SOLUTIONS
INSIGHTS REVISION TEST for Preliminary Exam 2018: Test – 23 (Indian Polity )
1. Assertion (A): The Comptroller and Auditor General(CAG) of India, in Practice, is an Auditor-General Only
Reason(R): The CAG has no Control over the issue of money from the Consolidated Fund.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
(C) Both are false
(D) A is false, but R is true
Solution: a
Why? [UPSC 2012 Question Related to importance of CAG Office];
Explanation:
The Constitution of India visualises the CAG to be Comptroller as well as Auditor General. However, in practice, the CAG is fulfilling the role of an Auditor-General only and not that of a Comptroller. [HENCE THE ASSERTION IS CORRECT]
In other words [IT SHOWS THE LINK BETWEEN ASSERTION AND REASON], ‘the CAG has no control over the issue of money from the consolidated fund and many departments are authorized to draw money by issuing cheques without specific authority from the CAG, who is concerned only at the audit stage when the expenditure has already taken place’.[HENCE THE REASON IS CORRECT]
In this respect, the CAG of India differs totally from the CAG of Britain who has powers of both Comptroller as well as Auditor General. In other words, in Britain, the executive can draw money from the public exchequer only with the approval of the CAG.
SOURCE: INDIAN POLITY-5TH EDITION-M LAXMI KANTH-CHAPTER 49
2. Currently, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India is entrusted with which of the following responsibilities?
- Audit of the receipts and expenditure of the Centre and each state
- Audit of the accounts of any other authority when requested by the Governor
- Compiling and maintaining the accounts of central government
- Ascertaining and certifying the net proceeds of any tax or duty
- Controlling exchequer on behalf of the Parliament during financial emergency
a) 1, 3 and 5 Only
b) 1, 3 and 4 Only
c) 1, 2 and 4 Only
d) 1,2 and 3 Only
Solution: c
Why? [UPSC 2012 CAG question-Gave 4 statements and asked to find out which are relevant for CAG Role]
Explanation:
The duties and functions of the CAG as laid down by the Parliament and the Constitution[ List is not exhaustive –provided only to the extent that is relevant to question]
- He audits the receipts and expenditure of the Centre and each state to satisfy himself that the rules and procedures in that behalf are designed to secure an effective check on the assessment, collection and proper allocation of revenue
HENCE STATEMENT 1 IS CORRECT
- He audits the accounts of any other authority when requested by the President or Governor. For example, the audit of local bodies
HENCE STATEMENT 2 IS CORRECT
- He used to [before 1976 i.e. NOT CURRENTLY] compile and maintain the accounts of state governments. In 1976, he was relieved of his responsibilities with regard to the compilation and maintenance of accounts of the Central Government due to the separation of accounts from audit, that is, departmentalisation of accounts.
HENCE STATEMENT 3 IS INCORRECT
- He ascertains and certifies the net proceeds of any tax or duty (Article 279). His certificate is The ‘net proceeds’ means the proceeds of a tax or a duty minus the cost of collection.
HENCE STATEMENT 4 IS CORRECT
- No such provision is available [We have picked up this statement from UPSC 2012 question]. Hence 5 is INCORRECT
SOURCE: INDIAN POLITY-5TH EDITION-M LAXMI KANTH-CHAPTER 49
3. Consider the following statements with respect to Attorney General of India
- He is not a member of Central Cabinet
- He is not part of the Union Executive
- He is not eligible to vote in the Parliament
- He is not debarred from private legal practice
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Solution: c
Why?[UPSC 2013- Attorney General of India can 1. take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha 2. be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha 3. speak in the Lok Sabha 4. vote in the Lok Sabha -Which of the statements given above is/are correct?]
Explanation:
Statement 1: The AG is not a member of the Central cabinet. There is a separate law minister in the Central cabinet to look after legal matters at the government level.
Hence STATEMENT1 IS CORRECT
Statement 2: Articles 52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union executive. The Union executive consists of the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, the council of ministers and the attorney general of India.
Hence STATEMENT2 IS INCORRECT
Statement 3: 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.
Hence STATEMENT3 IS CORRECT
Statement 4: The Attorney General is not a full-time counsel for the Government. He does not fall in the category of government servants. Further, he is not debarred from private legal practice.
