CURRENT AFFAIRS
(General Studies Pre-Cum-Mains)
Volume – 1
For
CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION
2016
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PREFACE
This booklet of Current Affairs is an attempt so as to help the Civil Services Aspirants in their
process of learning, understanding and analyzing each and every aspect of the current issue in
the easiest possible manner. In order to make the understanding of the current affairs a long
lasting affair and to help students score good marks in the examination a balance between
factual content and analytical approach has been maintained in this booklet.
The booklet has been meticulously designed to suit the needs of Civil Service Aspirants
appearing in IAS and State PCS examinations. In addition, it would benefit all those who are
preparing for other competitive examinations or such individuals who are knowledge starving
and have a passion to learn more.
Owing to nature of the booklet, the Nimbus Academy Team has prepared the material with the
help of the facts and the information provided by various Ministries of Govt. of India and
merging those with the concepts developed by the subject matter experts.
Reader‟s suggestions and criticism directed towards improvements are welcome and can
be e-mail at [email protected]
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Chief Mentor: Ajay Singh Guleria
Editor-In-Chief:
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Chief Mentor: Rahul Dev
Associate Editor:
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Chief Mentor: Rajeev Kumar
Compositor:
Mohit Kherwal
One Step Forward…
“One step forward, in right direction at a time can change your life…!”
One step forward in right direction at a time means that we get sufficient time to think over our moves and strategize our efforts
so as to achieve our desired goals. The target cannot be achieved by hurrying up in an unorganized manner but yes, one can
get closer and closer to his/her set target by making every step forward in a firm and planned manner. Also, one step at a time
doesn't mean that we are slow rather it means that we are, by our mind and body, firmly moving toward our target and
confident enough to achieve it.
There is a short story which can firmly reflect what is said above.
It is story of a man who looks physically very weak but later in the story it will be revealed that the weak looking man who is
firm in his ideals and strong by his mind able to achieve his desired goal with least resources available at his bow. One day, the
man who was earning his livelihood in his own country got ambitious and hence decided to go to another country for work. As
he didn't have any means and resources to fulfill his ambition to go to another country so he decided to go on foot, which
others find foolish even to think of. He started his journey with a lantern to show him light at nights and just enough money for
his food and oil for the lantern. Though the journey was very long and full of difficulties and obstacles still he didn't let any
negative thought to shake his conviction. He started in the dusk and after some time it turned dark. He kept on moving, as he
felt that he had the energy to walk few more miles. On his way, he found another man sitting under a tree. The sitting man asked
the traveler where he was going. When told, the man stared at the traveler in disbelief and shock and asked him how he
supposed he was going to go a large distance to another country. The traveler replied that he felt confident about reaching his
destination, nothing else mattered. The man once again asked that if there would be lots of difficulties on the way, if the journey
is not easy, and if to take considerable time also, how come he is so confident. To each of these queries, the traveler replied that
he knew about the difficulties of the journey before he decided to walk on the path, and they did not discourage him. He was
ready to face all the difficulties, but as he wanted a better life, he would not quit in between. Finally the man smiled at the traveler
meanly and asked the traveler that how did he believe that he would go such a long distance only by the light of the lantern. The
light was feeble and nobody could see properly for more than a few metre. To this the traveler also smiled and in a relaxed
manner replied that he didn't need to see more than one step. If he could see that one step clearly, and if he had courage to
make that one step, he was going to reach his destination.
IAS aspirants have a long, uphill, grueling journey to make. Reaching the destination can change their destiny. But, some see the
whole of the path and are afraid to make the first move itself. Others feel that they don't have enough means to finish the
journey. Still others are discouraged on their way, when somebody sitting under a tree cites and the negativities which, one may
confront on the way.
What you have to remember is this: only those are successful, who believe in themselves, their target and in the belief that even if
light is sufficient to see clearly the next step only, they can reach their target, as one step in a right direction at a time is enough.
One step at a time is indeed enough. If planned properly, if the direction is right, if the company is right, if ears are closed to any
kind of discouraging talks, one step at a time is indeed enough.
INDEX
TOPIC
PAGE NO.
POLITY
1. Manipur Legislative Assembly passes „Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015
09
2. Expert Group to Draft Model Land Leasing Law
10
3. Amendments to the Arbitration And Conciliation Bill, 2015
11
4. Santhara Practice of Jains as Illegal: Rajasthan HC
13
5. Ordinance to Amend MPDA Act, 1981 by Maharashtra Govt.
14
6. Directions to Ensure the Better Implementation of Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
14
7. “Greenpeace India” NGO‟s License Cancelled By govt.
15
DEFENCE
1. GSAT-6 (Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle
18
2. War Museum At Jaisalmer Inaugurated By Indian Army
19
3. INS Vajrakosh
20
4. Heron TP Drones
21
ECONOMY
1. Bandhan Bank as Scheduled Commercial Bank
23
2. SBI and ICICI Bank Daclared as Domestic Systemically Important Banks By RBI
23
3. Gold Monetisation Scheme and Sovereign Gold Bonds
24
4. National Offshore Wind Energy Policy
26
5. Census 2011 on Population By Religious Communities
28
6. Small Finance Banks
30
7. 100 % FDI in White Label Atms
31
8. Merging Of SEBI (Security Exchange board of India) and FMC(Forward Market Commission)
32
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ACTS & SCHEMES
1. SEHAT (Social Endeavour for Health And Telemedicine) Scheme
34
2.
35
“Sahaj” Scheme for the Online Release Of New Lpg Connections
3. One Rank One Pension (OROP)
36
4. Rajasthan First State to Submit Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission (AMRUT)
38
5. Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY)
40
ENVIRONMENT
1. Nethravati Diversion Project (Yettinahole Project)
42
2. The Future Of Forests: Emissions From Tropical Deforestation, 2016-2050 Released
43
3. Taxonomy Update For 2014
44
4. SERVIR-Mekong
45
5. Geographical Indication (GI) status to Chengalikodan banana
46
INDIA AND WORLD
1. Petroleum Products Pipeline between India And Nepal
47
2. 11th Session of India-United Arab Emirates Joint Commission Meet Concluded
47
3. USITC Extended Anti-Dumping Duty On Indian Preserved Mushrooms For 5 Years
49
4. Indo – US Dispute In WTO
50
5. Second Forum For India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit Held In Jaipur
51
AWARDS
1. Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, 2014
52
2. UNESCO's “Award of Excellence” 2015
52
3. Peter Mackler Award 2015
54
Civil services pre. Exam 2015 held on 23rd Aug. 2015
55
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POLITY
1. MANIPUR LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
MANIPUR PEOPLE BILL, 2015
PASSES
„PROTECTION
OF
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015 passed by Manipur Legislative Assembly in the last week of august
2015. Along with this, two amendment bills, namely the Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second
Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015
were also passed by the assembly.
Recently there was a strong violent protest in the North Eastern State of Manipur over the issue of protection of
indigenous people of state. The issue came into light after state assembly had passed the Manipur Regulation of
Visitors, Tenant and Migrants Workers Bill, 2015 to protect the interest of outsiders in the state.
All three bills were passed by voice vote by the assembly. A resolution welcoming the Peace Accord signed between
the Union Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)-IM was also passed by the
house.
STATEMENTS OF OBJECTS AND REASON
Manipur is one of the hill States in the North-Eastern region of India. According to 2011 Census, the population of the
State is 28.56 lakhs approximately. The density of the population of Manipur as per 2011 Census was 128 per sq km
against 103 per sq km in 2001 Census. The population growth rate of Manipur is found to be higher than that of
India.
The state of Manipur was merged to India on 15-10-1949. Before the merger, the entry into Manipur was regulated by
imposition of a permit system. That permit system was abolished w.e.f. 18-11-1950 by a notification issued by
the then Chief Commissioner of Manipur. Since then, there is no restriction on the entry by the citizen of India. The
increase in the population has caused a panic in the mind of the people of Manipur. Of late, a mass movement by the
people of Manipur of losing their existence can be done away with a reasonable restriction in the influx of NonManipur people. Further, the Non-Manipur people who intended to stay in the State as tenants need to be regulated
with certain reasonable restrictions.
It has become therefore, expedient to enact a law to maintain tranquility and police order in the interest of
general public by registering the Non-Manipur people and the owners who provide accommodation to the
tenants.
The Bill proposes to establish a Directorate for effective supervision to the implementation of the issue of Pass to the
Non-Manipur people and issue of receipts to the owners hosting the tenants in the State of Manipur.
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2. EXPERT GROUP TO DRAFT MODEL LAND LEASING LAW
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
In august 2015 NITI Aayog decided that an experts group will be set up to prepare a model 'land leasing law'
which can be adopted by states as per their local needs.
WHY THIS LAW?
States are facing problems to frame their own law on leasing for better infrastructure and industrial development.
States are not able to lease their land due to complexity in the leasing of agriculture land and maintenance of land
records. This law can be adjusted by states depending on their local needs.
THE BENEFITS OF THE LAW
1. The introduction of transparent land leasing laws allows the potential tenant or sharecropper to engage in
written contracts with the landowner. This is beneficial for both tenant and landowner. The tenant will have
an incentive to make investment in improvement of land, landowner will be able to lease land without
fear of losing it to the tenant and the government will be able to implement its policies efficiently.
2. The reform is likely to open another avenue to the provision of land for industrialization: Long-term land
leases that allow the owner to retain the ownership, while earning rent on the land.
3. Owner will have the right to renegotiate the terms of the lease once the existing one expires.
4. Updating and digitization of land records and land titling are need of the hour.
In most cases, the states enacted land-leasing laws post-independence. However, due to one or other reasons these
laws heavily discouraged leasing and sub-leasing of land. It said, in the longer run, the laws ended up affecting both
landowners and tenants adversely.
According to the Aayog, the tenant lacks the security of tenure, which discourages him from making long-term
investments in land. He is also deprived of access to institutional credit and likely benefits of crop insurance,
relief in event of natural calamity and potential direct benefit transfer of subsidies. The landowner feels a sense
of insecurity when leasing land so that she often chooses to leave her land fallow rather than lease it.
BACKGROUND
At the time of independence, there existed three types of proprietary land tenures in the country. The term land
tenure is used to refer to the terms and conditions on which land is held and used.
1) THE ZAMINDARI OR LANDLORD TENURE
Lord Cornwallis is considered to be the father of Zamindari system in India. He introduced this system for the first time
in 1793 in West Bengal and was later adopted in other states as well.
Under this revenue pattern, zamindars were declared as proprietors of land on the condition of fixed revenue
payments to the East India Company. Henceforth, the zamindars were handed absolute rights over the land, thus
making the peasants their tenants who had no rights over the land they cultivated.
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2) RYOTWARI SYSTEM
Caption Read and Thomas Menro started this system in Madras in 1792 which was further extended into other
states. Under this system, the responsibility of paying land revenue to the Government was of the cultivator
himself and there was no intermediary between him and the state. The ryot had full right regarding sale, transfer
and leasing of land and could not be evicted from the land as long as he pays the land revenue. But the settlement of
land revenue under ryotwari system was done on a temporary basis and are periodic, after 20, 30 or 40 years.
It was a better system as compared to Zamindari or Mahalwari and similar other forms of tenure. Unlike the Permanent
Settlement areas, the revenue commitment under this scheme was not fixed; it was usually calculated as the money
value of a share of the estimated average annual output. This share typically varied from place to place and was
decided periodically in response to changes in the productivity of the land.
3) THE MAHALWARI OR THE JOINT VILLAGE TENURE
Introduced by William Bentinck in Agra and Oudh and was later extended to Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. Under
this system, the village (mahal or estate) communities held the village lands jointly or the ruralites were together
responsible for the payment of land revenue. The lands held by the village communities either were cultivated by the
members of the village communities themselves, or were leased out to others on rent. The village headman
(Lumbrdar) was entrusted with the responsibility for collecting the land revenue and depositing it in the treasury. In
return, he received „panchatra‟ i.e. 5 per cent as a commission.
But all these reforms caused a lot of problems for Indians which laed to revolts in british india. That’s why after
independence states governments abolish zamidari system and made their own laws accordingly. As a result
the tenants, who had maximum land under them, became the owner of their land while others with less land
area with them. That’s why state governments make land ceiling acts and distributed surplus land to the poor
and landless tenants.
3. AMENDMENTS TO THE ARBITRATION AND CONCILIATION BILL, 2015
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
In the last week of august 2015 the union cabinet approved the amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation
Bill, 2015.
Earlier 246th report of the Law Commission recommended these amendments, while some of the suggestions for
these amendments were also received from stakeholders.
The union govt. is going to introduce the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015 in the Parliament.
This will amend already existing The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
These proposed amendments in the bill will help India to become a hub of International Commercial Arbitration.
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WHY THESE AMENDMENTS?
India has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for investments and trade. Sectors such as
infrastructure, real estate, e-commerce, and information technology have witnessed increased collaboration and
entry of foreign investors. However, as per the World Bank report on Ease of doing business rankings, India is
still ranked at just 142.
Seeking to ensure faster settlement of commercial disputes, Indian Cabinet has decided to amend the Arbitration
and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Arbitration Act) which sets a fixed timeline for arbitrators to resolve cases.
Amendment Bill was drafted with the purpose to address problems such as inordinate delays in settlement of
awards and make it more in line with international best practices and arbitration rules. The proposed
amendments are also in line with International standards and guidelines such as Singapore International
Arbitration Centre, London Council of International Arbitration, American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants rules etc. These factors are important to ensure that the litigation process is faster, efficient,
economical and transparent.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS INCLUDE:
Fast track procedure– to insert a provision for fast track procedure for conducting arbitration. Parties to the
dispute may agree that their dispute be resolved through fast track procedure. In such cases the awards shall be
given in 6 months period.
Neutrality of arbitrators– it is proposed that when a person is approached in connection with possible
appointment of arbitrator, he shall disclose about existence of any relationship or interest of any kind (in written),
which is likely to give rise to justifiable doubts. This provision will ensure the neutrality of arbitrators. It is also
proposed that, if a person is having specified relationship, he shall be ineligible to be appointed as an arbitrator.
Public policy– While approving the grounds for challenge of an arbitral award, the Cabinet has restrict the
term „Public Policy of India” (as a ground for challenging the award) by explaining that only where making of
award was induced or affected by fraud or corruption, or it is in contravention with the fundamental policy of
Indian Law or is in conflict with the most basic notions of morality or justice, the award shall be treated as against
the Public Policy of India.
BACKGROUND
The Union Government has under its consideration proposals for making Arbitration a preferred mode for
settlement of commercial disputes by making it more user-friendly and cost effective. This will lead to expeditious
disposal of cases.
The Law Commission of India in its 246th Report has recommended various amendments in the Arbitration and
Conciliation Act, 1996. The Law Commission also submitted a Supplementary to Report No. 246 on “Amendments to
the Arbitration Act, 1996 on „Public Policy‟- Developments post Report 246", wherein the Law Commission taking
into account subsequent decisions of the Supreme Court has recommended reformulation of amendment in
Section 34(2)(b) of the Act.
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4. SANTHARA PRACTICE OF JAINS AS ILLEGAL: RAJASTHAN HC
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
Rajasthan high court has declared Santhara practice of Jains as illegal making it punishable under Sections 306
(abetment of suicide) and 309 (attempted suicide) of the IPC, terming it equivalent to suicide. The bench also held
that santhara was not an “essential religious practice” of Jain religion
WHAT IS SANTHARA?
Santhara is a religious fast to death. Santhara is allowed only when a person is suffering from incurable disease or
great disability or when a person is nearing his end. This practice is also known by the name of Sallekhana or
Pandit maran.
HOW THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM SUICIDE?
Suicide results from depression, anger, loneliness. People avoid talking about it. Santhara on the other hand is
observed amid festivity. And in Santhara if some want to withdraw it , then he can. Suicide involves an intentional act
of harm against oneself with a known outcome that negatively affects those left behind. With Sallekhana, death is
welcomed through a peaceful, tranquil process providing peace of mind for everyone involved
WHY SANTHARA SHOULD BE ILLEGAL?
Human rights activists allege old people are made to undertake santhara by relatives who don‟t want to look after
them.
The person who undertakes it is under immense pressure. He or she is sworn into it by a great saint and that is a
commitment hard to break. The person is treated like a demi-god; people come for their darshan.
This might trigger for legal acceptance of euthanasia.
This will force other jains to follow the same to gain purification.
It is violation of fundamental right, Right to Life.
WHY BAN IS NOT RIGHT?
This is core philosophy of Jainism and it is against secular fabrics of India constitution.
The judgment in Nikhil Soni is predicated on two primary grounds:
1) First, that the guarantee of a right to life does not include within its ambit a promise of a right to die,
and therefore, that the practice of Santhara is not protected by Article 21.
2) Second, that Santhara, as a religious practice, is not an essential part of Jainism, and is hence not
protected by Article 25, which guarantees a person’s right to religious freedom and conscience.
While on the first ground, the court‟s reasoning is difficult to accept, on the second ground, the court‟s finding is
premised on a wrongly considered doctrine, carved by the Supreme Court in its earliest rulings on the right to freedom
of religion.
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5. ORDINANCE TO AMEND MPDA ACT, 1981 BY MAHARASHTRA GOVT.
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Maharashtra Government decided to bring out an ordinance to amend the Maharashtra Prevention of
Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act 1981. The amendments will empower the government to put essential
commodities and food grain mafias behind the bars without any bail for one year.
MAIN PROVISION OF THE ORDINANCE

