The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.

Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles.

In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision, including Abd ul-Karim Ma’mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.

Southern view of the Taj Mahal
Location:	Agra, India
Coordinates:	27.174799°N 78.042111°E
Elevation:	171 m (561 ft)
Built:	1632–1653[citation needed]
Architect:	Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
Architectural style(s):	Mughal
Visitation:	More than 3 million (in 2003)
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Type:	Cultural
Criteria:	i
Designated:	1983 (7th session)
Reference #:	252
State Party:	India
Region:	Asia-Pacific

The greatest invention of man in palaeolithic was
Ans : Fire

The Great Bath of the Indus Valley Civilization was discovered in :
Ans : Mohenjodaro

For the Karachi session of Indian National Congress in 1931, presided over by Sardar Patel, who drafted the Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme
Ans : Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

Archaelogical excavations have revealed remains of stadium in :
Ans : Lothal

In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news ?
Ans : A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India

Which of the following Indus Valley sites is now in Pakistan ?
Ans : Harappa

When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour ?
Ans : Presence of ferric oxides

What is the principle by which a cooling system (Radiator) in a motor car works
Ans : Convection

The main occupation of the people of the Indus Valley civilization was
Ans : Agriculture

The main Characteristic of the Indus Valley Civilization was
Ans : Drainage system

The Indus Valley Civilization is known as Aryan Civilization because of the evidence of
Ans : Script

Who among the following were official Congress negotiators with Cripps Mission
Ans : Pandit Nehru and Maulana Azad

Which one of the following was not an Indus Valley Civilization site ?
Ans : Patliputra

Which one of the following elements of Hinduism were practised in the Indus Valley Civilization ?
Ans : Cult of Shiva

Which of the following metals was not known to Indus Valley people ?
Ans : Iron

01. The word Bharat comes first from Rig-Veda.
1. There are 1028 Vedic texts in Rig-Veda
2. Language of Vedas was Sanskrit
3. Gayatri Mantra is mentioned in 3rd mandal of Rig-Veda
4. Savitri or Sun is worshipped in Gayatri mantra
5. The social structure was Patriarchal
6. Cow was also used as a medium of exchange
7. Satyamev Jayate is taken from Mundakopnishad
8. The birth and rebirth is mentioned in Vrihadranyaka
9. Animal Theft was the crime mentioned most in Vedas’
10. Om has been used for 1028 times in Rigveda
11. Mahabharat was the largest epic of Vedic period written by Vedvyas in Sanskrit
12. Bronze was referred as Ayas
13. Barley was referred as Yava
14. Carpenter was called Takshak
15. Maker of bows was called dhumvakrit
16. Rice was referred as Vrihi
17. Goldsmith was called as Hiranyakata.
18. Jana word was used for 275 times in Rigveda
19. Indra word was used for 200 times
20. The potteries used were Black and Red ware, Black Slipped ware, painted Grey ware and Red ware.
21. Name of Indus River of Sindhu
22. Name of Kabul River was Kumbha
23. The name of swat river was Suvastu
24. Name of Chenab was Askini
25. The name of Jhelam river was Vitasta
26. The name of ravi river was Purushni.

IndiaPay is India’s first indigenous payment gateway and is scheduled to be launched in mid-2011. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is the owner of IndiaPay and will make its first move by cutting charges levied to merchant establishments by half, compared with what MasterCard and Visa charge. IndiaPay’s shareholders consist of 10 banks, six of which are PSU banks, and is promoted by the Reserve Bank of India.

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Important Newspapers :English
1)Indian Express  2)      The Hindu 3)    Deccan Herald
4)Hindustan Times  5)   Financial Express  6)   Asian Age
7)Economic Times    Business Standard 9)     Statesman
10)Pioneer  11)   India Daily  12)    India Today
13) Times of India 14) The Telegraph     15) Business Line
16) Tribune

Important Newspapers :Hindi
- Hindi Milap
- Naidunia
- Dainik Jagran
- Dainik Bhaskar
- Web Duniya
- Satyam (Hindi Portal)
- Haribhoomi
- Panchjanya
- BBC Hindi (Audio)

Important Newspapers :Punjabi
- Yugantar Punjab
- Sikh Virsa
- Sanjh Savera

Important Newspapers :Urdu
- Munsif Daily
- The Siasat Daily
- Inquilab
- Lashkar
- Sahilonline
- Bhat Kal News
- Times of India: Mumbai
- Mid-Day
- Afternoon
- Navhind Times (Goa)
- Gomantak Times (Goa)
- Goa Herald Newspaper
- Goa News
- Punecity.com
- CityofPune.com

