Get.Set.Law January 2024 Monthly Magazine PDF

Get.Set.Law Monthly Magazine January 2024 The Contents CURRENT AFFAIRS NEWS 03 CURRENT LEGAL AFFAIRS NEWS 14 LEGAL AFFAIRS QUESTIONS 18 2 CURRENT AFFAIRS NEWS 1. Cancellation of Registration under FCRA The cancellation of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (F...

Get.Set.Law Monthly Magazine January 2024 The Contents CURRENT AFFAIRS NEWS 03 CURRENT LEGAL AFFAIRS NEWS 14 LEGAL AFFAIRS QUESTIONS 18 2 CURRENT AFFAIRS NEWS 1. Cancellation of Registration under FCRA The cancellation of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) registrations for the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI) by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has triggered discussions on foreign contribution regulations in India. The MHA accused CPR of redirecting foreign donations to support protests and legal challenges against development projects, alleging misuse of funds and FCRA violations. WVI, which received the highest foreign donations among NGOs registered since 1986, had its registration revoked for alleged FCRA violations spanning 2012-13 to 2020-21. The FCRA, enacted in 1976, aims to regulate foreign donations to protect internal security and align with democratic principles. Amendments in 2010 and 2020 refined regulations, including Aadhaar requirements and a complete ban on domestic transfer of foreign funds. FCRA-registered NGOs are monitored by the Ministry of Home Affairs (led by Amit Shah as the Minister of Home Affairs), with recent amendments mandating disclosure of assets created using foreign funds. In India, NGOs can register as trusts, societies, or Section 8 companies under the Companies Act, 2013. The NGO- DARPAN platform fosters collaboration between NGOs and government bodies, promoting transparency and accountability. 3  2. Wild Life (Protection) Licensing (Addi- tional Matters for Consideration) Rules, 2024 The central government recently introduced the Wild Life (Protection) Licensing (Additional Matters for Consideration) Rules, 2024, amending the wildlife trade rules of 1983. These changes, effective from January 16, 2024, mark the first revision since 1983. Notable alterations include the retention of restrictions on Schedule I species, like tigers and elephants, with the provision for consultation. However, licensing restrictions for Schedule II species, which cover endangered mammals, birds, turtles, geckos, and snakes, have been removed without clear justification. The new rules outline factors for licensing consideration, including the applicant's capacity, source of supplies, existing licenses, and implications on wildlife. Concerns arose regarding the exclusion of Schedule II species, questioning if it aligns with the 2022 rationalization of schedules based on endangerment levels. The status of wildlife trade in India, with its rich biodiversity, highlights global demands, and India's position among the top countries for wildlife trafficking. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides a legal framework for species protection, habitat management, and trade regulation, with recent amendments reducing schedules to four and emphasizing protection levels. 4 3. Construction of the Ram Temple On January 22, 2024, the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya marked the culmination of a 200-year-old saga, profoundly impacting India's socio-political landscape. The temple, designed in the Nagara Style of Temple Architecture, spans 71 acres, showcasing traditional craftsmanship with pink sandstone. The timeline of the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement traces back to 1751, gaining momentum in the 19th century with tensions leading to the violent clash near the Babri Masjid in 1855. Legal battles ensued, culminating in the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid and subsequent legal proceedings. The Allahabad High Court verdict in 2010 divided the land, and in 2019, the Supreme Court awarded the disputed land for the Ram temple and allocated land for a mosque. The temple's uniqueness lies in its traditional construction, innovative anointment tradition, and sculptor's contribution. The Nagara Style of Temple Architecture, emerging in the 5th century CE, features towering shikharas and various modes like Valabhi, Phamsana, Latina, Shekhari, and Bhumija. The popularity of Shri Ram and Ramayana outside India can be attributed to trade routes, cultural exchanges, and the transmission of Indian culture by traders and communities. 5 4. Vijay Raghavan Panel on DRDO Functioning The nine-member Vijay Raghavan panel, established by DRDO's focus and expertise, questions its involvement the government, has recently submitted a comprehensive in drone development, and advocates for the pivotal report addressing concerns about the functioning of role of the Defence Technology Council (DTC) in steering the Defence Research and Development Organisation defense technology development. The creation of a (DRDO). The background reveals that a Parliamentary dedicated Department of Defence Science, Technology, Standing Committee (PSC) on Defence and a CAG Report and Innovation is proposed to act as the secretariat for (December 2022) expressed concerns about significant the DTC. Major issues related to DRDO include project delays in DRDO's mission mode projects. The major timelines and cost overruns, lack of synergy with the recommendations of the Vijay Raghavan Committee Armed Forces, challenges in technology transfer to include refocusing on research and development (R&D) the private sector, and limited transparency leading to and advising against involvement in productization and negative public perception. production cycles. The committee emphasizes narrowing 6 5. 18th Annual Status of Education Report 2023 Recently, NGO Pratham released the 18th Annual Status faced by elementary education in India, such as school of Education Report (ASER) 2023 titled ‘Beyond Basics,' infrastructure, the shift towards private schools, teacher focusing on students' activities, basic and applied shortage, and social divides. Recommendations for reading and math abilities, and digital awareness and enhancing basic education include increased funding, skills. ASER is an annual citizen-led survey in rural teacher recruitment and training, addressing dropout India, conducted since 2005, providing representative rates, infrastructure development, focusing on quality estimates of enrollment and learning levels. education, and robust monitoring and evaluation. ASER 2023 highlights various aspects, including The report concludes with an overview of government enrollment rates, vocational training, basic abilities, initiatives related to education, including the National language and arithmetic skills, digital awareness, and Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, Sarva foundational numeracy skills. It emphasizes the need Shiksha Abhiyan, PRAGYATA, Mid Day Meal Scheme, Beti for government efforts to bridge gaps in foundational Bachao Beti Padhao, PM SHRI Schools, and the National literacy and numeracy skills, suggesting initiatives for Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with a focus on increased the 14-18 age group. The report also delves into issues public investment in education. 