President, PM & Parliament — Set 14

Correct Answer: C. Absolute majority

The Speaker of Lok Sabha can be removed from office by a resolution of Lok Sabha passed by an effective majority (absolute majority — majority of total membership of Lok Sabha). The Speaker is elected by Lok Sabha members from among themselves. The Speaker does not vote in the House except when there is a tie. The Speaker's term is coterminous with Lok Sabha's term. The Speaker cannot be removed during recess or if Parliament is dissolved.

Correct Answer: A. Ministers who give incorrect information

A privilege motion is moved when a member believes that a minister or another member has committed a breach of parliamentary privilege or contempt of the House. Breach of privilege includes giving incorrect or misleading information to the House, obstructing members in discharge of their duties, and similar acts. The Speaker/Chairman decides whether a prima facie case exists. Parliamentary privileges include freedom of speech within Parliament, freedom from arrest during session, and exemption from jury duty.

Correct Answer: B. Annual Financial Statement (Union Budget)

Article 112 requires the President to cause to be laid before both Houses of Parliament a statement of estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India for each financial year. This statement is called the Annual Financial Statement or the Union Budget. The Union Budget is presented by the Finance Minister. The Budget is divided into Revenue Budget (Revenue Account — tax revenues and revenue expenditure) and Capital Budget (Capital receipts and capital expenditure). India's fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31.

Correct Answer: C. Article 87

Article 87 provides that at the commencement of the first session after each general election to Lok Sabha, and at the commencement of the first session of each year, the President shall address both Houses of Parliament assembled together. The President's address generally outlines the government's policies and legislative agenda. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers frame the address. The President's address is followed by a Motion of Thanks in each House.

Correct Answer: A. Article 266

Article 266 establishes the Consolidated Fund of India (for the Union) and Consolidated Fund of each State (for states). All revenues received by the Government of India, all loans raised by the Government of India, and all moneys received in repayment of loans shall form the Consolidated Fund. No money can be appropriated from the Consolidated Fund except with the authority of Parliament/State Legislature. The Finance Minister presents the Budget (Annual Financial Statement) for appropriations from this fund.

Correct Answer: D. 6 years

All members of Rajya Sabha — both elected and nominated — have a term of 6 years. The 12 members nominated by the President for their expertise in literature, science, art, and social service also serve a 6-year term. However, unlike elected members (who retire in batches every 2 years), nominated members' terms begin from the date of notification of their nomination. One-third of Rajya Sabha members retire every 2 years, but not all members retire simultaneously — the house is permanent.

Correct Answer: C. President of India

The President appoints the pro-tem Speaker of Lok Sabha, usually the senior-most member by continuous service. The pro-tem Speaker administers the oath of office to newly elected members of Lok Sabha and presides over the election of the new Speaker. Once the new Speaker is elected, the pro-tem Speaker's term ends. This arrangement ensures continuity of Lok Sabha proceedings even before a regular Speaker is elected after general elections.

Correct Answer: D. Article 253

Article 253 empowers Parliament to make any law for implementing any treaty, agreement, or convention with any other country or countries or for implementing any decision made at any international conference, association, or other body. Such a law can override the limitations of the legislative distribution between Union and States. Parliament can legislate on State List subjects if required for implementing an international treaty. The Vishaka judgment used this provision to protect CEDAW obligations.

Correct Answer: B. 5 years

The President of India is elected for a term of 5 years and can be re-elected any number of times. The President's term is counted from the date of assumption of office, not from the date of election. If the President dies, resigns, or is removed mid-term, the Vice President acts as President and a new election is held within 6 months. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the only President to be elected twice consecutively. The President must complete the 5-year term unless removed through impeachment.

Correct Answer: B. Draw attention to a recent urgent definite matter of public importance

Adjournment Motion is a device in Parliament used to draw the attention of the House to a recent, specific, definite, and urgent matter of public importance that has arisen after the Order Paper has been prepared. It is a censure motion against the government and involves immediate debate. If the motion is admitted and passed, it results in the adjournment of the House and is considered an expression of no-confidence in the government. It can only be moved in Lok Sabha, not Rajya Sabha.