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 INDEX

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1. History 1
2. Economy and Business 18
3. Indian Polity 75
4. Science and Technology 93
5. Geography 133
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7. International and National Organization 185
8. Books, Authors and Culture 206
9. Miscellaneous 219
10. Static GK Tests & Answer key

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 1

HISTORY
I. ANCIENT INDIA: The Earth is nearly 4000 million years old as supported by scientific evidence and
the evolution of its crust shows four stages. The fourth stage is called the Quaternary, which is divided
into Pleistocene (most recent) and the Holocene (the present); the former lasted between 1, 000,000 and
10000 years before the present and the latter began about 10000 years ago.
* Man appeared on the Earth in Africa about 2.6 million years ago.

1. The Harappan Culture: The Bronze Age:

 The Harappan Civilization flourished on the banks of the river Indus. It was discovered first of all in
Harappa in Pakistan by DR Sawhney and RD Banerjee in 1921.
 Another prominent excavated site is the Mohanjo-daro (which literally means the mound of the dead
people) in Sindh.
 Some other places containing the remains of this civilization include Kalibangan (Rajasthan),
Dholavira and Lothal (Gujarat), Banawali (Hissar), Chanhu Daro (Sindh) and Sanghol (Panjab).
 The most distinguishing feature is the town-planning system and architecture. Burnt bricks find use on
a wide scale for the first time here. The towns are built on scientific lines, with roads cutting each
other at right angles and having covered drains.
 The Mother Goddess was a major object of worship. The worship of the Pashupati Maharaj (who later
came to be known as Shiva) was also quite prevalent. Of animals and trees, they used to worship the
bull and the pipal the most.
 We find many seals and figurines made of terracotta. We also find a metal image of a dancing girl.
They represent the biggest artistic achievements of these people.
 It existed between 2500 BC and 1800 BC.

2. The Rigvedic Civilization:

 We come to know of Aryans from the Rig Veda, which is the earliest specimen of the Indo-European
languages. It is a collection of prayers devoted to different gods.
 The Rig Veda has ten chapters, which give us valuable information about these people.
 The Aryan civilization flourished on the river Sindhu. The Aryans appeared in India a little later than
1500 BC. and the use of horses played a significant role in their conquest of West Asia.
 The Aryans always led a nomadic life. Their major occupation was pastoral (animal-rearing) in nature
and cow was the chief animal they domesticated. So many references to cow are found in the Rigveda
that it seems their entire life revolved around it. Mostly the Aryans fought for the sake of cows. A war
is referred to as gavishti in vedic literature, which means a search for cows.
 We find two very important political assemblies: The Sabha and The Samiti. We find evidence of
election of the king (rajan) by the samiti. The samitis were very powerful.
 The king did not maintain a standing army and used to muster a militia in times of need. A fighting
unit was called a grama and its chief as gramini.
 The Rig Vedic society was an egalitarian one, with no sharp discrimination against any particular class
or section of people. Women were held in high esteem and could participate in political assemblies.
 2

 They worshipped different manifestatosn of nature. For instance, their chief god was Indra (The Rain
God), Agni (The Fire God), Varuna (The Protector of the Universe), Usha (The God of The Morning
Sun), Marut (The Wind God) and Soma (The God of Plants).

3. The later Vedic Times (1000 BC – 600 BC):

 For singing the Rig Vedic hymns were set to tune, and this collection of musical hymns came to be
known as the Sama Veda. Besides, the later Vedic period also saw the compilation of the Yajur Veda
(containing rituals and ceremonies) and the Atharva Veda (containing charms and spells).
 Iron was used in plenty, which is referred to as shyama or Krishna ayas. Rice (vrihi) and wheat
became their chief crops. Copper was used in abundance in making ornaments, implements etc.
Agriculture became a primary livelihood and the peasants produced enough to maintain themselves as
well as spare something for taxes.
 The society became sharply divided into four varnas called the brahamins (the teachers and
preachers), kshatriyas or rajnyas (warriors and rulers), vaishyas (the farming and mercantile class)
and the shudras (menial servants). Since rituals were a central feature of this age, the brahmins
gained a lot of social prestige and dominance.
 Prajapati (The Creator) came to be worshipped as the supreme god. Some other later Vedic gods
include Rudra (The God of Animals) and Vishnu who was thought to be the preserver and protector of
the universe.

4. Jainism:

 In the 6th century BC, Buddhism and Jainism emerged as the most important and potent religious
reform movements. The kshatriyas reacted strongly against brahiminical dominance and led a
movement to dislodge the existing social order dominated by the brahmins.The two important
religious movements, Buddhism and Jainism were led by Gautam Buddha and Vardhmana Mahavira
respectively. Both were kshatriyas by caste.
 Mahavir Jain, the most important Jain religious teacher was born in 540 BC in Vaishali. He, like
Gautam, was connected to a royal family. Mahavira left home at 30 in search of truth and wandered
for 12 years. He gained complete knowledge (kaivalya) at 42. Because of this conquest, he is known
as Mahavira or jina (The Great Hero). He passed away in 468 BC at Pavapuri near modern Rajgir.
 Mahavira had 23 predecessors before him known as tirthankaras of which the 1st was Rishabhdev and
the 23rd was Parshavnath. Mahavir Jain is thougt to be the 24th or the last tirthankar. Jainism
attached utmost importance to ahimsa or non-violence. In later times, Jainism got divided into two
sects: Shwetambara (wearing white clothes) and Digambara (wearing no clothes)
 Right knowledge, right belief and right conduct make up the Three Jewels of Jainism.
 The Jain writings are mostly in Prakrit, a language not used in brahiminical texts.

5. Buddhism:

 Gautam Buddha (563 BC-483 BC) or Siddhartha belonged to the ruling Shakya kshatriya family of
Kapilvastu in Nepal. He left home at 29 and got complete knowledge under a pipal tree in Bodh Gaya.
Thence, he came to be known as the Buddha (The Enlightened One).
 3

 Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath and passed away at 80 at Kusinara in modern
U.P.
 Gautam Buddha recommended an Eight-fold Path for the elimination of human miseries. He also
taught the Middle Path, the avoidance of both luxury and austerity. The major Buddhist books are The
Jataka (regarding the previous births of Buddha), The Mahavastu and The Vinaya (Buddha’s
teachings).
 Ashoka, the famous Mauryan king adopted it, marking a watershed event in Buddhist history. Through
his agents, he spread Buddhism far and wide, in Central Asia, West Asia, Sri Lanka, and thus
transformed it into a world religion.

6. The First Magadhan Empire:

 The Maurya dynasty was founded by Chandragupta Maurya. Chandargupta was a powerful and able
ruler.
 The Mauryas had an elaborate administrative machinery and Magasthenes’ Indica and Kautilya’s
Arthshastra tell us a lot about it.
 Chandargupta Maurya had a large army, which is one of the most distinguishing features of his rule.
 Chandargupta Maurya was succeeded by Bindusara, who in turn was succeeded by and Ashoka (273-
232 BC), the greatest Mauryan ruler. After his accession in 261 BC, he fought only one major battle
called the Kalinga War, killing 100000 people. The Kalinga War is found inscribed on the 13th Rock
Edict. The king was greatly moved by the suffering it brought to the people, and therefore decided to
give up war for good. He converted to Buddhism thereafter and also sponsored the 3rd Buddhist
Council.
 Ashoka calls himself priyadasin in his inscriptions and was the first ruler to address his subjects
directly. The language used was Prakrit in the Brahmi script.
 Pana was a term used for silver coins during this time. Punch –marked silver coins (which do not
mention the king’s or dynasty’s name) were the imperial currency of the Mauryas.
 However, the growing weakness of the Mauryas especially after Ashoka’s death, caused the Mauryas’
decline and ultimate fall. The Maurya empire was finally destroyed by Pushyamitra Shunga, a general
of Brihadrath, himself a Mauryan ruler in 185 BC.

7. The Satvahanas:

 The early Satvahanas appeared in modern Maharashtra and the most famous king of this dynasty was
Gautamiputra Satkarni (AD 106-130).
 His immediate successor Vashishtiputra Pulumayi (AD 130-154) issued many coins and inscriptions
which are found in Andhra Pradesh.
 They issued lead coins, which is possibly the only example of its kind.
 The Satvahanas were the first rulers to make land grants to the Brahmins on a regular scale. We find
many examples of land grants made on copper plates. Interestingly, their social system shows traces
of the matrilineal system, wherein the mother is the chief of the family.
 Tamil life and society has been described in Sangam literature. A sangam was an assembly of poets
held in Madurai under royal patronage.
 4

8. The Gupta Empire:

 The Gupta empire had Prayag as its capital. The first important king of the Guptas was Chandargupta
I. He was a considerably powerful ruler and an era was started by him known as the Gupta Era (AD
319-20), which marks the date of his ascension to the throne.
 Samudragupta, his son, enlarged the Gupta kingdom considerably. He was a brave warrior and
delighted in violence, just the opposite of Ashoka. His court poet Harisen, glowingly talks of his
military adventures in the Allahabad Inscription, which he conducted with the help of his powerful
navy. For these reasons, historians call him the “Napoleon of India”.
 The reign of Chandragupta II (AD 380-412) saw the highest point of the Gupta empire. He extended
the empire by conquests and marital alliances. He made Ujjain his second capital. He adopted the
title of Vikramaditya and his court in Ujjain was adorned by many celebrated scholars including
Kalidasa. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-hein visited India during this time and wrote a detailed account of
his reign.
 The Gupta period is known as the Golden Age of ancient India. Both Samudragupta and Chandragupta
were great patrons of art and literature. Samudragupta himself was an accomplished veena player
and his coins show him with his veena.
 Kalidasa, Shudrak, Bhavbhuti, Patanajli and Panini belonged to this period. The Ramayana and the
Mahabharata were also complied during this time (4th century AD). Many legendary scientists
including Aryabhatta lived at this time whose contributions to mathematics and astronomy remain
significant even today.

9. Harshavardhan and his Times:

 Harsha’s capital was Kannauj. Harsha is often called the Last Great Hindu King of North India.
 Harsha was stopped on the Narmada river by the Chalukyan king Pulakesin.
 In his times, land was allocated to the feudatories, who use to contribute their quota of soldiers at the
time of war. In fact, the feudal practice of rewarding officers with land grants began under Harsha.

10. Scientific Legacy of Ancient India:

 Vrahimira, Aryabhatt, Apstamba, Brahamgupta can be prominently mentioned in this context.

 The Indians were the first to use the decimal system worldwide. Zero was discovered by the Indians
in the 2nd century BC. The international system of numerals is also an Indian contribution.
 Aryabhatt made important astronomical observations.
 Vrahimira was an all-rounder, who wrote an encyclopaedia encompassing virtually all areas of
knowledge.
 Charak, who founded the science of Ayurveda and Susruta, founder of ayurvedic surgery, made
invaluable contribution to the development of Ayurveda.

II. MEDIEVAL INDIA:

1. The Chola Empire:

 The greatest Chola rulers were Rajaraja Chola (985-1014 AD) and his son Rajendra Chola I.
 5

 The latter assumed the title Gangaikondchola (The Chola Conqueror of the Ganga).
 The remarkable features of the Chola rule include a strong navy, village self-government and
construction of beautiful temples to commemorate victories. Temple architecture reached a climax in
the South under the Cholas. The main feature of this style called the Dravida, was the building of
storey upon storey above the chief deity room (garbhgriha). A fine example of this style is the
Brihdeeshwara Temple at Tanjore built by Rajaraja I.
 Sculpture attained a high standard during this phase. One befitting example is the Gomteshwara
Statue at Shravanbelgola in Karnataka, the highest statue in India. Another aspect was image-
making, which peaked a new high in the dancing figure of the Shiva, called the Natraja.

2. The Circa 1000-1200 AD:

 Mahmud of Ghazni conducted 17 raids into India. The Indian temples were well-known for their
fabulous wealth, which prompted him to conduct his subsequent raids in India.
 Mahmud called himself a butshikan or a breaker of images for the glory of Islam. His most daring raid
was against Somnath in Gujarat in 1025, the last in India.
 Later Mohammed Ghauri ascended the throne in Ghazni. In Ajmer, Prithviraja Chauhan had just taken
over. When he tried to turn his eyes towards Punjab, this brought him in direct conflict with
Mohammed Ghauri. Thus, there was the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 in which the Ghauri forces were
completely routed.
 Ghuari had made careful preparations for the The Second Battle of Tarain (1192). As soon as
Prithviraja awoke to the danger, he made a fervent appeal to all the other rajas of northern India for
help. In the fiercely contested battle, the Chauhan forces were routed. Prithviraja managed to escape,
but was captured near Saraswati. He was allowed to rule over Ajmer for a short time.
 Soon after, Prithiviraja was executed on a conspiracy charge. After Tarain, Ghauri left for Ghazni,
leaving India in the hands of his trusted slave Qutbuddin Aibak.

3. The Delhi Sultanate:

 Qutbuddin Aibak, a trusted salve of Ghuari, who ruled for close to 4 years, died while playing chaugan
(polo). He built the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
 He was succeeded by Illtutmish in 1210, who is regarded as the real consolidator of the Turkish
conquests in north India. Illtutmish (1210-36) is also regarded as the builder of the Qutub Minar in
Delhi, which had been started by Aibak. It was during his time that the Mongol invasions appeared
first in India.
 In the matter of succession, Illtutmish finally decided in favour of Razia, his daughter, who became
the first woman to sit on the throne of Delhi. Later Balban gradually arrogated all power and
ascended the throne in 1265. He gave a stable government in the Delhi Sultanate. Balban is quite
famous for his ruthless “blood and iron policy”.
 He reorganized the military department (diwan-I-arz) He started two important royal ceremonies
called the sijada (prostration) and paibos (kissing the king’s feet).
 Balban was undoubtedly one of the main architects of the Delhi Sultenate.

 Jalaluddin Khalji overthrew the incompetent successors of Balban in 1290.

 6

 Allauddin, his successor, ascended the throne by treacherously murdering him. He won many wars in
deep South with the help of Malik Kaifur, his favourite general.
 Alauddin has many positive achievements to his credit, including the start of price reforms, organizing
the first and the largest standing army, patronage of arts and culture etc.
 Alauddin had a big standing army in the light of repeated Mongol invasions. Since he used to pay
them fully in cash, prices had to be kept low to feed such a large army. Consequently, he regulated
markets and fixed prices. Besides, Alauddin took important steps in the field of revenue
administration. In matters military, he introduced the dagh or the branding system for horses.
 Alauddin patronized Amir Khusro, a well-known Hindi scholar, who is credited with the invention of
the Khari Boli (which later evolved into Hindi), the sitar, and the tabla. Khusro wrote memorable
quawallis, of which he was the inventor. Historians call him the Tooti-i-Hind (The Parrot of India).
Alauddin also built a new capital near Delhi, knows as Siri.

 In 1320, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq killed the incompetent successor of Alauddin Khalji. The Tughlaqs
produced three competent rulers Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Mohammed bin Tughlaq (1324-1351) and
Firuz Tughlaq (1351-1388).
 Mohammed Tughlaq is remembered for bold experiments and a keen interest in the improvement of
agriculture. Unfortunately, he was hasty and impatient. Many of his experiments failed and he is often
dubbed The “Wisest Fool In Indian History” or “The Ill-Starred Genius”.
 The most controversial step, which he undertook was the shifting of capital from Delhi to Deogir
(Daultabad), which was a great failure. Tughlaq started a token currency, which failed miserably. He
had a Court of Thousand Pillars where he used to hold his public court. Ibn - Battuta, the Moroccan
traveller who came to Delhi in those days, writes in detail about these experiments.
 It was during Firuz that the jaziya became a separate tax. Firuz was the first ruler during whose time
important Hindu religious works were translated from Sanskrit into Persian.
 Apart from canals for irrigation, he built two new cities Hissar-Firuza or Hissar and Firuzabad. He also
set up a separate department of slaves. The invasion of Timur may be said to mark the end of the
strong rule by the Delhi sultans.

4. The Sufi and the bhakti movements:

 These times saw the rise of the Sufi mystic orders. Most of them had deep devotion who were
disgusted by the vulgar display of wealth. Some Sufis like Mansur bin Hallaj laid great stress on love
as the bond between God and the individual soul. But this led him to trouble with the orthodox
elements who got him executed.
 The Chishti order was set up in India by Khwaja Moinudin Chisti in Ajmer. Among his celebrated
disciples were Bakhtiyar Kaki and Farid-ud-Din Ganj-I-Shakar.
 The most famous Chishti saint, however, were Nizamuddin Auliya and Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi.
 The Bhakti movement stressed mystical union of the individual with God. Among the prominent Bhakti
scholars of north India, mention may be made of the Maharashtrian saint, Namdev, Ramanuj and
Kabir from UP, Ravidas from UP, Guru Nanak Dev from Punjab, Mirabai from Rajasthan, Chaitnya
Mahaprabhu from Bengal and Jaidev. They broadly worked against sectarian discrimination and
promoted universal brotherhood and equality.
 7

6. The Great Mughals:

 Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal rulers was born at Amarkot in 1542. He was crowned in 1556 at the
young age of 13 years and 4 months.
 Bairam Khan, who was his regent (caretaker) rose to the task and under his tutelage, Akbar contested
a battle with Hemu, the Afghan king near Delhi. The two met at Panipat in battle, which saw the
killing of Hemu after being defeated.
 He won a fierce battle against Rana Udai Singh of Chittor. It was followed by the conquest of
Ranthambore, the most powerful fortress in Rajasthan. Consequently, most Rajput states including
Bikaner and Jaisalmer, submitted to him. Only Mewar continued to resist. In 1572, Rana Pratap
succeeded to the throne in Mewar. Akbar won the furious battle between the two sides at Haldighati.
 Akbar’s land revenue system was a major administrative achievement. Akbar also instituted a new
system called the dahsala, under which, revenue settlement was done for 10 years on the basis of
actual cultivated land. Though Todar Mal played major role in this, it was borrowed from Sher Shah.
 The mansabdari system started by Akbar remained the basis of the Mughal rule till the end. Under
this system, every officer was assigned a rank (mansab). Every mansabdar was assigned these two
ranks indicating his status and responsibilities.
 Akbar had a friendly policy towards the rajputs and even had a rajput queen as his real wife. This was
coupled with a policy of broad religious tolerance. In 1564, he abolished the hated jaziya and the
pilgrim-tax.
 Most notably, Akbar was an ardent patron of the arts and learning.
 He had nine gems or navratnas in his court, the maestros of different art forms and areas of
knowledge. Notable among them include Abul Fazl (his biographer and historian), Fiazi, Man Singh,
Birbal, Tansen, Baijubawra, Todar Mal and Do Piaji. The noted Hindi poet Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khana,
wrote fine poetry on Krishna bhakti.
 Goswami Tulsidas, the author of The Ramcharitmanas, was a contemporary of Akbar.
 He made a few buildings like the Fatehpur Sikri City, The Buland Darwaza (to celebrate the Gujarat
victory) and the Panch Mahal in Agra.
 Akbar also started the ceremony of Jharokha Darshan hear public complaints.
 Akbar was intensely secular, he set up a new religious sect called the Din-I-Illahi in 1584. Its major
theme was Tauhid-i-Wajudi (The Unity of Being) and its goal Sulah-i-Kul (Peace To All). Despite being
unsuccessful, it is a reflection of the broad humane and secular outlook Akbar had. That’s why
historians call him the Ashoka of Medieval India or Akbar The Great.
 After the Portguese’ entry, during the 17th century, many other European traders, especially the
Dutch, the English and later the French came to India for business. The Dutch established themselves
at Masulipatnam, after obtaining a farman from the ruler of Golconda in 1606.
 The English also came to the East for spice trade, but the Dutch hostility in the Spice Islands
compelled them to focus on India. They were able to set up their first factory in Surat in 1512. This
was confirmed by a farman from Jahangir in 1618, obtained with the help of Sir Thomas Roe, their
ambassador to Jahangir’s court.

7. Climax And Disintegration of The Mughal Empire-I:

 Jahnagir (Salim-Anarkali fame), who followed Akbar, is most noted for his patronage of painting.
Mughal painting reached its climax under Jahangir. Mansur, the great painter, lived at his court.
 8

 Shahjehan, who succeeded Jahangir, was quite famous for his beautiful monuments. Most memorable
Mughal monuments belong to his reign. The immortal Taj Mahal, The Red Fort, The Jama Masjid and
the Moti Masjid are four of the most prominent examples. In reality, the Mughal architecture is a take-
over on the Persian art, but is distinguished by buildings in marble decorated with floral designs made
of semi-precious stones. This method of decoration is known as pietre dura and it was widely used by
Shahjahan in his buildings. In fact, the Taj Mahal is modelled on Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.
 Ultimately, Aurangzeb was able to capture the throne after much effort and many battles later.
Aurangzeb forced Shah Jahan to surrender and he was confined to a fort in Agra. There he lived for
eight long years under the loving care of his daughter.
 Aurangzeb ruled for almost 50 years during which the Mughals reached their territorial climax. In
course of time, he came to be called a Zinda Pir or “a living saint”.
 Aurangzeb discontinued Jharokha Darshan and rie-imposed the Jaziya on non-Muslims.
 Aurangzeb banned the royal orchestra, thinking that it was un-Islamic. The demolition of temples
continued in his reign also, as before. Aurangzeb also came into conflict with the Sikh Gurus.
Aurangzeb in 1675 arrested Guru Teg Bahadur with five of his followers. He brought them to Delhi
and got them executed. His execution forced the Sikhs to go back to Punjab and organized an
armed military brotherhood called the Khalsa under the leadership of Guru Gobind Singh.

Important Classics Written During Medieval Times

Name of the Book Author Reign/Time

1. Rajtarangini (Sanskrit) Kalahana (Kashmir) Zianul Abidin
2. Akbarnama Abul Fazl Akbar
3. Ain-I-Akbari Abul Fazl Akbar
4. Shahnama Firdausi Mahmud Ghazni
5. Prithviraja Raso Chand Bardai Prithviraja Raso
6. Tazuk-I-Babari (Turkish) Babar Autobiography
7. Tazuk-I-Jahangiri Jahangir Autobiography
8. Geet Govind Jaidev Bhakti Poetry
Important Titles and Their Holders
9. Padmavat Malik Mohammed Jaisi Shringar Ras Poetry
10. Kitab-ul-Hind Important Titles and Holders Thereof
Al-Biaruni
11. Manu Smriti Manu Treatise On Law

Title Given To
1. Butshikan Mahmud of Ghazni
3. Lakhbaksh Qutbuddin Aibak
4. Architect of Delhi Sultanate Balban
5. Zinda Pir Aurangzeb
6. Wisest Fool in Indian History Mohd. Tughlaq
7. The Ashoka of Medieval India Akbar The Great

III. Modern India:

 The Great Mughal Empire declined and disintegrated in the first half of the 18th century. Aurangzeb’s
sons fought among themselves for the throne after his death. The 65-year old Bahadur Shah emerged
victorious.

 The Saiyad brothers, Abdullah Khan and Jusain Ali Khan Barahow are widely known as the “King-
Makers”.
 9

 Nizam-Ul-Mulk in 1724 marched southwards to found Hyderabad. Then in 1738, Nadir Shah from
Persia descended on India, and the Empire lay on its feet.

 He was attracted to India by its fabulous wealth. He fought an easy battle with the Mughal army at
Karnal in 1739 and inflicted a crushing defeat on it. The Emperor Mohammed Shah was taken prisoner
and Nadir Shah marched on to Delhi. Nadir Shah also took away the famed Koh-I-Noor Diamond and
the Peacock Throne of Shahjahan with him.
 Further, the Empire was devastated by the repeated invasions of Ahmed Shah Abdali. Consequently,
the Mughal Empire had ceased to exist in practice as an all-India empire by 1761.

 In 1764, Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor joined Mir Qasim of Bengal and Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh
in declaring a war upon the East India Company.

 Defeated by the British at the Battle of Buxar, he lived as a British pensioner for several years.

 The British occupied Delhi in 1803.

 Many powerful states emerged including Hyderabad under Nizam-Ul-Mulk, Bengal under Murshid Quli
Khan and Alivardi Khan, Mysore under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. In fact, Tipu Sultan was the most
dreaded rival of the British in India those days. He was fond of saying,” It is better to live a single day
as a lion rather than live a lifetime as a sheep.”

 Tipu Sultan was a remarkably modern man. He even collaborated with the French for military training
of his troops. He died fighting the British in the Third Anglo-Carnatic War at Serigpatnam, his capital
in 1799.

 Raja Sawai Jai Singh was the most outstanding Rajput ruler of the 18th century. He built five
astronomical observatories in Jaipur, Ujjain, Varansi, Delhi and Mathura. He also built the city of
Jaipur.

 Under Suraj Mal, known as the Plato of The Jat Tribe, the Jat state of Bharatpur had its zenith.

 End -18th century, Ranjit Singh, chief of the Sukerchakia Misl, rose to prominence. He captured Lahore
in 1799 and Amritsar in 1802. He had built up a powerful army with the help of European instructors.

 The most important challenge to the decaying Mughal power came from the Maratha kingdom, which
was the most powerful succession state.

1. The East India Company-1600-1714:

 By 1623, it had established factories in Surat, Broach, Ahmedabad, Agra and Masulipatnam.

 The French East India Company was founded in 1664. It was firmly established at Chandernagore
near Calcutta and Pondicherry. Dupleix was the French Governor at this time. In course of time, the
English were able to drive out the French.

 The beginning of the British political sway in India can be traced to the Battle of Plassey in 1757,
when the English East India Co.’ defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. The British
proclaimed Mir Jafar the Nawab of Bengal. The Battle of Plassey paved the way for the British mastery
of Bengal and eventually the whole of India.

 In 1760, the Company forced him to abdicate the throne in favour of his son-in-law Mir Qasim. Mir
Qasim was defeated in a series of battles in 1763 and fled to Awadh where he joined hands with
Shuja-ud-Daula, the Awadh Nawab and Shah Alam II, the fugitive Mughal Emperor. The three clashed
with the British in the Battle of Buxar in 1764 and were thoroughly defeated. This was one of the most
decisive battles.

 The East India Company became the real master of Bengal from 1765. A large-scale expansion of the
British rule in India began under Lord Wellesley (1798-1805). He put forth the policy of Subsidiary
Alliance. Under this, the ruler of the allying state was compelled to accept the permanent stationing of
a British force and to pay an annual fee for its maintenance. All this was done allegedly for the ruler’s
protection, but in reality, many times, the ruler was forced to cede his kingdom for non-payment of
fee. The promise of non-interference in the ruler’s internal affairs was the one they never kept. Such
treaties were signed by the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1798 and 1800. Tipu, of course, never agreed to
such a treaty.
 10

2. The Period 1765-1856:

 Lord Dalhousie came to India as Governor-General in 1848. He was determined to extend the
boundaries of the British rule by applying his Doctrine of Lapse.
 Initially, the East India Co. brought goods/precious metals in India and exchanged them for Indian
goods like textiles and spices, which it sold abroad. Its profits came primarily from the sale of Indian
goods abroad.
 In 1765, the Company acquired the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. The Company decided
to introduce a Permanent Settlement of Land, under which the Company’s income from the revenue
collected would remain fixed. The Permanent Settlement or the Zamindari System was introduced in
1793 by Lord Cornawallis.
 The same system was introduced in Punjab under the name Mahalwari System and in South under the
name Ryotwari Settlement.
 The Company decided in 1835 to introduce English as a medium of education in India on the
recommendations of Lord Macaulay (Macaulay’s Minutes).
 The Woods’ Dispatch was another important step in the development of education in India.
 In 1853, the British decided to open recruitment to ICS for Indians and it was also decided to make
the recruitment through a competitive test in London. The same year witnessed the opening of the
Indian Railways from Bombay to Thane.
 The 19th century India was characterized by immense intellectual and cultural stirrings. The central
figure in this awakening was Raja Rammohan Roy, regarded as the First Scientific Man of India or the
Renaissance Man of India.
 In 1829, he founded a religious society called the Brahma Samaj. The best example of his crusade for
social reforms was the historic agitation he launched against the sati. He set out to rouse public
opinion against it. Ultimately, his efforts resulted in the passing of an act by William Bentinck banning
the practice of the sati.
 It was Roy whose insistence brought English education to India, and helped spread modern political
and scientific ideas. He had many distinguished associates including Ishwar Chandar Vidyasagar
whose work regarding widow remarriage is legendary, Jyotiba Phule, a prominent low-caste reformer
from Maharashtra, Justice MG Ranade in Poona, Swami Dyanand Saraswati who founded the Arya
Samaj in 1875 for purifying Hinduism and spreading modern ideas, Swami Vivekanand who set up the
Rama Krishan Mission in 1896, and Henry Dorazio of Bengal.

3. The Revolt of 1857:

 Some sepoys from Meerut, who had killed a superior officer the previous day, marched to the Red
Fort.
 Mangal Pande, a young sepoy became the first martyr of the Revolt.
 The Revolt spread to Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Benares, Bareilly, Jagdishpur and Jhansi. The most
outstanding rebel leader was the Rani of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai, whose state had been annexed by
the British applying the Doctrine of Lapse. She joined the sepoys and became a most formidable rival
the British had to contend with in India.
 Apart from the immediate triggering-point of the Enfield Rifle cartridges rumours of religious
conversions of all sepoys, discriminatory treatment in the army, oppressive revenue systems and
poverty all contributed in equal measure to the sepoys’ discontentment and the consequent Revolt.
 11

 Bahadur Shah Zafar was proclaimed the Emperor and a semblance of government was sought to be
established in Delhi. For more than a year, the rebels struggled against heavy odds to sustain the
movement. Poorly equipped in terms of arms and ammunition, without any means of communication
and co-ordination, they seemed to be fighting a losing battle against a much better-equipped enemy.
 Yet, the rebels showed exemplary courage, dedication and commitment. Delhi fell to the British on
September 20, 1857 and Bahadur Shah Zafar was deported to Rangoon (today’s Yangoon), where he
ultimately died. The Rani of Jhansi died fighting on June 17, 1858.

4. The Post-1857 Scenario:

 To counter the recurrence of such events, the control of India was shifted from the East India Co. to
the British Empire. From now onwards, the Governor-General came to be called the Viceroy signifying
the fact that the formal control of Indian affairs was now in the hands of the British Queen or the
royalty.
 The most outstanding economic critique of the British rule was made by Dada Bhai Noroji, the Grand
Old Man of India. Noroji was a succesful Parsi businessman, but left his business to work for the
national cause, staying in London and used virtually every public platform to drive home the meaning
of his drain theory. The focal point of the campaign was Noroji’s Theory of Drain of Wealth, which he
had propounded in his 1867 classic Poverty And Un-British Rule In India. This was possibly the first
book that gave estimates of national income for India and convincingly proved that after the arrival of
the British, the economic standards of India had fallen in every respect.
 The Drain Theory talked of the drain of wealth of India or the bleeding of India by the British by
different means like using India as a supplier of raw goods and as a market for finished goods,
exploitative revenue systems, ruin of Indian handicrafts, remittances to England etc.
 Many new political associations were came into being at this time e.g. the Indian Association founded
by Surender Nath Banerjea (1876) and the Bombay Presidency Association by Dinshaw Petit.
Alongside, a sign of new political life in the country was the coming in to being of several nationalist
newspapers which dominated the Indian scene till 1918 ____ The Hindu, the Tribune, Bengalee,
Mahratta and Kesari.
 The political awakening culminated in 1885 in the formation of the Indian National Congress, the first-
ever all-India attempt to create a political platform to resist the British rule. Seventy-two men,
mostly journalists, had gathered in Bombay in December, 1885 to form the Congress. A retired British
civil servant, Allen Octavian Hume, was the brain behind the formation of the INCs and the first
President was Womesh Chandar Banerjee.
 Very powerful newspapers emerged during these years to accomplish the goal of creating and
mobilizing public opinion. Examples include The Hindu and Swadeshmitran under the editorship of G.
Subramaniam Iyer, Kesari and Mahratta under Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bengalee under Surender Nath
Banerjea, Amrit Bazar Patrika under Sisir Ghosh and Moti Lal Ghosh, Sudharak under GK Gokhale,
Voice of India under Dada Bhai Noroji and The Tribune in Panjab.
 Irked by the Press writings, the Government struck at them through a Vernacular Press Act in 1878. It
was specifically targeted at Indian language newspapers, barring the English Press. Various public
bodies also campaigned against the Act and consequently, it was withdrawn by Lord Ripon in 1881.
 Surender Nath Banerjea was the first man to be jailed in performance of his duties as a journalist. But
the man most frequently associated with freedom of the Press during this movement is Bal Gangadhar
Tilak. In 1881, he, along with GG Agrakar, founded the Kesari and The Mahratta. He started the
traditional Ganpati Festival and Shivaji Festival to propagate nationalist ideas through songs and
 12

speeches. In 1896-97, Tilak also oragnized a No-Tax Campaign in Maharashtra in protest against the
government’‘s insistence on collecting land revenue despite the fact that the crops had failed that
year. He was accused of spreading disaffection against the government and was tried for it.
Overnight, he became an all-India figure and was lovingly given the title of Lokmanya (Respected By
The People).
 Under Lord Curzon, the British decided to partition Bengal into two on the professed assumption that
it was quite difficult to govern the large state. The day partition took effect - 16 Oct. 1905 -- was
declared a day of mourning throughout Bengal. They proposed to start a Boycott of Foreign Goods,
which was to extend later to the boycott of government schools and colleges, courts, titles and
government services and even participating in strikes.
 The boycott of foreign goods was the most successful at the popular level.

5. The Congress Split and the Revolutionary Terrorists-I:

 The INC (Indian National Congress) split in December 1907 at its Surat session. Almost at the same
time, revolutionary terrorism made its appearance in Bengal.
 In 1904, VD Savarkar organized a secret society of revolutionaries called the Abhinav Bharat. In
1907, an unsuccessful attempt was made on the life of the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal. In April
1908 Prafful Chaki and Khudiram Bose threw a bomb at a carriage, which they believed was carrying
Kingsford, the unpopular judge at Muzaffarpur.
 Two other notable examples in this regard include Madan Lal Dhingra who killed Curzon-Wylie in
London and Ras Behari Bose and Sachindra Nath Sanyal who attempted to kill Lord Hardinge. Some
revolutionaries established centres abroad also. Notable among such revolutionaries were Shyamji
Krishanverma, VD Savarkar and Hardyal in London and Madame Bhikaji Cama and Ajit Singh in
Europe.

6. The Ghadar:

 The First World War in 1914 infused new life into the nationalist movement, dormant after the
Swadeshi Movement. This opportunity was seized, in different ways, by the Ghadar revolutionaries
based in North America and by Lokmanya Tilak, Annie Besant and their Home Rule Leagues in India.
The Ghadarites wanted to overthrow the British rule while the Home Rule Leagues launched a
nationwide agitation for securing Home Rule or Swaraj.
 The crucial role in Ghadar was played by Lala Hardayal, who arrived in California in 1911. Among the
prominent leaders were Sohan Sigh Bhakna, Harnam Singh "Tundilat" and Bhai Parmanand. They
started a newspaper and set up an office with the name Yugantar in San Francisco.
 Three major events influenced the course of Ghadar: the arrest and escape of Hardayal, the
Kamagatamaru episode and the outbreak of the First World War. Lal Hardayal was arrested in 1914
on grounds of his alleged anarchist activities. Released on bail, he used the opportunity to escape.
 But unfortunately, The Ghadar’s attempt to incite the Indian Army to revolt was unsuccessful. The
CID had penetrated the organization and the British succeeded in aborting the Ghadar’s attempts.
With most of the leaders arrested, the movement was crushed.

7. Gandhiji’s Activism - The Early Phase:

 Gandhi had been engaged in 1893 to fight a legal case in South Africa. Having encountered the worst
kind of racial discrimination, he immediately called a meeting of all Indians there.
 13

 He used Satyagraha first in South Africa and later in India. During 1917 and 1918, he led three
localized struggles--- Champaran (The Indigo or Tinkathia Movement), Ahmedabad (The Textile Mills
Case) and Khera (No Revenue Payment Case).
 His February 1919 call for a nationwide protest against the unpopular Rowlatt Act evoked immense
popular response. Events in Punjab took a tragic shape when the Baisakhi Day, 13th April, the army
opened fire on innocent unarmed people in the Jallianwala Bagh. General Dyer ordered his troops to
fire on the unarmed people. Gandhiji, overwhelmed by the atmosphere of violence withdrew the
movement on 18th April.

8. The Non-Cooperation Movement–1920-22:

 The NCM was launched on August 1, 1920, after the expiry of the notice Gandhiji had given to the
Viceroy. The programme included the surrender of titles and honours, boycott of government schools
and colleges, law courts, foreign cloth, spinning of charkha and observance of strict non-violence.

 But in February, 1922, a mob in Chauri Chaura (UP) set fire to a police station. Consequently,
Gandhiji immediately withdrew the movement.

9. The Civil Disobedience Movement:

 The year 1929 witnessed the passing of the Purna Swaraj or the Complete Independence Resolution
in Lahore INC session. J L Nehru was the man who did the most to popularize the idea of complete
independence and it was under his Presidency that the INC passed the Complete Independence
Resolution.
 On the banks of the river Ravi in Lahore, at midnight on 31 December 1929, the Tricolor was unfurled
amidst cheers and jubilation. On 26th January, 1930, Independence Pledges were read out and
collectively affirmed at mass meetings.
 On April 6, 1930, by picking a handful of salt, Gandhiji inaugurated the Civil Disobedience Movement,
a movement that remained unsurpassed in Indian history for the mass participation it unleashed.
 After much deliberation, a Round Table Conference was held between the Congress and the British in
London. Thereafter, the discussions between Lord Irwin, the Viceroy and Gandhiji resulted in the
Gandhi-Irwin Pact. The Congress, in return, agreed to discontinue the CDM.

10. The Years After:

 Gandhiji went to UK 1931 to attend the 2nd Round Table Conference but the British refused the basic
nationalist demand. In 1932, Ramsay McDonald announced the Communal Award, which provoked all
Indians and the INC to protest it. The Communal Award was basically aimed at dividing the Indian
population along communal lines.
 Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1928, joined hands with Bose to form the Independence For India League. In
1935, the British Parliament passed the Government of India Act, 1935. It Act provided for Provincial
Autonomy, a Federation of India and transference of some powers to provinces. The Act was
thoroughly condemned by all and the Congress demanded, instead, a convening of the Constituent
Assembly to frame a Constitution for independent India.
 During this decade, a strong wave of communal propaganda unleashed by both the Muslim League
and the Hindu Mahasabha, surfaced. The Muslim side was spearheaded by Mohammed Ali Jinnah, who
later gave the theory of Pakistan and MS Golwalkar, a prominent RSS leader.
 14

 The Bose-Gandhi debate ultimately resulted in the resignation of Bose from the INC Presidency in
1939. Bose left Congress and founded the Forward Bloc, a communist outfit within the INC.
 World War II broke out on September 1, 1939 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Gandhiji decided
to start the Individual Satygraha in 1940. Vinoba Bhave was the first individual satyagrahi.
 The demand for Pakistan was first made by the Muslim League in 1940 in Lahore. Negotiations
between the INC and the Cripps Mission soon broke down because the INC wanted complete
independence in place of the Dominion Status. The Cripps failure in 1942 made it clear that Britain
was unwilling to offer an honourable settlement.
 The historic August 8 meeting was marked by Gandhiji’s speech, delivered in his usual unrhetorical
style. It had an electrifying impact. The famous slogan of “Do Or Die” was given by Gandhiji and it
became a rallying cry for the Quit India Movement.
 It included all forms of civil disobedience and non-cooperation. The sudden attack by the government
produced an instantaneous reaction among the people. Major towns observed hartals, had public
demonstrations and processions in defiance of the Revolutionary Movements Act introduced by the
government to crush the movement.
 The INA was an army commanded by Subhas Bose in 1943 in Singapore. He set up the Provisional
Government of Free India in October, 1943 there. In 1944, the INA decided to wage an open war on
the British in India with the help of the Japanese army. But the subsequent capture of their
commanders Prem Kumar Sehgal, Shah Nawaz and Gurdial Dhillon, quashed all hopes of liberating
India. All three were later tried in the famous INA Red Fort Trials in 1945.
 The growing nationalist upsurge and a demoralized army, bureaucracy and police and growing
international pressure compelled the British to announce the Cabinet Mission for India in 1946, which
was to evolve a scheme for transfer of power to India. The scheme given made no mention of a
separate Pakistan, but it was misinterpreted by both the Congress and the Muslim League.
 The Muslim communal groups provoked communal frenzy in Calcutta on 16th August, 1946. The Hindu
communal groups retaliated in equal measure and the toll was 5000 lives.
 The League never joined the Interim Government headed by JL Nehru, as per the mission plan. The
British Premier Clement Attlee sought to defuse the crisis by announcing in the British Parliament that
the British had decided to withdraw from India on 3rd June, 1948. Lord Mountbatten was appointed
the new Viceroy, to wind up the British Raj and transfer power.
 The Mountbatten Plan, as the 3rd June, 1948 Plan came to be known, sought to make an early transfer
of power on the basis of Dominion Status to two successor states India and Pakistan. However, India
woke upto the dawn of freedom much earlier on 15th August, 1947 and Pakistan a day earlier.
 Despite the tragedy of partition, at last India had won its freedom from the clutches of a tyrannical
ruler and the people listened to Nehru's still-electrifying Tryst With Destiny speech on the intervening
night of 14th and 15th August, “Long, long ago, we had made a tryst with destiny…….”

Governor-General Step/Inititaive
1. Lord Cornawallis Permanent Settlement
2. Lord Macaulay English Introduced
3. Lord Dalhousie Railways, Indians’ Entry to ICS opened, Lapse Theory
4. William Bentick Abolition of Sati, Thugee & Female Infanticide
5. Lord Canning 1857 Revolt
6. Lord Rippon Local Self-Government
7. Lord Dufferin INC Formed
8. Lord Wavell Shimla Plan
9. Lord Wellsley Subsidiary Alliance
 15

Regional & Tribal Uprisings and Locations

1. Sanyasi Rebellion Bengal
2. Mopillahs Struggle Malabar (Kerala)
3. Mundas Struggle Bihar
4. Santhals Movement Bihar
5. Kukas Movement Punjab

MISCELLANEOUS
1. First Martyr of 1857 Revolt Mangal Pande
2. First Muslim INC President Badruddin Tyabji
3. First Female INC President Annie Besant
4. First Jailed Journalist SN Banerjea
5. INC President in 1947 JB Kriplani
6. British Premier In 1947 Clement Attlee
7. First Woman Chief Minister in Independent India Sucheta Kriplani
8. First Woman Cabinet Minister Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
9. Revolutionary Who Died In Jail after 64 Days of Fasting Jatin Dass

HISTORICAL EVENTS
B.C
2500-1800 Indus valley civilization.
599 Birth of Mahavir; Nirvana in 523. B.C.
563 Birth of Gautam Buddha; Nirvana in 483 B.C.
327-26 Alexander's invasion of India and the opening of land route between India and Europe.
269-232 Ashoka's reign.
261 Battle of Kalinga.
57 Beginning of Vikrama era.
30 Satvahana dynasty in Deooan. Pandyan empire in for south.
326 Alexander defeated Poras in the Battle of Hydaspas
261 Ashoka defeated Kalinga in the Kalinga War

A.D
78 Beginning of Saka era.
320 Beginning of Gupta era.
360 Samudragupta conquers the whole of N. India and much of the Deccan.
380-413 Rule of Chandragupta Vikramaditya, age of Kalidasa, renewal of induism.
606-647 Rule of Harshavardhana.
629-645 Hieun Tsang's visit in India.
622 Beginning of Hijra era.
712 Arab invasion of Sind by Mohd. bin Qasim.
1001-27 Repeated attacks of Mehmud Ghazni.
1025 Sacking of Somnath temple by Mehmud.
1191 First battle of Tarain in which Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Mohd. Ghori.
1192 Second battle of Tarain in which Mohd. Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan.
1206 Qutubuddin Aibak founded the Ilbari/Slave dynasty.
1290 Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji established Khilji dynasty.
1290 Marco Polo visited India.
1320 Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded the Tughlaq dynasty.
1333 Ibn Batuta arrived in India.
 16

1336 Harihara and Bukka founded the Vijaynagar empire.

1347 Bahmani kingdom founded.
1398 Timur invades India.
1451 Lodi dynasty comes in power in Delhi Sultanate.
1469 Birth of Guru Nanak Dev.
1498 Vasco da Gama lands at Calicut.
1510 Portuguese capture Goa-Albuquerque Governor.
1526 First Battle of Panipat in which Babar defeated Ibrahim Lodhi and established the Mughal
dynasty.
1556 Second battle of Panipat in which Akbar defeated Hemu.
1565 Battle of Talikota in which Vijaynagar empire is defeated.
1571 Foundation of Fatehpur Sikri by Akbar.
1576 Battle of Haldighati in which Akbar defeated Maharana Pratap.
1582 Akbar started Din-i-llahi.
1600 English East India Company established.
1604 Compilation of Adi Granth.
1605 Death of Akbar.
1611 The English built a factory at Masulipatnam.
1627 Birth of Shivaji
1631 Death of Shah Jahan's wife Mumtaz Mahal. The building of Taj Mahal.
1658 Aurangzeb became Emperor of Delhi.
1666 Birth of Guru Gobind Singh.
1699 Guru Gobind Singh creates 'Khalsa'.
1707 Death of Aurangzeb, fall of Mughal empire begins.
1739 Nadir Shah invaded India; the peacock throne and the Kohinoor Diamond taken away from
India.
1757 Battle of Plassey in which the English defeated Siraj-ud- daula, Nawab of Bengal.
1760 Battle of Wandiwash, end of French power in India,
1761 Third Battle of Panipat in which Ahmed Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas.
1764 Battle of Buxar in which the English defeated the triple alliance of Nawab Mir Qasim of Bengal,
Nawab Shuja-ud-daula of Awadh and Mughal emperor Shah Alam.
1793 Permanent settlement in Bengal.
1799 Fourth Anglo Mysore War, death of Tipu Sultan, Ranjit Singh occupied Lahore and made it his
capital.
1817-19 Marathas finally crushed.
1828 Lord William Bentick becomes Governor General; Era of social reforms; Prohibition of Sati
(1829), Suppression of thugs (1830).
1835 Introduction of English as medium of instruction.
A.D
1853 First Indian railway from Bombay to Thane.
1857-58 First war of Indian Independence.
1858 British crown takes over the Indian Government; End of East India Company's rule.
1861 Birth of Rabindra Nath Tagore.
1869 Birth of M.K. Gandhi.
1885 Formation of Indian National Congress.
 17

1905 Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon.

1906 Formation of All India Muslim League.
1909 Minto-Morley Reforms.
1911 Delhi durbar held, partition of Bengal cancelled, capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
1914 World War I started.
1918 End of World War I.
1919 Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Montague- Chelmsford reforms.
1920 Non-cooperation Movement launched,
1921 Moplah rebellian in Malabar; visit of Prince of Wales.
1922 Chauri-Chaura incidence.
1923 Swaraj party formed.
1927 Simon Commission appointed.
1928 Visit of Simon Commission to India, death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
1929 Congress demanded'Poorna Swaraj'in Lahore session.
1930 January 26 celebrated as Independence Day throughout India, Dandi Salt Satyagraha, First
Round Table conference.
1931 Gandhi-lrvin Pact, Second Round Table Conference.
1932 Suppression of Congress Movement, Third Round Table Conference, Communal Award, Poona
Pact.
1935 Government of India Act.
1937 Inauguration of Provincial Autonomy. Congress ministries formed in 8 out of 11 provinces.
1939 Resignation of Congress ministries, beginning of World War II.
1942 Cripps Mission Plan, Quit India Movement, Formation of Indian National Army by S.C. Bose.
1945 Simla conference held and the failure of Wavell Plan, INA trials at Red Fort, Delhi.
1946 Cabinet Mission Plan, Formation of Interim Government, Direct Action Resolution by Muslim
League.
1947 Mountbatten Plan of June 3 in which partition of India resolution is proposed, India divided,
Pakistan created, both achieve independence, Jawarhar Lai Nehru becomes the I Prime Minister
of India.
1948 Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi (Jan. 30).
1950 India became republic (Jan. 26).
 18

BASICS OF ECONOMY

I. BASICS OF ECONOMY

Economic Systems
An economic system is a framework to solve the economic problems of a society, decisions regarding
resource utilization and the required institutional arrangements. It also refers to the manner of utilizing
the available productive resources for satisfying human wants. There are different economic systems
adopted by different countries in running their economies:

1. Capitalism 2. Socialism 3. Mixed Economy

1. Capitalism
Capitalism regards capital as an individual factor of production and supports the capitalists to benefit from
wealth accumulation. Capitalism is a natural economic system unlike socialism and that is why it has fared
well in history and has been practiced most widely. Currently, most socialist economies have also adopted
some features of Capitalism, the most prominent example being China since the 1980s. China made a
compromise between Capitalism and Socialism and adopted some important Capitalistic values.

• Right to Private Property

Within legal limits, people can to enter into any business and hold private property.

• No Government intervention
The government intervenes very little or not at all and the businesses can produce and charge a price
they wish to.

• Free hand to Market Forces

The demand and supply forces are allowed to work freely as the government does not intervene in
setting the prices or output here.

2. Socialism
Socialism advocates the government ownership and control of the means of production. Socialism is more
common in the third world countries, which are industrially underdeveloped and overpopulated. It is also
called a centrally planned or controlled economic system.

• Collective property
All the property is collectively owned by the socialist government. It means that all the business
enterprises are under the government’s collective ownership and control.

• Planned Economy
The government takes all decisions like - what to produce? how and when to produce?

• Decisions in Collective Interest

All the decisions are made by the government in the collective interest of the economy. People cannot
object to any decision or policy of the socialist government.

• Non-existence of Private sector

Private sector is non-existent here as no private economic activity is allowed. Every person has to work for
the government and earn wages set arbitrarily, which do not depend on the quality or nature of work.

3. Mixed Economy
Mixed economy is a compromise between capitalism and socialism and takes the valuable features of
both. Some mixed economies can be tilted more towards socialism while the rest can be tilted towards
capitalism. In this economic system, both the private and public sectors exist together as it embraces both
to a certain extent e.g. India, China.

B. Structure of an economy

Primary Sector
The primary sector uses natural resources e.g. agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, and oil and gas.

Secondary Sector
The secondary sector produces manufactured and processed goods e.g. automobiles, cement, computers, cables,
steel, canned foods etc.
 19

Tertiary Sector
The tertiary sector is engaged in providing services e.g. banking, shipping, communications, transportation etc.

The primary sector has the most importance in less developed countries while it is typically less important in
industrial countries. One way to look at the structure of an economy is to compare the shares of its three main
sectors— agriculture, industry, and services in its total output and employment.

Agriculture means producing food, feed, fibre
and other goods by raising plants and animals.
Agricultural output is an important component of
a country’s GDP.
Industry is a segment concerned with production
of manufactured goods and the industrial output
is a critical component of GDP. It includes
mining, extraction and other sectors.
A service is the non-material equivalent of a
good i.e. an economic activity that does not
result in ownership. This is what differentiates it
from physical goods. It creates benefits by
facilitating a change in customers, their physical
possessions, or intangible assets. It is becoming
a more and more important part of the GDP of all
economies.

In the initial phases of development, agriculture is a developing economy’s most important sector. But as per
capita income rises, it loses primacy, giving way to the industry, followed by the services sector. These two
consecutive shifts are called industrialization and post-industrialization (or “de-industrialization”). All growing
economies are likely to go through these stages, which can be explained by structural changes in consumer
demand and the relative labour productivity of the three sectors.

• Industrialization
As people’s incomes rise, their demand for food reaches a natural limit, and they begin to demand more industrial
goods. Simultaneously, new farm techniques create better labor productivity in agriculture than in industry, thus
making farm products relatively cheaper, further diminishing their share in GDP. The same trend in relative labor
productivity also diminishes the need for farm workers, while industrial employment grows. Therefore, industrial
output starts taking a larger share of GDP than agriculture.

• Post-industrialization
As incomes keep rising, people’s needs become less “material” and they begin to demand more services like
health, education, entertainment, and others. Services become more expensive relative to agricultural and
industrial goods, further increasing the share of services in GDP. The lower mechanization in services also explains
why employment keeps growing here while employment elsewhere declines due to technological progress that
eliminates jobs. Eventually, the services replace the industry as a leading sector of the economy.

Most high-income countries are becoming increasingly less reliant on industries while most low-income countries
are industrializing i.e. becoming more reliant on industries.

The service sector requires relatively less capital and more human inputs than agricultural or industrial goods.
Therefore, the demand for more educated workers has grown, prompting countries to invest more in education.
The growing service sector uses fewer natural resources and puts less pressure on the environment. However, the
service sector is not a miracle as farm and industrial growth are also required to meet the needs of a growing
population.
 20

C. Measures of Economic Power

a. National Income

What is National Income?

A national income estimate measures the volume of commodities and services produced in a given period,
counted without duplication. Thus national income measure the net value of goods and services produced
in a country in a year and also the net foreign income. In India, the National income estimates are
computed w.r.t. a financial year (1st April to 31st March).

The Central Statistical Organization (CSO) measures the output, broadly dividing it into agriculture,
industry, and services. From the consumption side, GDP is equal to the sum of private consumption,
government consumption, investment, and net exports (exports minus imports).

Concepts in National Income Accounting

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced
within the boundaries of the country in a given period.

There are three ways of measuring it:

• the income approach

• the output approach
• the expenditure approach

The income approach measures the people's incomes while the output approach measures the value of
the goods and services used to generate these incomes. The expenditure approach measures the
expenditure on goods and services. In theory, each approach should lead to the same result, so if the
output of the economy increases, incomes and expenditures should increase by the same amount.

Gross National Product (GNP) – It is the monetary value of total goods and services produced by a
country in a given financial year.

The GNP also includes the money value of the goods and services produced by nationals outside the
country. Similarly, the income received by foreign nationals within the country should be excluded from
GDP.
In equation form
GNP = GDP + X – M,
Where
X = Income earned by nationals in foreign countries.
M = Income received by foreign nationals within the country.
If X = M, then GNP = GDP.
Similarly, in a closed economy
X=M=0

Net National Product (NNP): It is obtained by subtracting the depreciation value (i.e., capital stock
consumption) from GNP.
 21

In equation form,
NNP = GNP – Depreciation
GNP is based on the market prices of the goods produced which includes indirect taxes and subsides. NNP
can be calculated
1. at market prices of goods and services OR
2. at factor cost

When the NNP is obtained at factor cost, it is called National Income and is calculated by subtracting net
indirect taxes (i.e. total indirect tax – subsidy) from NNP at market prices. The value obtained is called
NNP at factor cost or National income.
In equation form,
NNP at factor cost or National Income = NNP at Market price - (indirect Taxes – subsidy)
= NNP MP – Indirect Tax + subsidy

GDP At Market Prices And GDP At Factor Cost

GDP at market prices includes net indirect taxes on producers. Since producers pass these taxes onto
consumers, these taxes are added to the output, and so, the aggregate output rises by the aggregate net
indirect tax (taxes minus subsidies). GDP at factor cost measures the output without taxes. Thus, GDP at
factor cost is equal to the value of all factor costs, including wages, interest, rent, and profit. Therefore,
the GDP at market prices is always higher than the GDP at factor cost.

PPP In Relation To GDP

Measuring the GDP per capita of all economies in the same currency, say the US dollar, might present a
misleading picture of how well off people in different countries are. This is because the exchange rates do
not truly reflect the purchasing power of currencies within their own economies. For example, although
one US dollar is worth almost Rs. 60, a dollar in the US cannot buy as much as Rs. 60 does in India. To
correct for this anomaly and make valid global comparisons, we use the notion of purchasing power parity
(PPP). In effect, we make the conversion based on a notional exchange rate (which gives you how many
rupees you need to buy the same thing as you could with a dollar in the US). In India’s case, for example,
if the GDP is expressed in US dollars on the PPP principle, it increases to almost five-fold from the level
suggested by nominal exchange rates, thereby making India the 3rd largest global economy.

b. Inflation

What is inflation?
Inflation is the rate at which prices, in general, rise OR a fall in the purchasing power of a currency.
Basically, the commodity prices rise due cost push and demand pull. Cost Push Inflation occurs due to
increase in the production cost of an item, which translates into higher prices. Contrarily, Demand Pull
Inflation happens in case of too much money supply with customers relative to the goods available. We
have too much money chasing too few goods, thereby causing a price rise as people are willing to pay
more. Deflation is a situation when prices, in general, fall. In reality, this is a theoretical concept, and is
rarely seen in developing countries.
 22

Price Indices
Price Index
It’s a handy tool to know about the overall price increase for a basket of commodities. There are broadly
two kinds of indices, a Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and a Consumer Price Index (CPI). Since the WPI
measures change in wholesale prices, it reflects producer inflation.

Constructing CPI
We need to identify the items which form a major part of the consumption basket by a household survey.
Each item is assigned a weight in the index in proportion to its share in total expenditure. The index
reflects nothing but the weighted average of each commodity’s price.
An appropriate base year is selected, in which the price of each commodity, and hence the overall index,
is equated to 100. This base is used as a benchmark for future prices. Thus, if potatoes cost, says Rs. 10
per kg in the base year and Rs. 20 in a subsequent year, the potato index for the later year would be 200.
Similarly, if house rent has a 25% weight in the CPI-UNME, and the rents increases by 20%, it will lead to
a 5% increase in the overall CPI, other things being the same. Contrarily, if watches have a weight of only
1%, even if their prices double, it would affect the index by only 1%.

Nature of inflation in India

In India, we have a combination of both cost push and demand pull inflation. For instance, the recent high
growth in onion prices is demand pull inflation. Also, the prices of essentials go up whenever there is a
hike in diesel prices, a cost push factor. This is because diesel is a major cargo transport fuel and a price
rise here causes price rise in general.
In India, the wholesale price index (WPI) is a major measure of inflation. The WPI measures the price of a
representative basket of wholesale goods, divided into three groups:

Primary Articles (20.1 %), Fuel and Power (14.9 %) and Manufactured Products (65%)
Food articles in the Primary Articles Group account for 14.3 % weight. The most important components of
the Manufactured Products Group are Chemicals and Chemical products, Basic Metals, Alloys and Metal
Products, Machinery and Machine Tools, Textiles and Transport, Equipment and Parts.

Difference between wholesale prices and consumer prices index

It can be explained by the retailers’ margins, a part of the consumer price. Besides, the manner of
calculating the weightages and the items differ.

c. Economic Growth and Economic Development

Economic growth refers to an increase in the value of goods and services produced by an economy.
Economic Growth can be measured by an increase in a country's GDP (gross domestic product).

Economic development is a rise in living standards i.e. income, education, healthcare and employment.
The most accurate method of measuring development is the Human Development Index which takes into
account more than 240 developmental parameters e.g. literacy rates, life expectancy, gender equality,
sanitation, average schooling etc.

Economic growth is a necessary but not sufficient condition for economic development.
 23

Human Development Index (HDI)

Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and income
indices used to rank countries on human development. It measures a country's overall achievement in its
social and economic dimensions based on health, educational attainment and living standards.

It was adopted by the UNDP to measure a country's development and soon became the most widely
accepted index of its kind. The index combines four major indicators: life expectancy, expected schooling,
mean schooling and GNP per capita. Every year, the UNDP ranks countries based on the HDI report by
combining all major social and economic indicators of economic development.

The HDI was created to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for
assessing country’s development, not economic growth alone. The HDI can be used to question national
policy choices as two countries with the same GNP per capita can have different human development
outcomes. For example, the Bahamas’ GNP per capita is higher than New Zealand’s (by 17%) but its life
expectancy at birth is about 5 years shorter, mean years of schooling is 4 years shorter and the expected
schooling differs greatly between the two, resulting in New Zealand having a much higher HDI rank. These
striking contrasts can stimulate debate about government policy priorities.

In terms of HDI, India ranks 135 among 187 countries in 2015.

II. STRUCTURE OF INDIAN ECONOMY

A. Key Indicators

Indicator Amount
GDP (Official Exchange Rate) $ 2.582 trillion (ranked 7th)
GDP (PPP) $ 8.427 trillion (ranked 3rd)
GDP per capita (PPP) $ 2004 (ranked 131th)
GDP per capita (nominal) $ 6542 (ranked 121st)
GDP Growth 7.3% (2015-16)
GDP by sector Agriculture 17.9%, Industry 24.2%, Services 57.9% (2014 est)
Population below poverty line 21.9%
Exports (Main items :Software, $ 313 billion (Main exports: UAE 12.3%, USA 12.2%, China 5%,
Petrochemicals, Singapore 4.9%)
Pharmaceuticals, Precious
Stones)
Imports (Main items : Crude $ 466 billion (China 10.7%, UAE 7.8%, Saudi Arabia 6.8%)
oil, Gold, Fertilizer)

• The Indian economy is the 10th largest globally by nominal GDP and the 3rd largest by purchasing
power parity (PPP). The Indian economy is now estimated at $1.79 trillion (around Rs.100 trillion).
• Agriculture - India ranks 2nd in farm output globally. Agriculture and allied sectors like forestry,
logging and fishing accounted for 17% of the GDP in 2013 and employed 51% of the total workforce.
Agriculture, despite a steady decline in its GDP share, remains the largest economic sector and a
significant piece of the overall socio-economic development in India.
 24

The crop yields per unit area of all crops have grown since 1950, due to improvements in irrigation,
technology, modern practices, credit and subsidies since the Green Revolution. However, the average
yield in India is generally 30%-50% of the highest average yield in the world. Uttar Pradesh, Punjab,
Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat and Maharashtra are key
agricultural states in India.
The farm output lags behind due to inadequate infrastructure (rural roads, electricity, ports, food
storage, retail markets and services), small land holdings (70% holdings less than one hectare),
failure of land reforms - all causing low productivity. Illiteracy, inadequate finance and marketing
services, inefficient water use, over-dependence on monsoons are also responsible.
• Industry accounts for 26% of GDP and employs 22% of the total workforce. India ranks 11th globally
in nominal factory output. The Indian industry underwent significant changes after the economic
reforms in 1991, which removed import restrictions, brought in foreign competition, privatized certain
public sector industries, liberalized FDI, improved infrastructure and expanded the production of fast
moving consumer goods.
• Services- India ranks 13th in services output globally. The services sector provides employment to
27% work force and contributes the largest share to the GDP i.e. 57%. Information Technology and
Business Process Outsourcing are among the fastest growing sectors, which contributing a major
chunk to the country's total exports. The IT sector owes its growth to increased specialization, a large
pool of low cost, highly skilled, educated and fluent English-speaking workers, and demand from
foreign consumers.

B. Basic features of Indian Economy

• Low per capita income.

• Inequalities in income distribution.
• Predominance of agriculture. (More than 50% of workforce engaged in agriculture. In the USA, only
2% workforce is engaged in agriculture.)
• Rapidly growing population.
• Chronic unemployment
• Low rate of capital formation.
• Mixed Economy (co-existence of public and private sectors)
• Labour intensive techniques

C. Economic Planning

• Planning as a system was adopted first by the erstwhile USSR in 1929.

• A book titled 'Planned Economy for India' was published in 1934 by Sir M. Vishweshwarya.
• Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of planning in India, set up the National Planning Committee in
1938 with himself as its Chairman.
* In 1944, a plan called 'Bombay Plan’ was presented by eight industrialists.

• Planning Commission, an extra-constitutional and non-statutory body was set up in 1950 by a resolution
of the Union Cabinet led by the then PM Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru as Chairman, to formulate an integrated Five
Year Plan for economic and social development of the country and to act as an advisory body to the Union
Government. The Planning Commission prepares a plan for the most effective and balanced utilization of
the country's resources. The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Planning
Commission.
 25

• National Development Council, another extra-constitutional and extra-legal body, was set up in 1952 as
an adjunct to the Planning Commission to involve the States in the formulation of the Plans. The Planning
Commission formulates the Five Year Plan and the NDC finally approves it.
• The National Institution for Transforming India i.e. NITI Aayog, is a Government of India policy think-tank
established recently to replace the Planning Commission. The stated aim for NITI Aayog's creation is to
foster involvement and participation in the economic policy-making process by the State Governments of
India, a "bottom-up" approach to planning in contrast to the Planning Commission's tradition of "top-
down" decision-making.

Five Year Plans In India

Planning in India derives its goals and social promises from Directive Principles of State Policy given in the
Constitution.

First Plan 1951-56

The first plan, with a total outlay of Rs. 2378 crore laid emphasis on agriculture. The plan turned out
to be more than a success, mainly because it was supported by two good harvests in two years.
Second Plan 1956-61
The second plan laid special stress on basic, heavy and key industries as envisaged by the trickle
down theory advocated by PC Mahalanobis, who was advisor to Pt. Nehru. Agriculture and small
scale industries remained sluggish, without adding any momentum to development.
Third Plan 1961-66
The Third Plan aimed at establishing a self-sustaining economy. The Plan had to rely on heavy
foreign aid.
Interim Planning
The Fourth Plan could not be started on time in 1966. Instead, as a stop gap arrangement, an annual
plan was made for these periods - 1966-1967, 1967-68 and 1968-69.
Fourth Plan 1969-74
India had to reform and restructure its expenditure agenda, following the Chinese attack in 1962.
India faced a drought and a stint of recession. Foodgrain production increased to bring about self
sufficiency in production. Import substitution drew considerable attention. All these activities
widened the industrial platform.
Fifth Plan 1974-79
The Janata Government reconstituted the Planning Commission and announced a new strategy in
planning, which changed the objectives and the pattern, of planning. The new pattern was the
Rolling Plan which meant that every year, the performance was to be assessed and a new plan was
to be made for the next year - a continuous planning, in fact. The Rolling Plan started with an annual
plan for 1978-79 and as a continuation of the terminated Fifth Plan.
Sixth Plan (1980-1985)
The sixth plan launched by the Janata Government was disbanded by the Congress Government
which assumed office in 1980. The Congress aimed at a direct attack on poverty by creating
conditions of an expanding economy. Its objectives were
1. raising the rate of growth
2. checking population growth
3. rapid development of indigenous sources of energy and
4. economic and technological self-reliance.
Against the 5.2 % economic growth target, the actual achievement was 4.98 %. The foodgrain
 26

production was 148 million tones against a target of 154 million tones.
Seventh Plan (1985-1990)
The Seventh Plan emphasized "Food, Work and Productivity", shelter and health for all by 2000. The
growth rate targeted at 5% averaged only 3.4%. The manufacturing sector made a good headway
transcending the projected annual growth rate of 8%. Agricultural growth was very poor due to a
severe drought in 1986-87.
Eighth Plan (1992 -1997): The political instability and frequent changes at Centre prior to the
installation of Mr. P. V. Narsimaha Rao delayed the Eighth Plan for two years. This plan was unique in
that it sought to manage the transition from centrally planned economy to a market oriented one
without diluting our socio-imbalance while ensuring economic growth. The Eighth Plan aimed at
achieving a growth rate of 5.6% per annum over the five-year period. Human development was the
ultimate goal of the Eighth Plan. It was towards this goal that employment generation, population
control, literacy, education, health, food and basic infrastructure were listed as priorities of the
Eighth Plan.
Ninth Plan (1997-2002): The major features were greater emphasis on economic reform in
agriculture, employment generation, rural development and poverty alleviation, removal of trade
bottlenecks and liberalisation of cooperative sector. It had an outlay of Rs. 875,000 crores. A
distinctive feature was the inclusion of empowerment of women, population control and
environmental protection in the plan objectives.
Tenth Plan (2002-2007): The Plan aimed at doubling the per capita income in ten years and
achieving a growth rate of 8% per annum. The Plan aimed at harnessing the benefits of growth to
achieve other social targets like
• Decadal Population Growth to reduce from 21.3 per cent to 16.2 % in 2001 -11
• Growth in gainful five years of schooling by 2007
• Reducing gender gaps in literacy and wage rates by 50 %
• Improvement in Literacy Rate
• Tree cover to be increased from 19% to 25 % by 2007
• Cleaning of major polluted river stretches
Performance of the 11th Plan
• The growth rate of the agriculture sector was 7.16 %.
• The services sector had a growth rate of 8.84 %.
• Effective implementation of several poverty alleviation schemes ensured attainment of better
standards.
• The target growth rate for the Plan was 8.1 % but the actual growth was 7.9 %.
Twelfth Plan (2012-17)- Key Targets

• Overall economic growth of 8%

• Agricultural growth of 4%
• Industrial growth of 10%
• $1 trillion investment in infrastructure
• More investment in health and education
• Better targeting of subsidies
• Bring down poverty ratio by 10%
 27

The Union Budget

The Union Budget is a record of the government’s revenue and expenditure for a fiscal year, which runs from
April 1 to March 31. It is the most detailed account of the government's finances, in which revenues from all
sources and expenses are put together. It comprises the revenue budget and the capital budget and also contains
estimates for the next fiscal year.

The revenue budget consists of revenue receipts (from tax and other sources), and its expenditure. Revenue
receipts are divided into tax and non-tax revenue. Tax revenues are from income tax, corporate tax, excise,
customs and other government duties. The government earns non-tax revenues from interest on loans and
dividend from PSUs, fees, and other receipts for its services. Revenue expenditure is incurred on the normal day-
to-day running of government and various citizen services. The government also has to pay interest on
borrowings and give subsidies, etc. Usually, an expenditure that does not create assets and the grants to state
governments and other parties are part of revenue expenditures. The difference between revenue receipts and
revenue expenditure is usually negative. This means that the government spends more than it earns. This
difference is called the revenue deficit.

The capital budget contains capital receipts and payments. Capital receipts are government loans raised from the
public, the Reserve Bank and treasury bills, foreign bodies and governments, divestment of equity holding in PSUs,
securities against small savings, state provident funds, and special deposits. Capital payments are capital
expenditure on assets like land, buildings, machinery, and equipment. Besides, it can include investments in
shares, loans and advances to states and UTs, government companies, and other parties.

Fiscal deficit is the gap between the government's total spending and its revenue receipts and non-debt capital
receipts. It is the total borrowed funds required by the government to completely meet its expenditure. In other
words, fiscal deficit is equal to budgetary deficit plus government’s market borrowings and liabilities. It is a true
reflection of the indebtedness of the government and tells us the extent to which it has spent beyond its means.

Plan and non-plan expenditures - Plan expenditures are estimated after discussions between the ministries
concerned and the Planning Commission. Non-plan revenue expenditures are - interest payments, subsidies (e.g.
food and fertilizers), salaries to government employees, grants to States and UTs, pensions, police, various
services, tax collection, social services, and grants to foreign governments. Non-plan capital expenditure includes
defence, loans to PSUs, loans to States, UTs and foreign governments.

Central plan outlay - is the division of monetary resources among the different sectors of the economy and the
ministries of the government.

Direct Taxes- are those levied on the income of individuals or organizations e.g. Income tax, corporate tax,
inheritance tax. Income tax is levied on individual income from like salaries, investments, interest etc. Corporate
tax is paid by companies or firms on their incomes.

Indirect taxes are those paid by consumers when they buy goods and services e.g. excise, VAT, customs duties.
Customs duty is the charge levied when goods are imported into the country, and is paid by the importer or
exporter. Excise duty is a levy paid by the manufacturer on items manufactured within the country. Usually, these
charges are passed on to the consumer.
 28

Budgetary Deficit is the difference between all receipts and expenditure of the government, both revenue and
capital. This difference is met by the treasury bills issued by the RBI and drawing of cash balances kept with the
RBI. The budgetary deficit is often met by printing additional currency notes i.e. deficit financing. This deficit adds
to money supply in the economy and, therefore, can be a major cause of inflation.

b. Monetary policy

Monetary policy is the process by which a central bank controls the supply of money by changing the
interest rates to maintain price stability and achieve high economic growth. In India, the central monetary
authority is the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The RBI strives to achieve its goals indirectly through instruments under its direct control. The monetary
policy framework, however, continuously evolves depending on the development of financial markets and
institutions.

Major Monetary Operations of RBI

• Open Market Operations

It refers to the buying or selling of government securities from or to the public and banks. It affects the
banks’ reserves, yield on government securities and the interest rates. The RBI sells government
securities to reduce credit and buys government securities to increase credit flow. Open market operations
make bank rate policy effective and maintain stability in the government securities market.

• Cash Reserve Ratio

Cash Reserve Ratio is a certain percentage of bank deposits to be kept with RBI as reserves. The higher
the CRR, the lower will be the liquidity and vice-versa. The RBI can change the CRR between 3-15 %. As
per the Narshiman Committee Report, the CRR was reduced from 15% in the 1990 to 5 % in 2002.
Currently, the CRR stands at 3%.

• Statutory Liquidity Ratio

Every financial institution has to maintain liquid assets at all times, which is a certain ratio of its total time
and demand liabilities. These assets can be cash, precious metals, approved securities like bonds etc. This
ratio is termed Statutory liquidity ratio. The SLR has steadily come down from 38.5% to 25% in line with
the Narsimhan Committee recommendations. Currently, the SLR is 21.5%.

• Bank Rate Policy

The bank rate, also called the discount rate, is the interest rate charged by the RBI on loans to the
banking system i.e. commercial and co-operative banks, IDBI, EXIM Bank, and other approved financial
institutions. Funds are provided through direct lending or rediscounting or buying money market
instruments like commercial bills and treasury bills. A higher Bank Rate increases the cost of borrowing by
commercial banks, which reduces the credit volume to the banks and hence reduces the money supply.
An increase in bank rate reflects a tightening of the RBI monetary policy. As of November, 2015, the bank
rate is 7.75%.

• Credit Ceiling
The RBI directs the commercial banks to give loans up to a certain limit only. A few example of such credit
ceiling are agriculture sector advances, priority sector lending etc.
 29

• Moral Suasion
Moral Suasion is a request by the RBI to the commercial banks to take steps to achieve the desired
results. For example, it may request the banks not to give loans for unproductive purposes.

• Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate

Repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends to commercial banks against government securities. A low
Repo rate helps the banks to get money cheaper while a higher Repo rate discourages the banks form
taking loans as it becomes expensive.
Conversely, Reverse Repo rate is the rate at which the RBI borrows money from the commercial banks. A
higher Repo rate increases the cost of borrowing and lending of the banks which will discourage the public
to borrow money and will encourage them to deposit. As the rates are high, the availability of credit and
demand decreases, resulting in decreased inflation. This increase in Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate
symbolizes a tightening of the monetary policy. As of November 2015, the repo rate is 6.75 % and
reverse repo rate is 5.75%.

• Marginal standing facility

It is a window for banks to borrow from the Reserve Bank of India in an emergency situation when inter-
bank liquidity dries up completely. Banks borrow from the central bank by pledging government securities
at a rate higher than the repo rate under liquidity adjustment facility or LAF in short. The MSF rate is
pegged 100 basis points or a percentage point above the repo rate. Under MSF, banks can borrow funds
up to one percentage of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL).

c. Economic Reforms in India

 The economic reforms in India were begun to accelerate the pace of economic growth and poverty
eradication. Economic liberalization can be traced back to the late 1970s but the reforms really began only
in July 1991 when the Government signaled a systemic shift to a more open economy with greater
reliance on market forces, a larger role for the private sector including foreign investment, and a
restructuring of the government role. The economic reforms introduced far-reaching measures, which
changed the working and the structure of the economy. These changes were related to

• Dominance of the public sector in industrial activity

• Discretionary controls on industrial investment and capacity expansion
• Trade and exchange controls
• Limited access to foreign investment
• Public ownership and regulation of the financial sector

Reforms in Industrial Policy

 Industrial policy was restructured to dismantle most government controls. Massive deregulation of the
industrial sector was done to introduce competition and increase efficiency. Industrial licensing was almost
abolished except for a few hazardous and environmentally sensitive industries. The list of industries
reserved for the public sector, which covered 18 industries was drastically reduced to three. Further,
restrictions on the import of foreign technology were withdrawn.
 30

Reforms in Trade Policy

 Import licensing was abolished relatively early for capital goods and intermediates which became freely
importable in 1993, simultaneously with a switch to the liberalized exchange rate system. Quantitative
restrictions on imports of consumer goods and farm products were finally removed on April 1, 2001,
exactly ten years after the reforms began. It was in part due to a ruling by a World Trade Organization
dispute panel on a complaint brought by the USA.

Financial sector reforms

 Financial sector reforms are integral to the overall policy reforms in India as they are imperative for better
efficiency of resource mobilization and allocation for overall economic stability. The Indian financial system
has been incrementally deregulated and exposed to global financial markets along with the introduction of
new instruments and products.
 The fruits of liberalisation reached their peak in 2007, when India recorded its highest GDP growth rate of
9%. With this, India became the second fastest growing major economy in the world, next only to China.
There has been significant debate, however, around liberalisation as an inclusive economic growth
strategy. Since 1992, income inequality has deepened with consumption among the poorest remaining
stable while the wealthiest generate consumption growth.
 As India's GDP growth became lowest in 2012-13 over a decade, growing merely at 5%, more criticism of
India's economic reforms surfaced, as it apparently failed to address employment growth, nutritional
values in terms of food intake in calories, and also exports growth - and thereby leading to a worsening
level of current account deficit compared to the pre-reform period.

d. Finance Commission

 The Finance Commission of India came into existence in 1951. It is established under Article 280 of
the Constitution by the President every five years and consists of a chairman and four other members.
The Finance Commission gives its recommendations on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union
and the States and amongst the States themselves. The Commission recommends to the President on

• the distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes and the allocation of
the proceeds among the States
• the principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the
Consolidated Fund of India
• the measures to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the panchayats’ and the
municipalities’ resources on the recommendations by the Finance Commission of the State

So far, fourteen Finance Commissions have been appointed so far.

Finance Commission Establishment Chairman Operational Duration

1st 1951 K. C. Neogiy 1952–57

13th 2007 Dr. Vijay Kelkar 2010–2015
14th 2012 Y V Reddy 2015–2020
 31

A major recommendation of the 13th Finance Commission was that the states’ share in the net proceeds of
the shareable Central taxes should be 32%, which is 1.5% more than the 12th Finance Commission’s
report.

e. Census 2011
A Population Census has been conducted in India since 1872 and the 2011 census marks the first time
when important biometric information was collected. According to its provisional reports, the Indian
population rose to 121 crore with a decadal growth of 17.64%. Adult literacy rate increased to 74.04%
with a decadal growth of 9.21%

Snippets - Census 2011

• Census 2011 covered - 35 States/UTs
• The total population of India - 121 crore
• Rural population - 83.3 crore; Urban population - 37.71 crore.
• Rural population rose by - 9.047 crore, Urban population rose by - 9.1 crore.
• Uttar Pradesh has the largest rural population of - 15.11 crore (18.62% of total rural
population); Maharashtra has the highest urban population at - 5.083 crore (13.48% of total
urban population).
• Population in the last decade grew by - 17.64%.
• Bihar (23.90%) had the highest decadal rural population growth.
• Rural population forms 68.84% of the total, Urban population forms 31.16% (increase of
3.35%).
• Himachal Pradesh (89.96%) has the largest proportion of rural population, while Delhi
(97.50%) has the highest proportion of urban population.
• Overall Sex Ratio - 940.
• Kerala has the highest sex ratio at 1084.
• In rural areas, Chandigarh (691) and in urban areas, Daman & Diu (550) show the lowest sex
ratio respectively.
• Number of literates – 77.85 crore.
• Overall Literacy Rate - 74.04%.
• In rural areas, the Literacy Rate is - 68.91 %; In urban areas, it is - 84.98%.
• Literacy Rate for males is - 82.14%, Female Literacy Rate - 65.46%.
• Rajasthan (46.25%) has the lowest female literacy rate in rural areas.
• Jammu & Kashmir (70.19%) has the lowest female literacy rate in urban areas.
 32

Key Indicators- Census of India, 2011

Population Total 1,210,193,422

Males 623,724,248
Females 586,469,174

Literacy Total 74.04%

Males 82.14%
Females 65.46%
Population density 382 Per Sq. Km.

Sex ratio 940 females per 1000 males

Child Sex ratio (0–6 age group) 914 females per 1000 males

f. MAJOR SOCIO-ECONOMICWELFARE PROGRAMMES

Sr. PROGRAMME YEAR GOALS

No.

1 Community 1952 Overall development of rural areas with people participation

Development
Programme

2 High Yielding Variety 1966-67 Increase food grain output by adopting high-yielding varieties of
Programme (HYVP) seeds

3 Employment Guarantee 1972-73 Assist the economically weaker sections of the rural society
Scheme (Maharashtra)

4 Drought-Prone Area 1973 Protection from drought by achieving environmental balance and by
Programme (DPAP) developing ground water resources

5 Command Area 1974-75 Better, rapid utilization of irrigation capacities of medium and large
Development projects
Programme (CADP)

6 20-Point Programme 1975 Poverty eradication and better living standards

7 Desert Development 1977-78 Curbing desertification and maintaining environmental balance

Programme

8 Food for Work 1977-78 Foodgrain to labour for development work

Programme
 33

9 Antyodaya Yojana 1977-78 Uplift the poorest in villages to make them economically independent
(Rajasthan)

10 Training of Rural Youth 1979 Train rural youth for self-employment

for Self-Employment
(TRYSEM)

11 Integrated Rural 1980 Overall development of the rural poor through asset endowment for
Development self- employment
Programme (IRDP)

12 National Rural 1980 Profitable employment for the rural poor

Employment Programme

13 Development of Women 1982 Self-employment to rural women from below poverty line
and Children in Rural
Areas

14 Rural Landless 1983 Employment to landless farmers and labourers

Employment Guarantee
Programme (RLEGP)

15 Self-Employment to the 1983 Financial and technical assistance for self- employment
Educated Unemployed
Youth (SEEUY)

16 Comprehensive Crop 1985 Risk cover for farm crops against floods, drought etc.
Insurance Scheme

17 Council for Advancement 1986 Assistance for rural prosperity

of People's Action and
Rural Technology
(CAPART)

18 Self-Employment 1986 Self- employment for urban poor

Programme for the by providing subsidies and loans
Urban Poor (SEPUP)

19 Jawahar Rozgar Yojana 1989 Employment for rural jobless

20 Nehru Rozgar Yojana 1989 Employment for urban jobless

21 Scheme of Urban Micro 1990 Assistance to urban poor for small enterprises
Enterprises (SUME)

22 Scheme of Urban Wage 1990 Wage employment for urban poor in areas with population less than
Employment (SUWE) 1 lakh

23 National Renewal Fund 1992 Retraining the retrenched PSU employees

24 Employment Assurance 1993 Employment for at least 100 days a year in villages
Scheme (EAS)

25 Members of Parliament 1993 Rs. 5 crore per year to every MP for local devp works in their areas
Local Area Devp Scheme
(MPLADS)

26 Antyodaya Anna Yojana 2000 Provide food security to the the very poor

27 Pradhan Mantri Gram 2000 Link all villages with pucca roads
Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

28 National Food for Work 2004 Intensify the creation of supplementary wage employment
Programme

29 Bharat Nirman 2005 Rural Infrastructure Devp. - Irrigation, Water, Housing, Roads,
Programme Telecom, Power

30 National Rural 2006 Minimum 100 days wage employment for every rural family
Employment Guarantee
Scheme
 34

31 Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana 2007 Scheme extends the benefit of life insurance coverage as well as
coverage of partial and permanent disability to the head of the
family or an earning member of the family of rural landless
households and educational assistance to their children studying
from 9th to 12th standard as an extended benefit.

32 Gramin Bhandaran Yojna 2007 Creation of scientific storage capacity with allied facilities in rural
areas to meet the requirements of farmers for storing farm produce,
processed farm produce and agricultural inputs. Improve their
marketability through promotion of grading, standardization and
quality control of agricultural produce.

33 Rashtriya Krishi Vikas 2007 Achieve 4% annual growth in agriculture through development of
Yojana Agriculture and its allied sectors during the XI Plan period

34 Rashtriya Swasthya 2008 Health insurance to poor (BPL), Domestic workers, MGNERGA
Bima Yojana workers, Rikshawpullers, Building and other construction workers,
and many other categories as may be identified by the respective
states

35 Bachat Lamp Yojna 2009 Reduce the cost of compact fluorescent lamps

36 Indira Gandhi Matritva 2010 A cash incentive of Rs. 4000 to women (19 years and above) for the
Sahyog Yojana first two live births [6]

37 Pradhan Mantri Adarsh 2010 Integrated development of Schedule Caste majority villages in four
Gram Yojana states

38 Swavalamban 2010 Pension scheme to the workers in unorganised sector. Any citizen
who is not part of any statutory pension scheme of the Government
and contributes between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 12000/- per annum,
could join the scheme. The Central Government shall contribute Rs.
1000 per annum to such subscribers.

39 AADHAR 2010 The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is responsible

for implementing the AADHAR scheme. The authority aims to
provide a unique ID number to all Indians and also maintain a
database containing biometric and other information. The Aadhar
logo is a yellow sun with a fingerprint embedded in its centre.
Aadhaar is a 12-digit exclusive number stored in a centralized
database, which is coupled to the essential demographic and
biometric information – photograph, 10 fingerprints and iris – of
every person.

40 Swabhiman 2011 To make banking facility available to all citizens and to get 5 crore
accounts opened by Mar 2012. Replaced by Pradhan Mantri Jan
Dhan Yojana.

41 Rajiv Awas Yojana 2013 It envisages a “Slum Free India" with inclusive and equitable cities in
which every citizen has access to basic civic infrastructure and social
amenities and decent shelter

42 Saksham or Rajiv 2014 Aims at all-round development of Adolescent Boys and make them
Gandhi Scheme for self-reliant, gender-sensitive and aware citizens, when they grow up.
Empowerment of It cover all adolescent boys (both school going and out of school) in
Adolescent Boys the age-group of 11 to 18 years subdivided into two categories, viz.
11-14 & 14–18 years. In 2014-15, an allocation of Rs. 25 crore is
made for the scheme.

43 Pradhan Mantri Jan 2014 National Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial
Dhan Yojana services, namely Banking Savings & Deposit Accounts, Remittance,
Credit, Insurance, Pension in an affordable manner
 35

ECONOMY GLOSSARY
APPRECIATION
A rise in the price of a physical (gold, real estate) or financial asset (bond, stocks) with time. In currency markets,
appreciation refers to the rise in the purchasing power of a currency vis a vis a foreign currency in import-export
markets. It happens due to pure market play and there is no intervention by the government in this process.

ARBITRAGE
Buying a commodity/ share in a certain market cheap and selling it dear in another market simultaneously by
taking advantage of the price differential. However, most such differentials get plugged very soon due to market
efficiencies.

ADMINISTERED PRICES
The prices fixed by a management decision rather than by market forces. True market prices are found only in the
stock exchange and other places where prices change constantly. Mostly, the prices are set by the management,
though they can be changed in response to competition. Administered Prices are often used to refer to price-fixing
by a monopoly firm, a cartel or a government body (e.g. LPG and Kerosene in India). Until recently, the prices of
petrol were under administered pricing but now, they have been freed up. Therefore, the price of petrol now
depends on the interplay of pure market forces without any government intervention.

AMERICAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPT (ADR)

A document by a US bank against shares deposited with it or a bank overseas. The ADR gives title to the
underlying shares and can be traded in the stock exchanges.

ANTI-TRUST LAW
The American equivalent of the powers exercised by the Competition Commission of India. Anti-trust laws try to
maintain and promote healthy market competition, prevent monopolies, cartels and other anti-competitive
practices, decide such disputes and impose penalties.

ASBA
Application Supported by Blocked Amount. A term used to describe the process of applying for an Initial
Public Offer (IPO), in which the amount deposited by the investor is blocked by the bank and is released to the
issuing company only after the shares are allocated. In the meantime, the blocked amount keeps on earning
interest.

BAD MONEY vs GOOD MONEY

The idea that an injection of low-quality coinage into an economy will discourage the holders of high-quality coins
from parting with cash. Before paper money became a popular means, precious metals were the most common
form of money. Gold and silver coins had a face value equal to the value of their metal content. Debasement of
the coinage occurred when the face value was kept above the value of the metal content. The holders of the
correctly valued coinage became unwilling to exchange for the debased coinage because they would get less metal
in exchange than if they bought directly. The result was that the 'good', undebased coinage did not circulate. This
process is called Gresham's law, and is an early application of the idea of adverse selection.
BARTER
Buying goods/ services by exchange for other goods or services rather than for money. This system has been
replaced by a token currency for economic exchange throughout the world.
 36

BASKET OF CURRENCIES
A group of foreign currencies by which the RBI India expresses the value of the Indian rupee. The US dollar, pound
and euro are part of this basket of currencies.

BASE RATE
Base Rate is the minimum rate fixed by a bank for lending to customers. A bank cannot lend to any customer at a
rate less than this base rate. The actual lending rate in a case is a function of many variables including the
increment to be added to the base rate, which depends on risk factors.
This is a polar opposite of Prime Lending Rate, which is the highest interest rate chargeable on a bank loan. This
policy of a ceiling rate is now abolished and has been replaced with a Base Rate system by the RBI.

BANKER'S CHEQUE
A cheque drawn by a bank as opposed to the one drawn by a bank customer. Banker's drafts are drawn at the
customer's request and his account is accordingly debited. They are regarded as cash since they cannot be
returned unpaid and are used when a creditor is unwilling to accept a personal cheque.

BANKRUPTCY
A court declaration that an individual/ company is insolvent, i.e. cannot repay debts on the due dates. The debtor's
assets are sold and the proceeds distributed among creditors. Until he is discharged (i.e. has paid off his debts and
been declared a discharged bankrupt in law), a bankrupt person may not get credit until nor can he be a director
in a limited company without the court’s permission.

BANK RATE
The rate at which the bills of exchange are rediscounted by the RBI. Put simply, it is the rate of interest charged
by the RBI from Commercial Banks on short-term lending. It is also called the Discount Rate.

BANKING OMBUDSMAN
The apex authority for redressal of customers’ grievances regarding the services offered by the commercial banks
in India.

BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
A record of the credit and debit transactions of a country with foreign countries and international institutions
during a specific period. The transactions are divided into
(a) current account and
(b) capital account.

The current account is made up of trade in goods and services plus profits and interest from overseas assets,
minus those paid abroad. The current account is generally referred to in the balance of payments. The capital
account is made up of such items as the inward and outward flow of money for investment and international
grants and loans.

The overall deficit or surplus in the balance of payments is balanced by movements in the gold and foreign
exchange reserves or liabilities to non-residents.
 37

BALANCE OF TRADE
The difference between a country's imports of goods and services and its corresponding exports of them. The most
important element in the balance of payments.

BOOK BUILDING
Bidding for an Initial Public Offer (IPO) by quoting a price between the lowest price and the highest price band
fixed by the issuer. The offer price in the primary market is decided on the basis of the quotes given by the
applicants. It is a scientific price discovery mechanism after which, the applicants get shares as per the price
determined by the merchant banker.

BLACK MONEY
That part of the national economy which does not show in official data on national income i.e. unrecorded income.
No income tax is paid on such earnings and therefore, it causes tremendous leakage of valuable tax resources for
the government.

BOLT - 01
The Build-Operate-Lease-Transfer (BOLT) mechanism under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model applies to
infrastructure projects like airports, expressways, toll plazas and roads. In this system, the government gives a
contract to a private party to build, operate and lease the project for a fixed duration after which, its management
and ownership is transferred to the government. During the lease period, the private party can charge a pre-
decided user fee to recover its cost and make profits.

BOLT - 02
The BSE Online Trading System is a computer terminal-based system which lets its members buy and sell shares
in real time on the screen-based trading system. It is quite apart from the earlier open outcry system wherein
there was open bidding among sellers and buyers in the trading ring.

BRICS
The emerging markets - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This group is expected to lead the next
wave of global economic growth with vastly posting superior growth rates.

BOND
A fixed-interest security issued by central or state governments, municipalities, companies, banks or other
institutions. Bonds are usually a long-term security but may not always carry a fixed interest. They may or not be
redeemable before tenure, and may be secured or unsecured.

BULLS AND BEARS

A bull buys shares in the hope that in future, the prices of shares will go up. So he tries to buy as many as
possible, creating a rat race in the stock exchange. Consequently, the share prices go up, because of plentiful
demand but limited supply. The sensitive index of the stock exchange shows a rising trend and the market will
show a bullish trend.

On the other hand, a bear sells off shares in the fear of getting lesser prices in future. So he tries to sell as many
shares as possible, leading others to follow him. Such a situation leads many sellers but few buyers of those
 38

shares, leading to a fall in their prices. Such a trend brings down the sensitive index and will create a bearish
trend.

BUYER'S MARKET
The exact opposite of a seller’s market. A buyer’s market is one in which the prices of a commodity/ service are
falling due to excess supply relative to demand. For example, the telecom sector in India offers a buyer's market
wherein the buyer enjoys great choice in selecting a service provider, given the intense competition.

BLACK MONEY
That income which does not find a mention in the accounts books, and on which no income tax is paid to the
government. At least 50% of the total Gross Domestic Product in India is reportedly in black money. No tax is paid
on such huge amounts of income, thus depriving of its due share. It is virtually a parallel economy thriving beyond
the pale of any law.

BLUE CHIPS
Equity shares of consistently, highly profitable and dividend-paying companies. The term comes from the game of
poker wherein the blue chips have the highest value. They are relatively safe in terms of investment and regular
dividend income.

BLUE COLLAR JOBS

Factory jobs which employ skilled, semi-skilled or un-skilled people. Mechanization and automation have greatly
reduced the number of such jobs.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
Expenditure on fixed assets (plant and equipment), acquiring other businesses and expenditure on current assets
(e.g. stocks). It should be distinguished from revenue expenditure, which is the money spent on recurring items
(power bills, wages, repairs etc.).

CAPITAL MARKET
The market for long-term funds as distinguished from the money market, which deals in short-term funds. The
capital market means all those institutions that match the supply and demand for long-term capital e.g. the stock
exchange, banks and insurance companies. All advanced countries have highly developed capital markets.

CARTEL
A group of producers / sellers which controls prices by controlling output and competition. Cartels harm the
consumer by manipulating the prices and supply. Also called oligopoly e.g. cement industry, soft drinks and
domestic airlines in India.
To check cartels, the government has created a special body - Competition Commission of India. The most
prominent international cartel is the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

CLOSED ECONOMY
An economy with little or no external trade, as contrasted with an open economy, which has a high ratio of exports
and imports. In today’s globalized, interdependent business environment, it is almost impossible to find such a
system in practice as almost all economies have some degree of openness attached to them.
 39

CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION
Veblen coined the term for ostentatious personal expenditures which satisfy no perceivable physical need but only
a psychological need for esteem. Goods may be purchased not for practical use but as ‘status symbols’ e.g. the big
fat Indian marriages typically, which involve great amounts of conspicuous consumption.

CONVERTIBILITY
A currency is convertible if it can be exchanged freely for another currency or gold. India follows a system of Full
Convertibility of the rupee on Current Account to improve exports (1994) but there is no full convertibility on the
capital account as yet.

COUNTERVAILING DUTY
An additional import duty on a commodity to balance its low price due to an export subsidy in the country of
origin.

DATED SECURITIES
Bills of exchange or other securities carrying a stated date for repayment of their nominal value. Also known as
gilt-edged securities due to the high safety of repayment with interest e.g. 10-Year Government of India bonds.
For short-dated securities, the redemption date is near; long-dated securities are those for which it is a long time
ahead.

DEBT TRAP
A situation in which a borrower takes further credit from another party to service an existing debt. Now to service
the second debt, he might need a third debt so that he can service the second one properly. It finally leads to a
perpetual debt cycle i.e. debt trap.

DEFICIT FINANCING
Using borrowing to finance the excess of expenditure over income. Mostly, it refers to governments which often
spend more than their means and print more and more currently notes to plug the fiscal deficit.

DEFLATION
A sustained fall in the general price levels. Deflation is often accompanied by declines in output and employment
and is distinct from ‘disinflation', is a fall in the rate of inflation. The most obvious response to deflation is
stimulating spending so that the prices stop falling and the economy stabilizes.

DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDEND
The fact that India has a significant proportion (55%) of young people (18-35), who earn, spend and invest the
most as opposed to some advanced economies which have a high proportion of the elderly people. This group,
being the most economically productive, is the major driver of economic growth in a developing economy.

DEMOGRAPHIC TIME BOMB

Several nations could face a crisis soon due to ageing populations. Increased life expectancy, declining birth rate
and early retirement have led to a rising population of the old in the total. The trend is clear in many advanced
countries like the European Union and Japan.
 40

DEPRESSION
A severe fall in GDP for more than two successive quarters defines a recession. The most serious was the Great
Depression in the 1930s which saw major fall in output, prices, investment, international trade and the collapse of
financial institutions. The US unemployment rate rose to 26 % among industrial workers as GDP fell by 30 %.

DEREGUALTION
Reducing the government controls that can create entry barriers in an economic sector. The goal is to promote
competition in areas which are monopolies, or in which regulation has no logic left. Deregulation, in a variety of
ways, has affected a substantial area of economic life in most developed countries.

DEVALUATION
Reducing the fixed official rate at which one currency is exchanged for another in a fixed exchange rate system.
India had devalued its currency in 1991 bowing to the IMF pressure, after which its exports have risen
significantly. Such devaluation had been done in 1948 and 1966 also in response to exceptional economic
situations.

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Countries which have not achieved economic development comparable to that of the most advanced countries.
There is no specific definition and a country can define itself so, subject only to the approval of other World Trade
Organization members (WTO). There are more specific criteria for the 'least developed' group. To become a
member, a country must have a GDP per head below a specific level and must leave the group upon crossing a
specific upper limit.

The membership of these groups entitles the members to get relaxation in WTO international agreements e.g.
extension of the transition period for implementing globally agreed import tariff reductions.

DIMINISHING MARGINAL UTILITY

As the extra units of a commodity are consumed, the satisfaction achieved got from each unit will fall. For
instance, although for every extra toffee one eats, one gets extra pleasure but as more toffees are eaten, lesser
pleasure comes from each additional toffee. Finally, sickness strikes, and now any more toffees would yield
disutility.

DIMINISHING RETURNS, LAW OF

With additional units of a factor of production, others being constant, the output of each additional unit eventually
falls. For example, a farmer with one field may find that one man could produce 2 tons of grain while two men
produce 5 tons — more than twice as much — but three men produce only 7 tons. The extra output from adding a
worker started at 2, rose to 3, and then came down to 2.
Diminishing returns are different from negative returns. Successively adding workers to a plant can increase its
total output but only at a falling rate. When the factory becomes very overcrowded, the extra worker actually
makes the production fall.

DIRECT TAXES
Direct taxes are paid by the entity on which they are levied i.e. the tax burden cannot be passed on to a third
party e.g. Income Tax, Wealth Tax and Capital Gains Tax. In general, direct taxes are levied on wealth or income.
It is in contrast to indirect taxes - value added tax, excise duties, sales tax -which are levied on expenditure.
 41

DISGUISED UNEMPLOYMENT
Cases involving people who seem to be employed in an economic activity but their contribution to productivity is
either zero or negative.

DISINFLATION
Reduction or elimination of inflation in an economy

DISINVESTMENT
Negative investment i.e. when the capital stock is partly or wholly sold off. The government had launched an
ambitious disinvestment programme as part of the 1991 economic reforms to sell the shares of Public Sector
Units, thereby reducing dilute the government equity. Though the programme has achieved some degree of
success, much more is yet to be done.

DOUBLE TAXATION
A situation wherein the same tax base is taxed more than once. Double-taxation agreements between two
countries are designed to avoid this situation e.g. incomes of non-residents being taxed both in the country of
residence and in the country of origin.

DUMPING
The sale of a commodity in a foreign market at a below-cost price. An exporting country may support it to kill
competition and gain a monopoly. Alternatively, it may dump to dispose of temporary surplus to avoid a fall in
domestic prices.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) rules permit special import duties (anti-dumping duties) to counteract
dumping, which harms the domestic industry. Under these regulations, if the products are sold in a foreign market
below the price at which they are sold back home, dumping is said to have taken place.

EMERGING MARKETS
Securities markets in newly industrialized and other countries shifting to free-market economies. These economies
have been growing rapidly at rates several times greater than those of others. The factors common to all these
economies are - high savings rate, considerable investment in education, high exports and shifts in workforce from
agriculture to industry and services. Examples include Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Mexico, South
Africa and Turkey.

ENGEL’S LAW
With a given set of tastes or preferences, the ratio of one’s income spent on food and other essentials (e.g.
clothing) falls as one’s income increases.

EQUITY
Equity mostly refers to the ordinary shares lying with public shareholders. In contrast with preference shares,
ordinary equity shares carry greater risk because the returns are not guaranteed. The dividends depend on
divisible surplus, management discretion and other needs. Historically speaking, equity yields have been well
above those of risk-free securities.
 42

EXCHANGE RATES
The rate at which a country’s currency is exchanged for another. Foreign exchange transactions occur in spot or
forward markets. The actual rate is determined by market supply and demand for the currencies.

EXCISE DUTIES
Indirect taxes on goods meant for domestic use, as different from customs duties (import tariffs) which are levied
on goods entering/ leaving the country. Excise duties give the biggest chunk to indirect tax collections in India.

EXPENDITURE TAX
A direct tax on spending. Indirect taxes such as Value-Added Tax and Sales Tax, although taxes on expenditure,
are quite different in collection and applicability to all regardless of individual circumstances.

FACTORS OF PRODUCTION
The inputs necessary for production e.g. land, labour and capital. Entrepreneurship (risk-taking ability) is often
considered the fourth variable.

FIDUCIARY ISSUE
A currency issue not backed by gold or silver. Usually, a currency note issued by the Reserve Bank of India has to
be backed by an equivalent gold reserve. But there can be instances to the contrary, called a fiduciary issue
(based on trust).

FISCAL POLICY
A policy which deals with taxation and public debt of the government. The fiscal policy is formulated by the
Finance Ministry.

FISCAL DRAG
The effect of inflation on effective tax rates. Under a progressive income tax system, higher earnings may push
taxpayers into higher tax brackets. In a tax system not adjusted for inflation (indexation), this can lead to higher
earnings generating higher tax revenues.
Fiscal drag could result in a shift in fiscal policy, with a depressing effect on demand and output. A similar process
can work in reverse and during deflation e.g. if prices fall, the tax rates also fall even though real incomes have
increased. Fiscal drag, therefore, can have the effect of a built-in stabilizer.

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI)

Investment in a foreign country through the acquisition of a local company or the establishment of an operation on
a new 'Greenfield’ site. Direct investment implies control and managerial and technical inputs even. India has tried
to attract more and more FDI in different economic sectors after economic liberalization. Telecom, power, retail
and food processing sectors have been some major beneficiaries of this trend.

FORWARD MARKETS
Any market in futures, i.e. in which the promises or contracts to buy or sell securities or commodities at a future
date at agreed prices are bought and sold. Examples include the Future & Options segment of the National Stock
Exchange, Multi-Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) and National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange
(NCDEX).
 43

FREE MARKETS
A market in which supply and demand are not subject to any other control except normal competition policy. The
definition becomes blurred in cases where free trade and competition are incompatible. The global diamond
market is not completely free, given its dominance by an international cartel.

FREE MARKET ECONOMY

Usually used as synonymous with capitalism. An economic system in which the resources are allocated solely by
the market demand and supply, though in reality, market freedom has limitations everywhere. Further, the
governments intervene in free markets to promote competition if it is in danger.

FREE TRADE ZONE

A customs-defined area in which goods or services may be transacted without taxes or government regulations. A
special case is the freeport, into which goods are imported without any customs tariffs.

FRICTIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT
Frictional unemployment is a kind of structural unemployment due to unavoidable time lags in a free-market
economy mainly due to technological changes - there are search delays involved, for example, in moving from one
job to another.
FOOTLOOSE INDUSTRIES
Highly mobile industries, which are locatable anywhere as the raw material is light or is of little importance e.g.
electronics, micro-processor chips etc.

GIFFEN GOODS
A basic commodity for which demand rises as prices rise while it falls at lower prices. Giffen observed that as the
price of bread rose, the poor using it as their staple diet, could not buy other, costlier food items. So they had to
replace it with more bread. Similarly, because bread was the bulk of their spending, they enjoyed this increase in
their real income when its price fell. Now they could substitute other, more palatable food for bread.

GILT-EDGED SECURITIES
Fixed-interest government securities. They are called gilt-edged because of the certainty of principal and interest
payments in time. The name comes from the gold plating on the margins of the treasury certificate issued by the
treasury. However the Reserve Bank of India now issues such certificates without gold-plating but the name stays.

GLOBALIZATION
The geographic spread of industrial and service activities and the cross-border linkages of companies (e.g. through
joint ventures and asset sharing). Globalization does not need a physical presence in other countries, or even
exports and imports, e.g. an activity can be shifted abroad by licensing, which only needs information and finance
to cross borders. Its pace been facilitated by better transport and communications, deregulation, trade
liberalization and exchange controls.

GOLDEN HANDSHAKE
A pre-mature retirement plan under which an employee is given sufficient money in cash on retirement to let him
find another occupation / set up a business. This scheme was a part of the Exit Policy of the government after
1991. This is also referred to as the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). A separate fund called the National
Renewal Fund was constituted to retrain the VRS-affected workers.
 44

HOT MONEY
The funds that flow into a country to benefit from favourable rates of interesty, thereby influencing the balance of
payments and strengthening the exchange rate of the recipient country. These funds are highly volatile and are
shifted elsewhere when interest rates favour the move.

INFORMAL ECONOMY (BLACK ECONOMY)

'Underground' or 'black' economic activity which avoids taxes and government regulations. As per a 2009 OECD
report, the share of the informal sector worldwide ranges from 10- 50 % of the GDP. Its share in developed
economies is generally less than 20 % but is considerably higher in developing countries.
Such firms remain small, have no incentive to grow, lack innovation and scale. The resulting loss of taxes
increases the tax burden on the formal, organized economy. A study on black money in India by the National
Institute of Public Finance and Policy pegs the size of black money at around 50 % of India’s GDP.

INTER-BANK CALL MONEY MARKET

The money market for the banks to borrow or lend among themselves for fixed periods to tide over short-term
liquidity problems. The interest rate at which the funds are offered to banks is called the Inter-Bank Offered Rate
or, in London, the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR). In Mumbai, the rate offered for loans among banks in
such a market is called the MIBOR. The corresponding rate for deposits is known as the inter-bank market bid
rate.

MERCHANT BANKER
Helps companies raising capital in the stock exchanges by underwriting (“insuring”) their share issues. Merchant
bankers also advise on mergers and deal in securities.

ISLAMIC FINANCE
The Quran, the holy Islamic scripture, is the main basis of Islamic law (sharia), which forbids usury and
commercial borrowing/ lending of money. It is, however, acceptable for Islamic banks to share profits and losses
with depositors and borrowers, where they share the risks. Sharia-compliant bonds may also be issued where the
'interest’ paid varies with the profits or losses of the issuer.

JUNK BOND
A high-yield, fixed-interest security of low quality and low credit rating, below “investment grade”. The chances of
repayment of principal and interest by the issuer in time are pretty low.
Junk bonds were pioneered in the US in the mid -1970s. Other bonds may fall to junk status when their rating
worsens. Loosely speaking, they are toxic assets and having them in a portfolio can be dangerous to financial
health.

JUST- IN -TIME
A form of production management, which began in Japan. The companies do not obtain stocks until they are
actually needed. Traditionally, companies used to keep large quantities of parts ready for production. Just-in-time
management can hold up the production process if a certain part is short but it also exposes which parts of the
process are going wrong often. Besides, it lowers the costs of maintaining the stocks.

KNOWLEDGE PROCESS OUTSOURCING (KPO)

KPO is a process in which knowledge-based services e.g. legal counsel, engineering are sought from foreign
countries mainly due to wage differences.
 45

LAFFER CURVE
It gives the relation between total tax revenue and corresponding tax rates. Basically, it describes how changing
the tax rate affects the tax collections.

LAISSEZ FAIRE
Non-intervention by the government in economic activities. The idea that the government has no business to
intervene in any economic activity. The idea received support from classical economists, who had inherited it from
Adam Smith.

LEGAL TENDER
A form of payment acceptable as legal settlement of a debt. For example, the fifty-rupee and the hundred-rupee
notes in India are legal tenders but the 50 paise coins, cheques and postal orders are not. Contrarily, in the USA,
all coins and currency are legal tenders and cannot be refused in debt settlement.

LIQUIDITY
The extent to which an asset can be quickly changed into cash. A current account deposit is a liquid asset because
it may be withdrawn instantly. An office building, in contrast, will take a considerable time to dispose of. A
company is said to be liquid if a high ratio of its assets are in cash/ esaily saleable securities.

MAASTRICHT TREATY
The treaty signed in Maastricht (the Netherlands) in 1992. More formally called the Treaty on European Union. It
sought to create the European Union (EU) out of the European Economic Community and clear the path towards
European Economic and Monetary Union. The Euro is its common currency. It is headquartered in Brussels.

MERIT GOODS
Socially desirable commodities, irrespective of consumers' preferences. Most governments bypass the citizens’ free
will by subsidizing certain goods and services e.g. education.

MIXED ECONOMY
A development model wherein both private and public enterprises take part in economic activities. A mixed
ownership of the means of production is typical of all modern economic systems.
The Indian economy has followed a mixed model since Independence, with the public and private sectors given
distinct roles. Of course, the balance has shifted after liberalization. Though the economy remains a mixed one,
the private sector occupies a commanding position in several domains earlier reserved for the public sector.

MOST FAVOURED NATION

Such a clause obliges the participants to give to each other any favourable trading terms offered in agreements
with other, third parties. In simple words, it means no favour or disfavor for any country in terms or conditions for
global trade. This is part of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

NAVRATNA
Those Public Sector Units which have been granted functional autonomy by the government on the basis of their
past financial performance e.g. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd., Steel Authority of India Ltd., Indian Oil Corp
etc. Some other PSUs have been given the status of Mini-Navratnas.
 46

OLIGOPOLY
A situation dominated by a few large suppliers. Cement, soft drinks, IMFL and truck manufcaturing are notable
examples of oligopoly in India.

PONZI SCHEME
An investment fraud (pyramid or chain scheme) in which the culprit keeps the investment and pays returns to
older investors from the new joinees’ money. There is no productive economic activity here and a time comes
when there is no money to pay the promised super-normal profits to the later members.
The name comes from a 1920s US scandal involving Charles Ponzi. During the 2009 sub-prime crisis, Bernie
Madoff, a US stockbroker, was found guilty and put behind bars for running a similar scheme, probably the largest
fraud in history. Closer home, the Saradha Chit Fund scam is a prominent example of such Ponzi schemes as was
the Speak Asia fraud.
In India, all such money-circulation scheme, involving no product or service, are banned by the Reserve Bank but
such instances keep on popping up now and then.

POVERTY
In India, poverty was traditionally defined by calorie consumption (minimum 2400 calories/day in rural areas and
2200/ day in urban areas) earlier, but currently, the Planning Commission defines poverty by a certain minimum
purchasing power at a time. For instance, in a controversial decision, the Commission recently came out with a
proposal to define notional poverty as having less than Re. 28.65/- per day in an urban area and Re. 22.42/- in a
rural area. The definition attracted much criticism because of its obvious irrelevance given the current inflation but
the Commission has clarified that it is a notional definition used to determine the eligibility for Below Poverty Line
benefits.
Experts call it misleading because food alone does not drive a man. The ability to buy clothes, housing, education
and the like must also be part of the poverty criteria. If one were to go by this view, the number of people Below
Poverty Line (BPL) is going to multiply several times the official figure of 22%.

PREDATORY PRICING
Fixing very low prices to weaken or eliminate competitors. Since prices will be raised again once these goals are
achieved, there is no permanent benefit to the consumer. Predatory pricing is done to establish or maintain a
monopoly. For example, several telecom players had accused the BSNL of predatory pricing after its entry in the
cellphone space as it could afford to charge low rates owing to its existing network. Incidentally, charging such
prices is illegal and it can invite penal action from the Competition Commission of India.

PREFERENCE SHARES
Preference shareholders enjoy preference over ordinary shareholders, but follow bond holders, in dividend
payment and return of capital if the firm is liquidated. These shares normally entitle the holder only to a fixed rate
of dividend. They have limited voting rights and may be redeemable or not.

PRIME LENDING RATE (PLR)

The interest rate charged by commercial banks from the very best corporate borrowers for short-term loans in the
USA. Others have to pay more. In India, the Reserve Bank had a decontrolled Prime Lending Rate (PLR)
mechanism wherein every bank had a ceiling i.e. Prime Lending Rate. The actual interest rate for a customer was
below this rate, depending on credit risk. But this system has now been replaced by a Base Rate system which
prescribes a floor rate for all banks.
 47

PUMP PRIMING
Infusion of small government spending into a depressed economy to boost business confidence and promote big
private investment. After the sub-prime crisis in 2008, the USA practiced it to revive its economy.

PLASTIC MONEY
A term for credit cards, which can be used by the cardholders for shopping, buying traveling tickets etc.

REAL TIME GROSS SETTLEMENT (RTGS)

A settlement based on instant payment for a transaction, which does not take account of balancing payments in
the reverse direction. A major merit in this system is that it protects against any default by the debtor. Almost all
public sector and private banks in India offer this service for money transfer to another account in some other city
within hours.

RECESSION
A small decline in economic activity, as different from a slump or depression which is a more severe, prolonged
downturn. Recessions are a necessary feature of a business cycle. Two successive quarters of declines in Gross
Domestic Product growth rate would make for a recession.

SOFT LOAN
A loan given at a very low rate as compared to the prevailing rates of interest e.g. some loans given by World
Bank, loans given by banks to their staff.

SUNRISE INDUSTRIES
Industrial sectors having great future potential in terms of growth e.g. biotechnology, telecom, software etc.

SUNSET INDUSTRIES
Industries which face a bleak future due to slowing demand and technological aging e.g. textiles, manual
typewriters, landline phones, kerosene stoves etc.

UNIVERSAL BANK
A bank offering a wide range of financial services e.g. retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, loans,
distribution of insurance plans, mutual funds, pensions and credit cards etc. In India, the new-age banks like ICICI
Bank and HDFC Bank can be rightly described as universal banks.

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)

A general tax applied at each point during exchange of goods from primary production to final consumption. It is
levied on the difference between the sale price of the goods (output) and the cost of goods and services (inputs)
used for its production. The cost of these inputs is taken to include all charges, including all taxes except VAT
itself.

WELFARE STATE
A nation that provides to all the minimum education, health, housing, pensions and other social benefits.

WHITE GOODS
Consumer durables like TV, Washing Machine, Fridge, AC etc.
 48

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ORGANIZATIONS

INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)
Established in 1945 at the Brettonwoods Conference but began its operations in 1947. Its main objectives are to
promote international monetary co-operation, ensure balanced international trade, ensure exchange rate stability
and give assistance to member countries for eliminating adverse balance of payments.

The member quotas and assistance are expressed in SDRs (Special Drawing Rights), also known as Paper Gold.
The value of the SDR is determined by the basket of currencies of the 5 largest exporting member countries: US
Dollar, Deutsche Mark, Yen, Franc and Pound Sterling.

INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT (IBRD)

The IBRD and its associate institutes are called the World Bank. Its major goal was to help rebuild the Second
World War-damaged economies. IBRD was established in 1945 together with IMF on the basis of the Brettonwoods
Conference recommendations. That is why both IMF and IBRD are together called ‘Brettonwoods Twins’. The IBRD
started functioning in June 1946. World Bank and IMF are complementary institutions.

IMF vs WORLD BANK

Both the “Brettonwoods Twins” were established to promote international economic co-operation but there is a
basic difference in the nature of economic assistance given by them. The World Bank provides long-term loans for
balanced economic development and finances developmental projects, while the IMF provides short-term loans to
countries for addressing their BoP problems.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (IDA)

An associate institution of the World Bank, often known as its soft loan window. IDA was established in 1960, with
membership open to all members of the World Bank. IDA does not charge any interest on the long-term loans it
gives to the poor countries. The IDA is administered by the same group which manages the World Bank.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION (IFC)

The World Bank established IFC in 1956 to provide loans to private industries of developing nations without any
government guarantee. It also promotes additional capital investment in these countries. Thus, the main work of
IFC is to ensure the financial support to private sector in developing countries.

GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT)

During the Great Depression of 1929 and thereafter, global trade was badly affected and various countries
imposed import restrictions to safeguard their economies, causing a fall in world trade. In 1947, 23 countries met
in Geneva to finalize an agreement on tariffs imposed on trade. This agreement was called General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which came into force in 1948. Initially GATT was a temporary arrangement but later it
became a permanent agreement.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) which came into existence on January 1, 1995 after many years of Uruguay
Round negotiations, replaced the GATT.
 49

WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO)

The Marrakesh Treaty after the Uruguay Round of GATT (1986-93) gave birth to the World Trade Organization. It
replaced GATT on January 1, 1995. Its major goals are to improve living standards in member countries, ensure
full employment and improve production and trade of goods.

UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD)

UNCTAD is a permanent organization for promoting international trade headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Generally, UNCTAD holds its session after every 4 years.

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB)

The ADB was established in 1966 on the recommendations of ECAFE (Economic Commission for Asia and Far
East). Its aim is to promote economic development in Asian countries. The head office of the Bank is located in
Manila, Philippines.

SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL CO-OPERATION (SAARC)

India, Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal make up SAARC, which was created on the
recommendations of Dhaka Conference in 1985. Its secretariat (headquarters) is in Kathmandu. In 1995, the 8th
SAARC Summit in New Delhi had decided to establish SAFTA by 2001.

ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC)

ASEAN is an association of South-East Asian Nations. Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand
created this association in 1967. The goal of ASEAN is to promote economic co-operation in South-East Asia and
ensure regional economic stability. Its headquarters is in Jakarta but a Secretary of ASEAN lives in the capital of
each member country. Since 1996, Indi has held a dialogue partner or observer status in ASEAN.

ORGANIZATION OF PETROLEUM EXPORTING COUNTRIES (OPEC)

OPEC was constituted in Baghdad in 1960 with Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela as its founder
members. OPEC seeks to control the production and prices of petroleum to safeguard the interests of oil exporting
countries. OPEC attempts not only to stabilize oil prices but also seek the maximum oil prices from importers. It is
based in Vienna (Austria).

SOUTH COMMISSION
The South commission is also known as South-South commission which was constituted under the aegis of the
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The objective of this Commission was to protect the interests of Third World from
the discriminatory policies of international financial institutions. Its headquarters is in Geneva. “South-South Co-
operation” refers to mutual economic co-operation among developing countries.

G-8
An organization of seven highly industrialized countries - USA, Canada, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Japan
and Russia. Its first summit was held at Rambonilet, Paris in 1975.

G-15
G-15 is an organization of 17 non-aligned developing countries, established 1989 at the Non-aligned Summit
(NAM) at Belgrade. The G-15 Secretariat is in Geneva but its headquarter is rotated to the country of the group
Chairman. It is mainly an attempt to make G-77 (77 developing countries) stronger.
 50

G-77
G-77 includes members from the Third World - Asia, Africa and Latin America. It is an international economic
community of developing countries to protecting economic interests of its members.

ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)

To rehabilitate the weak economies of Europe after World War II, OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation
and Development) was founded, with its headquarters in Paris. The OECD seeks to co-ordinate the welfare policies
of the member countries and induce them to promote welfare activities in their respective economies.

BENELEX
A commercial union of Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg, created in 1958 to promote mutual commercial co-
operation among them. Headquartered in Brussels (Belgium).

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (EEC) OR EUROPEAN COMMON MARKET (ECM)

Six European countries called ‘Inner Six’ (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, W. Germany and Italy)
created the EEC after the Rome Treaty (1957). Its aim was to ensure complete free trade among member
countries. At present, it is the largest commercial community of the world. Its headquarters is in Brussels
(Belgium).

EUROPEAN UNIFICATION AND MAASTRICHT TREATY

The EEC tried to align the economic policies of all its 15 members. In 1991, important decisions on the political,
monetary and economic unification of Europe were taken by their Heads of States. This treaty was a major effort
towards European unification and is known as the Maastricht Treaty.
From 1993, this treaty was implemented for political and economic unification of these countries, giving birth to a
new organization called European Union. This treaty signed in 1992 seeks to ensure that all its member countries
make all efforts have homogeneous economic and monetary policies.

NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA)

In 1992, the USA, Canada and Mexico together declared the North American region as a Free Trade Area by a
treaty called NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). NAFTA was constituted mainly to meet the
challenges of EEC and Japanese economic policies. NAFTA has been in operation among the USA, Canada and
Mexico since 1994.

ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC)

APEC is a new economic grouping on the international forum, which was constituted on the initiative of the
Australian PM Bob Hawk. All the developing and developed economies from the Himalayas to the Andes and from
New Zealand to Canada are part of APEC. The APEC countries contribute more than 40% of the total world trade.
It has been decided to convert Asia Pacific region of the world into a Free Trade Area by 2020 A.D. As on date,
APEC is the biggest economic bloc in terms of total business transacted.

MERCOSUR
Mercosur is a new common market among four South American countries - Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and
Uruguay. Since 1995, these four countries have abolished all restrictions on mutual trade.
 51

INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL CO-OPERATION (IORARC)

The IORARC was set up in 1996 in Mauritius to promote economic co-operation among the countries in the coastal
regions around the Indian Ocean to work as a bridge among Asia, Africa and Australia. The union keeps the entry
doors open to all the nations located in the Rim area of the Indian Ocean.

QUICK REVISION FACTSHEET-01

1. The commission which decides the distribution of taxes between the centre and states - Finance
Commission (Article 280)

2. LIBOR stands for - London Inter-Bank Offered rate, MIBOR stands for – Mumbai Inter-Bank
offered Rate

3. Reserve Bank of India appoints a special authority for complaint redressal in banking services,
which is called - Banking Ombudsman

4. The difference between the revenue receipts plus certain non-debt capital receipts and the total
expenditure including loans is called - Fiscal Deficit

5. Excess of revenue expenditure over revenue receipts - Revenue Deficit

6. Share issuing companies, issue managers, underwriters and share applicants – all form part of -
Primary Market

7. Buying/ selling stocks, commodities or foreign exchange for delivery at a future date - Forward
Trading

8. An entity that collects money from people to invest it in stocks, bonds or other assets - Mutual
Fund

9. The issue of shares by a Public Ltd. Company for the first time is called - Initial Public Offering
(IPO)

10. If a cheque is returned due to insufficient funds, it is a criminal offence under - Negotiable
Instruments Act (Section 138)

11. SARFAESI stands for - Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of
Security Interest

12. To overcome the problem of NPAs (Non Performing Assets), ------ has been enacted, which
empowers the banks to take possession of assets directly without court intervention - SARFAESI Act,
2002

13. Cheque Truncation - To accelerate inter-banks cheque payments, the RBI has developed a
system whereby instead of physical cheques, their digital image is sent to the clearing house and is
forwarded to the paying banker, which makes the payment on the basis of the image only. It ensures
efficiency and low costs and prevents banking frauds. All cheque books now are supposed to be
Cheque-Truncation Complaint (CTS).

14. All banks with a government shareholding of 51% or more are called - Public Sector Banks

15. Cash Reserve Ratio - All banks have to maintain a certain portion of their total deposits as cash
with the RBI.

16. Statutory Liquidity Ratio - All banks need to maintain a certain portion of their total deposits with
themselves as approved securities, gold or cash.
 52

17. Open Market Operations – The RBI buys / sells securities in the open market to improve or
decrease the money supply.

18. CIBIL stands for - Credit Information Bureau of India Ltd.

19. CIBIL functions as - a common database company which maintains the details of credit obtained
by all borrowers and their repayment history

20. Credit Rating - An assessment of the probability of default on loans.

21. Lending to the poor to help them get out of poverty - Micro Finance

22. Banking channel which minimizes the use of paper in routine transactions - Green Banking

23. ATM stands for - Automated Teller Machine

24. Rupay Card is - Indian domestic card payment network set up by National Payments Corporation
of India

25. A cheque is valid for - 3 months from the date of issue

26. As per RBI guidelines, the banks cannot charge interest on a loan below - Base Rate

27. Bank Rate- The interest rate charged by the RBI from banks on loans against rediscounting of
bills is called – Bank Rate

28. Arbitrage - Buying an asset cheap and selling it in a different market at a higher price.

29. Equated Monthly Installment (EMI)- Monthly installment (including interest and part of principal)
towards repayment of a loan

30. Subvention - A government subsidy on the interest payable to banks by a borrower. Mostly, it is
applicable to home loans.

31. Escrow Account- A borrower receives all his incomes and receipts in an Escrow Account and later
on, the bank decides what amount is to be shared with him. The balance goes towards repayment of
bank dues and other dues.

32. Deflation – The opposite of inflation. A decline in general price levels, caused by a falling money
and credit supply.

33. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement - Bilateral agreement to avoid taxation on the same
income in both the countries

34. Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) – A system of settlement of remittances on a gross,
real-time basis. The fastest method to transfer funds from one bank to another and one branch to
another branch.

35. Money Laundering - Hiding illegal sources of money and making it look like it came from legal
sources.

36. Hedging – A strategy of reducing risk due to price changes by taking a position in the futures
market.

37. Swabhiman - A government campaign to promote financial inclusion

38. Red Herring Prospectus - A prospectus which does not mention the exact price or the number of
shares to be issued in an IPO.
 53

39. Stagflation - A situation marked by inflation, stagnation and unemployment

40. Hyperinflation - Sustained high inflation, which is difficult to control

41. The Finance Commission is constituted after – 5 years

42. Wholesale Price Index – Used in India to measure the rate of inflation.

43. The base year for Wholesale Price Index is- 2004-2005

44. Fiscal Deficit and Current Account Deficit are - The Twin Deficits in the Indian economy.

45. Factoring – A transaction wherein a business entity sells its receivables (collection from buyers)
at discounted prices, to a third-party called a ‘factor’.

46. Postponement of the controversial tax provision GAAR was recommended by - Parthasarathi
Shome Committee

47. Current Account Deficit – Shortfall caused by excess foreign currency outflow due to imports is
more than the inflow due to exports.

48. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - The real name of World Bank

49. Broad Money - Popular name for M3 money supply

50. Business Correspondent – An agent of a Bank, who provides banking services in remote rural
areas to ensure the last-mile connectivity of the banking system.

QUICK REVISION FACTSHEET- 02

1. Crossed Cheque- The payment cannot be made in cash as a crossed cheque has to be deposited in
a bank account.

2. Chairman of the 14th Finance Commission- Dr. Y V Reddy

3. The 14th Finance Commission recommendations will be applicable from 2015 -2020

4. The Planning Commission is appointed under which Article of the constitution?- Not provided in
the Constitution (It is an extra-constitutional body)

5. Functions of public debt office in India are performed by - Reserve Bank of India

6. NEFT services are run by – RBI

7. With effect from FY 2012-13, e-filing of income tax return has been made mandatory for - All
individuals with income of 5 lakh and more

8. In the budget for 2013-14, the government has proposed surcharge of 10% on persons with a
minimum income of - Rs. 1 crore

9. The account into which all the government revenues, loans raised and receipts from loan recovery
go - Consolidated Fund of India

10. The account in which Rs. 500 crores drawn from the Consolidated Fund are maintained, which lie
at the President’s disposal for unforeseen expenses - Contingency Fund
 54

11. Demat Account - Demat is the short form of De-materialization, which is digital form of storing
shares with a share depository. Under SEBI laws, it is compulsory to route all share transactions in
the Demat mode.

12. Blue Chip companies – Consistently profitable, dividend-paying companies.

13. Zero Coupon Securities – Bonds issued at a discount to their face value. Also called Deep
Discount Bonds

14. Gilt Edged Securities – Government securities which are highly safe and carry little risk

15. Market capitalization - Market Cap or m-cap in short, computed by multiplying the total no. of
shares of a company by their current price.

16. Bears and Bulls – A terms from the stock markets lingo. The bears believe that share prices are
likely to fall in near future and therefore they indulge in outright selling of shares. Thus, a bearish
market is one where prices are falling. In contrast, the bulls believe that share prices are likely to
rise in future and therefore they indulge in buying of shares. Thus, a bullish market is one where
prices are rising.

17. Underwriting - An agreement between a share issuing company and a financial agency
(underwriter), which will buy the shares not bought by the public in an IPO/FPO. The underwriter
charges an underwriting commission for this service.

18. Reverse Mortgage Loan - A loan disbursed in installments and repaid in lump sum, usually after
the borrower’s death, from the sale proceeds of the property. Suitable for the elderly without a
source of regular income but having property in their name.

19. Suresh Tendulkar Committee - Methodology for fixing the poverty line

20. C Rangarajan Committee - Financial Inclusion

21. Malegam Committee – Micro Finance Institutions

22. Damodaran Committee - Improvement in customer services in banks

23. Raghuram Rajan Committee -Financial Sector Reforms

24. Vijay Kelkar Committee - Fiscal consolidation

25. NBFC (Non Banking Finance Companies) - Companies with functions similar to banking like
accepting deposits and making loans. However, they do not have banking licenses, although they are
regulated by the RBI.

26. The new, simplified income tax return forms for salaried individuals is- SAHAJ

27. The simplified income tax return form for individuals having business income- SUGAM

28. The interest rate at which the banks borrow money among themselves for short periods is called-
Call Money

29. Buying/selling of shares, commodities or foreign exchange for delivery at a later date- Forward
Trading

30. Proposed laws which will replace indirect taxes such as Sales Tax, VAT, Excise and Customs -
Goods and Services Tax (GST)

31. Consumer Price Index (CPI) tracks the retail prices of essential goods and services, with the
base year- 2010
 55

32. Regulation of Banks- The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 empowers the Reserve Bank of India to
regulate and control the banks in India. The RBI has the authority to issue any directions to the
banks as it deems suitable. It is mandatory for all banks (including foreign banks) to comply with the
RBI directions.

33. Public Sector Banks -All those banks in which the government share holding is 51% or more e.g.
all nationalized banks, State Bank of India, IDBI Bank and regional Rural Banks.

34. Private Banks- All banks other than public sector banks. They can be Indian Banks or Foreign
Banks. Those registered in India are called Indian Banks while those with their registered office
outside India are the Foreign Banks.

35. Nationalized Banks - The banks which were nationalized in 1969 and 1980. In all, 14 banks were
nationalized in 1969 while six were nationalized in 1980.

36. Development Banks- They provide long term credit while the commercial banks generally provide
short term credit. These banks work mainly for the development of a particular field. Public dealing
with these banks is very limited. There are five such major development banks in India e.g. IDBI,
SIDBI.

37. NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development): Ape bank for development of
agriculture
and rural economy. Works as the apex agricultural credit bank in India and as regulator of
cooperative banks and RRBs.

38. SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India): Works for the development of small
Industries.

39. NHB (National Housing Bank): Works for the development of housing sector and also regulates
the housing finance companies.

40. EXIM Bank (Export Import Bank of India): Works for the promotion and financing of exports and
imports.

41. IFCI (Industrial Finance Corporation of India): First Development Financial Institution (DFI) in
India to cater to the long-term finance needs of the industry.

42. Types of Money Supply- The RBI classifies money supply in India into four categories:

• MO- Reserve Money: currency in circulation + deposits with the RBI

• M1 – Narrow Money: MO + demand deposits with the banking system
• M2 – M1 + term deposits with maturity up to one year + Certificates of Deposits issued by
banks
• M3 – Broad Money: M2 + other term deposits of the banks
Currently, the size of M3 money supply in India is around Rs.85 - 90 trillion.

43. NBFC (Non Banking Finance Company)- Companies with functions similar to banking like
accepting deposits and making loans. However, they do not have license for banking, although they
are regulated by the RBI.

43. DI & CGC – Deposit Insurance & Credit Guarantee Corp.- RBI subsidiary which provides an
insurance cover of Re. 1 lakh pre depositor per bank, in case of bank failure.

44. Banking Ombudsman- Expedites resolution of bank customers’ complaints. The Ombudsman can
give compensation of up to Rs. 10 lacs in banking matters and up to Rs 1 lakh in credit card cases.

45. Credit Rating - Assesses the chances of loan default by a borrower.

 56

46. CIBIL - Common database of all credit taken by borrowers and its repayment history. A bank can
immediately access the credit history of a borrower to decide on a loan request. The CIBIL also
generates a credit score for prospective borrowers.
47. CRISIL - CRISIL evaluates the probability of default on debentures, bonds and fixed deposits of
companies by giving them ratings - like A, AA, AAA, B, B+, BB etc. based on the company’s ability for
timely repayment of principal and interest.

48. Credit Card- Also called plastic money. Popular means of making payments or withdrawing cash.
A credit card is like a loan limit which can be used to make payment etc. only up to a limit. The credit
card holder gets a monthly bill for the transactions and gets a credit-free period for bill payment,
after which interest is payable.

49. KYC - Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Paris has introduced norms on identification of
customers and address verification, called Know Your Customer (KYC) norms. The RBI has made
these norms compulsory for all banks in India.

50. Basel Norms - Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) prescribes norms for banks on
the minimum capital requirements. As per the recommendations, the capital of a bank cannot be less
than 8% of its Risk Weighted Assets (RWA). This ratio is termed Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) or
Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR).

51. Financial Inclusion - Providing basic financial services to the people not yet covered by them. The
government’s latest Jan Dhan Yojana is a step in this direction only.

52. Basic Savings Account- To promote financial inclusion, the RBI has introduced savings accounts
with zero balance and no restrictions on the number of deposits. The earlier No Frill Accounts are to
be renamed as Basic Savings Account.

53. Micro Finance Institutions - Financial institutions which give small loans in backward / interior
areas. The Malegam Committee reported on the working of MFIs.
54. Microfinance – Tool of economic development to help the poor get out of poverty. It covers
credit, savings, insurance, money transfers, counseling, etc. Normally, loans up to Rs. 50,000 are
covered under micro finance schemes.

55. Debit Card- A debit card combines an ATM card and a cheque. When one pays with a debit card,
the seller swipes the card through an electronic point of sale (EOS) terminal, which is directly linked
to the card-issuing bank. The cardholder’s account is debited instantly. If you spend Rs 520 at a
store, your bank account immediately gets debited for the amount. There is no credit facility
available here, unlike a credit card. Debit cards are issued by the banks, but are used at shops /
stores.

56. Non Performing Assets (NPA) - NPAs are the loans on which the borrower defaults or delays
interest / principal payments. The ratio of NPAs to the loans and advances made by Indian banks is
very high compared to the banking systems in advanced countries. Banks cannot book any income
from NPAs. Further, they have to make provisions for the NPA i.e. keep money aside in case they
can't recover it. All this impacts profitability adversely.

57. Venture Capital - Venture capital is provided by professionals investment firms for young, rapidly
growing or changing companies with high growth potential. A venture capitalist (VC) may provide
capital for unproven ideas, products, technology or start-up firms. The VC may also invest where
raising finance through conventional means is not possible.

58. Bit coin – A bit coin is a peer-to-peer payment system introduced as open source software. The
digital currency so created and used is called bit coin or virtual currency. The bit coin system is not
regulated by a single entity bank, thereby giving its name --- decentralized currency.

59. Mutual Fund- A mutual fund is a common investment pool which raises money from several
people and invests it as per a decided goal. The benefits of such investment go to all the investors
proportionately. A mutual fund is an ideal investment vehicle for today's complex world.
 57

CORPORATE AND BUSINESS GK

1. Companies & Logos: Due to the design, the color, the shape, and eventually additional elements of
the logotype, each one can easily be differentiated from other logotypes. For example, a box of Kellogg's
cereals will be easily recognized in a supermarket's shelf from a certain distance, due to its unique
typography and distinctive red coloring. The same will be true when one is at the airport looking for the
booth of the Hertz Rent-A-Car company.

Some well-known logos include Apple Inc.'s apple with a bite taken out, which started out as a rainbow of
color, and has been reduced to a single color without any loss of recognition. Coca-Cola's script is known
worldwide, but is best associated with the color red; its main competitor, Pepsi has taken the color blue,
although they have abandoned their script logo. IBM, also known as "Big Blue" has simplified their logo
over the years, and their name. What started as International Business Machines is now just "IBM" and
the color blue has been a signature in their unifying campaign as they have moved to become an IT
services company.

There are some other logos that must be mentioned when evaluating what the mark means to the
consumer. Automotive bran ds can be summed up
simply with their corporate logo—from the Chevrolet "Bow Tie" mark to the roundel marks of Volkswagen,
Mercedes-Benz and BMW, to the interlocking "RR" of Rolls-Royce—each has stood for a brand and clearly
differentiated the product line.

Other logos that are recognized globally: the Nike "Swoosh" and the Adidas "Three stripes" are two well-
known brands that are defined by their corporate logo. When Phil Knight started Nike, he was hoping to
find a mark as recognizable as the Adidas stripes, which also provided reinforcement to the shoe. He hired
a young student (Carolyn Davidson) to design his logo, paying her $35 for what has become one of the
best known marks in the world (she was later compensated again by the company).

Another logo of global renown is that of Playboy Enterprises. Playboy magazine claims it once received a
letter at its Chicago, Illinois offices with its distinctive "bunny" logo as the only identifying mark, appearing
where the mailing address normally appears.
Corporate identities are often developed by large firms who specialize in this type of work. However, Paul
Rand is considered the father of corporate identity and his work has been seminal in launching this field.
Some examples of his work were the UPS package with a string (replaced in March 2003 with the
"shield"), IBM and NeXT Computer.

An interesting case is the refinement of the FedEx logo, where the brand consultants convinced the
company to shorten their corporate name and logo from "Federal Express" to the popular abbreviation
"Fed Ex". Besides creating a shorter brand name, they reduced the amount of color used on vehicles
(planes, trucks) and saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in paint costs. Also, the right-pointing arrow
in the new logo hints at motion.

(i) The Logos of major Companies: The top companies in the world possess some of the most
recognizable and distinctive logos around. These companies have built some of the foundations around
which we live our lives: retail, automotive, financial services, telecommunications and energy, the staples
of our daily lives. Gathered here are the logos of the top 100 largest companies and corporations in the
world (using Fortune Magazine’s annual 500 ranking as a guideline). From the plain and simple logos like
Berkshire Hathaway, Panasonic, and Sony, to the more colorful and playful logos of ArcelorMittal and
Suez, they represent billions of dollars in annual revenues. You will notice the dominant use of reds, blues
and oranges throughout their designs, aimed at reinforcing trust, excitement and energy in the minds of
consumers

Walmart ExxonMobil
 58

Royal Dutch Shell BP

Toyota
Chevron

Total
ING Group

General Motors ConocoPhillips

Daimler General Electric

 59

Sinopec
Ford

Citigroup Volkswagen

Dexia Group HSBC Holdings

BNP Paribas Allianz

State Grid
Credit Agricole

China National Petroleum Duetsche Bank

 60

ENI
Bank of America

AT&T Berkshire

UBS JP Morgan Chase

Carrefour AIG

Samsung
Siemens

Honda HP
 61

Societe Generale
Pemex

HBOS
McKesson

Gazprom
IBM

Hitachi Valero Energy

Nissan Tesco

E.On Verizon
 62

Deutsche Post
Metro Group

Satander
Nestle

Cardinal Health
Statoil Hydro

Goldman Sachs Morgan Stanley

Petrobras Deutsche Telekom

 63

Peugeot

Home Depot

Eletricite de France
Peugeot

Aviva Fiat

Panasonic BASF

Credit Suisse Sony

Telefonica UniCredit
 64

Procter & Gamble

BMW

CVS Caremark Hyundai

France Telecom
US Postal Service

Vodafone SK Group

Kroger Nokia

ThyssenKrupp Lukoil
 65

Toshiba Repsol YPF

Boeing Prudential

Prudential Petronas

Suez
AmerisourceBergen

Munich Re Group
Suez

Costco Robert Bosch

 66

Target Assicurazioni Generali

Royal Bank of Scotland UnitedHealth Group

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone

(ii) Company Logos and their Meanings:

You might think the arrow does nothing here. But it says that amazon.com has everything from a to z and
it also represents the smile brought to the customer's face.

The three stripes on the Adidas Logo represent a mountain, pointing out towards the challenges than are
seen ahead and goals that can be achieved.
 67

Body Wisdom- This is a logo design for a high end spa. The closely placed “owl eyes” convey wisdom
while the hands effectively give across a relaxing message.

ED logo: Gianni Bortolotti- This ingenious logo has been designed by Josiah Jost. ED stands for “Elettro
Domestici” which means Home Appliances in English. Jost added a whole new dimension to logo designing
through this logo. He has used the negative space to demonstrate the letter “E” and “D” making the logo
look like an electric plug. Just focus on the white part of the logos to see the E in ED!

The apple in this logo is taken from the Bible story of Adam and Eve, where the apple represents the fruit
of Tree of Knowledge, with a pun on “byte/bite”.

The star in the three corners on their logo represents the Mercedes-Benz dominance on land, sea and air.
 68

Being an Online Food Delivery service, its logo shows a fork formed into an @ symbol!

The 'arrow' between the E and the x in this logo was introduced to underscore speed and precision, which
are part of the positioning of the company.

The old logo of Baskin Robbins had the number 31 with an arc above it. The new logo took this idea to the
next level. The pink parts of the BR still form the number 31, a reference to the 31 flavours.

Carrefour is one of the biggest European retailers, and its also French for crossroads. The logo symbolizes
this word via two opposite arrows. They also added the first letter of the name, because if you look closely
youll see the letter C in the negative space between the two arrows.

At first, this logo might not make much sense. But if you look closely, youll see the number 1 in the
negative space between the F and the red stripes. This logo communicates a feeling of speed.
 69

The NBC (National Broadcasting Company) is one of the biggest American television networks. The
peacock in the logo has 6 different tail feathers, referring to the six divisions at the time that this logo was
created. The peacocks head is flipped to the right to suggest it was looking forward, not back.

Sony Vaio is a well known brand of laptops - the name Vaio logo also had a hidden meaning! The first two
letters represent the basic analogue signal. The last two letters look like a 1 and 0, representing the digital
signal.

Toblerone is a chocolate-company from Bern, Switzerland. Bern is sometimes called The City of Bears.
They have incorporated this idea in the Toblerone logo, because if you look closely, youll see the
silhouette of a bear.

Unilever is one of the biggest producers of food, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products.
They produce a huge number of diverse products and they wanted to reflect this in their logo. Each part of
the logo has a meaning. For example: the heart represents love, care and health - feeling good, a bird is a
symbol of freedom.

The SUN Microsystems logo is a wonderful example of symmetry and order -the letters “u” and “n” while
arranged adjacent to each other look a lot like the letter S in a perpendicular direction.
 70

This was a logo created for a puzzle game called Cluenatic. This game involves unravelling four clues. The
logo has the letters C, L, U and E arranged as a maze. and from a distance, the logo looks like a key

Eighty-20 is a small consulting company which does sophisticated financial modeling, as well as some
solid database work. All their work is highly quantitative and relies on some serious computational power,
and the logo is meant to convey it.

People first guess that 20% of the squares are darkened, but that turns out to be false after counting
them. The trick is to view the dark squares as 1's and the light squares as 0's. Then the top line reads
1010000 and the bottom line reads 0010100, which represent 80 and 20 in binary.

On 23rd August 2012, Microsoft unveiled a new Logo. Year 1987 was the last time when Microsoft had
modified its logo and this one has come after nearly 25 years which is a significant time for any
organization. Its believed that the change in the logo comes in the anticipation of one of the biggest
launches for Microsoft in recent times - The Launch of Windows 8 in October 2012. The primary aim of this
logo is to provide a common theme across the new launches which the company is planning. The new logo
is shown below:

Segoe is the font using which the word "Microsoft" is written in the logo. The four colored square boxes
represent the portfolio of products which are supported by Microsoft.
 71

2. Companies and their Punchlines:

(i) Punchlines of various companies:

Companies Punchline
BPL Believe in the best
Aiwa Pure passion
Philips Let's make things better
Nokia Connecting people
Blue Star Breathe easy
Xerox The document company
Sybase Information anywhere
IBM Solutions for a small planet
Oracle Software powers the internet
Alcatel Architect of an internet world
Wipro Applying thought
TCS Beyond the obvious
Infosys Technologies Powered by Intellect, driven by values
NOW Experience convergence
Novell The power to change
Acer We hear you
Acer Empowering people
Sify Making the Internet work for you
Cisco Empowering the Internet generation
HP Invent
Sun Microsystems We make the Net work
Sun Microsystems Take it to the nth
Sun Microsystems Throughout computing
Polaris Software The power of precision
Apple The power to be your best
Apple Think different
Hyundai Sonata Redisover luxury
Opel The flight of German engineering
Baleno Altura Sleek silent spirited
Mercedes Benz The future of the automobile
Hyundai Accent Affordable luxury
Tata Improving the quality of life
Fiat Driven by passion
Maruti Esteem Move ahead in luxury
Honda City Gem of an engine, Jewel of a car
Honda City Makes perfect sense
Mitsubishi Lancer Own the road
BMW The ultimate driving machine
Santro India's favourite family car
Hero Honda Desh ki dhadkan
Maruti Versa Two luxury cars in one
Ford Mondeo Refined aggression
Fiat Palio Technology. To the max
 72

Companies Punchline
Opel Astra The science of comfort
Fiat Siena Get noticed
Wagon R Feeling at home
Mahindra Scorpio Nothing else will do
TVS Victor More smiles per hour
Accent Viva Rev your imagination
Honda Accord End of discussion
Bajaj pulsar Fear the black
Tata Safari Make your own road
Tata Indigo Spoil yourself
Sansui Born in Japan. Entertaining the world
Epson Exceed your vision
General Electric Imagination at work
Voltas The global cooling expert
Videocon The Indian multinational
Crompton Greaves Everyday solutions
Panasonic Ideas for life
LG Life's good (tag-line)
LG Inventive thinking
Electrolux Nourishing lives. Nourishing hopes
Mitsubishi Electric Change for the better
MTNL Lifeline of Delhi and Mumbai
Canon Delighting you always
Onida Nothing but the truth
Olympus Your vision. Our future
Daikin Complete silence
Akai Truly Japanese. Truly Advanced
Microsoft Your potential. Our passion
HP Invent
Sun Microsystems We are the dot in the s.com
Polaris Power of precision
Cisco System This is the power of the network. now'
HP Everything is possible (catchphrase)
Accenture High performance. Delivered
IBM On demand business
Acer Empowering people
AT&T Your world. Delivered
Dell Computers Consider the possibilities (tag-line)
Lenovo First you pay for it then it pays you back with interest
Microsoft Are you people ready?
IBM What makes you special?
Tata Indicom Do more. Live more
Emirates Keep discovering
Austrian Airlines The most friendly airlines
Cathay Pacific The heart of Asia
Lufthansa There is no better way to fly
 73

Companies Punchline
Jet Airways The joy of flying
Air Sahara Emotionally yours
Thai Airways Smooth as silk
Sri Lankan Airlines You are our world
Qatar Airlines Taking you more personally
Air Mauritius Non-stop caring
Malaysia Airlines Going beyond expectations
China Airlines We blossom everyday
Austrian Airlines Fly with friends
Spice jet Flying for everyone
BMI BMI Those who know fly
British Airways The world is waiting
Air India Fly Well (tag-line)
Gulf Air Colour your sky
KLM The reliable airline
Turkish Airlines Your magical gateway to the world
Indian Airlines Ltd. New horizons. Enduring values
Qantas Airlines Spirit of Australia (tag-line)
Skoda Octavia The most well built luxury car
Chevy SRV Be a sport
Ford Fusion Anything Karega
Honda Unicorn Be a wing rider
Bajaj Eliminator Designed to lead
Skoda Auto Obsessed with quality since 1885
Centra Fill it-once a month
Toyota Innova All you desire
Hyundai Accent Sheer pleasure
Land Cruiser Prado Absolute power. Period
Mercedes-Benz Brace Yourself
Cedia Totally responsive. Totally alive
Sonata Embera Undoubtedly distinguished
Alto Let's go
Maruti 800 Change your life
Chevrolet For a special journey called life
State Bank of India With you - All the way
Punjab National Bank ___, the name you can bank upon
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance We cover you. At every step of life
LIC We know India better (tag-line)
Royal Sundaram Beyond expectations
New India Insurance Company Ltd Assurance of the leaders
Union Bank of India Good people to bank with
HDFC Standard Life Respect yourself
SBI Life Insurance With us you are sure
HSBC The world's local bank
The Vysya Bank Ltd Experience relationship banking
Canara Bank Lifelong Banking
 74

Companies Punchline
Aviva Life Insurance Co. Kal par control
Iffco-Tokio General Insurance The life you deserve
SBI For your better tomorrow
Oriental Bank of Commerce Where every individual is committed
IL & FS More than a fund. A friend
Ernst & Young Quality in everything we do
DSP Merrill Lynch Bullish on Life
Syndicate Bank Reliable Responsive
Induslnd Bank We care ... Dil Se
Allahabad Bank A tradition of trust
Allianz Bajaj Life Insurance Haske Jeeyo Yaar (tag-line)
Bank of Baroda India's International Bank
Vijaya Bank A friend you can bank upon
Franklin Templeton Investments Gain from our perspective
ICICI Lombard General Insurance We keep you going
UCO Bank Honours your trust
The Federal Bank Ltd Your perfect banking partner
Dena Bank Trusted family bank
Lord Krishna Bank Banking as you like it
National Insurance Insuring your happiness
Tata Mutual Fund With expertise comes trust
Allianz Bajaj Life Insurance The power on your side
Corporation Bank One bank, many solutions
LIC Trust-thy name is LIC
Kotak Life Insurance Bulls you win. Bear you win
SBI Mutual Fund Soch hamari. Fayda aapka
IDFC IDFC Think infrastructure. Think
BNP Paribas The banking for a changing world
Tata AIG A new look at life
Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd The edge is efficiency
State Bank of India Surprisingly (catch-phrase)
ICICI Prudential Life We cover you at every step in life
 75

INDIAN POLITY
I. Basics of Indian Constitution

1. Introduction: The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework
defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of
government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens. It
is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. Besides the English version, there
is an official Hindi translation.

The Indian Constitution is the outcome of the debate, deliberations and research of a sovereign
Constituent Assembly. Various Subject Committees like the Committee On Fundamental Rights and Union
Constitution Committee had submitted their respective proposals and after a general discussion on all the
proposals, a Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. BR Ambedkar was appointed. The Drafting Committee had
the full authority to add, modify or delete any of the proposals submitted by the committees. The finalized
draft of he Indian Constitution got the signature of the President of the Constituent Assembly, Dr.
Rajender Prasad on Nov 26, 1949, which is referred to as the Date of Passing. Since the Constituent
Assembly, which finalized the Constitution was duly elected by means of indirect election by the people of
India, The Constitution of India derives its authority from the people of India. The Constitution was thus
enacted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950.

The Indian Constitution has been borrowed from:

Feature Source / Inspiration

1. Fundamental Rights USA
2. The Parliamentary System of Government UK
3. Directive Principles of State Policy Ireland (Eire)
4. Emergency Provisions Germany (Third Reich)
5. Amendment Procedure South Africa
6. Permeable To The Constitution of India France
7. Federal Model of Governance Canada

2. Salient Features of Constitution:

1. It is the longest written constitution in the world.

2. It proclaims India a Sovereign Democratic Republic.
3. Fundamental Rights are guaranteed to all citizens of India.
4. Directive Principles of State Policy are incorporated.
5. It established the parliamentary system of government, i.e., the President of the Union is the
constitutional head, the Council of Ministers or the Union Cabinet is the real executive and is
responsible to the Lok Sabha.
6. It is federal in form (in normal times) but unitary in spirit (in emergencies).
7. It is neither too rigid (as some provisions can be amended by a simple majority) nor flexible (as some
provisions require special majority for amendment).
 76

8. It declares India a secular state.

9. It guarantees single citizenship to all citizens.
10. It introduced adult franchise, i.e., every adult above 18 years has the right to vote and the system of
joint electorates.
11. It established an independent judiciary; the Supreme Court acts as a guardian of the Constitution in
place of the Privy Council.

3. Structure: The Constitution, in its current form, consists of a preamble, 22 parts containing 448
articles, 12 schedules, 2 appendices and 97 amendments (uptil 2012)

The Preamble: The draft of the Preamble was prepared by Jawaharlal Nehru and is based on the
American model. The 42nd Amendment added the words ``Secular, Socialist and Integrity'' and now the
preamble reads as follows:

“We the People of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular
Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens :

Justice; social, economic and political;

Liberty; of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
Equality; of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all;
Fraternity; assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation;

In our Constituent Assembly, November 26, 1949, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this
constitution”.
The Preamble is, technically, not a part of the Constitution (and this has been confirmed by the SC also),
but it contains the basic philosophy of the whole Constitution and the ideals of the constitution-makers. It
can be used by the Courts to help them in interpretation of the Constitution in certain matters where the
Constitution itself is silent.

Articles of the Constitution:

Part Article Deals with

Part I Articles 1-4 Territory of India,, admission,, establishment or formation of new states
Part II Articles 5-11 Citizenship
Part III Articles 12-35 Fundamental Rights
Part IV Articles 36-51 Directive Principles of State Policy
Part IV A Article 51-A Duties of a citizen of India. It was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976
Part V Articles 52-151 Government at the Union level
Part VI Articles 152-237 Government at the State level
Deals with states in Part B of the First Schedule. It was repealed by 7th
Part VII Article 238
Amendment in 1956
Part VIII Articles 239-241 Administration of Union Territories
Territories in Part D of the First Schedule
Part IX Article 242-243
and other territories. It was repealed by 7th Amendment in 1956
Part X Articles 244-244 A Scheduled and tribal areas
 77

Part XI Articles 245-263 Relations between the Union and States

Part XII Articles 264-300 Finance,, property,, contracts and suits
Trade,, commerce and travel within the
Part XIII Articles 301-307
territory of India
Part XIV Articles 308-323 Services under the Union and States
Added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976
Part XIV-A Articles 323A-323B and deals with administrative tribunals to hear disputes and other
complaints
Part XV Articles 324-329 Election and Election Commission
Special provision to certain classes ST/SC
Part XVI Articles 330-342
and Anglo Indians
Part XVII Articles 343-351 Official languages
Part XVIII Articles 352-360 Emergency provisions
Miscellaneous provision regarding exemption of the President and
Part XIX Articles 361-367
governors from criminal proceedings
Part XX Article 368 Amendment of Constitution
Part XXI Articles 369-392 Temporary,, transitional and special provisions
Short title, commencement and repeal
Part XXII Articles 393-395
of the Constitution

Schedules: Schedules are lists in the Constitution that categorize and tabulate bureaucratic activity and
policy of the Government.

 First Schedule (Articles 1 and 4)- This lists the states and territories of India, lists any changes to
their borders and the laws used to make that change.
 Second Schedule (Articles 59, 65, 75, 97, 125, 148, 158, 164, 186 and 221)- – This lists the
salaries of officials holding public office, judges, and Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
 Third Schedule (Articles 75, 99, 124, 148, 164, 188 and 219)—Forms of Oaths – This lists the oaths
of offices for elected officials and judges.
 Fourth Schedule (Articles 4 and 80) – This details the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha (the
upper house of Parliament) per State or Union Territory.
 Fifth Schedule (Article 244) – This provides for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas
and Scheduled Tribes (areas and tribes needing special protection due to disadvantageous
conditions).
 Sixth Schedule (Articles 244 and 275)— Provisions for the administration of tribal areas in Assam,
Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
 Seventh Schedule (Article 246)—The union (central government), state, and concurrent lists of
responsibilities.
 Eighth Schedule (Articles 344 and 351)—The official languages.
 Ninth Schedule (Article 31-B) – Originally Articles mentioned here were immune from judicial review
on the ground that they violated fundamental rights. but in a landmark judgement in 2007, the
Supreme Court of India held in I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu and others that laws included in the
9th schedule can be subject to judicial review if they voilated the fundamental rights guaranteed
under Article 14, 15, 19, 21 or the basic structure of the Constitutuion
 Tenth Schedule (Articles 102 and 191)—"Anti-defection" provisions for Members of Parliament and
Members of the State Legislatures.
 78

 Eleventh Schedule (Article 243-G)—Panchayat Raj (rural local government)

 Twelfth Schedule (Article 243-W)—Municipalities (urban local government).

II. The Federal System & Territory Of The Union

1. The Federal System:

 Article 1 of the Indian Constitution describes India as a “Union of States”. The term “Union” implies
that

 The Indian federal system is unique in the sense that inspite of its being a federal set-up, it still does
not have many features characteristic of a typical federal set-up (like the USA). In general, the
Indianset-up has been mostly described as quasi-federal or semi-federal due to the fact that the
balance of power tilts heavily in favour of the Centre i.e. the states enjoy comparatively lesser powers
in most spheres as compared with the Centre. Some of the noteworthy points of difference, which
illustrate the predominant role of the Centre Vs. States are as follows.

I. The States in India do not have any separate constitution of their own (except Jammu and Kashmir
which has a separate constitution as per the special agreement signed at the time of its accession to
India). They derive their authority from the same Constitution of India.

II. The States are dependent on the Centre for grants-in-aid and plan assistance to meet their
development expenditures. The taxes collected by the States are not wholly appropriated by them, but
they are distributed among the States as per the Finance Commission recommendations.

III. The States do not have any say in the matter of Constitutional amendments (except for a few
instances where their consultation may be obtained by the President or in certain special matters where at
least half of the States must ratify the legislation after being passed by the Parliament))

2. Territory of the Union

 The territory of India comprises the entire geographical territory over which the sovereignty of India,
for the time being, prevails. On the other hand, the Union of India includes only those component
units, i.e., the states, which share power with the Centre. The UTs are centrally administered areas
governed by the President acting through an Administrator appointed by him. As on date, the territory
of India consists of 29 states, 6 UTs and 1 National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT- Delhi is neither a
full state nor a UT).

 The state and union territory capitals are sorted according to the administrative, legislative and
judicial capitals. The administrative capital is where the executive government offices are located, the
legislative capital is where the state assembly convenes, and the judicial capital is the location of the
state or territorial High Courts of India.

 The States Reorganization Act, 1956 reorganized the boundaries of different Indian States in order to
meet local and linguistic demands. Interestingly, the Union Parliament can by passing a resolution in
both Houses of Parliament.
1. form a new state 2. increase the area of any state
3. diminish the area of any state 4. alter the boundaries of any state
5. or alter the name of any state (Art. 4)
 79

III. Fundamental Rights & Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy

1. Fundamental Rights: Fundamental rights help not only in protection but also the prevention of gross
violations of human rights. They emphasize on the fundamental unity of India by guaranteeing to all
citizens the access and use of the same facilities, irrespective of background. Some fundamental rights
apply for persons of any nationality whereas others are available only to the citizens of India. The right to
life and personal liberty is available to all people and so is the right to freedom of religion. On the other
hand, freedoms of speech and expression and freedom to reside and settle in any part of the country are
reserved to citizens alone, including non-resident Indian citizens. The right to equality in matters of public
employment cannot be conferred to overseas citizens of India.

Fundamental rights primarily protect individuals from any arbitrary state actions, but some rights are
enforceable against individuals. For instance, the Constitution abolishes untouchability and also prohibits
begar. These provisions act as a check both on state action as well as the action of private individuals.
However, these rights are not absolute or uncontrolled and are subject to reasonable restrictions as
necessary for the protection of general welfare. They can also be selectively curtailed. The Supreme Court
has ruled that all provisions of the Constitution, including fundamental rights can be amended. However,
the Parliament cannot alter the basic structure of the constitution. Features such as secularism and
democracy fall under this category. Since the fundamental rights can only be altered by a constitutional
amendment, their inclusion is a check not only on the executive branch, but also on the Parliament and
state legislatures.

Right to equality: Right to equality is an important right provided for in Articles 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of
the constitution. It is the principal foundation of all other rights and liberties, and guarantees the
following:

 Equality before law: Article 14 of the constitution guarantees that all citizens shall be equally
protected by the laws of the country.
 Social equality and equal access to public areas: Article 15 of the constitution states that no person
shall be discriminated on the basis of caste, colour, language etc. Every person shall have equal
access to public places like public parks, museums, wells, bathing ghats and temples etc. However,
the State may make any special provision for women and children. Special provisions may be made
for the advancements of any socially or educationally backward class or scheduled castes or scheduled
tribes.
 Equality in matters of public employment: Article 16 of the constitution lays down that the State
cannot discriminate against anyone in the matters of employment. All citizens can apply for
government jobs. There are some exceptions. The Parliament may enact a law stating that certain
jobs can only be filled by applicants who are domiciled in the area. This may be meant for posts that
require knowledge of the locality and language of the area. The State may also reserve posts for
members of backward classes, scheduled castes or scheduled tribes.
 Abolition of untouchability: Article 17 of the constitution abolishes the practice of untouchability.
Practice of untouchability is an offense and anyone doing so is punishable by law.
 Abolition of Titles: Article 18 of the constitution prohibits the State from conferring any titles. Citizens
of India cannot accept titles from a foreign State. Military and academic distinctions can be conferred
on the citizens of India.
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Right to freedom: The Constitution of India contains the right to freedom, given in articles 19, 20, 21
and 22, with the view of guaranteeing individual rights that were considered vital by the framers of the
constitution. The right to freedom in Article 19 guarantees the following six freedoms:

 Freedom of speech
 Freedom to assemble peacefully without arms.
 Freedom to form associations.
 Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India.
 Freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.
 Freedom to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation.

The constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which in turn cites specific provisions in
which these rights are applied and enforced:

 Protection with respect to conviction for offences is guaranteed in the right to life and personal liberty.
According to Article 20, no one can be awarded punishment which is more than what the law of the
land prescribes at that time. This legal axiom is based on the principle that no criminal law can be
made retrospective, that is, for an act to become an offence, the essential condition is that it should
have been an offence legally at the time of committing it. Moreover, no person accused of any offence
shall be compelled to be a witness against himself. The other principle enshrined in this article is
known as the principle of double jeopardy, that is, no person can be convicted twice for the same
offence.
 Protection of life and personal liberty is also stated under right to life and personal liberty. Article 21
declares that no citizen can be denied his life and liberty except by law. This means that a person's
life and personal liberty can only be disputed if that person has committed a crime.
 In 2002, through the 86th Amendment Act, Article 21(A) was incorporated. It made the right to
primary education part of the right to freedom, stating that the State would provide free and
compulsory education to children from six to fourteen years of age. Rights of a person arrested under
ordinary circumstances is laid down in the right to life and personal liberty. No one can be arrested
without being told the grounds for his arrest. If arrested, the person has the right to defend himself
by a lawyer of his choice. Also an arrested citizen has to be brought before the nearest magistrate
within 24 hours.

Right against exploitation: The right against exploitation, given in Articles 23 and 24, provides for two
provisions, namely the abolition of trafficking in human beings and Begar (forced labor), and abolition of
employment of children below the age of 14 years in dangerous jobs like factories and mines. Child labour
is considered a gross violation of the spirit and provisions of the constitution. Begar, practised in the past
by landlords, has been declared a crime and is punishable by law. Trafficking in humans for the purpose of
slave trade or prostitution is also prohibited by law.

Right to freedom of religion, covered in Articles 25, 26, 27 and 28, provides religious freedom to all
citizens of India. The objective of this right is to sustain the principle of secularism in India. According to
the Constitution, all religions are equal before the State and no religion shall be given preference over the
other. Citizens are free to preach, practice and propagate any religion of their choice.
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Religious communities can set up charitable institutions of their own. However, activities in such
institutions which are not religious are performed according to the laws laid down by the government.
Establishing a charitable institution can also be restricted in the interest of public order, morality and
health. No person shall be compelled to pay taxes for the promotion of a particular religion. A State run
institution cannot impart education that is pro-religion. Also, nothing in this article shall affect the
operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making any further law regulating or restricting
any economic, financial, political or other secular activity which may be associated with religious practice,
or providing for social welfare and reform.

Cultural and educational rights: As India is a country of many languages, religions, and cultures, the
Constitution provides special measures, in Articles 29 and 30, to protect the rights of the minorities. Any
community which has a language and a script of its own has the right to conserve and develop it. No
citizen can be discriminated against for admission in State or State aided institutions.

Right to constitutional remedies: Right to constitutional remedies empowers the citizens to move a
court of law in case of any denial of the fundamental rights. For instance, in case of imprisonment, the
citizen can ask the court to see if it is according to the provisions of the law of the country. If the court
finds that it is not, the person will have to be freed. This procedure of asking the courts to preserve or
safeguard the citizens' fundamental rights can be done in various ways. The courts can issue various kinds
of writs. These writs are habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari. When a
national or state emergency is declared, this right is suspended by the central government.

Right to property: The Constitution originally provided for the right to property under Articles 19 and 31.
Article 19 guaranteed to all citizens the right to acquire, hold and dispose of property. Article 31 provided
that "no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law." It also provided that
compensation would be paid to a person whose property has been taken for public purposes.

The provisions relating to the right to property were changed a number of times. The Forty-Forth
Amendment of 1978 deleted the right to property from the list of fundamental rights] A new provision,
Article 300-A, was added to the constitution which provided that "no person shall be deprived of his
property save by authority of law".

Right to Education: Article 21A - On 1 April 2010, India joined a group of few countries in the world,
with a historic law making education a fundamental right of every child coming into force. Making
elementary education an entitlement for children in the 6-14 age group, the Right of Children to Free and
Compulsory Education Act will directly benefit children who do not go to school at present.

2. Fundamental Duties: The 42nd Amendment Act has introduced a set of 10 Fundamental Duties to be
observed by all the citizens of India. Please note carefully that there is no constitutional provision for
direct enforcement of these duties. The duties are

1. To abide by the Constitution and respect the National Flag and the National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
3. To protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
4. To defend the country
5. To promote brotherhood among the Indian people.
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6. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture

7. To protect and improve the natural environment
8. To develop scientific temper and the spirit of enquiry
9. To safeguard public property
10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
11. Who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be,
ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
(The 11th Fundamental Duty has been inserted vide the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002)

3. Directive Principles of state policy: Contained in Part IV of the Indian Constitution, the directive
principles are basic guidelines for the government to perform certain things and to achieve certain goals
by these actions. Though they are non-justiciable in nature (cannot be enforced in a Court of Law), yet
they are treated as fundamental canons in the governance of the country regardless of the political
ideology of the party in power at the Centre.

Most of these aim at the establishment of the social and economic democracy described in the Preamble
to the Constitution. Some of the more important directives and the extent of the progress made in
implementing them is discussed below.

The directive under Art.39 has made one of the more remarkable progress stories so far as its
implementation is concerned. It enjoins upon the State that it should try to ensure that ownership and
control of material resources of the community are distributed so as to serve common good.
The directive in Art. 40 enjoins upon the government to have village panchayats as units of local self-
government.
Art. 45 contains a directive to the government to ensure Free Elementary Education upto 14 years of age.
It has been made into a Fundamental Right, with the passage of the 93rd CAA by Parliament.
Art. 47 advises the enactment of prohibition of liquor and intoxicating drinks and drugs. Subsequent to
this, many states have initiated some steps in this direction, but the results so far have not been very
encouraging.
Art. 44 : Enjoins upon the State to have a common set of personal laws ( personal laws deal with topics
like
marriage, divorce, succession etc.) which at the moment are different for different religious communities.
The issue has been pending for want of sufficient political will.

IV. Procedure for Amendment: The Indian Constitution is both flexible and rigid and contains many
provisions to modify, add, delete or change it according to the changing needs and circumstances. An
easier method has been prescribed for changing those provisions, which do not primarily affect the federal
system. This has been done in two ways,

1. By providing that the changes in certain constitutional provisions shall not be deemed to be
amendments.

2. Other provisions are changeable by following an amendment procedure described in Art. 368. (Even
this has two categories)

I. A Constitutional Amendment Bill may be initiated in either house of Parliament and can be passed in
each house by following the procedure below:
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1. A majority (more than 50%) of the total membership of the House must be present on the day of
voting

2. And out of those present and voting, at least two-thirds must vote for the bill.

3. If the above two conditions are fulfilled, the bill is deemed to have been passed in the respective
House. It goes to the other House thereafter, where the same procedure is repeated. Upon passage in
both the Houses in this manner, the bill goes to the President for his assent. The bill becomes an act only
after getting presidential assent.

II. However, if an amendment bill seeks to make any changes to any of the following provisions namely

A. The manner of Presidential elections.

B. Extent of Executive powers of the Union and the States.
C. The Supreme Courts and High Courts.
D. Distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States.
E. Representation of the States in Parliament.

The amendment bill in such cases must be ratified by at least 50% of the State Legislatures before the bill
goes for Presidential assent. The President cannot refuse assent to a Constitution Amendment Bill as is the
provision in case of ordinary bills. Thus the President is not competent to veto any amendment bill
presented to him for assent.

The States in India cannot initiate any bill for constitutional amendment. Notably, the procedure for a
Joint Sitting of the Houses to resolve a deadlock between them in such cases, is not applicable to
amendment bills. In essence, if one house passes an amendment bill and the other house does not, the
bill lapses and will have to be introduced afresh in order to pass it.

Some of the important amendments are shown below:-

Constitutional PROVISIONS
Amendment Act(CAA)

1st CAA’51 Restrictions imposed on Right to Speech and Expression

Education shifted to the Concurrent List, Parliament has the power to amend any
24th CAA’71
part of the Constitution
35th CAA’75 Sikkim made an associate State of India
36th CAA’75 Sikkim made a full state of India
nd
42 CAA’76 Words Socialist, Secular added to the Preamble
DPSPs were given priority over FRs
Fundamental Duties were added
44th CAA’78 Fundamental Right To Property Abolished
61st CAA’89 Voting age lowered from 21 to 18 years
rd
73 CAA’93 Panchayati Raj (Local Self-Government)
th
74 CAA’93 Urban Local Bodies
84th CAA’99 Women’s Reservation Bill
93rd CAA’02 Education made a Fundamental Right
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Added the words "or co-operative societies" after the word "or unions" in Article
97th CAA’12 19(l)(c) and insertion of article 43B i.e., Promotion of Co-operative Societies and
added Part-IXB i.e., THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES

98th CAA'13 To empower the Governor of Karnataka to take steps to develop the Hyderabad-
Karnataka Region
The amendment provides for the formation of a National Judicial Appointments
99th CAA'15 Commission. The amendment is in toto quashed by Supreme Court on 16 October
2015.

100th CAA'15 Exchange of certain enclave territories with Bangladesh and conferment of
citizenship rights to residents of enclaves consequent to signing of Land Boundary
Agreement (LBA)Treaty between India and Bangladesh.

V. The Union Executive & The Union Council Of Ministers

1. The Union Executive:

The President and the Vice-President: At the head of the Union Executive stands the President of
India, who is elected by indirect election i.e. by an electoral college, in accordance with the system of
proportional representation by a single transferable vote.
This electoral college comprises A. Elected members of both Houses of Parliament
B. Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies
Eligibility Conditions:
In order to contest for Indian Presidency, a person must
1. be a citizen of India
2. have completed 35 years of age
3. be eligible election to the Loksabha
4. not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any State Government or under any local
or other authority subject to the control of Central/State Governments.

His office tenure is 5 years from the date of assuming office, but he will be eligible for re-election. There is
no bar on the number of times for which a person can become the President of India. However, his office
may terminate before 5 years in case of

1. his resignation in writing which is addressed to the Vice-President of India

2. his removal by impeachment.
Impeachment (Art. 61): Impeachment is a semi-judicial procedure to remove the President of India. The
President of India can be removed from office on one ground only i.e. violation of Constitution. The
parliament may initiate a motion of impeachment in either House, which is then investigated by the other
House.

Powers, Privileges, Duties: The Constitution says that the all the executive powers of the Union are
vested in the President, making him the Head of the Indian State. Executive functions are those, which
are left after taking out legislative and judicial functions. But these powers are circumscribed by many
provisions like

1. The executive powers are exercisable by the President, in accordance with the advice of his Council of
Ministers (Art 74).
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2. However, the President may send back any Cabinet resolution, asking the Cabinet to reconsider it. But
if the resolution again comes back to him for his assent, it is obligatory for him to sign it. The right to
send back any resolution to the Cabinet can be exercised only once. The net result is that the President
cannot act at his discretion or “sweet will” except in certain marginal cases referred to by the Supreme
Court.

Different Powers:

A. Administrative Powers: The Indian President remains the formal Head of the Union Administration
and as such, all executive functions of the Union are expressed to be taken in his name. Further, all
officers of the Union shall be subordinate to him and
“He will have a right to be informed of the affairs of the Union”. (Art 78)
Put simply, it means that he can ask for any file/document or information relating to the affairs of the
Union.
The administrative power includes the power to appoint and remove certain high dignitaries of the State.
The President enjoys the power to appoint

1. The Prime Minister

2. Other Central Ministers on PM’s advice
3. The Attorney-General of India
4. The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India
5. Supreme Court Judges including the CJI
6. High Court Judges including the Chief Justice
7. The Governor of a State
8. The Finance Commission
9. The Union Public Service Commission and Joint Commission for a group of States

B. Military Powers

C. Diplomatic Powers

D. Legislative

1. Summoning, Prorogation, Dissolution: The President has the power to summon (call) or prorogue
(end the session) the Houses of Parliament and to dissolve the Loksabha.
2. He also enjoys the right to call a Joint Sitting of both the Houses to resolve a deadlock over any bill.(
Art 108)
3. He addresses the first session after each general election and at the first session of each year.
4. He can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha from persons with special achievements/experience
in literature, science, art and social service. Similarly, he has the right to nominate 2 Anglo-Indians to
the Loksabha, if he feels their representation is not sufficient.

A Bill becomes an Act only after getting Presidential assent. The President is competent to take any of the
following steps if a Bill is presented to him for his assent:

A. He may give assent to the Bill enabling it to become a law

B. He may withhold his assent
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C. He may return the Bill for reconsideration (except Money Bills) to the Parliament. If the Bill is re-
presented to him in this case after reconsideration, it is obligatory for him to give his assent to it.

Ordinance-Making Power: The President enjoys the power to issue an ordinance at a time, when the
Parliament is not in session. An ordinance, for all practical purposes, has the effect of a normal law passed
by the Parliament. This power is exercised by him on Cabinet advice. The ordinance issued by the
President must be passed by the Parliament within 6 weeks of reassembly otherwise it will cease to be in
operation. (Art 123)

Emergency Powers (Part XVIII)

Three types of emergency have been prescribed under the Constitution to deal with exigencies.
The President can
A. declare a “Proclamation of Emergency” due to threat to the security of India or any part of it. It can be
imposed even in the anticipation of such a threat. The proclamation of emergency must be passed by both
Houses with special majority within one month of its issuance. It can last for six months by passing each
such resolution by the requisite majority.

Because of war, external attack or armed rebellion. (Art.352).

During such an Emergency, the Union can direct the States to perform their Executive functions in the
manner specified by it, thus bringing the States under the complete control of the Union (without
suspending it). During such times, the Parliament will be authorized to make laws in respect of the State
List also (which it normally does not do). Whenever a proclamation of emergency is issued, the rights
granted by Art. 19 are immediately suspended. Any other FR can be suspended depending on a special
presidential order except the Right To Life. But since the emergency order has to be ultimately approved
by the Parliament and it is within its right to disapprove it, the final authority to suspend any FR in India
remains the Indian Parliament.

B. proclaim a state emergency (Art 356) due to breakdown of governmental machinery in any state if he
is satisfied that the government there cannot be carried out according to Constitutional provisions. Such
breakdown may occur due to a political deadlock (as in UP where no government could be formed even
after election owing to a hung assembly) or failure of the state government to comply with directions of
the Union.

In such cases, the President suspends the assembly of that state and rules the state through the
Governor, who is his nominee. That is why this is popularly known as the “President’s Rule”. It has been
applied more than 106 times till date. In such cases, the President may assume to himself any or all of
the powers of the State Legislature. Normally, it is imposed for two months initially, and is to be approved
by the Parliament. This duration can be extended, however, by six months each upto maximum of three
years by passing resolutions in the Parliament.

C. declare a Financial Emergency under Art. 360 if he feels that the creditworthiness of India or any part
of it is in danger. The objective of such an emergency is to maintain financial stability of India by
controlling the expenditures and by reducing the salaries of all government servants. Such an emergency
has never been imposed so far.
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2. The Union Council of Ministers: While the Prime Minister is selected by the President, all other
ministers are appointed by him on the advice of the Prime Minister. While selecting a Prime Minister, the
President is restricted to the leader of the majority party at the Centre or the person who is in a position
to form a government and prove his majority later on. The allocation of portfolios to the Ministers is also
done by the President as per the Prime Ministerial advice.

The PM is at the head of the Council of Ministers and the Council cannot continue to exist in the event of
resignation or death of the Prime Minister.

The term Council of Minister refers to all the Ministers, whether Cabinet, State or Deputy Ministers. In
reality, there is no classification of ministers in our Constitution. All this done has been following the
British practice in this regard.
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Loksabha (Art 75). Theoretically, if a no-trust
motion is passed against even one of the ministers in the Parliament, the whole Council is supposed to
resign as a consequence (which has not taken place so far).

VI. The Union Legislature: Comprises the President, the Loksabha and the Rajyasabha.

1. The Loksabha: Has a mixed composition with a total sanctioned strength of 550 elected members
(530 from States and 20 at the most from UTs). A maximum of 2 members from the Anglo-Indian
community may be nominated to the Loksabha by the President if he feels that they are not sufficiently
represented.

Members of the Loksabha are elected by an electoral college of all adult citizens (of not less 18 years and
who is not disqualified for non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime or corrupt or illegal practices-
Universal Adult Franchise –Art. 326). The normal duration of a Loksabha is 5 years, unless dissolved
earlier by the President. The duration can be increased by a maximum of 1 year at a time only during an
Emergency.

2. The Speaker: The Speaker is the person who presides over the Loksabha sittings. Soon after its
formation, the new Loksabha chooses its Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. Since the newly –constituted
Loksabha is yet to elect a Speaker who can administer the oath of office and secrecy to all the new MPs,
the House normally elects a Pro Tem (sort of temporary) Speaker to conduct the business during that
time. The Speaker conducts the business of the House as per the Rules of Business.

Normally, the Speaker exercises the casting vote in case of a tie over a bill in the House.
Besides, the LS Speaker presides over a Joint Sitting of both the Houses. The Speaker also ratifies a bill as
Money Bill and his decision in this matter is final. During a vacancy in the office of the LS Speaker, the
Deputy Speaker performs his duties. After the first General Elections in 1951, GV Mavlankar became the
first Speaker of the Loksabha.

3. The Rajyasabha: It is a permanent House (cannot be dissolved) with a member having a term of 6
years. One-thirds of its members retire after every two years. Consequently, there will be an election of
one-thirds of the Rajyasabha at the beginning of every 3rd year.
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It is the duty of the President to summon both Houses of Parliament at such intervals that not more than
6 months elapse between two successive sessions.
The Vice-President of India is the ex-office Chairman of the Rajyasabha. During his absence, the Deputy
Chairman discharges his duties in the House.

4. Legislative Procedures
For Bills Other Than Money Bills: May be introduced in either House by a Minister or a private member.
A private member has to seek prior permission of the House before introducing the Bill, which is normally
given. After introduction in the House, the Bill is discussed by the House and is thereafter put to vote. In
case of bills other than Money Bills, a simple majority is required to pass them (at least 50 percent of
those present and voting in the House must approve it.)
After being passed in this manner in one House, Bill goes to the other House. Upon receipt in the other
House, it undergoes all the stages again as it has in the earlier House. The other House may
subsequently

1. reject the Bill altogether

2. pass the Bill with amendments. If on return to the originating House, the amendments are accepted by
it, the Bill goes to the President for his assent. However, if the originating House does not agree to the
amendments proposed by the other House, there is a deadlock and the provision of a Joint Sitting may be
applied in such cases.
3. may take no action on it. If more than 6 months elapse in this manner, a Joint Sitting may be
summoned by the President.

