History of India

History of India The history of India is one of the grand epics of world history and can be best described in the words of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as "a bundle of contradictions held together by strong but invisible threads". Indian history can be characterised as a work in progress, a continuous process of reinvention that can eventually prove elusive for those seeking to grasp its essential character. The history of this astonishing sub continent dates back to almost 75000 years ago with the evidence of human activity of Homo sapiens. Amazingly, almost five thousand years ago, the inhabitants of the Indus Valley Civilisation had developed an urban culture based on commerce and sustained by agricultural trade. Following is the history of India through the Ages: The Pre Historic Era The Stone Age: The Stone Age began 500,000 to 200,000 years ago and recent finds in Tamil Nadu (at C. 75000 years ago, before and after the explosion of the Toba Volcano) indicate the presence of the first anatomically humans in the area. Tools crafted by proto-humans that have been dated back to two million years have been discovered in the North-western part of the country. The Bronze Age: The Bronze Age in the Indian subcontinent dates back to around 3300 BCE with the early Indus Valley Civilisation. Historically part of ancient India, it is one of the world's earliest, urban civilisations, along with Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Inhabitants of this era developed new techniques in metallurgy and handicraft and produced copper, bronze, lead and tin.  Early Historic Period Vedic Period: The Aryans were the first to invade the country. They came out of the North in about 1500 BC and brought with them strong cultural traditions. Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages spoken by them, was used in the first documentation of the Vedas, which date back to the 12th century BC and are believed to be oldest scriptures still in use. The Vedas are some of the oldest extant texts, next to those in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Vedic era in the subcontinent lasted from about 1500-500 BCE, laying down the foundation of Hinduism and other cultural dimensions of early Indian society. The Aryans laid down Vedic civilisation all over North India, particularly in the Gangetic Plain. Mahajanapadas: This period saw the second major rise in urbanisation in India after the Indus valley Civilisation. The word "maha" means great and the word "janapada" means foothold of a tribe. In the later Vedic Age, a number of small kingdoms or city states had mushroomed across the subcontinent and also find mention in early Buddhist and Jain literature as far back as 1000 BCE. By 500 BCE, sixteen "republics" or Mahajanapadas has been established, namely; Kasi, Kosala, Anga, Magadha, Vajji (or Vriji), Malla, Chedi, Vatsa (or Vamsa), Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara, and Kamboja. Persian and Greek Conquests: Much of the Northwest subcontinent (currently Afghanistan and Pakistan) came under the rule of the Persian Achaemenid Empire in C. 520 BCE under the rule of Darius the Great and remained so for two centuries. In 326 BCE, Alexander the Great conquered Asia Minor and the Achaemenid Empire, when he reached the Northwest frontier of the Indian subcontinent he defeated King Porus and conquered most of Punjab. Maurya Empire: The Maurya Empire, ruled by the Mauryan Dynasty from 322-185 BCE was a geographically extensive and mighty political and military empire in ancient India, established in the subcontinent by Chandragupta Maurya in Magadha (present-day Bihar) and it further thrived under Ashoka the Great. Ancient India Timeline Prehistoric Period: ( 400000 BC - 1000 BC ): The period when man, basically a food gatherer, discovered fire and wheel. Indus Valley Civilisation: (2500 BC - 1500 BC): Derived its name from the river Indus and thrived on agriculture and worshipped natural forces. Epic Age: (1000 BC - 600 BC): The period saw the compilation of the Vedas, distinction of Varnas in terms of Aryans and Dasas (slaves). Hinduism and Transition: (600 BC - 322 BC): As caste system became more rigid, the period saw the advent of Mahavira and Buddha who rebelled against casteism. Mahajanapadas were formed - Magadha under Bimbisara and Ajat Shatru and Shisunanga and Nanda dynasty. The Mauryan Age: (322 BC - 185 BC): Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, the empire encompassed the entire North India and Bindusara further extended it. After fighting the Kalinga war, Ashoka embraced Buddhism. The Invasions: (185 BC - 320 AD): The period saw the invasion of Bactrians, Parthians, Shakas & Kushans, opening of Central Asia for trade, issuance of GOLD coins and introduction of the Saka era. Deccan and South India: (65 BC - 250 AD): The southern part was ruled by Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas This period is known for construction of Ajanta and Ellora cave temples, Sangam literature, and arrival of Christianity to India. The Gupta Dynasty: (320 AD - 520 AD): The Gupta dynasty founded by Chandragupta I, ushered in classical age in north India with Samudragupta extending his kingdom and Chandragupta II fighting against Shakas. Shakuntalam and Kamasutra were written during this period, Aryabhatta achieved feats in Astronomy and Bhakti cult emerged. Age of Small Kingdoms: (500 AD - 606 AD): The period saw migrations from Central Asia and Iran as Hunas moved to north India. There was rise of many small kingdoms as the North was divided into warring kingdoms. Harshavardhana: (606 AD - 647 AD): The famous Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang visited India during Emperor Harshawardhana's reign. But his kingdom disintegrated into small states even as Hunas invaded . It was a period when the Deccan and the south became