Notification for holding of LDCE for promotion to the cadre of Postmaster Grade-I 2014 on 15.06.2014 issued by Directorate.
Closing of Central Govt. Offices in connection with general election to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies and bye-elections to Legislative Assemblies during 2014
AP Circle : Induction Training for Inspector Posts (Deptl/DR)
Circle Office, Hyderabad ( Andra pradesh ) has ordered vide letter no ST/IP-ASP/Training/2013 dated 02.04.2014 to direct the following Inspector Posts to attend Induction Training at PTC Mysore from 05.05.2014 to 02.08.2014 for Deptl IPs and from 21.04.2014 to 02.08.2014 for DR IPs.
POSTAL ASSISTANT EXAM - REASONING MATERIAL
Disclaimer:- All the Information provided in this post are prepared & compiled by A. Praveen Kumar, SPM, Papannapet SO-502303, Andhra Pradesh for in good faith of Postal Assistant Exam Aspirants. Author of blog does not accepts any responsibility in relation to the accuracy, completeness, usefulness or otherwise, of the contents.
ANALOGY - PART-1 -
This is an important category of questions and in almost all examinations, some questions are asked on this. There are two kinds of relationships that exist between words: (i) Similarity (ii) Non-similarity. When two words are similar then there must be some logically explicable way in which they are similar. If the same logical explanation may be given for another pair of words, their relationship will also be similar in the same way. Then we say that the two pairs are analogous i.e theyexhibit analogy. For example, student: school and patient: hospitals are analogous pairs of words because they have the same relationship between them. A studentgoes to school, a patient goes to hospital.
Analogy means correspondence. In questions based on analogy, a particular relationship is given and another similar relationship has to identify from the alternatives provided. Analogy test are, therefore, meant to test a candidate over all knowledge, power of reasoning and ability to think concisely and accurately. Questions on analogy test the ability of a candidate to understand the relationship between two given objects and apply the same relationship to find that asked in the question. Below are given some common relationship, which will help you detect most analogies better.
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Different Types Completing the Analogy pair
Type -1: Direct/Simple Analogy
In this type of questions, the first two words have a definite. We have to choose one word out of the given four alternatives which have same relationship with the third word as between the first two
1. Apparel is related to cloth in the same way as footwear is related to...?
a. Material b. leather c. cobbler d. shoes e. sandal
Sol b. first is made by other
Sol b. first is made by other
2. Which of the following is related to Melody in the same way as Delicious is related to Taste?
a. Voice b. Speak c. Tongue d. Highness
Sol: a, Delicious represents good taste. Similarly, Melody describe pleasant Voice
Sol: a, Delicious represents good taste. Similarly, Melody describe pleasant Voice
3. Wave is the related to air in the same way as Ripples is related to......?
a. Wind b. Water c. Strom d. Smoke
Sol : b, Wave travel in air, ripples travel in water
Sol : b, Wave travel in air, ripples travel in water
4. Paddy is related to Field in the same way as Steel is related to......?
a. mine b. factory c. Iron D. Ore
Sol second is the place where the first is grown/produce
Sol second is the place where the first is grown/produce
Type 2: Completing The Analogues pair
In this type of questions, two words are given. These are related to each other in some way. Another word is also given. The candidate is required t o find out the relationship between the first two words and choose the word from the given alternatives, which bears the same relationship to the third word, as the first two bear
1. Giant: Dwarf:: Genius : ?
a. Wicked b. gentle c. Idiot d. tiny
Sol. Dwarf is the antonym Of Giant. Similarly, the antonym of Genius Is Idiot
2. Cattle: Herd:: Sheep : ?
a. Flock b. swan c. shoal d. mob
Sol. herd is a group of cattle similarly; flock is a collection of sheep
3. Meningitis: Brain:: Cirrhosis : ?
a. Lungs b. brain c. liver d. heart
Sol. C. First is a disease which effect the second
4. Horse: Jockey:: Car: ?
a. Mechanic b. Chauffeur c. Steering d. Brake
Sol. first is driven by the second
5 Fruit: Banana:: mammal : ?
a. cow b. snake c. fish d. sparrow
Sol. C. first denote the class to which the second belongs
6. Rat: cat:: Worm : ?
a. Fishing b. earth c. bird d. silk
Sol. C. second feed the first
7 Walking: Running:: Smiling : ?
a. Feeling b. Laughing c. face d. Weeping
Sol B. second is the more intense form of the first
8. Eye: Wink: Heart?
a. Move b. Throb c. Pump d. Quiver
Sol. C. second denote the activity of the first
9 house: garbage: ore?
a. Rubbish b. gangue c. sand d. dregs
Sol. B. the waste of the house is called garbage. Similarly, the impurities in the ore are called gangue
10. Fire: extinguish:: thirst : ?
a. quench b. satiate c mitigate d. drink
sol. A. second is the name given to the act of doing away with the first
11. Wizard: witch:: monk : ?
a. madam b. widow c. nun d. virgin
sol. C. second is feminine gender of the first
12. Connoisseur: art:: gourmet : ?
a. food b. money c drink d. flesh
sol. first has good taste for the second
Type 3- Choosing the Analogus Pair
In this type of questions , a pair of word is given ,followed by four pair of words as alternatives. The candidate is required to choose the pair in which the words bear the same relationship to each other as the words of the given pair bear
1. Darkness: Lamp
a. Fatigue: Exercise b. Thirst: Water c. Medicine: Illness d. Study: Classroom
Soln. B. Just as a lamp eliminates darkness, so also water eliminates thirst.
2. Fish: Shoal
a. Audience: Theatre b. Shark: School c. Elephant: Flock d. Whale: Herd
Soln. A group of fish is called shoal. Similarly, a group of elephants is called flock.
So, the answer is (c).
3. Energy: Joule
a. Axe :Grind b. Ammeter :Current c. Power : Ampere d. Resistance : Ohm
Soln. Joule is the unit of measuring energy. Similarly ohm is the unit of measuring resistance. So the answer is (d).
TYPE 4 - Choosing a similar word
In this type of questions, a group of three/four words is given, followed by four other words as alternatives. The candidate is required to choose the alternative, which is similar to the given words.
1. Iron: Copper: zinc
a. ceramic b. carbon c. silver d. coke
Soln. answer is (c). All are metals.
2. Jute: cotton: wool
a. terylene b. silk c. rayon d. nylon
Soln. answer is (b). All are natural fibers.
3. Calf: Kid: Pup
a. infant b. young c. larva d. animal
Soln. answer is (c). All are young one of animals.
