← Assistant Professor / Lecturer
Past Questions — 2025
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.'
Analysis of other options:
- New Delhi: While India hosts many environmental summits and G20 meetings, it did not host COP28.
- New York: New York City is the headquarters of the UN and hosts the 'Climate Ambition Summit,' but the annual COP meetings rotate globally.
- London: London has hosted various climate-related events, but it was not the host city for the 28th COP.
Tn 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 a protected area known for its biodiversity and serves as a critical catchment area for the region.
Analysis of options:
- a. Madhya Pradesh: Known for sanctuaries like Kanha and Pench, but not Tungareshwar.
- b. Tamil Nadu: Known for sanctuaries like Mudumalai, but not Tungareshwar.
- c. Maharashtra: Correct. Tungareshwar is situated in the Western Ghats region of Maharashtra.
- d. Kerala: Known for sanctuaries like Periyar, but not Tungareshwar.
Who was associated with ‘Ring fence’ policy in India?
A)
Henry Lawrence
B)
Dalhousie
C)
Lord Hastings
D)
Warren Hastings
The 'Ring Fence' policy was a strategic diplomatic and military approach adopted by Lord Hastings (Governor-General from 1813 to 1823). The core objective of this policy was to create a 'buffer zone' of friendly or neutral states around the borders of the British East India Company's territories to protect them from external invasions (particularly from the Marathas, Sikhs, or potential European rivals). By establishing these 'ring fences,' the British could maintain security without having to directly annex and administer vast, unstable territories.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Henry Lawrence: He was a prominent administrator and soldier in the Punjab region, but he is not associated with the formulation of the Ring Fence policy.
- Lord Dalhousie: He is primarily known for the 'Doctrine of Lapse' and the aggressive annexation of Indian states, which is the opposite of the cautious buffering approach of the Ring Fence policy.
- Warren Hastings: He was the first Governor-General of Bengal and dealt with the early consolidation of British power (e.g., Regulating Act of 1773), long before the specific strategic implementation of the Ring Fence policy under Hastings.
The leader of the Home Rule movement borrowed the term ‘Home Rule’ from similar movement in-
A)
Ireland
B)
Scotland
C)
USA
D)
Mexico
The Home Rule movement in India was launched in 1916 by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The term 'Home Rule' refers to a form of limited self-government (autonomy) within the framework of a larger empire. This concept and terminology were directly borrowed from the Irish Home Rule League, which had been fighting for similar self-governing status for Ireland within the British Empire. Annie Besant, who had significant experience with the movement in Ireland, played a pivotal role in adapting this model to the Indian context to demand self-government for India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Scotland: While Scotland had movements for devolution, the specific 'Home Rule' political framework and league structure used by Besant and Tilak were modeled on the Irish experience.
- USA: The USA fought for complete independence from Britain (Revolutionary War), not 'Home Rule' (autonomy within the empire).
- Mexico: Mexico's political struggles were unrelated to the British imperial administrative structure of 'Home Rule'.
The Lucknow session of the Congress is known for-
A)
Split in the Congress
B)
Adopting Swadeshi
C)
Reunification of Indian National Congress
D)
Condemning the Muslim League
The Lucknow Session of the Indian National Congress (INC) took place in 1916 and is historically significant for two major reasons:
1. The Reunification of the Congress: The party had split into 'Moderates' and 'Extremists' during the Surat Session of 1907. In 1916, under the leadership of Ambica Charan Mazumdar and with the efforts of Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the two factions reunited.
2. The Lucknow Pact: The session also saw the signing of a pact between the INC and the All-India Muslim League, marking a period of Hindu-Muslim unity to demand self-government from the British.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): The split in the Congress occurred at the Surat Session in 1907, not Lucknow.
- Option (b): Swadeshi was primarily adopted and promoted during the Anti-Partition movement following the 1905 Partition of Bengal.
- Option (d): The Lucknow session was characterized by cooperation and a pact with the Muslim League, not condemnation.
