PRATIYOGITA DARPAN MARCH 2011

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Economy Related Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the statement is incorrect ?
(a) India has set up Sovereign Fund that would help its state-run Companies to Pursue acquisition of oil, gas, coal, LNG and other raw material in other countries in order to compete with China.
(b) Oil and natural gas corporation Videsh Limited (OVL) had been told to pursue at least one major oil and gas asset every year.
(c) OVL last year bought Imperial Energy Plc for $2.1 billion is India’s biggest energy acquisition.
(d) India’s Soverign Fund is constituted with the help of Russia. As Russia has enough experience in this regard.

2. Consider the following statements.
1. Karaikal Port is a deep-water private port at karaikal district of Puducherry.
2. India Infrastructure Fund (IIF) Which will be investing in this project. Is a fund managed by IDFC Project equity Company Limited.
Which of the above statements is\ are correct ?
(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 Nor 2.

3. Recently which Indian Company has earning its green revenue with issuance of first set of Certified Emission Reduction (CER) from its first rigistered CDM (clean Development Mechanism) Project. ?
(a) ONGC
(b) NPCIL
(c) NTPC
(d) SAIL

4. Rosneft, Gazprom, and Sistema, with these oil and gas Companies, India’s company OVL has decided to join hand to jointly bid for the sakhalin - III Project in far east Russia, and gas fields in East Siberia and yamal Peninsula. These Companies belongs to :
(a) Germany
(b) Russia
(c) China
(d) Kazakhstan.

5. Which was the first state- owned company that hit the capital market to mop up about Rs16000 crore by selling its equity and issuing fresh shares to the public, as part of government’s ambitious disinvestment programme to raise the targeted Rs40,000 crore.
(a) ONGC
(b) NTPC
(c) SAIL
(d) NPCIL.

6. Which Country has hosted the communic Asia 2010, the most established infomation, Communication and technology (ICT) event in Asia.
(a) China
(b) India
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Singapore

7. If a company get Maharatna status, then it could enhanced Its investment capacity upto -
(a) Rs. 1000 crore
(b) Rs. 2500 Crore
(c) Rs. 5000 Crore
(d) Rs. 7500 Crore

8. Consider the following Statements :
1. NTPC has examined the feasibility of setting up a coal based power plant in Bangladesh.
2. At present Bangladesh has a power generation capcity of 5000 MW. of which 83% is gas - based.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

9. Consider the following statements :
1. Bank of America - Merill Lynch, Royal Bank of Scotland and Bank of Canada are the three merchant banks Selected for helping the Public Sector Coal India Ltd. (CIL) to seal Strategic Partuership deals with coal companies in three Countries - Australia, Indonesia and U.S.
2. Coal India Ltd. (CIL) is the world’s Single largest coal Company.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

10. NTPC has setting up of two coal-based thermal power plants in which central Asian Country?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Turkmenistan
(c) Uzbekistan
(d) Kyrgyzstan.

11. The planning Commission announced for setting up of an 18 member expert committee to recommend measures for efficient management of public expenditure. This Committte is headed by -
(a) Montek sing Ahluwalia.
(b) N.C. Vaidy.
(c) Deepak Parekh.
(d) C. Rangarajan.

12. Which of the statement is incorrect ?
(a) Nuclear power corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC entered into a joint venture agreement to setup nuclear power project.
(b) S.K. Jain is the Chairman of NTPC and R.S. sharma is the Chaiman and Managing director of NPCIL.
(c) NTPC is the largest power generation company with an installed capacity of 31, 704 MW.
(d) NTPC,s. Total coal requirement for the year 2011 is about 145-150 million tonnes, of which the company is planning to import 14 million tonnes.

13. Which of these two banks are not Indian banks. As central government maintained that at least 74% equity of these banks are from ontside. So by defination they are not Indian bank.
(a) ICICI and HDFC.
(b) HDFC and Standard charter.
(c) ICICI and standard charter.
(d) Standard Charter and City Bank.

14. Match the following
List I (Chairman) List - II (Company)
A. R.S. Sharm 1. NT PC.
B. B.P. Rao 2. BHEL.
C. C. P. Singh 3. NBPPL.
A B C
(a) 1 2 3
(b) 3 2 1
(c) 2 1 3

15. Match the following
List-I (Power Plant) List-II (Location)
A. Namrup gas project 1. Assam
B. Palatana gas project 2. Tripura
C. Singruli thermal 3. Madhya Pradesh
project
A B C
(a) 1 2 3
(b) 3 2 1
(c) 2 1 3
(d) 3 1 2

16. Recently the World Bank has blacklisted one Indian Company for three years, for indulging in fraud and corrupt practices. As it did in 2009 to three Indian firms - Satyam Computer Service, wipro Technologies and Megasoft Consultants. The recent one is?
(a) Airtel
(b) Videocon
(c) Infosys
(d) TCS

17. Which of the statement is incorrect?
(a) Power generation capacity addition during the XI plan would be about 74000 MW, almost close to the original target of 78,577 MW.
(b) In its mid-term review, the planning commission had reduced power generation capacity addition target by over 20% to 62,374 MW for the current plan period from the original 78577 MW.
(c) During the X plan 21080 MW was added against the target of 41000 MW.
(d) “Bachat Lamp Yojna” under which incandescent bulbs are replaced by energy efficient CFLs bulbs in the country. This will result in a saving of 5000 MW of Power.

18. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is an internationl organisation for approval of Carbon Credit Projects under,
(a) Intergovernmental Panel on climate change.
(b) United Nation Security Council.
(c) European Union + US Panel.
(d) United Nations Frame Work Convention on climate change.

19. With the Supreme Court’s verdict the gas dispute between the Ambani brothers. The Dadri power project in Uttar pradesh could have face an adverse impact. This is a 7800 MW power project. it belongs to?
(a) Government of India.
(b) Government of Uttar Pradesh.
(c) Anil Ambani’s Reliance Natural Resources Limited (RNRL)
(d) Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industry Limited (RIL).

20. Krishna-Godavari Basin (KG-D6) is a gas field from where, gas would be supply to Dadri power project in Uttar Pradesh. This basin belongs to,
(a) Government of India.
(b) Government of Andhra Pradesh.
(c) Anil Ambani’s Reliance Natural Resources Limited (RNRL).
(d) Mukehs Ambani’s Reliance Industry Limited (RIL).

