← Assistant Professor / Lecturer
Past Questions
NIPUN Bharat is launched by which Ministry?
A)
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
B)
Ministry of Education
C)
Ministry of Science and Technology
D)
Ministry of Rural Development
NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) is a centrally sponsored program launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its primary objective is to ensure that every child in the country attains foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) by the end of Grade 3 by the year 2026-27.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs focuses on the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes.
- Ministry of Science and Technology focuses on scientific research and technological advancement.
- Ministry of Rural Development focuses on infrastructure and poverty alleviation in rural areas.
Since NIPUN Bharat is an educational initiative aimed at primary schooling standards, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education.
Which among the following joined NATO in 2024?
A)
Spain
B)
Turkey
C)
Ukraine
D)
Sweden
Sweden officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on March 7, 2024, becoming the 32nd member of the alliance. This decision followed a historic shift in Sweden's long-standing policy of military non-alignment, prompted by the security environment in Europe following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Spain: A founding member of NATO (joined in 1982).
- b. Turkey: A long-standing member of NATO (joined in 1952).
- c. Ukraine: While Ukraine has expressed a strong desire to join NATO and is supported by many members, it is not currently a member and did not join in 2024 due to the ongoing conflict and the alliance's requirement that membership cannot be granted to a country currently in a state of war.
Who is the current CEO of Microsoft?
A)
Sundar Pichai
B)
Indra Nooyi
C)
Satya Nadella
D)
Narayana Murthi
Satya Nadella is the current Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, having taken over the role of CEO from Steve Ballmer in February 2014.
Analysis of other 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.
- d. Narayana Murthy: He is the co-founder and former chairman of Infosys.
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 way, thus eliminating the need for physical documents.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. PM Gatishakti: This is a National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity to coordinate infrastructure projects across ministries.
- b. Virtual ID: This is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped to an Aadhaar number to protect privacy during authentication.
- c. Academic Bank of Credit (ABC): This is an initiative by the Ministry of Education to store academic credits earned by students from various recognized HEIs (Higher Education Institutions).
Who spoke on behalf of the Hindu religion in the “Congress of Religions” in Chicago 1893?
A)
Dadabhai Naoroji
B)
Swami Vivekananda
C)
Swami Brijanand
D)
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
The Parliament of the World's Religions (often referred to as the 'Congress of Religions') was held in Chicago in September 1893. Swami Vivekananda represented Hinduism at this global gathering. His opening address, which began with the words 'Sisters and Brothers of America,' earned him a standing ovation and brought international recognition to Indian philosophy and the concept of universal tolerance and acceptance.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Dadabhai Naoroji: Known as the 'Grand Old Man of India,' he was a political leader and economist, not a religious representative at the 1893 Congress.
- Swami Brijanand: While a scholar, he is not the historical figure associated with the primary representation of Hinduism at the 1893 Chicago Parliament.
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: A great social reformer and educator from Bengal, but he did not attend or speak at the Chicago Congress of 1893.
Which Country recently banned the use of Whatsapp and Google Drive in Government Departments?
A)
Vietnam
B)
Thailand
C)
Hong Kong
D)
Singapore
The government of Singapore has implemented strict guidelines regarding the use of third-party communication and storage applications within its government departments to ensure data security and prevent leaks of sensitive information. Specifically, the use of WhatsApp and Google Drive for official government business is restricted or banned in favor of secure, government-approved platforms (such as the government's own secure messaging and cloud infrastructure). This move is part of a broader strategy to protect national security and maintain the integrity of official communications. Options a, b, and c (Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong) have different regulatory approaches to these apps, often focusing on censorship or national security laws rather than a specific administrative ban on these tools for government internal operations in the same context.
In crypto-currency, a ledger that stores data and records of transactions which are linked together across computers is called
A)
Bitcoin
B)
UPI payment block
C)
Virtual payment ledger
D)
Blockchain
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analysis of the Question**: The question asks for the name of a distributed ledger used in cryptocurrency that records transactions and links them across a network of computers.
2. **Evaluating Option (d) Blockchain**: A blockchain is a distributed, decentralized, public ledger. It consists of a chain of 'blocks' where each block contains a list of transactions. These blocks are cryptographically linked to the previous one, ensuring that the data is immutable and synchronized across all computers (nodes) in the network. This perfectly matches the description in the question.
