Q1. The Finance Commission is constituted:
A) Every five years or earlier if the President deems necessary
B) At the end of every tenth year
C) Annually along with the Union Budget
D) Only when recommended by the Parliament
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Article 280(1) mandates the President to constitute Finance Commission after every five years or at such earlier time as deemed necessary.
Q2. With reference to the Election Commission of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only by impeachment-like procedure.
- Other Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the recommendation of the CEC.
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: CEC enjoys security like SC Judge (Art 324(5)). Other ECs can be removed by President on CEC’s recommendation (as upheld in practice post 1993 amendment).
Q3. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG):
A) Is appointed by the Prime Minister on the advice of a search committee
B) Audits accounts of both Union and State Governments
C) Can be a member of either House of Parliament after retirement
D) Reports directly to the Parliament through the Finance Minister
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CAG audits Union and State accounts (Art 149). Appointment by President; disqualified from future office under Government/Parliament (Art 148(4)). Reports laid before Parliament/State Legislatures.
Q4. Which of the following non-constitutional bodies was originally established by a Resolution of the Government of India and later given statutory status?
A) NITI Aayog
B) National Commission for Women
C) Central Information Commission
D) Unique Identification Authority of India
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI): The UIDAI was originally established on January 28, 2009, by an executive resolution of the Government of India. It was later given statutory status under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, which was passed by the Parliament.
Why other options are incorrect
- NITI Aayog: The NITI Aayog was established in 2015 by a resolution of the Union Cabinet to replace the Planning Commission. It is a non-constitutional and non-statutory (executive) body and has not been given statutory status by an Act of Parliament.
- National Commission for Women: The National Commission for Women (NCW) was established in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. It was created as a statutory body from the outset, not initially by a government resolution and later given statutory status.
- Central Information Commission: The Central Information Commission (CIC) is a statutory body established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. It was established directly by a statute, not initially by a government resolution.
Q5. The Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities (Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities):
A) Is a statutory body under the National Commission for Minorities Act
B) Is appointed under Article 350B of the Constitution
C) Submits reports to the Prime Minister
D) Has powers to enforce implementation of safeguards
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Article 350B provides for a constitutional Special Officer whose reports are laid before each House of Parliament with a memorandum explaining action taken.
