Polity 2024 Flashcards

(69 cards)

1
Q

How many delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023?

A

Four delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023.

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2
Q

What is the process of delimitation in India?

A

Delimitation is the process of fixing the number of seats and boundaries of territorial constituencies in each State for the Lok Sabha and Legislative assemblies, including determining seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

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3
Q

What empowers the Parliament to readjust the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies?

A

Article 82 and Article 170 of the Constitution empower the Parliament to readjust the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies of States after every census.

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4
Q

Who constitutes the Delimitation Commission in India?

A

The Delimitation Commission is constituted by an independent high-powered panel set up under an act of Parliament, specifically the Delimitation Commission Act.

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5
Q

What is the composition of the Delimitation Commission?

A

The Delimitation Commission consists of a retired or working Supreme Court Judge (chairperson), an Election Commissioner, and the concerned State Election Commissioners.

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6
Q

When was the first delimitation exercise carried out in India?

A

The first delimitation exercise was carried out by the President with the help of the Election Commission in 1950-51.

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7
Q

When is the next Delimitation Commission expected to be set up?

A

The next Delimitation Commission is expected to be set up after 2026.

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8
Q

What is the significance of the Commission’s orders regarding delimitation?

A

The Commission’s orders have the force of law and cannot be challenged in any court. They are presented to the Lok Sabha and the relevant legislative assemblies, but no modifications can be made to the orders.

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9
Q

What was the outcome of the 1973 delimitation exercise?

A

The 1973 delimitation exercise resulted in an increase in Lok Sabha seats from 522 to 543.

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10
Q

When is the next delimitation exercise scheduled to occur according to the 84th amendment to the Constitution?

A

The next delimitation exercise is to be conducted after 2026, based on the first census conducted after that year.

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11
Q

Which states are included in the delimitation exercise as per Section 8A of RPA 1950?

A

The states included are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland.

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12
Q

What languages were added to the Eighth Schedule by the Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992?

A

The languages added are Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali. The correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 3.

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13
Q

What languages were included in the Eighth Schedule by the Seventy-first Amendment of the Constitution of India?

A

The Seventy-first Amendment included Konkani, Meitei (officially called ‘Manipuri’), and Nepali languages, raising the total to eighteen languages in the Eighth Schedule.

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14
Q

What are the parts of the Constitution of India that relate to Municipalities, Emergency provisions, and amendment of the Constitution?

A
  1. Powers of the Municipalities are given in Part IX A of the Constitution.
  2. Emergency provisions are given in Part XVIII of the Constitution.
  3. Provisions related to the amendment of the Constitution are given in Part XX of the Constitution.
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15
Q

Which statement is correct regarding Inter-State trade and commerce as per the Constitution of India?

A

Inter-State quarantine is a Union subject under the Union List. This means it is not a State subject under the State List.

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16
Q

What does the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India specify?

A

The Seventh Schedule specifies the allocation of powers and functions between the Union and the State legislatures, detailing subjects under the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.

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17
Q

How many subjects are there in the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List according to the Seventh Schedule?

A

The Union List contains 97 subjects, the State List contains 61 subjects, and the Concurrent List contains 47 subjects.

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18
Q

Under which Article of the Constitution of India has the Supreme Court placed the Right to Privacy?

A

The Right to Privacy is placed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

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19
Q

What is the significance of the Right to Privacy as described in the K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India case?

A

The Right to Privacy is described as a fundamental and inalienable right that covers all information about a person and the choices they make, protected as part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21.

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20
Q

What are the three tests that state action must pass to restrict the Right to Privacy?

A
  1. The state action must have a legislative mandate.
  2. It must pursue a legitimate state purpose.
  3. It must be proportionate, meaning it should be necessary in a democratic society and the least intrusive alternative.
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21
Q

What are the primary duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in India?

A

The primary duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) include:

  1. Head the Department of Military Affairs in the Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary.
  2. Act as the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters.
  3. Function as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
  4. Administer Tri-Service organizations/agencies/commands.
  5. Be a member of the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by the Defence Minister.
  6. Function as the Military Advisor to the Nuclear Command Authority.
  7. Promote jointness in operations, logistics, training, and support services among the three Services.
  8. Ensure optimal utilization of infrastructure and rationalize it through jointness.
  9. Implement the Five-Year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan and Two-Year roll-on Annual Acquisition Plans.
  10. Assign inter-services prioritization to capital acquisition proposals based on budget.
  11. Bring about reforms to augment combat capabilities and reduce wasteful expenditure.
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22
Q

Does the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) exercise military command over the three services?

A

No, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) does not exercise military command over the three services.

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23
Q

What is the primary objective of the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha?

A

The Ethics Committee oversees the moral and ethical conduct of members and examines cases of misconduct referred to it.

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24
Q

When was the Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha constituted as a permanent part of the House?