4. Potato: Carrot: Radish
a. Tomato b. Spinach c. Sesame d. Groundnut
Soln. answer is (d). All grows underground.
5. Marble: Slate: Gneiss
a. Quartzite b. Limestone c. Coal d. Sandstone
Soln. answer is (a). All are metamorphic rocks.
Type-5- Alphabet Analogy
In this type of questions, two group of letters related to each other in some way,are given.the candidate is required to find out this relationship and then choose either a letter-group which is related in the same way to a third group provided in the questions or pair consisting of similarly related letter-groups.
Ex.1. BEGK is related to ADFJ in the same way as PSVY is related to …….?......
(a) LOQT(b) ROUX(c) OTUZ(d) ORUX
Sol. Clearly, each letter of the first group in a pair is moved one step backward to obtain the corresponding letter of the second group.
B E G K P S V Y
-1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1
A D F J O R U X
Hence ,the answer is (d).
Ex.2. ABCD : NPRT : : FGHI : ?
Sol. Clearly, the first, second, third and fourth letters of the first group are moved
13,14,15 and 16 steps forward respectivel to obtain the corresponding letters of the second group.
A B C D F G H I
+13 +14 +15 +16 +13 +14 +15 +16
N P R T S U W Y
Ex.3. BLOCKED : YOLXPVW : : ? : OZFMXS
(a) LAUNCH(b) DEBATE(c) LABOUR(d) RESULT
Sol. Clearly, each letter in the first group occupies the same positions from the beginning of the alphabet as is occupied by the corresponding letter of the second group from the end of the alphabet.
Now, O,Z,F,M,X,S are respectively the 12th , 1st, 21st, 14th ,3rd, 8th letters from the end of the alphabet. Thus, the required letter group shall have in order the 12th, 1st, 21st, 14th ,3rd, 8th letters from the beginning of the alphabet, which is LAUNCH
Hence the answer is a
TYPE -6- NUMBER BASED
This section deals with two types of questions :
I. Choosing a number related to a given number in the same manner as the two numbers of another given pair are related to each other.
II. Choosing a similarly related pair as the given number pair on the basis of the relation between the numbers in each pair.
III. Choosing a number similar to a group of numbers on the basis of certain common properties that they possess.
IV. Choosing a number set similar to a given number set
1. 14: 9:: 26: ?
a. 12 b.13 c.15 d.31
Soln. answer is (c). The relationship is (2x-4): x
2. 8 : 28 :: 27 : ?
a.55 b.63 c.64 d.65
Soln. answer is (d). The relationship is x*3: ( x+1)*3 +1
3. 42 : 56 :: 72 : ?
a. 81 b.90 c.92 d.100
Soln. answer is (b). 42=6x7, 56=7x8, 72=8x9 so missing fig is 90 = 9x10 .
4. 49: 81:: 100:?
a.64 b.144 c.169 d. none of these
Soln. answer is (b).The relationship is x*2: (x+2)*2
POSTAL ASSISTANT EXAM - GK - SPORTS MATERIAL
Disclaimer:- All the Information provided in this post are prepared & compiled by A. Praveen Kumar, SPM, Papannapet SO-502303, Andhra Pradesh for in good faith of Postal Assistant Exam Aspirants. Author of blog does not accepts any responsibility in relation to the accuracy, completeness, usefulness or otherwise, of the contents.
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SPORTS MATERIAL STATIC PART
Olympic Games
The origin of the ancient Olympic Games is lost in the midst of pre-history, but for many centuries they were only a festival of the Greek people. The Games were fest held in honour of the Greek god, Zeus in 776 BC in the plain of the kingdom of Elis, nestled in a lush valley between the Alpheus River and Mount Kronion, 15 km from the lonian Sea. The Olympiad celebrated that year was considered as the first and was used to date subsequent historic events. But religious ceremonies and games were held in Olympia before that time. The oldest sanctuary of Greece was there, the alter of the Great Mother of Gods, Rhea (Earth). On the day of the feast, the priest stood in front of the altar, ready to perform a sacrifice. Women were forbidden to be present on one stadium (about 200 yds.) As soon as a signal was given they ran and the first to arrive at the altar received the torch from the priest's hand and lit the sacrifice fire.
It was at the International Congress for the Study of the Propagation f the Principles of Amateurism held in Paris in June 1894 that the delegates led by Baron Pierre de Coubertin and associates unanimously voted to restore the Olympic Games and to create an International Olympic Committee to oversee them De Coubertin had planned to propose Paris for the site of the first modern Olympics in 900 but the enthusiasm and zeal of the delegates was so great that they insisted the first Games to be held in 1896 Games. Since then these Games are held every four years.
Olympic Symbol : It comprises five rings or circles, linked together to represent the sporting friendship of all people. The rings also symbolise the continents- Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and America. Each ring is of a different colour i.e. blue, yellow, black, green and red. The rings are meant to represent five continents viz., Africa (black), America (red), Asia (yellow), Australia (green) and Europe (Blue).
Olympic Flag: The Olympic flag, created in 1913 at the suggestion of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, was solemnly inaugurated in Paris in June 1914 but it was raised over an Olympic stadium for the first time at the Antwerp used for the Winter Games. These flags are made of white silk and contain above mentioned five interwined rings. From left to right the rings are blue, yellow, black, green and red.
Olympic Flame(Torch): It was at the Amsterdam Games in 1928 that for the first time an Olympic flame was ceremonially lighted and burned in a giant torch at the entrance of the stadium. The modern version of the flame was adopted in 1936 at the Berlin Games. The Olympic flame symbolises the continuity between the ancient and modern games. The torch, used to kindle the flame, is first lit by the sun's rays at Olympia, Greece, and then carried to the site of the Games by relay of runners. Ships and planes are used when necessary. On July 15, 1976, space age technology was used to transport the flame from one continent to another.
Olympic Motto: The Olympic motto is "Citius-Altius-Fortius" (faster, higher, stronger). Rev. Father Didon (1840-1900), headmaster of a school near Paris and a great promoter of sports in the French Catholic colleges first used the motto and had it embroidered on the pennants of his school clubs. This succinct definition of the philosophy of sport appealed to father Didon's friend, Baron Pierre de Coubertin who was responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games nearly 1,500 years after the last of the ancient Games. It was adopted at his suggestion at the International congress for the "Study and Propagation of the Principles of Amateurism" on June 23, 1894, the same day on which the restoration of the Olympic Games and the creation of the International Olympic Committee were also decided.
