1.

Consider the following statements regarding Price Stabilization Fund (PSF):

(i) It is under ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

(ii) The fund is utilized to grant working capital loan to central agencies 

(iii) The scheme promotes direct purchase of farm produce from the farmers  

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) (i) only

(b) (i) & (ii) only

(c) (ii) & (iii) only

(d) (i), (ii) & (iii)

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-releases-more-stocks-under-open-market-sale-to-curb-foodgrains-price-rise/article67177392.ece

C

2.

Official languages of the United Nations include

1. Russian

2. Arabic

3. French

4. Chinese

5. Spanish

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Note:

There are six official languages of the UN. These are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-defends-use-of-vasudhaiva-kutumbakam-in-g-20-as-china-raises-objections/article67184856.ece

D  

3.

With reference to Select Committee of Parliament, consider the following statements:

1. Its membership is limited to MPs from one House.

2. It is an ad hoc committee.

3. Its reports are binding on the government.

Which of these is/are incorrect?.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2, 3

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajya-sabha-passes-delhi-services-bill-with-support-of-131-mps/article67169517.ece

Select Committee

• About:
• India’s Parliament has several types of committees which discharge different functions.
• There are 12 Standing Committees that are permanent in nature, with their members nominated from time to time by the Chairman.
• The Privileges Committee, which Shah wanted the Raghav Chadha matter referred to, is one such.
• Then there are ad hoc or temporary committees, which are set up for a specific purpose, such as examining a particular Bill, and are dissolved once that purpose has been served.
• A Select Committee belongs to this category.
• Procedure followed by the select committee
• While a Select Committee is temporary in nature, the procedure it is to follow is laid down in the Rules of Procedure.
• Under Rule 125 of the Rajya Sabha Rules and Procedures, any member may move an amendment that a Bill be referred to a Select Committee.
• i.e., the motion to refer a Bill to a Select Committee can either be moved by the member in-charge of the Bill, or by any other MP.

How are a Select Committee’s members selected?

• According to the Rajya Sabha rules, “On a motion moved in and adopted by the House, Bills are from time to time referred to Select Committees, the members on which are specifically named in the motion.
• The members of the Select Committee on a Bill are appointed by the House when the motion that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee is made.
• No member is appointed to a Select Committee if he is not willing to serve on the Committee.
• The mover has to ascertain whether the member proposed by him is willing to serve on the Committee.
• The rules do say that a proposed member’s consent has to be taken before he can serve on a Select Committee.
• However, they do not specifically mention collecting signatures of those whose names have been proposed.
• Actual number of members
• The actual number of membership of the Select Committee is not fixed; it varies from Committee to Committee.
• If it is a Joint Committee, the proportion of members from the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha is 1:2.
• The Chairman of the Committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from among the members of the Committee.
• The member or Minister in-charge of the Bill is generally included as a member of the Committee.

How does a Select Committee work?

• The quorum for each sitting needs to be one-third of the total number of members of the committee.
• In case of equality of votes on any matter, the chairman (or any other person presiding) will have a second or casting vote.
• A select committee may appoint a sub-committee to examine any special points connected with the Bill.
• The report will be signed on behalf of the committee by the chairman. Any member can record dissent.
• The report, along with notes of dissent, will be presented to the Rajya Sabha, printed and circulated among all members.

What are the functions of a Select Committee?

• The Committee’s job is to go through the text of the Bill, clause by clause.
• This is to ascertain that the Bill reflects clearly the intention behind the measure and the object proposed.
• The Committee may, for this purpose, invite memoranda from or take oral evidence of experts or interested persons and organisations.
• The Committee may also ask the Government officials to explain the policy behind the various provisions of the Bill and to supply to it such information and background material as may be required by it.
• After hearing the evidence, the Committee considers the various provisions of the Bill and formulates its conclusions and may amend the clauses, etc. of the Bill.
• The Committee may also visit organisations and institutions, etc. for on-the-spot study of a matter connected with the Bill.

