This section includes 7 InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your Current Affairs knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.
| 1. |
Why did the British object the Congress’s demand of full freedom? |
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Answer» By objecting they implied that Congress did not represent all Indians, like Muslims. They also implied that Congress may be ignoring the interests of many Indians and the British were required to protect these interests. |
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| 2. |
Who led the United Front Government? |
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Answer» The United Front government was led by H.D. Deva Gowda and then by I.K. Gujral. |
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| 3. |
“After the elections in 1989, an era of coalitions started in which political parties are not aligning or realigning on the basis of ideologies.” Explain the statement. |
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Answer» We observe that since 1989, parties with difference in ideologies join in alliance because they focus on power sharing. Such alliances are NDA and UPA, Popular United Front consisting of Akali Dal, CPI, CPI (M), SSP, Republican Party and Bhartiya Jansangh in Punjab (assembly election 1967), Grand Alliance of 1971’s general election, Alliance of Congress with CPI, etc. |
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| 4. |
What did the resolution demand? |
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Answer» On 23 March 1940, the League moved a resolution demanding a measure of autonomy for the Muslim majority areas of the subcontinent. This ambiguous resolution never mentioned partition or Pakistan. However, in later years it came to be called the Pakistan Resolution. |
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| 5. |
Why did the Indian soldiers join the INA? |
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Answer» The Indian soldiers were against to the British government. They were motivated by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and joined the INA to fight against the British. |
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| 6. |
Why did the Indian soldiers join INA? |
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Answer» 1. In the beginning, they were soldiers in the British Army. 2. They were captured by the Japanese when the British were defeated in Burma and Malaya. 3. They were prisoners of war. 4. Bose convinced Japan to allow them to form an Army. 5. This army would fight alongside of Japan and against the British. 6. The soldiers joined Indian National Army with patriotism and national consciousness. |
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| 7. |
Choose the correct order of the incidents as per time line 1. Cripps Mission 2. Assassination of Gandhi 3. Hunger strike by Royal Indian Navy 4. Quit India movement A) 1, 4, 3, 2 B) 1, 2, 4, 3 C) 3, 1, 4, 2 D) 4, 1, 2, 3 |
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Answer» C) 3, 1, 4, 2 |
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| 8. |
Read the following text and interpret. '' The British government, even without the consultation of the Congress government, decided that India will participate in the war. The Congress was torn in its mind over the question. Most Congress leaders were opposed to Hitler, Mussolini and the ideology of Fascism. They were determined to resist the Fascist drive to conquer other sovereign nations. The Congress expected that the British would see their double standards in the expectation that India should support them in fighting the Fascists but not give (or at least promise) India full freedom.''Comment on the double standard role of the British. |
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Answer» 1. The Congress expected that the British would see their double standards in the expectation that India should support them in fighting the Fascists but not giving India full freedom. 2. The British realised this but at the same time, it was hard for them to accept that they would really have to dismantle the empire they had built. 3. The British were willing to give Indian Dominion status under the British crown some time after the War, but the Congress wanted a promise of full freedom for India. 4. The British objected to this by saying that they have to also protect the interests of several other communities in India. With this they implied that the Congress did not represent all Indians, like Muslims. 5. They also implied that Congress may be ignoring the interests of many Indians. So, the British were required to protect these interests. |
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| 9. |
Though the Indians who were soldiers of British army, joined INA and fought against British. The reason is ……………A) they were the war prisoners of Japan B) they were given good financial support. C) they wanted to free their motherland India D) the British ordered them to act like enemies. |
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Answer» C) they wanted to free their motherland India |
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| 10. |
Write about the Direct Action Day. |
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Answer» The Muslim League decided that its demands cannot be met through discussions and it must ask people to come out on the streets. It decided on ”Direct Action” for winning its Pakistan demand and announced 16 August 1946 as “Direct Action Day”. On this day, riots broke out in Calcutta, lasting several days and leaving several thousand people dead. By March 1947, violence spread to many parts of northern India. |
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| 11. |
Why did Congress organise individual satyagrahas through 1940 and 1941? |
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Answer» Through 1940 and 1941, the Congress organised a series of individual satyagrahas to pressure the rulers to promise freedom once the war had ended. |
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| 12. |
