Boost Your UPSC Prelims Preparation with This Polity and Governance Quiz
Are you gearing up for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Prelims? This daily subject-wise quiz offers a perfect opportunity to assess your progress and revise crucial topics. Today's focus is on Polity and Governance, covering essential areas that frequently appear in the exam.
Regular practice with these quizzes helps reinforce your understanding of static syllabus portions. Let's dive into the questions and sharpen your knowledge.
Question 1: Understanding the Calling Attention Motion
Consider the following statements about the 'Calling Attention Motion':
- It is a specific parliamentary procedure where a Member of Parliament, with the Speaker's permission, brings an urgent public matter to a Minister's notice to obtain an official statement.
- A Calling Attention Motion involves a formal debate similar to an Adjournment Motion.
- The concept of 'Calling Attention Motion' originated in the United Kingdom.
How many of these statements are correct?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Explanation:
The Calling Attention Motion is a unique Indian parliamentary practice. A Member of Parliament can use it, with the Speaker's approval, to highlight an urgent public issue and seek an official statement from a Minister. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
This motion does not lead to a formal debate. After the Minister's statement, only brief clarifications are allowed. In contrast, motions like the Adjournment Motion permit full debates. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
The Calling Attention Motion did not begin in the United Kingdom. It is an Indian innovation not found in the British parliamentary system. So, statement 3 is also incorrect.
The correct answer is (a) Only one.
Question 2: Constitutional Distribution of Water Powers
Consider these statements:
- Entry 17 of the State List in the Indian Constitution deals with Water, covering water supplies, irrigation, canals, drainage, embankments, water storage, and water power.
- Entry 33 of the Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to legislate on the regulation and development of inter-State rivers and river valleys.
Which statement(s) is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Entry 17 of the State List (List II) indeed addresses water-related matters. It includes water supplies, irrigation, canals, drainage, embankments, water storage, and water power. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
However, Entry 33 of the Concurrent List does not grant Parliament power over inter-State rivers. That authority comes from Entry 56 of the Union List (List I). Parliament can legislate on the regulation and development of inter-State rivers and river valleys if deemed expedient in the public interest. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
The correct answer is (a) 1 only.
Question 3: Languages Not in the Eighth Schedule
Which of these languages are not included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India?
- English
- Mizo
- Nicobarese
- Sindhi
- Urdu
- Bundelkhandi
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
- (a) 2, 3 and 4
- (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
- (c) 1, 2, 3 and 6
- (d) 1, 3, 5 and 6
Explanation:
The Eighth Schedule lists 22 scheduled languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili, and Dogri.
English, Mizo, Nicobarese, and Bundelkhandi do not appear in this schedule. Sindhi and Urdu are included, so they are not part of the answer.
The correct answer is (c) 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Question 4: Composition of the Indian Parliament
There shall be a Parliament for the Union, which shall consist of:
- Council of States
- House of the People
- Parliamentary Secretariat
- Vice-President of India
- President of India
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3
- (c) 1, 2, 4 and 5
- (d) 1, 2 and 5
Explanation:
Article 79 of the Constitution clearly states that Parliament consists of the President and two Houses: the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
The Parliamentary Secretariat is an administrative body, not a constitutional component of Parliament. The Vice-President serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha but is not a part of Parliament under Article 79.
The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 5.
Question 5: Identifying the Correct Constitutional Article
Consider this statement: "The Supreme Court shall have such further jurisdiction and powers with respect to any matter as the Government of India and the Government of any State may by special agreement confer, if Parliament by law provides for the exercise of such jurisdiction and powers by the Supreme Court."
This statement refers to:
- (a) Article 138
- (b) Article 141
- (c) Article 142
- (d) Article 143
Explanation:
Article 138 of the Constitution deals with the enlargement of the Supreme Court's jurisdiction. It allows the Court to gain additional powers through agreements between the Government of India and State Governments, provided Parliament enacts laws for their exercise.
This provision is crucial for understanding how the Supreme Court's authority can expand beyond its original scope.
The correct answer is (a) Article 138.
Keep Practicing for UPSC Success
Consistent revision through such quizzes is key to mastering Polity and Governance for the UPSC Prelims. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts. This approach will help you tackle tricky multiple-choice questions with confidence.
Make it a habit to solve daily quizzes across various subjects. This practice will build your speed and accuracy, essential for exam day. Stay dedicated to your preparation, and you will see steady improvement in your performance.
