The Pearson General Studies for Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014 Paper I

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Cover Contents Preface Acknowledgements References and Suggested Readings History and Culture Chapter 1 : Ancient History The Prehistoric Period The Palaeolithic Man(Approximately 500000–8000 BC) The Mesolithic Man(Approximately 8000–4000 BC) The Neolithic Man or New Stone Age (4000–1800 BC) The Metal Age (1800–1000 BC) Indus Valley Civilization (2500–1800 BC) Area and Jurisdiction Discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization Major Centres Aspects of Indus Culture Decay of Indus Valley Civilization The Successors The Vedic Period: The Aryans Early Vedic Age (1500–1000 BC) Later Vedic Period (1000–600 BC) The Emergence of Kingdoms or Mahajanapadas Growth of Jainism and Buddhism Magadha Empire (Sixth Century to Fourth Century BC) Persian and Macedonian Invasions The Mauryan Empire (321–289 BC) Chandragupta Maurya (320–300 BC) Bindusara (296–273 BC) Ashoka the Great (269–232 BC) Post-Mauryan Period The Kushans The Deccan and the South Religious Sects of Post-Mauryan and Gupta Period The Gupta Dynasty (Ad 320 to 550) Important Gupta Rulers Rise of Feudalism in India The Vardhanas (Ad 550 to 647) Harshavardhana (Ad 606 to 646) The Rajputs (Ad 650 to 1200) Salient Features of the Rajput Kingdoms The Southern Dynasties The Shathavahanas (230 BC to Ad 225) The Pallavas (Ad 330 to 796) The Chalukyas (Ad 535 to 1190) The Pandyas of Madurai (Ad 590 to 1323) The Chola Dynasty (Ad 850 to 1310) Rashtrakutas (Ad 753 to 973) Other Features of Southern Dynasties Chapter 2 : Medieval History The Coming of Islam The Arab Invasion (711–715) The Turkish Invasion (986–1206) The Slave Dynasty (1206–1290) The Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320) The Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414) The Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1450) The Lodhi Dynasty (1451–1526) Decline of Delhi Sultanate Religion in Medieval India The Mughal Dynasty (1526–1540 and 1555–1857) The Early Mughals (1526–1556) Golden Period of the Mughals (1556–1707) Later Mughals (1707–1862) Mughal Art, Architecture and Literature Regional Powers During Mughal Period The Marathas (1649–1748) Shivaji Bhonsle (1627–1680) The Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708) Ranjit Singh (1780–1839) The Jats Chapter 3 : Modern History The Coming of the Europeans The Portuguese The Dutch The English The French The Danish and the Austrians British East India Company and the British Rule British Governors Under Company Rule (1758–1857) Economic Impact of the British Rule Social and Religious Movements in the 19th Century Viceroys of India Indian Freedom Struggle British Rule after the 1857 Revolt Government of India Act, 1858 Administrative, Social and Judicial Systems after 1858 Administrative Reforms Reforms in Education Social Reforms Chapter 4 : Indian National Movement Rise of Nationalism Awakening of National Consciousness Emergence of Nationalist Movement Indian National Congress (INC) Origin of the Indian National Congress Terrorist and Revolutionary Movements Terrorist Movements The Revolutionary Movement Reasons for Failure Early Phase of Freedom Struggle (1900–1915) Partition of Bengal (1905) Swadeshi Movement (1905) Origin of the Muslim League (1906) Resolution of Swaraj (1906) Surat Session: Split in Congress (1907) Morley–Minto Reforms (1909) Middle Phase of Freedom Struggle (1915–1930) World War I–Reforms and Agitation Home Rule Movement (1915–1916) Lucknow Pact (1916) August Declaration of 1917 Beginning of the Gandhian Era The Government of India Act 1919 Rowlatt Act (1919) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13 April 1919) Khilafat Movement (1920) Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922) Chauri-Chaura Incident (1922) Trade Union Movement Communist Movement in India Swaraj Party (1922) Muddiman Committee (1924) Simon Commission (1927) Butler Committee (1927) Delhi Muslim Proposal (1927) Nehru Report (1928) Muslim League’s Reaction to Nehru Report All Parties Muslim Conference (1929) Jinnah’s Fourteen Points (1929) Lahore Session (1929) Allahabad Address (1930) Closer to Freedom (1930–1947) Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) The First Round Table Conference (12 November 1930) Gandhi–Irwin Pact (5 March 1931) Second Round Table Conference(12 September 1931) Civil Disobedience Movement(Second Phase) Third Round Table Conference (17 November 1932) The Communal Award (1932) Poona Pact (1932) The Government of India Act, 1935 World War II and the Indian Political Situation Resignation of Congress Ministers (1939) Poona Resolution and Conditional Support to Britain (1941) August Offer of 1940 The Individual Civil Disobedience Two-Nation Theory Cripps Mission (March 1942) Quit India Movement (1942–1945) The CR Formula (1944) Gandhi–Jinnah Talks (1944) Desai–Liaqat Pact (1945) Wavell Plan and Simla Conference (1945) Provincial and General Elections of 1945 Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army, INA) Direct Action Campaign (1946) Interim Government (1946) Mountbatten Plan (1947) India Wins Freedom Indian Independence Act, 1947 Partition of India Multiple-Choice Questions Goldmine—Important UPSC Civil Services MCQs (1995–2010) on History Geography Chapter 1 : General Geography Introduction Branches of Geography Methods of Geography Basic Knowledge About the Earth