Olympic Prizes, Medals and Certificates: While in ancient times the Olympic heroes received a crown of olive branches for their exploits, modern Olympics Champions are rewarded with medals and certificates. The winning athlete now receives a Gold medal, the athlete in the second place is awarded a silver medal and the third placed athlete in the second place is awarded a Silver medal and the third placed athlete wins a Bronze medal. In addition, all athletes ranking from first to sixth receive a certificate. Each medal is 60 mm in diameter and 3 mm thick. The first and second place medals are made of 92.5 percent silver and the medals for the first winner is then plated with 6 gram of fine gold. Thus this medal is not full gold. The third place medal is of bronze.
Olympic Mascot: It was introduced in 1972 at the 20th Olympics Games held at Munich and since then an Olympic Mascot is selected for a particular year and venue. The following have been the Mascot so far :-
Olympic Order Instituted in 1974, the Olympic Order in a gold, silver or bronze decoration, awarded to a person who has rendered outstanding services or displayed the Olympic ideals.
Mrs Indira Gandhi was awarded this Order in 1983 by the IOC for her contribution to the organisation of the New Delhi Asiad (1982.)
Mrs Indira Gandhi was awarded this Order in 1983 by the IOC for her contribution to the organisation of the New Delhi Asiad (1982.)
The Olympic Cup: Olympic Cup Instituted in 1906 by Coubertin. Its reproduction is awarded to an institution which contributes to the development of sports in general and the Olympic cup remains at the Chateau de vivy in France.
Sir Thomas Fearnley: Cup is awarded to a club or a local sport association for remarkable achievement in the service of the Olympics. It was instituted in 1950 by Sir Thomas Fearnley, a former IOC member.
Mohammed Toher Trophy: Awarded to an amateur athlete, not necessarily an Olympian. It was instituted in 1950 by the former IOC member Mohammed Toher.
Count Alberta Banacossa Trophy: Awarded to a national Olympic Committee for outstanding work. It was instituted in 1954 by the Italian National Olympic Committee in honour of its IOC member Count Alberto Bonacossa.
Tokyo Trophy: It is given for exemplary conduct displayed by an athelete during the Games. It was instituted in 1964 and presented by Tokyo City.
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Thirtieth Olympics
| |
Year
|
2012
|
Date
|
July 27 to August 12
|
Place (Proposed)
|
London
|
Participating Countries
|
204
|
Players
|
10,820
|
Game Competitions
|
26
|
India's Position
|
Olympic bronze medallist Sushil Kumar managed to claim another medal by winning silver in the men's freestyle wrestling.(Total 6 medals by India.)
|
The next Summer Olympics will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016.
Commonwealth Games
After Olympics, Commonwealth Games is the second largest sports festival in the world. The Games are held once in four years but only in between the Olympic years. The Games were originally known as the British Empire Games.
Some Important facts about Commonwealth Games
The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 at Hamilton, Canada.
The 10th Commonwealth Games were held at Christchurch, New Zealand in 1974 and the 15th in Victoria(Canada) in 1994, where about 3,350 athletes from a record 64 nations(including South Africa, which joined the family of Commonwealth athletes after 36 years) participated.
Namibia also, which gained its independence in 1990, made its debut while Hong Kong made its final appearance in the Games before being ceded to China in 1997.
XVI Commonwealth Games were held in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) while XVII Commonwealth Games were hosted by UK with Manchester as their Venue.
After the Olympics, Commonwealth Games are the second largest sports event of the world.
This event is organised in between two Olympic games, which is also known as the Olympic year.
India, for the first time, participated in the second Commonwealth games held in London in 1934.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XIX commonwealth games were held in Delhi, India from 3 to 14 October 2010. The official mascot of the Games was Shera and the official song of the Games, " Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto” was composed by celebrated Indian musician A. R. Rahman.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games, officially the XX Commonwealth Games, will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom over 11 days of competition from 23 July to 3 August 2014.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games (XXI) will be held at Gold Coast, Australia.
Asian Games
The first Asian Games began on March 4, 1951 in New Delhi.
The Asian Games Association has chosen shining sun as its symbol.
The AGF(Asian Games Federation) adopted 'Ever Onward', given by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, as the motto of the Asian Games.
The emblem of Asian Games is a 'bright full rising sun' with interlocking rings.
The Maharaja of Patiala presented the Torch and the flag for the first Asian Games and since then they have been carried from country to country.
History: The idea of the Asian Games was first conceived by Prof. G.D. Sondhi. The suggestion for holding the Asian Games was first made in a conference of Asian Countries held in New Delhi in 1947 and Jawaharlal Nehru suggested that it be called Asian Games.
Background: First held as West Asian Games at New Delhi in 1934 in which India, Afghanistan, Palestine and Sri Lanka participated. In view of the enthusiasm it was decided to hold these games once in four years at mid-point between the Olympics. However, these games were abandoned during World War II.
Background: First held as West Asian Games at New Delhi in 1934 in which India, Afghanistan, Palestine and Sri Lanka participated. In view of the enthusiasm it was decided to hold these games once in four years at mid-point between the Olympics. However, these games were abandoned during World War II.
It was Prof. Gurudutt Sondhi, a member of the IOC who encouraged by the sport-lover Maharaja Yadvendra Singh of Patiala and supported by Pandit Nehru, tried to revive these games at the Asian Relations Conference (ARC) convened by Pt Nehru at New Delhi in 1947. The Asian Athletic Federation (AAF) was formed in 1948 which decided to hold the first Athletic Championship at New Delhi in 1949. However, the plan did not materialise.
Again in February 1949, the AAF met at New Delhi where it was renamed as "Asian Games Federation" (AGF). The AGF then decided to rename the Asian Atheletic Championship as "Asiatic Games". Subsequently Pt Nehru suggested that these games be called "Asian Games." The first President and Secretary of AGF were Maharaja Yadvendra Singh of Patiala and Prof. G.D. Sondhi respectively.
Motto, Emblem and Torch of Asian Games The AGF adopted 'Ever Onward' given by Pt Jawaharlal Nehru at the motto of the Asian Games. The Emblem is a bright full rising sun with interlocking rings. The Maharaja of Patiala (Yadvendra Singh) presented a Torch and a flag for the first Asian Games and since then they have been carried from country to country.
Pt Jawaharlal Nehru's Message to the Participants of the First Asian Games "Play the game in the spirit of the game."
16th (2010) Asian Games held in Guang Zhou, China.
17th (2014) Asian Games will be held in Incheon, South Korea.
SAF Games
The SAF game was first held in 1984 at Kathmandu, Nepal. The seven participating countries are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. The motto of SAF games is "Peace, Prosperity and Progress". The games year 1986 edition was not staged as it was a year of Commonwealth and Asian Games.