powerful. The Southern Kingdoms: (500 AD - 750 AD): Empire of Chalukyas, Pallavas & Pandya flourished. Zoroastrians (Parsis) came to India. Chola Empire: (9th Cent. AD - 13th Cent. AD): Founded by Vijayalaya, the Chola empire adopted a maritime policy. Temples became cultural and social centres and Dravadian languages flourished. The Northern Kingdoms: (750 AD - 1206 AD): The Rashtrakutas became powerful, Pratiharas ruled in Avanti and Palas ruled Bengal. The period also saw emergence of Rajput clans. Temples at Khajuraho, Kanchipuram, Puri were built and miniature painting started. The period witnessed invasion from the Turks. Battles that have Shaped the History of India In the long march of centuries, India has witnessed the rise and fall of several empires and conquerors.The political map of pre-modern India,before the British arrived, was made up of countless kingdoms with fluctuating boundaries that rendered the country vulnerable to foreign invasions.There have been various dynasties fighting battles among themselves and against foreign invaders - Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Chinese nomads, Arabs, Mughals, French, Dutch, Portuguese, British and others. Wave after wave of foreign aggressors descended on India, founded empires and left a deep imprint on the history and culture of the country. But none could not subdue or subjugate the indomitable soul of Bharatvarsh. As history is a great educator, it would be interesting to recapitulate some of the major battles that have marked turning points in the history of India: Battle of Buxar Seleucid-Mauryan War Kalinga War Battle of Haldighati Rohilla War Battle of the Hydaspes Huna Invasions of India Nadir Shah's Invasion of India Timur invades India Anglo-Maratha Wars Sakas Invade India First Turkish Invasion of The Deccan Mahmud Ghazni's Invasions of India Anglo-Sikh War Siege of Pondicherry Invasions of Muhammad Ghori Arab Invasion of Sind under Mohammed-bin-Qasim Fourth Anglo-Mysore War The Mughal Empire: In 1526, Babur, a descendant of Timur and Gengis Kahn from Fergana Valler (present-day Uzbekistan) swept across the Khyber Pass and established the Mughal Empire which covered modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. The Mughal dynasty ruled most of the Indian subcontinent till 1600; after which it went into decline after 1707 and was finally defeated during India's first war of Independence in 1857. Family Tree of Mughals Colonial Era: From the 16th century, European powers from Portugal, Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom established trading posts in India. Later, they took advantage of internal conflicts and established colonies in the country. The British Rule: The British Rule in India began with the coming of the British East India Company in 1600 leading to the rule of Queen Victoria. It culminated in the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. Heroic Figures of 1857 Bahadur Shah Zafar: Most rebelling Indians accepted Bahadur Shah Zafar as the Emperor of India under whom they united. But he fell to the wily machinations of the British. His fall marked the end of more than three centuries of Mughal rule in India. Bakht Khan: Bakht Khan, a subedar in the army of the East India Company, built up an army of Rohilla sepoys. After sepoys in Meerut revolted against the British in May 1857, he became commander of the sepoy forces in Delhi. Mangal Pandey: Mangal Pandey, part of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, is primarily known for his involvement in attack on his senior British officers on 29th March 1857 at Barrackpore, an incident that marked the beginning of the First War of Indian Independence. Nana Sahib: Nana Sahib, the adopted son of exiled Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao II, led the revolt at Kanpur. Rani Lakshmibai: She fought valiantly against the British troops along with Tatya Tope. However, on the 17th of June 1858, while battling against the British near the Phool Bagh area of Gwalior, she laid down her life. Tatya Tope: Tatya Tope, a close associate and general of Nana Sahib, fought against the British and joined forced with Rani Lakshmibai. Veer Kunwar Singh: The king of Jagdispur, currently a part of Bhojpur district, Bihar, Veer Kunwar Singh, led armed soldiers against the British troops. The Indian Independence Movement and Mahatma Gandhi: In the 20th century Mahatma Gandhi led millions of people in a national campaign of non-violent civil disobedience to obtain independence from the British in 1947. Leaders of Freedom Struggle  Independence and Partition: Religious tension between the Hindus and Muslims had been brewing over the years, especially in provinces like Punjab and West Bengal, accentuated by the British policy of divide and rule. All through this Mahatma Gandhi called for unity among the two religious groups. The British, whose economy had been weakened after World War-II, decided to leave India and paved the way for the formation of an interim government. Eventually, the British Indian territories gained independence in 1947, after being partitioned into the Union of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. Post-Independence Period: As many civilizations the Greek, the Roman, and the Egyptian - rose and fell, leaving only ruins, the Indian civilisation and culture remained unscathed. Even wave after wave of invaders descended on the country, founded empires and ruled over its different parts, the indomitable soul of Bharatvarsh could not be subjugated. Today, India marches proudly as the most vibrant republic and largest democracy of the world, an influential nation in South Asia and an emerging global superpower. India is the second largest country in Asia and the seventh largest and second most populous country on Earth. It comprises as much as one third of Asia and supports one seventh of humanity.

