0261e16a66d43 CLATPOST

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MONTHLY EDITION
OCT, 2021 VOL - 01 ISSUE - 21 ` 100/-
A iming to make the textiles

sector more internationally
competitive, the Cabinet on
maintain it during the
concession period.
(d) All of the above
Wednesday approved a Rs
4,445-crore scheme to set up [1] 3. How much fund will
Mega Integrated Textile Region the centre provide as
and Apparel (MITRA) parks. development capital
The MITRA parks, which aim to support for the
integrate the entire textile value development of common
chain from spinning, weaving, infrastructure greenfield
processing/dyeing, printing to MITRA park?
garment manufacturing at one (a) 500 Crore
location, were first announced
CURRENT AFFAIRS
(b) 300 Crore
in the FY22 Budget. States will
compete to be selected under (c) 200 Crore
the scheme, which is aimed
at reducing logistics cost and
P
PRACTICE SHEETS (CAPS) (d) 100 Crore
strengthening the value chain 4. In which of the following

of the textile sector to make it 13-14 per cent of GDP and the and State Government years was the National
globally competitive. government is aiming to bring and in a Public Private Technical Textiles Mission
this down to 10 per cent. Partnership (PPP) launched?
“Today the value chain is spread
Mode. (a) 2021
across the country. Cotton 1. Which of the following will
is made in Maharashtra and (b) Each MITRA Park will (b) 2020
replace [1] in the above
Gujarat. It is then processed in have an incubation
passage? (c) 2018
Tamil Nadu before it is shipped centre, common
(a) 10 (b) 9 processing house and (d) 2016
to Bengaluru or Noida after
which it is sent to the port,” said (c) 8 (d) 7 a common effluent
5. Which of the following will
Textiles Minister [2], adding that treatment plant and
2. Which of the following is replace [2] in the above
moving products so many times other textile related
TRUE about the scheme? passage?
had, in the past, made logistics facilities such as design
cost “unviable.” High logistics (a) PM MITRA park centres and testing (a) Bhupendra Patel
costs are considered a key hurdle will be developed by centres. (b) Piyush Goyal
to India’s goal of boosting textile a Special Purpose (c) The Master Developer (c) Gajendra Shekhawat
exports. Private institutions have Vehicle which will be will not only develop the
owned by the Central (d) Hardeep Singh Puri
estimated logistics costs to be Industrial Park but also
1. (d) 7 Purpose Vehicle which will be Under the scheme, the centre approved the setting up of a
Recently, the Union Cabinet owned by the Central and State will provide development National Technical Textiles
approved the setting up of Government and in a Public capital support for the Mission at a total outlay of
seven Mega Integrated Textile Private Partnership (PPP) development of common ₹1,480 crores in 2020.
Region and Apparel (PM Mode. infrastructure of Rs 500 crore It will be implemented for four
MITRA) Parks at an outlay of Each MITRA Park will have for each greenfield MITRA years starting from 2020-2021.
Rs. 4,445 crore. an incubation centre, common park and upto Rs 200 crore for 5. (b) Piyush Goyal
The MITRA park aims to processing house and a each brownfield park. The Ministry of Textiles
integrate the entire textile common effluent treatment Greenfield describes a is an Indian government
value chain from spinning, plant and other textile related completely new project that national agency responsible
weaving, processing/ facilities such as design centres has to be executed from for the formulation of policy,
dyeing, printing to garment and testing centres. scratch, while a brownfield planning, development, export
manufacturing at one location. The Master Developer will not project is one that has been promotion and regulation of
2. (d) All of the above only develop the Industrial worked on by others. the textile industry in India.
About: PM MITRA park will Park but also maintain it 4. (b) 2020 Officeholder: Piyush Goyal
be developed by a Special during the concession period. The Cabinet Committee on (Minister).
3. (a) 500 Crore Economic Affairs (CCEA) has
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2 The CLAT Post • October 2021
Passage (Q.6-Q.10):
T he Department of
Biotechnology has launched
a [1] consortium that envisages
carrying out surveillance of
important bacterial, viral and
parasitic infections of zoonotic as
well as transboundary pathogens
in the country.
The project also looks into
the use of existing diagnostic
tests and the development of
additional methodologies for the
surveillance and understanding
the spread of emerging diseases,
the DBT said in a statement. 6. Which of the following will recognizes that the disciplines.
Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary, replace [1] in the above health of people is (d) All of the above
Department of Biotechnology, passage? closely connected to
launched the First ‘[1]’ project (a) Total health the health of animals 9. Universal Health Coverage
of the DBT through video and our shared is mentioned under which
(b) Complete health
conferencing on Thursday. environment. of the following Sustainable
(c) One health Development Goals?
The consortium envisages (b) One Health’ vision
carrying out surveillance of (d) 360o health derives its blueprint (a) SDG 2
important bacterial, viral and from the agreement (b) SDG 3
7. The Consortium mentioned
parasitic infections of zoonotic as between the (c) SDG 4
in the above passage
well as transboundary pathogens. tripartite-plus alliance
consists of how many (d) SDG 6
Noting that the Covid-19 comprising the Food
organisations?
pandemic showed the and Agriculture 10. Department of
(a) 22 Organization of the
relevance of [1] principles in Biotechnology comes
the governance of infectious (b) 27 United Nations (FAO), under which of the
diseases, specially efforts to (c) 29 the World Organisation following Ministries?
prevent and contain zoonotic (d) 32 for Animal Health
(OIE). (a) Ministry of Ayush
diseases throughout the world,
Swarup emphasised on a holistic 8. Which of the following is (c) Its purpose is (b) Ministry of Health and
approach to understand the Correct about the concept to encourage Family Affairs
health of human, animals and of One Health? collaborations in (c) Ministry of Science and
wildlife to minimise the damage (a) One Health is research and sharing of Technology
caused by future pandemics. an approach that knowledge at multiple (d) Ministry of Cooperation
levels across various
6. (c) One health government department, It’s purpose is to encourage India moved a step closer
Recently, the Department of under the Ministry of Science collaborations in research towards its commitment to
Biotechnology has launched and Technology. and sharing of knowledge at the SDGs, when in 2018 the
the country’s first One Health 8. (d) All of the above multiple levels across various country launched a national
consortium. One Health is an approach that disciplines like human health, health protection scheme,
The Department of recognizes that the health of animal health, plants, soil, Ayushman Bharat, to achieve
Biotechnology is an Indian people is closely connected to environmental and ecosystem UHC.
government department, the health of animals and our health in ways that improve, 10. (c) Ministry of Science and
under the Ministry of Science shared environment. protect and defend the health Technology
and Technology. One Health’ vision derives its of all species. The Department of
7. (b) 27 blueprint from the agreement 9. (b) SDG 3 Biotechnology is an Indian
Recently, the Department of between the tripartite-plus Its goal as stated in the UN government department,
Biotechnology has launched alliance comprising the Food Sustainable Development under the Ministry of Science
the country’s first One Health and Agriculture Organization Goals (SDGs no. 3) is one and Technology
consortium. of the United Nations (FAO), of the most significant
The Department of the World Organisation for commitments to equitable
Biotechnology is an Indian Animal Health (OIE). quality healthcare for all.
Passage (Q.11-Q.15): of underestimating the speed at (c) Fit for 2050 (d) It is headquartered in
I nvestment in renewable energy which the world could switch to (d) Together for 2050 Brussels, Belgium.
will need to triple by the end renewables, thereby undermining
the fight against climate change. 13. Which of the following 14. India joined the
of this decade if the world’s
But in this year’s WEO report, is not TRUE about the International Energy
climate pledges are to be met,
the International Energy Agency the IEA has urged governments International Energy Agency as an associate
(IEA) said on Wednesday. to make stronger commitments Agency? member in which of the
to cut greenhouse gas emissions. following years?
The IEA, which advises (a) The IEA is an
governments on energy policy, autonomous (a) 2017
released its annual World replace [1] in the above organisation, which (b) 2018
Energy Outlook (WEO) report passage? works to ensure reliable, (c) 2019
Wednesday, just weeks before the affordable and clean
(a) Paris (d) 2020
United Nations COP26 summit energy.
in [1]. (b) Brussels (b) It has 30 member 15. Which of the following is
The report also comes as power (c) Glasgow countries, 8 association not one of the four major
prices surge to record levels (d) London countries and beyond. area of focus for IEA?
amid the easing of coronavirus (c) It was established in the (a) Energy security,
restrictions worldwide. The 12. What is the name of the
wake of the 1973 (set up (b) Economic development,
widely watched annual outlook Net Zero Emissions (NZE)
in 1974) oil crisis after (c) Environmental
shapes expectations among Roadmap release by the
the OPEC cartel had awareness
governments, companies and International Energy
shocked the world with
investors over the future use of Agency? (d) Eco-friendly Industries
a steep increase in oil
coal, oil and gas. (a) Zero by 50 prices.
Critics have long accused the IEA (b) Net Zero by 2050
11. (c) Glasgow (COP26) summit (in Glasgow, countries, 8 association International Energy Agency’s
The COP 26 UN Climate UK). countries and beyond. 30th member country in
Change Conference, hosted Earlier, IEA also released its It was established in the wake February 2018, and its first
by the UK in partnership with Net Zero Emissions (NZE) of the 1973 (set up in 1974) member in Latin America.
Italy, will take place from 31 Roadmap - named ‘Net Zero oil crisis after the OPEC cartel 15. (d) Eco-friendly Industries
October to 12 November 2021 by 2050’. had shocked the world with a The IEA has four main areas of
in the Scottish Event Campus 13. (d) It is headquartered in steep increase in oil prices. It is focus, i.e. 4Es:
(SEC) in Glasgow, UK. Brussels, Belgium. headquartered in Paris, France Energy security,
12. (b) Net Zero by 2050 The International Energy 14. (a) 2017 Economic development,
The 2021 report signaled Agency (IEA), an autonomous India became an associate Environmental awareness and
pressure on governments to organisation, works to ensure member of International Engagement worldwide.
push for greater climate action reliable, affordable and clean Energy Agency in 2017.
at the Conference of Parties energy to its 30 member Mexico officially became the
Passage (Q.16-Q.20):
life”. Agriculture (a) 2045
W orld Food Day is an World Food Day was Organization is an (b) 2040
initiative by the Food established in November [1], as agency of the United
(c) 2035
and Agricultural Organisation suggested by former Hungarian Nations that leads
international efforts to (d) 2030
(FAO) of the United Nations. minister of agriculture and
This global event marks a day food Dr Pal Romany. It defeat hunger. 19. Which of the following will
calling for worldwide awareness gradually became a way to (b) Every year, World replace [1] in the above
and collective action to combat raise awareness about hunger, Food Day is celebrated passage?
the issue of hunger and ensure malnutrition, sustainability and to commemorate (a) 1979
healthy diets for all. food production. the founding of the
Food and Agriculture (b) 1981
This year, the World Food Day
16. World Food Day is Organisation (FAO) of (c) 1988
commemorations will be jointly
celebrated on which of the United Nations. (d) 1991
led by the FAO, UNHCR,
following days?
the UN Refugee Agency, and (c) It is headquartered in 20. World Food Program
the World Food Programme (a) 12 October Rome, Italy. mentioned in the above
(WFP). Events will be organised (b) 14 October (d) It was founded in the passage, won the Nobel
in 150 countries across the (c) 16 October year 1945 in the in Peace Prize in which of the
globe with multiple partners (d) 18 October Washington D.C., USA. following years?
and governments, according to (a) 2012
the United Nations. 17. Which of the following is 18. Sustainable Development
Goal 2, Zero Hunger is (b) 2015
The theme this year is “Our NOT CORRECT about
actions are our future. Better the Food and Agriculture targeted to be completed (c) 2017
production, better nutrition, Organization? by which of the following (d) 2020
better environment and a better year?
(a) The Food and
16. (c) 16 October 1945 in the in Quebec City, sustainable food production with the Nobel Prize for Peace
World Food Day is celebrated Canada. and agricultural practices. 2020 for its efforts to combat
every year on October 16th to 18. (d) 2030 19. (a) 1979 hunger, bettering conditions
commemorate the date of the Goal 2 of the 2030 Sustainable World Food Day was for peace in conflict-affected
founding of the United Nations Development agenda seeks established in November areas and preventing the use of
(UN) Food and Agriculture to end hunger and all forms 1979, as suggested by former hunger as a weapon of war and
Organisation in 1945. of malnutrition, and double Hungarian minister of conflict.
17. (d) It was founded in the year agricultural productivity in the agriculture and food Dr Pal
1945 in the in Washington D.C., next 15 years. Ensuring this Romany.
USA. sustainable access to nutritious 20. (d) 2020
It was founded in the year food universally will require The WFP has been awarded
Passage (Q.21-Q.25): (b) 1872
I n early October, the [1], along

with a number of media
partners, published the Pandora

(c) 1882
(d) 1908
Papers, which revealed a slice of 24. Which of the following is

the trillions stashed away in tax incorrect about Tax Haven?
havens by politicians, officials (a) A tax haven is
and celebrities, in particular. generally an offshore
These leaks tell us, once again, country that offers
that financial secrecy is at the foreign individuals
heart of the global economy and businesses little
and runs like poison through or no tax liability
the veins of our political in a politically and
systems. This institutional economically static
corruption does not make environment.
passage? of holding investments.
progress impossible, but it does (b) Tax havens always
mean that responses to the (a) International (b) The trusts can be set up
Collaborative in known tax havens require residency or
growing public anger about the
Investigation which offer relative tax business presence
revelations in the leaks will only
Association advantages. for individuals and
be successful if they are precise
businesses to benefit
and forensic. Policymakers (b) Association of (c) They reveal how the rich from their tax policies.
must deliver measures that International set up complex multi-
ensure ongoing accountability Collaboration on layered trust structures (c) Individuals and
for the leading actors in these Investigative Journalism for estate planning, in corporations can
abuses – including themselves. jurisdictions which potentially benefit from
(c) International low or no taxes charged
The hidden assets and secret Consortium of are loosely regulated
incomes now being disclosed for tax purposes, but on income in foreign
Investigative Journalists countries.
represent only a small part of characterised by air-
(d) Investigative Journalists (d) None of the above
what is in the near-3 terabyte tight secrecy laws.
cache of documents from 14 United
(d) It has also found 25. Recently, the OECD has
different professional services 22. Consider the following how the State actors
firms around the world. And announced a global deal to
about the Pandora Papers are largely play a ensure big companies pay
the documents in total touch and Choose the incorrect collaborative role in a Global Minimum Tax
on just a tiny fraction of Statement. hiding these assets for at the rate of which of the
the estimated $11 trillion in
(a) The Pandora Papers the ultra-rich people. following?
undeclared assets held offshore
globally, generating annual tax reveal how trusts (a) 10%
23. Indian Trust Act was passed
losses of $182bn. are used as a vehicle
in whcih of the following (b) 12 %
in conjunction with
years? (c) 15%
21. Which of the following will offshore companies set
replace [1] in the above up for the sole purpose (a) 1860 (d) 20%
21. (c) International Consortium these assets for the ultra-rich trusts. require residency or business
of Investigative Journalists people. 24. (b) Tax havens always require presence for individuals and
The International Consortium Option a, b and c are correct residency or business presence businesses to benefit from
of Investigative Journalists, but the leaks does not mention for individuals and businesses their tax policies.
legally International the role of the State actors to benefit from their tax 25. (c) 15%
Consortium of Investigative involved in the pandora papers. policies. Recently, the Organisation for
Journalists, Inc., is an 23. (c) 1882 Characteristics of tax haven Economic Cooperation and
independent global network The Indian Trusts Act, 1882, countries generally include no Development (OECD) has
of 280 investigative journalists gives legal basis to the concept or low-income taxes, minimal announced that a global deal
and over 100 media of trusts. Indian laws recognise reporting of information, lack to ensure big companies pay a
organizations spanning more the trust as an obligation of the of transparency obligations, Global Minimum Tax (GMT)
than 100 countries. trustee to manage and use the lack of local presence rate of 15% has been agreed
22. (d) It has also found how the assets settled in the trust for requirements, and marketing by 136 countries (including
State actors are largely play a the benefit of ‘beneficiaries’. of tax haven vehicles. India).
collaborative role in hiding India also recognises offshore Generally, tax havens do not
P rime Minister Narendra

Modi on Monday launched
the Indian Space Association
(ISpA) and said that India will
ensure that the space sector
unites the world. “India will
have to ensure that space plays
an important role in uniting,
connecting the world in the 21st
century,” he said.
He said that reforms in the space
sector are based on four pillars:
freedom of innovation to the
private sector, the government’s
role as an enabler, preparing the
youth for the future and seeing
the space sector as a tool for the
development of the common (d) Department under a (c) One of the main 29. In which of the following
man. Ministry goals of the ISpA is years was ISRO
PM Modi added that earlier the to supplement the established?
27. Which of the following is government’s efforts
space sector was only limited (a) 1958
the work with which ISpA towards making India
to the government. However, (b) 1962
will deal? a global leader in
“we changed that mindset and
(a) ISpA will also work commercial space-based (c) 1969
introduced innovations in the
field. We brought the government towards building global excursions. (d) 1970
and startups together because it is linkages for the Indian (d) All of the above
space industry. 30. Who among the following
not the time for linear innovation
28. Which of the following will is known as the father of
but exponential innovation.” (b) ISpA will undertake
act as the marketing arm of Indian Space Program in
Policy Advocacy
26. Indian Space Association is ISRO? India?
and engage with
being set up as which of the all stakeholders in (a) DRDO (a) Vikram Sarabhai
following kind of body? the Indian Space (b) APJ Abdul Kalam
(b) NSIL
(a) Statutory Body domain, including the (c) Homi J. Bhabha
(c) IN-SPACE
(b) Think tank Government and its (d) Udupi Ramachandra
Agencies. (d) ALT Space
(c) Independent Agency Rao
26. (c) Independent Agency Space domain, including the government had announced was established by Jawaharlal
Recently, the Prime Minister Government and its Agencies, the setting up of a New Space Nehru under the Department
has launched the Indian to make India self-reliant, India Limited (NSIL), a public of Atomic Energy in 1962, on
Space Association (ISpA) via technologically advanced and sector company that would the urging of scientist Vikram
video conferencing. ISpA will a leading player in the space serve as a marketing arm of Sarabhai recognising the need
act as a single-window and arena. ISRO (Indian Space Research in space research. INCOSPAR
independent agency on matters ISpA will also work towards Organisation). grew and became ISRO in
related to space technology. building global linkages for the Its main purpose is to market 1969, within DAE.
27. (d) All of the above Indian space industry to bring the technologies developed by 30. (a) Vikram Sarabhai
ISpA aspires to be the in critical technology and ISRO and bring it more clients Vikram Sarabhai, who initiated
collective voice of the investments into the country that need space-based services. India’s space research and
Indian Space industry. to create more high skill jobs. That role, incidentally, was helped develop nuclear power
ISpA will be represented One of the main goals of the already being performed by in the country, was born on
by leading domestic and organisation is to supplement Antrix Corporation, another August 12, 1919. Known as
global corporations that have the government’s efforts public sector undertaking the father of the Indian space
advanced capabilities in space towards making India a global working under the Department program Vikram Sarabhai is
and satellite technologies. leader in commercial space- of Space, and which still exists. known for the establishment
ISpA will undertake Policy based excursions. 29. (c) 1969 of the Indian Space Research
Advocacy and engage with 28. (b) NSIL The Indian National Organisation (Isro).
all stakeholders in the Indian NSIL: In the 2019 Budget, the Committee for Space Research
Passage (Q.31-Q.35): financing for the power
P ower Finance Corp. Ltd sector, which will go

(PFC) is set to become the a long way in making
[1] Maharatna central public available affordable &
sector enterprise (CPSE), with reliable ‘Power For All
an inter-ministerial committee 24x7’.
clearing the Navratna last week (d) The enhanced power
for this, said two people aware will give the power to
of the development. appoint chairman from
This comes against the the Board of Directors
backdrop of the government of the Company.
using power sector lenders such
as PFC and REC Ltd to instil 35. Which of the following is
financial discipline at state- not one of the criteria for
owned electricity distribution passage? (c) Ministry of New and the grant of the Maharatna
companies (discoms). (a) 9th Renewable Energy Status?
The Maharatna dispensation (b) 10th (d) Ministry of Petroleum (a) The Company must be
was ushered in by the Union and Natural Gas having Navratna status
(c) 11th
government for mega CPSEs priorly.
(d) 12th 34. Which of the following is
to become global giants. PFC, (b) Listed on Indian
India’s largest non-banking not one of the implications
32. In which of the following of the Maharatna Status to stock exchange with
financial company (NBFC) years did the government minimum prescribed
and among the 14 Navratna PFC?
started Maharatna public shareholding
CPSEs, can invest up to ₹5,000 (a) PFC can invest up to Rs. under Securities
dispensation to the
crore, or 15% of its net worth, 5,000 crore, or 15% of and Exchange Board
Companies?
in a single project apart from its net worth, in a single of India (SEBI)
being granted enhanced (a) 2007 project. regulations.
powers by the government (b) 2009 (b) The PFC Board can
for undertaking mergers and (c) An average annual
(c) 2010 also structure and
acquisitions once it gets the turnover of more than
(d) 2014 implement schemes Rs. 50,000 crore during
Maharatna status. Navratna and relating to personnel
Miniratna CPSEs can invest up the last 3 years.
33. Power Finance Corporation and human resource
to ₹1,000 crore and ₹500 crore, comes under which of the management and (d) An average annual net
respectively. following ministries? training. worth of more than Rs.
15,000 crore during the
31. Which of the following will (a) Ministry of Coal (c) It will enable PFC last 3 years.
replace [1] in the above (b) Ministry of Power to offer competitive
31. (c) 11th was ushered in by the Union b. The PFC Board can also • Listed on Indian stock
Recently, the government government for mega Central structure and implement exchange with minimum
has accorded the ‘Maharatna’ Public Sector Enterprises schemes relating to personnel prescribed public shareholding
status to state-owned Power (CPSEs) to become global and human resource under Securities and Exchange
Finance Corporation (PFC). giants (introduced in 2010). management and training. Board of India (SEBI)
An order to this effect was 33. (b) Ministry of Power c. It will enable PFC to offer regulations.
issued by the Department of Incorporated in 1986, PFC competitive financing for the • An average annual turnover
Public Enterprises, under the is the largest infrastructure power sector, which will go a of more than Rs. 25,000 crore
Ministry of Finance. finance company dedicated long way in making available during the last 3 years.
PFC has become the 11th to the power sector under the affordable & reliable ‘Power • An average annual net worth
public sector enterprise to administrative control of the For All 24x7’. of more than Rs. 15,000 crore
get the ‘Maharatna’ status Ministry of Power. Option d is not Correct. during the last 3 years.
in the country and joins the 34. (d) The enhanced power will 35. (c) An average annual • An average annual net profit
ranks of other such companies give the power to appoint turnover of more than Rs. after tax of more than Rs.
like ONGC, Indian Oil chairman from the Board of 50,000 crore during the last 3 5,000 crore during the last 3
Corporation, Steel Authority Directors of the Company. years. years.
of India Limited (SAIL) and PFC can invest up to Rs. 5,000 Criteria for the grant of • Should have significant
BHEL among others. crore, or 15% of its net worth, Maharatna Status: global presence/international
32. (c) 2010 in a single project. • Having Navratna status. operations.
The Maharatna dispensation
Passage (Q.36-Q.40): gap is at its widest point ever (a) 68 (d) Both a and c
I ndia’s rank has slipped by six and continues to expand due to (b) 90
proliferating barriers to entry 39. In 2021 Index, India shares
places from last year to [1] on (c) 98
erected since the outbreak of the its rank with which of the
the Henley Passport Index, which
pandemic. Many countries in the (d) 110 following countries?
lists the world’s most travel-
friendly passports. The Henley global south have relaxed their (a) Tajikistan and Burkina
37. Henley Passport Index was
Passport Index comes at a time borders in a concerted effort to Faso
revive their economies but there created by who among the
when countries are easing travel following? (b) Paraguay and
rules for international visitors has been very little reciprocity Kyrgyzstan
after almost two years since the from countries in the global (a) Christian H. Kaelin
north, which have enforced (c) Turkey and Poland
onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. (b) Klaus Regling
The index ranks the passports some of the most stringent (d) Malawi and Serbia
(c) Edi Rama
of countries according to the inbound Covid-19-related travel
restrictions. Even fully vaccinated (d) Juerg Steffen 40. Which of the following
number of destinations their
travelers from countries at the country holds the least
holders can visit without a prior 38. Which of the following
lower end of the Henley Passport powerful passport?
visa. The rankings are based on country topped the ranklist
the analysis of data provided by Index remain locked out of most (a) Iraq
of Henley Passport Index?
the International Air Transport of the developed world.” (b) Syria
(a) Japan
Association (IATA). (c) Afghanistan
36. Which of the following (b) Germany
The firm’s Q4 Global Mobility is replaced by [1] in the (d) Palestinian State
report says, “The global mobility (c) Singapore
passage?
36. (b) 90 largest and most accurate among the least powerful. Sudan (Score:41)
India’s rank has slipped by six database of travel information. 39. (a) Tajikistan and Burkina 2. Bangladesh, Kosovo, Libya
places from last year to 90 on 38. (d) Both a and c Faso (Score: 40)
the Henley Passport Index, Japan and Singapore stood India fell down to the 90th 3. North Korea (Score: 39)
which lists the world’s most at the top of this year’s list, position, with its passport 4. Nepal, Palestinian Territory
travel-friendly passports. with their passport holders holders allowed to travel (Score: 37)
37. (a) Christian H. Kaelin allowed to travel visa-free to visa-free to 58 countries. India 5. Somalia (Score: 34)
Originally created by Dr. 192 countries, while South shares the rank with Tajikistan 6. Yemen (Score: 33)
Christian H. Kaelin (chairman Korea and Germany share and Burkina Faso. 7. Pakistan (Score: 31)
of Henley & Partners), the the second position. For the 40. (c) Afghanistan 8. Syria (Score: 29)
ranking is based on exclusive third consecutive year, Japan World’s 10 least powerful 9. Iraq (Score: 28)
data from the International Air has secured the top position. passports: 10. Afghanistan (Score: 26)
Transport Association (IATA), Meanwhile, Afghanistan, Iraq, 1. Iran, Lebanon, Sri Lanka,
which maintains the world’s Syria, Pakistan, and Yemen are
Passage (Q.41-Q.45): Arab Emirates