3. **Evaluating Option (a) Bitcoin**: Bitcoin is a specific type of cryptocurrency (the first one), not the underlying ledger technology itself. Bitcoin *uses* blockchain technology to function.
4. **Evaluating Option (b) UPI payment block**: UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a real-time payment system developed by NPCI in India. It operates on centralized banking servers, not on a distributed cryptocurrency ledger.
5. **Evaluating Option (c) Virtual payment ledger**: This is a generic term and not a standard technical term for the specific linked-data structure used in cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion: The correct technical term for the described system is Blockchain.
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 flourished in the Hooghly river basin due to the availability of raw jute from the hinterlands of Bengal and the proximity to the port of Calcutta for export.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 1855: Correct. This is the historically documented year of the first jute mill's establishment.
- Option (b) 1863: Incorrect. While the industry grew rapidly in the 1860s, the first mill predates this.
- Option (c) 1865: Incorrect.
- Option (d) 1870: Incorrect.
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 United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about how corruption affects the everyday lives of people worldwide and the importance of fighting it. The date commemorates the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument.
Analysis of options:
- September 9: Not associated with International Anti-Corruption Day.
- October 9: Not associated with International Anti-Corruption Day.
- November 9: Not associated with International Anti-Corruption Day.
- December 9: The officially designated date by the UN.
What is the name of the Al-based app recently launched by the Ministry of Education for providing study materials in regional languages?
A)
Anuvadini
B)
Swayam
C)
Diksha
D)
Bhasini
The Ministry of Education, Government of India, launched 'Anuvadini', an AI-based translation tool designed to remove language barriers in technical and higher education. It allows for the translation of study materials, textbooks, and courses into various regional Indian languages to make education more inclusive.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Swayam: This is an indigenous MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) platform for providing quality education to all, but it is not specifically an AI-based translation app.
- c. Diksha: This is a national digital infrastructure for teachers and students to access educational content, but it is a portal/platform rather than a specific AI translation app.
- d. Bhasini: While Bhasini is the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM) AI platform developed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), 'Anuvadini' is the specific application/tool utilized within the education sector (often leveraging Bhasini's ecosystem) for academic content translation.
Who among the following is not a High Court Judge?
A)
KL Liana
B)
Michael Zothankhuma
C)
Nelson Sailo
D)
Marli Vankung
This question pertains to the judicial appointments in the High Court of Mizoram. Justice KL Liana, Justice Michael Zothankhuma, and Justice Nelson Sailo are recognized members of the judiciary who have served or are serving as judges of the High Court of Mizoram. Marli Vankung is not a judge of the High Court; rather, she is associated with the legal profession/administration in a different capacity or is a name included as a distractor in the context of Mizoram's judicial leadership. Therefore, she is the correct answer to the question 'Who among the following is NOT a High Court Judge?'
Which ministry is responsible for conducting the census in India?
A)
Ministry of Culture
B)
Ministry of Defense
C)
Ministry of Home Affairs
D)
Ministry of Law and Justice
The Census of India is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, which functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Census is a massive exercise conducted every ten years (as per the Census Act, 1948) to collect demographic, social, and economic data of the population.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ministry of Culture: Responsible for the preservation and promotion of India's cultural heritage, arts, and literature.
- Ministry of Defense: Responsible for the national security and management of the Armed Forces.
- Ministry of Law and Justice: Responsible for legal affairs, judicial administration, and legislative drafting.
The first Governor-General of the Government of Bengal was-
A)
Warren Hastings
B)
Lord Cornwallis
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 of Governor-General of Bengal in 1773.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Lord Cornwallis: He was the fourth Governor-General of Bengal (1786–1793) and is best known for the Permanent Settlement of 1793.
- Robert Clive: While he was a pivotal figure and served as Governor of Bengal twice, he never held the title of 'Governor-General' as the post was created after his primary tenure.
- Lord Mayo: He served as the Viceroy of India (1869–1872), a position created much later (1858) after the Government of India Act shifted power from the Company to the British Crown.
What does IREDA Stands for?
