MISCELLANEOUS:

The term Second Generation Reform was coined by IMF. It means the globalization of
economy.
Q1: Which of the following is a Constitutional body?
a. Planning Commission
b. National Development Council
c. National Integration Council
d. Finance Commission
Q2: Which of the following is/are the statutory bodies?
a. Reserve Bank of India
b. Central Vigilance Commission
c. Telecom regulatory Authority of India
d. All the above
Q3: which of the following institutions were set up by the executive resolution?
a. Planning Commission
b. National Development Council
c. Both
d. None
Q4: In which of the following bodies the Chief Ministers are not the members?
a. National Development Council
b. National Integration Council
c. Planning Commission
d. All the above



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Monday, 14 May 2012
Indian Polity

INDIAN POLITY
Introduction
Constitution ----- Set of rules and regulations
Basic Law of the Land
All laws are made under the boundaries or limits of the constitution.
GOVERNMENT
1. Legislature 2. Executive 3. Judicairy
1. Legislature
Legislature is of two types.
A. Central Legislature or Parliament B. State Legislature
PARLIAMENT
1. Loksabha or Lower House or House of peoples representatives
* LS consists of 552 members.
* Not more than 230 from states
* Not more than 20 from UTs
* Not more than 2 from Anglo-Indian community
----------------Present strength of LS is 545 = 543+ 2---------------
STATE LEGISLATURE
2. Rajya Sabha or Upper House or Council of states.
Not more than 250
Not more than 238 elected
Not more than 12 nominated (Literature, Science, Arts, Social service)
********* No reservation except for SC and ST ************
EXECUTIVE
President ----- PM ----- Council of Ministers
JUDICIARY
SC ----- HC ------ DISTRICT COURTS
THE CONSTITUTION
The constitution of India was drawn up by a constituent assembly.

Constituent Assembly was set up in accordance with the cabinet mission plan.
Constitution was first summoned on Dec 9, 1946. Sachidananda Sinha was the
first president.
July 1, 1947 Indian Independence Act was passed to divide into India and
Pakistan.
East Bengal, West Punjab, Sind, Baluchistan, N-w frontier provience and Sylhet
district of Assam joined Pakistan and the representatives of these areas ceased
to be the members of Constituent assembly.
August 14, 1947 Constituent assembly met as Sovereign constituent assembly
----------- President ------- Sachidananda Sinha.
Later Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the president of the Constituent assembly.
August 15, 1947 ------- India attained independence.
DRAFT CONSTITUTION
Objectives resolutions was moved by Jawaharlal Nehru and adopted on
January 22, 1947.
Drafting committee Chairman was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Draft constitution was
published in February, 1948. Total members ---- 299
284/299 appended their signature and finally adopted on November 26,
1949.
Came into force on January 26, 1950.
-----------------------------------------------
Indian constitution closely follows British constitution with a difference. India ---
------------- Constitution is supreme
UK ---------------- Parliament is Supreme
CONSTITUTION CONSISTS
1. Preamble
2. Parts 1 to XXII covering articles 1 395
3. Schedules 1 to 12
4. An appendix
Indian Parliament makes 60 laws per year average
105 laws are made in the year 1956
Preamble was the lost to be adopted. PREAMBLE:
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute
India into a
SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all
its citizens
JUSTICE social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship:
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity: and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and unity and integrity of the
Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUTENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949,
do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
The preamble to a written constitution states the objects which the constitution
seeks to establish and promote and also aids the legal interpretation of the
constitution where the language found to be ambiguous.
Preamble indicates the source from which the constitution derives the power.
Objects seek to establish and promote.
We the people of India adopt , enact and give to ourselves
.declares the sovereignty.
********Sovereignty means independent authority of a state. ***********
means power to legislate on any subject, not subject to any external control.
Republic means by the people for the people. President is the Head of the state
and office of the president is open to all the citizens.
---- Preamble was amended in the year 1976 through 42nd amendment
Socialist Secular were added
-- Initially 395 Articles and 8 schedules
- Now 451 Articles and 12 schedules.
FEATURES OF THE CONSTITUTION:
1. Written 2. Rigid and Flexible 3. Single Citizenship 4. Detailed 5.
Parliamentary form of government 6. Union of states 7. Federation with
strong centre 8. Bicameral Legislature 9. Secular state 10 Adult
franchise.
SOURCES:
1. GOI INDIA ACT: 1935
a. Federal structure
b. Office of Governor (Discretionary and emergency powers)
c. Bicameral Legislature
2. British Constitution:
a. Parliamentary form of Government b. Principle of rule of law
3. USA
a. Fundamental Rights b. Judicial review
c. Removal of Judges
d. Independent Judiciary
4. CANADA
a. Federal setup with strong centre b. Residuary powers with centre
5. Ireland
a. DPSP
b. Election of the President
c. Nominating members to RS
6. USSR
a. Fundamental Duties
b. Five year plans (so far 11 plans, present 11 plan (2007-12))
7. AUSTRALIA
a. Concurrent list
8. WEIRMAN (GERMANY)
a. Suspension of Fundamental rights during emergency
9. Japan
a. Supreme court functions
10.SOUTH AFRICA
a. Constitutional amendments (Art : 368)

=================================================
UNION AND TERRITORIES (PART I (Art 1- 4))
Art . 1 ------ India that is Bharat shall be a union of states.
UTs and other territories as may be acquired by India.
1962 Legislatures for Pondicherry (Art 239A), Delhi (Art 239AA)

Any territory may be acquired by India by purchase, treaty, cession, conquest.
Pondichhery (karaikal, Mahe and Yanam ) ceded to India by France in
1954 ------ It was an acquired territory until 1962. UT in Dec, 1962.
SIKKIM ---- After Independence public opinion to merge with India
Treaty between India and Sikkim for Defence, External affairs and
communication
1974 Sikkim assembly passed Govt of Sikkim act .
35th amendment
Art :2. Admits new states
36th amendment ((Sikkim became Indiam state)
371F --- special status to sikkim
Art . 3:
Form a new state by separation from any state or by uniting 2 or more states
or parts of states or uniting any territory to a part of India.
Increase the area of any state
Decrease the area of any state
Alter the boundaries
Alter the name of any state

Art 4:

Special formality is not required as per Art 368 for creating a state
(Flexibility)

Simple Majority -------- LS -------545/2+1 = 274
-------- RS ------ 250/2+1 = 126
Special Majority ----- 2/3rd majority in each house.

No bill for the purpose of creation of state can be introduced except on the
recommendation of the President.

President shall refer the bill to the concerned state --- specifies the period
President is not bound by the view.
EX:
1. Assam act . 1951 altered the boundaries of Assam by ceding a strip of
territory from India to Bhutan.
2. Andhra state from Madras 1953
3. HP and Bilaspur merged in 1954
4. Bihar and WB 1956
5. SRA :1956
6. 1960 Bombay into GUJARAT and MAHARASTRA
7. HP upgraded to the status of a state -- 1970
8. Mizoram --- UT to state 1986
9. Arunachal Pradesh UT to state 1986
10. GOA UT to state 1987
11.CHATTIGARH from MP 2000
12.Uttanchal from UP 2000 -- 2007 name changed to UTTARKHAND
13.Jharkhand from Bihar 2000
UTS
1. Andaman and Nicobar Port blair
2. Chandigarh --- Chandigarh
3. Delhi Delhi
4. Dadra and Nagar Haveli Silvassa
5. Daman and Diu - Diu
6. Lakshwadeep Kavaratti
7. Pondicherry Pondicherry

PART III (12-35) (FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS)
US - Bill of rights

UK Not mentioned in the constitution. UK parliament omnipotent.
US Judicial supremacy
Uk Parliament supremacy
Fundamental Rights:

1. Right to equality (14-18)
2. Right to particular freedom (19-22)
3. Right against exploitation (23-24)
4. Right to freedom of religion (25-28)
5. Cultural and educational rights (29-30)
6. Right to property (31) ceased to be a FR by the 44th amendment. 1974
7. Right to constitutional remedies
Some of the FRs are granted only to the citizens.
1. 15 Protection from discrimination on grounds only of religion, race , caste,
sex or place of birth
2. 16- Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment
3. 19 Freedoms of apeech, assembly. Association, movement, residence and
profession.
4. 30 Cultural and educational rights of minorities
Some FRs available to citizens and foreigners

1. *********************

Art 12 : State includes legislative , executive bodies of central and states , but
also local bodies (municipal authorities).

Art 14: The state shall not deny to any person equality before law and equal
protection of the laws within the territory of India.

Equality before law : Absence of any special previlage by reason of birth, creed
or the like in favour any indivisual. Everybody is equal before law (PM to peon).

Equal protection of the laws: Equality of treatment in equal circumstances.
Among equals the law should be equal and equally administered.

Exceptions:
The President or the Governor shall not be answerable to any court for the
exercise of their powers.

No criminal proceeding shall be instituted or continued against them during the
term of office.

Civil cases 2 months notice.
Art 15 : Available only yo citizens and it prohibits discrimination against any
citizen in any matter at the disposal of the state on any of the specified grounds
namely religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.

Art 16 : Also confined to citizens , restricted to one aspect of public
discrimination, ie employment under state. (Equality of opportunity in case of
public employment)

Art 17 : Abolition of Untouchability.

Art 18 : Abolition of Titles.: This ban is against state only and not against
Universities.

State can award military or academic awards. Art 19:
1. Freedom of speech and expression
2. Assemble peacefully without arms.
3. To form association and Unions
4. To move freely throughout the territory of the country
5. To reside and settle in any part of the country
6. To practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation

(ALL THE FREEDOMS ARE WITH REASONABLE RESTRICTIONS) Art 20 :
Protection in respect of conviction of offences.
1. Expost facto legislation: Only according to the law in force at that time.
2. Double jeopardy or punishment for the same offence more than once.
3. Compulsion to give self-incriminating evidence.

Art 21: No person can be deprived of his liberty except according to law.

Art 22 : Specific safeguards against arbitrary arrest or detention.
(Preventive detention)

Art 23 : traffic in human beings and beggar and similar forms of forced
labour are prohibited and any contravention of this provision shall be an offence
punishable in accordance with law.

Art 24 : Prohibition of employment of children in factories

Art 25 -28: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and
propagation of religion.

Secular state : An attitude of neutrality and impartiality towards all religions.
No state religion.

State will not compel any person to pay taxes for any religious institution.
Persons cannot be compelled to receive religious education.

Art 29 : The state shall not impose upon any culture other than the
communities own culture.

Art 30 : Educational institutions of their choice can be established. Art -32:
Constitutional remedies for the enforcement of FRs.
SC 32
HC 226
Art 32 : Is the heart and soul of the constitution B. R . Ambedkar. HABEAS
CORPUS:
To have a body
An order calling upon a person who has detained another to produce before
court to know why he was confined.
It can be addressed to any person official or a private person.

