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Past Questions
Rural indebtedness refers to the phenomenon where-
A)
Banking business failed in the rural areas
B)
Agricultural failure because of famine and drought
C)
Majority of Indian farmers live in debt
D)
Indian indigenous bankers were in debt
Rural indebtedness is a socio-economic condition where a significant portion of the rural population, primarily farmers, are unable to repay loans taken from various sources. In the context of Modern Indian History, this became a critical issue during the British colonial period due to high land revenue demands, the commercialization of agriculture, and the exploitative nature of moneylenders (Sahukars/Mahajans).
Step-by-step analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because rural indebtedness is about the borrowers (farmers), not the failure of the banking business itself.
- Option (b) is incorrect because while famine and drought are 'causes' or 'triggers' that lead to indebtedness, they are not the definition of the phenomenon itself.
- Option (c) is correct as it accurately describes the state of the rural peasantry being trapped in a cycle of debt.
- Option (d) is incorrect because indigenous bankers were typically the lenders (creditors), not the ones in debt.
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 spacecraft, rovers, and astronauts on the lunar surface and in lunar orbit. This infrastructure is critical for supporting future lunar exploration missions, including the Artemis program.
Why other options are incorrect:
- SpaceX (a) is a private aerospace company, not a government space agency, and while it provides launch services, it does not lead the Moonlight programme.
- NASA (b) is the US space agency; while it collaborates with ESA, the Moonlight programme is specifically an ESA-led initiative.
- China National Space Administration (d) has its own lunar exploration programs (Chang'e), but it is not the architect of the Moonlight LCNS.
Who among the following were not among the extremist leaders?
A)
Bipin Chandra Pal
B)
Aurobindo Ghosh
C)
Lala Lajpat Rai
D)
W.C. Banerjee
The Indian National Congress (INC) in its early years was divided into two main ideological groups: the Moderates and the Extremists.
1. **Extremists (Garam Dal):** These leaders believed in 'Passive Resistance', 'Swadeshi', and 'Boycott' to achieve self-rule (Swaraj). The most prominent trio was known as 'Lal-Bal-Pal' (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal). Aurobindo Ghosh was also a key figure in this movement.
2. **Moderates (Naram Dal):** These leaders believed in constitutional methods, petitions, and prayers to the British government to achieve reforms. W.C. Banerjee (Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee) was one of the founding members of the INC and served as its first president in 1885. He belonged to the Moderate faction.
Analysis of options:
- (a) Bipin Chandra Pal: An extremist leader (part of Lal-Bal-Pal).
- (b) Aurobindo Ghosh: An extremist leader and philosopher.
- (c) Lala Lajpat Rai: An extremist leader (part of Lal-Bal-Pal).
- (d) W.C. Banerjee: A Moderate leader.
Therefore, W.C. Banerjee was not among the extremist leaders.
Rabindra Nath Tagore gave up his Knighthood because of-
A)
Chauri Chaura incident
B)
Execution of Bhagat Singh
C)
Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy
D)
Brutal suppression of Civil Disobedience Movement
Rabindranath Tagore was awarded a Knighthood by the British government in 1915. However, in 1919, the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place in Amritsar, where British troops under General Dyer fired upon a peaceful gathering of civilians. Deeply moved and outraged by the brutality of this event and the subsequent response of the British administration, Tagore renounced his Knighthood as a mark of protest. He wrote a formal letter to the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford, stating that the 'time has come when awards and decorations make our shame glaring in the eyes of the world.'
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Chauri Chaura incident (1922): This event led Mahatma Gandhi to suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement, but it was not the reason for Tagore's renunciation of his title.
- b. Execution of Bhagat Singh (1931): This occurred much later than Tagore's renunciation of his Knighthood.
- d. Brutal suppression of Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934): This occurred well after the 1919 events that prompted Tagore's decision.
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 between 1905 and 1911 after Lord Curzon announced the partition of Bengal. During this period, the song 'Vande Mataram' (meaning 'I bow to thee, Mother'), 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 it did not serve as the primary anthem of the anti-partition movement in Bengal.
- '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 Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and figures like Ram Prasad Bismil and Bhagat Singh in a later phase of the freedom struggle.
