21. With reference to the audit duties of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, which of the following financial transactions come under its purview?
- Money received and spent from the Consolidated Fund of India
- Money received and spent by Government ministries and departments
- Money received and spent by all bodies funded from the Consolidated Fund of India
- Grants and loans given by Government
- Financial transactions of Panchayats if CAG is entrusted for the same
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3 are correct
[B] Only 1, 2, 3 & 4 are correct
[C] Only 1, 3, 4 & 5 are correct
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 are correct]
Notes:
The CAG’s duties, defined by the Constitution and CAG (DPC) Act, 1971, include auditing receipts and expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, government departments, all bodies funded from the Consolidated Fund, grants/loans by government, and, if entrusted, Panchayat financial transactions. All statements are correct, as all these transactions can come under CAG’s audit jurisdiction as per legal provisions.
22. The Governor of an Indian state can:
- pardon a death sentence
- appoint 1/6th members of the State legislative Council
- withhold assent to money bills passed by state legislatures
- promulgate ordinances
Which among the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 2 & 4
[D] Only 1, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 2 & 4]
Notes:
Pardoning a death sentence is the power of the President, not the Governor. The Governor can appoint 1/6th members of the State Legislative Council and promulgate ordinances under Article 213. The Governor cannot withhold assent to money bills, only to non-money bills. Thus, only statements 2 and 4 are correct.
23. Consider the following statements regarding the tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- All the six tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Scheduled Tribes.
- All the six tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
All six native tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands—Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese, Nicobarese, and Shompen—are classified as Scheduled Tribes. However, only four of these (Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinelese) are designated as PVTGs. The Nicobarese and Shompen are not categorized as PVTGs.
24. Consider the following statements regarding amendments to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address:
- An amendment to the Motion of Thanks can be moved exclusively in the Lok Sabha.
- If an amendment to the Motion of Thanks is passed in the Lok Sabha, it necessitates the resignation of the government.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Neither 1 nor 2
[B] 1 Only
[C] 2 Only
[D] Both 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Neither 1 nor 2]
Notes:
Statement 1 is incorrect because amendments to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address can be initiated in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Statement 2 is also incorrect; passing such an amendment does not mandate the government to resign, though it indicates lack of support.
25. Consider the following statements regarding the constitutional provisions for Union Territories in India:
- The Administrator or Lieutenant Governor of a Union Territory exercises greater discretionary powers as compared to the Governor of a State.
- Any change in the provisions relating to a Union Territory is considered a change in the federal provisions of the Constitution and thus requires a formal constitutional amendment by the Parliament.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 1
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1]
Notes:
The first statement is correct, as the Administrator or Lieutenant Governor of a Union Territory possesses wider discretionary powers under Article 239 and related provisions compared to State Governors. The second statement is incorrect; Parliament can modify Union Territory provisions without requiring a constitutional amendment, as empowered by Articles 239AA(7) and (8). Federal provisions are not affected by such changes.
26. Which of the following are included in the Union Executive in India:
- Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister
- President of India
- Central Secretariat
- Vice President
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1, 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 4
[D] Only 1 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 & 4]
Notes:
The Union Executive comprises the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, and Attorney General of India. The Central Secretariat is a group of ministries and departments, not part of the Union Executive. Hence, only statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct; statement 3 is not.
27. Which of the following matches is/are correct?
- Padma Shri-awarded for “distinguished service”
- Padma Bhushan- awarded for “distinguished service of a high order”
- Padma Vibhushan- awarded for the “exceptional and distinguished service”
Select the correct option from codes given below:
[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 3 Only
[C] 2 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Padma Awards were first awarded in the year 1954. The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award given in India; the highest award is the Bharat Ratna. Padma Vibhushan is awarded for the “exceptional and distinguished service”. Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award. It is awarded for “distinguished service of a high order”. Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award. The recipients for these awards are announced on the Republic Day.
28. With reference to the special provisions for Nagaland under the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:
- No Act of Parliament applies to Nagaland unless the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, by resolution, so decides.
- The Governor of Nagaland has been given special responsibility with respect to law and order in the State.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
Statement 1 is incorrect; only specific subjects—religious or social practices, Naga customary law, administration of civil/criminal justice, and land ownership—require Assembly resolution for applicability of Parliament Acts. Statement 2 is correct; the Governor of Nagaland has special responsibility regarding law and order, as per Article 371A(1)(b) of the Constitution.
29. Recently, Rajya Sabha passed the Women's Reservation Bill, which proposes to amend the Constitution of India. In this context, consider the following statements:
- A Constitution Amendment Bill can be introduced only with prior permission of the president.
- The bill can be introduced either by a minister or by a private member.
- The President can neither withhold his assent to the bill nor return the bill for reconsideration of the Parliament.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
First statement is incorrect because this type of constitution amendment Bill does not require prior permission of the president. Second statement is correct. Third statement is also correct. After duly passed by both the Houses of Parliament and ratified by the state legislatures, where necessary, the bill is presented to the president for assent. The president must give his assent to the bill.
30. The members of the Constituent Assembly included the following:
1. Directly elected members
2. Indirectly elected members
3. Nominated members
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
Members of the constituent assembly were elected by the Legislatures of various provinces (i.e. indirect election) and nominated by the rulers of the princely states.
