LIST OF ISRO SATELLITES

Satellite	Launch Date	Launch Vehicle	Type of Satellite
RISAT-1	26.04.2012	PSLV-C19	Earth Observation Satellite
Jugnu	12.10.2011	PSLV-C18	Experimental / Small Satellite
SRMSat	12.10.2011	PSLV-C18	Experimental / Small Satellite
Megha-Tropiques	12.10.2011	PSLV-C18	Earth Observation Satellite
GSAT-12	15.07.2011	PSLV-C17	Geo-Stationary Satellite
GSAT-8	21.05.2011	Ariane-5 VA-202	Geo-Stationary Satellite
RESOURCESAT-2	20.04.2011	PSLV-C16	Earth Observation Satellite
YOUTHSAT	20.04.2011	PSLV-C16	Experimental / Small Satellite
GSAT-5P	25.12.2010	GSLV-F06	Geo-Stationary Satellite
STUDSAT	12.07.2010	PSLV-C15	Experimental / Small Satellite
CARTOSAT-2B	12.07.2010	PSLV-C15	Earth Observation Satellite
GSAT-4	15.04.2010	GSLV-D3	Geo-Stationary Satellite
Oceansat-2	23.09.2009	PSLV-C14	Earth Observation Satellite
ANUSAT	20.04.2009	PSLV-C12	Experimental / Small Satellite
RISAT-2	20.04.2009	PSLV-C12	Earth Observation Satellite
Chandrayaan-1	22.10.2008	PSLV-C11	Space Mission
CARTOSAT - 2A	28.04.2008	PSLV-C9	Earth Observation Satellite
IMS-1	28.04.2008	PSLV-C9	Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-4B	12.03.2007	Ariane-5ECA	Geo-Stationary Satellite
CARTOSAT - 2	10.01.2007	PSLV-C7	Earth Observation Satellite
SRE - 1	10.01.2007	PSLV-C7	Experimental / Small Satellite
INSAT-4CR	02.09.2007	GSLV-F04	Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-4C	10.07.2006	GSLV-F02	Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-4A	22.12.2005	Ariane-5GS	Geo-Stationary Satellite
HAMSAT	05.05.2005	PSLV-C6	Experimental / Small Satellite
CARTOSAT-1	05.05.2005	PSLV-C6	Earth Observation Satellite
EDUSAT (GSAT-3)	20.09.2004	GSLV-F01	Geo-Stationary Satellite
Resourcesat-1(IRS-P6)	17.10.2003	PSLV-C5	Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-3A	10.04.2003	Ariane-5G	Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-3E	28.09.2003	Ariane-5G	Geo-Stationary Satellite
GSAT-2	08.05.2003	GSLV-D2	Geo-Stationary Satellite
KALPANA-1(METSAT)	12.09.2002	PSLV-C4	Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-3C	24.01.2002	Ariane-42L H10-3	Geo-Stationary Satellite
Technology Experiment Satellite (TES)	22.10.2001	PSLV-C3	Earth Observation Satellite
GSAT-1	18.04.2001	GSLV-D1	Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-3B	22.03.2000	Ariane-5G	Geo-Stationary Satellite
Oceansat(IRS-P4)	26.05.1999	PSLV-C2	Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-2E	03.04.1999	Ariane-42P H10-3	Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-2DT	January 1998	Ariane-44L H10	Geo-Stationary Satellite
IRS-1D	29.09.1997	PSLV-C1	Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-2D	04.06.1997	Ariane-44L H10-3	Geo-Stationary Satellite
IRS-P3	21.03.1996	PSLV-D3	Earth Observation Satellite
IRS-1C	28.12.1995	Molniya	Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-2C	07.12.1995	Ariane-44L H10-3	Geo-Stationary Satellite
IRS-P2	15.10.1994	PSLV-D2	Earth Observation Satellite
Stretched Rohini Satellite Series (SROSS-C2)	04.05.1994	ASLV	Space Mission
IRS-1E	20.09.1993	PSLV-D1	Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-2B	23.07.1993	Ariane-44L H10+	Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-2A	10.07.1992	Ariane-44L H10	Geo-Stationary Satellite
Stretched Rohini Satellite Series (SROSS-C)	20.05.1992	ASLV	Space Mission
IRS-1B	29.08.1991	Vostok	Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-1D	12.06.1990	Delta 4925	Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-1C	21.07.1988	Ariane-3	Geo-Stationary Satellite
Stretched Rohini Satellite Series (SROSS-2)	13.07.1988	ASLV	Earth Observation Satellite
IRS-1A	17.03.1988	Vostok	Earth Observation Satellite
Stretched Rohini Satellite Series (SROSS-1)	24.03.1987	ASLV	Space Mission
INSAT-1B	30.08.1983	Shuttle [PAM-D]	Geo-Stationary Satellite
Rohini (RS-D2)	17.04.1983	SLV-3	Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-1A	10.04.1982	Delta 3910 PAM-D	Geo-Stationary Satellite
Bhaskara-II	20.11.1981	C-1 Intercosmos	Earth Observation Satellite
Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE)	19.06.1981	Ariane-1(V-3)	Geo-Stationary Satellite
Rohini (RS-D1)	31.05.1981	SLV-3	Earth Observation Satellite
Rohini (RS-1)	18.07.1980	SLV-3	Experimental / Small Satellite
Rohini Technology Payload (RTP)	10.08.1979	SLV-3	Experimental / Small Satellite
Bhaskara-I	07.06.1979	C-1 Intercosmos	Earth Observation Satellite
Aryabhata	19.04.1975	C-1 Intercosmos	Experimental / Small Satellite

Indian States And Their Folk Dances

Jharkhand	Chhau, Sarahul, Jat-Jatin, Karma, Danga, Bidesia, Sohrai.
Uttarakhand	Gadhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, Chappeli
Andhra Pradesh	Kuchipudi (Classical), Ghantamardala, Ottam Thedal, Mohiniattam, Kummi, Siddhi Madhuri, Chhadi.
Chhattisgarh	Goudi, Karma, Jhumar, Dagla, Pali, Tapali, Navrani, Diwari, Mundari.
Arunachal Pradesh	Mask dance, War dance etc.
Himachal Pradesh	Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi, Chamba, Thali, Jhainta, Daf, Stick dance etc.
Goa	Mandi, Jhagor, Khol, Dakni, etc.
Assam	Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai etc.
West Bengal	Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan, etc.
Kerala	Kathakali (Classical), Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat etc.
Meghalaya	Laho, Baagla, etc.
Manipur	Manipuri (Classical), Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat, etc.
Nagaland	Chong, Khaiva, Lim, Nuralim, etc.
Orissa	Odissi (Classical), Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat etc.
Maharashtra	Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada, Tamasha, Mauni, Powara, Gouricha etc.
Karnataka	Yakshagan, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi etc.
Gujarat	Garba, Dandiya Ras, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai, etc.
Punjab	Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman etc.
Rajasthan	Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Panihari, Ginad etc.
Mizoram	Khanatm, Pakhupila, Cherokan etc.
Jammu & Kashmir	Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Damali.
Tamil Nadu	Bharatnatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi
Uttar Pradesh	Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita.
Bihar	Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama-Chakwa, Bidesia, Jatra, etc.
Haryana	Jhumar, Phag Dance, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor etc.