Important Newspapers :Marathi
- Loksatta
- Maharashtra Times
- Dainik Aikya
- Sakal
- Daily Kesari
- Lokmat
- Tarun Bharat
- Deshonnati
- Pudhari

Important Newspapers :Gujarati
- Gujarat Samachar
- Akila
- Sandesh
- Sambhaav
- Chitralekha
- Gurjari
- Deccan Herald:
- Karnataka
- Bangalore
- Deccan Chronicle
- Kaumudi Online
- Newindpress.com
- News Today
- Bhat Kal News (Urdu)
- Hyderabad News

Important Newspapers :Kannada
- Udayavani
- Sanjevani
- Kannada Prabha
- Kranti Daily
- Prajavani Online
- Vishva KannaDa
- Satyam (Kannada Portal)
- Kanada Music World

Important Newspapers :Telugu
- Andhra Prabha
- Andhra Bhoomi
- VAARTHA
- Eenadu
- Eemaata (Magazine)
- Pramukhandhra (Magazine)
- Satyam (Telugu Portal)

Important Newspapers :Tamil
- Dinamani
- Thinaboomi
- Dinamalar
- Minnambalam
- Dinakaran
- Aaraamthinai
- Vanavil – Kuyil
- Kalki Weekly
- Satyam (Tamil Portal)
- BBC Tamil (Audio)
- Thina-Thanthi
- Vikatan Group Magazines

Important Newspapers :Malayalam
- Deshabhimani Daily
- DEEPIKA
- Mathrubhumi
- Kerala Express
- Thina
- Satyam (Malayalam Portal)
- Kerala Kaumudi
- Malayala Manorama

Important Newspapers :Bengali
- Anandabazar Patrika
- Bengal Net
- Sambad
- Dainik Pratidin
- Pratidin Online
- Satyam (Bengali Portal)
- BBC Bengali (Audio)
- Suprovat

Important Newspapers :Orissa
- Orissa India
- Orissa Sambad
- Orissa TV
- Orissa.net
- Dharitri
- Pragativadi

Important Newspapers :Assam
- The Assam Tribune
- The Sentinel
- Pratidin Assam
- E-pao (Manipur)
- The Gangtok Times
(Sikkim)
- Indian News
- Pioneer
- The Sunday Observer
- The Newspaper Today

Other Important News Agencies/sources in India

- Reuters India
- India Abroad
- PTI
- All India Radio
- Doordarshan
- Zee News
- Star TV
- NDTV
- Aaj Tak
- BBC: South Asia
- CNBC
- MTV Asia
- Indian Television
- News – India Times
- TajaNews

CAPITAL OF KERALA

Ans :THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

First Fully literate state in India

Kerala is the most literate state in India, with 94.59% literacy

Ans : Kerala ‘s official slogan of Kerala tourism is

God’s Own Country

Ans : CULTURAL CAPITAL OF KERALA

Ans: Trissur

PROPOSED 4TH AIRPORT IN KERALA IS AT

Ans: KANNUR

FAMOUS FISHING CENTRE IN KERALA

Ans: NENDAKARA

WIND ENERGY PRODUCED IN KERALA

Ans: PALAKKAD

NEW NAVAL ACADEMY IN KERALA

Ans: EZHIMALA

THERMAL ELECTRICITY PLANT IN KERALA

Ans: KAYAMKULAM

1. Who is the first Indian-origin woman professor in the Harvard University’s history ?
Answer: Gita Gopinath

2.  New Rupee Symbol of India or Indian Rupee Symbol represents ?
Answer: A mix of the Devanagri ‘Ra’ and Roman ‘R’, to become the fifth currency in the world to have a distinct identity.
3. New Indian Rupee symbol has been revealed by Cabinet on ?
Answer: July 15, 2010

4. Who was Daya Nayak ?
Answer: Daya Nayak is Mumbai’s controversial police officer and encounter specialist.

5. Who is the Cricketer decided and wants to have his blood used on a page of his autobiography to be released in February next year (Feb 2011) ?
Answer: Batting star Sachin Tendulkar

6. The Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted bail to former Satyam managing director Rama Raju, former chief financial officer Vadlamani Srinivas and three others accused in the multi-crore rupee accounting scam on —————–
Answer: July 20, 2010

7. What was The world’s only antivirus browser ?
Answer: Epic Browser

8. Who is the first Indian-origin woman professor in the Harvard University’s history ?
Answer: Gita Gopinath

Noted academician Gita Gopinath has been named professor of economics at the prestigious Harvard University, becoming the first Indian-origin woman professor in the institution’s history.

