Sunday, April 25, 2010

Abbreviations

AIDWA—All India Democratic Women's Association.

APEDAA—Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act.

BFC—Business Facilitation Council.

BRIC—Brazil, Russia, India, China.

BRSP—Bhartiya Rashtrawadi Samanta Party.

BRTS—Bus Rapid Transit System.

BVRAAM—Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile

CAMPA—Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority.

CBEC—Central Board of Excise and Customs.

CCEA—Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

C-DAP—Comprehensive District Agriculture Plan.

CIDS—Construction Industry Development Council.

CIET—Central Institute of Educational Technology.

CIRDAP—Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and Pacific.

CJP—Citizen for Justice and Peace.

CLAT—Common Law Admission Test.

COBSE—Council of Boards of School Education.

CRRID—Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development.

CSTO—Collective Security Treaty Organisation.

CVERDE—Combat Vehicles Engineering Research and Development Establishment.

DDPA—Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

DIPP—Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.

DPCC—Delhi Pollution Control Committee.

DSIIDC—Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation.

EBTC—European Business and Technology.

ECB—External Commercial Borrowing.

EDI—Education Development Index.

EGOM—Empowered Group of Ministers.

EMBO—European Molecular Biology Organisation.

EPFO—Employee's Provident Fund Organisation.

EPIC—Elector's Photo Identity Card.

EQUIS—European Quality Improvement System.

ESA—Explosive Substance Act.

ESCAR—Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific.

ESOA—Education Services for Overseas Students Act.

FATF—Financial Action Task Force.

FIA—Federal Investigation Agency.

FOGSI—Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Societies of India.

GFDRR—Global Facility For Disaster Reduction and Recovery.

GPS—Global Positioning System.

IBEX—Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission.

ICC—International Chamber of Commerce.

ICRISAT—International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics.

ICRP—International Commission on Radiological Protection.

ICWF—Indian Community Welfare Fund.

IDP—Internally Displaced Persons.

IEDSS—Inclusive Education of the Diasbled at Secondary Stage.

IFAD—International Fund for Agricultural Development.

IGCAR—Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research.

IGMDP—Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.

IID—Indian Institute of Diabetes.

IIFCL—India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited.

ILEWG—International Lunar Exploration Working Group.

IMB—International Maritime Bureau.

IMEI—International Mobile Equipment Identity.

IMRH—Indian Multi Role Helicopter.

INCOIS—Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services.

INST—Institute of Nano Science and Technology.

INTACH—Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage.

IRNSS—The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.

ISC—Integrated Space Cell.

ISSA—India Specific Safeguards Agreement.

ISSM—International Society for Sexual Medicine.

ISTP—International Society of Tropical Paediatrics.

ISTRAC—Isro Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network.

IUCAA—Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics.

IUCN—International Union for Conservation of Nature.

JEM—Justice and Equality Movement.

JNNURM—Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

JUCCCE—Joint US-China Cooperation on Clean Energy.

LAC—Live Action Cockpit.

LHC—The Large Hadron Collider.

LSGIs—Local Self-Governing Institutions.

MIP—Moon Impact Probe.

MMIC—Multipurpose National Identity Card.

MRMR—Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance.

MSME—Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

NABI—National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute.

NACIL—National Aviation Company of India Limited.

NBER—National Bureau of Economic Research.

NCEUS—National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector.

NCHAC—North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.

NCHER—National Commission for Higher Education and Research.

NCHRC—National Council for Human Resource in Health.

NCPCR—National Commission for Protection of Child Right.

NJC—National Judicial Council.

NLD—National League for Democracy.

NPCIL—Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd.

NPS—New Pension System.

NRCAF—National Research Centre for Agro-Forestry.

NRHM—National Rural Health Mission.

NSSK—Navjaat Shishu Suraksha Karyakram.

NSTEDB—National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board.

NUEPA—National University of Educational Planning and Administration.

NUTP—National Urban Transport Policy.

OECD—The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

OSCE—Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe.

PCA—Permanent Court of Arbitration.

PEAIS—Panchayatiraj Empowerment and Accountability Incentive System.

PHWRs—Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors.

PIARC—Permanent International Association of Road Congresses.

PTC—Power Trading Corporation.

RGGVY—Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna.

RMSA—Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.

SAFMA—South Asia Free Media Association.

SARPSCO—South Asia Regional Port Security Cooperative.

SASS—Sri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti.

SCJRC—South Asian Centre for Journalists Reporting Conflict.

SDIS—Skill Development Initiative Scheme.

SEWA—Self Employed Women's Association.

SHE—Scholarship for Higher Education.

SMEs—Small and Medium Enterprises.

SRI—System for Rice Intensification.

STPF—Special Tiger Protection Force.

TAR—Trans-Asian Railway.

THAAD—Theatre High Attitude Area Defence.

UASL—Unified Access Service License.

UNCBD—United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

UNCLOS—UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

UNDF—United Nations Democracy Front.

UNIDO—United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.

UNRWA—The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (For Palestinian refugees).

UNSCEAR—United Nations Scientific Committee on the effects of Atomic Radiation.

Tourist Places in India

● Andhra Pradesh—Charminar, Salarjunj Museum, Golconda Fort, Araku Valley, Harshlla hills, Hussain Sagar Lake.

● Arunachal Pradesh—Twang, Dirang, Bomdella, Tipi, Malinathen, Likabali, Pasighat, Alaung Teju, Mico, Namdafa.

● Assam—Kamakhya temple, Navagraha, Kaziranga National Park, Manas Tiger Project, Pobitora, Bhaluk-Punj, Haf-long, Mafuli, Chandubi lake, Hazo, Bhatdraba.

● Chhattisgarh— Chitrakoot waterfall, Tirathgarh waterfall Kanger River, Keshkal Valley, Kanger Ghat, National Park, Kailash Caves, Kutumb Caves Achanakmar Sanctuary.

● Goa—Kala, Calangute, Vagator, Anjuna, St. Cathedral Church, Colva, Merdal, Terekhole.

● Gujarat—Palitana, Chorwad, Ubharat, Thithal.

● Haryana—Blue je, Sky lark, Suraj Kund, Badkal lake, Morni hills.

● Jammu-Kashmir—Chashma Shoi spring, Dal lake, Dachi-dham, Gulmarg, Pahelgam, Son-marg, Patni-top.

● Karnataka—Bellur, Helibed, Badami, Ehole, Pathdakkal, Hampy, World heritage places.

● Madhya Pradesh—Dhuadhar waterfall, Bheraghat, Bandhavgarh, National Park, Sanchi, Bhim betka, Maheshwar, Onkareshwar, Amarkantak.

● Maharashtra—Karla Caves, Mahabaleshwar, Matherau, Pachgani, Malshej Ghat, Aubdi, Chikaldaram, Panchla-hill station.

● Manipur—Kangla, Nupilan, Loktak lake, Kibum-Lam gao National Park, Sirai hills, Duzuko Valley, Lai-haroba, Chira-oba, Ningal-chak, Kooba, Rath-yatra, Gan-nagi, Lux-nigai, Yaosang, (Holi), Mera-Haba-gabakoot.

● Meghalaya—World famous Lake, Lady Hayadri Park, Polo-ground, Elephant fall, Shillong hill.

● Mizoram—Chamfai, Tamdill, Watanag fall.

● Orissa—Lingraj temple, Konark, Nandan-Kanan, Chilka-lake, Simlipal National Park, Dudama waterfall.

● Punjab—Golden temple, Durgiana temple, Sri Keshgarh Sahaib.

● Rajasthan—Sariska Tiger Reserve Kewala Devi National Park, Mount Abu.

● Tamil Nadu—Kumba-Konam, Darasuram, Suchindram, Sri-Rangam, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Ooty, Kodai-Kanal, Ellagiri, Kolli hills, Mudumallai Anamallai.

● Tripura—Kamal - Sagar, Sephaigala, Neer Mahal, Udaipur, Pilak, Mahamuni.

● Uttarakhand— Badrinath, Kedarnath, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Sahaib, Nanak-Matta, Bugyals, Duli, Mussoorrie, Chakrata, Ranikhet, Bageshwar, Kasauni.

● Uttar Pradesh—Vindhyachal, Chitrakoot Nemishrai, Brindravan, Deva Sharif, Piprava, Kaushambi, Sarnath, Jhansi, Mahoba.

● Andaman-Nicobar—Cellular Jail, Ross island and Wiper Island, Panchi, Red-Saki island, Havelock, island, Suique.

● Chandigarh—Rock garden, Rossgarden, Shukhna, lake, Tower of Shadow, Geomatric hill, Museum of Evolution, Lahhut, Nepliforest.

● Dadra and Nagar Haveli—Banganga Lake, Hirvavan Park.

● Daman and Diu—Van Jesus Church, our lady of sea church, our lady of Remedeos Church Motidaman and Nani-daman fort, Kachigam, Meera Sole, park, Panikotha fort.

● Lakshadweep—Agati-bangaram, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Kavarati and minicoy.