7  6. World Economic Forum 2024 The World Economic Forum (WEF) is hosting its Annual Meeting from January 15 to January 19, 2024, in Davos, Switzerland. The WEF, founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, is headquartered in Geneva and serves as the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. It brings together leaders from various sectors to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. Initially known as the European Management Forum, WEF has evolved its focus from management to economic and social issues, becoming the World Economic Forum in 1987. The organization is primarily funded by partnering corporations with substantial turnovers. The Annual Meeting in Davos is a prominent event, gathering around 3,000 participants to discuss global issues across various sessions. Throughout its history, WEF has been a platform for key diplomatic moments, including meetings between North and South Korea, discussions on German reunification, and significant milestones in South African politics. WEF also publishes influential reports such as the Global Competitiveness Report and the Global Gender Gap Report. 8 7. Multidimensional Poverty - NITI Aayog The NITI Aayog has recently released a Discussion Paper points. Approximately 24.82 crore people have escaped titled 'Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06', multidimensional poverty in the last nine years. Uttar which highlights that 24.82 crore people have escaped Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have multidimensional poverty in the last nine years. The recorded the sharpest decline in the number of people paper utilizes data from National Family Health Surveys classified as poor based on the MPI. Uttar Pradesh saw (NFHS) conducted in 2005-06, 2015-16, and 2019-21 the largest decline, with 5.94 crore people escaping to analyze long-term poverty trends. multidimensional poverty, followed by Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The Severity of Deprivation The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) (SoD) declined at a slightly lower rate between 2015- measures deprivations across three equally weighted 16 and 2019-21 compared to 2005-06 and 2013-14. dimensions: Health, Education, and Standard of Living, Reduction in deprivation was faster after 2015-16 in represented by 12 Sustainable Development Goals- terms of the reduction in the share of MPI poor out of the aligned indicators. These include aspects like Nutrition, total population. India is likely to achieve Sustainable Child and Adolescent mortality, Maternal Health, Years of Development Goals (SDG) Target 1.2, aiming to reduce schooling, School Attendance, Cooking fuel, Sanitation, poverty in all its dimensions well before 2030. Drinking water, Electricity, Housing, Assets, and Bank Accounts. NITI Aayog, which stands for the National Institution for Transforming India, replaced the Planning Commission Key Highlights of the Multidimensional Poverty Index in 2015. It focuses on a 'Bottom-Up' approach and in India Since 2005-2006 include an overall decline in 'Cooperative Federalism' and engages in various Multidimensional Poverty:from 29.17% in 2013-14 to initiatives and indices to promote development and 11.28% in 2022-23, marking a decrease of 17.89% governance in the country. 9 8. Swachh Survekshan Awards The Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 were recently door-to-door waste collection, 98% source segregation, conferred by the President of India at Bharat Mandapam, and 100% remediation of dumpsites. New Delhi, hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Maharashtra claimed the cleanest state award with Affairs (MoHUA). Indore and Surat were jointly awarded 89.24% door-to-door waste collection and 67.76% the cleanest city title. Indore has retained this position source segregation. The bottom five states in cleanliness for the 7th consecutive year, while Surat claimed the were Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Nagaland, top spot for the first time. This is the first instance since and Tripura. 2016 of two cities sharing the top prize in the annual awards. Key parameters in evaluation included door-to- The Swachh Survekshan, conducted by MoHUA since door waste collection, source segregation, cleanliness of 2016, is the world's largest urban sanitation and public areas, clean water bodies, and citizens' feedback cleanliness survey. It aims to foster healthy competition on city cleanliness. Indore and Surat achieved 100% among cities and improve service delivery and cleanliness. 10 9. Website Blocking by the Government The reply to a Right to Information (RTI) application the interest of sovereignty, integrity, defence, security, has revealed a significant increase in website blocking friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or orders in India from 2013 to October 2023. In 2013, the investigating any offence. Union government issued 62 website blocking orders. Website blocking is driven by concerns related to By October 2023, the number of website blocking orders national security, public order, and adherence to had grown to 6,954. These orders are issued under legal regulations. It aims to counter threats such as Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, terrorism, hate speech, or the dissemination of illegal 2000. The IT Act governs activities related to the use of content. However, it raises concerns about Freedom of computer resources in India. Section 69 empowers the Expression, and the need to balance national interests Central and State governments to issue directions for with citizens' rights to express opinions. intercepting, monitoring, or decrypting information in 10. Concerns over new Hit and Run Law The recent protests by transporters and commercial The countrywide truckers' strike has been called off drivers, particularly against Section 106 (2) of the after the government assured that it would consult Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, highlight concerns stakeholders before implementing the contentious law about the severity of penalties for hit-and-run incidents. against hit-and-run. The government has committed to While the government aims to address road safety consulting with transporters and commercial drivers to and accountability, protesters argue that the law lacks address their concerns and possibly make amendments nuance and may disproportionately affect drivers. to Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. 11 11. 