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34 questions · page 1 of 2
- Polity & Governance30 Apr 2026
Consider the following statements about the constitutional and judicial framework for Backward Classes welfare in India: 1. Article 15(4) and Article 16(4) of the Constitution authorise special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes. 2. The 102nd Constitutional Amendment, 2018 inserted Article 338-B and gave the National Commission for Backward Classes constitutional status. 3. The 105th Constitutional Amendment, 2021 restored states' power to maintain their own state lists of Other Backward Classes. 4. The Indra Sawhney judgment (1992) abolished the concept of the 'creamy layer' for Other Backward Classes reservations. How many of the above statements are correct?
- A.Only three
- B.All four
- C.Only two
- D.Only one
Show solution
Answer: A. Only three
**Statement 1** is correct — Articles 15(4) and 16(4). **Statement 2** is correct — 102nd Amendment, 2018; Article 338-B; NCBC constitutional status. **Statement 3** is correct — 105th Amendment, 2021 restored state OBC-list power after a 2021 SC judgment had affirmed only Centre had this power. **Statement 4 is incorrect** — Indra Sawhney **introduced** (not abolished) the **'creamy layer' exclusion** for OBC reservation, along with the 50% ceiling. Hence three statements are correct.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance30 Apr 2026
Consider the following pairs about India's Backward Classes (BC) framework: 1. Mandal Commission — 1979, chaired by B. P. Mandal 2. Indra Sawhney v UoI (1992) — Capped total reservations at 50% and introduced 'creamy layer' rule 3. 102nd Constitutional Amendment, 2018 — Gave NCBC constitutional status 4. Article 340 — Authorises Parliament to enact reservation laws for SCs Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.1, 2, 3 and 4
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1 and 4 only
Show solution
Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only
**Pair 1** is correct — Mandal Commission, 1979, B. P. Mandal. **Pair 2** is correct — Indra Sawhney 1992: 50% cap + creamy layer rule. **Pair 3** is correct — 102nd Amendment, 2018, gave NCBC constitutional status. **Pair 4 is incorrect** — **Article 340** empowers the **President** to appoint a Commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes — it does **not** authorise Parliament to enact SC reservation laws (which flows from Articles 15(4), 16(4), 17, etc., and the SC/ST Acts). Hence 1, 2 and 3 only are correctly matched.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance30 Apr 2026
On 29 April 2026, the Centre notified the appointment of which former judge as President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)?
- A.Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal — former Punjab & Haryana High Court judge
- B.Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar — former Manipur High Court Chief Justice
- C.Justice Ashok Bhushan — former Supreme Court judge
- D.Justice Sudhansu Jyoti Mukhopadhaya — former Supreme Court judge
Show solution
Answer: A. Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal — former Punjab & Haryana High Court judge
**Justice (retd) Anupinder Singh Grewal**, former judge of the **Punjab & Haryana High Court**, was notified as NCLT President on 29 April 2026 by the ACC for a 5-year term or until age 67. **Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar** was the **outgoing predecessor**. **Justice Ashok Bhushan** is a former NCLAT Chairperson. **Justice Sudhansu Jyoti Mukhopadhaya** was the **first NCLAT Chairperson** — both are real distractors but not the new NCLT President.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance30 Apr 2026
Which Constitutional Amendment Act gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions and is commemorated on National Panchayati Raj Day every 24 April?