India’s ambitious global grid announced an offer to
declaration is expected be host the 27th session
adopted at the United Nations of Conference of
Climate Change Conference Parties (COP 27) to the
in Glasgow, International Solar UNFCCC in Abu Dhabi
Alliance (ISA) Director General in 2023.
[1] said on Monday. (d) The office of the COP
ISA plans to issue a declaration President normally
on India’s global electricity grid rotates among the G7
plan— One Sun One World One countries.
Grid (OSOWOG). ISA is the
nodal agency for implementing 44. OSOWOG has been taken
OSOWOG, that seeks to transfer up under the technical
solar power generated in one assistance program of
region to feed the electricity which of the following?
demands of others. (a) World Bank
“The Government of India asked (b) UN Development
ISA and its members to carry out (d) S. Jaishankar Protocol. Programme
a study to look at the viability of (d) UNFCCC Secretariat (c) UN Environment
this initiative. We hope that in a 42. Which of the following
is located in Geneva, Programme
couple of days, we would be able statements about UNFCCC
Switzerland. (d) International Monetary
to share a declaration that will be is incorrect?
adopted at COP26,” [1], Director (a) The United Nations 43. Which of the following is Fund
General, ISA said at a pre-general Framework Convention true about Conference of 45. International Solar Alliance
assembly technical briefing on on Climate Change the Parties (COP)? was launched by India and
OSOWOG on Monday. (UNFCCC) was signed (a) UNFCCC Secretariat France on the sidelines of
in 1992 at the Earth is the apex decision- which of the following?
41. Which of the following
Summit in Rio. making authority of
reaplces [1] in the above (a) COP 3
passage? (b) It is the parent treaty COP.
of the 2015 Paris (b) COP 21
(a) Upendra Tripathi (b) first COP meeting
Agreement. was held in Berlin, (c) COP 18
(b) T. S. Tirumurti (d) COP 15
(c) It is the parent treaty Germany in March,1995.
(c) Ajay Mathur of the 1997 Kyoto (c) Recently, the United
41. (c) Ajay Mathur also the parent treaty of the normally rotates among the This is by far one of the most
“India’s ambitious global grid 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The five United Nations regional ambitious schemes undertaken
declaration is expected be UNFCCC secretariat (UN groups which are - Africa, by any country (India) and is
adopted at the United Nations Climate Change) is the United Asia, Latin America and of global significance in terms
Climate Change Conference Nations entity tasked with the Caribbean, Central and of sharing economic benefits.
in Glasgow, International supporting the global response Eastern Europe and Western It has been taken up under the
Solar Alliance (ISA) Director to the threat of climate change. Europe and Others. Recently, technical assistance program
General Ajay Mathur said on It is located in Bonn, Germany. the United Arab Emirates of the World Bank.
Monday.” 43. (b) First COP meeting announced an offer to host 45. (b) COP 21
42. (d) UNFCCC Secretariat is was held in Lisbon, Portugal in the 27th session of Conference The ISA, is an Indian initiative
located in Geneva, Switzerland. March,1995. of Parties (COP 27) to the that was launched by the
The United Nations COP is the apex decision- UNFCCC in Abu Dhabi in Prime Minister of India and
Framework Convention on making authority of UNFCCC. 2023. COP 26 was postponed the President of France on
Climate Change (UNFCCC), The COP meets every year, in 2020 and will take place 30th November 2015 in Paris,
signed in 1992 at the unless the Parties decide in Glasgow, UK in November France on the side-lines of
United Nations Conference otherwise. The first COP 2021. the Conference of the Parties
on Environment and meeting was held in Berlin, 44. (a) World Bank (COP-21), with 121 solar
Development also known as Germany in March, 1995. The The vision behind the resource rich countries lying
the Earth Summit, the Rio COP meets in Bonn, the seat of OSOWOG is ‘The Sun Never fully or partially between the
Summit or the Rio Conference. the secretariat, unless a Party Sets’ and is a constant at some tropic of Cancer and tropic
It is the parent treaty of the offers to host the session. The geographical location, globally, of Capricorn as prospective
2015 Paris Agreement. It is office of the COP President at any given point of time. members.
Passage (Q.46-Q.50): over India - only 14% in
W hile the gross enrolment rural areas compared to

ratio (GER) for 48% in urban areas.
elementary schools has increased
from 81.6 in 2001 to 93.03 in
2018-19 and stands at 102.1 in is true about Right to
2019-2020, overall retention Education Act, 2009?
is 74.6 per cent for elementary (a) The first official
education and 59.6 per cent for document on the Right
secondary education in 2019-20, to Education was the
states the UNESCO 2021 State of Ramamurti Committee
the Education Report for India: Report in 1990.
[1]. (b) Right to Education Act
“Quality of education is the core is applicable to Minority
challenge of the next decade institutions.
when it comes to improving (c) Article 22A makes
overall educational standards, Right to Education a
retention, transition, and equity fundamental right for
in academic achievement. (c) Technical and (a) The proportion of children between 6-18
Hence the focus of this decade Vocational Education teachers employed in years.
on teachers and teaching,” read and Training the private sector grew
the report, which was launched (d) It does not prohibit
(d) N for Nose: Children from 21% in 2013-14 to Private tuition by teachers.
today. 35% in 2018-19.
with Disabilities
Since March 2020, schools in (b) Tripura has the least 50. Which of the following is a
India have not been functioning 47. On which of the following teacher’s training national
number of women
physically. Foundational learning, days, World Teacher’s Day mission to improve
teachers, followed by
which is the focus of the early is observed? learning outcomes at the
Assam, Jharkhand and
classes, is set to slide even further elementary level?
(a) 5th September Rajasthan.
down from current low levels.
(b) 5th October (c) There are nearly 1.2 lakh (a) NIPUN Bharat Mission
46. Which of the following (c) 5th November single-teacher schools (b) NISHTHA
is replaced by [1] in the in the country of which (c) Sarva Siksha Abhiyan
(d) 5th August
passage? an overwhelming 89%
(d) National Education
(a) No Teacher, No Class. 48. Which of the following is are in rural areas.
Policy, 2020
(b) Virtual Class, Virtual not among the findings of (d) Access to the internet
Education. the report? in schools is 23% all
46. (a) No Teacher, No Class. compared to 48% in urban Report in 1990. • Physical punishment and
While the gross enrolment areas. The 86th Constitutional mental harassment.
ratio (GER) for elementary The proportion of teachers Amendment in 2002, provided • Screening procedures for
schools has increased from employed in the private Right to Education as a admission of children.
81.6 in 2001 to 93.03 in 2018- sector grew from 21% in fundamental right in Part-III • Capitation fee.
19 and stands at 102.1 in 2013-14 to 35% in 2018-19. of the Constitution. It inserted • Private tuition by teachers.
2019-2020, overall retention Tripura has the least number Article 21A which made Right • Running of schools without
is 74.6 per cent for elementary of women teachers, followed to Education a fundamental recognition.
education and 59.6 per cent for by Assam, Jharkhand and right for children between 50. (b) NISHTHA
secondary education in 2019- Rajasthan. There are nearly 6-14 years. It provided for a The Union Human Resource
20, states the UNESCO 2021 1.2 lakh single-teacher schools follow-up legislation Right Development Minister has
State of the Education Report in the country of which an to Education Act 2009. The launched ‘National Initiative
for India: No Teachers, No overwhelming 89% are in rural first official document on the for School Heads and Teachers
Class. areas. Access to the internet Right to Education was the Holistic Advancement
47. (b) 5th October in schools is 19% all over Ramamurti Committee Report (NISHTHA)’, a national
World Teachers’ Day is India - only 14% in rural areas in 1990. On 7 May 2014, The mission to improve learning
observed on 5th September compared to 42% in urban Supreme Court of India ruled outcomes at the elementary
every year. areas. that Right to Education Act level. NISHTHA is the largest
48. (d) Access to the internet 49. (a) The first official document is not applicable to Minority teachers’ training programme
in schools is 23% all over on the Right to Education was institutions. of its kind in the world.
India - only 14% in rural areas the Ramamurti Committee RTE Act, 2009 prohibits:
Passage (Q.51-Q.55): Organization (WMO)
I n 2018, the Conference of is an intergovernmental

the Parties serving as the organization with a
meeting of the Parties to the membership of 192
Paris Agreement at the 24th Member States and
Conference of the Parties to Territories.
the United Nations Framework (c) It originated from
Convention on Climate Change the International
(UNFCCC) called on the World Meteorological
Meteorological Organization Organization (IMO),
(WMO) through its Global which was established
Framework for Climate Services after the 1873
(GFCS) to regularly report on Vienna International
the state of climate services Meteorological
with a view to “facilitating the observed? Falkenmark Water Congress.
development and application (a) 22nd March Stress Indicator.
of methodologies for assessing (d) Established by the
(b) 21st December (b) India is the ‘topmost ratification of the
adaptation needs”. hotspot of TWS loss’.
(c) 1st July WMO Convention on
Water is a top adaptation priority. (c) The northern part of
(d) 31st July 23 March 1950, WMO
In 2018, 2.3 billion people were India has experienced became the specialized
living in countries under water 52. In the year 2020-21, biggest the maximum loss agency of the United
stress1,2 and 3.6 billion people losses in Terrestrial Water within the country. Nations for meteorology
faced inadequate access to water Storage have occurred in
(d) The average annual per (weather and climate),
at least one month per year. which of the following
By 2050, the latter is expected capita water availability operational hydrology
places?
to be more than five billion. has reduced to 1,545 and related geophysical
(a) Antartica cubic metres in 2011, sciences.’
Assuming a constant population,
an additional 8% of the world’s (b) Greenland from 1,816 cubic metres 55. According to the report,
population in the 2000s will be (c) Iceland in 2001. what percentage of water
exposed to new or aggravated (d) Both a and b 54. Which of the following available on Earth is usable
water scarcity associated with is NOT correct about and available as freshwater?
53. Which of the following is
a 2°C of global warming. World Meteorological (a) 10%
NOT true about the water
Concurrent population growth Organization?
level status in the India? (b) 0.5%
would further increase this (a) WMO is headquartered
number. (a) Seven of the 30 river (c) 1.5%
in Frankfurt, Germany.
51. On which of the following basins in India are (d) 2.3%
‘absolute water scarce’ (b) The World
days is the ‘World Water Day’
according to the Meteorological
51. (a) 22nd March basins in India are ‘absolute 54. (a) WMO is headquartered in for meteorology (weather
WorldWater Day is observed on 22nd water scarce’ according to Frankfurt, Germany. and climate), operational
March. Earlier, on water day,in the Falkenmark Water Stress The World Meteorological hydrology and related
a report released by the United Indicator. Organization (WMO) geophysical sciences. WMO
Nations Children’s Fund is an intergovernmental is headquartered in Geneva,
(UNICEF), one in five children Five of the 21 river basins organization with a Switzerland.
worldwide reside in areas of in India are ‘absolute water membership of 192 Member 55. (b) 0.5%
high or extremely high water scarce’ according to the States and Territories. TWS is the sum of all water
vulnerability. Falkenmark Water Stress It originated from the on the land surface and in the
52. (d) Both a and b Indicator. India is the ‘topmost International Meteorological subsurface, i.e. surface water,
TWS dropped at a rate of 1 cm hotspot of TWS loss’.The Organization (IMO), which soil moisture, snow and ice
per year in 20 years (2002- northern part of India has was established after the and groundwater. Water is a
2021). The biggest losses experienced the maximum 1873 Vienna International key prerequisite for human
have occurred in Antarctica loss within the country. The Meteorological Congress. development. But only 0.5% of
and Greenland. But many average annual per capita Established by the ratification water on Earth is usable and
highly populated, lower water availability has reduced of the WMO Convention available as freshwater.
latitude locations have also to 1,545 cubic metres in 2011, on 23 March 1950, WMO
experienced TWS losses. from 1,816 cubic metres in became the specialized
53. (a) Seven of the 30 river 2001. agency of the United Nations
I ndia’s real Gross Domestic

Product (GDP) in the current
fiscal year is estimated to grow by
[1]%, the World Bank said as it
released a South Asia economic
focus report ahead of its annual
meetings which start next week
in Washington. This growth
estimate is supported by an
increase in public investment to
bolster domestic demand and
schemes, like the production-
linked incentive to boost
manufacturing.
Despite being ravaged by a
second COVID-19 wave earlier
this year, the economic impact 59. Which of the following is true about Production
of the pandemic this year has (a) 7.9 statements is not true Linked Incentive (PIL)
been “relatively small” compared (b) 8.6 according to the World Scheme run by the Indian
to the impact in 2020, said the Bank Report? Government?
(c) 8.3
report, titled, Shifting Gears:
(d) 9.2 (a) The South Asia economic (a) PLI Scheme is an outcome-
Digitization and Services-
focus report projects the and output-oriented
Led Development. Growth is 57. Which of the following is
region to grow by 7.1% in scheme where incentives
expected to settle at around 7% India’s rank in the Human
2021 and 2022. will be paid only if the
over the next two years (7.5% Capital Index 2020?
(b) Disruption in India’s manufacturers make the
forecast in FY2022/23 and (a) 89th
6.5% in FY2023/24) as the base economy during the first goods.
effect fades (i.e., a contraction (b) 116th wave of the pandemic was (b) This scheme will give cash
of 7.3% last year), supported by (c) 120th limited, compared to the incentives for five to seven
infrastructure investment, as (d) 103rd second. years and all the sunrise
well as reforms to ease supply- (c) In the first quarter of and important sectors are
58. According to Asian
side constraints. Downside risks financial year 2020-21, proposed to be covered in
Development Bank, which
in the medium term include GDP of India contracted this.
of the following is the
uncertainty around asset by 24.4% because of (c) The sectors may be
predicted GDP growth of
quality deterioration due to the nationwide coronavirus automobile, networking
India?
pandemic, slow recovery in the lockdown. products, food processing,
informal sector and higher than (a) 9.2%
(d) Manufacturing & advanced chemistry and
expected inflation, the Bank said. (b) 10% solar PV manufacturing.
construction sectors
56. Which of the following (c) 11% recovered steadily in 2021. (d) All of the above
replaces [1] in the passage? (d) 13% 60. Which of the following
56. (c) 8.3 International Monetary Fund during the second wave of PLI Scheme is an outcome-
India’s real Gross Domestic expect GDP to grow at 9.5%, the pandemic was limited, and output-oriented scheme
Product (GDP) in the current Asian Development Bank last compared to the first. where incentives will be paid
fiscal year is estimated to grow week projected 10% growth for In the first quarter of financial only if the manufacturers
by 8.3%, the World Bank said FY22. year 2020-21, GDP of India make the goods. This scheme
as it released a South Asia 59. (b) Disruption in India’s contracted by 24.4% because will give cash incentives for
economic focus report ahead economy during the first wave of nationwide coronavirus five to seven years and all the
of its annual meetings which of the pandemic was limited, lockdown. sunrise and important sectors
start next week in Washington. compared to the second. Manufacturing & construction are proposed to be covered
57. (b) 116th The South Asia economic sectors recovered steadily in this. The sectors may be
India has been ranked at the focus report projects the in 2021, but low-skilled automobile, networking
116th position in the HCI region to grow by 7.1% in 2021 individuals, self-employed products, food processing,
2020. and 2022. people, women and small firms advanced chemistry and solar
58. (b) 10% Disruption in India’s economy were left behind. PV manufacturing.
Reserve Bank of India and 60. (d) All of the above
(d) Article 48

TRUE about the United
Nations Human Rights
Council?
(a) It is an independent
body with membership
of all the members of
UN.
(b) The Council was created
in 2010.
(c) It is headquartered in
Geneva, Switzerland.
(d) India was elected in
January 2019 for a
period of three years in
the Council.

Passage (Q.61-Q.65): She also called on UN member 61. Which of the following will passage?
T he United Nations Human states to consider a similar replace [1] in the above
resolution at the General passage? (a) Stockholm Declaration
Rights Council October 8,
2021, unanimously voted for Assembly. The right to a clean (a) 1945 (b) Earth Summit
recognising a clean, healthy environment was rooted in the (c) Kyoto Protocol
1972 [2] , Anderson noted. It (b) 1948
and sustainable environment (d) Montreal Protocol
as a universal right in Geneva, was greatly encouraging to see (c) 1951
it formally recognised at the (d) 1958 65. [2] is also known as which
Switzerland. If recognised by
global level five decades later, of the following?
all, the right would the first of
its kind in more than 70 years she added. 62. Which of the following (a) Magna Carta of human
since the Universal Declaration Over 13,000 civil society Article of Indian environment.
of Human Rights was adopted organisations and indigenous Constitution enumerates (b) Soul of human
by the UN General Assembly peoples’ groups, more than duty on its citizens to environment laws.
in [1] 90,000 children worldwide, the protect and Preserve
Environment? (c) Life and breath of
Inger Anderson, the executive Global Alliance of National human environment
director of the United Nations Human Rights Institutions and (a) Article 21 protection.
Environment Programme private sector stakeholders had (b) Article 51A(g)
campaigned relentlessly for the (d) None of the above
(UNEP), hailed the (c) Article 53
development in a statement. right, Anderson said.
61. (b) 1948 constitutional status to the and protection of human rights The right to a clean
If recognised by all, the right environment protection. around the world. environment is rooted in the
would the first of its kind Article 48-A: The State shall Formation: 1972 Stockholm Declaration,
in more than 70 years since endeavour to protect and The Council was created by popularly called as the Magna
the Universal Declaration of improve the environment and the United Nations General Carta of human environment.
Human Rights was adopted by to safeguard the forests and Assembly (UNGA) in 2006. It It contained principles
the UN General Assembly in wildlife of the country. is headquartered in Geneva, and recommendations for
1948. Article 51A(g): It is a duty of Switzerland. environmental policy.
62. (b) Article 51(g) every citizen to protect and Members: 65. (a) Magna Carta of human
the Constitutional (forty- preserve the environment. It is made up of 47 United environment.
second Amendment) Act, 1976 63. (c) It is headquartered in Nations Member States which The right to a clean
incorporated two significant Geneva, Switzerland. are elected by the UNGA. environment is rooted in the
articles viz. Article 48-A It is an inter-governmental India was elected in January 1972 Stockholm Declaration,
and 51A (g) thereby making body within the United 2019 for a period of three popularly called as the Magna
the Indian Constitution the Nations system responsible for years. Carta of human environment.
first in the world conferring strengthening the promotion 64. (a) Stockholm Declaration
With budgets strained after
the COVID-19 crisis, many
governments want more
than ever to discourage
multinationals from shifting
profits – and tax revenues – to
low-tax countries regardless of
where their sales are made.
Increasingly, income from
intangible sources such as drug
patents, software and royalties
on intellectual property has
migrated to these jurisdictions,
allowing companies to avoid
paying higher taxes in their
traditional home countries.
The minimum tax and other
provisions aim to put an end
to decades of tax competition
between governments to attract
foreign investment. The global (c) 15% will decline from 3.5% (c) India is not a member
minimum tax (GMT) rate in 2018 to 2% in 2060. of OECD.
(d) 18%
would apply to overseas profits
(b) China’s share of world (d) Total number of
of multinational firms with 750 67. Which of the following output will be at its peak members are 56.
million euros ($868 million) country has agreed with during the 2030s at
in sales globally. Governments OECD to legislate GMT? 70. Which of the following is
could still set whatever local about 27%.
(a) Kenya not an index released by
corporate tax rate they want, (c) India’s GDP will decline
OECD?
but if companies pay lower (b) Pakistan after 2028.
rates in a particular country, (a) Human Development
(c) India (d) The centre of gravity of
their home governments could Index
(d) Sri Lanka world economic activity
“top up” their taxes to the [1]% will move from North (b) OECD Better Life
minimum, eliminating the 68. According to the OECD’s America and Europe Index.
advantage of shifting profits. research analysis- The Long towards Asia. (c) Government at a Glance
View: Scenarios for the 2017 report.
66. Which of the following 69. Which of the following is
World Economy to 2060, (d) International Migration
is replaced by [1] in the true about OECD?
which of the following Outlook.
passage?
is NOT TRUE about the (a) It was founded in 1971.
(a) 12% World Economy? (b) It is headquartered in
(b) 10% (a) World real GDP growth Brussels, Belgium.
66. (c) 15% the deal. Kenya, Nigeria, at about 27% and will decline Headquarters: Paris, France.
Recently, the Organisation for Pakistan and Sri Lanka have thereafter, while India’s share Total number of members:
Economic Cooperation and abstained for now. in Global GDP will keep 36. India is not a member of
Development (OECD) has 68. (c) India’s GDP will decline increasing. By the mid-2030s, OECD, but a key economic
announced that a global deal after 2028. India’s contribution to global partner.
to ensure big companies pay a World real GDP growth will GDP will be the largest and 70. (a) Human Development
Global Minimum Tax (GMT) decline from 3.5% in 2018 will surpass that of China. Index
rate of 15% has been agreed to 2% in 2060. By 2060, The centre of gravity of world Human Development Index
by 136 countries (including India, China, and Indonesia economic activity will move is released by the United
India). combined will represent from North America and Nations Development Program
67. (c) India almost half of the world’s Europe towards Asia. (UNDP).
Out of the 140 countries economic output. China’s 69. (c)
involved, 136 countries share of world output will be OECD
including India have supported at its peak during the 2030s Founded in 1961.
I ndia’s Global Hunger Index

