Today in History (December 27th,1911)
27 December 1911 – ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was sung for the first time during the Calcutta (now Kolkata) session of the Indian National Congress.
Let’s Revise
Q.1) What is the main objective of the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP)?
A) To transfer surplus water from the Yamuna River to the Ken River
B) To transfer surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River for irrigation
C) To construct a dam over the Yamuna River
D) To reduce water usage in Bundelkhand
Answer: B)
Explanation: The Ken-Betwa Link Project aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh, specifically to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
Q.2) Which region will benefit most from the Ken-Betwa Link Project?
A) Coastal Maharashtra
B) Drought-prone Bundelkhand region
C) Western Rajasthan
D) North-eastern states
Answer: B)
Explanation: The Ken-Betwa Link Project is primarily aimed at benefiting the Bundelkhand region, which spans across districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and is prone to drought conditions.
Q.3) In which state is the Panna Tiger Reserve, through which the Ken River passes?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Maharashtra
Answer: B)
Explanation: The Ken River passes through the Panna Tiger Reserve, which is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Q.4) How long will the canal built as part of the Ken-Betwa Link Project be?
A) 100 km
B) 150 km
C) 230 km
D) 300 km
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Ken-Betwa Link Project involves constructing a 230-km canal to transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River.
Q.5) Which of the following dams are built over the Betwa River?
A) Rajghat, Paricha, and Matatila
B) Tehri, Bhakra, and Sardar Sarovar
C) Hirakud, Durgapur, and Rihand
D) Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Tungabhadra
Answer: A)
Explanation: The Betwa River has several dams, including the Rajghat, Paricha, and Matatila dams.
Q.6)What is the significance of Veer Bal Diwas?
A) To celebrate the birth of Guru Gobind Singh
B) To commemorate the martyrdom of two sons of Guru Gobind Singh
C) To honor the death of Guru Tegh Bahadur
D) To mark the formation of the Khalsa
Answer: B)
Explanation: Veer Bal Diwas commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, who attained martyrdom in 1705.
Q.7) When is Veer Bal Diwas observed?
A) January 5
B) December 25
C) November 15
D) December 26
Answer: D)
Explanation: Veer Bal Diwas is observed on December 26, the day when Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, were martyred in 1705.
Q.8) How did the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh attain martyrdom?
A) They were killed in battle
B) They were bricked alive on the orders of Aurangzeb’s governor of Sirhind
C) They were executed by hanging
D) They died of illness
Answer: B)
Explanation: Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji were bricked alive in a wall by the Mughal forces under the orders of the governor of Sirhind.
Q.9) Who was Guru Gobind Singh?
A) The first Sikh Guru
B) The ninth Sikh Guru
C) The tenth Sikh Guru
D) A historical figure from the Mughal Empire
Answer: C)
Explanation: Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual leader, warrior, poet, and philosopher, born as Gobind Rai on January 5, 1666, in Patna Sahib, Bihar.
Q.10) What is the importance of the Khalsa, organized by Guru Gobind Singh?
A) It was a group of Sikh poets
B) It was a religious organization for the protection and defense of Sikhs
C) It was a political party
D) It was a group for meditation and prayer
Answer: B)
Explanation: Guru Gobind Singh organized the Khalsa to protect the Sikh community and uphold its values, institutionalizing it as a warrior group to defend against oppression.
Q.11) Which of the following was not one of the five articles of faith introduced by Guru Gobind Singh for the Khalsa?
A) Kesh
B) Kangha
C) Kirpan
D) Turban
Answer: D)
Explanation: Guru Gobind Singh instructed the Khalsa to wear five articles of faith: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (comb), Kara (iron bracelet), Kachera (special undergarment), and Kirpan (sword). The turban is not part of the formal five articles.
Q.12) Who was the father of Guru Gobind Singh?
A) Guru Ram Das
B) Guru Tegh Bahadur
C) Guru Har Gobind
D) Guru Nanak
Answer: B)
Explanation: Guru Gobind Singh’s father was Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who was executed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.
Q.13) What was the cause of death for Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh’s father?
A) Natural causes
B) Assassination by the Mughals
C) He was executed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam
D) He died in a battle
Answer: C)
Explanation: Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb because he refused to convert to Islam, marking a significant sacrifice for the Sikh faith.
Summary of Today’s News
Nation Mourns Former PM Manmohan Singh
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 92, passed away at AIIMS on Thursday evening after falling unconscious at home.
• Tributes: President Droupadi Murmu described Singh as “one of the greatest sons of Bharat,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted his extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.
• Government Response: All Union government functions were cancelled, and a seven-day national mourning was declared. The Union Cabinet will meet to pass a condolence resolution, and Singh’s last rites will be performed with full state honours.
• Legacy: Singh, who served as PM from 2004 to 2014, was credited with the 1991 economic reforms as Finance Minister under P.V. Narasimha Rao. He was known for his contributions to India’s economic trajectory and his unblemished political life.
• Condolences: Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi expressed their condolences, highlighting Singh’s wisdom, integrity, and contributions to nation-building.
Gentleman politician Manmohan Singh opened up India’s economy in 1991
• Economic Reforms: Opened up India’s economy in 1991 as Finance Minister under PM P.V. Narasimha Rao.
• High-Profile Roles: Held top economic positions including RBI Governor and Finance Secretary before becoming Finance Minister.
