← Assistant Professor / Lecturer
Past Questions
Which among the following is based on the vision of NEP 2020?
A)
Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat
B)
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
C)
FIT India
D)
Integrated Teacher Education Programme
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the professionalization of teaching and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to teacher education. To achieve this, the NEP 2020 envisions the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), which is a dual-degree program (e.g., B.A. B.Ed. or B.Sc. B.Ed.) designed to be the minimum degree qualification for teaching by 2030.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat: Launched in 2017 to celebrate the unity in diversity of India; it predates NEP 2020.
- b. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Launched in 2015 to address the declining child sex ratio and promote girls' education.
- c. FIT India: Launched in 2019 to encourage people to include physical activity and sports in their daily lives.
Therefore, only the Integrated Teacher Education Programme is a direct structural implementation based on the vision of NEP 2020.
Who is the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women?
A)
Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar
B)
Archana Majumdar
C)
Uma Devi
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 listed (Archana Majumdar, Uma Devi, and Anita Sharma) are not the current Chairperson of the NCW. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
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. The prize recognizes her lifelong commitment to human rights, peace, and the empowerment of women.
Analysis of other options:
- Joko Widodo: Former President of Indonesia; not the recipient of this specific award.
- Dina Boluarte: Current President of Peru; not the recipient.
- Claudia Sheinbaum: Current President of Mexico; not the recipient.
Before entering national politics, in 1917, Gandhi fought the-
A)
Santhal Satyagraha
B)
Harijan Satyagraha
C)
Champaran Satyagraha
D)
Dandi Satyagraha
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analysis of the timeline: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915. His first major intervention in Indian politics occurred in 1917.
2. The Event: In 1917, Gandhi visited Champaran in Bihar to support peasants who were being forced by British planters to grow indigo under the oppressive 'Tinkathia' system. This movement is known as the Champaran Satyagraha and marked Gandhi's first use of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) on Indian soil.
3. Evaluation of other options:
- (a) Santhal Satyagraha: The Santhal rebellion occurred much earlier (1855-56) and was not led by Gandhi.
- (b) Harijan Satyagraha: Gandhi's campaigns for the upliftment of Dalits (Harijans) took place much later, primarily in the 1930s.
- (d) Dandi Satyagraha: This occurred in 1930 as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement to protest the salt tax, long after his entry into national politics.
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 against the combined forces of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (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 British financial control over the wealthiest provinces of India, transforming them from a trading company into a ruling power.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While they gained market control, the 'Diwani rights' was the formal legal and political achievement of the battle.
- Option (c): The war indemnity paid by Shuja-ud-Daula was 50 Lakhs rupees, not 4 Lakhs.
- Option (d): The Company did not annex Awadh; instead, they restored it to Shuja-ud-Daula as a buffer state, and they already had a presence in Calcutta.
Who is the current foreign Secretary of India?
A)
Vikram Misri
B)
Vinay Mohan Kwatra
C)
Harsh Vardhan Shringla
D)
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The Foreign Secretary is the highest-ranking career diplomat in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India.
2. Vikram Misri was appointed as the Foreign Secretary of India in July 2024, succeeding Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
3. Analysis of other options:
- Option b (Vinay Mohan Kwatra): He served as the Foreign Secretary prior to Vikram Misri.
- Option c (Harsh Vardhan Shringla): He is a former Foreign Secretary (served from 2020 to 2022).
- Option d (Subrahmanyam Jaishankar): He is the current Minister of External Affairs (a political appointment/Cabinet Minister), not the Foreign Secretary (an administrative/civil service appointment).
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 in India. It stated that any princely state under the paramountcy of the East India Company would be annexed if the ruler was 'natural' (died without a male heir), as adopted heirs were not recognized as legal successors to the throne.
1. Lord Dalhousie (Governor-General from 1848 to 1856) aggressively implemented this policy to expand British territory. Notable states annexed under this doctrine include Satara (1848), Sambalpur (1849), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854).
Why other options are incorrect:
- Lord Hastings: Known for the policy of 'paramountcy' and the Third Anglo-Maratha War, but not the Doctrine of Lapse.
- George Canning: He succeeded Dalhousie and actually abolished the Doctrine of Lapse after the Revolt of 1857 to appease the Indian princes.
- Lord Wellesley: Known for the 'Subsidiary Alliance' system, which was a different mechanism of control involving military protection in exchange for political submission.