Wildlife Sanctuaries And National Parks In India

Name	Location	Important Species
Bandipur National Park	Mysore, Karnataka	Elephant, Tiger, Bear, Sambhar, Panther
Balpakram Sanctuary	Garo Hills, Meghalya	Tiger, Elephant, Bison
Chandraprabha  Sanctuary	Varanasi, UP	Asiatic Lion, Tiger, Panther, Indian Gazelle, Sloth bear
Corbett National Park	Nainital, Uttarakhand	Elephant, Tiger, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Panther, Sambhar
Dachigam Sanctuary	Jammu & Kashmir	Kashmir stag (Hangul)
Dudhwa National Park	Lakhimpur Kheri, UP	Tiger, Panther, Sambhar, Nilgai
Ghana Bird Sanctuary	Bharatpur, Rajasthan	Siberian Crane, Spoonbill, Heron teal, Stork
Gir National Park	Junagarh, Gujarat	Asiatic Lion, Panther,Sambhar, Nilgai, Crocodile, Rhinoceros
Hazaribagh National Park	Hazaribagh, Jharkhand	Tiger, Leopard, Sambher, Chital
Jaldapara Sanctuary	West Bengal	Tiger, Leopard, Sambher, Chital
Kanha National Park	Mandla and Balaghat, MP	Tiger, Panther, Antelope, Barking Deer, Nilgai
Kaziranga National Park	Jorhat, Assam	Great Indian one horned Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo, Sambhar, Tiger
Manas	Barpeta, Assam	Tiger, Elephant, Panther, Wild Buffalo, One horned Rhinoceros
Mudumalai Sanctuary	Nilgiri Hills, TN	Elephant, Dear, Pigs
Namdapha National Park	Tirap Distt., AP	Tiger and Elephant
Palamau	Daltonganj, Jharkhand	Tiger, Elephant, Panther, Leopard
Parkal	Warangal, AP	Tiger, Panther, Chital, Nilgai
Periyar	Idukki, Kerala	Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Wild board, Gaur, Sambhar
Ranganthitoo Bird  Sanctuary	Karnataka	Birds
Shivpuri National Park	Shivpuri, MP	Tiger, Birds
Sunderbans	West Bengal	Tiger, Wild board, Crocodile, Deer Birds
Vedanathangal Bird Sanctury	Tamil Nadu	Birds
Wild Ass Sanctuary	Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat	Wild Ass, Wolf, Nilgai, Chinkara

Oceans of the World

Oceans by Size

Pacific Ocean	(35,827 ft) (10, 924 metres)
Atlantic Ocean	(30,246 ft) (9,219 metres)
Indian Ocean	(24,460 ft) (7,455 metres)
Caribbean Sea	(22,788 ft) (6,946 metres)
Arctic Ocean	(18,456 ft) (5,625 metres)
South China Sea	(16,456 ft) (5,016 metres)
Bering Sea	(15,659 ft) (4,773 metres)
Mediterranean Sea	(15,197 ft) (4,632 metres)
Gulf of Mexico	(12,425 ft) (3,787 metres)
Japan Sea	(12,276 ft) (3,742 metres)

Oceans’ Greatest Depths

Mariana Trench, Pacific Ocean	10,911 mt (Challenger Deep)
Tonga Trench, Pacific Ocean,	10,882 mt (VITYAZ 11)
Phillippine Trench, Pacific Ocean,	10,540 mt (Galathea Depth)
Kuril-Kamchatka Trench, Pacific Ocean,	10,500 mt
Kermadec Trench, Pacific Ocean	10,047 mt
Japan Trench, Pacific Ocean	9,000 mt
Puerto Rico Trench, Atlantic Ocean	8,6057 (Milwaukee Deep)
Yap Trench, Pacific Ocean,	8,527 mt
South Sandwich Trench, Atlantic Ocean,	8,428 mt
Peru-Chile Trench, Pacific Ocean,	8,065 mt

World Amazing Facts

● World population in 2011 – 7000 million
● World population under 30 in 2011 – 3,649 million
● World population over 60 in 2011 – 785 million
● World population over 100 in 2011 – 532,000
● Number of births worldwide every day – 378,000
● Number of deaths worldwide everyday – 162,000
● World economic growth rate in 2010 – 5.0% (-0.6% in 2009)
● Number of illiterate adults – 796 million
● Number of unemployed people – 205 million
● Average world life expectancy – 70.8 years for females; 66.4 years for males
● Annual world population increase – 79.33 million people
● Number of people living outside country of birth – 214 million, or more than 3% of the world’s population
● Fertility rate – 2.5 births per woman
● Urban population – 50.5% of total population
● World trade in 2009 – US $ 25.2 billion
● Annual world defence expenditure – US $ 1,630 billion
● Number of TV sets – 1.4 billion
● Number of radio receivers – 2.2 billion
● Number of cigarettes smoked – 5,600 billion a year
● Number of internet users – 2.0 billion
● Number of mobile phone users – 4.7 billion
● Number of motor vehicles on the road – 790 million
● Number of people who cross international borders every day – 2 million
● Number of people living in extreme poverty – 1.4 billion
● Number of people living in urban slums – 828 million
● Number of undernourished people – 925 million
● Number of overweight adults – 1.6 billion
● Number of obese adults – 502 million
● Number of people dying of starvation – 24,000 every day
● Number of people lacking clean water – 1.1 billion
● Number of people lacking basic sanitation – 2.6 billion
● Number of recorded executions in 2008 – 2,390
● Number of people worldwide exposed to indoor  air pollution that exceeds WHO guidelines – 1 billion
● Annual carbon dioxide emissions – 7.7 billion tonnes of carbon equivalent

Stock Exchanges In India

S.No.	Name of the Stock Exchange	Headquarters	About the Stock Exchange / Vision	Year of Formation	No. of listings
1	Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)	Mumbai, India	Emerges as the premier Indian stock exchange by establishing global benchmarks.	1875	5112
2	National Stock Exchange of India (NSE)	Mumbai, India	It 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.	1992	1640
3	Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE)	Kolkata, India	It is the second largest bourse in India.	1908	3500
4	Madras Stock Exchange	Chennai, India	The MSE is the fourth stock exchange to be established in the country and the first in South India.	1937	1785
5	Inter-connected Stock Exchange Ltd.	Mumbai, India	It is a national-level stock exchange, providing trading, clearing, settlement, risk management and surveillance support to its trading members.	1998	4500 members and listing securities
6	United Stock Exchange of India	Mumbai, India	It is the fourth pan India exchange to be launched for trading financial instruments in India over the last 140 years.	2010	--
7	OTC Exchange Of India	Mumbai, India	It is the first exchange for small companies.	1990	115
8	MCX Stock Exchange	Mumbai, India	is an India-wide electronic platform for trading in currency futures under the regulatory control of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI).	2008	--
9	Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (MCX)	Mumbai, India	It is an independent commodity exchange based in India.	2003	--
10	Bangalore Stock Exchange (BgSE)	Bangalore, India	The stock exchange is managed by a Council of Management, consisting of members appointed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India.	1963	595

Stock Exchanges In India

S.No.	Name of the Stock Exchange	Headquarters	About the Stock Exchange / Vision	Year of Formation	No. of listings
1	Ahmedabad Stock Exchange	Ahmedabad, India	It is recognized by Securities Contract (Regulations) Act, 1956 as permanent stock exchange.	1894	--
2	Bhubaneshwar Stock Exchange	Bhubaneshwar, India	It is one among the 21 odd regional stock exchanges in India.	1989	--
3	Vadodara Stock Exchange	Gujarat, India	It is the third largest stock exchange in the state of Gujarat after Ahmedabad and Rajkot.	1986	459
4	Cochin Stock Exchange	Kerala, India	It is a capital stock market in Kochi, Kerala in India. I	1978	350
5	Hyderabad Stock Exchange	Hyderabad, India	It was a stock exchange established in 1941 located in Hyderabad, India. The exchange was disbanded in 2007.	1941	--
6	Delhi Stock Exchange (DSE)	New Delhi, India	It is India's fifth exchange. The exchange is one of the premier Stock Exchange in India.	1947	3000
7	Madhya Pradesh Stock Exchange (MPSE)	Madhya Pradesh, India	It was granted permanent recognition under the provisions of the Securities Contract (Regulation) Act, 1956 (“SCRA”), by the Government of India in 1988.	1928	343
8	Jaipur Stock Exchange (JSE)	Jaipur, Rajasthan	JSE is the third largest exchange in India in terms of membership.	1989	740
9	UP Stock Exchange Limited	UP, India	It plays an important role in the development of the capital market of North India.	1982

Udayagiri Khandagiri-Monuments of Ancient India

Udaygiri and Khandagiri two hills near Bhubaneshwar contain unique monuments of ancient India, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. These sites are mentioned as the ‘Kumari Parvat’ in the Hathigumpha inscription. The two cave sites are located about 200 meters apart, facing each other. Not as famous as Ajanta and Ellora, but these caves are finely and ornately carved, and were built from huge residential blocks during the reign of King Kharavela, wherein they served as resting places for Jain ascetics on their journey to Nirvana. They command unique position in the field of history, architecture, art and religion. Udayagiri has 18 caves and Khandagiri has 15 caves. Some of the caves are natural but it is believed that most were carved out by Jain monks and they belong to the earliest Jain rock cut temples.