Though in most spheres, the LS and the RS are equal in the matter of their rights, there are certain
special privileges enjoyed by the LS and the RS separately. For example,

1. only the Rajyasabha can recommend the creation of one or more All-India Services.
2. Only the Rajyasabha can pass a resolution to enable the Parliament to make a law on any thing
contained in the State List.

Similarly, the Loksabha enjoys certain special powers like the unique ability to introduce a money bill and
its dominant role in passing it.

Money Bills: A Bill is defined as a Money Bill if it contains any of the following provisions ONLY:

A. imposition, abolition, reduction, alteration, remission or regulation of any tax

B. taking out/depositing money from/into the Consolidated Fund/ Contingency Fund of India (Art. 110)
On the other hand, a Financial Bill is a Bill which deals with taxation plus some other provisions. That is
why the Annual Budget is known as the Annual Finance Bill because it contains many provisions apart
from those related to taxes.
A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Loksabha on the recommendations of the President. The
decision of the Speaker of the LS is final in certifying whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not. The Rajyasabha
cannot initiate a Money Bill nor can it reject or amend it after passage by the Loksabha. The Rajyasabha
must return a Money Bill within 14 days of receipt, after which the Loksabha may accept any of its
recommendations. In case the RS recommendations are accepted by the LS, the Bill will be deemed to
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have been passed by both the Houses. In case the LS does not accept the RS recommendations, the Bill
will be deemed to have been passed by both the Houses.

If the RS does not return the Bill within 14 days of its receipt, it will be deemed to have been passed.
The net result is that the RS does not have much say in matters of Money or Finance Bills. For example, in
case of Annual Budget, the Rajyasabha can discuss it or propose amendments to it but it is not obligatory
for the LS to accept them.
The President is bound to give his assent to a Money Bill so passed in the first instance itself and cannot
withhold his assent or send it back to Parliament.

VII. The State Executive: Our Constitution provides for a federal set-up and contains provisions for the
administration of the Union and the State governments. The procedure laid down for the governance of
the States is equally applicable to all, except Jammu and Kashmir.

1. The Governor: The State Governor is largely parallel to the Union President in matters of his role in
the legislative and executive process. The Governor, appointed by the President, holds office at the
President’s pleasure and enjoys the formal executive authority in a state. Any Indian Citizen above 35
years of age is eligible for Governorship, but he must not hold any office of profit, nor he be a member of
the Union or a State Legislature. The powers of appointment to the State Council of Ministers, the
Advocate-General, recommending Money- Bills etc. enjoyed by the Governor are largely analogous to
those held by the President at the Centre.

The normal office term of a Governor is 5 years, terminable earlier by resignation to the President or
dismissal by the President.

2. The State Legislature: Some of the states are unicameral i.e. have got only the State Legislative
Assembly. In some others, apart from it, there is a State Legislative Council e.g. Bihar, Jammu and
Kashmir. The SLC is largely analogous to the Rajyasabha while the State Legislative Assembly is the
equivalent of the Rajyasabha.

VIII. The Indian Judicial System: The Supreme Court of India sits at the apex of the judicial system in
India and the Parliament is competent to make any changes regarding its constitution, jurisdiction and the
salaries payable to its judges. The Supreme Court comprises a Chief Justice of India and 25 other Judges.
Besides, the CJI, with presidential consent, can request a retired SC Judge to act as a Temporary Judge in
case of lack of quorum.

Qualifications and Tenures of Judges

A person, in order to be appointed an SC Judge must
1. be a citizen of India
2. Be either a distinguished jurist or have at least 10 years’ High Court practice as an advocate OR
3. have been a High Court Judge for at least 5 years.

No minimum age nor any fixed tenure has been prescribed. An SC Judge may cease to be so
1. on attaining the age of 65 years
2. by sending his resignation to the President
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3. being impeached
The only grounds upon which an SC Judge can be removed are:

A. proven misbehaviour B. incapacity

Jurisdiction: The SC enjoys an overriding power to entertain appeal, without any limitation upon its
discretion. An appeal to the Supreme Court lies not only from the decision of any lower Courts within
India, but also from the decisions of any tribunal in India.

As A Federal Court: Art 131 gives the Supreme Court exclusive power to decide on disputes between the
Union and the States or between two or more States. Since such a case will always go to the Supreme
Court only, this is known as the original jurisdiction of the SC. Only certain classes of disputes are
excluded from this category i.e. a dispute arising out of interference with inter-state water supplies,
matters referred to the Finance Commission.

As A Court of Appeal: An appeal to the SC always lies if a death sentence has been given to a person by
any of the lower courts/tribunals. But appeals to the SC in civil cases decided by an HC will be entertained
only if the case involves an important question of law and constitutional interpretation and is certified so
by the HC concerned. Of course, the SC enjoys unlimited power of judicial review by means of its Special
Leave Petition, to hear any case arising from any Court / Tribunal within India, except Military Tribunals.

Advisory Jurisdiction: Under Art. 143, the Supreme Court can give its advice on any matter refereed to
it by the President. However, it is to be noted once a presidential reference is made to the SC on an issue,
it is not bonding on the SC to give its advice nor is it binding on the GOI to accept such advice. A case in
point is the presidential reference to the SC on the Ayodhya dispute. In this case, the SC had declined to
give any advice, saying that it was a purely political question.

As A Guarantor of The Constitution: The Supreme Court is the final interpreter the Constitution and
Other laws. It tries to ensure adherence to both and thus acts a guarantor of individual rights in India
granted by the law and the Constitution.

The high Courts: A High Court stands at the head of the judiciary in each state. But the Parliament has
the power to establish a common High Court for two or more states (like the common HC for the North-
Eastern states). A High Court comprises a Chief Justice and a number of other Judges, as may be decided
by the President.

The HC enjoys the jurisdiction over the territorial limits of the state and has the power of superintendence
and control over all Courts and Tribunals in that area.
In order to be appointed an HC Judge, a person must

1. be an Indian citizen
2. not be above 62 years of age
3. have held a judicial office in India OR
4. have been an advocate of an HC or of two more such courts in succession
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In appointing HC Judges, the President shall consult the CJI, the State Governor (and also the CJ of the
State HC in case a judge other than the CJ is to be appointed) an HC Judge holds office till 62 years of
age. However, the Judge may vacate his post

1. by resignation in writing to the President

2. on appointment as an SC Judge
3. by impeachment in Parliament.

The mode of removal of both SC and HC Judges is the same i.e. impeachment by Parliament and both
hold office during “good behviour”. Both categories of Judges, in addition to a monthly salary, are entitled
to the use of an official residence, free of cost.

IX. The Finance Commission: A Finance Commission will be appointed by the President every five
years (Art. 280) to report on the distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States. It is
the duty of the FC to report on the

1. allocation of divisible tax resources between the Centre and the States.
2. the principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the States’ revenues out of the Consolidated
Fund of India.
3. any other matter referred to the Commission by the President.

X. Elections in India: The Indian Constitution does not describe the details of the election process, it
prescribes only essential guidelines, the rest is left to legislation. In India, the general principle of
elections is Universal Adult Franchise i.e. every citizen who is 18+ years of age is entitled to vote for
Loksabha elections regardless of any consideration of caste, color, creed, sex, place of residence and the
like. (provided he has not been disqualified otherwise on grounds of non-residence, crime, unsoundness of
mind, corrupt or illegal practices)

The Constitution provides for an Election Commission consisting of a Chief Election Commissioner and
other Election Commissioners, as may be decided by the President from time to time (Art 324). The
Election Commission is charged with the duty of conducting, supervising and controlling the entire
machinery and the procedure for elections to Parliament, State Legislative Assemblies, offices of President
and Vice-President of India. The CEC cannot be removed from his post except in a manner similar to an
SC Judge i.e. proved misbehaviour/incapacity. The other Commissioners may be removed by the
President on the CEC’s recommendation.

The election process regarding the Loksabha elections is initiated on the recommendations of the Home
Ministry. A specified period is given for filing nomination, which must be supported by at least 10 electors.
A security deposit is also to be given with the Returning Officer of the constituency, which is forfeited if
the candidate fails to get at least one-sixth of total valid votes polled in that election. The results are
declared by the Returning Officer of the constituency concerned. The results can, however, be withheld by
the EC in cases
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1. Where the constituency has been identified as being communally sensitive

2. The victory margin between two topmost competing candidates is less than 5 percent of valid votes
polled

Recounting may be ordered in such cases by the EC.

XI. Some Important Political Terms

1. Lameduck Government: Is defined as that government which has lost the motion of no-confidence in
the Loksabha and does not have the constitutional authority to run the government. Still on being asked
by the President, such a government has to continue until alternative arrangements are made. Such a
government is referred to as a lameduck government.

2. Cut Motion: A motion moved to effect a cut in the Annual Budget. If an insignificant cut is proposed,
such a motion is known as a token cut-motion. It has great political significance because if it is carried
through in the Parliament, the government is under moral obligation to resign as a consequence.

3. Zero Hour: That time during parliamentary proceedings in the day when any matter of urgent national
importance without any prior notice.

4. Starred Question: Those the answers to which are given orally by the Minister concerned in the
Parliament.

5. Unstarred Questions: The answers to which are given in writing in Parliament by the Minister
concerned.

6. Vote-On–Account: Is passed without discussions pending final approval by the Parliament if money is
required urgently.

7. Guillotine: A motion is said to be guillotined if it is passed without any discussion on it in parliament in

view of urgency of the issue under question.

8. Whip: A whip is a person who regulates the presence and conduct of the members of a particular
political party in Parliament. He is supposed to ensure their presence and voting on particular days and in
a particular manner. Before voting on any matter in Parliament, an order is issued by the whip to all party
MPs. Such an order is also known as a whip. Under the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law, violating a
party whip can attract disqualification from Parliament. However, as per current provisions, which are
likely to undergo drastic change in future, party splits (i.e. if one-thirds or more legislators from a
particular party leave it and join another one) are not termed as defections and do not attract penal
provisions.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

I. Physics

1. Concepts:
Mass: It is the quantity of matter contained in a body. It is measured in Kilogram or Grams

Weight: Is the downward force acting on a body due to the attraction of the earth. It is measured in
Newtons or Dynes (the same units as force).

Internationally, it is measured in terms of a kilogram.

1000 grams = 1 kilogram. 1 milligram = of a gram.
1 kilogram = 2.2 lbs. Approx. 1 litre of water weighs 1 kgm.
1 pound weigh 453.6 gms. 1 cubic centimeter of water weighs 1 gram.

Density: The mass contained in a unit volume of a body is called its density. It can be expressed in terms
of Kg/Litre or Gm/Cubic Centimeter. A substance having more density will obviously occupy lesser space
as compared to another substance having lesser density.

Specific Gravity: Is the ratio of the mass of a given volume of the substance to the mass of an equal
volume of water.

Illustrations:
(i) Lactometer is a kind of hydrometer which is immersed in milk to test its density and it is based on the
principle that the greater the density of a liquid the lesser will be the immersion.
(ii)The ship floats on the surface of water because the weight of water that it displaces is equal to its own
weight.

Motion: Motion is the change of position of a body with respect to its surroundings.

Speed: Is the rate of motion. It is a scalar quantity, i.e., it does not have direction. Velocity is the rate of
motion in a particular direction. It is a vector quantity, i.e., it possesses both magnitude and direction.
Thus in a uniform circular motion, though the speed remains constant, the velocity continually goes on
changing.

Acceleration: Is the rate of increase of velocity. Its units are m/s2. When a physical object falls freely
under the influence of the gravitational pull of the Earth, the acceleration with which it falls below is
known as the Acceleration of Free Fall or Acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2).

Newton’s First Law of Motion: States that a body continues in its state of rest or of uniform motion in
a straight line unless compelled by an external force to change that state. This law can be reworded like
this: “Departure from a straight line motion path indicates the presence of an external force.”
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Illustrations:
(i) A man jumping of the moving train falls forward because his feet suddenly come to rest, while his body
is in motion with the train.

Centripetal Force: When a small piece of stone tied to a string is whirled, one has to pull the string
inwards. This pull on the stone is called the centripetal force. An equal and opposite force is exerted by
the stone on the hand. This force on the hand is called centrifugal force. Thus centripetal force is directed
towards the center while centrifugal force is directed away from the centre.

Illustrations:
(i) Mud sticking to a bicycle tyre is pulled in radially by the force of adhesion; when the latter force is less
than the centripetal force required to move the mud in a circle, the mud files off tangentially.
(ii) The sparks, which fly off from the grinding stone of a blacksmith, are also due to the same
phenomenon.

Newton’s Second Law of Motion: States that the rate of change of momentum is in proportion to the
impressed fore and takes place in the direction of force. The harder a football is kicked, the faster will it
move, and it will move in the same direction in which it is kicked.

Newton’s Third Law of Motion: Says that to every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Illustrations:
(i) If we step out of a boat, we go in one direction and the boat goes in the other direction.
(ii) When a bullet is fired from a gun, the bullet goes forward and the gun kicks backward. This is called
the recoil of the gun. Unless there is action we cannot have reaction.
(iii) We cannot drive a nail into a wooden block unless it is supported against something to offer reaction.

Gravity: Is the pull of the earth with which it attracts bodies towards itself.

Law of Gravitation: States that “every particle in this universe attracts every other particle with a force
which is directly proportional to the product of other masses and inversely proportional to the square of
the distance between them.

Relative Velocity: Is the velocity of one body in relation to another body. Supposing a body A moves
with a velocity of 10 miles per hour towards the east and another body B moves in the same direction
with a velocity of 5 miles/hour, then relative velocity of A with respect to B is 5 miles/hour to the east and
that of B with respect to A is 5 miles/hour to the west.
Momentum literally means the quantity of motion in a body. Mathematically, Momentum = mass x velocity
of the body. Thus force is equivalent to mass x acceleration of the body.

Power: The rate of doing work is called Power. Horse Power is a unit of power (1 H.P. = 746 watts). 1
Watt (= 107 erg/sec.) is S.I. unit of power.

Energy: The capacity of doing work is called Energy. This is of two types: Potential Energy is the energy
which a body possesses owing to its position and Kinetic Energy is the energy possessed by a body due to
its motion. In the case of stretched or wound up string or bent how, the energy is potential. The ball lying
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on the roof of a house is capable of driving a nail into the ground, if allowed to fall on it. A watch spring
when wound up possesses energy to keep the wheels of the watch in motion for a day. Each one provides
an example of Potential Energy. On the other hand, the water flowing downstream on account of gravity
is, by virtue of its motion, capable of setting a water mill in motion.

Principle of work: Input = output

Work done on a machine = Work done by the machine

What we gain in power, we lose in speed or distance. A screw jack lifts a huge car through small distance
by the application of small force through a large distance. The various kinds of simple machines are:
lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw.

Surface Tension: The force of tension on account of the inter-molecular forces on the surface of a liquid
is called surface tension. The effect of surface tension is to make the area of the free surface as small as
possible. It is on account of this fact that rain drops are spherical, and the free surface of water is plain
like a stretched membrane.

Viscosity: Is the force of drag between molecules of the same substance. For example, honey pours itself
into a container very slowly as compared to water or milk. This is simply due to the fact the honey
molecules exercise a lot of backward acting force on the molecules which want to leave their field. Owing
to this, honey or glycerine pour themselves very slowly while water and milk do not.

Pascal’s Law: The liquids transmit pressure equally in all directions. If a vessel has two pistons A and B,
cross section area of piston B being twice that of A, then if A is pushed in with a force of 1 lb, B will be
pushed out with a force of 2 lbs. This principle is employed in Brahma Press or Hydraulic Press.

Archimedes’ Principle (The Eureka! Experience) Says that when a body is immersed in a fluid, it
experiences an upward thrust. The upward thrust or loss of weight is equal to the weight of the fluid
displaced.

A ship’s hull is so shaped that the weight of steel and other parts together with the weight of the cargo
and air inside are equal to the weight of the water displaced by the immersed portion; and hence it floats.
An iron nail displaces such a small volume of water because of its tiny profile that the upward thrust
generated is much less than the weight of the nail. Hence it sinks. On the other hand, a piece of straw of
the same profile floats because its low weight is easily supported by the upward thrust set up.

Pressure: Air has a weight and therefore it exerts pressure on the surface of the earth. Pressure is
defined as force per unit area.
Atmospheric pressure = weight of 76 cm of Mercury column
Considering the average area of a human body as 1.3 sq. metre the total pressure (or force) acting on a
human being is about 13.4 metric tons, which is enormous but our bodies have been adjusted to this in its
long evolutionary history. The instrument used to measure pressure is called barometer.

HEAT:
Effects of heat
1. Raises temperature 2. Increases volume
3. Changes state 4. Brings about chemical action
5. Changes physical properties
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Illustrations:
(i) On a hot day while cycling on a road if we touch the handle of a bicycle, the handle will seem to be
otter than the grips because the handle is a good conductor of heat and when we touch any part of it,
heat flows to the hand, not only from the part but also from the neighboring parts: whereas in the case of
grips the heat flows to the hand from only that part which is touched. The handle seems hotter because it
is a good conductor of heat and the flow of heat to the hand is greater and more rapid than in the case of
the grips.

Temperature: It is the degree of hotness, and it can be measured on three scales: Centigrade,
Fahrenheit, Reaumur and Absolute or Kelvin scales. The freezing and boiling points of water in these
scales are as follows:

They are related to each other as

C F − 32 R K − 273.15
= =
100 180 80 100

Calorie: Is a unit of heat. It is equal to the heat given to one gm of water to raise its temperature by 10C.

Latent Heat: Is the heat which is used up in changing the state of a body without raising its temperature.
One gram of ice at 00C takes in 80 calories of heat to change into 1 gm. of water at 00C and one gram of
water at 1000C needs to be given 537 calories of heat to change it to 1 gm. of steam at 1000C. 80 cal. and
537 cal. are called the latent heat of fusion of ice and latent heat of vaporization of water respectively.

Illustration:
(i) Burns from steam at 1000C are more severe than burns from hot boiling water at 1000C. This is
because, as stated above, 1 g of water at 1000C needs to be given 537 calories of (latent) heat to change
it to 1 g of steam at 1000C. Thus steam packs this much more heat than boiling water and so causes
burns more severely.

Evaporation: It is the change of state from liquid to vapour. Cooling is caused by evaporation.

1. We feel cold immediately after sprinkling water on our body. It is because the evaporation of the water
gives the cooling effect.

Transference of Heat: Heat can be transferred in three ways:-

(a) Conduction is a process in which heat is transferred from particle to particle.

For example, when one end of a metal rod is put in the fire the other end outside gets hot. Here heat
travels from one end to the other by conduction. The rate of heat flow is directly proportional to the cross
sectional area of the rod and inversely proportional to its length. That is why long thin handles are
preferred for parts used in foundry work and in cooking.

(b) Convection: Is the transmission of heat from one part of the body to another by the actual motion of
the heated particles of liquid or gas.
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Illustration: Ventilation is an application of the convection currents in gases. The air in a dwelling room
is always warmer than the free air outside, and hence it rises upwards and passes out through the
ventilators, while cold fresh air comes into the room through the doors and windows to take its place.

(c) Radiation: It is the process by which heat is transmitted from one point to another without heating
the medium. It takes place through the Electro-magnetic waves.

Illustrations:
(i) Thermos flask is a glass vessel with double walls, the space between the walls being vacuum. The
outer surface of the inner walls and the inner surface of the outer walls are silvered. The vacuum does not
allow the conduction and convection to take place and the polished surface minimizes radiation of heat.
(ii) While linen is more suitable in summer as it absorbs very little of the sun’s rays. Black clothing is
preferred in winter, for it absorbs almost the whole of the incident radiation, and thus it gives more
warmth.
Water possesses the maximum density at 4oC. This fact plays a very important part in nature. The cooling
of water in winter goes on till the ponds and tanks are all at 4oC. Further cooling results in the water at
the surface becoming lighter and, therefore, remaining at the top, leaving the water at the bottom 4oC,
and hence unaffected. The cooling of the top layers may be so much that they may entirely freeze. Since
ice is a bad conductor of heat, it does not allow the layers below the ice to be cooled by the cold outside.
This enables aquatic animals to continue to live in the most severe winter.

The melting point of a substance which expands on freezing (water on becoming ice) is lowered by the
increase of pressure; whereas it is raised in the case of substance which contracts on freezing (e.g. wax).

LIGHT

Rectilinear Propagation of Light: Light travels in a straight line. This is why we place a small obstacle
between the object and our eyes, when we do not want to look at it. Shadows are formed due to the same
phenomenon of rectilinear propagation of light.

Reflection: When a ray of light falls on a mirror, it is sent back to the first medium in a certain direction
according to certain laws. This is referred to as reflection. Many day-to-day phenomena can be easily
explained with the help of this principle.

Illustrations:
(i) When an object is placed between two mirrors parallel to each other we see infinite images due to
successive reflections. They look smaller because their distance from the eye is successively increased.
(ii) Construction of a toy, called kaleidoscope (made by using small pieces of mirror and pieces of broken
bangles) is due to successive reflection at the surface of inclined mirrors.

Refraction: Is there when a ray of light is incident obliquely on a surface of separation between two
media, part of it goes into the second medium along a path different from the direction of the incident
beam.

(i) It is due to refraction that a stick immersed in water appears bent.

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(ii) The brilliance of a diamond is due to the fact that when light enters a piece of diamond, on
account of high refractive index (and consequential small critical angle) and the cut of its face, it gets
totally reflected at most of the face. The few faces from which it comes out throw a good deal of light
and make them appear brilliantly lit.

(iii) Mirage is an optical illusion owing to total internal reflection. In sandy deserts the air in contact with
the hot earth is rarer than the upper layers. As we go towards the earth the density of the air goes on
decreasing. Hence the rays of light from a distant object traverse through successively rare layers and
hence go on bending away from the normal and ultimately get totally reflected at the rarest layer, and
reach the observer’s eye as if they come from a point as far below the reflecting layer as the object is
above it. Since these layers of air are shaking the inverted image as seen by total internal reflection also
is shaking, giving man the illusion of ‘splashing water everything’.

ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM: Magnet is a substance which has the property of attracting pieces of iron,
cobalt and nickel, and when freely suspended, it points towards North and South.

Natural Magnet: A naturally occurring mineral called magnetite is found in Asia.

Minor: It is a compound of iron and oxygen. It is also called lodestone. It attracts piece of iron, cobalt and
nickel and when suspended points in the north-south direction. It is a natural magnet.

Artificial Magnets: These are pieces of iron to which the properties of a magnet have been imparted by
artificial means. Steel is mostly employed for making permanent artificial magnets.

How does lightning strike a building?: Let us consider a charged cloud hanging over the earth. By
induction, the earth and other bodies below get charged with opposite kind of electricity. When the strain
becomes too great the insulation of moist air in between, breaks down and the discharge takes place
between the cloud and some object below it. A heavy charge thus passes between the cloud and building,
and in its passage damage the building.

Current Electricity: When two vessels filled with water up to different levels are connected together,
water flows from the higher to the lower level. Similarly when two bodies having different ‘degrees of
electrification’ are connected together, electricity flows from higher ‘degree of electrification’ to the lower,
and this gives rise to current electricity.

Potential: Is called the degree of electrification. For example, in a dry cell, the metal tip at the top of
the carbon rod is at a higher (positive) potential than the zinc cylinder, which is at a lower (negative)
potential. If these two ends are connected by means of a conducting wire to a bulb, it will keep on
glowing, till the difference of potential between the carbon and zinc in the cell is maintained.

Heating Effects of Current: When an electric current is passed through wire of any metal it
experiences (electron) resistance to its flow. This resistance manifests itself as heat and light, the
proportion of the two depending on the properties of the material. In wires of Nichrome, more heat is
produced than light. Construction of electric heaters, electric tea-kettles, stoves, boilers, electric irons,
etc., is based on the heating effects of electric current. The heat H, produced when a current I amperes
flows through a conductor is given by Joule’s Law.
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i.e., H = VIt Joules

Where V is the potential difference in volts, and t is the time for which the current flows.
Or H = I2Rt

Microwaves: Electromagnetic waves having a wavelength in the centimeter range and occupying a
region in the electromagnetic spectrum between Radio waves and Infrared waves.

Microwave Cooker: It uses microwaves for food processing. In conventional heating, a heat source
(like the flame of a gas stove) transfers heat to the foodstuffs by conducting, convection or radiation;
the surface of the foodstuff is first heated after which heat is slowly transferred to the interior.
Microwave heating is bulk heating since there is direct conversion of microwave energy into heat
throughout the material, hence it is faster. Microwaves interact differently with different materials. They
pass through paper, glass, ceramics; hence they make good containers for foodstuffs for microwave
cooking. They are reflected by metals; hence containers should never be metallic. They are absorbed by
and so heat up food products, water etc. Apart from dramatically reducing cooking times, microwave
cooking increases the efficiency of energy utilization.

SOUND: Sound is a form of energy which produces a sensation of hearing. Sound waves are longitudinal
in character. These can propagate in solids, liquids and gases. Human ear is sensitive to frequencies from
about 20 cycle/s are called infrasonic and those above 20,000 cycle/s are called ultrasonic. The sound
waves originate in the vibration of bodies like strings, air columns plates and membranes etc. In human
being the vocal cards vibrate to produce sound. In air the speed of the sound is affected by pressure,
temperature, density, humidity and wind speed. In dry air at 0oC the speed in about 331 m/s. It travels
faster in damp air or the speed also increases with temperature. In water at 15oC the speed in about 1450
m/s and in iron at 200C is about 5130 m/s. When expressed in decibels (dB) the intensity of the loudest
painless sound equals 120 dB. The normal conversation has the intensity of about 65 dB. The intensity of
the sound from a nearby airplane is about 120 dB. The intensity varies inversely as a square of the
distance from the source.

Sound shows the phenomenon of reflection, refraction, interference and diffraction. Sound waves which
are approximately periodic give rise to pleasing sensation (if there are no sudden changes in loudness)
e.g. musical sounds, like humming of a bee. Sound waves with no regularity or a super position of
periodic waves having very large number of components is heard as noise. The three characteristics of
sound are
(i) loudness (ii) pitch and (iii) quality
Forces
• Force is a vcetor quantity, with Newton and Dyne being the mks and cgs units respectively.
• Newton's First Law: for objects at rest or moving at constant velocity the net force is zero.
• For Newton's Second Law: a net unbalanced force produces acceleration.
• The normal force and the gravitational force are not an action-reaction pair.
• Static friction exists between two surfaces when motion is impending; kinetic friction occurs when two
surfaces are in relative motion. In either case, the friction forces are proportional to the normal force.

Work, Energy And Momentum

• Work and energy are scalar quantities.
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• Work is equal to the product of the displacement and the component of the force in the direction of the
displacement.
• For an object traveling in circular motion, the centripetal force never does work.
• Mechanical energy is the sum of all kinetic and potential energies.
• Work-Energy Theorem: the net work is equal to the change in kinetic energy.
• Conservation of mechanical energy under the action of a dissipative force includes the work due to
frictional forces (non-conservative forces).
• Power is the time rate of change of work or energy, but it can also be calculated using force x speed.
• The impulse is the product of the average force and the time interval through which it acts. Impulse is
equal to the change in momentum.
• Momentum is conserved in all collision systems. Kinetic energy is conserved only in elastic collisions.
• Objects stick together in perfectly inelastic collisions.

Circular Motion And Gravitation

• Uniform circular motion refers to motion in a circle where the speed is constant and only the direction
changes. The change in direction produced by a central force is called centripetal acceleration.
• The centripetal force is not a special kind of force; therefore never label a force on a free-body-diagram as
'centripetal'. The centripetal force is provided by the component of the force that is directed towards the
center of the circular path e.g. friction, tension, gravity, normal, etc.
• The gravitational force is directly proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to
the square of the distance between them.

Fluid Mechanics And Thermal Physics

Fluid Mechanics
• Absolute pressure is equal to the gauge pressure plus the atmospheric pressure.
• Fluid pressure is independent of the shape or area of the container.
• Archimedes' Principle: An object that is completely or partly submerged in fluid experiences an upward
force (buoyant force) equal to the weight of the fluid displaced.
• An object will float (sink) in a fluid if the density of the object is less (greater) than the density of the
fluid.
• The submerged fraction of an object is the ratio of the submerged volume to the total volume or the ratio
of the density of the object to the density of the fluid.
• Pascal's Principle: An external pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted throughout the fluid.
• Bernoulli's Equation: The net work done on a fluid is equal to the changes in kinetic and potential energy
of the fluid in terms of quantities per volume.

Electricity and Magnetism

Electricity
• Coulomb's Law: the force of attraction or repulsion between two point charges is directly proportional to
the product of the two charges and inversely proportional to the square of the separation between the
charges.
• Use the sign of the charges to determine the direction of the forces and Coulomb's Law to determine their
magnitudes.
• Electric forces and electric fields are vectors, electric potentials are scalars.
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• Electric fields point in the direction of the force on a positive test charge.
• The electric field inside a closed conductor is zero. Outside the conductor the electric field is not zero and
the electric field lines are drawn perpendicular to the surface.
• Electric field lines are perpendicular to equipotential lines.
• Electric fields between two parallel plates are uniform in strength except at the edges.
• The electric potential energy increases as a positive charge is moved against the electric field, and it
decreases as a negative charge is moved against the same field.
• Resistance depends on the kind of material (resistivity), the length, cross-sectional area, and
temperature. Resistance is proportional to length and inversely proportional to cross-sectional area.
• All resistors in parallel have equal voltage. Adding a resistor in parallel decreases the total resistance of a
circuit.
• All resistors in series have equal current. Adding a resistor in series increases the total resistance of a
circuit.
• Voltmeters have a high resistance (to keep from drawing current) and are wired in parallel (because
voltage is the same in parallel). Ammeters have a low resistance (to keep from reducing the current) and
are wired in series (because current is the same in series).
• All capacitors in parallel have equal voltage. The total charge is equal to the sum of the charges and the
effective capacitance is the sum of the individual capacitances.
• All capacitors in series have equal charge. The potential difference across the battery is equal to the sum
of the drops across each capacitor.
• For circuits that contain capacitors and resistors:
- A capacitor that is empty allows the flow of current such as a wire.
- A capacitor that is full acts like a broken wire.

Magnetism
• Magnetic fields point from the north to the south outside the magnet.
• A particle entering a magnetic field between two plates will follow a circular path. The magnetic force
provides the centripetal force.
• Magnetic force on a charged particle is at its maximum when the field and velocity vectors are at right
angles. The force is at a minimum (0) when the field and velocity vectors are parallel or anti parallel.
• Right hand rules are for positive charges, for negative charges the direction is the opposite of the one
found with the right hand rule.

Waves and optics

Waves and sound

• Transverse wave particles vibrate perpendicular to the wave direction and longitudinal wave particles
vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave propagation.
• Sound waves are mechanical longitudinal waves. Light waves are electromagnetic transverse waves.
• The speed of a wave depends only on the properties of the medium.
• The energy of a wave is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude.
• The intensity of sound is inversely proportional to the distance.

Geometrical And Physical Optics

• The wave behavior of light is proven by diffraction, interference and the polarization of light.
• The particle behavior of light is proven by the photoelectric effect.
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• The electromagnetic spectrum (radio, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma rays) is
listed from lowest frequency to highest (longer to smaller wavelength).
• The range of wavelengths for visible light goes from 400 nm for violet to 700 nm for red.
• All angles in reflection and refraction are measured with respect to the normal.
• At the critical angle a wave will be refracted to 90 degrees.
• Total internal reflection occurs at angles greater than the critical angle.
• Light rays bend away from the normal as they enter a lower index of refraction medium while the
frequency remains constant.
• Concave mirrors are converging and convex mirrors are diverging. Concave lenses are diverging and
convex lenses are converging.
• Convex mirrors and concave lenses produce only small virtual images.

3. Classic Experiments:

J.J. Thomson: Experimentally measured the charge to mass ratio of cathode rays.

Ernest Rutherford: The scattering of alpha particles by a thin sheet of gold foil. This experiment
demonstrated that atoms consist of mostly empty space with a very dense core, the nucleus.

Neils Bohr: Bohr's planetary model of the atom correctly describes the spectra of hydrogen.

R.A. Millikan: Millikan's oil drop experiment confirmed that the fundamental electric charge is
quantized.

Hertz and Einstein: The photoelectric effect was first observed by Hertz and later explained by E
instein. Einstein obtained a Nobel Prize for the mathematical description of the photoelectric effect.

A.H. Compton: The scattering of x-rays photons provided the final confirmation of the validity of
Planck's quantum hypothesis that electromagnetic radiation came in discrete massless packets (photons)
with energy proportional to frequency.

Davisson-Germer: Their experiment of the diffraction of electrons demonstrated the wave nature of
the electron, confirming the earlier hypothesis of de Broglie.

4. Graphical Analysis:

Valuable information can be obtained by analyzing graphs.

A. Most common areas under the curve:

1. The area under the curve of a velocity-time graph gives the displacement.
2. The area under the curve of an acceleration-time graph gives the change in velocity.
3. The area under the curve of a force-time graph gives the impulse (change in momentum).
4. The area under the curve of a force-distance graph gives the work done.
5. The area under the curve of a pressure-volume graph gives the work done by the gas.
6. The area under a charge-voltage graph is the work required to charge the capacitor i.e. energy
stored.
 103

5. Important Units:

MEASUREMENT UNIT SYMBOL EXPRESSED IN EXPRESSED IN

BASE UNITS OTHER SI UNITS
2 2
Acceleration m/s m/s
Capacitance Farad F A .s4/kg.m2
2

Current Ampere A C/s

Electric charge Coulomb C A.s
Electric field N/C kg.m/C.s2
Electric resistance Ohm  kg.m2/A2.s3 V/A
2 2
Energy, work Joule J kg.m /s N.m
2 3
Emf, voltage Volt V kg.m /A.s
Force Newton N kg.m/s2
Frequency Hertz Hz s-1
Magnetic field Tesla T kg/A.s2 N.s/C.m or Wb/m2
Magnetic flux Weber Wb kg.m2/A.s2 V.s
Pressure Pascal Pa kg/ms2 N/m2
Potential Volt V kg.m2/A.s3 W/A or J/C
difference
Power Watt W Kg.m2/s3 J/s

II. Chemistry

1. General Concepts:

Physical Change: It is a temporary change in which only the physical properties, e.g., colour, state,
etc., alter but no new substance with new properties is formed. By reversing conditions we can get the
original substances, e.g., changing ice into water; glowing of an electric bulb; adding common salt to
water; magnetizing a steel needle.

Chemical Change: It is a permanent change in which new substances with new properties are formed.
It is not possible to get back the original substance, e.g., burning a candle; boiling an egg; heating
magnesium ribbon; souring of milk.

Element: It cannot be split into simpler substances, e.g., iron, sulphur, oxygen, gold. There are about
106 elements.

Compound: It can be split into simpler substances and is formed by the union of two or more elements
in definite proportions by weight, e.g.
1. Water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen.
2. Iron sulphide is split into iron and sulphur.
3. Chalk is made of calcium, carbon and oxygen.
4. Carbondixoide is made up of carbon and oxygen.
 104

Mixture: It is one in which two or more substances are mixed together in any ratio without altering
their properties.
1. Sand and salt
2. Sugar and water
3. Air is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen
4. Gun-powder is a mixture of nitre, charcoal and sulphur

Hard and Soft Water: Hard water is that water which does not produce lather with soap easily.
Soft water produces lather with soap very easily. There is two kinds of hardness: -
(i) Temporary (ii) Permanent.

Temporary is due to bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium. Can be removed by

(i) boiling, (ii) addition of lime.

Permanent is due to the sulphates and chlorides of calcium and magnesium. Permanent hardness can
be removed by
(I) addition of washing soda, or (ii) by distillation.

Alloy: Is a mixture of two or more metals in a certain proportion. Alloys are made to impart certain
special properties to the metals in question. For example, stainless steel is made using Iron, Manganese,
Carbon etc. to give it high strength, elasticity etc which is not found in Iron.

Amalgam: any alloy containing Mercury as an essential component is known as amalgam.

2. Chemical Names of substances:

Substance Chemical Name Composition

1. Green vitriol Iron sulphate Iron, sulphur and oxygen
2. Litharge Lead monoxide Lead and oxygen
3. White vitriol Zinc sulphate Zinc sulphur and oxygen
4. Caustic lotion Silver nitrate Silver, nitrogen and oxygen
5. Candy fluid Potassium permanganate Potassium, manganese and oxygen
6. Blue vitriol Copper sulphate Copper, sulphur and oxygen
7. Kansi (Alloy) Bronze Copper, zinc, tin
8. Pital (Alloy) Brass Copper, zinc
9. Shora or nitre Potassium nitrate Potassium, nitrogen and oxygen
10. Caustic potash Potassium hydroxide Potassium, hydrogen and oxygen
11. Chile saltpeter Sodium nitrate Sodium, nitrogen and oxygen
12. Baking soda Sodium bicarbonate Sodium, hydrogen, carbon and oxygen
13. Washing soda Sodium carbonate Sodium, carbon and oxygen
14. Common salt Sodium chloride Sodium and chlorine
15. Caustic soda Sodium hydroxide Sodium, hydrogen and oxygen
16. Gluber’s salt Sodium sulphate Sodium, sulphur and oxygen
17. Iron pyrites Iron sulphide Iron and sulphur
18. Galena Lead sulphide Lead and sulphur
19. Gyspum Calcium sulphate Calcium, sulphur and oxygen
 105

20. Epsom Magnesium sulphate Magnesium, sulphur and oxygen

21. Aspirin Acetyl Salicylic Acid
22. Vinegar Acetic Acid (Glacial) Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen
23. Bleaching Powder Calcium Oxychloride Calcium, Oxygen, Chlorine
24. Marble Calcium Carbonate Calcium, Carbon, Oxygen
25. Rust Ferric Hydroxide Iron, Hydrogen, Oxygen
26. Plaster of Paris Hydrated Calcium Sulphate Calcium, Sulphur, Hydrogen, Oxygen

3. Glossary of Chemistry Terms:

A
 absolute zero - a theoretical condition concerning a system at zero Kelvin where a system does not
emit or absorb energy (all atoms are at rest)
 accuracy - how close a value is to the actual or true value; also see precision
 acid - a compound that, when dissolved in water, gives a pH of less than 7.0 or a compound that
donates a hydrogen ion
 acid anhydride - a compound with two acyl groups bound to a single oxygen atom
 acid dissociation constant - an equilibrium constant for the dissociation of a weak acid
 actinides - the fifteen chemical elements that are between actinium (89) and lawrencium (103)
 activated complex - a structure that forms because of a collision between molecules while new
bonds are formed
 addition reaction - within organic chemistry, when two or more molecules combine to make a larger
one
 aeration - the mixing of air into a liquid or solid
 alkali metals - the metals of Group 1 on the periodic table
 alkaline earth metals - the metals of Group 2 on the periodic table
 allomer - a substance that has different composition than another, but has the same crystalline
structure
 allotropy - elements that can have different structures (and therefore different forms), such as
Carbon (diamonds, graphite, and fullerene)
 anion - negatively charge ions
 aromaticity - chemical property of conjugated rings that results in unusual stability. See also
benzene.
 atom - a chemical element in its smallest form, and is made up of neutrons and protons within the
nucleus and electrons circling the nucleus
 atomic number - the number representing an element which corresponds with the number of
protons within the nucleus
 atomic orbital - the region where the electron of the atom may be found

B
 base - a substance that accepts a proton and has a high pH; a common example is sodium hydroxide
(NaOH)
 biochemistry - the chemistry of organisms
 boiling - the phase transition of liquid vaporizing
 bond - the attraction and repulsion between atoms and molecules that is a cornerstone of chemistry
 106

 burette (also buret) - glassware used to dispense specific amounts of liquid when precision is
necessary (e.g. titration and resource dependent reactions)

C
 catalyst - a chemical compound used to change the rate (either to speed up or slow down) of a
reaction, but is regenerated at the end of the reaction.
 cation - positively charged ion
 centrifuge - equipment used to separate substances based on density by rotating the tubes around a
centred axis
 cell potential - the force in a galvanic cell that pulls electron through reducing agent to oxidizing
agent
 chemical Law - certain rules that pertain to the laws of nature and chemistry - examples
 chemical reaction - the change of one or more substances into another or multiple substances
 colloid - mixture of evenly dispersed substances, such as many milks
 combustion - an exothermic reaction between an oxidant and fuel with heat and often light
 compound - a substance that is made up of two or more chemically bonded elements
 condensation - the phase change from gas to liquid
 conductor - material that allows electric flow more freely
 covalent bond - chemical bond that involves sharing electrons
 crystal - a solid that is packed with ions, molecules or atoms in an orderly fashion
 cuvette - glassware used in spectroscopic experiments. It is usually made of plastic, glass or quartz
and should be as clean and clear as possible

D
 deionization - the removal of ions, and in water's case mineral ions such as sodium, iron and
calcium
 deliquescence - substances that absorb water from the atmosphere to form liquid solutions
 deposition - settling of particles within a solution or mixture
 dipole - electric or magnetic separation of charge
 dipole moment - the polarity of a polar covalent bond
 dissolution or solvation - the spread of ions in a solvent
 double bond - sharing of two pairs of electrons

E
 earth metal - see alkaline earth metal
 electrolyte - a solution that conducts a certain amount of current and can be split categorically as
weak and strong electrlytes
 electrochemical cell - using a chemical reaction's current, electromotive force is made
 electromagnetic radiation - a type of wave that can go through vacuums as well as material and
classified as a self-propagating wave
 electromagnetism - fields that have electric charge and electric properties that change the way that
particles move and interact
 electromotive force - a device that gains energy as electric charges pass through it
 electron - a subatomic particle with a net charge that is negative
 107

 electron shells - an orbital around the atom's nucleus that has a fixed number electrons (usually two
or eight)
 electric charge - a measured property (coulombs) that determine electromagnetic interaction
 element - an atom that is defined by its atomic number
 energy - A system's ability to do work
 enthalpy - measure of the total energy of a thermodynamic system (usually symbolized as H)
 entropy - the amount of energy not available for work in a closed thermodynamic system (usually
symbolized as S)
 enzyme - a protein that speeds up (catalyses) a reaction
 eppendorf tube - generalized and trademarked term used for a type of tube; see microcentrifuge

F
 freezing - phase transition from liquid to solid
 Faraday constant - a unit of electrical charge widely used in electrochemistry and equal to ~
96,500 coulombs.
It represents 1 mol of electrons, or the Avogadro number of electrons: 6.022 × 1023 electrons. F =
96 485.339 9(24) C/mol
 Faraday's law of electrolysis - a two part law that Michael Faraday published about electrolysis
o the mass of a substance altered at an electrode during electrolysis is directly proportional to the
quantity of electricity transferred at that electrode
o the mass of an elemental material altered at an electrode is directly proportional to the
element's equivalent weight.
 frequency - number of cycles per unit of time. Unit: 1 hertz = 1 cycle per 1 second

G
 galvanic cell - battery made up of electrochemical with two different metals connected by salt bridge
 gas - particles that fill their container though have no definite shape or volume
 geochemistry - the chemistry of and chemical composition of the Earth
 Gibbs energy - value that indicates the spontaneity of a reaction (usually symbolized as G)

H
 halogens - Group 17 on the Periodic Table and are all non-metals
 jodium – Latin name of the halogen element iodine

I
 indicator - a special compound added to solution that changes color depending on the acidity of the
solution; different indicators have different colors and effective pH ranges
 inorganic compound - compounds that do not contain carbon, though there are exceptions (see
main article)
 inorganic chemistry - a part of chemistry concerned with inorganic compounds
 International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) -
 insulator - material that resists the flow of electric current
 ion - a molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons
 ionic bond - electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
 ionization -The breaking up of a compound into separate ions.
 108

K
 Kinetics - A sub-field of chemistry specializing in reaction rates
 Kinetic energy - The energy of an object due to its motion.

L
 lanthanides - Elements 57 through 71
 lattice - Unique arrangement of atoms or molecules in a crystalline liquid or solid.
 Laws of thermodynamics
 liquid - A state of matter which takes the shape of its container
 light - Portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which is visible to the naked eye. Also called "visible light."
 London dispersion forces - A weak intermolecular force

M
 Metal - CheẂ mical element that is a good conductor of both electricity and heat and forms cations
and ionic bonds with non-metals.
 melting - The phase change from a solid to a liquid
 metalloid - A substance possessing both the properties of metals and non-metals
 methylene blue - a heterocyclic aromatic chemical compound with the molecular formula
C16H18N3SCl
 microcentrifuge - a small plastic container that is used to store small amounts of liquid
 mole - abbreviated mol - a measurement of an amount of substance; a single mole contains
approximately 6.022×1023 units or entities
o a mole of water contains 6.022×1023 H 2 O molecules
 molecule - a chemically bonded number of atoms that are electrically neutral
 molecular orbital - region where an electron can be found in a molecule (as opposed to an atom)

N
 neutron - a neutral unit or subatomic particle that has no net charge
 neutrino - a particle that can travel at speeds close to the speed of light and are created as a result
of radioactive decay
 nucleus - the centre of an atom made up of neutrons and protons, with a net positive charge
 noble gases - group 18 elements, those whose outer electron shell is filled
 non-metal - an element which is not metallic
 nuclear - of or pertaining to the atomic nucleus
 nuclear - magnetic resonance spectroscopy - technique that exploits the magnetic properties of
certain nuclei, useful for identifying unknown compounds
 number density – a measure of concentration of countable objects (atoms, molecules, etc.) in
space; number per volume

O
 orbital - may refer to either an atomic orbital or a molecular orbital
 organic compound - compounds that contain carbon
 organic chemistry - a part of chemistry concerned with organic compounds
 109

P
 pH - the measure of acidity (or basicity) of a solution
 plasma - state of matter similar to gas in which a certain portion of the particles are ionized
 poor metal - Metallic elements in the p-block, characterized by lower melting and boiling points than
other metals
 potential energy - energy stored in a body or in a system due to its position in a force field or due to
its configuration
 precipitate - formation of a solid in a solution or inside another solid during a chemical reaction or by
diffusion in a solid
 precision - How close the results of multiple experimental trials are. See also accuracy.
 photon - a carrier of electromagnetic radiation of all wavelength (such as gamma rays and radio
waves)
 proton - a positive unit or subatomic particle that has a positive charge
 protonation - the addition of a proton (H+) to an atom, molecule, or ion

Q
 Quantum mechanics - the study of how atoms, molecules, subatomic particles, etc. behave and are
structured
 quarks - elementary particle and a fundamental constituent of matter

R
 radiation - energy in the form of waves or subatomic particles when there is a change from high
energy to low energy states
 radioactive decay - the process of an unstable atomic nucleus losing energy by emitting radiation

S
 s-block elements - Group 1 and 2 elements (alkali and alkaline metals), which includes Hydrogen
and Helium
 salts - ionic compounds composed of anions and cations
 salt bridge - devices used to connection reduction with oxidation half-cells in an electrochemical cell
 saline solution - general term for NaCl in water
 Schrödinger equation - quantum state equation which represents the behaviour of an election
around an atom
 semiconductor - an electrically conductive solid that is between a conductor and an insulator
 single bond - sharing of one pair of electrons
 sol - a suspension of solid particles in liquid. Artificial examples include sol-gels.
 solid - one of the states of matter, where the molecules are packed close together, there is a
resistance of movement/deformation and volume change; see Young's modulus
 solute - the part of the solution that is mixed into the solvent (NaCl in saline water)
 solution - homogeneous mixture made up of multiple substances. It is made up of solutes and
solvents.
 solvent - the part of the solution that dissolves the solute (H 2 O in saline water)
 spectroscopy - study of radiation and matter, such as X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy
 speed of light - the speed of anything that has zero rest mass (Energy rest = mc² where m is the
mass and c is the speed of light)
 110

 Standard conditions for temperature and pressure or SATP - a standardisation used in order
compare experimental results (25 °C and 100.000 kPa)
 state of matter - matter having a homogeneous, macroscopic phase; gas, plasma, liquid, and solid
are the most well known (in increasing concentration)
 sublimation - a phase transition from solid to gas
 subatomic particles - particles that are smaller than an atom; examples are protons, neutrons and
electrons
 substance - material with definite chemical composition

T
 talc - a mineral representing the one on the Mohs Scale and composed of hydrated magnesium
silicate with the chemical formula H 2 Mg 3 (SiO 3 ) 4 or Mg 3 Si 4 O 10 (OH) 2
 temperature - the average energy of microscopic motions of particles
 theoretical yield - see yield
 theory - a model describing the nature of a phenomenon
 thermal conductivity - a property of a material to conduct heat (often noted as )
 thermochemistry - the study of absorption/release of heat within a chemical reaction
 thermodynamics - the study of the effects of changing temperature, volume or pressure (or work,
heat, and energy) on a macroscopic scale
 thermodynamic stability - when a system is in its lowest energy state with its environment
(equilibrium)
 thermometer - device that measures the average energy of a system
 titration - the process of titrating one solution with another, also called volumetric analysis
 torr - a unit to measure pressure (1 Torr is equivalent to 133.322 Pa or 1.3158×10−3 atm)
 transition metal - elements that have incomplete d sub-shells, but also may be referred to as the d-
block elements
 transuranic element - element with atomic number greater than 92; none of the transuranic
elements are stable
 triple bond - the sharing of three pairs of electrons within a covalent bond (example N 2 )
 triple point - the place where temperature and pressure of three phases are the same (Water has a
special phase diagram)
 tyndall effect - the effect of light scattering by colloidal (mixture where one substance is dispersed
evenly through another) or suspended particles

U
 UN number - a four digit code used to note hazardous and flammable substances
 uncertainty - a characteristic that any measurement that involves estimation of any amount cannot
be exactly reproducible
 Uncertainty principle - knowing the location of a particle makes the momentum uncertain, while
knowing the momentum of a particle makes the location uncertain
 unit cell - the smallest repeating unit of a lattice
 unit factor - statements used in converting between units
 universal or ideal gas constant - proportionality constant in the ideal gas law (0.08206
L·atm/(K·mol))
 111

V
 valence electron - the outermost electrons of an atom, which are located in electron shells
 Valence bond theory - a theory explaining the chemical bonding within molecules by discussing
valencies, the number of chemical bonds formed by an atom
 van der Waals force - one of the forces (attraction/repulsion) between molecules
 van 't Hoff factor - ratio of moles of particles in solution to moles of solute dissolved
 vapor - when a substance is below the critical temperature while in the gas phase
 vapour pressure - pressure of vapour over a liquid at equilibrium
 vaporization - phase change from liquid to gas
 viscosity - the resistance of a liquid to flow (oil)
 volt - one joule of work per coulomb - the unit of electrical potential transferred
 voltmeter - instrument that measures the cell potential [disambiguation needed]
 volumetric analysis - see titration

W
 water - H 2 O - a chemical substance, a major part of cells and Earth, and covalently bonded
 wave function - a function describing the electron's position in a three dimensional space
 work - the amount of force over distance and is in terms of joules (energy)

X
 X-ray - form of ionizing, electromagnetic radiation, between gamma and UV rays
 X-ray diffraction - a method for establishing structures of crystalline solids using singe wavelength
X-rays and looking at diffraction pattern
 X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy - a spectroscopic technique to measure composition of a
material
Y
 yield - the amount of product produced during a chemical reaction

Z
 zone melting - a way to remove impurities from an element by melting it and slowly travel down an
ingot (cast)
 Zwitterion - is a chemical compound whose net charge is zero and hence is electrically neutral. But
there are some positive and negative charges in it, due to the formal charge, owing to the partial
charges of its constituent atoms.

III. Biology
A major part of the planet Earth comprises living beings, which make up the biological world. There are
millions of varieties of plants and animal that can be distinguished. All living beings are distinguished by
their ability for movement, respiration, growth and reproduction which are absent in non-living things.
Studying these millions of varieties is a Herculean task for any scientist. To achieve this purpose,
therefore, the scientist have grouped together similar types of plants/animals to make their study simpler.
By studying a representative of each group, we can know fairly well the characteristic features of the
whole group. Such a system of grouping together of living beings is known as classification. Several
systems of classification have been proposed.
 112

Animal And Plant Groups:

1. Phylum Protozoa e.g. Amoeba, Plasmodium, Entamoeba 1. Algae e.g. seaweeds, Spirogyra
2. Fungi e.g. Penicillium
2. Phylum Porifera e.g. sponges 3. Bryophytes e.g. Marchantia
3. Phylum Coelentrata e.g. Corals, Jelly-fish, Star-fish 4. Pteridophytes e.g. Ferns
4. Phylum Platyhelminthess e.g. Tapeworm 5. Gymnosperms e.g. Pinus
5. Phylum Nemahelminthes e.g. Ascaris 6. Angiosperms e.g. Triticum
6. Phylum Insecta e.g. Silver Fish, Cockroaches
7. Phylum Echinodermata .
8. Phylum Mollusca
9. Phylum Chordata e.g. Rat, Whale, Fishes

Of these, chordates are the most highly advanced group in terms of biological organization. They are
distinguished by the presence of a notochord or vertebral column. They are further divided into many
types.

A. Pisces (Swimming Fishes) B. Amphibia C. Reptilia (Crawling Reptiles)

D. Aves (Flying Birds) E. Mammalia (Child-Bearing Mammals)

Each of the animal groups is characterized by certain features which are unique to them e.g.

1. Fishes are defined by the presence of gills for respiration in the adult stage, presence of fins all over the
body and internal fertilization. Therefore, swimming doesn’t define a fish nor does the name tag of fish
attached to the name of an animal make it a fish. For example, the commonly known animal Silver Fish is
not fish at all (it is an insect), because it lacks gills, fins and other features exclusive to fishes.

2. Amphibians are those animals that can live on both land and in water. A typical example is a frog
which lives in ponds normally, but can come on earth if required.

3. Reptiles are defined as those animals which have scales found all over the body. Since they live in dry
places, it helps them in conserving body water to a large extent.

4. From birds onwards, a true four-chambered heart is found in all animals, which means that pure and
impure blood are actually separated in separate chambers of the heart. Birds are identified by the
presence of wings (which are actually modified fore-limbs) and a constant body temperature, apart from a
four-chambered heart. Of course, they can fly, but the ability to fly does not make an animal a bird. For
instance, many insects can fly with wings that are extensions of the skin. So technically speaking, they
cannot be called birds.

5. Mammals are the most advanced lot of the animal groups. Many features distinguish them other groups
like

A. Presence of hair all over the body.

B. Internal fertilization (in all other groups, fertilization takes place outside the body, i.e. is external)
C. Ability to give birth to young ones directly (birds and fishes lay eggs)
 113

D. A constant body temperature which does not change according to environmental changes in
temperature
F. A highly developed Central Nervous System.

Structural Organization: Robert Hook was the first man to observe ells in a living being. All living
beings are made of tiny chambers called cells. A cell is the smallest functional structural unit of a living
organism. By functional unit, we mean that a cell works in totality and any part of a cell cannot function
independently of other parts. A group of cells that performs a specialized function for the body is known
as a tissue. Many tissues make up an organ and many organs together make up an organ-system. For
example the human digestive system comprises many different organs, the tissues in which are highly
specialized for performing digestive functions and not functions of any other type.

Nucleus, mitochondria and centriole are some of the major parts of a cell. In fat, the animal and plant
cells do not differ much in structure and function, except the fact that all plant cells are additionally
covered by a cell wall and that they lack centriole. The nucleus controls all the cell functions while actual
production of energy takes place on the mitochondria. This energy is released in the form of ATP
molecules (Adenosine Triphosphate) and that’s why mitochondria is often known as the powerhouse of the
cells. Inside the nucleus, a thread-like network of chromatin can be seen under a microscope. Under
conditions of cell division, this network is clearly differentiated into chromosomes, bodies that contains
genes responsible for transmission of traits from one generation to the next. Every species is having a
fixed number of chromosomes in all body cells. For example, in case of humans, the number of
chromosomes is 46, which is organized into 23 pairs. The chromosomes and the genes always occur in
pairs.
A cell keeps on growing until a certain stage, beyond which it has to divide. The division of a cell can
take place in two ways:

Mitosis: This is an equational division in which a body cell divides into two equal halves, each containing
all the essential parts to run it as a cell. In such a division, first the chromosome number gets doubled i.e.
each chromosome gets divided into two, thereby doubling the total number of chromosomes in the cell.
Later on, each half receives half the chromosomes. For example, each human cell has 46 chromosomes,
which become 92 in number at the time of mitosis. Each new mitotic cell gets half of it, i.e. 46. Thus the
chromosome number remains constant in the species in each cell.
This type of division goes on in the body cells (except sex cells) all the time and is the major source of
repair, growth and development.

Meiosis: Meiosis is a special type of cell division exclusively found in sex cells (sperms and eggs). In this
case, a reduction division takes place first i.e. after duplication of each chromosome, the 92 chromosomes
thus produced get divided into four parts, each having 23 chromosomes. Thus each daughter cell gets 23
chromosomes. That is why this is called a reduction division. Each of the four sperms containing 23
chromosomes will combine with an egg having 23 chromosomes, thus giving rise to a zygote having 16
chromosomes in all. Thus the number of chromosomes has again stayed the same in the specie.

Twins: When two offspring are born at the same time, they are referred to as twins. Depending upon the
mode of formation, they are of two types.
 114

Identical or Monozygotic Twins: Such twins develop from a single fertilized egg, which divides into
exactly two halves some time after fertilization has occurred. Twins born as a result of such division are
known as identical twins and they share virtually identical physical and psychological features.

Dizygotic or Fraternal Twins: Fraternal twins are the result of fertilization of two ova with two separate
sperms. Twins produced as a result of such separate fertilization are no more alike than ordinary siblings.

Gene Expression & Genetic Disorders: Each chromosome is composed of many individual hereditary
units called genes. A gene is a segment of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), which is the actual carrier of all
genetic information. The DNA molecule looks like a twisted ladder or a double-stranded helix. The gene, a
segment of the DNA molecule will give coded instruction to the cells, directing it to perform a particular
function (usually to manufacture a particular protein). Although all cells in the body contain the same
genes, the specialized nature of each cell is due to the fact that only 5 to 10 percent of the genes are
active in any given cell. In the process of developing from a fertilized egg, each cell switches on some
genes and switches off all others.

Genes, like chromosomes, occur in pairs. One gene of each pair comes from the sperm chromosome and
the other from the ovum chromosome. Thus, a child receives only half of his genes from each parent’s
total genes. The total number of genes in each human chromosome is around 10000 - perhaps higher.
Since the number of genes is so high, it is extremely unlikely that two human beings would have the same
heredity, even if they were siblings. The only exception is the identical twins, who, because they
developed from the same fertilized egg, have exactly the same genes.

Some of the characteristics that are carried by recessive genes are baldness, hemophilia and a
susceptibility to poison ivy. However, not all gene pairs follow the dominant-recessive a pattern and most
of the human traits are determined by many genes acting together.
Some human characteristics are determined by a single gene pair. For instance, Phenylketunoria (PKU)
and Huntington’s Disease. In case of PKU, the person is not able to digest an essential amino acid which
gets logged in the nervous system.

Sex-linked Genes And Related Disorders: The X chromosome may carry either dominant or recessive
genes, the Y chromosome carries a few genes dominant for some male sexual characteristics, but
otherwise carries only recessive genes. Thus, most recessive characteristics carried by a man’s X
chromosome (received from his mother) are expressed since they are not blocked by dominant genes. For
example, colour-blindness is a recessive sex-linked characteristic. A man will be colour-blind if he inherits
a colour-blind gene on the X chromosome received from mother. Females are less often colour-blind,
because a colour-blind female has to have both a colour-blind father and a mother who is either colour-
blind or who carries a recessive gene for colour-blindness. A number of genetically determined disorders
are linked to abnormalities of the 23rd pair of chromosomes, or by recessive genes carried by this pair.
They are called sex-linked disorders.

Chromosomal Abnormalities: On rare occasions, a female may be born with only one chromosome
instead of the usual XX. Such a condition is referred to as Turner’s Syndrome.
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Sometimes, when the 23rd chromosome fails to divide properly, the developing organism ends up with an
extra X or Y chromosome. An individual with XXY condition is said to be suffering from the Klinefelter’s
syndrome. Such a person is physically a male, but with marked feminine traits. A person born with XYY
composition will be known as supermale, a person with exaggerated male features.

Infectious Diseases: These are conveyed from one person to another by air, inanimate objects, water,
wounds and direct physical contact with the affected person e.g. small-pox, cholera and dysentery,
tetanus, cholera (through flies), malaria (through mosquitoes), typhus (by lice), AIDS, Syphilis, Herpes(
all three by sexual contact), common cold etc.

Certain terms are used to describe the method of occurrence of infectious diseases:-

Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis of lungs is called Phthisis or Consumption. It is caused by tubercle bacillus-

weak chest, dusty occupation, over-work, chronic worry, starvation, intemperance, early marriage,
malaria, influenza, pleurisy; all these increase susceptibility to TB by lowering general vitality.
Cure.
B.C.G. vaccine; use of Streptomycin and Rifampicin.

Smallpox: It is caused by a virus. The onset is sudden, with headache and backache followed by
vomiting, fever and running of the nose. Eruption on the skin, small red pimples become pocks on the
third day. Scabs fall on the 14th day leaving behind pits or scars on the skin.

Cholera: It is caused by cholera vibrio. Characterized by passing copious colourless stools and also
vomiting, pain in legs and back, cramps, suppression of urine and collapse.

Malaria: Bite of female anopheles mosquito. Malarial parasites (protozoa) enter red-blood corpuscles
where they multiply till the red blood corpuscles burst. The process is repeated. Plasmodium is the causal
microbe in usual cases. However, a fatal type of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum (which is
spread through mosquitoes)
Symptoms: Repeated attacks of high fever with shivering and a feeling of cold, and its going away with
sweating. Quinine, obtained from the bark of Cinchona is widely used in cases of malaria.

Filaria: It is caused by the bite of a male mosquito-it generally occurs in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa and
practically all those places with poor drainage. Other important diseases carried through the bites of
insects are

Kala-Azar: By the bite of bed bug.

African sleeping sickness: By Tse-tse fly (Trypanosome gambiense -causal microbe)

Diabetes: Inability of pancreas to secrete sufficient insulin to make use of sugar in the food. The excess
sugar is excreted through urine.

Typhoid : Typhoid bacillus. Infection conveyed mostly through water or milk.

Pyorrhea: An infection of gums which causes edges of the tooth sockets to bleed easily. In later stages,
there is constant discharge of pus.

Mumps: The swelling of the salivary glands in front of the ears which makes the face look dull. Fluid diet
and rest in bed is the best cure.

Rabies or Hydrophobia: A disease caused by the bite of a mad dog, cat or jackal. There is no cure, until
the symptoms have developed. The best treatment is inoculation invented by Louis Pasteur.

Diphtheria: It is a children’s disease, which causes the inflammation of the throat. It is highly infectious,
and the best way to fight it is immunize the children by diphtheria vaccine.
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Poliomyelitis: Infantile paralysis. It is a viral infection of the nerves of movement. Usually the muscles
affected are those of legs or arms, but if the breathing organs are affected, the results are disastrous.
Polio begins with sore throat, fever and sometimes vomiting. The Salk vaccine prevents infection.

Meningitis: It means inflammation of the meninges.

Encephalitis: This is an infection of the brain caused by a virus.

Aids: The Acquired Human Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome is caused by the infections of HIV-3 virus.
Symptoms include unexplained loss of weight, opportunistic infections like pneumonia, TB etc. So far,
there is no known cure for this disease. It is spread by means of shared syringes, sexual intercourse etc.

Vaccination: A vaccine is a biological preparation which gives the vaccinated person immunity from a
specified illness for a considerable period of time. In most of the vaccines, either dead or weakened germs
of a particular diseases (the germs are always of the same disease against which the person is to be
secured) are injected (or given orally in certain cases) inside the person’s body. The germs on entering
the body prompt the body to create its internal defences against the germs, in the form of antibodies
(antibodies are those chemicals which are released by the body to fight any external attack of a disease).
Since the germs injected are too weak to cause any disease but the body is ready with its own defences to
fight it, a vaccine provides protection against a disease for a considerable period. So in future, if an attack
of a disease takes place, the body is always ready to fight it. It can be likened to a defence force put on
constant alert which can repel the enemy attack any time.

Minerals and their significance to the Human Body

Mineral Sources Significance Effects of deficiency
Elements

Macro Elements
Calcium(Ca)# Milk, cereals, Cheese, Required for formation of teeth Weak theeth and bones ;
Green Vegetables. and Bones , blood clotting, retarded body growth.
function of nerves and muscles
Phosphorus(P) Weak theeth and bones ;
retarded body growth and
physiology.
Sulphur(S) Many protiens of food. Component of many amino Distributed protein
acids. metabolism.
Pottassium(K) Meat, milk, Required for acid-base balance, Low blood pressure, weak
cereals,fruits and water regulation nad function of muscles; risk of paralysis..
vegetables. nerevs..
Chlorine(Cl) Table salt Required for acid base balance; Loss of appetite; muscles
component of gastric juice. cramps
Magnesium(Mg) Cereals, green Cofactor of many enzymes of Irregularties of metabolism
vegetables. glycolysis anda number of principally affecting nervous
another metabolic reactions functions.
dependent upon ATP
Iron(Fe) Meat, eggs , cereals, Component of haemoglobin and Anaemia, weakness and
green vegetables. cytochromes. weak immunity.
Iodine(I) Milk, cheese, sea food, important component of Goitre, Cretinism
iodized salt thyroxine hormone
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Fluorine(F) Drinking water, tea , Maintence of bones and teeth. Weak theeth, larger amount
sea food causes motting of teeth.
Zinc(Zn) Cereals, Milk, eggs, Cofactor of digestive and many Retarded growth, anaemia,
meat, sea food other enzymes rough skin, weak immunity
and fertility
Copper(Cu) Meat, dry fruits , POds Cofactor of cytochrome oxidase Anaemia,weak blood
, Green vegetables, sea enzyme.Necessary for iron vessels and connective
food metabolism and development tissues
of blood vessels and connective
tissues

Macro Elements
Manganese(MN) Dry fruits, cereals,tea Cofactor of some enzymes Irregular growth of bones,
fruits and green of urea synthesis and cartilages and connective
vegetables transfer of phosphate tissues
group
Cobalt(Co) MIlk, cheese, meat Important component of Anaemia
vitamin B12
Selenium(SE) Meat, cereals, sea food Cofactor of many Muscular pain; weakness
enzymes; assists vitamin of cardiac muscles
E
Chromium(CR) Yeast, sea food, meat, Important for catabolic Irregularities of catabolic
some vegetables metabolism meatbolism and ATP
production
Molybdenum(MO) Cereals, pods, some Cofactor of some enzymes Irregular excreation of
vegetables nitrogenous waste
products

Vitamin Chemical Properties Deficiency

Name disease
A Retinol General health giving vitamin, can be stored liver Night blindness
B1 Thiamine For Growth, carbohydrate metabolism, functioning Beri-Beri
of heart
B2 Riboflavin For Keeping skin and mouth healthy Cheilosis
B5 Niacin For healthy skin, sound mental health Pellagra
B6 Pyridoxine Processing of proteins and for nervous system Convulsions in child
B12 Cynacobalamin Required for formation and maturation of RBCs Pernicious anaemia
C Ascorbic Acid For keeping teeth , gums and joints healthy .Gets Scurvy
destroyed on heating
D Calciferol For normal bones and teeth, can be stored in liver Rickets
E Tocopherol For normal reproduction , removes scars and Sterility
wrincles
K Phylloquinone For normal clotting of blood Haemophilia
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Blood Groups : Dr. Costtello and later Dr. Moss in 1910 were responsible for classification of blood; the
blood groups are AB, A, B, and O. Patients must be given transfusion of blood of their own group with the
exception of Group O, which is universal. Another classification of blood groups is done on the basis of
presence or absence of a chemical factor known as Rh factor (derived from Rhesus monkey). If a person
has Rh in his blood, he will be referred to as Rh+ while an Rh negative person will not be having such a
factor in his blood. This aspect also needs to be considered while transfusing blood because mixing Rh+
with Rh – blood leads to agglutination
(clumping together) and immediate death.

Glands: A gland is a group of cells which makes some useful chemical for the use of the body in its
various reactions. There are two kinds of glands in the human body:

1. Exocrine glands - as liver, spleen, pancreas. The secretions are transported to the desired part by
means of a special channel called duct.

2. Endocrine Or Ductless glands - as pituitary (The Master Gland), suprarenal, thyroid. The secretions are
transported by means of blood to the desired part of the body.

Liver: The largest gland is in the body, it performs the following functions in the body - (1) Stores
excessive sugar in the form of glycogen (insoluble carbohydrate), which helps in the digestion of fats.

Pancreas: It is both an ordinary as well as an endocrine gland. As an ordinary gland, it secretes

pancreatic juice which, through pancreatic duct, goes to duodenum to help digestion there. As an
Endocrine gland, it secretes insulin which helps utilizing sugar in the body, and its deficiency causes
‘diabetes’, a disease in which the patient passes sugar along with urine.

Spleen: White blood corpuscles are formed here

Pituitary Gland: Its secretion regulates growth and stature of the body, milk secretion in mammals, and
influences sex organs.

Adrenal Glands: They are small, yellowish glands just above the kidneys one on each side. Their
secretion is known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. This secretion is released in emergencies and
prepares the body to fight such situations by releasing excessive energy.

Thyroid: Brownish red body situated in front of the neck. Its abnormal increase in size is known as goitre.
Its secretion, known as thyroxine, is rich in iodine.

The human retina contains two types of cells:

1. Cone Cells-Meant for seeing during the day, also responsible for colour vision
2. Rod Cells: Meant for seeing in low intensity lights.

Since humans have many more cone cells as compared to rod cells, they are much better at seeing the
things in bright intensity as compared to other. Humans see with both the eyes together and both the
eyes form separate images of an object. Those two separate images are then fused in the brain to create
an impression of depth.
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(Otherwise, the human retina is a 2-D structure, does not give perception of depth). This difference in
images in the two eyes is referred to as binocular disparity.

(i) Myopia (or short-sightedness). When a person can see nearer objects distinctly but not distant ones,
he is said to be suffering from myopia. In this case the convexity of the lens of his eye cannot be
sufficiently decreased to form the image of the distant object on the retina. It is remedied by the use of
concave glasses.
(ii) Hypermetropia (or long-sightedness). When a person can see distant objects clearly but not the never
he is said to be suffering from hypermetropia. It is remedied by the use of convex glasses.
(iii) Astigmatism. The person can see vertical liens clearly but not the horizontal ones, or vice versa. It is
remedied by the use of cylindrical glasses.
(iv) Colour Blindness: If a person cannot distinguish between different colours (especially between red and
green), he is said to be suffering from this defect.

IV. Scientific Appliances

Aeroplane: An aeroplane usually consists of the following three parts:

(i) Wings,
(ii) The engine and the propeller; and
(iii) The tail.

In order to operate an aeroplane, the propeller is made to revolve at a very high speed with the help of a
powerful petrol engine. The direction of the blades is so adjusted as to push the air in a backward
direction, thereby producing a relative velocity between the ’plane and air—thus pushing the aeroplane in
a forward direction. The push should be large enough to overcome the drag and should supply power for
climbing.

Air conditioning: is the process of controlling the humidity, temperature, purity and circulation of air in a
certain factory, a public building, hotels or a private house. The major aim of air-conditioning is to
regulate the temperature, thereby producing a “cooling effect” on the whole. Exhaust machines are
devised at a particular place for driving out waste and dirty gases, thereby completely purifying the air.

Cinematography: The principle of persistence of vision is utilised in cinematography. A cinematograph is

an apparatus for projecting the pictures of moving objects on the screen. The instantaneous photographs
of the successive positions of the moving body are photographed on a continuous film with the help of a
special camera called the movie camera, with an automatic shutter at the rate of nearly 16 per second.
The film duly developed is projected intermittently with a similar shutter as above so that it opens when
the film is stationary and closes when it jerks off.

Dewar Flask: is a double-walled glass flask, the inner surface of the outer vessel and the outer surface of
the inner vessel of which have been silvered. The vacuum is created in the space between the two walls.
This principle successfully prevents any interchange of temperature of the contents, because:
(1) glass is a bad conductor
(2) convection is not possible because there is vacuum between the walls and
(3) a little radiation that takes place from the inner vessel is reflected by the inner surface of the outer
wall.
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Diesel Engine: It is a particular type of internal combustion engine, known as compression ignition
engine. The air inside the cylinder is usually compressed to over 500 lbs. per sq. in. and the temperature
is attained up to 800°F. At this stage the oil is injected into the hot compressed air, which gets ignited
immediately, thereby producing a continuous gas stream, which pushes the piston upward. And thereafter
the engine gets into operation.

Dynamo: The origin of the electricity in a dynamo is the transformation of mechanical energy into
electrical energy. It depends on the principle of electro-magnetic induction whereby a current is produced
on traversing a magnetic field.

Electric Lamp: The electric lamp is based on the principle that when an electric current is passed through
a very fine metallic filament inside an evacuated glass bulb, it is heated so as to render the wire white hot
or incandescent. The wire being very thin offers great resistance to the passage of the current so that
considerable heat is developed and the temperature rises to make it luminous and thus emit light. The
resistance generally increases as the temperature rises and soon an equilibrium is reached and there is no
further rise of temperature, the amount of heat radiated by the filament being equal to that generated in
it by the electric current. In order that the metallic filament shall not oxidise or rust, oxygen is removed
from the bulb by pumping out air or generally some inert gas such as nitrogen or some other gas is made
to fill the bulb.

Electric Motor: An electric motor is a device which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. A
D.C. motor generally consists of several segments of a coil of a wire of a large number of turns wound
over a soft iron cylinder called the armature. It is mounted on an axle about which it revolves and is
placed between the poles of an electromagnet called the field magnets. There are the commutator,
brushes and the leads. It is based on the principle that a conductor carrying current experiences a force
when placed in a magnetic field.

Electro Cardio-gram (E.C.G.): It is actually a graphic picture of the heart-beat which the physician can
make use of in the diagnosis. When the heart beats, its muscles contract and this causes a change in the
electrical potential of the system. This change in potential is recorded on a paper by an electrical
instrument known as electrocardiograph. The electrodes are connected to the two wrists and the left leg of
the patient, and the machine acts like a galvanometer, the needle of which rests on a rotating drum
covered with a paper, and thus the movements of the needle are recorded.
Electromagnet: whenever an electric current passed through a coil of wire, a large number of turns,
wound round a soft iron core, the iron core gets magnetised and it becomes a powerful magnet, and is
known as an electromagnet. This magnetism is temporary and lasts so long as the current passes through
the coil. Looking at the end of the soft iron bar if the current in the coil is clockwise in direction that end of
the bar is South Pole; if the current is counter-clockwise, that end is a North Pole.

Fibre Optics: Optical fibres have a highly transparent core of glass or plastic surrounded by a covering
called a cladding. Light impulses from a laser, a light bulb, or some other source enter one end of the
optical fibre. As light travels through the core, it is typically kept inside it by the cladding. The cladding is
designed to bend or reflect-inward-light rays that strike its inside surface. At the other end of the fibre, a
detector, such as a photosensitive device or the human eye, receives the light.
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Optical fibres have a number of uses. Various industries use optical fibres to measure temperature,
pressure, acceleration, and voltage. In fibre-optic communication systems, lasers transmit coded
messages by flashing on and off at high speeds. The messages travel through optical fibres to interpreting
devices that decode the messages, converting them back into the form of the original signal. Fibre-optic
communication systems have a number of features that make them superior to systems that use
traditional copper cables. For example, they have a much larger information-carrying capacity and are not
subject to electrical interference. In addition, signals sent over long-distance fibre-optic cables need less
amplification than do signals sent over copper cables of equal length. Optical fibres are well-suited for
medical use. They can be made in extremely thin, flexible strands for insertion into the blood vessels,
lungs, and other hollow parts of the body. Optical fibres are used in a number of techniques that enable
physicians to look and work inside the body through tiny incisions.

Fire Extinguisher: works by spraying continuous streams of carbon dioxide gas, which does not support
combustion, and so acts as a fire extinguishing agent. Fire extinguisher is a medium size metallic cylinder
fitted with a head-knob and a handle. At the time of emergency, the knob is struck against the floor, and
carbon dioxide gas begins to evolve. Inside this cylinder a bottle of dilute solution of sulphuric acid is
embedded in sodium carbonate powder. When the bottle is broken, sulphuric acid reacts with sodium
carbonate to produce large quantities of the gas.

Fusion Torch: is an instrument to be evolved by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. It will use the
power of the Hydrogen bomb to vaporise solid waste like junk-cars and bearcans, into their basic
elements. The idea is based on the assumption that within a few years scientists will be able to harness
the energy of the Hydrogen bomb—Controlled thermo-nuclear fusion—for use in electrical power plants.

Internal Combustion Engine: is an engine in which energy supplied by a burning fuel is directly
transformed into mechanical energy by the controlled combustion of the fuel in an enclosed cylinder
behind a piston. It is usually applied to the petrol- burning or Diesel oil-burning engine.

Jet Propulsion: It is now being commonly employed for propulsion of aircraft and the underlying
principle is Newton’s third law of motion, that is, “to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”.
Here a gas turbine drives the rotary air compressor which supplies compressed air to the combustion
chamber, where the fuel-like gasoline enters and burns. The hot exploded gases are expelled to the rear
in a high velocity jet exhaust. It is the reaction of the ‘plane on this jet of fastly ejected gases that drives
it forward. It has made possible supersonic speeds.

Difference between Rocket and Jet Engine: The essential difference between the propulsion of a jet
engine and a rocket is that the gas turbines used in a jet engine require air to supply oxygen for the
burning of the fuel. Rockets contain both fuel and an oxidizer to make them burn. Liquid oxygen is often
used. So a jet engine would work only in the lower strata of the atmosphere where sufficient oxygen can
be supplied by the air-compressors. The high velocity jet from a rocket is available for thrust in the upper
atmosphere and even beyond the limits of our atmosphere. For rocket flights of course, the wings and
rudders would be absolutely useless since there would be no air to exert force on them.

LASER: or Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, LASER is a device that harnesses light
to produce an intense beam of radiation of a very pure, single colour. The power of the beam can be low
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(as in a food store laser scanner which reads prices on packages) or high (as in lasers used to cut metals).
The first laser was built in 1960.

Lightning Conductor: It consists of a metal rod, the upper part of which is made up of copper with a
number of conical points, the lower portion being an iron strip which extends deep into the earth’s moist
layers. A lightning conductor protects the building from the effect of lightning in two ways:

(i) The pointed conductors are charged by induction oppositely thus setting up an opposite wind which
brings about a slow and silent discharge of the cloud.
(ii) If however the lightning does strike, the discharge may be carried to the earth through the metal strip
without doing any damage to the building. In ships also, lightning conductors are fixed to the masts and
carried down through the ship’s keel-sheathing.
Loud Speaker: It is a device for converting electrical energy into sound energy. There are various types
of loud speakers but the commonest and most efficient type used now-a-days is the moving coil type. It is
based on the principle that when a varying current is passed through a conductor in a magnetic field, the
conductor is acted on by a variable force and if the current is oscillatory, the conductor is set into
vibrations.

Mariner’s Compass: is an apparatus which is used to guide the sailors. The needle always points north-
south. It consists of a magnetised bar with a card bearing the directions viz., north, south, east etc. The
card is correctly mounted above and firmly attached to the magnetised bar. When the magnet moves in
relation to the ship’s course, the card automatically moves with it.

Motor-Car: A motor-car usually consists of the following working parts:

(i) Internal combustion engine
(ii) Gear Box
(iii) Battery
(iv) Carburettor
(v) Dynamo
(vi) Radiator

In order to operate a motor-car, the petrol from a container is ignited with the help of the battery. The
vapours produced thereof are allowed to mix with air in the carburettor section, and thereafter the
mixture is allowed to enter the cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The gases on expansion push
the piston upwards thereby moving the crank-shaft, which in turn moves the main axle of the car. The
motion of axle is controlled by the gear box.

Periscope: It is a device for viewing objects which are above the eye-level of the observer, or are placed
so that direct vision is obstructed. It is usually used by the crew of a submarine to survey the ships etc.,
on the surface of the sea while the submarine is under water. It also enables sailors to observe objects on
the other side of an obstacle without exposing themselves. It consists of a long tube, at each end of which
is a right-angled prism, so situated that, by total internal reflection at the longest faces, light is turned
through an angle of 90° by each prism. The light from a viewed object thus enters the observer’s eye in a
direction parallel to, but below, the original direction of the object.
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Phytotron: is a big machine costing two million dollars and capable of producing any type of climate to
order. It has been installed in Duke University, Durham, North Carolina to facilitate studies of
environmental biology—particularly growing of plants under varying climatic conditions. The machine can
duplicate any set of climatic conditions from the tropical to the Arctic in the brick and glass building in
which it is housed. It has six specially equipped green houses and 40 controlled plant chambers. It is a
useful device for the study of environmental biology.

Radar: precisely means: Radio, Angle, Detection And Range. It is one of the interesting developments of
wireless waves the principle of which has been utilised in the radio location technique or popularly known
as RADAR. It is an electrical device used for the detection and location of the aircraft with the help of radio
frequency waves.

Refrigerator: It is an apparatus or chamber for producing and maintaining a low temperature. The
principle employed in the working of a refrigerator is that heat is absorbed by a liquid as it evaporates,
thus producing a cooling effect. The substance commonly employed is liquid ammonia sulphur dioxide.

Rocket: The underlying principle of the flight of a rocket is Newton’s Third Law of Motion viz., To every
action there is an equal and opposite reaction. It is a self-propelled vehicle which depends upon the force
provided by a fuel carried along with it. As the fuel burns, products of combustion are forced out at terrific
speed at the rear of the vehicle and ejection imparts motion to it in the forward direction. It has its own
oxygen supply for burning the fuel and therefore, there is no dependence on air for combustion or
propulsion.

Seismograph: It is an instrument used for the registration of earth tremors, and consists of principle of a
heavy pendulum system, the supporting framework following the ground movements and the bob
remaining at rest on account of its large inertia thereby setting up a relative movement between the two
parts of the seismograph. This movement is recorded with the help of electromagnetic transducers,
galvanometers and electronic amplifiers. In order to record the displacements completely, usually three
seismographs are made to set at one particular station.

Steam Engine: is a machine utilizing steam power through a device by virtue of which heat is converted
into mechanical energy. The steam engine has two main parts: (i) boiler, and (ii) proper engine. It
consists essentially of a cylinder in which a piston is moved backwards and forwards by the expansion of
steam under pressure.

Stereoscope: It is an optical device that makes photographs seem to have three dimensions. An ordinary
camera sees things only in a flat plane and never in the round. But if two cameras set several inches apart
photograph the same object simultaneously, and if these two photographs are then mounted side by side
and viewed through a combination of lenses and prisms in such a manner that the two units enter the two
eyes without strain, the resulting mental picture (image) appear to have three dimensions. Everything is
seen in the round, the way our two eyes normally view things. These are employed in aerial survey and in
astronomical telescopes.

Tape Recorder: It is an instrument which converts sound waves into electrical impulses which are
recorded as a wavy groove on the tape. When it is required to produce the voice, the electrical impulses
are again converted into sound waves.
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Telephotography: is a process by which the transmission of moving objects is made by radio from one
place to another. A succession of still pictures is transmitted at the rate of twenty-five per second which
gives an illusion of continuous movement. The television camera changes the light pattern of the
transmitted scene into a series of electrical signals which modulate a very high frequency radio carrier
wave. The received signals are changed into light variations and reassembled on the screen of a cathode-
ray tube at the receiver.

Thermometer, Clinical: A clinical thermometer is used to note the temperature of a human body and
has graduations from 65°F to 100°F. It consists of a thin glass bulb connected with a thick walled capillary
tube known as the stem. There is a constriction in the bore near the bulb. When the thermometer is
placed below the tongue (or in the arm-pit) of a person, mercury in the bulb gets heated and expands.
The force of expansion pushes the mercury past the constriction, which thus rises into the stem. When
thermometer is removed, the temperature falls and mercury contracts. But the level remains intact as the
thread is now broken at the constriction. The temperature can thus be conveniently read. The mercury
can be again brought into the bulb by giving it a slight jerk.

Tokamak T-3: is a machine designed by Russians to harness fusion reaction for peaceful purposes. A
fusion reaction takes place under extreme pressure and temperatures such as exist in the core of the sun.
In this machine such conditions are created by generating a hot gas or plasma. The Russians are already
at work on an improved version of the machine which should achieve self-supporting generation of fusion-
energy.

Transformer: It is an apparatus by which the voltage of an alternating current is made higher (step-up
Transformer) or lower (step-down Transformer) or its frequency. Transformer is made up of two coils, one
of a small number of turns of thick wire and the other of a great number of turns of thin wire. A current
going through the first of these causes an induction current of higher voltage in the second. If the main
current goes through the second one, induction current of a lower voltage is generated in the first coil.

Transistor: It is an active component of an electric circuit which may be used as an amplifier or detector.
It consists of a small block of a semi-conducting material to which at least three electrical contacts are
made, two of them being closely spaced rectifying contacts generally and one ohmic or loose (non-
rectifying) contact. Transistors are now being used in radio receivers, in electronic computers, in
electronic control equipments, in place of vacuum tubes where the required voltages are not too high.
They are much smaller than their vacuum tube counterparts, consume less power and have no filaments
to burn out.

Ultrasonoscope: It is a compact, diagnostic instrument designed to measure and use ultrasonic sound
(with a frequency higher than 20,000 cycles per second, beyond human hearing). It emits brief bursts of
ultrasound which are reflected back by bone, fluid or tissue in the body and give an “echo-gram”. The
instrument can be helpful in detecting deep-seated brain tumours, defective heart valves and abnormal
growths.
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V. Scientific Instruments and Laws

Scientific Instruments:

Altimeter: an apparatus used in aircraft for measuring altitudes.

Ammeter: is used for to measure intensity of sound.

Anemometer: is an instrument for measuring the force and velocity of wind.

Audiometer: an instrument to measure intensity of sound.

Audiophone: is an instrument required for improving imperfect sense of hearing.

Barograph: for continuous recording of atmospheric pressure.

Barometer: is an apparatus used for measuring the atmospheric pressure.

Binoculars: is an instrument used for seeing distant objects, the rays of light are twice reflected by

means of right-angled prisms.

Callipers: a compass with legs for measuring the inside or outside diameter of bodies.

Calorimeter: an instrument used for measuring quantities of heat.

Carburettor: is an apparatus for charging air with petrol vapours in an internal combustion engine.

Cardiogram: a medical instrument used for tracing the movements of the heart.

Cardiograph: is a medical instrument for tracing heart movements.

Chronometer: is an instrument kept on board the ships for measuring accurate time.

Cinematograph: It consists of a series of lenses arranged to throw on a screen an enlarged image of

photographs. The lens system which forms the image on the screen is termed the focusing lens.

Commutator: split ring which forms the main part of a D.C. Dynamo.

Compass needle: for knowing approximately the North-South direction at a place.

Crescograph: is an instrument for use in recording growth of plants; invented by J.C. Bose.

Dip Circle: It is an instrument used to determine the angle between the direction of the resultant

intensity of earth’s field and the horizontal component at a place. This particular angle is know as the dip

of that place.

Drinker’s apparatus: to help breathing in infantile paralysis.

Dynamo: The origin of electricity in a Dynamo is the transformation of mechanical energy into electrical

energy. It depends on the principle of electro-magnetic induction whereby a current is produced on

traversing a magnetic field.

Electroencephalograph (EEG): It is the technique of recording and interpreting the electrical activity of

the brain. Records of the electrical activity of the brain, commonly known as “brain waves”, are called

electroencephalograms or electroencephalographs. EEG is the common abbreviation for both the

technique and the records.

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Epidiascope: for projecting films as well as images of opaque articles on a screen.

Eudiometer: It is a glass tube for measuring volume changes in chemical reactions between gases.

Fathometer: is an instrument used for measuring depth of the ocean.

Galvanometer: an instrument for measuring currents of small magnitude.

G.M. Counter (Geiger Muller Counter): This special device is used for detecting the presence of

radiation and counting certain atomic particles.

Gramophone: an instrument with which we can reproduce the sound recorded by a suitable recording

apparatus. It is fitted with a special type of apparatus known as sound box invented by Berliner.

Gravimeter: is an instrument for recording measurement under water and to determine the presence of

oil deposits under water.

Gyroscope: is an instrument used to illustrate dynamics of rotating bodies. It is a type of spinning wheel

fixed to the axle.

Hydrometer: is an instrument used for measuring the specific gravity of liquids.

Hydrophone: is an instrument used for recording sound under water.

Hygrometer: is an instrument used for measuring humidity in air.

Kymograph: is an instrument used to record graphically various physiological movements i.e., blood

pressure, heart beating, study of lungs etc in living beings.

Lactometer: is an apparatus used for measuring the purity of milk.

Manometer: for determining the pressure of a gas.

Mariner’s Compass: is an apparatus which is used to guide the sailors. The needle always points north-

south.

Micrometer: is an instrument used for converting sound i.e., fraction of the lowest division of a given

scale.

Microphone: is an instrument used for converting sound waves into electrical vibrations.

Microscope: is an instrument which is used for magnifying minute objects by a lens system.

Microtome: is used for cutting an object into thin parts for microscopic inspection.

Odometer: is an instrument by virtue of which the distance covered by wheeled vehicles is recorded.

Periscope: It is usually used by the crew of a submarine to survey the ships etc, on the surface of the

sea while the submarine is under water. It also enables the sailors to observe objects on the other side of

an obstacle without exposing themselves.

Phonograph: is an instrument used for reproducing sound.

