← Assistant Professor / Lecturer
Past Questions
The period between 1885 and 1905 during the Indian National Movement came to be known as-
A)
Extremist phase
B)
Revolutionary phase
C)
Congress phase
D)
Moderate phase
The history of the Indian National Congress (INC) is generally divided into three distinct phases based on the ideology and methods of the leadership.
1. **Moderate Phase (1885–1905):** This initial period was led by figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and W.C. Bonnerjee. The Moderates believed in constitutional agitation, petitions, and prayers (the '3Ps'). They sought gradual reforms within the British legal framework and believed in the British sense of justice.
2. **Extremist Phase (1905–1919):** Triggered by the Partition of Bengal in 1905, this phase was led by the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal). They advocated for 'Swaraj' (self-rule) and used methods like boycotts and mass mobilization.
3. **Gandhian Phase (1919–1947):** This phase began with the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi on the center stage of Indian politics, characterized by non-violence (Ahimsa) and Satyagraha.
Since the question specifies the period between 1885 (the founding of the INC) and 1905 (the Partition of Bengal), it corresponds exactly to the Moderate phase.
Gandhi agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement with the-
A)
Dandi March
B)
Harijan Pact
C)
Lucknow Pact
D)
Gandhi-rwin Pact
The Civil Disobedience Movement, which began with the Dandi March in 1930, was suspended following the Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed on March 5, 1931. Under this agreement, Mahatma Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London, while Lord Irwin (the Viceroy) agreed to release political prisoners who had not committed violence.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Dandi March: This was the event that *started* the Civil Disobedience Movement, not the event that suspended it.
- b. Harijan Pact (Poona Pact): The Poona Pact (1932) was an agreement between B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi regarding reserved seats for the depressed classes in provincial and central legislative councils.
- c. Lucknow Pact: The Lucknow Pact (1916) was an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League to present a joint set of demands to the British government.
In-which District of Mizoram the Government of India implemented the Aspirational District Programme?
A)
Lawngtlai
B)
Mamit
C)
Siaha
D)
Hnahthial
The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) was launched by the Government of India (NITI Aayog) in January 2018 to transform districts that have shown relatively lower rankings in key social indicators. In the state of Mizoram, the Mamit district was identified and selected for this programme due to its need for accelerated development in areas such as health, education, agriculture, and basic infrastructure. While Lawngtlai and Siaha are also remote districts, Mamit is the specific district designated under the Aspirational Districts framework for targeted intervention and monitoring by the central government.
Who among the following was not one of the leaders of the 1857 Rebellion?
A)
Kunwar Singh
B)
Tantia Tope
C)
Bahadur Shah Zafar
D)
Bhagat Singh
The 1857 Rebellion (also known as the First War of Independence) took place between 1857 and 1858.
1. Kunwar Singh (Option a) was a prominent leader of the rebellion in Bihar (Jagdishpur).
2. Tantia Tope (Option b) was a key general of the rebellion and a close associate of Nana Sahib in Kanpur.
3. Bahadur Shah Zafar (Option c) was the last Mughal Emperor and was proclaimed the symbolic leader/Emperor of India by the rebels.
4. Bhagat Singh (Option d) was a revolutionary nationalist who was active in the 1920s and 1930s. He was executed by the British in 1931, which is approximately 74 years after the 1857 Rebellion. Therefore, he could not have been a leader of the 1857 Rebellion.
In which State Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a Presidential campaign?
A)
New Jersey
B)
Pennsylvania
C)
Texas
D)
Washington
On July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump was targeted by a gunman. A bullet grazed the upper part of his right ear. The incident occurred during a speech he was delivering as part of his 2024 presidential campaign.
Analysis of options:
- a. New Jersey: Not the location of the incident.
- b. Pennsylvania: Correct. The event took place in Butler, PA.
- c. Texas: Not the location of the incident.
- d. Washington: Not the location of the incident.
Which of the following was known as the Partition Plan of India?
A)
Cripps Mission Plan
B)
Cabinet Mission Plan
C)
Wavell Plan
D)
Mountbatten Plan
The Mountbatten Plan, announced on June 3, 1947, is formally known as the '3rd June Plan'. It was the final blueprint for the partition of British India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, proposed this plan to resolve the deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Cripps Mission Plan (1942): Proposed by Sir Stafford Cripps to secure Indian cooperation in WWII in exchange for 'dominion status' after the war; it did not propose partition.
- b. Cabinet Mission Plan (1946): Aimed to keep India united through a three-tier federal structure with a weak center and strong provinces; it specifically tried to avoid partition.
- c. Wavell Plan (1945): Proposed during the Simla Conference to form an Executive Council with equal representation for Hindus and Muslims to transition toward self-government, but it did not outline a partition plan.
