General studies 2016: for civil services preliminary examination/ Chand, Tata

r HISTORY OF INDI
1. Introduction
I. I India: Physical Features 3 £
2. Prehistoric Period
2.1 Palaeolithic Period or Old Stone Age
2.2 Mesolithic Age or the Late Stone
Age 3
2.3 Neolithic or the New Stone Age 4
3. Harappan Civilisation (2700-1700 BC)
3.1 Origin and Evolution 4
3.2 The Extent 5
3.3 Important Centres 5 _
3.4 Major Characteristics 5
3.5 Decline 7
3.6 Chalcolithic Settlements
4. South India
5. Iron Age
6
6. The Vedic Age - 8
6.1 The Aryan'Problem 9
6.2 Early Vedic Society 9
6.3 The Later Vedic Period 12
6.4 Smriti Literature 15
6.5 Epics 16
7. Pre-Mauryan Period: (Sixth Century BC
to Fourth Century BC) I ^
7.1 Sources of Information 17
7.2 Emergence of New Social Groups 17
7.3 Polity 18
7.4 Emergence of Mahajanapadas 18
.3
3
7.5 RiseofMagadh IB
7.6 Persian Invasion 20
7.7 Alexander's Invasion 20
' i«i:
ViJU
7.8 Milieu of Religious Movements 20
8. The Maurjran Empire (321-185 BC)
8.1 Source Material 23
8.2 The Mauryan Conquests 23
8.3 Material Basis of the Mauryan
Empire 24
8.4 Land Revenue 25
8.5 The Urban Economy 25
8.6 Society and Religion 27
8.7 Ashoka's Policy of Dhamma 27
8.8 Mauryan Administration 28
8.9 Relations with Other Powers 30
8.10 The Downfall of the Mauryan
Empire 30
8.1 I Mauryan Art 31
9. India After the Mauryas
(200 BC-AD 300)
9.1 Sources 32
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
9.8
9.9
The Sungas (185-74 BC) 32
Local Powers 32
North-Western India 33
Impact of Central Asian Contacts
The Deccan 34
Sculptural Art 35
The Beginning of Hinduism 37
Buddhism 38
9.IOJcunlsm 38
I > 156
23
34
32
9.1 1 Craft, Trade and Towns 39
9.12 South India—^The Sangam Age 40
10. The Age of the Guptas
ID.) Political Background 41
10.2 Chandragupta I 4!
10.3 Samudragupta (AD 335-376) 42
10.4 Chandragupta II (AD 376-415) 42
10.5 Gupta Administration 42
10.6 Revenue Administration 43
10.7 Trade and Towns 43
10.8 Society 44
10.9 Art and Architecture 46.
10.10 Literature 47
i 0. i I Science and Astronomy 48 '
11. The Successors of Guptas: The Age of
Smaller Kingdoms
12. Harshavardhan (AD 606-647)
13. Early Medieval India
13.1 North India 49
13.2 The Deccan and the South 50
(3.3 Administration 51
13.4 Art and Architecture 51 -
13.5 TheCh'oias 51
13.6 Economy 54 -
14. The Cultural Trends: 750-1200
14.1 The Society 56
14.2 Developments in Religion 57
15. Polity in Northern India
15.1 Origin of the Rajputs 57
15.2 GroNvth of Regional Expression 58
16. Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries:
The Delhi Sultanate 5®
16.1 The Slave Sultans (1206-1290) SB
16.2 TheKhiljis(1290-l320) 59
16.3 TheTughlaq Sultans (1320-1414) 60
16.4 The Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451) 61
16.5 The Lodi Sultans (1451-1526) 61
16.6 Causes of the Downfall of the Delhi
Sultanate 61
16.7 The Administration of the Sultanate 62
41
48
48
49
56
57
16.8 Economy 63
16.9 Sources of Revenue
65
17. The Post-Sultanate Period 65
17.1 Smaller Kingdoms that Arose in the
Post-Sultanate Period 65
17.2 Eastern and Northern India 66
18. The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth
Centuries: The Age of Vijayanagar and
the Bahmanis
18.1 The Bahmani Kingdom 67
18.2 Vijayanagar Empire 68
18.3 Economy 70
18.4 Architecture 70
19. Source Material I
19.1 Slave Sultans 70
19.2 The Khiiji Period 70
19.3 TheTughlaqs 71
20. Religion
20.1 The Sufi Movement 71
20.2 The Bhakti Movement 72
20.3 Kabir and Nanak 72
21. Influences on Architecture, Painting
and Music
21.1 Architecture 72
21.2 Painting and Music 72
22. The Mughal Empire
22.1 Babar(l526-I530) 73
22.2 Humayun (1530-1556) 74
22.3 Akbar (1556-1605) 75
22.4 Jahangir(l605-I627) 77
22.5 Shah Jahan (1628-1658) 77
22.6 Aurangzeb (1658-1707) 78
22.7 The Emergence of Marathas 78
23. Decline of the Mughal Empire
(1706-61)
23.1 Causes for the Decline 79
23.2 Source Material II 81
24. Cultural Developments during the
Mughal Era
24.1 Architecture 82
70
71
72
73
79
82
24.2 Painting 83
24.3 Music 83
24.4 Literature 83
25. The Europeans in India
25.1 The Portuguese 84
25.2 The Dutch 84
25.3 The Engiish 84
26. British Expansion in India
26.1 The Carnatic Wars 85
26.2 The British Conquest of Bengal 85
26.3 Extension of British Influence
(1765-1792) 87
26.4 British Expansion (1798-1809) 87 \
27. Consolidation of British Power (1818-57) 88
27.1 Burma 88
27.2 Afghanistan 88
27.3 Sindh 89
27.4 Punjab 89
27.5 Dalhousie and the Policy of Annexation
(1848-56) 89
28. British Policies and Administration in
India ~ 89
28.1 Developments in Britain and India 8?
28.2 Judicial System 92
28.3 Law and Order 93 ~
28.4 Army 94
28.5 Indian Civil Service 95
28.6 The Economic Impact of British, < '
Rule: I 96 -
28.7 Forest Laws 98
28.8 Trade and Industry 99
28.9 The Economic Impact of British
Rule: II 99
28.10 Modern Education 101
INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT
I. Indian Freedom Struggle
I. I Emergence of a National
Consciousness 3
2. Pre-Congress Nationalist Organisations 3
84
84
Contents xxv
29. Cultural Encounter and Social Change
in the First-half of the 19'*' Century 101
29.1 Rammohun Roy and the Brahmo
Samaj 102
29.2 Young Bengal Movement 103
29.3 Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar 103
30. Resistance to British Rule 104
30.1 Resistance to British Rule: I 104
30.2 Resistance to British Rule: II 106
30.3 Resistance to British Rule: III 107
31. Reorganisation of the British Empire
in India NO
31.1 Indian Councils Act of 1861 1 10
31.2 Changes in the Army 1 10
31.3 British Policy Towards Princely
States 1 1 1
32. Cultural Encounter and Social Change
in the Second-half of the
19'^Century-ll Ml
32.1 Arya Samaj 1 1 1
32.2 Ramakrishna and Vivekananda 1 12
32.3 Theosophical Society 1 12
32.4 Sayyid Ahmad Khan and the Aligarh
School 1 12
32.5 British Legal Intervention in Socio-
cultural Field 1 12
32.6 Women's Organisations 1 14
32.7 British Government's Intervention in
Women's Issues 1 14
Chronology of Principal Events 1 15
References 118
Multiple Choice Questions 119
Answers 155
Explanatory Notes 156
■it
3. The Indian National Congress (INC)
(1885-1905)
3.1 Formation of INC 5
3.2 Prominent Leaders of INC 5
3.3 Congress—Early Demands 5
■^1 - 63
4. Earty Nationalists 6
4.1 Contribution of Early Nationalists 6
4.2 Attitude of the Government 6
4.3 Drawbacks of Early Nationalists 7
5. Rise <>f Militant Nationalism 7
6. Swadeshi Movement 8
6.1 Moderate-Extremist Divide 9
6.2 Critical Appraisal 10
7. Rise of Revolutionary Terrorism 11
8. Surat Split of 1907 12
9. Indian Councils Act of 1909 12
10. Separatist Trends in Indian Nationalist
Politics: The Muslim League 13
11. First World War and Freedom Struggle 14
1 1.1 Revolutionary Activities 14
1 1.2 Lucknow Pact of 1916 14
1 1.3 Home Rule League 15
12. Gandhi and His thought 16
12.1 Champaran 17
12.2 Kheda 17
12.3 Ahmedabad 17 _
13. RowlattAct 18
13.1 jallianwaia Bagh Incident IB
14. The Non-cooperation Movement
(1920-22) 19
14.1 No-Changers and Swarajists 20
14.2 Separatist Trends il 21
14.3 Peasant Movements 22
15. Emergence of Communists 22
15.1 Industrial Unrest and the
Communists 22
16. Subhash Chandra Bose and
Jawahari^ Nehru 23
17. Simon Commission and Nehru Report 23
17.1 Simon Boycott 24
18. Revolutionary Terrorism
18.1 Hindustan Socialist Republican
Army 24
24
19. Peasant Movements 25
19.1 Punjab 25
19.2 Bihar 25
19.3 South India 25
19.4 Gujarat and Maharashtra 25
20. Lahore Congress and Puma Swaraj 26
21. Civil Disobedience Movement
(1930-31) 26
22. First Round Table Conference and
Gandhi-lrwin Pact 28
22.1 Karachi Session of the Congress,
1931 29
22.2 Thjce Time 29
23. Second Round Table Conference 30
24. Civil Disobedience Resumed (1932-34) 31
24.1 Gandhi and his Thought: The Communal
Award and Poona Pact 31
24.2 Cultural Encounter and Social Change:
Caste Consciousness and Related
Movements 32
24.3 Return to Council Politics 33
