UPSC Essentials Daily Subject-Wise Quiz: Polity and Governance MCQs for Week 147
Are you gearing up for the UPSC Civil Services Examination Prelims in 2026? This daily quiz initiative is designed to help you assess your progress and reinforce crucial topics from the static syllabus. Today, we focus on Polity and Governance, covering essential areas such as Padma Awards, the Constituent Assembly, and constitutional provisions. Written by Nitendra Pal Singh from New Delhi on January 27, 2026, this quiz offers a comprehensive review to sharpen your knowledge and avoid common pitfalls.
Question 1: Padma Awards and Civilian Honours
With reference to the Padma Awards, consider the following statements:
- These are one of the highest civilian honours of India, announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
- These awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the President of India.
- These awards were not awarded during the years 1978 and 1979.
- The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of two in a particular year.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) Only three
- (d) All four
Relevance: This question evaluates your understanding of civilian honours, their constitutional framework, and procedural details. It tests awareness of historical exceptions, such as suspension years, and award limits, helping you navigate factual traps related to recommending authorities and annual caps.
Explanation: The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, are indeed among India's highest civilian honours, announced each year on Republic Day eve. They include three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, recognizing distinguished public service. However, statement 2 is incorrect because the awards are conferred based on recommendations from the Padma Awards Committee, formed by the Prime Minister annually, not the President. Statement 3 is correct, as the awards were interrupted in 1978 and 1979, along with other years. Statement 4 is false, as the Bharat Ratna has a maximum limit of three awards per year, not two. Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making option (b) the right answer.
Question 2: Census in India
With reference to the Census in India, consider the following statements:
- The Census has been conducted in India since 1872.
- Census 2027 will be the 16th census overall and the eighth since Independence.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Relevance: This question assesses clarity on census history, periodicity, and official numbering conventions in India. It checks awareness of recent updates regarding Census 2027 and changes in census sequencing, crucial for accurate factual recall.
Explanation: The Census in India has a long history, beginning in 1872, making statement 1 accurate. Census 2027 is significant as it will be the 16th overall census and the eighth conducted since India gained independence in 1947. The first phase, involving houselisting, is set to start on April 1 this year, with population enumeration scheduled for February 2027. Therefore, both statements are correct, and option (c) is the correct answer.
Question 3: Constituent Assembly and Constitution Adoption
Consider the following statements:
- On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution.
- The Constituent Assembly met for the last time on December 24, 1949.
- January 26, 1950, marked the establishment of the Constitution.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Relevance: This question tests knowledge of key constitutional dates and milestones in India's history. It helps distinguish between the adoption, final sitting, and enforcement of the Constitution, essential for avoiding confusion in timeline-based questions.
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct, as the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Assembly's last meeting was on January 24, 1950, not December 24, 1949. On that day, Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President, and national symbols were finalized. Statement 3 is accurate, as January 26, 1950, marked the establishment of the Constitution and the first Republic Day. Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making option (b) the right answer.
Question 4: Constitutional Protections Under Article 20
Consider the following statements:
- A person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than once.
- A person accused of any offence can be compelled to be a witness against himself.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Relevance: This question evaluates understanding of Article 20 and constitutional protections in criminal jurisprudence. It checks clarity on double jeopardy and protection against self-incrimination, vital for eliminating conceptual traps in Fundamental Rights-based multiple-choice questions.
Explanation: Article 20 of the Indian Constitution provides key safeguards. Statement 1 is incorrect because it prohibits double jeopardy, meaning no person can be prosecuted and punished twice for the same offence. Statement 2 is also incorrect, as it ensures that no accused person can be compelled to testify against themselves, protecting against self-incrimination. Therefore, neither statement is correct, and option (d) is the right answer.
Question 5: Abolition of Untouchability
The provision of 'Abolition of Untouchability' is provided in the:
- (a) Article 15
- (b) Article 16
- (c) Article 17
- (d) Article 18
Relevance: This question tests factual knowledge of Fundamental Rights and their specific constitutional articles. It is important for accurately mapping social justice provisions to exact articles, a common requirement in UPSC exams.
Explanation: Article 17 of the Constitution of India explicitly provides for the abolition of untouchability. It states that untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden, with enforcement being a punishable offence. Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
This quiz is part of the UPSC Essentials daily series, aimed at enhancing your revision for the Civil Services Exam. For more resources, consider subscribing to relevant newsletters and following updates on educational platforms. Keep practicing to strengthen your grasp on Polity and Governance topics.
