Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 185

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -185

Q1. Election Commission and Collegial Decision-Making

With reference to the Election Commission of India, consider the following statements:

1. Article 324 provides the constitutional basis for the Election Commission's role in conducting elections.
2. According to the supplied summary, a three-member Election Commission should attempt unanimity, but decisions may be taken by majority where unanimity is impossible.
3. The Chief Election Commissioner alone has the power to override the other Election Commissioners in every matter.
4. Internal disagreement among Election Commissioners does not by itself establish institutional failure.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation: The supplied summary states that under the 2023 law, the Commission should transact business unanimously “as far as possible”; where unanimity is impossible, decisions are taken by majority. It also describes the CEC as essentially first among equals in decision-making rather than possessing an unlimited overriding vote. Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect. Internal disagreement may actually demonstrate institutional deliberation if prescribed procedures, recorded reasoning and collective decision-making are respected. Hidden trap: disagreement and institutional breakdown are not synonymous. For a constitutional body, independence, collegiality, transparency and procedurally valid decision-making together strengthen institutional credibility.

Q2. Electoral-Roll Integrity

Consider the following statements regarding electoral-roll revision:

1. Wrongful inclusion of ineligible persons can undermine electoral integrity.
2. Wrongful exclusion of eligible voters can also undermine electoral integrity.
3. Public confidence in elections depends only on the final election result and not on electoral procedures.
4. Transparent and verifiable procedures can strengthen confidence in electoral administration.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation: The supplied SIR summary identifies two dimensions of electoral-roll integrity: genuinely ineligible entries should not remain on the rolls, while legitimate voters should not be wrongfully excluded. It also stresses that public confidence depends on transparent, lawful and verifiable procedures, not merely election outcomes. Statement 3 is therefore incorrect. The current political allegations and institutional responses should not themselves be treated as proof of electoral manipulation. Elimination logic: electoral integrity is neither simply “maximum inclusion” nor “maximum deletion”. It means accurate inclusion based on law, supported by transparent procedures and effective remedies against administrative errors.