Important Institutions and its Headquarters

Education

● Commission of Scientific and Technical Words Terminology—New Delhi

● Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages—Hyderabad

● Institute of National Sanskrit—New Delhi

● National Sanskrit Vidyapeeth—Tirupati

● Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit Vidyapeeth—New Delhi

● Rashtriya Bal Bhavan—New Delhi

● Institute of Central Indian Language—Mysore

● Indian Council of Higher Research—Shimla

● Indian Institute of Social Sciences and Research—New Delhi

● Council of Indian Philosophy Research—New Delhi and Lucknow

● Indian Institute of Science—Bengaluru

● Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management—Gwalior

● Central Hindi Institute—Agra

Environmental Institutes

● Arid Zone Research Institute—Jodhpur

● Central Pollution Control Board—Delhi

● Central Museum Authority—New Delhi

● Rehabilitation Institute of Social Forestry and Ecology—Allahabad

● G. B. Pant Himdoya Environment and Development Institute—Almora

● Himalayan Forest Research Centre—Shimla

● Indian Forest Research and Education Council—Dehradun

● Institute of Indian Forest Management—Bhopal

● Institute of Indian Plywood Industry and Research—Bengaluru

● Institute of Forest Genetic Tree Breeding—Coimbatore

● Forest Productive Centre—Ranchi

● Institute of Forest Research and Human Resource Development—Chindwara

● Institute of Rainforest—Jorhat

● Institute of Lumbering Science and Technology—Bengaluru

● Institute of National Science & Technology—Faridabad

● Indian Botanical Survey—Kolkata

● Indian Anthropology Survey—Kolkata

● Indian Forest Survey—Jorhat

● Tropical Institute—Jabalpur

Defence Institutes

● Air Force Academy—Hyderabad

● Air Force Technical College—Bengaluru

● College of Military Engineering—Pune

● Defence Management Institute—Sikandrabad

● Defence Services Staff College—Wellington

● Directorate General N.C.C.—New Delhi

● Electrical and Mechanical Engineering School—Baroda

● Hindustan Aeronatic Limited—Bengaluru

● Indian Air Force Training Centre—Chennai

● Indian Military Academy—Dehradun

● Institute of Armament Technology—Pune

● Military College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering—Sikandrabad

● Directorate of National Cadet Core—New Delhi

● National Defence Academy—Kharagwasala

● Naval College of Engineering—Lonavala

● Officers Training Academy—Chennai

Art and Culture

● Institute of National Museum History for Art Conservation and Science Museum—New Delhi

● Allahabad Museum—Allahabad

● Asiatic Society—Kolkata

● Indian Anthropology Survey—Kolkata

● Indian National Archives—New Delhi

● Central Buddh Education Institute—Leh

● Central High Tibetean Educational Institute—Varanasi

● Central Secretariat Library (1981)—New Delhi

● Cultural Institute and Training Centre (1979)—New Delhi

● Delhi Public Library—New Delhi

● Gandhian Recollection and Philosophy Recollection—New Delhi

● Institute of Indian Diamond—Surat

● Indian Museum—Kolkata

● Indira Gandhi National Art Centre—New Delhi

● Indira Gandhi National Human Museum—Bhopal

● Jawahar Lal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (1954)—Imphal

● Kala Chitra Foundation—Chennai

● Khudabaksh Oriental Public Library—Patna

● Lalit Kala Academy (1954)—New Delhi

● Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Asian Studies Institute—Kolkata

● National Drama Vidyalaya (1959)—New Delhi

● National Science Museum Parishad—Kolkata

● National Modern Art Technique (1954)—Kolkata

● National Library (1948)—Kolkata

● National Museum—New Delhi

● National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Heritage—Lucknow

● National School of Drama—New Delhi

● Nav-Nalanda Mahabihar—Bihar

● Nehru Memorial Museum and Library—New Delhi

● Raja Rammohan Rai Library Foundation—Kolkata

● Ram Krishan Mission Sanskrit Institute (1938)—Kolkata

● Rampur Raja Library—Rampur

● Sahitya Academy (1954)—New Delhi

● Salarjanj Museum—Hyderabad

● Sangeet Natak Academy—New Delhi

● Victoria Memorial Hall—Kolkata

Food and Civil Supply

● Indian Standard Bureau—Delhi

● Indian Examination House—Kolkata

Health and Family Welfare

● Central Health Education Bureau—New Delhi

● National Medical Science Academy—New Delhi

● National Ayurvedic Institute—Jaipur

● National Siddh Institute—Chennai

● National Yunani Institute—Bengaluru

● Morarji Desai National Yog Institute—New Delhi

● National Natural Medical Institute—Pune

● National Homeopathic Institute—Kolkata

● National Ayurvedic Vidyapeeth—New Delhi

● Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd.—Rasoyni (Maharashtra)

Industries

● South India Textile Research Association—Coimbatore

● North India Cloth Research Institute—Ghaziabad

● Silk and Art Silk Mills Research Association—Mumbai

● Indian Jute Industry Research Association—Kolkata

● Wool Research Institute—Thane

● National Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd.—Trombay

● Pesticide Technology Institute—Gurgaon

● Hindustan Antibiotic Ltd.—Pimpri, Pune

● Plastic Engineering and Technology Institute—(Sepate) Chennai

● Indian Bureau of Mines—Nagpur

● National Aluminium Co. Ltd.—Orissa

● Hindustan Zinc Ltd.—Udaipur

Law and Justice

● National Justice Academy—Bhopal

● Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel National Police Academy—Hyderabad

● Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain National Crime and Justice Institute—New Delhi

Labour

● Labour Bureau Institute—Chandigarh and Shimla

● V. V. Giri National Labour Institute—Noida (U. P.)

● Central Labour Board—Nagpur

● Director General of Mines Security—Dhanbad

● Central Education Media Institute—Chennai

● Institute of Central government Training and Research—Kolkata

Mass Communication

● Publication Deptt.—New Delhi

● Film Department—Mumbai

● National Film Archieves—Pune

● Indian Committee of Children Film—Mumbai

● Directorate of Publications and Visual Publicity—Delhi

● Directorate of Regional Publicity—New Delhi

● Testimony Board of Central Movie—Mumbai

● Institute of Indian Film and Television—Pune

● Satyajeet Ray Film and Television Institute— Kolkata

Institute of Science and Technology

● Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science—Kolkata

● Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology—Pune

● Indian Astro-physics Institute—Bengaluru

● Jawahar Lal Nehru Developed Scientific Research Centre—Bengaluru

● Indian Institute of Geomagnetism—Mumbai

● Indian Science Academy—Bengaluru

● Indian National Science Academy—New Delhi

● Indian Science Congress Association—Kolkata

● Indian National Engineering Academy—New Delhi

● Indian National Oceanic Information Service Centre—Hyderabad

● Indian Oceanic Technical Institute—Chennai

● National Antarctic and Ocean Research Centre—Goa

● National Biological Science Centre—Bengaluru

● National Institute of Reservation—New Delhi

● Centre of National Cell Science—Pune

● Centre of National Mental Research—Manesar

● National Plant-Genome Research Centre—New Delhi

● National Earthquake Science Data Centre—New Delhi

● Indian Science Academy—Allahabad

● Survey Training Institute—Hyderabad (with the help of U.N.D.P.)

● Bose Institute—Kolkata

● Agarkar Research Institute—Pune

● Sri Chitra Triunal Medical Science and Technical Institute—Tiruvananthapuram

● Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology—Dehradun

● N. N. Bose National Fundamental Science Centre—Kolkata

● Birbal Sahani Institute of Paleo-botany—Lucknow

● Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council—New Delhi

● Science Expansion (Vigyan Prasar)—New Delhi

● Liquid Crystal Research Institute—Bengaluru

● Aryabhatta Research Observatory—Nainital

● Director of Atomic Mineral Investigation and Research—Hyderabad

● Indian Uranium Corporation Ltd.—Jaduguda

● Heavy Water Board—Mumbai

● Nuclear Fuel Campus—Hyderabad

● Bhabha Atomic Research Centre—Mumbai

● Shri Ram Institute of Chemical Research—New Delhi

● Institute for Plasma Research (I. P. R.)—Ahmedabad

● Harish Chand Research Institute—Chennai

● Physics Institute—Bhubaneshwar

● Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre—Kolkata

● Deptt. of Atomic Energy—Mumbai

● Project Directorate, Integrated Coastal and Sea Coast Management—Chennai

● Sea-biotic Resources and Ecology Centre—Cochin

● Hindustan Zinc Limited—Udaipur

● D. N. A. Finger Print and Centre—Hyderabad

● Biotic Resources and Continuous Development Centre—Imphal

● Life Science Institute—Bhubaneshwar

● Physical Research Laboratory—Ahmedabad (Gujarat)

● S. V. National Technical Institute—Surat

● Saha Nuclear Physics Institute—Kolkata (W. Bengal)

● Cosmic Rays Research Institute—Gauribidanow

● Shri Ram Chennai Research Institute—New Delhi

● Tata Institute of Fundamental Research—Mumbai

● Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology—Kocchi

● Institute of Mathematical Science—Chennai

● Institute of Physics—Bhubaneshwar

● National Biology Centre—Bengaluru

● Uranium Corporation of India Ltd.—Jaduguda (Jharkhand)

● Vishveshraiya National Technical Institute—Nagpur

Transport

● Diesel Locomotive Works—Varanasi

● Chitranjan Locomotive Works—Chitranjan

● Rail Coach Factory—Kapurthala

● Integral Coach Factory—Perambur, Kapurthala

● Rail Wheel Factory—Bengaluru

● Marine Engineering and Research Institute—Kolkata

● Marine Engineering and Research Institute—Mumbai

● Lal Bahadur Shastri Coastal Research and Higher Study Institute—Mumbai

● Indian Inland Waterways Authority—Noida

● Maritime Training Institute Powai—Mumbai

● Hindustan Shipyard Limited—Visakhapatnam

● Central Inland Water Transport Corporation—Kolkata

● Civil Aviation Security Bureau—Delhi

● National Aviation Management and Research Institute—Delhi

● Fire Training Centre—New Delhi

● Fire Service Training School—Narainpur (Kolkata)

● Indira Gandhi National Flying Academy—Furshatganj (U. P.)