MANDAMUS:
To command or order.
It demands some activity to whom it is addressed.
Can also be against lower courts.
Against officials only and not against private persons.
Not against President or Governor

PROHIBITION:
Issued by SC or HC to inferior courts only.
For lack of jurisdiction
Issued only against courts only
Mandamus commands activity and prohibition inactivity

CERTIORARI:
Available at a later stage
Only after the order is made.

Quo warranto :
Court enquires into the legality of the claim which a party asserts to a public
office.
Office must be public.
Unlawful claimant does not usurp a public office.


During emergency:

Art : 19 is the first one to be suspended first.

Remaining may be suspended by the President later by an order. Art 21, 22 can
not be suspended at any time (44th amendement)
***************Art 36-51 (DPSP) Part IV

Guide lines to the Government.
These are not enforceable, courts cannot interfere.

To provide adequate means of livelihood.
To prevent concentration of health
Equal pay for equal work
Right to work
Establishment of Village panchayats (Art 40)
Promote cottage industries
Prohibition of intoxicating drugs and drinks
Prevention of slaughter of cows.
Uniform civil code (Art 44)
Separation of Judiciary from executive (Art 50)
Protecting monuments

FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES: (PART IV A) (51 A)

10 FDs
Incorporated in Art 51 A thru 42nd amendment, 1976
Borrowed from USSR
1. To abide by the constitution and respect the National Flag and National
Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle
for freedom.
3. To protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity
4. To defend the country
5. To promote the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of
India.
6. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment.
8. To develop the scientific temper and spirit of enquiry
9. To safeguard the public property
10. To strive towards the excellence in all spheres of individual and collective
activity.
***** No provision of the direct enforcement. RIGHT TO EDUCATION:

86 amendment, 2002 Art 21(A)

Right to information:
2005, for more transparency
But not from IB, RAW, BSF, cabinet papers

BUDGET IN PARLIAMENT

Budget Annual Financial Statement Art 112

Budget is an anticipated Income and expenditure for the forthcoming financial
year

Financial Year ? GOI has 2 budgets
1. Railway Budget
2. General Budget

The RB was separated fron GB in the year 1921 on the recommendation of
Acworth committee report.

PROVISIONS IN THE CONSTITUTION

1. The President shall in respect of every financial year cause to be laid before
both the houses of the parliament a statement of estimated receipts and
expenditure of the GOI for that year.
2. No demand for a grant shall be made except on the recommendation of the
President.
3. No money shall be withdrawn from the CFI except on the recommendation of
the
President.
4. No money bill imposing tax shall be introduced except on the
recommendation of the President.
5. No tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law.
6. Parliament can reduce or abolish a tax but cannot increase a tax.

1. Money bill or Finance bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya sabha.
2. The RS has no power to vote on the demand for grants.
3. The RS should return the Money bill or Finance bill to the LS within 14 days.
The LS can accept or reject the recommendations of RS

CHARGED EXPENDITURE

1. It is non votable by the Parliament.
2. It is only discussed by the Parliament.

Amoluments and allowances of the President, Chairman and Deputy chairman of
RS, Speaker and Deputy speaker of LS, Judges of SC and HC, CAG, UPSC.
Stages in Enactment of the Budget

1. Presentation of the budget
2. General discussion
3. Voting on demand for grants
4. Passing of appropriation bill
5. Passing of finance bill

PRESENTATION
RB precedes GB
RB Railway Minister ( 3rd week of February)
GB Finance Minister (Last working day of February) Later presented to the RS
by MOS.
GENERAL DISCUSSION

1. Takes place in both the Houses.
2. Discussed in total
3. 3 to 4 days taken
4. Finance Minister has to reply.

VOTING ON DEMAND FOR GRANTS

1. Demands presented ministry wise.
2. A demand becomes grant after it has been duly voted.
3. GB 109 demands, 103 civil and 6 defence dedmands
4. RB 32 demands
5. Each demand is voted separately.
6. 26 days are allotted for this

DURING THIS STAGE CUT MOTIONS ARE INTRODUCED

1. POLICY CUT: It represents the disapproval of the policy. The amount of the
demand is reduced to Rs. 1.

2. ECONOMY CUT MOTION
States that the amount of the demand be reduced by a specified amount

3. Token cut MOTION
Amount of the demand is reduced by Rs. 100

CLOSURE and GUILLOTINE

PASSING OF APPROPRIATION OF BILL

Money is required to meet
1. The grants voted by the LS
2. The expenditure charged on the CFI

VOTE ON ACCOUNT
Advance in respect to the estimated expenditure for a part of the financial year
pending the completion of the voting of the demands for grants and the
enactment of the appropriation bill.

It is passed after the General discussion of the Budget is over.
1/6th of the advance is granted.

PASSING OF THE FINANCE BILL

All conditions applicable like appropriation bill. Must be enacted with in 75
days.

SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS: IF INSUFFICIENT ADDITIONAL GRANTS: NEW
SERVICE
EXCESS GRANT : If spent in excess, granted by the parliament after the
financial year.

Vote of Credit : Blank cheque
Exceptional Grant : Special purpose and forms no part of financial year. Token
Grant: Rs 1 only. Reappropriation from one head to the other
CONSOLIDATED FUND OF INDIA (266)

To which all funds are credited and payments are debited.

->PUBLIC ACCOUNT OF INDIA (266(1))

PF deposits, Judicial deposits, savings bank deposits, departmental deposits.
CONTIGENCY FUND OF INDIA. (267)
1. Placed at the disposal of the President.
2. Makes advances for unforeseen expenditure.

COMMITTIES IN PARLIAMENT.

1. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE:
Set up in 1921
22 Members - 15 LS and 7 RS
Elected every year by proportional representation
The term of every member is 1 year
Minister cannot be the Member
Chairman is appointed by the Speaker
1967 opposition party member is the chairman

It examines the audit report of CAG

2. ESTIMATES COMMITTEE:
a. Set up in 1950 b. Strength 30
c. All from LS
d. Membership 1 year
e. Minister cannot be the member
f. Chairman is appointed by the speaker from ruling party g. Examines the
estimates of the budget

3. COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC UNDERTAKINGS
a. set up in 1964 recommende by Krishanamenon committee b. 22 15 LS and
7 RS
c. Term 1 year
d. Chairman appointed by the speaker.
e. Examine the reports and accounts of Public undertakings.


UPSC. (Part XIV - 315- 323)

It is the Central recruiting agency in India. COMPOSITION:

Chairman and other members appointed by the President.
Strength is left to the discretion of the President. Usually 9 11 members.
No qualification is mentioned, except that atleast half the members should be
such persons who have held office for atleast 10 years either under GOI
or GOS.
Conditions of service are determined by the President from time to time.
Tenure: 6 yrs or 65yrs of age.
Resignation submitted to the President.

REMOVAL:
If he is adjusted insolvent (Bankrupt)
If engages in paid employment outside office
Infirmity of body or mind (in the view of the President)
Misbehaviour . (In this case it is referred to the SC.
Recommendation of the SC is binding on the President) The Chairman is not
entitled to any office after the retirement.
A member can become Chairman of UPSC or any SPSC.
Not eligible for reappointlemt.

FUNCTIONS:
Conducts examination for AIS , Central and UTs
Assists states if requested by 2 or more states.
On the request of Governor with the permission of the President it serves the
needs of the state.

UPSC presents annual report to the President. President places the same before
the parliament.
Rejection must be approved by the Appointments committee of cabinet.
Individual ministries have no power to reject the advice.

Role of UPSC is that of a watch dog of merit system.
Concerned with Gr-A and B services where the salary is Min 10,500/-

SSC:

SSC set up in the year 1975 by an executive resolution. Chairman and 2 other
members .
Term is 5 years or 62 yrs of age.
Appointed by the Central Governmment.
Conducts exam for all Gr- B where the salary is less than 10,500/- and all
Gr-C exams.

SPSC:

Same articles like UPSC.

Chairman and other members are appointed by the Governor. Strength decided
by the Governor.
No qualifications.
Half members must be with 10 years of experience under GOI or GOS.

Term: 6 years or 65 years of age. Resignation: to the Governor.
Removal : Only by the President and not by the Governor.
President can remove them just like UPSC members.
On the grounds of misbehaviour President can refer the case to SC. During
enquiry Governor can suspend the concerned person.

Chairman is eligible for appointment as the member or Chairman of UPSC
or as the chairman of other SPSC.
Member is eligible for Chairman or member of UPSC or Chairman of same
SPSC or any other SPSC.
Not eligible for the second term.

JPSC:

For 2 or more states.
JPSC created by an act of Parliament on the request of Assemblies concerned.

Chairman and members are appointed by the President. Term: 6 years or 62
years.
Suspended or removed by the President.
Resignation : Submitted to the President. Strength determined by the
President.
Annual report is submitted to the Governors of the concerned state.

FINANCE COMMISSION (280)
Constituted by the President every 5th year or earlier. COMPOSITION:
Chairman and 4 other members.
Term as specified by the President. Eligible for reappointment.


Qualifications:

Chairman must be with experience in Public affairs.
Others : A judge of HC or one qualified to be appointed so. Special knowledge of
finance and accounts of the government. Wide experience in financial matters
and administration. Special knowledge with economics.

FUNCTIONS:

Distribution of the net proceeds of taxes to be shared between centre and
states.
The principles that govern the grants-in-aid to the states by the centre.

Report is submitted to the President.

President lays it before the parliament.
Recommendations are advisory and not binding on the government.

PLANNING COMMISSION

Set up in the year 1950 by an executive resolution.(UNION CABINET) Set up on
the advice of Advisory planning board of 1946.

COMPOSITION:

1. PM is the exofficio chairman.
2. Deputy chairman is the de facto head. Responsible for formulation and
submission of draft of 5 year plan to cabinet.
DC appointed by the cabinet for a fixed term and status equal to that of a
cabinet minister. (Attends all cabinet meetings).
3. Some central ministers are part time members. Finance and
planning ministers are ex-officio members.
4. 4 7 full time experts and enjoy MOS rank.
5. Member secretary usually an IAS.

FUNCTIONS:

1. Make an assessment of material, capital and HR of the country.
2. Formulate plan for most effective and balanced growth of the
countrys resources.
3. Determines the priorities.
4. Indicate factors that retard the growth.
5. To appraise from time to time about the development achieved. PC is a staff
agency and not an executive agency.

NDC:

Set up in the year 1952 on the recommendation of PC. Set up by executive
resolution.
COMPOSITION:

1. PM is the chairman.
2. All union cabinet ministers.
3. CMs of all states and UTS
4. Members of PC.
5. Secretary of PC acts as the secretary of NDC.

FUNCTIONS:

1. Prescribe guidelines for the preparation of national plan.
2. Consider national plan prepared by PC.
3. Assessment of resources.
4. Review the working of the national plan from time to time.