Hence STATEMENT4 IS CORRECT
SOURCE: INDIAN POLITY-5TH EDITION-M LAXMI KANTH-CHAPTER 50
4. With reference to the Finance Commission of India, which of the following statements is/are INCORRECT?
- 1.It allows the withdrawal of money out of the Public Account of India
- To supervise and report on whether the Union and State governments are levying taxes in accordance with the budgetary provisions
- It ensures transparency in financial administration
- The chairman of Finance Commission should have specialised knowledge of finance and accounts of the government.
A.1, 2 and 3 Only
B.1,2 and 4 Only
C.2 and 4 Only
D.All
Solution: d
Why? [Combination and Modification of UPSC 2011 and UPSC 2003 questions on Finance Commission]
EXPLANATION:
Statement 1: Finance commission is not vested with such powers. The statement is absurd as an appointed body consisting of few officials allowing the withdrawal from any fund is illogical. [We’ve taken UPSC 2003 question statement and modified it. Even the original statement is absurd as it has talked about allowing withdrawal from consolidated fund]
Hence STATEMENT1 IS INCORRECT
Statement 2: [We’ve taken UPSC 2003 question statement]
Finance Commission is not vested with such powers.
Hence STATEMENT2 IS INCORRECT
Statement 3: [We’ve taken UPSC 2011 question statement]
One might argue that if the division of net proceeds of taxes is as per the principle devised by the FC formula, it would ensure transparency. But Finance Commission’s recommendations are not binding on the government. Hence the word “ensure” is improper. Also, as per UPSC 2011 key, this statement is INCORRECT.
Hence STATEMENT3 IS INCORRECT
Statement 4: [This Statement we’ve added to the Original questions]
The Constitution authorises the Parliament to determine the qualifications of members of the commission and the manner in which they should be selected. Accordingly, the Parliament has specified the qualifications of the chairman and members of the commission. The chairman should be a person having experience in public affairs.
Hence STATEMENT4 IS INCORRECT
SOURCE: INDIAN POLITY-5TH EDITION-M LAXMI KANTH-CHAPTER 45
5.Which of the following bodies investigate all matters relating to the constitutional and other legal safeguards for the Anglo-Indian Community and report to the President upon their working?
a) National Commission for Minorities
b) National Commission for SCs
c) National Commission for STs
d) Special Office for Linguistic Minorities
Solution: b
Explanation: The National Commission for SCs is also required to discharge similar functions with regard to the other backward classes (OBCs) and the Anglo-Indian Community as it does with respect to the SCs. In other words, the Commission has to investigate all matters relating to the constitutional and other legal safeguards for the OBCs and the Anglo-Indian Community and report to the President upon their working.
SOURCE: INDIAN POLITY-5TH EDITION-M LAXMI KANTH-CHAPTER 46
6. Which of the following Indian Citizens are not eligible to be appointed as an Advocate General of the State?
a) A person ‘X’ who has held a judicial office for fifteen years
b) A person ‘Y’ who worked as an advocate of a high court for seven years
c) An eminent jurist ‘Z’ in the Opinion of the President
d) Both B and C
Solution: d
Explanation:
The Advocate general is appointed by the governor. He must be a person who is qualified to be appointed a judge of a high court. In other words, he must be a citizen of India and must have held a judicial office for ten years or been an advocate of a high court for ten years
Option C: One has to recall that an eminent jurist is not eligible to appoint as a judge of high court, unlike in the case of the Supreme Court. Hence Z is not eligible.
Option B: A person ‘Y’ who worked as an advocate of a high court for seven years is not eligible because he is short of 3 years experience to be appointed as an Advocate General.
Hence the Answer is D- Both B and C.
SOURCE: INDIAN POLITY-5TH EDITION-M LAXMI KANTH-CHAPTER 51
7. Who among the following will represent the Government of India in any reference made by the president to the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution?
a) Union Law Minister
b) Chairman of Law Commission
c) Solicitor General
d) None
Solution: d
Explanation:
The president has assigned the following duties to the Attorney General:
- To appear on behalf of the Government of India in all cases in the Supreme Court in which the Government of India is concerned.
