← Assistant Professor / Lecturer
Past Questions — 2025
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 Compound-Open archery event. 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 the Paralympics, but not in archery.
- Manish Narwal: He is a javelin thrower who has won medals in the Paralympics, but not in archery.
- Nishad Kumar: He is a discus thrower who has won medals in the Paralympics, but not in archery.
The first Governor-General of the Government of Bengal was-
A)
Warren Hastings
B)
Lord Comwallis
C)
Robert Clive
D)
Lord Mayo
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 in 1773.
Analysis of other options:
- Lord Cornwallis: He was a later Governor-General (1786–1793) known for the Permanent Settlement of Bengal.
- Robert Clive: While he was a pivotal figure and served as Governor of Bengal twice, he served before the Regulating Act of 1773 created the office of Governor-General.
- Lord Mayo: He served as the Viceroy of India (1869–1872), a position created much later in 1858 after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
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 Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. Under this policy, any princely state under the paramountcy of the East India Company would be annexed if the ruler died without a natural male heir; adopted heirs were not recognized as legal successors to the throne. Notable states annexed under this doctrine include Satara (1848), Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854).
Why other options are incorrect:
- Lord Hastings (1813–1823) is known for the policy of non-intervention and the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
- George Canning (1856–1862) succeeded Dalhousie and actually abolished the Doctrine of Lapse after the Revolt of 1857 to appease the Indian princes.
- Lord Wellesley (1798–1805) is famous for the 'Subsidiary Alliance' system, not the Doctrine of Lapse.
Yuva Sangam is a flagship initiative launched by which ministry?
A)
Ministry of Education
B)
Ministry of Science and Technology
C)
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
D)
Ministry of Defense
Yuva Sangam is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is implemented through the National Service Scheme (NSS). The primary objective of the program is to promote 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' by facilitating student exchange programs between different states and union territories. This allows students to experience the diverse culture, language, and traditions of other parts of India, thereby fostering national integration and mutual understanding.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of Science and Technology focuses on scientific research and innovation.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs focuses on the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes.
- Ministry of Defense focuses on national security and the management of the armed forces.
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 dependent princely states around the borders of the British territories. By establishing these 'ring fences,' the British aimed to protect their core possessions from external invasions (particularly from the Afghans or Marathas) and to avoid the direct administrative burden of annexing every territory.
Analysis of other options:
- Henry Lawrence: He was a prominent administrator and soldier in the Punjab region, but not the architect of the Ring Fence policy.
- Lord Dalhousie: He is primarily known for the 'Doctrine of Lapse' and the aggressive annexation of states, which was the opposite of the cautious buffer-state 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 and the First Anglo-Maratha War, but the specific 'Ring Fence' strategy is attributed to the later tenure of Lord Hastings.
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 initially influenced by the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, as the Moplahs sought to protect the Caliphate in Turkey and address agrarian grievances.
Analysis of options:
- 1916: Incorrect. This period saw the Lucknow Pact, but not the Malabar Rebellion.
- 1918: Incorrect. This was the end of World War I and the period of the Rowlatt Act preparations.
- 1921: Correct. The rebellion broke out in August 1921 and lasted until early 1922.
- 1923: Incorrect. By this time, the rebellion had been suppressed by the British military.
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 indigenous industries during the British colonial period, particularly after the Industrial Revolution in Britain. 2. Analyzing the Pre-Colonial Economy: Before the British established dominance, India was world-renowned for its textile production. The cotton textile industry, characterized by high-quality hand-spun and hand-woven fabrics (such as Muslin and Calico), was the backbone of the Indian economy and its primary export. 3. Evaluating Options: (a) Cotton textile handicrafts: This was the most flourishing industry and the primary target of British trade policies (like high tariffs on Indian goods and the flooding of Indian markets with machine-made clothes from Manchester). (b) Tea, (c) Jute, and (d) Rubber: These industries were largely introduced or commercially developed by the British *during* the colonial period as plantation crops for export; they did not exist as 'flourishing industries' before the process of de-industrialization began. Therefore, the cotton textile handicraft industry is the only correct answer.
