1.

Consider the following statements: 

1. The Chairperson and the members of Lokpal are appointed by the President on the recommendation of Council of Minister. 

2. Half of the members of the Lokpal shall come from amongst the SCs, the STs, the OBCs, minorities and women. 

3. Lokpal can suo motu proceed against any public servant. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 2 only

(b) 1 and 2 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

2.

How many of the following is/are correctly paired w.r.t. Committees of the Constituent Assembly and their heads?

(1) The Union Powers Committee - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

(2) The Steering Committee - Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

(3) States Committee – Sardar patel

(a) Only two

(b) Only one

(c) All the three

(d) None of these

3.

The correct chronological sequence from the earlier to the latest:

1. First nuclear test conducted by India.

2. Twenty-year treaty of peace and relationship between India and Soviet Union.

3. The Tashkent Agreement.

4. The Panchsheel declaration.

(a) 4321

(b) 4312

(c) 4213

(d) 4231

4.

The New START treaty is signed between

(a) USA & Russia

(b) USA & Iran

(c) USA and Ukraine

(d) USA and Israel

5.

The term “Single Convention” that is flashing in news refer to the context of

(a) Control of Biomedical wastes

(b) Narcotics Control

(c) Regulating E wastes

(d) Disposal of Solar Panel wastes

6.

What is “Hawkish Stance”?

(a) It indicates that the central bank’s top priority is to keep fiscal deficit low.

(b) It indicates that the central bank’s top priority is to keep the inflation low.

(c) It indicates that the central bank’s top priority is to keep high moral suasion.

(d) It indicates that the central bank’s top priority is to meet the requirements of FRBM Act.

7.

Which of the following articles of Indian Constitution are being contexted by the proponents and opponents of DNA Profiling Bill?.

1. Article 20 (3)

2. Article 21

3. Article 51A(h)

4. Article 51A(j)

(a) 1& 2 by the Opponents and 3 & 4 by the proponents.

(b) 2 by the Opponents and 3 by the proponents.

(c) 2 by the Opponents and 3 & 4 by the proponents.

(d) 1 & 2 by the Opponents and 4 by the proponents.

8.

Which of the following is/are true w.r.t. “Sir Creek Dispute”?.

(a) It opens up in the Arabian Sea and roughly divides the Kutch region of Gujarat from the Sindh Province of Pakistan.

(b) Green Line which effectively implied that the creek belonged to Sindh and, therefore, to Pakistan, claims Pakistan.

(c) Both (a) and (b)

(d) Neither (a) nor (b) 

9.

Which of the following states/UTs was/were foreign territories before acquisition by India?

1. Sikkim

2. Daman and Diu

3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli

4. Nagaland

(a) 1 only

(b) 1, 2, and 3 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

10.

With reference to headline inflation in India, consider the following statements?

1. It is based on WPI.

2. It excludes food and energy sectors.

(a) Only 1 is true

(b) Only 2 is true

(c) Both 1 and 2 are true

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 is true

11.

(1) It was founded in 1919 following the Treaty of Versailles.

(2)  It is held bi-annually.

Which of the above is/are correct w.r.t. Munich Security Conference?.

(a) Only 1 

(b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 Nor 2

12.

1. National Green Tribunal

2. Central Information Commission

3. Competition Commission of India

Which of the above is/are quasi-judicial bodies?.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All of the above

13.

1. Article 371-C - Meghalaya 

2. Article 371-F - Sikkim 

3. Article 371-G - Mizoram 

4. Article 371-H - Arunachal Pradesh 

How many pairs w.r.t. Articles of Indian Constitution given above are correctly matched? 

(a) One pair only 

(b) Two pairs only 

(c) Three pairs only 

(d) All the four pairs

14.

1. The maximum number of directors of a co-operative society shall not exceed twenty-one. 

2. The state legislature shall provide for the reservation of three seats for women on the board of every co-operative society. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. the co-operative societies mentioned in part IX-B of the constitution? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

15.

