← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
In which city H. Lalthazuala was crowned U-19 Boys’ Singles Champion at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament 2025?
A)
Panchkula, Haryana
B)
Guwahati, Assam
C)
Hyderabad, Telangana
D)
Indoore, MP.
H. Lalthazuala of Mizoram won the Under-19 Boys’ Singles title at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament 2025, which was hosted in Guwahati, Assam. The other cities listed (Panchkula, Hyderabad, and Indore) did not host this specific edition of the national junior ranking tournament where Lalthazuala secured his championship victory.
India Maritime Week – 2025, held at the NESCO Exhibition Centre from October 27-31, 2025 in Mumbai, the event focused on the theme:
A)
Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Zone
B)
Single Maritime Zone, Uniting Ocean
C)
Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision
D)
Uniting Maritime Zone, One Vision
The correct theme for the India Maritime Week – 2025, scheduled to be held at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from October 27-31, 2025, is 'Single Maritime Zone, Uniting Ocean'. This theme highlights the focus on global maritime integration, unified ocean governance, and collaborative efforts in shipping, trade, and security across maritime boundaries. The other options (a, c, and d) are incorrect as they are incorrect variations of this official theme.
The first Indian to have qualified examination for Indian Civil Services was:
A)
Satyendranath Tagore
B)
Debendranath Tagore
C)
Rabindranath Tagore
D)
Dwarkanath Tagore
Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian to successfully clear the Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination in June 1863. He was the elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore and was appointed to the Bombay civil service cadre.
- Debendranath Tagore (b) was a prominent philosopher, religious reformer, and leader of the Brahmo Samaj.
- Rabindranath Tagore (c) was a legendary poet, writer, and the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
- Dwarkanath Tagore (d) was one of the earliest Indian industrialists and entrepreneurs, and the grandfather of Rabindranath Tagore.
The founder of an influential nationalist newspaper Vande Mataram was:
A)
Lala Lajpat Rai
B)
Aurobindo Ghose
C)
Bipin Chandra Pal
D)
Surendranath Banerjee
The influential English-language nationalist newspaper 'Bande Mataram' (Vande Mataram) was founded by Bipin Chandra Pal in August 1906. Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghose) joined soon after as its editor and wrote many of its famous revolutionary editorials, which is why they are often associated together, but the founder was Bipin Chandra Pal. Lala Lajpat Rai later started an Urdu daily called 'Vande Mataram' from Lahore in 1920, while Surendranath Banerjee was the founder/editor of 'The Bengalee'.
SMART-PDS is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the country’s Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Its full form is:
A)
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound in Public Distribution System.
B)
Scheme for Manual-less and Record through Technology in Public Distribution System.
C)
Scheme for Modernisation, Accountability and Regeneration of Transparency in Public Distribution System.
D)
Scheme for Modernisation and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System.
The correct full form of SMART-PDS is 'Scheme for Modernisation and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System'. It is a central sector scheme launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to prevent leakages, improve efficiency, and bring transparency to the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) through technological interventions. Options a, b, and c are incorrect as they are fabricated expansions and do not represent the official name of the government initiative.
In the emergence of an Indian capitalist class, which group most commonly provided the early pool of entrepreneurs who invested in modern industry?
A)
British officials who settled in India after retirement
B)
Large peasant landholders with surplus agricultural income
C)
Merchants and banking communities such as Marwaris and Parsis
D)
Colonial missionaries interested in promoting industrial education
The early Indian capitalist class emerged primarily from traditional merchant, trading, and banking communities, such as the Parsis, Marwaris, Gujaratis, and Chettiyars. These groups accumulated capital through internal trade, financial services, and foreign trade (such as the opium and cotton trade with China and Britain) and subsequently reinvested these surpluses into modern industries like cotton textiles, jute, and steel. In contrast, retired British officials (Option a) typically returned to Britain or invested in British-run managing agencies; large peasant landholders (Option b) generally reinvested in land or money-lending rather than modern industry; and colonial missionaries (Option d) focused on religious and basic education rather than industrial entrepreneurship.
