Day 53 (9th January 2023) (Date : 09-01-2023)

Question 1:

Consider the following statements regarding the Morley-Minto reforms:

It increased the size of the central legislative council only.
It allowed the provincial legislative councils to have a non-official majority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer : B

Explanation

Features of the Act of 1909:

This Act is also known as Morley-Minto Reforms (Lord Morley was the then Secretary of State for India and Lord Minto was the then Viceroy of India).
It considerably increased the size of the legislative councils, both Central and Provincial. The number of members in the Central Legislative Council was raised from 16 to 60. The number of members in the provincial legislative councils was not uniform. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
It retained an official majority in the Central Legislative Council but allowed the provincial legislative councils to have non-official majority. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
It enlarged the deliberative functions of the legislative councils at both the levels. For example, members were allowed to ask supplementary questions, move resolutions on the budget, and so on.
It provided (for the first time) for the association of Indians with the Executive Councils of the Viceroy and Governors. Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to join the Viceroy’s Executive Council. He was appointed as the law member.
It introduced a system of communal representation for Muslims by accepting the concept of ‘separate electorate’. Under this, the Muslim members were to be elected only by Muslim voters. Thus, the Act ‘legalised communalism’ and Lord Minto came to be known as the Father of Communal Electorate.
It also provided for the separate representation of presidency corporations, chambers of commerce, universities and zamindars.

Question 2:

With reference to the Champaran Satyagraha, consider the following statements:

Tinkathia system was one of the major reasons for the launch of Champaran Satyagraha.
Rajendra Prasad and J. B. Kriplani joined Gandhiji in touring the villages and recording the statements of peasants.
Commission of Inquiry was appointed by the Government and Rajendra Prasad was nominated as one of its members.

Which of the above statements is/are correct? 

1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer : B

Explanation

In the early 19th century, the European planters at Champaran in Bihar forced the Indian peasants to cultivate indigo on the 3/20th of their holdings. This was known as the Tinkathia system. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Towards the end of the 19th century, German synthetic dyes forced indigo out of the market. The European planters became keen to release the peasants from the obligation of cultivating indigo. They tried to turn the cultivators’ necessity to their advantage by securing enhancements in rent and other illegal dues as a price for the release. 
The exploitation by the planters continued till Raj Kumar Shukla persuaded Gandhiji to come to Champaran and investigate the problem.
Though ordered by the Commissioner to immediately leave the district, Gandhiji carried on with his investigations and launched the Champaran Satyagraha.
Brij Kishore, Rajendra Prasad, Mahadev Desai, Narhari Parekh, and J.B.Kriplani toured the villages with Gandhi and recorded the statements of the peasants, interrogating them to make sure that they were given correct information. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The Government appointed a Commission of Inquiry and nominated Gandhiji as one of its members. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Question 3:

With reference to the Indian Councils Act, 1909, consider the following statements:

A separate electorate was granted to the Muslims.
Members could raise questions and debate budgets but could not vote on the budget.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer : C

Explanation

“Montague Chelmsford Reforms” refers to the Government of India Act, 1919.
Indian Councils Act, 1909 is known as Morley Minto Reforms:
- A separate electorate was granted to the Muslims. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- The number of non-officials in the Imperial and Provincial Councils was increased.
- It retained the official majority at the Centre but allowed a non-official majority in the Provincial Legislatures.
- Indians were to be appointed to the Viceroy’s Executive Council and Provincial Executive Council.
- Members could raise questions and debate budgets but could not pass laws or vote on the budget. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Question 4:

The Hunter Committee (1919-20) was setup for enquiring into:

Status of elementary education.
Future constitutional development.
Reform of the Judicial system.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

Correct Answer : D

Explanation

On October 29,1919, the Legislative Council appointed an investigatory committee (led by Lord William Hunter), known as the Hunter Committee, to examine the extent of violence in Punjab and especially, the Jallianwallah Bagh massacre.
The Indian National Congress appointed a Punjab Sub-committee with Gandhi as its head to investigate the massacre. It was also to act as the watchdog of the Hunter Committee and point out loopholes in its report.
Hence, option (d) is correct.

Question 5:

Mahatma Gandhi credited him for the success of Kheda Satyagraha. He presided over the congress session which ratified the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. After Independence, He was India’s first Information and broadcasting minister. The leader is:

Gulzarilal Nanda
Vallabh Bhai Patel
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Babu Jagjivan Ram

Correct Answer : B

Explanation

Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, one of the six children of Jhaverbhai Patel and Ladba, was born in Nadiad, Gujarat. He was a lawyer by profession.
During his early political career, his association with Mahatma Gandhi became closer during the Kheda Satyagraha in 1918, which was launched to secure exemption from payment of the land revenue assessment since the crops had failed.
It took three months of intense campaigning before relief was secured from the British Government. Gandhiji said that if it were not for Vallabhbhai’s assistance this campaign would not have been carried through so successfully.
The Bardoli Satyagraha sparked off in January 1926 when the authorities decided to increase the land revenue by 30 percent. The Congress leaders were quick to protest and a Bardoli Inquiry Committee was set up to go into the issue.
In February 1926, Vallabhbhai Patel was called to lead the movement. The women of Bardoli gave him the title of “Sardar”.
In March 1931 Vallabhbhai presided over the 46th session of the Indian National Congress which was called upon to ratify the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
In August 1942, the All India Congress Committee passed the famous Quit India Resolution in Bombay and Vallabhbhai, along with the other members of the Working Committee, was arrested on August 9, 1942, and detained in the Ahmednagar Fort while Gandhiji, Kasturba, and Mahadev Desai were detained in the Aga Khan’s Palace.
Vallabh Bhai Patel was in jail for about three years. When, at the end of the war, the Congress leaders were freed and the British Government decided to find a peaceful constitutional solution to the problem of India’s Independence, Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the chief negotiators of the Congress.
After Independence, he became the Deputy Prime Minister and was responsible for the Home, States and the Information and Broadcasting portfolios. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Question 6:

