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Quick Review Quick Review
IVRS: Interactive Voice response System.
SMS: Short Messaging Service
PAN means Permanent Account Number.
In India so far 15 times the Lok Sabha elections are conducted. 15 th
one is 2009.
The midterm elections were conducted for 5 times so far. (1971,
1980, 1991, 1998, 1999).
The Madam Tussauds Museum is located in London. The wax
models of historical and Royal figures, film stars, sport stars etc
are displayed.
Green Cars are those cars that run with CNG (Compressed Natural
Gas), LPG (liquefied Petroleum Gas) and with electric engine.
Highest number of air ports are present in USA (15079).
Sir Robert Cheese Brow (1837 – 1933) is the inventor of Vaseline
Petroleum gelly.
The life expectancy is lowest in Swaziland (32 years). Here more
than 61 percent of the people die of AIDS every year.
Gulzarilal Nanda was the first interim PM of India after the death of
the Jawaharlal Nehru (1st PM) in the year 1964. Gulazari Lal Nanda
is also the interim PM after the death of Lal Bahadur Sastri in the
year 1966.
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was the first Home Minster of India.
P.Chidambaram is the current HM.
So far India had 7 deputy PM’s (As of March 2011).
First Dy. PM was Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel (1947-50). 7th was LK
Advani (2002-04).
The position of Deputy PM was not mentioned in the Constitution.
Maulana Abdul Kalam was the first Education Minister for the
independent India. November 11, the birth anniversary of
Maulana was declared as ‘National Education Day’.
During National Emergency the term of Lok Sabha and assemblies
is extended by 1 year.
So far National Emergency was imposed for 3 times.
National Emergency was imposed for the 1st time in 1962 because
of war with China, second time in 1971 because of war with
Pakistan. Third time in 1975 because of internal disturbances.
(44th Constitutional amendment replaced the “Internal
Disturbances” with “Armed Rebellion”).
Golaknath vs. the state of Punjab (1967) case judgment was
delivered by the CJI K.Subba Rao. Supreme Court said
Fundamental Rights cannot be amended.
Keshavananda Bharati Vs state of Kerala (1973) case judgment
was delivered by the CJI SM Sikri. Supreme Court said Judicial
Review is a basic feature of the Constitution.
86th Amendment of 2002 changed the subject matter of Article 45
and also made elementary education a fundamental right under
Article 21 A. (This came into effect on April 1, 2010).
Morarji Desai (4th PM) is the 1st PM of India who do not belong to
Congress. He is the only Indian to receive both Bharat Ratna and
Nishaan-e-Pakistan.
Morarji Desai is the first Indian Prime Minister to resign from the
office.
In Radar system, Radio waves are used to locate the existence of
an object.
As on January 12, 2012, the four Chief Ministers are the members
of the State Legislative Council (Upper House). They are Nitish
Kumar (Bihar), Mayawati (UP), Sadananda Gowda (Karnataka) and
Prithviraj Chouhan (Maharashtra).
“Smiling Buddha” is the code name of the India’s 1st nuclear
programme conducted in 1974 in Pokhran (Rajasthan).
“Operation Shakti” is the name of Pokhran-II conducted by India
May 11 and May 13, 1998.
Morarji Desai was the 1st Chairman of Administrative Reforms
Commission (ARC) and Verappa Moily the Union Law minister is
the latest chairman of ARC.
Legislative Assembly strength should not be more than 500 and
not less than 60 members.
Legislative council strength should not be less than 40 and not
more than 1/3rd of the strength of assembly.
Lion was the National animal of India up to 1972.
Since 1972, National animal is Tiger.
NATIONAL SYMBOLS:
National Animal - Tiger
National Tree – Banyan.
National bird – Peacock
National Flower – Lotus
National Fruit – Mango
National River – Ganga
National Aquatic animal – Dolphin.
The President nominates 2 Anglo-Indians to Lok sabha and 12
members to Rajya Sabha.
The Governor of a state nominates 1 Anglo-Indian to Assembly and
1/6th members to legislative council.
Tenure of CAG is 6 years or till he attains the age of 65 years
whichever is earlier.
Tenure of Chairman and members of UPSC is 6 years or till he
attains the age of 65 years whichever is earlier.
Tenure of Chairman and members of State Public Service
Commission or JPSC is 6 years or till he attains the age of 62 years
whichever is earlier.
The tenure of a service Chief (Army, Air Force and Navy) is 3 years
or till the age of 62 years whichever is earlier.
Article 52. There shall be a President.
Article 153. There shall be a Governor for each state.
The President of India is elected by the elected members of Lok
Sabha, Elected members of Rajya Sabha and the elected
members of State Assemblies including that of Delhi and
Pondicherry.
The Governor is appointed by the President.
Air Force One (Rajdoot, Rajhans & Rajkamal) fleet. This is modeled
on US Presidents Air Force One. Indian President traveled on
Rajdoot to Assam.
B-Complex and C Vitamins are water soluble and A, D, E and K are
the fat soluble vitamins.
Vitamins B and C are water soluble.
B and C dissolve in water and are not stored. Hence needed in
daily diet.
Excess A, D, E and K are stored in liver. They are not needed every
day in diet.
The right of suffrage (Voting) for Lok sabha and assemblies is
mentioned under Article 326 of the Indian Constitution. In the
original Constitution the minimum age to vote was 21 and
through 61 st amendment in the year 1989 it was reduced to 18
years.
Articles 15, 16 and 19 belong only to citizens. Remaining articles
under Fundamental rights are applicable to citizens and aliens
equally.
Yuri Gagarin (USSR) was the first Cosmonaut to go into space in
the year 1961 in a space craft called Vostok-1.
Valentina Tereshkova (USSR) is the first woman to go into space in
the year 1963. She travelled through Vostok-6.
Neil Armstrong (US) along with Edwin Aldrin was the first to land on
Moon on July 20, 1969. They travelled through Apollo-11(Eagle)
landed on sea of Tranquility on Moon.
Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go into space in the year
1984. He went in a space craft called Soyuz T-11.
Kalpana Chawla died in the crash of space shuttle Columbia STS-
107 on February 1, 2003. India's 1st meteorological satellite
METSAT renamed as Kalpana-1.
The Sankranti festival is the festival of the Sun god who is
regarded as the symbol of divinity and wisdom.
The Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition from Dhanur rasi
(Sagittarius) to Makara rasi (Capricorn). This also means that the
Suns is on its northwards journey or Uttarayan bringing it closer to
the northern hemisphere.
The Sankranti festival is called Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri
(Punjab), Bhogali Bihu (Assam).
First Lok Sabha was constituted in May 1952. Mavalankar was the
first speaker and M Ananthasayanam Ayyangar was the first
deputy Speaker of Lok sabha.
Parliament means Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the President.
The Lok Sabha is also called lower house or House of people.
The Rajya Sabha is also called Upper House or Council of states.
State Legislature means Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council
and the Governor.
Central Hindu College at Banaras was founded by Dr Annie Besant
in the year 1898. It was developed into Banaras Hindu University
by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
Annie Besant was the first woman President of INC in 1917
during Calcutta session.
Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman President of INC in
1925 during Kanpur session.
Mahatma Gandhi was the President of INC only once in the year
1924 during Belgaum session.
Justice Sinha of Allahabad High Court delivered judgment against
Indira Gandhi in the year 1975 for the malpractices of 1971
elections. The petition was filed by Raj Narain.
Theosophical society was founded in New York in the year 1975 by
Madam Elena Blavatsky. Later it is moved to Adyar (Chennai).
Vijaya lakshmi Pandit was the first Indian elected as the President
of the 8th United Nations General Assembly in 1953.
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was the first woman cabinet Minister in
India. She was the Minister for Local self Government and Health
in the congress ministry of UP from 1937 to 1939. She was the
first Indian woman ambassador to erstwhile USSR from 1947 to
1949.
In 1901 Kadambini Ganguly became the first woman to address
INC during Calcutta session.
INC was founded by A O Hume in Bombay in the year 1885. WC
Bennerjee was the first President of INC.
First woman Governor in India Sarojini Naidu for the state of UP in
the year 1949.
First woman CM in India Sucheta Kripalani for the state of Uttar
Pradesh (1963 – 1967).
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was the first woman Cabinet Minister in India
up to the year 1957. She held the Ministry of Health portfolio.
Indira Gandhi was the first Prime Minster to get defeated in the
elections. She was defeated in the 1977 election by Janata Party
candidate Raj Narain.
