40. In its judgment on February 2, 2026, the Supreme Court directed the Union Government to constitute an inter-state water disputes tribunal to adjudicate a river water-sharing conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Which river is at the centre of this dispute?
[RRB Group D 2025 Official Paper – 9 August 2026, Shift 3]
(A) Krishna River
(B) Pennaiyar River
(C) Godavari River
(D) Cauvery River
Answer: (B) Pennaiyar River
Explanation: The Pennaiyar River dispute involves Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, particularly over upstream water diversion and construction activities. Under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, a specialised tribunal can adjudicate disputes concerning the use and distribution of interstate river waters.
39. What is the primary function of the Inter-State Council in India?
[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent – 4 July 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Promoting coordination between states and the centre
(B) Allocating central taxes among states
(C) Reviewing the implementation of federal laws
(D) Resolving inter-state water disputes
Answer: (A) Promoting coordination between states and the centre
Explanation: Article 263 provides for the Inter-State Council to promote cooperation and policy coordination between the Union and states. Its constitutional functions include discussing common interests, advising on interstate disputes and recommending coordinated governmental action. It does not allocate central taxes.
38. The Inter-State Council, formed to improve relations between the Union and States, is chaired by whom?
[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent – 2 July 2026, Shift 1]
(A) Vice President
(B) Home Minister
(C) Chief Justice of India
(D) Prime Minister
Answer: (D) Prime Minister
Explanation: The Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of the Inter-State Council. Established through a Presidential Order in 1990 following the Sarkaria Commission’s recommendations, the Council brings together Union and state representatives to strengthen consultation, cooperation and coordinated policymaking.
37. Five Zonal Councils were established through the:
[UGC NET Political Science – 24 June 2026, Shift I]
(A) 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976
(B) States Reorganisation Act, 1956
(C) Efforts of the Chief Ministers’ Conference
(D) Legislation passed during the first NDA regime
Answer: (B) States Reorganisation Act, 1956
Explanation: Five Zonal Councils were created under Part III of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. They are statutory, advisory institutions promoting interstate cooperation. The North Eastern Council was established separately under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971.
36. In 2026, which inter-state dispute between Punjab and Haryana resurfaced prominently due to renewed legal and political tensions over water sharing?
[OSSSC Forester, Forest Guard and Excise Constable – 2 May 2026, Shift 3]
(A) Mahanadi Water Dispute
(B) Krishna River Water Dispute
(C) Cauvery River Water Dispute
(D) Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal Dispute
Answer: (D) Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal Dispute
Explanation: The Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal dispute concerns the sharing of Ravi-Beas waters between Punjab and Haryana. The disagreement intensified following Haryana’s formation in 1966. It involves canal construction, interstate water allocations and longstanding constitutional and political disagreements.
35. Under the Constitution (101st Amendment) Act, 2016, who has the exclusive power to make laws on GST where the supply of goods or services takes place in the course of inter-state trade or commerce?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I – 22 March 2026, Shift 1]
(A) President of India
(B) State Legislatures
(C) NITI Aayog
(D) Parliament
Answer: (D) Parliament
Explanation: Article 246A(2), introduced by the 101st Constitutional Amendment, grants Parliament exclusive legislative power over GST on interstate supplies. Although both Parliament and state legislatures possess GST lawmaking powers generally, interstate supplies fall within Parliament’s exclusive constitutional competence.
34. As per provisions of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, the Tribunal shall consist of a Chairman and two other Members nominated by the ______.
[SSC MTS 2025 Official Paper – 9 February 2026, Shift 3]
(A) President of India
(B) Chief Minister of concerned States
(C) Central Government after consultation with State Governments
(D) Chief Justice of India
Answer: (D) Chief Justice of India
Explanation: Section 4(2) of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act provides for a Chairman and two members nominated by the Chief Justice of India from eligible Supreme Court or High Court judges. The tribunal adjudicates interstate river-water disputes referred under the Act.
33. Consider the following statements:
1. Parliament can bar the jurisdiction of courts over inter-state water disputes.
2. Article 262 empowers the Inter-State Council to adjudicate water disputes.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[SSC CPO – 10 December 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) Only 1
Explanation: Article 262 authorises Parliament to provide mechanisms for adjudicating interstate river-water disputes and exclude court jurisdiction by law. The Inter-State Council arises under Article 263 and performs consultative functions rather than exercising the tribunal’s adjudicatory authority.
