Today in History (June 21^st, 2015)

The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated on June 21, 2015, with the theme “Yoga for Harmony and Peace,” featuring an event in New Delhi that set two Guinness World Records: one for the largest yoga session with 35,985 participants and another for the most nationalities (84) in a single session.

Let’s revise

A) Dalai Lama came to India in which year?

1. 1980
2. 1959
3. 2001
4. 2015

Ans. (2)

B) Which place in the world is known as the roof of the world?

1. Plateau of Pamir
2. Plateau of Mongolia
3. Deccan plateau
4. Afghanistan plateau

Ans. (1)

C) Recently seen in news what is UGC NET?

1. A programme by the government of India to study abroad
2. A post graduate degree recently launched by the ministry of education
3. A programme by the defence ministry for technical upgradation
4. None of the above is correct

Ans. (4)

D) The University Grants Commission (UGC) came into existence______

1. 1956
2. 1950
3. 1953
4. 2001

Ans. (3)

E) UGC became statutory body/organisation of the government of India by an act of Parliament in ____

1. 1956
2. 1950
3. 1953
4. 2001

Ans. (1)

F) Which of the following is considered a major Kharif crop in India?

1. Wheat
2. Maize
3. Barley
4. Mustard

Ans. (2)

G) Which climatic condition is most suitable for the growth of Kharif crops?

1. Hot and dry
2. Cold and dry
3. Warm and wet
4. Cold and wet

Ans. (3)

H) Who has been elected as the President of South Africa?

1. Ramphosa
2. Angsaan su ki
3. Lethabo
4. Lubanzi

Ans. (1)

I) Which country, recently, has declared the Revolutionary Guards of Iran as terrorist entity?

1. India
2. Pakistan
3. Canada
4. Russia

Ans. (3)

Summary of Today’s News

Patna High Court Strikes Down Bihar’s 2023 Reservation Amendments

• The Patna High Court has annulled the 2023 amendments by the Bihar legislature that increased reservations for Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes from 50% to 65% in educational institutions and government jobs.
• The court’s decision came in response to petitions arguing that the amendments violated the Supreme Court’s 50% reservation cap established in the Indira Sawhney case.
• The Bihar government had justified the increase citing inadequate representation of these classes, but the decision was challenged on the grounds of being based on caste proportions rather than actual representation.
• Following this ruling, questions have arisen regarding the State government’s next steps, including a possible appeal to the Supreme Court.

Myanmar Refugee Influx Intensifies Ethnic Conflict and Security Concerns in Manipur.

• About 5,400 people from Myanmar have sought refuge in Kamjong district of Manipur due to fears of aerial bombardment and attacks, according to Assam Rifles Director-General Pradeep Chandran Nair. The refugees, who arrived in November, are living in temporary settlements. They are expected to return to Myanmar once the situation stabilizes. The presence of these undocumented migrants has intensified the ethnic conflict in Manipur, which is home to various tribal communities.
• The Assam Rifles’ increased deployment aims to curb illegal activities, including smuggling, despite local opposition. The United Naga Council has raised concerns over the influx of refugees and the military presence, highlighting the challenges faced by the local population.

Mark Rutte Secures NATO Leadership Amid Critical Global Challenges.

• Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has secured the position of NATO Secretary-General after his sole rival, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, withdrew from the race. Rutte, a veteran politician known as “Teflon Mark,” will be the fourth Dutchman to lead NATO.
• He is expected to be formally appointed by NATO’s 32 nations in the coming days and will take over from Jens Stoltenberg on October 1. Rutte’s appointment comes at a critical time for the alliance, with ongoing challenges such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.