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The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 introduced:
- Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- GST implementation
- National Judicial Appointments Commission
- Right to Education as Fundamental Right
Answer: Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
The 103rd Amendment Act, 2019 added Articles 15(6) and 16(6) to provide 10% reservation in education and government jobs for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among citizens not covered under existing reservations (SC/ST/OBC). It amended the definition of 'backward classes' to exclude EWS, sparking debates on equality and reservation policy.
The Eighth Schedule originally contained 14 languages and now has 22 languages.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Eighth Schedule originally listed 14 languages in 1950. Through amendments: 71st (1992) added Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali; 92nd (2003) added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali; 96th (2011) replaced 'Oriya' with 'Odia'. Total now: 22 scheduled languages. These languages can be used in official communications and for competitive exams.
Article 371A provides special provisions for which State?
- Nagaland
- Mizoram
- Sikkim
- Assam
Answer: Nagaland
Article 371A grants special provisions to Nagaland: (1) No Act of Parliament on Naga religious/social practices, customary law, civil/criminal justice involving customary law, or land ownership/transfer applies unless the Nagaland Legislative Assembly so decides. This protects Naga tribal identity and autonomy within the Indian Union.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a constitutional body established under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: False
The NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, not a constitutional body. Constitutional bodies are explicitly created by the Constitution (e.g., Election Commission under Article 324). The NHRC investigates human rights violations but its recommendations are not binding, though they carry moral and political weight.
The Governor of a State holds office during the pleasure of:
- Chief Minister of the State
- President of India
- Prime Minister of India
- State Legislature
Answer: President of India
Article 156 states that the Governor holds office 'during the pleasure of the President'. This means the President can remove the Governor at any time without assigning reasons. However, conventions suggest removal should not be arbitrary. The Governor's term is normally 5 years, but they can resign or be removed earlier.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examines the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and has ______ members from Lok Sabha and ______ from Rajya Sabha.
Answer: 15, 7
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has 22 members: 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha, elected by proportional representation. It examines CAG reports on government expenditure, ensuring accountability. The Chairman is traditionally from the Opposition party in Lok Sabha, enhancing impartial scrutiny.
Under the Tenth Schedule, a member of a House can be disqualified for defection if they voluntarily give up membership of their party or vote/abstain contrary to party directions without prior permission, unless the party condones the act within ______ days.
Answer: 15
Paragraph 2 of the Tenth Schedule specifies disqualification grounds. If a member votes/abstains contrary to party whip without permission, they can be disqualified unless the party condones the action within 15 days. The 91st Amendment (2003) removed the provision allowing splits (1/3rd members) as an exception, making the law stricter.
English is the official language of India as per the Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 343(1) declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union. English is an 'associate official language' for specific purposes under the Official Languages Act, 1963. The Constitution originally envisaged phasing out English by 1965, but parliamentary legislation extended its use indefinitely for certain official purposes.
The Finance Commission is required to make recommendations on the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between Union and States for a period of ______ years.
Answer: five
Article 280 mandates that the Finance Commission be constituted every five years (or earlier) to recommend: (1) Distribution of net tax proceeds between Union and States, (2) Principles for grants-in-aid to States, (3) Measures to augment State Consolidated Funds for Panchayats/Municipalities. The 15th Finance Commission covered 2021-26.
The National Commission for Women is a constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: False
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body, not constitutional. It was established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Constitutional bodies are those explicitly mentioned in the Constitution (e.g., Election Commission, UPSC, Finance Commission). Article 338A actually establishes the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), which was made constitutional by the 102nd Amendment Act, 2018.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India was pioneered by which Supreme Court judge?
- Justice H.R. Khanna
- Justice P.N. Bhagwati
- Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
- Both B and C
Answer: Both B and C
PIL was pioneered in India by Justices P.N. Bhagwati and V.R. Krishna Iyer in the late 1970s-early 1980s. They relaxed the traditional rule of 'locus standi', allowing any public-spirited citizen to file petitions for enforcement of rights of disadvantaged groups. Landmark cases: Hussainara Khatoon (1979), S.P. Gupta (1981).
The 'Guillotine' in Parliament refers to the closure of discussion on demands for grants and putting them to vote after the allotted time, as per Rule ______ of Lok Sabha Rules.
Answer: 173
Rule 173 of Lok Sabha Rules provides for the 'Guillotine' procedure. When time allocated for discussing Demands for Grants expires, the Speaker puts all pending demands to vote immediately without further discussion. This ensures the Budget is passed before the financial year ends (March 31).
