PYST 6: IB Security Assistant & MTS Official Paper - General Studies (Held On: 24 March, 2023 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)

The correct answer is India.

Key Points

  According to the 'Climate Transparency Report' of 2022, India suffered the highest loss to earnings from heat-related labor capacity among the G20 countries. 

     The reasons for this could be attributed to several factors such as:

• High temperatures: India experiences high temperatures, especially during the summer months, which can lead to heat stress among workers and affect their productivity.
• Lack of infrastructure: Many workers in India do not have access to basic amenities such as air conditioning, which can exacerbate the impact of high temperatures on their health and productivity.
• Agriculture-dependent economy: India's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which is a labor-intensive sector. Heat stress can significantly impact the productivity of farmers and other agricultural workers.
• Poor working conditions: Many workers in India work in poor conditions, such as factories and construction sites, where they are exposed to high temperatures and humidity.

 Additional Information

• The report is published annually by Climate Transparency, a global partnership of 14 climate research organisations and NGOs from the majority of G20 countries.
• The eighth edition of the report was released in 2022.

The correct answer is Piyush Goyal.

Key Points

• Piyush Goyal is the current Minister of Textiles and Commerce and Industry in the Government of India.
• He was appointed as the Minister of Textiles in July 2021, replacing Smriti Zubin Irani.
• Prior to this, he held the position of Minister of Railways and Coal.

Additional Information

• Smriti Zubin Irani is the former Minister of Textiles in the Government of India.
• She held the position from May 2017 to July 2021.
• Currently she is the Minister of Woman and Child Development and Minister of Minority Affairs.
• Prior to this, she was the Minister of Human Resource Development.
• Arjun Munda is the current Minister of Tribal Affairs in the Government of India.
• He has previously served as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for three terms.
• He has also been the President of the Jharkhand Olympic Association.
• Pralhad Joshi is the current Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Coal and Mines in the Government of India.
• He has been a Member of Parliament from the Dharwad constituency in Karnataka since 2004.
• Joshi is a member of the BJP and has held several positions in the party, including the President of the Karnataka unit.

The correct answer is The voting age was reduced from 21 to 18.

Key Points

• The 61^st amendment of the Constitution of India was passed in 1989.
• The amendment lowered the minimum voting age from 21 to 18 years.
• This amendment was made to reflect the changing demographics of the country and to give young people a greater say in the democratic process.
• The amendment was also seen as a way to encourage greater political participation among young people.

Additional Information

• The addition of Fundamental Duties was made by the 42^nd Amendment of the Constitution of India in 1976.
• Right to property was removed from the list of fundamental rights by Constitutional 44^th Amendment act 1978 and a new chapter IV was added in Part XII, containing only one article 300A.

The correct answer is Atul Kumar Goel.

Key Points

• Atul Kumar Goel was elected as the new chairman of Indian Bank's Association (IBA) in October 2022.
• Prior to this, he was the Managing Director undefined CEO of UCO Bank.

Important Points

• Indian Bank's Association (IBA) is the representative body of management of banking in India.
• It has 249 members comprising of Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Foreign Banks having offices in India, Co-operative Banks, Regional Rural Banks and All India Financial Institutions.
• It was formed on the September 26, 1946 with 22 members.

Additional Information

• Aditya Puri is a renowned banker who retired as the Managing Director of HDFC Bank in 2020. He is not related to the Indian Bank's Association.
• Aswani Bhatia is the Managing Director of State Bank of India. He is not related to the Indian Bank's Association.
• Vibha Padalkar is the Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Life. She is not related to the Indian Bank's Association.

The correct answer is Panipat.

Key Points

• Ibrahim Khan Lodi was the last ruler of the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, who ruled from 1517 to 1526.
• He was defeated and killed by Babur in the Battle of Panipat in 1526, which marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.
• His Tomb is a historical monument located in Panipat, Haryana.
• It was built in 1526-27 by his son Sikandar Lodi to commemorate his father's death.
• The tomb is located near the tehsil office in Panipat, which is a government administrative center for the district.
• The tomb is a fine example of Lodi architecture, with a square plan, a dome, and intricate stone carvings and decorations.

