Polity MCQs for Prelims – 7th July 2025

 

1. Consider the following languages:

1. Manipuri

2. Bodo

3. Kashmiri

What is the correct chronological order of these languages as they were included in the eighth schedule of the Constitution of India?

1. 3—2—1
2. 1—2—3
3. 2—1—3
4. 3—1—2

Answer: d

Explanation:

The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the official languages recognized by the Constitution. The chronological order of inclusion of Kashmiri, Manipuri, and Bodo is as follows:

1. Kashmiri – Included in 1950 (Original Schedule)

1. Kashmiri was one of the 14 original languages listed in the Eighth Schedule when the Constitution came into force in 1950.

2. Manipuri – Added in 1992 (71st Constitutional Amendment Act)

1. Manipuri was included along with Konkani and Nepali through the 71st Amendment Act, 1992, increasing the number of scheduled languages to 18.

3. Bodo – Added in 2003 (92nd Constitutional Amendment Act)

1. Bodo, along with Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali, was added by the 92nd Amendment Act, 2003, bringing the total number of scheduled languages to 22.

2. The Ashok Pahwa Committee (1996) and Sitakant Mohapatra Committee (2003) were associated with:

1. Reforms in the Lok Sabha
2. Caste Census
3. Eighth Schedule
4. Delimitation

Answer: c

Explanation:

The Ashok Pahwa Committee (1996) and Sitakant Mohapatra Committee (2003) were associated with matters related to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which deals with the official languages of the country.

3. Consider the following statements about conducting the Caste Census:

1. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) approved conducting a caste census in the upcoming population census.
2. It will be only the second time post-independence.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 2 only
2. 1 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: b

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:
The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has approved the proposal to conduct a caste-based census as part of the upcoming population census. This reflects the government's recognition of the demand for updated caste data to inform policy decisions and welfare schemes.

Statement 2 is incorrect:
It is not accurate to say that this will be only the second time post-independence. While the last full caste census was in 1931 (pre-independence).

After 1947, India chose not to continue caste enumeration in the general census.

1951 Census onward: Only Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) were enumerated. Other castes, especially OBCs, were left out of formal headcounts.

4. Which of the following articles of the Constitution of India provides for promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections?
   1. Article 45
   2. Article 47
   3. Article 48
   4. Article 46

Answer: d

Explanation:

Article 45: Deals with early childhood care and education for children below the age of six years.

Article 47: Directs the State to raise the level of nutrition and standard of living and to improve public health.

Article 48: Pertains to the organization of agriculture and animal husbandry and prohibits the slaughter of certain animals.

Article 46 of the Constitution of India is a part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. It specifically deals with the promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other weaker sections of society. Hence, Option d is correct.

5. With reference to the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), consider the following statements:

1. Can be appointed as faculty in institutes like IITs, NITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.

2. Can contest elections.

3. Can buy agricultural or plantation property.

4. Can hold Indian constitutional positions.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All of the above

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) can be appointed as faculty in premier Indian institutions such as IITs, IIMs, NITs, and AIIMS. This helps leverage the expertise of the Indian diaspora.

Statement 2 is incorrect: OCI cardholders are not Indian citizens and therefore cannot contest elections or vote in India. These political rights are reserved only for Indian citizens.

Statement 3 is incorrect: OCI cardholders are not allowed to buy agricultural or plantation property in India. However, they may inherit such property under certain conditions.

Statement 4 is incorrect: OCI cardholders cannot hold Indian constitutional positions such as President, Vice-President, Governor, or Judges of the Supreme Court/High Courts, as these require Indian citizenship.