With this ordinance, Illegal sand mining has been made non–bailable offence. The ordinance would be issued
to amend the act and include sand smuggling as well as smugglers in the section II of the act.

The offender arrested in illegal sand mining cases will not get bail for one year after their arrest.

Tampering of the public distribution system (PDS) mechanism and food grain mafias will be brought under the
ambit of this Act.
Presently, the act covers drug offenders, slumlords, bootleggers and video pirates under its ambit to prevent the
disruptive activities.
6. DIRECTIONS TO ENSURE THE BETTER IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC
LIABILITY INSURANCE ACT, 1991
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued directions under the provisions of the Water Act
and the Air Act to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to ensure better implementation of Public Liability
Insurance (PLI) Act, 1991.
WHAT DOES PLI ACT SAY?
The Public Liability Insurance (PLI) Act, 1991 makes it obligatory upon the user industries handling 179 types of
chemicals and compounds and other classes of flammable substances to subscribe a special insurance policy to
cover the liabilities likely to arise on account of any chemical (industrial) disaster/accident and payable to those
affected people who are not the workers on „no fault basis‟/ „absolute liability‟.
The Act establishes an Environment Relief Fund (ERF), which is subscribed by all such user industries by an
amount equal to the annual premium amount of such insurance policies.
IMPLICATION OF THESE DIRECTIONS:
The directions, issued by the Environment Ministry, ensure that all the liable handling user industries subscribe to
the PLI insurance policy and deposit the prescribed amount in Environment Relief Fund (ERF).
CPCB, in turn, will issue directions to all the SPCBs to ensure that Consent to Establish (CTE) or The Consent to
Operate (CTO) is not granted or renewed to any such industry, which do not comply with the obligation under PLI
Act, 1991.
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CPCB will also direct the SPCBs and PCCs to ensure that SPCBs/PCCs will necessarily include PLI insurance policy as
one of the check points. SPCBs and PCCs will submit a compliance report to CPCB. The CPCB will submit the first
compliance report within 60 days and the quarterly progress report till next three years to the Central Government
thereafter.
PLI Act is administered by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.
CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD (CPCB)
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment and
Forests (MoEF). It was established in 1974 under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The board
is led by its chairman, who is nominated by the Central Government.
IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS:
CPCB is entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1981.
It provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the provisions of the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
It is an apex organization in country in the field of pollution control, as technical wing of MoEF.
The agency also works with industries and all levels of government in a wide variety of voluntary pollution
prevention programs and energy conservation efforts.
CPCB along with its counterparts State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) are responsible for
implementation of legislations relating to prevention and control of environmental pollution
7. “GREENPEACE INDIA” NGO‟S LICENSE CANCELLED BY GOVT.
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
In September 2015 the union government cancelled the registration of Greenpeace India under the Foreign
Contribution Regulations Act (FCRA) for its activities which allegedly hampered country's economic growth.
BACKGROUND
NGOs are working for the welfare of people especially where government is either failed to reach or need help.
NGOs works as independent identity to promote citizen empowerment, upliftment of neglected strata and help
government in framing policies. Relationship between Government and NGOs are souring these days. Government is
targeting NGOs for halting nation progress by working in the hand of anti national or foreign hands while NGOs are
accusing government for violating right of freedom and principles of democracy.
India Government disapprove
license and recognition of 4470 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in addition to the 8875 NGOs‟ licenses were
revoked for violation of the rules on foreign funds.
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WHY CANCELLATION OF LICENSE IS NOT RIGHT STEP?
NGOs influenced government to bring important change in its policy like RTI, RTE, MNREGA etc. Any kind of
discouragement to NGOs can be harmful to nation‟s progress.
Invoking license can be seen as anti democratic and violation of right of freedom.
It will tarnish India‟s image on global platform and India might also deprived of foreign funds.
NGOs are the voice of underprivileged strata of society, Gagging of NGOs means gagging the voice of poor or
neglected people.
Govt. wanted to arm-twist NGO to work according to whims of govt.
Government is treating all NGOs with same stick.
WHY CANCELLATION OF LICENSE IS RIGHT STEP?
There is no regulating mechanism for NGOs. Some NGOs are involved in corrupt practices and working with
certain vested interest.
NGOs are also been accused of using white lies or misinformed advise to enact their campaigns.
Some NGOs are continuously violating rules like mixing of domestic and foreign funds, not filing income tax
return.
Working of several NGOs has charged any of them which work in the areas like nuclear issues, human rights,
genetically modified technologies, livelihood issues and so on, as being a threat to national economic security.
Protests of „foreign funding NGOs‟ led to loss of 2-3% of country‟s GDP.
WHAT ARE NGO‟S?
NGO may be defined as an association having a definite cultural, educational, religious or social program
registered with the Central Government. NGOs in India are also set up in the form of:
1) Societies: These are registered in India under Societies Registration Act, 1860 which is a central act .
States also framed authorities for registration under this act. Minimum 7 persons are required to get
registered as NGO.
2) Public trust: These are created for public charitable purposes. Some states have framed public trust act.
3) Private trust: A trust of two or more persons as Trustees therein. The Trust may be registered under the
Indian Trusts Act, 1982.
4) As a company: This is registered under section 25 of Companies Act, 1956. Usually clubs, associations of
professionals get registered under this provision of the Companies Act, 1956.
WHAT IS FCRA (FOREIGN CURRENCY REGULATION ACT 2010)?
It regulates the foreign contribution, foreign hospitality given to various NGOs, institutes, judges, journalists, public
servants etc.
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MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ACT
1. Registration under FCRA will require renewal every 5 years
2. FCRA Registration may be cancelled for various reasons including lack of activity for a period of 2 years
3. Any organization whose FCRA certificate has been cancelled / revoked shall not be eligible for registration or
prior permission for a period of 3 years from the date of cancellation.
4. Election candidate, MP and MLAs, Newspaper and Public Servants are not allowed to receive foreign income
5. Only 50% of the contribution received can be used for administrative expenses, beyond which you will
have to seek prior approval from the Central Government.
6. No other funds can be deposited to FC account, all banks have to report all FC remitted. Have to maintain
separate of accounts and records, exclusively, for the foreign contribution received and utilised.
7. In case the certificate of registration is suspended, up to twenty-five per cent of the unutilised amount may be
spent, with the prior approval of the Central Government, for the declared aims and objects for which the
foreign contribution was received. The remaining seventy-five per cent of the unutilised foreign contribution
shall be utilized only after revocation of suspension of the certificate of registration.
8. 'NIL' report shall be furnished even if no foreign contribution is received during a financial year. This will keep
up registration of NGOs alive.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO THIS ACT :
The economic security of the NGOs is sought to be equated with that under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act
which is much more stringent.
The units will have to submit their bank details and banks will have to allow access to Intelligence Bureau to
monitor funs utilization from these registered accounts.
Foreigners associated with an NGO will have to furnish details of their visits. The NGOs will have to publish their
activities on their website.
Besides, there are guidelines to clearly define the category and rueos regarding prior approval of Hime Ministry
before receiving any foreign funds.
The act has allowed the government to curb the voice of dissent. Some NGOs may be the black sheep, but
punishing all NGOs which genuinely work for upliftment of the poor and voiceless is a retrograde step.
The government with the help of civil society should weed out such organisations and collaborate with other civil
society groups in promoting the welfare of its citizens.
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DEFENCE
1. GSAT-6 (GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched GSAT-6 communication satellite on 28
th
August, 2015by GSLV – D6 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle).
GSAT SATELLITES
GSAT-6 is the 25th geostationary communication satellite of India built by ISRO and 12th in the GSAT series. It
provides communication through five spot beams in S-band Antenna of 6 m diameter. This is the largest
satellite antenna released by ISRO.
These are communication satellites which are used for data, audio and video broadcasting. GSAT 1 was launched
in 2001 through GSLV.
The S band is part of the microwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum with frequencies that range from 2 to 4
GHz.
ISRO‟s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan now took control of GSAT-6. GSAT-6 is positioned at 83 degree
East longitude.
GSAT-6 carried total mass of 2117 kg, out of which, propellants weigh 1132 kg and the dry mass of the satellite is
985 kg.
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GSLV – D6 (GEOSYNCHRONOUS SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE)
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle was primarily developed to launch INSAT class of satellites into
Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (A geosynchronous orbit is a high Earth orbit that allows satellites to match
Earth's rotation) It is located at 22,236 miles OR 35,786 kilometers above Earth's equator). GSLV is being used for
launching GSAT series of satellites.
It uses indigenous cryogenic engine. It was the second successful attempt of GSLV after GSLV – D5 (launched
GSAT 14).
Cryogenic engine use Oxygen at -183-degrees Celsius and Hydrogen at -253-degrees Celsius as a fuel. The
propellants, at these low temperatures, are to be pumped using turbo pumps running at around 40,000 rpm.
The first development flight of GSLV Mk.I (GSLV-D1) was launched on 18 April 2001, it was carring GSAT 1
satellite. This mission was not successful.
DIFFERENT STAGES OF GSLV:
First stage:
GSLV-D1 used Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as a fuel which contained 125 tonnes of solid
propellant and had a burn time of 100 seconds. The stage generates a maximum thrust of 4700 kN (KN: ratio of
the burn area of the propellant to the area of the nozzle throat.).
Second stage:
The GS2 stage is powered by the Vikas engine and uses liquid fuel: UDMH (Dimethyl hydrazine) and N2O4.
Third stage:
This stage is powered with Cryogenic engine use Oxygen at -183-degrees Celsius and Hydrogen at -253-degrees
Celsius as a fuel
2. WAR MUSEUM AT JAISALMER INAUGURATED BY INDIAN ARMY
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
A historical war museum in Jaisalmer Rajasthan was set up by the Indian Army in august 2015. The war museum is
The war museum shows the astonished bravery of the Indian Army and also commemorate the sacrifice of
dedicated to the heroes of the 1965 and 1971 war with Pakistan.
its heroes displaying courage of exceptional order during the India’s wars.
THE JAISALMER WAR MUSEUM

Popularly known as 'JWM',

The museum has an Honour Wall engraved with the names of the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra
gallantry award winners.

Two large Information Display Halls
1) Indian Army Hall
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2) Laungewala Hall,

A Hunter Aircraft of the Indian Air Force, which destroyed enemy tank columns during the famous Battle of
Laungewala.

