20. On whose recommendation was the post-Independence Estimates Committee created in 1950?
[RPF Sub-Inspector 2018 Cycle, held 16 January 2019, Shift 3]
(A) Thomas Munro
(B) Balwantrai Mehta
(C) John Mathai
(D) Gurdial Singh
Answer: (C) John Mathai
Explanation: Finance Minister John Mathai recommended creation of the post-Independence Estimates Committee in 1950. The committee provides continuing legislative examination of government spending proposals. It consists of thirty members of Lok Sabha and excludes ministers from membership.
19. Before the 104th Amendment ended Anglo-Indian nomination, which Article provided for such nominations to Lok Sabha?
[SSC CGL, 12 June 2019, Shift 2]
(A) Article 342
(B) Article 330
(C) Article 331
(D) Article 326
Answer: (C) Article 331
Explanation: The former Article 331 authorised the President to nominate up to two Anglo-Indian representatives when that community was considered inadequately represented. The 104th Amendment ended that arrangement in 2020. The question refers to the law applicable when the examination was held.
18. In what year was Rajya Sabha constituted?
[SSC Selection Post HSC Level, 16 October 2019, Shift 2]
(A) 1952
(B) 1950
(C) 1972
(D) 1951
Answer: (A) 1952
Explanation: Rajya Sabha was constituted in 1952, with its first sitting on 13 May that year. The chamber is permanent and cannot be dissolved, while members retire in rotation. It serves as the Council of States within the bicameral Union Parliament.
17. Which Bills have been considered at joint sittings:
Dowry Prohibition,
Banking Service Commission (Repeal),
Prevention of Terrorism,
Land Acquisition Act 2013
[UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant, 12 August 2018]
(A) All four
(B) Last two only
(C) First three only
(D) Second and fourth only
Answer: (C) First three only
Explanation: Joint sittings occurred for the Dowry Prohibition Bill, Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill and Prevention of Terrorism Bill. No such joint sitting occurred for the 2013 Land Acquisition legislation. Article 108 creates this mechanism for specified legislative deadlocks.
16. Which statement on parliamentary committees is correct?
[Telangana Police Sub-Inspector Mains, Paper IV, 2018]
(A) Estimates Committee members are elected by Lok Sabha
(B) PAC contains thirty members
(C) Empowerment of Women Committee is department-related
(D) Home Affairs Committee is an ad hoc joint committee
Answer: (A) Estimates Committee members are elected by Lok Sabha
Explanation: The Estimates Committee is elected from Lok Sabha and consists of thirty members. PAC contains twenty-two members, and the Committee on Empowerment of Women is not a departmentally related standing committee. The Department-related Standing Committee on Home Affairs is a standing committee.
15. Assess constitutional amendment procedure:
I. An Amendment Bill can start in either House;
II. Disagreement permits a presidentially summoned joint sitting.
[RPSC Second Grade Social Science, 29 October 2018]
(A) Only I
(B) Only II
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
Answer: (A) Only I
Explanation: Article 368 allows introduction of a constitutional amendment Bill in either House. Each House must pass it separately with the prescribed majority. No joint sitting is authorised to settle a deadlock over such a Bill, making statement II incorrect.
14. Who is eligible to file nomination papers for election to Lok Sabha, subject to other qualifications?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, GS Paper I, 2017]
(A) Anyone residing in India
(B) Only a voter living in the contested constituency
(C) A citizen whose name is on an electoral roll
(D) Any citizen regardless of electoral registration
Answer: (C) A citizen whose name is on an electoral roll
Explanation: A Lok Sabha candidate must be an Indian citizen, satisfy the minimum age and other requirements, and ordinarily be a registered elector. Residence within the contested constituency is generally unnecessary. Mere citizenship without the required electoral registration is insufficient.
13. Under Article 352, which combination correctly describes National Emergency:
i presidential proclamation;
iii parliamentary approval within one month;
v special majority;
vi revocation by simple majority resolution?
[CGPSC State Services Prelims, Paper I, 2017]
(A) i, ii, iv, viii
(B) i, iii, vi, viii
(C) i, iii, v, vi
(D) ii, iv, vii, viii
Answer: (C) i, iii, v, vi
Explanation: A National Emergency is proclaimed by the President and normally requires parliamentary approval within one month, using the prescribed special majority. Lok Sabha can seek disapproval through a simple-majority resolution. These parliamentary safeguards were strengthened by the Forty-fourth Amendment.
12. Which bodies together constitute the Parliament of India?
[OSSTET TGT Arts, 17 December 2016]
(A) President, Vice-President and both Houses
(B) Only the two Houses
(C) President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
(D) Vice-President and both Houses
Answer: (C) President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Explanation: Article 79 defines Parliament as the President and the two Houses, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Vice-President chairs Rajya Sabha ex officio but is not separately named as a third legislative chamber or constituent replacing the President.
11. At what time was Zero Hour traditionally held in Parliament?
[UPPSC PCS Prelims, 10 May 2015]
(A) 9–10 a.m.
(B) 10–11 a.m.
(C) 11 a.m.–noon
(D) Noon–1 p.m.
Answer: (D) Noon–1 p.m.
Explanation: Zero Hour traditionally follows Question Hour and begins at noon in Lok Sabha practice. Members use it to raise matters of urgent public importance. It developed through parliamentary convention rather than as an expressly defined constitutional procedure.
