UPSC Geoscientist Archives

2. Which one among the following functions is NOT assigned to the Nationa

Which one among the following functions is NOT assigned to the National Development Council?

To engage in social and economic policies

To review the working of the national plan from time to time

To prescribe guidelines for the formulation of the state plans

To consider the national plans as formulated by the Planning Commission

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2021

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The National Development Council (NDC), when operational, was primarily responsible for approving the Five Year Plans formulated by the Planning Commission, reviewing their progress, and considering broad matters affecting national socio-economic policy. Prescribing detailed guidelines for the formulation of state plans was a function performed by the Planning Commission itself, not the NDC. The NDC would consider the plans based on guidelines already provided by the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) was responsible for formulating guidelines for plans, while the NDC reviewed and approved the plans.

The NDC served as a link between the Union government, the Planning Commission, and the state governments for planning purposes. Its main role was to secure cooperation of states in plan implementation and provide a national perspective. The NDC comprised the Prime Minister (Chairman), Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all states, and Members of the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog Governing Council serves a similar purpose with state CMs).

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3. Who among the following appoints the Advocate-General for a state?

Who among the following appoints the Advocate-General for a state?

Chief Justice of the High Court of the state

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Governor of the state

Attorney General

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2021

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Article 165 of the Constitution of India states that the Governor of each State shall appoint a person who is qualified to be appointed a Judge of a High Court to be Advocate-General for the State. The Advocate-General holds office during the pleasure of the Governor and receives remuneration as determined by the Governor.

The Governor is the appointing authority for the Advocate-General of a state.

The Advocate-General is the principal legal advisor to the state government and is entitled to speak in the state legislature (though not to vote) and to have audience in all courts within the state.

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4. Which committee on Panchayati Raj recommended a two-tier system by rem

Which committee on Panchayati Raj recommended a two-tier system by removing the block-level bodies?

Balwantrai Mehta Committee

Ashok Mehta Committee

G.V.K. Rao Committee

L. M. Sanghvi Committee

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2021

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The Ashok Mehta Committee (1977) was appointed to suggest measures to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions. It recommended a two-tier system of Panchayati Raj, consisting of the Zila Parishad at the district level and the Mandal Panchayat (a group of villages) below it. This recommendation aimed to replace the existing three-tier system prevalent in many states, which included the block-level (Panchayat Samiti) body.

The Ashok Mehta Committee advocated for a two-tier Panchayati Raj system.

The Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended the three-tier system (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad) which became the basis for Panchayati Raj in most states initially. The G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985) recommended making the district the basic unit for planning and giving the Zila Parishad the most importance. The L. M. Sanghvi Committee (1986) recommended constitutional recognition for Panchayati Raj.

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5. Which one of the following is / are the function(s) of NITI Aayog? D

Which one of the following is / are the function(s) of NITI Aayog?

Design policy & programme framework
Foster cooperative federalism
Think tank and knowledge & innovation hub

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1 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

1 and 3 only

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC Geoscientist – 2021

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NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015 with a changed mandate. Its core functions include:
1. Designing strategic and long-term policy and programme frameworks.
2. Fostering cooperative federalism by involving states in national policy-making.
3. Functioning as a think tank and knowledge and innovation hub, providing policy advice and promoting research and innovation.
All three statements accurately describe the functions of NITI Aayog.

NITI Aayog acts as a policy think tank, promotes cooperative federalism, and designs strategic frameworks.

Unlike the Planning Commission which had powers to allocate funds, NITI Aayog is primarily an advisory body. Its structure includes a Governing Council comprising state Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors, emphasizing its role in fostering cooperative federalism.

6. Which one of the following statements about the Election Commission of

Which one of the following statements about the Election Commission of India is NOT correct?