FIVE YEAR PLAN STEPS:

1. Draft 5 year plan prepared by the PC.
2. PC submits to the Cabinet.
3. After cabinets approval places before NDC.
4. After NDC it is presented to the Parliament.
5. After approval it becomes official plan.

NDC is the advisory body to the PC and recommendations are not binding. NDC
should meet at least twice a year.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: (XVII 343-351)

Hindi written in Devanagari script is the official language for the Union For a
period of 15 years (1965) the English language was continued. Even then
Parliament continued to use English for specific purpose.

1955 Presiden appointed official language commission under theh
chairmanship of BG Kher.

Parliament enacted the official language act in 1963. The act provided the
continuous usage of English.

Eigth schedules 22 languages. Initially 18 languages.
Sindhi was added through 21 amendment in the year 1967.
Konkani, Manipuri,Nepali were added through 71 amendment in the year
1992.

SUPREME COURT

The single system of courts adopted from the GOI Act of 1935. The SC was
inaugurated on January 28, 1950.
Articles 124 to 147 . Part (V). STRENGTH:
1950 8
1956 10
1960- 13
1977-17
1986-25
2008-30

APPOINTMENT:
Appointed by the President of India. (In consultation with other judges)

CJI consultation is obligatory in appointing other judges

QUALIFICATION:

1. Should be a citizen of India
2. Should have been a judge of a HC for 5 years or should have been advocate
of HC for 10 years or
Should be a distinguished judge jurist in the opinion of the
President.
Oath is by the President of India. TENURE:
No fixed tenure according to the constitution.
1. Holds office until the age of 65 years attained.

Resignation:

To the President of India.

Removal:
By the president on the recommendation of the Parliament. PROCEDURE FOR
REMOVAL:
1. The motion must be signed by 100 members of LS
Or by 50 members of RS. To be given to Speaker or Chairman.
2. Speaker or Chairman may admit or reject the same.
3. If admitted they constitute a 3 member committee to investigate the
charges.
4. COMMITTEE: a. CJI or a judge of SC
b. CJ of a HC
c. A distinguished jurist
5. On the recommendation of the committee The house can take a decision.
6. After passed in both the houses and the consent of President, the order
is passed by the President for the removal.

SALARY:
Determined by the Parliament.

CJI 33000/ to 1 lakh per month

Other Judges 30000/ to 90000 per month

HIGH COURT

1862 Calcutta, Bombay and Madras.
1866 Allahabad.

Parliament may provide a common HC for 2 or more states. At present 21 HCs
in the country.
Delhi is the only UT which has a separate HC.
Articles 214-231 (VI)

APPOINTEMENT:
CJ and other Judges are appointed by the President.

Strength is left to the discretion of the President.

The CJ is appointed by the President after consultation with the CJI
and the Governor of the state.
For other judges the President consults the CJ of the HC.
In case of common HC the Governors of all the states are consulted.

QUALIFICATION:
1. Should be the citizen of India.
2. Should have held the a judicial office in the territory of India for a period of
10 years.
3. Should have been an advocate of a HC for 10 years.
5. No minimum age prescribed.

OATH in front of the Governor. Tenure:
No fixed tenure. Until the age of 62.

RESIGNATION: To the President.

REMOVAL:

In the same manner like that of a SC judge.

SALARY:
CJ from 30000 to 90000
Other judges 26000 to 80000
GOVERNOR
Article 153 to 167 (PART VI)

APPOINTEMNT: By the President
One person can be appointed for more than 1 state.

QUALIFICATION:

1. Citizen
2. >35 age

SALARY:

1,10,000/ per month , free official residence (RAJ BHAVAN)
If same person is appointed as the Governor for more than one state his salary
is divided among the states.

Oath:
By the CJ of the HC.

TERM: 5 years but holds office during the pleasure of the President.
RESIGNATION: To the President
REAPPOINMENT: is allowed and transferred from 1 state to the other.
FUNCTIONS:
EXECUTIVE:
Appoints CM and other Ministers, Advocate General, State Election
commissioner, Chairman and other members of SPSC, Can recommend
the Presidents rule in the state, Appoints VCs and acts as the Chancellor.

LEGISLATIVEFUNDAMENTAL DUTIES: (PART IV A) (51 A)
86 amendment, 2002 Art 21(A)
BUDGET IN PARLIAMENT
Financial Year ? GOI has 2 budgets
PROVISIONS IN THE CONSTITUTION
CHARGED EXPENDITURE
Stages in Enactment of the Budget
PRESENTATION
GENERAL DISCUSSION
VOTING ON DEMAND FOR GRANTS
DURING THIS STAGE CUT MOTIONS ARE INTRODUCED
CLOSURE and GUILLOTINE
PASSING OF APPROPRIATION OF BILL
VOTE ON ACCOUNT
PASSING OF THE FINANCE BILL
CONSOLIDATED FUND OF INDIA (266)
PUBLIC ACCOUNT OF INDIA (266(1))
COMMITTIES IN PARLIAMENT.
UPSC. (Part XIV - 315- 323)
FINANCE COMMISSION (280)
JPSC:
SPSC:
SSC:
PLANNING COMMISSION
NDC:

FIVE YEAR PLAN STEPS:
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: (XVII 343-351)
SUPREME COURT
HIGH COURT
GOVERNOR
LEGISLATIVE:
CHIEF MINISTER:
:

Summon and prorogue, and dissolve the assembly. Addresses the state
legislature.
Send messages.
Nominates 1/6th of the members to Council.
Nominates 1 Anglo-Indian to the assembly.
He decided the question of disqualification of the members. Promulgate
ordinances.
Can withdraw ordinance at any time.
SFC, SPSC, CAG reports are presented before the state legislature. FINANCIAL
POWERS:
Sees that the Budget is laid before the legislature.

Money bills can beb introduced only with the permission of the
Governor.
Can make advances out of Contingency fund of state. Finance Commission is
constituted every five years.

JUDICIAL POWERS:
He got all the powers of that of President of India except that of a pardon of a
death sentence.

ART(163) : There shall be a council of ministers with the CM at the head to aid
and advice the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except in so far as he
is required to exercise his functions in his discretion.

164(1): The ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Governor. They are
individually responsible to the Governor.

164(2): The Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to
Assembly

DISCRETION:

1. Appointment of CM when no party got the majority. When CM dies.
2. Dismissal of council when it cannot prove the majority.
3. Dissolves the assembly when the council lost the majority.

CHIEF MINISTER:

A person who is not a member of state legislature can be appointed as the
CM. ex: Bansila (Haryana) and S B Chavan (Maharastra)
The CM may be a member of any house. ( C Raja Gopala chari in Madras,
1952, Morarji desai in Bombay 1952,

Oath is by the Governor.

TERM: Holds office during the pleasure of the President. SALARY determined by
the state legislature.
POWERS:
1. Allocates and reshuffles the portfolios among ministers.
2. He can ask a minister to resign
3. Ask Goveemor to dismiss a Minister.
4. Presides over the cabinet meetings.
5. If he dies or resigns entire council is dissolved.
6. Recommends the Governor to summon, prorogue and dissolve.
7. Chairman of the state planning board.
8. Acts as the vice-chairman of the concerned Zonal council by rotation
9. Member of NDC and inter state council

Art 167: It shall be the duty of the CM to communicate to the Governor of the
state all decisions of the council of ministers relating to the administration and
legislation.

STATE LEGISLATURE:

SL consists of Assembly, Council and Governor.

Only six states have bicameral Legislature ( UP, Bihar, Maharastra, Karnataka,
JK and AP).

The Parliament can create or abolish council, if the assembly passes a resolution
by a special majority. (Not fall under Art . 368).

(AP got in 1957 and abolished in 1985 and again got in 2005). (TN abolished in
1986, Punjab and WB in 1969).

ASSEMBLY

STREGTH:

Min 60 and Max 500.
Sikkim, Goa, minimum number fixed at 30. Mizoram and Nagaland at 40
Governor can nominate one Anglo-Indian member. COMPOSITION OF THE
COUNCIL:
Min 40 and maximum 1/3rd of the total strength of the assembly.
The strength is fixed by the Parliament.

ELECTION:
1. 1/3rd are elected by the members of local bodies (Muncipalities, district
boards)
2. 1/12th are elected the graduates
3. 1/12th are elected by the teachers
4. 1/3rd are elected by MLAs
5. 1/6 nominated by the Governor.
(5/6th are indirectly elected and 1/6th are nominated) Assembly normal term is
5 years.
Council is a permanent house.
1/3rd members retire at the end of every second year. Member continues for 6
years.

QUALIFICATION:

1. Citizan
2. >25 for Assembly and > 30 for council
3. Other qualifications as prescribed by the Parliament.
4. Assembly and Council must be a resident of that state.
DISQUALIFICATIONAS:
Same that of Parliament.
Governors decision is final. On the recommendation of EC Disqualification on
the grounds of defection is decided by the speaker or
chairman.

Resignation : Speaker / Chairman

ABSENT: If it is for 60 days his seat becomes vacant.

SPEAKER:

Must be a member of Assembly. Not for the term of the house.

VACANCY:

1. If he ceases to be a member of the assembly.
2. If resigns. (to the dy. Speaker)
3. If removed by a resolution (14 days in advance) FUNCTIONS:
1. Maintains decorum.
2. Adjourns assembly
3. Suspends in the absence of quoram.
4. Casting vote
5. Decides whether a bill is money bill or not
6. Decides the disqualification
7. Appoints the chairmen of all the committees
DEPUTY SPEAKER: Must be a member.
Acts like speaker in his absence. Resignation : to the Speaker Removal : 14
days in advance

CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL:

Must be a member

Vacancy:
REMOVAL : 14 days advance notice. Resignation: Dy chairman
If ceases to be a member

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN : Same that of a chairman

QUORAM: 1/10th or 10 members whichever is greater.

Language: Presiding officer can permit the member to speak in his mother
tongue.

The constitution does not provide for the joint sitting of the state legislature.

A bill other than money bill can be introduced anywhere.

If introduced in council and passed by it then it comes to Assembly. If assembly
rejects it the bill is lapsed.

If first pass by assembly then goes to council. 3 months and 1 month. Then it
is considered as passed.

Governor may sign the bill or reserve the bill for presidents consideration.

PANCHAYATI RAJ

1952 Community Development Programme (CDP)
!953 - National Extension Service Programme (NES)

January, 1957 Balwant Rai Mehta committee was appointed to examine the
functioning of CDP and NES.

Report Submitted in November, 1957. Recommendations:
1. Establishment of 3 tier PR system. Gram Panchayat, Panchayat
Samithi and Zilla Parishad.
2. VP should be with directly elected and other 2 tiers with indirectly elected
people.
3. The District Collector should be the Chairman for ZP.