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Published by : http://sapost.blogspot.in/
1. Sports and Number of Players
Sports
|
Number of Players
|
Baseball
|
9
|
Rugby football
|
15
|
Polo
|
4
|
Water Polo
|
7
|
Kho Kho
|
9
|
Kabaddi
|
7
|
Hockey
|
11
|
Football (Soccer)
|
11
|
Cricket
|
11
|
Netball
|
7
|
Volleyball
|
6
|
Badminton
|
1 or 2 (Singles & Doubles respectively)
|
Tennis
|
1 or 2 (Singles & Doubles respectively)
|
Table Tennis
|
1 or 2 (Singles & Doubles respectively)
|
Basketball
|
5
|
Gymnastic
|
Several individuals compete simultaneously
|
Billiards/Snooker
|
1
|
Boxing
|
1
|
Chess
|
1
|
Bridge
|
2
|
Croquet
|
13 or 15
|
Golf
|
Several individuals compete simultaneously
|
Lacrosse
|
12
|
2. Court / Campus / Filed
Court/Campus/Field
|
Games/Sports
|
Court
|
Tennis, Badminton, Net Ball, Handball, Volleyball, Squash, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi
|
Diamond
|
Baseball
|
Ring
|
Sketing, Boxing
|
Course
|
Golf
|
Pool
|
Swimming
|
Board
|
Table Tennis
|
Mat
|
Judo, Karate, Taikwondo
|
Arena
|
Horse riding
|
Vellodrome
|
Cycling
|
Field
|
Polo, Football, Hockey
|
Track
|
Athletics
|
Pitch
|
Cricket
|
Greens
|
Bowls
|
Rink
|
Curling, Ice Hockey
|
Range
|
Shooting, Archery
|
3. Cups and Trophies
Sport
|
Cups and Trophies
|
Hockey
|
Aga Khan Cup, Begam Rasul Trophy (women's), Maharaja Ranjit Singh Gold Cup, Lady Ratan Tata Trophy (women's), Gurunanak Championship (women's), Dhyanchand Trophy, Nehru Trophy, Sindhia Gold Cup, Murugappa Gold Cup, Wellington Cup etc
|
Football
|
Beghum Hazarat Mahal Cup, BILT Cup, Bordoloi Trophy, Colombo Cup, Confederation Cup, DCM Trophy, Durand Cup, Rovers Cup, BC Rai Trophy (National Championship), FIFA World Cup, Jules Rimet Trophy, Kalinga Cup, Santosh Trophy (National Championship), IFA Shield, Scissor Cup, Subroto Mukherjee Cup, Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee Trophy, Todd Memorial Trophy, Vittal Trophy, etc.
|
Cricket
|
Anthony D' Mellow Trophy, Ashes, Asia Cup, Benson and Hedges Cup, Bose Trophy, Champions Trophy, Charminar Challenger Cup, CK Naidu Trophy, Cooch - Behar Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Gavaskar - Border Trophy, GD Birla Trophy, Gillette Cup, Ghulam Ahmand Trophy, Hakumat Rai Trophy, ICC World Cup, Irani Trophy, Interface Cup, Jawaharlal Nehru Cup, Lomboard World Challenge Cup, Mc Dowells Challenge Cup, Merchant Cup, Moin-ud-Dowla Cup, Nat West Trophy, Prudential Cup (World Cup), Rani Jhansi Trophy, Ranji Trophy, Rohinton Baria Trophy, Rothmans Cup, Sahara Cup, Sharjah Cup, Sheesh Mahal Trophy, Sheffield Shield, Singer Cup, Sir Frank Worrel Trophy, Texaco Cup, Titan Cup, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Vijay Merchant Trophy, Vizzy Trophy, Wisden Trophy, Wills Trophy, World Series Cup.
|
Table Tennis
|
Berna Bellack Cup (men), Corbillion Cup (women), Jai Laxmi Cup (women), Rajkumari Challenge Cup (women junior), Ramanuja Trophy (men junior), Travancore Cup (women), Swathling Cup (men), etc
|
Badminton
|
Aggarwal Cup, Amrit Diwan Cup, Asia Cup, Australasia Cup, Chaddha Cup, European Cup, Harilela Cup, Ibrahim Rahimatollah Challenger Cup, Konica Cup, Narang Cup, SR Ruia Cup, Sophia Cup, Kitiakara Cup, Thomas Cup, Tunku Abdulrahman Cup, Uber Cup, World Cup, Yonex Cup etc
|
Basketball
|
Basalat Jha Trophy, BC Gupta Trophy, Federation Cup, SM Arjuna Trophy, Todd Memorial Trophy, William Jones Cup, Bangalore Blues Challenge Cup, Nehru Cup, Federation Cup etc.
|
Bridge
|
Basalat Jha Trophy, Holkar Trophy, Ruia Gold Cup, Singhania Trophy, etc
|
Polo
|
Ezra Cup, Gold Cup, King's Cup, Prithi Cup, Schneider Cup etc.
|
Athletics
|
Charminar Trophy, Federation Cup etc
|
Air Racing
|
Jawaharlal Challenge Trophy, King's Cup, Schneider Cup etc
|
Billiards
|
Arthur Walker Trophy, Thomas Cup etc
|
Boxing
|
Aspy Adjahia Trophy, Federation Cup, Val Baker Trophy etc.
|
Golf
|
Canada Cup, Eisenhower Trophy, Muthiah Gold Cup, Nomura Trophy, President's Trophy, Prince of Wales Cup, Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, Topolino Trophy, Walker Cup, World Cup etc
|
Chess
|
Naidu Trophy, Khaitan Trophy, Limca Trophy, Lin Arec City Trophy, World Cup, etc
|
Horse Racing
|
Beresford Cup, Blue Raiband Cup, Derby, Grand National Cup etc.
