Question 1

Indian geography and polity: In which year did Parliament rename the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands to 'Lakshadweep'? Identify the year of the Alteration of Name Act that effected the change. Choose the correct year.

Accepted Answer

Given data The question concerns the statutory renaming of the island group to Lakshadweep. Concept/Approach The change was enacted by The Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands (Alteration of Name) Act, 1973. Step-by-step reasoning Act title explicitly contains the year 1973 → the correct option is 1973. Common pitfalls Picking adjacent years 1970–1972 due to near-memory errors. Final Answer 1973

Question 2

Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha): How are the members of the Lok Sabha chosen? Focus on the mode of selection under the Constitution of India. Choose the correct statement.

Accepted Answer

Given data Lok Sabha is the House of the People. Concept/Approach Under Articles 81–83 of the Constitution, members of the Lok Sabha are chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies. Step-by-step reasoning Electors = adult citizens as per Representation of the People Acts; seats are filled by direct vote. Common pitfalls Confusing with the Rajya Sabha, which is elected indirectly by state legislatures; or with the (now-omitted) nominated Anglo-Indian provision that applied to Lok Sabha seats in the past but did not change the basic rule. Final Answer Directly elected by the people

Question 3

State legislatures: Members of a State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) are elected for what term? Consider the normal tenure under the Constitution unless dissolved earlier. Choose the correct duration.

Accepted Answer

Given data Asks the normal tenure of a State Legislative Assembly. Concept/Approach Article 172 provides a normal five-year term from the date of its first meeting, subject to dissolution sooner; the term can be extended during a national emergency. Common pitfalls Confusing with the (former) six-year term of the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly under the old state constitution (now not applicable) or with Rajya Sabha's six-year term. Final Answer 5 years

Question 4

Lok Sabha numbering (time-sensitive): According to the timeframe implied by the options (up to the 16th Lok Sabha), which was the then “present” Lok Sabha? Assume the question refers to the period 2014–2019 when the 16th Lok Sabha was in office; cur…

Accepted Answer

Important context This is a time-bound GK item. The options stop at the 16th; the then-present Lok Sabha during 2014–2019 was the 16th Lok Sabha. (Note: As of later years, the numbering has advanced, but the correct answer within the given choices and implied timeframe is 16th.) Given data Choices list up to the 16th only. Typical exam era referencing 2014–2019 Lok Sabha. Concept/Approach Map Lok Sabha terms: 13th (1999–2004), 14th (2004–2009), 15th (2009–2014), 16th (2014–2019). Final Answer 16th Lok Sabha

Question 5

Indian national movement: What best describes the nature of India's anti-imperialist struggle? Consider the early phase methods and the predominant strategy led by mass movements. Choose the most accurate description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Asks for a characterization of the Indian freedom struggle. Concept/Approach The early phase (Moderates) emphasized petitions, resolutions, and constitutional methods. Later mass movements under Gandhi were predominantly non-violent (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India), though revolutionary/armed strands existed but were not the continuous main strategy. Step-by-step reasoning Option B captures the evolution: start with constitutional methods → later large-scale non-violent mass action. Common pitfalls Overstating that it was always peaceful (there were armed episodes) or that it relied on foreign support (it was primarily indigenous). Final Answer Initially constitutional and by large non-violent

Question 6

Constitution of India: The President of India can be removed before the expiry of the term only on the recommendation/action of which body? Focus on the constitutionally prescribed impeachment mechanism. Choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Given data Removal of the President prior to term completion. Concept/Approach Article 61 provides for impeachment for violation of the Constitution by a process initiated and passed by both Houses of Parliament with special majorities. The judiciary does not recommend removal; nor does the Council of Ministers. Step-by-step reasoning Notice of intention → investigation/discussion → resolution passed by the originating House → passed by the other House with requisite majority → President removed. Common pitfalls Assuming the Supreme Court or CJI recommends removal; they do not in this process. Final Answer The two Houses of Parliament

Question 7

Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha): Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of how many years? Recall the staggered retirement system of the Upper House. Choose the correct duration.