These recommendations were accepted in the year 1958 by NDC. Rajastan was
the first state to establish PR on Oct 2 1959.
AP was the second on Nov 1 , 1959.

No uniform structure was there among the states. RAJASTAN adopted 3 tier and
TN adopted 2 tier.

ASHOK MEHTA COMMITTEE:

December 1977, Janata Party Govt appointed this. Appointed to look into the
functioning of PR. Report sublitted in August 1978.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Only 2 tier ZP and Mandal Panchayat
2. Compulsory powers of taxations.
3. Official participation of political parties.
4. The stste govts should not supersede the PR, if so election must be
conducted within 6 months.
5. A minister of PR should be appointed.
6. Reservation for SC and STs.

*Because of collapse of Janata party govt nothing couold happen. GVK RAO
COMMITTEE:
The committee on Administrative Arrangements for Rural Development and
Poverty Alleviation programme under GVK.

Appointed by PC in 1985.

It said that development was bureacratised and divorced the concept of PR.
Grass without Roots. Recommened that Collectors role must be reduced.

L M SINGHVI COMMITTEE:

1986 Revitalisation of PRIs for Democracy and Development.

Recommended that PRIs must be recognized constitutionally.

On the recommendation of LM Singhvi, Rajiv Gandhi govt introduced
64th amendment bill in 1989.
Passed in LS and rejected by RS. On the grounds that it sought to strengthen
the centralization in the federal system.

PV govt in 1991 deleted the controversial aspects and intruded and passed in
both the houses in 1992.

It became the 73rd constitutional amendment act 1992 and came into force on
April 24, 1993.

73 rd Amendment Act:

Articles 243 A to 243 O Added.
11th Schedule added.

It contains 29 items. (UL 97, SL 66, CL 47)

Now state govts are under obligation to create PRIs.

SALIENT FEATURES:

Gram Sabha: All registered voters in the village.

3 tier system. Village Panchyat, Mandal Panchayat, ZP.
States with less than 20 lakhs population may not constitute middle level. All
members are elected directly by the people.
Chairpersons at intermediate and District level may be elected indirectly. Village
level can be decided by the Chairman.

RESERVATION:

SCs and STs according to the population.
1/3rd reservation for women.

Duration: 5 years.
If dissolved elections must be conducted with in 6 months.
Disqualification: Decided by the state legislatures. STATE ELECTION
COMMISSION:
It conducts election to the PRI and Muncipalities
Election commissioner is appointed by the Governor. Salary determined by the
Governor.
Removed just like a HC judge.

FINANCE COMMISSION:

By the Governor, every 5 years.

1. The principles that govern the distribution of taxes.
2. Grants-in-aid to PR by the states.

SFC submits report to the Governor and governor places the same in
Assembly.
(Drinking water, Rural housing, Minor irrigation)
73rd amendment bill, passed by LS on December 22, 1992 and by RS
December 23, 1992. Later approved by 17 assemblies and assent of President
on 20 April 1993.
(From this day 1 year was given for states to approve the states)

URBAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT:

1687, the first municipal corporation was set up in Madras.
1882, Lord Rippon issued a resolution for Local Self Government. It continued
upto 1947.
Rippon Father of local self government. In India.
August 1989, Rajiv Gandhi gove introduced 65th Constitutional amendment bill
in LS. But refused by Rs and not passed.
PV Narasimha Rao- 1992- 74th constitutional amendment bill and came into
force on june 1 1993.

74th Amendment:

243 P- 243 ZG.
12th Schedule 18 items.

It gave constitutional status to municipalities. TYPES:
1. Nagar Panchayats: Transition from rural to urban areas.
2. Muncipal council for a smaller urban area.
3. Muncipal corporation for urban area.
All members elected by the people directly.
Election of Chairpersons decide by the state legislature.

RESERVATION:
SC AND STS according to population.
1/3rd for women.

Duration: 5 years

Disqualifications : Decided by the legislature

State Election Commission:
Finance Commission: MUNCIPAL CORPORATIONS:
Muncipal Corporations are created by the state legislatures and for UTs by
the Parliament.
An MC has three authorities.
1. Council
2. Standing committee
3. Commissioner.

Council is the deliberative and legislative wing of the corporation. It consists of
councilors directly elected by the people.
Standing committee facilitates the working of the council. Commissioner is the
implementing body. Appointed by the state
government. Generally an IAS.

MUNCIPALITIES:

Set up by the state legislatures.

For UTs by the parliament.

1. Council
2. Standing committee
3. Chief executive officer

AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

Article 368 and part XX.
Basic structure of the constitution cannot be amended as per SC
judgment in Kesavananda Bharati case . 1973.

PROCEDURE:

1. The procedure must begin only in Parliament in the form of a bill.
2. State Legislatures cannot initiate the procedure.
3. This bill may be introduced by the Minister or a private person.
4. No requirement of Presidents permission.
5. Must be passed by special majority in each house.
6. In case of disagreement there is no provision for joint sitting.
7. For federal powers it must be ratified by at least half the states with simple
majority.
8. President gives the assent.
9. President cannot withhold or return the bill.

3 Types of Amendment:

1. Simple majority by Parliament
2. Special majority by Parliament
3. Specil majority by the Parliament and ratification by half the states.

SIMPLE MAJORITY:

1. Admission and creation of new states.
2. Abolition or creation of new states.
3. Quoram in parliament.

SPECIAL MAJORITY:
1. Fundamental Rights
2. DPSP
3. All provisions which are not covered by other 2 procedures. SPECIAL
MAJORITY AND THE CONSENT OF THE STATES:
Related to the federal structure..

There is no time limit within which the states should give their consent.

1. Election of the President and its manner.
2. Supreme court and High courts.
3. 7th Schedule (Lists)
4. representation of states in Parliament
5. Powers of parliament to amend the constitution.

ANTI-DEFECTION LAW:

The 52nd amendment act of 1985 provided for the disqualification of the
members of Parliament and assemblies on the grounds of defection.

New schedule has been added 10th . (Anti-defection law) Disqualifications for
members of political parties:
1. If he gives up his membership of the political party.
2. If he votes or abstains from voting contrary to the decision of the whip
issued by the party without prior permission of the party. Party should condemn
within 15 days.

Independent members:
If he joins any political party after election. Nominated members:
If he joins any political party after the expiry of 6 months from the date on
which he takes the seat in the house. EXCEPTIONS:
1. SPLIT 1/3rd members go out and form a new party. (No disqualification)
2. Merger 2/3rd members go out and join other party.
3. Presiding officer resigning and joining the same party after ceasing to be the
chairman.

In any case deciding authority is the presiding officer. The decision may be
challenged in the court of law.
The presiding officer takes up the decision only when he receives the complaint.

CVC:

Main agency for preventing corruption.

Set up in 1964 by executive resolution on the recommendation of
Santhanam Committee report.

SEPTEMBER , 2003 parliament provided a statutory status to CVC.
COMPOSITION:
1. CVC and not more than 2 Vigilance commissioners. APPOINTMENT:
By the President on the recommendation of 3 member committee consisting PM,
Union Home minister and the Leader of opposition.

TERM:
4 years or 65 years of age. REMOVAL:
By the President.
But on the grounds of misbehavoiur or incapacity only on the advice of
SC.

Salary and allowances is same that of a UPSC chairman and members.
FUNCTIONS:
To conduct an enquiry in case of Central Government emplpoyees. Advice the
government regarding the actions to be taken.
In case of disagreement the govt must intimate the CVC.
CBI:
Set up in the year 1963 by a resolution by Home ministry. (Presently under the
Cabinet Secretariat)

Its the main investigating agency for Central Government.

Provides assistance to CVC.

CBI is headed by a Director and presently 5000 employees are working.

LOKPAL:
Ombudsman Sweden -1809
Finland 1919
Denmark - 1955
Norway 1962
In India its called Lokpal/ Lokayukta.

ARC (1966-1970) Recommended for Lokpal and lokayukta in India. To deal with
cases against ministers and secretaries.

Lokpal would be appointed by the President after consultation with the
CJI, speaker of LS and Chairman of RS.

Introduced 8 times so far. 1968, 1971 (Indira), 1977 (Morarji Desai),
1985 (Rajiv), 1989 (NF-Vp singh), 1996(UF- Devagouda), 1998, 2001
(VAJPAYEE)

The main issue is that weather the PM must be included or not.

LOKAYUKTAS:

First passed in Orissa in 1970. (Came into force only in 1983). First set up in
Maharastra 1971.
RAjastan, Karnataka, Ap, Maharastra appointed Lokayukta and
Upalokayuktas.

Appointment:

By the Governor. He must consult CJ of the HC and the leader of the opposition.

Qualification:

Differs from state to state.( AP, HP, Guj, KAR judicial qualifications) Bihar,
maharastra, Raj No special qualifications)

Tenure:

5 years or 65 years.

NHRC:

Its a Statutory body.
Established in 1993 by the act of Parliament. COMPOSITION:
Chairman and 4 other members. Chairman Retired CJI
1. Serving or retires judge of SC
2. Serving or retired CJ of HC
3. 2 persons having practical knowledge in Human rights
4. Chairman of National commission for Minorities, SC and Sts and
national commission for women are the exoffici members.

Appointment:

Chairman and other members are appointed by the President on the
recommendation of a 6 member committee.
PM, Speaker, Deputy Chairman, Leaders of opposition in LS and RS and the
Union Home minister.