25. Growth of Socialist Forces 33
25.1 Lucknow and Faizpur 34
25.2 Elections and Congress Ministries 34
26. Separatist Trends: Muslim League
Tactics and Growth of Communalism
35
27. Indian Freedom Struggle
27.1 State People's Movement 35
28. Congress Crisis and Formation of
Forward Bloc
28.1 Congress Ministries Resign 36
28.2 Other Developments During the
War Period 37
28.3 Jinnah's Two-Nation Theory 37
28.4 August Offer, 1940 37
28.5 Economic Scene 38
28.6 New Phases of War 38
28.7 Cripps Mission 38
29. Quit India Movement
29.1 Advance of Muslim League 40
35
36
39
29.2 Left Alternative 40
30. Indian National Army and Netaji
30.1 INA Trials 41
31. Developments under Wavell
31.1 Wavell Plan and Simla
Conference 41
32. The Eve of Independence 42
32.1 September 19 Announcement 42
32.2 The 1945-46 Elections 42
32.3 Revolt of RIN Ratings 42
32.4 Cabinet Mission Plan 42
INDIAN AND WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Part-I World Geography
1. Introduction
2. Branches of Geography
2.1 Physical Geography 3
2.2 Human Geography 4
2.3 Economic Geography 4
3. Origin of the Earth
3.1 Nature of the Matter '
Forming the Earth 5
3.2 Geological History of the Earth 5 :
4. The Earth and Its position in the Solaf
System ' 4
4.1 Solar System 6
4.2 The Shape and Size of the Earth 7
4.3 Location on Earth Surface and Latitude
and Longitude 7
4.4 Some Important Parallels and
Meridians 8
4.5 Great Circles and Small Circles 8
4.6 Motions of the Earth and
Their Effects 8
4.7 Inclination of the Earth's Axis and Its
Effect 8
4.8 Local and Standard Time and the
International Date Line 10
4.9 The Solar and the Sidereal Time 1 1
4.10 Calendar I I
41
41
3-97
3
32.5 Direct Action Day and Interim
Government 43
32.6 Constituent Assembly 43
32.7 Attlee's Announcement 43
32.8 Mountbatten Plan 44
33. Independence and Partition (1945-47) 44
33.1 Partition 44
33.2 Integration of Princely States 45
Indian National" Movement 46
Mu/tip/e Choice Questions 46
Answers 63
Explanatory Notes 63
4.1 1 The Earth and the Moon 12
4.12 Eclipses and Phases of the Moon 12
4.13 Moon and Tides 13
S. The Atmosphere
5.1 Structure of the Atmosphere 14
5.2 Composition of the Atmosphere 16
5.3 Aurora and Magnetic Storms 17
5.4 Weather and Climate 17
5.5 Insolation and Heat Budget 17
5.6 Greenhouse Effect and Global
Warming 19
5.7 Distribution of Temperature 19
5.8 Inversion of Temperature 21
5.9 Thermal Anomaly 21
.. 5.10 Range of Temperature 22
5.M Mean Thermal Equator 22
5.12 Pressure 22
5.13 Pressure and Winds 23
5.14 Planetary Winds 24
5.15 Seasonal and Local Winds 26
5.16 Direction and Velocity of Winds 28
I - 183
5.17 The Jet Stream 28
5.18 States of V^ter and Heat Exchange 28
5.19 Humidity 28
5.20 Vapour Pressure 29
5.21 Dew Point and Condensation 29
5.22 Clouds 29
14
/
5.23 Dew and Frost 29
5.24 Fog, Smog, Mist and Haze 30
5.25 Precipitation 30
5.26 Distribution of Rainfall 31
5.27 Rain-shadow 32
5.28 Air Masses and Fronts 32
5.29 Cyclones and Anticyclones 34
5.30 Types of Climate 35
5.31 Hydrological Cycle and Global Water
Balance 37
5.32 Ground Water and Water Table 37
5.33 Sources of Ground Water 37
6. The Hydrosphere
6.1 Oceans of the World 38
6.2 Configuration of Ocean Floor 39
6.3 Salinity 41
6.4 Distribution of Salinity 41
6.5 Temperature of Oceans 42
6.6 Waves and Currents 42
6.7 Marine Resources 47
7. The llthosphere
7.1 Interior Structure of the Earth; 48
7.2 Materials of the Earth's CrustrRocks
and Minerals 49
7.3 Classification of Rocks 49
7.4 Landforms 50
7.5 Landforms of the First Order—Oceans
and Continents 50
7.6 Sea Floor Spreading 51
7.7 Landforms of the Second Order 51
7.8 Forces and Processes Affecting the
Earth's Crust 53
7.9 Internal Forces and Their Impact 53
7.10 Volcanic Activity 53
7.1 ! Distribution of Volcanoes 54
7.12 Diastrophic Forces and Earth
Movements 55
7.13 Folding and Warping 55
7.14 Faulting 55
7.15 Earthquakes 56
7.16 Isostacy 57
7.17 External Forces and Their Impact
38
48
7.18 Weathering 58
7.19 Erosion 59
7.20 Cycle of Erosion 63
7.21 Soils 64
7.22 Classification and Distribution of
World Soils 65
7.23 The Soil Taxonomy Used by US Soil
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
Conservation Service 67
8. Human Geography
8.1 World Population 69
Distribution of Population
Density of Population 70
Population Structure 71
Population and Resources
Population Problems of Under-
69
71
Developed and Advanced Countries
Races and Tribes 72
Migration 72
Causes and Consequences of
Migration 73
8.10 Types of Migration 73
8.1 1 Settlement 73
8.12 Classification of Settlements 74
8.13 Distribution, Size and Pattern of
Settlements 75
9. Economic Geography
9.1 Economic Activities 75
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
Resources—Concept and Their
Classification 76
World Agriculture 77
Farming Organisation and Farming
Systems 77
Types of Cultivation 77
Intensive and Extensive Farming 78
,./ Agricultural Typology 78
9.8 Chief Agricultural Products and the Chief
Producers 80
9.9 Animal Rearing and Animal Products 81
9.10 Forestry and Forest Products 82 .
9.1 1 Deforestation and Conservation of
Forests 84
9.12 Important Minerals and Power
Resources and Leading Producers
84
69
71
75
' 9.13 Chief Industrial Products and Leading
Producers 86
9.14 Major Products of Various Natural
Regions 87
9.15 Some Important Boundary Lines 88
9.16 Important Cities and What They are
Famous For 88
10. Glossary of GeographicalTerms 90
Part-ll Indian Geography 99-183
1. introduction 99
I. I Location 99
1.2 Area and Boundaries 99 *
1.3 Administrative Divisions 99
1.4 Geology 99
2. Physiography ' 0®
2.1 Himalayas 100
2.2 Major Ranges of Himalayas 100
2.3 Regional Divisions of Himalayas 101
2.4 The Plains of India 101
2.5 Peninsular Plateau 102
2.6 Islands of India 102 '
3. Drainage - * 103
3.1 Himalayan Rivers 103
3.2 Rivers of Peninsular India Flowing into
the Bay of Bengal 103
3.3 West-flowing Rivers of the Peninsular
Region 104
3.4 Differences Between the Himalayan and
the Peninsular Rivers 105
3.5 Drainage of the Indian Desert
Region 105
4. Climate
4.1 The Monsoon and Its Mechanism 105
4.2 The Seasons 106
4.3 Importance of Monsoon 107
4.4 Climatic Regions 107
4.5 Floods and Drou^its 108
5. Soils '
5.1 Important Types 108
5.2 Problems with Soil and Soil
Conservation 109
6. Natural Vegetation, Plant and
Animal Life 110
6.1 Major Types 1 10
6.2 Extent of Forest in India 1 11
6.3 Forestry and Conseivation
of Forests 1 1 I
6.4 Wildlife 1 13
6.5 Wildlife Conservation 1 13
6.6 Biosphere Reserves 1 17
6.7 Conservation Reserves 1 17
7. Agriculture 1 IB
7.1 Crop Groups 1 18
7.2 Types of Cultivation 1 19
7.3 Cropping and Land Use Pattern 119
7.4 Fertility and Productivity 1 19
7.5 Agricultural Infrastructure 1 19
7.6 Agricultural Regions 120
7.7 Important Crops 120
7.8 Crop Diseases 122
7.9 Animal Husbandry 122
7.10 Fishing 124
8. Irrigation and Power
8.1 Means of Irrigation 125
8.2 Irrigation and Power Projects 125
9. Mineral Resources
9.1 Classification and Distribution of
Minerals 127
10. Industries
^ 10.1 Important Factories/Plants 131
11. Transport and Communications
11.1 Transport 132
1 1.2 Communications 137
12. Foreign Trade
12.1 Important Feati' res of India's
Export Trade 39
13. Social Aspects
13.1 Population 139
13.2 Density 140
13.3 Sex Ratio 140
13.4 Literacy 142
13.5 Trend of Growth 142
125
127
129
132
139
139
13.6 Languages 143
13.7 Religions 143
13.8 Racial Groups 143
13.9 Tribal Groups 143
14. Settlements 144
14.1 Types of Settlements 144
INDIAN POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
I. New initiatives on issues of Governance
(2014-2015) 3
I. I Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
(PMJDY) 3 t
1 .2 Pradhan Manti MUDRA Yojana 3
1.3 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:
Clean India Mission 4
1.4 Make In India Initiative 5
1.5 Digital India Programme 6
1 .6 Sagarmala Initiative Towards Greater
Blue Revolution . 7 .