Photometer: is an apparatus used to compare the illuminating power of two sources of light.

Pipette: It is a glass tube with the aid of which a definite volume of liquid may be transferred.
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Potentiometer: is used for comparing the e.m.f.s, of cells, measurements of the thermal e.m.f.s, large

potential differences and currents. It is also used for measuring low resistances.

Psychrometer: is an instrument for measurement of the humidity of the atmosphere.

Pyrometer: is an instrument for recording high temperatures from a great distance (i.e., for recording

temperature of the sun etc.) by making use of the laws of radiation.

Radar: Radio, Angle, Detection And Range is used to detect the direction and range of an approaching

aeroplane by means of radio microwaves.

Rain Gauge: is an apparatus for recording of rainfall at a particular place.

Radiometer: is an instrument for measuring the emission of radiant energy.

Refractometer: is an instrument to measure refractive indices.

Saccharimeter: is an instrument for determining the amount of sugar in a solution. It is used in

breweries.

Seismometer or Seismograph: is an instrument used for recording earthquake shocks.

Sextant: is an instrument invented by John Hadley used for measuring the altitude of the sun and of

other inaccessible heavenly bodies.

Spectrometer:

(1) It is a type of spectroscope suitable for the precise measurements of refractive indices.

(2) An instrument for measuring the energy distribution of a particular type of radiation.

Speedometer: is an instrument which indicates speed at which a vehicle is moving.

Spherometer: is an instrument for measuring curvature of surfaces.

Sphygmomanometer: an instrument used for measuring arterial blood-pressure.

Sphygmophone: an instrument, with the help of which a pulse beat makes a sound.

Sphygmoscope: an instrument, by virtue of which, arterial pulsations become visible.

Stereoscope: It is a special type of binocular, through which a double photograph snapped from two

different angles by a two-lensed camera is viewed in solid relief.

Stethoscope: is an instrument to hear and analyse movements of heart and lungs.

Stop watch: for recording small intervals of time in the laboratory, in races and other events.

Stroboscope: is an instrument for viewing objects moving rapidly with a periodic motion and to see them

as if they were at rest.

Tachometer: is an instrument for determining speeds of aeroplanes and motor boats.

Telephone: a device by virtue of which two persons at two different places can communicate. It consists

of two main parts

(i) a microphone and

(ii) a receiver.
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Teleprinter: an instrument which prints automatically messages sent from one place to another, on

telegraph lines.

Telescope: is an apparatus used for observing distant objects.

Theodolite: is an instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles.

Thermocouple: an instrument based on thermo-electricity used for measuring temperatures.

Thermometer: is an apparatus used for measuring temperature.

Thermostat: It is an instrument used to regulate the temperature to a particular degree.

Viscometer: is an instrument to measure viscosity.

VI. Scientific Inventions & Discoveries:

Inventions and discoveries in Physics and Chemistry

Anderson—Discovered positive electrons.

Archimedes—Discovery of the Principles of lever and of specific gravity; invention of the famous

Archimedean screw.

Avogadro—An Italian scientist known for Avogadro’s Hypothesis.

Bacquerel— Radio-activity of uranium.

Baird—Television.

Baron Napier—Logarithms.

Benjamin Franklin—Invented lightning conductor.

Bessemer—Steel smelting process.

Bhabha, Dr H.J.—Research in Cosmic rays and Quantum theory.

Binet—Intelligence Test.

Birbal Sahni—Researches in Botany.

Bose, J.C.—Invented Crescograph and published many works on plant physiology. He discovered that

plants have sense and perception.

Bose, S.N.—Discovery of a group of nuclear particles named after him “Boson”.

Boyle—Boyle’s law; Pressure x volume = constant at a constant given temperature. Boyle was the

greatest scientist of England in his time.

Bohr—Electron Theory—Atomic structure.

Braun, Dr Wernher von—space flying.

Bunsen—Invention of the spectroscope.

Carothers—Nylon plastics.
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Cavendish—Discovery of chemical composition of water; discovery of hydrogen (Inflammable Air); ‘rare

gases’.

Chadwick—Discovery of the neutron.

Chandrasekhar—Mathematical Astrophysics.

Charles Darwin—Theory of Evolution; Origin of Species.

Clarke, Arthur C.—Concept of Geostationary Orbit.

Curie, Madame—Discovery of radium.

Dalton—Atomic theory; laws of chemical combination; law of partial pressures; the law of multiple

proportions.

Democritus—Greek philosopher—(Atomic theory).

Dewar—Invented cordite, liquid oxygen and introduced thermos flask.

Einstein—Theory of relativity.

Euclid—Science of geometry.

Fahrenheit—Fahrenheit mercury thermometric scale in which freezing point is –32° and boiling point is

212°.

Faraday—Electromagnetic induction and laws of electrolysis.

Fermi—Discovered artificial splitting of atoms.

Freud—Doctrine of Psycho-analysis.

Gay Lussac—Law of gases.

Gauss—System of absolute electric measurements.

Good Year—Discovered the art of vulcanising rubber.

Herschel, William—Discovered the Planet—Uranus.

Hertz—Electrical waves.

Hippalus—Founder of scientific astronomy.

Hoffmann—Discovered the first aniline dye.

Kelvin, Lord—Dynamical theory of heat.

Khorana, Dr Hargobind—Deciphering the genetic code.

Kodak—Film and photographic goods.

Lablanc—Manufacture of washing soda.

Lawrence—Invention of cyclotron.

Lockyer—Helium gas.

Louis Braille—Perfected his system of reading and writing for the blind.

Marconi—Wireless telegraphy; radio.

Maria-Montessori—‘Montessori’ method of teaching children.

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Maxwell—Electro-magnetic Theory of Light.

Meghnad Saha—Effect of pressure on Radiation through bodies.

Mendel—Laws of heredity.

Mandeleev—Periodic Table.

Morse—Morse system of electric telegraphy.

Newton—Laws of gravitation; Law of Motion.

Nobel—Dynamite.

Oliver Lodge—Physicist. Researches in wireless communications.

Oppenheimer—Researches in atomic theory.

Otto Hahn—Discovery of uranium fission.

Parkes—Celluloid.

Parsons—Steam turbine.

Pavlov—Theory of Conditioned Reflex.

Perkin—‘Mauve dye’.

Pitman—Founded the Pitman system of phonographic shorthand.

Planck—Quantum theory.

Plimsoll—Introduced a line of demarcation on the ships beyond which the ships cannot be loaded.

Priestley—Discovery of Oxygen.

Raman, C.V.—“Raman Effect” on polarisation of light and theories on crystals and diamond formation.

Ramanathan—Molecular scattering of light in fluids.

Ramanujam—A great Indian mathematician.

Ramsay—Discovery of Inert gases such as Argon, Neon, Helium etc.

Ray, P.C.—Researches in chemistry.

Regnault—Experiments in regard to the physical properties of bodies and their relation to heat.

Roger Bacon—Gun powder.

Rontgen—Discovery of X-rays.

Rohmkorff—Induction coil.

Rutherford—Atomic Research; succeeded in splitting the atom for the first time in 1918.

Shalimar—Paints.

Stephenson—British engineer and pioneer in Railways. He was the first to put a locomotive on the line

that was able to draw a train of 31 carriages.

Thomson, J.J.—Discovered electron.

Travers—Discovery of Neon gas (Working with Ramsay).
Urey—Discovery of Heavy Hydrogen.
Volta—Current electricity and electric battery.
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Pioneers in Mechanical Inventions and Discoveries

Austin—Motor Car.

Bell, Graham—Telephone.

Berliner—Microphone.

Brequet—Helicopter.

Bushwell—Submarine.

Caxton—Printing Press.

Colt—Revolver.

Daimler—Gas engine.

Davy—Miner’s Safety Lamp.

Diesel—Internal Combustion engine (Diesel engine).

Dunlop—Pneumatic tyre.

Edison—First electric bulb and gramophone.

Faraday—Dynamo.

Fick—Law of Diffusion—Fick’s Law.

Frank Whittle—Jet propulsion.

Fulton—Stream boat.

Galileo—Telescope.

Gillette—Safety razor.

Guttenburg—Art of Printing.

Hoe—Rotary Printing Press.

Howe—Sewing Machine.

Huygens—Pendulum clock.

James Watt—Steam engine (patented in 1769).

Landstrom, J.E.—Safety Matches.

Macmillan—Bicycle (1842).

Mauser—Magazine of rifle.

Mercator—Celestial and a terrestrial globe.

Montgolfier—Balloon (1883)

Pascal—Calculating Machine.

Puckle, James—Machine gun

Shockley—Transistor.

Sholes—Typewriter.

Stephenson—Railway engine.
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Swinton—Military tank.

Torricelli—Barometer.

Watt, Robert Watson—Radar.

W. & O. Wright (Wright Brothers)—Aeroplane (1903).

Waterman—Fountain pen.

Zeiss—Lenses; Camera.

Pioneers in Medical Inventions and Discoveries

Banting—Insulin (as a palliative for diabetes)

Barnard, Christian—Replacing the human heart.

Brahmchari, U.M.—Cure of Kala-a-zar fever.

Davy—Isolation of metals by electricity; studied properties of chlorine.

Domagk—Sulpha drugs as bactericides.

Eijkman—Cause of Beri-Beri.

Finsen—Discovered curative effect of ultra violet rays; photography.

Fleming, Alexander—Penicillin (in 1929).

Harvey—Circulation of blood.

Hahnemann—Homoeopathy (founder).

Hopkins, Frederick Gowland—Vitamin D.

Jenner—Smallpox Vaccination.

Koch—Tubercle Bacillus.

Lainnec—Stethoscope.

Lister, Lord—Antiseptic treatment.

Pasteur, Louis—Treatment of rabies; cure of hydrophobia.

Ronald Ross—Malaria Parasite.

Salk, Jonas E.—Anti-polio Vaccine.

Simpson and Harrison—Chloroform.

Waksman—Streptomycin
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GEOGRAPHY
A. Physical Geography

I. Introduction:

1. Evolution of the Universe: About 11 to 15 billion years ago all of the matter and energy in the Universe
was concentrated into an area the size of an atom. At this moment, matter, energy, space and time did
not exist. Then suddenly, the Universe began to expand at an incredible rate and matter, energy, space
and time came into being (the Big Bang). As the Universe expanded, matter began to coalesce into gas
clouds, and then stars and planets. Our solar system formed about 5 billion years ago when the Universe
was about 65% of its present size. Today, the Universe continues to expand.

2. The Earth: Scientists believe the Earth began its life about 4.6 billion years ago. The Earth formed as
cosmic dust lumped together to form larger and larger particles until 150 million years had passed. At
about 4.4 billion years, the young Earth had a mass similar to the mass it has today. The continents
probably began forming about 4.2 billion years ago as the Earth continued to cool. The cooling also
resulted in the release of gases from the lithosphere, much of which formed the Earth's early atmosphere.
Most of the Earth's early atmosphere was created in the first one million years after solidification (4.4
billion years ago). Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor dominated this early atmosphere. Table 1
below describes the three major stages of development of the atmosphere.
Table 1: Evolution of the Earth's atmosphere

Name of Duration of Main Constituents of Dominant Processes and Features

Stage Stage the Atmosphere
(Billions of
Years Ago)
Early 4.4 to 4.0 H 2 O, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), Lighter gases like hydrogen and helium
Atmosphere ammonia (NH 3 ), methane escaped to space.
(CH 4 ), sulfur, iodine, bromine,
chlorine, argon All water was held in the atmosphere as vapor
because of high temperatures.
Secondary 4.0 to 3.3 At 4.0 billion H 2 O, CO 2 , and Continued release of gases from the
Atmosphere nitrogen (N) dominant. lithosphere.
Cooling of the atmosphere
causes precipitation and the Water vapor clouds common in the lower
development of the oceans. atmosphere.

By 3.0 billion CO 2 , H 2 O, N 2 Chemosynthetic bacteria appear on the Earth

dominant. O2 begins to some time between 3.9 and 3.5 billion years
accumulate. ago. Life begins to modify the atmosphere.
Living 3.3 to Present N 2 - 78%, O 2 - 21%, Argon - Development, evolution and growth of life
Atmosphere 0.9%, CO 2 - 0.036% increases the quantity of oxygen in the
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atmosphere from <1% to 21%.

500 million years ago concentration of

atmospheric oxygen levels off.

Humans begin modifying the concentrations of

some gases in the atmosphere beginning
around the year 1700.

As the Earth continued to cool, the water vapor found in the atmosphere condensed to form the oceans
and other fresh water bodies on the continents. Oxygen began accumulating in the atmosphere through
photo-dissociation of O2 from water, and by way of photosynthesis (life). The emergence of living
organisms was extremely important in the creation of atmospheric oxygen and ozone. Without ozone, life
could not exist on land because of harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Facts about the Earth: The Earth is a unique planet. The shape of the Earth approximates an oblate
spheroid, a sphere flattened along the axis from pole to pole such that there is a bulge around the
equator. This bulge results from the rotation of the Earth, and causes the diameter at the equator to be
43 km larger than the pole-to-pole diameter. Earth is a terrestrial planet, meaning that it is a rocky body,
rather than a gas giant like Jupiter. It is the largest of the four solar terrestrial planets in size and mass.
Of these four planets, Earth also has the highest density, the highest surface gravity, the strongest
magnetic field, and fastest rotation. It is the only planet containing ample water and air around it. The
temperature on the Earth is also suitable for human life.

Mass of Earth : 5.9736 x 1024 kg

Density of Earth : 5.517 times that of water.
Volume of Earth : 1,083,208,840,000 cubic km.
Equatorial Circumference : 40,075.03 km.
Polar or Meridianal Circumference: 40,007.89 km.
Equatorial Diameter : 12,756 km.
Polar Diameter : 12,714 km

Earth's Axis is an imaginary line which runs right across and passes through the centre of the Earth. The
Earth spins round its axis which always remains inclined at an angle of 66.50 to the plane of the Earth's
orbit.

Map Reading

Equator represents the imaginary line passing round the Earth midway between the north and south
poles. It, thus, divides the Earth into two equal halves (the Northern and Southern hemispheres).

Meridians represent the imaginary lines drawn out on the global map, from pole to pole and
perpendicular to the Equator.

Prime Meridian is the 0° meridian which passes through Greenwich, a place near London. It is also
known as the Greenwich Meridian.
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Longitudes are the equidistant lines drawn east and west of the Greenwich Meridian. They denote
angular distances of a place due east or west of the Greenwich Meridian. They converge at the two poles.

Latitudes are parallel lines drawn north and south of the Equator. They indicate angular distance of a
place in relation to the Equator.

Tropics are literally turning points. They refer to those parallels where the Sun is imagined to halt its
movement and turn about northward or southward as the case may be. The 23'/2° PARALLEL AS THE
Tropic of Capricorn

3. Earth Sun Geometry: The term Earth rotation refers to the spinning of our planet on its axis. Because of
rotation, the Earth's surface moves at the equator at a speed of about 467 m per second or slightly over
1675 km per hour. If you could look down at the Earth's North Pole from space you would notice that the
direction of rotation is counter-clockwise (Figure 3). The opposite is true if the Earth is viewed from the
South Pole. One rotation takes exactly twenty-four hours and is called a mean solar day. The Earth’s
rotation is responsible for the daily cycles of day and night. At any one moment in time, one half of the
Earth is in sunlight, while the other half is in darkness. The edge dividing the daylight from night is called
the circle of illumination. The Earth’s rotation also creates the apparent movement of the Sun across the
horizon.

Figure 1: The movement of the Earth about its axis is known as rotation. The direction of this movement
varies with the viewer’s position. From the North Pole the rotation appears to move in a counter-clockwise
fashion. Looking down at the South Pole the Earth’s rotation appears clockwise.

The orbit of the Earth around the Sun is called an Earth revolution. This celestial motion takes 365.26
days to complete one cycle. Further, the Earth's orbit around the Sun is not circular, but oval or elliptical.
An elliptical orbit causes the Earth's distance from the Sun to vary over a year. Yet, this phenomenon is
not responsible for the Earth’s seasons! This variation in the distance from the Sun causes the amount of
solar radiation received by the Earth to annually vary by about 6%.
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Figure 2: Annual change in the position of the Earth in its revolution around the Sun. In this graphic, we
are viewing the Earth from a position in space that is above the North Pole (yellow dot) at the summer
solstice, the winter solstice, and the two equinoxes. Note how the position of the North Pole on the Earth's
surface does not change. However, its position relative to the Sun does change and this shift is
responsible for the seasons. The red circle on each of the Earths represents the Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees
N). During the June solstice, the area above the Arctic Circle is experiencing 24 hours of daylight because
the North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees toward the Sun. The Arctic Circle experiences 24 hours of night
when the North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the Sun in the December solstice. During the two
equinoxes, the circle of illumination cuts through the polar axis and all locations on the Earth experience
12 hours of day and night. Seasons are appropriate only for the Northern Hemisphere.

On June 21 or 22 the Earth is positioned in its orbit so that the North Pole is leaning 23.5° toward the
Sun. During the June solstice (also called the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere), all locations
north of the equator have day lengths greater than twelve hours, while all locations south of the equator
have day lengths less than twelve hours . On December 21 or 22 the Earth is positioned so that the South
Pole is leaning 23.5 degrees toward the Sun. During the December solstice (also called the winter solstice
in the Northern Hemisphere), all locations north of the equator have day lengths less than twelve hours,
while all locations south of the equator have day lengths exceeding twelve hours.

On September 22 or 23, also called the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, neither pole is
tilted toward or away from the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, March 20 or 21 marks the arrival of the
vernal equinox or spring when once again the poles are not tilted toward or away from the Sun. Day
lengths on both of these days, regardless of latitude, are exactly 12 hours.
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The location on the Earth where the Sun is directly overhead at solar noon is known as the subsolar point.
The subsolar point occurs on the equator during the two equinoxes . On these dates, the equator is lined
up with the ecliptic plane and the poles are in line with the circle of illumination. During the summer
solstice, the subsolar point moves to the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) because at this time the North Pole is
inclined 23.5° toward the Sun (Figures 11 and 12). Figure 12 shows how the subsolar point gradually
changes from one day to the next over a period of one-year. Note that on this graph, the subsolar point is
located at the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S) during the December solstice when the South Pole is angled
23.5° toward the Sun.

Figure 3: Relationship of maximum Sun height to latitude for the equinox (left) and June solstice (right).
The red values on the right of the globes are maximum solar altitudes at solar noon. Black numbers on
the left indicate the location of the Equator, Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees N), Tropic of Capricorn (23.5
degrees S), Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees N), and the Antarctic Circle (66.5 degrees S). The location of the
North and South Poles are also identified. During the equinox, the equator is the location on the Earth
with a Sun angle of 90 degrees for solar noon. Note how maximum Sun height declines with latitude as
you move away from the Equator. For each degree of latitude traveled maximum Sun height decreases by
the same amount. At equinox, you can also calculate the noon angle by subtracting the location's latitude
from 90. During the summer solstice, the Sun is now directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. All
locations above this location have maximum Sun heights that are 23.5 degrees higher from the equinox
situation. Places above the Arctic Circle are in 24 hours of daylight. Below the Tropic of Cancer the noon
angle of the Sun drops one degree in height for each degree of latitude traveled. At the Antarctic Circle,
maximum Sun height becomes 0 degrees and locations south of this point on the Earth are in 24 hours of
darkness.
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4. The Natural Spheres: From the standpoint of Physical Geography, the Earth can be seen to be
composed of four principal components:

1. Lithosphere: describes the solid inorganic portion of the Earth (composed of rocks, minerals and
elements). It can be regarded as the outer surface and interior of the solid Earth. On the surface of the
Earth, the lithosphere is composed of three main types of rocks:
• Igneous - rocks formed by solidification of molten magma.
• Sedimentary - rocks formed by the alteration and compression of old rock debris or organic
sediments.
• Metamorphic - rocks formed by alteration of existing rocks by intense heat or pressure.

2. Atmosphere: is the vast gaseous envelope of air that surrounds the Earth. Its boundaries are not
easily defined. The atmosphere contains a complex system of gases and suspended particles that behave
in many ways like fluids. Many of its constituents are derived from the Earth by way of chemical and
biochemical reactions.

3. Hydrosphere: describes the waters of the Earth (see the hydrologic cycle). Water exists on the Earth
in various stores, including the atmosphere, oceans, lakes, rivers, soils, glaciers, and groundwater. Water
moves from one store to another by way of: evaporation, condensation, runoff, precipitation, infiltration
and groundwater flow.

4. Biosphere: consists of all living things, plant and animal. This zone is characterized by life in
profusion, diversity, and ingenious complexity. Cycling of matter in this sphere involves not only metabolic
reactions in organisms, but also many abiotic chemical reactions.
All of these spheres are interrelated to each other by dynamic interactions, like biogeochemical cycling,
that move and exchange both matter and energy between the four components.

II. Atmosphere:
Atmosphere is the mass of air that extends outward from the surface of the Earth into
space. The entire atmosphere is mixture of gases and weighs 5,700 trillion tonnes. A column of air
weighing about one tonne is pressing downwards on our shoulders, but we do not feel this pressure as it
is counter-balanced by the same pressure from within our bodies.The atmospheric air is composed of
about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Besides, there are minute proportions* of other gases, including
argon, carbon dioxide, helium, methane, hydrogen, ozone, neon, xenon, etc.
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1. Atmospheric Composition: Table 1 lists the eleven most abundant gases found in the Earth's lower
atmosphere by volume. Of the gases listed, nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrous oxide, and ozone are extremely important to the health of the Earth's biosphere.

The table indicates that nitrogen and oxygen are the main components of the atmosphere by volume.
Together these two gases make up approximately 99% of the dry atmosphere. Both of these gases have
very important associations with life. Nitrogen is removed from the atmosphere and deposited at the
Earth's surface mainly by specialized nitrogen fixing bacteria, and by way of lightning through
precipitation. The addition of this nitrogen to the Earth's surface soils and various water bodies supplies
much needed nutrition for plant growth. Nitrogen returns to the atmosphere primarily through biomass
combustion and denitrification.

Oxygen is exchanged between the atmosphere and life through the processes of photosynthesis and
respiration. Photosynthesis produces oxygen when carbon dioxide and water are chemically converted into
glucose with the help of sunlight. Respiration is a the opposite process of photosynthesis. In respiration,
oxygen is combined with glucose to chemically release energy for metabolism. The products of this
reaction are water and carbon dioxide.

The next most abundant gas on the table is water vapor. Water vapor varies in concentration in the
atmosphere both spatially and temporally. The highest concentrations of water vapor are found near the
equator over the oceans and tropical rain forests. Cold polar areas and subtropical continental deserts are
locations where the volume of water vapor can approach zero percent. Water vapor has several very
important functional roles on our planet:

 It redistributes heat energy on the Earth through latent heat energy exchange.
 The condensation of water vapor creates precipitaion that falls to the Earth's surface providing needed
fresh water for plants and animals.
 It helps warm the Earth's atmosphere through the greenhouse effect.

The fifth most abundant gas in the atmosphere is carbon dioxide. The volume of this gas has increased by
over 35% in the last three hundred years. This increase is primarily due to human induced burning from
fossil fuels, deforestation, and other forms of land-use change. Carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse
gas. The human-caused increase in its concentration in the atmosphere has strengthened the greenhouse
effect and has definitely contributed to global warming over the last 100 years. Carbon dioxide is also
naturally exchanged between the atmosphere and life through the processes of photosynthesis and
respiration.
Ozone's role in the enhancement of the greenhouse effect has been difficult to determine. Accurate
measurements of past long-term (more than 25 years in the past) levels of this gas in the atmosphere are
currently unavailable. Moreover, concentrations of ozone gas are found in two different regions of the
Earth's atmosphere. The majority of the ozone (about 97%) found in the atmosphere is concentrated in
the stratosphere at an altitude of 15 to 55 kilometers above the Earth's surface. This stratospheric ozone
provides an important service to life on the Earth as it absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation. In recent
years, levels of stratospheric ozone have been decreasing due to the buildup of human created
chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. Since the late 1970s, scientists have noticed the development of
severe holes in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Satellite measurements have indicated that the zone from
65° North to 65° South latitude has had a 3% decrease in stratospheric ozone since 1978.
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Ozone is also highly concentrated at the Earth's surface in and around cities. Most of this ozone is created
as a by product of human created photochemical smog. This buildup of ozone is toxic to organisms living
at the Earth's surface.

Table 1: Average composition of the atmosphere up to an altitude of 25 km.

Gas Name Chemical Formula Percent Volume

Nitrogen N2 78.08%
Oxygen O2 20.95%
*Water H2O 0 to 4%
Argon Ar 0.93%
*Carbon Dioxide CO2 0.0360%
Neon Ne 0.0018%
Helium He 0.0005%
*Methane CH4 0.00017%
Hydrogen H2 0.00005%
*Nitrous Oxide N2O 0.00003%
*Ozone O3 0.000004%

* variable gases

2. The Layered Atmosphere: The Earth's atmosphere contains several different layers that can be defined
according to air temperature, Figure 1 displays these layers in an average atmosphere.

Figure 4: Vertical change in average global atmospheric temperature. Variations in the way temperature
changes with height indicates the atmosphere is composed of a number of different layers (labeled
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above). These variations are due to changes in the chemical and physical characteristics of the
atmosphere with altitude.

According to temperature, the atmosphere contains four different layers (Figure 4). The first layer is called
the troposphere. The depth of this layer varies from about 8 to 16 kilometers. Greatest depths occur at
the tropics where warm temperatures causes vertical expansion of the lower atmosphere. From the tropics
to the Earth's polar regions the troposphere becomes gradually thinner. The depth of this layer at the
poles is roughly half as thick when compared to the tropics. Average depth of the troposphere is
approximately 11 kilometers as displayed in Figure 1.

About 80% of the total mass of the atmosphere is contained in troposphere. It is also the layer where the
majority of our weather occurs (Figure 2). Maximum air temperature also occurs near the Earth's surface
in this layer. With increasing height, air temperature drops uniformly with altitude at a rate of
approximately 6.5° Celsius per 1000 meters. This phenomenon is commonly called the Environmental
Lapse Rate. At an average temperature of -56.5° Celsius, the top of the troposphere is reached. At the
upper edge of the troposphere is a narrow transition zone known as the tropopause.

Above the tropopause is the stratosphere. This layer extends from an average altitude of 11 to 50
kilometers above the Earth's surface. This stratosphere contains about 19.9% of the total mass found in
the atmosphere. Very little weather occurs in the stratosphere. Occasionally, the top portions of
thunderstorms breach this layer. The lower portion of the stratosphere is also influenced by the polar jet
stream and subtropical jet stream. In the first 9 kilometers of the stratosphere, temperature remains
constant with height. A zone with constant temperature in the atmosphere is called an isothermal layer.
From an altitude of 20 to 50 kilometers, temperature increases with an increase in altitude. The higher
temperatures found in this region of the stratosphere occurs because of a localized concentration of ozone
gas molecules. These molecules absorb ultraviolet sunlight creating heat energy that warms the
stratosphere. Ozone is primarily found in the atmosphere at varying concentrations between the altitudes
of 10 to 50 kilometers. This layer of ozone is also called the ozone layer. The ozone layer is important to
organisms at the Earth's surface as it protects them from the harmful effects of the Sun's ultraviolet
radiation. Without the ozone layer life could not exist on the Earth's surface.

Separating the mesosphere from the stratosphere is transition zone called the stratopause. In the
mesosphere, the atmosphere reaches its coldest temperatures (about -90° Celsius) at a height of
approximately 80 kilometers. At the top of the mesosphere is another transition zone known as the
mesopause.

The last atmospheric layer has an altitude greater than 80 kilometers and is called the thermosphere.
Temperatures in this layer can be greater than 1200° C. These high temperatures are generated from the
absorption of intense solar radiation by oxygen molecules (O 2 ). While these temperatures seem extreme,
the amount of heat energy involved is very small. The amount of heat stored in a substance is controlled
in part by its mass. The air in the thermosphere is extremely thin with individual gas molecules being
separated from each other by large distances. Consequently, measuring the temperature of thermosphere
with a thermometer is a very difficult process. Thermometers measure the temperature of bodies via the
movement of heat energy. Normally, this process takes a few minutes for the conductive transfer of
kinetic energy from countless molecules in the body of a substance to the expanding liquid inside the
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thermometer. In the thermosphere, our thermometer would lose more heat energy from radiative
emission then what it would gain from making occasional contact with extremely hot gas molecules.

3. Atmospheric Pressure:

Introduction: Air is a tangible material substance and as a result has mass. Any object with mass is
influenced by the universal force known as gravity. Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states: any two
objects separated in space are attracted to each other by a force proportional to the product of their
masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. On the Earth, gravity can
also be expressed as a force of acceleration of about 9.8 meters per second per second. As a result of this
force, the speed of any object falling towards the surface of the Earth accelerates (1st second - 9.8 meters
per second, 2nd second - 19.6 meters per second, 3rd second - 29.4 meters per second, and so on.) until
terminal velocity is attained.

Figure 5: Change in average atmospheric pressure with altitude.

Atmospheric Pressure at the Earth's Surface: Surface air pressure varies both spatially and
temporally. During the winter months (December to February), areas of high pressure develop over
central Asia (Siberian High), off the coast California (Hawaiian High), central North America (Canadian
High), over Spain and northwest Africa extending into the subtropical North Atlantic (Azores High), and
over the oceans in the Southern Hemisphere at the subtropics. Areas of low pressure occur just south of
the Aleutian Islands (Aleutian Low), at the southern tip of Greenland (Iceland Low), and latitudes 50 to
80° South.
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During the summer months (June to August), a number of dominant winter pressure systems disappear.
Gone are the Siberian High over central Asia and the dominant low pressure systems near the Aleutian
Islands and at the southern tip of Greenland. The Hawaiian and Azores High intensify and expand
northward into their relative ocean basins. High pressure systems over the subtropical oceans in Southern
Hemisphere also intensity and expand to the north. New areas of dominant high pressure develop over
Australia and Antarctica (South Polar High). Regions of low pressure form over central Asia and southwest
Asia (Asiatic Low). These pressure systems are responsible for the summer monsoon rains of Asia.

4. The Concept of Temperature:

Temperature and Heat: Temperature and heat are not the same phenomenon. Temperature is a
measure of the intensity or degree of hotness in a body. Technically, it is determined by getting the
average speed of a body's molecules. Heat is a measure of the quantity of heat energy present in a body.
The spatial distribution of temperature in a body determines heat flow. Heat always flows from warmer to
colder areas.

Measurement of Air Temperature: A thermometer is a device that is used to measure temperature.

Thermometers consist of a sealed hollow glass tube filled with some type of liquid. Thermometers
measure temperature by the change in the volume of the liquid as it responds to the addition or loss of
heat energy from the environment immediately outside its surface. When heat is added, the liquid inside
the thermometer expands. Cooling cause the liquid to contract. Meteorological thermometers are often
filled with either alcohol or mercury. Alcohol thermometers are favored in very cold environments because
of this liquid's low freezing point (-112° Celsius).

III. Hydrosphere:

Hydrosphere is the name given to all the water of the Earth in solid, liquid and gaseous forms. It thus
includes the water of the atmosphere, water on the Earth's surface (e.g. oceans, rivers, ice-sheets and
ground water). Oceans, which are interconnected, cover about 70.8 percent of the surface of the Earth.
Pacific Ocean, which is the largest among 'the oceans, sprawls over an area of about 165,760,000 sq km,
an area which is more than the total combined area of all the continents.
The oceans have an average depth of 3.5 km but their depth varies from place to place. The deepest
known point is the Challenger Deep, a part of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean, which is 11.776 km
deep.
The water in the oceans totals over 1,300 million cubic km, which is more than 97 percent of world's total
water. The balance of water resources are contributed by glaciers, ice and snow, fresh water lakes, rivers
and the underground water.

Continental Shelf (Littoral) is the sea bed bordering die continents, which is covered by shallow water
up to about 100 fathoms (600 feet) beyond which is the continental slope.

Continental Slope is die region of die sea extending next to the continental shelf and having a depth up
to 2,000 fathoms.

Continental Drift is a theory or hypothesis that continents have moved relative to each other across the
surface of the Earth. The idea was originally put forth by Antonio Snider-Pellegrini in 1858 and developed
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by the German geologist Alfred Wegener from 1910. He stated that there was just one supercontinent,
Pangaea which began to break up about 200 million years ago, since then the continents have drifted to
their present positions.

Salinity of the Water is effected by the extent of evaporation of surface water and the volume of fresh
water added by rainfall, rivers and meeting of icebergs. Enclosed seas in tropical areas which are
subjected to rapid evaporation and denied fresh water are highly saline (e.g., Sambar Lake of Rajasthan
in India and Dead Sea).

Isohaline is the line which joins, on a map, points of die sea/oceans having equal salinity.

Ocean Current is the movement of a sizeable body of water as a current for fairly long distances along a
specific padi. It is known as 'drift current' when caused by the winds and as 'convection current' when
brought about by variations in temperature. A 'warm current' is the one which flows from a warm to a cold
region. The current flowing from a cold to a warm region is called a 'cold current'.

Stream refers to any body of running water that flows on or under the surface of the water.

Swamp is a portion of wet, waterlogged or flooded land.1

Tide is die periodic rise and fall of sea water. The rise and fall occur alternately twice a day. The rising of
water is called the Flood Tide and the falling of water is termed as die Ebb Tide.Spring Tides are caused as
a result of the Moon and the Sun pulling the Earth gravitationally in the same direction. They occur twice a
month around full moon and new moon.Neap Tides are caused when the Moon and the Sun pull the Earth
gravitationally in opposite directions. They occur twice a month during first and last quarters of the Moon,
when the Sun, the Earth and the Moon are at right angles.

Lagoon is a shallow stretch of water which is pardy or completely separated from sea by a narrow strip of
land.

Reef is a ridge of submerged rock or other hard substance in sea water. It becomes visible at low tides.

Coral Reef is a ridge of coral and other organic material consolidated into limestone lying near die sea
level.

Bay is a wide curving indentation in a coasdine lying between two head lands.

Atoll is a circular or horseshoe-shaped coral enclosing within it a lagoon.

Fjord is a shallow stretch of river that may be crossed on foot or in a vehicle, commonly found in
Norway or Sweden.

Strait is a narrow sea passage that links two large areas of sea, for example the Strait of Gibraltar.

Isthmus is a narrow strip of land connecting two large areas of land {e.g., Isthmus of Panama joining the
North and Soudi American continents).
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Hinterland is the land which lies behind a seaport or seaboard and supplies the bulk of the exports and in
which are distributed the bulk of the "imports of that seaport or seaboard.

River is a large stream of fresh water flowing down hill within a channel to enter another river, lake or
sea.

World's Largest River is South America's Amazon which flows into the South Atlantic Ocean. It is so
regarded in view of die size and the volume of water it discharges into die sea.
World's Longest River is Nile of Egypt which flows into the Mediterranean Sea. It extends to 6,690 km.

Levee refers to the river bank formed by die accumulation of silt during flood or the embankment built by
man.

Estuary is the tidal mouth of a river where die salt water of die tide meets die fresh water of the river
current.

Delta is a triangular tract of land formed by die accumulation of silt at the river's mouth near the sea. It is
so called because of its resemblance to the letter A (delta) of the Greek alphabet.
World's Largest Delta is the Sunderbans Delta which is created in the Bay of Bengal by die Ganges and
die Brahmaputra in West Bengal in India and Bangladesh. It covers an area of 75,000 sq km.

Meander is a curve in the course of a river which continuously swings from side to side in wide loops, as
it progresses across the flat country. The term 'meander' is on the name of river Meander of Asia Minor.

1. Atmospheric Humidity: The term humidity describes the fact that the atmosphere can contain water
vapor. The amount of humidity found in air varies because of a number of factors. Two important factors
are evaporation and condensation. At the water/atmosphere interface over our planet's oceans large
amounts of liquid water are evaporated into atmospheric water vapor. This process is mainly caused by
absorption of solar radiation and the subsequent generation of heat at the ocean's surface. In our
atmosphere, water vapor is converted back into liquid form when air masses lose heat energy and cool.
This process is responsible for the development of most clouds and also produces the rain that falls to the
Earth's surface.

Scientists have developed a number of different measures of atmospheric humidity. We are primarily
interested in three of these measures: mixing ratio, saturation mixing ratio, and relative humidity. Mixing
ratio is a measure that refers to the mass of a specific gas component relative to the mass of the
remaining gaseous components for a sample of air. When used to measure humidity mixing ratio would
measure the mass of water vapor relative to the mass of all of the other gases. In meteorological
measurements, mixing ratio is usually expressed in grams of water vapor per kilogram of dry air.
Saturation mixing ratio refers to the mass of water vapor that can be held in a kilogram of dry air at
saturation. Saturation can be generally defined as the condition where any addition of water vapor to a
mass of air leads to the condensation of liquid water or the deposition of ice at a given temperature and
pressure.
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2. Precipitation and Fog:

Precipitation: We can define precipitation as any liquid or solid aqueous deposit that forms in a saturated
atmosphere (relative humidity equals 100%) and falls from clouds to the ground surface. It is important
to recognize that most clouds do not produce precipitation. In many clouds, water droplets and ice
crystals are just too small to overcome the natural updrafts found in the lower atmosphere. As a result,
the tiny water droplets and ice crystals remain suspended in the atmosphere until they are converted back
into vapor.

Water droplets and ice crystals can only fall to the Earth's surface if they grow to a size that can overcome
updrafts. Conditions for growth can develop in clouds via two different processes. In clouds with
temperatures above freezing, turbulent atmospheric mixing can cause droplets to grow through the
processes of collision and coalescence. One initial condition, however, must be met for this process to
begin: droplet size in the cloud must be variable. This initial condition allows larger and heavier droplets to
collide and coalesce with lighter smaller droplets during downdraft periods. If enough atmospheric mixing
occurs the larger droplets can expand by up to 250 times and can become heavy enough to fall to the
Earth's surface.

The following list describes the various types of precipitation that can form in the atmosphere:

(i) Rain is any liquid deposit that falls from the atmosphere to the surface and has a diameter greater than
0.5 millimeters. The maximum size of a rain drop is about 5 millimeters. Beyond this size inter-molecular
cohesive forces become too weak to hold the mass of water together as a single drop.

(ii) Ice pellets or sleet are transparent or translucent spheres of frozen water. They have a diameter
smaller than 5 millimeters. This form of precipitation develops first as raindrops in a relatively warm
atmosphere where the temperature is above freezing. These raindrops then descend into a colder lower
layer of the atmopshere where freezing temperatures occur. In this layer, the cold temperatures cause the
raindrops to freeze into ice pellets during their transit to the ground surface. Similar to freezing rain, an
air temperature inversion is required for the formation of ice pellets.

(iii) Snow is a type of precipitation common to the mid and high latitudes. Snow develops when water
vapor deposits itself (skipping the liquid phase) directly on a six-sided (hexagon) deposition nuclei as a
solid crystals, at temperatures below freezing. The unique form of snowflakes occurs because ice crystal
growth is most rapid at the six points associated with geometric shape of the deposition nuclei. These
points are more directly exposed to the atmosphere and consequently convert more water vapor into ice.
Snow is usually generated by frontal lifting associated with mid-latitude cyclones. Snowfall can occur in
the fall, winter, and spring months when atmospheric temperatures can drop below freezing.

(iv) Snow pellets or graupel are spherical white bits of ice that have a diameter less than 5 millimeters.
Snow pellets develop when supercooled droplets freeze onto the surface of falling snowflakes. Snow
pellets usually fall for only a brief period of time when a precipitation event changes from ice pellets to
snow.

(v) Hail is a type of frozen precipitation that is more than 5 millimeters in diameter. Hailstones often have
concentric shells of ice alternating between those with a white cloudy appearance and those that are clear.
The cloudy white shells contain partially melted snowflakes that freeze onto the surface of the growing
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hailstone. The clear shells develop when liquid water freezes to the hailstone surface. Strong updrafts in
mature thunderstorm clouds provide the mechanism for hail formation. These updrafts move hailstone
embryos (often large frozen raindrops) upward through the storm cloud where they encounter layers of
ice crystals, snow, and supercooled rain. Each encounter causes the hailstone to grow larger in size as ice,
snow, and rain accretes to the surface. Hailstones can grow very large in size when they are carried
upward by more than one updraft. When the hailstone becomes too heavy to be supported by updrafts, it
begins falling under the influence of gravity. Descending hailstones can lose a significant amount of their
mass because of melting as they encounter the warm air found in between the cloud base and the Earth's
surface. Small hailstones often melt completely before they reach the ground.

Fog: Fog is simply a cloud of minute water droplets that exists at gound level. Fog develops when the air
at ground level is cooled enough to cause saturation (relative humidity equals 100%). Meteorologist have
a very specific definition to determine if fog exists. This definition suggests that fog is occurring when the
visibility of the atmosphere, near the Earth's surface, becomes less than 1 kilometer. Fog can be created
by a variety of processes:

Radiation fog or ground fog, is produced by near surface cooling of the atmosphere due to longwave
radiation emission. This particular type of fog is normally quite shallow and develops during the evening
hours. Shortly after sunrise the radiation fog disappears because of surface heating due to the absorption
of solar radiation.

Upslope fog is created when air flows over higher topography. When the air is forced to rise in altitude
because of the topographic barrier, it is cooled by adiabatic expansion. This type of fog is often found
forming on the windward slopes of hills or mountains.

Advection fog is generated when air flows over a surface with a different temperature. Warm air
advection can produce fog if it flows over a cold surface. The contact cooling associated with this process
causes satuation to occur in a relatively thin layer of air immediately above the ground surface.

Evaporation fog is a specific type of advection fog. It occurs when you get cold air advancing over warm
water or warm, moist land surfaces. In this situation, fog forms as water from the surface evaporates into
the cold air and then saturates. This type of fog can also be called steam fog or sea smoke.

Frontal fog is a type of fog that is associated with weather fronts, particularly warm fronts. In this
situaton, rain descending into the colder air ahead of the warm front can increase the quantity of water
vapor in this atmosphere through evaporation. Fog then forms when the quanity of water in the
atmosphere ahead of the front reaches saturation (relative humidity equals 100%).

3. Oceans: Seen from space, our planet’s surface appears to be dominated by the color blue. The Earth
appears blue because large bodies of saline water known as the oceans dominate the surface. Oceans
cover approximately 70.8% or 361 million square kilometers (139 million square miles) of Earth’s surface
(Table 8) with a volume of about 1370 million cubic kilometers (329 million cubic miles). The average
depth of these extensive bodies of sea water is about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles). Maximum depths can
exceed 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) in a number of areas known as ocean trenches. The oceans contain 97%
of our planet's available water. The other 3% is found in atmosphere, on the Earth's terrestrial surface, or
in the Earth's lithosphere in various forms and stores (see the Hydrologic Cycle).
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Table 8: Surface area of our planet covered by oceans and continents.

Percent of Earth’s Area Square

Surface Area Square Miles
Total Surface Area Kilometers
Earth’s Surface Area
29.2% 148,940,000 57,491,000
Covered by Land
Earth’s Surface Area
70.8% 361,132,000 139,397,000
Covered by Water
Pacific Ocean 30.5% 155,557,000 60,045,000
Atlantic Ocean 20.8% 76,762,000 29,630,000
Indian Ocean 14.4% 68,556,000 26,463,000
Southern Ocean 4.0% 20,327,000 7,846,000
Arctic Ocean 2.8% 14,056,000 5,426,000

The spatial distribution of ocean regions and continents is unevenly arranged across the Earth's
surface. In the Northern Hemisphere, the ratio of land to ocean is about 1 to 1.5. The ratio of land to
ocean in the Southern Hemisphere is 1 to 4. This greater abundance of ocean surface has some
fascinating effects on the environment of the southern half of our planet. For example, climate of
Southern Hemisphere locations is often more moderate when compared to similar places in the Northern
Hemisphere. This fact is primarily due to the presence of large amounts of heat energy stored in the
oceans.

4. Ocean Currents

Surface Ocean Currents: An ocean current can be defined as a horizontal movement of seawater at the
ocean's surface. Ocean currents are driven by the circulation of wind above surface waters. Frictional
stress at the interface between the ocean and the wind causes the water to move in the direction of the
wind.
On a global scale, large ocean currents are constrained by the continental masses found bordering the
three oceanic basins. Continental borders cause these currents to develop an almost closed circular
pattern called a gyre. Each ocean basin has a large gyre located at approximately 30° North and South
latitude in the subtropical regions. The currents in these gyres are driven by the atmospheric flow
produced by the subtropical high pressure systems. Smaller gyres occur in the North Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans centered at 50° North. Currents in these systems are propelled by the circulation produced by
polar low pressure centers. In the Southern Hemisphere, these gyre systems do not develop because of
the lack of constraining land masses.

A typical gyre displays four types of joined currents: two east-west aligned currents found respectively at
the top and bottom ends of the gyre; and two boundary currents oriented north-south and flowing parallel
to the continental margins. Direction of flow within these currents is determined by the direction of the
macro-scale wind circulation. Boundary currents play a role in redistributing global heat latitudinally.

5. Ocean Tides: An ocean tide refers to the cyclic rise and fall of seawater. Tides are caused by slight
variations in gravitational attraction between the Earth and the moon and the Sun in geometric
relationship with locations on the Earth's surface. Tides are periodic primarily because of the cyclical
influence of the Earth's rotation.
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The moon is the primary factor controlling the temporal rhythm and height of tides. The moon produces
two tidal bulges somewhere on the Earth through the effects of gravitational attraction. The height of
these tidal bulges is controlled by the moon's gravitational force and the Earth's gravity pulling the water
back toward the Earth. At the location on the Earth closest to the moon, seawater is drawn toward the
moon because of the greater strength of gravitational attraction. On the opposite side of the Earth,
another tidal bulge is produced away from the moon. However, this bulge is due to the fact that at this
point on the Earth the force of the moon's gravity is at its weakest. Considering this information, any
given point on the Earth's surface should experience two tidal crests and two tidal troughs during each
tidal period.

The timing of tidal events is related to the Earth's rotation and the revolution of the moon around the
Earth. If the moon was stationary in space, the tidal cycle would be 24 hours long. However, the moon is
in motion revolving around the Earth. One revolution takes about 27 days and adds about 50 minutes to
the tidal cycle. As a result, the tidal period is 24 hours and 50 minutes in length.

The second factor controlling tides on the Earth's surface is the Sun's gravity. The height of the average
solar tide is about 50% the average lunar tide. At certain times during the moon's revolution around the
Earth, the direction of its gravitational attraction is aligned with the Sun’s. During these times the two tide
producing bodies act together to create the highest and lowest tides of the year. These spring tides occur
every 14-15 days during full and new moons.
When the gravitational pull of the moon and Sun are at right angles to each other, the daily tidal
variations on the Earth are at their least. These events are called neap tides and they occur during the
first and last quarter of the moon.

IV. Biosphere:

1. Organization of Life: Scientists have recognized that life can be organized into several different levels
of function and complexity. These functional levels are: species, populations, communities, and
ecosystems.

Species: Species are the different kinds of organisms found on the Earth. A more exact definition of
species is a group of interbreeding organisms that do not ordinarily breed with members of other groups.
If a species interbreeds freely with other species, it would no longer be a distinctive kind of organism. This
definition works well with animals. However, in some plant species fertile crossings can take place among
morphologically and physiologically different kinds of vegetation. In this situation, the definition of species
given here is not appropriate.

Populations: A population comprises all the individuals of a given species in a specific area or region at a
certain time. Its significance is more than that of a number of individuals because not all individuals are
identical. Populations contain genetic variation within themselves and between other populations. Even
fundamental genetic characteristics such as hair color or size may differ slightly from individual to
individual. More importantly, not all members of the population are equal in their ability to survive and
reproduce.
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Communities: Community refers to all the populations in a specific area or region at a certain time. Its
structure involves many types of interactions among species. Some of these involve the acquisition and
use of food, space, or other environmental resources. Others involve nutrient cycling through all members
of the community and mutual regulation of population sizes. In all of these cases, the structured
interactions of populations lead to situations in which individuals are thrown into life or death struggles.
In general, ecologists believe that a community that has a high diversity is more complex and stable than
a community that has a low diversity. This theory is founded on the observation that the food webs of
communities of high diversity are more interconnected. Greater interconnectivity causes these systems to
be more resilient to disturbance. If a species is removed, those species that relied on it for food have the
option to switch to many other species that occupy a similar role in that ecosystem. In a low diversity
ecosystem, possible substitutes for food may be non-existent or limited in abundance.

Ecosystems: Ecosystems are dynamic entities composed of the biological community and the abiotic
environment. An ecosystem's abiotic and biotic composition and structure is determined by the state of a
number of interrelated environmental factors. Changes in any of these factors (for example: nutrient
availability, temperature, light intensity, grazing intensity, and species population density) will result in
dynamic changes to the nature of these systems. For example, a fire in the temperate deciduous forest
completely changes the structure of that system. There are no longer any large trees, most of the
mosses, herbs, and shrubs that occupy the forest floor are gone, and the nutrients that were stored in the
biomass are quickly released into the soil, atmosphere and hydrologic system. After a short time of
recovery, the community that was once large mature trees now becomes a community of grasses,
herbaceous species, and tree seedlings.

2. Major components of an Ecosystem: Ecosystems are composed of a variety of abiotic and biotic
components that function in an interrelated fashion. Some of the more important components are: soil,
atmosphere, radiation from the Sun, water, and living organisms.

Soils are much more complex than simple sediments. They contain a mixture of weathered rock
fragments, highly altered soil mineral particles, organic matter, and living organisms. Soils provide
nutrients, water, a home, and a structural growing medium for organisms. The vegetation found growing
on top of a soil is closely linked to this component of an ecosystem through nutrient cycling.

The atmosphere provides organisms found within ecosystems with carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and
oxygen for respiration. The processes of evaporation, transpiration, and precipitation cycle water between
the atmosphere and the Earth's surface.
Solar radiation is used in ecosystems to heat the atmosphere and to evaporate and transpire water into
the atmosphere. Sunlight is also necessary for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis provides the energy for
plant growth and metabolism, and the organic food for other forms of life.

Most living tissue is composed of a very high percentage of water, up to and even exceeding 90%. The
protoplasm of a very few cells can survive if their water content drops below 10%, and most are killed if it
is less than 30-50%. Water is the medium by which mineral nutrients enter and are translocated in plants.
It is also necessary for the maintenance of leaf turgidity and is required for photosynthetic chemical
reactions. Plants and animals receive their water from the Earth's surface and soil. The original source of
this water is precipitation from the atmosphere.
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Ecosystems are composed of a variety of living organisms that can be classified as producers, consumers,
or decomposers. Producers or autotrophs, are organisms that can manufacture the organic compounds
they use as sources of energy and nutrients. Most producers are green plants that can manufacture their
food through the process of photosynthesis. Consumers or heterotrophs get their energy and nutrients by
feeding directly or indirectly on producers. We can distinguish two main types of consumers. Herbivores
are consumers that eat plants for their energy and nutrients. Organisms that feed on herbivores are called
carnivores. Carnivores can also consume other carnivores. Plants and animals supply organic matter to
the soil system through shed tissues and death. Consumer organisms that feed on this organic matter, or
detritus, are known as detritivores or decomposers. The organic matter that is consumed by the
detritivores is eventually converted back into inorganic nutrients in the soil. These nutrients can then be
used by plants for the production of organic compounds.

The following graphical model describes the major ecosystem components and their interrelationships
(Figure 15).

Figure 15: Relationships within an ecosystem.

The following diagram models the various inputs and outputs of energy and matter in a typical
ecosystem (Figure 16).
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Figure 16: Inputs and outputs of energy and matter in a typical ecosystem.
Nutrient Inputs to Ecosystems: Important nutrients for life generally enter ecosystems by way of four
processes:

Weathering: Rock weathering is one of the most important long-term sources for nutrients. However,
this process adds nutrients to ecosystems in relatively small quantities over long periods of time.
Important nutrients released by weathering include:

 Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, silicon, iron, aluminum, and phosphorus.

 All of the micro nutrients.

Carbon, oxygen and nitrogen are not transferred into ecosystems by weathering. The main source for
these important elements is the atmosphere and the decomposition of organic matter.

Atmospheric Input: Large quantities of nutrients are added to ecosystems from the atmosphere. This
addition is done either through precipitation or by a number of biological processes.

 Carbon - absorbed by way of photosynthesis.

 Nitrogen - produced by lightning and precipitation.
 Sulfur, chloride, calcium, and sodium - deposited by way of precipitation.

The quantity of nitrogen added to ecosystems by lightning and rain annually ranges from 1 to 20
kilograms per hectare depending on geographical location. A value of 5 to 8 kilograms per hectare is
typical for temperate ecosystems like deciduous forest or grasslands.

Biological Nitrogen Fixation: Biological nitrogen fixation is a biochemical process where nitrogen gas
(N2) from the atmosphere is chemically combined into more complex solid forms by metabolic reactions in
an organism. This ability to fix nitrogen is restricted to a small number of species. This special group of life
includes a few species of bacteria (that have symbiotic associations with legumes and some other types of
higher plants), several species of actinomycetes (filamentous form of bacteria), and blue-green algae
(cyanobacteria). The amount of nitrogen fixed biologically has been estimated to be around 170 million
metric tons per year. This is approximately twice as much as the total nitrogen added to ecosystems from
non-biological sources.

Immigration: The immigration of motile animals into an ecosystem can sometimes add significant
additions of nutrients to an ecosystem that are locked up in the biomass of the organisms. These nutrients
are released when the organism dies or sheds its tissues.

Nutrient Outputs to Ecosystems: Important nutrients required for life leave ecosystems by way of four
processes:

Erosion: Soil erosion is probably the most import means of nutrient loss to ecosystems. Erosion is very
active in agricultural and forestry systems, where cultivation, grazing, and clearcutting leaves the soil bare
and unprotected. When unprotected, the surface of the soil is easily transported by wind and moving
water. The top most layers of a soil, which have an abundance of nutrient rich organic matter, are the
major storehouse for soil nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen.
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Leaching: Another important process of nutrient loss is leaching. Leaching occurs when water flowing
vertically through the soil transports nutrients in solution downward in the soil profile. Many of these
nutrients can be completely lost from the soil profile if carried into groundwater and then horizontally
transported into rivers, lakes, or oceans. Leaching losses are, generally, highest in disturbed ecosystems.
In undisturbed ecosystems, efficient nutrient cycling limits the amount of nutrients available for this
process.

Gaseous Losses: High losses of nutrients can also occur when specific environmental conditions promote
the export of nutrients in a gaseous form. When the soil is wet and anaerobic, many compounds are
chemically reduced to a gas from solid forms in the soil. This is especially true of soil nitrogen. Scientific
studies in Netherlands have shown that about 80% of the nitrogen fertilizer applied to the soil for crop
consumption may be lost through the process of denitrification.

Emigration and Harvesting: Just as material may be introduced to ecosystems by migration, so too
may it be lost. The emigration of animals, and the removal of vegetation by humans are both processes
by which outputs can occur from an ecosystem.

V. Lithosphere:
Lithosphere is the topmost crust of the Earth on which stand our continents and ocean basins. The
lithosphere has a thickness between 35 to 50 km in the continental regions, but becomes thin between 6
to 12 km under the ocean beds. In the high mountain regions, its thickness is estimated at about 60
km.Though, strictly speaking, lithosphere includes both the land mass and the ocean floors, generally it is
used to denote only the land surface, which occupies a little less than 30 per cent of total area of the
Earth. Our knowledge about the interior of the Earth is based on the seismic waves, as they travel through
the Earth.

1. Structure of the Earth: The Earth is an oblate spheroid. It is composed of a number of different layers
as determined by deep drilling and seismic evidence. These layers are:
 The core which is approximately 7000 kilometers in diameter (3500 kilometers in radius) and is
located at the Earth's center.
 The mantle which surrounds the core and has a thickness of 2900 kilometers.
 The crust floats on top of the mantle. It is composed of basalt rich oceanic crust and granitic rich
continental crust.
The core is a layer rich in iron and nickel that is composed of two layers: the inner and outer cores. The
inner core is theorized to be solid with a density of about 13 grams per cubic centimeter and a radius of
about 1220 kilometers. The outer core is liquid and has a density of about 11 grams per cubic centimeter.
It surrounds the inner core and has an average thickness of about 2250 kilometers.

The mantle is almost 2900 kilometers thick and comprises about 83% of the Earth's volume. It is
composed of several different layers. The upper mantle exists from the base of the crust downward to a
depth of about 670 kilometers. This region of the Earth's interior is thought to be composed of peridotite,
an ultramafic rock made up of the minerals olivine and pyroxene. The top layer of the upper mantle, 100
to 200 kilometers below surface, is called the asthenosphere. Scientific studies suggest that this layer has
physical properties that are different from the rest of the upper mantle. The rocks in this upper portion of
the mantle are more rigid and brittle because of cooler temperatures and lower pressures. Below the
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upper mantle is the lower mantle that extends from 670 to 2900 kilometers below the Earth's surface.
This layer is hot and plastic. The higher pressure in this layer causes the formation of minerals that are
different from those of the upper mantle.

The lithosphere is a layer that includes the crust and the upper most portion of the asthenosphere. This
layer is about 100 kilometers thick and has the ability to glide over the rest of the upper mantle. Because
of increasing temperature and pressure, deeper portions of the lithosphere are capable of plastic flow over
geologic time. The lithosphere is also the zone of earthquakes, mountain building, volcanoes, and
continental drift.

The topmost part of the lithosphere consists of crust. This material is cool, rigid, and brittle. Two types of
crust can be identified: oceanic crust and continental crust (Figure 2). Both of these types of crust are less
dense than the rock found in the underlying upper mantle layer. Ocean crust is thin and measures
between 5 to 10 kilometers thick. It is also composed of basalt and has a density of about 3.0 grams per
cubic centimeter.

The continental crust is 20 to 70 kilometers thick and composed mainly of lighter granite (Figure 2). The
density of continental crust is about 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter. It is thinnest in areas like the Rift
Valleys of East Africa and in an area known as the Basin and Range Province in the western United States
(centered in Nevada this area is about 1500 kilometers wide and runs about 4000 kilometers
North/South). Continental crust is thickest beneath mountain ranges and extends into the mantle. Both of
these crust types are composed of numerous tectonic plates that float on top of the mantle. Convection
currents within the mantle cause these plates to move slowly across the asthenosphere.

Figure 18: Structure of the Earth's crust and top most layer of the upper mantle. The lithosphere consists
of the oceanic crust, continental crust, and uppermost mantle. Beneath the lithosphere is the
asthenosphere. This layer, which is also part of the upper mantle, extends to a depth of about 200
kilometers. Sedimentary deposits are commonly found at the boundaries between the continental and
oceanic crust.

2. Rocks: A rock can be defined as a solid substance that occurs naturally because of the effects of three
basic geological processes: magma solidification; sedimentation of weathered rock debris; and
metamorphism. As a result of these processes, three main types of rock occur:
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Igneous Rocks - produced by solidification of molten magma from the mantle. Magma that solidifies at
the Earth's surface conceives extrusive or volcanic igneous rocks. When magma cools and solidifies
beneath the surface of the Earth intrusive or plutonic igneous rocks are formed.

Sedimentary Rocks - formed by burial, compression, and chemical modification of deposited weathered
rock debris or sediments at the Earth's surface.

Metamorphic Rocks - created when existing rock is chemically or physically modified by intense heat or
pressure.

Most rocks are composed of minerals. Minerals are defined by geologists as naturally occurring inorganic
solids that have a crystalline structure and a distinct chemical composition. Of course, the minerals found
in the Earth's rocks are produced by a variety of different arrangements of chemical elements. A list of the
eight most common elements making up the minerals found in the Earth's rocks is described in Table 1.
Table 1: Common elements found in the Earth's rocks.

Element Chemical Symbol Percent Weight in Earth's Crust

Oxygen O 46.60
Silicon Si 27.72
Aluminum Al 8.13
Iron Fe 5.00
Calcium Ca 3.63
Sodium Na 2.83
Potassium K 2.59
Magnesium Mg 2.09

Over 2000 minerals have been identified by earth scientists.

3. Earthquakes: An earthquake is a sudden vibration or trembling in the Earth. More than 150,000 tremors
strong enough to be felt by humans occur each year worldwide. Earthquake motion is caused by the quick
release of stored potential energy into the kinetic energy of motion. Most earthquakes are produced along
faults, tectonic plate boundary zones, or along the mid-oceanic ridges . At these areas, large masses of
rock that are moving past each other can become locked due to friction. Friction is overcome when the
accumulating stress has enough force to cause a sudden slippage of the rock masses. The magnitude of
the shock wave released into the surrounding rocks is controlled by the quantity of stress built up because
of friction, the distance the rock moved when the slippage occurred, and ability of the rock to transmit the
energy contained in the seismic waves. The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 involved a 6 meter
horizontal displacement of bedrock. Sometime after the main shock wave, aftershocks can occur because
of the continued release of frictional stress. Most aftershocks are smaller than the main earthquake, but
they can still cause considerable damage to already weakened natural and human constructed features.

Earthquake Measurement: The strength of an earthquake can be measured by a device called a

seismograph. When an earthquake occurs this device converts the wave energy into a standard unit of
measurement like the Richter scale. In the Richter scale, units of measurement are referred to as
magnitudes. The Richter scale is logarithmic. Thus, each unit increase in magnitude represents 10 times
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more energy released. Table 2 describes the relationship between Richter scale magnitude and energy
released. The following equation can be used to approximate the amount of energy released from an
earthquake in joules when Richter magnitude (M) is known:
Energy in joules = 1.74 x 10(5 + 1.44*M)

VI. Important Geographical Data

PRINCIPAL MOUNTAIN PEAKS OF THE WORLD

Date of First
Mountain Height in metres Range
ascent
1. Mount Everest 8,848 Himalayas 29-May-53
2. K-2 (Godwin Austen) 8,611 Karakoram 31-Jul-54
3. Kanchenjunga 8,598 Himalayas 25-May-55
4. Lhotse 8,511 Himalayas 18-May-56
5. Makalu I 8,481 Himalayas 15-May-55
6. Dhaulagiri I 8,172 Himalayas 13-May-60
7. Manaslu I 8,156 Himalayas 9-May-56
8. Cho Uyo 8,153 Himalayas Oct. 19, 1954
9. Nanga Parbat 8,126 Himalayas 3-Jul-53
10. Annapuma I 8,078 Himalayas 3-Jun-50
11. Gasherbrum I 8,068 Karakoram 5-Jul-58
12. Broad Peak I 8,047 Karakoram 9-Jun-57
13. Gasherbrum II 8,034 Karakoram 7-Jul-56
14. Shisha Pangma (Gosainthan) 8,013 Himalayas 2-May-64
15. Gasherbrum III 7,952 Karakoram Aug. 11,1975
16. Annapuma II 7,937 Himalayas 17-May-60
17. Gasherbrum IV 7,924 Karakoram Aug. 6, 1958
18. Gyachung Kang 7,921 Himalayas Apr. 10, 1964
19. Kangbachen 7,902 Himalayas 26-May-74
20. Disteghil Sar I 7,884 Karakoram 9-Jun-60
21. Himal Chuli 7,841 Himalayas 24-May-60
22. Khinyang Chhish 7,852 Karakoram Aug. 26, 1971
23. Nuptse 7,821 Himalayas 16-May-61
24. Manaslu II (Peak 29) 7,835 Himalayas Oct. 1970
25. Masherbrum (Peak 29) 7821 Karakoram 6-Jul-60
26. Nanda Devi 7817 Himalayas Aug. 29, 1936
27. Chomo Lonzo 7815 Himalayas Oct. 30, 1954
28. Ngojumba Ri I 7805 Himalayas 5-May-65
29. Kakaposhi 7788 Karakoram 25-Jun-58
30. Batura Muztagh I 7785 Karakoram 30-Jun-76
31. Zemu Gap Peak 7780 Himalayas Unclimbed
32. Kanjut Sar 7761 Karakoram 19-Jul-59
33. Kamet 7,756 Himalayas 21-Jun-31
34. Namcha Barwa 7,755 Himalayas Unclimbed
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35. Dhaulagiri II 7,751 Himalayas 18-May-71

36. Saltoro Kangri I 7,741 Karakoram 24-Jul-62
37. Batura Muztagh II 7,730 Karakoram 1978
38. Gurla Mandhata 7,728 Himalayas Unclimbed
39. Ulugh Muztagh 7,725 Kunlun Shan Unclimbed
40. Qungur II (Kongur) 7,719 Pamir 12-Jul-81
41. Dhaulagiri III 7,715 Himalayas Oct. 23, 1973
42. Jannu 7,709 Himalayas Apr. 27, 1962
43. Tirich Mir 7,706 Hindu Kush 21-Jul-50
44. Saltoro Kangri II 7,691 Karakoram Unclimbed
45. Disteghil Sar E 7,700 Karakoram Unclimbed
46. Saser Kangri I 7,672 Karakoram 5-Jun-73
47. Chogolisa South West 7,665 Karakoram Aug. 2, 1975
48. Phola Gangchhen 7,661 Himalayas Unclimbed
49. Dhaulagiri IV 7,661 Himalayas 9-May-75
50. Shahkang Sham 7,660 Unclimbed

WORLD’S PRINCIPAL DESERTS

Name Approximate Territories

area in sq km
The Sahara 9065000 Africa. Spreads across Algeria, Chad, Libya, Mali, Mauritania,
Niger, Sudan, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco.
Embraces the Libyan Desert (1,550,000 sq km) and die Nubian
Desert (260,000 sq km)
Australian 1550000 Australia. Embraces the Great Sandy (or Warburton) (420,000
Desert sq km), Great Victoria (325,000
sq km), Simpson (Arunta) (310,000 sq km), Gibson (220,000
sq km) and Sturt Deserts
Arabian Desert 1300000 Asia. Spreads across Southern Arabia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen,
includes the Ar Rab'al Khali or Empty Quarter (647,500 sq km),
Syrian (325,000 sq km) and An Nafud (129,500 sq km)
The Gobi 1295000 Asia. Embraces Mongolia and China (Inner Mongolia)
Libyan 1165500 Africa. Embraces Libya, SW Egypt and Sudan
Rub-al-Khali 647500 Southern Saudi Arabia (Asia)
(Empty Quarter)
Lalahari Desert 582000 Botswana (Africa)
Chihuahuan 363600 Texas, New Mexico (USA)
Takla Makan 362600 Sinkiang, China
Great Sandy 338500 North West Australia

Great Victoria 338500 South West Australia

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LARGEST ISLANDS OF THE WORLD

Island Location Area in sq km

Greenland North Atlantic (Denmark) 2175597
New Gunea Southwest Pacific (Irian Jaya, Indonesia, west part; 820033
Papua New Guinea, east part)
Borneo West mid-Pacific (Indonesia, 743107
south art; British protectorate
and Malaysia, north part),
Madagascar Indian Ocean (Malagasy Republic) 587042
Baffin North Atlantic (Canada) 476068
Sumatra Northeast Indian Ocean (Indonesia) 473605
Honshu Sea of Japan—Pacific Qapan) 230316
Great Britain Off coast North-west Europe 229883
(England, Scodand and Wales)

SEAS

Sr. No. Principal Sea Area in sq km Average depth in metres

1 South China Sea 2974600 1200

2 Caribbean Sea 2753000 2400

3 Mediterranean Sea 2503000 1485

4 Bering Sea 2265180 1400

5 Gulf of Mexico 1542985 1500

6 Sea of Okhotsk 1527570 840

7 East China Sea 1249150 180

8 Hudson Bay 1232300 120

9 Sea of Japan 1007500 1370

10 Andaman Sea 797700 865

DEEP SEA TRENCHES

Name Length in km Deepest point Depth in metres

Mariana Trench (West Pacific) 2250 Challenger Deep 11776

Tonga - Kermadec Trench (South

2575 Vityaz 11 (Tonga) 10850
Pacific
Kuril – Kamchatka Trench (West
2250 10542
Pacific)
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PRINCIPAL RIVERS OF THE WORLD

Length
River Source Outflow
(km)
Nile Tributaries of Lake Victoria, Africa Mediterranean Sea 6,690
Amazon Glacier-fed lakes, Peru Atlantic Ocean 6,296
Mississippi-Missouri-
Source of Red Rock, Montana Gulf of Mexico 6,240
Red Rock
Yangtze Kiang Tibetan Plateau, China China Sea 5,797
Amur-Argun Khingan Mts., China Tatar Strait 5,780
Ob Altai Mts., CIS Gulf of Ob 5,567
Yellow (Huang Ho) Eastern part of Kunlan Mts., west China Gulf of Chihli 4,667
Yenisei Tannu-Ola Mts., western Tuva, CIS Arctic Ocean 4,506
Parana Confluence of Paranaiba and Grande rivers Rio de la Plata 4,498
Irtish Altai Mts., CIS Ob River 4,438
Congo Confluence of Lualaba and Luapula rivers, Zaire Atlantic Ocean 4,371

PRINCIPAL LAKES OF THE WORLD

Area in sq Length in sq Max. depth in

Name and location
km km metres
Caspian Sea, CIS – Iran 394299 1199 946
Superior, USA – Canada 82414 616 406
Victoria, Tanzania – Uganda 69485 322 82
Aratl, CIS 66457 428 68
Huron, USA – Canada 59596 397 229

HIGHEST WATERFALLS OF THE WORLD

Height in
Waterfall Location River
metres
Angel Venezuela Tributary of Caroni 1000
Tugela Natal, South Africa Tugela 914
Cuquenan Venezuela Cuquenan 610
Southerland South Island, N.Z. Arthur 580
Takkakaw British Columbia Tributary of Yoho 503
 160

MAJOR RIVERSIDE CITIES

WORLD INDIA
Alexandria Nle Egypt Agra Yamuna Uttar Pradesh

The
Amsterdam Amsel Ahmedabad Sabarmati Gujarat
Netherlands

Ganga and
Antwerp Scheldt Belgium Allahabad Uttar Pradesh
Yamuna

Ankara Kizil Turkey Ayodhya Saryu Uttar Pradesh

Baghdad Tigris Iraz Badrinath Alaknanda Uttarakhand

Bangkok Menam Thailand Kolkata Hooghly West Bengal

Belgrade Danube Serbia Cuttack Mahanadi Odisha

Berline Spree Germany Delhi Yamuna Delhi

Bon Rhine Germany Dibrugarh Brahmaputra Assam

Bristol Avon England Ferozepur Sutlej Punjab

Budapest Danube Hungary Guwahati Brahmaputra Assam

Cairo Nile Egypt Hardwar Ganga Uttarakhand

Canton Canton China Hyderabad Musi Andhra Pradesh

Chittagong Karnaphuli Banlgadesh Jabalpur Narmada Madhya Pradesh

Chungking Yang-tse-Kiang China Jamshedpur Suvarnarekha Jharkhand

Cologne Rhine Germany Kanpur Ganga Uttar Pradesh

Glasgow Clyde Scotland Kota Chambal Rajasthan

Hull Humber England Lucknow Gomti Uttar Pradesh

Hamburg Elbe Germany Ludhiana Sutlej Punjab

Karachi Indus Pakistan Mathura Yamuna Uttar Pradesh

Blu & white

Khartoum Sudan Nashik Godvari Maharashtra
Nile

Lahor Ravi Pakistan Pandharpur Bhima Maharashtra

Lisbon Tagus Portugal Patna Ganga Bihar

Liverpool Mersey England Ropar Sutlej Punjba

London Thames England Sambalpur Mahanadi Odisha

Montreal Ottawa Canada Srinagar Jhelum Jammu and Kashmir

Moscow Moskva Russia Surat Tapti Gujarat

Nanking Yang-tse-Kiang China Tiruchirappalli Cauvery Tamil Nadu

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New Mississippi USA Ujjain Shipra Madhya Pradesh

Orleans Varanasi Ganga Uttar Pradesh

New York Hudson USA Vijayawada Krishna Andhra Pradesh

Paris Seine France RIVERS FLOWING INTO LAKES

Philadelphia Delaware USA River Lake Country

Qeubec St. Lawrence Canada Volga Caspian Sea CIS

Yangon Irawadi Myanmar Ural Caspian Sea CIS

Rome Tiber Italy Jordan Dead Sea West Asia

Yang-tse-
Shanghai China
Kiange

Tokyo Sumida Japan

Vienna Danube Austria

Warsaw Vistula Poland

Washington Potomac USA

IMPORTANT BOUNDARY LINES:

Durand Line: The boundary between India and Afghanistan demarcated by Sir Mortimer Durand in 1896.
At present, the line separates Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Hindenburg line : The line to which the Germans retreated in 1917 during the World War I, defines the
boundary between Germany and France.

Line of Control: The line of Control divides Kashmir between India and Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Line of Actual Control : This line divides north-eastern part of India and China.

International Date Line: The line roughly corresponds to 180° E or W meridian of longitude which falls
on the opposite side of the Greenwich meridian and the date changes by one day (i.e., 24 hours), as this
line is crossed. On crossing this line from east to west a day is added, and a day is subtracted on crossing
it from west to east.

McMahon Line : The boundary between China and India as demarcated by Sir Henry McMahon. China
does not recognise this line.

Maginot Line : The boundary between France and Germany.

Oder Neisse Line : The boundary between Germany and Poland.

Radcliffe Line : Drawn by Sir Cyril Radcliffe in 1947, it demarcates the boundary of India and Pakistan.

Siegfried Line : It is the line of fortification drawn up by Germany on her borders with France.

17th Parallel: The line which defined the boundary between North Vietnam
and South Vietnam before the two were united.

38th Parallel : The boundary line between North Korea and South Korea.

49th Parallel : The boundary line between the USA and Canada.
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B. Geography Of India

I. Introduction:
The Indian subcontinent occupies a strategic position in Southern Asia. It is favourably situated on the
world’s highways of trade and commerce both to the east and the west. The Arabian peninsula and African
continent lie in its west and Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia in the east. Its distance from Europe is only
7000km through the Suez Canal. It also has links with North America and South America both through the
Suez Canal and the Cape of Good Hope. The third biggest ocean in the world known as Indian Ocean is
named after it. It is a distinct geographic entity, separated from the rest of Asia by the lofty mountain
barriers of the Himalayas, the Kirthar, the Sulaiman, the Hindukush and the Poorvanchal mountain
ranges. The countries that the Indian subcontinent comprises are India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and
Bangladesh, India being the largest among them. Infact, it is the second largest country in the world in
terms of population and seventh largest in the world in terms of area.

Seventh largest country (areawise)

Area : 32,87,263 sq. km
North to South : 3214 km
West to East : 2933 km
Latitudinal extent : 804’ N to 3706’ N
Longitudinal extent : 680 7’ E to 970 25’ E (for mainland)
Southernmost point - Indira Point or Pygmalion Point (Andaman and Nicobar islands ) 640 5’ N
Coastline is 6100 km (along main landmass) and 7516 km (if Andaman and Nicobar Islands and
Lakshadweep are considered)
Total land frontier is 15200 km

India is situated in the Northern Hemisphere. The southern tip of India lies at 804’ N. The Tropic of Cancer
(23030’ N) almost divides India into two haves. The line passes through eight States - Gujarat, Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram. The latitudinal and
longitudinal extent of India are 3214 km and 2933 km respectively.

II. Physical Features:

India has three distinct physical divisions. The northern boundaries of India are provided by the lofty
ranges of the Himalayas, which run almost in a wall-like shape from north-west to north-east. Then we
have the Great Plains of northern India formed by the basins of three mighty river systems, the Indus, the
Ganga and the Brahmaputra. Down below, we have the Deccan Plateau of the Peninsular India, which is
geologically the oldest structure of the Indian subcontinent. It consists of huge rock blocks of very ancient
times.

The Great Mountain Wall of the north: India’s northern frontiers are distinctly marked out by an are-
shaped huge mountain wall stretching for about 3600 km comprising the snow-capped mountain ranges of
the Karakoram and the Himalayas. The width of this mountain belt varies between 150 km and 400 km
The Karakoram mountain ranges rise from the Pamir Knot in the north-west and stretch towards
southeast up to the Indus gorge in Jammu and Kashmir. The world’s second highest mountain peak K2
(Godwin Austen), which has a height of 8611 meters, belongs to this chain of mountains famous Baltoro
and Siachen Glacier also lie in the high valleys of Karakoram ranges. To the south of the Karakoram
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Mountains is the Ladakh range and further below southwards is the Zaskar range of mountains, both of
which lie in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Himalayas (meaning the abode of snow), which form almost a 2500 km long continuous mountain
wall on India’s North, extending from Indus in the west to Brahmaputra in the east, can be divided into
Western, Central and eastern Himalayas. The Western Himalayas encompass Jammu and Kashmir and
Himachal Pradesh. The Central Himalayas are spread over Uttrakhand and Nepal. The Eastern Himalayas
cover northern parts of the West Bengal and extend into Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunanchal Pradesh.

The Himalayas broadly consist of three parallel ranges of mountains, the Himadri, the Himachal and the
Shivaliks. The Himadri range, also known as the Greater Himalayas, comprises the northernmost range
and lies on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. It is the highest mountain range with an average height of
about 6000 metres above the sea level. The world’s highest mountain peak, Mount Everest (8848 metres)
in Nepal, belongs to the Greater Himalayas. Kanchenjunga (8598 metres), Nanga Parbat (8126 metres)
and Nanda Devi (7817 metres) are the highest peaks of the Greater Himalayas in India.

Western Himalayas Eastern Himalayas

1. Lie to the west of 80 degree East
longitude between the Indus and Kali river
2. Rise gradually in a series of ranges
3. Average annual rainfall is less than 100
cms
4. Vegetation consists mainly of alpine and
coniferous forests
1. Lie to the east of 88 degree east longitude
between the Tista and the Brahmaputra river
2. Rise abruptly from the plains of Bihar and
West Bengal
3. Average annual rainfall is more than 200
cms
4. Large tracks are covered with dense
evergreen forests

South of the Himadri lies the Himachal range, which is also known as the Middle or the Lesser Himalayas,
which has a height varying between 3700 and 4500 metres above sea level This range of alternating
ridges and valleys and highly dissected uplands contains many of India’s important hill stations. The
beautiful Kashmir, Kulu and Kangra valleys of India and Kathmandu valley in Nepal, lie in this mountain
range. The popular hill stations of Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Mussoorie, Nainital (both in Uttrakhand)
and Darjeeling (West Bengal) are also located on the Himachal ranges of the Himalayas.

The Shivalik range is the southernmost range of Himalayas which is the lowest among the Himalayan
ranges with a height of between 900 metres to 1200 metres above the sea level. Made up of mud and soft
rocks, it is a discontinuous range which lies on the northern border of the Ganga plain and extends
towards east to merge with the main mountains.

On India’s north-eastern side are located the Poorvanchal mountains, which consist of the Patkai Bum and
the Naga Hills in the north; Mizo and Lushai Hills in the south, and the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills in the
centre. These mountain ranges are neither as tall nor as spectacular as the mighty Himalays.

The Great Plains of Northern India: India, which has the world’s highest and the most spectacular
mountas, is also fortunate in possessing one of the world’s most extensive and fertile plains,
approximately 2500 km from the Sutlej in the west to the Brahmaputra in the east made up of alluvial soil
 164

brought down in the form of fine silt by the mighty rivers. These Great Northern Plains consist of the
Indus basin, the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin and the tributaries of these mighty river systems. The bulk of
the Indus basin falls within Pakistan but a part of it is shared by Punjab and Haryana. The Ganga
Brahmaputra basin is larger of the two and covers a large number of states in northern India

The most salient characteristic feature of the Great Plains of northern India is the extreme horizontality or
levelness. There is practically no difference in geomorphologic features of the two parts, the Indus basin
and the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin – except the water divide which separates these two basins. This
divide is made by a low narrow ridge of Aravalli range passing through Delhi and Ambala. The average
height of the water divide is not more than 300 metres above the sea level, and this gives the plain a
touch of continuity between these two drainage basins of the Indus and Ganga. However, according to the
terrain characteristics, this plain can be divided into two parts:

(i) The upland plain which lies above the flood level and is made up of old alluvium. This plain is called the
Bangar Land; and

(ii) The lowland plain, whichis liable to inundation during floods and thus acquires fresh doses of new
alluvium. This is called the Khadar Land.

The Drainage of the Great Plains: The Indus and the Ganga-Brahmaputra river systems together form
the Great Plains of northern India. River Indus is a trans-Himalayan river. It originates beyond Himalayan
river. It originates beyond Himalayas in Tibet and flows throughout in Pakistan. Among its tributaries,
Jhelum and Chenab, which originate in India, also flow though Pakistan, while Ravi makes a small run
through India before entering Pakistan. Only Sutlej, another trans-Himalayan river and a tributary of
Indus flows for its major cause through India,while Beas, a tributary of Sutlej, remains in India throughout
its journey in the plains. Thus, only a small portion of the Indus river basin, comprising Punjab and
Haryana, lies in the northern plains of India.

The Ganga-Brahmaputra river system forms the largest part of the Great Plains of north India. It covers
almost one – fourth of the total land area of the county. The Ganga rises from the Gangotri glacier in the
Himalayas and is joined by the Yamuna and Sone rivers on its right bank. Rivers joining the Ganga on its
left side are the Gomti, the Ghaghra, the Gandak and the Kosi.The Yamuna rises from the Yamunotri
glacier in the Himalayas, but its important tributaries, the Chambal, the Betwa and the Ken rise from the
Malwa Plateau.

Before falling into the Bay of Benagal beyond Kolkata. The Great Plains of the north, being extremely
fertile and most suited to agriculture, makes them the granary of India. Apart from the food scrops of rice,
wheat and millets, this region also provides cash crops like sugarcane, oilseeds, jute, etc. This region has
a dense population in its large number of towns and villages and also accounts for a number of industries.
 165

West Coastal Plain East Coastal Plain

 Located between the Western Ghats and  Located between the Eastern Ghats and
the Arbian Sea coast the Bay of Bengal coast
 Narrow plain (average width 64 km)  Comparatively broad (average width 80-
 Drained by several short and swift 100 km)
streams which are unable to form deltas  Big rivers like the Mahanadi, the
 There are several lagoons especially in Godavari, the Krishna and the Cauvery
the southern part of this plain have formed large deltas
 The western plain has indentated coast  Lagoons are comparatively little in this
which supports many ports plain
 It is a submerged coast and hence tilting  The eastern plain has more or less a
has left no scope for depositional action straight coast where god ports are
of the rivers lacking
 Mostly of emergent type, characterized
by offshore bars, fine sea beaches, sand
ridges and lagoons

The Great Plateau of Peninsular India: To the south of the Great Plains of northern India lies the old
landmass of the Peninsular India which is made up of hard metamorphic rocks. This part of land adjoining
northern plains, is known as the Great Plateau of Peninsular India. This Great Plateau has two distinct
parts, the Malwa Plateau and the Deccan Plateau.

The Malwa Plateau, which comprises the northern region of the Great Plateau of Peninsular India, is
bounded by the Aravalli hills in the north-west and the Vindhyas in the south, both these low old
mountains forming the sharp edges of this plateau. The third side of this triangular Malwa Plateau, which
extends from west to east, slopes gradually towards the plain of Ganga and merges into it. The valley of
the river Narmada forms the southern boundary of the Malwa Plateau, while its extensions to the east
form the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand in southern Uttar Pradesh and Chotangpur in Jharkhand. Most of
the rivers of this plateau flow northward into the river Yamuna. The Malwa Plateau, particularly its north-
eastern part called Chotanagpur plateau, is the richest mineral producing region of India.

The Deccan Plateau, which is roughly of a triangular shape, extends from the Satpura hills in the north to
Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India ending in the Indian Ocean. On the western edge of the
Plateau lie the Sahyadri, the Nilgiri, the Annamalai and the Cardamom Hills, the Annamalai and the
Cadamom Hills, commonly known as the Western Ghats. Which run along the Arabian Sea, goes on
increasing towards the south. Anaimudi peak in Kerala, with a height of 2695 metres above the sea level,
is the highest peak of the Peninsular India. In the Nilgiris lies the Udagamandalam (Formerly Ooty), the
best-known hill station of southern India.
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Himalayan Rivers Peninsular Rivers

1. Perennial in nature 1. Non – perennial
2. Uncertain nature and caprician in behavior 2. More stable, flow predictable
3. Some are meandering in their flow and subject to drastic 3. No such drastic change in course
change of course
4. Rivers are in youthful stage 4. Rivers are in old stage
5. Rivers are eroding, transporting and depositing agenst. 5. Rivers are only depositing agents

Indian Islands: Besides the manland, India has two groups of islands, the Andaman and Nicobar islands
in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep islands in the Arabian Sea. The Andaman and Nicobar islands
are a group of islands many of which are too small and uninhabited. The northern cluster of islands is
called the Andamans, a group of 204 small islands, while the southern cluster is known as the Nicobar
islands, a group of 19 islands. Together they form the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands, with Port Blair as the capital.

The Lakshadweep comprises a group of 27 coral islands scattered in the Arabian Sea, about 300
kilometres to the west of Kerala coast. None of these horse-shoe or ring shaped islands is more than a
couple of kilometers in length and breadth and about 17 of these islands are uninhabited. The Kavaratti
island is the capital of the union Territory of Lakshadweep.

III. Climatic features:

India, with its vast size and marked variations in terrain, is a land of climatic contrasts. On an extremely
hot summer afternoon, the temperature may occasionally shoot up to 550C in certain parts of Rajasthan
and south-west Punjab. And on a severe winter night, the mercury may dip to as low as minus 450 C in a
cold arid region such as Kargil. Similarly, Cherapunji, with its annual rainfall of 1080 cm and Mawsynram
(Both in Meghalaya) are known to be the wettest places in the world while the dry regions of western
Rajasthan receive no more than 13 cm of annual rainfall. In between these two extremes, there are
regions of equable, moderate and uniform climate. These variations in temperature and rainfall make
India a land of diverse climate and weather conditions.

The Tropic of Cancer divides India into two halves - Southern India lies in the tropical zone and Northern
India in the sub-tropical zone, keeping the temperature high all over the country, except in the areas of
high altitudes. Besides, some of the phenomena influencing India's weather and climatic conditions lie
much beyond its geographical limits. The western disturbances affecting winter weather in northern India
originate from the low pressure systems developing in the eastern Mediterranean region. Temperature
and pressure conditions in East Africa, Iran, Central Asia and Tibet affect the behaviour of monsoons. The
weather conditions in the rest of the Indian subcontinent, the Indian Ocean and the China Sea also affect
the weather conditions in various parts of India. The upper air currents or jet streams too, have their
influence on the country's climatic and weather conditions.

The most important factor in shaping India's climatic conditions is monsoons that affect almost all parts of
the country with varying intensity and duration and account for seasonal rhythm. An important
characteristic feature of the monsoons is the complete reversal of winds which leads to the alternation of
season. On the basis of monsoon variations, the year is divided into four seasons.
 167

These are:

(i) The cold weather season December to February

(ii) The hot weather season March to May
(iii) The south – west monsoon season or the rainy season June to September or
(iv) The season of retreating south – west monsoon October to November

The South-West Monsoon: By early June, the low pressure area over north-western plains becomes
highly intense to attract the south-west rain-bearing winds, which approach suddenly with thunder and
lightning. Within almost one month's time, these winds overrun almost the entire country.

The south-west monsoons originate from the Indian Ocean and blow over the land mass of India from
June to September. Due to the intense summer heat, a low pressure area is formed over the northern
plains of India. But the oceanic region has a low temperature and high pressure centre. Consequently, air
starts moving from the high pressure area of the Indian Ocean towards the low pressure area over the
land mass of India in the form of rain bearing monsoon winds. The south-east trade winds, which
originate south of Equator, are also sucked into the wind system of the northern Indian Ocean and are
deflected towards India. The landmass of peninsular India divides these southwest monsoons into two
branches, vi%., the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.
The monsoon winds arising from the Arabian Sea, strike the Western Ghats and cause heavy rains. Having
crossed the Ghats, they advance over the Deccan Plateau and Madhya Pradesh and are joined by a
current of winds arising from the Bay of Bengal. Another part of the Arabian Sea monsoon winds cross the
coast of Saurashtra and Kutch and passing over Aravalli hills, reach Punjab and Haryana. These winds also
join the winds from the Bay of Bengal and cause widespread heavy rains in western Himalayas. The
monsoon winds from the southern Bay of Bengal mainly move towards Burma, but a part of these winds is
deflected by the Arakan Hills and moves westward, over the Ganga-Brahmaputra valley. It strikes the
northeastern hills and causes heavy rainfall in West Bengal, its adjoining States, sub-Himalayan region
and the northern plains.
In all parts of the country, with the exception of the east coast of Tamil Nadu, bulk of annual rainfall is
received during the monsoon season. But the distribution of rainfall is highly unequal as the monsoon
winds become weaker as they traverse over longer distances. Thus, Kolkata receives 120 cm rainfall,
Patna 102 cm, Allahabad 91 cm and New Delhi 56 cm. The windward side of the Western Ghats receives
heavy rainfall while the leeward side gets much smaller amount. The intensity and frequency of the
cyclonic depressions originating in the Bay of Bengal and their crossing over to the mainland as well as the
passage followed by them account for the variations in geographical distribution of rainfall.

Monsoon is a seasonal wind that blows over the northern part of the Indian Ocean, especially the Arabian
Sea, and over most of the surrounding land areas. The monsoon blows continually from the southwest
from April to October. It blows from the northeast from November to March.

The Retreating South-West Monsoon: The monsoon winds start retreating from Punjab and Haryana
by mid-September, reach Ganga delta by late October and the Peninsular India by early November,
leaving the land moist and the atmosphere, humid. However, from the middle of October, temperature
begins to decline in northern parts of India. The weather during this season is characterised by high day
temperature, clear sky and pleasant nights. The fall in temperature continues and the winter season
becomes firmly established by December.
 168

During this transition period of October-November, the low pressure conditions disappear from the north-
western India and are transferred to the centre of the Bay of Bengal. These cyclonic depressions in the
Bay of Bengal often cross the Southern Peninsula and cause widespread heavy rains along the coastal
regions of Tamil Nadu, making October-November as the rainiest months in this part of the country.