Additional Information

• Charkhi Dadri is a city in the Bhiwani district of Haryana, located about 100 km southwest of Panipat.
• It is known for its industrial and agricultural activities.
• Yamunanagar is a city in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana, located about 80 km southeast of Panipat.
• It is known for its plywood and paper industries.
• Kaithal is a city in the Kaithal district of Haryana, located about 70 km northwest of Panipat.
• It is known for its historical and religious significance, with several temples and gurudwaras.

The correct answer is 2009.

Key Points

• Micro Finance Institutions Network (MFIN) is an industry association for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) engaged in microfinance activities in India.
• It was established in 2009 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
• MFIN is a self-regulatory organization that promotes responsible lending, client protection, and transparency in microfinance institutions.
• It also serves as a platform for industry-wide discussions, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy.

 Additional Information 

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs):

• According to RBI "A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stocks/bonds/debentures/securities issued by Government or local authority or other marketable securities of a like nature, leasing, hire-purchase, insurance business, chit business but does not include any institution whose principal business is that of agriculture activity, industrial activity, purchase or sale of any goods (other than securities) or providing any services and sale/purchase/construction of immovable property."
• NBFC cannot accept demand deposits;
• NBFCs do not form part of the payment and settlement system and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself
• deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is not available to depositors of NBFCs, unlike in case of banks.

The correct answer is Chalukya dynasty.

Key Points 

• Pulakeshin II was one of the most famous kings of the Chalukya dynasty, which ruled large parts of southern and central India from the 6^th to the 12^th century CE.
• He is particularly known for his military prowess and his successful campaigns against the Pallavas, another powerful dynasty that ruled parts of southern India at the time.
• His reign is considered a golden age for the Chalukya dynasty, as he expanded its territories, patronized the arts and sciences, and established a stable and prosperous kingdom.
• Some of the notable achievements of Pulakeshin II's reign include the construction of the impressive rock-cut temples at Badami and Aihole, which are still considered masterpieces of Indian architecture.

Additional Information

• Pandya dynasty: The Pandyas were another ancient dynasty that ruled parts of southern India, particularly in the region of modern-day Tamil Nadu.
• They were known for their maritime trade, literature, and architecture, but they did not have a significant presence in the Deccan region where the Chalukyas were based.
• Pallava dynasty: The Pallavas were a powerful dynasty that ruled parts of southern India, particularly in the region of modern-day Tamil Nadu, in the 3^rd to 9^th century CE.
• They were known for their patronage of the arts, particularly architecture and sculpture, and their conflict with the Chalukyas is well-documented in historical records.
• Mauryan dynasty: The Mauryan dynasty was an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled most of the Indian subcontinent from the 3^rd century BCE to the 2^nd century BCE.
• It was known for its military conquests, particularly under the reign of Emperor Ashoka, and its patronage of Buddhism.
• However, the Mauryan dynasty had long ceased to exist by the time of Pulakeshin II, who lived in the 7^th century CE.

The correct option is Shiv Sena.

Key Points

• Shiv Sena, a regional political party in Maharashtra, lost its poll symbol of the 'bow and arrow' in October 2022.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) cancelled Shiv Sena's registration as a political party due to its failure to submit the required documents for renewal.
• As a result, Shiv Sena was forced to contest the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra under a new symbol.

Important Points Shiv Sena:

• Shiv Sena is a political party in India, primarily active in the state of Maharashtra.
• It was founded on June 19, 1966 by Bal Thackeray.
• The party has its roots in regional and Marathi identity politics.

Additional Information

• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is a political party in India that primarily represents the interests of the Bahujan Samaj, which includes Dalits, Adivasis, and Other Backward Classes. BSP has not lost its poll symbol of the 'elephant' in recent times.
• Communist Party of India (CPI) is a communist political party in India that was founded in 1925. CPI has not lost its poll symbol of the 'hammer and sickle' in recent times.
• National People's Party (NPP) is a political party in India that primarily operates in the Northeastern states of the country. Its poll symbol of the 'book' in recent times.

