The correct option is Increasing the area of any state.
Explanation
The Indian Constitution is described as a synthesis of rigidity and flexibility. A "flexible" provision is one that can be amended or altered by the Parliament through a simple majority of members present and voting, similar to the enactment of ordinary legislation. These changes do not require the special majority prescribed under Article 368.Option Analysis
- Increasing the area of any state is Correct: Under Article 3 of the Constitution, the Parliament is empowered to form new states and alter the areas, boundaries, or names of existing states. This can be done by a law passed with a simple majority. Furthermore, Article 4 explicitly declares that laws made for the admission or establishment of new states (under Article 2) and formation of new states (under Article 3) are not to be considered amendments to the Constitution for the purposes of Article 368. Thus, this is a flexible provision.
- Fundamental Rights is Incorrect: Fundamental Rights are substantive provisions that require a special majority of Parliament (a majority of the total membership of each House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting) under Article 368.
- Election of the President is Incorrect: The election of the President is a federal feature. Amending the manner of the President's election requires a special majority of Parliament along with ratification by the legislatures of at least half of the states. This is a rigid provision.
- Distribution of legislative powers is Incorrect: The distribution of legislative powers (lists in the Seventh Schedule) defines the federal balance. Any change to these lists requires a special majority of Parliament plus ratification by half of the states.
Key Takeaway
Provisions regarding the internal reorganization of the Indian Union (creation of states, boundary changes) are flexible and require only a simple majority, whereas matters affecting the federal structure or fundamental rights are rigid and require a special majority or state ratification.