- A.73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
- B.74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
- C.86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002
- D.42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976
Show solution
Answer: A. 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
The **73rd CAA, 1992** inserted Part IX (Articles 243-243-O) and the 11th Schedule, giving constitutional status to PRIs; it came into force on **24 April 1993** — hence NPRD on 24 April. **74th CAA** dealt with urban local bodies (Municipalities, Part IX-A). **86th CAA** added Article 21A (Right to Education). **42nd CAA, 1976** (the 'Mini-Constitution') added DPSP Articles 39A, 43A and Fundamental Duties — but did not constitutionalise panchayats.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance29 Apr 2026
Which of the following Sikkim 'firsts' are correctly matched with their year? 1. First state to ban plastic bags — 1998 2. First fully organic state — 2016 3. Khangchendzonga National Park inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site — 2014 4. Sikkim University established — 2007
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1, 2 and 4 only
- C.1 and 4 only
- D.2, 3 and 4 only
Show solution
Answer: B. 1, 2 and 4 only
Pair 1 is correct — Sikkim became India's **first state to ban plastic bags in 1998**. Pair 2 is correct — declared **first fully organic state in 2016**. Pair 3 is **incorrect** — **Khangchendzonga National Park** was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (mixed natural-cultural) in **2016**, not 2014. Pair 4 is correct — **Sikkim University** was established as a central university in **2007**.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance29 Apr 2026
Match the following correctly: 1. 35th Constitutional Amendment (1974) — a. Special provision protecting Sikkim's pre-merger laws and identity 2. 36th Constitutional Amendment (1975) — b. Made Sikkim an 'associate state' of India 3. Article 371F — c. Conferred full statehood on Sikkim Select the correct option:
- A.1-a, 2-b, 3-c
- B.1-b, 2-c, 3-a
- C.1-c, 2-a, 3-b
- D.1-b, 2-a, 3-c
Show solution
Answer: B. 1-b, 2-c, 3-a
**35th Amendment (1974)** made Sikkim an **'associate state'** of India with representation in Parliament — predecessor framework (1-b). **36th Amendment (1975)** conferred **full statehood** on Sikkim, making it the 22nd state effective 16 May 1975 (2-c). **Article 371F** was inserted by the 36th Amendment as a **special provision protecting Sikkim's pre-merger laws** (Sikkim Subject Act 1961, Sikkim Income Tax Manual 1948) and ensuring Sikkimese representation and identity (3-a).
Read source story → - Polity & Governance29 Apr 2026
Consider the following statements about Sikkim's path to statehood: 1. The Kingdom of Sikkim was established in 1642 with Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal. 2. The Treaty of Tumlong (1861) made Sikkim a British protectorate. 3. The 1950 Indo-Sikkim Treaty made Sikkim a fully sovereign state. 4. Sikkim became India's 22nd state on 16 May 1975 via the 36th Constitutional Amendment. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 4 only
- B.1, 3 and 4 only
- C.2, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show solution
Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4 only
Statement 1 is correct — **Phuntsog Namgyal** was the **first Chogyal** consecrated at Yuksom in **1642**. Statement 2 is correct — the **Treaty of Tumlong, 1861** made Sikkim a **British protectorate**. Statement 3 is **incorrect** — the **1950 Indo-Sikkim Treaty** made Sikkim an **Indian protectorate** (NOT sovereign), with India controlling defence, external affairs, and strategic communications. Statement 4 is correct — Sikkim became the **22nd state on 16 May 1975** via the **36th Constitutional Amendment**.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance28 Apr 2026
What is Ladakh's status as a Union Territory in terms of legislature, and which constitutional provision governs its administration?
- A.Has a full legislative assembly under Article 239A
- B.Ladakh has NO legislative assembly; it is administered through the Lieutenant Governor under Article 239 of the Constitution; Article 239A (legislature for UTs) applies to Puducherry and J&K but NOT Ladakh
- C.Has a Council of Ministers but no LG
- D.Has dual administration with Centre + State both involved
Show solution
Answer: B. Ladakh has NO legislative assembly; it is administered through the Lieutenant Governor under Article 239 of the Constitution; Article 239A (legislature for UTs) applies to Puducherry and J&K but NOT Ladakh
**Ladakh has no legislative assembly** — it is administered directly through the **Lieutenant Governor under Article 239** of the Constitution. **Article 239A** provides for legislatures in certain UTs, but applies to **Puducherry and J&K only**, not Ladakh. **LAHDC Leh** (Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Leh, established 1995) and **LAHDC Kargil** (established 2003) provide some local democratic representation. Civil-society groups continue to demand inclusion under the **Sixth Schedule** of the Constitution to protect tribal rights and identity.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance28 Apr 2026
Who is currently the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh as of April 2026, and who was his immediate predecessor?
