Bal Gangadhar Tilak

1. Early Life and Education – Bal Gangadhar Tilak, known as “Lokmanya,” was born on 23 July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. He studied Mathematics and later completed his LL.B.
2. Strong Nationalist Leader – He was a prominent leader of the Indian freedom movement and strongly advocated Swaraj (self-rule) rather than gradual reforms under British rule.
3. Role in the Indian National Congress – Tilak joined the INC in 1890 and, along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, promoted nationalism, Swadeshi, and mass participation. He played an important role in the Swadeshi Movement and the Surat Split of 1907.
4. Contribution to the Freedom Movement – He promoted the four-point programme of Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education, and Swarajya and encouraged Indians to use indigenous goods and oppose British products.
5. Home Rule Movement – In 1916, Tilak and Annie Besant founded the Home Rule Movement. Tilak worked extensively in Maharashtra, Central Provinces, Karnataka, and Berar to spread the demand for self-government.
6. Imprisonment and Sedition Cases – Tilak faced three major sedition cases and spent six years in Mandalay Jail (1908–1914). His imprisonment made him an even more influential nationalist leader.
7. Social, Educational and Literary Contributions – He popularized Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav and Shivaji Jayanti to promote national unity. He helped establish the New English School and Deccan Education Society and wrote important works such as Gita Rahasya, The Arctic Home in the Vedas, and The Orion.

Which of the following statements about Bal Gangadhar Tilak are correct?

1. He was popularly known as “Lokmanya.”
2. He advocated Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, and National Education.
3. He founded the Home Rule League along with Annie Besant in 1916.
4. He spent six years in Mandalay Jail due to sedition charges.
5. He established the Deccan Education Society and promoted public celebrations of Ganeshotsav and Shivaji Jayanti.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 4 and 5 only

Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

 
UPSC = Union Public Service Commission.

Constitutional Status: The UPSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315. Articles 315–323 deal with its composition, functions, independence and reporting.

Appointment and Tenure (Art. 316): The Chairman and Members are appointed by the President. They hold office for 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.

Removal (Art. 317): The President can remove the Chairman or a Member on specified grounds. In case of misbehaviour, removal requires an inquiry by the Supreme Court.

Functions (Art. 320): UPSC conducts examinations and advises the government on recruitment, appointments, promotions, transfers and disciplinary matters relating to civil services.

Financial Independence (Art. 322): The expenses of UPSC are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, strengthening its financial autonomy.

Independence Safeguards (Art. 318 & 319): The President determines the number of members and service conditions. Restrictions on post-tenure government employment help maintain the Commission’s impartiality.

Annual Report (Art. 323): UPSC submits its annual report to the President, who places it before Parliament along with a memorandum explaining cases where its advice was not accepted.

With reference to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), consider the following statements:

1. The UPSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315.
2. The Chairman and Members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India.
3. The expenses of the UPSC are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
4. In case of misbehaviour, the President can remove a UPSC Member without any inquiry by the Supreme Court.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

 
Biotechnology — Meaning and Types

Biotechnology is the application of living organisms, cells, enzymes and biological processes to develop useful products and technologies.

Modern Biotechnology: Uses techniques such as genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, genome editing, tissue culture and molecular diagnostics.

Red Biotechnology: Deals with healthcare and medicine, including vaccines, gene therapy, insulin and diagnostic technologies.

Green Biotechnology: Focuses on agriculture, including genetically modified crops, biofertilizers and biopesticides. Example: Bt cotton.

White Biotechnology: Uses biological processes for industrial production of biofuels, enzymes, chemicals and biodegradable materials. Example: Bioethanol.

Blue Biotechnology: Utilises marine organisms and resources for pharmaceuticals, food products and industrial applications.

Grey Biotechnology: Focuses on environmental protection, including wastewater treatment, recycling and bioremediation using microorganisms.

With reference to Biotechnology, consider the following statements:

1. Red Biotechnology is primarily associated with healthcare and medical applications.
2. Green Biotechnology focuses mainly on agriculture, including biofertilizers and genetically modified crops.
3. White Biotechnology is associated with industrial production such as biofuels and enzymes.
4. Blue Biotechnology primarily deals with wastewater treatment and bioremediation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

 
Powers and Functions of the President of India

Executive Powers: Under Article 53, executive power of the Union is vested in the President. He appoints the Prime Minister, Union Ministers and other key constitutional authorities.

Administrative Powers: Under Article 77, the President makes rules for the convenient transaction of Union government business and allocation of work among ministers.

Judicial Powers: The President appoints judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts as per the constitutional process and can seek the Supreme Court’s opinion under Article 143. He also exercises clemency powers under Article 72.

Legislative Powers: The President summons and prorogues Parliament, can dissolve the Lok Sabha, addresses Parliament, nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha and gives assent to Bills.

Ordinance and Financial Powers: Under Article 123, the President can promulgate Ordinances when Parliament is not in session. He also causes the Union Budget to be laid before Parliament and recommends certain financial proposals.

Diplomatic and Military Powers: Represents India internationally, appoints and receives diplomatic representatives and serves as the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces under Article 53.

Emergency Powers: Can proclaim National Emergency (Article 352), President’s Rule (Article 356) and Financial Emergency (Article 360), subject to constitutional safeguards.

With reference to the powers and functions of the President of India, consider the following statements:

1. The President can promulgate Ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
2. The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.
3. The President can seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on questions of law or fact.
4. The President can proclaim a Financial Emergency under Article 360.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d)