Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Important United Nations (UN) Agencies

The United Nations (UN) Agencies plays a leading role in providing development and humanitarian assistance, including as a first-responder to natural disasters and complex emergencies.

Name of Agency
Estd. In
Headquarters
Purpose
International Labour Organization (ILO)
1919
Geneva
To improve conditions and living standard of workers.
World Health Organization (WHO)
1948
Geneva
Attainment of highest possible level of heath by all people.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
1946
Paris
To Promote collaboration among nations through education, science and culture.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
1957
Vienna
To promote peaceful uses of atomic energy.
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
1946
New York
To promote children’s welfare all over the world.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
1950
Geneva
To provide protection to refugees.
United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA)
1967
New York
For formulating population policies.
International Fund for Agricultural Development
1977
Rome
For financing agricultural projects in the world to raise the economic growth.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
1964
Geneva
Promotes international trade to accelerate economic growth of developing countries.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
1947
Montreal
Promotes safety of international aviation.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
1945
Washington D.C.
Promotes international monetary cooperation.
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
1956
Washington D.C.
Promotes economic development by encouraging private enterprise in its member countries.
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
1947
Berne
Improve various postal services in the world.
United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
1972
Nairobi
Promotes international co-operation in human environment.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
1967
Geneva
Sets international regulations for radio, telegraph, and telephone and space radio communication.
Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
1945
Rome
To improve living condition of rural population.
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
1945
Washington D.C.
Development of economic of members by facilitating investment of capitals by providing loans.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
1950
Geneva
Promote international exchange of weather reports.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
1995
Geneva
Setting rules for world trade to reduce tariffs.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

New York
Help developing countries increase the wealth producing capabilities o their natural and human resources.
Inter Government maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO)
1958
London
Promotes co-operation on technical matters of maritime safety, navigation and encourages anti-pollution measures.
International Development Association (IDA)
1960
Washington D.C.
An affiliate of the World Bank, aims to help under-developed countries raise living standards.
International Tele-communication Union (ITU)
1947
Geneva
Sets international regulations for radio telegraph, telephone and space radio communications.
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
1965
New York
Provides training and research to help facilitate UN objectives of world peace and security and of economic and social progress.
United Nations Relief and Work for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
1949
New York
Provides basic amenities and education for the victims of Arab-Israel War.
United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA)
1967
New York
Studying population dynamics, collecting population data, formulating and evolving population policies, family planning and related programs

Thursday, April 26, 2012

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

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Indian States And Their Folk Dances

JharkhandChhau, Sarahul, Jat-Jatin, Karma, Danga, Bidesia, Sohrai.
UttarakhandGadhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, Chappeli
Andhra PradeshKuchipudi (Classical), Ghantamardala, Ottam Thedal, Mohiniattam, Kummi, Siddhi Madhuri, Chhadi.
ChhattisgarhGoudi, Karma, Jhumar, Dagla, Pali, Tapali, Navrani, Diwari, Mundari.
Arunachal PradeshMask dance, War dance etc.
Himachal PradeshJhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi, Chamba, Thali, Jhainta, Daf, Stick dance etc.
GoaMandi, Jhagor, Khol, Dakni, etc.
AssamBihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai etc.
West BengalKathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan, etc.
KeralaKathakali (Classical), Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat etc.
MeghalayaLaho, Baagla, etc.
ManipurManipuri (Classical), Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat, etc.
NagalandChong, Khaiva, Lim, Nuralim, etc.
OrissaOdissi (Classical), Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat etc.
MaharashtraLavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada, Tamasha, Mauni, Powara, Gouricha etc.
KarnatakaYakshagan, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi etc.
GujaratGarba, Dandiya Ras, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai, etc.
PunjabBhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman etc.
RajasthanGhumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Panihari, Ginad etc.
MizoramKhanatm, Pakhupila, Cherokan etc.
Jammu & KashmirRauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Damali.
Tamil NaduBharatnatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi
Uttar PradeshNautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita.
BiharJata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama-Chakwa, Bidesia, Jatra, etc.
HaryanaJhumar, Phag Dance, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor etc.

Wildlife Sanctuaries And National Parks In India

NameLocationImportant Species
Bandipur National ParkMysore, KarnatakaElephant, Tiger, Bear, Sambhar, Panther
Balpakram SanctuaryGaro Hills, MeghalyaTiger, Elephant, Bison
Chandraprabha  SanctuaryVaranasi, UPAsiatic Lion, Tiger, Panther,
Indian Gazelle, Sloth bear
Corbett National ParkNainital, UttarakhandElephant, Tiger, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Panther, Sambhar
Dachigam SanctuaryJammu & KashmirKashmir stag (Hangul)
Dudhwa National ParkLakhimpur Kheri, UPTiger, Panther, Sambhar, Nilgai
Ghana Bird SanctuaryBharatpur, RajasthanSiberian Crane, Spoonbill, Heron teal, Stork
Gir National ParkJunagarh, GujaratAsiatic Lion, Panther,Sambhar, Nilgai, Crocodile, Rhinoceros
Hazaribagh National ParkHazaribagh, JharkhandTiger, Leopard, Sambher, Chital
Jaldapara SanctuaryWest BengalTiger, Leopard, Sambher, Chital
Kanha National ParkMandla and Balaghat, MPTiger, Panther, Antelope, Barking Deer, Nilgai
Kaziranga National ParkJorhat, AssamGreat Indian one horned Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo, Sambhar, Tiger
ManasBarpeta, AssamTiger, Elephant, Panther, Wild Buffalo, One horned Rhinoceros
Mudumalai SanctuaryNilgiri Hills, TNElephant, Dear, Pigs
Namdapha National ParkTirap Distt., APTiger and Elephant
PalamauDaltonganj, JharkhandTiger, Elephant, Panther, Leopard
ParkalWarangal, APTiger, Panther, Chital, Nilgai
PeriyarIdukki, KeralaElephant, Tiger, Panther, Wild board, Gaur, Sambhar
Ranganthitoo Bird  SanctuaryKarnatakaBirds
Shivpuri National ParkShivpuri, MPTiger, Birds
SunderbansWest BengalTiger, Wild board, Crocodile, Deer Birds
Vedanathangal Bird SancturyTamil NaduBirds
Wild Ass SanctuaryLittle 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 Ocean10,911 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 Ocean10,047 mt
Japan Trench, Pacific Ocean9,000 mt
Puerto Rico Trench, Atlantic Ocean8,6057 (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

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

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

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

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.

Friday, March 23, 2012

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.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

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.