2023 - Warmest Year on Record 2023 emerged as the warmest year on record, temperatures beyond the 1.5°C threshold, which is surpassing the previous record set in 2016. The global a critical target mentioned in international climate average temperature in 2023 was 1.48°C warmer than agreements. the average of the 1850-1900 pre-industrial level. This The onset of El Niño in 2023 played a role in exacerbating increase in temperature indicates the continued impact temperature extremes. El Niño is a natural climate of climate change on the Earth's climate system. phenomenon characterized by the warming of surface Approximately 50% of days in 2023 were more than waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It can influence 1.5°C warmer than the pre-industrial baseline. This weather patterns globally, contributing to higher signifies a substantial number of days experiencing temperatures. 12. Supreme Court Verdict on Article 370 In January 2023, Hindenburg Research, a US-based firm, Court expressed skepticism about the reliability of the made serious allegations against the Adani group. These Hindenburg report, stating that it appeared aimed at included accusations of stock manipulation, accounting influencing the market through selective and distorted fraud, and the use of improper tax havens and shell information. companies. Various petitions were filed, seeking a court- SEBI was instructed to utilize its investigative authority monitored investigation into the allegations. Concerns to determine if the short-selling actions mentioned in were raised about the implications for national security the Hindenburg report violated laws, leading to investor and the economy. The petitioners argued that SEBI, the harm. The Court directed an expedited completion of market regulator, might not be sufficiently competent or SEBI's investigation within three months. independent to conduct a fair and impartial probe. In March 2023, the Supreme Court had formed the The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Adani group and Justice Sapre Committee to probe potential regulatory SEBI, rejecting the transfer of the investigation to other failures after investors suffered significant losses bodies. The court emphasized that the power to transfer following Hindenburg Research's allegations against the an investigation must be exercised only in exceptional Adani Group. circumstances and with cogent justifications. The 12 13. 16th Finance Commission being Constituted The creation of the Sixteenth Finance Commission is in Reviewing disaster management financing accordance with Article 280(1) of the Constitution of arrangements under the Disaster Management Act, India. This article empowers the President to constitute 2005. a Finance Commission to address various fiscal matters. Making recommendations for improvements in the Dr. Arvind Panagariya, a former Vice-Chairman of NITI fiscal structure. Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) and a Professor at Columbia University, has been appointed The Sixteenth Finance Commission has been given as the Chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission. a deadline to submit its report. It is expected to make its recommendations and findings available by October The commission has specific terms of reference, which 31, 2025. include: Distribution of tax proceeds between the Union (Central Government) and States (State Governments). Principles governing grants-in-aid to States. Measures to strengthen State finances for local bodies such as Panchayats and Municipalities. 13 CURRENT LEGAL AFFAIRS NEWS 1. Allahabad High Court Criticizes Lawyers’ Strikes  The Allahabad High Court, led by Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Kshitij Shailendra, has expressed strong disapproval of lawyers’ strikes, highlighting the unique nature of the judicial system that separates it from industrial establishments.  The bench emphasized that strikes in the legal profession cause significant judicial time wastage, harm social values, and contribute to the pendency of cases, affecting the justice delivery system.  The Court pointed out the distinction between Bar associations and trade unions, underscoring that lawyers, equipped with legal means, should seek solutions without resorting to strikes. 2. Supreme Court Reaches Full Strength with Justice PB Varale’s Appointment  The Supreme Court of India achieved its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges with the swearing-in of Justice PB Varale.  The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud in a ceremony attended by other Supreme Court judges and members of the bar.  Justice Varale, previously serving as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, was recommended for this position by the Supreme Court Collegium on January 19.  His appointment, notified by the Central government on January 24, is notable as he becomes the third sitting judge from the Dalit community in the Supreme Court, alongside Justices BR Gavai and CT Ravikumar.  Justice Varale, distinguished as the senior-most High Court Judge from a Scheduled Caste and the only Chief Justice from a Scheduled Caste among the country’s High Court Chief Justices, will begin his tenure sitting with a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta. 14 3. Majority Support ‘One Nation One Election’ in Government Survey  A recent press release by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice revealed that 81% of respondents support the concept of ‘One Nation One Election’, following a public survey conducted by the Central government.  The survey, which received 20,972 responses, was part of an initiative to explore changes in legal and administrative frameworks to enable simultaneous elections in India.  The high-level committee overseeing this initiative is chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind and includes notable members like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Arjun Ram Meghwal, NK Singh and Harish Salve.  The committee has also sought input from political parties, with responses received from 17 out of 46 parties and has engaged in consultations with eminent jurists, former justices and heads of major organizations. 4. Kerala High Court Initiates Digital Accessibility Training for Visually Challenged Staff  The Kerala High Court has launched a four-day digital accessibility training program for 51 visually challenged court staff.  Inaugurated by Chief Justice AJ Desai, the initiative aligns with the Supreme Court e-committee’s goal of enhancing digital infrastructure accessibility for persons with disabilities in the Indian judicial system.  The training includes hands-on sessions covering various assistive technologies, such as accessible reading of court documents, documentation in a digital environment, scanning techniques, and the use of Artificial Intelligence tools for the visually impaired.  The program aims to empower court staff in utilizing technology for improved accessibility and efficiency. 5. Kinadhan Chakma v Union of India and Ors: Review Petitions Challenge Supreme Court’s Decision Upholding Article 370 Abrogation  Review petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging its recent unanimous verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Muzaffar Iqbal Khan and the Awami National Conference, both petitioners in the initial case, have submitted review pleas.  