Bhalki Conspiracy is associated with one of the following historical events in India?
a) Non Cooperation Movement
b) Prince of Wales’s Tour of India In 1875-6
c) Quit India Movement
d) Echo of India’s First War of Independence
Answer: (d) Echo of India’s First War of Independence
Explanation:
In NEWS: Forgotten tales of the freedom struggle in North Karnataka
- Influenced by the freedom fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi, lakhs of people from even remote areas of the northern districts of Karnataka plunged into the freedom movement, with scores sacrificing their lives and many others
Echo of First War of Independence
- Exactly 10 years after India’s First War of Independence in 1857, the anti-British sentiments echoed in Bhalki, and it was later termed the Bhalki Conspiracy. The associates of Nana Saheb Peshwa II and Tatya Tope, the notable leaders of the revolt, regrouped in Hyderabad and staged attacks against British camps in Secunderabad, Aurangabad, and other places in 1862.
- Rao Saheb, the nephew of Nana Saheb, who led the attacks, was caught and executed by the British.
- His associate Rama Rao challenged the British by hoisting Bhagwa Dhwaj at Ashti village near Bhalki in 1867.
- The British Action:
- The British began a manhunt and when Rama Rao, also known as Jung Bahadur, and his associates Balakrishna, Vitoba, and Bhima Rao were holding a meeting at Bhalki, the British arrested them.
- They were charged with hatching a plot against the British and the Nizam rule and awarded life imprisonment.
- Two others, Vishwanath and Jahangir Ali, were sentenced to 14 years in prison.
- The Bhalki Conspiracy is considered to be the last echo of India’s First War of Independence. Hence option (d) is correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Third party funding in arbitration:
1) It is a concept where an unrelated party to a dispute finances the legal cost of one of the parties.
2) This form of financing improves access to justice.
3) This concept is banned in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Case for third party funding Third party funding in arbitration, or litigation funding, is a concept where an unrelated party to a dispute finances the legal cost of one of the parties. Hence statement (1) is correct
- Third party funding is where someone who is not involved in an arbitration provides funds to a party to that arbitration in exchange for an agreed return.
- Typically, the funding will cover the funded party’s legal fees and expenses incurred in the arbitration.
- The funder may also agree to pay the other side’s costs and provide security for the opponent’s costs if the funded party is so ordered.
- It is believed that this form of financing improves access to justice by providing advance funding and support against a lengthy and expensive litigation process. Hence statement (2) is correct
- The concept of third-party funding is statutorily recognized in civil suits under the Civil Code of Procedure in states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Hence statement (3) is incorrect
- This consent to third-party funding can be adduced from the Civil Procedure Code 1908, which governs civil court procedure in India.
- “Non-lawyer third party funding” is lawfully admissible in India. In order to streamline the process in India, we are seeing the advent of organisations such as the Indian Association for Litigation Finance.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/case-for-third-party-funding/article35948248.ece
Consider the following statements regarding Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS):
1) It is chaired by the Minister of Defence.
2) It is responsible for conducting discussions and debates on issues on national security.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: CCS meets on next steps, PM says need to assist ‘Afghan brothers, sisters’
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in which India’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Rudrendra Tandon, among those evacuated from Kabul
- As India prepares itself for the reality of a Taliban-governed Afghanistan again, it is assessing its strategic policy given that both Pakistan and China will move to exercise influence over the next regime in Kabul.
About Cabinet Committee on Security
- The Prime Minister of the country is responsible for heading the Cabinet Committee on Security in India. Hence statement (1) is incorrect
- The Cabinet Committee on Security is responsible for conducting discussions and debates on issues on national security. It is also responsible for appointments of/in the national security bodies. Hence statement (2) is correct.
The following are the members of the CCS:
- Prime Minister
- Minister of Defence
- Minister of Home Affairs
- Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs
- Minister of External Affairs
Functions of Cabinet Committee on Security
- Dealing with defence-related issues – For example, in January 2021, the Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the purchase of Tejas Mark 1 A (Light Combat Aircraft) from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Dealing with the issues concerning law and order and national security – The committee discusses different initiatives to be taken from time-to-time to enhance the national security of India.
- Discussing the issues concerning international deals that impact India’s security.
- Discussing the political issues revolving around the nation’s security.
- Evaluating the need for the national security apparatus and bringing in desired changes to enhance national security.
- Considering all cases involving capital expenditure of more than Rs. 1000 crores in respect of Department of Defence Production and Department of Defence Research and Development.
- Discussing matters related to atomic energy.
Consider the following statements regarding Cabinet Committees:
1) They are not mentioned in the Constitution.
2) All committees are headed by the Prime Minister.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: CCS meets on next steps, PM says need to assist ‘Afghan brothers, sisters’
About Cabinet Committees
- They are an organizational device to lessen the enormous workload of the Cabinet. They facilitate an in-depth examination of policy issues and effective coordination. They are based on the principles of division of labor and effective delegation.