1 .7 Skill India Programme 7
1.8 Sukanya Samriddhi Account Yojana 8
1.9 Pradhan Mantri Jeevan jyoti Bima
Yojana (PMJJBY) 9
1. 10 Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
(PMSBY) 9
1. 1 1 Seventh Pay Commission: Expectations
and Controversies 10
1.12 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao* Scheme 1 1
1.13 eBasta: New Portal for Students to
Download School Books I I
1.14 PAHAL Scheme 12
I. IS Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
Transformation (AMRUT) 12
1.16 Smart City Mission 13
3. The Constitution 15
2.1 Constitutional Developments 15
2.2 Framing of the Constitution 16
2.3 Objectives of Constitution 17
2.4 Features of the Indian Constitution 17
2.5 Preamble 19
14.2 Urbanisation in India 145
14.3 Census Definition of Urban
Settlements 145
Multiple-Choice Questions 158
Answers 181
Explanatory Notes 182
^ I - 148
2.6 Parts and Important Articles of the
Constitution 20
3. Union Territories and Reorganisation of
States 22
3.1 Integration of Princely States 22
3.2 Dhar Commission and jVP
Committee 22
3.3 Provisions Regarding Territories In the
Constitution 22
3.4 First Linguistic State and State
Reorganisation Commission 23
4. Citizenship
4.1 Who is a Citizen? 25
4.2 Acquisition and Termination
of Citizenship 25
4.3 Amendment of Citizenship Act 25
4.4 Commonwealth Citizenship 26
4.5 Single Citizenship 26
4.6 Dual Citizenship for People
of Indian Origin (PIOs) 26
4.7 Voting Right to NRIs 26
4.8 Significance of Citizenship 26
5. Fundamental Rights
5.1 Introduction 26
5.2 Need and Importance of Fundamental
Rights 26
5.3 Classification of Fundamental Rights 27
5.4 The Writs 29
5.5 Suspension of Fundamental Rights 29
5.6 Special Features 29
5.7 Parliament's Right to Amend
Fundamental Rights 29
25
26
,
6. Fundamental Duties
7. The Directive Principles
of State Policy 30
7.1 Introduction 30
7.2 Difference between Directive Principles
and Fundamental Rights 30
7.3 Important Directive Principles 30
7.4 Additional Directive Principles 31
7.5 Directive Principles in Practice 31
7.6 Relation between Directive Principles
and Fundamental Rights 31
8. The President
8.1 President 32
8.2 Powers of the President 33
8.3 Position of the President 34
8.4 Vice-President 35
9. The Prime Minister and Council of
Ministers
9.1 Real Executive Authority 35
9.2 The Prime Minister 35
9.3 Deputy Prime Minister 36
9.4 Council of Ministers 37
10. The Parliament
10.1 LokSabha 38
10.2 RajyaSabha 39
10.3 Sessions of Parliament 39
10.4 Joint Sessions 40
10.5 Powers of Parliament 40
10.6 Is the Indian Parliament a Sovereign
Body? 41
10.7 Privileges of Members 41
10.8 Committee System 41
10.9 Legislative Procedure 43
10.10 Vote on Account 44
10.1 1 Parliamentary Terms 44
1 1. The Supreme Court
I I.I Introduction 47
1 1.2 Independence of Judges 48
11.3 Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court 48
1 1.4 The Supreme Court and Judicial Review 49
1 1.5 Judicial A'-tivism 49
30
12
35
38
47
1 1.6 Public Interest Litigation SO
1 1.7 Judiciary V. Legislature 50
12. State Executive 51
12.1 Introduction 51
12.2 The Governor 51
12.3 Powers of the Governor 52
12.4 Chief Minister 53
12.5 Council of Ministers 53
12.6 The Advocate General 54
13. State Legislature 54
13.1 Legislative Assembly 54
13.2 Legislative Council 54
13.3 Powers of the State Legislature 55
14. High Court 55
14.1 Introduction 55
14.2 Transfer of Judges 56
14.3 Jurisdiction of High Court 56
14.4 Administrative Tribunals 56
14.5 Family Courts 57
14.6 LokAdalats 57
14.7 Nyaya Panchayats 58
14.8 Legal Aid 58
15. Union Territories 60
15.1 Introduction 60
15.2 Administration 60
15.3 Schedule Areas 61
15.4 Tribal Areas 61
16. Ir^dian Federalism and Relations
between the Union and States 61
16.1 Indian Federalism 61
16.2 Non-Feder^ Features 62
16.3 Co-operative Federalism 62
16.4 Union-State Relations 62
17. Demand for Greater Sta :e Autonomy
and Reform of Centre-State Relations 64
17.1 Sarkaria Commission 65
17.2 Emergency Provisions 67
i 7.3 Zonal Councils 69
18. Constitutional Amendments 69
18.1 Procedure for Amendment 69
18.2 Constitutional Amendments 70
19. Civil Services under the Union and
States 75
19.1 Classification of Services 75
19.2 Public Service Commissions 75
19.3 Civil Servants and Fundamental
Rights 76
20. Key Functionaries 77
20.1 Comptroller and Auditor General of
India 77
20.2 Attorney General of India 79
20.3 Election Commission 79
20.4 Finance Commission 80
21. Provisions for Minorities, Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes 80
21.1 Introduction 80
22. Official Language 8'
22.1 Hindi as Official Language and use of
English 81
22.2 Regional Languages 81
22.3 Classical Languages 81'
23. Jammu and Kashmir ' . 82
23.1 Special Status for Jaiinmu and Kashmir 82
23.2 Constitution of Jarrimu and Kashmir 83
23.3 Demand for Abrogation of
Article 370 83
23.4 Jammu and Kashmir Resettlement Act 84
24. Funds -
24.1 Consolidated Fund of India 84
24.2 Contingency Fund of India 84
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Economic Development 3
I. I Introduction 3
1.2 Growth and Development 3
1.3 Government and Economic
Development 3
1.4 Government's Role in India's Economic
Development 3
1.5 Measuring Economic Development 4
1.6 Planning for Development 7
25. India as a Secular, Democratic State
25.1 Equality of Religions 84
26. Electoral System and Elections
26.1 Electoral System 85
26.2 Electoral Procedure 85
26.3 Electoral Reforms 86
26.4 Elections Held in India Since
. Independence 88
26.5 Highlights of the Various Lok Sabha
Elections Held So Far 91
26.6 Anti-Defection Law (1985) 92
26.7 Political Parties 93
26.8 Registration of Political Parties 93
26.9 National and Regional Parties 93
27. Panchayati Raj
27.1 Panchayati Raj 94
27.2 Three-tier System 95
27.3 Assessment of Panchayati Raj 95
27.4 Ashok Mehta Committee 96
28. Community Development
28.1 Towards Self-help 98
29. Schedules of the Constitution
29.1 Introduction 99
29.2 List of Schedules 99
30. Indian Foreign Policy
Multiple Choice Questions 101
Answers 144
Explanatory Notes 146
Suggested Reading 148
1.7 A Review of Five Year Plans 8
1.8 Liberalisation and Economic
Development 12
1.9 Inflation and Economic
Development 15
1. 10 Public Finance and Fiscal Policy
1. 1 1 Money, Banking and Monetary
Policy 20
1.12 Foreign Trade and Foreign Exchange 24
17
84
85
94
98
99
iOO
2. Social Development
2.! Definitions 26
26
3. Poverty and its Measurement
3.1 Concepts 27
3.2 Poverty and Public Policy 27
3.3 Inequality and Vulnerability 28
3.4 Measurement of Poverty 28
3.5 GNP Per Capita 28
3.6 Head Count Ratio, Poverty Gap and
