Six Full-Length Mock Tests to cover entire syllabus of Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) optional subject Paper-I and Paper-II in APSC CC(Mains) Exam 2020
APSC Mains 2020-21 Test Series - Political Science & International Relations (PSIR)
Due to the recent change in APSC CCE as per the Policy 2019, it is necessary to reorient your strategy to the needs of the new exam pattern. APSC CC (Main) Test Series 2020 is carefully crafted with an in-depth coverage of the entire syllabus including both static and current portions. We aims to help you prepare well for the APSC CC (Main) Exam's Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) optional subject Paper-I & Paper-II and make you exam ready to score well above the qualifying marks in the the APSC CC (Main) Examination.
APSC Mains Paper VI – General Studies V Paper (History, Heritage, Culture, Geography, Governance, Polity, Social Justice, International Remedies, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management of Assam) – Syllabus, Book Lists & Study Materials
As per the new schemes of Assam Public Services Combined Competitive Examination (Amendment) Rules, 2019, amended the Assam Public Services Combined Competitive Examination Rules, 1989 vide Govt. of Assam Notification dated 5th August, 2019, new syllabus of GS Paper is given as under.
APSC Mains General Studies ( GS) Paper – Syllabus and it’s Sectional Breakup.
History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition & Heritage of Assam.
Major Landmarks In the History of Assam, Major Dynasties, their Administrative and Revenue systems, Important Works of literature, Fairs, Festivals, Folk Music and Folk Dances, Socio-cultural Issues, Salient features of Architecture and Monuments, Freedom Movement Political Awakening and Integration, Arts, Paintings and Handicrafts, Culture, Tradition and Heritage, Religious Movements, Leading Personalities.
Geography of Assam
Natural Resources of Assam, Physical features, Major physiographic divisions, Climate, Forests, Wildlife and Biodiversity, Mines and Minerals, Natural Vegetation, Population and Major Industries.
Political & Administrative System of Assam
Governor, Chief Minister, State Assembly, High Court, Assam Public Service Commission, State Information Commission, District Administration, State Human Rights Commission, State Election Commission, Public Policy, Legal Rights and Citizen Charter.
The economy of Assam
A macro overview of Economy, Industrial and Service Sector Issues, Growth, Development and Planning, Major Agricultural, Infrastructure & Resources, Programmes and Major Development Projects, Schemes Government Welfare Schemes for SC/ST/Backward Class/Minorities/Disabled Persons, Women, Children, Old Age People, Farmers & Laborers.
Environment, Biodiversity, Security and Disaster Management with relevant emphasis on the State of Assam.
APSC Recruitment 2020-21 – 15 posts Asstt. Research Officer /Asstt. Planning Officer in Planning Services under Transformation and Development Department, Assam
Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has released a notification for the recruitment of15 posts Asstt. Research Officer /Asstt. Planning Officer in Planning Services under Transformation and Development Department, Assam.
Last Date for Payment of Application fee : 02.10.2021
Eligibility Criteria:
(i) The candidate must be a permanent resident of Assam. As a domicile proof of the candidate, one of the documents viz. PRC/Voter ID card/Employment Registration need to be enclosed.
Educational Qualification:
The minimum academic qualification required in respect of the post of Assistant Research Officer/Assistant Planning Officer shall have 2nd Class Masters Degree in any of the following subjects of a recognized University viz: Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce, Business Management, Business Administration, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Social Anthropology.
Note:- Experience in Economics Research and in Planning Activities in Govt. and Non-Govt. Institutions of repute is desirable. (Attach self attested valid supporting documents. )
Age:
The candidates should not be less than 21 years of age and not more than 38 years of age as on 01/01/2021. The upper age limit is relaxable : (i) By 5 years for SC/ST candidates, i.e. upto 43 years. (ii) By 3 years for OBC/MOBC candidates i.e. upto 41 years. (iii) For Persons with Disability (PWD) by 10 years irrespective of SC/ST/OBC and General Category of candidate. (iv) The upper age limit in respect of candidates who have been serving in the lower posts or cadres in the Transformation and Development Deptt. for a minimum period of 5 years on the last date of receipt of application shall be 40 years.
How to Apply online for 15 posts of Asstt. Research Officer /Asstt. Planning Officer:
Interested and eligible candidates may apply online for these vacancy by visiting official APSC Recruitment Portal http://apsc.nic.in/. Candidates may follow below mentioned steps to apply online.