Which Union Territory is the first to fully implement all three new criminal laws in India?
A)
Delhi
B)
Chandigarh
C)
Daman and Diu
D)
Puducherry
The three new criminal laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—came into effect across India on July 1, 2024. Among the Union Territories, Chandigarh became the first to fully implement these laws by completing the necessary infrastructure updates, training of police personnel, and digitization of records required for the transition from the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act. While other UTs like Delhi and Puducherry also implemented them on the same date, Chandigarh was highlighted in administrative reports for being the first to achieve full operational readiness and systemic integration across its jurisdiction.
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, medical, and higher education. It allows for the translation of study materials, textbooks, and courses into various regional Indian languages to promote inclusivity in education.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Swayam: This is an indigenous MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform for providing free online courses to students, not specifically an AI translation app.
- c. Diksha: This is a national digital infrastructure for teachers and students to access educational content and training, acting as a repository rather than a specialized AI translation tool.
- d. Bhasini: While Bhasini is the National Language Translation Mission (an AI-led ecosystem for Indian languages), 'Anuvadini' is the specific application/tool deployed by the Ministry of Education for the purpose of translating academic study materials.
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 neutrality, prompted by the security environment in Europe following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Spain: Joined NATO in 1982.
- b. Turkey: Joined NATO in 1952.
- c. Ukraine: While Ukraine has expressed a strong desire to join NATO and is currently a partner, it is not a member as of 2024 due to the ongoing conflict and the alliance's policy of not admitting countries with active territorial disputes.
Therefore, Sweden is the only country among the options that joined in 2024.
Which country won the Men’s Hockey Juniour Asia Cup 2024 title in Muscat, Oman?
A)
Malaysia
B)
India
C)
Pakistan
D)
China
The Men's Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 was held in Muscat, Oman. In the final match, India faced South Korea (though not listed in the options, the final was against Korea). India won the match 1-0, securing the title. This victory marked India's dominance in the junior category in Asia.
- Option (a) Malaysia: Did not win the title.
- Option (c) Pakistan: Did not win the title.
- Option (d) China: Did not win the title.
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 began in February 1946 on the HMIS Talwar in Bombay and quickly spread to other ships and shore establishments. The ratings (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 Naval Command ultimately responded with force and repression. The mutiny was suppressed through a combination of military pressure and the intervention of Indian political leaders (including the Congress and the Communist Party), who urged the sailors to surrender to avoid further bloodshed. The British government arrested the ringleaders and used strict disciplinary measures to restore order. Options a, c, and d are incorrect because the British did not offer a peaceful settlement, genuine talks for reform, or improved working conditions as a means to end the mutiny; rather, they focused on crushing the rebellion to maintain colonial authority.
Which state has been declared as the partner state for Hornbill Festival 2024?
A)
Sikkim
B)
Assam
C)
Manipur
D)
Tripura
The Hornbill Festival, often referred to as the 'Festival of Festivals,' is an annual cultural event held in Nagaland to promote and preserve the rich heritage of the Naga tribes. For the 2024 edition of the festival, the Government of Nagaland declared Tripura as the 'Partner State.' This initiative is designed to foster cultural exchange, strengthen inter-state relations, and showcase the traditional arts, crafts, and dance of the partner state to a global audience. While Sikkim, Assam, and Manipur are also North Eastern states with rich cultures, they were not the designated partner state for the 2024 Hornbill Festival.
The British were able to finally subjugate Mysore in 1799 after the fall of-
A)
HyderAli
B)
Balaji Baji Rao
C)
Tipu Sultan
D)
Ranjit Singh
The British East India Company fought four Anglo-Mysore Wars to establish dominance over southern India. The final conflict, the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799), culminated in the Siege of Seringapatam. Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, died defending his capital on May 4, 1799. Following his death, the British effectively subjugated Mysore, placing a subsidiary alliance on a restored Wodeyar dynasty, thereby ending the threat from Mysore.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Hyder Ali: He was the father of Tipu Sultan and a formidable opponent in the first two wars, but he died in 1782, long before the final subjugation in 1799.
- b. Balaji Baji Rao: He was a Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, not the ruler of Mysore.
- d. Ranjit Singh: He was the founder of the Sikh Empire in the Punjab region and was not involved in the Mysore conflicts.
The English East India Company arrived in India in the year-
A)
1498
B)
1608
C)
1717
D)
1757
The English East India Company (EIC) was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600. However, the first ship of the Company, the 'Hector', commanded by Captain William Hawkins, actually arrived at the port of Surat in India in 1608.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 1498: This is the year Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, reached Calicut, marking the beginning of the Portuguese era in India, not the English.
- Option (c) 1717: This year is significant because Emperor Farrukhsiyar issued a royal 'farman' (decree) granting the East India Company trade concessions and the right to mint coins in Bengal.
