 ° is the temperature at which G Latent heat of vaporisation of steam is Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers 536 cal/g. read same. G Hot water burns are less severe than that of ■ The clinical thermometer reads steam burns because steam has high latent from 96°F to 110°F. heat. ■ White roof keeps the house cooler in summer than black roof because white Evaporation roof reflects more and absorbs less heat G It is the slow process of conversion of liquid rays whereas black roof absorbs more into its vapour even below its boiling and reflects less heat rays. temperature. ■ Ice wrapped in a blanket does not melt G The amount of water vapour in air is called away quicky because woollen blanket is humidity. a bad conductor of heat. G Relative humidity is measured by ■ Sliver is the best conductor of heat. hygrometer. ■ Cooking utensils are made of aluminum, brass and steel because these G Relative humidity increases with the substances have low specific heat and increase of temperature. high conductivity. Transmission of Heat G Transfer of heat from one place to other Thermal Expansion place is called transmission of heat.
G Thermal expansion is the increase in G In solids, transmission of heat takes place by size on heating. conduction process. G A solid can undergo three types of G In liquids and gases, transmission of heat expansions takes place by convection process. In room, (i) Linear expansion ventilators are provided to escape the hot air (ii) Superficial expansion by convection. (iii) Cubical expansion G Heat from the Sun reaches the Earth by G Telephone wires are kept loose to radiation. allow the wires for contraction in winter. Simple Pendulum
G A gap is provided between two iron G Simple pendulum is a heavy point mass tracks of the railway track, so that suspended from a rigid support by means of rails can easily expand during an elastic and inextensible string. summer and do not bend. G The maximum time period of a simple pendulum is 84.6 min. Specific Heat G The time period of a simple pendulum does G The amount of heat required to raise not depend upon the mass, shape and size of the temperature of unit mass of a the bob and its amplitude of oscillation. A substance through 1°C, is called its pendulum clock goes slow in summer and specific heat. fast in winter. G When temperature of water is G If a simple pendulum is suspended in a lift increased from 0°C, then its volume descending down with acceleration, then decreases upto 4°C, becomes time period of pendulum will increase. If lift minimum at 4°C and then increases. is ascending, then time period of pendulum G This behaviour of water around 4°C will decrease. is called anomalous expansion of G If a lift falling freely under gravity, then the water. time period of the pendulum is infinite. 80 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
WAVES Speed of Sound A wave is a disturbance, which propagates ■ Speed of sound is maximum in solids and energy from one place to the other without minimum in gases. the transportation of matter. ■ When sound goes from one medium to Waves are broadly of two types another medium, its speed and wavelength (i) Mechanical wave (longitudinal wave changes, but frequency remains unchanged. and transverse wave) ■ The speed of sound remains unchanged by (ii) Electromagnetic wave the increase or decrease of pressure. ■ The speed of sound increases with the Longitudinal Waves increase of temperature of the medium. ■ In this wave, the particles of the medium Thespeedofsoundismoreinhumidairthan vibrate in the direction of propagation of in dry air because the density of humid air is wave. less than the density. Waves on springs or sound waves in air are examples of longitudinal waves. Echo The repetition of sound due to reflection of sound waves, is called echo. Transverse Waves Intensity It is defined as the amount of In this wave, the particles of the medium energy passing per unit time through a vibrate perpendicular to the direction of unit area that is perpendicular to the propagation of wave. direction in which sound waves are Waves on strings under tension, waves on travelling. the surface of water are the examples of Pitch The sensation of a frequency is transverse waves. commonly referred to as the pitch of a sound. Electromagnetic Waves SONAR It stands for sound navigation G The waves, which do not require medium and ranging. It is used to measure the for their propagation i.e., which can depth of a sea, to locate the enemy propagate even through the vacuum are submarines and shipwrecks. called electromagnetic waves. Doppler’s Effect G Light radio waves, X-rays, etc. are the examples of electromagnetic waves. ■ If there is a relative motion between source These wave propagate with the velocity of of sound and observer, the apparent light in vacuum. frequency of sound heard by the observer is different from the actual frequency of Sound Waves sound emitted by the source. This Sound waves are longitudinal mechanical phenomenon is called Doppler’s effect. waves. Based on their frequency range ■ When the distance between the source and sound waves are divided into following observer decreases, then apparent categories. frequencyincreasesand vice-versa. G The sound waves which lie in the frequency range 20 Hz to 20000Hz are LIGHT called audible waves. G Light is a form of energy, which G The sound waves having frequencies less is propagated as electromagnetic wave. than 20 Hz are called infrasonic waves. G It is the radiation which makes our eyes G The sound waves having frequencies able to see the object. Its speed is greater than 20000 Hz are called ultrasonic 3× 108 m/s. It is the form of energy. It is waves. a transverse wave. It takes 8 min 19 s to G Ultrasonic waves are used for sending reach on the Earth from the Sun and signals, measuring the depth of sea, the light reflected from Moon takes cleaning machinery parts located in hard 1.28 s to reach Earth. to reach places, such as spiral tubes, etc. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 81
Reflection of Light Refraction of Light When a ray of light falls on a boundary The bending of the ray of light passing from separating two media comes back into the one medium to other medium is called same medium, then this phenomenon is refraction. When a ray of light enters from called reflection of light. one medium to other medium, its frequency and phase do not change, but Laws of Reflection wavelength and velocity change. Due to G The incident ray, reflected ray and the refraction from Earth’s atmosphere, the normal to the reflecting surface at the stars appear to twinkle. incident point all lie in the same plane. Refractive index (µ) Speed of light in vacuum G The angle of reflection is equal to the = angle of incidence. Speed of light in the medium Reflection from Plane Mirror Critical Angle
G The image is virtual and laterally The angle of incidence in a denser medium inverted. for which the angle of refraciton in rarer medium becomes 90°, is called the critical G The size of image is equal to that of angle. object. G If an object moves towards a plane Total Internal Reflection (TIR) mirror with speed v, relative to the object If light is travelling from denser medium to the image moves towards it with a speed rarer medium and the angle of incidence is 2v. more than the critical angle, then the light G To see his full image in a plane mirror, a is reflected back into the denser medium. person requires a mirror of atleast half of This phenomenon is called total internal his height. reflection. G The number of images formed by Sparkling of diamond, mirage and looming, two plane mirrors, inclined by an angle θ, shinning of air bubble in water and optical fibre 360° n = −1. are examples of total internal reflection. θ
Spherical Mirror Optical Fibre It works on the principle of TIR. It is used G Spherical mirrors are of two types for telecommunication and various (i) Concave mirror (ii) Convex mirror medical purposes like endoscopy. G Image formed by a convex mirror is always virtual, erect and diminished. Lens G Image formed by a concave mirror is G Lens is generally of two types generally real and inverted. (i)Convexlens (ii) Concavelens G When lens is dipped in a liquid of higher Uses of Concave Mirror refractive index, the focal length (i) As a shaving glass. (ii) As a reflector for the increases and convex lens behave as headlights of a vehicle, search light. (iii) In concave lens and vice-versa. ophthalmoscope to examine eye, ear, nose by G An air bubble trapped in water or glass doctors. (iv) In solar cookers. appears as convex, but behaves as concave lens. Uses of Convex Mirror (i) As a rear view mirror in vehicle because it Dispersion of Light provides the maximum rear field of view and G When a ray of white light is passed image formed is always erect. (ii) In sodium through a prism, it gets splitted into its reflector lamp. constituent colours. This phenomenon is called dispersion of light. 82 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
G The different colours appeared in the Microscope spectrum are in the following order, violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange G Simple microscope is a convex lens of small focal length. and red (VIBGYOR). G Compound microscope is a G Rainbow is formed due to dispersion of combination of two convex lenses, sunlight by water droplets. called objective lens and eyepiece, G Wavelength of red colour is maximum separated by a distance. and for violet colour is minimum. G Astronomical Telescope is also a G Red, green and blue are primary colours. combination of two lenses in which Green and magenta, blue and yellow, red objective lens is a convex lens of large and cyan are complementary colours. aperture and large focal length while eye-piece is a convex lens of small Scattering of Light aperture and small focal length. G When light passes through a medium in which particles are suspended whose ELECTRICITY AND sizes are of the order of wavelength of light, then light striking on these particles MAGNETISM deviated in different directions. Scattering of light is maximum in case of violet Charge colour and minimum in case of red Charge is the basic property associated with colour. matter due to which it produces and G Blue colour of sky is due to scattering of experiences electric and magnetic effects. blue and violet light. The brilliant red Similar charges repel each other and colour of rising and setting sun is also due opposite charges attract each other. The SI to scattering of light. unit of charge is coulomb.
Conductor Conductors are those materials, HUMAN EYE which allow electricity to pass G It is an optical instrument like camera. It through themselves. Metals like forms the real image of the object on silver, iron, copper and earth acts retina of the eye. Least distance of distinct like a conductor. Silver is the best conductor. vision is 25 cm. Insulator Insulator are those materials which do not allow electricity to flow through themselves. Wood, paper, Myopia (Short A short-sighted eye can see mica, glass, ebonite are insulators. sightedness) only nearer objects. Distant objects are not seen clearly. This defect can be removed Electric Current by using concave lens of suitable focal length. G Electric current is defined as the rate of flow of charge or charge flowing per unit Hypermetropia A long sighted eye can see (Long distant objects clearly but time. Its unit is ampere. It is a scalar sightedness) nearer object are not clearly quantity. visible. This defect can be G A lightning conductor is fixed on tall removed by using a convex buildings to protect them from the lens. destructive effects of the lightning. Presbyopia In this defect both near and G far objects are not clearly An electric bulb produces a bang when it visible. It can be removed by is broken because there is a vacuum using bi-focal lens. inside the electric bulb, when the bulb is Astigmatism In this defect eye cannot see broken air rushes at great speed from all horizontal and vertical lines sides to fill the vacuum. The rushing of clearly. This defect can be air produces a noise generally referred removed by using suitable to as the bang. cylindrical lenses. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 83
Ohm’s Law ATOMIC AND At the constant physical conditions of any conductor, the current flowing through the NUCLEAR PHYSICS conductor is directly proportional to the Cathode Rays potential difference across it. V Cathode ray was discovered by Sir William I = , where R is the resistance. Crooke and its properties are R G These rays travel in straight lines. G If a wire is stretched, its resistance will G These rays produce fluorescence. change but its specific resistance will G These rays can penetrate through thin remain unaffected. foils of metal and deflected by both G On increasing the temperature of the electric and magnetic fields. metal, its resistance increases. G These rays have velocity ranging 1/30th G On increasing the temperature of to 1/10th of the velocity of light. semiconductor, its resistance decreases. G On increasing the temperature of Positive or Canal Rays electrolytes, its resistance decreases. G These rays were discovered by G The reciprocal of resistivity of a Goldstein. conductor is called its conductivity. Its G The positive rays consists of positively unit is mho m−1 . charged particles. G The heating effect of electric current is G These rays travel in straight line. known as Joule’s law of heating. G These rays are deflected by electric and G Electric bulb, electric kettle, heater, etc magnetic fields. devices work on the bases of heating G These rays are capable of producing effect of electric current. physical and chemical changes. G These rays can produce ionisation in Ammeter It is a device which is used to gases. measure electrical current. It is connected in series. The resistance of an ideal ammeter is X-Rays zero. G X-rays are electromagnetic waves with Voltmeter It is a device used to measure the wavelength range 0.1 Å−100 Å. X-rays . potential difference between two points in a were discovered by Roentgen circuit. It is connected in parallel to the circuit. G X-rays travel in straight line. These rays Theresistanceofanidealvoltmeterisinfinite. show reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction and polarisation and do not Fuse Wire It is a small conducting wire of deflected by electric and magnetic fields. alloyofcopper,tinandleadhavinglowmelting G Long exposers of X-rays is injurious to point.So,itisprotectivedeviceusedinseries. the human body. G X-rays shows photoelectric effect. MAGNETS Uses of X-Rays G Magnet is a piece of iron or other G In Medical Sciences X-rays are used in materials that can attract iron containing surgery for the detection of fractures, object and points toward North when diseased organs, foreign matter like bullet, suspended. stones, etc. They are used in treatment of G When a magnet is freely suspended, its cancer and in skin diseases. one pole always direct towards the North. G In Engineering X-rays are used in This pole is called North pole. The other detecting faults, cracks, flaws and gas pole is called South pole. pockets in the finished metal products G Like poles of a magnet repel each other and in heavy metal sheets. and unlike poles attract each other. G In Scientific Work X-rays are used in G A current carrying coil containing a soft studying crystal structure and complex iron core, is called an electromagnet, molecules. which is utilised in electric bell, telegraph G In Custom Department X-rays are used receiver, telephone diaphragm, in custom department for detection of transformer, dynamo, etc. banned materials kept hidden. 84 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
Radioactivity Nuclear Reactor or Atomic Pile
G G Radioactivity was discovered by Henry Nuclear reactor is an arrangement, in Becquerel, Madame Curie and Pierre which controlled nuclear fission reaction Curie for which they jointly won Nobel takes place. Prize. G First nuclear reactor was established in Chicago University under the supervision G The nucleus having protons 83 or more are unstable. They emit α, β and of Prof Enrico Fermi. γ particles and become stable. The G Heavy water, graphite and beryllium oxide elements of such nucleus are called are used to slow down the fast moving radioactive elements and the neutrons. They are called moderator. phenomenon of emission of α, β and γ G The cold water, liquid oxygen, etc. are used particles is called radioactivity. as coolant to remove heat generated. G Cadmium or boron rods are good absorber G Robert Pierre and his wife Madame Curie discovered a new radioactive of neutrons and called the control rods. element radium. Uses of Nuclear Reactor G The end product of all natural (i) To produce electrical energy from the radioactive elements after emission of energy released during fission. radioactive rays is lead. (ii) To produce different isotopes, which G α With the emission of an -particle, can be used in medical, physical and atomic number is decreased by 2 and agriculture science. mass number is decreased by 4.
