Q1. When was the “NOTA” (None of the Above) option first introduced in Indian elections?
- 2009
- 2011
- 2013
- 2014
Correct Option: 3. 2013.
Explanation: The NOTA option was introduced in 2013 following a Supreme Court directive in the PUCL case. It was first implemented in elections to state legislative assemblies of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
Q2. What is the maximum permissible cash donation to a political party by an individual, as per the 2017 budget?
- ₹20,000
- ₹10,000
- ₹5,000
- ₹2,000
Correct Option: 4. ₹2,000.
Explanation: In the 2017 Union Budget, the limit for anonymous cash donations was reduced from ₹20,000 to ₹2,000 to increase transparency in political funding. However, parties do not have to disclose donor identity for amounts below this threshold.
Q3. What major change did the Supreme Court ruling of 2013 bring regarding the disqualification of convicted MPs/MLAs?
- Allowed contesting from jail
- Gave MPs/MLAs one year to appeal
- Disqualified only after President’s approval
- Immediate disqualification on conviction
Correct Option: 4. Immediate disqualification on conviction.
Explanation: The Court struck down Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which allowed MPs/MLAs 3 months to appeal. Now, they stand immediately disqualified upon conviction.
Q4. What is the purpose of VVPAT introduced in 2013?
- Reduce election costs
- Provide voting receipt to voters
- Allow online voting
- Improve voter turnout
Correct Option: 2. Provide voting receipt to voters.
Explanation: VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) allows voters to verify that their vote has been cast correctly. A printed slip confirms the vote and is stored for audit purposes.
Q5. What condition must a political party meet to be eligible to receive electoral bonds?
- Must be recognized national party
- Must have won at least one seat
- Must have secured ≥1% votes in last election
- Must have minimum 100 members
Correct Option: 3. Must have secured ≥1% votes in last election.
Explanation: Electoral bonds can be donated only to political parties that received at least 1% of the votes in the most recent Lok Sabha or State Assembly elections.