- A.Radha Krishna Mathur, succeeding B D Mishra
- B.Vinai Kumar Saxena (since 13 March 2026, previously LG of Delhi); succeeded Kavinder Gupta who resigned on 5 March 2026 after just 9 months in office
- C.Manoj Sinha, succeeding Mathur
- D.B D Mishra, succeeding Saxena
Show solution
Answer: B. Vinai Kumar Saxena (since 13 March 2026, previously LG of Delhi); succeeded Kavinder Gupta who resigned on 5 March 2026 after just 9 months in office
**Vinai Kumar Saxena** is the current Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh — he is the **4th LG**, having taken oath on **13 March 2026** after previously serving as the **LG of Delhi**. He succeeded **Kavinder Gupta** (the 3rd LG) who resigned on **5 March 2026** after just **nine months in office** (he had been appointed on 14 July 2025) and was subsequently appointed as **Governor of Himachal Pradesh in 2026**. The earlier LGs were Radha Krishna Mathur (1st, 2019-2023) and Brigadier (Dr) B D Mishra (2nd, 2023-2025).
Read source story → - Polity & Governance28 Apr 2026
When did Ladakh become a Union Territory, and under which legislation?
- A.1 January 2020 under Constitution Amendment Act
- B.31 October 2019 under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 — following the abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019
- C.15 August 1947 under Independence Act
- D.26 January 1950 under Constitution
Show solution
Answer: B. 31 October 2019 under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 — following the abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019
**Ladakh became a Union Territory on 31 October 2019** under the **Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019**. The Act was passed by Parliament on **5 August 2019**, the same day as the **abrogation of Article 370** of the Constitution that had given special status to J&K. The Act bifurcated the erstwhile state of J&K into two UTs: **Jammu & Kashmir (with legislature)** and **Ladakh (without legislature)**.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance28 Apr 2026
Which five new districts of Ladakh were approved by LG Vinai Kumar Saxena on 27 April 2026?
- A.Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Suru
- B.Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass — taking the total from 2 (Leh + Kargil) to 7
- C.Anantnag, Pulwama, Sopore, Kupwara, Bandipore
- D.Hunder, Pangong, Tso Kar, Hanle, Lamayuru
Show solution
Answer: B. Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass — taking the total from 2 (Leh + Kargil) to 7
**Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena** approved the creation of **five new districts — Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass** — on **27 April 2026**, taking the total from **2 (Leh and Kargil) to 7**. The Ministry of Home Affairs had approved the formation in **August 2024** under Union HM Amit Shah. On **28 April 2026**, the LG also approved appointments of Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police for all five new districts.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance28 Apr 2026
Which 2024 state legislation became the first in independent India to enact a Uniform Civil Code, requiring registration of live-in relationships?
- A.Goa UCC
- B.Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC), 2024 — passed by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in February 2024
- C.Tamil Nadu Civil Code
- D.Maharashtra UCC
Show solution
Answer: B. Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC), 2024 — passed by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in February 2024
The **Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC), 2024** is the first state-level UCC in independent India, passed by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in **February 2024**. It mandates **registration of live-in relationships**, provides equal inheritance rights, and unifies marriage/divorce rules across communities. Goa has had a Portuguese-era civil code since 1867 (Portuguese Civil Code, 1867), but Uttarakhand is the first state to enact a fresh UCC under the Indian Constitution.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance28 Apr 2026
Under which statute are live-in relationships covered for civil protection in India?