|
Netball
|
Anantrao Pawar Trophy, etc
|
Rugby Football
|
Bledisloe Cup, Calcutta Cup, Webb Ellis Trophy, etc
|
Shooting
|
North Wales Cup, Welsh Grand Pix etc
|
Volleyball
|
Centennial Cup, Federation Cup, Indira Pradhan Trophy, Shivanthi Gold Cup, etc
|
4. Sport Stadiums
Stadium
|
Sports
|
Place
|
In India
| ||
Indraprastha Stadium
|
Indoor Games
|
Delhi
|
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
|
Athletics
|
Delhi
|
Ferozeshah Kotla Ground
|
Cricket
|
Delhi
|
Ambedkar Stadium
|
Football
|
Delhi
|
Shivaji Stadium
|
Hockey
|
Delhi
|
National Stadium
|
Hockey
|
Delhi
|
National Stadium
|
Hockey and Others
|
Mumbai
|
Wankhede Stadium
|
Cricket
|
Mumbai
|
Brabourne Stadium
|
Cricket
|
Mumbai
|
Eden Gardens
|
Cricket
|
Kolkata
|
Green Park Stadium
|
Cricket
|
Kanpur
|
Keenan Stadium
|
Cricket
|
Jamshedpur
|
Nehru (Chepak) Stadium
|
Cricket
|
Chennai
|
Varabati Stadium
|
Cricket
|
Cuttack
|
In World
| ||
Aintree, Doncaster, Epsom
|
Horse racing
|
England (UK)
|
Flemington
|
Horse racing
|
Melbourn (Australia)
|
Headingley Manchester
|
Cricket
|
England (UK)
|
Lords, Oval, Leeds
|
Cricket
|
England (UK)
|
Black Heath
|
Rugby Football
|
London (UK)
|
Wimbledon
|
Lawn Tennis
|
London (UK)
|
Wembley Stadium
|
Football
|
London (UK)
|
Brookland
|
Football
|
England (UK)
|
Twickenham
|
Rugby Football
|
England (UK)
|
Putney Mart Lake
|
Boat Race
|
England (UK)
|
Trent Bridge
|
Cricket
|
England (UK)
|
White City
|
Dog race
|
England (UK)
|
Hurlington
|
Polo
|
England (UK)
|
Henlay
|
Regata
|
England
|
Brisbane, Melbourne
|
Cricket
|
Australia
|
Perth, Sydney
|
Cricket
|
Australia
|
Yankee Stadium
|
Boxing
|
New York (USA)
|
Brooklyn
|
Baseball
|
New York (USA)
|
Forest Hill
|
Tennis
|
USA
|
Sendy Lodge
|
Golf
|
Scotland
|
5. Important Terminology in Various Sports
Some important terminology in Wrestling: - Heave, Half, Nelson, Rebuts, Hold sager etc
Some important terminology in Chess: - Bishop, Gambit, Checkmate, Stalemate, Pawn, Grand-master etc.
Some important terminology in Golf :- Bogie, Fore some, Stymie, T, Put hole, Nib lick, Caddy, Limns, Iron, Putting, The green, Bunker etc.
Some important terminology in Baseball: - Home, Diamond, Pitcher, Put out, Home run, Strike, Ant rubber etc.
Billiards Some important terminology in Billiards: - Cue, Jigger, Pot, Break Pot, In luck, In off, Cans, Bolting, Hazard, Long etc.
Some important terminology in Boxing :- Punch, Upper cut, Round, Jab, Hook, Knock down, Knock out, Hitting willow, Ring, Break, Bell, Belt, Blow, Bounce, Bout etc.
Swimming Some important terminology in Swimming: - Crawl, Breast stroke, Spring Board, Twist, Butter fly etc.
Kho-Kho Some important terminology in Kho-Kho :- Chasers, Active Chaser, Runners, Diving, Taking a direction, To recede, Tapping, Trapping, Dupe turn, Late Kho, Giving Kho, Fake Kho etc.
Rifle Shooting Some important terminology in Rifle Shooting: - Target, Bulls eye, Muzzle flub etc
Some important terminology in Polo: - Bunker, Chuker, Mallet etc
Some Important terminologies of Cricket:- played on, Appeal, Bye, Leg Bye, Power Play, Follow on, Dusara, Beamer, Hoober Shot, Lost Ball, Duck worthLuis, Retired Hurt, Chinaman, Batsman, Bowler, Wicket Keeper, Fielder, LBW (Leg Before Wicket), Catch, Hit Wicket, Throw, Maiden over, Four, Sixer, Wide, Swing, Stroke, Cover,Mid on, Mid off, Mid Wicket, over the wicket, round the wicket, Leg spinner, Off spinner, Over throw, Over slip, Gulley, Cover point, Long off, Long on, Third man, Short pitch, Hook, Dead ball, Run out, Popping crease, Pitch, Bouncer (or Bumper), Full toss, Yorker, Yorked, Googley, Wicket Maiden, Snick, Duck, Hat-Trick, Rubber, The Ashes, Scoring a Ton etc.
Length of Pitch
|
22 yards (20.11 meters)
|
Length of Crease
|
1.22 - 1.83 meters (4 ft)
|
Some important terminology in Badminton:- Badminton court, End, Trans Lines, Back gallery, Service Court, Let, Forward stroke, Backward Stroke, Toss or Lob, Clear, Smash, Net Strokes, Rally, Setting, First hand or Second hand, Side out, Base of operation, Rotation, Long service, Net Fault, Double fault, Foot fault, Service break, Match Point, Set point, High service, Cross shot, Service change, Drive, Drop shot, Duce, Advance etc.
Length of court
|
44 fee
|
Width of the court
|
20 feet (for doubles) and 17 feet (for singles)
|
Height of the net
|
5 feet
|
Some Important Terminology in Football :- Abbey, Dribble, Extra time, Full back, Half back, Striker, Centre, Forward, Penalty kick, Free kick, Scissor kick, Goal kick, Direct kick, Corner kick, Referee, Tie breaker, Hat trick, Hand ball, Sweeper, Back, Throw in, Hand-ball (Fault), Touch line, Place Kick, or Kick off, Direct Free Kick, Indirect Free Kick, Tackle, Off side, Sliding Tackle, Drop Ball, Sudden death, Penalty shoot out etc.
Length of the ground (Field)
|
91 to 120 meters
|
Width of the ground (Field)
|
45 to 91 meters
|
Some important terminology in Basketball :- Dribbling, Front court, Second dribble, Two count stop, Travelling or shifting, Pivoting, Held ball, Jump ball, Violation, Foul, Feinting or Dodging, Shooting, Set shot, Ring, Guard point, Dead ball, Basket Rudnick, Hook Pass, Goal, Centre line, Free throw line, Onstead, Fast break, Lay-up shot, Man to man defence, Pack, Three point, Turn over, Assist, Throw, Goal Tending, Steal, Tap etc.
Length of the court
|
28 meter
|
Width of the court
|
15 meter
|
Height of the basket from ground
|
3.05 meter
|
Some important Terminology in Hockey :- Advantage, Back-stick, Bully, Carry, Dribble, Dodge, Goal line, Green Card, Flick, Free hit, Face of Stick, Jab Stroke, Lung Stroke, Melle, Off side, Penalty shoot out, Short Corner, Striking circle or Shooting circle, Square pass, Tackling, Through pass, Under cutting, Stick, Penalty stroke, Scoop, Side line, Tie breaker, Penalty, Under cutting, Volley, Centre forward, Roll in, Push in, Shooting, Half volley, Full back etc.