Which of the following decision introduced English as the medium of instruction in 1835?
A)
Charter Act
B)
Charles Minute
C)
Macaulay Minute
D)
Anglicists Minute
The decision to introduce English as the medium of instruction in India was formalized through the 'Macaulay's Minute' of 1835. Thomas Babington Macaulay, a member of the General Committee of Public Instruction, argued that the British should focus on creating a class of persons 'Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect.' This led to the English Education Act of 1835, which shifted government funding from Oriental learning (Sanskrit and Arabic) to Western education in English.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Charter Act: These were laws passed by the British Parliament to renew the East India Company's charter (e.g., 1813, 1833, 1853). While the Charter Act of 1813 provided funds for education, it did not specify English as the medium.
- b. Charles Minute: This is not a recognized historical document related to the education policy of 1835.
- d. Anglicists Minute: While there was a conflict between 'Anglicists' (who favored English) and 'Orientalists' (who favored traditional languages), the specific official document that settled the debate and introduced the policy was Macaulay's Minute.
Who is the current CEO of Microsoft?
A)
Sundar Pichai
B)
Indra Nooyi
C)
Satya Nadella
D)
Narayana Murthi
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Identify the target entity: The question asks for the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Microsoft Corporation.
2. Evaluate the options:
- (a) Sundar Pichai: He is the CEO of Alphabet Inc. and its subsidiary Google.
- (b) Indra Nooyi: She is the former CEO and Chairperson of PepsiCo.
- (c) Satya Nadella: He took over as the CEO of Microsoft in February 2014, succeeding Steve Ballmer, and remains in the position currently.
- (d) Narayana Murthy: He is the co-founder and former chairman of Infosys.
3. Conclusion: Satya Nadella is the correct answer.
The most flourishing industry in India before the process of De-Industrialization was-
A)
Cotton textile handicrafts Industry
B)
Tea Industry
C)
Jute industry
D)
Rubber industry
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Understanding 'De-Industrialization': In the context of Indian history, de-industrialization refers to the decline of traditional Indian handicrafts and handloom industries during the British colonial period, primarily due to the influx of machine-made goods from Britain. 2. Analyzing the Pre-Colonial Economy: Before the Industrial Revolution in England and the subsequent colonial policies, India was the world leader in textile production. The cotton textile industry, particularly the production of fine muslins and calicos, was the most flourishing and globally renowned sector. 3. Evaluating Options: (a) Cotton textile handicrafts: This was the backbone of the Indian economy and the primary target of British trade policies (like high tariffs on Indian goods and forced import of British textiles). (b) Tea, (c) Jute, and (d) Rubber: These were 'plantation crops' introduced or commercially scaled up by the British during the colonial era. They flourished *during* the colonial period, not *before* the process of de-industrialization. Therefore, the cotton textile industry is the only correct answer as it represents the indigenous industry that existed and thrived prior to the colonial economic shift.
The immediate cause which led to the launching of the Non-Cooperation movement was the?
A)
Rowlatt Act
B)
Khilafat Committee
C)
Simon Commission
D)
Dissatisfaction with the Government of India Act, 1912
The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was launched by Mahatma Gandhi to achieve Swaraj and to support the Khilafat movement. The 'immediate cause' was the integration of the Khilafat issue—the demand by Muslims to preserve the authority of the Ottoman Caliph (Khalifa) after World War I—with the Indian national struggle. Gandhi saw this as a unique opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims. While the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh massacre created the necessary atmosphere of resentment, the formal launch of the movement was tied to the Khilafat Committee's demands.
Analysis of other options:
- (a) Rowlatt Act: This was a precursor that led to the Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919), not the immediate cause of the Non-Cooperation Movement itself.
- (c) Simon Commission: This was appointed in 1927 and led to protests in 1928, long after the Non-Cooperation Movement had ended.