9. Who was chargsheeted on July 20, 2010 for passing secret info to ISI ?
Answer: Madhuri Gupta
Delhi Police today chargesheeted disgraced diplomat Madhuri Gupta accusing her of passing secret information to Pakistan’s ISI during her posting in Islamabad. Gupta, who was arrested in April, has been accused of being in touch with two ISI officials, Mubshar Raza Rana and Jamshed.

10. ———————— seed extract has anti-diabetic properties says a pharmacology professor at the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Medicine.
Answer: Cashew seed
Cashew tree products have long been alleged to be effective anti-inflammatory agents, counter high blood sugar and prevent insulin resistance among diabetics.

11. Who is the Former India hockey star attacked umpire ?
Answer: Sunil Ekka
Former India hockey player Sunil Ekka, playing for Army XI, lashed out with his hockey stick at veteran umpire RS Suriya Prakash, leaving the latter seriously injured.

12. Which are the two Trians rammed each other and met to Trian Accident which killed and injuried many people in West Bengal ?
Answer: Uttarbanga Express and Vananchal Express

60 people were killed and over 90 injured when a speeding Uttarbanga Express tore through the rear of Vananchal Express at the Sainthia station in Birbhum district of West Bengal. The train apparently overshot the signal.

13. New Rupee Symbol of India or Indian Rupee Symbol designed by
Answer: IIT post-graduate D Uday Kumar

14. Who is the Congress MP high command warning resumed his controversial ‘Odarpu yatra’ in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh on July 8, 2010 ?

Answer: Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy
15. Recently, who was the politician charged in anti-Sikh riots case ?
Answer: Senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar

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Two things upon this changing earth can neither change nor end; the splendor of Christ’s humble birth, the love of friend for friend.

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May all the sweet magic
Of Christmas conspire
To gladden your hearts
And fill every desire.

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Lets welcome the year which is fresh
Lets welcome the year which is fresh and new,Lets cherish each moment it beholds, Lets celebrate this blissful New year. Merry X-mas

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Can I have your picture, so Santa Claus knows exactly what to give me. Happy Christmas.

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Chritmas ka yeh pyara tyohaar jeevan mein laye khushiyan apaar, santa clause aaye aapke dwar, subhkamna hamari kare sweekar. Merry Christmas.

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.HAPPY CHRISTMAS

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an occasion that is celebrated as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.

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Faith makes all things possible,Hope makes all things work,Love makes all things beautiful,May you have all the three for this Christmas.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Somehow, not only for Christmas, But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others, Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing, The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart’s possessing, Returns to you glad.

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Joy resounds in the hearts of those who believe in the miracle of Christmas!
Wishing you all the peace, joy, and love of the season! Season’s Greetings!

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There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.

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Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind.

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Don’t expect too much of Christmas Day. You can’t crowd into it any arrears of unselfishness and kindliness that may have accrued during the past twelve months.

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Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.

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A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away; While quite unselfish, it grows small.

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Lets welcome the year which is fresh and new,Lets cherish each moment it beholds, Lets celebrate this blissful New year. Merry X-mas.

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From Home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.

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It was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, “God Bless Us, Every One!

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If one night you wake up and a big fat male is trying to put you in a sack please don’t be afraid because i told santa all i want for christmas is you. .

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A silent night, a star above, a blessed gift of hope and love. A blessed Christmas to you!

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I hope you have a wonderful christmas . have a great new year ! Hopefully santa will be extra good to you . enjoy your holidays !

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May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the Year. Wishing you a season of blessings from heaven above. Happy Christmas.

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1.Which was the first metal to be used by man

(a) Copper (b) Iron (c) Bronze (d) Tin

Answer : A

2.The main historical source regarding the information about village government under the Cholas is the

(a) Halmidi inscription
(b) Jatwai inscription
(c) Uttaramerur inscription
(d) Chandravallo inscription