32. The Andhra Pradesh government rejected Telangana’s demand for a 50:50 share of Krishna river water in January 2025. What was the water-sharing ratio between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana referred to in the question?
[RRB Group D – 8 December 2025, Shift 2]
(A) 55:45
(B) 60:40
(C) 66:34
(D) 70:30
Answer: (C) 66:34
Explanation: The question refers to the 66:34 arrangement, allocating a larger share to Andhra Pradesh than Telangana. Krishna water sharing has remained contentious since Telangana’s formation in 2014. This ratio describes the arrangement discussed in the examination, not an immutable allocation.
31. Which of the following Indian states are primarily involved in the Mahanadi Water Dispute?
[OSSSC CRE Preliminary Examination – 18 October 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Odisha and Gujarat
(B) Madhya Pradesh and Bihar
(C) Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu
(D) Odisha and Chhattisgarh
Answer: (D) Odisha and Chhattisgarh
Explanation: The Mahanadi water dispute concerns Odisha and Chhattisgarh, mainly regarding upstream water utilisation and its downstream effects. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in 2018 under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act to adjudicate the disagreement.
30. Consider the following statements:
1. The Inter-State Council was set up under Article 263 of the Constitution.
2. The Punchhi Commission recommended the establishment of the Inter-State Council.
3. The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of the Inter-State Council.
4. It discusses matters of common interest and suggests policies for better coordination.
Choose the correct combination.
[OPSC Odisha Civil Services Prelims – 12 October 2025]
(A) 1 and 4
(B) 1, 3 and 4
(C) 2, 3 and 1
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (A) 1 and 4
Explanation: Article 263 provides for the Council, whose functions include consultation and policy coordination. The Sarkaria Commission, rather than the later Punchhi Commission, recommended its establishment. The Prime Minister chairs the Council, while the Home Minister chairs its Standing Committee.
29. Consider the following statements:
1. Article 262 empowers Parliament to set up tribunals for river disputes.
2. The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction in such disputes.
Which of the above is/are correct?
[SSC CGL – 17 September 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) Only 1
Explanation: Article 262 enables Parliament to establish a mechanism for adjudicating interstate water disputes and exclude ordinary court jurisdiction. The Supreme Court does not possess a general statutory appellate jurisdiction over such tribunal decisions, although particular constitutional remedies may raise separate jurisdictional questions.
28. Under Article 262 of the Indian Constitution, which interpretation most accurately reflects Parliament’s authority regarding inter-State water disputes?
[SSC CGL – 14 September 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Legislate on river navigation but not bar Supreme Court jurisdiction
(B) Set up tribunals for water disputes and bar Supreme Court review
(C) Abolish State-level water bodies permanently
(D) Mandate Inter-State Council mediation before court action
Answer: (B) Set up tribunals for water disputes and bar Supreme Court review
Explanation: Article 262 permits Parliament to legislate for adjudication of interstate river-water disputes and exclude judicial jurisdiction over covered disputes. The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, provides a tribunal mechanism. Constitutional judicial oversight presents a separate legal question.
27. The Inter-State Council is constituted under which Article?
[RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT-I – 22 August 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Article 263
(B) Article 368
(C) Article 280
(D) Article 346
Answer: (A) Article 263
Explanation: Article 263 authorises the President to establish an Inter-State Council when public interest requires it. Article 280 concerns the Finance Commission, Article 368 concerns constitutional amendments, and Article 346 concerns the official language used for interstate and Union-state communication.
26. What is the primary function of the Inter-State Council?
[SSC Selection Post Higher Secondary Level – 28 July 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Resolve disputes between states
(B) Control inter-state trade
(C) Allocate central funds
(D) Elect the President
Answer: (A) Resolve disputes between states
Explanation: Among the given choices, advising upon disputes between states is a constitutional function of the Inter-State Council. The Council also discusses matters of common interest and recommends coordination. Its role is advisory, not equivalent to binding judicial adjudication.