An Indian nationalist leader who was known as ‘Iron Man of India’ was:
A)
Lala Lajpat Rai
B)
Subash Chandra Bose
C)
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
D)
Lokamanya Tilak
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is widely known as the 'Iron Man of India' due to his uncompromising commitment to national integration. Following India's independence in 1947, he played a monumental role in persuading and integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Lala Lajpat Rai (a) was popularly known as 'Punjab Kesari' (Lion of Punjab).
- Subhash Chandra Bose (b) was affectionately called 'Netaji'.
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak (d) was honored with the title 'Lokmanya' (accepted by the people as their leader).
When did the English East India Company undertook direct administration of Bengal after abolition of the Dual Government?
A)
1757
B)
1765
C)
1772
D)
1793
The correct option is 'c' (1772). In 1772, Warren Hastings, the Governor of Bengal, abolished the Dual Government system (which had been introduced by Robert Clive in 1765). Following its abolition, the English East India Company decided to 'stand forth as Diwan' and took over the direct administration and revenue collection of Bengal.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option 'a' (1757): This marks the Battle of Plassey, which established British influence in Bengal but not direct administration.
- Option 'b' (1765): This was the year the Dual Government system was introduced by Robert Clive after the Treaty of Allahabad.
- Option 'd' (1793): This was the year the Permanent Settlement of Bengal was introduced by Lord Cornwallis.
The recently released ‘Die As a Man’ (factual stories of Mizo struggle for Independence (1966-1986) is authored by:
A)
Major Thankhuma
B)
Major PC Lianhmingthanga
C)
C. Zama
D)
Lt.Ngulkhopao
The book 'Die As a Man' (factual stories of Mizo struggle for Independence (1966-1986)) is authored by Major PC Lianhmingthanga. He was a prominent figure in the Mizo National Front (MNF) and wrote this book to provide a first-hand account of the Mizo insurgency and the struggles faced during those two decades. The other options (Major Thankhuma, C. Zama, and Lt. Ngulkhopao) are incorrect as they are not the authors of this specific publication, although they are associated with the history of the region.
The first railway line in India, running from Bombay to Thana was opened during the tenure of:
A)
Lord Dalhausie
B)
Lord Curson
C)
Lord Cunning
D)
Lord Minto
The first railway line in India, running from Bombay (Bori Bunder) to Thane (Thana), was opened on April 16, 1853, during the tenure of Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. He is often referred to as the 'Father of Indian Railways'. Other options are incorrect because: Lord Curzon (Option b) served much later from 1899 to 1905 and is associated with the Partition of Bengal; Lord Canning (Option c, misspelled as Cunning) served from 1856 to 1862 and was the Governor-General during the 1857 Revolt; Lord Minto (Option d) served as Viceroy from 1905 to 1910 and is known for the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909.
Who wrote the book ‘ Hun Inher Kara Zofate’?
A)
B. Lalthangliana
B)
Stephen Auhmun
C)
Lalhruaitluanga Chawngte
D)
F. Vanlalrochana
The book 'Hun Inher Kara Zofate' is written by F. Vanlalrochana, a well-known Mizo writer. The book explores the history, culture, and societal transitions of the Mizo people (Zofate) over time. The other options are incorrect because: B. Lalthangliana is a renowned Mizo historian and author of books like 'Mizo Chanchin'; Lalhruaitluanga Chawngte is a prominent Mizo poet and writer; and Stephen Auhmun is also a different Mizo author, none of whom wrote this specific book.
