Daily Prelims MCQs — Polity – 10th July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 10
- 9 min read
Welcome to today’s handpicked set of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) from the Polity — crafted specially for the UPSC Prelims! These questions aren’t just a quiz — they’re a smart way to see how current affairs connect with core concepts, just like UPSC asks in the exam.
Each question is based on recent news and backed by clear explanations to help you build strong links between dynamic events and static knowledge.
Today’s topics include: 42nd Constitutional Amendment, Article 15 of the Constitution, Shah Commission, Preamble, President and Houses of Parliament, Kalelkar Commission and OBC, President and ordinances and more…
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
QUESTION 1
Which of the following constitutional changes were introduced by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976?
Revision of the Preamble
Modification of the Seventh Schedule
Alteration of Article 105 (Powers and privileges of Parliament members)
Introduction of Article 31D (dealing with anti-national activities)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The 42nd Amendment, passed during the Emergency period under the Indira Gandhi government in 1976, is widely regarded as one of the most extensive and controversial amendments to the Constitution of India.
Key changes relevant to this question include:
Amendment of the Preamble:
The words “Socialist” and “Secular” were added to describe the Indian Republic.
The term “Unity of the Nation” was modified to “Unity and Integrity of the Nation.”
Amendment of the Seventh Schedule:
Certain subjects were reallocated between the Union and State Lists, enhancing central control.
Amendment of Article 105:
Provisions concerning the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members were clarified and expanded.
Insertion of Article 31D:
A new article was introduced empowering Parliament to make laws to curb anti-national activities and associations, though it was later repealed by the 44th Amendment (1978).
Additional changes under the 42nd Amendment included:
Amendment of Article 31C,
Introduction of Article 39A (free legal aid),
Introduction of Article 43A (participation of workers in management),
Provisions affecting judicial review and writ jurisdiction under Article 226,
And new powers conferred upon the President to remove difficulties.
QUESTION 2
According to Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, the State is explicitly prohibited from discriminating against any citizen on the grounds of:
Religion
Race
Caste
Nationality
Place of birth
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The principle of secularism, a cornerstone of the Indian Constitution, finds expression not only in the Preamble but also in provisions like Articles 14, 15, and 16. These articles guarantee equality and non-discrimination.
Article 15(1) specifically states that the State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of:
Religion
Race
Caste
Sex
Place of birth
Therefore, "nationality" is not among the grounds listed in Article 15 — eliminating statement 4 from the correct set.
Article 16 complements this by ensuring equality of opportunity in public employment.
The Supreme Court, especially in landmark cases like Kesavananda Bharati (1973) and S. R. Bommai (1994), has reinforced that secularism is a basic feature of the Constitution. Even before the word “secular” was added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, the Court had already upheld its foundational role.
QUESTION 3
The Shah Commission was established to investigate and report on which of the following?
(a) Misuse of official authority, preventive arrests, censorship of the press, and the forced sterilisation programme.
(b) The communal violence and administrative response during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
(c) Issues of gender-based violence and systemic lapses in response to the 2012 Nirbhaya case.
(d) Allegations concerning undisclosed assets held by former Chief Justice of India K. G. Balakrishnan.
Answer (a)
Explanation:
Following the end of the Emergency period (June 25, 1975 – March 21, 1977), the newly elected Janata Party government led by Prime Minister Morarji Desai instituted a formal investigation into the abuse of state power during the Emergency.
In May 1977, the government constituted the Shah Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice J.C. Shah, a former Chief Justice of India.
The commission's primary task was to probe into alleged excesses committed by authorities, especially close aides of Sanjay Gandhi, during the Emergency.
Its mandate included examining:
Arbitrary use of state machinery
Widespread preventive detentions
Suppression of press freedom
Coercive sterilisation campaign
The Shah Commission held public hearings, collected testimonies and reviewed official records. Between 1978 and 1979, it submitted three detailed reports, highlighting systematic misuse of power by politicians and bureaucrats during the Emergency.
QUESTION 4
Regarding the interpretation of the Preamble to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:
In its 1961 advisory opinion in In Re: The Berubari Union, the Supreme Court described the Preamble as “a key to open the mind of the makers of the Constitution.”
The same judgment observed that the Preamble is not considered a part of the Constitution and does not serve as a source of substantive power.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (c)
Explanation:
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as a guiding philosophy or a vision statement, setting out the ideals and objectives of the constitutional framework.
In its 1961 advisory opinion on In Re: The Berubari Union case, the Supreme Court famously referred to the Preamble as “a key to open the mind of the makers of the Constitution.” This underscores the Preamble’s interpretive value in understanding the Constitution's intent. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
However, in the same judgment, the Court clarified that the Preamble is not an enforceable or substantive part of the Constitution. It stated explicitly that the Preamble is “not a part of the Constitution” and “has never been regarded as the source of any substantive power.” Therefore, it cannot confer powers or limit the provisions of the Constitution. Hence, Statement 2 is also correct.