2021 ranking at [1] position
“unfortunately” reflects the
reality of the country where
hunger has accentuated since the
Covid-19 pandemic outbreak,
Oxfam India said.
India slipped to [1] position in
the Global Hunger Index (GHI)
of 116 countries, from its 2020
position of 94th, and is behind its
neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh
and Nepal.
Reacting sharply to the report,
the Ministry of Women and
Child Development had said it
was “shocking” to find that the
Global Hunger Report 2021
has lowered the rank of India (b) Welthungerhilfe Departments. (a) The proportion of
on the basis of FAO estimate on (c) United Purpose (b) Undernourishment undernourished in
proportion of undernourished data are provided by the the population and
(d) Jointly published by a
population, which is found to Food and Agriculture the under-five child
and b
be “devoid of ground reality and Organisation. mortality rate are now
facts and suffers from serious 73. In which of the following at relatively high levels.
(c) Child mortality data
methodological issues”. years was the GHI first are sourced from the (b) While child stunting
produced? UN Inter-agency Group has seen a significant
71. Which of the following decrease - from 54.2%
(a) 2001 for Child Mortality
is replaced by [1] in the in 1998-1999 to 34.7%
passage? (b) 2006 Estimation (UN IGME).
in 2016-2018 - it is still
(a) 105th (c) 2008 (d) Child wasting are drawn
considered very high.
from the joint database
(b) 110th (d) 2005 (c) At 17.3%, Kenya has the
of UNICEF, the World
(c) 101st 74. Which of the following Health Organization highest child wasting
(d) 106th is not true about data (WHO) and the World rate of all countries
collection sources of GHI? Bank. covered in the GHI.
72. Global Hunger Index is (d) Pakistan was placed at
(a) Child Stunting 75. Which of the following
published by which of the 100th rank.
data is provided is true according to GHI
following?
by corresponding 2021?
(a) Concern Worldwide country’s Public Health
71. (c) 101st as well as by region and by the joint database of UNICEF, - from 54.2% in 1998-1999
India’s Global Hunger Index country. It was first produced the World Health Organization to 34.7% in 2016-2018 - it is
2021 ranking is 101. in 2006. (WHO) and the World Bank, still considered very high. At
72. (d) Jointly published by a and b 74. (a) Child Stunting data is among others. 17.3%, India has the highest
Global Hunger Index provided by corresponding 75. (b) While child stunting has child wasting rate of all
is an annual Report country’s Public Health seen a significant decrease - countries covered in the GHI.
jointly published by Departments. from 54.2% in 1998-1999 to This rate is slightly higher
Concern Worldwide and Undernourishment data are 34.7% in 2016-2018 - it is still than it was in 1998-1999, when
Welthungerhilfe. It is provided by the Food and considered very high. it was 17.1%. According to
published every October. The Agriculture Organisation The proportion of the Index, only 15 countries
2021 edition marks the 16th and child mortality data are undernourished in the fare worse than India. India
edition of the GHI. sourced from the UN Inter- population and the under- was also behind most of the
73. (b) 2006 agency Group for Child five child mortality rate are neighbouring countries.
The Global Hunger Index Mortality Estimation (UN now at relatively low levels. Pakistan was placed at 92,
(GHI) is a tool that measures IGME). Child wasting and While child stunting has Nepal and Bangladesh at 76
and tracks hunger globally stunting data are drawn from seen a significant decrease and Sri Lanka at 65.
T he ‘natural experiments’
approach to economics
that won three researchers the
2021 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in
Economic Sciences has helped to
make the field more robust, say
economists.
Joshua Angrist at the
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) in Cambridge,
Guido Imbens at Stanford
University in California and
David Card at the University of
California, Berkeley, received the
award for work that shows how
causation can be inferred from
observational data in real-world
natural experiments. Their work
has been used to examine, for following? Nobel Prize 2021 in which not true about Nobel Prize?
example, how different minimum of the following fields?
(a) Paul R Milgrom and (a) Nobel Prize is not
wages affect jobs and businesses;
and the economic impacts of Robert B Wilson (a) Physics awarded for the field of
immigration. (b) Susan Athey and (b) Chemistry Mathematics.
“Causality is the holy grail in Michael Kremer (c) Medicine (b) Rudyard Kipling is the
economics,” says Diane Coyle, (c) Peter Howells and youngest person to have
(d) Peace
an economist at the University of Andrea M. Ghez received a Nobel Prize
Cambridge and author of a new 79. Ressa and Mr. Muratov in Literature the age of
(d) Jennifer Doudna and
book, Cogs and monsters: what received the Nobel Prize for 41.
Abhijit Banerjee
economics is, and what it should Peace for their courageous (c) Boris Pasternak, the
be. The decision will be widely 77. Who among the following fight for freedom of 1958 Nobel Laureate in
welcomed among economists, won the Nobel Prize in expression in their Economics, was coerced
she adds. “These are people who Literature 2021? respective countries, which by the authorities of the
have driven forward the ‘applied (a) Peter Handke are: Soviet Union, his native
turn’ in economics through their (a) Syria, North Korea country, to decline the
work on methods for detecting (b) Abdulrazak Gurnah
Nobel Prize.
causal relationships.” (c) Salman Khurshid (b) Libya, Myanmar
(d) Jean-Paul Sartre,
(d) Naguib Mahfouz (c) Afghanistan, Kosovo
76. The 2020 Nobel Prize in awarded the 1964 Nobel
(d) Philippines, Russia Prize in Literature, is
Economic Sciences was 78. Benjamin List and David
awarded to who among the W.C. MacMillan won the 80. Which of the following is one of the two people
who declined the prize.
76. (a) Paul R Milgrom and of the effects of colonialism 79. (d) Philippines, Russia 80. (c) Boris Pasternak, the 1958
Robert B Wilson and the fate of the refugee in The Norwegian Nobel Nobel Laureate in Economics,
The 2020 Nobel Prize in the gulf between cultures and Committee has decided to was coerced by the authorities
Economic Sciences was continents. award the Nobel Peace Prize of the Soviet Union, his native
awarded to Paul R Milgrom 78. (b) Chemistry for 2021 to Maria Ressa and country, to decline the Nobel
and Robert B Wilson “for Benjamin List and David W.C. Dmitry Muratov for their Prize.
improvements to auction MacMillan won the Nobel efforts to safeguard freedom Boris Pasternak, the 1958
theory and inventions of new Prize 2021 in Chemistry of expression, which is a Nobel Laureate in Literature,
auction formats”. for Finding an easier and precondition for democracy initially accepted the Nobel
77. (b) Abdulrazak Gurnah environmentally cleaner way and lasting peace. Ms Prize but was later coerced by
Abdulrazak GUrnah won to build molecules that can Ressa and Mr Muratov are the authorities of the Soviet
the Nobel Prize 2021 For be used to make compounds, receiving the Peace Prize for Union, his native country, to
his uncompromising and including medicines and their courageous fight for decline the Nobel Prize.
compassionate penetration pesticides (organocatalysis). freedom of expression in the
Philippines and Russia.
gynaecology or
obstetrics.
84. Which one of the following

is a limitation to the MTP
Rules, 2021?
(a) Although the new rules
have increased access to
abortions to some extent,
they fail to correct a
fundamental flaw in the
MTP Act that a woman
does not have the basic
right to terminate a
pregnancy if and when she
decides.
(b) The formation of a state
medical board raises
additional concerns around
Passage (Q.81-Q.85): from such physical or mental (a) 1982
their access, particularly to
T he government has notified abnormalities to be seriously (b) 1999 women from rural areas
new rules under which the handicapped and women with
(c) 1971 (c) The society is still unable
upper limit for termination of a pregnancy in humanitarian
settings or disaster or emergency (d) 1963 to ensure reproductive
pregnancy has been increased
from [1] for certain categories situations as may be declared autonomy to the women,
83. Which of the following is many of whom not only
of women. According to by the government. The new
rules are under the Medical not correct with regards to lack the freedom to plan
the Medical Termination of the new rules?
Pregnancy (Amendment) Rules, Termination of Pregnancy pregnancies but also face
2021, these categories include (Amendment) Act, 2021 passed (a) Unmarried women are multiple barriers when they
survivors of sexual assault or rape by the Parliament in March. also covered. seek abortions.
or incest, minors and women (b) Opinion of one (d) All of the above.
whose marital status changes registered medical
replaces [1] in the passage? 85. Which of the following
during an ongoing pregnancy practitioner till 24
(widowhood and divorce) and (a) 16 to 20 weeks weeks is sufficient. sustainable development
women with physical disabilities. (b) 20 to 24 weeks goal pertains to reducing
(c) Penal Provision is added
maternal mortality ratio?
The new rules also cover (c) 24 to 28 weeks to the Act.
mentally ill women, cases of (a) SDG 3.1
(d) 26 to 30 weeks (d) The Act requires
foetal malformation that has abortion to be (b) SDG3.7
a substantial risk of being 82. In which of the following performed only (c) SDG 3.9
incompatible with life or if years was the MTP Act by doctors with
the child is born it may suffer (d) SDG 5.6
passed? specialisation in
81. (b) 20 to 24 weeks 83. (b) Opinion of one registered the MTP Act that a woman seek abortions.
The government has notified medical practitioner till 24 does not have the basic right to 85. (a) SDG 3.1
new rules under which the weeks is sufficient terminate a pregnancy if and The new rules will contribute
upper limit for termination of Opinion of only one registered when she decides. towards ending preventable
Increased Gestational Limit: medical practitioner is The formation of a state maternal mortality to
The gestational limit for required till 20 weeks. For the medical board raises additional help meet the Sustainable
termination of a pregnancy has period between 20-24 weeks, concerns around their access, Development Goals (SDGs)
been increased from 20 to 24 opinion of two registered particularly to women from 3.1, 3.7 and 5.6. SDG 3.1
weeks for certain categories of medical practitioners is rural areas pertains to reducing maternal
women. required. The society is still unable to mortality ratio whereas
82. (c) 1971 84. (d) All of the above ensure reproductive autonomy SDGs 3.7 and 5.6 pertain to
The 2021 Act was passed Although the new rules have to the women, many of whom universal access to sexual and
to amend the Medical increased access to abortions not only lack the freedom to reproductive health and rights.
Termination of Pregnancy to some extent, they fail to plan pregnancies but also face
(MTP) Act, 1971. correct a fundamental flaw in multiple barriers when they
Passage (Q.86-Q.90): (a) Article 14(2) 89. Which of the following is must not be more than
F or the second consecutive (b) Article 15(6) not one of the eligibility 10 lakhs rupees.
year, cut-off mark for the criterion for EWS Quota?
(c) Article 15(5) 90. In July 2021, which of the
Economically Weaker Sections (a) Family income must
(d) Article 19(1)(f) following states became
(EWS) of forward communities be less than 8 lakhs per
is lower than that for OBCs in the the first state in the
88. Mandal Commission annum.
UPSC Civil Service Examination. country to provide one
report was accepted by the (b) Family must not own percent reservation for the
This year 86 candidates have government led by which more than 5 acre of
been selected under the EWS transgender community in
of the following? agricultural land. all government services?
quota, for which the final cut-off
mark is 894 while the qualifying (a) Morarji Desai (c) The residential flat area (a) Maharashtra
mark for OBC candidates is 907, (b) VP Singh must be below 1000 sq.
(b) Tamil Nadu
revealed the report released by ft.
(c) Narsimha Rao (c) Odissa
the UPSC on Monday. (d) Total worth of asset
(d) Chandra Shekar (d) Karnataka
The cut-off mark for the EWS owned by the family
quota is lower than that for OBCs
in all three stages — preliminary,
mains, and final — of the exam.
As many as 761 candidates have
been shortlisted for the group
one exams, conducted for filling
836 vacancies in IAS, IPS, IFS
and several other posts. Last
year, 78 candidates were selected
under the 10 per cent quota
earmarked for communities
other than OBC/SC/ST.
86. EWS Quota was added

via which of the
following constitutional
amendments?
(a) 100th
(b) 102nd
(c) 103rd
(d) 105th
Articles were added to the
constitution to introduce
EWS Quota?
86. (c) 103rd 88. (b) VP Singh by the family must not be more community in all government
The 10% EWS quota was After being neglected for than 10 lakhs rupees. services. The government
introduced under the 103rd 10 years, the Report was Candidate’s annual family submitted a report to the High
Constitution (Amendment) accepted by the National income must be less than Rs. 8 Court in this regard, informing
Act, 2019 by amending Front government led by V.P. lakhs per annum. Their family that a notification had already
Articles 15 and 16. Singh. On 7 August 1990, the must not own more than 5 been issued after amending the
87. (b) Article 15(6) National Front government acres of agriculture land. The Karnataka Civil Service. The
The 10% EWS quota was declared that it would provide residential flat area should be job could be given to males
introduced under the 103rd 27 per cent reservations to below 1000 sq. ft. or females, from the same
Constitution (Amendment) “socially and educationally 90. (d) Karnataka category, in case of the non-
Act, 2019 by amending backward classes” for jobs in On 21 July 2021, Karnataka availability of transgender
Articles 15 and 16. It inserted central services and public became the first state in the candidates.
Article 15 (6) and Article 16 undertaking. country to provide one percent
(6). 89. (d) Total worth of asset owned reservation for the transgender
Passage (Q.91-Q.95): final stages and letter to intent bidders. that the government
A ir India reported Rs 7,017 has been already issued to the should not be in the
[1]. 94. Which of the following is business to engage
crore loss during the
not one of the reasons for itself in manufacturing/
financial year 2020-21 amid
91. Which of the following disinvestment in Air India? producing goods and
travel restrictions and flight
is replaced by [1] in the (a) With AI passing into services in sectors where
bans due to the Covid-19
passage? the private sector, its competitive markets
pandemic. The loss after tax
stood at Rs 7,017 crore in the (a) Interglobe Aviation operations and costs have come of age.
year through 31 March 2021, (b) Tata Group will get streamlined,
down from a Rs 7,766 core services on board will 95. Which of the following
(c) Adani Group is the nodal department
loss recorded in the previous improve and basic
year, an Air India filing said on (d) Reliance Pvt. Ltd. services like Wi-Fi will for the strategic stake
Thursday. also be made available. sale in the Public Sector
92. In which of the following Undertakings (PSUs)?
Air India’s revenue from years ‘Tata Airlines’ became (b) A strong international
operations dropped at Rs a public company? carrier in India will (a) Department of
10,343 core in FY21 from Rs give a boost to the large Investment and Public
(a) 1946 Asset Management
27,711 crore year ago. The airports built in Delhi,
Board of Directors of the (b) 1956 Hyderabad, Mumbai (b) Comptroller and
company at its meeting held (c) 1966 and Bengaluru which Auditor General of
on October 14, 2021 has inter (d) 1976 along with AI will be India
alia approved the Audited able to win back some (c) Public Accounts
Standalone Financial Results 93. Which of the following of the tourist dollars Committee
of the Company for the year statements is not true about from Indians travelling
ended March 31, 2021. Air India? (d) Department of Revenue
abroad who are
Air India’s disinvestment (a) JRD Tata himself flew currently travelling on
exercise is likely to complete its inaugural flight from foreign carriers.
within the next 10 weeks Karachi to Bombay. (c) A successful turnaround
and only necessary revenue (b) Government of India of Air India could
and capital expenses should also help the Indian
nationalized Air India
be carried out till then, Civil
in 1953. economy as it is a well-
Aviation Secretary Rajiv Bansal
(c) Air India merged with established fact that
said on Thursday. Bansal,
Deccan Airlines in 2009. aviation has a multiplier
who also holds the charge
effect on the economy.
of Chairman and Managing (d) In May 2018, Indian
Director of Air India, in Government attempted (d) Strategic disinvestment
an order said the airline’s to sell 76% stake in Air in India has been
disinvestment process is in its India which attracted no guided by the basic
economic principle
91. (b) company and was renamed as its operations and costs will has a multiplier effect on the
Recently, the government Air India. get streamlined, services on economy.
approved the highest price 93. (c) Air India merged with board will improve and basic • There is a pressure on
bid of Talace Pvt Ltd, a wholly Deccan Airlines in 2009. services like wi-fi will also be the government to raise
owned subsidiary of Tata Sons In 2007, Air India merged with made available. resources to support the
Pvt. Ltd for sale (Disinvesting) Indian Airlines which was a • A strong international carrier economic recovery and meet
of 100% equity shareholding domestic carrier. in India will give a boost to the expectations of higher outlays
of Government of India in Air 94. (d) Strategic disinvestment in large airports built in Delhi, for healthcare.
India (AI). The Tatas will own India has been guided by the Hyderabad, Mumbai and 95. (a) Department of Investment
100% stake in AI, as also 100% basic economic principle that Bengaluru which along with and Public Asset Management
in its international low-cost the government should not be AI will be able to win back The Department of Investment
arm Air India Express and 50% in the business to engage itself some of the tourist dollars and Public Asset Management
in the ground handling joint in manufacturing/producing from Indians travelling abroad (DIPAM) under the Ministry
venture, AI SATS. goods and services in sectors who are currently travelling on of Finance is the nodal
92. (a) 1946 where competitive markets foreign carriers. department for the strategic
The airline was founded by J. have come of age. • A successful turnaround of stake sale in the Public Sector
R. D. Tata as Tata Airlines in is the correct answer. Air India could also help the Undertakings (PSUs).
1932. In 946, after World War • It is hoped that with AI Indian economy as it is a well-
II, it became a public limited passing into the private sector, established fact that aviation
Passage (Q.96-Q.100): aquifers, reuse treated
T he Cabinet chaired by wastewater, thereby

Prime Minister Narendra promoting a circular
Modi on Tuesday approved the economy of water.
second editions of two flagship (d) All of the above
programmes – Swachh Bharat
Mission (Urban) and AMRUT 99. Which of the following is
2.0. The Prime Minister had not true about circular
inaugurated the two schemes economy?
beginning of this month through (a) It is an economy where
a ceremony in New Delhi. products are designed
The Cabinet approved the for durability, reuse and
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) recyclability.
till 2025-26, with focus on (b) It includes 3 R’s
sustainability of Open Defecation (Reduce, Reuse
Free outcomes, achieving and Recycle),
scientific processing of solid Refurbishment,
waste in all cities, and managing Recover, and Repairing
waste water in cities with less of materials.
than 1 lakh population in Census (a) Atal Mission for (d) 2018
2011. Rejuvenation and Urban (c) The output produced by
Transformation 98. Which of the following is industries in a circular
On Atal mission, a government one of the objectives of
(b) Atal Mission for economy comes back
statement said, “The Cabinet AMRUT Mission?
Rejuvenation and Urban to the industries in the
understands that providing (a) It will provide 100%
Transportation form of input.
reliable and affordable water
coverage of sewerage (d) The term ‘circular
supply and sanitation services to (c) Atal Mission for
and septage in 500 economy’ was coined by
urban households is a national Recreation and Urban
AMRUT cities. Jim O’ Neill.
priority. This will be achieved Transformation
by providing functional tap (b) Recycling and reuse of
(d) Atal Mission for 100. AMRUT 2.0 aims to
connections to all households, treated wastewater is
Recreation and Urban provide coverage of water
undertaking water source expected to cater to 20%
Transportation supply to all households in
conservation/ augmentation, of total water needs of
rejuvenation of water bodies 97. The AMRUT Mission was the cities and 40% of around in how many Urban
and wells, recycle/re-use of initially launched in which industrial demand. Local Bodies?
treated used water and rainwater of the following years? (c) It will build upon the (a) 5100
harvesting.” (a) 2014 progress of AMRUT to (b) 4800
address water needs, (c) 4700
96. Which of the following is (b) 2015
rejuvenate water
the full form of AMRUT? (c) 2016 (d) 4500
bodies, better manage
96. (a) Atal Mission for assured supply of water and a needs of the cities and 40% of economy) and its impact
Rejuvenation and Urban sewerage connection. industrial demand. Under the on job creation, economic
Transformation 98. (d) All of the above Mission, fresh water bodies competitiveness, resource
Full Form of AMRUT is Atal Objectives: will be protected from getting savings and waste prevention.
Mission for Rejuvenation and • It will build upon the progress polluted to make natural 100.(c) 4700
Urban Transformation of AMRUT to address water resources sustainable. It is the continuation of the
97. (b) 2015 needs, rejuvenate water bodies, 99. (d) The term ‘circular AMRUT mission launched
Recently, the Prime Minister better manage aquifers, reuse economy’ was coined by Jim O’ in June 2015 to ensure that
launched the second phase of treated wastewater, thereby Neill. every household has access
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation promoting a circular economy In their 1976 research report to a tap with the assured
and Urban Transformation of water. to the European Commission, supply of water and a sewerage
(AMRUT 2.0). It is the • It will provide 100% coverage “The Potential for Substituting connection. AMRUT 2.0 aims
continuation of the AMRUT of sewerage and septage in 500 Manpower for Energy”, Walter to provide 100% coverage of
mission launched in June 2015 AMRUT cities. Stahel and Genevieve Reday water supply to all households
to ensure that every household • Recycling and reuse of treated sketched the vision of an in around 4,700 ULBs (Urban
has access to a tap with the wastewater is expected to economy in loops (or circular Local Bodies).
cater to 20% of total water
issue?
(a) India recognised Israel
in 1950.
(b) India was one of the
few countries to oppose
the UN’s partition
plan in November
1947, echoing its own
experience during
independence a few
months earlier.
(c) India never recognised
the statehood of
Palestine.
(d) In the 2014, India
favored UNHRC’s
Passage (Q.101-Q.105): policy. As in the Indo-Pacific, (b) Saudi Arabia resolution to probe
T he first-ever meeting so in the Middle East, regional (c) Egypt Israel’s human rights
between the foreign coalitions are bound to widen violations in Gaza.
(d) Turkey
ministers of India, Israel, [1], Delhi’s reach and deepen its
impact. 104. Which of the following was
and the United States marks 102. The new group is a result of
an important turning point in The idea of an Indo- [2] the first Arab Countries
which of the following?
Delhi’s engagement with the between India, [1] and to sign a peace deal with
(a) Increasing Nuclear Israel?
Middle East. This four-way Israel was first suggested by threat from Iran.
conversation is one element Mohammed Soliman, an (a) Jordan
of external affairs minister Egyptian scholar based in (b) Turkey asserting claims
(b) UAE
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s Washington. I discussed the for the leadership of the
Islamic world. (c) Egypt
ongoing visit to Israel this week. pursuit of Soliman’s idea in this
India’s establishment of full column a couple of months (c) Threat of China being (d) Morocco
diplomatic relations with Israel ago. Our focus, then, was on pushing for best and
nearly three decades ago broke India taking full advantage of road initiative in the
the ideological shackles that the normalization of relations middle east aggressively.
passage?
severely limited Delhi’s post- between Israel and the Arabs (d) Threat of destabilization
independence foreign policy in under the so-called [2] (a) Middle-eastern Accords
of middle east due
the vital but politically charged unveiled in Washington during to Saudi Arabia’s (b) Abraham Accords
Middle East. September 2020. increasing role as leader (c) Arab Peace Accords
The new minilateral suggests of Islamic Countries. (d) Israel Peace Accords
India is now ready to move
replace [1] in the above 103. Which of the following
from bilateral relations
passage? is incorrect about India’s
conducted in separate silos
towards an integrated regional (a) United Arab Emirates stand on Israel-Palestine
101. (a) United Arab declaration on 18 November parts of the West Bank.
Emirates The new Quad can be termed 1988; although relations 105. (b) Abraham Accords
Recently, the Foreign Ministers as a result of converging between India and PLO were The Abraham Accords are a
of India, the US, Israel and interests between India, first established in 1974. joint statement between State
the UAE concluded a virtual the UAE, and Israel amidst 104. (c) Egypt of Israel, the United Arab
meeting. The meeting is Turkish president Recep The UAE became the third Emirates, and the United States
a strong manifestation of Tayyip Erdogan’s assertive Arab country, after Egypt in of America, reached on August
the changes in West Asian claims for the leadership of the 1979 and Jordan in 1994, to 13, 2020.The statement marked
geopolitics and formation of Islamic world. agree to formally normalize the first public normalization
another Quad like grouping in 103. (c) India never recognised the its relationship with Israel, of relations between an Arab
the Middle East. statehood of Palestine. as well as the first Persian country and Israel since that of
102. (b) Turkey asserting claims Gulf country to do so. Jordan in 1994.
for the leadership of the Islamic India recognized Palestine’s Concurrently, Israel agreed to
world. statehood following suspend plans for annexing
(b) OECD
(c) UN
(d) UNEP

replace [2] in above passge
(a) Hardeep Singh Puri
(b) Prahlad Joshi
(c) Dharmendra Pradhan
(d) Bhupendra Yadav

not one of the eligibility
criteria for a candidate
country to IEA?
(a) A demand restraint
programme to
reduce national oil
consumption by up to
10%.
(b) Legislation and
organisation to operate
the Coordinated
Passage (Q.106-Q.110): with IEA by becoming a (d) 5th Emergency Response
Measures (CERM) on a
I nternational Energy Agency full Member,” [2] tweeted
without saying if the full-time 107. India became the associate national basis.
(IEA) has invited India,
membership proposal was member of the IEA in (c) Measures in place to
the world’s [1] largest energy
acceptable to the government which of the following ensure the capability of
consumer, to become its full-
time member - a proposal if or not. years? contributing its share of
accepted will require New Delhi On its website, IEA states that (a) 2017 an IEA collective action.
to raise strategic oil reserves to “India is becoming increasingly (b) 2016 (d) Crude oil and/or
90 days requirement. influential in global energy (c) 2015 product reserves
Oil Minister [2] on Monday trends.” (Strategic Oil Reserves)
(d) 2013
said he held online discussions equivalent to 120 days
106. Which of the following will of the previous year’s
with IEA Executive Director 108. A candidate country to the
replace [1] in the above net imports, to which
Fatih Birol. IEA must be a member
passage? the government has
“As a natural corollary to country of which of the
the India-IEA strategic (a) 2nd following organisation? immediate access.
partnership, Dr. Birol invited (b) 3rd (a) G20
India to deepen its cooperation (c) 4th
106. (b) 3rd 108. (b) OECD refining, distribution, reserves (Strategic Oil
Recently, the International A candidate country to marketing, import, export, and Reserves) equivalent to 90
Energy Agency (IEA) has the IEA must be a member conservation of petroleum, days of the previous year’s
invited India, the world’s country of the Organisation natural gas, petroleum net imports, to which the
third-largest energy consumer, for Economic Co-operation products, and liquefied natural government has immediate
to become its full-time and Development (OECD). gas in India. access (even if it does not own
member. 109.(a) Hardeep Singh Puri 110. (d) Crude oil and/or product them directly) and could be
107. (a) 2017 Officeholder: Hardeep reserves (Strategic Oil Reserves) used to address disruptions to
India became an Associate Singh Puri, The Ministry of equivalent to 120 days of the global oil supply.
member of IEA in March 2017 Petroleum and Natural Gas is previous year’s net imports, India’s current strategic oil
but it was in engagement with a ministry of the Government to which the government has reserves equal 9.5 days of its
IEA long before its association of India. It is responsible for immediate access. requirement.
with the organization. the exploration, production, Crude oil and/or product
T he UK will host the COP

