Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 196

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -196

Q1. SIR, Election Commission and Electoral Integrity

With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, consider the following statements:

1. Article 324 gives the Election Commission supervisory authority over elections.
2. Article 326 embodies the constitutional basis of universal adult suffrage for Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
3. Electoral-roll accuracy and voter inclusion are necessarily conflicting objectives.
4. Transparent deletion criteria, individual notice and accessible appeals can strengthen electoral credibility.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

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

Explanation: The supplied summaries describe the SIR controversy as a challenge of reconciling the ECI's authority under Article 324 with universal adult suffrage under Article 326. They explicitly argue that electoral-roll purification and voter inclusion are complementary rather than competing objectives. Statement 3 is therefore incorrect. Hidden trap: accurate rolls do not require arbitrary exclusion. Transparency, notice, auditable deletions and appeals can simultaneously improve accuracy and protect voting rights. Institutional credibility depends not only on the final electoral roll but also on whether the procedure used to prepare it appears fair, consistent and independently reviewable.

Q2. GST Council and Cooperative Federalism

Consider the following statements regarding GST administration in India:

1. Both the Union and States participate in the GST Council.
2. Simplifying refund and compliance procedures can reduce working-capital pressure on businesses.
3. GST reform necessarily requires changes in tax rates; administrative reforms cannot significantly affect ease of doing business.
4. Technology-assisted compliance can potentially reduce administrative friction.

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