AWARE_G08_GK_MB_AY25_Ebook

AWARE

Navigate the Rapidly Changing World

AWARE

Navigate the Rapidly Changing World

Acknowledgements

Academic Authors: Kashika Parnami, Arpit Agarwal, Urmi Maitra, Anuj Gupta

Creative Directors: Bhavna Tripathi, Mangal Singh Rana, Satish

Book Production: Rakesh Kumar Singh, Sanjay Kumar Goel

Project Lead: Chandani Goyal

VP, Learning: Abhishek Bhatnagar

All products and brand names used in this book are trademarks, registered trademarks or trade names of their respective owners.

© Uolo EdTech Private Limited

First impression 2024

Second impression 2025

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior written consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser and without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above-mentioned publisher of this book.

Book Title: Aware General Knowledge 8

ISBN: 978-81-980193-6-3

Published by Uolo EdTech Private Limited

Corporate Office Address:

85, Sector 44, Gurugram, Haryana 122003

CIN: U74999DL2017PTC322986

Illustrations and images: www.shutterstock.com, www.stock.adobe.com and www.freepik.com

All suggested use of the internet should be under adult supervision.

To Parents and Teachers

In the dynamic and ever-changing world of the 21st century, knowledge is a beacon that guides us through the myriad challenges and opportunities that come our way. In this age of information, possessing a keen sense of general knowledge and awareness has become more critical than ever before. This awareness becomes a compass that helps us navigate through the complexities of our modern existence, allowing us to make informed decisions, think critically, and appreciate the world’s diversity.

The NEP (National Education Policy) 2020 emphasises the need to develop in learners the respect towards fundamental duties and constitutional values, generate awareness on one’s roles and responsibilities in a dynamic world, foster a sense of national pride and global citizenship.

On that note, we are delighted to present this comprehensive and engaging General Knowledge and Current Affairs book, designed specifically for learners in grades 1 to 8. This book, which spans nine thoughtfully curated themes, will serve as a constant companion in the quest for knowledge and awareness.

The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and it’s crucial that young minds are well-informed about the happenings around them. Topics in The Year Gone By theme offer insights into the significant events and milestones of the previous year.

In Science and Technology, learners explore groundbreaking innovations and discoveries that are actively defining and shaping our future.

In Earth and Environment, learners explore topics related to sustainability and environmental conservation. Recognising the delicate balance in our planet’s ecosystem and the paramount importance of preserving it are vital 21st-century skills.

In International Affairs, learners explore landmark global events of the past and the present, and developments across the world.

The theme Incredible India will help learners to explore the rich tapestry of our nation’s history, culture and heritage.

In Sports, learners explore the world of games, athletes, and the importance of teamwork and physical fitness.

The theme, Art and Culture enables the learners to appreciate human creativity, celebrate diverse traditions and discover the rich heritage of human expression across the world.

Life Skills and Financial Literacy provide learners with valuable practical skills essential for navigating their lives with confidence and competence.

This book is crafted to offer informative and enjoyable learning experiences, incorporating clear explanations, captivating visuals and abundant questions for interactive classroom engagement.

This book is supplemented by a digital and interactive learning platform. QR codes in each topic facilitate compatibility with smart classrooms and enable at-home access. The digital resources include topic-specific videos and learning experiences on current affairs and developments around the world.

Welcome to the world of General Knowledge and Current Affairs! We wish the best to all the teachers and learners!

Elements of a Topic — a Quick Glance

Smart devices are electronic gadgets that connect to the internet or other networks. They can do things on their own or be controlled from far away using a phone or a remote. Here are some examples of smart devices available today. 3

1 Fill in the blanks.

a can measure your water intake and remind you to drink water.

b use technology to make it easier to control who can enter your home.

c are commonly used at homes to keep an eye on front doors, gardens and garages.

d can display the weather, news, traffic and your schedule.

e display information for us to see and can be controlled by voice command or by touch or gestures.

A smart lock is an electronic door lock that can be controlled without using a regular key. Instead, you can lock and unlock the door using a smartphone app, a code, a fingerprint, face recognition or even voice commands. S mart locks make it easier to control who can enter our homes. They can even s end alerts to our phone when someone opens the door.

A smart mirror is a special mirror that has an electronic display behind the glass. It can tell us about the weather, time, current news traffic and our schedule. It connects to the internet and other smart devi ces, allowing us to control them as well. It can also help us keep tr ack of our fitness and suggest clothing options and how to improve our posture.

2 Write True or False.

a Smart mirrors can connect with other devices and can control them too.

b Smart security cameras do not record footage easily.

c Smart locks can unlock doors using fingerprints and facial recognition.

d Smart water bottles have sensors to track our water intake.

e Smart glasses allow us to control traffic on road.

3 Who am I? a send you alerts when someone tries to open the door of your house.

b keep track of your posture and give you clothing options.

c give you a live feed of places at your home.

d display your social media updates in front of your eyes.

e remind you to drink water and can also play music for you.

A smart water bottle is a high-tech way to stay hydrated. It can measure how much water we are drinking. These bottles remind us to dri nk, have cool sensors to track our water intake and can even play music. They help us drink more water, are leak-proof and simple to clean.

Smart Glasses are special glasses that display information for us to see. These glasses can help us with lots of things, such as finding ocations, discovering nearby places, showing our social media updates and searching for information. Most of them display information wit h a touch to the frame or a gesture. Some can even respond to voice comma nds.

Smart security cameras are commonly used at home to keep an eye on front doors, gardens and garages. They can connect to the internet using Wi-Fi. They allow us to see live feeds and receive a notification if s omeone arrives or if they sense any movement. They also allow us to record footage and s ave it easily.

make cities smarter by improving services fo r people, enhancing transportation and

more efficiently.

Themes

The Year Gone By

Earth and Environment

Art and

Creativity

The NEP Tags

The National Education Policy (NEP) outlines essential skills, values, dispositions and learning approaches necessary for learners to thrive in the 21st century. Aware incorporates these elements throughout its content, tasks, and projects. Referred to as ‘NEP Tags,’ they are defined as follows:

21st SKILLS

Bringing creativity and fun into learning by combining music, drama and art

Higher-Order

Thinking

Encouraging higher-order skills such as analyzing, evaluating, problem-solving and fostering deep understanding

Green Living

Unwavering commitment to generating awareness of a green, peaceful and prosperous world

21st–Century Skills

Fostering skills and knowledge—such as critical thinking, communication, and digital literacy—that are essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world

Health and Wellness

Promoting practices that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being for a balanced and healthy lifestyle

Moral and

Values

Building strong character, guiding towards ethical decision making, and developing respect, kindness, and a sense of responsibility

Powerful Politicians, 2024

Political leaders are responsible for governing their countries and making crucial decisions that affect the lives of the citizens. These were some of the most powerful global politicians of 2024.

Xi Jinping is the president of the People’s Republic of China since March 2013. He has also been the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, China, since 2012. Previously, he also served as the vice-president of China from 2008 to 2013.

Vladimir Putin is the president of Russia since May 2012. He was re-elected as the president in the 2024 presidential elections. This is his fifth term as the president of Russia, having previously served from 2000 to 2008 and again from 2012 to the present. Previously, he also served as the prime minister of Russia.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Soud is the crown prince of Saudi Arabia since June 2017 and the prime minister since September 2022. He also served as the minister of defense of Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2022.

Narendra Damodardas Modi is the prime minister of India since May 2014. He was re-elected as the prime minister in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections for the third term. He also previously served as the chief minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014.

Emmanuel Macron is the president of France since May 2017. He was re-elected in 2022, becoming the first French president in 20 years to win a second term. He also served as the minister of economics, industry and digital affairs from 2014 to 2016.

Keir Starmer is a British politician and lawyer who was elected as the prime minister of the United Kingdom in July 2024. He is the leader of the Labour Party since 2020. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament of the UK in 2015.

In order to become a powerful leader, one must be confident, assertive and work towards achieving our goals. Effective leadership requires vision, integrity and the ability to inspire and unify people towards common goals.

Practice Time

1 Fill in the table for each leader.

Leaders

Are they the President or the Prime Minister? When were they appointed to their respective positions?

a Emmanuel Macron

b Narendra Modi

c Keir Starmer

d Mohammed bin Salman

e Vladimir Putin

f Xi Jinping

2 Write the correct years.

a Narendra Modi served as the chief minister of Gujarat from to .

b Emmanuel Macron served as the minister of economics, industry and digital affairs of France from to .

c Keir Starmer has been the leader of the Labour party since .

d Vladimir Putin became the president of Russia for the first time in the year .

3 Which political leader am I?

a I have been re-elected as the prime minister in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

b I was first elected as a Member of Parliament of the UK in 2015.

c I am the current crown prince of Saudi Arabia.

d I have been re-elected as the president of Russia for the fifth term.

e I have been the Chairman of the Central Military Commission, China, since 2012.

f I am the first French president in 20 years to get re-elected as their president.

Natural Resources

Nature provides us with essential resources like air, water, soil, minerals, plants and animals, which meet our basic needs for food, shelter, energy and clothing. These are called natural resources. Let us learn more about natural resources.

What are Natural Resources?

A natural resource is anything found in nature—materials, substances or organisms—that is useful to people. Some are essential for survival, while others have economic importance and support industries. Some natural resources are obtained from living things (biotic) like plants and animals, while some are obtained from non-living things (abiotic) like rocks and minerals.

Some natural resources, like air and sunlight, are found everywhere on Earth, while others, such as coal and petroleum, are found only in specific areas.

Types of Natural Resources

Natural resources are classified as renewable or non-renewable based on whether they can be replaced in nature after they are used.

Renewable Resources

Renewable resources are those that can either be replenished quickly, or are not depleted when used, providing a constant supply of clean energy. These resources include wind, water and forests. Forest resources include plant matter and animal wastes which are sources of biofuels.

Non-Renewable Resources

Non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished in a short amount of time and are limited. These include rocks, minerals, metals and fossil fuels like petroleum, coal and natural gas.

Impact of Human Activities on Natural Resources

Depletion of Fossil Fuels

Cars and factories use large amounts of petroleum, depleting fossil fuel resources. Burning them also releases harmful substances into the air, water and soil.

Environmental Impact

Deforestation, mining and land development damage natural areas, destroying ecosystems and harming soil and water supplies.

Impact on Water Resources

Building dams and redirecting water for irrigation have affected water quality and distribution in many areas.

We should use natural resources responsibly. We should save water and plant more trees which helps in the conservation of natural resources.

Practice Time

1 Answer the following.

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

a Two living sources from which we obtain natural resources:

b Two non-living sources from which we obtain natural resources:

c Two natural resources that are found everywhere:

d Two natural resources that are found in specific areas:

2 Fill in the blanks.

a Natural resources are classified as and resources based on whether they can be replaced in nature after use.

b are those that cannot be replenished in a short period.

c resources are those that can be replenished naturally over time.

d Plant matter and animal wastes are sources of .

3 Write True or False.

a Natural resources are only obtained from living things.

b Natural resources have economic importance and support industries.

c Non-renewable resources are limited in nature.

d Non-renewable resources provide a constant supply of clean energy.

4 Tick () the human activities that negatively impact natural resources.

a Using e-vehicles

c Using diesel generators

e Groundwater storage

g Recycling waste

b Deforestation

d Mining

f Using excessive water for irrigation

h Using solar and wind energy

Social Media

Social media platforms are digital platforms where we can create and share online content and interact with other people. These platforms are reshaping modern communication. Let us learn about some of the most popular social media platforms.

Facebook is a social networking platform. It was co-founded by Mark Zuckerberg, and now operates as Meta Inc. It was launched in February, 2004. Facebook allows users to create profiles and connect with friends and family. As of 2024, it had over 300 crore monthly active users.

Instagram is a popular photo and video-sharing platform launched in October 2010. In 2012, Facebook Inc. (now Meta Inc.) acquired it. It allows users to interact with each other by liking and commenting on posts, sending private messages and sharing common interests with the hashtag (#tag) feature.

As of 2024, India had around 39.2 crore Instagram users, the world’s largest Instagram audience.

YouTube is a popular online video platform that allows its users to upload, view and share videos. It was originally launched as a website in February 2005. In 2006, Google acquired YouTube.

As of October 2024, Youtube had over 12.2 crore active users daily.

X (formerly called Twitter) was launched in 2006. In 2022, Twitter Inc. was acquired by Elon Musk. It is a platform for sharing short messages with a maximum length of 280 characters, earlier known as tweets. We can also share text, images, videos and links. As of April 2024, there were over 61.1 crore monthly users of X worldwide.

In July 2023, the famous blue ‘Larry the Bird’ logo was changed to a new ‘X’ logo.

LinkedIn was launched by Reid Hoffman in May 2003. It was acquired by Microsoft Corp. in 2016. It is a platform for professional networking. People use LinkedIn to find the right job, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills they need to succeed in their career.

As of 2024, the platform had more than 100 crore users.

WhatsApp was founded by Brian Acton and Jan Koum in 2009. It was acquired by Facebook Inc. (now Meta Inc.) in 2014. It allows users to share texts, voice messages, images, documents and locations. We can also make voice and video calls, either one-on-one or with a group of contacts.

As of 2024, WhatsApp had more than 300 crore active users worldwide. It is ranked as the most used mobile messenger application in the world.

We should be careful while using social media websites. We should not share our private information with strangers online. Always verify the credibility of profiles before engaging or sharing any details.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Write the years in which these social media applications were launched.

a YouTube

c LinkedIn

e WhatsApp

b Instagram

d Facebook

f X

2 Name the companies that currently own these social media platforms.

a Instagram

b WhatsApp

c YouTube d LinkedIn

3 Write True or False.

a Facebook was founded by Jack Dorsey.

b The old logo of X was called Larry the Bird.

c Youtube was acquired by Meta Inc. in 2006.

d LinkedIn was launched by Reid Hoffman.

e WhatsApp was founded by Brian Acton and Jan Koum.

f Brazil has the largest number of Instagram users in the world.

4 Read the features, guess the applications that they belong to and write their names.

a It was co-founded by Mark Zuckerberg.

b This application is primarily used for professional networking and career-related activities.

c It changed its logo from a bird to ‘X’.

d In 2012, it was acquired by Facebook Inc.

e Google acquired this video uploading/sharing platform in 2006.

f It is the most used mobile messenger application in the world.