- 2. To represent the Government of India in any reference made by the president to the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution.
- To appear (when required by the Government of India) in any high court in any case in which the Government of India is concerned.
Hence the answer is D
8. Which among the following was given the highest weight by the 14th Finance Commission in their horizontal devolution formula to determine the distribution of net proceeds of taxes to the States?
a) Fiscal Capacity
b) Population
c) Forest Cover
d) Area.
Solution: a
Explanation:
5 parameters and their weights are as followed:
- Population (1971)-17.5
- Population(2011)-10.0
3.Fiscal Capacity/Income distance-50.0
4.Area-15.0
5.Forest Cover-7.5
9. With respect to 15th Finance Commission, Which among the following Statements is/are Correct ?
- Commission has been asked by the Union government to consider 2011 census data instead of 1971 Census data.
- The Commission may consider proposing measurable performance-based incentives for States, at the appropriate level of government.
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both
d) None
Solution: c
Why?- Recent issue related to Terms of Reference regarding 15th Finance Commission
Explanation: FACTUAL -Both are CORRECT Statements. [7th and 8th points in the attached reference]
7.The Commission may consider proposing measurable performance-based incentives for States, at the appropriate level of government [HENCE STATEMENT 2 is CORRECT]
Performance evaluation is pertaining to the following areas:
(i) Efforts made by the States in expansion and deepening of tax net under GST;
(ii) Efforts and Progress made in moving towards replacement rate of population growth ;
(iii) Achievements in implementation of flagship schemes of Government of India, disaster resilient infrastructure, sustainable development goals, and quality of expenditure;
(iv) Progress made in increasing capital expenditure, eliminating losses of power sector, and improving the quality of such expenditure in generating future income streams;
(v) Progress made in increasing tax/non-tax revenues, promoting savings by adoption of Direct Benefit Transfers and Public Finance Management System, promoting digital economy and removing layers between the government and the beneficiaries;
(vi) Progress made in promoting ease of doing business by effecting related policy and regulatory changes and promoting labour intensive growth;
(vii) Provision of grants in aid to local bodies for basic services, including quality human resources, and implementation of performance grant system in improving delivery of services; (viii) Control or lack of it in incurring expenditure on populist measures; and
(ix) Progress made in sanitation, solid waste management and bringing in behavioural change to end open defecation.
- The Commission shall use the population data of 2011 while making its recommendations.
[HENCE STATEMENT 1 is CORRECT]
Reference: http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2017/180483.pdf
10: Assertion (A): Democracy ensures economic development.
Reason(R): Between 1950 and 2000, democracies have slightly higher rate of economic growth than dictatorships
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
(C) Both are false
(D) A is false, but R is true
Solution: c
Explanation:
If you consider all democracies and dictatorships for the fifty years between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth.
Hence REASON is FALSE
From this it is evident that Democracy does not ensure economic development. Moreover, economic development depends on several factors: Country’s population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country etc.
Hence ASSERTION is FALSE
Source: NCERT-DEMOCRATIC POLITICS-II[X CLASS]-CHAPTER 7
11. Which of the following statements is/are CORRECT?
- While social differences are only due to accident of birth, social divisions are the result of overlap of social difference with other differences
- If social differences cross cut one another, there is less possibility of Social division.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) None
Solution: b
Explanation:
Statement 1: These social differences are mostly based on accident of birth.Normally we don’t choose to belong to our community. We belong to it simply because we were born into it.We all experience social differences based on accident of birth in our everyday lives.People around us are male or female,they are tall and short,have different kinds of complexions,or have different physical abilities or disabilities.But all kinds of social differences are not based on accident of birth.Some of the differences are based on our choices.For example,some people are atheists. They don’ t believe in God or any religion.Some people choose to follow a religion other than the one in which they were born.Most of us choose what to study, which occupation to take up and which games or cultural activities to take part in. All these lead to formation of social groups that are based on our choices.
Hence Statement 1 is INCORRECT.
Statement 2: Social division takes place when some social difference overlaps with other differences . The difference between the Blacks and Whites becomes a social division in the US because the Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against.In our country Dalitstend to be poor and landless . They often face discrimination and injustice. Situations of this kind produce social divisions.
