← Assistant Professor / Lecturer
Past Questions — 2025
Which India temple received the 2023 UNESCO Award of Distinction for its conservation?
A)
Abathsahayeswarar Temple
B)
Mahabodhi Temple
C)
Golden Temple
D)
Kamakhya Temple
The Abathsahayeswarar Temple, located in Thiruvavaduthurai, Tamil Nadu, was honored with the 2023 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation (Award of Distinction). The award recognized the meticulous conservation efforts undertaken to preserve the temple's structural integrity and artistic heritage.
- Option (b) Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it did not receive this specific 2023 Award of Distinction for conservation.
- Option (c) Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is a significant religious site but is not the recipient of this specific UNESCO award.
- Option (d) Kamakhya Temple is a prominent Shakti Peetha but was not the recipient of this specific award in 2023.
Which Union Ministry implemented the ‘Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 Scheme’?
A)
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
B)
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
C)
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
D)
Ministry of Women and Child Development
The 'Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0' scheme is a convergence of the Poshan 2.0 and the Saksham Anganwadi initiatives. It is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). The primary objective of this scheme is to strengthen the delivery of early childhood care and development (ECCD), improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, and modernize Anganwadi centers to make them 'Saksham' (capable) through better infrastructure and digital tracking.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution focuses on food security and price stability (e.g., NFSA).
- Option (b) Ministry of Food Processing Industries focuses on the value addition of agricultural produce.
- Option (c) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment focuses on the welfare of marginalized sections, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, but not specifically on the Anganwadi/Poshan framework.
The English East India Company arrived in India in the year-
A)
1498
B)
1608
C)
1717
D)
1757
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The English East India Company (EIC) was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600, to trade in the East Indies.
2. The first English ship, the 'Hector', commanded by Captain William Hawkins, arrived at the port of Surat in August 1608. This marks the actual arrival of the Company's representatives in India.
3. Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 1498: This is the year Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, reached Calicut, marking the beginning of European maritime contact with India, but not the arrival of the English EIC.
- Option (c) 1717: This year is significant for the 'Farman' granted by Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar to the EIC, which gave them duty-free trading rights in Bengal.
- Option (d) 1757: This is the year of the Battle of Plassey, which established the political foothold of the British in India, long after their initial arrival.
In which State Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a Presidential campaign?
A)
New Jersey
B)
Pennsylvania
C)
Texas
D)
Washington
On July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former U.S. President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt. A gunman fired several shots, one of which grazed Trump's right ear. The incident occurred during a speech he was delivering to supporters.
- Option (a) New Jersey: No such incident occurred here during the 2024 campaign.
- Option (c) Texas: While Trump frequently campaigns in Texas, this specific event did not happen there.
- Option (d) Washington: This refers to either the state or the capital; neither was the site of this shooting incident.
What isa flagship scheme of the Government of India aimed at providing micro credit/small loans to street vendors?
A)
PM Gati Shakti
B)
PM SVANidhi
C)
PM Suraksha Street
D)
PM SHRI
The correct answer is PM SVANidhi.
1. **PM SVANidhi (Prime Minister Street Vendor's Atmanirbhar Nidhi):** This is a flagship scheme launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to provide affordable working capital loans to street vendors to resume their livelihoods after the COVID-19 lockdown. It offers a collateral-free micro-credit facility.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **PM Gati Shakti:** This is a National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity to improve infrastructure and logistics efficiency across India.
- **PM Suraksha Street:** This is not a recognized flagship government scheme of India.
- **PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India):** This is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at upgrading schools to showcase the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Revolt of 1857 started at-
A)
Delhi
B)
Kanpur
C)
Jhansi
D)
Meerut
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny, officially began on May 10, 1857, at Meerut. The spark was the refusal of sepoys to use the newly introduced Enfield rifle cartridges, which were rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat. After the rebellion broke out in Meerut, the soldiers marched to Delhi and proclaimed the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar as the Emperor of India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Delhi: While Delhi became the political center of the revolt and was captured shortly after the outbreak, the initial spark occurred in Meerut.
- Kanpur: Kanpur was a major center of the revolt led by Nana Sahib, but the uprising started there after the events in Meerut and Delhi.
- Jhansi: Jhansi became a focal point of the resistance under Rani Lakshmibai, but this occurred later in the timeline of the rebellion.
The first Governor-General of the Government of Bengal was-
A)
Warren Hastings
B)
Lord Cornwallis
C)
Rober
The Regulating Act of 1773 was a landmark piece of legislation passed by the British Parliament to oversee the affairs of the East India Company. Under this Act, the designation of the 'Governor of Bengal' was changed to the 'Governor-General of Bengal'. Warren Hastings, who was already serving as the Governor of Bengal, became the first person to hold this new title of Governor-General of Bengal in 1774.