Poverty Severity Index 28
3.7 Multi-dimensional Poverty Index 28
3.8 Planning Commission Estimates 28;
3.9 Expert Groups for Estimating Poverty
and BPL Families 29
3.10 India's Record of Poverty Reduction 30
4. Inclusion
4.1 Concepts 31
4.2 Inclusive Growth 31
4.3 Financial Inclusion 32
5. Demographics
5.1 Introduction 32
5.2 Population Growth 33 ^
5.3 Age Composition of the Population 33 '
5.4 State-wise Demographic Profile 34.
5.5 Salient Features of Census 201 1 34"
5.6 Significant Changes 34
5.7 Alarming Sex Ratio 35
5.8 Population and Development 35
5.9 National Population Policy 2000 35
6. Urbanisation 36
6.1 Introduction 36
6.2 Issues in Urbanisation 36
7. Gender and Development 39
7.1 Introduction 39
7.2 Women Empowerment 39
7.3 National Policy for the Empowerment
of Women (2001) 39
7.4 Some Indicators of Gender
Inequality 40
7.5 Gender Budgeting 40
27
31
32
8. The Land Issue
8.1 The Issue 41
8.2 Land Reforms 41
8.3 Land Acquisition 41
8.4 Tribal Land 41
8.5 Land and the Growth of Extremism
42
9. Sustainable Development
9.1 Introduction 42
9.2 The Earth Summit Rio+10 42
9.3 India's Strategy on Sustainable
Development 43
9.4 National Action Plan for Climate Change
(NAPCC) 43
9.5 Rio+20 - United Nations Conference
on Sustainable Development, 2012 44
9.6 What is Green Economy? 44
9.7 Rio+20 Declaration 45
10. UN Millennium Development Goals 45
10.1 Introduction 45
10.2 Goals, Targets and Indicators 46
10.3 MDG Progress 46
10.4 Beyond 2015 47
11. Government's Initiatives in Social
Sector 47
1 1.1 Social Security 47
1 1.2 Persons with Disabilities 49
1 1.3 Women and Child Welfare 49
1 1.4 Welfare Schemes for the Scheduled
Castes 51
1 1.5 Welfare Schemes for the Scheduled
Tribes 52
1 1.6 Welfare Schemes for Minorities 52
12. Non-governmental Agencies and
Development
12.1 NGOs and Civil Society
Organisations 53
12.2 Civil Society 54
12.3 National Policy on Voluntary Sector,
2007 54
Qossary 55
Multiple-Choice Questions
Answers 77
58
41
42
53
ENVIRONMENTAL ECOLOGY, BIO-DIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE J J
Part-I General Issues on Environmental 3-25
Ecology
1. Introduction 3
2. Energy Resources 3
2.1 Non-renewable Energy Resources 4
2.2 Renewable Energy Resources 6
2.3 Energy Conservation 7
3. Environmental Degradation 7
3.1 Environmental Pollution of Air, Water
and Land/Soil 7
3.2 Ecosystems 8
3.3 Wildlife 8
3.4 Eutrophication 8
3.5 Habitat Destruction 8
4. Depletion of Natural Resources 8
4.1 Fishing 8
4.2 Logging (the Felling, Skidding,;
On-site Processing and Loading
of Trees onto Trucks) _9
4.3 Mining 9 ,
■ t 5. Anoxic Waters t" 9
5.1 Causes and Effects 91
5.2 Anoxic Events 9
5.3 Hypoxia 10
5.4 Dead Zones 10
%
6. Solid and Hazardous Waste
6.1 Solid Waste 10
6.2 Hazardous Waste 13
7. Overpopulation
7.1 Natural Burial 14
7.2 Water Crisis 14
7.3 Overpopulation in Companion
Animals 14
7.4 Tragedy of the Commons 14
8. Conservation of Natural
Resources 15
8.1 Species Extinction 15
8.2 Pollinator Decline 15
10
14
8.3 Coral Bleaching 15 ,
8.4 Holocene Extinction 16
8.5 Invasive Species 16
8.6 Poaching 16
8.7 Endangered Species 16
9. Pollution 17
9.1 Forms or Types of Pollution 17
9.2 Effects of Pollution 17
9.3 Pollution Control Regulation and
Measures 18
Multiple Choice Questions 20
Answers 25
Part-2 Biodiversity and Climate Change 27-60
Section-A Biological Aspects of Biodiversity 27
1. What is Biodiversity? 27
I. I Relationship between Biodiversity
Levels 27
1.2 Uneven Distribution in Biodiversity 27
1.3 Biodiversity and Evolutionary
Trends 28
1.4 Evolutionary Diversification 28
2. Biodiversity and Man 7®
2.1 Biodiversity and Human Health 29
2.2 Biodiversity: Business and Industry 29
2.3 Leisure, Cultural and Aesthetic
Value 30
2.4 Other Services 30
3. Threats to Biodiversity
3.1 Habitat Destruction 31
3.2 Overexploitation ?3
Multiple Choice Questions 35
Answers 40
Section-B The Chemical Aspec< s of
Biodiversity
I. Chemicals: The Essentie Components
of Biodiversity
I. I Bioactive Compound- 41
1.2 Flavours 41
>1-74
I
'
30
41]
1.3 Fragrances 41
1.4 Pheromones 42
1.5 Porphyrins 42
1.6 Biochemical Compounds 42
1.7 Enzymes 45
1.8 Immunoglobulins 45
1.9 Pharmaceutical Drugs 46
1.10 Vitamins 46
I.I I Hormones 46
1.12 Neurotransmitters 47
2. Chemical Threats to Biodiversity
2.1 Chemical Toxicology 47
2.2 Environmental Pollution 51
3. Saviours of Biodiversity
3.1 Green Chemistry 52
3.2 Combinatorial Chemistry 54
3.3 Computational Chemistry 54
3.4 Prebiotic Chemistry 54
3.5 Supramolecular Chemistry 54
3.6 Biocatalysis 55
3.7 Biomaterials 55
3.8 Biomimetics 55 _
3.9 Biopolymers 56
3.10 Bioassemblies 56 ;
3.1 1 Steps to Reduce Pollution 56 r.
3.12 International Year of Biodiversity 57.:
general SCIENCE
Part-i Physics ^ ~
1. Physical Quantities, Standards and
Units ^
1.1 Unit of Length 3
[ 1.2 Unit of Mass 3
1.3 Unit of Time 3
1.4 British (or F.RS.) System of Units 4
2. Mechanics and Properties of Matter 4
2.1 Motion 4
-2.2 Force 6
2.3 Newton's Laws of Motion 8
47
52
Multiple Choice Questions 57
Answers 60
Part-3 Climatic Change
Contents xxxv
1. Climate change
1.1 Evidence of Climatic Changes in the
Past 61
1.2 Climatic Changes during the Recorded
History 62
1.3 Trends Since the Advent of
Instruments 63
2. Climatic Cycles 63
3. Theories of Climatic Change 63
3.1 Hypotheses Based on Solar
Variations 64
3.2 Astronomical Hypotheses 64
3.3 Atmospheric Hypotheses 64
3.4 Terrestrial Hypotheses 65
4. Global Warming 65
4.1 Mitigation of and Adaptation to
Global Warming 68
4.2 Differing Views 68
4.3 Indian Response to Climatic Change
and Global Warming 69
5. Ozone Layer Protection 70
Multiple Choice Questions 70
Answers 74
2.4 Impulse 9
2.5 Work, Power and Energy 9
2.6 Moment of a Force 10
2.7 Centre of Gravity 10
2.8 Machines 10
2.9 Artificial Satellites 1 1
2.10 Density and Relative Density 1 1
2.1 1 Pressure 12
2.12 Upthrust 13
2.13 Hydrometer 13
2.14 Matter and its Properties 13
61-74
61
-325
xxxvi Contents
2.15 Motion of Fluids—Bernoulli's
Heat
Theorem 15
3.1 Internal Energy 15
3.2 Thermal Expansion 16
3.3 Transmission of Heat 17
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
Quantity of Heat 19
Car Engine Coolant 19
Change of State 19
Relative Humidity 20
Air Conditioning 20.
Pressure Cooker 20
4. Wave Motion
5. Electromagnetic Radiation
6.
5.1 Radio and Teievision Transmission 22
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
Direct-to-home (DTH) Television 22
Night Vision 22
Radar 23
Microwave Oven 23
5.6 Computed Tomography 23
Light
6.
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
Rectilinear Propagation, Shadows
and Eclipses 23 r.