What are the three principles of education policy to be achieved under SWAYAM?
A)
Equity, Equality and Quality
B)
Equity, Access and Equality
C)
Access, Equity and Quality
D)
Access, Quality and Equality
SWAYAM (Study Websites Another Year for You Much) is an integrated platform for online courses developed by the Government of India. The primary objective of the SWAYAM initiative is to achieve the three cardinal principles of education policy:
1. Access: Ensuring that learning resources are available to all students, regardless of their geographical location.
2. Equity: Providing equal opportunities for all learners to access high-quality education, bridging the digital and social divide.
3. Quality: Ensuring that the content provided is of the highest standard, curated by the best faculty from premier institutions.
Comparing this to the options:
- Option (a) mentions Equality instead of Access.
- Option (b) mentions Equality instead of Quality.
- Option (d) mentions Equality instead of Equity.
While 'Equity' and 'Equality' are related, the official government documentation for SWAYAM specifically lists 'Access, Equity, and Quality' as the three pillars.
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 represented the formal division between two ideological factions: the Moderates (led by figures like Gopal Krishna Gokhale) and the Extremists (led by the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio: Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal).
1. **The Conflict**: The Moderates believed in constitutional agitation, petitions, and gradual reform. In contrast, the Extremists advocated for 'Swaraj' (self-rule) through more aggressive methods, including boycotts of British goods and non-cooperation.
2. **The Trigger**: The tension peaked during the 1907 session in Surat over the presidency of the session and the extension of the Swadeshi and Boycott movements beyond Bengal.
3. **The Outcome**: The disagreement led to a chaotic session and a formal split, which weakened the national movement until the two groups were reunited in 1916 at the Lucknow Session.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While communal tensions existed, the Surat Split was an internal political conflict within the Congress, not a religious conflict.
- Option (b): The split was an internal organizational failure of the INC, not a direct misunderstanding between the Congress and the British.
- Option (d): While the Partition of Bengal (1905) was the catalyst for the rise of the Extremists, the 'Surat Split' specifically refers to the internal divide within the Congress leadership.
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-Guyana Summit, 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.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) The Order of Valor: Not the highest national award of Guyana conferred to the PM.
- Option (b) The Crown Jewel Honor: This is not a recognized national award of Guyana.
- Option (c) The Grand Cross of the Order: While 'Grand Cross' is a common rank in many international orders, it is not the specific name of the highest award conferred in this instance.
- Option (d) The Order of Excellence: This is the correct and official name of the highest honor awarded by Guyana to the Prime Minister of India.
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, they were the finalists). India won the match 1-0, securing the title. This victory marked India's dominance in the junior category of Asian hockey. Malaysia, Pakistan, and China participated in the tournament but did not win the final title.
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 sovereignty. Specifically, the use of platforms like WhatsApp and Google Drive for official government business is restricted or banned in favor of secure, government-approved communication channels (such as the Government on Commercial Cloud or internal secure messaging systems) to prevent the leakage of sensitive state information and to comply with data protection regulations. While other countries like Vietnam or Thailand have various internet censorship laws, the specific policy regarding the ban of these tools for government administrative use is a notable security measure associated with Singapore's digital governance framework.
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 rejected the demand for a separate Pakistan initially.
- 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.
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 the British East India Company, primarily under the Governor-General Lord Wellesley (1798–1805), to establish paramountcy over Indian princely states. Under this system, an Indian ruler had to disband his own army, accept a British contingent within his territory, and pay for its maintenance. In return, the British guaranteed protection against external attacks and internal rebellions.
1. Why Option (d) is correct: The Nizam of Hyderabad was the first Indian ruler to enter into a Subsidiary Alliance with the British in 1798. This set the precedent for other states to follow.
2. Why other options are incorrect:
- Nawab of Oudh: The Nawab of Awadh (Oudh) entered into the alliance later, in 1801.
- Peshwa Baji Rao: The Peshwa (specifically Baji Rao II) entered into the Treaty of Bassein in 1802, which was a form of subsidiary alliance, but it occurred after the Nizam.
- Bhonsle: The Maratha chiefs, including the Bhonsle of Nagpur, signed the alliance later (around 1803) following their defeat in the Second Anglo-Maratha War.
