Past Questions — 2023

Step-by-step reasoning: 1. **Analysis of Right to Vote**: In the Indian constitutional framework, the right to vote is established by Article 326 of the Constitution, which provides for adult suffrage. However, the actual mechanism and the right to exercise this vote are governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1951. 2. **Why it is a Legal Right**: A legal right is one that is created and enforced by a statute (law). Since the right to vote is subject to conditions laid down by law (such as registration in the electoral roll, age requirements, and disqualifications under the Representation of the People Act), it is classified as a statutory or legal right rather than a fundamental right. 3. **Why not a Fundamental Right (Option a)**: Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution and are justiciable directly in the Supreme Court under Article 32. The right to vote is not listed in Part III. While the Supreme Court has noted that it is a 'constitutional right' in some contexts, in the strict categorization of rights (Fundamental vs. Legal), it falls under Legal/Statutory. 4. **Why not a Constitutional Obligation (Option b)**: An obligation is a duty one is bound to perform. Voting in India is a right, not a mandatory legal obligation (there is no penalty for not voting). 5. **Why not a Fundamental Duty (Option c)**: Fundamental Duties are listed under Article 51A. Voting is not mentioned as one of the eleven fundamental duties of an Indian citizen.

In Mizo folklore, 'Kungawrhi' is one of the most famous and poignant legends. The story revolves around a beautiful maiden named Kungawrhi who is captured by a powerful spirit or giant. A central element of this tale is the 'phaipheng' (a traditional Mizo bamboo instrument or a specific type of rhythmic sound/song associated with the narrative), which plays a crucial role in the communication or the tragic events surrounding her captivity and the attempts to rescue her. Comparing the options: - a. Kungawrhi: Directly associated with the phaipheng narrative. - b. Thailungi: A different folk story focusing on different themes. - c. Rimenhawihi: A tale of beauty and tragedy, but not primarily associated with the phaipheng. - d. Chhura leh Nahaia: A story of friendship and wit, distinct from the phaipheng legend.

In traditional Mizo folk beliefs and ancestral customs, it was believed that upon the death of a person, the soul (thlarau) departed from the body through the crown of the head. This belief is rooted in the traditional Mizo understanding of the transition from the physical world to the afterlife (Mithikhu). Options a, b, and d are incorrect as they do not align with the specific cultural and spiritual tenets regarding the exit point of the soul in Mizo tradition.

According to the data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its annual reports and subsequent parliamentary disclosures, scheduled commercial banks in India wrote off bad loans (technical write-offs) amounting to approximately Rs 2.09 lakh crore during the financial year 2021-22. This figure represented a significant increase compared to previous years as banks sought to clean up their balance sheets. - Option (a) 2022-23: The write-off figures for this period were different and reported later. - Option (c) 2020-21: The write-off amount was lower than the Rs 2.09 lakh crore mark. - Option (d) 2019-20: The write-off amount was significantly lower than the figure mentioned in the question.

Casey Phair is an American soccer player who made history during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. She became the youngest player to ever appear in a Women's World Cup match when she came on as a substitute for the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) in their match against Spain. At the time of her appearance, she was 16 years and 26 days old, breaking the previous record. Therefore, she plays for the USA.

Part III of the Indian Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights. The Right to Freedom of Religion is specifically guaranteed under Articles 25 to 28: 1. Article 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion. 2. Article 26: Freedom to manage religious affairs. 3. Article 27: Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion. 4. Article 28: Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions. Analysis of other options: - Option (a) Article 16 to 19: Article 16 relates to equality of opportunity in public employment; Articles 19-22 relate to the Right to Freedom (Protection of life and personal liberty). - Option (b) Article 19 to 22: These constitute the 'Right to Freedom' (e.g., freedom of speech, protection in respect of conviction for offences). - Option (c) Article 23 & 24: These constitute the 'Right against Exploitation' (prohibition of traffic in human beings, forced labour, and child labour).