Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Freedom of religion.

Key Points

• Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Freedom of Religion to all persons in India. It ensures the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. Statement 1 is correct.
• This right is available to both citizens and non-citizens (foreigners) residing in the country. It highlights the secular nature of the Indian State.
• The exercise of this right is not absolute and is subject to public order, morality, and health, as well as other provisions of Part III of the Constitution.
• Under Article 25, the State is permitted to regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political, or other secular activity which may be associated with religious practice.
• It also allows the Government to provide for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.

Additional Information

• Cultural and Educational Rights: These rights are enshrined in Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution. They protect the interests of minorities (linguistic and religious) by allowing them to conserve their language, script, or culture and establish educational institutions of their choice. Statement 2 is incorrect.
• Right to Constitutional Remedies: Provided under Article 32, this allows citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called this article the "Heart and Soul of the Constitution." Statement 3 is incorrect.
• Right to Equality before Law: Guaranteed under Article 14, it states that the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. Statement 4 is incorrect.
• Secularism in India: Unlike the Western concept of separation of church and state, Indian Secularism means that the State maintains an equal distance from all religions and supports them equally. The word "Secular" was specifically added to the Preamble by the 42^nd Amendment Act, 1976.
• Articles 25 to 28: Together, these four articles constitute the Right to Freedom of Religion in the Indian Constitution, covering individual and collective religious freedoms.

Important Points

• Definition of Hindu: For the purposes of Article 25, the term "Hindu" is defined to include people professing the Sikh, Jain, or Buddhist religions. This ensures that public religious institutions of these communities are also inclusive.
• Sikhism and Kirpans: Explanation 1 of Article 25 specifically mentions that the wearing and carrying of kirpans shall be deemed to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion.
• Article 26: While Article 25 protects the rights of individuals, Article 26 protects the rights of religious denominations or sections thereof to manage their own religious affairs.
• Fundamental Rights: These rights are contained in Part III of the Constitution, which was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950.

The correct answer is To provide education to children aged six to fourteen years.

Key Points

• The Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002, inserted Article 21A into the Indian Constitution, making the right to education a fundamental right for children aged six to fourteen years.
• It also amended Article 45, which directs the state to provide early childhood care and education for children below six years.
• Clause (k) was added to Article 51A (Fundamental Duties), making it the duty of every parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to their child or ward aged six to fourteen years.
• This amendment paved the way for the enactment of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which operationalizes Article 21A.
• The amendment reflects India's commitment to achieving universal elementary education and reducing dropout rates among children.

Additional Information

• Fundamental Duties
• Fundamental Duties were added to the Indian Constitution by the 42^nd Amendment Act, 1976, upon the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
• These duties are enshrined in Article 51A and aim to promote patriotism, discipline, and moral values among citizens.
• Currently, there are 11 Fundamental Duties listed in the Constitution.

The correct answer is Weddings and festivals.

Key Points

• Tippani dance is a prominent folk dance originating from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, particularly associated with the coastal towns of Chorwad and Veraval.
• The dance is traditionally performed by the women of the Koli and Bhil communities, who originally developed these rhythmic movements while working as laborers to level the ground during the construction of houses and forts.
• While it has its roots in manual labor, the performance has evolved into a celebratory art form conducted during significant social and cultural events, such as weddings and major Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali.
• The performance is characterized by the use of the Tippani stick, a long wooden pole roughly 175 cm in length with a heavy square wooden or iron block (called a Garbo) attached at the base to strike the floor.
• The dancers arrange themselves in two rows and strike the floor in a synchronized, rhythmic pattern, creating a unique sound that serves as both music and a display of physical coordination and endurance.

 Additional Information

• Instruments and Music:
• The rhythmic thumping of the Tippani is accompanied by folk instruments like the Zanz, Manjira (cymbals), Tabla, and Dhol (drum) to maintain a steady tempo.
• The Turi and Shehnai are also frequently used to provide melodic accompaniment to the percussive nature of the dance.
• Cultural Context:
• Unlike purely Religious rituals that are confined to temples, Tippani is a social dance that brings the community together in public squares or household courtyards.
• The costumes worn are traditional Gujarati attire, including the Ghagra-Choli for women, often embellished with mirrors and vibrant embroidery typical of the Saurashtra folk style.
• It is often compared to other work-related folk dances, but it stands out due to its high energy and the percussive floor-striking technique which is rare in other Indian folk traditions.

The correct answer is 52^nd Amendment, 1985.

