DAY 12 (27-09-23)

Q1. Consider the following statements :

1. India’s first satellite was launched earlier than first Indo-China War.
2. Mission Prarambh marks the beginning of a private venture into space launch market.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: India’s first satellite Aryabhata, which was launched on 19 April 1975, from a launch centre in the former Soviet Union. Later, Bhaskara-I and II, the two experimental earth observation satellites, provided the confidence to build complex operational remote sensing satellites.

Statement 2 is correct: Mission Prarambh was unveiled by ISRO. India’s first privately developed launch vehicle, Vikram-S, blasted off on its maiden flight from the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) Sriharikota spaceport in November 2022. The mission, named Prarambh, or ‘the beginning’, marks the Indian private sector’s first foray into the promising space launch market.

 

Q2. Which of the following are features of Special Economic Zone?

1. It is duty-free enclave.
2. It is deemed as foreign territory.
3. It is governed by a statute.
4. There are no tax exemptions in SEZ.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1, 2 and 3 are correct: Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a specifically delineated duty-free enclave and deemed to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations, duties and tariffs. India’s SEZ Policy was implemented from 1 April, 2000. Subsequently SEZ Act, 2005 was introduced. The mainobjectives of SEZs were, generation of economic activity, promotion of exports and investment, employment generation, infrastructure development. SEZ Rules provide for, simplified procedures for conducting business, single window clearances, simplified compliance procedures and emphasis on self-certification.

Statement 4 is incorrect:According to Section 10AA of the Income Tax Act, units in SEZs get a phased tax-holiday for a period of 15 years.

 

Q3. With reference to the Abraham Accords, consider the following statements:

1. It refers to the agreement reached between Israel, Bahrain and the UAE to normalise relations between them.
2. It was brokered by Russia.
3. As per the accord, the UAE and Bahrain will establish embassies, exchange ambassadors, cooperate and work together with Israel across a range of sectors including tourism, trade, healthcare and security.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statements 1 and 3 are correct:  Abraham Accords are a joint statement made between Israel, the United States and the United Arab Emirates on August 13, 2020. It also refers to the agreement reached between Israel, Bahrain and the UAE to normalise relations between them. As per the accord, the UAE and Bahrain will establish embassies, exchange ambassadors, cooperate and work together with Israel across a range of sectors including tourism, trade, healthcare and security.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Abraham Accords was brokered by the United States.

 

Q4. Consider the following statement regarding Fundamental Duties:

1. The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1972.
2. It was added on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
3. The concept of Fundamental duties was taken from the former USSR.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All of the above

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added 10 Fundamental Duties to the Indian Constitution. 86th Amendment Act 2002 later added 11th Fundamental Duty to the list.

Statement 2 is correct: Swaran Singh Committee in 1976 recommended Fundamental Duties, the necessity of which was felt during the internal emergency of 1975-77.

Statement 3 is correct: The concept of Fundamental duties was taken from the USSR. The Fundamental duties are essentially taken from the Indian tradition, mythology, religions and practices.

 

Q5. Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’schoice?

(a) Article 19

(b) Article 21

(c) Article 25

(d) Article 29

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

As per Supreme Court judgement the right to marry a person of one’s choice is integral to Article 21 (right to life and liberty) of the Constitution.