Crop Pattern:

Crop Seasons: There are three major crop seasons in India, viz., Kharif, Rabi and Zaid. The Kharif crops
are associated with the monsoons. They are sown in the months of June and July and are harvested in
autumn months, in September and October. Important among the Kharif crops are rice, jowar, bajra, ragi,
maize, sugarcane, cotton and jute.

The Rabi crops are sown in the period between October and December and harvested in April and May.
Important among the Rabi crops are wheat, barley, peas, rabi pulses, linseed, rapeseed and mustard.

The Zaid is the summer season crop. Rice, maize, vegetables, sunflower and groundnut are grown during
this season.

Again, areas, which are extensively irrigated, grow three to four crops per year and, thus, fall out of the
purview of the distinction between the Kharif and Rabi crops. Similarly, in southern half of the Peninsular
India where temperatures are sufficiently high and rainfall is extensive in winter months, rice, jowar,
coffee, etc., are sown, thus again blurring this categorisation under Kharif and Rabi crops. However, for
most of India, Kharif and Rabi remain the distinct crop seasons with the specific variety of crops grown
therein.

CROPS AND LEADING PRODUCER STATES

Bajra : (1) Gujarat; (2) Rajasthan
Barley: (1) Uttar Pradesh; (2) Rajasthan
Cardamom : (1) Karnataka; (2) Kerala
Castor seed : (1) Gujarat; (2) Andhra Pradesh
Chillies (dry) : (1) Tamil Nadu; (2) Andhra Pradesh
Coffee : (1) Karnataka; (2) Kerala
Coriander : (1) Rajasthan; (2) Andhra Pradesh
Cotton : (1) Gujarat; (2) Maharashtra; (3)Andhra Pradesh
Ginger (dry) : (1) Kerala; (2) Himachal Pradesh
Gram: (1) Rajasthan; (2) Uttar Pradesh
Groundnut : (1) Gujarat; (2) Andhra Pradesh; (3) Tamil Nadu
Jowar : (1) Maharashtra; (2) Karnataka
Jute : (1) West Bengal; (2) Bihar; (3) Assam
Linseed: (1) Madhya Pradesh; (2) Uttar Pradesh
Maize : (1) Karnataka; (2) Andhra Pradesh; (3) Uttar Pradesh
Mesta: (1) Andhra Pradesh; (2) Odisha
Millets (small) : (1) Madhya Pradesh; (2) Andhra Pradesh
Niger seed: (1) Odisha; (2) Uttar Pradesh
Paddy: (1) West Bengal; (2) Tamil Nadu
 169

Potato: (1) Uttar Pradesh; (2) West Bengal; (3) Bihar

Onion : (1) Gujarat; (2) Maharashtra; (3) Karnataka
Pulses : (1) Madhya Pradesh; (2) Uttar Pradesh; (3) Maharashtra
Ragi : (1) Karnataka; (2) Tamil Nadu
Rape-seed & Mustard : (1) Rajasthan; (2) UP; (3) Haryana
Rice: (1) West - Bengal; (2) UP; (3) Punjab
Safflower: (1) Maharashtra; (2) Karnataka
Sannhemp: (1) UP; (2) Madhya Pradesh
Soyabean : (1) Madhya Pradesh; (2) Maharashtra; (3) Rajasthan
Sesamum: (1) Uttar Pradesh; (2) Rajasthan
Sugarcane : (1) UP; (2) Tamil Nadu; (3) Maharashtra
Sunflower : (1) Karnataka; (2) Andhra Pradesh; (3) Maharashtra
Tapioca : (1) Kerala; (2) Tamil Nadu
Tea : (1) Assam; (2) West Bengal
Tobacco : (1) Maharashtra; (2) Tamil Nadu
Tur : (1) Uttar Pradesh; (2) Madhya Pradesh
Wheat: (1) Uttar Pradesh; (2) Punjab; (3) Haryana

IV. Wildlife:
In spite of the high density of population and the consequent onslaughts of human habitation to the
remotest corners of India, the country can still boast of a large variety of wildlife comprising over 350
species of animals, 12,000 species of birds and 30,000 species of insects, fishes and reptiles. Much of the
wildlife in India is peculiar to this sub-continent and not found anywhere else in the world. The swamp
deer is only found in India. The four-horned antelope (chausingha), die Kashmir stag and the nilgai exist
only in India and Pakistan. The spotted chital, perhaps the most beautiful of all deer, has also its home
only in India. The black buck is found nowhere else except in India and Pakistan. The great Indian one-
horned rhinoceros is unique to India and Nepal. The Indian lion, which is the only lion to be found outside
Africa, is a native of India and not imported from Africa. The Indian bison is not a bison at all; it is gaur
which is specie of wild ox peculiar to India.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: The concept of wildlife as a 'thing of beauty' and a 'gift of
nature' which need to be preserved, rather than a 'game' to be hunted, grew largely with the birth of
independent India in 1947, when many of die former game reserves were redesignated as 'Wildlife
Sanctuaries', where all the wild animals and birds were sought to be fully protected so that they will not
become extinct. Project Tiger was also launched with the object of preserving and increasing tiger
population by safeguarding the tiger, animals of its prey and its habitat in selected areas of the country.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 governs the conservation and protection of endangered species both
inside and outside the forest areas. Under this Act, trade in rare and endangered species has been
banned.

Endangered species of animals are those whose numbers are at a critically low level and whose habitats
so drastically reduced or damaged that they are in an imminent danger of extinction. Schedule I of the
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 lists the rare and endangered species.
 170

Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystem which are internationally recognised
within the framework of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme.So far, 17 Biosphere Reserves have
been set up.

Mangrove plants are those that survive high salinity, tidal extremes, strong wind velocity, high
temperature and muddy anaerobic soil - a combination of conditions hostile for other plants.

The Mangroves in India comprise 69 species under 42 genera and 28 families. Two species are endemic to
India— Khiophora annamalayana (found in Pichavaram, Tamil Nadu) and Heritiera kanikensis (found in
Bhitarkanika, Odisha).

Coral reefs are shallow-water tropical marine ecosystems. Characterised by high biomass production and
rich floral and faunal diversity. Four coral reefs have been identified for conservation and management.
These are:

1. Gulf of Mannar (fringing reef)

2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands(fringing reef)
3. Lakshadweep Islands (atoll reef)
4. Gulf of Kachchh (platform reef)

Currently, protected areas cover 4.5 percent of the total geographical area of the country, where through
the efforts of the Central and the State Governments and with the cooperation of the voluntary agencies,
wildlife is sought to be carefully protected and preserved. A Wild Life Week is also observed in the first
week of October every year. The Indian Board of Wild Life which is responsible for conservation of wild life
of the country is headed by the Prime Minister.

Government of India provides technical and financial support to the State/UT governments for wildlife
conservation under the various Centrally Sponsored Schemes - Integrated Development of Wildlife
Habitats, Project Tiger, and Project Elephant, and also through Central Sector Scheme—Strengthening of
Wildlife Division and Consultancies for Special Tasks, and through Grants in Aid to the Central Zoo
Authority and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. The Protected Area network in India includes 100
National Parks and 515 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 43 Conservation Reserves and four Community Reserves. The
objective of the Scheme is to provide financial and technical assistance to the States/UTs to conserve
wildlife resources. The Scheme supports various activities aimed at the conservation of wildlife that inter-
alia includes habitat improvement practices, infrastructure development, eco-development activities, anti
poaching activities, research, training, capacity building, census of wildlife, etc.
 171

STATE/UNION BIO-SPHERE NATIONAL WILDLIFE BIRD

TERRITORY RESERVES PARKS SANCTUARIES SANCTUARIES
Jammuand Dachigam, Kishtwar,
Kashmir Hemis High Altitude
Himachal
Great Himalayan Renuka
Pradesh
Haryana Sultanpur
Valley of Flowers,
Uttarakhand Nandadevi Rajaji, Corbett,
Nandadevi
Uttar Pradesh Dudhwa Chandraprabha
Panchmarhi,
Achanakmar- Panna, Satpura,
Madhya Pradesh Amarkantak (Some Pench, Bandhavgarh,
parts of Kanha, Fossil
Chhattisgarh also)
Chhattisgarh Sanjay Kangar Valley
Desert (Thar),
Sariska, Nahargarh,
Rajasthan Sariska Bharatpur
Keoladeo, Ghana,
Ranthambore
Nal Sarovar,
Marine, Velvahar, Gir,
Gujarat Khijadiya, Ratan
Vansada
Mahal
Sanjay Gandhi,
Kinwat, Bor, Kamala, Great
Maharashtra Nawegaon, Tadoba,
Nagzira, Ratnagiri Indian Bustard
Indrawati, Panch
Goa Bhagwan Mahavir
Ghatparbha,
Bannerghata,
Karnataka Nilgiri Ranibennur Adichunchagiri,
Nagorehole, Bandipur
Ranganthitto
Agasthyamalai, Eravikulam, Periyar,
Kerala
Nilgiri Silent Valley
Mudumalai,
Gulf of Mannar, Vettangudi, Point
Tamil Nadu Guindy Annamalai,
Nilgiri, Kalakad Calimere
Mandanthruai,
Kanwal, Srisai lam,
Pocharam, Pulicat, Kolleru,
Andhra Pradesh
Eturnagaram, Neelapattu
Pakhal
Jharkhand Palamu Hazaribagh

Odisha Similipal Similipal Nandankanan Chilika

West Bengal Sunderbans Lothian Islands Pakhiralaya

 172

Parmadan,
Saznakhali,
Bethuadhari,
Jaldapara,
Mahananda
Kanchenj unga, Neora
Sikkim Kanchenjunga
Valley, Singalila

Manas, Dibru
Assam Kaziranga, Manas Orang, Sonai-Rupai
Saikhowa

Mizoram Dampa
Meghalaya Nokrek Balphakaran, Nokrek
Manipur Sirohi, Keibul Lamjao
Arunachal
Dehong Debang Namdapha
Pradesh
Andaman and Great Nicobar Saddle Peak, Button,
Nicobar lslands Mt. Harriett

V. Mineral Wealth of India:

India is endowed with significant mineral resources. It produces 86 minerals out of which 4 are fuel
minerals, 10 metallic, 46 non-metallic, 3 atomic and 23 minor minerals.

India is rich in mineral resources and has the potential to become an industrial power. It possesses large
reserves of iron ore, extensive deposits of coal, sizeable quantity of mineral oil reserves, rich deposits of
bauxite and has a virtual monopoly of mica, all of which hold the potentials of making India economically
self-reliant modern industrial nation. No doubt, the country is still deficient in some minerals like
petroleum, tin, lead, zinc, nickel, etc., but the continued exploration of India's underground mineral
wealth is yielding promising results, thus adding to the known and potential deposits of various minerals.
The mineral resources of India are, however, very unevenly distributed. The Great Plains of Northern India
are almost entirely devoid of any known deposits of economic minerals. On the other hand, Jharkhand and
Odisha areas on the north-eastern parts of peninsular India possess large concentration of mineral
deposits, accounting for nearly three-fourths of the country's coal deposits and containing highly rich
deposits of iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite and radioactive materials. Mineral posits are also scattered
over the rest of the peninsular India and in parts of Assam and Rajasthan.

Names of some important minerals and the States where they are largely found are given below:

Metallic Minerals

Antimony: (1) Punjab; (2) Karnataka

Bauxite : (1) Jharkhand; (2) Odisha
Cbromite (1) Odisha; (2) Karnataka
Copper: (1) Madhya- Pradesh;(2) Rajasdian
Diaspore: (1) Uttar Pradesh; (2) Madhya Pradesh
Gold: (1) Karnataka; (2) Andhra Pradesh
 173

Ironore: (1)Jharkhand;(2) Chhattisgarh

Lead: (1) Rajasthan; (2) Andhra Pradesh
Manganese ore: (1) Maharashtra;(2) Madhya Pradesh
Mica: (1) Jharkhand; (2) Bihar
Natural gas: (1) Andhra Pradesh; (2) Maharashtra
Petroleum : (1) Maharashtra; (2) Gujarat
Silver: (1) Rajasthan; (2) Bihar
Tungsten: (1) Rajasthan; (2) West Bengal
Zinc: (1) Rajasthan; (2) West Bengal

VI. Energy Resources:

Coal: Coal is a non-renewable source of energy. In India 67 percent of commercial needs of energy is met
through coal. It amounts to 60 percent of the total electricity generated. Indian coalfields belong to two
geological eras - Gondwana and tertiary. Gondwana category accounts for 99.5 percent of the total
reserves. Tertiary coalfield is found in the North-east States and Jammu and Kashmir.
Oldest coalfield Raniganj
Largest coalfield Jharia
Per capita production of coal 180kg

Important Coalfields:

Jharkhand: Jharia, Bokaro, Giridih, Karanpura, Ramgarh, Auranga, Hutar, Daltonganj, Deogarh and
Rajmahal
West Bengal: Raniganj, Barjora and Darjeeling
Andhra Pradesh : Godavari valley (Singareni coalfields)
MadhyaPradesh/Chhattisgarh: Korba, Chirmiri, Pench-Kanhatawa valley, Hasdo-Arand, Mohpani
Maharashtra: Chhanda, Kamte, Umrer and Bander
Odisha :Talcher

Oil and Natural Gas

Petroleum, also called mineral oil, is an essential, viable but non-renewable source of energy. In 1858, the
first oil well was drilled in Cambay, Gujarat. In 1867, first oil field was discovered at Makum in Assam, but
production started only in 1882 in Digboi, Assam.

Major oilfields:

Assam : Digboi, Nahorkatiya

Arunachal Pradesh : Manabhum, Kharsang, Charali
Tripura : Mamunbhang, Baramura, Dentamura-Subhang, Manu,Amphibagar.
Gujarat : Lunej, Ankleshwar, Kolal, Kosamba, Mehsana, Nawgam, Dholka.
 174

Offshore oilfields of India :

1. Mumbai High (Its platform is calledSagar Samrat)
2. Bassein (Maharashtra)
3. Aliabet near Bhavnagar (Gujarat) Mumbai High produces 62 percent of oil in India, Gujarat 20 percent
and Tamil Nadu 1 percent.

VII. Some Indian Industries:

Aluminium Industry: Renukot (U.P.), Alwaye (Kerala), Katni (M.P.), Asansol (W. Bengal)

Chemical Industry: Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Kanpur, Bangalore, Baroda& Amritsar

Cement Industry, Churk(U.P.),Sindri (Bihar), Dalmianagar(Bihar),Lakhri (Rajasthan), Surajpur (Haryana),

Jarhul (M.P.), Kistna (Andhra Pradesh) and Porbandar (Gujarat).

Paper Industry: Jagadhari, Saharanpur, Poona, Bombay, Calcutta, Lucknow, Nepangar.

Match Factory: Calcutta, Bareilry, Madras, Ambernath.

Fertilizers industry: Sindri, Alwaye, Nangal, Gorakhpur, Kotah, Trombay, Visakhapatnam, Haldia,

Namrup, Baroda, Neyveli

Aeronautics: Bangalore, Kanpur, Nasik, Koraput, Lucknow, Hyderabad.

Automobile Industry: Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Jamshedpur, Burnpore, Gurgaon.

Glass Industry: Bombay, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, M.P., Ferozabad (U.P.), Amritsar, W. Bengal.

Ship-building Industry: Visakhapatnam, Cochin.

Jute Industry: West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, U.P., Orrisa.

Sugar Industry: Kanpur, Lucknow, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Muzaffarpur, Dalmianagar, Champaron,

Coimbatore, Amritsar.

Woolen Industry: Dhariwal, Kanpur, Panipat, Bombay.

Silk Industry: Srinagar, Murshidabad, Mysore

Cotton Textile: Maharashtra, Delhi; Tamil Nadu, U.P., Gujarat, W. Bengal, M.P., Kerala, Karnataka.

Carpets: Kashmir
 175

SPORTS
I. National Sports:

A national sport or national pastime is a sport or game that is considered to be an intrinsic part of the
culture of a nation. Some sports are de facto national sports, as baseball is in the U.S., while others are
de jure as lacrosse and ice hockey are in Canada.

1. De jure national sports

Argentina Pato
Bahamas Sloop sailing
Bangladesh ("national game") Kabaddi
Brazil Capoeira
Canada Lacrosse (summer), Ice hockey (winter)
Chile Chilean rodeo
Colombia Tejo
Iran Varzesh-e Bastani, Wrestling
Mexico Charrería
Philippines Arnis
Puerto Rico ("autochthonous Paso Fino
sport")
Sri Lanka Volleyball

II. Sports Terms:

Atheletics–Relay, Photofinish, Track, Lane, Hurdles, Shotput, Discuss Throw, Hammar Throw, Triple
Jump, High Jump, Cross Country, etc.

Badminton–Shuttle cock, Service court, Fore hand, Back Hand, Smash, Hit, Drop, Net, Love, Double
fault, etc.

Baseball–Pinching, Home run, Base runner, Throw, Perfect game, Strike, Put out, etc.

Basketball–Free throw, Technical foul, Common foul, Under head, Over head, etc.

Bridge–Master point, Perfect deals, Gland slam, Dummy, Trump, etc.

Billiards & Snooker–Pull, Cue, Hit, Object ball, Break shot, Scoring, Cushion billiards, etc.

Boxing–Knock. out, Round, Ring Stoppage, Punch, Upper-cut, Kidney punch, Timing, Foot work, etc.

Chess–E. L. O. rating, international master, Grand master, Gambit, Kings Indian Defence, etc.

Cycling–Sprint, Time trial, Point race, Trackrace, etc.

Cricket–Toss, Run, Wicket, Pitch, Stump, Bails, Crease, Pavalion, Gloves, Wicket Keeper, Over, Maiden
over, Followon, Rubber, Ashes, Catch, Bowled, Stump out, Run out, L. B. W; Hit Wicket, Not out, No ball,
Wide ball, Dead ball, Over Throw, Bye, Leg by, Cover drive, Late cut, Hook, Glance, Stroke, Spot, Pull,
Sixer, Followthrough, Turn, Googley, Spin, Yorker, Bouncer, Hat trick, Round the wicket, Over the wicket,
Seamer, Boundry line, Slip,Square leg, Runner. Cover, Gully, Long on, Silly point, Midwicket, Mid on,
Forward short leg, Deep/mid-wicket, etc.

Horseriding–Three day Event, Show jumping, Presses, Faults, etc.

Football–Goal, Kick, Head, Penalty kick, Dribble, Off side, Hat trick, Foul, Left out, Right out, Stopper,
Defender, Move, Sideback, Pass, Baseline, Rebound, Comer bick, etc.

Gymnastics–Parellel bar, Horizontal bar, Floor exercise, Uneven bar, Push up, Sit up. etc.
Judo–Cocoa, Blue, white, Green belt, etc.
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Hockey–Bully Sudden death, Short corner, Hat trick, Goal, Penalty Corner, Penalty stroke,
Pushin, Cut, Dribble, Scoop, Centre forward, Half back, Astroturf, Left in, Left out, Off-side, Tie breaker,
Carried, Stick, Striking circle, Under cutting, etc.

Swimming–Freestyle, Breast stroke, Back stroke, Butterfly, Lane, Pool, Crawl, etc.

Polo–Polo-Bunker, Chukker, Mallet, etc.

Tennis–Service, Grandslam, Advantage, Deuce, Game Point, Breakpoint; Smash, Shot, Grass Court.
Break, Drop shot, Netplay, Baseline, etc.

Shooting–Rapidfire Pistol, Standard rifle, Air rifle, Free pistol, Range, Bull's eye, etc.

Table Tennis–Volley, Late service, Half volley, Back hand, Drive spin, Chop, etc.

Weight Lifting–Snatch, Jerk, etc.

Volleyball–Deuce, Spikers, Booster, Smash, Sidearm, Panetration, etc.

Wrestling–Free style, Hal Nelson, Point, Heave, etc.

III. Standard Measurements In Sports:

Basketball
(National Collegiate A.A. Men's Rules)

Playing court College: 94 feet long by 50 feet wide (ideal dimensions). High School: 84 feet
long by 50 feet wide (ideal dimensions).
Baskets Rings 18 inches in inside diameter, with white cord 12-mesh nets, 15 to 18
inches in length. Each ring is made of metal, is not more than 5/8 of an inch in
diameter, and is bright orange in color.
Height of basket 10 feet (upper edge).

Weight of ball Not less than 20 ounces nor more than 22.

Circumference of Not greater than 30 inches and not less than 29 1/2.
ball
Free-throw line 15 feet from the face of the backboard, 2 inches wide.

Three-point field 19 feet, 9 inches from the center of the basket. In the National Basketball
goal line Association, the distance is 22 feet.

Boxing

Ring Professional matches take place in an area not less than 18 nor more than
24 feet square including apron. It is enclosed by four covered ropes, each
not less than one inch in diameter. The floor has a 2-inch padding of
Ensolite (or equivalent) underneath ring cover that extends at least 6 inches
beyond the roped area in the case of elevated rings. For USA Boxing or
Olympic-style boxing, not less than 16 nor more than 20 feet square within
the ropes. The floor must extend beyond the ring ropes not less than 2 feet.
The ring posts shall be connected to the four ring ropes with the extension
not shorter than 18 inches and must be properly padded.

Gloves In professional fights, not less than 8-ounce gloves generally are used. USA
Boxing, 10 ounces for boxers 106 pounds through 156 pounds; 12-ounce for
boxers 165 pounds through 201+ pounds; for international competition, 8
ounces for lighter classes, 10 ounces for heavier divisions.

Headguards Mandatory in Olympic-style boxing.

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Football

Length of field 120 yards (including 10 yards of end zone at each end).

Width of field 53 1/3 yards (160 feet).

Height of goal posts At least 30 feet.

Height of crossbar 10 feet.

Width of goal posts 18 feet 6 inches, inside to inside.

(above crossbar)
Length of ball 10 7/8 to 11 7/16 inches (long axis).

Circumference of ball 20 3/4 to 21 1/4 inches (middle); 27 3/4 to 28 1/2 inches (long axis).

Golf

Specifications of Broadened to require that the ball be designed to perform as if it were

ball spherically symmetrical. The weight of the ball shall not be greater than 1.620
ounces avoirdupois, and the size shall not be less than 1.680 inches in
diameter.
Velocity of ball Not greater than 250 feet per second when tested on USGA apparatus, with 2
percent tolerance.
Hole 4 1/4 inches in diameter and at least 4 inches deep.

Clubs 14 is the maximum number permitted.

Overall distance A brand of ball shall not exceed a distance of 280 yards plus 6% when tested on
standard USGA apparatus under specified conditions, on an outdoor range at USGA
Headquarters.

Hockey

Size of rink 200 feet long by 85 feet wide surrounded by a wooden wall not less than 40 inches
and not more than 48 inches above level of ice.

Size of goal 6 feet wide by 4 feet in height.

Puck 1 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter, made of vulcanized rubber; weight 5 1/2 to 6
ounces.

Length of Not more than 60 inches from heel to end of shaft nor more than 12 1/2 inches
stick from heel to end of blade. Blade should not be more than 3 inches in width but not
less than 2 inches—except goal keeper's stick, which shall not exceed 3 1/2 inches
in width except at the heel, where it must not exceed 4 1/2 inches, nor shall the
goalkeeper's stick exceed 15 1/2 inches from the heel to the end of the blade.

Tennis

Size of court 120 feet long by 60 feet wide, with rectangle marked off at 78 feet long by 27 feet
wide (singles) and 78 feet long by 36 feet wide (doubles).
Height of net 3 feet in center, gradually rising to reach 3-foot 6-inch posts at a point 3 feet
outside each side of court.
Ball Shall be more than 2 1/2 inches and less than 2 5/8 inches in diameter and weigh
more than 2 ounces and less than 2 1/6 ounces.
Service line 21 feet from net.
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IV. Cups & Trophies Associated With Sports:

International

• Uber Cup : Badminton (Women)

• American Cup : Yacht Racing
• Walker Cup : Golf
• Ashes : Cricket
• Westchester Cup : Polo
• Benson and Hedges : Cricket
• Wightman Cup : Lawn Tennis
• Canada Cup : Golf
• World Cup : Cricket
• Colombo Cup : Football
• World Cup : Hockey
• Corbitton Cup : Table Tennis (Women)
• Reliance Cup : Cricket
• Davis Cup : Lawn Tennis
• Rothman's Trophy : Cricket
• Derby : Horse Race
• William's Cup : Basketball
• Grand National : Horse Streple Chase Race
• European Champions Cup : Football
• Jules Rimet Trophy : World Soccer Cup
• Eisenhower Cup : Golf
• King's Cup : Air Races
• Essande Champions Cup : Hockey
• Merdeka Cup : Football
• Rene Frank Trophy : Hockey
• Rydet Cup : Golf
• Grand Prix : Table Tennis
• Swaythling Cup : Table Tennis (Men)
• Edgbaston Cup : Lawn Tennis
• Thomas Cup : Badminton
• Grand Prix : Lawn Tennis
• U. Thant Cup : Tennis
• World Cup : Weight-lifting

V. Places Associated With Sports:

Sport Associated Places

Baseball Brooklyn (USA)

Boxing 1. Madison Square Garden (USA)

2. Yankee Stadium, New Delhi

Cricket 1. Aden Park (Aukland)

2. Brabourne Stadium (Mumbai)
3. Chepauk Ground (Chennai)
4. Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
5. Ferozeshah Kotla Ground (Delhi)
6. Green Park (Kanpur)
7. Leeds (London, England)
8. Lord's (London, England)
9. Nehru Stadiums (Chennai and New Delhi)
10. Melbourne (Australia)
11. Old Trafford (Manchester, England)
12. Oval (London, England)
13. Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)
Football 1. Brookland (England)
2. Wembley (London)
3. Blackheath (London)
4. Twickenham (London)
5. Corporation Stadium (Kolkata)
6. Ambedkar Stadium (New Delhi)
7. Nehru Stadium (New Delhi)
8. Yuba Bharati Stadium (Kolkata)
Golf Sanday Lodge (Scotland)
Greyhound Race White City (England)

Hockey 1. Dhayn Chand Stadium (Lucknow)

2. Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium (Hyderabad)
3. Merdeka Stadium (Kuala Lumpur)
4. National Stadium (Delhi)
5. Nehru Stadium (Delhi)
6. Sawai Man Singh Stadium (Jaipur)
7. Shivaji Stadium (New Delhi)
Horse Racing 1. Aintree (England)—Grand National Race
2. Doncaster (England)—Derby Race
3. Epsom (England)—Derby Race
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Pole Hurlingham (England)

Shooting Bisley (England)

Sking Florence (Chadwick)
Snooker Blackpool (England)

Swimming and Rowing 1. Cape Gris Nez (Cross-channel swimming)

2. Putney-Mort-Lake (England)
Tennis 1. Wimbledon (England)
2. Forest Hill (US)

VI. Olympic Games:

1. History: The first historical mention of the ancient Olympic games is dated back to 776 B.C. During the
first six Olympic Games, however, the prize had been a portion of meat or `meria' taken from an animal
sacrificed to the Gods. The next Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 15th August to
21st August 2016.

The origin of the ancient Olympic Games is lost the midst of pre-history, but for many centuries they were
only a festival of the Greek people. The Games were first held in honour of the Greek God, Zeus in 776 BC
in the plain of kingdom of Elis, nestled in lush valley between the Alpheus River and Mount Kronion, 15 km
from the Ionian Sea. The Olympiad celebrated that year was considered as the first and was used to date
subsequent historic events. But religious ceremonies and games were held in Olympia before that time.
The oldest sanctuary of Greece was there, the altar of the Great Mother of Gods, Rhea (Earth). On the day
of the feast, the priest stood in front of the altar, ready to perform a sacrifice. Women were forbidden to
be present and the male contestants were naked. Young men waited at a distance on one stadium (about
200 yds). As soon as a signal was given they ran and the first to arrive at the altar received the torch
from the priest’s hand and lit the sacrificial fire.

The old Olympiads were held after every four years and the Greeks measured time in terms of Games
started on the first new moon after the summer solstice, around mid-July. The ancient Olympic Games
lasted for five days and the events took place in a precise order. On the first day, there were sacrifices
and opening ceremonies. On the second day there were special competitions for the “ephebians”. The
third day was devoted to events for adult competitors: dromos, diaulos, dolichos, pugilism, wrestling,
pancratium. On the fourth day, there were equestrian events, pentathlon, and race with arms. On the fifth
and the final day, there were closing ceremonies and proclamation of the heroes. During the first six
Olympic games, however, the prize had been a portion of meat or ‘meria’ taken from an animal sacrificed
to the Gods. It was only after VII Games that the olive crown was given to the winners and the moral
significance of the prize was considerable. Once the prizes were awarded, a flock of pigeons was releases
to carry the names of the champions to all the corners of the Greece.

The Games came to a sudden end when the Roman Emperor Theodosius banned the competitions and
their attendant sacrificial offerings as pagan manifestations. From 395 AD onwards the fall of Olympia was
very rapid. In that year the first damage was caused by the invasion of Alaric’s barbarians. A year earlier
the famous crysele-phantide statute of Zeus had been taken to Constantinople. It was destroyed in 475
AD during the great fire. Following the attacks of the Goths, a fire destroyed the temple of Zeus; earth
quakes from 522 to 551 and the most severe of all in 580 brought down whatever had remained standing.
Glory had vanished and of the vast riches there were now left but a few ruins and the name of Olympia.
Something immortal remained, however, and that was the Olympic spirit.
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The revival work of the Games was undertaken by Baron Pierre de Coubertin nearly 1,500 years after the
last of the ancient Games. He was born into a family of Italian origin which had settled in France. It was
on November 25, 1892, during a conference at Sorbonne about the history of physical exercises, that he
first pronounced those famous six words in public “The Restoration of the Olympic Games”. He said that
the games would ennoble and strengthen amateur sports, to give them strength and lasting quality for an
essential role in the world of modern education.

It was at the International Congress for the for the Study of the Propagation of the Principles of
Amateurism held in Paris in June 1894 that the delegates led by Baron Pierre de Coubertin and associates
unanimously voted to restore the Olympic Games and to create an International Olympic committee to
oversee them. De Coubertin had planned to propose Paris for the site of the first modern Olympics in 1900
but the enthusiasm and zeal of the delegates was so great that they insisted the first Games to be held in
1896. Athens was, therefore, the venue for the 1896 Games. Since then these Games are held very four
years. The aims of the Olympic Movement are to promote the development of these fine physical and
moral qualities which are the basis of amateur sports and to bring together the athletes of the world in a
great quadrennial festival of sports. The honour of holding the Olympic Games is entrusted to a city ad not
a country or area. The choice of a city for the celebration of an Olympiad is with the International Olympic
Committee.

2. Olympic Flame: It was at the Amsterdam Games in 1928 that for the first time an Olympic flame was
ceremonially lighted and burned in a giant torch at the entrance of the stadium. The modern version of
the flame was adopted in 1936 at the Berlin Games. The Olympic flame symbolizes the continuity between
the ancient and modern Games. The torch used to kindle the flame, is first lit by the sun’s rays at
Olympia, Greece, and then carried to the site of the Games by relay of runners. Ships and planes are used
when necessary. On July 15, 1976, space age technology was used to transport the flame from one
continent to another.

3. Olympic Motto: The Olympic motto is “Citius-Altius-Fortius” (faster, higher, stronger). Rev. Father Didon
(1840-1900), headmaster of a school near Paris and a great promoter of sports in the French Catholic
colleges near the end of the nineteenth century, first used the motto and had it embroidered on the
pennants of his school clubs. This succinct definition of the philosophy of sport appealed to father Didon’s
friend, Baron pierre de Coubertin who was responsible for the revival work of the Olympic Games nearly
1,500 yeas after the last of the ancient games. It was adopted at his suggestion at the International
Congress for the “Study and Propagation of the Principles of Amateurism” on June 23, 1894, the same day
on which the restoration of the Olympic Games and the creation of the International Olympic Committee
were also decided.

4. Olympic Prizes, Medals and Certificates: While in ancient times the Olympic heroes received a crown
of olive branches for their exploits, modern Olympic champions are rewarded with medals and certificates.
The winning athlete now receives a gold medal, the athlete in the second place is awarded a Silver medal
and the third placed athlete wins a Bronze medal. In addition, all athletes ranking from first to sixth
receive a certificate. Each medal is 60 mm in diameter and 3 mm thick. The first and second place medals
are made of 92.5 per cent silver and the medal for the first winner is then plated with 6 gram of fine gold.
Thus this medal is not of full gold. The third place medal is of bronze.
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VII. Commonwealth Games: Ashley Cooper was the first person to propose the idea of having a Pan-
Britannic sporting contest to foster a spirit of goodwill and understanding within the British Empire. In
1928, a key Canadian athlete, Bobby Robinson, was given the task of organizing the first ever
Commonwealth Games. These Games were held in 1930, in the city of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and saw
the participation of 400 athletes from eleven countries.

No of
S. No Venue Year
Countries
1 Hamilton, Canada 1930 11
London, United
2 1934 16
Kingdom
3 Sydney, Australia 1938 15
4 Auckland, New Zealand 1950 12
5 Vancouver, Canada 1954 24
6 Cardiff, United Kingdom 1958 35
7 Perth, Australia 1962 35
8 Jamaica, West Indies 1966 34
Edinburgh, United
9 1970 42
Kingdom
Christchurch, New
10 1974 38
Zealand
11 Edmonton, Canada 1978 48
12 Brisbane, Australia 1982 47
Edinburgh, United
13 1986 26
Kingdom
14 Auckland, New Zealand 1990 55
15 Victoria, Canada 1994 64
16 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1998 70
Manchchester, United
17 2002 72
Kingdom
18 Melbourne, Australia 2006 71
19 New Delhi, India 2010 71
20 Glasgow, Scotland 2014 71

Since then, the Commonwealth Games have been held every four years, except for the period during the
Second World War. The Games have been known by various names such as the British Empire Games,
Friendly Games and British Commonwealth Games. Since 1978, they have been known as the
Commonwealth Games. Originally having only single competition sports, the 1998 Commonwealth Games
at Kuala Lumpur saw a major change when team sports such as cricket, hockey and netball made their
first appearance.

In 2001, the Games Movement adopted the three values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny as the core
values of the Commonwealth Games. These values inspire and connect thousands of people and signify
the broad mandate for holding the Games within the Commonwealth.
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VIII. Asian Games: The Asian Games, officially known as Asiad, is a multi-sport event held every four years
among athletes from all over Asia.. The Games were regulated by the Asian Games Federation (AGF) from
the first Games in New Delhi, India, until the 1978 Games. Since the 1982 Games they have been
organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), after the breakup of the Asian Games Federation. The
Games are recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and are described as the second
largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. In its history, nine nations have hosted the Asian
Games. 46 nations have participated in the Games, including Israel, which was excluded from the Games
after their last participation in 1974. The last Asian Games was held at Incheon, South Korea in 2014. The
next edition of the games will be held in Jakarta-Palembang in Indonesia in 2018.

Official logo of the games

IX. FIFA World Cup

1. History: The first international football match was played in 1872 between Scotland and England. At
this stage the sport was rarely played outside Great Britain and Ireland. As football started gaining
popularity, it was held as a demonstration sport (with no medals awarded) at the 1900 and 1904 Summer
Olympics. It became an official competition at the 1908 Summer Olympics. Planned by the Football
Association, the event was for amateur players only and was regarded suspiciously as a show rather than
a competition.

The 1932 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, did not plan to include football as part of the schedule
due to its low popularity of football in U.S. So football was dropped from the Games. FIFA President Jules
Rimet thus planned the inaugural World Cup tournament to be held in Uruguay in 1930. The national
associations of selected nations were invited to send a team, but the choice of Uruguay as a venue for the
competition meant a long and costly trip across the Atlantic Ocean for European sides. Indeed, no
European country pledged to send a team until two months before the start of the competition. Rimet
eventually persuaded teams from Belgium, France, Romania and Yugoslavia to make the trip. In total 10
nations took part- four from South Africa, four from Europe and two from North America.
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The issues facing the early World Cup tournaments were the difficulties of intercontinental travel and war.
Few South American teams were willing to travel to Europe for the 1934 and 1938 tournaments, with
Brazil the only South American earn to compete in both. The 1942 and 1946 competitions were cancelled
due to World War II and its aftermath. The 1950 World Cup was the first to include British participants.
The tournament also saw the return of Uruguay, who had boycotted the previous two World Cups.

In the tournament between 1934 and 1978, 16 teams qualified for each finals tournament. The finals were
expanded to 24 teams in 1982, then 32 in 1998.
2. Trophy: From 1930 to 1970, the trophy was awarded to the Cup winner. It was originally simply
known as the 'World Cup' or 'Coupe du Monde', but in 1946 it was renamed after the FIFA president who
set up the first tournament and thus called the 'Jules Rimet Trophy'. In 1970, Brazil's third victory in the
tournament entitled them to keep the trophy permanently. However the trophy was stolen in 1983 and
has never been recovered.

After 1970, a new trophy known as the FIFA World Cup Trophy was designed. This is not awarded to the
winning nation permanently. It will not be retired until the name plaque has been entirely filled with the
names of winning nations in 2038. The new trophy is 36 cm high, made of solid 18-carat gold and weighs
10.97 kilogrammes. The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite while the bottom side of the
Trophy bears the engraved year and name of each FIFA World Cup winner since 1974. World Cup winners
retain it until the next tournament and are awarded a gold-plated replica rather than the solid gold
original.

The Golden Boot award is given to the top scorer of the tournament. Eusebio was the first player to be
awarded by the Golden Boot in 1966. The Golden Ball award started in 1982.

X. World Cup Cricket:

History: The idea of organising a World Cup of cricket was mooted and agreed to in principle in 1971
when such a proposal was discussed at a meeting of the International Cricket Conference in London.
However, due to various commitments the tournaments could not be staged until 1975 when the original
plan of a South African team's visit to England fell through following opposition to the country's racial
policy. England's Prudential Assurance Company came forward with sponsorship and for three consecutive
years— 1975, 1979 and 1983—the one-day limited overs cricket tournament was held in England. It
became famous as the Prudential Cup.

In the first two tournaments, apart from the six full members of the International Cricket Conference
(England, Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, India and Pakistan), Sri Lanka, before being elevated to
Test status in 1981, had joined East Africa in 1975 and Canada in 1979 (two top teams among the
associate members) to complete the groups in the tournaments proper. The West Indies, under Clive
Lloyd, not only won the first two tournaments in 1975 and 1979 but in true Calypso style they produced
sparkling cricket and confirmed I heir unassailable supremacy in this game.
 184

India broke the West Indian stranglehold in 1983 to open a new chapter in the brief annals of this
prestigious tournament. Apiirt from some sparkling individual performances, the competition witnessed
thrills and upsets. India with a poor total of 183 bowled themselves back into the game and became
memorable winners by 43 runs at the sensational final at Lord's. When India managed a total of 183 in
the final with useful contributions from Srikkanth (38), Amarnath (26) and Sandeep Patil (27), it seemed
an easy total for the West Indies to overcome, but they surprisingly folded up for 140 runs and India
pulled off one of the cricket's greatest upsets. Amarnath's performance earned him the coveted Man of the
Match award.

XI. Lawn Tennis Grand Slam Tournaments:

The four Grand Slam tournaments are considered to be the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the
world. They are held annually and include, in chronological order, the Australian Open, the French Open,
Wimbledon, and the US Open. Apart from the Olympic Games, Davis Cup, Fed Cup, and Hopman Cup,
they are the only tournaments regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).The ITF's national
associations, Tennis Australia (Australian Open), the Fédération Française de Tennis (French Open), the
Lawn Tennis Association (Wimbledon) and the United States Tennis Association (US Open) are delegated
the responsibility to organize these events.

Aside from the historical significance of these events, they also carry larger prize funds than any other
tour event and are worth double the number of ranking points to the champion than in the next echelon of
tournaments, the Masters 1000 (men) and Premier events (women). Another distinguishing feature is the
number of players in the singles draw. There are 128, more than any other professional tennis
tournament. This draw is composed of 32 seeded players, other players ranked in the world's top 100,
qualifiers, and players who receive invitations through wild cards. Grand Slam men's tournaments have
best-of-five set matches while the women play best-of-three. Grand Slam tournaments are among the
small number of events that last two weeks, the others being the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami
Masters. Currently, the Grand Slam tournaments are the only tour events that have mixed doubles
contests. Grand Slam tournaments are held in conjunction with wheelchair tennis tournaments and junior
tennis competitions. These tournaments also contain their own idiosyncrasies. For example, players at
Wimbledon are required to wear predominantly white. Andre Agassi chose to skip Wimbledon from 1988
through 1990 citing the event's traditionalism, particularly its "predominantly white" dress code.
Wimbledon has its own particular methods for disseminating tickets, often leading tennis fans to follow
complex procedures to obtain tickets.

Grand Slam Tournaments

Date Tournament Location Surface Prize Money First Held
January Australian Open Melbourne Hard (Plexicushion) A$26,000,000 1905
May–June French Open Paris Clay €18,718,000 1925*
June–July Wimbledon London Grass £14,600,000 1877
August–September US Open New York City Hard (DecoTurf) US$21,016,000 1881
 185

ORGANIZATION
I. Major International Organizations:

1. United Nations: The United Nations Organisation is an association of states which have pledged
themselves to maintain international peace and security and cooperate in solving international political,
economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems towards achieving this end.

The United Nations officially came into existence on Oct. 24,1945, with the deposit of the requisite
number of ratifications of the Charter, the constituting instrument of the UN with the US Department of
State. United Nations Day is celebrated on 24 Oct. each year. The headquarters of the UNO is in New
York.

Objects: To maintain international peace and security.

 To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and
self-determination of peoples.
 To cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in
promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
 To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these common ends.

Flag : White UN Emblem (two bent olive branches open at the top and in between them in world map) on
a light blue background.

Official Languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Structure
The United Nations has six principal organs according to the Charter which are indicated as below :

The General Assembly: It consists of all 192 member nations and functions as the main deliberative
body. It meets once a year on the third Tuesday of the month of September and session lasts for two
weeks. It has the under mentioned aspects :

(i) At each session the Assembly elects a new President, 21 Vice-Presidents and Chairmen of the six
main committees. For proper geographical representation, the Presidency of the Assembly rotates
every year among the five geographical groups–Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and
Caribbean, and Western Europe and other stares. Special session can be called by the Secretary General
at the request of the Security Council by the majority of members or of by one member of majority of the
members approve of the same.

(ii) Decisions on the important questions are taken by the two-third majority. The issues are of the nature of
peace and security, new membership and budget.

(iii) The work of the meeting is divided into six main committees as given below :
 186

 Disarmament and International Security Committee

 Economic and Financial committee
 Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee
 Special Political and Decolonisation Committee
 Administrative and Budgetary Committee
 Legal Committee

(iv) In all the committees, each member state is represented.

(v) The General Assembly has the right to decide any issue connected with the Charter.

(vi) Excepting those disputes which are on the agenda of the Security Council, the General Assembly has the
power to make recommendations over all other issues.

(vii) Recommendations of the General Assembly have no compulsion power on the member state,
but the same has the weightage of world opinion.

(viii) The General Assembly receives reports from the other organs, admits new members, directs
activities of development, sets policies and determines programmers for the Secretariat, appoints the
Secretary General who submits annual reports on the work of the Assembly and approves the UN
Budget.

(ix) Under the resolution 'Uniting for Peace' adopted by the General Assembly in Nov. 1950 the
same is empowered to take action in the following cases:

 In case of threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression the General Assembly steps in
if the Security Council fails to exercise its primary responsibility for international peace and security
because of lack of unanimity amongst its permanent members.
 In such a case, General Assembly shall consider the matter immediately and make recommendation
for collective measures by the members.
 Even the option for use of armed forces for restoration of peace and security can be approved by the
General Assembly to meet the challenges of crisis.

Contemporary United Nations International Decade

1994 to 2004 International Decade for Indigenous People in the World

1995 to 2004 United Nations Decade for Human Right Education

1997 to 2006 United Nations Decade for Abolition of Poverty

2001 to 2010 Second International Decade for Abolition of Colonialism

2001 to 2010 International Decade for Peace and Non-violence Culture in Children
 187

2. Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Established in — September 1960

Headquarters — Vienna (Austria)
Member States — 12 (Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United
Arab Emirates, Venezuela)
Official Language — English

OPEC’s Objective and Mission: OPEC’s objective is to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among
Member Countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient,
economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those
investing in the industry.

Member States: The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded in Baghdad,
Iraq, with the signing of an agreement in September 1960 by five countries namely Islamic Republic of
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. They were to become the Founder Members of the
Organisation.

These countries were later joined by Qatar (1961), Indonesia (1962), Libya (1962), the United Arab
Emirates (1967), Algeria (1969), Nigeria (1971), Ecuador (1973), Gabon (1975) and Angola (2007).

From December 1992 until October 2007, Ecuador suspended its membership. Gabon terminated its
membership in 1995. Indonesia suspended its membership effective January 2009.

Currently, the Organisation has a total of 12 Member Countries.

The OPEC Statute distinguishes between the Founder Members and Full Members—those countries whose
applications for membership have been accepted by the Conference.

OPEC Summit and the Solemn Declaration: Sovereigns and Heads of State of OPEC Member Countries
(MCs) do not meet regularly. However, when they do meet, the impact is felt beyond the confines of the
Organisation’s MCs and for decades too. Such meetings also have the tendency to affect lives in a positive
way.

This could be said to be the effect their first meeting in 1975 has had on the world’s poor countries
through the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

The Solemn Declaration, issued by the Summit, ‘reaffirmed the natural solidarity which unites OPEC MCs
with other developing countries in their struggle to overcome underdevelopment, and called for measures
to strengthen cooperation with these countries.”

OPEC Fund for International Development: OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) was
established in January 1976, as a collective financial facility to consolidate the assistance extended by its
Member Countries namely Algeria, Gabon, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya,
Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. OFID’s resources are additional to
those already made available by OPEC MCs through a number of bilateral and multilateral channels. The
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resources of OFID consist mainly of voluntary contributions by OPEC MCs and income derived from OFID’s
investments and loans (interest and service charges).

OPEC Reference Basket: Introduced on June 16, 2005, it is currently made up of the following :
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran),
Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar),
Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). For example:

OPEC’s Oil Reserves: According to current estimates, more than 80% of the world’s proven oil reserves
are located in OPEC member countries, with the bulk of OPEC oil reserves in the Middle East, amounting
to 65% of the OPEC total. OPEC member countries have made significant additions to their oil reserves in
recent years, for example, by adopting best practices in the industry, realizing intensive explorations and
enhancing recoveries. As a result, OPEC’s proven oil reserves currently stand at well above 1,190 billion
barrels. 29% of this total pump fuel price.

3. World Health Organisation (WHO):

Established in/on — April 7, 1948

Headquarters — Geneva (Switzerland)
Official Languages — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish
Member States — 193 Member States

Type of Organisation: WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United
Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health
research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing
technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.
WHO Agenda
WHO operates in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing landscape. The boundaries of public health
action have become blurred, extending into other sectors that influence health opportunities and
outcomes. WHO responds to these challenges using a six-point agenda. The six points address two health
objectives, two strategic needs, and two operational approaches. The overall performance of WHO will be
measured by the impact of its work on women’s health and health in Africa.

“I want my leadership to be judged by the impact of our work on the health of two populations
: women and the people of Africa.”
—Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General

a. Promoting Development
b. Fostering Health Security
c. Strengthening Health Systems
d. Harnessing Research, Information and Evidence
e. Enhancing Partnerships
f. Improving Performance
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The Role of WHO in Public Health

WHO fulfils its objectives through its core functions :

 Providing leadership on matters critical to health and engaging in partnerships where joint action is
needed;
 Shaping the research agenda and stimulating the generation, translation and dissemination of
valuable knowledge;
 Setting norms and standards and promoting and monitoring their implementation;
 Articulating ethical and evidence-based policy options;
 Providing technical support, catalysing change, and building sustainable institutional capacity; and
 Monitoring the health situation and assessing health trends.

These core functions are set out in the 11th General Programme of Work, which provides the framework
for organisation-wide programme of work, budget, resources and results. Entitled ‘Engaging for health’, it
covers the 10 year period from 2006 to 2015.

4. Interpol:

INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organisation, with 186 member countries. Created in
1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organisations, authorities
and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime.

INTERPOL aims to facilitate international police co-operation even where diplomatic relations do not exist
between particular countries. Action is taken within the limits of existing laws in different countries and in
the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. INTERPOL’s constitution prohibits ‘any intervention
or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character.’

INTERPOL’s Leadership: The President of INTERPOL and the Secretary General work closely together in
providing strong leadership and direction to the Organization.

INTERPOL’s Structure: As defined in Article 5 of its Constitution, INTERPOL (whose correct full name is
'The International Criminal Police Organization – INTERPOL’) comprises the following:
 General Assembly
 Executive Committee
 General Secretariat
 National Central Bureaus
 Advisers
The General Assembly and the Executive Committee form the organization’s Governance.

General Assembly – INTERPOL’s supreme governing body, it meets annually and comprises delegates
appointed by each member country. The assembly takes all important decisions related to policy,
resources, working methods, finances, activities and programmes.

Executive Committee – this 13-member committee is elected by the General Assembly, and comprises
the president, three vice-presidents and nine delegates covering the four regions.
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General Secretariat – located in Lyon, France, the General Secretariat operates 24 hours a day, 365
days a year and is run by the Secretary General. Officials from more than 80 countries work side-by-side
in any of the organization’s four official languages: Arabic, English, French and Spanish. The Secretariat
has six regional offices; in Argentina, Côte d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Kenya, Thailand and Zimbabwe, and a
liaison office at the United Nations in New York.

National Central Bureaus (NCB) – Each INTERPOL member country maintains a National Central
Bureau staffed by national law enforcement officers. The NCB is the designated contact point for the
General Secretariat, regional offices and other member countries requiring assistance with overseas
investigations and the location and apprehension of fugitives.

Advisers – these are experts in a purely advisory capacity, who may be appointed by the Executive
Committee and confirmed by the General Assembly.

5. BRICS:
BRICS is the title of an association of leading emerging economies, arising out of the inclusion of South
Africa into the BRIC group in 2010. As of 2012, the group's five members are Brazil, Russia, India, China
and South Africa. With the possible exception of Russia, the BRICS members are all developing or newly
industrialised countries, but they are distinguished by their large, fast-growing economies and significant
influence on regional and global affairs. As of 2012, the five BRICS countries represent almost 3 billion
people, with a combined nominal GDP of US$13.7 trillion, and an estimated US$4 trillion in combined
foreign reserves. Presently, India holds the chair of the BRICS group.

The grouping has held annual summits since 2009, with member countries taking turns to host. Prior to
South Africa's admission, two BRIC summits were held, in 2009 and 2010. The first five-member BRICS
summit was held in 2011.

Summit Participants Date Host country Host leader Location

1st BRIC June 16, 2009 Russia Dmitry Medvedev Yekaterinburg
2nd BRIC April 16, 2010 Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Brasília
3rd BRICS April 14, 2011 China Hu Jintao Sanya
4th BRICS March 29, 2012 India Manmohan Singh New Delhi
5th BRICS 2013 South Africa Jacob Zuma Durban
6th BRICS 2014 Brazil D. Rousseff Taleeza
7th BRICS 2015 Russia V. Putin UFA

6. International Monetary Fund (IMF): It was established on December 27, 1945 at the Brettonwoods
Conference, but it started its operations on March 1, 1947.

Objectives
According to ‘Articles of Agreement’ of the IMF, its main objectives are as follows:
1. To promote international monetary co-operation.
2. To ensure balanced international trade.
3. To ensure exchange rate stability.
4. To grant economic assistance to member countries for eliminating the adverse imbalance in balance of
payment
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Constitution, Membership and Capital of IMF: The main source of IMF resources is the quotas allotted
to member countries. Earlier, quotas and the assistance provided were denominated in US dollars, now
they are expressed in SDRs (Special Drawing Rights) which is also known as Paper Gold.

India and IMF: IMF has played an important role in Indian economy. IMF has provided economic
assistance from time to time to India and has also provided appropriate consultancy in determination of
various policies in the country. India is a founder-member of IMF. The Finance Minister is ex-officio
Governor on the IMF Board of Governors.

7. International Bank For Reconstruction And Development (IBRD): The IBRD and its associates as a
group are known as the World Bank, set up to rehabilitate the World War II-damaged economies. In 1945,
it was decided to concentrate on reconstructing these war affected economies. Besides, it was also
planned to develop under-developed economies in a planned way. IBRD was established in December
1945 with the IMF on the basis of the recommendation of the Brettonwoods Conference. That is the
reason why IMF and IBRD are called ‘Bretton Wood Twins’. IBRD started functioning in June 1946.

Objectives
According to the Agreement at the time of establishment of World Bank, it was assigned the following
objectives:

IMF VS World Bank: Since both these were together formed at the Brettonwoods Conference, they are
referred to as “Brettonwoods Twins”. Both the institutions were established to promote international
economic co-operation but a basic difference is found in the nature of economic assistance given by these
two institutions. The World Bank provides long-term loans for promoting balanced economic development
and finances developmental projects, while the IMF provides short-term loans to member countries for
eliminating BOP disequilibrium. Both these institutions are complementary to each other.

Membership: Generally every member country of the IMF automatically becomes the member of World
Bank. Similarly, any country which quits IMF is automatically expelled from the World Bank’s membership.
But under a certain provision a country leaving the membership of IMF can continue its membership with
World Bank if 75% members of their Bank give their vote in its favour.

8. International Development Association (IDA): The IDA is an associate institution of the World Bank
known as soft loan window of World Bank. IDA was established on September 24, 1960. It kept its
membership open to all members of World Bank. At present 159 countries are its members and no
interest is charged on these long-term loans. These soft loans are provided to the poor countries. The
resources of IDA include subscribed capital by member countries, general replenishments by developed
countries, net income transferred by IBRD etc. The IDA is administered by the same group, which
manages the working of World Bank.

9. International Finance Corporation (IFC): Established in July 1956, this corporation provides loans to
private industries of developing nations without any government guarantee and also promotes the
additional capital investment in these countries.
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10. World Trade Organisation (WTO): The Uruguay Round of GATT gave birth to the World Trade
Organization. The members of GATT signed an agreement of Uruguay Round in April 1994 in Marrakesh
(Morocco) for establishing a new organization named WTO. It was officially constituted on January 1,
1995, which replaced GATT as an effective informal organization. Contrary to GATT, WTO is a permanent
organization and has international status like IMF and IBRD, but it is not an agency of the UNO.

Objectives of WTO

1. To improve standards of living of people in the member countries.

2. To ensure full employment and broad increase in effective demand.
3. To enlarge production and trade of goods.
The above three objectives were also included in the GATT agreement, but the WTO also included
some other objectives which are:
4. To enlarge production and trade of services.
5. To ensure optimum utilization of world resources.
6. accept the concept of sustainable development.
7. To protect environment.

11. Asian Development Bank (ADB): The ADB was established in Dec. 1966 on the recommendations of
ECAFE (Economic Commission for Asia and Far East). The aim of this Bank was to promote economic
development in Asian countries. The head office of the Bank is located at Manila, Philippines.

12. South Asian Association For Regional Co-Operation (SAARC): India, Maldives, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal constituted an organization known as SAARC, on the
recommendations of Dhaka Conference in 1985. Its headquarters has been established at Kathmandu.
Afghanistan was made a member in 2005. A conference of heads of the countries is held every year but
the conferences have been generally delayed for one reason or the other. The mutual misunderstandings
among member nations have created a big question mark on its ability to achieve its objectives.

The latest Summit was held in thimphu (Bhutan) in April, 2010.

In 1995, the Eighth SAARC Summit at New Delhi decided to establish SAFTA by 2001. (Earlier it was
decided to establish it by 2005). Agreement was finally signed on January 2004 at the 12th SAARC
summit.

 Agreement entered into force from January 1st 2006

 Members include: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
 Requires developing countries in South Asia: India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, to bring duties down
to 20 percent in the first phase of the two year period ending in 2007
 Final five year phase ending 2012, 20 percent duty be reduced to zero
 Least developed nations: Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Maldives have additional three years to
reduce tariffs to zero

13. Association Of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN): ASEAN is a union of South-East Asian Nations.
Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand constituted this association in 1967. Brunei also
joined the ASEAN in 1984. At present, 9 countries are the members of ASEAN. The object of ASEAN is to
promote economic co-operation in South-East Asia and also to ensure economic stability in the region. Its
headquarters is in Jakarta but a Secretary of ASEAN lives in the capital of each member country. The post
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of General Secretary of ASEAN is rotated among each member country alphabetically, after every two
years. In 1996, ASEAN gave advisory status or full-dialogue partner status to India. Besides India, China
and Russia also got this status. India cannot join the ASEAN as a member due to its geographical location.

However, India entered into a Free Tree Agreement with this grouping on Jan 1, 2010.

14. East Asia Summit: It has 16 members constituting all the members of ASEAN (Brunei Darussalam,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and six
neighbouring nations of India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. It’s first summit
was held in 2005. At the Fourth Summit held in October 2009 in Thailand, it was decided to reestablish
Nalanda University in Bihar. It is also moving towards Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia
(CEPEA).

15. G-8: The Group of Eight is a forum, created by France in 1975, for governments of six countries in the
world: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 1976, Canada joined
the group (thus creating the G7). In becoming the G8, the group added Russia in 1997. In addition, the
European Union is represented within the G8, but cannot host or chair.

Together the eight countries making up the G8 represent about 14% of the world population, but they
represent about 60% of the Gross World Product as measured by gross domestic product,
Lately, both France and the United Kingdom have expressed a desire to expand the group to include five
developing countries, referred to as the Outreach Five (O5) or the Plus Five: Brazil, China, India, Mexico,
and South Africa. These countries have participated as guests in previous meetings, which are sometimes
called G8+5.

16. Group Of Twenty Finance Ministers And Central Bank Governors: The Group of Twenty Finance
Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G-20) is a group of finance ministers and central bank governors
from 20 economies: 19 countries plus the european single currency. Their heads of government or heads
of state have also periodically conferred at summits since their initial meeting in 2008. Collectively, the G-
20 economies comprise 85% of global gross national product, 80% of world trade (including EU intra-
trade) and two-thirds of the world population.

The G-20 is a forum for cooperation and consultation on matters pertaining to the international financial
system. It studies, reviews, and promotes discussion (among key industrial and emerging market
countries) of policy issues pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability, and seeks to
address issues that go beyond the responsibilities of any one organization. With the G-20 growing in
stature since the 2008 Washington summit, its leaders announced at their Pittsburgh summit on
September 25, 2009, that the group will replace the G8 as the main economic council of wealthy nations.
The heads of the G-20 nations have met semi-annually at G-20 summits since 2008. The most recent was
held in Toronto on June 26–27, 2010, and the next will be in Seoul on November 11–12, 2010. Starting in
2011, G-20 summits will be held annually.

17. Organization For Economic Co-Operation And Development: To rehabilitate the weak economies of
Europe after Second World War, an organization named OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation
and Development) was founded. Its headquarter is in Paris (France). The aim of the OECD is to co-
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ordinate the welfare policies of the member countries and also to induce member countries for promoting
welfare activities in their respective economies.

18. European Union: The EU (formerly known as European Community or European Economic Community)
is a union of 27 independent states based on the European Communities and founded to enhance political,
economic and social co-operation.

Six European countries known as ‘Inner Six’ (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, W. Germany
and Italy) constituted EEC on the basis of Rome Treaty (1957) which was constituted for promoting
economic co-operation among non-communist countries of Europe. EEC started its functioning since
January 1, 1958. EEC attempted to unite economic policies of all 15 members. In 1991, important
decisions relating to political, monetary and economic unification of Europe were taken by Heads of States
of the then 12 member countries. This treaty was a major effort in the direction of European unification
and is known as the Maastricht Treaty.

Since, November 1, 1993 this treaty was implemented for political and economic unification of these
countries. This treaty gave birth to a new organization known as European Union. This treaty and
documents of European Union, signed in February, 1992, state that all the countries of the union will
make all efforts to implement homogeneous economic and monetary policies.

Lisbon Treaty came into force on December 1, 2009. Czech President Vaclav Klaus was the last to ratify
the treaty in November 2009. Its salient features are

 Replaces European Constitution

 Facilitate speedy decision making
 Give EU, US-style President (term=2.5 years). It makes Herman Van Rompuy (Belgium), the first
permanent President of European Council (Dec 1, 2009 – May 31, 2012)
 Common Foreign Policy. Baroness Catherine Ashton (UK) has been appointed as the first High
Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
 Voting rights in proportion of population size of the member countries delayed till 2014 due to
Polish concerns.

III. International Treaties and Agreements

1. Antarctic Treaty: It is an agreement signed on December 1, 1959 between 12 nations with an interest in
Antarctic. These countries are: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway,
South Africa, the erstwhile USSR (CIS), the U.K. and the US. In all, 39 countries became party to it by
1990 when Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Columbia, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Ecuador,
Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, South Korea, North Korea, the Netherlands, Papua New.
Guinea, Peru, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Uruguay also acceded to the treaty. The
treaty reserves the Antarctic area south of 60' south latitude for peaceful purposes, provides for
international cooperation in scientific investigation and research, and preserves.

2. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): Signed in 1968, NPT came into force in 1970. Its main points
are as follows:
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 nuclear powers will not transfer nuclear weapons or control over them to any recipient.
 non-nuclear countries agree neither to receive the weapons nor to manufacture them.
 Nuclear know-how will be made available to the non-nuclear states for peaceful purposes.
Originally, for a period of 25 years, NPI was extended indefinitely in 1995. India, Israel and Pakistan have
not signed the NPI citing various reasons.

3. Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): This treaty was approved by US General Assembly in 1996.
India, Iran and Libya voted against it. India is under constant pressure to sign it.

4. Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START-II): Signed by the then Russian and American Presidents in
1993, its main provisions are :

 to reduce nuclear warheads.

 to eliminate all Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles.
 to reduce nuclear warheads at submarine-based ballistic missiles.
 to limit nuclear warheads with which heavy bombers can be equipped.

5. Chemical Weapons Convention: The Chemical Weapons Convention came into force on April 29, 1997.
The signatory states have undertaken to destroy existing stock of chemical weapons by 2007. 164
countries have signed the convention which was first opened to signature in Paris on January 13, 1993.
About 75 countries have ratified it.

IV. Major National Organizations

1. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is an apex development bank in
India having headquarters based in Mumbai (Maharashtra) and other branches are all over the country. It
has been accredited with "matters concerning policy, planning and operations in the field of credit for
agriculture and other economic activities in rural areas in India". RBI sold its stake in NABARD to the
Government of India, which now holds 99% stake. It is active in developing financial inclusion policy and
is a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion.
NABARD is the apex institution in the country which looks after the development of the cottage industry,
small industry and village industry, and other rural industries. NABARD also reaches out to allied
economies and supports and promotes integrated development. And to help NABARD discharge its duty, it
has been given certain roles as follows:
1. Serves as an apex financing agency for the institutions providing investment and production credit for
promoting the various developmental activities in rural areas
2. Takes measures towards institution building for improving absorptive capacity of the credit delivery
system, including monitoring, formulation of rehabilitation schemes, restructuring of credit
institutions, training of personnel, etc.
3. Co-ordinates the rural financing activities of all institutions engaged in developmental work at the field
level and maintains liaison with Government of India, State Governments, Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) and other national level institutions concerned with policy formulation
4. Undertakes monitoring and evaluation of projects refinanced by it.
5. NABARD refinances the financial institutions which finances the rural sector.
NABARD has its head office at Mumbai, India.
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NABARD is also known for its 'SHG Bank Linkage Programme' which encourages India's banks to lend to
self-help groups (SHGs). Because SHGs are composed mainly of poor women, this has evolved into an
important Indian tool for microfinance. As of March 2006 2.2 million SHGs representing 33 million
members had to been linked to credit through this programme.
NABARD also has a portfolio of Natural Resource Management Programmes involving diverse fields like
Watershed Development, Tribal Development and Farm Innovation through dedicated funds set up for the
purpose.

2. Reserve Bank of India: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central banking institution, which
controls the monetary policy of the Indian rupee. It was established on 1 April 1935 during the British Raj
in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The share capital was divided
into shares of ₹100 each fully paid which was entirely owned by private shareholders in the beginning.
Following India's independence in 1947, the RBI was nationalised in the year 1949.

The RBI plays an important part in the development strategy of the Government of India. It is a member
bank of the Asian Clearing Union. The general superintendence and direction of the RBI is entrusted with
the 20-member-strong Central Board of Directors—the Governor (currently Duvvuri Subbarao), four
Deputy Governors, one Finance Ministry representative, ten Government-nominated Directors to represent
important elements from India's economy, and four Directors to represent Local Boards headquartered at
Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi. Each of these Local Boards consist of five members who
represent regional interests, as well as the interests of co-operative and indigenous banks

Main functions:

i. Monetary authority

ii. Managerial of exchange control

iii. Issuer of currency:

iv. Banker of Banks:

v. Developmental role:

3. Export Import Bank Of India: Export-Import Bank of India is the premier export finance institution of

the country, established in 1982 under the Export-Import Bank of India Act 1981. It is headquartered at
Mumbai.

Exim Bank is managed by a Board of Directors, which has representatives from the Government, Reserve
Bank of India, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India, a financial institution, public sector banks,
and the business community.
The Bank's functions are segmented into several operating groups including:

 Corporate Banking Group which handles a variety of financing programmes for Export Oriented
Units (EOUs), Importers, and overseas investment by Indian companies.
 Project Finance / Trade Finance Group handles the entire range of export credit services such as
supplier's credit, pre-shipment Agri Business Group, to spearhead the initiative to promote and
support Agri-exports. The Group handles projects and export transactions in the agricultural
sector for financing.
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 Small and Medium Enterprise: The group handles credit proposals from SMEs under various
lending programmes of the Bank.
 Export Services Group offers variety of advisory and value-added information services aimed at
investment promotion.

4. Unit Trust of India: UTI is a financial organization in Mumbai, India, which was created by the UTI Act
passed by the Parliament in 1963. For more than two decades it remained the sole vehicle for investment
in the capital market by the Indian citizens. In mid- 1980s public sector banks were allowed to open
mutual funds. The real vibrancy and competition in the MF industry came with the setting up of the
Regulator SEBI and its laying down the MF Regulations in 1993.UTI maintained its pre-eminent place till
2001, when a massive decline in the market indices and negative investor sentiments after Ketan Parekh
scam created doubts about the capacity of UTI to meet its obligations to the investors. This was further
compounded by two factors; namely, its flagship and largest scheme US 64 was sold and re-purchased
not at intrinsic NAV but at artificial price and its Assured Return Schemes had promised returns as high as
18% over a period going up to two decades.

5. NSE: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is stock exchange located at Mumbai, India. It is in the top 20
largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalization and largest in India by daily turnover and
number of trades, for both equities and derivative trading. NSE has a market capitalization of around
US$1 trillion and over 1,652 listings as of July 2012. Though a number of other exchanges exist, NSE and
the Bombay Stock Exchange are the two most significant stock exchanges in India, and between them are
responsible for the vast majority of share transactions. The NSE's key index is the S&P CNX Nifty, known
as the NSE NIFTY (National Stock Exchange Fifty), an index of fifty major stocks weighted by market
capitalisation.

NSE is mutually owned by a set of leading financial institutions, banks, insurance companies and other
financial intermediaries in India but its ownership and management operate as separate entities. There
are at least 2 foreign investors NYSE Euronext and Goldman Sachs who have taken a stake in the NSE. In
2011, NSE was the third largest stock exchange in the world in terms of the number of contracts (1221
million) traded in equity derivatives. It is the second fastest growing stock exchange in the world with a
recorded growth of 16.6%.

6. Bombay Stock Exchange: Established in 1875, BSE Ltd. (formerly known as Bombay Stock Exchange
Ltd.), is Asia’s first Stock Exchange and one of India’s leading exchange groups. Over the past 137 years,
BSE has facilitated the growth of the Indian corporate sector by providing it an efficient capital-raising
platform. Popularly known as BSE, the bourse was established as “"The Native Share & Stock Brokers'
Association" in 1875.

BSE is a corporatized and demutualised entity, with a broad shareholder-base which includes two leading
global exchanges, Deutsche Bourse and Singapore Exchange as strategic partners. BSE provides an
efficient and transparent market for trading in equity, debt instruments, derivatives, mutual funds. It also
has a platform for trading in equities of small-and-medium enterprises (SME). Around 5000 companies are
listed on BSE making it world's No. 1 exchange in terms of listed members. The companies listed on BSE
Ltd command a total market capitalization of USD Trillion 1.06 as of May 15, 2012. BSE Ltd is world's fifth
most active exchange in terms of number of transactions handled through its electronic trading system. It
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is also one of the world’s leading exchanges (5th largest in May 2012) for Index options trading (Source:
World Federation of Exchanges).

It operates one of the most respected capital market educational institutes in the country (the BSE
Institute Ltd.). BSE also provides depository services through its Central Depository Services Ltd. (CDSL)
arm.

BSE’s popular equity index - the SENSEX - is India's most widely tracked stock market benchmark index.
It is traded internationally on the EUREX as well as leading exchanges of the BRCS nations (Brazil, Russia,
China and South Africa).

7. SEBI: The Securities and Exchange Board of India was established on April 12, 1992 in accordance with
the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. It is headquartered in Mumbai,
India.
SEBI has to be responsive to the needs of three groups, which constitute the market:

 the issuers of securities

 the investors
 the market intermediaries.

SEBI has three functions rolled into one body: quasi-legislative, quasi-judicial and quasi-executive. It
drafts regulations in its legislative capacity, it conducts investigation and enforcement action in its
executive function and it passes rulings and orders in its judicial capacity. Though this makes it very
powerful, there is an appeals process to create accountability. There is a Securities Appellate Tribunal
which is a three-member tribunal and is presently headed by a former Chief Justice of a High court - Mr.
Justice NK Sodhi. A second appeal lies directly to the Supreme Court.

8. ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the primary space agency of the Indian
government. ISRO is amongst the six largest government space agencies in the world, along with NASA,
RKA, ESA, CNSA and JAXA. Its primary objective is to advance space technology and use its applications
for national benefit.

Established in 1969, ISRO superseded the erstwhile Indian National Committee for Space Research
(INCOSPAR). Headquartered in Bangalore, ISRO is under the administrative control of the Department of
Space, Government of India.

ISRO has achieved numerous milestones since its establishment. India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, was
built by ISRO and launched by the Soviet Union in 1975. Rohini, the first satellite to be placed in orbit by
an Indian-made launch vehicle, SLV-3, was launched in 1980. ISRO subsequently developed two other
rockets: the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for putting satellites into polar orbits and the
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for placing satellites into geostationary orbits. These
rockets have launched numerous communications satellites, earth observation satellites, and, in 2008,
Chandrayaan-1, India’s first mission to the Moon.

Over the years, ISRO has conducted a variety of operations for both Indian and foreign clients. ISRO's
satellite launch capability is mostly provided by indigenous launch vehicles and launch sites. In 2008,
 199

ISRO successfully launched its first lunar probe, Chandrayaan-1, while future plans include indigenous
development of GSLV, manned space missions, further lunar exploration, and interplanetary probes. ISRO
has several field installations as assets, and cooperates with the international community as a part of
several bilateral and multilateral agreements.

9. Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is one of the largest state-owned steel makers in India and
one of the top steel makers in World. With a turnover of 48,681 crore (US$8.81 billion), the company is
among the top five highest profit earning corporates of the country. It is a public sector undertaking which
trades publicly in the market is largely owned by Government of India and acts like an operating
company. Incorporated on January 24, 1973, SAIL has more than 1 lakh employees. With an annual
production of 13.5 million metric tons, SAIL is the 14th largest steel producer in the world.
Major plants owned by SAIL are located at Bhilai, Bokaro, Durgapur, Rourkela, Burnpur (near Asansol)
and Salem. SAIL is a public sector company, owned and operated by the Government of India. According
to a recent survey, SAIL is one of India's fastest growing Public Sector Units.Besides, it has R&D centre for
Iron & Steel (RDCIS), Centre for Engineering and Technology (CET), Management Training Institute (MTI)
and SAIL Safety Organization (SSO) located at Ranchi..

10. Indian Oil Corporation Limited, or Indian Oil,) is an Indian state-owned oil and gas corporation with
its headquarters in New Delhi, India. The company is the world's 83rd largest public corporation,
according to the Fortune Global 500 list, and the largest public corporation in India when ranked by
revenue. IndianOil and its subsidiaries account for a 49% share in the petroleum products market, 31%
share in refining capacity and 67% downstream sector pipelines capacity in India. The IndianOil Group of
Companies owns and operates 10 of India's 22 refineries with a combined refining capacity of 65.7 million
metric tonnes per year. The President of India owns 78.92% (1.9162 billion shares) in the company. It is
one of the five Maharatna status companies of India, apart from Coal India Limited, NTPC Limited, Oil and
Natural Gas Corporation and Steel Authority of India Limited.

Indian Oil operates the largest and the widest network of fuel stations in the country, numbering about
20,575. It has also started Auto LPG Dispensing Stations (ALDS). It supplies Indane cooking gas to over
66.8 million households through a network of 5,934 Indane distributors. In addition, IndianOil's Research
and Development Center (R&D) at Faridabad supports, develops and provides the necessary technology
solutions to the operating divisions of the corporation and its customers within the country and abroad.

11. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is an Indian multinational oil and gas company
headquartered in Dehradun, India. It is one of the largest Asia-based oil and gas exploration and
production companies, and produces around 77% of India's crude oil (equivalent to around 30% of the
country's total demand) and around 81% of its natural gas.[2] It is one of the largest publicly traded
companies by market capitalization in India. ONGC has been ranked 357th in the Fortune Global 500 list
of the world's biggest corporations for the year 2012.

ONGC was founded on 14 August 1956 by the Indian state, which currently holds a 74.14% equity stake.
It is involved in exploring for and exploiting hydrocarbons in 26 sedimentary basins of India, and owns
and operates over 11,000 kilometers of pipelines in the country. Its international subsidiary ONGC Videsh
currently has projects in 15 countries.
 200

V. Research Institutions:

1. Agricultural Research Centres in India:

S. Agricultural Abbr. Location Year Of Objective
No Research Center Estb.
.
1 Central Arid Zone CAZRI Rajasthan 1952 To find ways to stabilising shifting sand dunes,
Research Institute establishing silipastoral and firewood
plantations, planting windbreaks to reduce wind
speed and subsequent erosion, rehabilitating
degraded forests and starting afforestation of
barren hill slopes.
2 Central Food CFTRI Mysore 1950 Employment generation, Food processing ,
Technological Rural Development
Research Institute
3 Central Inland CIFRI West Bengal 1947 To conduct investigations for a proper appraisal
Fisheries Research of inland fisheries resources of the country and
Institute to evolve suitable methods for their
conservation and optimum utilization.
4 Central Institute for CICR Maharashtra 1976 To characterize the bio-physical and socio-
Cotton Research economic factors under the selected area of that
Agro Ecological sub-region, To identify the agro-
economic constraints in rainfed cotton based
production system.
5 Central Institute for CIRG Uttar 1929 To plan, undertake, aid, promote and co-
Research on Goats Pradesh ordinate education, research and its application
in agriculture, agro forestry, animal husbandry,
fisheries, home science and allied sciences
6 Central Plantation CPCRI Kerala 1970 To develop appropriate production, protection
Crops Research and processing technologies for coconut, are
Institute canut and cocoa through basic and applied
research etc.
7 Directorate of Maize DMR New Delhi 1994 To carry out basic, strategic and applied
Research research aimed at enhancement of production
and productivity of maize crop in the country,
etc.
8 Directorate of DWR Haryana 1966 Organize, evolve, coordinate and supervise
Wheat Research research to develop and identify superior and
high yielding varieties.
9 Indian Agricultural IARI New Delhi 1905 Agriculture research, education, extension and
Research Institute information.

10 Indian Agricultural IASRI New Delhi estb. as full To provide statistical methodology for national
Statistics Research fledged agricultural statistics system of the country for
Institute national generating crop statistics and livestock
institute of statistics.
ICAR in1978
 201

11 Indian Institute of IIFM Bhopal 1982 To fulfill the growing need for managerial
Forest Management human resource in forest and allied sectors.
IIFM has developed as an educational, research,
training and consultancy organization and is
gradually acquiring an internationally visible
name.
12 National Academy NAARM Andra 1976 To build the capacity of India’s National
of Agricultural Pradesh Agricultural Research System in Research
Research Management by providing online, non-formal,
Management free and interactive learning opportunitie.
13 National Botanical Uttar found as the Creation of website on "Plants and Pollution"
Research Institute NBRI Pradesh National with regional language interface for easy
Botanic accession of information, To document
Gardens in information in the form of database,
1948 newsletters, reports, To generate and
disseminate information on "Plants and
Pollution", To respond to the user queries on the
subject, To co-ordinate with the focal point for
supplying relevant and adequate information to
end users.
14 National Bureau of NBAGR Haryana 1984 To conduct systematic surveys to characterise,
Animal Genetic evaluate and catalogue farm livestock and
Resources poultry genetic resources and to establish their
National Data Base, etc.
15 National Bureau of NBPGR New Delhi 1976 To plan, organize, conduct and coordinate
Plant Genetic exploration and collection of indigenous and
Resources exotic plant genetic resources, To undertake
introduction, exchange and quarantine of plant
genetic resources, etc.

16 National Centre for NCAP New Delhi 1991 Enhance the availability of reliable household,
Agricultural individual and field specific, high frequency,
Economics and time series data in selected villages and meso-
Policy Research level.
17 National Institute of MANAGE Hyderabad 1987 To develop systematic linkages between state,
Agricultural regional, national and international institutions
Extension of outstanding accomplishments in the field of
Management Agricultural Extension Management, et.
18 National Institute of NIAM Rajasthan 1988 To undertake and study of applied and
Agricultural operational research in problem areas of
Marketing agricultural marketing. To impart training, to
various levels of functionaries involved in
agricultural marketing activities. To offer
consultancy services to the State and Central
Departments, Public Sector Undertakings,
Cooperatives etc; in formulation of Projects,
preparing Master Plans for States, Export
Institutions, Traders and Farmers.
 202

19 Sugarcane Breeding SBI Tamil Nadu 1912 To evolve superior varieties of sugarcane
Institute suitable for various agro climatic zones in India.
20 Directorate of DWM Bhubaneswar 1988 To develop improved water management
Water Management technologies for sustainable agricultural
production and disseminate it amongst
researchers, government functionaries, NGOs
and farmers.
21 Central Institute of CIAE Bhopal 1976 To develop appropriate equipment and
Agricultural processes for modernization of agriculture
Engineering utilizing animate and mechanical power sources,
To develop technology for reducing post harvest
losses and add value to agro-produce through
processing.
22 Central Institute of CIBA Chennai 1987 To conduct research for development of techno-
Brackishwater economically viable and sustainable culture
Acquaculture systems for finfish and shellfish in
brackishwater.
23 Central Institute of CIFA Orissa 1949 To conduct investigations for a proper appraisal
Freshwater of inland fisheries resources of the country and
Aquaculture to evolve suitable methods for their
conservation and optimum utilization.
24 National Bureau of NBPGR New Delhi 1976 To serve and promote the scientific cause and
Plant Genetic advance academic interests in the field of plant
Resources genetic resources, both in India and abroad.
25 National Dairy NDRI Haryana 1923 To enhance animal productivity and also to
Research Institute develop cost effective technologies for the
benefit of the teeming millions.

2. Health and Medicinal Research Centres in India:

S. Health and Location Year of Objective

No. Medicinal Estb.
Research Center
1 All India Maleria New Delhi 1977 To find short term as well as long term solutions to
Research Institute the problems of malaria through basic, applied and
operational field research.
2 National Tuberclosis Bangalore 1959 To develop a nationally applicable tuberculosis
Institute control programme on a community basis and to
train the key personnel to execute this
programme in the states.
3 Indian Cancer Mumbai 1952 To carry out mission-oriented research and
Research Center development on cancers prevalent in the Indian
subcontinent, and where there are internationally
competitive opportunities, will use state-of-the-art
technology.
 203

4 Indian veterinary Mukteshwar 1889 To conduct research, provide postgraduate

Research Institute (H.P.), education and transfer of the technology in all
Izzatnagar areas of animal sciences with emphasis on animal
(U.P.) health and production, etc.
5 Institute of Ayurvedic Jamnagar 2006-07 To establish a quality Ayurveda Institute for
Studies and Research (Gujarat) providing value added and globally relevant
education based on eteral human values.
6 Vallabh Bhai Patel Delhi 1949 To conduct research on basic and clinical aspects of
Chest Institute chest medicine, to train post graduates in
Pulmonary medicine and allied subjects, to develop
new diagnostic technology and disseminate
scientific knowledge related to chest medicine.
7 Haffkine Institute Mumbai 1899 to support the Learning Community, Faculty,
Researchers and Scientists in their day-to-day
information needs, to collect, process, organize and
disseminate the scientific information in Print and
other media in the field of Biomedicine and allied
subjects, etc.
8 National Institute of Delhi 1963 To provide training, service and operational
Communicable research in the field of communicable diseases and
Diseases their prevention and control in the country.
9 School of Tropical Kolkata 1921 To provide research modules in the feild of
Medicine medicine in tropical and developing countries.
10 Central Leprosy Chingelpet 1955 To provide diagnostic treatment and referral
Training and Research services to leprosy patients, training aspects of
Institute leprosy and its control.

11 P. G.I. Medical Chandigarh 1962 To provide high quality patient care, to attain self-
Education and sufficiency in postgraduate medical education and
Research to meet the country’s need for highly qualified
medical teachers in all medical and surgical fields,
etc.
12 National Institute of Hyderabad 1918 To study the health-related nutrition and food
Nutrition hygiene problems and to train nutrition and food
hygiene specialists.
13 National Institute of Ahmedabad 1969 Epidemiological and environmental monitoring and
Occupational Health corollary toxicological studies in hazardous
occupations for recognition and evaluation of risk
factors, development of tools for early diagnosis of
health impairment and design of appropriate
intervention measures for the prevention of
hazards at work places., etc.
14 King Institute of Guindy 1899 To revive the manufacturing unit according to GMP
Preventive Medicine (Chennai) norms utilizing it as a common facility for the
production of Anti snake venom, cholera and
 204

Typhoid Vaccine, etc.

15 All India Institute of Kolkata 1932 To deliver integrated occupa-
Hygiene & Public tional health care programme by conducting short
Health term certificate course in occupational health and
safety for the medical/non-medical personnel
attached to different industries, research studies in
the field of occupational health and safety, etc.
16 Indian institute of Jaipur 1984 Organization and management of health system
health management based on primary health care with particular
research emphasis on district health system in urban and
rural areas.