Reflection 23
Refraction 25
Total Internal Reflection 26
Dispersion 26
Coiour of Objects 27 ^
Colour Television 27
Lenses 27
Eye 28
6.10 Optical Instruments 28
6.1 1 Scattering of Light 29
6.12 Interference of Light 29
6.13 Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated
Emission of Radiation) 29
6.14 Diffraction of Light 30
Sound
7.1 Sound Characteristics 30
7.2 The Speed of Sound 31
7.3 Reflection of Sound, Echo 31
15
2
0
21
23
30
7.4 Refraction of Sound
7.5 Resonance 32
7.6 Doppler Effect 32
7.7 Sonic Boom 32
7.8 Musical Scale 32
31
7.9 Noise Reduction in Recording
Media 32
8. Magnetism
8.1 Earth's Magnetism 33
8.2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
9. Static Electricity
9.1 Electricity by Friction 33
9.2 Insulators, Conductors,
Superconductors and
Semiconductors 34
10. Current Electricity
10.1 Electrical Resistance
Electric Cell 34
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
Car Battery 34
Effects of Electric Current
Power Generation and
Transmission 35
34
Domestic Electric Installation
Electric Light 36
Some Electronic Devices 36
11. Atomic Physics
13
I I. I Atomic Structure 37
1 1.2 Emission of f^diation 37
12. Nuclear Physics
12.1 Radioactivity 38
12.2 Nuclear Energy 38
Astronomy and Space S-ience
13.1 Celestial Bodies 39
13.2
13.3
13.4
Solar System 41
Kepler's Laws 43
Artificial Satellites anc Their
Application 44
Glossary 44
Multiple Choice Ques ions
Answers 71
3
5
49
36
33
33
3l \
3'
Pa
Part-2 Biosciencest Botany and Zoology 73-246
1. The Study of Life 73
I. I Introduction 73
1.2 Branches of Biology 73
1.3 Living and the Non*Living
Organisms 77
2. Cell—The Basic Unit of Life 78
2.1 Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells 78
2.2 Plant and Animal Cells 79
2.3 Cell Division 80
2.4 Viruses—the Filterable Agents 82
2.5 Viroids 83 i
2.6 Prions 83 '
3. Classification of Living Organisms
3.1 Binomial Nomenclature 84
3.2 Classification 84
4. Organisation of the Living Body
4.1 Organisation in Plants 88
4.2 Plant Tissues 88
4.3 Morphology of the Plant 90
4.4 Organisation in Animals 90
4.5 Organisms 92
5. Nutrition
5.1 Food—^The Source of Energy 92 ^
5.2 Enzymes 93
5.3 Digestion 93
5.4 Nutritional Requirements 93
5.5 Energy Requirements 95
5.6 Plant Nutrition 96
5.7 Mineral Nupitlon of Plants 96
5.8 Photosynthei^ 97
5.9 Special Modes of fHant Nutrition 97
6. Respiration
6.1 Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
Respiration in Plants 99
Energy Production i OQ
6.4 Respiratory Media tOO
6.5 Breadiing OrgartS in Man
6.6 the Breathip Mechatiism
100
100
84
88
92
99
99
Contents idOtvil
6.7 Gaseous Exchange and Transport 100 ,
6.8 Cellular Respiration—An
Energy-yielding Process 101
7. The Transport System iOI
7.1 Transport in Animals 101
7.2 The Heart 101
7.3 Transport in Plants 102
8. Excretion of Idetaboilc WsBtes 103
8.1 Nephron—The Structure and
Functional Unit of Kidney 103
8.2 Urine Formation 103
8.3 Acid-Base Balance—The Kidneys as
Bipod pH Regulators 104
8.4 Kidney Diseases 104
8.5 the Skin—Its Structure and Functions
of ^cretion and Temperature
- Regulation 104
9. Biocommunication 105
9.1 Nervous System 105
9.2 Nerve Impulse vs Stimulus 106
9.3 Physiology of Conduction of Nerve
Impulse 106
9.4 Saltatory Nerve Conduction 106
9.5 Transmission on Impulse Across the
Synapse 108
9.6 Neuromuscular Transmission 108
9.7 The Endocrine System 108
10. Muscle Movement (Contractton) 108
10.1 Uhrastruetui^ of Skeletal Muscle
Fibre 108
10.2 Sliding Filament Theory of Muscle
Contraction 109
11. Skeletal System 111
I I.I Functions III
11.2 '^rpes of Bones III
11.3 Divisions of the Skeletal System 111
1 1.4 Bone Movement and the Joints M 3
11.5 Clinical Applicadon 114
12. ileprodiietiolv^Rerpetuetion offihe
12.1 Asexual Reproduetioh
Ih
114
12.2 Sexual Reproduction 1 14
12.3 Parthenogenesis in Animals 1 16
12.4 Reproduction in Plants 1 17
12.5 Parthenogenesis in Plants 1 18
13. Plant Growth and Development I IS
13.1 Patterns of Growth 1 19
13.2 Control of Growth and
Development 1 19
13.3 Grovrth and Turgor Movements in
Plants 120
14. Genetics—The Science of Heredity 121
14.1 Gregor Mendel—Father of
Genetics 121
14.2 Genotype and Phenotype 121
14.3 Sex Chromosomes 122
14.4 Sex-linked Inheritance 122
14.5 Man—the Heterogametic Sex 122
14.6 Birds and Bees Don't Follow Man in
Sex 122 :
14.7 The Gene 122
14.8 Linkage. Crossing.Over. and
Recombination of Genes 122
14.9* Mutation 123 .
14.10 Blood Group Inheritance 123
14.1 1 Rh Factor 123 '
14.12 Molecular Biolo^ of the Gene 126
14.13 Jumping Genes 129
14.14 Genetic Engineering 129
14.15 Genes and Cancer 131
14.16 DMA Finger Printing 131
'4.17 Cloning Individuals 132
'4.18 Human Genome Project 132
'5. Plant Diseases 133
' ^ ' Diseases and Their Causative
Agents 133
16. Human Diseases and Defense
Mechanism 133
16.1 Human Diseases j 33
16.2 Communicable or Infectious
Diseases 135
16.3 Non-communicable or '
Non-infectious or Degenerative
Diseases 135
16.4 Allergies 140
16.5 Deficiency Diseases 140
16.6 Cancer 141
16.7 Human Defense Mechanism 141
17. Environmental Biology—Organisms in
Relation to Their Surroundings 145
17.1 Ecology 145
17.2 Ecosystem 145
17.3 Food Chains and Food Webs 145
17.4 The Physical Environment 145
17.5 Biomes 146
17.6 Environmental "types 146
17.7 Man and Environmental Pollution 147
17.8 The Natural Ozone Layer 151
17.9 Ozone Destruction by
Chlorofiourocarbons 151
17.10 The Ozone Hole 151
17.1 1 Wildlife in India 152
17.12 Lion Reserves in India 154
17.13 Latest Population of "Hgers
in India 158
17.14 List of Endangered Animals
in India 159
IS. Origin and Evolution of Life 160
18.1 Theory of Special Creation 160
18.2 Theory of Spontaneous
Generation 160
18.3 Chemosynthetic Origin of Life 160
18.4 Evolution of Life 161
18.5 Evidences for Evolution 16!
18.6 Evolution of Man 162
19. Drug Abuse and Alcoholism
19.1 Stimulants 164
19.2 Depressants 164
19.3 Hallucinogens 164
19.4 Alcoholism 164
20. Animal Husbandry 166
20.1 Cattle 166
163.