Shape of the Earth Structure of the Earth Composition of the Earth Geological History of Earth Earth’s Movements Eclipses and Phases of the Moon Atmosphere Introduction Composition of the Atmosphere Atmospheric Pressure Structure of the Atmosphere Planetary and Celestial Atmosphere Important Phenomena of Atmosphere Pressure and Winds Winds Humidity and Precipitation Rains Air Masses and Fronts Cyclones and Anticyclones Weather and Climate Principal Climates of the World Temperature Hydrosphere Introduction Interception, Stemflow, Canopy Drip,and Throughfall The Oceans Ocean Tides Lithosphere Introduction The Earth’s Crust Plate Tectonics The Modern Theory of Plate Tectonics Oceanic Crust Rocks Mountains Earthquakes Physiography of the Earth’s Terrestrial Surface Chapter 2 : World Geography Countries Continents Important Cities of the World Important Cities Situated on the Banks of Rivers Changed Names of Some Cities, States,and Countries Distinctive Names of Countries/Towns—Geographical Epithets Major Exporters Industrial Towns Regional Grouping of Countries of the World Economic Grouping of Countries of the World Characteristics of Third World Countries People of the World Miscellaneous Facts about Population of the World Chapter 3 : Indian Geography Introduction Location, Dimensions, and Frontiers Geological Structure of India Physical Features Geological Regions Classification of Himalayan System Regional Division of the Himalayas The Purvanchal (or the Eastern Hills) Peninsular Plateaus Physiographic Sub-Units The Drainage Systems of India Climatic Regions of India Soils in India Alluvial Soil Black Soil Red and Yellow Soil Laterite Soil Saline and Alkaline Soils Peat and Marshy Soil Arid Soil (Desert Soil) Forest Soil Agriculture Performance of Agriculture Crop Patterns Performance of Foodgrain Crops Performance of Commercial Crops Performance of Plantation Crops Fertilizers Energy Scenario in India Power Coal Petroleum and Natural Gas Natural Gas Major Projects Implemented in the Last Decade Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies Atomic Energy Mineral Resources of India Other Minerals Multiple-Choice Questions Goldmine—Important UPSC Civil Services MCQs (1995–2010) on Geography Indian Polity Chapter 1 : Indian Constitution The Constitutional Framework Historical Background An Analysis of the Indian Constitution The Structure of the Indian Constitution The Preamble The Schedules Union of India—Its States and UTs The Union of India The Reorganization of the States The Present Structure of the Union Indian Federalism Indian Citizenship Nature of Citizenship Citizenship Act and its Amendments Fundamental Rights Fundamental Rights as Defined in the Constitution The Scope of Fundamental Rights Classification of Fundamental Rights Group Rights Emergency Provisions and Authoritarian Powers Fundamental Duties of a Citizen of India Fundamental Duties Supreme Court’s Notice on Fundamental Duties Directive Principles Introduction The Scope of Directive Principles The Important Amendment Acts List of Important Constitutional Amendments Chapter 2 : Indian Government and Administration The Union Government Machinery of the Union Government Government Structure: Salient Features The President and the Vice-President The President Vice-President The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers The Prime Minister The Council of Ministers The Parliament Composition The President Rajya Sabha The Lok Sabha Legislative Process Parliamentary Committees Important Terms in Conduct of Businessin the Parliament Administrative Set-Up The Judiciary The Structure of the Supreme Court The Chief Justice of India The State Judiciary (The HCs) The Judges of the High Court Subordinate Courts Family Courts Lok Adalats and Nyaya Panchayats Important Processes in Indian Judiciary System Writs Issued by Courts The State Government The Machinery of State Government The State Executive The State Legislature Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) Local Governments Introduction Panchayats—As Rural Self-Governing The Panchayats (Extension Scheduled Areas) Bill 1996 Role of State Government Urban Self-Governing Institutions Important Constitutional Statutory Authorities Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Election Commission Finance Commission Key Functionaries The Attorney General of India Advocate General The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) The Political Process Introduction General Elections Political Parties Indian Elections—Scale of Operation Political Parties and Elections Official Language Provisions Relating to Special Classes Welfare of Scheduled Castes STs Development Welfare of Backward Classes Welfare of Minorities Special Position of Jammu and Kashmir in the Indian Union Centre–State Relationships Distribution of Powers—Centre and States Inter-State Councils North Eastern Council (NEC) Zonal Councils Inter-State Water Disputes Amendment to the Constitution The Procedure of (Amendment Article 368) Order of Precedence Multiple-Choice Questions Goldmine—Important UPSC Civil Services MCQs (1995–2010) on Indian Polity Social Legislation in India Economic and Social Development Chapter 1 : Public Finance Introduction Character, Size and Structure of the Indian Economy National Income and Structural Changes Definition Concepts of National Income Calculation of National Income India’s National Income Estimates for 2012–13 (At 2004–05 Prices) New Series of