G β With the emission of a -particle, There are several components of nuclear reactor atomic number is increased by 1 and which are as follows mass number does not change. 235 239 ■ Fissionable Fuel U orU is used. ■ Moderator Moderator decreases the energy Nuclear Fission of neutrons, so that they can be further used for G The nuclear reaction, in which a fission reaction. Heavy water and graphite heavy nucleus splits into two nuclei of are used as moderator. nearly equal mass is nuclear fission. ■ Control Rod Rods of cadmium or boron are 235 +1 →141 + 92+ 1 92 U 0 n 56Ba 36 Kr 30n used to absorb the excess neutrons produced in + energy fission of uranium nucleus, so that the chain reaction continues to be controlled. G Atom Bomb is based on nuclear fission. U235 and Pu239 are used as ■ Coolant A large amount of heat is produced fissionable material. during fission. Coolant absorbs that heat and prevents excessive rise in the temperature. The G Nuclear fission was first demonstrated by Hatin and Fritz coolant may be water, heavy water or a gas like He or CO . Strassmann. 2 Nuclear Fusion LASER (Light Amplification by G When two or more light nuclei Stimulated Emission of Radiation) combined together to form a heavier It is a device that produces an intense, nucleus is called as nuclear fusion. coherent and highly directional beam of the G For the nuclear fusion, a temperature single frequency. It can be transmitted over a of the order of 108 K is required. great distance without being spread. G Hydrogen Bomb was made by the LASER Technology in India American Scientist in 1952. This is based on nuclear fusion. It is In 1964, the first laser as Gallium Arsenide 1000 times more powerful than atom (GaA) semi-conductor laser was designed and bomb. fabricated by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 85
Various Institutions as CAT (Centre for Advanced Technology), DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and Indian Institute of Science work on the laser plasma, quantum optics, etc., are going to work with American collaboration. MASER (Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) It was invented by three American scientist Gordon, Gieyer and H Townes in 1952. It uses microwaves in amplified form of longer wavelength of the light, while ordinary laser uses light.
Quantity Unit(SI) Quantity Unit (SI) Length Metre Viscosity Poise Time Second Surfacetension Newton/metre Mass Kilogram Heat Joule Area Squaremetre Temperature Kelvin Volume Cubicmetre Absolutetemperature Kelvin Velocity Metre/second Resistance Ohm Acceleration Metre/second 2 Electriccurrent Ampere Density Kilogram/metre 3 Electromotiveforce Volt Momentum Kilogram-metre/second Electricalconductivity mho/metre Work Joule Electricenergy Kilowatt-hour Energy Joule Electricpower Kilowattorwatt Force Newton Magneticintensity Oersted Pressure PascalorNewton/metre 2 Charge Coulomb Frequency Hertz Magneticinduction Gauss Power Watt Luminousflux Candela Weight NewtonorKilogram Intensityofsound Decibel Impulse Newton-second Poweroflens Dioptre Angularvelocity Radian/second Depthofsea Fathom GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry, a branch of physical science, is G It usually decreases at high altitudes. the study of the composition, properties That’s why at high altitudes, the boiling and behaviour of matter. point of water is less than 100°C and more time is required to cook a food. Physical and Chemical Changes Melting Point G It is a temperature at which a substance G Physical changes are the changes which only affect the physical properties like converts from its solid state to liquid state. Melting point of ice is 0°C. It colour, hardness, density, melting point decrease in the presence of impurity. etc, of matter, but do not affect the composition and chemical properties of matter. ATOM, MOLECULE G A physical change is temporary, while a AND ELEMENT chemical change is permanent. G An atom is the smallest particle of the G Crystallisation, sublimation, boiling, element that can exist independently melting, vaporisation, cutting of trees, and retain all its chemical properties. dissolving sugar or salt in water etc are G Atom is made up of electrons, protons physical changes. and neutrons. G Chemical changes affect the composition G Protons and neutrons reside in the as well as chemical properties of matter nucleus (at the centre of atom) whereas and result in the formation of a new electrons revolve around the nucleus. substance. G A molecule is the smallest part of an G Burning of fuel, burning of candle and element or a compound cabable of paper, electrolysis of water, photo- independent existence under ordinary synthesis, ripening of fruits etc, are conditions. examples of chemical changes. G Element contains only one type of atoms. e.g. carbon (C), sulphur (S), MATTER diamond, graphite etc. G Ununseptium (a superheavy chemical G Anything which occupies space and has element with atomic number 117) is a mass is called matter. In general, it exists member of group-17 in the periodic in three states i.e., solid, liquid and gas. table below the five halogens (fluorine, G Now-a-days there is a discussion on two chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine). more states of matter i.e., Plasma Its synthesis was claimed in Dubna, (Ionised gases containing super Russia by a joint Russian-American energetic and super excited particles) collaboration. and Bose-Einstein Condensates or BEC (a gas at super low temperature with G In 2014, the GSI Helmholtz Centre for extremely low density). Heavy Ion Research in Germany also claimed to have successfully repeated Boiling Point original experiment. G The temperature at which liquid Isotopes and Isobars converts into vapour is called its boiling G Isotopes have the same number of point. protons (i.e. atomic number), but G Boiling point of water is 100°C. different number of neutrons and mass G The boiling point increases in the number (atomic number + number of 1 2 3 presence of impurities that’s why boiling neutrons), e.g. 1H,H,H1 1 . point of sea water is more than the G Isobars have the same mass number but boiling point of pure water (as the former different atomic number. e.g. 40 40 40 contains impurity). 18 Ar , 19K and 20 Ca . GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 87
Dating Techniques G Radiocarbon dating is used to determine the age of carbon bearing materials like wood, animal fossils etc. G Uranium dating is used to determine the age of Earth, minerals and rocks. Colloids G These are heterogeneous solutions, containing two phases : dispersed phase and dispersion medium. G These show Tyndall effect (i.e. scattering of light by colloidal particles) and Brownian motion (zig-zag motion). G Colloids can be dispersion medium loving (i.e. lyophilic) or dispersion medium repelling (i.e. lyophobic).
DispersedPhase Dispersion Medium TypeofColloid Example Liquid Gas Aerosol Fog,clouds,mist Solid Gas Aerosol (solid) Smoke, automobile exhaust Gas Liquid Foam Shavingcream Liquid Liquid Emulsion Milk,facecream Solid Liquid Sol Mud,milkofmagnesia Gas Solid Foam Foam,rubber,sponge,pumice Liquid Solid Gel Jelly,cheese,butter Solid Solid Solid sol Milky glass, coloured gem stone Battery Battery is a device, used to convert chemical energy into electrical energy and is of two types : G Primary batteries (non-rechargeable) act as galvanic cell, e.g. dry cell, mercury cell etc. G Secondary batteries (rechargeable) act as galvanic as well as voltaic cell e.g. lead storage battery, nickel cadmium battery etc. In electrolytic refining, anode is made by impure metal and a strip of pure metal acts as cathode.
Battery Anode Cathode Electrolyte Usedin Leclanche Zinc Graphite Paste of ammonium chloride Transistors, cell and zinc chloride clocks Mercury cell Zinc-mercury Paste of HgO (Mercuric Paste of KOH Hearing aids amalgam oxide) and carbon and ZnO and camera Lead storage Lead Leadpackedinlead 38% solution of sulphuric Automobiles, battery dioxide acid invertors Corrosion
G The oxidative deterioration of a metal surface by the action of environment is called corrosion, it is an electrochemical process. G When iron is exposed into air, iron surface turns red due to the formation of hydrated ⋅ ferric oxide (Fe2 O 3 xH 2 O) which is also called rust, silver surface turns black due to
the formation of silver sulphide (Ag2 S) and copper or bronze surfaces turn green due to . the formation of basic copper carbonate, Cu(OH) 2CuCO 3 . + G Corrosion of iron is called rusting and is accelerated by the presence of impurities, H ,
electrolyte such as NaCl and gases like CO2 , SO 2 , NO 2 etc. G Corrosion is prevented by electroplating, oiling, greasing, painting, varnishing and by galvanisation (i.e. deposition of zinc layer over iron articles). 88 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
G A sliced apple, when exposed to air, Fire Extinguishers turns brown after sometime. This is because apple contains iron, which G Water extinguishes fire because as it gets oxidised and gives a brownish evaporates the vapours surround the colour to apple. burning substance, cutting off the oxygen supply, thus inhibiting burning process. Renewable and Non-renewable G In case of electrical or oil (petrol) fires, Natural Resources water cannot be used as extinguisher. This is because water is a conductor G Renewable resources are available in of electricity and heavier than oil. Thus, large excess, i.e. never ends, e.g. air, oil floats over it and continues to burn. sunlight etc. Carbon dioxide, which is generated by the G Non-renewable resources are available reaction of baking soda with acid, is used to in limited quantity and end, if used extinguish electrical or oil fires. excessively, after a limited period of G Quality of petrol is measured in terms of time. e.g. mineral, coal, petroleum, octane number and that of diesel in terms natural gas etc. of cetane number. TEL (Tetra Ethyl Lead) is an antiknock compound. Higher the Coal octane number better is the quality of fuel. Coal is obtained by carbonisation of vegetable matter and is available in Fuels different varities : Peat (60% C), lignite or G The substance, which produce heat and brown coal (70% C), bituminous coal light on combustion are called fuels. (60% to 80% C), anthracite coal (90% C). Out of these, bituminous is the most G A strong foul smelling substance, called common form. ethyl mercaptan, CHSH2 5 , is added to LPG to detect its leakage as LPG is an odourless Flame gas. Flame contains three parts G The amount of heat obtained, when 1g of a 1. Innermost part which is black due fuel is burned in excess of oxygen is called to the presence of unburnt carbon calorific value. particles and has lowest G Vehicle carrying inflammable substances temperature. have metallic ropes, touching the ground 2. Middle part is yellow due to during motion in order to provide earthing incomplete combustion of fuel. for lightning. 3. Outermost part is blue due to G Fuels used in rocket are called rocket complete combustion of fuel, propellants. A mixture of liquid hydrogen which is the hottest part and used and liquid oxygen, is most common rocket by goldsmith to heat the gold. propellant.
Fuel Composition Sources
Water Gas Carbon monoxide (CO) + Hydrogen (H2 ) By passing steam over red hot coke
Producer Gas Nitrogen (N2 ) + Carbon monoxide (CO) By passing insufficient (2 : 1 ratio) air over red hot coke Coal Gas Hydrogen + Methane + Ethylene By fractional distillation
(C2 H 4 ) +Acetylene (C2 H 4 ) + CO + Nitrogen of wood Natural Gas Methane(83%)+Ethane(16%) Frompetroleum + Liquified Petroleum Butane (C2 H 2 ) Propane (C3 H 8 ) From oil wells Gas (LPG)
Compressed Natural Methane (CH4 ) 95% From petroleum Gas (CNG)
Biogas or Gobar Gas Methane (CH4 ) +Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) + From organic wastes Hydrogen (H2 ) +Nitrogen (N2 ) GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 89
Air and our breath contain carbon dioxide. Thus, when lime water is kept Fuel CalorificValue (kJ/g) in air or we pass our breath into it, the Coal 25-32 lime water turns milky. Keroseneoil 48 Petrol 50 Carbon Monoxide Diesel 45 It is a neutral oxide of air and has Biogas 35-40 more affinity towards haemoglobin LPG 50 than oxygen (about 200 times more). Cow dung 6-8 That’s why in the environment of carbon monoxide (which is a Hydrogen 150 non-poisonous gas) people die for the Naturalgas 35-50 need of oxygen. It is dangerous to sleep in an Safety Matches unventilated room with fire burning In safety matches, the stick consists of a inside because the fire produce carbon mixture of antimony trisulphide and monoxide and carbon dioxide gases. potassium chlorate at its one end. The box side contains a mixture of powdered glass and red Plaster of Paris phosphorus. G It is chemically calcium sulphate 1 hemihydrate (CaSO . HO) and is ACIDS, BASES AND 42 2 prepared by heating gypsum which is SALTS calcium sulphate dihydrate
Acids (CaSO 4. 2H 2 O) at 373 K.
G G These are the substance, which have a sour On mixing with water, Plaster of taste and turn blue litmus red. Paris further sets into a hard solid, G These are good conductor of electricity in called gypsum. Thus, it is used to aqueous solution. plaster fractured bones, for making toys, materials for decoration and for G Pickels are always kept in glass jar because making surfaces smooth. acid present in them reacts with metal to produce hydrogen gas. Portland Cement Bases G It is a complex mixture of silicates G These are the substances, which have bitter and aluminates of calcium with small taste, soapy to touch and turn red litmus amount of gypsum. Raw material blue. used for the manufacture of Portland G Bases like NaOH, KOH, etc. are good cement are limestone and clay. conductors of electricity in their aqueous G The composition of Portland cement solution and in molten state. is calcium oxide (50-60%), alumina G Base react with acid to form salt and water. (5-10%), and magnesium oxide Salts (2-3%) Gypsum is added to cement G These are the product of neutralisation to decrease its rate of setting. reaction between an acid and a base. G In cement, if lime is in excess, G pH is the measure of acidity/basicity. cement cracks during setting and if lime is less, cement is of weak Some Important Compounds in strength. G Mortar a mixture of sand, cement Everyday Life and water is used for joining bricks Carbon Dioxide and plastering walls. G It is an acidic oxide of carbon and is used by Concrete, a mixture of gravel, sand, green plants for photosynthesis. It does not help cement and water is used for flooring in burning. and making roads. 90 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
G Reinforced Concrete Cement (RCC) Heavy Water which is concrete with steel bars and Heavy water is deuterium oxide (D O), wires is used for constructing roofs, 2 molecular mass=20) which used as bridges and pillars. moderator in nuclear reactors. It is called Soaps heavy due to the presence of deuterium, the heavy hydrogen. These are sodium and potassium salts of higher fatty acids, e.g. sodium palmitate, Hard Water sodium stearate, etc. G The water in which soluble bicarbonates Glass of calcium and magnesium are present, is called temporary hard water and in G Glass, an amorphous solid or which soluble sulphates and chlorides of super-cooled liquid contains mainly magnesium and calcium are present is silica (SiO2 ). called permanent hard water. G Different substances are added to obtain G The temporary hardness of water is glass of different colours e.g. removed by boiling or by adding calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH) —the Clark’s Colour SubstanceAdded 2 Red Copper oxide (CuO) process. G Green Chromium oxide (Cr O ) The permanent hardness of water is 2 3 removed by adding sodium carbonate Ruby Red Goldchloride (AuCl3 ) (Na2 CO 3 ), or calgon (sodium Blue Cobalt oxide (CoO) hexametaphosphate, Na2 [Na 4 (PO 3 ) 6 ]. Brown Iron oxide ()Fe O 2 3 Hardening of Oil Pesticides (Hydrogenation) These chemicals are used to destroy the Oil, an unsaturated fat when heated with organisms that harm the crop. nickel catalyst and hydrogen, gets converted These are of following types into a solid mass called ghee, a saturated fat. Insecticides e.g. DDT, gammaxene, This process is called hardening of oil and is aluminium phosphate. carried out through hydrogenation in the presence of nickel as a catalyst. Fungicides e.g. Bordeaux mixture, organo-mercury compounds. Medicines Herbicides e.g. Benzipram, sodium These are the chemicals used for treating chlorate. diseases and reducing suffering from pain. Rodenticides e.g. Aluminium phosphide.