1. The committee was set up under the provisions of Government of India Act 1919.

2. Prime Minister appoints the chairman of the committee.

3. The Committee consists of 22 Members of which 12 are from Lok Sabha and 10 are from Rajya Sabha.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct with reference to Public Accounts Committee?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 only

16.

1. It has the Pre-packaged Insolvency Resolution Process (PIRP), also called ‘pre-packs’ as an insolvency resolution mechanism for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

2. It lacks provisions to deal with cross border insolvency.

3. Growing haircuts contribute to its success to achieve its goals.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect w.r.t. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

17.

In which of the following cases the governor of a state in India has constitutional discretion? 

1. Reservation of a bill for the consideration of the President. 

2. Recommendation for the imposition of the President’s Rule in the state. 

3. While exercising his functions as the administrator of an adjoining union territory. 

4. Seeking information from the chief minister with regard to the legislative matters of the state. 

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only 

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

18.

Social overhead capital includes all the ‘basic’ services required in the production process such as

1. transport and irrigation

2. health and medical facilities

3. agricultural activities

4. energy, education

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

19.

The scope of expression “procedure established by law” occurring in Article 21 was expanded in the case

(a) A.K. Gopalan Vs. State of Madras

(b) Charanjit Lal Chowdhury Vs. Union of India

(c) Golaknath Vs. Union of india

(d)  Menka Gandhi Vs. Union of india

20.

The weapon of expunction seen in Parliamentray news refer to the  

(a) issue of office of profit

(b) doctrine of colorable legislation

(c) parliamentary privileges

(d) supremacy of parliament

21.

What is/are true?

1. Currency Depreciation is a reflection of higher nominal demand for imported goods from final consumers.

2. The idea of imported inflation is a variant of cost-push inflation.

(a) Only 1 is true.

(b) Only 2 is true.

(c) 1 & 2 are true

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 is true   

22.

Which of these is/are totally and directly audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India?.  

1.  Air India

2.  Life Insurance Corporation of India 

3.  Food Corporation of India

4.  Reserve Bank of India 

(a)  1 only

(b)  2 and 4 only

(c)  1, 2 and 4 only

(d)  1, 2, 3 and 4

23.

Which of the following is/are TRUE w.r.t. GST Council voting rules ?.

1. Every decision of the GST Council has to be taken by a majority of not less than three-fourths of the weighted votes of the members present.

2. The vote of the central government has a weightage of one-third of the total votes cast.

3. The votes of all the state governments taken together have a weightage of two-thirds of the total votes cast in that meeting.

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 1

(d) 1, 2 and 3

24.

Which of the following were items imported by Roman empire from India?.

(1) Muslin   

(2) Cutlery items   

(3) Leather  

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 2

25.

With reference to the Attorney General of India, Consider the following statements: 

1. He can take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha. 

2. He can be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha. 

3. He cannot take part in the proceedings of the Joint Sittings of the Parliament. 

4. He can vote in Lok Sabha. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only 

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

1.

The selection of  the Chairperson and the members of  Lokpal shall be through a Selection  Committee consisting of the Prime Minister,  the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of  the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Chief  Justice of India or a sitting Supreme Court  Judge nominated by the Chief Justice of  India and an eminent jurist to be nominated  by the President of India on the basis of  recommendations of the first four members  of the selection committee.  The Lokpal to  consist of a Chairperson with a maximum of  8 members of which 50% shall be judicial  members. 50% of the members of the Lokpal  shall come from amongst the SCs, the STs,  the OBCs, minorities and women.

The following are  the drawbacks (shortcomings) of the Lokpal  and Lokayuktaas Act, 2013:  1. Lokpal cannot suo motu proceed  against any public servant.  2. Emphasis on form of complaint rather  than substance.  3. Heavy punishment for false and  frivolous complaints against public  servants may deter complaints being  filed to Lokpal.  4. Anonymous complaints not allowed - Can’t just make a complaint on plain  paper and drop it in a box with  supporting documents.  5. Legal assistance to public servant  against whom complaint is filed.  6. Limitation period of 7 years to file  complaints.  7. Very non-transparent procedure for  dealing with complaints against the PM.

