← Assistant Professor / Lecturer
Past Questions — 2025
What does IREDA Stands for?
A)
Indian Railway Enterprise Development Agency Limited
B)
Indian Renewable Encrgy 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 of India enterprise and a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Its primary objective is to promote and accelerate the utilization of new and renewable energy sources by providing financial assistance to projects. Note: While the option provided in the question contains a typo ('Encrgy' instead of 'Energy'), it is the only option that correctly identifies the agency's purpose and name. Options a, c, and d are incorrect as IREDA is not associated with Railways, Exports, or Riverine agencies.
With victory in the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the English East India Company gained the-
A)
Control of markets around Bengal
B)
Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa
C)
War indemnity of 4 Lakhs rupees
D)
Region of Awadh and Calcutta
The Battle of Buxar (1764) was a decisive victory for the English East India Company over the combined forces of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (the Mughal Emperor). Following the victory, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765. Under this treaty, the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II granted the 'Diwani rights' (the right to collect land revenue and manage civil justice) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the East India Company. This effectively gave the Company financial control over these rich provinces, marking the transition from a trading entity to a ruling power in India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While they gained market control, the 'Diwani rights' was the formal legal and political achievement that ensured this control.
- Option (c): While war indemnities were paid (specifically by the Nawab of Awadh), the primary and most significant historical outcome was the acquisition of Diwani rights.
- Option (d): The Company did not annex the region of Awadh; instead, they restored it to Shuja-ud-Daula as a buffer state, though they exerted significant influence over it.
In which city COP28 or 28 United Nations Climate Change Conference was held?
A)
Dubai
B)
New Delhi
C)
New York
D)
London
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 13, 2023. This conference was significant for producing the 'UAE Consensus,' which for the first time explicitly called for 'transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems' to achieve net zero by 2050.
Analysis of other options:
- New Delhi: While India hosts many international summits (like the G20 in 2023), it did not host COP28.
- New York: This is the headquarters of the UN, where general assemblies are held, but the COP summits rotate globally.
- London: While the UK has hosted previous climate-related events, it was not the host city for COP28.
In which city is the Notre Dame Cathedral located?
A)
Rome
B)
Paris
C)
London
D)
Frankfurt
The Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris) is one of the most famous examples of French Gothic architecture and is located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, France.
Analysis of other options:
- Rome: Home to St. Peter's Basilica and other major Catholic sites, but not Notre Dame.
- London: Home to Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral.
- Frankfurt: Known for the Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus), but not the world-renowned Notre Dame.
The last Maratha Peshwa whose fall led to the permanent defeat of the Maratha Empire was-
A)
Madhav Rao
B)
Baji Raol
C)
Baji Rao H
D)
Narayan Rao
The last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire was Baji Rao II. Following the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818), Baji Rao II was defeated by the British East India Company. He surrendered in June 1818 and was exiled to Bithoor (near Kanpur) on a pension, which effectively ended the office of the Peshwa and led to the permanent collapse of the Maratha Empire as a sovereign power.
Analysis of other options:
- Madhav Rao: A highly capable Peshwa who restored Maratha power after Panipat, but died young in 1772.
- Baji Rao I: The great military strategist and second Peshwa who expanded the empire across North India; he died in 1740.
- Narayan Rao: The Peshwa who was murdered in 1773, leading to a period of internal instability, but he was not the last Peshwa.
Which of the following practice was abolished in 1829 with the joint efforts of Raja Rammohan Roy and William Bentinck?
A)
Child Marriage
B)
Infanticide
C)
Slavery
D)
Sati
The practice of Sati (the act of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre) was abolished in 1829. This was achieved through the joint efforts of Raja Rammohan Roy, a social reformer who campaigned against the practice on humanitarian and scriptural grounds, and Lord William Bentinck, the Governor-General of India. Bentinck passed the 'Sati Regulation XVII' in 1829, which declared the practice illegal and punishable by law.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Child Marriage: While reformers fought against it, the primary legislation (The Child Marriage Restraint Act) came much later, in 1929 (Sarda Act).
- b. Infanticide: While female infanticide was a known social evil, it was not the primary focus of the 1829 regulation led by Roy and Bentinck.
- c. Slavery: Slavery was abolished in India via the Indian Slavery Act of 1843, which occurred after the 1829 Sati ban.
In which State is the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A)
Madhya Pradesh
B)
Tamil Nadu
C)
Maharashtra
D)
Kerala
The Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. It is situated in the Western Ghats and serves as a critical biodiversity hotspot and a catchment area for several rivers.
Analysis of options:
- Madhya Pradesh: Known for sanctuaries like Kanha and Pench, but not Tungareshwar.
- Tamil Nadu: Known for sanctuaries like Mudumalai, but not Tungareshwar.