A

The Ethics Committee became a permanent part of the House in 2015 after being initially constituted as an ad hoc committee in 2000.

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25
Who appoints the members of the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha and for what duration?
The members of the Ethics Committee are appointed by the **Speaker** for a period of **one year**.
26
What is the procedure for filing a complaint against a Member of Lok Sabha regarding unethical conduct?
Any person can complain against a Member through another Lok Sabha MP, along with **evidence** of the alleged misconduct and an **affidavit** stating that the complaint is not 'false, frivolous, or vexatious'. If the Member himself complains, the affidavit is not needed.
27
What historical event led to the establishment of the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha?
The idea of ethics panels for the two Houses was first mooted at a **Presiding Officers' Conference** held in Delhi in **1996**.
28
What is the process followed by the Ethics Committee before examining a complaint?
The Ethics Committee makes a **prima facie inquiry** before deciding to examine a complaint and evaluates the complaint to make its recommendations.
29
How does the Ethics Committee's work overlap with that of the Privileges Committee?
The Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee often overlap in their work. Allegations of corruption against an MP can be sent to either body, but more serious accusations typically go to the Privileges Committee, which safeguards the **freedom, authority, and dignity of Parliament**.
30
What privileges are protected by the Privileges Committee?
The Privileges Committee protects privileges enjoyed by individual Members of Parliament as well as the House as a whole. An MP can be examined for **Breach of Privilege**, and a non-MP can also be accused of breach of privilege for actions that attack the authority and dignity of the House.
31
Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad?
The Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad was **Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha**.
32
When did the Constituent Assembly hold its first meeting and what was the attendance?
The Constituent Assembly held its first meeting on **December 9, 1946**, with only **211 members** present due to the Muslim League's boycott.
33
What significant event occurred on January 26, 1950, regarding the Constitution of India?
On **January 26, 1950**, the Constitution of India took effect, which is commemorated as **Republic Day**.
34
Who was the chairman of the Committee on the Rules of Procedure in the Constituent Assembly of India?
Rajendra Prasad
35
What significant event occurred on 15 August 1947 in the timeline of the Constitution of India?
India achieved independence, splitting into the Dominion of India and the Dominion of Pakistan.
36
Who chaired the Drafting Committee appointed on 29 August 1947?
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
37
What was the purpose of the 'Objective Resolution' presented by Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946?
It laid down the underlying principles of the constitution, which later became the Preamble of the constitution.
38
Which committee was responsible for the adoption of the National Flag on 22 July 1947?
The Ad hoc Committee on the National Flag, chaired by Rajendra Prasad.
39
What significant event occurred on 26 November 1949 in the context of the Indian Constitution?
The 'Constitution of India' was passed and adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
40
What was the last meeting of the Constituent Assembly about on 24 January 1950?
The last meeting involved signing and accepting 'The Constitution of India' which contained 395 articles, 8 schedules, and 22 parts.
41
What does Article 368 of the Constitution of India allow the Parliament to do?
It allows the Parliament to amend any provision of the Constitution by way of addition, variation, or repeal, following the procedure laid down in the article.
42
Which article mentions the special procedure in respect of Money Bills in the Parliament?
Article 109 mentions the special procedure in respect of Money Bills.
43
Can a Money Bill be introduced in the Council of States according to the Constitution?
No, a Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States.
44
What is the Rajya Sabha's role regarding a Money Bill?
The Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.
45
What must happen to amendments to a Money Bill suggested by the Rajya Sabha?
Amendments suggested by the Rajya Sabha have to be accepted by the Lok Sabha.
46
What is the procedure for a Money Bill after it is passed by the House of the People?
After being passed by the House of the People, a Money Bill is transmitted to the Council of States for recommendations. The Council must return the Bill within fourteen days, either approving it or suggesting changes, but cannot reject it. The House of the People can then accept or reject the recommendations. If accepted, the Bill is deemed passed with amendments; if not, it is deemed passed in its original form. If not returned within fourteen days, it is also deemed passed in the form it was passed by the House of the People.
47
Who are the members of the North Eastern Council (NEC) as per the amended NEC Act of 2002?
The members of the North Eastern Council (NEC) as per the amended NEC Act of 2002 include: 1. **Governor of the Constituent State** 2. **Chief Minister of the Constituent State** 3. **Three Members nominated by the President of India** 4. **The Home Minister of India**
48
What is the North Eastern Council (NEC) and when was it constituted?
The North Eastern Council (NEC) is a **statutory advisory body** constituted under the North Eastern Council **Act 1971** and came into being on 8 August 1972 at Shillong.
49
Which states are members of the North Eastern Council (NEC)?
The eight States of Northeast India that are members of the council are: - Arunachal Pradesh - Assam - Manipur - Meghalaya - Mizoram - Nagaland - Tripura - Sikkim (added in 2002)
50
Who represents the states in the North Eastern Council (NEC)?
The respective **Chief Ministers and Governors** of the member states represent them in the North Eastern Council (NEC).
51
What is the role of the North Eastern Council (NEC) as per the North Eastern Council (Amendment) Act, 2002?
