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Today in History ( January 15th,1949)
Every year, 15 January is commemorated as ‘Army Day’ to remember the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.
Today’s Questions
Let’s Revise
Q.1) What is the main purpose of the Z-Morh tunnel?
a) To provide a railway connectivity
b) To ensure year-round road connectivity
c) To improve the road conditions in Ladakh
d) To create a shortcut to Srinagar
Answer: b)
Explanation: The Z-Morh tunnel is crucial for providing all-weather access to Sonamarg and ensuring year-round connectivity Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh Highway in Jammu and Kashmir., particularly for military purposes.
Q.2) How long is the Z-Morh Tunnel?
a) 6.5 km
b) 5.5 km
c) 7.5 km
d) 8.5 km
Answer: a)
Explanation: The Z-Morh tunnel itself is 6.5 km long, which facilitates traffic between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh Highway.
Q.3) Why is the Z-Morh tunnel necessary for the region?
a) To avoid the inconvenience of snow avalanches during winter
b) To make the road more scenic
c) To provide a connection to a new city
d) To reduce travel time during the summer
Answer: a)
Explanation: The tunnel is built to prevent snow avalanches from making the road to Sonamarg impassable, as the area is prone to snow hazards.
Q.4) What is the purpose of the Escape Tunnel in the Z-Morh Tunnel?
a) To reduce traffic congestion
b) To allow safe evacuation during emergencies
c) To increase vehicle speed
d) To create a parallel route for military personnel
Answer: b)
Explanation: The 6.426 km long Escape Tunnel provides an emergency evacuation route for vehicles in case of an incident inside the main tunnel.
Q.5) What is the strategic importance of the Z-Morh Tunnel?
a) It provides access to more tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir
b) It helps in improving the local economy
c) It ensures year-round connectivity, particularly for military personnel
d) It promotes environmental conservation
Answer: c)
Explanation: The Z-Morh Tunnel is vital for year-round connectivity, especially for the movement of military personnel to strategic border areas.
Q.6) What other major tunnel is located near the Z-Morh Tunnel to enhance military capabilities?
a) Rohtang Tunnel
b) Zojila Tunnel
c) Banihal Tunnel
d) Chenani-Nashri Tunnel
Answer: b)
Explanation: The Zojila Tunnel, located to the east of the Z-Morh Tunnel, works in tandem with it to enhance the Indian military’s capabilities in the Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
Q.7) It was established in 1981 and declared as a tiger reserve in 1983 under the Project Tiger of India. It derives its name from ____River and Its name it ______national tiger reserve. Fill the blank.
a) Sabarmati
b) Brahmaputra
c) Indravati
d) Kosi
Answer: c)
Rationale: Indravati tiger reserve was established in 1981 and declared as a tiger reserve in 1973 under the Project Tiger of India. The park derives its name from the Indravati River, which flows from east to west and forms the northern boundary of the reserve with the Indian state of Maharashtra.
Summary of Today’s News
Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) gained political attention after its report on the renovation costs of the office and residence of former Delhi Chief Minister.
Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
• The CAG plays a critical role in ensuring financial accountability and transparency in India’s governance system.
• The CAG is the supreme audit authority of India, responsible for auditing government accounts and ensuring accountability in public finance management.
• Articles 148 to 151 of the Indian Constitution provide the framework for the appointment, duties, and reporting structure of the CAG.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, determines the CAG’s service conditions and prescribes the duties and powers of their office.
Historical background
• The role of CAG evolved in British India and the Government of India Act 1858 paved the way for appointment of the first Auditor General, Sir Edward Drummond in 1860.
• Under the Montford Reforms of 1919, the Auditor General became independent of the Government.
• The Government of India Act, 1935 strengthened the position of the Auditor General and the Government of India Order 1936 provided for the conditions of services of the Auditor General.
Duties and responsibilities of CAG
• Audits expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, states, and union territories with Legislative Assemblies.
• Audits expenditure from the Contingency Fund and Public Account of India and those of the states.
• Audits transactions related to debt, sinking funds, deposits, advances, suspense accounts, and remittance business with Presidential approval.
• Audits accounts of any authority if requested by the President or Governor.
• Audits Reports Submitted by CAG to the President of India
• Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India submits three audit reports to the President of India (Article 151).
• Audit report on appropriation accounts: This report shows how the legislature-granted money was allocated to different heads of expenditure and grants. It also verifies if the money was spent for the intended purpose.
• Audit report on finance accounts: This report shows the annual receipts and expenditures of the country.
• Audit report on public undertakings: This report covers the finances and expenditures of various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
• After receiving the reports, the President lays them before both houses of Parliament. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) then examines the reports and submits its findings to Parliament.
Impact of CAG Reports
• CAG reports often highlight financial losses and procedural lapses, influencing policy changes and accountability measures.
Example: 2010 report on the allocation of 2G spectrum licenses, which led to significant policy reforms.
Concluding remarks
CAG’s audits and recommendations have led to significant policy corrections in the past, emphasizing the importance of an empowered and independent audit authority in a democracy.
