← Assistant Professor / Lecturer
Past Questions
Who is the first Indian archer to win a gold medal in Paralympic?
A)
Sumit Antil
B)
Manish Narwal
C)
Harvinder Singh
D)
Nishad Kumar
Harvinder Singh made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by winning the gold medal in the Men's Individual Compound Open category. This achievement makes him the first Indian archer to ever win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games.
Analysis of other options:
- Sumit Antil: He is a javelin thrower who has won gold medals in Paralympics, but not in archery.
- Manish Narwal: He is a javelin thrower who has won medals in Paralympics, but not in archery.
- Nishad Kumar: He is a discus thrower who has won medals in Paralympics, but not in archery.
What does IREDA stand for?
A)
Indian Railway Enterprise Development Agency Limited
B)
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited
C)
Indian Railway Export Development Agency Limited
D)
Indian Riverine Export Development Agency Limited
IREDA stands for the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited. It is a government-owned non-banking financial institution (NBFC) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. Its primary objective is to promote and accelerate the utilization of new and renewable energy sources by providing financial assistance to projects related to solar, wind, biomass, and hydro power.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because IREDA is not associated with the Indian Railways.
- Option (b) is correct as it accurately reflects the agency's full name and purpose.
- Option (c) is incorrect as the agency does not focus on railway exports.
- Option (d) is incorrect as the agency is not focused on riverine exports.
The period between 1885 and 1905 during the Indian National Movement came to be known as-
A)
Extremist phase
B)
Revolutionary phase
C)
Congress phase
D)
Moderate phase
The Indian National Movement is traditionally divided into several phases based on the ideology and methods used by the leadership of the Indian National Congress (INC).
1. **Moderate Phase (1885–1905):** From the foundation of the INC in 1885 until the Partition of Bengal in 1905, the movement was led by 'Moderates' such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and W.C. Bonnerjee. Their approach was characterized by 'Constitutional Agitation,' using petitions, prayers, and protests (the 3Ps) to seek reforms within the British legal framework. They believed in the British sense of justice and sought gradual reforms.
2. **Extremist Phase (1905–1919):** Triggered by the Partition of Bengal (1905), leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal) advocated for 'Swaraj' (Self-rule) through more aggressive methods like boycotts of foreign goods and non-cooperation.
3. **Revolutionary Phase:** This ran parallel to other phases, involving secret societies and armed struggle to overthrow British rule through violence (e.g., Anushilan Samiti).
Since the question specifically asks for the period between 1885 and 1905, it refers to the Moderate phase.
Royal indian Navy Mutiny 1946 was responded by the government with-
A)
Talks
B)
Force and Repression
C)
Peace and Settlement
D)
Promise for better Working conditions
The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny of 1946 began on February 18, 1946, starting with the ratings of the HMIS Talwar. The sailors protested against poor food, racial discrimination, and the oppressive nature of the British command. While there were initial attempts to negotiate, the British government and the military command ultimately responded with force and repression. They used overwhelming military strength to surround the ships and dockyards, arrested the leaders of the mutiny, and forced the sailors to surrender under the threat of severe violence. The British administration viewed the mutiny as a dangerous threat to their control over the Indian military, leading them to prioritize the restoration of order through coercion rather than diplomatic settlement or structural reform. Options a, c, and d are incorrect because the British did not genuinely engage in talks to resolve the grievances, nor did they offer improved working conditions or a peaceful settlement; instead, they focused on crushing the rebellion to prevent it from sparking a wider national uprising.
Which day is observed as International Anti-Corruption Day each year?
A)
September 9
B)
October 9
C)
November 9
D)
December 9
International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on December 9. It was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations to raise awareness about how corruption affects every sector of society and the need for accountability, transparency, and integrity. The day coincides with the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003.
Analysis of options:
- September 9: Not associated with International Anti-Corruption Day.
- October 9: World Post Day is observed on this date.
- November 9: Not associated with International Anti-Corruption Day.
- December 9: The officially designated date for International Anti-Corruption Day.
Where was the first meeting of All India National Congress held?
A)
Ahmedabad
B)
Bombay
C)
Delhi
D)
Lahore
The first session of the Indian National Congress (INC) was held from December 28 to December 31, 1885. It took place at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay (now Mumbai). The session was presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee and was attended by 72 delegates.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ahmedabad: While a significant city in Gujarat, it did not host the inaugural session of the INC.
- Delhi: Delhi became the capital later in 1911; it was not the site of the first meeting.
- Lahore: Lahore hosted several important later sessions (most notably the 1929 session where 'Purna Swaraj' was declared), but not the first one.
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.
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.
Why other options are incorrect:
- 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; instead, his inaction ensured the English victory.
- Mir Qasim (Option a): He was the successor to Mir Jafar and 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.
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.
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 introduction of the Indian Railways was a landmark achievement during the Governor-Generalship of Lord Dalhousie (1848–1856). The first passenger train in India ran from Bombay (Mumbai) to Thane on April 16, 1853. Lord Dalhousie is often credited as the 'father of Indian Railways' because he envisioned the rail network as a means to improve administration, facilitate the movement of troops, and expand trade.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Warren Hastings (1772–1785): He was the first Governor-General of Bengal and focused on administrative and judicial reforms long before the invention of the steam locomotive.
- Lord Canning (1856–1862): He succeeded Dalhousie and is primarily known for the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the transition from Company rule to the British Crown.
- Lord Curzon (1899–1905): He served much later and is best known for the Partition of Bengal in 1905.
Which India temple received the 2023 UNESCO Award of Distinction for its conservation?
