Solution:

Presidential Powers in India

If elected as the President of India, the decisions you can take on your own are limited. You cannot select a Prime Minister solely based on personal preference, nor can you dismiss a sitting Prime Minister who has a majority in the Lok Sabha. While you can ask for reconsideration of a bill, this action requires discretion rather than unilateral decision-making. Additionally, nominating leaders to the Council of Ministers is done in consultation with the Prime Minister, reflecting the collective responsibility of the government.

Solution:

Political Executive in India

The political executive in India consists of elected officials who make policy decisions and govern the country. Among the options provided, the Home Minister is a part of the political executive, as they are an elected member of the legislature and responsible for the Home Ministry. In contrast, the District Collector, Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Director General of Police are part of the permanent bureaucracy or administrative executive and do not have the same political mandate as elected officials.

Solution:

False Statement about the Judiciary

The false statement among the options is: "Every law passed by the Parliament needs approval of the Supreme Court." In India, laws passed by Parliament do not require prior approval from the Supreme Court to be enacted. Instead, the judiciary reviews laws post-enactment to ensure they comply with the Constitution. The judiciary has the power to strike down laws that violate constitutional principles, is independent of the executive branch, and any citizen can approach the courts if their rights are violated.

Solution:

Which Institution Can Change Existing Laws?

In India, the institution that can make changes to an existing law is the Parliament. The Parliament, consisting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, has the authority to enact, amend, or repeal laws. While the Supreme Court interprets laws and can declare them unconstitutional, it does not have the power to change laws directly. The President plays a role in the legislative process by giving assent to bills but does not have the power to alter laws independently. The Prime Minister leads the government but also cannot change laws without Parliament's involvement.

Solution:

Match the Ministry with the News

a - iv: A new policy is being made to increase the jute exports from the country. (Ministry of Commerce and Industry)

b - v: Telephone services will be made more accessible to rural areas. (Ministry of Communications and Information Technology)

c - ii: The price of rice and wheat sold under the Public Distribution System will go down. (Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Public Distribution)

d - iii: A pulse polio campaign will be launched. (Ministry of Health)

e - I: The allowances of the soldiers posted on high altitudes will be increased. (Ministry of Defence)

Solution:

Institutions and Their Powers

a. The Ministry of Finance exercises the powers on allocation of money for developing infrastructure like roads, irrigation, and various welfare activities for citizens.

b. The Parliament considers the recommendations of a Committee on a law to regulate the stock exchange.

c. The Supreme Court decides on legal disputes between two state governments.

d. The National Disaster Management Authority implements decisions to provide relief for victims of an earthquake.

Solution:

Why the Prime Minister is Not Directly Elected

a. In a Parliamentary democracy, only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister. This ensures that the Prime Minister has the support of the majority of elected representatives, reflecting the collective will of the people. This system promotes stability and accountability, as the Prime Minister is responsible to the Lok Sabha and can be removed by a vote of no confidence.

Solution:

Reactions to the Film

Watching a film where a hero becomes Chief Minister for a day and implements drastic changes raises various opinions. Imran believes that such decisive leadership is necessary for progress. Rizwan's perspective highlights the importance of established institutions; he argues that personal rule can undermine democracy and accountability. Shankar points out the unrealistic portrayal of political power, emphasizing that meaningful change requires time and collective effort, not mere fantasy. Each reaction reflects a different understanding of governance and the complexities involved in political processes, showcasing the diverse opinions on leadership and its impact on society.

Solution:

Choice of Political Majority

If given the option to choose a majority in either the mock Lok Sabha or the mock Rajya Sabha, I would choose the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha represents the people directly and has greater power in forming the government and passing legislation. A majority here would enable us to implement policies and decisions that reflect the will of the public. Additionally, the Lok Sabha's role in budget approvals and key national issues makes it more influential in shaping the country's direction. Therefore, having a majority in the Lok Sabha would be more advantageous for effective governance.

Solution:

Judiciary's Role in Reservations

In evaluating the role of the judiciary regarding the reservation order, Anjaiah's view presents a strong argument for independence. The fact that the Supreme Court could have ruled against the government indicates its autonomy. Furthermore, the court's directive to modify the government order reflects its responsibility to ensure fairness and justice. While Srinivas's concern about independence is valid, it overlooks the complexity of judicial decisions. Vijaya's perspective on mediation highlights the judiciary's role in balancing competing interests. Thus, Anjaiah’s interpretation aligns more closely with the judiciary's essential function in a democratic society.