Capital Township Officials Jurisdiction Office Term First: Fill & Download for Free

Although I have lived in Bengaluru all my life so far, my father came to Bengaluru from Gulbarga/Kalaburagi around 35 years back to do his engineering. He also got a job here and settled here itself but Gulbarga is a special place as we have our ancestral home over there and my uncle lives there and so do, so many of our relatives. Even the Kannada we speak is in North Karnataka style as it is spoken in Gulbarga. It was officially renamed as Kalaburagi in 2014, but people refer to it as Gulbarga as well.HistoryThe recorded history of Gulbarga dates back to the 6th century, which is one of the oldest for a place in Karnataka. Gulbarga was under the control of the Chalukyas first for over 200 years and later taken over by one of the most powerful and glorious Kannada Empires i.e. the Rashtrakuta Empire. The Rashtrakutas ruled from 753 to 982 A.D. Manyakheta was their capital and the official languages were Kannada and Sanskrit. Today Manyakheta is known as Malkhed. It is a small village in Sedam Taluk of Gulbarga district. After the fall of Rashtrakutas, Gulbarga came under the control of Kalaharis, who ruled it till 12th century. Around the end of the 12th century, the Yadavas of Devagiri and the Hoysalas of Dwarasamadra destroyed the supremacy of the Chalukyas and Kalachuris. Around the same period, the Kakatiya kings of Warangal came into prominence and the present Kalaburagi and Raichur districts formed part of their domain. The Kakatiya power was subdued in 1321 AD and the entire Deccan, including the district of Gulbarga, passed under the control of the Delhi Sultanate.The revolt of the officers appointed from Delhi resulted in the founding of the Bahmani Sultanate in 1347 CE by Zafar Khan Hasan Gangu, who chose Gulbarga (called Ahasanabad during this period) to be the capital of this Sultanate. This was more than 160 years before the birth of Kempe Gowda. Just imagine how ancient Gulbarga is when compared to Bengaluru :DWhen the Bahmani dynasty came to an end in 1428, the kingdom broke up into five independent Sultanates, Bijapur, Bidar, Berar, Ahmednager, and Golconda. The present Gulbarga/Kalaburagi district came partly under Bidar and partly under Bijapur. The last of these sultanates, Golconda, finally fell to Aurangzeb in 1687.With the conquest of the Deccan by Aurangezeb in the 17th century, Gulbarga passed under the Mughal Empire. In the early part of the 18th century, with the decline of the Mughal Empire, Asaf Jha, one of Aurangzeb's generals, formed the Hyderabad State, in which a major part of the Gulbarga area was also included.India got independence in 1947 and along with that, so did rest of Karnataka. But Gulbarga and the rest of Hyderabad Karnataka weren't independent yet. The Nizam of Hyderabad created a new group of militants named as Razakars, who were exceedingly cruel and many atrocities were committed on the people. Many people migrated to the Solapur and Pune disticts of Maharashtra and to Bijapur district of Karnataka. My ancestors were among those who migrated to Bijapur district during this period. However, thanks to Sardar Patel, the Indian Army, and Operation Polo, the Nizam and the Hyderabad State were defeated on September 17, 1948 and this day as celebrated as Liberation Day in Gulbarga and other parts of Hyderabad Karnataka. With the defeat of the Nizam, many people returned to Gulbarga like my ancestors. Sardar Patel is worshiped as a God in these parts. Finally in 1956, Gulbarga became a part of the Mysore State, which was later renamed as Karnataka.GeographyThe entire district is situated on the Deccan Plateau, and the elevation ranges from 300 to 750 m above sea level. Two main rivers, the Krishna and Bhima, flow through the district. The predominant soil type in the district is black soil. The district has a large number of tanks, which irrigate the land along with the river. The Upper Krishna Project is a major irrigation venture in the district of Jowar. The main crops are groundnuts, rice, and pulses. Kalaburagi is the largest producer of toor dal, or pigeon peas, in Karnataka. Kalaburagi is an industrially backward district but is showing signs of growth in the cement, textile, leather and chemical industries. Since Gulbarga is bordered by Maharashtra and was also a part of the Hyderabad State, there is a considerable influence of Marathi and Urdu. If you ask someone what is the time, they'll reply with "Saade baara (12.15)", "Poune baara (11.45)" and like that. Here ₹100 is not Nooru rupayi. Rather, it is Shambar rupayi. ₹200 is not innooru or erad nooru. Rather, it is Donshe.CuisineJolada Rotti/Bhakri(known as sorghum in the western world) is the staple diet in the region. It is prepared from jowar flour. Jolada Rotti or Jwarichi Bhakri is served with traditional curries, especially Brinjal curry, and spiced groundnut powder and yogurt. Generally, the food in Gulbarga is considered very spicy when compared with the rest of the state.Hoorana Holige is a variant of Puran Poli of Maharashtra. This is a type of sweet unique to Kalaburagi and is prepared during many festivals. It is a kind of stuffed pancake. Chickpeas and Jaggery are grounded and stuffed into wheat flour and then cooked. This is served with mango pulp as a side dish.Malpuri is a dessert which is a sweet which is stuffed with khoa. It is widely popular in Kalaburagi and available across the city in various shops and sweet stalls.Tahaari is a local variant of rice delicacy mainly made with beef or mutton. It is made by mixing the meat and gravy with rice unlike biryani, where the rice is mixed with the gravy mixture. It is popular among the Muslim community in the city and available in Muslim restaurants across the city.Mirchi Bhajji/Cut Bhajji is unique to Gulbarga. No where in Karnataka or even India for that matter will you get such quality. In rest of Karnataka, they remove the seeds from the chilli or the chilli itself is not spicy. Here, it is spicy and if you ever come to Gulbarga, don't miss it. However, don't eat too much because then it'll be bad for you. Why?Kundi uritadale :DTourism in Gulbarga District1. Malkhed/Manyakheta: Like I said before, Malkhed was the capital of the powerful Rashtrakutas. Manyakheta rose to prominence when The capital of Rashtrakutas was moved from Mayurkhandi in Bidar district to Mānyakheṭa during the rule of Amoghavarsha I (Nrupatunga Amoghavarsha), ruled for 64 years and wrote Kavirajamarga the first classical Kannada work. So you can in a way say that this place was the birth place of the first ever Kannada book. After the fall of the Rāṣṭrakūṭas, it remained the capital of their successors, the Kalyani Chalukyas or Western Chalukyas till about 1050 CE.The remains of Sri Jayatirtha, one of the most prominent saints in the lineage of Madhvacharya are buried in a Brindavana here. He was a commentator of the celebrated Anuvyakhyana of Madhvacharya which itself is a commentary upon the "Brahma Sutras". For this commentary called Nyaya Sudha, he is popularly known as Teekacharya, a disciple of Akshobhya Tirtha, he had converted the Malkhed into the centre of Madhva study. Every year the Aradhana Mahotsava of Jayatirtha is held at Malkhed during the month of Ashada and it attracts thousands of devotees from various parts of Karnataka.The Jain Bhattaraka Math and the temple of Neminath (9th century AD) is again famous. The pillars and walls of the temple date back to between the 9th and 11th centuries. The idols include tirthankaras, choubisi (24 tirthankaras), Nandishwar dvipa and idols of yakshi. There is a famous panchdhatu shrine with 96 images. In the same temple, there are other historical images.The Malkhed Fort lies in ruins and there is also a temple of Lord Narasimha right there. The fort is being renovated by the Hyderabad Karnataka Area Development Board.2. Sannati or Sannathi is a small village, located on the banks of the Bhima River in Chitapur taluk of Gulbarga District. It is famous for the Chandrala Parameshwari Temple and the excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India in the 1986. In 1986, when the roof of the Kali temple in Chandralamba temple complex collapsed, it destroyed the idol. However it revealed four Ashokan edicts on the floor and foundation stone of the temple. These edicts were written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script and one of them was used as foundation of the pedestal for the Kali idol. The subsequent excavations by the Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI) and the State Archaeology Department have found tablets, sculptures, and other terracotta items. The ruins of the Maha Stupa or Adholoka Maha Chaitya (The Great Stupa of the Netherworld) have been found. One of the stones - the only known example of its type - is of Emperor Asoka (r. 274–232 BC) seated on his throne. It is probably the only surviving image of the emperor. Clay pendants of Roman origin, black polished pottery, Shatavahana and pre-Shatavahana coins, ornaments made of copper, ivory and iron, a township with paved pathways, houses, and limestone flooring have been found. Many excavated items were later shifted to Gulbarga Museum. Further research is being done in this area to learn more about ancient Buddhism.3. Ganagapura is a village in Afzalpur taluk of Gulbarga district. The village is noted for its temple to Lord Dattatreya, who is said to have attained realization on the confluence (Sangama) of the banks of the rivers Bhima-Amarja. The place is also famous because of Sri Narasimha Saraswati, who was a follower of Dattatreya. Some even believe him to be the incarnation of Datta himself. The place is visited by devotees from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.Tourism in Gulbarga City1. Appana Gudi Sharnbasveshwara Temple : Sharnbasaveshwara Temple also known as Appana Gudi is one of the Religious place to visit, dedicated to an eminent Hindu religious teacher and philosopher, Shri Sharnbasaveshwara,a Lingayat saint of 18th Century known for his Dasoha (Giving is earning) and Kayaka - an advancement of the Karma doctrine - "You have the right to perform the work assigned to you. You have no rights to 'demand' the fruits of your labor" philoshophy.2. Appana Keri/Sharnbasveshwara Lake: This is very near to my home in Gulbarga and a very beautiful spot.3. Gulbarga FortLike the Gulbarga district, the Fort also has passed on from Chalukyas to the Nizams in a long history full of wars. The fort was razed to the ground by the Vijayanagara kings when they defeated the Bahmanis. However, the fort was rebuilt after the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire with the wealth of the Vijayanagara Empire itself, which was completely plundered looted after the Battle of Talikota. Then the fort was taken over by Aurangzeb and then later by the Nizams. The fort is in a ruined state now.4. Koranti Hanuman Temple: Koranti Hanuman temple is located near the PDA Engineering College and was established in 1957. The temple has become very famous and is crowded especially on Saturdays. Many devotees who have come here and prayed, have got their wishes fulfilled and hence the temple is affectionately called Koranti Guarantee Temple :)5. Jama Masjid, one of the first in South India, was built to commemorate Gulbarga as the capital of the Bahmanid Sultanate. The mosque though simple in design but has a symmetrical plan with well organized constituent parts. The masjid, only one of its kind in India, has dimensions of 216 feet (66 m)x176 feet (54 m) and was built on the lines of the Great Mosque of Córdoba in Spain. The masjid, which was in ruins, has been well tended now. The mosque displays distinct Persian architectural style with five large domes (One large and four small at the corners) and 75 small domes with 250 arches.6. Kwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah: Apart from the above places the other building of interest is the tomb of the Sufi saint Syed Mohammad Gesu Daraz, popularly known as Kwaja Bande Nawaz, built in the Indo-Saracenic style. It is a large complex where the tomb of the Sufi saint, who came to Gulbarga in 1413, exists. The tomb walls have paintings; the arches of the Dargah are in Bahmani architecture while the paintings on the walls and ceiling have a fusion of Turkish and Irani influence. The Mughals also built a mosque close to the tomb. An annual fair or Urs is held here in November, which attracts large number of devotees of all religious communities.7. Buddha Vihar has been constructed under the aegis of the Siddhartha Vihar Trust that was established in 1994. The Vihara is spread over 24 acres and the whole environment is beautiful.PoliticsKalaburagi has been home to two ex-chief ministers of Karnataka, namely Veerendra Patil (1968–1971, 1988–1990)and Dharam Singh (2004–2006)Mallikarjuna Kharge is the present Member of Parliament from Gulbarga and also the Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha. He was also formerly the Union Minister for Railways and did an excellent job in developing railways. He was one of the few good performing ministers in the doomed UPA 2 government.Although the home of two ex-CM's, Gulbarga has been neglected, much like the entire Hyderabad Karnataka region, which is one of the most backward regions in entire India. It is India's second most arid region after the Thar Desert. Drought after drought, poor governance and negligence has hindered the growth of the region. In 2006 the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Gulbarga one of the country's 250 most backward districts (out of a total of 640). It is one of the five districts in Karnataka currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF). It is a shame that such an ancient region which was the capital of famous empires like the Rashtrakutas and the Bahamanis is one of the most backward regions in India. However there is hope. In 2013, the entire region of Hyderabad Karnataka was accorded a special status. The provisions of Article 371(J) of the Constitution of India are aimed at bringing about all-round development in the six districts of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.EducationThe city has four medical Colleges: Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College (MRMC), KBN institute of medical sciences (KBNIMS), ESI medical college and Gulbarga institute of medical sciences (GIMS). There are three dental colleges, one run by HKE society and another by Albadar trust and another by ESI hospital. There are six engineering colleges in the city run by various educational groups, including Khaja Banda Nawaz College of Engineering, KCT College of Engineering, Appa Institute of Engineering an Technology and Poojya Doddappa Appa College of Engineering. A next generation robotics and VLSI design training and development center has also been started close to the PDA Engineering College, under the name of Bahasa Robotics. Kalaburagi also has a university, Gulbarga University, established in 1980. Its jurisdiction extends to the six districts of Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Bidar, Raichur, Bellary and Koppal.The city also hosts the Central University of Karnataka in the outskirts of the city on the way to Solapur and Aland. Central University of Karnataka was established in Kalaburagi by constant and successful efforts by Sri Mallikarjuna Kharge, the institution is a young university with a lot of scope for improvement in terms of the overall functioning. Kalaburagi is known as the 'City of Education' for its institutions managed by the private and the government sector.DivisionsAfter the formation of Yadgir district, Gulbarga district has seven taluks, namelyGulbargaAlandAfzalpurJevargiSedamChitapurChincholiOh My God this has to be my longest answer on Quora. Took me more than 4 hours to finish it. There is so much to write that I had to think what to include and what not to include. This is what happens for a place that has such a long history, going back to the 6th century. Nevertheless Gulbarga is a wonderful place and needs a lot of help from both the Karnataka Government as well as the Central Government so that it can also prosper like other regions of Karnataka.PS: If you visit Gulbarga and someone calls you a Sulaymaga, don't be offended :D It is our way of showing affection, just like the people from North Karnataka. Namma maatu varatu, aadre manassu mrudu :)

Why Police Reforms Don't Take Off In IndiaWe are asking the powerful to rid themselves of power.Today India is debating “intolerance” and, as a corollary, freedom of expression. But how can you express yourself freely if the threat to your life and property you thus invite cannot be neutralized by the police?It cannot be expected that the powers-that-be who consider the police an essential part of their power will let the power go. That is the crux of the problem of our law enforcement agencies working for the ruler rather than the ruled. On 22 September 2006, the Supreme Court Bench of Justice YK Sabharwal, Justice CK Thakker and Justice PK Balasubramanyam gave the historic judgment, ordering states to implement seven programmes in response to a petition filed by former IPS officer Prakash Singh. The apex court urged the states to come back to it with a compliance report within three months of the issuance of the order. Due to certain glitches pointed out by the states, the court let implementation of four provisions be delayed while the other three had to be implemented forthwith. (More about these seven steps later)Singh agrees with the contention. “That is true. That is the main reason why it has not been possible to implement police reforms,” he said in an exclusive interview to Swarajya.In this country, the strongest of formations are the political class and the bureaucracy. They are the strongest organized units in this country. And when they combine, you can take it from me that nothing in this country will move. If they join hands and decide ‘this has to be done’, there’s no stopping them, and if they decide ‘that cannot be done’, it’s bound to falter and fail. Leave aside the police, this formation has been able to humiliate the Indian Army, which is (otherwise) such a respected and strong body. Even the Army had to eat a humble pie on so many occasions; chiefs are humiliated on so many issues because of opposition (to their proposals) from the bureaucracy.Police is completely under the control of the political class and the bureaucracy. They have wielded this power so long that it has had an intoxicating effect on them. Having become addicted to using the police, for certain purposes over and above its normal functions—for example, to frame somebody, to ensure their supporters do not get caught by the police, are not charge-sheeted, etc—they are not letting this power go out of their hands.So, are we destined to be governed by the archaic and colonial police laws dating back to 1861? Along with Singh, another Director General of Police NK Singh had filed a PIL in the Supreme Court in 1996 to instruct all governments, both central and state, to address the issue of obsolete and dysfunctional policing in the country by implementing the recommendations of the National Police Commission. The committee then formed by the Union government under instructions of the highest court, under the leadership of JF Ribeiro, a former chief of Mumbai and Punjab police, spent all of 1998 and ’99 to produce two reports. Then Home Secretary K Padmanabhaiah came up with another set of recommendations in 2000. In 2003, there was yet another committee on reforms of the criminal justice system headed by retired Chief Justice of Kerala and Karnataka VS Malimath. Two years thereafter, the Soli Sorabjee report proposed a Model Police Act.Speaking at the round-table conference on “Smart Policing – India’s Growth Imperative” organised by FICCI in the national capital this year in July, Ribeiro said,The technology and all other advancement cannot be functional if the political class keeps interfering in the works of police. It is very sorrowful.A year after the Supreme Court agreed with Prakash Singh’s arguments, 70 odd