- Maharashtra: Correct. Tungareshwar is located here, specifically near the border of Palghar and Thane districts.
- Kerala: Known for sanctuaries like Periyar, but not Tungareshwar.
The expansionist policy over the princely states extensively used by Wellesley was known as-
A)
Ring Fence Policy
B)
Subsidiary Alliance
C)
Doctrine of Lapse
D)
Hand Holding Policy
The expansionist policy used by Lord Wellesley (Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805) was the 'Subsidiary Alliance'. Under this system, an Indian ruler had to disband their own army and instead maintain a British force within their territory, paying for its upkeep. In return, the British guaranteed protection from external attacks and internal rebellions. This effectively turned the princely states into protectorates of the British East India Company, stripping them of their sovereignty over foreign affairs.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Ring Fence Policy: This was an earlier strategy (associated with Warren Hastings) aimed at creating a buffer zone of friendly states around the Company's core territories to protect them from rivals.
- c. Doctrine of Lapse: This policy was introduced by Lord Dalhousie (1848–1856), which stated that if a ruler of a dependent state died without a natural male heir, the state would 'lapse' or be annexed by the British.
- d. Hand Holding Policy: This is not a recognized historical diplomatic or expansionist policy of the British Raj in India.
Who led the English forces in the Battle of Buxar?
A)
Clive
B)
Hector Monro
C)
Vansittart
D)
Lord Ripon
The Battle of Buxar took place on October 22, 1764. The English East India Company forces were led by Major Hector Munro. They fought against a combined alliance consisting of Mir Qasim (the Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (the Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (the Mughal Emperor). The victory at Buxar established the British as the dominant power in Northern India and led to the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Robert Clive: While Clive was a key figure in the Battle of Plassey (1757) and negotiated the Treaty of Allahabad after Buxar, he did not lead the troops on the field at Buxar.
- c. Vansittart: Henry Vansittart was a colonial administrator and served as Governor of Bengal, but he was not the military commander at Buxar.
- d. Lord Ripon: Lord Ripon was a Viceroy of India (1880–1884), serving over a century after the Battle of Buxar occurred.
Who has been awarded the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development?
A)
Michelle Bachelet
B)
Joko Widodo
C)
Dina Boluarte
D)
Claudia Sheinbaum
The 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was awarded to Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She was recognized for her lifelong commitment to human rights, gender equality, and her efforts in promoting peace and disarmament globally.
Analysis of other options:
- Joko Widodo: The former President of Indonesia; while a significant political figure, he was not the recipient of this specific award for 2024.
- Dina Boluarte: The current President of Peru; not the recipient of this award.
- Claudia Sheinbaum: The current President of Mexico; not the recipient of this award.
What is the theme for World AIDS Day 2024?
A)
Know Your Status
B)
Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right
C)
Global Solidarity, Resilient Services
D)
Let Communities Lead
World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1st to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS pandemic. For the year 2024, the theme is 'Let Communities Lead'. This theme emphasizes the critical role of community-led responses in ending the AIDS epidemic, highlighting that people living with HIV and affected communities are best positioned to drive the necessary changes in healthcare delivery and social support.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 'Know Your Status' is a general slogan used in various awareness campaigns but was not the specific 2024 theme.
- Option (b) 'Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right' was the theme for World AIDS Day 2023.
- Option (c) 'Global Solidarity, Resilient Services' was the theme for World AIDS Day 2021.
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 deterioration caused by consuming vast amounts of low-quality, short-form digital content (such as TikToks or Reels). It reflects the cultural anxiety surrounding the impact of social media on attention spans and mental health.
Regarding the other options:
- 'Neuro Spicy' is a slang term used within neurodivergent communities but was not the Word of the Year.
- 'Dumpster' is a common noun and not a trending neologism for 2024.
- 'Heat Dome' is a meteorological term used to describe weather patterns, but it did not receive the 2024 Oxford Word of the Year title.
In which year the Council of Churches in Mizoram was formed?
A)
1986
B)
1998
C)
2001
D)
2024
The Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM) was formally established in the year 2001. It serves as an ecumenical body aimed at promoting unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding among the various Christian denominations operating within the state of Mizoram.
Analysis of options:
- 1986: This year is significant in Mizoram's history for the signing of the Mizo Peace Accord, but not for the formation of the CCM.
- 1998: Not the year of formation for the Council.
- 2001: The correct year of establishment for the Council of Churches in Mizoram.
- 2024: This is a future/current date and incorrect.
Who is the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women?
