2015

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Annie Besant in 1917, not Sarojini Naidu. Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman to preside over the Congress in 1925 (Kanpur Session).

Statement 2 is Correct: Badruddin Tyabji was the first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress, presiding over its third session in 1887 (Madras).

The idea of a "Welfare State" in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

The DPSP, outlined in Part IV of the Constitution, are a set of guidelines for the government to achieve social and economic justice. These principles, though not enforceable by courts, provide a framework for the government to strive towards goals like: - Securing and protecting a social order for the welfare of the people (Article 38). - Providing adequate means of livelihood for all citizens (Article 39). - Promoting equal justice and opportunity (Article 39). - Developing the village panchayats (Article 40). -Providing free and compulsory education for all children (Article 45). - Improving public health (Article 47).

By outlining these principles, the Constitution emphasizes the government's responsibility for promoting the social and economic well-being of its citizens, reflecting the ideals of a welfare state.

The provision "To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India" is found in Article 51A(c) of the Indian Constitution.

It is part of the Fundamental Duties added to the Constitution in 1976. These duties are the moral obligations of every citizen to promote the well-being of the nation.

The Panchayati Raj system is designed to empower rural communities by enabling

1. People's participation in development: This involves involving villagers in decision-making processes related to local development projects and resource allocation.

2. Political accountability: This is a desirable outcome, but not the sole purpose. The Panchayati Raj system aims to create a more participatory and democratic structure for rural development.

3. Democratic decentralization: Power is transferred from the central government to local bodies, allowing communities to address their specific needs and priorities.

4. Financial mobilization: While financial mobilization can be a consequence, it's not the fundamental objective.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are true.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The westerlies blow between 30° and 60° latitudes in both hemispheres, not between 30° N and 60° S. So, the latitudinal extent mentioned is wrong; it should be 30°–60° N and 30°–60° S.

Statement 2 is Correct: The western disturbances that bring winter rainfall to north-western India originate over the Mediterranean region and are carried by the westerlies. Hence, these moist air masses are indeed part of the westerly wind system.


Statement 1 is incorrect: Department of Economic Affairs prepares the Budget.

Statement 2 is correct: As per Article 114 of the Constitution, the government can withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund only after receiving approval from Parliament.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Public Accounts include provident fund deposits, judicial deposits, savings bank deposits, departmental deposits, remittances and so on. This account is operated by executive action, that is, the payments from this account can be made without parliamentary appropriation. Such payments are mostly like banking transactions.

So, only the second statement is correct.

The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes.

Fifth Schedule: Applies to all states except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It focuses on

Management and administration of Scheduled Areas: These are areas with a high concentration of tribal populations. The schedule grants them some autonomy and safeguards their traditional rights over land and resources.

Establishment of Tribes Advisory Councils: These councils advise the Governor on matters related to the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes.

Sixth Schedule: Applies to the four aforementioned northeastern states with significant tribal populations. It provides greater autonomy compared to the Fifth Schedule by

Creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): These councils have a greater degree of administrative and legislative power within their designated areas.

Special provisions for administration of tribal areas: This includes protection of customary law, inheritance practices, and social customs of the tribes.

A decrease in the tax-to-GDP ratio of a country can potentially indicate 1 only (Slowing economic growth rates).

Tax to GDP Ratio: This ratio represents the total tax revenue collected by a government as a percentage of the country's GDP. It's a measure of the government's ability to raise funds through taxes.

Impact of Decrease: A decrease in this ratio can have several interpretations, but it doesn't necessarily point towards a less equitable income distribution (option 2).

Slowing Growth: It might indicate a slowdown in economic growth. During economic downturns, businesses and individuals tend to earn less, leading to lower tax collections.

Change in Tax Policy: It could also reflect a deliberate change in tax policy, such as tax cuts or exemptions, aimed at stimulating economic activity.

Inefficiency: In some cases, it might suggest inefficiencies in tax collection.

A custodian is a person entrusted with the custody or care of something.

- Whenever Fundamental Rights are denied or restricted, it can be challenged in the Supreme Court under Article 32; - The dispute between Centre and State can be settled in the Supreme Court under Article 131; - the Law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all the courts in India under Article 141; - For the enforcement of decrees - Article 142; - President of India consulting Supreme Court under Article 143; - After all, under Article 13, all laws that are inconsistent with or in derogation of any of the fundamental rights shall be void ( Doctrine of Judicial Review). - Supreme Court judgments are the law of the land;

Based on the above facts, the Supreme Court takes care of the Constitution. So, simply the Supreme Court is the Custodian of the Constitution.

According to Article 108 of the Constitution of India, if a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both Houses, it is passed by a majority of the total number of members of both Houses present and voting. This is a simple majority applied to the combined strength of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The joint sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, or in their absence, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, or if they are also absent, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.