What happens once a Select Committee’s report is submitted?

• The report of the committee is of a recommendatory nature. The government can choose to accept or reject its recommendations.
• A Select Committee can also include its version of the Bill.
• If they do so, the minister in charge of that particular Bill can move for the committee’s version of the Bill to be discussed and passed in the House.

C

4.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Ben Gurion Canal Project:

1. It would connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Aqaba, bypassing the Suez Canal.

2. It was a proposed by Israel.

Which of these statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.newarab.com/news/what-israels-ben-gurion-canal-plan-and-why-gaza-matters

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/ben-gurion-canal-suez-israel-9021520/

C

5.

The legislation(s) in India govern(s) the regulation and quality control of drugs and cosmetics is/are

1. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

2. Indian Medical Council Act, 1956

3. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

4. Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act, 2017

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 3, 4 only

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/podcast/jan-vishwas-bill-will-it-help-makers-of-substandard-drugs-to-go-scot-free/article67209982.ece

C

6.

WPI and CPI are two different baskets of goods and services. Consider the following statements.

1. The CPI-based inflation data is compiled by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

2. The WPI -based inflation data is dominated by the prices of manufactured goods.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/what-are-wholesale-price-index-consumer-price-index-inflation-rates-7820831/

C

7.

Consider the following statements with reference to the Great Blue Hole:

1. It is known for its crystal-clear water.

2. The water appears and becomes almost black as it gets deeper.

3. It is formed because of the erosion of limestone terrains.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Note:

https://www.financialexpress.com/life/science-the-great-blue-hole-unknown-life-forms-to-stories-of-mayans-explorers-aim-to-uncover-many-secrets-from-thousands-of-years-ago-1399041/

https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/world-second-deepest-blue-hole-found-in-mexico-undersea-sinkhole-12504932.html

https://www.cnbctv18.com/science/what-is-the-mysterious-blue-hole-in-the-indian-ocean-near-sri-lanka-iisc-scientists-explain-17132031.htm

C

8.

Where are Batagaika crater?

(a) Ukraine

(b) Niger

(c) Russia

(d) Australia

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/worlds-biggest-permafrost-crater-in-russias-far-east-thaws-as-planet-warms/article67108866.ece

C  

9.

‘Headcount ratio’ is

(a) When the number of poor is estimated as the proportion of people below the poverty line 

(b) When the number of poor is estimated as the proportion of people above the poverty line 

(c) When the number of people is estimated as the proportion of people below the median income of the country 

(d) When the number of people is estimated as the proportion of people below the standard deviation income of the country 

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/multidimensional-poverty-index-how-the-capital-fared-in-the-last-five-years-8847235/

The Head count ratio (HCR) is the proportion of a population that exists, or lives, below the poverty line. The Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty line (percentage of population) in India was last reported at 21.9% in 2011-12 as per Tendulkar committee.

A

10.

Consider the following statements:

1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.

2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.

3. The Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 3 only

Note:

Election commission

• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
• Article 324 to 329 of the constitution deals with powers, function, tenure, eligibility, etc of the commission and the member.
• The election commission has three election commissioners, one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
• They have a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of a Supreme Court judge for by Parliament
• Election commission decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.  Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• It also decides the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties. Hence only statement 3 is correct.
• It prepares electoral roll, issues Electronic Photo Identity Card (EPIC).
• It grants recognition to political parties & allots election symbols to them along with settling disputes related to it.
• It issues the Model Code of Conduct in the election for political parties and candidates.
• It sets limits of campaign expenditure per candidate to all the political parties.

D

11.

Which of the below statements is/are correct w.r.t. “Gene-Edited Mustard” in news?.

1. Glucosinolates are synthesised in the leaves and pod walls of mustard plants.

2. CRISPR/Cas9 – a gene-editing tool was deployed.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/gene-edited-mustard-less-pungent-more-useful-8901549/

C

12.

