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The correct answer is Article 338.

Key Points

• Article 338 of the Constitution of India mandates the establishment of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), a constitutional body dedicated to protecting the rights of the Scheduled Castes.
• The commission is entrusted with the duty to investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes under the Constitution or any other laws of the country.
• The 89^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, bifurcated the former joint commission into two separate entities: the National Commission for Scheduled Castes under Article 338 and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) under Article 338A.
• The NCSC consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other members, all of whom are appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal.
• While investigating any matter or inquiry, the commission possesses all the powers of a Civil Court, specifically regarding the summoning of witnesses and the production of documents.

 Additional Information

• Article 340:
• Empowers the President to appoint a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes.
• This article formed the basis for the establishment of the Mandal Commission in 1979.
• Article 330:
• Provides for the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
• The number of reserved seats is determined by the proportion of their population in each State or Union Territory.
• Article 350:
• Relates to the language to be used in representations for the redress of grievances to any authority of the Union or a State.
• It is associated with Article 350B, which provides for a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities.

The correct answer is Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.

Key Points

• The Indian National Congress (INC) held its inaugural session from December 28 to December 31, 1885, marking the beginning of a structured national movement in India.
• Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, a distinguished Bengali barrister, was elected as the first President of the session, representing the Moderate phase of Indian politics.
• The venue for this historic meeting was Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay (present-day Mumbai).
• The session was initially planned to be held in Poona, but the location was shifted to Bombay following a sudden outbreak of cholera in the city.
• The formation of the Congress was facilitated by Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume), a retired British official who served as the first General Secretary.
• A total of 72 delegates from across India attended the first session, primarily consisting of lawyers, journalists, and intellectuals.

 Additional Information

• Surendranath Banerjee:
• Founded the Indian National Association in 1876, which was a precursor to the INC.
• He was absent from the first INC session because he was presiding over the National Conference in Calcutta at the same time.
• Bipin Chandra Pal:
• Recognized as the 'Father of Revolutionary Thoughts' in India and a key leader of the Swadeshi Movement.
• He was a member of the Extremist group within the Congress, forming the famous Lal-Bal-Pal trio with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• Pherozeshah Mehta:
• A prominent Moderate leader often referred to as the 'Lion of Bombay' for his influence in the Bombay Municipal Corporation.
• He served as the President of the Congress during its 1890 session held in Calcutta.

The correct answer is India and United States.

Key Points

• The 131 million dollar procurement deal marks a significant milestone in defense technology cooperation between India and the United States, specifically involving the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and HawkEye 360.
• HawkEye 360 is a premier United States-based commercial satellite data and analytics firm specializing in Radio Frequency (RF) signal mapping and geospatial intelligence.
• The primary objective of this technology acquisition is to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by detecting and tracking radio frequency signals from vessels.
• This surveillance capability allows for the monitoring of dark ships—vessels that have intentionally disabled their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to avoid detection while engaging in illegal activities.
• The deal was facilitated under the INDUS-X (India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem) framework, which aims to bridge the gap between defense startups and government agencies in both nations.

 Additional Information

• HawkEye 360 Technology:
• Utilizes a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to identify and geolocate signals such as VHF marine radio, UHF push-to-talk, and L-band satellite communications.
• Provides critical data for border security, national defense, and disaster response by providing a comprehensive RF map of the earth.
• INDUS-X Initiative:
• Launched in June 2023 during the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington D.C.
• Operates under the broader iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) led by the National Security Advisors of India and the USA.
• Focuses on co-development and co-production of advanced aerospace and maritime technologies.

The correct answer is Caste and religious oppression.

Key Points

• Heart Lamp is a celebrated collection of short stories by the veteran Kannada writer and activist Banu Mushtaq, translated to reach a wider global audience.
• The central theme of the book revolves around Caste and religious oppression, particularly focusing on the intersectional struggles of Muslim women within the socio-political landscape of Karnataka.
• Mushtaq utilizes a realist narrative style to depict how everyday characters navigate the complexities of communalism, patriarchy, and social stratification.
• The stories highlight the marginalization of minority groups, providing a nuanced perspective on how religious identity and caste hierarchies dictate access to justice and dignity.
• By focusing on ordinary lives, the author exposes the structural violence inherent in communal divisions while celebrating the quiet resilience of those living on the fringes of society.