The entry to the Jaisalmer War Museum is open to and free for all visitors.
The Jaisalmer War Museum is located 10 km from Jaisalmer on the Jodhpur highway. The war museum at Loungewala
has been set up at the site where Pakistsan faced a humiliating defeat in 1971.
3. INS VAJRAKOSH
WHAT IS THE NEWS:
INS Vajrakosh, the latest Indian Navy station will serve as a missile storage and replenishment facility for warships
operating in the western coast, at Karwar base in Karnataka.
PROJECT SEABIRD
Naval base at Karwar was approved by Government of India under Project Seabird. Under the first phase INS
Kadamba had been commissioned in 2005 and now INS(Indian naval station) Vajrakosh is commissioned.
INS VAJRAKOSH:
INS Vajrakosh is spread out over 600 acres. At the new naval base, The Indian Navy will positioned two aircraft carriers
- INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant. Besides this, it will also have a naval air station that will
base the Boeing P-8i, an advanced maritime surveillance aircraft that is known as 'Poseidon'. The facility will also
feature a helicopter base.
Apart from the Naval Air Station, INS Vajrakosh will be the biggest missiles, ammunition and spares dump on the
Western Sea Board. It will be base that will equip all warships and airplanes.
HOW IT WILL BE HELPFUL?
This will strengthen maritime security of India because it is at safe distance from Pakistan periphery.
It will help to boost the offensive and defensive capabilities of navy.
INS kadamba is the other establishment at navy karwar base. Both of these will be world largest Naval Base East of
the Suez Canal. Bombay, Cochin Harbours are the two major Naval stations in the Western Sea Board but are overcrowded with commercial traffic.
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4. HERON TP DRONES
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Union Government approved the purchase of 10 Heron TP drones from Israel. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will
operate the drones. This will enhance India‟s capability of taking out large terrorist camps or individual targets in
hostile territory with minimal risk
HERON TP DRONES :
The Heron TP drone, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, is capable for flying for 52 hours of continuous flight
at medium altitude levels. This drone also known by the name of Eitan. This aircraft is a newer version of the IAI
Heron.
Israel's armed Heron TP drones are similar to the Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are capable of
reconnaissance, combat and support roles.
They are equipped with air-to-ground missiles that detect, track and take down targets deep in enemy territory.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS:
a.
Capacity: 2,000 kg
b.
Length: 13m
c. Maximum speed: 370+ km/h
d.
Range: 7,400km
e.
Endurance: 36 hrs.
f. Altitude: 45,000 ft
OTHER DRONES WITH INDIA FROM ISRAEL:
1) Heron 1: The IAI Heron (Machatz-1) is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
developed by the Malat (UAV) division of Israel Aerospace Industries. India has purchased 50 IAI Heron in
$220 million. This is used by India to locate trapped survivors and missing bodies near the Andaman and Nicobar
islands.
Main features of Heron :
The Heron UAV is reportedly capable of flying for over 24 hours at a time at altitudes around 32,000 feet.
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IAI lists flight time as greater than 40 hours, and says that it has demonstrated 52 hours of continuous flight.
It has a maximum range of about 3,000 km and can carry a maximum payload weighing 250 kg.
2) Searcher: The Searcher is a multi-mission tactical UAV system used for surveillance, reconnaissance, target
acquisition, artillery adjustment and damage assessment. Indian Army has purchased 100 of the
reconnaissance drones at a cost of $750 million.
Main features of Searcher:
It can remain airborne for 16 hours and has a maximum range of 150 kilometers at the relatively high
altitude of 18,500 feet, making it especially suitable for missions over the Himalayas.
100 Searcher IIs are being operated by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
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ECONOMY
1. BANDHAN BANK STARTED AS SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL BANK
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
A Micro Financial Institution (MFI) Bandhan Financial Services was started by union government in August 2015.
The service is started as a Scheduled Commercial Bank (SCB) and it will be called as Bandhan Bank.
BANDHAN BANK
It is an Indian banking and financial services company headquartered in Kolkata. Bandhan along with IDFC started as a
micro-finance company in 2001, and received Banking licenses by Reserve Bank of India in 2014.
Bandhan bank became the first micro finance company in the country to start operations as a full-fledged
commercial bank. It is also the first commercial bank from Eastern India to get RBI clearance since independence.
THE AIM OF THE BANK

Deepening financial services reach in the country by utilizing the services of the existing players in the market.
THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ashok Lahiri appointed as Chairman of the new bank, and the founder Chandra Shekhar Ghosh as managing
director and chief operating officer.
2. SBI AND ICICI BANK DACLARED AS DOMESTIC SYSTEMICALLY
IMPORTANT BANKS BY RBI
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
Recently in august 2015, the State Bank of India and ICICI Bank both classified as Domestic Systemically Important
Banks (D-SIBs) by Reserve Bank of India. These banks have been identified as D-SIBs based on the methodology of
D-SIB Framework and data collected from banks as on 31 March 2015.
SYSTEMICALLY IMPORTANT BANKS
Systemically important banks are perceived as banks that are 'Too Big To Fail (TBTF)'. This perception of TBTF creates
an expectation of government support for these banks at the time of distress. Due to this perception, these banks
enjoy certain advantages in the funding markets.

This means that these banks in the nation’s banking system play such a significant role that the losses of these
banks should be prevented in any situation.
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THE D-SIB FRAMEWORK

The Reserve Bank had issued the Framework for dealing with Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) in
July 2014. The D-SIB Framework requires the Reserve Bank to disclose the names of banks designated as DSIBs every year in August starting from August 2015.

As per the framework for dealing with D-SIBs, the reserve bank of India will determine a cut-off score beyond which
banks will be put under this category.

These banks will be plotted into four different buckets and will be required to have additional common equity tier 1
(CET1) capital requirement ranging from 0.2 per cent to 0.8 per cent of risk weighted assets, depending upon the
bucket they are plotted into.

Additional CET1 requirement as a percentage of risk weighted assets (RWAs) for SBI, India's biggest lender, is 0.6 per
cent and that of ICICI Bank, the country's No. 1 private bank, is 0.2 per cent.

The additional Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) requirements applicable to D-SIBs will be applicable from April 1,
2016 in a phased manner and would become fully effective from April 1, 2019.
RBI also said that in case a foreign bank having branch presence in India is a Global Systemically Important
Bank (G-SIB), it has to maintain additional CET1 capital surcharge in India as applicable to it as a G-SIB,
proportionate to its risk weighted assets (RWAs) in India.
3. GOLD MONETISATION SCHEME AND SOVEREIGN GOLD BONDS
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
11111
The Union Cabinet recently approved Sovereign Gold Bond and Gold Monetisation schemes to reduce the metal‟s
demand in physical form and bring out gold from Indian households
GOLD MONETISATION SCHEME:
Under this scheme, individuals can now deposit minimum 30 gm of gold in either bullion or jewellery
with banks for at least a year and earn tax-free interest.
The deposits under the scheme can be made in three buckets:

Short term of 1-3 years, with a rollout in multiples of one year;