Caves called ‘lena’ in the inscriptions found in the caves have been scooped out, perhaps over endless full moons. The openings are like doorways and light can enter throughout the day and keep the stone floors warm, and moonlight can enter at night and light up the caves. The caves were home to ascetics who renounced the world to experiment with Nirvana, using the flow of energy of bodies and minds. Here they were in unison with nature, in the midst of fragrant flowers, chirping birds, the rustle of leaves, the warm sun and the cool moon. The caves were also places for monks to meditate in peace and quiet and to do austere penance; and for scholars who came here in their quest of truth, peace, eternal salvation and beauty.

The Udayagiri caves are approximately 135 feet high and the Khandagiri caves are 118 feet high, and date back to 2nd century B.C. The caves are reminiscent of Buddhist and Jain influences in Odisha. The hills which are honey-combed with caves, reveal sculptural art centered on the life and times of Jain ascetics. The caves were built by King Kharavela, the King of Kalinga- ancient Odisha (circa 209- after 170 BC) in the first century. Kharavela was subdued by the great Mauryan King Ashoka. Although inclined towards Jainism, Kharavela was liberal regarding religious questions.

Mostly excavated near the top of a ledge or boulder, the cells simply provided dry shelter for meditation and prayer. They have an opening directly into the verandah or courtyard. There are minimal amenities even for small comforts: the height is too low for a person to stand erect, and essentially they were dwelling retreats or just sleeping compartments. Several monks used to stay in one cell. One striking feature of the cell is a raised floor on the opposite side of the opening which might have served the purpose of a pillow to sleep. While the cells are cramped, low scuffed and austerely plain, their facades are encrusted with inscriptions and sculptures depicting various objects. The Archaeological Survey of India numbered the caves and all have individual names based on these objects. Objects include court scenes, birds, animals, royal processions, hunting expeditions and scenes of daily life. The inscriptions which are in Brahmi start with the fundamental mantra of Jainism- the Namokar Mantra. They then depict the life and deeds of King Kharavela, “the worshipper of all religious orders and the repairer of all shrines of Gods”. They also describe the patrons of separate caves. Many people of royal descent were patrons. As Ashoka took over the possessions of Kharavela, the previously favored Jain religion gradually gave way to Buddhism.

Udayagiri

The floor in Udaygiri is laid with leveled blocks of stone. Eighteen caves can be accessed by a flight of steps. Cave 1 is Ranigumpha cave or Queen’s cave, a double storey structure. It is famous for its exceptional acoustic characteristic and is believed to be used for chants and theatre performances. It also has an image of Surya riding a chariot. The right wing of the lower storey has a single cell with three entrances and a pillared verandah. It has been excavated on three sides of a quadrangle with fine wall friezes. It has some beautiful sculptures, including two sentries at the entrance. The pilasters to the entrance have fine wall friezes, animals, toranas (arches) with religious and royal scenes. There is also a couple standing with folded hands, a female dancer with accompanying musicians.

The central wing has four cells. Victory march of a king and his journey are depicted here. There are guard rooms decorated with a spring cascading down a hill, fruit laden trees, wild animals, monkeys, and sporting elephants in a lotus pool. The upper storey has six cells, one each in right and left wing and four in the rear. All four cells have two doorways each with two pilasters. The toranas here have auspicious Jain symbols like snakes and lotuses, King Dushyant’s first meeting with Shakuntala, and dance performances.

Cave 2 is Bajaghar Gumpha with two massive built columns in front and additional inner columns. Cave 3 is known as Chota Hathi Gumpha. There are masterfully carved six vigorous elephants flanking the entrance. Cave 4 is Alakapuri Gumpha- double storeyed, with a sculpture of a lion holding a prey in its mouth, and pairs of winged creatures, people, animals atop the pillars. A bodhi tree has been carved in the central apartment.

Caves 5, 6, 7 and 8 are known as Jaya-Vijaya Gumpha, Panasa Gumpha, Thakurani Gumpha and Patalpuri Gumpha respectively; wherein the 5th and 7th caves are double storey. These are adorned with paintings, carvings of winged animals, etc. Manchapuri and Swargapuri caves are cave 9, a double storeyed cave with several sculptures and inscriptions. There are four votaries with folded hands, dressed in long dhotis, scarves and heavy kundalas (earings). This cave has a crowned figure believed to be that of Chedi King, Vakradeva.

Cave 10, Ganesha Gumpha, has a Chaitya hall, the place of worship for monks, two dwelling cells with low ceilings and a verandah in a famous relief of Ganesha. It also contains a carving with Jain Tirthankara. Jambesvara Gumpha- cave 11 is a small one with two plain door-openings and  Vyaghra  Gumpha –cave 12  is a low cell with two door opening. Its front is carved in the shape of a tiger’s mouth with a distended upper jaw full of teeth. It forms the roof of the verandah and the gullet forming the entrance. Sarpa Gumpha- cave 13 is an unusually small cave with adornment above the entrance. Here the famous inscription regarding life history of Kharavel is written in the Magadhi language. Other caves include Hathi Gumpha, cave 14, Dhanaghara Gumpha-cave 15, Haridasa Gumpha-cave 16, Jagammath Gumpha- cave 17 and Rosai Gumpha-cave 18.

Khandagiri Caves

The first and second caves are  Tatowa Gumpha 1 and 2,  richly decorated caves with two guards at the entrance and also two bulls and two lions. Parrots are carved above the entrance arch. Cave 3, Ananta Gumpha contains exquisite sculptures of women, elephants, athletes, and geese carrying flowers. Cave 4 is Tentuli Gumpha. 

Cave 5, i. e. Khandagiri Gumpha is a double storey, roughly cut cave. Caves 12,13 and 14 have no names. Caves 6 to 11 have been named as Dhyan Gumpha, Nayamuni Gumpha, Barabhuja Gumpha, Trusula Gumpha,  Ambika Gumpha and Lalatendukesri Gumpha. There are reliefs of Jain tirthankars, Mahavira and Parsvanatha on the rear wall of cave 11. Cave 14 is a simple cell and is known as Ekadasi Gumpha.

Silent Valley

"Silent Valley is the best assurance that a forest can speak through human beings.” said the environmentalist Shri. M. K. Prasad. The tourists and visitors to Silent Valley cannot disagree with him because Silent Valley gives an unusual experience of silence while in the midst of nature. It gives one the rarest of the rare experience of being with nature, becoming one with it.

Silent Valley National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad District in Kerala. The park is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forest in India. It is the core of the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve and is part of The Western Ghats World Heritage Site.

The area is locally known as "Sairandhrivanam" literally, in Malayalam: Sairandhri's Forest. In local Hindu legend, Sairandhri is Draupadi. The Pandavas during  their exile wandered into Kerala and  came upon a magical valley where rolling grasslands met wooded ravines, a deep green river bubbled its course through impenetrable forest, where at dawn and twilight the tiger and elephant would drink together at the water's edge, where all was harmonious and man unknown.

