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The correct answer is Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act.

Key Points

• The Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016, introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India, which came into effect on 1 July 2017.
• This amendment added a new Article 246A to the Indian Constitution, granting both Parliament and State Legislatures the power to make laws regarding GST.
• GST replaced multiple indirect taxes like VAT, service tax, and excise duty with a unified tax structure to simplify the taxation system.
• The GST Council, established under Article 279A, was created to recommend GST rates and policies, ensuring cooperative federalism in taxation.
• GST operates as a dual tax structure: the Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST) for intra-state trade, and Integrated GST (IGST) for inter-state trade.

Additional Information

• Goods and Services Tax (GST):
• GST is a destination-based indirect tax that is levied on the consumption of goods and services.
• It is categorized into CGST, SGST, UTGST (for Union Territories), and IGST, depending on the nature of the transaction.
• GST has subsumed various taxes like Central Excise Duty, Service Tax, VAT, and Entry Tax, among others.
• GST Council:
• The GST Council is a constitutional body chaired by the Union Finance Minister.
• It includes the Union Minister of State for Finance and Finance Ministers of all states as members.
• The Council recommends tax rates, exemptions, and procedural guidelines for GST implementation.
• Impact of GST:
• GST has simplified the tax structure, reduced cascading effects, and promoted ease of doing business in India.
• It has increased tax compliance through mechanisms like e-invoicing and input tax credit.
• GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network):
• GSTN is a non-profit organization responsible for the technological infrastructure of GST in India.
• It facilitates registration, return filing, and payment of taxes for taxpayers and serves as the backbone of the GST system.

The correct answer is UNHCR.

Key Points

• The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has received the Nobel Peace Prize twice, first in 1954 and later in 1981, for its humanitarian work.
• It was recognized for its efforts in providing assistance to refugees displaced due to conflicts and persecution around the world.
• The 1954 award acknowledged UNHCR's work in addressing the post-World War II refugee crisis.
• The 1981 award honored its response to the global refugee situation resulting from conflicts in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• UNHCR has been instrumental in advocating for refugee rights and providing shelter, food, and medical care to millions of displaced people globally.

Additional Information

• UNHCR Overview:
• UNHCR, also known as the UN Refugee Agency, was established in 1950 to assist refugees and protect their rights.
• Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing support to displaced populations worldwide.
• Nobel Peace Prize:
• The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organizations for their efforts in promoting peace and resolving conflicts.
• It was established by Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, through his will in 1895.
• The award ceremony takes place in Oslo, Norway.
• Other UN Agencies with Nobel Recognition:
• UNICEF received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 for its assistance to children globally.
• The World Food Programme (WFP) was awarded the prize in 2020 for combating hunger and promoting peace in conflict zones.
• Global Refugee Crisis:
• As of 2023, there are over 100 million displaced people worldwide due to conflicts, persecution, and climate change.
• UNHCR plays a critical role in coordinating international responses to refugee crises.

The correct answer is Option 4.

Key Points

• The Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) is appointed by the President of India under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
• A three-member committee recommends the appointment of the Central Vigilance Commissioner, including the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Union Minister of Home Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.
• If there is no recognized Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, the Leader of the single largest group in opposition in Lok Sabha becomes part of the committee, as per convention.
• The Central Vigilance Commissioner heads the CVC, which is tasked with preventing corruption in central government organizations.
• Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.

Additional Information

• Central Vigilance Commission (CVC):
• Established in 1964 based on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee.
• Became a statutory body through the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
• The Commission consists of a Central Vigilance Commissioner and up to two Vigilance Commissioners.
• Appointment Process:
• The President appoints the Central Vigilance Commissioner and Vigilance Commissioners based on the recommendation of the committee.
• The term of office is 4 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• Functions of CVC:
• Supervises the vigilance activities of central government organizations.
• Investigates cases of corruption referred by the central government.
• Advises the government on vigilance-related matters.
• Leader of Opposition (LoP):
• The Leader of Opposition is recognized when the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha has at least 10% of the total strength of the House.
• If no party meets this criterion, the Leader of the single largest group in opposition is considered for committee roles.

The correct answer is Mon Sep 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time).

Key Points

• The International Day of Democracy is observed globally on 15^th September every year.
• It was established through a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2007.
• This day aims to promote and uphold the principles of democracy worldwide.
• The theme for the International Day of Democracy often highlights current challenges and opportunities related to democracy.
• Various activities, including discussions, conferences, and public awareness campaigns, are held to emphasize the importance of democratic governance.

