Today in History (July 18^th, 1947)

On July 18, 1947, the Indian Independence Act, 1947 was officially put into effect. This Act was the manifestation of the Mountbatten Plan, which laid out the blueprint for the independence and partition of India.

Let’s revise

A) Who can introduce a money bill in the Parliament of India?

1. Any member of Parliament
2. Only the Prime Minister
3. Only a Minister
4. Only the President

Ans. 3)

B) Which house of Parliament has the exclusive authority to initiate and pass a money bill?

1. Lok Sabha
2. Rajya Sabha
3. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha equally
4. President’s House

Ans. 1)

C) What happens if the Rajya Sabha does not return a money bill within 14 days?

1. The bill lapses and cannot be reintroduced in the same session.
2. The bill is deemed to have been passed by both houses.
3. The Lok Sabha can amend the bill without Rajya Sabha’s input.
4. The President can decide the fate of the bill.

Ans. 2)

D) What is the Rajya Sabha’s role in the passage of a money bill?

1. It can propose amendments to the bill.
2. It can pass the bill independently if the Lok Sabha rejects it.
3. It can delay the bill indefinitely.
4. It can only make recommendations, which the Lok Sabha may accept or reject.

Ans. 4)

E) Who was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India?

1. Sir Alexander Cunningham
2. Sir John Marshall
3. Sir Mortimer Wheeler
4. Sir Aurel Stein

Ans. 1)

F) Where is the head office of the Archaeological Survey of India located?

1. New Delhi
2. Kolkata
3. Mumbai
4. Chennai

Ans. 1)

G) Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Archaeological Survey of India?

1. Excavation and preservation of archaeological sites
2. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites
3. Conducting underwater archaeology
4. Conservation of wildlife sanctuaries

Ans. 4)

H) Which year was the Archaeological Survey of India established?

1. 1851
2. 1861
3. 1871
4. 1881

Ans. 2)

Summary of Today’s News

Karnataka bill, reservation for locals

• The Karnataka government has temporarily halted the implementation of a controversial draft Bill that mandates reservation for locals in private sector jobs. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision after facing strong opposition from industry leaders and trade bodies.
• The Bill, aimed at ensuring job opportunities for Kannadigas, proposed significant quotas in both management and non-management positions, sparking concerns about its potential impact on industry competitiveness, particularly in technology. Industry figures like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw emphasized the need for exemptions for highly skilled roles to protect Karnataka’s status as a tech hub.
• The government plans to reevaluate the Bill after further consultations, aiming for a balanced approach that addresses both local employment aspirations and industry demands for skilled talent.

Rising terrorism in Jammu, a new trend

• The Jammu region is experiencing a resurgence in militant activities with over 12 militant groups suspected to be active in the Pir Panjal Valley and Chenab Valley. This increase follows a deadly attack in Reasi that resulted in nine deaths and numerous injuries.
• Security forces have intercepted multiple signals indicating militant presence, aided by offline mobile applications and VPNs that enable communication in areas lacking internet services.
• Militants are utilizing advanced technologies like YSMS and SIM-less phone activation, along with Bluetooth connectivity across borders, complicating efforts by security forces to track their movements effectively.
• The situation underscores the evolving challenges in counter-terrorism efforts in the region, necessitating enhanced technological countermeasures and intelligence strategies to mitigate threats and ensure civilian safety.

Unauthorize felling of trees in Delhi by Delhi Government: the Apex court

• The Supreme Court has criticized the Delhi government for allowing the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to cut 422 trees outside the protected Ridge area without proper authorization. This decision was made as part of a road widening project that passed through a reserve forest area, connecting Chattarpur to the South Asian University campus.
• The court noted a lack of sensitivity in environmental protection and initiated contempt proceedings against the DDA Vice-Chairperson for the unauthorized felling of 1,100 trees within the protected Ridge area.
• The Delhi government has been directed to provide explanations and submit an action-taken report regarding the illegal tree cutting, along with details of permissions granted in the past five years.
• The court emphasized the need for accountability and transparency from government officials, including the Chief Secretary, setting a deadline for compliance by July 31.