 Botanist Robert Wight in 1847 made the first English investigation of the watersheds of the Silent Valley area.

 The British named the area Silent Valley because of the perceived absence of noisy cicadas. Another story attributes the name to the anglicisation of Sairandhri. A third story, refers to the untouched nature of the valley, i.e., without human noises.

Silent Valley is home to the largest population of Lion-tailed Macaque, an endangered species of Primate.

            The Silent Valley National Park is a unique preserve of natural rainforests. It houses a rich mosaic of varied habitats. Out of these springs the amazing variety of life forms some of them endemic to the Western Ghats.

The Kuntipuzha River drains the entire 15 km length of the park from north to south into the Bharathapuzha River. The river is characterized by its crystal clear and perennial nature. The number of tree species computed for the Silent Valley (118 vascular plants of 84 species in 0.4 ha) is very high compared to a range of 60 to 140 species that characterise the other known tropical forests. 

The Mudugar and Irula tribal people are indigenous to the area and they live in the adjacent valley of Attappady Reserved Forest. Also, the Kurumbar people occupy the highest range outside the park bordering on the Nilgiris.

The limited studies of the fauna of Silent Valley reveals that its rich resources as rare and unique - rare because many species which originally inhabited the entire belt of the Western Ghats have been lost due to destruction of their habitat by human beings or for other reasons. These faunal resources however are still available in Silent Valley, because of the relatively little human intrusion. It is unique because what little has been collected and studied has already proved to be of immense scientific interest from the taxonomic, zoogeographic and ecological points of view.

A number of species, which were available in the Western Ghats 50 to 100 years ago still exist in Silent Valley. They include insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

Upto 1970 it was an unknown forest area, unexplored and untouched.

Announcement against a hydroelectric project proposed in the area resulted in the creation of the park in 1984.

Since then, a long-term conservation effort has been undertaken to preserve the Silent Valley ecosystem. In order to ensure better protection of the area the buffer zone of the Park was created and made an integral part of Silent Valley National Park.

Now there are two zones for silent valley. The core zone (89.52 sq.km) and buffer zone(148 sq km). The core zone is protected and wild life is undisturbed. Only forest department staff, scientists, and wildlife photographers are allowed.

The story of Silent Valley National park is the struggle and thought for environmental protection in the country. The struggle for protecting the valley proved that human beings still care for nature.

Trophies And Cups - National Trophies

Agarwal Cup	Badminton
Agha Khan Cup	Hockey
All-India Women’s
Guru Nanak Championship	Hockey
Bandodkar Trophy	Football
Bangalore Blues Challenge Cup	Basketball
Barna-Bellack Cup	Table Tennis
Beighton Cup	Hockey
Bombay Gold Cup	Hockey
Burdwan Trophy	Weight-lifting
Charminar Trophy	Athletics
Chadha Cup	Badminton
C.K. Naydu Trophy	Cricket
Chakoia Gold Trophy	Football
Divan Cup	Badminton
Deodhar Trophy	Cricket
Duleep Trophy	Cricket
DCM Cup	Football
Durand Cup	Football
Dhyan Chand Trophy	Hockey
Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy	Football (Junior)
Ezra Cup	Polo
FA Cup	Football
GD Birla Trophy	Cricket
Ghulam Ahmed Trophy	Cricket
Gurmeet Trophy	Hockey
Guru Nanak Cup	Hockey
Gyanuati Devi Trophy	Hockey
Holkar Trophy	Bridge
Irani Trophy	Cricket
IFA Shield	Football
Indira Gold Cup	Hockey
Jawaharlal Challenge	Air Racing
Jaswant Singh Trophy	Best Services Sportsman
Kuppuswamy Naidu Trophy	Hockey
Lady Rattan Tata Trophy	Hockey
MCC Trophy	Hockey
Moinuddaula Gold Cup	Cricket
Murugappa Gold Cup	Hockey
Modi Gold Cup	Hockey
Narang Cup	Badminton
Nehru Trophy	Hockey
Nixan Gold Cup	Football
Obaid Ullah Gold Cup	Hockey
Prithi Singh Cup	Polo
Rani Jhansi Trophy	Cricket
Ranjit Trophy	Cricket
Rangaswami Cup	Hockey
Ranjit Singh Gold Cup	Hockey
Rajendra Prasad Cup	Tennis
Ramanujan Trophy	Table Tennis
Rene Frank Trophy	Hockey
Radha Mohan Cup	Polo
Raghbir Singh Memorial	Football
Rohinton Baria Trophy	Cricket
Rovers Cup	Football
Sanjay Gold Cup	Football
Santosh Trophy	Football
Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee	Football
Subroto Cup	Football
Scindia Gold Cup	Hockey
Sahni Trophy	Hockey
Sheesh Mahal Trophy	Cricket
Todd Memorial Trophy	Football
Tommy Eman Gold Cup	Hockey
Vittal Trophy	Football
Vizzy Trophy	Cricket
Vijay Merchant Trophy	Cricket
Wellington Trophy	Rowing
Wills Trophy	Cricket

Trophies And Cups - International Trophies

American Cup	Yacht Racing
Ashes	Cricket
Benson and Hedges	Cricket
Canada Cup	Golf
Colombo Cup	Football
Corbitton Cup	Table Tennis (Women)
Davis Cup	Horse Race
Grand National	Horse Streple Chase Race
Jules Rimet Trophy	World Soccer Cup
King’s Cup	Air Races
Merdeka Cup	Football
Rydet Cup	Golf
Swaythling Cup	Table Tennis (Men)
Thomas Cup	Badminton
U. Thant Cup	Tennis
Uber Cup	Badminton (Women)
Walker Cup	Golf
Westchester Cup	Polo
Wightman Cup	Lawn Tennis
World Cup	Cricket
World Cup	Hockey
Reliance Cup	Cricket
Rothman’s Trophy	Cricket
William’s Cup	Basketball
European Champions Cup	Football
Eisenhower Cup	Golf
Essandre Champions Cup	Hockey
Rene Frank Trophy	Hockey
Grand Prix	Table Tennis
Edgbaston Cup	Lawn Tennis
Grand Prix	Lawn Tennis

PRIME MINISTER’S SHRAM AWARD

The objective of the Prime Minister’s Shram Award is to recognize the outstanding contribution made by workmen as defined in the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947, in organisations both in public and private sector and who have distinguished record of performance, devotion to duty of a high order, specific contribution in the field of productivity, proven innovative abilities, presence of mind and exceptional courage and also to the workmen, who have made supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives in the conscientious discharge of their duties

SHAHEED NIYOGI MEMORIAL AWARD FOR JOURNALISM

The award was instituted in 1998 to recognise the contribution of Journalists in upholding the legacy of Shanker Guja Niyogi, the firebrand trade union leader and social activist from Chhattisgarh, who was murdered on September 28, 1991 by the industrial mafia.

SHANTI SWAROOP BHATNAGAR PRIZES

The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prizes are awarded annually by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) to outstanding Indian research workers in seven disciplines of Science and Technology. The SSB Prizes are awarded to scientists for their outstanding scientific contributions made primarily in India during last 5 years preceeding the year of the award are eligible for the Prize. The SSB Prize comprising a citation, a plaque and a cash award of Rs. 2 lakh is given to each selected person.

GOLDEN PEACOCK AWARDS

These awards have been instituted by the Institute of Directors in 1991 have given boost to Indian Industry. One can fairly assert that India’s manufacturing success today is to a great measure due to the learning experience provided by the self assessment model on which the Golden Peacock Award is based. The Golden Peacock Awards are now considered as the holy grail of corporate excellence and its guidelines provide a checklist for improvement and self-assessment in areas of quality, innovation, training, governance, environment management and corporate social responsibility.