# Scroll down, go to Important Web-Links section .
# Click on the “Online Application” and complete the registration process by clicking “New User ? Register Here“.
# In the next stage, click on “Online Application” Link and Login.
# Fill your all personal and educational details and upload necessary documents.
# Make payment of application fee as per your category and submit the form.
# At the end, take a print out of the application form .
# # The persons who had applied against the 9 posts advertised earlier in Advertisement No. 04/2021 dt 22.3.2021, need not apply again and they will be eligible for selection against all 15 posts. Similarly, candidates who will apply afresh against the 6 additional posts, will also be eligible for selection against all 15 posts.
North-East India (Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur & Mizoram) Current Affairs & GK (January 2021 –June 2021)
( North-East states – Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur & Mizoram all important Current Affairs & GK topics for January 2021, February 2021, March 2021, April 2021, May 2021 June, 2021)
Khadi and Village Industries Commission established Monpa Handmade Paper Unit
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) established the Monpa handmade paper making unit.
The Monpa handmade paper is a thousand-year-old heritage and was revived with the new unit to increase the commercial productivity of paper produced based on Monpa technique. the unit will create local employment in Arunachal Pradesh.
KVIC had deployed a team of scientists from Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute, Jaipur to address the challenges. The team had put in six months of efforts to establish the unit for commercial production.
Initially the paper unit will engage nine artisans to produce five hundred to six hundred handmade papers per day. These artisans will earn Rs 400 per day. The unit is to initially begin with twelve women and twelve men from the local villages trained in making Monpa handmade paper.
FACTIFLE – Monpa Handmade Paper
The art of Monpa handmade paper originated in China during ancient times. The fine-textured handmade paper made using the technique is called Mon Shugu.
The Monpa handmade paper is made from a local tree called Shugu Sheng.
Earlier Monpa handmade paper was sold to other countries such as Japan, Tibet, Bhutan and Thailand for two reasons.
January 02, 2020
Nagaland declared Disturbed Area under AFSPA
Union Ministry of Home Affairs recently declared Nagaland as “Disturbed Area” for the next six months under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
Earlier, on June 30, 2020, Nagaland was declared as “disturbed area” for a period of six months. The state has been under AFSPA for more than six decades now.
FACTFILE – Disturbed area under Section 3 of AFSPA
Disturbed area is declared by notification under Section 3 of AFSPA. It is invoked in places where the use of armed forces is necessary to aid the civil power.
The Governor of the state or the central government can declare the whole or part of the state or union territory as disturbed area. Once declared, the region will continue to remain in “disturbed” category for three months according to the “Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976”.
The State Government can suggest if the act is required or not.
January 11, 2021
Geological Survey found promising concentrations of Vanadium in Arunachal Pradesh
The Geological Survey of India has found promising concentrations of Vanadium in the Tamang and Depo areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
According to Geological Survey of India, the Vanadium mineralisation is geologically similar to the “Stone Coal” Vanadium deposits of China. The GSI has discovered about seven metre thick carbonaceous phyllite for a length of more than six kilo metres in Depo area. Vanadium was also found in Subansiri district for a length of 15.5 km and thickness of 7 metres.
According to Indian Bureau of Mines, the total estimated reserves of Vanadium in India is around 24.63 million tonnes. Of this, the estimated Vanadium Pentoxide is 64,594 tonnes.
India consumes 3,360 metric tonnes of vanadium annually. This is 4% of Vanadium consumed by the world. Globally, 84,000 tonnes of Vanadium is consumed annually.
China consumes 44% of world Vanadium production. And China produces 57% of the world’s Vanadium.
FACTFILE – Vanadium
Vanadium is a by-product obtained from the processing of Vanadiferous magnetite ores. In its pure form, Vanadium is soft, ductile and grey in colour.
Vanadium alloys are durable in extreme environments and corrosion resistant.
They improve tensile strength of steel and reinforce steel bars used for tunnels, buildings and bridges.
The Vanadium Pentoxide is used as a catalyst in the production of Sulphuric acid. 85% of the Vanadium produced in the world are used as steel additive. Vanadium steel is used in gears, bicycle frames, axles and other critical components.
February 20, 2021
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram celebrate statehood day on February 20
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram observed their statehood day on February 20 as both of the states received their statehood on February 20, 1987.
Arunachal Pradesh
The state shares the border with Assam and Nagaland to its south.
It also has its international borders with Bhutan to the west and Myanmar to the east.
The state also has disputed border with China to the north at McMahon Line.
The length of the border across China’s autonomous region called Tibet is 1,129 KMs.
The state is an ethnically diverse state. It is home to Monpa people, Tani people, Tai people, and Naga people.
