January 26, 2026

With reference to India, consider the following:

Q. With reference to India, consider the following:

UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I

I. The Inter-State Council
II. The National Security Council
III. Zonal Councils

How many of the above were established as per the provisions of the Constitution of India?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All the three

(d) None

Answer: (a) Only one

Explanation:

  • Inter-State Council (ISC):

    • Established under Article 263 of the Constitution of India.

    • Its purpose is to promote coordination and cooperation between the Union and the States, and among the States themselves.

    • It is a constitutional body, making it the only one among the three mentioned that is constitutionally established.

  • National Security Council (NSC):

    • Set up by the Government of India in 1998 to advise the Prime Minister on matters of national security and strategic interests.

    • It is not mentioned in the Constitution and is therefore an executive body, not a constitutional body.

  • Zonal Councils:

    • Created under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 to promote cooperation and coordination among states grouped into zones.

    • These are statutory or administrative bodies and do not have constitutional status.

  • Conclusion:

  • Among the three, only the Inter-State Council is constitutionally established.
  • Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Only one.

Answer: (a) Only one

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