Leila Seth-1st woman Chief Justice of High Court(HP).
National environmental engineering institute was established in
Nagpur in the year 1958.
Cape Verde is the 153rd nation in WTO (World Trade Organization).
WTO head Quarters Geneva, Switzerland. WTO Director-General
Pascal Lamy. In April 2009 he was reappointed for a term of 4
years.
Russia is not a member of WTO.
TEMPLE Trees: This is the official residence of the President of Sri
Lanka.
Food& Agriculture organization HQ Rome. Director General Jacques
Doiuf.
MNP (Mobile number Portability). MNP was first introduced in
Haryana in the year 2010. On January 20, 2011 it was extended to
the entire country.
The Wagah border lies on the Grand Trunk road connecting
Amritsar and Lahore.
The towns of Baarle-Nassau in Netherlands and Baarle-Hertog in
Belgium are so deeply intertwined that it is very common to find
the white crosses the divide the 2 countries running through a
road, a restaurant or even a house.
The citizens of Australia and New Zealand can work and live in
either country without restrictions.
India shares open border policy with Nepal.
The smallest sea island ‘Market Island’ is shared by Sweden and
Finland.
The Berlin wall that separated East and West Germany epitomized
as the Iron Curtain, a boundary between the ‘Free World’ and the
Communist World.
As per Schengen agreement one does not require any special
travel documents to cross over to another European country.
International Monitory Fund and International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development or World Bank, both put
together is called Bretton Woods twins.
International Monitory Fund and World Bank both Head quarters
located in Washington. Both were set up in the year 1945
Pluto lost the status of a planet.
Venus is the nearest planet to the earth. Venus is the hottest
planet in the solar system. This is called Morning star/Evening
star.
Mercury is nearest to the Sun.
All planets rotate up on their axis from west to East. Venus and
Uranus rotate from east to West. Asteroids are present between
Mars and Jupiter.
In Supreme Court there is a Chief Justice of India and 30 other
judges. All are appointed by the President. Once appointed retire
at the age of 65.
SC and HC judges are appointed by the President. Both Submit
resignation letter to the President.
SALARIES:
President – Rs. 1, 50,000/-
Vice President- Rs. 1, 25,000/-.
Governor – Rs. 1, 10,000/-.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) - Rs. 1,00,000/-
Other Judges of SC- Rs. 90,000/-
Chief Justice of High Court – Rs. 90,000/-
Other judges of High Court – Rs. 80,000/-
After the death of the President Zakir Husain in 1969, Vice
President VV Giri resigned. At that time the CJI Hidayatullah acted
as the President till the completion of elections.
Arjun is India’s main battle tank developed by DRDO (Defense
Research and Development Organization). Its original name MBT-
80.
DRDO Head quarters located in New Delhi.
DRDO Director General Dr V K Saraswat. He is the scientific advisor
to the Defence Minister.
Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tensing Norgay (Nepal) called
"Tiger of the snows", became the first men to scale Mt. Everest in
1953.
Zero was invented by Unknown Indian.
India’s first satellite Aryabhatta (1975) and second satellite
Bhaskara-I (1979) both were launched from Baikanour
Comsodrome (USSR).
Bhaskara-I was India’s first earth observations satellite.
Geosynchronous orbit (36,000 km) is an earth orbit made by an
artificial satellite moving west to east direction.
Tropic of cancer passes through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and
Mizoram. (8 States).
Among parallels only Equator is a great circle.
Equator passes through Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Gabon, Congo,
Congo Republic, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia and Indonesia.
THE MINIMUM AGE FOR CONTESTINGELECTIONS:
President, Vice President, Governor 35 years.
Rajya sabha and Legislative councils 30 years.
Lok sabha and Assemblies 25 years.
Parliament is Summoned and Prorogued by the President.
Lok sabha is dissolved by the President.
Rajya Sabha is a permanent house that cannot be dissolved.
The term of the President and the Vice President is 5 years. They
can be reelected.
Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Governor can be reappointed.
President submits resignation letter to the Vice president and the
Vice President submits to the President.
Governor submits the resignation to the President.
The National Museum of Natural History was set up in the year
1772 in Madrid (Spain) is the first museum of its kind.
The red colour of the blood is due to the presence of the iron
compound called hemoglobin.
Blood consists of RBC (Erythrocytes), WBC (Leucocytes), Platelets
and Plasma.
Blood is classified into A, B, AB and O.
The blood group ‘AB’ is Universal acceptor.
The blood group ‘O’ is Universal donor.
Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with
xianjing in China. This is 800 km long.
The atmosphere contains 5 layers. They are Troposphere,
Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Ionosphere and exosphere. Maximum
concentration of Ozone-present in stratosphere.
Finance commission is mentioned in Article 280 of the
Constitution. It is constituted by the President of India every 5
years. Chairman and Members are appointed by the President.
Finance commission submits the report to the President of India.
President lays the report before the Parliament.
So far 13 Finance Commissions were constituted.
K C Neogy was the chairman of 1st Finance Commission.
The Chairman for 13th Finance Commission was Vijay Kelkar.
Olympics: 1st modern Olympics were held in 776 BC in Athens. 1st
modern Olympics 1896 Athens.2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 -
Rio de Janeiro.
SAARC was set up in the year 1985. Afghanistan joined the group
during 2007 SAARC summit in Delhi. 2010 SAARC summit was
held in Thimphu, Bhutan. In the year 2011SAARC summit will be
held in Male, Maldives.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is commonly known as Laughing gas.
In the year 1984 Union Carbide (UC) gas leak of Methyl isocyanides
many people were killed. Warren Anderson was the chairman of
UC. Later UC was taken over by DOW.
June 5th World Environment day.
July 11th World population day.
RBI prints currency notes except one rupee note and other coins.
One rupee note printed and coins are minted by the Ministry of
Finance.
The highest denomination at present in India is Rs. 1000/- notes.
Maximum denomination that RBI can issue notes is Rs. 10,000/-
Corbett National park is India’s 1st national park (1935). Presently it
is in Uttaranchal. This is the 1st sanctuary that is covered under
project Tiger.
Bengal was divided in the year 1905 and reunited in the year 1911.
Jains used Prakrit language.
Buddhists used Pali languages.
Vitamin D is called sunshine vitamin.
Integrated Guided Missile Development programme (IGMDP)
comprises Prithvi, Trishul, Agni, Akash and Nag missiles.
Agni Surface to surface Missile.
Prithvi surface to surface missile.
Trishul Surface to Air missile.
Akash Surface to Air missile.
Nag is an anti tank missile.
Deficiency of Vitamin A results in night blindness.
Deficiency of Vitamin C causes Scurvy.
Deficiency of vitamin D causes Rickets.
Total vitamins 13. A, B complex (8), C, D, E and K.
Vitamin K-essential for clotting of blood.
A-Retional,B1-Thiamine,B2-Riboflavin,C-ascorbic acid
The “Punganur’ cow is the World’s smallest breed (type, variety) of
cows. This cow milk contains highest fat (8 percent) content and
rich medicinal properties. Normally a cow milk contains 3 to 3.5
percent fat.
“Jaya Deva” was the author of Gita Govind.
Harsha Moved capital from Thaneshwar to Kanauj
Harsha was defeated by Chalukya ruler Pulakesini II.
Bana Bhatta lived in the court of Harshavardhana.
Harsha belongs to pushyabuti dynasty. He followed Buddhism.
Elephanta caves (Maharashtra) were built by the Chalukyas. It has
both Hindu caves (Shiva) and Buddhist caves.
Ajanta caves – Buddhism.
Ellora caves – Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.
Nasik caves – Buddhist, Shivate & Vaishnavite.
Bactrian’s were the first kings to issue coins bearing their names.
During Vedic period “Goghana” means a guest.
Nishka means Gold.
Yava means Barley.
Vrihi, Tandula, Sali means Rice.
Junagad Inscription (Gujarat) is the first official inscription in
Sanskrit.
Ashoka’s Rock Edict XIII gave importance to the policy of Dhamma.
These Rock Edicts are the collection of 33 inscriptions.
Taxila (Punjab) sculpture represents the nature.
Mahavira was associated with triratnas (Right Knowledge, Right
faith and Right Action)
Tripitikas – Buddhist literature compiled in Pali language.
o Vinaya Pitika
o Sutta Pitika
o Abhidamma Pitika.
Jatakas are part of Suttapitika and they explain the stories of
previous birth of Buddha.
