Correct Answer: (3) Akali Dal
Explanation:
The Akali Dal led the movement for the creation of Punjabi Suba, a separate state for Punjabi-speaking people. The demand was based on linguistic lines, and the Akalis, representing the Sikh community, wanted a state where Punjabi (in Gurmukhi script) was the dominant language. This led to the reorganization of Punjab in 1966, resulting in the creation of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.

Correct Answer: (2) E.V. Ramasami Naicker
Explanation:
E.V. Ramasami Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, was a prominent social reformer who led the Anti-Brahmin movement in South India. He was initially associated with the Justice Party and later founded the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) in 1944 to promote rationalism, self-respect, and social equality, particularly opposing the caste hierarchy and Brahminical dominance.

Correct Answer: (3) Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation
Explanation:
BAMCEF stands for Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation. It was founded in 1978 by D.K. Khaparde and Kanshi Ram. The organization aimed to mobilize educated employees from marginalized communities (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs) to fight against caste-based discrimination and promote social justice through awareness and unity.

Correct Answer: (3) Janata Party
Explanation:
The Mandal Commission was appointed in 1979 by the Janata Party government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The commission, headed by B.P. Mandal, was tasked with identifying the socially and educationally backward classes in India and recommending steps for their advancement, including reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.

Correct Answer: (3) George Fernandes
Explanation:
The 1974 nationwide railway strike was led by George Fernandes, a prominent trade unionist and socialist leader. It was one of the largest industrial actions in independent India, involving around 1.7 million railway workers. The strike demanded better wages and working conditions and posed a major challenge to the Indira Gandhi government, which responded with a harsh crackdown.

Correct Answer: (1) (A) – (II), (B) – (III), (C) – (IV), (D) – (I)
Explanation:
(A) H.D. Deve Gowda – (II) June 1996 – April 1997
(B) I.K. Gujral – (III) April 1997 – March 1998
(C) V.P. Singh – (IV) December 1989 – November 1990
(D) Manmohan Singh – (I) May 2004 – May 2014

Correct Answer: (4) Kanshi Ram
Explanation:
Kanshi Ram founded the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 1984 to represent the interests of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and religious minorities. The BSP was inspired by the ideas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and aimed to empower the marginalized sections of society through political representation

Correct Answer: (2) Shock Therapy
Explanation:
The model of economic transition adopted by Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe after the collapse of the Soviet Union is known as Shock Therapy. It was influenced by the World Bank and IMF and involved rapid market liberalization, privatization, and the removal of state controls to quickly shift from a command economy to a capitalist one. This approach led to significant economic and social disruptions in many countries.

Correct Answer: (4) 1985
Explanation:
Mikhail Gorbachev was elected as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1985. He introduced major reforms like Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) to modernize the Soviet system, which eventually contributed to the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Correct Answer: (1) Denmark and Sweden
Explanation:
Denmark and Sweden have not adopted the Euro as their common currency. While both countries are members of the European Union, they chose to retain their own national currencies (Danish Krone and Swedish Krona, respectively) instead of adopting the Euro.

Correct Answer: (3) Security and Foreign Policy
Explanation:
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), established in 1994, primarily focuses on security and foreign policy issues in the Asia-Pacific region. It aims to foster dialogue and cooperation among its member countries to enhance regional security, prevent conflicts, and promote peaceful resolution of disputes.

Correct Answer: (2) China
Explanation:
In 1978, China under Deng Xiaoping adopted an ‘Open Door’ policy and introduced significant economic reforms. These reforms included opening the country to foreign investment, decentralizing economic control, and promoting market-oriented policies, which led to rapid economic growth and China’s integration into the global economy.

Correct Answer: (2) Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman
Explanation:
In 1966, Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman, the leader of the Awami League, presented the Six-Point Plan demanding greater autonomy for East Pakistan. The plan aimed to address the political and economic disparities between East and West Pakistan, eventually becoming the foundation for the Bangladesh independence movement in 1971.

Correct Answer: (3) Afghanistan
Explanation:
Afghanistan became a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 2007. It was the eighth and most recent country to join the organization, which promotes regional cooperation and development in South Asia.

Correct Answer: (2) China
Explanation: China is not considered a part of South Asia. South Asia typically includes countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan. China is geographically located in East Asia.

Correct Answer: (2) Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin
Explanation: At the Yalta Conference in February 1945, the ‘Big Three’ leaders — Franklin D. Roosevelt (USA), Winston Churchill (UK), and Joseph Stalin (USSR) — met to discuss the post-World War II order. One of their key decisions was to organize a conference to establish the United Nations, aimed at maintaining international peace and security.

Correct Answer: (4) 1957
Explanation: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957. It is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and works to prevent its use for military purposes, including nuclear weapons. The IAEA operates under the United Nations and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.

Correct Answer: (2) Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
Explanation: START stands for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. It refers to a series of bilateral treaties between the United States and the Soviet Union/Russia aimed at reducing and limiting strategic offensive arms, especially nuclear weapons. The first START agreement was signed in 1991.

