All questions of Indian Polity for UPSC CSE Exam

Explanation:

2 Only
- Statement 1 is incorrect because both Sri Lanka and India have faced challenges to their democratic systems since independence. Sri Lanka, in particular, has experienced periods of political instability and conflict.
- Statement 2 is correct. Nepal is indeed a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution.
- Statement 3 is incorrect. Pakistan has had a tumultuous political history with periods of military rule interspersed with democratic governments. It was only after the early 2000s that Pakistan saw more consistent democratic governance.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C) 2 Only.

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Yojana is a campaign under the Government of India that was established for generating awareness and improving the efficiency of the welfare services intended for girls in India. This scheme was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 22 January 2015 which is run jointly by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

Answer is D

There is a provision for a joint sitting at the Parliamentary level between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, but there is NO provision for a joint sitting at the state level between assembly and council.

Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme promotes community participation through involvement of Students Volunteers for empowerment of rural women. These are the Indian Government Schemes that work for the empowerment of the women in different spheres.

Introduction:
The question asks which of the given systems is established on the basis of direct election. Let's analyze each option and determine the correct answer.

Explanation:
- Gram Panchayat: Gram Panchayat is the local self-government system in rural areas of India. It is the lowest level of Panchayati Raj system. Gram Panchayats are established on the basis of direct election, where the members are elected by the people of the village. They play a crucial role in the development and administration of the village. Therefore, option A is correct.

- Block Committee: Block Committee, also known as Panchayat Samiti, is the intermediate level of the Panchayati Raj system. It consists of elected representatives from various Gram Panchayats within a block. However, the members of the Block Committee are not directly elected by the people. They are elected by the members of the Gram Panchayats. Therefore, option B is incorrect.

- Zila Parishad: Zila Parishad is the highest level of the Panchayati Raj system. It is established at the district level and consists of elected representatives from various Block Committees within the district. Similar to the Block Committee, the members of Zila Parishad are not directly elected by the people. They are elected by the members of the Block Committees. Therefore, option C is incorrect.

Conclusion:
Based on the above explanation, it can be concluded that Gram Panchayat is the only system among the given options that is established on the basis of direct election. Therefore, the correct answer is option A.

The correct answer is option B, Demos, Kratos.

Explanation:
Democracy is a form of government in which power is vested in the people. It is derived from two Greek terms: Demos and Kratos. Let's understand the meaning of these terms:

1. Demos:
Demos means "the people" or "the citizens" in Greek. It refers to the collective body of individuals who constitute a society or a community. In the context of democracy, it represents the idea that the ultimate power and authority should rest with the people.

2. Kratos:
Kratos means "rule" or "power" in Greek. It signifies the exercise of authority or governance. In the context of democracy, it symbolizes the principle of self-rule or the power of the people to govern themselves.

Combining the two terms, "Demos" and "Kratos," we get the word "Democracy," which literally means "rule by the people" or "government by the people."

Democracy as a Concept:
Democracy is not just a word but a concept that embodies the principles of popular sovereignty, equality, and participation. It is a system of government where decisions are made collectively and reflect the will of the majority. In a democratic society, citizens have the right to express their opinions, elect their representatives, and participate in the decision-making process.

Democracy in Practice:
Democracy can take various forms, such as direct democracy, representative democracy, or constitutional democracy. It has been practiced in different ways throughout history and across different countries. However, the core idea remains the same - the power lies with the people.

Conclusion:
The word "democracy" is derived from the Greek terms "Demos" and "Kratos," which mean "the people" and "rule" respectively. It represents the concept of self-governance and the idea that power should ultimately rest with the citizens. Democracy is a fundamental principle of many modern societies and is based on the values of popular sovereignty, equality, and participation.

Judicial Powers and Functions -

Effective Majority of the house means more than 50% of the effective strength of the house. This implies that out of the total strength, we deduct the vacant seats. When Indian Constitution mentions “all the then members”, that refers to the effective majority.