If social differences cross cut one another,it is difficult to pit one group of people against the other.It means that groups that share a common interest on one issue are likely to be in different sides on a different issue. Consider the cases of Northern Ireland and the Netherlands.Both are predominantly Christian but divided between Catholics and Protestants.In Northern Ireland,class and religion overlap with each other.If you are Catholic,you are also more likely to be poor,and you may have suffered a history of discrimination. In the Netherlands,class and religion tend to cut across each other.Catholics and Protestants are about equally likely to be poor or rich.The result is that Catholics and Protestants have had conflicts in Northern Ireland,while they do not do so in the Netherlands.
Hence Statement 2 is CORRECT.
Source: NCERT-DEMOCRATIC POLITICS-II[X CLASS]-CHAPTER 7
12. Which of the following Statements is/are CORRECT?
- UPSC is not concerned with the training of recruited candidates.
- UPSC falls under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
- Central Vigilance Commission and UPSC are consulted by the government while taking Disciplinary action against a Civil servant.
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) All
c) 1 Only
d) 3 Only
Solution: b
Explanation:
Statement 1: UPSC is not concerned with the classification of services, pay and service conditions, cadre management, training, and so on. These matters are handled by the Department of Personnel and Training—one of the three departments of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Hence Statement 1 is CORRECT.
Statement 2: FACTUAL . It is CORRECT
Hence Statement 2 is INCORRECT.
Statement 3: The emergence of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in 1964 affected the role of UPSC in disciplinary matters. This is because both are consulted by the government while taking disciplinary action against a civil servant. The problem arises when the two bodies tender conflicting advise. However, the UPSC, being an independent constitutional body, has an edge over the CVC, which is created by an executive resolution of the Government of India and conferred a statutory status in October 2003.
Hence Statement 3 is CORRECT.
SOURCE: INDIAN POLITY-5TH EDITION-M LAXMI KANTH-CHAPTER 43
13. All the cases of non-acceptance of advice of the Union Public Service Commission must be approved by
a) The President
b) The Parliament
c) Prime Minister’s Office
d) None of the above
Solution: d
Explanation: The UPSC presents, annually, to the president a report on its performance.
The President places this report before both the Houses of Parliament, along with a memorandum explaining the cases where the advice of the Commission was not accepted and the reasons for such non-acceptance. All such cases of non-acceptance must be approved by the Appointments Committee of the Union cabinet. An individual ministry or department has no power to reject the advice of the UPSC.
SOURCE: INDIAN POLITY-5TH EDITION-M LAXMI KANTH-CHAPTER 43
14. With respect to removal of UPSC Chairman, which of the following statements is CORRECT?
a) President cannot remove him/her without ordering for enquiry of Supreme Court.
b) President cannot suspend the Chairman during the course of enquiry as per the principles of Natural Justice
c) As per the Constitution, President is bound by the Supreme Court advice when Chairman is to be removed for misbehavior.
d) None of the above
Solution: c
Explanation:
Option A: Ordering for the enquiry of Supreme Court is necessary only in the case of removal on the grounds of misbehavior. In other instances-insolvency, infirmity of mind/body, engaging in paid employment outside the duties of his office-President need not order for enquiry of Supreme Court. Hence OPTION A is INCORRECT
Option B: During the course of enquiry by the Supreme Court, the president can suspend the chairman or the member of UPSC. Hence Option B is INCORRECT
Option C: the president can also remove the chairman or any other member of UPSC for misbehaviour. However, in this case, the president has to refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an enquiry. If the Supreme Court, after the enquiry, upholds the cause of removal and advises so, the president can remove the chairman or a member. Under the provisions of the Constitution, the advise tendered by the Supreme Court in this regard is binding on the president. Hence Option C is CORRECT
SOURCE: INDIAN POLITY-5TH EDITION-M LAXMI KANTH-CHAPTER 43
15.Which among the following bodies do not have the powers of Civil Court as part of their duties?
a) National Commission for SCs
b) National Commission for STs
c) Union Public Service Commission
d) None of the Above
Solution: c
Explanation: Both the National Commission for SCs and National Commission for STs, while investigating any matter or inquiring into any complaint, has all the powers of a civil court trying a suit . Union Public Service Commission is not vested with such powers.