Term:

5 years or 70 years. Removal :
By the President. Salary :

General Facts About India

A SUGGESTION: The Geography subject will be clearer to you, if you look at the map. Please
read with a map beside you.
India is the 10
th
industrialized country in the world.
India is the 6
th
nation in the world to have gone into outer space.
India is the
7th
largest country in the World.
India lies entirely in the northern hemisphere. (Do you know what Northern Hemisphere is?).
India measures 3,214 km from North to South.
India measures 2,933 km from east to west.
The mainland extends between latitudes 8 4
0
and 37 6
0
North.
The mainland extends between 68 7
0
and 97 25
0
East longitudes.
Indias land frontier is about 15,200 km.
India has a common boarders with
North-west: Afghanistan and Pakistan
North: China, Bhutan and Nepal
East: Myanmar
East of West Bengal : Bangladesh
India is separated from Sri Lanka by a narrow channel of sea formed by the Palk Strait and the
Gulf of Mannar.
The plains of the Ganga and the Indus are one of the worlds greatest stretches of flat alluvium
and also one of the most densely populated areas on the earth.
Between Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea lies a narrow coastal strip.
Between Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal there is a broader costal area.
Niligiri Hills is the point where the eastern and Western Ghats meets.
Cardamom hills lying beyond may be regarded as a continuation of Western Ghats.
The Indus, which is one of the greatest rivers of the world rises near manasarovar in Tibet and
flows through India and thereafter through Pakistan and falls in Arabian Sea near Kutch.
Tributaries of Indus: The Sutlej, the Beas, the Ravi, The Chenab and the Jhelum.
The Ganga-Brahmaputra_Meghana is another important system of which the principle sub basins
are those of Bhagirathi and Alakanada join at Dev Prayag to form the Ganga.
The major east flowing rivers are Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Mahanadi, etc.
The west flowing rivers Narmada, Tapti and Mahi.
The climate of India is tropical monsoon type.
South-West monsoon is the summer monsoon and wind blows from sea to land after crossing
Indian ocean, the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal.
North-east monsoon is known as the winter monsoon and wind blows from land to sea.
Botanical survey of India (BSI) headquarters Kolkata.
Zoological survey of India (ZSI) headquarters Kolkata.
The tiger and lion belong to cat family.
The salt water crocodile is found along eastern coast and in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
The first census in India was conducted in the year 1872. It was conducted non-synchronously in
different parts.
Since 1881 it was conducted synchronously.
The first census commissioner of India was W W Plowden (1881).
2001 census was undertaken during 9-28 February 2001.
The census moment, the referral time at which the snapshot of the population is taken was 00.00
hours of March 1, 2001.
Until 1991 census, the sunrise of 1 March was taken as the census moment.
India accounts for a meager 2.4 percent of the worlds surface area.
India has 17.5 (2011) percent of World population.
The percent decadal growth of population in the inter-censual period 1991-2001 varies from a low
of 9.43 in Kerala to a very high 64.53 in Nagaland.
The population density of India in 2001 was 324 per sq km.
West Bengal is the most thickly populated state with a population density of 903 in 2001.
Delhi is the city with highest population density with 9340.
Lowest population density is in Arunachal Pradesh with 13.
Bihar second and Kerala third.
Sex ration in India 940:1000. (2011 census)
Highest sex ratio is Kerala. 1084:1000. (2011 census)
Who is a literate? A person aged seven and above, who can both read and write any language
with understanding is treated as a literate.
In the census prior to 1991 children below 5 years were necessarily treated as illiterates.
The literacy rate in the country is 74.04 percent (2011).
Kerala retained its position by being on top with a 93.91 percent literacy rate (2011).
Highest male and female literacy state Kerala.
Bihar with a literacy rate of 63.82 (2011) percent ranks last in the country.
Lowest male and female literacy state Bihar.
743 million people in India live in rural areas as per the 2001 census.
286 million people in India live in urban areas.
Highly populated state in India is UP with 199 million (2011) people.
Lowest population is in Sikkim with 540,851 people and constitutes 0.05 percent of the total.
*********
DO YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE FACTS ABOUT THE NATIONAL FLAG,
NATIONAL ANTHEM.?
The ratio of width of the flag to its length is 2 to 3.
There are 3 colors in the National Flag. Saffron at the top, White in the middle followed by Green
at the bottom.
In the middle of the National Flag there is a wheel called Chakra.
The Chakra has 24 spokes.
The design of the National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on July 22,
1947.
The Flag code of India, 2002, has taken effect from January 26, 2002 and supersedes the Flag
code Indias as it existed.
There shall be no restriction on the display of the National Flag by the members of general public
private organizations, educational institutions, etc.
The state emblem is an adoption from the saranath Lion capital of Asoka.
In the sate emblem as adopted on January 26, 1950 only 3 lions are visible and the 4
th
one is
hidden.
The wheel appears in the center of the abacus with a bull on the right and a horse on the left and
the outlines of other wheels on extreme right and left.
The words Satyameva Jayate were taken from the Mundaka Upanishad. It means Truth
Alone Triumphs are inscribed below the abacus in Devanagari script.
The National Anthem Jana-gana-mana, composed originally in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore,
was adopted in its Hindi version as National Anthem on January 24, 1950.
National Anthem was first sung on December 27, 1911 at the Calcutta session of the INC.
The National song Vande Mataram, composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji, was a
source of inspiration to the people in their struggle for freedom. It has an equal status with the
National Anthem.
The first political occasion when National song, sung was the 1896 session of the INC.
The National calendar is based on Saka era, with Chaitra as its first month and a normal year of
365 days was adopted from March 22, 1957 with Gregorian calendar.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS:
National Animal: The magnificent tiger, (Panthera Tigris).
National Bird: The Indian peacock (Peafowl), (Pavo Cristatus).
National Flower: Lotus (Nelumbo Nucipera Gaertn).
National Tree: The Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis).
National Fruit: Mango (Manigifera Indica).
National River: Ganges
National Aquatic Animal: Gangetic Dolphin
National Reptile: King Cobra (Ophiophagus hanna)
National Heritage Animal: Elephant (Elephas Maximus indicus)
National Drink: Tea (this will be from April 17, 2013)


NATIONAL PARKS
Bandipur National Park - Karnataka
Chandraprabha sanctuary - UP
Corbett National Park - Uttaranchal
Ghana Bird Sanctuary - Rajasthan
Gir National Park - Gujarat
Hazaribagh Sanctuary - Jharkhand
Kanha National Park - MP
Kaziranga National Park - Assam (Famous for one-horned rhinoceros).
Periyar Sanctuary - Kerala
Wild Ass Sanctuary - Gujarat
Manas Sanctuary - Assam
*********

SOME MORE FACTS about INDIA:
Area-wise Rajasthan is the largest state in India.
Area-wise Goa is the smallest state.
Area-wise Andaman & Nicobar Islands is the largest UT.
Area-wise Lakshadweep is the smallest UT.
Highest population is in UP.
Lowest population is in Sikkim.
Highest population Delhi (UT).
Lowest population Lakshadweep (UT).
Largest country is Russia (area wise).
India is the 7
th
largest country (area wise).
Highest population China.
Population wise India is the second largest country in the world.
Andhra Pradesh is the first state in India that has been formed on a purely linguistic basis in 1953
and enlarged in 1956. Andhra state 1953 and AP in 1956.
Highest number of Assembly seats UP 355.
Highest number of legislative Council seats UP 99.
Highest number of Rajya Sabha seats UP -31.
Highest number of Lok Sabha seats UP 80.
Lowest number of Assembly seats Sikkim -32.
Lowest number of Legislative Council seats JK 36.
Lowest number of Lok Sabha seats Sikkim 1.
Lowest number of Rajya Sabha seats Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura and Goa 1.
The Legislative Councils are present only in seven states. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
Maharashtra, Bihar, UP, J&K and Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu is the latest state to establish the Legislative Council. (Legislative Councils are
created / abolished by Parliament only).
In Union Territories Delhi has maximum number of seats in Assembly. (70).
Pondicherry has the lowest number of seats in Assembly. (30).
Highest number of districts present in UP. 70 in number
Goa has only 2 districts.
Kutch in Gujarat is the largest district in India. The area is 45,652 Sq.km.
Mahe in the state of Kerala is the smallest district in India. The area is 9 Sq.km. Mahe is
geographically located in Kerala but administered by Pondicherry.
Drass in Western Ladakh is the coldest place in India. It is also the second coldest place in the
World after Siberia.
The High Court was first established in Bombay, Calcutta and Madras in the year 1862.
In the year 2000 three new High Courts were set up in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttaranchal.
At present there are 21 High Courts present in India.
N-E states are called Seven sisters. (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram,
Nagaland and Tripura).
*********
SUBMARINES:
INS SHALKI: First indigenously built submarine.
INS CHAKRA: Indias first nuclear submarine. (From USSR).
INS ARIHANT: Indias first indigenously built nuclear sub marine
INS Sindhushastra: Indias first missile firing submarine.
INS GHARIYAL: Indigenously built warship.
INS VIBHUTI: Indigenously built missile boat.
*********
R&D (Research and Development)
Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was set up in 1958. The Defence
Research and Development Laboratory launched Integrated Missile development Programme.
Under this five missiles were successfully test fired.
PRITHVI: Indias first indigenously built Surface to Surface missile. In 1998, first test fired
from Sriharikota. 250 KM. Inducted in 1993.
TRISHUL: Short range surface to Air missile. 5-9 KM. 1988.
AKASH: Surface to Air missile. 25 KM. 1990.
NAG: Third generation anti-tank guided missile. 4 KM. 1988.
AGNI: Intermediate ballistic surface to surface missile. 2500 KM. 1989.
*********
MISCELLANEOUS:
Coast guards set up in 1977.
Cantonment board is established through cantonment Act of 1924.
Home guards set up in 1946.
******
ATOMIC ENERGY:
The Atomic Energy Commission was set up in 1948. The present Chairman is DR Sirikumar
Benarjee.
On May 18, 1974 India conducted its first underground nuclear explosion at POKHRAN
(RAJASTAN).
The Second test was conducted on May 11, 1998. OPERATION SHAKTI was the code name
of the tests.
India became the sixth nuclear power in the world.
At present there are six Nuclear power stations in India. Tarapur (Maharashtra), Rawatbhatta
(Rajasthan), Kalpak am (Tamil Nadu), Narora (UP), kakrapar (Gujarat), Kaiga (Karnataka).
Tarapur Atomic Power Station (T.AP.S.) was the first nuclear power plant in India. The
construction of the plant was started in 1962 and the plant went operational in 1969.
APSARA was India's First Nuclear Reactor. It was also the first nuclear reactor in Asia. Apsara
went critical at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay on August 4, 1956.
The first Heavy water plant was set up in Nangal (Punjab) in the year 1962. Heavy water is used
in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR).
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) set up in 1957 at Trombay, near Bombay. It houses
APSARA, CIRUS and DHRUVA the three nuclear reactors.
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) was set up in 1969.
CENTRE LOCATION
Vikram Sarabhai Space centre - Thiruvananthapuram.
ISRO Satellite Centre - Bangalore
Space Application Centre - Ahmadabad
SHAR Centre - Srihari Kota (AP)
National Remote Sensing Agency - Hyderabad
The first Indian satellite Aryabhatta was launched from USSR on April 19, 1975.
Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma became Indias first man in space.
India set a record on April 28, 2008 by PSLV-C9 successfully launching 10 satellites from
Sriharikota, AP.
It also included remote sensing satellite CARTOSAT-2A.
SLV-3 was Indias first indigenous satellite launch vehicle. This was launched by ISRO in the
year 1980. Dr A P J Abdul Kalam was the Project Director for the same.
INSAT-2A was India's first indigenously built satellite. The satellite was launched on July 9, 1992
from Kourou, French Guyana.
*********
NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:
Central Institute for cotton research Nagpur.
Coffee Board Bangalore
Tea Board - Kottayam (Kerala)
Tobacco Board - Andhra Pradesh
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade New Delhi
Indian Institute of Mathematical Sciences - Chennai.
Indian Diamond Institute Surat
Advanced Level Telecom Centre Ghaziabad
Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training Jabalpur.
National Academy for Telecom Finance and Management Hyderabad.
telecommunication Engineering Centre New Delhi
Indian Institute of Science Bangalore.
Indian School Business Hyderabad
Bureau of Indian Standards Delhi
Central Drug Research Institute Luck now
National Institute for Oceanography Panaji (Goa)
Centre For Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Hyderabad
National Institute for Nutrition Hyderabad
Central Rice Research Institute Cuttack
Centre for DNA finger printing and Diagnostics Hyderabad
Indian Institute for Sugar Technology Kanpur
National Institute for Immunology New Delhi
National Institute for Ocean technology Chennai.
Indian Institute for Spices Research (IISR) - Kozhikode, Kerala.
*********
HEALTH:
Indias National Anti-Malaria programme is the worlds biggest health programme against a
single communicable disease.
Dengue fever is a viral disease which is transmitted through the bites if female AEDES
mosquitoes.
The National Leprosy control programme was launched in 1955.
The National Programme for control of Blindness was launched in 1976.
The control of sexually transmitted Diseases (STD) was introduced during fourth 5 year plan.
National AIDS control programme was launched in 1987.
Deficiency odf Iodine in the daily diet may cause goiter and other iodine deficiency
disorders.
The National Mental Health Programme was started in 1982.
The National Cancer control Programme was launched in 1975.
India became the first country to launch GUINEAWORM eradication programme in 1983.
India was declared as guinea worm disease free country.
The GOI was the first country in the world to initiate a comprehensive family planning
programme in 1951.
POLIO ---- Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
DIPHTHERIA PERTUSIS TETANUS -------DPT
DIPHTHERIA TETANUS -------- DT
TETANUS TOXOID ---------TT
Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994 -------- It
banned any test to determine the sex of an unborn child has become illegal.
*********
LEGISLATIVE MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: A Hindu cannot get married for second time till the first marriage is
dissolved by divorce or decree.
National Commission for Women: The National Commission for Women was set up as
statutory body in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Chairman
and 5 members are nominated by the Central government. Ms. Jayanti patnaik was the 1
st
and
present chair person is Dr. Girija Vyas (since 2008).

