Today in History (November 9th, 2000)
The state of Uttarakhand was formed on November 9, 2000, after a prolonged struggle by the people of the region, who sought a separate state due to cultural, geographic, and administrative differences from Uttar Pradesh.
Let’s Revise
1. What is the main objective of the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme?
A) To provide scholarships for students in private institutions
B) To provide financial support to meritorious students pursuing higher education
C) To improve the infrastructure of educational institutions
D) To offer grants to students from marginalized communities
Answer: B)
Explanation: The PM Vidyalaxmi scheme aims to provide financial support to students pursuing higher education, particularly those who need education loans to study at top educational institutions across India.
2. Which of the following is a key feature of the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme?
A) Loans are only available for public institutions
B) The scheme applies only to undergraduate courses
C) Students will receive a 75% credit guarantee for loans up to ₹7.5 lakh
D) Loans up to ₹5 lakh have a 100% credit guarantee
Answer: C)
Explanation: A key benefit of the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme is the 75% credit guarantee on loans up to ₹7.5 lakh, making it easier for banks to offer loans to students.
3. Which of the following crops would benefit from the agrivoltaic farming system?
A) Only crops that require full sunlight
B) Crops that benefit from partial shade and temperature regulation
C) Only crops that grow in shade
D) Crops that grow underwater
Answer: B)
Explanation: Agrivoltaic farming provides partial shade that can help regulate temperature and conserve water, which can be beneficial for certain crops that thrive in such conditions.
4. What is one of the main benefits of agrivoltaic farming?
A) It increases the space required for farming
B) It produces energy but reduces crop yield
C) It generates additional income from solar energy production
D) It eliminates the need for farm machinery
Answer: C)
Explanation: Agrivoltaic farming allows farmers to generate additional income through solar energy production while also growing crops, creating a dual revenue stream.
5. How often is the Kumbh Mela celebrated?
A) Every year
B) Every 6 years
C) Every 12 years
D) Every 4 years
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Kumbh Mela is celebrated four times over the course of 12 years, rotating between four different locations in India.
6. Which of the following locations is not part of the rotation for the Kumbh Mela?
A) Haridwar
B) Ujjain
C) Nashik
D) Varanasi
Answer: D)
Explanation: The four locations where the Kumbh Mela rotates are Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj. Varanasi is not one of these locations.
7. In what year was the Kumbh Mela recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity?
A) 2010
B) 2015
C) 2017
D) 2020
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Kumbh Mela was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2017, acknowledging its cultural significance and ancient traditions.
Summary of Today’s News
Tiger Population Triples in Manas National Park”
The tiger population in western Assam’s Manas National Park, a major wildlife preserve stretching into Bhutan, tripled from 2011 to 2019, a new study has said.
• Conservation Efforts: The increase is attributed to increased funding, improved protection infrastructure, and a larger staff, along with the support from tourism revenue.
• Collaborative Success: The study emphasizes that collaboration between local communities, the government, and conservation agencies can lead to successful species recovery, particularly in post-conflict areas.
• Challenges Remain: Despite the positive growth, challenges like poaching and habitat loss continue, requiring ongoing management efforts as tiger populations approach the park’s carrying capacity.
• Tiger Density: The density of adult tigers per 100 km² in Manas increased from 1.06 in 2011-12 to 3.64 in 2018-19, with potential for further growth, possibly reaching 8 tigers per 100 km².
• Photographic Evidence: In 2021, 44 adult tigers were documented in the park, which is one of Assam’s two UNESCO World Heritage-listed tiger reserves (the other being Kaziranga National Park).
“Chief Justice Chandrachud Completes Last Working Day in Office”
1. Final Working Day: Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud completed his last working day on November 9, with a busy morning filled with judgments and cases, followed by an afternoon dedicated to reflecting on his career.
2. Retirement: CJI Chandrachud retires on November 10 after serving in the Supreme Court for eight years, including a tenure as Chief Justice of India.
3. Tribute Ceremony: During a farewell ceremony, he was joined by his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and a courtroom full of lawyers who paid tribute to his service.
4. Philosophy on Transparency: In his address, CJI Chandrachud spoke about the importance of transparency, stating that judges are “birds of a short passage of time” and that he had always been open to public and media scrutiny, despite facing criticism, especially on social media.
5. Impact of Decisions: He emphasized that judges are motivated by the impact their decisions have on the lives of ordinary citizens.
6. Supreme Court Reforms: CJI Chandrachud discussed the need for reform in the Supreme Court’s structure, specifically noting that it is “Chief Justice-centric” and should evolve to better serve the institution.
7. Unity in Collegium: He denied any rancor within the Collegium, stating that meetings were cordial and that all members worked in harmony, without personal agendas, for the good of the judiciary.
“Men Should Not Train Women in Gyms: U.P. Women’s Commission”
1. Proposal for Women’s Safety: The Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission has proposed measures aimed at improving women’s safety, including barring men from training women in gyms and yoga centers.
2. Other Proposals:
- Male tailors should not take women’s measurements.
- Only female hairdressers should attend to female customers in salons.
- Female security personnel should be assigned to school buses.
- Women staff should be employed in women’s clothing stores.
3. Rationale for Proposals: Commission members cited concerns about the “intentions” of some men, stressing these measures are intended to enhance safety and create more secure environments for women in public and commercial spaces.
4. Employment Opportunities: Chairperson Babita Chauhan clarified that the proposals are also aimed at improving employment opportunities for women.
5. Request to State Government: The commission plans to request the state government to draft rules based on these proposals.
6. Role of the Commission: The Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission is a statutory body that advises the state government on policy matters related to women’s rights, aiming to promote gender equality and representation in jobs.