- Option (d) 1757: This is the year of the Battle of Plassey, which established the political foothold of the British in India, long after their initial arrival.
Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Stafford Cripps and AV Alexander were part of-
A)
August Offer
B)
Wavell Plan
C)
Cabinet Mission
D)
Crips Mission
The Cabinet Mission arrived in India in March 1946 to discuss the transfer of power from the British government to Indian leadership. The mission consisted of three high-ranking members of the British Cabinet: Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India), Sir Stafford Cripps (President of the Board of Trade), and A.V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty).
Why other options are incorrect:
- August Offer (1940): This was a proposal made by Viceroy Lord Linlithgow to gain Indian support during WWII; it was not a mission consisting of these three individuals.
- Wavell Plan (1945): This was a proposal by Viceroy Lord Wavell to resolve the political deadlock in India, leading to the Simla Conference.
- Cripps Mission (1942): While Stafford Cripps was the sole lead representative of this mission, Lord Pethick-Lawrence and A.V. Alexander were not part of it.
The immediate cause which led to the launching of the Non-Cooperation movement was the?
A)
Rowlatt Act
B)
Khilafat Committee
C)
Simon Commission
D)
Dissatisfaction with the Government of India Act, 1912
The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was launched by Mahatma Gandhi to achieve Swaraj and to support the Khilafat movement. The 'immediate cause' was the integration of the Khilafat issue—the demand by Muslims to preserve the authority of the Ottoman Caliph (Khalifa) after World War I—with the Indian national struggle. Gandhi saw this as a unique opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims. While the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh massacre created the necessary atmosphere of resentment, the formal launch of the movement was tied to the Khilafat Committee's demands.
Analysis of other options:
- (a) Rowlatt Act: This was a precursor that led to the Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919), not the immediate cause of the Non-Cooperation Movement itself.
- (c) Simon Commission: This was appointed in 1927 and led to protests in 1928, long after the Non-Cooperation Movement had ended.
- (d) Government of India Act, 1912: This is historically inaccurate as the major act of that era was the Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms), and it was not the immediate trigger for the movement.
The most flourishing industry in India before the process of De-Industrialization was-
A)
Cotton textile handicrafts Industry
B)
Tea Industry
C)
Jute industry
D)
Rubber industry
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Understanding 'De-Industrialization': In the context of Indian history, de-industrialization refers to the decline of traditional Indian handicrafts and handloom industries during the British colonial period, primarily due to the influx of machine-made goods from Britain. 2. Analyzing the Pre-Colonial Economy: Before the Industrial Revolution in England and the subsequent colonial policies, India was the world leader in textile production. The cotton textile industry, particularly the production of fine muslins and calicos, was the most flourishing and globally renowned sector. 3. Evaluating Options: (a) Cotton textile handicrafts: This was the backbone of the Indian economy and the primary target of British trade policies (like high tariffs on Indian goods and forced import of British textiles). (b) Tea, (c) Jute, and (d) Rubber: These were 'plantation crops' introduced or commercially scaled up by the British during the colonial era. They flourished *during* the colonial period, not *before* the process of de-industrialization. Therefore, the cotton textile industry is the only correct answer as it represents the indigenous industry that existed and thrived prior to the colonial economic shift.
Who is the current CEO of Microsoft?
A)
Sundar Pichai
B)
Indra Nooyi
C)
Satya Nadella
D)
Narayana Murthi
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Identify the target entity: The question asks for the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Microsoft Corporation.
2. Evaluate the options:
- (a) Sundar Pichai: He is the CEO of Alphabet Inc. and its subsidiary Google.
- (b) Indra Nooyi: She is the former CEO and Chairperson of PepsiCo.
- (c) Satya Nadella: He took over as the CEO of Microsoft in February 2014, succeeding Steve Ballmer, and remains in the position currently.
- (d) Narayana Murthy: He is the co-founder and former chairman of Infosys.
3. Conclusion: Satya Nadella is the correct answer.
Which of the following decision introduced English as the medium of instruction in 1835?
A)
Charter Act
B)
Charles Minute
C)
Macaulay Minute
D)
Anglicists Minute
The decision to introduce English as the medium of instruction in India was formalized through the 'Macaulay's Minute' of 1835. Thomas Babington Macaulay, a member of the General Committee of Public Instruction, argued that the British should focus on creating a class of persons 'Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect.' This led to the English Education Act of 1835, which shifted government funding from Oriental learning (Sanskrit and Arabic) to Western education in English.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Charter Act: These were laws passed by the British Parliament to renew the East India Company's charter (e.g., 1813, 1833, 1853). While the Charter Act of 1813 provided funds for education, it did not specify English as the medium.
