Consider the following statements regarding Pardoning Powers of Governor
1.Article 161 of the Constitution provides the Governor with the power to remit or commute the sentence of any prisoner.
2.Governor can grant pardon to a person awarded death sentence
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Rajiv Gandhi murder case: Governor can rule on convicts’ plea, says SC
- The Supreme Court on Tuesday said the Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) investigation into the “larger conspiracy” behind Rajiv Gandhi assassination in 1991 need not deter the Tamil Nadu Governor from deciding the plea for pardon of convicts like A.G. Perarivalan, who have been serving their sentence in jail
About Pardoning Powers of Governor
- Article 161 of the Constitution provides the Governor with the power to remit or commute the sentence of any prisoner. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The Governor’s decision will be subject to judicial review by the constitutional courts.
- Nevertheless, the immediate question is whether there is an independent, discretionary power vested with the Governor with regard to Articles 161 and 163 (Council of Ministers to aid and advise Governor).
- It should be noted that the President can grant pardon to a person awarded death sentence. But a governor of a state does not enjoy this power. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- Various powers
- Pardon: It means completely absolving the person of the crime and letting him go free. The pardoned criminal will be like a normal citizen.
- Commutation: means changing the type of punishment given to the guilty into a less harsh one, for example, a death penalty commuted to a life sentence.
- Reprieve: It means a delay allowed in the execution of a sentence, usually a death sentence, for a guilty person to allow him some time to apply for Presidential Pardon or some other legal remedy to prove his innocence or successful rehabilitation.
- Respite: It means reducing the quantum or degree of the punishment to a criminal in view of some special circumstances, like pregnancy, mental condition etc.
- Remission: It means changing the quantum of the punishment without changing its nature, for example reducing twenty year rigorous imprisonment to ten years.
Consider the following statements regarding Man and the Biosphere
1.Tamil Nadu’s Niligiri Biosphere Reserve was the first of India’s reserves to make it to UNESCO’s list in 2000.
2.Under this programme, Protection is granted only to the flora and fauna of the protected region
3.It is an intergovernmental scientific programme by UNEP
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Madhya Pradesh: Unesco stripes for Panna Biosphere Reserve
- UNESCO has included Panna Biosphere Reserve in its World Network of Biosphere Reserves under Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB). Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
About MAB programme
- The MAB programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.
- It combines the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable.
- The World Network of Biosphere Reservescurrently counts 701 sites in 124 countries all over the world, including 21 transboundary sites.
- Under the programme, Protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- Tamil Nadu’s Niligiri Biosphere Reserve was the first of India’s reserves to make it to UNESCO’s list in 2000. Hence statement 1 is correct.
India’s list of world network of biosphere reserves under MAB:
- Nilgiri
- Gulf of Mannar
- Sundarban
- Nanda Devi
- Nokrek
- Pachmarhi
- Similipal
- Achanakmar – Amarkantak
- Great Nicobar
- Agasthyamala
- Khangchendzonga
- Panna Biosphere Reserve
The Connaught Rangers are seen in news, they are closely associated with:
1.Irish mutiny in India
2.Indian Mutiny
3.chittagong armoury raid
4.Boer war conspiracy in India
Answer: (a) Irish mutiny in India
Explanation:
In NEWS: Explained: How Irish freedom movement resonated in rebellion in Punjab
Ireland is commemorating 100 years of the mutiny by a British Army battalion stationed in Jalandhar and Solan in Punjab in support of the Irish freedom movement.
Which Irish unit mutinied in India?
- A British Army battalion belonging to the Connaught Rangers was the one in which Irish soldiers mutinied in Jalandhar and Solan in Punjab. Solan now lies in Himachal Pradesh but in 1920 it was part of Punjab. The Ist Battalion of the Connaught Rangers was stationed in Jalandhar since January 1920 after it had taken part in the First World War. Hence option (a) is correct
- The Connaught Rangers were raised during the British Army reforms of 1881. The National Army Museum (NAM) of United Kingdom (UK) states that the 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers) merged with the 94th Regiment of the Foot to form a new two-battalion unit.
