Clat Sept 2020 Final

SEPT, 2020 08
(Q.1-Q.5): (b) It is the difference of a
N
uMinistry of Finance country’s GDP and net
has confirmed that of subsidies and taxes in
the unprecedented the economy.
contraction in India’s Gross (c) It is the sum of the final
Domestic Product (GDP) “In #GreatLockdown Q2 (June draconian lockdown in India prices of the goods and
growth is higher than its peers, quarter) 2020 GDP growth has extracted a fearsome price,” services produced in
attributing the economic at historical lows. Graph puts economist Vivek Dahija, a Mint an economy in a given
crisis to “stringent lockdown G20 growth numbers on a columnist tweeted. period.
that India enforced in the comparable scale, quarter- (d) It is the difference of the
April-June quarter”. The strict on-quarter non-annualised. 1. Which of the following final prices of the goods
lockdown has helped India Should expect rebounds in releases the figure of GDP and services produced
keep case fatality rate lower Q3 (September quarter) but in India? in an economy in a
than counties like the US, the 2020 overall will see major (a) Department of given period.
UK, France, Japan and Italy, the contractions. China recovers Expenditure
Finance Ministry claimed in its strongly in Q2 after collapse in 4. By how much rate the
(b) Central Statistic office
Economic Review for August. Q1 (March quarter),” Gopinath Private consumption has
(c) Department for fallen down in the first
Amid a row over whether said in her accompanying tweet Promotion of Industry
India’s gross domestic product with the graphics. (April-June) quarter of
and Internal Trade 2020 compared to the same
(GDP) contracted the most India’s executive director to the
among major economies in (d) Department of period (April-June) in
IMF Surjit Bhalla earlier on Economic Affairs
the June quarter, International 2019?
Wednesday had said on Twitter
Monetary Fund (IMF) chief that the comparable US figure 2. Which is the only sector (a) 22% (b) 24%
economist Gita Gopinath for India’s 23.9% contraction that showed positive (c) 25% (d) 27%
on Wednesday tweeted a in the June quarter is 31.7% growth rate during the first
graph which showed India’s contraction, signaling that the 5. Which of the following
quarter of 2020?
internationally comparable US contracted at a faster pace statement is not correct?
(a) Public administration
quarter-on-quarter GDP shrank than India during the period. (a) The GDP gives the
the most among G20 countries Later, he tweeted that “cross- (b) Defense picture from producers’
at 25.6%. country comparison at this (c) Agriculture side or supply side
India reports its GDP growth point is not valid.” (d) Road and transport perspective.
by comparing its level a year “This graph via @GitaGopinath, (b) Government spending
ago (year-on-year) which 3. What is the definition of is one of the factors to
IMF chief economist, shows
showed the economy dipped Gross Value Added? be considered while
just how disastrously badly
23.9% in the June quarter. India is doing. Note that this (a) It is the sum of a calculating the GDP.
Mint was the first to point out data is non-annualised and country’s GDP and net (c) Imports are subtracted
on Monday that India’s GDP comparable across countries. of subsidies and taxes in while calculating GDP.
contraction could be one of the The ill-conceived and the economy.
worst among G20 countries. (d) None of the above
1. (b) Central Statistic office sectors. Only the agriculture of a country’s GDP and net investment + Government
India’s Central Statistic Office sector showed a positive of subsidies and taxes in the investment + Government
calculates the nation’s gross growth at 3.4%. Except for economy. Gross Value Added = spending + (exports-imports)
domestic product (GDP). agriculture sector, all other GDP + subsidies on products - 5. (a) The GDP gives the picture
The Central Statistics Office sector witnessed contraction taxes on products. Gross Value from producers’ side or supply
coordinates the statistical such as construction (–50%), Added (GVA) growth rate also side perspective.
activities in the country and trade, hotels and other services declined by 22.8% in the first While GVA gives a picture of
evolves statistical standards. (–47%), manufacturing (–39%), quarter of this financial year. the state of economic activity
It works under the Ministry and mining (–23%). 4. (d) 27% from the producers’ side or
of Statistics and Programme 3. (a) It is the sum of a country’s Private consumption has fallen supply side, the GDP gives the
Implementation. GDP and net of subsidies and by 27%. It is the biggest engine picture from the consumers’
2. (c) Agriculture taxes in the economy. that drives the Indian economy. side or demand perspective.
Construction, manufacturing, At the macro level, from It is one of the four engines
trade, hotels and other services a national accounting of growth of GDP. GDP =
and mining were the worst-hit perspective, GVA is the sum Private consumption + Gross
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The CLAT Post • Sept. 2020
(Q.6-Q.10): Multilingualism
Amidst the challenges that (b) Literacy teaching
coronavirus pandemic poses and learning in the
for students and educators, COVID-19 crisis and
the world observed the beyond
International Literacy day. (c) Literacy and skills
According to recent consensus, development in the
about 775 million adults lack COVID-19 crisis
the minimum education that (d) Literacy and technology
is required to be literate and during the Pandemic
of those, 60.7 million children
are out of school or are rare 8. In which year, the UNESCO
attendees. According to the declared the International
UNESCO’s ‘Global Monitoring Literacy Day?
Report on Education for All’ (a) 1966
(2006), South Asia has the (b) 1967
lowest regional adult literacy
rate, at 58.6% and the causes for (c) 1968
this illiteracy range from severe (d) 1969
poverty and the prejudice
against women. 9. According to recent NSO
report, which of the
This day is celebrated in an disrupted as majority of the will be two meetings held, one following state/UT highest
effort to combat these problems school around the world have about the ‘Literacy teaching literacy rate?
and to provide a quality been closed since the start of and learning in the COVID-19
education for all. Through (a) Delhi
the pandemic. According to crisis and beyond: the role
the course of the years, the the World Literacy Foundation, of educators and changing (b) Kerala
United Nations (UN) has founded in 2003, more than 190 pedagogies’ and another on (c) Tamil Nadu
given this day special themes countries closed their school ‘The Laureates of the UNESCO (d) Pondicherry
keeping in line with the current which affected the education International Literacy Prizes
environment. Ranging from of approximately 1.27 billion 2020’. 10. According to recent NSO
‘Literacy and Health’, ‘Literacy children and youth. report, what is the overall
and Epidemics’, which focused 6. On which day International literacy rate (approx.) in
Most classes and lectures
on communicable diseases Literacy Day is celebrated? India?
are being conducted online
such as HIV, to ‘Literacy and and though that does make (a) 6th September (a) 70%
Empowerment’ and ‘Literacy a difference, the question of (b) 7th September (b) 74%
and Peace’ a few years later. what the future holds in terms (c) 8th September (c) 77.7%
It may seem redundant by now, of the process of education in (d) 9th September (d) 80%
but the coronavirus pandemic unknown. For the celebration
has disrupted the proper flow of International Literacy Day, 7. What is the theme of
of our society as a whole. the UN are organising online Literacy Day 2020?
For children primarily, their seminars and talks that go over (a) Literacy and
education has been severely these pertinent questions. There
6. (c) 8th September learning in the COVID-19 8. (a) 1966 were literates. On the other
At the 14th session of crisis and beyond On 26 October 1966, UNESCO hand, Andhra Pradesh was at
UNESCO’s general conference The theme for 2020 is proclaimed 8 September as the bottom with 66.4%.
in 1966, the first ever “Literacy teaching and International Literacy Day to 10. (c) 77.7%
International Literacy Day learning in the COVID-19 combat worldwide issues of The overall literacy rate in
was declared and since then it crisis and beyond.” It illiteracy. Thus, International India is 77.7%. The literacy
has been celebrated annually highlights the especially on the Literacy Day has been rate in rural areas is 73.5% The
on September 8, in an effort role of educators and changing observed since 1967. literacy rate in urban areas is
to highlight the importance pedagogies. The theme also 9. (b) Kerala 87.7% The male literacy rate
of literacy to individuals and highlights literacy learning in According to the survey, is higher than that of female
communities around the a lifelong learning perspective, Kerala has the highest literacy literacy rates in all states.
world. and therefore, mainly focuses rate in the country. Around
7. (b) Literacy teaching and on youth and adults. 96.2% of the people the state
(Q.11-Q.15):
External Affairs Minister S
Jaishankar arrived in [4] on
Tuesday on a four-day visit
to [4] to attend a meeting
of the foreign ministers of
the Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation (SCO).
“EAM @DrSJaishankar landed
in [4]; received by Ambassador
and senior officers from [4]
Foreign Ministry,” the Indian
Embassy tweeted.
His trip comes days after
Defence Minister Rajnath
Singh visited the [4]capital to
attend a meeting of the defence issues. Amir Hatami and discussed (b) Beijing
ministers of the eight-nation It was the highest level face- ways to bolster bilateral ties and (c) Guangzhou
SCO of which both India and to-face contact between the exchanged views on regional
(d) Moscow
China are members. two sides after border tension security issues, including the
erupted in eastern Ladakh in situation in Afghanistan. 14. Which of the following can
During his stay, Mr Jaishankar
early May. be replaced with [4] in the
will attend the meeting of 11. Which of the following is
On his way to [4], Mr above passage?
Council of Foreign Ministers not the member of SCO?
(CFM) of SCO. Jaishankar made a stopover (a) Russia
(a) Kazakhstan
On the sidelines of the SCO in Tehran on Tuesday and (b) Uzbekistan
held talks with his Iranian (b) Pakistan
meet, he is expected to hold (c) Cambodia
counterpart Javad Zarif, (c) Iran
a bilateral meeting with his (d) Azerbaijan
Chinese counterpart Wang covering various aspects of (d) Tajikistan
Yi on Thursday amidst the bilateral relations and regional 15. Which of the following
developments. 12. In which year, India became
escalating border row between will host the summit of
The Iranian foreign ministry, the member of SCO?
India and China in eastern the council of heads of
Ladakh. in a tweet, said the two sides (a) 2002 government of the SCO in
On Friday, Defence Minister emphasised on their will to (b) 2004 November 2020?
Singh held an over two-hour further expand bilateral ties in (c) 2016 (a) Delhi
meeting with his Chinese “all aspects”.
(d) 2017 (b) Moscow
counterpart Gen Wei Fenghe Defence Minister Singh had
also made a visit to Tehran (c) Beijing
here on the margins of the 13. Which of the following city
meeting of defence ministers on his return from [4] and has the secretariat of the (d) Shanghai
of the SCO bloc that primarily held talks with his Iranian SCO?
focuses on security related counterpart Brigadier General (a) Shanghai
11. (c) Iran Tajikistan were members of Secretariat is headed by the meeting of the Foreign
SCO comprises eight member the Shanghai Five. Shanghai Secretary-General. Nominated Ministers of the eight-member
states, namely the Republic Five (1996) emerged from a by the Council of Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation
of India, the Republic of series of border demarcation Foreign Affairs and approved Organisation in the Russian
Kazakhstan, the People’s and demilitarization talks by the Heads of State Council, capital Moscow.
Republic of China, the Kyrgyz which the four former Soviet the Secretary-General is 15. (a) Delhi
Republic, the Islamic Republic republics held with China appointed from among citizens India will host a summit
of Pakistan, the Russian to ensure stability along the of the SCO member states on of the council of heads of
Federation, the Republic of borders. India and Pakistan a rotating basis in Russian government of the Shanghai
Tajikistan, and the Republic of became members in 2017. alphabetical order for a single Cooperation Organisation
Uzbekistan;. 13. (b) Beijing three-year term with no (SCO) on November 30 with
12. (d) 2017 SCO Secretariat is based possibility of extension. a focus on contributing to the
Prior to the creation of SCO in Beijing to provide 14. (a) Russia trade and economic agenda of
in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, informational, analytical & External Affairs Minister the influential grouping.
Kyrgyzstan, Russia and organisational support. The S Jaishankar attended the
(Q.16-Q.20): and profitable for—venture

The [1] released the Global capitalists.
Innovation Index 2020: on India’s Position- GII 2020
September 02, 2020. India’s Global Innovation Index
Impact of COVID-19 on 2020 rank is [2]. India has been
Innovation remarked as the “Innovation
GII crucially analyses achievers” and also the Indian
the impact of COVID-19 start-up ecosystem has been
pandemic which has impacted praised as exemplary for
almost all walks of life and boosting start-up investments
sectors. In this context the and funding. The concerted
report strongly words that efforts of the Government to India. Innovation during the
COVID-19 pandemic has build a conducive environment COVID-19
for fostering innovations 16. Which of the following can
triggered an unprecedented (d) Energizing the World
and start-ups appears to be be replaced with [1] in the
global economic shutdown with Innovation
streamlining and consistent above passage?
which has severely hindered
the innovation worldwide. The efforts may make India a (a) World Trade 19. Which of the following
report also states that the crisis developed economy in near Organization nation topped the Index?
struck innovation when it was future. (b) World Intellectual (a) USA
flourishing and the situation The report recognizes the Property Organization (b) UK
requires for government efforts of multiple government (c) United Nations (c) Sweden
support as well as collaborative departments like notably the Industrial Development
models and also continued Department for Promotion (d) Switzerland
Organization
private sector investment in of Industry & Internal Trade (d) World Bank 20. Which of the following is
innovation. (DPIIT), NITI Aayog, DST, and not the correct statement?
Decline in Innovation Finance DBT for being instrumental 17. Which of the following can
(a) It is only second time
in framing the policies be replaced with [2] in the
The GII also reports a decline that India broke into top
and regulations for start- above passage?
in innovation finance and one 50 in index of 2020.
up investments. The newly (a) 44 (b) 46
of the critical areas recognized (b) Cornell University
amended CSR rule mandating
is the impact of the current (c) 48 (d) 50 and INSEAD Business
profitable companies to
crisis on start-ups, VC (venture School were a part in
contribute to incubators and 18. What was the theme of the
capital), and other sources framing the index.
research projects in publicly Index?
of innovation financing. The
funded universities, Indian (c) Around 131 countries
findings indicate that money (a) Technology and
Institutes of Technology (IITs), were analyzed before
to fund innovative ventures Innovation during
and national laboratories and arriving at the rankings.
is drying up as there are few COVID-19
recognizing it as eligible for (d) All the above
initial public offerings (IPOs) (b) Who will Finance
CSR funding has been noted
in sight, and the start-ups that Innovation?
as one of the driving forces
survive may grow less attractive
for investment in start-ups in (c) The Future of Medical
16. (b) World Intellectual four positions since 2019. For given the human and global four now among the top 50.
Property Organization the first time, India has ranked economic damage wreaked 20. (a) It is only second time
On September 2, 2020, the among top 50 countries. by the COVID-19 global that India broke into top 50
World Intellectual Property 18. (b) Who will Finance pandemic. in index of 2020.
Organization (WIPO) released Innovation? 19. (d) Switzerland For the first time, India
the Global Innovation Index. The index was released based Switzerland, Sweden, US, has ranked among top 50
India was at the top position on the theme Theme: Who UK and Netherlands led countries. India occupied
among central and southern will Finance Innovation? The the innovation ranking. the 52nd position in 2019
Asian countries. The index was 2020 edition of the Global Switzerland continued its rankings. The index is
released based on the theme Innovation Index (GII) dominance by remaining at published annually by Cornell
Theme: Who will Finance presents the latest global the top position for the 10th University, INSEAD and the
Innovation? innovation trends and the consecutive year. In Asian WIPO. It provides detailed
17. (c) 48 annual innovation ranking economies, China, India, the metrics about the innovation
India’s Global Innovation of 131 economies. The theme Philippines and Vietnam have performance of 131 countries
Index 2020 rank is 48 among of this year’s GII - Who Will made the most progress on the and economies around the
131 economies, moves up by Finance Innovation? - is timely index in recent years, with all world.
technology, Indian departments partnered with Atal

and big companies never Innovation Mission to
encourage and promote new provide robust support
startups that have done unique to innovators and
work. For ARISE-ANIC’s entrepreneurs in India?
success, the government (a) Infosys
must become the first buyer.
(Q.21-Q.25): he added, “Science should help (b) TCS
I am sure AIM will be able to
Atal Innovation Mission solve socio-economic problems break new ground with these (c) Wipro
(AIM launched one of its and scientific research should challenges, which will lead (d) Freshworks
most awaited programmes, be extended from the labs to to the creation of new Indian
the land.” products.” 24. Which of the following is
Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-
not correct regarding the
Atal New India Challenges, Agreeing with the minister,
21. Atal Innovation Mission is body that initiated the Atal
to spur applied research and , Dr Rajiv Kumar, said, the
the initiative of- Innovation Mission?
innovation in Indian [2]. initiative will help promote
technopreneurs who deserve (a) National Development (a) It is a statutory body.
The programme will be driven
by Indian Space Research to be supported because of Council (b) It was formed in 2005.
Organisation (ISRO), four their immense potential of (b) Department for (c) Its vice chairperson is
ministries Ministry of Defence; taking India forward. “This Promotion of Industry to be appointed by the
Ministry of Food Processing is a historical day as crucial and Internal Trade minister of commerce
Industries; Ministry of Health personalities from the science (c) National Institution for and industry.
and Family Welfare; and and technology sector have Transforming India (d) All the above
Ministry of Housing and collaborated with us for
d) Ministry of Commerce
Urban Affairs and associated boosting the inovation,” he said. 25. Which of the following has
industries to facilitate The Aatmanirbhar Bharat 22. Which of the following can been established/started by
innovative solutions to sectoral ARISE–ANIC programme be replaced with [2] in the AIM with the purpose of
problems. will support deserving applied above passage? creating problem solving
Speaking at the virtual launch research–based innovations (a) Micro, Small & Medium mindset across schools in
of the initiative, Nitin Gadkari by providing funding support Enterprises India?
said, “I am sure this initiative of up to Rs 50 lakh for speedy (a) Mentor India Campaign
(b) Space Sector
will help identify and promote development of the proposed
(c) Health Sector (b) Atal New India
innovations necessary for technology solution and/or
Challenges
boosting this sector.” product. (d) Housing Sector
(c) Atal Incubation Centers
Recalling Prime Minister Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti
23. Which of the following (d) Atal Tinkering Labs
Narendra Modi’s vision of Aayog, said, “Other than ISRO,
software company has
focussing on scientific research, which is a great promoter of
21. (c) National Institution for academic institutions, Atal Innovation Mission a resolution of the Union
Transforming India and SME/MSME industry, (AIM) has partnered with Cabinet on January 1, 2015. It
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) corporate and NGO levels. Freshworks Inc. Freshworks is not a statutory body. Its vice
is a flagship initiative set up 22. (a) Micro, Small & Medium Inc. will provide credits for chairperson is to be appointed
by the NITI Aayog to promote Enterprises its products to AIM and by the Prime Minister.
a culture of innovation and Atal Innovation Mission its beneficiaries. It aims to 25. (d) Atal Tinkering Labs
entrepreneurship in the (AIM), NITI Aayog, has increase the efficacy of the With a vision to ‘Cultivate
country. AIM is also envisaged launched the Aatmanirbhar institutions and startups under one Million children in India
as an umbrella innovation Bharat ARISE-Atal New India the AIM portfolio. It further as Neoteric Innovators’, Atal
organization that would Challenges (ANI(C) initiative. targets to foster innovation Innovation Mission has
play an instrumental role It will help in boosting and entrepreneurship among established Atal Tinkering
in alignment of innovation research and innovation in startup innovators. Freshworks Laboratories in schools across
policies between central, Indian MSMEs and startups. Inc. will provide credits for India. The objective of this
state and sectoral innovation The primary objective of its products to AIM and its scheme is to foster curiosity,
schemes incentivizing the program is to collaborate beneficiaries. This step will creativity and imagination in
establishment and promotion with associated Ministries empower startups to function young minds; and inculcate
of an ecosystem of innovation and industries to facilitate efficiently. skills such as design mindset,
and entrepreneurship at research, innovation and 24. (d) All the above computational thinking,
various levels - higher innovative solutions to sectoral The National Institution for adaptive learning, physical
secondary schools, science, problems. Transforming India, also called computing etc.
engineering and higher 23. (d) Freshworks NITI Aayog, was formed via
Australia, Mauritius, Georgia, be replaced with [2] in the

Canada and Ireland round out above passage?
the top-10. (a) 105
The report measures economic (b) 110
freedom (levels of personal
(c) 115
choice, ability to enter markets,
security of privately owned (d) 120
property, rule of law, among 28. Which of the following
others) by analysing the policies nation has topped Index?
and institutions of various
countries and territories. (a) Hong Kong
The 10 lowest-rated countries (b) New Zealand
are African Republic, (c) Singapore
Democratic Republic of Congo, (d) Switzerland
Zimbabwe, Republic of Congo,
Algeria, Iran, Angola, Libya, 29. Which of the following can
Sudan and Venezuela. Other be replaced with [4] in the
notable rankings include Japan above passage?
(20th), Germany (21st), Italy (a) World Economic Forum
(51st), France (58th), Mexico (b) Project Syndicate
(68th), Russia (89th) and Brazil
(c) Fraser Institute
(105th).
(Q.26-Q.30): released. (d) Business Roundtable
26. Which of the following is
India reported marginal The report said prospects 30. Which of the following
the correct statement?
decrease in size of government for increasing economic India’s think tank was
(from 8.22 to 7.16), legal system freedom in India depend on (a) India was at the 79th
involved in releasing the
and property rights (from next generation reforms in spot in last year’s
Index?
5.17 to 5.06), freedom to trade factor markets and in greater rankings.
(a) Centre for Policy
internationally (6.08 to 5.71) openness to international (b) China’s rank is lower
Research
and regulation of credit, labour trade. India reported marginal than India in 2020.
and business (6.63 to 6.53). decrease in size of government (b) Centre for Civil Society
(c) The report is created
India has fallen to the [2] (from 8.22 to 7.16), legal system by analysing policies (c) Centre for Independent
position on the Global and property rights (from and institutions in Studies
Economic Freedom Index 2020, 5.17 to 5.06), freedom to trade 162 countries and (d) CUTS International
according to a report released internationally (6.08 to 5.71) territories.
on Thursday. The Economic and regulation of credit, labour
(d) All the above
Freedom of the World: 2020 and business (6.63 to 6.53).
Annual Report by [4] has been New Zealand, Switzerland, US, 27. Which of the following can
26. (d) All the above India has fallen 26 spots to have attained first and second charity.
India has dropped by 26 the 105th position on the position respectively. While 30. (b) Centre for Civil Society
position this year. India was Global Economic Freedom 10 lowest ranked countries are The Economic Freedom of the
at 79th position in the 2019 Index 2020, according to African Republic, Democratic World, 2020 has been released
edition of the report. China is Global Economic Freedom Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, in India which was prepared
positioned 124th and India at Index Report. India has Republic of Congo, Algeria, by Canada’s Fraser Institute
105 and hence, China’s rank is reported reduction in size Iran, Angola, Libya, Sudan and together with a New Delhi-
lower than India in 2020. The of, Government from 8.22 Venezuela. based think tank Centre for
report is created by analysing to 7.16, legal system and 29. (c) Fraser Institute Civil Society. Centre for Civil
policies and institutions in property rights from 5.17 The Economic Freedom of Society is a non-profit think
162 countries and territories to 5.06, freedom to trade the World, 2020 has been tank based in New Delhi. The
to measure economic freedom internationally from 6.08 to released in India which was Centre was founded in 1997
including the levels of personal 5.71 and regulation of credit, prepared by Canada’s Fraser by Dr Parth Shah, former
choice, ability to enter labour and business from 6.63 Institute together with a New Professor of Economics at
markets, security of privately to 6.53. Delhi-based think tank Centre the University of Michigan.
owned property and rule of 28. (a) Hong Kong for Civil Society. The Fraser It operates as an independent
law. Hong Kong and Singapore Institute is a public policy research and educational
27. (a) 105 have topped the index, which think tank and registered organisation.
(Q.31-Q.35): (a) PM Matsya Sampada

Prime Minister Narendra Yojana
Modi on Thursday, September, (b) National Fisheries
10 launched the [2] with Mission
an estimated investment (c) Matsya Utpadan Niti
of ₹20,050 crores for the
(d) Scheme on Fisheries
sustainable development of the
Training and Extension
fisheries sector in three-four
years. Launching the scheme 33. Which of the following
via video-conferencing, he Samastipur,” said the Prime through farming as well as revolution is concerned
inaugurated the [4] app that Minister. other means,” he added. The with fisheries?
will facilitate the provision of initiative will boost fish, milk (a) Golden revolution
The benefits of the scheme
a marketplace for livestock and honey production, paving
include addressing critical (b) Red revolution
and also launched several the way for blue, white and
gaps in the fisheries sector, (c) Blue revolution
other initiatives in fisheries sweet revolutions, The project
to work towards equipping
and animal husbandry sectors. in Bihar would witness an (d) Brown revolution
the sector with the latest
PM Modi stated that this was investment of ₹1,390 crores
technology, to upgrade critical 34. Which of the following can
the biggest investment made with the central share of ₹535
infrastructure, strengthen be replaced with [4] in the
in the fisheries sector since crores and the additional fish
the value chain and to create above passage?
independence, adding that production target pegged
employment opportunities in
the objective is to double fish at three lakh tons. During (a) E-aqua
it. He also said that the scheme
exports in the coming years. the current fiscal, the Union (b) E-nam
has provisions that would
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish boost the welfare of those government has sanctioned (c) E-gopala
Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister associated with fishing. It aims Bihar’s proposal costing ₹107
(d) E-matsya
Sushil Modi and Union at enhancing fish production crores.
minister Giriraj Singh joined by an additional 70 lakh tonnes 35. Under which of the
the launch programme from 31. The scheme launched above
and increasing fisheries export following mission, IVF
Patna via video-conference. is part of which initiative?
earnings to ₹1 lakh crore by lab established at Animal
“Today the scheme is being 2024-25. Most importantly, (a) Atal Innovation Sciences University?
launched in 21 states across the to make the optimum use of (b) Atmanirbhar Bharat (a) Rashtriya Gokul
country. Over ₹20,050 crores the fisheries sector, the Prime (c) Paramparagat Krishi Mission
will be spent on this in the next Minister said a new ministry Vikas Yojana (b) Kisan Shashaktikaran
4-5 years. Works worth ₹1,700 has been formed while other (d) National Scheme on Yojana
crores are being started today. schemes like Mission Clean Welfare of Fishermen (c) Gramin Bhandaran
Under the scheme, several Ganga and Mission Dolphin
facilities have been inaugurated will also benefit the fisheries Yojna
32. Which of the following can
in Patna, Purnia, Sitamarhi, sector. “This will increase be replaced with [2] in the (d) Livestock insurance
Madhepura, Kishanganj and earning opportunities above passage? Scheme
31. (b) Atmanirbhar Bharat 32. (a) PM Matsya Sampada that went from 1985 to 1990, farmers about government
PMMSY is a flagship scheme Yojana during which the government schemes.
for focused and sustainable On September 10, 2020, Prime sponsored the Fish Farmers 35. (a) Rashtriya Gokul Mission
development of the fisheries Minister Narendra Modi is Development Agency (FFDA). The PM will inaugurate IVF
sector in the country as a part to launch Pradhan Mantri 34. (c) E-gopala lab established at Animal
of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Matsya Sampada Yojana. The The E-gopala application Sciences University under
Abhiyan. Atmanirbhar Bharat, scheme focuses on sustainable aims at improving breed Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
which translates to ‘self-reliant development of fisheries in improvement marketplace and These labs are important for
India’ or ‘self-sufficient India’, India. It is to be implemented information portal for direct enhancing milk production
is the vision of the Prime between 2020-21 and 2024-25. use of farmers. The application and productivity manifold.
Minister of India Narendra 33. (c) Blue revolution is a comprehensive technique ashtriya Gokul Mission
Modi of making India “a bigger The Blue Revolution is part which will be launched with comprises of two components
and more important part of of the Government’s efforts to an aim to boost the breed namely: The national program
the global economy”, pursuing promote fishing as an allied improvement marketplace and for bovine breeding and
policies that are efficient, activity for farmers in order information portal for direct National mission for bovine
competitive and resilient, and to double their incomes. It use of farmers. It will help fish productivity.
being self-sustaining and self- was launched in India during farmers to manage livestock
generating. the 7th Five Year Plan (FYP) digitally. It will send alerts to
(Q.36-Q.40):
The Indira Gandhi Peace
Prize 2019 will be awarded
to renowned naturalist and
broadcaster [1].
The statement added that he
had perhaps done more to
reveal the wonders of nature to
others in his lifetime than any
other person.
Trust secretary Suman Dubey
said he had worked tirelessly
to “awaken humankind to the
need, to preserve and protect
the biodiversity on our planet,
to live in a sustainable and
harmonious way with all life,
and to stop being what he has
called: ‘a plague on earth’.”
His work, most of it for BBC,
has received widespread
recognition across the world.
‘Some of the major awards Annan (2003), Angel Merkel (c) 1987 40. Which of the following is
he has received are his (2013), Hamid Karzai (2005) (d) 1988 not the correct statement?
knighthood, UNESCO’s and Mikhail Gorbachev (1987), (a) It recognizes excellent
Kalinga Prize, the Micheal and Gro Harlem Brundtland 38. Who chaired the jury to efforts by individuals
Faraday Prize, the Descartes (1988) have been awarded the select the award recipient? or organizations
Prize, a Fellowship of the Royal peace prize. (a) Rahul Gandhi which are working
Society, awards from Royal towards creating a new
36. Which of the following can (b) Sonia Gandhi
Geographical Society, and international economic
several Emmy and BAFTA be replaced with [1] in the (c) Shashi Tharoor
order, towards
awards. above passage? (d) Pranab Mukherjee promoting international
The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize (a) Greta Thunberg peace.
39. Which of the following
which is named after former (b) Steve Irwin Indian Prime Minister has (b) It has been awarded
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (c) Jane Goodall been awarded with the to two Indian Prime
is a prestigious prize awarded Indira Gandhi Peace Prize? Ministers.
(d) David Attenborough
by the Indira Gandhi Memorial
(a) Charan Singh (c) It is given bi-annually.
Trust. It consists of a monetary 37. In which year Indira
award of Rs 25 lakh along with (b) Atal Bihari Vajpayee (d) None of the above
Gandhi Peace Prize was
a citation. first given? (c) Manmohan Singh
Earlier, Rajiv Gandhi (1991), (a) 1985 (d) Narsimha Rao
M S Swaminathan (1999), Kofi (b) 1986
36. (d) David Attenborough award which has been named 2019 prize. It is conferred every year
Sir David Attenborough has after former prime minister 39. (c) Manmohan Singh by Indira Gandhi Memorial
been conferred with Indira Indira Gandhi. It is conferred Former Prime Minister Trust since 1986. It recognizes
Gandhi Peace Prize for 2019 at every year by Indira Gandhi Manmohan Singh (85) was excellent efforts by individuals
a virtual ceremony. Sir David Memorial Trust since 1986. selected Indira Gandhi Prize or organizations which are
is an English broadcaster Parliamentarians for Global for peace, disarmament and working towards creating a
and natural historian. He is Action was awarded the prize development. He was selected new international economic
best known for writing and for the first time. based on his leadership in the order, towards promoting
presenting the BBC Natural 38. (d) Pranab Mukherjee country between 2004 and international peace. It has been
History Unit. An international jury chaired 2014 and for enhancing India’s awarded to Rajeev Gandhi and
37. (b) 1986 by former President Pranab stature globally. Manmohan Singh.
It is an annual prestigious Mukherjee selected him for the 40. (c) It is given bi-annually
the above passage?

