KAS Prelims Mixed Practice Test #859

Question 1

The 'Basic Structure Doctrine', enunciated by the Supreme Court, is a cornerstone of Indian constitutional law. In the context of the Parliament's power to amend the Constitution, what is the primary practical implication of this doctrine?

Accepted Answer

B. It empowers the judiciary to strike down constitutional amendments that are deemed to alter or destroy the fundamental features of the Constitution. — The Basic Structure Doctrine, established in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), implies that while Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter or destroy its 'basic structure' or fundamental features. Therefore, the judiciary can review and invalidate amendments that violate this doctrine. Option A is incorrect because it contradicts the doctrine's limitation on parliamentary power. Options C and D are incorrect as they describe procedures not prescribed by the Indian Constitution for amendments.

Answer

A. It allows the Parliament to unilaterally amend any part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights, provided it secures a two-thirds majority in both Houses.

Answer

C. It necessitates a prior presidential reference to the Supreme Court for advice on the constitutionality of any proposed amendment.

Answer

D. It mandates that any amendment affecting the Preamble must first be approved by a national plebiscite.

Question 2

Kerala literacy campaign year:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

1990 — Total Literacy Campaign 1990 — first state fully literate.‌​‍

Answer

1995

Answer

1991

Answer

1989

Question 3

Adverse selection example:

Accepted Answer

Insurance: sicker people more likely to buy coverage, shrinking pool — Adverse selection: parties with worst risks (most likely to claim) are most likely to seek insurance. Fixed by risk pooling, mandatory coverage.

Answer

Random

Answer

Government spending

Answer

Tax cuts

Question 4

Chola kingdom famous for:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Maritime trade and temples — Maritime power, temple architecture.‌​‍

Answer

Horse breeding

Answer

Ship building only

Answer

Gold mining

Question 5

The Simon Commission arrived in India on:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

3 February 1928 — Simon Commission landed 3 February 1928 — greeted with 'Simon Go Back' protests.‌​‍

Answer

26 January 1930

Answer

6 April 1919

Answer

8 August 1942

Question 6

The term 'BRICS Plus' refers to an expansion of the BRICS economic bloc. Which country was the first to be formally invited to join BRICS as part of this expansion in 2023?

Accepted Answer

D. Iran — In 2023, BRICS announced its first expansion by inviting six countries to join: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Argentina, and the UAE. However, the question asks for the first country formally invited, and among the options, Iran was the first to be publicly announced as part of the BRICS expansion. The other options were also invited but not in the initial announcement order.

Answer

A. Saudi Arabia

Answer

B. Egypt

Answer

C. Ethiopia

Question 7

Sabarimala women entry judgment:

Accepted Answer

2018 — 28 Sept 2018 — allowed women of all ages; review pending.

Answer

2017

Answer

2019

Answer

2020

Question 8

Silappadikaram (Tamil epic) was written by:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Ilango Adigal — Silappadikaram ('Tale of the Anklet') by Ilango Adigal. ‌​‍Story of Kannagi's revenge on Pandya king. Companion epic Manimekalai by Sattanar.

Answer

Kambar

Answer

Sattanar

Answer

Thiruvalluvar

Question 9

Synonym of RECALCITRANT:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Stubborn — Defiant.‌​‍

Answer

Docile

Answer

Obedient

Answer

Compliant

Question 10

Kerala State Song:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Jaya Jaya Komala Kerala — 'Jaya Jaya Komala Kerala Dharani' by Bodheswaran.‌​‍

Answer

Jana Gana Mana

Answer

Vande Mataram

Answer

Kerala Naadu

KAS Prelims Mixed Practice Test #859