16. Which of the following statements is/are CORRECT?
- Social divisions becoming a political issue is always harmful for the nation.
- When we speak of gender divisions in the context of developmental politics, we usually refer to biological differences between men and women.
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both
d) None
Solution: d
Explanation:
Statement 1: Gender division is an example that some form of social division needs to be expressed in Politics. This also shows that disadvantaged groups do benefit when social divisions become a political issue. Women could not have made the gains –reservation in local bodies for example- if their unequal treatment was not raised in the political domain. Hence Social divisions becoming a political issue is not always harmful for the nation.
Hence STATEMENT 1 is INCORRECT.
Statement 2: When we speak of gender divisions in the context of developmental politics, we usually refer to unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women-[Gender as Social Construct]. It does not refer to biological differences between men and women.
Hence STATEMENT 2 is INCORRECT.
Source: NCERT-DEMOCRATIC POLITICS-II[X CLASS]-CHAPTER 4
17.Which of the following is an instance of “Caste getting politicized”?
a) Political parties appealing to caste sentiment to muster support.
b) Ensuring the representatives of different castes in the newly elected government
c) Emergence of forward and backward caste groups in the political arena
d) Selection of candidates by the parties based on the caste composition of the electorate
Solution: c
Explanation:
Options A, B and D are examples of “Caste in Politics” or “Politics getting Caste-ridden”- In other words, Caste is being used for Political gains/Caste is Creeping into Politics.
Option C is an instance of Politics creeping into the Caste, which means Caste is getting Politicized.
Other examples for the same are:
-Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within it neighbouring castes or sub-castes which were earlier excluded from it.
– Various caste groups are required to enter into a coalition with other castes or communities and thus enter into a dialogue and negotiation.
For further clarity, please go through the source.
Source: NCERT-DEMOCRATIC POLITICS-II[X CLASS]-CHAPTER 4, page no:51,53,54
18. Which of the following distinguishes Pressure groups from Movements?
a) Pressure groups aim to directly share political power while Movements don’t
b) Pressure groups are formal interest group organizations while Movements depend more on spontaneous mass participation.
c) Both A and B
d) None
Solution: b
Explanation:
Option A: Pressure groups are organizations that attempt to influence government policies. But unlike political parties, they do not aim to directly control or share political power. These organizations are formed when people with common occupation, interest, aspirations or opinions come together in order to achieve a common objective.
Hence Option A is INCORRECT
Option B: Like an interest group/pressure group, movements also attempts to influence politics rather than directly take part in an electoral competition. But unlike the interest groups, movements have a loose organization. Their decision making is more informal and flexible. They depend much more on spontaneous mass participation than an interest group.
Hence Option B is INCORRECT
Source: NCERT-DEMOCRATIC POLITICS-II[X CLASS]-CHAPTER 5
19: Central Social Welfare Board is/falls under
a) Ministry of Women and Child Development
b) Ministry of Social Justice and Women Empowerment
c) An Autonomous and Independent body
d) Ministry of Minority Affairs
Solution: a
20: Which of the following is/are CORRECT ?
- The Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill, 2017- which is recently passed by the Rajya Sabha with amendments seeks to remove the power of the National Commission for SCs(NCSC) to examine matters related to backward classes.
- Currently, NCSC has the power to examine complaints regarding inclusion or exclusion of groups within the list of backward classes, and advise the central government in this regard.
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both
d) None
Solution: a
Why?-In news and widely debated.
Explanation:
Statement 1: The Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill, 2017- which is recently passed by the Rajya Sabha with amendments seeks to remove the power of the National Commission for SCs(NCSC) to examine matters related to backward classes .
Hence STATEMENT 1 is CORRECT.
Statement 2: The NCBC is a body set up under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. It has the power to examine complaints regarding inclusion or exclusion of groups within the list of backward classes, and advise the central government in this regard. The Bill seeks to establish the NCBC under the Constitution, and provide it the authority to examine complaints and welfare measures regarding socially and educationally backward classes.
Hence Statement 2 is INCORRECT.