Accepted Answer

Given data Seeks the tenure of a Rajya Sabha member. Concept/Approach Each member serves a six-year term; one-third of the House retires every two years, ensuring continuity. Common pitfalls Thinking the term varies by state (it does not) or that it is four years (incorrect). Final Answer Six years

Question 8

State governments (legislative oversight): How do members of a state legislature exercise control over the Council of Ministers? Identify the principal parliamentary devices used to hold the executive accountable. Choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Given data Asks mechanisms by which the legislature controls the executive at the state level. Concept/Approach Legislative control is exercised through multiple tools: question hour, motions (adjournment/censure/no-confidence), debates, budgetary control, committee oversight, etc. Step-by-step reasoning All three listed items—questions, policy criticism via debates, and adjournment motions—are standard instruments of control → the inclusive option applies. Final Answer All of the above

Question 9

Indian Polity (Executive): The office of the Prime Minister of India derives its authority from which source? Consider the constitutional basis for the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister (Article 74). Choose the correct statement.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Identify the source that establishes the office of the Prime Minister in India. Given data Context: Prime Minister's office and authority Constitutional reference: Council of Ministers headed by the PM (Article 74) Concept/Approach The Constitution of India explicitly provides for a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President. Hence, the office flows from the Constitution, not from Parliament by ordinary law, and certainly not from any ceremonial 'coronation'. Reasoning Because the constitutional text creates the role (and its duties/tenure conventions), option C is correct; options A/B/D are incorrect. Common pitfalls Assuming it is a purely conventional/Parliament-created office (it is constitutional in India). Final Answer It is created by the Constitution of India

Question 10

Electoral Basics (India): What is the minimum age required to be a voter in India? Answer with the legal age after the 61st Constitutional Amendment, which lowered the voting age. Choose the correct age.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The legally mandated minimum age to be included in the electoral roll for voting in India. Given data Constitutional background: 61st Amendment Act, 1988 Concept/Approach The 61st Amendment reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years. Electoral rolls include citizens who are 18+ on the qualifying date and otherwise eligible. Final Answer 18 years

Question 11

State Public Service Commission (Appointments): Who appoints the members of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC)? Focus on the appointing constitutional authority under Article 316. Choose the correct authority.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Identify the appointing authority for members of a State PSC. Given data Constitutional reference: Article 316 Concept/Approach Under Article 316, the Governor of the state appoints the chairman and other members of the State Public Service Commission. Final Answer The Governor

Question 12

State Public Service Commission (Removal): A member of a State PSC can be removed on the ground of misbehavior only after an inquiry is conducted by which body? Consider the constitutional safeguard that precedes removal by the President. Choose the…

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Which authority conducts the inquiry into misbehavior before removal of a State PSC member. Given data Constitutional process: President removes after an inquiry report Concept/Approach For misbehavior, the Supreme Court of India holds an inquiry on a reference made by the President; removal follows only upon an adverse finding. Final Answer The Supreme Court of India

Question 13

Election of the President of India (Nomination): What is the valid proposal/support requirement for a candidate's nomination? Use the statutory rule for proposers and seconders from the Electoral College. Choose the correct requirement.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The legally required number of proposers and seconders for filing a valid presidential nomination. Given data Electoral College includes MPs and MLAs as specified. Concept/Approach Under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act/Rules, a valid nomination must be subscribed by at least 50 electors as proposers and at least 50 electors as seconders of the Electoral College. Final Answer 50 electors as proposers and 50 electors as seconders from the Electoral College

Question 14

Parliamentary Committees (Composition): How are members of Parliamentary Committees chosen? Consider both appointment/election by the House and party-strength proportionality. Choose the most accurate statement.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Identify the correct feature of Parliamentary Committee membership. Given data Standard practice in Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha committees Concept/Approach Members are elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker/Chairman; composition reflects proportional representation of parties. The President plays no role in appointing members; hence (a) and (b) are incorrect. Option (c) states the accurate principle. Final Answer They are drawn from parties/groups in proportion to their strength in the House(s)

