Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

Correct option: (a) Maharaja Hari Singh

Article 370 gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir (J & IQ conferring it with the authority to have a separate constitution, separate State flag and autonomy over it’s internal administration. The article was drafted in Part XXI of the Indian constitution : Temporary, Transitional and special provisions. Along with Article 35A, this article defined that residents of Jammu and Kashmir had separate laws related to citizenship, ownership of property, etc. The Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir was empowered to recommend articles of the India constitution that should be applied to the State and a subsequent. Presidential Order (1954) was issued.

On 5th August 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Art. 370. President Ramnath Kovind issued an order nullifying all provisions of autonomy granted to the State. Both houses of Parliament passed the Reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir bill. 

As of now the following changes are apparent:

1. People of the State have access to all government schemes like Reservations, RTE, RTI, etc. 

2. The State was bifurcated into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Nation building means constructing a national identity which aims at uniting the people within a country so that it remains politically stable. It is closely related to the concept of national integration. It demands a democratic government and participative civil society. Nation building in India faces several challenges such as casteism, regionalism, communalism, insurgency, extremism and terrorism.

(a) Terrorism – It is the actual use or threat to use violence with an intention to disrupt life and create panic. It is called ‘asymmetric’ or ‘indirect’ warfare. It may take the form of assassination of political figures, hijackings, bombings and attacks on civilians etc. Earlier, terrorism was State-centric e.g., LTTE in Sri Lanka. However, modern day terrorism aims for abstract ideological or religious goals at the global level e.g., Taliban, Boko Haram. India has been the target of numerous terrorist attacks e.g., bomb blasts in Mumbai (1993, 2006) and LET attack on 26th November 2008 in Mumbai, attack on Parliament (2001), attacks on security forces at Uri (2016) and Pulwama (2019).m

(b) Communalism refers to excessive pride in and attachment to one’s own religion/sect that leads to religious orthodoxy or fundamentalism and promotes intolerance and hatred of other religious groups. 

In India, roots of communalism can be traced to:

1. British policy of ‘Divide and Rule’.

2. Hindu and Muslim revivalist movements.

3. Rise of communal, fundamentalist parties and other vested interests that aim to radicalise members of their communities.

4. Politics of appeasement by various political parties. 

5. psychological factors – history of communal violence has led to lack of trust between Hindus and Muslims. 

6. Role of media and ‘fake news’ which may indulge in sensationalism aimed to incite communal hatred.

Some of the prominent cases of communal violence in India are:

1. 1947-49 there was mass bloodshed in the wake of the Partition of India. 

2. 1969 Ahmedabad riots. 

3. 1983 in Assam against Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh.

4. 1984 Anti-Sikh riots broke out after the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi especially in Delhi. 

5. 1992-93 saw the worst riots post independence following demolition of the Babri Masjid especially in Mumbai, Surat, etc. 

6. 2002 Gujarat riots especially in Godhra. 

7. 2013 Muzaffar nagar riots in UP.

(c) Left Wing Extremism – Left Wing Extremism (also called Maoist movement or Naxalism) has major support base among landless labourers, dalits and tribals who experience a sense of oppression, injustice and neglect. The first attempt to promote a peasant struggle was the Telangana Movement (1946-51). The Naxal movement originated in 1967 in Naxalbari (West Bengal) led by Kanu Sanyal and writings of Charu Majumdar.

Since 1980s the movement has taken a militant turn. In 2004 CPI (M-L), People’s War Group (PWG) and Maoist Communist Centre of India merged to form CPI (Maoist) which aims to overthrow the government, Naxal activities aim to and destroy public property and attack police and officials. The Red Corridor of Naxal activities extends across States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, etc.

Correct option: (b) transparency

Correct option: (c) good governance

Correct option: (a) civil society

Terrorism.

Terrorism threat use violence with an intention to create panic in the society.

The State Level Commissions are -

1. State Information Commission was constituted with the objective to fulfill the mandate assigned in the RTI Act 2005. It consists of State Information Commissioners headed by the State Chief Information Commissioner.

2. State Commission for Women was constituted on 25th January 1993. It consists of a chair person, 6 nonofficial members, a member secretary and a DGP as ex-officio member. It aims to investigate into practices derogatory to women and suggest remedial measures. It also advises the government on matters related to upliftment to the status of women.

3. State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was established by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department dated 1st March 2005. It’s role is to study existing socio-economic, political and educational situation of Scheduled Castes and Tribes and to suggest measures to improve the same. It also investigates grievances raised by members of Scheduled Castes and Schedules Tribes.

4. State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) was established on 6th March 2001 to protect, promote and enforce human rights. It can inquire suo motu (of its own accord) or on petition presented to it, into complaints of violation of human rights.

5. State Commission for Protection of Child’s Rights was set up in July 2007 to protect and defend child rights in the State.

6. State Commission for Minorities – was set up to safeguard the interests of religious and linguistic minorities.

Melting pot.

