Daily Quiz

Governance

NALSA & PUCL



Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. Law Minister of India is a Patron in Chief of National Legal Service Authority of India (NALSA).
2. People Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) is a human right body which was formed by Gandhian Jayaprakash Narayan.

Choose the correct answer from the code given below:

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:
• NALSA was formed in 1995 under the authority of the Legal Service Authorities Act 1987; its purpose is to provide free legal services to the eligible candidates as defined in Section 12 of the Legal Service Authorities Act 1987. Chief Justice of India is the Patron in Chief of NALSA.
• PUCL is a human right body that was formed in 1976 by Gandhian Shri Jayaprakash Narayan. It strives to defend civil liberties and human rights of all members of society.
Purpose of the Question:
PUCL has filed a PIL regarding the encounter deaths in UP to which Supreme Court has taken cognizance of. It was observed by the Supreme Court that a very serious issue has been raised in the petition which calls for CBI probe into 1,100 police encounters that have taken place in UP.

Source: The Hindu

Governance

Collegium System



Question:

Consider the following statements vis-à-vis ‘Collegium System’ in the Appointment of the Judges?

1. The recommendation of Collegium is binding on the President.

2. Attorney General of India is also a part of the Collegium.
3. Collegium system is the outcome of 1st Judge Case (S.P Gupta vs. Union of India).

Choose the correct answer from the code given below:

A. 1 only
B. 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 and 2 only

Answer: A

Explanation:
• Concept of Collegium originated in the 2nd Judge Case (Supreme Court Advocate on Record vs. Union of India) and not the 1st Judge Case. At present, the Collegium to appoint the Judges of Apex Court consists of CJI and 4 senior most judges of the Supreme Court; Attorney General is not a part of the Collegium.
• The recommendation of Collegium can be returned only once by the President, but if the Collegium resends the same name, President is bound to act as per the recommendations of the Collegium. Hence it is very clear that recommendation of Collegium is binding on the President.
Purpose of the Question:
This Collegium System is facing criticism due to the recent appointments of Shri Sanjeev Khanna and Dinesh Maheshwari to the apex court which was done by passing the seniority of many judges.

Source: The Hindu

Governance

Lokpal & Lokayukta Act 2013



Question:

Who among the following is not directly involved in the selection of ‘Lokpal’ as per Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013?


1. Chief Justice of India
2. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
3. Prime Minister
4. Speaker, Lok Sabha
5. Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha

Choose the correct answer from the code given below:

A. 5 only
B. 3 and 5 only
C. 1 and 4 Only
D. 4 and 5 only


Answer: A

Explanation:
• As per Lokpal & Lokayukta Act 2013, Lokpal is to be selected by a High Powered Committee (HPC) headed by the Prime Minister. The members of this HPC will be the Chief Justice of India, Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha and Speaker of Lok Sabha. The President also nominates an eminent jurist based on the recommendations of the first four members of the selection committee.
• As per this Act, Lokpal will be a 9 member body (One chairman and 8 members) that will have jurisdiction over PM, MPs and Central Government employees. It will be assisted by the CBI and CVC.
Purpose of the Question:
Supreme Court has recently asked the Lokpal search committee to short-list a panel of names for chairperson and members of the Lokpal to be placed before the high-power selection committee led by Prime Minister by the end of February.

Source: The Hindu

Governance

New Education Policy



Question:

Which committee is associated with framing a draft report on ‘New Education Policy’ of India?

A. R Madhvan Committee

B. Injeti Srinivas Committee

C. K Kasturirangan Committee

D. P K Nag Committee

Answer: C

Explanation:
• K Kasturirangan Committee which was a nine member committee recently submitted its report on the New Education Policy of India. The committee has suggested that there shall be a uniform syllabus for Science and Math across the country.
• The report aims to implement an “India-centric” and “scientific” system of learning in schools and also has recommended developing a script in Devanagari for tribal dialects, and promoting education based on skills.

Source: Indian Express

Governance

MGNREGA



Question:

Consider the following statements about the MGNREGA:

1. Social audits were first mandated by law under this Act.
2. In the Act there is a provision for 33% reservation for women of SC/ST and OBC category.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:
• The MGNREGA in February 2006 was for the first time notified on an experimental basis in 200 odd districts across the country. The Act guarantees a minimum 100 days of employment out of 365 days in a year to every willing household, within 15 days of making such a requisition.
• As per the Act, there is a provision for 33% reservation for women of SC/ST and OBC category.
• Social audits were first mandated by law under the MGNREGA.

Purpose of the Question:
MGNREGA has recently been in the news as is facing a severe fund crunch, with 99% of money allocated already exhausted three months before the end of the financial year, and 11 States and Union Territories having a negative net balance.

Source: The Hindu

Governance

Swadesh Darshan Scheme



Question:

Consider the following statements about “Swadesh Darshan Scheme”?

1. The scheme has been launched by the Ministry of Culture and is a centrally sponsored scheme.

2. It aims at the development and beautification of the identified pilgrimage destinations.

Choose the correct statements from the code given below:

A. Only 1

B. Only 2

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation:
• The scheme has been launched by the Ministry of Tourism and is a Central Sector Scheme (100% centrally funded).
• Swadesh Darshan has been launched for Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits around Specific Themes whereas PRASAD Scheme aims on development and beautification of the identified pilgrimage destinations.
Therefore, both the statements are wrong.
Some Theme based Tourist Circuits as per Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
• Tribal Circuit
• Buddha Circuit
• Ramayana Circuit
• Coastal Circuit
• Spiritual Circuit
• Wildlife Circuit

Source: PIB