activists, police and government representatives under the aegis of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative had come together at a national workshop in Delhi to campaign for better policing. Several other citizens’ initiatives to make the police change in the last 40 years—and state governments’ commissions examining the problems of the police in the 1960s, the Government of India’s Committee on Police Training in 1971 and later the National Police Commission in 1977—have yielded only marginal steps in the direction of reforms.The 1902 Sir AHL Fraser Commission constituted by the British Raj refused to acknowledge that the 1861 Police Act was the root cause of ineffective policing. Since the law was made in the aftermath of the 1857 struggle for independence, it naturally designed a force that would serve the ruler and look at the subjects perennially with suspicion as subversive elements. The attitude of the average policeman of today continues to be as colonial. The governments run wholly by Indians accepted that the 19thcentury statute was an issue, but were reluctant to change it as it couldn’t think of letting go of its unbridled powers.Perhaps it was the easiest to reform the police when India was newly independent. Besides freedom from a foreign power, there was an immediate provocation. Days before the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, AG Noorani informed through an article last year, Jamshid Nagarvalla of the Bombay CID had sought the permission of Bombay’s then Home Minister Morarji Desai to arrest VD Savarkar on the basis of the assailant Madanlal Pahwa’s visit to him the week before. Desai refused. Though Savarkar was completely exonerated by the court during the trial of the conspirators of the Gandhi assassination, some like Noorani continue to believe that the arrest could have possibly averted Gandhiji’s murder.A Commissariat for Kanpur is a more recent case in point. It was announced almost 40 years ago. Vasudev Panjani was tipped to be the commissioner holding that post. He along with the then Home Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Kalyan Kumar Bakshi toured the country to study the commissariats wherever they existed.When they came back with Panjani designated to take over the charge of the Commissioner of Kanpur, the bureaucrats involved in the process played spoilsport. Their peers played the devil elsewhere and now a commissariat is nowhere to be seen in north India except in Delhi. Panjani today leads a dejected retired life in Dehra Dun.“The bureaucracy scuttles any proposal which is otherwise committed by the political establishment,” Singh said. He finds the bureaucracy the bigger problem. He says that even when the political leadership agrees to certain definitive proposals, when the issue is taken to the respective secretariats of the states, the babus come up with all kinds of objections.And sometimes one is witness to the farce of a political party asking its own government to execute reforms while the government does nothing about it! Two months ago, TRS MP from Karimnagar B Vinod Kumar had urged the state government to initiate reforms in the state police. In a letter to Telangana home minister N Narasimha Reddy, he wrote,As you are aware, there is a strong need to reform the police in our country. Across the nation, including in our own state, they face allegations of corruption, inefficiency and citizen harassment.Pointing out that no state had moved in this direction, Kumar said the new state of Telangana could create history if it implemented the directives. Are we supposed to be impressed by this intra-party communiqué?Back in Uttar Pradesh, the proposal for a commissariat in Kanpur was significant because a commissariat witnesses little political and bureaucratic interference, and is recognised as the most effective policing system across the world. In its absence, the orders have to be taken from the district magistrate, with whom the superintendent of police may or may not agree. On critical occasions, it becomes a nightmarish experience for the policemen managing a city or township to locate the DM and seek his approval for necessary action. Then there is the local legislator who would induce politics into policing, asking the police to go soft on a set of unlawful persons while being harsh on others.A commissariat exists in most south Indian states [In 1977, then Prime Minister Desai had wondered why the system couldn’t be incorporated in India that lies to the north of the Vindhyas]. That partly explains why law and order in that region is not conspicuous by its absence as it is in many north Indian states. Delhi has it, too; besides, the hands of the Union Home Ministry to which Delhi Police reports are so full that it cannot spare time to interfere in the capital’s daily policing activities. Of course, Delhi Police is also blessed with no crunch in resources. A citizen who lives in the National Capital Region can feel the difference while living in or travelling between, say, Gurgaon or Faridabad and NOIDA via Delhi. If there is a street-side brawl in Delhi, a PCR arrives in no time; if, God forbid, you are looted in Uttar Pradesh, the police, before taking action, would ascertain whether the criminal is a protégé of a local political honcho. If he is, forget police action.It is possible that the autonomy Delhi Police enjoys breeds a little corruption and police autocracy, but in the overall cost-benefit analysis, the benefits far outweigh the costs, Singh believes. Nobody breathes down the neck of an officer and there is no political diktat on postings of SHOs in Delhi. In almost all other states, the MLA insists that the local thanedar must be of his or her choice. In some districts the situation is so bad, the SHO virtually posted by the MLA pays a hafta to the politician to keep him posted there so that he can keep extracting unscrupulous personal benefits from the area under him.It is common knowledge in Uttar Pradesh that, to celebrate the birthday bash of former Chief Minister Mayawati, money was collected even from policemen down to the level of thanas (police stations) and chowkis (temporary or movable police posts). The Samajwadi Party is alleged to misuse the police in a different way. While residents of western parts of Uttar Pradesh allege that no Muslim hoodlum can be arrested unless the police receive a green signal from Azam Khan, during the infamous Badaun rape investigations, media was amazed to note that every policeman concerned with the case was a Yadav—a community, the Dalits who bore the brunt of the atrocity, don’t trust.Policemen by and large have unfortunately come to terms with this reality. Officers now identify themselves with one of the two political groupings in all electorally bipolar states. As an IPS officer is transferred immediately after a new party takes to power, he is so resigned to fate that he does not complain.On 5 September, in a meeting convened at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) to create new institutions, of which this writer was a part, Prakash Singh was visibly peeved at the Narendra Modi government doing nothing to change policing in the country. However, during the exclusive interview in November, he said the BJP had a better record than other parties in matters of corruption. He did add though that the political character across the parties is the same. His missives to the Modi government bore no fruit. The silver lining in the cloud came in the form of the Prime Minister’s address at the All India Police Congress in Guwahati where he stressed the need for SMART police, wherein the acronym stood for Sensitive, Mobile, Accountable, Responsive and Tech-Savvy. But speeches are not enough. Police under the present system, where they are not accountable to the people, cannot be sensitive.Singh told Swarajya that he had met with the then chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra after the court order.When they meet they are very polite; they are courteous, too; they say, ‘Yes, we will look into it,’ or ‘aap jo kaghaz laaye hain, de deejiye hamein; ham us pe karyavahi karenge’ (give us the papers you have brought; we will take action on it). A vague kind of assurance is always given, but beyond that nothing happens.For example, in March this year, a day after the Devendra Fadnavis government had brought in an ordinance to change the Police Reforms Act, several activists rubbished the move as an eyewash. The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), the collected materials of which are a great reference material for all concerned with police reforms, was upset. Activist Saurav Datta of the said NGO was of the opinion that the entire legislation was flawed and no “piecemeal” changes could turn the Maharashtra Police into a pro-people force, given that the state has had a long, dubious record of politically inspired postings and transfers. Dolphy D’Souza of the Police Reforms Watch found the ordinance a “patchwork”. The activists demand a complete replacement of the “flawed” Maharashtra Police (Amendment and Continuance) Act, 2014. Ironically, Chief Minister Fadnavis used to take these activists along in his campaign against the Congress government’s “excessive and unjustified” control over the police as the then opposition leader, and now he finds no time to spare for them.Prakash Singh had to deal with political interference as DIG – Meerut, DIG – Assam and DGP – UP. While he said that it was up to an officer how much interference he would live with, his own refusal to bend before the political executive led to his ouster from all these places. So, after his retirement, he took the matter to court in public interest.But, out of all the reform measures the Supreme Court advised the governments to carry out, what they have given us is a diluted version of a few and plain refusal to execute the rest. The court had ordered the governments to take these seven steps:Formation of state security commissions,Making a transparent selection procedure and assuring a minimum tenure of the DGPs of states,Assuring a minimum tenure of IGs of zones and ranges and all officers down to the rank of SP of a district, a circle officer of the subdivision and an SHO,Separating investigation from the routine law-and-order mechanism,Forming a police establishment board,Constituting a police complaints authority, andForming a national security commission.Besides, Lok Satta Party founder N Jaya Prakash Narayana has proposed recruiting only persons of officer cadre to the investigation wing, increasing the strength of police by 50 per cent, setting up an independent prosecution wing and local courts for every 50,000 population, which Telangana Director General of Police Anurag Sharma accepts as necessary.