- A.The Hindu Marriage Act 1955 alone
- B.The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 — Section 2(f) defines 'domestic relationship' to include relationships 'in the nature of marriage'
- C.Indian Evidence Act 1872
- D.Special Marriage Act 1954
Show solution
Answer: B. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 — Section 2(f) defines 'domestic relationship' to include relationships 'in the nature of marriage'
Live-in relationships are covered for civil protections under the **Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005**. **Section 2(f)** of PWDVA defines 'domestic relationship' to include relationships **'in the nature of marriage'** — interpreted by the Supreme Court in **D Velusamy v D Patchaiammal (2010)** through five conditions, and refined further in **Indra Sarma v V K V Sarma (2013)** with an eight-feature test. PWDVA does NOT criminalise the relationship itself; it provides civil remedies.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance28 Apr 2026
Although the Supreme Court declined criminal prosecution, what relief did it permit for the child born from the live-in relationship?
- A.Custody only to the father
- B.Maintenance under Section 125 CrPC (now Section 144 BNSS, 2023 from 1 July 2024) — child rights protected regardless of parents' relationship status
- C.Adoption by the state
- D.No relief permitted
Show solution
Answer: B. Maintenance under Section 125 CrPC (now Section 144 BNSS, 2023 from 1 July 2024) — child rights protected regardless of parents' relationship status
The court clarified that the woman could seek **maintenance for the 8-year-old child** born from the relationship. **Section 125 of the CrPC (1973)** — now **Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023** from **1 July 2024** — provides for maintenance of children (legitimate or illegitimate) who are unable to maintain themselves. The bench held that **child rights remain protected regardless of the nature of the parents' relationship**.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
Ladakh is India's largest Union Territory by area at 86,904 sq km. What is its approximate population per the 2011 Census?
- A.About 2.74 lakh
- B.About 27 lakh
- C.About 1 crore
- D.About 50,000
Show solution
Answer: A. About 2.74 lakh
Ladakh has a population of about **2.74 lakh** as per the **2011 Census** — making it one of India's most thinly populated regions. Its area of **86,904 sq km** makes it India's largest Union Territory by area, far exceeding all other UTs combined. The sparse population and difficult terrain underpin the rationale for the new districts.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
Ladakh became a separate Union Territory under which Act and on which date?
- A.State Reorganisation Act 1956; 1 November 1956
- B.J&K Reorganisation Act 2019; 31 October 2019
- C.Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act 2016; 1 July 2017
- D.North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act 1971; 21 January 1972
Show solution
Answer: B. J&K Reorganisation Act 2019; 31 October 2019
Ladakh became a separate UT on **31 October 2019** under the **Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019**, which bifurcated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two UTs — **J&K (with legislature)** and **Ladakh (without legislature)**. Article 370 had been rendered inoperative on 5 August 2019 through Presidential Orders.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
Following the recent decision, how many districts does the Union Territory of Ladakh have, and which were the original two?
- A.5 districts; original were Nubra and Drass
- B.7 districts; original were Leh and Kargil
- C.9 districts; original were Leh and Zanskar
- D.3 districts; original were Leh and Kargil
Show solution
Answer: B. 7 districts; original were Leh and Kargil
Ladakh now has **7 districts** in total. The original two were **Leh** and **Kargil**. The five newly notified districts are **Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass**, approved by LG **Vinai Kumar Saxena** with prior MHA in-principle approval received in **August 2024**.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
India's primary anti-drug legislation — under which the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was constituted — is:
- A.Indian Penal Code, 1860
- B.Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
- C.Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
- D.Disaster Management Act, 2005
Show solution
Answer: B. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 is India's primary anti-drug legislation. It prohibits production, manufacture, sale, transport, possession of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances except for medical or scientific purposes. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), established in 1986 under Ministry of Home Affairs, is the apex enforcement agency. PIT-NDPS Act 1988 is a complementary preventive-detention law.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
In the landmark Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992) case, the Supreme Court held that:
- A.The Tenth Schedule is unconstitutional
- B.The Speaker's decision under the Tenth Schedule is final and not subject to judicial review
- C.The Tenth Schedule is constitutional, but the Speaker's decision is subject to judicial review
- D.Only the Election Commission can decide disqualification
Show solution
Answer: C. The Tenth Schedule is constitutional, but the Speaker's decision is subject to judicial review
In Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992), a Constitution Bench upheld the constitutional validity of the Tenth Schedule but STRUCK DOWN Paragraph 7 (which had attempted to bar judicial review). The Court held that the Speaker's decision under the Tenth Schedule IS SUBJECT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW — though only on limited grounds (mala fides, perversity, violation of constitutional mandates, and natural-justice violations). The Court also held that while deciding on disqualification, the Speaker acts as a TRIBUNAL.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
Under the 'merger' provision of the Tenth Schedule, what proportion of members of the legislature party must agree for the merger to be valid (and thus avoid disqualification)?