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, starting with the ratings of HMIS Talwar in Bombay. The sailors protested against poor food, racial discrimination, and the desire for independence. While there were initial attempts at negotiation, the British Government's primary response was one of force and repression. The British administration used the military to surround the ships and docks, arrested the leaders of the mutiny, and forced the sailors to surrender under the threat of severe military action. The mutiny was suppressed through a combination of intimidation and the use of armed forces to restore order.
Why other options are incorrect:
- (a) Talks: While some low-level discussions occurred, the government did not resolve the crisis through diplomatic talks; they demanded unconditional surrender.
- (c) Peace and Settlement: The resolution was not a peaceful settlement but a forced submission of the ratings.
- (d) Promise for better Working conditions: Although the ratings demanded better food and conditions, the government did not grant these as a solution to end the mutiny; instead, 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 is an annual cultural event held in Nagaland, often referred to as the 'Festival of Festivals.' For the 2024 edition of the Hornbill Festival, the Government of Nagaland declared Tripura as the 'Partner State.' The objective of selecting a partner state is to promote cultural exchange, tourism, and strengthen inter-state ties within the North-Eastern region of India. While Sikkim, Assam, and Manipur are also North-Eastern states and have participated in various cultural exchanges, Tripura was specifically designated as the partner state for the 2024 celebrations.
The resolution of ‘Purna Swaraj’ was adopted in-
A)
Lahore session 1929
B)
Calcutta session 1933
C)
Lucknow session 1936
D)
Tripuri session 1939
The resolution of 'Purna Swaraj' (Complete Independence) was formally adopted by the Indian National Congress during its session held in Lahore in December 1929. This session was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru. Prior to this, the Congress had been pursuing 'Dominion Status' (self-governance within the British Empire), but the frustration over the lack of a clear offer from the British government led to the demand for total independence. Following this resolution, January 26, 1930, was celebrated as the first 'Independence Day'.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Calcutta session 1933: This session focused on the need for a National Planning Committee and addressed the economic crisis.
- c. Lucknow session 1936: This session was primarily concerned with the internal reorganization of the party and the approach toward the Government of India Act 1935.
- d. Tripuri session 1939: This session is famous for the electoral conflict between Subhash Chandra Bose and Pattabhi Sitaramayya.
Which State is the first in India to adopt an airshed-based approach for a clean air project?
A)
Gujarat
B)
Haryana
C)
Rajasthan
D)
Uttar Pradesh
Gujarat has become the first state in India to adopt an 'airshed-based approach' for its clean air initiatives. Unlike traditional city-specific air pollution management (like the National Clean Air Programme - NCAP), an airshed approach recognizes that air pollution does not respect administrative boundaries. It focuses on the entire geographical area (the airshed) over which a particular air pollution source has a significant impact, allowing for coordinated action between multiple districts and neighboring states to manage pollutants more effectively. This approach is being implemented in Gujarat with support from international agencies and the World Bank to tackle industrial and urban emissions more holistically.
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 a protocol to amend their existing 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 bilateral trade and investment between the two nations by providing more clarity and efficiency in tax administration.
Regarding the other options:
- Mauritius and Singapore have had significant DTAA renegotiations in the past (notably around 2016-2017 to curb treaty shopping), but not on March 7, 2024.
- Bangladesh maintains a DTAA with India, but there was no such specific amendment signed on this particular date.
Before entering national politics, in 1917, Gandhi fought the-
A)
Santhal Satyagraha
B)
Harijan Satyagraha
C)
Champaran Satyagraha
D)
Dandi Satyagraha
The correct answer is the Champaran Satyagraha.
1. **Champaran Satyagraha (1917):** This was Mahatma Gandhi's first satyagraha movement in India. He went to Champaran in Bihar to support the peasants who were being forced by British planters to grow indigo under the oppressive 'Tinkathia' system. This movement marked his entry into the Indian political arena.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Santhal Satyagraha:** While there were various tribal uprisings (like the Santhal Rebellion of 1855), there is no major 'Santhal Satyagraha' led by Gandhi in 1917.