Key Points

• The 52^nd Amendment Act of 1985 added the Tenth Schedule to the Indian Constitution, introducing the Anti-Defection Law.
• The law aims to curb political defections by disqualifying members of Parliament and State Legislatures who switch parties after being elected.
• The Anti-Defection Law applies to both individual members defecting and cases where a political party splits and merges with another.
• The presiding officer of the legislature (Speaker or Chairman) is empowered to make decisions regarding disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law.
• Members can be disqualified if they voluntarily give up membership of their party or vote/abstain from voting against party directions without prior permission.

Additional Information

• 44^th Amendment, 1978
• This amendment was enacted to repeal many provisions of the 42^nd Amendment, which was passed during the Emergency period (1975-77).
• It restored the power of judicial review to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• The 44^th Amendment also ensured that fundamental rights like the Right to Property were removed from Part III and made a legal right under Article 300A.
• It introduced safeguards against misuse of the emergency provisions of the Constitution.
• 61^st Amendment, 1989
• This amendment lowered the voting age for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies from 21 years to 18 years.
• The aim was to increase political participation among the youth of India, who constitute a significant portion of the population.
• 73^rd Amendment, 1992
• This amendment provided a constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.
• It introduced Part IX to the Constitution and the Eleventh Schedule, listing 29 functional items to be transferred to the Panchayats.
• The amendment mandated the establishment of Gram Sabhas and a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj for rural governance.
• It also provided for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in Panchayati Raj bodies.

The correct answer is Net National Product at factor cost.

Key Points

• National income is the total value of a country’s final output of all goods and services produced in a year.
• National income is also known as NNP at factor cost.
• It is sum total of incomes of residents of a country in a given period of time including capital consumption or depreciation.
• All payments that are made to factors of production like land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship are at the factor cost at which goods and services are produced.
• National income = NNP at factor cost

Additional Information

• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is the total value of goods and services which are produced  only within the territory of a country. It does not include any depreciation of capital goods. It is calculated by Income method, product or value-added method and expenditure method. It is given as,
• GDP = C + I + G + X – M
• C = consumption expenditure
• I = investment expenditure
• G = government expenditure
• M = import expenditure
• X = income from export
• GNP = GDP + Net factor income from abroad
• NNP = GNP – Depreciation of capital goods

The correct answer is - Jawaharlal Nehru

Key Points

• Jawaharlal Nehru
• The 1929 session of the Indian National Congress was held in Lahore under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru.
• During this historic session, the Congress passed the landmark resolution of Purna Swaraj, which translates to "Complete Independence" from British rule.
• On the midnight of December 31, 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the newly adopted Tricolour flag of India on the banks of the River Ravi.
• The Congress fixed January 26, 1930, as the first Independence Day, which was to be celebrated by people all over the country.
• This session also authorized the Working Committee to launch a programme of Civil Disobedience, including non-payment of taxes.

Additional Information

• Vallabhbhai Patel
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel presided over the Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress in 1931.
• This session is significant for adopting resolutions on Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Programme.
• Rajendra Prasad
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad presided over the Bombay Session of the Indian National Congress in 1934.
• He later served as the first President of Independent India.
• Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari
• Dr. M.A. Ansari presided over the Madras Session of the Indian National Congress in 1927.
• It was during this session that the Congress decided to boycott the Simon Commission and passed a resolution for "complete national independence" for the first time.

The correct answer is 7^th Schedule.

Key Points

• The 7^th Schedule of the Constitution of India provides the framework for the division of powers between the Union Government and the State Governments.
• It implements Article 246 of the Constitution, which deals with the legislative competence of the Parliament and the State Legislatures.
• The schedule is divided into three lists: List I (Union List), List II (State List), and List III (Concurrent List).
• The Union List currently contains 100 subjects (originally 97), including critical matters of national importance such as Defense, Foreign Affairs, Railways, and Currency.
• The State List comprises 61 subjects (originally 66) like Public Order, Police, Public Health, and Sanitation, over which states have exclusive jurisdiction.
• The Concurrent List has 52 subjects (originally 47) including Education, Forests, and Criminal Law, where both the Union and States can make laws, with the Union law prevailing in case of conflict.

 Additional Information

• 5^th Schedule
• Contains provisions relating to the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any state except the four North-Eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• 9^th Schedule
• Introduced by the 1^st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951, to protect land reform laws and other statutes from judicial review on the grounds of violation of fundamental rights.
• 10^th Schedule
• Known as the Anti-Defection Law, it was added by the 52^nd Amendment Act, 1985, specifying grounds for disqualification of members of legislative bodies due to defection.

The correct answer is Shatadru.