Buddhist Councils:
1st – Rajagriha (483 BC)
2nd – Vaisali (383)
3rd – Pataliputrs (250 BC)
4th – Kashmir (1 AD).
3rd Buddhist council was held during Ashoka period.
During 4th council Buddhism was divided into Hinayana and
Mahayana.
Linga raja temple is present in Bhubaneswar. It represents the
Nagara style of architecture. It was built by Jajati Keshari in 11
AD.
Dasavatara temple is present in Deogarh in UP. It was built during
Gupta period.
Ashoka Pillar or Allahabad inscription at Allahabad provided the
information of Samudra Gupta.
Avesta was the oldest Iranian texts.
Swapnavasavadatta was written by Bhasa. Vasavadatta was the
prince of Avanti.
Mahajanapadas and capital:
o Kashi - Varanasi
o Anga - Champa
o Vajji -Vaisali
Vasta - Kausambi.
Bimbisara (founder of Haryanka dynasty) was the contemporary of
Buddha.
Selucas Nicator was the contemporary of Chandra Gupta Maurya.
Bimbisara, Ajatasatru and Udayin are the 3 important kings belong
to Haryanka dynasty.
Haryanka, Naga, Nanda, Maurya and Sunga are the sequence of
dynasties that ruled Magadha.
Terracotta was used for making Harappa seals.
Bronze dancing girl was found at Mohenjo-Daro.
Mohammad-Bin-Tuglaq introduced token copper currency.
Firoz-shah-Tuglaq set up a separate department to maintain
slaves.
Alexander was the king of Macedonia. He crossed Hindukush
Mountains and Indus River in the year 326 BC.
The battle of Hydespes was fought on the river Jhelum between
Alexander and Porus and Porus was defeated.
Rishaba was the first Jain Thirthankara. Rishaba means bull.
Parshva was the 23rd Jain Thirthankara.
Mahavira was the 24th Thirthankara.
Mahavira died at Pavapuri in 468 BC. According to Jainism plants
and trees have 2 jivas. Animals have 3 or more jivas.
Mahavira preached in Magadhi. The teachings of Jainism were
recorded at a council conducted at Pataliputra in 5 AD.
The Third Battle of Panipat took place in1761. Fought between
Marathas and Afghans led by Ahmad shah Durrani also called
Ahmad Shah Abdali. Marathas were defeated.
Rahim was the court poet of Akbar.
Taj Mahal was finest Mughal architecture in Marble.
Babur tomb is present in Kabul (Afghanistan).
Jaipala (Shaka king) was the 1st ruler to face the invasion of
Mahmud of Ghazni.
Bengal Gazette was the first major news paper started in India in
1780.
Liver is the largest gland in the human body.
Lord Canning was the Governor-General of India when 1857 revolt
broke out.
Lord Canning was the last Governor-General and the first Viceroy
of India.
Doctrine of Lapse was introduced by Lord Dalhousie. Satara
(Maharashtra) was the 1st to be annexed in the year 1848.
Portugal was the first country to establish trade relations with
India.
Lord Macaulay introduced English education in India.
Sir Clement Atlee was the PM of England when India got the
independence.
Mount Batten Plan or June 3rd plan is envisaged the partition of
India into India and Pakistan.
Lord Mountbatten was appointed as the 1st Governor-General of
free India.
First Indian Governor-General was C. Rajagopala Chari.
Mohammad Ali Jinnah was the 1st Governor-General of Pakistan.
o *********
Insulin was discovered by Fredrick Banting and Charles Best of
Canada in the year 1921.
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the Pancreas that regulates sugar
levels in the body.
The Attorney-General cannot vote but has right to speak and take
part in the proceedings of Parliament without being a member.
The Advocate-General cannot vote but has right to speak and take
part in the proceeding of state legislature without being a
member.
As per the estimations of UN World Population India will be the
most populous country by the year 2050.
Dadabhai Naoroji (Grand Old Man of India) was the first Indian to
be elected to the British House of commons in the year 1892.
Lunar eclipse occurs when the earth is between Sun and Moon.
Solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is in between the Sun and the
Earth.
Fourth estate refers to “Press”. The term was first used by Thomas
Macaulay in 1828.
Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in India which has a separate
Constitution which came into force in 1957. Article 370 of Indian
Constitution provides for the special status for Jammu and
Kashmir.
India’s first fast Breeder Test Reactor located at Indira Gandhi
Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpak am near Chennai.
Apsara is India’s first nuclear research reactor.
Kamini is India’s first neutron reactor.
38th parallel is the boundary between North Korea and South
Korea.
49th parallel is the boundary between USA and Canada.
The Joint session of the Parliament is summoned by the President.
The Joint session of the parliament is presided over by the
Speaker.
As per 2001 census Kerala registered lowest decadal population
growth rate and highest was Nagaland.
Pipavav (Gujarat) is the first private port in India.
In India there are 12 major ports. 6 on east coast and 6 on west
coast.
Kandla-Gujarat
Mumbai-Maharashtra
Nhava Sheva-Maha
New Mangalore-Karnataka
Mormugao-Goa
Kochi-Kerala
Tuticorin-Tamil Nadu
Chennai-TN
Vishakhapatnam-AP,
Para dip-Orissa
Haldia – Kolkata
Kolkata in West Bengal.
Kandla is a free port.
Mumbai is the biggest port.
Calcutta is riverine port.
Vishakhapatnam is the deepest port.
Aiteraya Brahmana is associated with Rig-Veda.
Shatapatha Brahmana is associated with Yajur Veda.
Jaiminiya is associated with Sama Veda.
Gopatha is associated with Atharva Veda.
Labour party was in power in England when India got
independence.
Lord Curzon was the viceroy of India when Bengal was partitioned
in the year 1905.
Red Shirts or Khudai Khidmmatgar movement was led by Khan
Abdul Gaffer Khan. Also called Frontier Gandhi.
Hunter commission was appointed to look into the tragedy of
Jallianwala Bagh of 1919.
In the year 1907 INC split into moderates and extremists. This is
popularly called Surat Split.
Rashbehari Ghosh was the president of INC in 1907.
Servant’s of India society was launched by Gopala Krishna Gokale
in the year 1905.
During Tripuri session (1939) S C Bose defeated Pattabhi
sitaramaiah (Gandhi’s nominee). Abdul Kalam Azad withdrew
nomination.
Direct action was launched by Muslim league in the year 1946 to
achieve Pakistan. Hindu-Muslim riots took place in Calcutta.
Iron was unknown to the people of Indus Valley civilization.
In Carnatic region French and British East India Company clashed
for the first time.
Vinobha Bhave was the first person to start individual Satyagraha
in the year 1940. Jawaharlal Nehru was the second to launch the
same.
Lord Harding II was the viceroy of India when Bengal was reunited
in the year 1911. Same year capital was shifted from Calcutta to
Delhi.
Carbohydrates are the compounds consisting of Carbon, Hydrogen
and Oxygen.
Enzymes are made up of Proteins.
Enzyme is a catalyst. It promotes action without direct
involvement. Substrate is a substance up on which enzyme acts.
There are 23 pairs of chromosomes and total 46 present in a
human body cell. Out of these 23 pairs one pair determines the
sex. This pair is called sex chromosomes and others are called
autosomes.
If the pair contains identical chromosomes XX then the sex is
female. If it is XY the sex is male.
Human blood was classified into A, B, AB and O by K. Landsteiner.
Blood Group “AB” carries no antibody, where as “O” carries
antibody “Anti-A and Anti-B”. A carries antibody “Anti-B” and “B”
group carries “Anti-A”.
Deficiency of Iodine causes “goiter”. This is the enlargement of
thyroid.
Deficiency of protein leads to Kwashiorkor.
Deficiency of iron leads to Anemia.
Deficiency of sodium leads to Hyponatremia.
Deficiency of calcium leads to Rickets.
Deficiency of Vitamin A leads to Xerophthalmia/dry eye and Night
Blindness.
Deficiency of Vitamin B1 leads to Beriberi.
Deficiency of Vitamin B2 leads to Ariboflavinosis
Deficiency of Vitamin C leads to Scurvy.
Deficiency of Vitamin D leads to Rickets.
Oxygen is a product of Photosynthesis that comes from water.
Lactic acid is present in milk.
A bacterium contains only one chromosome.
A plant cell is differentiated from animal cell with the presence of
cell wall in plant cell.
Mitochondrion is considered to the power house of a cell.
