UPSC Essentials Daily Quiz: Polity and Governance MCQs for Week 149
Are you gearing up for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims in 2026? This daily subject-wise quiz on Polity and Governance is designed to help you assess your preparation and revise crucial static syllabus topics. Written by Nitendra Pal Singh, this quiz covers essential areas like parliamentary procedures, constitutional bodies, and digital governance initiatives.
Question 1: No-Confidence Motion
With reference to the motion of no-confidence, consider the following statements:
- It requires to be backed by at least two Members of the House of the People, and 100 members have to stand up in its favour.
- The process is governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
- Till now, no motion of no-confidence has not been submitted.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Relevance: This question tests procedural knowledge of the no-confidence motion under Lok Sabha Rules, a frequently asked area due to current political developments and parliamentary practice.
Explanation: The no-confidence motion has been submitted thrice in the past in the years 1954, 1966, and 1987. It requires backing by at least two Members of the Lok Sabha, with 50 members needing to stand up in its favour to fulfill the quorum. The process is governed by Rules 200 to 203 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. Hence, statement 2 is correct, while statements 1 and 3 are incorrect. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
Question 2: Election Commission of India
Consider the following statements:
- The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can be removed from office in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
- Any other Election Commissioner shall not be removed from office except on the recommendation of the President of India.
- The CEC and election commissioners are appointed by the President of India upon the recommendation from a three-member selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), and one member of the Union Cabinet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) 1 and 3 only
Relevance: This question tests understanding of Article 324 and constitutional safeguards for the independence of the Election Commission, including recent changes under the Election Commissioners Act, 2023.
Explanation: Article 324(5) states that the CEC can be removed only in like manner and on like grounds as a Supreme Court Judge, making statement 1 correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because any other Election Commissioner is removed on the recommendation of the CEC, not the President. Statement 3 is correct as per the 2023 Act, which mandates appointment by the President based on a committee's recommendation. Thus, option (d) is the correct answer.
Question 3: Adjournment Motion
With reference to the adjournment motion, consider the following statements:
- The adjournment motion started its journey in India under the rules of the pre-independent bicameral legislature established under the Government of India Act of 1935.
- The Rajya Sabha Rule Book does not provide for an adjournment motion.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Relevance: This question tests knowledge of parliamentary devices and their House-specific applicability, helping distinguish procedures between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Explanation: The adjournment motion originated in the UK and started in India under the Government of India Act of 1919, not 1935, so statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is correct as the Rajya Sabha Rule Book does not provide for an adjournment motion; instead, Rule 267 is used for urgent matters. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
Question 4: Sahyog Portal
The Sahyog Portal was launched to:
- (a) expedite the blocking of “objectionable content” online under the IT Act, 2000.
- (b) provide a grievance redressal mechanism for users against social media intermediaries.
- (c) enable real-time surveillance of encrypted communication platforms by security agencies.
- (d) regulate digital advertisements and political content during elections.
Relevance: This question tests awareness of new digital governance initiatives by the Government of India, integrating the IT Act, 2000 with online content regulation.
Explanation: The Sahyog Portal, launched in 2024 by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to expedite the blocking of objectionable content online under the IT Act, 2000. It brings authorized agencies and intermediaries onto a single platform for automated action. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
Question 5: Public Service Commission
With reference to the Public Service Commission, consider the following statements:
- The Governor of that state shall appoint the Chairman and other members of a State Public Service Commission.
- In the case of the Joint Commission, the Chairman and other members are appointed by the President of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Relevance: This question tests constitutional knowledge regarding the appointment authorities of Public Service Commissions, distinguishing roles of the President and Governor.
Explanation: As per the Constitution of India, the Chairman and members of a State Public Service Commission are appointed by the Governor, making statement 1 correct. For a Joint Commission or Union Commission, they are appointed by the President, so statement 2 is also correct. Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
Use this quiz to reinforce your understanding of Polity and Governance topics for UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims. Regular practice with such MCQs can enhance your revision and boost confidence for the exam.