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
The event that took place on August 16, 1946, is historically known as 'Direct Action Day'. It was called by the Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to demand a separate homeland (Pakistan) after the failure of the Cabinet Mission Plan. The day witnessed massive communal violence, starting in Calcutta (now Kolkata), which led to the 'Great Calcutta Killings'.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 'Muslim Hindu Riot Day' is a descriptive phrase but not the official historical name of the event.
- Option (b) 'Hardiyal Day' and Option (d) 'Jeevansathi Day' are fabricated terms and have no historical significance related to the events of 1946.
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 globally.
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.
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 federation structure and a constituent assembly; it specifically tried to avoid partition.
- c. Wavell Plan (1945): Proposed during the Simla Conference to form an Executive Council with equal representation for major communities to transition toward independence, but it did not outline a partition plan.
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 fusion of the Indian national struggle with the Khilafat issue. The Khilafat Committee was formed to protest against the treatment of the Caliph (Khalifa) of Turkey after World War I. Gandhi saw this as a golden opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims in a common struggle against British rule.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Rowlatt Act (1919): While the Rowlatt Act and the subsequent Jallianwala Bagh massacre created the atmosphere of resentment that made Non-Cooperation possible, they were precursors rather than the immediate trigger for the formal launch of the movement in 1920.
- c. Simon Commission (1927): This occurred much later than the Non-Cooperation Movement and led to the 'Simon Go Back' protests and eventually the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- d. Government of India Act, 1912: There was no such major act in 1912 that served as a catalyst; the relevant acts were the Morley-Minto (1909) and Montagu-Chelmsford (1919) reforms.
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 fostering unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding among the various Christian denominations operating within the state of Mizoram. Options a (1986), b (1998), and d (2024) are incorrect as they do not align with the historical founding date of the organization.
The platform introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and IT which provides access to important documents anywhere is called
A)
PM Gatishakti
B)
Virtual ID
C)
Academic Bank of Credit
D)
Digilocker
DigiLocker is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Digital India programme. It provides a cloud-based platform for issuance and verification of documents and certificates in a digital format, allowing citizens to access authentic documents (like Driving Licenses, Marksheets, and Aadhaar) electronically from anywhere, eliminating the need to carry physical copies.
Why other options are incorrect:
- PM Gatishakti: This is a National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity to coordinate infrastructure projects across different ministries.
- Virtual ID: This is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped to an Aadhaar number to enhance privacy during authentication.
- Academic Bank of Credit (ABC): This is an initiative by the Ministry of Education to store academic credits earned by students from various recognized Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to facilitate student mobility.
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 in the mid-19th century.
1. Kunwar Singh (Option a) was a prominent leader of the rebellion in Bihar.
2. Tantia Tope (Option b) was a key general and strategist for Nana Sahib in Kanpur.
3. Bahadur Shah Zafar (Option c) was the last Mughal Emperor and was declared the symbolic leader/emperor of the rebellion by the sepoys.
4. Bhagat Singh (Option d) was a revolutionary nationalist who fought against British rule in the 1920s and 1930s. He was born in 1907, long after the 1857 Rebellion had ended. Therefore, he could not have been a leader of the 1857 Rebellion.
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 was sent to India in 1946 by the British Prime Minister Clement Attlee 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 composed 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 lead member of this mission, it was a single-member mission (supported by officials) rather than a three-member Cabinet delegation including Pethick-Lawrence and A.V. Alexander.
Which space agency launched the Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) programme?
A)
SpaceX
B)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
C)
European Space Agency
D)
China National Space Administration
The Moonlight programme is an initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA) designed to establish a lunar communications and navigation system. Much like GPS works on Earth, the Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) will provide satellite-based connectivity and positioning services for lunar landers, rovers, and astronauts on the Moon's surface. This infrastructure is critical for supporting sustainable human presence and robotic exploration of the Moon.
Why other options are incorrect:
- SpaceX (a) is a private aerospace company, not a government space agency, and while it provides launch services for many agencies, it did not launch the Moonlight programme.
- NASA (b) has its own lunar initiatives (such as the Artemis program) and while it collaborates with ESA, Moonlight is specifically an ESA-led initiative.
- China National Space Administration (d) has its own lunar exploration program (Chang'e), which is separate from the European Moonlight project.
What was the national song during the anti-partition movement in Bengal?