25. With reference to India, consider the following:
I. The Inter-State Council
II. The National Security Council
III. Zonal Councils
How many of the above were established as per the provisions of the Constitution of India?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, GS Paper I]
(A) Only one
(B) Only two
(C) All the three
(D) None
Answer: (A) Only one
Explanation: Only the Inter-State Council has an explicit constitutional basis under Article 263. The National Security Council is an executive institution, while Zonal Councils derive their authority from the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. Therefore, only one institution satisfies the condition.
24. Which of the following Constitution Amendment Acts introduced GST (Goods and Services Tax) in the course of inter-state trade or commerce?
[UPSC CDS-I – 13 April 2025, General Knowledge]
(A) Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act
(B) Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act
(C) Constitution (One Hundred and Fourth Amendment) Act
(D) Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act
Answer: (A) Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act
Explanation: The 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016, established the constitutional framework for GST. Article 269A addresses GST on interstate supplies, while Article 246A allocates legislative competence. These provisions support a harmonised national indirect-tax system.
23. Which Article of the Constitution provides for the adjudication of interstate water disputes?
[SSC GD Constable – 18 February 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Article 215
(B) Article 262
(C) Article 258
(D) Article 210
Answer: (B) Article 262
Explanation: Article 262 specifically addresses disputes concerning the use, distribution and control of waters of interstate rivers and river valleys. Parliament enacted the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, to create a specialised statutory mechanism for adjudicating such conflicts.
22. Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution has the Inter-State Council been constituted?
[UKPSC Combined Upper PCS Prelims – 14 July 2024]
(A) Article 360
(B) Article 263
(C) Article 365
(D) Article 368
Answer: (B) Article 263
Explanation: Article 263 provides the constitutional foundation for an Inter-State Council established by Presidential Order. Article 360 concerns Financial Emergency, Article 365 addresses consequences of noncompliance with Union directions, and Article 368 prescribes the constitutional amendment procedure.
21. Which of the following statements regarding the constitution of the Finance Commission is/are correct?
1. The Government of India has recently constituted the Sixteenth Finance Commission under the Chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya.
2. The Finance Commission is constituted in pursuance of Article 263 of the Constitution of India.
Select the correct answer.
[UPSC NDA General Ability Test – 21 April 2024]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: The Sixteenth Finance Commission was constituted under the chairmanship of Arvind Panagariya. The Finance Commission originates from Article 280, not Article 263. Article 263 concerns the Inter-State Council, another constitutional mechanism connected with federal coordination.
20. Match List I with List II in reference to the Constitution of India:
List I:
a. Article 263
b. Article 226
c. Article 239
d. Article 280
List II:
i. Finance Commission
ii. High Court
iii. Inter-State Council
iv. Union Territory
Choose the correct answer.
[HPSC Civil Services Prelims – 11 February 2024]
(A) a-iii, b-ii, c-iv, d-i
(B) a-i, b-ii, c-iii, d-iv
(C) a-ii, b-i, c-iii, d-iv
(D) a-iv, b-ii, c-iii, d-i
Answer: (A) a-iii, b-ii, c-iv, d-i
Explanation: Article 263 concerns the Inter-State Council; Article 226 grants High Courts writ powers; Article 239 governs Union Territory administration; and Article 280 provides for the Finance Commission. These provisions address different constitutional institutions and administrative relationships.
19. Which one of the following Commissions recommended the establishment of an Inter-Government Council in place of the Inter-State Council?
[RPSC RAS Preliminary Examination 2023]
(A) Rajmannar Commission
(B) Punchhi Commission
(C) Administrative Reforms Commission, 1969
(D) Sarkaria Commission
Answer: (D) Sarkaria Commission
Explanation: The Sarkaria Commission recommended a permanent Inter-State Council, which it proposed calling the Inter-Governmental Council, under Article 263. Its recommendations informed the Council established in 1990 to improve consultation and coordination between Union and state governments.
18. Which among the following was set up vide Part III of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956?
[WBCS Executive Preliminary Examination 2023]
(A) Inter-State Council
(B) Zonal Council
(C) Language Commission
(D) Sarkaria Commission
Answer: (B) Zonal Council
Explanation: Part III of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, established five Zonal Councils. They provide advisory forums for discussing interstate transport, boundary issues, regional development and matters of common interest. The Inter-State Council has a separate constitutional basis.
17. Which among the following statements is not correct?
[UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandants 2023, Paper I]
(A) Legislation on criminal law, barring exceptions, is a subject under the Concurrent List.