Note: This view was later revised in the Kesavananda Bharati (1973) case, where the Supreme Court held that the Preamble is indeed a part of the Constitution and plays a crucial role in interpreting constitutional provisions.
QUESTION 5
Match the following historical events in Indian economic and political history with their respective years:
Nationalisation of 14 major commercial banks – 1970
Abolition of Privy Purses granted to former princely rulers – 1981
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (d)
Explanation:
Nationalisation of Banks: In a bold economic move reflecting a left-leaning policy shift, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi nationalised 14 major commercial banks in the year 1969, not 1970. This was part of a broader strategy to extend banking services to rural India and align financial institutions with national development goals.
Abolition of Privy Purses: The privy purses, which were payments made to former rulers of princely states as part of their agreement to integrate with India, were abolished in 1971, not 1981. This move was seen as a step toward ensuring greater equality and dismantling feudal remnants in independent India.
These developments, along with the adoption of the slogan “Garibi Hatao” (Eradicate Poverty) during the 1971 general elections, laid the foundation for the addition of the word “socialist” to the Preamble of the Constitution during the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
QUESTION 6
Examine the following statements in the context of the President’s Address to Parliament:
The Indian Constitution allows the President to address either one House of Parliament or both Houses assembled jointly.
A Motion of Thanks, introduced and seconded by Members, forms the basis for discussion on the President’s Address in Parliament.
During the debate on the Address, Members are permitted to raise any issue, including those outside the purview of the Union Government, such as purely state matters.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer (a)
Explanation:
Under Article 86(1) of the Constitution, the President has the right to address either House of Parliament—or both Houses meeting together. This validates Statement 1.
Furthermore, Article 87(1) stipulates that it is mandatory for the President to address a joint sitting of both Houses:
At the start of the first session each year
And at the beginning of the first session after each general election to the Lok Sabha
After this Address, a Motion of Thanks is moved in both Houses, which is then seconded by another Member, leading to a discussion. This confirms Statement 2.
While the scope of debate on the President’s Address is indeed broad, it is not without restrictions. Members must refrain from raising issues that fall outside the jurisdiction of the central government. Also, the President’s name should not be mentioned during the debate, as the content of the Address reflects the government's position, not the President's personal views. Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect.
QUESTION 7
Which of the following committees or commissions was established specifically to examine the issue of reservations and other forms of affirmative action for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs)?
(a) Nanavati Commission
(b) Kirit Parikh Committee
(c) Kalelkar Commission
(d) Kelkar Committee
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Following the conclusion of the 1951 Census, the Government of India took a significant step in January 1953 by setting up a commission under the leadership of Dattatreya Balkrishna Kalelkar, a Rajya Sabha member, social reformer, and noted journalist. Commonly referred to as Kaka Kalelkar, he was entrusted with the responsibility of examining and making recommendations concerning the socio-economic upliftment and reservation demands of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The commission was formally inaugurated on March 18, 1953, by then President Rajendra Prasad. On this occasion, both President Prasad and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru expressed hope that the commission’s work would help lead the country towards a more equitable and classless society.
Interestingly, Prime Minister Nehru voiced reservations about the very term “backward classes”, suggesting that branding any group as backward was problematic—particularly in a nation where a majority (about 90%) of the population lived in poverty and backwardness.
Thus, the Kalelkar Commission was the first official body constituted to explore systemic affirmative actions for the OBCs, making option (c) the correct choice.
QUESTION 8
Regarding the topic of Ordinances in the Indian Constitution, examine the following statements:
The President has the authority to send back the Cabinet's proposal for an Ordinance once for reconsideration. However, if the Cabinet resubmits the recommendation—regardless of changes—the President is constitutionally obliged to promulgate it.
In the 1986 judgment of D.C. Wadhwa & Others v. State of Bihar & Others, the Supreme Court dealt with the issue of a Governor re-issuing Ordinances multiple times without legislative endorsement.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Article 123 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to issue Ordinances when either House of Parliament is not in session and immediate action is deemed necessary. These Ordinances carry the same weight as Parliamentary laws.
However, to retain legal validity, such Ordinances must be placed before Parliament for approval. If not ratified, they automatically cease to operate six weeks after Parliament reconvenes.
As per constitutional norms, the President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. Though the President may ask the Cabinet to reconsider the proposal once, upon resubmission—whether amended or not—she is bound to promulgate the Ordinance. This validates Statement 1.
The Supreme Court, in the landmark case of D.C. Wadhwa & Others vs. State of Bihar & Others (1986), addressed the misuse of Ordinance powers by the Governor of Bihar, who re-promulgated Ordinances without presenting them to the legislature. The Court criticized such a practice as being a violation of constitutional principles, underscoring that legislation is fundamentally the domain of the legislature. This makes Statement 2 also correct.
Additionally, the 2017 judgment in Krishna Kumar Singh v. State of Bihar reaffirmed that repeated re-promulgation without legislative oversight is unconstitutional and undermines legislative authority.
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