Consider the following statements regarding Family Courts:

The Family Courts Act, 1984 was enacted for the establishment of Family Courts.
The State Government may, with the concurrence of the High Court, appoint one or more persons to be the Judge or Judges of a Family Court.

Which of the above statements is/are not correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer : D

Explanation

The Family Courts Act, 1984 was enacted for the establishment of Family Courts with a view to promote conciliation, and secure speedy settlement of disputes relating to marriage and family affairs and for related matters. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The State Government may, with the concurrence of the High Court, appoint one or more persons to be the Judge or Judges of a Family Court. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
There are 715 Family Courts which are established and functioning in 26 States and Union territories, including three Family Courts in the State of Himachal Pradesh and two-Family Courts in the State of Nagaland.
- However, for Himachal and Nagaland, the Central Government notification was not issued for bringing the said Act into force in these states.
The issue of lack of jurisdiction of Family Courts in the State of Himachal Pradesh has been challenged before the High Court of Himachal Pradesh.
- It was stated that as the Central Government has not issued any notification to extend the jurisdiction of Family Courts in the State of Himachal Pradesh, such Courts are functioning without jurisdiction and anything done or any action taken under the said Act appears to be void ab initio (Having no legal effect from inception).
The family courts in Nagaland too were operating without any legal authority since 2008.
Lok Sabha has passed the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2022 that seeks to amend the Family Courts Act, 1984 to establish family courts in Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

Question 7:

Consider the following statements with reference to ‘Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)’:

The Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
The Central Government helps with infrastructure creation by providing Grant-in-aid.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer : B

Explanation

In 2017, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES). Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Its objective is to assist Central and State Government agencies in the creation of appropriate infrastructure for the growth of exports.
The Central Government assistance for infrastructure creation will be in the form of grant-in-aid. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Grants-in-aid are payments in the nature of assistance, donations or contributions made by one government to another government, body, institution or individual. Grants-in-aid are given by the Union Government to State Governments and/or Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Question 8:

Consider the following statements regarding Hepatitis Disease?

Hepatitis A and E are self-limiting diseases.
Cirrhosis and liver cancers are caused by the Hepatitis B and C virus.
India accounts for approximately 11% of total global case of Hepatitis B.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 only
1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer : D

Explanation

Hepatitis A and E are self-limiting diseases (i.e., go away on their own) and require no specific antiviral medications, Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Approximately 354 million people are suffering from hepatitis B and C.
- Southeast Asia has 20% of the global morbidity burden of hepatitis.
- About 95% of all hepatitis-related deaths are due to cirrhosis and liver cancers caused by the hepatitis B and C virus, Hence, statement 2 is correct.
India has “intermediate to high endemicity” for Hepatitis B surface antigen and an estimated 40 million chronic HBV infected people, constituting approximately 11% of the estimated global burden. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Question 9:

Consider the following statements regarding Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar Campaign:

It is the first-of-its-kind and longest running coastal cleanup campaign in the world.
It will culminate on ‘International Coastal Clean-up Day’.
A mobile app ‘Eco Mitram’ has been launched to spread awareness about the campaign.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer : D

Explanation

Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar is the first-of-its-kind and longest running coastal cleanup campaign in the world with the highest number of people participating in it. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The Campaign will culminate on "International Coastal Clean-up Day" (17^th September 2022). Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Globally, "International Coastal Clean Up Day" is celebrated on the third Saturday of September, every year.
The day aims to increase public awareness about the accumulation and negative impacts of litter in oceans, on coastlines and on beaches.
Through this campaign, a mass behavioural change among the masses is intended by raising awareness about how plastic usage is destroying marine life.
A mobile app “Eco Mitram” has been launched to spread awareness about the campaign and also for the common people for voluntary registration for the beach cleaning activity. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Question 10:

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

The Body Mass Index is measured by the weight in kilograms divided by height in meters.
The Ministry of health and family welfare has released the targets to curb malnutrition in India.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer : D

Explanation

The Body Mass Index is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
Targets released to Curb Malnutrition:
- Aims at reducing stunting and under-nutrition (underweight prevalence) among children below 6 years by 2% each year.
- Aims to Reduce, low birth weight by 2% per annum, Anemia among children between 6 and 59 months, as well as women and adolescent girls (15 to 49 years), by 3% per annum.
World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines define a normal BMI range as 18.5 to 24.9, overweight as 25 or higher, and obesity as 30 or higher.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has released targets to Curb Malnutrition in India. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.