(B) Bankruptcy and Insolvency are subjects under the Concurrent List.
(C) Inter-State trade and commerce is a subject under the State List.
(D) Banking is exclusively under the Union List.
Answer: (C) Inter-State trade and commerce is a subject under the State List
Explanation: Interstate trade and commerce appears in Entry 42 of the Union List, not the State List. Its nationwide implications justify central legislative authority. Criminal law and bankruptcy fall under the Concurrent List, while banking belongs to the Union List.
16. In May 2022, the Inter-State Council, which works to promote and support cooperative federalism in the country, was reconstituted. Who became the Chairman of this Council?
[SSC CGL Tier-I – 13 December 2022, Shift 4]
(A) President of India
(B) Chief Justice of India
(C) Prime Minister of India
(D) Finance Minister of India
Answer: (C) Prime Minister of India
Explanation: The Inter-State Council was reconstituted in May 2022 with the Prime Minister as Chairman. Its Standing Committee was headed by the Union Home Minister. The Council’s broader purpose is to strengthen cooperative federalism through consultation and policy coordination.
15. Who among the following established the Inter-State Council in 1990?
[OSSC Combined Graduate Level 2022 – 14 October, Shift 1]
(A) Chief Justice of Supreme Court
(B) Union Home Minister
(C) Prime Minister of India
(D) President of India
Answer: (D) President of India
Explanation: The President established the Inter-State Council through an order dated 28 May 1990 under Article 263. The Sarkaria Commission had recommended a permanent consultative mechanism. Although the President constitutes it, the Prime Minister serves as Chairman.
14. Who has the right to appoint an Inter-State Council to promote centre-state and inter-state cooperation?
[SSC CHSL 2021 Examination – Held 6 June 2022, Shift 1]
(A) The President of India
(B) Both the President and Governor together
(C) Both the Prime Minister and Chief Minister together
(D) The Prime Minister of India
Answer: (A) The President of India
Explanation: Article 263 empowers the President to establish an Inter-State Council when doing so serves public interest. The Council provides an institutional platform for discussing shared concerns and coordinating policy, particularly where Union and state governments have overlapping interests.
13. Inter-State Council is formed by the:
[WBCS Preliminary Examination – 22 August 2021]
(A) Prime Minister
(B) Parliament
(C) Chief Justice of India
(D) President
Answer: (D) President
Explanation: Under Article 263, the President can establish an Inter-State Council by order. The Council was constituted in 1990 following the Sarkaria Commission’s recommendations. Its primary purpose is promoting intergovernmental consultation, although its recommendations are not judicial decrees.
12. On the recommendation of which Commission/Committee was the Inter-State Council set up in India?
[UPPSC PCS Preliminary Examination 2021]
(A) Punchhi Commission
(B) Rajmannar Committee
(C) Kothari Committee
(D) Sarkaria Commission
Answer: (D) Sarkaria Commission
Explanation: Established in 1983, the Sarkaria Commission examined Centre-State relations and recommended creating a permanent Inter-State Council. The recommendation was implemented in 1990 through a Presidential Order under Article 263, strengthening structured consultation among governments.
11. Match List I with List II and choose the correct answer:
List I – Interstate Water Disputes Tribunals:
A. Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal
B. Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal
C. Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal
D. Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal
List II – Number of States Involved:
1. Three
2. Five
3. Four
4. Two
[CGPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020]
(A) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(B) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
(C) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
(D) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
Answer: (A) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
Explanation: The question counts three states for Mahadayi, five historically associated with the Godavari tribunal, four for Narmada, and two for Mahanadi. Interstate river tribunals are constituted to adjudicate water-sharing disagreements under the 1956 legislation.
10. When did the Sarkaria Commission submit its report?
[SSC CHSL – 12 October 2020, Shift 2]
(A) 1985
(B) 1984
(C) 1988
(D) 1986
Answer: (C) 1988
Explanation: The Sarkaria Commission was appointed in 1983 and submitted its report in 1988. It examined Union-state arrangements and recommended improvements, including establishing a permanent Inter-State Council to promote consultation and strengthen cooperative functioning within India’s federal framework.
