26 December 2023

Q1. Consider the following statements with reference to the Preamble of the Constitution?

1. Taking inspiration from the American model, India has chosen to begin its constitution with a preamble.
2. Values that inspired and guided the freedom struggle are embedded in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
3. It is the soul of the Indian Constitution.
4. It provides a standard to examine and evaluate any law and action of the government.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Values that inspired and guided the freedom struggle and were in turn nurtured by it, formed the foundation for India’s democracy. These values are embedded in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. They guide all the articles of the Indian Constitution.
• Taking inspiration from American model, most countries in the contemporary world have chosen to begin their constitutions with a preamble.
• It contains the philosophy on which the entire Constitution has been built. It provides a standard to examine and evaluate any law and action of government, to find out whether it is good or bad. It is the soul of the Indian Constitution.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Preamble of Indian Constitution:

1. The original Preamble, adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, declared India a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic”.
2. Preamble states the objects of the Constitution, and acts as an aid during the interpretation of Articles.in the Constitution.
3. The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution changed “unity of the nation” to “unity and integrity of the nation”.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• A preamble is an introductory statement in a document that explains the document’s philosophy and objectives. In a Constitution, it presents the intention of its framers, the history behind its creation, and the core values and principles of the nation.
• The Preamble is based on the Objective Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on December 13, 1946. The Resolution was adopted on January 22, 1947.
• Although not enforceable in court, the Preamble states the objects of the Constitution, and acts as an aid during the interpretation of Articles when language is found ambiguous.
• The original Preamble, adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, declared India a “Sovereign Democratic Republic”. By the 42nd Amendment of 1976, enacted during the Emergency, the words “Socialist” and “Secular” were inserted; the Preamble now reads “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic”.
• The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1976, replaced the words “sovereign democratic republic” to “sovereign socialist secular democratic republic”. It also changed “unity of the nation” to “unity and integrity of the nation”

Q3. Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?

(a) Liberty of thought

(b) Economic liberty

(c) Liberty of expression

(d) Liberty of belief

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Preamble declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. 3. The objectives stated by the Preamble are to secure justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation.

Q4. Consider the following statements:

1. Parliamentary democracy, with a cabinet form of government, is part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.
2. A balanced federal structure mandates that the States enjoy freedom without any unsolicited interference from the Central Government with respect to matters which exclusively fall within the State’s domain.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Parliamentary democracy, with a cabinet form of government, is part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution. Its first article reads, “India that is Bharat shall be a Union of States.”
• The Constitution has mandated a federal balance wherein independence of a certain required degree is assured to the State Governments.
• As opposed to centralism, a balanced federal structure mandates that the Union does not usurp all powers and the States enjoy freedom without any unsolicited interference from the Central Government with respect to matters which exclusively fall within their domain.

Q5. World Trade Report, published by the:

(a) IMF

(b) WEF

(c) ILO

(d) WTO

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The 2023 World Trade Report, published by the WTO, explores the role of international trade in building a more secure, inclusive, and sustainable world.