IASbaba 60 Day Plan: Day 50- Polity and Current Affairs

Q.1) Consider the following in regard to the powers and actions taken by the National Human
Rights Commission:
1) NHRC has wide-ranging powers to investigate, recommend prosecutions, and award
compensations for human rights violations.
2) NHRC can take any coercive measures and take action against persons or authorities
who do not follow the guidelines laid down by it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.1) Solution (a)

The functions of the commission are mainly recommendatory in nature.

It has no power to punish the violators of human rights, nor to award any relief including
monetary relief to the victim. Notably, its recommendations are not binding on the
concerned government or authority. But, it should be informed about the action taken on
its recommendations within one month.

Q.2) Which among the following statement(s) is/are correct about Cabinet Secretariat?
1) The Cabinet Secretariat functions directly under the Prime Minister.
2) The administrative head of the Secretariat is the Cabinet Secretary who is also the exofficio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
3) The business allotted to Cabinet Secretariat is Secretarial assistance to Cabinet and
Cabinet Committees; and Rules of Business.
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) All of the above
Q.2) Solution (d)

The Cabinet Secretariat functions directly under the Prime Minister. The administrative
head of the Secretariat is the Cabinet Secretary who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the
Civil Services Board.
The business allotted to Cabinet Secretariat is (i) Secretarial assistance to Cabinet and
Cabinet Committees; and (ii) Rules of Business.

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The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Government of India
(Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961 and the Government of India (Allocation of Business)
Rules, 1961, facilitating smooth transaction of business in ministries/departments of the
Government by ensuring adherence to these rules. It assists in decision-making by ensuring
inter-ministerial coordination, ironing out differences amongst Ministries/Departments and
evolving consensus through the instrumentality of the standing and ad hoc Committees of
Secretaries.
The Cabinet Secretariat ensures that the President, the Vice-President and Ministers are
kept informed of the major activities of all ministries/departments by means of monthly
summary of their activities. Management and coordinating activities of various ministries in
such a situation is also one of the functions of the Cabinet Secretariat.
The Cabinet Secretariat is a useful mechanism by the departments for promoting interministerial coordination since the Cabinet Secretary is also the head of the Civil Services.
The Secretaries keep the Cabinet Secretary informed of developments from time to time.
The Transaction of Business Rules also require them to keep the Cabinet Secretary informed
specially if there are any departures from these rules.

Q.3) Consider the following statements about National Investigation Agency:

1) The NIA was created by an Act of the Parliament following Mumbai Terror Attack of
November 2008
2) The NIA deals with offences under only eight laws, which also includes among them the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.3) Solution (c)

Both the given statements are correct and self-explanatory.

Q.4) Which among the following is true regarding the composition of NHRC?
1) The NHRC, set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, consists of nine
members.
2) Four are ex-office appointments serving Chairpersons of the National Commissions
for Minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Women.
3) Two are persons who have done work in the area of human rights.
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IASbaba 60 Day Plan: Day 50- Polity and Current Affairs

4) Three are from the judiciary: a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court; a Chief
Justice of a High Court; and, the most important of all, a former Chief Justice of India
(CJI) who heads the Commission.
Choose the appropriate code:
a) 1 only
b) 1, 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only
d) All of the above
Q.4) Solution (d)

All the given statements are correct and direct factual question (self-explanatory)

Q.5) The National Human Rights Commissions public face and guiding force is the
Chairperson. Consider the following statements in regard to Chairperson:
1) The Chairperson is appointed by the president on the recommendations of a sixmember committee.
2) Only a former CJI or a puisne judge of the Supreme Court are considered for the post.
3) The chairman hold office for a term of five years or until they attain the age of 70 years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) All of the above
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 3 only
Q.5) Solution (b)

The Chairperson is appointed by the president on the recommendations of a six-member

committee consisting of the prime minister as its head, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the
Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, leaders of the Opposition in both the Houses of
Parliament and the Central home minister.
Only a former CJI and not even a puisne judge of the Supreme Court is considered for the
post. Hence statement (2) is wrong.