● Indian Tourism and Travel Management Institute—Gwalior

● National Water Sporting Institute—Goa

Water Resources

● Central Soil and Material Research Centre—New Delhi

● Central Water and Electric Research Centre—Kharagwasala (Pune)

● National Project Construction Corporation Ltd.—New Delhi

● National Hydrology Institute—Roorkee (Uttarakhand)

Welfare

● National Blind Institute—Dehradun

● National Orthopedic Disabled Institute—Kolkata

● Aliyawarjung National Hard of Hearing Institute—Mumbai

● National Mental Disabled Institute—Sikandrabad

● National Rehabilitation Training and Research Institute—Cuttack

● Physically Disabled Institute—New Delhi

● Multi-disabled Strengthen Institute—Chennai

● National Public Cooperation and Child Development Institute—New Delhi

Youth Work and Play

● Rajeev Gandhi National Youth Development Institute—Perambur

● Laxmibai National Physical Education Institute (1957)—Gwalior

Energy

● National Thermal Power Corporation—New Delhi

● Electric Finance Corporation Ltd.—New Delhi

Communication

● Telecommunication Engineering Centre—New Delhi

● National Telecommunication Finance and Management Academy—Hyderabad

● High Level Telecommunication Training Centre—Ghaziabad

● Advance Level Telecommunication Training Centre—Ghaziabad

● Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Telecommunication Training Institute—Jabalpur

Buddhism

Buddhism stands for 3 pillars :

  • Buddha : Its Founder.
  • Dhamma : His Teachings.
  • Sangha : Order of Buddhist monks and nuns.

The Buddha History :

  • Also known as Sakyamuni or Tathagata.
  • Born in 563 BC on the Vaishakha Poornima Day at Lumbini (near Kapilavastu) in Nepal.
  • His father Suddhodana was the Saka ruler.
  • His mother (Mahamaya, of Kosala dynasty) died after 7 days of his birth. Brought up by stepmother Gautami.
  • Married at 16 to Yoshodhara. Enjoyed the married life for 13 years and had a son named Rahula.
  • After seeing an old man, a sick man, a corpse and an ascetic, he decided to become a wanderer.
  • Left his palace at 29 (with Channa, the charioteer and his favourite horse, Kanthaka) in search of truth (also called 'Mahabhinishkramana' or The Great Renunciation) and wandered for 6 years.
  • He first meditated with Alara Kalama. But he was not convinced that man could obtain liberation from sorrow by mental discipline and knowledge. His next teacher was Udraka Ramputra. He then joined forces with five ascetics- Kondana, Vappa, Bhadiya, Mahanama and Assagi, who were practicing the most rigorous self-mortification in the hope of wearing away their karma and obtaining final bliss.
  • For six years he tortured himself until he was nothing but a walking skeleton. But after six years, he felt that his fasts and penance had been useless. So he abandoned these things. The five disciples also left him.
  • Attained 'Nirvana' or 'Enlightenment' at 35 at Gaya in Magadha (Bihar) under the Pipal tree.
  • Delivered the first sermon at Sarnath where his five disciples had settled. His first sermon is called 'Dharmachakrapravartan' or 'Turning of the Wheel of Law'.
  • Attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar (identical with village Kasia in Deoria district of UP) in 483 BC at the age of 80 in the Malla republic.

The Dhamma Indian History :

1. The Four Great Truths :

  • The world is full of sorrow and misery.
  • The cause of all pain and misery is desire.
  • Pain and misery can be ended by killing or controlling desire.
  • Desire can be controlled by following the Eight Fold Path.

2. The Eight Fold Path : It consists of Right Faith, Right Thought, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Efforts, Right Speech, Right Remembrance and Right Concentration.

3. Belief in Nirvana :

  • When desire ceases, rebirth ceases and nirvana is attained i.e. freedom from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth is gained by following the 8-fold path.
  • According to Buddha, soul is a myth.

4. Belief in Ahimsa : One should not cause injury to any living being, animal or man.

5. Law of Karma : Man reaps the fruits of his past deeds.

The Sangha History :

  • Consists of monks (Bhikshus or Shramanas) and nuns.
  • Bhikshus acted as a torch bearer of the dhamma.
  • Apart from Sangha, the worshippers were called Upasakas.

Buddhist Councils : The monks gathered 4 times after the death of Buddha and the effect of these events had their effect on Buddhism.

First Council : At Rajgriha, in 483 BC under the chairman ship of Mehakassaapa (King was Ajatshatru). Divided the teachings of Buddha into two Pitakas - Vihaya Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka. Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka and Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka.

Second Council : At Vaishali, in 383 BC under Sabakami (King was Kalasoka). Followers divided into Sthavirmadins and Mahasanghikas.

Third Council : At Pataliputra, in 250 BC under Mogaliputta Tissa (King was Ashoka). In this, the third part of the Tripitaka was coded in the Pali language.

Fourth Council : At Kashmir (Kundalvan), in 72 AD under Vasumitra (King was Kanishka). Vice-Chairman was Ashwaghosha). Divided Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.

Note:

In Mahayana, idol worship is there. It became popular in China, Japan, Korea, Afghanistan, Turkey and other SE countries.

Hinayana became popular in Magadha and SriLanka. It believed in individual salvation and not in idol-worship.

Apart from these 2, there is a third vehicle, called 'Vajrayana', which appeared in 8th century and grew rapidly in Bihar and Bengal. They did not treat meat, fish, wine, etc, as a taboo in dietary habit and freely consumed them.

Buddist Literature :

  • In Pali language.
  • Buddhist scriptures in Pali are commonly referred to as Tripitakas, ie 'Threefold Basket'.

Vinaya Pitaka : Rules of discipline in Buddhist monasteries.

Sutta Pitaka : Largest, contains collection of Buddha's sermons.

Abhidhamma Pitaka : Explanation of the philosophical principles of the Buddhist religion.

Note:

Mahavansh and Deepvansh are the other Buddhist texts. They provide information about the then SriLanka.

Jataks are the fables about the different births of Buddha.

Growth of Buddhism :

Causes of New Movement :

The Vedic rituals were expensive & the sacrifices prescribed were very complicated & had lost their meaning.

The caste system had become rigid.

Supremacy of Brahmins created unrest.

All the religious text was in Sanskrit, which was not understandable to the masses.

Causes of decline of buddhism :

It succumbed to the Brahmanic rituals and ceremonies, such as idol worship, etc, which Buddhism had earlier denounced.

Revival of reformed Hinduism with the preaching of Shankaracharya from ninth century onwards.

Use of Sanskrit, the language of intellectuals, in place of Pali, the language of the common people.

Deterioration in the moral standards among the monks living in Buddhist monasteries.

Entry of women into Buddhist monasteries.

Attacks of Huna king Mihirkula in the sixth century and the Turkish invaders in the twelfth century AD.

Jainism Religion

  • Founded by Rishabhanath.
  • There were 24 tirthankaras (Prophetsor Gurus), all Kshatriyas.First was Rishabhanath (Emblem: Bull). His reference is also 4n Rigveda. But there is no historical basis for the first 22 Tirthankaras. Only the last two Tirthankaras are historical personalities.
  • The 23rd Tirthankar Parshwanath (Emblem: Snake) was the son of King Ashvasena of Banaras. His main teachings were: Non-injury, Non-lying, Non-stealing, Non-possession.
  • The 24th and the last Tirthankar was Vardhman Mahavira (Emblem: Lion).

Vardhman Mahavira History :

  • He was born in Kundagram (Distt Muzafffarpur, Bihar) in 599 BC.
  • His father Siddhartha was the head of Jnatrika clan. His mother was Trishla, sister of Lichchavi Prince Chetak of Vaishali.
  • Mahavira was related to Bimbisara.
  • Married to Yashoda, had a daughter named Priyadarsena, whose husband Jamali became his first disciple.
  • At 30, after the death of his parents, he became an ascetic.
  • In the 13th year of his asceticism (on the 10th of Vaishakha), outside the town of Jrimbhikgrama, he attained supreme knowledge (Kaivalya).
  • From now on he was called Jaina or Jitendriya and Mahavira, and his followers were named Jains. He also got the title of Arihant, i.e., worthy.
  • At the age of 72, he attained death at Pava, near Patna, in 527 BC.
  • Mahavira preached almost the same message as Parshvanath and added one more, Brahmcharya (celibacy) to it.
  • After the death of Mahavira, during the reign of King Chandragupta Maurya, a severe famine led to a great exodus of Jain monks from the Ganga valley to the Deccan, where they established important centers of their faith.

    This migration led to a great schism in Jainism. Bhadrabahu, who led the emigrants, insisted on the retention of the rule of nudity which Mahavira had established.

    Sthulabhadra, the leader of the monks who remained in the north, allowed his followers to wear white garments, owing to the hardships and confusions of the famine. Hence arose the two sects of the Jains, the Digambaras (sky-clad, i.e., naked) and the Svetambaras (white-clad).

Teachings of Mahavira :

Rejected the authority of the Vedas and do not attach any importance to the performance of sacrifices.

He believed that every object, even the smallest particle, possesses a soul and is endowed with consciousness. That is why they observe strict non-violence.

The Jains reject the concept of a Universal Soul or a Supreme Power as the creator or Sustainer of the universe.

Jainism does not deny the existence of gods but refuses to give gods any important part in die universe scheme. Gods are placed lower than the Jina.

Attainment of salvation (moksha) by believing in penance and dying of starvation (Main difference between Jainism and Buddhism).

Universal brotherhood (non-belief in caste system).

Note: In Jainism, three Ratnas (Triratnas) are given and they are called the way to Nirvana. They are Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct.

History of Jain Councils :

  • First Council : Held at Pataliputra by Sthulabhadra in the beginning of third century 322 BC. It resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas to replace 14 Purvas.
  • Second Council : It was held at Vallabhi (Gujarat) in the fifth century 512 AD under the leadership of Devridhigani. It resulted in final compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.

Growth of Jainism in India :    

Causes of New Movement :

  • The Vedic rituals were expensive & the sacrifices prescribed were very complicated & had lost their meaning.
  • The caste system had become rigid.
  • Supremacy of Brahmins created unrest.
  • All the religious text was in Sanskrit, which was not understandable to the masses.

Other Points:

  • Jainism reached the highest point in Chandragupta Maurya's time. In Kalinga, it was greatly patronized by Kharavela in the first century AD.
  • Various factors were responsible for the decline of Jainism in India. They took the concept of Ahimsa too far. They advised that one should not take medicine when one fell sick because the medicine killed germs.

