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Q 1. Anang Tal lake is located in:
A. Delhi
B. Bhopal
C. Lucknow
D. Chandigarh
Answer: (A)
Anang Tal lake has been declared as monument of national importance through a gazette notification by the Ministry of Culture. In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the central government declared ancient site and remains to be of national importance.
Option (A) is correct: The lake is situated in Mehrauli, Delhi and is claimed to be created by Tomar King, Anangpal II, in 1,060 AD. He is known to have established and populated Delhi in the 11th century. The millennium old Anang Tal signifies the beginning of Delhi. Anang Tal has a strong Rajasthan connection as Maharaja Anangpal is known as nana (maternal grandfather) of Prithviraj Chauhan. A recent study has reported that “son bias” is on a decline in India as Sex Ratio at Birth normalised from 111 boys per 100 girls in 2011 to 108 boys per 100 girls in 2019-21.
Q 2. With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:
- Only the families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
- The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 3 only
Answer: (C)
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to increase coverage under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) so that “more and more needy persons and citizens get the benefit” under the act.
Statement 1 is not correct: The Act provided for coverage of up to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population to receive highly subsidized food grains under Targeted Public Distribution System. Under this Act, two-thirds of the total population of the country or approximately 81 crore persons are estimated to receive benefits under the Targeted Public Distribution System. (The families coming under the category of, below poverty line (BPL), are not the only eligible people to receive subsidised food grains.)
Statement 2 is correct: As a step towards women empowerment, the eldest woman of the household of age 18 years or above is mandated to be the head of the household for the purpose of issuing ration cards under the Act.
Statement 3 is not correct: One of the guiding principles of the Act is its life-cycle approach wherein special provisions have been made for pregnant women and lactating mothers and children in the age group of 6 months to 14 years. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious take home ration of 600 Calories and a maternity benefit of at least Rs 6,000 for six months.
Q 3. With reference to the review petition, consider the following statements:
- Article 137 of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court power to review its judgments or orders.
- A review petition must be filed within 30 days of pronouncement of the judgment.
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
Answer: (C)
The Supreme Court will hear a review of its judgment upholding key provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Statement 1 is correct: A ruling by the Supreme Court is final and binding. However, Article 137 of the Constitution grants the SC the power to review its judgments or orders.
Statement 2 is correct: A review is allowed on narrow grounds to correct grave errors that have resulted in a miscarriage of justice. A review petition must be filed within 30 days of pronouncement of the judgment. Except in cases of death penalty, review petitions are heard through “circulation” by judges in their chambers, and not in an open court. The judges who passed the verdict decide on the review petition as well. The SC rarely entertains reviews of its rulings.
Q 4. Which of the article of constitution gives the Governor the power to summon the members of the House and call for a floor test to prove whether the incumbent government has the majority in the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)?
A. Article 164
B. Article 175
C. Article 181
D. Article 192
Answer: (B)
Recently the new Grand Alliance government won the floor test in Bihar Assembly.
Option (B) is correct: A floor test is primarily taken to know whether the executive enjoys the confidence of the legislature. This happens both in the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies. Article 175(2) of the Indian Constitution gives the Governor the power to summon the members of the House and call for a floor test to prove whether the incumbent government has the majority in the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha). On the central or national level, this power lies with the President.
Q 5. With reference to Transgender Persons, consider the following statements:
- National Portal for Transgender Persons is a portal by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment which assists persons of the transgender community in applying for a Certificate and Identity card digitally from anywhere in the country.
- Garima Greh scheme aims to provide shelter to Transgender persons, with basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and recreational facilities.
- Health Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with the Social Justice Ministry to provide health insurance of Rs 3 lakh each under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D)
Recently, the Union government said that the Transgender persons will get yearly health insurance of Rs 5 lakh each under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Statement 1 is correct: Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 passed by the Parliament aims to end discrimination against transgender persons in accessing education, employment and healthcare and recognise the right to self-perceived gender identity. National Portal for Transgender Persons is a portal by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment which assists persons of the transgender community in applying for a Certificate and Identity card digitally from anywhere in the country. Through the Portal, they can monitor the status of their application which ensures transparency in the process.
Statement 2 is correct: Garima Greh scheme aims to provide shelter to Transgender persons, with basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and recreational facilities. Besides, it will provide support for the capacity-building/skill development of persons in the Community, which will enable them to lead a life of dignity and respect.
Statement 3 is correct: Recently, the Union government said that the Transgender persons will get yearly health insurance of Rs 5 lakh each under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- The insurance policy will also cover sex reassignment surgeries. Provisions were being made to offer services at AIIMS and other hospitals.
- Health cards issued to Transgender persons will not cover their family members.
- Benefits will be extended to those holding a transgender certificate issued by the national portal for transgender persons.
- The scheme will cover all transgender persons not receiving such benefits from other centre/state sponsored schemes.