(a) Kerala
(b) Bihar
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Odisha

be replaced with [2] in the
above passage?
(a) Department for
Promotion of Industry
and Internal Trade
(b) NITI Aayog
(c) Ministry of Statistics
and Programme
Implementation
(Q.41-Q.45): and Industry Som Parkash. entrepreneurship development (d) Department of
and incubation activities in the Economic Affairs
[1] has bagged the “Top The States’ Startup Ranking
Performer” honour for Framework 2019, prepared state. 43. In how many categories
developing a strong start-up by the [2] of the Ministry It was noted on the occasion states were classified for the
ecosystem for the second of Commerce and Industry, that [1] and Karnataka purpose of ranking?
consecutive year in the recognized Electronics and have displayed visionary (a) 4 (b) 5
States’ Startup Ranking 2019, Information Technology leadership and taken strategic
(c) 6 (d) 7
announced by the Centre, Department of the state initiatives to strengthen
recognising the state as a leader government as an institutional innovative entrepreneurship 44. Which of the following
across all pillars of startup leader, regulatory change of the ecosystem. These states state has received the best
ecosystem. champion, procurement have exhibited unwavering performer?
While four states were adjudged leader, incubation hub, seeding commitment to the growth
(a) Kerala
as the top performers last innovation leader, and scaling of start-up ecosystems by
innovations leader. taking dedicated and focussed (b) Karnataka
year, only [1] and Karnataka
have been selected this year, a [1] has taken several exemplary initiatives across all pillars of (c) Tamil Nadu
press release said. The ranking initiatives in establishing start-ups ranking exercise. (d) Gujarat
was declared in the presence institutional support for It also recognised Dr Saji
of Railways and Commerce women-led startups, including Gopinath, CEO Startup Mission 45. In how many groups, states
minister, Piyush Goyal, pre-incubation support, special and Ashok Kurian Panjikaran, and UTs were divided to
Minister of State (Independent subsidies and seed funding. Head, Business Development of ensure uniformity and
Charge) for Civil Aviation, Initiatives like robust venture KSUM, as “Startup Champions standardization in the
Housing and Urban Affairs, funding mechanism for start- of the State.” ranking process?
Hardeep Singh Puri and ups are being implemented, (a) 2 (b) 4
Minister of State for Commerce the nodal agency for 41. Which of the following state
(c) 5 (d) 6
can be replaced with [1] in
41. (a) Kerala Internal Trade Performers, Top Performers, occupied the lowest positions.
Karnataka and Kerala The Results of the 2nd Leaders, Aspiring Leaders and 45. (a) 2
have been ranked as ‘top edition of Ranking of States Emerging Startup Ecosystems. To establish uniformity and
performers’ in the the 2nd on Support to Startup 44. (d) Gujarat ensure standardization in the
edition of Ranking of States on Ecosystems were released by The States and UTs were ranking process, States and
Support to Startup Ecosystems. the Department for Promotion classified as: Best Performers, UTs have been divided into
Gujarat was the Best performer of Industry and Internal Trade. Top Performers, Leaders, two groups. Category Y: All
followed by Karnataka and It works under the Ministry of Aspiring Leaders and UTs except Delhi and all States
Kerala. Uttar Pradesh and Commerce & Industry. Emerging Startup Ecosystems. in North East India except
Tamil Nadu occupied the 43. (b) 5 Gujarat was the Best performer Assam. Category X: All other
lowest positions. States were classified into 5 in Category X followed by States and UT of Delhi.
42. (a) Department for categories, for the purposes Karnataka and Kerala. Uttar
Promotion of Industry and of Ranking, namely- Best Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
(Q.46-Q.50): Nadu continues to vehemently (c) September 12 (a) Birth anniversary of

Observed annually on [1], oppose it. In fact, immediately (d) September 14 Munshi Premchand.
Hindi Diwas commemorates after its announcement, (b) Birth anniversary of
the adoption of Hindi language Chief Minister Edappadi 47. Under which article of Suryakant Tripathi
as one of the official languages Palaniswamy of the All India Indian Constitution, Hindi Nirala.
of India. Beohar Rajendra Anna Dravida Munnetra is mentioned as official
(c) Hindi was adopted by
Simha along with Hazari Kazhagam (AIADMK) party language of the Union?
the constituent assembly
Prasad Dwivedi, Kaka Kalelkar, had made it clear that the state (a) Article 343 as official language on
Maithili Sharan Gupt and Seth would not implement the three- (b) Article 344 the same day.
Govind Das are some of the language formula prescribed by
the new policy. In a letter to the (c) Article 345 (d) Birth anniversary of
people who rallied and lobbied
Prime Minister, Palaniswamy (d) Article 346 Maithili Sharan Gupt.
pan-India in favour of Hindi.
At the moment, in the state 50. Which of the following is
of Tamil Nadu, anti-Hindi not the correct statement?
protests — led by the doughty (a) The Hindi language is
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam one of the 22 languages
(DMK) party — are in full of the Eighth Schedule
swing. The objective, says of the Constitution of
DMK MP Kanimozhi, is to let India.
it be known that by equating (b) The then Minister of
learning Hindi with a false External Affairs Atal
sense of nationalism, the Centre Bihari Vajpayee was
is doing a “shameful” thing. first to give a speech
The daughter of the former in Hindi at the United
chief minister M Karunanidhi Nations in 1977.
recently told reporters in
Chennai that the issue is not (c) The Government of
about knowing Hindi or not, India in collaboration
“[but that] it is shameful that with the Government of
had stated that Tamil Nadu was 48. Which of the following
one can be Indian only if they Mauritius has set up the
against the imposition of Hindi is the script of Hindi
know the language”. World Hindi Secretariat
as a compulsory third language language?
in Port Louis, Mauritius
The demonstration essentially in schools. He also opposed the (a) Kaithi for promotion and
follows the National Education promotion of Sanskrit. (b) Devanagari propagation of Hindi
Policy (NEP) 2020, approved by globally.
the Union Cabinet on July 29. 46. Which of the following can (c) Kharoshhi
While it was largely welcomed be replaced with the [1] in (d) Nandinagari (d) The first World Hindi
by the southern states — albeit the above passage? Conference was
49. Why Hindi Divas is organized in 1980.
with some objections — the (a) September 8 celebrated on [1]?
poll-bound state of Tamil
(b) September 10
46. (d) September 14 two official languages of the the constituent assembly as language.
Hindi Diwas is being Republic of India. The Article official language on the same 50. (d) The first World Hindi
celebrated across the country 343(1) of the constitution day. Conference was organized in
today, September 14, 2020. states that, “The official The Constituent Assembly of 1980.
The constituent assembly language of the Union shall be India adopted Hindi written The first world World Hindi
had adopted Hindi written Hindi in Devanagari script.” in Devnagari Script along with Conference was organized
in Devanagari as the official 48. (b) Devanagari English as the official language in Nagpur on January 10,
language of the country in Hindi, the language widely of the country on September 1975. Since then, ten such
1949. It is the first language of spoken across the South Asian 14, 1949, under Article 343(1). Conferences have been
more than 520 million people country of India, is written It is the first language of more held in different parts of
across the world. in the Devanagari script. than 520 million people across world. To commemorate the
47. (a) Article 343 Devanagari, also called Nagari, the world. On 14th September occasion of first conference
The constitution of India is a left-to-right abugida, 1949, which happens to be , the government of India
specifies two official languages based on the ancient Brāhmī the 50th birthday of Beohar since 2006 is celebrating 10th
namely Hindi and English. script, used in the Indian Rajendra Simha, their efforts January as World Hindi Day.
Constituent assembly had subcontinent. came to fruition and Hindi
adopted Hindi as one of the 49. (c) Hindi was adopted by was adopted as an official
performance during the cruise (b) Odisha

phase of hypersonic vehicles. (c) Tamil Nadu
“All performance parameters
(d) Karnataka
have indicated a resounding
success of the mission,” the 53. Which of the following
MoD said. The special project is the correct statement
of the DRDO consisted of regarding the speed of the
contributions from its multiple HSTDV missile?
facilities. From the Armament (a) It would help missiles
and Combat Engineering to travel at six times the
Cluster, the two facilities from speed of sound.
Pune which played a role in
the development were the High (b) It would help missiles to
Energy Materials Research travel at 1/100000 times
Laboratory and the Research the speed of light.
(Q.51-Q.55): towards a Sashakt Bharat & Development Establishment (c) It would help missiles
and Atmanirbhar Bharat. (Engineers). DRDO scientists to travel at 1/10000000
The Defence Research and
DRDO, with this mission, has said the test conducted on times the speed of light.
Development Organisation
(DRDO) on Monday demonstrated capabilities for Monday was a major milestone, (d) It would help missiles to
successfully flight tested highly complex technology as well as a stepping stone for travel at two times the
a Hypersonic Technology that will serve as the building the development of hypersonic speed of sound.
Demonstrator Vehicle blocks for NextGen Hypersonic systems in both the defence
vehicles in partnership with the as well as the civilian sector. 54. In which year DRDO was
(HSTDV), which is an
industry.” These include both offensive founded?
unmanned scramjet vehicle.
Defence Minister Rajnath and defensive hypersonic (a) 1957
The test was conducted at cruise missile systems, and
11.03 am from Dr A P J Abdul Singh tweeted, “The DRDO (b) 1958
has, today, successfully tested applications in the space sector.
Kalam Launch Complex at (c) 1959
Wheeler Island, off the coast the Hypersonic Technology 51. Which of the following is (d) 1960
of [2]. The HSTDV tests Demonstrator Vehicle using not the country having
the indigenously developed the indigenously developed tested the HSTDV missile 55. Integrated Guided Missile
hypersonic air-breathing scramjet propulsion system. technology? Development Programme
scramjet technology. The With this success, all critical was one of the most
(a) France
DRDO, in a series of tweets, technologies are now renowned projects of the
established to progress to the (b) China DRDO. Who was the
stated, “In a historic mission
today, India successfully next phase.” The parameters (c) US leader of this project?
flight tested the Hypersonic of launch and cruise vehicle, (d) Russia (a) Vikram Sarabhai
Technology Demonstrator including the scramjet engine,
52. Which of the following can (b) Satish Dhawan
Vehicle (HSTDV), (which were monitored by multiple
tracking radars, electro-optical be replaced with [2] in the (c) Homi J. Bhabha
is) a giant leap in indigenous
defence technologies and systems and Telemetry Stations. above passage? (d) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
a significant milestone A ship was also deployed in the (a) Andhra Pradesh
Bay of Bengal to monitor the
51. (a) France Island, is an island off the The testing would lead to in Ministry of Defence. Its
India now has become the coast of Odisha, India, development of hypersonic primary work is do research
fourth country in the world approximately 150 kilometres cruise missiles. and development in military.
after the US, China and Russia (93 mi) east of the state capital 54. (b) 1958 55. (d) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
to do such testing that would Bhubaneswar. The Integrated It was formed in 1958 by One of Dr. APJ Abdul
help missiles to travel at six Test Range missile testing the merging Technical Kalam’s major works was the
times the speed of sound facility is located on the island. Development Establishment Integrated Guided-Missile
known as the hypersonic 53. (a) It would help missiles to and the Directorate of Development Programme.
speed. The testing would lead travel at six times the speed Technical Development and The project started in 1982–83
to development of hypersonic of sound. Production of the Indian under the leadership of Abdul
cruise missiles. Such testing that would help Ordnance Factories. It is Kalam who oversaw its ending
52. (b) Odisha missiles to travel at six times an agency working under in 2008 after these strategic
Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, the speed of sound known the Department of Defence missiles were successfully
formerly known as Wheeler as the hypersonic speed. Research and Development developed.
(Q.56-Q.60):
[3] Chief Minister on
September 11 launched
the [1] programme aimed
at “empowering women
economically and socially”.
Under the scheme, [3]
government will reimburse
outstanding bank loans of
self-help groups as on April 11,
2019, in four instalments.
“As promised in the election
manifesto, the Chief Minister
has launched the scheme. Out
of the total outstanding dues
of Rs 27,168 crore, the first
installment of Rs 6,792 crore
has been deposited in the bank
accounts of 8.71 lakh SHGs,
benefiting over 87 lakh women
across the state,” the chief
minister’s office said.
had launched [4] to provide 56. Which of the following can (b) Odisha
“The beneficiaries will have full
nutritious food to pregnant be replaced with [1] in the (c) Tamil Nadu
freedom on how they would
women, lactating mothers and above passage?
like to utilise the amount and (d) Karnataka
children in the state. (a) Aasara Scheme
there are no restrictions or
compulsions,” the release stated. The scheme will bring down (b) Rin Daan Scheme 59. Which of the following can
malnutrition among the be replaced with [4] in the
Interacting with the (c) Gareeb Kalyan Scheme
vulnerable section of state. It above passage?
beneficiaries, Chief Minister (d) Sahayta Scheme
is going to benefit 30.16 lakh (a) Maatra Poshana
said that the state government
children and lactating mothers. 57. The above said scheme is (b) Sampoorna Poshana
was prioritising women
It focuses on malnutrition the part of which initiative?
empowerment and all the (c) Janni Poshana
and anaemia in pregnant
welfare programs. (a) Nava Ratnalu (d) Sarv Poshana
and lactating mothers. It
“Our government is extending will provide supplementary (b) Ashta Ratnalu
all financial benefits to women nutrition in all the Anganwadi 60. What is the rank of India
(c) Sapta Ratnalu
as we are sure they will make centres. The scheme aims to in latest Global Hunger
(d) Pancham Ratnalu Index?
proper use of the money for cover 77 tribal areas. Total
the welfare of their families,” an expenditure on the scheme 58. Which of the following can (a) 100
ANI report quoted the Chief is going to be Rs 1,863 crores be replaced with [3] in the (b) 102
Minister as saying. per annum. It is going to cost above passage? (c) 104
Few days back on September Rs 1,100 per beneficiary per (a) Andhra Pradesh (d) 106
7, 2020, Chief Minister of [3], month.
56. (a) Aasara Scheme 9 schemes were announced. Sampoorna Poshana scheme pregnant women so as to fulfil
The chief Minister of Andhra This scheme was announced On September 7, 2020. the their nutritional requirements.
Pradesh launched the In the Andhra Pradesh Budget YSR AASARA scheme on 60. (b) 102
YSR AASARA scheme on 2019-20. The primary focus September 11, 2020. In Global Hunger Index,
September 11, 2020. Bank loan is on enhancing the quality 59. (b) Sampoorna Poshana 2019, India ranked 102 among
will be reimbursed in four of life for its citizens through Chief Minister of Andhra 117 countries. The report is
installments under the scheme high-quality education and Pradesh YSR Jagan Mohan an annual publication that
to the Self Help Groups healthcare. Reddy has launched YSR is jointly prepared by the
(SHGs). 58. (a) Andhra Pradesh Sampoorna Poshana scheme Concern Worldwide (an Irish
57. (a) Nava Ratnalu Chief Minister of Andhra On September 7, 2020. The agency) and the Welt Hunger
It is a part of implementation Pradesh YSR Jagan Mohan scheme aims at providing Hilfe (a German organization).
of “Nava Ratnalu” under which Reddy has launched YSR food to lactating mothers and
(Q.61-Q.65): 23.9 per cent year-on-year in rates than we project,” the (d) 11.9
Moody’s Investors Service has the April-June 2020 quarter, rating agency said.
registering the economic 62. What was the India’s
forecast India’s real GDP to Moody’s said the sharp fall in
impact of the nationwide sovereign credit rating
contract by [1] per cent in fiscal growth will result in materially
lockdown measures which given by Moody’s recently?
2020-21, much weaker than its weaker government revenue.
previous estimate of a 4.0 per were in place from late Combined with increased fiscal (a) Baa1
cent contraction. The global March till a phased lifting of expenditure in response to the (b) Baa2
rating firm said the collapse in restrictions began in June. “The Covid-19 outbreak, this will (c) Baa3
India’s GDP in the first quarter collapse in GDP was one of contribute to a wider general
the sharpest among all major (d) Baa4
was one of the sharpest among government fiscal deficit, which
all major G-20 economies. G-20 economies,” Moody’s Moody’s expects to reach 12.0 63. Which of the following is
said, adding a rating upgrade is per cent of GDP in FY20. not among the big three
However, Moody’s said, growth
unlikely in the near future. credit rating agencies of the
is expected to rebound to 10.6
“However, we would change 61. Which of the following can world?
per cent in 2021-22, reflecting
the outlook on India’s be replaced with [1] in the
a strong statistical base effect (a) CRISIL
rating to stable if economic above passage?
from the low GDP levels of (b) Fitch
2020 as economic activity developments and policy (a) 8.7
slowly normalises. actions were to raise confidence (b) 9.7 (c) Moody’s
that real and nominal growth (c) 11.5 (d) Standard & Poor’s
India’s real GDP contracted by
will rise to sustainably higher
64. What is the contraction in
Indian economy recently
estimated by the Fitch?
(a) 9.5%
(b) 8.5%
(c) 11.5%
(d) 10.5%
65. In India credit rating

agencies are registered
under-
(a) The Reserve Bank of
India
(b) Ministry of Corporate
Affairs
(c) Securities and Exchange
Board of India
(d) Ministry of Finance
61. (c) 11.5 ratings from Baa2 to Baa3. projected a massive 10.5 per In India, there are six credit
Global rating agency Moody’s Baa3 is the lowest investment cent contraction of India’s rating agencies registered
has estimated a double-digit grade in Moody’s rating ladder. economy in the current under SEBI namely, CRISIL,
contraction to be at 11.5% 63. (a) CRISIL financial year. Fitch said ICRA, CARE, SMERA, Fitch
during the current fiscal year. Fitch Ratings, Moody’s India recorded one of the India and Brickwork Ratings.
It has raised its expectations of Investors Service and Standard sharpest GDP contractions in CRISIL stands for Credit
economy’s performance in the & Poor’s (S&P) are the big the world in the April-June Rating Information Services
upcoming fiscal to 10.6% from three international credit quarter, but noted that growth of India Limited and it was the
8.7% earlier. rating agencies controlling should rebound strongly in the first credit rating agency set up
62. (c) Baa3 approximately 95% of global July-September period amid in India in 1987.
Recently, ratings agency ratings business. re-opening of the economy.
Moody’s Investors Service 64. (d) 10.5% 65. (c) Securities and Exchange
downgraded India’s sovereign Fitch Ratings on Tuesday Board of India
early recognition of the (d) Preventing Suicide: A

warning signs and professional Global Imperative
assistance can help to save a life.
Dr. Jain explain, “The causes
organization organizes the
for a suicidal intention can
World Suicide Prevention
be complex, ranging from
Day?
social, economic, health,
cultural, political, religious (a) American Association
and other areas of individual’s of Suicidology
life. Suicide is multifactorial (b) American Foundation
in nature, cumulative due for Suicide Prevention
to number of causes which (c) National Action
are progressive and operate Alliance for Suicide
(Q.66-Q.70): economy, the crumbling health over a period of time. Even Prevention
Suicide Prevention Day is care sector, and the burnout sometimes an impulsive suicide (d) International
observed on [1] each year. being experienced because of can be extremely difficult to Association for Suicide
It is an opportunity to raise long hours at work; all of these understand.” Prevention
awareness all across the world factors have culminated to If you notice any behavioural
that suicide can be prevented. put immense pressure on the change in your loved ones, you 69. Which of the following
The ongoing pandemic has mental well-being of people. should talk to them. Be a good article of Indian
affected mental health majorly. Suicide is now recognised as a listener as it will help them Constituion is opposed to
Staying at home, low physical public health issue in almost reduce stress and tension. suicide?
activity, less socialising and every country. Suicide rates (a) Article 19
unexpected changes in the way have been increasing gradually 66. Which of the following can
be replaced with the [1] in (b) Article 21
everything works has made it to the extent that it has become
important to highlight suicide one of a major cause of death the above passage? (c) Article 25
prevention. World Suicide worldwide. It is important (a) September 8 (d) Article 47
Prevention Day 2020 will be to identify the early warning (b) September 9
celebrated virtually this year by signs and factor that can lead 70. Which of the following
(c) September 10 statement is not correct?
spreading information about to suicide. Suicidal reactions
suicide prevention via social may vary from anger, distress, (d) September 11 (a) Suicide is punishable
media platform. ridicule, anxiety, tension, fear, with simple
67. What is the theme of the imprisonment up to one
There seems to be no sadness or any intentional
World Suicide Prevention year and/or a fine.
immediate end to the pandemic determination to end one’s life.
Day 2020?
in sight. And as months go by, The major steps towards (b) Any kind of euthanasia
(a) Connect, communicate, is illegal in India.
the mental health of people preventing suicide are
care
has been affected, too. For identifying the problem (c) Right to life does not
starters, for a vast majority of in various dimensions, (b) Take a minute, change a include right to die.
people, this has been a novel understanding risk factors, life
(d) None of the above
experience. Add to that the and identifying what works (c) Working Together to
fear of losing jobs, the failing in individual societies. An Prevent Suicide
66. (c) September 10 Prevention Day was “Working (IASP) and World Health The Court held that the right
September 10 is observed as Together To Prevent Suicide” Organisation together to life under Article 21 does
World Suicide Prevention Day to highlight the most essential observe the day. The day is not include the right to die.
every year by the International ingredient for effective global being observed since 2003. 70. (b) Any kind of euthanasia is
Association for Suicide suicide prevention. This day The Vienna based NGO illegal in India.
Prevention (IASP). The day is observed internationally to was established in 1960 by Since March 2018, passive
is observed with an objective encourage people to join in Professor Erwin Ringel and Dr. euthanasia is legal in India
to create awareness about the the event together to spread Norman Faberlow. under strict guidelines.
mental health and prevent awareness about suicide 69. (b) Article 21 Patients must consent through
suicides. prevention. Article 21 of the Indian a living will, and must be
67. (c) Working Together to 68. (d) International Association Constitution n includes either terminally ill or in a
Prevent Suicide for Suicide Prevention right to life. In Gian Kaur vegetative state. However,
The theme for both 2019 and The International Association case(1996), the Court made active euthanasia is still illegal
2020 edition of World Suicide for Suicide Prevention ‘right to die’ unconstitutional. in India.
(c) Bank of Baroda

(d) The Reserve Bank of
India

be replaced with the [2] in
the above passage?
(a) Commercial Banks
(b) Scheduled Banks
(c) Public Sector Banks
(d) Non- Scheduled Banks
73. The Door Stop Banking

Services is part of which
reform?
(a) EASE reform
(b) Digital India
(c) Stand-Up India
(Q.71-Q.75): banks must reach out to those together to appoint a common (d) Pradhan Mantri
Finance Minister Nirmala areas where banking has not service provider to handle this Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Sitharaman on Wednesday reached yet. She said all bank for all their customers. Initially,
launched door stop banking staffers should know the details the facility were decided to 74. Which was the first ever
services for [2] banks in order of government schemes which be available to senior citizens bank established in India?
to facilitate hassle-free and are to be implemented through and the disabled, who found (a) Oudh Commercial
convenient banking. the lenders. it difficult to visit branches. Bank
The services shall be rendered Now, amid the pandemic,
“At this stage, the catalysts for (b) Allahabad Bank
by the Agents deployed by the senior citizens aged 70 or more
economic revival, the catalysts (c) Bank of Hindustan
selected Service Providers at and differently-abled can avail
who have the pulse of every one
100 centres across the country. doorstep banking all over (d) Punjab National Bank
of their customers, are banks,”
India despite the lockdown,
the finance minister said. The services can be availed 75. Who was the first ever
RBI notified earlier. According
She was speaking after by customers of at nominal governor of the RBI?
to guidelines from the central
launching Services. “Banks charges. The services shall
bank, banks should offer (a) C.D. Deshmukh
need to introspect on their core benefit all customers,
picking of cash and instruments (b) H.J. Kaniya
businesses,” she added. particularly Senior Citizens and
and dropping of demand drafts.
Divyangs who would find it at (c) Osborne Smith
Sitharaman said,” The rapid
ease to avail these services. 71. Who will regulate the Door (d) John Matthai
pace with which India has
adopted Jan Dhan, Aadhar and While the service banking was Stop Banking Services?
mobile can be a lesson to other prescribed by Reserve Bank of (a) The State Bank of India
countries.” India a few years ago, the public
(b) The Central Bank of
sector lenders had earlier come
Sitharaman also added that India
71. (d) The Reserve Bank of doorstep banking services sector banking for aspiring – these were called Presidency
India for public sector banks. India. Through this reform, Banks.
The Reserve Bank of India will TThe services provided by government aims to focus on 75. (c) Osborne Smith
regulate the services. It is the the Doorstep Banking can be digitalisation in the Public Sir Osborne Smith was the
Central Bank of the country. availed through Agents who Sector Banks. first Governor of the Reserve
It was established on April 1, has been deployed by the 74. (c) Bank of Hindustan Bank. A professional banker,
1935 with a capital of Rupees selected Service Providers at Bank of Hindustan (1770) was he served for over 20 years
5 crore. It was nationalized on 100 centers across the country. the first bank to be established with the Bank of New South
Jan 1, 1949 as the government 73. (a) EASE reform in India (Alexander and Co.) Wales and 10 years with the
acquired the private share The Doorstep Banking is a at Calcutta under European Commonwealth Bank of
holdings. part of EASE Reforms (clean management. Other banks Australia before coming to
72. (c) Public Sector Banks and smart banking). The set-up were Bank of Bengal India in 1926 as a Managing
Finance Minister Nirmala EASE Reforms aims to provide (1806), Bank of Bombay (1840) Governor of the Imperial Bank
Sitharaman launched the smart, tech-enabled public and the Bank of Madras (1843) of India.
(Q.76-Q.80): the joint statement, nor