Well-done Modi ji

CONGRATULATES HONORABLE PRIME MINISTER SHRI NARENDRA MODI JII.......................   

ON TAKING THE BOLDEST DECISION IN FINANCIAL HISTORY
OF INDEPENDEND INDIA!...............

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India invited to join Russia’s fast reactor research project Russia

India invited to join Russia’s fast reactor research project Russia in November 2016 invited India to join in developing next-generation nuclear reactors and participate in its fast reactor research project, known as MBIR (Russian acronym). The information was given by ROSATOM’s project manager, Alexander Zagornov, who was in India for the opening of the company’s south Asia regional centre. ROSATOM is the nuclear corporation of Russia. This multipurpose reactor is a type of reactor in which nuclear fission chain reaction is sustained by fast neutrons. This project is coming up at the International Research Center in Dimitrovgrad, located in the Ulyanovsk region. Purpose of MBIR research reactor project •    The MBIR’s design includes three independent loops, which can be used to test different coolants like gas. Lead, molten salt and others. The facility will help in conducting material testing research in those different environments. •    Its main purpose is to conduct a large number of reactor studies of Generation 4 nuclear systems, including the fast neutron reactor with closed fuel cycle, as well as small and medium power thermal neutron reactors. •    The new technological platform is being created for nuclear energy, which will be based on the closed fuel cycle with fast neutron reactors. •    This closed fuel cycle involves recycling the nuclear waste as new fuel. •    It essentially signifies research on a sodium-cooled Generation 4 fast reactor to design an advanced fast neutron reactor for use in nuclear power plants. •    These types of reactors, also known as a fast reactor, are a type in which the nuclear fission chain reaction is sustained by fact neutrons. This type of reactors don’t need neutron moderator like normal water. Benefits of fast-neutron reactors •    These fast-neutron reactors may help in solving the major ecological problem of reprocessing and deactivation of the accumulated radioactive waste. •    The closed fuel cycle will lead to the solution of the five key problems and they are safety, competitiveness, shortage of fuel, reprocessing and re-fabricating the used nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. It will also be helpful in enforcing non-proliferation of fission materials and weapons technologies.