Indian Tribes

India has the second-largest tribal population in the world. Indian tribes are rich in culture and traditions, with unique lifestyles, languages, cuisines and customs.

Santhal Tribe

They reside mostly in the Indian states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal and Assam. The men wear handloom loincloths and shirts. The women wear green or blue chequered sarees. They mainly eat rice with potato gravy or pulses.

Khasi Tribe

They live in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Their staple food is rice, fish and meat. The men wear Jymphong, a sleeveless coat without a collar, usually worn with a dhoti. The women’s layered dress gives the body a cylindrical shape.

Angami Tribe

They are one of the major tribes of Nagaland. In their dressing styles, men wear Neitho, a wrap-around garment usually made of cotton and women wear white wraparound skirts with four black bands at the margins. They also wear necklaces made up of colourful beads. They are known for their unique meat dishes.

Warli Tribe

They live mainly in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Their main food is dry fish mixed with dal (pulses) and rotlas (thick breads of wheat, jowar or rice). The men wear a loincloth, waistcoat and turban, while women wear one-yard sarees. They create designs on the walls of their houses with rice paste.

Great Andamanese Tribe

They are the original inhabitants of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The men wear narrow belts of hibiscus fibre and tuck weapons into the belts for hunting. The women wear tribal dresses made up of leaves, which are held by belts. They mainly eat rice, dal, chapati and other modern food items.

Garo Tribe

They are mainly from the Garo hills in western Meghalaya. Dakmanda is the traditional dress of women which contains a blouse-like top and a skirt, whereas the traditional outfit of men is pandra, gando (a waistcloth) and a kotip headband. Dry fish is an integral part of their cuisine.

Bhutia Tribe

They are a community of people living in Sikkim. They are known for their rich tradition of dances, songs and folktales. They wear Kho—a traditional loose, cloak-style robe. Their diet includes dishes like dumplings, momo and thukpa.

Toda Tribe

They live in the Nilgiri Mountains in southern India. They wear embroidered shawls called Poothkuli. Their diet mainly consists of products of milk like butter, buttermilk, yogurt, cheese and plain rice.

Tribal communities often show strength and strong community values, teaching us the importance of unity. Their close-knit bonds and shared responsibilities highlight the significance of working together.

Practice Time

1 Name the locations where these Indian tribes are found.

a Garo Tribe

b Angami Tribe

c Bhutia Tribe

d Warli Tribe

e Toda Tribe

f Khasi Tribe

g Santhal Tribe

h Great Andamanese Tribe

2 Read the descriptions and name the tribes.

a The men wear belts of hibiscus fibre, and the women wear dresses made up of leaves.

b The men wear handloom loincloths and shirts, and the women wear green or blue chequered sarees.

c The men wear a wrap-around garment called Neitho, and the women wear white wrap-around skirts.

d The men wear loincloths, waistcoats and turbans, while the women wear one-yard sarees.

e Their diet mainly consists of products of milk like butter, buttermilk, yoghurt, cheese and plain rice.

f Their diet includes dishes such as dumplings, momo and thukpa.

g The men wear the Jymphong which is usually worn with a dhoti.

h The women wear Dakmanda and the men wear pandra, gando and kotip headbands.

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War, was a global conflict that started in 1939 and ended in 1945. Till date, it is the deadliest conflict in history with around 5 crore people reported dead, which mostly included civilians.

Major

Powers in World War

II

The countries that fought in World War II were divided into two groups—the Axis powers and the Allies. The Axis powers included Germany, Italy and Japan. France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union and, to some extent, China, were the Allied powers. World War II was won by the Allies.

Major Events in World War II

1939

World War II began when Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939 under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. Two days later, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany.

1941

The Blitz continued against Britain’s major cities. Hitler started Operation Barbarossa—the invasion of Soviet Union (comprising Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan). The Germans occupied a large area but failed to take Moscow, the capital city.

The US entered the war when Japan attacked the US Navy Base at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. More than 2,400 American troops were killed in this surprise attack.

1943

Germany surrendered at the Soviet city of Stalingrad. It was the first major defeat for Germany in the war and one of the greatest battles in history.

1944

Paris was liberated from Germany in August 1944, after four years.

1940

The Germans captured Belgium, the Netherlands and France. After that, the German air force attacked Britain. This event came to be known as the Blitz. It took place between 7 September 1940 and 11 May 1941. More than 43,000 civilians were killed in this attack.

1942

Singapore fell to the Japanese in February. They also captured Hong Kong, Burma, the Dutch East Indies, Malaya and the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Germans were carrying out the mass murders of Jewish people in concentration camps. Around 6 million jews lost their lives in those concentration camps.

1945

On 30 April 1945, Hitler committed suicide and Germany surrendered. 8 May 1945 was proclaimed as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). The European war came to an end.

On 6 and 9 August 1945, the US dropped two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively, killing lakhs of people. Japan surrendered formally on 2 September 1945 and World War II came to an end.

On a world map, colour the countries that were part of the Allies in green and those that were part of the Axis Powers in red.

Practice Time

1 Write the correct dates/years.

a Start of World War II:

b Adolf Hitler committed suicide:

c Pearl Harbor was attacked:

d Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima:

e Victory in Europe Day:

f World War II came to an end:

2 Name the countries that belonged to these groups.

a The Axis Powers

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

b The Allies

3 Write the dates and places of these events.

a The Blitz

b Attack on the US Navy base by Japan

c The first atomic bombing

4 Read the descriptions and write the correct answers.

a The person who led Germany in World War II.

b The operation started by Hitler to capture the Soviet Union.

c The city where the Germans suffered their first major defeat in World War II in 1943.

The Olympics

The Olympic Games are one of the most prestigious and well-known sporting events in the world. They are held every four years. A diverse range of sports competitions are a part of this event. Let us learn more about its history and significance.

Olympia, Greece

The five interconnected rings of the Olympics represent the five parts of the world—Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. The logo was designed by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in 1913. The five colours and the white background were adopted from the flags of the participating nations in the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm.

The first recorded Olympics, known as the ancient Olympic Games, were held at Olympia, Greece in 776 BCE.

The modern Olympics were restarted by Baron Pierre de Coubertin to promote global sportsmanship. The first modern Olympic games were held in April 1896 in Athens, Greece.

The Olympic torch symbolises the connection between the ancient and the modern Olympics. It is lit in Olympia and then passed on throughout the world, until it finally reaches the host city. The journey of the torch ends at the opening ceremony, where it is used to light the Olympic flame. This announces the beginning of the games.

Types of Olympics

• The Summer Olympics are the largest global multi-sport event. They feature 30 to 40 sports.

• The Winter Olympics feature 15 to 20 sports. The first Winter Olympics were held in France in 1924.

• Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is the sporting event for athletes between 15 to 18 years of age. The first Summer YOG were held in Singapore, in August 2010.

• Paralympics involves athletes with physical disabilities. The first Paralympics were organised in Rome, Italy in 1960.

The motto of the Olympic Games is “Citius, Altius, Fortius”. It means “Faster, Higher, Stronger”. It represents the Olympic spirit of continuous improvement, perseverance and striving for greatness.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Name the five parts of the world represented by the Olympic rings.

2 Fill in the blanks.

a The Olympic Games are held every years.

b The first ancient Olympics were held in , Greece.

c The modern Olympics were revived by .

d The logo of the Olympics was designed by in .

e The relay of the Olympic torch through various nations ends at the in the host city.

f The are held for athletes with physical disabilities.

g The Summer Olympics feature around sports.

h The YOG is a sporting event for youth between the ages of .

3 Fill in the table with the correct details.

Event Year

a First modern Olympics

b First Youth Olympics

c First Winter Olympics

d First Paralympics

First-aid Emergency

First aid is the immediate care given to someone who is injured or suddenly ill. It is often provided before professional medical help arrives. The main goal of first aid is to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening and promote recovery. Let us learn about the first aid given to a victim saved from drowning.

First Aid for Drowning

Rescue the person and move them to dry land. Keep their head lower than the rest of their body to reduce the risk of water entering their lungs.

Lay the person on their back on a firm surface.

If required, perform CPR. It is a life-saving technique.

Clear the airway by keeping a hand on their forehead and tilting it back while gently lifting their chin at the same time. Check if the person is able to breathe.

Call a doctor, or call an ambulance to take the person to the nearest hospital.

Note: When rescuing a person from drowning, ensure your safety first. Do not put yourself at risk of drowning.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency technique used to restore breathing and circulation in someone whose heart has stopped beating. It involves chest compressions and rescue breathing to keep blood and oxygen flowing to the vital organs until medical help arrives. Steps to perform CPR:

Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the person’s chest and the other hand on top of it.

Push down hard and fast to a depth of about 2 inches.

After every 30 sets of compressions, give at least 2-3 rescue breaths. Give 100 to 120 steady compressions per minute.

By learning various first-aid techniques and how to perform CPR, we can gain life-saving skills that will help us in emergency situations.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Number the steps (1-5) for first aid given during drowning.

a Call for a doctor or an ambulance.

b Clear the airway and check for breathing.

c Perform CPR.

d Lay the person on their back.

e Rescue the person and take them to a dry place.

2 Write True or False.

a Use one hand to perform chest compression.

b After rescuing a person from drowning, we should move the victim to a dry area.

c Chess compressions should be performed to a depth of 4 inches.

d CPR primarily involves performing only chest compressions.

e One should give one rescue breath after every chest compression.

f While rescuing a person during drowning, we should take care of the risk of water entering the victim’s lungs.

3 Create a poster to spread awareness about the importance of first aid during emergencies.

Types of Theatre

The word ‘theatre’ refers to the performance of a play in front of an audience. There are many different types of theatre performances.

Tragedy

It is a genre of drama based on human suffering, or on the sorrowful events faced by the main character in a play. Antigone by Sophocles and Hamlet by Shakespeare are two popular tragedies.

Melodrama

This form of drama emphasises the intense emotions of its characters to generate a strong response from the audience. The Octoroon by Dion Boucicault and Under the Gaslight by Augustin Daly are two popular plays of this genre.

Comedy and Farce

A comedy is a dramatic performance with a light and humorous tone that presents amusing events. The characters usually triumph over their problems in the end. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a well-known Shakespearean comedy. A farce is a comedy with silly or absurd characters, and unrealistic or exaggerated situations. It involves a lot of chaos and misunderstandings. Farces are intended to be great fun for the audience. Some popular farces include The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde and Noises Off by Michael Frayn.

Opera and Musical Theatre

Musical theatres are set to music, and the actors sing, dance and use dialogues to tell an engaging story. The songs are like an additional perspective on what is happening. Hamilton is an example of modern musical theatre.

Opera is generally performed in classical Western music. The story is told by singing all the words and the songs are accompanied by an orchestra. The Marriage of Figaro is a world-famous opera.

Ballet

Broadway Theatre

Ballet involves grace and beauty, communicating a wide range of emotions in light, poetic, yet precise and technical movements. Both classical and modern ballets are popular due to their unique storytelling structure. Swan Lake is one of the best-known ballets worldwide.

Broadway is a street in the entertainment district of New York, where there are many theatres. Broadway musicals use live dialogue, music, singing and dancing to tell stories. Recently, the NMACC (Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre) brought an award-winning Broadway musical, The Sound of Music, to India for the first time.

Plays are a source of inspiration, humour, critical thought and transformation. They can produce life-changing experiences for people.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Name the people who wrote the following plays.

a Antigone

b The Importance of Being Earnest

c Under the Gaslight

d A Midsummer Night’s Dream

2 Fill in the blanks with the correct theatre performances.

a and are two popular tragedies.

b and are two popular melodramatic plays.

c is a famous Shakespearean comedy.

d and are two popular farces.

e is one of the most famous operas.

f is a modern musical theatre.

g is an award-winning Broadway musical brought to India by the NMACC.

h is one of the most well-known ballets worldwide.

3 Which form of drama is it?

a It has a humorous tone and depicts amusing incidents.

b It is based on the sorrowful events faced by the main character in a play.

c It overemphasises the emotions of its characters.

d It has an unrealistic plot, silly characters and exaggerated situations.

e It is musical in nature, with a lighter tone and engaging plotline.

f It is light, poetic and involves grace and beauty, yet it has precise and technical movements.

g It is from New York and uses live dialogue, music, singing and dancing to tell stories.

h It is classical in nature, and the actors sing all the dialogue to tell an engaging story.

Natural Disasters of 2024

Natural disasters are terrible natural events. They cause a lot of damage to plants, animals, buildings and people. Many natural disasters occurred in 2024. Let us learn about a few of them.

Noto Peninsula Earthquake

On 1 January 2024, an earthquake occured in the Noto Peninsula, a place in Japan. It was of a magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter Scale. It led to the deaths of more than 280 people and injured many more. It destroyed more than 83,000 homes. It was the strongest earthquake to hit Japan since 2011.

Hualien Earthquake

On 3 April 2024, an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude hit Hualien County in Taiwan. It was the biggest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years. It led to the deaths of at least 18 people, and more than 1,100 people were injured. It triggered massive landslides and damaged homes, schools, businesses and infrastructure.

Hurricane Beryl

On 1 July 2024, a very strong storm named Hurricane Beryl in the Atlantic Ocean hit Grenada. Over the next few days, it also hit other countries like Venezuela, Mexico and the USA. It led to the deaths of several people across these countries and caused severe damage to infrastructure, with an estimated damage worth $28 billion to $32 billion in the US alone.

Wayanad Landslides

At the end of July 2024, villages in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India were hit by a series of landslides. They were caused by heavy rains which made hillsides collapse. It was a terrible disaster in which over 350 people died, thousands were injured and many went missing.

Typhoon Yagi

On 6 September 2024, a very strong storm named Super Typhoon Yagi hit the southern part of China. Over the next few days, it also hit Vietnam, Myanmar and many other Southeast Asian countries. It caused more than 500 deaths across several countries in Southeast Asia. It was the strongest typhoon to hit Vietnam in 30 years and caused damages worth more than $1.6 billion in Vietnam alone.