Election Commission accords recognition to political parties and allots symbols

Election Commission has the power to take decisions to ensure a free and fair polls

Election Commission implements the model code of conduct

The concept of multiple-member Election Commission has been in operation since 1980

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC Geoscientist – 2021

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) was initially a single-member body. It became a multi-member body for the first time in 1989 but reverted to a single-member body in 1990. It was made a multi-member body (one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners) again in 1993 and has remained so since. Therefore, the concept of a multiple-member Election Commission has been in operation since 1993, not 1980. Statements A, B, and C correctly describe powers and functions of the ECI.

The Election Commission of India became a multi-member body permanently in 1993.

The ECI’s powers include superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, the office of President, and the office of Vice-President. It is responsible for preparing electoral rolls, delimitation of constituencies, recognition of political parties, allotment of symbols, and ensuring free and fair elections, including the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.

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7. Which of the following is / are the financial power(s) of the Governor

Which of the following is / are the financial power(s) of the Governor?

1. A Money Bill can be introduced in the Legislative Assembly only on the recommendation of the Governor
2. No demand for a grant can be made without the recommendation of the Governor
3. The supplementary, additional or excess grants are laid down with the recommendation of the Governor

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1 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

1 and 3 only

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC Geoscientist – 2021

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All three statements describe financial powers of the Governor as outlined in the Constitution of India.
1. Article 207(1) states that a Bill or amendment making provision for any of the matters specified in sub-clauses (a) to (f) of clause (1) of article 199 shall not be introduced or moved in a House of the Legislature of a State except on the recommendation of the Governor. These matters constitute a Money Bill.
2. Article 203(3) states that no demand for a grant shall be made except on the recommendation of the Governor.
3. Article 205(1) states that if any supplementary, additional, or excess grant is required, a demand shall be laid before the House(s) of the Legislature, and the provisions of Articles 203 and 204 (dealing with procedure in Financial matters) shall apply in relation to such demand as they apply in relation to a demand for a grant. This implies the necessity of the Governor’s recommendation.

The Governor’s recommendation is a prerequisite for the introduction of Money Bills and demands for grants, including supplementary, additional, or excess grants, in the State Legislature.

These powers are similar to those of the President at the Union level, reflecting the Governor’s role as the head of the state executive and guardian of the state’s finances within the legislative process.

9. Which one among the following is NOT the subject matter of channels of

Which one among the following is NOT the subject matter of channels of inter-governmental relations?

Legislation and policy making

Administration

Fiscal adjustment

Judicial co-ordination

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC Geoscientist – 2021

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Inter-governmental relations primarily involve interactions and coordination between different levels of the executive and legislature (Centre-State, State-State) concerning policy, administration, and finance. Legislation and policy making, administration, and fiscal adjustment are core areas of inter-governmental relations. Judicial co-ordination pertains to the interaction and hierarchy within the judicial system itself, which is separate from the executive and legislative interactions between governments.

Channels of inter-governmental relations relate to executive, legislative, and fiscal interactions between governments, not internal judicial coordination.

Inter-governmental relations are facilitated through various mechanisms like the Inter-State Council, Zonal Councils, conferences of Chief Ministers or relevant ministers, and administrative arrangements. Fiscal adjustment is crucial and involves transfer of resources and coordination on taxation and expenditure.

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10. Which one of the following does NOT describe Civil Society suitably?

Which one of the following does NOT describe Civil Society suitably?

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It interconnects individuals and families

It comprises of voluntary associations

It does not assert autonomy from the State

It is modern rather than ascriptive and traditional

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC Geoscientist – 2021

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Civil society is understood as the sphere of voluntary associations and networks operating outside the state and the market. It typically asserts autonomy from the state to function independently and advocate for various interests. The statement that it does not assert autonomy from the state is incorrect and does not describe civil society suitably.

A defining characteristic of civil society is its autonomy or independence from state control.

Civil society acts as an intermediary between individuals, families, the state, and the market. It comprises diverse organizations like NGOs, community groups, professional associations, trade unions, etc. It is generally seen as a feature of modern, complex societies based on voluntary association rather than inherited status.