UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — A mysterious luncheon in Dachigam

Q1. Which institution serves as the scientific/technical lead for the Hangul recovery project carried out under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme?

  • A. Zoological Survey of India
  • B. Wildlife Institute of India
  • C. Botanical Survey of India
  • D. National Biodiversity Authority

Q2. Under which centrally sponsored scheme is the Hangul conserved through the 'Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species and Habitats'?

  • A. Project Elephant
  • B. National Mission for a Green India
  • C. Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats
  • D. Project Tiger

Q3. As constituted by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Union Territory of Ladakh comprises how many districts?

  • A. One
  • B. Two
  • C. Three
  • D. Four

Q4. Following the 2019 reorganisation, which is the largest Union Territory of India by geographical area?

  • A. Jammu and Kashmir
  • B. Ladakh
  • C. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • D. Delhi (NCT)

Q5. Which Article of the Constitution empowers Parliament to create a legislature for a Union Territory?

  • A. Article 239
  • B. Article 239A
  • C. Article 239AA
  • D. Article 240

Q6. Under Article 239AA, the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi may legislate on State List and Concurrent List subjects EXCEPT which set of subjects?

  • A. Police, public order and land
  • B. Police, public order and services
  • C. Land, finance and police
  • D. Public order, taxation and land

Q7. Framing of the Transaction of Business Rules and administration of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh fall under which Union ministry?

  • A. Ministry of Law and Justice
  • B. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
  • C. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • D. Prime Minister's Office

Q8. With reference to the governance framework of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, consider the following statements: 1. The Transaction of Business Rules demarcate the respective functions of the Council of Ministers and the Lieutenant Governor. 2. Under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Lieutenant Governor retains control over police and public order. 3. The Transaction of Business Rules for J&K were finalised and notified within six months of the elected government assuming office. 4. Matters relating to the All India Services in the UT fall within the Lieutenant Governor's domain. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The Transaction of Business Rules demarcate the respective functions of the Council of Ministers and the Lieutenant Governor.
  2. Under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Lieutenant Governor retains control over police and public order.
  3. The Transaction of Business Rules for J&K were finalised and notified within six months of the elected government assuming office.
  4. Matters relating to the All India Services in the UT fall within the Lieutenant Governor's domain.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 2 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q9. With reference to Union Territories and States under the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: 1. The administration of Union Territories is provided for under Part VIII of the Constitution. 2. Relations between the Union and the States are dealt with under Part XI of the Constitution. 3. Every Union Territory of India has a High Court of its own. 4. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory without a legislature. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The administration of Union Territories is provided for under Part VIII of the Constitution.
  2. Relations between the Union and the States are dealt with under Part XI of the Constitution.
  3. Every Union Territory of India has a High Court of its own.
  4. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory without a legislature.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 1 and 3

Q10. Among the following categories of protected areas under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which one carries the highest degree of legal protection against human activity?

  • A. Wildlife Sanctuary
  • B. Conservation Reserve
  • C. National Park
  • D. Community Reserve

Q11. With reference to the Supreme Court's December 2023 Constitution Bench judgment on Article 370, consider the following statements: 1. The Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370 as constitutionally valid. 2. The Court directed restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and the holding of assembly elections by September 2024. 3. The Court declared the bifurcation of the State into two Union Territories to be unconstitutional. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370 as constitutionally valid.
  2. The Court directed restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and the holding of assembly elections by September 2024.
  3. The Court declared the bifurcation of the State into two Union Territories to be unconstitutional.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q12. As affirmed by the Supreme Court, the operative abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 was effected through an order issued by which constitutional authority?

  • A. Parliament of India
  • B. The President of India
  • C. The Governor of Jammu and Kashmir
  • D. The Union Home Minister
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