National Statistics (Base Year 2004–05) Annual Estimates of Expenditures on GDP Population and Economic Development Theory of Demographic Transition Correlation between Population Growth and Economic Development National Capital Formation Population and Capital Formation Gross Capital Formation India’s Public Finance Sources of Revenue Annual Financial Budget Public Debt Public Sector Plan: Resource Position—Centre and States Central Government Budget Documents The Brief Description of the Main Budget Documents The Brief Description of the Other Explanatory Documents of the Budget Planning in India Development Planning Planning Commission Five-Year Plans Eleventh Five-Year Plan Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007–2012) Round up of Key Developments Monitorable Targets for the Twelfth Plan Chapter 2 : Agriculture Overview Agriculture in India Agriculture in Indian Economy Gross Capital Formation in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Investment in Agriculture Agricultural Production Growth in Food-grain Production All-India Research Projects onIndian Agriculture The Indian Agricultural Scenario Flagship Programmes New Initiative New Schemes Important Policy Initiatives Under Consideration National Oilseeds and Vegetable Oil Development Board (NOVOD) The Green Revolution The Genesis The Benefits of Green Revolution Agricultural Marketing in India Need for Reforms Terminal Market Complex Agri-Business Development Project through the ADB Marketing Extension Marketing Research and Information Network (Agmarknet) Construction of Rural Godowns Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (Sfac) The Central Sector Scheme for Agribusiness Development Agricultural Cooperation, Micro-Management, Warehousing and Storage Indian Cooperative Sector International Cooperation Macro-Management of Agriculture Agricultural Warehousing and Storage Enhancement in Storage Agricultural Extension Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms The National Gender Resource Centre in Agriculture (Ngrca) Irrigation Ultimate Irrigation Potential Irrigation Development Programmes Problems Faced in Progress of Irrigation in India Seeds As Critical Input for Agriculture Production Seed Policy Reforms Psus Handling Seeds Fertilizers Consumption of Fertilizers Availability and Prices Fertilizer Subsidy Fertilizer Control Plant Protection, Agricultural Credit and Crop Insurance Plant Protection Agricultural Credit Crop Insurance Technology and Mechanization Need for Mechanization of Agriculture The Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering Technology Missions Disaster Management National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) Natural Resource Management Krishi Vigyan Kendras New Crop Varieties Information Technology The National Agriculture Policy (Nap) Development of Agricultural Informatics and Communication and Other Applications It Apparatus at Dac Headquarters and its Field Offices/Directorates Agricultural Taxation Agricultural Exports Government Initiatives Agricultural Exports Agricultural Trade Liberalization External Aid The Public Distribution System Understanding the Public Distribution System in India Facilities Provided Under PDS Other Activities Under PDS Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fishery Livestock and Poultry Fishing Major Schemes in Animal Husbandry Other Special Policy Initiatives Rehabilitation Package for Distressed Farmers National Policy for Farmers, 2007 (NPF) Gender Perspectives in Agriculture Short Note on the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture— Government of India Services/Activities Functions and Organizational Structure Notes on Schemes/Programme in Indian Agriculture Agricultural Census Agricultural Marketing Agricultural Credit Cooperation Economic Administration Extension Horticulture Information Technology Integrated Nutrient Management Natural Resources Management Plant Protection Macro Management Seeds Oilseeds Trade Chapter 3 : Industry and Other Important Sectors Industry in India Industrial Scene at Independence Government Policies on Industrial Development The New Industrial Policy 1991 Industrial Slowdown Index of Industrial Production Foreign Direct Investment Important Information on Indian Industries Industrial Finance Institutions Foreign Trade Introduction India’s Foreign Trade: April, 2012 Commodity Composition of Imports India’s Share in World Exports India’s Foreign Trade Partners Foreign Exchange System Balance of Payment Infrastructure Postal Services Telecommunication Telecommunications Indian Railways Shipping and Ports in India Ports–Sector Snapshot Air Transport Civil Aviation Road Networks Sector Snapshot Road Development Money Supply and Prices Working Groups on Money Supply Price Indices that Quantify Inflation Rate of Inflation Chakravarthy Committee (1982 to 1985) Causes of Inflation Remedial Measures to Control Inflation Consequences of Inflation Currency System Foreign Economic Relations: Aid Banking System Development of Banking System in India Reserve Bank of India Public Sector Banks Other Important Banks and Financial Institutions Banking Sector Reforms in India Narasimham Committee Report on Banking Sector Reforms Insurance Introduction Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) General Insurance Corporation (GIC) Insurance Regulatory Authority Insurance Sector—An Overview Investment Unit Trust of India Global Depository