Answer : C

Explanation : The 91st Amendment Act of 2003 added a provision stating that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha. Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect, as it inaccurately refers to the "total strength of Parliament" instead of the Lok Sabha.

Article 75 of the Constitution clearly states that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This means that all ministers share joint responsibility to the Lok Sabha for their actions and decisions. They work together as a team, and their fate is intertwined. When the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers, all ministers, including those from the Rajya Sabha, must resign. Hence, Statement 2 is also incorrect.

Therefore, both statements are incorrect, making the correct answer C.

Answer : D

Explanation :

The following are the features of Cabinet Committees:

1. Cabinet committees are extra-constitutional in their emergence. In other words, they are not mentioned in the Constitution. However, the Rules of Business provide for their establishment. Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect.

2. They are of two types—standing and ad hoc. The former are of a permanent nature while the latter are of a temporary nature. The ad hoc committees are constituted from time to time deal with the special problems. They are disbanded after their task is completed.

3. They are set up by the Prime Minister according to the exigencies of the time and the requirements of the situation. As a result, their number, nomenclature, and composition vary from time to time. Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.

4. Their membership varies from three to eight. They usually include only Cabinet Ministers. However, the non-cabinet Ministers are not debarred from their membership. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.

Answer : B

Explanation :

The Rules of Lok Sabha outline a panel of not more than ten chairpersons nominated by the Speaker from amongst the members. These chairpersons can preside over the House in the absence of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker, exercising the same powers as the Speaker. However, they cannot preside over the House if offices of Speaker or Deputy Speaker are vacant.

In such cases, the Speaker's duties are performed by a member of the House appointed by the President. The panel's tenure ends with the nomination of a new panel of chairpersons. If none of the members are present, another person designated by the House assumes the role of Speaker.

It's essential to note that when both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker's offices are vacant, the President appoints a member of the Lok Sabha to perform the Speaker's duties temporarily until elections are held to fill the vacant posts.Hence, Option B is the correct answer.

Answer : C

Explanation :

The Ethics Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining discipline and decorum in Parliament. Established in Rajya Sabha in 1997 and Lok Sabha in 2000, it enforces the code of conduct for members, examines cases of misconduct, and recommends appropriate action. This committee ensures good conduct, adjudicates disputes, and examines every complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of Lok Sabha referred to it by the Speaker.

Composition-wise, the Ethics Committee has a different structure for Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha committee consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker, while the Rajya Sabha committee has 10 members. Hence, Option C is the correct answer.

In contrast, the Rules Committee focuses on procedural matters, recommending necessary amendments or additions to the House rules. It consists of 15 members in Lok Sabha, including the Speaker as its ex-officio chairman, and 16 members in Rajya Sabha, including the Chairman.

The Business Advisory Committee regulates the House's program and timetable, allocating time for legislative and other business. Its composition varies between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with 15 members in Lok Sabha and 11 members in Rajya Sabha.

These committees work together to maintain the integrity and efficiency of Parliament's functioning.

Answer : D

Explanation : "The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it, and any decree or order so passed or made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India."

This article 142 empowers the Supreme Court to grant relief beyond the parameters of existing statutory orders to secure justice for the aggrieved, even if it means going beyond the letter of the law.

This power is known as the “plenary power” of the Supreme Court. It gives the Supreme Court discretionary power to pass any order that it deems fit or necessary for complete justice in any matter pending before it.

Article 13 is just about Constitutional validity of laws. Hence, Option D is the correct answer.