LANDMARK OF MIZORAM - FANGFAR PUK

Fangfar Puk (Cave) is located in the northeastern tip of Mizoram. Fangfar can be conveniently translated as Soapstone.

The Puk is 238.10 Foot long, having a Breath of 34 Foot at its widest area. At its highest point, it is 8.2 Foot high. The place has linkages with several myths and folktales.

In 1922, Sailova - brother of Lalhmeta was unfortunately drowned in the nearby Tuivai River. The search team of three hundred men decided to spend the nights in the cave. Temenga F/O Upa Tlangthangkima feels uneasy because he was afraid that the roof-rock might fall. This, he assumed because of the vastness of the cave. They could sleep peacefully only after clumping Bamboo (Rua) to withstand the roof.

The Indian Army is always suspicious of the Fangfar region during the days of the Mizo rebellion. It has to be recalled that the Mizo National Front (MNF) led a massive movement for a sovereign state from 1966 to 1986. This suspicion is attested when I visited the region. The rugged terrain is a conveniently suitable for guerilla training and hideout. One strange thing is that the Wireless Telegraphy System of the Indian Army failed to work in the region.

It is said that the stream that flow out of the Fangfar rock have medicinal content. Many visited the Puk to collect the soothing clear water.

Mizoram Civil Service, 2011 - Geography Question

MIZORAM CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION, 2011 QUESTION

GEOGRAPHY

Paper I                                                                                                                 Full Marks: 100

Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Figures in the bracket indicate full marks of the questions.

Attempt any 5 (five) questions taking not more than 3 questions from each Section.

SETION – A

(Physical Geography)

1. What is meant by weathering of rocks? Describe the processes of rock weathering and also highlight the significances of the weathering types to understand the physiographic characteristics of any region of the earth. (6+4+10 = 20)
2. Discuss in details the climatic classification of the world as was suggested by Koeppen or Thornthwhite. Elaborate the basis of their classification. Highlight the major drawbacks of the classification. (10+6+4 = 20)
3. Classify soil into major sub-types and highlights its global distributional pattern. What are the causes of soil degradation? Give an account of this problem with special reference to NE India. (3+9+8 = 20)
4.  Give an account of the biotic, mineral and energy resources of the oceans of the world. How are these resources being utilized? Does the configuration of the oceans affect the deposition of these resources? (12+4+3=20)
5. What do you understand by biotic resources? Give an account of the biotic resources of the world and indicate the need for their conservation particularly in the 21^st Century. (4+10+6=20)

SECTION – B

(Human and Economic Geography)

6. Give an account of the contribution of the Arab Geographers to the development of the subject. How did the Arab scholars develop the branch of mathematical geography? (10+10=20)
7. Give an account of the factors influencing the growth of world population. Demarcate on a world map the population density regions of the world. Explain how the growth of population and density of population is related. (10+4+6=20)
8. Distinguish between ‘urban growth’ and urbanisation’. Discuss the trend of urbanization in the world during the 20^th Century. Critically evaluate why many third world countries have experienced urban growth without urbanization. (4+10+6=20)
9. Discuss in details the concept of ‘Heartland Theory’ of Mackinder and explain how Spykman opposed the concept and developed his theory of ‘Rimland” in the geo-political study of the past hundred years. (12+8=20)


What do you understand by ‘energy resources’ and ‘energy crisis’? Give an account of the distribution of any one of them. Do you think that the world is passing through a major energy crisis? Elaborate. (4+9+7=20)

PAPER – II

(Geography of India)

Time Allowed:3 Hours                                                                             Full Marks: 100

Figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions. Attempt any 5 (five) questions.

