Lokpal and Important Commissions

71. Which of the following is/are correct ? While inquiring into complaint

Which of the following is/are correct ? While inquiring into complaints under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the National Human Rights Commission can

  • 1. summon and enforce the attendance of witnesses and examine them on oath.
  • 2. seek discovery and production of any document.
  • 3. require any public record or copy thereof from any court or office.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”1 and 2 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2017
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The correct answer is D. All three listed powers are vested in the National Human Rights Commission while inquiring into complaints under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
– Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, grants the NHRC the powers of a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for specific matters.
– Statement 1: Section 13(1)(a) explicitly grants the power to “summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath”. This power is correct.
– Statement 2: Section 13(1)(b) explicitly grants the power to “requiring the discovery and production of any document”. This power is correct.
– Statement 3: Section 13(1)(d) explicitly grants the power to “requiring the requisitioning of any public record or copy thereof from any Court or office”. This power is correct.
– As all three statements correctly describe powers granted to the NHRC under the Act, all three are correct.
– Other powers granted to the NHRC under Section 13(1) include receiving evidence on affidavits (c), issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents (e), and any other matter which may be prescribed (f).
– These powers enable the NHRC to conduct effective inquiries into human rights violations by compelling attendance, gathering evidence, and accessing relevant records.

72. Which of the following is/are valid ground(s) for challenging the juri

Which of the following is/are valid ground(s) for challenging the jurisdiction of the National Human Rights Commission to inquire into an allegation of human rights violation against a member of the Central Industrial Security Force ?

  • 1. That the same complaint is under investigation by the Human Rights Commission of the State in which the violation is alleged to have been committed
  • 2. That the same complaint is being investigated by a Commission of Inquiry set up by the Central Government
  • 3. That more than one year has expired from the date on which the act constituting violation of human rights is alleged to have been committed

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”1 and 2 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2017
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The correct answer is D. All three listed grounds are valid reasons for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to not inquire into an allegation of human rights violation, as per the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
– Section 36 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (PHRA) outlines limitations on the NHRC’s inquiry.
– Statement 1: Section 36(2) of the PHRA states that the NHRC shall not inquire into any matter if it is already pending before a State Commission or any other Commission duly constituted under any law for the time being in force. Thus, investigation by a State Human Rights Commission for the same complaint is a valid bar.
– Statement 2: Section 36(2) also includes inquiry by “any other Commission duly constituted under any law”. A Commission of Inquiry set up by the Central Government falls under this category. If the same complaint is being investigated by such a commission, the NHRC cannot inquire. This is a valid bar.
– Statement 3: Section 36(1) of the PHRA explicitly states that the NHRC shall not inquire into any matter after the expiry of one year from the date on which the act constituting the violation of human rights is alleged to have been committed. This is a statutory limitation on the time frame for the complaint.
– Since all three statements describe valid grounds under Section 36 of the PHRA for the NHRC not to inquire, all three are correct.
– Section 36(1) imposes a time limit to ensure that stale complaints are not taken up, focusing the Commission’s resources on recent violations.
– Section 36(2) prevents duplication of inquiries by different commissions or authorities, ensuring efficient use of resources and avoiding conflicting findings.
– The NHRC also has limitations regarding inquiring into matters concerning members of the armed forces (Section 19), where its role is typically restricted to seeking a report from the Central Government. However, the question is about general grounds for challenging jurisdiction applicable even to complaints against police/paramilitary forces like CISF, which fall under the NHRC’s direct inquiry mandate (unlike the ‘armed forces’ as defined in Section 2(1)(a)).