The Charter Act of 1813 was a significant milestone for the promotion of education in India as it allocated:
A)
1 lakh of rupees per year for the promotion of education in India
B)
5 lakh of rupees per year for the promotion of education in India
C)
10 lakh of rupees per year for the promotion of education in India
D)
15 lakh of rupees per year for the promotion of education in India
The Charter Act of 1813 was a landmark in the history of Indian education. Under Section 43 of this Act, the British East India Company was directed to set aside an annual sum of not less than 1 lakh of rupees (Rs. 1,00,000) for the revival and improvement of literature, encouragement of learned natives, and the promotion of scientific knowledge among the inhabitants of British territories in India. Options b, c, and d are incorrect because the initial allocation in 1813 was strictly 1 lakh rupees; the allocation was later increased to 10 lakh rupees per year only under the Charter Act of 1833.
The granting of the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa in 1765 was the significant outcome of:
A)
Battle of Plassey, 1757
B)
Battle of Wandiwash, 1760
C)
Third Battle of Panipat, 1761
D)
Battle of Buxar, 1764
The Battle of Buxar (1764) was fought between the British East India Company and the combined forces of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daulah (Nawab of Awadh), and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. Following the British victory, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765, through which Shah Alam II granted the Diwani rights (the right to collect revenues) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the East India Company.
- Option 'a' (Battle of Plassey, 1757) established British political foothold in Bengal but did not grant formal Diwani rights.
- Option 'b' (Battle of Wandiwash, 1760) was a decisive battle between the French and the British, ending French colonial ambitions in India.
- Option 'c' (Third Battle of Panipat, 1761) was fought between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Durrani, which severely weakened Maratha power but had no direct link to the Diwani of Bengal.
Which Act, passed in 1878 targeted (curbed) Indian language Newspapers?
A)
Indian Newspaper Act
B)
Vernacular Press Act
C)
Censorship Press Act
D)
Licensing Regulations Act
The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 under the Viceroyalty of Lord Lytton. It was specifically designed to curtail the freedom of the Indian-language (vernacular) press and prevent them from expressing criticism of British policies, particularly regarding the Second Anglo-Afghan War and the Great Famine of 1876–78. Other options are incorrect because: Option 'a' (Newspaper Incitement to Offences Act) was passed in 1908; Option 'c' (Censorship of Press Act) was enacted in 1799 by Lord Wellesley; and Option 'd' (Licensing Regulations Act) was introduced in 1823 by John Adams.
The system that allowed the British to annex states where the ruler died without a natural heir was:
A)
Ring fence Policy
B)
Doctrine of Lapse
C)
Subsidiary Alliance
D)
Rule of Law
The correct answer is 'Doctrine of Lapse' (option b). This annexation policy was widely applied by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. Under this doctrine, any princely state under the direct or indirect control of the British East India Company where the ruler died without a legal male heir would automatically be annexed to the British empire, forbidding the long-standing custom of adopting an heir.
Why other options are incorrect:
- 'a' (Ring fence Policy): Devised by Warren Hastings, this policy aimed to defend the British territories by creating buffer zones around them using the borders of friendly neighboring states.
- 'c' (Subsidiary Alliance): Introduced by Lord Wellesley, this was a treaty system where Indian rulers had to accept British troops in their territory and surrender their foreign relations in exchange for British protection.
- 'd' (Rule of Law): This is a general constitutional principle stating that law should govern a nation, rather than arbitrary decisions by individual government officials; it is not an annexation policy.
In what way did British educational policies unintentionally contribute to the rise of Indian nationalism?
A)
By prohibiting any discussion of politics or public affairs in educational settings
B)
By ensuring that only British citizens could receive higher education in India
C)
By creating an educated public that used Western ideas of rights and liberty to criticize colonial rule
D)
By teaching Indian history from a nationalist perspective
Option c is correct because the introduction of Western education by the British aimed to create a class of loyal, English-educated Indian clerks. However, it unintentionally exposed Indian students to Western liberal philosophies, ideas of democracy, liberty, and self-determination. This educated class used these very concepts to critique British imperialism and organize the nationalist movement. Option a is incorrect because political consciousness grew despite colonial restrictions. Option b is incorrect because higher education was open to Indians, not just British citizens. Option d is incorrect because the British curriculum taught history from a Eurocentric, pro-colonial perspective rather than an Indian nationalist one.