1. Name the physiographic regions of India and discuss in details any one region, highlighting its geological and topographical features. Examine the natural vegetation variation of the region. (2+14+4=20)
2. Give an account of the drought prone areas of India and examine the factors leading to drought in these areas. Discuss the Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) of Indian Government and how effective are these programmes? (4+8+8=20)
3. Discuss the trend of Growth of Indian population since 1951 onwards. What are the factors responsible for such growth pattern? Give an account of the population policies of India for controlling the growth rate. (6+6+8=20)
4. Examining the characteristics of Green Revolution, explain had helped in the development of Indian agriculture. What are the socio-ecological implications of Green Revolution in India? (8+6+6=20)
5. What are the important agro-based industries of India? Give an account of the factors of location and distribution of cotton textile industry in the country. What are the recent trends of the Industry? (4+12+4=20)
6. Give an account of the network of roadways of India. Examine the role of physical and economic factors on the development of roadways in the country. (8+12=20)
7. Define an urban settlement as per the Indian census. In the light of the definition, classify Indian towns and cities (as per 2001 census). What type of towns have emerged in your state and give reasons for the growth of such type of towns. (5+9+6=20)
8. Give an account of the planning regions of India with special references to the tribal and hill areas development planning. (6+14=20)
9. Examine the role of Indian union as a major geo-political power in South and South East Asia. Do you think that aggressive regional consciousness has resulted in weakening national integration? Discuss. (12+8=20)
10. What are the geopolitical issues associated with the international boundary of India? How do you assess India’s position in the geopolitics of Indian Ocean? (10+10=20)

Mizoram Civil Service, 2011 - Sociology Question

MIZORAM CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION, 2011 QUESTION

SOCIOLOGY

Paper I                                                                                                                 Full Marks: 100

Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Figures in the bracket indicate full marks for the questions. Attempt any 5 (five) questions.

1. What are the techniques of data collection in sociological research? (20)
2. According to Emile Durkheim, ‘social facts’ can be studied with the help of scientific method. Explain and elaborate. (20)
3. What are the different types of authority as put forward by Max Weber? Explain with examples. (20)
4.  Explain one theory of social stratification. (20)
5. Give a definition of family and its functions. (20)
6. Write an essay on the social aspects of pre-industrial economic systems. (20)
7. Explain how industrialization brings about changes in the political, economic, educational, and religious spheres. (20)
8. Explain the nature and characteristics of community power structure. (20)
9. What is the significance of religion in social life? Briefly discuss Malinowski’s study of religion. (20) 
10. Discuss the various theories of social change. Elaborate one of them. (20)

PAPER – II

Time Allowed: 3 Hours                                                                                Full Marks: 100

Figures in the bracket indicate full marks for the questions. Attempt any 5 (five) questions.

1. What are the bases of traditional Hindu social organization? Also, discuss the factors of change in Indian society. (20)
2. Write an essay on the cultural and structural perspectives on the caste system. (20)
3. Discuss the regional variations in the kinship system in India with examples. (20)
4. Describe the Indian market economy and discuss its social consequences. (20)
5. Explain the decentralization of power mentioning the importance of political participation. (20)
6. Discuss the major problems of women’s education in India. (20)
7. Critically examine the problems of conversion in the context of secularism as a national policy.  (20)
8. “Tribal societies are in the process of acculturation and integration.” Discuss the factors responsible for this change. (20)
9. What is Community Development Programme? Discuss the new strategies of rural development. (20)
10. What are the features of urban social organization? Differentiate urban social organization from rural social organization. (20)

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Some Pictures

Advance Christmas (2011) in Myanmar

India Got Its First Woman Soldier

Sapper Shanti Tigga, a 35 year old single mother of two becomes the first woman jawan on 3 October, 2011. She joined the 969 Railway Engineer Regiment of Territorial Army (TA).

Previously, Shanti was working with the Indian Railways as points-man. She was posted in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district at Chalsa Station. She volunteered for the TA in 2010.

Shanti dreamt of joining the army, wear the olive green uniform and fire guns were fulfilled.

"Women are allowed to join the armed forces only as officers in the non-combat units. But Tigga has earned a unique distinction of being the first lady jawan in the 1.3 million strong defence forces," a senior army officer said.

Woman were only recruited in the joined the army as officers in the non-combat units. However, that could hardly deter Shanti’s perseverance.

Shanti out performed her male counterparts in the physical tests. "She performed exceedingly well in all the physical tests. She took five seconds less than her male counterparts to complete a 1.5 km run. She completed the 50 meter run in 12 seconds which is rated as excellent," the officier continued.

During her Recruitment Training Camp (RTC), she was the top marksman and her overall performance resulted in her being adjudged as the best trainee.

Security Snip

Extra vigil along Indo-Bangla border

The Border Security Force (BSF) kept extra vigilance along the Indo-Bangla border. Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Dhaka in the second week of September, BSF special Director General (East) V N Rai, who is based in Kolkata, was on a five-day tour of Barak Valley in Assam and areas of Mizoram bordering Bangladesh. The senior BSF official's visit to the area took off on 28 July. 