3. Nuclear Research Centres in India:

S.No. Nuclear Location Year of Objective

Research Estb
Center
1 Saha Institute of Kolkata 1949 To conduct and foster excellent and interesting
Nuclear Physics interdisciplinary research of significant utility.
2 Physical Research Ahmedabad 1947 To provide services such as networking, email,
Laboratory (PRL) printing, backup and maintaining computational
environment for scientific and engineering research.
3 Center of Earth Trivendrum 1978 To Promote and establish modern scientific and
Science's Studies (Kerala) technological research and development studies of
importance to India and to Kerala in particular, in
the field of Earth Sciences, etc.
4 Nuclear Fuel Hyderabad 1971 To identify strenuous jobs and awkward postures
Complex during work causing musculoskeletal problems in
various plants and suggest remedial measures,
To undertake the pulmonary function studies in
some selectyed category workers. (Reference
technical report submitted to management by CLI in
1981).
5 Bhabha Atomic Trombay 1957 To fulfill its mandate of indigenous nuclear power
Research Center (Mumbai) programme and various other applications of
nuclear energy, etc.
6 Electronics Hyderabad 1967 To continue services to the country's needs for the
Corporation of peaceful uses Atomic Energy. Special and Strategic
India requirements of Defence and Space, Electronics
Security Systems and Support for Civil Aviation
sector.
7 Atomic Energy Mumbai 1948 To continue services to the country's needs for the
Commission peaceful uses Atomic Energy.
(AEC)
8 Uranium Jadugoda 1967 Mining and Processing of uranium ore to produce
Corporation of uranium concentrate.
India
9 India Rare Earths Alwaye (Kerala) 1950 To become nationally and globally competitive
Limited player in beach sand minerals and to achieve
annual production of ilmenite with associate
minerals of 8 lakh tons by the year 2012, etc, o
improve productivity, capacity utilization, and cost
effectiveness, etc.
 205

10 Indira Gandhi Tamil Nadu 1971 To conduct broad based multidisciplinary

Centre For Atomic programme of scientific research and advanced
Research Engineering, directed towards the development of
sodium cooled Fast Breeder Reactor [FBR]
technology
11 National Chemical Pune, 1950 To design new solid catalysts for chemical
Laboratory (NCL) Maharashtra transformations with high conversion and selectivity
for petrochemicals, selected high value fine
chemicals and organic intermediates, develop
catalysts for pollution abatement, etc.
12 High Altitude Gulmarg, 1963 To provide the scientific community of the country a
Research Kashmir self contained high altitude / high latitude
Laboratory laboratory for scientific research.
13 Central Durgpur, West 1958 to provide assistance to mechanical engineering
Mechanical Bengal industries in the form of feasibility studies,
Engineering research, training, consultancy etc. for import
Research Institute substitution & export
14 Central Mining Dhanbad, Bihar 1956 To carry out the work of research and development
Research in the area of mining and allied subjects.
Institution
15 Radio Astronomy Tamil Nadu 1968 To provide stimulating environment for the front-
Center line research in radio astronomy and astrophysics
16 Variable Energy Mumbai 1977 Development around the accelerator technology and
Cyclotron Center research in the fields of accelerator physics, nuclear
physics, quark-gluon plasma, theoretical physics,
material sciences, chemistry, isotope production
etc.
17 Atomic Minerals Hyderabad 1948 To carry out geological exploration and discover
Directorate for mineral deposits required for nuclear power
Exploration and programme of India.
Research

4. Other Research Institutions:

Departmental Research Centres

Anthropological Survey of India Kolkata

Central Water Power Research Station Khadakvasla (Pune)

Central Power Research Institute Bangalore and Bhopal

Forest Research Institute Dehradun

Geological Survey of India Kolkata

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology Pune

 206

BOOKS & AUTHORS

I. Popular books by Indian Authors:

Book Author
A bend in the river V.S. Naipal
A brush with life Satish Gujral
A House of Mr. Biswar V.S. Naipal
A Million Mutinies Now V.S. Naipal
A Passage to England Nirad C.Chodhury
A Prisoner's Scrapbook L.K. Advani
A River Sutra Gita Mehra
A sense of time H.S.Vatsyayan
A strange and subline address Amit Chaudhary
A suitable boy Vikram Seth
A village by the sea Anita Desai
A voice for freedom Nayantara Sehgal
Aansoo Jayashankar Prasad
Afternoon Raag Amit Chaudhari
Ageless Body, Timeless Mind Deepak Chopra
Agni Veena Kazi Nazrul Islam
Ain-i-Akbari Abul Fazal
Amar Kosh Amar Singh
An autobiography Jawaharlal Nehru
An Equal Music Vikram Seth
An Idealist View of life Dr. S. Radhakrishan
Amrit Aur Vish Amrit Lal Nagar
Anamika Suryakant Tripathi Nirala
Anandmath Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Areas of Darkness V.S. Naipal
Arthashastra Kautilya
Ashtadhyayi Panini
Autobiography of an Unknown India Nirad C. Choudhury
Bandicoot Run Manohar Malgonkar
Beginning of the Beginning Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh
Between the Lines Kuldip Nayyar
Beyond Modernisation, Beyond Self Sisirkumar Ghose
Bhagvad Gita Ved Vyas
Bharat Bharati Maithilisharan Gupt
Bharat Durdasha Bhartendu Harischandra
Border and Boundaries : women in India's Partition Ritu Menon & Kamla Bhasin
Bharat Bharati Maithili Saran Gupt
Breaking the Silence Anees Jung
 207

Bride and the Sahib and the other stories Khushwant Singh
Broken Wings Sarojini Naidu
Bubble, The Mulk Raj Anand
Buddha Charitam Ashwaghosh
By God's Decree Kapil Dev
Chandalika Rabindra Nath Tagore
Chandrakanta Santati Devkinandan Khatri
Chemmen : Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
Chitra Rabindranath Tagore
Chitralekha Bhagwati Charan Verma
Chitrangada Rabindra Nath Tagore
Circle of Reason Amitav Ghosh
Clear Light of Day Anita Desai
Confessions of a Lower Mulk Raj Anand
Confrontation with Pakistan B. M. Kaul
Conquest of Self Mahatma Ghandhi
Continent of Crime Nirad C Chaudhary
Coolie Mulk Raj Anand
Court Dancer Rabindranath Tagore
Culture in the Vanity Bag Nirad C Chaudhury
Days of My Years H.P. Nanda
Daybhag Jeemootwahan
Death of a City Amrita Pritam
Devdas Sharat Chandra Chatterjee
Discovery of India Jawaharlal Nehru
Distant Drums Manohar Malgonkar
Distint Neighbours : India Kuldip Nayar
Divine Life Swami Shivananda
Durgesh Nandini Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Dynamics of Social Change Chandra Shekhar
Eight Lives Rajmohan Gandhi
English August Upamanyu Chatterjee
Essays on Gita Sri Aurobindo Ghosh
Eternal Himalayas Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia
Eternal India Mrs Indira Gandhi
Faces of Everest Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia
Foreign Policy of India I.K. Gujral
Forty Nine Days Amrita Pritam
From Rajpath to Lokpath Vijaya Raje Scindia
Gaban Munsi Premchand
Ganadevata Tara Shankar Bandopadhyaya
Gardener Rabindra Nath Tagore
Geet Govind Jayadev
Ghasiram Kotwal Vijay Tendulkar
Gitanjali Rabindranath Tagore
 208

Gita Rahasya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Glimpses of World History Jawaharlal Nehru
Godan Prem Chand
Golden Threshold Sarojini Naidu
Gora Rabindra Nath Tagore
Guide R.K. Narayanan
Harsha Charita Bana Bhatta
Harvest Manjula Padmanabhan
Heir Apparent Dr. Karan Singh
Himalayan Blunder Brigadier J.P. Dalvi
Hind Swaraj M.K. Gandhi
Hindu View of Life Dr. S. Radhakrishan
Hinduism Nirad C. Choudhury
History of India Romila Thapar
Hullabaloo in a Guava Orchard Kiran Desai
Humanyunama Gulbadan Beghum
Hungary Stones Rabindranath Tagore
I follow the Mahatma K.M. Munshi
Idols Sunil Gavaskar
India After Nehru Kuldip Nayyar
India Divided Rajendra Prasad
India Unbound Gurcharan Das
India of Our Dreams M.V. Kamath
India Wins Freedom Abdul Kalam Azad
India's Priceless Heritage N.A. Palkhivala
Indian Philosophy Dr. S. Radhakrishan
Indira Ghandi Returns Khushwant Singh
Indira Gandhi : Badhate Kadam Khushwant Singh
Inscrutable Americans Anurag Mathur
Interpreter of Maladies Jhumpa Lahiri
It's Always Possible Kiran Bedi
Jai Somnath K.M. Munshi
Jayadev Geet Govind
Jhansi Ki Rani Vrindavanlal Verma
Kadambari Bana Bhatt
Kagaz Te Kanwas Amrita Pritam
Kamasutra S.H. Vatsyayan
Kanthapura Raja Rao
Kapala Kundala Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Karmabhumi Munsi Premchand
Kashmir : A Tale of Shame Hari Jaisingh
Kashmr : A Tragedy of Errors Kayar Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
Kitab-ul-Hind Al-Beruni
Kitni Nawon Kitni Bar S.H. Vatsyayan
Kulliyat Ghalib
 209

Kumar Sambhava Kalidas

Kurukshetra Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
Last Burden Upamanyu Chatterjee
Life Divine Sri Aurobindo Ghosh
Lipika Rabindranath Tagore
Lost Child Mulk Raj Anand
Mahabharta Ved Vyas
Mahatma Gandhi and his Apolstles Ved Mehta
Malgudi Days R.K. Narayanan
Malti Madhav Bhavabhuti
Meghdootam Kalidasa
Mitakshara Vigyaneshwar
Mrichhakatikam Shudrak
My Days R.K. Narayanan
My India S. Nihal Singh
My Life and Times V.V. Giri
My Music, My Life Pt. Ravi Shankar
My Presidental Years R. Venkatraman
My Truth Indira Gandhi
Mudra Rakshas Vishakhadatta
Natural History Plini
New Dimensions of India's Foreign Policy A.B. Vajpayee
Nisheeth Uma Shankar Joshi
Operation Bluestar : The True Story Lt. Gen K.S. Brar
Our Films, Their Films Satyajit Ray
Padmavat Malik Mohammed Jayasi
Painter of Signs R.K. Narayan
Panchatantra Vishnu Sharma
Parineeta Sharat Chandra Chatterji
Past Forward G.R. Narayanan
Pather Panchali Bibhuti Bhushan
Plain Speaking N. Chandrababu Naidu
Portrait of India Ved Mehta
Post Office Rabindranath Tagore
Prem Pachisi Munsi Prem Chand
Prem Vatika Raskhan
Rajatarangini Kalhana
Ram Charita Manas Tulsidas
Ramayana Maharishi Valmiki
Raghuvamsa Kalidas
Ranghbhommi Munsi Premchand
Ratnavali Harsha Vardhan
Ravi Paar (Across the River) Gulzar
Red Earth and Pouring Rain Vikram Chandra
Ritu Samhara Kalidas
 210

Saket Maithili Sharan Gupta

Satya Karischandra Bhartendu Harischandra
Sakharam Binder Vijay Tendulkar
Secular Agenda Arun Shourie
Seven Summers Mulk Raj Anand
Shadow from Ladakh Bhabani Bhattacharya
Shahnama Firdausi
Shrikant Sharat Chandra Chatterji
Snakes and Ladders : Essays on India Gita Mehta
Social Change in Modern India M.N. Srinivas
Sultry Days Shobha De
Sunny Days Sunil Gavaskar
Sursagar Sur Das
Swami and Friends R.K. Narayanan
The Bride's Book of Beauty Mulk Raj Anand
The Cat and Shakespeare Raja Rao
The Company of Women Khushwant Singh
The Critical Years : In Jail Kuldip Nayyar
The Dark Room R.K. Narayanan
The Degeneration of India T.N. Seshan
The Glass Palace Amitav Ghosh
The God of Small Things Arundhati Roy
The Golden Gate Vikram Seth
The Judgement Kuldip Nayyar
The Men Who Killed Gandhi Manohar Malgonkar
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success Deepak Chopra
The Songs of India Sarojini Naidu
The Story of My Experiments with Truth Mahatma Gandhi
The Strange and Subline Address Amit Chaudhuri
The Sword and the Sickle Mulk Raj Anand
The vendor of Sweets R.K. Narayanan
The way of the Wizard Deepak Chopra
Train to Pakistan Khushwant Singh
Two Leaves and a Bud Mulk Raj Anand
Untold Story B. M. Kaul
Urvashi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
Visarjana Rabindra Nath Tagore
Waiting for the Mahatma R.K. Narayanan
Wake up India Annie Besant
We, Indians Khushwant Singh
Wreck, The Rabindranath Tagore
Yama Mahadevi Verma
Yashodhara Maithili Sharan Gupt
Years of Pilgrimage Dr. Raja Ramana
 211

II. Books and Authors in Ancient India:

Book Author
Astadhyayi Panini
Mahabhasya Patanjli
Nagananda Harshvardhana
Naishadhacharita Sri Harsha
Mrichhakatika Sudraka
Gitagovinda Jayadev
Navratna Virsena
Mudrarakshasa Visakdatta
Rajtarangini Kalhana
Kathasaritsagar Somdeva
Kamasutra Vatsayana
Prashnottarmalika Amoghavarsha
Swapanvasdattam Bhasa
Buddha charita Asvaghosa
Natyashastra Bharata
Abhigyan Shakuntalam Kalidasa
Vikramorvashi Kalidasa
Raghuvansan Kalidasa
Amarkosa Amarshmha
Panc hsidhantika and Brihat Samhita Varharmihara
Surya Sidhanta and Aryabhatta Aryabhatta
Panch tantra Vishnu Sharma
Nitisara Kamandaka
Aihole Prasasti Ravi Kriti
Indica Megasthanese
Arthasastra Kautilya
Charaka Samhita Charaka
Lilawati Bhaskara II
Harshacharita and Kadambari Harsha vardhan
Ratnavali Harsha vardhan
Gathasaptashati Hala
Nitisara Kamandaka
 212

III. Popular Quotations:

Quote Quoted By Name

1 Swaraj is my Birth Right Bal Gangadhar Tilak
2 Take care to get what you like or you will be forced to like what you get. G. B. Shaw
3 A thing of beauty is a joy forever John Keats
4 To be and not to be that is the question. Shakespeare
5 Delhi Chalo Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose
6 Superstition is the religion of feeable minds. Edmund Burke
7 Let a hundread flowers bloom and let a thousand school of thought contend. Mao-Ste-Tunng
8 Aram Haram Hai Jawahar Lal Nehru
9 Where wealth accumulates, men decay. Goldsmith
10 Beauty is truth, truth is beauty, that is all. John Keats
11 I came I saw I conquered Shekspear
12 Good Government is no substitute for self government. Alfred Tennyson
13 A democratic Government is of the people, for the people and by the people. Abraham Linkon
14 Jay Hind Netaji
15 Law grinds the poor and rich men rule the men. Gold Smith
16 The human soul needs actual beauty more than bread. D. H. Lawrence
17 War is the greatest crime man perpetrates against man. Zarathustra
18 There never was a good war or a bad peace. Benjamin Franklin
19 The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does Theodore Roosevelt
anything.
20 Truth and Non-violence is my God M. K. Gandhi
21 Jai Jawan, Jai Kishan Lal Bahadur Shastri
22 Eureka Eureka Archimedes
23 Just as I would not like to be a slave, so I would not like to be a master. Abraham Linkon
24 Brevity is the soul of wit. Shekspear
25 East is east and west is west and never the twin shall meet. Kipling
26 Knowledge is Power Hobbes
27 Man is by nature a political animal. Aristotol
28 Temptation usually comes in through a door that has delibaretly been left Arnold Glasow
open.
29 I therefore want freedom immediately this very night, before dawn if it can be Gandhiji
had?
30 Man is not the creature of circumstance. Circumstances are the creature of Disraeli
men.
31 Excellent things are rare. Plato
32 Well done is better than well said. Benjamin Franklin
33 Ambition is like love : Impatient both of delays as well as rivals. Buddha
34 The child is father of the man. William Wordsworth
35 Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark. Rabindra Nath Tagore
36 Patriotism is religion and religion is love for India. Bankim Chandra
Chatterjee
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AWARDS & HONOURS

IV. Prominent National Awards:
The Indian honour system is primarily recognized by Indian Central Government. The most recognized are
Padma awards which are Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna with
increasing order of merit. They are awarded every year. However, the most coveted and highest civilian
award Bharat Ratna may not necessarily be awarded every year. The Padma awards are civilian awards
for a broad set of achievements in fields such as Education, Arts, Civil Service, or Social Service. Awards
were also bestowed posthumously and they are also given for foreign citizens.

1. Padma awards:

Bharat Ratna — Gem/Jewel Of India (Bharat), the highest honour bestowed by the Government of India.

Bharat Ratna living recepients

Indian recipients

 Amartya Sen (1999)

 Lata Mangeshkar (2001)
 C.N.R Rao (2014)
 Sachin Tendulkar (2014)
 Atal Bihari Vajpeyi (2015)

Foreign recipients

 Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1987)

 Nelson Mandela (1990)

Controversies

Award to Subhas Chandra Bose

Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1992.
The award was later withdrawn due to a legal technicality. This is the only case of an award being
withdrawn. It was withdrawn in response to a Supreme Court of India directive following a Public Interest
Litigation filed in the Court against the posthumous nature of the award. The Award Committee could not
give conclusive evidence of Bose’s death and thus it invalidated the posthumous award.

Award to Abul Kalam Azad

When the award was offered to freedom fighter and India's first Minister of Education, Abul Kalam Azad,
he promptly declined it saying that it should not be given to those who have been on the selection
committee. Later he was awarded posthumously in 1992.
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Nobody was given country’s highest civilian award – Bharat Ratna during the year 2002, 2003,
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012

 Padma Vibhushan — The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian award in the Republic of
India. It consists of a medal and a citation and is awarded by the President of India. It was
established on 2 January 1954. It ranks behind the Bharat Ratna and comes before the Padma
Bhushan and Padma Shri. It is awarded to recognize exceptional and distinguished service to the
nation in any field, including government service.The first recipitants of this award were Satyendra
Nath Bose, Nand Lal Bose, Zakir Hussain, Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, V. K.
Krishna Menon in the year 1954.

 Padma Bhushan — The Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in the Republic of India,
after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, but comes before the Padma Shri. The award was
established on 2 January 1954 by the President of India. It is awarded to recognize distinguished
service of a high order to the nation, in any field

 Padma Shri — Padma Shri (also Padmashree) is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic
of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. It is awarded to
citizens of India to recognize their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including
the Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports, Medicine, Social Service and Public Affairs.
However it has also been awarded to some distinguished individuals who were not citizens of India
and who did contribute in various ways to India.

2. National Sports Awards

 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna- India’s highest honour given for achievement in sports. The award is
named after the late Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India. It carries a medal, a scroll of
honour and a substantial cash component. Up to 2004–05, the cash component was Rs. 500,000/-
.The money has been increased from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 750,000.The award was instituted in the year
1991–92 to supply the lack of a supreme national accolade in the field of sports. The Khel Ratna was
devised to be an overarching honour, conferred for outstanding sporting performance, whether by an
individual or a team, across all sporting disciplines in a given year.

 Arjuna Award— Recognizes outstanding achievement in National sports. The Arjuna Awards were
instituted in 1961 by the government of India to recognize outstanding achievement in National
sports. The award carries a cash prize of 500,000, a bronze statuette of Arjuna and a scroll.Over the
years the scope of the award has been expanded and a large number of sportspersons who belonged
to the pre-Arjun Award era were also included in the list. Further, the number of disciplines for which
the award is given was increased to include indigenous games and the physically handicapped
category.The Government has recently revised the scheme for the Arjun Award. As per the revised
guidelines, to be eligible for the Award, a sportsperson should not only have had good performance
consistently for the previous three years at the international level with excellence for the year for
which the Award is recommended, but should also have shown qualities of leadership, sportsmanship
and a sense of discipline.From the year 2001, the award is given only in disciplines falling under the
following categories:
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1. Olympic Games / Asian Games / Commonwealth Games / World Cup / World Championship
Disciplines and Cricket
2. Indigenous Games
3. Sports for the Physically Challenged

 Dronacharya award - an award presented by the government of India for excellence in sports
coaching. The award comprises a bronze statuette of Dronacharya, a scroll of honour and a cash
component of Rs.500,000. The award was instituted in 1985.

 Dhyan Chand Award - India's highest award for lifetime achievement in sports and games. The
award is named after the legendary Indian hockey player Dhyan Chand. The award was initiated in
2002. The award carries a cash prize of INR 5 lakh, a statuette,ceremonial dress and a scroll of
honour.

3. Vir Chakra Valour awards

 Param Vir Chakra — The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration awarded for
the highest degree of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy. It can be, and often has been,
awarded posthumously.The PVC was established on 26 January 1950 (the date of India becoming a
republic), by the President of India, with effect from 15 August 1947 (the date of Indian independence). It
can be awarded to officers or enlisted personnel from all branches of the Indian military. It is the second
highest award of the government of India after Bharat Ratna (amendment in the statute on 26 January
1980 resulted in this order of wearing). It replaced the former British colonial Victoria Cross (VC).

 Maha Vir Chakra - The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest military decoration in India and is
awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the
air.

 Vir Chakra - is an Indian gallantry award presented for acts of bravery in the battlefield. Award of the
decoration carried with it the right to use Vr.C. as a postnominal abbreviation. It is third in precedence in
the war time gallantry awards and comes after the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra.

4. Peacetime gallantry awards

 Ashok Chakra Award - is an Indian military decoration awarded for valor, courageous action or self-
sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is the peace time equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra, and is
awarded for the "most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice"
other than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded either to military or civilian
personnel and may be awarded posthumously..

 Kirti Chakra - The Kirti Chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous
action or self-sacrifice away from the field of battle. It may be awarded to civilians as well as military
personnel, including posthumous awards. It is the peacetime equivalent of the Maha Vir Chakra. It is
 216

second in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards; it comes after Ashoka Chakra and
before Shaurya Chakra. Before 1967, the award was known as the Ashoka Chakra, Class II.

 Shaurya Chakra - is an Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-
sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy. It may be awarded to civilians as well as
military personnel, sometimes posthumously. It is the peacetime equivalent of the Vir Chakra. It is
generally awarded for Counter-Insurgency operations and actions against the enemy during peace-
time. It is third in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards and comes after the Ashoka
Chakra and the Kirti Chakra. It precedes the Sena Medal. Before 1967, the award was known as the
Ashoka Chakra, Class III.

5. Other National Awards

Awards Significance
India Science Award The Government of India instituted this award in 2004. It is awarded to a
noted scientist.
Vyas Samman The award is given to an outstanding Hindi Literary work, authored by an
Indian. It is given by K.K. Birla Foundation.
Shanti swarup These awards are given to Scientists and Engineers for their research and
development work
Dada Saheb Phalke Instituted in 1970, the award is given to a person in Award recognition for
his contribution to Indian Cinema.
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna The award constituted in the year 1991-92 honouring the outstanding sports
Award person in the year for his/her achievement in sports.
Dronacharya Award Instituted in 1985, the award honours eminent coaches who have
successfully trained sports persons or teams and enabled team to achieve
outstanding results in international competitions.
Dewang Mehta Award The award instituted by department of information technology in
memory of Mr. Dewang Mehta, former chief of NASSCOM.
GD Birla Award for Scientific This award is given to an Indian scientist living and working in India, for the
Research high calibre scientific research undertaken by him.
Kalinga Award Kalinga award was constituted by Mr. Biju Patnaik, the founder of the Kalinga
Foundation Trust in Orissa in 1952.
The award is given for popularization of science by the United Nation

Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

It is awarded Biannually.
Nehru Award for This award was instituted by the Government of India in honour of Pandit
International understanding Jawaharlal Nehru who passed away in 1964.
The award is given annually for outstanding contribution to the promotion of
friendship among the people of world. The award was instituted in 1965.
Prize money for this award is Rs. 15,00,000 and a citation,
Saraswati Samman This award was constituted in the year 1992 by K.K. Birla foundation.
This award is given for the outstanding contribution to literature in any
language include in Eight Schedule. Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan was the first
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recipient of this award.

Bharatiya Jnanptith Award
Jamna Lai Bajaj Award
National Film Awards
It carries a cash award of Rs. 3 lakhs.
This award was constituted in 1965 by literary organization in India.
It is India's highest literary Award
This award is given for the outstanding contribution in India literature
Prize money is 2.5 lakh
Noted Tamil Writer D. Jayakanthan was awarded for the 2002.
This award is given for the constructive work in society, emphasis on the
use of science and technology for rural development, upliftment of women
and social welfare and for spreading the Gandhian values outside India
These are the most prominent film award ceremony in India, and the
country's oldest alongside the Filmfare Awards. Established in 1954, these
have been administrated by the Indian government's Directorate of Film
Festivals since 1973. Every year a national panel appointed by the
government selects the winning entry, followed by the inauguration of the
National Film Festival, where the award-winning films are screened for the
public.

Declared for films produced in the previous year across the country, they
hold the distinction of awarding merit to the best of Indian cinema overall,
as well as presenting awards for the best films in each region and language
of the country.

V. Prominent International Awards:

Awards Significance
Nobel prize This award was set up in 1900 under the Will of Alfred Bernhard Nobel. Alfred Nobel
was an unmarried Swedish scientist and chemical engineer who discovered
Nitroglycerine and its use in the manufacture of dynamite in 1866. This award was
instituted in 1901 and is given annually to those persons who have made outstanding
contributions in literature, physics, chemistry, medicine, peace and economics.

Indian Nobel Laureates

Name Field
Rabindranath
Literature, 1913
Tagore
C.V. Raman Physics, 1930
Mother Teresa Peace, 1979
Hargobind
Medicine, 1968
Khorana
Subramanian
Physics, 1983
Chandrasekhar
Amartya Sen Economics, 1998
V.S. Naipaul Literature, 2001
Venkatraman
Chemistry, 2009
Ramakrishnan
Kailash Satyarthi Peace, 2014
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Booker prize Instituted in 1968, it is the highest literary award conferred annually
by the Booker Company and the British Publisher Association.

Booker Prize Winners of Indian Origin

Year Name Name of Work

1971 V.S. Naipaul In a Free State

1981 Salman Rushdie Midnight’s Children

1993 Salman Rushdie Booker of Booker (Best Novel in 25 years of Midnight’s Children

Booker)

1997 Arundhati Roy The God of Small Things

2006 Kiran Desai The Inheritance of Loss

2008 Salman Rushdie Best of Booker (40 years of the Booker) Midnight’s Children

2008 Arvind Adiga The White Tiger

Templeton Award Instituted in 1972. It is conferred by the Templeton foundation for progress
in religion.
Magsaysay Award It was instituted in the year 1957. It is named after Ramon Magsaysay,
the former President of Philippines, It is conferred for outstanding
contribution in the field of public service, journalism,
literature, community leadership and international understanding.
Pulitzer Prize This prize was instituted in 1970 and named after the U.S. Publisher
Joseph Pulitzer.
Is conferred annually in the United States for accomplishments in
journalism, literature and music
Oscar Award This award was instituted in 1929 and is conferred annually by the Academy
of Motion Pictures in the United States.
Mahboob Khan's Mother India was the first Indian film to be nominated in
the best foreign film category in 1958.
The first Indian to share the Oscar was Bhanu Athaiya for the film Gandhi.
Satyajeet Ray was the first Indian who was awarded Oscar for
lifetime achievement in cinema in the 1992
Whitley Award It is often called the Green Oscar.
It is the UK's top conservation prize.
The Whitley Awards were established in 1994 by Edward Whitley and are
designed to support passionate individuals who are committed to
precipitating long-lasting conservation benefits.
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MISCELLANEOUS
A. General Information

I. Geographical epithets:

Bengal’s Sorrow Damodar River

Blue Mountains Nilgiri Hills
Britain of the South New Zealand
City of Palaces Kolkata
City of Skyscrapers New York
City of Dreaming Spires Oxford, England
City of Golden Gate San Francisco
City of Seven Hills Rome, Italy
City of Magnificent Distances Washington D.C.
Cockpit of Europe Belgium
China’s Sorrow Hawang Ho
Dakshin Ganga Godavari
Dark Continent Africa
Diamond Harbour Calcutta
Emerald Island Ireland
Empire City New York
Eternal City Rome, Italy
Forbidden City Lhasa, Tibet
Gate of Tears Bab-el-mandab, Jerusalem
Garden City of India Bangalore
Gateway of India Mumbai
Great White Way Broadway, New York
Gift of Nile Egypt
Holy Land Palestine
Hermit Kingdom Korea
Island Continent Australia
Island of Pearls Bahrain
Island of Cloves Madagascar
Key to the Gibraltar Mediterranean
Land of Kangaroo Australia
Land of Golden Pagoda Burma (Myanmar)
Land of Maple Canada
Land of Thousand Lakes Finland
Land of Morning Calm Korea
Land of Midnight Sun Norway
Land of Five Rivers Punjab, India
Land of White Elephant Thailand
Land of Thunderbolt Bhutan
Never, Never Land Prairies, N. Australia
 220

Pearl of Antilles Cuba

Pillars of Hercules Strait of Gibraltar
Pearl of the Pacific Guyayaquil Port of Ecuador
Playground of Europe Switzerland
Queen of the Arabian Sea Cochin, India
Roof of the World Pamirs, Central Asia
Rose-pink City Jaipur
Sorrow of Bihar Kosi
Sorrow of China River Hwang Ho, China
Spice Garden of India Kerala
Sick Man of Europe Turkey
Sugar Bowl of the World Cuba
The City of Nawabs Lucknow
The Land of Kangaroo Australia
Venice of the East Cochin, India
Venice of the North Stockholm, Sweden
White City Belgrade, Yugoslavia
White Man’s Grave Guinea Coast
World’s Loneliest Island Tristan da Cunha
World’s Bread Basket Prairies of N. America

II. Countries & names of their parliaments:

Country Parliament
Afghanistan Shora
Andorra General Council
Albania People's Assembly
Azerbaijan Melli Majlis
Algeria National People's Assembly
Angola National People's Assembly
Argentina National Congress
Australia Federal Parliament
Austria National Assembly
Bahamas General Assembly
Bahrain Consultative Council
Bangladesh Jatiya Sansad
Belize National Assembly
Bhutan Tsogdu
Bolivia National Congress
Brazil National Congress
Brunei National Assembly
Botswana National Assembly
Britain Parliment (House of Common's and House of Lords)
Bulgaria Narodno Subranie.
Cambodia National Assembly
 221

Congo Democratic Rep. of National Legislative Council

Colombia Congress
Canada Parliament
China National People's Assembly
Chile Chamber of Deputies and Senate
Comoros Legislative Council and Senate
Costa Rice Legislative Council and Senate
Crotia Sabor
Cuba National Assembly of People's Power
Czech Republic Chamber of Deputies and Senate
Denmark Folketing
Ecuador Natinal Congress
El Salvador Legislative Assembly
East Timor Constituent Assembly
Ethiopia Federal Council and House of Representative
Egypt People's Assembly
Fiji Islands Senate & House of Representative
France National Assembly
Finland Eduskusta (Parliament)
Germany Bundestag (Lower House) and Bundesrat (Upper House)
Guyana National Assembly
Greece Chamber of Deputies
Hungry National Assembly
Iceland Althing
India Sansad
Indonesia People's Consultative Assembly
Iran Majlis
Iraq National Assembly
Israel Knesset
Italy Chamber of Deputies and Senate
Japan Diet
Jordan National Assembly
Korea(North) Supreme People's Assembly
Korea(South) National Assembly
Kuwait National Assembly
Laos People's Supreme Assembly
Labanon National Assembly
Lesotho National Assembly and Senate
Lithuania Seimas
Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies
Libya General People's Congress
Malaysia Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara
Maldives Majlis
Madagascar National People's Assembly
Mongolia Great People's Khural
 222

Montenegro Federal Assembly

Mozambique People's Assembly
Myanmar Pyithu Hluttaw
Nepal Rashtriya Panchayat
Netherlands The Staten General
New Zealand Parliament (House of Representative)
Oman Monarchy
Pakistan National Assembly & Senate
Paraguay Senate & Chamber of Deputies
Philippines The Congress
Papua New Guinea National Parliament
Poland Sejm
Romania Great National Assembly
Russia Duma & Federal Council
Serbia Federal Assembly
Senegal National Assembly
Seychelles People's Assembly
South Africa Rep. House of Assembly
Spain Cortes
Sweden Riksdag
Saudi Arabia Majlis Al Shura
Sudan Majlis Watani
Switzerland Federal Assembly
Syria People's Council
Turkey Grand National Assembly
USA Congress
Vietnam National Assembly
Venezuela National Congress
Zambia National Assembly

III. Facts about the world's airports

The world's largest passenger movement airport is Heathrow Airport in London, U.K. The world's busiest
cargo airport is the Chep Lak Kok International Airport in Hong Kong.
The airport with the world's largest traffic movement, that is passenger and cargo movement combined, is
the Hartsfield - Jackson Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

The World's Busiest Passenger Airports:

London Heathrow. (U.K) - 61,345,518 pax per annum
Paris Charles De Gaulle. (France) - 55,804,279 ppa.
Amsterdam Schipol. (Netherlands ) - 47,349,319 ppa.
Hong Kong International. ( China ) - 47,201,000 ppa.
Frankfurt International. (Germany ) - 46,707,577 ppa.
Dubai International. ( United Arab Emirates ) 36,592,307 ppa.
Singapore Changi. ( Singapore ) 36,288,050 ppa.
Tokyo International. ( Japan ) - 32,343,590 ppa.
 223

London Gatwick. ( U.K ) 30,433,810 ppa.

Madrid Barajas. ( Spain ) - 30,135,120 ppa.

IV. Monarchies of the World

The word monarch comes from the Latin word monarcha, which pertained to any single, absolute ruler,
although the term today has come to mean the sovereign of a nation who heads a traditional system of
hereditary rule by order of succession by virtue of bloodline and lineage within a royal house or dynasty.
The forty four monarchies around the world, also known as kingdoms, principalities, sultanates or
emirates, come under five categories, Absolute Monarchies, Commonwealth Realms, Constitutional
Monarchies, Elective Monarchies and Federal Monarchies. Below is a list of all the monarchies around the
world, listed under their appropriate category.
1. Absolute Monarchies: An absolute monarchy has a head of state who rules as an autocrat with
absolute power over both state and government. There are eight absolute monarchies around the world,
they are;

Brunei - Asia - Sultanate.

Liechtenstein - Europe - Principality.
Monaco - Europe - Principality.
Oman - Arabia - Emirate.
Qatar - Arabia - Emirate.
Saudi Arabia - Arabia - Kingdom
Swaziland - Africa - Kingdom.
Vatican City State - Europe - Ex Officio.

2. Commonwealth Realms: The Commonwealth Realms are countries with a personal, union
arrangement with the United Kingdom, which has been in effect since the days of the British Empire. Their
monarch is Queen Elisabeth II, who has limited powers in these countires and is monarch in a ceremonial
and or traditional capacity only. There are fifteen Commonweath Realms around the world, they are;

Antigua & Barbuda - Caribbean

Australia - Oceania.
Bahamas - Caribbean.
Barbados - Caribbean.
Belize - Central America.
Canada - North America.
Grenada - Caribbean.
Jamaica - Caribbean.
New Zealand - Oceania.
Papua / New Guinea - Pacific.
Saint Kitts and Nevis - Caribbean.
Saint Lucia - Caribbean.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Caribbean.
Solomon Islands - South Pacific.
Tuvalu - South Pacific.
 224

3. Constitutional Monarchies: A constitutional monarchy has a head of state who has limited political
power within the running of the country, due to their being subject to a constitution, and is therefore
monarch in a ceremonial and or traditional role only.There are twenty one constitutional monarchies
around the world, they are;
Andorra - Europe - Diarchy / Co - Principality.*
Bahrain - Arabia - Emirate.
Belgium - Europe - Kingdom.
Bhutan - Asia - Kingdom.
Cambodia - Asia - Kingdom.
Denmark - Europe - Kingdom.
Japan - Asia - Monarch known as Emperor or Imperial Majesty.
Jordan - Middle East - Kingdom.**
Kuwait - Arabia - Emirate.
Lesotho - Africa - Kingdom.
Luxembourg - Europe - Grand Duchy.
Malaysia - Asia - Monarch known as Supreme Head of State.
Morocco - North Africa - Kingdom.
Netherlands - Europe - Kingdom.
Norway - Europe - Kingdom.
Spain - Europe - Kingdom.
Sweden - Europe - Kingdom.
Thailand - Asia - Kingdom.
Tonga - South Pacific - Kingdom.
United Arab Emirates - Arabia - Monarch known as President.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Europe - Kingdom.

4. Elective Monarchies: An elective monarchy has a head of state who has been elected or appointed,
for a defined period of time, by a particular ruling or governing body of a country. There are four elective
monarchies around the world, they are;
Andorra - Europe
Malaysia - Asia.
Vatican City State - Europe.
United Arab Emirates - Arabia.

5. Federal Monarchies: A federal monarchy has a head of state who presides over a federation or group
of smaller or lesser monarchies.There are two federal monarchies around the world, they are ;

Malaysia - Asia.
United Arab Emirates - Arabia.
Note:
- Andorra is the only country in the world which has two diarchs who act as the country's monarch.
Known as the co - princes, they are traditionally the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain,
making Andorra the only country in the world to have their monarch elected by the democratic vote of
another country, or countries in Andorra's case.
- Jordan uses a form of elective monarchy, as the future monarch is always chosen by the current
monarch, who is generally a member of the Jordanian Royal Family.
 225

- The monarch or ex officio of the Vatican City State, is The Pope, who is the elected head of state of both
the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican City State, who after election, will remain absolute monarch
until death.

6. The seven wonders of the ancient World:

Colossus of Rhodes - Island of Rhodes, Greece.
Great Pyramid at Giza - Giza, Egypt - The only structure on the list that still remains to this day.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon - Ancient Mesopotamia - Modern day Al Hillah, Iraq.
Lighthouse at Alexandria - Alexandria, Egypt.
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus - Caria, Ancient Greece - Modern day Bodrum, Turkey.
Statue of Zeus at Olympia - Elis,Greece.
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus - Ancient Greece - Modern day Selcuk, Turkey

V. The world's most widely spoken languages

The world's 6,692,030,277, population speaks around 6,500 languages between them. A dialect is
defined as a variety of another largely spoken language, or by a speech pattern that alters a largely
spoken language.

An accent is defined as a manner of pronounciation defined by area or geographical location, or by

speech of a language which is not natural to the speaker.

A language is classified by having at least 1,000 natural speakers, although there are many languages
worldwide that have less than this number.

1. The world's ten most widely spoken languages:

Chinese ( Mandarin ) - 836,132,000.
Spanish - 332,000,000.
English ( As a first language ) 322,000,000.
Bengali - 189,000,000.
Hindi - 182,000,000.
Arabic -174,950,000.
Portugese - 170,000,000.
Russian - 170,000,000.
Japanese - 125,000,000.
German - 98,000,000.

2. Countries with the highest number of national languages: Below is a list of the countries that
have the most nationally recognised languages in the world.
Papua New Guinea - 820 recognised languages - Official language English.
Indonesia - 742 recognised languages - Official language Indonesian
Nigeria - 516 recognised languages - Official language English.
India - 427 recognised languages - Official languages English and Hindi.
China - 241 recognised languages - Official language Mandarin.
Brazil - 200 recognised languages - Official language Portugese.
PHILIPPINES - 175 recognised languages - Official languages Filipino and English.
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VI. The World's Religions

1. Major Religions: There are twelve classic religions in the world. Below are listed the names of these
twelve religions, followed by the name of the religion's prophet - denominations within the religion - the
name of the religion's Holy Book or Scriptures - followed by the religion's type of house of worship.
(i) BAHA'I. - Baha'u'llah - No denominations - BAB - Temple.
(ii)BUDDHISM. - Gautama Buddha - Mahayana. Prajna Tantric. Theravada. Vajrayana. Zen –
SCRIPTURES OF BUDDHA Temple
(iii)CHRISTIANITY. - Jesus Christ - Catholicism. Orthodoxy. Protestantism - BIBLE - Church / chapel.
(iv)CONFUCIANISM. - Confucius - No denominations - SCRIPTURES OF CONFUCIUS - Temple.
(v)HINDUISM. - No prophet. - Shavism. Shaktism. Smartism. Vaishnavism - VEDAS - Temple.
(vi)ISLAM. - Mohammed - Ibadi. Shi'a. Sufi. Sunni. Wahabi - QUR'AN - Mosque.
(vii)JAINISM. - 24 Tirthankaras. - Digambar. Svetambar. - KALPASUTRA - Temple.
(viii)JUDAISM. - Abraham - Hasidic. Haskalah. Sephardic. Orthodox - TANAKH - Synogogue.
(ix)SHINTO. - No prophet. - No denominations. KOJIKI - Shrine.
(x)SIKIHISM.- First Sikh Guru, Nanak Dev. - Namdhari. Udasi - ADI GRANTH - Gurudwara.
(xi)TAOISM. - No prophet. - No denominations. - TAO TE CHING - Temple.
(xii)ZOROASTRIANISM. - Zoroaster - No denominations. - AVESTA - Atash Behram.

2. State Religions : Twenty eight countries around the world have an official, state religion, that is a
religion endorsed by the state, although most of them are tolerant of other religious groups within the
country.
BUDDHISM - THEREVEDA - Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand.
BUDDHISM - VAJRAYANA - Bhutan.
CHRISTIAN - CATHOLiCISM - Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco.
CHRISTIAN - ANGLICAN PROTESTANTISM - The Church of England.
CHRISTIAN - LUTHERAN PROTESTANTISM - The Church of Denmark, The Church of Iceland.
EASTERN ORTHODOXY - Greece, Finland.
ISLAM - SUNNI - Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Comoros, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Mauritius,
Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates.
JUDAISM - Israel.

3. Theocratic Countries: Eleven countries around the world are theocracies, that is a country whose
official government policies are governed by divine guidance, pursuant to the doctrine of a particular
religion. In these countries, God is considered as the country's head of state.

BUDDHISM - MAHAYANA - Tibet.

CHRISTIAN - CATHOLOCISM - Vatican State.
ISLAM - IBADI - Oman
ISLAM - NON DENOMINATIONAL - Iraq.
ISLAM - SHI'A - Iran.
ISLAM - SUNNI - Afghanistan, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen.

4. Secular Countries: There are fifty three countries around the world which consider themselves
secular, that is they do not have a state religion, although the country could well have a particular,
predominant religion.
 227

Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Cyprus, China, East Timor, Ecuador,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kosovo, Laos, Latvia,
Lebanon, Macedonia, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Korea,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovenia, Singapore, South Africa,
South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela,
Vietnam.

5. Non Religious Countries: Fifteen per cent of the world's population - 1.1 billion people - proclaim to
be non religious.The world's top five countries which between them make up the highest number of
people in the world who are non believers are -

CHINA - with 82% of it's population.

JAPAN - with 71 % of it's population.
VIETNAM - with 44% of it's population
RUSSIAN FEDERATION - with 59% of it's population.
GERMANY - with 62% of it's population.

The world's top five countries with the highest percentage of their population who are non believers are -
SWEDEN - with 88% of the population.
DENMARK - with 83% of the population.
CHINA - with 82% of the population.
ESTONIA - with 78% of it's population.
NORWAY - with 78% of it's population.

VII. World Dimensions:

1. World Extremes:
Lowest point: Challenger Deep at 10,911 metres below sea level situated on the Mariana Trench in
the Pacific Ocean.
Lowest point on land: Shores of the Dead Sea at 418 metres below sea level, situated on the Israel
/ Jordan border.
Highest point: Summit of Mount Everest at 8,848 metres above sea level, situated on the Nepal /
Tibet border.

Most easterly and westerly points according to the International Date Line:
Most westerly, Attu Island, Alaska.
Most easterly, Caroline Island, Kiribati, Pacific Ocean.

Most northerly point:

North Pole, Arctic.

Most southerly point:

South Pole, Antartica.
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VIII. The world's largest eco - systems and terrains:

1. The world's top ten highest mountains:

 Mount Everest.- Asia.- 8,646 metres.
 K2. - Asia.- 8,611 metres.
 Kangchenjunga. - Asia. - 8,598 metres.
 Aconcagua. - South America. - 6,960 metres.
 Ojos del Salado. - South America. - 6,908 metres.
 Chimborazo. - South America. - 6,310 metres.
 Mount McKinley. - North America. - 6,194.
 Kilimanjaro. - Africa. - 5,895.
 Elbrus. - Asia. - 5,642.
 Kirinyaga. - Africa. - 5,199 metres.

2. The world's top ten largest deserts:

 Sahara. - Africa. - 3,320,000. sq km.
 Arabian. - Asia. - 900,00. sq km.
 Kalahari. - Africa. - 360,000.
 Great Victoria. - Australia. - 250,000. sq km.
 Syrian. - Asia. - 200,000.
 Chihuahuan. - South America. - 175,000. sq km.
 Great Sandy. - Australia. - 150,000.sq km.
 Soworan. - Central America. - 120,000. sq km.
 Thar. - Asia. - 77,000. sq km.
 Gibson. - Australia. - 60,000. sq km.

3. The world's top ten largest lakes:

 Caspian Sea- 371,000 sq km. Asia.
 Lake Superior- 83,270 sq km. North America.
 Lake Victoria- 68,800 sq km. Africa.
 Lake Huron- 60,700sq km. North America.
 Lake Michigan- 58,020. North America.
 Aral Sea- 33,640. sq km. Asia.
 Lake Tanganyika- 32,900 sqkm. Africa.
 Great Bear Lake- 31,790 sq km. North America.
 Lake Baikal- 30,500sq km. Asia.
 Great Slave Lake- 28,440 sq km. North America.

4. The world's top ten longest rivers:

 Nile. 6,695 km.- Africa.
 Amazon. 6,516 km.- South America.
 Yangste. 6,380 km.- Asia.
 Mississippi / Misouri. 6,020 km.-North America.
 Ob- Irtysh. 5,570 km. Asia.
 Huang He. 5,464 km. Asia.
 229

 Congo. 4,667 km. -Africa.

 Mekong. 4,425 km.- Asia.
 Amur. 4,416 km. - Asia.
 Lena. 4,400 km.-Asia.

5. Waterfalls:
The world's tallest waterfall is the Angel Falls in Venezuela at 979 metres tall.
The world's widest waterfall is the Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe / Zambia border at 1609.344 metres
wide.
Find out how many types of waterfalls there are around the world

6. Mountains And Mountain Ranges: The longest mountain range on earth is the Oceanic Ridge
System, situated on the sea floor of all of the world's five oceans, which in total measures 80.000
kilometres long, with it's longest, continuous ridge measuring over 65,000 kilometres long.

The world's longest mountain range is the Andes situated on the continent of South America which is
7,242 kilometres long.

The world's highest mountain range is the Himalayas, with it's highest peak on Mount Everest, at 8,646
metre high, situated in Nepal.

The world's largest volcano is Mauna Lao in Hawaii, at 4,169 metres above sea level, with that distance
again also situated below sea level.

The world's tallest above ground volcano is Ojos de Salada in Chile, at 6,893 metres high.

IX. Highest, Biggest, Longest, Largest, Deepest etc.

Airliner, Largest: Boeing 747

Animal, Tallest: Giraffe
Animal, Fastest: The Peregerine Falcon
Archipelago, Largest: Indonesia
Bird, Fastest: Swift
Bird, Largest: Ostrich
Bird, Smallest: Humming Bird
Bridge, Longest Railway: Huey P. Long Bridge (U.S.A.)
Building, Tallest in Asia: The Connaught Centre in Hong Kong (195 metres tall; has 46 floors)
Building, Highest in the world: Sears Tower in Chicago (440-metre high. It is a 110-storey tower which
is nearly 60 metres taller than the Empire State building in New York)
Canal, Longest, small ship: Beloye (White Sea) Baltic Canal (CIS) 226 km long
Canal, Longest, big ship: Suez Canal (U.A.R.) (161 km)
Canalised System, Longest: Volga-Baltic Canal (2960 km)
Capital, Highest: Lhasa (Before domination of Tibet by China) 3684 metres above sea-level
City, Highest: Wenchuan (China) 5,100 metres above sea-level La Paz (capital of Bolivia) stands at an
altitude of 3632 metres above sea-level
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City, Largest in population: Shanghai followed by:

Conference Hall, World’s Highest: At Nathu-La Pass on Indo-China border in Sikkim
Continent, Largest: Asia
Continent, Smallest: Australia
Coral Formation, Largest: The Great Barrier Reef (North-east coast of Australia)
Country, Largest in Population: China followed by India
Country, Largest (in area): Russia
Country (with largest electorate): India.
Creature, Largest: Blue Whale is the largest creature in the world today. It can grow up to a weight of
150 tonnes.
Dam, Highest: The Grande (Switzerland)
Day, Longest: June 21 (in Northern Hemisphere)
Day, Shortest: Dec 22 (in Northern Hemisphere)
Delta, Largest: The world’s largest delta is that created by the Ganges and Brahmaputra in Bangladesh
and West Bengal, India.
Desert, Largest (in the world): Sahara (Africa)
Desert, Largest (in Asia): Gobi (Mongolia)
Diamond, Largest: The Cullinan (over 1½ lb.)
Dome, Largest: “Astrodome” in Housten, Texas (U.S.A.); outside dia:
Employer, Largest of India: Indian Railways
Epic, Longest: Mahabharata
Forest, Largest: Coniferous forest of Northern Russia
Gulf, Largest: Gulf of Mexico
Highest Motorable Road: Khardungla-Leh-Manali sector 5682 Mt
Highest Non-military Airport: Leh 3256 Mt
Island, Largest: Greenland
Islands, Largest (Group of): Malaya Archipelago
Lake, Largest Artificial: Lake Mead (Boulder Dam)
Lake, Deepest: Baikal (Siberia); average depth 701 metres
Lake, Highest: Titicaca (Bolivia) 3854 metres above sea level
Lake, Largest Fresh Water: Superior (50,200 sq km)
Lake, Largest Salt Water: Caspian Sea (26 metres below sea-level)
Largest Crater of India: The Lonar in Vidharba region of Maharashtra
Largest Inland Waterway of India: Kerala
Largest Barrage of India: Farakka 224 mt
Largest Stadium of India: Salt Lake Stadium Kolkata, 1,20,00 capacity
Largest Tribe of India: Gond
Largest Library of India: National Library Kolkata
Largest Exhibition Ground of India: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi 150 Acres
Largest Ocean Island of India: Middle Andaman
Largest River Basin of India: Ganga Basin
Largest Estuary: at the mouth of the river Hooghly
Library, Largest: United States Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (more than 59,000,000 items).
Longest Ropeway in India: connecting Joshimath in Uttranchal 4.15 km long
Longest Train in India: Prayag Express running between Delhi and Allahabad (24 bogies)
Longest Road Tunnel in India: Chiplin—Koya Nagar, Maharashtra 1 km long
 231

Longest National Highway of India: NH-7, 2369 km

Longest Cave of India: Krem um Kwan Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
Mountain Peak, Highest in the world: Everest (Nepal)
Mountain Peak, Highest in India: Godwin Austen (8,611 m)
Mountain Peak, Highest in Africa: Kilimanjaro (5,888 m)
Mountain Peak, Highest in Europe: Elbruz (5,633 m )
Mountain Range, Highest: Himalayas
Mountain Range, Longest: Andes (S. America), 8,800 km in length
Museum, Largest: American Museum of Natural History, New York city. It comprises 19 inter-connected
buildings with 23 acres of floor space.
Nuclear Reactor, Biggest: France
Ocean, Deepest and Biggest: The Pacific
Palace, Biggest: Vatican
Park, Largest: Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta Canada. Area :
Peninsula, Largest: Arabia
Pilot, Youngest of India: Capt Nivedita Bhasin, at age 26 in 1990 became youngest pilot to command a
jet aircraft
Place, Coldest: Verkhoyansk (Russia); Temperature 85° below zero
Place, Dryest: Death Valley (California); rainfall 1.5 inch
Place, Hottest: Azizia (Libya, Africa 58°C (136°F)
Place, Rainiest: Cheerapunji (Meghalaya, India)
Planet, Biggest: Jupiter
Planet, Brightest: Venus
Planet, Farthest (from the sun): Pluto
Planet, Nearest (to the sun): Mercury
Planet, Smallest: Mercury
Planetarium, biggest: Tsukuba, Japan
Plateau, Highest: Pamir (Tibet)
Platform, Longest: Kharagpur platform in West Bengal (India)
Railway, Longest: Trans-Siberian Railway (9,600 km long)
Railway Station, Largest: Grand Central Terminal, New York City, covers 48 acres. On an average more
than 550 trains and 180,000 people per day use it.
River, Longest: Nile (6,679 km)
Sea-bird, Largest: Albatross
Sea, Largest: South China Sea
Star, Brightest: Sirius (also called Dog Star)
Statue, Tallest : “Motherland” an enormous female figure on Mamayev Hill, outside Volgagrad (Russia).
Swimming Course, Longest recognised: English Channel
Tallest TV Tower of India: Rameshwaram, T.N. 1000 feet
Telescope, Largest Radio: The world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, Y-shaped with each
arm 21 km long with 27 mobile antennae on rails, built in New Mexico (USA).
Telescope, Largest Solar: Kit Peak National Observatory, Arizona USA
Telescope, Largest Reflector: Mount Semirodriki, in the Caucasus (CIS)
Telescope, Largest Refractor: Yerkes Observatory, Wisconsin (USA)
Tunnel, Longest Railway: Secken Tunnel (Japan)
Tunnel, Longest Road: St Gothard tunnel in Switzerland (16.32 km)
 232

Village, Highest: Andean (Chile) 5334 metres above sea-level

Volcano, Highest: Cotopaxi (Andes, Ecuador)
Volcano, Largest: Mauna Lea (Hawaii); crater
Wall, Longest: Great Wall of China (2400 km)
Water Falls, Greatest in the world: Victoria Falls on river Zambesi (Zambia) 1700 metres wide
Waterfall, Highest: Angel (Venezuela)
Water, Lowest body of: Dead Sea

X. Tribes and Races:

Afridis: A war-like race of hill men on the north-west frontier of Pakistan (tribal area of Waziristan).
Bedouins: Nomadic tribe of Arabia, spread over the whole of Northern Africa and Western Asia.
Bhils: a primitive Dravidian race inhabiting Central India.
Boer: a name applied to South Africans of Dutch or Huguenot descent, especially to early settlers of
Transvaal and the Orange Free State and their descendants.
Bushmen: They live in the Kalahari desert. They are probably the descendants of the earliest inhabitants
of Africa. They rank among the most uncivilized and backward peoples in the world. Their food consists
almost entirely of meat, often raw or decomposed, and in times of scarcity they will eat insects, snakes
etc.
Cossacks: Peasants of the south-eastern border land of Poland, or Ukraina are known as Cossacks. Many
of them belong to Turkic people while many others are of a mix descent.
Eskimos: Race living in the Arctic regions: Greenland, Alaska, Labradors and the extreme north-east
corner of Siberia.
Karbis: are natives of Assam.
Khasis: are a tribe inhabiting the Khasi and Jaintia hills in the north-eastern hilly tracts in Meghalaya
State of India. The Khasis have their own distinctive language and culture.
Kikuyu: are a race of Bantu negroes who live in the north of Mount Kenya. They combine agriculture with
pastoralism.
Kirghiz: of Central Asia are an example of people adopted to a grassland environment. They are pastoral
nomads who move from pasture to pasture with the flocks and herds of horses, camels, oxen, sheep and
goats. Meat forms only a small portion of their food. The Kirghiz are fearless horsemen, and even their
children are expert riders.
Kiwis: inhabit New Zealand.
Lambadies: are concentrated in Karnataka State of India.
Lepchas: are aborigins of Sikkim and Darjeeling. They are one of the Scheduled Tribes of the Hills,
recognised by the Government of India.
Magyars: the Hungarian race who came to Eastern Europe from south-west Asia and settled in Hungary
in the 10th century.
Mahsud: Hill-tribe living in north-west of Pakistan.
Maoris: are the original inhabitants of New Zealand. The Maoris are tall, muscular, handsome people,
with brown skin and black hair. They are greatly skilled in stone and wood-carving.
Masai: of the east African Plateau are the example of pastoral people. They are tall, strong, warlike race,
partly negroid in type. They treat their cattle with great respect and affection and do not kill them for food
or for sale as meat.
Moplas: A Muslim tribe of Malabar (Kerala, India).
Mayas: A large group of American Indians living in the highlands of Gauatemala.
Munda: They are mostly located in the State of Madhya Pradesh in India.
 233

Nagas: Hill tribe of Nagaland (India).

Negritos: are the ancient tribes of Andamans.
Negro: A race of men distinguished by dark skin, fuzzy hair, broad and protruding lips, living in south-
west and Central Africa.
Red Indians: Race living in U.S.A. between the rocky Mountains and the Missouri River. They are original
inhabitants of America.
Santhals: Aboriginal natives of Orissa and Chhotanagpur.
Semangs: are tribal people living in Malaysia.
Todas: They are aboriginal tribe of the Nilgiris (India).
Zulus: are a race of negroid people in Natal (South Africa), having close ethnic, linguistic and cultural ties
with the Swazis and the Bantus.

XI. First in the World:

1. Chairman of Peoples Republic of China Mao-Tse-Tung

2. President of the Chinese Republic Dr. Sun Yat Sen
3. President of U.S.A George Washington
4. Chinese Traveller to India Fahein
5. Foreign Invader to India Alexander the Great
6. Person to reach South Pole Amundsen
7. Person to reach North Pole Robert Pearey
8. Person in Space Yuri Gagarin
9. Person on Moon Neil Armstrong
10. Lady to climb Mount Everest Junko Taibei
11. European to visit China Marco Polo
12. Place where atom bomb was dropped Hiroshima
13. Man to walk in Space Alexei Leonov
14. Woman cosmonaut in Space Valentina Tereshkova
15. Woman Prime Minister of a country Mrs. Srimavo Bhandarnaike
16. Woman President of a country Maria Estela Peron
17. Woman to Command a Space Mission Colonel Eileen Collins (U.S.A.)
18. The first residents of International Space station Bill Shepherd (USA),
Yuri Gidzanko
and Sergei Krikalev (Russia)
19. The first blind man to scale Mt. Everest Erik Weihenmayer (USA, May 25,
2001)
20. The first Muslim woman to become the Secretary lrine Zubeida Khan
General of Amnesty International
21. The first space astronaut to go into space seven times Jerry Ross (U.S.A.)
till date
22. The first South African to become the second space Mark Shuttleworth
tourist
23. The first woman Prime Minister of South Korea Ms. Chang Sang
24. The first youngest grandmaster of the world in chess Sergey Karjakin (Ukraine)
25. The first adventurer flying successfully across the Felix Baumgartner (July 2003)
 234

English Channel without aircraft

26. China's first man in space Yang Liwei
27. The first Muslim woman to receive Nobel Prize Shirin Ebadi (Nobel Peace Prize
2003)
28. The woman with the highest individual Test score Kiran Baloch (Pakistani cricketer,
making a new world record scoring 242 runs playing women's
cricket test against West Indies in
Karachi in March, 2004)
29. The first woman of the world to climb Mt. Everest four Lakpa Sherpa (Nepali)
times
30. The first woman to cross seven important seas of the Bula Chaudhury (India)
world by swimming
31. The first aircraft pilot to round the entire world non- Steve Fossett (March 2005)
stop by his 2 engine aircraft in 67 hours
32. The first woman to be appointed as a Governor of a Habiba Sorabhi
province in Afghanistan
33. The first woman of the world to swim across five Bula Chaudhury (India) (April 2005)
continents
34. The first woman athlete to touch 5.0 meter mark in Ms. Yelena Isinbayeva
pole vault (Russian, July 2005)
35. The first Hindu Chief Justice of Pakistani Supreme Justice Rana Bhagwan Das
Court Took over on Sept. 2, 2005 as
Acting Chief Justice
36. The first duly elected woman President of an African Allen Johnson Sirleaf (elected
country President of Liberia in Nov. 2005)
37. The first woman Governor of the State Bank of Shanshad Akhtar
Pakistan (Appointed in Dec. 2005)
38. The first woman Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel
(Took over in Nov. 2005)
39. The first woman President of Chile Dr. Michelle Bachelet
40. The first woman Prime Minister of Jamaica Portia Simpson Miller (Feb. 2006)
41. The first woman foreign Secretary of England Margaret Backett (May 2006)
42. The first double amputee to scale Mt. Everest Mark Inglis (May 15, 2006)

XII. Other Information:

1. Crops and Major producing countries:

Crops Major Producing country

Rice China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia
Wheat USA, Russia, Ukraine, Canada, Argentina, Australia
Coarse Russia, Brazil,
Grains Central Africa
Sugarcane Cuba, India & Nigeria
Cotton USA, Russia, Egypt, India, China
Tea India, China & Sri Lanka
 235

Coffee Brazil, Columbia, Nigeria

Sugarbeet Russia
Barley Russia
Corn USA, Russia

2. Major Industries:

Name of the Industry Major Producing Country

Iron & Steel USA, Germany, Russia
Cotton textile USA, Japan, Russia
Rubber Malaysia, Indonesia & Thailand
Synthetic Rubber USA, Germany, Japan
Woolen textile Australia, Russia
Silk textile China, Japan
Microelectronic Japan, USA
Ship Manufacturing USA, Japan
Automobile USA, Japan
Pulp & Paper Canada & USA
Newsprint Paper USA & Canada
Petroleum Products USA, Germany & Japan

3. Important Days:

January 9 NRI Day

January 10 World Laughter Day
January 12 National Youth Day
January 15 Army Day
January 26 India's Republic Day, International Customs Day
January 30 Martyrs' Day; World Leprosy Eradication Day

2nd Sunday of February World Marriage Day

February 24 Central Excise Day
February 28 National Science Day
Second Monday March Commonwealth Day
March 8 International Women's Day; Intl. literacy Day
March 15 World Disabled Day; World Consumer Rights Day
March 18 Ordnance Factories Day (India)
March 21 World Forestry Day; International Day for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination
March 22 World Day for Water
March 23 World Meteorological Day
March 24 World TB Day
April 5 International Day for Mine Awareness; National Maritime Day
April 7 World Health Day
April 17 World Haemophilia Day
 236

April 18 World Heritage Day

April 21 Secretaries' Day
April 22 Earth Day
April 23 World Book and Copyright Day
May 1 Workers' Day (International Labour Day)
May 3 Press Freedom Day; World Asthma Day
May 2nd Sunday Mother's Day
May 4 Coal Miners' Day
May 8 World Red Cross Day
May 9 World Thalassaemia Day
May 11 National Technology Day
May 12 World Hypertension Day; International Nurses Day
May 15 International Day of the Family
May 17 World Telecommunication Day
May 24 Commonwealth Day
May 31 Anti-tobacco Day
June 4 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
June 5 World Environment Day
June 3rd Sunday Father's Day
June 14 World Blood Donor Day
June 21 International Yoga Day
June 26 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
July 1 Doctor's Day
July 6 World Zoonoses Day
July 11 World Population Day
August 3 Internatioal Friendship Day
August 6 Hiroshima Day
August 8 World Senior Citizen's Day
August 9 Quit India Day, Nagasaki Day
August 15 Indian Independence Day
August 18 IntI. Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
August 19 Photography Day
August 29 National Sports Day
September 2 Coconut Day
September 5 Teachers' Day; Sanskrit Day
September 8 World Literacy Day (UNESCO)
September 15 Engineers' Day
September 16 World Ozone Day
September 21 Alzheimer's Day; Day for Peace & Non-violence (UN)
September 22 Rose Day (Welfare of cancer patients)
September 26 Day of the Deaf
September 27 World Tourism Day
October 1 International Day for the Elderly
October 2 Gandhi Jayanthi
October 3 World Habitat Day
 237

October 4 World Animal Welfare Day

October 8 Indian Air Force Day
October 9 World Post Office Day
October 10 National Post Day
October 2nd Thursday World Sight Day
October 13 UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction
October 14 World Standards Day
October 15 World White Cane Day (guiding the blind)
October 16 World Food Day
October 24 UN Day; World Development Information Day
October 30 World Thrift Day
November 9 Legal Services Day
November 14 Children's Day; Diabetes Day
November 17 National Epilepsy Day
November 20 Africa Industrialisation Day
November 29 International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People
December 1 World AIDS Day
December 3 World Day of the Handicapped
December 4 Indian Navy Day
December 7 Indian Armed Forces Flag Day
December 10 Human Rights Day; IntI. Children's Day of Broadcasting
December 18 Minorities Rights Day (India)
December 23 Kisan Divas (Farmer's Day) (India)

4. Major Countries- Capitals- Rivers

Below is a list of capital cities, found in country alphabetical order, with their respective areas of
freshwater supply, be it by means of a river, lake, oasis or canal system.
The river which flows through the most capital cities in the world is Europe's River Danube, which runs
through the four capital cities of :-
Belgrade - capital of Serbia
Bratislava - capital of Slovakia
Budapest - capital of Hungary
Vienna - capital of Austria.

A
Afghanistan. - Kabul. - River Kabul.
Albania. - Tirana. - The Rivers Ishem, Tirane and Lane, although the River Lane is no more than a brook
today.
Andorra - Andorra La Vella - Gran Valira.
Argentina. - Buenos Aries. - River Plate.
Armenia - Yerevan - Hrazdan River.
Australia. - Canberra. - River Molonglo.
Austria. - Vienna. - River Danube.
Autonomous Region of Tibet - Lhasa - Kyi River.
 238

B
Barbados - Bridgetown - River Careenage .
Bangladesh. - Dhaka. - River Buriganga.
Belize - Belmopan - Belize River.
Belgium. - Brussels. - River Zenne.
Bhutan. - Thimpu. - River Wong Chhu.
Bolivia. - La Paz. - River Choqueapu.
Bosnia and Herzogovenia - Sarajevo - River Miljacka.
Botswana - Gaborone - Notowahe River.
Brunei - Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei River.
Bulgaria. - Sofia. - The Rivers Vladaiska and Perlovska.
Burundi - Bujumbura - Lake Tanganyika.

C
Cambodia. - Phnom. Penh. - Rivers Bassac and Mekong and Lake Tonle Sap.
Canada. - Ottawa. - River Ottawa.
Chad. - N'djamena. - River Chari.
China. - Beijing. - Yellow River.
Chile - Santiago. - River Mapocho
Colombia. - Bogota. - River Bogota.
Congo. - Brazzaville. - River Congo.
Croatia - Zagreb - River Sava.
Cuba - Havana - River Almendares.
Cyprus. - Nicosia. - River Pedieos.
Czech Republic. - Prague. - River Vltava.
D
Democratic Republic of Congo. - Kinshasa. - River Congo.
Dominica. - Roseau. - River Roseau.
Dominican Republic. - Santa Domingo. - River Ozama.
E
Ethiopia. - Addis Ababa. - River Chankelia.
Ecuador. - Quito. - River Guayllabamba.
England - London - River Thames.
Egypt. - Cairo. - River Nile.
Estonia. - Tallinn. - River Pirita.
F
Finland. - Helsinki. - River Vantaa.
France. - Paris. - River Seine.
French Guyana. - Cayenne. - River Cayenne.
G
Gabon. - Libreville. - River Komo.
Gambia. - Banjul. - River Gambia.
Georgia - Tblisi - River Kura.
Germany. - Berlin. - River Spree. and River Havel.
Ghana. - Accra. - River Odaw.
 239

Greece. - Athens. - River Kifissos.

Greenland. - Nuuk. - Nuup Kangerlua Fjord.
Guinea Bissau - Bissau - River Geba.
Guyana - Georgetown - River Demerara.

H
Honduras. - Tegucigalpa. - River Choluteca.
Hungary. - Budapest. - River Danube.
I
Iceland. - Reykjavik. - River Ellioaa.
India. - Delhi. - River Yamuna.
Indonesia. - Jakarta. - River Ciliwung.
Iran. - Tehran. - River Hableh Rood.
Iraq. - Baghdad. - River Tigris.
Isle of Man - Douglas - Built upon the confluence of the Rivers Dhoo and Glass.
Italy. - Rome. - River Tiber.
J
Japan. - Tokyo. - River Sumida.
K
Kazakstan. - Astana. - River Ishim.
Kenya. - Nairobi. - River Nairobi.
Kyrgyzstan. - Bishtek. - River Chu.
L
Laos. - Vientiane. - River Mekong.
Latvia. - Riga. - River Daugava.
Leichtenstein - Vaduz - River Rhine.
Lesotho. - Maseru. - River Mohokare.
Liberia - Monrovia - Built upon the confluence of the Rivers Mesurado and Saint Paul.
Libya. - Tripoli. - River Abu Ali.
Lithuania - Vilnius - Built upon the confluence of the Rivers Neris and Vilnia.
Luxembourg - Luxembourg City - Built upon the confluence of the Rivers Alzette and Pretusse.
M
Macedonia. - Skopje. - River Vardar.
Madagascar. - Antanarivo. - River Ikoro.
Malawi - Lilongwe - River Lilongwe.
Malaysia. - Kuala Lumpur. - River Klamp.
Mali - Bamako - River Niger.
Malta - Valletta - The city grew up around it's Grand Harbour which is fed by the Marsa Creek.
Mauritius. - Port Louis. - Black River.
Mexico. - Mexico City. - River Coatzacoalcos.
Mongolia. - Ulan Bator. - River Tuul.
Moldova - Chisinau - River Bic.
Morocco. - Rabat. - River Bou Regreg.
Myanmar. - Mandalay. - Irriwady River.
 240

Nepal. - Kathmandu. - River Bagmati.

Netherlands. - Amsterdam. - River Amstel.
New Zealand. - Wellington. - River Hutt.
Nicaragua. - Managua. - River San Juan.
Niger. - Niamey. - River Niger.
North Korea. - Pyongyang. - River Taedong.
Northern Ireland - Belfast - River Lagan.
Norway. - Oslo. - River Akerselva.
P
Panama. - Panama City. - River Caloosahatchee.
Papua New Guinea. - Port Moresby. - Brown River.
Paraguay. - Asuncion. - River Paraguay.
Peru. - Lima. - River Rimac.
Philippines - Manilla - Pasig River.
Poland. - Warsaw. - River Vistula.
Portugal. - Lisbon. - River Tejo.
R
Republic of Ireland - Dublin - River Liffey.
Republic of South Sudan - Juba - River White Nile.
Russian Federation. - Moscow. - River Moskva.
Rwanda. - Kigali. - River Ruganwa.
S
Saudi Arabia. - Riyadh. - Originally built beside the Riyadh Wadi - Orchard Oasis - this body of water
has since dried up.
Serbia. - Belgrade. - River Danube.
Scotland - Edinburgh - Firth of Forth.
Sierra Leone. - Freetown. - Freetown River.
Slovakia. - Bratislava. - River Danube.
Slovenia - Ljubljana - River Ljublanica.
Spain. - Madrid. - River Manzanares.
South Korea. - Seoul. - Han River.
Swaziland - Mbabane - Mbabne River
Sweden. - Stockholm. - River Norrstrom.
Switzerland. - Bern. - River Aare.
Sudan. - Khartoum. - River Nile.
Suriname - Paramaribo - Suriname River
Syria. - Damascus. - River Barada.
T
Taiwan. - Taipei. - River Danshui and River Xindian.
Tajikstan. - Dushanbe. - River Varzob.
Thailand. - Bangkok. - River Chao Phraya.
Tunisia. - Tunis. - Lake of Tunis.
Turkey. - Ankara. - River Ankara.
 241

U
Uganda. - Kampala. - Lake Victoria.
Ukraine. - Kiev. - River Dnieper.
Uruguay. - Montivideo. - River Plate.
United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi - Al Ain Oasis.
United Kingdom. - London. - River Thames
United States. - Washington D.C. - River Patomac
Uzbekistan - Tashkent - River Chirchik.
V
Venezuela. - Caracas, - River Guaire.
Vietman.- Hanoi. - Red River.
W
Wales - Cardiff - Rivers Taff and Ely.
Z
Zambia. - Lusaka. - River Chongwe.
Zimbabwe. - Harare. - River Limpopo and River Zambesi.

B. INDIA

I. National Particulars:

1. The State Emblem: The state emblem is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. In
the original, there are four lions, standing back to back, mounted on an abacus with a frieze carrying
sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion separated by intervening
wheels over a bell-shaped lotus. Carved out of a single block of polished sandstone, the capital is crowned
by the Wheel of the Law (Dharma Chakra). In the State emblem, adopted by the Government of India on
26 January 1950. The wheel appears in relief in the centre of the abacus with a bull on right and a horse
on left and the outlines of other wheels on extreme right and left. The words Satyameva Jayate from
Mundaka Upanishad, meaning ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’, are inscribed below the abacus in Devanagari
script.

2. National Song: The song Vande Mataram, composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji, was a
source of inspiration to the people in their struggle for freedom. It has an equal status with Jana-gana-
mana. The first political occasion when it was sung was the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress.
The following is the text of its first stanza :

Vande Mataram!
Sujalam, suphalam, malayaja shitalam,
Shasyashyamalam, Mataram!
Shubhrajyothsna pulakitayaminim,
Phullakusumita drumadala shobhinim,
Suhasinim sumadhura bhashinim,
Sukhadam varadam, Mataram!
 242

3. National Flower: Lotus, (Nelumbo Lucifera) is the national flower of India. It is a sacred flower and
occupies a unique position in the art and mythology in ancient India and has been an auspicious symbol of
Indian culture since time immemorial.

4. National Flag: The National flag is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron (kesari) at the top, white in
the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of width of the flag to its length is
two to three. In the centre of the white band is a navy blue wheel which represents the charkha. Its
design is that of the wheel which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. Its
diameter approximates to the width of the white band and it has 24 spokes. The use and display of
national flag are regulated by the Indian Flag Code: (i) The dipping of the Flag to any person or thing is
prohibited. (ii) No other Flag or Emblem is to be placed above or to the right of the National Flag. If hung
in a line, all other flags are to be placed on the left of the National Flag. When flown or raised with other
flags, the National Flag must be the highest. (iii) The flag is not to be carried flat or horizontally, but
always aloft and free; when carried in a procession it is to be brone high on the right shoulder of the
standard bearer and carrried in front of the procession. (iv) The saffron stripe should always be at the top
when the Flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally.

5. National Calender: The national calendar is based on the Saka Era with Chaitra as its first month and
a normal year of 365 days was adopted from 22 March 1957 along with the Gregorian calendar for the
following official purposes: (i) Gazette of India, (ii) news broadcast by All India Radio, (iii) calendars
issued by the Government of India and (iv) Government communications addressed to the members of
the public.

Months of the National Calender

(1) Chaitra, (2) Vaishakha, (3) Jaishtha, (4) Ashadha, (5) Shravan, (6) Bhadra, (7) Ashvina, (8) Kartika,
(9) Margashirsha, (10) Pausha, (11) Magha, (12) Phalguna.

Dates of the national calendar have a permanent correspondence with dates of the Gregorian calendar :
1 Chaitra falling on 22 March normally and on 21 March in leap year.

6. National Bird: The Indian peacock, Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus), the national bird of India, is a colourful,
swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender
neck. The male of the species is more colourful than the female, with a glistening blue breast and neck
and a spectacular bronze-green train of around 200 elongated feathers. The female is brownish, slightly
smaller than the male, and lacks the train.

7. National Anthem: The song Jana-gana-mana, composed originally in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore,
was adopted in its Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly as the national anthem of India on 24
January 1950. It was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National
Congress. The complete song consists of five stanzas. The first stanza contains the full version of the
National Anthem :
Jana-gana-mana-adhinayaka, jaya he
Bharata-bhagya-vidhata.
Punjab-Sindh-Gujarat-Maratha
Dravida-Utkala-Banga
Vindhya-Himachala-Yamuna-Ganga
 243

Uchchala-Jaladhi-taranga.
Tava shubha name jage,
Tava shubha asisa mage,
Gahe tava jaya gatha,
Jana-gana-mangala-dayaka jaya he
Bharata-bhagya-vidhata.
Jaya he, jaya he, jaya he,
Jaya jaya jaya, jaya he!
Playing time of the full version of the national anthem is approximately 52 seconds. A short version
consisting of first and last lines of the stanza (playing time approximately 20 seconds) is also played on
certain occasions.

8. National Animal: The magnificent tiger, Panthera tigris (Linnaeus), is a striped animal. It has a thick
yellow coat of fur with dark stripes. The combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power has
earned the tiger its pride of place as the national animal of India. To check the dwindling population of
tigers in India ‘Project Tiger’ was launched in April 1973. So far, 27 tiger reserves have been established
in the country under this project, covering an area of 37,761 sq km. To check the dwindling population of
tigers in India ‘Project Tiger’ was launched in April 1973.

II. Flora & Fauna:

1. Flora: India has a rich and varied vegetation, which only a few countries of comparable size possess.
Following are eight distinctive flouristic regions:

The Western Himalayan region: Extends from Kashmir to Kumaon. Its temperate zone is rich in forests
of chir, pine, other conifers and broad-leaved temperate trees. Higher up, forests of deodar, blue pine,
spruce and silver fir occur. The alpine zone extends from the upper limit of the temperate zone of about
4,750 metres or even higher. The characteristic trees of this zone are high-level silver fir silver birch and
junipers.
The eastern Himalayan region: Extends from Sikkim eastwards and embraces Darjiling, Kurseong and
the adjacent tract. The temperate zone has forests of oaks, laurels, maples, rhododendrons, alder and
birch. Many conifers, junipers and dwarf willows also occur here. The Assam region comprises the
Brahmaputra and the Surma valleys with evergreen forests, occasional thick clumps of bamboos and tall
grasses.

The Indus plain region: Comprises the plains of Punjab, western Rajasthan and northern Gujarat. It is
dry and hot and supports natural vegetation. The Ganga plain region covers the area which is alluvial plain
and is under cultivation for wheat, sugarcane and rice. Only small areas support forests of widely differing
types.
The Deccan region: Comprises the entire table land of the Indian Peninsula and supports vegetation of
various kinds from scrub jungles to mixed deciduous forests. The Malabar region covers the excessively
humid belt of mountain country parallel to the west coast of the Peninsula. Besides being rich in forest
vegetation, this region produces important commercial crops, such as coconut, betelnut, pepper, coffee
and tea, rubber and cashewnut.
 244

The Andaman region: Abounds in evergreen, mangrove, beach and diluvial forests. The Himalayan
region extending from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh through Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Meghalaya and
Nagaland and the Deccan Peninsula is rich in endemic flora, with a large number of plants which are not
found elsewhere. India is in the tenth position in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity. From
about 70 per cent geographical area surveyed so far, 49,000 species of plants have been described by the
Botanical Survey of India.

2. Fauna: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), with its headquarters in Calcutta and 16 regional stations
located in different parts of the country, is responsible for surveying the faunal resource of our country.
Possessing a tremendous diversity of climate and physical conditions, India has great variety of fauna
numbering 81,251 species. Of these, insects constitute about 60,000, molluscs a little over 5,000,
mammals 372, birds 1,228, reptiles 446, amphibians 204, and fishes 2,546.

More that 77 species of mammals, 72 species of birds, 17 species of reptiles, three species of amphibians,
two species of fish and a large number of butterflies, moth and beetles are considered vulnerable and
endangered. There are presently 94 national parks and 501 wildlife sanctuaries covering about 15.67
million hectares area which is nearly 4.5 per cent of the total geographical area of the country.

III. Art & Culture:

1. Dances of India: Dance in India, is rooted in age-old tradition. This vast sub-continent has given birth
to varied forms of dancing, each shaped by the influences of a particular period and environment. These
pristine forms have been preserved through the centuries, to become a part of our present culture, a
living heritage which is both our pride and delight.

Nurtured in temples, princely courts or villages, dance has moved into the auditorium of today, bringing
pleasure to many more people, in far-flung regions. It is now possible to appreciate the lyrical grace of the
Manipuri dance of North-Eastern India in, say, Gujarat. This dance-form arising out of Krishna-bhakti, is
sinuous in its movements and romantic in its concept, celebrating a divine theme which is meaningful to
people all over the country. Similarly, the sophistry of Kathak, which flowered at the courts of the Mughal
princes with its accelerated tempo, intricate foot-movements, and subtle facial expressions, evokes a
resplendent past common to us all.

The abundant largesse of dance in South India, from the Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu, to the Kathakali
dance-drama of Kerala, to the Kuchipudi of Andhra, has become part of the melting-pot of culture
enriching the life of any Indian today. For, to witness the strength and vigour of Kathakali as it enacts
episodes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, is an education in itself. The extremely stylised
gestures, the elaborate make-up, the masks and the splendid costumes of these all-male dancers,
recreates an incomparable sense of pageantry. Bharatanatyam, the temple-maiden's dance of devotion,
has a classic quality which is as daunting as it is beautiful. The rigorous precision of foot and hand
movements, the eloquent range of expression depicted through eyes and mouth, and the total linear
consonance of body is exacting and exciting in its perfection.

Bharata's 'Natya Sastra' is the Bible of Indian aestheticians. It says that the Creator (Brahma) created
dance to give joy in life to the gods who found their cosmic functions to be heavy and dreary.
 245

'Bharatarmada' and 'Abhinaya Darpana' are other important classical works on the Indian art of dance.
Kalidasa's drama Malavikagnimitra, Vishnu Dharmothrara and Agni Purana throws much light on the art.
Other important Sanskrit works are Dhananjaya's Dasa Roopaka, Sargadava's Sangita Ratnakara,
Thulajaji's Sangita Saramitra, Bala Ramavarma's Bala Bharata, Haripala Deva's Sangita Sudhakara, Veda
Suri's Sangita Makaranda, Rasamanjari etc. Tamil works on dance are Bharata Senapatheeyam, Bharata
Siddhanta, Bharata Sangraha and Mahabharata Choodamani. In the famous Tamil epic Silappadikaram ,
there is a reference to eleven varities of dance (alliyam, kudai, kudam etc). It refers to 24 kinds of
abhinayam.

2. Architecture:

Buddhist and Jaina architecture: Buddhism gained promi-nence during the reign of the emperor
Ashoka. It is primarily represented by three important building types- the Chaitya Hall (place of worship),
the Vihara (monastery) and the Stupa (hemispherical mound for worship/ memory)- exemplified by the
magnificent caves of Ajanta and Ellora and the monumental Sanchi Stupa. The Greek influence led the
Indian architecture of the time, especially the rock-cut art, to fall under one of the two categories: the
Mathura school of art which was strictly Indian in spirit and did not adopt from the Greek styles, and the
Gandharva school of art which incorporated influences of the Greek art. The Jaina temples are
characterised by a richness of detail that can be seen in the Dilwara Temples in Mt. Abu.

The Hindu Temples: The reference to Hindu temples in literature go back early with Panini (520 BC -
460 BC) and Patanjali mentioning temples which were called prasadas. Early beginnings of Hindu temple
architecture have been traced to the remains at Aihole and Pattadakal in present day Karnataka, and have
Vedic altars and late Vedic temples as described by Panini as models. Later, as more differentiation took
place, the Dravidian/ Southern style and or the Indo- Aryan/ Northern/ Nagara style of temple
architecture emerged as dominant modes, epitomised in productions such as the magnificent
Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur, and the Sun Temple, Konark. Buddhist elements and motifs have
influenced temple architecture to a considerable extent.

Early temples were rock-cut, later structural temples evolved. The Kailasanatha temple at Ellora is a good
example of the former, excavated from top to bottom out of a massive rock face.

The pyramid formed an essential architectural element in any temple composition stepped in the
Dravidian style, stepped and slightly curved in the Northern style. The structural system was essentially
trabeated and with stone being the basic raw material for the Indian craftsman, construction could be
carried out with minimal or no mortar. Decoration was fundamental to Indian architecture and is seen in
the myriad details of figured sculpture as well as in the architectural elements. The garbha-griha or
thewomb chamber forms the central focus housing the deity of the temple and is provided with a
circumambulation passage around. However, there are also many subsidiary shrines within temple
complexes, more particularly in the South Indian (the Dravidianstyle) temple. As the Hindu temple is not
meant for congregational worship, the garbhagriha is small in scale when compared to the whole temple
complex. However, it is articulated externally by the vimana or the sikhara. Pillared halls or mandapas are
found preceding the garba-griha.

Islamic and the mughal architecture: With the advent of Islam, the erstwhile Indian architecture was
slightly adapted to allow the traditions of the new religion, but it remained strongly Indian at its heart and
 246

character. Arches and domes began to be used and the mosque or masjid too began to form part of the
landscape, adding to a new experience in form and space. The fundamental difference lay in the fact that
Islam prohibited idol worship and therefore a concentrated point of focus such as the garbhagriha was
unnecessary. However, the mihrab on the Western wall of the sanctuary articulating the Qibla or the
direction towards Mecca offered a notional focus. As idolatory was prohibited, the main means of
adornment was surface decoration through the use of geometry, arabesque and calligraphy. Later,
mosques began to be built with original material. The Jami masjid at Delhi is a representative example of
an Indian mosque. Islamic architecture was also represented by distinct regional styles that drew a lot of
inspiration from the local context.

The most famous Islamic buildings in India emerged during the Mughal period. Mughal architecture built
on the traditional Hindu architecture with influences from the Persian world. Over time, Hindu and
Islamic architecture produced a synthesis that is exemplified in the glorious production of Akbar- the city
of Fatehpur Sikri, considered by many to be superior to the Taj Mahal (often seen as representing India)
in terms of what it has to teach to civilisation- syncretism, tolerance and the best of different worlds, and
the Taj itself, renowned for its beauty in white marble, its intricate engravings, its minarets and its
setting.

The most popular Islamic building type in India is the tomb or the mausoleum which evolved from the
basic cube and hemisphere vocabulary of the early phase into a more elaborate form during the Mughal
period where multiple chambers are present and tombs were set in a garden known as the charbagh. The
tomb chamber houses the ceno taph below which is the grave. Well known examples are the Gol Gumbaz,
Bijapur and the Taj Mahal, Agra.

Architecture under the colonial rule: With colonisation, a new chapter began. Though the Dutch,
Portuguese and the French made substantial forays, it was the English who had a lasting impact. The
architecture of the colonial period varied from the beginning attempts at creating authority through
classical prototypes to the later approach of producing a supposedly more responsive image through what
is now termed Indo-Saracenic architecture- a mixture of Hindu, Islamic and Western elements.
Institutional, civic and utilitarian buildings such as post offices,railway stations, etc., began to be built in
large numbers over the whole empire. Perhaps the most famous example is the Chhatrapati Shivaji
Terminus(CST) in Mumbai, originally named in honor of Queen Victoria. The creation of New Delhi in early
20th century with its broad tree lined roads and majestic buildings generated lots of debate on what
should be an appropriate architecture for India

3. Indian Classical Music

Origin: The origins of In dian classical music can be found from the oldest of the scriptures, Vedas. The
Samveda, one of the four vedas, describes music at length. Indian classical is heavily influenced by the
spirituality and hence it has its origins as a meditation tool for attaining self realization. However, Bharat’s
Natyashastra is the first treatise laying down the fundamental principles of drama, dance and music.
Indian classical music has one of the most complex and complete musical systems ever developed. Like
western classical music, it divides the octave into 12 semitones of which the 7 basic notes are Sa Re Ga
Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa.
 247

Genres
The two main streams of Indian classical music are:

Hindustani music: The Prime themes of Hindustani music are romantic love, nature and devotionals.
Players of tabla, usually keep the rhythm in Hindustani music. Another common instrument is the
stringed tanpura, which is played at a steady tone throughout the performance of the raga. Other
instruments for accompaniment include the sarangi and the harmonium. In Hindustani music, the
performance usually begins with a slow elaboration of the raga, known as alap. This can range from long
30-40 minutes to very short 2-3 minutes depending on the style and preference of the musician. Once the
raga is established, the ornamentation around the mode begins to become rhythmical, gradually speeding
up. This section is called the drut or jor. Finally, the percussionist joins in and the tala is introduced. There
is a significant amount of Persian influence in Hindustani music, in terms of both the instruments and the
style of presentation.

Carnatic music: Carnatic raga elaborations are generally much faster in tempo and shorter than their
equivalents in Hindustani music. The opening piece is called a varnam, and is a warm-up for the
musicians. A devotion and a request for a blessing follows, then a series of interchanges between ragams
(the unmetered melody) and thaalams (the ornamentation, equivalent to the jor). This is intermixed with
hymns called krithis. This is followed by the pallavi or theme from the raga. Carnatic music is similar to
Hindustani music in that it is improvised. Primary themes include worship, descriptions of temples,
philosophy, nayakanayaki themes and patriotic songs. Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri
are known as the Trinity of Carnatic music, while Purandara Dasa is often called the father of Carnatic
music.

4. Indian Painting: The earliest Indian paintings were the rock paintings of prehistoric times, the
petroglyphs as found in places like Bhimbetka, and some of them are older than 5500 BC. Such works
continued and after several millennia, in the 7th century, carved pillars of Ellora, present a fine example of
Indian paintings. Thereafter, frescoes of Ajanta and Ellora caves appeared. Indian paintings provide an
aesthetic continuum that extends from the early civilization to the present day. From being essentially
religious in purpose in the beginning, Indian painting has evolved over the years to become a fusion of
various cultures and traditions. The Indian painting was exposed to Greco-Roman as well as Iranian and
Chinese influences.

Indian paintings can be broadly classified as the murals and miniatures. Murals are huge works executed
on the walls of solid structures, as in the Ajanta Caves and the Kailashnath temple. Miniature paintings
are executed on a very small scale on perishable material such as paper and cloth. The Palas of Bengal
were the pioneers of miniature paiting in India.

Murals: Early examples of murals are found in the caves of Ajanta and Bagh. Fragments of mural
paintings are also found in the comtemporary Pitalkhora Caves. Early evidences of the tradition of mural
paintings in southern India are found in the sites of Badami and Sittanavasal. Evidences of mural paintings
are also found in the Kailashnath temple in Ellora.

Miniature painting: The pattern of large scale wall painting which had dominated the scene, witnessed
the advent of miniature paintings during the 11th and 12th centuries. This new style figured first in the
 248

form of illustrations etched on palm-leaf manuscripts. The contents of these manuscripts included
literature on the Buddhism and Jainism.

Eastern Indian painting: In eastern India miniature painting developed in 10th century. These
miniatures, depicting Buddhist divinities and scenes from the life of Buddha were painted on the leaves of
the palm-leaf manuscripts as well as their wooden covers. Most common Buddhist illustrated manuscripts
include the texts Astasahasrita Prajnaparamita.

Western Indian painting: In western India between the 10th to 12th century miniature painting
developed. These miniatures are found in some Jaina manuscripts and are of 2 to 4 inches in size. It was
in the 14th century, that paper replaced the palm leaf. The Jaina style of paintings attained a high degree
of development by the late 15th and 16th century. In the 16th century, a number of Hindu illustrated
manuscripts appeared in western India, which include the texts, the Gitagovinda of Jayadeva and the
Bhagavata Purana.

Malwa schools of painting: A new trend in manuscript illustration was set by a manuscript of
Nimatnama painted at Mandu, during the reign of Nasir Shah. This represent a synthesis of the indigenous
and the Persian style of painting.

Mughal painting: Mughal paintings were a unique blend of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles. Akbar’s
reign ushered a new era in Indian miniature painting. During his reign more than a hundred painters were
employed, most of whom were Hindus who gave birth to a new school of painting, popularly known as
the Mughal School of miniature paintings. One of the first productions of that school of miniature painting
was the Hamzanama series. They are in the Persian safavi style. After him, Jahangir was a good painter
himself. He encouraged artists to paint portraits and durbar scenes. His most talented portrait painters
were Ustad Mansur, Abdul Hasan and Bishandas. During the reign of Shahjahan this trend continued
though he was more interested in artitecture.

Rajput painting: Rajput painting, a style of Indian painting evolved and flourished, during the 18th
century, in the royal courts of Rajputana, India. Each Rajput kingdom evolved a distinct styly, but with
certain common features. Rajput paintings depict a number of themes,events of epics like the Ramayana
and the Mahabharata, Krishna’s life, beautiful landscapes, and humans. Miniatures were thepreferred
medium of Rajput painting.

Tanjore painting: Tanjore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting native to the
town of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. These paintings are known for their elegance, rich colours and attention to
details. The themes for most of these paintings are Hindu Gods and Goddesses and scenes from Hindu
mythology.

Bengal school: The Bengal School of Art was an influential style of art that flourished in India during the
British Raj in the early 20th century. It was associated with Indian nationalism, but was also promoted
and supported by many British arts asministrators. The first artist of this school was Abanindranath
Tagore, a nephew of the poet Rabindranath Tagore. He painted a number of works influenced by Mughal
art. Tagore’s best-known painting Bharat Mata, depicted a young woman, portrayed with four arms in the
manner of Hindu deities, holding objects symbolic of India’s national aspirations. The Bengal school’s
influence in India declined with the spread of modernist ideas in the 1920s.
 249

Modern Indian painting: During the colonial era, western influences started to make an impact on
Indian art. Some artists developed a style that used Western ideas of composition, perspective and
realism to illustrate Indian themes. Others, like Jamini Roy, consciously drew inspiration from folk art. The
Progressive Artist’s Group, established shortly after India became independent in 1947, was intended to
establish new ways of expressing India in the post-colonial era. The founders were six eminent artists- K
H Ara, S K Bakre, H A Gade, M F Hussain, S H Raza and F N Souza. This group was dissolved in 1956, it
was profoundly influential in changing the idiom of Indian art. Almost all of India’s major artists in the
1950s were associated with the group. Some of those who are well-known today are Bal Chabda, V S
Gaitonde, Krishen Khanna, Ram Kumar, Tyeb Mehta and Akbar Padamsee. Other famous painters are
Jahar Dasgupta, Prodash Karmakar and Bijon Choudhure enriched the art and culture of India. They have
become the icon of modern Indian art. From 1990 to till 2009 the Indian art is growing with powerful
expression.
One of them is Raj Mehta.

5. Languages of India: The languages of India primarily belong to two major linguistic families, Indo-
European (whose branch Indo-Aryan is spoken by about 74% of the population) and Dravidian (spoken by
about 24%). Other languages spoken in India come from the Austro- Asiatic and Tibeto-Burmese linguistic
families.