Who formed the government in the elections of 2004? |
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Answer» United Progressive Alliance formed the government in 2004. |
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| 13. |
“In the new era of coalition politics, political parties are not aligning or realigning on the basis of ideology”. What arguments would you out forward to support or oppose this statement? |
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Answer» In the new era of coalition politics, there is an emphasis on power grabbing rather than ideological positions. The parties are willing to compromise with their idelogical positions to enjoy and share power. They consider ideological hardening to be too idealistic in nature and prefer to be more pragmatic in nature. |
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| 14. |
Who led the United Progressive Alliance? |
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Answer» Congress led the United Progressive Alliance. |
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| 15. |
What is the difference between a coalition party and coalition in Congress system? |
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Answer» Coalition party government refers government of more than two regional and political parties whereas coalition in Congress system refers to encouragement of various factions inside the party with different ideologies. |
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| 16. |
Mention any four reasons which gave rise to the idea of coalition government in India. |
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Answer» The reasons that gave rise to the idea of coalition government in India are as follows :- i. None of the parties got majority in the election to form a government. ii. In a coalition government, all the political parties could maintain their identity. iii. None of the political parties wanted to hold elections before the prescribed period. iv. It also helped in distancing a powerful party to form a government. |
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| 17. |
Write a brief note on the assassination of Gandhiji. |
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Answer» 1. Gandhiji was unhappy with the communal riots in north-western India and tried to calm the fears and anger of the people. 2. Yet, some sections of people were annoyed with Gandhi for his role in Indian politics. 3. They disturbed his all-religion prayer meetings many times. 4. An unsuccessful attempt on his life was made two days before his actual assassination. 5. Finally, less than six months after Independence, on the evening of 30th January 1948, Gandhi was shot with three bullets while going for his all-religion prayer meeting. As desired by him, before dying Gandhi reportedly said, ‘Hey, Ram’. 6. His assassin, Nathuram Godse ran off from the scene of the crime and was later arrested in Bombay. 7. He was once a member of Hindu Mahasabha and because of his actions, many became against this organisation. |
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| 18. |
Did Gandhiji agree with the plans of Bose to form INA? Why? |
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Answer» Gandhi did not agree with the plans of Bose and felt that the Japanese cannot be the liberators of India. |
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| 19. |
Did Gandhiji agree with the plants of Bose to form INA? Why? |
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Answer» Gandhiji did not agree with the plants of Bose and felt that the Japanese cannot be the liberators of India. |
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| 20. |
What did the strike committee demand? |
| Answer» The Naval Central Strike Committee was elected with M S Khan as its head. The strike committee demanded better food, equal pay for white and Indian sailors, the release of INA and other political prisoners, withdrawal of Indian troops from Indonesia. | |
| 21. |
‘In spite of the decline of Congress dominance, the Congress party continues to influence politics in the country’. Do you agree? Give reasons. |
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Answer» Congress got defeated in the elections of 1989, which marked an end of their dominance over Indian Political System but Congress continued to influence politics in the country. Congress improved their performance and came to power after mid-term elections in 1991. They also supported the United Front government. Congress remained an important partner in a non-BJP alliance. It continued to win elections in mulitple States in India and won the 2004 and 2009 General elections. It has also continued to be the major opposition party when not in power. |
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| 22. |
Why didn’t Gandhiji celebrate the first Independence Day? |
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Answer» Gandhiji moved amongst riot hit people, in camps and hospitals, spreading the message of peace and brotherhood. This was not the freedom and Swaraj he had worked so hard to achieve. The Father of the Nation fasted and did not celebrate on the first Independence Day. |
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| 23. |
In what way do the coalition governments prove to be more democratic than the one-party governments? |
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Answer» Coalition governments prove to be more democratic from the one-party governments in many ways: i. It eliminates the fear of one-party dictatorship. ii. Different groups and regions get due representation in the government. iii. Due to coalition government, many parties come together on different issues. iv. Coalition government keeps in view the regional aspirations and interests. |
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| 24. |
Who was the Prime Minister after the 2004 elections? |
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Answer» Dr. Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister after the 2004 elections. |
