Current Affairs by Prithu

Consider the following statements regarding the Biological Diversity Act in India: 1. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory autonomous body headquartered in New Delhi. 2. Foreign individuals or entities require prior approval from the National Biodiversity Authority to obtain any biological resource occurring in India for research or commercial utilization. 3. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are statutory bodies constituted at the local government level responsible for preparing People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

With reference to Article 31B and the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements: 1. The Ninth Schedule was introduced into the Constitution of India during the Prime Ministership of Jawaharlal Nehru. 2. Article 31B states that laws placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by courts even if they violate the Basic Structure of the Constitution. 3. As per the ruling in the I.R. Coelho case, all laws included in the Ninth Schedule on or after April 24, 1973 are subject to judicial review. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

About IMEC

Q. With reference to the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements: 1. A nominated member of a House becomes disqualified for being a member if they join any political party before the expiration of six months from taking their seat. 2. The decision of the Speaker or Chairman regarding disqualification under the Tenth Schedule is final and immune from judicial review by High Courts. 3. A merger between two political parties protects members from disqualification only if not less than two-thirds of the members of the legislature party agree to such merger. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only

Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)? 1. It is a strictly freshwater mammal that is functionally blind and hunts using echolocation. 2. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 3. Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, India’s only dedicated dolphin sanctuary, is situated in Bihar. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Wish you all a Happy 80th Independence Day.

“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”

Jawaharlal Nehru’s historic words in his “Tryst with Destiny” reflected the aspirations of a generation that fought not merely for political independence, but for an India where life, liberty, dignity and opportunity would become inherent rights of every citizen. Eighty years later, India has travelled a remarkable distance. From a newly independent nation, we have emerged as one of the world’s largest economies and an important global power. Yet, the destination and the path to that destination are different. A prosperous, free and equitable India is the destination; Viksit Bharat 2047 is its contemporary manifestation. But the journey remains marked by challenges. Despite its economic scale, India ranks 130th in the Human Development Index, reminding us that development cannot be measured by GDP alone. The next phase must therefore be a transition from GDP-centric growth to people-centric development. India must invest in quality education, accessible healthcare, productive employment, women’s participation, social security and inclusive infrastructure. Growth must reach rural India and vulnerable communities. Constitutional freedom must be complemented by substantive freedoms—freedom from poverty, hunger, illiteracy and discrimination. At the same time, rule of law, accountable institutions, cooperative federalism and citizen participation must remain the foundation of development. Sustainability must also become integral to growth so that the India of 2047 does not compromise the India of 2097.

1947 gave us political freedom. 2047 must give that freedom its fullest meaning.

The true measure of a developed India will not merely be the size of its economy, but the dignity, capabilities and opportunities available to every Indian. Jai Hind!

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Inflation indices in India: 1. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) Combined assigns a significantly higher weightage to food articles compared to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). 2. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) measures price changes in both goods and services across the economy. 3. The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) uses Headline CPI-Combined as its nominal anchor for inflation targeting. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3