    They believed that there was life in trees and vegetables and so refrained from harming them. Such practices could not become popular with common man. There was moreover no patronage from the later kings.

  • Jain literature is in Ardh-Magadhi and Prakrit dialects.
  • Due to the influence of Jainism, many regional languages emerged out, like Sauraseni, out of which grew the Marathi, Gujarati, Rajasthani and Kannada.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

GK Q. BANK

 

1. वर्ष 2007 का दादा साहब फाल्के पुरस्कार किसे दिया गया ?

उत्तर: मन्ना डे को

2. एच.आई.वी. + अभ्यर्थियों के पक्ष में सरकारी पद आरक्षित करने वाला भारत का प्रथम राज्य कौन सा है ?

उत्तर: केरल

3. गंगूबाई हंगल, जिनकी अभी कुछ दिन पूर्व मृत्यु हुई, वे कौन थीं ?

उत्तर: शास्त्रीय संगीत की गायिका

4. 'इंडियन एसोसियेशन' का संस्थापक कौन था ?

उत्तर: एस.एन. बनर्जी

5. 2001 की जनगणना के अनुसार भारत में ग्रामीण जनसँख्या का प्रतिशत कितना था ?

उत्तर: 72.2%

6. विश्व में गन्ने का सबसे बड़ा उत्पादक कौन सा देश है ?

उत्तर: ब्राजील

7. दक्षिण अफ्रीका का सर्वाधिक नगरीकृत देश है -

उत्तर: वेनेजुएला

8. आगरा नगर की स्थापना किसने की थी ?

उत्तर: सिकंदर लोदी ने

9. अश्वघोष किसका समकालीन था ?

उत्तर: चन्द्रगुप्त द्वितीय का

10. पूर्व वैदिक आर्यों का सर्वाधिक लोकप्रिय देवता कौन था ?

उत्तर: इन्द्र

11. किसे भारत का प्रथम विधि-निर्माता माना जाता है ?

उत्तर: मनु को

12. जेजाक भुक्ति प्राचीन नाम था -

उत्तर: बुन्देलखण्ड का

13. 18 फरवरी, 2011 को क्रिकेट वर्ल्ड कप का उद्दघाटन समारोह कहाँ होगा ?

उत्तर: ढाका में

14. सेरेना विलियम्स ने फाइनल में किसे हराकर विम्बल्डन, 2009 (महिला एकल) का ख़िताब जीता ?

उत्तर: वीनस विलियम्स ने

15. 'आम आदमी बीमा योजना' सामजिक सुरक्षा किन्हें प्रदान करती है ?

उत्तर: गरीबी रेखा के नीचे रहने वाले समस्त भूमिहीन श्रमिकों को

16. राष्ट्रीय विकास परिषद् मुख्यतः किससे सम्बद्ध है ?

उत्तर: पंचवर्षीय योजनाओं के अनुमोदन करने में

17. भारत में राष्ट्रीय आय का आंकलन कौन करता है ?

उत्तर: केन्द्रीय सांख्यिकी संगठन

18. आगरा स्थित दयालबाग किससे सम्बंधित है ?

उत्तर: राधा स्वामी पंथ से

19. उत्तर प्रदेश में बायो-टेक पार्क कहाँ स्थापित है ?

उत्तर: लखनऊ

20. भारतवर्ष में सिक्को की ढलाई कहाँ होती है ?

उत्तर: मुंबई, कोलकाता तथा हैदराबाद में

21. 'निक्की' क्या है ?

उत्तर: टोक्यो स्टॉक एक्सचेंज में अंश मूल्य सूचकांक

22. बैंक दर, ब्याज की वह दर है जिस पर -

उत्तर: भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक वाणिज्यिक बैंकों के बिलों की पुनर्कटौती करता है

facts about Animals

  • Sloth is a strange animal which spends its entire life hanging upside down from the branches of the trees.
  • Cheetah is the fastest running animal.
  • The eyes of a giant squid are very strange. They measure 40 cm across. These creatures live in dark and gloomy conditions, that is why, they have big eyes to see clearly in poor visible conditions.
  • Sea horse has strange eyes, by which it can focus in two different directions at the same time.
  • Whale shark measures 18 metre. It is the world's biggest fish.
  • Porpoise is so intelligent sea animal that it can copy many actions of humans. It can imitate the voice of a man and even laugh.
  • Musk is obtained from the gland of an animal called musk deer.
  • Cuttle fish has three hearts.
  • Cow has four stomachs.
  • Lemmings are strange animals. When their number in an area increases beyond a certain limit, they jump into the sea and commit suicide.
  • Kangaroo rat can survive over its life without drinking water. It meets its requirements of water by eating the roots of some desert plants.
  • Gastric frog of Australia gives birth to its young ones through its mouth.
  • A butterfly has 12,000 eyes.
  • Botfly can fly at the speed of 818 miles per hour, faster than a jet plane.
  • Dolphines sleep with one of its eyes open.
  • If gold fish is left in a dark room for a long time, it turns white.
  • An earthworm can pull ten times its own weight.
  • A silkworm has eleven brains.
  • The colour of milk of Himalayan yak is pink.
  • Snails can sleep for 3 to 4 year's continuously.
  • Some insects can live about a year after their heads have been separated.
  • A small porcupine can kill a grown up lion.
  • When a hippopotamus gets excited, its sweat becomes red.
  • Pearl is made by a sea creature called oyster inside its body.
  • A lizard can escape after leaving its tail behind. After sometime, the tail regenerates.
  • The queen of the black garden ant feeds partly on its own wing muscles.
  • Insect blood has no colour. If any insects has red blood, it will be the blood of another animal on which it is feeding.
  • In a sandstorm a camel can close its nose.
  • Electric eel can produce electricity, which is sufficient to light up ten bulbs. Its surface potential can measure up to 500 volts (D.C.) and is sufficient to kill any swimmer who touches it.

 

Sunday, April 18, 2010

HDI report 2009

Adult Literacy Rate(%)

China(93.3) > Sri Lanka(90.8) > Myanmar(89.9) > India(66) > Nepal(56.5) > Pakistan(54.2) > Bangladesh(53.5) > Bhutan(52.8) > Afghanistan(28)

Life Expectancy at Birth

Sri Lanka(74) > China(72.9) > Nepal(66.3) > Pakistan(66.2) > Bhutan(65.7) = Bandladesh(65.7) > India(63.4) > Myanmar(61.2) > Afghanistan(43.6)

HDI Rank 2009 (Out of 182 Countries)

China(92) > Sri Lanka(102) > Bhutan(132) > India(134) > MyanMar(138) > Pakistan(141) > Nepal(144) > Bangladesh(146) > Afghanistan(181)

HDI(Human Development Index) Value (2009 Report)

China(0.772) > Sri Lanka(0.759) > Bhutan(0.62) > India(0.612) > MyanMar(0.59) > Pakistan(0.57) > Nepal(0.55) > Bangladesh(0.54) > Afghanistan(0.35)

Indian History Objective Questions

1. The statue of Gomateshwara at Sravanabelagola was built by—

(A) Chandragupta Maurya

(B) Kharvela

(C) Amoghavarsha

(D) Chamundaraya

Ans : (D)

2. 'Live well, as long as you live. Live well even by borrowings, for once cremated, there is no return'. The rejection of after life is an aphorism of the—

(A) Kapalika sect

(B) Sunyavada of Nagarjun

(C) Ajivikas

(D) Charvakas

Ans : (D)

3. Which one of the following usages was a post-Vedic development ?

(A) Dharma-Artha-Kama-Moksha

(B) Brahmana-Kshatriya-Vaishya-Shudra

(C) Brahmacharya-Grihasthashrama-Vanaprastha-Sanyasa

(D) Indra-Surya-Rudra-Marut

Ans : (C)

4. The capital of the kingdom of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was—

(A) Amritsar

(B) Patiala

(C) Lahore

(D) Kapurthala

Ans : (C)

5. In the Gandhara sculptures the preaching mudra associated with the Buddha's First Sermon at Sarnath is—

(A) Abhaya

(B) Dhyana

(C) Dharmachakra

(D) Bhumisparsa

Ans : (C)

6. The name of the poet Kalidas is mentioned in the—

(A) Allahabad pillar inscription

(B) Aihole inscription

(C) Alapadu grant

(D) Hanumakonda inscription

Ans : (B)

7. Zero was invented by—

(A) Aryabhatta

(B) Varahamihira

(C) Bhaskara I

(D) An unknown Indian

Ans : (D)

8. Which one of the following important trade centres of ancient India was on the trade route connecting Kalyana with Vengi ?