The correct answer is  943 females / 1000 males.

Key Points

• According to Census of India 2011, the sex ratio in India is 943 females / 1000 males.

Additional Information 

• Sex ratio is the ratio of females to males in a population. It is an important indicator of gender balance in society.
• A sex ratio of 943 females / 1000 males means that there are 943 females for every 1000 males in India.
• This sex ratio is an improvement from the previous census of 2001, which reported a sex ratio of 933 females / 1000 males.
• However, the sex ratio in India is still lower than the global average of 985 females / 1000 males.
• The low sex ratio in India is a result of various factors such as female infanticide, selective abortion of female fetuses, and neglect of girls' health and education.

The correct answer is Justice Uday Umesh Lalit.

Key Points

• Justice Uday Umesh Lalit was the 49^th Chief Justice of India(CJI) having served from August 2022 to November 2022.

 Important Points

• The CJI and the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution.
• Qualifications for being the CJI

      He/She should 

• be a citizen of India.
• have been for at least five years a Judge of a High Court or of two or more such Courts in succession or
• have been for at least ten years an advocate of a High Court or of two or more such Courts in succession, or
• be, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist.

Additional Information

• Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana was the 48^th Chief Justice of India, having served from April 2021 to August 2022.
• Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde was the 47^th Chief Justice of India, having served from November 2019 to April 2021.
• Justice DY Chandrachud is a current Chief Justice of India having assumed office on 9^th November 2022.

The correct answer is 2005.

Key Points

• Tendulkar Committee was appointed by the Government of India to re-examine the methodology of estimating poverty and measurement of poverty line in India.
• The committee was headed by Suresh Tendulkar, an economist and former chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council.
• The committee submitted its report in 2009, which led to a revision of the poverty line and an increase in the number of people considered poor in India.
• The poverty line was revised from Rs. 32 per day in rural areas and Rs. 47 per day in urban areas to Rs. 33 per day in rural areas and Rs. 47 per day in urban areas.
• The report also recommended a multidimensional approach to poverty measurement, which takes into account not only income but also access to basic amenities like education, healthcare, and sanitation.

 Additional Information

POVERTY MEASUREMENT IN INDIA:

• Poverty can be defined as a condition in which an individual or household lacks the financial resources to afford a basic minimum standard of living.
• India has a long history of studies on measurement of poverty. The erstwhile Planning Commission was the nodal agency in India for estimation of poverty.
• Various expert groups constituted by the Planning Commission have estimated the number of people living in poverty in India:
• Working Group (1962).
• Study by VM Dandekar and N Rath (1971).
• Task Force on “Projections of Minimum Needs and Effective Consumption Demand” headed by Dr. Y. K. Alagh (1979).
• Lakdawala Expert Group (1993): Headed by Professor D.T. Lakdawala.
• Tendulkar Expert Group (2009): It was setup in 2005 and was headed by Suresh Tendulkar.
• Rangrajan Committee (2014): It was set up in 2012 and was headed by Chakravarthi Rangarajan.

The correct answer is UU Lalit.

Key Points

• ​Uday Umesh Lalit was part of the bench along with Justices AK Sikri and SA Bobde. The bench refused to impose a complete ban on firecrackers but allowed the sale and manufacture of "green crackers" that have low emission levels.
• The case was filed by a group of children seeking a complete ban on firecrackers due to the harmful effects of air and noise pollution on their health.
• The Supreme Court's decision was based on a report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which stated that "green crackers" can reduce air and noise pollution by up to 30%. The report also recommended a time limit on bursting crackers during festivals.
• The Supreme Court's decision was widely debated and criticized by environmental activists and health experts who argued that any amount of firecrackers can cause harm to the environment and public health.