21) With reference to the Constituent Assembly and the Constitution, consider the following statements:
- There were 15 women in the Constituent Assembly
- Since 2015, November 26 is celebrated as the National Law Day
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: a)
http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/11/27/insights-daily-current-affairs-27-november-2017/
Constitution Day or National Law Day?
The government in October 2015 decided that November 26 would be celebrated as the Constitution Day in the memory of Dr BR Ambedkar. On November 19 that year, the government issued a gazette notification declaring that November 26 as the Constitution Day.
SOME UNIQUE FACTS ABOUT CONSTITUTION:
- The Constitution was prepared over 2 years, 11 months and 17 days. The session of the Constituent Assembly was held on December 9, 1946.
- A total of 11 sessions of the Constituent Assembly was held including those by the drafting committee under the chairmanship of BR Ambedkar.
- The drafting committee was one of the 17 such bodied set up under the Constituent Assembly.
- Dr Rajendra Prasad, who went on to become the first President of India, was the chairman of the Constituent Assembly. The Constitution making committees held meetings on 165 days to hold deliberations and debate provisions to be incorporated.
- There were 299 members, including 15 women, of the Constituent Assembly. Of them 284 members finally signed the Constitution, when it was adopted in 1949.
22) Consider the following statements:
- The inter-state council is a permanent constitutional body for coordination between the states and union government
- The Prime Minister is the chairman of inter-state council
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: b)
http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/11/27/insights-daily-current-affairs-27-november-2017/
- Article 263 of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of an Inter-State Council.
- It considers recommendations for the better coordination of policy and action, and also matters of general interest to the states.
- The inter-state council is not a permanent constitutional body for coordination between the states and union government. It can be established ‘at any time’ if it appears to the President that the public interests would be served by the establishment of such a council.
The Council shall consist of:
- Prime minister who is the chairman.
- Chief ministers of all states who are members.
- Chief ministers of union territories and administrators of UTs as members.
- Six union ministers of cabinet rank in the union council of ministers nominated by the prime minister are also members.
23) With reference to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), consider the following statements:
- It can recover amounts overcharged by manufacturers for the controlled drugs from the consumers
- It monitors the prices of decontrolled drugs in order to keep them at reasonable levels
- It works under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 1 Only
c) 2 Only
d) 1,2 and 3
Solution: d)
http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/11/25/insights-daily-current-affairs-25-november-2017/
NPPA is an organization of the Government of India which was established, inter alia, to fix/ revise the prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations and to enforce prices and availability of the medicines in the country, under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 1995. The organization is also entrusted with the task of recovering amounts overcharged by manufacturers for the controlled drugs from the consumers. It also monitors the prices of decontrolled drugs in order to keep them at reasonable levels.
Its parent agency is Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
24) With reference to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), consider the following statements:
- It was established in 1950 through an act of the Parliament
- It plays a recommendatory role to the government on inclusion or exclusion of a community in the Central list of OBC
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: b)
http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/11/24/insights-daily-current-affairs-24-november-2017/
National Commission for Backward Classes is under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment established on 14 August 1993. It was constituted pursuant to the provisions of the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.
The NCBC currently plays a recommendatory role to the government on inclusion or exclusion of a community in the Central list of OBC. The proposed Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Third Amendment) Bill, 2017 will allow the NCBC to look at grievance redressal and safeguarding the interest of OBCs, powers that until now vested with the SC Commission.
25) The Union Cabinet has given its approval for setting up of the Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra (PMMSK).
PMMSK seeks to
a) Play a role as one-stop convergence support service for empowering rural women
b) Provide urban women skills to setup their own businesses
c) Provide rural women health facilities at their doorsteps
d) Provide urban women avenues to enhance their education
Solution: a)
http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/11/23/insights-daily-current-affairs-23-november-2017/
It is envisioned as a one-stop convergence support service for empowering rural women with opportunities for skill development, employment, digital literacy, health and nutrition.
What it does?
It will aim to improve declining child sex ratio, ensure survival and protection of the girl child, ensuring her education and empowering her to fulfil her potential. It will provide an interface for rural women to approach the government for getting their entitlements and for empowering them through training and capacity building