Mizoram
It shares borders with three states among the Seven Sister States of old Assam that is Assam, Tripura and Manipur. The state also shares an international border with Bangladesh and Myanmar with its total length of 722-kilometre.
The state was a part of Assam until year 1972.
In the year 1972 it was made a Union Territory.
In 1986, the UT was given the statehood in accordance with the 53rd amendment of the Indian Constitution.
On February 20, 1987, it became the 23rd state of the India.
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has prepared a report on two-way mass migration of the blue earthworms in the state of Meghalaya.
The blue earthworms, measuring up to 1.6 feet in length, migrate up and down to 300 metres in the East Khasi Hills of the state.
Uphill migration of the earthworms starts in April-May. With the onset of monsoon, they emerge from the rivers and streams.
Downhill migration occurs during September-October when the vegetation starts to dry and temperature & humidity drop.
They play a major role in enhancing the fertility of soil. It helps in shifting the locals to ecologically sustainable organic farming.
FACTFILE – Blue earthworm
The scientific name of the blue earthworm is Perionyx excavates.
It is also called as composting worms, blues, or Indian blues. The species is known for its ability to create the fine worm castings so quick.
The species have become popular in North America recently where it is used for composting purposes.
February 24, 2021
New Alpine Plant Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
A group of scientists from three institutes have discovered a new species of alpine plant in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The details were published in ‘Biodiversitas: Journal of Biological Diversity’.
The new species of Alpine Plant Belongs to the family of Himalayan sunflower. It has been named as Cremanthodium indicum. This species of plant generally flowers during the months from July to August.
It is endemic to the Penga-Teng Tso Lake of Tawang district. As per the IUCN Guideline, this alpine plant species has been listed as critically endangered.
The plants that grow in the alpine climate. Many of the plant species and taxon grow as a plant community in such alpine tundra including perennial grasses, forbs, sedges, mosses, cushion plants and lichens.
FACTFILE – Tawang District
It is the smallest district out of the 16 administrative districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
It is the eighth least populous district in India, with a population of 49,977.
April 9, 2021
New bird species Three-branded Rosefinch discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
Scientists from the Bombay Natural History Society recorded a new species of bird ‘Three banded Rosefinch’, in the high-altitude coniferous forests of Arunachal Pradesh.
The three branded Rosefinch is a resident of southern China and a vagrant in Bhutan. The bird was first photographed at an altitude of 3,852 meters above the sea level. It was seen along with the flock of white browed Rosefinch.
The three branded rosefinch may be using the high altitude temperate coniferous forests of Arunachal Pradesh as a passage while they were migrating from China to Bhutan.
The Three Branded Rosefinch belongs to the finch species of birds. Finch birds have world wide distribution except for Australia and polar regions.
State of India’s Bird, 2020
The State of India’s Bird, 2020 report categorised 101 species of birds in India as “high concern”, 319 as “moderate concern” and 442 as “low concern”.
The Indian Vultures experienced catastrophic population decline.
The White-rumped Vulture suffered the most severe decline followed by Indian Vulture and Egyptian Vulture.
the Indian Peacock, the National bird of the country has increased dramatically in the last few decades. They have been categorised as “Least Concern” in the IUCN Red List.
April 9, 2021
3 out of every 1,000 pregnant women in Meghalaya test positive for HIV
The Assembly Committee on Women Empowerment, led by Ampareen Lyngdoh, recently submitted its report to the Meghalaya Government. It has found that three out of every thousand pregnant women in the state are testing positive for HIV in the state.
There are five thousand plus cases of HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya and this number is increasing alarmingly.
The committee has identified that there is an urgent need to address the issue of commercial sex workers. The major concern that needs immediate action is the prevalence of HIV among sex workers in the East Khasi hills.
The Government of Meghalaya has been suggested to frame a policy to address the issue of HIV/AIDS.
According to National AIDS Control Organisation(NACO), 0.54% of population in Meghalaya are living with HIV. Also, Meghalaya has the highest Syphilis cases in the country.
Meghalaya Health Policy
In March 2021, the Meghalaya State Government adopted a new Health Policy. The policy does include AIDS but it has not prioritised the issue.
The policy lacks to provide a detailed plan to eliminate AIDS in the state.
The policy will aim to achieve “Global Target of 2020” where 90% of the people living with HIV will receive antiretroviral therapy.