20.2 Buffaloes 166
20.3 Goats 167
20.4 Sheep 167
20.5 Pigs 168
20.6 Camels 168
20.7 Poultry 169
20.8 Cross Breeding 170
20.9 Artificial insemination (A.I.) 170
20.10 Animal Diseases 171
21. Plants and Human Welfare 172
21.1 Introduction 172
21.2 Food Plants 172
21.3 Spices and Condiments 182 i
21.4 Fibre Plants 183 ■
21.5 Beverage Plants 185
21.6 Masticatory and Fumitory Plants 186
21.7 Medicinal Plants 187
21.8 Biopesticides 188
G/ossory / 89
Multiple Choice Questions 19S
Answers 244
I. Introduction
I. I Branches of Chemistry 247
1.2 The Importance of Chemistry 247 *
2. Matter and Its Nature
2.1 Classification 248
2.2 Composition of Earth 248
2.3 Elements 248
2.4 Compounds 249
2.5 Some Important Elements and
Compounds 249
2.6 Mixtures 250
2.7 Avogadro's Hypothesis and Mole
Concept 251
3. Kinetic Theory of Matter
4. Chemical Reactions and the Chemical
247- 325
Equations 251
4.1 Balancing Chemical Equations 251
4.2 Rate of Reaction 252
4.3 Energy Changes in Reactions 252
5. Structure of the Atom
5.1 Dalton's Atomic Theory 252
5.2 Thomson's Atomic Model 253
5.3 Rutherford's Atomic Model 253
5.4 Modem Atomic Theory 253
5.5 Isotopes and Isobars 253
6. Periodic Table of Elements
6.1 Periodic Trends in Properties 255
7. Chemical Bonding
7.1 Theories of Chemical Bonding
8. Oxidation and Reduction
9. Oxygen and Air
9.1 Composition of Air 257
9.2 Air and Life 257
9.3 Respiration (Inhaled and Exhaled
Air) 257
10. Hydrogen and Water
10.1 Hydrogen 258
10.2 Isotopes of Hydrogen 258
10.3 Solubility and Solutions 258
10.4 Osmosis 259
10.5 Molar and Normal Solutions 259
10.6 Formality 259
10.7 Mo!aIity(m) 259
10.8 Mole Fraction 259
11. Carbon and its Compounds
1 1.1 Allotropes of Carbon 259
si 1.2 Carbon Monoxide (CO) 260
1 1.3 Carbon Dioxide and the
Environment 260
1 1.4 Carbon Cycle in Nature and
Photosynthesis 260
1 1.5 Fuels 260
1 1.6 Rocket Fuels 261
1 1.7 Hydrocarbons 261
12. Nitrogen and its Compo ~nds
12.1 Ammonia 262
12.2 Nitrogen Cycle 262
y
13. Acids, Bases and Salts
13.1 Acids 262
13.2 Bases 262
13.3 Theories of Acids and Bases 262
13.4 Salts 263
13.5 pH 263
14. Occurrence of Metals
14.1 Properties of Metals 264
14.2 Extraction of Metals 264
15. Petroleum and Natural Gas 265
15.1 Uses of Various Fractions 266
15.2 Other Fractions 266^
16. Iron and Steel 266
16.1 Rusting of Iron 266
16.2 Cement and Glass 267
17. Colloids, Micelles and
Nanotechnology 267
17.1 Colloids and Colloidal State 267
17.2 Micelles—^Associated Colloids 268
17.3 Emulsions 268
17.4 Gels 268
17.5 Applications of Colloids .268
17.6 Advanced Materials, Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology 269
IS. Agricultural Chemistry". 270
18.1 Chemical Control 270
18.2 Fertilizers 270
19. Medicinal Chemistry '271
19.1 Diseases 271
19.2 Drugs 271
19.3 Common Drugs 272
19.4 Radiopharmaceuticals 273
20. Food Chemistry 273
20.1 Food Additives 274
20.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of
Beverages and Tobacco 274
21. Biochemistry and Life Processes 275
21.1 Chemical Basis of Life 275
21.2 Biological Role of Sodium, Potassium,
Magnesium and Calcium 275
262
263
21.3 Buffers 276
22. Polymers and Plastics 276
22.1 Polymers 276
22.2 Plastics 276
22.3 Applications 276
22.4 Rubber 276
22.5 Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) 277
22.6 Petrochemicals 277
23. Electrochemistry 277
23.1 Electrolysis 277
23.2 Characteristics of Electrolysis 277
23.3 Applications of Electrolysis 278
24. Dyes 278
25. Biotechnology 278
25.1 introduction 278
25.2 Applications of Biotechnology 279
25.3 Fermentation Biotechnology 280
26. International Symbols for Units 280
26.1 The CGS System or cm-g-s 280
26.2 The MKSA System or m-kg-s-A 280
26.3 The Degree Kelvin 281
26.4 International Systems of Units
(Si-Units) 281
26.5 The Mole 281
27. Carbohydrates 281
27.1 Sugars 282
27.2 Polysaccharides 282
28. Proteins 283
28.1 Acidic and Basic Amino Acids 283
28.2 Amino Acids as Dipolar Ions 283
28.3 Peptides 283
28.4 Proteins 284
28.5 Structure of Proteins 284
29. Nucleoprotelns and Nucleic Acids . 284
29.1 The Genetic Code 284
30. Important Bloactlve Compounds
30.1 Alkaloids 284
30.2 Terpenoids 285
30.3 Steroids 285
30.4 Carotenoids 285
284
30.5 Tannins 285
30.6 Lignans 285
30.7 Flavonolds 285
30.8 Cynogenesis and Cynogenic
Glycosides 285
30.9 Coumarins 285
31. Fats
31.1 Soaps 286
32. Important Laws Governing Gases,
Liquids and Soiutions
32.1 Gases 286
32.2 Colllgative Properties 287
_ dENE^
1. National Symbols
I. I National Flag 3
1.2 National Emblem 3
1.3 National Anthem 3
1.4 National Song 3
1.5 . National Calendar 3
1.6 National Animal 4
1.7 National Bird 4
1.8 National Flower 4
1.9 National Fruit 4*
1.10 National Tree 4
I.I I National River 4
1.12 National Game 4
1.13 National Aquatic Animal 4
1.14 National Currency Symbol 4
1.15 National Heritage Animal 5
1.16 National Monument S
2. A Profile of tlie States
3. A Profile of Union Territories
4. Defence Set-up
4.1 The Army 19
4.2 The Navy 20
4.3 The Air Force 21
4.4 Commissioned Ranks 21
. 4.5 Defence Production Units 2 i
4.6 Re -ch and Develbpment 22
285
286
5
17
19
33. Bioterrorism 288
34. Thermodynamics 288
34.1 Thermodynamic Systems 288
34.2 Thermodynamic Processes 289
34.3 The Laws of Thermodynamics" 289
34.4 Thermodynamic Potentials 289
35. Important Concepts and Topics 289
Glossary 293
Multiple Choice-Questions 301
Answers 325
4.7 Auxiliaries 22
■ 'It- *lj|k4
5. Internal Security
5.1 Para-mllitary Forces
5.2 Civil Defence 23
5.3 Home Guards 23
6. Atomic Energy
6.1 Organisation 23
6.2 India's Nuclear 1ests 24
22
6.3 Nuclear Power Programme 24
6.4 Nuclear Power Stations 24
6.5 Heavy Water Production 24
6.6 Atomic Research Centres 24
7. Space Programme
7.1 Objective and Strategy 25
^ 7.2 Organisation 25
7.3 Milestones 26
8. National Institutions
8.1 Agriculture 29
8.2 Commerce 30
8.3 Communication 30
8.4 Education 30
8.5 Energy 30
8.6 Environment 30
8.7 Food & CIvIt Supplies 30
8.8 Forest 30
8.9 HeaWi & Fami^Welfsre 31
22
23
25
29
8.10 Industry 31
8.11 Justice and Law 31
8.12 Labour 31
8.13 Laboratories 31
8.14 Mass Communication 3!
8.15 Science & Technology 31
8.16 Transport 32
8.17 Water Resources 32
8.18 Welfare (Social Welfare) 32
8.19 Youth Affairs and Sports 32
9. Languages of India
10. Indian Utensture
11. Dances of India
1 1.1 Main Styles of Classical Dance
11.2 Other Classical Dances 36
1 1.3 Folk and Tribal Dances 37
12. Indian Theatre and Drama
13. Music of India
14. Indian Painting
14.1 Ajanta.Raintlpgs 39
14.2 Twelfth^ Sixteenth Century
Painting 39
14.3 Mughal^nting 39
14.4 Rajput Ptintings 39
14.5 Art During British Rule 39
14.6 Modem Paintings 39
15. Festivals of India **
16. Cultural Institutions
17. Monuments of India
17.1 Andhra Pradesh > 42
17.2 Assam 42
17.3 Ithar 42
17.5 Delhi 42
17.6 Gujari^ 4|
17.7 Haryana 42
17.8 HImachal Pfi^Mh 42
17.9 jamriiu & Kashmir 42
17.10 Karnataka 42
17.1 1 Kerala 42
17.12 Madhya Pradesh 42
17.13 Maharashtra 43
17.14 Odisha 43
17.15 Rajasthan 43
17.16 Tamil Nadu 43
17.17 Telangana 43
17.18 Uttar Pradesh 43
17.19 West Bengal 43
IS. Media and Publishing
18.1 Major Newspapers in India 43
18.2 Newspapers—World 44
18.3 News Agencies 44
19. Countries of the World
20. Dependencies of the Countries
20.1 Dependencies of USA 50
20.2 Dependencies of UK 50
20.3 Dependencies of France 50
20.4 Dependencies of Australia 50
20.5 Dependencies of Norway 51
20.6 Dependencies of New Zealand 5
20.7 Dependencies of the Netherlands
20.8 Dependencies of Denmark 51
21. Parliaments of Countries
22. Symbols of Countries
23. Geographical Landmarks (World)
23.1 Highest Mountain Peaks 52
23.2 Largest Deserts 52
23.3 Lari^st Islands 52
23.4 Largest Seas 52
23.5 Biggest Countries (In Area) 53
23.6 Biggest Countries (In Pbpulation) 5
23.7 Smaller Countries (In Area) 53
23.8 Smaller Countries (In Population) 5
23.9 Most Populous Cities 53
23.10 Most Populous Urban
A^fomerations 53
23.11 tallest luildirigs 53
23.12 Tallest Tbwers 53
23.13 53
24. Geographical Landmarks (India)
24.1 Height of Mountain Peaks 53
24.2 Length of Rivers 54
24.3 Population of Cities 54
24.4 Length of Borders with Neighbours
24.5 Hill Stations 54
25. The United Nations
25.1 Rise of the United Nations 54
25.2 Objectives 54
25.3 Principles 54
25.4 Membership 55