After a two and a half-hour the respective notes issued
meeting, External Affairs specifically spoke of a return
Minister S. Jaishankar and his to the “Status quo ante” or
Chinese counterpart Wang Yi positions prior to the stand-
said they agreed on a five-point off in April. Nor do they
course of action to disengage specifically call on China to
and reduce tensions along the retreat from positions it has
Line of Actual Control (LAC), aggressed on at Pangong Tso,
where Indian and Chinese Depsang and other parts of the
troops have been engaged in LAC.
a four and a half month long Mr. Wang reportedly
stand-off. “The two Foreign maintained “China’s stern
Ministers agreed that the position” on the situation in (c) Shanghai Cooperation administered by the China
current situation in the border the border areas, “emphasising Organization meet after 1962 war?
areas is not in the interests of that the imperative is to (d) Bilateral meet (a) Nakula
either side. immediately stop provocations
(b) Pangong Tso
Both sides also issued separate such as firing and other 77. Which of the following is
dangerous actions that violate not among the five action (c) Aksai Chin
notes detailing their positions,
indicating that several the commitments made by the plan agreed between the (d) Doklam
differences still remain in their two sides,” the Chinese note nations?
added. 79. How many total Indian
agreement of the situation at (a) Not allow differences to
states/UTs share boundary
the LAC, which has seen violent Countering the Chinese become disputes.
with China?
clashes, deaths of soldiers and claims, government sources (b) Abiding by the existing
gunfire exchanges for the first here said the events of the past (a) 4
India-China border
time in 45 years this summer. few months have “inevitably protocols and avoiding (b) 5
“The immediate task is to impacted the bilateral escalatory action. (c) 6
ensure a comprehensive relationship”. In particular,
(c) Engaging in bilateral (d) 7
disengagement of troops in India had made the point
trade without any
all the friction areas. That that the mobilisation of large 80. Which of the following line
hindrances.
is necessary to prevent any number of PLA troops was between India and China
responsible for the “flashpoints (d) Working towards
untoward incident in the proposed during the British
along the LAC.” new confidence-building
future. The final disposition rule has been accepted by
measures.
of the troop deployment to India?
76. In which of the following
their permanent posts and the 78. Which of the following (a) Johnson’s line
meet India and China
phasing of the process is to region that was originally (b) Macdonald line
agreed on five action plan?
be worked out by the military part of Jammu and
commanders,” government (a) ASEAN meet (c) Mackay line
Kashmir (Union territory
sources said. However, neither (b) G-20 of Ladakh now) is now (d) Henry line
76. (c) Shanghai Cooperation Xi Jinping to “not allow was a part of the state of The Johnson’s line (proposed
Organization meet differences to become Jammu and Kashmir, the in 1865) shows Aksai Chin in
The External Affairs Minister disputes”, disengaging quickly Union territory of Ladakh erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir
of India S Jaishankar met his to ease tensions, abiding by now, is claimed by China (now Ladakh) i.e. under India’s
Chinese counterpart Wang Yi the existing India-China as part of its autonomous control whereas McDonald
to discuss the border tensions border protocols and avoiding Xinjiang region. After the Line (proposed in 1893) places
while he is on his visit to escalatory action, continuing 1962 war, it is administered by it under China’s control. India
Russia to attend the Shanghai the dialogue between Special China. considers Johnson Line as
Cooperation Organisation Representatives National 79. (b) 5 a correct, rightful national
(SCO) Foreign Ministers meet Security Adviser Ajit Doval 4 states viz., Himachal border with China, while
in Moscow. and Mr. Wang as well as Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim on the other hand, China
77. (c) Engaging in bilateral the other mechanisms and Arunachal Pradesh and a considers the McDonald Line
trade without any hindrances. and working towards new Union Territories of Ladakh as the correct border with
The five-point plan is: confidence-building measures (erstwhile state of Jammu & India.
following the consensus (CBMs). Kashmir) share a border with
between Prime Minister 78. (c) Aksai Chin China.
Narendra Modi and President This region which originally 80. (a) Johnson’s line
(Q.81-Q.85): would open more avenues for any enterprise, are currently (a) Home Ministry
A Group of Ministers is privatisation of the factories. about 1 per cent (₹132 crore) (b) DRDO
going to take a call on the “It is expected that once of turnover of OFB. From the
(c) Defense Ministry
proposed corporatisation of the corporatisation has happened, export performance of OFB,
there would also be partial we observe that though OFB (d) Council of Scientific
Ordnance Factory Board.
disinvestment and privatisation produces a variety of items, and Industrial Research
“A Group of Ministers will
of the factories. This is a its basket of exports primarily 83. What is the correct
soon take a call on the contours
matter of concern for the comprises a only few items,” statement regarding the
of corporatisation of these
employees,” said a trade union said a Defence Ministry official. corporatization of OFB?
factories. These factories will be
representative said.
clubbed together based on the 81. Recently, The Empowered (a) It will be completely
nature of manufacturing from On whether corporatisation owned by private
Group of Ministers has
each unit to avoid overlaps,” would also lead to privatisation, investors.
been constituted to oversee
an official in the know told (b) It will be partially
BusinessLine. owned by the
Grouping government and
According to sources, the partially by the private
individual factories will be investors.
clubbed based on similarities (c) It will be open for the
in operations and nature of public to buy its shares
output to avoid overlaps. These from stock exchange.
sub-groups will form the broad (d) It will be fully owned by
framework under which the the government.
existing ordnance factories will
be transformed. 84. In which city the
Broadly speaking, the initial headquarters of OFB is
intention will be to group situated?
Ordnance factories based on (a) Kolkata
parameters — for example, (b) Delhi
those exclusively making
ammunition can be grouped (c) Mumbai
and hived into a separate DPSU. the source said, “That will be a (d) Vishakhapatnam
the corporatization of OFB.
The initial grouping will also call for the then DPSU boards
Who will head the EOGM? 85. Which day is celebrated as
be focussed on segregating to take.”
(a) Nirmala Sitharaman Ordnance Factory Day in
the books of accounts and Weapons export India?
improving efficiencies. (b) Anurag Thakur
It is also expected that (a) 15 March
Privatisation concerns corporatisation of OFB can (c) Rajnath Singh
(b) 16 March
Meanwhile, trade union increase avenues for weapons (d) Gopal Bhandari
representatives of employees export from India. (c) 17 March
at the Ordnance Factory 82. Under which of the (d) 18 March
“Exports, a key indicator of following the OFB works?
Board say the corporatisation the global competitiveness of
81. (c) Rajnath Singh Government of India. It Undertaking (DPSU) working headquarters, Ordnance
The Empowered Group of is involved in research, under the ministry of defense. Factory Board, Kolkata.
Ministers, which would be development and production 84. (a) Kolkata 85. (d) 18 March
headed by Defence Minister in the areas of air, land and sea Ordnance Factory Board Every year, 18 March is
Rajnath Singh, is to oversee systems. consisting of the Indian celebrated as the Ordnance
and guide the overall 83. (d) It will be fully owned by Ordnance Factories is an Factory Day in India.
process of corporatization of the government. Government agency under OFB is the world’s largest
Ordinance Factory Board. It means converting a the control of department of government-operated
82. (c) Defense Ministry subordinate office of Ministry defence production Ministry production organisation, and
OFB is a Government of Defence (MoD) into 100 of Defence, Government of the oldest organisation in
agency which is controlled per cent Government owned India. The Indian Ordnance India.
by department of defence corporate entities. OFB will Factories organisation is a
production (DDP) under be converted into a single or family of 41 ordnance factories
Ministry of Defence (MoD), multiple Defence Public Sector under the aegis of its corporate
(Q.86-Q.90):
With the border tensions
between India and China
growing, and the Indian Navy
is on an operation alert in the
Indian Ocean region. India
and [2] will be holding a two
days toned down bilateral naval
exercise, `Indra 2020’. It will be
in the [1], which is close to the
strategic Strait of Malacca from
Sept 4-5.
“Though the bilateral exercise
has been toned down due
to the global pandemic of
COVID-19, it will be structured
to enhance interoperability,
validating and standardising
Sri Lanka from Aug 31 to (b) Arabian Sea (d) Central Reserve Police
common operating protocols
towards greater operational September 3. (c) Andaman Sea Force
cohesiveness across the Since strict COVID-19 (d) South China Sea 89. A joint air force exercise
spectrum of the maritime protocols are in place, this
named ‘Indra Dhanush’ was
threat from the strategic to the exercise too will be “non- 87. Which of the following can
held between the Indian
non-traditional,” Commodore contact and at sea only’ passage be replaced with the [2] in
Air Force and Air Force of-
Anil Jai Singh, Indian Navy exercise. “This means there will the above passage?
be no visit to each other ships (a) USA
Veteran & Vice President (a) Sri Lanka
Indian Maritime Foundation and there will be no sports (b) Russia
(b) Russia
told Financial Express Online. activities,” explained an officer. (c) France
(c) Thailand
The Indian Naval ships — INS There will a number of (d) UK
maritime drills including (d) Myanmar
Ranvijay (Destroyer), Sahyadri
(Frigate) and Kiltan (Corvette) tracking exercises, gun firing 90. Garuda is famous air
88. Recently, Indian Army
and Shakti (Tanker) and on surface and aerial targets, exercise between India
started joint exercise
helicopters will be carrying and replenishment at sea and-
along the China border in
out drills with the [2] Admiral approaches have been planned Himachal Pradesh with- (a) Indonesia
Vinogradov, Admiral Tributs for the naval drill. (b) USA
(a) Indo Tibetan Border
and Boris Butoma which will Police
86. Which of the following can (c) Germany
have a fleet of helicopters too.
be replaced with [1] in the (b) Border Security Force (d) France
These ships are already visiting
above passage? (c) NSG Commandos
the port of Hambantota in
(a) Bay of Bengal
86. (c) Andaman Sea India and Russia have The Indian Army and the at Air Force Station Hindan
India and Russia have scheduled to conduct bilateral Indo-Tibetan Border Police in Uttar Pradesh (UP). ‘Base
scheduled to conduct bilateral naval exercise, Indra 2020, started joint exercise along Defence and Force Protection’
naval exercise, Indra 2020, in the Andaman Sea, close the China border in Himachal was the focus of this year
in the Andaman Sea, close to the Strait of Malacca. Pradesh. The joint exercise is exercise.
to the Strait of Malacca. it will be structured to undertaken near Hurling and 90. (d) France
it will be structured to enhance interoperability, Gayu villages in the Kaurik Garuda is joint India-
enhance interoperability, validating and standardising sector. France air exercise aiming at
validating and standardising common operating protocols 89. (d) UK enhancing interoperability
common operating protocols towards greater operational The 5th edition of the level of French and Indian
towards greater operational cohesiveness across the Exercise Indra Dhanush 2020 crews in air defence and
cohesiveness across the spectrum of the maritime commenced on 24th February. ground attack missions.
spectrum of the maritime threat from the strategic to the It is a joint air force exercise The sixth edition of Garuda
threat from the strategic to the non-traditional. between Indian Air Force exercise took place from 1st
non-traditional. 88. (a) Indo Tibetan Border (IAF) and British Royal Air to 12th July 2019 at Mont-de-
87. (b) Russia Police Forces (RAF) has commenced Marsan Airbase 118.
(Q.91-Q.95):
Government today released the
‘State Business Reform Action
Plan 2019’ (BARP) ranking
which shows how Indian
states have fared in enhancing
Ease of Doing Business for an
Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Union Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman released
the 2019 rankings in which
[1] retained the number one
ranking.
Telangana was followed by
Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Reforms Action Plan,” said above passage? 94. Which of the following is
Chhattisgarh, Himachal Sitharaman after release of the (a) Maharashtra not the correct statement
Pradesh, Rajasthan, West rankings. regarding Business Reform
(b) Karnataka
Bengal, Gujarat and others, in The announcements were Action Plan?
that order. (c) Tamil Nadu
made in the presence of Piyush (a) It was launched in 2015.
Delhi was at the 12th position Goyal, Minister of Railways (d) Andhra Pradesh
(b) BRAP 2019 contains a
on the ranking list. The national and Minister of Commerce list of 80 reforms (187
92. Which of the following state
capital jumped 11 places from & Industry; Hardeep Singh reform action points) to
is not among the lowest
2018 ranking of 23rd position. Puri, Minister for Commerce be implemented by 19
three in the rankings?
While releasing the report, & Industry and Minister of State departments.
State (Independent Charge) of (a) Assam
Sitharaman said the ranking (c) Kerala was ranked 2 in
makes states and UTs a better the Ministry of Housing and (b) Odisha
the latest rankings.
place to do business. Urban Affairs; Minister of State (c) Sikkim
(Independent Charge) of the (d) None of the above
“India is seen taking the reform (d) Tripura
process seriously which showed Ministry of Civil Aviation; and 95. What was the India’s rank
when foreign direct investment SomParkash, Minister of State 93. Which of the following in latest ease of doing
in the country increased even in the Ministry of Commerce released the ranking? business?
during the Covid-19 pandemic, and Industry. Chief Ministers of (a) Department of
Uttarakhand and Tripura, LGs (a) 57
amid what was called world’s economic affairs
of J&k and Laddakh, Industry (b) 60
strictest lockdown. Some states (b) Department of
have shown extraordinary Ministers of States and Union (c) 63
Industrial Promotion
energy in putting together Territories, along with senior (d) 67
and Internal Trade
action plans and making sure government officials were also
present. (c) Ministry of Finance
that reforms happen. States
have embraced the true spirit (d) Ministry of Corporate
91. Which of the following can Affairs
behind the State Business be replaced with [1] in the
91. (d) Andhra Pradesh The top ten states under the Department of Industrial 95. (c) 63
Andhra Pradesh has topped State Reform Action Plan Promotion and Internal Trade India has moved 14 places to
the country in the latest ease 2019 are Andhra Pradesh, (DPIIT) during a virtual event be 63rd among 190 nations in
of doing business rankings, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, chaired by Union finance the World Bank’s ease of doing
according to the State Business Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, minister Nirmala Sitharaman. business ranking released in
Reform Action Plan 2020 Chhattisgarh, Himachal It works under the ministry of 2019 on the back of multiple
(State BRAP). The main reason Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Commerce and Industry. economic reforms by the
for Andhra Pradesh getting Bengal and Gujarat. The lowest 94. (c) Kerala was ranked 2 in Narendra Modi government.
top slot include the state’s 3 ranks in the list belong to the latest rankings. The country was 77th
investor friendly policy, less Odisha, Sikkim and Tripura. Uttar Pradesh improved to among 190 countries in the
regulatory burden and early 93. (b) Department of Industrial reach the second spot from previous ranking last year, an
implementation of various Promotion and Internal 12th spot in the 2018 ranking improvement by 23 places.
schemes. Trade while Telangana slipped from
92. (a) Assam The ranks were announced by second to third position.
(Q.96-Q.100): out and sensitising all Member against Gender 99. Which of the following UN
In a significant victory, India States, sources said. Discrimination body can be replaced with
got elected as Member of the India’s election win is highly (c) UN Commission for the the [4]?
[1], the principal global body significant as it comes on the Status of Women (a) UNECOSOC
focused on gender equality and eve of India gearing up to sit (d) UN Commission for (b) UNESCO
women empowerment, beating at the UN Security Council Development of Women (c) UNICEF
China in a hotly-contested high table as non-permanent
election. member for a two-year term 97. Who along with India (d) UNGA
The [1] is a functional beginning January 1, 2021. and China fought for the
100. Which of the following is
commission of the UN [4]. Former UN Assistant Secretary- membership?
not true regarding the [4]?
The [4] , holding the first General and Deputy Executive (a) Bangladesh
(a) It has 54 members,
plenary meeting of its 2021
session in the General
Assembly Hall on Monday, held
elections for two seats in the
Asia-Pacific States category.
India wins seat in prestigious
#UN body! India elected
Member of [1]. It’s a
ringing endorsement of our
commitment to promote
gender equality and women’s
empowerment in all our
endeavours. We thank member
states for their support, India’s
Permanent Representative
to the UN Ambassador T S
Tirumurti tweeted.
It is highly notable and telling
that China lost the election
to the UN’s principal global Director of UN Women (b) Indonesia elected by the
intergovernmental body Lakshmi Puri congratulated
exclusively dedicated to the (c) Afghanistan General Assembly for
the Indian Mission and overlapping three-year
promotion of gender equality Ambassador Tirumurti on the (d) Myanmar
and women empowerment. The terms.
election win. 98. In which year Beijing World
election result is being seen as (b) It celebrates 8th March
sending a strong signal about 96. Which of the following can Conference for women was as International Women
China’s own record of women’s be replaced with the [1]in held? Day.
equality and empowerment. the above passage? (a) 1970 (c) It is not one of the
India’s Permanent Mission to (a) UN Commission for (b) 1995 principle organs of the
the UN worked tirelessly for the Gender Neutrality (c) 2000 UN.
hard-fought election, reaching (b) UN Commission (d) 2005 (d) All of the above
96. (c) UN Commission for the had contested the elections United Nations during 4–15 100. (c) It is not one of the
Status of Women to the Commission for two September 1995 in Beijing, principle organs of the UN.
India has recently been elected seats in the Asia-Pacific China. Economic and Social
as one of the members of States category. India and 99. (b) UNESCO Council is the principal body
the Commission on Status Afghanistan won the ballot It is the global for coordination, policy
of Women (CSW) which is among the 54 members. intergovernmental body review, policy dialogue
a body of the Economic and 98. (b) 1995 which is exclusively promote and recommendations
Social Council (ECOSOC). The Fourth World Conference gender equality and empower on economic, social and
India will be a member for on Women: Action for the women. It is a functional environmental issues, as
four years from 2021 to 2025. Equality, Development and commission under the well as implementation
97. (c) Afghanistan Peace was the name given for Economic and Social Council of internationally agreed
India, Afghanistan and China a conference convened by the (ECOSOC). development goals.
20 Most Important Concepts and 100 Most

Important Questions - January to September 2020
(Q.1-Q.5): Researchers hope to achieve the (c) 4 (a) Elisa is also a form of a
Coronavirus still poses a same amount of work in only a (d) 5 rapid test.
significant threat, but there few months. Most experts think (b) AIIMS advised the
are no vaccines proven to a vaccine is likely to become 2. India’s Covaxin is the first in states to conduct the
protect the body against the widely available by mid-2021, the race to enter the clinical ELISA Test.
disease it causes - Covid-19. about 12-18 months after the trials from India. Which of
(c) ELISA needs a
But by the end of the year, there new virus, known officially as the following companies
laboratory process to
could be at least half a dozen Sars-CoV-2, first emerged.That is conducting the clinical
detect antibodies.
different coronavirus vaccines would be a huge scientific feat trials for this vaccine?
and there are no guarantees it (d) ELISA based tests have
in clinical trials, including one (a) Zydus Cadilla
will work. It is hard to know high sensitivity and
being developed by University (b) Lupin
without knowing how effective specificity.
of Oxford that is already in (c) Bharat Biotech
an advanced stage of testing. the vaccine is going to be. 5. Which of the following
The virus spreads easily and It is thought that 60-70% of (d) Biocon
Indian companies is the
the majority of the world’s people needed to be immune biggest manufacturer of
to the virus in order to stop 3. What is the name of the
population is still vulnerable vaccine that has been HCQ?
to it. A vaccine would provide it spreading easily (known as
herd immunity). But that would developed Russia recently? (a) Ranbaxy
some protection by training
people’s immune systems be billions of people around (a) Gustav III (b) Cipla
to fight the virus so they the world even if the vaccine (b) Sputnik IV (c) Ipca
should not become sick. This worked perfectly. (c) Gustav II (d) Cadila Healthcare
would allow lockdowns to be (d) Sputnik V
1. 1. How many types of
lifted more safely, and social
human coronaviruses are
distancing to be relaxed. 4. Which of the following
there in the world?
A vaccine would normally take statements is false with
(a) 2 respect to ELISA Test?
years, if not decades, to develop.
(b) 3
1. (c) 4 East Respiratory Syndrome, or (BSL-3) High Containment test to detect antibodies in
2. (c) Bharat Biotech MERS) facility located in Hyderabad the blood. An antibody is
3. (d) Sputnik V 2. SARS-CoV (the beta (Telangana). a protein produced by the
4. (b) AIIMS advised the states coronavirus that causes severe The vaccine has been called body’s immune system when
to conduct the ELISA Test. acute respiratory syndrome, or Sputnik V, named after it detects harmful substances,
5. Ipca SARS) the first artificial Earth called antigens.
Hint [Q.1-Q.5]: 3. SARS-CoV-2 (the novel satellite, Sputnik-I launched Ipca Laboratories is an
Coronaviruses are named coronavirus that causes by the Soviet Union. Gam- international pharmaceutical
for the crown-like spikes coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-Vac, trade name company based in Mumbai,
on their surface. There are COVID-19) Sputnik V, is a COVID-19 India. Mumbai-headquartered
four main sub-groupings The Central Drugs Standard vaccine candidate developed Ipca Laboratories had nearly
of coronaviruses, known Control Organisation by the Gamaleya Research 82% of the market, with its
as alpha, beta, gamma, and (CDSCO) has granted Institute of Epidemiology and brands HCQS and HYQ.
delta. Human coronaviruses approval to Bharat Biotech Microbiology, and registered Around 80% of the volumes
were first identified in to conduct human clinical on 11 August 2020 by the produced by Ipca are exported.
the mid-1960s. The seven trials for ‘Covaxin’, making it Russian Ministry of Health. Ahmedabad-headquartered
coronaviruses that can infect the first indigenous Covid-19 The Indian Council of Cadila Healthcare (Zydus
people are: vaccine candidate to receive Medical Research (ICMR), Cadila) prepares the brand
Common human coronaviruses this approval. Covaxin not AIIMS has advised the Zy Q, with 8% of the market.
1. 229E (alpha coronavirus) has been developed by the States to conduct sero-surveys Wallace Pharmaceuticals
2. NL63 (alpha coronavirus) company Bharat Biotech in to measure the coronavirus (OXCQ), Torrent
3. OC43 (beta coronavirus) collaboration with the Indian exposure in the population Pharmaceuticals (HQTOR)
4. HKU1 (beta coronavirus) Council of Medical Research using IgG ELISA Test. and Overseas Healthcare
Other human coronaviruses (ICMR). It is an inactivated ELISA stands for enzyme- Pvt Ltd (CARTIQUIN) have
1. MERS-CoV (the beta vaccine manufactured in the linked immunoassay. It is a smaller shares.
coronavirus that causes Middle company’s Bio-Safety Level 3 commonly used laboratory
(Q.6-Q.10): Extracted (d) Bibek Debroy

The Personal Data Protection with edits Committee
Bill, 2019 (“PDPB”) was and revisions
from report 8. According to the Bill,
introduced in Lok Sabha by
of Mondaq. which of the following is
the Minister of Electronics
an individual whose data is
and Information Technology,
6. Which of being stored and processed
on December 11, 2019. The
the following is called the data principal
purpose of this Bill is to provide
cases can be in the PDP Bill?
for protection of privacy of
said to be the (a) Data Principal
individuals relating to their
order to ensure protection of founder for
Personal Data and to establish (b) Data Processor
privacy of individuals relating this Bill?
a Data Protection Authority (c) Data Fiduiciary
to their Personal Data.Consent (a) NALSA v Union of India
of India for the said purposes (d) Data Localiser
of the individual would be (b) Satyam Infoway Ltd. v.
and the matters concerning the
required for processing of Sifynet Solutions Pvt.
personal data of an individual. 9. Which of the following is
personal data. Based on the Ltd.
The Bill proposes to supersede not a classification of data
type of personal data being
the Information Technology (c) K. S. Puttaswamy vs. made by the Bill?
processed, organizations will
Act, 2000 (Section 43-A) UOI (a) Sensitive Personal Data
have to review and update
deleting the provisions related (d) Sunil Rathee&Ors. Vs.
data protection policies, codes (b) Non-Personal Data
to compensation payable State of Haryana &Ors
to ensure these are consistent (c) Critical Personal Data
by companies for failure to
with the revised principles
protect personal data. The 7. Which of the following (d) None of the above
such as update their internal
PDPB inter alia, prescribes the committees had earlier
breach notification procedures, 10. Which of the following
manner in which personal data submitted its report
implement appropriate entities has been granted
is to be collected, processed, on “Data Protection
technical and organisational the right to data portability
used, disclosed, stored and Framework”?
measures to prevent misuse of by this Bill?
transferred. (a) B N Srikrishna
data, Data Protection Officer to
Pursuant to the PDPB being Committee (a) The Government
be appointed by the Significant
enacted into an Act, there Data Fiduciary, and instituting (b) Sivaramakrishnan (b) Individuals
are several compliances to grievance redressal mechanisms Committee (c) Data fiduiciaries
be followed by organizations to address complaints by (c) K S Valdiya Committee (d) Data processors
processing personal data in individuals.
6. (c) K. S. Puttaswamy vs. UOI liberty under Article 21 and that is represented in a form Another classification for data
7. (a) B N Srikrishna Committee as a part of the freedoms that is more appropriate for has been made -
8. (c) Data Fiduiciary guaranteed by Part III of the processing. “Processing” Non Personal Data: The
9. (d) None of the above Constitution”. refers to the operations done Bill mandates fiduciaries
10. (b) Individuals A committee headed by to the data, often forms of to provide the government
Hint [Q.6-Q.10]: retired Supreme Court Judge organisation, searching, any non-personal data when
Justice K. S. Puttaswamy Justice BN Srikrishna has combining, and more to glean demanded.
(Retd.) and Anr. vs Union Of submitted its report on “Data further information. Non-personal data refers
India And Ors is a landmark Protection Framework” to the The Bill trifurcates personal to anonymised data, such
judgment of the Supreme Government. The Committee data as follows: as traffic patterns or
Court of India, which holds was constituted by the union o Personal data: Data from demographic data.
that the right to privacy is government in July 2017, to which an individual can be The previous draft did not
protected as a fundamental deliberate on a data protection identified like name, address apply to this type of data,
constitutional right under framework. The Supreme etc.. which many companies use to
Articles 14, 19 and 21 of Court in its Puttaswamy o Sensitive personal data (SPD): fund their business model.
the Constitution of India. judgment, 2017 declared Some types of personal data The Personal Data Protection
The nine-judge bench of J.S. privacy a fundamental right. like as financial, health, sexual Bill, 2019 also grants
Khehar, J. Chelameswar, S.A. This set the government in orientation, biometric, genetic, individuals the right to data
Bobde, R.K. Agrawal, R.F. motion to take steps to bring a transgender status, caste, portability and the ability to
Nariman, A.M. Sapre, Dr. D.Y. new data protection legislation religious belief, and more. access and transfer one’s own
Chandrachud, S.K. Kaul and for the country. o Critical personal data: data. It also grants individuals
S.A. Nazeer unanimously held Data Principal is the person, Anything that the government the right to data portability,
that “the right to privacy is company, or entity whose at any time can deem critical, and the ability to access and
protected as an intrinsic part information is being collected. such as military or national transfer one’s own data.
of the right to life and personal “Data” means information security data.
the upper limit for permitting (d) RamvilasPaswan

abortions from the current 20
weeks to 24 weeks. 13. Which of the following was
the first country to legalize
The bill seeks to amend the
abortion in cases of rape?
Medical Termination of
Pregnancy Act, 1971 and aims (a) France
to expand access of women to (b) Iran
safe and legal abortion services (c) Mexico
on therapeutic, eugenic, (d) Netherlands
humanitarian or social grounds.
It also extends the 14. According to the bill, the
contraceptive-failure clause for “upper gestation limit”
termination to include “any for medical termination
woman or her partner” in place of pregnancy will not be
of the present provision for applicable in cases of:
“only married woman or her (a) Unmarried women
husband”. (b) Differently abled women
According to the government, (c) Victims of sexual assault
this proposed bill will ensure
safe termination of pregnancies (d) Substantial foetal
and also give women abnormalities
reproductive rights over their 15. A key aspect of the legality
bodies. governing abortions has
Source: Edited and recreated always been the ‘viability’
from the news articles of The of the foetus. What does
Indian Express. ‘viability’ mean?
11. The bill introduces (a) Viability implies the
the requirement of the period from which
opinion of two registered a foetus is capable of
medical practitioners for living outside the womb.
termination of pregnancy (b) Viability implies the
of ___weeks of gestation. period from which a
(a) 20-24 foetus’s abnormalities
can be detected
(b) 10-12
(c) Viability implies the
(c) 10-15 period from which a
(d) 15-17 foetus starts movement
12. Fill [1] with suitable option. (d) Viability implies the
period from which
(Q.11-Q.15): Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, (a) Piyush Goyal a foetus starts brain-
Minister for Health and 2020 in the Lok Sabha. The bill, (b) Harsh Vardhan development
Family Welfare [1] introduced which was approved last month (c) Smriti Irani
the Medical Termination of by the cabinet, seeks to extend
11. (a) 20-24 for medical termination the year 1931 – Mexico was up-gradation, and with skilful
12. (b) Harsh Vardhan of pregnancy will not the first country in the world professionals driving medical
13. (c) Mexico be applicable in cases to legalize abortion in cases care, this ‘viability’ naturally
14. (d) Substantial foetal of substantial foetal of rape. A key aspect of the improves. Currently, viability
abnormalities abnormalities as diagnosed legality governing abortions is usually placed at about seven
15. (a) Viability implies the by the Medical Board. It also has always been the ‘viability’ months (28 weeks) but may
period from which a foetus is introduces the requirement of of the foetus. Viability implies occur earlier, even at 24 weeks.
capable of living outside the the opinion of two registered the period from which a foetus Thus, late termination of
womb. medical practitioners for is capable of living outside pregnancy may get in conflict
Hint [Q.11-Q.15]: termination of pregnancy of the womb. As technology with the viability of the foetus.
The “upper gestation limit” 20-24 weeks of gestation. In improves, with infrastructure
(Q.16-Q.20): equivalent as of now. 18. ____is not an example of a country or organization to