May 1, 2021
Scheme of Financial Assistance to NE & Hilly States for Capex
The Ministry of Finance recently announced that it is to provide Rs 15,000 crores to the states for their Capital Expenditure for 2021-22 under the “Scheme of Financial Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure”. This is being provided as an interest free fifty-year loan to spend on capital projects.
In 2020-21, Rs 12,000 crores was allocated for the scheme and Rs 11,830.29 crores was released to the states. The scheme will help to speed up the National Infrastructure Pipeline projects. It will help the states to settle the pending bills in the ongoing capital projects.
Part I of the Scheme is to be implemented in the NE States and Hilly states. Around Rs 2,600 crores has been allocated for this part of the scheme. Of this, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Uttarakhand are to get Rs 400 crores each.
Part II of the scheme worth Rs 7,400 crores is for All the other states. This fund is to be allocated in proportion to their share of central taxes as prescribed by the fifteenth commission of 2021-22.
Part III of the scheme, worth Rs 5,000 crores incentives are to be provided to the states for disinvestment of state public sector enterprises and for recycling or monetisation of infrastructure assets.
May 4, 2021
Indian Army’s first Green Solar Energy plant in Sikkim
The Indian Army recently launched the first Green Solar Energy harnessing plant in Sikkim, at an altitude of 16,000 feet, to benefit the troops of the Indian army.
The capacity of the plant is 56 KVA. It was built in collaboration with IIT Mumbai.
100 million-year-old bones of Sauropods discovered in Meghalaya
The researchers in the Geological Survey of India recently found fossil bone fragments of Sauropod dinosaurs, which were 100 million years old. These dinosaur bones were found in West Khasi hills in the district of Meghalaya. Sauropods had very long necks, small heads, long tails and four pillar-like legs.
The findings of Sauropods in Meghalaya make it the fifth state after Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Also, Meghalaya is the only state in the North-East to report Sauropod bones.
Dinosaurs in India existed from the late Triassic period till the Cretaceous period. The Rajasaurus dinosaur originated in India. Of all the dinosaurs found in India, Barapasaurus was the biggest in India. It was four metres tall and 24 metres in length. The fiercest was the Tyrannosaurus rex.
May 14, 2021
African Swine Fever in the North East region
The African Swine Fever has stuck Meghalaya, after it had struck Mizoram.
It has killed 1,700 pigs in Mizoram in a month. It has now spread to Meghalaya and has killed three hundred pigs here so far.
FACTFILE – African Swine Fever
It was first detected in Africa in 1920s.
There is no cure to the disease and thus the only way to stop the disease from spreading is by culling the animals.
It is not a threat to human beings as the disease spreads from animal to animal.
The African Swine Fever has been included in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
Nuklu Phom of Nagaland won “Green Oscar” Whitley Awards, 2021
Whitley Awards are called “Green Oscar”. In 2021, the Whitley Award was won by Nuklu Phom of Nagaland. He became the only Indian to receive the award. The winners receive 40,000 pounds.
FACTFILE – Whitley Awards
Whitley Awards are presented annually by the Whitley Fund for Nature. It is presented to recognise grass-roots level conservation leaders.
The Whitley Fund for Nature was established by Edward Whitley in 1994. It has so far given 16 million pounds to support the work of two hundred environmental heroes.
Biodiversity Peace Corridors incorporate 16 villages spread across four districts. It adopts sustainable land use practices.
#FACT2Remember: Nagaland is called the “Falcon Capital of the World”.
Whitely Fund for Nature
It works to find local conservationists in the regions of resource-poor, biodiversity rich countries.
It supports projects based on science and community involvement
It also works to boost the national and international winners who address challenges faced by biodiversity worldwide.
BIOGRAPHY – Nuklu Phom
He is populary known as the “Amur Falcon Man of Nagaland”. He is creating “Biodiversity Peace Corridors”. The main objective is to extend the “Yaongyimchen Community Biodiversity Area”.
Apart from conservation of wildlife and environmental protection he also extends his works to health, education and microfinance.
He founded the Lemasachenlok Society, which worked towards sensitising the locals about the Amur Falcons. It has set up three reserves that helped to increase the number of roosting Falcons.
May 16, 2021
Sikkim celebrates Statehood Day on May 16
Every year the Sikkim Statehood Day is celebrated on May 16. Sikkim joined the Union of India on May 16, 1975.
In 1975, the Sikkim Prime Minister appealed to India for Sikkim to join Union of India. Following this, the Indian Army took over the city of Gangtok and the palace guards of Chogyal palace were disarmed. A referendum was held in which 97.5% supported to join India abolishing the monarchy.
