UPSC Prelims Marathon 14 March – Various Bodies and Miscellaneous – 2026

Which of the following changes were introduced by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003?
1.It deleted the provision in the Tenth Schedule that protected a “split” (one-third of members) from disqualification.
2.It mandated that the total number of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Union Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

With reference to the Election Commission of India, consider the following statements:
1.The Election Commission is explicitly empowered by the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to de-register a political party on the grounds of violating the Constitution.
2.The scheduling and conduct of elections to both the Parliament and the State Legislatures fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the ECI.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following types of Urban Local Bodies is typically established by an Act of the Union Parliament rather than by the State Government?

Consider the following States:
1.Assam
2.Manipur
3.Meghalaya
4.Nagaland
5.Tripura
In how many of the above states can Autonomous Districts be established under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule?

Consider the following statements regarding All India Services:
1.The Rajya Sabha has the exclusive power to initiate the creation of a new AIS through a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
2.The inclusion of the “All India Judicial Service” into Article 312 requires a formal Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.
3.Parliament is empowered to regulate the recruitment and service conditions of persons appointed to these services.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Which functionary represents the President of India and presents the “Presidential Reference” before the Supreme Court under its Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143)?

Consider the following statements regarding the UPSC:
1.It acts as an advisory body to the Central Government on disciplinary matters concerning civil servants.
2.It is responsible for deciding the specific quantum of reservation (SC/ST/OBC) for various recruitment examinations.
3.The jurisdiction of the UPSC can be extended to any local authority or corporate body by an Act of Parliament.
How many of the above statements are correct?

With reference to the CBI, consider the following statements:
1.The CBI cannot investigate an offense in a State without the “General” or “Specific” consent of that State government.
2.Under current legal frameworks, the CBI must seek prior permission from the Central Government to conduct even a preliminary inquiry against any government servant.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the jurisdiction of the Lokpal:
1.The Lokpal has the authority to investigate allegations of corruption against the Prime Minister, subject to certain procedural safeguards.
2.Its jurisdiction covers all categories of public servants (Group A to D) and officials of institutions fully or partly funded by the Central Government.
3.NGOs receiving donations from foreign sources exceeding a specific limit (under FCRA) fall under the investigative ambit of the Lokpal.
Which of the statements given above are correct?