The December 11, 2023, judgment supported the government’s 2019 decision to revoke Article 370, considering it a transitory provision. Notably, the Court avoided ruling on the 2019 law leading to the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. The verdict has faced criticism, including concerns about its impact on federalism. 15 6. Supreme Court directs High Courts to form committees to implement Second National Judicial Pay Commission recommendations  A three-judge bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra directed all High Courts in the country to set up committees that would be responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Second National Judicial Pay Commission with respect to salaries and service conditions of members of district judiciary and for dealing with grievances of judicial officers.  It, therefore, ordered that a committee called the ‘Committee for Service Conditions of the District Judiciary' shall be formed by every High Court in the country. 7. Bilkis Bano gangrape: Supreme Court quashes Gujarat government's decision to allow premature release of convicts  A division bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan quashed the Gujarat government's decision to allow the premature release of eleven men convicted in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case.  The Court held that the convicts who were set free by the State have to report back to the jail authorities within two weeks.  It said that the Gujarat government was not empowered to pass the remission order since the appropriate government entitled to pass orders of remission was the government of the State where the trial had taken place, which in this case was Maharashtra and not Gujarat. 8. Delhi High Court upholds validity of anti-profiteering law under CGST Act  In a judgment running into more than 140 pages, the Court held that Section 171 of the CGST Act, which mandates that reduction in rate of tax on any supply of goods or services has to be passed on as a commensurate reduction in price to the consumers and provides for establishment of the NAA, falls within the law-making power of the parliament under Article 246A of the Constitution.  The bench said that Section 171 lays out a clear legislative policy, does not delegate any essential legislative function and is not a price fixing mechanism. 16 9. "Right to clean air not for people of Delhi alone": Supreme Court on NGT's suggestion to divert trucks entering NCR  A division bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal berated the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for suggesting that trucks heading to an Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Delhi's Tughlakabad be diverted to ICDs outside the National Capital Region (NCR).  The Court said that the right to clean air is not the entitlement of people living in Delhi alone and a suggestion to divert trucks to other ICDs was unjustified and unwarranted.  The observations came in a case concerning pollution caused by heavy-duty diesel trailer trucks in and around Delhi. The case arose after a former executive at the Central Warehousing Corporation approached the NGT raising a grievance against the pollution caused due to the trucks coming to ICD at Tughlakabad. 10. Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023  10. Right to establish minority educational institutes not meant to ghettoize minorities: Supreme Court in AMU case  In this case, a Constitution Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Surya Kant, JB Pardiwala, Dipankar Datta, Manoj Misra and Satish Chandra Sharma made it clear that the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutes under Article 30 of the Constitution is not meant to ghettoise any religious community.  The Court noted that it is permissible for such institutes to admit students from other religious communities too. 17 LEGAL AFFAIRS QUESTIONS 1. The Supreme Court on Tuesday (January 16) will decide if the case against a former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, regarding the skill development scam, should be quashed. A Bench comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela Trivedi heard the case in October 2023 and reserved the verdict on October 17. The Chief Minister was placed in custody for over a month while the case was pending before the apex court. An ambitious skill development programme to promote youth employment and entrepreneurship was introduced in 2014 in Andhra Pradesh. The idea was to set up a particular corporation, which would collect content from various educational courses offered across the country and abroad, and offer courses to students online based on this curated content. An MoU was signed with Siemens India to set up skill development centres, and in 2015, the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) was established. This Rs 3,356 crore project, however, came under fire in 2021, when current Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy dubbed it a ‘scam’ in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. An FIR was filed in December 2021. According to the Andhra Pradesh branch of the Crime Investigation Department at the time, at least Rs 241 crore earmarked for the project was diverted to five shell companies. Ostensibly, these companies were meant to provide IT resources to Andhra’s skill development centres. But instead, the money was allegedly sent to accounts linked to the Chief Minister and his son Nara Lokesh. 1. Which act is applicable to the case of the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's plea regarding the Skill Development Scam? a) Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 b) Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 c) Andhra Pradesh CID Act, 2003 d) Indian Penal Code, 1860 Answer: B) Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 Reason: The Supreme Court's split verdict was on the interpretation and applicability of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. 18 2. Against which Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was the Skill Development Scam case filed? a) Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy b) N. Chandrababu Naidu c) Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy d) K. Rosaiah Answer: B) N. Chandrababu Naidu Reason: The allegations in the Skill Development Scam involve former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. 3. What is 'Prior Approval' for investigation against government officials? a) Approval obtained during the investigation b) Approval obtained after the investigation c) Approval obtained before initiating the investigation d) Approval obtained from international authorities Answer: C) Approval obtained before initiating the investigation Reason: 'Prior Approval' Is the requirement for investigators to obtain approval from the government or a competent authority before initiating an inquiry or investigation. 