Prohibition of Child Marriage act, 2006: It replaced the child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929.
*****************
LANGUAGES IN INDIA:
The languages are mentioned in the 8
th
schedule of the Constitution.
At present there are 22 languages mentioned in the Constitution.
Hindi is spoken by more people in India.
39.85% of the total population in India speaks Hindi.
Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language in India.
Bengali ranks at number two position with 8.22%.
Telugu ranks at number three with 7.80%.
Sanskrit ranks at the last position with 0.01%.
It is the classic language of India and also one of the oldest languages in the world. It starts with
Rig Veda.
Telugu numerically the biggest of the Dravidian languages in India.
Urdu is the official language for Jammu and Kashmir.
*********
DANCE FORMS IN INDIA:
BHARATANATYAM: This is dance form in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The earliest
exponents of Bharatanatyam were the Devadasis in South India. Devadasis means Temple
dancers. This dance form contains 64 principles. The dance syllables are popularly known as
BOLS.
KATHAK: It is confined to North India.
KATHAKALI: KERALA. Its a most scientific and elaborately defined dance form of Kerala.
MANIPURI: MANIPUR
ODISSI : ORISSA
KUCHIPUDI: ANDHRA PRADESH
MOHINIATTAM : KERALA
TAMILNADU : Kollattam (Folk)
ASSAM: BIHU (folk)
PUNJAB: GIDDHA (WOMEN FOLK)
PUNJAB: BHANGRA (MEN FOLK)
*********
BOOKS:
1. ARTHSHASTRA - KAUTILYA
2. MAHABHASYA - PATANJALI
3. SWAPNA VASAVADATTA - BHASA
4. NATYA SASTRA - BHARATA
5. ABIGYAN SHAKUNTALA - KALLIDASA
6. MRICHCHAKATIKA - SUDRA
7. RATNAVALI - HARSHA
8. MAHAVIRA CHARITRA - BHAVABHUTI
9. UTTARAMA CHARITA - BHAVABHUTI
10. MATTAVILASA - MAHENDRA VIKRAM PALLAVA
11. SANGEETA RATNAKAR - SARANGADEVA
The National School of Drama was founded in 1959.
INSTRUMENTALISTS:
1. VIOLIN - GAJANA RAO JOSHI.
2. FLUTE - HARIPRASAD CHAURASIA
3. TABLA - ZAKIR HUSSAIN
4. VEENA - DORAISWAMY IYENGAR
5. SAROD - BUDDADEV DASGUPTA
6. SITAR - PANDIT RAVI SHANKAR
7. SANTOOR - SHIV KUMAR SHARMA
8. SHEHNAI - BISMILLA KHAN
9. MRIDANGAM KARAIKUDI MANI
10. NADASWARAM NEERUSWAMY PILLAI
PAINTING:
AJANTA paintings belong to 1
st
century to 8
th
Century AD. These are associated with the life
History of the Buddha and the Jataka stories.
MUGHAL paintings reached climax during Jahangirs time. Jahangirs court was patronized by
Bishan Das, Murad, Mansur, Bahzad, and Aga Raza.
EUROPEAN STYLE: Raja Ravi Verma of Kerala distinguished himself in this style of paintings.
The modern paintings in India were pioneered by Gaganendranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, and
Rabindranath Tagore.
*********
CULTURAL INISTITUTIONS
LALIT KALA ACADEMY: It is the National Academy of Fine Arts. It was Established in 1954
in New Delhi.
SANGEETH NATAK ACADEMY: It is the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama.
Established in the year 1952 in New Delhi.
NATIONAL SCHOOL OF DRAMA: set up in 1959 in New Delhi.
SAHITYA ACADEMY: Established in 1954 in New Delhi.
*********
OTHER INSTITUTIONS:
ACHAELOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA: ESTABLISHED in 1861 in NEW DELHI.
ASIATIC SOCIETY: It was established in 1784 at Calcutta by Sir William Jones.
Anthropological Survey of India: Set up in 1945 at Calcutta.
National Achieves of India: Set up in 1981 in New Delhi.
*********
PRECEDENCE IN ADMINISTRATION:
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Prime Minister
4. Governors of states within their respective states.
5. Former Presidents.
6. Chief Justice of India.
*********
INDIAs FIRST AND LAST:
First Governor-General of Bengal (1772-1785) - Warren Hastings
Last Governor-General of Bengal - Lord William Bentinck (1828-
1833)
GOVERNOR-GENERAL of Bengal became the GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA.
First Governor-General of India (1833-35) -Lord William Bentinck.
Last Governor-General of India (1856-1858_ - Lord Canning
GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA REDESIGNATED AS GOVERNOR-GENERAL
and VICEROY of INDIA.
First Viceroy - Lord Canning
Last Viceroy - Lord Mountbatten
GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIAN UNION
First G-G - Lord Mountbatten
Last G-G - C.Rajagopalachari
PRESIDENTS
First President (1950-1962) - Dr. Rajendra Prasad
He is the only president who got elected to the office for two times.
Present President (2007- till date ) - Smt. Pratibha Patil
VICE PRESIDENTS
First Vice President (1952-1962) - Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
He is the only Vice President who got elected to the office for two times
Present Vice President (2007- till date) - Md. Hamid Ansari
PRIME MINISTERS OF INDIA
First Prime Minister (1947-1964) - Jawaharlal Nehru
Present Prime Minister (2004 till date - Dr. Manmohan Singh
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTERS
First Deputy Prime Minister (1947-1950) - Sardar Patel
Last Deputy PM (2002-2004) - LK Advani
FINANCE MINISTERS:
First FM (1947-1949) - RK SHANMUKHAM SHETTY
Present FM (2009 till date) - Pranab Mukharjee
SPEAKERS:
First speaker (1947-1959) - GV Mavalankar
Present speaker (2009- till date) - Meira Kumar
(She is the first women speaker of Lok Sabha).
CHIEF JUSTICES OF INDIA:
First CJI (1950-51) - Harilal Kania
Present CJI (2010- till date) - SH KAPADIA
CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS:
First CEC (1950-58) - Sukumar sen
Present CEC (2010 till date) - S Y Quereshi
CHAIRMEN OF UPSC:
Present Chairman - DP Agarwal
COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERALS
First CAG (1948-1954) - V. Narahari Rao
Present CAG (2008 till date) - Vinod Rai
ATTORNEY-GENERALS OF INDIA
First A-G (1950-63) - MC. Setalvad
Present A-G (Jun 2009 till date) - G E Vahanavati
GOVERNORS OF RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
Set up in the year 1935.
First Governor (1935-1937) - Sir Osborne Smith
(1943- 1949) - Sir C D Deshmuk
Present Governor (2008 till date) - Dr. Duvvuri Subba Rao