A)
Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar
B)
Archana Majumdar
C)
UmaDevi
D)
Anita Sharma
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body established to protect and promote the interests of women in India. In 2023, the Government of India appointed Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women. She succeeded Rekha Sharma. The other options provided (Archana Majumdar, UmaDevi, and Anita Sharma) are not the current Chairperson of the NCW. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
The British were able to finally subjugate Mysore in 1799 after the fall of-
A)
Hyder Ali
B)
Balaji Baji Rao
C)
Tipu Sultan
D)
Ranjit Singh
The British East India Company fought four Anglo-Mysore Wars to establish dominance over the region of Mysore. The first three wars (against Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan) ended in treaties that left Mysore as a powerful independent state. However, the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799) resulted in the fall of Seringapatam. Tipu Sultan died defending his capital in May 1799. Following his death, the British finally subjugated Mysore, placing a puppet ruler from the Wodeyar dynasty on the throne and bringing the state under a subsidiary alliance.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Hyder Ali: He was the father of Tipu Sultan and fought the first two Anglo-Mysore wars, but he died in 1782, long before the final subjugation in 1799.
- b. Balaji Baji Rao: He was the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, not the ruler of Mysore.
- d. Ranjit Singh: He was the founder of the Sikh Empire in Punjab and had no role in the administration or fall of Mysore.
What is the name of the scheme recently approved by the Union Cabinet to promote natural farming in India?
A)
National Agricultural Development Scheme
B)
National Mission on Natural Farming
C)
Green Revolution 2.0
D)
Sustainable Agriculture Promotion Scheme
The Union Cabinet approved the 'National Mission on Natural Farming' (NMNF) to promote chemical-free agriculture and sustainable farming practices across India. The mission aims to reduce the dependence of farmers on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improve soil health, and increase farmer income by promoting natural inputs.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 'National Agricultural Development Scheme' is a generic term and not the specific name of the recently approved natural farming mission.
- Option (c) 'Green Revolution 2.0' is often used as a conceptual term for the next phase of agricultural productivity (focusing on sustainability), but it is not the official name of this specific scheme.
- Option (d) 'Sustainable Agriculture Promotion Scheme' is a descriptive phrase but not the official title of the government's approved mission for natural farming.
Who applied the Doctrine of Lapse to the Indian states?
A)
Lord Hastings
B)
Lord Dalhousie
C)
George Canning
D)
Lord Wellesley
The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy applied by the British East India Company. Under this policy, any princely state under the suzerainty of the British would automatically be annexed to the British Empire if the ruler died without a natural male heir. Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, aggressively implemented this policy to expand British territory. Notable states annexed under this doctrine include Satara (1848), Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849), Baghat (1850), Udaipur (1852), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854).
Why other options are incorrect:
- Lord Hastings (a): Known for the policy of 'Paramountcy' and fighting the Pindaris.
- George Canning (c): He was the Governor-General during the Revolt of 1857 and actually worked to scrap the Doctrine of Lapse to appease the Indian princes.
- Lord Wellesley (d): He is famous for the 'Subsidiary Alliance' system, not the Doctrine of Lapse.
Who among the following signed the first Subsidiary Alliance in India?
A)
Nawab of Oudh
B)
Peshwa Baji Rao
C)
Bhonsle
D)
Nizam of Hyderabad
The Subsidiary Alliance system was a strategic tool used by Lord Wellesley, the Governor-General of India (1798–1805), to establish British hegemony over Indian princely states. Under this system, an Indian ruler had to disband his own army and maintain a British force within his territory, paying for its upkeep. In return, the British guaranteed protection against external attacks and internal rebellions.
1. The Nizam of Hyderabad was the first Indian ruler to enter into a Subsidiary Alliance with the British in 1798.
2. The Nawab of Oudh signed the alliance later, in 1801.
3. The Peshwa and the Bhonsle (Maratha chiefs) were forced into similar agreements following the Second Anglo-Maratha War (around 1802-1803), well after the Nizam had already signed.
Therefore, the Nizam of Hyderabad is the correct answer as he was the pioneer in accepting this system.
Which State will host the Khelo India Youth Games 2025?
A)
Uttar Pradesh
B)
Maharashtra
C)
Bihar
D)
Tamil Nadu
The Government of India has officially designated Bihar as the host state for the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the state as it prepares to host one of India's largest multi-sport events to promote grassroots sports and identify young athletic talent.
- Option (a) Uttar Pradesh: While a major sporting hub, it is not the host for the 2025 Youth Games.
- Option (b) Maharashtra: Maharashtra hosted previous editions (such as 2023), but is not the host for 2025.
- Option (d) Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu hosted the 2022 edition, but is not the host for 2025.
Which organization released the Intemational Debt Report 2024?