4. Which act first introduced the concept of 'Prior Approval' for investigating offenses? a) Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 b) Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 c) Indian Penal Code, 1860 d) Andhra Pradesh CID Act, 2003 Answer: B) Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 Reason: The need for 'Prior Approval' is rooted in legal provisions introduced through amendments to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. 5. What is the rationale behind the provision of 'Prior Approval' for investigating corruption cases involving public officials? a) To expedite the investigative process b) To prevent any oversight in investigations c) To balance the need for investigation with protection against baseless inquiries d) To empower investigating agencies without any restrictions Answer: C) To balance the need for investigation with protection against baseless inquiries Reason: The rationale behind the 'prior approval' requirement is to balance the need for investigating corruption cases involving public officials with the protection of officials from potentially baseless or politically motivated inquiries. 19 2. The World Economic Forum (WEF) is holding its Annual Meeting from January 15 to 19 in Davos, Switzerland. Attendees include António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, and political leaders from India, the US, China France and Sri Lanka, among others. German professor Klaus Schwab founded the WEF. He was a mechanical engineering graduate who then earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Initially, Professor Schwab focused the meetings on how European firms could catch up with US management practices. Events in 1973, namely the collapse of the Bretton Woods fixed exchange rate mechanism and the Arab-Israeli War, saw the Annual Meeting expand its focus from management to economic and social issues. Davos brings together some 3,000 participants (including paying members and selected invitees), among whom are investors, business leaders, political leaders, economists, celebrities and journalists, for up to five days to discuss global issues across 500 sessions. Thus, the WEF has become a forum for various stakeholders to meet and discuss global and regional socio-economic issues. 1. When was the World Economic Forum (WEF) founded? a) 1968 b) 1971 c) 1987 d) 1992 Answer: B) 1971 Reason: Klaus Schwab founded the WEF in 1971. 2. What concept did Klaus Schwab introduce when founding the WEF? a) Corporate Capitalism b) Stakeholder Capitalism c) Sustainable Capitalism d) Authoritarian Capitalism Answer: B) Stakeholder Capitalism Reason: Klaus Schwab introduced the concept of "stakeholder capitalism" when founding the WEF. 3. When did the European Management Forum formally become the World Economic Forum? a) 1968 b) 1971 c) 1987 d) 2015 Answer: C) 1987 Reason: In 1987, the European Management Forum formally became the World Economic Forum. 4. Which summit had its genesis at the WEF in 1998? a) G8 Summit b) BRICS Summit c) G20 Summit d) ASEAN Summit 20 Answer: C) G20 Summit Reason: The concept of G20 emerged from WEF discussions in 1998. 5. Which country was the European Management Forum first to engage in discussions with, spurring economic reform? a) India b) China c) Brazil d) South Africa Answer: B) China Reason: The European Management Forum was the first non-governmental institution to initiate a partnership with China’s economic development commissions, spurring economic reform policies in China. 3. A seven-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Tuesday observed that an educational institution does not lose its minority status merely on the ground that its administration is regulated by a statute. “Being regulated by a statute does not detract it [an educational institution] from having a minority status. If the right of administration is regulated by statute, there is no bar to minority status,” Chief Justice Chandrachud observed. The court noted that an educational institution need not offer just religious courses. Article 30 (the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions) of the Constitution does not envisage that the administration of the educational institution ought to be absolutely by the members of a minority community. The administration could be secular and students from any community could get admission, the Bench noted. The Bench was hearing a case related to the minority status of the Aligarh Muslim University. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for Aligarh Muslim University, said private and minority institutions were at the heart of education in India. They are the very soul of secularism in a country filled with diversity, he noted. He said standards of examination and curricula were regulated by the state for all universities, whether they be minority- run or not. The court is considering a reference on questions about the indices for treating an educational institution as a minority educational institution. One of the questions before the Constitution Bench is whether an institution could be regarded as a minority educational institution for the reason that it was “established by a person(s) belonging to a religious or linguistic minority or its being administered by a person(s) belonging to a religious or linguistic minority”. 1. To which college can Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) be traced back to? a) Madrasa-i-Aliya b) Aligarh College c) Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MOA) College d) Jamia Millia Islamia Answer: C) Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MOA) College Reason: The roots of AMU can be traced back to the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MOA) College. 21 2. Who established the predecessor of AMU? a) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan b) Allama Iqbal c) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad d) Raja Rammohan Roy Answer: A) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Reason: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan established the predecessor of AMU, the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MOA) College. 3. When did AMU gain university status, and through which legislation? a) AMU Act 1919 b) AMU Act 1920 c) AMU Act 1930 d) AMU Act 1947 Answer: B) 1920, AMU Act 1920 Reason: In 1920, AMU gained university status through the AMU Act of 1920. 4. Which case held that AMU was a central university and not a minority institution? a) S. Azeez Basha vs Union of India, 1967 b) TMA Pai vs Union of India, 2002 c) Inamdar vs Union of India, 2005 d) Bal Patil vs Union of India, 2005 Answer: A) S. Azeez Basha vs Union of India, 1967 Reason: The Supreme Court held in 1967 that AMU was a central university, not a minority institution. 5. When was AMU accorded the status of an institution of national importance by the Government of India? a) 1965 b) 1975 c) 1981 d) 1995 Answer: C) 1981 Reason: AMU was accorded the status of "institution of national importance" by the Union government of India through the AMU Act of 1981. 