Receipts/Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds Portfolio Investment from Foreign Institutional Investors Non-Resident Indian Investments Pension Reforms Main Features and Architecture of the New Pension System Stock Exchanges Stock Markets in India Securities and Exchange Board of India Mints and Presses Indian Currency Symbol for Indian Rupee Acquisition of Security Features Indigenization Coins The Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) Chapter 4 : Demographics Census Literacy Rate Birth Rate Death Rate Density of Population Relative Growth of Rural and Urban Population Sex Ratio Literacy Rate Important Information Concerning Census 2011 Definitions Chapter 5 : Sustainable Development Understanding Sustainable Development Sustainability Development Sustainable Development Economic Growth Holistic Definitions of Sustainable Development Sustainable Development in India Why Environment Matters to Achieve Sustainable Development in the Specific Context of India Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Livelihoods Protecting and Managing the Natural Resource Base of Economic and Social Development Sustainable Development in a Globalizing World Governance for Sustainable Development Scope for Local Level Governance Scope for National Level Governance Scope for International Cooperation Chapter 6 : Short Notes on Poverty and Unemployment Poverty Estimated Poverty Lines and Poverty Ratios Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Lakdawala Committee Report Poverty ratios by ‘URP’ and ‘MRP’ Estimation of Poverty and BPL Households Expert Groups for Estimating Poverty and BPL Families Tendulkar Committee Report Saxena Committee Report S.R. Hashim Committee Report Population Under Poverty Line Employment Unemployment Employment in the Organized Sector Socio-Economic Development in Indian States Anti-Poverty Programmes Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation Programmes National Rural Employment Guarantee Bill, 2004 The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) Increasing Transparency and Public Accountability Effective Administrative and Financial Management of the MGNREGS Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) Some Important Social Protection Measures taken by the Government Chapter 7 : Other Social Sector Initiatives and Inclusions Socio-Economic Sectors Health Sector Literacy and Education Structure of Education Elementary Education Secondary Education University and Higher Education Adult Education Technical Education Chapter 8 : Other Social Protection Programmes Social Protection Programmes Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Bharat Nirman Rural Drinking Water Rural Sanitation: Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) Urban Infrastructure, Housing, and Sanitation Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHIP) Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) Skill Development Human Development and Gender Inequality Social Defence Sector Multiple-Choice Questions Goldmine—Important UPSC Civil Services MCQs (1995–2010) on Economy Ecology and Biodiversity Chapter 1 : Ecology and Environment Ecosystem and Biosphere Community and Ecosystem Dynamics The Biosphere Important Phenomena in Biosphere Ecosystems as Environmental Support Systems Chapter 2 : Climate Change and Related Issues Global Warming and Sustainability Speculative Impacts of Climate Change Recent High Temperatures The Phenomenon of Global Warming Rising Sea Levels Carbon Taxation and Trading A Limited Agreement The Hague and Marrakesh Conferences The Copenhagen Conference A Flawed Accord The Global Perspective EL Nino The World Summit in Johannesburg The Debt Burden The Crucial Failure The Stern Report World Water Resources The Background Man’s Need for Water The Exhaustion of Current Supplies Consequences of Water Shortages International Water Disputes Impacts of Climate Change Climate Change: Background and Approach Greenhouse Gases, Radiative Forcing and Global Warming IPCC—AR4 Global Cooperation to Reduce GHG Emissions Global Warming Potential (100-Year Time Horizon) National Mission for a Green India Mission Objectives Mission Targets (Outputs) Key Elements of Mission Strategy Chapter 3 : Biodiversity Introduction Understanding Biodiversity Estimates of Biodiversity Biodiversity and Agrobiodiversity Endangered Species Vulnerable Species Causes of Extinction Habitat Loss, Degradation or Alteration Over-Exploitation The Endangered Species Convention (CITES) The Options for Rare Species Conservation Ex-situ Conservations Welfare Problems in Captivity Habitats in Danger Why are Habitats Different? Threats to Habitats Short Notes on India’s Biodiversity India and LMMCs India and CBD National Policy and Macrolevel Action Strategy on Biodiversity The National Environment Policy (NEP) 2006 The National Forest Policy, 1988 Formulation of NBAP Environmental Protection in India MoEF National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Institutional Framework and Capacity Building Biodiversity Conservation Habitat Destruction—Main Threat to Biodiversity Conservation of Medicinal Plants in India Unsustainable Exploitation of Biodiversity Resources The Underground Biodiversity Economic Valuation and Natural Resource Accounting Chapter 4 : India’s Natural Vegetation and Biodiversity Natural Vegetation and Biodiversity Forests Marine Environments India’s Biodiversity Protected Areas Network Data Tables: India’s Biodiversity Threats