 Additional Information

• Banu Mushtaq:
• She is a prominent feminist voice in South Indian literature and a practicing advocate who has dedicated her life to legal activism for women.
• Her literary works are deeply influenced by her legal background, often addressing issues of domestic violence, family law, and civil liberties.
• She has been a recipient of the prestigious Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, recognizing her enduring impact on Kannada literature.
• Context of the Work:
• Heart Lamp serves as a critical document of the minority experience in India, challenging monolithic narratives and providing a space for subaltern voices.
• The book is significant for its exploration of secularism and the pluralistic fabric of Indian society during periods of heightened religious polarization.

The correct answer is Krishi Udan Scheme.

Key Points

• The Krishi Udan Scheme was officially launched by the Union Finance Minister during the Union Budget 2020-21 presentation to improve the value realization of agricultural products through air transportation.
• The primary objective of this initiative is to facilitate the seamless and efficient movement of agricultural produce, specifically focusing on perishable goods, to domestic and international markets.
• The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS).
• It aims to bridge the logistical gap for farmers located in remote areas, hilly terrains, and tribal districts, ensuring their produce reaches consumption centers with minimal transit loss.
• By leveraging air connectivity, the government intends to promote the export of agricultural products under the broader Doubling Farmers Income mission and the Agri-Export Policy.

 Additional Information

• Krishi Udan 2.0:
• Following the success of the initial launch, Krishi Udan 2.0 was introduced in October 2021 to further optimize the agri-harvest transportation ecosystem.
• This version focuses on 53 airports across the country, with a specific emphasis on the North-Eastern Region (NER), Hilly States, and Island territories.
• The government provides financial incentives by granting full waivers on Landing, Parking, TNLC (Terminal Navigational Landing Charges), and RNFC (Route Navigation Facility Charges) for freighter and P2C aircraft.
• The e-Kushal (Krishi Udaan for Sustainable Holistic Agri-Logistics) online platform was integrated to facilitate information dissemination and real-time data sharing among stakeholders.
• It works in tandem with other schemes like Operation Greens (Top to Total) to strengthen cold chain logistics and reduce the carbon footprint of agricultural transport.

The correct answer is Reserve Bank of India.

Key Points

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted its approval for the appointment of S Krishnan as the Part-time Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) in November 2023.
• This approval was issued in accordance with Section 10BB and Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, which grants the RBI the authority to regulate the appointment of Chairmen, MDs, and CEOs in scheduled commercial banks.
• The Board of Directors of J&K Bank recommended S Krishnan to lead the board, ensuring that the institution maintains high standards of corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
• The tenure for this appointment is set for a period of three years, during which S Krishnan is expected to oversee the strategic direction of the Srinagar-headquartered bank.
• The Reserve Bank of India, as the central banking institution, performs this function to safeguard the interests of depositors and ensure the efficient management of banking entities within the Indian financial system.

 Additional Information

• Profile of S Krishnan:
• He previously served as the Managing Director and CEO of Punjab & Sind Bank from September 2020 to May 2022.
• His career includes significant leadership roles such as Executive Director at both Syndicate Bank and Canara Bank, amassing over 38 years of banking experience.
• Jammu and Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank):
• Incorporated in 1938, it is a Scheduled Commercial Bank where the Government of Jammu & Kashmir holds a majority stake.
• It operates as the primary financial institution for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Other Regulatory Bodies:
• IRDAI: Established in 1999, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India regulates the insurance and re-insurance industries.
• NITI Aayog: Replacing the Planning Commission in 2015, it serves as the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India.
• Ministry of Finance: A ministry of the Government of India concerned with the economy, taxation, and financial legislation.

The correct answer is Kelucharan Mohapatra.

Key Points

• Kelucharan Mohapatra was a legendary Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and percussionist who is credited with the 20^th-century revival of Odissi, a classical dance form originating from Odisha.
• He was the first person from the state of Odisha to be honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2000, which is India's second-highest civilian award.
• Known for his mastery of Abhinaya (expressive acting), he extensively researched ancient temple sculptures, such as those at the Konark Sun Temple and Puri Jagannath Temple, to reconstruct and systematize Odissi movements.
• In 1993, he established Srjan, a premier dance institution in Bhubaneswar, to pass on his knowledge to future generations, training iconic dancers like Sonal Mansingh and Samyukta Panigrahi.
• Apart from dancing, he was an expert player of the Pakhawaj, Mridangam, and Tabla, integrating deep rhythmic complexity into his choreographic works.