All institutions whether public, private, non-profit, government, business, manufacturing and service sector are eligible to apply. Leadership Awards are determined through nomination. They provide not only worldwide recognition and prestige but also a competitive advantage in driving business in this tumultuous world under Golden Peacock-award models. The awards are bestowed annually and are designed to encourage total improvement in each sector of business.

JAMNALAL BAJAJ AWARDS

In 1976, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation was established for promoting Gandhian constructive programmes and assisting constructive workers who devoted themselves to the national cause. The foundation has instituted four annual awards, each carrying a cash prize of Rs. 5,00,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency, a citation and a trophy. The awards are intended to recognise outstanding contribution in :

• Constructive work
• Application of science and technology for rural development
• Upliftment and welfare of women and children and/or Gandhian constructive work by women workers
• Promotion of Gandhian values outside India by individuals other than Indian citizens.

On the occasion of the Jamnalal Bajaj Birth Centenary, the foundation conferred on Dr. Nelson Mandela, a Special Award of Rs.5,00,000, a citation and a specially sculptured trophy. It was presented on 18 October 1990, at a special function held in Raj Bhavan, Calcutta, by the Governor of West Bengal and in the presence of Shri Jyoti Basu, Chief Minister of West Bengal.

The foundation has undertaken several rural development programmes in the Wardha district, Maharashtra, Kheri district and Shikohabad near Ferozabad in Uttar Pradesh. It also extends financial assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in social and welfare programmes.

GRAMMY AWARDS

The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate an awareness, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music. American culture from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of the future generations of the music professionals. The GRAMMY Foundation works in partnership with its founder, the Recording Academy, to bring national attention to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education and the urgency of preserving rich cultural legacy.

WORLD FOOD PRIZE

The Prize recognizes contributions in any field involved in the world food, supply-food and agriculture science and technology, manufacturing, marketing, nutrition, economics, poverty alleviation, political leadership and the social sciences. The prize was created in 1986 by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borland and since 1990 has been sponsored by business man and pilanthropist John Ruan, The winner receives US$ 2,50,000.

OSCAR AWARD

The annual Oscar presentation has been held since 1929. After three quarters of a century of recognizing excellence in cinema achievement, the annual presentation of the Oscar has become the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ most famous activity. The Academy Award’s Presentation is also the activity that enables the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to maintain its varied year round calendar of programs and events and a wide-ranging educational and cultural agenda.

All voting for Academy Awards is conducted by secret ballot and tabulated by the international auditing firm of Pricewaterhouse Cooper. Secrecy is maintained by the auditors the results of balloting are not revealed until the now-famous envelopes are opened on stage during the live television program. Because the Academy numbers among its members the ablest artists and craftsmen in the motion picture world, the Oscar represents the best achievements of the year in the opinion of those who themselves reside at the top of their craft.

RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARD

Instituted in 1957 named after Ramon Magasaysay, President of the Philippines, who died in an air crash in 1957. He became world renowned figure in the 1950’s for his land reform programme to defuse communist insurgency. The award is given annually on August 31st, the birth anniversary of Magsaysay, for outstanding contributions to Public Service, Community Leadership, Journalism, Literature and Creative Arts and International Understanding. It is equivalent to the Nobel Prize in Asia. It may also be awarded to organizations / institutions and non-Asians working for the benefit of Asia. It carries a cash prize of $50,000.

Indian Recipients : Mother Teresa (1962), Jockin Arputham (2000), L. Ramdas (2004). For Lterature, Journalism and Creative Communication Arts : Amitabh Chaudhury (1961), Satyajit Ray (1967), B, G, Vergheese (1975), Shambu Mitra (1976), Gour Kishore Ghosh (1981), Arun Shourie (1982), R, K, Lakshman (1984), K, V, Subbanna (1991), Mahasweta Devi (1997), P. Sainath (2007).

For Community Leadership : Acharya Vinobha Bhave (1958), Dara N, Khurodi , Thribhuvan Das K, Patel and Vergheese Kurian (1963), Kamaladevi Chattopdhyaya (1966), M, S, Swaminathan (1971), L, R, Bhat (1977), Rajanikant S, Arole and Mabelle R, Arole (1979), Panduranga Athavale (1996), Ms. Aruna Roy (2000), Rajendra Singh (2001), Ms. Shanta Sinha (2003), Prakash Amte and his wife Mandakini Amte (2008).

For Public Service : Jaya Prakash Narayan (1965), M, S, Subalakshmi (1974), Manibhai Desai (1982), Muralidhar Devidas Amte (1985), L, C, Jain (1989), M S Mehta (1997), V, Sharma (2005)

For Government Service : C, D, Deshmukh (1959), Kiran Bedi (1994), T, N, Seshan (1996), J, M, Lyngodh (2003).

For Emergent Leadership : Sandeep Pandey (2002), Arvind Kejriwal (2006).

NOBEL PRIZE

Background of Nobel Foundation

Alfred Bernhard Nobel: Nobel was born on October 21, 1833 in Stockholm, Sweden. Nobel, who invented dynamite, endowed a $9 million fund in his will. The interest on this endowment was to be used as awards for people whose work most benefited humanity. He wanted the profit from his invention to be used to reward human ingenuity. First awarded in 1901, the Nobel Prize, is still the most honoured in the world.

In 1842, Nobel’s family moved to St. Petesburg, Russia, where he obtained his education. He travelled widely as a young man, becoming fluent in five languages. Nobel was interested in literature and wrote novels, poetry and plays in his spare time. In the 1860s, he began experiments with nitroglycerin in his father’s factory. He tried many ways to stabilise this highly volatile material. Nobel discovered that a mix of nitroglycerin and fine porous powder called kieselguhr was most effective. He named this mixture as dynamite and received a patent in 1867.

Background and Establishment of the Nobel Foundation : Alfred Nobel died on December 10, 1896. The provisions of his will and their unusual purpose, as well as their partly incomplete form, attracted great attention and soon led to skepticism and criticism, also aimed at the testator due to his international spirit. Only after several years of negotiations and often rather bitter conflicts and after various obstacles had been circumvented or overcome, could the fundamental concepts presented in the will assume solid form with the establishment of the Nobel Foundation.

On June, 1900, after series of alterations, suggestions, modifications, the statues of the newly created legatee, the Nobel Foundation, and special regulations for the Swedish Prize-Awarding Institutions were promulgated by the King in Council (Oscar II). The same year as the political union between Sweden and Norway was dissolved in 1905, special regulations were adopted on April 10, 1905, by the Nobel Committee of the Storting (known since January 1, 1977 as the Norwegian Nobel Committee), the awarder of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Premises: To create a worthy framework around the prizes, the board decided at an early stage that it would erect its own building in Stockholm, which would include a hall for the Prize Award Ceremony and banquet as well as its own administrative offices. Ferdinand Boberg was selected as the architect. He presented an ambitious proposal for a Nobel Palace, which generated extensive publicity but also led to doubts and questions. On December 19, 1918, a building at Sturegatan, 14 was bought for this purpose. After years of renovation there, the Foundation finally left its cramped premises at Norrlandsgatan, 6 in 1926, and moved to Sturegatan, 14, where the Foundation has been housed ever since.

Objectives of the Foundation : The Nobel Foundation is a private institution. It is entrusted with protecting the common interests of the Prize Awarding Institutions named in the will, as well as representing the Nobel institutions externally. This includes informational activities as well as arrangements related to the presentation of the Nobel Prizes. The Foundation is not, however, involved in the selection process and the final choice of the Laureates (as Nobel Prize winners are also called). In this work, the Prize-awarding Institutions are not only entirely independent of all government agencies and organisations, but also of the Nobel Foundation. Their autonomy is of crucial importance to the objectivity and quality of their prize decisions. One vital task of the Foundation is to manage its assets in such a way as to safeguard the financial base of the prizes themselves and of the prize selection process.