21. Aimed at giving a boost to its holding of oil and gas assets abroad the oil and natural gas corporation Videsh Limited (OVL), entered into an agreement with which Latin American Country to develop a $20 billion oil project in that country?
(a) Venezuela
(b) Brazil
(c) Colombia
(d) Argentina

22. Bank of Rajasthan,one of the oldest private sector banks in the country, announced that it would merge with?
(a) ICICI
(b) SBI
(c) HDFC
(d) Punjab National Bank

23. The largest private sector bank in India is?
(a) Punjab National Bank
(b) HDFC
(c) City Bank
(d) ICICI

24. Consider the following statement :
1. The Federation of India Export organisations (FIEO) said that IT and energy sector had the potential to take Indian exports to $1000 billion or 5% of the global trade by 2020.
2. By 2020, the pharmaceutical market is anticipated to more than double to $1.3 trillion, with the E7 - Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia and Turkey accounting for one-fifth of the global pharmaceutical sales.
Which of the above statement is incorrect?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

25. Recently the Central Government has granted “Maharatna” Status to four giant public sector undertaking. Which PSU is incorrect in this following option?
(a) NTPC
(b) ONGC
(c) IOC
(d) NPCIL

26. India’s complaint against the unjust seiqure of cheap generic drug consignments meant for Latin America and African nations has received a boost with the VHO terming such action “miscue of rules” against counterfeit medicines. This complain is against.
(a) E.U.
(b) USA
(c) Russia
(d) Canada

27. Recently an expert panel on the infrastracture debt fund recommended that a debt fund of Rs 50,000 Crore be set up for financing infrastracture projects and also asked the government to change rules to allow funding by pension and insurance companies. This panel is headed by?
(a) RBI Governor Subbaroa.
(b) HDFC Chief Deepak Parekh.
(c) C. Rangaranjan
(d) Montek Singh Ahluwalia

28. Recently which company has signed a MOU with the UIDAI to act as a registrar for the delivery of the unique 16-digit identify numbers to customers, making it the first institution other than state governments to sign up with UIDAI.
(a) ICICI prudent life
(b) LIC
(c) Bila Sunlife
(d) Bhartia AXA

29. NBPPL is a company for carrying out engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for power projects as well as for manufacturing and suppling equipment in India and abroad to meet the needs of power equipment in India and abroad to meet the needs of power equipment in the power sector expansion plan. This NBPPL is a 50:50 joint venture company between?
(a) NTPC and BHEL
(b) NPCIU and BHEL
(c) NTPC and NPCIL
(d) NPCIL and BDL

30. The Central Government ended a turf war between the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) and the securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Saying unit linked insurance products (ULIPs) will be regulated by?
(a) IRDA
(b) SEBI
(c) Finance Ministry
(d) RBI

Answers:

1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (d) 9. (c) 10. (a) 11. (d) 12 (b) 13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (a) 16. (b) 17. (d) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (d) 21. (a) 22. (a) 23 (d) 24. (d) 25. (d) 26. (a) 27. (b) 28. (b) 29. (a) 30. (a)

50YEARS OF FIRST SPACE TRAVEL

SUPER BUG DETAILS

Salient features of Jan Lokpal Bill

The Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizen's ombudsman Bill) is a draft anti-corruption bill that would pave the way for a Jan Lokpal, an independent body like the Election Commission, which would have the power to prosecute politicians and bureaucrats without government permission. The bill has been drafted by Shanti Bhushan, former IPS Kiran Bedi, Justice N. Santosh Hegde, renowned advocate Prashant Bhushan, former chief election commissioner J. M. Lyngdoh in consultation with the leaders of the India Against Corruption movement and the civil society. The bill proposes institution of the office of Lokpal (Ombudsman) at center and Lok Ayukta at state level. Jan Lokpal Bill is designed to create an effective anti-corruption and grievance redressal systems at centre and to assure that effective deterrent is created against corruption and to provide effective protection to whistleblowers. The Lokpal Bill drafted by the government is pending to be passed in the Rajya Sabha since 42 years.The first Lokpal Bill was passed in the 4th Lok Sabha in 1969 but could not get through in Rajya Sabha, subsequently, Lokpal bills were introduced in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and in 2008, yet they were never passed and its pending.

1. An institution called LOKPAL at the centre and LOKAYUKTA in each state will be set up

2. Like Supreme Court and Election Commission, they will be completely independent of the governments. No minister or bureaucrat will be able to influence their investigations.

3. Cases against corrupt people will not linger on for years anymore: Investigations in any case will have to be completed in one year. Trial should be completed in next one year so that the corrupt politician, officer or judge is sent to jail within two years.

4. The loss that a corrupt person caused to the government will be recovered at the time of conviction.

5. How will it help a common citizen: If any work of any citizen is not done in prescribed time in any government office, Lokpal will impose financial penalty on guilty officers, which will be given as compensation to the complainant.

6. So, you could approach Lokpal if your ration card or passport or voter card is not being made or if police is not registering your case or any other work is not being done in prescribed time. Lokpal will have to get it done in a month’s time. You could also report any case of corruption to Lokpal like ration being siphoned off, poor quality roads been constructed or panchayat funds being siphoned off. Lokpal will have to complete its investigations in a year, trial will be over in next one year and the guilty will go to jail within two years.

7. But won’t the government appoint corrupt and weak people as Lokpal members? That won’t be possible because its members will be selected by judges, citizens and constitutional authorities and not by politicians, through a completely transparent and participatory process.

8. What if some officer in Lokpal becomes corrupt? The entire functioning of Lokpal/ Lokayukta will be completely transparent. Any complaint against any officer of Lokpal shall be investigated and the officer dismissed within two months.

9. What will happen to existing anti-corruption agencies? CVC, departmental vigilance and anti-corruption branch of CBI will be merged into Lokpal. Lokpal will have complete powers and machinery to independently investigate and prosecute any officer, judge or politician.

10. It will be the duty of the Lokpal to provide protection to those who are being victimized for raising their voice against corruption.

Lokpal--THE OMBUDSMAN MODEL

The concept of Lokpal is based on the Scandinavian institution of ombudsman. 'Ombudsman' is a Swedish word that means "an officer appointed by the legislature to handle complaints against administrative and judicial action". The office was created first in Sweden in 1809 and later adopted by other Scandinavian countries that saw it as "a bulwark of democratic government against the tyranny of officialdom".

The ombudsman can take suo moto cognizance of public grievances and either launch an investigation himself or hire a private agency for the purpose. In Sweden and Finland, the ombudsman has the power to prosecute erring public servants but in Denmark he can only order prosecution.

In all these countries, the power of prosecution is rarely used. The ombudsman relies more on the publicity attached to its office and the negative impact of an investigation on the career of an official. In Sweden and Finland, the ombudsman can also supervise the courts.

The UK has a similar institution, but with slightly different powers. Here, the ombudsman is known as the Parliamentary Commissioner and can only receive complaints through members of Parliament. He cannot start an investigation on his own.

Hong Kong has registered spectacular results in the fight against corruption. When corruption in the police force peaked in the 1970s, the government set up an Independent Commission Against Corruption and gave it full powers to investigate and punish the guilty. It sacked 119 of the 180 police officers in one go, sending a strong message to the rest of the force and other government functionaries.