Virus that infects a bacterium is called bacteriophage.
Oceansat-3 is planned for the year 2011-12.
Chandrayaan –I: Moon Mineralogy Map per (M3) – US supplied
instrument found water and Hydroxyl emanating from Moon.
Hydroxyl is 1 Hydrogen and 1 oxygen atoms.
Hyper-Spectral Imager (HySI) is an Indian instrument also detected
presence of water on the Moon.
Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the World’s largest particle acceletor
set a record for high energy collisions by crashing 2 proton beams
into each other at 3 times more force than ever before. Collision
was conducted at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear
Research) Head quarters Geneva.
K-152 Nerpa (Akula-II) is a nuclear submarine inducted into the
army of Russia. This will be leased to India in 2010 for a period of
10 years and is commissioned as INS Chakra.
Agni –III Indian long range missile of 3500 km was tested
successfully in Feb, 2010.
Agni I, II, III tested successfully.
Agni-V is planned for 2011. (Remember there is no Agni-IV).
K-15 missile is fitted to Arihant (India’s first indigenously developed
nuclear sub marine)
K-15 land version is Shourya.
Danush (Ship based anti-surface missile) is the naval version of
Prithvi. It was tested recently on March 11, 2011.
Prithvi was the first missile developed under Integrated Guided
Missile Development Programme. Prithvi-II was successfully
launched in October 2009.
“Astra” (Beyond-Visual-Range Air to Air) missile successfully tested
in Jan, 2010. Tested at Balasore, Orissa.
Astra is the smallest missile that is developed by DRDO.
UN Climate Change Conference was held in Cancun, Mexico from
November 29 to December 10, 2010. This is officially called COP
16. COP is Conference of the Parties. And also called CMP6 means
conference of the parties serving as the meeting of the parties to
Kyoto protocol.
COP 17/CMP7 will be held in Durban, South Africa from November
28 to December 9, 2011.
Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 and came into force in 2005. It
imposes targets for emission reductions up to 2012 only on
developed nations.
BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) conference took place
in Beijing in November 2009.
Green India 2047 report is published annually by TERI (The Energy
and resources Institute) since 1995.
“Miss Kerala” is India’s most popular fresh water fish. It is also
called Red Line Torpedo Barb.
India has the target of generating 20000 MW power by 2020 thru
nuclear energy and 20,000 MW by 2022 through solar energy.
World Future Energy Summit was held in Jan, 2010 in Abu Dhabi.
The PRITZKER prize is the highest honor in architecture and is
regarded as equivalent to Nobel Prize. For the year 2010 it was
awarded to Japanese duo Kazuyo Seijma and Ryue Nishizawa.
1st census in India conducted in 1872 and the 14th census in the
year 2001. 2011 will be the 15th census.
1872 to 1931 caste based census was conducted. Government is
conducting the caste based census for the 1st time in
independent India during 2011.
19th Law Commission chairman is Venkata Rama Reddy.
MMTS stands for Multi Model Transport System.
DHMU stands for Diesel Hydraulic Multiple Unit.
Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) convened by Obama in Washington
on April 12, 2010. Next NSS will be South Korea in the year 2012
IED: Improvised Explosive Devise
BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) Summit 2010 held in Brazil
and for the 2011 it will be in China.
SaaS (Software as a Service) is an application hosted on a remote
server and accessed through internet.
India’s first commercial solar power plant is Azure powers located
in Punjab. Inaugurated in 2009.
WIMAX (World wide interoperability for Microwave access) is a
telecommunication technology that provides wireless data in
various ways.
Cloud computing is a general term for anything that involves
delivering hosted services through internet.
Bing, Wolframalpha, Kosmix, Cuil are the names of various search
engines.
Orkut, Face book, Twitter, My Space, LinkedIn are the names of
various Social networks.
Lord Wellesley established Fort William College in Calcutta in 1800.
Fort St.George is Madras was set up in Madras in 1812 by east
India Company.
Sulphuric Acid is the most important industrial chemical in the
world. A most commonly used strong acid.USA is the largest
producer of the same.
Satyajit ray and Latha Mangeshkar are the two persons who won
both Bharat Ratna and Dada Sahib Phalke awards.
369 parties contested in 15th Loksabha elections of 2009.
Three Gorges dam (China) is the largest Hydro Power plant in the
world. Capacity 22,500 MW.
Indian institute of science is located in Bangalore.
Sputnik I of Russia was the first earth orbiting satellite.(1957)
Vostok I of Russia- 1st manned earth orbiter with Yuri Gagarin
(1959).
Luna I of Russia was the first lunar fly. Luna II was the first lunar
impact.
PHALCON AWACS (Air borne warning and control system) delivered
to India by Israel. This is the radar surveillance system.
INS Vikramaditya (Air craft Carrier) will be inducted into Indian
Navy by 2012. This will be delivered b Russia.
Rulers:
Peshwa – Pune
Gaikwads – Baroda
Bhonsle – Nagpur
Holkars – Indore
Sindhias – Gwalior.
Article 243D of the Constitution provides that a minimum of one-
third of the total number of seats filled by direct elections in
Panchayat Raj shall be reserved for women. The reservation for
women is increased to 50% through the 110th amendment of the
Constitution
Article 243T of the Constitution provides that a minimum of one-
third of the total number of seats filled by direct elections in
every Municipality shall be reserved for women. The reservation
for women is increased to 50% through the 112th amendment of
the Constitution.
Justice YV Chandrachud was the longest serving CJI from February
22, 1978 to July 11, 1985.
K N Singh was the CJI for the shortest period of time from
November 25, 1991 to December 12, 1991.
During photosynthesis plants cool the environment by releasing
water through pores or stomata that present on the surface of
leaves.
The Gini coefficient is a measure of statistical dispersion
developed by the Italian statistician Corrado Gini.
COBALT 60 is an artificial element. Its half life period is 5.27 years.
It is produced by neutron activation of COBALT 59.
China started economic reforms in the year 1979 and India in the
year 1991
The Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972. This also granted
permission to kill rogue animals.
Gir forest in Sourastra region of Gujarat is the home for Asiatic
lions.
When Aurobindo was arrested in the year 1908 by the British for
being the prime suspect in bomb outrage, C R Das fought his case
and Aurobindo was acquitted.
China was the 1st country to introduce paper currency. Cowries
shells were used by the Chinese as a medium of exchange.
TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE.
Assam was called Kamrupa.
The Tomaras built the city of Dhillika (Delhi) in 736.
Alberuni (writer and scientist) and Firdausi (Poet) were present in
the court of Ghazani.
In the first battle of Tarai (1191) prithvi raj chauhan defeated
Mohammad Ghori.
In the second battle of Tarai (1192) Mahmud ghori defeated Prithvi
raj chauhan.
Qutub-ud-din Aibak was the first independent Muslim ruler
of India.
Aibak died while playing Chowgan. (Persian game , this is
Polo).
Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in first battle of Panipat in the year
1526. This is the beginning Mughal Empire
Paper industry started in China in 1 AD.
Sadasiva raya was the last ruler of the Vijaya Nagara dynasty.
During his time vijayanagara kingdom was ruined and
destroyed by Muslim rulers in the battle of tallikota or
Rakshasa tangadi or Bannihatti in 1565.
At the second battle of Panipat (1556) Hemu was defeated by
Akbar.
The last Mughal ruler was Bahadur shah. (1857).
During the time of Ahmad Delhi was attacked by Ahmad shah
Abdali in third battle of Panipat in the year 1761.
The Battle of Buxar was fought in October 1764 between the
forces under the command of the British East India Company, and
the combined armies of Mir Kasim (the Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-
ud-Daula (the Nawab of Awadh) and Shah Alam II, the Mughal
Emperor.
108th amendment – Meant for providing 33 percent of reservation
for women in Parliament and state legislative assemblies. This
was introduced in Rajya Sabha and passed.
109th amendment – Extension of reservation for SC’s, ST’s and
Anglo-Indians in Parliament and state legislatures up to the year
2020.
110th Constitutional amendment – Increasing reservation for
women in Panchayati Raj bodies from the existing 33 percent to
50 percent.
111th amendment – Meant for providing constitutional status to
cooperative societies.
112th amendment – Increasing reservation for women in
Muncipalities from the existing 33 percent to 50 percent.
Right to Information act came into force on June 15, 2005.
Right to Education act came into force on April 1, 2010.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is the laughing gas.
Ethylene is used for ripening of fruits.