- b. Charles Minute: This is not a recognized historical document related to the education policy of 1835.
- d. Anglicists Minute: While there was a conflict between 'Anglicists' (who favored English) and 'Orientalists' (who favored traditional languages), the specific official document that settled the debate and introduced the policy was Macaulay's Minute.
The Lucknow session of the Congress is known for-
A)
Split in the Congress
B)
Adopting Swadeshi
C)
Reunification of Indian National Congress
D)
Condemning the Muslim League
The Lucknow Session of the Indian National Congress (INC) took place in 1916 and is historically significant for two major reasons:
1. The Reunification of the Congress: The party had split into 'Moderates' and 'Extremists' during the Surat Session of 1907. In 1916, under the leadership of Ambica Charan Mazumdar and with the efforts of Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the two factions reunited.
2. The Lucknow Pact: The session also saw the signing of a pact between the INC and the All-India Muslim League, marking a period of Hindu-Muslim unity to demand self-government from the British.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): The split in the Congress occurred at the Surat Session in 1907, not Lucknow.
- Option (b): Swadeshi was primarily adopted and promoted during the Anti-Partition movement following the 1905 Partition of Bengal.
- Option (d): The Lucknow session was characterized by cooperation and a pact with the Muslim League, not condemnation.
The leader of the Home Rule movement borrowed the term ‘Home Rule’ from similar movement in-
A)
Ireland
B)
Scotland
C)
USA
D)
Mexico
The Home Rule movement in India was launched in 1916 by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The term 'Home Rule' refers to a form of limited self-government (autonomy) within the framework of a larger empire. This concept and terminology were directly borrowed from the Irish Home Rule League, which had been fighting for similar self-governing status for Ireland within the British Empire. Annie Besant, who had significant experience with the movement in Ireland, played a pivotal role in adapting this model to the Indian context to demand self-government for India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Scotland: While Scotland had movements for devolution, the specific 'Home Rule' political framework and league structure used by Besant and Tilak were modeled on the Irish experience.
- USA: The USA fought for complete independence from Britain (Revolutionary War), not 'Home Rule' (autonomy within the empire).
- Mexico: Mexico's political struggles were unrelated to the British imperial administrative structure of 'Home Rule'.
Who was associated with ‘Ring fence’ policy in India?
A)
Henry Lawrence
B)
Dalhousie
C)
Lord Hastings
D)
Warren Hastings
The 'Ring Fence' policy was a strategic diplomatic and military approach adopted by Lord Hastings (Governor-General from 1813 to 1823). The core objective of this policy was to create a 'buffer zone' of friendly or neutral states around the borders of the British East India Company's territories to protect them from external invasions (particularly from the Marathas, Sikhs, or potential European rivals). By establishing these 'ring fences,' the British could maintain security without having to directly annex and administer vast, unstable territories.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Henry Lawrence: He was a prominent administrator and soldier in the Punjab region, but he is not associated with the formulation of the Ring Fence policy.
- Lord Dalhousie: He is primarily known for the 'Doctrine of Lapse' and the aggressive annexation of Indian states, which is the opposite of the cautious buffering approach of the Ring Fence policy.
- Warren Hastings: He was the first Governor-General of Bengal and dealt with the early consolidation of British power (e.g., Regulating Act of 1773), long before the specific strategic implementation of the Ring Fence policy under Hastings.
Tn which State is the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A)
Madhya Pradesh
B)
Tamil Nadu
C)
Maharashtra
D)
Kerala
The Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. It is a protected area known for its biodiversity and serves as a critical catchment area for the region.
Analysis of options:
- a. Madhya Pradesh: Known for sanctuaries like Kanha and Pench, but not Tungareshwar.
- b. Tamil Nadu: Known for sanctuaries like Mudumalai, but not Tungareshwar.
- c. Maharashtra: Correct. Tungareshwar is situated in the Western Ghats region of Maharashtra.
- d. Kerala: Known for sanctuaries like Periyar, but not Tungareshwar.
In which city COP28 or 28" United Nations Climate Change Conference was held?
A)
Dubai
B)
New Delhi
C)
New York
D)
London
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 13, 2023. This conference was significant for producing the 'UAE Consensus,' which for the first time explicitly called for 'transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems.'
Analysis of other options:
- New Delhi: While India hosts many environmental summits and G20 meetings, it did not host COP28.
- New York: New York City is the headquarters of the UN and hosts the 'Climate Ambition Summit,' but the annual COP meetings rotate globally.
- London: London has hosted various climate-related events, but it was not the host city for the 28th COP.
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 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, not demographic data collection.
- Ministry of Defense: Responsible for the national security and management of the armed forces.
- Ministry of Law and Justice: Responsible for the administration of justice and legal affairs of the Union.