Did you know that India has a government body that takes care of the management of disasters? Use the internet to find out which government body it is.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Write the correct dates/months in which these disasters happened.

a Noto Peninsula Earthquake

b Wayanad Landslides

c Typhoon Yagi

d Hualien Earthquake

e Hurricane Beryl

2 Fill in the blanks.

a hit Grenada, Venezuela, Mexico and the USA.

b On 1 January 2024, an earthquake hit the in Japan.

c A series of happened in Wayanad, Kerala at the end of July 2024.

d was one of the deadliest storms ever to hit the Southeast Asian region.

e was the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years.

3 Write True or False.

a The 2024 Hualien earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale.

b Super Typhoon Yagi did not cause any significant damage in Vietnam.

c The 2024 Wayanad landslides were caused by volcanic eruptions.

d Hurricane Beryl caused an estimated $28 to $32 billion worth of damages in the US alone.

e The Noto Peninsula Earthquake was the strongest earthquake ever to hit Japan since 2011.

Extinct and Endangered Animals

Many species of animals have disappeared from Earth forever. They are called extinct animals. There are many animal species that are on the verge of becoming extinct. They are called endangered animals, and they must be protected and conserved.

What causes animals to become extinct or endangered?

The destruction of habitats due to deforestation and natural or human-made disasters puts animals at risk.

Extinct Animals

The dodo bird was found in Mauritius. It became extinct in the 1680s, mainly due to hunting.

The Tasmanian tigers were found in Australia. They became extinct by 1936 due to hunting and loss of habitat.

The giant Pinta Island tortoise was native to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The last surviving member of this species, Lonesome George, passed away in June 2012.

Pollution and climate change make it difficult for animals to survive.

Endangered Animals

The ill-treatment and hunting of animals for commercial purposes decrease their populations.

Orangutans are found only in the forests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. They are critically endangered due to the loss of habitat by deforestation, illegal hunting and illegal pet trade.

The blue whale is the largest animal in the world. They have been hunted a lot in the past, and only a few thousand remain now. Recently, they have also been facing danger from ship collisions.

The tiger population has drastically reduced in the past century. They were hunted on a large scale for their skin. They were declared endangered in 1986 by IUCN.

The Great Indian Bustards are native to India and Pakistan. However, only a few of them are left. The decrease in their population is due to widespread hunting and habitat loss due to agriculture. IUCN declared them as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2011.

Asian elephants are found in 13 Asian countries. They are on the endangered list of the IUCN. The drastic decline in their population is due to the loss of habitat and being hunted for their ivory tusks.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was established on 5 October 1948 in Fontainebleau, France. It is an international organisation dedicated to the conservation of nature and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. Additionally, IUCN publishes the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, often called the Red Data Book, which contains information about endangered animals and their risk status of becoming extinct.

Earth is home to many different species of birds and animals. We must work together to save them from extinction caused by human activities.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Write the locations where the following animals are/were found.

a Dodo:

b Tasmanian tiger:

c Orangutan:

d The Great Indian Bustard:

e Pinta Island Tortoise:

2 Write True or False.

a IUCN stands for International Union for Conservation of Nature.

b IUCN publishes the Black List, which contains information about endangered animals.

c Climate change is one of the factors endangering animals.

d The blue whale is an extinct animal.

e Lonesome George passed away in June 2012.

3 Who am/was I?

a I was a flightless bird that became extinct in the 1680s.

b I was a tortoise native to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

c I am the largest animal in the world.

d I am an endangered animal found in the forests of Borneo and Sumatra.

e I am found in 13 Asian countries and have been hunted for my ivory tusks.

f I am a bird native to both India and Pakistan and was declared critically endangered in 2011.

g I am a royal wild animal, hunted excessively in the past and declared endangered in 1986 by the IUCN.

Cybercrime and the Law

Cybercrime is an unlawful and unethical act involving a computer, digital device or the internet. Cybercriminals engage in various types of illegal activities. Let us learn about them.

Types of Cybercrime

Hacking

It is an act in which someone illegally breaks into and gets unauthorised access to a computer system or an online account. A person who does this is called a hacker Commonly, there are two types of hackers:

• Black Hat hackers steal information, spread viruses or destroy files.

• White Hat hackers, also known as ‘ethical hackers’, use their skills to help the government, as well as many organisations and companies, identify security issues in their systems.

Phishing

It is an act in which someone tricks individuals into revealing personal information like passwords, credit card numbers or other sensitive data by sending fake emails and messages. These emails often look like they originate from trusted companies or friends.

Cyberbullying

It is when someone uses the internet or digital platforms to hurt, target, threaten or harass others. It can happen through social media, SMS or emails. It also involves spreading false information about someone using fake accounts and false identities. A few countries where cyberbullying is very common are India, Brazil and the United States.

Online Financial Frauds

These are dishonest schemes on the internet where people try to trick others into giving away money, financial information or valuable things. Scammers create fake online shops that seem real, using stolen logos and copied designs.

Efforts to Tackle Cybercrimes in India

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is responsible for making and amending cyber laws in India.

• Information Technology Act, 2000: This act addressed cybercrimes and e-commerce in India.

• National Cyber Security Policy, 2013: Under this, the government aimed to elevate the standards of cybersecurity in India and protect information available in the cyberspace.

• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): It is a government effort to fight cybercrime and ensure that different law enforcement groups work together in a coordinated manner.

Facts Related to Indian Cybercrimes:

• According to the I4C, a total of ₹1,750 crores was lost due to cyber fraud in just the first four months of 2024.

• According to the I4C, an average of 7,000 cyber crime complaints were registered every day up to May 2024.

We should avoid replying to suspicious emails and messages. We should not share our personal information with unknown people whom we meet online.

Practice Time

1 Name any four types of cybercrimes.

2 Fill in the blanks.

a The addressed cybercrime and e-commerce in India.

b Under , the Government of India aimed to elevate the standards of cybersecurity in India.

c hackers are also known as ethical hackers.

d A hacker aims to steal information or destroy files.

e An average of cyber complaints were registered every day up to May 2024.

f makes the cyber laws in India.

g I4C stands for .

h In the first four months of 2024, the total amount of money lost to cyber frauds was about

3 Which type of cybercrime is it?

a In this cyber crime, someone tricks individuals into revealing personal information by sending fake emails and messages.

b In this cyber crime, scammers create fake online shops to trick others into giving away money.

c This cybercrime includes spreading false information about someone using fake accounts and false identities.

d In this cybercrime, someone illegally breaks into a social media account without permission.

Budgeting

Budgeting involves creating a spending plan based on our income and expenses. Let us learn more about budgeting.

What are Income, Expenses and Savings?

Income: This is the total amount of money someone earns or receives.

Expenses: This is the total amount of money someone spends or uses.

Savings: This is the total amount of money that someone sets aside for future use.

INCOME

Importance of Budgeting

• It helps to avoid overspending.

• It helps to save money for long-term goals.

• It helps to create financial stability.

• It helps to manage money effectively and make smart choices.

• It helps to live within means, reduce financial stress and improve home life.

How to Make a Budget

• Track your expenses over the span of two to three months to get a clear idea of your monthly spending.

• Sort your money according to your needs and wants; then decide your expected expenses.

• Decide how much money you want to save.

• If you are overspending, adjust your expenses to manage money effectively.

• Track your actual spending to see if you are following your budget.

Union Budget

Every year in Parliament, the finance minister of India presents the Union Budget (government budget) for the upcoming year. It helps keep the country stable and its economy growing.

The government creates the Union Budget to ensure that important areas like health, education, housing, transport, defence and other sectors have enough funds to serve people well. It also allows the government to support those in need, helping to improve their quality of life.

We can practise budgeting with small amounts, like our pocket money. This will help us develop skills that can lead to financial security and independence.

Practice Time

1 Fill in the blanks.

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

a is the amount of money we spend on things. (Income/Expense)

b is the amount of money we make or earn. (Expense/Income)

c A budget helps us to decide how to our money wisely. (earn/spend)

d A budget allows us to save money for our . (earnings/goals)

e The union budget explains the income and expense of a . (person/nation)

f The minister presents the Union Budget of India. (finance/defence)

g The budget of India is presented in the , each year. (White House/Parliament)

2 Name any four sectors for which the Indian government creates the Union Budget.

3 Write True or False.

a Budgeting helps to overspend money.

b Budgeting helps to save money for long-term goals.

c When making a budget, we should start by deciding how much to save.

d If we are overspending, we should adjust our spending to save.

e Budgeting helps to create financial stability.

4 Using what you have learnt about budgeting in this chapter, note a few expenses that you could cut down that will help you save money for a new water bottle worth `150.

Forts and Palaces of India

India has many mighty forts and grand palaces. These were built in different eras by various rulers in different parts of India. Let us learn about some of India’s forts and palaces.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Mehrangarh Fort was built in around 1459 by Rao Jodha, the ruler of Marwar. It is one of the largest forts in India. The fort houses many palaces including the Moti Mahal and the Phool Mahal, which are known for their beautifully painted ceilings and walls. Today, the palaces of the fort have galleries that display Mughal artwork, textiles, furniture and other artefacts.

Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

The construction of the Gwalior Fort was started by Raja Sourya Sena in the 6th century CE. The fort is home to many ancient temples such as Teli ka Mandir and Chaturbhuj Temple. It also contains many palaces built by rulers from different dynasties over the centuries. The Man Mandir Palace and the Gujari Mahal were built by Raja Man Singh Tomar of the Tomar dynasty. The Shahjahan Mahal and Jahangir Mahal were built by the Mughal rulers.

Fort Aguada, Candolim, Goa

Fort Aguada was built by the Portuguese between 1609–1612. It is situated on top of a hill near River Mandovi. It derives its name from the word ‘Agua’, which is Portuguese for water. It was named so because of the presence of a freshwater spring inside the fort. A lighthouse attached to the fort was built in 1864.

Mysuru Palace, Mysuru, Karnataka

The Mysuru Palace was built between 1897–1912. Designed by a British architect named Henry Irwin, it is also known as the Amba Vilas Palace. The palace has many grand rooms and a Durbar Hall which is a major tourist attraction, known for its ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars. The Palace houses the Residential Museum. Dussehra celebrations are held in the palace every year when 97,000 electric bulbs are lit.

Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala, Tripura

The Ujjayanta Palace was built between 1899–1901 by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya. It has huge Mughal-style gardens, decorated with pools and tiled floors. The palace contains a Chinese room, crafted by artisans who were brought from China. The palace also housed the Tripura State Legislative Assembly until 2011.

City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan

This palace was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as a part of his project to build Jaipur city. It is the residence of the royal family of Jaipur, and was formerly the administrative headquarters of the rulers of the Jaipur state. The palace complex houses many temples. Today, it is open to the public as a museum.

These forts and palaces of India are important monuments and part of India’s cultural heritage. We should ensure not to damage them while visiting.

1 Fill in the blanks.

a The is home to many temples such as Teli ka Mandir and Chaturbhuj Temple.

b is situated on top of a hill near River Mandovi.

c is the residence of the royal family of Jaipur.

d houses many palaces such as the Moti Mahal and the Phool Mahal.

e Dussehra celebrations are held every year at

f contains a Chinese room, crafted by artisans brought from China.

2 Who am I?

a I built the Mehrangarh Fort.

b I was the architect of the Mysuru Palace.

c I started the construction of the Gwalior fort.

d I founded the City Palace of Jaipur.

e I built the Ujjayanta Palace.

3 Complete the crossword.

ACROSS

1. The town where Fort Aguada is located.

2. The city where Ujjayanta Palace is located.

3. The city where Mehrangarh Fort is located.

DOWN

1. The city where Gwalior fort is located.

2. The city where City Palace is located.

G20 Summits

The G20 stands for ‘Group of Twenty’. It is a forum where 19 countries, the European Union and the African Union come together to address global economic issues. Let us learn more about it.

G20 Summits

The G20 was established in 1999. It initially had 19 countries and the European Union. In 2023, the African Union was made a permanent member.

The G20 Summit is where the leaders of different nations discuss how to economically strengthen the world and ensure financial stability for everyone. In this annual event, all the member-nations come together to address financial and economic issues such as taxes, financial aids, schemes for climate change, poverty and healthcare issues. It is hosted by the country that holds the G20 presidency. Brazil hosted the 2024 G20 Summit on 18 and 19 November 2024.

The G20 Agenda

In each summit, G20 members address the G20 agenda—a list of priorities which focuses on challenges faced by the member countries.

Some of the key areas of focus in the G20 agenda include:

• Global Economic Growth and Stability: The G20 works to develop economic policies and promote financial stability at the global level.

• Trade and Investment: The G20 promotes fair trade and investment policies that support global economic growth.

• Sustainable Development: The G20 promotes sustainable development by addressing issues that affect all sections of society.

• Climate Change: The G20 works to combat climate change by promoting renewable energy resources and green technologies.

• Health: The G20 works to strengthen global health systems.

• Education: The G20 promotes quality education for all in order to build a more inclusive world.

• Employment: The G20 works to create more quality jobs and promote decent work in order to create inclusive job spaces.

• Digital Transformation: The G20 promotes digital transformation to benefit everyone.

Important G20 Summits

2008, Washington, USA: It was the first G20 summit. It addressed the global financial crisis. 2015, Antalya, Turkey: This summit focused on inclusive global growth and enhanced cooperation between G20 and low-income developing countries. 2021, Rome, Italy: It took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and addressed ways to aid global economic recovery and advance efforts to fight climate change. 2023, New Delhi, India: It addressed sustainable development, the serious issue of climate change and the digital economy.

Can you think of any current global challenges that should be addressed in the next G20 Summit? Discuss with your classmates.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Fill in the blanks.

a The G20 stands for

b In 2023, the was made a permanent member of the G20.

c The G20 was founded in the year .

d The first G20 Summit was held in in 2008.

e The 2023 G20 Summit was held in .

f was the host of the G20 summit in 2024.

g In the G20 Summit, the leaders of different nations discuss how to strengthen the world.

2 Write the years and the locations of the G20 Summits.

Key Areas of Focus

a It addressed climate change and digital economy.

b It focused on cooperation between the G20 and low-income developing countries.

c It addressed the global financial crisis.

d It addressed ways to aid global economic recovery.

3 Write True or False.

a The G20 promotes renewable energy sources and green technologies.

b The G20 works to improve the global health and education system.

c The G20 promotes climate change.

d The G20 does not promote sustainable development.

e The G20 makes policies for better global economic growth.

f Digital transformation is not one of the agendas of the G20.