Medium term of 5-7 years

Long term of 12-15 years.
For short money these accounts can be redeemed as either cash or gold. But for medium term and long term
these can be redeemed only in the form of cash.
Banks will melt the gold and get a value from BIS-approved hallmarking centres.
Interest on the gold deposits will be decided by the bank
This scheme was actually announced in the Budget for 2015-16.
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The purity of the gold will be tested at the hallmarking centres in the country. An XRF machine-test (An X-ray
fluorescence spectrometer is an x-ray instrument used for routine, relatively non-destructive chemical
analyses of rocks, minerals, ornaments sediments and fluids) will be conducted to value the amount of
pure gold.
WHY IT IS REQUIRED?
This move could bring an estimated 20,000 tonnes of idle gold lying with Indian consumers into the economy.
To provide a fillip to the gems and jewellery sector in the country by making gold available as raw material on
loan from the banks.
To reduce reliance on import of gold over time to meet the domestic demand.
This will further reduce the current account deficit as gold is the second major import for India.
DIFFICULTIES IN GOLD MONETISATION SCHEME:
A requirement to declare the sources of funds for purchasing the gold may be a deterrent for this scheme as a
significant portion of India‟s gold is purchased with cash payments.
Less return rate of interest.
Religious, cultural and traditional attachment with the gold.
Conversion of jewelry into molten form.
Government would need to grant subsidies to banks
Banks worry over operational costs.
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SOVEREIGN GOLD BOND SCHEME:
The Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme is aimed at customers looking to buy gold as an investment. Under the
Scheme, there will be no need to buy actual gold as customers can buy gold bonds which will be relatable to
the weight of gold.
The scheme will help reduce demand for physical gold by shifting a part of the estimated 300 tonne of
physical bars and coins purchased every year for investment into gold bonds.
The bonds will be issued in denominations of 5 grams, 10 grams, 50 grams and 100 grams for a term of five
years to seven years with a rate of interest to be calculated on the value of the metal at the time of
investment.
The bonds can be traded on the stock exchange.
The redemption will be in cash only and the depositor will have the option to roll over the bond for three or
more years if gold prices are lower
However, there would be a cap of 500 grams that a person can purchase in a year. Such bonds would be
offered to only Indian citizens and institutions
4. NATIONAL OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY POLICY
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy in September 2015.
WHAT IS THE SCOPE?
India has a huge coastline of 7500 km and therefore there is a huge potential for wind energy. This policy tries to lay
down a roadmap for development of that area and for promotion and development of the wind energy project.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POLICY:
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will be the nodal ministry for use of offshore areas within EEZ (Exclusive
Economic Zone) of the country. National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) will be the nodal agency.
EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE
An exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is a sea zone prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea over which a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy
production from water and wind.
The policy will target 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 which includes 100 GW of solar, 60 GW of
wind power, 10 GW of biomass-fired power, 5 GW of small hydro power.
The policy will provide a level playing field to all investors/beneficiaries, domestic and international.
The development would help the country in moving forward towards attaining energy security and achievement of
the NAPCC (National Action Plan on Climate Change) targets.
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The policy would help achieve the country‟s ambitious targets for renewable energy and accelerate the
development of wind energy. The government aims to add 1 lakh MW of solar energy capacity and 60,000 mw of
wind energy by 2022.
CHALLENGES:
The PLF (plant load factor) of off-shore wind turbines will be higher than the on-shore projects. The cost per MW
of off-shore wind power project will be higher by 50-100% as compared to on-shore projects depending on the
water depth.
India is already among the world‟s top producers of electricity from windmills on land, with a capacity of more
than 23,000 mw, but extending the success to offshore regions has not made much progress so far. Preliminary
assessments along the 7600 km long Indian coastline have indicated prospects of development of offshore wind
power.
High borrowing costs in India creates obstacle for wind energy sector growth. The project financing methodology
applied for majority of wind power projects are conceived with 70: 30 debt equity ratio, that also with high interest
rates which creates an expensive debt under difficult macroeconomics conditions of India
OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY AND ONSHORE WIND ENERGY
Offshore wind power refers to the construction of wind farms in large bodies of water to generate electricity. These
installations can utilize the more frequent and powerful winds that are available in these locations and have less
aesthetic impact on the landscape than land based projects
Onshore Wind power refers to the construction of wind farm in hilly or mountainous regions which tends to be
on ridgelines generally three kilometers or more inland from the nearest shoreline.
HOW BOTH ARE DIFFERENT?
On shore wind turbine are design for the moderate wind turbine and offshore wind turbine are design for higher
wind speed.
Both types produce the noise but noise of onshore wind turbine cause problem for the nearby human but noise
of offshore wind turbine causes no problem to human.
Because of the moisture available in the area of the installation onshore wind turbines have very low erosion in
them but offshore wind turbine has very high erosion effect on them.
Because of the ease in installation, transportation and other facts capital cost of onshore wind turbine have lower
than that of offshore wind turbine.
Energy production of both types is satisfactory but due to easy grid connection onshore wind turbines have
good energy production but due to highly available wind energy production of offshore wind turbine are better.
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5. CENSUS 2011 ON POPULATION BY RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
After much delay and consequent speculations as well as a few planted stories, Government finally released the
2011 data on "Population by Religious Communities".
MCensus
AIN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CENSUS:
Hinduism is professed by the majority of population in India. The Hindus are most numerous in 27 states/Uts
except in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Jammu & Kashmir and
Punjab.
RELIGIOUS POPULATION:
Religion
Numbers (Per cent of the population)
Hindu
96.63 crore (79.8 %)
Muslim
17.22 crore (14.2%)
Christian
2.78 crore (2.3%)
Sikh
2.08 crore (1.7%)
Buddhist
0.84 crore (0.7%)
Jain
0.45 crore (0.4%)
Other Religions & Persuasions (ORP)
0.79 crore (0.7%)
Religion Not Stated
0.29 crore (0.2%)
The Muslims professing Islam are in majority in Lakshadweep and Jammu & Kashmir. The percentage of
Muslims is sizeable in Assam (30.9%), West Bengal (25.2%), Kerala (24.7%), Uttar Pradesh (18.5%) and Bihar
(16.5%).
Christianity has emerged as the major religion in three North-eastern states, namely, Nagaland, Mizoram, and
Meghalaya. Among other states/Uts, Manipur (34.0%), Goa (26.7%), Andaman & Nicobar Islands (21.7%), Kerala
(19.0%), and Arunachal Pradesh (18.7%) have considerable percentage of Christian population to the total
population of the State/UT.
Punjab is the stronghold of Sikhism. The Sikh population of Punjab accounts for more than 75 % of the total
Sikh population in the country. Chandigarh (16.1%), Haryana (5.5%), Delhi (4.0%), Uttaranchal (2.5%) and
Jammu & Kashmir (2.0%) are other important States/Uts having Sikh population. These six states/Uts
together account for nearly 90 percent Sikh population in the country.
The largest concentration of Buddhism is in Maharashtra (58.3%), where (73.4%) of the total Buddhists in
India reside. Karnataka (3.9 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (3.0 lakh), west Bengal (2.4 lakh) and Madhya Pradesh (2.0 lakh) are
other states having large Buddhist population. Sikkim (28.1%), Arunachal Pradesh (13.0%) and Mizoram (7.9 %)
have emerged as top three states in terms of having maximum percentage of Buddhist population.
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Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujrat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have reported major Jain
population. These states/Uts together account for nearly 90 percent of the total Jain population in the country.
The percentage of Jain population to the total population is maximum in Maharastra (1.3%), Rajasthan
(1.2%), Delhi (1.1%) and Gujarat (1.0%). Elsewhere in the country their proportion in negligible.
GROWTH RATE:
The growth rate of population in the decade 2001-2011 was 17.7%. The growth rate of population of the different
religious communities in the same period was:
Religion
Growth
Hindu
16.8%
Muslim
24.6%
Christian
15.5%
Sikh
8.4%
Buddhist
6.1%
Jain
5.4%
SEX RATIO
The sex ratio among Muslims now stands at 951 females for every 1,000 males, substantially better than 936 in
2001, while among Hindus, it is 939 females for every 1,000 males, a slight improvement over the 2001 value of
931. Sikhs as a community had the worst sex ratio in 2011 at 903 females for every 1,000 males, while Christians had
the best sex ratio (1,023 females for every 1,000 males) followed by STs (990).
LITERACY RATE:
Literacy rate is 64.5% in Hindus, 60.0% in Muslims 90.3% in Christans, 70.4% in Sikhs, 73.0% in Buddhist and
95.0% in Jains.
Uttar Pradesh accounts for the most people registered as 'non-faith' (582,000) than any other state. Bihar, Bengal,
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu all have more than one lakh people in the category.
Hindus accounted for 75 percent of urban-dwelling Indians, and 83 percent of rural-dwelling Indians. Conversely,
the Muslim community, which accounts for 13 percent of rural India, makes up 18 percent of urban India.
WHY RELIGIOUS CENSUS IS NECESSARY?
The constitution of India recognizes minorities and it requires state to adopt policies to help them come up with
the majority. And for such activities, some experts opine that religious census is necessary.
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PROBLEMS IN RELIGIOUS CENSUS:
Religious census for 2001 and 2011 was delayed because of the political reasons. Some political parties might
readjust population of any religious community for their own benefits.
This might lead to communal tensions in the country. More over this is not progressive step.
We are still collecting the data around categories which were invented by the colonial rulers. Each religion has
multiple faith systems and hence we have to find new ways to comprehensively collect the data which would
enhance the effectiveness of the data.
SCs are to be counted only as Hindus. Since the neo-converts to Christianity or Islam don‟t want to lose the
reservation benefits, they are often asked to wrongly claim their religion as Hinduism so that they get the benefits
of reservation.
HISTORY OF RELIGIOUS DATA
Religious profile of the populace is an important socio-cultural and demographic feature noticeable from the first
Census in 1872 till now. The data of religions or religious groups for which information was collected had some
variations in the pre-Independence period. But after Independence, particularly since 1961 there has been some
uniformity in the collection and the generation of the religious data. Besides the six major religions, e.g. Hindu,
Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh, census also collected data on other religious faiths and denominations.
6. SMALL FINANCE BANKS
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted „in-principle‟ approval for 10 companies to set up small finance banks.
OBJECTIVE OF SMALL FINANCE BANKS:
They aim to provide basic banking services to small farmers and micro industries. With an objective to
promote financial inclusion, these banks will focus on small borrowers, low-ticket savings and serve rural areas.
They provide basic banking services like accepting deposits and lending to the unbanked sections such as
small farmers, micro business enterprises, micro and small industries and unorganized sector entities.
WHAT ARE SMALL FINANCIAL BANKS ?
The small bank shall be registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013. It will be licensed
under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and governed by the provisions of the Banking Regulation
Act, 1949, Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SET UP SMALL BANKS?
Resident individuals/professionals with 10 years of experience in banking and finance, Companies and
Societies will be eligible as promoters to set up small banks. Existing Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs),
Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), and local urban bodied (LABs) can also opt for conversion into small banks.
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THE OPERATIONS OF THE BANKS
Such banks can operate across the country as there is no area of restriction. However, at least 50% of its loan
portfolio should constitute loans and advances of up to Rs 25 lakh.
As per the norms, the operations of the bank should be fully networked and technology driven from the
beginning, conforming to generally accepted standards and norms. The bank should have a high powered
Customer Grievances Cell too.
CONDITIONS FOR THE BANKS
These banks will be subject to all prudential norms and regulations of RBI as applicable to existing commercial banks,
including requirement of maintenance of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR).
o
The minimum paid up capital for small banks shall be Rs. 100 crore.
o
It shall be required to maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 15 per cent.
o
FDI is allowed in small bank
WHY SMALL PAYMENT BANKS?
Small finance banks are to expand access to financial services in rural and semi-urban areas. Still there is less than
50 % population under banking services. So, these banks are needed.
Small finance banks will offer targeted deposit and lending products to low-income groups
Most banks which got license of small finance banks were working as MFI(Micro Finance Institution). Micro-finance
lenders, at present the interest rate is 24-26% per annum on loan products. With these institutions turning into
banks, the lending rate may come down over a period of time.
Small finance banks can also distribute simple financial products, including insurance, mutual funds and pension
products.
7. 100 % FDI IN WHITE LABEL ATMS
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Union Cabinet approved a proposal to allow 100 % foreign direct investment for companies to set up white
label ATMs in India.
100 % FDI in White label ATMs means foreign players can invest in White label ATMs without any permission from
Government authority. This will boost up financial inclusion and Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana of Indian
Govt.
WHITE LABEL ATMS
White label ATMs are those ATMs which are set up, own and operate by non-banking companies. RBI has started
giving license to non – banking companies from 2013. Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (TCPSL) is
the first company authorized by RBI to open White Label ATMs in the country. They setup their ATM by the name
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of “Indicash”. Some features are:
Any non-bank entity planning to set up white-label ATM should have a minimum net worth of Rs.100 crore
Any customer of any bank can use these ATM.
24 * 7 facility is available.
Maximum of 10000 rs in one transaction.
WHAT IS THE NEED OF WHITE LABEL ATM?
It will reduce the cost of Banks to open and operate ATMs.
In India there is very low penetration of ATMs. Banks have to perform many functions , so we need an alternate. In
India there is less than 100 ATM for per 10 Lac population.
To achieve financial inclusion, financial services should be provided in rural areas. Currently maximum ATMs are
urban centric. White label ATM required to place two ATM in city less than 1 lac population on each one ATM in
city having population more than 1 lac.
CHALLENGES TO SET UP WHITE LABEL ATM:
Bank account holders are reluctant to transact in white-label ATMs as they do not sport any bank name that gives
a comfort factor
Cost is high to set up an ATM centre, including rental, security, machine cost and others. And these ATMs also
required more transaction to get profit, because 5 transactions are also free in these ATMs.
These White label ATMs companies should set up customer redreesal platform.
8. MERGING OF SEBI (SECURITY EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA) AND
FMC(FORWARD MARKET COMMISSION)
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
Union Government has issued a notification for the merger of Forward Markets Commission (FMC) and Securities
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) with an effect from 28 September 2015.
In 2003, an inter-ministerial task force on convergence of the securities and commodity derivatives market chaired by
then consumer affairs secretary Wajahat Habibullah proposed the merger of FMC and SEBI.
Now, The Forward
Contracts Regulation Act (FCRA), 1952, gets repealed and the regulation of commodity derivatives market will shift to
the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) under the Securities Contracts Regulation Act (SCRA), 1956
WHY THIS MERGER HAPPENED?
Commodity market always surrounded with various disputes like NSEL (National Spot Exchange Limited) scam.
This was hurting the sentiments of investors.
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Common and better regulated market will promote investors interest, Also there was lot of restriction on trading
of derivatives in FMC. This merger will prove ease for investors.
In 2004, brokers of security market were allowed to participate in commodity market but FMC had no control on
them. To control them either shifting of power to FMC or merging is necessary.
FMC comes under Ministry of Consumer Affairs Ministry, while SEBI work independently without the interference
of government. So this merger will lead more autonomy to commodity market.
WHAT IS COMMODITY MARKET?
Commodity market is a place where trading in commodities like Precious Metals( Gold, Silver, Platinum), Agro-Based
Commodities(Wheat, Corn etc.), energy (Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Gasoline) takes place. Forward Markets Commission
(FMC) is a regulatory authority for commodity futures market in India. It is a statutory body set up under Forward
Contracts (Regulation) Act 1952.
WHAT IS SECURITY MARKET?
It is part of financial market which involves the trading of securities like shares, derivatives, bonds etc. It is divided
into two types:
1) Primary Market: In this market first time security is issued.
2) Secondary Market: In this market trading of securities which were issued in primary market were traded. This
is happened on share markets like Bombay stock exchange, National stock exchange etc.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulator for the securities market in India. It was established in
the year 1988 and become statutory body in 1992.
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ACTS AND SCHEMES
1. SEHAT (SOCIAL ENDEAVOUR FOR HEALTH AND TELEMEDICINE)
SCHEME
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The government has launched a pan-India health initiative called SEHAT (Social Endeavour for Health and
Telemedicine) in line with its Digital India vision. This initiative will boost the telemedicine mission in India which
focuses on the use of telecommunication and information technologies in order to provide clinical health care at a
distance.
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF THE SCHEME:
SEHAT (Social Endeavour for Health and Telemedicine)is an initiative in furtherance to Government‟s commitment
to empower rural citizens in having access to information, knowledge, skills and other services in various sectors
through the intervention of digital technologies.
This is launched by GOI in collaboration with Apollo hospitals.
Focus is to provide these services in about 60,000 common service centres (CSC) wherein the medical staff of
Apollo Hospitals will communicate and prescribe generic medicines online through collaboration with Ministry of
Health, by setting up Jan Aasudhi Stores.
CSC will be the catalyst in bringing about a change in educating and providing medical services to the rural
population.
This scheme will immensely help in reducing the mortality rates in the country, as the highest MMR and IMR
has been observed in the remote areas in the country.
Telemedicine can provide rural population access for basic, specialty and super specialty consultations. Since 80%
of conditions do not require a doctor‟s physical presence immediately, they can be dealt with through
telemedicine.
Lessen the inconvenience and/or cost of patient transfers.
Reduce unnecessary travel time for health professionals
CHALLENGES:
The proposition of this initiative looks simple on the paper but the execution might turn out to be tough and
complex.
Many questions arise on the quality of service that can provide with the internet being the only mediator between
the patient and doctor.
In approx. 45% villages still not have electricity and infrastructure.
Illiteracy and lack of technology.
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There are many issue that should be considered regarding the security, privacy and confidentiality of patient data,
in telemedicine consultations How are patients‟ rights of confidentiality of their personal data ensured and
protected.
Legal and ethical issues in cross border consultation.
HISTORY OF TELEMEDICINES IN INDIA:
Many of Tertiary and Secondary care medical institutions across the country, both in government and private sector,
are involved in Telemedicine health care delivery services. Department of Electronics and Information Technology
(DeitY) and Department of Space (ISRO) established the Telemedicine facilities initially in various States in the country.
Under National Rural Telemedicine Network of MoHFW (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) pilot projects were
funded in all states which are now being scaled up under assistance from NRHM.
Collaboration with various medical institutes all over India including AIIMs, Apollo hospital etc.
CONCLUSION: Telemedicine technology can bring revolution to the field of medicine. Using a number of high-speed
satellite and terrestrial telecommunications links, centralization and coordination of resources, and support of
government, can make it possible to reach and access the Indian population spread out in heterogeneous
geography and thus achieve the goal of health for all. India has taken a lead in this field among the developing
countries. However, all the activities need to be evaluated in a national framework, and many issues, such as national
e-health policy, and legal/ethical issues need to be addressed.
2. “SAHAJ” SCHEME FOR THE ONLINE RELEASE OF NEW LPG
CONNECTIONS
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The union government has launched Sahaj scheme for the online release of new LPG connections, through the
portal mylpg.in to enable customers to register for new LPG connections online, as well as make online payments
for the same.
HOW TO USE THIS FACILITY:
SAHAJ facility will enable the customers to post online request for a new connection by filing Know Your
Customer (KYC) form by uploading bank account details and photographs. After submitting the details,
customer will receive the registration number to know the new connection status. Later, customer can opt for
offline or online mode of payment for the new connection. Once payment is done, electronic subscription voucher will
be mailed to the new customer. Later distributor will do physical delivery of the gas cylinder, regulator with hose pipe.
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MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SCHEME:
The scheme has been launched in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai,
Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna and Pune.
This scheme is on the line of achieving “Digital Mission” programme.
All state-run fuel retailers would be joining the e-tail bandwagon with a web-based system for selling new LPG
connections. The new system would be available on the websites of each oil company and the government's LPG
portal, Pahal.
OTHER LPG RELATED SCHEME
PAHAL Scheme
This is Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme for LPG subsidy initially launched on 1 June 2013.
Under the scheme, the subsidy on LPG cylinders would be credited directly to consumers' Aadhar-linked bank
accounts All Aadhar-linked domestic LPG consumers would get an advance in their bank account as soon as
they book the first subsidized cylinder before delivery. So, to avail this scheme bank account number is
compulsory, it can be Aadhar linked or not. Consumers receiving subsidies without an Aadhar number must
either present their bank account details to their LPG distributor, who will record it in the LPG database, or
must present their 17 digit LPG consumer ID to their bank
Subsidy up to 12 cylinders per year is provided under this scheme.
The PaHaL scheme was accompanied by a "Give It Up" campaign requesting people to voluntarily give up their
LPG subsidy, if they could afford to do so.
3. ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP) SCHEME
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Union Government in September 2015 announced One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for ex-servicemen.
The scheme was pending for nearly four decades.
WHAT IS OROP?
OROP implies uniform pension for Armed Forces personnel retiring at the same rank with the same length of service,
irrespective of their date of retirement. This is accepted by the government of India. Under this Scheme:
The benefit will be given with effect from 1st July, 2014.
Arrears will be paid in four half-yearly instalments. All widows, including war widows, will be paid arrears in
one instalment.
Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners retiring in the same rank and with the same length of service as the
average of minimum and maximum pension in 2013. Those drawing pensions above the average will be protected.
Currently if colonel is retired in 1996. Then his pension decided on the basis 1996 year for whole life.
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Personnel who voluntarily retire will not be covered under the OROP scheme.
In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years.
WHY IT IS REQUIRED?
1. 88% of military personnel retire between 35 and 37 years of age. These personnel have given their best years
to safeguard the nation and when they leave, they often find new job opportunities. OROP will boost their
confidence and morale.
2. The implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit 600,000 widows and a large number of decorated
soldiers.
3. Solders with same rank but different retirement year are getting different pension. This will remove this
inequality.
CHALLENGES IN OROP:
1.
This will shoot up expenditure on pension upto 10000cr and will increase every year.
2.
Other government employees also started demanding for same demand.
3.
There are huge administrative costs associated in identifying the beneficiaries and disbursing the benefits to
about 25 lakh ex-servicemen. Also database of all the soldiers before 25 years is not available with the defense
ministry.
BACKGROUND OF OROP
Till 1973, OROP was existed but after third pay commission, MOD (Ministry of Defense) terminated this pension
scheme. But latterly parliamentary committee found disparity between the pensions where officer of higher rank was
getting fewer pensions than his subordinate or junior rank. In 1989 the VP Singh Government appointed Jafa
Committee to implement his promise of „One Rank One Pension‟ (OROP) for ex-servicemen, which was failed to
address this issue. In 2011 Koshiyari Committee was formed on this issue .
Main recommendations of this committee:
This committee defined the concept of OROP as follows : “ It implies that uniform pension be paid to the
Armed Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date
of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the
past pensioners.
The concept includes “bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past
pensioners, and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past
pensioners”.
This committee recommended that Government should implement OROP in the defence forces as soon as
possible.
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4. RAJASTHAN FIRST STATE TO SUBMIT ANNUAL ACTION PLAN UNDER
ATAL MISSION (AMRUT)
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
Rajasthan has submitted State Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
(AMRUT) whose main target is to provide water supply and improve sewerage connections to all urban
households in the state.
There are 28 cities of Rajasthan which are selected under AMRUT mission. This action plan will cover 13 cities.
There
will be website for each city, more transfer of powers to urban local bodies, single window clearance for
building permissions. Rajasthan become the first state to launch Annual Action Plan for AMRUT in India.
AMRUT MISSION
AMRUT is the new avatar of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). But, in a significant
departure from the earlier mission, the Centre will not appraise individual projects.
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE MISSION:

To ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage connection;

To increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces

To reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport
(e.g. Walking and cycling).
500 cities are taken up under AMRUT. The category of cities that are covered under AMRUT is given below:

All
Cities
and
Towns
with
a
population
of
over
1 lakh
with notified Municipalities, including
Cantonment Boards (Civilian areas).