Appendix also called vermix located near the junction of large
intestine and small intestine. This is a vestigial organ (No
function).
MF Hussain acquired the Qatar citizenship.
11th five year plan (200 – 2012) is the “India’s educational plan”.
Highest point on the land-Mt Everest.
Lowest area-shore of dead sea(Jordan)
Deepest area Mariana Trench in Pacific Ocean
Mars is called Red planet.
Duncan passage is present between South Andaman & Little
Andaman.
Western& Eastern Ghats are connected by Niligiri (blue) hills.
Annaimudi-highest peak in Western Ghats(sahyadri)
Niligiri are separated by Annamalai hills by Palghat (Kerala) pass.
Ancient names of rivers:
SUTLEJ – SATURDI.
RAVI – PARUSINI
CHENAB – ASKINI
JHELUM – VITASTA
BEAS - VIPAS
Narmada, Tapti, Mahi and Luni are the west flowing rivers.
Highest waterfall is Angela. This is located in Venezuela.
Victoria Falls present between Zambia Zimbabwe.
Jog falls-Highest in India present on river sharavati.
GRASS LANDS:
o East Africa- Savanna
o Brazil- Campos
o Venezuela- Llanos
o Argentina- Pampas
o N. America- Prairie
o S. Africa- Veld
o Asia- Steppe
o Australia- Down
Sahara (Largest) desert touches 11 countries in Africa.
Ladakh is the coldest desert present in Himalayas.
William Hawkins visited the court of Jahangir in 1609.
Sir Thomas Roe visited in 1617 and got the permission to set up a
factory at Surat.
Concept of Public interest Litigation (PIL) 1st started in USA.
In India Public Interest Litigation was introduced in the year 1985.
At that time P N Bhagawati was the CJI.
In Iceland an eruption started in Eyjafjallajokulla glacier The
Volcano erupted on March 20, 2010 after silence of 200 years.
The International Space Station project began in 1994 with the
Shuttle-Mir programme-completed by 2011.
Mangala is the oil field in Barmer district of Rajasthan. The largest
onshore discovery in India.
X board exams-CBSE cancelled from 2011.
Rajya Sabha members are elected by elected MLA's.
Finance Commission recommends about the grants-in-aid to be
given to the states.
Residuary powers are borrowed from Canada.
Article 134 A of the Constitution – Grant of Certificate for the appeal to the Higher
court.
Article 143 of the Constitution – President can seek the advice from the Supreme
Court.
Supreme Court judge, justice VS Sirpurkar will head the panel that
will have Andhra Pradesh high court former chief justice AR Dave
and noted constitutional lawyer PP Rao.
***********
India has mainly two types of satellite systems. IRS (Indian Remote
Sensing) satellite launched by PSLV and INSAT (Indian National
Satellite) launched by GSLV.
India developed 4 types of launch vehicles. SLV, ASLV, PSLV and
GSLV.
The SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle) is also called SLV-3. This is a
four staged solid fuel light launcher. This carries a payload of 40
kg and can reach a height of 500 Km. SLV was first launched in
1979 and it was launched last time in the year 1983. The current
status is that it is decommissioned.
ASLV (Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle) is a five staged solid
propellant rocket system with a capacity to place 150 kg satellite
into the LEO (Low Earth Orbit). This was first tested in 1987 and
decommissioned in the year 1994.
PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) launch the IRS into the Sun
Synchronous Orbits. PSLV can also launch small satellites into
GTO (Geostationary Transfer orbit). PSLV launched highest
number of satellites at once. This is the highest by any country.
GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is to launch INSAT
into Geostationary Orbit. This can put the payloads of up to five
tons into the Low Earth Orbit.
The latest launch of GSLV-F06 with the GSAT-5P satellite was failed
on December 25, 2010.
The very latest launch vehicle is GSLV Mark – III is under
development. This is scheduled in the year 2012.
India’s first satellite was Aryabhatta launched in the year 1975
from USSR.
Rohini satellites were built and launched indigenously.
INSAT satellites are useful for Telecommunications, broadcasting,
Meteorology, search and rescue needs for India.
IRS satellites are the earth observation satellites. These are placed
in the sun synchronous orbit. IRS – P4 is a type of Remote sensing
satellite and is also called Oceansat – 1 launched in the year
1999. The Oceansat -2 was launched in the year 2009.
PSLV C-16 is scheduled in 2011. This will launch Resourcesat -2.
GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) the concept was
prepared jointly by the AAI (Airports Authority of India) and ISRO.
This is meant for navigation and surveillance of air traffic
management.
Article 84 (a) of the Indian Constitution says that only the citizens
of Indian are eligible to contest in the Parliament elections.
Article 173 (a) of the Indian Constitution says that only the citizens
of India are eligible to contest in the state Assembly elections.
In any election if a defeated candidate fails to secure more than
1/6th of the valid polled votes in the constituency will lose the
security deposit.
From Modakurichi Assembly constituency of Tamil Nadu 1033
candidates contested in the year 1996. This is the maximum
number so far.
The election expenditure means the expenditure incurred by a
candidate between the date of nomination and the date of
announcement of the results.
The election expenditure details must be submitted to the Election
Commission within 30 days from the date of announcement of the
results.
Smallest bone in the human body is “stapes”. This is present in
the ear.
The largest bone in the human body is “Femur”. This is present in
thigh.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body.
The smallest muscle in the human body is “Stapedius”. This is
also present in the ear. This is attached to Stapes. (The smallest
bone).
The biggest skeletal muscle is “Gluteus Maximus”. This is a
buttock muscle.
The longest muscle is ‘Sartorius”. This runs from hip to knee.
The strongest muscle is “Masseter”, the chewing muscle.
The muscle with the largest surface area is ‘Latissimus Dorsi” that
covers the middle portion of the back.
The sweat has no odor.
There are 9000 taste buds on the tongue.
India and Sri Lanka are separated by PALK Strait and Gulf of
Mannar
DHANUSHKODI is a place near Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu form
where the total solar eclipse was seen. (Map Pointing question)
look at the map.
Central Information Commissioner is appointed by the President.
State Information Commissioner is appointed by the Governor
Veerappa Moily (Union Law Minister) is the Chair person for second
Administrative Reforms Commission. The committee submitted 15
reports.
Nuclear Security Summit 2010 held in Washington.
DHRUV is the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), designed and
developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
The word “Budget” is not mentioned in the constitution.
Annual Financial Statement is mentioned in Article 112.
Krita, Treta, Dwapara and Kali yugas. These are the four yugas.
(Remember the sequence).
Joint Session is mentioned in Article 108 of the Constitution.
Joint session is summoned by the President.
Joint session is presided over by the speaker
The Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President.
The High Court judges are appointed by the President.
The District Court judges are appointed by the Governor.
K Santhanam former DRDO official who was associated with the
Pokhran tests, has provided fresh fodder to the criticism by
terming the thermonuclear test a fizzle?
Arijit Payasat a judge of Supreme Court nick named as “Sachin
Tendulkar of SC judges.
Danush is the naval version of Prithvi missile.
June 5 World Environment Day.
Longest elevated national highway of 9.5 km inaugurated in
Bangalore. This connects silk board junction and electronic city in
Bangalore.
Palakkad district in Kerala is the 1st district in the country which if
fully electrified.
LESOTHO is a land locked country is South Africa.
Swaziland is a land locked country in South Africa and towards east
bordered by Mozambique.
Under Article 143 of the Constitution the President of India can
consult the Supreme Court and seek its opinion.
Apatani is a tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.
Jarawa tribe is in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Munda tribe is in Jharkhand and Bihar.
Santhal tribe is in Jharkahnd and West Bengal.
First Municipal Corporation in India was set up in Madras in the
year 1687.
Lord Rippon considered as the Father of Local self Government in
India.
The Anti-defection law was 1st enacted in West Bengal in the year
1979.
In Berubari Union case of 1960 Supreme Court opined that
Preamble is not a part of Constitution.
In Keshavananda Bharati case (1973) and LIC of India case (1995)
Supreme Court held that the Preamble is a part of Constitution
(Be very clear).
Gini Coefficient used as a measure of inequality of income
Kalapani and Susta is the dispute between India and Nepal.
The Supreme Court inquires into the disputes related to the
election of the President and Vice President. The decision of the
Supreme Court is final and exclusive.
CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) of India is considered to be
a friend, philosopher and guide to PAC (Public Accounts
Committee).