Famous Paintings in the World

There are a few paintings that have captured the imagination of people across the world. Let us learn about some of them.

The Last Supper

It is one of the most famous artworks in the world. It was painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1495 and 1498. The painting depicts the dramatic scene of the last meal Jesus is believed to have had with his Apostles (disciples or followers), where he declared that one of them would betray him. It is in the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery in Milan, Italy.

Mona Lisa

The famous oil painting by Leonardo Da Vinci was painted between 1503 and 1519. The mysterious quality of Mona Lisa’s smile and her unproven identity has made people curious about it for centuries. Mona Lisa’s calm look and the distant landscape show Leonardo’s mastery of technique. It now hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

Girl with a Pearl Earring

This is an oil painting on canvas painted by Johannes Vermeer in 1665. His painting looks incredibly real and modern, almost like a photograph. The woman is unknown. He portrays her with a pearl earring, looking over her shoulder, locking eyes with the viewer as if she is trying to make a connection.

The Starry Night

This oil painting on canvas was painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1889. It is in the Impressionist style of painting for which the painter was known. Van Gogh painted it while staying in an asylum, inspired by the view from his window and his love for nature. In the painting, the night sky comes alive with swirls and orbs created by brush marks. It is kept at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, USA.

Blue Dancers

This oil painting on canvas was created by Edgar Degas sometime between 1890 and 1900. He was a great fan of ballet dance. In the Blue Dancers, he uses the Impressionist style with large spots of colour, giving more importance to the decorative look of the surface. Today, the painting is in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow.

Shakuntala

It was painted by Raja Ravi Varma in 1898. It is a realist presentation of a mythological painting. It depicts Shakuntala, from Mahabharat, eagerly looking back for Dushyanta, her husband, while pretending to remove a thorn from her foot. It captures the expressions and body language of Shakuntala and her companions in detail.

Use the internet to find out the names of any two famous painters from India.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Fill in the table.

Painting

a The Starry Night

b Girl with a Pearl Earring

c Shakuntala

d The Last Supper

e Mona Lisa

2 Write True or False.

a The Last Supper depicts the dramatic scene of Jesus’s last meal with his Apostles.

b The Starry Night was painted by Vincent van Gogh while he was in an asylum.

c Blue Dancers was a water painting made on wood.

d Shakuntala shows the emotions of Shakuntala and her companions from the Ramayana.

3 Name two artists who have used the Impressionist style of painting in their art.

4 Where are these paintings kept today?

a The Last Supper

b Blue Dancers

c Mona Lisa

d The Starry Night

5 Which painting is it?

a This painting is of an unknown woman wearing a pearl earring.

b The night sky comes alive with swirls and orbs in this painting.

c This painting depicts a complex study of human emotions at a supper table.

d This painting is famous for the mysterious quality of the smile of the woman in the painting.

e This painting depicts ballet dancers in blue costumes.

f This painting captures the expressions of a woman looking for her husband.

Parameters of Health

Understanding the parameters of health helps people evaluate their overall well-being and identify areas for improvement. Let us learn about some key parameters of health.

Body Temperature

Body temperature is a measure of the body’s ability to generate and lose heat. It is measured in Celsius and Fahrenheit. The normal human body temperature is around 37° C (98.6° F). It is generally considered that a body temperature above 38° C (100.4° F) indicates that a person has a fever. An instrument called a thermometer is used to measure body temperature.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a measure of the force (or pressure) with which blood pushes against the walls of the arteries. It is measured in mmHg (milimetres of mercury). The normal blood pressure is usually around 120/80 mmHg. If our blood pressure increases or decreases suddenly, it could lead to health problems. Blood pressure is measured using an instrument called a sphygmomanometer.

Pulse Rate

It is the number of times the heart beats per minute. It is measured in BPM (beats per minute).

The normal resting pulse rate ranges between 60 bpm to 100 bpm. A sudden increase or decrease in resting pulse rate could be an indication of a medical issue. There are various devices to measure pulse rate, including pulse oximeters and heart rate monitors.

Blood Sugar

It is a measure of the amount of glucose in the blood. It is measured in mg/dL (milligrams per decilitre).

The normal fasting blood sugar level is between 70 to 100 mg/dL. This is measured when a person has not eaten or drunk anything for at least eight hours. If the blood sugar level is above or below this range, it may be an indication of health problems. Blood sugar level is measured using a blood glucose meter and Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).

Monitoring the different parameters of health regularly can help us detect potential health issues early, and therefore get quicker treatment.

Practice Time

1 Fill in the blanks.

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

a The normal human body temperature is around .

b The normal fasting blood sugar is usually between and

c The normal blood pressure is usually around .

d The normal pulse rate ranges between

2 Name the measurement units used for the following parameters of health.

a Blood Pressure

b Blood Sugar

c Body Temperature

d Pulse Rate

3 Name any one device used to measure the following parameters of health.

a Blood Sugar

b Pulse Rate

c Blood Pressure

d Body Temperature

4 Which parameter of health is being talked about?

a It is a measure of the body’s ability to generate and lose heat.

b It shows the amount of glucose in the blood.

c It shows the force with which blood pushes against the walls of the arteries.

d It shows the number of times the heart beats per minute.

Environmental Protection

Several individuals, groups and governments across the world are working to safeguard the natural environment. Let us read about some of the environmental protection laws and programmes that are contributing to it.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The UNFCCC came into force on 21 March 1994. The UNFCCC is the main worldwide treaty for combating climate change, with the aim of keeping greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere in check to protect the climate. In 2024, the UNFCCC had a membership of 198 countries.

The Environment Protection Act 1986

This is an Indian law created with an aim to protect and improve the environment. It emphasises controlling pollution by regulating the locations of industries in certain areas. It also states strict actions against those who harm the environment.

The Paris Agreement

Adopted on 12 December 2015, the Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 C and striving to limit the temperature increase further to 1.5 C. As of 2024, 195 parties (194 States and the European Union) have joined the Paris Agreement.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

CITES, effective since 1 July 1975, is an international agreement involving 184 members (183 countries and the European Union). Its goal is to ensure that international trade of wild animals and plant specimens does not threaten the survival of the species.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The CBD is an international treaty that became effective on 29 December 1993. Its primary goals are conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of its components. In 2024, the CBD had 196 parties.

How Can We Help?

• Use public transport, or walk instead of driving, to reduce carbon emission.

• Plant more trees.

• Conserve water and electricity.

• Recycle, reduce and reuse rather than producing waste.

• Choose reusable alternatives for plastic bags, bottles and utensils.

Climate change is one of the biggest problems faced by Earth today. We all must work together and adopt more sustainable lifestyles in order to help save the environment.

Practice Time

1 Write the full forms of the following.

a UNFCCC

b CITES

c CBD

2 What happened on these dates in order to protect the environment?

a 29 December 1993

b 1 July 1975 .

c 12 December 2015

d 21 March 1994 .

3 Write the number of parties involved in the following treaties.

a Paris Agreement

b UNFCCC

c CITES

d CBD

4 Fill in the blanks with the correct answers.

a The main goal of the Paris agreement is .

b One primary goal of CBD is .

c The aim of the UNFCCC is

d The aim of the Environment Protection Act is

5 Write ‘Do’ and ‘Don’t’ for the following statements.

a We should use public transport rather than personal transport.

b We should leave the water tap open after use.

c We should use plastic bags and bottles.

d We should recycle, reduce and reuse rather than produce waste. Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) programme is a collaborative effort by multiple space agencies from different countries. It serves as a space-based scientific research and experimentation laboratory. Let us read more about it.

In 1984, the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, approved the development of a space station programme, which planned to build a large space station in Earth’s orbit. It was designed between 1984 and 1993, but the construction of some elements began in the late 1980s across the US, Canada, Japan and Europe. In 1993, Russia joined the space station programme, and its name was changed to the International Space Station.

Five space agencies collectively operate the ISS:

• The Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

• The European Space Agency (ESA)

• The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

• The State Space Corporation of Russia (Roscosmos)

Some Interesting Facts About the ISS

It orbits Earth at an altitude of about 400 km in the low Earth orbit while travelling at a speed of approximately 28,000 km/hr. The ISS orbits Earth in roughly 90 minutes.

The ISS is designed to accommodate a crew of seven astronauts at a time, who can stay inside. On the ISS, astronauts have sleeping quarters, a kitchen, a gym, a lab and more. They also go outside the ISS for spacewalks. As of October 2024, the space station had been visited by more than 280 individuals from 23 different countries, with many of them making multiple visits.

Researches by the ISS

Expedition 68 was launched on 29 September 2022 and it landed at the ISS on 28 March 2023. The crew studied heart health, experimented with 3D printing for knee cartilage and heart tissue, and grew red dwarf tomatoes.

Expedition 69 was launched on 28 March 2023 and it landed at the ISS on 27 September 2023. It conducted research in biology, studied spacecraft fire safety and gave students the opportunity to design hardware for the station.

Expedition 70 was launched on 27 September 2023 and it landed at the ISS on 5 April 2024. The crew conducted research on heart health, cancer treatments and space manufacturing techniques.

Astronauts have to undergo up to two years of training before they can be selected for a space flight. Becoming an astronaut requires a lot of hard work, dedication and courage.

Practice Time

1 Write the full names of the five partner agencies who operate the ISS.

2 Fill in the table with the details of each expedition.

a Expedition 68

b Expedition 69

c Expedition 70

3 Fill in the blanks.

a President Ronald Reagan approved the space station programme in

b Design work of the ISS occurred from the year to .

c In 1993, joined the space station programme.

d The ISS orbits Earth in roughly minutes.

e By October 2024, the space station had been visited by more than individuals from different countries.

f The four countries involved in the construction of the space station in the late 1980s were , , and

g A crew of astronauts can live on the ISS at a time.

h ISS orbits Earth at an altitude of about km in the . Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

Sports Events, 2024

In 2024, many significant sports tournaments were held worldwide. Let us look at some of them.

2024 Summer Olympics

The 2024 Summer Olympics were held from 26 July to 11 August in Paris, France. This edition featured events of 32 different sports. The United States of America led the medal tally by winning 126 medals (40 gold, 44 silver and 42 bronze). India ranked 71st by winning 6 medals (1 silver and 5 bronze).

2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

The 9th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was held from 01 to 29 June in the West Indies and the USA. This was the first time it took place with 20 teams. India won it by beating South Africa in the finals. This marked India’s second Men’s T20 World Cup title, after their first victory in 2007.

2024 Summer Paralympics

The 2024 Summer Paralympics were held from 28 August to 8 September in Paris, France. This edition featured events of 22 different sports. The People’s Republic of China led the medal tally by winning 220 medals (94 gold, 76 silver, 50 bronze). India ranked 18th by winning 29 medals (7 gold, 9 silver and 13 bronze). This was India’s best performance in the Paralympics.

2024 Chess Olympiad

The 45th edition of the Chess Olympiad was held from 10 to 23 September in Budapest, Hungary. The event featured the Open and Women’s events and many individual awards. India won both the Open and Women’s events and the Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy, which is given to the team with the best-combined performance in the Open and Women’s tournaments.

2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

The 9th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup was held from 3 to 20 October in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It featured 10 teams. New Zealand won it by beating South Africa in the finals. This was their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title. The Indian team finished its campaign in the group stages.

Note: It was originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh but was relocated to the UAE due to political reasons.

Use the internet to find out the sports events that occurred in India in 2024.

Practice Time

1 Name the countries.

a It led the medal tally at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

b It led the medal tally at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.

c It won the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

d It won the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

e It won the Open and Women’s events at the 45th Chess Olympiad.

2 Fill in the blanks.

a The 2024 Summer Olympics featured sports events.

b India ranked and at the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, respectively.

c The 9th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup featured teams.

d India won its first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in the year .

e India won number of medals at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.

f is the award given at the Chess Olympiad to the team with the best-combined performance in the Open and Women’s tournaments.

g The 9th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup featured teams.

3 Complete the table.

a Summer Olympics

b Summer Paralympics

c ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

d ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

e Chess Olympiad

Business Tycoons of India

There are many business tycoons in India who have contributed to the growth of our country by providing employment, generating revenue and exporting Indian products to other parts of the world. Let us read about some of them.

Dhirubhai Ambani (1932-2002) was the founder of Reliance Industries. He started Reliance Commercial Corporation in 1958 as a small business mainly trading in spices and polyester. Later, it entered the textile, engineering and petroleum sectors. He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, posthumously, in 2016 by the Government of India for his exceptional contributions to trade and industry.

Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata (1904-1993), or J.R.D. Tata, was the founder of several industries under the Tata Group, including Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors and Tata Salt. He established India’s first airline—Air India. J. R. D. Tata received the Padma Vibhushan in 1955 and the Bharat Ratna in 1992 for his contribution to the development of industries in India.

Shiv Nadar (1945-Present) is the founder of the IT company, HCL Technologies, and Shiv Nadar Foundation. He founded HCL Technologies in the year 1976 as an IT hardware company. He has also contributed a lot towards the education system in India. In 2008, he received the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India for his contribution to the IT industry.

N. R. Narayana Murthy (1946-Present) is one of the co-founders of the IT company, Infosys, established in 1981. He served as the CEO of the company from 1981 to 2002 and as a chairman from 2002 to 2011. He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 2008 and the Padma Shri in 2000.

Mukesh Ambani (1957-Present) is the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited, which has businesses in petrochemicals, oil and gas, oil refining, chemicals, telecom, retail and many other sectors. Some of the subsidiaries of Reliance are Jio Platforms, Reliance Retail, Network 18 Group and Indiawin Sports.

Azim Hashim Premji (1945-Present) is the founder and former chairman of the IT company, Wipro Limited. He also established the Azim Premji Foundation, a non-profit organisation, in 2001. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his outstanding work in trade and commerce. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2011.

Business leaders help create jobs, encouraging innovation and economic growth. The growth of new businesses is important for a nation.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Name one company founded by the following personalities.

a Shiv Nadar

b Dhirubhai Ambani

c N.R. Narayana Murthy

d J. R. D. Tata

e Azim Hashim Premji

2 Fill in the blanks.

a Dhirubhai Ambani started Reliance Commercial Corporation as a small business mainly trading in and .

b N. R. Narayana Murthy served as the of Infosys from 1981 to 2002.

c Shiv Nadar founded HCL Technologies in .

d Azim Hashim Premji established in 2001.

e J.R.D. Tata established , India’s first airline.