- They not only resolve issues and frame proposals for the Cabinet’s consideration, but they also take decisions. The Cabinet can, of course, review their decisions.
- All committees except Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs are headed by the Prime Minister. Hence statement (2) is incorrect.
- They are extra-constitutional in emergence.
- In other words, they are not mentioned in the Constitution. However, the Rules of Business provide for their establishment. Hence statement (1) is correct.
- The executive in India works under the Government of India Transaction of Business Rules, 1961
Eight Cabinet Committees:
- Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
- Cabinet Committee on Accommodation.
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
- Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
- Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs.
- Cabinet Committee on Security.
- Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth.
- Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development.
Consider the following statements regarding Enforcement Directorate:
1) It is a specialized financial investigation agency under the Ministry of Finance.
2) It is a Multi Disciplinary Organization mandated with the task of enforcing the provisions of two special fiscal laws – Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a)1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: ED attaches ₹234-crore assets linked to ex-MLA
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹234 crore linked to former MLA Vivekanand Shankar Patil, who was the chairman of Karnala Nagari Sahakari Bank Limited, in connection with a bank fraud case.
- The attached properties include the Karnala Sports Academy and several land parcels.
- The ED probe is based on a First Information Report registered by the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai police in 2019, after the fraud came to light during an audit conducted at the instance of the Reserve Bank of India.
About Enforcement Directorate
It is a Multi-Disciplinary Organization mandated with the task of enforcing the provisions of two special fiscal laws – Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). Hence statement (2) is correct.
The origin of this Directorate goes back to 1st May, 1956, when an ‘Enforcement Unit Was formed, in Department of Economic Affairs, for handling Exchange Control Laws violations under Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 (FERA, 1947).
In the year 1957, this Unit was renamed as ‘Enforcement Directorate’. The administrative control of the Directorate was transferred from Department of Economic Affairs to Department of Revenue in 1960. Hence statement (1) is correct.
- The Directorate enforces two laws;
- FEMA, a Civil Law having quasi-judicial powers, for investigating suspected contraventions of the Exchange Control Laws and Regulations with the powers to impose penalties on those adjudged guilty.
- PMLA, a Criminal Law, whereby the Officers are empowered to conduct enquiries to locate, provisionally attach/confiscate assets derived from acts of Schedules Offences besides arresting and prosecuting the Money Launderers.
- The ED has its headquarters in New Delhi and has many regional offices all over the country.
- Composition – Besides directly recruiting personnel, the Directorate also draws officers from different Investigating Agencies, viz., Customs & Central Excise, Income Tax, Police, etc. on deputation.
- Processing cases of fugitive/s from India under Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018.
- Sponsor cases of preventive detention under Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974(COFEPOSA)in regard to contraventions of FEMA.
Special courts:
- For the trial of an offence punishable under section 4 of PMLA, the Central Government (in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court), designates one or more Sessions Court as Special Court(s).The court is also called “PMLA Court”.
- Any appeal against any order passed by PMLA court can directly be filed in the High Court for that jurisdiction.
Consider the following statements regarding Hirakud Dam:
1) It is built across the Damodar River.
2) It is a composite structure of earth, concrete and masonry and is the longest major earthen dam in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Wild cattle: On an island in Hirakud, cattle have grown wild for 60 years
There’s every chance of visitors to the Hirakud reservoir in western Odisha bumping into the large numbers of cattle growing in the wild there for over 60 years
About Hirakud Dam
- It is a multipurpose scheme conceived by Er. M. Visveswaraya in 1937, after recurrence of devastating floods in Mahanadi river. Its first hydro power was commissioned in 1956.
- Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River, close to Sambalpur city in Odisha in India. Hence statement (1) is incorrect.
It is a composite structure of earth, concrete and masonry. It is the longest major earthen dam in India. Hence statement (2) is correct.
- It is one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects started after India’s independence and began operations in 1957.
- With successful irrigation provided by the dam, Sambalpur is called the rice bowl of Odisha.
About Mahanadi River
- The Mahanadi River system is the third largest of peninsular India after Godavari and Krishna, and the largest river of Odisha state.
- The catchment area of the river extends to Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Maharashtra.
- Its basin is bounded by the Central India hills on the north, by the Eastern Ghats on the south and east and by the Maikala range on the west.
- It rises from a place near Sihawa in Bastar hills in the state of Chhattisgarh to the south of Amarkantak.
Major Tributaries of the Mahanadi river
- Seonath River
- Hasdeo River
- Mand River
- Ib River
- Jonking River
- Tel River
Consider the following statements regarding Right to be forgotten:
1) In India, there are no legal provisions related to it.
