UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — ‘Vande Mataram advisory not a threat to conform’

Q1. With reference to the 2026 developments surrounding the National Song advisory, consider the following statements. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs directive on the National Song was issued on 28 January 2026.
  2. The plea challenging the circular was filed by Muhammed Sayeed Noori.
  3. The Supreme Court Bench that heard the plea was headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant.
  4. The Supreme Court held that the MHA circular is mandatory and legally binding on all citizens.
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 4 only

Q2. Which of the following are correctly identified as features of the Union Home Ministry's 2026 directive on the National Song?

  1. It prescribes a six-stanza version running about 3 minutes 10 seconds.
  2. When rendered together with the National Anthem, the National Song is to be played first.
  3. It was circulated to all States, Union Territories, ministries and constitutional bodies.
  4. It makes rendition of the National Song legally compulsory, with penalties for non-compliance.
  • A. 1 and 4 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. The Supreme Court in March 2026 declined to interfere with the MHA circular mainly because Clause 5 of the directive uses the word 'may'. In legal terms, this makes the directive:

  • A. Directory (recommendatory), and therefore not enforceable as a mandatory obligation
  • B. Mandatory, with strict compliance required of all addressees
  • C. A statutory regulation having the force of subordinate legislation
  • D. An ordinance with temporary legislative effect

Q4. With reference to the National Song (Vande Mataram) and the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) as they stand after the 2026 directive, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Under the MHA's 2026 directive, when the two are rendered together, the National Anthem is to be played before the National Song.
  2. Unlike the National Anthem, the National Song has no penal protection under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
  3. The 2026 directive prescribes a six-stanza version of the National Song of about 3 minutes 10 seconds.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. Which Union ministry issued the 2026 directive prescribing the full six-stanza rendition of the National Song at official events?

  • A. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
  • C. Ministry of Culture
  • D. Ministry of Education
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