A

2.

https://blog.ipleaders.in/making-constitution-india-detailed-analysis/

A  

3.

(a) Panchsheel-1954

(b) Tashkent Agreement-1966

(c) Twenty year treaty-1971

(d) First nuclear test-1974

A

4.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/russia-suspends-new-start-what-is-its-last-remaining-nuclear-arms-treaty-with-us-8458806/

A 

5.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/indias-jagjit-pavadia-re-elected-for-a-third-term-to-the-international-narcotics-control-board/article68049269.ece#:~:text=Pavadia%2C%20India''s%20nominee%2C%20has%20been,member%20states%20to%20the%20Board.

https://unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/pressrels/2024/unisnar1480.html

B

6.

https://www.thehindu.com/business/rbis-mpc-may-rejig-growth-inflation-math/article67615381.ece#:~:text=Reserve%20Bank%20of%20India%20(RBI,view%20of%20the%20second%20quarter

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/why-rbi-is-likely-to-maintain-repo-rate-pause-8964076/

A hawkish stance indicates that the central bank’s top priority is to keep the inflation low.

During such a phase, the central bank is willing to hike interest rates to curb money supply and thus reduce the demand.

A hawkish policy also indicates tight monetary policy.

When the central bank increases rates or ''tightens'' the monetary policy, banks too increase their rate of interest on loans to end borrowers which, in turn, curbs demand in the financial system.

B

7.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-the-dna-bill-8857810/#:~:text=Parliament%20last%20year.-,The%20DNA%20Bill,carry%20out%20DNA%20sample%20tests.

A

8.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/watch-where-is-sir-creek-and-why-is-it-disputed/article65476724.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/spotlighting-another-border-point-the-rogue-channel/article67300028.ece 

https://www.indiatimes.com/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-dispute-over-sir-creek-between-india-and-pakistan-260071.html

C

9.

Acquired territories

§  Being a sovereign state, India can acquire  foreign territories according to the modes  recognised by international law, i.e.,  cession (following treaty, purchase, gift,  lease or plebiscite), occupation (hitherto  unoccupied by a recognised ruler), conquest  or subjugation. 

§  For example, India acquired several  foreign territories such as Dadra and  Nagar Haveli; Goa, Daman and Diu;  Puducherry; and Sikkim since the  commencement of the Constitution .

§  The State of Nagaland was formed by taking  the Naga Hills and Tuensang area out of the  state of Assam i.e., internal readjustment.

• Being a sovereign state, India can acquire foreign territories. For example, India acquired several foreign territories such as Dadra and Nagar Haveli; Goa, Daman and Diu; Puducherry; since the commencement of the Constitution.
• Article 2 empowers the Parliament to ‘admit into the Union of India, or establish, new states on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit’. Thus, Article 2 grants two powers to the Parliament:
• The power to admit into the Union of India new states (refers to the admission of states which are already in existence, E.g., Sikkim).
• The power to establish new states (refers to the establishment of states which were not in existence before).
• Notably, Article 2 relates to the admission or establishment of new states that are not part of the Union of India.
• Article 3 relates to the changes in the existing states of the Union of India. It deals with the internal re-adjustment inter se of the territories of the constituent states. It authorizes the Parliament to -
• form a new state by separation of territory from any state or by uniting two or more states; E.g., Formation of Telangana from A.P. and Jharkhand from Bihar).
• Increase, diminish, alter the area of any state and boundaries or name of any state. E.g., Alteration of area and name of U.P., M.P. and Karnataka.
• However, there are two conditions in this regard:
• A bill, for this, can be introduced in the Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President;
• The President has to refer the same to the state legislature for expressing its views within a specified period (though the President or Parliament is not bound by the views of the state legislature). In the case of a union territory, no reference need be made.
• It is, thus, clear that the Constitution authorises the Parliament to form new states or alter the areas, boundaries or names of the existing states without their consent. In other words, the Parliament can redraw the political map of India according to its will.
• Therefore, India is rightly described as ‘an indestructible union of destructible states’.
• Moreover, the Constitution (Article 4) itself declares that laws made for admission or establishment of new states (under Article 2) and formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states (under Articles 3) are not to be considered as amendments of the Constitution under Article 368 (can be passed by a simple majority).
• Power of Parliament to cession of Indian territory to a foreign country: In 1960, Berubari Union (West Bengal) Case, the Supreme Court held that the power of Parliament to diminish the area of a state (under Article 3) does not cover cession of Indian territory to a foreign country.
• Hence, Indian territory can be ceded to a foreign state only by amending the Constitution under Article 368.
• Consequently, the 9th Constitutional Amendment Act (1960) was enacted to transfer the said territory to Pakistan.
• The 100th Constitutional Amendment Act (2015) was enacted to exchange of certain territories by India and Bangladesh. Under it, India transferred 111 enclaves to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh transferred 51 enclaves to India.

