Question 17: Consider the following statements:

1. If rivalry arises in the party about which group is representative of a recognized national and state party, Election Commission of India decides on such matter.
2. The decision of Election commission of India is binding in this regard.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

• The SC allows ECI to decide on plea of two different groups for the real Shiv Sena tag, Symbol.
• Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 empower the ECI which group is representative of a recognised national and state party if rivalry arises in the party.
• The decision of ECI is binding.
• Splinter group of the party (other than the group that got the party symbol) had to register itself as a separate party and could lay claim to national or state party status only on the basis of its performance in state or central elections after registration.

Question 18: Consider the following statements with respect to Chief of defence staff:

1. CDS heads Department of Military Affairs within Ministry of Defence and acts as its secretary.
2. CDS is permanent chairman of existing Chiefs of Staff Committee and member of Deffence Acquisition Council and Deffence Planning Committee.
3. CDS acts principal military advisor to Deffence Minister on all matters related to tri-services.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 3
4. 1,2 and 3

Correct Answer: D

Explanation

• Shekatkar Committee (2016) mooted the idea of CDs.
• Eligibility: Any serving or retired Lieutenant General, Air Marshal and Vice Admiral underage of 62 years.
• Tenure: Central government has reserved the right to extend CDS tenure to maximum of 65 years.
• CDS heads Department of Military Affairs within Ministry of Defence and acts as its secretary. CDS is permanent chairman of existing Chiefs of Staff Committee and member of Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Commitee.
• CDS acts principal military advisor to Defence Minister on all matters related to tri-services and military advisor to Nuclear Command Authority.

Question 19: Consider the following statements:

1. The power of speaker under 10th Schedule is not subjected to judicial review.
2. Speaker of Legislative assembly does have the power to take away the status of former MLA while deciding a disqualification plea against a lawmaker under 10th schedule.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: D

Explanation

• Supreme Court ruled that Speaker of Legislative assembly does not have the power to take away the status of former MLA while deciding a disqualification plea against a lawmaker under 10th schedule of Constitution (Anti- defection).
• In 2014, Bihar Speaker not only disqualified some of speakers under 10th schedule but also took away their status of being treated as former lawmakers, depriving them of pension and other benifits.
• In Kihoto Hollohan v Zachillhu and Others (1992), SC ruled that power of speaker under 10th Schedule is subject to judicial review.

Question 20: The terms and conditions for relocation of Scheduled Tribes or other forest dwellers for creating tiger reserves are enlisted in:

1. The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006
2. The Indian Forest Act, 1927
3. Wildlife Protection act 1972
4. Environment protection act 1986

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

• UP cabinet approved the notification of state’s fourth (Dudhwa, Pilibhit and Amangarh are remaining 3) tiger reserves in Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary in Chitrakoot district.
• It was notified under Section 38(v) of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 that enlists terms and conditions for relocation of Scheduled Tribes or other forest dwellers for creating tiger reserves.