- The troops of The Connaught Rangers were protesting against the behaviour of the ‘Black and Tans’ during the Irish War of Independence (1919-22). The Black and Tan were members of the Irish constabulary which had been recruited from Great Britain and mostly comprised demobilised soldiers who had fought in the First World War.
- There was an attempt in the battalion to cover up the incident as though Dawson was taken under arrest, he was later shifted to the military hospital with the excuse that he was suffering from sunstroke. While nothing further happened on the next two days, on June 28 more troops of the battalion turned up at the guardroom asking to be put under arrest in support for their country. Soon other troops refused to parade as the news of the mutiny spread.
- According to the testimony of Lance Corporal John Flannery, available with the Bureau of Military History of the Irish Army, the unrest in the 1st Battalion of Connaught Rangers started in Jalandhar on the afternoon of June 25, 1920
- The Irish soldiers felt that they must rise in solidarity with their compatriots back in Ireland and hence in June and July 1920 some of the regiment’s men mutinied in Jullundur (now Jalandhar) cantonment and later in Solan in Punjab
Consider the following statements regarding Gilgit-Baltistan Region
1.It is the northernmost territory administered by Afghanistan
2.The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Importance of Gilgit-Baltistan, and why Pakistan has given it provisional province status
On November 1, observed every year in Gilgit-Baltistan as “Independence Day”, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that his government would give the region “provisional provincial status”.
- When that happens, G-B will become the fifth province of Pakistan, although the region is claimed by India as part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu & Kashmir as it existed in 1947 at its accession to India.
- Gilgit-Baltistan is the northernmost territory administered by Pakistan, providing the country’s only territorial frontier, and thus a land route, with China, where it meets the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has made the region vital for both countries. Hence statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct.
- To G-B’s west is Afghanistan, to its south is Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and to the east J&K.
- The plan to grant G-B provincial status gathered speed over the last one year due to CPEC and Chinese interest, as well as India’s reassertion of its claims after the August 5, 2019 reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Though Pakistan, like India, links G-B’s fate to that of Kashmir, its administrative arrangements are different from those in PoK.
- While PoK has its own Constitution that sets out its powers and their limits vis-à-vis Pakistan, G-B has been ruled mostly by executive fiat. Until 2009, the region was simply called Northern Areas.
- It got its present name only with the Gilgit-Baltistan (Empowerment and Self-Governance) Order, 2009, which replaced the Northern Areas Legislative Council with the Legislative Assembly.
With reference to Mallakhamb, consider the following statements
1.Mallakhamb is one of the few games that is played against gravity.
2.It functions on a synergy of mind and body, employing every muscle in a way that enables a person to develop speed, stamina and better health.
3.The origin of this ancient Indian sport can be traced to earlier part of the 12th century.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: Who are America’s Mallakhamb couple that PM Modi spokes about in Mann ki batt?
- Mallakhamb is one of the few games that is played against gravity. It functions on a synergy of mind and body, employing every muscle in a way that enables a person to develop speed, stamina and better health. Hence statement 1 and statement 2 is correct.
- The name derives from the pole used by wrestlers for practising their skills though, today, Mallakhamb has developed an identity that is separate from wrestling or kushti.
- The word malla means a wrestler or an athlete in Sanskrit and can also indicate a verb, such as strong or good. Khamb or kham, in spoken Marathi, means a pole. Therefore, Mallakhamb has come to be known as wrestling against a pole.Nevertheless, there are two other Mallakhamb styles such as ‘rope mallakhamb’ and ‘hanging mallakhamb’.
- The origin of this ancient Indian sport can be traced to earlier part of the 12th century. A mention of wrestlers exercising on wooden poles is found in the Manasholas, written by Chalukya, in 1153 AD. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Tele-law
1.It brings free legal advice through video or audio conferencing at Common Service Centre
2.It was launched by the department of Tele-communication in 2017.