3 Write any one honour given to the following people by the Government of India and the year in which they received it.

Business Tycoon Honour Year

a N.R. Narayana Murthy

b Azim Hashim Premji

c Shiv Nadar

d J.R.D. Tata

e Dhirubhai Ambani

BRICS Nations

BRICS is an informal group of nine countries that work together as an intergovernmental organisation. BRICS nations seek economic cooperation among themselves. They also aim to enhance their political standing in the world.

The Beginning of BRICS

• BRIC stands for Brazil, Russia, India and China.

• Jim O’Neill, the former chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, coined the concept of BRIC.

• Representatives of BRIC began to meet informally starting from the 2006 United Nations General Assembly meeting.

• The first official summit of the BRIC nations was held on 16 June 2009, in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

• In 2010, South Africa joined the organisation, and it was renamed to BRICS.

Members of BRICS

On 1 January 2024, four more countries officially joined BRICS. These countries are: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is informally called BRICS+.

Global Significance of BRICS

The BRICS nations make up a large part of the world population and economy. They are leaders in global trade, as almost 25% of all the world’s exports come from the BRICS nations. Rich in resources, they export things like oil, gas and agricultural products. They are among the world’s fastest-growing and emerging markets of the 21st century. China is a manufacturing giant, while India excels in IT and software services.

Key Developments

• The 1st BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held during Russia’s Chairmanship on 8 June 2015 in Moscow, to strengthen contacts at the leadership level of BRICS. The Parliamentary Forums are responsible for the development of cooperation among BRICS nations and promoting their common interests.

• The New Development Bank was established in 2015 to provide funding to emerging markets and developing countries for infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

BRICS Summits

BRICS holds an annual summit in which the leaders of each member-nation must be the attendees.

The 16th BRICS Summit was held in Kazan, Russia from 22 to 24 October 2024. The theme of the summit was “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.”

India hosted the 13th BRICS Summit on 9 September 2021 in New Delhi. Its theme was “BRICS@15: Intra-BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation, and Consensus.”

BRICS countries are collaborating to advance technology, with a focus on areas such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

Russia China

Brazil

India

South Africa

Practice Time

1 What does BRICS stand for?

2 Name four nations that officially joined BRICS in 2024.

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

3 Fill in the blanks.

a The concept of ‘BRIC’ was first introduced by .

b South Africa became the fifth member of BRICS in the year .

c The New Development Bank was established by BRICS in the year .

d The BRICS Parliamentary Forum came into existence in the year

e BRICS nations account for of all the world’s exports.

f Among BRICS, is known for being a manufacturing giant.

g Among BRICS, India is leading in services.

4 Complete the table.

Event

a 1st BRIC Summit

b 13th BRICS Summit

c 16th BRICS Summit

d 1st BRICS Parliamentary Forum

Date it was held

Location

Loans and Interest

Sometimes, when people need money, they borrow it from banks as loans. When they pay it back, they have to pay an additional amount called interest. Let us learn more about loans and interest.

Loan

A loan is an amount of money that is borrowed from a person or a financial institution, such as a bank. The borrower agrees to return the money to the lender at a later date.

Some Types of Loans

Loans are of different types, depending on the purpose for which the borrower requires the loan.

Home Loans: Home loans are availed by people who require funds to buy or construct a house.

Vehicle Loans: Vehicle loans are availed by people who require funds to purchase a vehicle. This includes both personal and commercial vehicles.

Education Loans: Education loans are availed by people who require funds to finance their educational programmes within the country or abroad.

Interest

Interest is the extra amount of money we pay back in addition to the loan amount. The original amount that we loan is called the principal. Interest is usually calculated as a percentage of a loan. The percentage of the principal that is charged as interest for each period is called the rate of interest.

Types of Interest

There are two types of interest—simple interest and compound interest.

Simple Interest: Simple interest is an interest charged only on the principal amount that has been borrowed at a given rate and for a period of time.

Compound Interest: Compound interest is the interest charged not only on the principal amount but also on any interest that has been added to it. It is a variable amount that increases with interest added from previous periods.

It is important for our family to make smart financial decisions. So, before taking any loan, we should always consider the total cost, including the loan amount and the interest.

Practice Time

1 Fill in the blanks.

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

a A is an amount of money that is borrowed from a person or a financial institution.

b The original amount that we borrow is called the .

c is the interest charged not only on the principal amount, but also on any interest that has been added to it.

d The is the percentage of the principal that is charged as interest for each period

e is the extra amount of money one has to pay back in addition to the loan amount.

2 Write True or False.

a We have to pay the interest amount in addition to repaying the original amount of a loan.

b Different types of loans are available at banks for customers to avail.

c Compound interest is calculated only using the principal amount of a loan.

d Both personal and commercial vehicles are covered by a vehicle loan.

e We can only take an educational loan if we are going abroad to study.

3 Write the type of loan a person can avail in the following situations.

a Ashna needs money to pay for her college education.

b Pritam wants to buy a car for his parents.

c Manisha wants to build her own house.

d Girish wants to buy a bike that he likes.

e Rohini wants to go abroad and study in a foreign university.

f Yash wants to buy a flat in his parents’ apartment complex.

The Art of Public Speaking

Public speaking is the act of talking to a group of people in a structured way to share information, ideas or stories. It can be done to inform, persuade, entertain or inspire an audience. Let us learn how we can be better public speakers.

Non-verbal

BeFlexibleandAdaptive: Watchyouraudiencetosee howtheyarereactingto yourspeech.Adaptyour speechaccordingly.

Cues: Maintain eye contact with your audience. Use hand gestures to communicate more effectively.

BeOriginal:Beyourself.Don’ttrytocopy others.personalityShowyourtrue tobuildtrust.Peoplewill believeyoumoreiftheyseeyouas real and relatable.

Know Your Audience: Your speech is intended for your audience, so you should learn as much as you can about them. This will help you decide how to present your speech.

OvercomeYour Nervousness: Itisnormalto abenervousbefore activity.public-speaking Thebest nervousnesswaytoovercomethe istoprepare thoroughlyandpractiseyour speechasmanytimesas youcan.

PlanYourSpeech:Before createyoustartwritingyourspeech, downastructureforit.Writespeech,thetopicofyour themainpoints,givingandyourpurposefor thespeech.speechThen,frameyour aroundthisstructure.

Makeit

Relevant: Use simple language. Include stories and anecdotes in your speech that your audience can relate to.

KnowYour Speech:Memorise yourspeech.Avoid piecereadingoutfromaofpaperunlessit isabsolutelynecessary.

Make it

Engaging and

Powerful: Havea strong start and finish. Youshouldgrabyour audience’s attention fromthefirstlineofyour speech. Concludewitha strong statementthatyour audience will remember.

Public speaking is a powerful tool to spread a message and inspire people. We should seek opportunities to speak in public as much as we can to develop our skills.

Practice Time

1 Write True or False.

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

a We should use hand gestures while speaking to communicate better.

b We should read out from a piece of paper while speaking so that we don’t make mistakes.

c We should learn as much as we can about our audience in advance.

d We should watch how the audience is reacting to our speech and adapt accordingly.

e We should try to copy the style of speaking of great public speakers.

f We should use simple language in our speech.

2 Write ‘yes’ if the person is following good public-speaking habits, and ‘no’ if they are not.

a Shreya is reading out her speech from a paper since she has not memorised it.

b Tania is using hand gestures during her speech to communicate.

c Arnav listened to a public speaker and is trying to copy her style of speaking.

d Ishaan is using many difficult words in his speech.

e Devashree is practising her speech over and over again.

f Harsh has planned the structure of his speech and has started to write down all his thoughts.

g Farhan has included stories and anecdotes in his speech.

h Asma has strong opening and concluding statements in her speech.

3 Give a speech on the topic ‘The Importance of Sports’ in your class.

Autobiographies and Biographies

An autobiography is an account of a person’s life written by the person themselves. A biography is an account of a person’s life written by someone else. Let us learn more about some autobiographies and biographies.

Long Walk to Freedom

Author: Nelson Mandela

Published: 1994

Nelson Mandela was the first democratically-elected president of South Africa. Before he became the president, he was imprisoned for 27 years because of his campaign to end racial discrimination in South Africa. This book is an account of his early life and the years he spent in prison.

Wings of Fire

Author: Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Arun Tiwari

Published: 1999

Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a scientist and the former president of India. He is known as the ‘Missile Man of India’ because he played a very important role in the development of India’s missile and nuclear weapons programmes. In this book, he talks about his early life and the journey of his success.

I Am Malala

Author: Malala Yousafzai, Christina Lamb

Published: 2013

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist. At the age of 11, she gave her first speech while protesting against the closing of schools. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. This book is an account of her life and the political developments that took place in Pakistan leading up to her assassination attempt.

Playing It My Way

Author: Sachin Tendulkar, Boria Majumdar

Published: 2014

Sachin Tendulkar is a famous Indian cricketer. He is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. In 2014, he became the first sportsperson to receive the Bharat Ratna award. In this book, he talks about his early life and his 24-year-long career in international cricket.

Steve Jobs

Author: Walter Isaacson

Published: 2011

Steve Jobs was an American businessman. He is best known for co-founding Apple Inc., along with his partner, Steve Wozniak. This book is an account of Steve Jobs’ entire life, starting with his early life to how he became the co-founder of Apple.

The Man Who Knew Infinity

Author: Robert Kanigel

Published: 1991

This book is based on the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematician. He created many new mathematical theories and techniques. The book is about Ramanujan’s achievements and his collaboration with another mathematician, G.H. Hardy.

Autobiographies and biographies teach us a lot about life, experiences and how people overcome challenges with grit and determination to do great things. We can learn a lot from them.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Write the names of the authors of the following books and the years in which they were published.

Book Author Year it was Published

a Long Walk to Freedom

b Steve Jobs

c Wings of Fire

d I Am Malala

e Playing It My Way

f The Man Who Knew Infinity

2 Write True or False.

a Malala Yousafzai gave her first speech at the age of 11.

b Nelson Mandela was the former prime minister of South Africa.

c Sachin Tendulkar had a 24-year-long international career in cricket.

d Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the former president of India.

e Steve Jobs was the co-founder of Facebook.

f Srinivasa Ramanujan was a mathematician.

3 Fill in the blanks.

a Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for years before becoming the president.

b Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam played an important role in the development of India’s and programmes.

c Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Inc. along with

d Sachin Tendulkar was honoured with the in 2014.

e Malala Yousafzai received the in 2014.

f Srinivasa Ramanujan collaborated with another mathematician named .

Space Missions of 2024

In 2024, there were many important space missions. Let us learn about some of them.

XPoSat

On 1 January 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a satellite named XPoSat. The full form of XPoSat is X-ray Polarimeter Satellite. Serving as a space observatory satellite, XPoSat was launched aboard the PSLV-C58 spacecraft. This satellite helps ISRO study the x-rays emitted by stars and other celestial objects.

Chang’e 6

On 3 May 2024, the China National Space Administration successfully launched its Chang’e 6 spacecraft to the far side of the moon. On 1 June 2024, it successfully landed its Chang’e 6 spacecraft on the far side of the moon. The aim of the mission was to collect samples of rocks and soil from the surface. The spacecraft successfully returned to Earth with the samples on 25 June 2024. These samples will help scientists learn more about the history and formation of the moon.

Polaris Dawn

On 10 September 2024, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched the Polaris Dawn mission to low Earth orbit. Four astronauts travelled 1400 km away from Earth. The crew performed the first-ever commercial spacewalk. The mission aimed to study the effects of space radiation on the human body.

On 7 October 2024, the European Space Agency launched their spacecraft, Hera. The spacecraft was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission aims to study the asteroid Didymos and its moon, Dimorphos, as part of a joint project between ESA and NASA.

Europa Clipper

On 14 October 2024, NASA launched a spacecraft named Europa Clipper. It aims to study one of Jupiter’s moons named Europa. The mission aims to find out whether there is an ocean under the surface of Europa, in which life may exist.

Do you think space exploration is important for humankind? Discuss with your classmates and think of two reasons why it is important.

Hera

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Write down which missions were launched on these dates.

a 14 October 2024

b 1 January 2024

c 10 September 2024

d 7 October 2024

2 Write the names of the organisations which launched the following missions.

a XPoSat

b Europa Clipper

c Polaris Dawn

d Chang’e 6

e Hera

3 Write True or False.

a Europa Clipper aims to study Jupiter’s moon, Europa.

b The first-ever commercial spacewalk was conducted by the crew of Polaris Dawn.

c Chang’e 6 brought back soil samples from the moon.

d Europa Clipper was launched by the China National Space Administration.

e The Hera spacecraft was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

4 Fill in the blanks.

a Chang’e 6 collected samples of and from the far side of the moon.

b The full form of XPoSat is .

c Europa Clipper aims to find out if there is an under the surface of Europa.

d astronauts were part of the crew of Polaris Dawn.

e The aim of the Hera mission is to study the asteroid

World’s Forest Ecosystems

Forests cover about 31% of Earth’s land. A forest ecosystem provides a natural habitat to millions of plant and animal species. The world’s forest ecosystems have been divided into three major types based on their distance from the equator and the climate they experience. Let us learn about them.

Tropical Forest Ecosystems make up more than 45% of the global forest cover. These are found in regions near the equator such as South America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Thus, the temperature in these forests are maintained around 20° C to 29° C. These regions receive a high amount of rainfall that often exceeds 180 to 250 cm annually.

Trees like rosewood, teak, mahogany and kapok are found in these forests. They are home to many animals such as sloths, gorillas, poison dart frog, harpy eagle, anacondas and jaguars.

Boreal Forest Ecosystems, also called Taiga, make up about 27% of the global forest cover. These are found mainly across North America, northern Europe and northern Asia. The average temperature in these forests ranges from -40° C to 20° C. Precipitation is low, ranging from 30 to 90 cm annually, mostly as snow.

Boreal forests consist of coniferous trees with needle-like leaves like spruce. They also have trees like birch and aspen. Animals like wolves, bears, moose, reindeer and wood frog are found there.