1. Press Trust of India (PTI) founded in 1947 in Bombay, to provide unbiased news to all
subscribers.
2. Do you know? Orissa has the distinction of publishing news papers in 18 out of 23
languages (22 languages plus English).
3. The largest number of news papers and periodicals registered in any Indian language is
Hindi.
4. UP has the distinction largest number of registered news papers in India.
NEWS PAPER COUNTRY
The SUN - Britain
The Mirror - Britain
DAWN - Pakistan
The Times - Britain
New Statesman - Britain
The New York Times - USA
PRAVDA - Russia
Red Flag - China
*********
THE SOLAR SYSTEM and few more facts:
The rotation of the Sun as seen from the Earth. At the poles it is more than the equator. At the
equator it is 25.38 days and at poles it is 33 days.
The Chemical composition of the Sun is 71% Hydrogen, 26.5% Helium and other elements 2.5%.
The age is about 5 billion years.
The nearest planet to the Sun is Mercury 58 million kms.
The farthest planet to the Sun is Neptune 4497 million kms.
The distance of Earth from Sun is 150 million Km.
The planet with highest diameter is Jupiter with 1, 41,968 km. It is next to Sun with 13, 84,000
km.
Mercury has the lowest diameter with 4850 km.
The Earth has only one satellite i.e. Moon.
Jupiter has of 63 satellites. This is the highest for any planet.
The planets Mercury and Venus have no satellites.
On August 24, 2006 Pluto was declared as a dwarf planet. It lost its seven decade status as
the ninth and the outermost planet.
The Pluto was discovered in 1930 by the American Clyde Tom Baugh.
********************
EARTH
Escape Velocity is the speed necessary to break away from the Earth into outer space. It is 11 km
per second.
Speed of the rockets is 8 km per second. This is the velocity required to counter the Earths
gravity to rise up to the atmosphere.
The highest component in the Earth is Iron (35%) and lowest is Aluminum (0.4%).
Period of rotation of earth on its own axis is 23 hours 56 m. 4.09 sec.
Period of revolution of Earth round the Sun is 365 days 5 hrs 48 m 45.51 sec.
Area of water surface on the Earth is 70.9%.
Asia is the biggest continent and it has 29.5% in the earths area.
Approximately 3879 million populations live in Asia.
Antarctica is an uninhabited area and it occupies 9.6% of the earths area.
Lowest population lives in Australia. 32 million people live in Australia.
Area wise Australia is the lowest with only 5.2% of the earths area.
Highest point on the Earth is Everest with 8848 meters.
Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean.
Greatest depth location is Mariana trench in Pacific.
Russia is the biggest country in area wise.
India is the 7
th
biggest country area wise.
China is the biggest country population wise.
India is the second biggest country population wise.
Vatican City is the smallest country (0.44 sq km) with respect to area and population.
Highest volcano Ojos del salado 6885 meters. It is in Andes mountain range. It is in Argentina
and Chile.
Largest desert is Sahara.
Deepest cave Reseau du Foillis, in France.
Greenland is the largest islands.
South-china Sea is the largest sea. Largest ocean is pacific.
Longest river is Nile, Africa.
Deepest point is Challenger deep in Mariana Trench.
Highest waterfalls are ANGEL is in Venezuela.
The biggest deltas is Ganges-Brahmaputra in Bangladesh.
China has most land borders. It has borders with 14 countries.
India has borders with 7 countries.
The Tallest statue is USHIKU DAIBUTSU in Japan.
The Worlds longest mountains in the World Andes present in South America. This passes
through the west coast of South America. The range is about 7000 km. This runs through 7
countries. Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. (The highest peak
in Andes is Mt. Aconcagua of 6963 m. This is in Argentina).
*****************
WITH REFERENCE TO INDIA:
The highest mountain peak K2 (Mount Godwin Austen) 8611 meters. It is in Pak-occupied
Kashmir.
Kanchenjunga 8598 meters.
Kuttanadu in the district of Alappuzha in Kerala is the region with lowest region in India. (The
farming is carried below the sea level).
Longest river is Ganga 2510 km.
Longest river in South India is Godavari 1465 km.
Highest population is in Mumbai.
Hindus constitute 80.44% in India.
India has longest border with Bangladesh. (4097 km).
India has lowest border with Afghanistan. (80 km).
Most literate district in India is AIZAWL in Mizoram.
The district with highest sex ratio is Mahe in Pondicherry.
Highest hill station in India Gulbarga in Jammu and Kashmir. 2250 meters.
*****************
Golden Quadrilateral project:
The Golden Quadrilateral is a highway network connecting India's four largest metropolitan cities.
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, thus forming a quadrilateral of sorts.
The largest highway project in India, initiated by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it is the first phase of
the National Highways Development Project (NHDP), and consists of building 5,846 km of
four/six lane express highways at a cost of 60,000 crore.
As of 31 October 2010, 5,806 km of the entire work has been completed and work on remaining
40 km is under progress.
Only National Highways are used in the Golden Quadrilateral. The four legs use the following
National Highways:
Delhi Kolkata: NH 2
Delhi Mumbai: NH 8 (Delhi Kishangarh), NH 79A (Ajmer bypass), NH 79 (Nasirabad
Chittaurgarh), NH 76 (Chittaurgarh Udaipur), NH 8 (Udaipur Mumbai)
Mumbai Chennai: NH 4 (Mumbai Bangalore), NH 7 (Bangalore Krishnagiri), NH 46
(Krishnagiri Ranipet), NH 4 (Ranipet Chennai)
Kolkata Chennai: NH 6 (Kolkata Kharagpur), NH 60 (Kharagpur Balasore), NH 5 (Balasore
Chennai)
**************
UNO (UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION):
UNO officially came into existence on October 24, 1945.
The declaration was signed in 1942 in San Francisco.
Every year October 24 is celebrated as UN day.
193 countries are the members in UNO.
193
rd
country is the South Sudan (2011).
UN has 6 official languages. Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish and Arabic.
Arabic was added in the year 1973 by the General Assembly.
New countries will be admitted by the General Assembly after the recommendation by the
Security Council.
India became a member of UNO on October 30, 1945.
The UN has six important wings. The General Assembly, the Security Council, the Secretariat,
the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council and the International Court of Justice.
***************
GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
It is like a world Parliament.
The members of UN form General Assembly.
Meets once in a year.
SECURITY COUNCIL:
Five Permanent members. USA, Britain, France, Russia and China.
10 Non permanent members elected every 2 years by the General Assembly.
Permanent 5 members have the veto power.
(For more details please read GKBASICS.COM / CURRENT AFFAIRS).
*********
SECRETARIATE:
Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of Security
Council.
Secretary-General Tenure 5 years.
The Secretary-General is eligible for reelection.
First Secretary-general was Trygve Lie of Norway from 1946-53.
Present Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon of South Korea 2007 to till date.
*********
HEADQUARTERS:
The General Assembly, Security Council, Secretariat, Trusteeship Council and Economic and
Social Council ------------- NEW YORK.
International Court of Justice Hague, Netherlands. (15 Judges)
United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) set up in 1946 in
Paris.
World Health Organization set up in 1948 in Geneva.
Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 1945 in Rome.
World Trade organization set up in Geneva in 1995.
International Maritime Organization set up in London in the year 1948.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) set up in the year 1957 in Vienna.
World Bank set up in the year 1945 in Washington.
10 International Labour Organization (ILO) was set up in the year 1946 in Geneva.
International Monetary Fund (IMF), 1945 at Washington.
International Telecommunications satellite Organization (INTELSAT) 1964, Washington.
*********
UNO INTERNATIONAL DECADES:
2001 2010 International Decade for a Culture of peace and non-violence for the children of
the world.
2003-2012 UN literacy decade: Education for all.
2005-2015 International decade for Action: Water for life.
2008-2017 Second decade for eradication of poverty
2010-2020 UN decade for deserts and the fight against desertification
*********
UNO INTERNATIONAL YEARS:
World Population Year - 1974.
International womens year - 1975
International year of Children - 1979
World communication year - 1983
International Literacy Year - 1990
International Space Year - 1992
International year of Languages and Planet Earth - 2008.
International Year of Reconciliation, National Fibers and Year of Astronomy -2009.
***************
IAU (INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION)
The IAU was founded in the year 1919.
Head Quarters Paris, France.
Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through
international cooperation.
The long-term policy of the IAU is defined by the General Assembly.
The policies are implemented by the Executive Committee.
There are 70 National members in IAU. India is a member in IAU.
*********
NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT (NAM):
It is a group of 118 developing countries.
1955 a conference was held in Bandung in Indonesia. Founded in 1955. NAM officially cane into
operations in the year 1961.
15
th
summit was be held in 2009 in SHARM EI SHEIK (EGYPT) from July 11-16.
********
THE COMMENWEALTH:
Formed in the year 1926.
India hosted a meeting in the year 1983.
2009 meeting is in Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain).
2011 summit will be in Colombo (Sri Lanka)
************
EU (EUROPEAN UNION):
Established in the year 1993.
Head Quarters Brussels (Belgium).
Bulgaria and Romania joined in the year 2007.
Presently there are 27 countries.
**************
SAARC (SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FO RREGIONAL COOPERATION )
SAARC formed in the year 1985, at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Headquarters KATHMANDU, Nepal.
Originally only 7 members and in the year 2007 Afghanistan has been admitted. At present the
number is 8 countries.
2008 summit was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It declared 2008 as Year of Good Governance.
2009 summit is in Male, Maldives. 2009 is the year to Fight Terrorism.
2001 2010 declared as SAARC Decade of the Rights of the Child.
2006-20015 SAARC Decade of Poverty Alleviation.
2010 summit was held in Timphu, Bhutan.
The 17
th
SAARC Summit was held in Addu City (Maldives) in November 2011.
The theme of the summit is Building Bridges.
The summit was held for the 1
st
time south of the equator in Addu City on one of the southern-
most islands in Maldives.
The summit finalizes 4 agreements. 2 on regional standards, one to establish a rapid response
mechanism to deal with natural disasters and the other to establish a SAARC seed bank.
Mahindra Rajapaksa (The President of Sri Lanka) is the present chairman.
Sheel Kant Sharma is the present Secretary-General.
*********
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
Asian Development Bank (ADB) -1966 -Manila (Philippines)
Association of South East Nations (ASEAN) -1967 -Jakarta (Indonesia)
European Space Research Organization -1964 - Paris (France)
International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOLE) 1923- Lyons (France)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) - 1949 - Brussels (Belgium)
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)- Vienna, Australia.
G-8 (1985) initially it was G-7, Russia Joined in the year 1998. All are most industrialized
nations.
G-77 1964 - Developing Countries.
D-8, Developing 8. India is not a member.
***********
NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFIRATION TREATY (NPT)
First signed in the year 1968 came into force in the year 1970.
India has not signed the NPT protesting against discriminatory nature.
*********
COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN TREATY (CTBT)
1996, UN General Assembly approved the CTBT.
India voted against it.
*********
PANCHASHEEL
Signed in the year 1954 in New Delhi.
Signed between India and China by the PM Jawaharlal Nehru and Chou-en-Lai.
*********
MONTREAL PROTOCOL
Signed in 1987 in Montreal (Canada).
To prevent further depletion of Ozone layer.
*********
KYOTO PROTOCAL
1 Signed in Kyoto (Japan), 2005.
It requires industrialized countries to reduce their emission of Carbon dioxide and other green
house gases.
NOTE: Green House gases water vapour, Methane, Nitrous oxide, ozone and Chloro floro
carbons
India signed and ratified in the year 2002.
USA has not ratified.
***********
BOUNDARY LINES:
Radcliff line - India and Pakistan
McMahon - India and China
49
th
parallel - USA and Canada
38
th
parallel - South Korea and North Korea
Durand Line - India and Afghanistan
24
th
parallel - India and Pakistan
**********
BHUDDISM
Founded in the year 525 BC by Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha).
Vihara means Temple.
Sacred books related to Buddhism are Tripitakas also called Sutras.
Tripitakas (Sutta Piatika, Vinaya Pitaka and Abhidamma pitaka).
Buddha was born in Lumbini in Nepal.
He received enlightnment in Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
Attained Nirvana in Kushinagara in UP.
CHRISTIANITY
Founded by Jesus Christ (Jesus of Nazareth)
Sacred book Bible.
Highest numbers of people in the World belong to this religion.
Christ lived and preached in Jerusalem.
*********
HINDUISM
Founded by Aryan Invaders.
Sacred books Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Ramayana.