Several Asian countries including South Korea have since created similar anti-corruption mechanisms.

PHYSIOGRAPHIC DIVISION OF INDIA

Mountains
The Peninsular Mountains : classified as follows
the western Ghats	run along the west coast from south of the Tapti river valley to Kanyakumari; Deccan trap constitutes the northern portion of the Ghats; Southern part : composed of Archean gneisses, Schists and Charnockites Anai Muddi in the Anaimalai Hills 2,695 m (8,842 ft) in Kerala is the highest peak in the Western Ghats.
the Eastern Ghats	irregular hill ranges stretches from northern Orissa to the Kerala and Tamil Nadu across coastal Andhra; Highest Peak at 1680m in Vishakhapatnam dist( Andhra)
The meeting point of the western and Eastern Ghats in the Nilgiri Hills has the highest point at Doda Betta Peak.
The Vindhya Range	Running from Sasaram(Bihar) in the east to Jobat(Gujarat) in the west separates northern India from the southern mainland They are believed to have been formed by the wastes created by the weathering of the ancient Aravali mountains.[
The Satpura range	extends from Narmada valley(N) to the Tapti valley (S) ; It is triangular in shape, with its apex at Ratnapur highest point : Dhupgarh near Pachmarhi(M.P.)
The Aravalis	the oldest mountain range in India; most ancient fold mountain ranges ; separates the semi desert and fertile regions of Rajasthan highest point: Gurushikhar peak of Abu hills
The Northern Mountains : stretches across northern India from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh( abt 2400km); the world’s youngest fold mountain ,achieve greatest heights in eastern Nepal
the outer Himalayas ( the siwaliks )	composed of tertiary sediments; emerged as most recent phase in Himalaya OROGENY
the outer Himalayas ARE SEPERATED FROM THE LESSER Himalayas by Duns ( valleys resulting from draining away of the temporary lakes formed by ridges when these obstructed the course of rivers
the lesser/outer Himalayas ( the himachal)	the ranges include the 400km Pir Panjal range, the longest range of the Himalayas
the greater Himalayas ( the himadri)	the innermost Himalayan Range is the world’s highest and most continuous of Himalayan ranges ; Himadri’s highest peak include world’s highest peak- Mt Everest
the trans Himalayan zone	include imp ranges such as Zaskar Range and the Great Karakoram Range :extends 2wards south-east to form the Kailash Range; highest peak K2 longest glacier : Siachen ( Nubra Valley – 72 km )
the Peninsular Plateau : largest and oldest of all the physiographic division ; north- east limit: Aravali Range ‘ northern extreme – Bundelkhand and western and eastern ends : Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats resp.
the central plateaus	the upland of Central India with river Ganga (N) , Vindhya and Satpura ranges (S)Kaimur-Maikal Range (E) and Aravalis and Kutch to (W) comprise Mewar,Malwa(in M.P. formed of lava ) and Vindhya Plateaus
the eastern Plateaus	diversified to topography ; low lying Mahanandi basin to undulating plateatus of the Bhaghelkhand , Chhota Nagpur and Dandakaranya Meghalaya Plateau : beyond lava ridden Rajhmahal Hills
The Kathiawar and Kutch Plateaus	joined to the Peninsular Plateaus by Gujrat’s plain; Deccan lava make up this region while Kutch – tertiary rocks
The Deccan plateaus	occupy land between the Western and Eastern Ghats and south of Mahadeo ,Maikal and Satpura ranges ; comprise the Maharashtra Plateau(basalt) ‘Karnataka and Telangana plateaus ( Archaean gneisses) India’s largest plateaus
the great plains : lies between the Himalayas and the peninsular Plateau , alluvial in nature
the Punjab Haryana plains	Comprise the Bist Doab (betn Sutlej &Beas Rivers); Upper Bari Doab ( betn Beas and Ravi Rivers) and south- east Malwa Plain.
the Rajasthan plains	comprise the marusthali of Thar and nearly Bagar areas Luni river : flowing 2wards south-east ,only river in region Rajasthan desert : sloping 2wards 2 direction – Indus valley in Pak ( W-wards ) and Ran of Kutch (S-wards)
the Ganga Plains	spreading across the states of Uttar Pradesh ,West Bengal &Bihar divided into : Ganga –Yamuna Doab , Rohilkhand Plain ,Avadh plain ( U.P.),Bihar Plain and Bengal Plain Ganga Delta : constitutes the Ben gal basin , covered with tidal forests ( the Sunderbans)
the Brahmaputra Plains	formed by deposit carried by Brahmaputra River , moist soil conditions
the Coastal plains : 4500 –km long coastline , Arabian Sea (W) , the Bay of Bengal (E)&Indian ocean (S) runs from Rann of Kutch (W) to the delta of the Ganga- Brahmaputra (E)
the east coastal plains	extend betn the source of Subarnarekha and Kanyakumari ; contain deltas of almost all rivers ( except Tapti and Narmada ) ; include Tamil Nadu plains, Andhra Plain and Utkal Plain
the West coastal plains	run from Rann of Kutch to Kanyakumari; sandy plains
Islands : has a no. of islands (247) ; Bay of Bengal ( 204) & Arabian Sea (43) The Andaman and Nicobar Islands: in the Bay of Bengal, represent elevated potions of submarine mountains. Mount Harriet (460m): in South Andaman Islands is the highest point. The Nicobar group contains 19 Islands. The Great Nicobar – largest island in group Islands in Arabian Sea : coral origin & surrounded by fringing reefs e.g. Lakshadweep islands

CURRENT AFFAIRS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following statements :
1. India – Bangladesh Sunder bans Ecosystem forum was launched recently
2. The project was funded by Asian Development Bank and will be executed over five years.
Which of the above statement is / are wrong ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2.

2. Which of the statement is wrong ?
(a) In Kyrgyzstan the U.S. military base is at manas which become one of the focal pointsfor transporting American troops and equipment to Afganistan.
(b) In Kyrgyzstan, Russia also has amilitary base at kant.
(c) “Tulip Revolution” of 2005 was related with the Kyrgyz political movement.
(d) Dushanbe is the Capital of Kyrgyzstan, and its new President is Roza outnbayeva.

3. The 47 Countries attended the two meet fornuclear Security summit at Washington. The next meeting in 2012 will be held in –
(a) New Delhi
(b) Islamabad.
(c) Tokyo
(d) Seoul

4. The Recent Conference on Disarmament and non – Proliferation which held in -
(a) Tehran
(b) New Delhi
(c) Colombo
(d) Dhaka

5. Consider the following statements :
1. Article VI of the NPT Calls for disarmament, but there is no time frames have been fixed within its framework to achieve this.
2. India, Iran, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea are not the member of NPT.
Which of the above statement is correct ?
(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

6. Recently India has raised its objection over the construction of the zangmu dam. In this Context which Country is building this Zangmu dam ?
(a) Pakistan in Pok
(b) Pakistan with the help of China assistance
(c) Bangladesh on the Brahmaputra river
(d) China on the Brahmaputra River.