Length of Playing field
|
91.44 meters
|
Width of the Playing field
|
50 to 55 meters
|
Weight of the Ball
|
155 to 163 grams
|
Some important terminology in Lawn Tennis :- Ace, Advantage, A let, Back hand drive, Deuce, Chip Shot, Volley, Half Volley, Let fault, Foot fault, Double Fault, Smash, Service, Grand Slam, Singles sticks, Love, Slice.
Some important terminology in Table Tennis :- Foil, End line, Late control, Flat hit, Block stroke, Service, Penholder grip, Back spin, Centre line, Half Court, Side spin, Swing stroke, Push Stroke, Rally, Let, Reverse, Top Spin, Drop shot, Lob, Chopped return, Counter
Some important terminology in Volleyball :- Antennae, Attack hit, Back zone players, Dribbling, Libero, Front Zone players, Blocking, Smash, Rotation, Boosting, Net fault, Volley Pass, Forearm pass, Service, Hook serve, Set up, Referee etc.
March 2014
Hockey to become 60-minute game from Sep 1
Hockey to become 60-minute game from Sep 1
Lausanne, March 20 (IANS) The international hockey federation (FIH) Thursday introduced major changes to the structure of the sport including reducing the 70-minute game to 60 minutes comprising four 15-minute quarters instead of two 35-minute halves. The changes will come into effect from Sep 1.
Virat Kohli reclaims No.1 ODI ranking
India's Virat Kohli has reclaimed the No.1 position in the latest ICC rankings for One-Day International (ODI) batsmen released Sunday at the conclusion of the Asia Cup which was won by Sri Lanka.
Kohli had entered the Asia Cup, trailing No.1 ranked AB de Villiers by two points. Kohli's tournament aggregate of 189 runs in three innings, with 136 against bangladesh as his series best, earned him 12 points which has put him ahead of South Africa ODI captain by nine points.
February 2014
India draws second Test, New Zealand clinch series 1-0
India drew the second and final Test as New Zealand clinched the series 1-0 at the Basin Reserve here Tuesday.' Chasing a target of 435, India finished at 166/3 with Virat Kohli scoring an unbeaten 105 and Rohit Sharma 31 not out.
January 2014
Sachin Tendulkar and CNR Rao conferred with Bharat Ratna
Sachin Tendulkar and CNR Rao conferred with Bharat Ratna
Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour was conferred on cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar (40) and eminent scientist Prof CNR Rao (79) by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. The awards were given at the Durban Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on 4 February 2014.
The recipient of the award will receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion. This award does not carry any monetary grants.
With this felicitation, Sachin became the first sportsperson to be conferred with the honour of Bharat Ratna. He is also the youngest person alive to be conferred with the award. Master blaster Sachin retired from international cricket on 16 November 2013. Sachin after receiving the award dedicated it to his mother.
Joshna Chinappa won the Winnipeg Winter Club Open trophy
Squash player Joshna Chinappa won the Winnipeg Winter Club Open trophy on 3 February 2014. She defeated Heba El Torky of Egypt. The fourth seeded Indian triumphed 3-2 (11-13 11-8 11-5 3-11 12-10) in a see-saw battle.
The world number 27 Chinappa rallied after losing the opening game which was dominated by Heba.
The triumph of Chinappa marked the second consecutive year of an Indian winning the trophy with Dipika Pallikal being the first to clinch it before her in 2013.
US Open 2013
Men's Singles - Rafael Nadal
Women's Singles - Serena Williams
Men's Doubles - Leander Paes / Czech Republic Radek tepanek
Women's Doubles - Andrea Hlavaekova / Czech Republic Lucie Hradecka
Mixed Doubles - Andrea Hlavaekova / Belarus Max Mirnyi
Wimbledon 2013
Men Singles — Andy Murray
Women Singles — Marion Bartoli
Men Doubles — Bob and Mike Briyan
Women Doubles - Hsieh Su-wei / China Peng Shuai
Mixed Doubles - Daniel Nestor / France Kristina Mladenovic
2013 Sony Open Tennis
Men's Singles - Andy Murray
Women's Singles - Serena Williams
Men's Doubles - Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi / Netherlands Jean-Julien Rojer
Women's Doubles - Russia Nadia Petrova / Slovenia Katarina Srebotnik
French Open 2013
Men Single- Rafael Nadal
Women Single - Serena Williams
Men Double- Bob Bryan / United States Mike Bryan
Women Double - Ekaterina Makarova / Russia Elena Vesnina
Mixed Double - Lucie Hradecka / Czech Republic Frantigek ermak
Australian Open 2013
Men's Singles — Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Women's Singles — Victoria Azarenka (Belarus)
Men's Doubles — Bob Bryan (America) and Mike Bryan (America)
Women's Doubles — Sara Errani (Italy) and Roberta Vinci (Italy)
Mandrid Open 2013
Men's Singles - Rafael Nadal
Women's Singles - Serena Williams
Men's Doubles - Bob Bryan / United States Mike Bryan
Women's Doubles - Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova / Czech Republic Lucie afai-"ova
Published by : http://sapost.blogspot.in/
2013 Internazionali BNL d'Italia (Italian Open)
Men's Singles - Spain Rafael Nadal
Women's Singles - United States Serena Williams
Men's Doubles - United States Bob Bryan / United States Mike Bryan
Women's Doubles - Chinese Taipei Hsieh Su-wei / China Peng Shuai
Malaysian Open Badminton Championship 2013
Men's Singles - Lee Chong Wei (Indonesia)
Men's Doubles-MohdAhsan (Indonesia) -HendraSetiawan (China)
Women's Singles- Tai Tzu-ying (Thailand)
Women's Doubles-BaoYixin-Tian Qing (China)
Brisbane International Tennis — 2013
Womens Single's - Serena Williams (USA)
Men's Singles - Andy Murray from (Scotland)
Women's Doubles -SaniaMirza and BethanieMattek-Sands
Men's Doubles - Marcelo Melo and Tommy Robredo
Davis Cup 2012 –
Winner- Czech Republic Runner- Spain
Champions League T-20
Winner-Sydney Sixers Runner-Highveld Lions
52nd National Open Athletics Championships 2012 –
Venue — Chennai
Winner - Railways Runner up — Services
U-19 World Cup 2012
Venue-Australia
Winner-India ;Runner-Australia
Man of The Match-Unmukt Chand(Indian Captain)
Azlan Shah cup -
Venue- Malaysia
Winner-NZ; Runner-Argentina; 3rd Place-India
Thailand Open Grand Prix Single
Venue-Bangkok; Winner-SainaNehwal
Runner-RatchanokInathon(thiland)
Indonesia Open Single
Venue- Jakarta; Winner-SainaNehwal
Runner -Li Xuerui(China)
Euro Cup-2012
Venue- Poland And Ukrain; Winner-Spain; Runner-Italy
Cincinnati Masters
Men Single- Roger Federer bt Novak Djokovic
Women Single- Li Na bt Angelique Kerber (Germany)
74th National Table Tennis Championship
Mens Singles - Soumyajit (youngest national champion)
Womens Singles - ShaminiKumaresan
Mens Doubles — Sourav Chakraborty and GaneshanSathiyan
Women doubles - K. Spoorthy and NikhatBanu
Swiss Athletes of the Year 2012
Roger Federer (Men)
Nicola Spirig (Women)
12th Asian Billiards championship - Rupesh Shah
2013 Senior National Women's Boxing Championship - Preeti Beniwal
Canadian Grand Prix - Sebastian Vettel
Confederations Cup 2013 - Brazil
First captain to win all ICC Trophies - MS Dhoni
First Indian to win a medal in Youth World Weightlifting Championship - Chandrika Tarafdar
German Cup 2013 - Bayern Munich
Grenke Chess Classic Trophy 2013 - Viswanathan Anand
ICC Women's World Cup 2013 - Australia (6th title)
Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament - Air India
National Weightlifting Championship 2013 - Manpreet Kaur
Sudirman Cup — China
Youngest national Table Tennis Champion - Somyajeet Ghosh
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 22 August 2013 announced the National Sports Awards-2013 for the following sportspersons/coaches/organizations after approving the same as recommended by the Selection Committees.
A. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award:
Sl. No.
|
Name
|
Discipline
|
1.
|
Mr. Ronjon Sodhi
|
Shooting
|
B. Arjuna Awards:
Sl. No.
|
Name
|
Discipline
|
1.
|
Ms. Chekrovolu Swuro
|
Archery
|
2.
|
Mr. Ranjith Maheshwari
|
Athletics
|
3.
|
Ms. P.V. Sindhu
|
Badminton
|
4.
|
Ms. Kavita Chahal
|
Boxing
|
5.
|
Mr. Rupesh Shah
|
Billiards & Snooker
|
6.
|
Mr. Virat Kohli
|
Cricket
|
7.
|
Mr. Abhijeet Gupta
|
Chess
|
8.
|
Mr. Gagan Jeet Bhullar
|
Golf
|
9.
|
Ms. Saba Anjum
|
Hockey
|
10.
|
Ms. Rajkumari Rathore
|
Shooting
|
11.
|
Ms. Joshna Chinnappa
|
Squash
|
12.
|
Ms. Mouma Das
|
Table Tennis
|
13.
|
Ms. Neha Rathi
|
Wrestling
|
14.
|
Mr. Dharmender Dalal
|
Wrestling
|
15.
|
Mr. Amit Kumar Saroha
|
Athletics (Para)
|
C. Dronacharya Awards for 2013:
Sl.No.
|
Name
|
Discipline
|
1.
|
Ms. Poornima Mahato
|
Archery
|
2.
|
Mr. Mahavir Singh
|
Boxing
|
3.
|
Mr. Narinder Singh Saini
|
Hockey
|
4.
|
Mr. K.P. Thomas
|
Athletics*
|
5.
|
Mr. Raj Singh
|
Wrestling*
|
* Lifetime contribution in coaching
D. Dhyan Chand Awards :
Sl.No.
|
Name
|
Discipline
|
1.
|
Ms. Mary D’souza Sequeira
|
Athletics
|
2.
|
Mr. Syed Ali
|
Hockey
|
3.
|
Mr. Anil Mann
|
Wrestling
|
4.
|
Mr. Girraj Singh
|
Para Sports (Athletics)
|
E. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
Sl. No.
|
Category
|
Entity recommended for Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar, 2013
|
1.
|
Community Sports Identification and Nurturing of Budding Young Talent
|
Dr. U.K. Mishra, Founder and President, National Sports Academy, Allahabad
|
2.
|
Financial Support for Sports Excellence
|
Services Sports Control Board
|
3.
|
Establishment and Management of Sports Academies of Excellence
|
Pullela Gopichand Academy of Badminton, Hyderabad
|
4.
|
Employment of Sportspersons and sports welfare measures.
|
Petroleum Sports Promotion Board
|
Source : http://akulapraveen.blogspot.in/
Postal Exam 2014 - Updates as on 09/04/2014
Update as on April 09, 2014
Update as on April 04, 2014
1. You can download Registration Slip once the Fee payment status is paid
2. Registration Slip can be printed till the examination day
3. If your payment status is unpaid and you have paid the fee then follow the instructions given at the payment status button after login
4. If you have already mailed the scanned image of challan and DOP receipt then please do not mail again
5. Payment status will be updated after verification.
Update as on March 28, 2014
1. Applicants, who have not Paid Examination Fee, may Pay it by April 01, 2014
2. Applicants who have not downloaded Registration Slip, may down load now
3. Applications are under scrutiny & processing
4. Examination Schedule shall be displayed soon. Please visit the website regularly
Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners - Revised rate effective from 1.1.2014.
F.No.42/10/2014-P%PW(G)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioner's Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi - 110003
Date: 09th April, 2014
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners / family pensioners - Revised rate effective from 1.1.2014.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's OM No. 42/13/2012-P&PW(G) dated 3rd Oct, 2013 on the subject mentioned above and to state that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Relief (DR) payable to Central Government pensioners/family pensioners shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 90 % to 100% w.e.f. 1st Jan, 2014.
2. These orders apply to (i) All Civilian Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners (ii) The Armed Forces Pensioners, Civilian Pensioners paid out of the Defence Service Estimates, (iii) All India Service Pensioners (iv) Railway Pensioners and (v) The Burma Civilian pensioners/family pensioners and pensioners/families of displaced Government pensioners from Pakistan, who are Indian Nationals but receiving pension on behalf of Government of Pakistan and are in receipt of ad-hoc ex-gratia allowance of Rs.3500/- p.m. in terms of this Department's OM No. 23/1/97-P&PW(B) dated 23.2.1998 read with this Department's OM No. 23/3/2008-P&PW(B) dated 15.9.2008.