26 UN Climate Change
Conference from October 31
to November 12. The event will
see leaders from more than
190 countries, thousands of
negotiators, researchers and
citizens coming together to
strengthen a global response to
the threat of climate change. It is
a pivotal movement for the world
to come together and accelerate
the climate action plan.
This year marks the 26th
passage? countries had submitted (c) The UNFCCC is also
Conference of Parties (thus the
(a) 1994 pledges to cut their the parent treaty of the
name COP26) and will be held
carbon emissions. 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
in the Scottish Event Campus in (b) 1991
Glasgow. (d) It aims to reduce global (d) All of the above
(c) 1989
The conference comes months GHG emissions in an
(d) 1985 effort to limit the global 114. India has set an target
after the Intergovernmental to achieve its Nationally
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) temperature increase
112. Which of the following is Determined Contributions
published its assessment report in this century to well
not true regarding Paris which year?
on Earth’s climate, highlighting below 2°C above pre-
Agreement?
heat waves, droughts, extreme industrial levels. (a) 2030
(a) Paris Agreement
rainfall and sea-level rise in the (b) 2035
is a landmark 113. Which of the following is
coming decades. environmental accord (c) 2040
TRUE regarding United
The Conference of Parties that was adopted in Nations Framework (d) 2050
comes under the United Nations 2017 to address climate Convention on Climate
Climate Change Framework change and its negative Change? 115. The Intergovernmental
Convention (UNFCCC) which impacts. Panel on Climate Change
was formed in [1]. The UNFCCC (a) The UNFCCC was set up in which of the
(b) It replaced the Kyoto secretariat is located in
was established to work towards following years?
“stabilisation of greenhouse Protocol which was Bonn, Germany.
an earlier agreement (a) 1988
gas concentrations in the (b) The Convention
to deal with climate has near universal (b) 1990
atmosphere.”
change. membership of 197 (c) 1992
111. Which of the following will (c) Before the conference members (d) 1994
replace [1] in the above started, more than 180
111. (a) 1994 adopted in 2015 to address also the parent treaty of the of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of
The UNFCCC, signed in climate change and its negative 1997 Kyoto Protocol. carbon dioxide equivalent
1992 at the United Nations impacts. Secretariat: through additional forest and
Conference on Environment 113. (d) All of the above The UNFCCC secretariat is tree cover by the year 2030.
and Development also known UNFCCC stands for located in Bonn, Germany. 115. (a) 1988
as the Earth Summit, the Rio United Nations Framework 114. (a) 2030 It was set up in 1988 by
Summit or the Rio Conference Convention on Climate India’s INDC, to be achieved the World Meteorological
The UNFCCC entere into force Change. primarily, by 2030 Organization (WMO) and
on March 21, 1994, and has The UNFCCC secretariat (UN To reduce the emissions United Nations Environment
been ratified by 197 countries. Climate Change) is the United intensity of the GDP by about Programme (UNEP) to provide
112. (a) Paris Agreement is a Nations entity tasked with a third. policymakers with regular
landmark environmental supporting the global response A total of 40% of the installed assessments of the scientific
accord that was adopted in 2017 to the threat of climate change. capacity for electricity will be basis of climate change, its
to address climate change and The Convention has near from non-fossil fuel sources. impacts and future risks, and
its negative impacts. universal membership (197 India also promised an options for adaptation and
Parties) and is the parent additional carbon sink (a mitigation.
Paris Agreement is a landmark treaty of the 2015 Paris means to absorb carbon
environmental accord that was Agreement. The UNFCCC is dioxide from the atmosphere)
A first-of-its-kind initiative by
the government will now
allow senior citizens seeking job
opportunities to register on a
dedicated employment exchange
from this October.
The [1] Senior Able Citizen for
Re-Employment in Dignity
(SACRED) will enable senior
citizens above the age of [2] to
search for a job, but only through
the virtual platform.
Ministry’s Secretary R
Subramanyam said the platform
might bring together various
stakeholders for giving work
opportunities to the elderly.
The ministry has written to
various industry associations
such as the Confederation of
Indian Industries (CII), the
Federation of Indian Chambers Affairs the senior citizens replace [2] in the above
of Commerce & Industry gaining skills, and other passage?
117. International Day for agencies or individuals.
(FICCI), and the Association (a) 55
Older People is observed
Chambers of Commerce and (b) An amount of Rs. 10 Cr (b) 60
on which of the following
Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) would be provided for
days? (c) 62
to increase employment funding for the platform
opportunities for elders. (a) 12th October development along with (d) 65
(b) 8th October maintenance grant of @
116. Which of the following will 120. The UN declared which
(c) 5th October Rs. 2 Cr per year for 5 of the following decades
replace [1] in the above years.
passage? (d) 1st October as the decade of healthy
(c) The portal is shaped on ageing?
(a) Ministry of 118. Which of the following is the recommendations of
Social Justice and (a) 2001- 2010
TRUE about the scheme? the Empowered Expert
Empowerment Committee (EEC) (b) 2011-2030
(a) The Employment Portal
(b) Ministry of Women and will serve not only the report on startups for (c) 2021-2030
Child Development senior citizens seeking the elderly. (d) 2031-2040
(c) Ministry of Home employment, but also (d) All of the above
Affairs the employers, the Self
(d) Ministry of Minority Help Groups (SHGs), 119. Which of the following will
116. (a) Ministry of Social Justice 117.(d) 1st October the senior citizens gaining Citizens above 60 years of
and Empowerment The International Day of Older skills, and other agencies or age can register on the portal
In a first of its kind move, Persons is observed on 1st individuals. and find jobs and work
the government has come up October each year. An amount of Rs. 10 Cr would opportunities.
with an online employment 118. (d) All of the above be provided for funding for the 120. (c) 2021-2030
exchange platform to cater Citizens above 60 years of platform development along International Day of Older
to senior citizens seeking job age can register on the portal with maintenance grant of @ Persons (1st October):
opportunities. and find jobs and work Rs. 2 Cr per year for 5 years. Theme 2021: Digital Equity for
The portal developed by the opportunities. The portal is shaped on the All Ages
Ministry of Social Justice The Employment Portal will recommendations of the The United Nations General
and Empowerment is named serve not only the senior Empowered Expert Committee Assembly has declared 2021-
Senior Able Citizens for citizens seeking employment, (EEC) report on startups for 2030 the Decade of Healthy
Re-Employment in Dignity but also the employers, the the elderly. Aging.
(SACRED). Self Help Groups (SHGs), 119. (b) 60
(b) The application aims

to improve awareness
among stakeholders and
for greater transparency
and accountability of
schemes under the Jal
Jeevan mission.
(c) The Jal Shakti ministry
has been maintaining
a JJM dashboard to
show the coverage of
tap water connections
across states.
(d) All of the above

States is not one among
the States which have
achieved 100% household
Passage (Q.121-Q.125): sanitation committees under the launched in which of the
connection in rural areas?
P rime Minister Narendra JJM). following years?

(a) Goa
Modi launched a newly Modi virtually addressed (a) 2020
designed Jal Jeevan Mission about 330,000 members of (b) Telangana
(b) 2019
(JJM) mobile application on paani samitis as part of the (c) Puducherry
October 2, 2021, Gandhi Jayanti. 152nd birthday celebrations (c) 2017
(d) Gujarat
The app would enable anyone of Mahatma Gandhi. He (d) 2016
to fund provision of tap water in highlighted the importance of 125. The mission comes under
rural parts of India. the JJM. 123. Which of the following
aegis of which of the
is the Functions of the
The prime minister also released following ministries?
121. Which of the following will launched app?
the progress report of the JJM (a) Ministry of
replace [1] in the above (a) The mobile application
and a manual for the utilisation Housing and Urban
passage? will provide details of
of the 15th Finance Commission Development
grant for rural local bodies. (a) Jaljeevika water infrastructure,
an Aadhaar-verified (b) Ministry of Social
He released a framework for (b) Jaldarshika
data set of beneficiaries, Justice
water quality monitoring and (c) Margdarshika
and water quality and (c) Ministry of Jal Shakti
surveillance as well as a [1] for (d) Margjeevika
Gram Panchayats and paani contamination-related (d) Ministry of Rural
samitis (village water and information for each Development
122. The Jal Jeevan Mission was
village.
121. (c) Margdarshika will provide details of information system provides rural areas and have become
He released a framework for water infrastructure, an details of water samples ‘Har Ghar Jal’.
water quality monitoring Aadhaar-verified data set of received and tested across 125. (c) Ministry of Jal
and surveillance as well as beneficiaries, and water quality labs and states. The mobile app Shakti
a ‘margdarshika’ (guide) for and contamination-related will bring all this data under Launched in 2019, it envisages
Gram Panchayats and paani information for each village. one umbrella. supply of 55 litres of water per
samitis (village water and The application aims to 124. (d) Gujarat person per day to every rural
sanitation committees under improve awareness among When the mission was household through Functional
the JJM). stakeholders and for launched, only 17% (32.3 Household Tap Connections
122. (b) 2019 greater transparency and million) of the country’s rural (FHTC) by 2024.
The JJM was launched in 2019 accountability of schemes households had a tap water JJM looks to create a jan
by the Union Ministry of Jal under the Jal Jeevan mission. supply. andolan for water, thereby
Shakti to ensure 100 per cent The Jal Shakti ministry Today, 7.80 Crore (41.14%) making it everyone’s priority.
functional tap water supply in has been maintaining a households have tap water It comes under Jal Shakti
rural areas by 2024. JJM dashboard to show supply. Goa, Telangana, Ministry.
123. (d) All of the above the coverage of tap water Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The mobile application connections across states. and Puducherry have achieved
The water quality management 100% household connection in
Passage (Q.126-Q.130): (c) The law does not

Jignesh Mewani, an provide a time-frame of
independent MLA from 6 months within which
Gujarat, has said he has joined the presiding officer has
the Congress “in spirit” as to decide a defection
he could not formally do so, case.
having been elected as an
independent. (d) A MP or MLA is
The Tenth Schedule of the disqualified if he
Constitution, popularly known voluntarily gives up
as the anti-defection law, his membership of a
specifies the circumstances political party under the
under which changing of law.
political parties by legislators
invites action under the law. It 129. In which of the following
includes situations in which an landmark judgement
independent MLA, too, joins a
party after the election. of Supreme Court, the
Constitutional validity of
The law covers three scenarios
with respect to shifting of Anti-defection law was
political parties by an MP or upheld?
an MLA. The first is when a (a) Golakhnath vs. State of
member elected on the ticket Punjab
of a political party “voluntarily 126. The Tenth Schedule to the (d) 96th
gives up” membership of such Constitution was added (b) Indira Sawhney vs.
a party or votes in the House in which of the following 128. Which of the following is Union of India
against the wishes of the party. years? NOT TRUE? (c) MC Mehta vs. Union of
The second is when a legislator (a) 1952 (a) The members India
who has won his or her seat disqualified under
as an independent candidate (b) 1966 (d) Kihota Hollohon vs.
joins a political party after the (c) 1976 the law can stand for Zachilhu
election. elections from any
(d) 1985
In both these instances, the political party for a seat 130. How many members of a
legislator loses the seat in the 127. The definition of in the same House. party have to be in favour
legislature on changing (or Merger under the (b) The decision on of a "merger"
joining) a party. Anti-defection law was questions as to for it to have validity in the
The third scenario relates to changed by which of the disqualification on eyes of the law.
nominated MPs. In their case, following Constitutional ground of defection (a) One-third
the law gives them [1] months Amendment? are referred to the (b) Two-third
to join a political party, after
being nominated. If they join (a) 52nd Chairman or the (c) One Half
a party after such time, they (b) 85th Speaker of such House, (d) None of the above
stand to lose their seat in the (c) 91st which is subject to
House. ‘Judicial review’.
126. (d) 1985 a ‘merger’. 129. (d) Kihota Hollohon vs. decisions of disqualification
The anti-defection law But the 91st Constitutional Zachilhu shall be open to judicial
punishes individual Members Amendment Act, 2003, Kihota Hollohon vs. Zachilhu review.
of Parliament (MPs)/MLAs for changed this and now at least (1992) 130. (b) Two-third
leaving one party for another. two-thirds of the members of a In the judgment, the Supreme As per the 1985 Act, a
Parliament added it to the party have to be in favour of a Court clarified that the 10th 'defection' by one-
Constitution as the Tenth “merger” for it to have validity schedule is constitutionally third of the elected members
Schedule in 1985. Its purpose in the eyes of the law. valid. It neither impinges upon of a political party was
was to bring stability to 128. (c) The law does not provide the freedom of speech and considered a merger.
governments by discouraging a time-frame of 6 months expression nor subverts the But the 91st Constitutional
legislators from changing within which the presiding democratic rights of elected Amendment Act, 2003,
parties. officer has to decide a defection members. It also upheld the changed this and now at least
127. (c) 91st case. sweeping discretion available two-thirds of the members of a
As per the 1985 Act, a The law does not provide a to the Speaker in deciding party have to be in favour of a
‘defection’ by one-third of time-frame within which the cases of disqualification merger for it to have validity in
the elected members of a presiding officer has to decide of MLAs. However, it also the eyes of the law.
political party was considered a defection case. held that Presiding Officer’s
Passage (Q.131-Q.135): Assembly of the United
P rime Minister Narendra Nations in December,

Modi attended [1] National 1993?
Human Rights Commission (a) Paris Principles
(NHRC) Foundation day (b) Washington Principles
programme today through video
conference. Addressing the (c) Moscow Principles
gathering, the Prime Minister (d) London Principles
remarked that India’s freedom
movement and its history has 135. Which of the following is
been a great source of inspiration not true about NHRC’s
for human rights and the values Role and functions?
of human rights for India. “As a (a) It has all the powers
nation, as a society we resisted of a civil court and its
injustice-atrocities, we fought for proceedings have a
our rights for centuries. judicial character.
At a time when the whole world (b) It is empowered to
was engulfed in the violence of utilise the services
World War I, India suggested the of any officer or
path of ‘rights and non-violence’ investigation agency of
to the whole world. Not only the Central government
India but the whole world sees or any state government
our Bapu as a symbol of human Rights Act (PHRA) was Commission. for the purpose of
rights and human values”, said established in which of the (c) Members are appointed investigating complaints
the Prime Minister remembering following years? by the President on the of human rights
Mahatma Gandhi. Even when, (a) 1990 recommendations of a violation.
on many occasions, the world six-member committee
(b) 1994 (c) It has limited role,
was disillusioned and confused, consisting of the Prime
(c) 1997 powers and jurisdiction
India remained steadfast and Minister as its head.
sensitive towards human rights, with respect to the
(d) 1993
he added. (d) The chairman and violation of human
133. Which of the following is members hold office for rights by the members
131. Which of the following will true about the NHRC? a term of five years or of the armed forces.
replaces [1] in the passage? until they attain the age (d) It is also empowered to
(a) It is a multi-member
(a) 16th of 75 years, whichever is act when human rights
body consisting of
earlier. violations through
(b) 20th a chairman and ten
members. private parties take
(c) 28th 134. NHRC is established in
place.
(d) 42nd (b) The incumbent Chief conformity with which of
Justice of India acts as the following Principles
132. Protection of Human the chairman of the endorsed by the General
131. (c) 28th Act, 2019. of a six-member committee Principles, adopted for the
On 12th October, 2021, Prime 133. (c) Members are appointed consisting of the Prime promotion and protection
Minister Narendra Modi by the President on the Minister as its head, the of human rights in Paris
attended [1] National Human recommendations of a six- Speaker of the Lok Sabha, (October, 1991) and endorsed
Rights Commission (NHRC) member committee consisting the Deputy Chairman of the by the General Assembly of the
Foundation day programme of the Prime Minister as its Rajya Sabha, leaders of the United Nations in December,
today through video head. Opposition in both the Houses 1993.
conference. NHRC is a multi-member of Parliament and the Union 135. (d) It is also empowered to act
132. (d) 1993 body consisting of a chairman Home Minister. The chairman when human rights violations
Established on 12th October, and four members. A person and members hold office for through private parties take
1993, under Protection of who has been the Chief Justice a term of three years or until place.
Human Rights Act (PHRA), of India or a judge of the they attain the age of 70 years, NHRC is not empowered to act
1993. It was amended by the Supreme Court is a chairman. whichever is earlier. when human rights violations
Protection of Human Rights The chairman and members 134. (a) Paris Principles through private parties take
(Amendment) Act, 2006 and are appointed by the President NHRC was established in place.
Human Rights (Amendment) on the recommendations conformity with the Paris
U nion Minister of Civil

Aviation, [1], along with
Secretary, Ministry of Civil
Aviation (MoCA), Rajiv Bansal,
Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary,
Ministry of Civil Aviation and
Vineet Sood, CEO, Alliance
Air virtually inaugurated
the greenfield Sindhudurg
airport in Maharashtra & also
flagged off the first flight from
Sindhudurg to Mumbai under
the RCS-UDAN (Regional
Connectivity Scheme - Ude
Desh Ka Aam Naagrik)
scheme of the Government of is replaced by [1] in the under the jurisdiction of (a) Marathwada
India. Chief Minister, Govt. of passage? Directorate General of (b) Konkan
Maharashtra, Uddhav Thakeray (a) Anurag Thakur Civil Aviation, Ministry
(c) Vidarbh
graced the event virtually from of Civil Aviation,
(b) Mansukh Mandaviya (d) Khandesh
Sindhudurg airport as the Government of India.
Guest of Honor. (c) Nitin Gadkari
(c) It was constituted by 140. Which of the following
[1], Union Minister of Civil (d) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia an Act of Parliament is true about the UDAN
Aviation in his address said by merging erstwhile Scheme?
137. On which of the following
“The inauguration of the National Airports (a) UDAN was launched
days is UDAN Day
Sindhudurg airport and start Authority and under the Ministry of
observed?
of flight to Mumbai marks a International Airports Civil Aviation in 2016.
new chapter in the glorious (a) 11th July Authority of India.
history of the [2] region. This (b) 21st October (b) It aims to develop
(d) The UDAN scheme is the regional aviation
development will open new (c) 1st November implemented by the
avenues of growth of local trade market.
(d) 13th December Airports Authority
and tourism. I am sure, with of India (AAI) and is (c) Under International
huge potential of the region, 138. Which of the following operational for a period UDAN, the plan is to
number of daily flights will is not true about Airport of 10 years. connect India’s smaller
increase to 20-25 within next 5 Authority of India? cities directly to some
years.” 139. Which of the following key foreign destinations
(a) It was founded in 1995.
is replaced by [2] in the in the neighbourhood.
136. Which of the following (b) It is a statutory body passage? (d) All of the above.
136. (d) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia implemented by the Airports country. It is a statutory body mtr. (8202 ft.) and is capable
Jyotiraditya M. Scindia is the Authority of India (AAI) and under the jurisdiction of for the operation of narrow
current Civil Aviation Minister is operational for a period of 10 Directorate General of Civil body aircraft like Airbus
of India. years. Aviation, Ministry of Civil A-320 and Boeing B-737. The
137. (b) 21st October Airports Authority of Aviation, Government of airport Terminal Building has
The Government of India has India was constituted by India. The UDAN scheme is the capacity to handle 200
acknowledged the contribution an Act of Parliament and implemented by the Airports departing and 200 arriving
of the scheme and has came into being on 1st Authority of India (AAI) and passengers during peak hours.
identified 21st October as April 1995 by merging is operational for a period of 5 140. (d) All of the above.
UDAN Day, the day on which erstwhile National Airports years. UDAN was launched under
the scheme document was Authority and International 139. (b) Konkan the Ministry of Civil Aviation
first released. Recently, the Airports Authority of India. Sindhudurg is district in in 2016. It aims to develop the
Ministry of Civil Aviation It is entrusted with the Konkan region of Maharashtra. regional aviation market.
has celebrated the UDAN day responsibility of creating, Sindhudurg Airport also Under International UDAN,
on the 4th anniversary of the upgrading, maintaining known as Chipi Airport is the plan is to connect India’s
UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam and managing civil aviation in Sindhudurg District of smaller cities directly to some
Naagrik) Scheme. infrastructure both on the Maharashtra. The airport is key foreign destinations in the
138. (d) The UDAN scheme is ground and air space in the spread over 275 hectares area. neighbourhood.
The runway length is 2500
D ays after China’s air force

sent a record 56 aircraft
towards Taiwan, Taiwanese
Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-
cheng described relations across
the straits as the most strained in
40 years.
“It is the toughest situation
I have seen in more than 40
years of my military life,” the
Defence Minister, also a former
General, was quoted as telling
the legislature, amid stepped up
aerial intrusions from China’s air
force.
The People’s Liberation Army
Air Force sent a record 38
aircraft into the Air Defence
Identification Zone on [1],
China’s National Day. Another
39 aircraft followed on Saturday,
with a record 56 aircraft in two
waves on Monday. (a) 1 October (a) Since 1949, India has the People’s Republic of
The Taiwanese Defence Minister, accepted the “One China (PRC).
(b) 4 October
who was speaking to the China” policy that
(c) 7 October (d) All of the above
legislature as it revised a defence accepts Taiwan and
spending budget, said China (d) 11 October 144. China’s implemented
Tibet as part of China.
had the ability to start a war but National Security Law in
142. China and Taiwan (b) After the surrender of Hong Kong in which of the
would weigh various outcomes,
the costs and consequences, separated in a Civil War Japan during World War following year?
before launching one. He said in which of the following II, the island of Taiwan
(a) 2016 (b) 2017
Taiwan had to be able to defend years? was put under Chinese
control. (c) 2019 (d) 2020
itself rather than rely on others, (a) 1947
referring to U.S. commitments to (c) The members of the 145. Taiwan’s economic rank at
(b) 1949
defend the island. Kuomintang Party what position in Asia?
(c) 1962 (KMT) were driven
141. Which of the following will (a) 4 th (b) 5 th
(d) 1978 out of the mainland by
replace [1] in the above (c) 7 th (d) 9 th
143. Which of the following is the Communists, who
passage? true? would later establish
141. (a) 1 October But Taiwan’s leaders say that the end of the Chinese Civil China’s implementation of
The People’s Liberation Army Taiwan is a sovereign state. War in 1949, and before the a national security law in
Air Force sent a record 38 143. (d) All of the above post-war treaties were to Hong Kong in 2020 was seen
aircraft into the Air Defence Although the two participate be signed, members of the by many as yet another sign
Identification Zone on Friday, separately in international Kuomintang party (KMT) were that Beijing was becoming
October 1, China’s National events, China has repeatedly driven out of the mainland by significantly more assertive in
Day. Another 39 aircraft insisted that Taiwan should the Communists, who would the region.
followed on Saturday, with a be called “Chinese Taipei”, later establish the People’s 145. (b) 5 th
record 56 aircraft in two waves reflecting a deep anxiety Republic of China (PRC). The Taiwan is Asia’s 5th largest
on Monday. to prevent international KMT retreated to Taiwan, economy. It is a global leader
142. (b) 1949 recognition of Taiwan as a becoming a government in in chip manufacture and the
China and Taiwan separated country. exile. For some time, it was second-largest manufacturer of
amid civil war in 1949 and After the surrender of Japan internationally recognized IT hardware, etc.
China considers Taiwan part of during World War II, the as the government of the
its territory to be taken control island of Taiwan was put under Republic of China (RoC).
of by force if necessary. Chinese control. Towards 144. (d) 2020
P opular since the early 20th

