Under the Anti-Defection Law, a merger of political parties is recognized if what fraction of members agree?
- One-third members
- Two-thirds members
- Half members
- Three-fourths members
Explanation: The Anti-Defection Law, enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, was introduced by the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985. Its primary objective is to prevent political defections by Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of State Legislatures (MLAs) from one party to another, which could destabilize governments. The law specifies conditions under which a legislator can be disqualified for defection. However, it provides an exception for a 'merger' of political parties. For a merger to be recognized and for the defecting members to avoid disqualification, at least two-thirds of the members of the legislative party must agree to merge with another party. This provision aims to distinguish between individual defections and a genuine merger of political entities, allowing for legitimate political realignments while curbing opportunistic floor-crossing.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with which body of water?
- Red Sea
- Arabian Sea
- Gulf of Oman
- Mediterranean Sea
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf (also known as the Arabian Gulf) to the Gulf of Oman and, subsequently, the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world's most critical choke points for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, with a significant portion of the world's seaborne oil passing through it daily. Its narrowest point is about 39 kilometers (21 nautical miles) wide, making it susceptible to disruptions. The strait is bordered by Iran to the north and Oman's Musandam Governorate to the south. Due to its immense geopolitical and economic importance, international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is governed by international maritime law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees the right of transit passage.
What is the primary objective of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)?
- Promote global trade
- Combat money laundering
- Regulate financial markets
- Provide development aid
Explanation: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to combat money laundering. Its mandate was expanded in 2001 to include combating terrorist financing and, more recently, the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. FATF sets international standards and promotes the effective implementation of legal, regulatory, and operational measures for combating these illicit activities. It monitors countries' progress in implementing these recommendations through peer reviews and identifies jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) regimes, often placing them on 'grey' or 'black' lists, which can have significant economic implications.
The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana primarily aims to achieve which objective?
- Boost agricultural output
- Enhance employment generation
- Improve urban infrastructure
- Promote digital literacy
Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana is a government initiative designed to stimulate employment generation across India. While specific details of newly announced schemes often evolve, the general objective of such 'Rozgar Yojana' (Employment Schemes) by the Indian government is to address unemployment and underemployment. These schemes typically involve providing incentives, skill development, financial assistance, or creating opportunities in various sectors to boost job creation. The disbursement of incentives, as mentioned in the headline, suggests a focus on encouraging businesses or individuals to contribute to employment growth, aligning with the broader vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by enhancing economic participation and livelihood opportunities.
The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on which date?
- June twenty-first
- July twenty-first
- August twenty-first
- September twenty-first
Explanation: The International Day of Yoga (IDY) is observed annually on June 21st. The idea for an International Day of Yoga was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2014. Recognizing the universal appeal and benefits of yoga, the UNGA adopted a resolution on December 11, 2014, with a record 177 member states co-sponsoring the initiative, to establish June 21st as the International Day of Yoga. This date was chosen because it is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and holds special significance in many parts of the world, particularly in yogic tradition. The day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.