3.The Tele-Law service is proactively outreached to groups and communities through a cadre of frontline volunteers provided by NALSA and CSC- e Governance
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Tele-Law touches a new milestone; 4 Lakh beneficiaries received legal advice under the initiative through CSC
- Tele-law brings free legal advice through video or audio conferencing at the Common Service Centre. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The Tele-Law programme was launched by the Department of Justice in 2017 to address cases at the pre–litigation stage. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
- Under this programme, smart technology of video conferencing, telephone /instant calling facilities available at the vast network of Common Service Centres at the Panchayat level are used to connect the indigent, down-trodden, vulnerable, unreached groups and communities with the Panel Lawyers for seeking timely and valuable legal advice.
- The Tele-Law service is proactively outreached to groups and communities through a cadre of frontline volunteers provided by NALSA and CSC- e Gov. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1669756
National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) report which was released by which of the following?
1.Niti Aayog
2.Ministry of Science and Technology
3.Ministry of Finance
4.None of the above
Answer: (b) Ministry of Science and Technology
Explanation:
In NEWS: Dr. Harsh Vardhan releases the NCAER Report on “Estimating the economic benefits of Investment in Monsoon Mission and High Performance Computing Facilities
- Union Minister of Science and Technology released the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) Report on “Estimating the economic benefits of Investment in Monsoon Mission and High Performance Computing (HPC) Facilities”. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1669815
With reference to COVID-19 shri shakthi challenge, consider the following statements
1.MyGov in collaboration with UN Women, launched the COVID-19 Shri Shakti Challenge.
2.Its objective was to encourage and involve women led startups to come up with innovative solutions that can help in the fight against COVID19 or solve problems that impact a large number of women.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In News: 6 women led startups win COVID-19 Shri Shakti Challenge organized by MyGov in Collaboration with UN Women
- MyGov in collaboration with UN Women, launched the COVID-19 Shri Shakti Challenge in April 2020. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Its objective was to encourage and involve women led startups to come up with innovative solutions that can help in the fight against COVID19 or solve problems that impact a large number of women. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- This challenge was hosted on the Innovate platform of MyGov that called for applications from women led startups as well as startups who have solutions that address issues faced by a larger number of women.
- Six women led startups have won COVID-19 Shri Shakti Challenge organized by MyGov in collaboration with UN Women.
- Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1669816
Shashi Shekhar Vempati Committee’ which was in news recently, is associated with which of the following?
1.Review TRP norms
2.Elephant Bonds
3.Report on Naxalism
4.Police Reforms
Answer: (a) Review TRP norms
Explanation:
In NEWS: Govt forms panel to look into TRP system
- The NBF is an industry body founded last year by Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami.
- The Centre announced a four-member committee, to be headed by Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati, to look into the Television Rating Points (TRP) system and recommend any changes required to make it more robust and transparent. Hence option (a) is correct
- The NBF is an industry body founded last year by Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami.
- Incidentally, Republic TV is among media organisations being probed in a case of alleged ‘TRP scam’. Mumbai Police’s case is that some TV channels were allegedly paying to get their TRPs boosted.
- The committee will appraise the existing system, examine TRAI recommendations notified from time to time, look at the “overall industry scenario” and address needs of stakeholders and “make recommendations for robust, transparent and accountable rating system through changes, if any, in the existing guidelines”.
- The new committee has also been tasked with studying past recommendations made by various forums on the subject, recent TRAI recommendations, suggest steps for enhancing competition in the sector, review of the current guidelines and see if they work, and address any lacunae.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/govt-forms-panel-to-look-into-trp-system-6949967/
Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare State?
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Fundamental Rights
- Preamble
- Seventh Schedule
Answer: (a) Directive Principles of State Policy
Explanation:
A welfare state is a concept of government where the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social well -being of its citizens. It is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life. The Directive Principles of State Policy embody the concept of a ‘welfare state’.