Redressal and grievances framework (not a pillar of e-governance)

Khalistani movement

Naxalism or Left Wing Extremism

Kerala (not affected by Naxalism)

Option : (d) Naxalbari

NIC (not a Naxal organisation)

IRA (not a terrorist group operating in India)

(b) it brought Indians together in a common framework of political identity and loyalty.

This statement is True.

1. The national freedom movement extended across the length and breadth of the country and involved people of different religions, regions and cultures.

2. It played a vital role in bringing Indians together emotionally and politically into a nation and integrating them in a common frame work of political identity and loyalty.

This statement is True.

1. Democracy and national integration are complementary, since the core of the structural aspect of national consolidation is the democratic system of governance.

2. Participation of diverse socio-cultural groups in the process of governance is possible only through a representative democratic system. Democracy helps in political participation and social transformation by removing ethnic, caste and gender inequality.

(a) review all matters pertaining to national integration.

Option : (b). the opposition parties ask them to do so.

Maharashtra is a pioneer in citizen centric egovernance initiatives such as

1. SARITA (Stamps and Registration Information Technology based Administration) for registration of 67 different types of documents over the entire State.

2. SETU (Integrated Citizen Facilitation Centres) act as one stop service centre for people who have to visit government offices for permits/affidavits, etc. The Society for promotion of Excellence and Transparency for better Understanding of the requirements of citizen in interface with government.

3. E-validity for caste/minority status certificates. 

4. Online Disability certificates. 

5. SEVARTH – integrated system to provide electronic salary payment to all government personnel. 

6. SARTHI – Computerisation of driving license and vehicle registration. 

7. Rojgar Wahini – to provide free services like vocational guidance, job opportunities, self-employment guidance, etc.

1. For environmental causes

• Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) 
• Vanshakti 
• Earth5R 
• Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) 
• Vasundhara 
• PETA 

 2. For child welfare

• Child Right and You (CRY)
• Prerana 
• Helen Keller Institute 
• Bal Asha Trust 
• Salaam Baalak Trust 
• Akansha Foundation 
• Apnalaya

 3. For educational purposes

• Teach for India 
• Door step School 
• Magic Bus India Foundation 
• Pratham Education Foundation 
• VIDYA . 
• Abhilasha Foundation

4. For women’s welfare

• Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA) 
• Apne Aap 
• Women’s Collective (AAWC) 
• Women’s India Trust (WIT) 
• MAJLIS

5. For the disabled/ill/aged

• AASRA 
• National Association for the Blind (NAB) 
• ALERT-India (leprosy patients) 
• Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) 
• Committed Action for Relief and Education (CARE) 
• Cheshire Homes India

National Unity is possible when citizens of that State exhibit psychological oneness, solidarity and shared values. It is not homogeneity but a form of ethnic, religious and linguistic acceptance. Regional aspirations occur in forms like demand for separate States, language issues, etc., Regional aspirations have their roots in historical/linguistic/cultural issues or may be a product of regional political outfits. Sometimes, regional aspirations may even become secessionist as in case of Khalistan movement. India has tried to reconcile regional aspirations with national unity by creating a federation with a strong centre, creating of smaller States as well as the linguistic reorganisation of States.

This statement is True.

1. One of the core values of good governance is effectiveness and efficiency.

2. It refers to sustainable human development in the context of efficient use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.

I agree with this statement. E-governance refers to the use of Information and Communications Technology (I.C.T) to carry out the varied and complex aspects of governance and of citizen’s expectations. E-governance facilitates instantaneous transmission and processing of information as well as efficient storing and retrieval of data. This helps in speeding up governmental processes and taking decisions expeditiously. Large scale digitisation of records enables easy and reliable access over the internet.

Good Governance aims to replace traditional public administration riddled with corruption and redtapism and to make it more citizencentric, responsible and responsive. The core values of good governance include efficiency, inclusiveness, being consensus-oriented, transparency, accountability, etc. Specific programmes aimed at good governance include setting up of Lokpal and Lokayuktas, Creating of Citizen’s Charters, Right to Information Act, institutional mechanisms like NHRC, NCW, etc.

E-Governance is one of the most important aspects of good governance. It involves the employment of Information and Communications Technology (I.C.T) to facilitate efficient and instant transmission and processing of information as well as storing and retrieval of data. Thus, e-governance helps to implement core values of good governance such as transparency, effectiveness, accountability and participation of citizens.

(a) it includes not only formal institutions of government but also informal institutions.

(a) Boko Haram – Nigeria 

OR 

IRA – Ireland

To spread awareness about them, fundamental duties were inserted in the Part IV Article 51(A) of the Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976.

The fundamental duties include :

1. To abide by the Constitution and respect the National Flag and National Anthem. 

2. To cherish and follow the noble ideas which inspired our national struggle for freedom.

3. To respect and protect the sovereignty, integrity and unity of India. 

4. To defend and serve the country. 

5. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India and to abolish evils hampering women’s dignity. 

6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. 

7. To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, rivers, trees, lakes and to show kindness towards animals. 

8. To develop scientific temper and spirit of inquiry. 

9. To protect public property and prevent violence. 

10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity. 