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| 25. |
Who was the head of Naval Central Strike Committee? |
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Answer» Correct answer is M.S. Khan. |
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| 26. |
Gandhiji was assassinated on A) 3rd January, 1948 B) 13th January, 1948 C) 23rd January, 1948 D) 30th January, 1948 |
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Answer» D) 30th January, 1948 |
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| 27. |
What happened on 30th January 1948? |
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Answer» Less than six months after independence, the Father of the Nation fell to three bullets while going out for his all-religion prayer in the evening of 30 January 1948. |
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| 28. |
Which party or coalition government won the elections of 1999 and who became the Prime Minister? |
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Answer» The BJP won the 1999 elections and Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the Prime Minister. |
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| 29. |
How many princely states were there in India? |
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Answer» There existed around 550 princely states which enjoyed different levels of sovereignty but were under British paramount power. |
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| 30. |
Name the three princely states which joined the Indian Union in the next two years to 1947. |
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Answer» Kashmir, Hyderabad and Junagadh. |
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| 31. |
The Princely states were taken over and the princes were gwen pension funds called A) ClaimB) Bonus C) Compensation D) Privy Purses |
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Answer» D) Privy Purses |
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| 32. |
On the basis of how many seats did the National Democratic Alliance win the elections of 1999? |
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Answer» The BJP won 182 seats in 1999 election. |
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| 33. |
The task of integration of princely states was assigned to …………. A) Nehru B) Raja Gopalachari C) Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel D) Rajendra Prasad |
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Answer» C) Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel |
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| 34. |
Which princely states experienced peasant revolt against ruling zamindars? |
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Answer» Travancore and Hyderabad peasants revolted against ruling zamindars. |
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| 35. |
What was the impact of Emergency on the following state affairs: |
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Answer» (1) Effects on civil liberties for citizens The impact of Emergency on: Fundamental Rights of people including right to move to the court were suspended. The government made large scale arrests under the provision of preventive detention and the arrested political workers could not challenge their arrest under Habeas Corpus petition. (2) Relation between Executive and Judiciary There was conflict between the two. The Indira Gandhi government brought in many new changes in Constitution that declared that elections of Prime Minister, President and Vice-President could not be challenged in the court. The government also superseded the practices of the Supreme Court in appointing its Chief Justice. (3) Functions of Mass Communication Press censorship banned freedom of press and newspapers and was supposed to get prior approval before they publish any material. Newspapers like Indian Express and Statesman protested against censorship by resorting to leaving blank spaces of censored news; Magazines like Seminar and Mainstream closed down. Journalists writing against the emergency were arrested. Underground leaflets were published to oppose censorship. |
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| 36. |
In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts in 1989, a consensus appeared to have emerged among most parties. Explain any three points. |
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Answer» In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have emerged among most parties consisting of the following four elements: 1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to prosperity and a status of economic power in the world. 2. All political parties supported reservation of seats for backward classes in education and employment and even to ensure the OBCS to get an adequate share of power. 3. Role of state-level parties was accepted in the governance of the country. 4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences to power-sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree with the Hindutva ideology of BJP, still, they come together to form a government and remained in power for the full term. |
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| 37. |
Trace the emergence of BJP as a significant force in post-Emergency politics. |
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Answer» The major trends in the electoral performance of BJP since 1989 can be traced as follows: 1. In the elections of 1989, the National front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by left front and BJP from outside because they wanted to keep the Congress out of power. Due to Mandal Commission Report and implementation of its recommendations forced BJP to reconsider its support and finally withdrew it. Thus, in November 1990, the rule of National Front came to an end. 2. In 1996 BJP minority government was formed for a short period. In June 1996 BJP failed to get majority support in the vote of confidence and thus collapsed. 3. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and others formed alliances NDA (National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The regional Parties demanded more share in the government to extend their support. 4. The political competition during the nineties and divided between the coalition led by BJP and coalition led by Congress. |
