Prime Minister — Set 2
Indian Polity · प्रधानमंत्री · Questions 11–20 of 60
Who administers the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister?
Correct Answer: A. President
The President administers the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister. During this oath, the Prime Minister swears to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution. They also swear to do right to all people without fear or favour.
Who allocates portfolios to the ministers in the Union Government?
Correct Answer: A. The President on the advice of the Prime Minister
The President allocates portfolios to ministers on the specific advice of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has the discretion to shuffle portfolios or ask a minister to resign. This power highlights the Prime Minister's central role in forming the government.
If the Prime Minister dies in office, what happens to the Council of Ministers?
Correct Answer: D. It is dissolved immediately
The correct answer is 'It is dissolved immediately'. The death or resignation of the Prime Minister automatically dissolves the entire Council of Ministers. The Council cannot function without a Prime Minister, who is its head. A new Council must be constituted after a new Prime Minister is sworn in.
The principle of 'Collective Responsibility' is enshrined in which Article, binding the PM and Cabinet to the Lok Sabha?
Correct Answer: D. Article 75
Article 75(3) states that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha). This means the entire ministry swims or sinks together. The Prime Minister leads this team and enforces this responsibility.
Which constitutional body is headed by the Prime Minister to oversee nuclear command and control?
Correct Answer: B. Nuclear Command Authority
The Prime Minister heads the Political Council of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). This body has the sole authority to authorize the use of nuclear weapons. The Executive Council of the NCA is headed by the National Security Advisor.
Which Prime Minister introduced the 'Look East Policy' in the 1990s?
Correct Answer: C. P.V. Narasimha Rao
P.V. Narasimha Rao introduced the 'Look East Policy' in the early 1990s. The policy aimed to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations. It marked a strategic shift in India's foreign policy post-Cold War.
Who was the first Prime Minister to resign from office without facing a vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha?
Correct Answer: D. Charan Singh
Charan Singh resigned without facing the Lok Sabha even once during his tenure. He served as Prime Minister for a very short period in 1979. He resigned after the Congress party withdrew its support.
The Prime Minister advises the President regarding the summoning and proroguing of the sessions of the?
Correct Answer: A. Parliament
The Prime Minister advises the President on summoning and proroguing sessions of the Parliament. The President acts on this advice to call sessions of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Prime Minister can also recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
Who is the political head of the Services (Civil Services)?
Correct Answer: A. Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the political head of the Civil Services. While the Cabinet Secretary is the administrative head, the ultimate political authority lies with the PM. This ensures the administration aligns with the government's policy objectives.
Which Prime Minister is associated with the signing of the Shimla Agreement with Pakistan?
Correct Answer: B. Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi signed the Shimla Agreement with Pakistan's Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1972. It followed the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the liberation of Bangladesh. The agreement outlined principles for bilateral relations.