Temperate Forest Ecosystems make up about 16% of the global forest cover. These forests are mostly found in eastern North America, northeastern Asia, and western and central Europe. They experience all four seasons—spring, summer, autumn and winter—with a yearly average temperature of 10° C, an average annual rainfall of around 75 to 150 cm and snow in the winter. These forests contain trees like pine, fir, oak and maple. They are home to various birds and animals such as squirrels, koala, deer, foxes and owls.

Forests play a very important role in fighting global warming since they absorb large quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We should protect our forests.

Tropical

Boreal

Temperate

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Fill in the table with the annual rainfall received by these forest regions.

Forests

a Temperate

b Tropical

c Boreal

2 Write the forest type(s) found in the following regions.

a Sub-Saharan Africa:

b North America:

c Northeastern Asia:

d Western and Central Europe:

e Southeast Asia:

3 Fill in the table with two examples of flora (trees/plants) and fauna (animals) found in the given forest types.

Forests

a Temperate

b Tropical

c Boreal

4 Write the correct temperatures.

a The temperature in the tropical forests is maintained around to

b The average temperature in boreal forests ranges from to .

c The yearly average temperature in temperate forests is

5 Number the forests (1–3) according to their global forest area coverage, from the least to the most.

a Temperate b Tropical c Boreal

Machine Learning

Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI). With machine learning, computers and applications learn to make decisions and predictions on their own, based on the data they have been trained on. Let us learn more about machine learning.

How is an ML model developed?

Here are some of the basic steps for how a machine learning model is developed.

Step 1: Defining the Problem: It is important to define the objective of the ML model.

Step 2: Data Collection: Data is gathered based on the features needed in the programme. It determines the accuracy of the model through data.

Step 3: Training the Model: Many models are created by developers for reading the patterns in the data. Some are trained to read images while others are trained to read music. Some are for numerical data and others for text-based data.

Step 4: Evaluating the Model: Once trained, developers test how well the model will perform and adjust settings to further improve it.

Step 5: Predictions: In this step, developers use the ML model to predict the required outcomes for the given input.

Applications of ML

Currently, ML is used to solve all kinds of real-world problems, ranging from the simplest to the most complex. It is used to develop new ways to combat climate change, improve education, prevent diseases and much more. Let us look at some applications of ML:

Healthcare

ML is used for giving personalised treatments based on a patient’s medical information.

Entertainment

ML is used in advertising and recommendation system of various online shows, movies and music platforms.

Agriculture

ML is used to analyse crop health, identify the problems and help resolve them.

Finance

ML is used to detect fraud, predict stock market trends and make investment decisions.

Retail

ML is employed for product suggestion, inventory improvement and personalised shopping.

Transportation

ML is used to develop self-driving cars, optimise traffic flow and predict travel delays.

Use the internet to find out about some mobile applications that use ML models.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Sequence the steps (1–5) of machine learning in the correct order.

a Developers test how well the model will perform in reality and then work to improve it.

b Developers define the objective of their ML model.

c Developers gather data from various sources.

d Developers use ML to get the answers to new questions.

e Developers create a model for reading the patterns in the data collected.

2 Write True or False.

a Artificial Intelligence is a subset of Machine Learning.

b ML can develop new ways to combat climate change and improve education.

c ML is used to solve all kinds of real-world problems.

d ML models are trained for reading patterns using images, music, numbers and text-based data.

e One must test an ML model before getting it to predict a new set of inputs.

3 Name the sectors in which these applications of machine learning are used.

a It gives personalised shopping suggestions and improves inventory.

b It detects fraud and predicts stock market trends.

c It optimises traffic flow and predicts travel delays.

d It gives recommendations based on films, music and shows.

e It gives personalised treatments based on patient reports.

f It analyses crop health and detects issues with the crop.

FIFA World Cup

Football is a sport that millions of people love and play around the globe. One of the most famous international tournaments of football is the FIFA World Cup.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

FIFA was founded in 1904 in Paris, France, with the intention of growing football internationally. It is the global governing body for football. The FIFA headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland.

FIFA’s most significant role is hosting the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup. FIFA creates the rules for playing football, sets guidelines for referees and coaches, and organises other international football tournaments.

FIFA World Cup

The first FIFA World Cup took place in Uruguay in 1930. The tournament was played for 17 days in which only 13 teams participated. Uruguay became the first team to win the FIFA World Cup after beating Argentina with 4-2 goals in the final match. Brazil has won the Men’s FIFA World Cup the most number of times, with a total of five victories.

FIFA Women’s World Cup

The first FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in China in 1991. The tournament lasted 15 days. USA became the first team to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup by defeating Norway 2-1 in the final. The USA has also won the Women’s World Cup the most number of times, with a total of four victories.

At the FIFA World Cup, three individual awards are given.

• The Golden Ball to the best player

• The Golden Boot to the top goal scorer

• The Golden Glove to the best goalkeeper

The 23rd FIFA Men’s World Cup is scheduled to take place in 2026. It will feature 48 teams and will be hosted jointly by Mexico, Canada and the United States. The 10th FIFA Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be held in 2027 in Brazil.

Use the internet to find out the names of the countries that have won both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup.

Practice

1 Fill in the blanks.

a FIFA was established in the year .

b The award is given to the best player at the FIFA World Cup.

c FIFA’s headquarters are located in

d The 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by , and

e The award is given to the best goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup.

f The award is given to the top goal scorer at the FIFA World Cup.

2 Write the correct numbers/years.

a The year in which the 23rd FIFA Men’s World Cup is set to take place:

b The year in which the first FIFA World Cup took place:

c The number of times USA women’s football team has won the FIFA Women’s World Cup:

d The number of times Brazil has won the men’s FIFA World Cup:

e The year in which the first Women’s FIFA World Cup took place:

f Total number of countries which will co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2026:

3 Complete the crossword. ACROSS

1. The country which won the first FIFA World Cup

2. The country where FIFA was founded DOWN

1. The country which has won the most number of women’s FIFA World Cups

2. The country which has won the most number of men’s FIFA World Cups

G.I. Tags

A G.I. tag or a Geographical Indication tag is a name or sign given to certain products based on their specific geographical location or origin like a region, town or country. Let us learn more about G.I. tags.

Who issues G.I. tags?

In India, the registration of geographical indications is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999, which came into force effect from 15 September 2003.

Globally, GIs are regulated by the World Trade Organization (WTO) through the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

Why are G.I. tags given?

G.I. tags have many benefits.

• When a product is awarded a G.I. tag, only a product from that geographical region is legally allowed to use that name or sign. This protects consumers from fake goods and helps them get quality products of desired quality.

• G.I. tags provide legal protection and recognition to products, which helps increase the sale of these products in national and international markets.

Some G.I.-tagged products in India

• Darjeeling tea was the first product in India to receive a G.I. tag. It is a variety of tea that is only grown in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal. It received the tag in 2004.

• Kanchipuram silk saree is a kind of saree produced in the Kanchipuram region of Tamil Nadu. It received a G.I. tag in 2005.

• Makrana marble is a kind of white marble from the town of Makrana in Rajasthan. It was used to make monuments such as the Taj Mahal and the Victoria Memorial. It received a G.I. tag in 2015.

• Nagpur orange is a kind of mandarin orange that is grown in Maharashtra. It received a G.I. tag in 2014 due to its unique quality.

G.I.-tagged products are special products that are an important part of India’s culture. G.I. tags help preserve local products and help the farmers and artisans who produce them.

Practice Time

1 Fill in the blanks.

a The full form of G.I. tag is tag.

b The registration of G.I. tags in India is administered by the Act of 1999.

c was the first product from India to receive a G.I. tag.

d Darjeeling tea is only produced in the and districts of West Bengal.

e Kanchipuram silk saree received a G.I. tag in the year .

2 Write True or False.

a Any manufacturer can name their product with the name given by the G.I. tag.

b G.I. tags provide legal protection and recognition to products.

c G.I. tags protect consumers from fake goods.

d Kanchipuram silk sarees are produced in Karnataka.

e The Taj Mahal was built using Makrana marble.

f The Nagpur orange received a G.I. tag in 2004.

3 Complete the crossword.

ACROSS

1. The Darjeeling tea belongs to this state.

2. Nagpur oranges belong to this state.

DOWN

1. Kanchipuram silk saree belongs to this state.

2. Makrana marble belongs to this state.

UN Main Bodies

The United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945 after World War II to promote peace, security and cooperation between countries. It plays a key role in solving global problems, protecting human rights and helping countries develop. It has six main bodies. Let us learn more about them.

General Assembly

The General Assembly is the main decision-making body of the UN. All 193 countries that are part of the UN are included in the General Assembly, which makes it the only UN body where every country is represented. Each year, in September, the UN members meet in the General Assembly Hall in New York for the annual General Assembly session.

Security Council

The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has 15 members, five of whom are permanent members: the United States, the Russian Federation, China, France and the United Kingdom.

Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council helps countries work together on economic, social and environmental issues, and it supports global development goals. It has 54 members who are elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term.

Trusteeship Council

The Trusteeship Council was established in 1945 to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories to prepare them for self-government and independence. By 1994, all Trust Territories had attained self-government or independence and the Trusteeship Council suspended its operation on 1 November 1994. They now only meet when necessary.

Secretariat

The Secretariat carries out the day-to-day work of the UN. It is led by the Secretary-General, the chief administrative officer. It also ensures that the UN’s policies and programmes are implemented across the world.

International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice is the UN’s main judicial body, settling disputes between countries based on international law. Its headquarters is in The Hague, Netherlands, making it the only main body of the UN not based in New York.

The UN has a special agency that helps improve health around the world by setting standards, giving advice and supporting countries with their health programmes. This agency is called the World Health Organization (WHO). HEALTH

Practice Time

1 Write the number of members in the following UN bodies.

a General Assembly

b Security Council

c Economic and Social Council

2 Name the UN bodies responsible for the following.

a It is the main decision-making body of the UN.

b It was established to help territories that were not self-governing.

c It is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

d It helps countries to work together on economic, social and environmental issues.

e It settles disputes between countries based on international law.

f It ensures that the UN’s policies and programmes are implemented across the world.

3 Fill in the blanks.

a The UN was founded in the year

b The UN has main bodies.

c The members of the Economic and Social Council are selected by the .

d All the Trust Territories gained their independence in the year

e The headquarters of the International Court of Justice is located in .

4 Unscramble these words to get the names of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

a TDENUI DOGMKIN-

b AFNCER-

c EHT DUINET TSTASE FO MAIECRA-

d NACIH-

e SURSIA-

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the skill of starting, building and managing a new business to solve a specific problem and generate profit. A person who starts their own business and takes on its risks is known as an entrepreneur. Let us learn more about this skill.

How do you become an entrepreneur?

• Find a business idea: Look for a unique service or product.

• Research the market: Look for your target audience/customers and see if there is demand for your service or product.

• Create a business plan: Create a roadmap and set your goals for your business.

• Gather resources: Bring in a team and seek funding and resources to start building your idea.

• Launch your business: Launch your product or service and start working towards the goals set.

• Improvement and operations: Manage your operations, monitor finances and keep working on your product or service after receiving feedback from the customers.

Importance of Entrepreneurship

• Solves problems: Entrepreneurs often develop new products or solutions to everyday problems.

• Creates new jobs: A new business needs a lot of human resources, which creates job opportunities and reduces unemployment.

• Contributes to the economy: Successful businesses contribute to the country’s economic growth by paying taxes and producing valuable goods and services.

• Promotes individual growth: It gives people the freedom to follow their passion and bring their ideas to life.

Challenges of Entrepreneurship

• Not every business succeeds, and entrepreneurs often deal with the financial risk of losing one’s investment.

• Unlike a regular job, an entrepreneur’s income can fluctuate a lot, especially in the beginning, depending upon the market’s condition, changes in customer preferences, etc.

• Starting and managing a business can take a lot of time and commitment.

• Competing with established businesses or other start-ups, who have already made a name for themselves in the market, can be challenging.

Use the internet to find out the names of some of the most successful entrepreneurs in India.

Practice Time

1 Write True or False.

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

a Enterpreneurship gives people the freedom to follow their passions.

b Entrepreneurs create new products or solutions to address common problems.

c Entrepreneurship does not create jobs.

d Entrepreneurs have to deal with financial risk.

e Entrepreneurs contribute to the country’s economy.

f Being an entrepreneur is safer than doing a job.

g Entrepreneurs have fixed sources of income.

h Entrepreneurship requires a lot of time and commitment.

2 Number the steps (1-6) for becoming an entrepreneur.

a Launch your product or service and begin working towards the goals.

b Hire people and gather assets to start working on the idea.

c Choose a service or a product.

d Manage your operations and work to improve your service and product.

e Set your business goals.

f Identify the target audience and the demand for the product or service.

3 With your understanding of entrepreneurship, identify a problem you face in your daily life and describe the products or services that could provide a solution.

Global Conflicts, 2024

There were many serious conflicts in the world in 2024. Let us learn more about them.

Russia-Ukraine War

Russia and Ukraine are neighbouring countries. A conflict between them began in 2014. In February 2022, this conflict turned into a war when the Russian army invaded Ukraine. As of 2024, the war is still ongoing. Many people have been killed in this war. Thousands of people have left Ukraine to escape the war.

Bangladesh Political Unrest

In July 2024, there were a series of anti-government protests in Bangladesh. The protests broke out in response to a decision by the Supreme Court to reserve 30% of jobs in government services for the descendants of freedom fighters who fought in Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971. The situation became violent. The prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, had to resign and leave the country.

Sudanese Civil War

A civil war is a war between the citizens of the same country. Sudan is a country in Africa. A civil war broke out in Sudan in April 2023 between two rival groups. As of 2024, the war is still ongoing. More than 60,000 people have been killed. More than 8.2 million people have been displaced from their homes, causing the worst displacement crisis in the world currently.

Myanmar Civil War

In February 2021, a civil war broke out in Myanmar when the country’s military overthrew the elected leaders of the government. As of 2024, the war is still ongoing. It has been estimated that over 5,000 civilians have been killed during this war. Around 3.3 million people have been displaced from their homes.

Use the internet to find out about any one other major global conflict that took place in 2024.