(A) Tagara

(B) Sripura

(C) Tripuri

(D) Tamralipti

Ans : (A)

9. The first Indian ruler who joined the subsidiary Alliance was—

(A) The Nawab of Oudh

(B) The Nizam of Hyderabad

(C) Peshwa Baji Rao II

(D) The king of Travancore

Ans : (B)

10. Vidhushaka, a common character in Sanskrit drama is invariably a—

(A) Brahmana

(B) Kshatriya

(C) Vaishya

(D) Shudra

Ans : (A)

11. Toramana belonged to the ethnic horde of the—

(A) Scythians

(B) Hunas

(C) Yue-chis

(D) Sakas

Ans : (B)

12. Who among the following is said to have witnessed the reigns of eight Delhi Sultans ?

(A) Ziauddin Barani

(B) Shams-i-siraj Afif

(C) Minhaj-us-siraj

(D) Amir Khusrau

Ans : (D)

13. The first Indian ruler to organize Haj pilgrimage at the expense of the state was—

(A) Alauddin Khilji

(B) Feroz Tughlaq

(C) Akbar

(D) Aurangzeb

Ans : (C)

14. Who among the following ladies wrote a historical account during the Mughal period ?

(A) Gulbadan Begum

(B) Noorjahan Begum

(C) Jahanara Begum

(D) Zebun-nissah Begum

Ans : (A)

15. The first to start a joint stock company to trade with India were the—

(A) Portuguese

(B) Dutch

(C) French

(D) Danish

Ans : (B)

16. The caves and rock-cut temples at Ellora are—

(A) Buddhist

(B) Buddhist and Jain

(C) Hindu and Jain

(D) Hindu, Buddhist and Jain

Ans : (D)

17. The significance of the Bengal Regulation of 1793 lies in the fact that—

(A) It provided for the establishment of the Supreme court

(B) It restricted the application of English law to Englishmen only

(C) It accommodated the personal laws of Hindus and Muslims

(D) It provided for the appointment of the Indian Law Commission

Ans : (C)

18. The Mansabdari system introduced by Akbar was borrowed from the system followed in—

(A) Afghanistan

(B) Turkey

(C) Mongolia

(D) Persia

Ans : (C)

19. Which one of the following monuments has a dome which is said to be one of the largest in the world ?

(A) Tomb of Sher Shah, Sasaram

(B) Jama Masjid, Delhi

(C) Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tuglaq, Delhi

(D) Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur

Ans : (D)

20. Ashtapradhan was a Council of Ministers—

(A) In the Gupta administration

(B) In the Chola administration

(C) In the Vijaynagar administration

(D) In the Maratha administration

Ans : (D)

21. The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by—

(A) Mahayana Buddhism

(B) Hinayana Buddhism

(C) Jainism

(D) The Lokayata School

Ans : (C)

22. Which one of the following territories was not affected by the revolt of 1857 ?

(A) Jhansi

(B) Jagdishpur

(C) Lucknow

(D) Chittor

Ans : (D)

23. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched ?

(A) Battle of Buxar— Mir Jafar Vs Clive

(B) Battle of Wandiwash—French Vs East India Company

(C) Battle of Chelianwala—Dalhousie Vs Marathas

(D) Battle of Kharda—Nizam Vs East India Company

Ans : (B)

24. The word 'Hindu' as reference to the people of Hind (India) was first used by—

(A) The Greeks

(B) The Romans

(C) The Chinese

(D) The Arabs

Ans : (A)

25. Hughly was used as a base for piracy in the Bay of Bengal by—

(A) The Portuguese

(B) The French

(C) The Danish

(D) The British

Ans : (A)

1. The term 'nishka' which meant an ornament in the Vedic period was used in later times to denote a/an—

(A) Weapon

(B) Agricultural implement

(C) Script

(D) Coin

Ans : (D)

2. Which one of the following pairs of kings of ancient and medieval periods of Indian history and the works authored by them is correctly matched ?

(A) Krishnadevaraya : Samaranganasutradhra

(B) Mehendravarman : Mattavilasaprahasana

(C) Bhojadeva : Manasollasa

(D) Somesvara : Amuktamalyada

Ans : (B)

3. The founder of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides movement was—

(A) Charles Andrews

(B) Robert Montgomery

(C) Richard Temple

(D) Baden Powell

Ans : (D)

4. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched ?

(A) Dharamsastra : Works on religion and philosophy

(B) Chaturvarnya : Four Ashrams

(C) Shudra : Service to three varnas

(D) Mahamatra : Superior Officials

Ans : (B)

5. Chanakya was known as—

(A) Bhattasvamin

(B) Rajasekhara

(C) Vishnugupta

(D) Visakhadatta

Ans : (C)

6. A lot of details regarding the village administration under the Cholas is provided by the inscriptions at—

(A) Thanjavur

(B) Uraiyur

(C) Kanchipuram

(D) Uttaramerur

Ans : (D)

7. In Jainism 'perfect knowledge' is referred to as—

(A) Jina

(B) Ratna

(C) Kaivalya

(D) Nirvanas

Ans : (C)

8. Who among the following is NOT associated with medicine in ancient India ?

(A) Dhanvantri

(B) Bhaskaracharya

(C) Charaka

(D) Susruta

Ans : (B)

9. In Mughal paintings one notices the adoption of the principles of foreshortening whereby near and distant people and things could be placed in perspective. This was due to the influence of the—

(A) British

(B) Dutch

(C) Portuguese

(D) Danish

Ans : (C)

10. Ashokan inscriptions were first deciphered by—

(A) Buhler

(B) Robert Sewell

(C) James Prinsep

(D) Codrington

Ans : (C)

11. Among the four works mentioned below which one is encyclopaedic in nature ?

(A) Amarakosa

(B) Siddhantasiromani

(C) Brhat Samhita

(D) Ashtangahrdaya

Ans : (A)

12. Consider the following passage—

In the course of a career on the road spanning almost thirty years, he crossed the breadth of the Eastern hemisphere, visited territories equivalent to about 44 modern countries and put behind him a total distance of approximately 73000 miles.

The world's greatest traveller of pre-modern times to whom the above passage refers is—

(A) Megasthenes

(B) Fa Hien

(C) Marco Polo

(D) Ibn Battuta

Ans : (C)

13. The first political organisation established in India in 1838 was known as—

(A) British India Society

(B) Bengal British India Society

(C) Settlers Association

(D) Zamindary Association

Ans : (D)

14. The foundation of modern education system in India was laid by—

(A) The Charter Act of 1813

(B) Macaulay's Minutes of 1835

(C) The Hunter Commission of 1882

(D) Wood's Despatch of 1854

Ans : (B)

15. Uplift of the backward classes was the main programme of the—

(A) Prarthana Samaj

(B) Satya Shodhak Samaj

(C) Arya Samaj

(D) Ramakrishna Mission

Ans : (B)

16. The Ryotwari settlement was introduced by the British in the—

(A) Bengal Presidency

(B) Madras Presidency

(C) Bombay Presidency

(D) Madras and Bombay Presidencies

Ans : (D)

17. The Buddhist Sect Mahayana formally came into existence during the reign of—

(A) Ajatashatru

(B) Ashoka

(C) Dharmapala

(D) Kanishka

Ans : (D)

18. The last in succession of Jaina Tirthankaras was—

(A) Parsvanatha

(B) Rishabha

(C) Mahavira

(D) Manisubrata

Ans : (C)

19. The earliest rock cut caves in western India are those at—

(A) Nasik, Ellora and Ajanta

(B) Junnar, Kalyan and Pitalkhora

(C) Ajanta, Bhaja and Kondane

(D) Bhaja, Pitalkhora and Kondane

Ans : (A)

20. The name by which Ashoka is generally referred to in his inscriptions is—

(A) Chakravarti

(B) Dharmadeva

(C) Dharmakirti

(D) Priyadarsi

Ans : (D)

21. Which one of the following is a monument constructed by Sher Shah ?

(A) Kila-i-Kuhna mosque at Delhi

(B) Atala Masjid at Jaunpur

(C) Barasona Masjid at Gaur

(D) Quiwwat-al-Islam mosque at Delhi

Ans : (A)

22. Which among the following cities is considered as one of the oldest surviving cities in the world ?

(A) Mathura

(B) Varanasi

(C) Hardwar

(D) Ayodhya

Ans : (A)

23. The earliest evidence of silver in India is found in the—

(A) Harappan culture

(B) Chalcolithic cultures of Western India

(C) Vedic texts

(D) Silver punch marked coins

Ans : (A)

24. Which one of the following is a language of Baluchistan but linguistically Dravidian ?

(A) Brahui

(B) Kui

(C) Parji

(D) Pengo

Ans : (A)

25. Which one of the following is the most fundamental difference between Mahayana Buddhism and Hinayana Buddhism ?

(A) Emphasis on ahimsa

(B) Casteless society

(C) Worship of gods and goddesses

(D) Worship of stupa

Ans : (C)

Saturday, April 17, 2010

The United Nations

 

Origin: The United Nations Organisation is an association of states which have pledged themselves to maintain international peace and security and cooperate in solving international political, economic, social,
cultural and humanitarian problems towards achieving this end.

The United Nations officially came into existence on Oct. 24,1945, with
the deposit of the requisite number of ratifications of the Charter, the constituting instrument of the UN with the US Department

 

of State. United Nations Day is celebrated on 24 Oct. each year. The headquarters of the
UNO is in New York.

Objects: To maintain international peace and security.

  • To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the
    principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.
  • To cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and
    humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and
    fundamental freedoms.
  • To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these.
    common ends.

Flag : White UN Emblem (two bent olive branches open at the top and
in between them in world map) on a light blue background.

Official Languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and
Spanish.
 

Structure 

The United Nations has six principal organs according to the Charter
which are indicated as below :

  

The General Assembly 

It consists of all 192 member nations and functions as the main deliberative body. It meets once a
year on the third Tuesday of the month of September and session lasts for two weeks. It has the under mentioned aspects :

(i) At each session the Assembly elects a new President, 21 Vice-Presidents and Chairmen of the six
main committees. For proper geographical representation, the Presidency of the Assembly rotates
every year among the five geographical groups–Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and
Caribbean, and Western Europe and other stares. Special session can be called by the Secretary General at the request of the Security Council by the majority of members or of by one member of majority of the members approve of the same.

(ii) Decisions on the important questions are taken by the two-third majority. The issues are of the nature of peace and security, new membership and budget.

(iii) Decisions on other issues are taken by a simple majority.

(iv) The work of the meeting is divided into six main committees as given below :

  • Disarmament and International Security Committee
  • Economic and Financial committee
  • Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee
  • Special Political and Decolonisation Committee
  • Administrative and Budgetary Committee
  • Legal Committee

(v) In all the committees, each member state is represented.

(vi) There is a general committee which is responsible for the proceedings of the General Assembly and
also its committees as well as Credential Committee.

(vii) The General Committee is made of 28 members, the President and 21 Vice-Presidents of the
General Assembly and Chairmen of six main committees.

