Ans: D

Exp:

The Supreme Court recently agreed to examine whether Governors are ‘subverting’ federalism.

Reservation of the Bill Passed by the State Legislature for the Consideration of the President:

• Reservation is obligatory where the bill passed by the state legislature endangers the position of the state high court. 
• In addition, the governor can also reserve the bill if it is of the following nature:
  • Ultra-vires, that is, against the provisions of the Constitution. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Opposed to the Directive Principles of State Policy.  Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • Against the larger interest of the country.  Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • Of grave national importance.  Hence, statement 4 is correct.
  • Dealing with compulsory acquisition of property under Article the Constitution.

Ans: B

Exp:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for “scrapping” the NITI Aayog claiming that it had little use other than organising annual meetings. 

Planning Commission and NITI Aayog:

• Statement I is correct: The Planning Commission, established in 1950, was responsible for formulating Five-Year Plans to guide India’s economic development and allocate funds to states based on these plans.
• Statement II is correct: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), established in 2015, aims to foster cooperative federalism through structured support initiatives and mechanisms with the states. 
  • It provides strategic and technical advice to the central and state governments, focusing on a broader, participative, and inclusive approach to policy-making.
• Hence, while both statements are correct, Statement II does not explain Statement I as they refer to the distinct roles of two different organizations.

Ans: D

Exp:

Against the total sanctioned strength of 1,114 judges in various High Courts, 757 are working and 357 are lying vacant.

The Process of Appointment of High Court judges in India: 

• Statement 1 is Incorrect: High Court judges are appointed by the President of India.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect: During the appointment process, the President consults with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the respective state, along with the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned. 
  • The consultation with the Chief Justice of India is a crucial part of the process to ensure the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

Ans: A

Exp:

CPI(M) MP John Brittas’ private members’ Bill seeking an amendment in the Constitution to disallow Governors from taking up Chancellorship and other non-Constitutional posts faces protests from Treasury benches.

Private Members’ Bill:

• Statement 1 is Correct: A Private Members’ Bill is introduced by members of Parliament who are not part of the government (i.e., members who are not ministers). This allows individual MPs to propose legislation on various issues of public interest.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect: A Private Members’ Bill can be introduced in either house of Parliament, Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. 
  • The procedure for introducing and debating such bills is slightly different from government bills, with specific time allocated on certain days (usually Fridays) for their consideration.

Ans: C

Exp:

Assam’s Charaideo Moidams burial sites have been added to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites list.

Charaideo Moidams:

• Statement 1 is correct: Charaideo Moidams are burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty. 
  • These mounds serve as tombs for the Ahom kings and members of the royal family and are an important part of the region’s heritage.
• Statement 2 is correct: Assam’s Charaideo Moidams burial sites have been added to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites list. 
  • This recognition highlights their cultural importance and the need for their preservation as part of the global heritage.