century, the rail link between
Nepal and India is ready to
resume on the neighbouring
country’s first-ever broad
gauge passenger service. The
first stretch is ready: a 34-km
line between Bihar’s [1] and
Nepal’s Kurtha, with the Hindu
pilgrimage city of Janakpur
Dham in between.
On October 21, the Nepal
Railway Company is slated
to take over the assets of the
68.73-km Jaynagar-Bardibas
link from Indian engineering
major IRCON, which built the
line. And in another first, the
[1] station will have a parallel
building operated by Nepal
Railway Company.
The Indian Railways has assured
its Nepal counterpart of all
assistance so that operations can
start at the earliest. The Konkan
Railway Corporation Limited has
got the contract for operations
and maintenance of the line, and
and Nepal was popular (a) 2000 (c) Rajgir
will train and develop manpower
passenger service before it (b) 2001 (d) Jamalpur
provided by Nepal, as per the
was stopped in which year?
bilateral understanding. (c) 2004
(a) 2010 150. In which year did the
(d) 2007 British built a narrow gauge
146. Which of the following will (b) 2012
replace [1] in the above line to ferry cargo, mainly
(c) 2014 149. In 2019, India and Nepal
passage? logs, from Nepal to India?
had jointly inaugurated
(d) 2015 (a) 1921
(a) Jayanagar South Asia’s first cross-
(b) Gaya 148. India and Nepal have border petroleum products (b) 1928
signed a Letter of Exchange pipeline. It runs from (c) 1937
(c) Darbhanga
(LoE) to the India-Nepal which place in India?
(d) Hajipur (d) 1942
Rail Services Agreement (a) Madhubani
147. The rail link between India (RSA) in which year? (b) Motihari
146. (a) Jayanagar stopped in 2014 for conversion or third country from Indian pipeline.
A 34-km line between Bihar’s to broad gauge. ports to Nepal. 150. (c) 1937
Jayanagar and Nepal’s Kurtha, 148. (c) 2004 149. (b) Motihari The rail link between Nepal
with the Hindu pilgrimage city India and Nepal have signed In 2019, India and Nepal had and India has been popular
of Janakpur Dham (in Nepal) a Letter of Exchange (LoE) to jointly inaugurated a cross- since the early 20th century.
in between. the India-Nepal Rail Services border petroleum products In 1937, the British had built
Second Stretch: A 17 km of Agreement (RSA) 2004. pipeline. a narrow gauge line to ferry
railway line from Kurtha to It will allow all authorized Pipeline carries petroleum cargo, mainly logs, from Nepal
Bijalpura is also getting the cargo train operators to utilize products from Motihari to India.
finishing touches. the Indian railway network to (Bihar) in India to Amlekhgunj
147. (c) 2014 carry Nepal’s container and in Nepal.
Over time it became a popular other freight - both bilateral This is South Asia’s first cross-
passenger service before it was between Indian and Nepal border petroleum products
ONE LINERS
1) India’s rank has slipped by Arbitration Centre of India The ‘5F’ Formula consists of as well as its medicinal
six places from last year to at Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Farm to fibre; fibre to properties. The soil of
90 on the Henley Passport This Sports Arbitration factory; factory to fashion; Alibaug taluka has low
Index 2021, which lists Centre of India (SACI) will fashion to foreign. sulphur content. The NABL-
the world’s most travel- serve as an independent approved lab test report
5) India officially joined the
friendly passports Japan body to fast track disputes in mentions low pungency,
High Ambition Coalition
and Singapore hold the the sports sector and serve sweet taste, ‘no tear’ factor,
for Nature and People,
as a mechanism to redress low pyruvic acid, high
issues related to sports. protein, fat & fibre, etc.
3) Prime Minister Narendra 8) National Tiger Conservation
Modi inaugurated Authority has approved the
‘Azadi@75 – New Urban Chhattisgarh government’s
India: Transforming Urban proposal to declare the
combined areas of the Guru
first rank on the passport Ghasidas National Park &
index. The index covers 227 Tamor
destinations and 199 a group of more than 70
passports. The index comes countries encouraging the
at a time when countries are adoption of the global goal
easing travel restrictions for to protect at least 30 per
Landscape’ Conference-
international visitors after cent of the world’s land and
cum-Expo in Lucknow
almost two years since the ocean by 2030 (30x30)
at the Indira Gandhi
outbreak of the COVID-19
Pratishthan as a part of 6)
The Uttar Pradesh
pandemic. The rankings are
Azadi@75 celebrations. The government led by
based on the survey of the
theme of the three-day event Chief Minister Yogi Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as
International Air Transport
is “New Urban India”. It will Adityanath has named a Tiger Reserve. It is located
Association (IATA) data.
culminate on October 07, veteran Bollywood actor in the northern part of the
Top 5 countries in the Index 2021. The Conferencecum- Kangana Ranaut as the state, bordering Madhya
• Rank 1: Japan, Singapore Expo is organised by the brand ambassador of the Pradesh & Jharkhand. This
Ministry of Housing & ambitious “One District is the 4th Tiger Reserve
• Rank 2: Germany, South Urban Affairs (MoHUA). One Product (ODOP) in Chhattisgarh (Udanti-
Korea scheme” of the state. CM Sitanadi, Achanakmar,
4) The Centre has approved
• Rank 3: Finland, Italy, the setting up of seven new Yogi also presented Kangana Indravati).
Luxembourg, Spain mega textile parks, or PM with a silver coin which was
9) The World Expo 2020 has
MITRA parks across the used for ‘Ram Janm Bhumi
• Rank 4: Austria, Denmark been organised at Dubai in
country in an effort to help Pujan’.
the United Arab Emirates
• Rank 5: France, Ireland, furthering the growth of the 7) The famed white onion of from 1 October 2021 to
Netherlands, Portugal, Alibag in Maharashtra’s 31 March 2022. The main
Sweden Raigad district was given theme of the Dubai Expo
World’s 5 least powerful 2020 is “Connecting Minds,
passports: Creating the Future”. The
theme of the India pavilion
• Afghanistan
at the Expo is “Openness,
• Iraq textile sector in the economy Opportunity and Growth”.
• Syria and position India strongly
on the Global textiles map.
• Pakistan The Mega Integrated Textile
• Yemen Region and Apparel Parks the Geographical Indication
(PM MITRA) will be based (GI) tag bringing worldwide
2) The Union Minister of Law
on the 5F vision of the recognition to its unique
and Justice, Kiren Rijiju has
Hon’ble Prime Minister. sweet taste, no-tears factor, It will showcase resurgent
inaugurated the first Sports
India’s march to becoming Modi launched the second recovery across sectors. to strengthen “inter-
a USD 5 Trillion economy, phase of the two flagship Moody’s expects real GDP operability, gain from best
the exceptional fightback missions, namely, Swachh growth to average around practices”. The maritime
against COVID-19 and Bharat Mission-Urban 6 per cent over the medium exercise is conducted in
the country’s emergence (SBM-U) and Atal Mission term, reflecting a rebound in Australia and India, with
as a global business for Rejuvenation and Urban activity to levels at potential the recent one being held
hub presenting huge Transformation (AMRUT), as conditions normalise. in the Northern Australia
opportunities for the world. from Dr Ambedkar Exercise Area.
15)
The World Bank has
International Centre in
10) The World Expo 2020 has estimated India’s real Gross 19) The fifth edition of India –
New Delhi. The SBM-U
been organised at Dubai in Domestic Product (GDP) in Japan Maritime Bilateral
2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 have
the United Arab Emirates the current fiscal year 2021- Exercise JIMEX was held in
been designed to realise
from 1 October 2021 to 22 to grow by 8.3% in its the Arabian Sea from 06 to
the aspiration of making
31 March 2022. The main latest economic update for
all cities ‘garbage free’ and
theme of the Dubai Expo South Asia.
‘water secure’. The outlay
of SBM-U 2.0 is around Rs 16) Fitch Ratings has cut India’s
1.41 lakh crore. The outlay economic growth forecast
of AMRUT 2.0 is around Rs to 8.7% for the current fiscal
2.87 lakh crore. but raised GDP
13)
The Reserve Bank of 08 October 2021. The Indian
India (RBI) has granted Navy is represented by
2020 is “Connecting Minds, indigenously built Guided
the National Asset
Creating the Future”. The Missile Stealth Destroyer
Reconstruction Company
theme of the India pavilion Kochi and Guided Missile
at the Expo is “Openness, Frigate Teg, P8I Long Range
Opportunity and Growth”. Maritime Patrol Aircraft,
It will showcase resurgent Dornier Maritime Patrol
India’s march to becoming a Aircraft, integral helicopters
USD 5 Trillion economy, and MiG 29K fighter
growth projection for FY23
the exceptional fightback aircraft.
to 10%, saying the second
against COVID-19 and the
COVID-19 wave delayed 20) The 6th Edition of India–
country’s emergence as a
rather than derail the UK Joint Company
global business hub (NARCL) the licence to
economic recovery. Level Military Training
presenting huge register as an asset
opportunities for the world. reconstruction company 17) The 8th edition of the India EXERCISE AJEYA
(ARC). The Licence is given – Sri Lanka bilateral joint WARRIOR has commenced
11)
Prime Minister of India, at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
under Section 3 of the Exercise “Mitra Shakti-21”
Narendra Modi virtually
Securitisation and is scheduled to take place
launched the Jal Jeevan
Reconstruction of Financial at Combat Training School,
Assets and Enforcement of Ampara in Sri Lanka from
Security Interest October 4 to 15, 2021. The
(SARFAESI) Act 2002. aim of the exercise is to
enhance interoperability
14)
Rating agency Moody’s
and sharing best practices
Investors Service has The exercise is part of
in counter-insurgency
upgraded India’s sovereign an initiative to develop
Mission App and Rashtriya and counterterrorism
rating outlook to ‘stable’ interoperability and
Jal Jeevan Kosh, on October operations between Armies
from ‘negative’, on October sharing expertise with
02, 2021, as a part of the of both countries and
05, 2021, following an friendly foreign nations.
flagship Jal Jeevan Mission further strengthen the
Armies would familiarise
(JJM), launched in 2019. relationship between both
themselves with each other’s
The Jal Jeevan Mission has the South Asian Nations.
weapons, equipment,
been empowering women tactics, techniques, etc.
18)
India and Australia
of the country by saving
have participated in the
their time and efforts which 21)
The US India Business
fourth edition of the
was earlier consumed in Council (USIBC) has
biennial maritime series
covering long distances to improvement in the chosen Shiv Nadar and
‘AUSINDEX’. The exercise
fetch drinking water. financial sector and faster- Mallika Srinivasan as the
will allow the Australian
than-expected economic recipient of its 2021 Global
12)
Prime Minister Narendra Navy and Indian Navy
Leadership Award. Shiv
Nadar is the founder and Scientific and Cultural 31) In India, the ‘Ganga River
chairman emeritus of HCL Organization (UNESCO) Dolphin Day’ is observed
Technologies Limited. launched its 2021 State
Mallika Srinivasan is of the Education Report
the chair and managing (SOER) for India: “No
director, Tractors and Farm Teacher, No Class”.
Equipment Limited (TAFE).
22)
The Nobel Prize in in the gulf between cultures
Physiology or Medicine and continents.” The Nobel every year on October 5, to
2021 was awarded jointly Prize in literature is awarded raise awareness and
by the Swedish Academy, encourage conservation of
Stockholm, Sweden. Ganga River Dolphins. It
was on this day in 2010, that
26)
The Nobel Prize in The Higher proportion of
Ganga Dolphins were
Chemistry 2021 was women teachers:
declared national aquatic
awarded jointly to Chandigarh, Delhi, Kerala,
animals. Then, in 2012, the
Benjamin List and David Punjab, Tamil Nadu. The
World Wide Fund for
to David Julius and Ardem W.C. MacMillan “for the lower proportion of women
Nature (WWF) and the
Patapoutian “for their development of asymmetric teachers: Tripura, Assam,
Uttar Pradesh government
discoveries of receptors for organocatalysis.” This has Rajasthan, Jharkhand,
jointly began the dolphin
temperature and touch.” had a great impact on Bihar. Sports News.
conservation campaign in
pharmaceutical research
23) The Royal Swedish Academy 29) FC Goa beat Mohammedan the country.
and has made chemistry
of Sciences has decided Sporting to win their
greener. The Royal Swedish 32)
World Teachers’ Day, also
to award the Nobel Prize maiden Durand Cup
Academy of Sciences has known as International
in Physics 2021. Syukuro football title, 1-0, in the
decided to award the Nobel Teachers Day, is held
Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann, final, held at Vivekananda
Prize in Chemistry 2021 annually on October 5 since
Giorgio Parisi jointly won Yuba Bharati Krirangan,
1994. The Day aims to focus
the 2021 Nobel Prize in 27)
Union Health Minister Kolkata. The 2021 Durand
on appreciating,
Physics for groundbreaking Mansukh Mandaviya has Cup was the 130th edition
contributions to our released UNICEF’s global
understanding of complex flagship publication “The
physical systems. State of the World’s Children
2021; On My Mind:
24)
The Norwegian Nobel
Committee has decided to
award the 2021 Nobel Peace
Prize to Maria Ressa and of the Durand Cup, the
oldest football tournament
assessing and improving the
in Asia. The tournament
educators of the world and
was held from September 05
to provide an opportunity
to October 03, 2021, in West
to consider issues related
promoting, protecting and Bengal. 2021 Season awards
to teachers and teaching.
caring for children’s mental winners: Golden Glove for
The Theme for 2021
Dmitry Muratov “for their health in New Delhi. The the best goalkeeper: Naveen
International Teachers Day
efforts to safeguard freedom report details the significant Kumar (FC Goa); Golden
is “Teachers at the heart of
of expression, which is a impact of COVID-19 boot for top scorer: Marcus
education recovery”.
precondition for democracy pandemic on children’s Joseph (Mohammedan);
and lasting peace”. mental health. As per the Golden ball for the best 33)
A variety of rice widely
report, around 14 per cent player: Edu Bedia (Goa). grown in Wada in the
25)
The Nobel Prize in of 15 to 24-year-olds in Palghar district has been
Literature 2021 was 30)
The United Nations
India, or 1 in 7 of them, given a ‘Geographical
awarded to Abdulrazak designated the first Monday
reported often feeling
Gurnah born in Zanzibar of October as World Habitat
depressed or having little
and active in England, “for Day. In 2021, World Habitat
interest in doing things.
his uncompromising and Day is being celebrated on
compassionate penetration 28)
On the Occasion of the October 04. The theme for
of the effects of colonialism World Teachers’ Day (5th 2021 World Habitat Day is
and the fate of the refugee October), the United “Accelerating urban action
Nations Educational, for a carbon-free world”. Indication’ tag, which will
give it a unique identity as the 101st position among of the population with connectivity to economic
well as wider markets. Wada 116 countries in the Global insufficient caloric intake), zones in the country.
Kolam, also known as Zini Hunger Index (GHI) 2021.
• Child wasting (share of 38) Telangana has
or Jhini rice, is a traditional In 2020, India was placed
children under age five developed India’s first
variety grown in the Wada at 94th spot, out of 107
who have low weight for smartphonebased eVoting
tehsil of Palghar, with the countries. The 2021 GHI
their height, reflecting acute
grain being off white in score of India is recorded at
undernutrition),
colour. 27.5 out of 50, which comes
• Child stunting (share of
34) Mukesh Ambani-led
children under age five
Reliance Industries
who have low height for
has topped the Indian
their age, reflecting chronic
corporates in the World’s
undernutrition), solution considering the
Best Employers 2021
• Child mortality (mortality Covid-19 pandemic. The
rankings published by
under the serious category. rate of children under age system will undergo a dry
Forbes. Globally, Reliance
Neighbouring countries like five, partly reflecting the run in the form of a dummy
is placed at 52nd position
Nepal (76), Bangladesh fatal mix of inadequate election being conducted in
among 750 global
(76), Myanmar (71) and nutrition and unhealthy Khammam district with the
corporates. South Korean
Pakistan (92) are also in the environments). registration on the
giant Samsung Electronics
‘alarming’ hunger category application open from
has topped the overall
but have fared better at 36)
Prime Minister Narendra October 8-18 and the
ranking as World’s Best
feeding its citizens than Modi launched the Indian dummy voting on October
Employers 2021, followed by
India, according to the Space Association (ISpA) 20.
US giants IBM, Microsoft,
Amazon, Apple, Alphabet report. via videoconferencing. Its 39)
Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh
and Dell Technologies. Top countries in the Index founding members include will become the first city in
A total of 18 countries, Bharti Airtel, Larsen & India to use ropeway services
About the World’s Best
including China, Kuwait Toubro, Nelco (Tata Group), in public transportation.
Employers 2021:
and Brazil, shares the top OneWeb, Mapmyindia, Overall, Varanasi will be the
• The World’s Best rank. The GHI score of these Walchandnagar Industries third city in the world after
Employers 2021 has been 18 nations is less than 5. This and Ananth Technology Bolivia and Mexico City
prepared by Forbes in means that these countries Limited. Other core to use ropeway in public
partnership with market suffer very less from hunger members include Godrej, transportation. The total
research company Statista. and malnutrition. About the cost of the ropeway project
Global Hunger Index: is Rs 424 crore. The total
distance of 4.2 km will be
covered in just 15 minutes.
40)
India announced a
$200-million line of credit
Hughes India, Azista-BST for Kyrgyzstan and signed
Aerospace Private Limited, an agreement to carry
• The ranking is based
The Global Hunger Index BEL, Centum Electronics out small but high impact
upon surveying 1,50,000
(GHI) measures and tracks and Maxar India. First projects for
fulltime and part-time
hunger at global, regional, Chairman: Jayant Patil,
workers from 58 countries
and national levels. The L&T-NxT Senior Executive
working for multinational
index is published jointly Vice President for Defence.
companies and institutions,
by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) 37)
With the vision of
where employees rated their
and Concern Worldwide. holistic and integrated
employers on numerous
Based on current GHI infrastructure development
points.
projections, the index states in the country, Prime
• Parameters used that the world as a whole community development in
Minister Narendra Modi the Central Asian state. The
during the survey for will not achieve a low level inaugurated PM Gati two initiatives were among
the ranking include the of hunger by 2030. Shakti-National Master several measures announced
image, economic footprint,
GHI scores are determined Plan, from Pragati Maidan by external affairs minister S
talent development,
based on values of four in New Delhi. The Rs 100 Jaishankar at the end of a
gender equality and social
indicators: lakh crore PM Gati Shakti- two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan.
responsibility.
National Master Plan aims
• Undernourishment (share 41)
The Government of India
35) India’s rank has dropped to to provide multimodal
has accorded ‘Maharatna’ Richardson, Alaska in USA. chosen for the fourth and 3 high-income
status to the state-owned The Indian contingent will Satyajit Ray Award for his countries. The index
Power Finance Corporation comprise of 350 personnel overall contribution to measures each person’s
Ltd (PFC). The new status of an Infantry Battalion deprivations across 10
will give PFC greater Group. indicators divided into three
equally weighted
44) The Royal Swedish Academy
dimensions.
of Sciences has decided to
award the Sveriges Riksbank 49)
India has retained the
Prize in Economic Sciences third position in the 58th
in Memory of Alfred Renewable Energy Country
Indian cinema. Gopal has Attractiveness Index
operational and financial directed 30 films Telugu (RECAI) released by the
autonomy. PFC was films and two Hindi movies. consultancy firm Ernst &
incorporated in 1986, as an He was selected by a panel Young (EY). According to
Indian financial institution comprising Malayalam the report, the US, mainland
under the ownership of the filmmaker Balu Kiriyath, China and India continue
Ministry of Power. It is the music director to retain the top three
largest Infrastructure Nobel 2021 with one half to Perumbavoor G rankings and Indonesia is a
Finance Company in India, David Card (University of Raveendranath and others. new entrant to the RECAI.
exclusively dedicated to California, Berkeley, USA)
Power Sector. “for his empirical 47) Indian American Microsoft 50) World football body, FIFA
contributions to labour CEO, Satya Nadella has won has unveiled the official
42) The International Monetary the prestigious C K Prahlad mascot of the U-17 Women’s
economics”. The other half
Fund (IMF) has estimated award for Global Business
jointly to Joshua Angrist
the Indian economy to grow Sustainability Leadership
(Massachusetts Institute of
by 9.5% in the current fiscal for the year 2021, along
Technology, Cambridge,
USA) and Guido Imbens with three other top
(Stanford University, USA) leaders of Microsoft. Apart
“for their methodological from Nadella, Microsoft’s
contributions to the analysis President and Vice-Chair
of causal relationships”. Brad Smith, Chief financial World Cup India 2022
officer Amy Hood and “Ibha” an Asiatic lioness
45)
Secretary DDR&D and chief environment officer representing women power.
year, i.e 2021-22 (FY22) and Chairman DRDO Dr G Lucas Joppa have shared the The tournament will be
8.5% in FY23 (2022-23), in Satheesh Reddy has been award for Global Business held in India from October
its latest World Economic conferred the prestigious Sustainability Leadership. 11-30 next year. The
Outlook report, released on Aryabhata Award by the announcement coincided
48) The 2021 Multidimensional
October 12, 2021. with the International Day
Poverty Index (MPI) Report
Meanwhile, IMF expects the of the Girl Child.
was jointly released
global gross domestic 51)
The 2021 International
product (GDP) to grow by Shooting Sport Federation
5.9 per cent in 2021 and (ISSF) Junior World
4.9% in 2022. Championship Rifle/Pistol/
43) The 17th edition of the Joint Shotgun was held at Lima
Military Training Exercise Astronautical Society in Peru. The Indian shooters
“Ex Yudh Abhyas 2021” of India (ASI) for his claimed a historic win with
between the Indian Army outstanding lifetime by UNDP and the Oxford 43 medals to stand atop
and the United States Army, contribution to the Poverty and Human in the medal table. These
promotion of astronautics Development Initiative included 17 Gold, 16 Silver
in India. Dr Reddy is a (OPHI). The report provides and 10 Bronze medals. The
pioneer in the area of R&D estimates on USA finished second on the
of advanced avionics, multidimensional poverty medal table with 21 medals
navigation, and missile across 109 developing including six gold, eight
technologies. countries (with data from silver and six bronze.
surveys ranging 2009-
46) Well-known Telugu 2019/2020); These include 52)
In India, the National
is scheduled to take place
filmmaker B Gopal, alias 26 low-income countries, 80 Postal Day is celebrated
from October 15 to 29, 2021
Bejawada Gopal, has been middle-income countries annually on 10 October, as
at Joint Base Elmendorf
an extension of World Post
Day, which is celebrated on annually on 13 October October across the globe to 61)
The Government of India
9 October. The Day aims to since 1989. The theme of the eradicate worldwide hunger has decided to set up a
commemorate the role 2021 International Day for from our lifetime. WFD “Vishwakarma Vatika”
Disaster Reduction is also commemorates the at every “Hunar Haats”
“International cooperation date of the founding of the to protect, preserve and
for developing countries to United Nations Food and promote India’s glorious
reduce their disaster risk Agriculture Organization legacy of centuries-old skills
and disaster losses”. (FAO) in 1945. Theme 2021: of artisans and
“Safe food now for a healthy
55)
World Standards Day or
tomorrow”.
played by the Indian postal International Standards
department for the past 150 Day is observed globally on 58)
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan,
years, which was founded in 14 October every year. The the man regarded as the
1854 by Lord Dalhousie. day aims to raise awareness “Father of Pakistan’s nuclear
Indian postal service is an about the importance of bomb”, has passed away,
integral part of India. The standardisation to the He was 85. The atomic craftsmen. The first such
postal services in India have global economy among scientist, Dr Khan was “Vishwakarma Vatika” has
given the best performance consumers, regulators and hailed as a national hero been set up in “Hunar Haat”
despite the diversity in industry. World Standards for transforming Pakistan at Rampur, Uttar Pradesh,
culture, tradition and Day 2021 theme is into the world’s first Islamic organised from October 16
difficult geographical “Standards for sustainable nuclear power and for his to 25, 2021. The name is
terrains. development goals – shared contributions in enhancing derived from the Hindu
vision for a better world”. the country’s defence deity “Vishwakarma” who is
53)
The International Day of worshipped as the God of
capabilities.
the Girl Child (also known 56)
The International Day architects.
as Day of Girls and the of Rural Women is 59)
The unique clove spice
International Day of Girls) observed globally on 15 grown in the hills of 62) India has achieved the 71st
is observed annually on October each year. The Kanyakumari district position in the Global Food
October 11 since 2012. This day recognizes the crucial in Tamil Nadu has been Security (GFS) Index 2021
international observance role of women and girls in awarded a geographical from among a list of 113
day was declared by the ensuring the sustainability indication (GI) as countries. The GFS Index is
United Nations to raise of rural households and ‘Kanyakumari clove’. In designed and constructed by
awareness of issues facing communities, improving India, the total production London-based Economist
rural livelihoods and overall Impact and is sponsored
by Corteva Agriscience.
The overall score of India
is 57.2 points on the GFS
Index 2021. According to
the report, India held 71st
position with an overall
girls internationally of cloves is 1,100 metric score of 57.2 points on the
well-being. In India, the GFS Index 2021 of 113
surrounding education, tons and of this, 1,000
Ministry of Agriculture and countries, fared better than
nutrition, child marriage, metric tons is produced in
Farmers Welfare observes Pakistan (75th position),
legal and medical rights. Tamil Nadu every year
the day as the Rashtriya Sri Lanka (77th Position),
The theme for 2021 while 750 metric tons of
Mahila Kisan Diwas since Nepal (79th position)
International Day of the Girl cloves are produced in the
2016, to increase the active and Bangladesh (84th
Child is “Digital generation. Kanyakumari district alone.
participation of women in position). But the country
Our generation”.
agriculture. 60)
The Indian Railways has was way behind China
54)
The United Nations launched two long haul (34th position). However,
57) World Food Day (WFD) is
International Day for freight trains “Trishul” over the past 10 years,
celebrated every year on 16
Disaster Reduction is held and “Garuda” — which India’s incremental gains
are twice or multiple times in overall food security
longer than the normal score were lagging behind
composition of freight that of Pakistan, Nepal
trains. These long haul trains and Bangladesh. Globally:
provide a very effective Ireland, Australia, the UK,
solution to the problem Finland, Switzerland, the
of capacity constraints in Netherlands, Canada, Japan,
critical sections. France and the US shared
the top rank. Their overall Sea 2021” has kicked off at of eight ancient asteroids
GFS score were in the range Russia’s Peter the Great to study about solar
of 77.8 and 80 points on Gulf, in the Sea of Japan, on system’s evolution. These
the index. About the Index: October 14, 2021. The will include one mainbelt
The GFS Index measures exercises will culminate on asteroid and seven Jupiter
the factors affecting food October 17, 2021. Trojan asteroids.
insecurity around the retained Pakistan on its
66)
The Government of Sri 72)
China has successfully
world based on 4 main ‘Grey List’ of countries. In a
Lanka has sought a USD launched its 1st solar
factors and 58 unique food briefing, FATF president exploration satellite into
security indicators. The Marcus Pleyer also said that space from the Taiyuan
factors include affordability, three new countries Turkey, Satellite Launch Center in
availability, quality and Jordan, and Mali have also
safety, and natural resources been added to the Grey List.
and resilience. In June this year, the FATF
63) India has been re-elected to had retained Pakistan on its
the United Nations Human ‘Grey List’ for failing to
Rights Council check money laundering,
500 million credit line leading to terror financing.
from India to pay for its
crude oil purchases, as the 69)
NITI Aayog has launched
country is facing a severe the Geospatial Energy northern Shanxi Province
foreign exchange crisis in Map of India which will aboard a Long March-2D
the island nation after the provide a holistic picture rocket.
pandemic hit the nation’s of all energy resources of
the country. The map has 73) Microsoft recently
(UNHRC) for a sixth term earnings from tourism and
been developed by NITI announced the launch of
on October 14, 2021, with remittances.
Aayog in collaboration with Microsoft AI Innovate, a
an overwhelming majority. 67)
India, Israel, United 10-week initiative that will
The new three-year term of the Indian Space Research
Arab Emirates and Organisation (ISRO) and support startups
India will be effective from the United States have
January 2022 to December the Energy Ministries of the
decided to launch a new Government of India.
2024. India received 184 quadrilateral economic
votes of the 193 votes cast in forum. Quadrilateral builds 70)
The National Security
the election. on ongoing cooperation Guard (NSG) force,
64)
Prime Minister Narendra between U.S., Israel and popularly known as Black
Modi has inaugurated the UAE after the Abraham Cats, observes its Raising
Kushinagar International Accords last year. This Day on October 16, every in India leveraging
Airport in Uttar Pradesh. QUAD grouping had year. The year 2021 marks Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The airport has been decided to establish an the 37th anniversary of the technologies, helping them
built at an estimated cost international forum for scale operations, drive
of Rs. 260 crore, by the economic innovation, & build industry
Airport Authority of expertise. The program will
India. Besides, it has the also enable startups to reach
longest runway in Uttar out to newer customers and
Pradesh. It will facilitate geographies with Microsoft’s
domestic & international establishment of the NSG. sales and partners.
pilgrims to visit the NSG is an elite counter- 74) Vidyut Mohan is among the
Mahaparinirvanasthal of terrorism unit under the five global winners for the
Lord Buddha in Kushinagar. Indian Ministry of Home inaugural ‘Earthshot Prize’,
cooperation and discussed
Affairs. also known as the ‘Eco-
65) The Russia and China joint possibilities for joint
naval exercises “Joint infrastructure projects 71)
The US space agency Oscars’, that honours people
expanding economic and NASA has launched a first-
political cooperation in the ofits-kind mission called
Middle East and Asia. ‘Lucy Mission‘ to study
Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids.
68)
Global terror financing
The mission life of Lucy is
watchdog Financial Action
12-year, during which the
Task Force (FATF) has
spacecraft will fly by a total
trying to save the planet. (TB) elimination. The People and our Planet”.
Vidyut has been awarded in report also mentioned India
81)
In India, the Police
the Clean our Air category, as the worst-hit country in
Commemoration Day
for his technology called TB elimination, where the
is observed on October
‘Takachar’, a small and detection of new TB cases
21 every year. The day is
portable device that uses saw a huge impact in 2020.
marked to remember and
crop residue to convert it Satellite Launch Vehicle II”
78)
India has ranked 79 out honour the brave policemen
into bio-products like fuel or “Nuri”.
of 139 countries and who have laid down their
and fertilisers to reduce
jurisdictions in the World lives in the line of duty. The launch vehicle lifted off
smoke emissions and
Justice Project’s (WJP) Rule from the Naro Space Center,
combat air pollution. 82)
Every year, October 23 is
observed as International in Goheung, built on an
75)
The Fourth General island nearly 300 miles (500
Assembly of the Snow Leopard Day since 2014. kilometres) south of Seoul.
International Solar Alliance The day commemorates the
(ISA) has been organised anniversary of the Nuri rocket is 47.2 metres
virtually between October long and weighs 200 tons.
18 and 21, 2021. The The three-stage rocket is
Assembly will be presided fitted with six liquid-fuelled
of Law Index 2021. The WJP
over by President of the ISA engines. It has been built
Rule of Law Index 2021
Assembly RK Singh, who is at an estimated cost of 2
ranks the countries based
also the Union Minister for trillion won (£1.23bn or
on scores ranging from 0 to
New and Renewable Energy. $1.6bn).
1, with 1 indicating the Bishkek Declaration and to
76) The Confederation of Indian strongest adherence to the celebrate this endangered 85) China successfully launched
Industry (CII) has organised rule of law. Denmark, cat and raise awareness for a new satellite named
an International Conference Norway and Finland topped its conservation and Shijian-21. The satellite will
and Exhibition on Digital the World Justice Project’s protection. be used to test and verify
technologies, “Future Tech (WJP) Rule of Law Index space debris mitigation
2021. 83)
The Election Commission technologies.
2021- a Journey of
of India (ECI) has launched
79)
Divya Deshmukh became the Garuda app for digital
India’s 21st Woman mapping of all polling
Grand Master (WGM) stations, to ensure faster,
after achieving her 2nd
International Master (IM)
at Grand Master (GM) in
Budapest, Hungary.
digital transformation to
technology adoption and 80)
The International Day for Shijian-21 was launched
acceleration” from October the Eradication of Poverty is from the Xichang Satellite
19 to 27, 2021. The focus observed every Launch Centre in southwest
theme of the International China’s Sichuan Province
conference is “Driving smarter, transparent and on a Long March-3B carrier
technologies for building timely completion of rocket.
the future, we all can trust”. election work.Through the
The satellite will be mainly
77)
The World Health Garuda app, Booth Level
used to test and verify
Organisation (WHO) has Officers (BLO) will upload
space debris mitigation
released the ‘Global TB photos and location
technologies. This launch
report for 2021, where information of the polling
marked the 393rd mission
stations, along with data like
year on 17 October across for the Long March series
latitude and longitude of the
the globe. The day aims to carrier rockets.
centre, from their registered
raise awareness of the need
mobile numbers. The app 86) The Defence Research and
to eradicate poverty and
will also help in reducing Development Organisation
destitution around the
the paperwork. (DRDO) successfully flight-
world, particularly in
tested the High-speed
it highlighted the effects developing countries. 2021 84)
South Korea recently
Expendable Aerial Target
of COVID-19 which led Theme: Building Forward launched its first
(HEAT)- ABHYAS, from
to a huge reversal in the Together: Ending Persistent indigenously developed
the Integrated Test Range
progress of Tuberculosis Poverty, Respecting all rocket, known as “Korean
(ITR), Chandipur off the distance of 360 nautical the National Film Awards book named “Innovations
coast of Bay of Bengal in miles between the starting for 2019. for You”. The sector in
Odisha. point at the Naval base in focus in this Digi-book is
90)
The Atal Innovation
Kochi to Goa. Healthcare “Innovation
The target aircraft is Mission (AIM) of NITI
for you” is an initiative of
equipped with a MEMS- 88)
India has ranked 106th Aayog has launched a Digi-
Niti Aayog to share success
based Inertial Navigation in the FIFA (Fédération book named “Innovations
stories of Atal Innovation
System (INS) for navigation Internationale de Football for You”. The sector in
Mission’s Startups in
along with the Flight Association) Rankings focus in this Digi-book is
different domains.
Control Computer (FCC) 2021, the position of team Healthcare.
for guidance and control. India was increased to one The Digi-book was launched
spot. with the aim of serving
as an encouragement for
ABHYAS is designed upcoming entrepreneurs in
& developed by DRDO order to work on the path of
laboratory, Aeronautical creativity and imagination
Development Establishment for addressing some of the
(ADE), Bengaluru, for the pressing challenges in India.
Indian Armed Forces. The “Innovation for you” It also aims to showcase
air vehicle ABHYAS can be After the victory in the is an initiative of Niti the best innovations and
used as an aerial target for SAFF (South Asian Football Aayog to share success entrepreneurs to bring them
the evaluation of various Federation) Championship stories of Atal Innovation to the forefront.
missile systems. 2021 of team India led by Mission’s Startups in
These start-ups have been
Sunil Chhetri, it has secured different domains. The
leveraging technologies
the 106th position. Digi-book was launched
such as AI, IoT, ICT and
The team has defeated with the aim of serving
others for providing socially
Nepal in the summit clash. as an encouragement for
relevant solutions to health
Under the FIFA Rankings, upcoming entrepreneurs in
issues like neonatal &
Belgium is at 1st position. order to work on the path of
child care, mental health,
Brazil holds 2nd position, creativity and imagination
dental care, anaemia and
France holds 3rd position. for addressing some of the
monitoring human vitals.
pressing challenges in India.
89) Actor Rajinikanth It also aims to showcase 92)
The Uttar Pradesh
The vehicle is programmed was honoured with the best innovations and government has decided
for fully autonomous flight. the prestigious 51st entrepreneurs to bring them to rename the Faizabad
The check-out of air vehicles Dadasaheb Phalke Award to the forefront. Junction to Ayodhya Cantt
is done using a laptop-based at the 67th National Film railways station. Opened in
Awards ceremony, for his These start-ups have been
Ground Control Station 1874, the Faizabad railway
contribution as an actor, leveraging technologies
(GCS). station comes under the
producer and screenwriter. such as AI, IoT, ICT and
Northern Railway zone.
87)
The Indian Navy has others for providing socially
organised an Offshore relevant solutions to health
Sailing Regatta from Kochi issues like neonatal &
to Goa, as a part of the child care, mental health,
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav dental care, anaemia and
celebrations, and above all, monitoring human vitals.
boost the spirit of adventure 91) The Atal Innovation Mission
and ocean sailing among (AIM) of NITI Aayog has It falls under the Lucknow-
the Navy Personnel. He received the prestigious launched a Digi- Varanasi section. Earlier in
The event organised under award from Vice President 2018, the Yogi Adityanath
the aegis of the Indian Naval M Venkaiah Naidu for his government had renamed
Sailing Association (INSA) stupendous contribution to Faizabad Ayodhya on the
will see the participation Indian cinema. occasion of Diwali. The BJP
of six Indian naval sailing government also changed
The Dadasaheb Phalke
vessels (INSVs), comprising the name of Allahabad to
Award for 2019 was to be
of four 40 footers ad two 56 Prayagraj and Mughalsarai
announced last year but was
footers. railway junction as Pt Deen
postponed because of the
Dayal Upadhyay junction.
The vessels will cover a total Covid-19 pandemic, as were
93) India, Australia, and the UK 95)
Goa has achieved Open Steering Committee (NSC) largest green hydrogen-
in collaboration with small Defecation Free (ODF) for the implementation of making plant as it looks to
island developing states and Electricity for every the NIPUN Bharat Mission. supplement its natural
(SIDS), have planned household. The original It seeks to develop a
ODF protocol was issued in methodology of assessment
to launch a new initiative
to analyze the progress
“Infrastructure for Resilient
of education and provide
Island States (IRIS)”, on the
feedback to States/UTs.
sidelines of the Conference
of Parties (COP26).
gas business with carbon-