Additional Information

• Definition of Democracy:
• Democracy is a system of government where citizens exercise power by voting.
• It is characterized by free and fair elections, rule of law, and protection of fundamental rights.
• History of Democracy:
• The concept of democracy originated in ancient Greece, particularly in Athens, around the 5^th century BCE.
• Modern democracies have evolved to include representative systems and universal suffrage.
• Challenges to Democracy:
• Common challenges include corruption, inequality, political polarization, and threats to freedom of speech.
• Technological advancements, such as social media, have also raised concerns about misinformation and electoral interference.
• UN's Role in Promoting Democracy:
• The United Nations supports democracy through initiatives like election monitoring, governance programs, and conflict resolution.
• It emphasizes that democracy is essential for peace, sustainable development, and human rights.

The correct answer is option 3 (Both 1 and 2).

Key Points

• The NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission and to act as a think tank for the Government of India.
• The Prime Minister of India is the Chairperson of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog.
• The Governing Council of NITI Aayog consists of Chief Ministers of all states, Union Territories with legislatures, and Lt. Governors of Union Territories, including Ladakh.
• The Governing Council serves as a platform to discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental, and federal issues between the central and state governments.
• The inclusion of the Lt. Governor of Ladakh as a member of the Governing Council reflects NITI Aayog's collaborative approach to address regional development challenges.

Additional Information

• NITI Aayog Structure
• The NITI Aayog is structured into a Governing Council, Regional Councils, and a full-time organizational framework.
• The Governing Council includes the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of states, Lt. Governors of Union Territories, and other key stakeholders.
• Regional Councils are formed on a need basis to address specific regional issues and challenges.
• Objectives of NITI Aayog
• Promote cooperative federalism through structured support initiatives and mechanisms with states.
• Foster innovation and policy research through partnerships with academia and industry.
• Major Initiatives by NITI Aayog
• Digital India programs and fostering innovation through the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
• Policy recommendations for doubling farmers' income and achieving sustainable development goals.
• Significance of Inclusion of Union Territories
• The participation of Lt. Governors ensures representation of Union Territories in the developmental planning process.
• This inclusion aligns with the aim of equitable growth and regional development across all parts of India.

The correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.

Key Points

• The National Commission for Women (NCW) was established in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, making it a statutory body.
• The NCW is mandated to review the constitutional and legal safeguards for women and recommend measures to ensure their effective implementation.
• It advises the government on all policy matters affecting women, including legislative proposals, socio-economic challenges, and measures to promote gender equality.
• The Commission is also empowered to investigate and examine complaints related to the violation of women's rights and recommend action to authorities.
• It works towards creating awareness about women’s rights and addressing issues like gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and trafficking.

Additional Information

• Statutory Body: A statutory body is an organization created by an act of Parliament or state legislatures, with defined powers and functions under the law.
• Constitutional Safeguards for Women: Articles like 14 (equality before the law), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and 16 (equality of opportunity) are key provisions protecting women’s rights in India.
• Legal Safeguards: Laws like the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, are examples of legal safeguards.
• Gender Equality: NCW plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality by examining systemic issues and addressing the barriers faced by women in various sectors.
• Role of NCW: The Commission organizes workshops, consultations, and awareness programs to educate people about women's rights and ensure their inclusion in the development process.

The correct answer is Maithili.

Key Points

• Maithili is the most recent language to be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
• It was officially added in the year 2003 through the 92^nd Constitutional Amendment Act.
• The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists the languages recognized by the Indian government, currently comprising 22 languages.
• Maithili is primarily spoken in the Bihar and Jharkhand states of India, along with parts of Nepal.
• With its inclusion, Maithili gained official recognition and importance, further promoting its preservation and development.

Additional Information

• Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
• The Eighth Schedule includes languages recognized by the Constitution of India for official purposes.
• Initially, it included 14 languages, and subsequent amendments have expanded it to 22 languages.
• Prominent languages in the Eighth Schedule include Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, and Punjabi.
• Recognition under the Eighth Schedule promotes the protection and development of the listed languages.
• 92^nd Constitutional Amendment Act
• This amendment, passed in 2003, added four languages to the Eighth Schedule: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali.
• The amendment aimed to preserve and promote regional languages and cultures.
• It reflects the Indian government's commitment to linguistic diversity.
• Importance of Language Inclusion
• Languages included in the Eighth Schedule are entitled to official recognition and support.
• Inclusion helps in the development of literature, education, and cultural preservation of the language.
• It also allows for the use of the language in government communication and competitive exams.
• Linguistic Diversity in India
• India is known for its linguistic diversity, with over 19,500 mother tongues spoken across the country.
• The Constitution emphasizes the protection and promotion of this diversity through provisions like the Eighth Schedule.
• Efforts to preserve minority and regional languages are crucial for maintaining India's cultural heritage.