- (d) Government of India Act, 1912: This is historically inaccurate as the major act of that era was the Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms), and it was not the immediate trigger for the movement.
Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Stafford Cripps and AV Alexander were part of-
A)
August Offer
B)
Wavell Plan
C)
Cabinet Mission
D)
Crips Mission
The Cabinet Mission arrived in India in March 1946 to discuss the transfer of power from the British government to Indian leadership. The mission consisted of three high-ranking members of the British Cabinet: Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India), Sir Stafford Cripps (President of the Board of Trade), and A.V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty).
Why other options are incorrect:
- August Offer (1940): This was a proposal made by Viceroy Lord Linlithgow to gain Indian support during WWII; it was not a mission consisting of these three individuals.
- Wavell Plan (1945): This was a proposal by Viceroy Lord Wavell to resolve the political deadlock in India, leading to the Simla Conference.
- Cripps Mission (1942): While Stafford Cripps was the sole lead representative of this mission, Lord Pethick-Lawrence and A.V. Alexander were not part of it.
The English East India Company arrived in India in the year-
A)
1498
B)
1608
C)
1717
D)
1757
The English East India Company (EIC) was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600. However, the first ship of the Company, the 'Hector', commanded by Captain William Hawkins, actually arrived at the port of Surat in India in 1608.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 1498: This is the year Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, reached Calicut, marking the beginning of the Portuguese era in India, not the English.
- Option (c) 1717: This year is significant because Emperor Farrukhsiyar issued a royal 'farman' (decree) granting the East India Company trade concessions and the right to mint coins 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.
The British were able to finally subjugate Mysore in 1799 after the fall of-
A)
HyderAli
B)
Balaji Baji Rao
C)
Tipu Sultan
D)
Ranjit Singh
The British East India Company fought four Anglo-Mysore Wars to establish dominance over southern India. The final conflict, the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799), culminated in the Siege of Seringapatam. Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, died defending his capital on May 4, 1799. Following his death, the British effectively subjugated Mysore, placing a subsidiary alliance on a restored Wodeyar dynasty, thereby ending the threat from Mysore.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Hyder Ali: He was the father of Tipu Sultan and a formidable opponent in the first two wars, but he died in 1782, long before the final subjugation in 1799.
- b. Balaji Baji Rao: He was a Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, not the ruler of Mysore.
- d. Ranjit Singh: He was the founder of the Sikh Empire in the Punjab region and was not involved in the Mysore conflicts.
Which state has been declared as the partner state for Hornbill Festival 2024?
A)
Sikkim
B)
Assam
C)
Manipur
D)
Tripura
The Hornbill Festival, often referred to as the 'Festival of Festivals,' is an annual cultural event held in Nagaland to promote and preserve the rich heritage of the Naga tribes. For the 2024 edition of the festival, the Government of Nagaland declared Tripura as the 'Partner State.' This initiative is designed to foster cultural exchange, strengthen inter-state relations, and showcase the traditional arts, crafts, and dance of the partner state to a global audience. While Sikkim, Assam, and Manipur are also North Eastern states with rich cultures, they were not the designated partner state for the 2024 Hornbill Festival.
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. Its primary purpose was to create a unified platform for the various Christian denominations in Mizoram to collaborate on social, spiritual, and ecumenical issues, promoting unity among the different church bodies in the state.
Analyzing the options:
- 1986: Incorrect. This period was marked by the transition toward peace following the Mizo Accord (1986), but the CCM was not formed then.
- 1998: Incorrect.
- 2001: Correct. This is the official year of formation for the Council of Churches in Mizoram.
- 2024: Incorrect. This is a current/future date relative to the historical formation of the organization.
The Surat Split occurred in 1907 as a result of misunderstanding between-
A)
The Muslims and the Hindus
B)
The British officials and leaders of the Indian National Congress
C)
The Moderates and the Extremists
D)
The Bengalis and the British
The Surat Split of 1907 was a pivotal event in the history of the Indian National Congress (INC). It occurred during the session held in Surat, Gujarat. The conflict arose due to ideological differences between two factions:
1. The Moderates (led by figures like Gopal Krishna Gokhale), who believed in constitutional methods, petitions, and gradual reform.