11. A parent or guardian should provide opportunities for education to his child, between the age of 6 to 14 years. (This has been added by 86th Constitutional Amendment)

(a) it recognizes every culture, religion, etc., of a pluralistic society and it’s importance in national integration.

(i) Assam Oil Blockade (1980) :

The Assam Movement (1979-1985) led by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP) was against the illegal immigrants in Assam. There were a series of protests to compel the government to identify and expel illegal immigrants (mostly Bangladeshi) and to provide safeguards to the indigenous Assamese. Some of the protests were violent e.g., the Nellie massacre (1983). On 15th August 1985, the Assam Accord was signed between the Rajiv Gandhi Government and leaders of the Assam movement by which all migrants who had entered the State prior to January 1, 1966 were accepted.

The Oil Blockade was part of the Assam agitation. Crude oil from Assam was pumped to a refinery at Barauni (Bihari). However, AASU protested and blockaded oil supply in 1980. A committee was appointed to suggest a new location for refinery within Assam. They suggested Bongaigaon near West Bengal border. The oil blockade resulted in huge losses to the petroleum industry.

(ii) Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi (1991) : 

Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India (1984-1989) occurred as a result of suicide bombing in Sriperumbudur, Chennai on 21st May 1991. It was carried out by a member of LTTE (Sri Lanka) known as Thenmozhi Rajaratnam (Dhanu) At least 14 others were killed in the explosion of the RDX laden belt by Dhanu. The assassination was attributed to LTTE being antagonised by Mr. Rajiv Gandhi’s sending of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka and the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord with President J. Jayewardene in 1987.

Correct option: (c) Pakistan

(b) Jaish-e-Mohammed – Uri attacks

(b) Fundamental duties – good governance

Left Wing Extremism (also called Maoist movement or Naxalism) has major support base among landless labourers, dalits and tribals who experience a sense of oppression, injustice and neglect. The first attempt to promote a peasant struggle was the Telangana Movement (1946-51). The Naxal Movement originated in 1967 in Naxalbari (West Bengal) led by Kanu Sanyal and writings of Charu Majumdar.

Since 1980s the movement has taken a militant turn. In 2004 CPI (M-L), People’s War Group (PWG) and Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) of India merged to form CPI (Maoist) which aims to overthrow the government, Naxal activities aim to destroy public property and attack police and officials. The Red Corridor of naxal activities extends across States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, etc.

Some of their broad tactics are as follows :

1. Use of propaganda slogans 

2. Establishment of mass movements 

3. Mobilisation of women, tribals and minorities into the revolution 

4. Mobilisation of urban population on mass issues

5. Develop appropriate forms of military organisation.

This statement is True.

1. Left-Wing Extremism or Naxalism has it’s ideological foundations in communism and the writings of Charu Majumdar. It’s main purpose is to show existing government structures and process as being ineffective. 

2. Maoist operations are primarily in rural underdeveloped areas with support base among landless and dalits across the Red Corridor i.e., States like Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, etc.

This statement is False. 

1. Modern day terrorism is not State centric but is a global abstract fight for religious or ideological goals e.g., 2001 attacks by the A1 Qaeda in USA.

2. Traditional form of terrorism was State centric i.e., a specific section of people fighting for their rights against the State e.g., LTTE in Sri Lanka.

Correct option: (b) Naxal movement

Option : (a). they weren’t from Kashmir.

North-East India comprises of eight States which are ethnically and culturally very diverse. Many of these States share boundaries with other countries like China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh. Many of these States are not well connected with mainland India. Some regions of the states in North-East India are not well developed. Ensuring industrial and economic development has been a major issue. Various insurgent groups have created havoc in States like Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, etc., In Assam, the ‘anti-foreigner’ movement was about it’s resources being diverted elsewhere, leading to lack of development.

Naxalism is a movement based on Maoist ideology that began in 1967 at Naxalbari (West Bengal) as a protest against the feudal order and oppression by the landlords. Naxalites target existing infrastructure and aim to show government programmes as ineffective. Naxalites find support amongst landless agricultural labour, tribals and dalits. They are based in inaccessible, underdeveloped areas of India which lack communication facilities, are heavily forested or have difficult terrain where the security forces find it difficult to operate.

After independence, India adopted a socialistic pattern of society with mixed economy and Five Year Plans. However, keeping in view, socio-political changes in the world such as the collapse of the Soviet Union, India went into an economic transformation in the 1990s. It opted for economic liberalisation to tackle the problem of economic stagnation. This led to economic recovery of the country.

National unity refers to solidarity among citizens of a country. It advocates a ‘community of communities’ with respect to diversity, shared values and experiences. It is ethnic, religious, linguistic acceptance towards peace and stability. National unity is a major step towards social peace i.e., it is essential in maintaining a stable, functional and harmonious society. National unity in India reflects the ‘salad bowl’ concept i.e., it is not an assimilation of diverse groups but the maintenance of distinctive beliefs in a plural society.