All Capital Cities/Towns of States/ UTs.

All Cities/ Towns classified as Heritage Cities by MoUD under the HRIDAY Scheme.

Thirteen Cities and Towns on the stem other main rivers with a population above 75,000 and less than 1
lakh.

Ten Cities from hill states, islands and tourist destinations (not more than one from each State).
MISSION COMPONENTS OF THE SCHEME:
The AMRUT mission will consist of the following components:
1) Water Supply
Water supply systems including:

Augmentation of existing water supply, water Treatment plants and universal metering.

Rehabilitation of old water supply systems, including treatment plants

Rejuvenation of water bodies specifically for drinking water supply and recharging Of ground water
 Special water supply arrangement for difficult areas, hill and coastal cities, including those having
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water quality problems (e.g. arsenic, fluoride)
2) Sewerage

Decentralized, networked underground sewerage systems, including augmentation of existing sewerage
systems and sewage treatment plants.

Rehabilitation of old sewerage system and treatment plants.

Recycling of water for beneficial purposes and reuse of wastewater.
3) Storm Water Drainage

Construction and improvement of drains and storm water drains in order to reduce and eliminate flooding.
4) Urban Transport

Ferry vessels for inland waterways (excluding port/bay infrastructure) and buses.

Footpaths/ walkways, sidewalks, foot over bridges and facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. bicycles).

Multi level parking.

Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS).
5) Green space and parks

Development of green space and parks with special provision for child friendly components.
6) Reforms management & support

Support structures, activities and funding support for reform implementation.

Independent Reform monitoring agencies.
7) Capacity Building
This has two components- individual and institutional capacity building.

The capacity building will not be limited to the Mission Cities, but will be extended to other ULBs as well.

Continuation of the Comprehensive Capacity Building Programme (CCBP) after its realignment towards
the new Missions.
CONCLUSION
Central assistance will be to the extent of 50% of project cost for cities and towns with a population of up to 10 lakhs
and one-third of the project cost for those with a population of above 10 lakhs.
Under the mission, states shall transfer funds to urban local bodies within 7 days of transfer by central government
and no diversion of funds to be made failing which penal interest would be charged besides taking other adverse
action by the centre.
During the process of planning, the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will strive to include some smart features in the physical
infrastructure components. The details of the Mission components are given below.
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5. PRADHAN MANTRI KHANIJ KSHETRA KALYAN YOJANA (PMKKKY)
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Central Government recently launched Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) to transform the
lives of people living in areas which are affected directly or indirectly by mining.
This scheme is meant for the welfare of areas and people affected by mining related operations, using the funds
generated by the District Mineral Foundations (DMFs).
WHAT ARE DMFS?
DMFs were created under the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 in all
the districts of the country affected by mining related operations.
DMFs are established by state government, and benefit received in DMF will also be spend by state govt.
All mining leases which are executed before 12th January, 2015, miners will have to contribute an amount
equal to 30% of the royalty payable by them to the DMFs.
Mining leases are granted after 12.01.2015- the rate of contribution would be 10% of the royalty payable.
OBJECTIVE OF THE YOJANA:
To implement various developmental and welfare programs in mining affected areas.
To minimize the adverse or harmful impacts, during and after mining, on the environment, health and
socio-economics of people in mining districts
To protect the livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas.
The funds will also be spent on making roads, bridges, railways, waterways projects, irrigation and
alternative energy sources to maintain a healthy environment.
Under the PMKKKY, the government has put special emphasis on several aspects of what can be defined as a healthy
lifestyle. Aspects that get high priority under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana include:
1
Health care facilities.
2
Clean and hygenic drinking water facilities.
3
Development of skills.
4
Education
5
Sanitation
6
Child and women care.
7
Welfare measures for disabled and aged people.
60% of the total welfare funds will be allocated for environmental development and skill development activities.
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Remaining of the funds will be used for other purposes mentioned above along with development of:
Waterways projects.
Railways
Bridges and roads.
Alternative energy sources.
Irrigation facilities for farmers.
Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana will help to move the people belonging to the lower strata to the
mainstream India.
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ENVIRONMENT
1. NETHRAVATI DIVERSION PROJECT (YETTINAHOLE PROJECT)
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The Yettinahole Project has come in for very strong opposition from environmental groups, who argue that the
diversion of river will affect life of people living in nearby area. The Yettinahole project proposes to transfer water
from two tributaries of the Nethravatiriver to the parched districts of Kolar, Chikballapur, Davangere, Hassan,
Tumakuru by lift irrigation.
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS PROJECT:
The Yettinahole project (Karnataka) will pump about 24 tmcft of water from Yettinahole, a tributary of River
Netravathi.
It involves construction of dams and reservoir, pumping of water, flowing of water with gravitational force and
finally filling of lakes which would then rejuvenate 4,289 dry tanks in Chikballapur and Kolar districts, and supply
water to other areas where there has been a drinking water shortage for the last 30 years
The Yettinahole Project has come in for very strong opposition from environmental groups, who argue that the
diversion of river will affect life of people living in nearby area.
ISSUES RELATED TO THIS PROJECT:
1. The quantity of available water is the issue because There needs to be at least 20 to 30 tmc water to fill the 4,289
tanks in Kolar region. But Yettinahole project, which was part of Dr. Paramashivaiah's report, will not provide more
than 8 to10 tmc. So it is not a solution of problem of arid areas.
2. Cost of electricity to lift the water from the Western Ghats and pump it to the eastern districts.
3. The project would lead to massive destruction of forests and landslips. Changing the direction of the river would
have an impact on people depending on it for agriculture and fisheries in Dakshina Kannada district.
4. This project will have impact on fishing. Fishing activity itself will decline, if the water is taken away.
5. This high-cost project of Rs.1000 crores will help one region at the cost of another.
6. Under the Yettinahole project, water is supplied through pipes instead of the water grid canal and this will not
help in recharging groundwater.
HISTORY OF PROJECT:
The project was first proposed by the Dr. Paramashivaiah Committee that submitted its report in 1972. Paramashivaiah
had recommended that 180 tmc out of the 2000 tmc of water available through rainfall in the Western Ghats along
with 80 tmc of water from the Krishna basin could solve the irrigation and drinking water problems of the rain-starved
districts of south Karnataka.
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2. THE FUTURE OF FORESTS: EMISSIONS
DEFORESTATION, 2016-2050 RELEASED
FROM
VOL.-1
TROPICAL
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
A report on the future of tropical deforestation from 2016-2050 was released by Washington-based Center for
Global Development (CGD. The report warns that loss of vegetation will continue unabated, and by 2050, the
world will lose forests equivalent to the size of India, if the present rate of deforestation continues and
conservation efforts are not scaled up.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT

About 289 million hectares of tropical forest will be cleared from 2016-2050 in the absence of new forest
conservation policies. This area is about the size of India.

2
Indiscriminate felling of trees will release 169 gigatons of Co in the atmosphere, which is equivalent to 1/6
th
of
the remaining carbon that can be emitted if temperature rise is to be limited below 2°Celsius.

Loss of tropical forest cover totaled 96.6 million hectares from 2001 to 2012 in more than 100 countries. The
continents of Asia, Africa and South America bore the maximum loss.

The report said, the tropical deforestation rate is likely to climb steadily in the 2020s and 2030s and then speed up
around 2040, “as areas of high forest cover in Latin America that are currently experiencing little deforestation
come under greater threat”.

The report suggests that if all tropical countries implemented anti-deforestation policies as effective as those in the
Brazilian Amazon post-2004 then 60 GtCO2 of emissions would be avoided.
CENTER FOR GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
Founded in Nov. 2001, A U.S. nonprofit think-tank based in Washington, D.C which focuses on international
development. CGD is well known for leading debt-relief programs, specifically in Nigeria and Liberia. It is also
known for creating the program called advance market commitments to encourage vaccine development for
specific diseases.
In cooperation with Foreign Policy, CGD has published the Commitment to Development Index since 2003. The
annual index ranks countries based on how their foreign aid, trade, migration, investment, environment, security and
technology policies encourage global development.
CGD also conducts research within a range of topics that impact global poverty and people of the developing world.
Topics include aid effectiveness, education, globalization and global health, as well as the impact of trade and
migration on development. It also maintains several blogs, including Views from the Center and the Global Health
Policy blog.
Carbon Monitoring for Action (CARMA) is a website produced and financed by the Center that contains a
searchable database that estimates the carbon emissions of power plants and power companies around the
world. Its database is updated quarterly.
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3. TAXONOMY UPDATE FOR 2014
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The taxonomists from eBird India reclassified some of the famous India bird species. The taxonomists gave out a
list of species that includes all species, subspecies groups, hybrids, intergrades, slashes, domestics, and forms.
The names and sequence have been changed and eBird records have been updated in cases of splits and lumps.
SOME MAJOR CHANGES

The majestic Asian Paradise Flycatcher bird is renamed as Indian Paradise Flycatcher.

Bird taxonomists also separated the subspecies found in the Nicobars. The new subspecies has been rechristened
as Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher. It has new scientific name as Terpsiphone affinis nicobarica.

