UPSC 2025 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Pair 1 is correct: Arunachal Pradesh’s capital is Itanagar, which is named after the historical Ita Fort ("Ita" means brick). Additionally, the state has two National Parks -- Namdapha National Park and Mouling National Park --confirming the accuracy of the description.

Pair 2 is correct. Nagaland became a full-fledged state of India on 1st December 1963 through the 13th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1962, which also inserted Article 371A into the Constitution. This article provides special provisions for the state, confirming that Nagaland came into existence via a constitutional amendment.

Pair 3 is correct. Tripura initially became a Part ‘C’ State after its merger with the Indian Union on 15 October 1949. Following the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, it was converted into a Union Territory (centrally administered). Later, it attained full statehood on 21 January 1972 under the North Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971, as confirmed by official sources such as the Tripura Legislative Assembly website and Sepahijala District website.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Inter-State Council was established under Article 263 of the Constitution of India. This article empowers the President to create a council to inquire into and advise on disputes between states or between the Union and states, and to promote cooperative federalism. The Inter-State Council was constituted in 1990 by a Presidential order based on this constitutional provision.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The National Security Council (NSC) is a non-constitutional body formed in 1998 by an executive decision of the Government of India. It serves as the apex agency to advise the Prime Minister on matters related to national security and strategic interests but has no basis in the Constitution.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Zonal Councils were created under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, which is a statutory act passed by Parliament, not a constitutional provision. These councils facilitate cooperation and coordination among states grouped into zones.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Article 163 provides for a council of ministers with the chief minister at the head to aid and advise the governor in the exercise of his functions except the discretionary ones. If any question arises whether a matter falls within the governor’s discretion or not, the decision of the governor is final and the validity of anything done by him cannot be called in question on the ground that he ought or ought not to have acted in his discretion.

Statement 2 is incorrect: When a bill is sent to the governor after it is passed by state legislature, he can: (a) Give his assent to the bill, or (b) Withhold his assent to the bill, or (c) Return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for reconsideration of the state legislature. However, if the bill is passed again by the state legislature with or without amendments, the governor has to give his assent to the bill, or (d) Reserve the bill for the consideration of the president. The President cannot directly receive or reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature In one case such reservation is obligatory, that is, where the bill passed by the state legislature endangers the position of the state high court. In addition, the governor can also reserve the bill if it is of the following nature: (i) Ultra-vires, that is, against the provisions of the Constitution. (ii) Opposed to the Directive Principles of State Policy. (iii) Against the larger interest of the country. (iv) Of grave national importance. (v) Dealing with compulsory acquisition of property under Article the Constitution.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correct: The separation of the judiciary from the executive is mentioned under Article 50 of the Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. It directs the State to ensure the independence of the judiciary from executive control in public services.

Pair 2 is correct: The duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture is included in the Fundamental Duties under Article 51A(f). This reflects the constitutional commitment to cultural preservation.

Pair 3 is correct: The prohibition of employment of children below the age of 14 years in factories is a Fundamental Right under Article 24 in Part III of the Constitution. It safeguards children from exploitation in hazardous environments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: When an area in a State is declared as a Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, the State Government does not lose its executive power. Instead, the Governor is given special responsibilities for administering such areas, including the power to modify or exclude the application of laws. A local body does not assume total administration; rather, a Tribal Advisory Council may be constituted to advise on matters related to the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Union Government cannot take over the total administration of Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule simply based on the Governor’s recommendation. While the Governor submits an annual report to the President regarding the administration of such areas, the executive powers remain with the State Government unless a separate constitutional mechanism like President’s Rule under Article 356 is invoked, which is unrelated to the Fifth Schedule provisions. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Chapter: Scheduled and Tribal Areas

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrect: The National Automotive Board does not function under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, which oversees policies related to the automotive sector, including electric mobility and auto testing infrastructure.

Pair 2 is incorrect: The Coir Board is not under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. It functions under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and promotes the coir industry, especially in coastal regions of India.

Pair 3 is incorrect: The National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) is not under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) for facilitating trade information services.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: An amendment that relates to List I - Union List in the Seventh Schedule affects the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States. As per Article 368(2) of the Constitution, any such amendment requires ratification by the Legislatures of not less than one-half of the States.

Statement 2 is correct: The extent of the executive power of a State is a subject where any constitutional amendment requires ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures, as it affects the balance of power between the Union and the States under Article 368(2).

Statement 3 is incorrect: Amendments regarding the conditions of the Governor’s office do not require ratification by State Legislatures. These can be passed by a special majority in Parliament alone, without involving the States.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: As per Article 361(1) of the Constitution of India, the Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office. This provision ensures the dignity and independence of the constitutional office.

Statement 2 is correct: Under Article 361(2), no criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor in any court during their term of office. Additionally, they shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that time.

Statement 3 is correct: According to Article 194(2) of the Constitution, members of a State Legislature shall not be liable to any proceedings in any court for anything said or any vote given by them in the Legislature or any committee thereof. This is part of the parliamentary privileges granted to legislators.

Explanation

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) was established by the PNGRB Act, 2006, with a very specific mandate. Its core purpose is to regulate the downstream and midstream segments of the petroleum and natural gas sector in India. This is done to promote competition, protect consumer interests, and ensure the orderly growth of the market.

1. Production of crude oil:

Why it’s NOT regulated by PNGRB: This falls under the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry. "Upstream" refers to the exploration for and production of crude oil and natural gas. This segment involves geological surveys, drilling, and extracting the hydrocarbons from the ground. The regulation of these activities, including licensing, production sharing contracts, and resource management, is primarily handled by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directly. The PNGRB was specifically created to handle the post-production aspects.

2. Refining, storage, and distribution of petroleum:

Why it IS regulated by PNGRB: These are crucial downstream and midstream activities. Refining: While the actual process of refining crude oil into various products (like petrol, diesel, kerosene) might have its own technical standards, the PNGRB’s role often comes into play concerning the transportation of crude to refineries and the movement of refined products from refineries. It ensures fair access to transportation infrastructure like pipelines. • Storage: The PNGRB regulates the establishment and operation of storage facilities for petroleum and its products. This includes laying down technical and safety standards, ensuring that storage infrastructure is adequate and managed safely. • Distribution: This is a major area of PNGRB’s focus. It regulates the setting up, operation, and expansion of pipelines for the transportation of petroleum and petroleum products across the country. It also plays a key role in regulating city gas distribution (CGD) networks that supply piped natural gas (PNG) to homes and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles. The aim is to ensure non-discriminatory access to such infrastructure.

3. Marketing and sale of petroleum products:

Why it IS regulated by PNGRB: This is another significant downstream activity. The PNGRB is tasked with:

Regulating the marketing and sale of notified petroleum products and natural gas. Ensuring fair play and competition in the market. Protecting the interests of consumers by monitoring pricing and preventing anti-competitive practices. Setting standards for service obligations for marketing entities.

4. Production of natural gas:

Why it’s NOT regulated by PNGRB: Similar to crude oil production, natural gas production is an upstream activity involving exploration and extraction. As per the PNGRB Act, these activities fall outside the Board’s jurisdiction and are regulated by the DGH and the Ministry. The PNGRB’s role begins once the gas has been produced and enters the transportation, processing, and distribution network.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi made the famous statement "Sedition has become my religion" in 1930 during the Salt Satyagraha while publicly breaking the Salt Law at Dandi as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement. This act of defiance against the British salt monopoly was a turning point in India’s freedom struggle. Gandhi used this phrase to express how opposing unjust laws and British colonial rule had become his moral duty and central to his life’s mission.