Practice Time

1 Write when each of these conflicts began.

a Myanmar Civil War

b Russia-Ukraine War

c Bangladesh Political Unrest

d Sudanese Civil War

2 Write True or False.

a The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2024.

b Sheikh Hasina was the prime minister of Bangladesh who had to resign and leave the country.

c The military in Myanmar overthrew the elected government.

d The civil war in Sudan began in May 2021.

e Less than 5000 people died in the Sudanese Civil War.

f Around 3.3 million people have been displaced from their homes due to the Myanmar Civil War.

3 Complete the table.

Reason for the Conflict

a The Russian Army invaded a neighbouring country.

b A civil war broke out between two rival groups.

c There were protests against a decision to reserve 30% of government jobs for descendants of freedom fighters.

d The military overthrew the elected leaders of the government.

Name of the Conflict

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

There are many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India. Let us learn about some of them.

National Parks

A national park is an area set aside by the government of a country for the preservation of the natural environment. They are highly restricted areas and human activities are strictly prohibited in them. They include flora and fauna, and have historical or geographical significance.

There are 106 national parks in India, which cover an area of over 44,000 square kilometres.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

A wildlife sanctuary is an area set aside for the animals and plants living in it, to ensure that their habitat is not damaged and that their numbers can increase. Limited human activity is allowed in them. Wildlife sanctuaries can be created by private organisations.

There are 573 wildlife sanctuaries in India, which cover an area of over 1,23,000 square kilometres.

Some National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

Hemis National Park is the largest national park in India. It covers an area of about 4,400 square kilometres. It is located near Leh in Ladakh. It is named after the famous Hemis Monastery located there. It is known for its high population of snow leopards and some rare species like the Tibetan Wolf and Bharal (blue sheep).

Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in Manipur. It is the only floating national park in the world. It is known for the conservation of the Sangai, a kind of deer as it is the last natural habitat of this deer. A lot of migratory birds are also seen there during November to March.

Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is known for the conservation of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. It has also been declared as a Tiger Reserve in the year 2006 by the government of India.

Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gujarat. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India. It was established to protect the nesting grounds of the Greater flamingo. They build their muddy nests here, lay eggs and rear young ones.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Munnar, Kerala. It is rich in vegetation and other resources. It is famous for the grizzled giant squirrel found there. The rare Manjampatti white bison (Gaur) is also an attraction.

National parks and wildlife sanctuaries play an extremely important role in the preservation of endangered species of plants and animals. These protected areas must be maintained properly.

1 Write True or False.

a Human activity is completely prohibited in wildlife sanctuaries.

b National parks are designated by the government of a country.

c Wildlife sanctuaries aim to decrease the numbers of plants and animals.

d National parks have geographical or historical importance.

e National parks can also be created by private organisations.

2 Answer the following.

a The number of national parks in India:

b The number of wildlife sanctuaries in India:

c The largest national park in India:

d The national park in Assam that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site:

e The only floating national park in the world:

f The largest wildlife sanctuary in India:

g The wildlife sanctuary famous for the grizzled giant squirrel.

3 Match the national parks/wildlife sanctuaries and the animals found there.

a Hemis National Park Indian one-horned rhinoceros

b Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Sangai

c Kaziranga National Park Snow leopards

d Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Greater flamingo

e Keibul Lamjao National Park Mannjampatti white bison

4 Complete the crossword. ACROSS

1. The state where Keibul Lamjao National Park is located.

2. The state where Kaziranga National Park is located.

1. The union territory where Hemis National Park is located.

2. The state where Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is located.

Medical Machines

Some important medical machines have made healthcare more efficient and helped save people’s lives. Let us learn more about them.

X-ray Machine

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered the X-ray in 1895, and later it was used in medicine. An X-ray machine helps doctors see internal structures without surgery. It sends out X-rays (invisible light), which can go through your skin and tissues, but are blocked by bones. This creates an image that doctors can use to check for problems such as broken bones.

Pacemaker

The first implantable pacemaker was developed by engineer Rune Elmqvist. A pacemaker is a device for people who have heart problems. It helps control our heartbeat. It is placed inside a person’s chest and sends electrical signals to their heart to help it beat regularly. On 8 October 1958, it was implanted, for the first time, by surgeon Ake Senning, into the chest of Arne Larsson.

MRI Scanner

The first MRI scanner was developed by Raymond Damadian. He performed the first full-body scan of a human being in 1977. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed 3D images of the human body. MRI scanners can produce images of the non-bony parts of the body. The brain, spinal cord and nerves, as well as muscles, ligaments and tendons are seen much more clearly with MRI.

Ultrasound Machine

The world’s first ultrasound machine was created by Ian Donald, Dr John McVicar and Tom Brown in the 1960s. Ultrasound machines are most commonly used to provide an image of the foetus (unborn child) inside the womb. A small probe is moved over the stomach. This probe sends out sound waves that bounce off the foetus. The probe then picks up these waves and turns them into a black-and-white image on a screen.

Pulse Oximeter

The pulse oximeter was invented by Dr Takuo Aoyagi in 1974. It is used to detect the level of oxygen present in blood. The device is clipped on a person’s finger. It shines light through the fingertip and measures the oxygen saturation by seeing how much light passes through.

Medical machines help doctors diagnose and treat patients more accurately and quickly. The continuous innovation of medical machines plays a crucial role in improving healthcare, saving lives and making treatments more accessible.

Practice Time

1 Match the inventions and their inventors.

a X-ray machine Raymond Damadian

b Pulse Oximeter Ian Donald, Dr John McVicar and Tom Brown

c MRI scanner Dr Takuo Aoyagi

d Ultrasound machine Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen

2 Fill in the blanks.

a measures the level of oxygen in the blood.

b The first implantable pacemaker was developed by .

c provides an image of the foetus inside the womb.

d A pacemaker sends to a person’s heart to help it beat.

e produces clear images of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

f helps doctors check for issues such as broken bones.

g In an ultrasound machine, the probe sends out that bounce off the foetus.

h MRI is a technique that uses and to produce detailed 3D images.

3 Write True or False.

a A pacemaker helps people who have stomach problems.

b X-rays do not show people’s skin and tissues.

c The ultrasound machine works by sending and receiving sound waves.

d A pulse oximeter is clipped on a person’s nose.

e MRI scans produce images of the non-bony parts of the body.

Migration

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another for permanent or temporary settlement. Migration has been happening for thousands of years. Let us learn more about it.

Reasons for Migration

• People are often forced to leave their homes and move to new places due to reasons like scarcity of jobs, natural disasters, poverty or violence and war.

• People move to new places for necessities like better jobs, good education, better living conditions and peace and safety.

Types of Migration

• Internal Migration: This is when people move from one part of a country to another. For example, a student moving from Kolkata to Delhi for education.

• International Migration: This is when people move from one country to another. For example, a person moving from India to USA for job.

Every year, International Migrants Day is celebrated on 18 December to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide.

People who move to a new country are called immigrants. They can be classified as:

• Legal immigrants: People who have attained permission from the host country to migrate there.

• Illegal immigrants: People who have not attained permission from the host country to migrate there.

• Refugees: People who move to a new country because of a conflict or disaster in their own country.

When it comes to legal international migrations, some important documents that we need are:

• Passport: It is a proof of identity and citizenship issued by the government of the home country.

• Visa: It is a document issued by the government of the country of migration. It states the specific duration and purpose of migration. Its types include tourist, work, student and permanent visas.

Advantages of Migration

• It creates a richer and more diverse culture.

• Migrants can help to boost the economy and reduce any labour shortages.

• Migrants usually contribute more in taxes.

Disadvantages of Migration

• It Increases the cost of services such as healthcare and education.

• It may overpopulate a place.

• It may lead to disagreements between different faiths and cultures.

• It can also lead to brain drain, which is the migration of highly skilled people.

By ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for migrants, societies can become more inclusive and reduce inequality.

Practice Time

1 Fill in the blanks.

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

a The movement of people from one place to another is called

b People who migrate can be divided into three groups: immigrants, immigrants and

c refers to people moving from one part of the country to another.

d refers to people moving from one country to another.

e Each year, International Migrants Day falls on .

f A is a government-issued proof of identify and citizenship that we need for migration.

g A is a document that allows an individual to legally enter, reside or work in a country for a specific duration and purpose.

2 Write True or False.

a The cost of services, such as healthcare and education, decreases due to migration.

b Migrants might overpopulate a country.

c Migrants reduce any labour shortages.

d Migrants do not contribute to taxes.

e Migrants create a rich and diverse culture in a place.

3 Name the four types of visas issued by the governments of different countries.

4 Write any four reasons for migration.

The Oscars

The Academy Awards, or the Oscars, are the most prestigious awards given for outstanding performances in the film industry and in recognition of various cinematic achievements. Let us read more about them.

About the Awards

The Oscars are presented by a professional organisation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, established in the year 1927. The awards are presented every year in the United States of America (USA). As of 2024, the Oscars are awarded in 24 different categories.

First Oscars

First Oscar Awards: 16 May 1929 Place: Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles, USA

First Oscar Awards: Best Actor—Emil Jannings (Film—The Last Command and The Way of All Flesh)

First Oscar Awards: Outstanding Picture Wings (directed by William A. Wellman and Harry d’Abbadie d’Arrast)

India at the Oscars

• Bhanu Athaiya was the first Indian to win an Oscar. She won the Oscar for Best Costume Design in 1983 for the film ‘Gandhi’.

• A.R. Rahman won two Oscars, one for Best Original Score and another for Best Original Song, along with the lyricist, Gulzar, for their song, Jai Ho, from ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ in 2009.

• Resul Pookutty won the Oscar for Best Sound Mixing, along with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke for the film Slumdog Millionaire in 2009.

• M.M. Keeravani and Chandrabose won the Oscar for Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu from RRR in 2023.

• Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film for their film, The Elephant Whisperers in 2023.

• Satyajit Ray was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 1992 in recognition of his mastery over filmmaking and also for his profound humanitarian outlook, which has had an lasting influence on filmmakers and audiences throughout the world..

Interesting Fact!

• Two actors won the Oscars for portraying Vito Corleone: Marlon Brando won Best Actor in The Godfather (1973) and Robert De Niro won Best Supporting Actor in The Godfather Part II (1975).

• Walt Disney holds the record for the most Oscar wins, with a total of 22 awards.

Films with Most Oscars

Three films have won 11 Oscars.

• Ben-Hur (1959)

• Titanic (1997)

• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Use the internet to find out the name of the first person to ever win an Honorary Award at the Oscars.

Practice Time

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Name the correct persons.

a He won an Honorary Oscar for his mastery over filmmaking.

b She was the first Indian to win an Oscar.

c He won two Oscars for his song, Jai Ho

d They won an Oscar for The Elephant Whisperers. and

e They won an Oscar for their song Naatu Naatu and

f He has won the most number of Oscars.

g An Indian who won an Oscar for Best Sound Mixing for the film Slumdog Millionaire

h The lyricist who won an Oscar for the song, Jai Ho.

2 Fill in the blanks.

a The Academy Awards are presented by an organisation called

b The first Academy Awards were given on .

c and won the Oscars for portraying Vito Corleone.

d The first Oscar for the Best Actor was won by .

e The first Oscar for the Best Film was won by

f The number of categories for which the Academy Awards are given is .

3 Complete the crossword.

ACROSS

1. The song for which A.R. Rahman won two Oscars.

2. The film which had the song Naatu Naatu

DOWN

1. The 1997 film which won 11 Oscars.

2. The 1959 film which won 11 Oscars.

Investments

An investment means putting money into assets or items with the expectation of growth over time. Let us learn more about it.

Understanding Investments

When you invest, you use your money to make more money. Investments can result in both losses and gains. For example, if you buy a gold coin for `1000 and later sell it for `2000, you invested `1000 in the gold coin and, over time, it gave you a return of `1000.

Principal: It is the initial amount of money that is invested.

Basic Investment Terms

Return: It is the amount of money gained from the investment.

What do adults invest in?

Risk: It is the possibility of losing money while investing.

Some ways to invest money are:

• Real Estate: It is an investment made in land or properties.

• Stock: Shares are like tiny units of a company that people can buy, giving them a small ownership in that company. Investing in stock means buying shares of a company.

• Bonds: This means lending money to a public or a private company.

• Gold and Silver: It is an investment made in gold or silver.

• Fixed Deposit: Also called term deposit, it is a lump sum deposit made for a fixed time period in a bank. A fixed interest rate is given on the amount deposited.

Note: You should only invest in these assets when you are old enough to understand what you are doing.

Importance of Investments

• It helps to build wealth over time.

• It helps to save money for our future needs.

• It helps to keep up with inflation (things getting expensive over time).

Talk to your parents about the importance of investing money. Ask them about what they invest in.

Scan this QR code to see the quiz.

1 Fill in the blanks.

a A is the initial amount of money that you invest.

b A is the amount of money gained from an investment.

c A is the possibility of losing money while investing.

d A is an amount deposited for a fixed time in a bank in return of a fixed interest.

2 Name the assets.

a It is an investment made in home or land properties.

b It means buying the shares of a company.

c It means lending money to a company.

3 Write True or False.

a Investment does not help to keep up with inflation.

b Investment is making more money from the money you already have.

c Investments provide money for future needs.

d Investments build wealth over time.

e Investments always guarantee gains.

4 Rishi’s dad decided to invest `20,000 in stocks. He was warned that he could lose 33% of his money if things didn’t go well. However, he ended up receiving `70,000 back. Identify the principal amount, the return gained and the risk percentage of this investment.

Principal:

Risk:

Return:

Answers

1. Powerful Politicians, 2024

1. a. President, May 2017

b. Prime Minister, May 2014

c. Prime Minister, July 2024

d. Prime Minister, September 2022

e. President, 2000  f. President, March 2013

2. a. 2001, 2014  b. 2014, 2016  c. 2020  d. 2000

3. a. Narendra Modi  b. Keir Starmer

c. Mohammed bin Salman  d. Vladimir Putin

e. Xi Jinping  f. Emmanuel Macron

2. Natural Resources

1. a. Plants, Animals  b. Rocks, Minerals

c. Air, Sunlight  d. Coal, Petroleum

2. a. renewable, non-renewable

b. Non-renewable resources

c. Renewable resources  d. biofuels

3. a. False  b. True  c. True  d. False

4. a.  b.  c.  d. 

e.  f.  g.  h. 