2) It refers to the ability of an individual to limit, delink, delete, or correct the disclosure of the personal information on the internet.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Acquitted men petition Delhi HC seeking ‘right to be forgotten’
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the Centre and search engine giant Google to respond to a petition by two businessmen, who have invoked the ‘right to be forgotten’, and sought the removal of certain articles relating to a criminal case
About Right to be forgotten
- Right to be forgotten refers to the ability of an individual to limit, delink, delete, or correct the disclosure of the personal information on the internet that is misleading, embarrassing, or irrelevant. Hence statement (3) is correct
- It allows for the lawful removal of personal information of an individual if such request is made.
- The right to be forgotten is distinct from the right to privacy because the right to privacy comprises of the information that is not publicly known, whereas the right to be forgotten involves removing information that was publicly known at a certain time and not allowing third parties to access the information. Hence statement (2) is incorrect
- In India, there are no legal provisions related to it. Hence statement (1) is correct
- Neither the Information Technology (IT) Act 2000 (amended in 2008)nor the IT Rules, 2011 deals with the right to be forgotten.
- Only Section 27 of the draft Data Protection bill has listed out three scenarios in which an individual will have the right to restrict or prevent continuing disclosure of personal data, also known as the right to be forgotten.
- There have been instances, where the High courts have upheld the right of an individual to be forgotten.
- For instance, the Karnataka High Court upheld a woman’s right to be forgotten stating that the right is in line with the trend in the western countries. In the sensitive cases involving women in general and highly sensitive cases involving rape or affecting the modesty and reputation of the person concerned, it must be adhered to.
- The Delhi High Court, in another case had asked from the Centre and Google whether the right to privacy included the right to delink from the Internet the irrelevant information.
With respect to Financial inclusion index (FI-Index), Consider the following statements:
1) It is published by the Reserve Bank of India.
2) It will be published annually in July every year.
3) It comprises three broad parameters Access, Usage and Quality.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: RBI unveils financial inclusion index
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the formation of a composite Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) to capture the extent of financial inclusion across the country. Hence statement (1) is correct.
- The FIIndex for the period ended March 2021 stood at53.9 compared with 43.4 for the period ended March 2017.
- The annual FIIndex will be published in July every year, the RBI said in a release. Hence statement (2) is correct.
- The index incorporates details of banking, investments, insurance, postal as well as the pension sector in consultation with the government and respective sectoral regulators.
- The index captures information on various aspects of financial inclusion in a single value ranging between 0 and 100, where 0 represents complete financial exclusion and 100 indicates full financial inclusion.
- It has been constructed without any ‘base year’.
- A unique feature of the index is the Quality parameter that captures the quality aspect of financial inclusion as reflected by financial literacy, consumer protection, and inequalities and deficiencies in services. Hence statement (3) is correct.
- Importance of FI Index: It provides information on the level of financial inclusion and measures financial services for use in internal policy making.
- It can be used directly as a composite measure in development indicators.
- It enables fulfilment of G20 Financial Inclusion Indicators requirements.
- The G20 indicators assess the state of financial inclusion and digital financial services, nationally and globally.
- It also facilitates researchers to study the impact of financial inclusion and other macroeconomic variables.
Consider the following statements regarding Small finance banks:
1) They are the financial institutions which provide financial services to the unserved and unbanked region of the country.
2) They are registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Bank on SFBs
- The RBI flagged off its Small Finance Bank (SFB) experiment amid high expectations in 2014, responding partly to the view that India needed a differentiated banking model from the ubiquitous ‘universal’ banks and partly to criticism that it was too frugal with its universal banking licenses.
- Ten SFB licenses were issued in 2016-18 on the understanding that SFBs could be promoted by entities adhering to less onerous eligibility criteria, with a minimum net worth of ₹100 crore against ₹500 crore.
- SFBs were expected to deliver on financial inclusion mandates by offering credit to informal enterprises, small and marginal farmers and migrant workers, while deploying 75 per cent of their loans in priority sectors, with 50 per cent in sub-₹25 lakh loans.
- But a majority of SFBs now seem keen to abandon this niche banking model in favour of becoming universal banks and are terming this transition as the logical next step.
About Small Finance Banks
- Small Finance Banks are the financial institutions which provide financial services to the unserved and unbanked region of the country. Hence statement (1) is correct.
- They are registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013. Hence statement (2) is correct.
- SFBs will be given scheduled bank status once they commence their operations, and found suitable as per Section 42 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
Small Finance Banks are governed by the provisions of the:
- Banking Regulation Act, 1949;
- Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934;
- Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999; Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007;
- Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005;
- Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961;
- Other relevant Statutes and the Directives, Prudential Regulations and other Guidelines/Instructions issued by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other regulators from time to tim
With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?
(a) Shramana
(b) Parivraajaka
(c) Agrahaarika
(d) Maagadha
Answer: (d) Maagadha
Explanation:
During Gupta period, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories or epic tales was the work of a different group of people, the sutas and magadhas. Hence option (d) is correct.