A

C

Communalism was and continues to be one of the major challenges to democracy in our country. The makers of our Constitution were aware of this challenge. That is why they chose the model of a secular state. This choice was reflected in several constitutional provisions which are as follows

The Black Power movement emerged in 1966 in the United States of America. It lasted till 1975, which was a more militant anti-racist movement, advocating even violence if necessary to end racism in the US.

As far as we all know the word "neutrality" means neutral ,it is the state of not supporting either side in a conflict, disagreement or impartiality etc.
Therefore,option 'c' is the correct one

• Emergence of regional political party: The emergence of regional political parties plays a crucial role in promoting better understanding between the Centre and State governments. These parties represent the interests and aspirations of specific regions or states, giving them a voice in the overall governance of the country.
• The beginning of the era of coalition government: When the government is formed through a coalition of multiple parties, it necessitates cooperation and understanding between the Centre and State governments. As different parties come together to form a government, they need to negotiate and work collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• When no single party got a clear majority: In situations where no single political party secures a clear majority in the elections, it often leads to a fragmented political landscape. This scenario requires the Centre and State governments to engage in dialogue, negotiation, and compromise to form stable governments and ensure effective governance.
• All of the above: All the mentioned factors are important for better understanding between the Centre and State governments. The emergence of regional parties, the era of coalition governments, and situations with no clear majority all contribute to the need for cooperation, collaboration, and understanding between the Centre and State governments.

Answer:

Statement 1: If political parties start competing in terms of some existing social divisions, it can lead to conflict or violence in the country.

Explanation:
When political parties start competing in terms of existing social divisions, it means that they are trying to gain support from different social groups by exploiting the divisions that already exist in society. This can lead to conflict or violence in the country due to the following reasons:

1. Polarization: When political parties compete based on social divisions, it often leads to the polarization of society. People are divided into different groups based on religion, caste, ethnicity, or other social identities. This can lead to animosity between different groups and result in conflicts.

2. Identity Politics: Political parties may use identity politics to mobilize support from specific social groups. They may appeal to the emotions and grievances of these groups, which can further deepen the divisions in society. This can create an "us versus them" mentality and fuel conflict.

3. Marginalization: Competing on social divisions can lead to the marginalization of certain groups. Political parties may prioritize the interests of one group over others, resulting in the exclusion and oppression of marginalized groups. This can breed resentment and lead to conflicts between different sections of society.

4. Violence and Aggression: When political parties exploit social divisions, it can incite violence and aggression. Supporters of different parties may engage in physical confrontations, riots, or other forms of violence to assert their group's dominance. This not only threatens public safety but also undermines the democratic fabric of the country.

Therefore, statement 1 is correct as political parties competing on existing social divisions can indeed lead to conflict or violence in the country.

Statement 2: Social divisions affect voting patterns in most countries.

Explanation:
Social divisions, such as religion, caste, ethnicity, language, or socio-economic status, often influence voting patterns in most countries. This can be explained by the following points:

1. Identity-based Voting: People often vote for candidates or parties that they perceive to represent their social identity or group interests. For example, voters from a particular caste may vote for a candidate who belongs to the same caste or is seen as representing their caste's interests.

2. Mobilization: Political parties often mobilize support by appealing to specific social divisions. They may use factors like religion, language, or ethnicity to gain the support of particular communities. This can influence voting patterns as people tend to vote for the party that they perceive as representing their community's interests.

3. Socialization: Social divisions can also influence voting patterns through the process of socialization. People's political attitudes and preferences are often shaped by their social background, including their caste, religion, or socio-economic status. These divisions can influence how individuals perceive political issues and make voting decisions.

4. Historical Factors: In many countries, social divisions have deep historical roots. Historical events, conflicts, or inequalities based on social divisions can influence voting patterns even in the present. People may vote based on long-standing grievances or to address historical injustices.

Therefore, statement 2 is also correct as social divisions do affect voting patterns in most countries.