The first permanent British factory set up by the East India Company in 1613 was located in:
A)
Bombay
B)
Surat
C)
Calcutta
D)
Madras
The correct option is 'b' (Surat). In 1612, Captain Thomas Best defeated the Portuguese fleet in the Battle of Swally near Surat. Impressed by this victory, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir issued a farman in early 1613 allowing the English East India Company to establish its first permanent factory at Surat.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Bombay (a): It was acquired by the British Crown from the Portuguese as a royal dowry in 1661 and leased to the East India Company later in 1668.
- Calcutta (c): The British settlement in Calcutta (Kolkata) was established much later, around 1690, by Job Charnock.
- Madras (d): The British established their factory and built Fort St. George in Madras in 1639-40 after securing land from the local Nayak ruler.
On which date did the Direct Action Day, called by the Muslim League, take place in 1946, leading to widespread communal violence in Bengal?
A)
15 August 1947
B)
16 August 1946
C)
23 March 1940
D)
9 August 1942
Direct Action Day (also known as the Great Calcutta Killings) was launched by the Muslim League under Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 16 August 1946 to assert its demand for a separate Muslim homeland (Pakistan) following the rejection of the Cabinet Mission Plan. This led to unprecedented communal violence in Calcutta and other parts of Bengal. Other options are incorrect because: Option 'a' (15 August 1947) is India's Independence Day; Option 'c' (23 March 1940) is the date of the Lahore Resolution (Pakistan Resolution); and Option 'd' (9 August 1942) marks the commencement of the Quit India Movement.
What is India’s highest civilian honour for children recently received by Esther Hnamte on 26th December 2025 in New Delhi?
A)
Eklavya Award
B)
Bal Kalyan Puraskar
C)
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
D)
Indira Gandhi Bal Puraskar
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is India's highest civilian honour for children under the age of 18, awarded annually by the President of India to recognize exceptional achievements in fields such as Art & Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Scholastic, Social Service, and Sports. Esther Hnamte, a young singing prodigy from Mizoram, received this prestigious award for her outstanding contribution to Art and Culture.
- Option 'a' (Eklavya Award) is a state-level sports award given to outstanding junior athletes, not a national civilian honour for children.
- Option 'b' (Bal Kalyan Puraskar) is awarded to individuals and institutions that make outstanding contributions to child welfare and development, rather than to children themselves.
- Option 'd' (Indira Gandhi Bal Puraskar) is not a recognized national civilian award for children's individual achievements.
The Act of the British Government that established the Board of Control to exercise control over the Company’s affairs and its administration in India was:
A)
Regulating Act of 1773
B)
Pitt’s India Act of 1784
C)
Charter Act of 1813
D)
Charter Act of 1833
Pitt’s India Act of 1784 established the Board of Control to supervise and direct all civil, military government, and revenues of the British possessions in India, thereby introducing a dual system of control where the Board of Control managed political affairs and the Court of Directors managed commercial affairs.
- Regulating Act of 1773 (Option a) was the first step to regulate the Company's affairs and established the Governor-General of Bengal, but did not create the Board of Control.
- Charter Act of 1813 (Option c) ended the Company's trade monopoly in India (except for tea and trade with China).
- Charter Act of 1833 (Option d) made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India and ended the Company's commercial activities completely, making it a purely administrative body.
The fourth and final battle between the British and the ruler of Mysore was fought in:
A)
1769
B)
1779
C)
1789
D)
1799
The fourth and final Anglo-Mysore War was fought in 1799. In this battle, the British East India Company, led by Lord Wellesley, defeated Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. Tipu Sultan was killed defending his capital, Seringapatam, on May 4, 1799, bringing an end to the Mysore Sultanate's resistance. Option 'a' (1769) marks the end of the First Anglo-Mysore War. Options 'b' (1779) and 'c' (1789) do not correspond to the final war, as the Second Anglo-Mysore War took place from 1780–1784 and the Third from 1790–1792.