A)
Indian Railway Enterprise Development Agency Limited
B)
Indian Renewable Encrgy Development Agency Limited
C)
Indian Railway Export Development Agency Limited
D)
Indian Riverine Export Development Agency Limited
IREDA stands for the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited. It is a Government of India enterprise and a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Its primary objective is to promote and accelerate the utilization of new and renewable energy sources by providing financial assistance to projects. Note: While the option provided in the question contains a typo ('Encrgy' instead of 'Energy'), it is the only option that correctly identifies the agency's purpose and name. Options a, c, and d are incorrect as IREDA is not associated with Railways, Exports, or Riverine agencies.
With victory in the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the English East India Company gained the-
A)
Control of markets around Bengal
B)
Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa
C)
War indemnity of 4 Lakhs rupees
D)
Region of Awadh and Calcutta
The Battle of Buxar (1764) was a decisive victory for the English East India Company over the combined forces of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (the Mughal Emperor). Following the victory, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765. Under this treaty, the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II granted the 'Diwani rights' (the right to collect land revenue and manage civil justice) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the East India Company. This effectively gave the Company financial control over these rich provinces, marking the transition from a trading entity to a ruling power in India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While they gained market control, the 'Diwani rights' was the formal legal and political achievement that ensured this control.
- Option (c): While war indemnities were paid (specifically by the Nawab of Awadh), the primary and most significant historical outcome was the acquisition of Diwani rights.
- Option (d): The Company did not annex the region of Awadh; instead, they restored it to Shuja-ud-Daula as a buffer state, though they exerted significant influence over it.
In which city COP28 or 28 United Nations Climate Change Conference was held?
A)
Dubai
B)
New Delhi
C)
New York
D)
London
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 13, 2023. This conference was significant for producing the 'UAE Consensus,' which for the first time explicitly called for 'transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems' to achieve net zero by 2050.
Analysis of other options:
- New Delhi: While India hosts many international summits (like the G20 in 2023), it did not host COP28.
- New York: This is the headquarters of the UN, where general assemblies are held, but the COP summits rotate globally.
- London: While the UK has hosted previous climate-related events, it was not the host city for COP28.
In which city is the Notre Dame Cathedral located?
A)
Rome
B)
Paris
C)
London
D)
Frankfurt
The Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris) is one of the most famous examples of French Gothic architecture and is located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, France.
Analysis of other options:
- Rome: Home to St. Peter's Basilica and other major Catholic sites, but not Notre Dame.
- London: Home to Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral.
- Frankfurt: Known for the Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus), but not the world-renowned Notre Dame.
The last Maratha Peshwa whose fall led to the permanent defeat of the Maratha Empire was-
A)
Madhav Rao
B)
Baji Raol
C)
Baji Rao H
D)
Narayan Rao
The last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire was Baji Rao II. Following the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818), Baji Rao II was defeated by the British East India Company. He surrendered in June 1818 and was exiled to Bithoor (near Kanpur) on a pension, which effectively ended the office of the Peshwa and led to the permanent collapse of the Maratha Empire as a sovereign power.
Analysis of other options:
- Madhav Rao: A highly capable Peshwa who restored Maratha power after Panipat, but died young in 1772.
- Baji Rao I: The great military strategist and second Peshwa who expanded the empire across North India; he died in 1740.
- Narayan Rao: The Peshwa who was murdered in 1773, leading to a period of internal instability, but he was not the last Peshwa.
Which of the following practice was abolished in 1829 with the joint efforts of Raja Rammohan Roy and William Bentinck?
A)
Child Marriage
B)
Infanticide
C)
Slavery
D)
Sati
The practice of Sati (the act of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre) was abolished in 1829. This was achieved through the joint efforts of Raja Rammohan Roy, a social reformer who campaigned against the practice on humanitarian and scriptural grounds, and Lord William Bentinck, the Governor-General of India. Bentinck passed the 'Sati Regulation XVII' in 1829, which declared the practice illegal and punishable by law.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Child Marriage: While reformers fought against it, the primary legislation (The Child Marriage Restraint Act) came much later, in 1929 (Sarda Act).
- b. Infanticide: While female infanticide was a known social evil, it was not the primary focus of the 1829 regulation led by Roy and Bentinck.
- c. Slavery: Slavery was abolished in India via the Indian Slavery Act of 1843, which occurred after the 1829 Sati ban.
In which State is the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A)
Madhya Pradesh
B)
Tamil Nadu
C)
Maharashtra
D)
Kerala
The Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. It is situated in the Western Ghats and serves as a critical biodiversity hotspot and a catchment area for several rivers.
