Classical Dances of India

Only Eight Indian dance forms are recognised with classical status by The Sangeet Natak Akademi.
  1. Bharatanatyam - originating in Tamil Nadu
  2. Odissi - originating in Orissa
  3. Kuchipudi - originating in Andhra Pradesh
  4. Mohiniaattam - originating in Kerala, performed by women
  5. Sattriya - originating in Assam, conferred classical status most recently
  6. Kathakali - originating in Kerala, performed by men
  7. Kathak - originating in Northern Indian
  8. Manipuri- originating in Manipur

Other art dances yet to be conferred as classical dances
  1. Gaudiya Nritya - Bengali art dance
  2. Andhra Natyam - Telugu art dance
  3. Vilasini Nrityam/Natyam - Telugu art dance
  4. Kerala Natanam - Kerala classical dance

Map of North Eastern India

Map of North Eastern India
Map of North Eastern India

Food Map of India

Food Map of India
Food Map of India

General Studies 2012 Mains Syllabus pdf free download

GENERAL STUDIES

General Guidelines:
The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers will be such that a well-educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study. The questions will be such as to test a candidate’s general awareness of a variety of subjects, which will have relevance for a career in Civil Services. The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio-economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give
relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.

PAPER - I


1. History of Modern India and Indian Culture :
The History of Modern India will cover history of the Country from about the middle of nineteenth century and would also include questions on important personalities who shaped the freedom movement and social reforms. The part relating to Indian culture will cover all aspects of Indian culture from the ancient to modern times as well as principal features of literature, arts and architecture.

2. Geography of India :
In this part, questions will be on the physical,economic and social geography of India.

3. Constitution of India and Indian Polity:
This part will include questions on the Constitution of India as well as all constitutional, legal, administrative and other issues emerging from the politico-administrative system prevalent in the country.

4. Current National Issues and Topics of Social Relevance :
This part is intended to test the candidate’s awareness of current national issues and topics of social relevance in present-day India, such as the following:
(i) The Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
(ii) Issues arising from the social and economic exclusion of large sections from the benefits of development.
(iii) Other issues relating to the development and management of human resource.
(iv) Health issues including the management of Public Health, Health education and ethical concerns regarding health-care, medical research and pharmaceuticals.
(v) Law enforcement, internal security and related issues such as the preservation of communal harmony.
(vi) Issues relating to good governance and accountability to the citizens including the maintenance of human rights, and of probity in public life.
(vii) Environmental issues, ecological preservation, conservation of natural resources and national heritage.

PAPER - II

1. India and the World :
This part will include questions to test candidate’s awareness of India’s relationship with the world in various spheres such as the following:-
Foreign Affairs with special emphasis on India’s relations with neighbouring countries and in the region.
Security and defence related matters.
Nuclear policy, issues, and conflicts.
The Indian Diaspora and its contribution to India and the world.

2. India’s Economic Interaction with the World :
In this part, questions will be on economic and trade issues such as foreign trade, foreign investment; economic and diplomacy issues relating to oil, gas and energy flows; the role and functions of I.M.F., World Bank, W.T.O., WIPO etc. which influence India’s economic interaction with other countries and international institutions.

3. Developments in the Field of Science & Technology, IT and space :
In this part, questions will test the candidate’s awareness of the developments in the field of science and technology, information technology, space and basic ideas about computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and related issues regarding intellectual property rights.

4. International Affairs and Institutions :
This part will include questions on important events in world affairs and on international institutions.

5. Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams :
This part will test the candidate’s ability to draw conclusions from information presented in statistical, graphical or diagrammatical form and to interpret them.

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Wetland, Swamp, Marsh, Bog, Fen and Mangrove

A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on characteristics that distinguish it as a distinct ecosystem. The water found in wetlands can be saltwater, freshwater, or brackish.

There are four major kinds of wetlands: swamps, marshes, bogs and fens.

A swamp is a wetland that is forested.
Swamp
Swamp

 
A marsh is a type of wetland that is dominated by herbaceous rather than woody plant species
Marsh
Marsh

 
A bog is a wetland that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material—often mosses, and in a majority of cases, Sphagnum moss.
Bog
Bog


A fen is one of the four main types of wetland, and is usually fed by mineral-rich surface water or groundwater.



Mangroves are various kinds of trees up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and subtropics – mainly between latitudes 25° N and 25° S
Mangrove
Mangrove