Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Yumnam Khemchand Singh.

Key Points

• Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur in February 2026 following a period of President's Rule in the state.
• President's Rule in Manipur was imposed due to political instability, marking a significant shift in governance for the state.
• Yumnam Khemchand Singh is a prominent leader and a former Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, showcasing his political experience.
• His appointment aimed to restore political stability and ensure effective governance in Manipur.
• The transition from President's Rule to the formation of a new government under Yumnam Khemchand Singh was viewed as a critical step toward normalizing the state's political landscape.

Additional Information

• President's Rule in India:
• President's Rule is imposed under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution when a state is unable to function according to the constitutional provisions.
• During this period, the state legislature is suspended, and governance is directly taken over by the central government.
• President's Rule is often imposed due to political instability, breakdown of law and order, or failure of the state government to function effectively.
• Role of the Chief Minister:
• The Chief Minister is the executive head of a state government in India.
• He/she plays a crucial role in framing policies, implementing laws, and ensuring smooth administration of the state.
• The Chief Minister also acts as the chief advisor to the Governor of the state.
• Yumnam Khemchand Singh:
• Yumnam Khemchand Singh is a seasoned politician from Manipur and has served as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
• He is known for his leadership skills and efforts to address various socio-political issues in the state.
• His tenure as the Chief Minister is expected to focus on development, stability, and inclusive governance.
• Governance in Manipur:
• Manipur is a northeastern state in India, with significant cultural and ethnic diversity.
• Governance in the state has often faced challenges due to its geographical location, ethnic issues, and political dynamics.
• Efforts to strengthen governance in Manipur include focusing on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.

Important Points

• Article 356:
• This article allows the President of India to assume control of a state's administration if the state government fails to function according to constitutional norms.
• It requires parliamentary approval and can be extended for a maximum period of three years under certain conditions.
• Manipur Legislative Assembly:
• The legislative assembly is the law-making body of the state, consisting of elected representatives.
• It plays a critical role in governance, policy-making, and addressing state-specific issues.
• Restoration of Governance:
• The appointment of a new Chief Minister after President's Rule is aimed at restoring democratic governance in the state.
• This process involves forming a government with majority support in the legislative assembly.

The correct answer is Promoting cottage industries in rural areas.

Key Points

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are enumerated in Part IV of the Indian Constitution, spanning from Article 36 to 51. These principles are classified into Socialistic, Gandhian, and Liberal-Intellectual categories based on their ideology.
• Article 43 of the Constitution directs the State to endeavor to promote cottage industries on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas. This reflects Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of self-sufficient village economies and rural upliftment. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Raising the standard of living and public health is mentioned under Article 47. While it aligns with the overall welfare state, it is primarily categorized as a Socialistic Principle rather than a specific Gandhian ideal in the classification of the Constitution. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Securing suitable employment for all is part of the "Right to Work" under Article 41. This directive is a Socialistic Principle aimed at ensuring economic security for citizens. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Safeguarding children against exploitation and providing them with opportunities for healthy development is covered under Article 39(f). This is classified as a Socialistic Principle added or emphasized to ensure social justice. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Additional Information

• Gandhian Principles in DPSP: These principles are based on the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi and represent the program of reconstruction enunciated by him during the National Movement.
• Article 40: To organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.
• Article 43B: To promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control, and professional management of co-operative societies (Added by the 97^th Amendment Act, 2011).
• Article 46: To promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other weaker sections of the society and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
• Article 47: To prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs that are injurious to health.
• Article 48: To prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle and to improve their breeds.
• Socialistic Principles: These aim at establishing social and economic justice and paving the way for a welfare state. Examples include Article 38 (promoting social order), Article 39 (equitable distribution of resources), and Article 42 (humane conditions of work and maternity relief).
• Liberal-Intellectual Principles: These reflect the ideology of liberalism. Examples include Article 44 (Uniform Civil Code), Article 50 (Separation of judiciary from executive), and Article 51 (Promotion of international peace and security).

Important Points

• The DPSP are borrowed from the Irish Constitution of 1937, which had copied them from the Spanish Constitution.
• Unlike Fundamental Rights, DPSPs are non-justiciable in nature, meaning they are not legally enforceable by the courts for their violation (as per Article 37). However, they are fundamental in the governance of the country.
• The Sapru Committee in 1945 suggested two categories of individual rights: one being justiciable (Fundamental Rights) and the other being non-justiciable (Directive Principles).
• In the Minerva Mills Case (1980), the Supreme Court held that the Indian Constitution is founded on the bedrock of the balance between Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles.

The correct answer is Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.

