GENERAL STUDIES NOTES : BPSC Quick Revision

PART–1 : Geography & Infrastructure

• The East–West Dedicated Freight Corridor (EWDFC) runs between Dankuni in West Bengal and Palghar in Maharashtra.
• Darjeeling is located in the Middle Himalayas in West Bengal.
• The Munger Hilly region is located in southern Bihar and forms a boundary between the Gangetic plains and the Chotanagpur Plateau.

• Muzaffarpur district recorded the highest maize production in Bihar.
• Munger Hilly Region lies in southern Bihar and forms a boundary between the Gangetic Plains and the Chotanagpur Plateau.
• Darjeeling is located in the Middle Himalayas of West Bengal.
• Foy Sagar in Ajmer was renamed Varun Sagar by the Rajasthan government.
• Physical Geography
  • Slump: Rotational landslide.
  • East-West Dedicated Freight Corridor: Dankuni (WB) – Palghar (MH).
  • Artificial Port of India: Chennai Port.
  • Easterly Jet Stream: Around 14°N.
  • Cold water DO: Up to 10 ppm.
• Climate & Environment
  • Climate Change Adaptation: e.g., sea walls.
  • 13 of 18 Biosphere Reserves recognized by UNESCO.
  • WWD 2025 Theme: Wildlife Conservation Finance.
  • CFCs: Cause ozone depletion.

PART–2 : Architecture, Culture & History

• Panchayatana is a style of temple architecture that emerged during the Gupta Empire, meaning “five shrines.”
• The hallmark of Panchayatana style is four subsidiary shrines placed at the corners around a central shrine.
• The Pallavas laid the foundation of Dravidian architecture.
• In 1944, the Battle of Imphal was fought between the British Army and the Japanese Army.
• The Sanyasi Movement was a revolt against the British East India Company in the late 18th century.
• The movement had strong roots in Tirhut, Saran, and Purnia regions of Bihar.
• The Chowkidari Tax Bandi Movement was first started in Bettiah, Bihar during the colonial period.

1. Printing Press in India
   • Portuguese missionaries introduced the printing press in Goa in the mid-16th century.
2. Bihar & Nationalist Press
   • Bihar Times played a crucial role in mass education and inspired the struggle for the creation of Bihar.
   • First Hindi daily newspaper in Bihar: Sarwa Hitaishi
     • Founded by Bhargava Press
     • Year: 1874
3. Freedom Movement
   • Battle of Imphal (1944): British Army vs Japanese Army.
   • Robert Clive introduced Dual Government (1765):
     • Diwani + Nizamat under Company control
     • Deputies:
       • Bengal: Mohammad Reza Khan
       • Bihar: Raja Sitab Rai
     • Ram Narayan: Deputy Governor of Bihar before Dual Government
   • Ahrar Movement (1910):
     • Leaders: Maulana Muhammad Ali, Hasan Imam, Hakim Ajmal Khan
     • Opposed British rule & Muslim League
   • Kunwar Singh fought his last battle near Jagdispur against Captain Le Grand.
4. Notable Personalities
   • Sir Syed Ahmed Khan founded Scientific Society (1864).
   • Henry Blochmann translated Ain-i-Akbari (1873).
   • Robert N. Linrothe authored Reenchantment.
   • Allauddin Khan (Baba Allauddin Khan):
     • Founder of Maihar Gharana
     • Guru of Pandit Ravi Shankar
   • Charaka: Founder of Ayurveda.

PART–3 : Ecology, Environment & Biology

• Charles Elton described the pyramid of numbers to explain ecological trophic interactions.
• Male gametes are known as sperm cells in animals and pollen grains in plants.
• These gametes are motile and responsible for fertilization.
• Habitat loss is a major threat to wildlife.
• Folic acid is a B vitamin essential for preventing neural tube defects in newborn babies..

• Male gametes are called sperm cells in animals and pollen grains in plants.
• Male gametes are motile and responsible for fertilization.
• In a displacement reaction, the reactivity series determines metal displacement.
• The reactivity series arranges metals from most reactive to least reactive.
• The receiver of a dish antenna must be placed at the focal point to receive strong signals.
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PART–4 : Science & Technology

• In a displacement reaction, the reactivity of metals plays a crucial role.
• The reactivity series arranges metals from most reactive to least reactive.
• The receiver of a dish antenna must be placed at the focal point for strong signal reception.
• India has developed its first indigenous MRI machine for trials at AIIMS Delhi.