Correct Answer: (3) Terrorism
Explanation: Terrorism poses a major threat to global security as it involves the use of violence to instill fear, destabilize governments, and harm civilians. It undermines peace, disrupts economies, and creates humanitarian crises, making it a central concern in international relations and global security policies.

Correct Answer: (2) (A) – (III), (B) – (I), (C) – (IV), (D) – (II)
Explanation:
(A) Mapuche → (III) Chile
The Mapuche are indigenous people native to southern Chile and Argentina.
(B) Kuna Tribe → (I) East of Panama Canal
The Kuna (or Guna) are indigenous people living east of the Panama Canal, mainly in the San Blas Islands and parts of mainland Panama.
(C) Indigenous people of Cordillera Region → (IV) Philippines
The Cordillera region is in Northern Luzon, Philippines, home to various indigenous groups like the Igorot.
(D) Tribal people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts → (II) Bangladesh
The Chittagong Hill Tracts in southeastern Bangladesh are inhabited by various tribal communities like the Chakma, Marma, and Tripura.

Correct Answer: (2) World Bank
Explanation: The World Bank provides loans and grants to its member countries for human development (such as education and health), agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, and environmental protection. Its goal is to reduce poverty and support sustainable development worldwide.

Correct Answer: (3) 1997
Explanation: The Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. It is an international treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that commits industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.

Correct Answer: (3) 2001
Explanation: The Energy Conservation Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2001 as Act No. 52 of 2001. It aims to promote energy efficiency and conservation in various sectors of the economy. The Act established the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to facilitate the development and implementation of energy-saving initiatives in industries, buildings, and transport.

Correct Answer: (2) World Social Forum
Explanation: The World Social Forum (WSF) is a global platform that brings together human rights activists, environmentalists, labor groups, youth, and women activists who oppose neo-liberal globalization. It was established in 2001 as an alternative to the World Economic Forum and serves as a space for discussing and promoting global social justice and solidarity.

Correct Answer: (3) Globalization is a multi-dimensional phenomenon.
Explanation: Globalization is a multi-dimensional phenomenon that encompasses economic, cultural, political, and social aspects. It involves the integration of national economies through trade, the spread of cultural ideas, the movement of people, and political cooperation. It is not limited to one aspect but rather a complex and interconnected process affecting various domains of society.

Correct Answer: (4) April 14
Explanation: Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, is observed annually on April 14 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. Born in 1891, Ambedkar was a prominent social reformer, jurist, and champion of human rights. His birthday is also referred to as Equality Day by some in India. The day is marked by processions, tributes at statues, and various events honoring his legacy.

The correct answer is: (3) UN
Explanation: This is the official logo of the United Nations (UN), featuring a world map surrounded by two olive branches symbolizing peace.

The correct answer is: (3) Dag Hammarskjöld
Explanation:
Trygve Lie was the first Secretary-General (1946–1952).
Dag Hammarskjöld was the second Secretary-General, serving from 1953 until his death in 1961.
U Thant succeeded him as the third Secretary-General.
Kurt Waldheim was the fourth Secretary-General.

The correct answer is: (3) 24th October
Explanation: United Nations Day is celebrated on 24th October every year. It marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945, officially establishing the United Nations.

The correct answer is: (1) League of Nations
Explanation: The United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945 as a successor to the League of Nations, which was established after World War I but failed to prevent another global conflict. The UN was created to promote international peace, security, and cooperation on a broader and more effective scale.

The correct answer is: (2) United Nations Development Programme
Explanation: UNDP stands for United Nations Development Programme, which is the UN’s global development network. It works to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience in nations to achieve sustainable development.

The correct answer is: (1) Seven Sisters
Explanation:
The North-East region of India is commonly referred to as the “Seven Sisters”, which includes the states of:

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam

Manipur

Meghalaya

Mizoram

Nagaland

Tripura

These states are known for their unique cultures, ethnic diversity, and scenic beauty.

The correct answer is: (3) China, Myanmar and Bangladesh
Explanation:
The North-East region of India shares its international boundaries with:
China (to the north of Arunachal Pradesh)
Myanmar (to the east of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram)
Bangladesh (to the west of Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam)
This strategic location gives the region significant geopolitical importance.

The correct answer is: (2) 1963
Explanation: The State of Nagaland was officially created on 1st December 1963. It became the 16th state of India, carved out from the Naga Hills district of Assam and some adjoining areas.

The correct answer is: (4) Meghalaya
Explanation: The Khasi tribes are one of the major indigenous ethnic groups of Meghalaya, particularly concentrated in the Khasi Hills region. They follow a matrilineal system, where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother’s line.

The correct answer is: (1) South-East Asia
Explanation: India’s North-East region serves as a strategic gateway to South-East Asia, due to its proximity and connectivity to countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and beyond. This makes the region vital for India’s Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties with South-East Asian nations.