The Union Minister for Source: Extracted with edits natural carbon sink. produce a certain amount
Environment, Forest and and revisions from the report of (a) Sedimentary rocks of carbon emissions
Climate Change, Shri Prakash Press Information Bureau. (b) Oceans (d) The amount of carbon
Javadekar today released stocked in forest that can
16. Which of the following (c) Fertile agricultural soil
the biennial “India State of increase the temperature of
Forest Report (ISFR)”, in would fill [1]? (d) Coral reefs the surroundings by 1O C
New Delhi. The report is (a) 15th
19. Which of the following 20. Which of the following
published by the Forest Survey (b) 16th option best define carbon
of India (FSI) which has element does the Carbon
(c) 17th stock? dioxide equivalent
been mandated to assess the
forest and tree resources of (d) 18th (a) The amount of carbon- measure?
the country including wall- credits given to a country (a) Carbon footprints
17. Which of the following for increasing forest-cover
to-wall forest cover mapping would fill [2]? (b) Carbon emission from
in a biennial cycle. Starting (b) The amount of carbon the country
1987, 16 assessment have been (a) 22.36% sequestered from the
(c) Carbon sequestration
completed so far. ISFR 2019 is (b) 23.66% atmosphere and stored
the [1] report in the series. within the forest ecosystem (d) Carbon credits
(c) 24.56%
Announcing the results the (d) 25.76% (c) A permit which allows a
Union Minister said that India
is among few countries in the
world where forest cover is
consistently increasing. Shri
Javadekar told that in the
present assessment, the total
forest and tree cover of the
country is 80.73 million hectare
which is [2] of the geographical
area of the country.
The latest forest survey shows
that the carbon stock in India’s
forests (not including tree
cover outside of forest areas)
have increased from 7.08
billion tonnes in 2017, when
the last such exercise had been
done, to 7.124 billion tonnes
now. This translates into 26.14
billion tonnes of carbon dioxide
16. (b) 16th Agreement. About 24.56% of or artificial reservoir that and soil, and to a lesser extent
17. (c) 24.56% India’s geographical area is accumulates and stores some also in dead wood and litter.
18. (a) Sedimentary rocks under forests. The other two carbon-containing chemical CO2e, or carbon dioxide
19. (b) The amount of carbon relate to an improvement in compound for an indefinite equivalent, is a standard
sequestered from the emissions intensity, and an period. The process by unit for measuring carbon
atmosphere and stored within increase in renewable energy which carbon sinks remove footprints. The idea is to
the forest ecosystem deployment. India has said carbon dioxide (CO2) from express the impact of each
20. (a) Carbon footprints it would reduce its emissions the atmosphere is known different greenhouse gas in
Hint [Q.16-Q.20]: intensity (emissions per unit as carbon sequestration. terms of the amount of CO2
The ISFR 2019 is the 16th of GDP) by 33% to 35% by Sedimentary rocks are not that would create the same
edition of this report. It is 2030 compared to 2005. It has carbon sinks. amount of warming. That way,
one of the three targets India also promised to ensure that Forest carbon stock is the a carbon footprint consisting
has set for itself in its climate at least 40% of its cumulative amount of carbon that has of lots of different greenhouse
action plan, called Nationally electricity generation in been sequestered from the gases can be expressed as a
Determined Contributions, or 2030 would be done through atmosphere and is now stored single number.
NDCs, that every country has renewable energy. within the forest ecosystem,
to submit under the 2015 Paris A carbon sink is a natural mainly within living biomass
22. Which of the following will

replace [1]?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Chhattisgarh
(d) Assam

years has been redacted by
[2]?
(a) 2010
(b) 2011
(c) 2012
(d) 2013

cases had introduced the
concept of ‘creamy layer’?
(a) M. Nagraj v Union of
India
(b) Indra Sawhney v. Union
of India
(Q.21-Q.25): government is not bound to grants state government the
make reservations. There is power to reserve vacancies for (c) C. A. Rajendran v Union
The government is not bound of India
to provide reservation for no fundamental right which backward sections, and even
appointments and promotions inheres in an individual grant reservation in matters of (d) M. R. Balaji v State of
to public posts, and courts to claim reservation in promotion for posts under it. Mysore
cannot give directions promotions. No mandamus Extracted with edits and
can be issued by the Court 25. Which of the following
compelling states to reserve revisions from No obligation states currently has the
jobs or positions for Scheduled directing the State Government on government to provide
to provide reservations”, the highest reservation quota
Castes and Scheduled Tribes reservation, says Supreme in favour of SC/ST/OBC
(SC/STs), the Supreme Court February 7 judgment by justices Court published by The
L Nageswara Rao and Hemant besides the economically
has said in a judgment. The Hindustan Times. weaker section of the
top court also said that an Gupta said.
21. Which of the following general category?
individual does not have a The court, therefore, set
fundamental right to claim aside an [1] high court articles are related to this (a) Rajasthan
reservation, and it is for ruling quashing a [2] state ruling? (b) Tamil Nadu
the government to decide government decision to fill up (a) 16(4) and 16(4-A) (c) Maharashtra
whether reservations are all posts in public services in (b) 15(4) and 15(4-A) (d) Chhattisgarh
required in appointments the state without providing (c) 16(2) and 16(2-A)
and promotions.“…there any reservations to SC/STs.
is no doubt that the state The Constitution of India (d) 15(2) and 15(2-A)
21. (a) 16(4) and 16(4-A) in this regard, holding that in matters of appointment the judgment said. [1] will be
22. (b) Uttarakhand constitutional provisions and promotion in favour of replaced by Uttarakhand and
23. (c) 2012 contained in Article 16 the Scheduled Castes and the year [2] will be 2012.
24. (b) Indra Sawhney v. Union of regarding reservation are Scheduled Tribes if in the The Government of
India only enabling provisions, and opinion of the State they are Chhattisgarh took the route
25. (d) Chhattisgarh it is up to the government not adequately represented in of the ordinance to raise the
Hint [Q.21-Q.25]: to decide whether it should the services of the State. It is quota in favour of SC/ST/
It was in the Indra Sawhney v. provide reservations in for the state government to OBC besides the economically
Union of India (1992), that the exercise of those powers under decide whether reservations weaker section of the general
concept of creamy layer was the Constitution.“Article 16 are required in the matter of category to a total of 82 per
evolved. (4) and 16 (4-A) empower appointment and promotions cent reservation in the state.
The court reaffirmed the law the State to make reservation to public posts of the State”,
(Q.26-Q.30): which was passed by Lok (c) Anil Jain surrogate mother
The Union Cabinet on Sabha in August 2019 but its (d) Arun Singh (b) The five years waiting
Wednesday approved the provisions, including that only a period for childless
27. Other than married couples
Surrogacy (Regulation) close relative of a couple can be couples could be
who out of the following
Bill, 2020, which allows a surrogate mother, had invited removed if there is a
can benefit from this bill?
any “willing” woman to criticism. The government medical certificate that
then agreed to send the bill to a (a) widowed women and
be a surrogate mother and shows that they cannot
Rajya Sabha select committee, men
proposes that widows and possibly conceive
divorced women can also which is headed by BJP MP [1], (b) divorced and widowed
(c) The committee has
benefit from its provisions, for holding wide consultations women
not recommended
besides infertile Indian couples. with various stakeholders and (c) divorced and widowed expanding the definition
The bill incorporates all making recommendations. women and men of commissioning
recommendations made by a Extracted with edits and (d) divorced men and parent to include
Rajya Sabha select committee, revisions from Cabinet nod to women singles, either men or
which studied an earlier version surrogacy bill; now widows and women
of the draft legislation, and is divorcee women can benefit as 28. Which of the following
(d) The committee has
aimed at banning commercial well published in LiveMint. statements about the
recommended that PIOs
surrogacy and allowing Surrogacy Bill?
26. Who out of the following can opt for surrogacy
altruistic surrogacy, Union (a) The Select Committee
has been redacted by [1]? services
minister Prakash Javadekar told has recommended that
reporters. (a) Smriti Irani only “close relatives” 29. The proposed insurance
The amended bill is reformed (b) Bhupendra Yadav woman should be cover for surrogate mother
version of the draft legislation allowed to become a has now been increased.
What is the new insurance
cover?
(a) 30 months
(b) 36 months
(c) 42 months
(d) 48 months
30. What is the age-group that

can avail the services of
surrogacy?
(a) 23-50 years (women)
and 26-55 years (men)
(b) 20-50 years (women)
(c) 25-50 years (women)
(d) 23-50 years (women)
26. (b) Bhupendra Yadav Hint [Q.26-Q.30]: the appropriate authority has to allow altruistic ethical
27. (b) divorced and widowed The Select Committee cleared the surrogacy. surrogacy to intending
women chaired by BJP Rajya Sabha It has also recommended infertile Indian married
28. (a) The Select Committee MP Bhupender Yadav that divorced and widowed couples in the age groups 23-
has recommended that only recommended that the “close women aged between 35 and 50 years (women) and 26-55
“close relatives” woman relatives” clause should be 45 years should be able to years (men).
should be allowed to become removed, and any “willing” be a single commissioning The proposed insurance cover
a surrogate mother woman should be allowed parent. for surrogate mother has now
29. (b) 36 months to become a surrogate It has strongly backed the ban been increased to 36 months
30. (a) 23-50 years (women) and mother provided all other on commercial surrogacy. from 16 months provided in
26-55 years (men) requirements are met and The Surrogacy Bill proposes the earlier version.
Mancha
(b) YuvaNagarik Suraksha
Mancha and Mizo
Convention
(c) Bengali Tripura Nagrik
Mancha and Tripura
Mizo Convention
(d) Tripura Mizo
Convention and Bengali
Tripura Nagrik Mancha

commissions had created
the PVTGs?
(a) Kanhai Commission
(b) Mahajan Commission
(c) Mahato Commission
(d) Dhebar Commission
34. What financial assistance

(Q.31-Q.35): government without the The Times of India. will be provided for each
Mizoram’s apex student body consent of the Mizos, who Bru family other than land
were the original inhabitants 31. Which of the following for constructing a house in
MZP strongly opposed a
of the areas, and no factual places of Tripura has been the rehabilitation package?
proposal to settle the displaced
information was given to them redacted by [1]?
Bru people in Mizo-inhabited (a) Rs. 1 lakh
villages of North Tripura’s since the beginning. The MZP (a) Unakoti Hills
urged the Tripura government (b) Rs. 2 lakh
[1] on Thursday. The Mizo (b) Susunia Hills
Zirlai Pawl (MZP) said it was to reconsider and cancel the (c) Rs. 3 lakh
(c) Jampui Hills
proposed to settle the Bru proposal for resettlement of the (d) Rs. 4 lakh
displaced Brus in the Mizo- (d) Pothigai Hills
people at three places near
inhabited areas of [1] in order 35. How many PVTGs
the Mizo-inhabited areas in 32. Which of the following
to avoid inter-community (Particularly Vulnerable
Tripura, which, according to organizations have
clashes and ensure peace in the Tribal Groups) are there in
the student body, violated the submitted a memorandum
state. India?
historic agreement signed on protesting against the
January 16 to amicably settle a Extracted with edits and proposed settlement of the (a) 72
two-decades-old imbroglio. revisions from the article displaced Brus in Tripura? (b) 75
It alleged that the decision Objections raised over Bru (a) Mizo Convention and (c) 79
was taken by the Tripura settlement in Mizo-dominated YuvaNagarik Suraksha (d) 82
areas of Tripura published in
31. (c) Jampui Hills As per the agreement, each tribal groups. In 2006, the
32. (a) Mizo Convention and In the middle of the Covid-19 resettled family will get 0.03 Government of India renamed
YuvaNagarik Suraksha lockdown, two community- acre (1.5 ganda) of land for the PTGs as PVTGs.
Mancha specific groups have renewed building a home, Rs 1.5 lakh In 1975, the Government of
33. (d) Dhebar Commission their opposition to the as housing assistance, and Rs 4 India initiated to identify
34. (d) Rs. 4 lakh permanent settlement of lakh as a one-time cash benefit the most vulnerable tribal
35. (b) 75 Bru refugees from Mizoram for sustenance. They will also groups as a separate category
Hint [Q.31-Q.35]: in Tripura’s North Tripura receive a monthly allowance called PVTGs and declared
Jampui Hills is a part of the district. of Rs 5,000, and free rations 52 such groups, while in 1993
Mizo hills range located in The objections and the for two years from the date of an additional 23 groups were
the North Tripura district in demand have been made resettlement. added to the category, making
the north eastern part of the by two social organisations In 1973, the Dhebar it a total of 75 PVTGs out of
Indian state of Tripura. The of the subdivision, the Commission created Primitive 705 Scheduled Tribes.
average altitude of the hill Mizo Convention and the Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a
range is approximately 1000 YuvaNagarik Suraksha separate category, who are
metres above sea level. Mancha. less developed among the
(Q.36-Q.40): Pakistan, in June

India was elected a non- last year. [2] was
permanent member of the elected as President
United Nations Security of the 75th session
Council for a two-year term on of the UN General
Wednesday, winning 184 votes Assembly. He
in the 193-member General was the endorsed
Assembly. Along with India, candidate from
Ireland, Mexico and Norway among the Western
also won the Security Council European and other
elections held Wednesday. States.
There were 192 Member States Extracted with
present for voting and the two- edits and revisions
thirds required majority was from the article
128. India garnered 184 votes. India Elected Non-
Canada lost the elections. Permanent Member
India will sit in the most Of UN Security
powerful UN organ, for two Council published
years beginning January 1, in BloombergQuint.
along with the five permanent
36. Which of (d) Bulent Arinc 39. How many times before this
members China, France,
the following has been has India been elected as a
Russia, U.K. and the U.S. as well 38. Which of the following
redacted by [1]? non-permanent member?
as non-permanent members grouping represents the G4
Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent (a) 52 (a) 6
nations which support each
and the Grenadines, Tunisia (b) 55 other’s bids for permanent (b) 7
and Vietnam. India was a (c) 58 seats on the United Nations (c) 8
candidate for a non-permanent (d) 61 Security Council? (d) 9
seat from the Asia-Pacific
(a) Brazil, Canada, India,
category for the 2021-22 term. 37. Whose name out of 40. Who out of the following
and Japan
Its victory was a given since it the following has been is India’s Permanent
was the sole candidate vying for (b) Brazil, Germany, India,
redacted by [2]? Representative to the UN?
the lone seat from the grouping. and Canada
(a) Tijjani-Muhammad (a) Syed Akbaruddin
New Delhi’s candidature was (c) Brazil, Germany, India,
Bande (b) T S Tirumurti
unanimously endorsed by and Japan
the [1]-member Asia-Pacific (b) Ban-ki-Moon (c) Harsh Vardhan Shringla
(d) Canada, Germany,
grouping, including China and (c) Volkan Bozkir India, and Japan (d) Ruveesh Kumar
36. (b) 55 on Wednesday, India secured permanent members (out of 10 the group.
37. (c) Volkan Bozkir 184 of the 192 votes, far in in total) for a two-year term. The G4 nations comprising
38. (c) Brazil, Germany, India, excess of the 128, or two- The 10 non-permanent seats Brazil, Germany, India, and
and Japan thirds minimum, it needed are distributed on a regional Japan are four countries which
39. (c) 8 to be confirmed. Others that basis - five for African and support each other’s bids for
40. (b) T S Tirumurti won were Mexico with 187 Asian States; one for Eastern permanent seats on the United
Hint [Q.36-Q.40]: votes, Norway 130 and Ireland European States; two for the Nations Security Council. Each
The United Nations Security 128, defeating Canada, which Latin American and Caribbean of these four countries have
Council is one of the six won 108. India’s term on the States; and two for Western figured among the elected
principal organs of the 15-member Council will be European and other States. non-permanent members of
United Nations, charged with its eighth. Previously, India Turkish diplomat Volkan the council since the UN’s
ensuring international peace has been elected as a non- Bozkir was elected President establishment. Their economic
and security, recommending permanent member of the of the forthcoming session of and political influence has
the admission of new UN Council for the years 1950- the UN General Assembly in a grown significantly in the
members to the General 1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, vote held on Wednesday that last decades, reaching a scope
Assembly, and approving any 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991- was emblematic of its time. comparable to the permanent
changes to the UN Charter. 1992 and most recently in India has been elected from members (P5).
It has five permanent and ten 2011-2012. the Asia Pacific group, which India’s Permanent
temporary members. In the Each year the General has 55 nations. India has been Representative to the UN is
election decided overnight Assembly elects five non- elected unanimously within Ambassador T S Tirumurti.
(Q.41-Q.45): Extracted with edits and this? the Baghjan well?

Oil India Limited on Monday revisions from the article (a) Manas National Park (a) MaguriMotapungBeel
said it had finally succeeded Assam: Baghjan well capped
(b) Orang National Park (b) DeeporBeel
in capping the Baghjan gas successfully after over 80 days
of blowout, says Oil India (c) Nameri National Park (c) MorikolongBeel
well in [1] district, after over
80 days since the well had a published in Scroll.in. (d) Dibru-Saikhowa (d) Silsako Wetland
major blowout on May 27. National Park
41. Which of the following 45. Why is a blowout caused?
It was capped by placing a 43. What penalty that has been
districts has been redacted (a) Due to high temperature
Blowout Preventer stack on the slapped on OIL by the
by [1]? near the oil-field
wellhead, the company said. National Green Tribunal
A blowout preventer, or BOP, (a) Udalguri (b) Due to increase of
recently has been redacted
is a specially-designed valve (b) Tinsukia pressure in the oil-field
by [2]?
that is mounted on top of the (c) Golaghat (c) Due to presence of
well during the drilling and (a) Rs. 10 crore
(d) Karimganj flammable object in the
completion stages of operation. (b) Rs. 15 crore oil-field which causes
The operator can close this 42. The oil-leak has occurred (c) Rs. 20 crore the field to explode and
valve to stop the flow of oil or close to a national park (d) Rs. 25 crore blowout
gas in case of emergencies. which has caused many (d) Both a and b
However, oil and gas environmental problems. 44. Which of the following
production still continues to Which national park is wetlands is situated near
be affected due to forceful
closure of few wells connected
to Baghjan, OIL added. Drilling
and workover operation also
remain affected at few of the
locations due to forceful closure
of operation, it said. This was
the third attempt made by
authorities to cap the well, and
came a day after four global
experts arrived in Duliajan to
join the extinguishing process,
East Mojo reported. The first
two attempts were made on July
31 and August 10, respectively.
In June, the National Green
Tribunal had directed Oil India
Limited to pay an interim fine
of [2] for the damage caused to
public health and wildlife due
to the fire.
41. (b) Tinsukia stream of natural gas into the Green Tribunal has imposed may be disturbed leading to
42. (d) Dibru-Saikhowa National atmosphere. Oil India Limited an interim penalty of Rs 25 ‘kicks’ or changes in pressure.
Park (OIL)’s gas well number 5 at crore on PSU major Oil India If these are not controlled in
43. (d) Rs. 25 crore Baghjan in Assam’s Tinsukia, over its failure to stop fire in time, the ‘kicks’ can turn into
44. (a) MaguriMotapungBeel where a blowout on May Assam’s Baghjan oil well that a sudden blowout. There are
45. (b) Due to increase of 27 triggered a continuing is damaging the environment. many possible reasons behind
pressure in the oil-field oil and gas leakage near the Oil India Limited is the blowouts, “from simple lack of
Hint [Q.41-Q.45]: MaguriMotapung Wetland second largest hydrocarbon attention, poor workmanship,
An oil well exploded in and DibruSaikhowa Biosphere exploration and production bad maintenance, old age,
Baghjan 5, Assam, near the Reserve, was not assessed for Indian public sector sabotage to morpho-tectonic
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park its wildlife and biodiversity company with its operational factors”.
and the MaguriMotapung impact, according to Union headquarters in Duliajan,
Wetland in the Tinsukia environment ministry’s Assam, India. Sometimes,
district, releasing a continuous documents. The National the pressure balance in a well
(a) Kashmir to Nathu La

(b) Leh to Karakoram Pass
(c) Shipki La to Pangong
Tso
(d) Namkha chu to Ladakh
48. Which of the following has

been redacted by [1]?
(a) Eastern
(b) Western
(c) Northern
(d) Southern
49. In between this conflict

India has shown a tilt
towards the formation
of Quad. Which of the
following countries are in
this organization?
(Q.46-Q.50): started in April. There has diplomatically published in The
been no positive outcome on Indian Express. (a) Japan, USA, UK, India
The events on the night of
August 29-30 once again ground, despite diplomatic 46. Naku La was the zone of (b) Australia, USA, Japan,
highlighted the gravity of overtures, innumerable contention with China. It is India
the situation in the ongoing military interactions and in: (c) Australia, Japan, France,
standoff between the Indian three apex-level marathon India
(a) Himachal Pradesh
Army and Chinese PLA in discussions between the corps (d) USA, France, UK, India
commanders. Talks between (b) Ladakh
Ladakh. It is to the credit
of the Indian Army that the at the highest diplomatic levels (c) Arunachal Pradesh 50. India and China share a
troops were alert and displayed have not given tangible results. (d) Sikkim boundary that stretches
resilience in pre-empting the Instead of withdrawing, there is 3,488 km from Ladakh to:
designs of the PLA on the a massive build-up of Chinese 47. The construction of the
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
critical [1] bank of Pangong forces in the areas of intrusion. Darbuk-Shyok-Daulet Beg
Oldi (DBO) road has made (b) Sikkim
Tso. Extracted with edits and
matters worse in the case of (c) Himachal Pradesh
There is growing frustration revisions from the article A new
equilibrium: India is spelling India-China relations. The (d) Uttarakhand
at China’s intransigence vis- DSDBO Road connects:
a-vis the confrontation that out its red lines, politically and
46. (d) Sikkim of Sikkim. Only citizens of bank, and the eight ‘fingers’ also common references to the
47. (b) Leh to Karakoram Pass India can visit the pass, and of mountainous land jutting creation of a free, open and
48. (d) Southern then only after obtaining a into the lake on that side. inclusive regional architecture,
49. (b) Australia, USA, Japan, permit in Gangtok. However, the southern bank of rules of the road, freedom of
India India has been upgrading Pangong Tso provides access to navigation and over-flight,
50. (a) Arunachal Pradesh its roads and military eastern Ladakh and important and, ASEAN centrality. The
Hint [Q.46-Q.50]: infrastructure around LAC. heights of Rezang La further countries are Japan, Australia,
It is a mountain pass in the Last year, India completed east, where major battles were USA and India.
Himalayas in East Sikkim the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulet fought between the Indian and India and China share a
district. It connects the Indian Beg Oldi (DBO) road which Chinese troops in the 1962 boundary that stretches 3,488
state of Sikkim with China’s connects Leh to the Karakoram war. km from Ladakh to Arunachal
Tibet Autonomous Region. Pass. India also maintains a Recently, the high level senior Pradesh. The border dispute
The pass, at 4,310 m (14,140 key landing strip at DBO at official meeting of Quad still stands unresolved. The
ft) above mean sea level, forms 16,000 feet. nations was concluded in border between India and
a part of an offshoot of the India is rapidly catching up Bangkok (Thailand) on the China is not fully demarcated
ancient Tea Horse Road. Nathu with China, who already margins of East Asia Summit and the Line of Actual Control
means “listening ears” and La enjoys an advantage in both on 4th November. In past some (LAC) is neither clarified
means “pass” in Tibetan. On terrain and infrastructure. time, differences among the nor confirmed by the two
the Indian side, the pass is 54 So far, the tensions at Pangong Quad countries seem to have countries.
km east of Gangtok, the capital Tso have been on the northern narrowed down. There are
(Q.51-Q.55): repealed Article 35A, stripping 52. Fill [2] with a suitable 54. India’s 2019 score is its
India has dropped [1] places Jammu and Kashmir of its option. lowest ever since the
to the 51st spot in the The special status. (a) 5.43 Democracy Index was
Economist Intelligence Unit’s Extracted with edits and begun in:
(b) 5.44
2019 Democracy Index released revisions from the article Here’s (a) 2000
(c) 5.45
on Wednesday, mainly because Why India’s Dropped To 51st (b) 2006
of “an erosion of civil liberties Place In Democracy Index, (d) 5.46
(c) 2010
in the country”. The report, Its Lowest Ever published by 53. Based on their scores on
titled ‘A year of democratic HuffPost India. (d) 2012
60 indicators within these
setbacks and popular protest’, categories, each country is 55. Which of the following
looks at the state of democracy 51. Fill [1] with a suitable
option. classified as one of _____ countries topped the index?
across 165 countries and two types of regime
territories. In the 2019 index (a) 10 (a) Sweden
the average global score for (a) Two (b) Denmark
(b) 15
democracy fell from 5.48 in (b) Three (c) Norway
(c) 20
2018 to [2], the research group (c) Four (d) France
said, “this is the worst average (d) 30
(d) Five
global score since the index was
first produced in 2006”.
The 2019 result, the report
noted, was worse than that
recorded in 2010, in the wake
of the global economic and
financial crisis. The average
global score fell to 5.46 in 2010.
The decline is mainly driven
by a “sharp regression in Latin
America and Sub-Saharan
Africa, a lesser one in the
Middle East and North Africa
(MENA) region”. Democracies
in Asia also had a tumultuous
year.
India’s overall score fell from
7.23 in 2018 to 6.90 in 2019.
Here are the reasons mentioned
in the report for the regression
in India: — Detailing the
erosion of civil liberties, the
report said that the government
abrogated Article 370 and
51. (a) 10 It is placed in the “flawed democracy”. to 5.44, the worst result since
52. (b) 5.44 democracy” category, which Following Norway at the top 2006.
53. (c) Four also includes Bangladesh of the rankings are Iceland China (2.26) and North Korea
Based on their scores on (5.88). (9.58), Sweden (9.39) and New (bottom-ranked with 1.08) are
60 indicators within these Its score, down from 7.23 Zealand (9.26). categorised as “authoritarian
categories, each country is in 2018 to 6.90 in 2019, is Other “full democracies” regimes”.
then itself classified as one its lowest ever since the include Germany, the United Pakistan, with a score of 4.25,
of four types of regime: Democracy Index was begun Kingdom and France. is categorised as a “hybrid
full democracy; flawed in 2006. The United States, with a democracy”.
democracy; hybrid regime; and 55. (c) Norway score of 7.96 is a “flawed The report describes the year
authoritarian regime. Rankings of various other democracy”, in the same in Asia as one filled with
54. (b) 2006 countries: category as India. “drama and tumult,” with
In 2019, India slipped 10 Norway (top-ranked with In 2019, the average global Hong Kong being the epicentre
places to 51st position. 9.87) is counted as a “full score fell from 5.48 in 2018 of protest in the continent.
(Q.56-Q.60): was not available for comments, (a) 4 (a) Arunachal Pradesh
A closed-door meeting was but the statement said that he (b) 5 (b) Manipur
held between R N Ravi, Centre’s has given an assurance that the
(c) 6 (c) Assam
interlocutor for Naga peace Centre is “taking forward the
decision of the Naga groups on (d) 7 (d) Tripura
talks, and representatives of
Naga National Political Groups October 31, 2019”. 57. The current NSCN or 59. In which year was the Naga
(NNPGs), during which all Hectic parleys were held in the Nationalist Socialist Peace Accord signed?
stakeholders have agreed October last year between Council of Nagaland gets (a) 2012
that the “defining hour” for the Naga groups and Ravi, its ideology from -
announcing an honourable following which the two sides (b) 2013
(a) AngamiZapuPhizo and
solution to the vexed issue was said that talks have “concluded”. (c) 2014
ThuingalengMuivah
soon approaching, a statement Extracted with edits and (d) 2015
here said. (b) Isak ChishiSwu and
revisions from the article ThuingalengMuivah
The “waiting period is over”, Waiting period over, hour 60. The NNPGs have
and the Centre is taking approaching for announcing (c) Isak ChishiSwu and demanded for a Naga
necessary steps for arriving at a political solution: Naga groups AngamiZapuPhizo Yegabo. What does that
solution that is acceptable to all, published in The Economic (d) EasterineKire and Isak mean?
the statement by the media cell Times. ChishiSwu (a) Separate Naga state
of NNPGs’ working committee 56. The Naga National Political (b) Separate Naga flag
said, following the meeting at 58. Areas of which of the
Group is an amalgamation following states is not a (c) Separate Naga
Dimapur on Friday.Ravi, who is of how many extremist Constitution
also the governor of Nagaland, part of Greater Nagalim?
groups? (d) Separate Naga army
56. (d) 7 or Isak ChishiSwu and Council (NNC) with the where, the Government of
57. (b) Isak ChishiSwu and ThuingalengMuivah. Isak Indian government. India recognised the unique
ThuingalengMuivah ChishiSwu (11 November The key demand of Naga history, culture and position
58. (d) Tripura 1929 – 28 June 2016) was the groups has been a Greater of the Nagas and their
59. (d) 2015 chairman of the Nationalist Nagalim (sovereign statehood) sentiments and aspirations.
60. (c) Separate Naga Socialist Council of Nagaland i.e redrawing of boundaries The NSCN also appreciated
Constitution (NSCN). He along with to bring all Naga-inhabited the Indian political system
Hint [Q.56-Q.60]: ThuingalengMuivah and S. S. areas in the Northeast under and governance. However,
The Naga National Political Khaplang were instrumental one administrative umbrella. the details of the agreement
Group is a conglomerate of in the creation of NSCN on 31 It includes various parts of are yet to be released by the
seven extremist groups. January 1980 after opposing Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, government.
The NSCN follows the the ‘Shillong Accord’ signed Assam and Myanmar as well. Naga Yazabo means Naga
ideologies of Isak-Muivah by the then Naga National The FA was signed in 2015 Constitution.
(Q.61-Q.65): achieving the targets.