Analysis of options:
- Madhya Pradesh: Known for sanctuaries like Kanha and Pench, but not Tungareshwar.
- Tamil Nadu: Known for sanctuaries like Mudumalai, but not Tungareshwar.
- Maharashtra: Correct. Tungareshwar is located here, specifically near the border of Palghar and Thane districts.
- Kerala: Known for sanctuaries like Periyar, but not Tungareshwar.
The expansionist policy over the princely states extensively used by Wellesley was known as-
A)
Ring Fence Policy
B)
Subsidiary Alliance
C)
Doctrine of Lapse
D)
Hand Holding Policy
The expansionist policy used by Lord Wellesley (Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805) was the 'Subsidiary Alliance'. Under this system, an Indian ruler had to disband their own army and instead maintain a British force within their territory, paying for its upkeep. In return, the British guaranteed protection from external attacks and internal rebellions. This effectively turned the princely states into protectorates of the British East India Company, stripping them of their sovereignty over foreign affairs.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Ring Fence Policy: This was an earlier strategy (associated with Warren Hastings) aimed at creating a buffer zone of friendly states around the Company's core territories to protect them from rivals.
- c. Doctrine of Lapse: This policy was introduced by Lord Dalhousie (1848–1856), which stated that if a ruler of a dependent state died without a natural male heir, the state would 'lapse' or be annexed by the British.
- d. Hand Holding Policy: This is not a recognized historical diplomatic or expansionist policy of the British Raj in India.
What is the theme for World AIDS Day 2024?
A)
Know Your Status
B)
Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right
C)
Global Solidarity, Resilient Services
D)
Let Communities Lead
World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1st to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS pandemic. For the year 2024, the theme is 'Let Communities Lead'. This theme emphasizes the critical role of community-led responses in ending the AIDS epidemic, highlighting that people living with HIV and affected communities are best positioned to drive the necessary changes in healthcare delivery and social support.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 'Know Your Status' is a general slogan used in various awareness campaigns but was not the specific 2024 theme.
- Option (b) 'Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right' was the theme for World AIDS Day 2023.
- Option (c) 'Global Solidarity, Resilient Services' was the theme for World AIDS Day 2021.
Who has been awarded the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development?
A)
Michelle Bachelet
B)
Joko Widodo
C)
Dina Boluarte
D)
Claudia Sheinbaum
The 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was awarded to Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She was recognized for her lifelong commitment to human rights, gender equality, and her efforts in promoting peace and disarmament globally.
Analysis of other options:
- Joko Widodo: The former President of Indonesia; while a significant political figure, he was not the recipient of this specific award for 2024.
- Dina Boluarte: The current President of Peru; not the recipient of this award.
- Claudia Sheinbaum: The current President of Mexico; not the recipient of this award.
Who led the English forces in the Battle of Buxar?
A)
Clive
B)
Hector Monro
C)
Vansittart
D)
Lord Ripon
The Battle of Buxar took place on October 22, 1764. The English East India Company forces were led by Major Hector Munro. They fought against a combined alliance consisting of Mir Qasim (the Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (the Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (the Mughal Emperor). The victory at Buxar established the British as the dominant power in Northern India and led to the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Robert Clive: While Clive was a key figure in the Battle of Plassey (1757) and negotiated the Treaty of Allahabad after Buxar, he did not lead the troops on the field at Buxar.
- c. Vansittart: Henry Vansittart was a colonial administrator and served as Governor of Bengal, but he was not the military commander at Buxar.
- d. Lord Ripon: Lord Ripon was a Viceroy of India (1880–1884), serving over a century after the Battle of Buxar occurred.
What word has been selected as the Oxford Word of the year 2024?
A)
Neuro Spicy
B)
Dumpster
C)
Heat Dome
D)
Brain Rot
The Oxford University Press officially announced 'Brain Rot' as the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024. The term is used to describe the perceived decline of cognitive function or mental deterioration caused by consuming vast amounts of low-quality, short-form digital content (such as TikToks or Reels). It reflects the cultural anxiety surrounding the impact of social media on attention spans and mental health.
Regarding the other options:
- 'Neuro Spicy' is a slang term used within neurodivergent communities but was not the Word of the Year.
- 'Dumpster' is a common noun and not a trending neologism for 2024.
- 'Heat Dome' is a meteorological term used to describe weather patterns, but it did not receive the 2024 Oxford Word of the Year title.