Indian Parliament laid down conditions in its 35th amendment that made Sikkim an “Associate State”. The 36th amendment repealed the 35th amendment and made Sikkim a full state.
FACTFILE – Sikkim
Sikkim is a state in northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south.
Sikkim is the least populous and second smallest among the Indian states.
Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth.
Sikkim’s capital and largest city is Gangtok.
Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
May 22, 2021
Tripura Government has launched an online portal ‘Jagrut Tripura’
Tripura Government has launched an online portal named Jagrut Tripura to help the people of the state avail benefits from the various schemes that has been launched by the State and Central Government.
Through this platform business owners whose business was impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic can also be supported.
The online portal falls under one of the many initiatives that have been undertaken by the state government of Tripura under its Atmanirbhar Tripura initiative. It has been developed by a company of the Jio Group named EasyGov.
Two species of Monals sighted together in Arunachal Pradesh
Two species of monals were sighted together by local wildlife enthusiasts in upper Siang district of central Arunachal Pradesh. Monals is a colour pheasant.
One discovered species is While Himalayan monal also called as Lophophorus impejanus. It is widely distributed from Afghanistan to northeast India. The other monal is Sclater’s monal which is also called as Lophophorus sclateri. It is found in southern China and northern Myanmar. It is listed as vulnerable by International Union of Conservation of Nature.
FACTFILE – Monal bird
Monal bird belongs to genus Lophophorus of pheasant family called Phasianidae. Male birds have colourful, iridescent plumage with plump physique.
They are listed as vulnerable due to habitat destruction and hunting.
June 21, 2021
Central Got to link innovative agriculture technologies to farms in Northeast Region
Government of India is working towards linking innovative agricultural technologies with farms to benefit small and marginal farmers in northeast India. It will primarily focus on women under Biotech-KISAN programme.
Department of Biotechnology issued special call for the Northeast region under the programme which will help in understanding local issues of farmers & provide scientific solutions to them.
Programme will specifically focus on the Northeast region because it is predominantly agrarian where 70% of its workforce were engaged in agriculture & allied sectors for livelihood.
The Biotech-KISAN programme will be implemented in NE Region with the objective of linking innovative agriculture technologies with farms for small & marginal farmers.
The Northeast region produces 1.5% of India’s food grain and continues to be a net importer of food grains for its domestic consumption.
FACTFILE – Biotech-KISAN programme
Mission Programme Biotech – Krishi Innovation Science Application Network is a scientist-farmer partnership scheme launched in 2017.
It was launched for agriculture innovation with the objective of connecting science laboratories with farmers to get innovative solutions and technologies which can be applied at farm level.
June 25, 2021
World Bank loan for strengthening Mizoram Health Systems Project
Central government, state government of Mizoram and the World Bank signed a loan agreement of worth $32 million, for Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project.
It will improve management capacity and quality of health services in Mizoram.
Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project will strengthen governance and management structure of Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW) and its subsidiaries. It will also improve quality & coverage of services delivered by state government health systems.
Endangered ‘African Violet’ plant discovered in Mizoram
A new species of plant, called African violet, was discovered by Indian Institute of Science education and research (IISER), Bhopal, in parts of Mizoram and adjoining areas in Myanmar.
Discovery was done under Tropical Ecology and Evolution Lab, a unit of IISER.
IISER Bhopal described new species as “Didymocarpus Vickifunkiae”. This species is found in only three locations currently in Mizoram and thus are considered an endangered species.
They are the flowering plants in genus Saintpaulia of family Gesneriaceae. These plants are native to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa. They are widely grown horticulturally and are characterised by small perennial herbs having thick, hairy, ovate leaves. Leaves are dark green and have long stems.
Q1. Which state has been ranked as the best performer in the States’ Start-up Ranking Framework 2019 of DPIIT?
Assam
Gujarat
Karnataka
Goa
B. Gujarat
Gujarat has been named as the best performer among states followed by Karnataka and Kerala. Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been named as the best performer in the category of Union Territory.
Q2. Recently, India has initiated an anti-dumping investigation on imports of Vitamin C from which country?
Australia
Saudi Arabia
China
Germany
C. China
Q3. India was ranked at which position on the World Bank’s annual Human Capital Index?
116th
132nd
105th
121st
A. 116th
The 2020 Human Capital Index update includes health and education data for 174 countries covering 98 per cent of the world’s population up to March 2020.
Last year India was ranked 115 out of 157 countries. This year India finds itself at 116th from among 174 countries. However, India’s score increased to 0.49 from 0.44 in 2018, as per the Human Capital Index report released by the World Bank.
