General Studies
3-6-9 Divisibility Trio — A number is divisible by 3 if digit-sum divisible by 3; by 9 if digit-sum divisible by 9; by 6 if even AND divisible by 3. Quick mental check: 8,427 → 8+4+2+7=21 → divisible by 3 only.
HYV Rice Memory: IR-8 — Remember India's Green Revolution wonder rice as "IR-8" (International Rice-8, 1966). Mnemonic: "I Rate it 8/10" for transforming Punjab-Haryana wheat-rice belt post-1966.
Poverty Line Basket: CFEMS — Indian poverty estimation uses Calories, Food, Education, Medical, Shelter. Tendulkar (2011) added private expenditure on health/education beyond just calories.
Climate Change COPs: P-K-P — Kyoto Protocol (1997), Paris Agreement (2015). Mnemonic: "Kyoto Promised, Paris Acted" — Kyoto set targets, Paris made all nations commit (NDCs).
Biodiversity Hotspots Count: 4-in-36 — India has 4 of world's 36 hotspots: Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Sundaland. "WEIS" covers India's mega-diversity zones.
monsoon Onset Memory: K-M-D — Southwest monsoon hits Kerala (June 1), Mumbai (June 10), Delhi (June 29). Remember: "K first, M mid-month, D month-end" for progression pattern.
Chandigarh — Planning, Heritage and Administration
Le Corbusier's 3 Buildings: SAS — Capitol Complex UNESCO trio: Secretariat, Assembly, High Court (think "S-A-Supreme judiciary"). Open Hand Monument is the symbol but not UNESCO-listed building.
Rajiv-Longowal Date Anchor: '85 = 5+5=10 — 1985 accord (July 24). Remember "Punjab Accord 8+5=13 → Section 13 transferred Chandigarh" (though never implemented). Links Punjab militancy resolution attempt.
Chandigarh UT Status: No 3 L's — No Legislature, No Land revenue, No Local autonomy like states. Administered by Administrator (IAS) appointed by President; shares HC with Punjab-Haryana.
Rock Garden Material: U-W-B — Nek Chand used Urban waste, Waste ceramics, Broken bangles/tiles. "Unwanted Waste Became art" — 40-acre fantasy garden from recycled industrial/home waste.
— Created (City inaugurated 1956+2 years). Artificial rainfed lake at Shivalik foothills; silting is chronic issue. "Sukhna = hivalik nder-ill ature sset."