Analysis of other options:
- Lord Cornwallis: He was a later Governor-General (1786–1793) known for the Permanent Settlement of Bengal.
- Rober (likely a typo for Robert Clive): Robert Clive was the first Governor of Bengal (not Governor-General) and is credited with establishing British rule in India, but he served before the Regulating Act of 1773.
Who among the following is not a High Court Judge?
A)
KLLiana
B)
Michael Zothankhuma
C)
Nelson Sailo
D)
Marli Vankung
To solve this question, we must verify the judicial appointments of individuals from Mizoram to the High Court (specifically the Gauhati High Court, which has jurisdiction over Mizoram).
1. Justice K.L. Liana: He is a distinguished judge of the Gauhati High Court.
2. Justice Michael Zothankhuma: He is a sitting judge of the Gauhati High Court.
3. Justice Nelson Sailo: He is a sitting judge of the Gauhati High Court.
4. Marli Vankung: There is no record of an individual by this name serving as a High Court Judge in the Indian judiciary or specifically within the Gauhati High Court's roster for Mizoram.
Therefore, Marli Vankung is the only person among the options who is not a High Court Judge.
Who spoke on behalf of the Hindu religion in the “Congress of Religions” in Chicago 1893?
A)
Dadabhai Naoroji
B)
Swami Vivekananda
C)
Swami Brijanand
D)
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
The Parliament of the World's Religions (often referred to as the Congress of Religions) was held in Chicago in 1893. Swami Vivekananda represented Hinduism at this global gathering. He gained international fame with his opening words, 'Sisters and Brothers of America,' and his speech emphasized the universal acceptance and tolerance of all religions, presenting the core philosophy of Vedanta to the West.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Dadabhai Naoroji: Known as the 'Grand Old Man of India,' he was a political leader and economist, not a religious representative at the Chicago Parliament.
- Swami Brijanand: While a scholar, he is not the historical figure associated with the 1893 Chicago speech.
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: A great social reformer and educator from Bengal, but he did not attend the 1893 Congress of Religions in Chicago.
Which ministry is responsible for conducting the census in India?
A)
Ministry of Culture
B)
Ministry of Defense
C)
Ministry of Home Affairs
D)
Ministry of Law and Justice
In India, the Census is conducted every ten years under the Census Act, 1948. The responsibility for organizing and conducting the census lies with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, which functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of Culture: Responsible for the preservation and promotion of India's cultural heritage, not demographic data collection.
- Ministry of Defense: Responsible for the national security and management of the armed forces.
- Ministry of Law and Justice: Responsible for legal affairs, administration of justice, and legislative drafting.
The resolution of ‘Purna Swaraj’ was adopted in-
A)
Lahore session 1929
B)
Calcutta session 1933
C)
Lucknow session 1936
D)
Tripuri session 1939
The resolution of 'Purna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) was formally adopted by the Indian National Congress during its session held in Lahore in December 1929. The session was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru. This marked a significant shift in the Congress's goal from 'Dominion Status' (self-governance under the British Crown) to total independence from British rule. As a result of this resolution, January 26, 1930, was declared as Independence Day, and the call for the Civil Disobedience Movement was made, which Mahatma Gandhi later launched with the Dandi March in March 1930.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Calcutta session 1933: This session focused on the need for a socialist pattern of society and the struggle against imperialism, but the Purna Swaraj resolution had already been passed four years prior.
- c. Lucknow session 1936: This session dealt with internal party dynamics and the approach toward the Government of India Act 1935.
- d. Tripuri session 1939: This session is primarily remembered for the conflict between Subhash Chandra Bose and the right-wing faction of the Congress, leading to Bose's resignation as President.
Who won the Nobel Prize for Literature, 2024?
A)
Chan Guangcheng
B)
David Baker
C)
Han Kang
D)
Nihon Hidankyo
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2024 was awarded to Han Kang, a South Korean author, 'for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.' She is the first South Korean writer to receive this honor.
Analysis of other options:
- David Baker won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024 for computational protein design.
- Nihon Hidankyo (a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors) won the Nobel Peace Prize 2024.
- Chan Guangcheng is a Chinese civil rights activist and not a recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize.
The Report in 1928 which provided a constitutional framework for India’s future government drafted by the Indian political leaders as a response of the Simon Commission was-
A)
The Hilton Commission Report
B)
The Nehru report
C)
The Gandhian Committee Report
D)
The Indian Report
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Context: In 1927, the British government appointed the Simon Commission to review the Government of India Act 1919. However, the commission consisted entirely of British members and excluded Indians, leading to widespread protests and a boycott across India.
