Today in History (Mar 21^st, 2006)

Jack Dorsey sends the world’s first Twitter message, or tweet. The microblogging service revolutionized the communication and social networking landscape.

Let’s revise

A) The 2+2 meetings involves the participation of two high-level representatives, from _____

1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade and Commerce
2. Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Finance
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defence

Ans. (d)
B) What is the capital of Brazil

1. Dodoma
2. Brasília
3. Rio de Janeiro
4. Belo Horizonte

Ans. (b)
C) Which one of the following country has 2+2 dialogue with India?

1. Pakistan
2. Spain
3. Russia
4. Saudi Arabia

Ans. (c)
D) The Union Home Minister inaugurated the distinctive CCMS Platform of the_______

1. Border Security Force
2. Central Reserve Police Force
3. National Investigation Agency
4. National Disaster Response Force

Ans. (c)
E) Exercise Tiger Triumph-24 is conducted between which two countries?

1. India-Japan
2. India-USA
3. India-Saudi Arabia
4. India-Israel

Ans. (b)
F) Air Quality Report 2023 is released by an organisation name____

1. IQAir
2. World Bank
3. WHO
4. UNFCCC

Ans. (a)
G) According to the recently released Air Quality Report 2023 by Swiss organisation IQAir. World’s most Polluted Capital City is in____

1. India
2. Russia
3. China
4. USA

Ans. (a)
H) _________has emerged as the world’s most polluted metropolitan area.

1. Begusarai in Bihar
2. Begusarai in West Bengal
3. Kolkata in West Bengal
4. Ranchi in Jharkhand

Ans. (a)

I) Which country has been identified as least polluted according to the Air Quality Report 2023?

1. French Polynesia
2. Japan
3. Sweden
4. Denmark

Ans. (a)
J) French Polynesia is located in which one of the ocean?

1. Atlantic Ocean
2. Pacific Ocean
3. Indian Ocean
4. Arctic Ocean

Ans. (b)

Summary of Today’s News

In SC, Centre defends appointment of new ECs

1. The appointment of two new Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar was criticised by opposition as hasty and opaque.
2. The centre defended these appointments as a necessity arising from a constitutional duty to conduct the elections on time.
3. The centre rejected any bias in these appointments.
4. The petition was filed by Association for Democratic Reforms.
5. The Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners Act, 2023 replaced the CJI with a cabinet minister in selection committee to appoint election commissioners.
6. The centre said that the argument of the pleader has fundamental fallacy that the presence of a judge is the guarantee of the independence of the Election Commission.
7. There are many authorities, offices where there is no judge but they are independent.
8. The inclusion of the Chief Justice as a member of the selection panel was just a stop-gap arrangement, meant to last only till Parliament made a law on EC appointments.
9. There was urgency to conduct world’s biggest elections in time and only the chief election commissioner was over burdened.

Ferocious Breeds of Dogs

Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro american bull dog Boerboel Kangal Central Asian Shepherd Dog

1. The relationship between dogs and their role in Indian society presents complex challenges. Street dogs pose a persistent issue, yet political action to control their numbers
   remains lacking.
2. Conversely, pet dogs have sparked concerns, leading to debates over the potential ferocity of certain breeds.
3. An expert committee suggests banning breeds like Pit Bull Terriers due to attacks on people. However, the Karnataka High Court halted this decision, citing unilateralism.
4. The temperament of dogs is influenced by various factors, not solely breed.
5. While some countries have banned specific breeds, India’s focus should be on responsible ownership rather than breed restrictions, given its unique street dog population.
6. Individual choice in pet ownership is important but not without limitations.

Ties that epitomise India’s neighbourhood first policy

1. Despite vast differences in size and population between Bhutan and India, the two countries have cultivated a close partnership based on mutual respect and understanding over the
   past 50 years.
2. India has upheld Bhutanese identity and supported its economic growth, while Bhutan has trusted India to assist in its development without compromising sovereignty.
3. Recent initiatives, such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, further solidify this bond, with India expected to play a significant role in its success. Regular high-level
   visits between leaders signify the importance placed on nurturing this relationship, in line with India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
4. Looking ahead, India aims to contribute to the prosperity of Gelephu by facilitating direct flights, providing technology and expertise, and encouraging tourism and business
   ventures.
5. The success of the Mindfulness City is anticipated to benefit not only Bhutan but also neighboring regions, exemplifying the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two
   nations.