- **Harijan Satyagraha:** Gandhi's campaigns against untouchability and for the upliftment of 'Harijans' occurred much later in his political career, primarily in the 1930s.
- **Dandi Satyagraha (1930):** This was the famous Salt March led by Gandhi to protest the British salt tax, occurring thirteen years after his first movement in Champaran.
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 administrative head of 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. Evaluating 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 2020-2022).
- Option d (Subrahmanyam Jaishankar): He is the current Minister of External Affairs (a political appointee/Cabinet Minister), not the Foreign Secretary (a career diplomat/civil servant).
Members of the Simon Commission arrived India in the year-
A)
1922
B)
1927
C)
1928
D)
1930
The Simon Commission (officially the Indian Statutory Commission) was appointed by the British government in November 1927 to review the Government of India Act 1919 and suggest further constitutional reforms. However, the commission, led by Sir John Simon, actually arrived in India in February 1928. Its arrival was met with widespread protests and the famous slogan 'Simon Go Back!' because the commission consisted entirely of British members and excluded any Indian representatives, which was seen as an insult to Indians' right to determine their own constitutional future.
Analysis of other options:
- 1922: This period was marked by the aftermath of the Non-Cooperation Movement (which was called off by Gandhi in 1922).
- 1927: This is the year the commission was appointed/announced, but not the year it arrived in India.
- 1930: This year is associated with the start of the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Dandi March.
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 concept and the term 'Home Rule' were directly inspired by the Irish Home Rule League, which sought autonomy for Ireland from the British Parliament. Annie Besant, who had strong ties to the Irish nationalist movement and had worked with Irish leaders, adapted this model to the Indian context to demand self-government (Swaraj) within the British Empire.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Scotland: While Scotland had movements for devolution, the specific 'Home Rule' political framework used by Besant and Tilak was modeled on the Irish experience.
- USA: The USA fought a war of independence for complete separation from Britain, whereas the Home Rule movement initially sought dominion status/self-governance within the empire.
- Mexico: Mexico's political struggles were centered around internal revolutions and independence from Spain, which did not influence the specific terminology of the Indian Home Rule League.
Aseries of riots by farmers in 1875 against the government’s revenue policies in the southern part of India was popularly known as the-
A)
South Indian Riots
B)
Malabar Riots
C)
Indigo Riots
D)
Deccan Riots
The Deccan Riots of 1875 were a series of peasant uprisings in the Deccan region of Maharashtra (Southern/Western part of India) against the oppressive revenue policies of the British government and the exploitative practices of moneylenders (Sahukars). The riots were triggered by the high land revenue demands and the indebtedness of farmers. In response to these riots, the British government appointed the Deccan Agriculturalists' Relief Committee and subsequently passed the Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act of 1879.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. South Indian Riots: This is a generic term and not the specific historical name of the 1875 movement.
- b. Malabar Riots: These typically refer to the Mappila rebellions in Kerala, which occurred over a longer period and were primarily against landlords (Jenmis) rather than specifically the 1875 revenue policy riots.
- c. Indigo Riots: These occurred in 1859-60 primarily in Bengal (Eastern India), not Southern India, and were against the forced cultivation of indigo.
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:
- a. 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.
- b. Wavell Plan (1945): This was a proposal by Viceroy Lord Wavell to resolve the political deadlock in India, leading to the Simla Conference.
- d. Cripps Mission (1942): While Stafford Cripps was the sole lead of this mission, Lord Pethick-Lawrence and A.V. Alexander were not part of it.
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 Company financial control over these rich provinces, transforming them from a trading entity into a ruling power.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While they gained market control, 'Diwani rights' was the formal legal and political achievement that ensured this control.
- Option (c): The war indemnity paid by Shuja-ud-Daula was 50 Lakhs rupees, not 4 Lakhs.
- 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 maintained significant influence over it.
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 Scheme launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its primary goal is to ensure that every child in India 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, not national foundational literacy programs.
- Ministry of Science and Technology: Focuses on scientific research, innovation, and technological advancement.
- Ministry of Rural Development: Focuses on infrastructure and poverty alleviation in rural areas (e.g., MGNREGA), not the educational curriculum or literacy standards.