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Political Theory & Concepts

15 questions in Indian Polity.

Asked in 2026, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2011, 2005, 1997, 1996

Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine distribution was compromising on quality to make profits. Despite immense pressure to manage the issue due to vested interests, he raised his voice based on the principles of public administration which he learnt during various training programmes attended across his career. He reported the issue to the appropriate vigilance authority and halted the contract to ensure citizen welfare. Which one among the following principles of public administration was most strongly demonstrated by Mr. X’s actions ?

  1. (a)Esprit de corps
  2. (b)Equity
  3. (c)Accountability
  4. (d)Delegation
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Official answer(c) Accountability

In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses. As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health. Consider the following statements with reference to the above : 1. A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives. 2. The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group. 3. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform — including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives — to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions. 4. Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making. Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process ?

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

Ms. X is a mid-level civil service official working in the urban development department of a major city. Recently, she was involved in approving a contract for a public infrastructure project — a new community park. During the approval process, she received a piece of confidential information indicating that one of the shortlisted contractors had a history of poor workmanship and allegations of corruption in other cities, though nothing had been legally proven. The Head of the Department, Mr. Y, advised her not to disclose this information to the project committee or the public because it could delay the project and damage the city’s reputation. However, Ms. X believed that withholding such information compromised transparency and public trust. What amongst the following should Ms. X do now ? 1. Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public 2. Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project’s integrity 3. Propose a ‘limited disclosure’ to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being Select the answer using the code given below :

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

Which one of the following best defines the term 'State'?

  1. (a)A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government
  2. (b)A politically organized people of a definite territory and possessing an authority to govern them, maintain law and order, protect their natural rights and safeguard their means of sustenance
  3. (c)A number of persons who have been living in a definite territory for a very long time with their own culture, tradition and government
  4. (d)A society permanently living in a definite territory with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary
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Official answer(a) A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government

In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique ? 1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. 2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. 3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

In the context of India, which one of the following is the correct relationship between Rights and Duties ?

  1. (a)Rights are correlative with Duties.
  2. (b)Rights are personal and hence independent of society and Duties.
  3. (c)Rights, not Duties, are important for the advancement of the personality of the citizen.
  4. (d)Duties, not Rights, are important for the stability of the State.
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Official answer(a) Rights are correlative with Duties.

Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of the United States of America came into force in the year 1810. 2. All revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives of the US Congress. 3. George W. Bush is the only President in the history of the United States of America whose father was also the President of the United States of America. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)1 and 2
  4. (d)2 and 3
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Official answer(b) 2 only