7. Consider the following Statements :
1. The Economic and social survery of Asia and the Pacific 2010, an annual Publication of the United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific released stated that 62% of the word’s Population lived in this region.
2. The report finds that the region’s developing economies Forecast to grow by 7% led by China 9.5% and India 8.3% .
Which of the above statements is / are Correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2.

8. Pakistan has objected over the India’s 330 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project in kishanganga river, Kishanganga is a tributary of which river ?
(a) Jhelum
(b) Indus
(c) Chenab
(d) Non of the above

9. ‘MONUC’ is recently in news. This is related with
(a) This is a peace keeping force of United nation deployed in congo.
(b) This is a peace keeping force of united Nation deployed in Democratic Republic of congo.
(c) It is a rebal group of Congo which recently attacked the UN Peace keeping force that lead to the death of one Indian Solider.
(d) None of the above.

10. Recently President Pratibha patel dedicated an Indian- Style temple in the town of Luoyang to the friendship between the people of India and the people of which country ?
(a) Vietnam
(b) China
(c) Cambodia
(d) Laos.

11. Math the following
List I (Hydel Project) List II (River)
A. Uri- II (240 MW) 1. Jhelum
B. Nimoo Bazgo (45 MW) 2. Suru
C. Chutak (44MW) 3. Indus.
A B C
(a) 1 2 3
(b) 3 2 1
(c) 2 3 1
(d) 1 3 2

12. Consider the following statements :
1. TAPI gas pipeline is assited by the Asian Development Bank.
2. Turkmenistan is the only Central Asian Countries which is not part of the shanghai Cooperation organisation.
Which of the above statement is Correct ?
(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2.

13. Which of the given statement is wrong
(a) Under the 1960 Indus water treaty, Pakistan has exclusive right over three of the common rivers – Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
(b) While India has exclusive right over sutlej, Ravi and Beas.
(c) World Bank has the role of Neutral arbitrator, Under the Indus water treaty, in the disputes between the two countries.
(d) Recently Pakistan withdraw its objection to the construction of India’s Kishanganga Project.

14. Recently with which European Country India Sign Social Security Pact ?
(a) Poland
(b) U.K.
(c) Germany
(d) Czech Republic

15. Consider the following statements :
1. Flight 182(Air India) Nicknamed Emperor Kanishka was blown up by Sikh terrorist On June 23, 1985,
2. Recently John Major Commission of enquiry said that the Canadian Government was responsible for failing to act upon Credible information indicating that the attack was imminent.
Which of the above Statement is/ are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Non of the above.

16. India bid for a stake in the Sakhalin – 3 oil and gas project.It is in which country ?
(a) Russia
(b) Ukraine
(c) Iran
(d) Venezula

17. Which of the following statement is wrong
(a) In L’ Aquilla in 2009 the G-8 Countries agreed to implement a ban on the sale of enrichment and reprocessing (ENR) equipment and technology to countries like India.
(b) Among India’s Nuclear partners, only Russia has given a commitment to provide India ENR equipment.
(c) This ban is in Contrast to the 2008. 46member NSG relaxation for India.
(d) Hungary, Currently Chair the Nuclear Supplying Group.

18. Recently an Indian has been nominated as the U.N. Speical Rapporteur our on the right to education he is : -
(a) Kishore Singh
(b) Ramsharan Singh
(c) Jaswant Singh
(d) Alvir Singh

19. The recent G – 8 Summit was held in which Country ?
(a) Canada
(b) USA
(c) New Zealand
(d) Australia

20. Which countries Parliament is Known as thestate Great hural ?
(a) Tajakistan
(b) Mangolia
(c) Kyrezstan
(d) Serbia

Answers:

1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (a) 49. (a) 10. (b) 11. (d) 12. (c) 13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (c) 16. (a) 17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (a) 20. (b)

India Budget 2011-12 OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1) Target of Fiscal Deficit in 2011-12 as given by Indian Finance Minister is (D)

(A) 7.6 percent of GDP
(B) 6.6 percent of GDP
(C) 5.6 percent of GDP
(D) 4.6 percent of GDP


2) The Gross Tax Receipts are estimated at Rs ...........crore (D)

(A) 2,32,440
(B) 4,32,440
(C) 8,32,440
(D) 9,32,440


3) The total expenditure proposed for 2011-12 is Rs ............ crore, (B)

(A) 2,57,729
(B) 12,57,729
(C) 22,57,729
(D) 32,57,729


4) A sum of Rs......... crore has been provided to enable public sector banks to maintain a minimum Tier I CRAR at 8 per cent. (C)

(A) 20000
(B) 40000
(C) 60000
(D) 80000


5) Indian Micro Finance Equity Fund of Rs ........ to be created with SIDBI as per budget 2011-12 plan. (A)

(A) 100 crore
(B) 1000 crore
(C) 10000 crore
(D) 3567 crore


6) Women’s SHG’s Development Fund with a corpus of Rs ........ has been proposed. (A)

(A) 500 crore
(B) 600 crore
(C) 700 crore
(D) 800 crore

7) Bharat Nirman does not includes ? (D)

(A) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY),
(B) Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Pro gramme
(C) National Rural Drinking Water Programme
(D) Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme for BPL

8) Government expects economy to grow at ........% in 2011-12. (B)

(A) 9.5
(B) 9
(C) 8.5
(D) 8

9) Government debt is About ......% of GDP as per budget 2011-12 (A)

(A) 44.2
(B) 45.2
(C) 46.2
(D) 47.2

10) Iron ore export duty hiked to ...........per cent. (C)

(A) 16
(B) 18
(C) 20
(D) 22

11) Nominal GDP growth of ........ per cent has been projected in Budget 2011-12 (A)

(A) 14
(B) 13
(C) 12
(D) 11


12) New limit for investment by foreign institutional investors in corporate bonds is $.......billion. (B)

(A) 30
(B) 40
(C) 50
(D) 60


13) Corporate surcharge has been reduced to............% (C)

(A) 3
(B) 4
(C) 5
(D) 6


14) New increased rate of MAT is ..........%. (B)

(A) 15.5
(B) 18.5
(C) 21.5
(D) 24.5


15) Disinvestment target for 2011-12 has been placed at Rs ........ crore. (A)

(A) 40000
(B) 80000
(D) 120000
(D) 160000

APPSC GROUP-II INDIAN ECONOMY PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. The principles of taxation were propounded by—
(A) Edwin Canon
(B) Adam Smith
(C) 3. M. Keynes
(D) Dalton
Ans: (B)

