40. When was the first National Emergency imposed in India?
[Bihar D.El.Ed, 3 April 2024, Shift 2]
(A) 1952
(B) 1962
(C) 1965
(D) 1972
Answer: (B) 1962
Explanation: India’s first National Emergency was proclaimed in October 1962 during the conflict with China. It was invoked on the ground of external aggression and continued for several years, ending in January 1968.
39. Which pair of Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended during an Emergency?
[Delhi Police Constable (Executive), 29 November 2023, Shift 1]
(A) Articles 29–30
(B) Articles 17–18
(C) Articles 20–21
(D) Articles 31–32
Answer: (C) Articles 20–21
Explanation: Article 20 protects individuals against retrospective criminal punishment, double jeopardy and compelled self-incrimination. Article 21 safeguards life and personal liberty. The 44th Amendment excluded both from Presidential suspension-of-enforcement orders under Article 359.
38. Which group of Articles contains the Emergency Provisions of the Indian Constitution?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 9 August 2023, Shift 2]
(A) Articles 352 to 360
(B) Articles 309 to 312
(C) Articles 343 to 351
(D) Articles 330 to 342
Answer: (A) Articles 352 to 360
Explanation: Part XVIII of the Constitution spans Articles 352–360. It covers National Emergency, the Union’s duties and emergency powers, President’s Rule in states, the operation of certain Fundamental Rights and Financial Emergency.
37. Which statements on National Emergency are correct?
1. It may be proclaimed when security is threatened by war, external aggression or armed rebellion.
2. The Union may direct a State on any matter.
3. State legislatures are not suspended merely by the proclamation.
4. Continuation requires approval of both Houses every six months.
[UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants), Paper I, 2023]
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 1, 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: All four statements describe the constitutional operation of National Emergency. Executive direction expands, parliamentary powers increase and State legislatures remain in existence. After initial approval, a proclamation continues for six-month periods only with renewed parliamentary approval.
36. In which year was President’s Rule first imposed in Bihar?
[Bihar Police Prohibition SI, 16 July 2023 (Memory-Based Paper)]
(A) 1968
(B) 1965
(C) 1970
(D) 1969
Answer: (A) 1968
Explanation: Bihar first came under President’s Rule in 1968 after political instability undermined the state government. Article 356 allows such intervention when constitutional governance fails, subject to approval by Parliament and scrutiny by the courts.
35. How many times has President’s Rule been imposed in Madhya Pradesh?
[MPPSC State Services Prelims 2022, held 21 May 2023, GS Paper I]
(A) One
(B) Two
(C) Three
(D) Four
Answer: (C) Three
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh experienced President’s Rule in 1977, 1980 and 1992–1993. Article 356 authorizes intervention when state government cannot function according to constitutional requirements. This question concerns the state’s historical count, not the maximum duration.
34. Which is NOT a ground for proclaiming Emergency under Article 352?
[Karnataka State Police Reserve SI, 8 January 2023, Paper II]
(A) Armed rebellion
(B) Communal violence
(C) War
(D) External aggression
Answer: (B) Communal violence
Explanation: Article 352 specifies war, external aggression and armed rebellion. Communal violence alone is not an independent constitutional ground for National Emergency. The earlier phrase internal disturbance was replaced by armed rebellion through the 44th Amendment.
33. President’s Rule can be extended for a maximum period of how many months?
[Odisha Police SI, 30 October 2022, Paper II]
(A) 6 months
(B) 12 months
(C) 24 months
(D) 36 months
Answer: (D) 36 months
Explanation: Under Article 356, President’s Rule may reach three years, or 36 months, subject to parliamentary renewals every six months. Extensions beyond one year require constitutionally prescribed circumstances and Election Commission certification about assembly elections.
32. Among the following States, which has experienced President’s Rule the greatest number of times?
[UPSC CDS II, 4 September 2022, General Knowledge]
(A) Bihar
(B) Karnataka
(C) Manipur
(D) Punjab
Answer: (C) Manipur
Explanation: Manipur had experienced President’s Rule ten times by the date relevant to this question, exceeding the other listed states. Article 356 is used when state constitutional governance breaks down, rather than as an ordinary administrative device.
31. Which of these is NOT one of the three constitutional types of Emergency?
[RRB Group D, 17 August 2022, Shift 1]
(A) Article 352 – National Emergency
(B) Article 356 – President’s Rule in a State
(C) Article 358 – Public Health Emergency
(D) Article 360 – Financial Emergency
Answer: (C) Article 358 – Public Health Emergency
Explanation: India recognizes three emergency categories: National Emergency under Article 352, President’s Rule under Article 356 and Financial Emergency under Article 360. Article 358 regulates the operation of Article 19 during certain National Emergencies; it creates no health emergency.