Medicine Usedto Example Analgesics Reduce pain Aspirin, paracetamol, morphine, phenacetin Tranquilizers To treat stress, mild and severe Equanil, valium, chlorodiazoepoxide, serotonin mental diseases and meprobamate Antiseptic Prevent the growth of Dettol (a mixture of chloroxylenol—the antiseptic micro-organisms or kill them and α-terpineol), savlon, iodine tincture (solution
(applied to living tissues) ofI 2 in alcohol water mixture), boric acid (antiseptic for eyes), hydrogen peroxide, iodoform Antibiotic Destroy microorganisms Penicillin (discovered by A Fleming in 1929, (These are obtained from ampicillin, amoxicillin, ofloxacin, chloramphenicol) microorganisms.) Antimalarial Curemalaria Chloroquine Sulphadrugs Alternative for antibiotics Sulphanilamide, sulphadiazine Antacids Reduceacidity Bakingsoda,magnesiumhydroxide GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 91
Polymers
G A polymer is a compound of high molecular weight formed by the combination of a larger number of molecules of one or two types of low molecular weight (known as monomers) and the process is called polymerisation. G Polymers are the backbones of four major industries; plastics, fibres, paints and varnishes.
Fibre Monomers Uses Nylon-6,6 Adipic acid + In making bristles for brushes, synthetic fibres, hexamethylene diamine parachutes, as a substitute for metal in bearings. Nylon-6 or perlon Caprolactum Inmakingfibres,plastictyrecordsandropes. Terylene Ethylene glycol and For making wash and wear fabrics, tyre cords, safety terephthalic acid belts, tents etc . Kevlar Terephthalicacid+ For making bulletproof vests. 1,4-diamino benzene Lexan or Diethyl carbonate + In making bulletproof windows and safety helmets. polycarbonate bis-phenol-A Polyurethanes Toluene diisocyanate + For making washable and long lasting mattresses, ethylene glycol cushions.
IndustrialName ChemicalName ChemicalFormula ⋅ Alum Potassium aluminium sulphate KAl(SO4 ) 2 12H 2 O
Alcohol Ethylalcohol C 2H 5OH
Baking soda Sodium bicarbonate NaHCO 3
Bleaching powder Calcium oxychloride or calcium hypochlorite CaOCl 2 Brine (or common salt) Sodiumchloride NaCl . Borax Sodium tetraborate decahydrate Na2 B 4 O 710H 2 O Caustic potash Potassiumhydroxide KOH Caustic soda Sodiumhydroxide NaOH
Chalk (marble) or pearl Calcium carbonate CaCO 3
Chilli salt petre Sodium nitrate NaNO 3
Chloroform Trichloro methane CHCl 3 . Epsom salt Magnesium sulphate MgSO 47H 2 O . Glauber’s salt Sodium sulphate decahydrate Na2 SO 410H 2 O . Gypsum Calcium sulphate dihydrate CaSO 42H 2 O . Hypo Sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate Na2 S 2 O 35H 2 O
Laughing gas Nitrous oxide NO2
Lunar caustic Silver nitrate AgNO 3
Marsh gas Methane CH4 Quick lime Calciumoxide CaO
Sal ammonia (Nausadar) Ammonium chloride NH4 Cl
Sapphire (Ruby) Aluminiumoxide Al 2O 3
Slaked lime Calcium hydroxide Ca (OH)2
Soda ash Sodium carbonate Na2 CO 3
Spirit Methyl alcohol CH3 OH . Washing soda Sodium carbonate decahydrate Na2 CO 310H 2 O GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
BIOLOGY
Biology (coined by Lamarck and Nucleic Acids Treviranus 1802), is a branch of science G These contain the genetic instructions which deals with study of living organisms. used in the development and functioning It mainly includes Botany (Study of plants) of all known living organisms. These are and Zoology (Study of animals). of two types namely DNA and RNA. The scientist who gave this thoughts for Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) It is a the first time about the life of plants and long polymer made from repeating units animals was Aristotle, that’s why he is called nucleotides. It has four bases i.e. known as the father of Biology. He is also adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine. known as the father of Zoology. G Ribo Nucleic Acid (RNA) It is also made up of a long chain of nucleotides. It LIVING WORLD contains uracil in place of thymine. In 18th Century, Carolus Linnaeus developed binomial nomenclature for HUMAN SYSTEMS living organisms, i.e., scientific name The cells of human and other multicellular consisting of genus and species. animals are organised into tissues. Two or G Whittaker (1969) classified living more tissues grouped together to form organisms into five kingdoms— Monera, organs. An organ system is a group of Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia. organs that function together to carry out G Monera includes bacteria and the principal activities of the body. Mycoplasma, while Protista includes Protozoa (unicellular Eukaryotes). Digestion G Viruses are sub-microscopic, obligate, Digestion is the process by which complex intracellular parasite consisting of food is converted into simple components nucleoprotein. WM Stanley firstly with the help of digestive enzymes, i.e. crystallised TMV (Tobacco Mosaic hydrolysis process. Virus).
G Viroids are smallest infectious single Respiratory System stranded RNA molecules discovered by Respiration in an oxidative process TO Diener. involving oxidation of food substances such as carbohydrate, fat and proteins to form CO THE CELL 2, water and to release energy. Respiration may be anaerobic, (i.e. without G According to cell theory proposed by O 2) and aerobic (i.e. with O 2). Schleiden and Schwann (1838) cell is the structural and functional unit of living organisms. Organ Animal G An organism may be composed of single Lungs Reptiles and mammals cell (unicellular) or many cells Skin Frog, earthworm and leeches (multicellular). Gills Fishes, tadpoles and prawns
G Cells are of two types i.e., prokaryotic Tracheae Insects, centipedes and millipedes (which lacks nucleus and membrane Body surface Protozoans, porifera and bound organelles) and eukaryotic coelenterates (which have nucleus and membrane Book lungs Spider and scorpion bound organelles). Book gills King crab, prawn, cray fish and Daphnia G Prokaryotic cell is found in bacteria, Mental mycoplasma and blue-green algae while Mollusca (Unio) eukaryotic cell in plants, animals and Air bladdar Long fish and bony fishes (e.g. Labeo) fungi. Airsacs/lungs Birds GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 93 in adults e (‘soft’ bones that bend easily) s and Diarrhoea oor wound healing n and blurred vision (especially during pregnancy) (muscular dystrophy, stunted growth and (severe skin problems, diarrhoea and Delayed clotting time.babies May occur before in their new-born gutestablished bacteria become Rickets in children Osteomalacia (painful bones) Mild anaemia and sterilityhumans . Deficiency is rare in Dry skin and night blindness (Nyctalopia) Beri-beri nerve degeneration) Pellagra dementia) Skin problems and nerve disorder Pernicious anaemia and nerve disorders Deficiency Disease (involved in blood clotting) Formation of prothrombin Promotes absorption ofNecessary calcium from for formation intestines. reabsorption of normal of bone phosphate and from urine Formation of redmuscles blood and cells, reproductive affects system. Needed for healthy epithelialregeneration cells of and rhodopsin in rod cells of the eye Formation of nucleic acids and red blood cells Anaemia Co-enzyme in cell respiration,complete necessary release of for energyCo-enzyme from in carbohydrates. cell respiration. Precursor of FADCo-enzyme in cell respiration.NAD/NADP Precursor of Cracked ski Interconversion of amino acids. Formation of collagen and intercellular cement Scurvy and p Maturation of red bloodMaintenance cells of in myelin bone sheath marrow. of nerves Needed to manufacture adrenal hormone Pellagra, Dermatiti Liver, raw green vegetables, yeast and gut bacteria Yeast, cereals, nuts, seeds and pork Liver, milk, eggs andvegetables green Liver, yeast, whole cerealsand beans Meat, fish, eggs, cerealsand bran some vegetables Blackcurrants, peppers, sprouts and citrus fruits Liver, milk, fish andNone yeast. in plant foods Animal tissue, whole graincereals and legumes RichFoodSource Function Fresh and dark greenAlso vegetables. made by gut bacteria Fish oils, egg yolkbe and made butter. by It theon can action skin of sunlight Vegetable oils, cerealmany products other and foods Fish liver oils, dairy products, liver, most leafy vegetables and carrots contain carotene that can be converted into retinol e) (Name) (Folic acid) (Thiamine) (Riboflavin) (Niacin) (Pyridoxine) (Pentothenic acid) (Phylloquinone) (Calciferol) (Ascorbic acid) (Retinol) (Tocopherol) 1 2 3 6 10 5 12 B K B B B B D E C B B Fat Soluble Vitamins Vitamin(Name)A RichFoodSource FunctionVitamin DeficiencyDiseas (Cyanocobalamin 94 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
Enzyme Source WhereActive Substrate MainBreakdown Product Carbohydrate Digestion Salivary amylase Salivaryglands Mouth Polysaccharides Disaccharides Pancreatic amylase Pancreas Smallintestine Polysaccharides Disaccharides Disaccharides Small intestine Small intestine Disaccharides Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose) Protein Digestion Pepsin Stomach Stomach Proteins Peptidefragments mucosa Trypsin and Pancreas Smallintestine Proteinsand Peptide fragments chymotrypsin polypeptide Carboxypeptidase Pancreas Smallintestine Peptidefragments Aminoacids Amino peptidase Intestinal Small intestine Peptide fragments Amino acids mucosa Fat Digestion Lipase Pancreas Smallintestine Triglycerides Freefattyacids and monoglycerides Nucleic Acid Digestion Pancreatic nucleases Pancreas Smallintestine DNAandRNA Nucleotides Intestinal nucleases Intestinal Smallintestine Nucleotides Nucleotidesbases mucosa and monosaccharides
Blood (Lymphatic System) G Red blood corpuscles (Most abundant) are non-nucleated and contains haemoglobin G Fluid connective tissue composed of (the respiratory pigment). plasma and blood cells. G White blood cells are colourless, nucleated G An adult person has 5-6 litre blood. and granular or agranular. G It is slightly alkaline having pH G Eosinophils are also called acidophils. 7.3-7.4. (2-8%) are phagocytic granulocytes and play G Plasma is pale yellow transparent and important role in hypersensitivity. constitute about 60% volume of G Basophils (2%) are non-phagocytic blood. granulocytes and increases during G Plasma is composed of 90-92% water, chickenpox. 7% organic substances (albumin, G Neutrophils (65%) are phagocytic globulin and fibrinogen protein) and granulocytes and increase during bacterial 1% inorganic substances. infection.
Blood Group Antigen in Antibodies in Can Give Can Receive Genotype (phenotype) Red Blood Plasma Blood to Blood from Cells Groups Group O None Anti-a, Anti-b O, A, B and O IIo o AB A A Anti-b AandAB OandA IA I A or I A I o B B Anti-a BandAB OandB IB I B or I B I o AB AandB None AB O,A,Band IIAB AB GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 95
G Monocytes (0.5%) are agranulocytes called policeman of blood and increase during tuberculosis. ExcretoryOrgan Animal
G Lymphocytes (26%) are agranulocytes Contractilevacuole Amoeba producing antibodies and increase Flame cells/solenocytes Tapeworm during viral infection. Renettecell Ascaris G Platelets (thrombocytes) are Nephridia Earthworm non-nucleated. Platelets have a life span Malpighiantubules Cockroach of about 8 to 10 days. Coxalglands Scorpion G Rh factor discovered by Landsteiner Greenglands Prawn and Veiner in Rhesus monkey, which is responsible for erythroblastosis foetalis G pH of urine is about 6.0 (mildly acidic). disease. G The urine on standing gives a pungent G Important component of blood clotting smell. It is due to the conversion of urea are fibrinogen, prothrombin, thrombo- into ammonia. plastin, calcium ions and Vitamin-K. G Specific gravity of urine is 1.015-1.025. Heart G Volume of urine is 1 to 2 L per day. G Human heart is myogenic i.e., contraction is initiated by a pulse produced by SinuAtrial node (SA node) Product Animal located in right atrium. It is also called Ammonia Most invertebrates, fishes etc. pacemaker. First heart sound is lub and Urea Ascaris, earthworm, cartilaginous second heart sound is dub. fishes, amphibian and mammals
G Contraction of heart is called systole. Uric acid Insects, land reptiles and birds 120 mm Hg, while relaxation is called diastole (80 mm Hg). Central Nervous System The brain is the organising and processing Excretion centre of the body. It is the site of G It is the process elimination of harmful consciousness, sensation, memory and waste products from the animal body to intelligence. regulate the composition of the body The brain receives impulses from the spinal fluids and tissues. cord and from 12 pairs of cranial nerves G Human excretory system is composed of coming from it and extending to the senses two kidneys. Nephron is the structural and to other organs. In addition, the brain and functional unit of kidneys. initiates activities without environmental G Colour of urine is pale yellow. It is due to stimuli. pigment urochrome. Three major portions of the brain are G Human urine contains about 95% water, recognised as the hindbrain, midbrain and 2% salts, 2.6% urea and 0.3% uric acid. the forebrain.
Forebrain Olfactory region Smell Cerebrum Thinking, intelligence, memory, ability to learn from experience, will power, skilled work, reasoning knowledge, consciousness and speech. Control Laughing, weeping, micturition (passing of urine), defecation voluntary forced breathing and voluntary muscular co-ordination. Diencephalon Heat, cold and pain control centre of autonomic nervous system, control (sensation of) hunger, thirst, sweating, sleeping and sex. Hypothalamus Regulated body temperature so ‘thermostat´ of body. Appetite and safety control emotions like love, anger, pleasure and satisfaction. Control metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and water. 96 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
Midbrain and Reflex centre of visual and auditory sensation. Hindbrain Cerebellum Involuntary muscular co-ordination, maintain posture, orientation and equilibrium of the body. Medulla oblongata Regulate heart rate, involuntary breathing, respiratory centre, blood pressure, (vasoconstriction and vasodilation) gut peristalsis, food swallowing and vomiting gland secretion.