Sources reports that Rai, was on a familiarisation tour of Mizoram, Assam and Manipur. The security official visit was significant in view of the Indian Prime Minister's September 6 visit to the neighbouring country along with five chief ministers of the region.

It may be recalled that in May 2010, the Government of Mizoram and the BSF were understood to have discuss deployment of more BSF personnel in Indo-Bangladesh border area to check infiltration and clandestine movement of contraband goods.

An official statement from Aizawl on August 22, said the Prime Minister would visit the neighbouring Bangladesh, which shares a 318-km-long international border with Mizoram, on September 6 and 7 for which he extended a formal invitation to Lalthanhawla, the CM of Mizoram. In the statement Singh said, “Your presence in the trip would show India’s sincerity to have co-operation in different sectors to the government and the people of Bangladesh.” 

India as always has wanted to have a cordial bilateral relationship with Bangladesh.

Home Minister held internal security meeting

Home Minister Chidambaram held a security review meeting on September 8, after a bomb blast in one of the entrance of the Delhi High Court which killed 12 people and injured 91. Besides the National Security Advisor, Shiv Shankar Menon the meeting was attended by officials of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIA), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

Mumbai airports on alert

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai has been put on high alert after a warning that terrorists may be planning to attack the airport. Intelligence agency of the Maharashtra government warns that small planes may be hijack in the attempt. Small planes or helicopters are put under strict surveillance by the security agencies.

Coastal security beefed up

The government has also reviewed the coastal security and sounded high alert across the western coast. High security arrangements have been made at the Mumbai beach. Search operations are going in full strength. This has been necessitated by the threat received by the Mumbai airport. It may be recalled that the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack of 2008, popularly called 26/11 had made their entry into the city from the sea.

Conference of DGPs addressed by P. Chidambaram

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram referred to the bomb blast in New Delhi and Mumbai as, “a blot in our record”.  This he said while addressing the Director General of Police (DGP) from the different state of the country on 15 September. He argued that India was not the only country affected by terrorism. He said that Af-Pak which is among the top region hit by terrorism is the epicenter of terror.  India fight against terrorism has been successful to some extent, while there is lot to be done, he adds.

Cartridges found in abandoned bag

Cartridges of .315 bore and .32 bore pistol were recovered during a security check on the night of 14 September at the Bhasuali bus-stand of Meerut, 450 KM from Lucknow.  The cartridges contained in an abandoned bag numbered 690. Preliminary investigations indicate the cartridges were illegally manufactured in Moradabad city of UP and were to be supplied to criminal gangs in the western part of the state.

Snake Kuchu

Snake mating.

Japan Horrid Tsunami - March 2011

Grace Rivers

 

Grace, the darling of the Zo web world singing Paite gospel.

Arise ! Awake ! Christ has risen ! He is the resurrection. He lives.

Easter chibai, everyone.

Fashion Show

Miho Kut 2011 (Video)

 

Location: Nehru Park, New Delhi.
Dated: 26.02.2011.

A Brief Sketch of Diplomatic Exchange between Japan and Brazil

The first diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil was established in November 1895 with the signing of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation. Immigration from Japan to Brazil commenced with voyage of the Kasato Maru in 1908. In October 1998, the population of Japanese descent in Brazil is estimated to be 1.3 billion. In December 1998, there are 222,217 number of Japanese-Brazilian working in Japan.

In 1988, Prince Fumihito of Japan visited Brazil and participated in the eightieth anniversary commemoration of Japanese migration in Brazil. Former Prime Minister of Japan Noboru Takeshita visited Brazil in 1990 as a special envoy to the presidential inauguration. Noboru Takeshita again went to Brazil in 1992 along with another former Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu and attended the UN Conference on Environment and Development. In 1994, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yohei Kono visited Brazil. In 1995, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party Vice-President Keizo Obuchi attended Brazil’s presidential inauguration as special envoy. Moreover, in November, Princess Sayako attended the centennial ceremony of Japan-Brazil relations in Brazil. In August 1996, Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto makes an official visit to Brazil. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Brazil in May-June 1997. In July, the same year Labour Minister Yutaka Okano also visited Japan. In June 1998, Japan’s Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi visited Brazil. In November, the same year Kenji Manabe, a State Minister and Director General of Environment Agency too, visited Japan. Junichiro Koizumi undertook the second visit of Japan’s sitting Prime Minister to Brazil in September 2004. During the above visits important agreement were signed by the two countries aiming to carry forward their bilateral relations.

