UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Speaker irked by Minister’s absence in Question Hour

Q1. With reference to the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Question Hour is the first hour of every sitting and is held from 11:00 to 12:00 hrs.
  2. A Starred Question is one to which the member desires an oral answer from the Minister in the House.
  3. A minimum of 15 clear days' notice is required for tabling a Starred Question.
  4. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the final authority on the admissibility of questions tabled in the Lok Sabha.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2, 3 and 4
  • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q2. In the context of parliamentary procedure in the Lok Sabha, what is a 'Starred Question'?

  • A. A question raised without any prior notice on a matter of urgent public importance during Zero Hour
  • B. A question to which a member desires an oral answer from the Minister in the House, distinguished by an asterisk
  • C. A question whose written reply is deemed to have been laid on the Table of the House at the end of Question Hour
  • D. A question addressed to a Private Member of the House concerning a Bill or resolution for which that Member is responsible

Q3. Which one of the following is, as per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, devoted to questions and held as the very first hour of every sitting of the House?

  • A. Zero Hour
  • B. Question Hour
  • C. Calling Attention
  • D. Private Members' Business

Q4. With reference to Question Hour and Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Zero Hour finds explicit mention in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.
  2. Starred Questions are answered orally, whereas the replies to Unstarred Questions are laid on the Table of the House.
  3. A maximum of twenty Starred Questions can be included in the list for oral answer on a given day.
  4. The minimum period of notice prescribed for tabling both Starred and Unstarred Questions is fifteen clear days.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 3 and 4 only

Q5. The conditions governing the admissibility of questions during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha are primarily laid down under which of the following?

  • A. Article 75 of the Constitution of India, which provides for the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha
  • B. Article 105 of the Constitution of India, which deals with the powers, privileges and immunities of the Houses of Parliament
  • C. Rules 41 to 44 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha
  • D. Section 3 of the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959
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