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 limits the size of the Council of Ministers to what percentage of the total strength of the Lok Sabha/State Assembly?
- 10%
- 15%
- 20%
- 25%
Answer: 15%
The 91st Amendment Act, 2003 added Article 164(1A) and amended Article 75(1A) to cap the Council of Ministers at 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly. It also barred defectors from holding public office until re-elected or until the term ends.
Under Article 338, a National Commission for Scheduled Castes is constituted to investigate and monitor safeguards for SCs, and its report is laid before ______.
- President only
- Parliament only
- President and Parliament
- State Legislatures only
Answer: President and Parliament
Article 338 (inserted by 65th Amendment, 1990; restructured by 89th Amendment, 2003): National Commission for SCs investigates/monitors safeguards, inquires into complaints, advises on planning, reports to President annually/specially. President lays reports before Parliament with action-taken memorandum. Similar provision for STs under Article 338A. Ensures institutional mechanism for marginalized communities' rights protection.
Under Article 393, the Union of India succeeds to all property, assets, rights, liabilities, and obligations of the ______ immediately before the commencement of the Constitution.
- British Crown
- Dominion of India
- Provincial Governments
- Princely States
Answer: Dominion of India
Article 393: Union succeeds to property, assets, rights, liabilities, obligations of Dominion of India (and each Province/Corresponding Indian State) as they existed immediately before Constitution commencement. Ensures legal continuity: contracts, debts, property titles, international obligations continue uninterrupted despite constitutional transformation. Foundation for state succession principles in Indian constitutional law.
Under Article 394, which Articles of the Constitution came into force immediately on 26th November 1949 (date of adoption)?
- All Articles
- Articles relating to Citizenship, Elections, Preliminary provisions
- Only Fundamental Rights
- Only Directive Principles
Answer: Articles relating to Citizenship, Elections, Preliminary provisions
Article 394: Certain Articles came into force on 26.11.1949 (adoption date): Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 324, 366, 367, 379-392, 393-395. Remaining Articles (including FRs, DPSP, federal structure) came into force on 26.01.1950 (commencement date). Enabled preparatory actions (citizenship determination, election arrangements) before full constitutional implementation.
Article 366 contains definitions of key terms used in the Constitution, such as 'Anglo-Indian', 'Article', 'Borrow', 'Clause', 'Federal Court', 'Goods and Services Tax', etc.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 366: Interpretation clause defining 31 terms used in Constitution: Anglo-Indian, Article, Borrow, Clause, Federal Court, Goods and Services Tax, Goods and Services Tax Council, India, Existing law, etc. Ensures uniform interpretation of constitutional provisions. Definitions can be amended by Parliament via ordinary law (not constitutional amendment) unless context otherwise requires.
Under Article 101(3), if a member of Parliament is absent from all meetings of the House for a period of ______ days without permission, their seat may be declared vacant.
- 30
- 60
- 90
- 120
Answer: 60
Article 101(3) (Parliament) and Article 190(3) (State Legislatures): If member absent from all meetings for 60 days without House permission, seat may be declared vacant. Computed excluding periods when House is adjourned for >4 consecutive days. Ensures active participation by elected representatives; prevents absenteeism while allowing genuine exemptions with permission.
Under Article 102(1)(e), a person is disqualified for Parliament membership if they are so disqualified by or under any law made by ______.
- President
- Parliament
- Supreme Court
- Election Commission
Answer: Parliament
Article 102(1)(e) (Parliament) and Article 191(1)(e) (State Legislatures): Disqualification if so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament. Representation of People Act, 1951 specifies disqualifications: (a) Conviction for certain offences, (b) Corrupt practices, (c) Government contracts, (d) Office of profit. Enables legislative flexibility to update disqualification criteria while maintaining constitutional framework.
Under Article 344, the Official Language Commission's recommendations are examined by a Committee of Parliament consisting of 30 members, of which ______ are from Lok Sabha.
- 10
- 15
- 20
- 25
Answer: 20
Article 344(4)-(5): Official Language Commission's report examined by Committee of Parliament on Official Language: 30 members (20 from Lok Sabha, 10 from Rajya Sabha) elected by proportional representation. Committee examines Commission's recommendations and reports to President. Ensures parliamentary oversight of language policy while promoting Hindi progressively without imposing on non-Hindi States.