Daily Quiz: UPSC Prelims Marathon – October 10, 2018

Question Hour :

The first hour of every sitting of the house is allocated to the question hour. In this period the ministers will give answers for the questions asked by members. The questions are of three kinds, Starred (oral answer and supplementary questions can be attained) Unstarred ( written answer and supplementary questions cannot follow ) Short Notice Question ( asked by giving a notice of less than 10 days, answered orally )

Zero Hour :

Zero hour is an informal device available to the members of the house to raise matters without any prior notice. This hour starts immediately after the question hour and is not mentioned in the Rules of Procedure, unlike the Question hour. It is an Indian Innovation in the field of Parliamentary procedure and been in existence since 1962.

In line with the broader strategy and emphasis on preventive vigilance, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) believes that the next level of systemic change can be through the tool of Integrity Index. The CVC has therefore decided to go in for development of the Integrity Index-based on bench-marking of internal processes and controls within an organisation as well as management of relationships and expectations of outside stakeholders.

The Integrity Index will bring out annual scores/rankings of Public Sector Undertakings/Public Sector Banks and Financial Institutions/Departments/Ministries of Government of India by linking the essential drivers of vigilance with long term efficiency, profitability and sustainability of public organizations and create an internal and external ecosystem that promotes working with Integrity in public organizations.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The parliament is empowered to legislate on any subject in the state list. It may be noted that during emergency the states  can also make laws, but this is subject to overriding power of the parliament.

Statement 2 is incorrect. During a Proclamation of Financial Emergency, Union can direct the State Governments to observe certain canons of financial propriety and to reduce the salaries and allowances of all or any class of person serving in connection with the affairs of the Union including the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. Union also requires all Money Bills or Financial Bills to be reserved for the consideration of the President after they are passed by the Legislature of the State.

Statement 3 is incorrect. President may assume to himself all or any of the functions of the state or he may   vest all or any of those functions in the Governor or any other such authority. President may declare that powers of the state legislatures shall be exercisable by the parliament. However, it must be noted here that President cannot assume to himself any of the powers vested in a High Court.

Statement 1 is correct. Speaker cannot vote in the first instance. When there’s a deadlock in vote, the Speaker can cast his casting vote to break the deadlock

Statement 2 is incorrect. If a person is elected as speaker or chairman then he could resign from his party, and can rejoin the party after he demitted that post. No disqualification in this case.

Statement 3 is correct.  Speaker of lok sabha holds the same rank as of Chief justice of India in order of precedence.

The directive principles of state policy are enumerated in Part IV of the constitution from Articles 36 to 51. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described these principles as ‘Novel features’ of Indian constitution. The framers of Indian constitution borrowed this idea from Irish constitution.

Statement 1 is incorrect. State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and not more than 10 State Information Commissioners (SIC) to be appointed by the Governor. Removal is done by governor on grounds of bankruptcy, unsound mind, infirmity of body or mind, sentenced to imprisonment for a crime, or engages in paid employment.

Statement 2 is correct. He can also be removed by governor for proved misbehaviour or incapacity if Supreme Court inquiry finds him guilty. They can resign by writing to governor.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The State Human Rights Commission’s recommendations are not binding on the state government or authority.

Statement 2 is correct. The State Human Rights Commission should be informed about the action taken on its recommendations within one month.