Fill in the Blank – GK Questions

Question Hour (first hour of sitting) allows MPs to ask questions (starred, unstarred, short notice) to ministers about administration. Zero Hour (informal, post-Question Hour) allows raising urgent matters without prior notice. Both are crucial tools for executive accountability and public grievance redressal.

Article 112: President causes Annual Financial Statement (Budget) to be laid before Parliament. Article 113: Demands for grants are voted by Lok Sabha only; Rajya Sabha can discuss but not vote. Article 114: Appropriation Bill authorizes expenditure from Consolidated Fund. This upholds 'no taxation without representation' principle.

Article 120: Parliamentary business in Hindi/English; members may speak in any Eighth Schedule language with presiding officer's permission. Eighth Schedule originally had 14 languages; now 22. This balances national integration with linguistic diversity in legislative proceedings.

Article 108: Joint sitting resolves deadlocks on ordinary bills (not Money Bills or Constitutional Amendment Bills). Presided by Speaker; in absence, by Deputy Speaker or Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Decision by simple majority of members present and voting. Used only thrice: 1961, 1978, 2002.

Article 94: Speaker can be removed by Lok Sabha passing resolution by majority of all then-members present and voting. 14-day notice required. Speaker doesn't vote in first instance, only exercises casting vote in tie. This ensures Speaker remains accountable to House while maintaining impartiality.

Article 80: Rajya Sabha max strength 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated). Nominated members are persons with special knowledge/practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service. Current strength is 245. Nominations ensure expert voices in legislation without electoral politics.

Article 75(4) and Third Schedule: Ministers take oath before President. Oath includes: (a) bear true faith to Constitution, (b) uphold sovereignty and integrity of India, (c) faithfully discharge duties, (d) not disclose confidential information. This formalizes constitutional commitment and confidentiality obligation.

Article 111: President has three veto types: (a) Absolute veto - withholding assent, (b) Suspensive veto - returning bill (except Money Bills), (c) Pocket veto - taking no action indefinitely. Pocket veto was used in 1986 for Indian Post Office (Amendment) Bill. This passive power checks hasty legislation.

Article 361: President (and Governors) enjoy immunity: (a) no criminal proceedings during term, (b) no arrest/imprisonment, (c) civil proceedings allowed with 2-month notice. This ensures head of state can perform duties without harassment, but doesn't grant impunity post-tenure.

Article 75(1A), inserted by 91st Amendment (2003): Council strength cannot exceed 15% of Lok Sabha strength (minimum 12 for small states). Also, defectors cannot be appointed ministers until re-elected or term ends. These curb horse-trading and excessive ministerial berths.

Article 78(a): PM communicates to President all Council decisions on Union administration and legislative proposals. Article 78(b) requires PM to furnish information called for by President. Article 78(c) allows President to refer matters for Council consideration. These ensure coordination between nominal and real executive.

Article 66: Vice President is elected by members of both Houses of Parliament (elected + nominated) via proportional representation by single transferable vote. Unlike Presidential election, State Legislative Assembly members do not participate. VP serves as ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha (Article 64).

Article 123: Presidential ordinances have same force as Acts of Parliament but must be laid before both Houses. They cease to operate at expiration of 6 weeks from reassembly of Parliament, or earlier if both Houses pass resolutions disapproving them. This balances executive urgency with legislative oversight.

Article 56: President's term is 5 years. They can resign by writing to Vice President, or be removed by impeachment for 'violation of the Constitution' under Article 61. Impeachment requires 2/3 majority of total membership of Parliament after charges are framed by either House.

Article 36 states that definitions in Part III (Fundamental Rights) apply to Part IV (DPSP) unless context otherwise requires. Thus, 'State' under Article 12 (including government, legislature, local authorities, etc.) applies to DPSP enforcement, though DPSP themselves are non-justiciable.

Article 43 directs the State to secure: (a) living wage, (b) decent standard of life, (c) leisure, and (d) social and cultural opportunities for workers. This aims at holistic development of labour force beyond mere economic sustenance, reflecting the welfare state ideal.

Article 46 is a socialist-Gandhian principle directing the State to promote educational and economic interests of weaker sections, especially SCs and STs, and protect them from social injustice and exploitation. This underpins reservation policies and welfare schemes for marginalized communities.

Article 47 is a Gandhian principle directing the State to: (a) raise nutrition levels, (b) improve standard of living, (c) improve public health, and (d) prohibit intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health, except for medicinal purposes. Several states have implemented prohibition policies based on this.

Article 50 directs separation of judiciary from executive to ensure independence of judiciary and fair administration of justice. This has been largely implemented through judicial reforms, though complete separation remains a work in progress in some states.

Originally, Article 45 provided for free and compulsory education for children until age 14. After the 86th Amendment (2002) inserted Article 21A (Right to Education for 6-14 years), Article 45 was modified to focus on early childhood care and education for children below 6 years.