NITI Aayog today released The SDG India Index 2019
the second edition of the tracks progress of all States and
Sustainable Development Goals UTs on [2] indicators drawn
(SDG) India Index, which from the MoSPI’s National
comprehensively documents Indicator Framework (NIF).
the progress made by India’s The process of selection of these
States and Union Territories indicators included multiple
towards achieving the 2030 consultations with Union
SDG targets. ministries/departments and
India’s composite score has States/UTs.
improved from 57 in 2018 to Extracted with edits and
[1] in 2019, thereby showing revisions from the article NITI
noticeable progress. The Aayog Releases SDG India
maximum gains been made Index and Dashboard 2019
in Goals 6 (clean water and published in Press Information
sanitation), 9 (industry, Bureau India.
innovation, and infrastructure)
and 7 (affordable and clean 61. Who out of the following
energy). All three states that has published the SDG
were in the ‘Aspirant’ category Index?
(with score/s in the range of (a) Ministry of Finance
0–49)—Uttar Pradesh, Bihar (b) NITI Aayog
and Assam—have graduated (c) ADB
to the ‘Performer’ category
(50–64). Five states—Andhra (d) World Bank
Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, 62. Which of the following has
Goa, and Sikkim—moved up been redacted by [1]?
from the ‘Performer’ category
to the ‘Front Runner’ category (a) 58
(65–99). Kerala achieved the (b) 59
first rank in the composite (c) 60
SDG Index with a score of (d) 61
70, followed by Himachal
Pradesh at 69. Andhra Pradesh, 63. How many indicators were
Telangana, and Tamil Nadu used in this SDG index and short? this index based?
ranked at the third position has been redacted by [2]? (a) Gender equality (a) 12
with the score of 67. The biggest (a) 50 (b) Affordable and clean (b) 14
improvers since 2018 are UP
(b) 70 energy (c) 15
(which has moved from the
29th position to the 23rd), (c) 80 (c) Clean water and (d) 16
Orissa (23rd to 15th), and (d) 100 sanitation
Sikkim (15th to 7th). While (d) Decent Work and
Bihar improved its score from 64. In which of the following Economic Growth
48 in 2018 to 50 in 2019, it categories of the index have
65. On how many SDGs was
still has a long way to go in most of the states fallen
61. (b) NITI Aayog state of Bihar. The SDGs are a in 2018 to 60 in 2019. The UN Ending hunger and achieving
62. (c) 60 set of 17 broad-based global has developed 232 indicators gender equality are the areas
63. (d) 100 goals adopted by the United to measure compliance on where most states fall far short,
64. (a) Gender equality Nations General Assembly the part of member nations. with the all-India scores for
65. (d) 16 in 2015, and intended to be Niti Aayog has adapted its these goals at 35 and 42 points
Hint [Q.61-Q.65]: achieved by 2030. The index monitoring approach to the respectively.
The list has been published this year was based on 16 of Indian context, with a set of
by the NITI Aayog. At the the 17 goals. India’s composite 100 indicators of its own for
bottom of the index is the score has increased from 57 the purposes of this Index.
(Q.66-Q.70):
The government is planning the
first phase of implementation
of the National Education
Policy (NEP) 2020. Sources
told Moneycontrol that the
initial phase will be completed
by April 2022. It will involve
reforms in school education.
The Cabinet had given nod
to NEP 2020 on July 29.
Consequently, the Human
Resource Development
Ministry has been renamed
as the Ministry of Education.
NEP 2020 calls for a 360-degree
change in the way academic
knowledge is being imparted in
classrooms.
When NEP 2020 was first
announced, the medium of
instruction turned out to be a
bone of contention. NEP calls 67. Which of the following years has been set as the
[2] schedule would mean that
for the medium of instruction schedules has been target year by which the
the entire syllabus/books would
till the [1] grade (and preferably redacted by [2]? entire NEP has to be
need to be translated.
till eighth grade) to be in the implemented?
mother tongue. Though the Extracted with edits and (a) Sixth
government has said that revisions from the article (b) Seventh (a) 2022
this policy will be followed First phase of NEP 2020 (b) 2027
(c) Eighth
wherever possible, sources said implementation to be
(d) Ninth (c) 2035
that, in the first phase, the 1,239 completed by April 2022
published in MoneyControl. (d) 2040
KendriyaVidyalayas (central 68. Which of the following
government schools) across 66. Which of the following new format of the New 70. The NEP proposes the
the country will be handed the classes has been redacted Education Policy has been extension of the Right to
responsibility to implement by [1]? provided? Education (RTE) to all
the language formula in their (a) 11+4 children up to the age of -
schools. However, during the (a) Third
(b) 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 (a) 15
initial discussions, the state (b) Fourth
(c) 5+6+4 (b) 16
governments and education (c) Fifth
experts pointed out that using (d) 5+4+3+3 (c) 18
(d) Sixth
the 22 official languages in the (d) 20
66. (c) Fifth The NEP proposes sweeping 1986 policy, which pushed governments can make laws
67. (c) Eighth changes including opening for a 10+2 structure of school on it), the reforms proposed
68. (b) 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 up of Indian higher education education, the new NEP can only be implemented
69. (d) 2040 to foreign universities, pitches for a “5+3+3+4” design collaboratively by the Centre
70. (c) 18 dismantling of the UGC corresponding to the age and the states. This will not
Hint [Q.66-Q.70]: and the All India Council groups 3-8 years (foundational happen immediately. The
The children will be taught in for Technical Education stage), 8-11 (preparatory), incumbent government has set
the mother languages till the (AICTE), introduction of a 11-14 (middle), and 14-18 a target of 2040 to implement
fifth standard. The 22 Indian four-year multidisciplinary (secondary). The NEP only the entire policy. The NEP
languages are mentioned in undergraduate programme provides a broad direction proposes the extension of the
the eighth schedule of the with multiple exit options, and is not mandatory to Right to Education (RTE) to all
Indian Constitution. Among and discontinuation of the follow. Since education is children up to the age of 18.
proposals, 10+2 school format M Phil programme. In a a concurrent subject (both
to become 5 + 3 + 3 + 4. significant shift from the the Centre and the state
(Q.71-Q.75): of dealing with any kind of 72. Which of the following has the State Governments
The Union Ministry of emergency or distress situation, been redacted by [1]? 74. Companies can donate
Corporate Affairs has said in like posed by the COVID-19 (a) 1(d) money in this fund as a
the Lok Sabha that the Prime pandemic”. part of their CSR. What
(b) 2(h)
Minister’s Citizen Assistance Extracted with edits and percentage of profits is
(c) 3(c)
and Relief in Emergency revisions from the article PM given by projects as CSR?
Situations Fund (PM CARES CARES Fund not a ‘public (d) 4(a)
(a) 1%
Fund), though set up by the authority’ under RTI Act, says 73. What constitutes ‘public (b) 2%
Central Government, is not a govt in response to question account’ as per the
‘public authority’ under Section in Lok Sabha published in (c) 2.5%
Constitution?
[1] of the Right to Information National Herald. (d) 3%
Act, 2005, LiveLaw.in has (a) Public money received
reported. This was told by 71. Who among the following by the Government of 75. In which year was the
Anurag Thakur, Minister is not a trustee of the PM India Prime Minister’s National
of State for Finance and Cares Fund? (b) Public money spent Relief Fund formed?
Corporate Affairs, as a reply to (a) Minister of Defence by the Government of (a) 1948
an unstarred question raised (b) Minister of Home India (b) 1949
by Sunil Dattatray Tatkare, (c) Minister of (c) Public money (c) 1950
Member of Parliament from Environment, Forests and received by the State
Maharashtra, belonging to the (d) 1951
Climate Change Governments
Nationalist Congress Party. (d) Public money spent by
(d) Minister of Finance
In May, the Prime Minister’s
Office had refused to divulge
information related to PM
CARES Fund by stating that
it was not a ‘public authority’.
A petition is pending in the
Delhi High Court seeking a
declaration that PM CARES
Fund comes under the RTI
Act. Last month, the Supreme
Court had turned down a plea
to transfer the funds from
PM CARES To the National
Disaster Response Fund. The
top court further observed
that PM CARES was a trust
for which CAG audit was not
necessary.The PM CARES Fund
was created on 28 March 2020,
“with the primary objective
71. (c) Minister of Environment, are ex-officio Trustees of the from taxes, duties, repayment 1948 by then Prime Minister
Forests and Climate Change Fund. of loans and the like, should be Jawaharlal Nehru, to assist
72. (b) 2(h) “Under section 2(h) of the credited to the Public Account displaced persons from
73. (a) Public money received by RTI Act, “public authority” of India. Pakistan. The fund is currently
the Government of India includes any authority or Under the Companies Act, used primarily to tackle
74. (b) 2% body or institution of self- 2013, companies with a natural calamities like floods,
75. (a) 1948 government established or minimum net worth of Rs 500 cyclones and earthquakes.
Hint [Q.71-Q.75]: constituted by or under the crore or turnover of Rs 1,000 The fund is also used to help
Prime Minister is the ex- Constitution. crore, or net profit of Rs 5 with medical treatment like
officio Chairman of the PM Under Article 266(2) of the crore are required to spend at kidney transplantation, cancer
CARES Fund and Minister of Constitution, “public moneys least 2% of their average profit treatment and acid attack.
Defence, Minister of Home received by or on behalf of the for the previous three years on
Affairs and Minister of Government of India”, which CSR activities every year.
Finance, Government of India is not on account of revenue This fund was instituted in
(Q.76-Q.80):
The office of the Chief Justice of
India will come under the ambit
of the Right to Information Act,
the Supreme Court ruled. The
Delhi High Court had on Jan
10, 2010, ruled that the CJI’s
office was under the ambit of
the RTI. Independence of the
judiciary was not a privilege
but a responsibility cast upon
the office, the High Court had
ruled.
The Supreme Court
information officer had
challenged this on the judicial
side in the top court. The case everyone else to be subject to 77. Who was the first Chief (d) Maharashtra
has been pending in court for RTI while keeping itself out Information Commissioner
of its scope. That would be of India? 79. Which of the following
years. The top court eventually would fill [1]?
heard it earlier this year and hypocritical, he had suggested. (a) Sudhir Bhargava
Extracted with edits and (a) Mukul Rohatgi
reserved its judgement on the (b) V S Gadhavi
issue. During the arguments, revisions from the article (b) Tusar Mehta
(c) Deepak Sandhu
the Attorney General of India Supreme Court brings CJI’s (c) K K Venugopal
office under ambit of RTI Act (d) Wajahat Habibullah
[1] opposed throwing open the (d) Gopal Subramanium
CJI’s office on the ground that if published in The Economic 78. Digital RTI Mission was
would have a chilling effect on Times. initiated by a policy think 80. The _______ schedule of
the parties who take decisions tank to make which of the the RTI Act mentions that
76. Who, from the following, is ____ organizations are
in such cases. Those taking following Indian States the
the incumbent Chief Justice exempt of the Act.
decisions will not ask questions first RTI digital state in
of India?
for fear of being singled out India? (a) 2nd, 22
later for criticism. Lawyer for (a) N V Ramana
(a) Gujarat (b) 3rd, 24
RTI activist Subhas Agrawal, (b) D Y Chandrachud
lawyer Prashant Bhushan, on (b) Kerala (c) 2nd, 24
(c) Ranjan Gogoi
the other hand pointed out that (c) West Bengal (d) 3rd, 22
(d) Sharad Arvind Bobde
the Supreme Court cannot ask
76. (d) Sharad Arvind Bobde 47th and current Chief Justice to make Kerala the first RTI constitutional lawyer and a
77. (d) Wajahat Habibullah of India. He assumed office digital state in India. The senior advocate in the Supreme
78. (b) Kerala on 18th November 2019. second schedule of the Act Court of India. On 30 June
79. (c) K K Venugopal Wajahat Habibullah was the mentions 22 organisations 2017, he was appointed as the
80. (a) 2nd, 22 first Chief Information Officer which are exempted from Attorney General of India.
Hint [Q.76-Q.80]: of India. Digital RTI Mission the Act. KottayanKatankot
Sharad Arvind Bobde is an was initiated by a policy think Venugopal, known generally as
Indian Judge serving as the tank based in Kochi (CPPR) K. K. Venugopal is an Indian
(Q.81-Q.85): (c) Rajesh Kumar Singh and procurement of the (c) Chief of Social Crime
General [1] has been named the (d) Kumar Sharan three services. (d) Chief of Integrated
country’s first Chief of Defence Defence Staff
82. Which of the following is 83. Fill [2] with a suitable
Staff. The Chief of Defence Staff
not a function of CDS? option. 85. According to the passage
will be a four-star General, the
principal military advisor to the (a) He will administer (a) 60 [3]- cleared a proposal
defence minister, and head the all tri-services (b) 62 for the creation of a new
new Department of Military organisations Department of Military
(c) 65
Affairs. Affairs (DMA). Who is [3]?
(b) He will head the newly (d) 70
The defence ministry had created agencies for (a) Union Home Minister
recently amended the army, cyber and space. 84. Who is CISC as mentioned (b) Defence Secretary
air force and navy rules by (c) He will be responsible in the passage? (c) President
bringing in a new clause that for the deployment of (a) Commandant of (d) Prime Minister
allows the Chief of Defence the Special Forces Security Camp
Staff to serve upto a maximum (d) He will ensure jointness (b) Commander of Cyber
age of [2] years. The notification in training, logistics Security
came in the backdrop of [1]
retiring on December 31.
CISC, who heads this tri-
services organisation will also
come under the CDS and be
renamed as the Deputy CDS.
The Cabinet- chaired by [3]-
cleared a proposal for the
creation of a new Department
of Military Affairs (DMA).
The DMA will be another
department under the defence
ministry.
Extracted with edits and
revisions from the article
published in The Economic
Times.
81. Country’s first CDS is [1]

according to the passage.
Fill [1] with the appropriate
option.
(a) Ajay Kumar
(b) Bipin Rawat
81. (b) Bipin Rawat the existing rules, an Army organisations, comprising deployment will be dependent
82. (c) He will be responsible for Chief has a tenure of three personnel from the army, on ground commanders. The
the deployment of the Special years or upto the retirement air force and navy, but their headquarters of the Integrated
Forces age of 62 years, whichever is command will be with the Defence Staff, comprising
83. (c) 65 earlier. Although Rawat is yet Chief of the service which has representatives from the three
84. (d) Chief of Integrated to reach the age of 62 years, a predominant role in their services, will come under him.
Defence Staff he is retiring because he is functioning. However, he The Chief of the Integrated
85. (d) Prime Minister completing his tenure of three will head the newly created Defence Staff, also known as
Hint [Q.81-Q.85]: years as Army Chief. agencies for cyber and space. the CISC, who heads this tri-
General Bipin Rawat has been As reported by ET’s Shaurya The tri-service agency of services organisation will also
named the country’s first Chief Gurung, the CDS will Special Forces could also come under the CDS and be
of DefenceStaff.According to administer all tri-services come under him, but their renamed as the Deputy CDS.
(Q.86-Q.90): 1955, an illegal immigrants it holds for India published by 89. Which of the following
President Ram Nath Kovind cannot get citizenship in The Economic Times. statements is incorrect?
gave his assent to the India. An illegal migrant is (a) The Act also amends the
defined as people who either 86. Which of the following dates
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill provisions on registration
entered the country without has been redacted by [1]?
2019 that has now become an of Overseas Citizens of
Act. Economic Times takes a proper documents, or stayed (a) 1 January 2015 India (OCI)
look at the contentious issues on beyond the permitted (b) 31 December 2015 (b) There are three
it raises, and whom the Bill time. In 2015 the government
(c) 31 December 2014 countries from which
benefits. According to the made changes to the passport
(d) 1 January 2014 migrants are eligible for
Bill, members of the Hindu, and foreigner’s acts to allow
citizenship under the Act
Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and non-Muslim refugees from
87. Which of the following (c) The Assam state has
Zoroastrian communities who these countries to stay back in
citizenship-acquiring been kept out of CAA
have come from Pakistan, India even if they entered the
provisions has been
Afghanistan, and Bangladesh country without valid papers. (d) An illegal immigrant is a
redacted by [2]?
till [1] and facing religious It was one of the poll promises foreigner who either enters
of the NDA government. The (a) Birth India without valid travel
persecution there will not be
treated as illegal immigrants Bill in its earlier form was (b) Descent documents, like a visa and
but given Indian citizenship. It passed in January 2019, ahead (c) Registration passport, or stays beyond
also relaxes the provisions for of the general elections. It the time period permitted
(d) Naturalisation
“Citizenship by [2]“. The law again sought to grant Indian in their travel documents.
reduces duration of residency citizenship to the six non- 88. The ________ Schedule
Muslim communities-Hindu, 90. In which of the following
from existing 11 years to just areas of the India
Buddhist, Christian, Parsi, Jain states has the Government
five years for people belonging Constitution are not
and Sikh. recently carried out NRC?
to the same six religions and covered under the CAA?
three countries. Extracted with edits and (a) Tripura (b) Assam
(a) Fourth (b) Fifth
As per the Citizenship Act of revisions from Citizenship (c) Nagaland (d) Mizoram
(c) Sixth (d) Seventh
Amendment Act 2019: What
86. (c) 31 December 2014 irrespective of the nationality of 2. A person born outside India Schedule tribal areas include
87. (d) Naturalisation his/her parents. on or after December 10, 1992, KarbiAnglong (in Assam), Garo
88. (c) Sixth 2. Every person born in but before December 3, 2004 if Hills (in Meghalaya), Chakma
89. (c) The Assam state has been India between 01.07.1987 and either of his/her parent was a District (in Mizoram), and
kept out of CAA 02.12.2004 is a citizen of India citizen of India by birth. Tripura Tribal Areas District.
90. (b) Assam given either of his/her parents 3. If a person born outside India The Bill provides differential
Hint [Q.86-Q.90]: is a citizen of the country at the or or after December 3, 2004 treatment to illegal migrants on
The cut-off date for the CAA has time of his/her birth. has to acquire citizenship, his/ the basis of (a) their country of
been fixed by the Government 3. Every person born in India on her parents have to declare that origin, (b) religion, (c) date of
as 31 December 2014. The cutoff or after 3.12.2004 is a citizen of the minor does not hold the entry into India, and (d) place
date of December 31, 2014, the country given both his/her passport of another country and of residence in India. The Bill
will ensure that the Citizenship parents are Indians or at least his/her birth is registered at an classifies migrants based on their
Amendment Act (CAA) can’t one parent is a citizen and the Indian consulate within one year country of origin to include
be misused by infiltrators from other is not an illegal migrant at of birth. only Afghanistan, Pakistan and
neighbouring countries such the time of birth. By naturalisation:A person Bangladesh.
as Pakistan, said a top official, By registration:Citizenship can can acquire citizenship by An illegal migrant is prohibited
seeking to reassure border states. also be acquired by registration. naturalisation if he/she is from acquiring Indian
The Law relaxes the Some of the mandatory rules are: ordinarily resident of India for citizenship. An illegal immigrant
provisions for “Citizenship by 1. A person of Indian origin 12 years (throughout 12 months is a foreigner who either enters
naturalisation”. The law reduces who has been a resident of India preceding the date of application India illegally, i.e., without valid
duration of residency from for 7 years before applying for and 11 years in the aggregate) travel documents, like a visa
existing 11 years to just five registration. and fulfils all qualifications and passport, or enters India
years for people belonging to 2. A person of Indian origin in the third schedule of the legally, but stays beyond the time
the same six religions and three who is a resident of any country Citizenship Act. period permitted in their travel
countries. outside undivided India. The Bill clarifies that the documents. An illegal migrant
According to the Ministry of 3. A person who is married to an proposed amendments on can be prosecuted in India, and
Home Affairs, there are four Indian citizen and is ordinarily citizenship to the specified deported or imprisoned.
ways in which Indian citizenship resident for 7 years before class of illegal migrants will not The National Register of Citizens
can be acquired: birth, descent, applying for registration. apply to certain areas. These (NRC) is a registry maintained
registration and naturalisation. 4. Minor children of persons are: (i) the tribal areas of Assam, by the Government of India
The provisions are listed under who are citizens of India. Meghalaya, Mizoram, and containing names & certain
sections 3, 4, 5(1) and 5(4) of the By descent: Tripura, as included in the Sixth relevant information for the
Citizenship Act, 1955. 1. A person born outside India Schedule to the Constitution, identification of genuine Indian
By birth: on or after January 26, 1950 is a and (ii) the states regulated by citizens in the state of Assam.
1. Every person born in India on citizen of India by descent if his/ the “Inner Line” permit under The register was specifically
or after 26.01.1950 but before her father was a citizen of India the Bengal Eastern Frontier made for Assam.
01.07.1987 is an Indian citizen by birth. Regulations 1873. These Sixth
(Q.91-Q.95): (c) 10 days

Despite its extensive legal (d) 40 days
framework governing
environmental issues, 94. Which of the following
India ranked [1] out of 180 statements is incorrect?
countries in the Environment (a) The new draft allows for
Performance Index of 2020. It post-facto approval for
scored low on all indicators of projects.
performance, whether it was a (b) The new draft requires
lack of sustainable solutions for the promoter to submit a
growth, degrading soil, air and report every six months,
water quality or biodiversity showing that they are
loss. carrying out their activities
To this end, it would be as per the terms on which
opportune to look into the permission has been given.
origin and evolution of the (c) Through the draft
existing EIA regime.EIA notification, the central
process emerged in India in government gets the power
the form of an administrative of the day, and was superseded (d) 168th to categorise projects as
decision-making mechanism by a 2006 notification. The “strategic.”
in the 1970s, first for river 2020 Draft Notification seeks 92. Which of the following
years has been redacted by (d) The draft notification
valley projects and thereafter to replace the 2006 one. With
[2]? has a clause dedicated to
for any project involving the Covid-19 crisis having dealt
definitions to several terms
public investment.The first a blow to the Indian economy, (a) 1990
related to EIA
EIA notification emerged this perhaps is another (b) 1992
in [2] during a watershed watershed moment for India. (c) 1994 95. In which of the following
moment in India’s history. Extracted with revisions cases the Delhi high court
(d) 1996
Even though liberalisation and and edits from the article had considered EIAs- a
industrialisation had led to Modi govt’s 2020 draft 93. The draft notification part of participatory justice
large scale industrial expansion makes EIA a mere formality, provides for a reduction in which the voice is given
in the country, the 1986 Bhopal fails on transparency, study of the time period for the to the voiceless and it is like
Gas Tragedy provided huge showspublished in The Print. public to submit their a Jan Sunwai, where the
lessons to the government on responses during a public community is the jury?
the risks of setting up industries 91. Which of the following hearing for any application (a) Samrath Case
without proper impact ranks has been redacted by seeking environmental
assessments. [1]? (b) Rajarshi Case
clearance. What period has
The [2] notification underwent (a) 165th (c) Savarkar Case
been recommended?
several iterations over the years, (b) 166th (d) Jhunjhunwala Case
(a) 20 days
depending on the government (c) 167th (b) 30 days
91. (d) 168th measured the environmental citizens to participate in permission has been given.
92. (c) 1994 performance of 180 countries decision-making processes. However, the new draft
93. (a) 20 days — and was released by the Yale The draft notification provides requires the promoter to
94. (b) The new draft requires University on June 4, 2020. for a reduction of the time submit a report only once
the promoter to submit a India’s rank was 177 (with a period from 30 days to 20 every year.
report every six months, score of 30.57 out of 100) in days for the public to submit In the Samarth Trust Case,
showing that they are 2018. their responses during a public the Delhi high court had
carrying out their activities The first EIA Act came in hearing for any application considered EIAs- a part of
as per the terms on which 1994. Also, the EIA process seeking environmental participatory justice in which
permission has been given. is an outcome of the 1992 clearance. the voice is given to the
95. (a) Samrath Case Rio Declaration, which says The 2006 notification required voiceless and it is like a Jan
Hint [Q.91-Q.95]: that environmental issues that the project proponent Sunwai, where the community
India secured 168 rank in the are best handled through the submit a report every six is the jury.
12th edition of the biennial participation of all concerned months, showing that they are
Environment Performance citizens and that states must carrying out their activities
Index (EPI Index 2020) — that provide an opportunity to as per the terms on which
(Q.96-Q.100): national
India on Sunday welcomed the unity, strong
power-sharing deal announced institutions,
by Afghanistan between constitutional
President Ashraf Ghani and his order, rights
rival [X], which ended months of all sections
of political discord triggered by of society and
last year’s disputed presidential the territorial
election. integrity of
Afghanistan,”
“India welcomes the political
the MEA said.
agreement concluded by the
political leadership in Kabul “The
today,” the Ministry of External continuing
Affairs said in a statement. and enhanced
violence
The statement said India
and terror
hoped the political agreement above? Republic
in Afghanistan is a matter of
and creation of a council for (a) Abdullah Abdullah (d) High-powered
deep concern. India calls for
national reconciliation will Committee for National
an immediate ceasefire and (b) Sheikh Abdullah
result in renewed efforts for Reconciliation
assistance to the people of (c) Benazir Bhuttani
establishing enduring peace and
Afghanistan to deal with the 99. Earlier in the year there was
stability, and putting an end to (d) Hamid Karzai
humanitarian situation arising another peace deal between
externally-sponsored terrorism
from Covid-19,” it added. 97. Capital of Afghanistan US and Afghanistan to
and violence in Afghanistan.
Ghani was declared the withdraw which of the
It said India is concerned (a) Kabul
winner of Afghanistan’s 2019 following troops from
over continuing violence and (b) Herat Afghanistan?
presidential polls in September
terror attacks in Afghanistan (c) Baghdad
by that country’s Election (a) US troops
and called for an immediate (d) Tehran
Commission, but his challenger, (b) NATO
ceasefire as well as assistance
X, refused to accept the results
to people reeling under the 98. What is the full form of (c) Both I and II
and proclaimed victory for
coronavirus pandemic. HCNR which has been (d) None of the above
himself.
According to the deal, Ghani given the authority to
After months of political handle and approve 100. Which among the
will stay as the president while
uncertainty, Ghani was sworn all affairs related to following terrorist
X will head the HCNR with
in as the Afghan president on Afghanistan’s peace process organisations do not
executive authority and his
March 9, but X also declared including the peace talks find their presence in
team will have a 50 per cent
himself the president the same with the Taliban? Afghanistan.
share in the cabinet, Afghan
day by holding his own oath- (a) Haqqani Network
media reports said. (a) High Council of
taking ceremony.
The HCNR has been mandated National Reconciliation (b) Al-Qaeda Network
to lead future peace talks, 96. Who is Ghani’s opponent (b) High Commission for (c) Daesh
including with the Taliban. redacted to as [X] in the National Reconciliation (d) Boko Haram
“India has consistently above passage who was a (c) High Court of the
supported inclusive governance, party to the deal referred to National(Islamic)
96. (a) Abdullah Abdullah months of uncertainty that had peace talks on behalf of the Sunnah lid-Da’wahwa’l-Jihād
97. (a) Kabul included dual inauguration government with the Taliban. and commonly known as Boko
98. (a) High Council of National ceremonies. The deal was to withdraw the Haram, is a jihadist terrorist
Reconciliation Kabul is the capital and largest US and North Atlantic Treaty organization based in north-
99. (c) Both I and II city of Afghanistan. Organisation(NATO) forces eastern Nigeria, also active
100.(d) Boko Haram The new deal between the from Afghanistan in pursuance in Chad, Niger and northern
Hint [Q.96-Q.100]: President and Abdullah gives of establishing peace in the Cameroon. Rest of the terrorist
President of Afghanistan Abdullah power over half the region. outfits in options I, II and III
Ashraf Ghani and his rival cabinet and makes him the The Islamic State in West function in Afghanistan area.
Abdullah Abdullah have head of the High Council of Africa or the Islamic State’s
agreed to share presidential National Reconciliation that West Africa Province, formerly
powers. The decision ends is empowered to continue known as Jamā’at Ahl as-
The CLAT Post • September 2020
19th and 13th Amendment to Sri Lankan Constitution Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC) and eNAM
Three Agri Reform Bills Introduced USA - Maldives Defence Agreement
BRICS Innovation Base in China To Take Forward

5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Deputy Speaker of The Lok Sabha and Constitutional Provisions
ENSO and Indian Monsoon Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (1998)
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 Goods and Services Tax (GST) Compensation and Act of God
Greater Cooperation India, ASEAN Adopt Plan Gujarat Has Topped the Export Preparedness Index 2020
of Action for 2021 - 25 Followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu
India, China 5-Point Action Plan and SCO India’s Logistics Agreement With Other Countries
Kuwait Expat Bill Lok Sabha Passes Bill Reducing MPs' Salary by 30%
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) National Council for Transgender Persons
Opium and Narcotics Bureau NDPS Act Palestine after UAE, Bahrain Deals with Israel
Prashant Bhushan and Tehelka Magazine Case (2009) Raising Age of Marriage
Scientists Have Found That The Atmosphere of

SC Directions on Removal of Slum Dwellers Venus Contains Traces of Phosphine Gas
Supreme Court Judgement on Sub-Classification of

Status of FDI in India Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Central List
The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill of 2019 The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and Moon Treaty
The Supreme Court Has Been Urged To Set Up An 11-Judge

The Singapore Convention on Mediation Bench to Reconsider its 50% Cap on Reservation
What is Novichok and Alexei Navalny
LEGAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

