Day-645 | Daily MCQs | UPSC Prelims | POLITY

Answer: A
Explanation:
• Option A is correct: Fundamental Duties listed under Article 51A of the Indian Constitution emphasize certain civic and moral responsibilities that citizens are expected to adhere to. These duties include respecting the Constitution, the national flag, and the national anthem, cherishing the noble ideals of the freedom struggle, upholding and protecting the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, and promoting harmony among all people of India transcending religious, linguistic, and regional diversities. These duties serve as a constant reminder to citizens to act towards the betterment of the nation and society at large. However, these duties are not enforceable by law, which means that they are intended as moral guidelines rather than legal obligations.
• Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution represent responsibilities intended to promote a sense of discipline and commitment among citizens. They are described as civic and moral because they emphasize personal and societal improvement without the backing of legal enforcement mechanisms. Option is B incorrect because, while the duties are listed in the Constitution, they are not enforceable by law. They are meant as moral guidelines for citizens to follow voluntarily.
• Option C is incorrect because Fundamental Duties do not replace or stand in lieu of Fundamental Rights. Instead, they complement Fundamental Rights, aiming to encourage a responsible citizenry that respects the rights and freedoms of others.
• Option D is incorrect because there is no legal penalty for not observing these duties; they are not legally enforceable in a court of law. Their purpose is more to foster a culture of moral accountability among citizens.

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Both Fundamental Rights and the DPSP shape the core values and the guiding philosophy of the Constitution. Fundamental Rights protect individual liberties while DPSP guides the state in making policies towards a social welfare state.
• Statement 2 is correct: Fundamental Rights often place limitations on state power, protecting individual liberties against the state’s arbitrary use of power. Conversely, the DPSP empowers the state to make laws and policies that aim to achieve social and economic reforms, even if it means imposing certain restrictions on individual freedoms for the greater good.
• Statement 3 is correct: Fundamental Rights can be seen as the means through which individuals ensure their liberties and freedoms are protected, whereas the DPSP represents the ends or goals that the state aims to achieve, such as social and economic equity.
• Statement 4 is correct: The coexistence and balance between Fundamental Rights and DPSP are essential for the underlying framework of the Constitution, aligning with the doctrine of the basic structure which holds certain features of the Constitution beyond the reach of amendment. This harmony ensures that while individual rights are protected, the state also fulfills its role in promoting greater good as guided by the DPSP. In Minerva Mills Ltd. v Union of India (1980) the apex court held that a law enacted to implement a DPSP can be struck down if it has no reasonable connection to the directive or violates the fundamental rights of citizens.

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Option A is correct because ‘zero hour’ is not officially listed in the rules of procedure of the Indian Parliament. It developed organically over time as members of parliament felt the need for a platform to raise matters without a prior notice.
• Option B is correct because during ‘zero hour’, members can raise issues of urgent public importance without the requirement of a prior notice, which distinguishes it from other times during parliamentary proceedings.
• Option C is correct as ‘Zero hour’ is a practice that is unique to Indian parliamentary procedure and does not find a mention in the parliamentary rules of other countries.
• Option D is incorrect because ‘zero hour’ is not mentioned in the official rules of procedure either of the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. (Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha and Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States). It functions as an informal convention that has become an integral part of parliamentary proceedings through practice and tradition, not through formal codification in the rule books.
• Hence the Correct answer is Option D.

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Statement A is incorrect: A censure motion does not specifically require one-tenth of the members to initiate it. Any member of the Lok Sabha can move a censure motion against any individual Minister, group of Ministers.
• Statement B is incorrect: A censure motion, if passed, serves as a strong expression of the Parliament’s disapproval of the actions of specific members, particularly ministers. It can indeed be seen as an act of humiliation as it publicly discredits the actions or policies of the concerned members.
• Statement C is correct: A censure motion does not lead to the withholding of the normal business of the house. It is discussed and dealt with alongside other ongoing business of the house.
• Statement D is incorrect: A censure motion is a tool used by the Parliament to hold ministers accountable for their actions or policies. It is a way to ensure that ministers are upholding their responsibilities and adhering to the acceptable standards of conduct and governance.

Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: As per Section 33 (7) of Representation of People Act, 1951, a candidate is allowed to contest from a maximum of two parliamentary constituencies. However, if a candidate wins from two seats, they must vacate one of the seats.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: In India, there is no domicile requirement for parliamentary elections. A candidate can contest from any constituency in the country without the necessity of being a resident of that constituency in the country except Assam, Lakshadweep and Sikkim, as per Section 4 (c), 4 (cc) and 4 (ccc) of the Representation of People Act, 1951.