The correct answer is: (2) Nizam of Hyderabad
Explanation: In November 1947, the Nizam of Hyderabad entered into a Standstill Agreement with the Government of India. This agreement was intended to maintain the status quo between Hyderabad and India while further discussions about accession were underway. However, tensions later escalated, leading to Operation Polo in 1948, through which Hyderabad was integrated into India.

The correct answer is: (4) Hyderabad, Junagadh, Kashmir
Explanation: The princely states of Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Kashmir were reluctant to sign the Instrument of Accession with India after independence in 1947:
Hyderabad wanted to remain independent.
Junagadh acceded to Pakistan despite having a Hindu majority, leading to conflict and eventual integration into India.
Kashmir initially remained undecided but signed the Instrument of Accession to India after being invaded by tribal forces from Pakistan.
These cases became complex and significant in India’s post-independence integration efforts.

The correct answer is: (2) Muslim League
Explanation: The ‘two-nation theory’ was advanced by the All-India Muslim League, particularly under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This theory held that Muslims and Hindus were two distinct nations, with their own customs, religion, and traditions, and therefore Muslims should have a separate nation — which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

The correct answer is: (3) Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Explanation: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as ‘Frontier Gandhi’, was a prominent freedom fighter and a staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence. He belonged to the North-West Frontier Province (now in Pakistan) and led the Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) movement to promote peace and independence through non-violent means.

The correct answer is: (1) (A) – (IV), (B) – (I), (C) – (II), (D) – (III)
Explanation:
(A) S.A. Dange → (IV) Communist Party of India
He was a founding member and leader of the CPI.
(B) Shyama Prasad Mukherjee → (I) Bharatiya Jana Sangh
He founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor of today’s BJP.
(C) Minoo Masani → (II) Swatantra Party
He co-founded the Swatantra Party, advocating for a market economy.
(D) Ashok Mehta → (III) Praja Socialist Party
He was associated with the Praja Socialist Party, a key socialist leader.

The correct answer is: (4) Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar
Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb, was the leader of the anti-caste movement in India and a strong advocate for the rights of Dalits and marginalized communities. He founded the Independent Labour Party in 1936, aiming to represent the interests of the working class and oppressed communities in India.

The correct answer is: (3) Verghese Kurien
Explanation: Verghese Kurien is famously known as the “Milkman of India”. He was the architect of India’s White Revolution, which transformed the country from a milk-deficient nation into the world’s largest milk producer. He played a key role in founding Amul and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

The correct answer is: (3) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect
Explanation:
Statement I is correct:
The Second Five Year Plan (1956–1961), also known as the Mahalanobis Plan, emphasized the development of heavy industries such as steel, machinery, and infrastructure. It aimed at building a strong industrial base in India.
Statement II is incorrect:
During this period, heavy industries like electricity, railways, and steel were considered strategic sectors and were mostly developed and managed by the public sector, not the private sector. The private sector had limited role in these core areas.

The correct answer is: (2) P.C. Mahalanobis
Explanation: The Second Five Year Plan (1956–1961) was drafted under the leadership of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis, a renowned statistician and economist. The plan emphasized the development of heavy industries and followed a socialist model of economic development, which came to be known as the Mahalanobis model.

The correct answer is: (2) Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
Explanation: India rejected the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) because it was seen as discriminatory. The treaty allowed only the five nuclear-weapon states (USA, Russia, UK, France, and China) to possess nuclear weapons, while prohibiting all other signatories from developing or acquiring them. India argued that this created an unequal global order and refused to sign the treaty, advocating instead for universal and non-discriminatory disarmament.

The correct answer is (2) Belgrade.
Explanation: The first summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was held in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in 1961. This summit was organized to establish a collective voice for countries that chose not to align with either of the two major power blocs during the Cold War — the United States and the Soviet Union. The movement was initiated by leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), and Tito (Yugoslavia).

The correct answer is (2) Pakistan.
Explanation: The Shimla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan on July 2, 1972, following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The agreement, signed in Shimla, India, aimed to normalize relations between the two countries and emphasized the need for peaceful resolution of disputes. One of the key outcomes was the commitment to bilateral negotiations on the Kashmir issue, without involving third parties.

The correct answer is (3) K. Kamaraj.
Explanation: In 1963, K. Kamaraj, the then President of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), proposed that senior Congress leaders should resign from their positions to make way for younger, more dynamic leaders within the party. This was known as the Kamaraj Plan, which aimed to revitalize the Congress party by encouraging younger leadership and promoting better governance.

The correct answer is (1) Ram Manohar Lohia.
Explanation: Ram Manohar Lohia, a prominent socialist leader, gave the strategy of ‘Non-Congressism’ in the 1960s. He advocated for the idea that the Congress party had become a monolithic force that needed to be challenged. Lohia argued that the political alternatives to Congress should be built, and he called for the formation of a broad-based opposition to Congress at both the national and state levels. This strategy played a significant role in the rise of regional and socialist parties in Indian politics.