Conclusion:
Both statement 1 and statement 2 are correct. Political parties competing on existing social divisions can lead to conflict or violence in a country, and social divisions indeed affect voting patterns in most countries.

Understanding Democracy's Spread
The spread of democracy is influenced by various factors, but not all methods are equally effective or legitimate. Here’s a breakdown of why invasion by foreign countries does not typically lead to the establishment of democracy.
1. Struggle by the People
- The fight for democracy often arises from grassroots movements.
- People mobilizing for their rights and freedoms can create a strong foundation for democratic governance.
- Historical examples include the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. and anti-apartheid efforts in South Africa.
2. Invasion by Foreign Countries
- Invasions often create instability and resentment rather than democratic governance.
- Foreign powers may impose their political systems without considering local contexts, leading to resistance.
- Examples include the U.S. invasion of Iraq, which led to prolonged conflict rather than a stable democracy.
3. End of Colonialism
- The end of colonial rule has frequently resulted in the establishment of democratic systems.
- Former colonies often seek to create inclusive governments that reflect their unique identities and values.
- Nations like India and many African countries transitioned to democracies after gaining independence.
4. People’s Desire for Freedom
- A universal desire for freedom drives democratic movements.
- When populations express a strong yearning for self-governance, this can lead to successful democratic transitions.
- The Arab Spring is a contemporary example where people's desires influenced political change.
Conclusion
In summary, while popular struggles, the end of colonialism, and a collective desire for freedom foster the spread of democracy, foreign invasions typically hinder this process by undermining local autonomy and creating conflict. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for analyzing the complex nature of democracy in global contexts.

Understanding South Asia
South Asia is a region defined primarily by its geographic and cultural characteristics. Let’s analyze the statements to determine their accuracy.
Statement 1: The expressions South Asia includes Bangladesh and Maldives
- South Asia traditionally comprises eight countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the Maldives.
- Therefore, this statement is correct as both Bangladesh and the Maldives are indeed part of South Asia.
Statement 2: China is an important player and is considered to be a part of South Asia
- While China is a significant player in the context of South Asian geopolitics and has substantial influence in the region, it is not classified as part of South Asia.
- Geographically, South Asia is distinct and does not include China. Instead, China is considered part of East Asia.
Conclusion
- As analyzed, Statement 1 is correct while Statement 2 is incorrect.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A': 1 Only.
By understanding the geographic boundaries and cultural contexts, we can accurately assess the classification of countries within South Asia.

Nehru had always put his faith in science and technology for rapidly building a modern India. A significant component of his industrialisation plans was the nuclear programme initiated in the late 1940s under the guidance of Homi J. Bhabha. India wanted to generate atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Nehru was against nuclear weapons. So he pleaded with the superpowers for comprehensive nuclear disarmament. However, the nuclear arsenal kept rising.

The correct answer is option 'D' - 1, 2 and 3 only.

Explanation:

1. EC takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections:
The Election Commission of India (EC) is an independent constitutional authority responsible for the conduct and control of elections in India. It has the power to take decisions on all aspects related to elections, including the scheduling of elections, setting up polling stations, determining the code of conduct, etc. The EC ensures a level playing field for all political parties and candidates and works towards conducting free and fair elections.

2. When on election duty, government officers work under the control of the EC and not the government:
During elections, government officers are appointed as election officials to carry out various electoral duties such as voter registration, polling, counting, etc. When these officers are on election duty, they work under the control and supervision of the EC and not the government. This ensures that the election process remains impartial and unbiased.

3. It implements the Code of Conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it:
The Election Commission enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which is a set of guidelines that political parties and candidates are expected to follow during elections. The MCC aims to ensure that the election process is conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The EC has the power to take action against any candidate or party that violates the code of conduct. It can issue warnings, reprimands, or even disqualify candidates if necessary.