1. Mukandra Hills

2. Ramgarh Vishdhari

3. Ranthambore

4. Sariska

5. Dhoulpur-Karauli

Tiger reserves in Rajasthan include

(a) 3 and 4 only

(b) 3. 4 and 5 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jaipur/ntca-gives-in-principle-nod-to-kumbhalgarh-tiger-reserve-8904655/

D

13.

In case of disguised unemployment, which of the following will hold true:  

(i) Marginal productivity of capital will be zero 

(ii) Productivity of labour will be less  

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) (i) only

(b) (ii) only 

(c) Both (i) & (ii)

(d) Neither (i) nor (ii)

Note:

Disguised unemployment arises because more labourers work in the factory/land than are required. And hence productivity i.e. production per unit of labour will be less.

So, (ii) statement is correct.

In such case if we add more capital then production may increase but if we add more labour then production will not increase.

So, marginal productivity of capital = change in production/ change in capital

 = will be positive

but marginal productivity of labour = change in production/ change in labour = will be zero

B

14.

Which of the following is not true w.r.t. State of India’s Birds 2023 Report?

(a) The Indian Peafowl, the national bird of India, is showing a remarkable increase in both abundance and distribution.

(b) The Asian Koel, House Crow, Rock Pigeon, and Alexandrine Parakeet are have demonstrated a notable decrease in abundance since the year 2000.

(c) Ducks, both resident and migratory, are declining, with certain species like the Baer’s Pochard, Common Pochard, and Andaman Teal being particularly vulnerable.

(d) Sarus Crane has rapidly declined over the long term.

Note:

• According to the State of India’s Birds 2023 Report, there is a general decline in numbers in most bird species in the country.
• While the raptors, migratory shorebirds and ducks have declined the most, several bird species such as the Indian Peafowl, Rock Pigeon, Asian Koel and House Crow are showing an “increasing trend”.

State of India’s Birds (SoIB) 2023 Report:

• The SoIB report was created to assess the conservation status of the majority of species that regularly occur in the country.
• SoIB is published by the State of India’s Birds Partnership, a group of 13 government (including SACON, WII, ZSI) and non-governmental organisations.
• Worldwide, common and widespread species are declining. But in India, lack of information has meant that conservation attention has been focussed on only a few species (usually large, charismatic and threatened).
• The 2023 Report, in its second iteration (1st in 2020), fills this gap by using over 30 million observations uploaded to the eBird platform by more than 30,000 birdwatchers.
• This helped in evaluating the distribution range size of 942 Indian birds, and their trends in abundance in both the long term (over 25+ years) and currently (since 2015).
• Using these three measures, plus information from the IUCN Red List of global threat status, this report places Indian species into Low, Moderate and High categories of Conservation Priority for India.
• A large number of species that are thought to be common and widespread find themselves as of High Conservation Priority in the SoIB 2023 Report.

 Highlights of the SoIB 2023 Report:

• Decline, overall:
• Of the 338 species that had enough data to assess for long-term trends, 60% of the species showed long-term declines. Of the 359 species analysed for current annual trends, 40% are declining.
• Birds that feed on vertebrates and carrion (including raptors and vultures) have declined greatly, suggesting harmful pollutants in their food resources, a decline in prey availability, or both.
• Birds endemic to the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot have rapidly declined in India over the past few decades.
• Some increases:
• A few generalist bird species such as the national bird - the Indian peafowl, are doing extremely well in the country.
• There has been a 150% increase in the abundance of peafowl across the country over the past decades.
• The good news of the increase is tempered by a recognition of increased reports of crop damage in different parts of the country, and the negative impacts on snakes and other reptiles.
• Therefore, it is important to investigate the impacts of this peafowl boom on both people and ecosystems.
• Species of high conservation priority:
• Out of the all 942 species, 178 species are classified as High Priority, 323 as Moderate Priority, and 441 as Low Priority.
• The High Priority species include migratory wetland birds like the Ruddy shelduck, resident species such as the Indian courser, endemics such as the Narcondam hornbill and the Nicobar megapode on Nicobar Island.