• Year of Institution : 1901
• Founder : Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833–96)
• Number of Awards : Six
  1. Physics
  2. Chemistry
  3. Physiology or Medicine
  4. Literature Peace
  5. Economics (Established in 1967)
• Date on which it is awarded : December 10
  Anyone proposing himself for Nobel Prize is ruled out of consideration. The recommendations have to come from outside. The Noble Prizes are presented annually, December 10, the death anniversary of the founder and the festival day of the Foundation. Originally it was awarded for works in five disciplines. The prize for Economics was instituted in 1967, by Sverigs Riksbank, Swedish Bank, in celebration of its 300th anniversary and was awarded for the first time in 1969, it is called Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics.

Nobel Foundation’s Prize Awarding Bodies

• The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, awards the Nobel Prize in Physics and Chemistry.
• The Nobel Assembly of Karolinska Chirugical Institute, Sweden, awards the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology.
• The Swedish Academy awards the Prize in Literature.
• The Committee of the Norwegian Parliament awards the Prize for Peace.
• The Bank of Sweden Awards the Nobel Prize in Economics.

Value of the Nobel Prize : The amount of each prize varies with the income from the fund. The value of nobel prize was 150,782 Swedish Crown in 1901. Now the value of nobel prize has increased to 10,000,000 Swedish Crown in 2004 as compared to 9,000,000 Swedish Crown in 2000. No Nobel Prize was awarded for 1940, 1941 and 1942; Prizes for Literature were not awarded for 1914, 1918 and 1943.
Maximum Nobel Prizes : US citizens have won outright as well as shared the maximum number of Nobel Prizes. Individually, the only person to have two Nobel Prizes: Dr Linus Carl Pauling, Professor of Chemistry at California. He received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1954 and the Peace Prize in 1962
First Couple to Receive the Nobel Prize : Madame Marie Curie shared the 1903 Nobel Prize for Physics with her husband Pierre Curie, she later won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1911,
Three Nobel Prizes : The International Committee of the Red Cross was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace three times: 1917, 1944 and 1963.

INDIAN NOBEL LAUREATES

Name	Field	Year
Rabindranath Tagore (1861 – 1941)	Literature (Gitanjali)	1913
Dr. C.V. Raman (1888 – 1970)	Physics (Raman Effect)	1930
Dr. Hargobind Khorana (b. 1922) (of Indian Descent)	Medicine (Genetic Code)	1968
Mother Teresa (1910 – 97)	Peace	1979
Dr. S. Chandrasekhar (1910 – 95)	Physics (Chandrasekhar Limit)	1983
Dr. Amartya Sen (b. 1933)	Economics (Welfare Economics)	1988
Sir V.S. Naipaul (b. 1932) (of Indian Desent)	Literature	2001
Venkataraman Ramakrishnan	Chemistry	2009

MCQs on ENVIRONMENT

1.The head quarters of international whaling commission
a) newyork
b) Kyoto
c) perth
d) Cambridge

2)Icreased defoliation in plants is caused by
a) ozone depletion
b) acid rains
c) global warming
d) ground pollution

3) The Himalayan ibex is a type of
a) goat
b) deer
c) ass
d) cattle


4) For providing environmental information to decision makers, policy planners, scientists and engineers, research workers, etc. all over the country., ENVIS was established in the year
a)1979
b)1980
c)1981
d)1982

5) which of the following is not a mission listed under NATIONAL ACTION PLAN ON CILMATE CHANGE(NAPCC)
a) national mission on sustainable development
b) national mission on enhanced energy efficiency
c) national mission on sustainable Himalayan ecosystem
d) national mission on strategic knowledge for climate change

6) The only conference of parties held in India
a) cop-12
b) cop-13
c) c0p-14
d) c0p-15

7) who wrote the book “hotspots:revisited”
a) walter rosen
b) Norman myers
c) russel mittermeier
d) Rachel Carson

8) The state bird of uttarakhand
a) monal
b) Indian bustard
c) Indian roller
d) sarus crane

9) The year declared by UN as International Year of Forests
a) 2011
b) 2010
c) 2009
d) 2008

10) National biodiversity authority is located a
a) Thiruvananthapuram
b) chennai
c) Imphal
d) shimla

11) The greenhouse gas with high heat trapping capability
a) carbondioxide
b) nitrous oxide
c) sulphur hexa flouride
d) methane

12) Consider the following statements
1) ocean acidification due to global warming activates coral growth
2) global warming may result in increased agricultural yield in certain parts of the earth

The correct statements
a) only 1
b) only 2
c) both 1 and 2
d) neither 1 nor 2

13) The primordial earth’s atmosphere was

a) reducing
b) with free oxygen
c) cooler
d) all of these

14) The number of biosphere reserves in india recognized as a part of world network of biospheres
a) 4
b) 5
c) 6
d) 7

15) Growing rice results in the release of ________ into the atmosphere
a) methane
b) nitrous oxide
c) ozone
d) hydroflurocarbons

16) What is the difference between a threatened species and an endangered species?
(a) A threatened species means that the population is likely to become endangeredAn endangered species has population numbers so low that it is likely to become extinct
(b) A threatened species is already extinct. An endangered species means that the population’s numbers have increased greatly over the last 5 years
(c) A threatened species means that the population is likely to become endangered. An endangered species is already extinct
(d) A threatened species and an endangered species are the same
17) Edge species
(a) decrease biodiversity
(b) only exist in areas that have been altered by humans
(c) require the unique homogenous edge environment
(d) may require conditions found in both of the bordering ecosystems
18) which of the following is a native species of India
a) Two horned rhinoceros
b) rhesus monkey
c) komodo dragon
d) none

19) Which book written by Rachel Carson resulted in banning DDT in USA

a) silent spring
b) the enviraonmentalism
c) biomagnification
d) food chain

20) which of the following competition is severe

a) intra specific
b) inter specific
c) extra specific
d) none

21) The water (prevention and control ) pollution act came into force in the year
a) 1972
b) 1974
c) 1977
d) 1981

22) The conference on 'the human environment" held from 5 to 16 June 1972 was held in ...
a. Stockholm, Sweden
b. Tbilisi, Soviet Union
c. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
d. Kyoto, Japan

23) Man and biosphere programme is affiliated with...
a. UNESCO
b. IUCN
c. WWF
d.WIPO

24) What does "system" imply in the term "ecosystem"?
a. environment
b. Interdependent complex
c. System approach
d. ecological systems

25). The term "ecology" was defined for the first time in 1970 by...
a. Haeckel
b. St. Hilaire
c. Jackson Mivart
d. H. Reiter

26)The "Vienna Convention" related with environment is basically related with..
a. international trade in endangered species
b. protection of ozone layer
c. biodiversity conservation
d. preservation of cultural environment

27)Which of the following gases has an important role in maintaining atmosphere temperature?
a. nitrogen
b. Oxygen
c. argon
d. Carbon dioxide

28)The world’s biggest GHG emitter
a.china
b.USA
c.india
d.south Africa

29)The outermost zone of a biosphere reserve is
a. manipulation zone
b. core zone
c. buffer zone
d. any of these

30) Identify the correct match of a tiger reserve and the state in which it is located
a. Corbett—Madhya Pradesh
b. darra—rajasthan
c.perambakulam—karnataka
d. Bandipur—Tamil Nadu.