The Purple Swamphen has been reclassified as Grey-headed Swamphen and its scientific name is Porhyrio
poliocephalus.
Taxonomists have split the Scaly Thrush into four species. These are Nilgiri Thrush (Zoothera neilgherriensis) of the
Western Ghats, the Scaly Thrush (Zoothera dauma) of central, northern and north-eastern India, Thrush (Zoothera
imbricata), which is endemic to Sri Lanka.
WHAT IS EBIRD?
A real-time, online checklist program, eBird has revolutionized the way that the birding community reports and
accesses information about birds. Launched in 2002 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon
Society, eBird provides rich data sources for basic information on bird abundance and distribution at a variety of
spatial and temporal scales.
MAIN GOAL
EBird‟s goal is to maximize the utility and accessibility of the vast numbers of bird observations made each year by
recreational and professional bird watchers.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
EBird documents the presence or absence of species, as well as bird abundance through checklist data. A simple
and intuitive web-interface engages tens of thousands of participants to submit their observations or view results via
interactive queries into the eBird database.
EBird encourages users to participate by providing Internet tools that maintain their personal bird records and
enable them to visualize data with interactive maps, graphs, and bar charts. All these features are available in
English, Spanish, and French.
ABOUT EBIRD INDIA TAXONOMISTS
EBird India is an online platform of ornithologists and birders. Each year in august, the ebird taxonomists release the
updated list of birds and their species. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology maintains the ever-changing list of species,
subspecies, English names, and approximate distributions.
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IDENTIFICATION OF THE SPECIES
The taxonomists use the technique of Molecular taxonomy as the tool for identifying species. If two individuals of
a species show genetic differences or exhibit genetic distances in its DNA analysis, such individuals can be considered
as belonging to two different species.
4. SERVIR-MEKONG
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the US Agency for International Development
(USAID) have launched a new joint project named SERVIR-Mekong to strengthen regional environmental
monitoring in five countries of Southeast Asia namely Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
It was launched in the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center in Bangkok, Thailand. Under this project, researchers will
get data for space-based climate, weather and other Earth observation data from NASA and its partners. The main
focus of this project is to host vital issues in the Mekong river basin
MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION ARE:
Building and institutionalizing technical capacity of government decision makers and key civil society groups to
integrate geospatial analysis into their decision-making, planning, and communications.
Strengthening a regional platform to develop and share geospatial techniques and services like mapping and analysis
software.
Increasing access to geospatial data and information for decision-making, both by improving access to existing data
and information and by delivering new high quality user –tailored data, tools, applications, and model.
ABOUT SERVIR MISSION:
SERVIR mission was initiated in 2005 by researchers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville,
Alabama. The first SERVIR hub was launched in 2005 in Panama City, Panama and served the Mesoamerican region
and the Dominican Republic.
The SERVIR program helps governments and development stakeholders in incorporating Earth observations and
geospatial technologies into natural disaster response to improve food security, safeguard human health and
manage water and natural resources.
SERVIR was developed in coordination with the Group on Earth Observations, an alliance of more than 90
nations collaborating to build a global Earth-observing system to benefit society‟s needs
MAIN SIGNIFICANCE:
The project will provide timely weather, climate and other Earth related data to those five countries in Southeast
Asia, enabling them to better address issues such as water management, land use planning, disaster risk reduction,
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management of natural resources and support climate resilience studies including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions.
This will also provide early warning of dramatic changes in regional water, weather, land cover and land use and
climate and food security.
5. GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (GI) STATUS TO CHENGALIKODAN
BANANA
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
Chengalikodan banana variety from Thrissur district of Kerala has been accorded Geographical Indication (GI)
status by the Chennai based Central GI registry.
CHENGALIKODAN BANANA
It is uniquely grown in Chowannur, Pazhayannur, Wadakkanchery, Puzhakkal and Ollukkara block panchayats in
Thrissur district of Kerala.
It is known for its unique shape, size, colour and taste.
It was cultivated in erstwhile Chengazhikode from where it got its name as Chengazhikodan banana which was
later changed as Chengalikodan banana.
GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (GI) STATUS
GIs have been defined under Article 22(1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual
Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement as: "Indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a
member, or a region or a locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or characteristic of the
good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin.
In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of goods (Registration and Protection) Act,
1999.
GI status confers legal protection to these and prevents unauthorized use of it by others. It promotes economic
prosperity of producers of goods and also helps consumers get quality products of desired traits.
Darjeeling tea was the first agricultural product in India to be accorded GI status.
Nearly 200 unique goods are registers in India as Geographical Indication.
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INDIA AND WORLD
1. PETROLEUM PRODUCTS PIPELINE BETWEEN INDIA AND NEPAL
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Nepal for constructing a Petroleum
Product Pipeline which will be built from Raxaul (Bihar) in India to Amlekhgunj in Nepal.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MOU
As per the MoU, the pipeline will be constructed by Indian Oil Corporation from its own budget, while, Nepal
Oil Corporation will invest to develop additional facilities in Amlekhgunj depot.
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will do reengineering of the Amlekhgunj petroleum depot to make it compatible
with receiving petroleum products by pipeline.
The 41 km pipeline (2 km in India and 39 km in Nepal) will initially supply Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene.
It will take IOC 30 months to complete the project after receipt of necessary statutory clearances from
Government of Nepal.
The MoU will promote bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector and secure long term supply of petroleum
products to Nepal. It will facilitate smooth supply of petroleum product from between the two countries. This would
be the first transnational petroleum pipeline in South Asia. It will also help preserve the environment along the
route and decongest the international border at Raxaul.
Earlier in August 2014 during the visit of PM Narendra Modi to Nepal, the Government of Nepal had requested him for
the construction of this petroleum products pipeline.
2. 11TH SESSION OF INDIA-UNITED
COMMISSION MEET CONCLUDED
ARAB
EMIRATES
JOINT
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
11
th
session of the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting for Technical and Economical Cooperation was held in
September 2015, in New Delhi. The UAE team had reiterated its commitment to undertake extensive
investments in India.
The meeting was held during a visit of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Minister of Foreign Affairs of
United Arab Emirates to India with a delegation of senior officials September 2015.
HIGHLIGHTS OF JOINT COMMISSION MEETING
Both countries discussed many political and economic issues and show their interests to go ahead in the respective
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fields. Some of the commitments of the meeting were:
To work for early establishment of the planned India-UAE Joint Fund for investments in the infrastructure sector in
India.
To encourage the investment institutions of the UAE to raise their investments in India, including through the
establishment of UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund, with the aim of reaching a target of 75 billion US
dollar.
To increase the bilateral trade by 60 percent over the next 5 years.
Signed MOUs on cooperation in the areas of Higher Education & Scientific Research; Tourism, Specifications and
Measures, for cooperation between the respective Telecom Regulatory Authorities and also between the
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry.
A general discussion on some subjects like, Trade & Commerce; Investments; Finance & Banking; Energy, Hydrocarbons, Petrochemicals & Fertilizers; Defense and Space; Transport, and Civil Aviation etc.
An India-UAE Joint Business Council was inaugurated by the two Foreign Ministers
THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The United Arab Emirates also called as the Emirates or the UAE is a country located in the southeast end of the
Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south, as well as
sharing sea borders with Qatar and Iran.
Established in December 1971, the country is a federation of seven emirates namely: Abu Dhabi (the capital),
Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Islam is the official religion of the UAE,
and Arabic is the official language, although English is widely used.
th
th
The UAE's oil reserves are the 7 largest in the world, while its natural gas reserves are the world's 17 largest.
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3. USITC EXTENDED ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON INDIAN PRESERVED
MUSHROOMS FOR 5 YEARS
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) extended the anti-dumping duty on Indian preserved
mushrooms for another five years.
The extension was done as part of extension of anti-dumping duty orders on preserved mushrooms from Chile, China,
India, and Indonesia. The anti-dumping duty was imposed on preserved mushrooms from these nations on 3
February 2015 and was suppose to end on 14 August 2015.
The USITC decided to extend the ban on import of preserved mushrooms from these nations after it found that
revoking the anti-dumping duty orders would lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably
foreseeable time.
WHAT ARE PRESERVED MUSHROOMS?
It refers to mushrooms that have been prepared or preserved by cleaning, blanching, and sometimes slicing
and cutting. Mushrooms are very nutritious, rich in proteins, fibre and have folic acid content that is uncommon in
vegetables and amino acids which are usually absent in cereals.
IMPACT OF THE EXTENSION
It is likely to impact domestic exporters as the US is a major export destination for India.
In 2014-15, India exported mushrooms worth 16.08 million dollars and during April-May this fiscal the exports
aggregated at 1.63 million dollars.
Indian mushrooms are exported to the U.S., UAE, Russia and Israel. Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir are the major states which are producing the commodity. Solan in
Himachal Pradesh is popular as 'Mushroom City of India'.
WHAT IS ANTI-DUMPING DUTY?
Dumping is said to occur when the goods are exported by a country to another country at a price lower than its
normal value. This is an unfair trade practice which can have a distortive effect on international trade.
Thus anti-dumping is duty imposed by government on imported products which have prices less than their
normal values or domestic price. It provides relief to the domestic industry against the injury caused by dumping.
Usually countries initiate anti-dumping probes to check if domestic industry has been hurt because of a surge in
below-cost imports.
Anti-Dumping Duty is imposed under the multilateral WTO regime and varies from product to product and
from country to country.
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4. INDO – US DISPUTE IN WTO
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
Recently India has lost his case against USA in WTO regarding incentive policy for the use of solar cells. India has
launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, where India made it compulsory to purchase solar cells from
domestic companies. As a biggest supplier of solar cells, USA filed case against India in WTO against this.
WHY US FILED CASE?
US alleges that the solar cells violate WTO “national treatment” rules which require a country to treat local and
imported goods similarly. The panel‟s verdict found that India had violated WTO rules and held that local solar power
manufacturers had been granted an unfair advantage under JNNSM.
WHAT WAS INDIA‟S STAND?
It is government discretion to issue any policy which is in favor of countries growth and requirement.
There is exception in WTO where there is no restriction on incentive to local players or on subsidies like
environment concern. So, this decision was taken in framework of this exception.
It helps the domestic development of the renewable energy industry and also boosts employment and investment
in this sector.
The Indian solar industry imports many of its components , So it is understandable that India wanted to increase
its domestic competitiveness.
Indian domestic industry is weak, so it needs necessary support from government.
WHAT WAS USA‟S STAND?
It discriminates against foreign solar products in violation of a core global trade rule. And USA also consider that it.
It alleged discriminated against US supplier.
WHAT DID THE WTO SAY?
The panel‟s verdict found that India had violated WTO rules and held that local solar power manufacturers had been
granted an unfair advantage under JNNSM
OTHER DISPUTE OF INDIA WITH USA IN WTO
One dispute relates to India’s banning import of agricultural products, in particular the poultry and
poultry products from a country infected with the avian influenza viral strains.
One was related to countervailing duty imposed by US on certain hot rolled carbon steel flat products
originating from India.
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5. SECOND FORUM FOR INDIA-PACIFIC ISLANDS COOPERATION (FIPIC)
SUMMIT HELD IN JAIPUR
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
India recently organized summit for the 14 members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).This is extended part of
India‟s Look East Policy.
WHY THIS SUMMIT?
These countries have very large exclusive economic zone, which makes it important for marine resources.
India also wants these countries support for its bid in Security Council.
India wanted to contain China‟s influence in pacific region.
INDIA‟S CURRENT RELATION WITH THESE COUNTRIES:
Recently prime minister of india promised investment and assistance to Fiji during his visit.
The projects offered include setting up of a special fund of $1 million for adapting to climate change,
establishing a trade office in India and Pan Pacific Islands, e-network to improve digital connectivity.
Visa on arrival facility to all Pacific Island Countries.
India increased its aid from $125,000 to $200,000 to each of the 14 Pacific countries for community projects.
During the summit the leaders discussed common areas of cooperation including marine resources exploration, oil
and natural gas, mining, IT, health care, fishing, marine research and space collaboration, climate change, UN
reforms.
FORUM FOR INDIA-PACIFIC ISLANDS COOPERATION (FIPIC)
It is a multinational grouping developed in 2014 for cooperation between India and 14 Pacific Islands nations.
Countries are: Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Marshall Islands, Kiribati , Nauru, Samoa,
Tonga , Tuvalu, Niue , Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
The first summit was held in Fiji‟s capital Suva in the third week of November 2014.
The grouping is part of India‟s Act East policy aimed at augmenting India‟s proactive presence in East Asia and
Pacific region.
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AWARDS
1. INDIRA GANDHI PEACE PRIZE, 2014
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
In September 2015 The President of India awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize to the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO). The award was received on behalf of ISRO by chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar in New Delhi.
INTERNATIONAL GANDHI PEACE PRIZE
Government of India has launched the International Gandhi Peace Prize in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th
birth anniversary of Mohandas Gandhi.
A jury consisting of the Prime Minister of India, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice
of India and two other eminent persons decides the awardee each year. Julius Nyerere (the first President of
Tanzania) was the first recipient of the prize (1995)
ISRO has won this year because of advance space technology and applications
The award carries 1 Crore (10 million) in cash, convertible in any currency in the world, a plaque and a citation. It is
open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, creed or sex.
ISRO
Indian Space Research Organization, formed in 1969, superseded the erstwhile INCOSPAR (Indian National
Committee for Space Research). ISRO maintains one of the largest fleet of communication satellites (INSAT) and
remote sensing (IRS) satellites, that cater to the ever growing demand for fast and reliable communication and
earth observation respectively.
ISRO develops and delivers application specific satellite products and tools to the Nation: broadcasts,
communications, weather forecasts, disaster management tools, Geographic Information Systems, cartography,
navigation, telemedicine, dedicated distance education satellites being some of them.
2. UNESCO'S “AWARD OF EXCELLENCE” 2015
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
The United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) prize 'Award of Excellence' 2015 was
won by India for the remarkable efforts in conserving the ancient Vadakkunnathan Temple in Kerala.
The award recognizes the remarkable conservation effort undertaken at the sacred site which employed age-old
rituals and conservation techniques drawn from vastu shastra focusing on architecture and construction. India
was honored with the award in UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for cultural heritage conservation.
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AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation were established in 2000.
It recognize and encourage private efforts and public-private initiatives in successfully restoring structures of
heritage value in the region. The winning projects have set high technical and social standards for conservation in
the region. They have increased local preservation efforts as well.
SREE VADAKKUNNATHAN TEMPLE
An ancient Hindu temple at the city of Thrissur in kerla. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Inside the temple,
Mural paintings can be seen depicting various episodes from Mahabharata. The temple, along with the mural
paintings, has been declared as a National Monument by India under the AMASR Act.
According to popular local belief, this is the first temple built by Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of
Vishnu. Tekkinkadu Ground, encircling the Vadakkunnathan Temple, is the main venue of the Thrissur Pooram.
Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the temple.
The temple was built at the time of Perumthachan from Parayi petta panthirukulam. It is said that
Perumthachan lived during the seventh century; so the Koothambalam may be 1,300 years old.
Maha Shivaratri is the main festival which is celebrated in the temple. Cultural and musical programmes are
held in the temple premises. Around one lakh temple lamps (hundred thousand) are lighted in the festival. The
idol of Vadakkumnatha is not taken out for procession.
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3. PETER MACKLER AWARD 2015
WHAT IS THE NEWS?
Zaina Erhaim a female journalist from Syria won Peter Mackler Award 2015 for daring and decent journalism. The
award was given for her efforts to train about 100 citizen reporters from inside Syria, approximately a third of them
women, in print and TV journalism, and helped establish new, independent newspapers and magazines in the
country.
ABOUT THE PETER MACKLER AWARD
The Peter Mackler Award honours reporters and editors who have demonstrated a commitment to fairness, accuracy
and speaking truth to power, and a matching commitment to asserting the right to publish or air that story in
countries where independent media is under threat.
The Award was founded in 2008 by family and friends of Peter Mackler who wanted to continue his work upon his
passing.
The Award is a project of the Global Media Forum Training Group (GMFTG), an organization controlled by the
Mackler family, in partnership with Reporters without Borders and Agence France-Presse, among other
international media groups.
THE SELECTION PROCESS

The yearly Peter Mackler Award Recipient is selected by the Mackler family – Camille and Lauren Mackler,
Peter’s daughters, and Catherine Antoine, his widow – from a list of nominees presented by Reporters
Without Borders researchers. These researchers work overseas and have a strong understanding of local
situations in faraway places.

The PMA Board of Advisors studies the list of nominees, and provides guidance and advice to the Mackler family
who ultimately make the final decision. The board meets once a year for a round-table discussion.

Other criteria include whether the journalist has a leadership role among his community of colleagues; whether
he/she has been rewarded before; whether he/she needs support because of immediate danger.