The Election Commission plays a crucial role in upholding the democratic process in India. It ensures that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. Its powers include decision-making authority, control over government officers during elections, and enforcement of the Code of Conduct. Therefore, all the statements given in the question are correct, and the correct answer is option 'D' - 1, 2 and 3 only.

Explanation:

1. Purpose of the invasion:
The first statement is correct. The ostensible purpose of the Operation Iraqi Freedom was to prevent Iraq from developing weapons of mass destruction. The US government, under President George W. Bush, claimed that Iraq possessed chemical and biological weapons, as well as was pursuing nuclear weapons, posing a threat to international security. This justification was a major factor in the decision to invade Iraq in 2003.

2. Participation of other countries:
The second statement is also correct. While the United States led the invasion of Iraq, more than forty other countries joined in the operation. These countries provided varying levels of support, including troops, logistical assistance, and political backing. Some of the key allies in the coalition included the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland. The coalition of countries aimed to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein and stabilize Iraq after the invasion.

Therefore, both statements are correct as the Operation Iraqi Freedom was indeed carried out to prevent Iraq from developing weapons of mass destruction, and it involved the participation of more than forty other countries in the military operation.

Democracy is a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative, because it: Promotes equality among citizens; Enhances the dignity of the individual; Improves the quality of decision making; Provides a method to resolve conflicts; Allows room to correct mistake.

Laws enforcing Fundamental Rights can be made only by the Parliament and not by state legislatures so that uniformity throughout the country is maintained.

The correct answer is option 'A': 1 Only.

Infinite Reach was a military operation conducted by the United States in response to the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The operation aimed to target and disrupt the activities of Al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for the bombings. However, there are certain inaccuracies in the given statements.

1. It was a series of cruise missile strikes on Al-Qaeda terrorist targets in Sudan and Afghanistan:
- This statement is correct. Infinite Reach involved a series of cruise missile strikes on Al-Qaeda targets in Sudan and Afghanistan. The attacks took place on August 20, 1998, and targeted the Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory in Sudan and several training camps in Afghanistan. The strikes were carried out by the US Navy using Tomahawk cruise missiles.

2. It was ordered during the presidency of George W Bush:
- This statement is incorrect. Infinite Reach was ordered during the presidency of Bill Clinton, not George W. Bush. Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States and served from 1993 to 2001. The operation was authorized by President Clinton as a response to the embassy bombings and was executed during his tenure.

In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as Infinite Reach involved a series of cruise missile strikes on Al-Qaeda targets in Sudan and Afghanistan. However, statement 2 is incorrect as the operation was ordered during the presidency of Bill Clinton, not George W. Bush.

Chronological Order of Agreements
To understand the correct chronological order of the agreements mentioned, let’s delve into their historical context and significance.
1. Antarctic Treaty (1961)
- Signed on December 1, 1959, and came into force in 1961.
- It established Antarctica as a zone of peace and scientific cooperation.
- The treaty prohibits military activity, mineral mining, and nuclear testing on the continent.
2. Montreal Protocol (1987)
- Adopted on September 16, 1987, and entered into force in 1989.
- It is a global agreement aimed at protecting the ozone layer by phasing out substances responsible for ozone depletion.
- The protocol has been ratified by all countries, making it one of the most successful environmental treaties.
3. Antarctic Environmental Protocol (1991)
- Signed on October 4, 1991, and came into force in 1998.
- This protocol complements the Antarctic Treaty by providing a framework for environmental protection in the region.
- It emphasizes the need for environmental assessments before any activity in Antarctica.
Conclusion
The correct chronological order of these agreements is:
- Antarctic Treaty (1961) – 1st
- Montreal Protocol (1987) – 2nd
- Antarctic Environmental Protocol (1991) – 3rd
Thus, the sequence is 3-2-1, which corresponds to option 'C'.

The constitution of a country is a set of written rules that are accepted by all people living together in a country. The Constitution is the supreme law that determines the relationship among people living in a territory (called citizens) and also the relationship between the people and government. A constitution does many things