1. The Haryana government of SCs for the purpose of apex court also held that Question Hour and curtail
is planning to bring a reservation. Since a Bench the Medical Council of Zero Hour for Monsoon
of equal strength cannot India (MCI) has no power Session. This has been done
overrule a previous decision, to provide or not provide in view of the Covid-19
the court also referred reservation for in-service pandemic. In the past too,
it to a 7-judge Bench. doctors in admission the Question Hour has been
Moreover, the judgment to PG courses. MCI is a suspended. However, they
was on the constitutional creation of a statute under were suspended during
validity of Section 4(5) Entry 66 of List-I of the national emergencies. The
of the Punjab Scheduled Constitution and its role is current suspension has
Bill to provide 50:50 Caste and Backward Classes to coordinate and determine been done during a regular
reservations in Panchayati (Reservation in Services) the standards of medical session.
Raj Institutions (PRIs) for Act, 2006. education. The Bench
men and women candidates, held that MCI regulations 7. The Union Cabinet has
and rotate the seats 3. The Supreme Court barring such reservations approved the Jammu and
between male and female ruled that the states are are unconstitutional and Kashmir Official Languages
representatives after each arbitrary and that the state
term. Men and women will legislature has the authority
be able to contest panchayat to provide reservation for
polls under the odd-even in-service doctors.
formula. This will be
implemented for sarpanches 5. The International
and members of village empowered under the Commission of Jurists
wards, block samitis and zila Disaster Management (ICJ) has urged for a review
parishads. Further, The 73rd Act, 2005 (DM Act) to
Constitutional Amendment override University Grants
Act, 1992 mandates 33.3% Commission (UGC) exam
reservation for women in guidelines in order to
PRIs across the country. protect human lives amid
the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bill 2020 to be introduced
2. A five-judge Bench of the However, it held that
in the monsoon session of
Supreme Court held that universities and other of criminal contempt Parliament. The Bill will
institutions of higher laws in India, expressing include Kashmiri, Dogri and
education will have to its concerns over the Hindi as official languages
conduct the final-year Supreme Court’s decision to in the newly-created Union
exams and cannot promote convict Advocate Prashant Territory of Jammu and
students on the basis of Bhushan for criminal Kashmir. Only English
internal assessment or other contempt. The Court found and Urdu were official
States can sub-classify the criteria. Prashant Bhushan guilty of languages in the former
list of Scheduled Castes ‘scandalizing the court’ on State, which was bifurcated
(SCs), Scheduled Tribes 4. The Supreme Court has
a suo-motu consideration on 5th August 2019, with
(STs), and Socially and allowed states to grant the
of his two tweets. It has Ladakh becoming a separate
Educationally Backward fined him with Rs. 1. It Union Territory. Dogri
Classes (SEBCs) to provide held that tweets on its along with Bodo, Maithili
preferential treatment to the “role” in the “last six years” and Santhali was added to
“weakest out of the weak”. and a photograph of the the scheduled languages
The decision overruled Chief Justice of India on a under the Eighth Schedule
a previous 2005 decision benefit of reservation of
motorbike undermines its by 92nd Amendment Act of
in E V Chinnaiah v State seats to in-service doctors
dignity and the office of the 2003, which consists of the
of Andhra Pradesh and in the National Eligibility
Chief Justice of India (CJI) following 22 languages.
Others, also by a five- cum Entrance Test (NEET)
in the public eye.
judge Bench, that state postgraduate degree 8. The Supreme Court refused
governments had no power courses. The five-judge 6. The Central government to stay the Andhra Pradesh
to create sub-categories Constitution Bench of the has decided to suspend the
Council (UNHRC). The and on international

group has highlighted that treaties, given it could
the proposed notification rewrite parts of the Brexit
appeared to have clauses withdrawal agreement. The
that obstructed people’s bill is designed to “protect
rights to a safe, clean and jobs and trade” within
healthy environment. the UK after the end of
2020’s transition period
10. The NITI Aayog has for leaving the EU. Under
released draft Data the withdrawal treaty, a
transition period has been
finalised until December
High Court’s order striking 2020. It will enable the UK
down the state government’s government to provide
decision to make English financial assistance to
the medium of education Scotland, Wales, and
for government school Northern Ireland and
students from Classes I with new powers to spend
to VI beginning 2020-21 taxpayers’ money previously
academic year. The Court administered by the EU.
pointed out that Section
29(2)(f) of the Right to 12. The USA announced rejected the Centre’s recent
Empowerment and sanctions, including asset farm ordinances and
Education (RTE) Act, 2009
Protection Architecture the proposed Electricity
says that the medium of
(DEPA) which aims to (Amendment) Bill
instruction shall, as far as
promote greater user 2020. These ordinances
practicable, be in a child’s
control on data sharing. were a part of the third
mother tongue.
DEPA will be empowering tranche of the economic
9. A group of Special individuals with control package announced under
Rapporteurs to the United over their personal data, Atmanirbhar Bharat
Nations (UN) has written by operationalising a Abhiyan to counter
regulatory, institutional, Covid-19 pandemic. They
and technology design for are expected to allow free
secure data sharing. DEPA freezes and visa bans, movement of agricultural
is designed as an evolvable against two officials of the produce between states
and agile framework for International Criminal and let the farmers decide
good data governance. Court (ICC) for their to whom they want to sell
DEPA empowers people investigation into alleged their crops. The Electricity
to seamlessly and securely war crimes by the USA (Amendment) Bill 2020
access their data and share it forces and the Central centralizes the power sector
with third party institutions. Intelligence Agency (CIA) in through establishment
The consent given under Afghanistan since 2003. The of Electricity Contract
DEPA will be free, USA has considered the ICC Enforcement Authority.
informed, specific, clear, and a threat to USA sovereignty,
revocable. and announced the strict
punitive measures that are
to the Indian government 11. The new UK Internal
generally reserved for use
expressing concerns over Market Bill has run into
against terror groups and
the draft Environment those accused of abusing
Impact Assessment human rights. USA had
(EIA) notification 2020. never ratified the “Rome
Special Rapporteurs are Statute”, which created the
independent experts ICC in 1998, and thus is not
working on behalf of the subject to its rulings.
UN. They work on a country
or a thematic mandate controversy over its
13. The Punjab Assembly
specified by the United impact on talks with the
passed a resolution and
Nations Human Rights European Union (EU)
ONE LINERS
1. Central Government has and helpless people, from Mind”, for the students who 15. The Prime Minister of
constituted the National the food to their health, in are confined in their homes Japan, Shinzo Abe has
the midst of deadly corona because of the lockdown announced to step down
infection. imposed on Schools and from the post on 28 August
colleges due to COVID-19 2020, because of the poor
6. Assam government launches
pandemic. health conditions.
10. The Chief Minister of 16. Minister of State for
Kerala, Shri Pinarayi External Affairs V.
Council for Transgender Vijayan inaugurated the Muraleedharan co-chaired
Persons to formulate
policies, programmes,
legislation and projects
for the benefits of the India’s longest ropeway
transgender community over Brahmaputra river on
and help them in achieving August 24, 2020.
equality and have full first ever marine ambulance
participation by them. 7. WWF-India Kerala State named ‘PRATHEEKSHA’
Office is joining hands on 27 August 2020 via
2. The Government has with the Society for videoconferencing.
approved 78 new routes Odonate Studies (SOS)
under the 4th round of 11. In association with United
and Thumbipuranam the first India-Uzbekistan
Regional Connectivity Nations sustainable
for the first-ever state National Coordination
Scheme - Ude Desh Ka Aam development goals (SDGs),
“Dragonfly Festival” Committee meeting
Nagrik, (UDAN) to further Kerala will set up India’s first
in Kerala, christened virtually with Uzbek
enhance the connectivity to international women’s trade
‘Thumbimahotsavam 2020’. Deputy Prime Minister for
remote and regional areas of centre (WTC), at Angamaly
Investments and Foreign
the country. 8. Gujarat Chief Minister (a city in Kochi, Kerala).
Economic Relations Sardor
Vijay Rupani inaugurated
3. Central government’s 12. China has successfully Umurzakov.
FABEXA 2020- India’s
flagship financial inclusion 17. The Ministry of External
Affairs in partnership with
the Foreign Ministry of
Thailand has organized
the 6th Round Table of
launched a new optical ASEAN-India Network of
remote-sensing satellite Think Tanks (AINTT) held
named “Gaofen-9 05” from virtually.
programme Pradhan Mantri its Jiuquan Satellite Launch 18. The 17th meeting of the
Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) Centre. India-Vietnam Joint
has completed six years. Commission on Trade,
13. Turkish President Recep
4. The Ministry of Culture has Tayyip Erdogan announced Economic, Scientific and
announced 7 new circles of that Turkey has discovered Technological Cooperation
Archaeological Survey of 320 billion cubic meters of was held virtually which
India (ASI).. First and Longest Virtual natural gas, the biggest-ever was co-chaired by India’s
Exhibition organized by one natural gas reserve in the External Affairs Minister
5. In Madhya Pradesh,
of the oldest cloth markets Black Sea. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
the Chhatarpur Police
in the country, Maskati and his Vietnamese
has launched a unique 14. The Africa Regional
Mahajan. counterpart Pham Binh
campaign named ‘Ek Certification Commission,
Minh.
Sankalp – Bujurgo ke naam’ 9. Delhi Government launched the independent body, has
(‘a commitment for elders’), the Fitness Campaign – declared Africa free from 19. The World Economic Forum
to take care of the elderly “Healthy Body, Healthy wild polio. (WEF) on Wednesday said
that the 2021 summit at landscape for schools in 35 Technical Forum has been AUDFs01.
Davos, Switzerland will be countries by the end of 2023 organised in Moscow,
34. Air Chief Marshal Rakesh
postponed from January to to provide digital learning Russia from August 23 to
Kumar Singh Bhadauria,
“early next summer” due to access to the children. 29, 2020.
the coronavirus pandemic.
24. Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, 28. Five-time champion
20. The Industry Ministers of Ronnie O’Sullivan beat
world No 8 Kyren Wilson
to win the World Snooker
Championship 2020 and
his sixth overall World
the Chief of the Air Staff
Championship title.
has launched a mobile
29. Legendary South African application named ‘MY IAF’.
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, all-rounder Jaques Kallis,
35. A book titled ‘One Arranged
China and South Africa) Pakistan batting great
Murder’ authored by Chetan
countries held a meeting Zaheer Abbas and Pune-
Bhagat will be released
through video mode on born former Australian
globally on September 28,
24 August 2020 to discuss captain Lisa Sthalekar
2020.
ways to boost cooperation were inducted into the
in areas including 5G and International Cricket 36. The book titled ‘Running
the Chairman of Defence
Artificial Intelligence. Council’s Hall of Fame in a Toward Mystery:
Research and Development
virtual ceremony. The Adventure of an
21. The 14th India-Singapore Organisation (DRDO)
Unconventional Life’ is
Defence Policy Dialogue has constituted the five- 30. Australian all-rounder
an account by Tenzin
(DPD) was held virtually member expert committee Cameron White has
Priyadarshi, president and
on 28 August 2020 to to redefine the role of the announced his retirement
CEO of The Dalai Lama
further boost the defence DRDO for the current from all forms of
Center for Ethics and
and security partnership and futuristic defence and professional cricket.
Transformative Values at the
between the two countries, battlefield scenarios.
31. James Anderson from Massachusetts Institute of
with a special focus on the
25. A 29-year-old Dutch author, Technology, of his lifelong
maritime sphere.
journey as a seeker.
22. NITI Aayog in partnership
37. Indian Army Chief, General
with the Institute of
Manoj Mukund Naravane
Competitiveness has
released the first edition of
the Export Preparedness
Index (EPI) 2020 on 26
August 2020.
23. Ericsson partnered with
has released a book
titled “National Security
Challenges: Young Scholars’
England has become the
Marieke Lucas Rijneveld, Perspective” penned by
first-ever fast bowler to take
has become the youngest university students, ranging
600 wickets in a Test Match
to win the International from the undergraduate
Cricket.
Booker, taking the award level to doctoral candidates.
for their debut novel ‘The 32. India is planning to host
38. A team of researchers from
Discomfort of Evening’. BRICS Games 2021,
the Department of Zoology,
which will be aligned with
26. Renowned Indian scientist, Andhra University has
the Khelo India Games
G Satheesh Reddy was given spotted a specie of rare fish
scheduled for next year.
a two-year extension as called Mahseer (scientific
the chairman of Defence 33. India’s first multi- name Tor) on 24 August
Research and Development wavelength satellite, 2020, from the upper part
United Nations Children’s Organisation (DRDO). AstroSat, has detected an of Sileru river, in Andhra
Fund (UNICEF) to map extreme ultraviolet (UV) Pradesh.
internet connectivity 27. The ARMY 2020 light from a galaxy, called
International Military and 39. Under Ek Bharat Shresht
Bharat, Goa is paired with 44. The Union Territories (UTs) announced normalisation of solar market in 2019 as per
Jharkhand. Lot of exchange Ladakh & Lakshadweep relations. Mercer Global listing for
activities are happening on have been included in the 2019. India had 9% of the
51. Lebanon’s ambassador
this front. ‘One Nation-One Ration world’s installed capacity.
to Germany, Mustapha
Card’ scheme on ‘Integrated
40. Confederation of Indian Adib was appointed prime 59. Reliance Retail Ventures
Management of Public
Industry (CII) will create a minister in crisis-hit Limited (RRVL), subsidiary
Distribution System’(IM-
‘national strategy for future Lebanon. of Reliance Industries
PDS).
businesses’ together with the Limited will buy Kishore
52. Donald Trump, President
Department for Promotion 45. Election Commission of Biyani’s Future retail for Rs
of the USA has announced
of Industry and Internal 24,713 crore.
Wilmington (located in
Trade (DPIIT).
southern US state North 60. Adani Group has acquired
41. The Union Cabinet chaired Carolina) as the first World
by the Prime Minister War II Heritage City.
Narendra Modi has
53. The 5th BRICS Culture
approved the launch of
Ministers’ Meeting was held
“Mission Karmayogi”, a India (ECI) will set up the under the chairpersonship
National Programme for country’s first regional of Russian Federation. 74% stake in Mumbai
Civil Services Capacity voters’ awareness centre in
Building (NPCSCB). 54. Amul, Gujarat Cooperative International Airport
Jaipur, Rajasthan. Limited (MIAL) that
Milk Marketing Federation
42. Marking 40th anniversary 46. Fifty first International operates Mumbai Airport.
(GCMMF) has been ranked
Film Festival of India IFFI 16th in the Rabobank’s Mumbai Airport is the
will be held in Goa, from Global Top 20 Dairy second largest airport in
November 20th to 28th. Companies list. India.
47. Uttarakhand and Karnataka 55. India has joined the group 61. The Panjab University has
are paired under Ek been conferred with the
Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
programme to promote (MAKA) Trophy for the
national integration through year 2019.
mutual understanding. 62. Usha Padhee, joint secretary
48. A ground-breaking in the Ministry of Civil
ceremony for development of top 50 countries in the Aviation, has been given
of the Hulhumalé Central global innovation index for additional charge as director
Park and renovation of the the first time, moving up general of the Bureau of
Arrival Jetty in Maldives four places to the 48th rank Civil Aviation Security
financed by India was and keeping the top position (BCAS).
held marking yet another among the nations in central 63. Aveek Sarkar has been
of the creation of Solidarity
milestone in Delhi’s growing and southern Asia. elected as the Chairman of
movement, Embassy of
partnership with Male. the Press Trust of India.
Poland and Polish Institute 56. Indian renewable energy
in Delhi illuminated Qutub 49. Lebanon’s Ambassador to company, Adani Green 64. Rajeev Kumar on September
Minar in Poland’s national has been ranked as the 1, 2020 took charge as the
flag colours, white and red. world’s number 1 solar new Election Commissioner
43. The Union Cabinet has energy company in terms of of India.
approved J&K official capacity.
65. Bharat Petroleum
languages Bill 2020. 57. Times Higher Education Corporation Limited
According to the J&K (THE) World University (BPCL) has been given
official languages Bill Rankings 2021 has been additional charge to K
2020, Kashmiri, Dogri and Germany, Mustapha Adib is released and under the Padmakar, Director (HR)
Hindi along with Urdu and set to become the country’s overall category, University as the Chairman and
English, will be the official next Prime Minister. of Oxford, United Kingdom, Managing Director (CMD).
languages in the union 50. The first commercial direct has topped the list.
territory of Jammu and 66. Raj Kumar Srivastava has
flight between Israel and the 58. India has been ranked
Kashmir. been appointed as the next
UAE landed in Abu Dhabi third in terms of the largest Ambassador of India to the
after the two countries
Republic of Croatia. titled ‘The Big Thoughts of Yelahanka, Bengaluru,

Little Luv’. Karnataka from 3 to 07
67. India has withdrawn its
February 2021.
participation from the 74. Ramachandra Guha has
multilateral Military authored a new book, ‘The 81. The 13th edition of Aero
Exercise Kavkaz 2020 to be Commonwealth of Cricket:
held in Russia between 15th A Lifelong Love Affair
to 26th September 2020. with the Most Subtle and
Sophisticated Game Known
68. The 11th edition of the
to Humankind‘.
biennial bilateral maritime
exercise INDRA NAVY 75. India’s telecom service
between Indian Navy provider Vodafone Idea
and Russian Navy has Limited has announced that
been organised from 4-5 it has re-branded itself as India-21 is scheduled to be he will retire from all forms
September 2020 in the Bay ‘VI’, to mark the completion held at Air Force Station, of cricket at the end of the
of Bengal. of the largest telecom Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 2020 domestic season.
merger in the world and Karnataka from 3 to 07
69. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes- 87. BCCI has announced the
present itself as a merged February 2021.
schedule for IPL 2020 to be
entity. 82. India is scheduled to host held in UAE.
76. Prime Minister Shri the meeting of Council
88. 9 years old Ajnaa Dvivedi
Narendra Modi inaugurated of Heads of Government
sat to author her first book.
the Patrika Gate in (CHG) of Shanghai
With more than 20000
Jaipur, Rajasthan through Cooperation Organisation,
words in 120 pages, she
Great Britain) has won the video conference on 8th SCO on 29-30 November
is probably the youngest
Formula One Belgian Grand September 2020. 2020 in New Delhi.
female writer of a novella in
Prix 2020 held on August 83. The Reserve Bank India! The line illustrations
30, 2020. 77. India and China, on
September 11, 2020, agreed have accepted the are also done by her.
70. West Indies cricket icon on ‘five-point action plan’ recommendations of the
89. Pujya Kesavananda Bharati
Dwayne Bravo has become so as to quickly disengage KV Kamath Committee
Ji, the pontiff of Edneer
the first cricket ambassador troops along the Line of on ‘Resolution Framework
Mutt in Kasaragod district
for “SBOTOP” sportsbook Actual Control. for Covid19-related Stress’
of Kerala, whose property
brand. which was submitted by
78. Bangladesh will host the rights case in the Supreme
panel on September 4, 2020.
71. In the Union Territory Court in 1973 helped define
of Jammu and Kashmir, 84. Former Lok Sabha MP and basic rights under the
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Constitution, has passed
Sinha today released two away.
Coffee Table Books, one 90. Northop Grumman, an
for Labour & Employment
Department and another 36th Regional Conference
for J&K Entrepreneurship for Asia and the Pacific
Development (JKEDI) (APRC) of the United
Bollywood actor, Paresh
Institute at Raj Bhavan in Nations’ Food and
Rawal have been appointed
Srinagar. Agriculture Organization
as the new chief of
(FAO), for the first time
72. • Indian Cricket Coach National School of Drama
in 2022 since joining the American global aerospace
Gurcharan Singh (85 years by President Ram Nath
organization in 1973. and defence technology
old) penned his memoir Kovind.
79. The International Solar company has announced
titled “Pitching It Straight” 85. The first batch of five Rafale
Alliance (ISA) is going to that its next Cygnus capsule
which is co-authored fighter jets was formally
organise the first World will be named “S.S. Kalpana
by sports journalist inducted into the Indian
Solar Technology Summit Chawla”, in memory of
MS Unnikrishnan and Air Force (IAF) on 10
(WSTS) on September 8, the mission specialist who
published by Vitasta September 2020 at the Air
2020. died in 2003 with her six
73. • Bollywood filmmaker Force Station in Ambala. crewmates aboard the space
Karan Johar has announced 80. The 13th edition of Aero
86. Cricketer Ian Bell from shuttle Columbia.
his first children’s book India-21 is scheduled to be
England has announced that
held at Air Force Station,
ARTICLES YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS

Obsessed is how the lazy describe the dedicated
alive and your dreams worth a you get what you desire or to
lifetime. Stop being afraid of never make a mistake! Do you
what could go wrong. Things think you’ll be better off if you
most certainly will. But that’s put things off one more time or
okay. You need to be right just if you pushed to try one more
once. It is up to you to decide time? Don’t fear failure. Fear
whether this is that time. The being in the exact same place
key to success is to focus our next year as you are today.
conscious mind on things we And how do you make sure
desire, not things we fear. you are not? By doing what
you have to do until you can
Accepting that life is not an do what you want to do. You
exact science, frees you. Never have taken a big fall. You may
regret anything in life. If it’s be rock-bottom. Big deal! Now
good, it’s wonderful. If it’s pick yourself up, brush yourself
bad, it is experience. It makes off. List out what’s still left to be
sure you fare better next time. done. Forget about how many
Because that’s what you have times you have already done
been doing: pushing, making it. If it needs another go, that’s
Year 2020 has been a great Nobody said it won’t be hard. mistakes and then correcting what you are going to do. Forget
year: haunting but still great! People will doubt you, protect them. Had it not been for that, how much time it will require
Through pandemics, wildfires, you even try to prevent you. But you wouldn’t be reading this. or how much you are left with.
plane crashes, lockdowns and that’s okay. Forgive them. They Everyone makes mistakes. Time will pass anyway. The
deteriorating economies, one can’t see what you can. And Some make as many as they next week or so is not going
feels that they’ve suffered it all. those who were seen dancing can so they learn fast. Others to be easy. You will experience
Career and Education have were thought to be insane by procrastinate action to keep the stress of a lifetime but that’s
been no different. Nobody had those who could not hear the it clean. Falling down is an what we grownups knew and
thought that even schools and music. Keep hustling and soon accident, staying down is a signed up for; things that kids
universities across the world they will be able to see what choice. Understand that and can’t handle. Be synergistic,
could be closed for months. you see, ask what you ask and mistakes will be your best be excessive and be downright
During this time of utter believe what you always have. teacher. Remember that life’s maniacal about doing
confusion and apprehension, greatest lessons are usually
it is only too easy to become Discipline is doing what needs
lazy and directionless. One feels to be done, even if you don’t
the energy but finds nothing want to. Your ambitions should
to spend it on. Wants to grow show in the way you live. You
but doesn’t know how. Soon he want a type of life, start living it
adjusts to the new availabilities today, right freaking now! You
and forgets his own abilities. attract what you are, not what
And this happens to be the you want. If you want great,
most frightening of effects then be great. Understood:
that this year has had. Don’t living life like rich is hard
downgrade your dream just without being rich. But that
to fit your reality, upgrade mustn’t stop you from being
your conviction to match disciplined, result-oriented
your destiny. When in fear ask and uncompromising when
yourself why you started out in it comes your goals. Money
the first place. Do not forget or doesn’t create those habits.
even forgive the rewards. They It’s the other way round. Only
will come even if you can’t see then can you can be closest
them now. You are confined to what you wanted it to be
everything you can. Turns out
only by the walls you build like. Never stop doing great learned from worst times and there’s an awful lot because you
yourself. Man has proven so at just because someone doesn’t from the worst mistakes. are braver than you believe,
numerous occasions. Rise up give you credit. Everyone
smarter than you seem, and
and enrol yourself to that list. doubts, cringes and shudders. Ask yourself what is more
stronger than you think.
That’s just proof that you are important to you; to try until
Sub-Classification And Reservation

President notifies a list of
Scheduled Castes for each
state, which can thereafter
only be modified by
Parliament. The State
of Andhra Pradesh
divided this list into four
categories, and conferred
separate quotas on each
group based on their inter
se backwardness - Group
A (1%), Group B (7%),
Group C (6%), Group
D (1%). The Supreme
Court said that the state
government could not do
so. There was only one
In State ofPunjab v. Davinder which were far below the Supp SCC 714 (paragraph presidential list of SCs
Singh (27 August 2020), a average educational levels 55), the Supreme Court for the entire state, and
Constitution Bench of the
of the state were entitled in Indra Sawhney v. since the government of
Supreme Court headed by
Justice Arun Mishra recently to opt for the “more Union of India, (1992) Andhra Pradesh could
referred E.V. Chinnaiah v. backward” sub-quota. Supp (3) SCC 217, held not add or remove a caste
State of AP, (2005) 1 SCC In M.R. Balaji v. State of that sub-classification from the list, it could not
394, to a larger bench for allot separate sub-quotas
Mysore, AIR 1963 SC 649, was permissible among
reconsideration. In Chinnaiah,
the court had held that a Constitution Bench of OBCs (Justice B.P. Jeevan to various castes in the list
governments cannot introduce the Supreme Court held Reddy- paragraphs 802, either.
a special sub-quota, within the that this sub-classification 843; Justice P.B. Sawant –
SC and ST quota, in favor a few Relying on Ambedkar’s
of OBCs into backward paragraph 524). In other
castes or tribes who are more speech in the Constituent
and more backward was words, governments are
backward than others on the Assembly, the Supreme
list. Davinder Singh’s judgment impermissible. The court now free to create sub-
Court in Chinnaiah
now disagrees with this view said that Article 15(4) quotas within the OBC
but raises some interesting hinted that if governments
of the Constitution only quota.
questions. are given the power to
allows reservation for the
“Disturbing” the sub-classify within the
A sub-quota for OBCs: “really backward classes”,
presidential lists: list of SCs specified by
while Mysore had given
In 1962, the State of the President under
reservations to nearly In Chinnaiah, the
Mysore issued an order Article 341, they might
90% of its population Supreme Court was
reserving 50% of seats in do so for political reasons
by including not-so- considering the
medical and engineering – e.g., by conferring a
backward communities in constitutional validity
colleges for OBCs. Within generous sub-quota on
the list of OBCs. However, of the Andhra Pradesh
this 50% quota, 22% of a numerically large and
relying on Justice Scheduled Castes
seats were reserved for politically important SC
Chinnappa Reddy’s (Rationalisation of
those OBCs who were caste, to the exclusion
eloquent judgment in Reservations) Act, 2000.
“more backward” than of others. The court said
K.C. Vasanth Kumar v. Under Article 341 of
others. Communities that the object of Article
State of Karnataka, (1985) the Constitution, the
341 was to eliminate said that 50% of the SC other. Instead, held the show that the community
political factors in the quota would go to the court, governments can continues to be backward.
identification of SCs, and Balmikis and Mazhabi use rational criteria to
the government had no Sikhs in Punjab. In 2014, create a sub-quota within Secondly, in the recent
power to “disturb” the a bench of three judges the SC or ST list as well. Maratha reservations
presidential list. It was of the court opined that case [Dr. Jishri Patil v.
held that the SCs and Chinnaiah needed to be The Implications of Chief Minister of State
STs specified in their reconsidered by a larger Davinder Singh: of Maharashtra, (2019)
respective lists form a bench. Now, a bench of SCC Online Bom 1107
However, the Davinder (paragraph 110)], a
class by themselves, and five judges in Davinder Singh judgment of the
regrouping or reclassifying Singh has asked for the Division Bench of the
Supreme Court raises Bombay High Court
them violates the case to go before an even some important questions:
Constitution. larger bench. had held that Article
Firstly, does Davinder 342A(2) contemplates
However, the problem The court relied on Singh dilute M. Nagaraj v. two lists of SEBCs – a
with Chinnaiah was the 102nd amendment Union of India, (2006) 8 central list and a state list,
that it treated the entire to the Constitution, SCC 212 and Jarnail Singh and that the state list of
list of SCs in a state as a passed in 2018, which v. Lachhmi Narain Gupta, SEBCs is unaffected by
homogenous category introduced Article 342A (2018) 10 SCC 396? In the amendment. In other
and presumed that each into the Constitution. Nagaraj and Jarnail Singh, words, Article 342A only
caste within the list was as This provision says that a Constitution Bench applies to the central
backward as the other SCs. the President must, in of the Supreme Court list of SEBCs – state
The court in Davinder consultation with the had held that before the governments are free to
Singh later noted that this Governors, prepare government introduces prepare and modify their
was simply not true. There a list of socially and any reservations for own list of SEBCs. If this
are several castes included educationally backward communities other than is correct, then Article
within the presidential list classes (SEBCs) for SCs and STs, it must 342A is not “pari materia”
of SCs in a state, but some each state, a list which collect quantifiable data with Articles 341-342,
of them may be ahead can thereafter only be which show that those contrary to what was
of others. Chinnaiah did modified by Parliament. communities are, in fact, held in Davinder Singh.
not allow governments to Reading this amendment, backward. No such data There is no separate
take this into account and the Supreme Court said collection exercise is central and state list of
introduce sub-quotas for that the constitutional necessary for SCs and STs SCs and STs. On this
the more backward SCs provisions which deal who are presumed to be interpretation of Article
and STs. with identifying SCs, backward once they are 342A, the Chinnaiah court
STs and SEBCs (i.e., included within the lists would have reasoned
Enter Davinder Singh: Articles 341, 342 and that sub-classification is
under Articles 341 and
In State of Punjab v. 342A) are now “pari 342 of the Constitution. permissible within the
Davinder Singh (2020), materia” – each group After Davinder Singh, a state list of SEBCs, but not
the Supreme Court was has a constitutionally view may be taken that in the central list under
called upon to examine recognized list which once a community is set Article 342A, because
the validity of the can only be modified by out in the list of SEBCs states are free to modify
Punjab Scheduled Caste Parliament, and therefore, under Article 342A their own lists of SEBCs,
and Backward Classes the court cannot disallow of the Constitution, it but not the central list
(Reservation in Services) sub-classification within too is presumed to be constitutionally prepared
Act, 2006. The law created the SC and ST lists on the backward and no such by the president. The court
a sub-classification within one hand, while allowing data collection exercise in Davinder Singh has not
the SC community and it in the SEBC list on the is thereafter necessary to taken these arguments
into account. upheld an executive order perhaps time for us to Chinnaiah? In a system
which gave effect to the reconsider whether a afflicted by backlog and
Thirdly, the judgment in Mandal Commission judgment can only be delay, this is a rule that
Davinder Singh seems report. However, in overruled by a bench of we can easily do without.
to have said that sub- paragraph 43 of the larger strength. Look at It makes little sense – a
classification within the Davinder Singh judgment, the time that has been bench of 7 judges can, by a
list of SCs and STs should the Supreme Court has wasted in constituting slim 4-3 majority, overrule
only be carried out by said that state legislatures larger benches in this a unanimous judgment
state legislatures, not by are competent to create case. A three-judge of five judges. In other
the executive government. sub-classifications bench opined in 2014 words, four judges (in a 7
It has been a well-settled within the lists of SCs, that Chinnaiah needed judge bench) can overrule
principle of constitutional STs and SEBCs. Did the reconsideration. A five- the unanimous opinion of
law, since Indra Sawhney’s court mean to say that judge bench has, in five judges in Chinnaiah.
case, that reservations sub-classification is not August 2020, agreed and When a case has been
can be brought about not permitted by executive asked for a reference to decided by five or more
merely through legislation order? This may need an even larger bench. judges, there is no reason
but also by executive clarification. Will it take another six why a bench of coordinate
order. In Indra Sawhney, years for the larger bench strength should not be
the Supreme Court mostly Finally, it is also now to overrule (or uphold) able to overrule it.
Critical Analysis Of The Virtual Courtrooms And The