ID State Name State Capital Official Language District

1 Andhra Pradesh Amravati (planned) Telugu 13
2 Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar English 16
3 Assam Dispur Assamese 27
4 Bihar Patna Hindi 37
5 Chhatisgarh Raipur Hindi 16
6 Goa Panaji Konkani 2
7 Gujarat Gandhi Nangar Gujarati 26
8 Haryana Chandigarh Hindi 20
9 Himachal Pradesh Shimla Hindi 12
10 Jammu and Kashmir Srinagar(Summer), Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri 22
Jammu(Winter )
11 Jharkhand Ranchi Hindi 22
12 Karnataka Bengaluru Kannada 27
13 Kerala Thiruvananthapuram Malayalam 14
14 Madhya Pradesh Bhopal Hindi 50
15 Maharashtra Mumbai Marathi 35
16 Manipur Imphal Manipuri 9
17 Meghalaya Shillong English 7
18 Mizoram Aizawl English 8
19 Nagaland Kohima English 8

20 Odisha Bhubaneshwar Oriya 30

21 Punjab Chandigarh Punjabi 22
22 Rajasthan Jaipur Hindi 33
23 Sikkim Gangtok Nepali 4
 250

24 Tamil Nadu Chennai Tamil 31

25 Telangana Hyderabad Telugu 10
26 Tripura Agartala Bengali 4
27 Uttarakhand Dehradun Hindi 13
28 Uttar Pradesh Lucknow Hindi 71
29 West Bengal Kolkata Bengali 19

ID Union Teritory State Capital Official Language District

1 Andaman and Nicobar Port Blair Hindi, Nicobarese, Bengali, Tamil, 4
Islands Malayalam, Telugu
2 Chandigarh Chandigarh Hindi, Punjabi, English 1
3 Daman and Diu Daman Gujarati 2
4 Dadra and Nagar Silvassa Gujarati, Hindi 1
Haveli
5 Lakshadweep Kavaratti Jeseri (Dweep Bhasha) and Mahal 1
6 Puducherry Puducherry Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English 4
and French
7 NCT of Delhi Delhi Hindi,Punjabi 9

6. Religion; Place of Worship; Religious Book

Hinduism: Temple; Vedas; The Bhagwad Gita; Ramayana; Mahabharata.
Islam: Mosque; Koran.
Judaism : Synagogue; Torah.
Sikhism: Gurudwara; Guru Granth Sahib.
Christianity: Church; Bible. Zoroastrianism (Parsi religion): Fire Temple; ZendAvesta.
Buddhism : Temple; Pitakas;
Jainism: Temple; Angas

IV. Famous Sites in India:

Adina Mosque: Pandua (West Bengal)
Ajanta Caves: Aurangabad (Maharashtra)
Akbar’s Tomb: Sikandra, Agra
Aksherdham: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Amarnath Cave: Kashmir
Amber Palace: Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Anand Bhawan: Allahabad
Bibi Ka Maqbra: Aurangabad
Birla Planetarium: Kolkata
Black Pagoda: Konarak (Orissa)
Bodhistava: Ajanta Caves
Brihadeeswara: Tanjore Temple
Brindaban Gardens: Mysore
Buland Darwaza: Fatehpur Sikri
Char Minar: Hyderabad
Cheena Kesava Temple: Bellur
 251

Chilka Lake: East Coast of India near Bhubaneswar

Dal Lake: Srinagar
Dilwara Temples: Mt Abu
Elephanta Caves: Mumbai
Ellora Caves: Aurangabad
Gateway of India: Mumbai
Golden Temple: Amritsar
Gol Gumbaz: Bijapur
Hanging Gardens: Mumbai
Hawa Mahal: Jaipur
Howrah Bridge: Kolkata
Island Palace: Udaipur
Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb: Agra
Jagannath Temple: Puri
Jahaz Mahal: Mandu
Jai Stambha (Tower of Victory): Chittorgarh
Jama Masjid: Delhi
Jantar Mantar: New Delhi
Jog (Gersoppa) Falls: Mysore
Kailasa Temple: Ellora
Kalan Masjid: Delhi
Kanyakumari Temple: Cape Comorin (Tamil Nadu)
Khajuraho: Bhopal
Konarak: Puri
Lakshmi Vilas Palace: Baroda
Lal Bagh Garden: Bengaluru
Lalgarh Palace: Bikaner
Lingaraj Temple: Bhubaneswar
Mahakaleshwar Temple: Ujjain
Maheshmurti (Trimurti): Elephanta Caves
Mahmud Gawan’s Mosque: Bidar
Malabar Hill: Mumbai
Marble Rocks: Jabalpur
Marina: Chennai
Minakshi Temple: Madurai
Mt Girnar (Jain Temples): Junagadh
Nagin Lake: Srinagar
Nataraja: Chennai
Nishat Bagh: Srinagar
Padmanabha Temple: Thiruvanthapuram
Palitana: Junagadh
Panch Mahal: Fatehpur Sikri
Pichola Lake: Udaipur
Qutab Minar: Delhi
Raj Ghat: Delhi
Rashtrapati Bhawan: Delhi
 252

Red Fort: Delhi

Sanchi Tope (The Great Stupa): Sanchi, Bhopal
Santa Cruz: Mumbai
Shakti Sthal: Delhi
Shalimar Bagh: Srinagar
Shahi Chashma: Srinagar
Shanti Van: Delhi
Shore Temple: Mahabalipuram
Sidi Sayyid Mosque: Ahmedabad
Somnathpur Temple: Mysore
Statue of Gomateswara: Mysore
Statue of Ugra: Hampi
Sunderbans: West Bengal
Sun Temple: Konarak
Taj Mahal: Agra
Tehzeeb Mahal: Srinagar
Tirupati Temple: Andhra Pradesh
Tower of Silence: Mumbai (of the Parsis)
Victoria Memorial: Kolkata
Victoria Garden: Mumbai
Vijay Ghat: Delhi

V. Firsts in India:

1. Following is the list of First In India (Male Personalities):

S. No Role Name

1 The First President Of Indian Republic Dr. Rajendra Prasad

2 The First Prime Minister Of Free India Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru

3 The First Indian To Win Nobel Price Rabindranath Tagore

4 The First President Of Indian National Congress W. C. Banerjee

5 The First Muslim President Of Indian National Congress Badruddin Tayyabji

6 The First Muslim President Of India Dr. Zakir Hussain

7 The First British Governer General Of India Lord William Bentinck

8 The First British Viceroy Of India Lord Canning

9 The First Governor General Of Free India Lord Mountbatten

10 The First And The Last Indian To Be Governor General Of Free India C. Rajagopalachari

11 The First Man Who Introduced Printing Press In Free India James Hicky

12 The First Indian To Join I.C.S. Satyengra Nath Tagore

13 India's First Man In Space Rakesh Sharma

14 The First Prime Minister In India Who Resigned Without Completing Morarji Desai
 253

The Full Term

15 The First Indian Commander-in-Chief Of India General Cariappa

16 The First Chief Of The Army Staff Gen. Maharaj Rajendra

Singh Ji

17 The First Indian Member Of The Viceroy's Executive Council S. P. Sinha

18 The First President Of India Who Died While In Office Dr. Zakir Hussain

19 The First Prime Minister Of India Who Did Not Face The Parliament Charan Singh

20 The First Field Marshal Of India S. H. F. Manekshaw

21 The First Indian To Get Nobel Price In Physics C. V. Raman

22 The First Indian To Recieve Bharat Ratna Award Dr. Radhakrishnan

23 The First Indian To Cross English Channel Mihir Sen

24 The First Indian To Receive Jnanpith Award Sri Shankar Kurup

25 The First Speaker Of The Lok Sabha Ganesh Vasudeva

Mavalankar

2. Following is the list of First in India (Female Personalities):

S. No. Role Female Personalities

1 The First lady to become Miss World Reita Faria
2 First Woman Judge in Supreme Court Mrs Meera Sahib Fatima Bibi
3 The First Woman Ambassador Ms C B Muthamma
4 The First Woman Governor Of a State In free India Mrs Sarojini Naidu
5 The First Woman Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi
6 The First Woman to climb Mt. Everest Bachhendri Pal
7 The First Woman to climb Mt. Everest Twice Santosh Yadav
8 The First Woman President of the Indian National Mrs Annie Besant
Congress
9 The First Woman Chief Justice of a High Court Mrs Leela Seth
10 The First Woman Pilot in Indian Air Force Harita Kaur Dayal
11 The First Woman president of the United Nations General Mrs Vijaya Laxmi Pandit
Assembly
12 The First Woman Chief Minister of an Indian state Mrs. Sucheta Kriplani
13 The First Woman Chairman of union Public service Roze Millian Bethew
commission
14 The First Woman Director General of Police (D.G.P.) Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya
15 The First Lieutnant General Puneeta Arora
16 First Woman Air Vice Marshal P Bandhopadhyaya
17 First Woman Chairperson of Indian Airlines Sushma Chawla
18 First Woman I.P.S. Officer Mrs Kiran Bedi
19 The First & last Muslim ruler of Delhi Razia Sultan
20 The First Woman to Recieve Ashoka Chakra Neerja Bhanot
 254

21 The First Woman to cross English Channel Aarti Saha

22 The First Woman to Recieve Nobel Prize Mother Teresa
23 The First Woman to Recieve Bharat Ratna Mrs. Indira Gandhi
24 The First Woman to Recieve Jnanpith Award Asha Purna Devi
25 The First Woman President of India Pratibha Patil

3. Important Industries:

1. Cotton Textile Industry - Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, U.P., Delhi, Kerala and

Karnataka.

2. Steel Industry- Rourkela(Orissa), Bhilai (M.P.), Durgapur (W.Bengal), Jamshedpur(Bihar), Burnpur

(W. Bengal), Bhadrawati (Karnataka).

3- Paper Industry- Calcutta (W. Bengal), Lucknow (U.P.), Bombay (Maharashtra), Saharanpur(U.P.),

Poona (Maharashtra), Thapar Mill, Jagadahri (Haryana), Ballarpur (Maharashtra).

4. Jute Industry-Calcutta (W. Bengal).

5. Sugar- U.P., Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Haryana.

6. Leather- Kanpur (U.P.), Calcutta (W. Bengal), Agra (U.P.), Madras (Tamil Nadu).

7. Silk - Mysore (Karnataka), Murshidabad (W. Bengal), Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), and Bhagalpur

(Bihar).

8. Woolen - Kanpur (U.P.), Dhariwal, Ludhiana and Amritsar (Punjab), Bombay (Maharashtra).

9. Aluminium Industry - Alwaye (Kerala), Asansol (W. Bengal), Katni (M.P.), Renukot (U.P.)

10. Antibiotic Factories- Bangalore (Karnataka), Kanpur (U.P.), Rishikesh (U.P), Delhi.

11. Aircraft Factories - Bangalore (Karnataka), Kanpur (U.P).

12. Cement Industry -Porbander (Gujarat), Katni (M.P.). Dalmianager (Bihar), Churk(U.P.), Surajpur

(Haryana), Sindri (Bihar), Lakheri (Rajasthan), Guntur (M.P.)

13. Newsprint – Nepanagar (M.P)

14. Oil Refineries - Noonmati (Assam), Barauni (Bihar), Koyali (Gujarat), Mathura (U.P), Haldia (West

Bengal), Madras (Tamil Nadu), and Cochin (Kerala) in public sector, Trombay (Maharashtra),

Visakhapatnam (A.P.), Digboi (Assam) in private sector.

15. Locomotive Industry - Chittraanjan (W. Bengal), Varanasi (U.P), Jamshedpur (Bihar).

16. Fertilizers - Sindri (Bihar),Naya Nangal and Bathinda (Punjab), Panipat (Haryana), Neyevli (Tamil

Nadu), Trombay (Maharashtra), Gorakhpur (U.P.), Visakhapatnam (A.P.) Noonmati (Assam), Alwaye

(Kerala), Kota (Rajasthan), Rourkela (Orissa), Baroda (Gujarat), Durgapur (W. Bengal), Korba (M.P),

Panki near Kanpur (U.P), Cochin (Kerala), Kandla (Gujarat), Guna (Vijaypur, M.P.)

17. Ship Building - Mazagon Dock (Bombay), Visakhapatnam (A.P.), Cochin (Kerala)

18. Coach Factories - Perambur (Tamil Nadu), Kapurthala (Punjab).

19. Heavy Electricals - Bhopal (M.P), Hardwar (U.P).

 255

4. Major Ports of India: Kandla (Gujarat), Mumbai and Jawaharlal port (Maharashtra), Marmugao
(Goa), Mangalore (Karnataka), Cochin (Kerala). Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu), Chennai (Tamil Nadu),
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). Paradeep (Orissa) and Calcutta (West Bengal) are termed as the major
ports of India. A new major port at Nhava Sheva called Jawaharlal constructed off Mumbai coast, cost Rs.
506 the main item of export from Vizag, Marmugao and Mangalore.

5. Important Hill Stations in India:

Station State
Almora U.P.

Cheerapunji Meghalaya

Coonoor Tamil Nadu

Dalhousie Himachal Pradesh

Darjeeling West Bengal

Gulmarg Kashmir

Kasauli H.P.

Mahabaleshwar Maharashtra

Mount Abu Rajasthan

Mussoorie U.P.

Nainital U.P.

Panchamari M.P.

Ranikhet U.P.

Shillong Mehgalaya

6. Important Towns on RIVER banks:

Agra U. P. Yamuna

Ahmedabad Gujarat Sabarmati

Allahabad U. P. Confluence of Ganga & Yamuna

Alwaye Kerala Periyar

Ayodhya U. P. Surya

Bhagalpur Bihar Ganga

Badrinath U. P. Gangotri

Buxar Bihar Ganga

Calcutta West Bengal Hoogly

Cuttack Orissa Mahanadi

Delhi Delhi Yamuna

Dilbbrugarh Assam Brahamputra

 256

Ferozepore Punjab Sutlej

Gauhati Assam Brahamputra

Hardwar U. P. Ganga

Howrah West Bengal Hoogly

Jammu Jammu & Kashmir Tawi

Kanpur U. P. Ganga

Kota Rajasthan Chambal

Lucknow U. P. Gomti

Mathura U. P. Yamuna

Moradabad U. P. Ramganga

Monghyr Bihar Ganga

Nangal Punjab Sutlej

Nasik Maharashtra Godavari

Patna Bihar Ganga

Ropar Punjab Sutlej

Srinagar Kashmir Jhelum

Surat Gujarat Tapti

Ticchirapalli Tamil Nadu Cavery

Vijyawada Andhra Pradesh Krishna

varanasi U.P. Ganga

Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh Narmada

Jameshedpur Bihar Subarnalekha

Jammu J&K Ravi

Leh Jammu & Kashmir Indus

Ludhiana Punjab Sutlej

Yamuna Nagar Haryana Yamuna

 GK Indian History Test 01

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Who is known as the "Prophet of New India"?

A) Dayanand Saraswati B) Sri Ramakrishna C) Raja Ram Mohan Roy D) Swami Vivekananda E) Mahatma Gandhi

Question No. : 2

Who among the following was the first woman to preside over the Indian National Congress?

A) Mrs. Indira Gandhi B) Mrs. Annie Bessant C) Mrs. Sucheta Kriplani D) Sarojini Nadu

Question No. : 3

The Gayatri Mantra is contained in the

A) Rigveda  B) Mundak Upanishad C) Dharmashastras D) Puranas

 

Question No. : 4

Mahatma Gandhi’s first experiment with “Satyagraha” took place in

A) Champaran      B) South Africa C) Ahmedabad D) Kheda

Question No. : 5

Who was the first to address M.K Gandhi as the “Father of the Nation”?
 

A) J.L. Nehru B) V.B. Patel C) Subhas Bose D) C.R. Dass

Question No. : 6

“Long, long ago, we had a tryst with destiny. And today we are going to renew that pledge, not partly or fully, but very
substantially. Today, when the whole world sleeps, India shall wake to freedom at the strike of the midnight four ______”. These
famous poetic lines were uttered by

A) Mahatma Gandhi B) J.L. Nehru C) Sardar Patel D) B.R. Ambedkar

Question No. : 7

Which freedom fighter died after 64 days of fasting in jail?

A) SN Sanyal B) BC Vohra C) Ras Behari Bose D) Jatin Dass

Question No. : 8

The Cheras used to rule in today's

A) Tamil Nadu B) Gujarat C) Kerala D) Assam

Question No. : 9

Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, was deported by the British to

A) Malaya B) Rangoon C) Singapore D)  The Andamans

Question No. : 10

The basic idea of the Bhakti Movement was the

A) Denial of privileges to Brahmins B) Renunciation of worldly pleasures C) The devotion and love of devotee for his God
D) Attack on existing social systems

Question No. : 11

The remains of the Vijayanagar Empire can be found in

A) Golconda B) Bijapur C) Thanjavur D) Hampi

Question No. : 12

The Apbhramshas are

A) Jain books B) Buddhist books C) Corrupt languages D) Sanskrit books.

Question No. : 13

The Third Battle of Panipat was fought between the _____ and _____.

A) Afghans and Marathas B) Afghans and Sikhs C) Marathas and Turkish D) Marathas and Mughals

Question No. : 14

Delhi Chalo – This slogan was a part of the

A) INA Movement B) Limited Satyagraha Movement C) Quit India Movement D) Rowaltt Satygraha

Question No. : 15

The language used in all of Ashoka’s edicts is

A) Brahmi B) Pali C) Prakrit D) Sanskrit

Question No. : 16

“I am the scourge of God“. Which medieval invader in India uttered this line?

A) Changez Khan B) Mahmud of Ghazni C) Mohammed Ghauri D) Halaku

Question No. : 17

Arrange the following in the correct chronological order.

 
A. First Round Table Conference                    B. Non-Cooperation Movement
 
C. Rowlatt Act                                               D. Dandi March
 

A) C- B- D- A B) C- B- A- D C) C- D- A- B D) B- C- D- A

Question No. : 18

The first woman to sit on the throne of Delhi was

A) Gulbadan Beghum B) Chand Bibi C) Ahilya Devi D) Razia Sultan

Question No. : 19

The revenue minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was

A) Faqir Azizuddin B) Deewan Deena Nath C) Sher Bahadur D) Hari Singh Nalwa
Question No. : 20

The Simon Commission came to India in

A) 1928 B) 1927    C) 1929    D) 1930

Question No. : 21

The Bardoli Satyagraha took place in

A) 1922    B) 1927    C) 1928 D) 1929

Question No. : 22

The Indian leader credited with the integration of princely States into India after independence was

A) J.L. Nehru B) V.B. Patel C) M.K Gandhi     D) C.R. Dass

Question No. : 23

Who led the Bardoli Satyagraha against the resettlement enhancements proposed by the Government?

A) Babu Rajendra Prasad B) Manik Lal Verma C) Vallabhbhai Patel D) Mahatma Gandhi

Question No. : 24

Which important political party was formed in 1906?

A) Indian Swaraj Party B) Indian National Congress C) Muslim League D) Indian Independence League

Question No. : 25

Which period is referred to as the period of Hindu revival or renaissance?

A) Mauryan period B) Period of Harsha C) Gupta period D) Kushan period

Question No. : 26

The capital of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was at

A) Amritsar B) Lahore C) Patiala D) Chandimandir

Question No. : 27

Who emphasized democratization of local administration of India?

A) Charles Metcalf B) Lord Mayo C) Lord Ripon D) Lord Dufferin

Question No. : 28

Who among the following was a remarkably modern and scientific man / woman and took the French officers’ help to train his /
her army?

A) Maharaja Ranjit Singh B) Tipu Sultan C) Rani Lakshmi Bai D) Swai Jai Singh

Question No. : 29

Who said “Go back to Vedas”?

A) Dayanand Saraswati B) Ram Mohan Roy C) R.K. Purandaradasa D) Pandit Vidyasagar

Question No. : 30

When was the ‘Vikrami Era’ started?

A) 58 B.C. B) 78 A.D. C) 319 AD D) 58 A.D.

A) 58 B.C. B) 78 A.D. C) 319 AD D) 58 A.D.

Question No. : 31

The custom of sati was banned by the British in

A) 1829    B) 1830 C) 1885 D) 1831

Question No. : 32

The first English newspaper in India was

A) The Bengal Gazette B) The Calcutta Gazette C) The Bengal Journal D) The Bengal Herald

Question No. : 33

The oldest book in vedic literature is

 

A) Sama Veda B) Rig Veda C) Yajur Veda D) Atharva Veda

Question No. : 34

The lion capital on currency notes was taken from

 

A) Bharut B) Sanchi C) Bodh Gaya D) Sarnath 

Question No. : 35

Which Indian ruler was made a prisoner during the Revolt of 1857?
 

A) Rani of Jhansi-Lakshmi Bai B) Nana Saheb C) Bahadur Shah Zafar D) None of the above 

Question No. : 36

During whose reign did the East India Company establish its first factory in India?

A) Jahangir B) Shahjahan C) Aurangzeb D) Bahadur Shah-I 

Question No. : 37

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place in

A) 1914    B) 1916    C) 1919 D) 1929

Question No. : 38

Gautama Buddha attained Mahapariniban in

 

A) Anga    B) Magadha C) Malla D) Vatsa 

Question No. : 39

Who among the following was the founder of Agra?

A) Balban B) Bahlol Lodhi C) Sikandar Lodhi D) Firoz Tughlaq 

Question No. : 40

Who among the following led the agitation against the Partition of Bengal (1905)?

A) Surendranath Banerjee B) C.R.Das C) Ashutosh Mukherjee D) Rabindra Nath Tagore

 GK Indian History Test 02

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Vasco de Gama arrived at Calicut in

A) 1492 B) 1510 C) 1491 D) 1498

Question No. : 2

The founder of the Yoga school of philosophy was

A) Adiguru Shankracharya B) Gemini C) Charvaka D) Patanjli

Question No. : 3

Gautam Buddha belonged to a

A) Kshatriya clan B) Shudra clan C) Brahmana clan D) Vaishya clan

Question No. : 4

Who was the Prime Minister of England at the time of India’s Independence?

A) Winston Churchill B) Lord Mountbatten C) Alfred Powell D) Clement Atlee

Question No. : 5

The man who did the most for widow remarriges in India during British era was

A) Ram Mohan Roy  B) Ishwar Chander Vidyasagar C) Jyotiba Phule   D) Swami Vivekanand
 

Question No. : 6

The Dilwara Temples are situated in

A) Jaipur B) Mt. Abu C) Alwar D) Udaipur

Question No. : 7

Who is called the “wisest fool” in Indian history?

A) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq B) Mohammed Tughlaq C) Feroz Tughlaq D) Aurangzab

Question No. : 8

The Quit India resolution was passed at the Bombay session of the Indian National Congress in

A) 1940    B) 1941 C) 1942 D) 1945

Question No. : 9

Goswami Tulsidas was a contemporary of

A) Akbar B) Jahangir C) Shahjehan D) Aurangzeb

Question No. : 10
Which son of Shah Jehan was deeply religious and got the Vedas translated into Persian?

A) Shuja B) Murad C) Dara D) Aurangzeb

Question No. : 11

Which Mughal king died while coming down the stairs of his library?

A) Akbar B) Humayun C) Babar D) Jahangir

Question No. : 12

Most of the coins in Buddha’s times consist of

A) Silver  B) Gold      C) Iron D) Copper

Question No. : 13

Who among the following built the city of Jaipur?

A) Sawai Madho Singh B) Rattan Singh C) Sawai Jai Singh D) Jairattan Singh

Question No. : 14

The Shudras find mention first of all in the

A) Rigveda B) Samveda C) Yajurveda D) Atharvaveda

Question No. : 15

Hindi is written in the _____ script.

A) Persian B) Roman C) Devnagari D) Sanskriti

Question No. : 16

Vasco de Gama arrived at Calicut in

A) 1492 B) 1510    C) 1491 D) 1498

Question No. : 17

The Cabinet Mission came to India in

A) 1946 B) 1945    C) 1942 D) 1944

Question No. : 18

The All-India Muslim League was formed in

A) Lahore B) Karachi C) Dhaka D) Amritsar

Question No. : 19

The third battle of Panipat was fought in the year

A) 1761 B) 1865 C) 1757 D) 1526

Question No. : 20

Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon at

A) Bodh Gaya B) Varanasi C) Sarnath D) Lumbini

Question No. : 21
The Jantar Mantar was built by

A) Mann Singh B) Rattan Singh C) Sawai Jai Singh D) Ranbir Singh

Question No. : 22

The famous slogan “Do or Die” was given by

A) M.K. Gandhi B) Subhas Chandra Bose C) Bhagat Singh    D) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Question No. : 23

The Mughal architecture reveals a happy blending of

A) Turkish and Afghan styles B) Turkish and Persian styles C) Persian and Indian styles D) Timurid and Indian styles

Question No. : 24

The main occupation of the people in the Indus Valley civilization was

A) Agriculture B) Hunting C) Cattle rearing D) Trade

Question No. : 25

Albuquerque captured Goa from the ruler of

A) Bijapur B) Golkonda C) Ahmednagar    D) Vijayanagar

Question No. : 26

Who pioneered the movement leading to the Widow Remarriage Act?

A) Swami Vivekanand B) Raja Ram Mohun Roy C) Keshab Chandra Sen D) Ishwar C. Vidyasagar

Question No. : 27

Which one of the following is famous for its sun temple?

A) Khajuraho B) Konark C) Pattadakkal D) Thanjavur

Question No. : 28

The outstanding achievement of Todar Mal was in

A) Military conquests B) Revenue administration C) Religious reforms D) Art and architecture

Question No. : 29

The first European nation to establish its territorial rule in India was

A) Portugal B) England C) France D) Holland

Question No. : 30

Lala Har Dayal was well known as the leader of

A) Anushilan Party B) Ghadar Party    C) Swaraj Party D) Hindustan Republican Association

Question No. : 31

The Battle of Plassey was fought in

A) 1757        B) 1782 C) 1748 D) 1764

Question No. : 32

Who was the first Indian selected as a member of British Parliament?

A) J.L.Nehru B) Dada Bhai Naoroji C) M.K.Gandhi D) None of these

Question No. : 33

Who was called the ‘Iron Man’ ?

A) J.L.Nehru B) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel C) Mahatma Gandhi D) Subhas Chandra Bose

Question No. : 34

During the reign of which Sultan did Chinghiz Khan invade India?
 

A) Iltutmish B) Alauddin Khilji C) Ghiyasuddin Balban    D) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq

Question No. : 35

When did Royal Indian Navy Revolt in Bombay take place?

 

A) 1942    B) 1944    C) 1945    D) 1946 

Question No. : 36

“The Servants of India’ Society was founded by

 
 

A) M.N.Joshi B) H.N.Kunzru C) B.G.Tilak D) V.D.Savarkar

Question No. : 37

Buddha had delivered the maximum number of sermons at

 

A) Vaishali B) Sravasti C) Kaushambi D) Rajgriha 

Question No. : 38

Which one of the following rulers established embassies in foreign countries on modern lines?
 

A) Haider Ali B) Mir Qasim C) Shah Alam II D) Tipu Sultan

Question No. : 39

The only session of the Indian National Congress which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi was held at

A) Amravati B) Belgaum C) Karachi D) Nagpur

Question No. : 40

Which among the following leaders escaped from the prison and organized underground activities during the ‘Quit India
Movement’?

A) J.B.Kriplani B) Ram Manohar Lohia C) Achyut Patwardhan D) Jai Prakash Narayan

 GK World History Test 01

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the right option

Question No. : 1

Which of the following became the first European country to ban the burqa and niqab in public?

A) France B) Switzerland C) Denmark D) Belgium

Question No. : 2

 
Who amongst the following is the founder of the Grameen Bank, an organization in Bangladesh?

A) Taslima Nasreen B) Salman Rushdie C) Mujeebur Rehman D) Shaikh Haseena Wahid E) Mohammad Yunus

Question No. : 3

The American Declaration of Independence was signed by

A) Thomas Carlyle B) George Washington C) Thomas Jefferson D) Abraham Lincoln

Question No. : 4

The famous October revolution took place

A) In 1917 in Russia B) In 1920 in China C) In 1868 in Japan D) In 1949 in China

Question No. : 5

Borobudur is famous for

A) Ancient temples B) Its architecture C) Its merchant activities D) Its strategic location

Question No. : 6

The famous Borobudur temple is in

A) Indonesia B) Thailand C) Surinam D) Cambodia

Question No. : 7

The present Christian calendar is based on the system given by

A) St. Augustus B) Samudragupta C) Saka D) Pope Gregory

Question No. : 8

After being captured, Napoleon Bonaparte was kept in

A) St. Helena B) St. Kitts C) St. Carribea D) None of these

Question No. : 9

Liberty, Equality and Fraternity were the buzzwords of the

A) Russian Revolution B) French Revolution C) Japanese Revolution D) Chinese Revolution

Question No. : 10

“I may or may not agree with what you say you, but I shall defend till death your right to say it.”
 
This famous line belongs to a person who was approached by a revolutionary thinker who had been hounded out of his own
country due to his radical ideas. Can you identify the person who uttered this line?

A) Voltaire B) Rousseau C) Karl Marx D) Osho Rajneesh

Question No. : 11

Taoism was a well-known religious sect in ancient

A) Japan B) China C) Korea D) Indonesia

Question No. : 12

The only Hindu kingdom in the world is

A) Indonesia B) Mauritius C) Nepal D) Surinam

Question No. : 13

“Give me good mothers, I’ll give you a good nation”. Who said this?

A) Benito Mussolini B) Subhash Bose C) Napoleon Bonaparte D) Winston Churchill

Question No. : 14

The American Declaration of Independence was signed in

A) 1876    B) 1779 C) 1776 D) 1834

Question No. : 15

Who was responsible for killing millions of people in concentration camps?

A) Idi Amin B) Adolf Hitler C) Pol Pot D) None of these

Question No. : 16

“The Little Corporal” is a title given to

A) Lal Bahadur Shastri B) Napoleon C) Bismarck         D) Winston Churchill

Question No. : 17

“England expects every man to do his duty”. This famous quote is attributed to

A) Atlee    B) Winston Churchill C) Ramsay McDonald D) Lord Nelson

Question No. : 18

The Neolithic people had their settlements in:

A) Quartzite rocks B) Granite rocks C) Natural rocks D) Houses of mud bricks

Question No. : 19

‘Mein Kampf’ was written by

A) Adolf Hitler B) Mussolini C) General Franco D) Ottovon Bismarck

Question No. : 20

Who among the following Chinese travellers to India was the first to report that certain Buddhist monastic communities in India
were given to magical practices?

A) Wang Hiuen Tse B) Itsing C) Fa-hien D) Hiuen Tsang

Question No. : 21

Ancient Rome became a republic in

A) 6th century BC B) 3rd century BC C) 1st century AD D) 2nd century AD

Question No. : 22

The French Revolution gave its modern meaning to the term

A) Nation B) Sovereignty C) Republic D) Capitalism

Question No. : 23

Who said that, 'Man is a social animal'?

A) Socrates B) Aristotle C) Kahn D) Plato

Question No. : 24

Whose teaching inspired the French Revolution?

A) Rousseau B) Locke C) Hegel D) Wagner

Question No. : 25

Taiwan was earlier known as

A) Fuchow B) Marshall Island C) Formosa D) Macau

Question No. : 26

India became a member of UNO in

A) 1945 B) 1947 C) 1950 D) 1952

Question No. : 27

Who was the first ever woman appointed as the Prime Minister of a country?

A) Indira Gandhi B) Margret Thatcher C) Sirimavo Bandaranaike D) Golda Meir

Question No. : 28

Ms Angela Markel is the:

A) First woman Chancellor of Germany B) President of South Africa C) Prime Minister of Dominica
D) President of Denmark E) None of these

Question No. : 29

Which treaty led to the creation of the single European Currency '"Euro"?

A) Maastricht Treaty B) Vienna Monetary Treaty C) Plaza Accord D) Bretton Woods Agreement

Question No. : 30

The framework of European Union was set with the signing of

A) Treaty of Paris B) Maastricht Treaty C) Treaty of Lisbon D) Treaty of Rome

Question No. : 31

On which side did Japan fight in the First World War ?

A) against Russia on its own B) with United Kingdom against Germany C) none, it was neutral
A) against Russia on its own B) with United Kingdom against Germany C) none, it was neutral
D) with Germany against United Kingdom

Question No. : 32

Of the following, in which did Napoleonic France suffer final defeat?

A) Battle of Pyramids B) Battle of Austerlitz C) Battle of Waterloo  D) Battle of Wakram

Question No. : 33

The Japanese attack on which place brought the USA into the Second World War?

A) Seychelles B) Pearl Harbour C) Florida D) New York

Question No. : 34

When did the second world war end?

A) 1918 B) 1945 C) 1946 D) 1939

Question No. : 35

Industrial Revolution was started from which country

A) France B) Germany C) Italy D) England

Question No. : 36

Renaissance started first in

A) England B) Russia C) Italy D) Greece

Question No. : 37

The Fall of Bastille is associated with the

A) Russian Revolution B) French Revolution C) Greek War of Independence D) American War of Independence

Question No. : 38

Vasco-de-gama was a native of:

A) Britain B) Portugal C) Australia D) America

Question No. : 39

Who amongst the following was not associated with the Unification of Italy ?

A) Cavour B) Garibaldi C) Mussolini D) Mazzini

Question No. : 40

Which of the following was NOT an outcome of the French Revolution(1789-1799 A.D)?

A) Abolition of the French monarchy

B) Establishment of a secular and democratic republic that became increasingly authoritarian and militaristic
C) Fall of Napoleon Bonaparte D) Radical social change based on liberalism and other Enlightenment principles
 GK Business & Economy Test 01

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

What does S & P 500 relate to?

A) Supercomputer B) A new technique in bridge building C) A new technique in e-business
D) An index of stocks of large companies

Question No. : 2

Which of the following is not a Public Sector Unit/Undertaking/Agency?

A) ECGC B) SIDBI C) SEBI D) Axis Bank

Question No. : 3

Which of the following companies has announced its plan to roll out 4G wireless broadband services in West Bengal by March
2014 and to infuse Rs. 30, 000 crores into the state?

A) Tata Docomo B) Reliance Jio Infocom C) Reliance Communications D) Bharti Airtel

Question No. : 4

 
Which of the following reports is/are the major source of knowing about various aspects of “global well being and deprivation”?

A) Human Development Report of the UNO B) Annual Reports of the World Bank
C) Approach Paper prepared by the Planning Commission of India every year D) Inflation in major countries of the world
E) All of these

Question No. : 5

 
The most important small scale industry in India is the

A) Handloom industry B) Textile industry C) Jute industry D) Paper industry E) None of these

Question No. : 6

Which company markets the cult brand "Amul" in India?

A) Dabur B) NDDB C) Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) D) Pepsi Co E) None of these

Question No. : 7

 
The world economic crisis of which period is termed as the Great Depression?

A) 1929-33 B) 1930-40 C) 1935-45 D) 1950-60

Question No. : 8

Match the women CEOs with the company.

CEO                                                  Company
a. Ms Shikha Sharma                          i. HSBC
b. Ms Naina Lal Kidwai                     ii. Axis bank
c. Ms Indra Nooyi                             iii. Biocon India
d. Ms Kiran Majumdar Shaw             iv. Pepsico
 
A) a-iii, b-i, c-ii, d-iv B) a-i, b-ii, c-iv, d-iii C) a-ii, b-i, c-iv, d-iii D) a-i, b-iii, c-iv, d-ii

Question No. : 9

Which of the two partnered the formation of Apple Inc.?

A) Steve Jobs & Steve Ballmer B) Steve Winwood & Steve Jobs C) Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak D) Steve Wood & Steve Jobs

Question No. : 10

The central co-operative banks are in direct touch with?

A) Farmers B) State Co-Operative Banks C) Land Development Banks D) Central Government

Question No. : 11

‘Globalisation of Indian Economy’ means -

A) giving up programmes of import substitution

B) having minimum possible restrictions on economic relation with other countries C) stepping up external borrowings
D) establishing Indian Business units abroad

Question No. : 12

Indian government is planning to introduce GAAR. What is the purpose of GAAR?

A) Increase rural income B) Regulatory authority for managing agriculture resources

C) Regulate foreign investment in agriculture D) Curtail tax avoidance

Question No. : 13

If you were wearing something genuine since 1937, what would you be wearing?

A) Ray Ban B) Picasso Paloma C) Mont Blanc D) Sheffers

Question No. : 14

Dr V Kurien was associated with:

A) Operation Flood B) Operation Milk C) Operation Blue Star D) Operation X

Question No. : 15

Hero group and Honda terminated their 26-year-old joint venture known as Hero Honda. MoU allows the Hero Honda group to
use Honda brand name on new models until

A) 2012 B) 2013 C) 2014 D) 2015

Question No. : 16

Iron and steel industry is

A) auxiliary industry B) basic industry C) light industry D) None of these

Question No. : 17

The famous International Company ‘De Beers' is engaged in the business of

A) Lager Beer B) Animal skins C) Shares and stocks D) Diamonds

Question No. : 18

“Standard and Poor’s” is a/an

A) Credit Rating Agency B) Investment consultancy C) Merchant Banking Co. D) Development Bank
Question No. : 19

Nikkei is the sensitive index of which stock exchange?

A) Tokyo B) Singapore C) New York D) Frankfurt

Question No. : 20

The maximum share of the Gross Domestic Product now comes from

A) Agriculture B) Manufacturing C) Services D) Livestock

Question No. : 21

The Videocon Industries is owned by the

A) Hindujas B) Wadias C) Ambanis D) Dhoots

Question No. : 22

Omega is a well-known brand of

A) Watches B) Tyres C) Automobiles D) Safety razors

Question No. : 23

The highest milk producing state in India is

A) Gujarat B) Punjab C) Uttar Pradesh D) Tamil Nadu

Question No. : 24

Which one of the following is an example of consumer goods?

A) Cloth B) Machines C) Equipment D) Tools

Question No. : 25

Amartya Sen, the NRI Nobel laureate got the honour for his work on

A) Game theory B) Securities analysis C) Poverty and famines D) Industrialization

Question No. : 26

“Bank Rate” is the

A) rate of interest charged by banks on loans B) interest rate given by banks on FDs
C) rate at which the bills of exchnage are rediscounted by the RBI D) None of the above

Question No. : 27

The World Bank is really known as

A) International Development Bank B) International Bank For Reconstruction and Development

C) International Monetary Fund D) None of these

Question No. : 28

‘Yen’ is the currency of:

A) Bulgaria B) Brazil C) Chile D) Japan

Question No. : 29

Dirham is the currency of

 

A) Japan B) Russia C) Kuwait D) UAE

Question No. : 30

Which of the following authority sanctions foreign exchange for the import of goods?

A) Any Nationalised Bank B) Exchange Bank C) Reserve Bank of India D) Ministry of Finance

Question No. : 31

Which of the following is not true in respect of globalization impact on Indian agriculture?

A) Climate change B) Emphasis on cash crops C) Growth of income inequality D) Reduction of subsidies

Question No. : 32

The Indian economy can be described as__

A) A backward and stagnant economy B) A developing economy C) An underdeveloped economy
D) A developed economy

Question No. : 33

On the lines of Amul in Gujarat, which one of the following states has come forward to bring a ‘White Revolution’ in the state?

A) Himachal Pradesh B) Punjab C) Uttarakhand D) Uttar Pradesh

Question No. : 34

The banks are required to maintain a certain ratio of their cash in hand to total assets. This is called.

A) Statutory Bank Ratio (SBR) B) Statutory Liquid Ratio (SLR) C) Central Liquid Reserve(CLR)
D) Liquidity Adequacy Ratio (LAR)

Question No. : 35

What do you mean by home banking?

A) Home banking is an extended version of tele-banking

B) The customer can access his bank account from his home for availing of a variety of services made available
C) Home banking is availed through the customer’s personal computer attached to a telephone line and modem
D) All the above

Question No. : 36

The purchase of shares and bonds of Indian companies by Foreign Institutional Investors is called

A) Foreign Direct Investment B) Portfolio Investment C) NRI Investment D) Foreign Indirect Investment

Question No. : 37

Which of the following is a Credit Card Association?

A) India Card B) Master Card C) SBI Card D) Citi Bank Cards

Question No. : 38

The rate at which the domestic currency can be converted into foreign currency and vice versa is known as

A) Exchange rate B) MIBOR C) Inter-bank call money rate D) Base rate

Question No. : 39
Which of the following is considered Non Tax Revenue of the Government of India as projected in the Union Budget?

A) Income Tax B) Custom Duty C) Service Tax D) Dividends and Profits

Question No. : 40

The rates charged by the banks on loans given to customers are

A) Fixed by the Indian Banks Association B) Set by the banks themselves

C) Set by the R.B.I. as directed by the Union Ministry of Finance D) Set by R.B.I. as advised by the Indian Banks Association
 GK Business & Economy Test 02

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Which of the following names is not a Public Sector Unit/Undertaking/Agency?

A) NABARD B) GIC C) LIC D) GE Money

Question No. : 2

The Brand Ambassador for BSNL is

A) Sachin Tendulkar B) Preeti Zinta C) Deepika Padukone D) Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Question No. : 3

The Ad line ‘Life’s Good’ is associated with which company?

A) Samsung B) Phillips C) LG D) Godrej

Question No. : 4

 
Which of the following is considered the main and primary asset in rural areas in India?
 
(A) Manpower             (B) Land          (C) Cattle

A) Only (A) B) Only (B) C) Only (C) D) All (A), (B) & (C) E) None of these

Question No. : 5

At the time of Independence in 1947, India had less than 300 dams whereas by the year 2000 the
number had gone upto over 4000. Why has India made a huge investment in dams despite a severe criticism from
many sectors, which was also epitomized by the Sardar Sarovar project?
 
(A) Dams were built primarily for flood control, water supply and power generation.
(B) Dams were built to provide irrigation facilities to dry areas.
(C) Dams were built to displace certain old fashioned tribal villages so that the residents of those places can
be inducted in the main stream

A) Only (A) B) Only (B) C) Only (C) D) Both (A) & (B) E) All (A), (B) & (C)

Question No. : 6

 
The Centre distributes subsidized grain to BPL families. They are eligible for __________ kg of grain a month

A) 15 B) 25 C) 35 D) 45 E) 50

Question No. : 7

“Operation Flood” involves milk. “Operation Golden Flow” involves

A) Petroleum B) Edible oil C) Fruit-based drinks D) Mining of gold

Question No. : 8

McCann Ericsson is the name of

A) an advertising agency B) a firm manufacturing cell phones C) a Swedish optical instruments company
D) a financial consultancy firm
Question No. : 9

State Bank of India, the first Indian bank in China, opened its branch in

A) Nanjing B) Shanghai C) Hongkong D) None of the above

Question No. : 10

3G refers to the world of

A) Computers B) Retail C) Telecom D) Demograhics

Question No. : 11

CPI and WPI as acronyms, refer to:

A) Political Parties B) Purchasing capacity indices C) Price Indices D) Poverty Indices

Question No. : 12

A few combinations of names of companies and their products are given below. Choose the right option:

A) Amazon - Kindle; Roxio - Angry Birds; Google - Ad Sense; Zynga - Nook

B) Amazon - Kindle; Nintendo - Wii; Rovio - Angry Birds; Zynga - CastleVille
C) Zynga - Angry Birds; Nintendo - Wii; Google - Ad Sense; Rovio - CastleVille
D) Amazon - Nook; Sony - Wii; Zynga - Castle Ville; Google - Ad Sense

Question No. : 13

Debenture holders of a company are its

A) debtors B) shareholders C) creditors D) workers

Question No. : 14

The largest employer in the world is

A) Indian Railways B) Reliance Industries C) General Motors D) State Bank of India

Question No. : 15

National Income of India is compiled by

A) Finance Commission B) Indian Statistical Institute C) National Development Council D) Central Statistical Organisation

Question No. : 16

Which of the following is an organization of Software and Service Companies?

A) NASDAQ B) NCSA C) NASSCOM D) NCAER

Question No. : 17

India signed an agreement for loan of 255 million US dollars with World Bank for the National AIDS Control Project (NACP-IV) in
New Delhi. The objective of the project is to increase safe behaviors among high risk groups in order to contribute to India’s
national goal of reversal of the HIV epidemic by

A) 2014 B) 2017 C) 2020 D) 2024

Question No. : 18

The fiscal policy is concerned with

A) Imports and exports B) Debt and public finance C) Credit creation D) Issuance of currency
Question No. : 19

The largest industry in terms of employment potential in India is

A) The mining sector B) The Railways C) The textiles sector D) Small-scale and cottage industries

Question No. : 20

A rise in inflation generally favours the

A) Debtors B) Creditors C) Banks D) Stock brokers

Question No. : 21

Which among the following is a direct tax?

A) Excise Duty B) Sales Tax C) Income Tax D) Customs Duty

Question No. : 22

A rolling plan means a

A) Five-year plan B) Year-to-year plan C) Long-term plan D) No definite plan

Question No. : 23

The 12th Finance Commission was chaired by

A) K.C. Pant B) Raja Chelliah C) Manmohan Singh D) Dr. C. Rangrajan

Question No. : 24

‘White Paper’ is a

A) paper of good quality B) paper having white colour

C) issued by the Government on important issues of national concern D) paper used for bearer bonds

Question No. : 25

The mutual fund in India are regulated by the

A) Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) B) Reserve Bank of India C) Banking Ombudsman
D) Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

Question No. : 26

Which of the following is a part of fiscal policy?

A) Money supply B) Taxation C) Public debt D) Both B and C

Question No. : 27

The statutory liquidity ratio of commercial banks is fixed by the

A) Finance Ministry B) SEBI C) Finance Commission D) RBI

Question No. : 28

Which of the following is the currency of Myanmar?

A) Dinar B) Kyat C) Pesso D) Euro

Question No. : 29

The value of the Indian Rupee in the international exchange is decided by

A) Market forces B) Reserve Bnak of India C) World Bank D) International Monetary Fund

Question No. : 30

MODVAT is related to

A) Excise duty B) Value Added Tax (VAT) C) Wealth Tax D) Income Tax

Question No. : 31

Which of the following States has the minimum percentage of population below poverty line?

A) Punjab B) Haryana C) Himachal Pradesh D) Delhi

Question No. : 32

In India the Finance Commission is constituted every?

A) 4 years B) 5 years C) 6 years D) 7 years

Question No. : 33

Which one of the following is not a source of public revenue?

A) Income Tax B) Public Borrowing C) VAT(Value Added Tax) D) Subsidy

Question No. : 34

Which one of the following Five Year Plans recognized human developments as the core of all development efforts?

A) Third Five Year Plan B) Fifth Five Year Plan C) Sixth Five Year Plan D) Eighth Five Year Plan

Question No. : 35

National income ignores

A) sales of a firm B) salary of employees C) exports of the IT sector D) sale of land

Question No. : 36

Which of the following is a private bank in India?

A) Oriental Bank of Commerce B) Corporation Bank C) South Indian Bank D) Syndicate Bank

Question No. : 37

Which of the following Indian companies makes trucks?

A) Maruti Suzuki B) Ford Motors C) Ashok Leyland D) Mahindra Gujarat

Question No. : 38

Which of the following is the purpose of introducing ‘Know Your Customer’ norms by the banks?

A) To bring more and more people under the banking net B) Identifying people who do not pay Income Tax
C) To ensure that the money deposited in banks has come from genuine sources
D) To ensure whether the money deposited in the bank is of an Indian or a foreign national

Question No. : 39

We know that the Industrial sector plays an important role in the development of India. Which sector does not come under
Industrial sector?

A) Mining B) Manufacturing C) Banking D) Utilities

Question No. : 40

Which of the following is NOT a Private Bank in India?

A) Yes Bank B) HDFC Bank C) Axis Bank D) State Bank of India

 GK Finance & Banking Test 01

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

What does 'Financial Inclusion' mean?

A) Allow the merger and acquisition of banks so that only few big banks exist and continue to cater to the need of corporate sector
B) Providing insurance cover to each and every citizen so that he/she can live a healthy and long life
C) Expanding the network of banks and financial institutions in such a way that people from lower strata of society also get access to
sustainable financial services, whether it is savings, credit or insurance
D) None of these

Question No. : 2

Name the banks which according to the Central government can not be called govt. owned banks?

A) ICICI Bank & HDFC Bank B) ICICI Bank & Axis Bank C) HDFC Bank & Federal Bank D) IDBI Bank & HDFC Bank

Question No. : 3

 
Which of the following is certainly a part of the measures “Financial Inclusion”?

A) Introduction of no frill Accounts by the Banks B) Special Economic Zones C) National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
D) Look East Policy E) None of These

Question No. : 4

 
Inflation is

A) Loss of purchasing power of a currency due to price increase B) An increase in the prices and particularly that of necessities
C) Growth of an economy D) Both a and b

Question No. : 5

Which countries in Europe were most hit by the sovereign debt crisis?

A) Greece, Germany, Spain, Iceland B) Portugal, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic C) Greece, Spain, France, Switzerland
D) Spain, Greece, Iceland, Portugal

Question No. : 6

A crossed cheque is one, which can be encashed only

A) by the drawee B) through a bank C) at the State Bank of India D) after it has been transferred to another person

Question No. : 7

Which of the following is a direct tax?

A) Excise duty B) Sales tax C) Income tax D) Both (b) and (c)

Question No. : 8

A 'Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account' facility is available ___________.

A) to all individuals irrespective of their background B) all individuals from below poverty line families only
C) only to individuals from the SC/ST only D) only to individuals from the minority communities only
E) only to individuals from weaker sections of the society
Question No. : 9

AXIS Bank was formerly known as ________

A) Yes Bank B) UTI Bank C) City Union Bank D) HDFC Bank E) Centurion Bank

Question No. : 10

Which of the following is one of the main functions of the Reserve Bank of India?

A) Regulation of the Stock Markets B) Regulation of General Insurance C) Regulation of Housing Sector
D) Regulation of Mutual Fund in India E) Banker’s Bank

Question No. : 11

Platinum Jubilee year of the Re​

serve Bank of India is:

A) 2008-2009 B) 2009-2010 C) 2010-2011 D) None of these

Question No. : 12

 
Punchline ‘Relationship beyond banking’ is associated with which bank?

A) Bank of India B) Indian Bank C) Bank of Baroda D) City Bank

Question No. : 13

The abbreviation EMV stands for:

 

A) European Master Visa B) EuroPay Master VisaEuropean Master’s Voice C) European Master's Voice
D) European Minimum Visa

Question No. : 14

The adline ‘The banker to every Indian’ is linked with which bank ?

A) ICICI Bank B) HDFC Bank C) State Bank of India D) Bank of India

Question No. : 15

As per the reports published in various newspapers, RBI has asked banks to make plan to provide banking services in villages
having population of 2000. This directive issued by the RBI will fall in which of the following categories?

A) Plan for financial inclusion B) Efforts to meet Priority sector lending C) Extension of Internet & Branchless banking
D) None of these

Question No. : 16

RBI’s action to reduce CRR would

A) increase stress on money markets. B) Decrease stress on money markets

C) warrant banks to invest more in government securities D) warrant increase in interest rates by banks.

Question No. : 17

The rate at which a Central Bank gives credit to the Commercial Banks is called

A) Bank Rate B) Prime Lending Rate C) Base Rate D) Repo Rate E) None of these

Question No. : 18

When RBI lowers the credit creation capacity of the system, i.e. increase in CRR/SLR, it is said to be following a _______________.

A) Tight money policy B) Easy money policy C) Open money policy D) Closed money policy
A) Tight money policy B) Easy money policy C) Open money policy D) Closed money policy

Question No. : 19

Coin of which of the following denominations is called Small Coin?

A) Rs. 1/- B) Rs. 2/- C) Rs. 5/- D) 50 paisa E) Rs. 10/-

Question No. : 20

Funding of which of the following is not a lending for infrastructure sector?

A) Highway project B) Construction of Educational Institution C) Construction of Hospital

D) Laying of petroleum pipelines E) Higher Studies

Question No. : 21

What do you understand by the term ‘Mortgage’?

A) Sale of a moveable security in the event of default by the borrower

B) Registration of change with the Registrar of Companies
C) Making the security of immovable properly available as a cover for a home loan by the borrower
D) Registration of charge with the Regional Transport Authority
E) Returning of the security to borrower by the bank on receipt of full payment

Question No. : 22

Which one of the following is a Credit Card Association?

A) India Card B) Master Card C) SBI Cards D) Citi Bank Cards E) BOB Card

Question No. : 23

Crossing on a cheque can be cancelled by the ____ of the cheque, under his full signature.

A) payee B) drawee C) endorser D) holder E) drawer

Question No. : 24

NRE deposit is

A) Non Resident External deposit B) Non Resident Extra deposit C) Non Resident Exchange deposit
D) Non Refundable External deposit E) Non Resident Extended deposit

Question No. : 25

Which one of the following is not a salient feature of Debit Card ?

A) No bad debts to banks and no suits for recovery B) No interest earning for banks
C) Works like a normal withdrawal mode D) Can be used at ATM and POS E) 45 days credit is given to the card holder

Question No. : 26

Which of the following is not a type of Cheque ?

A) Crossed cheque B) Blank cheque C) Speed cheque D) Bearer cheque E) Order cheque

Question No. : 27

What is the maximum balance amount that is eligible for earning interest in a normal savings bank account ?

A) Rs. 1 lac B) Rs. 2 lacs C) Rs. 3 lacs D) Rs. 5 lacs E) No limit

Question No. : 28
The term “Deficit Financing” means the government borrows money from the

A) IMF B) Local bodies C) RBI D) Large corporate E) Public at large

Question No. : 29

Lending by banks to Microfinance institutions is considered as finance to which one of the following categories ?

A) Non Priority sector B) Priority Sector C) Commercial Sector D) Manufacturing Sector E) Industrial Sector

Question No. : 30

Which of the following is the main purpose of issuing Know Your Customer(KYC) guidelines by the RBI ?

A) To provide better customer service B) To keep a check on money laundering
C) To bring more & more people in the income tax net. D) To make high value transactions faster
E) Other than those given as options

Question No. : 31

Which of the following terms is NOT associated with banking/finance?

A) RTGS B) SLR C) Repo Rate D) Credit E) LBW

Question No. : 32

What does the letter 'C' denote in the term 'ECB' as used in banking and financial operations ?

A) Cartel B) Credit C) Control D) Caution E) Commercial

Question No. : 33

RBI's policy stance to manage interest and liquidity are used for

A) Moderate inflation and maintain economic growth B) Moderate competition among private and public sector banks
C) Eradicate un-employment in public sector D) Moderate currency supply in public hands
E) Moderate deposits in public sector banks.

Question No. : 34

When a customer draws a cheque on a bank,

A) it is a mandate on that bank to pay. B) it is a mandate on the Government of India to pay.
C)  it is a mandate on the State Government to pay D)  it is a mandate on the RBI to pay
E) it is a mandate on the Finance Ministry to pay.

Question No. : 35

Which of the following is a Private Bank in India?

A) Union Bank of India B) Syndicate Bank C) Panjab National Bank D) UCO Bank E) HDFC Bank

Question No. : 36

A Savings Bank Account opened with a commercial bank with zero balance or very minimal balance is known as_______

A) Savings Bank - Ordinary Account B) Student Savings Bank Account C) No Frill Account D) Current Account
E) Call Deposit

Question No. : 37

Banking Sector will fall under which of the following ?

A) Agricultural Sector B) Service Sector C) Manufacturing Sector D) Industrial Sector E) Small Scale Sector
Question No. : 38

In a bank, the following are the usual types of deposit accounts

A) Savings accounts, electricity accounts and insurance premium accounts

B) Fixed deposits, Post office savings bank accounts and current deposit accounts
C) Current accounts, savings bank accounts and term deposit accounts
D) Loan accounts, savings bank accounts and term deposit accounts E) Current bill accounts and term deposit accounts

Question No. : 39

NEFT and RTGS in banking terminology speak of __________

A) Various deposit products B) Various loan products C) Electronic Payment Products within a bank
D) Electronic Fund Transfer from bank to bank E) Cheque Truncation Process

Question No. : 40

Which of the following banks in India has maximum number of branches and ATMs in India?

A) IDBI Bank B) Bank of India C) Punjab National Bank D) ICICI Bank E) State Bank of India
 GK Indian Polity Test 01

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Which is the Nodal Union Ministry for implementing the Biodiesel Mission?

A) Ministry of Agriculture B) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy C) Ministry of Science and Technology
D) Ministry of Rural Development

Question No. : 2

Name the country's oldest para-military force, which has completed 175 years of existence.

A) CRPF B) BSF C) ITBP D) Assam Rifles

Question No. : 3

Financial distribution between the union and the states takes place on the basis of the recommendations of

A) Niti Aayog B) The Sarkaria Commission C) Inter-State Commission D) The Finance Commission

Question No. : 4

Article 32 of the Indian Constitution deals with the

A) Right to life and liberty B) Right to speech and expression C) Right to form unions D) Right to constitutional remedies

Question No. : 5

Who presides over the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament?

A) Speaker of Lok Sabha B) President C) Chairman of Rajya Sabha D) Prime Minister

Question No. : 6

 
Which one of the following is not a constitutional body?

A) Union Public Service Commission B) Election Commission C) NITI Aayog D) Finance Commission

Question No. : 7

In case of which of the following, the method of removal from office is the same?
 
I.    A Judge of the Supreme Court
II.   Chief Election Commissioner
III.   President of India

A) I and II B) II and III C) I and III D) I, II and III

Question No. : 8

Which of the following is NOT a constitutional body?

 
A. Planning Commission         B. Finance Commission          C. Inter-State Council
 

A) A and B B) B and C C) A, B and C D) A only

Question No. : 9
A candidate for election to the Loksabha stands to forfeit his security deposit it if he fails to get at least

A) 1/6th of the total votes polled B) 1/6th of the total valid votes polled C) 1/5th of the total valid votes polled
D) 1/8th of the total votes polled

Question No. : 10

The Fundamental Right To Property was abolished by the

A) 42nd Amendment B) 44th Amendment C) 61st Amendment D) 73rd Amendment

Question No. : 11

The Directive Principles of State policy are contained in part ____of the Constitution and are _____

A) III, non – justiciable B) III, justiciable C) IV, non-justiciable D) IV, justicible

Question No. : 12

The Supreme Court Judges retire at the age of

A) 60 years B) 62 years C) 65 years D) 58 years

Question No. : 13

The constitution of India describes India as a

A) Federation B) Confederation C) Union of States D) Loose Federation

Question No. : 14

A Supreme Court Judge can be removed from his office by

A) The government at will B) The President’s order    C) Impeachment   D) The Loksabha

Question No. : 15

A lame-duck government is one which

A) has lost a no-confidence motion in Loksabha and is asked to continue as caretaker govt. B) has an absolute majority
C) hurtles from one crisis to the other D) None of these

Question No. : 16

Article 143 deals with the

A) allocation of funds among states B) collective responsibility of the Cabinet C) advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
D) None of these

Question No. : 17

The members of the panchayat are

A) nominated by the district officer B) nominated by local self-government minister of the state
C) elected  by the electorate of the respective territorial constituencies D) nominated by the block development organization

Question No. : 18

Which of the following is not a Fundamental Right in India?

A) Right to Expression B) Right to Association C) Right to Work D) Right to Education

Question No. : 19
A case for enforcement of Fundamental Rights can be filed in the

A) Supreme Court only B) Both Supreme and High Courts C) High and District Courts D) None of these

Question No. : 20

The campaigning for the Loksabha elections must come to an end

A) 48 hours before polling ends B) 72 hours before polling starts C) 60 hours before polling begins
D) 48 hours before polling begins

Question No. : 21

The Emergency provisions of the Indian Constitution are modeled on the

A) German pattern B) American pattern C) South African pattern D) British pattern

Question No. : 22

Anyone can contest for Indian Prime Ministership if he / she is at least

A) 30 yr. of age B) 35 yr. of age C) 25 yr. of age D) 18 yr. of age

Question No. : 23

The Constitution Review commission was headed

A) MN Venkatchaliah B) PN Bhawati C) VB Eradi D) Nagender Singh

Question No. : 24

Hindi is mentioned as the official language in article ________ of the Constitution.

A) 351 B) 334 C) 335 D) 324

Question No. : 25

Linguistic and religious minorities in India enjoy special rights under

A) Article 16 B) 42nd Amendment C) Article 25 D) Article 29

Question No. : 26

Who among the following is associated with the Local Self Government Act?

A) Dalhousie B) William Bentick C) Cornwallis D) Ripon

Question No. : 27

The framers of the Constitution borrowed the idea of judicial review, from the Constitution of

A) France B) USA     C) United Kingdom D) All of these

Question No. : 28

How many types of emergency have been visualized in the Constitution of India?

A) One B) Two C) Three D) Four

Question No. : 29

How many members can be nominated to the Lok Sabha by the President?

A) 2 B) 4          C) 5          D) 12

Question No. : 30

The Finance Commission is appointed for

A) Passing the money bills B) Approving the money bills C) Drafting the budget
D) Making recommendations to the President regarding the distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds
of taxes

Question No. : 31

The 52nd amendment of the constitution deals with

 

A) Extension of President’s rule B) Anti-defection law C) The lowering of voting age  D) Panchayati Raj
 

Question No. : 32

The erstwhile Planning Commission was

A) Political body B) Statutory body C) Non-political body D) Quasi-political body

Question No. : 33

The number of writs that can be prayed for and issued by the Supreme Court and/or a High Court is:

A) 3 B) 5 C) 4 D) 6

Question No. : 34

The pension of a high court judge is charged to the

A) Contingency Fund of India B) Consolidated Funds of the different states where he has served
C) Consolidated Fund of the state where he last served D) Consolidated Fund of India

Question No. : 35

The members of a State Commission can be removed by the:

A) governor on a report by the Supreme Court B) president on a report by the Supreme Court
C) governor on a resolution passed by Parliament D) president on a resolution passed by Parliament

Question No. : 36

Voting right by the youths at the age of 18 years was exercised for the first time in the General Election of ___
 

A) 1987 B) 1988 C) 1989 D) 1990 

Question No. : 37

The Rajya Sabha consists of __

A) 280 members of which 20 members are nominated by the President of India 

B) 275 members of which 18 members are nominated by the President of India
C) 250 members of which 12 members are nominated by the President of India
D) 252 members of which 12 members are nominated by the President of India 

Question No. : 38

Which of the following rights conferred by the Constitution of India is also available to non-citizens?
 
A) Right to Constitutional remedies  B) Freedom to speech  C) Freedom to move and settle in any part of the country
D) Freedom to acquire property

Question No. : 39

Of the following statements, which one is NOT correct?

A) The Supreme Court was constituted in 1950 B) The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in the country
C) The Supreme Court can hear an appeal arising from any High Court/Tribunals except from a Court-martial
D) The Supreme Court can hear an appeal arising from any High Court/Tribunals as well as from a Court-martial

Question No. : 40

The emergency provisions in India's Constitution are derived from the constitution of

A) The UK B) The USSR C) Germany D) The USA 

 GK Indian Polity Test 02

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Which one of the following in not included in Article 19 of the Constitution of India, pertaining to the Right to Freedom?

A) Right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India B) Right to form associations or unions
C) Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions D) Right to assemble peaceably and without arms

Question No. : 2

National Disaster Management Authority has been established by the Government of India under the Ministry of

A) HRD B) Urban Development C) Home Affairs D) Defence

Question No. : 3

 
The Constitution (52nd Amendment) Act deals with

A) Panchayati Raj B) Extension of reservations C) Centre-state relations D) Anti-Defection law

Question No. : 4

The Finance Commission is constituted under which Artcile of the Indian Constitution?

A) Art 280 B) Art 352 C) Art. 356 D) Art 324

Question No. : 5

The Preamble to the Constitution of India is inspired by the ideas of

A) Jean Jacques Rousseau B) Marie Antoinette C) John Locke D) Gautam Buddha

Question No. : 6

 
The Plan Holiday refers to the period-

A) 1965-68 B) 1966-69 C) 1967-70 D) 1978-80

Question No. : 7

Examine the following statements and select the correct one/ ones.
 
A. The Election Commission of India is a 3-member body and this is allowed as per the constitution.
B. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only by initiating an impeachment motion.
C. The CEC does not exercise overriding authority and all its decisions are taken on a majority basis.
 

A) A and C B) A and B C) C only D) A, B and C

Question No. : 8

The recommendation for elections to a Loksabha Constituency is initiated by the

A) Election Commission of India B) Loksabha Speaker C) Home Ministry D) State Election Commission

Question No. : 9
The Union Council of Ministers is appointed by the

A) Prime Minister B) President C) Vice-President D) Loksabha Speaker

Question No. : 10

Consider the following political parties:

 
A. Revolutionary Socialist party          B. Forward Bloc          C. Muslim League        D. Akali Dal
 
Which of the following is / are national parties as per Election Commission guidelines?
 

A) A and B B) C and D C) A, B and D D) None of these

Question No. : 11

The President may refer a matter to the Supreme Court for its opinion thereon. This provision is contained in

A) Article 75 of the Constitution B) Article 78 of the Constitution C) Article 143 of the Constitution
D) Article 58 of the Constitution

Question No. : 12

In which of the following cases is a prior presidential consent required for a bill?

A) A bill regarding the creation of new states B) It is required for every single bill
C) A bill regarding the defence forces, external affairs and currency in  India D) A Finance bill

Question No. : 13

When was the first session of Lok Sabha held?

A) 15th August,1950 B) 13th May,1952 C) 15th August,1952 D) 12th January,1953

Question No. : 14

Which of the following constitutional amendments is referred to as the “mini-constitution?

A) 44th B) 48th C) 42nd D) 24th

Question No. : 15

The Panchayati Raj system is a

A) four-tier institution B) two-tier institution C) three-tier institution D) None of these

Question No. : 16

Which of the following comprise the Indian Parliament?

 
A. Loksabha                B. Rajyasabha              C. President
 

A) A and B B) B and C C) A, B and C D) None of these

Question No. : 17

A Loksabha MP can be expelled from it if he absents without information for more than ___ days.

A) 100 B) 90 C) 60 D) 80

Question No. : 18
Sikkim was made a full-fledged state of India vide the

A) 34th Amendment B) 44th Amendment C) 36th Amendment D) 24th amendment

Question No. : 19

Who /which among the following decides whether a bill is a money bill or not?

A) Finance Minister B) Speaker, Lok Sabha C) Chairman, Rajya Sabha D) President

Question No. : 20

The power to decide an election petition is vested in the

A) Election Commission of India B) Parliament C) High courts D) Supreme Court

Question No. : 21

The maximum number of Loksabha seats contributed by any state is

A) 58 B) 61 C) 84 D) 85

Question No. : 22

“The Left” in politics refers to

A) Progressive, radical groups B) Conservative groups C) Those sitting on the left in Parliament D) None of these

Question No. : 23

Fundamental Duties were incorporated by means of the

A) 42nd Amendment B) 24th Amendment C) 44th Amendment D) 61st Amendment

Question No. : 24

The House of Parliament must meet after an interval

A) Not exceeding 6 months in any case B) Of not more than 4 months C) Of not more than 3 months
D) The interval may be extended by a Presidential order

Question No. : 25

Who headed the Interim Cabinet formed in the year 1946?

A) Rajendra Prasad B) Jawaharlal Nehru C) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel D) C Rajagoplachari

Question No. : 26

The collegium system was earlier prevalent in case of

A) Allocation of ministerial portfolios B) Selection of ministers C) Passing a bill in Parliament

D) Appointments to Supreme Court and High Courts

Question No. : 27

The Rajya Sabha can delay the enactment of a money bill for a maximum period of

A) One year B) Three months C) One month D) Fourteen days

Question No. : 28

It is often said that the key to the minds of the makers of our Constitution lies in the
A) Preamble B) Fundamental Rights C) Fundamental Rights D) Directive Principles

Question No. : 29

A dispute regarding the election of the President of India of India is referred to

A) Chief Election Commission B) Supreme Court C) Parliament D) Attorney General

Question No. : 30

Which of the following is included in the Union List?

A) Posts and Telegraphs B) Criminal Law C) Land Revenue D) Police

Question No. : 31

The Parliament can legislate with respect to a matter in the State List provided it is in the
 

A) National interest B) Interest of the concerned State C) Interest of the underprivileged D) Interest of the minority 

Question No. : 32

‘Equal pay for equal work for both men and women’ is a

A) Directive Principle of State Policy B) Fundamental Right  C) Statutory provision in Labour Law  D) None of the above 
 

Question No. : 33

Article 24 of the Indian Constitution prohibits employment of children in any factory below the age of

A) 14 years B) 12 years C) 7 years D) 15 years

Question No. : 34

Which of the follwing is/ are prohibited by the Constitution of India?

A) Untouchability B) Begaar (Unpaid work) C) Both A and B D) Manual scavenging work

Question No. : 35

Which one of the following has the right to address the Parliament?

A) Attorney General of India B) Chief Election Commissioner of India C) Chief Justice of India
D) National Security Advisor 
 

Question No. : 36

Under which one of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution, the Legislative Assembly is allowed to resolve for the creation
of the Legislative Council?
 

A) 168       B) 169 C) 170      D) 171 

Question No. : 37

January 26 was selected as the date for the inauguration of the Constitution because
 

A) The Congress had observed it as the Independence Day in 1930 and the date had become quite popular
B) On that day, the Quit India Movement was started in 1942  C) It was considered to be an auspicious day
D) None of the above
Question No. : 38

The president addresses both the Houses of Parliament assembled together:

A) During emergency session summoned for the purpose B) Every Session

C) First session after each general election and the first session of each year D) Any Session

Question No. : 39

Who is the constitutional head of the State Governments?

 

A) Chief Minister B) Governor C) Speaker D) High Court Judge 

 

Question No. : 40

Which one of the following is a human right as well as a fundamental right under the Constitution of India?
 

A) Right to Information    B) Right to Work  C) Right to Education D) Right to Housing

 GK Govt. Schemes & Policy Test 01

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act provides for at least how many days of wage employment to every rural
household in a year?

A) 90 days B) 180 days C) 150 days D) 300 days

Question No. : 2

The Govt. of India has introduced a large number of programmes aimed at reduction of poverty. Which of the following is NOT ONE of
them?

A) Integrated Rural Development Programme B) Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana

C) National Rural Employment Guarantee Act D) Jawahar Rozgar Yojana E) Voluntary Disclosure Scheme

Question No. : 3

The president can dismiss a member of the council of ministers:

A) On his own B) Only under emergency conditions C) With the consent of the speaker
D) On the recommendation of the prime ministers

Question No. : 4

NRHM Stands for:

A) National Roads and Highway Mission B) National Rural Health Mission C) National and Regional Highway Mission
D) National and Regional Health Mission

Question No. : 5

Antyodaya programme was chiefly aimed at the upliftment of

A) industrial workers B) rural poor C) labourers D) farmers

Question No. : 6

"Swabhiman Scheme" of the Govt. of India will provide which of the following to about 5 crore people in India?

A) Free housing facility B) Insurance cover C) Access to banking services D) Free medical treatment for critical diseases
E) None of these

Question No. : 7

Which of the following is one of the objectives of the National Population Policy 2000 ?

A) Reduction in Urban population by 30% B) Providing better facilities in urban slums

C) Creating better irrigation facilities in villages D) Conducting population survey in tribal areas
E) Reduction in infant mortality rate

Question No. : 8

Which scheme has been launched by the Govt. of India to make Indian Metros/Cities Slum free ?

A) Indira Awas Yojana B) Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana C) Kutir Jyoti D) ASHA E) Bharat Nirman

Question No. : 9
Look East Policy is associated with

A) SAARC B) EU C) ASEAN D) OPEC

Question No. : 10

Which is the only state in India to have Common Civil Code in force ?

A) Goa B) Mizoram C) Nagaland D) Jammu & Kashmir E) Sikkim

Question No. : 11

Which of the following is/are the salient feature(s) of the National Food Security Act?

A) 75% of rural and 50% of the urban population entitled to 5 kg of rice, wheat and coarse grains at Rs. 3, Rs. 2, Rs. 1 per kg
respectively per month.
B) Pregnant women and lactating mothers entitled to nutritious meals and maternity benefit of at least Rs. 6000 for six months.
C) Central Government will provide funds to States in case of food grain short supply, and will protect the current allocation to
States.
D) All these

Question No. : 12

Archaeological Survey of India and _________ jointly launched in 2013, a unique initiative to take India's heritage sites online.

A) Google B) MSN C) Yahoo D) Bing

Question No. : 13

The President of India launched the ______________ in September 2013 which is expected to provide an identity to Khadi.

A) Khadi Retail Showroom B) Khadi Online Shop C) Khadi Association Chapter D) Khadi Mark

Question No. : 14

Bharat II is meant to control:

A) AIDS B) Vehicular emission norms C) Water Pollution D) Terrorism

Question No. : 15

Prime Minister Modi has launched the "Give it up" campaign for voluntarily giving up

A) Use of tobacco products B) LPG subsidy C) Use of incandescent bulbs  D) Use of plastics

Question No. : 16

Garuda Shakti III is a military exercise between India and which country?

A) Nepal B) Russia C) Indonesia D) China

Question No. : 17

What is the name given to the dedicated TV channel for farmers that was announced in the Union Budget of 2014-15 and Rs. 100
crore was set aside for its establishment?

A) Kisan B) Farmers Show C) Krishi Channel D) None of the above

Question No. : 18

Project Varsha, India's new naval base under construction is near which of the following cities?

A) Kochi B) Karwar C) Visakhapatnam D) Chennai

Question No. : 19
The third installment of the basel accords was developed in response to the deficiencies in financial regulations revealed by financial crisis of 2007-08.
Basel II was supposed to strengthen bank capital requirements by increasing bank liquidity and decreasing bank leverage. The transitional period for full
implementation of Basel III capital regulations in India is extended upto _________.

A) 31st March 2020 B) 31st March 2016 C) 31st March 2017 D) 31st March 2018 E) 31st March 2019

Question No. : 20

A Rs. 20,000 crore bank, which would primarily be responsible for refinancing all micro-finance institutions is to be launched. This unique bank is
christened as _________

A) MSE Bank B) MSME Bank C) MUDRA Bank D) SAMUDRA Bank E) SSI Bank

Question No. : 21

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has developed an application to connect payments across smart phones. The application is

A) Unified Payment Interface B) Payment Interface C) Unique Payment Interface D) Union of Payment Interface
E) People's Payment Interface

Question No. : 22

What is the full form of the term ‘PDS’ which is a channel of distribution of foodgrains and other essentials to poor people at
subsidized rates?

A) Public Distribution System B) Potential Development System C) Profitable Distribution Source

D) Public Development Syndication

Question No. : 23

Who is the Vice-Chairman of the newly created NITI Aayog which has replaced the Planning Commission?

A) Arvind Panagariya B) Sindhushree Khullar C) Raghuram Rajan D) Jagdish Bhagwati

Question No. : 24

Which of the following is not a Maharatna Company?

A) Power Grid Corporation B) NTPC C) BHEL D) GAIL

Question No. : 25

Recently, which country has signed a MoU with the government of Andhra Pradesh to develop its world class capital city?

A) The US B) Japan C) China D) Singapore

Question No. : 26

GOI has launched a new digital platform in association with ________.

A) Google B) Twitter C) Facebook D) Linked in

Question No. : 27

The "Pudhu Vazhvu Scheme" is an empowerment and poverty reduction initiative launched by______

A) Tamil Nadu B) Andhra C) Kerala D) West Bengal E) Telangana

Question No. : 28

Who amongst the following holds the majority stake in the share capital of the recently opened 'Bhartiya Mahila Bank?

A) LIC of India B) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India C) Government of India
D) Reserve Bank of India E) General Insurance Corporation of India
Question No. : 29

The minimum lock in period under the recently re-launched 'Kisan Vikas Patra' Scheme is _____

A) One year and six months B) One year C) Two years and six months D) Two years E) Two years and three months

Question No. : 30

An account can be opened under the recently launched 'Sukanya Samridhi Yojana' at any time from the birth of a girl child till she
attains the age of

A) Fifteen tears B) Eighteen Years C) Twenty One Years D) Thirteen Years E) Ten Years

Question No. : 31

Indian Government has announced setting up of a new IIT in_________

A) Karnataka B) Gujarat C) Kerala D) Punjab

Question No. : 32

Which of the following sectors is not the part of infrastructure?

A) Railways B) Power C) Food Processing D) Roads

Question No. : 33

Which of the following committees, that has recently submitted its report, was setup to suggest ways and means to raise the
revenue of Indian Railways?

A) Y. V. Reddy Committee B) D. K. Mittal Committee C) Bezbaruah Committee D) Madhav Menon Committee
E) Bimal Jatan Committee

Question No. : 34

What is NREGA?

A) Income Tax Scheme B) Life Insurance Policy C) Employment Guarantee Scheme D) Bank Rate on Saving Account

Question No. : 35

Which of the following is an example of trade barrier ?

A) Foreign investment        B) Tax on imports C) Delay or damage to goods D) FDI outflows

Question No. : 36

The term blue revolution is associated with :

A) Fishery B) Edible oil C) Egg and Poultry D) Indigo

Question No. : 37

Which of the following is true about the relationship between a banker and a customer when the bank accepts valuables for safe
custody?

A) Trustee-beneficiary B) Principal-agent C) Debtor-Creditor D) None of the above

Question No. : 38

Central Government has declared 2015 as

A) Water conservation year B) Sanitation year C) Poverty Alleviation year D) None of these

Question No. : 39
The abbreviation ‘CSR’ stands for __________

A) Collective Social Responsibility B) Collective Shared Responsibility C) Corporate Social Responsibility

D) Corporate Shared Responsibility E) Commercial Shared Responsibility

Question No. : 40

 
Which of the following will help the poor in a country to come out of poverty?
 
(A)  If they get good Health Services.                             
(B)  If they have freedom from illiteracy. 
(C)  If the nation attains optimum Sex Ratio.

A) Only (A) B) Only (B) C) Both (A) & (B) D) Only (C) E) All (A), (B), & (C)
 GK Sci. & Tech. Test 01

DIRECTION for the question: Mark the best option.

Question No. : 1

What is the full from of iPod?

A) Portable digital radio B) Pocket digital radio C) Portable decoder recording D) Pocket digital recorder

Question No. : 2

 
Which of the following is NOT a Green House Gas?

A) Carbon Dioxide B) Carbon Mono Oxide C) Methane D) Nitrous Oxide E) Carbon hexafluoride

Question No. : 3

 
Which of the following is NOT a disease under surveillance target?

A) Tuberculosis B) Cholera C) Typhoid D) Plague E) Cancer

Question No. : 4

 
Scurvy is caused due to the deficiency of Vitamin

A) A B) B C) C D) D E) None of these

Question No. : 5

Thalassemia is

A) due to nutrient deficiency B) a genetic disorder C) due to heavy metal toxicity D) caused by parasitic fungi

Question No. : 6

What level of noise is considered permissible in human habitats?

A) Upto 50 decibels B) Less than 40 decibels C) Upto 30 decibels D) Less than 20 decibels

Question No. : 7

Internet is controlled by

A) The U.S.A. B) The U.K. C) Switzerland D) None of the above

Question No. : 8

The point on the Earth which bears the brunt of an earthquake is called the

A) Epicentre B) Epipoint C) Seismic Focus D) Epifocus

Question No. : 9

Which of the following pairs is incorrect?

A) Pasteur : Bacteriology B) Newton : Law of Gravitation C) Roentgen : X-rays D) Faraday : Diffusion of gases

Question No. : 10

The only metal, which exists in a free state, is

A) Silver B) Sodium C) Gold D) Uranium

Question No. : 11
A test-tube baby is best described as a baby

A) Created in a test-tube in the laboratory B) Fertilized in the laboratory and transplanted to the womb later
C) Fertilized in the body and developed outside D) None of these

Question No. : 12

The most commonly used gas in filling bulbs is Nitrogen. This is widely used for this purpose because

A) It is easily available B) It is chemically inactive C) It is cheap D) None of these

Question No. : 13

Technically speaking, a whale is a

A) Fish B) Reptile C) Mammal D) Coelenterate

Question No. : 14

The smallest particle of matter, which exists independently and can take part in chemical reactions, is called

A) Atom B) Ion C) Radical D) Molecule

Question No. : 15

India's first satellite 'Aryabhata' was launched by

A) America B) Erstwhile Soviet Union C) India D) France

Question No. : 16

Which of the following is NOT  a cyber-crime?

A) We-mailing B) Phishing C) Vishing D) Hacking

Question No. : 17

A fully-grown human adult has __________ bones in the body.

A) 212 B) 209 C) 206 D) 208

Question No. : 18

Which of the following contributes most to the “Greenhouse effect”?

A) Nitrogen B) Methane C) Carbon Dioxide D) Oxygen

Question No. : 19

The common lead pencils are made of

A) Lead B) Charcoal C) Asphalt D) Graphite

Question No. : 20

Which of the following is a computer term?

A) ROM B) SVP C) TNT     D) NTP

Question No. : 21

The rear-view mirror used in two-wheelers is

A) Concave B) Convex C) Concavo-convex D) Cylinderical

Question No. : 22

Which of the following is NOT a compound?

A) Water B) Marsh Gas C) Air D) Dry Ice

Question No. : 23
The energy conversions in a megaphone (loudspeaker) are from

A)  Sound to mechanical to electrical B) Electrical to mechanical to sound C) Sound to electrical to sound

D) None of these

Question No. : 24

A kilobyte contains

A) 1000 bytes B) 1048 bytes C) 1024 bytes D) 1056 bytes

Question No. : 25

Water pipes can burst in the winters due to

A) Low temperature B) Condensation    C) Expansion D) Both 1 and 3

Question No. : 26

Which among are known as the scavengers of the earth?

A) Bacteria and fungi B) Insects C) Viruses D) Birds     

Question No. : 27

Who among the follwoing was a relative of Newton and is credited with developing the first-ever intelligence test?

A) Galton B) Kepler C) Descartes D) Copernicus

Question No. : 28

The pH value of a soil measures its

A) Fertility rate B) Iron and lime content C) Water retention D) Acid content

Question No. : 29

Which hormone is responsible for the fight-or-flight response of the body in emergency situations?

A) Thyroid gland B) Insulin C) Adrenaline D) Testosterone

Question No. : 30

The most common metal in the earth’s crust is

A) Copper B) Iron C) Aluminium D) Silicon

Question No. : 31

India’s atomic research programme was spearheaded by

A) CV Raman B) Meghnad Saha C) Raja Ramanna D) Homi J. Bhabha

Question No. : 32

Galvanized iron sheets are coated with

A) Zinc B) Chromium C) Copper D) Strontium

Question No. : 33

Which of the following is a warm-blooded animal?

A) Frog B) Fish C) Crocodile D) Pigeon

Question No. : 34

Ventilators are always provided near the ceiling of a room because

A) It is a convention to do so B) Hot air rises above and leaves through them C) They bring in fresh air
D) The ceiling of a room is the hottest part of it
Question No. : 35

The actual spot where the exchange of gases takes place in the lungs is the

A) Bronchi B) Trachea C) Alveoli D) Diaphragm

Question No. : 36

The nib of good quality fountain pens is usually made of

A) Stainless Steel B) Chromium C) Nichrome D) Tungsten

Question No. : 37

The marble used in buildings is basically

A) Hydrated Calcium Sulphate B) Calcium Hydroxide C) Calcium Carbonate D) Sodium Bicarbonate

Question No. : 38

The hardest substance available on the earth is

A) Gold B) Iron C) Diamond D) Platinum

Question No. : 39

The lightest substance known so far is

A) Air B) Hydrogen C) Helium D) Oxygen

Question No. : 40

Jasmine is the name of a plant commonly called

A) Dophar-khili B) Amar Bel C) Raat Ki Rani D) Kalpavariksh

 GK Sci. & Tech. Test 02

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

 
Which of the following is not used as a measure of Biological Control?

A) use of pesticides B) use of neem extracts C) pheromone traps D) use of predators of a pest E) None of these

Question No. : 2

The part of the eye responsible for its characteristic colour is the

A) Pupil B) Iris C) Cornea D) Choroid

Question No. : 3

The Congress Grass (Chatak Chandni) is technically known as

A) Parthenium B) Ocimum C) Frantoum D) Petunia

Question No. : 4

If saccharine, an artificial sweetener which is 70 times sweeter than sugar, is kept in the open, which one of these insects will it attract
first?

A) ants B) bees C) house-flies D) None of the above

Question No. : 5

What is meaning of one unit carbon permit?

A) One cubic meter of carbon dioxide B) One quintal of carbon dioxide C) One metric ton of carbon dioxide
D) One thousand metric tons of carbon dioxide

Question No. : 6

Which of the following acids helps in human digestion?

A) Lactic B) Tartaric C) Hydrochloric D) Sulphuric

Question No. : 7

The blockbuster drug Viagra was developed by

A) GSK Pharma B) Novartis C) Pfizer D) Monsanto

Question No. : 8

Camels are able to survive severe water shortage by

A) Using water present in muscles B) Using the fat stored in the hump C) Reducing metabolic activity
D) Reducing water use

Question No. : 9

The movie, which you see in a cinema hall, involves _______ of the film characters.

A) Real motion B) Apparent motion C) Both A and B D) None of these

Question No. : 10

If you open a scent bottle in one corner of a room, the fragrance quickly spreads all around due to

A) Imbibition B) Osmosis C) Diffusion D) Condensation

Question No. : 11
The TV transmission process makes use of

A) Infra-red waves B) FM waves C) Audio-visual waves D) Ultra-sonic waves

Question No. : 12

If a feather and a steel ball of equal mass and equal volume are dropped from a height simultaneously in vacuum

A) The feather will touch the ground earlier B) The ball will touch the ground earlier
C) Both will touch the ground simultaneously D) It is difficult to predict what will happen

Question No. : 13

The material most commonly used for outer coating in case of non-stick materials is

A) P.V.C. B) Teflon C) Freon D) Bakelite

Question No. : 14

The best variety of coal from the viewpoint of carbon content and its fuel value is

A) Anthracite B) Lignite C) Peat D) Bituminous

Question No. : 15

The sea-horse is a/an

A) Fish B) Insect C) Echinodermate D) Mammal

Question No. : 16

The ozone hole was discovered first of all in

A) America B) The Arctic region C) The Antarctica region D) Canada

Question No. : 17

You feel hot and sultry on a rainy day because of the

A) High Temperature B) Low Temperature C) Sweat not drying up D) None of these

Question No. : 18

You prefer wearing white-coloured clothing in the summer season. You do so because white clothes

A) Absorb most radiations B) Reflect most radiations C) It is pleasant to look at D) None of these

Question No. : 19

The mirage in a desert during hot summers is an example of

A) Interference B) Diffraction C) Reflection D) Total Internal Reflection

Question No. : 20

‘Amnesia’ refers to the loss of

A) Appetite B) Memory C) Sight     D) Sense of touch

Question No. : 21

Microwave ovens cook dishes by means of

A) Ultraviolet rays B) Infra-red rays   C) Convection D) Conduction

Question No. : 22

The function of a fuse wire in an electrical circuit is to

A) Help avoid electric shocks B) Regulate the current flow C) Break an overloaded circuit D) Increase the voltage

Question No. : 23
Menthol tablets create a cooling effect by means of

A) Distillation B) Evaporation C) Solidification D) Diffusion

Question No. : 24

If a pendulum clock is taken to the moon, it will run

A) Slower B) Faster C) Normally D) Irregularly

Question No. : 25

The man who actually invented the motor car was

A) Henry Ford B) Michael Faraday C) Wright Brothers D) Karl Benz

Question No. : 26

Alzheimer’s Disease primarily affects the

A) Heart    B) Liver    C) Kidney D) Brain

Question No. : 27

The tape in a tape recorder is coated with

A) Copper Sulphate B) Ferromagnetic Powder C) Silica D) Zinc Suphide

Question No. : 28

The average temperature of a healthy human body is:

A) 40.5 degree C B) 98.6 degree C C) 36.9 degree C D) 82.4 degree C

Question No. : 29

the birds sitting on high-tension wires do not get electrocuted because

A) of low current B) of natural body defences C) The circuit does not get completed
D) Their bodies have natural resitance to electric current

Question No. : 30

Sphygmomanometer is used to measure

A) Heart beat B) Blood pressure C) Lung pressure D) Atmospheric pressure

Question No. : 31

The Science Day in India is observed to

A) Coincide with the discovery of the Raman Effect B) Celebrate the discovery made by JC Bose
C) Coincide with the winning of the Nobel by Hargobind Khurana D) None of these

Question No. : 32

The fastest growing plant in the world is

A) Triticale B) Rhododendron C) Rafflesia D) Bamboo

Question No. : 33

If a mad dog bites a person, that person is likley to suffer from

A) Rabies B) Diphtheria C) Hydrophobia      D) Whooping Cough

Question No. : 34

Spot the correct pair.

A) Vitamin A : Milk B) Vitamin D : Citrus C) Vitamin B : Green Vegetables D) Vitamin C : Eggs

Question No. : 35

Which of the following is known as green fuel?

A) Unleaded petrol B) Compressed Natural Gas C) Kerosene D) Both A and B

Question No. : 36

Athlete’s Foot is a/ an

A) Book on athletics B) Olympic oath C) Disease D) Novel by Jesse Owens

Question No. : 37

The largest bone in the body is the

A) Stapes B) Forearm bone C) Knee bone D) Thigh bone

Question No. : 38

The Plaster of Paris is technically known as

A) Potassium Permanganate B) Potassium Permanganate C) Hydrated Calcium Sulphate D) Calcium Carbonate

Question No. : 39

The gas predominantly responsible for the yellowing of the Taj is

A) Sulphur dioxide B) Carbon dioxide C) Both of these   D) None of these

Question No. : 40

Which of the following is NOT a legume crop?

A) Pea B) Wheat C) Pulses D) Gram

 GK Sci. & Tech. Test 03

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option.

Question No. : 1

Light year is a unit of

A) Distance B) Time C) Sound D) Light intensity

Question No. : 2

The Red Sea is so called because

A) red sand is carried into the sea at low tide B) the famous ‘Titanic’ sank over there
C) dead algae remains on the ocean floor turn to reddish brown D) there are red coloured sea weeds in the seabed

Question No. : 3

 
If you keep the door of your working refrigerator open, the temperature of your room likely to

A) Go up B) Go down C) It will depend on room temperature D) Cannot say

Question No. : 4

IRNSS is

A) Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System B) India's Rural Navigational Space System
C) India's Regional Navigational Space System D) Indian Regional Navigational Space Satellite

Question No. : 5

The sea water, on an average, contains _______ % salt in it.

A) 35 B) 45 C) 3.5 D) None of these

Question No. : 6

Which of the following is/are a mode/modes of transmission of AIDS?

 
A. Handshake    B. Kissing    C. Sharing meals   D. Sharing drug-needles    E. Sex
 
 
Select you answer using the following options.
 

A) A and D B) D and E C) C, D and E D) B, C, D and E

Question No. : 7

The Eureka ! experience is associated with

A) Euclid B) Newton C) Galileo D) Archimedes

Question No. : 8

A patient is put on the dialysis if he suffers from a

A) Liver problem B) Kidney problem C) Heart problem D) Blood pressure problem

Question No. : 9

The funny bone in the body is otherwise known as the

A) Femur B) Ulna C) Radius D) Stapes

Question No. : 10
Which of the following terms is not connected with the Internet?

A) HTTP B) Vortal C) HTML D) TTML

Question No. : 11

The first heart transplant in the world was performed by

A) Dr. Joseph Lister B) Dr. Christian Bernard C) Dr. P. Venu Gopal D) Dr. Alexander Fleming

Question No. : 12

Sound travels at 340 m /sec in the air. If you are on the moon and your friend fires a shot four feet away from you, its sound will
reach you in

A) 1 sec B) 0.004 sec C) 0.002 sec D) None of these

Question No. : 13

An example of a renewable energy source is

A) Coal B) Petroleum C) Natural gas D) Solar energy

Question No. : 14

A computer virus is the one

A) that destroys the computer hardware B) that destroys the software of the computer
C) that spreads fast through e-mail           D) None of these

Question No. : 15

The name given to the latest element is

A) Actinium B) Seaborgium C) Ranchanum D) Cesium

Question No. : 16

If an automobile has 1000cc capacity, it implies that

A) Its fuel-holding capacity is 10 times that B) The volume of its cylinder equals that
C) Exhaust gases per minute equal that figure D) None of these

Question No. : 17

The least pure variety of coal is

A) Peat B) Lignite C) Anthracite D) Bituminous

Question No. : 18

In case of nuclear fission, the energy is released in which form?

