Indian Polity and Governance

The High Court is directly under the Supreme Court of India in the judicial hierarchy. Cases from High Courts can be appealed to the Supreme Court. The President is the constitutional head but not in the judicial chain. The Governor heads the state executive, not judiciary. The CJI heads the Supreme Court, not directly supervising High Courts in the hierarchy.

The Sarkaria Commission (1983-1988) was appointed by the Government of India to review and recommend changes in Center-State relations within India's federal structure. It proposed reforms to balance power between the central and state governments.

The Ashoka Chakra (wheel) in the center of the Indian National Flag is Navy Blue. It appears on the white stripe and has 24 spokes representing the 24 hours of the day, symbolizing continuous progress. The wheel is adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

The President of India is the head of state, not the head of government. The Prime Minister is the head of government. This distinction follows the Westminster system. The President has constitutional powers but exercises them on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

Directive Principles are positive instructions requiring the state to actively work for social welfare objectives. This contrasts with Fundamental Rights which are largely negative injunctions preventing state encroachment on individual liberties. DPSPs compel government action, while FR restricts it.

The President of India has constitutional authority but acts in a nominal/ceremonial capacity. 'Constitutional' refers to powers derived from the Constitution, while 'nominal' indicates they are exercised on ministerial advice. 'Titular' is close but less precise; 'de jure' refers to legal position rather than practical role.

Option (1) is correct: Under Article 50, the State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the state. Option (2) is incorrect: The state shall not separate functioning of judiciary from executive. Option (3) is incorrect: The state shall not separate the powers of judiciary from the executive. Option (4) is incorrect: The state shall not separate the powers of judiciary from the legislature.

Option (1) is incorrect: The Chairman of the State Public Service Commission is not appointed by the Chief Minister. Option (2) is incorrect: The Chairman of the State Public Service Commission is not appointed by the Prime Minister. Option (3) is incorrect: The Chairman of the State Public Service Commission is not appointed by the President. Option (4) is correct: The Chairman of the State Public Service Commission is appointed by the Governor.

Option (1) is incorrect: No such provision. Option (2) is incorrect: The Chairman of Rajya Sabha never chairs a joint meeting of both Houses of Parliament. Option (3) is correct: Joint meeting of both Houses of Parliament is chaired by the Speaker of Lok Sabha. Option (4) is incorrect: Option (3) is correct.

Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution provides for 12 nominated members in the Rajya Sabha. These members are nominated by the President and have special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service. The Rajya Sabha Chairman presides over the house but does not nominate members.

Article 74(1) states that the President shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. The powers of summoning, proroguing, and dissolving Parliament are exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers, not just the Prime Minister. This ensures collective ministerial responsibility and prevents arbitrary presidential action.

The President summons each House, prorogues (ends sessions of) either House, and can dissolve the Lok Sabha. While dissolution applies only to Lok Sabha (Rajya Sabha is a permanent house), the question asks about activities performed 'in respect of both Houses' - summoning and prorogation apply to both, making option D correct as the President performs all these activities constitutionally.

The Union Council of Ministers does not automatically resign or dismiss when Lok Sabha is dissolved. Under Article 75(3), ministers remain in office until the new Lok Sabha meets and a new Council is appointed. This ensures continuity of governance during election periods. The Prime Minister and individual ministers are part of the Council, so the Council as a body continues.

The Rajya Sabha has the constitutional authority to remove its Deputy Chairman by passing a resolution with a majority of all the then members of the House. This power is vested in the House itself, not in external offices like the Speaker or Council of President. The Deputy Chairman is elected from among the members of Rajya Sabha.