Q1. Consider the following statements:
- In India, the legality of same-sex marriages is not expressly recognized as a fundamental or constitutional right but is governed by statutory law.
- In 2018, the Indian Supreme Court decriminalized same-sex marriage.
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
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Legal Status of Same-Sex Marriage in India:
- In India, the legality of same-sex marriages is not expressly recognized as a fundamental or constitutional right but is governed by statutory law. In 2018, the Indian Supreme Court decriminalized same-sex marriage.
Earlier views of SC:
Case – Key Rulings:
- NALSA (2014) – Recognition of transgenders as third gender
- S. Puttaswamy (2017) – Recognition of the right to sexual orientation as an aspect of privacy
- Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. (2018) – The right to marry a person of one’s choice is integral to Article 21 of the Constitution.
- The right to marry is intrinsic to the liberty guaranteed by the Constitution as a fundamental right, allowing individuals to make decisions crucial to their pursuit of happiness.
- Navjet Singh Johar Case (2018) – Decriminalized Homosexuality. Members of the LGBTQ community are entitled to the full range of constitutional rights, including liberties protected by the Constitution. They are entitled to equal citizenship and “equal protection of law.”
Q2. Consider the following statements with reference to Theosophical Society:
- It was founded in Calcutta by Bhikaji Cama.
- Main aim was to promote the study of ancient religions and philosophies.
- Central Hindu School was chosen as the parent organization that acted as a catalyst for the growth of this society.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Only Statement 2 is correct.
- The Theosophical Society was founded in New York (USA) in 1875 by Madam H.P. Blavatsky, a Russian lady, and Henry Steel Olcott, an American colonel.
- Their main objectives were to form a universal brotherhood of man without any distinction of race, colour or creed and to promote the study of ancient religions and philosophies. They arrived in India and established their headquarters at Adyar in Madras in 1882.
- Later in 1893, Mrs. Annie Besant arrived in India and took over the leadership of the Society after the death of Olcott. Mrs. Annie Besant founded the Central Hindu School along with Madan Mohan Malaviya at Benaras which later developed into the Banaras Hindu University.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Young Bengal Movement:
- It attacked old traditions and decadent customs
- It advocated women’s rights and their education
- It organized debates against idol worship
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was set up in 1985 with the principal bench at Delhi and additional benches in different states.
- The CAT exercises original jurisdiction in relation to recruitment and all service matters of public servants covered by it. Its jurisdiction extends to the all-India services, the Central civil services, civil posts under the Centre and civilian employees of defence services. However, the members of the defence forces, officers and servants of the Supreme Court and the secretarial staff of the Parliament are not covered by it.
Q4. Consider the following pairs (Movement: People Associated):
- Young Bengal Movement: Tarachand Chuckervati
- Dharma Sabha Keshub: Chandra Sen
- Indian Reform Association: Radhakant Deb
- Theosophical Society: H.P. Blavatsky
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Young Bengal Movement (1826-1831); – Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (founder), Rasikkrishna Mullick,
- Tarachand Chuckervati, Krishanmohan Banerjee
- Dharma Sabha; Calcutta (1830); – Radhakant Deb (founder).
- Indian Reform Association; Calcutta (1870); – Keshub Chandra Sen.
- The Theosophical Society— founded in New York but headquarters shifted to Adyar, near Madras (1875). Madam H.P. Blavatsky (1831- 91), a Russian, and Col. H.S. Olcott (1832-1907), an American (founders); Annie Besant (one of its presidents).
Q5. “Leniency Plus” program was launched by the:
(a) Indian Army
(b) Reserve Bank of India
(c) Securities and Exchange Board of India
(d) Competition Commission of India
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- Context: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has introduced a draft of revised lesser penalty regulations that include a “leniency plus” program to combat cartel activities.
- What are ‘Leniency plus’ norms?
- In the “Leniency Plus” program, a cartel member cooperating with CCI for leniency can disclose the existence of another unrelated cartel during the original leniency proceedings in exchange for an additional reduction in penalties, thereby saving time and resources in cartel investigations.