Access To Justice During The Coronavirus Pandemic
Due to the outbreak of the Constitution. and videos from their offices When compared with other
novel coronavirus and the or homes. These links are also countries, the Supreme Court
declaration of lockdown VIRTUAL COURTROOMS made available to the parties has managed to take up more
in India from March 2020, DURING COVID-19 involved in the case for their cases. According to the reports,
people have been forced to references. It has been reported the UK Supreme Court has
stay at home and practice Before the outbreak of that the media, representing the decided 18 cases from February
social distancing. In the wake the pandemic, the court public in the virtual courtroom, 5th till April 29th, 2020, while
of the situation, the Supreme proceedings consisted of is given access to most of the the US Supreme Court has
Court bench on 6th April the physical presence of the proceedings as being held in decided 28 cases between
2020 issued the guidelines judges, the lawyers, the parties the virtual courts. February 24th and April 27th,
‘In Re: Guidelines for Court involved in the cases and 2020[4]. Thus, despite facing
Functioning Through Video the court staff at one place. For the virtual proceedings, the almost similar circumstances,
Conferencing During Even the public could access relevant statutory provisions, the Indian Courts have
COVID-19 Pandemic’ for these proceedings by being including the Information managed to do much more
reducing the number of people physically present there in the Technology Act, 2000 and the within their limited available
in the court by restricting open courtroom. An open Indian Evidence Act, 1872 resources.
entry and maintaining social courtroom being an essential shall be applicable for the
distancing, while ensuring part of the democracy in recording of evidence by video INTERNATIONAL
other measures are taken to India, strives to protect the conference, as the notified by PRACTICES:
keep a check on the spread of Right to access to justice and Delhi HC[2].
Covid-19. The District Courts information as protected under 1. General Practices
were directed to conduct Article 19 and 21 of the Indian According to the current
virtual proceedings while Constitution[1]. However, with statistics, since the order by Technological development
following the guidelines issued the increase in the spread of the the Supreme Court and its has helped the human
by the concerned High Court corona positive cases and the implementation at various civilisation in all facets of
for the mode through which it urgent need to maintain social Courts in the country during life. Its importance and aid in
shall be conducted. The duty distancing while ensuring that the lockdown, judgements in the judicial field can also not
to provide the facilities for the justice is not compromised in around 325 cases have been be disregarded. In India, the
same to the litigants who do any manner, the courts were delivered as on 2nd May 2020. initiative to use technology
not have the resources was also ordered to switch to virtual Further, the apex court has in courts has been made
given to the District Courts. mode. disposed of 138 review pleas, since the 1990s but still, there
The guidelines were issued 92 writ petitions, 49 special seems to be a lot of room for
by invoking an extraordinary The court proceedings are leave petitions (SLPs) and improvement in its fruitful
jurisdiction as under now being taken up by judges 58 pleas for grant of interim incorporation. In countries
Article 142 as of the Indian online, while the lawyers make relief[3]. like the USA and the UK, there
submissions through links has been more developed and
extensive use of technology posted on the High Court’s process online, from filing to system and incorporation other
when compared with India. website. Similarly, the courts appeal or other processes[5]. technologies. Even India was a
in Singapore use Information The online system in China part of the forum.
In the USA, courts use Technology even outside the essentially includes e-courts
Information Technology courts for an efficient and and mobile courts. The mobile The main learnings from the
to maintain records of the active justice system. The courts can be downloaded forum were:
cases, for filing of pleadings court premises, as well as through WeChat. Facilities of
and orders electronically, for jails, are well equipped with filing cases, communicating 1. a need to establish and
using video conferencing and video cameras to facilitate with the judges directly, strengthen online plea systems,
building high-tech courtrooms video conferencing, cutting uploading evidence on the app especially for certain minor
for evidence presentation. the cost and time taken for can be availed by the parties. offences.
However, while the US transportation of accused Facial recognition technology
Supreme Court does not or witnesses, especially in is also used to authenticate the 2. Combining the police
allow video recording, it voice criminal cases. Additionally, it parties. computerisation and court
records the oral arguments also provides for the e-filing, computerisation
which are then transcribed and negotiation and mediation in The progress and use of
made available to the public technology in each country 3. Deploying a team with the
cases regarding the Community approval of eCommittee for
on http://www.oyez.org. The Justice & Tribunals Division. are commendable. Talking
US also has a special focus on internationally, one of the most better implementation
The online system also assists
the Online Dispute Resolution and help to litigants in case of essential progress of the e-court 4. Exploring the latest advanced
(ODR) mechanisms. Alaska any query. proceedings can be marked by technology like artificial
has seen to be using this system
for all types of cases, while
California uses the ODR in the
cases involving bad debt.
In the UK, developed
software for computers
are made available even at
the subordinate court level
and these are being used
extensively. The Local County
Court Management System
(LOCCS) which is currently
being used in England does the
following:
a) initial court records are
created for easy registration of
a case
b) summons are issued and
their service is monitored
c) copies of evidence are stored
for reference and record.
d) Cause List is generated and
maintained
Like the UK, the Supreme the event on the International intelligence for database in
e) records are updated regularly Court Proceedings in Brazil, Forum on Online Courts eCourts project
Canada and Germany are held in London from 3rd to
f) Court Dairies are maintained broadcast live, while in China, 4th December 2018. It was 5. Providing Online assistant
regularly these are live-streamed from conducted by the HM Courts to Judges in making to make
trial courts up to the Supreme and Tribunals Service and the judgements.
g) Other relevant documents People’s Court of China. China Society for Computers and
and records are generated implemented the information Law. Around 300 people from 1. During COVID-19
automatically and communication 26 countries participated in the
technologies (ICT) which has forum[6]. The forum focused In the wake of COVID-19,
The Proceedings of the been an essential component on importance of technological some countries are
Supreme Courts of the UK are of such reform in delivering advancements and their experimenting with technology
also broadcasted live. justice and supervising the implementation in the legal for the first time, while many
judiciary. The ‘Smart Courts’ arena. Various countries shared are developing its existing
In Australia, the established in China were proposed in their practices of building Information Technology
“Cyber Courts” extensively 2015 by the Supreme People’s efficient e-courts. The forum facilities. Countries like South
use technology at all stages Court (SPC). The three super- mainly focused on virtual Africa and Uganda have
in the judicial arena, which advanced courts are located courts, online submission of decided to take up judicial
has helped to reduce delays in in Hangzhou, Beijing and legal evidence and argument, proceedings on Zoom, while
cases. The court proceedings Guangzhou, which provide passing judgements online, New Zealand is using Microsoft
in Australia are recorded and for conducting full litigation implementation of the ODR Teams for conducting the
virtual court proceedings. The However, there had been a lot in avoiding unnecessary of summons with least manual
US Supreme Court is taking of speculation and scepticism adjournments of cases. In Dr intervention. The platform
up oral arguments through regarding the effectiveness and Kumar Saha v. Dr Sukumar also has a judicial management
telephones. It’s first audio call the evidentiary value of such Mukherjee[13], the Supreme information system to provide
proceeding was held on 4th proceedings for a long time. Court ordered the recording for training material, like links
May 2020, with each judge Not much was achieved until of testimonies and cross- of District Courts websites and
participating from there 2003 or 2006. However, there examination of witnesses statistical reports, for judicial
phones[7]. The argument was was an upsurge of change with through internet conferencing. officers and staff.
live-streamed and made avail the insertion of Section 65A The subordinate courts have
online. By Friday or the end of and 65B of the Indian Evidence also adopted this facility to By 2014, the Government
the week, the audio recordings Act, 1872, which gave special record evidence of under-trial approved computerisation of
of all the oral arguments taken provision to relevancy and prisoners for security reasons. 14,249 District and subordinate
by the US Supreme Court admissibility of an electronic Courts with a budget of Rs.
are made available for the record. Video conferencing was In the case of State v. S.J. 935 crore. Currently, as on 31st
public. All the recordings are interpreted by the court to be a Choudhary[14] , it was held March 2014, around 13,227
maintained at The National part of this provision. that the word ‘handwritten’ District and subordinate courts
Archives and Records in Section 45 of the Indian have been computerised in the
Administration. In 2003, the landmark Evidence Act, 1872 included country as against the set target
judgement in the case of State ‘typewritten’. Later, on the of 14,249 courts.[15]
The hearings in the UK of Maharashtra v. Dr Praful same principles courts
courts have also have been B Desai[9]was passed by the interpreted various other terms Slowly slowly, the courts in
replaced by virtual hearings Supreme Court, where video like, ‘telegraph’ to ‘include their judgments made it clear
through telephone or video conferencing was held to telephone’, ‘to take note’ to that IT will be an integral part
conferencing, by using be a vital tool for collecting include ‘use of tape recorders’ of the judiciary. Like in the
platforms like Kinly Cloud evidence in cases where the and ‘documents’ to include case of Krishna Veni Nagam
Video Platform, Skype and witness reasonably fails to ‘computer databases’. v. Harish Nagam[16], it was
Zoom. While the lower courts make an appearance in the held that when both parties of
are conducting most of the court for examination. The In 2004, the National a matrimonial dispute are not
trials virtually, serious criminal Supreme Court mentioned e-Governance Plan made a located within the jurisdiction
trials in England and Wales, that actual physical presence Mission Mode Project (MMP) of the same court, they can
were taken up in the courtroom in the court is not a must and for the computerisation participate in the case through
in the second week of May, can be overlooked in cases of courts in India. It was video conferencing. It was held
while following the measures where the witness is unable conceptualised to create, that in cases where both parties
social distancing. to make an appearance due make accessible and have equal difficulty due to
to satisfactory reasons. In implement information and access to a convenient place,
In Canada, the first virtual this case, the recording of a communication technology it is appropriate to use video
court hearing was held on 9th witness was allowed through (ICT) for automated decision conferencing technology.
June 2020 via Zoom[8] and video conferencing as he making systems. The e-court
made available to the public on resided in abroad and was project was essentially based on Today, various states like
the Supreme Court’s website. unavailable to come to India the ‘National Policy and Action Andhra Pradesh, Bihar,
Similarly in Dubai, all the for recording his statements. Plan for Implementation Gujarat, Maharashtra and
hearings are being taken up It was one of the earliest cases, of Information and Tamil Nadu have already
through videoconferencing on where inclusion of IT was Communication Technology adopted the system of tele-
platforms like Microsoft Teams recognised by the courts. Later (ICT) in the Indian Judiciary justice. In Maharashtra, more
and filing of new cases is also on, giving evidence through (2005)’ which was submitted by than 40 jails in and near
being done electronically. video conferencing by the the e-Committee constituted by Mumbai are all connected
witness was allowed in various the Supreme Court. through video conferencing to
In countries like Germany, cases[10]. the district level courts.
the courts are operating On 7th August 2013, the
with reduced staff members. In the case of Amitabh Bagchi national portal for e-Courts Thus, it can be held that with
However, the hearings have v. Ena Bagchi[11], the High (ecourts.gov.in) was launched, the current announcement of
been postponed for six months Court of Calcutta observed making available the cases filed, the SC to hold virtual court
and no use of virtual court that it was important to allow cases registered, the case status proceedings, India has taken
proceedings is being taken up. electronic video conferencing notification, the daily cause-list another huge step forward
The law of civil procedure in as it was cost-effective and as well as the copies of orders, towards adopting the use of
Germany provides for the use avoided delay of justice. through the web, mobile technology in the legal arena.
of video conferencing but it is Subsequently, in case of Bodala and other online platforms. It has its own set of advantages
not being done as the courts Murali Krishna v. Smt Badola The online database system and setbacks. However, it has
are not equipped with the Prathima[12], the Andhra known as the National Judicial proven to be a great alternative
required facilities. Pradesh High held that video Data Grid was established to safeguard justice during the
conferencing can be resorted to help in online tracking of pandemic. Various High Courts
CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF to in civil cases as far as the the statistics of cases, court- have also issued different
e-COURTS IN INDIA necessary facilities and assured wise. The National Service guidelines to use this system
accuracy are maintained. and Tracking of Electronic to its best. The guidelines on
In India, there are around Processes (NSTEP) was created Videoconferencing issued
15,000 courts in 2500 court Clearly, during the last few for other essential services by the Himachal Pradesh
complexes. Measures to make years, video conferencing of online filing, payments High Court incorporate that
these all well equipped with has emerged as an effective and technology, to enable the Videoconferencing facilities
technology had begun in 1990. tool to collect evidence and process of issuing and serving can be used for remands and
bail applications, as well as participate in all legal the citizens. Also, since the and Instruments v. Kanchan
in civil and criminal trials. proceedings without having evidence is being uploaded and Mehta[19], the SC held
The guidelines issued by the fear of the dangers associated taken digitally, including the that that “Use of modern
High Court of Delhi state with coming physically to statements of the witnesses, the technology needs to be
that evidence can be received the court. Blackmailing of evidence becomes free from the considered not only for
through Videoconferencing witnesses, causing their risk of being tampered. paperless courts but also to
and allowed submission accidents, kidnapping them reduce overcrowding of courts,
of statements by witnesses or threatening them when Openness and transparency are with the need to categorise
through the same, especially in they are on their way to the essentials of retaining faith cases which can be concluded
cases where it would be costly court is one of the biggest of the public in the judiciary. “online” without the physical
or inconvenient for a person reasons why witnesses do Earlier, individuals could only presence of the parties where
to attend a court proceeding not make it to the court for enter the SC if they had a seriously disputed questions are
in person. However, recording submitting their statements pass and due to limited space not required to be adjudicated
of the evidence through video most of the time. The facility many individuals along with like traffic challans and cases of
conferencing has been left to of videoconferencing shall be students were refrained from Section 138 of NI Act”
the discretion of the court. beneficial in ensuring that no entering the court, especially
such incident or withdrawal to on Mondays and Fridays. In DISADVANTAGES OF
Thus, the usage, system and give witness takes place. the case of Swapnil Tripathi v. THE VIRTUAL COURT
development of IT in various Supreme Court of India[17], PROCEEDINGS
countries can prove to be Another advantage of the a law student was not allowed
very useful in developing a Virtual Court System is that it to watch the SC proceedings India is one of the most
better system in India. India saves time, energy and money in person. The court held that populated country with people
can borrow and test systems of the litigants and counsels under Article 21 of the Indian belonging to different social
already in use in foreign while ensuring their timely Constitution, the public had strata. Most of them belong to
countries and can develop a presence before a court. Since the right to access justice and the lower economic class and
great system. due to the crisis and imposition thus, the court proceedings not many can avail the facilities
of lockdown no one can move should be streamed live of IT, especially those living in
ADVANTAGES OF out of their house, Virtual especially for the benefit of rural areas. While the facility of
THE VIRTUAL COURT Court System will serve to journalists, lawyers, activists virtual court proceedings has
PROCEEDINGS be the best means of availing and academics. Journalists have various advantages, not all can
justice since it does not require been given access to watch access justice through these.
IT systems as well as the physical presence of the the virtual court proceedings The gap between the resources
e-communication devices like parties at one specific place. during the lockdown. This all available in the rural areas as
email, video conferencing It must be noted that even makes sure that the judiciary compared with those available
and voice chatting, etc. offer before the pandemic many is kept in check and does not in the metropolitan cities is too
to process, store and transfer people faced difficulty to exceed its power. large. Also, people in the rural
huge amounts of data with access the courts due to the area lack the basic knowledge
speed, security and accuracy. It lack of financial means, some In the case of Santhini v. and awareness of using such
enhances the easy exchange of physical disabilities or other Vijaya Venketesh[18], Justice technology. Thus, while video
information between different unavoidable circumstances. DY Chandrachud wrote in conferencing is an essential
locations within seconds, For such people, video favour of the use of modern alternative right now, it fails
without causing any unwanted conferencing is cost-effective technology and video to reach out to the masses and
delay. and time-saving. Thus, this conferencing. In his judgement, the poor sections of the society
system should be made he highlighted the pros of video who lack the resources and
One of the main problems available in all Indian courts for conferencing which are: knowledge to use the same.
faced by the Indian judiciary all sorts of matters even after
system is the pending cases lockdown. a. “The Family Courts Act, Another disadvantage of this
or backlogs, and the huge 1984 was enacted at a point in system is that there is a huge
delays in solving these One of the greatest advantages time when modern technology security risk. In many cases,
cases. The introduction of of virtual court proceedings is which enabled persons there is sensitive personal
the high efficiency of the that it shall facilitate uniform separated by spatial distances information involved, like in
IT in subordinate courts and standard documentation to communicate with each matrimonial or rape cases and
and its seamless transfer of of all the cases that are taken other face to face was not leaking of such information
information within seconds can up by the courts. Over the last fully developed. There is no can cause a lot of damage to
help to lessen the dependency decade, it has been brought reason for the court which the parties involved in the case.
of cases in the courts. Since into notice the low standards sets precedent for the nation The data available online can
the record of the pending of maintaining a public record to exclude the application of also be hacked if there is any
cases from each court will be of the court proceedings in technology to facilitate the loophole in the security system
available online, in terms of the India. Since documentation is judicial process.” of the portal where the virtual
cause list along with the case important to preserve history, court proceedings are to be
details, it will be easy to track IT can be used to store and b. “Imposing an unwavering held.
them and the rate at which make available all these with requirement of personal
they are being addressed by the no hassle. The virtual system and physical presence (and IT has evolved a lot and many
courts. will also help the courts in exclusion of facilitative people have learnt to utilise
issuing authentic digitally technological tools such as it for the good as well as the
The video conferencing system certified copies in an instant video conferencing) will result bad. This creates the possibility
at the courts and prison and shall help in making the in a denial of justice.” of individuals uploading fake
facility will help the accused, digitally signed court orders or unauthentic evidence by
witnesses and defendants and judgments available to In the case of M/S Meters making it seem authentic
through various softwares The parties in a case should it. the electronic courts with the
available. The court will have be given limited access, where physical courts. The following
to be extra cautious while they can file applications, Lastly, the right of access to system is well established in
accepting any such evidence submit evidence and be a part justice should also be expanded many countries and is known
and be well equipped with of the proceedings. The security to the public by live-streaming as Online Dispute Resolution
softwares that shall identify the of this software should be of the proceedings in some cases. (ODR). The ODR consists
same. utmost importance so that Parties should be given the of electronic negotiation,
none can hack into it to access choice of restricting access electronic mediation and
CONCLUSION & the data. in case they do not want to electronic arbitration. The
SUGGESTIONS make their matter public. Such following system can be used
The internet services have to right should be granted in to resolve commercial disputes,
There is no question that be improved and the issues matrimonial, domestic violence particularly those related to
virtual courts have become with the bandwidth have to or rape cases. Matters of arbitration and e-commerce.
the call of the time and shall be addressed and taken care national security, defence and
emerge as essential in the of. A database should be other important issues should Thus, the notification of the
future. However, it is important created for the calculation be excluded. SC to take up virtual court
to address the shortcomings of the fee electronically for proceedings is a step towards
associated at different levels of transparent calculation of fees. For access of these facilities success and improvement
the implementation of the said This shall ensure that there is to all, centres have to be in the judiciary. The system
system in the Indian Judiciary. no scope of corruption or any established at various levels, should be adopted even after
Various problems are still to sort of extortion of money. starting from the panchayat the lockdown, where both the
be addressed. Some essential The database shall contain and district level for the virtual and physical courts
steps should be taken up for the names and details of all assistance of the people who are accessible by the people.
the smooth functioning of the the judges so that they can do not have resources to Those who can not make
system, especially during the be electronically assigned avail the IT services. Private an appearance in the court
emergency of the spread of the the cases. It shall also have enterprises can assist in can easily avail the system
Coronavirus pandemic. categories of cases with similar making such centres at various of the virtual courtroom.
ones being grouped so that places for the benefit of all. In Resolution in civil cases and
An advanced software should the judges can easily choose addition, law students should commercial disputes can be a
be created by the government and close similar cases at one be taught the basics of using good initiating point for the
or authority appointed by the go. Lastly, there should be a virtual platforms like video virtual system. Technology has
SC and the HCs which shall fixed date and time for the case conferencing and how to fill taken over the world and shall
be accessible to the judges, hearing and the online portal and file e-forms. continue to expand. The Indian
court staff, lawyers and other for the same shall be functional judiciary will have to make
members of the court. It should only during that fixed time. However, while the virtual the best of it for its progress
be ensured that there are no court systems are a great and deliverance of justice to all
glitches or problems in the The system or software should beginning, there is also sections of the society.
functioning of it. However, have a simple user interface so a requirement to take a
sensitive information should be that non-technical users such step towards establishing
made available only to the staff as judges, court staff, lawyers a comprehensive dispute
to avoid any security breach. and parties can easily operate resolution, while blending
Vineeta Sharma v. Rakesh Sharma: Clearing the last

hurdle towards gender equality in Hindu property law
Now with the discernment of the legal position, the author expects that the amendment will bring
much needed change in the social status of daughters.
It is a lesser known fact that the disappointed Dr. Ambedkar and Reasons of the Hindu their respective shares therein.
provisions regarding succession reportedly said: Succession (Amendment) Act, It is also proposed to omit the
in the Hindu Code Bill, as 2005 provide clarity on the said section so as to remove
originally framed by the BN “It was not a compromise. My 2005 Amendment Act: the disability on female heirs
Rau Committee and piloted enemies combined with my contained in that section.”
by Dr BR Ambedkar, was for enthusiastic supporters and “3. It is proposed to remove the
abolishing the Mitakshara my enemies thought that they discrimination as contained In the Mitakshara School,
coparcenary and the son’s might damn the Bill by making in section 6 of the Hindu the allocation of parental
right by birth to joint family it appear worse than it was.” Succession Act, 1956 by giving property is based on the rule of
property. This concept was equal rights to daughters possession by birth. Therefore,
to be substituted with the In 2005, the Legislature, in the Hindu Mitakshara sons had an exclusive right
principle of inheritance by through a progressive coparcenary property as the by birth in the joint family
succession. amendment to the Hindu sons have. Section 23 of the property. The Mitakshara
Succession Act 1956, brought Act disentitles a female heir coparcenary law contributed to
However, the final Bill was in the much awaited change to ask for partition in respect discrimination on the ground
passed with major changes due envisioned by Dr Ambedkar, by of a dwelling house wholly of gender and negated the
to the opposition of elected granting coparcenary rights to occupied by a joint family until fundamental right of equality
representatives. To this, a daughters. Statement of Object the male heirs choose to divide guaranteed by the Constitution
of India. unsuccessfully contended However, the Court, repelling coparcenary on the date of
that a legal fiction created the above contentions, coming into force of the Act
Although the legislative in law cannot be stretched decisively held that what was in 2005. If the coparcenary
intent of the Amending Act beyond the purpose for significant is how right of a was disrupted by the act of
was clear, as is the case with which the fiction has been coparcener is acquired under the parties or by the death of
any other amendment in a created. It was argued that the the Mitakshara coparcenary. parties, in partition or sale,
statute, it became a subject declaration by the law that the It cannot be inferred that the daughter could not get
matter of intense legal debate daughter of a coparcener has the daughter is conferred the status of a coparcener
and resulted in various courts certain entitlements and is with the right only on the in coparcenary. The status
interpreting the same in subject to certain liabilities, is death of a living coparcener, conferred cannot affect the
divergence. prospective. The daughter is by declaration contained in past transactions of alienation,
treated as a coparcener under Section 6. disposition, partition – oral
The Apex Court in the case of the Amendment Act and or written. Section 6 provides
Prakash & others v. Phulavati not because of the daughter’s The Court noted that prior parity of rights in coparcenary
others laid down that the birth prior to the amendment. to the Hindu Succession Act, property among male and
provisions of the amendment If the daughter is treated as women did not have any female members of a Joint
are applicable prospectively coparcener at any point of interest in the coparcenary Hindu Family on and from
to living daughters of living time in the past before the properties, and on the demise September 9, 2005. The
coparceners as on 9.9.2005, amendment, the same will of a coparcener, the share of the declaration in Section 6 that
the daughter of a coparcener
shall have the same rights and
liabilities as she would have
been a son is unambiguous and
unequivocal, the Court held.
The Court further observed
that uncertainty in the right
of share in a Mitakshara
coparcenary is inhered in its
underlying principles, and there
is no question of upturning it
when the daughter is treated
like a son and is given the right
by birth. It is not to resurrect
the past, but to recognize an
antecedent event for conferral
bring in enormous uncertainty of rights, prospectively.
irrespective of when such in the working of the law. deceased coparcener devolved
daughters are born. However, on the surviving coparceners. While carving out the above
in Danamma @ Suman Surpur It was further argued that The Act made inroads into distinction, the Court held
v. Amar, the Court granted the having regard to the plain the system. It provided that that the prospective statute
rights in a coparcenary to a language and future perfect on the demise of a coparcener, operates from the date of its
daughter of a coparcener who tense “shall have the same his interest in the coparcenary enactment conferring new
had died much before 9.9.2005. rights,” the only conclusion properties would not devolve rights. The retrospective
is that the daughters who are on other coparceners by statute operates backward and
This created a divergence of included in the coparcenary survivorship, and the share of takes away or impairs vested
legal opinion and the matter will have the same rights the deceased coparcener was rights acquired under existing
came to be referred to a larger after the coming into force of to be ascertained by way of laws. A retroactive statute is
bench for resolution in the case the Amendment Act. It was notional partition as on the the one that does not operate
titled Vineeta Sharma v. Rakesh contended that “daughter date of death. To that limited retrospectively. It operates in
Sharma. The Supreme decided of a coparcener” means the extent, women did not become futuro. However, its operation
the reference in a landmark daughter of an alive person and coparceners, but they could is based upon the character or
judgment pronounced on has the status of a coparcener inherit the property under the status that arose earlier.
August 11. on the date of commencement unamended provision.
of the Amendment Act. The It is not necessary that there
The Bench, after discussing the Central Amendment has not The 174th Report of the should be a living coparcener
law of creation of Mitakshara made a distinction based on Law Commission of India or father as on the date of
coparcenary and the nature of the daughter’s marital status recommended the adoption of the amendment to whom the
the rights of the members of a expressly but has made it the Kerala Model. Subsequently, daughter would succeed. The
coparcenary under the Hindu evident by the use of the amendments were effected daughter would step into the
law, proceeded to hold the right expression ‘Joint Hindu Family’ in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, coparcenary as that of a son by
of the daughters under the and ‘daughter of a coparcener.’ Karnataka, and several other taking birth before or after the
Amending Act of 2005 to be The provisions should be read states, giving coparcenary rights Act. However, a daughter born
retroactive rather prospective. to exclude married daughters. to the daughters. before can claim these rights
The provisions of Section 6, as only with effect from the date of
In its lengthy judgment, The essential condition for the amendment, with saving of
the Court noted detailed amended, are prospective. It
was not intended to unsettle the conferring the status of past transactions as provided in
arguments raised against coparcener on the daughter the proviso to Section 6(1) read
such an interpretation. It was settled affairs.
is that there should be a with Section 6(5).
While distinguishing Phulavati, through whom the daughter is The Court finally concluded as disruption of coparcenary.
the court observed as under: claiming...” under: The fiction was only for the
purpose of ascertaining share of
“75. A finding has been On Danamma, which was (i) The provisions contained deceased coparcener when he
recorded in Prakash v. Phulavati partly overruled, it was noted as in substituted Section 6 of the was survived by a female heir,
that the rights under the follows: Hindu Succession Act, 1956 of Class ¬I as specified in the
substituted section 6 accrue confer status of coparcener on Schedule to the Act of 1956 or
to living daughters of living “78. In Danamma...Daughters the daughter born before or male relative of such female.
coparceners as on 9.9.2005 were given equal rights by this after amendment in the same
irrespective of when such Court. We agree with certain manner as son with same rights After the reformative
daughters are born. We find observations made in paras and liabilities. Amending Act of 2005 and
that the attention of this Court 23 and 25 to 27 (supra) but the interpretation of the same
was not drawn to the aspect as find ourselves unable to agree (ii) The rights can be claimed in the instant judgment, the
to how a coparcenary is created. with the earlier part approving by the daughter born earlier Mitakshara coparcenary has
It is not necessary to form a the decision in Prakash v. with effect from 9.9.2005 with been diluted to a greater degree
coparcenary or to become a Phulavati and the discussion savings as provided in Section and will be more or less nothing
coparcener that a predecessor with respect to the effect of 6(1) as to the disposition but a relic of the past. Now with
coparcener should be alive; the statutory partition. As a or alienation, partition or the discernment of the legal
relevant is birth within degrees matter of fact, in substance, testamentary disposition which position, it is expected that the
of coparcenary to which it there is a divergence of opinion had taken place before 20th day amendment will bring a much
extends. Survivorship is the in Prakash v. Phulavati and of December, 2004. needed change in the social
mode of succession, not that of Danamma with respect to status of daughters.
the formation of a coparcenary. the aspect of living daughter (iii) Since the right in
Hence, we respectfully find of a living coparcener. In the coparcenary is by birth, it is not It has already taken 15 years
ourselves unable to agree latter case, the proposition of necessary that father coparcener since the amendment was
with the concept of “living the living daughter of a living should be living as on 9.9.2005. incorporated, but now, the
coparcener”, as laid down in coparcener was not dealt with Supreme court has paved
Prakash v. Phulavati...The specifically. However, the effect (iv) The statutory fiction of the way by clearing the last
provisions of section 6(1) of reasons given in para 23 had partition created by proviso hurdle and the onus is on the
leave no room to entertain the been carried out to logical end to Section 6 of the Hindu subordinate courts to be the flag
proposition that coparcener by giving an equal share to the Succession Act, 1956 as bearers of change.
should be living on 9.9.2005 daughter.” originally enacted did not bring
about the actual partition or
Caste And Privacy - A Note On Madras High Court