Dignitaries from Brazil too, visited Japan for different purposes and reasons. In 1989, President Jose Sarney of Brazil attended the funeral of the Showa emperor. In the following year Japan’s imperial accession ceremonies was attended by Brazilian President Fernando Collor de Mello and Foreign Minister Francisco Rezek. In 1991 and 1992, Brazil’s Economic Minister Mareilio Marques attended the conference of eminent persons held in Tokyo. In 1993, Foreign Minister Fernando Henrique Cardoso and Planning Minister Alexis Stepanenko paid an official visit to Japan. In May 1995, Brazil’s Foreign Minister Luiz Felipe Lampreia and Senator Jose Sarney attended the Inter Action Council held in Japan. In July, Finance Minister Pedro Malan visited Japan. And in November, the same year Brazil’s President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Vice-President Marco Maciel, Foreign Minister Luiz Felipe Lampreia and Agriculture Minister Jose Eduardo de Andrade Viera visited Japan again. In March 1996, a Brazilian delegation, which includes Industry and Commerce Minister, Dorothea Woerneck, Planning Minister Jose Serra and Communication Minister Sergio Motta visited Japan. Brazil Chamber of Deputies President Luiz Eduardo Magalhaes went to Japan in April. Moreover, in May 1997, Planning Minister Antonio Kandir visited Japan. In November 1997, Japan hosts Brazilian Social Security Minister Reihhold Stephans. In November 1998, Brazil’s Agriculture and Supply Minister Francisco Sergio Turra and Foreign Minister Luiz Felipe Lampreia visited Japan separately. Foreign Minister Celso Lafer visited Japan in May 2002. In response to Koizumi invitation, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil visited Japan in May 2005.

From 9 April to 13 April 2006, a Cabinet Mission from Brazil led by Foreign Minister, Celso Amorim visited Japan. The mission included Luiz Fernando Furlan, Minister of Development, Industry and Trade and Helio Costa, Minister of Communications. The key objective of the mission is to strengthen bilateral economic relations. Senior Japanese officials were consulted concerning with the issue of the adoption of digital TV system and export of ethanol to Japan. During their stay in Japan, the mission had talks separately with Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Toshihiro Nikai, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Heizo Takenaka, Minister of Internal Affairs and communications and Minister of State for Privatisation of the Postal Services. They also paid a courtesy call to the Prime Minister of Japan, Junichiro Koizumi.

Professor Akiko Yamanaka, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Brazil in September 2006. She attended the G-77 Minsiters’ Meeting on Science Technology in Angra dos Reis, on the outskirts of Rio De Janeiro. She spoke on Japan’s science, technology and international cooperation policies during the meeting. During this visit, views were also exchange on the development of Japan-Brazil economic relations with people involved in Japanese corporations that are located in the Manaus Free Zone. Views were also shared with Japanese immigrants and descendants in connection with 2008, the Japan-Brazil Year of Exchange (MoFA 2006).

Taro Aso, Japan Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Brazil in August 2007. Aso had talks with high government officials including Celso Amorim, Minister of Foreign Affairs. They exchange views on cooperation in international arena, joint efforts for the success of Japan-Brazil Year of Exchange in 2008, and revitalisation of strategic economic partneship. He also attended the Third Foreign Minister Meeting of the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC). In this meeting wide-ranging issues including ‘Trade and Investment,’ the main theme of the meeting were discussed.

In 1998, Japan imported a monetary value of $ 2,903 million from Brazil. These consists iron ore, metal products, steel, coffee, chicken, soybeans, etc. In the same year, Brazilian imports from Japan are estimated to be valued at $ 2,610 million. These consist of machinery and equipment, chemical products, metal products, etc. As on 31 December 1998, Japan direct investment in Brazil is a cumulative total of $ 8,704 million. Japan had given a loan of 287,431 million yen and grants of 131 million yen to Brazil by 1998. Both the countries had undertaken technical cooperation of 67,901 million yen. Japan technical cooperation with Brazil has been the highest in Latin America and the sixth ranking in the world.