to Indian Biodiversity Chapter 5 : Other Current Environmental Issues Trends in World Population Concerns Over Population Growth Unsustainable Natural Resources Disease and Poor Health EU Population Projections Agents of Population Growth The Trend to Urbanisation Global Ocean Resources Introduction Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Maximum Sustainable Yield Exploitation and Over-Exploitation Aquaculture Marine Biodiversity Marine Habitats Marine Mineral Wealth Thermal Power Wind Power Tidal Power The Hungry Planet The Background The Paradox The Distribution of Hunger The Political Aspect: The Example of Africa The Colonial Inheritance Charges and Counter-Charges Africa’s Poorest Nations Statistics on Hunger Life-Expectancy Rates Problems in Zimbabwe and South Africa Searching for Solutions Africa and the Developed World Current Developments Future Aid Requirements New Hopes in 2005 Food Price Volatility Changes in EU Agriculture The Biofuel Factor Global Food Riots The Uncertain Future Global Human Migration Introduction The Origins of Man Tracking Migration Physiology and Ethnicity Waves of Invaders The Causes of Migration: Economic and Social Migration and the Land Migration and Military Strength Contemporary Migration Chapter 6 : Agrobiodiversity Agrobiodiversity in India Indigenous Crops Crops Introduced and Naturalized Diversity in Crops Diversity In Other Economic Plants Sustainable Use of Agrobiodiveristy Concern for Loss of Agrobiodiversity Conservation and Management of Agrobiodiversity/PGR Conservation Approaches Ex Situ Conservation Community Recognition and Reward The Indian National Genebank Chapter 7 : India’s Environmental Efforts The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) Role of the Ministry Allocation of Business— MoEF National Environment Policy, 2006 Objectives of the National Environment Policy Governing Principles for National Environmental Policy Short Notes on Other Environmental Authorities and Related Programmes National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) National Missions Environment Pollution (Prevention Control) Authority for the National Capital Region Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) National Water Quality Monitoring (NWQM) National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) Genetic Engineering Approval Committee National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (N.A.M.P.) Eco-Mark Scheme National Wetland Conservation & Management Programme (NWCMP) EIA Genetic Engineering Clearances Water Pollution Rules and Regulations Air Pollution Rules and Regulations Public Liability Insurance National Environment Appellate Authority (NEAA) National Environment Tribunal National Green Tribunal (NGT) Animal Welfare Wildlife Forest Conservation Biodiversity The Municipal Solid Wastes(Management and Handling) Rules, 2000 National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) Forest Certification Carbon Neutrality Ex-ante Versus Ex-post Credits Gold Standard (GS) Voluntary Carbon Standard 2007 (VCS) The Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards (CCBS) Social Carbon National Food Security Mission ISO 14000 Plastic Waste Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 (as amended 2003) E-Waste Important Environmental Standards in India Chapter 8 : Data Tables Data Tables—India’s Biodiversity Chapter 9 : Short Notes Basics of Environmental Science The Earth—Our Island Earth’s Environmental Systems Chemistry and the Environment Energy Fundamentals Ecosystems Biogeochemical Cycles The Nature of Environmental Science Environmental Ethics Sustainabe Development and Our World’s Future Environmental Economics and Environmental Policy Economics: Approaches and Environmental Implications Environmental Policy: An Overview International Environmental Policy The Environmental Policy Process Approaches to Environmental Policy Evolution, Biodiversity, and Population Ecology Evolution as the Wellspring of Earth’s Biodiversity Levels of Ecological Organization Global Climate Change Our Dynamic Climate Current and Future Trends and Impacts Responding to Climate Change Chronology of Environmental Movement Glossary of Environmental Terms Important Abbreviations Multiple-Choice Questions General Science Chapter 1 : Biology The Science of Life Origin of Life Living and Non-Living Organisms Four Groups of Biological Entities Classification Linnaeus System of Classification Modern Classification Systems Other Important Types of Classifications The Five Kingdoms Viruses Basic Cell Biology The Cell Size and Shape of Cells Cell Biology: Chronology Cell Structure Cell Functions Cell Division: The Continuity of Life Genetics Genetic Diversity and Crossing Over X and Y Chromosomes and Sex Determination Introduction to DNA Types of Genetic Mutations Genetic Engineering: Advantages and Disadvantages Genetic Control and Melanin Tissue Classification and Histology Tissue Classification and Histology in Animals Tissue Classification and Morphology in Plants Nutrition Classification by Source of Energy and Carbon Plant Nutrition Animal Nutrition Human Diet The Digestive System Respiration External and Internal Respiration Respiratory System in Plants Respiratory System in Insects Respiratory System in Humans and Animals The Transport System in Organisms Transport System in a Cell Transport System in Plants Transport System in Animals Blood Vascular System Skeletal and Muscular Systems Bone and Skeleton