2. Response: In response to this exclusion, Lord Birkenhead (the Secretary of State for India) challenged Indians to produce a constitutional scheme that would be acceptable to all parties.
3. The Report: To meet this challenge, a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Motilal Nehru. In 1928, this committee produced a memorandum known as the 'Nehru Report'.
4. Key Features: The Nehru Report demanded 'Dominion Status' for India, a federal structure of government, and a bill of rights for citizens.
5. Analysis of Options:
- (a) The Hilton Commission: No such significant constitutional report exists in this context.
- (c) The Gandhian Committee Report: While Mahatma Gandhi influenced the movement, there was no specific 'Gandhian Committee Report' serving as the formal constitutional response to the Simon Commission.
- (d) The Indian Report: This is a generic term and not the formal name of the document.
NIPUN Bharat is launched by which Ministry?
A)
Ministry of Tribal A fairs
B)
Ministry of Education
C)
Ministry of Science and Technology
D)
Ministry of Rural Development
NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its primary goal is to ensure that every child in India attains foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) by the end of Grade 3 by the year 2026-27.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs: Focuses on the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes, not national foundational literacy standards.
- Ministry of Science and Technology: Focuses on scientific research, innovation, and technological advancement.
- Ministry of Rural Development: Focuses on infrastructure and poverty alleviation in rural areas (e.g., MGNREGA), not primary education curriculum and proficiency goals.
Which Union Territory is the first to fully implement all three new criminal laws in India?
A)
Delhi
B)
Chandigarh
C)
Daman and Diu
D)
Puducherry
The three new criminal laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—came into effect across India on July 1, 2024, replacing the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act. Chandigarh became the first Union Territory to fully implement these laws by completing the necessary infrastructure updates, training of police personnel, and integration of the new legal framework into its judicial and policing systems ahead of or in full alignment with the national rollout. While other UTs like Delhi and Puducherry also implemented them on the mandated date, Chandigarh was highlighted in administrative reports for its comprehensive readiness and full-scale operationalization.
Which Union Ministry is associated with the ‘Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar’ Programme?
A)
Ministry of Rural Development
B)
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
C)
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
D)
Ministry of Culture
The 'Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar' programme is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The primary objective of this programme is to identify, document, and showcase the unique cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and local crafts of various villages across India. It aims to promote community-led heritage conservation and boost rural tourism by highlighting the 'living heritage' of Indian villages.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of Rural Development: While the programme takes place in villages, its core focus is on 'Dharohar' (Heritage/Culture), not infrastructure or poverty alleviation.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs: While tribal heritage may be part of the programme, the initiative is a broader cultural project under the Ministry of Culture.
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: This ministry focuses on urban planning and housing, which is contrary to the rural focus of this specific programme.
Gandhi agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement with the-
A)
Dandi March
B)
Harijan Pact
C)
Lucknow Pact
D)
Gandhi-Irwin Pact
The Civil Disobedience Movement, which began with the Dandi March in 1930, was suspended following the Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed on March 5, 1931. Under this agreement, Lord Irwin (the Viceroy of India) agreed to release political prisoners who had not committed violence, and in return, Mahatma Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement and attend the Second Round Table Conference in London.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Dandi March: This was the event that *started* the Civil Disobedience Movement, not the event that suspended it.
- b. Harijan Pact (Poona Pact): This was an agreement between B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi in 1932 regarding the reservation of seats for depressed classes in provincial legislatures.
- c. Lucknow Pact: This was a 1916 agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League to present a joint set of demands to the British government.
Where was the first meeting of All India National Congress held?
A)
Ahmedabad
B)
Bombay
C)
Delhi
D)
Lahore
The first session of the Indian National Congress (INC) was held from December 28 to December 31, 1885. It took place at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay (now Mumbai). The session was presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee and was attended by 72 delegates.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ahmedabad: While a significant city in Gujarat, it did not host the inaugural session of the INC.
- Delhi: Delhi became the capital later in 1911; it was not the site of the first meeting.
- Lahore: Lahore hosted several important later sessions (most notably the 1929 session where 'Purna Swaraj' was declared), but not the first one.
Which day is observed as International Anti-Corruption Day each year?
A)
September 9
B)
October 9
C)
November 9
D)
December 9
International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on December 9. It was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations to raise awareness about how corruption affects every sector of society and the need for accountability, transparency, and integrity. The day coincides with the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003.
Analysis of options:
- September 9: Not associated with International Anti-Corruption Day.
- October 9: World Post Day is observed on this date.
- November 9: Not associated with International Anti-Corruption Day.
- December 9: The officially designated date for International Anti-Corruption Day.