Disease Pathogen Incubation Symptoms Prevention/Vaccine Chickenpox Herpes zoster 12-20 days Dark red coloured rash or Varicella vaccine (Varicella) virus pox changing into vesicles, crusts and falling Smallpox Variolavirus 12days Appearanceofrash Smallpox vaccine changing into pustules, scaps and falling pockmarks are left Poliomyelitis Poliovirus 7-14days Damages motor neurons Salk vaccine and Oral causing stiffness of neck, Polio Vaccine (OPV) convulsion, paralysis of limbs generally legs Measles Rubellavirus 10days Rubella (skin eruptions), Measles-mumps- (Rubella coughing, sneezing, etc rubella-Varicella Combo disease) (MMRV vaccine) Mumps Mumps virus 12-26 days Painful enlargement of Mumps-vaccine, parotid and salivary glands isolation Rabies Rabiesvirus 10daysto Spasm in throat and chest lmmunisation of dogs (Hydrophobia) 1-3 months muscles, fears from water, paralysis and death Tuberculosis M tuberculosis 2-10 weeks Coughing, chest pain and BCG vaccine bloody sputum with tuberculin Diphtheria C diphtheriae 2-6 days Inflammation of mucosa of DPT vaccine nasal chamber, throat, etc, respiratory tract blocked Cholera Vibriocholerae 6 h to Acute diarrhoea and Sanitation, boiling of 2-3 days dehydration water and oral cholera vaccine Leprosy Mycobacterium 2-5 years Skin hypopigmentation, BCG also offers leprae nodulated skin, deformity variable amount of of fingers and toes. protection against leprosy. Lepromin skin tests Tetanus Clostridium 3-21 days Degeneration of motor ATS and DPT vaccines (Lock jaw) tetani neurons, rigid jaw muscles, spasm and paralysis Typhoid Salmonellatyphi 1-3weeks Classictyphoidfever TABvaccineand screening of food and water Plague Pasteurella 2-6days Bubonicplague affects, Killing of rats and rat pestis lymph nodes, pneumonic fleas, plague vaccine plague affects lungs and septicemic plague causes anaemia Gonorrhoea Neisseria 2-10 days Inflammation of Avoid prostitution gonorrhoeae urinogenital tract GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 97
Disease Pathogen Incubation Symptoms Prevention/Vaccine Pneumonia Streptococcus 1-3days Decrease in respiratory PCV 13 pneumoniae efficiency Salmonellosis Salmonella 48h Diarrhoea RASVvaccine enteritidis Swine Flu H1N1flu virus 1-4days Feverwithorwithoutchill, Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), (Orthomy) sore throat, dyspneat, Zonamivir (Relenza) myalgia, diarrhea, are antiviral drugs vometing and dizziness vaccines are available against this disease. Ebola Virus Ebola virus 2-21 days Haemorrhagic fever, No licensed vaccine Disease (Filovirus) muscle pain, headache, available, immune (EVD) sore throat, diarrhoea, therapies are done kidney and liver currently. dysfunction, internal and external bleeding. Dengue RNAvirusof 3-14 days muscle pain, swollen No specific antiviral drug genus lymph nodes, fever, is available, however Flavivirus headache and rash symptoms based treatment is done. Chikunguniya RNA virus of 1-12 days Headache, fatigue, No specific treatment, genus digestive complaints and however supportive Alphavirus conjunctivitis case through drugs like naproxen, paracetamol is done.
Vaccine DiscoveredBy Disease Fungus Small pox Edward Jenner (1786) Aspergillosis Aspergillus flavus, Cholera Louis Pasteur (1880) A fumigatus and A niger Diphtheria and Emil Adolf Von Behring and Blastomycosis Blastomyces Tetanus Shibasaburo Kitasato dermatitidis Tuberculosis Leon Calmette and Candidiasis Candida albicans Camille Guerin (1992) Chromomycosis Cladosporium corrionii Polio Jonas E Salk (1954) Coccidiomycosis Coccidiodes immitis Oral polio Albert Bruce Sabin (1995) Cryptococcosis Lipomyces neoformans Measles John F Enders (1960) Geotrichosis Geotrichum candidum Rabies Charles Nicolle (1909) Histoplasmosis Histoplasma capsulatum Neuritis Mucor pusillus Onychomycosis Trichophyton purpureum Antibiotic MicrobialSource Penicillin Penicillium notatum and P chrysogenum Bacitracin Bacillus subtilis Disease Fungus Cephalosporin Cephalosporium acremonium Athelete foot Trichophyton Griseofulvin Penicillium griseofulvum Ringworm Trichophyton, Streptomycin Streptomyces griseus Microsporum and Epidermophyton Tetracycline S erythraeus Mucormycosis Mucor and Rhizopus Erythromycin S aureofaciens Penicilliosis Penicillium Chloramphenicol S venezuelae 98 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
G Chernobyl disaster occurred in Ebola Virus Ukraine (USSR) 26th April, 1986 According to World Health Organisation WHO’s due to explosion of nuclear power 19th August, 2015 Situation Report, there station. were three confirmed cases of Ebola reported in the G Nitrate fertilisers cause blue baby week up to 16th August all of which were reported syndrome or methemoglobinemia. from Guinea. For the first time since the G Noise pollution is measured in beginning of the outbreak in Sierra Leone, a full decibels (Generally sound beyond 80 epidemiological week has passed with no dB is termed as noise). confirmed cases reported. A total of 72 cases remain under monitoring in Sierra Leone. On 29th, June 2015, a confirmed case of Ebola was BIOTECHNOLOGY reported in a 17 year old male who had died in G Biotechnology is a field of applied Liberia. biology that involves the use of living Apart from Africa, ebola virus has spread to USA, things in engineering, technology, Spain, Mali and to an extent in Italy and UK. medicine and other useful applications. G Genetic Engineering Insertion of a foreign gene fragment into another ECOLOGY DNA molecule to produce DNA
G Ecology (term used by Reiter) deals with clones. various principles which govern the G Gene Therapy It is the insertion of relationship between organisms and their genes into an individual cells and environment. Pyramid of number is upright tissue to treat diseases especially in grassland and pond ecosystem, while hereditary diseases. inverted in tree ecosystem.
G Pyramid of biomass is upright in Test Tube Baby grassland and forest ecosystem whereas, G Test tube baby is a fusion of ovum and inverted in pond ecosystem. sperm outside body followed by
G Pyramid of energy is always upright. implantation in uterus at 32 celled stage and further normal Pollution development to birth. G The IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) G Motor vehicle contribute 60% of air pollution in major cities. Photochemical technology is a boon to childless couples. smog comprising of O 3, HO2 2, PAN, etc. G First attempt to produce a test tube G CO has 250 times more binding affinity with O baby was made by an Italian scientist haemoglobin as compared to 2. Dr. Petrucci in 1959. G Acid rain is composed of HSO2 4 and HNO 3. G But this human embryo survived for G Chlorofluorocarbons released into only 29 days.
stratosphere release free chlorine atom that G The World’s first test tube baby causes depletion of ozone. (a baby girl) named as Louise Joy G Sewage is major source of water pollution. Brown was born on 25th July, 1978 in
G Bioremediation is the process of using Great Britain. micro-organisms to remove environmental G India’s first test tube baby was born pollutant, e.g. using oil-zapper developed by in Mumbai on 6th August 1986. Her TERI to prevent oil spills. name is Harsha.
G Biomagnification The increase in concentration of persistent chemicals in Cloning organisms in successive trophic levels. G Cloning in biology is the process of G Endosulfan is an organic pollutant used as a producing similar populations of pesticide in Southern states for cashew genetically identical individuals that crops, which is now banned world over. occurs in nature when organisms GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 99
such as bacteria, insects or plants reproduce asexually. Seed Village Concept It is the starting point of agriculture and G Dolly a sheep, the first mammal clone was developed by Dr Ian Wilmut, UK. dictates ultimate productivity of other inputs. It was organised by Dr Swaminathan in the Bt JountivillageofDelhistatein1965,whichwas Crops designed to convert the entire village into a G Crop plants that contain genes for Bt high quality seed producing centre. toxins. Bt toxin gene has been cloned Over the years, this concept have grown and from the bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis) been refined which aims to import and been expressed in plants to provide techniracy (technical literacy or imparting resistance from insects without the need the latest skills to farmers solely) for quality of insectisides e.g. Bt-cotton (first GM seed production and thereby to make available crop), Bt-corn,goldenrice,etc. quality seed to others at appropriate time and affordable cost.
Bacteria Dialister Pneumosintes Flower Wolffia microscopica (Angiosperm) Bird Humming bird (Cuba) Mammal Shrew(Suncus etruscus) Bone Stapes Muscles Stapedius or arrector pili Endocrine gland Pituitary Virus Footandmouthdiseasevirus
Mammal (on land) African elephant (Loxodonta africana) Branch ConcernedField Mammal Blue whale Agriculture Study of producing crops from (in the biosphere) the land Flower Rafflesia Anatomy Study of the animal forms with an emphasis on human bodies. Flower in India Sapria Anthology Study of flowers. Vertebral Lumbarvertebrae Anthropology Study of apes and man. Bone Femur Apiculture Honey industry (Bee keeping). Biochemistry Deals with the study of Bone (in frog) Tibia-fibula chemical reactions in relation to Muscles Gluteus maximus (buttock life activities. muscle of hip) Cardiology Study of heart. Tooth Tusk of elephant (upper Cryogenics Study concerning with the incisor modification) application and uses of very low temperature. Tallest angiosperm Eucalyptus Cytology Study of cells. Tallest gymnosperm Sequoia sempervirens Dermatology Study of skin. (Sequoia gigantea) Floriculture Study of flower yielding plants. Coralreef InAustralia,greatbarrier Genetics Study of heredity and variations. reef Gerontology Study of growing old. Eggorcell Ostrich Horticulture Study of garden cultivation. Vein Inferiorvenacava Myology Study of muscles. Artery Abdominalaorta Nephrology Study of kidneys Obstetrics Branch of medicine dealing with Cellofthebody Neuronornervecell pregnancy. Virus Parrotfevervirus Ornithology Study of birds Phycology Study of algae. 100 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
Branch ConcernedField Branch ConcernedField Pedology Study of soils Sericulture Silk industry Pathology Study of disease causing (culture of silk moth and pupa). organisms. Serpentology Study of snakes. Physiology Science dealing with the study Taxonomy Study of classification of of functions of various parts of organisms. organisms. Virology Study of virus. Pisciculture Study of fish.
Discovery Madeby Country Antibiotic Alexender Flemming (1928) Scotland Antiseptic JosephLister(1867) Scotland Blood circulation WilliamHarvey(1628) Britain Blood transfusion Jean-Baptiste Denys (1625) France Cholera and TB germs RobertKock(1883) Germany Electrocardiogram (ECG) WilliamEinthoven(1903) Dutch CT Scan GodfreyHounsfield(1973) England Sphygmomanometer ScipioneRiva-Rocci(1898) Italy Stethoscope ReneLaennee(1819) France Thermometer SirThomasAelburt(1867) England Ultrasound IanDonald(1950) Ireland X-ray WC Roentgen (1895) Germany Electroencephalogram (EEG) Hans Berger (1929) Germany
Antibiotics Source Action Penicillin Penicillium chrysogenum, P. Tonsilitis, Sore Throat, Gonorrhea, notatum + Phenyl Acetic Acid Rheumatic Fever, some Pneumonia types Griseofulvin Penicillium griseofulvum Antifungal, especially for Ringworm Nystatin Streptomyces noursei Antifungal for Candidiasis and overgrowth of Intestinal Fungi during excessive antibiotic treatment. Hamycin Streptomyces pimprei Antifungal for Thrush Fumagillin Aspergillus fumigatus Broad spectrum antibacterial especially against Salmonella and Shigella. Bacitracin Bacillus licheniformis Syphilis, Lymphonema or Reticulosis. Streptomycin Streptomyces griseus Meningitis, Pneumonia, Tuberculosis and Local Infection. Toxic in some through eighth cranial nerve. Chloramphenicol Streptomyces venezuelae, S. Typhoid, Typhus, Whooping cough, Atypical Chloromycetin lavendulae and Now synthetic Pneumonia, Bacterial Urinary Infections. Tetracyclines/ Streptomyces aureofaciens Viral pneumonia, Osteomyelitis, Whooping Aureomycin Cough and Eye infections. Oxytetracycline/ Chlorotetracycline → Intestinal and Urinary Infections Terramycin Hydrogenation Streptomyces (Spirochaetes, Rickettsia and Viruses) rimosus Erythromycin Streptomyces erythreus Typhoid, Common Pneumonia and (= S. erythraeus) Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, etc. Gentamycin Micromonospora purpurea Effective against Gram (+) bacteria Polymixin Bacillus polymyxa Antifungal GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science 101
COMPUTER
A computer is an electronic machine which Secondary Memory stores, reads and processes data to produce It stores data, program, instruction and meaningful information as output. information permanently. Components of Computer Hardware G Input Unit Devices used to give Any peripheral device which can be seen instructions, e.g. Keyboard, Mouse, and touched is hardware. Computer Joystick, Optical character reader, CDs, hardware includes input devices, output Bar code reader, Touch screen, Light devices, storage devices and processing pen, Scanner, Magnetic Ink Character devices. Recognition (MICR), etc. Software G Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the device for the manipulation of It is a set of instructions that directs the computer to process information. It can be information inside the computer. CPU is classified as System Software and known as the brain of the computer, but Application Software. commonly called a processor and has the following components Networking G Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs Computer networking relates to the all logical and arithmatical operations. communication between a group of two or G Control Unit (CU) instructs, maintains more computers linked together. Most and controls the flow of information. common example of networking is
G Output Unit is the device to display the Internet, connecting millions of people all result of processing, e.g. Visual Display over the world together. According to scale Unit, Printer, Monitor, Speaker, Pen or size, computer network can be Drive, etc. categorised in three ways G Local Area Network (LAN) Graphical Memory area spread over 1km to 10km or within a same building. Memory holds all the raw and processed G Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) data, set of instructions and information Graphical area spread over a city or inside the CPU. town. Primary Memory G Wide Area Network (WAN) Graphical area spread over countries. Primary Memory stores the data which is currently in use by the computer. Security Threats G RAM (Random Access Memory) It is a G Worm It is a self contained program and volatile memory. It is a temporary does not need to be a part of another storage. program to propagate itself. G DRAM Dynamic Random Access G Spam Spam is an unsolicited message Memory sent over the Internet in the form of G SRAM Static Random Access Memory e-mails, to a large number of users for
G ROM (Read Only Memory) It is a the purpose of spreading malware, non-volatile memory where all logical advertising phishing, etc. data is stored that cannot be changed. G Spyware It is a type of malicious
G PROM Programmable Read Only software installed on computers and Memory. collects information about users without their knowledge and may send such G EPROM Erasable Programmable information to another entity. Read Only Memory. G Malware A software which is specifically G EEPROM Electrically Erasable designed to disrupt or damage a Programmable Read Only Memory. computer system. It is a superset of 102 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Science
computer viruses, worms, spyware, trojan G Internet It is the worldwide, publically horses and other malicious or unwanted accessible system of interconnected software. computer networks that transmit data G Virus A virus is defined as a program or a by using the Internet protocol. piece of code that gets loaded onto the G Cryptography It is a method of computer without users knowledge and storing and transmitting data in a replicates itself, e.g. Creeper, Stuxnet, particular coded form so that only those Melissa, Conficker, Code red, SQL can read and process it, for whom it is Slammer, Nimda (derived from the word intended. It includes encoding and ‘Admin’), etc. decoding of data. Super Computers Antivirus A super computer can be defined as the Antivirus is a software consisting of computer most powerful computer in terms of programs that attempt to identify, detect and performance and storage capacity. They prevent the malware from the computer. are highly expensive and are employed for specialised applications such as for weather forecasting, several scientific Some Commonly Used Terms researches, etc. G Cache Memory It is a temporary storage, where frequently accessed data can be stored for rapid access.
