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Generate QuizPolity – Medium Level – GK Questions
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The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 increased reservation for persons with benchmark disabilities in government jobs from 3% to ______.
- 4%
- 5%
- 6%
- 7%
Answer: 4%
RPwD Act, 2016: Replaced PwD Act, 1995. Key provisions: (a) Expanded definition: 21 disabilities (from 7), (b) Reservation: 4% in government jobs (up from 3%), (c) 5% reservation in higher education, (d) Accessibility standards for public buildings/transport, (e) Guardianship provisions respecting autonomy. Aligns with UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ratified by India, 2007). Implementation challenges: awareness, infrastructure adaptation, attitudinal change.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 allows transgender persons to self-perceive their gender identity and obtain a certificate of identity from the ______.
- District Magistrate
- High Court
- National Human Rights Commission
- Ministry of Social Justice
Answer: District Magistrate
Transgender Persons Act, 2019: Provides for: (a) Right to self-perceived gender identity, (b) Certificate of identity from District Magistrate (based on self-declaration), (c) Prohibition of discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, (d) Welfare measures: education, skill development, healthcare access. Criticisms: (a) Certificate requirement undermines self-declaration principle affirmed in NALSA judgment (2014), (b) Inadequate penalties for offences. Balances recognition with implementation concerns.
Under the POCSO Act, 2012, cases of sexual offences against children must be tried in ______ to ensure speedy justice.
- Regular sessions courts
- Fast Track Special Courts
- Juvenile Justice Boards
- Family courts
Answer: Fast Track Special Courts
POCSO Act, 2012: Provides for: (a) Child-friendly reporting, recording, medical examination, trial procedures, (b) Special courts for expedited trial (to be concluded within 1 year), (c) In-camera proceedings, (d) Protection of child's identity, (e) Support person for child. 2019 amendment enhanced punishments, included child pornography. Implementation challenges: low conviction rates, trauma to child witnesses, need for specialized training of judges/prosecutors.
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005 guarantees ______ days of wage employment per household per year in rural areas.
- 50
- 100
- 150
- 200
Answer: 100
MGNREGA, 2005: Guarantees 100 days of unskilled manual wage employment per rural household per year at statutory minimum wages. Features: (a) Legal right to work, (b) Decentralized planning by Gram Sabhas, (c) 60:40 wage-material ratio, (d) Social audit mandatory, (e) Unemployment allowance if work not provided within 15 days. World's largest public works program; reduces distress migration, strengthens rural livelihoods, empowers women (1/3 participation mandate).
Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, priority household beneficiaries are entitled to ______ kg of food grains per person per month at subsidized prices.
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 10
Answer: 5
NFSA, 2013: Entitlements: (a) Priority households: 5 kg/person/month at ₹3/kg rice, ₹2/kg wheat, ₹1/kg coarse grains, (b) Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households: 35 kg/household/month at same prices, (c) Pregnant/lactating women, children 6 months-14 years: nutritious meals, maternity benefit. Covers up to 75% rural, 50% urban population. World's largest food security program; implemented through PDS with Aadhaar seeding, portability.
The RTE Act, 2009 applies to all States and Union Territories except Jammu and Kashmir (prior to 2019).
- True
- False
Answer: True
RTE Act, 2009: Applies to all India except J&K (which had separate Constitution under Article 370). Post-abrogation of Article 370 (2019), RTE Act extended to J&K. Act mandates: (a) Free education for 6-14 years, (b) 25% reservation in private unaided schools for EWS/disadvantaged groups, (c) No detention policy (modified by 2019 amendment), (d) Teacher qualification standards. Implementation varies across States; challenges include infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, learning outcomes.
The Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) is an online platform launched by the ______ to enable citizens to lodge grievances against any ministry/department/organization of the Government of India.
- Prime Minister's Office
- Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- NITI Aayog
Answer: Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
CPGRAMS: Launched by DARPG (Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances) in 2007. Features: (a) Online grievance submission, (b) Tracking via unique registration number, (c) Time-bound redressal, (d) Appeal mechanism, (e) Analytics for systemic improvements. Part of broader public grievance redressal reforms to make administration responsive and accountable. Complements RTI, Citizen's Charter, social audit mechanisms.
The Digital India initiative aims to transform governance through technology by ensuring government services are made available to citizens electronically, improving online infrastructure, and increasing internet connectivity.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Digital India (launched 2015): Three vision areas: (1) Digital infrastructure as utility to every citizen, (2) Governance and services on demand, (3) Digital empowerment of citizens. Key components: BharatNet (rural broadband), Common Service Centres, e-Governance platforms (UMANG, DigiLocker), digital payments. Aims to improve transparency, efficiency, accessibility of public services; reduce corruption through technology-enabled accountability.
Under Section 20 of the RTI Act, the Information Commission can impose a penalty of up to ₹______ per day on a Public Information Officer for unreasonable delay in providing information, subject to maximum of ₹25,000.
- 100
- 250
- 500
- 1000
Answer: 250
RTI Act, Section 20(1): Information Commission can impose penalty of ₹250 per day on PIO for: (a) Unreasonable delay, (b) Malafidely denying request, (c) Knowingly giving incomplete/incorrect/misleading information, (d) Destroying information. Maximum penalty: ₹25,000. Also recommends disciplinary action under service rules. Penalty provision ensures accountability of PIOs and effectiveness of RTI regime.