Q.6) Consider the following in regard to the Chief Information Commissioner and Information
Commissioner:
1) The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner hold office for a
term of 5 years or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
2) They are not eligible for reappointment.
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IASbaba 60 Day Plan: Day 50- Polity and Current Affairs

3) The Commission can order inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable grounds (suomoto power).
4) The Commission is empowered to utilise the services of any officer or investigation
agency of the Central government or any state government for the purpose.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) All of the above
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Q.6) Solution (b)

The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner hold office for a
term of 5 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
The commission is not empowered to utilise the services of any officer or investigation
agency of the Central government or any state government for the purpose.

Q.7) Which among the following statement is/are true about Higher Education in India?
1) Education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution
2) The mandate of determining standards of higher education and research lies with the
centre, as this falls under the Union List
3) States have powers to incorporate, regulate and wind up universities as a subject under
the State List
Select the appropriate option:
a) All the above
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1 only
Q.7) Solution (a)

All of the above given statements are correct self explanatory.

Q.8) Consider the statements related to Fast Track Courts (FTCs):

1) FTCs were to be established by the state governments in consultation with the Supreme
Court
2) The judges for these FTCs were appointed by promoting members from amongst the
eligible judicial officers on ad-hoc basis only.
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IASbaba 60 Day Plan: Day 50- Polity and Current Affairs

3) Under the scheme average of five FTCs were to be established in each district of the
country.
Choose the correct codes
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) All of the above
Q.8) Solution (c)

FTCs were to be established by the state governments in consultation with the respective
High Courts.
An average of five FTCs was to be established in each district of the country.
The judges for these FTCs were appointed on an ad-hoc basis. The judges were selected by
the High Courts of the respective states.
There are primarily three sources of recruitment.
i.
First, by promoting members from amongst the eligible judicial officers;
ii.
Second, by appointing retired High Court judges and
iii.
Third, from amongst members of the Bar of the respective state.

Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/fast-track-court-judgesappointed-on-ad-hoc-basis-seek-pension/article7669652.ece
Q.9) Which among the following is/are not true about Zonal Councils?
1) The Zonal Councils are neither statutory nor constitutional bodies.
2) There are 5 zonal councils (Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern)
3) The Prime Minister is the common chairman of the five zonal councils.
4) Each chief minister acts as a vice-chairman of the council by rotation, holding office for a
period of one year at a time.
Choose the appropriate codes from below options
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3
c) 1 and 4
d) 3 and 4
Q.9) Solution (b)

The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They are
established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act of 1956. The act
divided the country into five zones (Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern) and
provided a zonal council for each zone.

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The home minister of Central government is the common chairman of the five zonal
councils. Each chief minister acts as a vice-chairman of the council by rotation, holding
office for a period of one year at a time.
The zonal councils aim at promoting cooperation and coordination between states, union
territories and the Centre. They discuss and make recommendations regarding matters like
economic and social planning, linguistic minorities, border disputes, inter-state transport,
and so on. They are only deliberative and advisory bodies.

Q.10) Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution?
1) National Development Council
2) Planning Commission
3) Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q.10) Solution (d)

Factual Question All the given bodies does not find mention in the Constitution.

Q.11) Who of the following are part of NITI Aayog but were not a part of Planning
Commission?
1. Prime Minister
2. Chief Ministers of All states
3. Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories
4. Chief Secretaries of All States
Select the code from below:
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 2,3 and 4
d) All of the above
Q.11) Solution (b)

Prime Minister was the Ex officio Chairman of the Planning commission.

Chief Secretaries are not a part of NITI Aayog.

