Tag: general knowledge

Meira Kumar served as Lok Sabha Speaker from 2009-2014, becoming the first woman to hold this constitutional position. Somnath Chatterjee was the previous Speaker (2004-2009), Manohar Joshi served earlier (2002-2004), and Rabi Ray was Speaker in 1991-1996. This question is from 2009-2014.

The idiom 'in the red' means experiencing financial loss or being in debt, which fits the context of a recession affecting a nation. This phrase originates from accounting practices where red ink indicates negative figures. Being 'in the black' means profitable, while 'in the red' means losing money.

A 'yellow dog contract' is an agreement where employees agree not to join or organize labor unions as a condition of employment. These contracts were used historically in the US to suppress unionization, named after the idea that workers would agree to anything, even voting for a yellow dog, to get a job. They are now largely illegal.

'Went red in the face' is an idiom describing becoming visibly flushed due to embarrassment, anger, or physical exertion. When someone falls in front of colleagues, the natural reaction is embarrassment, causing blood to rush to the face and making it appear red. The other colors don't fit this context.

A 'green light' is a common idiom meaning permission or approval to proceed. Green is universally associated with 'go' in traffic signals, which is where this expression originates.

'Green around the gills' means looking sick or nauseous. The expression refers to the pale, sickly color people's skin can take when feeling unwell.

'White lies' are harmless or trivial lies told to be polite or spare someone's feelings. They're considered 'kinder' than harsh truths in social situations.

'Not worth a red cent' means completely worthless or valueless. The phrase refers to the smallest denomination of currency (a cent) being red - emphasizing how little value something has.

The 'gray market' refers to the trade of goods through unauthorized channels but not illegal. Products are genuine but sold outside normal distribution networks, often at different prices.