Hence the constitution has categorically defined the power of parliament for creation of new states of alter the boundaries of the existing states. By using these provision parliaments has created various states like Telangana, Haryana, etc.

https://blog.ipleaders.in/laws-governing-union-and-its-territories-under-indian-constitution/

B 

10.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/save/what-are-headline-and-core-inflation/articleshow/80071229.cms?from=mdr

https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/pTNOHKVn99I2GCqCBaj6FK/Headline-versus-core-CPI-inflation-in-India.html

D 

11.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/israel-should-have-been-very-mindful-of-civilian-casualties-jaishankar-at-munich-security-conference-eam-also-calls-out-hamas-terror/article67857429.ece

Munich Security Conference (MSC):

·   It is the world''s leading forum for debating international security policy.

·   Objective: To build trust and contribute to the peaceful resolution of conflicts by sustaining a continuous, curated, and informal dialogue within the international security community.

·   It has been held in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, since 1963.

·   The conference is held annually in February.

·   It brings together security experts, politicians, military leaders, and the defence industry from around the world.

·   MSC regularly convenes high-profile events on particular topics and regions and publishes the Munich Security Report, an annual digest of relevant figures, maps, and research on crucial security challenges.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):

·   It is a transatlantic security alliance of 31 like-minded North American and European countries.

·   It was established by the North Atlantic Treaty(also called the Washington Treaty) on April 4, 1949.

·   Aim: To protect peace and to guarantee the territorial integrity, political independence, and security of the member states.

·   Article Five of the treaty: If an armed attack occurs against one of the member states, it should be considered an attack against all members, and other members shall assist the attacked member, with armed forces if necessary.

·   This article forms the core of the Alliance, a promise of collective defence.

·   Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

D

12.

D     

13.

Article 371-C makes the following special  provisions for Manipur:  1. The President is authorized to provide  for the creation of a committee of the  Manipur Legislative Assembly  consisting of the members elected from  the Hill Areas of the state.  2. The President can also direct that the  Governor shall have special  responsibility to secure the proper  functioning of that committee.  3. The Governor should submit an annual  report to the President regarding the  administration of the Hill Areas.  4. The Central Government can give  directions to the State Government as to  the administration of the Hill Areas.

C

14.

Part IX-B of the constitution contains the provision with respect to the co-operative  societies that the board shall consist of  such number of directors as may be provided  by the state legislature. But, the maximum number of directors of a co-operative society shall not exceed twenty-one. The state legislature shall provide for the reservation of one seat for the Scheduled  Castes or the Scheduled Tribes and two  seats for women on the board of every co[1]operative society having members from  such a category of persons. 

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/amendments-to-the-co-operative-societies-act-8337593/

https://legal.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/constitutions-97th-amendment-not-applicable-to-local-cooperative-societies-sc/94956702

A

15.

·   Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is one of the standing parliamentary committees, which was first established in 1921 under the Government of India Act 1919 provisions. This committee examines the manners and results of spending the public funds.