A)
World Bank
B)
International Monetary Fund
C)
World Trade Organization
D)
Asian Development Bank
The International Debt Report (IDR) is an annual publication released by the World Bank. The 2024 report provides comprehensive data on the external debt of low- and middle-income countries, analyzing trends in debt stocks, debt service, and the sustainability of borrowing for developing nations.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. International Monetary Fund (IMF): While the IMF monitors global financial stability and provides debt sustainability analyses (DSA), the specific 'International Debt Report' is a World Bank product.
- c. World Trade Organization (WTO): The WTO focuses on the rules of trade between nations and does not publish global debt reports.
- d. Asian Development Bank (ADB): The ADB focuses on regional development and debt in Asia and the Pacific, rather than the global International Debt Report.
What was the nature of Arya Samaj movement?
A)
Nationalist
B)
Racist
C)
Revivalist
D)
Lower caste
The Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875, is characterized as a 'Revivalist' movement because its primary objective was to return to the original purity of the Vedic period. Dayananda Saraswati's famous slogan, 'Go back to the Vedas,' emphasizes the desire to revive the ancient Vedic culture and religion, stripping away later accretions like idol worship, complex rituals, and the rigid caste system based on birth.
Why other options are incorrect:
- (a) Nationalist: While the Arya Samaj contributed significantly to the growth of Indian nationalism and the freedom struggle, its core nature as a religious/social movement was revivalist rather than primarily political.
- (b) Racist: The movement was not based on racial superiority, although it did engage in 'Shuddhi' (purification) to bring people back to the fold of Hinduism.
- (d) Lower caste: The Arya Samaj was not a movement started by or exclusively for the lower castes (unlike the Satyashodhak Samaj), although it did advocate against the birth-based caste system and promoted education for all.
Moplah Uprising also known as the Malabar Rebellion happened in-
A)
1916
B)
1918
C)
1921
D)
1923
The Moplah Uprising, also known as the Malabar Rebellion, took place in 1921 in the Malabar region of Kerala. It was a violent conflict involving the Mappila Muslims (Moplahs) against the British colonial administration and the local Hindu landlords (Jenmis). The rebellion was influenced by the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, as the Moplahs sought to combine their religious and agrarian grievances with the broader nationalist struggle for independence.
Analysis of options:
- 1916: This year is associated with the Lucknow Pact, not the Malabar Rebellion.
- 1918: This period saw the end of WWI and the beginning of the Khilafat movement, but the rebellion had not yet peaked.
- 1921: The correct year when the rebellion broke out and reached its height.
- 1923: By this time, the rebellion had been suppressed by the British military.
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 began in February 1946 on the HMIS Talwar in Bombay and quickly spread to other ships and shore establishments. The ratings (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 Naval Command ultimately responded with force and repression. The mutiny was suppressed through a combination of military pressure and the intervention of Indian political leaders (including the Congress and the Communist Party), who urged the sailors to surrender to avoid further bloodshed. The British government arrested the ringleaders and used strict disciplinary measures to restore order. Options a, c, and d are incorrect because the British did not offer a peaceful settlement, genuine talks for reform, or improved working conditions as a means to end the mutiny; rather, they focused on crushing the rebellion to maintain colonial authority.
The Indian Railways was introduced during the tenure and under leadership of-
A)
Warren Hastings
B)
Lord Canning
C)
Lord Dalhousie
D)
Lord Curzon
The Indian Railways were introduced during the tenure of Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. He is often regarded as the 'Father of Indian Railways' because he laid the foundation for the railway network to facilitate the movement of troops and the transport of raw materials for British industries. The first passenger train in India ran from Bombay (Mumbai) to Thane on April 16, 1853.
Analysis of other options:
- Warren Hastings (1773–1785): He was the first Governor-General of Bengal and focused on administrative and judicial reforms, long before the invention of commercial railways.
- Lord Canning (1856–1862): He was the first Viceroy of India and dealt with the aftermath of the 1857 Revolt; while railways expanded during his time, they were introduced by Dalhousie.
- Lord Curzon (1899–1905): He is known for the Partition of Bengal (1905) and administrative reforms, occurring decades after the introduction of the railways.
The 16" of August 1946 that saw massive communal violence was called-
A)
Muslim Hindu Riot Day
B)
Hardiyal Day
C)
Direct Action Day
D)
Jcevansathi Day
The event that took place on August 16, 1946, is historically known as 'Direct Action Day'. It was called by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League to press the British government and the Indian National Congress for the creation of a separate sovereign state (Pakistan). The day led to massive communal riots, most notably the 'Great Calcutta Killings', which resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread violence across Bengal.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 'Muslim Hindu Riot Day' is a descriptive phrase but not the formal historical name of the event.
- Option (b) 'Hardiyal Day' and Option (d) 'Jcevansathi Day' are fabricated terms and have no historical significance in the context of the Indian independence movement.