Indian Geography: Overview

• General Knowledge encompasses a broad understanding of various subjects, facts, and current events.
• Current Affairs refers to contemporary events and issues of political, social, and economic significance happening around the world, including India.

Indian Geography

• India is located in South Asia and is the seventh-largest country in the world by land area.
• It is bordered by Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north-east; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east.
• The Indian coastline stretches over 7,500 kilometers.
• India has a diverse topography, including the Himalayan mountains, the Indo-Gangetic plains, the Thar Desert, and the Deccan Plateau.
• The Himalayas act as a natural barrier and influence India's climate and river systems.
• Major rivers include the Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, Yamuna, and Krishna.
• India experiences a monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
• The country is rich in natural resources, including coal, iron ore, bauxite, and petroleum.
• India is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories.
• The country has varied vegetation, from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows.
• Key biodiversity hotspots include the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas.
• India is vulnerable to natural disasters like floods, droughts, cyclones, and earthquakes.
• The Indian Standard Time (IST) is GMT+5:30.
• India has a diverse range of soil types, including alluvial, black, red, and laterite soils.

Indian Economy

• India has a mixed economy, combining elements of both capitalism and socialism.
• It is one of the world's largest economies by nominal GDP and purchasing power parity.
• Agriculture is a significant sector but contributes a declining share to the GDP.
• The service sector is the largest contributor to India's GDP.
• Key industries include information technology, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and manufacturing.
• The Indian rupee (INR) is the official currency.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank.
• Economic reforms initiated in the early 1990s liberalized the economy and promoted growth.
• India is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• The country faces challenges related to poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
• Infrastructure development is a priority for sustained economic growth.
• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a unified indirect tax system.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a crucial role in economic development.
• The government promotes various schemes like Make in India, Digital India, and Startup India.
• India has a large and growing middle class.
• The unemployment rate is an important indicator of the health of the economy.
• Inflation management is a key concern for the RBI.
• The stock market indices like the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty reflect the performance of the Indian economy.

Indian Politics

• India is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system.
• The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
• The Parliament consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• The Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the people.
• The Rajya Sabha members are elected by the state legislative assemblies and nominated by the President.
• The judiciary is independent, with the Supreme Court as the highest court.
• The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land.
• Elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India.
• Major political parties include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC).
• States have their own legislative assemblies and governments.
• The Panchayati Raj system promotes local self-governance.
• Anti-defection law prevents members of parliament from switching parties.
• The President can declare a state of emergency under certain conditions.
• Fundamental rights are guaranteed to all citizens under the Constitution.
• Directive Principles of State Policy guide the government in formulating policies.
• Constitutional amendments can be made to adapt to changing needs.
• The concept of secularism is enshrined in the Constitution.
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL) allows citizens to approach the courts on matters of public concern.

Indian Society and Culture

• India is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage.
• It is home to multiple religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
• The caste system has historically influenced social hierarchies.
• There are numerous languages and dialects spoken across the country.
• Hindi and English are the official languages of the Union government.
• Indian classical music and dance forms are renowned globally.
• Bollywood is the popular name for the Hindi film industry.
• Traditional festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas are celebrated with enthusiasm.
• Joint family system is a traditional social structure, though nuclear families are becoming more common.
• Arranged marriages are still prevalent, though love marriages are also increasing.
• Indian cuisine varies widely across regions.
• Traditional clothing includes sarees, dhotis, and salwar kameez.
• Yoga and Ayurveda are ancient Indian systems of health and well-being.
• The concept of "Atithi Devo Bhava" (the guest is equivalent to God) reflects Indian hospitality.
• Cultural diversity is promoted through various arts, crafts, and literature.
• Social issues include gender inequality, poverty, and discrimination.
• Education is increasingly valued, with efforts to improve literacy rates.
• Growing urbanization is transforming Indian society.
• The protection of cultural heritage is a focus of government and community efforts.