NASA completes construction of James Webb Space Telescope

NASA completes construction of James Webb Space Telescope .The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on 2 November 2016 completed the construction of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) after more than 20 years of hard work. This largest-ever space telescope is expected to launch in 2018 following the in-depth testing. Highlights of the Telescope • The telescope has 18 large mirrors that will collect infrared light, sheltered behind a tennis-court-size sun shield. • It is considered as the successor to NASA's iconic Hubble Space Telescope. • It is a 8.8 billion US dollars worth space observatory built to observe the infrared universe like never before. • Earth's atmosphere glows in the infrared, so such measurements can't be made from the ground. Hubble emits its own heat, which would obscure infrared readings. • It can run close to absolute zero in temperature and rest at a point in space called the Lagrange Point 2, which is directly behind Earth from the sun's perspective. That way, Earth can shield the telescope from the sun's infrared emission, and the sun shield can protect the telescope from both bodies' heat. • The telescope's infrared view will pierce through obscuring cosmic dust to reveal the universe's first galaxies and spy on newly forming planetary systems. • It will also be sensitive enough to analyze the atmospheres of exoplanets that pass in front of their stars, perhaps to search for signs of life. • It will be able to see a bumblebee a moon's distance away both in reflected light and in the body heat the bee emitted. • Its mirrors are so smooth that if you stretched the array to the size of the US, the hills and valleys of irregularity would be only a few inches high. Background The project is led by NASA but supported by international partners, including the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. The telescope was originally scheduled to launch in 2014 at a cost of about 5 billion US dollars, but a series of setbacks and budget constraints delayed and nearly canceled the project. The telescope's testing at Goddard will ensure that it can withstand the shaking and loud noise of a rocket launch. Then, it will be moved to Texas, where its focus will be tested, and then to California for some final assembly. The full telescope, with a 21.3-foot (6.5 meters) mirror assembly, is too large to launch fully extended, so the telescope will be carefully furled during launch and will have to unfold over the course of two weeks once it's in the air.  By six months after launch, the telescope will be ready to begin doing science.

RBI directs banks to dispense more 100 rupees notes through ATMs

RBI directs banks to dispense more 100 rupees notes through ATMs The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 2 November 2016 directed all the banks to dispense more 100 rupees notes through ATMs within the next 15 days. The decision came after a review of steps taken by banks for installing ATMs dispensing lower denomination banknotes was conducted. After the review, it was found that very few banks had taken initiatives in setting up ATMs dispensing lower denomination notes including 100 rupees banknotes. In keeping with the objectives of Clean Note Policy and to ensure that genuine requirement of members of public for 100 rupees denomination banknotes are met, the banks should increase dispensation of 100 rupees banknotes through ATMs which are widely used for distribution of banknotes for retail use. Moreover, RBI also decided to conduct a pilot project wherein 10 percent of the ATMs in the country will be calibrated to dispense 100 rupees banknotes exclusively. For this purpose, banks are free to select the branches with the sample covering relatively large number of centres or states. Once it is completed, the banks will further share their feedback on the pilot project after a lapse of two months.

IISER researchers develop Gelator to scoop out marine oil spills

IISER researchers develop Gelator to scoop out marine oil spills The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, developed a compound, called Gelator, to scoop out marine oil spills. The results based on laboratory studies were published recently in the journal Angewandte Chemie. A team led by Dr. Kana M. Sureshan from the School of Chemistry used glucose as a starting material and through several chemical reactions produced compounds (gelators) that selectively congeal oil, including crude oil, from an oil-water mixture.  Key highlights of the Gelator • The gelators, which are in a powder form, can be easily applied over oil-water mixture. In addition, they do not cause any environmental damage. • It can recover oil from oil-water mixture and can be reused several times. However, in the case of crude oil, the gelator cannot be recycled. • The gelator molecule is partly hydrophobic and partly hydrophilic. While the hydrophilic part helps in self-assembling to form gelator fibres, the hydrophobic part is responsible for its diffusion into the oil layer. • To achieve better diffusion of the molecule into the oil phase and enhance the oil recovery, the researchers increased the hydrophobicity. This was done by adding an aromatic/alkyl group at some part of the molecule. • Since the outer part of the fibre is hydrophobic, oil tends to gets into the spongy network made of fibres. • Once inside the fibre network, oil loses fluidity and becomes a gel. As the self-assembly is strong, the gel maintains its structure and rigidity even under pressure.

PM Modi inaugurated Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster

PM Modi inaugurated Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3 November 2016 inaugurated the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) in New Delhi. Aim of the 3-day conference is to find ways for better management of disaster risk. The conference will come out with a declaration consolidating the political commitment of governments towards preventing and reducing risk as well as strengthening resilience by accelerating implementation. Inaugurating the Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction Modi  outlined a ten-point agenda for renewing efforts towards disaster risk reduction. The 10-point agenda includes •    All development sectors must imbibe the principles of disaster risk management •    Network of universities should be developed to work on disaster issues. •    He emphasised on working towards risk coverage for all, which starts from poor households to small and medium enterprises, as well as multi-national corporations to nation states. •    He asked to encourage involvement and leadership of women as they are the biggest sufferers of any disaster. •    He called for global investment in risk mapping. •    Leveraging on technology to enhance the efficiency of the disaster risk management efforts •    Utilise the opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies. •    He also called for building on local capacity and initiative •    Opportunity to learn from a disaster must not be wasted. •    Bring about greater cohesion in international response to disasters. Besides, he also asked all countries to embrace the spirit of Sendai Framework which calls for an all-of-society approach to disaster risk management.