3. Social Media

1. a. 2005  b. 2010  c. 2003

d. 2004  e. 2009  f. 2006

2. a. Meta Inc.  b. Meta Inc. c. Google  d. Microsoft

3. a. False  b. True  c. False d. True  e. True  f. False

4. a. Facebook  b. LinkedIn  c. X d. Instagram  e. Youtube  f. WhatsApp

4. Indian Tribes

1. a. Garo Hills  b. Nagaland   c. Sikkim  d. Maharashtra, Gujarat   e. Nilgiri Mountains  f. Khasi Hills   g. Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam h. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

2. a. Great Andamanese Tribe  b. Santhal Tribe c. Angami Tribe  d. Warli Tribe  e. Toda Tribe f. Bhutia Tribe  g. Khasi Tribe  h. Garo Tribe

5. World War II

1. a. 1 September 1939  b. 30 April 1945

c. 7 December 1941  d. 6 August 1945

e. 8 May 1945  f. 2 September 1945

2. a. Germany, Japan, Italy

b. France, Great Britain, The United States of America

3. a. 7 September 1940 to 11 May 1941, Britain

b. 7 December 1941, Pearl Harbour

c. 6 August 1945, Hiroshima

4. a. Adolf Hitler  b. Operation Barbarossa

c. Stalingrad

6. The Olympics

1. Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas

2. a. four  b. Olympia

c. Baron Pierre de Coubertin

d. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, 1913

e. opening ceremony  f. Paralympics

g. 30 to 40  h. 15 to 18

3. a. 1896, Greece  b. 2010, Singapore

c. 1924, France  d. 1960, Italy

7. First-aid Emergency

1. a. 5  b. 3  c. 4  d. 2  e. 1

2. a. False  b. True  c. False

d. False  e. False  f. True

8. Types of Theatre

1. a. Sophocles  b. Oscar Wilde

c. Augustin Daly  d. William Shakespeare

2. a. Antigone, Hamlet

b. The Octoroon, Under the Gaslight

c. A Midsummer Night’s Dream

d. The Importance of Being Earnest, Noises Off

e. The Marriage of Figaro  f. Hamilton

g. The Sound of Music  h. Swan Lake

3. a. Comedy  b. Tragedy  c. Melodrama

d. Farce  e. Musical Theatre  f. Ballet

g. Broadway Theatre  h. Opera

9. Natural Disasters of 2024

1. a. 1 January 2024  b. July 2024

c. 6 September 2024  d. 3 April 2024

e. 1 July 2024

2. a. Hurricane Beryl  b. Noto Peninsula

c. landslides  d. Typhoon Yagi

e. Hualien Earthquake

3. a. True  b. False  c. False

d. True  e. True

10. Extinct and Endangered Animals

1. a. Mauritius  b. Australia

c. Borneo and Sumatra  d. India and Pakistan

e. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

2. a. True  b. False  c. True  d. False  e. True

3. a. Dodo  b. Pinta Island Tortoise  c. Blue whale

d. Orangutan  e. Asian elephant

f. Great Indian Bustard  g. Tiger

11. Cybercrime and the Law

1. Hacking, Phishing, Cyberbullying, Online Financial Frauds

2. a. Information Technology Act, 2000

b. National Cyber Security Policy, 2013

c. White hat  d. Black hat  e. 7,000

f. The Ministry of Electronics and Information    Technology

g. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre

h. Rs. 1,750 crores

3. a. Phishing  b. Online Financial Frauds

c. Cyberbullying  d. Hacking

12. Budgeting

1. a. Expense  b. Income  c. spend  d. goals

e. nation  f. finance  g. Parliament

2. Health, Education, Housing, Transport

3. a. False  b. True  c. False

d. True  e. True

13. Forts and Palaces of India

1. a. Gwalior Fort  b. Fort Aguada

c. City Palace  d. Mehrangarh Fort e. Mysuru Palace  f. Ujjayanta Palace

2. a. Rao Jodha  b. Henry Irwin

c. Raja Sourya Sena  d. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II

e. Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya

3. ACROSS 1. CANDOLIM 2. AGARTALA 3. JODHPUR DOWN 1. GWALIOR 2. JAIPUR

14. G20 Summits

1. a. Group of Twenty  b. African Union  c. 1999

d. Washington D.C.

e. New Delhi  f. Brazil  g. economically

2. a. 2023, New Delhi  b. 2015, Antalya

c. 2008, Washington D.C.  d. 2021, Rome

3. a. True  b. True  c. False

d. False  e. True  f. False

15. Famous Paintings in the World

1. a. Vincent van Gogh, 1889

b. Johannes Vermeer, 1665

c. Raja Ravi Verma, 1898

d. Leonardo da Vinci, 1495-1498

e. Leonardo da Vinci, 1503-1519

2. a. True  b. True

c. False  d. False

3. Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh

4. a. Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery, Milan

b. Pushkin Museum, Moscow

c. Louvre Museum, Paris

d. Museum of Modern Art, New York

5. a. Girl with a Pearl Earring  b. The Starry Night

c. The Last Supper  d. Mona Lisa

e. Blue Dancers  f. Shakuntala

16. Parameters of Health

1. a. 37℃  b. 70 mg/dL, 100 mg/dL

c. 120/80 mmHg  d. 60 to 100 bpm

2. a. mmHg (milimetres of mercury)

b. mg/dL (milligrams per decilitre)

c. Celsius and Fahrenheit

d. bpm (beats per minute)

3. a. Blood glucose meter  b. Pulse oximeter

c. Sphygmomanometer  d. Thermometer

4. a. Body Temperature  b. Blood sugar

c. Blood pressure  d. Pulse rate

17. Environmental Protection

1. a. United Nations Framework Convention on  Climate Change

b. Convention on International Trade in Endangered   Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

c. Convention on Biological Diversity

2. a. CBD became effective

b. CITES became effective

c. The Paris Agreement was adopted

d. The UNFCCC came into force

3. a. 195  b. 198  c. 184  d. 196

4. a. limiting global temperature rise below 2℃

b. conservation of biodiversity

c. keeping greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere in check

d. to protect and improve the environment

5. a. Do  b. Don’t  c. Don’t  d. Do

18. International Space Station

1. The Canadian Space Agency, The European Space Agency, The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, The State Space Corporation of Russia

2. a. 29 September 2022; 28 March 2023; The crew studied heart health and grew red dwarf tomatoes

b. 28 March 2023; 27 September 2023; The crew conducted research in biology and studied spacecraft fire safety

c. 27 September 2023; 5 April 2024; The crew conducted research on cancer treatments and space manufacturing techniques

3. a. 1984  b. 1984, 1993  c. Russia  d. 90

e. 280, 23  f. USA, Canada, Japan, Europe

g. seven  h. 400, low Earth orbit

19. Sports Events, 2024

1. a. The United States of America  b. China

c. New Zealand  d. India  e. India

2. a. 32  b. 71st, 18th  c. 20  d. 2007

e. 29  f. Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy  g. 10

3. a. Paris, France; 26 July to 11 August

b. Paris,France; 28 August to 8 September

c. USA, West Indies; 1 June to 29 June

d. United Arab Emirates, 3 October to 20 October

e. Budapest, Hungary; 10 September to 23 September

20. Business Tycoons of India

1. a. HCL Technologies  b. Reliance Industries

c. Infosys  d. Tata Consultancy Services

e. Wipro Limited

2. a. spices, polyester  b. CEO  c. 1976

d. Azim Premji Foundation  e. Air India

3. a. Padma Vibhushan, 2008

b. Padma Bhushan, 2005

c. Padma Bhushan, 2008

d. Padma Vibhushan, 1955

e. Padma Vibhushan, 2016

21. BRICS Nations

1. B - Brazil  R - Russia   I - India

C - China  S - South Africa

2. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, The United Arab Emirates

3. a. Jim O’Neill  b. 2010  c. 2015

d. 2015  e. 25%  f. China  g. IT and software

4. a. 16 June 2019; Yekaterinburg, Russia

b. 9 September 2021; New Delhi, India

c. 22 to 24 October 2024; Kazan, Russia

d. 8 June 2015, Moscow

22. Loans and Interest

1. a. loan  b. principal  c. Compound interest

d. rate of interest  e. Interest

2. a. True  b. True  c. False  d. True  e. False

3. a. Education loan  b. Vehicle loan

c. Home loan  d. Vehicle loan

e. Education loan  f. Home loan

23. Art of Public Speaking

1. a. True  b. False  c. True

d. True  e. False  f. True

2. a. no  b. yes  c. no  d. no

e. yes  f. yes  g. yes  h. yes

24. Autobiographies and Biographies

1. a. Nelson Mandela, 1994

b. Walter Isaacson, 2011

c. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Arun Tiwari, 1999

d. Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb, 2013

e. Sachin Tendulkar and Boria Majumdar, 2014

f. Robert Kanigel, 1991

2. a. True  b. False  c. True  d. True

e. False  f. True

3. a. 27  b. missile, nuclear weapons

c. Steve Wozniak  d. Bharat Ratna

e. Nobel Peace Prize  f. G.H. Hardy

25. Space Missions of 2024

1. a. Europa Clipper  b. XPoSat

c. Polaris Dawn  d. Hera

2. a. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

b. NASA  c. SpaceX

d. China National Space Administration

e. European Space Agency

3. a. True  b. True  c. True

d. False  e. True

4. a. rocks, soil  b. X-ray Polarimeter Satellite

c. ocean  d. four  e. Didymos

26. World’s Forest Ecosystems

1. a. 75 to 150 cm

b. 180 to 250 cm

c. 30 to 90 cm

2. a. Tropical forests

b. Boreal forests, Temperate forests

c. Temperate forests

d. Temperate forests

e. Tropical forests

3. a. Pine, Fir; Koalas, deers

b. Rosewood, teak; Sloths, gorillas

c. Coniferous, birch; Wolves, bears

4. a. 20℃, 29℃  b. -40℃, 20℃  c. 10℃

5. a. 3  b. 1  c. 2

27. Machine Learning

1. a. 4  b. 1  c. 2  d. 5  e. 3

2. a. False  b. True  c. True  d. False  e. True

3. a. Retail  b. Finance  c. Transportation

d. Entertainment  e. Healthcare  f. Agriculture

28. FIFA World Cup

1. a. 1904  b. Golden Ball

c. Zurich, Switzerland

d. The United States of America, Canada, Mexico

e. Golden Glove  f. Golden Boot

2. a. 2026  b. 1930  c. 4

d. 5  e. 1991  f. 3

3. ACROSS  1. URUGUAY  2. FRANCE DOWN  1. USA 2. BRAZIL

29. G.I. Tags

1. a. Geographical Indication

b. Geographical Indications of Goods  (Registration and Protection)

c. Darjeeling tea

d. Darjeeling, Kalimpong

e. 2005

2. a. False  b. True  c. True

d. False  e. True  f. False

3. ACROSS  1. WEST BENGAL  2. MAHARASHTRA DOWN  1. TAMIL NADU  2. RAJASTHAN

30. UN Main Bodies

1. a. 193  b. 15  c. 54

2. a. General Assembly

b. Trusteeship Council

c. Security Council

d. Economic and Social Council

e. International Court of Justice

f. Secretariat

3. a. 1945  b. six  c. General Assembly   d. 1994  e. The Hague, Netherlands

4. a. UNITED KINGDOM  b. FRANCE

c. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

d. CHINA  e. RUSSIA

31. Entrepreneurship

1. a. True  b. True  c. False  d. True

e. True  f. False  g. False  h. True

2. a. 5  b. 4  c. 1  d. 6  e. 3  f. 2

32. Global Conflicts, 2024

1. a. February 2021  b. February 2022

c. July 2024  d. April 2023

2. a. False  b. True  c. True

d. False  e. False  f. True

3. a. Russia-Ukraine War

b. Sudanese Civil War

c. Bangladesh Political Unrest

d. Myanmar Civil War

33. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

1. a. False  b. True  c. False

d. True  e. False

2. a. 106  b. 573

c. Hemis National Park

d. Kaziranga National Park

e. Keibul Lamjao National Park

f. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

g. Chinar Wildlife Sanctuary

3. a. Snow leopards

b. Mannjampatti white bison

c. Indian one-horned rhinoceros

d. Greater Flamingo

e. Sangai

4. ACROSS  1. MANIPUR  2. ASSAM DOWN  1. LADAKH  2. GUJARAT

34. Medical Machines

1. a. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen  b. Dr. Takuo Aoyagi

c. Raymond Damadian

d. Ian Donald, Dr John McVicar and Tom Brown

2. a. Pulse oximeter  b. Rune Elmqvist

c. Ultrasound machine  d. electrical signals

e. MRI scanner  f. X-ray machine

g. sound waves  h. magnetic field, radio waves

3. a. False  b. True  c. True  d. False  e. True

35. Migration

1. a. migration  b. legal, illegal, refugees

c. Internal migration  d. International migration e. 18 December  f. passport g. visa

2. a. False  b. True  c. True  d. False  e. True

3. Tourist, Work, Student, Permanent

4. Natural disasters, Scarcity of jobs, Violence and war, Poverty

36. The Oscars

1. a. Satyajit Ray  b. Bhanu Athaiya

c. A.R. Rahman d. Kartiki Gonsalves, Guneet Monga

e. M. M. Keeravani, Chandrabose f. Walt Disney  g. Resul Pookutty  h. Gulzar

2. a. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

b. 16 May 1929  c. Marlon Brando, Robert de Niro d. Emil Jannings  e. Wings  f. 24

3. ACROSS  1. JAI HO  2. RRR DOWN  1. TITANIC  2. BEN HUR

37. Investments

1. a. principal   b. return   c. risk   d. fixed deposit

2. a. Real Estate  b. Stock  c. Bonds

3. a. False  b. True  c. True d. True  e. False

4. Principal: 20,000 Risk: 33%

Return: 50,000

About the Book

Introducing Aware, a comprehensive and engaging General Knowledge and Current Affairs book designed specifically for learners in grades 1 to 8. It empowers learners with general knowledge, awareness of global developments, functional competencies and the 21st-century skills essential for life today. This book spans nine thoughtfully curated themes.

About Uolo

Uolo partners with K-12 schools to provide technology-enabled learning programs. We believe that pedagogy and technology must come together to deliver scalable learning experiences that generate measurable outcomes. Uolo is trusted by over 15,000+ schools across India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

ISBN 978-81-980193-6-3