Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 183

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -183

Q1. Election Commission and Institutional Independence

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

1. Article 324 entrusts the Election Commission with supervision, direction and control of elections.
2. Institutional independence requires only freedom from executive interference and has no connection with internal decision-making procedures.
3. Transparency and procedurally defensible decision-making can contribute to institutional credibility.
4. Differences among Election Commissioners necessarily establish that the Commission lacks independence.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The supplied summary identifies Article 324 as the constitutional foundation of the Election Commission's role and links institutional credibility with independence, transparency and procedurally defensible decision-making. Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect. Independence is broader than insulation from direct political pressure; institutional processes also influence public confidence. Similarly, internal disagreement does not by itself prove institutional failure. The Commission has reportedly characterised differences as normal deliberation and stated that final decisions were collective. Elimination clue: words such as “only” and “necessarily” make Statements 2 and 4 overly absolute.

Q2. Electoral-Roll Revision

Consider the following statements regarding electoral-roll integrity:

1. Removal of deceased, duplicate or otherwise ineligible entries can improve electoral-roll accuracy.
2. Electoral integrity requires only preventing fraudulent entries, irrespective of wrongful exclusion of eligible voters.
3. Notice before deletion and accessible appeal mechanisms can protect eligible voters.
4. Auditable digital systems can contribute to credible electoral-roll management.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only