G Registers These are defined as the Name Year Mft Company special memory units used by the CPU to ParamShivay 2019 IIT-BHU speed up the rate of accessing Pratyush 2017 IITM(Pune) information. Param 2016 CDAC&NIT G Operating System It is a system Kanchenjunga Sikkim software, consisting of an integrated set of ParamIshan 2016 CDAC&IIT programs that control computer resources Guwahati and provides common services for Aaditya 2013 IndianInstituteof Tropical efficient execution of various application Meteorology software. PARAMYUVAII 2013 C-DAC,PUNE G Compiler It is a computer program that SAGA-220 2011 ISRO transforms human readable source code ANUPAM-Adhya 2010-11 BARC into the Machine readable code at one go.
G Interpreter It transforms source code into the machine readable code by Name Year Country Operating converting it line by line. System G Assembler It converts assembly Frontera 2019 America Linux language program into machine language (Cent OS) program. IBMSummit 2018 America IBM Sunway 2016 China Linux G Modem (Modulator-Demodulator) An Taihulight electronic device used to convert Tianhe-2 2013 China KylinLinux computer (digital) electronic signals to Titan 2012 America Linux communication channel (analog) Sequoia 2011 America Linux electronic signals and vice-versa. K-Computer 2011 Japan Linux G Cloud Commuting is the delivery of Mira 2010 America Linux on-demand computing resources, everything from applications to data Sophia centres, over the Internet, e.g. Google. In October, 2017 Saudi Arabia has provided G Dual Core Processor is the processing citizenship to a robot Sophia. This robot can technology in which two processors are change the facial expressions of the face and scheduled together and when one is busy can chat with people. the other takes over. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
First Radio Telescope Satellite launched into Space HALCA (Japan) FirstcountrytouseGlass EgyptandMesopotamia FirstcountrytomakeMap Mesopotamia(Greece) FirstSpaceshiplandedonMars Viking-I(July1976) World’sFirstMultipurposeRiverValleyProject Tennessee River Valley Project (USA) FirstSpaceShuttleLaunched Columbia(April1981) FirstRockettogoneartheSun Helius‘B’ FirstCountrytomakeConstitution America FirstCountrytostartUndergroundMetroRail Britain FirstUnmannedMissionontheMoon LUNA-9 FirstSpacecrafttocarrymanontheMoon Apollo-11 First Country to do Artificial Satellite Experiment Russia CountrytogiveVotingRighttoWomen NewZealand FirstCountrytoappointLokpal Sweden FirstCountrytoimposedCarbonTax NewZealand (Male) First Asian to Head the International Cricket Council Jagmohan Dalmiya FirstmantoclimbMountEverest SherpaTenzingNorgayandSir Edmund Hillary (29th May, 1953) FirstMantogointoSpace MajorYuriGagarin(USSR)(1961) FirstMantowalkintoSpace AlexeiLeonov(Russia) First Person to give information about Planets and their Nicolous Copernicus motion around the Sun FirstMantocompileEncyclopaedia Aspheosis(Athens) First Person to go on both the Poles (North and South) RanulphFiennes FirstMantoreachNorthPole RobertPeary FirstMantoreachSouthPole RoaldAmundsen FirstMantoclimbonMtEverestwithoutOxygen PhuDorjiSherpa (Female) FirstWomanPresidentofaCountry MariaEstelaPeron(Argentina) First Woman in the world to cross the Strait of Gibralter Arti Pradhan (India) FirstWomanCosmonautinSpace ValentinaTereshkova(USSR) FirstwomanPrimeMinister SirimavoBandaranaike(SriLanka) FirstWomantocrosstheSevenSeas Bula Choudhary First Non-white female to win Nobel Prize in Literature Toni Morrison FirstWomantoreachAntarctica CarolineMikkelsen FirstWomantohaveaSpace-Walk SvetlanaYevgenyevnaSavitskaya 104 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
(World) (The Largest, Biggest, Smallest, Longest, Highest)
Largest Airport King Fahd International Longest Bridge Danyang-Kunshan (by size) Airport (Dammam, Saudi (Railway) Grand Bridge (China) Arabia) Largest Dam Grand Coulee Dam HighestAirport BangdaAirport,Tibet (Concrete) (USA) (now in China) HighestDam Jinping-IDam,across TallestBuilding BurjKhalifa,Dubai River Yarlong, China United Arab Emirates (828 m) Highest Straight Dam Bhakra Dam LargestBay HudsonBay,Canada Highest Capital City La Paz (Bolivia) Longest Big-ship Suez Canal (linking Red Highest Asian Desert Gobi, Mongolia Canal Sea and Mediterranean Sea) Largest Democracy India Busiest Canal (Ship) Kiel Canal BiggestBell GreatBellatMoscow LongestEpic TheMahabharata Reptile which Chameleon changes its colour Largest Diamond The Cullinan (South Africa) Most intelligent Chimpanzee Animal LargestIsland Greenland Highest Volcano OjosdelSalado,Andes, Largest Mosque Masjid al-Haram, Mecca Argentina- Chile LargestDelta Sundarbans,India (6893 m) LargestDesert Sahara,Africa LargestVolcano MaunaLoa LargestLake CaspianSea (Hawaii Islands) DeepestLake Baikal(Siberia) LongestWall GreatWallofChina HighestLake Titicaca(Bolivia) Highest Mountain Mount Everest (Nepal) Peak Largest Lake Lake Superior, USA (Fresh water) Highest Mountain Himalayas Range Largest Coral The Great Barrier Reef Formation (Australia) Longest Mountain Andes Central Largest Continent Asia Range (South America) Smallest Continent Australia Biggest Museum British Museum (London) Largest Country China (in population) Highest Waterfall Salto Angel Falls (Venezuela) Largest Country Russia (in area) LongestGulf GulfofMexico LongestDome WorldPeaceMonument Deepest and Biggest The Pacific Dome (Pune) Ocean Tallest Minar Great Hassan II Largest Peninsula Arabia (Free standing) Mosque, Casablanca, LargestPalace ImperialPalace Morocco (Gugong), Beijing Largest City Tokyo (China) (in population) LargestPark NationalPark, HighestCity WenChuan Greenland (Tibet, China) Largest Archipelago Indonesia Largest City (in Tokyo (Japan) population) GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge 105
ColdestPlace Verkhoyansk (Siberia) TallestStatue StatueofUnity,Gujarat Temperature (India) (− 89.2°C). TallestTower TokyoSkytree (Japan) DriestPlace McMurdoDryValleys, Antarctica Longest Swimming English Channel Course (between London and HottestPlace Al-Aziziyah Edinburgh) (Libya, Africa) 136°F Longest Train Flying Scotsman Largest Platform Gorakhpur (Railway) (Uttar Pradesh) Nonstop Largest Bridge Danyang-Kunshan Longest Tunnel Gotthard Base Tunnel (Railway) Grand Bridge (China) (Railway) LargestPlateau TibetanPlateau Longest and Largest Le Rove Tunnel (South Canal/Tunnel of France) Largest River Basin Amazon Basin LightestGas Hydrogen World’s Rainiest Spot Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) LightestMetal Lithium LargestGorge GrandCanyononthe Colorade river, USA Highest Melting Point Tungstan, (34100°C) LargestPort Shanghai (China) Hardest Substance Wurtzite Boron Nitride BusiestPort Shanghai (China) FastestBird ThePeregrineFalcon Longest Railway Trans-Siberian Railway Longest Poisonous King Cobra LongestRiver Nile(6690km) Snake Longest River Dam Tarbela Dam, Pakistan LargestTemple AngkorVat (Cambodia) Largest Sea-Bird Albatross Largest Diamond Kimberley Mine (South Africa) LargestSea PhilippineSea TallestStructure BurjKhalifa(Dubai)
Country Capital Currency Country Capital Currency Afghanistan Kabul Afghani Colombia Bogota Colombian Peso Albania Tirana Lek Denmark Copenhagen Krone Algeria Algiers AlgerianDinar Egypt Cairo EgyptianPound Angola Luanda Kwanza France Paris Franc,Euro Argentina BuenosAires Peso Germany Berlin Euro Australia Canberra AustralianDollar Greece Athens Euro Austria Vienna Euro Hungary Budapest Forint Bangladesh Dhaka Taka India NewDelhi Rupee Belarus Minsk Ruble Indonesia Jakarta Rupiah Belgium Brussels Euro Iran Tehran Rial Bhutan Thimphu Ngultrum Iraq Baghdad Dinar Brazil Brasilia CruzeiroReal Ireland Dublin Euro Cambodia Phnom-Penh Riel Israel Jerusalem Shekel Canada Ottawa CanadianDollar Italy Rome Euro Chile Santiago Peso Japan Tokyo Yen China Beijing Yuan,Renminbi Kazakhstan Nur-Sultan Tenge 106 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
Country Capital Currency Country Capital Currency Kenya Nairobi Shilling Qatar Doha Riyal NorthKorea Pyongyang Won Russia Moscow Ruble Kuwait KuwaitCity KuwaitDinar Saudi Arabia Riyadh Riyal SouthKorea Seoul Won Somalia Mogadishu SomaliShilling Libya Tripoli LibyanDinar Singapore Singapore Dollar Malaysia KualaLumpur Ringgit SouthAfrica Pretoria Rand Maldives Male Rufiyaa Spain Madrid Euro Mauritius PortLouis Rupee Sri Lanka Colombo Sri Lankan Rupee Sudan Khartoum SudanesePound Mongolia UlanBator Tugrik SouthSudan Juba SouthSudanese Montenegro Podgorica Euro Pound Myanmar Naypyidaw Kyat Sweden Stockholm Krona Namibia Windhoek NamibianDollar Switzerland Bern SwissFranc Nepal Kathmandu Nepalese Rupee Taiwan Taipei NewTaiwan Dollar Netherlands Amsterdam Euro Thailand Bangkok Baht New Zealand Wellington New Zealand Dollar Turkey Ankara Lira Nigeria Abuja Naira Uganda Kampala Uganda Shilling Norway Oslo Krone Ukraine Kiev Hryvnia UK London PoundSterling Pakistan Islamabad Rupee US Washington US Dollar Phillippines Manila Peso DC Poland Budapest Zloty Venezuela Caracas Bolivar Portugal Lisbon Euro Zimbabwe Harare USDollar
BlueMountains NilgiriHills Key to the Mediterranean Gibraltar CityBeautiful Chandigarh LandofCakes Scotland CityofGoldenGate SanFrancisco Land of Golden Fleece Australia City of Magnificent Washington LandofMaple Canada Buildings LandofMorningCalm Korea CityofPalaces Kolkata Land of the Midnight Sun Norway CityofSevenHills Rome LandoftheRisingSun Japan CockpitofEurope Belgium Land of the Bhutan DarkContinent Africa Thunderbolt EternalCity Rome Land of Thousand Lakes Finland ForbiddenCity Lhasa(Tibet) Land of White Elephant Thailand GardenCity Chicago PearloftheAntilles Cuba GiftoftheNile Egypt Pearl of the Pacific Guayaquil Port GraniteCity Aberdeen of Ecuador HolyLand Palestine RoofoftheWorld ThePamirs, Central Asia IslandContinent Australia SpiceGardenofIndia Kerala IslandofCloves Zanzibar Sugar Bowl of the World Cuba IsleofPearls Bahrain GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge 107
Discovery Discoverer Discovery Discoverer America Christopher NewFoundland JohnCabot Columbus Sea Route to India via VascoDaGama HudsonBay HenryHudson Cape of Good Hope SolarSystem Copernicus CircumnavigationofWorld Magellan Planets Kepler MountEverest EdmundHillary SouthPole RoaldAmundsen Brazil PedroAlvaresCabral NorthPole RobertPeary TasmaniaIsland AbelTasman China MarcoPolo CapeofGoodHope BartolomeuDias
Blue Book An official report of the British Government Green Book An official publications of Italy and Iran Grey Book An official reports of the Governments of Japan and Belgium Orange Book An official publications of the Government of Netherlands White Book An official publications of China, Germany and Portugal White Paper An official paper of the Governments of Britain and India on a particular issue Yellow Book An official paper of the Goverment of France
Monument Country Monument Country Imperial Palace (Tokyo) Japan LeaningTowerofPisa Italy Eiffel Tower (Paris) France Pyramid (Giza) Egypt GreatWallofChina China OperaHouse (Sydney) Australia Kremlin Palace (Moscow) Russia StatueofLiberty (New York) USA KinderDisk Denmark TajMahal (Agra) India
AncientWorld ModernWorld The‘New’Wonder TheColossusofRhodes ChannelTunnel PyramidatChichenItza, Mexico TheGreatPyramidofGiza CNTower ChristRedeemer,Brazil TheHanging GardensofBabylon EmpireStateBuilding TheGreat Wall, China TheMausoleumatHalicarnassus GoldenGateBridge MachuPicchu, Peru TheStatueofZeusatOlympia ItaipuDam Petra,Jordan TheLighthouseofAlexandria NorthSeaProtectionworks Roman Colosseum, Italy TheTempleofArtemisatEphesus PanamaCanal TheTajMahal,India 108 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
Detective Agency Country Ministry of State Security (MSS) China Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Australia KGB/GRU Russia National Intelligence Agency South Africa MI (Military Intelligence)-5 United Kingdom and 6, Special Branch, Joint Intelligence Organisation Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) Pakistan Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB) India Central Intelligence Agency (CIA),Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) USA MOSSAD Israel Mukhabarat Egypt Naicho Japan SAVAK(SazamaneEtelaatvaAmniateKechvar) Iran General Security Directorate Iraq DGSE(DirectionGeneraldelaSecuriteExterieur) France
Pen Symbol of culture and civilisation Lotus Culture and civilisation RedCross Medicalaidandhospital Red Flag Revolution; also sign of danger BlackFlag Symbolofprotest YellowFlag Flownonshipsorvehiclescarryingpatients suffering from infectious diseases Flagflownupsidedown Symbolofdistress WhiteFlag Symboloftruce PigeonorDove Symbolofpeace A blindfolded woman holding a Symbol of justice balanced scale Blackstriponfacearm Signofmourningorprotest One skull on two bones crossing each other Sign of danger diagonally Wheel(Chakra) Symbolofprogress Flagflownathalfmast Symbolofnationalmourning OliveBranch Symbolofpeace
Language Member Language Member MandarinChinese 955million Arabic 295million Spanish 405million Hindi 260million English 360-380million Portuguese 215million GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge 109
Newspaper Country Newspaper Country TheSydneyMorningHerald Australia TheHindustanTimes India TheAge Australia MainichiDailyNews Japan GlobeandMail Canada TheNewZealandHerald NewZealand TheGazette Canada ThePress NewZealand International Herald Tribune France The Times United Kingdom DieWelt Germany TheScotsman UnitedKingdom TheTimesofIndia India TheGuardian UnitedKingdom TheHindu India TheHerald UnitedKingdom TheTribune India TheCourier UnitedKingdom TheStatesman India WashingtonPost UnitedStatesof America
CountryName ParliamentName CountryName ParliamentName Afghanistan Shora India Sansad Australia FederalParliament Japan Diet Bangladesh Jatiyo Shangsad/ House of Nepal RashtriyaPanchayat the Nation Bhutan Tshogdu Pakistan NationalAssemblyand Senate Canada Parliament Russia Duma China National People’s Congress Spain Cortes Egypt People’sAssembly Sweden Riksdag France NationalAssembly SouthAfrica Parliament Germany Bundestag Switzerland FederalAssembly Great Britain Parliament USA Congress
Largest Country Largest Country Smallest Country Smallest Country (Area-wise) (Population-wise) (Area-wise) (Population-wise) Russia China VaticanCity VaticanCity Canada India Monaco Tuvalu China USA Nauru Nauru UnitedStates Indonesia Tuvalu Palau Brazil Brazil SanMarino SanMarino
Religion Member Percentage Religion Member Percentage Christianity 2.2billion 31.5% Buddhism 376million 5.25% Islam 1.6billion 22.32% Sikhism 23million 0.36% Hinduism 1billion 13.95% Jewish 14million 0.23% 110 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
Country Emblem Country Emblem Australia Kangaroo Italy White Lily Bangladesh Water Lily Japan Chrysanthemum Belgium Lion Netherlands Lion Canada White Lily New Zealand Southern Cross, Kiwi, Fern Chile Candor and Huemul Norway Lion France Lily Pakistan Crescent Germany Corn Flower Spain Eagle India Lioned Capital United Kingdom Rose Iran Rose United States of America Golden Rod