Answer : C

3.The first major inscription in classical Sanskrit is that of

a. Rudradaman

b. Chandragupta

c Vikramaditya

d. Samudragupta

Answer : A

4.Who built a tomb for Sher Shah at Sasaram

a. Ibrahim Shah

b. Islam Shah

d. Sikandar Shah

Answer : D

5.The capital of Cheras was

Answer : Muziris, now known as Kodungalloor

6. The capital of Cholas was

Answer : Kaveripattanam

7.The capital of Pandyas was

Answer : Madurai

8.Krishnadevaraya was the ruler of

Answer : Vijaya Nagar

9.The main centre or meeting point of Indo-Roman trade in ancient times was

a. Rome

b. Calicut

d. Karaikkal

Answer : B

10.The dynasty of the Sangam Age first mentioned by Megasthanese is

Answer : Pandya Dynasty

11.The main metal used by the Indus Valley people was

Answer : Copper

12.Who pursued the policy �Blood and Iron�

a. Balban

b. Firuz Tughlaq

d. Alauddin Khilji

Answer : A

13.The famous Dilwara Temple at Mount Abu, Rajasthan was built by

Answer : Tejpala

14.The official language of the Satavahana dynasty was

Answer : Prakrit

15.The Bahmani kingdom was founded by

Answer : Hasan

16.Nav Ratnas (nine gems) were the famous personalities associated with the court of

a. Chandra Gupta II

b. Harshavardhana

d. Samudra Gupta

Answer : A

17.Who got Daulatabad constructed

Answer : Muhammad-bin-Tuglaq

18. Which of the following is a port town of Indus Valley Civilization

a. Harappa

b. Ropar

d. Lothal

Answer : D

19.Chinese pilgrim who visited India during Harsha Vardhana�s period was

a. Hiuen Tsang

b. Fa-hien

d. Nishka

Answer : A

20.Who introduced the famous Persian festival of Nauroz

a. Alauddin Khilji

b. Iltumish

d. Balban

Answer : D

21.Mohiyuddin Mohammed is the real name of which Mughal ruler

Answer : Aurangazeeb

22.The Hoysala ‘s capital was

a. Warangal
b. Devagiri

d. Krishnagiri

Answer : C

23.Kalidas, the great Indian poet was in the court of which Hindu emperor

Answer : Chandragupta II

24.Who was the Nawab of Bengal at the time of the Battle of Plassey

Answer : Siraj-ud-daula

25.The rulers of which dynasties established the largest domination in Southern India

Answer : Cholas

26.The development of architecture was at its peak during the reign of

a. Nandas

b. Cholas

Answer : C

27.Which noble in the court of Akbar refused to be a convert to Din-i-Ilahi

Answer : Man Singh

28.The famous Nalanda University was during the period of

Answer : Harsha Vardhana

29.Which among the following ports was called Babul Makkha (Gate of Makkah) during the Mughal period

a. Broach

b. Calcutta

d. Calicut

Answer : C

30.Who among the following Indian rulers established embassies in foreign countries on modern lines

a. Tipu sultan

b. Mir Quasim

d. Shah Alam II

Answer : A

31.Which play deals with Chanakya�s attempts to place Chandragupta Maurya on the Maghadha throne

Answer : Mudraraksasa

32.Which of the following rulers had the title Kaviraja

a. Kumaragupta

b. Chanragupta

d. Samudragupta

Answer : D

33.Who among the following was a great musician in the court of Akbar

a. Abdul Fazal

b. Amir Khusro

d. Tansen

Answer : D

34.The literature of the Sangam age was written mostly in the form of

a. prose

b. poetry

d. All of these

Answer : B

35.Which of the following Rajput dynasties did not surrender to Akbar

a. Parmar

b. Pratihara

d. Sisodiya

Answer : B

36.Which rulers built Ellora temple

a. Chalukya

b. Rashtrakuta

d. Sunga

Answer : B

37.To which tribe does Gautama Buddha belongs to

Answer : Sakya

38.Avantika, the ancient city, in the time of Mauryas is now known as

Answer : Ujjain

39.Which ruler was famous as �Vikramaditya�

Answer : Chandragupta II

40.The council of nine gems� is associated with the name of

Answer : Chandragupta II

41.The court language of the Mughals was

Answer : Persian

42.Who among the following was the famous ruler of ancient India, who adopted Jain dharma at the last

a. Chandragupta

b. Samudragupta

d. Bindusare

Answer : A

43.Which Muslim ruler was keen to have friendly relations with the Rajputs

a. Akbar

b. Humayun

d. Aurangzeb

Answer : A

44.The Mongols under Genghis Khan invaded India during the reign of

Answer : Iltutmish

45.Which among the following rulers started �Ilahi Calendar� in 1583

a. Babur

b. Akbar

d. Sher Shah

Answer : B

46.Capital of Harsha was

Answer : Kanauj

47.Alberuni was the court scholar of

Answer : Mahmud Ghazni

48.During the early Vedic period, the society was divided on the basis of

Answer : Occupation

49.The third Buddhist council was held at

Answer : Pataliputra

50. Which Sikh Guru founded the city Amritsar

Answer : Fourth