2. The Extremists (led by the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio: Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal), who advocated for more aggressive methods, including boycotts (Swadeshi) and passive resistance.
The tension peaked over the presidency of the session and the extension of the Swadeshi movement beyond Bengal. This resulted in a formal split in the party, and the Extremists were excluded from the Congress until their reunification in 1916.
Other options are incorrect because:
- Option (a) refers to communal tensions, which were a separate socio-political issue (e.g., Partition of Bengal 1905), not the cause of the Surat Split.
- Option (b) describes the general conflict between the colonized and the colonizer, not an internal party split.
- Option (d) refers to the regional conflict during the Partition of Bengal, but the Surat Split specifically concerned the internal division of the INC leadership.
Permanent Settlement of Cornwallis 1793 was also known as-
A)
Malguzari Settlement
B)
Mahalwari Settlement
C)
Ryotwari Settlement
D)
Zamindari Settlement
The Permanent Settlement was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. Under this system, the local landlords (Zamindars) were recognized as the owners of the land, provided they paid a fixed amount of revenue to the British East India Company. Because the Zamindars acted as the intermediaries between the peasants and the state, it is widely known as the Zamindari Settlement.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Malguzari Settlement: This was a variation of the land revenue system (often associated with the Mahalwari system in certain regions) where the 'Malguzar' (revenue collector) was responsible for payment, but it is not the primary name for the 1793 Cornwallis act.
- b. Mahalwari Settlement: Introduced primarily in the North-Western Provinces and Punjab, where the revenue was settled with the village community (Mahal) rather than individual landlords.
- c. Ryotwari Settlement: Introduced by Thomas Munro and Alexander Read in Southern India, where the government dealt directly with the individual cultivators (Ryots), bypassing the Zamindars entirely.
The All India Muslim League was established in the year-
A)
1905
B)
1906
C)
1907
D)
1908
The All India Muslim League was founded on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh). The organization was established by a group of Muslim leaders, including Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka, Aga Khan III, and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, with the primary goal of protecting the political rights of Muslims in India and fostering a relationship of loyalty to the British government.
Analysis of other options:
- 1905: This year is significant for the Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon, which created the political climate that led to the formation of the League, but the League itself was not yet formed.
- 1907: This year is notable for the Surat Split in the Indian National Congress, where the party divided into Moderates and Extremists.
- 1908: This year saw the trial and sentencing of Bal Gangadhar Tilak for sedition, but it is not the founding year of the Muslim League.
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 history of the Indian National Congress (INC) is generally divided into three distinct phases based on the ideology and methods of the leadership.
1. **Moderate Phase (1885–1905):** This initial period was led by figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and W.C. Bonnerjee. The Moderates believed in constitutional agitation, petitions, and prayers (the '3Ps'). They sought gradual reforms within the British legal framework and believed in the British sense of justice.
2. **Extremist Phase (1905–1919):** Triggered by the Partition of Bengal in 1905, this phase was led by the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal). They advocated for 'Swaraj' (self-rule) and used methods like boycotts and mass mobilization.
3. **Gandhian Phase (1919–1947):** This phase began with the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi on the center stage of Indian politics, characterized by non-violence (Ahimsa) and Satyagraha.
Since the question specifies the period between 1885 (the founding of the INC) and 1905 (the Partition of Bengal), it corresponds exactly to the Moderate phase.
Gandhi agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement with the-
A)
Dandi March
B)
Harijan Pact
C)
Lucknow Pact
D)
Gandhi-rwin 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, Mahatma Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London, while Lord Irwin (the Viceroy) agreed to release political prisoners who had not committed violence.
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): The Poona Pact (1932) was an agreement between B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi regarding reserved seats for the depressed classes in provincial and central legislative councils.