​ 

Important Points

• ​Uday Umesh Lalit is a judge in the Supreme Court of India.
• He was appointed as a judge in August 2014.
• He served as the 49^th Chief justice of india from August 2022 to November 2022.

Additional Information

• S Abdul Nazeer is a judge in the Supreme Court of India. He was appointed as a judge in February 2017.
• DY Chandrachud is also a judge in the Supreme Court of India.
• He was appointed as a judge in May 2016.
• He is the current and 50^th Chief Justice of India(CJI).
• He was appointed as a CJI in November 2022.
• Hemant Gupta is a Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court. He was appointed as a judge in the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2002 and later transferred to the Patna High Court in 2016..

The correct answer is Article 51A.

Key Points 

• Article 51A of the Indian Constitution specifies the Fundamental Duties of every citizen of India.
• These duties were added to the Constitution by the 42^nd Amendment Act of 1976, on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee.
• There are 11 Fundamental Duties listed in Article 51A, which are aimed at promoting a sense of discipline, patriotism, and social responsibility among citizens.
• Some of the important Fundamental Duties include respecting the Constitution, national flag, and national anthem, promoting harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood, protecting the natural environment, and striving towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.

Important Points

• .It is important to note that while the Fundamental Rights are justiciable, i.e., citizens can approach the courts if their rights are violated, the Fundamental Duties are not enforceable by law

Additional Information

• Article 112 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Annual Financial Statement, i.e., the Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister in the Parliament.
• Article 78 of the Indian Constitution deals with the duties of the Prime Minister, including the allocation of business to Ministers, the furnishing of information to the President, and the communication between the President and the Council of Ministers.
• Article 23 of the Indian Constitution prohibits traffic in human beings and forced labor, and provides for the punishment of offenses related to these practices.

The correct answer is Gujarat.

Key Points

• Atal Bridge is named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• The bridge is 1.4 km long and has a width of 22.8 meters.
• It connects the eastern and western parts of Ahmedabad city, making it easier for people to commute.
• The bridge is expected to ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time for commuters.

 Additional Information Sabarmati River:

• The Sabarmati River is one of the major west-flowing rivers in the Indian state of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• It originates in the Aravalli Range near Udaipur in Rajasthan and flows southwest through Gujarat before emptying into the Gulf of Khambhat, which is an inlet of the Arabian Sea.
• Some of the major dams on this river are the Dharoi Dam and the Hathmati Dam.

The correct answer is 71.20%.

Key Points

• According to Census of India 2011, Bihar is the third most populous state in India with a population of over 100 million people.
• The state has a literacy rate of 61.80% according to the 2011 census.
• The male literacy rate in Bihar has increased from 59.68 in 2001 to 71.2% in 2011, which is a significant improvement

Additional Information

• The female literacy rate in Bihar is still very low at 51.50%, which is a major concern for the state.
• 61.80% is the overall literacy rate in Bihar according to the 2011 census.

The correct answer  is Indus.

Key Points

• The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in Asia streching for about 3200 kms, flowing through Pakistan, India, and China.
• It is also known as the Sindhu River in India.
• The Nubra River is a tributary of the Shyok River, which in turn is a tributary of the Indus River.
• It flows through the Nubra Valley in the Ladakh region of India.
• The Hunza River is a tributary of the Gilgit River, which also flows into the Indus River.
• It originates in the Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan.
• It originates from the Bokhar Chu glacier in the Tibetan Plateau.The glacier is located near Lake Mansarovar in the Great Himalayas
• The Indus River is an important source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation in the region, and supports a variety of flora and fauna.

Additional Information

• The Damodar River is a tributary of the Hugli River, which flows into the Bay of Bengal. It is located in eastern India and is known for its high silt content and frequent flooding.
• The Yamuna River is a major tributary of the Ganges River, which is the longest river in India. It flows through several states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, and is considered sacred by Hindus.
• The Chambal River is a tributary of the Yamuna River, and flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its rugged and scenic landscape, and is home to a variety of wildlife including crocodiles and dolphins.