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IASbaba 60 Day Plan: Day 50- Polity and Current Affairs

Q.12) Which of the following actions can be taken by National Human Rights
Commission(NHRC) with respect to alleged inhuman conditions of relief camps for riots
victims in a state in India:
1. Taking suo motu cognizance, NHRC may order independent probe to inquire into
violation of human rights but only within one year of the incident.
2. NHRC may order the state government to make payment of compensation or damages
to the victims.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

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

Q.12) Solution (a)

NHRC may recommend (not Order) the state Government to make payment of compensation
or damages to the victims.
Q.13) Consider the following statements regarding Central Information Commission(CIC):
1. It was constituted through an Official Gazette Notification under the provisions of the
Right to Information Act (2005).
2. It entertains complaints and appeals pertaining to offices, financial institutions, public
sector undertakings, etc., under the Central Government, State Government and the
Union Territories.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.13) Solution (b)

It entertains complaints and appeals pertaining to offices, financial institutions, public

sector undertakings, etc., under the Central Government and the Union Territories.

Q.14) Consider the following:

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Central Body/Commission
1.
2.
3.
4.

UPSC
Central Vigilance Commission
Central Information Commission
Staff Selection Commission

Ministry
Ministry of Personnel
Ministry of Personnel
Ministry of Personnel
Ministry of Personnel

Which of the above are correctly matched?

a) 1 and 4
b) 2 and 3
c) 1,2 and 4
d) All of the above
Q.14) Solution (d)

All the above bodies falls under the ministry of Personnel.

Q.15) Consider the following statements regarding Central Vigilance Commission:

1. The Central Vigilance Commissioner and vigilance commissioners are appointed by the
president by warrant under his hand and seal.
2. They hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of sixty five years,
whichever is earlier.
3. They are not eligible for further employment under the Central or a state government.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 3 only
Q.15) Solution (c)

They hold office for a term of four years or until they attain the age of sixty five years,
whichever is earlier.

Q.16) Consider the following statements:

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1. After Ice Age, Mars pole has become warmer than lower latitudes.
2. After Ice Age, the polar region and high latitudes had become cooler than average on Earth
Select the incorrect option/s from the following:
a)
b)
c)
d)

Only 1
Only 2
Both 1 and 2
None of the above

Q.16) Solution (d)

Refer & Refer2

Q.17) Identify the committee set up to simplify tax administration?

a) Urjit Patel Committee
b) R.V.Easwar Committee
c) Parthasarthi Shome Committee
d) Mohanty Committee
Q.17) Solution (c)
Parthasarthi Shome Committee
Income Tax Return forms should also include wealth tax details
Retrospective amendments to tax laws should be avoided as a principle
The post of Revenue Secretary should be abolished
CBDT and the CBEC should be merged
Use of Permanent Account Number (PAN) should be widened
Ashok Mehta Committee: Committee on Panchayati Raj institutions
R.V.Easwar Committee: To simplify the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961
Deepak Mohanty Committee: On financial inclusion
Q.18) Which port became the first in the country to implement logistics data tagging of
containers?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru Port
b) Enayam Port
c) Port of Kolkata
d) Haldia Port
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Q.18) Solution (a)

Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Mumbai Will help importers/exporters track their goods in transit through logistics data bank
service.
An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Tag) tag would be attached to each container which
would be tracked through RIFD readers installed at different locations.
It would provide the Visibility and Transparency of the EXIM Container Movement by
covering the entire movement through rail or road till the ICDs (Inland Container Depot)
and CFSs (Container Freight Station).
Service will integrate the information available with various agencies across the supply
chain to provide detailed real time information within a single window
Help in reducing the overall lead time of the container movement across the western
corridor and lower the transaction costs incurred by shippers and consignees
Enayam Port- To be developed near Colachel in Tamil Nadu

Q.19) What do you mean by Fly-by-night Money?

a)
b)
c)
d)

Investment in technology
Investment in stock markets in order to make capital gains
Investment in technology and the production process
Investment in provision of services

Q.19) Solution (b)

Investment in stock markets in order to make capital gains
Also known as Hot Money has the tendency to move from one country to other for
quick profit leading to a sudden volatility in the market post leaving.

Q.20) The World Investment Report, 2016 has been released by the
a)
b)
c)
d)

World Bank
International Monetary Fund
AIIB
UNCTAD

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IASbaba 60 Day Plan: Day 50- Polity and Current Affairs

Q.20) Solution (d)
India
10th highest recipient of FDI in 2015
Attractiveness as a business destination: 6th

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