Below Poverty Line (BPL) census in India conducted for the first
time in 1992. In the year 2010 it was conducted for the 4th time.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was renamed as
Mahatma Gandhi REGA since October 2, 2009. This is a central
law for providing minimum 100 days of employment to the people
of Below Poverty line in rural areas.
Barak Obama is the 44th president of USA.
Joe Biden is the Vice President of USA.
Domestication of animals started during Neolithic period. Dog and
sheep 1st domesticated.
Wheat and Barley were the earliest cereals grown.
Bramhacharya, Gruhasthya, Vanaprastha & Sannyasa are the 4
ashramas. (Remember the sequence).
The Battle of 10 kings mentioned in Rig-Veda. This was fought over
the division of RAVI water.
During Vedic period Rice was called Vrihi, Wheat – Godhuma,
Barley – Yava.
The Battle of Hydaspes took place on the banks of river Jhelum
between Alexander and Porus. (Alexander won).
Alexander died in 323BC in Babylonia
Rishaba was the first Jain Thirthankara.
Rishaba means bull.
Parshva was the 23rd Jain Thirthankara.
Mahavira was the 24th Jain Thirthankara.
Tamraparni (Sri Lanka) and now it is called Tamirabarani) and
The ancient name of Burma was Suvarnabhumi.
In the ancient days the name Suvarnadweepa was used for South-
east Asia.
The Ancient name for the Indian subcontinent is Jambudvipa.
Periplus of Erythrean Sea was written by unknown author.
Zero was invented by unknown Indian.
Saka Era began in 78 AD.
Subahsh Chandra Bose was re elected as the President of congress
in 1939 and defeated Pattabhi Sitaramaiah who was supported by
Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Maulana Abdul
Kalam withdrew his nomination.
The Earth is divided into3 parts Crust (SIAL), Mantle (SIMA) and
Core(NIFE)
Crust and Mantle separated by Mohorivicic Discontinuity.
Mantle and core separated by Gutenberg Discontinuity.
The Himalayans are formed from the sea called Tethys sea which
is situated between the Gondwana in the south and
Angaraland(Laurasia)toNorth.
Khadar is new Alluvium and Bangar is old alluvium.
1939 tripuri congress session Bose defeated Pattabhi sitaramaiah
who was supported by Gandhi.
The Andamans and Nicobars are separated by the Ten degree
channel.
The 8 degree channel passes thruogh south Minicoy Island.
FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter of Switzerland.
Golden boot is awarded to the top goal scorer in FIFA world cup
international.
Jyoyhi Basu(CPI(M)) was the longest serving CM (1977-2000)
Mahatma Gandhi was the President of INC in the year 1924 during
Belgaum session.
Gandhi called Tilak "The Maker of Modern India
Gopala Krishna Gokale was the mentor for both Gandhi and Jinnah.
Gandhi Sequence: Champaran (1917), Kheda (1918), Ahmadabad
(1918)
By August 15 the rulers of all 562 states with an exception of
Junagarh, Kashmir and Hyderabad had signed the instrument of
accession.
According to the Article 75(2) of the Indian Constitution the
Ministers (including PM) are individually responsible to the
President.
Under Article 75 (3) of the Indian Constitution the Council of
Ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Portfolio system introduced in India through the Indian Cuncils Act
of 1861.
Dyarchy was first introduced in provinces through GOI Act of 1919.
GOI Act of 1935 introduced Dyarchy at center and abolished in
provinces.
Portuguese were the first to come to India and followed by Dutch,
English and French.
Indian Federation is based on pattern of Canada.
Lokpal bill 1st introduced in the year 1968.
PM-Chairman for National Population commission, National
Integration Council, National Water Council, Planning Commission
and National Development Council.
Number of seats-Parliament&Assembles freezed up to the year
2026.
Agenda 21 is the -programme of action for sustainable
development at local, national and global level.
123 Agreement between USA and other countries with relation to
nuclear cooperation.
There are four main Islands in Japan. Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku
and Kyushu.
The one child policy in China was established by Chinese leader
Deng Xiaoping in the year 1979.
“A Cabinet Secretary Looks Back” is written by B G Deshmukh a
former cabinet secretary.
India has highest number of Oral cancer patients in the World.
The Red Fort is constructed with Sand stone. (Sedimentary rock).
The Taj Mahal is constructed with white Marble (Metamorphic
rock).
One Gallon is equal to 54 liters.
“Global Crisis Recession and Recovery” book is written by Y.Venu
Gopala Reddy.
The biggest clock tower in the World is present in Mecca (Saudi
Arabia).
The minimum amount that is required to open Swiss account is 10
lakh dollors (4.5 crores).
The coldest natural temperature ever recorded on Earth was
−89.2 °C/−128.6 °F at the Russian Vostok Station in Antarctica on
21 July 1983.
Alexander Cunningham, the first Director General of the
Archaeological Survey of India.
Pakistan’s ISI (Inter Service Intelligence) is the only spy agency in
the World charged with sponsoring international terrorism.
Pakistan is the largest recipient of US aid.
The Service Tax in India was introduced in the year 1994.
Telecommunications, Stock Broking and General Insurance were
the three areas where the Service tax was imposed first. At
present (2011) 119 items are under the ambit of Service Tax.
A. R. Rahman was the first Indian to receive two Oscar Awards.
The first Indian woman to win individual medal in Olympics was
Karanam Mallishwari (Weight Lifting).
The Tobacco smoke contains over four thousand (4000) chemicals
according to World Health Organization. The Tobacco epidemic
kills nearly 6 million people per year.
The largest University in the World is the Indira Gandhi University
National Open University in New Delhi.
The Hubble telescope: This was put into space in 1990 by NASA.
This is revolving around 564 km away from the earth. This uses
the solar power. This is going to be decommissioned in 2013.
James Web Space Telescope will replace Hubble Telescope.
The Institute of Nano Science and Technology is located in Mohali.
Nanotechnology is the study of matter at a miniature level called
the nano scale.
A Nano meter is equal to one billionth of a meter.
The Nanotechnology facilitates research on particles less than one
billionth of a meter in diameter and thus paves way to some
amazing inventions and discoveries.
C.N.R. Rao is the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to the
Prime Minister.
Russell ’s viper is a viviparous reptile that litters its young ones.
The other oviparous reptiles lay eggs.
Mithi river is a 18 km long river in Mumbai.
Arribada in Spanish means arrival of the Olive Ridley Turtles to lay
their eggs. In Indian region it transpires on three beaches along
the coat of Orissa.
Rushikulya is in Orissa. This is a place where the Olive Ridley
Turtles lay eggs. Thousands of expectant mother turtles gather at
one place during nights.
The Pied Cuckoo’s breeding grounds are in Africa. This migrates to
India only in the summer.
Beijing Genomics (China) is the largest DNA research centre in the
world.
Ethiopia is the only African Nation that is independent for 2000
(Two Thousand) years.
A small Pox case was seen in last in Somalia in the year 1977. In
1980 the WHO (World Health Organization) declared that the
World and all its people have won freedom from small pox.
The term Monsoon was first used in English in British India and the
neighboring countries to refer to the big seasonal winds blowing
from the Indian Ocean over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian
Sea.
South Asia’s largest jail is Tihar Jail, located in New Delhi.
The Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University is the world’s
largest University for Women, located in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.
Apa Sherpa, a Nepalese mountaineer has climbed Mt. Everest for
21 times. (This is a record). First climbed in 1990 and 21st time in
May 2011.
Nepal is the only country in the World that boasts a triangular flag.
The Pygmy marmoset also called dwarf monkey is a new World
monkey, native to the rainforest canopies of western Brazil.
Colombia and other areas in South America. This is the smallest
monkey.
In 1893 Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out of a train in
Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. With this Gandhi launched his
first Satyagraha.
There are 8 PIN code zones in India.
PPP is Public-Private-Participation: In this mode the government
does not have to invest any money. The successful bidder will
construct, maintain and share revenue with the government.
Nitisataka was written by Bhartrihari.
1 barrel is equal to 117.347765 liters.
1 bale is equal to 170 kg.
1 Fathom is equal to 1.8288 meters.
FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) proposals are recommended by
FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board).
The term of UN Secretary-General is 5 years.
Silviculture: The care and cultivation of forest trees.
In India the silver coins were used since 600 BC.
In the year 1835 the British introduced similar currency throughout
India. These were the silver coins with the queen Victoria figure.
In India the Nickel coins were introduced on August 15, 1950.