ANSWERS:
1.d
2 a.
3. a
4.d
5.a
6.a
7.c
8.a
9.a
10.b
11.c
12 b
13 a
14 d
15 a
16 a
17 d
18 d
19 a
20 a
21 b
22 a
23 a
24 b
25 d
26 b
27 d
28 a
29 a
30 b

MCQs on Union Budget 2011-12

1) Who presented the Union Budget 2011-12 in the Parliament on February 28, 2011?
a) Manmohan Singh
 b) Pratibha Devisingh Patil
c) Hamid Ansari
d) D.Subbarao
e) Pranab Mukherjee

2) The first Union budget of independent India was presented by?
a) R.K.Shanmukham Chetty
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Morarji Desai
d) Indira Gandhi
e) Manmohan Singh

3) Disinvestment Target for 2011-12 has been placed at?
a) Rs. 10000 crore
b) Rs. 20000 crore
c) Rs. 30000 crore
d) Rs. 40000 crore
e) None of these

4) Foreign Institutional Investor-(FII) limit for investment in Indian corporate bonds raised from $20 billion to?
a) $30 billion
b) $40 billion
c) $50 billion
d) $60 billion
e) None of these

5) As per Union Budget 2011-12, Indian Micro Finance Equity Fund of Rs.100 crore to be created with?
a) SBI
b)ICICI
c) NABARD
d)IDBI
e) SIDBI

6) Rural Infrastructure Develo-pment Fund (RIDF) was set up by the Government in?
a) 1995-96
b) 1996-97
 c) 1997-98
d)1998-99
e) None of these

7) The corpus allocated for Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for 2011-12 is?
a) Rs.16000
b) Rs.17000
c) Rs.18000
d) Rs.19000
e) None of these


8) The target of credit flow to farmers has been raised from Rs.3,75,000 crore of 2010-11 to ……in 2011-12?
a) Rs.4,75,000 crore
b) Rs.5,75,000 crore
c) Rs.6,75,000 crore
d) Rs.7,75,000 crore
e) None of these

9) Rural Infrastructure Develo-pment Fund (RIDF) is maintained by?
a) RBI b) SBI
c) NABARD
d) IDBI Bank
e) None of these

10) Eligibility for pension under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme for BPL beneficiaries reduced from 65 years of age to?
a) 64 years
b) 63 years
c) 62 years
d) 61 years
e) 60 years

11) Exemption limit for the general category of individual taxpa-yers enhanced from 1,60,000 to?
a) 1,70,000
b) 1,80,000
 c) 1,90,000
d) 2,00,000
e) None of these

12) As per Union Budget 2011-12, standard rate of Service Tax is?
a) 10 %
b) 11 %
c) 12 %
d) 13 %
e) None of these

13) As per Union Budget 2011-12, Defence allocation is?
a) 1.64 lakh crore
b) 1.74 lakh crore
c) 1.84 lakh crore
d) 1.94 lakh crore
e) None of these

14) In the Constitution of India, the Union Budget of India referred to as the?
a) Economic Survey
b) Monetary and Credit Policy
c) Foreign Trade Policy
d) Annual Financial Statement
e) None of these

15) Which of the following department is not a part of Finance Ministry of India?
a) Department of Economic Affairs
b) Department of Expenditure
c) Department of Revenue
d) Department of Disinvestments
e) Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion

16) Which Department principal responsibility is the prep-aration of the Union Budget annually (excluding the Railway Budget)?
a) Department of Economic Affairs
b) Department of Expenditure
c) Department of Revenue
d) Department of Disinvestments
e)Department of Financial Servies

17) Which of the following is a government body that offers a single window clearance for proposals on foreign direct investment in the country that are not allowed access through the automatic route?
a) Securities and Exchange Board of India
b) Reserve Bank of India
c) Export-Import Bank of India
d) Foreign Investment Promo-tion Board
e) Bombay Stock Exchange

18) The first woman Finance Secretary of India?
a) Sushma Nath
b)Shyamala Gopinath
c) Chanda Kochhar
d) Shikha Sharma
e) None of these

19) The only woman to hold the post of the finance minister of India?
a) Vijaya Lakshmi Nehru Pandit
b) Sarojini Naidu
c) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
d) Indira Gandhi
e)None of these

20) The Union Budget is always presented first in ?
a) Lok Sabha
b) Rajya Sabha
c) Joint Session of the Parliament
d) State Assemblies
e) None of these

21) Which of the following presents the Economic Survey in the parliament every year, just before the Union Budget?
a) RBI
b) Ministry of Finance
c) Ministry of Commerce
d) Planning Commission
e) Finance Commission

22) The financial year in India starts on?
a) 1st January
b)1stMarch
c) 1st April
d) 1st July
e) None of these

23) A fiscal year in India ends on?
a) February 28
b) March 31
c)April1 d)July1
e)December 31

24) A. Gross Tax receipts are estimated at 9,32,440 crore.
B. Non-tax revenue receipts estimated at 1,25,435 crore.
C. Total expenditure proposed at 12,57,729 crore.
D. Increase of 18.3 per cent in total Plan allocation.
E. Increase of 10.9 per cent in the Non-plan expenditure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) A and B

b) B and C
c) C and D
d) D and E
e) All of the above

25) A.Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimated to have grown at 8.6 per cent in 2010-11 in real terms.
B. Government expects econo-my to grow at 9 % in 2011-12.
C. Fiscal Deficit target at 4.6% for 2011-12, down from 5.1% estimated for 2010-11.
D. Central Government debt estimated at 44.2 per cent of GDP for 2011-12 as against 52.5 per cent recomm-ened by the 13th Finance Commission.
E. 40,000 crore to be raised through disinvestment in 2011-12.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) A and B
b) B and C
c) C and D
d) D and E
e) All of the above

26) A. Government committed to retain at least 51 per cent ownership and management control of the Central Public Sector Undertakings.
B. "India Microfinance Equity Fund" of Rs.100 crore to be created with SIDBI. Gover-nment considering putting in place appropriate regulatory framework to protect the interest of small borrowers.
C."Women's SHG's Develo-pment Fund" to be created with a corpus of Rs. 500 crore.
D. Corpus of RIDF XVII to be raised from Rs.16,000 crore to 20,000 crore.
E. 1,000 crore to be provided to SIDBI for refinancing incre-mental lending by banks to these enterprises.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) A and D
b) A, B and C
c) C and D
d) D and E
e) None of these

27) A.Allocation under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) increased from Rs. 6,755 crore to 7,860 crore.
B. Rs.10,000 crore to be contributed to NABARD's Short-term Rural Credit fund for 2011-12.
C. Allocation for Bharat Nirman programme proposed to be increased by Rs.10,000 crore from the current year to Rs. 58,000 crore in 2011-12.
D. Rs. 21,000 crores for primary education to implement Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
E. Defence budget hiked to ’1.64 lakh crore
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) A and B
b) B and C
c) C and D
d) D and E
e) All of the above

28) Consider the following statements:
1) Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee unveiled the Union Budget 2011-12 on February 28, 2011.
2) Economic Survey 2010-11 was presented in the Parliament on Feb 25, 2011.
3) India's Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee presented the new Railway Budget for the year 2011-12 in the parliament on February 25, 2011.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) All of the above
e) None of these

Answers:

1) e, 2) a, 3) d, 4) a, 5) e, 6) a, 7) c, 8) a, 9) c, 10) e, 11) b, 12) a, 13) a, 14) d, 15) e, 16) a, 17) d, 18) a, 19) d, 20) a, 21) b, 22) c, 23) b, 24) e, 25) e, 26) b, 27) e, 28) d

Govt. Programme, Committees, Commissions & Policies

(1) Prerna:- The ‘janasankhya sthirata kosh (national population stabilization fund) has to promote & undertake activities aimed at achieving population stabilization at a level consistent with the needs of sustainable economic growth. Social development and environmental protection by 2045.

   • Prerna is a responsible for parenthood strategy. It is a monetary incentive strategy aimed at pushing up the age of marriage of girls and delay the birth of the first child.

(2) National Rural Health Mission (NRHM):-Launched in April 2005 the mission seeks to provide universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care which is accountable and at the same time responsible to the needs of the people.