73. Which one of the following statements is not correct ?

Which one of the following statements is not correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”The Central Vigilance Commissioner is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal on the recommendations of a Committee.” option2=”The Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendations of the Central Vigilance Commissioner.” option3=”The tenure of the Central Vigilance Commissioner and Vigilance Commissioners is identical.” option4=”A Vigilance Commissioner cannot be given any diplomatic assignment.” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2017
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The correct answer is B) The Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendations of the Central Vigilance Commissioner. This statement is incorrect.
– According to Section 4 of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, both the Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by the President.
– Their appointment is made on the recommendation of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People.
– The CVC does not recommend the appointment of the Vigilance Commissioners.
– Statement A is correct as per Section 4 of the CVC Act.
– Statement C is correct; Section 6 of the CVC Act prescribes a tenure of four years or until attaining the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier, for both the CVC and Vigilance Commissioners.
– Statement D reflects the spirit of independence and restriction on post-retirement employment outlined in Section 9 of the Act, which aims to prevent future favour and maintain impartiality. While not explicitly prohibited *during* tenure for *any* diplomatic assignment, their role inherently precludes such engagements, and post-tenure restrictions cover ‘office of profit under the Government’ which diplomatic assignments are. However, the clear factual inaccuracy is in statement B.

74. Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The National Co

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. The National Commission for Women is a constitutional body.
  • 2. The National Commission for Backward Classes is not a constitutional body.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023
Download PDFAttempt Online
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Commission for Women (NCW) was established by an Act of Parliament, the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. It is therefore a statutory body, not a constitutional body.
Statement 2 is incorrect because the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), initially a statutory body under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993, was granted constitutional status by the 102nd Amendment Act, 2018, which inserted Article 338B into the Constitution. It is now a constitutional body.
– A constitutional body is one that is mentioned and derives its powers directly from the Constitution of India (e.g., Election Commission, UPSC, Finance Commission, National Commission for SCs, National Commission for STs, National Commission for BCs).
– A statutory body is created by an Act of Parliament or a State Legislature (e.g., NHRC, NCW, NGT, SEBI).
– The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (Article 338) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (Article 338A) were also established as constitutional bodies.
– The 102nd Amendment Act, 2018, formalized the structure, powers, and functions of the National Commission for Backward Classes as a constitutional entity.

75. The National Commission for Review of the Working of the Constitution

The National Commission for Review of the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) constituted in 2000 was chaired by

[amp_mcq option1=”Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah” option2=”Justice Madhukar H. Kania” option3=”Justice J. S. Verma” option4=”Justice K. G. Balakrishnan” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023
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The National Commission for Review of the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) was constituted by the Government of India in 2000. It was chaired by Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah, who was a former Chief Justice of India. The commission was tasked with suggesting possible amendments to the Constitution based on its working over the past 50 years, without altering its basic structure.
Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah chaired the National Commission for Review of the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC).
The Commission submitted its report in 2002, making recommendations on various aspects including electoral reforms, parliamentary and executive governance, independent institutions, fundamental rights, directive principles, and fundamental duties. The recommendations were debated but not all were implemented.

76. Which one among the following is not a function of the National Commis

Which one among the following is not a function of the National Commission for Women in India?

[amp_mcq option1=”To investigate and to examine matters related to safeguards provided for women under the Constitution of India and laws” option2=”To fund litigation involving issues affecting a large body of women” option3=”To provide gainful employment to women especially from the weaker sections of the society” option4=”To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of women” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023
Download PDFAttempt Online
The correct answer is C.
– The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body in India that works to protect and promote the interests of women.
– Option A is a key function: The NCW investigates and examines matters relating to the safeguards provided for women under the Constitution and other laws.
– Option B is a function/activity: The NCW can support or fund litigation involving issues affecting a significant number of women or having policy implications.
– Option D is a function: The NCW participates and advises on the planning process of socio-economic development of women.
– Option C, “To provide gainful employment to women especially from the weaker sections of the society,” is NOT a primary function of the NCW. Providing employment is typically the responsibility of government ministries and departments running specific employment and livelihood schemes, or skill development programs. The NCW’s role is advisory, investigative, and recommendatory regarding women’s rights and legal safeguards, not direct implementation of employment generation programs.
The NCW plays a crucial role in advocating for policy changes, handling complaints of violation of women’s rights, and recommending measures to ensure gender equality.

