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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz: Polity and Governance MCQs on Lok Sabha, Justice Hema Committee and more (Week 114)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of daily subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Polity and Governance to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Which of the following part/s of the Constitution of India offer scope for introducing affirmative action? 1. Part III (Article 15 and 16) 2. Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy) 3. Part IV-A (Fundamental Duties) Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — Part III (Article 15 and 16) and Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy) of the Constitution offer scope for introducing affirmative action. — Affirmative action is a policy that seeks to increase employment and educational possibilities for people who are under-represented in numerous aspects of our society. It is a series of policies designed to build a justified society for individuals who have previously faced discrimination by giving them priority access to education, employment, healthcare, social welfare, and other services. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: Statement 1: In 1953, the government set up the First Backward Classes Commission under the chairmanship of Kaka Kalelkar. Statement 2: It was formed to identify the 'socially and educationally backward' communities. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1. (c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect. (d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct. Explanation — While the Constitution ensured reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), the identification of backward classes was a post-Constituent Assembly phenomenon. — Responding to requests for quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Congress administration established the First Backward Classes Commission in 1953, chaired by Kaka Kalelkar, to identify 'socially and educationally backward' communities. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — The committee classified 2,399 castes as 'socially and educationally backward' based on their social status in the caste hierarchy, educational advancement, and representation in government services, trade, commerce, and industry. Because the panel believed caste to be the sole basis for determining backwardness, rather than economic position, the then-Congress government rejected the findings and allowed the states complete authority to determine the backward classes in their respective regions. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Initially, the Eighth Schedule listed 14 languages. Which of the following languages were not among the 14 languages? 1. English 2. Sindhi 3. Marathi 4. Punjabi Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 2 and 4 only Explanation — Every year, February 21 is observed as International Mother Tongue Day, a day with special significance in India, where hundreds of mother tongues are spoken across the subcontinent. — Initially, the Eighth Schedule listed 14 languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya (renamed Odiya in 2011), Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. — English is not one of the 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule, however Sindhi was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution by the 21st Amendment Act of 1967. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. The Justice Hema Committee was formed: (a) to draft a National Policy on Criminal Justice aimed at comprehensive reforms in the criminal justice system. (b) to examine the structure and functioning of police forces in India and recommend reforms to make them more accountable and professional. (c) to investigate sexual harassment and gender inequality in the industry. (d) to suggest reforms in the criminal justice system to make it more efficient and people-friendly. Explanation — The Kerala police withdrew 35 sexual assault complaints filed after the Kerala government announced the Justice Hema Committee report on August 19, 2024. — In July 2017, the Kerala government established the Justice Hema Committee to look into sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the industry. This was the first such committee established by any state in the country. — The report discovered a culture of sexual harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry. The Committee reported the existence of a casting couch (in which powerful men demand sexual favours from women in exchange for film roles), frequent suggestive and vulgar comments made by men at work, and drunk male co-actors forcing themselves into women's rooms, among other things. — The Committee also discovered that numerous women did not report cases of sexual assault for fear of retaliation. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. With reference to the rights of minorities, consider the following statements: 1. Article 30 of the Constitution of India provides for the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions. 2. Only religion-based minorities shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. 3. The State can discriminate against any educational institution in awarding funding because it is managed by a minority, regardless of religion or language. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — Article 30 of the Constitution of India provides for the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — All minorities, regardless of religion or language, have the right to create and run educational institutions of their choosing. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — When enacting any law providing for the compulsory acquisition of any property of an educational institution established and administered by a minority, the State must ensure that the amount fixed by or determined under such law for the acquisition of such property does not restrict or abrogate the right guaranteed. — The State shall not discriminate against any educational institution in awarding funding because it is managed by a minority, regardless of religion or language. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (Source: Constitution of India) Why is the Lok Sabha called the popular chamber? (a) A joint session of Parliament is chaired by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. (b) The strength of Lok Sabha is and will always be greater than that of Rajya Sabha (c) It is composed of representatives of the people chosen by direct election on the basis of adult suffrage. (d) The Lok Sabha has greater authority in financial matters than the Rajya Sabha. Explanation According to FAQs at — 'The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives of the people chosen by direct election on the basis of adult suffrage. That is why it is called the popular chamber.' Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following key Acts: 1. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) 2. The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) 3. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA) 4. The Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA), 1974 Which of the above acts is the Enforcement Directorate empowered to enforce: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2, 3and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation Mandate to enforce laws — While the ED has a broad mandate to investigate offences related to money laundering and foreign exchange violations, it's empowered to enforce the following key laws: — The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA): The ED traces assets from money laundering activities and is responsible for ensuring the prosecution of offenders and confiscation (permanent seizure of ownership, usually after conviction) of such assets. — The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA): The law enforcement agency is also responsible for imposing penalties on offenders of FEMA and in the cases pertaining to violations committed prior to the repeal of the FERA of 1973, which FEMA replaced, thus being responsible for the handling of legacy FERA cases. — The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA): The ED is mandated to attach (temporarily seizing of property without assuming ownership to prevent sale, usually during trial phase) and confiscate properties of economic offenders evading Indian law by fleeing abroad. — The Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA), 1974: The Directorate is the sponsor of cases under the law and can initiate preventive detention proceedings on FEMA violations based on COFEPOSA. (Refer to read more: As SC raps ED, a look at agency's powers, role and red lines) Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the office of Deputy Speaker, consider the following statements: 1. Like the Speaker, the Constitution states that the Deputy Speaker must be appointed in the first sitting of the newly elected Member of Parliaments of the House of People. 2. The Deputy Speaker has the same general powers as the Speaker when presiding over the House. 3. There was no Deputy Speaker for the entire duration of the 16th, 17th and 18th Lok Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — There was no Deputy Speaker for the entire duration of the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24). M Thambi Durai of the AIADMK, a BJP ally at the time, was Deputy Speaker of the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-19). The Opposition had the post of Deputy Speaker continuously from 1990 through 2014. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — According to Article 95(1), the Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker if the post is vacant. The Deputy Speaker has the same general powers as the Speaker when presiding over the House. All references to the 'Speaker' in the Rules are deemed to be references to the Deputy Speaker as well for the times when he or she presides. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — Both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker must be appointed 'as soon as may be'. Article 93 states that 'The House of the People shall, as soon as may be, choose two members of the House to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker'. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 113) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Caste census gives us an opportunity to examine and reinforce affirmative action
Written by Venkatanarayanan Sethuraman The Centre's decision to enumerate caste in the upcoming census will play a significant role in restructuring the reservation system in India. Reservation breaks occupational homogeneity. Part III (Article 15 and 16) and Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy) of the Constitution offer scope for introducing affirmative actions. However, even after 75 years since Independence, we are unable to achieve the intended objectives of the reservation policy. Caste-based hierarchy and discrimination are pervasive in government and private sector employment and educational institutions. Backward Classes Commissions: Looking back While the Constitution ensured reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), the identification of backward classes was a post-Constituent Assembly phenomenon. Responding to the demands for extending reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Congress government in 1953 set up the First Backward Classes Commission under the chairmanship of Kaka Kalelkar, to identify the 'socially and educationally backward' communities. The commission identified 2,399 castes as 'socially and educationally backward' based on their social position in the caste hierarchy, educational advancement, and representation in government services, trade, commerce and industry. As the commission considered caste as the only criterion, instead of economic status, to identify the backwardness, the then Congress government rejected the report and gave the states a free hand to identify the backward