“The states are averse to having state security commissions,” Singh informed. Besides, ensuring a minimum tenure for DGPs, IGs and other officers—under normal conditions and not in case they are found to be corrupt—and setting up a police complaints authority are the sticking points. The Supreme Court listed some exceptions to the minimum tenure order to ensure no posting turns into the assured officer’s fiefdom.A state like Bihar made the exceptions more overarching, thus reducing the reforms to a travesty. The first state to pass a new Police Act in 2007, Bihar under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar diluted the SC directions by appointing only government members in its SSC. A DGP could be removed before his completion of the assured two years on “administrative grounds” or “any other reason”. The Police Establishment Board (PEB) of Bihar can only transfer low-ranking officers; it cannot reject appeals on illegal orders by the state government.The situation is as bad in Goa where the PEB’s powers are restricted to transfers below the rank of deputy superintendent. In Karnataka, while a new Act by BS Yeddyurappa’s BJP government had brought all transfers above the rank of additional superintendent of police including those of IPS officers under the purview of the PEB, Siddaramaiah’s Congress government pushed through an amendment in 2013 to give the political establishment fresh control over the state PEB.That does not mean, however, that Yeddyurappa was all clean on this count. Before demitting office, his dispensation pressured the PEB to transfer several IPS officers. About half-a-dozen legal cases are running against the board and the state government in courts as a result. In one such case, Bangalore’s then rural deputy superintendent Shankarappa is accused to have ordered closure of his office to avoid another officer taking charge!Separating the investigation arm of the police from its regular maintenance of law and order job should be the easiest for the provincial governments. A bench of Justice TS Thakur, Justice RK Agrawal and Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel rightly said last year that this was where reforms could begin in earnest. Calling the judiciary a stakeholder in the process of police reforms, the judges expressed concern at the fact that shoddy investigations often led to a weak prosecution, due to which the court has no option but to let the accused go scot-free.One recalls the Badaun case where the CBI concluded there was no rape, or the 2008 murder of Aarushi Talwar in which the people still cannot make out whether the CBI version or that of the victim’s parents is correct. Though this central investigating agency is better equipped than the state polices, more often than not, by the time it receives a case, the evidence has been tampered with or even eliminated and the witnesses have been browbeaten to silence. At times, the state police are suspected to have connived with the criminals to deliberately botch the case up before it is forced to hand over the files to the CBI.The process of separation should begin in the metropolitan cities where the population is in tune of 10 lakh or more and, based on the experience, the model can be replicated in the smaller policing districts. The metros should be the priority because that is where law and order is a constant issue. Policemen busy in bandobast cannot spare the time required for investigations into individual cases. So, several states moved in this direction without any fundamental objection to the directive except for the refrain that they did not have adequate manpower—and the finances needed for the purpose—for the requisite separation. That’s a ruse; “They just don’t want to invest in the police,” according to Singh.The fact that funds are not a constraint is seen in the reality of our terror-fighting apparatus. Weeks after the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai, the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) was formed for coordinated database sharing between 14,000 odd police stations across the country. Seven years later, the network is not ready despite a total budget of thousands of crores of rupees including Rs 800 crore spent on the CCTNS. Government proposals, committee recommendations, police reports, red tape and inter-departmental territorial fights have together put in place a mess in the name of an integrated security system.Now, if the police do not have adequate manpower for separation of departments, how can it have enough to provide security to every individual who wishes to express his opinion freely? That tolerance and freedom of expression are terms being used politically these days is a different story altogether.We have the Ford Foundation’s Abhijit Banerjee complaining through an article in Hindustan Times that “our democratic culture does not prioritise protecting an individual’s right to live life her way, especially if that is not our way or the way of the community.” He talks of bans on books, films, works of art etc. Singh finds this a cavil. He believes that the society has its own rights, too, and these cannot be violated to offer incontestable freedom of speech to individuals. He mentions incidents like a politician (Akbaruddin Owaisi) saying he could teach the Hindus a lesson if the police were to stand at bay for 15 minutes and another (Lalu Prasad Yadav) calling the Prime Minister a narbhakshi (cannibal). The former IPS officer would like to tell the protesting intellectuals that these politicos are still hale and hearty, and questions how anybody could say there was no freedom of expression in the country.A state security commission is the main provision the Supreme Court visualized to stop interference in policing. This is supposed to be a watchdog between the government and the police. It would ensure on the one hand that the government wouldn’t interfere in policing while, on the other, the police wouldn’t transgress law. For that, a balance in the composition of this commission—between government and non-government representatives—was an imperative. The second set of people had to be such who inspired public confidence with their record of personal integrity. It so transpired that the commissions were constituted, but “there was a preponderance of government representatives” and those picked from the civil society were ill-famed as “chamchas” (stooges) of the government, whether they were retired judges or retired police officers, Singh said.In states that observe bipolar electoral contests, when the opposition comes to power, it does to the unseated party what the latter had done unto it during the previous regime: witch-hunt. When the party at the receiving end regains power, it seeks revenge. A typical case is that of West Bengal where for 34 years the Congress and then the Trinamool Congress complained of no progress in the cases of political murders. Now the Trinamool Congress is using the state police with as much impunity as the CPI(M) did during its tenure. Watching regional television channels, one comes to know that the allegation of witch hunt is as commonplace in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. DMK and AIADMK in the first and SP and BSP in the second state take turns to be the perpetrator and the aggrieved party. This vicious cycle could end if the state security commission were to become a reality.It is surprising that the Supreme Court, which variously betrays sensitivity about its supremacy, does not issue a Contempt of Court notice against the states for non-compliance of its 2006 order. The petitioners have approached the apex court at least twice—only to see that the court let the state secretaries go with just a “tongue lashing”. The babus returned from the court happy that they could take the judges for a ride by citing procedural hassles.In July 2013, for instance, after the secretaries got away with their cop-outs, director of the CHRI Maja Daruwala said,The fact that the court has reason to summon chief secretaries to hear why its orders have not been obeyed indicates the deep resistance governments in loosening their complete control over how policing is done. The court’s orders condition the relationship of police and political executive, and will help reduce undue political interference. It will also create more professional, less biased policing.The police complaints authority was turned down by most of the states with the excuse that it would lead to a multiplicity of authorities. The bureaucracy cited departmental institutions, the magistracy, state human rights commissions and women’s commissions, Scheduled Caste commissions etc as adequate mechanisms for redress. Ergo, some states constituted the body with diluted provisions; others flatly refused to have the body in the first place.At the state level, a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge was supposed to head it; at the district level, a retired District & Sessions Court judge had to lead the authority. In Gujarat, it is but headed by an IAS officer who is not sure where his jurisdiction ends and that of the Lokayukta begins. Andhra Pradesh, while hastily setting up its security commission, the Police Establishment Board and ensuring the selection and tenure arrangements for the DGP, violated the court’s order in the implementation of each provision—the apex court found in 2013.Apart from these two states, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh had actually filed review petitions, rattled by the 2006 order of the Supreme Court. These petitions were dismissed by the Supreme Court on 23 August 2007.The apex court had advised the formation of a complaints authority to look into the charges of grave misconduct, which the bodies cited as adequate by the bureaucracy are too supine to act upon. This is not a complaint of such officers alone who are dying for reforms; as an activist, I have taken victims of police abuse to the women’s commissions of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and found that their “duty” ended with issuance of querulous letters to the police. On one occasion where a distressed woman had moved from Gurgaon to Delhi for reprieve, but received none, then chairperson of the NCW Mamta Sharma—who was otherwise very attentive while we presented our case—told me her powers entailed no more than reprimanding the policemen concerned. Mercifully, as indicated above, the Delhi Police took the misbehaving cops of the thana concerned to task soon. Haryana Police had taken no action against the police officials who had made light of a case of molestation in front of a mall in Gurgaon on the 2012 New Year’s eve, after they cast aspersions on the character of the victim. Worse, a certain section of the civil society proved as callous, calling me over the phone and seeking an explanation as to why I was after the erring policemen’s jobs!The insensitivity on the part of the authorities is also a result of a tacit understanding between the wings of the government to not make life difficult for each other. And then there is casteism! Certain sections of the population are to be treated with kid gloves for the sake of political correctness.Singh agrees that the colonial hangover and the further fault lines that a regressive society added to policing have gone on for so long that now many officers and citizens alike look at cases of misconduct by law enforcers as “business as usual”.Nevertheless, the Supreme Court had factored in the issue of multiplicity of authority and noted that a matter need not be taken to the police complaints authority if another state-level authority was already seized of the matter. Thus, there is no room left for the states to deny citizens the much-needed reforms.Mind you, Singh does not approve of activism by serving policemen. On my giving him the example of Amitabh Thakur, who famously invited Mulayam Singh Yadav’s ire this year, he said activism was not bad but it could be practiced only after the years in service or after voluntary retirement from the job, until which time the code of conduct for the men in uniform must be respected.Why Police Reforms Don't Take Off In India

You can use the following answer key which has been diligently prepared by a team of diverse faculties from leading institutes, where each solution for a particular question has also been backed with a credible source as well.Special thanks to Mr. Pranav Chauhan, Mr. Mansimar Singh and Shri User-13211618028665871653 (IAS) for their valuable inputs in this key.Analysis :The paper was moderately difficult like that in 2017 but there were also relatively easier knock-offs when compared to 2018.Breakdown of various subjects asked this year :1. Environment : 18 questions2. Science & Tech : 14 questions3. Economics : 17 questions4. History : 15 questions5. Geography : 10 questions6. Polity and Governance : 17 questions7. Miscellaneous : 9 questionsEstimated Cutoffs based on paper difficulty and students’ response :General : 105–108.OBC : 100–105SC : 91–95ST : 84–88KEY FOR SET-D UPSC Prelims 2019 :1. With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements1. AIIB has more than 80 member nations.2. India is the largest shareholder in AIIB.3. AIIB does not have any members from outside Asia.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c). 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: ASource: About AIIB Overview - AIIB2. What was the purpose of Inter-Creditor Agreement signed by Indian banks and financial institutions recently?(a) To lessen the Government of India's perennial burden of fiscal deficit nd current account deficit(b) To support the infrastructure projects of Central and State Governments(c) To act as independent regulator in case of applications for loans of Rs. 50 crore or more(d) To aim at faster resolution of stressed assets of Rs. 50 crore or more which are-under consortium lendingAnswer: DSource: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/announcements/others/indian-bank-inter-creditor-agreement-for-resolution-of-stressed-assets/article24809734.ece3. The Chairmen of public sector banks are selected by the(a) Banks Board Bureau(b) Reserve Bank of India(c) Union Ministry of Finance(d) Management of concerned bankAnswer: ASource: How public sector bank CEOs are selected4. Consider the following statements:1. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India.2. One of the tasks of PNGRB is to, ensure competitive markets for gas.3. Appeals against the decisions of PNGRB go before the Appellate Tribunals for Electricity.Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: BSource: Welcome to Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, India5. With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference / differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?1. LTE 'is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.Select the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: DSource: Difference Between LTE and VoLTE6. Which of the following statements is / are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit ' (Amendment) Act, 2017?1. Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave.2. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother minimum six creche visits daily.3. Women with two children get reduced entitlements.Select the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: CStatement 2 is wrong:Refer: Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017: Significant Provisions and Issuessignificant-provisions-and-issues/Correct Statement: The women employees should be permitted to visit the facility 4 timesduring the day.https://labour.gov.in/sites/default/files/Maternity%20Benefit%20Amendment%20Act%2C2017%20.pdf7. Which one of the following is not a sub-index of the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business Index'?(a) Maintenance of law and order(b) Paying taxes(c) Registering property(d) Dealing with construction permitsAnswer: ASource: Methodology for Doing Business8. In India,'extended producer responsibility' was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998(b) The Recycled plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011Answer: CSource: Environment Ministry Notifies E-Waste Management Rules, 20169. The economic cost of food grains to the Food Corporation of India is Minimum Support Price and bonus (if any) paid to the farmers plus(a) transportation cost only(b) interest cost only(c) procurement incidentals and distribution cost(d) procurement incidentals and charges for godownsAnswer: CSource: Procurement- Food Corporation of India10. In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital?(a) The proportion of literates in the population(b) The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines(c) The size of population in the working age group(d) The level of mutual trust and harmony in the societyAnswer: DSource: Social capital - Wikipedia11. The Service Area Approach was implemented under the purview of(a) Integrated Rural Programme(b) Lead Bank Scheme(c) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme(d) National Skill Development MissionAnswer: BSource : What is Service Area Approach?12. With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:1. Sand is a 'minor mineral' according to the prevailing law in the country.2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: ASource: Minor Minerals - Arthapedia13. Consider the following statements:1. Most of India's external debt is owed by governmental entities.2. All of India's external debt is denominated in US dollars.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: DSource : Why is external debt a cause for worry?14. Which of the following is not included in the assets of a commercial bank in India?(a) Advances(b) Deposits(e) Investments(d). Money at call and short noticeAnswer: BSource : Liabilities and Assets of Scheduled Commercial Banks (Main Items)15. In the context of India, which of the following factors is/are contributor/ contributors to reducing the risk of a currency crisis?1. The foreign currency earnings of India's IT sector2. Increasing the government expenditure3. Remittances from Indians abroadSelect the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1 only(b) 1 and 3 only(c) 2 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: : BSource : Basic Economic Concepts [NCERT Class 11 and 12]16. Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State and should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past?(a) First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)(b) Rajamannar Committee (1969)(c) Sarkaria Commission (1983)(d) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000)Answer: CSource : Governor’s Role in the Context of Centre State Relations17. Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly?(a) Certificate of Deposit(b) Commercial Paper(c) Promissory Note(d) Participatory NoteAnswer: DSource : Participatory Notes Allow Foreign Investors to Buy Indian Securities18. Consider the following statements1. As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority exists at both National and State levels.2. People's participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: ASource : CAMPA bill - Wikipedia19. In India, which of the following review the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?1. Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament2. Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees3. Finance Commission4. Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission5. NITI AayogSelect the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1 and 2(b) 1, 3 and 4(c) 3, 4 and 5(d) 2 and 5Answer: ASource : Laxmikanth20. With reference to India's Five-Year Plans, which of the following statements is/are correct?1. From the Second Five-Year Plan, there was a determined thrust towards substitution of basic and capital good industries.2. The Fourth Five-Year Plan adopted the objective of correcting the earlier trend of increased concentration of wealth and economic power.3. In the Fifth Five-Year Plan, for the first time, the financial sector was included as an integral part of the Plan.Select the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: ASource : NCERT Class 11 Economicshttps://www.nipfp.org.in/media/pdf/books/BK_33/Chapters/1.%20Import%20Substitution%20Strategy%20Of%20Economic%20Development.pdfFive-Year Plans of India - Wikipedia21. With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to be constitutionally invalid.2. An amendment to the Constitution of India cannot be called into question by the Supreme Court of India.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: DSource : Laxmikanth22. Consider the following statements1. Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exchange rates are calculated by comparing the prices of the same basket of goods and services in different countries.2. In terms of PPP dollars, India is the sixth largest economy in the world.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: ASource : Measuring India’s economy using PPPs shows it surpassed France 25 years ago23. With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crops in India in the last five years, consider the following statements:1. Area under rice cultivation is the highest.2. Area under the cultivation of jowar is more than that of oilseeds.3. Area of cotton cultivation is more than that of sugarcane.4. Area under sugarcane cultivation has steadily decreased.Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4Answer: AStatement 2 is incorrect.Source- https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rabi-sowing-down-by-5/article26029944.ece24. Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?(a) Spices(b) Fresh fruits(c) Pulses(d) Vegetable oilsAnswer: DSource – Let’s cut edible oil importsWhy doubling agri exports may remain elusive25. In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?(a) Protection against the tyranny of political rulers(b) Absence of restraint(c) Opportunity to do whatever one likes(d) Opportunity to develop oneself fully.Answer: DSource - Indian Preamble26. Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee?(a) Curbing imports of non-essential goods-and promoting exports(b) Encouraging Indian borrowers to issue rupee denominated Masala Bonds(c) Easing conditions relating to external commercial borrowing(d) Following an expansionary monetary policyAnswer: DSource – NCERT class 11 and 12 Economics27. Consider the following statements:The Reserve Bank of India's recent directives relating to 'Storage of Payment System Data', popularly known as data diktat, command the payment system providers that1. they shall ensure that entire data relating to payment systems operated by them are stored in a system only in India2. they shall ensure that the systems are owned and operated by public sector enterprises3. they shall submit the consolidated system audit report to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India by the end of the calendar yearWhich of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: ASource - Reserve Bank of IndiaIn Defence of Data Localisation — Will The Move Bolster Data Sovereignty In India28. Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as 'General Data Protection Regulation' in April 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May, 2018?(a) Australia(b) Canada(c) The European Union(d) The United States of AmericaAnswer: CSource - General Data Protection Regulation - Wikipedia29. Recently, India signed a deal known as 'Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field' with which of the following countries?(a) Japan(b) Russia(c) The United Kingdom(d) The United States of AmericaAnswer: b30. The money multiplier in an economy increases with which one of the following?(a) Increase in the cash reserve ratio(b) Increase in the banking habit of the population(c) Increase in the statutory liquidity ratio(d) Increase in the population of the countryAnswer: bSource- Multiplier Effect Definition31. Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1, 2 and 3(b) 2, 3 and 4(c) 1, 2 and 4(d) 1, 3 and 4Answer: CStatement 3 is incorrect.Source - Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups32. With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?(a) The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.(b) The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.(c) In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.(d) State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.Answer: BSource - Article 142 in The Constitution Of India 194933. With reference to the Legislative Assembly of a State in India, consider the following statements:1. The Governor makes a customary address to Members of the House at the commencement of the first session of the year.2. When a State Legislature does' not have a rule on a particular matter, it follows the Lok Sabha rule on that matter.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: C34. Consider the following statements:1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a 'Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air'.2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4Answer: CStatement 3 is incorrect.Source - https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/CAC/35. Consider the following statements:1. As per recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas.2. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce.3. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: BSource - Bamboo not a tree: Parliament passes Bill amending Forest Acthttps://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/bamboo-now-a-minor-forest-produce-3323936. Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one's right to marry the person of one's choice?(a) Article 19(b) Article 21(c) Article 25(d) Article 29Answer: BWider Interpretation of Article 21Source - http://www.legalserviceindia.com/articles/art222.htm37. Consider the following statements:1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India.2. In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate Board.3. Plant varieties are not eligible to be patented in India.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: CSource –https://www.ifoam.bio/en/news/2018/05/08/indian-supreme-court-says-seeds-plants-and-animals-are-not-patentable http://www.mondaq.com/india/x/611548/Trademark/The+Intellectual+Property+Appellate+Board+Power+Constitution38. Consider the following statements:The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to1. State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought2. Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sourcesWhich of the statements given above is/ are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: BSource – http://bch.cbd.int/database/attachment/?id=1905239. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?(a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.(b) The Rules are applicable to riotified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.(c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.(d) It is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.Answer: CSource - http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=138591http://cpcb.nic.in/municipal-solid-waste-rules/40. Consider the following statements:As per the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central (Amendment) Rules, 20181. if rules for fixed-term employment are implemented, it becomes easier for the firms/companies to layoff workers.2. no notice of termination of employment shall be necessary in the case of temporary workman.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: CSource – http://www.iasparliament.com/current-affairs/daily-news/industrial-employment-standing-orders-central-amendment-rules-2018-fixed-term-employment41. In the context of digital technologies for entertainment, consider the following statements:1. In Augmented Reality (AR) , a simulated environment is created and the physical world is completely shut out.2. In Virtual Reality (VR), images generated from a computer are projected onto real-life objects or surroundings.3. AR allows individuals to be present in the world and improves the experience using the camera of smart-phone or PC.4. VR closes the world, and transposes an individual, providing complete immersion experience.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 and 4(c) 1, 2 and 3(d) 4 onlyAnswer: BStatement 1 is wrong because AR doesn’t shut off Physical realitySource : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality42. The word 'Denisovan' is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to(a) fossils of a kind of dinosaurs(b) an early human species(c) a cave system found in North-East India.(d) a geological period in the history of Indian subcontinentAnswer: BSource: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denisovan43. With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct?(a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.(b) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in Iaboratories.(c) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.(d) Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.Answer: ASource: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petri_dishhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_culture and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_replication44. Consider the following statements:A digital signature is1. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet.3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchangedWhich of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: DSource: https://www.docusign.com/how-it-works/electronic-signature/digital-signature/digital-signature-faqhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_signatureSource : http://www.mca.gov.in/MinistryV2/digitalsignaturecertificate.html45. In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?1. Location identification of a person2. Sleep monitoring of a person3. Assisting the hearing impaired personSelect the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: DSource : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6111409/46. 'RNA interference (RNAi)' technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.2. It can be used in developing therapies for-the treatment of cancer.3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.Select the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1, 2 and 4(b) 2 and 3(c) 1 and 3(d) 1 and 4 onlyAnswer: ASource : https://www.livemint.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA_interferencehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1697196747. Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?(a) 'Higgs boson particles' were detected.(b) 'Gravitational waves' were detected.(e) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through 'wormhole' was confirmed.(d) It enabled the scientists to understand 'singularity'.Answer: BSource:https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/watch-binary-black-holes-merger/article18700610.ece48. Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?1. Genetic predisposition of some people2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming4. Multiple chronic diseases in some peopleSelect the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1 and 2(b) 2 and 3 only(e) 1, 3 and 4(d) 2, 3 and 4Answer: BSource: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/the-cost-of-resistance/article27005283.ece49. What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified cropsAnswer: : Ahttps://phys.org/news/2019-02-scientists-sharpen-molecular-scissors-gene.htmlhttps://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/what-is-genome-editing/article19481402.ece50. Which one of the following statements is not correct?(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis Band C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.Answer: BSource : https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/vaccination/51. With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection.2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.Select the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(e) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: D52. With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?(a) The ceiling "laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.(b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.(c) It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.(d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.Answer: BSource : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_reform_in_India53. The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the(a) International Monetary Fund(b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(c) World Economic Forum(d) World BankAnswer: CSource: http://reports.weforum.org/54. Consider the following statements about 'the Charter Act of 1813':1. It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.2. It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company.3. The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: ASource : Spectrum Book page-566-56755. With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements:1. It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.2. The National Council of Education was established as a part of Swadeshi Movement.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: CSource: Spectrum, Bipin Chandra’s India’s Struggle for independence Page-13056. Consider the following pairs:Movement/Organization Leader1. All India Anti-Untouchability League Mahatma Gandhi2. All India Kisan Sabha Swami Sahajanand Saraswati3. Self-Respect Movement E. V. Ramaswami NaickerWhich of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?(a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: DSource: Spectrum , Wikipedia57. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?(a) Chanhudaro(b) Kot Diji(c) Sohgaura(d) DesalpurAnswer: cSource : Sohgaura is near Gorakhpur, which falls outside the Harappan Area Map.58. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?(a) Kanganahalli(b) Sanchi I(c) Shahbazgarhi(d) SohgauraAnswer: ASource: Wikipedia and http://bharatkalyan97.blogspot.com/2011/07/asoka-on-ancient-indian-sculptures.html59. Consider the following:1. Deification of the Buddha2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas3. Image worship and ritualsWhich of the above is/are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism?(a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: DSource: RS Sharma, https://www.gktoday.in/gk/hinayana-mahayana/60. With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?(a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.(c) The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.(d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.Answer: ASource: Upendra Singh (Page:508)Source: https://books.google.co.in/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC&pg=PA508&lpg=PA508&dq=vishti+forced+labour+in+kathiawar&source=bl&ots=xf9E4T6ZkD&sig=ACfU3U2yg3DCAuGhsU3x22JsPuSxzK6wzw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjKgP-zzcriAhUFsY8KHRQ1DoAQ6AEwCXoECAgQAQ#v=onepage&q=vishti%20forced%20labour%20in%20kathiawar&f=false61. Which one of the following groups of plants was domesticated in the 'New World' and introduced into the 'Old World'?(a) Tobacco, cocoa and rubber(b)Tobacco, cotton and rubber.(c) Cotton, coffee and sugarcane(d) Rubber, coffee and wheatAnswer: ASource:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbian_exchange#Organism_examples62. Consider the following statements:1. Asiatic lion is naturally found III India only.2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: ASources:https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/a/asiatic-lion/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asiatic_lionhttps://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-interior/two-humps-one-job-in-nubra-valley/article7900544.ecehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_rhinoceros#Distribution_and_habitat63. Consider the following pairsFamous place RiverPandharpur ChandrabhagaTiruchirappalli CauveryHampi MalaprabhaWhich of the pairs given above are correctly matched?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: ASource:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampi#Location64. In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because(a) poverty rates vary from State to State(b) price levels vary from State to State(c) Gross State Product varies from State to State(d) quality of public distribution varies from State to StateAnswer: Either A or BSource:- https://www.prsindia.org/theprsblog/how-poverty-line-measured65. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?(a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions(b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones(c) Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth(d) Reducing the global warmingAnswer: Dhttps://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/full/10.1175/JCLI-D-17-0620.166. In the context of which one of the following are the terms 'pyrolysis and plasma gasification' mentioned?(a) Extraction of rare earth elements(b) Natural gas extraction technologies(c) Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles(d) Waste-to-energy technologiesAnswer: DSource:- https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/gasification_pyrolysis.pdf67. Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?(a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park(c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahme-swaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger ReserveAnswer: ASOURCE:- https://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/tags/agasthyamala-biosphere-reserve68. Consider the following statements:1. Some species of turtles are herbivores.2. Some species of fish are herbivores.3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.4. Some species of snakes are viviparous.Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2, 3 and 4 only(e) 2 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4Answer: DSource : https://www.seeturtles.org/sea-turtle-diethttp://www.healthyreefs.org/cms/healthy-reef-indicators/herbivorous-fish-abundance/https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life-education-resources/marine-mammalshttp://www.reptileknowledge.com/articles/article28.php69. Consider the following pairs:Wildlife Naturally found in1. Blue-finned Mahseer Cauvery River2. Irrawaddy Dolphin Chambal River3. Rusty-spotted Cat Eastern GhatsWhich of the pairs given above are correctly matched?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: CSource :https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/iconic-indian-fish-on-the-verge-of-extinction-says-study-49802https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrawaddy_dolphinhttp://www.conservationindia.org/articles/the-forgotten-wild-cats-of-the-eastern-ghats70. Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.Answer: : ASource : https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/waste-resource-recovery/plastics-and-packaging/plastic-microbeads71. Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of(a) Chalukya(b) Chandela(c) Rashtrakuta(d) VijayanagaraAnswer: DSOURCE : https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/cultural-history-vijaynagar-empire-architecture-literature-and-art-1492780525-172. Consider the following statements:1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as 'Amil'.2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.3. The office of 'Mir Bakshi' came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: ASource : Statement 2- IQTA System introduced in medieval (not ancient) period.Statement 3-Office of Mir Bakshi introduced during Mughal period.73. Consider the following statements:1. Saint Nimbarka was a contem-porary of Akbar.2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: DSource :https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Nimbarkahttp://www.southasiaanalysis.org/paper924https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Jahangir_and_the_Muslim_fundamentalist_movement74. With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of 'indentured labour'.2. In Lord Chelmsford's 'War Conference', Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.3. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 1 and 3 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: BSource :https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi,_his_life,_writings_and_speeches/Indentured_Labourhttps://scroll.in/article/680616/even-gandhi-apostle-of-peace-wanted-indians-to-fight-in-world-war-iStatement 3- Page 421, Spectrum(A brief history of modern India)75. With reference to Indian National Movement, consider the following pairs:Person Position held1. Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru President, All India Liberal Federation2. K. C. Neogy Member, The Constituent Assembly3. P. C. Joshi General Secretary, Communist Party of IndiaWhich of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?(a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: DSource :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kshitish_Chandra_Neogyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puran_Chand_Joshi76. With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?(a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.(b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.(c) Tansen composed songs on his patrons.(d) Tansen invented many Ragas.Answer: ASource:- https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/the-legend-of-mian-tansen/article22893454.ece77. Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?(a) Humayun(b) Akbar(c) Jahangir(d) Shah JahanAnswer: CSource : https://www.academia.edu/33006704/Mughal_Paintings78. Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?(a) Manas National Park(b) Namdapha National Park(c) Neora Valley National Park(d) Valley of Flowers National ParkAnswer: DSource : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_of_Flowers_National_Park#Vegetation79. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the(a) Department of Science and Technology(b) Ministry of Employment(c) NITI Aayog(d) Ministry of Skill Development and EntrepreneurshipAnswer: CSource : http://vikaspedia.in/education/policies-and-schemes/atal-innovation-mission80. On 21st June, the Sun(a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle(b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle(c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator(d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of CapricornAnswer: ASource : GC LEONG, PAGE NO-681. Consider the following statements:1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment.2. Cattle release ammonia into environment.3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 2 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: DSource - http://www.ghgonline.org/nitrousagri.htmhttps://www.government.nl/topics/livestock-farming/ammonia-emissions-from-farmshttps://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/nitrogen-emissions-going-up-study/article24090131.ece82. What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?(a) Recently discovered uranium deposits(b) Tropical rain forests(c) Underground cave systems(d) Water reservoirsAnswer: DSource - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aliyar_Reservoirhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isapur_Damhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangsabati_Project83. In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:1. The main adyantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4Answer: BSource - https://www.insightsonindia.com/2018/09/11/rajya-sabha-tv-in-depth-hcng-fuel-of-the-future/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/cng-to-hydrogen-cng-why-switch-and-how-5278356/84. Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night?(a) Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth's surface.(b) Clouds reflect back the Earth's radiation.(c) The Earth's surface would have low temperature on cloudy nights.(d) Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.Answer: BSource - https://www.pitara.com/science-for-kids/5ws-and-h/how-does-dew-form/85. Consider the following statements:1. The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced an Article placing the election of the Prime Minister beyond judicial review.2. The Supreme Court of India struck down the 99th Amendment to the Constitution of India as being violative of the independence of judiciary.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: BSource – http://www.ias4sure.com/wikiias/gs2/44th-amendment/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Judicial_Appointments_Commission86. Consider the following statements:1. The- motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what Constitutes 'incapacity and proved misbehaviour' of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India.3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2(b) 3 only(c) 3 and 4 only(d) 1, 3 and 4Answer: CSource – Laxmikanth Page 25.2 and 25.387. The Ninth Schedule was introduced in the Constitution of India during the prime ministership of(a) Jawaharlal Nehru(b) Lal Bahadur Shastri(c) Indira Gandhi(d) Morarji DesaiAnswer: ASource - http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/essay/judicial-review-and-the-ninth-schedule-of-the-indian-constitution/2498288. Consider the following statements:1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: ASource - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_mining_in_Indiahttp://pib.nic.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=160021https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/indias-coal-import-rises-13-to-21-mt-in-april/articleshow/69503158.cms89. Consider the following statements:1. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 exempts several posts from disqualification on the grounds of 'Office of Profit'.2. The above-mentioned Act was amended five times.3. The term 'Office of Profit' is well-defined in the Constitution of India.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: AArticle 102 only mentions the term “Office of Profit” without defining it.Source - https://indiankanoon.org/doc/390434/90. Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void?(a) Third Schedule(b) Fifth Schedule(c) Ninth Schedule(d) Twelfth ScheduleAnswer: BSource – https://tribal.nic.in/FRA/data/LandandGovernanceunderFifthSchedule.pdfhttps://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/forests/-progressive-maharashtra-governor-must-step-in-to-save-tribal-land-rights-6421791. Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of(a) anti-malarial drug(b) blodiesel(c) pulp for paper industry(d) textile fibreAnswer: DSource : https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/environment/khar-s-experimentation-with-himalayan-nettle-brings-recognition-5788092. For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location3. Land surface temperatures of a specific locationSelect the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: D93. Consider the following States:1. Chhattisgarh2. Madhya Pradesh3. Maharashtra4. OdishaWith reference to the States mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?(a) 2-3-1-4(b) 2-3-4-1(c) 3-2-4-1(d) 3-2-1-4Answer: CSource: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_cover_by_state_in_India94. Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of 'methane hydrate?1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.Select the correct answer using the code given below.(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: DSource : https://ghginstitute.org/2010/07/13/what-is-different-about-methane-ch4-emissions-the-forgotten-co2-in-ghg-emissions-accounting/95. Consider the following:1. Carbon monoxide2. Methane3. Ozone4. Sulphur dioxideWhich of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2, 3 and 4 only(c) 1 and 4 'only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4Answer: DSource : https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/environment/pollution/biomass-burning-a-major-source-of-pollution-in-india/articleshow/45093405.cms?from=mdr96. Consider the following pairs:Sea Bordering country1. Adriatic Sea Albania2. Black Sea Croatia3. Caspian Sea Kazakhstan4. Mediterranean Sea Morocco5. Red Sea SyriaWhich of the pair given above are correctly matched?(a) 1, 2 and 4 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 5 only(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5Answer: BSource : Atlas97. Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years?(a) China(b) India(c) Myanmar(d) VietnamAnswer: bSource : http://www.worldstopexports.com/rice-exports-country/98. Consider the following pairs:Glacier River1. Bandarpunch Yamuna2. Bara Shigri Chenab3. Milam Mandakini4. Siachen Nubra5. Zemu ManasWhich of the pairs given above are correctly matched?(a) 1, 2 and 4(b) 1, 3 and 4(c) 2 and 5(d) 3 and 5Answer: aSource : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_glaciers_of_India99. In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as(a) pesticides in agriculture(b) preservatives in processed foods(c) fruit-ripening agents(d) moisturising agents in cosmeticsAnswer: ASource : https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/pesticide-ban-lands-kerala-in-court-33657100. Consider the following statements:1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.Which of the statements given above is / are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer : CSource : https://www.ramsar.org/about/the-ramsar-convention-and-its-mission