Members

·   Public Accounts Committee has 22 members of which 15 are from Lok Sabha while 7 from Rajya Sabha. The members are “elected” by members of Parliament amongst themselves via a system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote; so that all parties get due representation in it. Members are elected for a period of one year. A minister cannot be a member of PAC.

Chairman

·   Chairman of PAC is appointed by Speaker from its members. The chairman used to be of ruling party till mid 1960s, however, now the chairman of PAC is from opposition by convention.

Functions

·   PAC examines the three audit reports of CAG submitted to President viz. audit report on appropriation accounts, audit report on finance accounts and audit report on public undertakings.

·   It examines the appropriation accounts and the finance accounts of the Union government and any other accounts laid before the Lok Sabha. While doing this examination, it tries to ensure that money disbursed to various ministries was used for the purpose for which it was given; and this money was used as per rules and regulations.

·   It also examines the accounts of the public service corporations {except those public undertakings which have been allotted to committee on public undertakings}, and other such bodies whose accounts are audited by CAG.

·   CAG assists PAC in its work and there is a close working relationship between CAG and PAC to secure the accountability of executive in the field of financial administration. This is the reason that CAG is called “Friend, Philosopher and Guide” of PAC.

Similarities between PAC and Estimates Committee

·   Both are financial committees and both are standing committees of parliament

·   Both find their origin in British Era

·   Members of both are elected and chairmen of both are nominated by speaker.

·   A minister cannot be member or chairman of any of them.

Differences between PAC and Estimates Committee

·   While PAC has 22 members, Estimates Committee has 30 members.

·   While PAC members belong to both houses of parliament, Estimates Committee members belong to only Lok Sabha

·   While PAC chairman is from opposition, Estimates Committee Chairman is always from ruling party or dispensation

While Estimates committee scrutinizes the Estimates, PAC scrutinizes the appropriation and manner of spending. Thus, work of Estimates Committee is ex-ante analysis while that of PAC is ex post facto analysis.

A

16.

https://www.thehindu.com/business/the-insolvency-and-bankruptcy-code-requires-a-serious-review/article67718954.ece

• A hefty haircut on loans go through the resolution process under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

About IBC

• IBC was introduced in 2016 when India’s Non­ Performing Assets (NPA) and debt defaults were piling up and older loan recovery mechanisms were performing badly.
• Aims: 

• To overhaul the corporate distress resolution regime in India. 
• To consolidate existing laws to create a time bound mechanism with a creditor-­in-­control model as against the debtor in possession system. 

• Outcomes: As per the IBC triggered insolvency, there are just two outcomes: resolution or liquidation.  
• Three classes of persons can trigger the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) which are financial creditors, operational creditors and corporate debtors.

Objectives of the IBC Resolution

According to its regulator IBBI, the objectives of the IBC resolution are

• To find a way to save a business through restructuring, change in ownership, mergers etc. 
• To maximize the value of assets of the corporate debtor 
• To promote entrepreneurship, availability of credit, and balancing of interests. 

Challenges for the IBC

• Lack of proper resolution: As per the IBBI data of 3400 cases in the last six years, more than 50% of the cases ended in liquidation while only 14% cases found a proper resolution. 
• Huge delays in resolution: Initially, IBC was touted as a time bound mechanism. The amended IBC act made the total timeline for completion of the resolution process to 330 days from the earlier 180­ day deadline (with a permitted 90­ day extension). 

• However, in FY22, it took 772 days to resolve cases involving companies owing more than ?1,000 crore. Also, the average number of days taken for resolution of such cases increased rapidly over the past 5 years.  

• Haircuts: It means the debt foregone by the lender as a share of the outstanding claim. 

• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance in 2021 noted an average haircut of 80% by the creditors in more than 70% of the cases in the 5 years of the IBC. 
• As per The Hindu Data Team, almost 33 of 85 companies with more than ?1,000 crore debt had been given haircuts above 90% by the lenders.

• For example, the Videocon Group was given a haircut of 95.3% by the creditors. 

• Lack of digitisation has led to the delays beyond the prescribed statutory limits in the insolvency resolution process.