2. Protection means—
(A) Restrictions imposed on import trade
(B) Protection to home goods
(C) No free exchange of good and services between two countries
(D) All of these
Ans: (D)

3. Reserve Bank of India—
(A) Provides direct finance to agriculture
(B) Provides finance to primary co-operative societies
(C) Provides finance to state co-operative banks
(D) Does not provide finance to agriculture
Ans: (C)

4. In which sector of the Indian economy is productivity the highest?
(A) Manufacturing
(B) Transport, communication and commerce
(C) Agriculture
(D) Other sectors
Ans: (A)

5. When the price Of a substitute of commodity X falls, the demand for X—
(A) Rises
(B) Falls
(C) Remains unchanged
(D) None of these
Ans: (B)

6. Which of the following is not a part of national income?
(A) Wages and Salaries
(B) Profits
(C) Rent
(D) Interest on national debt.
Ans: (D)

7. Fixed cost is known as—
(A) Special cost
(B) Direct cost
(C) Prime cost
(D) Overhead cost
Ans: (D)

8. If tea and coffee are substitutes, a reduction in the price of coffee will—
(A) Increase the sale of tea
(B) Decrease the sale of coffee
(C) Increase the sale of coffee
(D) Decrease the price of tea
Ans: (C)

9. According to Lord Keynes, interest rate is determined by the supply and demand for—
(A) Savings
(B) Loanable funds
(C) Money
(D) Capital goods
Ans: (C)

10. Which of the following is the indirect tax?
(A) Wealth Tax
(B) Capital gains Tax
(C) Excise duty
(D) Corporation Tax
Ans: (C)

11. If. the price of Pepsi decreases relative to the price of coke and 7-up, the demand for—
(A) Coke will decrease
(B) 7-up will decrease
(C) Coke and 7-up will increase
(D) Coke and 7-up will decrease
Ans. (D)

12. Who initiated open economy system in Indian economy?
(A) Pranab Mukherjee
(B) Dr. Manmohan Singh
(C) I. G. Patel
(D) Madhu Dandvate
Ans. (B)

13. Reserve Banks of India was established on—
(A) 1 January, 1934
(B) 1 April, 1934
(C) 1 January, 1935
(D) 1 April, 1935
Ans. (D)

14. The first Indian Bank in totality was—
(A) State Bank of India
(B) Presidency Bank of Calcutta
(C) Traders Bank
(D) Punjab National Bank
Ans. (D)

15. Basic difference between Reserve Bank and other banks is that it—
(A) Issues foreign exchange
(B) Acts as banker to the government
(C) Issues agricultural loans
(D) Finances sick industries
Ans. (B)

APPSC Assistant Executive Engineers Recruitment

Job Position:Asst Executive Engineers

Eligibility :BE/B.Tech, B.Sc

Last Date:19/5/2011

Job Details

Andhra Public Service Commission Hyderabad,inviting application for the post of Asst Executive Engineers.

Qualification:A Degree in BE Civil or Mechanical Engineering of a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, State Act or Provincial Act, or an Institution recognized by the University Grants Commission or B.Sc.(Engg.) Degree of Banaras Hindu University or a Pass in Section A & B of AMIE (India) Examination or an equivalent qualification.

No of Post:40

Age Limit:18-34 Years as on 1/7/2011

How to apply

Candidates have to submit applications only through online application will be available at website from 19/04/2011. Last date for payment of Fee at AP Online/SBI is 16/05/2011, Last date for submission of Application is 19/05/2011
Note: The Applicant should pay the prescribed Fee in any one of the A.P. Online centers / State Bank of India and obtain Fee paid challan with Journal Number in the first instance.

For more information: Click Here

APPSC Assistant Engineers Recruitment

Job Position:Assistant Engineer


Last Date:19/5/2011

Job Details

Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission, recruiting applications for the post of Assistant Engineers.

Qualification : 1. A Degree in B.E. Civil or Mechanical of a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act or a Provincial Act or Institution recognized by the UGC. OR 2. B.Sc (Engineering) degree of the Benares Hindu University; or 3. A pass in sections ‘A’ and ‘B’ of the AMIE (India) Civil Examination. 4. L.C.E. Diploma or any other equivalent Diploma of any recognized Institute; OR 5. LME., Diploma of any recognized Institute; OR 6. LSE, Diploma awarded by the State Board of Technical Education and Training.

No. of Vacancies:40

Age Limit:18-34 yrs as on 1/7/2011

Application Fee: The Applicant should pay the prescribed Fee in any one of the A.P. Online centers / State Bank of India and obtain Fee paid challan with Journal Number in the first instance.

How to apply: Candidates should Apply Online.

For more information: Click Here

1999 GROUP-2 INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

IPL - 4 SCHEDULE

APPSC ASSISTANT ENGINEERS & ASSISTANT CHEMICAL EXAMINER GENERAL STUDIES KEY

FOR APPSC ASSISTANT ENGINEERS & ASSISTANT CHEMICAL EXAMINER GENERAL STUDIES KEY (EXAM HELD ON 20-03-2011) CLICK HERE

SUCCESS MIRROR DECEMBER 2010

FOR SUCCESS MIRROR DECEMBER 2010 CLICK HERE

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Logo

International Cricket Council (ICC) unveils the logo of Cricket World Cup 2015 on April 2nd 2011. Cricket World Cup 2015 will be Host in Australia and New Zealand as a part of symbolic handover from the successful 2011 hosts to their counterparts four years hence, during the closing of 2011 World Cup in Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The ICC received applications for the design from across the world before awarding it to the international agency, FutureBrand, whose Australian arm was invited to produce the logo for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. It in turn commissioned graphic consultancy, the Jumbana Group/Balarinji to create both Australian and New Zealand cultural motifs so as to reflect the two indigenous countries’ cultural identities.

The result has been what ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat describes as “a dynamic logo which captures the cultural influences in the two host countries”.
He added: “The ICC, Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket have all worked together with the consultancies to produce this beautiful logo. On the back of a hugely successful ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, I am sure that it will gain recognition over the next four years as we use it in promotional, marketing and partner activations.”
Each element of the logo contributes to building the story of the ICC’s flagship event featuring the best players in the world competing for The Cup That Counts.

INDIA TAKES THE WORLD CUP

Twenty-eight years after Indian cricket changed forever on an English summer's day, the country's dream of enhancing its reputation as a major force in the world game found glorious realisation at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Mahela Jayawardene lit up the World Cup final with a century (103 not out) of rare radiance, enabling Sri Lanka to score 274 for six in 50 overs. But Gautam Gambhir responded with an innings of 97 that was just as masterful. Captain M.S. Dhoni (91 not out) summoned his best under pressure and hit the winning runs — a six — to gift India and the great Sachin Tendulkar the World Cup.