The correct answer is Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

• The Council of States (Rajya Sabha) is the upper house of the Parliament of India, representing the states and union territories.
• Seats in the Rajya Sabha are allocated based on the population of each state, as per the principle of proportional representation.
• Tamil Nadu has one of the highest allocations of Rajya Sabha seats among Indian states due to its significant population size.
• The state currently has 18 seats in the Rajya Sabha, reflecting its political importance and demographic weight.
• Other states with similar high allocations include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, but Tamil Nadu stands out due to its consistent representation.

Additional Information

• Rajya Sabha Composition
• The Rajya Sabha is composed of 245 members, out of which 233 are elected by the legislatures of the states and union territories, and 12 are nominated by the President of India.
• Members serve staggered six-year terms, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.
• Allocation of Seats
• Seats are allocated to states and union territories based on their population, as determined by the last Census.
• States with larger populations, such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, have more seats compared to smaller or less populated states.
• Election Process
• Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies using the single transferable vote (STV) system.
• Nomination of 12 members by the President is based on their expertise in fields like literature, science, art, and social services.
• Role of Rajya Sabha
• The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in the legislative process, acting as a revising chamber for bills passed by the Lok Sabha.
• It also represents the states' interests in the federal structure of India.

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

Key Points

• The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, allocates the usage of rivers in the Indus Basin.
• The term 'Eastern Rivers' as per the Treaty refers to the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers collectively, which are allocated for unrestricted use by India.
• The term 'Western Rivers' as per the Treaty refers to the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers collectively, which are primarily allocated to Pakistan, with limited usage rights for India.
• The treaty was brokered by the World Bank and remains a landmark agreement in water-sharing disputes.
• Both statements in the question are correct as they align with the definitions provided in the treaty.

Additional Information

• Indus Waters Treaty Overview:
• Signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan, facilitated by the World Bank.
• It divides the rivers into 'Eastern Rivers' (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) for India and 'Western Rivers' (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) for Pakistan.
• The treaty is considered one of the most successful water-sharing agreements globally.
• Eastern Rivers Usage:
• India has exclusive rights over the waters of the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi.
• These rivers are primarily used for irrigation, hydropower generation, and other consumptive purposes.
• Western Rivers Usage:
• Pakistan has unrestricted rights to the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
• India can use a limited amount of water from these rivers for agriculture, storage, and hydropower under specified conditions.
• World Bank's Role:
• The World Bank mediated the treaty and acts as a guarantor of its implementation.
• It provides a mechanism for dispute resolution between the two nations.
• Significance of the Treaty:
• It establishes cooperative water management between the two countries, despite political tensions.
• Ensures equitable water distribution and prevents unilateral control over shared water resources.

The correct answer is Option 4.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002, added the Right to Education under Article 21A as a Fundamental Right. While it did not add the Right to Education to the DPSP, it did substitute Article 45 in the DPSP to provide for early childhood care and education for children below the age of six.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Right to Work is a Directive Principle under Article 41 of the Constitution, while the Right to Education is a Fundamental Right under Article 21A and not classified under Directive Principles.
• The Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009 operationalizes Article 21A and mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 years.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) provide guidelines for state policy but are non-justiciable, while Fundamental Rights are justiciable and enforceable in courts.
• Neither of the two statements aligns with the constitutional provisions, making Option 4 ("Neither 1 nor 2") correct.

Additional Information

• Article 21A: Introduced by the 86^th Amendment Act, it makes education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6–14 years.
• Right to Work: Enshrined in Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, it directs the state to provide work, education, and public assistance to citizens in cases of unemployment, old age, or sickness.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Non-justiciable provisions aimed at establishing social and economic democracy, listed in Part IV of the Constitution.
• Fundamental Rights: Enshrined in Part III of the Constitution, these are enforceable rights protecting individual freedoms and equality.
• Right to Education Act, 2009 (RTE): Provides a framework for implementing Article 21A, ensuring free and compulsory education for children in India.