53rd-55th Prelims 2011

Explanation:

Article 80 of the Indian Constitution deals with the composition of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The maximum strength is fixed at 250 members, out of which 238 are indirectly elected from the states and union territories and 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in literature, science, art, or social service. At present, the Rajya Sabha has 245 members. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body; one-third of its members retire every two years, and members are eligible for re-election and re-nomination. As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the term of a member is six years. Article 64 specifies that the Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The minimum age required to become a member is 30 years. The provision for nomination of members is inspired by the Irish Constitution. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Explanation:

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was first set up in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919. It currently consists of 22 members: 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha. Members are elected every year from Parliament according to proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Ministers cannot be elected as members. The term of office is one year. The Chairman is appointed from among its members by the Speaker, and by convention since 1967, the chairman comes from the opposition. The PAC examines the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher of the committee. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Explanation:

26th January 1930 was selected for the inauguration of the Constitution because the Indian National Congress had declared 'Poorna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) on the same day. The Lahore session of the Congress in 1929, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, set this date for Independence. On 26th January 1930, the Congress passed the Poorna Swaraj resolution or Declaration of Independence, making the date symbolic of India's commitment to self-rule. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Explanation:

Article 109 of the Indian Constitution specifies the procedure for Money Bills. A Money Bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. After the Lok Sabha passes a Money Bill, it is transmitted to the Rajya Sabha for recommendations. The Rajya Sabha must return the bill within 14 days with its recommendations. The Lok Sabha may accept or reject any of these recommendations. Article 110 defines Money Bills. Hence, statement (b) is incorrect. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Explanation:

Article 32 of the Constitution guarantees the Right to Constitutional Remedies for enforcement of Fundamental Rights. This right is available to all persons, including non-citizens. Other rights like freedom of speech, movement, and property are restricted to citizens. India distinguishes between citizens and aliens: friendly aliens have some rights, while enemy aliens have restricted rights and are not protected against arrest and detention under Article 22. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Explanation:

Article 352 empowers the President to declare a National Emergency if the security of India or any part is threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. External emergencies relate to war or aggression, while internal emergencies relate to armed rebellion. The 44th Amendment (1978) replaced 'internal disturbance' with 'armed rebellion'. The 42nd Amendment (1976) allowed limiting the emergency to a specified part of India. National Emergency has been proclaimed in 1962, 1971, and 1975. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Explanation:

The Governor is the constitutional head of the State Government as per Article 154(1), exercising executive power either directly or through subordinate officers. The state executive includes the Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Advocate General, and State Legislature. The 7th Constitutional Amendment (1956) allows the same person to serve as governor for two or more states. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Explanation:

The Supreme Court of India was established on 26th January 1950 and is the highest court of appeal. It has judicial superintendence over High Courts. Article 136 empowers the Supreme Court to hear appeals from any High Courts/Tribunals, except Court-Martial. Hence, statement (d) is incorrect. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Explanation:

In January 1957, the Government of India appointed a committee to examine the Community Development Programme (1952) and National Extension Service (1953). Chaired by Balwant Rai Mehta, it submitted its report in November 1957 recommending a three-tier Panchayati Raj system for rural local governance, promoting democratic decentralization. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Explanation:

The Ashok Mehta Committee, constituted by the Janata Party government in December 1977, submitted its report in August 1978. It recommended replacing the declining three-tier Panchayati Raj system with a two-tier system: Zila Parishad at the district level and Mandal Panchayat below it, covering villages with a population of 15,000–20,000. Nyaya Panchayats were to remain separate from development panchayats. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]

Explanation:

The Planning Commission of India was established on 15th March 1950 under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. It was dissolved on 13th August 2014 and replaced by NITI Aayog on 1st January 2015 as its successor. [53RD-55TH BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2011]