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| 38. |
Which party has had an alliance with both BJP and Congress? |
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Answer» The Left Front has had an alliance with both BJP and Congress. |
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| 39. |
What is meant by Hindutva? |
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Answer» Hindutva means ‘Hinduness’ and was introduced by V. D. Savarkar. He defined it as the basis of being an Indian and Indian nationhood. It basically meant that to be members of the Indian nation, must accept India as their fatherland but also as their holy land. Believers of ‘Hindutva’ believe that India can be made a strong nation on the basis of a strong and united national culture. They also believe that only Hindu culture can provide the basis for such unity. |
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| 40. |
Define Hindutva. |
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Answer» According to V.D. Savarkar, Hindutva is a feeling of ‘Hinduness’ whereby members of the Indian nation, accept India as their fatherland and as their holy land. |
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| 41. |
What are the arguments given in support of Hindutva? |
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Answer» A strong nation can be built only on the basis of a strong and United national culture. And in India, Hindu culture alone can provide this base. |
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| 42. |
Integration of various Princely states into the new Indian nation was a challenging task. Discuss.(OR) How were the princely states integrated? (OR) “Integration of various princely state in newly independent India was a challenging task”. |
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Answer» 1. At the time of withdrawal of British from India, there were around 550 princely states in Indian territory. 2. They become independent after the British rule. 3. They were asked by the British to decide if they wanted to join India, Pakistan or remain independent. 4. In Hyderabad and Travancore peasants were revolting with arms against the ruling Zamindars. 5. Sardar Vallabhai Patel was given charge of this matter of merging Princely states into Indian Union in July 1947. 6. He began discussing with princes the necessity to join India. 7. All Princely States agreed to join Indian Union except Kashmir, Hyderabad and Junagadh. 8. In Hyderabad and Junagadh, the rulers were Muslims and majority of population were Hindus, rulers want to join Pakistan people want to Join India, a conflict. 9. In Kashmir the ruler was a Hindu and majority population were Muslims, so a difficulty in consensus. 10. Thus it was difficult, but there states were also made to join in the next two years. 11. Junagadh was merged after conducting referendum. 12. Kashmir was merged after receiving a letter from the ruler. 13. But Hyderabad was merged after a police action. 14. With great efforts of Patel, this challenging task was completed by merging these states. (OR) 1. The 550 princely states were given freedom to decide their future. The ordinary people did not want princely states to continue. 2. They started movements and revolts. 3. Guided by the masterful diplomacy of Sardar Patel, the home minister, most of them acceded to India. 4. However, the Nawab of Junagadh, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir did not accept to unite with India. 5. Sardar Patel made it clear that if they do not join India, the army would have to be sent to complete the process of unification. 6. With the military action on these, the work of integration of princely states had been completed. |
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| 43. |
What is meant by Civil liberties? Explain the impact of Emergency on the Civil liberties of the people. |
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Answer» Civil liberties are personal freedoms that the government cannot take a way by law without a due process such as fair judicial trial. During the Emergency, the government suspended the right to habeas corpus and misused the provision of preventive detention. The Emergency made citizens more active in the protection of their civil liberties. The Courts also initiated various checks and balances on the Executive so that fundamental rights of the citizens are protected. |
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| 44. |
Discuss the impact on civil liberties after the Emergency? |
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Answer» The period of Emergency made citizens more aware of the value of civil liberties. The Indian judiciary took an active role after the Emergency in protecting the fundamental rights of the citizens. Many civil liberties organisations came up after the Emergency to protect the rights of the citizens and have advocated the government and judiciary for further safeguards to protect the civil liberties of the citizens. |
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| 45. |
Discuss the effects of Emergency on the following aspects of our polity.(a) Effects on civil liberties for citizens.(b) Impact on relationship between the Executive and Judiciary.(c) Functioning of Mass Media.(d) Working of Police and Bureaucracy. |
