Polity

Option (d) is incorrectly matched. Part V of the Constitution deals with "The Union" (Articles 52 to 151). "The States" are dealt with in Part VI. Options (a), (b), and (c) are perfectly matched with their respective constitutional parts.

Statement 1 is incorrect; the source explicitly mentions that the CEC "cannot take unilateral decisions under the law and the Constitution." Statement 2 is correct; the ECI stated that SIR decisions were taken with the "unanimous approval of all three commissioners." Statement 3 is incorrect; the ECI clarified that internal deliberations are "normal and proper" and should not be portrayed as a "difference of opinion" regarding final decisions.

The ICESCR allows for "progressive achievement" based on resources, acknowledging that social welfare requires state capacity. The ICCPR demands immediate compliance with civil liberties.

• Why others are incorrect: A is reversed. C is incorrect as both are binding treaties. D describes ICCPR rights.

Statements 1 and 3 relate to the federal structure of the Constitution, thus requiring a special majority of Parliament plus ratification by half the states. Statement 2 is incorrect because Fundamental Rights can be amended by a special majority of Parliament alone, without requiring state ratification, provided the basic structure is not violated

Two statements are correct. Statement 2 reflects his argument that J&K was unfairly singled out. Statement 3 reflects his skepticism about the logistics of synchronized elections in a diverse democracy.

• Why others are incorrect: Statement 1 is incorrect; Abdullah explicitly stated that Article 370 was never the cause of a lack of development, attributing the region's struggles instead to decades of violence.

Originally, a SINGLE National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes functioned under Article 338. The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 SPLIT this single body into two separate constitutional commissions: the National Commission for Scheduled Castes continues to function under a re-worded Article 338, while a NEW National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was created under a newly inserted Article 338A — both remain CONSTITUTIONAL bodies, not statutory. Each Commission has functions including investigating and monitoring matters relating to safeguards for SCs/STs under the Constitution, inquiring into specific complaints of rights violations, participating in and advising on planning for SC/ST socio-economic development, and submitting annual or as-needed reports to the President.

Paine argued that it is a "perversion of terms" to say a charter gives rights; instead, charters exclude the majority and leave rights in the hands of a few.

• Why others are incorrect: Paine’s central thesis was that rights are inherent to inhabitants and exist prior to any government compact.

Under the Tenth Schedule, disputes on disqualification due to defection are decided by the Speaker (in the Lok Sabha/Legislative Assembly) or the Chairman (in the Rajya Sabha/Legislative Council), subject to judicial review by courts.

Statement 1 is correct; the SC reversed its earlier stance and ruled that Fundamental Rights are given a "transcendental and immutable" position, hence Parliament cannot abridge them. Statement 2 is incorrect because the "Basic Structure" doctrine was introduced later in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), specifically to counter the rigidity created by the Golaknath judgment while still protecting the Constitution's core.

As per the source context, Marco Rubio (FL) resigned to become Secretary of State, and JD Vance (OH) resigned after being elected Vice President. Their seats are held by appointees Ashley Moody and Jon Husted. Option B is incorrect because Rubio became Secretary of State, not VP. Option C is a distractor as Husted was appointed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, not DeSantis. Option D is incorrect as they occur concurrently with the general elections.