68th Prelims 2023

Explanation:

Article 14 of the Indian Constitution states that 'the state shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.' The first part, 'equality before law,' has been borrowed from the British Constitution, emphasizing the absence of special privileges for any person and that all are subject to ordinary law. The second part, 'equal protection of the laws,' is derived from the US Constitution, ensuring equal treatment under similar circumstances without discrimination. Additional provisions borrowed include Rule of Law, Parliamentary form of government, Legislative procedure, and Single Citizenship from Britain, and Fundamental Rights, Independence of Judiciary, Judicial Review, Impeachment of the President, Vice-President's post, and removal of SC/HC judges from the USA. France contributed the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity in the Preamble.

Explanation:

The Constituent Assembly took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the Indian Constitution. It first met on 9th December 1946 and held its last session on 24th January 1950. The total expenditure was approximately Rs 64 lakh. The Elephant was adopted as the symbol (seal) of the Constituent Assembly. Key personalities included B.N. Rau (Constitutional Advisor), H.V.R Iyengar (Secretary), Prem Bihari Narain Raizada (calligrapher of English version), and Vasant Krishan Vaidya (calligrapher of Hindi version). Important milestones: Drafting Committee: 29th August 1947; Adoption of National Flag: 22nd July 1947; Adoption of National Anthem and Song; Adoption of Constitution: 26th November 1949; Constitution came into force: 26th January 1950.

Explanation:

Article 164 of the Indian Constitution states that the council of ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the state. Collective responsibility means that all ministers share joint responsibility for the acts of omission and commission of the cabinet. Cabinet decisions bind all ministers, who must support them both inside and outside the legislature. Relevant Articles include Article 161 (Governor's power to grant pardons), 162 (Extent of executive power), 163 (Council of Ministers to aid Governor), 165 (Advocate General), 167 (CM duties to Governor), and 169 (Abolition/creation of Legislative Council).

Explanation:

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act emphasizes local self-governance, leading to decentralization of decision-making powers, administrative powers, and the system as a whole. It does not include decentralization of judicial powers; though Gram Kachahari/Sarpanch may settle petty disputes, these are considered part of the executive. The Amendment enforces Article 40 (organization of village panchayats), adds Part IX (Articles 243-243), and the 11th Schedule listing 29 subjects. Key Articles: 243A (Gram Sabha), 243B, 243D (Panchayat Constitution), 243G (Powers & authority), 243H (taxation), 243I (State Finance Commission), 243K (Elections).

Explanation:

Article 80 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Fourth Schedule allocates seats to states and UTs. Maximum strength: 250, with 238 representatives and 12 nominated by the President. Currently, Rajya Sabha has 245 members: 229 representing states, 4 UTs, 12 nominated. State representatives are elected by state legislative assembly members via proportional representation with single transferable vote. UT representatives are indirectly elected by an electoral college. The President nominates 12 members for expertise in Art, Literature, Science, or Social Service.

Explanation:

All three options relate to the Supreme Court of India. Original Jurisdiction: exclusive power to hear disputes between Centre & states, or between states, as a federal court. Appellate Jurisdiction: hears appeals from lower courts in Constitutional, Civil, Criminal matters, and by Special Leave. Collegium system: mechanism for appointment and transfer of SC/HC judges; SC collegium consists of Chief Justice + 4 senior-most judges; HC collegium includes Chief Justice + 2 senior-most judges. Relevant Articles 124-147, 136, 137, 141, 143, 144 cover SC organization, powers, procedures, and binding nature of judgments.

Explanation:

As per Article 243F, the minimum age to contest Panchayat elections is 21 years. Persons under 25 are eligible if they have attained 21 years. Comparative minimum ages: Lok Sabha - 25 years, Rajya Sabha - 30 years, State Legislative Assembly - 25 years, State Legislative Council - 30 years, President - 35 years, Vice-President - 35 years.

Explanation:

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act provides a three-tier Panchayati Raj system: village, intermediate, and district levels. States with population ≤20 lakh may not have an intermediate level. Panchayat Samiti functions at the block level, linking Gram Panchayats with district administration, handling administration, development, and coordination at the block level.