Newspaper Bengal Gazette (James Hickey) Vernacular Daily Samachar Darpan Hindi Newspaper Udant Martand Telegraph Line Diamond Harbour to Kolkata International Telephone Service Mumbai to London (1851) Silent Movie Raja Harish Chandra (Dadasaheb Phalke 1913) Talkie Movie Alam Ara (Ardeshir Irani-1931) Aircraft Carriage Warship INS Vikrant Satellite Aryabhatta (19th April, 1975) Satellite dedicated exclusively for Education purposes EDUSAT Dedicated multi wavelength space observatory Astrosat Successful indigenous launch vehicle SLV-3 Nuclear Reactor Apsara (1956) Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-I (October, 2008) Mars Mission Mars Orbiter Mission (5th November, 2013) Hydroelectric Project Sidrapong (1897) Asian Games Delhi (1951) Census 1872 Regular Decadal Census 1881 Onwards Biosphere Reserve Nilgiri National Park Hailey National Park (Jim Corbett), 1936 Chairman of UPSC Ross Barker E-court Ahmedabad Court exclusively dedicated to women Malda (WB) Technology Park Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram Cloned Animal Samrupa Rail University Vadodara GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge 111
(Male) First Governor-General of India William Bentinck (1828) First and last Indian Governor-General of Free India C Rajagopalachari First Commander-in-Chief of Free India General KM Kariappa First Field Marshal of India General SHFJ Manekshaw (1971) First Indian to go in Space Rakesh Sharma First Indian to climb the Mount Everest without Oxygen Sherpa Ang Dorje First Indian to become the Managing Director of Gautam Kaji World Bank First Chairman of National Human Rights Commission Rangnath Mishra First Indian to get Nobel Prize in Physics CV Raman (1930) First Indian to get Nobel Prize in Literature Rabindranath Tagore (1913) First Indian to get Nobel Prize in Economics Dr Amartya Sen (1998) First Indian to get Nobel Prize in Medicines (Physiology) Dr Har Govind Khorana (1968) First Indian to get Bharat Ratna Dr S Radhakrishnan, C Rajgopalachari and Dr CV Raman (1954) First Person to be Honoured with the Jnanpith Award G Sankara Kurup (Malayalam) First Person to get Bharat Ratna (Posthumously) Lal Bahadur Shastri First Cricketer to get Padma Bhushan CK Naidu First Indian to get through ICS Satyendra Nath Tagore (1869) First Indian to swim across the English Channel Mihir Sen (1958) First Judge of International Court of Justice Dr. Nagendra Singh First Chief of Defence Staff Vipin Rawat (Female) First Indian Female Chairperson of Indian National Sarojini Naidu (1925) Congress First Woman to climb the Everest Bachendri Pal (1984) First Woman Cabinet Minister Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (1947) First Woman Chairman of the UN General Assembly Vijaya Laxmi Pandit First Woman President of India Pratibha Devi Singh Patil First Woman Speaker of Lok Sabha Meira Kumar (2009) First Woman Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Margaret Alva (1962) First Woman Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi First Woman to reach Antarctica Meher Moos (1976) First Woman IAS Officer Anna Rajam George (1950) First Female Chief Justice Leela Seth (1991) First Woman to win the Jnanpith Award Asha Poorna Devi (1976) First Woman to get the Bharat Ratna Indira Gandhi First Female Nobel Prize Winner Mother Teresa (1979) First Woman to complete Century in World Cup Cricket Thirush Kamini FirsttowinSilverinOlympics(Badminton) PVSindhu First Indian Woman to become member of International Nita Ambani Olympic Committee FirsttowinBronzeinOlympics(Wrestler) SakshiMalik FirstIndianWomanFighterPilottoflyafighterjet AvaniChaturvedi (2018) FirstIndianNavalWomanPilot ShubhangiSwaroop (2018) 112 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
(India) (Biggest, Highest, Largest, Longest, Smallest etc)
The longest River The Ganga (2525 km) The largest Desert Thar (Rajasthan) The longest Canal Indira Gandhi Canal or The largest Delta Sunderbans Rajasthan Canal (Paschim Banga) (Rajasthan) (649 km) The state with Madhya Pradesh ThelongestDam HirakudDam (Odisha) maximum Forest (25.14% of its (26 km) Area geographical area) The longest Sea Marina Beach (Chennai) Thelargest Zoo ZoologicalGarden Beach (13 km) (Kolkata) The highest Lake Cholamu Lake (Sikkim) The biggest Stadium Yuva Bharti (Salt Lake) The largest Saline Chilka Lake (Odisha) Stadium, Kolkata Water Lake The longest National NH-44 (Srinagar to The biggest River Majuli, Brahmaputra river Highway Kanyakumari) Islands (Asom) The highest Award Bharat Ratna The largest Fresh Wular Lake Water Lake (Jammu and Kashmir) The highest Param Vir Chakra Gallantry Award ThehighestDam TehriDam (Uttarakhand) (260 mt) The largest Golden Temple, Amritsar Gurudwara The highest Kunchikal Falls Waterfall (Karnataka) (455 m, The largest Cave Kailash Temple 1493 ft) Temple (Ellora, Maharashtra) The deepest River Bhagirathi and The highest Peak Godwin Austin I,K 2 Valley Alaknanda (8611 m) The longest River Bhupen Hazarika The largest Mosque Jama Masjid (Delhi) Bridge Setu, Assam (9,150 m) The longest Tunnel Jawahar Tunnel, Banihal The biggest Rabindra Setu or Howrah Pass Cantilever Bridge Bridge (Kolkata) (Jammu and Kashmir) The state with Gujarat (1600 km) The largest Sri Shanmukhanand Hall longest Coastline Auditorium (Mumbai) The longest river Narmada The largest Animal Sonepur (Bihar) without Delta Fair The longest Sea Bandra-Worli Sea Link ThelargestCave Amarnath Bridge (5.6 km) (Jammu and Kashmir) The largest Artificial Dhebar Lake (Rajasthan) The highest Gate Buland Darwaza, Lake Way Fatehpur Sikri The longest River of Godavari (1465 km) (Uttar Pradesh) Southern India The tallest Statue ‘Statue of Unity’ Gujarat, The longest Railway Gorakhpur, Uttar India (272 m) Platform Pradesh (1366.33 m) The largest Public State Bank of India The longest Road Grand Trunk Road Sector Bank (Kolkata to Delhi) The most Populous Mumbai (Maharashtra) The longest Corridor Corridor of City Ramnathswami Temple at Rameshwaram (Tamil The biggest Church Saint Cathedral at Old Nadu) Goa (Goa) The highest Road Road at Khardungla (in Leh-Manali Sector) The highest Siachen Glacier Battlefield (5753 m) The highest Airport Leh Airport (Ladakh) GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge 113
AuthorName BookName AuthorName BookName Alexandre Dumas The Three Musketeers GenVP Malik Kargil : From Surprise to Victory AmartyaSen IdentityandViolence : The Illusion of Destiny Gunter Grass The Tin Drum Amartya Sen The Argumentative H R Bhardwaj Law, Lawyers and Indian Judges Amartya Sen Development as Herbert George Time Machine Freedom Wells Amitav Ghose River of Smoke, Sea of Indira Gandhi My Truth Poppies, The Circle of Jai Shankar Prasad Ajatshatru Reason, The Great Derrangement: Climate Jawaharlal Nehru Discovery of India, Change and the Glimpses of World Unthinkable History Amrita Pritam Death of a City Jayaprakash Prison Diary Narayan Anita Desai Clear Light of the Day K Natwar Singh Walking with Lions, Aristotle Politics Curtain Raisers Arun Shourie A Secular Agenda Kapil Dev Straight from the Heart Arundhati Roy The Algebra of Infinite Karl Marx Das Kapital Justice Karl Marx and Fredrik Communist Manifesto Arundhati Roy The God of Small Things Engels Arundhati Roy Greater Common Good Khushwant Singh Train to Pakistan Ashwaghosha Budda Charitham Kiran Bedi I Dare, As I See Aung San Suu Kyi Freedom from Fear Kiran Desai The Inheritance of Loss Bankim Chandra Anand Math, Kuldeep Mathur Too Old to be Bold Chatterji Durgeshnandini LK Advani A Prisoner’s Scrap Barack Obama Dreams from My Father Mahatma Gandhi My Experiments Barrett Lee, Marina The Girl with No Name with Truth Chapman Malala Yousafzai We Are Displaced Benazir Bhutto Pakistan the Gathering Mark Tully The Heart of India Storm Mulk Raj Anand Untouchable Javier Moro The Red Saree Narendra Modi Exam Warriors Chandrashekar Meri Jail Diary Premchand Godan Charles Dickens David Copperfield Ramchandra Guha Gandhi, Makers of Chetan Bhagat Revolution 2020, What Modern India Young India Wants, RK Narayan The Guide Half Girl Friend, One Night at the Call Centre, Ruskin Bond A Garland of Memories, Making India Awesome, Death under the deodars One Indian Girl Sarojini Naidu Golden Threshold, The Chitra Subramaniam India is for Sale Broken Wings Dalai Lama Freedom in Exile, Ethics Shashi Tharoor A Long Era of Darkness, for the New Millennium Paradoxical Prime Minister Sir Richard Burton The Arabian Nights Dante Alighieri TheDivineComedy Sri Aurobindo Ghosh Essays on Gita Dr C Rangarajan IndianEconomy : Essays on Money and Finance Stephen Hawkings A Brief History of Time Edward Luce Inspite of the Gods Taslima Nasreen All About Women Eleanor Catton The Luminaries Thomas Pynchon Against the Day EM Forster A Passage to India VSNaipaul India : A Wounded Civilisation, 114 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
2001-2010 International Decade for Culture of Peace and Non-violence for AuthorName BookName Children Letters Between a Father 2011-2020 United Nations Decade on and Son Biodiversity Half a Life, An Area of 2014-2024 Decade of Sustainable Energy Darkness, Magic Seeds for All Ved Vyas Bhagwad Gita 2015-2024 International Decade for People Vikram Chandra Love and Longing of African Descent in Bombay 2016-2025 UN Decade of Action on Nutrition Vikram Seth An Equal Music Vimal Kumar Sachin Cricketer of the Century 2009 International Year of Astronomy Virat Kohli Driven 2010 International Year of Biodiversity William Shakespeare As You Like it 2011 International Year of Forests Yuvraj Singh The Test of My Life Zoya Hasan Congress After Indira 2012 International Year of Cooperatives Natwar Singh One Life is not Enough 2013 International Year of Water Cooperation P. Chidambaram A View from Outside 2014 International Year of Family Farming Raghuram Rajan I Do What I Do 2015 International Year of Light and Light Naveen Chawla Every Vote Counts based Technologies 2016 International Year of Pulses
1997-2006 UN Decade for the Eradication of 2017 International Year of Sustainable Poverty Tourism for Development 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages
Important Dates and Days of the Year January March 1 Global Family Day 8 International Women’s Day 9 NRI Day 15 World Consumer Rights Day, 12 National Youth Day World Disabled Day (of Swami Vivekanand) 21 World Forestry Day, International 15 Indian Army Day Day for the Elimination of Racial 25 National Tourism Day, Discrimination Voter’s Day 22 World Water Day 26 Indian Republic Day, 23 World Meteorological Day International Customs Day 24 World TB Day 28 Data Protection Day April 30 Martyr’s Day 5 National Maritime Day, (Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyrdom), International Day for Mine World Leprosy Eradication Day Awareness February 7 World Health Day 4 World Cancer Day 18 World Heritage Day 20 World Day of Social Justice 21 Civil Services Day 24 Central Excise Day 22 World Earth Day 28 National Science Day GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge 115
May 14 Hindi Day, World First Aid Day 1 International Labour Day (May Day) 16 World Ozone Day 21 3 World Press Freedom Day International Day of Peace 21 8 World Red Cross Day World Biosphere Day 27 17 World Telecommunications Day World Tourism Day 21 Anti-Terrorism Day October June 2 International Non-Violence Day, 5 World Environment Day Lal Bahadur Shastri and Mahatma 12 World Day against Child Labour Gandhi’s Birthday 3 20 World Refugee Day World Habitat Day 5 21 International Yoga Day World Teacher’s Day 8 Indian Air Force Day July 16 World Food Day 4 American Independence Day 24 United Nations Day 7 International day of Cooperatives November 11 World Population Day 9 12 International Malala Day Legal Services Day 14 Children’s Day, August World Diabetes Day 6 Hiroshima Day 20 Universal Children’s Day (UN) 8 World Senior Citizen’s Day December 12 International Youth Day 1 World AIDS Day 18 Day of the World’s Indigenous 3 Persons International Day of Person with 29 National Sports Day Disabilities (Dhyanchand’s birthday) 4 Indian Navy Day 7 September Armed Forces Flag Day 10 Human Rights Day 5 Teachers’ Day 16 Vijay Diwas (Dr Radhakrishnan’s Birthday) 25 National Good Governance Day
ABBREVIATIONS
A AMRUT Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation ABM Anti Ballistic Missiles APEC Asia-Pacific Economic ADB Asian Development Bank Cooperation AERE Atomic Energy Research ASAT Anti-Satellite Weapon Establishment ASIAN Association of Southeast Asian AFSPA Armed Forces Special Power Act Nations AGOC Asian Games Organising ASCII American Standard Code for Committee Information Interchange AIDS Acquired Immuno Deficiency ASLV Augmented Satellite Launch Syndrome Vehicle AIIMS All India Institute of Medical ASI Archaeological Survey of India Sciences ATM Automated Teller Machine ALH Advanced Light Helicopter AU African Union APPLE Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment AVES Acute Viral Encephalitic Syndrome 116 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
B D
BC SBI Banking Codes and Standard DAVP Directorate of Advertising and Board of India Visual Publicity BARC Bhabha Atomic Research Centre DDT Dichloro-Diphenyl Trichloro- ethane (disinfectant) BBC British Broadcasting Corporation DNA De-oxyribonucleic Acid BCG Bacillus Calmette Guerin DPSA Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft (Anti-Tuberculosis Vaccine) DPT Diphteria, Pertussis and Tetanus BCTT Banking Cash Transaction Tax DRDO Defence Research and BCCI Board for Control of Cricket in Development Organisation India DTH Direct-to-Home (broadcasting) BENELUX Belgium, Netherlands, DVD Digital Versatile Disk Luxembourg BIMSTEC Bay of Bengal Initiative for E Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation ECG Electro Cardiogram EEG Electro-Encephalography BIS Bureau of Indian Standards EET Eastern European Time BMD Ballistic Missile Defence System ESCAP Economic and Social BPO Business Process Outsourcing Commission for Asia and the BRO Border Roads Organisation Pacific EVM Electronic Voting Machine C F CAA Citizenship Amendment Act FDI Foreign Direct Investment CABE Central Advisory Board of FII Foreign Institutional Investor Education FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation CAG Comptroller and Auditor General FERA Foreign Exchange Regulations CAPES Computer-Aided Paperless Act Examination System FICCI Federation of Indian Chambers CAZRI Central Arid Zone Research of Commerce and Industry Institute FDR Fixed Deposit Receipt CBI Central Bureau of Investigation FLAG Fibre Optic Link Around the CECA Comprehensive Economic Globe Cooperation Agreement CFC Chlorofluoro Carbon G CID Criminal Investigation GAIN Global Alliance for Improved Department Nutrition CISF Central Industrial Security Force GANDHI Green Action for National Dandi CITES Convention on International Heritage Initiative Trade in Endangered Species GATS General Agreement on Trade in CNG Compressed Natural Gas Services COFEPOSA Conservation of Foreign GATT General Agreement on Tariffs Exchange and Prevention of and Trade Smuggling Act GEF Global Environment Fund CPCB Central Pollution Control Board GMPS Global Mobile Personal Communications System CPRI Central Power Research Institute GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System CRR Cash Reserve Ratio GPS Global Positioning System CSIR Council of Scientific and GSLV Geosynchronous Satellite Industrial Research Launch Vehicle GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge 117
H M