classes in their respective regions. The Second Backward Classes Commission, popularly known as the Mandal commission, under the chairmanship of B P Mandal, was set up in 1979 by the Janata Dal government. The commission did a detailed survey based on social, educational and economic indicators and identified 3,743 castes as backward and recommended reservation in educational institutions and government sector employment. Again, due to its emphasis on caste, the Congress government didn't implement it. The V P Singh government in 1990 issued an office memorandum for implementing the Mandal Commission Report, and in 1991, when the Congress came back to power, it added 10 per cent reservation for 'other economically backward sections of the people who are not covered by any of the existing schemes of reservation' along with 27 per cent reservation for OBCs. In Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992), the Supreme Court of India upheld the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs but rejected 10 per cent reservation for EWS as economic status cannot be the sole criterion for reservation without the evidence of structural discrimination. Further, it added that EWS as a reservation category cannot be created through an office memorandum. This is why the current government created EWS reservation through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment. The Supreme Court also interpreted the word 'Class' in article 16(4) as 'Social Class' and not economic status-based 'Marxist Class'. The Court identified two important criteria for providing reservation to any social class. One is a test of backwardness, and another is a test of inadequate representation. Such interventions historically made significant changes, but we are still far away from achieving the core objectives of affirmative action. Caste census and reservation The All India Survey on Higher Education (2021-22) report details the representation of different social groups in government and private educational institutions in India. The dismal representation of the marginalised communities in the teaching positions of higher education institutions opens the cracks in the system. In public universities, only around 10.8 per cent of teachers are from SC community, whereas for STs, the share stands at merely 3.4 per cent, and for OBCs, it is 21 per cent. However, the general category represents around 49.3 per cent of teachers in public universities and 60.7 per cent in private universities. Across Union and state public universities, along with affiliated and constituent colleges, SC teachers represent 9.6 per cent, STs 2.6 per cent, and OBCs 34 per cent. In contrast, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, during a reply in Rajya Sabha in 2021, said that 97 per cent of manual scavengers in India belong to the Dalit community. Caste based notions are so entrenched that it becomes very difficult for the marginalised communities to get employed, even if they are well qualified. In 2007, while studying the employability of the non-general castes, Sukhdeo Thorat and his team sent out resumes to private companies in Delhi based on newspaper advertisements. All the resumes had similar qualifications and skills. But the Hindu upper caste names received more calls for interviews compared to Dalits and Muslims. Surinder Jodhka and Newman's study in 2007 also revealed how the HR managers insist on certain factors like family background and locality, instead of directly asking for the caste of the candidates. These experiences show that we need to implement reservation even in the private sector to combat such constraints. A census that enumerates caste is an opportunity to strengthen the reservation system to create an inclusive society. But at the same time, it can strengthen the numerically dominant communities politically, which may affect the rights and opportunities for numerically non-dominant communities. We must be prepared to handle the political outcomes. The writer is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of International Studies, Political Science and History at Christ University, BGR Campus, Bengaluru. The views expressed are his personal
New Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Social justice to be key plank in BJP outreach campaign on caste census
NEW DELHI: After launching a strong political narrative around reforming the Waqf system, the BJP is now preparing a broad outreach campaign on its decision to implement a caste census. It plans to frame it as part of the upcoming national census to boost social justice for marginalised and underprivileged communities. Party sources shared with this newspaper that the campaign will particularly target Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Dalits, aiming to counter the Congress's historical stance. BJP leaders and workers will tour OBC-dominated regions, promoting the government's commitment to social justice and data-driven policy-making. The party's message will highlight that while Congress allegedly leveraged caste politics for electoral advantage, it failed to fulfil long-standing demands for a caste census. In contrast, the BJP plans toposition itself as the party that has taken concrete action on the issue. Speaking to this newspaper, a senior party functionary said the party intends to expose the Congress's 'hollow claim' on caste census, referencing the party's alleged opposition to caste-based reservations and its shelving of the Kaka Kalelkar report. 'For Congress and other parties, the caste census has been a tool to garner electoral gains, while for us, it is to ensure social justice and equality through the caste enumeration.' remarked a BJP leader. Home Minister Amit Shah recently criticised Congress and its allies for their position on the caste census. 'The Congress and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition. The decision of the Modi government will empower all economically and socially backward classes, promote inclusion and pave new paths for the progress of the deprived,' Shah stated.