Achievements

• Addressing NPA problem: The IBC was instrumental in reviving India’s insolvency regime and successfully addressing the looming threat of NPAs.
• Credit discipline: Ease of credit flow is necessary for attainment of Ease of doing business and economic growth. Under the IBC regime, Rs. 2.5-lakh crore has been brought back into the banking system as a result of resolution of insolvencies.
• The World Bank’s report: India’s rank in resolving insolvency went from 136 in 2017 to 52 in 2020, after the implementation of the IBC in 2016.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment)bill, 2021 

• The Pre-packaged Insolvency Resolution Process (PIRP)/‘pre-packs’ was proposed as an insolvency resolution mechanism for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• Aim: PIRP process in the Code will address the issues faced by MSMEs due to the impact of the pandemic and the unique nature of their business, duly recognizing their importance in the economy.

Way Forward

• The Parliamentary Standing Committee suggested that the timeline of not more than 30 days to admit the insolvency application and transfer control of the company to a resolution process after filing. 
• New yardstick to measure haircuts: The IBBI suggested that haircuts not be looked at as the difference between the creditor’s claims and the actual amount realized. But the difference between what the company offers while entering IBC and the value realized.
• Optimum budgetary allocations for upskilling insolvency professionals, improving tribunal infrastructure and for digitisation of the insolvency resolution process.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) bill, 2021

• It proposed the Pre-packaged Insolvency Resolution Process (PIRP), also called ‘pre-packs’ as an insolvency resolution mechanism for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

It is expected that the incorporation of Pre-Packaged insolvency resolution process for MSMEs in the Code will alleviate the distress faced by MSMEs due to the impact of the pandemic & the unique nature of their business, duly recognizing their importance in the economy.

D

17.

The Constitution of India makes it clear that if any question arises whether a matter falls  within the governor’s discretion or not, the  decision of the governor is final and the  validity of anything done by him cannot be  called in question on the ground that he  ought or ought not to have acted in his  discretion. The governor has  constitutional discretion in the following  cases: 

(i) Reservation of a bill for the  consideration of the President.

(ii) Recommendation for the imposition  of the President’s Rule in the state. 

(iii) While exercising his functions as the  administrator of an adjoining union  territory (in case of additional  charge). 

(iv) Determining the amount payable by the  Government of Assam, Meghalaya,  Tripura and Mizoram to an autonomous  Tribal District Council as royalty  accruing from licenses for mineral  exploration. 

· (v) Seeking information from the chief  minister with regard to the  administrative and legislative  matters of the state.

D

18.

https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/applied-and-social-sciences-magazines/capital-social-overhead

The famous economist A.O Hirschman stated that Social Overhead capital is the “basic services without which primary, secondary and tertiary productive activities cannot function”. Importance of infrastructure in facilitating economic and social activity cannot be under-emphasised. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 aims to “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all”.

Scholars such as Hirschman, Rostow, Fleming and Singer propounded the theory of unbalanced growth as a strategy of development to be used by the underdeveloped countries. This theory stresses on the need of investment in strategic sectors of the economy instead of all the sectors simultaneously. According to this theory the other sectors would automatically develop themselves through what is known as “linkages effect”. Social overhead capital comprises of those basic devices without which primary, secondary and tertiary activities cannot function. Social overhead capital includes all the ‘basic’ services required in the production process such as, transport, irrigation, energy, education,  health and medical facilities.

D

19.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFYzjGxfnxQ

D  

20.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kharge-objects-to-chairman-jagdeep-dhankhars-decision-to-expunge-portions-of-his-speech/article67821615.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/house-rules-and-the-weapon-of-expunction/article66505421.ece

·   Expunction is the removal of certain words, sentences, or portions of a speech from the records of Parliament by the orders of the Speaker. Expunction is a fairly routine procedure in the Parliament and is carried out in accordance with laid down rules. 

·   The Presiding Officer of the House (Speaker in Lok Sabha under Rule 380) has the discretion to expunge the word or usage. The presiding officer decides which parts of the proceedings will be expunged.

·   Rule 380 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha provides for ‘expunction’.