HAC Hindustan Aluminium Corporation MAT Minimum Alternative Tax HAL Hindustan Aeronautics Limited METSAT Meteorological Satellite HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus MNP Mobile Number Portability HTML Hypertext Markup Language MSS Multimedia Message Service HTTP Hypetext Transfer Protocol MODEM MOdulator-DEModulator HYV High Yielding Variety MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging I MRTS Mass Rapid Transit System MTCR Missile Technology Control IAAI International Airport Authority of Regime India IAEA International Atomic Energy N Agency IBRD International Bank for Reconstru- NAA National Airport Authority ction and Development NABARD National Bank for Agriculture ICAO International Civil Aviation and Rural Development Organisation NADA National Anti-Doping Agency ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural NASA National Aeronautics and Space Research Administration ICMR Indian Council of Medical NEERI National Environment Research Engineering Research Institute ICRC International Committee of the NATA Natural Aptitude Test for Red Cross Architecture IDBI Industrial Development Bank of NCEP National Committee on India Environmental Planning IMA Indian Military Academy NCERT National Council of Educational IMO International Maritime Research and Training Organisation NeGP National e-governance Plan INMAS Institute of Nuclear Medicines NEP National Education Policy and Allied Sciences NEPA National Environment Protection INSAS Indian Small Arms System Authority INSAT Indian National Satellite NHDP National Highways Development INTERPOL International Police Organisation Project IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on NHRC National Human Right Climate Change Commission IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic NITI Aayog National Institution for Missile Transforming India IRS Indian Remote Sensing Satellite ISCS Integrated Smart Card System O ISRO Indian Space Research Organisation OCI Overseas Citizenship of India ITU International OAS Organisation of American States Telecommunication Union OAU Organisation of African Unity ODS Ozone Depletion Substances JKL OIC Organisation of Islamic Countries JNNURM Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban OPEC Organisation of the Petroleum Renewal Mission Exporting Countries LCA Light Combat Aircraft OSCE Organisation for Security and LOC Line of Control Cooperation in Europe LOAC Line of Actual Control LTA Light Transport Aircraft 118 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
P T
PURA Providing Urban Amenities in TADA Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Rural Areas (Prevention) Act PATA Pacific Asia Travel Association TAPS Tarapur Atomic Power Station POTA Prevention of Terrorism Act TIN Tax Identification Number PSLV Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle TRAI Telecom Regulatory Authority of India QR TRIPS Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights QIB Qualified Institutional Buyer TVOA Tourist Visa on Arival QIP Qualified Institutional U Placement RAF Rapid Action Force UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle RBI Reserve Bank of India UNCTAD United Nations Conference on RCC Reinforced Concrete Cement Trade and Development RDSS Radio Determination Satellite UNDP United Nations Development Service Programme RTGS Real Time Gross Settlement UNEP United Nations Environment System Programme RTE Right to Education UNFPA United Nations Fund for RTI Right to Information Population Activities UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply S V SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation VAT Value Added Tax SAFTA South Asian Free Trade Area VOIP Voice Over Internet Protocol SAIL Steel Authority of India Limited VPN Virtual Private Network SAPTA SAARC Preferential Trading VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminals Agreement SATNAV SATellite NAVigation W SALT Strategic Arms Limitation Talks WADA World Anti-Doping Agency SAVE SAARC Audio Visual WAP Wireless Application Protocol Exchange WAVE Wireless Access for Virtual SCO Shanghai Cooperation Enterprise Organisation WFP World Food Programme SEBI Securities and Exchange WFTU World Federation of Trade Unions Board of India WHO World Health Organisation SIDBI Small Industries Development WLL Wireless in Local Loop Bank of India WWW World Wide Web SPIN Software Process Improvement Networks XY&Z STARS Satellite Tracking and Ranging Station XML Extensible Markup Language START Strategic Arms Reduction YWCA Young Women’s Christian Treaty Association SWIFT Society for Worldwide ZSI Zoological Survey of India Interbank Financial ZUPO Zimbabwe United People Telecommunications Organisation GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge AWARDS AND HONOURS
INTERNATIONAL G The award is given annually on 31st August, the birth anniversary of Nobel Prize Magsaysay, for outstanding G The most prestigious award in the world. It contributions in Public service, was set-up in 1900 under the will of Alfred Community Leadership, Journalism, Bernhard Nobel. Literature and Creative Arts and G The Nobel Prizes are presented annually International Understanding. on 10th December (The death anniversary of the founder). Man Booker Prize G It is given in the fields of Peace, Literature, Instituted in 1968, is the highest literary Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine award of the world, set-up by the Booker (from 1901) and Economics (from 1969). Company and the British Pulishers Association along the lines of the Pulitzer Prize of USA. Winner Field Year AbhijitBanerjee Economics 2019 Right Livelihood Award KailashSatyarthi Peace 2014 G The Right Livelihood Award was Venkatraman Chemistry 2009 established in 1980. Ramakrishnan G It is also referred as ‘Alternative Nobel AmartyaSen Economics 1998 Prize’. Subrahmanyan Physics 1983 G Chandrasekhar It is given to persons to honour those ‘‘working on practical and MotherTeresa Peace 1979 exemplary solutions to the most urgent Hargobind Khorana Medicine 1968 challenges facing the world today.’’ CVRaman Physics 1930 Rabindranath Tagore Literature 1913 Oscar Awards Instituted in 1929, these awards are Grammy Awards conferred annually by the Academy of G It is awarded for the outstanding Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences, achievements in the music industry by USA, in recognition of outstanding National Academy for Recording Arts contribution in the various fields of film and Sciences, America. It was started in making. 1959. Pt. Ravi Shankar got this 3 times. G The Indian films nominated for Oscars are Mother India (1957), Salaam Pulitzer Prize Bombay (1988), Lagaan (2001) G Instituted in 1917 and named after US G publisher Joseph Pulitzer. Bhanu Athaiya was the first Indian to win an Oscar Award in 1982 for G It is conferred annually in the United costume design in Gandhi Movie. States for the accomplishments in journalism, literature and music. UN Human Rights Award Magsaysay Awards Instituted in 1966, this award is given every 5 years for individual G Instituted in 1957. Named after Ramon Magsaysay, the former President of contributions to the establishment of Philippines. human rights. 120 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
G Mother Teresa (Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu) NATIONAL (1980) Bharat Ratna G Kumaraswamy Kamraj (1976) G Varahagiri Venkata Giri (1975) G Bharat Ratna is India’s highest G Indira Gandhi (1971) Civilian Award. It was first awarded in 1954. G Lal Bahadur Shastri (1966) G The actual award is designed in the G Dr Pandurang Vaman Kane (1963) shape of a peepal leaf with Bharat Ratna G Dr Zakir Hussain (1963) inscribed in Devanagri script in the Sun G Dr Rajendra Prasad (1962) Figure. G Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy (1961) G The reverse side of the decoration G Purushottam Das Tandon (1961) Satyameva Jayate has been written in G Dr Dhonde Keshav Karve (1958) Hindi with an inscription of state emblem. G Pt Govind Ballabh Pant (1957)
G The emblem, the Sun and the rim are of G Dr Bhagwan Das (1955) platinum. The inscriptions are in G Jawaharlal Nehru (1955) burnished bronze. G Dr Mokshagundam Vivesvaraya (1955) G Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (1954)
G Pranab Mukherjee (2019) G Dr Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (1954)
G Bhupen Hazarika (2019) G Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan (1954) G Nanaji Deshmukh (2019) G Madan Mohan Malaviya (2015) Republic Day Awards G Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2015) Padma Awards G Sachin Tendulkar (2014) Padma Awards, which were instituted in G CNR Rao (2014) 1954, is announced every year on the G Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (2008) occasion of Republic Day. The award is given in three categories–Padma Vibhushan, G Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar (2001) Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The G Ustad Bismillah Khan (2001) awards fall in line after the Bharat Ratna. G Prof Amartya Sen (1999) There are three Padma Awards G Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi (1999) G Padma Vibhushan is the second highest G Loknayak Jayprakash Narayan (1999) National Award given for exceptional and G Pandit Ravi Shankar (1999) distinguished service in any field G Chidambaram Subramaniam (1998) including service rendered by G Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi government employees. (1998) G Padma Bhushan is the third highest G Dr Abul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam National Award given for distinguished (1997) service in any field. G Aruna Asaf Ali (1997) G Padma Shri is the fourth highest award G Gulzari Lal Nanda (1997) given for distinguished service in any field. G Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhai Tata (1992) Gallantry Awards G Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1992) G Param Vir Chakra is the highest G Satyajit Ray (1992) decoration of valour award. It is the most G Morarji Ranchhodji Desai (1991) conspicuous act of bravery or some act of G Rajiv Gandhi (1991) valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of G Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1991) the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in G Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedakr (1990) the air. The medal is made of bronze. G Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1990) G Mahavir Chakra is the second highest G Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran (1988) gallantry award for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the G Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1987) enemy whether on land, at sea or in the G Acharya Vinoba Bhave (1983) air. The medal is made of standard silver. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge 121
G Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of swarna kamal, a cash prize of Rs. gallantry in the presence of enemy, 10,00,000 and a shawl. whether on land, at sea or in the air. The G Dhundiraj Govind (Dadasheb) Phalke’s medal is made of standard silver. silent feature film, Raja Harishchandra G Ashok Chakra This is awarded for (1913) was first indigenous feature film valour, courageous action or sacrifice, of India. away from the battlefield. It is highest G Ardeshir Irani in 1931, released first full military award during peacetime. length talkies film Alam Ara. G Kirti Chakra The decoration is awarded Mrs Devika Rani Roerich was the first for conspicuous gallantry. It is made of person to receive Dadasaheb Phalke standard silver and is circular in shape. Award in 1969. The obverse and the reverse are exactly the G Vinod Khanna has been awarded same as in Ashoka Chakra. Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2017. G Shaurya Chakra The decoration is G Amitabh Bacchan has been awarded awarded for an act of gallantry during Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2018. peacetime. Other National Awards Sports Awards Bharatiya Jnanpith Award G Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is instituted in G Instituted in 22nd May, 1961, carries a 1991-92 with the objective of honouring cash prize of ` 11 lakh, a citation and a most outstanding sports- person to bronze replica of Vagdevi (Saraswati). enhance their general status. It is the G This award is given for the best literary highest award bestowed to a sports person writing by an Indian citizen in a in India. The amount of prize money is language listed in Eighth Schedule of ` 750000. the Indian Constitution. G Arjuna Award instituted in 1961 by the G 2018 Jnanpith Award was given to Government of India to recognise Amitav Ghosh (English). outstanding achievement in National Sports. The award carries a cash prize of Gandhi Peace Prize ` 5 lakh, a bronze statue of Arjuna and a G Established in 2nd October, 1994, on scroll of honour. the occasion of the 125th birthday G Dronacharya Award instituted in 1985 anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, carries by the Government of India to recognise a cash prize of ` 1 crore. excellence in sports coaching. The award G Indian Government instituted this carries a cash prize of ` 5 lakh, a bronze annual prize to encourage and promote statue of Dronacharya and a scroll of the signifi- cance of Gandhian values honour. over the world. G Dhyanchand Award instituted in Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, 2002, carries a cash prize of ` 5 lakh, a Disarmament and Development plaque and a scroll of honour. This G Instituted in 1985, this prestigious award honour is given to those sportspersons is regarded as ‘Nobel’ and over the years, who have contributed to sportspersons, it has been awarded to those persons who and sports by their performance and have done outstanding work for continue to contribute their promotion international peace, disarmament and for sports even after their retirement development. from active sporting career. Borlaug Award
Indian Cinema Awards G Instituted in 1973, carries a cash prize Dadasaheb Phalke Award of ` 5 lakh. Instituted to honour outstanding agricultural scientists. G Dadasaheb Phalke is known as the Father of Indian Cinema. The highest National Sahitya Akademi Award
Film Award is named after him in 1969. G Awarded for outstanding literary work G This award is given to a film personality and carries a cash prize of ` 1 lakh. for his/her outstanding contribution to G Sahitya Academi gives 22 awards for the growth and development of Indian literary works in the languages which cinema. The award comprises of a has recognised works. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge INDIAN DEFENCE
Command HQLocation Command HQLocation CentralCommand Lucknow South-WesternCommand Jaipur EasternCommand Kolkata WesternCommand Chandigarh NorthernCommand Udhampur TrainingCommand Shimla Southern Command Pune
Command HQ Location Command HQ Location CentralAirCommand Allahabad WesternAirCommand NewDelhi EasternAir Command Shillong MaintenanceCommand Nagpur Southern Air Command Thiruvananthapuram Training Command Bengaluru South-Western Air Command Gandhinagar
Command HQLocation WesternNavalCommand Mumbai EasternNavalCommand Vishakhapatnam SouthernNavalCommand Kochi
Note Andaman and Nicobar Command at Port Blair is the only Tri-service Command of Armed Forces.