(viii) The Credential Committee is composed of nine members appointed by the General Assembly on
the proposal of the President of each session.

(ix) The General. Assembly has two standing Committees as mentioned below :

  • An Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions
  • A Committee on Contributions

(x) The General Assembly may establish subsidiary and ad-hoc bodies in order to deal with specific
matters. These include the following subject-issues :

  • Committee on Peace Keeping Operations
  • Human Rights Committee
  • Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space
  • Conciliation Commission on Palestine
  • Conference on disarmament
  • International Law Commission
  • Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation
  • Special committee on the Implementation of Declaration of the Granting of Independence of
    Colonial Countries and Peoples.
  • Commission on International Trade and Law

(xi) The General Assembly has the right to decide any issue connected with the Charter .

(xii) Excepting those disputes which are on the agenda of the Security Council, the General Assembly has the power to make recommendations over all other issues.

(xiii) Recommendations of the General Assembly have no compulsion power on the member state,
but the same has the weightage of  world opinion.

(xiv) The General Assembly receives reports from the other organs, admits new members, directs
activities of development, sets policies and determines programmers for the Secretariat, appoints the
Secretary General who submits annual reports on the work of the Assembly and approves the UN
Budget.

(xiii) Under the resolution 'Uniting for Peace' adopted by the General Assembly in Nov. 1950 the
same is empowered to take action in the following cases:

  • In case of threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression the General Assembly
    steps in if the Security Council fails to exercise its primary responsibility for international peace and security because of lack of unanimity amongst its permanent members.
  • In such a case, General Assembly shall consider the matter immediately and make  recommendation for collective measures by the members.
  • Even the option for use of armed forces for restoration of peace and security can be approved by the General Assembly to meet the challenges of crisis.

The Security Council 

  

The UN Charter has entrusted the primary responsibility for maintenance of international peace and security. It is so urgent so as to function continuously. The Security Council thus is authorised to function on the following set up.

(i) The Presidency of the Council rotates according to the alphabetical order of the member states.

(ii) The Council consists of 15 members, i. e., 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members elected for a two years term by a two-third majority of the General Assembly.

(iii) Retiring members are not eligible for immediate re-election.

(iv) Any other member of the UN can participate in the discussion on the questions of their interests without any vote.

(v) Decisions on procedural issues are made by an affirmative vote of nine members.

(vi) Decisions on all other matters must be made by nine affirmative votes, inclusive of all
permanent members.

(vii) Only in the case of disputes, the affected members abstain from voting. A negative vote from a permanent member has the power of Veto. However, the permanent member can also abstain from voting.

(viii) Only in the case of decisions taken by the Security Council which is decisive in nature and is obligatory for compliance on the member states.

(ix) The Council has two standing committees as indicated below :

  • Committee of Experts on Rule of Procedure
  • Committee on the Admission of New Members

(x) Further, the Council can have also ad-hoc committees and commissions.

(xi) When any issue concerning threat to peace is brought before the Council, its first action is to recommend peaceful settlement of the issue by the parties concerned.

(xii) In the threat cases the CounciI may undertake mediation, decide threat principles for settlement, enforce decision for cease-fire, economic sanctions, peace-making mission or even collective military action.

(xii) In accordance with special agreement for international peace and security, the Council can call on the armed forces, assistance and facilities of the member. Thus the Council may obtain the assistance from the Military Staff Committee, consisting of Chief of Staff of permanent members of the Council or his representatives.

(xiii) The Council makes recommendations to the General Assembly for the post of Secretary General.

(xiv) The Council with the Assembly elects the Judges of the International Court of Justice.

(xv) Permanent members of the Council are: China, France, Russia, UK and USA.

(xvi) Non-permanent members are: Algeria, Brazil, Benin, Philippines and Romania (from 1st January, 2004 to 31st December, 2005), Japan, Argentina, Denmark, Greece and Tanjania (from 1st January, 2004 to 31st December, 2006).

 

The Economic and Social Council (ECO-SOC) 

  

It is responsible under the General Assembly for co-ordinating the functions of the UN or the issues of economic, social, cultural, educational, health and other related matters. Round the year the work of the Council is carried out by related organisations, specialised
agencies and subsidiary bodies, com- missions and committees. The features of the Council are furnished below :

(i) The Council consists of 54 member states which are elected by two-third majority of the General Assembly for a three year term.

(ii) Members elected represent the under-mentioned geographical representation :

  • Africa : 14 members
  • Asia: 11 members
  • Eastern Europe : 6 members
  • Latin America and Caribbean : 10 members
  • Western Europe and other states: 13 members

(iii) One-third of the member-states retire each year, but the retiring member can seek immediate reelection.

(iv) Decisions are taken by a Majority of members present and Vote.

(v) The Council holds one four week substantive session in a year alternating between New York and Geneva.

(vi) One organisational session is held in New York.

(vii) The substantative session is a high level session attended by the Ministers to discuss the following matters :
Major economic and social issues

(viii) Special session of the Council may also be held, if requisite.

(ix) President of the Council is elected for one year and can also seek immediate re-election.

(x) ECO-SOC has the under-mentioned subsidiary machinery.

  • Nine functional commissions, Statistical Commission, Commission on Population and Development, Commission for Social Development, Commission on Human Rights and Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities,
    Commission on the Status of Women, Commission on Narcotic Drugs and Sub-Commission on ll1icit Drug Traffic and Related Matters in the Near and Middle
    East, Commission on Service and Technology for Development, Commission on Crime Prevention Criminal Justice, and Commission on Sustainable Development.

(xi) Five Regional Economic Commissions: Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa and Ethiopia (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific, Bangkok and Thailand (ESCAP), Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), Economic Commission for
Latin America and the Caribbean, Santiago, Chile (ECLAC), Economic Commission for Western Asia, Beirut and Lebanon (ESCWA).

(xii) Nine Standing Committees and subsidiary expert bodies: Committee for Programme and Co-ordination, Commission on Human Settlements, Committee on Non-Government Organizations, Committee on Natural Resources, Committee for Development Planning, Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Committee on New and Renewable
Sources of Energy and on Energy for Development, Ad-hoc Group of Experts on International Co- operation in Tax Matters, Committee of Experts on the Transport of
Dangerous Goods.

(xiii) Other related operational programmes, Funds and Special Bodies are :

  • United Nations Children Fund
  • Office of the UN High commission for Refugees
  • UN Conference on Trade and Development
  • UN Development Programme
  • World Food Programme
  • International Research and Training Institution for the Advancement of women
  • UN International Drug Control Programme

(xiv) The Council may also carry out consultations with international, non-governmental organizations, member concerned and with national organizations to make arrangements.

  • Over 1,000 non-governmental organizations have consultation status with the Council.
  • Subsidary bodies may also consult with the UN Secretariat on matters of mutual concern.

The Trusteeship Council 

  

It was formed with the purpose that governments responsible for administering trust territories take necessary and sufficient measures so as to prepare them for self-
government or independence. Other aspects are given below :

  1. The Council comprises of five permanent members of the Security Council.
     
  2. The task of decolonization ended in 1994 when the Security Council terminated the trusteeship agreement for the last independence of the organised UN trusteeship area (Palau) administered by the USA.
     
  3. All trust territories attained self-government or independence.
     
  4. The Council suspended its operations on 1st Nov., 1994
     
  5. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, proposed in July , 1997 that the Council should be used as a forum to exercise their trusteeship for the global, commons and environment and resources system.

The International Court of Justice 

  

It is the principal judicial organ of the UN. It has the final roles :

  • To settle the legal disputes submitted to it by the states in accordance with international law.
     
  • To give advisory opinion on legal questions referred to by UN and its specialised agencies.
     
  • The other parameters associated with the Court are enumerated below :
     
    • The Court operates under a statue which is based on the UN Charter.
       
    • All the UN member states are, perse, members of the statute of the Court.
       
    • The court is composed of 15 Judges, each of a different nationality. Each Judge is elected by both the General Assembly and Security Council for a nine-year term on an absolute majority and they may be re-elected.
       
    • Composition of the Court reflects main forms of civilisation and principal legal systems all through the world.
       
    • Judges do not represent their respective governments and sit independenly the Court.
       
    • The Judges should, however, possess requisite qualifications for appointment as Judges in their countries to be competent Jurists of international law.
       
    • Permanent Court of Arbitration has national panel of justice which nominates the candidates.
       
    • The Court elects its own President and Vice-President for a three year term and may be re-elected. It is permanently in session.
       
    • Majority of Judges present to take decisions subject to a quorum of nine Judges. President has a casting vote.
       
    • Judgement is final and without any appeal.
       
    • On the basis of new decision farther, revision of the judgement may be applied for within 10 years from the date of judgement.
       
    • In case the Court does not appoint a Judge of the same nationality of the state which is a party to the issue before the Court, the state shall have a right to appoint a person to sit as a Judge as an ad-hoc who will have the same status along with other sitting judges of the Court.
       
    • When the Court is in plenary sessions, the same can form chambers of 3 or 4 judges to deal with specific matters. Such decisions taken in the chambers are
      treated as if taken by the full Court.
       
    • In view of expansion of global scope of environmental law and protection, a seven-member permanent chamber has been formed by the Court in 1993 for environmental matters.
       
    • For contentious cases, only parties who are members of the statute, are eligible to apply or appear before the Court.
       
    • Other members who are not party to the statute, have to satisfy the conditions laid down by the Security Council for the intervention of the Court.
       
    • All matters which parties refer to the Court or provided in the UN Charter or in treaties and conventions comes under the jurisdiction of the Court.
       
    • Decision by the Court on the dispute for its jurisdiction is final.
       
    • For making decisions, the Court may consider the following aspects :
      • International conventions
      • International custom
      • The general principle of law recognised by the nations.
      • Subsidiary means for determination of the rules of law, judicial decision and teachings of highly qualified publicists. If parties agree the Court may decide a case are aequo et bona.
         