·   Unparliamentary Expressions - The words or expressions that would likely be considered rude or offensive in most cultures and found ‘unparliamentary’ by Presiding officers over the years. ‘Unparliamentary Expressions’ is a bulky volume of books published by the Lok Sabha secretariat containing unparliamentary expressions. It also contains content that would appear to be fairly harmless and innocuous. 

·   The context in which a word or sentence is used is key to making the decision on whether to expunge. Expunged portions of the proceedings cease to exist in the records of Parliament. They can no longer be reported by media houses, even though they may have been heard during the live telecast of the proceedings. 

·   Under Article 105(2) of the Constitution no Member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said in Parliament or any committee thereof. However, the MPs cannot use ‘defamatory or indecent or undignified or unparliamentary’ words inside the House.

C

21.

https://www.thehindu.com/specials/text-and-context/imported-inflation/article68073116.ece

C 

22.

There are broadly 3 categories

1. Total and Direct Audit by the CAG - Examples of this are - ONGC, Air India, Damodar Valley Corporation, Indian Airlines Corporation etc.

2. Audit by private professional auditors appointed by Central Government on consulting CAG - Here if required, CAG can undertake supplementary audit. Examples are Industrial Finance Corporation etc.

3. Total audited by private professionals - The public corporations who get audited exclusively by private professional auditors submit their annual reports and accounts directly to the Parliament. Examples are LIC India, RBI, FCI, SBI etc.

Government companies get audited by private auditors appointed by the Government on consulting CAG. But, CAG can undertake supplementary audit of such companies.

A   

23.

https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy/story/no-gst-council-meeting-until-lok-sabha-elections-are-over-new-govt-is-formed-report-420540-2024-03-07

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/gst-council-compensation-states-centreexplained-issues-in-gst-compensation-6574139/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-voting-at-the-gst-council-6206947/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/explained-what-is-gst-council-7997061/

d 

24.

•      Although the volume of trade between India and Rome seems to have been large, it was not carried on it articles of daily use for the commerce people there was a brick commerce in in luxury goods.                               

•      The Romans mainly imported spices for which south India was famous.

•      They imported muslin, pearls, jewels, and precious stones from central and south India.

•      Iron goods, especially cutlery, formed an important item of export to the Roman empire.

•      Silk was directly sent from China to the Roman Empire through north Afghanistan at Iran. But the establishment of the Parthian rule in Iran and the neighbouring are created difficulties.                                           

•      Therefore silk had to be diverted to the western Indian ports through the north-west part of the subcontinent.                              

•      Sometimes it also found its way from China to India via the east coast of India.

•      From there was considerable transit trade in silk between India and the Roman empire.

•      The Romans exported to India wine, wine-amphorae and various other types of pottery.

•      Roman writer Pliny, who wrote his account called Natural History in Latin in A.D. 77, believed that Rome was being drained of gold on account of her trade with India.

•      Since the Westerners were very much fond of Indian pepper, it is called yavanpriyai                               

•      The concept of the balance of trade may not have been known to the people.

•      But numerous finds of Roman coins and pottery in the peninsula leave no doubt that India was a gainer in its trade with the Roman Empire.              

•      The loss of Roman money was felt so much that eventually steps had to be taken Rome to ban its trade with India in pepper and steel goods.

Although Roman traders resided in south India, there is little evidence for Indians residing in the Roman empire.

C 

25.

In the performance of his official duties, the Attorney General has the right of audience in all courts in the territory of India.  Further, he has the right to speak and to take part in the proceedings of both the Houses of Parliament or their joint sitting and any committee of the Parliament of  which he may be named a member, but  without a right to vote. He enjoys all the privileges and immunities that are available to a member of Parliament. 

1. The Attorney General (AG) is appointed by the president. 

2. He must be a person who is qualified  to be appointed a judge of the  Supreme Court. The term of office of  the AG is not fixed by the  Constitution. 

3. The Constitution does not contain  the procedure and grounds for his  removal. 

4. He holds office during the pleasure of  the president.

A