13.Questions on General Knowledge

 Peravai Academy – PA Exam Materials – PO Guide Part II - 1
Com Saju Hiyan, Divisional Secretary, AIPEU Group C, Kanniyakumari Division

Foreign Post refers to postal services that do not fall under the definition of "Inland Post" and are categorized into Letter Post and Parcel Post.

Universal Postal Union (UPU) The UPU was established on October 9, 1874, in Bern, Switzerland, originally named "General Postal Union". Its name changed to the "Universal Postal Union" in 1878, and it currently has 192 member countries. India became a UPU member on July 1, 1876. The UPU constitutes a single postal territory for the reciprocal exchange of Letter Post items, guaranteeing freedom of transit throughout its territory. The Universal Postal Convention outlines the rules for International Postal Service and Letter Post Service, including the exchange of Insured Letters, although not all countries admit insured articles. Parcel Post Services with major countries are governed by the “Parcel Post Agreement,” while non-signatory countries have separate agreements. Exchange of Money Orders, Postal Orders, and Cash on Delivery items are governed by "Special Bilateral Agreements". The UPU website is www.upu.int.

Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) The APPU was established in 1961 with its headquarters in Manila, Philippines, and came into force on April 1, 1962, initially named 'Asian-Oceanic Postal Union’ (AOPU). In 1981, it was renamed the 'Asian-Pacific Postal Union’ (APPU), and in 2002, its headquarters moved to Bangkok, Thailand. The purpose of APPU is to improve postal relations within the Asian Pacific region. India joined APPU in 1973, and the union now has 32 member countries. The APPU website is www.appu-bureau.org.

For Surface Letter Post Items, member countries may apply reduced charges, not exceeding 85% of their international surface rate. For Airmail to APPU countries, the International Surface Mail Rate for other countries and an appropriate air surcharge would be applied. The exchange of items other than Letter Post items is governed by relevant UPU agreements.

General Regulations in Letter Post
Letter Post (Correspondence) The term "Letter Post" applies to several classes of postal articles: Letters, Post Cards, Printed Papers (including Books, Registered Newspapers, Small Packets, and Literature for the Blind), and Aerogrammes. Aerogrammes are included in Letter Post but do not have a surface post equivalent.

Rates of Postage Postage charges for foreign articles include Surface postage Charges and Air surcharge. For Airmail Postcards and Aerogrammes, combined charges (Postage cum Air Surcharge) are fixed. Surface Postage Charge is generally the same for all destinations, except the USA, and for a few nearby countries, inland rates apply. Air Surcharges and Combined airmail charges vary by destination.
Special Charges Special charges for Registration (Rs. 150/-), Acknowledgement (Advice of Delivery) (Rs. 20/-), and Insurance (Rs. 10 for the first Rs. 200, then Rs. 6 for every Rs. 100 thereof) are the same for all destinations. Postage charges, special charges, and air surcharges may be refunded if service is suspended.