PMA supporters and other members of the public can submit names of reporters for consideration on the website
at Submit a Nominee.
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UPSC IAS PRELIMS 2015 GENERAL STUDIES: QUESTION PAPER
WITH ANSWER KEY
1. With reference to the Cabinet Mission,
(Held on 23 august 2015)
(d) an inter-governmental agency to cater
which of the following statements is/are
to
correct?
ravaged regions
1. It recommended
a
federal
government.
medical
emergencies
in
war-
4. With reference to the art and archaeo
logical history of India, which one
2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian
Courts.
among the following was made earliest?
(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubneshwar
3. It provided for more Indians ill the ICS.
Select the correct answer using the code
(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
(c) Rock-cut
given below.
Monuments
at
Mahabalipuram
(a) 1 only
(d) varaha Image at Udayagiri
(b) 2 and 3
5. With reference to Indian history, which
(c) 1 and 3
of the following is/are the essential
(d) None
elementy
2. Which one of the following National
elements
of
the
feudal
system?
Parks has a climate that varies from
1. A very strong centralized political
tropical to subtropical, temperate and
authority and a very weak provincial or
arctic?
local political authority
(a) Khangchendzonga National Park
2. Emergence of administrative structure
(b) Nandadevi National Park
based on control and possession of
(c) Neora Valley National Park
land
(d) Namdapha National Park
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship
3. Amnesty International is
between the feudal lord and his
(a) an agency of the United Nations to
help refugees of civil wars
Select the correct answer using the code given
(b) a global Human Rights Movement
(c) a non-governmental organization to
help
people
people
voluntary
overlord
very
poor
below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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6. 'BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustain-
(c) determine the powers, authority and
able Forest Landscapes' is managed by
the
VOL.-1
responsibilities of Panchayats
(d) protect the interests of all the border
(a) Asian Development Bank
States
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) United
Nations
10. With
Environment
Programme
reference
to
the
Union
Government, consider the following
statements :
(d) World Bank
1. The
7. India is a member of which among the
Department
of
Revenue
is
responsible for the preparation of
following?
Union Budget that is presented to the
1. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
Parliament.
2. Association
of
South-East
Asian
2. No amount can be withdrawn from the
Nations
Consolidated Fund of India without
3. East Asia Summit
the authorization from the Parliament
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
of India.
3. All the disbursements made from
(a) 1 and 2 only
Public
(b) 3 only
authorization from the Parliament of
(c) 1, 2 and 3
India.
(d) India is a member of none of them
8. In India, the steel production industry
Account
(a) saltpetre
(b) 2 and 3 only
(b) rock phosphate
(c) 2 only
(c) coking coal
(d) 1, 2 and 3
11. Who / which of the following is the
custodian of the Constitution of India?
Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of
(a) The President of India
India are made in order to
(b) The Prime Minister of India
(a) protect the interests of Scheduled
(c) The Lok Sabha Secretariat
Tribes
the
correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
9. The provisions in Fifth Schedule and
need
Which of the statements given above is / are
requires the import of
(d) All of the above
also
(d) The Supreme court of India
(b) determine the boundaries between
States
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CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION—2015-16
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12. Consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only
1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits
Programme
was
launched
during
1996-97 to provide loan assistance to
poor fanners.
2. The
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 5
15. 'Basel III Accord' or simply 'Basel III',
Command
Area
Development
often seen in the news, seeks to
Programme was launched in 1974-75
(a) develop national strategies for the
for the development of water-use
conservation and sustainable use of
efficiency.
biological diversity
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(b) improve banking sector's ability to
deal with financial and economic stress
(a) 1 only
and improve risk management
(b) 2 only
(c) reduce the greenhouse gas emissions
(c) Both 1 and 2
but places a heavier
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
developed countries
13. The
VOL.-1
Genetic
Engineering
Appraisal
burden on
(d) transfer technology from developed
Committee is constituted under the
Countries to poor countries to enable
(a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
them
(b) Geographical Indications of Goods
chlorofluorocarbons
(Registration
and
Protection)
Act,
1999
replace
the
in
use
of
refrigeration
with harmless chemicals
16. Consider the following statements
(c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
14. In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an
initiative of six countries, which of the
following
to
is/are
not
a
participant/
o
1. The winds which blow between 30 N
o
and 60 S latitudes throughout the
year are known as westerlies.
2. The moist air masses that cause winter
rains in North-Western region of India
participants?
are
part
1. Bangladesh
Which of the statements given above
2. Cambodia
is/are correct?
3. China
(a) 1 only
4. Myanmar
(b) 2 only
5. Thailand
(c) Both 1 and 2
Select the correct answer using the code given
of
westerlies.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
below.
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17. With reference to 'Indian Ocean Rim
20. Tides occur in the oceans and seas due
Association for Regional Cooperation
to which among the following?
(IOR-ARC)',
1. Gravitational force of the Sun
consider
the
following
VOL.-1
statements:
2. Gravitational force of the Moon
1. It was established very recently in
3. Centrifugal force of the Earth
response to incidents of piracy and
Select the correct answer using the code given
accidents of oil spills.
below.
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime
(a) 1 only
security only.
(b) 2 and 3 only
Which of the statements given above
(c) 1 and 3 only
is / are correct?
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 only
21. In which of the following activities are
(b) 2 only
Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites
(c) Both 1 and 2
used?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Assessment of crop productivity
18. Which one of the following movements
2. Locating groundwater resources
has contributed to a split in the Indian
3. Mineral exploration
National
the
4. Telecommunications
and
5. Traffic studies
Congress
emergence
of
resulting
'moderates'
in
'extremists'?
Select the correct answer using the code given
(a) Swadeshi Movement
below.
(b) Quit India Movement
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) Non-Cooperation Movement
(b) 4 and 5 only
(d) Civil Disobedience Movement
(c) 1 and 2 only
19. In a particular region in India, the local
people train the roots of living trees
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
22. Consider the following States
into robust bridges across the streams.
1. Arunachal Pradesh
As the time passes, these bridges
2. Himachal Pradesh
become stronger. These unique 'living
3. Mizoram
root bridges' are found in
In which of the above States do 'Tropical Wet
(a) Meghalaya
Evergreen Forests' occur?
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(a) 1 only
(c) Jharkhand
(b) 2 and 3 only
(d) Tamil Nadu
(c) 1 and 3 only
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CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION—2015-16
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(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
23. The term 'IndARC', sometimes seen in
the news, is the name of
(a) an
indigenously
developed
radar
the countries of Indian Ocean Rim
India in Antarctic region
Partnership
to
Facility',
observatory
to
is
a
global
reference
to
an
organization
'Forest
Carbon
which
of
partnership
of
the
following
statements
is/are
correct?
1. It
the
following statements is/ are correct?
1. It
26. With
known as „Birdlife International‟, which
scientifically study the Arctic region
reference
(c) Bhojpuri
(d) Assamese
(c) a scientific establishment set up by
24. With
(a) Odia
(b) Konkani
(b) India's satellite to provide services to
underwater
25. Which one of the following was given
classical language status recently?
system inducted into Indian Defence
(d) India‟s
VOL.-1
is
a
Global
Partnership
of
Conservation Organizations.
2. The concept of „biodiversity hotspots‟
of
governments, businesses, civil society
originated from this organization.
3. It identifies the sites known/referred to
and indigenous peoples.
as „Important Bird and Biodiversity
2. It provides financial aid to universities,
Areas‟.
individual scientists and institutions
Select the correct answer using the code given
involved in scientific forestry research
below.
to develop eco-friendly and climate
(a) 1 only
adaptation
(b) 2 and 3 only
technologies
for
sustainable forest management.
(c) 1 and 3 only
3. It assists the countries in their 'REDD+
(Reducing
Deforestation
Emissions
and
(d) 1, 2 and 3
from
27. Which one of the following countries of
Forest
South-West Asia does not open out to
Degradation+)' efforts by providing
the Mediterranean Sea?
them with financial and technical
(a) Syria
assistance.
(b) Jordan
Select the correct answer using the code given
(c) Lebanon
below.
(d) Lsrael
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
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28. In India, in which one of the following
(a) Savannah
types of forests is teak a dominant tree
(b) Equatorial
species?
(c) Monsoon
(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(d) Mediterranean
(b) Tropical rain forest
VOL.-1
31. With reference to Indian economy,
(c) Tropical thorn scrub forest
consider the following statements:
(d) Temperate forest with grasslands
1. The rate of growth of Real Gross
29. 'Beijing Declaration and Platform for
Domestic
Action', often seen in the news, is
Product
has
steadily
increased in the last decade.
(a) a strategy to tackle the regional
2. The
Gross
Domestic
Product
at
terrorism, an outcome of a meeting of
market prices (in rupees) has steadily
the
increased
Shanghai
Cooperation
Organization
(b) a plan of
action for
an
deliberations
sustainable
outcome
of
the
of
agenda
correct?
(a) 1 only
Asia-Pacific
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
for
women's
empowerment, an outcome of a World
Conference convened by the United
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
32. Consider the following statements :
1. The Legislative Council of a State in
Nations
(d) a
strategy
last
Which of the statements given above is/are
the
Economic Forum
(c) an
the
decade.
economic growth in the Asia-Pacific
Region,
in
India can be larger in size than half of
to
combat
wildlife
the
trafficking, a declaration of the East
Asia Summit
Legislative
Assembly
of
that
particular State
2. The Governor of a State nominates the
30. "Each day is more or less the same, the
Chairman of Legislative Council of that
morning is clear and bright with a sea
particular State.
breeze; as the Sun climbs high in the
Which of the statements given above is/are
sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form,
correct?
then rain comes with thunder and
(a) 1 only
lightning. But rain is soon over." Which
(b) 2 only
of the following regions is described in
(c) Both 1 and 2
the above passage?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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33. "To
uphold
and
protect
the
36. With reference to Indian economy,
Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of
consider the following
India" is a provision made in the
1. Bank rate
(a) Preamble of the Constitution
2. Open market operations
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
3. Public debt
(c) Fundamental Rights
4. Public revenue
(d) Fundamental Duties
34. Which one of the following is the best
Which
of
the
(a) 1 only
(a) A community of organisms interacting
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(b) That part of the Earth which is
inhabited by living organisms.
(c) A community of organisms together
above
is/are
component/
components of Monetary Policy?
description of the term 'ecosystem'?
with one another.
VOL.-1
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 1, 3 and 4
37. With reference to inflation in India,
which of the following statements is
with the environment in which they
correct?
live
(a) Controlling the inflation in India is the
(d) The flora and fauna of a geographical
area
35. The fundamental object of Panchayati
Raj system is to ensure which among
the following?
1. People's participation in development
2. Political accountability
3. Democratic decentralization
4. Financial mobilization
responsibility of the Government of
India only
(b) The Reserve Bank of India has no role
in controlling the inflation
(c) Decreased money circulation helps in
controlling the inflation
(d) Increased money circulation helps in
controlling the inflation
38. Consider the following countries
Select the correct answer using the code given
1. China
below.
2. France
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
3. India
(b) 2 and 4 only
4. Israel
(c) 1 and 3 only
5. Pakistan
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons
States as recognized by the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly
known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
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CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION—2015-16
CURRENT AFFAIRS
(NPT)?
VOL.-1
(a) AIDS
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) Bird flu
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) Dengue
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) Swine flu
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
43. With reference to bio-toilets used by
39. The ideal of Welfare State' in the Indian
the
Indian
Railways,
consider
the
Constitution is enshrined in its
following statements:
(a) Preamble
1. The decomposition of human waste in
(b) Directive Principles of State Policy
the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal
(c) Fundamental Rights
inoculum.
(d) Seventh Schedule
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the
40. The substitution of steel for wooden
only
end
products
in
this
ploughs in agricultural production is an
decomposition which are released into
example of
the atmosphere.
(a) labour-augmenting
technological
progress
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(b) capital-augmenting
technological
progress
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) capital-reducing
technological
progress
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) None of the above
44. The problem of international liquidity is
41. There is a Parliamentary System of
related to the non-availability of
Government in India because the
(a) goods and services
(a) Lok Sabha is elected directly by the
(b) gold and silver
people
(b) Parliament
(c) dollars and other hard currencies
can
amend
the
Constitution
(d) exportable surplus
45. With reference to 'fuel cells' in which
(c) Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved
hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used
(d) Council of Ministers is responsible to
to generate electricity. Consider the
the Lok Sabha
following statements:
42. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the
the news with reference to which one of
fuel cell emits heat and water as by-
the following diseases?
products.
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VOL.-1
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering
(d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in village
buildings and not for small devices like
and providing them technology and
laptop computers.
finance to set up seed companies
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the
form of Alternating Current (AC).
48. There has been a persistent deficit
budget year after year. Which of the
Which of the statements given above is / are
following actions can be taken by the
correct?
government to reduce the deficit?
(a) 1 only
1. Reducing revenue expenditure
(b) 2 and 3 only
2. Introducing new welfare schemes
(c) 1 and 3 only
3. Rationalizing subsidies
(d) 1, 2 and 3
4. Expanding industries
46. Kalamkari painting refers to
Select the correct answer using the code given
(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South
India
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo
handicrafts in North-East India
(c) a
block-painted
woollen
cloth
in
North-Western India
of
the
(d) 1,2,3 and 4
49. Which of the following has/have been
(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in
one
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
Western Himalayan region of India
47. Which
below.
accorded
'Geographical
Indication'
status?
following
best
1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
describes the main objective of 'Seed
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
Village Concept'?
3. Tirupathi Laddu
(a) Encouraging the farmers to use their
own farm seeds and discouraging
them to buy the seeds from others
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
(a) 1 only
(b) Involving the farmers for training in
(b) 2 and 3 only
quality seed production and thereby
(c) 1 only 3 only
to make available quality seeds to
(d) 1, 2 and 3
others
at
appropriate
time
and
affordable cost
(c) Earmarking some villages exclusively
for the production of certified seeds
50. With reference to the Indian Renewable