Q4. Who has been appointed as the Executive Director at the World Bank by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet?
Rajesh Khullar
David R. Malpass
Vladimir Putin
Angela Merkel
A. Rajesh Khullar
Rajesh Khullar, a 1988 batch IAS officer has been appointed as Executive Director at World Bank. Sameer Kumar Khare, additional secretary in the economic affairs department of the finance ministry and a 1989 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, will be the new executive director at Asian Development Bank. Both the appointments are for a period of three years.
Q5. Recently, the 2+2 inter-sessional meet was held between India and which country?
Singapore
Australia
US
China
C. US
Q6. Who among the following has been conferred Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2020 by Euromoney Awards of Excellence?
Harivansh Narayan Singh
Deepak Parekh
Manoj Jha
Aditya Puri
D. Aditya Puri
Aditya Puri, MD of HDFC Bank has been conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by Euromoney Awards of Excellence 2020 for his skills in building a world-class bank in India at a time where there were no similar institutions in existence.
Q7. India and which country has agreed on a 5-point plan to resolve border issues?
Bhutan
Bangladesh
Pakistan
China
D. China
Q8. Recently, who represented India in the virtual Meeting of Labour and Employment Ministers of G-20 nations?
Dharmendra Pradhan
Santosh Gangwar
Prakash Keshav
Javadekar Nirmala Sitharaman
B. Santosh Gangwar
Q9. Which among the following country has recently elected as a member of the United Nation’s Commission on Status of Women, a body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?
India
Pakistan
Malaysia
Canada
A. India
India, China and Afghanistan had contested the elections to the Commission on Status of Women. While India and Afghanistan had won the ballot among the 54 members, China failed to even cross the half-way mark.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the main UN organs within the United Nations. CSW has been described as the UN organ promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. Every year, representatives of Member States gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York to evaluate progress gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women worldwide.
Q10. A new publication “The Little Book of Green Nudges” has been launched by which of the following organisation?
World Bank (WB)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
B. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) launched a new publication, “The Little Book of Green Nudges”. It aims to encourage around 200 million students around the world to adopt environmentally friendly habits and greener lifestyles.
Q1. Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with which small finance bank to work in cohesion in support of Bank Linkage?
Janalakshmi Small Finance Bank
Utkarsh Small Finance Bank
North East Small Finance Bank
Capital Small Finance Bank.
C. North East Small Finance Bank
Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) on Saturday to work in cohesion in support of Bank Linkage of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Producer Groups/ Enterprises under ASRLM. ASRLM is the first amongst all the State Livelihood Missions to initiate the signing of MoU with the new generation small finance banks.
Q2. Which country has been elected as a member of the United Nation’s Commission on Status of Women for the period 2021-2025?
US
India
Australia
UAE
B. India
Q3. India and which country signed an agreement for reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the armed forces?
China
Bangladesh
Japan
Sri Lanka
C. Japan
India and Japan signed an agreement for reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the armed forces. The agreement establishes the enabling framework for closer cooperation between the Armed Forces of India and Japan in reciprocal provision of supplies and services while engaged in bilateral training activities, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, Humanitarian International Relief and other mutually agreed activities.
Q4. What is the rank of India in the Global Economic Freedom Index, 2020?
79th
105th
93rd
108th
B. 105th
The Economic Freedom of the World 2020 Annual Report by Canada’s Fraser Institute has been released in India in conjunction with the New Delhi-based think tank Centre For Civil Society. This is the 24th edition of Economic Freedom of the World.
The country was at the 79th spot in last year’s rankings. Hong Kong topped the rankings.
Q5. The government of which state has recently launched India’s Biggest “Piggery Mission”?
Nagaland
Assam
Meghalaya
Tripura
C. Meghalaya
The main objective of the Piggery Mission is to reduce the annual import of Pork worth Rs 150 Crore and make Meghalaya self-sufficient (“Aatma Nirbhar”) in pork production over the next 3 years.
Q6. According to the Living Planet Report 2020 released by the World Wide Fund for Nature what is the average decline in global vertebrate species populations, between 1970 and 2016?
68%
50%
34%
72%
A. 68%
World Wildlife Fund for Nature is the world’s leading conservation organization. It was established in 1961 and is headquartered at Gland, Switzerland. Its objective is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
Q7. Which state topped the list of states counted for the well-being of children as per the ‘State of Young Child in India’ report released by Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu recently?