Key Points

• The Drafting Committee was the most significant among all the committees of the Constituent Assembly, established on 29 August 1947.
• The primary responsibility of this committee was to scrutinize the draft of the Constitution of India prepared by the Constitutional Adviser, Sir B.N. Rau, and to prepare a formal draft for consideration.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He is widely recognized as the Chief Architect or the Father of the Indian Constitution due to his profound influence on its legal and social provisions.
• The committee consisted of seven members: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Chairman), N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, Dr. K.M. Munshi, Syed Mohammad Saadulla, N. Madhava Rau (who replaced B.L. Mitter), and T.T. Krishnamachari (who replaced D.P. Khaitan).
• The first draft was published in February 1948, and the people of India were given eight months to discuss the draft and suggest amendments. After considering the feedback, a second draft was published in October 1948.

Additional Information

• Jawaharlal Nehru: He was not the chairman of the drafting committee but headed several other crucial committees, including the Union Powers Committee, the Union Constitution Committee, and the States Committee. He famously moved the Objectives Resolution on 13 December 1946, which laid the foundation for the Preamble.
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad: He was the President of the Constituent Assembly. He also chaired the Rules of Procedure Committee and the Steering Committee. He was later elected as the first President of independent India on 24 January 1950.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: He chaired the Provincial Constitution Committee and the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas. His leadership was vital in the political integration of India by merging over 500 princely states.
• Constituent Assembly: The assembly held its first meeting on 9 December 1946. It took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete the Constitution of India.

Important Points

• The Constitution of India was formally adopted on 26 November 1949. This day is now celebrated annually as Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas in India.
• The final document originally contained a Preamble, 395 Articles (divided into 22 Parts), and 8 Schedules. As of current data, the number of articles and schedules has increased through various Constitutional Amendments.
• The Drafting Committee sat for a total of 141 days to finalize the draft. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar ensured that the Constitution provided social justice and legal safeguards for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized sections of society.
• The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, a date chosen to commemorate the Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930. This date marks the transformation of India into a Sovereign Democratic Republic.

The correct answer is Civil Disobedience Movement.

Key Points

• The Dandi March, also referred to as the Salt Satyagraha, was a direct action campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly in colonial India.
• The march began on March 12, 1930, from Sabarmati Ashram near Ahmedabad and concluded on April 6, 1930, at the coastal village of Dandi in the Navsari district of Gujarat.
• Mahatma Gandhi led a group of 78 designated satyagrahis on a 24-day journey covering a distance of approximately 240 miles (roughly 385 kilometers).
• By symbolically picking up a handful of salt from the shores of Dandi, Gandhi broke the Salt Act of 1882, which prohibited Indians from collecting or selling salt and mandated a high government tax on a basic necessity.
• This symbolic act served as the official launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement, a nationwide struggle that saw millions of Indians boycotting foreign goods, refusing to pay taxes, and resigning from government services.

 Additional Information

• Non-Cooperation Movement:
• Launched in 1920 following the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, this movement aimed to grant Swaraj or self-rule. It was called off by Gandhi in February 1922 after the violent Chauri Chaura incident.
• Quit India Movement:
• Also known as the August Kranti, it was launched on August 8, 1942, during World War II at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay, where Gandhi gave the famous call of Do or Die.
• Swadeshi Movement:
• Started in 1905 as a reaction against the Partition of Bengal announced by Lord Curzon. It emphasized the use of indigenous products and the boycott of British-made cloth and sugar.

The correct answer is Recording 400 career Grand Slam singles victories.

In News

• Novak Djokovic became the first player in history to register 400 career Grand Slam singles wins at the Australian Open.

Key Points

• Novak Djokovic achieved 400 Grand Slam singles victories, a first in men’s tennis history.
• He surpassed legends like Roger Federer (369 wins) and Rafael Nadal (314 wins).
• The milestone was reached after defeating Botic van de Zandschulp at the Australian Open.
• This win was also Djokovic’s 102^nd victory at the Australian Open, equalling Federer’s record in Melbourne.

Additional Information

• Grand Slam Tournaments
• The four Grand Slams are the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
• They are the most prestigious events in professional tennis.
• Australian Open
• Held annually in Melbourne, Australia.
• Djokovic holds the record for most men’s singles titles and match wins at this tournament.
• Novak Djokovic
• Nationality – Serbian
• Known for consistency, longevity, and dominance across all Grand Slam surfaces.

The correct answer is Fold mountain.