The National Human Rights Commission has the powers of a civil court while inquiring into complaints, including summoning witnesses and requiring discovery of documents.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, Section 13: NHRC has powers of civil court under Code of Civil Procedure for: (a) Summoning/enforcing attendance of witnesses, (b) Discovering/producing documents, (c) Receiving evidence on affidavits, (d) Requisitioning public records, (e) Issuing commissions for witness examination. However, NHRC recommendations are not binding; implementation depends on government response. Balances investigative powers with executive implementation responsibility.
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Central Vigilance Commission?
- Inquiring into offences under Prevention of Corruption Act against certain categories of public servants
- Exercising superintendence over CBI's functioning
- Prosecuting corruption cases in courts
- Advising government on vigilance matters
Answer: Prosecuting corruption cases in courts
CVC functions under CVC Act, 2003: (a) Inquire into corruption offences by All India Services, Group A officers, etc., (b) Exercise superintendence over CBI's anti-corruption work, (c) Advise government on vigilance policy, (d) Review progress of investigations. However, prosecution is conducted by CBI/Enforcement Directorate through public prosecutors; CVC doesn't directly prosecute. Clarifies institutional roles in anti-corruption framework.
All States in India have established Lokayuktas with uniform powers and jurisdiction as mandated by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: Mandates States to establish Lokayuktas within one year, but States have flexibility in design: powers, jurisdiction, composition vary. Some States had Lokayuktas before 2013 (e.g., Maharashtra, 1971); others enacted laws later. As of 2024, not all States have functional Lokayuktas. Highlights challenges in implementing uniform accountability mechanisms across India's diverse federal structure.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examines the audit reports of the ______ to ensure financial accountability of the executive.
- Reserve Bank of India
- Comptroller and Auditor General
- Finance Commission
- NITI Aayog
Answer: Comptroller and Auditor General
Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Oldest parliamentary committee (1921). Functions: (a) Examine CAG reports on Union/State accounts, (b) Ensure expenditure was within grants, (c) Detect waste, extravagance, corruption, (d) Recommend corrective action. Composition: 22 members (15 LS, 7 RS); Chairperson from Opposition by convention. Critical mechanism for legislative financial oversight of executive.
The Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, 2005 mandates social audit of works by Gram Sabhas to ensure transparency and accountability in implementation.
- True
- False
Answer: True
MGNREGA, Section 17: Mandates social audit of all projects by Gram Sabha. Social audit involves: (a) Public verification of records, expenditure, beneficiary selection, (b) Gram Sabha discussion and approval, (c) Action on findings. Empowers citizens to monitor implementation, detect corruption, ensure accountability. Model extended to other schemes. Foundation of participatory governance at grassroots level.
The Whistle Blowers Protection Act was enacted in ______ but has not been fully brought into force due to concerns about national security exemptions.
- 2011
- 2014
- 2016
- 2019
Answer: 2014
Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014: Enacted to protect persons making public interest disclosures about corruption, misuse of power, etc., by public servants. Provides mechanism for inquiry, protection against victimization. However, not fully notified due to debates on balancing transparency with national security (proposed amendments to exempt certain categories of information). Highlights tension between accountability and security in governance.
Under Section 8 of the RTI Act, information relating to cabinet papers including records of Council of Ministers is exempt from disclosure until the decision is implemented and reasons are made public.
- True
- False
Answer: True
RTI Act, Section 8(1)(i): Exempts cabinet papers including records of Council of Ministers, Secretaries, etc., until decision implemented and reasons made public. However, once decision taken and matter complete, exemption ceases. Section 8(2): Even exempt information must be disclosed if public interest in disclosure outweighs harm to protected interests. Balances transparency with effective governance and collective responsibility.
The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) must be a retired ______.
- Chief Justice of India
- Judge of Supreme Court
- Chief Justice of a High Court
- Senior civil servant
Answer: Chief Justice of India
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (amended 2019): NHRC Chairperson must be retired Chief Justice of India. Members include: (a) One serving/retired SC Judge, (b) One serving/retired HC Chief Justice, (c) Two persons with human rights expertise (at least one woman). Appointed by President on recommendation of committee: PM, Speaker, Home Minister, LoP in both Houses, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Ensures judicial leadership in human rights protection.
The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners at Union and State levels are appointed by the President/Governor on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister/Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition, and a Union Cabinet Minister/State Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister/Chief Minister.
- True
- False
Answer: True
RTI Act, 2005 (Section 15 for CIC, Section 16 for SICs): Appointment committee: (a) Union: PM (Chairperson), LoP in Lok Sabha, Union Cabinet Minister nominated by PM, (b) State: CM (Chairperson), LoP in Assembly, State Cabinet Minister nominated by CM. 2019 Amendment changed tenure and salary conditions to be prescribed by Central Government, raising concerns about executive influence on Information Commissions' independence.
Under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and up to ______ members, of which 50% shall be judicial members.
- 4
- 6
- 8
- 10
Answer: 8
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: Lokpal consists of Chairperson (former CJI or SC Judge) + up to 8 members (50% judicial: former SC Judges/HC Chief Justices; 50% non-judicial: persons of integrity with 25+ years experience in anti-corruption policy, public administration, finance, law, management). Appointed by President on recommendation of selection committee: PM, Speaker, LoP, CJI/nominee, eminent jurist. Ensures expertise and independence in anti-corruption adjudication.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) functions under the administrative control of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
- True
- False
Answer: True
CBI is not a constitutional/statutory body; established by Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. Functions under administrative control of DoPT, Ministry of Personnel. This has raised concerns about executive influence on CBI investigations. Supreme Court in Vineet Narain case (1997) directed measures to ensure CBI independence, including fixed tenure for Director. Debate continues on granting statutory independence to CBI.