A) Light    B) Heat     C) Chemical D) Mechanical

Question No. : 19

Chemically speaking, Washing Soda is called

 

A) Sodium Carbonate B) Calcium Carbonate C) Sodium Bicarbonate D) Potassium Carbonate

Question No. : 20

Which of the following is used in making computer chips?

A) Carbon B) Uranium C) Silicon D) Rubidium

Question No. : 21

In order to see an object on the surface while travelling in a ship, you would make use of a

A) Telescope B) Periscope C) Marinoscope    D) None of these

A) Telescope B) Periscope C) Marinoscope    D) None of these

Question No. : 22

Which of the following is another name for global warming?

A) Ozone hole depletion B) Greenhouse effect C) Agent Orange D) Aurora borealis

Question No. : 23

Which of the following metals is kept in kerosene oil to prevent its burning in the air?

A) Sodium B) Uranium C) Lithium D) Radium

Question No. : 24

The earliest known computer to man is the

A) Mark I B) IBM-753 C) Abacus D) Mac I

Question No. : 25

Medically speaking, a person can remain without food (and can survive on water) for a maximum of

A) 60 days B) 30 days C) 14 days D) 50 days

Question No. : 26

Which technique is useful in solving mysteries related to robberies, apes and thefts?

A) Radio Carbon-Dating   B) Computer Tomography C) Gene Cloning D) DNA Fingerprinting

Question No. : 27

An unfertilized human egg would contain

A) Single Y chromosome B) Single X chromosome C) Two X Chromosomes D) One X and one Y chromosome

Question No. : 28

It is difficult to cook on the hills using a pressure cooker because on hills, the

A) Atmospheric pressure is low B) Atmospheric pressure is high C) The vegetables are hard D) None of these

Question No. : 29

If a train suddenly comes to a halt, the passengers get a sudden shock due to

A) The Law of Conservation of Momentum B) The Law of Inertia C) The Law of Gravitation
D) The Law of Equal Action and Reaction

Question No. : 30

Which of the following gadgets would be used to know the purity of milk?

A) Hygrometer B) Lactometer C) Anemometer D) Tachometer

Question No. : 31

Hooch or poisonous wine contains

A) Methyl Alcohol B) Ethyl Alcohol C) Propyl Alcohol D) Butyl Alcohol

Question No. : 32

Which of the following is the principal means of transmission of heat from the Sun to the Earth?

A) Conduction B) Convection C) Diffusion D) Radiation

Question No. : 33

Which of the following is a non-biodegradable waste?

A) Kitchen Refuse B) Plastic C) Dead plants D) Dead animals

Question No. : 34

A charged particle always has

A) Kinetic energy B) Potential energy C) Both A and B      D) Mechanical energy

Question No. : 35

Out of the following media, the minimum speed of light will be in

A) Vacuum B) Air C) Water D) Glass

Question No. : 36

The first test-tube baby in the world was named

A) Barbara McCray B) Louis Brown C) Indira D) McCarthy Donald

Question No. : 37

Hematite is an ore of

A) Zinc B) Silver C) Aluminium D) Iron

Question No. : 38

The leading cause of blindness among Indians is

A) Deficiency of Vitamin A  B) Congenital defects C) Watching Cinema, T.V. D) Deficiency of Vitamin C

Question No. : 39

The visible range of the human eye is between

A) 20-20000 Hz B) 3800-7600 Angstrom C) 180-600 micrometer D) 120 decibel

Question No. : 40

Ordinary Table Salt gets wet in the rainy season due to the presence of

A) Magnesium Chloride B) Magnesium Sulphate C) Sodium Chloride D) Sodium

 GK Indian Geography Test 01

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

The State that produces largest quantity of rubber is

A) Assam B) Kerala C) Karnataka D) Tamil Nadu

Question No. : 2

Surajgarh Fort is located in which State?

A) UP B) Gujarat C) Rajasthan D) Haryana

Question No. : 3

 
India’s first Genetically Modified Crop was—

A) Maize B) Cotton C) Potato D) Sugarcane E) None of these

Question No. : 4

The Uri Hydro-electric Project is in

A) Himachal Pradesh B) J&K C) U P D) M P

Question No. : 5

Which country owns, buys and consumes the most gold in the world?

A) China B) USA C) India D) South Africa

Question No. : 6

Which of the following states has the lowest population density?

A) Assam B) Arunachal Pradesh C) Mizoram D) Tripura

Question No. : 7

The southernmost point of India’s territory is

A) The Indira Point B) Kanyakumari   C) Pondicherry D) Lakshadweep

Question No. : 8

The Ganges is known as _______ after entering Bangladesh.

A) Bhagirthi B) Padma C) Gomti D) Dihang

Question No. : 9

Ootacomund is a famous tourist-spot in

A) Gujarat B) Kerala C) Tamil Nadu D) Andhra Pradesh

Question No. : 10

The driest place in India is

A) Jaipur B) Jodhpur C) Jaisalmer D) Bikaner

Question No. : 11

The ideal region for growing cotton in India is the

A) Deccan Plateau B) Indo-Gangetic Plains C) Brahmaputra Valley D) Rann of Kutch

Question No. : 12

The Pichola Lake is a famous landmark in

A) Jaipur B) Mount Abu C) Udaipur D) Ranthambore

Question No. : 13

The only wetland in Punjab is at

A) Kanjli B) Harike C) Sultanpur D) Sukhna

Question No. : 14

Which is the only coral island in India?

A) Andaman-Nicobars B) Pondicherry C) Lakshdwep D) Kiribati

Question No. : 15

The first Multipurpose Project in India was

A) Damodar Valley Project B) Bhakra Nangal Project C) Narmada Valley Project D) None of these

Question No. : 16

Which among the following rivers flows west-wards?

A) Krishna B) Cauvery C) Mahanadi D) Narmada

Question No. : 17

Geologically the oldest mountains amongst the following are

A) The Western Ghats B) The Aravallis C) The Himalayas D) The Vindhayas

Question No. : 18

Which of the following regions of the world supplies most of our imports (in rupee value)?

A) Africa B) America C) Asia and Oceania D) Europe

Question No. : 19

Which of the following rivers does not originate in India?

A) Kaveri B) Narmada C) Brahmaputra D) Ganga

Question No. : 20

How many oceans touch the Indian mainland?

A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 D) 3

Question No. : 21

Mullaperiyar Dam is located in which of the following States?

A) Maharashtra B) Karnataka C) Andhra Pradesh D) Kerala

Question No. : 22

India is the largest producer of-

A) Coffee B) Sugarcane C) Oil seeds D) Tobacco

Question No. : 23

Which of the following places is called the 'City of Oranges' in India?

A) Mumbai B) Jaipur C) Lucknow D) Nagpur

Question No. : 24

The famous Bhakra Nangal Dam is built on which of the following rivers?

A) Ganga B) Narmada C) Godavari D) Satluj

Question No. : 25

Which of the following is the capital of Manipur?

A) Kohima B) Imphal C) Guwahati D) Shillong

Question No. : 26

Which of the following hydroelectric power projects has the largest installed capacity (M.W.) for generation of electricity?

A) Sabari Giri(Kerala) B) Koyna (Maharashtra) C) Bhakra-Nangal(Punjab) D) Kundah (Tamil Nadu)

Question No. : 27

Amritsar and Shimla are almost on the same latitude, but their climate difference is due to ___

A) The difference in their altitudes B) Their distance from sea C) Snowfall in Shimla D) Pollution in Amritsar

Question No. : 28

The highest wheat –producing State of India is __

A) Haryana B) Punjab C) Bihar D) Uttar Pradesh

Question No. : 29

The Paithan (Jayakwadi) Hydro-electric project, completed with the help of Japan, is on the river

A) Ganga B) Kaveri C) Narmada D) Godavari

Question No. : 30

Gol Gumbaz is in:

A) Konark B) Hyderabad C) Puri D) Bijapur

Question No. : 31

 
Which of the following is known as ‘City of Festivals’?

A) Madurai B) Mathura C) Varanasi D) Udaipur

Question No. : 32

Where is India's first nuclear power station?

A) Korba B) Kalpakkam C) Tarapore D) Trombay

Question No. : 33

Indus Water Treaty is a pact on sharing of river water between India and

A) Afghanistan B) Bangladesh C) Pakistan D) Nepal

Question No. : 34

Paradip Port is located in which state of India ?

A) Odisha B) Andhra Pradesh C) Gujarat D) Kerala

Question No. : 35

Baglihar dam has been a matter of dispute between which nations?

A) Bangladesh and Myanmar B) Myanmar and China C) India and China D) India and Pakistan

Question No. : 36

The Yarlung Zangbo river, in india, is knows as

A) Ganga B) Brahmaputra C) Indus D) Mahanadi

Question No. : 37

Growing of which of the following crops comparatively needs lot of water ?

 
A. Jowar
B. Paddy
C. Groundnut

A) Only (A) B) Only (B) C) Only (C) D) Only (A) & (C)            E) Only (B) & (C)

Question No. : 38

Which of the following is the capital of Lakshdweep?

A) Kavaratti B) Aizwal C) Port Blair D) Silvassa

Question No. : 39

As per the data released by the Union Health Ministry (of India) the infant mortality rate is lowest in ____________

A) Tamil Nadu B) Maharashtra C) Goa D) Uttar Pradesh E) Madhya Pradesh

Question No. : 40

Which of the following dams is built across Narmada River ?

A) Tehri Dam B) Mullaperiyar Dam C) Bhakra Dam D) Hirakud Dam E) Sardar Sarovar Dam
 GK World Geography Test 01

DIRECTION for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 1

The country with the highest population density is

A) Bangladesh B) India C) China D) Singapore

Question No. : 2

Which strait separates Europe from Africa?

A) Mallaica B) Gibralter C) Berring D) Palk

Question No. : 3

What is Davos famous for?

A) It is best known tourist place of Switzerland B) G8 members meet here, every year C) EU financial headquarter
D) World Economic Forum

Question No. : 4

Asteroids are found between the planets

A) Mars and Jupiter B) Mercury and Venus C) Earth and Venus D) Jupiter and Saturn

Question No. : 5

“Ursa Major” is a

A) Galaxy B) Constellation    C) Asteroid D) Star

Question No. : 6

The atmospheric layer responsible for most of the weather phenomena is referred to as the

A) Mesophere B) Stratosphere C) Ionosphere D) Troposphere

Question No. : 7

The doldrums are

A) Equatorial low pressure belts B) Polar low-pressure belts C) Polar high pressure belts
D) Equatorial high pressure belts

Question No. : 8

Who was the first man to suggest that the Earth revolves round the Sun and not vice-versa?

A) Kepler B) Newton C) Copernicus D) Descartes

Question No. : 9

The Earth is approximately  _____ old.

A) 8.5 billion years B) 4.5 billion years C) 2.6 billion years D) 15.5 billion years

Question No. : 10

Contours are the lines on a map joining places of equal

A) Average rainfall B) Height from the sea level C) Sunshine D) Atmospheric pressure

Question No. : 11
The Great Barrier Reef is a

A) Hill range B) Man-made wall C) Tidal bore D) Coral formation

Question No. : 12

Normal atmospheric pressure is equal to ______ of Mercury column.

A) 76 mm. B) 750 cm. C) 76 cm. D) 176 cm.

Question No. : 13

The Big Bang means

A) A massive explosion that took place when the earth was formed B) The five big nuclear powers
C) The five permanent members of the Security Council D) A project to investigate the formation of the Universe

Question No. : 14

The Tienmann Square is a famous location in

 

A) London B) Washington C) Beijing D) Bombay

Question No. : 15

The Bhilai Steel Plant was set up with

A) American aid   B) U.K. aid C) German aid D) Soviet aid

Question No. : 16

Crescograph is an instrument used to measure

A) Plant growth B) Wind velocity C) Earthquakes D) Very high temperature

Question No. : 17

Which branch is concerned with the description and mapping of the main features of the Universe?

A) Cosmology B) Geomorphology C) Cosmography D) Astronomy

Question No. : 18

Savana grasslands are found in

A) East Asia B) Africa C) Australia D) America

Question No. : 19

The name ‘Red Sea’ is derived from the reddish coloration caused by the presence of _____ algae.

A) Brown B) Red C) Blue green D) Green

Question No. : 20

The top spot in maize production worldwide is occupied by

A) Russia B) China C) U.S.A D) New Zealand

Question No. : 21

The great Victoria Desert is located in

A) Canada B) West Africa C) Australia D) North America

Question No. : 22

The driest area of the Earth is

A) Arabian desert B) Atacama desert C) Gobi desert D) Thar desert

A) Arabian desert B) Atacama desert C) Gobi desert D) Thar desert

Question No. : 23

The celestial body nearest to the earth is

A) Sun B) Moon C) Venus D) Proxima Centauri

Question No. : 24

An area drained by a river and its tributaries is called a

A) Basin B) Canal C) Dam D) Strait

Question No. : 25

The imaginary line on the Earth’s surface that closely follows the 1800 Meridian is:

A) Prime Meridian B) Equator C) International Date Line D) Tropic of Cancer

Question No. : 26

The intersecting lines drawn on maps and globes are

A) latitudes B) longitudes C) geographic grids D) None of the above

Question No. : 27

As we go up, the temperature increases rapidly beyond

A) ionosphere B) exosphere C) stratosphere D) troposphere

Question No. : 28

The largest reserves of mineral oil in the world are found in

A) Canada B) Iran C) Saudi Arabia D) Venezuela

Question No. : 29

Which of the following is the name of a country?

A) Kwanza B) Chad C) Krone D) Ruble

Question No. : 30

More than one-thirds of the world's crude steel production comes from
 

A) China B) Japan C) Russia D) The USA

Question No. : 31

Which of the following is not a capital city?

A) Canberra B) Sydney C) Wellington D) Riyadh

Question No. : 32

Major source of oceanic salinity is ___

A) Rivers B) Land C) Wind D) Ash from volcanoes

Question No. : 33

Which of these is the largest desert of the World?

A) Kalahari desert B) Gobi desert C) Sahara desert D) Thar desert

Question No. : 34

The Yellow Stone National Park is located in __

A) Brazil B) Canada C) South Africa D) USA

Question No. : 35

Which European country is determined to abandon Nuclear Power for good and is betting billions on expanding the use of
renewable energy?

A) Portugal B) Germany C) France D) Great Britain

Question No. : 36

Which is the third most populous country of the world?

A) India B) China C) USA D) Russia E) Bangladesh

Question No. : 37

The country with the largest population of Muslims is

A) Pakistan B) Indonesia C) Bangladesh D) Saudi Arabia

Question No. : 38

Which of the following is the name of very violent and serious type of wind which brings a lot of disaster?

A) Trade winds B) Hurricane C) Cirrus D) Stratus E) None of these

Question No. : 39

'Seychelles', where China is going to set up its new military base, is a country in

A) Bay of Bengal B) China Sea C) Indian Ocean D) Red Sea E) Caspian Sea

Question No. : 40

India is providing financial help to which of the following countries for building a large harbour there named as Kankasanthurai
Harbour?

A) Nepal B) Myanmar C) Bangladesh D) Sri Lanka E) Vietnam

 GK World Geography Test 02

DIRECTION for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 1

Durand Line is the border common to which two nations?

A) Pakistan and Afghanistan B) India and China C) India and Tibet D) China and Afghanistan

Question No. : 2

The International Date Line is located

A) On the Equator B) Along 0 degree Longitude C) Along 180 degree Longitude D) At Greenwich in UK

Question No. : 3

 
Mogadishu is the capital of

A) Ethiopia B) Somalia C) Sudan D) Kenya

Question No. : 4

Which of the following is known as the “Vineyard of the World”?

A) Russia B) Sweden C) France D) Canada

Question No. : 5

The International Date Line is an imaginary line, which lies along

A) 0 degree meridian B) 45 degree meridian C) 90 degree meridian D) 180 degree meridian

Question No. : 6

The title Clove Islands is applied to

A) Mauritius B) Andaman-Nicobar C) Lakshdweep D) Zanzibar

Question No. : 7

The “sea of tranquility” is on the

A) Jupiter B) Moon C) Sun D) Pacific ocean

Question No. : 8

A type of climate, with high day temperature and daily occurrence of conventional rainfall is called

A) Equatorial Type B) Mediterranean C) Continental  Climate D) Temperate

Question No. : 9

The height of Mt. Everest is

A) 8898 m. B) 8848 m. C) 8848 ft. D) 8898 ft.

Question No. : 10

The deepest ocean in the world is

A) The Indian ocean B) The Atlantic ocean C) The Pacific ocean D) None of these

Question No. : 11

The Ural Mountains are a prominent feature of the landscape in

A) The USA B) Japan C) Canada D) None of these

Question No. : 12

Smog is a

A) Type of fast-blowing wind in the Australian deserts B) Type of cloud which results in torrential rains
C) Colloidal mixture of smoke and fog D) The name of a structure formed by the river in its upper course

Question No. : 13

Blizzards are a characteristic feature of the ______ region.

A) Antarctic B) Equatorial C) Temperate D) Tropical

Question No. : 14

The damage due to earthquake depends upon the distance of ______ of the earthquake from the location.

A) Epifocus B) Epicentre C) Seismic Point D) Zero Point

Question No. : 15

Brazil is world-famous as a producer of

A) Iron B) Coal C) Maize D) Coffee

Question No. : 16

The only thing on the earth that is visible from the moon is the

A) Great Wall of China B) The Nile River C) The Everest D) The Mississippi-Missouri

Question No. : 17

Which of the following is the largest river in the world?

A) Nile B) Yangtze C) Amazon D) Mississippi-Missouri

Question No. : 18

The landmass of which of the following continents is the least?

A) Africa B) Asia C) Australia D) Europe

Question No. : 19

The biggest delta in the world is the

A) Nile Delta B) Sunderbans Delta C) The Amazon Delta D) The Rhine Delta

Question No. : 20

That the universe is heliocentric (Sun occupies central position in the universe) was enunciated by

A) By Copernicus B) By Newton C) First by Galileo and then by Kepler D) First by Newton and later by Copernicus

Question No. : 21

The Black Mountains are located in

A) Canada B) Norway C) Switzerland D) USA

Question No. : 22

Banana and pineapples are mainly grown in the

A) Tropical region B) Mediterranean region C) Mountains D) Desert oases

Question No. : 23

The equator does not pass through

A) North America B) South America C) Africa D) Any of these continents

Question No. : 24

What is the time difference between GMT and IST?

A) 4 hrs 30 min. B) 5 hrs 30 min. C) 6 hrs D) 6 hrs 30 min.

Question No. : 25

The main area where the icebergs are found is in

A) The West Coast of Greenland B) The East Coast of Japan C) The North Coast of Siberia D) The West Coast of Africa

Question No. : 26

In which one of the following countries does river Thames flow?

A) Chile B) Argentina C) Ireland D) United Kingdom

Question No. : 27

Which of  the following is called “Blue Planet”?

A) Saturn B) Earth C) Jupiter D) Mars

Question No. : 28

Which country is at the top in the production of milk globally?

A) India B) Brazil C) Japan D) The USA

Question No. : 29

The McMohan Line demarcates the boundary between

 

A) India and Pakistan B) India and China C) India and Nepal D) India and Bangladesh

Question No. : 30

The Sun City is located in

A) Italy B) Japan C) Mexico D) South Africa

Question No. : 31

The largest coal producer country in the world is

A) India B) USA C) China D) Russia

Question No. : 32

Which of the following do not belong to solar system?

A) Asteroids B) Comets C) Planets D) Nebulae

Question No. : 33

Coniferous forests are mainly found__

A) Tropical region B) Temperate region C) Coastal region D) Noen ofthese

Question No. : 34

The deepest lake of the world is__

A) Baikal B) Crater Lake C) Nyasa D) Tanganyika

Question No. : 35

Which country stands to gain from the turmoil in Middle East and Japan through selling extra gas and energy to the world?

A) Russia B) Armenia C) Ukraine D) Iran

Question No. : 36

What is the name of the tallest bridge in the world?

A) Baluarte, Mexico B) London C) Golden Gate Bridge, California D) Brooklyn bridge, New York

Question No. : 37

The country whose name comes from an aboriginal word 'kanata', which means 'Village' or 'settlement' is ___

A) Cambodia B) Chile C) Canada D) China

Question No. : 38

Havana is the capital of:

A) Namibia B) Cuba C) Zimbabwe D) Iceland

Question No. : 39

Which of the following is the Capital of Australia?

A) Perth B) Sydney C) Hobart D) Darwin E) Canberra

Question No. : 40

When it is 11:15 hours as per Greenwich Mean Time, what will be the time in Delhi?

A) 04:45 hours B) 05:45 hours C) 17:45 hours D) 16:45 hours

 GK Sports Test 01

DIRECTION for the question: Mark the right option

Question No. : 1

One of the most storied journeys in world football came to an end when Alex Ferguson, the world famous manager of ___________
announced his retirement from football, marking the end of an era in the sport.

A) Manchester United B) Chelsea C) Liverpool D) Real Madrid

Question No. : 2

The cricketers who were accused of spot fixing in the sixth edition of the IPL and were arrested by the Delhi Police played for which
franchise?

A) Sunrisers Hyderabad B) Chennai Super Kings C) Royal Challengers Banglaore D) Rajasthan Royals

Question No. : 3

Who was the first Indian to win the World Amateur Billiards title?

A) Wilson Jones B) Geet Sethi C) Michael Ferreira D) Manoj Kothari

Question No. : 4

Jamie Dwyer, a prominent name on the field of hockey, belongs to:

A) Germany B) England C) Netherlands D) Australia

Question No. : 5

Who won the British Grand Prix, 2014?

A) Lewis Hamilton B) Sebastian Vettel C) Michael Schumacher D) Fernando Alonso

Question No. : 6

Name the owner of Delhi franchise of hockey India

A) Tata Group B) Wave Group C) Bharti Group D) Aircel and Reliance

Question No. : 7

What was the slogan for Asian Games 2014?

A) The Games of your life B) Green, Clean and Friendship C) Diversity Shines Here D) We Cheer, We Share, We Win

Question No. : 8

Identify the incorrect pair:-

A) Sania Mirza: Badminton B) Saina Nehwal: Badminton C) Sarita Devi: Boxing D) Usain Bolt: Athletics

Question No. : 9

Bodyline is a term connected with

 

A) Boxing B) Hockey C) Cricket D) Golf

Question No. : 10

The national game of India is

A) Hockey B) Kabbadi C) Wrestling D) Cricket

Question No. : 11

The Subroto Cup is associated with

A) Cricket B) Hockey C) Football D) Badminton

Question No. : 12

Find the odd man out.

A) Rangaswamy Cup: Hockey B) Durand Cup: Football C) Devdhar Trophy: Cricket D) Obaidullah Cup: Badminton

Question No. : 13

Which one of the following is not correctly matched?

A) Rangaswamy Cup-Hockey B) Santosh Trophy-Football C) Nehru Trophy – Chess D) Thomas Cup-Badminton

Question No. : 14

The Uber Cup is associated with

A) Men’s Badminton Tournament B) Women’s Badminton Tournament C) Men’s Lawn Tennis Championship
D) Women’s National Hockey

Question No. : 15

The term “Stalemate” is related to the game of

A) Chess B) Cricket C) Badminton D) Tennis

Question No. : 16

Milkha Singh got the title of the Flying Sikh after the

A) London Olympics B) Athens Olympics C) Rome Olympics D) Bangkok Olympics

Question No. : 17

The national game of Japan is

A) Badminton B) Taikwando C) Sumo wrestling D) Jujutsu

Question No. : 18

Michael Phelps, the record-making Olympian with the maximum number of gold medals, is associated with

A) Athletics B) Boxing C) Swimming D) Javelin Throw

Question No. : 19

The most ancient game in the world is

A) Wrestling B) Table Tennis C) Badminton D) Hockey

Question No. : 20

Who among the following is a Golf player and represents India in International events?

A) Mahesh Bhupathi B) Pankaj Advani C) Jeev Milkha Singh D) Vijendra Singh

Question No. : 21

Which of the following trophies is associated with the game of Football?

A) Evert Cup B) Mardeka Cup C) Mumbai Gold Cup D) Bharat Ram Cup

Question No. : 22

Gagan Narang who won 4 gold medals in Delhi Commonwealth Games is basically a ____

A) Weight lifter B) Badminton player C) Table Tennis player D) Air Rifle shooter
Question No. : 23

Vijender Singh is associated with which one of the following games?

A) Shooting B) Boxing C) Athletics D) Badminton

Question No. : 24

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was associated with which of the following games?

A) Badminton B) Cricket C) Football D) Hockey

Question No. : 25

‘Fianchetto’ is a strategy in the game of –

A) Billiards B) Chess C) Car racing D) Bullfight

Question No. : 26

Which of the following awards is given for excellence in the field of sports?

A) Kalidas Samman B) Dhyanchand Award C) Shram Vir Award D) Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award

Question No. : 27

Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th century on March 16, 2012. Against which country was the century scored?

A) Pakistan B) Sri Lanka C) Bangladesh D) England

Question No. : 28

The headquarters of the International Olympic Committee is at

A) Lausanne (Switzerland) B) Los Angeles C) Moscow D) New York

Question No. : 29

 
In which year did India win the Cricket World Cup?

A) 1987 B) 1983 C) 1975 D) 1979

Question No. : 30

Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is associated with the game of

A) Cricket B) Football C) Badminton D) Hockey

Question No. : 31

Which sports man is branded as "Fastest Man on Earth"?

A) Michael Jordan B) Tiger Woods C) Usain Bolt D) Shane Warne

Question No. : 32

Find the mismatch

A)  Somdev Devvarman Badminton   B)  Gagan Narang Shooting  

C)  Arjun Atwal Golf   D)  Anita Sood Swimming  

Question No. : 33

By what name were the Commonwealth Games known when they were first held in 1930 in Ontario, Canada?

A) British Commonwealth Games B) British Empire and Commonwealth Games C) British Empire Games
D) Queen's Empire Games

Question No. : 34
In IPL-5, Kevin Pietersen has been selected to play with which team ?

A) Delhi Daredevils B) Deccan Chargers C) Rajasthan Royals D) Royal Challengers

Question No. : 35

FIFA World Cup Football hosts for 2018 and 2022 respectively are

A) Russia and Qatar B) Germany and France C) England and Italy D) Spain and Argentina

Question No. : 36

Sundarrajan Kidambi is associated with:

A) Rowing B) Chess C) Cricket D) Hockey

Question No. : 37

Which of the following countries is selected as a host of Common Wealth Games-2018?

A) India B) Australia C) Pakistan D) South Africa E) Sri Lanka

Question No. : 38

Who among the following is NOT a Sports person?

A) Sania Mirza B) Azim H. Premji C) Leander Trouble D) Ricky Ponting E) Rahul Dravid

Question No. : 39

Which of the following would be the venue of the World Athletic Championship 2013 ?

A) New Delhi B) Tokyo C) London D) Paris E) Moscow

Question No. : 40

The term ‘lob' is used in which game/sport?

A) Volleyball B) Swimming C) Basketball D) Tennis

 GK Sports Test 02

DIRECTION for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Name the winner of the F1 Austrian Grand Prix, 2014.

A) Nico Rosberg B) Mark Webber C) Sebestian Vettel D) Adrian Sutil

Question No. : 2

Somdev Devvarman is related to __________

A) Tennis B) Badminton C) Golf D) Chess

Question No. : 3

The first ever formula one race in India was held in

A) Greater Noida B) New Delhi C) Faridabad D) Pune

Question No. : 4

Which city will host the Olympic Games in 2016?

A) London B) Chicago C) Singapore D) Rio de Janeiro

Question No. : 5

Who won the FIFA world cup 2014?

A) Germany B) France C) Brazil D) Argentina

Question No. : 6

Name the Secretary of the Bengal Tennis Association who has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The All India
Tennis Association (AITA).

A) Manik Goswami B) Hironmoy Chatterjee C) Abhey Singh Chautala D) Gaganjeet Bhullar

Question No. : 7

Jhulam Goswami is a

A) Writer B) Sportsman C) Businesswomen D) Politician

Question No. : 8

The term “Checkmate” is related to the game of

A) Chess B) Bridge C) Snooker D) Golf

Question No. : 9

The highest cricket-ground in the world is at

A) Chail    B) Shimla C) Berne D) Dharamshala

Question No. : 10

The Olympics were re-started by

A) Pierre de Cubertin B) Henri  Dunant C) Antonio Samaranch D) None of these

Question No. : 11
Identify the correct pairing.

A) Linford Christie: Gymnastics B) Cedric D’ Souza: Football C) Tanya Sachdev: Swimming

D) Narayan Karthikeyan: Car-racing

Question No. : 12

In which of the following years did India organize Asian Games?

A) 1986 B) 1974 C) 1983    D) 1982

Question No. : 13

With which sport is Agha Khan Cup associated?

A) Hockey B) Cricket C) Football D) Golf

Question No. : 14

What is meant by a ‘seeded player’?

A) A raw player B) Handicapped player  C) Expert player  D) Player under training

Question No. : 15

The only black to win the Wimbledon title is

A) Carl Louis B) Robert Smith    C) John Mcnore D) Arthur Ash

Question No. : 16

Jesse Owens was related to the game of         

A) Boxing B) Wrestling C) Judo D) Athletics

Question No. : 17

Famous Tennis player Serena Williams belongs to

A) Sweden  B) Norway C) Italy D) UK

 

Question No. : 18

Mithir Sen is associated with:

A) Swimming B) Polo C) Cricket D) Hockey

Question No. : 19

The first man to swim across the Palk Strait is:

A) Mihir Sen B) Roger Benister C) Arthur Ashe D) Milkha Singh

Question No. : 20

India’s Dipika Pallikal and Sarah Cardwell of Australia are

A) Badminton players B) Golf players C) Chess players D) Squash players

Question No. : 21

Which of the following terms is NOT related with the game of cricket?

A) Googly B) Silly Point C) Smash D) Mid Wicket

Question No. : 22

Which of the following trophies/cups is NOT associated with the game of Football?

A) Challenge Cup B) Nehru Gold Cup C) Carling Cup D) FIFA World Cup
Question No. : 23

Which of the following terms is used in the game of Lawn Tennis ?

A) Double Fault B) Half Nelson C) Cox D) Crease

Question No. : 24

Krishna Poonia is associated with:

A) Football B) Lawn Tennis C) Hockey D) Chess

Question No. : 25

Tennis star Roger Federer hails from-

A)  The UK B) Switzerland C) The USA D) France

Question No. : 26

Which of the following is the name of the game not included in Olympics?

A) Kabaddi B) Table Tennis C) Rifle Shooting D) 100 meters Race

Question No. : 27

The term ‘Pitcher’ is associated with

A) Wrestling B) Boxing C) Baseball D) Basketball

Question No. : 28

Wimbledon, known for lawn tennis courts, is in

A) London B) New York C) Washington D.C. D) Rome

Question No. : 29

 
Shiv Kapur is associated with

A) Cricket B) Badminton C) Golf D) Hockey

Question No. : 30

Which team won the Fair Play award in FIFA-2014?

A) Argentina B) Columbia C) Germany D) France

Question No. : 31

For how many terms has Sepp Blatter served as FIFA President?

A) 1 B) 3 C) 5 D) 6

Question No. : 32

Name the sports personality who was not an ambassador for the Common Wealth Games 2010?

A) Samaranth Jung B) Sushil Kumar C) MC Mary Kom D) Tejeswini Sawant

Question No. : 33

Indian driver Karun Chandok was in the news for which of the following?

A) Being selected as a reserve driver by Team Force India for the 2011 Formula One season.
B) Being selected as a reserve driver by Team Lotus for the 2011 Formula One season.
C) Being selected as a reserve driver by Team Ferrari for the 2011 Formula One season. D) None of the above.

Question No. : 34

Yankee stadium in Newyork is associated with:

A) Boxing B) Hockey C) Lawn Tennis D) Badminton

Question No. : 35

Cannon is a term associated with which of the following games?

A) Golf B) Chess C) Billiards D) Badminton

Question No. : 36

Who was the head coach of the Indian cricket team that won the Cricket World Cup played in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
during March-April 2011 ?

A) John Wright B) Shaun Pollock C) Gary Kirsten D) Duncan Fletcher

Question No. : 37

Which of the following Cups/Trophies is associated with the game of Lawn Tennis?

A) FIFA Cup B) Champions Trophy C) Ranji Trophy D) Subrato Cup E) Davis Cup

Question No. : 38

India first took part in the Olympic games in the year:

A) 1928 B) 1947 C) 1972 D) 1920 E) 1960

Question No. : 39

Who was named best player of the Euro 2012 international soccer tournament?       

A) Mario Gomez B) Andres Iniesta C) Fernando Torres D) Cristiano Ronaldo

Question No. : 40

Which of the following sports was included in the Olympics for the first time ever, in the 2012 edition of the Games held in
London?

A) Tennis Mixed Doubles B) Karate C) Women's Boxing D) Beach Volleyball

 GK Sports Test 03

DIRECTION for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Star footballer Lionel Messi belongs to

A) Portugal B) Brazil C) France D) Argentina

Question No. : 2

Which was the 1st non Test playing country to beat India in an international match?

A) Zimbabwe B) Sri Lanka C) East Africa D) Canada

Question No. : 3

The 2018  FIFA World Cup would be held in which of the following countries?

A) Russia B) France C) Netherlands D) Germany

Question No. : 4

Saina Nehwal is associated with which game?

A) Bad Minton B) Table Tennis C) Lawn Tennis D) Kabaddi

Question No. : 5

Which player has won the European Golden Boot Award 2014?

A) Luis Suarez B) Lionel Messi C) Luis Enrique D) Sergi Roberto

Question No. : 6

Which of the following trophies is associated with the game of Football?

A) Evert Cup B) Merdeka Cup C) Mumbai Gold Cup D) Bharat Ram Cup

Question No. : 7

The Olympics were re-started in the year

A) 1846    B) 1926 C) 1900 D) 1896

Question No. : 8

Who among the following is known as the Wizard of Hockey?

A) Dhyan Chand B) Milkha Singh C) Pargat Singh D) Cedric D’Souza

Question No. : 9

Rupali Ramdass is related to which of the following sports?

A) Badminton B) Volleyball C) Hockey D) Swimming

Question No. : 10

At which of the following places did the first Asian Games take place?

A) Bangkok B) Kualalampur C) Ceylon D) New Delhi

Question No. : 11

The sports/adventure activity which consumes the highest no. of calories per minute is

A) Running fast    B) Swimming C) Lifting weights D) Mountaineering

A) Running fast    B) Swimming C) Lifting weights D) Mountaineering

Question No. : 12

Which stadium is popularly known as ‘Cricket ka Kashi’?

A) Lord’s B) Oval C) Eden Garden D) Niyaz

Question No. : 13

The national game of Canada is

A) Hockey B) Ice Hockey C) Cricket D) Baseball

Question No. : 14

The term ‘breast stroke’ is associated with

A) Croquet B) Rifle shooting C) Skiing D) Swimming

Question No. : 15

The term "Feint" is related to which of the following?

A) Cricket B) Badminton C) Swimming D) Hockey

Question No. : 16

Baseball is the national game of

A) Sweden B) Canada C) Spain D) U.S.A

Question No. : 17

How many players are there in a Volleyball team?

A) 6 B) 7 C) 5 D) 8

Question No. : 18

Iron, Dribbling --- These terms belong to which of the following games?

A) Boxing B) Hockey C) Squash D) Chess

Question No. : 19

Which of the following international events is associated with the game of car racing?

A) Twenty 20 B) FIFA World Cup C) Dubai Open D) Singapore Grand prix

Question No. : 20

Citius, Altius, Fortius --- These words in the Olymopic motto refers to
 

A) Stronger, Higher, Better  B) Faster, Higher, Longer  C) Faster, Higher, Better  D) Faster, Higher, Stronger 
     

Question No. : 21

Hashim Amla who was awarded the player of the year in his category is a famous_____

A) Tennis player B) Badminton player C) Hockey player D) Cricket player

Question No. : 22

Bull fighting is the national game of

A) Italy B) Poland C) Spain D) Sudan

Question No. : 23
The game of Hockey originated in:

A) India B) Canada C) England D) France

Question No. : 24

2010 Winter Olympic was held in:

A) USA B) Russia C) Australia D) Vancouver

Question No. : 25

What is the distance of running in a marathon race?

A) 26 miles 385 yards B) 26 miles 405 yards C) 26 miles 180 yards D) 26 miles

Question No. : 26

Which of the following terms is NOT used in the game of cricket?

A) Short Leg B) Silly Point C) Follow On D) Gambit

Question No. : 27

Name the Cycling Coach of Indian national team, who died in a road accident near Nalgadha village on Noida Expressway in Uttar
Pradesh.

A) Ruma Chatterjee B) Ruma Mukherjee C) Ruma Banerjee D) Ruma Chakrobarty

Question No. : 28

 
M.C. Mary Kom is associated with which sport?

A) Chess B) Cricket C) Boxing D) Hockey

Question No. : 29

Who won the Hungarian Grand prix 2014 :

A) Daniel Ricciardo B) Fernando Alonso C) Nico Rosberg D) Lewis Hamilton

Question No. : 30

In 2013, Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi became the first cricketer to hit 400 sixes in international career. Against which cricketing nation
did he achieve this rare distinction?

A) Sri Lanka B) West Indies C) Zimbabwe D) New Zealand

Question No. : 31

The term '16 yards hit' is associated with

A) Badminton B) Baseball C) Polo D) Hockey

Question No. : 32

Who won the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final?

A) Sweden B) Japan C) USA D) France

Question No. : 33

Which Irish player scored the fastest Century in the history of World Cup Cricket?

A) Niall O' Brien B) Kevin O' Brien C) A. Cusack D) Ed Joyce

Question No. : 34

Which countries co-hosted the One-day cricket World Cup in 2011?

A) India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka B) India, Bangladesh and Pakistan C) India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan
D) India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan
D) India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan

Question No. : 35

Pullela Gopichand is associated with:

A) Badminton B) Basketball C) Cricket D) Hockey

Question No. : 36

Which of the following sports will  not feature in the  London  2012 Olympic Games of the International Olympic Committee being
held from 27 July 2012 to 12 August 2012 ?

A) F1 Racing B) Karate C) Kabaddi D) All these

Question No. : 37

Which of the following terms is used in the game of Cricket?

A) Heave B) Silly Point C) Tee D) Smash E) Grand slam

Question No. : 38

The ASIAD is held every:

A) 2 year B) 1 year C) 4 year D) 5 year E) 3 year

Question No. : 39

The now retired South African cricket player Mark Boucher is the most successful wicket-keeper in the world with dismissals in
Test matches

A) 666 B) 444 C) 555 D) 333

Question No. : 40

Which country won the Davis Cup Tennis Tournament 2011 held in December 2011?

A) Argentina B) USA C) Australia D) Japan E) Spain

 GK Int. & National Org Test 01

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

 
Question No. : 1

Which amongst the following nations is not a member of the SAARC?

A) Bangladesh B) Nepal C) Bhutan D) South Africa

Question No. : 2

India is a member of which of the following?

A) Asian Development Bank B) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
C) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation D) None of these

Question No. : 3

The U.N.O. Security Council has permanent members numbering

A) 6 B) 8 C) 5 D) 4

Question No. : 4

Which of the following is not a SAARC country?

A) Afghanistan B) Myanmar C) Maldives D) Bhutan

Question No. : 5

Out of the following name the country which is not a permanent member of the Security Council?

A) U.S.A. B) U.K. C) Russia D) India

Question No. : 6

The headquarters of the International Court of Justice is at

A) The Hague B) New York C) Geneva D) Paris

Question No. : 7

The International Labour Organization was established in

A) 1942 B) 1927 C) 1919 D) 1930

Question No. : 8

Which of the following organizations mainly promotes the industries in Micro, Small & Medium industrial sectors in India?

A) NABARD B) SIDBI C) IDBI Bank D) EXIM Bank

Question No. : 9

Which of the following nations is a member of G-8?

A) New Zeland B) Libya C) China D) Canada

Question No. : 10

Which of the following is NOT a government-sponsored organization ?

A) Small Industries Development Bank of India B) NABARD C) National Housing Bank D) ICICI Bank

Question No. : 11

The Headquarters of UNESCO is at

A) Paris B) Geneva C) Hague D) Washington

Question No. : 12

Which organ of the UNO is considered as the World Parliament ?

A) General Assembly B) International Court of Justice C) Security Council D) Trusteeship Council

Question No. : 13

 
The nuclear security summit aimed at strengthening national measures on protecting nuclear material and combating their
trafficking was held in

A) Pans B) New York C) Washington D) Geneva

Question No. : 14

Which of the following countries is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)?

A) Russia B) USA C) France D) Iran

Question No. : 15

What does “S” denotes in the ‘BRICS’?

A) South Korea B) Venezuela C) South Africa D) Malaysia

Question No. : 16

The first woman Secretary General of SAARC is from which country?

A) Maldives B) Bhutan C) Sri Lanka D) India

Question No. : 17

Which among the following is also known as a Pacific Rim Trade Group ?

A) Marcosur B) ASEAN C) APEC D) OPEC

Question No. : 18

As per news reports in various newspapers and journals, ‘IAEA’ Governors approved the safety plan, so that it can be implemented
by all the countries, willing to adopt it. IAEA is an agency/organization working in the area of:

A) Nuclear Energy B) World Trade C) International Banking D) Defence E) Social Welfare

Question No. : 19

Who among the following represented India in 17th SAARC Summit held at Addu in Maldives in November 2011 ?

A) Smt. Sonia Gandhi B) Dr. Manmohan Singh C) Shri Pranab Mukherjee D) Shri P Chidambaram E) Shri Rahul Gandhi

Question No. : 20

India and Pakistan started fresh talks on conventional CBM – was the news in all major newspapers. What does the letter ‘M’
denote in the term’CBM’ as used above?

A) Money B) Mechanism C) Modalities D) Measures E) Memorial

Question No. : 21

Which of the following is NOT a financial institution/agency ?

A) IRDA B) BCCI C) FPSB D) SEBI E) CAG

Question No. : 22

Which of the following organizations/bodies formulates the rule of international trade among / between the nations?

A) World Trade Organisation B) Asian Development Bank C) International Monetary Fund D) World Bank
E) United Nations Development Programme
E) United Nations Development Programme

Question No. : 23

Which of the following organisation/agencies is specifically set up to boost overall rural development in India?

A) RBI B) SIDBI C) NABARD D) SEBI E) EXIM

Question No. : 24

UNESCO is an organization working in the field of_________

A) Social Welfare B) Protecting interest of prisoners of war C) Framing international laws

D) International collaboration through education, culture and science. E) Protecting children's right

Question No. : 25

Which of the following is a Member of G-8 ?

A) India B) Pakistan C) Afghanistan D) Nepal E) Italy

Question No. : 26

Which one of the following foreign agencies will assist the municipal agencies to improve quality of Municipal schools through its
School Excellence Programmes (SEP)?

A) IMF B) UNDP C) UNICEF D) ADB E) None of these

Question No. : 27

Choose the correct statement:

A) India has a veto power in UNO B) India is one of the developed countries C) India is one of the developing countries
D) Veto power is vested in the USA only, therefore it is known as one of the superpowers

Question No. : 28

The seat of International Criminal Court is at

A) The Hague B) Geneva C) Washington D) Tokyo

Question No. : 29

When was SAARC formed?

A) November, 1984 B) December, 1985 C) December, 1986 D) March, 1989

Question No. : 30

NASA is the space agency of

A) The UK B) Indonesia C) France D) The USA E) Iran

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 31

The economically diverse region of MENA nations refers to the countries in

A) Middle East and North African Countries B) Middle East and North American Countries
C) Mediterranean Europe and North Atlantic Countries D) None of the above

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 32

Which city houses the headquarters of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)?

A) Tokyo (Japan) B) Vienna (Austria) C) Geneva (Switzerland) D) New York (USA) E) Brussels (Belgium)
DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 33

United States Atomic Energy Act 1954 establishes an agreement of cooperation as a prerequisite for nuclear deals between US
and any other nation. Such an agreement is popularly known as _______.

A) Agreement of Cooperation B) 123'Agreement C) PL 480 D) A to Z Agreement E) Nuclear Deal

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 34

Who among the following former Indian cricketers has become the brand ambassador for the National Tobacco Control
Campaign of the Government of India?

A) Saurav Ganguly B) Anil Kumble C) Rahul Dravid D) Md. Azharuddin

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 35

The Ufa city, where annual BRICS summit-2015 is scheduled to be held is in which country?

A) China B) Russia C) South Africa D) Brazil

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 36

India has been a member of the United Nations since________.

A) 1945 B) 1946 C) 1947 D) 1951

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 37

Presently, who is the President of the World Bank?

A) Ban Ki-moon B) Jim Yong Kim C) Kofi Annan D) Axel van Trotsenburg

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 38

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is expected to be operational by the end of 2015 and its headquarters will be located at

A) Beijing B) Tokyo C) Seol D) Dubai

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 39

The abbreviation 'PLA' stands for _______

A) Private Liberation Army B) People's Liberation Armed Force C) Public Liberation Army D) People's Liberation Army
E) People's Liberty Army

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option:

Question No. : 40
The abbreviation 'FCAT stands for _________

A) Film Censorship Appellate Tribunal B) Film Censorship Appellate Trust C) Film Certification Appellate Tribunal
D) Film Certification Administrative Tribunal E) Film Certification Appellate Trial
 GK Int. & National Org Test 02

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Which of the countries represent letter 'C' in the category known as BRIC countries?

A) Canada B) Cuba C) Chile D) China

Question No. : 2

Which of the following statement (s) about BRICS Summit 2014 is/are correct?
 
A. The BRICS Summit was held in Brazil
 
B. A decision to start a New Development Bank was taken.
 
C. South Africa was admitted at the summit as a new member of the grouping.
 

A) A Only B) B and C C) A, B and C D) A, B E) B, C and D

Question No. : 3

Christian Lagarde heads the

A) World Bank B) UNICEF C) International Monetary Fund D) WHO

Question No. : 4

The UN’s global body for accessing and spreading scientific knowledge on climate change is

A) UNESCO B) IPCC C) WHO D) UNICEF

Question No. : 5

When did Pakistan become a member of the UN?

A) 1948 B) 1947 C) 1950 D) 1951

Question No. : 6

The Headquarters of the European Union is in

A) Brussels B) Helsinki C) Paris D) Rome

Question No. : 7

Which of the following days was proclaimed as “International Literacy Day” by UNESCO?

A) 8th September B) 18th September C) 18th October D) 8th October

Question No. : 8

Which of the following nations is 'not' a member of SAARC?

A) Nepal B) Mauritius C) Bhutan D) Afghanistan E) Maldives

Question No. : 9

‘IAEA’ is an organization which functions in the area of

A) Prevention of Money Laundering B) Control of Foreign Direct Investment C) Nuclear Energy D) World Trade

Question No. : 10

Which of the following is not a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)?
A) Italy B) Germany C) USA D) India

Question No. : 11

The headquarters of World Health Organisation is in

A) New York B) Paris C) Geneva D) Nairobi

Question No. : 12

Which of the following organisations keeps a check on prices of essential commodities ?

A) Indian Bureau of Standards B) MRTP Commission C) Merchants Chamber of Commerce

D) Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies

Question No. : 13

Who has been elected as the 9th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)?

A) Thomas Bach B) Juan Antonio Samaranch C) Jacques Rogge D) Michael Morris

Question No. : 14

UNDP reports publishes every year the Human Development Index. Which of the following is not a criteria used to measure the
Human Development Index?

A) Health B) Education C) Living Standards D) Human Rights

Question No. : 15

Match the international Organization-Location-Country

 
International Organization Location Country
a. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) i. Lyons 1. Austria
b. World Wild Life fund (WWF) ii. Vienna 2. Switzerland
c. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
iii. Gland 3. France
(OPEC)
d. International Police (INTERPOLE) iv. Brussels 4. Belgium
 
 

A) a-iii-2, b-iv-4, c-i-3, d-ii-1 B) a-iv-4, b-iii-2, c-ii,1, d-i-3 C) a-ii-4, b-iv-3,c-iii-1,d-i-2 D) a-i-4, b-iii-1, c-ii-3, d-iv-2

Question No. : 16

Which of the following UN agencies/organizations is associated with the welfare of children worldwide?

A) UNESCO B) UNICEF C) ILO D) UNCTAD E) UNIDO

Question No. : 17

WTO replaced 'GATT' in

A) 1990 B) 1997 C) 1989 D) 2001 E) 1995

Question No. : 18

Which of the following is the name of an autonomous organization for rural technology ?

A) CAPART B) MGNREGA C) PURA D) IRDP E) NGAPS

Question No. : 19

The UNO was founded in which year?

A) 1950 B) 1947 C) 1948 D) 1945

Question No. : 20
USA and some other European coutries had imposed fresh sanctions on which of the following countries as they are not in favour
of its nuclear advancement?

A) Iraq B) Pakistan C) India D) Iran E) Kuwait

Question No. : 21

The United Nations Organisation has declared certain Millennium Development Goals. These goals are to be achieved by the year

A) 2013 B) 2014 C) 2015 D) 2016 E) 2020

Question No. : 22

The headquarters of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is located in

A) Paris B) Geneva C) Madrid D) New York

Question No. : 23

Compilation of data on industrial production in India is done by which of the following agencies / organizations?

A) National Testing Lab B) Reserve Bank of India C) Census Commission of India D) Planning Commission of India
E) Central Statistics Office

Question No. : 24

Which of the following countries is a Member of G-8?

A) Iran B) Turkev C) France D) Brazil E) China

Question No. : 25

Which of the following is NOT a member of BRICS ?

A) Brazil B) Russia C) Iran D) China E) South Africa

Question No. : 26

In which one of the following countries was the recent meet of G-20 Countries organized?

A) Japan B) Turkey C) India D) England E) China

Question No. : 27

The headquarters of International Labour Organisation (ILO) is situated, in

A) Paris B) New York C) Vienna D) Geneva

Question No. : 28

The headquarter of IMF is in

A) New York B) Washington DC C) London D) Manila

Question No. : 29

The Permanent Secretariat of SAARC is in:

A) Islamabad B) New Delhi C) Kathmandu D) Colombo

Question No. : 30

Where was 16th NAM Summit held?

A) Tehran B) Mehran C) Turban D) Bagdad

Question No. : 31

Which two institutions are popularly referred to as the 'Bretton Woods Twins?

A) International Monetary Fund and World Bank B) World Bank and Asian Development Bank
C) Asian Development Bank and International Monetary Fund D) United Nations and World Trade Organisation
C) Asian Development Bank and International Monetary Fund D) United Nations and World Trade Organisation

Question No. : 32

The G-7 is a group consisting of:

A) the heads of the states of US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan
B) the finance ministers of US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan
C) the heads of the states of US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, Canada and Japan
D) the finance ministers of US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, Canada and Japan
E) the heads of the states of US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, Italy and Japan

Question No. : 33

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is headquartered in

A) Camp David, Maryland USA B) Geneva C) Brussels D) Sweden E) New York 

 

Question No. : 34

ISRO stands for

A) International Scientific Research Organisation B) Indian Salt Research Organisation

C) Indian Space Research Organisation D) International Space Research Organisation

Question No. : 35

Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) will recently conferred 'Space Pioneer Award' by the National Space Society(NSS) of
which country over the historic feat on successfully sending an orbit to Martian atmosphere in its very first attempt?

A) France B) European Union C) China D) USA

Question No. : 36

There are _______members of SAARC?

A) 5 B) 4 C) 6 D) 8

Question No. : 37

Which one of the following countries is not a member of the European Union?

A) Austria B) Estonia C) Slovakia D) Serbia

Question No. : 38

Who is the Chief financial officer of search engine giant Google?

A) Vikram Pandit B) Patrick Pichelte C) None of these D) Ruth Porat

Question No. : 39

'Renminbi' is the currency of the _______

A) People's republic of China B) People's republic of bulgaria C) People's republic of Korea

D) People's Republic of Ethiopia E) People's Republic of Bangladesh

Question No. : 40
Mr. Robert Mugabe, who has recently ascended to the rotating chairmanship of the African Union is the president of _________

A) central African Republic B) Republic of Kenya C) Republic of Zimbabwe D) Republic of Uganda

E) Democratic Republic of Congo
 GK Int. & National Org Test 03

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Which of the following countries is not a part of G-7?

A) Germany B) Russia C) United Kingdom D) France

Question No. : 2

The World Health Organization is based in

A) Geneva B) Paris C) Rome D) New York

Question No. : 3

The Kyoto Protocol pertains to

A) banning the hunting of whales B) reducing greenhouse gas emissions C) securing the release of circus animals
D) disallowing civilian airports for military use

Question No. : 4

Irina Bokova is currently the head of –

A) UNESCO B) WHO C) ILO D) UNICEF

Question No. : 5

The non-permanent members of the UN Security Council are elected for a period of

A) 1 year B) 2 years C) 3 years D) 4 years

Question No. : 6

The Headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency is in

A) Geneva B) Paris C) Vienna D) Washington

Question No. : 7

Which of the following countries is NOT a member of ASEAN?

A) Thailand B) Myanmar C) Singapore D) Brazil

Question No. : 8

TRIPS, TRIMS, EMR --- all these terms are relevant to

A) World Trade Organization B) International Union For Climate Change C) World Health Organization D) The Internet

Question No. : 9

Which of the following is the abbreviated name of an organization working for women's welfare?

A) CII B) CIC C) SEWA D) CRY

Question No. : 10

OPEC is a group of countries which

A) Export Oil B) Produce Cotton C) Are members of G-20 D) Are developing and poor

Question No. : 11

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is located at which of the following places ?

A) Vienna B) Paris C) Rome D) Geneva

A) Vienna B) Paris C) Rome D) Geneva

Question No. : 12

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which has the potential to become a powerful economic lobby of the developing world,
presently has how many members?

A) 98 B) 108 C) 120 D) 128

Question No. : 13

Which one of the following is not a member of ASEAN?

A) Cambodia B) Malaysia C) Singapore D) South Korea

Question No. : 14

Which of the following is not a member of SAARC?

A) Bhutan B) Bangladesh C) Burma D) Maldives

Question No. : 15

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting of 2010 December was held in which of the following
places?

A) Colorado B) Canberra C) Cancun D) None of the above

Question No. : 16

'Freedom House' is an organization which works in the area of:

A) Human Rights B) Political Asylum C) Child Welfare D) Managing Refugee Camps E) Protection from AIDS

Question No. : 17

Which of the following organizations is associated with women empowerment ?

A) SEWA B) ASHA C) AKSHARA Foundation D) ERY E) None of these

Question No. : 18

Which of the following countries is NOT a member of ASEAN ?

A) Thailand B) Myanmar C) Singapore D) Vietnam E) Brazil

Question No. : 19

Ms Christine Lagarde is holding which of the following positions at present?

A) Chief of Asian Development Bank B) Chief of International Monetary Fund C) Chancellor of Germany
D) Chief of Morgan Stanley E) Chief of World Bank

Question No. : 20

Who among the following was elected unanimously as the Secretary General of the UNO for the second term ?

A) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf B) John Lagarde C) Hillary linton D) Jacob Mathew E) Ban-Ki moon

Question No. : 21

Human Development Report is published by which of the following organizations/agencies ?

A) WTO B) UNDP C) Food Foundation D) ILO E) UNESCO

Question No. : 22

What is the full form of the name 'ILO', an agency of the United Nations ?

A) International Labour Organisation B) International Legal Organisation C) Indian Labour Organisation

D) Indian Lawyer's Organisation E) Information & Legal Organisation

Question No. : 23
The Head Quarters of the World Bank is located in_________

A) London B) Paris C) New York D) Tokyo E) Washington D. C.

Question No. : 24

ISI is the intelligence agency of

A) United Kingdom B) United States of America C) Israel D) Pakistan E) India

Question No. : 25

Which of the following organizations recently celebrated Silver Jubilee Year (25th Year) of its establishment ?

A) ASEAN B) G-20 C) Common Wealth D) NATO E) SAARC

Question No. : 26

Which UN body deals with population problem?

A) UNFPA B) UNDP C) UNICEF D) UNESCO

Question No. : 27

The summit of BRICS 2014 was held in?

A) India B) China C) Brazil D) Russia

Question No. : 28

Which agency is the watchdog of international trade?

A) World Bank B) WTO C) IMF D) ILO

Question No. : 29

The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are

A) Canada, China, France, USA., UK B) China, France, Russia, U.S.A., UK C) Japan, Germany, Russia, U.S.A., UK
D) Germany, China, Russia, U.S.A., UK E) None of these

Question No. : 30

Which global organization was founded in the Treaty of Versailles and sought to guarantee global peace through "collective
security"?

A) SEATO B) United Nations C) League of Nations D) Freedom House

Question No. : 31

India signed the Kyoto Protocol in the year:

A) 2000 B) 1998 C) 2002 D) 1995

Question No. : 32

In addition to India and China, ........ are also members of the 'BRICS' grouping.

A) Bangladesh, Russia and Sri Lanka B) Belgium, Romania and South Africa C) Belgium, Russia and Saudi Arabia
D) Brazil, Russia and South Africa E) Bhutan, Russia and Sri Lanka

Question No. : 33

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations concerned with international public health. It
is headquartered in

A) Sweden B) Switzerland C) United Kingdom D) France E) Germany

Question No. : 34

The headquarters of the Organization of Peteroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is at

A) Lagos B) Algiers C) Kuwait D) Vienna

Question No. : 35

Head quarters of International Labour Organisation are situated at

A) Geneva B) New York C) Washington D) Paris

Question No. : 36

Secretary General SAARC Ahmed Saleem belongs to?

A) Pakistan B) India C) Maldives D) Bhutan

Question No. : 37

Who among the following is currently the Chairman of ISRO?

A) R.K. Sinha B) Shekhar Basu C) K Radhakrishnan D) A.S. Kiran Kumar

Question No. : 38

The United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) is a united nations program that provides humanitarian and development assistance
to children and mothers in developing countries. Its headquarters in

A) Geneva, Switzerland B) Paris, France C) Vienna, Austria D) New York, USA E) Rome, Italy

Question No. : 39

The 'Asian News International (ANI) is a news agency based in

A) Singapore B) New Delhi, India C) Rawalpindi, Pakistan D) Tokyo, Japan E) Beijing, China

Question No. : 40

The headquarters of the World Bank (WB) is situated at

A) Montreal, Canada B) Washington, D.C, U.S.A C) Geneva, Switzerland D) Madrid, Spain E) Other than those given as options
 GK Books, Authors, Art, Culture Test 01

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

The National Film Awards in India are given by the

A) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting B) Department of Culture C) Film and Television Institute of India
D) Central Board of Film Certification

Question No. : 2

 
Who among the following is the biographer of Mother Teresa, for the book published by Penguin Books India?

A) Navin Chawla B) Karan Singh C) Shashi Tharoor D) David Davidar E) None of these

Question No. : 3

The Pritzker Prize and the Agha Khan Prize are given in the field of

A) Architecture B) Literature C) Sports D) Journalism

Question No. : 4

"Straight from the Gut" is written by

A) Bill Gates B) NR Narayan Murthy C) Jack Welch D) Andy Grover

Question No. : 5

 
Which of these is a film directed by Mira Nair?

A) Earth B) The Namesake C) Cooking with Stella D) It’s a Wonderful Afterlife

Question No. : 6

Who among the following has written the book, Wings of Fire: An Autobiography?

A) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam B) Shobha De C) Atal Behari Vajpayee D) K.R.Narayanan

Question No. : 7

Name the only film star who has been decorated with the prestigious Nishan-i-Pakistan, the topmost civilian honour in Pakistan?

A) Raj Kapoor B) Dev Anand  C) Amitabh Bachchan  D) Dilip Kumar 

Question No. : 8

“Gul-e-Naghma” is a famous poetic work by

A) Dr. Mohammed Iqbal B) Mirza Ghalib   C) Kaifi Azmi  D) Firaq Gorakhpuri

Question No. : 9

Anna Kerenina is a world-famous creation by

 

A) F. Dostovsky B) Leo Tolstoy C) Maxim Gorky D) None of these

Question No. : 10

Who wrote the famous book - 'We the people'?

A) J.R.D. Tata B) Nani Palkhivala C) Khushwant Singh D) T.N. Kaul

Question No. : 11
“Gora” and “Gitanjali” are two famous novels/poems written by

A) Prem Chand B) Rabindernath Tagore C) Amrit Nagar D) Harivansh Rai Bachchan

Question No. : 12

Mahashweta Devi, recipient of the Jnanpith Award, writes in

A) Oriya  B) Malayalam  C) Tamil D) Bengali

Question No. : 13

“Our sweetest songs are those that tell of our saddest thoughts” was said by

A) P. B. Shelley   B) Shakesphere  C) Wordworth  D) Keats

Question No. : 14

Who among the following was a recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prize?

A) Robert Mugabe  B) Nelson Mandela C) Rajiv Gandhi D) Mother Teresa

Question No. : 15

Who wrote 'Anandamath'?

A) Prem Chand B) Rabindranath Tagore C) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee D) Mahatma Gandhi

Question No. : 16

Vinaya Patrika is a famous work by

A) Goswami Tulsidas B) Sant Gyaneshwar C) Pt. Narender Sharma D) Jaidev

Question No. : 17

Socrates was a

A) Dramatist B) Essayist C) Philosopher D) Novelist

Question No. : 18

In which year was the Pulitzer Prize established?

A) 1917 B) 1918 C) 1922 D) 1928

Question No. : 19

Who is considered to be the Father of English Poetry?

A) Shakespeare B) Keats C) Wordsworth     D) Geoffrey Chaucer

Question No. : 20

“Better to live as a tiger for one day than live like a sheep for a lifetime”. Who said this?

A) Hari Singh Nalwa B) Tipu Sultan C) Rani Jhansi D) Haider Ali

Question No. : 21

B. C. Roy Award is given in the field of

A) Medicine B) Music C) Journalism D) Environment

Question No. : 22

“Young India” was a journal edited by

A) Subhash Bose B) Lajpat Rai C) M.K. Gandhi    D) Tilak

Question No. : 23

Select the wrong pair.

A) My Experiments with Truth - Mahatma Gandhi B) The Indian Unrest - Lala Lajpat Rai
C) Poverty and Un-British Rule in India   - Dadabhai Naoroji D) The First War of Independence - V.D. Savarkar

Question No. : 24

Kautilya was the author of

A) Indica B) Arthashastra C) Mahabharatha D) Ramayana

Question No. : 25

Who was the famous British writer of ‘Himalayan Gazetteer’?

A) P. Baron B) E. Atkinson C) Jim Corbett D) J.Wilson

Question No. : 26

Which of the following books has been written by Kishwar Desai?

A) The Red Devil B) Witness the Night C) Tonight This Savage Rite D) Earth and Ashes

Question No. : 27

‘Lajja’ is a book written by

A) Salman Rushdie  B) Taslima Nasrin  C) Sunil Ganguli  D) Rabindranath Tagore

Question No. : 28

Who amongst the following is the author of the book “Straight from the Heart”?

A) Ravi Shastri B) Kapil Dev C) M.S. Dhoni D) Sourav Gaungly

Question No. : 29

Which of the following books is NOT written by Chetan Bhagat?

A) One Night@The Call Centre  B) Two States  C) Revolution 2020  D) Can Love Happen Twice?

Question No. : 30

'Meghdoot' by Kalidas was written in

A) Hindi  B) Sanskrit  C) Maithili  D) Pali 

Question No. : 31

Which book is written by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam?

A) India My Dream B) My Presidential Years C) My Story D) Sunny Days

Question No. : 32

The Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhawna Award is given for

A) Work among minorities  B) National integration  C) Children’s education  D) Abolition of bonded labour 

Question No. : 33

Dada Saheb Phalke Awards are given by the Ministry of ………

A) Social Welfare B) Corporate Affairs C) Home Affairs D) Information & Broadcasting

Question No. : 34

The Man Booker Prize is given for

A) Literature  B) Social Service C) Sports D) Cinema

Question No. : 35

Who among the following is NOT one of the Femina Miss India winners?

A) Jhatlekha  B) Lara Hyaden  C) Prachi Mishra  D) Vanya Mishra 

Question No. : 36

The ‘Jnanpith Award’ is given for excellence in

A) Sports  B) Music C) Literature D) Government Service

Question No. : 37

The well-known book ‘The Rediscovery of India' has been written by

 

A) Anita Desai  B) Arvind Adiga  C) Meghnad Desai D) Vikram Seth

Question No. : 38

Which folk art form is from Maharashtra?

A) Garba  B) Jatra  C) Ankia Nat  D) Nachani 

Question No. : 39

The book ‘Malgudi Days’ was written by

A) K.R. Narayanan  B) Rabindra Nath Tagore  C) R.K. Narayan D) Prem Chand

Question No. : 40

Who among the following directed the movie “Peepli Live”?

A) Ashutosh Gowarikar  B) Kiran Rao C) Anusha Rizvi D) Seema Chisti

 GK Miscellaneous Test 01

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

 
World Heart Day is observed on ……….

A) 18 September B) 20 September C) 25 September D) 28 September

Question No. : 2

With which of the following scams would you associate Vijay Singla and Mahesh Kumar?

A) Coalgate B) 2G Spectrum C) Railgate D) Saradha Chit fund

Question No. : 3

National Girl Child Day is observed on

A) January 14 B) January 24 C) February 2 D) February 8

Question No. : 4

Which university has signed comprehensive partnerships with two top universities of China, thus becoming the first Indian
institution to enter the flourishing Chinese education market?

A) Jawaharlal Nehru University B) Manipal University C) Rajasthan University D) Panjab University E) Delhi University

Question No. : 5

 
The World Environment Day is celebrated every year on which of the following days?

A) 5th August B) 5th July C) 5th June D) 15th June E) 15th July

Question No. : 6

The first test-tube baby in the world was named

A) Barbara McCray B) Louis Brown C) Indira D) McCarthy Donald

Question No. : 7

When is the International Day for Non-Violence and Peace observed?

A) May 31 B) October 2 C) July 11 D) December 10

Question No. : 8

Whose death anniversary is observed as the Rashtriya Sadbhavna Divas?

A) Rajiv Gandhi B) Indira Gandhi C) Swami Vivekanand D) Mahatama Gandhi

Question No. : 9

 
The first Monday of which month is observed as World Habitat Day?

A) September B) October C) November D) December

Question No. : 10

When is the raising day for ITBP observed in the year?

A) October 20 B) October 22 C) October 21 D) October 24

Question No. : 11
The number of female children per 1000 male children in India, as per Census 2011, is

A) 933 B) 940 C) 916 D) 892

Question No. : 12

Which day is celebrated as the World Metrological Day?

A) 21st March B) 22nd March C) 23rd March D) 24th March

Question No. : 13

Light houses are places with powerful lights to

A) guide and resolve traffic jams in crowded metro-cities during nights

B) guide and help large crowds at religious gatherings during nights
C) indicate to the incoming war-ships, the location of a harbor during night
D) guide and warn the ships coming from different directions in the ocean

Question No. : 14

The Company ‘Associated Journals Ltd.’ (AJL) is the publisher of now-defunct daily newspaper____

A) Young India B) The Independent C) Amrit Bazaar Patrika D) National Herald E) Bombay Chronicle

Question No. : 15

May 8 is observed as

A) World Standards Day B) World Telecommunication Day C) World Red Cross Day D) Commonwealth Day

Question No. : 16

 
Laura Chinchilla has been elected as the first woman president of _________.

A) Argentina B) Costa Rica C) Brazil D) Spain

Question No. : 17

Syed Mamnoon Hussain has been sworn in as the new President of Pakistan. Which of the following statements about him is not
correct?

A) He was born in the Indian city of Agra B) He is a Nawaz Sharif loyalist
C) He succeeds Asif Ali Zardari as the 10th President of Pakistan D) He is a Textile businessman and Politician

Question No. : 18

Who spearheaded the mass agitation against corruption and demanded the early introduction of Lokpal bill?

A) Anna Hazare B) Arvind Kejriwal C) Kiran Bedi D) Swami Agnivesh

Question No. : 19

The Pashmina variety of wool is obtained from

A) Sheep B) Camel C) Rabbit D) Goat

Question No. : 20

The year 2010 is represented in Roman Numerals as

A) LLX B) MMX C) IIXX D) CCXX

Question No. : 21

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, was arrested in which of the following countries?

A) U.K B) Sweden C) U.S.A D) Denmark

Question No. : 22
What does the letter ‘C’ denote in the name NCAER, the research institute?

A) Corporation B) Committee C) Core D) Council E) Campus

Question No. : 23

To mark the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, the 'UN Women' has launched special programme only for the
women of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The programme will focus only on a particular section of women who are____

A) Widows B) Serving in Para Military Forces C) Victims of terrorism D) Victims of domestic violence
E) Street dwellers and rag pickers

Question No. : 24

Who amongst the following is popularly known as the Milkman of India ?

A) Medha Patkar B) Sundarlal Bahuguna C) Mahendra Singh Tikait D) Sudha Murthy E) Verghese Kurien

Question No. : 25

The Election Commission of India is giving training to the electoral officers of which of the following countries in its
neighborhood?

A) Nepal B) Pakistan C) China D) Bangladesh E) Bhutan

Question No. : 26

Which of the following days is observed as Teacher’s Day in India ?

A) 5th October B) 5th November C) 5th September D) 15th November E) 15th September

Question No. : 27

Yingluck Shinawatra, who had to leave her post due to a court order, was the Prime Minister of

A) Japan B) Thailand C) South Korea D) Singapore E) Indonesia

Question No. : 28

Which state has the largest urban population in India?

A) Maharashtra B) Kerala C) Chattisgarh D) West Bengal

Question No. : 29

The synagogue is

A) an epic B) a religion C) Jewish House of Prayer D) the Parsi temple E) a palace

Question No. : 30

According to a recent newspaper survey, which one of the following is the most preferred language for leisure reading among the
Indian Youth?
 

A) Hindi B) Marathi C) Bengali D) Telugu E) English

Question No. : 31

Who among the following is a famous cartoonist ?

A) Barkha Dutt B) Saeed Naqvi C) Prabhu Chawla D) R. K. Laxman E) M. F. Hussain

Question No. : 32

Which terrorist outfit has claimed the responsibility for the assassination of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai's younger brother
Ahmed Wali Karzai, calling it one of its biggest achievements?

A) Taliban B) HuJI C) Al Qaeda D) LeT

Question No. : 33
While inaugurating an International Buddhist conclave in Varanasi in 2012, the government took initiative to plan something to
give facilities to nationals from countries such as Thailand and Malaysia. What’s the plan?

A) Religious Harmony Pact (RHP) B) Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) C) Easy-Visa- for Tourism (EVT) D) Buddhist Trade Pact

Question No. : 34

On which one of the following characters is Biometric Security based?

A) Finger prints and palm recognition only B) Face recognition and voice recognition only
C) Hand writing and manual recognition only D) Only 1 and 2 E) All 1, 2 and 3

Question No. : 35

Which of the following countries meet more than one fourths of their energy requirements from nuclear" power?

A) France, U.S, Russia, Germany B) France, Ukraine, Sweden, Korea C) France, India, Ukraine, Germany
D) Germany, Russia, Canada, Japan E) Japan, Germany, Korea, England

Question No. : 36

The Supreme Court had declared "Salva Judum" unconstitutional. What is 'Salva Judam' ?

A) A terrorist outfit B) An armed civilian group formed to combat Maoists C) A money-chain business
D) Custom of killing a girl for inter-caste marriage in the name of honour

Question No. : 37

The group of languages spoken by the largest number of people in India is:

A) Austro-Asiatic B) Indo-Aryan C) Dravidian D) None of these

Question No. : 38

Which scientist was known as 'Wizard of Menlo Park' ?

A) Isaac Newton B) Albert Einstein C) Louis Pasteur D) Thomas Alva Edison E) Tesla

Question No. : 39

On which day is the World Press Freedom Day celebrated?

A) 1st May B) 2nd May C) 3rd May D) 4th May E) 21st May

Question No. : 40

Jorge Bergoglio, who has been elected the new Pope, belongs to

A) Brazil B) Argentina C) Italy D) India E) France

 GK Miscellaneous Test 02

DIRECTIONS for the question: Mark the best option

Question No. : 1

Which country has successfully launched two intercontinental missiles Sineva?

A) Russia B) USA C) Israel D) Iran

Question No. : 2

Name the Indian American high schooler who received the Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of $50,000 at Phoneix,
Arozona, for inventing a revolutionary device that can fully charge a cell-phone in 20-30 seconds.

A) Parijat Roy B) Rubel Chakrovart C) Eesha Khare D) Divya Sharma

Question No. : 3

India has developed supersonic cruise missile “BrahMos” in collaboration with which country?

A) France B) Israel C) USA D) Russia

Question No. : 4

 
National Youth Day is observed on –

A) 15 January B) 12 January C) 20 January D) 28 January E) 30 January

Question No. : 5

 
In India, Gender Inequality is manifest in multiple forms. Which of the following is/are some of these forms?

(A) Adverse Sex ratio

(B) Bad nutrition and health care
(C) Differential rates of wages
(D) Poor Legal rights

A) Only (A) & (C) B) Only (B) & (C) C) All (A), (B), (C), & (D) D) Only (B) & (D) E) None of these

Question No. : 6

“Man is born free, yet everywhere he is in chains”. Who said this?

A) Jean Jacques Rousseau B) Shakespeare C) Wordsworth D) Lord Tennyson

Question No. : 7

Which of the following has declared the House sparrow as its official bird?

A) Gujarat B) Uttar Pradesh C) Haryana D) Delhi

Question No. : 8

World Population Day is observed on

A) 1 July B) 5 July C) 7 July D) 11 July

Question No. : 9

Who was the first woman Prime Minister in the world?

A) Indira Gandhi B) Srimavo Bhandaranaike C) Margaret Thatcher D) Benazir Bhutto

Question No. : 10

Which state government of India signed MoU with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Ltd for a scheme
as per which it will bear all the expenses for senior citizens to go on select pilgrimages?

A) Rajasthan B) Odisha C) Madhya Pradesh D) Punjab

Question No. : 11

The NRI Day is observed on:

A) 9th January B) 19th January C) 29th January D) 19th January

Question No. : 12

Pakistan, in the year 2014, successfully test fired the nuclear capable…………, a short range surface-to-surface missile

A) Hatf III B) Hatf I C) Hatf I D) Hatf IV

Question No. : 13

Name the Venezuela's president and a prominent US-baiter who died on March 5, 2013 after a struggle with cancer.

A) Hugo Chavez B) Stephane Hessel C) Bruce Reynolds D) None of these

Question No. : 14

The ‘International Day of Older Persons’ is observed every year on ______

A) 31st October B) 21st October C) 1st October  D) 11th October E) 19th September

Question No. : 15

C.I.S. consists of the republics of former

A) Czechoslovakia B) Indo-China C) Yugoslavia D) Soviet Union

Question No. : 16

Name the country which has moved to the forefront of a campaign to restrict the wearing of the Muslim veil by women when a
key vote left it on track to become the first European country to ban the burqa and naqaab in public.

A) France B) Switzerland C) Denmark D) Belgium

Question No. : 17

India occupies which position in the Global Competitiveness Report 2014, by the Geneva based World Economic Forum (WEF)?

A) 39th B) 50th C) 60th D) 65th

Question No. : 18

What is the name of the fastest express train that provides non-stop point-to-point service between Metros and major capitals,
which was introduced in 2009-10?

A) Rajdhani B) Duronto C) Shatabdi Express D) Garib Rath

Question No. : 19

Which of the following is India’s national flower?

A) Rose B) Lotus C) Marigold D) Rhododendron

Question No. : 20

A group of words that share the same spelling and the same pronunciation but have different meanings, e,g. left (opposite of
right) and left (past tense of leave)

A) Synonyms B) Homonyms C) Heteronyms D) Acronyms

Question No. : 21

In February 2011, Gopa Sabharwal was appointed as the first Vice Chancellor of which University of international stature?

A) Jawaharlal Nehru University B) Azim Premji University C) Visva-Bharati University D) Nalanda International University
A) Jawaharlal Nehru University B) Azim Premji University C) Visva-Bharati University D) Nalanda International University

Question No. : 22

What is the full form of term 'HDR' as used as a source of information on various aspects of global well being?

A) Higher Developmental Ratio B) Human Deployment and Resources C) Human Development Report
D) Health & Democratic Rights E) Housing Demand & Reforms

Question No. : 23

What is the real name of the fictional character ‘Winnie – the – Pooh’?

A) Edward Bear B) Christopher Robin C) A.A.Milen D) None of these

Question No. : 24

Who amongst the following is the chairperson of the Farmers Commission of India at present ?

A) Dr. M. S.Ahluwalia B) Dr. Bimal Jalan            C) Dr. M. S. Swaminathan D) Dr. Y. V. Reddy E) None of these

Question No. : 25

Which of the following days was proclaimed “International Literacy Day” by UNESCO?

A) 8th September B) 18th September C) 18th October D) 8th October E) 28th November

Question No. : 26

Which of the following countries has agreed to accept the payment for oil and petroleum exportss to India, in rupee terms instead
of dollar or any other currency?

A) Kuwait B) UAE C) Iran D) Iraq E) Libya

Question No. : 27

In 1958, who became the first Indian to receive Raman Magsaysay Award ?

A) Vinoba Bhave B) Baba Amte C) Satyajit Ray D) Jai Prakash Narain E) Jagjivan Ram

Question No. : 28

Kargil Vijay Divas is celebrated on every year in honour of Kargil war heroes

A) 2 November B) 26 July C) 27 November D) 15 July

Question No. : 29

The Air Traffic Controller's job involves

 
A. control of air traffic in and within vicinity of airport
B. control of movement of air traffic between altitude, sectors and control centres
C. following established procedures and policies for air traffic control
D. control of commercial airline flights according to government regulations
E. to authorize and regulate commercial flights

A) (a), (b) B) (b), (c) C) (a), (b), (c) D) (a), (b), (c),(d), (e) E) (c), (d), (e)

Question No. : 30

The white revolution in India is associated with

A) J. V. Narlikar B) J.C. Bose C) Verghese Kurien D) M.S. Swaminathan E) C. Rangarajan

Question No. : 31

Name the first of the seven areas, the control of which has been handed over to Afghan forces by NATO forces, a step seen as a
critical step in transition of power to Afghanistan government.

A) Central Province of Bamiyan B) Panjshir Province C) Kabul Province D) Heart City

Question No. : 32
Name the person who has been sworn in as president of world's newest nation, South Sudan, ushering in hope for peace after half
century of disturbance.

A) Gier Chuang Aluong B) Paul Mayom Akech C) Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit D) David Deng Athorbei

Question No. : 33

Which of the following has been hailed as the “ Super food of Tomorrow” by the World Health Organization.?

A) Soya bean B) Egg C) Spirulina D) Groundnut

Question No. : 34

The first Earth Day was observed on April 20 in the year

A) 1970 B) 1975 C) 1985 D) 1990

Question No. : 35

Which country launched a long-range rocket Unha-3 on 12 December 2012 despite international opposition and growing
tensions in the region?

A) North Korea B) South America C) Ukraine D) South Korea

Question No. : 36

The World Heritage Day is observed on

A) March 18 B) April 20 C) March 20 D) April 18

Question No. : 37

Name the bird that migrates from the North Pole to the South Pole and back...

A) Arctic tern B) Swallow C) Crane D) Penguin

Question No. : 38

In 1953, who became the first woman President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) ?

A) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur B) Sucheta Kriplani C) Vijay Laxmi Pandit D) Sarojini Naidu E) None of these

Question No. : 39

Commercial services were started on a India Radio for the first time in

A) 1957 B) 1959 C) 1967 D) 1969

Question No. : 40

The ISIS is most active in

A) Syria, Iraq B) Syria C) Nigeria D) Iraq E) Iran

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Static GK Tests Answer keys

GK Indian GK Indian GK World GK Business GK Business GK Finance &
History Test History History Test & Economy & Economy Banking Test
01 Test Test 01 Test 01 Test 02 01
02
1. C 1. D 1. D 1. D 1. D 1. C
2. B 2. D 2. E 2. D 2. C 2. A
3. A 3. A 3. C 3. B 3. C 3. A
4. B 4. D 4. A 4. A 4. B 4. D
5. C 5. B 5. A 5. A 5. D 5. D
6. B 6. B 6. A 6. C 6. C 6. B
7. D 7. B 7. D 7. A 7. B 7. C
8. C 8. C 8. A 8. C 8. A 8. A
9. B 9. A 9. B 9. C 9. B 9. B
10. C 10. C 10. A 10. B 10. C 10. E
11. D 11. B 11. B 11. B 11. C 11. B
12. C 12. A 12. C 12. D 12. B 12. A
13. C 13. C 13. C 13. A 13. C 13. B
14. B 14. A 14. C 14. A 14. A 14. C
15. A 15. C 15. B 15. C 15. D 15. A
16. A 16. D 16. B 16. B 16. C 16. B
17. A 17. A 17. D 17. D 17. B 17. A
18. D 18. C 18. D 18. A 18. B 18. A
19. B 19. A 19. A 19. A 19. D 19. D
20. A 20. C 20. D 20. C 20. A 20. E
21. C 21. C 21. A 21. D 21. C 21. C
22. B 22. A 22. A 22. A 22. B 22. B
23. C 23. C 23. B 23. A 23. D 23. E
24. C 24. D 24. A 24. A 24. C 24. A
25. C 25. A 25. C 25. C 25. D 25. E
26. B 26. D 26. A 26. C 26. D 26. E
27. C 27. B 27. C 27. B 27. D 27. E
28. B 28. B 28. A 28. D 28. B 28. C
29. A 29. A 29. A 29. D 29. A 29. B
30. A 30. B 30. B 30. C 30. A 30. B
31. A 31. A 31. B 31. A 31. A 31. E
32. A 32. B 32. C 32. B 32. B 32. E
33. B 33. B 33. B 33. C 33. D 33. A
34. D 34. A 34. B 34. B 34. C 34. A
35. C 35. D 35. D 35. D 35. D 35. E
36. A 36. D 36. C 36. A 36. C 36. C
37. C 37. B 37. B 37. B 37. D 37. B
38. C 38. D 38. B 38. A 38. C 38. C
39. C 39. B 39. C 39. D 39. C 39. D
40. A 40. D 40. C 40. B 40. D 40. E
 Answer keys Bulls Eye
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GK Indian GK Indian GK Govt. GK Sci. & GK Sci. & GK Sci. &

Polity Test Polity Test Schemes & Tech. Test 01 Tech. Test Tech. Test
01 02 Policy Test 02 Test 03
01
1. D 1. C 1. C 1. A 1. D 1. A
2. D 2. C 2. E 2. E 2. B 2. C
3. D 3. D 3. D 3. E 3. A 3. A
4. D 4. A 4. B 4. C 4. A 4. A
5. A 5. A 5. B 5. B 5. C 5. C
6. C 6. B 6. C 6. A 6. C 6. B
7. A 7. D 7. E 7. A 7. C 7. D
8. D 8. C 8. B 8. A 8. B 8. B
9. B 9. B 9. C 9. D 9. B 9. B
10. B 10. D 10. A 10. C 10. C 10. D
11. C 11. C 11. D 11. B 11. B 11. B
12. C 12. A 12. A 12. B 12. C 12. D
13. C 13. B 13. D 13. C 13. B 13. D
14. C 14. C 14. B 14. D 14. A 14. B
15. A 15. C 15. B 15. B 15. A 15. B
16. C 16. C 16. C 16. A 16. C 16. B
17. C 17. C 17. A 17. C 17. C 17. A
18. C 18. C 18. C 18. C 18. B 18. B
19. B 19. B 19. E 19. D 19. D 19. A
20. A 20. C 20. C 20. A 20. B 20. C
21. A 21. D 21. A 21. B 21. B 21. B
22. C 22. A 22. A 22. C 22. C 22. B
23. A 23. A 23. A 23. C 23. B 23. A
24. A 24. A 24. A 24. C 24. A 24. C
25. D 25. B 25. D 25. C 25. D 25. C
26. D 26. D 26. A 26. A 26. D 26. D
27. B 27. D 27. A 27. A 27. B 27. B
28. C 28. A 28. A 28. D 28. C 28. A
29. A 29. B 29. C 29. C 29. C 29. B
30. D 30. A 30. E 30. C 30. B 30. B
31. B 31. A 31. A 31. D 31. A 31. A
32. D 32. C 32. C 32. A 32. D 32. D
33. B 33. A 33. B 33. D 33. A 33. B
34. D 34. C 34. C 34. B 34. A 34. B
35. B 35. A 35. B 35. C 35. D 35. D
36. C 36. B 36. A 36. D 36. C 36. B
37. C 37. A 37. A 37. C 37. D 37. D
38. A 38. C 38. A 38. C 38. C 38. A
39. D 39. B 39. C 39. B 39. A 39. B
40. C 40. C 40. B 40. C 40. B 40. A
Bulls Eye Answer keys
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GK Indian GK World GK World GK Sports GK Sports GK Sports

Geography Geography Geography Test 01 Test 02 Test 03
Test 01 Test 01 Test 02

1. B 1. D 1. A 1. A 1. A 1. D
2. C 2. B 2. C 2. D 2. A 2. B
3. B 3. D 3. B 3. A 3. A 3. A
4. B 4. A 4. C 4. D 4. D 4. A
5. C 5. B 5. D 5. A 5. A 5. A
6. B 6. D 6. D 6. B 6. B 6. B
7. A 7. A 7. B 7. C 7. B 7. D
8. B 8. C 8. A 8. A 8. A 8. A
9. C 9. B 9. B 9. C 9. A 9. D
10. C 10. B 10. C 10. A 10. A 10. D
11. A 11. D 11. D 11. C 11. D 11. D
12. C 12. C 12. C 12. D 12. D 12. A
13. B 13. A 13. A 13. C 13. A 13. B
14. C 14. C 14. B 14. B 14. C 14. D
15. B 15. D 15. D 15. A 15. D 15. B
16. D 16. A 16. A 16. C 16. D 16. D
17. B 17. C 17. C 17. D 17. D 17. A
18. D 18. B 18. C 18. C 18. A 18. B
19. C 19. A 19. B 19. A 19. A 19. D
20. B 20. C 20. A 20. C 20. D 20. D
21. D 21. C 21. D 21. B 21. C 21. D
22. B 22. B 22. A 22. D 22. A 22. C
23. D 23. B 23. A 23. B 23. A 23. D
24. D 24. A 24. B 24. B 24. D 24. D
25. B 25. C 25. A 25. B 25. B 25. A
26. C 26. C 26. D 26. B 26. A 26. D
27. A 27. A 27. B 27. C 27. D 27. A
28. D 28. C 28. A 28. A 28. A 28. C
29. D 29. B 29. B 29. B 29. C 29. A
30. D 30. A 30. D 30. D 30. B 30. B
31. A 31. B 31. C 31. C 31. B 31. D
32. C 32. A 32. D 32. A 32. D 32. B
33. C 33. C 33. B 33. C 33. B 33. B
34. A 34. D 34. A 34. A 34. A 34. A
35. D 35. B 35. A 35. A 35. C 35. A
36. B 36. C 36. C 36. B 36. C 36. D
37. B 37. B 37. C 37. B 37. E 37. B
38. A 38. B 38. B 38. B 38. D 38. C
39. C 39. C 39. E 39. E 39. B 39. C
40. E 40. D 40. D 40. D 40. C 40. E
 Answer keys Bulls Eye
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GK Int. & GK Int. & GK Int. & GK Books, GK GK

National National National Authors, Art, Miscellaneo Miscellaneous
Org Test 01 Org Test Org Test 03 Culture Test us Test 01 Test 02
02 01
1. D 1. D 1. B 1. A 1. D 1. A
2. A 2. D 2. A 2. A 2. C 2. C
3. C 3. C 3. B 3. A 3. B 3. D
4. B 4. B 4. A 4. C 4. D 4. B
5. D 5. B 5. B 5. B 5. C 5. C
6. A 6. A 6. C 6. A 6. B 6. A
7. C 7. A 7. D 7. C 7. B 7. D
8. B 8. B 8. A 8. D 8. A 8. D
9. D 9. C 9. C 9. B 9. B 9. B
10. D 10. D 10. A 10. B 10. D 10. A
11. A 11. C 11. D 11. B 11. B 11. A
12. A 12. D 12. C 12. D 12. C 12. A
13. C 13. A 13. D 13. A 13. D 13. A
14. D 14. D 14. C 14. B 14. D 14. C
15. C 15. B 15. C 15. C 15. C 15. D
16. A 16. B 16. A 16. A 16. B 16. D
17. C 17. E 17. A 17. C 17. C 17. C
18. A 18. A 18. E 18. A 18. A 18. B
19. B 19. D 19. B 19. D 19. A 19. B
20. D 20. D 20. E 20. B 20. B 20. B
21. B 21. C 21. B 21. A 21. A 21. D
22. A 22. B 22. A 22. C 22. D 22. C
23. C 23. E 23. E 23. B 23. A 23. D
24. D 24. C 24. D 24. B 24. E 24. C
25. E 25. C 25. E 25. B 25. E 25. A
26. C 26. B 26. A 26. B 26. C 26. C
27. C 27. D 27. C 27. B 27. B 27. A
28. A 28. B 28. B 28. B 28. A 28. B
29. B 29. C 29. B 29. D 29. C 29. D
30. D 30. A 30. C 30. B 30. E 30. C
31. A 31. A 31. C 31. A 31. D 31. A
32. B 32. B 32. D 32. B 32. A 32. C
33. B 33. C 33. B 33. D 33. B 33. C
34. C 34. C 34. D 34. A 34. D 34. A
35. B 35. D 35. A 35. B 35. B 35. A
36. A 36. D 36. C 36. C 36. B 36. D
37. B 37. D 37. D 37. C 37. B 37. A
38. A 38. D 38. D 38. B 38. D 38. C
39. D 39. A 39. B 39. C 39. C 39. A
40. E 40. C 40. B 40. C 40. B 40. A