Key Points

• The Himalayan mountain range is classified as a Fold Mountain, formed as a result of the collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
• Fold mountains are created through the process of continental plate convergence, leading to the folding and uplifting of sedimentary rock layers.
• The Himalayas are considered young fold mountains as they are geologically new, formed approximately 40-50 million years ago.
• This mountain range consists of three parallel ranges—the Greater Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas, and Shivalik Hills, exhibiting diverse geological features.
• Fold mountains, including the Himalayas, are characterized by lofty peaks, steep slopes, deep valleys, and fertile basins.

Additional Information

• Rock Mountain:
• This term is not commonly used in geological classifications; it can broadly refer to mountains made of solid rock formations.
• Mountains predominantly made of igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rocks are examples, but the term lacks specificity in scientific contexts.
• The Himalayas are not classified as "rock mountains" as their formation is linked to tectonic activity and folding processes.
• Block Mountain:
• Block mountains are formed due to faulting and fracturing in the Earth's crust caused by tensional forces.
• These mountains are characterized by the uplift of large blocks of Earth's crust, while adjacent blocks sink to form rift valleys.
• Examples include the Vosges Mountains in Europe and the Sierra Nevada in the USA. The Himalayas are not block mountains as their origin is linked to folding rather than faulting.
• Volcanic Mountain:
• Volcanic mountains are formed due to the accumulation of lava, ash, and other volcanic materials emitted during volcanic eruptions.
• These mountains are typically conical in shape and include peaks such as Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
• The Himalayas are not volcanic mountains, as they were formed by tectonic plate collision rather than volcanic activity.
• The Formation of Himalayan Mountains:
• The Himalayas are the result of the ongoing collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
• This collision caused the sedimentary rocks in the Tethys Ocean to fold and uplift, giving rise to the Himalayan range.
• The Himalayas continue to rise due to tectonic activity, making them one of the youngest and most dynamic mountain ranges in the world.

The correct answer is 1943.

Key Points

• The Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, was significantly reorganized and revived in 1943 under the leadership of Subhash Chandra Bose.
• On July 4, 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose (popularly known as Netaji) arrived in Singapore and took over the leadership of the Indian Independence League from Rash Behari Bose.
• On October 21, 1943, Netaji announced the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India (Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind) in Singapore, which marked the formal operational commencement of the INA in its most potent form.
• The army aimed to liberate India from British colonial rule with the assistance of the Axis Powers (primarily Japan) during World War II.
• Under Bose's leadership, the INA was structured into various brigades, named after prominent leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Azad, and included a special women's unit.

Additional Information

• Initial Formation (1942): The first phase of the INA was originally conceptualized and formed in September 1942 by Captain Mohan Singh, an officer of the British Indian Army, with the support of Japanese Major Iwaichi Fujiwara. However, due to disagreements with the Japanese leadership, this first version was disbanded in December 1942.
• Role of Rash Behari Bose: He was a veteran revolutionary who played a foundational role in the Ghadar Conspiracy of 1915. He fled to Japan and later established the Indian Independence League, providing the political framework for the INA before handing it over to Subhash Chandra Bose.
• The Rani of Jhansi Regiment: One of the most distinctive features of the INA was the creation of an all-female combat unit in 1943, named after Rani Lakshmibai. It was led by Captain Lakshmi Sahgal and demonstrated the inclusive nature of the Indian freedom struggle.
• Motto and Slogan: The INA operated under the motto Unity (Ittehad), Faith (Etmad), and Sacrifice (Kurbani). Subhash Chandra Bose also gave the famous call, "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!" and the greeting "Jai Hind".
• Post-War Impact: Although the INA failed to militarily defeat the British in the battles of Imphal and Kohima in 1944, the subsequent Red Fort Trials of 1945 against INA officers (P.K. Sehgal, Shah Nawaz Khan, and G.S. Dhillon) triggered massive nationalist unrest and played a key role in accelerating Indian independence.

The correct answer is Udai.

In News

• UIDAI launched the Aadhaar mascot named Udai (उदय) as a resident-facing communication companion to simplify Aadhaar services.

Key Points

• The Aadhaar mascot launched by UIDAI is named Udai (उदय).
• Udai will act as a people-friendly communication companion for Aadhaar-related services.
• The mascot aims to simplify information on Aadhaar updates, authentication, offline verification and selective data sharing.
• Aadhaar Mascot Initiative
• Designed to make Aadhaar services more relatable
• Supports awareness of responsible Aadhaar usage
• Helps communicate adoption of new Aadhaar technologies

Additional Information

• Selection Process
• Chosen through national design and naming competitions on MyGov
• 875 entries received from across India
• Winner announced as Arun Gokul from Kerala
• Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
• Statutory authority under the Government of India
• Responsible for issuing and managing Aadhaar
• Focuses on secure, inclusive and people-centric digital identity
• Significance
• Enhances citizen engagement with Aadhaar ecosystem
• Promotes clarity, trust and ease of access to services
• Reflects participatory governance through public involvement

The correct answer is Expansionary monetary policy.