Major Threats to Bird Species:

• The report also highlighted major threats including - forest degradation, urbanisation and energy infrastructure - that bird species face across the country.
• Environmental pollutants including veterinary drugs such as nimesulide still threaten vulture populations in India.
• Other concerns include the impacts of climate change (such as on migratory species), avian disease and illegal hunting and trade.

Way Ahead - Need for More Actions, Research:

• The report points to the need to conserve specific groups of birds.
• For instance, the grassland specialists have declined by more than 50% - indicating the importance of protecting and maintaining grassland ecosystems.
• Systematic monitoring of bird populations over long periods of time are critical to understand small-scale changes in bird populations.
• More research is needed to understand the reasons behind the declines or increases.
• As the abundant, widespread species provides several ecosystem services, river, water, or wasteland development policies must also converge, rather than act in opposition to each other.
• An action plan for conservation of bird populations and habitats must include citizen participation, which is an important contributor towards biodiversity conservation.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/state-of-birds-most-species-show-dip-indian-peafowl-among-those-flourishing-8909776/

B

15.

Consider the following statements regarding the “Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP)” scheme: 

(i) It is a WTO compliant scheme 

(ii) It has replaced Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)   Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) (i) only

(b) (ii) only

(c) Both (i) & (ii)

(d) Neither (i) nor (ii)

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/business/exporters-seek-higher-support-under-rodtep-scheme-even-as-centre-extends-it-till-june-2024/article67349949.ece

Remission of Duties or Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)

Before GST, any taxes on import (customs duties) of inputs required to manufacture exported products were refunded through Merchandise Export of India Scheme (MEIS) by giving Duty Credit Scrips to exporters. This means if I export goods worth Rs. 100 crores then govt used to give me a paper (Duty Credit Scrip) worth Rs. 2crore (some % of export value) which I could use to pay/adjust my customs duties on import of raw materials. There were certain exemptions on domestic taxes also in case of exports.

But WTO said that the MEIS scheme is not compliant with the WTO trade rules (no need to go into it) and in 2020 it was replaced by Remission of Duties or Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP).

Under GST regime, Govt. exempts GST/IGST (taxes paid in case of domestic production and import of raw materials) in case of exports and this is called "exports are zero rated". Because first exporters pay GST/IGST (the standard rate) to the government and then they provide a proof to the government that it is a case of export (sold abroad) and the government reimburses the entire GST hence effectively no tax on exports.

However, certain products are outside GST and the taxes/duties/levies imposed on these products are still not refunded in case of exports even in the present GST regime. These taxes are VAT on fuel used in transportation, Mandi tax, taxes on electricity, petroleum products etc (which becomes embedded in the product price). Under the new RoDTEP scheme, these taxes will be refunded to exporters in their ledger accounts with Customs. The credits can be used to pay basic customs duty on imported goods/raw materials. The scheme is available for all kinds of exports from 1st Jan 2021. 

C

16.

The "Totalization Agreement" is related to which of the following: 

(a) Avoiding double taxation of income with respect to social security taxes

(b) Free market access for trade in services

(c) Bilateral agreement between countries to enable unrestricted movement of labour 

(d) Agreement among all the WTO members to promote e-commerce

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-and-argentina-sign-social-security-agreement-for-professionals/article67364792.ece

These are bilateral agreements entered between countries to avoid double taxation of income with respect to social security taxes. United States has entered into Totalization Agreements with several countries. These agreements must be taken into account when determining whether any alien is subject to the U.S. Social Security/Medicare tax, or whether any U.S. citizen or resident alien is subject to the social security taxes of a foreign country.