India's mood had been grim when Lasith Malinga impaired it early. The Sri Lankan fast-bowler trapped Virender Sehwag ‘lbw' for a duck in the first over before having Sachin Tendulkar caught behind in the seventh. Tendulkar had looked in fine touch during his brief stay — the maestro's dismissal stunned the home crowd into silence while Sri Lanka's cricketers celebrated the big wicket that had left India at 31 for two.

Gambhir saw out the remainder of Malinga's first spell and took calculated risks against the other seamers to ensure that India kept pace with the asking rate. It was brave, intelligent batting under duress. Virat Kohli (35) applied himself to the task of rebuilding the innings, helping raise 83 for the third wicket before he fell to a brilliant one-handed return catch by Tillakaratne Dilshan.

APPSC EXAM DATES

APPSC NOTIFICATIONS

Provisional Population Totals for Census 2011

India's population rose to 1.21 billion people over the last 10 years - an increase by 181 million, according to the new census released today, but significantly the growth is slower for the first time in nine decades.
The population, which accounts for world's 17.5 per cent population, comprises 623.7 million males and 586.5 million females, said a provisional 2011 Census report. China is the most populous nation accounting for 19.4 per cent of the global population.
The country's headcount is almost equal to the combined population of the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan put together, it said.The population has increased by more than 181 million during the decade 2001-2011, the report said.
The growth rate in 2011 is 17.64 per cent in comparison to 21.15 per cent in 2001.The 2001-2011 period is the first decade - with exception of 1911-1921 - which has actually added lesser population compared to the previous decade, Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner of India C Chandramauli said in presence of Home Secretary Gopal K Pillai.Among the states and Union territories, Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state with 199 million people and Lakshadweep the least populated at 64,429.
The combined population of UP and Maharashtra is bigger than that of the US.The highest population density is in Delhi's north-east district (37,346 per sq km) while the lowest is in Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh (just one per sq km).The Census indicated a continuing preference for male children over female children. The latest child sex ratio in is 914 female against 1,000 male - the lowest since Independence."This is a matter of grave concern," Chandramauli said.According to the data, literates constitute 74 per cent of the total population aged seven and above and illiterates form 26 per cent.
The literacy rate has gone up from 64.83 per cent in 2001 to 74.04 per cent in 2011 showing an increase of 9.21 per cent.Interestingly, the addition of 181 million population during 2001-2011 is slightly lower than the total population of Brazil, the fifth most populous country in the world.While China has 19.4 per cent of the world's total population, India has 17.5 per cent of the world population.However, the percentage decadal growth during 2001-2011 has registered the sharpest decline since independence - a decrease of 3.90 percentage points from 21.54 to 17.64 per cent.Apart from UP, other most populous states are - Maharashtra (112.3 million), Bihar (103.8 million), West Bengal (91.3 million) and Andhra Pradesh (84.6 million).Besides Lakshadweep, smallest UTs and states are - Daman and Diu (2,42,911), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (3,42,853), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (7,79,944) and Sikkim (6,07,688).
The percentage decadal growth rates of the six most populous states have declined during 2001-2011 compared to 1991-2001. Uttar Pradesh (25.85 per cent to 20.09 per cent), Maharashtra (22.73 per cent to 15.99 per cent), Bihar (28.62 per cent to 25.07 per cent), West Bengal (17.77 per cent to 13.93 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (14.59 per cent to 11.10 per cent and Madhya Pradesh (24.26 per cent to 20.23 per cent)."For the first time, there is a significant fall in the growth rate of population in the Empowered Action Group states after decades of stagnation," Chandramouli said.
The EAG states are: UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh and Orissa.

FIGURES AT A GLANCE - INDIA
POPULATION	Persons	1,21,01,93,422
	Males	62,37,24,248
	Females	58,64,69,174
DECADAL POPULATION GROWTH 2001-2011		Absolute	Percentage
	Persons	18,14,55,986	17.64
	Males	9,15,01,158	17.19
	Females	8,99,54,828	18.12
DENSITY OF POPULATION (per sq. km.)		382
SEX RATIO (females per 1000 males)		940
POPULATION IN THE AGE GROUP 0-6		Absolute	Percentage to total population
	Persons	15,87,89,287	13.12
	Males	8,29,52,135	13.30
	Females	7,58,37,152	12.93
LITERATES		Absolute	Literacy rate
	Persons	77,84,54,120	74.04
	Males	44,42,03,762	82.14
	Females	33,42,50,358	65.46

Postponement of the written examination for General Recruitment to the posts of Divisional Accounts Officers

It is hereby informed that in view of the representations received from certain candidates for postponement of the written examination for General Recruitment to the posts of Divisional Accounts Officer (Works) Grade-II in A.P. Works Accounts Service (Notification Nos. 24/2007 & 23/2008) scheduled to be held on18/06/2011 AN and 19/06/2011 FN & AN due to Staff Selection Commission’s Combined Graduate Level Examination scheduled to be held on 19/06/2011, the A.P. Public Service Commission have decided to postpone the D.A.Os. Examination to 02/07/2011 AN and 03/07/2011 FN & AN.

APPSC Royalty Inspectors Recruitment

Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission

Hyderabad
Royalty Inspectors in A.P. Mining Service : 2011

Applications are invited On-line through the proforma Application to be made available on WEBSITE (www.apspsc.gov.in) from 23/03/2011 to 23/04/2011 (Note: 20/04/2011 is the last date for payment of fee) for recruitment to the post of ROYALTY INSPECTORS IN A.P. MINING SERVICE.

The Commission has dispensed with the sale of applications through HPOs / Sales Counter of Commission’s office. The desirous eligible Candidates may apply ON-LINE by satisfying themselves with the terms and conditions of this recruitment. The details are as follows:-

PC. No.	Name of the Post	MZ-1	MZ-2	Total	Age as on 01.07.2008 Min. – Max.	Scale of Pay Rs.
1	Royalty Inspectors in A.P. Mining Service	11	09	20	18-39	Rs. 14,860- 39,540/-

Educational Qualifications:

• Must possess a B.Sc., Degree in Geology from any recognized University of India established or incorporated by or under a Central or a State Act or an Institution recognized by the University Grants Commission; and
• Practical experience for a period of not less than two years in the investigation of mineral deposits and geological mapping or m ining or underground water resources.

AGE LIMIT:

Minimum 18 years & Maximum 39 years as on 01/07/2008

APPLICATION FEES:

(Remittance of Fee) Each applicant must pay Rs. 25/- (Rupees Twenty Five Only) towards Application Processing Fee and Examination Fee RS.120/- (RUPEES ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONLY) (if Candidates are not exempted from payment of Fee). Payment of Rs. 25/- (Rupees Twenty Five only) towards application processing fee is compulsory for all Applicants.