1. Space & Defence
   • Indigenous MRI machine developed; trials at AIIMS Delhi.
   • ISRO CROPS payload sprouted cowpea seeds in space.
   • Vertical planetary mixer by ISRO (2025).
   • Prithvi-II & Agni-I missile tests.
   • Bletchley Declaration (2024) on AI safety.
2. Biology
   • Lysosomes: Intracellular digestion.
   • RuBisCO: CO₂ fixation enzyme.
   • Kala-azar: Leishmania donovani.
   • Cockroach: Incomplete metamorphosis.
   • Blood: Connective tissue without fibroblasts.
   • Glycogen: Stored in liver & muscles.
   • Flame cells: Osmoregulation.
   • Phytochrome: Light-dependent growth.

PART–5 : Polity, Governance & Law

• Panchayats are local government bodies established under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
• The Bihar government has assigned 29 subjects to Panchayats.
• The government can dissolve Panchayats if they do not function as per the Act.
• Bihar Panchayat Raj Act was enacted in 2006.
• Under the Government of India Act, 1935, the Bihar Legislative Council had 29 members.
• Rai Bahadur Satish Chandra Sinha became the first Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council.
• Bihar Human Rights Commission was established in 2000 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

1. Indian Constitution
   • Article 359: Suspension of right to move courts during National Emergency.
   • Article 243J: State Legislature can regulate Panchayat accounts.
   • Article 41: Public assistance for unemployment, old age, sickness.
   • Right to Equality: Articles 14–18.
2. Constituent Assembly
   • Secretary: H.V.R. Iyengar
   • Chief Draftsman: S.N. Mukerjee
   • Constitutional Advisor: Sir B.N. Rau
   • Preamble Calligraphy: Prem Behari Narain Raizada
3. IPC
   • Section 489A: Counterfeiting currency notes.

PART–6 : Bihar Economy, Administration & Institutions

• Muzaffarpur district recorded the highest maize production in Bihar.
• Patna College was established in 1863.
• Bihar State Hydroelectric Power Corporation was established in 1982.
• Bihar Panchayat Strengthening Project is implemented in 1304 Gram Panchayats across 91 Blocks in 6 districts.
• Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unveiled a 70-ft Buddha statue at Rajgir on 25 November 2018.
• The statue is installed on a 16-m radius pedestal in the middle of Ghora Katora lake.

• Bihar Panchayat Raj Act, 2006 governs the functioning of Panchayats in Bihar.
• Panchayats can be dissolved by the government if they do not function according to the Act.
• 29 subjects have been assigned to Panchayats by the Bihar government.
• Bihar Human Rights Commission (BHRC) was established in 2000 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• Under the Government of India Act, 1935, the Bihar Legislative Council initially had 29 members, elected indirectly with nominated members.
• Rai Bahadur Satish Chandra Sinha became the first Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council by order of the Governor.
• Bihar Panchayat Strengthening Project is implemented in 1304 Gram Panchayats, 91 Blocks, and 6 districts of Bihar.

• Economic Concepts
  • Two-Gap Theory:
    • Savings gap
    • Foreign exchange gap
  • Comparative Advantage: Lower opportunity cost.
  • Kaldor-Hicks Criterion: Welfare economics.
  • Proportional Taxation: Same tax rate for all → does not reduce inequality.
  • FII = Hot Money.
  • CIF: Cost, Insurance, Freight.
• Indian Economy
  • Income Tax introduced: 1860.
  • FRBM Act, 2003:
    • Fiscal deficit reduction: 0.3% of GDP annually
  • CSO adopted GVA: 2015
  • Proposed new base year:
    • GDP & IIP: 2022-23
    • CPI: 2024
• Schemes
  • PM-KMY: Pension for farmers (18–40 years).
  • JI-VAN Yojana: 2G ethanol from biomass.
  • Operation Flood (1970):
    • Father: Dr. Verghese Kurien

PART–7 : Skill Development & Youth Schemes

• KYP stands for Kaushal Yuva Program under the Bihar Skill Development Mission.
• KYP was launched on 16 December 2016.
• KYP centres operate in all 38 districts of Bihar.
• The maximum age limit for SC/ST candidates under KYP is 33 years.
• Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyamita Yojana is a Madhya Pradesh scheme for General and Backward Class youth.

PART–8 : Books, Authors & Media

• “Reenchantment: Masterworks of Sculpture in Village Temples of Bihar and Orissa” was written by Robert N. Linrothe.
• “Gharib Hindustan” was authored by Mohammad Wali Hasan Purainvi and banned in Bihar in 1930.
• “Lok Sangraha” newspaper was published by Sahajanand Saraswati.
• “Sarwa Hitaishi” was the first Hindi daily newspaper of Bihar, published in 1874 by Bhargava Press.
• “Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai” means “I Like Challenges” and was released by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
• Portuguese missionaries brought the printing press to Goa in the mid-16th century.