Sports Ministry tells NSFs to identify 2020 Olympics Medal

Sports Ministry tells NSFs to identify 2020 Olympics Medal Prospects The Union Sports Ministry on 2 November 2016 directed the National Sports Federations (NSFs) to shortlist names of potential medalists along with their support staff for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. They have been asked to submit the list by 30 November 2016. The direction was approved by the Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel. Japan unveiled Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympics emblems Benefits of the move: The potential medalists will get a head start in their Olympic preparations and a chance to work with the best support staff. Key facts Performance of the chosen players along with their support staff will be reviewed after every six months Results of the review will be put up on the Sports Federations’ website, suggesting full transparency.All the financial assistance required by the NSFs will be taken care of by the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme. Aside from this, the Sports Authority of India will take over the same role in case of sports disciplines in which NSFs are suspended like Gymnastics, Tennis and Archery. Besides, the Department of sports also advised NSFs to prepare the programme for training and exposure of the medal prospects for the year 2017.

Kristalina Georgieva appointed as CEO of IBRD & IDA of World Bank

Kristalina Georgieva appointed as CEO of IBRD & IDA of World Bank Kristalina Georgieva was on 2 November 2016 appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group with effect from January 2017. Her appointment was confirmed by the World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. IBRD and IDA are the lending arms of the World Bank. About Kristalina Georgieva • Georgieva is a Bulgarian national and has held multiple positions at the World Bank Group between 1993-2010 focusing on economics and sustainable development. • In her last role at the bank she served as Vice President, Corporate Secretariat, the interlocutor between the World Bank Group’s senior management, its Board of Directors and its shareholder countries. • After leaving the World Bank Group in 2010, she played an important role in shaping the agenda of the European Commission as a Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid. • In her current role as European Commission Vice President for Budget and Human Resource, she is in charge of the European Union's 175 billion US dollars budget and 33000 staff. • She also served as co-chair of the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing, where she secured a more effective system to meet the needs of vulnerable people.

Mariano Rajoy re-elected as Prime Minister of Spain

Mariano Rajoy re-elected as Prime Minister of Spain .Mariano Rajoy on 29 October 2016 was re-elected as the Prime Minister of Spain after winning a parliamentary vote. 170 lawmakers voted for him, 111 against and 68 abstained. With this, Spain has its first fully functioning government since December 2015, when a general election left no party with a majority. About Mariano Rajoy • Mariano Rajoy became leader of the People's Party in 2004. • He was the Leader of the Opposition between 2004 and 2011 under Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's government. • He became the Prime Minister in 2011 following the People's Party landslide victory in the general election of 2011. • His party lost the majority in the 2015 general election. However, the election ended in deadlock. Thereafter, a second election in 2016 enabled him to be re-elected prime minister as head of a minority government.