During the time of independence one rupee is equal to 64 paisa.
One Ana is equal to 1/16th of a rupee.
1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 paisa was first minted in the year 1957.
The Reserve Bank of India has banned all the coins below 50 paisa
periodically. They were banned because of the cost of minting is
more than the face value.
The latest coin that was banned was 25 paisa. (Since June 30,
2011).
The 25 paisa is also called ‘Chavanni’.
At present the 50 paisa coin is the lowest denomination in the
country.
Coins are minted at the four Indian Government Mints at Mumbai,
Alipore(Kolkata), Saifabad(Hyderabad), Cherlapally (Hyderabad)
and NOIDA (UP).
The coins up to 50 paisa are called small coins.
The coins above 50 paisa are called rupee coins.
Under the coinage act of 1906 coins up to the denomination of Rs.
1000 can be issued.
Ammonium Nitrate is frequently used by the terror groups for
making bombs.
Radio tag is a tag around ankle for electronic surveillance.
Malaria causing parasite was discovered by Sir Ronald Ross.
Mir Mahbub Ali Pasha (1869 – 1911) the sixth Nizam centenary of
his death was commemorated on August 29, 2011. He
contributed to infrastructure, irrigation, education and
administrative reforms.
Sheetal Niwas is the official residence of the President of Nepal.
The Telugu cinema industry will observe September 15 as the
Telugu Cinema day remembering the day in the year 1931, when
Hamumappa Muniappa Reddy produced and directed the first
‘talkie’ Bhakta Prahlada in Telugu. B H Reddy worked as an
assistant to Ardeshir Irani who created the first Indian talkie titled
“Alam Ara”.
The Vijayanagara emperor, Sri Krishnadevaraya (1509 – 1529) had
won all the wars he waged over a span of 11 years against his
enemies.
The Nalanda University was started during Gupta period (5 BC).
The original site is located at Rajgir, Bihar.
The Nalanda University was ransacked and destroyed by Turkish
Muslim invaders under Bakhtiyar Khalji in 1193.
The Parliament has approved the Nalanda University Bill 2010 and
the Nalanda University will be set up at an approximate cost of
1005 crore.
Shakespeare’s last play was “The Tempest” 1610.
RADAR means Radio Detection and Ranging. Radars are
extensively used in air traffic control, air defense, astronomy,
meteorology and many surveillance systems.
Cellulose is a carbohydrate that cannot be digested in the human
digestive system.
Test Match tied: In the year 1960 the match that was held between
Australia and West Indies at Brisbane was tied. This is the first
tied match in the History of test cricket. The second match that
was tied in the year 1986 between Australia and India in Chennai.
Murrah breed cow is known as ‘Pride of Haryana’.
The longest canal in the country is the Indira Sagar Canal. The
length is 635 km.
Kerala is the first state in the country to switch over to e-payments
of VAT.
In AADHAR car there are 12 digits.
Computer ‘Mouse’ was developed by Dr. Douglas C. Angelbart.
When the patent was taken the name was ‘X Y Position Indicator
For a Display System’.
Vivek Express is the longest train service in India. It travels
between Dibrugarh (Assam) and Kanya Kumari (Tamil Nadu). The
train travels a distance of 4286 km in 82.30 hours. This is a
weekly train starts on every Saturday and reaches the destination
on Wednesday. Before this, the Himasagar express running
between Jammu Tawi and Kanyakumari had the longest run
covering 3715 km.
The vivek train from costs only Rs. 673 by 2nd class.
The Vivek express has 18 coaches and 52 stops.
World’s longest train services:
Moscow to Vladivostok – Russia – 9259 km – 178 hrs
Moscow to Beijing via Harbin (China) – 8984 km – 144 hrs
Moscow to Beijing via Ulan Bator (Mongolia) – 7826 km – 131 hrs
Guangzhou to Lhasa (China) – 4980 km – 54.5 hrs
Toronto (Canada) to Vancouver (Canada) – 4466 km – 86 hrs
Shanghai to Lhasa (China) – 4373 km – 48 hrs
Sydney to Perth – 4352 km – 65 hrs
Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari – 4286 km – 82.30 hrs
Kerala is the longest run daily express with 3054 km in 42.5 hrs.
Howrah – Amritsar express is the train with maximum halts with 115.
Longest nonstop train Trivandrum Rajdhani express with 528 km in 6.5 hrs.
“Dr SMS” was launched by Kerala, this is an M(Mobile)-Health information system.
Bar Council of India was set up in the year 1961. This is a regulating body for the
legal profession governed by the Indian Advocates Act.
“Buddhist Circuit Train” is in operation since 2007, stops along several pilgrimage
sites in northern India.
The 42nd IFFI (International Film Festival of India) has been launched in Goa on
November 23, 2011.
Exotica: These are the rivers that flow in deserts. Sindh and Nile rivers are the
examples for Exotica rivers.
South America is called ‘Bird Continent’.
Mexico is the leading producer of sulpher in the World.
Chile is the leading producer of Nitrates in the World.
The original name of Josef Stalin is “Ioseb Besarionis dze Jughashvili”. The
meaning of Stalin is ‘Man of Steel”.
Stalin’s daughter, Lana Peters original name was Svetlana Stalina. After the death
of the Stalin in 1953 she took the mother’s last name Alliluyeva and she was
called ‘Svetlana Alliluyeva’. After her marring an American she became ‘Lana
Peters’.
The casting of Television first started in United Kingdom.
Alco meter: This is a breath analyzer to check drunken driving.
‘Kudzu’ is a forest creeper in USA grows very rapidly and it covered over 1.5 lakh
acres in 1 ½ years. ‘Kudzu’ belongs to China, grown in Japan and finally reached
US.
On December 12, 1911 King George V announced at the Great Coronation Durbar
in Delhi: “ We have decided upon the transfer of the seat of the government of
India from Calcutta to the ancient capital of Delhi”.
The New Delhi is the architectural brilliance of Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
The current monthly allowances given to the heroes of the war.
Award Current (Rs.) Previoulsy (Rs.)
Param Vira Chakra - 10,000/- - 3,000/-
Asoka Chakra - 6,000/- - 2,800
Maha Vira Chakra - 5,000/- - 2,400/-
Kirti Chakra - 4,500/- - 2,100/-
Vira Chakra - 3,500/- - 1,700/-
Shourya Chakra - 3,000/- - 1,500/-
The Gateway of India (Mumbai) was built 100 years ago to commemorate the visit
of King George V and Queen Mary prior to the Delhi Durbar.
The foundation stone for Gate Way of India was laid down in March 1911 by the
Governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke.
The Gate way was officially opened on December 4, 1924 by the Viceroy the Earl
of Reading.
The MRC (Madras Regiment Centre) is the oldest regiment in Indian Army. It was
raised on December 4, 1758 at Chennapatnam (Chennai). The MRC was raised
when 2 battalions were raised under Colonel Robert Clive consequent to the
siege of Fort St. George by the French. Madras troops fought in the battle of
seringapatnam and battle of Assaye under Arthur Wellington.
The MRC is the only regime that was not bifurcated after Indian attaining the
independence.
The Thilafushi, an artificial island in Maldives is nicknamed Rubbish Island. (For
the accumulation of the garbage).
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a molecular substance that contains basic genetic
instructions responsible for the development and functioning of living
organisms. The information held in the DNA determines how inherited features
or traits are passed down from one generation to the other. (This is one of the
most profound discoveries in 20th century).
The first metro rail in the World started in London on January 10, 1863. This owes
its existence to Charles Pearson (Solicitor to the City of London Corporation).
This measured 6 Km and ran between Paddington and Farringdon street.
The first deep level Tube Train that ran on electricity became operational in 1890
in London. London underground today known as Tube.
New York’s first underground subsystem became operational in 1904.
In India the first underground rapid transport system started in 1984 in Kolkata.
This is followed by Delhi metro in 2002 and Namma Metro in Bangalore in
October 2011.
The Delhi Metro is the only Metro to get Carbon Credits from the United Nations
for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping in reducing pollution levels
in the city by 6.3 lakh tones every year.
The Shanghai Metro (China) is the World’s longest metro in the World.
The Tokyo Metro is the busiest in terms of annual passengers.
The Channel tunnel that links the UK and France is the longest underwater rail
tunnel in the World. It measures 37.9 km.
China has over taken India as the “Diabetes Capital’ of the World.