• Prime Ministership: Served as PM from 2004 to 2014, with the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal in 2008 being a significant achievement.
• Foreign Policy Shift: Gradual departure from Nehruvian non-alignment, forging ties with superpowers like the U.S.
• Economic Crisis Management: Steered India out of its worst economic crisis in the 1990s.
• International Recognition: Praised by global leaders, including former U.S. President Barack Obama.
• Domestic Challenges: Faced criticism for alleged scams, inflation, and ‘policy paralysis’ during his tenure.
• Public Disapproval: Criticized by BJP leaders and faced internal party challenges, but also took bold decisions like the nuclear deal.
• Second Term: Won a second consecutive term in 2009, with media coining the term “Singh is King”.
• Controversial Decisions: Signed a joint statement with Pakistan in 2009, which was questioned by strategists.
• Corruption Allegations: Faced mass movements and protests over corruption and other issues, leading to Congress’s wipe out in the 2014 elections.
• Legacy: Believed history would be kinder to him than contemporary media and opposition, with an outpouring of grief at his passing.
From nuclear deal to Quad, he left a lasting imprint on external relations
Tsunami Response: On December 26, 2004, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh faced a national tragedy and international test. He made bold decisions, including:
• Refusing foreign aid.
• Offering assistance to other affected countries (Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives) with 32 Indian ships and 5,500 troops.
• Coordinating with the U.S., Japan, and Australia, leading to the formation of the Quad.
Political Challenges: Within a year, Singh’s government faced a political crisis with the resignation of External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh over the Volker oil-for-food scandal. Pranab Mukherjee and later S.M. Krishna replaced him, but Singh maintained control over foreign policy.
Foreign Policy Breakthroughs:
• Japan: Ended India’s isolation post-1998 nuclear tests.
• U.S.: Secured the civil nuclear deal, winning waivers at the Nuclear Suppliers Group without signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Singh’s personal ties with Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama were crucial.
• Legacy: Singh acknowledged following the path of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in relations with the U.S. and Pakistan, highlighting a rare non-partisan moment in Indian politics.
A forthright FM who unleashed the animal spirits of Indian economy
• 1991 Union Budget: Less than a month after becoming India’s 22nd Finance Minister, Manmohan Singh presented a transformative Union Budget in July 1991, addressing the country’s economic crisis with necessary hard decisions.
• Economic Liberalisation: In his historic speech to Parliament, Singh detailed the need for industrial delicensing and economic liberalisation, linking the crisis to past policies.
• Foreign Investments: Opened doors for foreign investments in various sectors as Finance Minister and later as Prime Minister, despite resistance from Left allies.
• Stock Market Boom: His maiden Budget laid the foundation for India’s modern stock market boom by announcing the formation of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• Consumer Interests: Advocated against protectionism, supported consumer interests and wealth creators, while opposing conspicuous consumerism.
• Handling Criticism: Known for addressing criticism with humour and literary references, such as joking about the World Bank’s interests being those of West Bengal.
• International Recognition: Former U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan credited Singh for initiating economic reforms in 1991.
• Legacy: Singh’s departure leaves a significant gap in public policy discourse, making it challenging for India to continue the economic reforms he initiated.
Summary: 17 Children Receive Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
• Event: President Droupadi Murmu presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 children for exceptional achievements.
• Categories: The awards celebrate accomplishments in art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports, and environment.
• President’s Remarks: President Murmu praised the awardees, highlighting their limitless capabilities and the example they set for other children.
• Awardees: Selected from 14 States and Union Territories, including 10 girls and 7 boys.
• Art and Culture: Keya Hatkar, a 14-year-old author and disability advocate; Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old Sufi singer from Kashmir; Vyas Om Jignesh, a 17-year-old with cerebral palsy, dedicated to Sanskrit literature.
• Bravery: Saurav Kumar, a 9-year-old who saved three girls from drowning; Loanna Thapa, a 17-year-old who rescued 36 residents from a fire.
• Innovation: Sindhoora Raja, a 15-year-old who created self-stabilising devices for Parkinson’s patients; Risheek Kumar, a 17-year-old cybersecurity entrepreneur.
• Sports: Hembati Nag, a judo player from a Naxalism-affected area; Anish Sarkar, the youngest FIDE-ranked chess player at just three.
• Significance: The awards recognize and encourage children’s talents, strengthening the nation’s confidence in its future.
Supreme Court Affirms RBI’s Exclusive Authority Over Banking
• RBI’s Role: The Supreme Court ruled that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has exclusive authority to mandate banking regulations, and courts should only ensure that the lawful authority is not abused.
• Judicial Limits: Courts should not assume expertise in banking matters but can examine if there was any abuse of lawful authority.
• Context: The judgment was based on appeals from several banks challenging a 2008 National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission decision that capped interest on credit card dues at 30%.
• Interest Rates: The Commission had found rates between 36% to 49% as exorbitant and exploitative. The Supreme Court set aside this decision.
• RBI’s Authority: RBI, as the primary banking institution, is entrusted with issuing binding directions for the growth of the Indian economy, a power not shared with any other entity.
• Banking Regulation Act: Capping interest rates at 30% was a violation of Section 21A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, which states that interest rates charged by banks should not be subject to court scrutiny.
