Edutainment Indian/Kashmir Administrative Services

Q. Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection? (UPSC Prelims 2014)

(a) Second Schedule
(b) Fifth Schedule
(c) Eighth Schedule
(d) Tenth Schedule

What is the Anti-Defection Law?

The Anti-Defection Law is a set of rules in the Indian Constitution designed to prevent elected politicians (Members of Parliament or State Legislative Assemblies) from switching political parties for personal gain or political maneuvering.

It was introduced to bring stability to the parliamentary system and stop the infamous "Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram" culture of the 1960s and 70s, where legislators frequently changed sides, causing governments to collapse.

Between 1967 and 1972, nearly 2,000 cases of defection occurred, with about 50% of legislators switching parties, some multiple times.

It was introduced to bring stability to the parliamentary system and stop the infamous "Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram" culture of the 1960s and 70s, where legislators frequently changed sides, causing governments to collapse.

It was added to the Constitution by the 52nd Amendment Act in 1985, which created the Tenth Schedule.

The law was strengthened by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, which omitted the provision related to a "split" (where 1/3rd members could defect) and retained only the "merger" provision.

Heat Index

The heat index is the “feels-like” temperature, calculated by combining air temperature and relative humidity.

High humidity reduces sweat evaporation, making the body feel hotter than the actual temperature, while low humidity allows faster cooling, making it feel cooler.

As temperature and humidity increase, the heat index rises, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Q. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (UPSC prelims 2021)

1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
3. A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 2 and 3

What is the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Scheme?

Background: India based on the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora, launched the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme in December 2005 through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, and it was formally inaugurated at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in 2006.

The scheme grants long-term residency and travel privileges to Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) holding foreign citizenship.

Subsequently, the PIO scheme was merged with OCI in 2015 to streamline diaspora engagement.

Who was Samrat Samprati?

He was the fifth emperor of the Mauryan Empire, reigning from approximately 224 to 215 BCE. He was the grandson of the legendary Emperor Ashoka and the son of Kunala.

Following Ashoka’s death in 232 BCE, historical records suggest the Mauryan Empire was divided between his grandsons, Dasharatha and Samprati.

Religious Affiliation: While the Mauryan dynasty saw diverse faiths, Chandragupta Maurya (Jainism), Ashoka (Buddhism), and Dasharatha (Ajivika), Samprati is the central figure for the Shvetambara Jain tradition.