Which organization released the International 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 sovereign debt.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. International Monetary Fund (IMF): While the IMF monitors global financial stability and publishes reports like the 'World Economic Outlook' and 'Global Financial Stability Report', 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 publishes reports related to trade statistics and policies, not sovereign debt reports.
- d. Asian Development Bank (ADB): The ADB focuses on regional development in Asia and the Pacific and publishes reports specific to that region, rather than a global International Debt Report.
The founder of the Arya Samaj and champion of the Suddhi Movement was-
A)
RajaRammohan Roy
B)
Dayanand Saraswati
C)
Swami Vivekananda
D)
Henry Vivian Derozio
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The Arya Samaj was a Hindu reform movement founded in 1875 by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Its primary goal was to return to the original teachings of the Vedas ('Back to the Vedas').
2. The Shuddhi Movement was a campaign initiated by the Arya Samaj to 'purify' or reconvert people who had converted to other religions (such as Islam or Christianity) back to Hinduism.
3. Evaluating other options:
- Raja Rammohan Roy: Founded the Brahmo Samaj and fought against Sati; he is known as the 'Father of Modern India'.
- Swami Vivekananda: Founded the Ramakrishna Mission and promoted the philosophy of Vedanta globally.
- Henry Vivian Derozio: Leader of the Young Bengal Movement, who encouraged free thinking and rationalism among students in Calcutta.
Therefore, Dayanand Saraswati is the only individual associated with both the Arya Samaj and the Shuddhi Movement.
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)
Jeevansathi Day
On August 16, 1946, the Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, called for 'Direct Action Day' to press the demand for a separate Muslim state (Pakistan) after the failure of the Cabinet Mission Plan. This day witnessed massive communal violence, particularly in Calcutta (now Kolkata), which triggered a chain of riots across other parts of India. This event is a critical turning point in the lead-up to the Partition of India in 1947. Options 'a', 'b', and 'd' are fabricated terms and have no historical basis in the context of the Indian independence movement.
The first Jute Mill in India was started in?
A)
1855
B)
1863
C)
1865
D)
1870
The first jute mill in India was established in 1855 at Rishra in West Bengal. It was started by George Acland. The jute industry grew rapidly in the Bengal region due to the availability of raw jute and the proximity to the Hooghly river for transport.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 1855: Correct. This is the historically documented year for the establishment of the first jute mill at Rishra.
- Option (b) 1863: Incorrect. While the industry expanded during this decade, the first mill was already operational.
- Option (c) 1865: Incorrect. This date does not correspond to the inception of the jute industry in India.
- Option (d) 1870: Incorrect. By this time, the jute industry was already well-established and expanding into larger scale production.
Which Organization released the State of the Climate 2024 Report?
A)
Food and Agriculture Organization
B)
World Meteorological Organization
C)
United Nations Environment Programme
D)
Citizens’ Climate Lobby
The 'State of the Climate' report is a flagship annual publication released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The 2024 report provides a comprehensive analysis of global climate indicators, including greenhouse gas concentrations, surface temperatures, ocean heat, and sea-level rise, often highlighting that the world is facing unprecedented climate extremes.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Focuses on food security, agriculture, and forestry.
- c. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): While they publish the 'Emissions Gap Report', the specific 'State of the Climate' series is the mandate of the WMO.
- d. Citizens’ Climate Lobby: This is a non-profit advocacy group, not an intergovernmental scientific organization that releases official global climate state reports.
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 its leadership.
1. **Moderate Phase (1885–1905):** This initial period was dominated by leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and W.C. Bonnerjee. The Moderates believed in constitutional agitation, petitions, and prayers (the '3P' method: Prayer, Petition, and Protest) to seek reforms from the British government. They believed in the British sense of justice and sought gradual reforms within the existing legal framework.
