UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Cabinet Secretariat copied acknowledgement sent to letters by two ECs to CEC

Q1. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. In a three-member Election Commission, a decision supported by the two Election Commissioners can prevail over the dissent of the Chief Election Commissioner.
  2. The law governing the Commission's business provides that matters are to be decided unanimously as far as possible and, where the members differ, according to the opinion of the majority.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q2. With reference to the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) under the law enacted in 2023, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Two of the three members of the Selection Committee hold their place on it either by being the Prime Minister or through nomination by the Prime Minister.
  2. The Selection Committee can be constituted even when the Lok Sabha has no recognised Leader of the Opposition.
  3. The President appoints the CEC on the recommendation of the Selection Committee but appoints the other ECs on the recommendation of the CEC.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q3. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Under the law enacted in 2023, the appointment of an Election Commissioner would be invalid if the Chief Justice of India did not take part in the selection.
  2. Under the law enacted in 2023, the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner is not invalid merely because there was a vacancy in, or a defect in the constitution of, the Selection Committee.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q4. Under the Constitution of India, consider the following office-holders: Which of the above can be removed from office only by an order of the President passed after an address by each House of Parliament, supported by a special majority, in the same session?

  1. An Election Commissioner
  2. The Chief Election Commissioner
  3. A Regional Commissioner
  4. A Judge of the Supreme Court
  • A. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. With reference to the machinery of the Union executive, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Civil Services Board headed by the Cabinet Secretary takes the final decision on the empanelment of officers for Joint Secretary-level posts in the Government of India.
  2. Cabinet Committees such as the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet are constituted under the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961, and not under a constitutional provision that names them.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. Both 1 and 2
  • D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q6. A citizen files an application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 with a Union government office, seeking copies of the file notings recorded while that office dealt with letters received from members of a constitutional body. In this context, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The notings are 'information' under the Act because notes recorded on a file form part of the records held by the public authority.
  2. The office may refuse the request solely on the ground that file notings, being internal deliberations, are exempt from disclosure as a class.
  3. The office may refuse the request solely on the ground that the notings concern a constitutional body other than the office itself.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only