System (Osteology) Ligaments (Syndesmology) Muscular System (Mylogy) Vertebrates Reproduction Asexual Reproduction in Plants Asexual Reproduction in Animals Sexual Reproduction in Plants Sexual Reproduction in Animals Sexual Reproduction in Humans Excretion, Osmoregulation and Thermoregulation Excretory Products Excretion in Plants Excretion in Animals Osmoregulation, ADH and Formation of Urine in Animals Physiological and Behavioural Adjustments Neurology Structure of the Nervous System Origins of Nerves Sense Organs Sense of Touch Sense of Taste Sense of Smell Sense of Sight Sense of Hearing Health and Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Cancer Immunization Diseases of the Human Body AIDS Common Drugs Medical Aids (Equipment) Medical Treatment Marvels of Medical Science Glossary of Medical Terms Chapter 2 : Chemistry Introduction States of Matter Some Important Characteristics of Matter Phases of Matter Physical Properties of Matter Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter Mixtures, Solutions and Solubility Mixtures Solutions Solubility Mole Concept and Avogadro’s Hypothesis Alloys Distillation The Atom Definition of the Atom Structure of the Atom Properties of the Atom Periodicity in Properties Elements and Compounds Elements Compounds Metals and Non-Metals The Periodic Table The Periodic Table General Properties and Periodic Trends Hydrogen Chemical Bonds Chemical Bonding Hydrogen Bonds Chemical Formulas Chemical Symbols Chemical Formulas Naming Inorganic Compounds Structural Formulas Chemical Equations Balanced Equations Ionic Equations Acids, Bases, and Salts Weight Relations Gas Volumes in Chemical Reactions Chemical Reactions Chemical Reactions and Molecules Chemical Energetics Chemical Rates and Mechanisms Chemical Equilibrium Types of Reactions Chemical Synthesis Organic Chemicals Carbon Water and Organic Compounds in the Environment Water Organic Compounds Chemistry in Everyday Life Acids and Bases, pH Scale Salts Drugs Dyes Biotechnology Plastics and Polymers Food Chemistry Metallurgy Soaps, Glass, Cement and Coal Radioactivity Nuclear Reaction and Atomic Energy Electrochemistry General Important General Chemical Tests Important Laws of Chemistry Important Chemical Processes Chemistry Quiz Glossary of Terms Chapter 3 : Physics Introduction Units and Measurements Mechanics Kinematics Freely Falling Bodies Types of Motion Projectile Motion Circular Motion Dynamics Energy and Power Work Energy Power Machines Gravitation Kepler’s Laws Newton’s Law of Gravitation Earth’s Gravitation Gravitational Field Momentum and Impulse Impulse Momentum Angular Momentum Collisions Pressure and Density Buoyancy and Weight Fluid Mechanics Fluid Statics Bernoulli’s Principle Hydraulics Molecular Properties Intermolecular Forces Adhesion and Cohesion Diffusion Surface Tension Capillarity Viscosity Elasticity Vibrations and Waves Simple Harmonic Motion Wave Motion Wave Behaviour Reflection and Refraction Diffraction Interference Light The Nature of Light Sources of Light Detection of Light Behaviour of Light Measurement of Light Optics Introduction Geometric Optics Physical Optics Diffraction Grating Hologram Fibre Optics Radar Vision The Eye Sound Characteristics of Sound Wave Speed of Sound Acoustics Sensation of Tone Speech, Music, and Noise—Three Important Types of Ordinary Sound Telecommunications Telephone Communications Satellite Frequency Modulation Global Positioning System Sonar Sonic Boom Doppler’s Effect Heat Temperature Scales Heat Units Latent Heat Specific Heat Enthalpy and Heat of Reaction Combustion Heat Transfer Putting Heat to Work—Changing Heat into Motion Refrigeration Thermometer Thermos Flask Thermodynamics Boiler Internal-Combustion Engine Turbines Rockets Turbojet Engines Magnetism The Magnetic Field Kinds of Magnetic Material Electricity Static Electricity Coulomb’s Law Sources of Electric Current Electricity and Magnetism Alternating Current Electric Power Systems Components of an Electric Power System Power Failures Voltage Regulation Electronics Electronic Circuits Electronic Components Power Supply Circuits Amplifier Circuits Oscillators Switching and Timing Circuits Semiconductors Semiconductor Lasers Microprocessor Nuclear Physics Nuclear Energy Nuclear Fuels and Wastes Biophysics Plasma Physics Historical Development Occurrence of Plasma Properties of Plasma Chapter 4 : Earth and Space Sciences Astronomy and Astrophysics The Universe New Windows on the Universe The Solar System Geophysics Solid Earth Geophysics Seismology Chapter 5 : Computers and Information Technology Information Technology Introduction to Computers Recent Developments Multiple-Choice Questions Goldmine—Important UPSC Civil Services MCQs (1995–2010) on General Science General Knowledge Chapter 1 : International Organizations United Nations (UN) Introduction Evolution of the Idea of the UN Charter of the UN Headquarters of UN The UN Flag and the Emblem Aims and Objectives Membership of the UN Organizations of the UN General Assembly (GA) Security Council (SC) The Economic and Social Council International Court of Justice (ICJ) Trusteeship Council (TC) The Secretariat The Commonwealth Constitution Membership Commonwealth Secretariat Purpose and Objectives Member Countries The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Founder Members of NAM Basic Principles of the NAM First NAM Conference South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Other World Organizations