6. What does Article 29 of the Constitution say? a) Right to Education b) Right to Freedom of Religion c) Right to Cultural and Educational Rights d) Right against Exploitation Answer: C) Right to Cultural and Educational Rights Reason: Article 29 provides the right to conserve distinct language, script, or culture and protects both religious and linguistic minorities. 22 7. What does Article 26 of the Constitution say? a) Right to Equality b) Right to Freedom of Religion c) Right to Establish and Maintain Educational Institutions d) Right to Life and Personal Liberty Answer: C) Right to Establish and Maintain Educational Institutions Reason: Article 26 grants religious denominations the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes. 8. Which autonomous body was established in 1992 by the Government of India for minorities? a) National Commission for Women (NCW) b) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) c) National Commission for Minorities (NCM) d) National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) Answer: C) National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Reason: The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) was established in 1992 by the Indian government. 9. Which of the following is not part of the six notified minority communities in India? a) Muslims b) Christians c) Sikhs d) Jains Answer: D) Jains Reason: The six notified minority communities in India include Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis), and Jains. 4. An online war of words set off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s posts pitching for tourism in the Lakshadweep islands has dramatically escalated into a diplomatic row between India and the Maldives, worsening the already strained relationship between the Indian Ocean neighbours. What began as a social media controversy over disparaging remarks against the country and Mr. Modi, with one post calling the PM a “clown,” spilled into the real world last week, leading to the suspension of three Maldivian Ministers at the centre of the row amid severe public backlash on social media) The row intensified on Monday, January 8, as India expressed serious concerns through diplomatic channels, against the backdrop of travel industry players suspending bookings to the island nation and Indian users and celebrities trending the ‘boycott Maldives’ hashtag in protest. The latest episode is one of several recent incidents that throw light on the evident fault lines in India-Maldives ties. Bilateral relations have hit a rough patch since Mohamed Muizzu was elected President last year on the back of an anti-India campaign. The Maldives is a key maritime neighbour of India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), located 300 nautical miles from the Indian mainland (West coast) and 70 nautical miles from the Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep. The country’s location holds significant strategic importance to India, especially amid China’s growing engagements in the region. 23 1. With which global superpower has the Maldives recently signed agreements, elevating their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership? a) United States b) Russia c) China d) Japan Answer: C) China Reason: The Maldives recently signed agreements with China, elevating their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. 2. When did the British relinquish control of the Maldives, marking a historical point in India-Maldives relations? a) 1950 b) 1965 c) 1970 d) 1980 Answer: B) 1965 Reason: The British relinquished control of the Maldives in 1965, marking a historical point in India-Maldives relations. 3. In which channel are the Maldives and Lakshadweep Islands separated? a) Palk Strait b) Andaman Channel c) Eight Degree Channel d) Mannar Channel Answer: C) Eight Degree Channel Reason: The Eight Degree Channel separates the Indian Minicoy (part of Lakshadweep Islands) from the Maldives. 4. What is the principal religion in the Maldives, according to historical context? a) Buddhism b) Hinduism c) Christianity d) Islam Answer: A) Buddhism Reason: Until the first half of the 12th century, Buddhism was the principal religion in the Maldives. 5. What is the name of the campaign in the Maldives centered on an anti-India platform, demanding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel? a) Maldivian Sovereignty Campaign b) Diplomatic Reconciliation Initiative c) India-Maldives Disunity Movement d) India-Out Campaign 24 Answer: D) India-Out Campaign Reason: Maldivian politics has witnessed an "India Out" campaign, branding Indian presence as a threat to Maldivian sovereignty. 6. When was the Maldives made a democratic nation, transitioning from other forms of governance? a) 1990 b) 2000 c) 2008 d) 2010 Answer: C) 2008 Reason: The Maldives transitioned to a democratic nation in 2008. 7. What is the deadline set by the current Maldives’ President for the withdrawal of Indian troops as part of the "India Out" campaign? a) 31st December 2023 b) 15th March 2024 c) 1st June 2024 d) 10th September 2024 Answer: B) 15th March 2024 Reason: The current Maldives’ President has set a deadline of 15th March 2024, for the withdrawal of Indian troops. 8. Which country has become a significant source market for Maldives' tourism, accounting for 11.2% of total tourist arrivals in 2023? a) China b) Russia c) United States d) India Answer: D) India Reason: Indian tourists have become the leading source market for Maldives, accounting for 11.2% of total tourist arrivals in 2023. 5. In a historic decision, the Lok Sabha today passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, repealing the colonial era law that preceded it. The Bill has already been passed by Rajya Sabha in the Monsoon Session. The new statute – The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 makes the process of allotment of title and registration of periodicals simple and simultaneous, through an online system without the requirement of any physical interface. Most importantly, the publishers would no longer be required to file a declaration with the District Magistrates or the local authorities and get such declarations authenticated. Furthermore, printing presses would also not be required to furnish any such declaration; instead only an intimation would be sufficient. The entire process presently involved 8 steps and consumed considerable time. Introducing the Bill in the Lok Sabha, Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur said “the Bill reflects yet another step of the Modi Government towards jettisoning mentality of slavery and bringing new laws for new India”. The Minister further added that it has been the priority of the Government to end criminality, improve ease of doing business and ease of living through new laws and accordingly, efforts have been made to substantially decriminalize the colonial era statute. 