2. **Extremist Phase (1905–1919):** This phase began around the time of the Partition of Bengal (1905). Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal (Lal-Bal-Pal) advocated for 'Swaraj' (Self-rule) through more assertive methods such as boycotts of foreign goods and national education.
3. **Gandhian Phase (1919–1947):** This period saw the rise of Mahatma Gandhi, who introduced the concepts of Satyagraha and Ahimsa (Non-violence) to lead mass movements for independence.
Since the question specifies the period between 1885 (the founding of the INC) and 1905, it refers 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-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, 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 been violent.
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; it was not related to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- c. Lucknow Pact: Signed in 1916, this 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, occurring long before the Civil Disobedience Movement.
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. The Khilafat Committee was formed in Bombay in 1919, and its demands, combined with the grievances over the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Act, led to the formal launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement at the Nagpur session of the Congress in December 1920.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Rowlatt Act: While the Rowlatt Act (1919) created immense resentment and led to the Rowlatt Satyagraha, it was a preceding cause rather than the immediate catalyst that merged the movement with the Khilafat cause to launch the full-scale Non-Cooperation Movement.
- c. Simon Commission: The Simon Commission was appointed in 1927 and led to protests in 1928, which occurred long after the Non-Cooperation Movement had ended (1922).
- d. Dissatisfaction with the Government of India Act, 1912: This is historically inaccurate as the primary legislative grievances of that era were related to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (Government of India Act 1919), not 1912.
Which of the following practice was abolished in 1829 with the joint efforts of Raja Rammmohan 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 Ram Mohan 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:
- Child Marriage: While reformers fought against it, the primary legislation to curb child marriage came much later (e.g., the Sarda Act of 1929).
- Infanticide: Female infanticide was a widespread social evil, and while various laws were passed over time, it was not the specific focus of the 1829 regulation by Bentinck and Roy.
- Slavery: Slavery was abolished in India via Act V of 1843, which happened significantly after the 1829 Sati abolition.
Who.among the following is famously known for the cause of widow remarriage?
A)
Ram Mohan Roy
B)
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
C)
Maulana Azad
D)
MG Ranade
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analysis of the core issue: The question asks for the personality most famously associated with the cause of widow remarriage in India.
2. Evaluating Option (b): Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a towering figure in the 19th-century Bengal Renaissance. He campaigned tirelessly against the plight of widows and used ancient Sanskrit texts to prove that widow remarriage was permitted by the Shastras. His efforts were instrumental in the passing of the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act, 1856.
3. Evaluating Option (a): Raja Ram Mohan Roy is primarily known for his crusade against the practice of Sati (the burning of widows on their husband's pyre), which led to the Sati Regulation Act of 1829. While both dealt with widows, Roy focused on the right to life (anti-Sati), whereas Vidyasagar focused on the right to remarry.
4. Evaluating Option (c): Maulana Azad was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement and the first Minister of Education in independent India; he was not the primary driver of the widow remarriage movement.
5. Evaluating Option (d): MG Ranade was a social reformer and economist who worked on various social issues and the Prarthana Samaj, but he is not the 'famous' figure specifically credited with the legislative success of widow remarriage like Vidyasagar.
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. The 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 political parties in India.
3. The Drafting: To meet this challenge, a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Motilal Nehru. This committee drafted a memorandum outlining a constitutional framework for India's future government.
4. The Result: This document, submitted in 1928, is known as the 'Nehru Report'. It demanded 'Dominion Status' for India, a federal structure, and a bill of rights.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) The Hilton Commission Report: No such significant constitutional report exists in the context of the 1928 Indian independence movement.
- Option (c) The Gandhian Committee Report: While Mahatma Gandhi influenced the movement, there was no specific 'Gandhian Committee Report' drafted as a formal constitutional response to the Simon Commission.
- Option (d) The Indian Report: This is a generic term and not the official name of any historical constitutional document from 1928.
Who is the 14" Secretary General of NATO since October, 2024?
