Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 11, 2025

Statement 1 is correct: The President of India, as the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, has the power to declare war and conclude peace, but this power is subject to the approval of Parliament as per constitutional provisions and established practice.

Statement 2 is correct: Under Article 123, the President can promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session. These ordinances have the same force and effect as laws passed by Parliament, but must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of reassembly.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The President cannot appoint the Prime Minister purely at their discretion. By constitutional convention, the President appoints the leader of the party or coalition that has the majority in the Lok Sabha. Discretion is used only in exceptional cases, such as a hung Parliament.

Statement 4 is correct: The President makes a wide range of important appointments, including the Chief Justice of India, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Governors of States, Ambassadors/High Commissioners to foreign countries, and others.

Statement 1 is correct: Article 77(3) empowers the President to make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business. Although this power is vested in the President, it is exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Statement 2 is correct: The President appoints various officers of the Union Government, except those whose appointments are specifically provided for by the Constitution or by law. This power is also exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Both statements relate to the executive powers of the President but address distinct functions – framing rules for government business and appointing officers. While both are exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers, one does not explain or cause the other. They are independent powers derived from different constitutional provisions.

Statement 1 is correct: Article 75(1) states that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President, and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Statement 2 is correct: The President can remove a minister only on the advice of the Prime Minister. This ensures the Prime Minister’s authority over the Council of Ministers.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Prime Minister, not the President, presides over the meetings of the Council of Ministers.

Statement 4 is correct: Article 72 empowers the President to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment or suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offense. This power is particularly significant in cases involving death sentences.

A is incorrect: While the Governor typically acts on the advice of the Chief Minister, they are not bound to do so in matters of summoning the legislature.

B is correct: Article 174 of the Constitution empowers the Governor to summon the legislature at their discretion. This discretionary power becomes particularly relevant during times of political instability.

C is incorrect: The Speaker does not play a role in summoning the legislature.

D is incorrect: The President is not involved in summoning the State Legislature. This power rests solely with the Governor.

A is correct: The President’s pardoning power is not absolute. The Supreme Court has held that it is subject to judicial review, but only under limited circumstances. The court can intervene if the President’s decision is found to be arbitrary, irrational, made in bad faith (mala fide), or discriminatory.

B is incorrect: The President’s power extends specifically to punishments awarded by court-martial, not all military courts.

C is incorrect: The President can pardon a death sentence, even one imposed under a state law. This power is explicitly mentioned in Article 72 of the Constitution.

D is incorrect: The President exercises the pardoning power on the advice of the Union Cabinet. However, there is no requirement for the President to consult the Prime Minister individually, and the Cabinet’s advice is not binding. The President can, in principle, act against the Cabinet’s advice.