The correct answer is Indigo.

Key Points

• The Tinkathia system was prevalent in Champaran district of Bihar during the British Raj.
• It was a system of forced cultivation of indigo on a portion of the farmer's land in exchange for rent-free land for personal cultivation.
• The farmers of Champaran were compelled to grow indigo on 3/20^th of their land (i.e. three kathas per beegha) by the British planters who had leased the land from the local landlords.
• Indigo was a cash crop grown for export by the British textile industry.
• The farmers were not allowed to grow food crops on the indigo land, which caused great hardship and poverty among them.

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Additional Information

• The Tinkathia system was opposed by Mahatma Gandhi, who led a successful campaign of civil disobedience in Champaran in 1917know as Champaran Satyagrah.
• This was the first satyagrah led by Gandhi in India and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.

The correct answer is The US.

Key Points

• The Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution, which guarantees civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and equality before the law.
• These Fundamental Rights were inspired by the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution, which was adopted in 1791. The Indian Constitution borrowed heavily from the US Constitution, which is why it is often called a 'bag of borrowings.'
• The Indian Constitution also drew inspiration from the Constitution of Ireland, which was adopted in 1937 and provided for fundamental rights and freedoms.
• The Constitution of India also borrowed from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

Additional Information List of Borrowed Features of Indian Constitution :

The correct answer is Kheda.

Key Points

• Kheda is a district in the state of Gujarat, India. In 1918, the peasants of Kheda were facing a severe crop failure due to a famine-like situation.
• The British colonial government demanded high taxes from them, which they were unable to pay.
• Mahatma Gandhi, who was already leading a movement in Champaran, Bihar, decided to extend his support to the Kheda peasants and launched a Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) movement.
• The Kheda Satyagraha achieved success when the British government, recognizing the widespread distress and the genuine grievances of the farmers, agreed to relax the tax collection and provide some relief.
• It was also the time Gandhiji used Non-Cooperation as a weapon for the first time.

Additional Information

• Champaran is a district in the state of Bihar, India. In 1917, the peasants of Champaran were forced to cultivate indigo by the British landlords, which resulted in their exploitation and oppression.
• Mahatma Gandhi, who was then a young lawyer, was invited by a local leader to investigate the matter.
• He stayed in Champaran for several months and organized a successful Satyagraha movement against the British landlords.
• Here, for the first time in India, Gandhi used Civil Disobedience as tool for satyagraha.
• Ahmedabad is a city in the state of Gujarat, India.
• Mahatma Gandhi launched the struggle in Ahmedabad which involves industrial workers.
• Hunger strike as a weapon was used for the first time by Gandhiji.
• Surat is a city in the state of Gujarat, India. It was an important center of the Indian independence movement.
• The INC(Indian National Congress) session of 1907 was held here under presidentship of Ras Bihari Ghose.
• Congress broke in moderates led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale and extremists led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal. this event is know as Surat Split.

The correct answer is Regulating Act.

Key Points

The Regulating Act of 1773

• It was introduced by the British government to regulate the affairs of the British East India Company in India.
• The Act was passed in the aftermath of the Battle of Plassey and the subsequent establishment of British rule in India.
• It aimed to address the issues of corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power by the officials of the East India Company.
• It provided for the appointment of a Governor-General of Bengal who would have powers over the other Presidencies and the Company's territories in India.
• It also established a Supreme Court in Calcutta to administer justice and to check the arbitrary actions of the Company officials.

Additional Information 

• The Charter Act of 1833 was a significant piece of legislation that abolished the East India Company's monopoly on trade with India and provided for the appointment of a Governor-General for the whole of India.
• The Pitt's India Act of 1784 was introduced by William Pitt the Younger to regulate the affairs of the East India Company and to establish a Board of Control to oversee the Company's activities in India.
• The Government of India Act of 1935 was a major constitutional reform that provided for the establishment of a federal system of government in India and gave a measure of autonomy to the provinces.