The North Eastern Council (Amendment) Act, 2002 enjoined the NEC to act as a 'regional planning body'.
52
What is the significance of the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, also known as 'Nari Shakti Adhiniyam'?
The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 reserves one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, State legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, including those reserved for SCs and STs.
53
Which statements regarding 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' are correct?
The correct statements are: - 2. This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act. - 3. There are provisions for the reservation of seats for scheduled Castes Women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes.
54
What are the key provisions regarding the reservation for women in the legislation?
- **33% reservation** for women with sub-reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) based on their population proportion. - **Duration** of reservation is **15 years**, extendable by Parliament if necessary. - **No reservation** for women in the Rajya Sabha or state legislative councils. - Reservation takes effect after the **first delimitation exercise** post-legislation commencement.
55
What is a Writ of Prohibition and what does it prohibit?
A writ of prohibition is issued by a Court to: - Prohibit lower courts, tribunals, and quasi-judicial authorities from acting beyond their authority. - It directs inactivity, differing from mandamus which directs activity. - It can only be issued against **judicial and quasi-judicial authorities**, not against administrative authorities, legislative bodies, or private individuals.
56
Which statements about the recognition of Scheduled Tribes by the Governor are correct?
1. **Correct**: The Governor of the State recognizes and declares any community as a Scheduled Tribe. 2. **Correct**: A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in one State may not be recognized as such in another State.
57
Which article of the Indian Constitution allows the President to specify tribes as Scheduled Tribes?
Article 342(1) allows the President to specify tribes or tribal communities as Scheduled Tribes in relation to a State or Union Territory after consultation with the Governor.
58
Who presents the Annual Financial Statement in the Parliament?
The Union Finance Minister presents the Annual Financial Statement on behalf of the President of India, not the Prime Minister.
59
What does Article 113(3) of the Indian Constitution state regarding demands for grants?
Article 113(3) states that no demand for grants can be presented in the Lok Sabha without the prior approval of the President of India.
60
What happens when a resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration?
1. The Speaker shall not preside over
61
What happens when a resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration?
1. The Speaker shall not preside over the proceedings. 2. The Speaker shall not have the right to speak. 3. The Speaker shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance.
62
What happens to a bill pending in the Lok Sabha upon its dissolution?
A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution.
63
What is the status of a bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha upon the dissolution of the Lok Sabha?
A bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
64
Which articles of the Indian Constitution deal with the lapsing of bills in Parliament?
Articles **107** and **108** of the Indian Constitution deal with the provisions regarding the lapsing of bills in Parliament.
65
What is the status of a bill that originates in the Lok Sabha and remains pending in the Lower House upon dissolution?
A bill that originates in the Lok Sabha and remains pending in the Lower House is considered lapsed with the dissolution of the House.
66
What happens to bills that originate and are passed in the Lok Sabha but are pending in the Rajya Sabha upon dissolution?
Bills that originate and are passed in the Lok Sabha but are pending in the Rajya Sabha are also considered lapsed upon dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
67
When does a Bill not lapse in the Indian Parliament?
A Bill does not lapse in the following instances: 1. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha but not passed by the Lok Sabha. 2. Bills that have cleared both Houses but are pending assent from the President. 3. If the President has notified the holding of a joint sitting before the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. 4. A Bill passed by both Houses but returned by the President for reconsideration of the Rajya Sabha. 5. Pending bills and all pending assurances that are to be examined by the Committee on Government Assurances.
68
Which statements regarding the prorogation and dissolution of the Lok Sabha are correct?
The correct statements are: 2. Prorogation of a House is generally done after the House is adjourned sine die but there is no bar to the President of India prorogating the House which is in session. 3. Dissolution of the Lok Sabha is done by the President of India who, save in exceptional circumstances, does so on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
69
What is the process for alternate government formation if the present government cannot prove a majority?
If the present government cannot prove a majority, the following steps may be taken for alternate government formation: 1. **Resignation of the Current Government**: The current government may resign if it is unable to secure a majority in the legislature. 2. **Consultation with Political Parties**: The President may consult with various political parties to explore the possibility of forming a new government. 3. **Invitation to Form Government**: The President may invite the leader of the party or coalition that has the majority support to form the government. 4. **Vote of Confidence**: The new government may be required to prove its majority through a vote of confidence in the legislature. 5. **Formation of a Coalition**: If no single party has a clear majority, parties may negotiate to form a coalition government. 6. **Elections**: If no viable government can be formed, the President may call for fresh elections to resolve the deadlock.