Any alien who wishes to claim an exemption from U.S. Social Security taxes and Medicare taxes because of a Totalization Agreement must secure a Certificate of Coverage from the social security agency of his home country and present such Certificate of Coverage to his employer in the United States.

India has till now not signed Totalization Agreement with US. But it will pitch for a ''totalization pact'' to protect interests of professionals of Indian origin who contribute more than $1 billion each year to the US social security through federal taxes without availing any benefits in return.

A

17.

With reference to Sulina Channel, consider the following statements:

1. It lies completely within the borders of Ukraine.

2. It connects major Ukrainian ports on the river to the Black Sea.

Which of these statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

Sulina Channel is a 63 km long distributary of the Danube. It lies completely within the borders of Romania.

Of the three major channels of the Danube river, the Sulina Channel is the only one deep and wide enough for freight transport.

It is a sort of a riverine ‘expressway’ – crucial for transport of goods from inland to the Black Sea.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/the-importance-of-the-sulina-channel-to-ukraine-grain-trade-8895778/

B

18.

Consider the following statements with reference to Deodar cedar:

1. It is a large deciduous tree.

2. It is a Gymnosperm.

3. Its leaves are needle-like.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 3 only

Note:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/climate-change-may-cause-up-to-38-decline-of-low-mid-latitude-deodar-trees-91338

Himalayan Cedar or deodar tree

• It is a large evergreen coniferous tree.

• It has a conic crown with level branches and drooping branchlets.

• The leaves are needle-like and they vary from bright green to glaucous blue-green in colour.

• The species natively occurs in East-Afghanistan, South Western Tibet, Western Nepal, Northern Pakistan, and North-Central India. • It grows at altitudes of 1,500–3,200 m.

• Deodar has a high demand in the market owing to its fine-grade timber, medicinal qualities and sacred use. The tree is known for its capacity to sequester a significant amount of carbon.

• The growing climate crisis will result in

• Up to 38 per cent decline in deodar growth for plantations in low- and mid-latitude regions.
• A moderate increase in growth is predicted for deodar trees located in high-latitude sites.

B

19.

The RBI''s monetary policy broadly remains pivoted on “withdrawal of accommodation”. Withdrawal of accommodation policy implies

1.  increasing the money supply by lowering interest rates.

2. decreasing the money supply by raising interest rates.

3. inflation remains within the target going forward, while supporting growth.

4. inflation remains outside the target going forward, while downsizing growth.

(a) 1 & 3

(b) 1 & 4

(c) 2 & 3

(d) 2 & 4

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/business/rbi-flags-high-inflation-as-key-risk-to-macroeconomic-stability-vows-to-bring-inflation-to-4-after-status-quo-on-rates/article67389348.ece

In easy money policy, the interest rates are lower, therefore it is easier to borrow, thereby increasing money circulation in the economy. In the tight money policy, the interest rates are higher, therefore it is difficult to borrow and the money circulation will reduce in the economy.

Easy money policy is used when there is recession, tight money policy is used when there is inflation. In tight money policy the reserve requirements of banks are increased and Government securities are sold.

C  

20.

‘1+4’ cooperation framework that is seen in news refer to the context of

(a) CPEC

(b) QUAD

(c) BRICS  

(d) INSTC

Note:

Under the ‘1+4’ cooperation framework of CPEC, ‘1’ represents ‘CPEC’ and the 4 includes Energy, Gwadar Port, Transport Infrastructure and Industrial cooperation. The Chinese investments are supposed to boost Pakistan’s 274 billion dollar GDP by over 15 percent.

A

21.

Consider the following statements:

1. Indian Penal Code (IPC) provides procedures for administering criminal law in India. It was enacted in 1973 and became effective on 1 April 1974.

2. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is the official criminal code of India drafted in 1860 in the wake of the first law commission established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833.