25 1. Which colonial-era law does the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, repeal? a) Vernacular Press Act b) Licensing Act during the 1857 Revolt c) Press Act of 1835 d) Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 Answer: D) Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 Reason: The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, repeals the colonial-era law of the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. 2. What oversight and supervisory role is introduced by the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023? a) Press Registrar General b) Chief Editor c) Printing Press Supervisor d) Periodical Controller Answer: A) Press Registrar General Reason: The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, introduces the role of the Press Registrar General, responsible for issuing registration certificates for all periodicals. 3. What is the alternate name for the Press Act of 1835, which repealed restrictive press restrictions? a) Licensing Act b) Censorship under Lord Wellesley c) Press and Registration of Books Act d) Metcalfe Act Answer: D) Liberated Press Act of 1835 Reason: The Press Act of 1835 (Metcalfe Act) is often referred to as the Liberated Press Act of 1835, as it repealed restrictive press restrictions. 4. When was the Vernacular Press Act enforced, designed to regulate the vernacular press in India? a) 1857 b) 1878 c) 1910 d) 1835 Answer: B) 1878 Reason: The Vernacular Press Act, 1878, was enforced to regulate the vernacular press in India. 5. Under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, what is the principal responsibility of the oversight and supervisory role mentioned in Question 3? a) Approving periodical content b) Issuing registration certificates for periodicals c) Managing book cataloging d) Enforcing censorship on periodicals 26 Answer: B) Issuing registration certificates for periodicals Reason: The Press Registrar General is responsible for issuing registration certificates for all periodicals under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023. 6. Amid the recent attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea trade route in West Asia, one ship on its way to India was struck by a drone attack on Saturday (December 23), roughly 200 nautical miles (370 km) off the coast of Gujarat. It has raised tensions among Indian oil importers and exporters of commodities such as basmati and tea. The Red Sea attacks have been carried out by rebels, who have been in a civil war with the Yemeni government for about a decade. They say the attacks are to protest Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. While the US-led maritime security coalition has swiftly announced countermeasures, indicating the importance of the route for world trade, the recent shipping crisis in the Red Sea is not the only pain point here. A disruption in maritime transport is a crucial concern for the world economy, as over 80 per cent of the global goods trade is carried by sea. The share of trade via sea is much higher for developing countries such as India. The disruption at the Red Sea route, for instance, is estimated to push the prices of Indian agricultural products by 10 to 20 per cent, as shipments would be routed through the Cape of Good Hope. This comes at a time when much of the West is witnessing higher interest rates to curb inflation. Higher prices could further fuel demand concerns for global and Indian exporters. 1. What is the name of the chemical tanker struck by a drone attack 200 miles off the coast of Gujarat? a) MV Sea Voyager b) MV Chem Pluto c) MT Ocean Guardian d) SS Pacific Freedom Answer: B) MV Chem Pluto Reason: The chemical tanker struck by a drone attack off the coast of Gujarat is named MV Chem Pluto. 2. Who is believed to have carried out the drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, citing protest against Israel's actions in Gaza? a) ISIS rebels b) Houthi rebels c) Al-Qaeda rebels d) Hezbollah rebels Answer: B) Houthi rebels Reason: The drone attack on MV Chem Pluto is believed to have been carried out by Houthi rebels based in Yemen, protesting against Israel’s actions in Gaza. 3. Due to drought-like conditions, shipping through which canal has decreased significantly? a) Suez Canal b) Kiel Canal c) Grand Canal d) Panama Canal Answer: D) Panama Canal Reason: Shipping through the Panama Canal has decreased by over 50% due to drought-like conditions. 27 4. Instead of the Panama Canal, which canal route is being opted for by vessels traveling from Asia to the US due to water shortages? a) Corinth Canal b) Cape Cod Canal c) Suez Canal d) Erie Canal Answer: C) Suez Canal Reason: Vessels traveling from Asia to the US are opting for the Suez Canal instead of the Panama Canal due to water shortages. 5. What is the upcoming canal project that seeks to bypass the Suez Canal? a) Cape of Good Hope Canal b) Strait of Malacca Canal c) Ben Gurion Canal Project d) Magellan Canal Answer: C) Ben Gurion Canal Project Reason: The upcoming canal project that seeks to bypass the Suez Canal is the Ben Gurion Canal Project, a proposed 160-mile-long sea-level canal. 7. The Supreme Court on Wednesday, January 3,2024, said caste-based discrimination of prisoners, segregation of manual work among them according to caste-hierarchy and treatment of inmates from the denotified tribes as “habitual offenders” within the four walls of jails across India is a “very important issue” and needs to be addressed. A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud found that prison manuals in more than 10 States, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, continue to have provisions which sanction discrimination and forced labour on the ground of caste in prisons. The court asked for a response from the States and the Union within four weeks on the petition filed by journalist Sukanya Shantha, represented by senior advocate S. Muralidhar and advocate Prasanna S. Mr. Muralidhar submitted that centuries of caste discrimination continue unabated inside prisons. Labour is segregated on the basis of caste. The modern manuals promoting reforms in prisons seem to have not entered the prison walls. “Dalits even have a separate ward in prisons… Despite changes in the prison manuals, caste discrimination continues. These provisions in the prison manuals of the States should be repealed,” the senior lawyer submitted. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was called upon by the court to assist in the case. “I have seen segregation on the basis of prison status - like convicts are separated from undertrial prisoners - but not caste based discrimination. This is a serious issue,” Mr. Mehta said. The petition cited how the Rajasthan Prison Rules 1951 had assigned Mehtars to the latrines while the Brahmins or “sufficiently high caste Hindu prisoners” to the kitchens. The petition said a person is not deprived of his or her fundamental rights or the equality code merely for being a prisoner. 