New Delhi is the first city in India to begin screening for the ‘Silent Killer’ Hepatitis
C.
Rashtrapathi Bhavan:
This was built by the British Architect Edwin Landseer Lutyens. He mixed the
Indian, Mughal and European styles of architecture.
The construction was started in the year 1912 and completed in the year 1929
and in 1931 the Viceroy of India Lord Irwin was the first occupant.
Initially it was called viceroy’s House. In the year 1950 the name was changed to
‘Rashtrapathi Bhavan’.
Marble Hall: the portraits and sculptures of various kings, queens, viceroys,
governor generals and other important personalities are displayed.
Durbar Hall: Also known as Throne room. National Awards ceremony takes place
here.
Ball Room: Now it is called Asoka room. Defense gallantry awards ceremony takes
place here.
Banquet Hall: The portraits of all the Presidents of India are placed here.
Mughal gardens: This is 13 acre garden built in 3 levels. In these lawns the
President hosts the ‘At Home’ on the Indian Republic day and Independence
Day.
Children’s Museum: The weighing machine gives the weight of the person on the
Moon and every planet in the universe.
FSA (Financial Services Authority) is the Britain’s financial regulator. (This is like
SEBI in India).
The first persons to reach South Pole successfully are Roald Amundsen’s and
Robert Scott’s (99 years ago). The first Indian expedition successfully reached
the South Pole on November 22, 2010. The team was led by Dr. Rasik Ravindra,
the Director of Goa based National Centre for Antarctica and Ocean Research
(NCAOR).
RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) is India’s external intelligence agency. This
was formed in the year 1967.
IVRS means Interactive Voice Response System.
After taking control over Daman and Diu on December 18, 1961 the Defence
Minister Mr V K Krishna Menon, has designated Major-General Kenneth Candeth,
commanding the 17th division of the Indian Army in the Goa operations
(Operation Vijay) as the Military Governor of Goa.
T B D’Cunha is considered to be the ‘Father of Goa’s liberation movement’.
Army day – January 15
US Embassy in Iraq is the largest American diplomatic facility in the World.
It is elementary Physics that when light falls on certain semiconducting material
like silicon, its energy knocks off electrons of the atoms which can be made to
flow and the flow is electricity.
Solar Industry: In the year 2007 to put up 1 MW solar power plant, it cost Rs. 21
crore. Now it costs less than Rs. 10 crore. There are 2 methods to produce
power through solar system Panel way and Mirror way. Under the Jawaharlal
Nehru National Solar Mission (one of the 8 mission covered under the National
Action Plan for Climate Change) the target is to creation of a capacity of 20, 000
MW from the grid connected to solar plants and addition 2,000 MW from non-
grid.
At present India is producing only 186 MW from the solar plants. This will increase
to 1300 MW by the year 2013.
India’s total capacity of power from all the sources is 2,00, 000 (two lakh) MW.
Navarasas are the 9 basic emotions. Angry, Disgust, Fear, Humor, Love, Mercy,
Peace, Valour and Wonder.
The study of Fungi is called Mycology.
Queen Elizabeth II is the oldest living monarch of United Kingdom. She surpassed
the record of Queen Victoria in the year 2007.
Cyclones are called ‘Willy-Willies’ by Australians.
‘Xoloitzcuintle’ is a rare hairless dog.
WAP stands for Wide AC Passenger. This is written on the rail locomotives.
The ‘Papier mache’ is an art that is introduced in India by the Mughals. This is a
paper art. The French is the first European country to learn this art. The
craftsmen of Kashmir are the first to learn this.
Bone to Bone connection is called Ligament.
On December 20, 1961 the commercial operation of the cross channel power link
between Britain and France was inaugurated. A power cable was laid on the sea
bed. This enabled Britain and France to draw on each other’s electricity supplies
at periods of peak demands.
The paper industry that manufactures the paper for the printing of currency notes
is located in Hoshangabad. The RBI is planning to set up another industry in
Mysore.
Minorities: This is mentioned in the National Minority Commission Act, 1992. Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Zoroastrians were included in the act as minorities.
Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call on March 10, 1876 to
Watson and requested for medical aid.
Every 6th human and every 5th mobile phone on this planet is in India.
Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type for a printing press around 1439.
Nomophobia: This is an abbreviation for no-mobile-phone-phobia. This term was
coined during a study conducted by the U K Post Office.
Indians contributed decimal system and Zero.
Karnataka is the first state in the country to introduce 2 budgets. General budget
and agriculture budget. (This happened in the year 2011).
SBI is the first bank in the country to introduce ‘Bank on Bike” facilities. This is
meant for providing the banking services to the people in the rural areas. This
was initiated in the Sangaraddy mandal of Medak district in Andhra Pradesh.
The Minimum wage in India is Rs. 100/-. In April 2011 the government increased
the same to Rs. 115/-.
For the year 2011-12 the MSP (Minimum Support Price) to the Paddy has been
increased from Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 1080/- for normal grade and from Rs. 1030/- to
Rs. 1110/- from grade ‘A’ type.
The government has banned the export of rice in the year 2008. In July 2011 the
government lifted the ban rice. (this does not include Basmati).
For the year 2010 – 2011 (July to June) the total production of the food grains is
24.16 crore tonnes. This is a new record in the country.
In August 2011 the RBI decided to withdraw Nickel 50 paisa and Rs. 1/- coins
from the market and to issue steel coins of the same.
From July 1, 2011 the RBI banned the usage of 25 paisa coins.
Albert Einstein is considered to be the founder of Modern Physics, he developed
the theory of general relativity.
The Travancore University (now called University of Kerala) was set up in the year
1937. The fledgling university offered Einstein the post of Vice-Chancellor who
rejected politely.
“Dandaniti” means a legitimate use of violence.
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) locate in New Delhi, is the largest
university in the World.
Kalki is the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu sitting on white horse.
W3C stands for World Wide Web Consortium.
Nepal is the only country in the World with National Flag that is taller than wider.
Param Vir Chakra is the Indian equivalent of Pakistan’s ‘Nishsn-e-Haideer’.
On December 29, 2011 ‘Samoa’ the South pacific Island that was 21 hours behind
Sydney became 3 hours ahead. (Apart from ‘Samoa’, ‘Tokelau’ a non-self-
governing territory of New Zealand that also skipped December 30 because of
the changes in the time zone alignment).
‘Jude’ the apostle (disciple) of Jesus was also known as ‘Thaddeus’.
Mahatma Gandhi performed his last hunger strike on January 12, 1948 for the
integrity of Hindus and Muslims.
In the manufacturing of tires charcoal powder is mixed to avoid more elasticity.
This also helps in the more stiffness of the tires.
K-Computer is designed and developed by Japan. This is considered to be the
fastest computer in the World.
Uday Kumar designed the new symbol of Rupee for India.
The government of India is planning to set up 2,500 model schools in the country
during 12th five year plan.
Chennai beach is the longest beach in the country.
The supreme court of India constituted SIT (Special Investigation Team) to
investigate on black money. The SIT is headed by Justice B P Jeevan Reddy.
Scotland of East: Shillong (Meghalaya) is called Scotland of East.
An Air craft is equipped with tricycle under carriage type landing gear front or
nose wheels and rear wheels. The airplane lands first on rear wheels and not on
front or nose wheels. The center of the gravity present of the plane lied
somewhere in the middle of the fuselage which is close to the rear wheels.
The Lords cricket ground in UK is named after the famous cricketer Thomas Lord.
A Giraffe sleeps only 10 minutes a day.
Polio: The year 2000 was the target date for global eradication of
set by World Health Assembly in the year 1988.
Of the 3 types of polio viruses type 2 was globally eradicated in the year 1999
with the last case seen in East UP and West Bihar.
Beyond 2005 the polio virus continued in 4 countries. India, Pakistan, Afghanistan
and Nigeria.
In India over 95 percent of cases occurred in UP and Bihar arguably the World’s
most difficult spots for eradication.
The preventive methods are IPV (Inactivated Polio Virus Vaccine) and OPV (Oral
Poliovirus vaccine). The OPV is cheaper.
India started battle against polio virus in late 1970’s. In 1985 India became a part
of the global programme.
The PPI (Pulse Polio Initiative) in India was launched in the year 1995-96 through
OPV. This is given on 2 days, one each in December and January. The PPI target
was the year 2005. India spent more than 12,000 crore on PPI.
Olive Ridley Turtles: They are present in the Rushikulya roorkey caost in Ganjam
district of South Odisha.