   • It also aims to achieve the goals set out under the national policy and the millennium development goals during the mission period.

(3) Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna:-Launched by ministry of labour & employment, govt of India to provide health insurance coverage for BPL (Below Poverty Level)  families.

   • Beneficiaries are entitled to hospitalization coverage up to Rs 30,000 for most of the disease that require hospitalization.

(4) National Food Security Mission:-Sponsored scheme launched in august 2007.

   • Objective is to increased production and productivity of wheat, rice and pulses.

(5) 15 Point Programme:-In Oct 2009 govt decided to include 3 more schemes in the Prime minister’s new 15 point programme for the welfare of minorities.

Those are: -

   • National rural drinking water programme.

   • Urban infrastructure developed scheme for small and medium town.

   • Urban infrastructure and governance scheme.

(6) Bharat Nirman Yojna:- It is a time bound business plan for action in rural in infrastructure .Under Bharat nirman , action was proposed in the areas of:-
   I. Irrigation.
   II. Rural housing.
   III. Rural water supply.
   IV. Rural electrification.
   V. Rural telecommunication connectivity.


(7) National Mission On Education:-It is a mission in which education is provided through information and communication technology. “SAKSHAT” one stop education portal was launched on Oct 30 2006 by the president of India.
   • Head of National knowledge commission:-Sam Pitroda

(8)Right To Education Act 2009:- Article 21-(A), as inserted by the constitution (86th Amendment Act) 2002, provides for free and compulsory education of all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years as a fundamental rights. Consequently the parliament has enacted this in April 2009.
Salient features:-
   (a) Free and compulsory education 6 to 14 age group.
   (b) Will apply to all India except J&K.
  (c) Provide for 25% reservation for economically disadvantaged communities in admission in private school.
   (d) A child who completes elementary education (up to class 8) shall be awarded a certificate.

(9) Female Literacy:-It is a scheme to provide education & related facilities to ST Students launched by ministry of tribal affairs in Dec 11, 2009.

(10) Anil Kalkaska Committee on reforms in IITs:-it will suggest reforms to make these elite institutions a global brand.


(11) Yashpal Committee Report:- It was set up in 2008 for higher education and research.
   • It has suggested the scrapping of all higher education regulatory/monitoring bodies and creation of a super regulation.
    • It also recommended that the deemed university status be abandoned and that all deserving universities either converted into full fledged universities or scrapped.

(12) National Rural Livelihood Mission:-Ministry of rural development and panchyati raj proposed to restructure the existing swarnjayanti gram swarojgar yojna into rural livelihood mission to have a focused approach to rural poverty eradication in a time bound manner.
    • Objective is to reduce poverty among rural BPL by promoting diversified and gainful self employment and wage employment opportunities which would lead to an appreciable increase in sustainable basis.

(13) NREGA Renamed After Mahatma Gandhi:- On Oct 2, 2009. New name MGNREGA.

(14) Chandra Sheker Panel:- on the recomandation of a committee headed by cabinet secretary K.M Chander shaker. Centre had increased the pension for retired service man.

(15) Rajiv Awas Yojna:-Ministry of housing and urban poverty alleviation had launched the housing project called the Rajiv awas yojna for slum dwellers and the urban poor.
    • Aimed at making India slum free in the next five years.

(16) Government Gave 50% Women’s Quota: - For women in urban local bodies from 33 % to 50 % by the 108th const. amendment act.

(17) B.K Chaturvedi panel is formed to resolve the inter ministrial issues to speed up the ambitious national highways development project taken up by the road transport and highway ministry.


(18) Librahan Commission:- It was set up in dec 16 ,1992 by the Narashima Rao govt. to probe the demolition of Babri Mosque.The commission was initially asked to give a report in three months, however it could do so only after over 16 years that saw 39 sitting and 48 extensions, finally on June 30 2009 it gave the report.

(19) S.D. Tendulkar Committee:-It is to estimate poverty in the country. It’s said that about 38% of the country’s population are living below poverty line. This figure is 10% higher than the present poverty estimate of 28.5 % by the planning commission.

(20) Moily Panel:- For administrative reform commission it is the 2nd administrative reform commission.

(21) Unique Identification Authority:- Chairman of UID is Nandan Nilekani. He revealed that the first set of 16 digit unique identification number for citizen of the country will roll out by the end of 2010.
    • The UIAI is a part of the planning mission of India.
    • AADHAR:-UIDAI now new name AADHAR and also a logo.
   • AADHAR or foundation through through which the citizen can claim his/her rights and establishment when assumed of equal opportunities as symbolized by the logo which has the halo of the sun in the imprint of a thumbs.

(22)  M.S swami Nathan Panel :- It’s recommendation is on coastal management zone.

(23) G.T Nanavati-Akshay Mehta judical commission:- Probing the Godhra train carnage and post Godhra riots.

(24) Justice B.N Srikrishna is the head of the committee on Telangana issue.

(25) Census 2011:-15th national census of India. President being first person to share her details. First census was conducted in 1872.


(26) D.P Wadhawa Committee On PDS:-Established by the Supreme Court to give recommendation on the reform of public distribution system.

(27) Rajiv Gandhi Grammeen LPG Vitarak Yojna:- Union petroleum and natural gas ministry inaugurated this scheme for providing liquefied petroleum gas to the rural house hold at Lachhman ghar in sikar district of Rajasthan .
• Under the scheme it is proposed to increase the number of connection to 16 crores with coverage of 75% of population by 2015.

(28) Punchhi Commission:-Commission on centre state relation. It was constituted in April 2007. It was asked to make recommendation to help address the emerging challenges faced by the nation regarding centre state relation. Before this in mid 1980’s the SARKARI commission had undertaken a comprehensive review of the center state relation.

(29) National Integration Council:-The Govt. has reconstituted it which will be chaired by prime minister. Set up in the early 60’s by Nehru.

(30) E.R Rammohan Committee on Dantewada Massacre of CRPF personal.

(31) ICDS:-Integrated child development service launched on 2nd Oct 1975.
   • It is the world largest programme for early child hood.
   • The objective is to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group of 0-6 years.

(33) Green India Mission:- Ministry of environment and forests and the defense research and development organization have launched the mission.
   • The aim is to bring a million heacter of high altitude, cold desert ecosystem under cultivation by 2020.

(34) Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojna:- It was launched in Rajasthan Sriganga nagar district.

   • Aim at integrated development of 1,000 villages where a majority of the population belongs to the schedule caste.
    • It is a replica of U.P’s Ambedkar village scheme.

(35) Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission:- Objective -Generation of 20000 mw of solar energy in three phases by 2022.
    • Under this govt. aims to add at least 1000 mw solar power by the end of 2013.
    • Power Finance Corporation and the Rural Electrification Corporation had agreed to provide financial assistance.

(36) Certified command of state centre force in Chattisgrah, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bengal was mooted to counter naxal problem. Under this a IG rank officer or a retired major general on board should be headed the certified command. In this:-
   • Additional helicopters should be provided.
   • 400 new police stations should be opened.
   • 34 new battalions should be constituted.

(37) S. Irani committee:- Rajasthan Govt appointed this committee regarding the Issue of providing reservation to Gujjars.

(38) Pradhan committee:-
   • Investigate Nov 26 2008 terror attack.

(39) Muzzafar Jan Commission:-
This committee had probed the gang rape of 17 years old Asiya and pregnant Neelofar in Shopiaon (J&K).

(40) Kasturi Rangan Committee:- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has set up this committee. To see the capability of the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) to build civil aircraft.


(41) Goverdhan Mehta Committee:-To review the procedure of the intergovernmental panel on climate change.

(42) National Advisory Council:-
   • A consultative body, chaired by Sonia Gandhi.
   • To serve as an interface between govt. and civil society.