Royal indian Navy Mutiny 1946 was responded by the government with-
A)
Talks
B)
Force and Repression
C)
Peace and Settlement
D)
Promise for better Working conditions
The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny of 1946 began on February 18, 1946, starting with the ratings of the HMIS Talwar. The sailors protested against poor food, racial discrimination, and the oppressive nature of the British command. While there were initial attempts to negotiate, the British government and the military command ultimately responded with force and repression. They used overwhelming military strength to surround the ships and dockyards, arrested the leaders of the mutiny, and forced the sailors to surrender under the threat of severe violence. The British administration viewed the mutiny as a dangerous threat to their control over the Indian military, leading them to prioritize the restoration of order through coercion rather than diplomatic settlement or structural reform. Options a, c, and d are incorrect because the British did not genuinely engage in talks to resolve the grievances, nor did they offer improved working conditions or a peaceful settlement; instead, they focused on crushing the rebellion to prevent it from sparking a wider national uprising.
The period between 1885 and 1905 during the Indian National Movement came to be known as-
A)
Extremist phase
B)
Revolutionary phase
C)
Congress phase
D)
Moderate phase
The Indian National Movement is traditionally divided into several phases based on the ideology and methods used by the leadership of the Indian National Congress (INC).
1. **Moderate Phase (1885–1905):** From the foundation of the INC in 1885 until the Partition of Bengal in 1905, the movement was led by 'Moderates' such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and W.C. Bonnerjee. Their approach was characterized by 'Constitutional Agitation,' using petitions, prayers, and protests (the 3Ps) to seek reforms within the British legal framework. They believed in the British sense of justice and sought gradual reforms.
2. **Extremist Phase (1905–1919):** Triggered by the Partition of Bengal (1905), leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal) advocated for 'Swaraj' (Self-rule) through more aggressive methods like boycotts of foreign goods and non-cooperation.
3. **Revolutionary Phase:** This ran parallel to other phases, involving secret societies and armed struggle to overthrow British rule through violence (e.g., Anushilan Samiti).
Since the question specifically asks for the period between 1885 and 1905, it refers to the Moderate phase.
What does IREDA stand for?
A)
Indian Railway Enterprise Development Agency Limited
B)
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited
C)
Indian Railway Export Development Agency Limited
D)
Indian Riverine Export Development Agency Limited
IREDA stands for the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited. It is a government-owned non-banking financial institution (NBFC) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. Its primary objective is to promote and accelerate the utilization of new and renewable energy sources by providing financial assistance to projects related to solar, wind, biomass, and hydro power.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because IREDA is not associated with the Indian Railways.
- Option (b) is correct as it accurately reflects the agency's full name and purpose.
- Option (c) is incorrect as the agency does not focus on railway exports.
- Option (d) is incorrect as the agency is not focused on riverine exports.
Who is the first Indian archer to win a gold medal in Paralympic?
A)
Sumit Antil
B)
Manish Narwal
C)
Harvinder Singh
D)
Nishad Kumar
Harvinder Singh made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by winning the gold medal in the Men's Individual Compound Open category. This achievement makes him the first Indian archer to ever win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games.
Analysis of other options:
- Sumit Antil: He is a javelin thrower who has won gold medals in Paralympics, but not in archery.
- Manish Narwal: He is a javelin thrower who has won medals in Paralympics, but not in archery.
- Nishad Kumar: He is a discus thrower who has won medals in Paralympics, but not in archery.
What word has been selected as the Oxford Word of the year 2024?
A)
Neuro Spicy
B)
Dumpster
C)
Heat Dome
D)
Brain Rot
The Oxford University Press officially announced 'Brain Rot' as the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024. The term is used to describe the perceived decline of cognitive function or mental quality caused by consuming large amounts of low-quality, short-form digital content (such as TikToks or Reels). It reflects the intersection of internet culture and concerns regarding digital consumption habits. Options a, b, and c are not the designated Oxford Word of the Year for 2024.
What is the highest National Award of Guyana conferred to the Prime Minister of India?
A)
The Order of Valor
B)
The Crown Jewel Honor
C)
The Grand Cross of the Order
D)
The Order of Excellence
In November 2023, during the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit held in Georgetown, Guyana, the Government of Guyana conferred its highest national award, 'The Order of Excellence', upon the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. This honor was bestowed in recognition of his leadership and the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Guyana.
- Option (a) 'The Order of Valor' is not the highest national award of Guyana.
- Option (b) 'The Crown Jewel Honor' is a fictional or incorrect term in this context.
- Option (c) 'The Grand Cross of the Order' is a common title for awards in various European nations but is not the specific highest award of Guyana conferred to the PM of India.