Mode of Payment of Fee:

• Step1: The Candidate has to logon to the WEBSITE (www.apspsc.gov.in) and enter his/her Basic Personal Details like Name, Father’s Name, Date of Birth, and Community.
• Step2: Immediately on entering the above details the Applicant will get (downloadable)- Challan Form to pay the Fee at AP Online centers /State Bank of India.
• Step3: The Applicant should pay the prescribed Fee in any one of the A.P. Online centers / State Bank of India and obtain Fee paid c hallan with Journal Number in the first instance.
• Step4: On the next working day after payment of Fee the Applicant should again visit WEBSITE and enter the Journal Number to get the format of Application. The applicant has to invariably fill all the columns in the Application and should submit ON-Line. Even after making payment of fee, candidate fails to submit the bio-data particulars, such applications shall be rejected without giving any notice.
• Step5: If any candidate fails to enter “Co mmunity” for any reason, they will be treated as an OC without giving any notice.

HOW TO UPLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM:

The Applicants have to read the User Guide for Online Submission of Applications and then proceed further.

• I Step: The Candidate has to logon to the WEBSITE and enter his/her Basic Personal Details like Name, Father’s Name, Date of Birth, and Community.
• II Step: Immediately on entering the above details the Applicant will get (downloadable)- Challan Form to pay the Fee at AP Online centers /State Bank of India.
• III Step: The Applicant should pay the prescribed Fee in any one of the A.P. Online centers / State Bank of India and obtain Fee paid ch allan with Journal Number in the first instance.
• IV Step: On the next working day after payment of Fee the Applicant should again visit WEBSITE and enter the Journal Number to get and fill the format of Application and should submit ONLINE.
• V Step: Affix your recent Colour Passport Size Photograph on a White Paper and then sign below the photograph with Black Pen. Scan the above Photo and Signature and Upload in the appropriate space provided (JPG Format) in Application Form.
• VI Step: The applicants have to invariably fill all the relevant columns in the Application and should submit ON-LINE.

Important Dates:

• Last date for payment of Fee at AP Online/SBI is 20/04/2011.
• Last date for submission of Application is 23/04/2011.

FACTS ABOUT ECONOMY

World Heritage Sites in India

• Agra Fort (1983)
• Ajanta Caves (1983)
• Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
• Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
• Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
• Elephanta Caves (1987)
• Ellora Caves (1983)
• Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
• Great Living Chola Temples (1987)
• Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
• Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
• Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
• Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
• Mountain Railways of India (1999)
• Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
• Red Fort Complex (2007)
• Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
• Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
• Taj Mahal (1983)
• The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)

Natural

• Kaziranga National Park (1985)
• Keoladeo National Park (1985)
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
• Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988)
• Sundarbans National Park (1987)

APPSC GROUP-II

ANDHRA PRADESH SOCIO ECONOMIC SURVEY 2010-11 (TELUGU)

FOR ANDHRA PRADESH SOCIO ECONOMIC SURVEY 2010-11 (TELUGU) CLICK HERE

APPSC EXAM DATES

ORGANIZATIONS ESTABLISHED IN ANDHRA PRADESH

A P State Agro-Industries Development Corporation - 1968
A P State Co-operative Marketing Federation- 1957
A P State Seeds Development Corporation - 1976
A P State Warehousing Corporation - 1958
Department of Marketing - 1962
The Federation of Sericulturists and Silks Weaver's Co-Op Societies - 1975
The Hyderabad Agricultural Co-Operative Association Ltd (HACA) - 1949
A P Commission for Backward classes - 1994
A P State Civil Supplies Corporation - 1974
A P State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission - 1986
A P E P D C L - 2000
A P Genco - 1999
A P Transco - 1999
A P Administrative Tribunal - 1989
A P Press Academy - 1996
AP Vigilance Commission - 1964
Institution Of A P Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta - 1983
A P State Housing Corporation Ltd - 1979
A P Handicrafts Development Corporation - 1982
A P Industrial Development Corporation - 1960
A P Mineral Development Corporation - 1961
A P Trade Promotion Corporation - 1970
A P State Irrigation Development Corporation - 1974
Directorate of Andhra Pradesh Engineering Research Laboratories - 1945
Water and Land Management Training And Research Institute - 1983
AP State Labour Welfare Board - 1988
A P State Minorities Finance Corporation Limited - 1985
A P State Wakf Board - 1955
Andhra Pradesh Industrial Technical Consultancy Organisation Ltd - 1976
A P Beverages Corporation Limited - 1986
Directorate of A P Open School Society - 1991
A P S W R E I Society - 1983
A P Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation - 1974
A P Scheduled Tribes Co-operative Finance Corporation - 1976
A P T W R E I Society - 1998
Girijan Co-operative Corporation Ltd - 1956
A P State Road Transport Corporation - 1932
A P State Social Welfare Board - 1954
A P Vikalangula Co-operative Corporation - 1981
A P Women's Co-operative Finance Corporation - 1975
Andhra Pradesh Foods - 1974
Commissionerate of Disabled Welfare - 1983

India's Knowledge Economy

Private higher education is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing segments of post-secondary education at the turn of the 21st century. A combination of unprecedented demand for access to higher education and the inability or unwillingness of governments to provide the necessary support has brought private higher education to the forefront. Private institutions, with a long history in many countries, are expanding in scope and number, and are increasingly important in parts of the world that have relied on the public sector. A related phenomenon is the "privatization" of public institutions in some countries. With tuition and other charges rising, public and private institutions look more and more similar.

Private higher education has long dominated higher education systems in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. There has been a dramatic shift from public to private post-secondary education in Latin America, and Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela now have at least half of their students in private universities. Private higher education is the fastest-growing sector in many countries in Central and Eastern Europe, as also in India. For the most part, this unprecedented growth in the private sector stems from an inability of the governments to fund expansion.

There is tremendous differentiation in private higher education internationally. Harvard University, with its endowment measured in billions of dollars, could hardly be more different from a newly established "garage university" in El Salvador offering specialized training in a few fields. Some private institutions are highly focused in specific fields, such as the world-renowned INSEAD international management school in Paris. Others are large multipurpose universities like the Far East University in Manila, with more than 100,000 students. Some are among the most prestigious institutions, like Waseda or Keio in Japan, Yale in the United States, the Ateneo de Manila in the Philippines, or Javieriana University in Colombia.

Higher education in India is gasping for breath, at a time when India is aiming to be an important player in the emerging knowledge economy. With about 300 universities and deemed universities, over 15,000 colleges and hundreds of national and regional research institutes, Indian higher education and research sector is the third largest in the world, in terms of the number of students it caters to. However, not a single Indian university finds even a mention in a recent international ranking of the top 200 universities of the world, except an IIT ranked at 41, whereas there were three universities each from China, Hong Kong and South Korea and one from Taiwan.