- A.More than half (1/2)
- B.At least one-third (1/3)
- C.At least two-thirds (2/3)
- D.All members (unanimity)
Show solution
Answer: C. At least two-thirds (2/3)
Under the Tenth Schedule's merger exception, disqualification does not apply if a member's ORIGINAL POLITICAL PARTY merges with another party AND at least TWO-THIRDS (2/3) of the members of the LEGISLATURE PARTY agree to such merger. The earlier 'split' provision (since omitted by the 91st Amendment 2003) had allowed one-third (1/3) of members to defect — so be careful not to confuse the two.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 made which key change to the Anti-Defection Law?
- A.Added the law for the first time
- B.Omitted the 'split' provision and retained only the 'merger' provision
- C.Removed the Speaker as the deciding authority
- D.Made disqualification petitions non-justiciable
Show solution
Answer: B. Omitted the 'split' provision and retained only the 'merger' provision
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 OMITTED the 'split' provision (which had earlier allowed one-third of legislature party members to defect without disqualification) and retained only the 'MERGER' provision (which requires at least two-thirds of legislature party members to agree to a merger). It also limited the size of Council of Ministers to 15% of Lower House strength and added Articles 75(1B), 164(1B), and 361B. The Speaker remains the deciding authority (with judicial review). The law was originally added by the 52nd Amendment 1985, not 2003.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was originally launched on which date in how many districts?
- A.15 August 2020 in 272 most-affected districts
- B.26 January 2018 in all states
- C.2 October 2019 in 100 districts
- D.15 August 2022 in 500 districts
Show solution
Answer: A. 15 August 2020 in 272 most-affected districts
NMBA was launched on 15 August 2020 (Independence Day) in 272 most-affected districts; it was subsequently expanded to all states. NMBA is India's flagship anti-drug-abuse mission under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, implemented under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
The Anti-Defection Law is contained in which Schedule of the Constitution of India, and was added by which Constitutional Amendment Act?
- A.Eighth Schedule, by the 42nd Amendment Act 1976
- B.Tenth Schedule, by the 52nd Amendment Act 1985
- C.Tenth Schedule, by the 91st Amendment Act 2003
- D.Eleventh Schedule, by the 73rd Amendment Act 1992
Show solution
Answer: B. Tenth Schedule, by the 52nd Amendment Act 1985
The Anti-Defection Law is contained in the TENTH SCHEDULE of the Constitution, added by the 52ND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ACT, 1985 under PM Rajiv Gandhi's government. It was further strengthened by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 which omitted the 'split' provision and retained only the 'merger' provision. The 73rd Amendment 1992 added the Eleventh Schedule (Panchayati Raj). The 42nd Amendment 1976 made many changes but did NOT add the Anti-Defection Law.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance26 Apr 2026
The recommendation that ultimately led to constitutional status being granted to Panchayati Raj Institutions through the 73rd Amendment came from:
- A.Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)
- B.Ashok Mehta Committee (1977)
- C.L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986)
- D.GVK Rao Committee (1985)
Show solution
Answer: C. L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986)
The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) recommended that Panchayati Raj Institutions should be granted CONSTITUTIONAL STATUS. This seminal recommendation was eventually embodied in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on 24 April 1993.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance26 Apr 2026
Which of the following Articles establishes the State Finance Commission for Panchayats?