TrainingInstitution Place Estdin Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) Dehradun 1922 Army Cadet College (ACC) Dehradun 1929 Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun 1932 National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla,Pune 1941 High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) Gulmarg 1948 National Defence College (NDC) NewDelhi 1960 Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai 1963 Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School Vairengte (Mizoram) 1970 CollegeofDefenceManagement Secunderabad 1970 CollegeofCombat/ArmyWarCollege Mhow (Madhya Pradesh) 1971 Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) Pune 1978 Army Air Defence College (AADC) Gopalpur (Odisha) 1989 OfficersTrainingAcademy Gaya 2011 Indian National Defence University (INDU) Gurgaon(Haryana) 2013 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge 123
Army AirForce Navy General AirChiefMarshal Admiral Lt.General AirMarshal ViceAdmiral MajorGeneral AirViceMarshal RearAdmiral Brigadier AirCommodore Commodore Colonel GroupCaptain Captain Lt.Colonel WingCommander Commander Major SquadronLeader LtCommander Captain FlightLieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant FlyingOfficer Sub-Lieutenant
Name Class Range AgniI SRBM 750km AgniII MRBM 2500km AgniIII IRBM 3500km-5500km AgniIVorAgniIIPrime IRBM 4000km AgniV ICBM 5000km-6000km AgniVI ICBM 8000-10000km Dhanush SRBM 350km Nirbhay SubsonicCruiseMissile 1000km Brahmos SupersonicCruiseMissile 290km Brahmos2 HypersonicCruiseMissile 290km PrithviI SRBM 150km PrithviIII SRBM 350km Sagarika SLBM 700km Shaurya TBM 700km Astra AirtoAirMissile 80km-100km Nag Anti-Tank 7km Note Recently, a post, Chief of Defence Staff is created to help improve coordination among the three services of Armed Forces.
Indo-Tibetan n It was established in 1962, after the Chinese attack. Border Police n It is basically employed in the Northern borders for monitoring the (ITBP) borders and also to stop smuggling and illegal immigration. National Security n It was established in 1984 to counter the surge of militancy in the Guards (NSG) country. n It is a highly trained force which deals with the militants effectively. Central Industrial n It was set-up in 1969 after the recommendations of Justice Security Force B Mukherji. (CISF) n Its objective is to monitor the industrial complexes of Central Government. Assam Rifles n It was established in 1835 and is the oldest paramilitary force in the country. n Its main objective is to keep vigilance of international borders in North East and counter insurgency operations in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. Border Security n It was established in 1965. Force (BSF) n It keeps a vigil over the international borders against the intrusion in the country. 124 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
National Cadet n It was established in 1948. Corps (NCC) n Its main objective is to stimulate interest among the youth in the defence of the country in order to build up a reserve manpower to expand armed forces. Central Reserve n It was set-up in 1939. Police Force n Its main objective is to assist the State / Union Territory Police in (CRPF) maintenance of law and order. n The 88th Battalion of CRPF, known as ‘Mahila Battalion’ (commissioned on 30th March, 1986) is the world’s first paramilitary force comprising entirely of women. Territorial Army n It was established in 1948. (TA) n It is a voluntary, part-time force (between 18 and 42 years), not of professional soldiers, but civilians who wish to assist in defence of the country. Home Guard n It was established in 1962, to assist the police in maintaining security, to help defence forces and to help local authorities in case of any eventuality. Indian Coast n It was set-up in 1978. Guard n Its objective is to protect the maritime and other national interests in the maritime zones of India. Intelligence n It was set-up in 1920. Bureau (IB) n Its objective is to collect secret information relating to country’s security. n It was originally set-up as Central Special Branch (CSB) in 1887 and renamed IB in 1920. Central Bureau of n It was established in 1963. Investigation (CBI) n Its objective is to investigate cases of misconduct by public servants, cases of cheating, embezzlement and fraud. n CBI is also entrusted with the investigation of international crime cases in collaboration with INTERPOL. National Crime n It was established in 1986. Records Bureau n Its objective is to collect crime statistics at the national level, (NCRB) information of inter-state and international criminals to help investigation agencies. Rapid Action Force n It was established in 1991. (RAF) n Under the operational command of CRPF, 10 battalions of the CRPFs have been re-oriented for tackling communal riots in the country.
ResearchCentre Place IndianRareEarthsLimited Mumbai UraniumCorporationofIndiaLimited Jadugoda (Jharkhand) Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Mumbai ElectronicsCorporationofIndiaLimited Hyderabad Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Trombay (Mumbai) RadioAstronomyCentre Ootacamund (Tamil Nadu) TataInstituteofFundamentalResearch Mumbai SahaInstituteofNuclearPhysics Kolkata CentreofEarthSciencesStudies Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) PhysicalResearchLaboratory Ahmedabad Space Commission Bengaluru VikramSarabhaiSpaceCentre Thiruvananthapuram Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Bengaluru SpaceApplicationCentre Ahmedabad ThumbaEquatorialRocketLaunchingStation Thumba (Kerala) GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge SPORTS
Olympics Committee (IOC). The first Asian G Olympics games were started in 776 BC Games were held in 1951 in New Delhi on Mount Olympia in the honour of (India). 18th Asian Games of 2018 were Greek God, ‘Zeus’. The modern Olympic held at Jakarta (Indonesia) in which Games were started in Athens, the India finished at eighth position. The capital of Greece on 6th April, 1896 with next game is scheduled to be held in great efforts made by French nobleman, Hangzhou, China in 2022. Baron Pierre de Coubertin. G The Olympic Games are organised after Cricket World Cup every 4 years. The Olympic Flag is made G The first Cricket World Cup was up of white silk and contains five organised in England in 1975. A separate interwined rings as the Olympic Emblem. women’s Cricket World Cup has been held G The five interlaced rings are arranged in every 4 years since 1973. 3-2 pattern on a white background, with the blue ring to the extreme left, followed by yellow, black, green and red, in the 1975 England West Indies beat same order. Blue for Europe, Black for Australia Africa, Red for Americas (North and 1979 England West Indies beat South America), Yellow for Asia and England Green for Oceania (Australia and New 1983 England India beat West Indies Zealand). 1987 India Australia beat England G The official Olympic Motto is Citius, Altius, Fortius, a Latin phrase meaning 1992 Australia Pakistan beat England Swifter, Higher, Stronger. 2020 summer 1996 Pakistan Sri Lanka beat Australia Olympic will be held in Tokyo, Japan. 1999 England Australia beat Pakistan Commonwealth Games 2003 South Africa Australia beat India G The first Commonwealth Games were 2007 West Indies Australia beat Sri held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. Lanka G Since 1930, the games have been 2011 India India beat Sri Lanka conducted every 4 years except for 1942 2015 Australia and Australia beat New and 1946 due to World War II. New Zealand Zealand G The Commonwealth Games Federation 2019 England England beat New (CGF) is the organisation which is Zealand responsible for the direction and control 2023 India Scheduled of the Commonwealth Games. G There are currently 53 members in the Commonwealth of Nations. G The 2018 Commonwealth Games (21st) 2007 South Africa India beat Pakistan were held an Gold Coast, Queensland, 2009 England Pakistan beat Australia. Most gold medals were won by Sri Lanka Australia. 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held at Birmingham, England. 2010 West Indies England beat Australia The Asian Games 2012 Sri Lanka West Indies beat Sri Lanka G The Asian Games, also called the Asiad, are a multi-sport event held every 4 years 2014 Bangladesh Sri Lanka beat India among athletes from all over Asia. 2016 India West Indies beat G The games are regulated by the Olympic England Council of Asia (OCA), under the 2020 Australia Scheduled supervision of the International Olympic 126 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge
Hockey World Cup is called ‘Jules Rimet Cup’ named after the name of FIFA President Jules Rimet. The The first Hockey World Cup was first Football World Cup was organised in organised in Barcelona (Spain) in 1971. Uruguay in 1930. Women’s Hockey World Cup has been G held since 1974. The 13th Men’s Hockey In 1942 and 1946, the Football World Cup World Cup held in the Netherlands was not played due to World War II. (Hague) in 2014. The 14th Men’s Hockey G The 20th FIFA World Cup held in Brazil in World Cup was held in Bhubaneswar which Germany became the champion by India in 2018. Belgium won this defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. championship beating Netherlands. G Brazil is the only nation to have participated in every World Cup so far. Football World Cup The 2018 Football World Cup was held at G The Football World Cup is organised by Russia. France won this Championship FIFA (Federation of International beating Croatia. 2022 Football World Cup Football Association). The World Cup is scheduled to be held at Qatar.
United Nations Organisation (UNO)
G The United Nations (UN) is a world organisation formed in 24th October, Country TermEnds 1945. It came into existence after Belgium 2020 World War II, when the leaders of the DominicanRepublic 2020 world, including American President Estonia 2021 Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Germany 2020 Churchill, decided to create a world Indonesia 2020 organisation that would help to ensure Niger 2021 peace. SaintVincentandtheGrenadines 2021 G The original membership of 51 nations SouthAfrica 2020 has grown to 193 members. The 193rd Tunisia 2021 member being the newly created Vietnam 2021 South Sudan. The United Nations Headquarters is in New York City. The G Economic and Social Council is the principal body for coordination, policy UN also has offices in Nairobi (Kenya), review, policy dialogue and Geneva (Switzerland) and Vienna recommendations on economic, social and (Austria). environmental issues. The secretariat G The General Assembly is the main comprises the Secretary-General and place for discussions and policy other staff who carry out day-to-day work making in the United Nations. of the U.N. G The International Court of Justice G The Security Council has primary (ICJ), located in the Hague, Netherlands, responsibility for the maintenance of is the primary judicial organ of the United international peace and security. The Nations, established in 1945 by the United Security Council is made up of 15 Nations Charter, the Court began work in members. 1946, as the successor to the Permanent G There are five permanent members of Court of International Justice. the Secutiry Council-China, France, G Trygve Lie of Norway (1946-52) was the Russia, United Kingdom and USA and first Secretary-General of the UN. 10 non-permanent members elected G Antonio Guterres is the new Secretary- for 2 years terms starting on 1st General of UN. He succeed Ban ki-Moon. January. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge 127
Name Estdin Headquarter Purpose International Telecommunication 1865 Geneva Setsinternationalregulationsfor Union (ITU) radio telegraph, telephone and space radio communications. International Labour Organisation 1919 Geneva Toimproveconditionsandliving (ILO) standards of workers. International Monetary 1945 Washington DC Promotes international monetary Fund (IMF) cooperation. United Nations International 1945 NewYork Topromotechildren’swelfareall Children’s Emergency Fund over the world. (UNICEF) Food and Agricultural Organisation 1945 Rome Toimprovelivingconditionsof (FAO) rural population. United Nations Educational, 1946 Paris Topromotecollaborationamong Scientific and Cultural Organisation nations through education, (UNESCO) science and culture. World Health 1948 Geneva Attainmentofhighestpossible Organisation (WHO) level of health by all people. International Atomic Energy 1957 Vienna Topromotepeacefulusesof Agency (IAEA) atomic energy. International Development 1960 Washington An affiliate of the World Bank, Association (IDA) DC aims to help under-developed countries raise living standards. United Nations Development 1965 NewYork Helpsdevelopingcountries Programme (UNDP) increase the wealth producing capabilities of their natural and human resources. United Nations Environmental 1972 Nairobi Promotes international Programme (UNEP) (Kenya) cooperation in human environment. World Trade 1995 Geneva Settingrulesforworldtradeto Organisation (WTO) reduce tariffs. United Nations Office on Drugs 1997 Vienna To preventillict trafficking and and Crime (UNODC) (Kenya) abuse of drug, crime prevention. UNWomen 2010 NewYorkCity To enable member states to (USA) achieve gen den equality and women empowerment. 128 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE General Knowledge e such egion. bel powers. e a near the se fields rmally ons’. It is the a USSR (in nd also . . Multi-sectoral cooperation among members of Bay of Bengal r Cooperation among statesArabian bordering Peninsula. Persian Gulf on located like Security Economic, culture etc. Strengthen relation and cooperation among members in diver To save the wildlife from extinction. To keep a watchPrize over in human 1977 rights for violation Peace. worldwide. Got No To promote economic, social and cultural cooperation pursues member interest in trade and development. Attempts to set world prices by controlling oil production a Mutual defence and cooperation To create a unitedstrong Europe economic in and which politicalrecurring member bonds fact. countries that would war hav would cease to b Political cooperation andthe separate cold-war itself era). from both USA and To promote the development of international standards. To promote the olympic ideals and administer olympic games. To promote economic cooperation among developing nations. To promote cooperation among major non-communist economic To coordinate inter-common wealth relations and to provide mechanism for the orderly dissolution of the USSR. non-communist countries of South-East Asia. Regional, economic, social and cultural cooperation among To promote regional economic cooperation. To promote trade and investment in the Pacific basin. It was originally known as ‘The Britishmade Commonwealth up the of British Nati empire. an association of sovereign and independent states which fo All countries (Switzerland) 1997 Dhaka (Bangladesh) 1981 Riyadh(SaudiArabia) 6 1996 Beijing(China) 8 1961 Gland, 1961 London(UK) 1985 Kathmandu (Nepal) 8 1960 Vienna(Austria) 13 1949 Brussels(Belgium) 28 1993 Brussels(Belgium) 28 1961 — 120 1947 Geneva(Switzerland) 163 1894 Lausanne(Switzerland) 130 1989 Geneva(Switzerland) 17 1975 — 8 1991 Minsk(Belarus) 11 1967 Jakarta 10 1966 Manila 67 1989 Singapore 21 (IOC) for Nature (NAM) (WWF) (ISO) (OPEC) Bay of Bengal InitiativeTechnical for and Multi-sectoral Economic Cooperation(BIMSTEC) Gulf Cooperation Council Sanghai Cooperation Organisation (Previously Sanghai Five) World Wildlife Fund Amnesty International (AI) South Asian AssociationCooperation for Regional (SAARC) Organisation of PetroleumCountries Exporting North Atlantic Treaty(NATO) Organisation European Union Non-Aligned Movement International Organisation for Standardisation International Olympic Committee Group of 15 (G-15) Group of 8 (G-8) Commonwealth of Independent(CIS) States Association of South-East(ASEAN) Asian Nations Asian Development Bank (ADB) The CommonwealthAsia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 1926 London 52 Name Estd Headquarter Member Objective