European Union (EU) The European Economic Community (EEC) The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Caribbean Community (Caricom) Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Arab League (League of Arab States) Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) Benelux Economic Union North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) The Group of 77 The Group of Seven (G-7) South-East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) Colombo Plan Organization of African Unity (OAU) Organization of American States (OAS) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Central American Common Market (CACM) Amnesty International Red Cross World Trade Organization (WTO) The French Community Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Scouts and Guides Gulf Cooperation Council Important Treaties Chapter 2 : National Insignia and Other Facts National Insignia National Flag National Emblem National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) National Song (Vande Mataram) National Calendar (Saka) National Animal National Bird National Flower, National Tree, National Fruit National Language National Day Other Important Days The People The Arts General Elections and Political Parties Political Parties Record Makers (India) World Records Held by India Trade and Industry Agriculture/Natural Resources Buildings/Roads/Bridges Miscellaneous Individual Achievements India’s Superlatives Chapter 3 : Science and Technology Technology Policy Statement (TPS) Science and Technology (S&T) Activities in India India’s Missile Programme Set-Up India’s Space Programme History Objectives Space Research Organizations Space Establishments Space Missions India's First Man in Space Chandrayan–I Kalpana Chawla (1 July 1961–1 February 2003) Sunita L. Williams India’s Atomic Research Objectives First Nuclear Implosion Set-Up Nuclear Power Projects India’s Oceanographic Research Programme Medical Research and Advancement Circumnavigation Chapter 4 : Defence and Security Defence and Security India’s Defence Set-Up India's Internal Security Chapter 5 : National Awards, Culture and Literature National Awards Republic Day Awards (Civilian Awards) Gallantry Awards Other Awards Cultural and Literary Activities Academies Museums Literature Dances of India Important Regional Dances Other Important Dances/Dance Dramas Musical Instruments and Musicians Chapter 6 : Miscellaneous Various Sciences Scientific Instruments Systems of Measurement Number System Arabic Numerals Invention of the Decimal System Roman Numerals Mathematical Symbols Inventions and Discoveries Scientific Concepts and Theories Languages Books—General Noted Works by Indian Authors (English) Ancient Classical Writers Books—Short Notes Ancient Books on Science and Medicine Some Famous Foreign Books Some Important Books Abbreviated Titles of Some Well Known Figures Well Known Freedom Fighters International Figures Prominent Figures of the Indian Freedom Movement Exploration and Discoveries Women Achievers Prominent Economists Schools of Thought Ancient Philosophers and Thinkers International Awards and Honours Nobel Prize Pulitzer Prize Ramon Magsaysay Awards Booker Prize (Man Bookers Prize) Right Livelihood Award Oscar Award (or Academy Award of Merit) Religions of the World Buddhism Confucianism Christianity Hinduism Judaism (Religion of the Hebrews) Sikhism Zoroastrianism (Parsi Religion) Sports Sports Festivals Women Booking 2012 at London London Olympics 2012 27th July–12th August 2012 Important Trophies and Associated Games Places Associated with Sports Sports Authority of India Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education Important Government Schemes Relating to Sports National Youth Policy 2003 National Scheme Relating to Talent Search and Training National Sports Development Fund Abbreviations International Airlines of the World Miscellaneous Information Important Newspapers Important News Agencies Days To Remember Important Symbols World's Great Structures Multiple-Choice Questions Current Events of National and International Importance Chapter 1 : National Affairs Assembly Elections and Political News Assembly Elections 2013 VVIP Helicopter Deal National Issues—Updates Uttarakhand Tragedy National Skill Development Agency The Agricultural Biosecurity Bill 2013 President Promulgates Ordinance Amending the Indian Medical Council Act 1956 Measures for Protection and Conservation of Wild Animals Updates of Programmes of Human and Social Development New Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Twentieth Law Commission Appointed Publication of Latest Acts in the Gazette of India Foreign Nationals Playing for Indian Teams Under Indian National Flag National Electric Mobility Mission Plan Launched Recapitalization of Public Sector Banks Lakhipur–Bhanga Stretch of Barak River Enacted as a National Waterway Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda ‘NIF’ to Enhance ‘Disinvestment Policy’ MTNL Video Telephony Service Launched Agenda for Deity in 2013 Nowcasting of Weather Committee to Probe Wal-Mart’s Lobbying Activities ISRO Plan—Space Missions 3rd National Voters Day Celebrations E-Biz Portal for all Investment and Business Information CSIR–OSDD Collaborates with the Royal Society of Chemistry News from States and Union Territories Andhra Pradesh Card Project Assam Bihar Chatisgarh Goa Gujarat Haryana Jammu and Kashmir Jharkhand Karnataka Kerala Maharashtra Odisha Punjab Rajasthan