• The book “Reenchantment: Masterworks of Sculpture in Village Temples of Bihar and Orissa” was written by Robert N. Linrothe.
• “Gharib Hindustan”, banned in Bihar in 1930, was authored by Mohammad Wali Hasan Purainvi.
• The newspaper “Lok Sangraha” was published by Sahajanand Saraswati to highlight peasants’ hardships.
• “Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai” translates to “I Like Challenges” and was released by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
• KYP stands for Kaushal Yuva Program, aimed at skill development of youth in Bihar.
• KYP operates under the Bihar Skill Development Mission (BSDM).
• KYP was launched on 16 December 2016.
• KYP centres are operational in all 38 districts of Bihar.
• Under KYP, the maximum age limit for SC/ST candidates is 33 years.
• Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana is a Madhya Pradesh government scheme to promote entrepreneurship among General and Backward Classes.

PART–9 : Religion, Festivals & Sufism

• Firdousia Silsilah was a branch of the Chishti Order founded in medieval Bihar.
• Kharchi Puja is a major traditional festival of Tripura.
• The festival involves worship of 14 deities taken out for public rituals.

PART–10 : International Organisations & Observances

• An intergovernmental organisation was founded in Bonn, Germany in January 2009.
• International Youth Day is observed on August 12 every year.
• International Happiness Day 2025 theme was “Caring & Sharing.”
• World Leprosy Day 2025 theme was “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”
• Kalinga Prize for Popularization of Science was established in 1952.

• An intergovernmental organisation was founded in Bonn, Germany, in January 2009.
• Human Development Index (HDI)is calculated using:
  • Life expectancy
  • Education
  • GNI per capita
• An increase in GNI per capita alone cannot significantly improve HDI if education and health decline.

PART–11 : Defence, Security & International Relations

• India hosted the 4th conference of global intelligence and security chiefs with participation from over 28 countries.
• Uttarakhand signed an MoU with Iceland’s Verkis Consulting Engineers for geothermal energy development.

PART–12 : Sports & Awards

• Elavenil Valarivan won gold in 10m air rifle at the 16th Asian Shooting Championships.
• Sepak Takraw Federation of India is headquartered in New Delhi.
• The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
• Uttar Pradesh won first prize for the best tableau at Republic Day Parade 2025.
• Aero India 2025 will be held from 10–14 February at Yelahanka, Bengaluru.

• Elavenil Valarivan won gold in 10m air rifle at the 16th Asian Shooting Championships.
• Sepak Takraw Federation of India (STFI) is headquartered in New Delhi.
• The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
• Uttar Pradesh won first prize for the best tableau at Republic Day Parade 2025.

1. Sports
   • Dhruv Sitwala: 3rd Asian Billiards Title.
   • Elavenil Valarivan: 10m air rifle gold.
   • Gurpreet Singh: Asian Shooting Championship gold.
   • Mary Kom: President’s Cup gold.
   • Koneru Humpy: First Indian woman WC semifinalist.
   • Carlsen: Chess Esports World Cup winner.
   • Hockey Haryana: Women’s League title.
   • India: FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualification.
2. Awards
   • Kalinga Prize: Started 1952.
   • Padma Shri 2025: Lama Lobzang (posthumous).

PART–13 : Economy, Development & Environment

• DFS Secretary M. Nagaraju launched the revamped Baanknet e-auction portal on 3 January 2025.
• Entrepreneurship Development Conclave was held on 13 January 2025 in Pune.
• It was organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• National Safety Council organized events with the theme “Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat.”
• Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 will be inaugurated on 17 January at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Three tropical cyclones—Rae, Seru, and Alfred—were active simultaneously in the South Pacific in February 2025.
• HDI is calculated using life expectancy, education, and GNI per capita.
• A rise in GNI alone cannot improve HDI if health and education decline.

• DFS Secretary M. Nagaraju launched the revamped Baanknet e-auction portal on 3 January 2025.
• Entrepreneurship Development Conclave was held on 13 January 2025 in Pune.
• It was organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• National Safety Council (NSC) organized programmes with the theme “Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat.”
• Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 will be inaugurated on 17 January at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Bisleri International, with ORF, launched the book “Trading Blue Gold” at Raisina Dialogue 2025.
  
  Satellite imagery showed three tropical cyclones—Rae, Seru, and Alfred active simultaneously in the South Pacific in February 2025.

IMPORTANT DAYS & EVENTS

• International Youth Day is observed every year on 12 August.
• World Leprosy Day 2025 theme: “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”
• International Happiness Day 2025 theme: “Caring & Sharing.”
• Kalinga Prize for Popularization of Science was instituted in 1952.

FESTIVALS & CULTURE

• Kharchi Puja is a major traditional festival of Tripura.
• The festival involves worship of 14 deities.
• The idols of the deities are taken out for public rituals and prayers.

DEFENCE, SECURITY & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

• The fourth conference of global intelligence and security chiefs was hosted by India’s NSA with participation from 28+ countries.
• Uttarakhand government signed an MoU with Iceland’s Verkis Consulting Engineers for geothermal energy development.