On the other hand, it is also true that there is no company or institute in the world that has not benefited by graduates, post-graduates or Ph.D.s from India: be it NASA, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, Bell, Sun, Harvard, MIT, Caltech, Cambridge or Oxford, and not all those students are products of our IITs, IIMs IISc/TIFR or central universities, which cater to barely one per cent of the Indian student population. This is not to suggest that we should pat our backs for the achievements of our students abroad, but to point out that Indian higher educational institutions have not been able to achieve the same status for themselves as their students seem to achieve elsewhere with their education from here.

The experience over the last few decades has clearly shown that unlike school education, privatization has not led to any major improvements in the standards of higher education and professional education. In higher education and professional courses, relatively better quality teaching and infrastructure has been available only in government colleges and universities, while private institutions of higher education in India capitalized on fashionable courses with minimum infrastructure.

The last decade has witnessed many sweeping changes in higher and professional education: For example, thousands of private colleges and institutes offering professional courses, especially engineering courses, appeared all across the country by the late 1990s and disappeared in less than a decade, with devastating consequences for the students and teachers who depended on them for their careers. This situation is now repeating itself in management, biotechnology, bioinformatics and other emerging areas. No one asked any questions about opening or closing such institutions, or bothered about whether there were qualified teachers at all, much less worry about teacher-student ratio, floor area ratio, class rooms, labs, libraries etc. All these regulations that existed at one time have now been deregulated or softened under the self-financing scheme of higher and professional education adopted by the UGC.

It is not that the other well established departments and courses in government funded colleges and universities are doing any better. Decades of government neglect, poor funding, frequent ban on faculty recruitment and promotions, reduction in library budgets, lack of investments in modernization leading to obsolescence of equipment and infrastructure, and the tendency to start new universities on political grounds without consolidating the existing ones today threatens the entire higher education system.

The economics of imparting higher education are such that, barring a few courses in arts and humanities, imparting quality education in science, technology, engineering, medicine etc. requires huge investments in infrastructure, all of which cannot be recovered through student fees, as high fees will make higher education inaccessible to a large section of students. Unlike many better-known private educational institutions in Western countries that operate in the charity mode with tuition waivers and fellowships (which is one reason why our students go there), most private colleges and universities in India are pursuing a profit motive. This is the basic reason for charging huge tuition fees, apart from forced donations, capitation fees and other charges. Despite huge public discontent, media interventions and many court cases, the governments have not been able to regulate the fee structure and donations in these institutions.

It is not only students but also teachers who are at the receiving end of the ongoing transformation in higher education. The nation today witnesses the declining popularity of teaching as a profession, not only among the students that we produce, but also among parents, scientists, society and the government. The teaching profession today attracts only those who have missed all other "better" opportunities in life, and is increasingly mired in bureaucratic controls and anti-education concepts such as "hours" of teaching "load", "paid-by-the-hour", "contractual" teachers etc. With privatization reducing education to a commodity, teachers are reduced to tutors and teaching is reduced to coaching. The consumerist boom and the growing salary differentials between teachers and other professionals and the value systems of the emerging free market economy have made teaching one of the least attractive professions that demands more work for less pay. Yet, the society expects teachers not only to be inspired but also to do an inspiring job!

On the other hand, many teachers are also exploiting the situation. Due to acute shortage of teachers the Universities, especially the new Universities, are found to be at the receiving end because of constant job hopping by teachers for better pay packets. Sometimes, this job hopping goes to the level of professional black mailing.

Yet another worrisome trend in higher education and research is the emerging government policy of according deemed university status to national labs and research institutes, so that these institutes can award their own Ph.D. degrees, without having to affiliate themselves to a university or fulfilling any other role of being a university. It was expected that these national (or regional) laboratories would employ selected scientific manpower generated from the colleges/universities and nurture their talents towards specific applied goals. But this did not happen, as the national labs became more sophisticated versions of university departments drawing better monetary and infrastructural support and publishing research papers, for which they need research students, who cannot be retained and tapped unless they are promised research degrees.

Traditionally, colleges and universities have been non-profit institutions, operating under legal authority from the State to provide education and engage in research and other education-related activities. These institutions have been owned by non-profit agencies, such as religious organizations, educational societies, and others that have legal authority to own and manage them. For the most part, these arrangements do not permit the institutions to earn a profit, while they are guaranteed a high level of autonomy. In some cases, the university is "owned" by a sponsoring organization, in others by the academic staff and administrators, and in still others by boards of trustees or governors that may be partly composed of academics or dominated by outsiders.

With the stress on cost-recovery measures, many areas of study, including the humanities and social sciences and even the natural and physical sciences, have come under great pressure. Only the marketable areas of study may survive. With the universities emphasizing revenue-generating programs, Darwin's law might come into operation, and other areas of study, however important they may be, could fade away. A significant increase in fees for general education might shift enrollment from general education to professional education.

The trend toward privatization has also created serious problems concerning equity in higher education. While the government is to a great extent able to ensure that protective discrimination policies are followed in government colleges and private aided colleges, resistance to such policies is much higher in the case of self-financing institutions. While the overall elasticity of demand may not be high, such elasticity may certainly be high for the economically weaker sections. In other words, under privatization even if the size of total enrollment does not change, the composition might change in favour of the better-off sections of society.

The government's inability to control the quality of education in private colleges is also being increasingly felt. The first choice of parents and students in general is the government colleges, and when they fail in that endeavour they seek admission in private colleges, where admissions criteria are relaxed for those who can pay the high fees. Unfortunately, even strong proponents of private higher education call for government to take responsibility for regulating quality in the system. But given social, political, and economic factors, the government seems to feel severely handicapped in regulating quality in private institutions. Generally, once recognition is granted to a private institution, which is not a very difficult process, the government is unable to enforce any of its conditions. This is true to some extent even in the case of State-aided private colleges. State grants are rarely delayed for any reason. Massive erosion of quality in private colleges might lower the overall quality of higher education.

Conflicts that arise between national manpower needs and the short-term market signals that influence private higher education institutions have also had serious impacts. The long-term consequences can include manpower imbalances--both shortages and gluts.

In the whole process of privatization, universities might well become more and more efficient, but the important question is: "efficient to do what?" They become financially efficient, generating more and more resources, but in the process lose sight of their main academic goals and objectives. Activities hitherto peripheral to universities tend to become the dominant ones. Universities tend to undertake increasingly more commercial and quasi-commercial activities--such as, consultancy, sale of physical products and services, publication of books, training, and so on. Herein lies the great danger of privatization and to the very development of higher education in India.