Q 1.C International Union for conservation of Nature publish lists of threatened species in Red Data Book. This Red Data Book classifies the species into various categories based on their population size, risk of extinction etc. The categories are Extinct(EX),Extinct In Wild(EW), Critically Endangered(CR), Endangered(EN), Vulnerable(VU), Near Threatened(NT), Least Concern(LC), Data Deficient(DD) and Not Evaluated(NE).
Great Indian Bustard that narrowly missed being christened India’s national bird is now teetering on its last legs. India, effectively the only home of the bustards, now harbours less than 150 individuals in five states. It is also listed in Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Critically Endangered: If if meets any of the criteria

• reduction in population >80% over the last 10 years
• population size(number less than 250 mature individuals)
• qualitative analysis showing the probability of extinction in wild in at leats 50% in their 10 years.

The reasons for declining population includes power lines, intensification  of agriculture( more pesticides, barbed- wire fences and new crops), their poor frontal vision etc

(Q 2 ans:a)  HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) is a camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. It recently has captured the image of InSight lander, which recently touched down on the Red Planet. This is not the first time HiRISE has photographed a Mars Lander.
In April 2010, NASA released the first images under the HiWish program in which the public suggested places for HiRISE to photograph.

Q 1.C The Central Electricity Authority of India is a statutory organisation constituted under section 3 of Electricity Supply Act 1948, which has been superseded by section 70 of the Electricity Act 2003. The CEA advises the government on policy matters and formulates plans for the development of electricity systems.

Q 1.Ans:a) The Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘PHETHAI’ over westcentral Bay of Bengal moved further northwards, weakened into a cyclonic storm. However, due to unfavorable environmental conditions, it is likely to slightly weaken further before landfall and cross coast as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph.

Source: PIB

The river  originates from a cluster of 30 springs at Bhimgad in the Western Ghats in the Belagavi district of Karnataka. With its cerulean waters, Dudhsagar Falls and Varapoha Falls, it is also known as the Gomati in a few places.

The Mandovi eventually pours into the Arabian Sea. The river Mapusa is a tributary of the Mandovi.

(a)
The present Constitution follows the scheme of this Act but with one difference that is, under this 1935 Act, the residuary powers were given neither to the federal legislature nor to the provincial legislature but to the governor-general of India. As of now, it vests with the Centre. The Provision with regard to concurrent list was same as earlier. So, the number 2 is incorrect.

– (d)
Statement 1: Only certain category of CA Bills needs the prior permission of the President, for example major tax reforms.
Statement 2: It can be introduced in either house.
Statement 3: Speaker has the casting vote only in case of a tie or indecisive situations. Otherwise, if the MPs clear the bill, it is sent to the President.
Statement 4: Any MP can introduce a CA bill.

(a)
All option other than A are of the Government of India Act 1935 Only Option A was provided for in Act of 1892.