Key Points

• The river Sutlej is referred to as Shatadru in ancient Sanskrit texts.
• Sutlej is one of the major rivers of the Indus River system.
• It originates from the Rakas Lake near Mansarovar in Tibet, which is in close proximity to the source of the Indus River.
• This river flows through the regions of India and Pakistan before merging with the Indus River.
• In ancient history, the Sutlej River played a critical role in the development of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• The Sanskrit name Shatadru translates to "flowing in a hundred streams," indicating the river's dynamic nature.
• It is also significant for its contribution to agriculture in the Punjab region, forming the backbone of irrigation in the area.
• The Sutlej is harnessed for various projects such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam, which provides hydroelectricity and water for irrigation.

Additional Information

• Iravati
• Iravati is the ancient Sanskrit name for the Ravi River, another significant river of the Indus system.
• The Ravi River flows through Himachal Pradesh, Punjab (India), and Pakistan.
• It is also known for its role in the Partition of Punjab and the Indus Waters Treaty.
• Vipasa
• Vipasa is the Sanskrit name for the Beas River, another important river in northern India.
• The Beas River originates in the Himalayas near the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
• It is known for its contribution to the irrigation systems in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
• Parushni
• Parushni is the Sanskrit name for the Ravi River, which is also known as Iravati.
• The term "Parushni" is mentioned in ancient texts like the Rigveda.

The correct answer is Article 29 and 30.

Key Points

• Article 29: This article provides protection to the rights of minorities to preserve their distinct language, script, and culture. It ensures that citizens having a unique cultural identity are safeguarded under the Constitution of India.
• Article 30: It grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. This helps preserve their heritage and promote education in their communities.
• Both articles are aimed at ensuring cultural and educational rights for minorities, reflecting India’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• These provisions prevent discrimination against minorities on grounds of religion, language, or culture, thus fostering a sense of equality and protection under the law.
• These rights are fundamental and enforceable through the judiciary, ensuring minorities can approach courts for their protection if required.

Additional Information

• Article 17: It abolishes "untouchability" and forbids its practice in any form. While significant for social justice, it is not directly related to minority rights.
• Article 32: Known as the "heart and soul of the Constitution," it provides the right to constitutional remedies. It allows individuals to seek enforcement of their fundamental rights but does not specifically address minority protection.
• Article 31: Relates to the right to property, which was removed as a fundamental right by the 44^th Amendment in 1978 and is now a legal right under Article 300A. It is unrelated to minority protection.
• Importance of Articles 29 and 30:
• They are crucial for maintaining India's pluralistic character and protecting its diverse communities.
• Educational institutions established by minorities under Article 30 often contribute to national development by providing quality education.
• These articles ensure the representation and empowerment of minorities in social, cultural, and educational spheres.

Important Points

• Article 29 (1): Protects the interests of any section of citizens who have a distinct language, script, or culture.
• Article 29 (2): Prohibits discrimination by the state in granting admission into educational institutions based on religion, race, caste, language, or any of them.
• Article 30 (1): Empowers minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
• Article 30 (2): Ensures that the state shall not discriminate when granting aid to educational institutions run by minorities.

The correct answer is Mughal and Hindu.

Key Points

• Kathak is one of the eight primary classical dance forms of India, originating from the nomadic bards of Northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers.
• The Hindu tradition provided the foundational narrative of the dance, which was deeply rooted in the Bhakti Movement. It focused on the Vaishnavite cult, specifically portraying the legends of Lord Krishna and Radha through Gat Bhava.
• Under the patronage of Mughal Emperors and their courts, the dance moved from temples to a secular environment, acquiring a more sophisticated and formal structure.
• The Mughal influence introduced distinct elements such as intricate footwork (Tatkar), rapid pirouettes (Chakkars), and a shift in costume to the Angarkha and Anarkali styles.
• This synthesis created a unique blend where Hindu devotional themes were expressed through high-speed rhythmic patterns and technical virtuosity favored in Islamic courts.
• The evolution of different Gharanas like Lucknow, Jaipur, and Benares showcases the varying degrees of these two cultural impacts on the dance style.

 Additional Information

• Technical Components of Kathak:
• Nritta: This refers to the pure dance aspect involving Bols (rhythmic syllables), Tukras, and Parans executed with high precision.
• Abhinaya: The expressive part of the dance where facial expressions and hand gestures (Mudras) are used to convey Rasa (emotion).
• Tala: The rhythmic cycle, commonly Teental (16 beats), serves as the temporal framework for the performance.
• Prominent Figures and Instruments:
• The dance is traditionally accompanied by the Tabla, Pakhawaj, Sarangi, and Cymbals.
• Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh was a crucial patron who helped establish the Lucknow Gharana, emphasizing grace and poetic expression.
• Modern legends like Pandit Birju Maharaj have been instrumental in globalizing the art form.