- c. Lucknow Pact: The Lucknow Pact (1916) was an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League to present a joint set of demands to the British government.
In-which District of Mizoram the Government of India implemented the Aspirational District Programme?
A)
Lawngtlai
B)
Mamit
C)
Siaha
D)
Hnahthial
The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) was launched by the Government of India (NITI Aayog) in January 2018 to transform districts that have shown relatively lower rankings in key social indicators. In the state of Mizoram, the Mamit district was identified and selected for this programme due to its need for accelerated development in areas such as health, education, agriculture, and basic infrastructure. While Lawngtlai and Siaha are also remote districts, Mamit is the specific district designated under the Aspirational Districts framework for targeted intervention and monitoring by the central government.
Who among the following was not one of the leaders of the 1857 Rebellion?
A)
Kunwar Singh
B)
Tantia Tope
C)
Bahadur Shah Zafar
D)
Bhagat Singh
The 1857 Rebellion (also known as the First War of Independence) took place between 1857 and 1858.
1. Kunwar Singh (Option a) was a prominent leader of the rebellion in Bihar (Jagdishpur).
2. Tantia Tope (Option b) was a key general of the rebellion and a close associate of Nana Sahib in Kanpur.
3. Bahadur Shah Zafar (Option c) was the last Mughal Emperor and was proclaimed the symbolic leader/Emperor of India by the rebels.
4. Bhagat Singh (Option d) was a revolutionary nationalist who was active in the 1920s and 1930s. He was executed by the British in 1931, which is approximately 74 years after the 1857 Rebellion. Therefore, he could not have been a leader of the 1857 Rebellion.
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 President Donald Trump was targeted by a gunman. A bullet grazed the upper part of his right ear. The incident occurred during a speech he was delivering as part of his 2024 presidential campaign.
Analysis of options:
- a. New Jersey: Not the location of the incident.
- b. Pennsylvania: Correct. The event took place in Butler, PA.
- c. Texas: Not the location of the incident.
- d. Washington: Not the location of the incident.
Which of the following was known as the Partition Plan of India?
A)
Cripps Mission Plan
B)
Cabinet Mission Plan
C)
Wavell Plan
D)
Mountbatten Plan
The Mountbatten Plan, announced on June 3, 1947, is formally known as the '3rd June Plan'. It was the final blueprint for the partition of British India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, proposed this plan to resolve the deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Cripps Mission Plan (1942): Proposed by Sir Stafford Cripps to secure Indian cooperation in WWII in exchange for 'dominion status' after the war; it did not propose partition.
- b. Cabinet Mission Plan (1946): Aimed to keep India united through a three-tier federal structure with a weak center and strong provinces; it specifically tried to avoid partition.
- c. Wavell Plan (1945): Proposed during the Simla Conference to form an Executive Council with equal representation for Hindus and Muslims to transition toward self-government, but it did not outline a partition plan.
What is a 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
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the requirement: The question asks for a flagship scheme providing micro-credit/small loans specifically to street vendors.
2. Evaluate Option (b): PM SVANidhi (Prime Minister Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi) was 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 pandemic. This matches the question perfectly.
3. Evaluate Option (a): PM Gati Shakti is a National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity to improve infrastructure and logistics efficiency.
4. Evaluate Option (c): 'PM Suraksha Street' is not a recognized flagship government scheme.
5. Evaluate Option (d): PM SHRI (Schools for Rising India) is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at upgrading schools to provide high-quality education.
Conclusion: PM SVANidhi is the correct scheme designed for street vendor micro-credit.
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. Among the Union Territories, Chandigarh became the first to fully implement these laws by completing the necessary infrastructure updates, training of police personnel, and digitization of records required for the transition from the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act. While other UTs like Delhi and Puducherry also implemented them on the same date, Chandigarh was highlighted in administrative reports for being the first to achieve full operational readiness and systemic integration across its jurisdiction.