 Additional Information

• Sitara Devi:
• She was an eminent exponent of Kathak and was often referred to as the Kathak Queen; she received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1969 and the Padma Shri in 1973.
• Vempati Chinna Satyam:
• He was a renowned Kuchipudi dancer and teacher who founded the Kuchipudi Art Academy in Madras (now Chennai) in 1963 to refine and promote this Andhra Pradesh dance form.
• Kalamandalam Leelamma:
• A prominent Mohiniyattam dancer from Kerala, she was highly regarded for her performances and her academic contributions at the Kerala Kalamandalam deemed university.

The correct answer is Regulating Act of 1773.

Key Points

• The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first major step taken by the British Parliament to exercise control over the East India Company’s administration in India.
• Section 13 of this legislation specifically authorized the British Crown to establish a Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Calcutta.
• The Act mandated that the court would consist of a Chief Justice and three other judges (Puisne Judges) to oversee legal matters involving British subjects and those in the service of the Company.
• Established in 1774, the court functioned as a Court of Record with wide-ranging civil and criminal jurisdiction; Sir Elijah Impey was appointed as the first Chief Justice.
• The Act also transformed the Governor of Bengal into the Governor-General of Bengal, with Warren Hastings being the first to hold this prestigious post.
• It prohibited the employees of the East India Company from engaging in any private trade or accepting presents and bribes from the local population to curb corruption.

 Additional Information

• Pitt’s India Act of 1784:
• This Act introduced a system of double government by establishing the Board of Control to supervise political and military affairs.
• It clearly distinguished between the commercial and political functions of the Company for the first time.
• Amending Act of 1781:
• Known as the Act of Settlement, it was passed to rectify the defects and jurisdictional ambiguities of the Regulating Act of 1773.
• It exempted the Governor-General and Council from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for their official acts.
• Charter Act of 1793:
• It renewed the East India Company’s monopoly over Indian trade for an additional period of twenty years.
• It laid down the rule that the members of the Board of Control would be paid out of Indian revenues.

The correct answer is Chandigarh.

Key Points

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed to amend Article 240 of the Constitution of India to include the Union Territory of Chandigarh within its ambit.
• Article 240 empowers the President of India to make regulations for the peace, progress, and good government of certain Union Territories, which have the same force as an Act of Parliament.
• Currently, Chandigarh does not have its own legislative assembly, and most laws are extended from the state of Punjab or enacted directly by the Parliament.
• The proposed inclusion aims to streamline the legislative process, allowing the President to enact specific regulations for Chandigarh without requiring a formal Parliamentary session for every administrative requirement.
• This move is intended to enhance ease of doing business and simplify the legal framework governing the city's unique administrative structure as a joint capital.

 Additional Information

• Article 240:
• Specifically covers Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry.
• For Puducherry, the President can only make regulations when the Legislative Assembly is dissolved or suspended.
• New Delhi:
• Governed under Article 239AA, which provides a special status with a Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers.
• It is not included under Article 240 because it has its own dedicated constitutional framework for governance.
• Chandigarh Administration:
• It was constituted as a Union Territory on November 1, 1966, following the reorganization of Punjab.
• It is managed by an Administrator appointed under Article 239, traditionally the Governor of Punjab.

The correct answer is It terminates in an inland salt marsh in the Rann region without reaching the sea..

Key Points

• The Luni River is the primary and largest river system in the Thar Desert region of northwest India, primarily flowing through the state of Rajasthan.
• It originates in the Pushkar Valley of the Aravalli Range, specifically near Ajmer, at an elevation of approximately 550 meters above sea level.
• A defining characteristic of the Luni is its endorheic nature, meaning it belongs to an internal drainage system where the water does not reach any ocean or sea.
• The river flows southwest through the Marwar region before finally terminating in the marshy lands of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
• It covers a total length of approximately 495 kilometers and serves as a vital water source for the arid districts of Nagaur, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, and Jalore.

 Additional Information

• Hydrological Properties:
• The river is unique because its water is fresh in the upper reaches but turns saline after it reaches Balotra in the Barmer district due to the high salt content of the desert soil.
• It is an ephemeral river, characterized by high seasonal variations, often remaining dry during non-monsoon months.
• Major Tributaries:
• The left-bank tributaries include the Sukri, Mithri, Bandi, Khari, Jawai, and Guhiya, while the Jojari is the only significant right-bank tributary.
• Significance in Geography:
• The Luni Basin is bounded by the Aravalli Range on the east and the Thar Desert on the west, acting as a crucial geographic barrier.
• Unlike Himalayan rivers like the Ganga or Indus, it is not glacier-fed and relies strictly on monsoonal rainfall.