Tamil Nadu Utar Pradesh West Bengal Art and Culture Classifying Malayalam as ‘Classical Language’ Establishment of the Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission Amrita Sher-Gil Birth Ceneternary Celebrations Exhibition Gandhi–Kallenbach Papers National Culture Fund Pact with REC and SEWA for Reviving Crafts Heritage ‘CSR’ for Indian Culture Maha Kumbh Celebrated in 2013 Supreme Court Verdicts Pulls CBI for Delayed Petition against Senior Leaders in Babri Masjid Case SC Dismisses Sahara’s Review Petition Publication of Latest Acts in the Gazette of India SC Bars Italian Envoy from Leaving India SC Erased Verdict on Mother-in-law Kicking Her Daughter-in-law Summits and Conferences Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (Jan 31–Feb 2, 2013) New Delhi, India Munich Security Conference (Feb 1–3, 2013) in Munich, Germany Defence and Security MoD Promulgates Defence Procurement Procedure – 2013 Arrival of First Indian Naval P-8ILRMRASW Aircraft at INS Rajali Indigenous Defence Production Coastal Security Delivery of C-17 Aircraft Strategic Rail Projects Tatra Truck Deal Induction of INS Vikramaditya Long Range Cruise Missile Nirbhay Launched Indian Dornier 228 Surveillance Aircraft for Seychelles Proposals for Setting up Two more Missile Ranges Aero India–2013 Commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Rajratan’ DRDO’s K-15 Missile BhrahMos Manoeuvrable Version Launched Jet Engines for Tejas Airbus–330 MRTT Nirbhaya Missile Test Fired Environment and Climate Change Bill on Setting up Agricultural Biosecurity Authority Green Haat 2013 ‘Brings Nature to our Lives’ 11th Conference of Parties (CoP–11) 14th BASIC Meeting in Chennai, February 15–16, 2013 Actual Forest Area in the Country National Mission for ‘A Green India’ Impact of Global Warming on the Himalayas Labelling on Food Containing GMOs Trees and Species Declared Extinct New Tiger Reserves Science and Technology Nuclear Power Generation Investment in Nuclear Power Sector India–Russia Joint Space Research National Supercomputing Roadmap Deep Sea Mining for Minerals Multilateral/Bilateral Issues India—France India—Mauritius India—Maldives Indo-Pak India—Bangladesh India—UK India—US India—Australia India—Thailand India—China Chapter 2 : Economy Review of the Economy Overview GDP Growth The Economic Survey 2012–13 Highlights The Union Budget: 2013–14 Important Information on Union Budget of India Key Features Agriculture Health ICDS JNNURM Inclusion Other Proposals Central Plan Outlay 2013–14 Key Figure Highlights of Central Plan 2013–14 Defence Budget 2013–14: Key Statistics The Railway Budget: 2013–14 Highlights Rail Based Industries Power Generation Capacity In India Important Business Current Affairs Boeing 787 Dreamliners Grounded Vodafone Transfer Pricing Case HCL—Freshers Row Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group buys Gaming Companies RIL to Launch 4G Services Wal–Mart Lobbying Guidelines for New Bank Released by RBI Forex Reserves Down Biggest Biogas Plant AirAsia–Tata Investment Plan Jet–Etihad Deal Pepsi wins Title Sponsorship of IPL Chapter 3 : International Affairs International News Syria Malaysia Iraq Australia United Kingdom Turkey Cyprus Mali South Africa China Rusia Israel Japan Germany The Netherlands Mexico Qatar USA North Korea Brazil Iran Nigeria European Union Austria Egypt Algeria Norway Pakistan Venezuela Italy Saudi Arabia Afghanistan Vatican Tunisia South Korea Bangladesh Chapter 4 : Sports Sports and Games Tennis Grand Slams 2013 Australian Open 2013 French Open 2013 Wimbledon Championships Cups and Tournaments Athletics Basketball Badminton Chess Cricket Results One-Day International Tournaments/Matches Twenty 20 International Tournaments/Matches Football Golf Hockey Kabaddi Squash Table Tennis Tennis Volleyball Weightlifting Wrestling Chapter 5 : Miscellaneous Information Who’s Who Union Government Council of Ministers State Government and UTs Judiciary and Chiefs of Armed Forces and other Important Dignatories Heads of Nations and Important Offices Heads of Important Offices (International) Head of Important Offices (National) Abbreviations Newsmakers Persons in News Obituaries Appointments and Change of Guards Authors in News—Their Books Awards and Honours National Awards Major Independence Day Awards 2012 Major International and National Awards National Bravery Awards 2013 (Rashtriya Veerta Puruskar) Awarded for the Year 2012 Music Award Journalism, Reporting and Media Awards Film and Entertainment Awards 64th Emmy Awards Literature and Writer’s Awards Corporate and Business Awards Science and Technology Awards Art and Culture Awards Sports Awards Stop Press Telangana Proposed as 29th State of Indian Union Key Points of the Proposed State Multiple-Choice Questions Previous Years' Papers Chapter 1 : Comparative Analysis of the General Studies 2011, 2012 and 2013 Macro-Analysis of General Studies (Paper–I) for the Years 2011, 2012 and 2013 Micro-Analysis of General Studies (Paper–I) Chapter 2 : Analysis of the General Studies 2013 UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2013 General Studies (Paper–I) General Studies Paper–I (2013) Chapter 3 : Analysis of the General Studies 2012 UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2012 General Studies (Paper–I) General Studies Paper–I (2012) Chapter 4 : Analysis of the General Studies 2011 UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2011 General Studies (Paper–I) General Studies Paper–I (2011)