Current Affairs Quiz: 3 November 2016

1. India and which country recently signed MoU to develop Techo Park at Ramallah? a) Egypt b) Italy c) Palestine d) Oman 2. As per a recent ruling of Supreme Court, false declaration of what information could lead to annulment of a candidate’s election. a) Financial assets b) Educational Qualification c) Family Background d) All of the above 3. What is the theme of 2016 World Savings Day? a) A global celebration for saving b) Shining a light on what people value c) Saving, investment and planning for retirement d) Grabbing hold of your financial future 4. Which state launched the Parippida Mission recently? a) Kerala b) Karnataka c) Tamil Nadu d) Assam 5. What is the theme of the 2016 Vigilance Awareness Week? a) Combating Corruption- Technology as an enabler b) Public participation in promoting integrity and eradicating Corruption c) Preventive Vigilance as a tool of Good Governance d) Promoting Good Governance: Positive contribution of vigilance 6. Who of the following won the men’s singles title of the Bahrain International Challenge badminton tournament? a) Aditya Joshi b) Pratul Joshi c) Evgenij Dremin d) Denis Grachev 7. Who of the following was appointed as the brand ambassador of Swachh Rail Mission? a) Bindeshwar Pathak b) Kailash Satyarthi c) Amitabh Bachchan d) Sachin Tendulkar 8. Name the organisation/institution that released Freedom of the Press 2016 report. a) Freedom House b) UNESCO c) Reporters without Borders d) None of the above 9. Name the country that invited India to join its fast reactor research project. a) China b) Russia c) United States d) Germany 10. Name the joint military exercise that will be held between India and Bangladesh at Tangail, Dhaka from 5 to 18 November 2016. a) MITRA SAKTI b) DOSTI c) SURYA KIRAN d) SAMPRITI 11. Identify the sculptor who designed FIFA World Cup Trophy. a) Silvio Gazzaniga b) Stabilimento Artistico c) Bertoni d) None of the above 12. M N Sharma, who passed away recently, was the first chief architect of which of the following cities? a) New Delhi b) Bengaluru c) Kolkata d) Chandigarh 13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently presented the Ramnath Goenka Awards. The awards are given in which of the following fields? a) Social Work b) Education c) Journalism d) Arts and Culture 14. Kolkata-born Sarabjit Singh Marwah recently became the first Sikh to be appointed to the Senate of which of the following countries? a) Ireland b) Canada c) Australia d) Denmark 15. Saur Sujala Yojana was recently launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which of the following states? a) Chhattisgarh b) Madhya Pradesh c) Uttar Pradesh d) Punjab ANSWERS 1. (c) Palestine 2. (b) Educational Qualification 3. (d) Grabbing hold of your financial future 4. (a) Kerala 5. (b) Public participation in promoting integrity and eradicating Corruption 6. (b) Pratul Joshi 7. (a) Bindeshwar Pathak 8. (a) Freedom House 9. (b) Russia 10. (d) SAMPRITI 11. (a) Silvio Gazzaniga 12. (d) Chandigarh 13. (c) Journalism 14. (b) Canada 15. (a) Chhattisgarh

The Current Affairs One liners cover important current affairs of the day

The Current Affairs One liners cover important current affairs of the day like SC ruling on Candidate's Election, 2016 World Savings Day and Ramnath Goenka Awards among others. • India recently signed MoU to develop Techo Park at Ramallah with - Palestine • State that launched the Parippida Mission recently- Kerala • Theme of 2016 World Savings Day- Grabbing hold of your financial future • As per a recent ruling of Supreme Court, false declaration of what information could lead to annulment of a candidate’s election- Educational Qualification • Theme of the 2016 Vigilance Awareness Week- Public participation in promoting integrity and eradicating Corruption • India and Bangladesh will conduct a joint military training exercise at Tangail, Dhaka from 5 to 18 November 2016 is - SAMPRITI • Russia invited India to join in developing next-generation nuclear reactors and participate in its fast reactor research project, known as - MBIR (Russian acronym) • Organisation that released Freedom of the Press 2016 report is - Freedom House • Railway Ministry appointed him as the brand ambassador of Swachh Rail Mission - Bindeshwar Pathak • He won the men’s singles title of the Bahrain International Challenge badminton tournament - Pratul Joshi • Saur Sujala Yojana was recently launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in - Chhattisgarh • Kolkata-born Sarabjit Singh Marwah recently became the first Sikh to be appointed to the Senate of - Canada • Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently presented the Ramnath Goenka Awards. The awards are given in the field of - Journalism • M N Sharma, who passed away recently, was the first chief architect of - Chandigarh • Name of the designer of the FIFA World Cup Trophy, who passed away recently, is - Silvio Gazzaniga