A)
Jens Stoltenberg
B)
Anders Fogh Rasmussen
C)
Mark Rutte
D)
Oliver Franks
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for the 14th Secretary General of NATO who took office in October 2024. 2. Mark Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, officially assumed the role of NATO Secretary General on October 1, 2024. 3. He succeeded Jens Stoltenberg, who served as the 13th Secretary General. 4. Analyzing other options: (a) Jens Stoltenberg was the predecessor; (b) Anders Fogh Rasmussen served from 2009 to 2014; (d) Oliver Franks is not a NATO Secretary General. Therefore, Mark Rutte is the correct answer.
Which city will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
A)
Glasgow
B)
London
C)
Shanghai
D)
Sydney
The 2026 Commonwealth Games were originally awarded to Victoria, Australia. However, due to significant cost concerns and budget overruns, the Victorian government withdrew as the host city in July 2023. Following this, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) sought a new host. In late 2023 and early 2024, Glasgow, Scotland, stepped forward to host the games. The CGF officially confirmed that Glasgow would host a scaled-back version of the 2026 Games to ensure the event's viability.
- Option b (London) hosted the games in 2012.
- Option c (Shanghai) has not been designated as the host for 2026.
- Option d (Sydney) hosted the games in 2000.
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 from across India.
Analysis of other options:
- Ahmedabad: While a significant city in Gujarat, it did not host the inaugural session of the INC.
- Delhi: Delhi became the capital of British India in 1911, long after the first INC meeting.
- Lahore: Lahore hosted several important sessions later in history, most notably the 1929 session where the 'Purna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) resolution was passed.
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) took place from November 30 to December 13, 2023. It was hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the city of Dubai. A significant outcome of this conference was 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 international summits (like the G20 in 2023), it did not host COP28.
- New York: This is the headquarters of the UN, but COP summits rotate globally to different host nations.
- London: While the UK has hosted previous COPs (e.g., COP26 in Glasgow), it did not host COP28.
Who fought the English in the Battle of Plassey?
A)
Mir Qasim
B)
Shuja-ud-Daula
C)
Mir Jafar
D)
Siraj-ud-Daula
The Battle of Plassey took place on June 23, 1757. It was fought between the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive, and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daula. The battle is a pivotal event in Indian history as it established British rule in Bengal.
Reasoning for other options:
- Mir Jafar (Option c): He was the commander-in-chief of Siraj-ud-Daula's army but betrayed the Nawab by conspiring with Robert Clive. He did not fight against the English; rather, his inaction ensured the English victory.
- Mir Qasim (Option a): He was the Nawab of Bengal who succeeded Mir Jafar. He fought the English later in the Battle of Buxar (1764), not the Battle of Plassey.
- Shuja-ud-Daula (Option b): He was the Nawab of Awadh who fought the English in the Battle of Buxar (1764), not the Battle of Plassey.
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' is a convergence of the Poshan 2.0 and the Saksham Anganwadi scheme. It is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). The primary objective of this scheme is to combat malnutrition (stunting, wasting, and underweight) among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It focuses on strengthening the delivery of nutrition services through Anganwadi centers, utilizing technology for real-time monitoring (via the Poshan Tracker), and improving the infrastructure of Anganwadi centers.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution focuses on food security and price stabilization (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 maternal and child nutrition framework managed by Anganwadis.
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 subjugation of Mysore by the British occurred through a series of four Anglo-Mysore Wars. The final conflict, the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799), culminated in the Siege of Seringapatam. Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore and son of Hyder Ali, died defending his capital, Seringapatam, on May 4, 1799. Following his death, the British established a subsidiary alliance with the Mysore state, effectively bringing it under British control.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Hyder Ali: He was the father of Tipu Sultan and a formidable opponent of the British, but he died in 1782 during the Second Anglo-Mysore War, long before the final subjugation in 1799.
- b. Balaji Baji Rao: He was the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, not the ruler of Mysore. His influence was centered in Pune.
- d. Ranjit Singh: He was the founder and ruler of the Sikh Empire in the Punjab region and was not involved in the conflicts regarding the state of Mysore.