Assam
Kerala
Tripura
Goa
B. Kerala
The Young Child Outcomes Index (YCOI) measures health, nutrition and cognitive growth with help of indicators such as infant mortality rate, stunting and net attendance at the primary school level. Kerala, Goa, Tripura, Tamil Nadu and Mizoram are among the top five States.
Q8. Which among the following religious place was recently granted Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration?
Tirupati
Vaishno Devi
Konark
Golden Temple
D. Golden Temple
The Union government has granted a Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence to Sri Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar in Punjab for five years. It will now enable the Golden Temple to receive foreign donations.
Q9. Who won the women’s singles title in US Open Tennis 2020?
Naomi Osaka
Victoria Azarenka
Jennifer Brady
Serena Williams
A. Naomi Osaka
Q10.India’s first integrated air ambulance service has been launched in which state?
Karnataka
Odisha
Gujarat
Uttarakhand
A. Karnataka
The Integrated Ambulance Service is India’s first air ambulance operating from South India to provide service for medical emergencies. It is combined with helicopter and land ambulance services which will offer last-mile connectivity.
A rich wetland eco-system of 34 sq. kms. on the southern bank of river Brahmaputra in the Sibsagar district. This area was established as a Bird Sanctuary in August 1996 by the Government of Assam.
It is a paradise of migratory and resident birds, so far 165 species of Birds have been identified and recorded. It has high concentration of Geese and other Migratory birds. The common birds are Bar-headed Goose, Grey leg Goose, Spot billed Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon, Gargany, Shoveller, Red crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Open bill Stork, White necked Stork etc.
Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary (Assamese: পানী দিহিং অভয়াৰণ্য) is a 33.93-square-kilometre (13.10 sq mi) wildlife sanctuary located in Sivasagar district, Assam. It is 22 km (14 mi) away from Sivasagar town.[2] This protected area was established as a Bird Sanctuary in August 1996 by the Government of Assam
As many as 267 species of birds including 70 species of migratory birds have been identified and recorded at Pani Dihing.[4] The common birds seen here are bar-headed goose, greylag goose, Indian spot-billed duck, mallards, gadwall, wigeon, garganey, shoveller, red crested pochard, common pochard, ferruginous duck, adjutant stork, kingfisher, lesser adjutant stork, open bill stork, white necked stork.[citation needed] The rare griffon and white-rumped vultures have also been spotted at the sanctuar
Although an important birding area supporting a very large population of birds, Pani Dihing has suffered on account of poaching, grazing of cattle and fishing within the sanctuary premises.[4][7]
Deepar Beel Wildlife (Bird) Sanctuary
This wetland of 4.14 sq. kms area, located in the western boundary of Guwahati city, Deepar Beel Sanctuary is the only Ramsar Site in Assam.
Deepar Beel is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River. Ramsar Convention has listed the lake in November 2002, as a Ramsar Site for undertaking conservation measures on the basis of its biological and environmental importance.
Over 170 species of birds including kingfishers, fishing eagless and abundant varieties of ducks, have been listed in the Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary. The major Avian species are Greater Adjutant Stork, Whistling Teal, Open Billed Stork, Shoveler, Pintail, Garganey and high concentration of Pheasant tail jacanas etc.
Guwahati Water bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Bill, 2008 has been passed with the objective of preserving the wetland, minimising the problem of waterlogging in the city and creating an eco-friendly atmosphere. The Government of Assam is planning to re-acquire land in the periphery of Deepor Beel, to undertake development projects, including water sports at the beel.
The proposed Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts, the Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 11.25 sq. kms. and is a breeding ground of large Whistling Teal.
Birds : 24 species of Birds – Kingfishers, Large whistling Teal, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Spotted Dove, Pheasant tailed Jacana, Bronze winged Jacana, Indian River Tern, Black Headed Gull, White Wagtail, Black Headed Oriole, Purple Moorhen, Open bill Stork etc.
Some of the important waterfalls in North Eastern states of India
Nohkalikai Falls – Meghalaya
Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Its height is 1115 feet (340 metres). The waterfall is located near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth. Nohkalikai Falls are fed by the rainwater collected on the summit of a comparatively small plateau.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for administering elections in India according to the rules and regulations mentioned in the Constitution of India. The ECI was set up on January 25 1950.
As per Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, ECI has the supervisory and directional control of the complete process election to Parliament and Legislature of every State and to the office of the President and the Vice-President of India.
The ECI consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and 2 other Election Commissioners. The multi-member ECI works on the power of majority vote.
Appointment & Tenure of Election Commissioners & CEC
The President has the power to select Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
They have the same status and receive pay and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through accusation by Parliament.