    • Advisory opinions on legal questions to the General Assembly, the Security Council, certain other organs of the UN and 16-specialist agencies of the UN family can be given by the Court.
       
    • Since 1946, the Court has delivered the following judgements :
      • 74 judgements on dispute relating to inter-alia land frontiers and maritime boundaries, territorial sovereignty non-use of forces, non-interference in the internal affairs of the states, diplomatic relations hostage taking, the right of asylum, nationality, guardianship, rights of passage and economic rights.

Secretary General of the UN 

  

Ban Ki-Moon

of South Korea Since January 1, 2006

   

Biography

  

Kofi A. Annan

of Ghana 1997–December 31, 2006 

  

Boutros Boutros-Ghali

of Egypt (1992–1996) 

  

Javier Perez de Cuellar

of Peru (1982–1991) 

  

Kurt Waldheim

of Austria (1972–1981) 

  

U. Thant

of Myanmar (1961–1971)

  

Dag Hammarskjöld

of Sweden (April 7, 1953–1961),
who worked till his death on September 17, 1961.

  

Trygve Lie (Norway)

of Norway, who worked since 1946 till 1952, was the first Secretary General.  

 

United Nations Member States 

  

These are the 192 Member States of the United Nations with dates on which they joined the Organization, following the admission Montenegro on 28 June 2006:

  

Member

Date of Admission

Afghanistan

19 November 1946

Albania

14 December 1955

Algeria

8 October 1962

Andorra

28 July 1993

Angola

1 December 1976

Antigua and Barbuda

11 November 1981

Argentina

24 October 1945

Armenia

2 March 1992

Australia

1 November 1945

Austria

14 December 1955

Azerbaijan

2 March 1992

Bahamas

18 September 1973

Bahrain

21 September 1971

Bangladesh

17 September 1974

Barbados

9 December 1966

Belarus [1]

24 October 1945

Belgium

27 December 1945

Belize

25 September 1981

Benin

20 September 1960

Bhutan

21 September 1971

Bolivia

14 November 1945

Bosnia and Herzegovina [2]

22 May 1992

Botswana

17 October 1966

Brazil

24 October 1945

Brunei Darussalam

21 September 1984

Bulgaria

14 December 1955

Burkina Faso

20 September 1960

Burundi

18 September 1962

Cambodia

14 December 1955

Cameroon

20 September 1960

Canada

9 November 1945

Cape Verde

16 September 1975

Central African Republic

20 September 1960

Chad

20 September 1960

Chile

24 October 1945

China

24 October 1945

Colombia

5 November 1945

Comoros

12 November 1975

Congo (Republic of the)

20 September 1960

Costa Rica

2 November 1945

Côte d'Ivoire

20 September 1960

Croatia [3]

22 May 1992

Cuba 

24 October 1945 

Cyprus

20 September 1960

Czech Republic [4]

19 January 1993

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

17 September 1991

Democratic Republic of the Congo [5]

20 September 1960

Denmark

24 October 1945

Djibouti

20 September 1977

Dominica

18 December 1978

Dominican Republic

24 October 1945

Ecuador

21 December 1945

Egypt [6]

24 October 1945

El Salvador

24 October 1945

Equatorial Guinea

12 November 1968

Eritrea

28 May 1993

Estonia

17 September 1991

Ethiopia

13 November 1945

Fiji

13 October 1970

Finland

14 December 1955

France

24 October 1945

Gabon

20 September 1960

Gambia

21 September 1965

Georgia

31 July 1992

Germany [7]

18 September 1973

Ghana

8 March 1957

Greece

25 October 1945

Grenada

17 September 1974

Guatemala

21 November 1945

Guinea

12 December 1958

Guinea-Bissau

17 September 1974

Guyana

20 September 1966

Haiti

24 October 1945

Honduras

17 December 1945

Hungary

14 December 1955

Iceland 

19 November 1946 

India 

30 October 1945 

Indonesia [8]

28 September 1950

Iran

24 October 1945

Iraq

21 December 1945

Ireland

14 December 1955

Israel

11 May 1949

Italy

14 December 1955

Jamaica

18 September 1962

Japan

18 December 1956

Jordan

14 December 1955

Kazakhstan

2 March 1992

Kenya

16 December 1963

Kiribati

14 September 1999

Kuwait

14 May 1963

Kyrgyzstan

2 March 1992

Lao People's Democratic Republic

14 December 1955

Latvia

17 September 1991

Lebanon

24 October 1945

Lesotho

17 October 1966

Liberia

2 November 1945

Libya

14 December 1955

Liechtenstein

18 September 1990

Lithuania

17 September 1991

Luxembourg

24 October 1945

Madagascar

20 September 1960

Malawi

1 December 1964

Malaysia [9]

17 September 1957

Maldives

21 September 1965

Mali

28 September 1960

Malta

1 December 1964

Marshall Islands

17 September 1991

Mauritania

27 October 1961

Mauritius

24 April 1968

Mexico

7 November 1945

Micronesia (Federated States of)

17 September 1991

Monaco

28 May 1993

Mongolia

27 October 1961

Montenegro [10]

28 June 2006

Morocco

12 November 1956

Mozambique

16 September 1975

Myanmar

19 April 1948

Namibia

23 April 1990

Nauru

14 September 1999

Nepal

14 December 1955

Netherlands

10 December 1945

New Zealand

24 October 1945

Nicaragua

24 October 1945

Niger

20 September 1960

Nigeria

7 October 1960

Norway

27 November 1945

Oman

7 October 1971

Pakistan

30 September 1947

Palau

15 December 1994

Panama

13 November 1945

Papua New Guinea

10 October 1975

Paraguay

24 October 1945

Peru

31 October 1945

Philippines

24 October 1945

Poland

24 October 1945

Portugal

14 December 1955

Qatar

21 September 1971

Republic of Korea

17 September 1991

Republic of Moldova

2 March 1992

Romania

14 December 1955

Russian Federation [11]

24 October 1945

Rwanda

18 September 1962

Saint Kitts and Nevis

23 September 1983

Saint Lucia

18 September 1979

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

16 September 1980

Samoa

15 December 1976

San Marino

2 March 1992

Sao Tome and Principe

16 September 1975

Saudi Arabia

24 October 1945

Senegal

28 September 1960

Serbia [12]

1 November 2000

Seychelles

21 September 1976

Sierra Leone

27 September 1961

Singapore

21 September 1965

Slovakia [13]

19 January 1993

Slovenia [14]

22 May 1992 

Solomon Islands 

19 September 1978 

Somalia

20 September 1960

South Africa

7 November 1945

Spain

14 December 1955

Sri Lanka

14 December 1955

Sudan

12 November 1956

Suriname

4 December 1975

Swaziland

24 September 1968

Switzerland

10 September 2002

Sweden

19 November 1946

Syria [15]

24 October 1945

Tajikistan

2 March 1992

Thailand

16 December 1946

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia [16]

8 April 1993

Timor Leste

27 September 2002

Togo

20 September 1960

Tonga 

14 September 1999 

Trinidad and Tobago

18 September 1962

Tunisia

12 November 1956

Turkey

24 October 1945

Turkmenistan 

2 March 1992 

Tuvalu

5 September 2000

Uganda

25 October 1962

Ukraine

24 October 1945

United Arab Emirates

9 December 1971

United Kingdom

24 October 1945

United of Republic of Tanzania [17]

14 December 1961

United States

24 October 1945

Uruguay

18 December 1945

Uzbekistan

2 March 1992

Vanuatu

15 September 1981

Venezuela

15 November 1945

Viet Nam

20 September 1977

Yemen [18]

30 September 1947

Zambia

1 December 1964

Zimbabwe

25 August 1980

  

[1]    On 19 September 1991, Byelorussia informed the United Nations that it had changed its name to Belarus.

[2]    The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was an original Member of the United Nations, the Charter having been signed on its behalf on 26 June 1945 and ratified 19 October 1945, until its dissolution following the establishment and subsequent admission as new Members of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Slovenia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.  The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina was admitted as a Member of the United Nations by General Assembly resolution A/RES/46/237 of 22 May 1992.

[3]    The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was an original Member of the United Nations, the Charter having been signed on its behalf on 26 June 1945 and ratified 19 October 1945, until its dissolution following the establishment and subsequent admission as new Members of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Slovenia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.  The Republic of Croatia was admitted as a Member of the United Nations by General Assembly resolution A/RES/46/238 of 22 May 1992.

[4]    Czechoslovakia was an original Member of the United Nations from 24 October 1945.  In a letter dated 10 December 1992, its Permanent Representative informed the Secretary-General that the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic would cease to exist on 31 December 1992 and that the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, as successor States, would apply for membership in the United Nations.  Following the receipt of its application, the Security Council, on 8 January 1993, recommended to the General Assembly that the Czech Republic be admitted to United Nations membership.  The Czech Republic was thus admitted on 19 January of that year as a Member State.

[5]    Zaire joined the United Nations on 20 September 1960.  On 17 May 1997, its name was changed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

[6]    Egypt and Syria were original Members of the United Nations from 24 October 1945.  Following a plebiscite on 21 February 1958, the United Arab Republic was established by a union of Egypt and Syria and continued as a single Member.  On 13 October 1961, Syria, having resumed its status as an independent State, resumed its separate membership in the United Nations.  On 2 September 1971, the United Arab Republic changed its name to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

[7]    The Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic were admitted to membership in the United Nations on 18 September 1973.  Through the accession of the German Democratic Republic to the Federal Republic of Germany, effective from 3 October 1990, the two German States have united to form one sovereign State.

[8]    By letter of 20 January 1965, Indonesia announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations "at this stage and under the present circumstances".  By telegram of 19 September 1966, it announced its decision "to resume full cooperation with the United Nations and to resume participation in its activities".  On 28 September 1966, the General Assembly took note of this decision and the President invited representatives of Indonesia to take seats in the Assembly.