- A.Article 243D
- B.Article 243-I
- C.Article 243-K
- D.Article 243A
Show solution
Answer: B. Article 243-I
Article 243-I establishes the State Finance Commission, which is constituted by the Governor every 5 years to review the financial position of Panchayats and recommend fiscal devolution. Article 243A — Gram Sabha; Article 243D — reservation in Panchayats; Article 243-K — State Election Commission. All inserted by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance26 Apr 2026
The Eleventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution — added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act — lists how many subjects to be devolved to Panchayati Raj Institutions?
- A.18 subjects
- B.29 subjects
- C.47 subjects
- D.97 subjects
Show solution
Answer: B. 29 subjects
The Eleventh Schedule lists 29 subjects to be devolved to Panchayati Raj Institutions, including agriculture, land improvement, irrigation, animal husbandry, fisheries, social forestry, small-scale industries, drinking water, roads, electricity, education, health, women and child development, etc. The Twelfth Schedule (added by 74th Amendment) lists 18 subjects for Urban Local Bodies. The 7th Schedule lists Union/State/Concurrent legislative subjects (97/66/47 entries respectively in the original).
Read source story → - Polity & Governance26 Apr 2026
The committee that first recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj structure in India — leading to the launch of Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan (Nagaur) on 2 October 1959 — was:
- A.L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986)
- B.Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)
- C.Ashok Mehta Committee (1977)
- D.GVK Rao Committee (1985)
Show solution
Answer: B. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) was the first major committee on local self-government in India. It recommended a three-tier Panchayati Raj structure — Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), and Zila Parishad (district). Based on its recommendations, the first Panchayati Raj system was launched at Nagaur, Rajasthan on 2 October 1959 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Later committees: Ashok Mehta (1977) recommended two-tier; GVK Rao (1985) emphasised PRIs as implementing agencies; L.M. Singhvi (1986) recommended constitutional status (embodied in 73rd Amendment, 1992).
Read source story → - Polity & Governance25 Apr 2026
Approximately what was women's representation in the Lok Sabha in 2024?
- A.About 5-7%
- B.About 14-15%
- C.About 25%
- D.Exactly 33%
Show solution
Answer: B. About 14-15%
Women's representation in the Lok Sabha hovered around 14-15% in 2024 — below the global average for women in national parliaments (Inter-Parliamentary Union tracks ~26-27% globally). The 106th Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) once implemented will raise this to 33%.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance25 Apr 2026
Article 243D of the Constitution — providing for one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions — was inserted by which Constitutional Amendment Act?
- A.42nd Amendment Act, 1976
- B.73rd Amendment Act, 1992
- C.74th Amendment Act, 1992
- D.86th Amendment Act, 2002
Show solution
Answer: B. 73rd Amendment Act, 1992
Article 243D was inserted by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (which came into force on 24 April 1993). The 73rd Amendment granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions and inserted Part IX (Articles 243-243-O). Article 243T (for Urban Local Bodies) was inserted by the parallel 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (came into force on 1 June 1993).
Read source story → - Polity & Governance25 Apr 2026
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam — which provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies — is officially known as:
- A.Constitution (102nd Amendment) Act, 2018
- B.Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023
- C.Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill, 2010
- D.Women's Empowerment Act, 2024
Show solution
Answer: B. Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is formally the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 — passed by Parliament in September 2023. It provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the NCT of Delhi. Its implementation is contingent on the next Census and a subsequent delimitation exercise.
Read source story →