*********
ISLAM
Founded by Prophet Mohammad.
Prophet was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Sacred book Quran. God delivered to the Prophet by the angle Gabriel.
Judaism - Sacred book - Torah
Shintoism - No specific sacred book
Skims Guru Nanak Sacred Book - Guru Grant sahib
Taoism -Sacred book Tao-te-Ching
Zoroastrianism (Fire Temple) - Zend Avesta
Majority of the people in the world speak Chinese, Mandarin followed by Spanish and English.
*********
NATIONAL DAYS
1. National Science Day - February 28
2. International womens Day - March 8
3. World Meteorological Day - March 23
4. World Health Day - April 7
5. World Heritage Day - April 18
6. Earth Day - April 22
7. International Labour Day - May 1
8. World Red Cross Day - May 8
9. World Telecommunication Day - May 17
10. No (Anti) Tobacco Day - May 31
11. World Environment Day - June 5
12. World Population day - July 11
13. Teachers Day - September 5
14. World Literacy Day - September 8
15. World Ozone Day - September 16
16. World Tourism Day - September 27
17. World Post Office Day - October 9
18. National Post Day - October 10
19. World AIDS day - December 1
20. Human Rights Day - December 10
********
MISCELLANEOUS
The largest archipelago (group of islands) in the world is Indonesia.
The largest dam in the world Three Gorges dam in China.
The largest island is the Greenland.
The largest salt water lake is Caspian Sea.
The largest mountain range is Andes (South America).
The largest Railway platform is Kharagpur in West Bengal.
The largest temple is Angkor Vat in Kampuchea.
The country with largest electorate (number of voters) is India.
The largest bird Ostrich.
The largest creature Blue Whale.
The largest delta Sunder bans.
Gulf of Mexico is the largest gulf.
Etosha Reserve (Africa) is the largest Zoo.
Jama Masjid is the largest Mosque in the world.
The tallest animal Giraffe.
Highest rain fall is in Cherrapunji in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.
The brightest star is Sirius (Dog Star).
Fastest bird Swift.
The largest Public sector bank in India is State Bank of India.
The highest waterfall in India is the jog falls in India.
*********
IMPORTANT PERSONS
Subash Chandra Bose - Netaji
Abdul Gaffar Khan - Frontier Gandhi, Badshah Khan
Madan Mohan Malaviya - Mahamana
Mahatma Gandhi - Bapu, Father of the nation
Lala Lajapathi Rai - Punjab kesari
Rabindranath Tagore - Gurudev
Rajinder Singh - Sparrow
Sheik Mujibur Rahman - Bangabandhu
Jaya Prakash Narayana - Loknayak
Lal Bahadur Shastri - Man of peace
Dadabhai Narorji - Grand Old Man of India
Chittaranjan Das - Deshabandu
C F Andrews - Deenabandu
C Rajagopala Chari - Rajaji
Annadurai - Anna
Adolf Hitler - Fuehrer
*******
NEW 7 WONDERS IN THE WORLD
New Seven wonders foundation is a Swiss based non-profit organization conducted a worldwide
poll. This was conducted by Bernard Weber Swiss adventurer.
1. Taj Mahal - India
2. Roman Colosseum - Italy
3. Pyramid of Chichen Itza - Mexico
4. Machu pichu - Peru
5. Christ the redeemer - Brazil
6. Petra - Jordan
7. Great Wall of China - China
In the year 2007, Red Fort Delhi and in the year 2008 Kalka-Shimla railway in Himachal
Pradesh were included in the UNESCOs list of World Heritage sites.
===========================================================
FIRSTs
First Chinese pilgrim to visit India - Fahein
First Governor-General of Pakistan -Mohammad Ali Jinnah
First to climb Everest - Tensing Norgay and Edmund Hillary
First to step on the Moon- Neil Armstrong followed by Edwin Aldrin
First President of USA - George Washington
First lamb created using DNA from a sheep - Dolly
Worlds first cloned Human Baby - EVE
First women cosmonaut - Valentina Tereshkova
First woman Prime Minister of a Country -Mrs. Sirimavo Bandarnaike
First woman President of a country -Maria Estela Peron (Argentina)
First Indian to get Oscar award -Bhanu Athaiya
First Talkie Film -Alam Ara
First test Tube Baby - Indira Baby Harsha
First Woman Central Minister - Rajkumari Amrut Kaur
First Woman CM of a state - Mrs. Sucheta Kripalani
First woman Governor - Mrs. Sarojini Naidu
First woman Minister of a state - Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
First women to Climb Everest - Bachendri Pal
First Science city - Kolkata
First silent Movie - Raja Harish Chandra
First News paper -Bengal Gazette
First Telegraph line installed between Diamond Harbour and Kolkata
First Indian in the British Parliament - Dadabhai Narorji
First Indian woman to go to space - Kalpana Chawla
*********
OLYMPIC GAMES
First held in 776 BC by Greeks.
Revived and conducted in the modern times in the year 1896 for the first time in Athens, Greece.
Summer Olympics -2008 - Beijing, China
Summer Olympics- 2012 - London
First winter Olympics 1924 - Chamonix. France.
Winter Olympics -2006 - Turin, Italy.
Winter Olympics -2010 - Vancouver, Canada
Indias won the first gold medal in Hockey in the year 1928.
In the year 2008 Abhinav Bindra won gold medal in Mens shooting 10 m air rifle.
India officially participated in the sixth Olympic Games in the year 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium.
********* President of IOC Jacques Rogge, Belgium***************
COMMON WEALTH GAMES
First - 1930 Hamilton, Canada
18
th
- 2006 Melbourne, Australia
19
th
- 2010 New Delhi
20
th
- 2014 Glasgow, Scotland
ASIAN GAMES
First - 1951 - New Delhi
15
th
- 2006 - Doha, Qatar
16
th
- 2010 - Guangzhou, China
17
th
- 2014 - Inch eon, South Korea
SOUTH ASIAN FEDERATION GAMES (SAF)
1
st
- 1984 - Kathmandu, Nepal
10
th
- 2006- Colombo
11
th
- 2008 Dhaka, Bangladesh
2010 games were held in Dhaka.
2012 and 2014 will be in New Delhi and Kathmandu respectively
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BANKS AND NATIONALIZATION
SBI (State Bank of India):
SBI is the largest state-owned banking in India.
The government of India nationalized the Imperial Bank of India in 1955, with the Reserve Bank
of India taking a 60% stake, and renamed it the State Bank of India.
In 2008, the government took over the stake held by the Reserve Bank of India.
The Bank of Calcutta, later renamed the Bank of Bengal, was established on 2 June.
The Bank of Bombay established on April 15, 1840.
The Bank of Madras established on July 1, 1843.
These banks amalgamated on 27 January 1921, and formed into Imperial Bank of India.
Imperial Bank of India renamed to SBI.
SBI has five associate banks:
State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur
State Bank of Hyderabad
State Bank of Mysore
State Bank of Patiala
State Bank of Travancore
State Bank of Saurashtra - merged with SBI in 2008.
State Bank of Indore- merged with SBI in 2010.
14 banks were nationalized in the year 1969.
6 more banks were nationalized in the year 1980.
In the year 1993, the government merged New Bank of India with Punjab National Bank.
In early 1990s the Narasimham committee recommended the entry of private banks into the
banking sector.
Global Trust Bank (GTB) was the first private bank to set up.
Later GTB amalgamated with the Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC).
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FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry):
FICCI was established in the year 1927.
The headquarters located in New Delhi.
This is an association of business organizations in India.
FICCI was established On the advice of Mahatma Gandhi FICCI was founded by GD Birla and
Purushottam Takkur.
FICCI is also the permanent Indian host of the Global India Business Meeting.
The current President is Harsh C. Mariwala ( Chairman and Managing Director of FICCI).
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PARAM-800 (Parallel Machine) is the first Super Computer in India. This is developed by C-
DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) in the year 1991.
(KASEZ) KANDLA SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE is the first SEZ in India. This was set up in
the year 1965. It is also the first SEZ in ASIA. This is the largest multi-product in India.
The BSE (Bombay Stock exchange) is the oldest stock exchange in India. This was set up in the
year 1875 as The Native Share and Stock Brokers Association. BSE is also the oldest stock
exchange in the country. BSE obtained permanent recognition in the year 1956. This is located in
Mumbai.
Suman Sharma is the first woman in the World to fly Russian MIG-35 fight Jet.
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CBFC (Central Board For Film certification):
CBFC was established in the year 1952.
Head Quarters located in Mumbai.
CBFC is popularly known as Censor Board.
This functions under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
This is a regulatory body.
The films can be publicly exhibited in India only after the certification by CBFC.
The term of the chairman is 2 years. Same person can be reappointed.
The current chairperson is Leela Samson (April 1, 2001 - ...).
Leela Samson is a noted Bharatanatyam Dancer.
Prior to her appointment as the Chairperson of CBFC she Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Academy
(Indias National Academy for Music Dance and Drama).
Leela Samson replaced Sharmila Tagore.
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CABE (CENTRAL ADVISORY BOARD OF EDUCATION):
This is the highest decision making body on education in the country.
Union Minister for Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal is the Chairman of the Central
Advisory Board of Education. (As on June 8, 2011).
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NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
The Nuclear power is produced by controlled nuclear reactions. The plants use nuclear
fission reactions to heat water to produce steam which is then utilizes to generate
electricity.
Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant of USSR is the first nuclear power plant in the World. It
was set up on January 27, 1954.
TAPS (Tarapur Atomoc Power Plant), Maharasthra is the first nuclear power plant in
India. This went operational in 1969.
The Nuclear Accident of Chernobyl occurred on April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl
Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.
It is the worst nuclear power plant accident in the World.
This is considered to be the level 7 on the INES (International Nuclear and radiological
Event Scale).
The INES was introduced in the year 1990 by IAEA (International Atomic Energy
Agency, Vienna).
There are 0 to 7 levels. Each level is considered to be 10 times more severe than the
previous level.
The level 7 is considered to be the major accident (Chernobyl).
AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) was constituted by the President of India in
the year 1983. Head Quarters Mumbai. Current Chairman is S S Bajaj.
NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd) works under Department of Atomic
Energy. This is set up in the year 1987. The current Chairman is S K Jain.
NPCIL objective is to implement the atomic power projects for generation of electricity.
The first AHWR (Advanced Heavy Water Reactor) is developed by NPCIL in the year
2011. This is under the consideration of AERB. This reactor is meant for Thorium
utilization.
Thorium was discovered by Jakob Berzelius in the year 1928.
In nature Thorium occurs as Thorium-232. This is estimated to be 3 to 4 times more
abundant than Uranium in the earth crust.
India has about 25% of the World Thorium reserves.
Indias Kakrapar-1 reactor is the Worlds first reactor which uses Thorium rather than
depleted Uranium.
The KAPS (Kakrapar Atomic Power Station is located in Gujarat).
At present KAPS using PHWR (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors).


Fastest Trains in the World: (Source: The Hindu)
TGV (France). This travels at a speed of 300 km/h.
ICE 3 (Germany). 320 km/h.
Shinkansen (Japan). 330 km/h.
Siemens Velaro (Germany) 350 km/h.
CRH380 (China). 380 km/h.
The latest one is Chinas CRH380. This travels between Beijing and Shanghai. The
time is 4 hours 48 minutes. Previously it used to take 10 hrs.