Constitutional developments, legislation, court judgments
Questions & Answers
Test your understanding of this current affair.
1
Which constitutional amendment act introduced the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to reserve one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies?
Answer:
106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023
2
Which landmark Supreme Court of India ruling in 2023 struck down the Electoral Bonds scheme as unconstitutional and violative of the right to information?
Answer:
Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) v. Union of India
3
Which three major criminal law statutes were enacted by Parliament to replace the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act?
Answer:
Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
4
What did the Supreme Court ruling in March 2024 establish regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners?
Answer:
A committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Justice of India
5
Which constitutional article's abrogation by the Presidential Order of August 2019 was constitutionally upheld by the Supreme Court of India in December 2023?
Answer:
Article 370
6
What is the primary governance objective of the 'Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023'?
Answer:
To regulate the processing of digital personal data and recognize individuals' rights to protect their data
7
Which statutory body's appointment mechanism was challenged and reformed by the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023?
Answer:
Election Commission of India
8
What did the Supreme Court rule in the Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023) judgment regarding election commissioners?
Answer:
Emphasized the need for an independent collegium-style selection committee until Parliament legislates
9
Which ordinance or legislative measure regarding the control of 'Services' in the National Capital Territory of Delhi led to a major legal battle between the Delhi Govt and Centre in 2023?
Answer:
Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023
10
What was the core legal principle highlighted by the Supreme Court in the 2023 Delhi vs Centre services case (Govt of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India)?
Answer:
Democratic governance and 'triple chain of accountability' requiring civil servants to be accountable to elected ministers
11
Which central statutory body was granted investigative jurisdiction without requiring state government consent following judicial and legislative reviews in certain federal contexts?
Answer:
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
12
What does the 'Telecommunications Act, 2023' primarily seek to overhaul in India's legal and governance framework?
Answer:
Consolidating and modernizing colonial-era laws governing telecom services, spectrum allocation, and digital communications
13
Which constitutional body is responsible for delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies in India based on census figures?
Answer:
Delimitation Commission
14
What is the primary governance mandate of the 'Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022'?
Answer:
Empowering law enforcement agencies to collect, store, and analyze physical and biological biometric samples of convicts and detainees
15
Which Supreme Court judgment held that the right to privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017)
16
What does the 'Model Code of Conduct (MCC)' enforced by the Election Commission of India regulate during elections?
Answer:
Guidelines and rules for conduct of political parties and candidates to ensure free and fair elections
17
Which constitutional provision provides for reservation in appointments and posts in favor of any backward class of citizens not adequately represented in state services?
Answer:
Article 16(4)
18
What is the primary function of the 'Lokpal' in India's anti-corruption governance architecture?
Answer:
To inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries including top central government officials and ministers
19
Which Supreme Court judgment laid down the 'Basic Structure Doctrine' limiting Parliament's constituent power to amend the Constitution?
Answer:
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
20
What does the 'Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules' regulate in India's digital governance?
Answer:
Due diligence by social media intermediaries, OTT platforms, and digital news publishers regarding content moderation and grievance redressal
21
Which article of the Indian Constitution grants the President the power to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Parliament?
Answer:
Article 123
22
What is the primary objective of the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal debated extensively in Indian political and governance circles?
Answer:
To synchronize the timing of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections across India to reduce governance costs and administrative disruption
23
Which Supreme Court ruling held that appointments to the Election Commission must be made on the advice of a committee comprising the PM, Leader of Opposition, and CJI (prior to legislative changes)?
Answer:
Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023)
24
What does the 'Anti-Defection Law' contained in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution seek to prevent?
Answer:
Political defection and floor-crossing by elected legislators from one political party to another
25
Which article of the Indian Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to do 'complete justice' in any cause or matter pending before it?
Answer:
Article 142
26
What is the primary function of the 'National Green Tribunal (NGT)' established in India?
Answer:
To provide effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection, forest conservation, and natural resources
27
Which constitutional amendment introduced the reservation of up to 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in educational institutions and public employment?
Answer:
103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019
28
What does the 'Collegium System' in the Indian judicial architecture refer to?
Answer:
The system of appointment and transfer of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts by a forum of the Chief Justice of India and senior-most judges
29
Which article of the Indian Constitution grants the High Courts the power to issue writs for enforcement of fundamental rights and other purposes?
Answer:
Article 226
30
What is the primary role of the 'Law Commission of India' constituted periodically by the Central Government?
Answer:
To recommend legal reforms, review archaic laws, and suggest updates to the Indian legal system