A)
Abathsahayeswarar Temple
B)
Mahabodhi Temple
C)
Golden Temple
D)
Kamakhya Temple
The Abathsahayeswarar Temple, located in Thiruvathigai, Tamil Nadu, was honored with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation (Award of Distinction) in 2023. The award recognized the meticulous conservation efforts undertaken to preserve the temple's structural integrity and artistic heritage.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Mahabodhi Temple: While a UNESCO World Heritage site, it did not receive this specific conservation award in 2023.
- Golden Temple: It is a significant religious site but was not the recipient of the 2023 UNESCO Award of Distinction for conservation.
- Kamakhya Temple: It is a prominent Shakti Peetha but was not the subject of this specific UNESCO award.
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 introduction of English as the medium of instruction in India was the result of the 'Macaulay's Minute' of 1835. Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay, as the President of the General Committee of Public Instruction, proposed that the government should spend its resources on promoting Western education in the English language rather than supporting Oriental (traditional Indian) learning. This led to the English Education Act of 1835.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Charter Act: While various Charter Acts (like 1813) provided funds for education, they were broad legislative frameworks and not the specific decision/minute that mandated English as the medium of instruction in 1835.
- b. Charles Minute: There is no historically significant 'Charles Minute' associated with the 1835 education policy.
- d. Anglicists Minute: While there was a conflict between the 'Anglicists' (who favored English) and the 'Orientalists' (who favored Sanskrit/Arabic), the specific official document that resolved this and implemented the policy was Macaulay's Minute.
Which Ministry launched the Civil Registration System (CSR) mobile application to integrate technology with governance?
A)
Ministry of Information Technology
B)
Ministry of Defense
C)
Ministry of Home Affairs
D)
Ministry of Urban Development
The Civil Registration System (CRS) is the primary mechanism for recording births and deaths in India. The administration and oversight of the CRS fall under the Registrar General of India (RGI), which is an attached office of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The launch of the CRS mobile application is part of the government's digital transformation initiative to streamline the registration process, reduce manual errors, and integrate technology into governance for better data accuracy and accessibility.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of Information Technology: While they provide the technical infrastructure and policy framework for 'Digital India', they do not own the specific domain of civil registration.
- Ministry of Defense: This ministry handles national security and armed forces, which is unrelated to civil registration.
- Ministry of Urban Development: While urban bodies (municipalities) act as the local registrars, the overarching system and the application are managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs via the RGI.
The founder of the Arya Samaj and champion of the Suddhi Movement was-
A)
Raja Rammohan Roy
B)
Dayanand Saraswati
C)
Swami Vivekananda
D)
Henry Vivian Derozio
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Arya Samaj**: The Arya Samaj was a Hindu reform movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. Its primary goal was to return to the original teachings of the Vedas ('Back to the Vedas') and eliminate idol worship and superstitious practices.
2. **Shuddhi Movement**: Swami Dayanand Saraswati championed the 'Shuddhi' (purification) movement, which aimed at converting people who had converted to other religions (like Islam or Christianity) back to Hinduism.
Evaluating other options:
- **Raja Rammohan Roy**: Known as the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance', he founded the Brahmo Samaj and campaigned against Sati.
- **Swami Vivekananda**: A disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission and represented India at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893.
- **Henry Vivian Derozio**: A leader of the Young Bengal movement, he was an educator and poet who encouraged free thinking and rationalism among students in Calcutta.
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 English ship, 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 European maritime trade with India, but it was not the English East India Company.
- Option (c) 1717: This year is significant for the 'Farman' issued by Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar, which granted the Company trade concessions in Bengal.
- Option (d) 1757: This is the year of the Battle of Plassey, which established the political foothold of the British East India Company in India, rather than their initial arrival.
Which Union Ministry is associated with the ‘Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar’ Programme?
A)
Ministry of Rural Development
B)
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
C)
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
D)
Ministry of Culture
The ‘Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar’ programme is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The primary objective of this programme is to identify, document, and showcase the unique cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and local crafts of various villages across India. It aims to promote rural tourism and preserve the intangible cultural heritage of the country by empowering local communities to take pride in and maintain their ancestral legacy.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of Rural Development: While the programme focuses on villages, its core objective is cultural preservation and heritage, not infrastructure or poverty alleviation.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs: Although tribal heritage is part of the programme, the initiative is broader in scope and managed by the Culture Ministry.
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: This ministry focuses on urban planning and housing, which is contrary to the rural focus of this specific programme.
The most prominent provision of the Morley-Minto Reforms 1909 was-
A)
Creation of separate electorates for the Muslims
B)
Creation of All India Federation
C)
Introducing Separation of the Executive and the Judiciary
D)
Co-operating the Indian National Congress to the maximum
The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 (officially known as the Indian Councils Act 1909) were introduced by John Morley (Secretary of State for India) and Lord Minto (Viceroy of India). The most significant and controversial provision of this act was the introduction of 'Separate Electorates' for Muslims. This meant that Muslim members of the legislative councils were to be elected only by Muslim voters, rather than by a general electorate. This policy is widely regarded by historians as a 'divide and rule' strategy by the British to create a communal rift between Hindus and Muslims to weaken the growing Indian nationalist movement.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option b: The 'All India Federation' was a proposal discussed in the Government of India Act 1935, not the 1909 reforms.
- Option c: The separation of the Executive and Judiciary is a fundamental principle of modern democratic governance and was not the 'prominent provision' of the 1909 Act, which focused primarily on increasing Indian participation in legislative councils.
- Option d: The British government did not seek to cooperate with the Indian National Congress to the maximum; in fact, the 1909 reforms were designed to appease the Moderates while isolating the Extremists and fostering communal divisions.