Explain any three Discretionary Powers of the President.

(1) APPOINTMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER — when no party wins a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, or when a Prime Minister dies suddenly in office, the President uses his own judgement in deciding whom to invite to form the government. (2) SUSPENSIVE VETO — he may withhold his assent to a Bill, or return it (other than a Money Bill) to Parliament for reconsideration with his suggestions; and he may withhold assent indefinitely from a State Bill reserved for his consideration (a "pocket veto"). (3) DISSOLUTION OF THE LOK SABHA — he may refuse a request to dissolve the House from a Prime Minister who has lost his majority, and he may dismiss a ministry that has clearly lost the confidence of the Lok Sabha but refuses to resign.

One mark per power. A discretionary power is one the President exercises on his OWN judgement rather than on ministerial advice — say so in your opening line, since it defines the whole answer. The appointment of a Prime Minister in a hung house is the clearest example and should come first. Note how narrow these powers are: they arise only when the normal convention breaks down, which is precisely why the President is called a nominal head.