3. The Indian Evidence Act, originally passed in India by the Imperial Legislative Council in 1872, during the British Raj, contains a set of rules and allied issues governing admissibility of evidence in the Indian courts of law.

Which of these is/are incorrect?.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2, 3

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/new-bills-and-a-principled-course-for-criminal-law-reforms/article67202560.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/3-bills-to-replace-ipc-crpc-indian-evidence-act-introduced-in-lok-sabha/article67183559.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/proposed-criminal-law-increases-number-of-crimes-attracting-death-penalty-from-11-to-15/article67532323.ece

C

22.

Which of the below statements is/are correct w.r.t. “Clouded Leopard” ?.

1. It has the largest canines in proportion to its skull size among all cat species.

2. It is tagged vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/with-nimble-feet-clouded-leopards-play-hide-and-seek-in-the-forests/article67162151.ece

C

23.

1. It proposes that the selection panel for appointing the Election Commission, Chief Election Commissioner, and other Election Commissioners, will consist of the Prime Minister as the chairperson, the Leader of the Opposition as a member, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister as another member.

2. It proposes the establishment of a Search Committee to prepare a panel of five persons for consideration for the positions of Chief Election Commissioner, and other Election Commissioners.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Election Commissioners appointment Bill, 2023?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/should-the-cji-be-part-of-the-committee-nominating-the-cec/article67231583.ece

Highlights of the bill

·    Repeal- It repeals the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.

·    Appointment- It adds that the CEC and other ECs will be appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.

·    Selection Committee- The Selection Committee will consist of

o Prime Minister as Chairperson

o Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha as member,

o Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister as member.

·    If the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha has not been recognised, the leader of the single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha will assume the role.

·    Search Committee- A Search Committee will prepare a panel of 5 persons for the consideration of the Selection Committee.

·    The Search Committee will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary. 

·    It will have 2 other members, not below the rank of Secretary to the central government, having knowledge and experience in matters related to elections. 

·    The Selection Committee may also consider candidates who have not been included in the panel prepared by the Search Committee.

·    Eligibility for CEC and EC-

o Persons who are holding or have held posts equivalent to the rank of Secretary to the Central Government  and

o Persons having expertise in managing and conducting elections.

·    Salary and allowances - The Bill provides that salary, allowance, and service conditions of the CEC and other ECs will be the same as that of the Cabinet Secretary.

·    Term of office - The Bill retains the same tenure as mentioned in the 1991 Act. Also, the CEC and other ECs will not be eligible for re-appointment.

·    Conduct of business- All business of the Election Commission is to be conducted unanimously.

·     In case of difference of opinion between the CEC and the other ECs on any matter, it shall be decided through majority.

·    Removal - The Bill retains the earlier removal procedure.

·    Resignation- The Bill has the same provision of the 1991 Act in which the CEC and other ECs may submit their resignation to the President.

In Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India, the Supreme Court ruled that the appointment of the CEC and EC by the President will be based on the advice of a 3-member high-level committee (Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Chief Justice of India)

Implications

·    Pros - It proposes a search committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, with 2 other members to prepare a panel of 5 members for the consideration of the Selection Committee.

·    Another positive feature of the Bill is that prescribing the qualifications for appointment to the posts.

·    Cons - The composition of the Selection Committee in the Bill raises questions on whether the process is now independent or still rigged in favour of the Executive.

·    With the PM and a Cabinet Minster nominated by the PM in the three-member panel, the LoP is outvoted even before the process begins.

C

24.

Government Producer Scheme seen in news refer to the context of

(a) Semiconductors

(b) Solar Energy

(c) Rare Earths

(d) Coal mining

Note:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1883927#:~:text=Central%20Public%20Sector%20Undertaking%20(CPSU,entities%2C%20either%20directly%20or%20through

B

25.

Which of the following countries have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea related to the “Nine-Dash Line”?

1. Vietnam

2. Malaysia

3. Philippines

4. Thailand

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4

Note:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-13748349

B