77. How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Governm

How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023 ?

[amp_mcq option1=”One” option2=”Two” option3=”Three” option4=”Four” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
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The correct option is D.
Four Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India since independence, specifically in the years 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002. These commissions were established under the Delimitation Commission Acts passed in 1952, 1962, 1972, and 2002 respectively.
Delimitation is the process of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies to reflect changes in population. The Delimitation Commission is a high-powered body whose orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any court. The delimitation based on the 2001 census was completed by the Commission headed by Justice Kuldeep Singh. Delimitation of constituencies based on the 2011 census has been frozen till 2026 by the 84th Amendment Act, 2001, with certain exceptions for specific regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the North Eastern states.

78. Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National

Consider the following organizations/bodies in India:
1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
2. The National Human Rights Commission
3. The National Law Commission
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above are constitutional bodies?

[amp_mcq option1=”Only one” option2=”Only two” option3=”Only three” option4=”All four” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
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Let’s examine the nature of each body:
1. The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC): Originally a statutory body, it was accorded constitutional status through the 102nd Amendment Act, 2018. Article 338B was added to the Constitution. Hence, it is a constitutional body.
2. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): Established by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is a statutory body.
3. The National Law Commission: An executive body constituted by order of the Government of India. It is neither constitutional nor statutory.
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): Established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (now replaced by the 2019 Act). It is a statutory body.

Therefore, only the National Commission for Backward Classes is a constitutional body among the given options.

– A constitutional body is established by the Constitution of India or derives its powers directly from the Constitution.
– A statutory body is established by an Act of Parliament or a State Legislature.
– An executive body is established by a resolution of the executive (government).
Examples of other constitutional bodies in India include the Election Commission, Union Public Service Commission, State Public Service Commissions, Finance Commission, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Attorney General of India, etc.

79. With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the followi

With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements are correct ?

  • The Governor of RBI is the Chairman of BBB.
  • BBB recommends for the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks.
  • BBB helps the Public Sector Banks in developing strategies and capital raising plans.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2022
Download PDFAttempt Online
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Governor of RBI is not the Chairman of the Banks Board Bureau (BBB). The BBB was chaired by a distinguished former banker or bureaucrat. (Note: BBB has since been replaced by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau – FSIB, also chaired by someone other than the RBI Governor). Statement 2 is correct: One of the key functions of the BBB was to recommend personnel for appointment as whole-time directors and non-executive chairpersons in Public Sector Banks (PSBs). Statement 3 is correct: BBB was also tasked with advising PSBs on strategies for growth and development, including capital raising plans and ways to address stress in the banking system.
The Banks Board Bureau (now FSIB) was established to improve the governance of Public Sector Banks and recommend appointments for their top management.
The BBB was an autonomous body set up by the Government of India in 2016 as part of the Indradhanush plan for reforming PSBs. It replaced the Appointments Board for PSBs. In July 2022, the FSIB was constituted in place of BBB to recommend full-time directors and non-executive chairpersons for public sector financial institutions including PSBs and public sector insurers.

80. With reference to ‘Financial Stability and Development Council’, consi

With reference to ‘Financial Stability and Development Council’, consider the following statements :

  • 1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
  • 2. It is headed by the Union Finance Minister.
  • 3. It monitors macroprudential supervision of the economy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”3 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
Download PDFAttempt Online
The correct option is C, as statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
– Statement 1 is incorrect. The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was established by the Government of India in December 2010. It is not an organ of NITI Aayog. It is a high-level body within the Ministry of Finance.
– Statement 2 is correct. The FSDC is chaired by the Union Finance Minister of India.
– Statement 3 is correct. One of the key mandates of the FSDC is to monitor macroprudential supervision of the economy, focusing on financial sector stability and inter-regulatory coordination.
The FSDC also aims to strengthen and institutionalize the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory coordination, promoting financial sector development, and resolving inter-regulatory disputes. Its members include the heads of financial sector regulators (RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, IRDAI) and other senior officials.
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