1. Which three states are highlighted in the PIL for instances of caste-based discrimination and segregation of prisoners in jails? a) Maharashtra, Kerala, and Punjab b) Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha c) West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh d) Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu 28 Answer: D) Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu Reason: The PIL highlights instances of caste-based discrimination in jails from Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu. 2. Which Supreme Court judgement talks about the fundamental rights of prisoners and is cited in the PIL? a) Keshavananda Bharati v. Delhi Administration b) ADM Jabalpur v. Delhi Administration c) Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration d) Maneka Gandhi v. Delhi Administration Answer: C) Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration Reason: The PIL cites the Supreme Court's judgment in the Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration (1978) case, which discusses the fundamental rights of prisoners. 3. The Model Prisons Act of 2023 is a revision of which three existing laws? a) The Prisons Act of 1894, The Prisoners Act, 1900, and The Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950 b) The Indian Penal Code, The Criminal Procedure Code, and The Juvenile Justice Act c) The Prevention of Corruption Act, The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and The Arms Act d) The Companies Act, The Income Tax Act, and The Contract Act Answer: A) The Prisons Act of 1894, The Prisoners Act, 1900, and The Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950 Reason: The Model Prisons Act of 2023 is a revision of The Prisons Act of 1894, The Prisoners Act, 1900, and The Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950. 4. Which act that outlaws manual scavenging does not apply to prison administration, allowing caste discrimination and manual scavenging in jails? a) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 b) Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 c) Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 d) Right to Information Act, 2005 Answer: B) Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 Reason: The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, does not explicitly cover prison administration, allowing caste discrimination and manual scavenging in jails. 5. Upon which rules is the Model Prison Manual of 2016 based, according to the information provided? a) Hammurabi's Code b) Magna Carta c) Nelson Mandela Rules d) Justinian's Digest Answer: C) Nelson Mandela Rules Reason: The Model Prison Manual of 2016 is based on the Nelson Mandela Rules, adopted by the UNGA in 2015. 29 8. The Supreme Court on Monday struck down the remission granted by the Gujarat government to 11 convicts who were serving life imprisonment for the gangrape of Bilkis Bano during the communal riots in Gujarat. The men, who had been granted early release on August 15, 2022 after serving 14 years in jail, were directed by the top court to surrender within two weeks. The Bench of Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said that the Gujarat government did not have the authority or jurisdiction to consider the remission applications of the convicts, to reduce their sentence. This was because the trial in the case was transferred from Gujarat — where the crime was committed — to Mumbai, Maharashtra, in 2004 by the Supreme Court after concerns and apprehensions were raised of evidence tampering, and the absence of a conducive situation for a fair trial in Gujarat. Following the trial, a special CBI court in Mumbai convicted and sentenced the 11 men in 2008. The Supreme Court said that as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973, an application for remission can only be before the government within whose territorial jurisdiction the applicant was convicted, in this case, Maharashtra, and not where the offence took place, in this case, Gujarat. The court said that the state of Gujarat had “usurped the powers of the state of Maharashtra which only could have considered the applications seeking remission”. The court also noted that the convicts were considered for an early release on the basis of a policy of the state of Gujarat dating back to 1992, which could not have been applied to them. That policy allowed for an early release of prisoners who have completed 14 years of imprisonment — but it was subsequently cancelled, and substituted by another policy in 2014 which barred the grant of remission to convicts of heinous crimes. 1. In which year did the gangrape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of seven of her family members take place? a) 2000 b) 2002 c) 2004 d) 2008 Answer: B) 2002 Reason: The gangrape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of her family members occurred during the 2002 Riots in Gujarat. 2. Under which section of the CrPC did the Supreme Court state that the state didn't have the power to remit the sentence in this case? a) Section 420 b) Section 161 c) Section 432 d) Section 761 Answer: C) Section 432 Reason: The Supreme Court stated that under Section 432 of the CrPC, the state didn't have the power to remit the sentence. 30 3. What is remission in the context of legal proceedings? a) Postponement of trial b) Pardon from the President c) Reduction of sentence at a reduced point d) Removal of charges Answer: C) Reduction of sentence at a reduced point Reason: Remission is the complete ending of a sentence at a reduced point, reducing the duration of the sentence. 4. Under which article can the President grant remission of sentences according to the Constitution of India? a) Article 161 b) Article 420 c) Article 72 d) Article 432 Answer: C) Article 72 Reason: Article 72 of the Constitution empowers the President to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment. 5. Under which article can the Governor grant remission of sentences according to the Constitution of India? a) Article 432 b) Article 161 c) Article 370 d) Article 72 Answer: B) Article 161 Reason: Article 161 of the Constitution empowers the Governor to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment. 6. Which Supreme Court case in 2000 governs the factors for remission, as mentioned in the information provided? a) Epuru Sudhakar v. State of AP b) Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration c) Laxman Naskar v. State of West Bengal d) ADM Jabalpur Case Answer: C) Laxman Naskar v. State of West Bengal (2000) Reason: The case of Laxman Naskar v. State of West Bengal in 2000 governs the factors for remission. What is commutation in the context of legal proceedings? e) Cancellation of charges f) Pardon from the President g) Reduction of one form of punishment to another h) Removal of sentences Answer: C) Reduction of one form of punishment to another Reason: Commutation denotes the substitution of one form of punishment with a lighter form of punishment. 31 7. What is respite in the context of legal proceedings? a) A stay of execution for a temporary period b) Cancellation of charges c) Removal of sentences d) Pardon from the President Answer: A) A stay of execution for a temporary period Reason: Respite implies a stay of the execution of a sentence for a temporary period, often to seek pardon or commutation. 32