3. Central Government Employees who had drawn lump sum amount on absorption in a PSU/Autonomous body and have become eligible to restoration of 1/3rd commuted portion of pension as well as revision of the restored amount in terms of this Department's OM No. 4/59/97-P&PW (D) dated 14.07.1998 will also be entitled to the payment of DR @ 100% w.e.f. 1.1.2014 on full pension i.e. the revised pension which the absorbed employee would have received on the date of restoration had he not drawn lump sum payment on absorption and Dearness Pension subject to fulfillment of the conditions laid down in para 5 of the a.M. dated 14.07.98. In this connection, instructions contained in this Department's OM NoA/29/99-P&PW (D) dated. 12.7.2000 refer.
4. Payment of DR involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee.
5. Other provisions governing grant of DR in respect of employed family pensioners and re-employed Central Government Pensioners will be regulated in accordance with the provisions contained in this Department's OM No. 45/73/97-P&PW(G) dated 2.7.1999 as amended vide this Department's OM No. F. No. 38/88/2008-P&PW(G) dated 9th July, 2009. The provisions relating to regulation of DR where a pensioner is in receipt of more than one pension, will remain unchanged.
6. In the case of retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, necessary orders will be issued by the Department of Justice separately.
7. It will be the responsibility of the pension disbursing authorities, including the nationalized banks, etc. to calculate the quantum of DR payable in each individual case.
8. The offices of Accountant General and Authorised Public Sector Banks are requested to arrange payment of relief to pensioners etc. on the basis of these instructions without waiting for any further instructions from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Reserve Bank of India in view of letter No. 528-TA, II/34-80-II dated 23/04/1981 of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India addressed to all Accountant Generals and Reserve Bank of India Circular No. GANB No. 2958/GA-64 (ii) (CGL)/81 dated the 21st May, 1981 addressed to State Bank of India and its subsidiaries and all Nationalised Banks.
9. In their application to the pensioners/family pensioners belonging to Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue after consultation with the C&AG.
10. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure conveyed vide their OM No.1( 4)/EV/2004 dated 07th, April, 2014.
11. Hindi version will follow.
sd/-
( Charanjit Taneja)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Source: www.pensionersportal.gov.in
[http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D3/D03ppw/PPWG_090414.pdf]
Windows XP support ends: 7 things to know
Microsoft is saying goodbye to Windows XP. Although the operating system is more than 12 years old, and Windows XP computers haven't been shipped since 2010, there are still millions of them in use.
Gartner estimates that as much as 25% of Windows PCs in the workplace are running XP. Consumers tend to be even slower in upgrading.
Why so many XP computers? XP's successor, Vista, was unpopular, so many XP owners held off upgrading. In addition, many consumers are buying smartphones and tablet computers instead of upgrading old PCs.
What happens on April 8?
That's the day Windows XP reaches what Microsoft calls "end of support."
XP made its debut in 2001 and retired from retail stores as boxed software in 2008. PC makers were allowed to sell computers with Windows XP for another two years.
In recent years, Microsoft hasn't done much with XP beyond releasing updates on the second Tuesday of each month to fix newly discovered security flaws. This Tuesday is the last time Microsoft is doing that for XP, so any problems discovered after that won't get fixed.
You'll still be able to run XP computers and install past updates. If you need to reinstall XP from scratch, you can do so if you still have the discs that came with your computer.
Microsoft will still provide updates for its anti-malware software for XP until July 2015, but the company warns it will offer limited protection.
How do I know if my computer is running XP?
This Microsoft site will check: amirunningxp.com.
If you have XP, the site will go through your options. Even if you don't visit the website, you may still get a pop-up notification, depending on how your computer's configured to check forWindows updates.
f XP will still run, why do I need to upgrade?
A big reason is security. Hackers know Microsoft will no longer fix security flaws, so evil-doers have extra incentive to look for them. In addition, if a flaw is found for Windows 7 or 8, there's a good chance a similar issue exists for XP as well.
So when the fixes come out for Windows 7 or 8, hackers can go back to XP to look for an opening. Hackers have become more sophisticated, and lately they have been breaking into computers for financial gain rather than just pride. So the risk is greater than when Microsoft retired past systems such as Windows 95 and 98.
There are also performance issues. If you buy a new printer or scanner, it might not work on XP. Same goes for new software, particularly if it needs faster processors and more memory beyond what was standard in XP's heyday. XP also lacks features that are common with newer operating systems, including energy-saving measures for laptops.
What are my options for upgrading?
You can upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 by buying a disc. You will need to back up your files and have discs for any programmes you may have installed, as upgrading requires completely wiping your hard drive and starting from scratch. Microsoft sells Windows 8 as an upgrade for $120 (Rs 7,200); be sure to buy the DVD version and not the download.
Retail sales of Windows 7 have ended, though you might be able to find leftover copies for sale online. That said, it's probably not worth the upgrade. Your XP computer is several years old and might not even meet the system requirements to upgrade. Use this tool to check: bit.ly/kkzerx
Even if an upgrade is possible, the money is better spent toward a new computer. Microsoft says many PC makers are offering deals timed to XP's retirement.Be aware that either way, you may also need to buy new software, as older versions might not run on Windows 7 or 8. Microsoft, for instance, is also ending support for Office 2003 on April 8.
My XP PC works fine and I don't want to spend money on an upgrade. What should I do?
If despite the warnings, you are still running XP, here are a few things to do:
* First, be sure to run all of Microsoft's previously released updates, plus the last one April 8.
* Then think about what you really need the computer for. If you don't need an internet connection, unplug it. That will minimize the risk. Be careful about attaching USB storage drives, as that might introduce malicious software.
* If you need the internet, refrain from using email, Facebook and other communications channels through which malicious software might travel. Use a tablet, phone or another computer instead.
* It's also a good idea to lock down your computer by using a profile that lacks administrative rights. That will make it harder to install anything new, including malicious software.
* Mikko Hypponen of F-Secure suggests removing older software applications you no longer use. The less you have running, the less vulnerability you'll have.
Gartner fellow Neil MacDonald says XP computers on corporate networks have more options, including using XP only for crucial software that won't run on more up-to-date systems and accessing a virtual desktop remotely for email, Web and other modern tasks. He says companies can also pay Microsoft for customized fixes beyond April 8, but that gets expensive.
Why is Microsoft doing this?
As technology improves, it makes less sense to support something designed a PC generation or two ago. The company's resources are better spent on making newer products better.
Apple does this, too, with its OS X system for Mac computers, though it doesn't announce end dates for older versions as Microsoft does. Unlike Microsoft, Apple now offers upgrades for free.
Don't ATMs, retail payment systems and other gadgets also run XP?
Check with the manufacturer. MacDonald says there are two types of XP for so-called embedded systems, one of which will receive support until January 2016.
Source : The Economic Times
