Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?
- ATo change the existing territory of a State and to change the name of a State
- BTo pass a resolution empowering the Parliament to make laws in the State List and to create one or more All India ServicesCorrect
- CTo amend the election procedure of the President and to determine the pension of the President after his/her retirement
- DTo determine the functions of the Election Commission and to determine the number of Election Commissioners
Explanation
The correct answer is B because the Constitution of India grants the Rajya Sabha two exclusive special powers that are not shared with the Lok Sabha.
First, under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution supported by not less than two thirds of the members present and voting to empower the Parliament to make laws with respect to any matter enumerated in the State List in the national interest.
Second, under Article 312, the Rajya Sabha has the power to pass a resolution to create one or more All India Services common to both the Union and the States.
The other options represent powers that are either shared equally with the Lok Sabha or involve different constitutional procedures. Options A, C, and D require the involvement of both Houses of Parliament and do not constitute special or exclusive powers of the Rajya Sabha.
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