The most significant outcome of the uprising of 1857 was:
A)
It united the Indians against the British
B)
British started adopting a policy of Divide and Rule
C)
It brought about major transformation in military organisation
D)
It resulted in the transfer of power to govern India from the East India Company to the British Crown
The most significant and direct outcome of the Revolt of 1857 was the passage of the Government of India Act 1858. This act abolished the rule of the British East India Company and transferred the direct administration and sovereignty of India to the British Crown, marking a major constitutional shift. Option 'a' is incorrect because the revolt was localized and did not unite all of India; many princely states and regions remained loyal to the British. Option 'b' is incorrect because while 'Divide and Rule' was intensified post-1857, it was an ongoing administrative strategy rather than the primary constitutional outcome. Option 'c' is incorrect because although military reorganization (such as altering the ratio of Indian to European soldiers) did occur, it was a secondary administrative reform compared to the complete transfer of imperial power.
The Superintendent of Lushai Hills who officially abolished the traditional Zawlbuk during the colonial rule in Mizoram was:
A)
SN Mackenzie
B)
NE Parry
C)
CGG Helme
D)
AG McCall
The correct option is 'd' (AG McCall). Anthony Gilchrist McCall, who served as the Superintendent of Lushai Hills from 1932 to 1943, officially abolished the traditional Mizo bachelor's dormitory, known as 'Zawlbuk', in 1938. This decision was made as the institution was already in decline due to the spread of formal education and Christianity. The other options are incorrect because:
- SN Mackenzie (Superintendent from 1913–1917) did not take any official steps to abolish the institution.
- NE Parry (Superintendent from 1924–1928) is well-known for his monograph on the Lakhers but did not abolish the Zawlbuk.
- CGG Helme (Superintendent from 1928–1932) did not issue any orders regarding its official abolition.
The Lushai Hills District was declared as ‘Excluded Area’ under:
A)
The Government of India Act 1909
B)
The Government of India Act 1919
C)
The Government of India Act 1935
D)
The Government of India Act 1948
The Lushai Hills District (present-day Mizoram) was declared an 'Excluded Area' under the Government of India Act 1935. Under this Act, the hill districts of Assam were divided into 'Excluded' and 'Partially Excluded' areas, placing the Lushai Hills under the direct administration of the Governor of Assam, outside the jurisdiction of the provincial legislature.
- Option a (1909 Act) is incorrect as it primarily introduced electoral reforms (Minto-Morley Reforms) and did not classify these regions.
- Option b (1919 Act) is incorrect because it classified these hill areas as 'Backward Tracts' rather than 'Excluded Areas'.
- Option d (1948) is incorrect as there was no Government of India Act passed in 1948.
‘Buanhmun pai ang pawm tawh hnu, Chêngtêah lâm ang lêt e, Lalpuithang lêm a.’ This sarcastic rhyme was related to:
A)
North and South War
B)
East and West War
C)
Sailo and Fanai War
D)
Lusei and Sukte War
The sarcastic rhyme 'Buanhmun pai ang pawm tawh hnu, Chêngtêah lâm ang lêt e, Lalpuithang lêm a' is associated with the 'East and West War' (Chhak leh Thlang Indo) in Mizo history. This war was fought between the Eastern Sailo chiefs and the Western Sailo chiefs. Lalpuithanga, an Eastern chief, had agreed to a peace treaty or alliance at Buanhmun but later reneged on his word at Chêngtê, prompting the creation of this sarcastic rhyme mocking his change of heart. The other options (North and South War, Sailo and Fanai War, and Lusei and Sukte War) refer to different historical conflicts in Mizoram and are not related to this specific event.