Prime Minister — Set 3
Indian Polity · प्रधानमंत्री · Questions 21–30 of 60
Which amendment limited the size of the Council of Ministers, including the PM, to 15% of the Lok Sabha strength?
Correct Answer: C. 91st Amendment
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 limited the size of the Council of Ministers. It stated that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha. This was done to curb the size of jumbo cabinets.
Who acts as the principal channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers?
Correct Answer: A. Prime Minister
The Prime Minister acts as the principal channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers. This duty is constitutionally mandated under Article 78. All executive decisions are conveyed to the President through the PM.
Who summons the meetings of the Cabinet and presides over them?
Correct Answer: A. Prime Minister
The Prime Minister summons and presides over the meetings of the Cabinet. Their decision often influences the consensus of the meeting. In the PM's absence, a senior minister nominated by the PM presides.
The concept of 'Shadow Cabinet' is a feature of the parliamentary system in which country, unlike India?
Correct Answer: D. Britain
The correct answer is 'Britain'. The 'Shadow Cabinet' is a unique institution of the British Cabinet system. It consists of opposition members who shadow specific government portfolios to prepare for future governance. India does not have a formal Shadow Cabinet system.
Which Prime Minister is credited with the abolition of Privy Purses?
Correct Answer: D. Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi is credited with the abolition of Privy Purses in 1971. This removed the special payments and privileges given to former rulers of princely states. It was a significant step towards equal rights in the republic.
Who was the Prime Minister when the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act (1978) was passed?
Correct Answer: C. Morarji Desai
Morarji Desai was the Prime Minister when the 44th Amendment Act was passed in 1978. His Janata Party government enacted it to undo several provisions of the 42nd Amendment. It restored civil liberties curtailed during the Emergency.
The Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Space typically function directly under whom?
Correct Answer: B. Prime Minister
These critical departments typically function directly under the Prime Minister's charge. They are considered strategic sectors requiring the highest level of oversight. The PM is usually the Minister in charge of these portfolios.
Who was the first Prime Minister to lose an election while holding office?
Correct Answer: B. Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi became the first Prime Minister to lose her own seat in a general election in 1977. She lost the Rae Bareli seat following the Emergency period. Her party also lost the majority in the Lok Sabha.
Which Prime Minister famously coined the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'?
Correct Answer: B. Lal Bahadur Shastri
Lal Bahadur Shastri coined the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' in 1965. It was given during the Indo-Pak war and a simultaneous food shortage. The slogan aimed to enthuse soldiers and farmers alike.
Who was the Prime Minister of India when the Mandal Commission report was implemented?
Correct Answer: B. V.P. Singh
V.P. Singh was the Prime Minister who implemented the Mandal Commission report in 1990. This provided 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs. It was a landmark decision in Indian social politics.