9. How many Zonal Councils were set up vide Part III of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956?
[UPSC CDS-II – 8 September 2019]
(A) Eight
(B) Seven
(C) Six
(D) Five
Answer: (D) Five
Explanation: The States Reorganisation Act established Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern Zonal Councils. They encourage regional coordination and discussion. The North Eastern Council was created separately under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, rather than the 1956 Act.
8. The Inter-State Council was set up on the recommendation of which committee?
[SSC MTS – 8 August 2019, Shift 3]
(A) T. S. R. Subramanian Committee
(B) Sarkaria Committee
(C) Y. V. Reddy Committee
(D) Chandrababu Naidu Committee
Answer: (B) Sarkaria Committee
Explanation: The Sarkaria Commission recommended establishing a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263. The Union Government implemented the recommendation in 1990. The Council offers a forum for consultation on common policies and issues affecting different levels of government.
7. Which of the following states filed a petition in the Supreme Court for restructuring Krishna river-water distribution?
[MPSC Forest Services Preliminary Examination – 24 June 2018]
(A) Andhra Pradesh – Telangana
(B) Telangana – Maharashtra
(C) Karnataka – Maharashtra
(D) Andhra Pradesh – Karnataka
Answer: (A) Andhra Pradesh – Telangana
Explanation: The formation of Telangana in 2014 complicated the allocation of Krishna River water between the successor states. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana disputed water entitlements and related arrangements. Such controversies involve interstate agreements, tribunal decisions and constitutional water-dispute mechanisms.
6. Which one of the following is not a feature of a Zonal Council?
[UPPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017]
(A) It is a constitutional body
(B) Five Zonal Councils were set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956
(C) Chandigarh, although not a state, is included in a Zonal Council
(D) It is an advisory body
Answer: (A) It is a constitutional body
Explanation: Zonal Councils are statutory rather than constitutional institutions because they were established by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. Their decisions are advisory. Chandigarh belongs to the Northern Zonal Council, demonstrating that Union Territories can participate alongside states.
5. Who among the following is empowered to establish the Inter-State Council?
[UPPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017]
(A) Parliament
(B) President
(C) Speaker of Lok Sabha
(D) Prime Minister
Answer: (B) President
Explanation: Article 263 confers the authority to establish an Inter-State Council on the President. Its purpose includes investigating common governmental concerns, advising on interstate disagreements and recommending coordination. The Prime Minister chairs the Council but does not independently constitute it.
4. The Sarkaria Commission Report is concerned with:
[MPPSC Assistant Professor Political Science Paper II – 11 July 2017]
(A) Centre-State relations
(B) Judicial reforms
(C) Electoral reforms
(D) Powers of the Planning Commission
Answer: (A) Centre-State relations
Explanation: The Sarkaria Commission studied legislative, administrative and financial relations between the Union and states. Its recommendations sought to improve federal cooperation and clarify institutional practices. Establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council was among its important recommendations.
3. Zonal Councils have been established by:
[HPSC Assistant Professor Political Science Official Paper 2010]
(A) Sarkaria Commission’s recommendations
(B) States Reorganisation Act, 1956
(C) Finance Commission (Miscellaneous) Act, 1951
(D) None of the above
Answer: (B) States Reorganisation Act, 1956
Explanation: Zonal Councils originated under Part III of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. They promote interstate cooperation in social planning, infrastructure, transport and regional development. Their statutory origin distinguishes them from the Inter-State Council authorised under Article 263.
2. Under which Article of the Constitution is the Inter-State Council constituted?
[Uttar Pradesh Lower Subordinate Services Preliminary Examination 2009]
(A) Article 254
(B) Article 260
(C) Article 263
(D) Article 267
Answer: (C) Article 263
Explanation: Article 263 provides for establishing an Inter-State Council in the public interest. Article 254 addresses inconsistencies between Union and state laws, Article 260 concerns Union jurisdiction outside India, and Article 267 provides for Contingency Funds.
1. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
[UPPCS Special Mains Examination 2004]
(A) Parliament’s power regarding adjudication of inter-state water disputes – Article 262 of the Constitution
(B) Inter-State Water Disputes Act – 1956
(C) River Boards Act – 1970
(D) National Water Policy – 1987
Answer: (C) River Boards Act – 1970
Explanation: The River Boards Act was enacted in 1956, not 1970. Article 262 empo