free fuel. GAIL Chairman
and Managing Director
the year 2016. According to To achieve the goal of Manoj Jain said the
it, a city or ward is notified universal proficiency in company is looking at
as ODF city or ward if not a foundational literacy and building a 10-megawatt
The IRIS platform aims at single person is found numeracy for every child by (MW electrolyzer capable
creating an infrastructure defecating in the open, at end of Class 3 by 2026-27. of generating 4.5 tonnes of
that can withstand disasters any point of the day.Goa has green hydrogen daily.
and lessen economic losses The Union Education
also become the first state to Minister, Shri Dharmendra The firm has already floated
in island nations. The IRIS provide tap water to every Pradhan will be the a global tender to buy the
initiative will be launched household under the “Har Chairperson of the NSC electrolyzer and is hoping
with initial funding of $10 Ghar Jal Mission”. Apart and Minister of State for to get delivery in 12-14
million from Australia, from that, Goa achieved a Education, Smt. Annpurna months. It will be double the
India and the UK. ‘ 100 per cent target to Devi will be the Vice- size of the one announced
The 2021 United Nations provide free ration to the Chairperson. by state electricity producer
Climate Change Conference poor and needy. It has also NTPC
(COP26) is scheduled to completed 100 per cent first 98)
Renowned journalist and
dose of covid-19 writer Chidanand Rajghatta 100) Reliance Industries
take place from October 31
vaccination. have authored a new book Chairman, Mukesh Ambani
to November 12, 2021.
“Kamala Harris: has topped the IIFL Wealth
94)
Prime Minister Narendra 96) The Armed Forces of India Hurun India Rich List for
Modi has launched the and the United Kingdom the 10th consecutive year.
“Ayushman Bharat Health (UK) are undertaking the
Infrastructure Mission” on sea phase of the maiden Tri-
In 2021, his total net worth

Phenomenal Woman”, was recorded at Rs 7,18,000
Service exercise ‘Konkan a biography of Kamala
Shakti 2021’ off the Konkan crore. Meanwhile, Adani
October 25, 2021, from his Harris, the first women Group Chairman Gautam
parliamentary constituency coast in the Arabian Sea Vice President of the United
from October 24 to 27, 2021. Adani is in the second
Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh States of America (USA). spot with a net worth of
The Ayushman Bharat The harbour phase of the
seven-day exercise was held The book features the life Rs. 5,05,900 crore. Shiv
Health Infrastructure Nadar & the family of HCL
in Mumbai from October incidents of Kamala Harris,
Mission is one of the largest technologies are third in the
21 to 23, 2021. The exercise a woman of mixed race
pan-India schemes for Konkan Shakti 2021 aims at (India and Jamaica) who list with a net worth of Rs
strengthening healthcare further strengthening the has become the first Indian 2,36,600 crore.
infrastructure across cooperation between the descent, the first woman to
the country and is in two countries. become the vice president
addition to the National of the USA.
Health Protection Mission 97)
Department of School
Education and Literacy has 99)
State-owned GAIL (India)
(Ayushman Bharat Yojana).
constituted the National Ltd will build India’s
47 The CLAT
The CLAT
Post Post
• October
• July 2021
Legal Current Affairs

1.
A Supreme Court- sticky rice (glutinous rice 4. The Ministry of Civil every power to make any
appointed committee has called Bora), which is Aviation has launched order on punishment of any
questioned relaxations given steamed and mixed with an airspace map of India contempt of itself. However,
for the upgrade of a 4.7-km traditional herbs called for drone operations, Article 129 lays down that
road (Laldhang-Chillarkhal Thembra (Acacia pennata). which shows red, yellow the Supreme Court shall be
road) in the buffer zone of This is the second product and green zones across a court of record, and shall
Rajaji Tiger Reserve and from the hill districts of the country. It will allow have all the powers of such
Karbi Anglong and Dima civilian drone operators a court, including the power
Hasao to get GI tag. to check the demarcated to punish for contempt.
no-fly zones or where they
Source: https://www. Source: https://www.
need to undergo certain
thehindu.com/news/ hindustantimes.com/
formalities before flying
n at i on a l / o t h e r- s t at e s / india-news/no-law-
sought replies from the one. Earlier, the ‘Liberalised
assams-rice-wine- can-take-away-court-
Centre and Uttarakhand Drone Rules, 2021’ based on
judima-gets-gi-tag/ s-power-to-punish-for-
government. The relaxation
article36687514.ece contempt-supreme-
for measurement of roads
court-101632942747473.
was approved by the 3. The Supreme Court division
html
National Board for Wildlife bench of Justices SK Kaul
(NBWL). NBWL is the apex and MM Sundresh gave 6. The Election Commission
agency to clear projects in judgment on an appeal of India (ECI) has decided
and around protected areas. filed by the Uttar Pradesh’ to freeze the election symbol
(According to the Wild Life government challenging “trust, self-certification and of the Lok Janshakti Party
(Protection) Amendment the 2018 Allahabad High non-intrusive monitoring” (LJP). The decision came
Act of 2006, a tiger reserve Court verdict holding that was unveiled and also amid the tussle between the
must have a core or critical Regulation 101 framed the Production-Linked two factions. Both factions
habitat and a buffer zone under The Intermediate Incentive (PLI) scheme have been barred from
peripheral to it.) Education Act, 1921 is for the drone industry was using the name of the party
unconstitutional. The announced. or its symbol ‘Bunglow’ till
Source: https://
the dispute between the
indianexpress.com/ Source: https://
rivals groups is settled by
ar ticle/india/supreme- indianexpress.com/article/
the poll panel. The Election
court-panel-flags- explained/explained-
Symbols (Reservation and
clearance-to-road-in- drone-airspace-map-
Allotment) Order, 1968
rajaji-reser ve-seeks- india-7536736/
empowers the Election
clarification-7530586/
5. A Supreme Court’s division Commission to recognise
2. Judima, a home-made rice bench which setting aside bench of Justice SK Kaul political parties and allot
wine of Assam’s Dimasa the decision of HC, laid and Justice MM Sundresh, symbols.
tribe has become the down that government aid gave judgment helding one
Source: http://timesofindia.
first traditional brew in to an institution is a matter Rajiv Dahiya, managing
indiatimes.com/
all of northeast to bag a of policy and it is not a director of Rajasthan-
ar ti cl eshow/86705224.
Geographical Indication fundamental right. Article based NGO Suraz India
c m s ? u t m _
(GI) tag. It is the first 30 of the Constitution of Trust, guilty of contempt of
e=contentofinterest&utm_
India (dealing with rights court, and further held that
medium=text&utm_
of minorities to establish The power to punish for
campaign=cppst
and administer educational contempt is a constitutional
institutions) is subject to power vested in this court
its own restrictions being which cannot be abridged
7. A bench of the Calcutta
reasonable. or taken away even by
High Court, led by acting
legislative enactment.
Source: https:// Chief Justice of the Calcutta
Article 142 (2) states that
indianexpress.com/article/ HC gave verdict giving West
“subject to the provisions of
india/getting-govt-aid- Bengal Assembly Speaker,
beverage from the north- any law made in this behalf
not-a-fundamental-right- Biman Banerjee a deadline
east to get a GI tag. Judima by Parliament” the Supreme
sc-7538412/ to pass an order in the
is a rice wine made from Court shall have all and
defection case involving ece jurisdiction of Border in the identified wildlife
a Member of Legislative Security Force (BSF) for corridors of the Kaziranga
9.
The Government has
Assembly (MLA) – Mukul seizure, search and arrest National Park and Tiger
notified new rules under
Roy. The bench said that up to 50km from the Reserve. CEC Member-
the Medical Termination of
the disqualification petition international border in Secretary Amarnatha Shetty
Pregnancy (Amendment)
pending before the Speaker Assam, West Bengal and took the action asking
Act, 2021. The 2021 Act
was not a “mere irregularity” Punjab. This notification for the action report in 4
was passed to amend the
but “it is a case of blatant replaces a 2014 order under weeks. Further, CEC had
Medical Termination of
illegality”. the BSF Act, 1968, which taken note of an inspection
Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971.
also covered the States of report submitted by Hemen
Source: https://www. The gestational limit for
Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Hazarika (Scientist) and
hindustantimes.com/ termination of a pregnancy
Nagaland and Meghalaya. It Head of the Guwahati-
india-news/calcutta-hc-
also specifically mentions based Integrated Regional
se eks-sp eaker-s-order-
the two newly created Office of the Minister of
on-petition-seeking-
Union Territories- J&K and Environment, Forest and
mukul-roy-s-disqualificati
Ladakh. Climate Change.
on-101632853635230.html
Source: https://m. Source: https://www.
8. The Supreme Court (SC)’s
economictimes.com/news/ thehindu.com/news/
full bench of Justices DY
has been increased from defence/bsf-gets-powers- n at i on a l / o t h e r- s t at e s /
Chandrachud, Vikram Nath
20 to 24 weeks for certain to-c arr y-out-s e arches- sc-panel-tells-assam-to-
and B.V. Nagarathna, has
categories of women. The and-arrests-deeper-inside- take-action-on-illegal-
questioned the methodology
seven specific categories are: bengal-and-punjab/ construction-in-kaziranga-
adopted by the government
articleshow/86986718.cms animal-corridors/
in fixing Rs. 8 lakh as the Survivors of sexual assault
article37105351.ece
annual income limit to or rape or incest, Minors, 11. A Supreme Court bench
identify the Economically Change of marital status led by Justice SK Kaul said 13. A nine judge bench of
Weaker Section (EWS) for during the on-going farmers had the right to the Supreme Court of
providing 10% quota in pregnancy (widowhood protest, but roads cannot Canada, led by the Chief
public jobs and educational and divorce), Women be blocked indefinitely, Justice Wagner, delivered
institutions. Further, the with physical disabilities, impeding the right of a verdict by 5:4 majority in
Mentally ill women, Foetal the case of City of Toronto
malformation that has a v. Attorney General of
substantial risk of being Ontario, held that unwritten
incompatible with life or if
the child is born, he/ she may
suffer from serious physical
or mental abnormalities and citizens to commute without
One Hundred and Third Women with pregnancy hindrance. Although the
Constitutional Amendment in humanitarian settings Right to Protest is not an
of 2019, which introduced or disaster or emergency explicit right under the constitutional principles
the 10% EWS quota, is itself situations. Further, A Fundamental rights, it can cannot be used as the basis
under challenge before a state-level medical board be derived from the Right for invalidating legislation.
larger Bench. will be set up to decide to Freedom of Speech and It further observed that
if a pregnancy may be Expression under Article unwritten principles like
(The 10% EWS quota was
terminated after 24 democracy are part of the
introduced under the 103rd Source: https://www.
weeks in cases of foetal Constitution, in the sense
Constitution (Amendment) thehindu.com/news/
malformation. that they form part of the
Act, 2019 by amending national/roads-cannot-
context and backdrop to
Articles 15 and 16. It Source: https://www. be-blocked-says-supreme-
the Constitution’s written
inserted Article 15 (6) and livelaw.in/news-updates/ court-firmly-over-farmers-
terms.
Article 16 (6).) rules-extending- protests/article37104871.
abortion-limit-24-weeks- ece Source: https://livelaw.
Source: https://www.
certain-categories- in/foreign-international/
thehindu.com/news/ 12. The Central Empowered
women-notified-central- canada-supreme-
national/explain-basis- Committee (CEC),
government-183717 court-unwritten-
of-fixing-8-lakh-limit-to- constituted by the Supreme
constitutional-principles-
determine-ews-category- 10.
The Ministry of Home Court, has asked the Assam
democracy-183544
for-neet-supreme-court- Affairs has issued a government to take action
to-centre/article36881374. notification to widen the on illegal construction
ARTICLES YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS

EXPLAINED | WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT
AGAINST CASTE CENSUS?
What are the reasons it has cited for being unable to carry out the exercise? How have those de-
manding a count reacted?
The story so far: In an affidavit the judiciary cannot interfere as a result, no action was taken 99% of the castes enumerated
filed in the Supreme Court with government policy. And on the raw data to collate it had a population of less than
on September 23, the Union finally, it elaborates on why into publishable findings. 100 persons. At the national
government has ruled out it is neither practical nor level, whereas the total number
conducting a Socio-Economic administratively feasible to Why won’t the government of castes as per the last caste
Caste Census (SECC), stating attempt a caste census. make raw data public? census of 1931 was 4,147,
that a caste census (except that the SECC-2011 showed the
Editorial | Complex count: On The flaws in the data stem
for the Scheduled Castes and presence of 46 lakh different
caste census primarily from the fact that no
the Scheduled Tribes done castes. Since the total number
registry of castes was prepared
traditionally) was unfeasible, cannot be “exponentially high
What is the status of the data before conducting the 2011
“administratively difficult and to this extent”, the government
collected under the SECC- caste census. This resulted in
cumbersome”. The affidavit has said this entire data set
2011? mistakes by enumerators, who
was in response to a writ is flawed and the census
spelt the same caste in dozens
petition by the Maharashtra In its affidavit, the government unreliable, rendering it
of different ways. With no
government seeking directions unusable for the purposes of
to the Union government to reservations and policy. For
collect data on the Backward these reasons, it has refused to
Class of Citizens (BCC) make public even the raw caste
of rural India during the data of the SECC-2011.
enumeration of the 2021
census. The petition also Why will castes not be counted
wanted the Centre to disclose along with the regular 2021
the raw caste data on other census?
backward classes (OBCs) The government has cited
collected during SECC-2011. numerous administrative,
Several political parties, and operational and logistical
the Bharatiya Janata Party’s reasons to argue that collecting
Bihar ally, Janata Dal (United) caste data during the 2021
led by Nitish Kumar, have census — postponed to next
urged the Centre to reconsider year due to COVID-19 — is
its decision. unfeasible and attempting it
What is the substance of the could endanger the census
Centre’s affidavit? consistent way to aggregate exercise itself. It begins by
acknowledges that the SECC- or segregate same or similar pointing to the difference in
The government’s affidavit 2011’s caste data of 130 crore castes with variant spellings, caste categories according
covers three different aspects Indians have been with the the number of caste categories to different lists. While the
of the caste census issue, as Ministry of Social Justice and ballooned. In Maharashtra, Central list contained 2,479
reflected in the writ petition. Empowerment for five years. for instance, the existing SC, OBC castes, there were 3,150
It first explains why it cannot Due to flaws in the data, it ST and OBC categories, as OBC castes as per the lists
make public the caste data was decided to form an expert per government records, are of all the States and Union
collected under the SECC- committee headed by the then only 494. But the 2011 caste Territories taken together.
2011. Then it argues that the Vice-Chairman of the NITI census yielded 4,28,677 castes. If a caste-related question is
judiciary cannot direct the Aayog, Arvind Panagariya. But While the State’s population included, it would “return
government to conduct a caste since other members of the was 10.3 crore, about 1.17 thousands of castes as the
census because it is a “policy committee were not named, crore (more than 11%) were people use their clan/gotra,
decision” not to do so, and the committee never met, and found to be of ‘no caste’. Also, sub-caste and caste names
interchangeably”. Since the government, and while the come to be associated with stand, with three Chief
enumerators are part-timers court may find a certain policy ‘lower castes’, the SCs or the Ministers – Bihar’s Nitish
with 6-7 days of training and untenable, it was “legally OBCs, the upper castes tend to Kumar, Jharkhand’s Hemant
“not an investigator or verifier”, impermissible” for the court to appear “casteless”. They argue Soren, and Odisha’s Naveen
the affidavit states, “it would dictate to the government what that in order to abolish caste, Patnaik — reiterating their
be difficult to meaningfully policy it ought to follow. it is essential to first abolish support for the caste census.
tabulate and classify caste caste-derived privileges, and The BJP does not want to be
returns.” What are the arguments of in order to do that, the state seen as opposing the caste
those demanding a caste must first map castes and census. So the Opposition,
Secondly, the preparatory census? their socio-economic status especially the regional caste-
work for a census starts three privileges/deprivations, which based parties, can be expected
to four years earlier. As for Political parties batting for
is what a caste census seeks to to keep reiterating their
the census, the questionnaires the caste census cite the need
do. demands for a caste census,
have already been finalised for caste-wise data to justify
which has, in the electoral
and field-tested. It is, therefore, the extension of reservations Does a caste census enumerate context, become inextricably
not possible to add additional to various communities. On only the OBCs or all castes? mixed up with the question of
questions about caste now. the other hand, there is also a
OBC entitlements.
Third, unlike in the case of large body of scholarly work, The 2011 caste census collected
the SCs and the STs, there is done by sociologists, political data on all castes, and not In an affidavit to the Supreme
no constitutional mandate scientists and historians, just of the OBCs. Though Court, the government has
for the Registrar-General which bypass the welfare the demands of the OBC- cited numerous administrative,
and Census Commissioner, argument to assert that India’s dominated political parties operational and logistical
India, to provide the census fundamental mistake in its typically focus on expanding reasons to argue that collecting
figures of the OBCs and the battle to overcome caste was the socio-economic mapping caste data during the 2021
BCCs. And lastly, it has cited not doing a caste census. of the census from the SCs census is unfeasible and
the 2014 Supreme Court According to these scholars, and the STs to include the attempting it could endanger
judgment setting aside two formal blindness to caste in OBC castes, they want the the census exercise itself
orders of the Madras High a casteist society results in caste census to cover the upper
Court directing the Centre to a denial of the web of caste- castes as well. Source: https://www.
conduct a caste census. As per based privileges that continue thehindu.com/news/national/
to funnel opportunities to What next? explained-what-are-the-
this Supreme Court judgment,
what information to collect in those at the top of the caste governments-objections-to-a-
Opposition parties have
a census is a policy decision of hierarchy. They point out that caste-census/article36713236.
criticised the government’s
while the very term ‘caste’ has ece
WITH AUKUS, INDIA MUST KEEP ITS HEAD

ABOVE WATER
The security grouping spells opportunities but also possible unique challenges which New Delhi
can ill-afford to ignore
The announcement by the on. While it does present
United States of a trilateral opportunities, the flip side
‘enhanced security partnership’ is that AUKUS represents a
involving Australia, the threshold breach and could
United Kingdom and the pose unique challenges for
United States (AUKUS) has India, depending on how
taken everyone by surprise, China responds to it, and the
competitors and allies alike. issue spiralling.
With close partners on both
sides, India has maintained Source: https://www.
an ambiguous stand on the thehindu.com/opinion/op-
issue. A lot of commentary ed/with-aukus-india-must-
since has talked of how this keep-its-head-above-water/
is a welcome step for India article36848460.ece
to access technologies, build
complementarities and so
EXPLAINED: WHAT ARE THE PANDORA

PAPERS, AND WHY DO THEY MATTER?
These are 11.9 million leaked files from 14 global corporate services firms which set up about
29,000 off-the-shelf companies and private trusts in not just obscure tax jurisdictions but also
countries such as Singapore, New Zealand, and the United States, for clients across the world.
There are at least 380 persons investigative agencies, set up offshore entities set up by What is a trust?
of Indian nationality in the complex multi-layered trust individuals and corporates
Pandora Papers. Of these, structures for estate planning, respectively. The Pandora A trust can be described as a
The Indian Express has so in jurisdictions which are Papers investigation shows fiduciary arrangement where
far verified and corroborated loosely regulated for tax how businesses have created a third party, referred to as the
documents related to about purposes, but characterised by a new normal after countries trustee, holds assets on behalf
60 prominent individuals air-tight secrecy laws. have been forced to tighten of individuals or organisations
and companies. What do the the screws on such offshore that are to benefit from
Pandora Papers say about these The purposes for which trusts entities with rising concerns of it. It is generally used for
entities? Also, if trusts are not are set up are many, and some money laundering, terrorism estate planning purposes
illegal, what is the investigation genuine too. But a scrutiny funding, and tax evasion. and succession planning. It
about? of the papers also shows helps large business families
What are the Pandora Papers?
These are 11.9 million leaked

files from 14 global corporate
services firms which set up
about 29,000 off-the-shelf
companies and private
trusts in not just obscure tax
jurisdictions but also countries
such as Singapore, New
Zealand, and the United States,
for clients across the world.
These documents relate to

the ultimate ownership of
assets ‘settled’ (or placed) in
private offshore trusts and
the investments including
cash, shareholding, and real
estate properties, held by
how the objective of many The Pandora Papers pierce the to consolidate their assets
the offshore entities. There
is two-fold: i) to hide their corporate veil and reveal how — financial investments,
are at least 380 persons of
real identities and distance trusts are prolifically used as shareholding, and real estate
Indian nationality in the
themselves from the offshore a vehicle in conjunction with property.
Pandora Papers. Of these,
entities so that it becomes offshore companies set up for
The Indian Express has so A trust comprises three key
near impossible for the tax the sole purpose of holding
far verified and corroborated parties: ‘Settlor’ — one who
authorities to reach them and, investments and other assets
documents related to about sets up, creates, or authors
ii) to safeguard investments — by business families and ultra-
60 prominent individuals and a trust; ‘trustee’ — one who
cash, shareholdings, real estate, rich individuals. The trusts can
companies. This is an ongoing holds the assets for the benefit
art, aircraft, and yachts — from be set up in known tax havens
investigation. of a set of people named by
creditors and law enforcers. such Samoa, Belize, Panama,
and the British Virgin Islands, the ‘settlor’; and ‘beneficiaries’
What do the Pandora Papers
How is Pandora different or in Singapore or New — to whom the benefits of the
reveal?
from the Panama Papers and Zealand which offer relative assets are bequeathed.
The Pandora Papers reveal Paradise Papers? tax advantages, or even South
A trust is not a separate legal
how the rich, the famous and Dakota in the US, the biggest
The Panama and Paradise entity, but its legal nature
the notorious, many of whom economy.
Papers dealt largely with comes from the ‘trustee’. At
were already on the radar of
times, the ‘settlor’ appoints a activities. The Indian Express an offshore trust remains safe an inheritance tax.
‘protector’, who has the powers investigation reveals this. from creditors.
to supervise the trustee, and v) Flexibility in a capital-
even remove the trustee and So, why are trusts set up? And controlled economy: India
appoint a new one. why overseas? What should is a capital-controlled
you also know? ii) Hunt for enhanced secrecy: economy. Individuals can
Is setting up a trust in India, Offshore trusts offer enhanced invest only $250,000 a year
or one offshore/ outside the Overseas trusts offer secrecy to businesspersons, under the Reserve Bank of
country, illegal? remarkable secrecy because of given their complex structures. India’s Liberalised Remittance
stringent privacy laws in the The Income-Tax Department Scheme (LRS). To get over
No. The Indian Trusts Act, jurisdiction they operate in. A in India can get to the ultimate this, businesspersons have
1882, gives legal basis to lot depends on the intention beneficial owners only by turned NRIs, and under
the concept of trusts. While behind setting up an offshore requesting information with FEMA, NRIs can remit $1
Indian laws do not see trusts trust — and if the taxman can the financial investigation million a year in addition to
as a legal person/ entity, they provide evidence that suggests agency or international their current annual income,
do recognise the trust as an mala fide intent by the trust, tax authority in offshore outside India. Further, the tax
obligation of the trustee to then the courts tend to back jurisdictions. The exchange of rates in overseas jurisdictions
manage and use the assets the tax department in their information can take months. are much lower than the 30%
settled in the trust for the attempt to recover the taxes personal I-T rate in India plus
benefit of ‘beneficiaries’. India due. iiii) Avoid tax in the guise of
surcharges, including those
also recognises offshore trusts planning: Businesspersons
on the super-rich (those with
i.e., trusts set up in other tax From the investigation, some avoid their NRI children being
annual income over Rs 1
jurisdictions. key tacit reasons why people taxed on income from their
crore).
set up trusts are: assets by transferring all the
If it’s legal, what’s the assets to a trust. The ownership vi) The NRI angle: Offshore
investigation about? i) Maintain a degree of of the assets rests with the trusts, as noted earlier, are
separation: Businesspersons trust, and the son/ daughter recognised under Indian laws,
This is a very valid question. set up private offshore trusts to being only a ‘beneficiary’ is but legally, it is the trustees
True, there are legitimate project a degree of separation not liable to any tax on income — not the ‘settlor’ or the
reasons for setting up trusts from their personal assets. from the trust. ‘beneficiaries’ — who are the
— and many set them up A ‘settlor’ (one who sets up/
owners of the properties and
for genuine estate planning. creates/ authors) of a trust In many business families,
income of the trust. An NRI
A businessperson can set no longer owns the assets he children have one foot abroad,
trustee or offshore trustee
conditions for ‘beneficiaries’ to places or ‘settles’ in the trust. hence family patriarchs have
taking instructions from
draw income being distributed This way, he insulates these increasingly looked at trusts
another overseas ‘protector’
by the trustee or inherit assets assets from creditors. to ensure a hassle-free transfer
ensures they are taxed in India
after her/ his demise. of assets into their children’s
This is best illustrated through only on their total income
hands.
For instance, while allotting an example: A real estate from India.
shares in the company to promoter sets up an offshore iv) Prepare for estate duty
Of late, NRIs are under greater
say, four siblings, the father trust, which sits on top of four eventuality: There is pervasive
scrutiny of the Income-Tax
promoter set conditions that offshore entities holding some fear that estate duty, which
Department; they have been
a sibling can get the dividend assets. Now, private equity was abolished back in 1985
receiving notices to prove their
from the shares and claim investors drag various entities when Rajiv Gandhi was Prime
non-resident status of past
ownership of the shares, but of the real estate group to Minister, will likely be re-
years, to check if they made the
not sell it without offering the National Company Law introduced soon. Setting up
required disclosure of ‘foreign
the first right of refusal to the Tribunal under the bankruptcy trusts in advance, business
assets’ in years when they were
other three siblings. This could law. So do homebuyers who families have been advised,
ordinarily resident in India.
be to ensure ownership of the have invested in residential will protect the next generation
enterprise within the family. properties by this company. from paying the death/ Can offshore Trusts be seen
But the Pandora Papers show inheritance tax, which was as as resident Indian for tax
But trusts are also used by the promoter moved tens of high as 85 per cent in the more purposes?
some as secret vehicles to park millions of dollars in assets than three decades after its
ill-gotten money, hide incomes to the trust amid police enactment (The Estate Duty There are certain grey areas of
to evade taxes, protect wealth complaints in Delhi by his Act, 1953). Although India taxation where the Income-Tax
from law enforcers, insulate foreign investors, alleging does not have a wealth tax Department is in contestation
it from creditors to whom siphoning off funds to the now, most developed countries with offshore trusts. After The
huge moneys are due, and at tune of hundred-plus million including the US, UK, France, Black Money (Undisclosed
times to use it for criminal dollars. His wealth moved to Canada, and Japan have such Foreign Income and Assets)
and Imposition of Tax Act, the I-T Department has been is an offshore entity or an been appointed a ‘protector’
2015, came into existence, sending notices to NRIs in NRI, if the tax department (with powers to supervise the
resident Indians — if they certain cases. establishes the trustee is taking trustee) by an offshore trust,
are ‘settlors’, ‘trustees’, or instructions from a resident leaving a window open for the
‘beneficiaries’ — have to The I-T Department may Indian, then too the trust may taxman.
report their foreign financial consider an offshore trust be considered a resident of
interests and assets. NRIs are to be a resident of India India for taxation purposes. Source: https://indianexpress.
not required to do so — even for taxation purposes if the For instance, in one case, an com/article/explained/
though, as mentioned above, trustee is an Indian resident. Indian wealth manager has why-do-the-pandora-papers-
In cases where the trustee matter-7550033/
REFLECTIONS ON THE ‘QUASI-FEDERAL’

DEMOCRACY
Despite a basic structure, Indian federalism needs institutional amendment to be democratically
federal
Events coinciding with the Constitution to keep its wide- universal adult suffrage and any single divisive identity,
jubilee of India’s Independence ranging diversity within one free institutions of justice even Hindutva; so that,
draw attention to the sovereign state, with a formal and governance it is nearly despite its operational flaws,
federal structure of India’s the democratic structure
Constitution, which is a and national integrity are
democratic imperative of dialectically interlinked. But
multi-cultural India, where its operational fault lines are
the constituent units of the increasingly denting liberal
sovereign state are based on institutions, undermining
language, against competing the federal democratic
identities such as caste, structure as recent events have
tribe or religion. This built- underscored.
in structural potential for
conflict within and among Source: https://www.thehindu.
the units, and that between com/opinion/lead/reflections-
them and the sovereign state, on-the-quasi-federal-
need imaginative federal democracy/article36905863.
craftmanship and sensitive ece
political management. democratic framework is impossible to polarise its
The ability of the Indian noteworthy. Possibly, with wide-ranging diversity within
EXPLAINED | WHY HAS FATF RETAINED

PAKISTAN ON ‘GREY LIST’?
Move was taken at latest FATF plenary on October 21
The story so far: In June retained on the ‘grey list’ laundering and terrorist warpath against terror
2018, the Financial Action following the conclusion of financing watchdog, lays down financing
Task Force (FATF) placed the latest FATF plenary on international standards with
Pakistan on the ‘grey list’ of October 21, 2021. Pakistan an objective to prevent such What is the effect of ‘grey
jurisdictions under increased was first put on the list in activities. It keeps updating the listing’?
monitoring. Since then, it 2008, removed in 2009 and standards to address emerging According to the FATF, when
has been presented with then again remained under risks, monitors countries to it places a jurisdiction under
multiple recommendations increased monitoring from ensure that they implement the
increased monitoring, it means
for compliance. Owing to 2012 to 2015. recommendations fully and
the country has committed to
Pakistan’s failure in fully effectively and “holds countries
resolve swiftly the identified
implementing all the action What is FATF? to account that do not comply”.
strategic deficiencies within
points, it was once again
The FATF, a global money Also Read: FATF | On the agreed timeframes. Although
no legal consequences follow the FATF observed that Group Mutual Evaluation providing evidence that it
grey listing, it is understood Pakistan had completed 26 Report in June 2021, Pakistan actively seeks to enhance the
that the country’s access of the 27 action items in its had given further commitment impact of sanctions beyond
to international loans gets 2018 plan. The one remaining to address the shortcomings its jurisdiction by nominating
restricted. item was about continuing with respect to a new action additional individuals and
to demonstrate that terror plan primarily focussed on entities for designation at the
Why was Pakistan retained in financing investigations and combating money laundering. U.N.; and (2) demonstrating
the ‘grey list’? an increase in money
laundering investigations and
Pakistan was ‘grey listed’ in
prosecutions and that proceeds
June 2018, after the FATF
of crime continue to be
found multiple strategic anti-
restrained and confiscated in
money laundering (AML)/
line with Pakistan’s risk profile,
combating the financing of
including working with foreign
terrorism (CFT) deficiencies
counterparts to trace, freeze
on its part. It was asked to
and confiscate assets.
implement the action plan
for achieving 10 objectives. What now?
They included demonstration
of effective action against The FATF is expected to review
U.N.-designated terror outfits, Pakistan’s performance on
individuals and their associates its recommendations during
in terms of financial sanctions, the next plenary and working
asset seizures, investigation, How may Pakistan come off group meetings between
prosecutions targeted senior February 27 and March 4,
prosecution and convictions. the list?
leaders and commanders of 2022.
Also Read: Pakistan to stay U.N.-designated terrorist
The FATF has advised Pakistan
on FATF ‘greylist’ over failure groups. Source: https://www.thehindu.
that it should continue to
to convict UNSC-designated work to address its other com/news/international/
In response to the additional explained-why-has-fatf-
terror leaders strategically important AML/
deficiencies later identified in retained-pakistan-on-grey-
Pakistan’s 2019 Asia Pacific CFT deficiencies by: (1)
At the October 2021 plenary, list/article37121875.ece
BAIL UNDER THE NDPS ACT THROUGH THE

LENS OF THE ARYAN KHAN CASE
The grant of bail is a rule and its rejection is an exception as long as the mandate of the legisla-
ture as required by the provisions of the NDPS Act is followed.
Every punishment that does bail is not only subject to the in positive terms. Powers of The operative part of Section
not arise from absolute limitations contained under the High Court under Section 37 is in a negative form,
necessity, Montesquieu says, Section 439 of the Code of 439 of CrPC have not been prescribing the enlargement
is tyrannical. A more general Criminal Procedure (CrPC), curtailed in any way except of bail to any person accused
proposition reads as thus: but is also subject to the that they are to be exercised of commission of an offence
every act of authority of one limitation placed by Section with embargo and after under the Act only if two
man over another, for which 37, which begins with a non- considering conditions as conditions are satisfied. The
there is not an absolute obstante clause. laid down under Section 37 first condition is that the
necessity, is tyrannical. of the Act. Thus, the grant of prosecution must be given
Ordinarily, on a bare reading bail is a rule and its rejection an opportunity to oppose the
The jurisdiction of the court of these provisions, it would is an exception as long as the application; and the second, is
to grant bail is circumscribed look as if the court is to adopt mandate of the legislature as that the court must be satisfied
by the provisions of Section a negative approach and to required by the provisions of that there are reasonable
37 of the Narcotic Drugs and decline bail. But when the the NDPS Act is followed. grounds for believing that the
Psychotropic Substances Act, legislature has required the accused is not guilty of the
1985 (NDPS Act). The scheme court to record a finding of its Conditions for grant of bail offence. If either of these two
of Section 37 reveals that the satisfaction of certain facts, conditions is not satisfied, the
exercise of power to grant the duty cast on the court is bar on granting bail operates.
offence. The reasonable belief individual, and the times and Lal and Another v. State of
contemplated in the provision circumstances in which he Himachal. The Court held that
A court, in considering the requires existence of such thinks. The reasoning which the expression “possession” is
application for bail with facts and circumstances as built up the old scholastic logic a polymorphous term which
reference to Section 37 of are sufficient in themselves sounds now like the jingling of assumes different colours in
the Act, is not called upon to to justify satisfaction that the a child’s toy.” different contexts and may
record a finding of guilt. The accused is not guilty of the carry different meanings
court is merely called upon for alleged offence. Further, it was noted that in contextually different
the limited purpose confined in the ultimate analysis, backgrounds.
to the question of releasing In Shiv Shanker Kesari, it was whether a particular act is
the accused on bail, to see if held that the word “reasonable” reasonable or not depends on Section 20(b), which makes
there are reasonable grounds has in law the prima facie the circumstances in a given possession of contraband
for believing that the accused meaning of reasonable in situation. articles an offence, appears
is not guilty. It is required regard to those circumstances in Chapter IV of the Act,
to record its satisfaction of which the actor, called on Possession which relates to offences
regarding the existence of to act reasonably, knows or for possession of such
such grounds and whether the ought to know. It is difficult to articles. In order to make the
An offence under Section 8
accused is likely to commit any give an exact definition of the possession illicit, there must
of the NDPS Act, which is
offence while on bail. word “reasonable”. Referring be a conscious possession
punishable under Sections
to Municipal Corporation of and that possession must be
Reasonable grounds 21, 27A, 29, 60(3), prohibits
Delhi v. M/s Jagan Nath Ashok coupled with the requisite
a person from possessing any
Kumar, the judgment reads, mental element i.e. conscious
The Supreme Court in State narcotic drug or psychotropic
possession and not mere
of Kerala v. Rajesh held that “Stroud’s Judicial Dictionary, substance. The concept of
custody without awareness of
the expression “reasonable Fourth Edition, page 2258 possession recurs in Sections
the nature of such possession.
grounds” means something states that it would be 20 to 22, which provide for
more than prima facie unreasonable to expect an punishment for offences under Once possession is established,
grounds. It contemplates exact definition of the word the Act. Possession has been the person who claims that it
substantial probable causes “reasonable’. Reason varies examined with reference to the was not a conscious possession
for believing that the accused in its conclusions according factual backdrop of the case by has to establish it, because how
is not guilty of the alleged to the idiosyncrasy of the the Supreme Court in Madan he came to be in possession is
within his special knowledge. and control as a result of by Aryan Khan and three bail was opposed by invoking
Section 35 of the Act gives concealment; or personal others case before a Mumbai Section 27A and Section 29
a statutory recognition of knowledge as to the existence Sessions Court were opposed of the NDPS Act - provisions
this position because of the of the contraband and the by Narcotics Control Bureau which lay down some of the
presumption available in law. intention based on this (NCB) on the ground that most serious offences in the
Similar is the position in terms knowledge. they were charged of illicit Act - none of these sections
of Section 54, where also drug trafficking and criminal had even been invoked against
presumption is available to Grounds for cancellation of conspiracy under the NDPS him in the arrest memo and
be drawn from possession of bail Act. It was submitted that the that there was admittedly
illicit articles. NCB was trying to uncover an no recovery of drugs or any
Section 37 of the NDPS Act
international drug trafficking banned substance from Khan.
What amounts to “conscious would be applicable when
chain and that their custody
possession” was also the question of release on The investigation revealed that
was essential to avoid any
considered in Dharampal bail is considered. But once allegations levelled against
kind of influence on the other
Singh v. State of Punjab, where an accused has been released all the accused are in respect
witnesses.
it was held that the knowledge on bail, the regular criminal of consumption, sale and
of possession of contraband law would spring into action Additional Solicitor General purchase, with intermediate
has to be gleaned from the and bail would be open to Anil Singh submitted, quantity as well as commercial
facts and circumstances of a be cancellation only on these quantity of narcotic drugs
case. The standard of conscious grounds: “The record in the panchnama and psychotropic substances
possession would be different signed by the applicant allegedly being seized, for
i. Where the accused misuses establishes that he was in
in case of a public transport which the punishment
his liberty by indulging in conscious possession of
vehicle with several persons prescribed is more than three
similar criminal activity; contraband because he admits
as opposed to a private vehicle years.
with a few persons known to it was with his friend and it
ii. Interferes with the course of
one another. was for consumption of both The Special Judge under NDPS
investigation;
of them.” Act is likely to pronounce his
In Mohan Lal v. State of iii. Attempts to tamper with verdict on the bail application
Rajasthan, Supreme Court For this reason, it was argued on October 20.
evidence or witnesses;
also observed that the term that they ought not be released
“possession” could mean iv. Likelihood of fleeing, etc. at a preliminary stage of the Source: https://www.
physical possession with investigation. barandbench.com/columns/
The Aryan Khan case bail-under-the-ndps-act-
animus; custody over the This was opposed by Senior
prohibited substances with through-the-lens-of-the-
The bail applications filed Counsel Amit Desai, who
animus; exercise of dominion aryan-khan-case
in the cruise ship drug case pointed out that though Khan’s
INHERITANCE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND

BY WOMEN: THERE IS DISTANCE YET TO
TRAVEL
Over the past 100 years, considerable changes in the sections of the society. Later, key change have not been fully
restrictions on Hindu law of coparcenary, partition, when the Hindu Succession embraced by all States. Section
women’s property rights alienation of property, Act, 1956 (HSA) came into 4(2) of the unamended HSA
have undergone various inheritance and succession. force, it gave significant rights, 1956 was a distinct source of
changes. A 2000 report It provided better property but still fell gravely short of gender inequality. It stated
by Law Commission of rights to women but was introducing equal inheritance that HSA did not affect the
India notes that the earliest confusing and gave rise to rights for women. provisions of any other law
legislation bringing females several anomalies. The Hindu that prevents fragmentation
into the scheme of inheritance Law Committee set up in The Unresolved Issue Of of agricultural holdings, that
was the Hindu Law of 1941 introduced the Hindu Agricultural Land establishes land ownership
Inheritance (Amendment) Code Bill in the Legislative ceilings, or that provides for
Several of the shortcomings
Act, 1929. Subsequently, the Assembly in 1947, but it had devolution of tenancy rights
of HSA were resolved through
Hindu Women’s Right to to be shelved in the face of in such holdings. In simple
an amendment Act in 2005,
Property Act, 1937 brought stiff resistance from orthodox words, section 4(2) explicitly
but the implications of one
excluded inheritance of continue to apply tenurial laws Articles 245 and 246 of the NCT (2010) the Delhi High
tenancy rights in agricultural that deny women’s right to Constitution of India create Court declared that removal
land from the purview of HSA inherit agricultural land. a three-fold distribution of of section 4(2) from HSA
1956 and left such inheritance legislative powers between the 1956 allows HSA to override
to be governed by the State States Continue To Amend Centre and the States. This any other law in force before
tenurial laws. Inheritance Rules distribution is effected through the section’s removal, in so
three lists in the Seventh far as that law is inconsistent
The Standing Committee In 2006, the State of Uttar
Schedule of the Constitution: with HSA. It also mentioned
of Parliament on Law and Pradesh repealed several
the Union List, the State List that the removal of section
Justice in its report on Hindu obsolete laws and adopted
and the Concurrent List. 4(2) is very much a conscious
Succession Amendment Bill the U.P. Revenue Code, 2006.
act of Parliament, which
2004 noted various views on As per the new provisions, Important for our discussion, clearly did not want the
Section 4(2). After hearing an unmarried daughter while agricultural land falls unequal treatment of women
arguments for and against the receives the same inheritance under Entry 18 of the State pronounced in the Delhi Land
section’s retention, the report rights as a son, but a married List, issues related to ‘wills, Reforms Act, 1954 and other
recommended that HSA 1956 daughter receives weaker intestacy and succession’ similar laws to continue.
be amended to remove section rights. In effect, this means are part of Entry 5 of the
4(2) since it was a barrier to that daughters in Uttar Concurrent List. In the case In RoshanLal v. Pritam
Pradesh must choose between Singh (2018) the Himachal
Pradesh High Court reached a
similar conclusion. The court
referenced the continued
social struggle to change the
ancient Hindu Law to create
a more gender equitable,
consistent and coherent system
of jurisprudence. It noted
that the whole object and
intent of removing section
4(2) was to offer absolute
rights for women, regardless
of the nature of the property a
woman holds.
However, in Archna v. Dy.

Director of Consolidation,
Amroha (2015), the Allahabad
High Court held that the
tenurial law of the State would
prevail over HSA. The court
began with a clear explanation
gender equality. marriage and inheritance. of inheritance of agricultural of why Union law must
This contradicts HSA, which land, the overlap between prevail over an inconsistent
With the 2005 amendments, doesn’t discriminate between these two entries has tested State law where the laws deal
Parliament removed section married and unmarried the understanding of various with the same subject and are
4(2) of the 1956 law. daughters. courts. repugnant to one another. The
court proceeded to reason that
Several scholars and women’s Even as the State adopted Diverging Court Opinions the tenurial law of UP and
rights advocates hoped that further amendments in 2020 HSA are not repugnant to one
the removal of this section and became the first State In this context of legal another since they deal with
would put an end to gender to explicitly recognize the plurality and competing different subjects, though the
discrimination in inheritance inheritance rights of people values, numerous State court analysis is admittedly a bit
of agricultural lands, but the belonging to third genders, the judgments have sought hard to follow. The court also
evidence unfortunately points State failed to put an end to the to clarify the relationship concluded that even if there
otherwise. Despite removal discrimination meted out to between Union law and State is a repugnancy between the
of section 4(2), several States, married daughters. law regarding inheritance of State and Concurrent Lists in
including Punjab, Himachal agricultural land. this matter, the President of
Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, An Array Of Overlapping Laws
India’s assent to the UP Act
In Nirmala v. Government of
allows that Act to prevail. operation of law after the -- irrespective of their marital University of Delhi.
owner’s demise). States are status -- shall enjoy equal
There is thus a clear competent to legislate on inter rights as sons to inherit family Such an overarching law can
disagreement among the State vivos transfers of agricultural property governed by HSA. go a long way in ensuring
courts. land, while the Centre and A similar pronouncement is complete legal rights to all
States share jurisdiction on needed to uphold the rights of daughters and help India take
A recent opinion of the leaps in ensuring justice to her
transfers of any type of land daughters in agricultural land.
Supreme Court of India may daughters.
by succession. The court ruled
shed further light. In Babu “This disagreement among the
that the clause of preferential Source: https://www.
Ram v.Santokh Singh (2019) courts regarding inheritance of
rights of co-heirs outlined in livelaw.in/columns/
the Court considered whether tenancy rights in agricultural
HSA will apply to agricultural the-hindu-succession-
the preferential rights of co- land merits the attention of the
land since the State law lacks a act-1956-hsa-hindu-
heirs under section 22 of HSA Parliament, which can bring in
corresponding provision. womens-right-to-property-
would apply to agricultural an overarching law about the
land. The court distinguished A Distance Yet To Travel equal rights to all daughters act-1937-the-hindu-law-of-
between transfers made inter – irrespective of their religion inheritance-amendment-act-
vivos (during one’s lifetime) Last year the Supreme Court - in all kinds of lands,” says 1929-184347?infinitescroll=1
and transfers of land by pronounced, loudly and Prof. (Dr) Kiran Gupta, of
succession (occurring by unequivocally, that daughters
DIRECTOR’S DUTIES AND ISSUES

PERTAINING TO GREENWASHING AS A
MIRAGE
In today’s era of fast-moving of eco-exaggeration. Many bare minimum and satisfy but even then, it is managed
society people search for companies are using green consumers’ want to protect extensively by its Board of
anything that can bring messages to label and advertise the environment corporations Directors (BoD) along with
them closer to the nature their products as ones that use greenwashing. Every its management. In India,
and help sustain it for future are good for the environment corporation owe it to the Section 166 of The Companies
generations. And what is when their products have little environment for their existence Act, 2013 (hereinafter referred
better than buying a product or no positive environmental and it is the director’s duty to to as Act) elaborates the
that is not only green and benefits.” Thought this isn’t fulfil this, but greenwashing is duties of the directors and to
sustainable but also in some a new concept but its usage a gigantic loophole in the path be specific, sub-section (2)
way is beneficial for the states that this duty is also
health too. However, has it towards the environment.
ever occurred to you that But directors are humans and
those green labels or natural catering to their own greed
brandings might be a mere and short-term benefit have
stamp used by the corporates ignored this duty over time. In
to promote sales and line their India, there has been no such
pockets with profits. In 2015, instance where a director is
Volkswagen marketed their sued for breach of this duty
cars as green and emission and only the corporations are
free and got it approved in sued for such environmental
government emission test. But violations and that too not
the reality was far from it, they under the Companies Act.
did these tests in a controlled As there is no individual
environment and inserted a liability, environment is being
cheat device to rig the test have multiplied in recent to fulfil such Environmental ignored and fake eco-friendly
results with government, years as individuals are Social Responsibility (ESR). image of corporations is
this was later known as the becoming increasingly aware. being portrayed. The similar
Volkswagen Emission Scandal. Also, the governments are Any company is considered situation existed in multiple
This is a classic example of laying down laws to protect as a separate being form jurisdictions until January
Greenwashing. “The term the environment, so to be its owners and has its own 2019, when UK amended
greenwashing has been coined on the positive side of the legal existence as laid down their legislation relating to
to refer to the phenomenon law, keep the costs to the in Salomon v A. Salomon, corporations and making
environmental matters a part to recycle in order to sell Adidas may have reduced thus becoming the closest
of the strategic report and more while the reality is, no their chemical discharge but any country came to levy
keeping the company’s website recycling or reusing is taking that doesn’t make them eco- individual liability.
updated. Though this isn’t a place. friendly. Now the companies
big step, but this legislation and the lobbyists use all this Every industry in the world
scheme will push the directors Sports apparel is even worst to wash their bad side and be is washing their products to
to take environment into for the environment this green. seem like green and the worst
consideration, particularly because the features that are part is that Greenwashing is
where there may be financial present can’t be observed in The Volkswagen Emission not even a crime. At most it
sways on the company. any naturally produced fabric. Scandal, which first came to is considered as advertising
So, these companies utilise the light in August of 2015 in USA, puffery. But this crime is no
Oil companies have been artificially produced fabrics led to opening of floodgate less than money laundering.
known to deteriorate the like polyester, nylon and for litigation all around the Like Greenwashing, money
environment from their viscose. The boss of Patagonia, world. This resulted to a was laundered for a long time
various mining and extraction a sports apparel company, freefall in the share prices and but its wasn’t considered a
purposes. The usage of talks about the issues with the the company’s reputation was crime till 1986. Al Capone
greenwashing is very common industry, in using sustainable on the verge of collapsing. is known across the globe
in this industry. After the materials with tons of chemical Due to this rising pressure, and was earning almost $1.4
2010 oil spill in Gulf of processing. Adidas in its the CEO Martin Winterkorn billion (in today’s terms) yearly
Mexico, Royal Dutch Shell Annual Financial Report of resigned in September 2015. but when prosecuted could
came out with an aggressive 2019 was so desperate to seem After investigations began, only be charged for a mere
advertisement strategy like they are green that they the same results were found fraction of this money i.e.,
documenting the preservation used the word ‘sustainable’ around the world. Thought for the crime of tax evasion
programme they are running like a million times. In it there were emails exchanged as money laundering wasn’t a
for the wildlife affected by the they bragged about their between Winterkorn and crime back then. The dynamic
disaster. But oil companies partnership with Parsley the management agreeing to nature of law made it possible
being green is like a vegan lion. Ocean Plastic but failed to give this, he denied having any to provide protection against
It’s not just the oil companies real information, they claimed knowledge in his deposition such crime which wasn’t
anymore, the fashion industry to make millions of shoes by US authorities. There was always considered a crime.
is sharing the stage with them. and jerseys that contained nothing to point the liability The situation of Greenwashing
In 2015, fashion industry plastics collected from this over him and other directors seems similar as corporations
emitted more greenhouse gases partnership, while they could as either there is no law in are harming the environment,
than the combined emission have just used it to make aglets that regard and even if there making fake claims, and
of maritime shipping and and tags. Another claim was to is, then in that company and cheating the consumers and
international flights. The fast replace virgin polyester with shareholders are put above the for all this when, and if,
fashion companies like Zara, recycled one by 2024 but again interest of the environment. charged get away with bare
H&M have a special clothing the difficulty rises as it is not Thus, the company was just minimalist penalties when
line dedicated to environment possible to produce products charged with cheating on compared to the profits they
sustainability. They allow you only with recycled plastic the emission results. In USA, have earned from all this.
to exchange old clothes for as it loses its strength in the Volkswagen was fined for
some discount on new clothes, process and the claim of using $4.7 billion for environmental Moreover, greenwashing
that are later recycled. But 50% at current stage could be violation and to give buyback is not merely about the
their Annual Financial Repots right as there is a mixture of option to all 475000 customers environmental violation, its
beg to differ. In 2018, Inditex artificial fabrics used in their ranging from $12475-$44176, bigger than that as it also
(parent company for Zara) manufacturing and by making while when the car was includes cheating with the
claimed that their 88% of the such claims, they are diverting launched it starting price was investors and stakeholders,
waste is either recycled or the attention of consumers $38000 ranging all the way defrauding of consumers,
reused, but after few hundred from seeing the harsh truth. up to $76000. In Australia it conspiracy to commit
pages they exclude the waste Their involvement in groups was $125 million, INR 500 crime and manipulation of
generated from their factories like Zero Discharge of crore in India, £90 million in share prices (or in extreme
and at another page they also Hazardous Chemicals seems UK but all this was a small situations may result in
excluded their stores[11]. This to be working for them as now fraction of what they made. insider trading). In India,
means that there is almost they are taking in use fabrics The Securities and Exchange different crimes are defined
nothing that is being recycled like viscose. But wait, the Commission of USA indicted separately like Wrongful
and they are burying the key production of viscose requires Winterkorn for fraud in 2019 Restraint and Extortion and
pieces of information in the trees from ancient forests following which Germany did when committed as a part of
huge stack of pages of their coupled with gallons of water to same and filled case against one act gives rise to a whole
reports. They are advertising used in the process. So yeah, him and four other executives, new offence like Robbery.
A similar approach must be demands for immediate importance as a stakeholder while giving corporations
adopted when it comes to legislative action to from laws. as others and treating it at incentives (like tax rebates)
greenwashing, rather than Just like the appointment of par with the shareholders to be eco-friendly and adopt
charging the accused with independent directors on the as section 166 (2) of the Act low-carbon emission activities
individual offences, they must BoD to keep a check on the includes environment however would make directors access
be charged under the umbrella arbitrary decision making by it has no effect in the practical the long-term benefits and take
of greenwashing as an offence. other directors, appointment world. Providing a further a step further in preserving
of an environmental director explanation to this effect or the environment and fulfilling
In a nutshell, preserving the to become the voice of the adding a new sub-section their ESR duty.
environment is very crucial environment and prioritising in totality for director’s duty
and corporations are using environment while decision towards environment would Source: https://www.livelaw.
greenwashing as safe harbour making could prove to be make them balance out the in/columns/the-companies-
to deceive the society. This beneficial. Another important interests of shareholder with act-2013-greenwashing-
in turn give rise to may more development could be giving that of environment while environmental-social-
offences. The current situation the environment same deciding. Imposing restrictions responsibility-esr-183898
MEDICAL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY

ACT: CENTRE NOTIFIES RULES ALLOWING
ABORTION UP TO 24 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY
Under the Rules, certain categories of women are eligible for termination of pregnancy upto 24
weeks, up from the present upper limit of 20 weeks.
The Central Government on under Section 6 of the Medical Section 3 of the MTP Act Under Rule 3-B of the Medical
Tuesday notified the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, to extend the upper limit Termination of Pregnancy
Termination of Pregnancy 1971 (MTP Act). for medical termination of (Amendment) Rules, 2021, the
(Amendment) Rules, 2021 pregnancy to 24 weeks, from following categories of women
that allows termination of Prior to this, on September the present stipulation of 20 are eligible for termination of
pregnancy up to 24 Weeks:
1. Survivors of sexual assault or

rape or incest;
2. Minors;
3. Change of marital status

during the ongoing pregnancy
(widowhood and divorce);
4. Women with physical

disabilities [major disability as
per criteria laid down under
the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Act, 2016 (49 of
2016)];
5. Mentally ill women

including mental retardation;
6. The foetal malformation that

has substantial risk of being
incompatible with life or if
the child is born it may suffer
pregnancy up to 24 weeks for 24, the Medical Termination weeks, for certain categories of from such physical or mental
certain categories of women. of Pregnancy (Amendment) women who are defined under abnormalities to be seriously
Act, 2021 came into force. This these newly enacted Rules. handicapped; and
These rules have been enacted Amendment Act modified
7. Women with pregnancy facilities. It provides that Medical Termination of substantial risk of it being
in humanitarian settings the opinion for medical Pregnancy (Amendment) incompatible with life or if
or disaster or emergency termination of pregnancy Rules, 2021 under Rule 3-A the child is born it may suffer
situations as may be declared beyond 24 weeks gestation also provides that the Medical from such physical or mental
by the government. period will be given by a Board shall have the power “to abnormalities to be seriously
medical board. Two registered allow or deny termination of handicapped.”
Section 3(2C) of Amendment medical practitioners eligible pregnancy beyond 24 weeks of
Act 2021 provides for as per the new rules will gestation period only after due Source: https://www.
mandatory formation perform the termination consideration and ensuring barandbench.com/news/
of a medical board duly of pregnancy based on the that the procedure would be medical-termination-of-
constituted by the respective decision of the medical board. safe for the woman at that pregnancy-act-centre-notifies-
State government or UT gestation age and whether rules-allowing-abortion-up-
administration at approved Further, the newly enacted the foetal malformation has to-24-weeks-of-pregnancy
MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT WAIVES

COOLING OFF PERIOD UNDER SECTION 13B
OF HINDU MARRIAGE ACT IN LIGHT OF SC
JUDGMENT
The couple had stated that since they have decided to live separately, the pendency of the petition
for more than six months would affect both their futures.
The cooling off period of the parties’ application seeking the judgment of the Supreme ii) All efforts for mediation/
six months stipulated under waiver of the cooling off period Court in Amardeep Singh. In conciliation including efforts
Section 13B of the Hindu in light of Amardeep Singh. that case, it was held, in terms of Order XXXIIA
Marriage Act for moving a Rule 3 CPC/Section 23(2) of
motion for a decree of divorce The petitioner submitted that “Applying the above to the the Act/Section 9 of the Family
on the basis of mutual consent, after the marriage between present petition, we are of the Courts Act to reunite the
was recently waived off by the the parties was unsuccessful, view that where the Court parties have failed and there is
Madhya Pradesh High Court they jointly decided to obtain dealing with a matter is no likelihood of success in that
relying on a Supreme Court a decree of divorce and satisfied that a case is made out direction by any further efforts;
judgment (Pankaj Rajput v. therefore, sought divorce by to waive the statutory period
Kirti Rajput). mutual consent. It was further under Section 13 B (2), it can iii) The parties have genuinely
stated that since they had do so after considering the settled their differences
After taking note of the including alimony, custody
apex court judgment in in of child or any other pending
Amardeep Singh vs. Harveen issues between the parties.
Kaur, the order passed by
Justice SA Dharmadhikari iv) The waiting period will
stated, only prolong their agony.”
“Taking into consideration Considering the judgment and

the fact that there is a dispute the stand of the parties, Justice
between the parties since Dharmadhikari waived off the
long and now the parties have cooling period of six months.
amicably settled the matter The High Court also directed
and decided to live separately the Family Court to consider
decided to live separately, the following: and decide the application
and there are no chances of pendency of the petition for
any settlement between them, i) The statutory period of six expeditiously.
more than six months would
therefore, the cooling period of affect both their futures. It was months specified in Section Source: https://www.
six months’ as provided under also clarified that there was 13 B(2), in addition to the barandbench.com/news/
Section 13-B of the HMA is no possibility of compromise statutory period of one year litigation/madhya-pradesh-
waived off...” between the parties. under Section 13B(1) of high-court-waives-cooling-
separation of parties is already off-period-under-section-13b-
The single-judge was hearing a Before deciding on the over before the first motion
challenge to an order of Family of-hindu-marriage-act-in-
challenge, the Court discussed itself; light-of-sc-judgment
Court, Gwalior that rejected

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OCT, 2021 VOL - 01 ISSUE - 21 ` 100/-

A iming to make the textiles

strengthening the value chain 4. In which of the following

Passage (Q.21-Q.25): (b) 1872

I n early October, the [1], along

Papers, which revealed a slice of 24. Which of the following is

P rime Minister Narendra

Passage (Q.31-Q.35): financing for the power

P ower Finance Corp. Ltd sector, which will go

Passage (Q.41-Q.45): Arab Emirates

Passage (Q.46-Q.50): over India - only 14% in

W hile the gross enrolment rural areas compared to

Passage (Q.51-Q.55): Organization (WMO)

I n 2018, the Conference of is an intergovernmental

I ndia’s real Gross Domestic

63. Which of the following is

64. Which of the following will

I ndia’s Global Hunger Index

84. Which one of the following

86. EWS Quota was added

Passage (Q.96-Q.100): aquifers, reuse treated

T he Cabinet chaired by wastewater, thereby

109. Which of the following will

110. Which of the following is

T he UK will host the COP

(b) The application aims

124. Which of the following

P rime Minister Narendra JJM). following years?

Passage (Q.126-Q.130): (c) The law does not

Passage (Q.131-Q.135): Assembly of the United

P rime Minister Narendra Nations in December,

U nion Minister of Civil

D ays after China’s air force

P opular since the early 20th

gas business with carbon-

In 2021, his total net worth

Legal Current Affairs

ARTICLES YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS

WITH AUKUS, INDIA MUST KEEP ITS HEAD

EXPLAINED: WHAT ARE THE PANDORA

What are the Pandora Papers?

These are 11.9 million leaked

These documents relate to

REFLECTIONS ON THE ‘QUASI-FEDERAL’

EXPLAINED | WHY HAS FATF RETAINED

BAIL UNDER THE NDPS ACT THROUGH THE

INHERITANCE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND

However, in Archna v. Dy.

DIRECTOR’S DUTIES AND ISSUES

MEDICAL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY

1. Survivors of sexual assault or

3. Change of marital status

4. Women with physical

5. Mentally ill women

6. The foetal malformation that

MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT WAIVES

“Taking into consideration Considering the judgment and

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