A)
Vande Mataram
B)
Sare Jahan Se
C)
Milke Chalo
D)
Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna
The anti-partition movement in Bengal (Swadeshi Movement) occurred after the Partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon. During this period, the song 'Vande Mataram', written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his novel 'Anandamath', became the rallying cry and the unofficial national song of the movement. It served as a powerful symbol of nationalism and unity against British colonial rule.
Analysis of other options:
- 'Sare Jahan Se' (Sare Jahan Se Achha) was written by Muhammad Iqbal in 1904 but did not serve as the primary anthem of the anti-partition movement.
- 'Milke Chalo' is not a recognized national song of that specific historical movement.
- 'Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna' was a popular revolutionary poem/song associated with the Hindustan Republican Association and figures like Ram Prasad Bismil and Bhagat Singh, appearing later in the freedom struggle.
Which Country amended its double taxation avoidance agreement with India on March 7, 2024?
A)
Maldives
B)
Mauritius
C)
Bangladesh
D)
Singapore
On March 7, 2024, India and the Maldives signed an amendment to their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). The primary objective of this amendment was to eliminate double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. This move was intended to promote greater economic cooperation, encourage investments, and facilitate the flow of capital between the two nations by clarifying tax liabilities and providing relief to taxpayers operating in both jurisdictions. While India has significant DTAAs with Mauritius, Singapore, and Bangladesh, the specific amendment signed on March 7, 2024, pertains to the Maldives.
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 reliance 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 a conceptual term often used in policy discussions to describe the shift toward sustainability, but it is not the formal name of this specific scheme.
- Option (d) 'Sustainable Agriculture Promotion Scheme' is a descriptive phrase but not the official title of the Cabinet-approved mission.
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 primary reasons:
1. The Reunification of the Congress: The split that occurred during the Surat Session of 1907 between the 'Moderates' and the 'Extremists' was resolved, and both factions reunited under the leadership of figures like Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
2. The Lucknow Pact: The INC entered into an agreement with the All India Muslim League to present a joint set of demands to the British government, marking a period of Hindu-Muslim unity.
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 adopted primarily during the Banaras Session of 1905 in response to the Partition of Bengal.
- Option (d): The Lucknow session was characterized by cooperation with the Muslim League (the Lucknow Pact), not condemnation.
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 was caused by a deep ideological divide between two factions: the Moderates (led by figures like G.K. Gokhale) and the Extremists (led by the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio: Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal).
1. The Moderates believed in constitutional agitation, petitions, and gradual reform within the British legal framework.
2. The Extremists advocated for 'Swaraj' (self-rule) and believed in more aggressive methods such as boycotts of British goods and non-cooperation.
Conflict peaked during the 1907 session in Surat over the presidency of the session and the extension of the Swadeshi and Boycott movements beyond Bengal. The disagreement led to a physical clash and the formal split of the party, which weakened the national movement until the reunion in 1916.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While communal tensions existed, the Surat Split was an internal political division within the INC, not a religious conflict.
- Option (b): The split was an internal party matter; it was not a direct conflict between the INC as a whole and British officials.
- Option (d): While the movement started in Bengal (due to the Partition of Bengal), the split was between political ideologies (Moderates vs. Extremists), not between Bengalis and the British.
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 current leadership of Microsoft: Satya Nadella took over as the CEO of Microsoft on February 4, 2014, succeeding Steve Ballmer.
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 Chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo.
- (c) Satya Nadella: He is the current CEO of Microsoft.
- (d) Narayana Murthy: He is the co-founder and former chairman of Infosys.
3. Conclusion: Option (c) is the only correct answer.
The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development pertains to
A)
Prevention of Child Labour
B)
Reduction of Infant Mortality
C)
Prevention of Child Marriage
D)
Prevention of Sexual Harassment
The 'Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat' campaign is a strategic initiative launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India. The term 'Bal Vivah' literally translates to 'Child Marriage' and 'Mukt Bharat' means 'Free India'. Therefore, the campaign's primary objective is to create awareness and implement measures to eliminate child marriage across the country.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) Prevention of Child Labour: This is primarily addressed through the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and campaigns by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Option (b) Reduction of Infant Mortality: This is a healthcare goal addressed through schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana and the National Health Mission.
- Option (d) Prevention of Sexual Harassment: This is governed by the POSH Act (Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013).
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.
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.