10 little known things about India

India is a vast and diverse country, with a rich cultural heritage and a fascinating history. There are many things about India that are not widely known or understood, but that are nonetheless fascinating and enlightening. Here are 10 things you may not know about the great nation:

1. The Indian national anthem was written by Rabindranath Tagore, who was a Bengali poet, writer, and composer. "Jana Gana Mana" was first sung on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress. It was officially adopted as the national anthem of India in 1950, shortly after India gained its independence from British rule.

2. India is the world's largest democracy, with a population of over 1.3 billion people. Its parliamentary system is based on the British model, with a lower house (Lok Sabha) and an upper house (Rajya Sabha). The President of India is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.

3. Hinduism is the largest religion in India, with over 80% of the population identifying as Hindu. Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all originated in India and have significant followings in the country as well.

4. India's economy has grown rapidly in recent years, with a GDP of $2.6 trillion in 2020. It is the world's sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third-largest by purchasing power parity. India is a major exporter of software services, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, among other products.

5. India has a long and rich history of scientific and mathematical innovation. Among its many contributions to science and mathematics are the concept of zero, the decimal system, and the first recorded astronomical observations. Ancient Indian texts also contain extensive knowledge of medicine, botany, and metallurgy.

6. Bollywood is the informal term for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai. It produces more than 1,000 films per year, making it the largest film industry in the world by volume. Bollywood films are known for their colorful costumes, elaborate dance numbers, and dramatic storylines.

7. The Indian railway system is one of the largest in the world, with over 68,000 km of track and more than 8,000 stations. It is also the largest employer in the world, with over 1.3 million employees. The railways play a vital role in the transportation of goods and people across the country.

8. English is one of the official languages of the Indian government, along with Hindi. It is also widely spoken by professionals, academics, and businesspeople throughout the country. India's large English-speaking population has helped to make it a major outsourcing destination for international businesses.

9. India has a large and well-equipped armed forces, with a standing army of over 1.4 million personnel. It also has significant air and naval forces, including one aircraft carrier and a growing fleet of advanced fighter jets. India has engaged in several conflicts with its neighbors, including Pakistan and China, over disputed territories.

10. India is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, lions, and rhinoceroses. It has more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries and 99 national parks, which are home to many endangered species. The country has made significant efforts to protect its wildlife, but many species remain under threat from habitat destruction and poaching.

In conclusion, India is a fascinating and complex country with a rich history and culture. There are many things about India that are not widely known or understood, but that are nonetheless worth exploring and learning about. These 10 things are just a small sampling of the many wonders and surprises that India has to offer.

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