1. The constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions was granted by which amendment to the Indian Constitution?
a) 71st Amendment Act
b) 73rd Amendment Act
c) 74th Amendment Act
d) 76th Amendment Act
Answer: b) 73rd Amendment Act, 1992
Explanation: The 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, is a landmark in Indian governance as it gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). It added a new Part IX to the Constitution, containing provisions for the devolution of powers and responsibilities to these local self-government bodies at the village, intermediate, and district levels.
2. Which of the following is the foundation tier of the Panchayati Raj system?
a) Zila Parishad
b) Taluka Panchayat
c) Gram Panchayat
d) Gram Sabha
Answer: d) Gram Sabha
Explanation: The Gram Sabha, comprising all registered voters in a village, is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj structure. It is a permanent body that provides oversight and approval for the Gram Panchayat's actions, making it a mechanism for direct democracy.
3. The body responsible for the conduct of elections to the Panchayats is:
a) The Election Commission of India
b) The State Election Commission
c) The Chief Electoral Officer of the State
d) The District Collector
Answer: b) The State Election Commission
Explanation: According to the 73rd Amendment Act, the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to the Panchayats are vested in the State Election Commission.
4. The 'First Past the Post' (FPTP) system used in Indian elections means:
a) The candidate who secures more than 50% of the votes wins.
b) The candidate who secures the maximum number of votes wins.
c) The election is conducted in multiple rounds.
d) The winning candidate must be a member of a political party.
Answer: b) The candidate who secures the maximum number of votes wins.
Explanation: In the FPTP system, the candidate who polls more votes than any other candidate is declared elected. It is not necessary for the winner to secure an absolute majority (50% + 1 vote). This system is used for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in India.
5. Which of the following acts is the cornerstone of environmental protection in India?
a) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
b) The Environment (Protection) Act
c) The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
d) The Wildlife Protection Act
Answer: b) The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Explanation: Passed in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is an umbrella legislation that provides a central framework for the protection and improvement of the environment. It empowers the central government to coordinate actions and