25.5 Organs of the UN 55
25.6 Specialised Agencies of the UN
25.7 Programmes and Funds of UN
25.8 UNO International Decades
since 2001 58
25.9 UNO International Years
since 2001 58
25.10 Human Rights 58
26. The Non-aligned Mbvement (NAM) 58
26.1 Origin 58
26.2 Principles 59
26.3 NAM Summits 59 e
27. The Commonwealth- ; 59
28. European Union 59
29. SAARC (South Asian Association for ^
Regional Cooperation)
29.1 Members 60
29.2
29.3
29.4
29.5
29.6
29.7
Objectives 60
Meetings 60
SAARC Summits 61
SAARC Years 61
SAAI^C Decades 61
SAARC Regional Centres 61
30. Otiiar International drganisations
31. International Treaties and
Agreements
31.1 Nuclear Non-Prollferation IFeaty
(NPT) 65
31.2 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
(CTBT) 65
56
57t
53
54
54
60
61
65
31.3 Nuclear lest Ban Treaty 66
31.4 Biological Weapons Convention
31.5 Outer Space Treaty 66
31.6 Antarctic Ireaty 66
31.7 Sea-bed Ireaty 66
31.8 Montreal Protocol 66
31.9 Sea Law Treaty 66
31.10 Landmines Treaty 66
31.11 Chemical Weapons Convention
31.12 Human Cloning/^eement 66
31.13 Rotterdam Convention 67
31.14 Accord to Check Bribery 67
31.15 Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change 67
31.16 UN Convention on the Rights of the
Child 67
31.17 NewSTARTDeal 67
32. Religions (Wbiid)
33. Languages (World)
34. Books and Authors
35. Inventors/Discoverers.and Discoveries 75
36. Winners Of Important Awards 77
36.1 Recipients of Bharat Ratna 77
36.2 Recipients of Dada Saheb Phaike
Award 77
36.3 Recipients of the JnanpHh Avyrard 78
36.4 Rajiv Gaiidhi Khel Ratna Awardees 78
36.5 The Ramon Magsaysay Awards—
Indian Recipients 79
36.6 Indian Beauty Queens 79
36.7 The Nobel Prizes 79
37. Superiatives—World
37.1 The Biggest 81
37.2 The Highest 81
37.3 The Largest 81
37.4 The Longest 81
37.5 The Smallest 81
37.6 The Tallest 81
37.7 Miscellaneous 81
66
66
67
68
69
81
38. Superlatives—India 82
39. Sobriquets 82
39.1 Places (Sobriquets) 82
39.2 Persons (Sobriquets) 83
40. Riverside Cities 84
40.1 World 84
40.2 India 84
41. Wonders of the World 85
41.1 Ancient World 85
41.2 Medieval World 85
41.3 New Wonders 85
42. India's World Herltag&Sites 85
43. Famous Sites—World 85
44. Famous Sites—India 86
45. Firsts in the World 87
46. Firsts in India 87
47. Sports and Games (General)* 89
47.1 Cups and Trophies Associated with
Sports and Games - 89
47.2 Places Associated with Sports and
Games 89
CURRENT EVENTS
I. National Events
Parliament Passes 1 19^ Amendment Bill
Army Gets Akash Missile ' 3
Politicians Lose Space in Govt Ads 3
14th Edition of Varuna Held 4
Parliament Clears Black Money Bill 4
Law Panel Moots Joint Custody of
Minors 4
Astra Missiles Test-Fired Successfully 5
• . 'V.-
"defence Acquisition Council Clears Major
Deals 5
National Air Quality Index Launched 5
1 '^Test-Fired for a Shorter Range 6
ew ger Reserves in M.R, Odisha,
Chhattis^rh ft
47.3 Grounds of Sports and Games 90
47.4 National Sports and Games 90
48. Olympic Games 90
48.1 Summer Olympic Games 91
48.2 Winter Olympic Games 91
48.3 India in Olympics 92
49. Commonwealth Games 92 ,
50. Afro-Asian Games 93 '|
51. Asian Games 93
51.1 Motto, Emblem and Torch 93
51.2 History of Asian Games 93
52. SAF Games 94
53. World Cup Cricket 94
54. World Cup Soccer (Football)
Tournament 94
54.1 History of World Cup Football 94
55. World Cup Hockey Tournament
55.1 History of World Cup Hockey 95
Mu/tip/e Choice Questions 95
Answers / 02
Government Notifies NJAC, Puts an End
to Collegium 6
Dhanush Successfully Test-Fired 6
Thane Named India's Earth Hour
Capital 6
Navy's Stealth Destroyer Launched 7
INS Alleppey Decommissioned 7
Law Commission Report on Electoral
Reforms 7
Bill Raising AP Council Strength
Approved 7
ISRO Navigation Satellite in Orbit 8
SC Strikes Down Section 66A of IT Act
PDP-BJP Coalition Government in J&K
SIT Set-up to Probe 1984
Anti-Sikh Riot Cases 9
95
1-89
8
8
3
Governors' Conference (2015) 9
SC Verdict on Criminal Antecedents of
Candidates 10
Assembly Elections in Delhi 10
Project to Revive Heritage of 12 Cities 10
Amend Law to Protect Hindu Wife:
Law Panel 1 1
102"^ Indian Science Congress 1 1
Canister-Firing of Agni-V Successful 1 1
Cabinet Nod for Six New ilMs H
Poiavaram: SC Refuses to Look into
Displacement 12
Maharashtra Gets'State Butterfly' 12 :
Nuclear Insurance Pool Set UP 12
Government Plans 20 Million Houses for
Urban Poor 12
Government Decides to Build jP Memorial In
Bihar 13
India Richer by 349 New Species 13
No Mediation in Rape Cases: SC 13
SC Transfers Vyapam Investigation to
CBI 14
PSLV C-28 Launches Five Satellites 14 ^
Satellite-Based Navigation System *
Launched 14 •-
Lodha Committee Pronounces <
Punishment 15
Skill India Programme Launched 15
Net Neutrality Panel Submits Report 15
1993 Blasts Case: Yakub Memon
Hanged 16
Centre Inks Peace Accord with
Naga Insurgent Outfit 16
Citizenship Soon for Those who Fled Religious
Persecution 17
Aadhaar not Mandatory: SC 17
Govt Considering Bill to Ensure Right to
Services 17
Census 201 1 Data on Religious Communities
Released 18
Law Panel for Early Childcare as a Legal
Entitlement 18
Successful Launch of GSAT-6 IS
Contents xlv
2. Economic Affairs i 9
Changes in Companies Act Notified 19
Norms Eased for Investments by NRIs, PIOs,
OCIs 19
Bl Relaxes Norms for IDF-NBFCS 19
Framework Notified for MSMES
Rehabilitation 19
Three New Schemes. Launched 19
Smart Cities Mission and Amrut
Approved 20
Verdict in Country's Largest-Ever Corporate
Fudging Case 20
RBI Revises Norms for Priority Sector
Lending 21
PM Launches Mudra Yojana 21
Insurance Bill Passed 21
Price Stabilisation Fund Approved 21
Coal. Mines Bills Cleared 22
14'^ Finance Commission's Recommendations
Accepted 22
First Meeting of NITI Aayog 23
Buffer Norms for Foodgrains Revised 23
SEBl Relaxes Regulation for Delisting
of Shares 23
Railway Restructuring Committee Submits
Report 23
Two Panels to Facilitate Rollout of GST 24
Import Duty on Select Steel Items
Hiked 24
India Ranked Best for Investment 24
Top Corporates Back Digital India 25
India is Now a $2-Trillion Economy 25
Socio-Economic Census Released 25
India's Population Crosses 127-Crore
Mark 26
RBI Sets up Panel on Fii anclal Inclusion 26
BHEL Commissions Po 'er Plant at
Vindhyachal 26
Government to Transfe Ownership in PSU
Banks 27
Moody's Lowers India's Growth
Forecast 27
Nod for Payments Bank 27
Big Crash in Stock and Currency
Markets 28
3. India and the World 28
India Inks Port Deal with Iran 28
India, China Sign 24 Pacts 28
India-Mongolia Economic Cooperation 29
Indo-French Defence and Nuclear
Deals 29
PM Modi's Visit to Gernrrany 29
Indo-Canadian Pacts on Uranium and
Others 30 ;
India, Qatar Sign Prisoner Exchange
Deal 30
India-Sri Lanka Relations 30
India and Mauritius Announce Security
Cooperation Pact 31
India Inks Nuclear Pact with Sri Lanka 31
India, Russia and China Meeting 31
EU Lifts Ban on Indian Mangoes 32
US President Obama Visits India 32
India Signs Pact or0utdmatic Exchange
of Tax Informaion; 32
' India, Belarus Agr^e on Road Map for
Stronger Ties^ 33
Modi's Visit to Bangladesh 33
India Signs Motor Vehicle Pact with
Three Nations 33
India, U.S. Sign Pact to Implement
FATCA 34
India, Kyr^'zstan Sign Four Pacts 34
India, Tajikistan to Intensify
Anti-Terror Cooperation 34
India, UAE Decry State-Sponsored
Terror 35
Iran no Longer on Restricted Visa List 35
India-Seychelles Pact to Curb Black
Money 35
4. Intemaitibn^ iEvents 36
WHO Declare Liberia Ebola-^Free 36
France Signs Rafale ©eali with Qatar 36
World Hunger Report (2015) Released 36
G nance Ministers'Meeting 37
Malaysia, Indonesia Reach Agreement on Boat
Migrants 37
World Health Statistics (2015) Released 37
Japan Unveils $ 1 10 Billion Plan for Asian
Projects 38
Ireland Becomes First Country to Legalise Gay
Wedlock Through Popular Vote 38
' Palestine Joins ICC 38
U.N. Imposes Arms Embargo on
Huthi Rebels 39
China Launches $ 46-Bn Investment Plan in
Pakistan 39
Summit of the Americas (2015) 39
U.S. and Cuban Presidents Held First Meeting
in Over 50 Years 40
Mission Tikrit: Iraqi Govt. Declares
Victory 40
Social Progress Index (2015) Released 40
Sri Lanka Adopts 19* Constitutional
Amendment 41
Boko Haram Pledges Allegiance to IS 41
US Decides to Keep Troops in
Afghanistan 41.