Key Points

• Expansionary monetary policy is a macroeconomic strategy used by a central bank (like the Reserve Bank of India or the Federal Reserve) to stimulate the economy by increasing the money supply. This is primarily achieved by reducing interest rates, which makes borrowing cheaper for consumers and businesses. Hence, the correct answer is Expansionary monetary policy.
• When the central bank lowers the policy rates (such as the Repo Rate), commercial banks typically lower their lending rates. This encourages investment and consumption, leading to higher aggregate demand and economic growth.
• Contractionary monetary policy is the opposite of expansionary policy. It involves increasing interest rates to reduce the money supply and slow down economic activity, usually to combat high inflation. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Fiscal stimulus refers to measures taken by the government, such as increasing public spending or reducing taxes, to boost the economy. While it aims for growth, it is a tool of fiscal policy, not monetary policy managed by a central bank. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• Quantitative easing is an unconventional monetary policy where a central bank purchases government bonds or other financial assets from the market to inject liquidity directly into the economy. While it is expansionary in nature, the specific action of reducing interest rates is the standard definition of expansionary monetary policy. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Additional Information

• Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): In India, the MPC is responsible for fixing the benchmark interest rate (Repo Rate). It consists of 6 members, including the Governor of the RBI, and meets at least 4 times a year.
• Repo Rate: This is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends money to commercial banks in the event of any shortfall of funds. It is a key tool used to control inflation and liquidity.
• Reverse Repo Rate: This is the rate at which the RBI borrows money from commercial banks within the country. It helps the central bank to absorb excess liquidity from the banking system.
• Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): This is a specific share of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) that banks must keep with the RBI in the form of cash. Increasing the CRR is a contractionary measure, while decreasing it is expansionary.
• Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): This is the minimum percentage of deposits that a commercial bank has to maintain in the form of liquid cash, gold, or other securities before providing credit to customers.

Important Points

• The primary objective of monetary policy in India is to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth. The RBI Act, 1934 was amended in 2016 to provide a statutory basis for the implementation of the flexible inflation targeting framework.
• The current inflation target set by the Government of India is 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2% (i.e., a range of 2% to 6%).
• Open Market Operations (OMO): These involve the simultaneous purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI to regulate the money supply in the economy over the long term.
• Bank Rate: It is the rate at which the RBI is ready to buy or rediscount bills of exchange or other commercial papers. It is also known as the Discount Rate.

The correct answer is Central Bank of India.

Key Points

• The Central Bank of India, established in 1911, was the first Indian commercial bank that was wholly owned and managed by Indians.
• The bank was founded by Sorabji Pochkhanawala, with the vision of creating a financial institution that would be completely managed by Indians.
• The Central Bank of India was established in the pre-Independence era, during the British colonial period, when most banks in India were managed by British entities or foreign stakeholders.
• This bank played a crucial role in the development of the Indian banking sector and served as an example of self-reliance for other Indian entrepreneurs.
• It continues to be one of the oldest and most prominent public sector banks in India, with its headquarters in Mumbai.

Additional Information

• Punjab National Bank (PNB):
• PNB was established in 1894 in Lahore (now in Pakistan).
• It was the first Indian bank to be owned and managed by Indians but was not entirely commercial in its operations during its early years.
• Though significant, it was not the first wholly Indian-owned commercial bank.
• Oudh Commercial Bank:
• Founded in 1881 in Faizabad, it was one of the earliest banks established in India.
• However, it ceased operations in 1958 and was not as commercially successful as the Central Bank of India.
• State Bank of India (SBI):
• SBI traces its origins to the establishment of the Bank of Calcutta in 1806, later renamed the Imperial Bank of India in 1921, and finally became SBI in 1955.
• It was not initially owned or managed by Indians and became a public sector entity much later in independent India.
• Significance of Indian Commercial Banks:
• These banks played a vital role in promoting economic self-reliance and reducing dependency on British banking institutions during colonial rule.
• They also supported Indian entrepreneurs and businesses, contributing to economic development.

Important Points

• The Central Bank of India is known as the "first Indian bank" due to its wholly Indian ownership and management from inception.
• It was among the pioneering banks to introduce credit cards in India and played a significant role in financial literacy and rural banking.
• It is a public sector bank and continues to be a part of India's financial ecosystem, with a widespread network of branches across the country.