Judgement
The rejection of information Muthian asked for the following the Most Backward Community this issue to Supreme Court,
about persons selected as per information: a) Total number out of the total number of then Muthian may not get
their caste of backward class is of vacancies called for the years vacancies called for the years the information. The public
2006, 2007 and 2008; authorities and their indifferent
PIOs are frustrating the aims
d) Out of seats allocated to the and objects of the transparency
Backward Community, the list legislation.
of the selected candidates from
the sub-castes of Muthuraja and Caste and privacy
Muthriyar;
The Public Information Officer
e) Out of seats allocated of the Tamil Nadu Public
to the Most Backward Service Commission (TNPSC)
Community, the list of selected gave the detailed information
candidates from the sub-castes sought for in respect of (a) to
Ambalakarar; (c) but denied the information
for the other queries claiming
f) Out of seats allocated to the exemption under Section 8 (1)
Most Backward Community, (d) of Right To Information
the list of selected candidates Act, which pertains to
from Vanniya Kula Shatriar commercial confidence, trade
invalid when quotas are based 2006, 2007 and 2008; sub-castes (Vanniyar, Vanniya, secrets or intellectual property,
on a caste, which was accepted Vanniya Gounder, Kandar, the disclosure of which would
as a social group in identifying b) Number of seats allocated to Padayachi Palli and Agni Kular harm the competitive position
backwardness. The Public the Backward Community out Shathriar).” of a third party. They did not
Information Officers (PIOs) of the total number of vacancies apply their mind and have
called for the years 2006, 2007 Tragedy is that it took 12 years not attempted to give any
are consistently rejecting the to get an order of disclosure. If
requests wherever ‘caste’ is and 2008; justification to state which
the Tamil Nadu Public Service kind of confidence was going
referred as ‘private’ information. Commission chooses to take
This case is a classic example. c) Number of seats allocated to to be violated by disclosing
this information. However, on stand united under one roof In the year 2019, the Centre The Madras High Court has
appeal, the second appellate irrespective of caste, creed, diluted the office of the IC by captured all the plight of
authority, i.e. the Tamil Nadu religion, etc. at least in the year reducing its authority, term Information Commissions and
State Information Commission 2050 and our State will be a and salary from originally the lack of boldness in majority
(TNSIC) ordered that the model State for the whole of the prescribed status and made of their orders in the above
information sought be provided country.” it just a body to which the paragraph. The High Court was
free of cost. Centre would appoint any also very strong in criticising
Satire on Information person according to rules the way the TNPSC refused
The TNPSC claimed before Commissions prescribed by Centre from time to give information by raising
the Madras High Court that to time. Practically it means false apprehensions and found
it, being a Constitutional In its landmark judgment on that whenever Centre wants fault with the PIOs for their
Functionary, has moral 7th September, Madras High it can change the term, status, irresponsible and mechanical
obligation to maintain Court hurled a serious satire and salary of the ICs, not only rejections of the information
confidentiality and in the event against the functioning of at Centre but also at the level requests.
of furnishing of the details to Information Commissions in of States. Unfortunately, no
the respondent, it would harm our country. In a writ petition State resisted this amendment, The Court suggested that Public
the interest of third parties. filed by the Tamil Nadu Public even though it takes away the Information Officers who resort
It also stated that the details Service Commission against powers of State Governments to doing so “must be shown the
regarding caste-wise breakup Tamil Nadu State Information and centralises the power in door” for failing to act in terms
of the selected candidates has Commission & A. Muthian, the Centre, which is against of the RTI Act’s mandate, and
got nothing to do with public the Court while up-holding the federal principles of the further commented
activity and such disclosure TNSIC’s order of disclosing Constitution of India.
would amount to invasion the information sought, “... in my view, they are unfit
of the privacy of individuals, commented Earlier, the Central Information to hold the post of Public
apart from creating communal Commissioner was equal to Information Officer or any
discontent and strife. It was “This may be one of the rarest Election Commissioner who is post in connection with the
stated that the State has stopped of rare cases where the Second at par with Judge of Supreme discharge of duties under RTI
the sporting of the caste Appellate Authority has boldly Court, with an unimpeachable Act and they should be shown
behind the names of persons taken a decision, which does term of 5 years, which can the doors”.
and at the time of publication not warrant any interference by be removed only on proof
of result, TNPSC indicates this Court, as there is no error of misconduct. Now the Justice S Vaidyanathan
only the Class of candidates apparent on the face of record.” Commissioner will have three remarked
and not otherwise. Therefore, years of term and status of a
the direction to furnish such Under the Right to Information Joint Secretary. The NGOs and “Now-a-days, the Officials are
details, issued by TNSIC is Act, 2005, Second Appellate RTI activists have opposed the used to adopt a tactic answer
highly unsustainable and Authority means the selection of former bureaucrats in mechanical manner that
untenable. Information Commissions in to 90 per cent of these positions the information sought for is
States and Central Information and have been demanding exempted in the light of Section
Disagreeing with this view, Commission at Centre. The selection of eminent persons 8(1)(d) of the Act, without
the High Court opined that High Court by using expression from different walks of life as actually ascertaining as to
the disclosure of the caste- “… the rarest cases where… prescribed under Section 12(5) whether the information sought
wise breakup would benefit has boldly taken a decision” has and 15(5) which states that ICs falls within the ambit of the
the candidates as it would criticised the functioning of “shall be persons of eminence in said provision. Such Officers
help them ascertain whether all Information Commissions public life with wide knowledge must be taught a lesson and in
they actually fall under the and lamented that they are and experience in law, science my view, they are unfit to hold
reservation quota or not. In any not frequently taking bold and technology, social service, the post of Public Information
case, it was pointed out decisions. It’s a slap on absence management, journalism, mass Officer or any other post in
of boldness and independence media or administration and connection with the discharge
“When the general list itself in giving orders in second governance”. of duties under RTI Act and
has already been published for appeals. The Act provided for they should be shown the
public view, as stated in the second appeal from the failure But the Governments, for the doors, so that it will be a lesson
petition, there is nothing wrong of securing information from posts of Chief Information for other Officers to act in
in disclosing the details to the First Appellate Authority, who Commission at Centre and in accordance with the terms of
respondent.” is an internal officer senior to most of the States, are invariably the Act, failing which they may
the PIO (Public Information picking up former bureaucrats also face the similar or more
The Court added that the Officer). While the First and in order to keep important consequences.”
TNPSC’s apprehension that an Appellate Authority is not an portfolios like Prime Minister
in-depth description of castes independent authority, the Office and Chief Minister There are two kinds of PIOs
would create communal unrest RTI Act envisaged the Central Office(s) only with them. This in public authorities of Centre
is only an illusion. Justice Information Commission and practice reduces the possibility and States. The first kind have a
Vaidyanathan further remarked State Information Commissions of a Central Information closed mindset and invariably
to be independent and to give Commissioner or State invoke Section 8 quoting some
“... if it is the real concern of bold orders directing disclosure Information Commissioner clause without substantiating
TNPSC and the Government, of information if the requested giving ‘bold’ decisions ordering or justifying their denial. The
they should think of abolishing information is not exempted disclosure to PMO and CMOs. second kind are the Chief PIOs
the quota system as well as under Section 8 or 9 of Act. or PIOs or Assistant PIOs who
removal of column regarding High Court’s admonition of are under constant pressure
caste particulars in the school Reduced authority of Public Information Officers from top officials in public
certificate itself, so that the Information Commissioners authorities which is why it is
people of Tamil Nadu could (IC) difficult for them to disclose
information which could “...people of this country have Act, will come to know of the doubly ascertain either about
embarrass their bosses. a right to know every public legal consequences of non- their induction or rejection and
act, everything that is done in furnishing of the details, which as such.”
Transparency does not a public way by their public the affected parties / General
undermine judicial freedom functionaries. They are entitled Public seek for.” Give the names of erring
Emphasising the significance of to know the particulars of every officials
the Right to Information (RTI) public transaction in all its The TNSIC has rightly
Act, 2005, the court said hearing.” directed the disclosure of the In yet another significant
information sought for within a direction, the High Court
“...the provision of Section 6 Harsh consequences for RTI month’s time. The Commission Bench wanted TNPSC to
confers right to information rejections and High Court have found that appraise the Court of the names
to any person for the first authority had erroneously and position of the officials who
obvious reason that right to It is highly pertinent to note relied on Section 8(1)(d) of had rejected the RTI request
information flows from the that the Court has directed the RTI act to reject the RTI and who had, thereby “failed to
right to expression... Even the the Tamil Nadu Government request. The Court observed discharge their official duties as
Supreme Court clearly held to issue a circular to its adumbrated under the RTI Act,
that the office of Chief Justice Departments warning of the “...the purpose of enactment 2005.”
will come under the purview legal consequences that would of RTI Act itself is to ensure
of Right to Information (RTI), follow if information is not transparency in all respects. It is a rarest of the rare order
by observing that transparency divulged in line with the RTI Moreover, a reading of the said of any constitutional court
does not undermine judicial Act. It stated section shows that it relates to in recent times which rightly
freedom. “ commercial confidence, trade understood the objective of
“The Government is directed secretes, etc., and it does not transparency law and strongly
The High Court also referred to circular this order to all its strictly prohibit the authority demanded accountability of
the following classic statement Departments, Public Sector concerned from providing Public Information Officers,
of the Supreme Court in the Undertakings, Corporation, such details, as divulging of besides indirectly suggesting
case of State of Uttar Pradesh v. etc., so that the Authorities, caste details will surely be the information commissions to
Raj Narain and Others more particularly under RTI beneficial to candidates to act boldly.
Importance Of Question Hour In A Parliamentary

Democracy
The Hon’ble Supreme were notified that there will be such decision was notified. manner the parliament has
Court in the Keshavanada no Question Hour during the Thereby, having the consensus categorized questions asked
Bharti[1] case established that Monsoon Series of Parliament of the opposition as well. in the parliament in different
Parliamentary democracy is an
integral part Basic Structure
of our Constitution. The basic
concept of the parliamentary
governance is that it owes
a collective responsibility
towards the parliament and
it holds the government
accountable. Essentially, in a
Parliamentary Democracy, the
executive is made answerable
to the parliament. The Indian
democracy is completely based
on the principles of debates
and discussion, the role of
opposition is very important
in law making and obliges the
government to be responsible
and accountable.
The President of India Shri Ram
Nath Kovind in exercise of his
powers conferred under Article
85[2] of the Constitution of
India, on 31st August, 2020
summoned the fourth session
of the 17th Parliament from in the view of the current types[4] and they are:-
14th September to 1st October, pandemic prevalent in the Both Houses of the Parliament
2020. The order was considered country.[3] The government follow their own set of rules 1. Starred Questions: The
controversial as the Lok Sabha further clarified that the which are formulated to govern answers to these questions are
and Rajya Sabha secretariats opposition was consulted before themselves. In the similar desired to be given orally on the
floor of the House during the to who the question will be expose Government’s lapses; the policy or law is clarified by
Question Hour. addressed to, the day which and extract promises from the government.
he wants to ask, and lastly, the Ministers. Members also get
2. Unstarred Questions: The questions[5]. The permissible opportunity to give vent to 10. In the current situation
answers to these questions limit with respect to the their feelings when they are not when India is having highest
which are deemed to have been question are only five a day satisfied with the answers by one day Covid-19 cases and
laid on the Table of the House per member in Lok Sabha[6] putting supplementaries.’[8] second most cases in the
are given by Ministers at the and seven per day in Rajya world[9], when we are on
end of the Question Hour in a Sabha[7]. 8. The Question hour being the verge of two front war,
written form. an integral part of the one of the worst economy
6. As the Question hour is parliament proceedings in contraction by around 23%
3. Short Notice Questions: suspended for the monsoon a parliamentary democracy and unpleasing report of
These questions are asked session, the Starred questions due to the accountability FY2019-20 by the RBI[10],
orally in the House after the including the Supplementary of the government. It is the Central government
Question Hour or as the first questions which elucidate the considered significant part of as well as many other state
item in the agenda where there same fact cannot be asked. the parliamentary proceedings assemblies have opted for
is no Question Hour at a notice Subsequently, the Unstarred because sometimes it leads to suspension of question hour
shorter than that prescribed questions are permitted with any parliamentary enquiry, and cutting short of the zero
for Starred and Unstarred certain limitations wherein only court enquiry, formation of hour during the parliamentary
Questions. These must are certain questions can be asked commission or even formation proceedings, the decision is
generally of public importance in a day by a member. The of new legislation. The debates totally unscientific as well as
to a subject-matter considered questions to private members and discussion let it the mood unconstitutional. The decision
by the Speaker/Chairman on an and private member bill shall of the nation which helps the to suspend the question hour
urgent basis. also be suspended for this government in understanding in the name of pandemic has
session, which is against the the political acceptance of such no rationale reasoning to
4. Questions to Private democratic rights of a legislator. moves and also brings out justify it whatsoever. Whereas,
Members- This Question is However, the short notice the shortcomings in the law the removal of question hour
addressed to a Private Member questions will be allowed with or policies of the government will cause more damage to the
(As per Rule 40 of the Rules oral answers in case of urgency and sometimes points raised constitutional and democratic
of Procedure and Conduct upon the discretion of the grave enough to agitate the principle, as it will lack
of Business in Lok Sabha), Speaker/Chair. public mind and are of public government accountability.
provided that the subject matter importance. In these circumstance where
of the question relates to some 7. Highlighting the title of we are having issues in every
Bill, Resolution or other matter this article, it is important 9. The questions to the sector of the economy, the
connected with the business to analyse the importance government fulfill the involvement of opposition and
of the House for which that of the Question Hour in the objectives of the parliamentary check on the government will
Member is responsible. parliament. The Rajya Sabha democracy, wherein when ensure better implementation
terms question hour as ‘one a posing of a question and of policies. When a situation
5. Before asking a question in of the parliamentary device, discussion of the same leads like these arise the government
the parliament, the member in fact, is primarily meant for to greater public notice as the is needed to call for better
has to give a 15 day notice exercising a kind of legislative information reaches to the far parliamentary discussion and
to the Chairman/Speaker in control over executive actions. ends of the nation. Secondly, debates which will ensure get
a prescribed manner. Such a Besides, the Members also find the government gets to know us over come out shortcomings
period can be reduced at the an opportunity through this the short comings and flaws and ensure a collective
discretion of the Chairman/ device to criticise Government’s in the policy and also certain responsibility towards their
Speaker. A notice shall include policies and programmes; clarifications are also done and duties for the nation.
the name of such Minister ventilate public grievances; the reasoning and aim behind
Kesavananda Bharati — the petitioner who saved

democracy, but lost his case in Supreme Court
The historic Fundamental win any relief in the case. The Gandhi government granting land reforms in Kerala, was
Rights case prevented the amendments in the Kerala unlimited power to Parliament taking so long.
nation from slipping into a land reforms law which he had to alter the Constitution.
totalitarian regime challenged were upheld by the By sheer statistics, leave alone
Supreme Court in 1973. Courtroom Genius, a biography the law it laid down, the
Kesavananda Bharati Swamiji, of Mr. Palkhivala co-authored “Kesavananda Bharati versus
the sole unwitting petitioner in It was senior advocate Nani by senior advocates Soli State of Kerala” case is unique.
the historic Fundamental Rights Palkhivala, representing Sorabjee and Arvind Datar, said The case was heard by a Bench
case which prevented the nation Swamiji, who extended the seer never met or spoke of 13 judges — the largest
from slipping into a totalitarian the ambit of the case. Mr. with the great lawyer. In fact, formed in the Supreme Court.
regime, died on Sunday. He was Palkhivala saw an opportunity the book said, Swamiji was It was heard over 68 working
80. through Swamiji’s case quite surprised at the time to days from October 1972 to
to challenge a series of see his name in the newspapers March 1973. The judgment was
Though the judgment is a constitutional amendments everyday and wondered why his a mammoth 703 pages.
landmark, the Swamiji did not introduced by the Indira case, challenging only certain
The Kesavananda Bharati But democracy won that day part of the majority verdict on
judgment introduced the Basic on a wafer-thin 7:6 majority. the Bench. They resigned in
Structure doctrine which The judges were split down the protest amidst public furore.
limited Parliament’s power middle until the 13th judge,
to make drastic amendments Justice H.R. Khanna, supported The Emergency was
that may affect the core values the view that constitutional proclaimed shortly after
enshrined in the Constitution amendments should not alter the judgment was delivered
like secularism and federalism. the “basic structure” of the on April 24, 1973. The
The verdict upheld the power of Constitution. Kesavananda Bharati
the Supreme Court to judicially judgment proved timely and
review laws of Parliament. The aftermath of the judgment thwarted many an attempt
It evolved the concept of also saw the supersession of on democracy and dignity of
separation of powers among the three judges of the Supreme individual during those dark
three branches of governance Court — J.M. Shelat, A.N. years.
— legislative, executive and the Grover and K.S. Hegde — for
judiciary. Chief Justiceship. All three were
EDITORIAL Inevitable collapse: on

steepest contraction of GDP
With COVID-19 hitting private consumption, demand recovery will
hinge on govt. spending
T he inevitable has
happened. India’s GDP
suffered its steepest
contraction on record in the
April-June quarter, as output
omnibus services category —
trade, hotels, communication,
transport and broadcasting —
which shrank 47%, hit by the
pandemic-linked restrictions.
shrank 23.9% from a year Manufacturing too took a
earlier, provisional data show. severe beating, contracting 39%
It is evident that the stringent as demand for products deemed
COVID-19 lockdowns in force non-essential evaporated, and
through the first third of the factories, even after reopening,
quarter, and substantially in struggled to run amid shortages
May, hollowed out demand. of labour and added safety
Private consumption spending, norms.
which accounts for almost 60%
of GDP, contracted 26.7% as It was left to the government
consumers abjured almost all to keep the bottom from
discretionary spending. And falling out on demand as the
exports, which contribute Centre’s pandemic mitigation
to a fifth of GDP and reflect expenditure helped expand
overseas demand for Indian its consumption spending
goods and services, shrank by by 16.4% year-on-year and
nearly 20%. Investment activity softened the overall blow to
was the worst-hit, collapsing GDP. However, with the fiscal
47% and shrinking in share of deficit already having exceeded
GDP to about 22% from 32% a the full-year’s budgeted target
in just the first four months, income erosion are also sure do not capture a swathe of
year earlier as larger businesses to retard any recovery in informal sector activity that was
conserved cash and refrained and revenue receipts impacted
by the economic contraction, momentum. If the latest survey- severely impacted. Agriculture
from any capital spending based data from IHS Markit too faces headwinds in the form
in the face of uncertainty, the government is unlikely to
maintain a similar trend in show manufacturing PMI for of higher-than-ideal rainfall
and smaller firms prioritised August signalling growth for in August in several key crop
survival. Across the real expenditure growth over the
next three quarters. Unless, of the first time in five months, growing regions in western
economy, every single industry the same researcher’s findings and central India and with the
and services sector shrank course, it is prepared to forsake
its vaunted fiscal conservatism also stress that “job shedding impact of recent farm market
with the solitary exception continues at a strong rate” in the ordinances yet to play out, it
of agriculture, which grew and finds innovative ways
to mobilise resources. The industry. Equally significantly, may be a while before the end
3.4% and outpaced the year the output numbers which are of the tunnel is sighted.
earlier quarter’s 3% expansion. still rising trajectory of new
COVID-19 infections and a expected to undergo revision
Construction suffered the most, given the acknowledged
plunging 50%, followed by the high level of job losses and
difficulties in collecting data,
Dissent and detention: On Dr. Kafeel Khan

Allahabad HC order quashing Dr. Kafeel Khan’s detention exposes state persecution
I fever any evidence was

needed that Dr. Kafeel Khan,
a government doctor from
Gorakhpur, has been a victim of
state persecution, the Allahabad
reading of some phrases and
ignored its true intent while
passing the detention order. No
reasonable man, it says, would
have come to the conclusion
High Court has provided that. about the speech that the DM
Its 42-page order has laid bare did. The grounds for detention
the malefic manner in which under NSA provided nothing
the doctor was detained under that indicated any attempt by
the National Security Act Dr. Khan to disturb peace and
(NSA) on February 13, 2020, tranquillity between the speech
shortly after he was granted in December and his detention
bail in an earlier case. Dr. in February. The inevitable
Khan, suspended in 2017 after inference is that the NSA was
a severe shortage of oxygen invoked only to avoid releasing
cylinders took a deadly toll him following the Chief
among children admitted to Judicial Magistrate court’s order
the encephalitis ward in the granting him bail. The process
Baba Raghav Das Medical to invoke the NSA itself began
College Hospital, Gorakhpur, only after the bail order, the
was arrested on January 29, Bench comprising Chief Justice
2020, for an address to students Govind Mathur and Saumitra
of Aligarh Muslim University Dayal Singh noted.
last December. His speech,
which contained scathing The use of stringent national
criticism of the Citizenship security laws against political
dissenters, in the absence though circumstances indicated spent seven months in jail. And
(Amendment) Act, and its his strenuous efforts to ensure his case will some day go to
discriminatory nature, was of any appeal to violence, is
something to be condemned continuous oxygen supply. He trial. The case of Dr. Khan is
deemed inflammatory weeks spent months in prison before poor advertisement for India’s
after he had made it. The High in all cases. However, there is
something perverse about the an inquiry absolved him of democratic credentials, for it
Court has now found that far the charges of negligence and brings to light its propensity to
from inciting Muslims, the resort to preventive detention
just to frustrate bail orders. corruption, but was found to criminalise dissent, single out
speech, taken in its entirety, have been engaging in private individuals for persecution and
does not disclose any effort to In particular, the authorities
have shown excessive zeal in practice. The paediatrician’s display a general disregard for
promote hatred or violence; and suspension is yet to be revoked. basic rights.
nowhere does it threaten peace dealing with Dr. Khan. In 2017,
he was arrested on charges of Even though the verdict gives
in Aligarh. The DM, Aligarh, him relief, it comes after he
the court says, used selective negligence and corruption even
Panel seeks ‘Right to Health’, shift to Concurrent list

NEW DELHI: A high-level meeting, said a panel member.
group (HLG) on health sector “Strangely,’’ the member added,
constituted by the Fifteenth “the entire panel is confined to
Finance Commission has the chest cavity.’’
recommended that ‘Right
to Health’ be declared a He was alluding to the
fundamental right on the 75th composition of the committee
Independence Day in 2022 and that had only heart or lung
the Constitution be amended to doctors and no women experts.
shift the subject of health from Ten other persons, apart from
the state list to the concurrent FFC members and officials,
list. contributed to the panel’s
report. All of them were either
The HLG also suggested from NITI Aayog, Union
separating training for medical ministry for health and family
teachers and service providers welfare or AIIMS, New Delhi.
and prohibiting medical college
faculty from professional No officials from state
private practice. The idea of .. governments or institutions
have been listed as involved in
Most of the recommendations the preparation of the report. reviewed, says there should be a common e ..
were pushed through in the last The report, which ET has
Lebanese government quits amid fury over

Beirut blast
President Michel Aoun accepted the resignation and asked Mr. Diab’s government to stay as a
caretaker until a new cabinet is formed.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Ahead of Mr. Diab’s
announced his government’s announcement,
resignation on Monday, demonstrations broke out
saying a huge explosion that for a third day in central
devastated Beirut and triggered Beirut, with some protesters
public outrage was the result of hurling rocks at security forces
endemic corruption. guarding an entrance leading
to the parliament building,
The August 4 detonation at who responded with tear gas.
a port warehouse of what
authorities said was more than Also read: Explained | What is
2,000 tonnes of ammonium happening in Lebanon?
nitrate killed at least 163
people, injured more than For many ordinary Lebanese,
6,000 and destroyed swathes the explosion was the last straw
of the Mediterranean capital, in a protracted crisis over
compounding months of the collapse of the economy, Mr. Diab’s cabinet was under said Eli Abi Hanna, whose
political and economic corruption, waste and severe pressure to step house and car repair shop were
meltdown. dysfunctional governance, and down. Some ministers had destroyed. “It was easier to
they have taken to the streets already resigned over the make money during the civil
“Today we follow the will of the demanding root-and-branch weekend and Monday while war. The politicians and the
people in their demand to hold change. others, including the finance economic disaster have ruined
accountable those responsible minister, were set to follow everything.”
for the disaster that has been “The entire regime needs suit, ministerial and political
in hiding for seven years, and to change. It will make no sources said. The Lebanese army said on
their desire for real change,” difference if there is a new Monday that another five
Prime Minister Hassan Diab government,” Joe Haddad, a Mr. Diab said on Saturday bodies were pulled from the
said in a speech announcing Beirut engineer, told Reuters. he would request early rubble, raising the death toll
the resignation. “We need quick elections.” parliamentary elections. to 163. Search and rescue
operations continued.
While Mr. Diab’s move The system of government Accountability
attempted to respond to requires Aoun to consult with Anti-government protests in
popular anger about the blast, parliamentary blocs on who Aoun has said explosive the past two days have been
it also plunged Lebanese should be the next prime material was stored unsafely the biggest since October,
politics deeper into turmoil minister, and he is obliged to for years at the port. In when angry demonstrations
and may further hamper designate the candidate with later comments, he said the spread over an economic crisis
already-stalled talks with the the greatest level of support investigation would consider rooted in pervasive graft,
International Monetary Fund among parliamentarians. whether the cause was mismanagement and high-level
(IMF) on a financial rescue external interference as well as unaccountability.
plan. Also read: Timeline of blasts negligence or an accident.
in Lebanon An international donor
Also read: Beirut blast | Also read: Beirut battered: On conference on Sunday raised
Lebanon’s President calls for Forming a government Lebanon blast pledges worth nearly 253
two-week state of emergency amid factional rifts has been million euros ($298 million)
daunting in the past. Now with The cabinet decided to refer for immediate humanitarian
The talks, launched in May, growing public discontent with the investigation of the blast relief, but foreign countries are
were put on hold due to the ruling elite over the blast to the judicial council, the demanding transparency over
inaction on reforms and a and a crushing financial crisis, highest legal authority whose how the aid is used.
row between the government, it could be difficult to find a rulings cannot be appealed,
banks and politicians over the candidate willing to be prime a ministerial source and state Some Lebanese doubt change
scale of vast financial losses. minister. news agency NNA said. The is possible in a country where
council usually handles top sectarian politicians have
President Michel Aoun After former premier security cases. dominated since the 1975-90
accepted the resignation and Saad Hariri stepped down conflict.
asked Mr. Diab’s government in Oct. 2019 amid anti- Lebanese, meanwhile, are
— formed in January with government protests over struggling to come to terms “It won’t work, it’s just the
the backing of Iran’s powerful perceived corruption and with the scale of losses after the same people. It’s a mafia,”
Hezbollah group and its allies mismanagement, it took more blast wrecked entire areas. said Antoinette Baaklini, an
— to stay as a caretaker until than two months to form employee of an electricity
Diab’s government. “The economy was already a company that was demolished
a new cabinet is formed, a disaster and now I have no
televised announcement said. in the blast.
way of making money again,”

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SEPT, 2020 08

(Q.1-Q.5): (b) It is the difference of a

(Q.16-Q.20): and profitable for—venture

technology, Indian departments partnered with Atal

Australia, Mauritius, Georgia, be replaced with [2] in the

(Q.31-Q.35): (a) PM Matsya Sampada

the above passage?

42. Which of the following can

(Q.46-Q.50): Nadu continues to vehemently (c) September 12 (a) Birth anniversary of

performance during the cruise (b) Odisha

65. In India credit rating

early recognition of the (d) Preventing Suicide: A

(c) Bank of Baroda

72. Which of the following can

73. The Door Stop Banking

(Q.76-Q.80): the joint statement, nor

20 Most Important Concepts and 100 Most

(Q.6-Q.10): Extracted (d) Bibek Debroy

the upper limit for permitting (d) RamvilasPaswan

(Q.16-Q.20): equivalent as of now. 18. ____is not an example of a country or organization to

22. Which of the following will

23. Which of the following

24. Which of the following

30. What is the age-group that

33. Which of the following

34. What financial assistance

(Q.36-Q.40): Pakistan, in June

(Q.41-Q.45): Extracted with edits and this? the Baghjan well?

(a) Kashmir to Nathu La

48. Which of the following has

49. In between this conflict

(Q.61-Q.65): achieving the targets.

81. Country’s first CDS is [1]

(Q.91-Q.95): (c) 10 days

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The Supreme Court Has Been Urged To Set Up An 11-Judge

What is Novichok and Alexei Navalny

LEGAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Council (UNHRC). The and on international

Republic of Croatia. titled ‘The Big Thoughts of Yelahanka, Bengaluru,

ARTICLES YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS

Sub-Classification And Reservation

Critical Analysis Of The Virtual Courtrooms And The

Vineeta Sharma v. Rakesh Sharma: Clearing the last

Caste And Privacy - A Note On Madras High Court

Importance Of Question Hour In A Parliamentary

Kesavananda Bharati — the petitioner who saved

EDITORIAL Inevitable collapse: on

Dissent and detention: On Dr. Kafeel Khan

I fever any evidence was

Panel seeks ‘Right to Health’, shift to Concurrent list

Lebanese government quits amid fury over

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