Current Affairs One liner of the Day: 1 November 2016

Current Affairs One liner of the Day: 1 November 2016 on 31 October 2016 launched the first ever Agricultural Marketing & Farm Friendly Reforms Index. The index was topped by Maharashtra. Maharashtra implemented most of the marketing reforms and offers best environment for doing agribusiness among all the states and Union Territories (UTs). Key highlights of the index • Maharashtra topped the index with a score of 81.7 out of 100. • Gujarat ranks second with a score of 71.5. • Rajasthan stood third with a score of 70.0 and Madhya Pradesh scored 69.5. • Almost two third states could not reach even halfway mark of reforms score. Major states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir are in this group. • Some states and UTs either did not adopt APMC Act or revoked it. They include Bihar, Kerala, Manipur, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar. Therefore, they are not included in the ranking. About Agricultural Marketing & Farm Friendly Reforms Index • NITI Aayog launched an index to rank States and UTs that is based on implementation of seven provisions proposed under model APMC Act, joining eNAM initiative, special treatment to fruits and vegetables for marketing and level of taxes in mandis. • These indicators reveal ease of doing agribusiness as well as opportunities for farmers to benefit from modern trade and commerce and have wider option for sale of her/his produce. • These indicators also represent competitiveness, efficiency and transparency in agri markets. • The second area of reforms included in the index is relaxation in restrictions related to lease in and lease out agricultural land and change in law to recognise tenant and safeguard land owners liberalisation. • The third area included in the index represent freedom given to farmers for felling and transit of trees grown on private land. This represents opportunity to diversify farm business. • The index has a score which can have minimum value 0 implying no reforms and maximum value 100 implying complete reforms in the selected areas. States and UTs have been ranked in terms of the score of the index.

Environment and ecology

World's largest Marine Protected Area declared in Antarctica The Ross Sea, a deep bay of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica, was declared as world’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) on 28 October 2016. With this, there will be a blanket ban on commercial fishing across about three quarters of that area for 35 years. It will be the world's largest marine protected area and covers 1.6 million square kilometers. The deal was clinched after the meeting of Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) consisting of 24 countries and European Union in Hobart, Australia. All the participant nations including the European Union unanimously agreed to create the world's largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the ocean next to Antarctica. The agreement comes after years of negotiations brokered by the UN's Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. It also saw high-level talks between the US and Russia, which was rejected in the past. Environmentalists have welcomed the move to protect the Earth's most pristine marine ecosystem. Ross Sea • The Ross Sea is a deep bay of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica, between Victoria Land and Marie Byrd Land. • It derives its name from the British explorer James Ross who visited this area in 1841. • To the west of the sea lies Ross Island and to the east Roosevelt Island, while the southernmost part is covered by the Ross Ice Shelf, and is about 200 miles (320 km) from the South Pole. • The nutrient-laden water supports an abundance of plankton and this encourages a rich marine fauna. • At least ten mammal species, six bird species and 95 fish species are found here, as well as many invertebrates, and the sea remains relatively unaffected by human activities. • Some species of birds that nest in and near the Ross Sea include the Adelie penguin, emperor penguin, Antarctic petrel, snow petrel, and south polar skua. • Marine mammals in the Ross Sea include the Antarctic minke whale, killer whale, Weddell seal, Crabeater seal, and leopard seal. • Antarctic toothfish, Antarctic silverfish, Antarctic krill, and crystal krill also swim in the cold Antarctic water of the Ross Sea.

Current Affairs One liner of the Day: 1 November 2016

Current Affairs One liner of the Day: 1 November 2016 The one liner of the day covers important current affairs of the day like Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, Indo-Nepal joint military exercise Surya Kiran and notification of the Real Estate Rules for Union Territories among others. •    The winner of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for men is - India •    The winner of the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix is - Lewis Hamilton •    The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel •    The state that recently became India’s open defecation free state is - Himachal Pradesh •    The first Indian state to be declared Open Defecation Free is - Sikkim •    Indo-Nepal joint military exercise Surya Kiran recently commenced at Saljhandi in Nepal. It is the - 10th edition of the exercise •    The theme of the 2016 Rashtriya Ekta Diwas that was observed recently is - Integration of India •    Digital exhibition that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is - Uniting India: Sardar Patel •    The initiative that was launched by PM Modi on 31 October 2016 to promote greater awareness among people of various States about one another, hence promoting the spirit of Unity in Diversity is – Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat •    The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (General) Rules, 2016 notified for Union Territories (UTs) will be applicable in these five UTs - Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep •    The state that celebrated 51st year of its making as Golden Jubilee (Swarna Jyanti) across the state is – Haryana •    India and Palestine signed a Memorandum of Understanding for setting up of Palestine-India Techo Park in - Ramallah •    He was adjudged as the Man of the Match of the fifth ODI series played between India and New Zealand – Amit Mishra •    The 92-year-old Indian Navy veteran who won a gold medal in a 5000-metres race walk at the World Masters Athletics Championships being held in Perth is - Commodore V Sriramulu (Retd) •    Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) chief who has resigned is - Iyad Madani.