Question 15

Constitutional Amendments (Executive Powers): The position of the President of India, curtailed by the 42nd Amendment, was subsequently partly restored by which amendment? Think of provisions regarding advice of the Council of Ministers and the Pres…

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Which amendment partly restored the President's position after the 42nd Amendment. Given data Context: Post-Emergency constitutional corrections, 1978 Concept/Approach The 44th Constitutional Amendment (1978) allowed the President to return the Council of Ministers' advice once for reconsideration, among other restorations, thereby recalibrating the 42nd Amendment's curtailments. Final Answer 44th Amendment

Question 16

Constituent Assembly (Objectives Resolution): On which date did the Constituent Assembly unanimously adopt the Objectives Resolution? Recall that it was moved in December 1946 and adopted the following month. Choose the correct date.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The adoption date of the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly. Given data Moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946 Concept/Approach The Resolution was adopted on 22 January 1947. (26 November 1949 is the date the Constitution was adopted; 26 November 1946 is unrelated.) Final Answer 22 January 1947

Question 17

Distribution of Legislative Powers: Over which subjects does the Indian Parliament ordinarily enjoy legislative power? Base your answer on the Seventh Schedule: Union, State and Concurrent Lists. Choose the correct coverage.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The usual scope of Parliament's legislative competence. Given data Seventh Schedule distribution Concept/Approach Parliament legislates on the Union List and shares competence on the Concurrent List. It legislates on the State List only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., national emergency, Rajya Sabha resolution under Article 249, state consent under Article 252), so option (d) is not the ordinary case. Final Answer Both the Union List and the Concurrent List

Question 18

Judiciary (Finance): The pension of a High Court judge is charged to which fund? Differentiate between salary head and pension head for High Court judges. Choose the correct fund.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Identify the fund on which High Court judges' pensions are charged. Given data Judicial service financial heads differ for salary vs. pension. Concept/Approach While High Court judges' salary is charged to the concerned State's Consolidated Fund, their pension is charged to the Consolidated Fund of India. Final Answer The Consolidated Fund of India

Question 19

Indian polity (Centre–State relations): Under what condition can the President of India assign any functions of the Union Government to a State Government? Article 258(1): Entrustment of Union functions to a State requires the State's agreement/cons…

Accepted Answer

Given data Topic: Assignment of Union functions to States. Reference: Article 258(1) of the Constitution of India. Concept/Approach Article 258(1) permits the President to entrust functions of the Union to a State government with the consent of that State Government. It is not an unfettered presidential discretion, nor does it require consultation with judicial authorities. Step-by-step reasoning • Identify the controlling provision: Article 258(1).• Read the condition: entrustment is possible only with State Government consent.• Therefore, the correct option is the one that captures State Government consent. Common pitfalls Assuming the President can act unilaterally (pure discretion) or must consult the Governor/CJI. The text requires State Government consent. Final Answer In consultation with the Government of the State (i.e., with the State Government's consent)

Question 20

Indian vs. UK executive: Why is the position of India's Prime Minister considered superior to the British counterpart in standard GK reasoning? Focus on the legal source of the office and powers, not on size of democracy or federalism. Choose the be…

Accepted Answer

Given data Comparative context: India vs. United Kingdom. Concept/Approach In the UK, the Prime Minister's office is largely a product of constitutional conventions. In India, Articles 74 and 75 explicitly provide for a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head—hence a constitutional footing. Reasoning A written constitutional basis (Articles 74–75) → clearer, formal authority → perceived superiority in standard GK framing. Common pitfalls Selecting general facts (biggest democracy, federalism, written Constitution) that do not directly explain the PM's institutional basis. The precise reason is the constitutional basis of the PM's office. Final Answer The Prime Minister's office in India has an express constitutional basis

Indian Politics Questions