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Answer» (a) Effects on Civil Liberties for Citizens: 1. The government made large-scale arrests under preventive detention. 2. Arrested political persons could not challenge arrest even under Habeas Corpus petition. 3. Despite the filing, many petitions government claimed it not to be necessary to be informed on grounds to arrested persons. 4. In April 1976, finally, it was proved that the government could take away citizen’s right to life and liberty by overruling of high courts under supreme court and accept government’s plea. (b) Impact on Relationship between the Executive and Judiciary: 1. The Parliament brought in many new changes in Constitution which made an amendment declaring that elections of Prime Minister, President and Vice-President could not be challenged in the court. 2. The forty-second amendment (42nd) was also passed to bring a series of changes in the constitution like duration of legislatures, elections can be postponed by one year during an emergency. (c) Functioning of Mass Media: 1. Press censorship took place which banned freedom of the press and newspapers were supposed to prior approval before they publish any material i.e. RSS and Janata Island were banned. 2. Protests, strikes, and public agitations were also banned. 3. Various fundamental rights were also suspended including even Right to move to court for restoration of Fundamental Rights. 4. Kannada writer Shivarama Karanth awarded with Padma Bhushan and Hindi writer Fanishwarnath Tlenu with Padmashri returned their awards in protest against the suspension of democracy. 5. Newspapers mainly Indian Express and the statesman protested against censorship by leaving blank spaces where news items were censored. (d) Working of Police and Bureaucracy: 1. The government made large-scale arrests under preventive detention. 2. Arrested political persons could not challenge arrest even under Habeas Corpus petition. 3. Despite the filing, many petitions government claimed it not to be necessary to be informed on grounds to arrested persons. 4. In April 1976, finally, it was proved that the government could take away citizen’s right to life and liberty by overruling of high courts under supreme court and accept government’s plea. |
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| 46. |
During 1986 two major developments happened. This became central to the politics of BJP as a ‘Hindutva party’.These developments are. 1. Sha Bano Case in 1985 2. Ayodhya disputePrepare a short note about these two incidents. |
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Answer» Sha Bano Case: Sha Bano was a 62 year old Muslim widow. She led a case to get alimony from her ex husband. The Supreme Court decided the case in her favour. But some Muslims argued that the verdict of the Court was against the Muslim Personal Law. In 1986, as per the demand of some Muslim Leaders, the government implemented the Muslim Women Act. It was against the judgement of the Court. So Women Organizations, some Muslim groups and intellectuals objected to it. BJP criticised this Act as an example of pampering the Minority by the Congress. Ayodhya Dispute: Mir Baqi, who was the com mander in chief of the army of the Mughal Empire was the one who got the Babri Masjid built in the 16th century. |
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| 47. |
Describe any four major developments in the Indian politics since 1989. |
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Answer» Political Developments since 1989. i. Defeat of the Congress party in the elections held in 1989 and 2014. ii. Rise of Reservation issue in national politics as the National Front Government decided to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission. iii. The economic policy of India went under drastic changes and economic reforms were introduced. iv. Demolition of the disputed structure of Babri masjid. |
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| 48. |
Match the following:(a) Politics of Consensus(i) Shah Bano case(b) Caste based parties(ii) Rise of OBCs(c) Personal Law and Gender Justice(iii) Coalition government(d) Growing strength of Regional parties(iv) Agreement on Economic policies |
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Answer» (a)-(iv) (b)-(ii) (c)-(i) (d)-(iii) |
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| 49. |
Write a Short note on Bhartiya Janta Party. |
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Answer» After the defeat of Janta Party in the 7th Lok Sabha elections, the Central parliamentary board in 1980 decided not to include their members in RSS. Due to this, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani and Nanji Deshmukh asked to call BJP’s national session and it was disapproved by the party chairman Chandrasekhar. As a result, in April 1980, few supporters of RSS came together to form a New party known as the ‘Bhartiya Janta Party’ and made Atal Bihari Vajpayee their leader |
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| 50. |
Which three major developments took place in Indian politics during the last decade of the 20th century? Describe. |
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Answer» (i) Decline of Congress: The defeat of the Congress Party in the election of 1989 marked the end of Congress dominance over the Indian party system. It could win only 197 seats in Lok Sabha. (ii) Rise of Mandal Issue: The Mandal Issue started with the National Front Government’s decision to implement the recommendation of Mandal Commission in the jobs that in the Central government seats should be reserved for OBCs. This led to violent anti-Mandal protests in different parts of the country. (iii) New Economic Policy: The government adopted new economic policy in 1991. It was started by Rajiv Gandhi. These changes first become visible in 1991. It radically changed the direction that the Indian economy had pursued since independence. (iv) Demolition of Babri Masjid or Ayodhya dispute: Ayodhya dispute started with the demolition of the disputed structure of Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in December 1992. It led to various changes in politics of the country. It raised the question about the nature of Indian nationalism and secularism. (v) Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi: The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 led to change in the leadership of the Congress. In the election of 1991, Congress emerged as the single largest party. P.V. Narsimha Rao was elected as the Prime Minister of India. |
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