Election commissioner or a regional commissioner shall not be removed from office except on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Functions of the Election Commission of India
ECI is responsible for a free and reasonable election.
It ensures that political parties and candidates adhere to the Model Code of Conduct.
Regulates parties and registers them as per eligibility to contest in elections.
Proposes the limit of campaign expenditure per candidate to all parties and monitors the same.
It is mandatory for all political parties to submit annual reports to the ECI in order to be able to claim the tax benefit on the contributions.
Guarantees that all political parties regularly submit audited financial reports.
The main duties of the Election Commission are:
Supervise, control and conduct all elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
Set general rules for election.
Prepare electoral rolls.
Determine territorial distribution of constituencies Give credit to political parties.
Allot election symbols to political parties or candidates.
Appoint tribunals for the decision of doubts and disputes arising out of an election to Parliament and State Legislatures.
Administrative Powers of the Election Commission
The commission has been empowered to function in accordance to the Delimitation Commission Act and define the territorial boundaries of electoral constituencies for different elections.
It has been given powers to register and deregister any political party or entity.
It is empowered to enforce the ‘Model Code of Conduct’ for election campaigns and ensures its implementation.
It is empowered to keep a check on the election expenses of the political parties.
This ensures a level playing field for all the political parties irrespective of their size and thus the capacity to spend.
It has the power to appoint officers as election observers and expenditure observers from different departments of the Civil Services.
Advisory Powers of the Election Commission EC:
The Commission is empowered to advise the President of India regarding disqualification of the members of Parliament and the conditions for the same.
The Commission also advises the Governors with respect to the disqualifications of members of the State Legislatures.
It advises the High Courts and Supreme Court in matters related to post-election disputes between candidates and political parties.
Quasi-Judicial Powers of Election Commission
The Election Commission is empowered to settle disputes regarding recognition granted to political parties and candidates.
It has the powers to act as a court for matters related to disputes arising out of the allotment of election symbols to political parties and candidates.
No two election symbols are the same, even in different regions.
It must be noted that the elections with respect to the election of Panchayats and Municipalities are carried out under the supervision of the State Election Commission.
The State Election Commissions are in turn advised by the ECI and are answerable to it.
Writs are a written order from the Supreme Court or High Court that commands constitutional remedies for Indian Citizens against the violation of their fundamental rights.
The Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court and the High Courts to issue Writs for the enforcement of the fundamental rights conferred by the Part-III of the Indian Constitution under Article 32 and Article 226, respectively. If any of the Fundamental Rights are violated a writ petition can be filed in the High Court (Article 226) or the Supreme Court (Article 32) of India.
Types of writs
There are five types of Writs- Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Certiorari, Prohibition and Quo- Warranto.
(i) Habeas Corpus: The Latin meaning of the word ‘Habeas Corpus’ is ‘To have the body of.’ This writ is used to enforce the fundamental right of individual liberty against unlawful detention. Through Habeas Corpus, Supreme Court/High Court orders one person who has arrested another person to bring the body of the latter before the court.
(ii) Mandamus: The literal meaning of this writ is ‘We command.’ This writ is used by the court to order the public official who has failed to perform his duty or refused to do his duty, to resume his work. Besides public officials, Mandamus can be issued against any public body, a corporation, an inferior court, a tribunal, or government for the same purpose.
(iii) Prohibition: The literal meaning of ‘Prohibition’ is ‘To forbid.’ A court that is higher in position issues a Prohibition writ against a court that is lower in position to prevent the latter from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction that it does not possess. It directs inactivity.
(iv) Certiorari: The literal meaning of the writ of ‘Certiorari’ is ‘To be certified’ or ‘To be informed.’ This writ is issued by a court higher in authority to a lower court or tribunal ordering them either to transfer a case pending with them to itself or squash their order in a case. It is issued on the grounds of an excess of jurisdiction or lack of jurisdiction or error of law. It not only prevents but also cures for the mistakes in the judiciary.
The writ jurisdiction of the High Courts (Article 226) on a writ petition is wider as it extends to the constitutional rights too.
Public Interest Litigation & Judicial Activism
The traditional rule of “Locus Standi” that a person, whose right is infringed alone can file a petition, has been considerably relaxed by the Supreme Court. Now, the court permits public interest litigation at the instance of public spirited citizens for the enforcement of constitutional o- legal rights. Now, any public spirited citizen can move/approach the court for the public cause (in the interests of the public or public welfare) by filing a petition in Supreme Court or in High Court.