Energy Development Agency Limited
(IREDA),
which
of
the
following
statements is/are correct?
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CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION—2015-16
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1. It is a Public Limited Government
Company.
53. The 'Fortaleza Declaration', recently in
the news, is related to the affairs of
2. It is a Non - Banking Financial
Company.
(a) ASEAN
(b) BRICS
Select the correct answer using the code given
(c) OECD
below.
(d) WTO
(a) 1 only
54. A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a
(b) 2 only
country
(c) Both 1 and 2
following?
(d) Neither 1 or 2
1. Slowing economic growth rate
51. 'Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana' has
at cheaper interest rates
of
in backward areas
Select the correct answer using the code given
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) promoting financial inclusion in the
country
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
financial
help
to
the
marginalized communities
reference
to
the
Commission,
55. In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern
Pacific regions in tropical latitudes,
Fourteenth
which
of
the
cyclone does not originate. What is the
reason?
following statements is/ are correct?
(a) Sea surface temperatures are low
1. It has increased the share of States in
(b) Inter-Tropical
the central divisible pool from 32
percent to 42 percent.
2. It
has
the
below.
(b) promoting women's Self-Help Groups
Finance
which
income
(a) providing housing loan to poor people
(d) providing
indicates
2. Less equitable distribution of national
been launched for
52. With
VOL.-1
made
recommendations
concerning sector-specific grants.
Convergence
Zone
seldom occurs
(c) Coriolis force is too weak
(d) Absence of land in those regions
56. Which one of the following pairs of
Select the correct answer using the code given
States
of
India
indicates
below.
easternmost and westernmost State?
(a) 1 only
(a) Assam and Rajasthan
(b) 2 only
(b) Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Assam and Gujarat
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat
the
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57. Consider
the
following
statements
Technology
regarding the Directive Principles of
State Policy:
under
the
VOL.-1
Central
Government.
2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the
1. The Principles spell out the socio-
highly advanced scientific research in
economic democracy in the country.
India's premier scientific institutions in
2. The provisions contained in these
collaboration with highly advanced
Principles are not enforceable by any
court.
foreign scientific institutions.
Select the correct answer using the code given
Which of the statements given above is / are
correct?
below.
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
61. What can be the impact of excessive /
58. In the 'Index of Eight Core Industries',
inappropriate
use
of
which one of the following is given the
fertilizers in agriculture?
highest weight?
1. Proliferation
(a) Coal production
of
nitrogenous
nitrogen-fixing
microorganisms in soil can occur.
(b) Electricity generation
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take
(c) Fertilizer production
place.
(d) Steel production
3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-
59. Which of the following National Parks is
water can occur.
unique in being a swamp with floating
Select the correct answer using the code given
vegetation
below.
that
supports
a
rich
biodiversity?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(a) Bhitarkanika National Park
(b) 2 only
(b) Keibul Lamjao National Park
(c) 2 and 3 only
(c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Sultanpur National Park
62. With reference to the International
60. Which of the following statements
is/are
correct
regarding
National
Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural
Resources
(IUCN)
and
the
Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)?
Convention on International Trade in
1. NIF is an autonomous body of the
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Department
of
Science
and
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Flora (CITES), which of the following
VOL.-1
(d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near
statements is/are correct?
the equator
1. IUCN is an organ of the United
Nations and CITES is an international
agreement between governments.
65. Consider the following pairs:
Place of Pilgrimage
1. Srisailam
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects
around the world to better manage
natural environments.
Location
: Nallamala Hills
2. Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills
3. Pushkar
:
Mahadeo Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
3. CITES is legally binding on the States
matched?
that have joined it, but this Convention
(a) 1 only
does not take the place of national
(b) 2 and 3 only
laws.
(c) 1 and 3 only
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
66. With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha,
(a) 1 only
which of the following statements is/
(b) 2 and 3 only
are correct?
(c) 1 and 3 only
1. The Rowlatt Act was based on the
(d) 1, 2 and 3
recommendations
63. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)
of sugarcane is approved by the
(a) Cabinet
Committee
on
'Sedition
Committee'.
Economic
to utilize the Home Rule League.
3. Demonstrations against the arrival of
(b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and
Simon Commission coincided with
Prices
Rowlatt Satyagraha.
of
Marketing
and
Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture
(d) Agricultural
the
2. In Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried
Affairs
(c) Directorate
of
Produce
Market
Committee
64. What explains the eastward flow of the
equatorial counter-current?
(a) The Earth's rotation on its axis
(b) Convergence of the two equatorial
currents
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
67. Among
the
following,
which
were
frequently mentioned in the news for
the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?
(c) Difference in salinity of water
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CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION—2015-16
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(a) Syria and Jordan
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
(b) 2 only
(c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea
(c) 1 and 3
(d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam
(d) 3 only
68. With reference to 'fly ash' produced by
70. Who
of
the
following
VOL.-1
was/were
the power plants using coal as fuel,
economic critic/ critics of colonialism in
which of the following statements is/are
India?
correct?
1. Dadabhai Naoroji
1. Fly ash can be used in the production
2. G. Subramania Iyer
of bricks for building construction.
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement
for some of the Portland cement
concrete.
3. R. C. Dutt
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
(a) 1 only
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide
(b) 1 and 2 only
and calcium oxide only, and does not
(c) 2 and 3 only
contain any toxic elements.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
71. Which one of the following issues the
'Global
Economic
Prospects'
report
(a) 1 and 2
periodically?
(b) 2 only
(a) The Asian Development Bank
(c) 1 and 3
(b) The European Bank for Reconstruction
(d) 3 only
69. With reference to 'dugong', a mammal
found in India, which of the following
statements is/an; correct?
and Development
(c) The US Federal Reserve Bank
(d) The World Bank
72. When the Reserve Bank of India reduces
1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
the Statutory Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis
2. It is found along the entire coast of
points, which of the following is likely
India.
3. It is given legal protection under
Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972.
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
to happen?
(a) India's GDP growth rate increases
drastically
(b) Foreign Institutional Investors may
bring more capital into our country
(c) Scheduled Commercial Banks may cut
their lending rates
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CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION—2015-16
CURRENT AFFAIRS
(d) It may drastically reduce the liquidity
1. It advocated the boycott of British
to the banking system
goods and evasion of taxes.
73. With reference to the use of nano-
2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship
technology in health sector, which of
the following statements is/are correct?
1. Targeted
drug
delivery
is
of proletariat.
3. It advocated separate electorate for
made
possible by nanotechnology.
2. Nanotechnology
minorities and oppressed classes.
Which of the statements given above is / are
can
largely
contribute to gene therapy.
correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code given
(b) 3 only
below.
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 only
(d) None
(b) 2 Only
77. Consider the following statements:
(c) Both 1 and 2
1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
74. In
VOL.-1
India,
to reject or to amend a Money Bill.
markets
in
agricultural
2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the
products are regulated under the
Demands for Grants.
(a) Essential Commodities Act, 1955
(b) Agricultural
Produce
3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the
Market
Committee Act enacted by States
(c) Agricultural Produce (Grading and
Marking) Act, 1937
Annual Financial Statement.
Which of the statements given above is / are
correct?
(a) 1 only
(d) Food Products Order, 1956 and Meat
and Food Products Order, 1973
75. Which one of the following is the
national aquatic animal of India?
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
78. The Government of India Act of 1919
(a) Saltwater crocodile
clearly defined
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(a) the separation of power between the
(c) Gangetic dolphin
judiciary and the legislature
(d) Gharial
(b) the jurisdiction of the central and
76. With reference to Congress Socialist
Party,
consider
statements:
the
following
provincial governments
(c) the powers of the Secretary of State
for India and the Viceroy
(d) None of the above
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CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION—2015-16
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79. Which of the following brings out the
'Consumer Price Index Number for
VOL.-1
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) United
Industrial Workers'?
Nations
Environment
Programme
(a) The Reserve Bank of India
82. With
reference
to
Field
(b) The Department of Economic Affairs
Communication
(c) The Labour Bureau
which of the following statements is/are
(d) The Department of Personnel and
correct?
Training
1.
80. In the context of modern scientific
research,
consider
the
Technology',
It is a contactless communication
technology that uses electromagnetic
following
statements about 'IceCube', a particle
(NFC)
'Near
radio fieJds.
2.
NFC is designed for use by devices
detector located at South Pole, which
which can be at a distance of even a
was recently in the news:
metre from each other
1. It is the world's largest neutrino
detector,
encompassing
a
3.
cubic
kilometre of ice.
NFC
can
use
encryption
when
sending sensitive information.
Select the correct answer using the code given
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for
dark matter.
below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
(b) 3 Only
Which of the statements given above is/are
(c) 1 and 3 only
correct?
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 only
83. The area known as 'Golan Heights'
(b) 2 and 3 only
sometimes appears in the news in the
(c) 1 and 3 only
context of the events related to
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) Central Asia
81. The terms 'Agreement on Agriculture',
'Agreement
on
the
Application
of
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures'
and 'Peace Clause' appear in the news
frequently in the context of the affairs
of the
(a) Food and Agriculture Organization
(b) United Nations Framework Conference
(b) Middle East
(c) South-East Asia
(d) Central Africa
84. Convertibility of rupee implies
(a) being able to convert rupee notes into
gold
(b) allowing the value of rupee to be fixed
by market forces
on Climate Change
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(c) freely permitting the conversion of
rupee to other currencies and vice
versa
(c) two-thirds majority of the Houses
(d) absolute majority of the Houses
88. Which one of the following regions of
(d) developing an international market for
currencies in India
India has a combination of mangrove
forest, evergreen forest and deciduous
85. Consider the following pairs:
forest?
Medieval Indian State
(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
Present Region
1.
Champaka
:
Central India
(b) South-West Bengal
2.
Durgara
:
Jammu
(c) Southern Saurashtra
3.
Kuluta
:
Malabar
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Which of the above pairs is / are correctly
matched?
89. Which of the following kingdoms were
associated with the life of the Buddha?
(a) 1 and 2
1.
Avanti
(b) 2 only
2.
Gandhara
(c) 1 and 3
3.
Kosala
(d) 1 and 3 Only
4.
Magadha
86. Consider the following rivers:
Select the correct answer using the code given
1.
Vamsadhara
2.
Indravati
(a) 1, 2 and 3
3.
Pranahita
(b) 2 and 3 only
4.
Pennar
(c) 1, 3 and 4
Which
of
VOL.-1
the
above
below.
are
tributaries
of
Godavari?
(d) 3 and 4 only
90. Which one of the following is associated
(a) 1, 2 and 3
with the issue of control and phasing
(b) 2, 3 and 4
out of the use of ozone-depleting
(c) 1, 2 and4
substances?
(d) 2 and 3 only
(a) Bretton Woods Conference
87. When a bill is referred to a joint sitting
(b) Montreal Protocol
of both the Houses of the Parliament, it
(c) Kyoto Protocol
has to be passed by
(d) Nagoya Protocol
(a) a simple majority of members present
and voting
(b) three-fourths majority of members
present and voting
91. Consider the following:
The arrival of Babur into India led to the
1.
introduction of gunpowder in the
subcontinent
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CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION—2015-16
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2.
3.
introduction of the arch and dome in
correct?
the region's architecture
(a) 1 only
establishment of Timurid dynasty in
(b) 2 only
the region
(c) Both 1 and 2
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
VOL.-1
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
95. The term 'Goldilocks Zone' is often seen
(a) 1 and 2 only
in the news in the context of
(b) 3 only
(a) the limits of habitable zone above the
(c) 1 and 3 only
surface of the Earth
(d) 1, 2 and 3
92. The
(b) regions inside the Earth where shale
Government
of
India
has
established NITI Aayog to replace the
(c) search for the Earth-like planets in
(a) Human Rights Commission
outer space
(b) Finance Commission
(d) search
(c) Law Commission
is
Rio+20
for
meteorites
96. Who of the following organized a
Conference,
often
march on the Tanjore coast to break the
mentioned in the news?
Salt Law in April 1930?
(a) It is the United Nations Conference on
(a) V. O. Chidambaram Pillai
Sustainable Development
(b) C. Rajagopalachari
(b) It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World
Trade Organization
Panel
on
Climate
Change
97. Who of the following founded a new
city on the south bank of a tributary to
river Krishna and undertook to rule his
(d) It is a Conference of the Member
Countries
(c) K. Kamaraj
(d) Annie Besant
(c) It is a Conference of the Intergovernmental
containing
precious metals
(d) Planning Commission
93. What
gas is available
of
the
Convention
on
Biological Diversity
94. Consider the following statements
1. The Executive Power of the Union of
India is vested in the Prime Minister.
2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio
Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
new kingdom as the agent of a deity to
whom all the land south of the river
Krishna was supposed to belong?
(a) Amoghavarsha I
(b) Ballala II
(c) Harihara I
(d) Prataparudra II
98. Consider the following statements
Which of the statements given above is / are
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1. The first woman President of the Indian National
VOL.-1
2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD,
Congress was Sarojini Naidu.
Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National
Select the correct answer using the code given beiow.
Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.
(a) 1 only
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
(b) 2 OnlY
(a) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
100.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament
and Development for 2014 was given to which
99. Which of the following statements regarding
one of the following?
'Green Climate Fund' is/are correct?
(a) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
1. It is intended to assist the developing countries
(b) Indian Institute of Science
in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter
(c) Indian Space Research Organization
climate change.
(d) Tata Institute of Fundamental research
ANSWER KEY
1.
A
2.
D
3.
B
4.
B
5.
A
6.
D
7.
B
8.
C
9.
A
10.
C
11.
D
12.
C
13.
C
14.
C
15.
B
16.
B
17.
D
18.
A
19.
A
20.
D
21.
A
22.
C
23.
D
24.
B
25.
A
26.
C
27.
B
28.
A
29.
C
30.
B
31.
C
32.
D
33.
D
34.
C
35.
C
36.
C
37.
C
38.
A
39.
B
40.
B
41.
D
42.
D
43.
A
44.
C
45.
A
46.
A
47.
B
48.
A
49.
C
50.
C
51.
C
52.
A
53.
B
54.
B
55.
A
56.
C
57.
C
58.
B
59.
B
60.
A
61.
C
62.
B
63.
A
64.
A
65.
A
66.
B
67.
B
68.
A
69.
C
70.
D
71.
D
72.
C
73.
C
74.
B
75.
C
76.
D
77.
B
78.
B
79.
C
80.
D
81.
C
82.
C
83.
B
84.
C
85.
B
86.
D
87.
A
88.
D
89.
D
90.
B
91.
C
92.
D
93.
A
94.
D
95.
C
96.
B
97.
C
98.
B
99.
A
100.
C
Note: - This answer key may vary 5-8% to the final answer key published by UPSC.
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