Question 1

Which officer of the Government of India has the right to take part in the proceedings of Parliament even though he is not a member?

Accepted Answer

Article 88 of the Indian Constitution grants the Attorney General the right to speak and participate in the proceedings of both Houses of Parliament, their joint sittings, and committees of Parliament if named a member, but without the right to vote. The Attorney General enjoys all privileges and immunities of a Member of Parliament. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Question 2

“Vote on Account” is meant for

Accepted Answer

A Vote on Account is an advance grant to enable the government to continue day-to-day expenditure until the demands for grants are passed and the Appropriation and Finance Bill is approved. It deals only with the expenditure side of the budget and is normally valid for two months, pending the full budget. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Question 3

Constitution Day of India is celebrated on

Accepted Answer

On 26th November 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution, which came into force on 26th January 1950. The Government of India declared 26th November as 'Constitution Day' on 19th November 2015. January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day, and August 15 as Independence Day. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Question 4

A seat of an MP can be declared vacant if he absents himself from the house for a continuous period of

Accepted Answer

Article 101 of the Constitution specifies that if a member of either House of Parliament is absent without permission for sixty days, the House may declare the seat vacant. Periods when the House is prorogued or adjourned for more than four consecutive days are not counted. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Question 5

The Supreme Court has held that hoisting the National Flag atop private buildings is a fundamental right under

Accepted Answer

Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12-35) covers Fundamental Rights. Article 19 grants the right to freedom of speech and expression, which includes freedom of expression through hoisting the national flag on private property. It encompasses the right to express opinions, assemble peacefully, form associations, and other freedoms. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Question 6

The expression 'Socialist' was introduced in the Preamble of Indian Constitution by which amendment?

Accepted Answer

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, added the words 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble. It also added Part IV-A (Fundamental Duties), Part XIV-A (Tribunals), extended Lok Sabha and State Assembly tenure from 5 to 6 years, introduced three new Directive Principles of State Policy, and shifted five subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Question 7

Creation of a new state requires what majority for a Constitutional Amendment?

Accepted Answer

Article 4 specifies that laws made for admission or establishment of new states (Articles 2 & 3) are not considered amendments under Article 368. They can be passed by a simple majority through the ordinary legislative process. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Question 8

The President of India exercises his powers

Accepted Answer

Article 53 states that the executive power of the Union is vested in the President and can be exercised either directly or through officers subordinate to him as per the Constitution. The President is also the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Question 9

Which of the following is/are listed among the Directive Principles in Part IV of the Indian Constitution?
1. Equal Pay for Equal Work
2. Uniform Civil Code
3. Small Family Norm
4. Education through mother tongue at primary level

Accepted Answer

Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV, Articles 36-51) are non-justiciable provisions intended to establish social and economic democracy. The listed principles include Equal Pay for Equal Work, Uniform Civil Code, and education through the mother tongue at the primary level. 'Small Family Norm' is also a directive but not always listed in this context. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

Question 10

Choose the fundamental rights available to Indian citizens but not to aliens:
1. Freedom of Speech and Expression
2. Equality before the Law
3. Right of Minorities
4. Protection of Life and Liberty

Accepted Answer

Certain fundamental rights are exclusive to citizens. Article 19 provides rights like freedom of speech, expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession. Articles 29 and 30 cover cultural and educational rights of minorities. Rights like equality before the law (Article 14) and protection of life and liberty (Article 21) are available to everyone, including aliens. [60-62ND BPSC PRELIMS EXAM, 2017]

60th-62nd Prelims 2017