France Votes in Favour of 'Sleep Before
Death'Law 41
UN Probe Points to Genocide Against
Yazidis 42
Pakistan Tests Homemade Armed Drone,
Missile 42
Sri Lanka-China Relations 42
World Press Freedom Index (2015)
Released 42
Rebels Take Over Yemen 43
China's 'Silk Road Fund' Becomes
Operatior^al 43
Ukraine Ceasefire Deal Reached * 43
Sirisena Deposes Raiapaksa
in Sri Lanka 43
iCB Makes Last- Ditch Attempt to Revive
Euro Economy 44
U.S; Think Tank Flags Readiness of Pak,
Redactor 44
Tsipras SwOm in ■ jreek PM as
Anti-Bailout C oalition Forms Govt. 44
G7 Summit (2015) 45
Global Rule of Law Index (2015)
Released 45
U.S. Passes NSA Surveillance Reform 46
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Takes
Shape 46
Africa: 26-Nation Free Trade Pact
Signed 46
Vatican Recognizes Palestine 47
Myanmar Votes to Keep Military Veto 47
US Supreme Court Removes Ban on Gay
Marriages 47
BP to Pay $ 18.7 Bn for Oil Spill 48 i
BRIGS Summit (2015) 48
Greece Reaches Bailout Deal with
Eurozone 48
Iran Reaches Historic Nuclear Deal 49
Japan Passes Security Bills 49
New Development Bank of BRIGS
Opens 49
NATO Backs Turkey's W?ir on 'Terror' 50
Beijing Slams U.S. for Militarising South
China Sea 50 r
Obama Takes 'Biggest Step' to Tackle
Climate Change St) :
Nepal Inks Pact on New Constitution 5 fz
Iraq PM Rolls Out Reforms to Rein In
Corruption 51
Egypt's SISI Approves Anti-Terrorism
Law 52
China to Build $ I OBn N-Plants in Pak 52
Sri Lankan Elections 52
Ranil Sworn in Sri Lanka's PM 53
Britain, Iran Reopen Embassies 53
5. Science and Technology 53
SpaceX Cargo Ship Returns to Earth 53
New Strategy to Strave HIV to Death 53
Dogs Domesticated Over 27,000 Years
Ago 54
Mars Might have Transient Liquid Water 54
' Rosetta Mission on Comet 67P 54
Maglev Train Sets a New World Speed
Record 54
Remains of Ancient Civilisation
Uncovered 55
Oldest Primitive Animal Fossil Found 55
Archaeologists Discover Mayan
'Melting Pot' 55
Britain Gives NOD to 'Three-Parent'
Babies 55
World's Biggest Solar Telescope 56
Saturn's Position Pinpointed 56
Fossils of Dolphin-Like Creature Found 56
Scientists Document 'Virgin Births' of
Endangered Sawfish 56
LHC Restarts with Doubled Energy
Levels 56
Rare Inscription of Biblical Name Found 57
Gigantic Stars Found 57
First Electric Planes Fly Over English
Channel 57
Conference on Preventive Healthcare
(2015) 57
The Science of Screams Deciphered 58
Hawking Launches Biggest-Ever Search
for Alien Life 58
Scientists Can now Forecast Flu
Outbreaks 58
World's Smallest Insect Found in India
Too 58
Fossilised Remains of World's Oldest Flower
Found 59
PrerHistoric Mouthwatering Bread is
V Back 59
6, Awards and Prizes 59
Samman (2014) 59
Sahitya Akademi Award for Sanskrit 59
Filmfare Awards (2014) 60
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (2015) 60
DSC Literature Prize (2015) 60
Padma Awards (2015) 60
Golden Globe Awards SO
Martin Luther King junior Award 60
Khushwant Singh Memorial Prize (2015) 60
Natya Kala Acharya Honour 60
Ashok Chakra 60
Miss Universe (2014) 60
NTCA Award 61
AIFF Awards (2014) 61
Berlin International Film Festival
Awards 61
Jnanpith Award (2014) 61
BAFTAAwards(20l5) 61
Nayudamma Award (2014) 61
National Science Foundation Career
Award 61
Oscar Awards (2015) 61
World Press Photo Award 61
Grammy Awardsp.0IS) 61
Bhimsen Joshi Av/ard 61
King Faisal International Prize (2015) 62
India Golf Awards 62
Keynes Prize 62
Yash Bharti Award 62
Laadii Voice of the Century Award 62
Folio Prize 62
Abel Prize (2015) 62 •
Saraswati Samman (2014) 62
National Film Awards (2014) 62
Miss India World (2015) 62
Bharat Ratna 62
Gandhi Peace Prize (2014) 62
Tyler Prize 63
Dadasaheb Phaike Award (2014) 63
Prime Minister's Award for Excellence
in Public Administration 63
Sahitya Shiromani Samman 63
Officer Dela Legion d'Honneur 63
Wisden Honours 63
Pulitzer Prizes (2015) 63
Pakistan's Highest Civilian Award 63
Unesco Press Prize 63
Uadasaheb Phaike Film Foundation Award
(2015) 63
'^inanath Mangeshkar Award 63
Heinz Award 63
Commonwealth Short Story Prize in Asia
Region (2015) 3
Asian Awards f
. r.
Laureus World Sports Awards 64
Man Booker International Prize (2015) 64
Presidential Awards for Classical Tamil 64
Award for Excellence in Teaching 64
CEAT Awards 64
Cannes Film Festival Awards 64
G.K. Reddy Award 64
Order of the Rising Sun 64
PEN Award 64
UN Dag Hammarskjold Medal 64
Encore Literary Award 64
Sangitha Kalanidhi Award (2015) 64
Cricket South Africa Awards 64
UN Nelson Mandela Prize 64
UN Public Service Award (2015) 65
Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 65
Queen Young Leaders Awards 65
Award of Liberation War Honour 65
Fukuoka Prize (2015) 65
Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction 65
Moorti Devi Award (2014) 65
UFA Awards (2015) 65
US Presidential Prize 65
PATA Award 65
Pritiman Sarkar Award 65
Royal Society's Copley Medal 65
French Civilian Honour 65
Ramon Magsaysay Awards (2015) 66
World Food Prize (2015) 66
Nelson Rolihiahia Mandela Prize 66
UK Film Fest Award 66
GD Biria Award 66
Sunhak Peace Prize 66
Peter Mackler Award 66
Udhampur Bravehearts Honoured 66
Gopi Chand Honoured 67
Seychelles Honour 67
France Honours Train Heroes 67
Stockholm Water Prize (2015) 67
Ramanujan Prize 67
Prem Bhatia Award 67
National Sports Awards (2015) 67
7. People in News
8. Places in News
9. Latest Books and Authors
10. Sports and Games
IPL Championship (2015) 76
PRACTICE TEST PAPERS
Practice Test Paper - 1
Answers 11
Practice Test Paper - 2
Answers 20
PREVIOUS YEARS' QUESTION PAPERS
Question Paper 201 1
Answers 11
Explanatory Notes 11
Question Paper 2012
Answers 23
Explanatory Notes 24
Question Paper 2013 V
Answers 38 ^
'JA
National Games (201S) 77
Cricket World Cup (2015) 78
Special Olympics (2015) 79
Multiple Choice Questions 84
Answers 89
Practice Test Paper - 3
Answers 29
Practice lest Paper - 4
Answers 39
Explanatory Notes 38
Question Paper 2014
Answers 52
Explanatory Notes 52
Question Paper 2015
Answers 62
Explanatory Notes 63