[9]    The Federation of Malaya joined the United Nations on 17 September 1957.  On 16 September 1963, its name was changed to Malaysia, following the admission to the new federation of Singapore, Sabah (North Borneo) and Sarawak.  Singapore became an independent State on 9 August 1965 and a Member of the United Nations on 21 September 1965.

[10]  Montenegro held a 21 May 2006 referendum and declared itself independent from Serbia on 3 June.  On 28 June 2006 it was accepted as a United Nations Member State by General Assembly resolution A/RES/60/264.

[11]   The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was an original Member of the United Nations from 24 October 1945.  In a letter dated 24 December 1991, Boris Yeltsin, the President of the Russian Federation, informed the Secretary-General that the membership of the Soviet Union in the Security Council and all other United Nations organs was being continued by the Russian Federation with the support of the 11 member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

[12]   In a letter dated 3 June 2006, the President of the Republic of Serbia informed the Secretary-General that the membership of Serbia and Montenegro was being continued by the Republic of Serbia, following Montenegro's declaration of independence.  On 4 February 2003, following the adoption and promulgation of the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro by the Assembly of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the official name of " Federal Republic of Yugoslavia" was changed to Serbia and Montenegro.  The Socialist "Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was an original Member of the United Nations, the Charter having been signed on its behalf on 26 June 1945 and ratified 19 October 1945, until its dissolution following the establishment and subsequent admission as new Members of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Slovenia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.  The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was admitted as a Member of the United Nations by General Assembly resolution A/RES/55/12 of 1 November 2000.

[13]   Czechoslovakia was an original Member of the United Nations from 24 October 1945.  In a letter dated 10 December 1992, its Permanent Representative informed the Secretary-General that the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic would cease to exist on 31 December 1992 and that the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, as successor States, would apply for membership in the United Nations.  Following the receipt of its application, the Security Council, on 8 January 1993, recommended to the General Assembly that the Slovak Republic be admitted to United Nations Membership.  The Slovak Republic was thus admitted on 19 January of that year as a Member State.

[14]   The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was an original Member of the United Nations, the Charter having been signed on its behalf on 26 June 1945 and ratified 19 October 1945, until its dissolution following the establishment and subsequent admission as new Members of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Slovenia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.  The Republic of Slovenia was admitted as a Member of the United Nations by General Assembly resolution A/RES/46/236 of 22 May 1992.

[15]   Egypt and Syria were original Members of the United Nations from 24 October 1945.  Following a plebiscite on 21 February 1958, the United Arab Republic was established by a union of Egypt and Syria and continued as a single Member.  On 13 October 1961, Syria, having resumed its status as an independent State, resumed its separate membership in the United Nations.

[16]   The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was an original Member of the United Nations, the Charter having been signed on its behalf on 26 June 1945 and ratified 19 October 1945, until its dissolution following the establishment and subsequent admission as new Members of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Slovenia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.  By resolution A/RES/47/225 of 8 April 1993, the General Assembly decided to admit as a Member of the United Nations the State being provisionally referred to for all purposes within the United Nations as "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" pending settlement of the difference that had arisen over its name.

[17]   Tanganyika was a Member of the United Nations from 14 December 1961 and Zanzibar was a Member from 16 December 1963.  Following the ratification on 26 April 1964 of Articles of Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar continued as a single Member, changing its name to the United Republic of Tanzania on 1 November 1964.

[18]   Yemen was admitted to membership in the United Nations on 30 September 1947 and Democratic Yemen on 14 December 1967.  On 22 May 1990, the two countries merged and have since been represented as one Member with the name " Yemen".

 

Specialised Agencies of the UN

  

1. International Labour Organisation (ILO) : Established in 1919 and became the first
specialised agency of the UN in 1946. It is composed of : (1) International Labour Conference; (2) the Governing Body; and (3) the International Labour Office. It has 177
members. Headquarters-Geneva

Functions : (1) To adopt international conventions for the welfare of the labour; (2) to watch the progress of their implementation; (3) to undertake extensive research work and advisory activities in the field of labour welfare; and (4) to extend technical assistance to governments.

2. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) : FAO was founded at a conference in Quebec city on October 16, 1945, a date observed annually as World Food Day. Its
members are 187 countries. Headquarters-Rome

Functions : (1) To continuously review food and agriculture position of the world; (2) to undertake research with a view to devise new techniques and methods to improve the production of food; (3) to eradicate animal diseases and to control pests.

3. International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) : Established in 1947 and  headquarters are at Montreal. Its assembly composed of delegates from 185 member
countries.

It assists international civil aviation by encouraging : (1) use of safety measures; (2) uniform regulations for operation; and (3) simpler procedures at borders of two countries.

4. Universal Postal Union (UPU) : Established in 1875, possesses 190 member countries and its headquarters at Berne.

Functions : To ensure smooth organisation and perfection of the various postal services and to promote the development of international cooperation in the field of postal communications.

5. International Monetary Fund (lMF) : Established in 1945, possesses 184 member countries and the headquarters are at Washington.

Functions : (1) To stabilise internal exchange; (2) to remove artificial barriers hindering international trade; (3) provide short-term foreign exchange assistance to member-
States.

6. International Bank for Construction and Development (IBRD)- The World Bank : It began operations in June 1946. It has 184 members and headquarters at Washington.

Functions : Its purpose is to provide funds, policy guidance and technical assistance to facilitate economic development in its poorer member countries.

7. International Development Association (IDA) : Established in 1960 and administrated by the IBRD to provide assistance on concessional terms to the poorest
developing countries, officers and staff of the lBRD serve concurrently as officers and staff of the IDA at the World Bank headquarters. It has 143 members.

8. International Finance Corporation (lFC) : Established in July 1956. It has 177 members and headquarters at Washington.

Functions : It helps to finance new ventures and assist established enterprises to expand, improve or diversify and provides a variety of advisory services to public and private sector.

9. World Trade Organisation (WTO) : It is the third pillar of the world's economic system along with IMF and World Bank, with powers to settle disputes between nations and widen the principle of free trade to sectors such as Services and Agriculture. It has 150 members. It came into existence on January 1, 1995.

10. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) : It came into existence in Nov., 1946, possesses 190 member countries and the headquarters at Paris.

Functions : It encourages universal respect for justice, rule of law, fundamental freedom and human rights.

11. World Health Organisation (WHO) : It came into existence in 7 April, 1948, possesses 192 members. Its headquarters at Geneva.

Function : Its purpose is to raise health standard, eradicate epidemical diseases.

12. The United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) : Established in 1946, it originally sent postwar relief to children. Now it works for the improvement of quality of life for children and mothers in developing countries. Its headquarters at New York.

13. International Telecommunication Union (lTU) : It became a specialised agency of UNO in 1947. It has 189 member countries and headquarters at Geneva.

Function : To improve the efficiency of telecommunication service and their availability to the public.

14. International Maritime Consulting Organisation (IMCO) : IMCO established in
1958. It provides the machinery to governments to cooperate in formulating regulations and practices relating to technical matters affecting international shipping. IMCO has 157 members countries and its headquarters are at London.

15. World Meterological Organisation (WMO) : It established in 1947. It develops weather-forecasting services, including seasonal forecasting, and through international collaboration contributes to tracking of global weather conditions. It has 181 members. Headquarters-Geneva.

16. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) : Established in 1957, IAEA accelerates the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and as the international inspectorate for the application of nuclear safeguards and verification measures covering civilian nuclear
programmers. It has 138 member states and headquarters at Vienna.

17. United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) : Established in 1966, it help to the living conditions of people and promote global prosperity by offering tailor made solutions for the sustainable industrial development. It has 171 member states and headquarters at Vienna.

18. International Fund for Agricultural Development (lFAD) : Established in Nov. 1977, it mobilizes resources for improved food production and better nutrition among the poor in developing countries, focusing on the needs of the poorest developing countries.
This body has 163 member countries and the headquarters at Rome.

19. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) : It became a UN specialized agency in 1974. It has 182 member states and headquarters at Geneva.

Functions : To promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world, and to ensure administrative co-operation among the intellectual property.

 

Important Years Observed by UNO

 

1967 

International Tourism Year 

1968 

Human Rights Year 

1970 

International Education Year 

1972 

International Book Year 

1974 

World Population Year 

1975 

International Women's Year 

1979 

International Year of Children 

1981

International Year of Disabled 

1983 

World Communication Year 

1985 

International Year of Youth 

1986 

International Year of Peace 

1987 

International Year of Shelter for the Homeless 

1990 

International Literary Year 

1992 

International Year of Space 

1993

International Year for Indigenous Population 

1994 

International Year of Family 

1995 

International Year of Tolerance 

1998 

International Year of Ocean 

1999 

International Year of Older Persons 

2000 

Designated as Development Decade 

2001 

International Year of Women Empowerment

2002 

International Mountain Year 

2003 

International Fresh Water Year 

2004 

International Rice Year 

2005 

Year of Physics 

2006 

International Year of Desert and Desertification 

2008 

International Year of the Potato 

 

Contemporary United Nations International Decade

1990 to 1999 

Third Disarmament Decade 

1990 to 1999 

International Decade for Prevention of Natural Climate 

1991 to 2000 

United Nations Decade for International Law 

1991 to 2000 

United Nations Fourth Development Decade

1991 to 2000 

Second Decade in Africa for Communication and Traffic 

1993 to 2002 

Second Decade of Industrial Development in Africa 

1993 to 2002 

Asian and Prashant Decade for Handi-Capped People 

1993 to 2002 

Third Decade Against Racialism and Racial Discrimination

1994 to 2004 

International Decade for Indigenous People in the World 

1995 to 2004 

United Nations Decade for Human Right Education 

1997 to 2006 

United Nations Decade for Abolition of Poverty 

2001 to 2010 

Second International Decade for Abolition of Colonialism

2001 to 2010 

International Decade for Peace and Non-violence Culture in Children