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139 Q 2 Topics Take Test
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Difficulty: All Easy Medium Hard 111–120 of 139
Topics in UPSC IAS / IPS
Q.111 Medium
In which of the following scenarios can a High Court issue a writ of Certiorari?
A To compel a public official to perform a statutory duty
B To secure the release of an illegally detained person
C To quash an order passed by a lower court or administrative authority
D To prevent a person from acting in an office to which he is not entitled
Correct Answer:  C. To quash an order passed by a lower court or administrative authority
EXPLANATION

Certiorari is used to quash an order or judgment of a lower court or administrative body.

It is issued when there is excess of jurisdiction or violation of natural justice (Article 226, 32).

Option A describes Mandamus, Option B describes Habeas Corpus, and Option D describes Quo Warranto.

Each writ has specific applicability and scope.

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Q.112 Medium
Which amendment introduced the concept of 'secular' state in the Indian Constitution's Preamble?
A 40th Amendment Act
B 42nd Amendment Act
C 44th Amendment Act
D 45th Amendment Act
Correct Answer:  B. 42nd Amendment Act
EXPLANATION

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, passed during the Emergency period, added three words to the Preamble: 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity'.

This amendment is considered one of the most controversial amendments.

The word 'secular' was inserted between 'sovereign' and 'democratic' to emphasize the state's religious neutrality.

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Q.113 Hard
Which of the following Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency?
A Articles 19, 20, and 21
B Only Article 20 and 21
C Only Article 21
D Articles 14, 20, and 21
Correct Answer:  B. Only Article 20 and 21
EXPLANATION

During National Emergency declared under Article 352, Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended (Article 358).

Article 20 protects against ex post facto laws and double jeopardy.

Article 21 protects life and personal liberty.

Article 19 (freedoms) can be suspended during emergency.

Article 14 (equality) is generally protected but Article 358 specifically carves out Articles 20-21.

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Q.114 Easy
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the President and Prime Minister under the Indian Constitution?
A President is the executive head with direct administrative powers
B Prime Minister is the constitutional head of government
C President is the nominal executive head; Prime Minister is the real executive head
D Both President and Prime Minister have equal executive powers
Correct Answer:  C. President is the nominal executive head; Prime Minister is the real executive head
EXPLANATION

The Indian Constitution follows the Westminster model.

The President is the nominal/constitutional head of state (Articles 52-78), while the Prime Minister is the real executive head who holds actual administrative powers (Articles 74-78).

The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by PM.

India is a Parliamentary democracy, not a Presidential one.

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Q.115 Hard
Under the Emergency Provisions of the Indian Constitution, when a National Emergency is declared, which of the following provisions cannot be suspended?
A Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21
B Right to Constitutional Remedies under Article 32
C Right to Equality under Article 14
D Right to Freedom of Expression under Article 19
Correct Answer:  A. Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21
EXPLANATION

Article 358 and 359 deal with suspension of Fundamental Rights during emergency.

Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) cannot be suspended even during National Emergency.

Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) can be suspended.

Articles 14-16 (equality rights) generally cannot be suspended.

The President has power to suspend rights but Article 21 is protected.

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Q.116 Medium
Which of the following statements regarding the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 is incorrect?
A It made 3-tier structure of Panchayati Raj mandatory
B It reserved 1/3rd seats for women in all local government bodies
C It reduced the term of Gram Panchayats to 4 years from 5 years
D It added Part IXA to the Constitution dealing with Panchayats
Correct Answer:  C. It reduced the term of Gram Panchayats to 4 years from 5 years
EXPLANATION

The 73rd Amendment (1992) did NOT change the term of Gram Panchayats.

The term was already 5 years and remains 5 years.

However, it did make 3-tier structure mandatory, reserved 1/3rd seats for women, added Part IXA (Articles 243-243O), and created constitutional status for Panchayats.

The 74th Amendment similarly applies to Urban Local Bodies.

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Q.117 Medium
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are NOT enforceable in courts. However, which Article mandates that the state shall endeavor to apply these principles while making laws?
A Article 36
B Article 37
C Article 38
D Article 39
Correct Answer:  B. Article 37
EXPLANATION

Article 37 states that while DPSPs are not enforceable by any court, they are fundamental to the governance of the country and the state shall be guided by these principles in making laws.

Articles 36-51 comprise the entire DPSP chapter. DPSPs cover social and economic rights like education, health, fair wages, etc.

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Q.118 Easy
Which Article of the Indian Constitution prescribes the procedure for the removal of the President of India?
A Article 56
B Article 61
C Article 75
D Article 100
Correct Answer:  B. Article 61
EXPLANATION

Article 61 deals with the impeachment of the President.

The President can be removed on grounds of violation of the Constitution.

The process requires a written charge signed by at least 1/4th of Members of either House, and removal requires a 2/3rd majority in both Houses.

Article 56 covers resignation of the President.

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Q.119 Easy
Under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following writs can be issued by the Supreme Court to prevent illegal detention of a person?
A Mandamus
B Habeas Corpus
C Prohibition
D Certiorari
Correct Answer:  B. Habeas Corpus
EXPLANATION

Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs including Habeas Corpus, which is specifically used to secure the release of a person illegally detained or imprisoned.

This is a Fundamental Right available to any citizen.

Habeas Corpus means 'you shall have the body' and ensures personal liberty.

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Q.120 Medium
Which of the following words was NOT part of the original Preamble of the Indian Constitution but was added later through amendment?
A Sovereign
B Democratic
C Socialist
D Secular
Correct Answer:  C. Socialist
EXPLANATION

This question tests knowledge of amendments made to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution since its original adoption in 1950.

The original Preamble of the Indian Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, described India as a "Sovereign Democratic Republic." The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were NOT part of this original Preamble. However, the 42nd Constitutional Amendment of 1976 (during the Emergency period under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi) added both "Socialist" and "Secular" to the Preamble. Since the question asks for a single word that was NOT in the original but was added later, and both "Socialist" and "Secular" fit this criterion, "Socialist" is listed as the correct answer in the given options, though technically "Secular" was also added at the same time. The words "Sovereign" and "Democratic" were present in the original Preamble from 1950.

The correct answer is (C) Socialist, as it was added to the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment in 1976 and was not part of the original Preamble of 1950.

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